Chapter 272

The vast river lay empty, a single red sun shining made heaven and earth tranquil; at this moment the Pai Sect's boats had all sunk, the Holy Maiden's boat stood out conspicuously on the river surface, yet she had not spoken for a long time.

Suddenly hearing the Holy Maiden coldly say: "Are you afraid?"

Feng Yi laughed: "Afraid of you?"

The Holy Maiden said: "Yes, you are very afraid."

One, fearing the dangers of the jianghu, one might inadvertently follow heretical paths; two, fearing that the Liu family cannot safely retreat into seclusion, feeling guilty.

Feng Yi listened silently, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

Although Feng Yi's actions are somewhat extreme, he is a man of feeling; having promised Mo Da to protect the Liu family completely, he will spare no effort to do so, and thus does not care at all for his reputation.

Moreover, what the Holy Maiden said is true; without this so-called Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, in the jianghu, whether orthodox sects or greenwood bandits, countless people scheme to put me to death.

If he were alone, he would naturally not fear; but with the entire Liu Zhengfeng family, he could hardly withstand a large-scale siege.

Just now these people seemed easy to kill, yet they are all jianghu experts; without me, the Liu family could not possibly resist them.

Qu Yang and his grandson would not stand idly by; once a dispute arises, they will surely perish together.

But even with my protection, if the attackers numbered a few hundred or a few thousand, I could at most escape unharmed; protecting the Liu family would be utterly impossible. There's no need to explain these calculations; in short, having met the Holy Maiden, it's not useless.

In the original plot, rumors of this woman and Linghu Chong spread by the Green Bamboo Old Man caused all the jianghu's left‑path people to exalt Linghu Chong to the heavens.

This also served as the spark that caused his complete rupture with Yue Buqun.

Because Yue Buqun, as head of the Hua Shan Sect, renowned in the martial world, yet in these people's eyes he is far inferior to a mere disciple.

Most hateful is that every one of these people is someone Yue Buqun fears; this shows the Holy Maiden's great power.

If she really followed her own words and spread the news, it would invisibly avert much trouble; after I free my hands, I can deal with it properly.

After a while, Feng Yi suddenly laughed: "Holy Maiden, have you been told that Hui Hui dies young?"

On the river all was silent; suddenly a hoarse voice sounded: "In the battle at Mount Heng, Feng the Great Hero single‑handedly swept the Five Peaks Sword Sect, soundly defeating Mu Gaofeng and slaying Yu Canghai, long shocking the martial world and becoming legend. Since you now make your request, by reason my aunt would do well to grant you face."

But if what you say is true, idle gossip will surely spread among the jianghu's troublemakers, damaging my aunt's reputation!

Feng Yi gazed at the vast empty sky and said leisurely: "What you say does have some reason, but you are mistaken—I am not begging you!"

The Holy Maiden whispered: "Is that forcing me?"

Feng Yi laughed: "From ancient times to now, the best way to deal with a wicked person is to expose his hidden crimes, ruining his reputation—far more satisfying than killing him."

To deal with a good person, it is to smear him, fabricating all sorts of baseless charges.

Fortunately, Feng Mou is neither a good person nor a bad person.

Everyone covets the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, simply because Lin Yuan Tu's former prestige was too great while Lin Zhen Nan and his son had low martial skill; this led many to think the Lin father and son lacked the aptitude to grasp the essence. Now the martial world widely spreads that I possess the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, which only confirms their guess.

Those who wish to move against me exist among the orthodox and the demonic sects; even if I say I have no Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, nobody would believe it, so they must fight me. When I act, killing is inevitable—one death breeds enmity, ten or a hundred deaths also breed enmity. So if I could solve the trouble at its source, would you say I should act or not?

On the Holy Maiden's boat, after a long silence, suddenly her voice came: "So you intend to kill me?"

Do you think that without the antidote to the Three Corpses Brain Divine Pill they will be unable to cause you trouble?

Leaving aside whether you can do it, have you not heard "To hear the Dao in the morning is to die content in the evening"? I can personally play the Laughing Jianghu Melody; even if my corpse sinks to the river bottom and is fed to fish and water monsters, it would still bear the spirit of the ancients—what does a young woman like me have to fear?

Feng Yi said lightly: "Holy Maiden, I know you do not speak of love, yet you are a heroine among women; death cannot frighten you."

But since you understand, my saying this to you is not wholly selfish; obtaining the Laughing Jianghu Melody makes you, to some extent, an heir of Liu and Qu.

Furthermore, I by nature love beauty; your graceful bearing and prime youth make turning against you and becoming enemies not my original intention!

The Holy Maiden remained silent for a while, then said: "People say you know Mr. Mo Da, which is why you did not turn against the Jade Pearl Courtyard and the Five Peaks Sword Sect."

Feng Yi neither affirmed nor denied.

Holy Maiden spoke softly: "It seems the Liu family affair is also entrusted to him. In the martial world, one cannot do without trust. People say you are frivolous and unrestrained, yet they didn't expect that beneath your frivolity lies also a lofty aspect."

"Good, then I'll give you a chance!"

She perhaps felt Feng Yi was a bit frivolous, and her tone became rather stiff.

"Opportunity?" Feng Yi frowned slightly: "Please elaborate!"

Holy Maiden said: "I want to have a match with you. If you win, I will agree to your terms; later, when Eastern Uncle asks, I will say I was forced by your martial might, had no choice, and could only comply."

For the prestige of the Sun Moon Divine Sect, let him find fault with you.

If you lose, from now on, upon hearing my name, you must retreat three leagues!

Feng Yi was both angry and amused, saying: "You really don't like to suffer a loss!"

Holy Maiden said: "You are a top expert of the present age; sparring with me, a mere woman, the stakes should favor me somewhat."

Feng Yi, confident in his martial prowess, laughed: "If it's a martial contest, I will naturally accompany you to the end; but if it's something else, then forget it!"

Holy Maiden said: "So you mean, in martial arts, you don't even take me seriously?"

Feng Yi calmly said: "Although you say your martial arts are not weak, not inferior to ordinary sect leaders, yet you are not in my eyes either."

Holy Maiden lightly laughed: "Good, we are both martial practitioners, naturally we should compare martial arts; I am not a little girl who plucks flowers in the courtyard!"

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "That makes sense. Well then, I, Feng Yi, will be generous: as long as you win in martial contest, I won't even say that upon hearing your name I must retreat three leagues; I will simply retire from the martial world and ignore worldly affairs."

Holy Maiden shouted: "A gentleman's word!"

Feng Yi laughed: "A swift horse, a single whip!"

He then stood with his hands clasped in his sleeves, a faint smile playing on his face.

The boat opposite, which had been silent for a while, suddenly moved toward the shore; at the same time, three clear "clang" sounds rang from the boat.

Everyone felt vexed and resentful, as a heart leapt three times in a row to the music.

Liu Zhengfeng was greatly astonished: "What kind of heretical martial art is this? I used the Hengshan supreme heart technique to calm my mind, yet this heart still jumps to the tune—truly formidable!"

"What are you doing?" Feng Yi furrowed his brows, "I am competing with you in martial arts!"

"How?" Holy Maiden lightly smiled: "Last night several people played the zither and sang, extremely wonderful. Could it be that you don't know that musical tones can also kill?"

"Or could this not be considered martial arts?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng and the others, although they found this girl exceedingly cunning, were momentarily at a loss for words.

Because Liu Zhengfeng, Qu Yang, and others knew that there were some individuals with profound internal energy in the martial world who could seize people's hearts and souls with music, and take their lives.

However, the Holy Maiden played music on her qin, but Feng Yi does not understand music—how can they compete like this? Surely one cannot break music with force by behaving rudely.

Feng Yi smiled and raised his voice, saying: "Holy Maiden, since you have this refined interest, I can only listen respectfully!"

"Please do your best to perform; if anything improper appears later, don't blame me!"

Upon hearing this, the Holy Maiden found Feng Yi secretive and strange, not daring to be careless, she said: "Then everyone else, please cover your ears!"

Seeing the Holy Maiden more than twenty zhang from shore, her voice could not be suppressed by the river water, the Liu family members and the many sailors naturally heeded his words and covered their ears with both hands.

Ding—

The qin sound rose, like a lone crane soaring through clouds in the vast sky, crying out loudly.

Although Liu and Qu knew her qin skill was superb, producing such high notes still filled them with admiration.

Only hearing the qin sound rise higher and higher, reaching the utmost pitch, then suddenly turning low, the low, lingering notes were like a lament over the Ling River.

This qin sound rose and fell in twists and turns, mournful and moving, an inexplicable bone-deep sorrow welled up in their hearts.

Liu Zhengfeng's family, as well as Qu Feiyan, influenced by Liu and Qu, all became versed in music.

Thus they were very curious and did not follow the advice to plug their ears; but when they felt something wrong and tried to cover their ears to block the qin sound, no matter how hard they pressed their hands, a faint trace of sound always reached them.

In fact, the more versed one is in phonetics, the stronger the reaction to this qin sound.

This qin sound, clear and spacious yet harboring hidden resentment, made everyone think of being forced to part from their homeland, go overseas, lovers separating, and other dissatisfactions, all surging into their hearts.

Born into wealth and nobility, yet having to live in seclusion, they were somewhat unwilling; now, hearing the qin's influence, they wept miserably.

Only Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, with deep internal strength, could barely control their emotions.

Feng Yi also listened with a gloomy expression, thinking of dissatisfactions, feeling a great inability to express his ambitions, almost wishing to let out a long whistle.

But thinking of his own whistle, it would not only shatter Ren Yingying's qin sound but also injure others, so he restrained himself. Seeing Qu Feiyan silently shedding tears, he covertly exerted his inner power, placing a hand on her shoulder to help steady her mind.

Suddenly Qu Feiyan shouted: "Holy Maiden, enough, enough, stop playing!"

Then came two "ding-dong" sounds, the qin sound ceased abruptly, and the Holy Maiden laughed: "Please, Hero Feng, give your critique."

Feng Yi laughed loudly, his voice shaking the trees, saying: "Your qin tone, when passionate, bears resentment and anger; when gentle, it especially wounds the feelings, making people gradually stirred within, unable to endure—this is not good!"

The Holy Maiden blurted: "Why not?"

Feng Yi smiled and said nothing.

Liu Zhengfeng remarked: "Miss, though young in years, you hold high status and power, yet your music is full of sorrowful thoughts, profound in meaning; this truly exceeds my expectations!"

The Holy Maiden fell silent for a moment, then said: "When together, it is infinitely beautiful; when parted, how could one not feel sorrowful? I cannot overcome my nature, thus making the seniors laugh at me!"

Liu Zhengfeng shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, to enter the qin way through one's nature—you have already reached the pinnacle."

The Holy Maiden said: "Hero Feng, do you admit defeat?"

Liu Zhengfeng, Qu Yang, and Qu Feiyan glanced at Feng Yi and let out a soft sigh.

Feng Yi, however, smiled and said: "Admit defeat?" Turning around, he said: "Brother Liu, lend me your xiao for a moment!"

"To compete in music with the Holy Maiden, to play a resonance on the Xiang River—even if I lose, it would be a great satisfaction; how could I not compare and then admit?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang were greatly shocked.

From this meaning, it seems he can play the xiao.

In fact, the Holy Maiden and the others were also quite surprised, quite beyond expectation.

After all, martial practitioners, in order to achieve in martial arts, do not involve themselves in such miscellaneous studies as music, medicine, etc.; they fear that playing with objects will waste ambition and hinder cultivation.

Feng Yi is so young yet his martial path is profoundly mysterious; even if due to a strange encounter, he must have put in great effort.

How could he spend time on music?

However, Liu Zhengfeng did not think much; he swayed, took from the ship a long strip of sandalwood box, opened the lid, and on the bright yellow soft cloth lay a jade xiao of kingfisher feather.

The Liu family members were all startled; they all knew this was Liu Zhengfeng's cherished treasure, loved as a jewel, not even his children were allowed to touch it.

Feng Yi looked and saw it was carved from a single piece of jade, exquisite craftsmanship, elegant appearance, the xiao body a deep green luster, like a ripple of autumn water, almost the same as what the Yellow Old Evil used before.

Feng Yi took the jade xiao, gave it a slight shake, producing a wu-wu sound, and said softly: "Everyone step back; use cloth to plug your ears, not a single sound may be heard."

Liu Zhengfeng heard his solemn words, nodded, and hurriedly had his wife and daughter, as well as Qu Feiyan, tear strips from their clothes to plug their ears, then wrapped their heads tightly in layers, fearing any sound might leak in.

Yet Liu Zhengfeng said: "Hero Feng playing the xiao, this old man must also listen!"

Qu Yang was the same.

Feng Yi said: "Then please, everyone, offer your comments!"

Speaking, he held the jade xiao, strolled to the riverbank, faced the river wind, placed the mouthpiece to his lips, and blew the jade xiao.

The xiao sound was like a phoenix's cry, like striking jade, sounding a few times.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang's hearts pounded wildly, their spirits swayed; they felt the tone was unusual, then the xiao sound floated softly, like weeping, the crying very fine and light, yet possessing an indescribable gentle grace.

The Holy Maiden, sitting in the cabin, only felt her heart surge, her whole body's blood boiling, she just wanted to flail her arms and legs for a moment to feel comfortable; not expecting this, she was startled and strove to calm her mind.

But as the xiao sound gradually rose, she only felt the wind swift, clouds parting, water beautiful, mountains bright, lone and lofty, transcending the mundane.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, with their backs to Feng Yi, both felt the urge to move with the sound.

Meanwhile, the eight male and female attendants on the Holy Maiden's boat had already begun leaping up and down on the ship, back and forth.

Seeing this, Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng exchanged a glance, knowing Feng Yi's xiao sound would not cease, they must keep leaping or die.

And at this moment the xiao rhythm was brisk and pleasant, sounding like a swimming dragon and flying phoenix, the noisy river water seeming to move along with it.

A man on the Holy Maiden's boat suddenly shouted, tearing at his chest clothes with both hands; after ripping the clothes, he clutched his chest, crying: "Dig out my heart, press it down, do not let it jump, do not let it jump!"

Moreover, several men lunged toward those women; the women also tore their clothes, making muffled sounds, and lunged at the men.

Just as a male-female brawl seemed imminent, a green shadow flashed, a few slaps sounded, and these people all fell onto the boat.

Feng Yi saw clearly that it was the old man who had previously received the qin piece from Liu Zhengfeng's hands.

It should be Ren Yingying's martial uncle, the Green Bamboo Elder.

At the same time, tiny bubbles rose on the river surface; hearing a splashing sound, one saw fish and shrimp leaping out of the water, jumping and dancing, a sight that left everyone dumbfounded.

Astonishment not yet over, suddenly a loud bang was heard; the Holy Maiden's cabin burst open, a white-clad woman leapt out, shouting: "I admit defeat, please stop blowing!"

Feng Yi's jade xiao left his lips, and the xiao's sound ceased abruptly.

However, though the xiao's sound stopped, its lingering echo remained in their ears, and the crowd's emotions could not be calmed for a long time.

The Holy Maiden swayed, then entered the cabin; inside came a faint panting.

Feng Yi knew she was suffering greatly and cared about her appearance, absolutely unwilling to show her ugliness to others.

But the Holy Maiden did not know that, having just rushed out, even in the time it took to say a sentence, that fleeting glance let Feng Yi take in her appearance fully, his eyes lowered.

She looked about seventeen or eighteen, her beauty radiant, her complexion fair with a hint of red, her large eyes black and white distinct yet full of spring, her fine brows slanting into her temples, naturally exuding a vigorous heroic spirit.

Moreover, the way her long hair had just floated and danced was utterly beautiful.

This stirred Feng Yi's heart slightly; her looks and figure were not inferior to those of several beautiful wives.

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, seeing fish and shrimp fluttering on the river, only then realized that if there were an expert whose strength matched Feng Yi's, they could compete using sound.

With both xiao playing together, this becomes a contest of inner strength; the struggle is fierce and perilous, no less than blades clashing or fists and feet exchanging blows—anyone who hesitates slightly, lacks sufficient skill, or loses mental clarity will be driven by the victor and die instantly on the spot.

It's a pity, though; after thinking it over, they realized no such person exists in the world today, otherwise they could feast their eyes.

After a while, the Holy Maiden finally calmed down; through the window's bead curtain, her eyes, icy and snow-like, shot coldly at Feng Yi.

No one knew how great an embarrassment she had just suffered.

One could see Feng Yi holding the jade xiao, relaxed and at ease, smiling, his breath uneven as he slowly said: "Your inner strength is ten times mine, and this xiao's sound grows ever more wondrous; I am truly far inferior."

Feng Yi laughed: "Why are you being modest again? I still love your earlier, unmatched demeanor!"

The Holy Maiden snorted coldly: "If my skill is inferior, what more is there to say?"

Feng Yi gave a slight smile: "Very well, then let the orders be given!"

The Holy Maiden coldly said: "As a Ren, my word is as weighty as nine tripods; I need no prompting from you!"

Feng Yi replied: "Indeed, indeed."

The Holy Maiden also said: "In its soaring passages this piece makes the heart open and spirit refresh, the blood surges; one wishes to burst into loud laughter, while in its low, lingering parts it sounds like weeping and lamentation, evoking hidden sorrow and resentment that arises spontaneously."

"In the rises, falls, twists and turns of the xiao melody, joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure are all stirred; if one's inner strength is insufficient, they will inevitably laugh and cry alternately, rejoice and rage alternately, moving with the tune."

Feng Yi laughed: "I said it—your ability to appreciate music is unmatched under heaven!"

The Holy Maiden pondered: "The marvel of this xiao sound reaches such a degree; I like it very much, yet I have not yet asked what its name is or who composed it."

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang also turned their gazes toward Feng Yi.

Feng Yi said, word by word: "The 'Azure Sea Tide Rising Melody'."

"'Azure Sea Tide Rising?' The Holy Maiden lightly clapped: 'Fine name, fine tune; I know all the famous pieces under heaven, yet none compares to it. Even the 'Laughing in the Jianghu' melody, if played alone, falls far short.'"

Feng Yi laughed: "The senior who created this piece was versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was also a grand master of martial arts."

"This piece simulates the vast, boundless sea—millions of miles without waves; distant tides gently push nearer, gradually approaching and quickening, then come surging billows, white waves like mountains; within the tide fish leap and whales float, on the surface winds whistle and gulls fly, plus water sprites and sea monsters, demons playing with the tide—sometimes icebergs drift in, sometimes the hot sea boils, exhausting all capacity for transformation."

"After the tide recedes, the surface lies smooth as a mirror, yet beneath run dark, swift currents; hidden peril lurks in the silence, causing listeners to fall unawares into ambush, making defense especially difficult."

"If he himself performed it, even someone whose inner strength equals his could not resist."

"But hearing the Holy Maiden say: 'This incorporates musical theory into inner strength; the melody moves the mind, giving rise to a marvelous spirit that enthralls and unsettles the soul. No wonder you possess this skill yet do not carry a xiao.'"

Feng Yi said: "Yes. I have learned this piece, but limited by my talent I cannot fully express its artistic conception, so I usually do not play it."

Feng Yi, who harbored feelings for Cheng Ying, when he went to Mongolia together with Huang Yaoshi, consulted him about this piece, the 'Azure Sea Tide Rising Melody'.

After receiving his detailed explanation, he came to know all the variations within the piece.

"But this piece's power is too great, akin to the Heavenly Demon's melody."

"Consider that snakes lack external ears and cannot receive sound through air conduction; yet this piece makes them jump about lively—let alone other creatures."

"Feng Yi's inner strength is too profound, and unlike Huang Yaoshi he is not accustomed to blowing it at will; thus he fears causing disaster and usually refrains from playing."

"For the piece's most terrifying aspect lies in stirring people's primal instincts."

"The 'Azure Sea Tide Rising Melody' is none other than the essence of male and female spirits entwining in the tide—what is called 'fish and dragons proliferating'—even surpassing on land."

"Zhou Botong's inner cultivation equals Huang Yaoshi's, yet he also cannot resist; this is because his heart harbors amorous thoughts, and he feels quite guilty."

"Guo Jing's inner strength falls far short of his, but his heart is pure and he knows nothing of amorous affairs, so he actually can resist."

"And Ren Yingying's martial-uncle, the Green Bamboo Elder, who has lived alone all his life, can endure hearing the xiao melody, and thus knocked unconscious several male and female subordinates who wanted to carry out business."

"If Feng Yi were to play this piece in the city, men aside, the vast multitude of women would suffer greatly."

"Huang Yaoshi repeatedly warned him: in crowded places, do not play this piece."

"Even he himself, aside from blowing it on Peach Blossom Island to deal with the snake formation and in his match with Ouyang Feng, has never used it otherwise."

"Indeed, this piece easily leads to indecent acts."

"Feng Yi once asked Huang Yaoshi: 'Did you deafen and cut the tongues of everyone on the island because you feared that, when playing the piece there, they would hear it and commit indecent acts, sullying the island's purity?'"

"Huang Yaoshi smiled and let it pass."

"Feng Yi felt his guess was correct."

"Suddenly the Holy Maiden said: 'I am leaving. I have a few words to send you off!'"

Feng Yi said: "What?"

The Holy Maiden said: "You, like them, should go to a place of beautiful scenery, spend three months touring mountains and rivers—yet that would still be better than causing trouble in the jianghu!"

Feng Yi startled, then gave a sudden cold laugh, saying: "Miss, your ambition is not small. Are you also thinking of exiling me?"

"The Holy Maiden's skin is thin; she did not want that embarrassed look of hers to spread, and immediately her voice tinged with anger: 'Surname Feng, you may go wherever you like, I do not care.'"

"However, today you have caused me great suffering; you had best pray to gods and buddhas, and be sure never to fall into my hands."

Feng Yi laughed heartily: "With your small, tender hands you could hardly catch a chicken; even if I were to fall into your grasp, could you hold me?"

The Holy Maiden snorted coldly: "That's enough for today; you may do as you please!"

As her words fell, the boat set off toward the river's center, drifting downstream.

(End of chapter)