Chapter 4: Could I possibly be that kind of genius?

When Ding Dian thought of Ling Shuanghua, his emotions surged and he could not control himself. Although Feng Yi had harshly scolded him, after all, it was when he was joyfully meeting Ling Shuanghua's father that Ling Tui Si poisoned him with the Indian Devil Flower, which led to his capture.

Thus it is no surprise that Ling Tui Si devised the plot of marrying his daughter to another to blackmail him.

However, Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua knew each other and loved each other, understanding that if he did not die, she would certainly not take her own life first and leave him. To resist the marriage, he likely could only, as Feng Yi said, destroy the appearance he was proud of.

Rather than saying Ding Dian struck out of anger at Feng Yi's viciousness, it is more that he cursed Ling Tui Si's viciousness, fearing such a situation would arise yet being unable to prevent it.

Indeed, in Ding Dian's heart, Ling Shuanghua is the most beautiful woman in the world; even if her face is destroyed, that beauty remains eternally engraved in the deepest part of his heart and will not change with her appearance.

But how could he let his beloved Shuanghua endure such suffering?

"No... I can't do this..."

Ding Dian, upon thinking this, his voice trembled, he was lost and distraught, his expression extremely sorrowful, his hand also slipped from Feng Yi's neck, while he muttered: "I cannot let Shuanghua destroy her own appearance? She will surely destroy her own appearance!"

Ding Dian's expression shifted back and forth, he clenched his fists, the dungeon filled with the clanking of iron chains, clearly at this moment Ding Dian had countless thoughts racing through his mind.

Feng Yi was released by Ding Dian, he breathed a sigh of relief, but it was clear he was greatly agitated, his inner turmoil beyond words.

Feng Yi sincerely mourned for the original owner, who actually died at the hands of such a person, and also worried for his own future! Because of Ding Dian, this guy is a complete clown! No matter how high his martial arts, he's still a clown.

He thought relying on this person to escape the great prison would be difficult! As soon as Feng Yi had this thought, he couldn't help but criticize—no wonder his near‑invincible martial arts were being toyed with by a mere Ling Tui Si.

Even the Gold Snake Lord is stronger than him; at least he killed a few enemies, slept with their daughters, and left heirs.

As for Ding Dian? He spent seven years in the dungeon; his beloved woman was first forced to disfigure her face, then buried alive. His own martial arts had just reached great accomplishment, but due to poisoning he ascended to the Western Heaven, gaining nothing—he is practically the biggest waste in the world.

In Feng Yi's view, having suffered this great crime, Ding Dian could at least shake off the big stick and go gauge the depth of Ling Shuanghua's feelings.

So-called love earned Ding Dian nothing but years locked in this foul dungeon; though his divine skill was finally perfected, he and Ling Shuanghua are divided by yin and yang, leaving only regret in the human world—utterly wasteful!

Feng Yi was angry at his lack of competitiveness, yet he understood the urgent matter was how to completely convince Ding Dian, bring himself out of the prison, complete the system task, and escape alive! Feng Yi sighed and said: "Sir Ding, do you know what you look like now? Meeting someone like you, not to mention Miss Ling, I don't know whether to be happy or sad; if I were you, heh... \" His words were full of sighs, and he couldn't help shaking his head.

His experiences on modern Earth have led Feng Yi to believe that without strength, love is the most extravagant; with strength, love becomes elusive.

Therefore he has always pursued practical benefits, never talking about love, because he feels he cannot grasp it!

Seeing Ding Dian's appearance in person again gave him great inspiration; he and the Gold Snake Lord, when discussing martial arts, are both top‑tier of the present age, rarely meeting opponents, yet their endings are regrettable, moreover they died mysteriously—all because of women, which drew them into love.

In his heart he secretly resolved: women must never be loved! If one falls in love, lacking the courage to kill her father and dominate her daughter, then one should prepare to be killed!

Ding Dian has wandered the martial world for a long time; he is also a cautious and intelligent person—otherwise he would not have escaped from the hands of the Three Brothers of Myriad Shock Mountain and the Blood Blade Sect. But as soon as Ling Shuanghua is involved, his wisdom can be said to have completely vanished.

Thus in the original plot he fell twice under the Golden Wave Ten-Day Flower, and the last time he even lost his life!

The reason Feng Yi looks down on Ding Dian is something Ding Dian naturally does not know.

But since actions stem from the heart, Ding Dian can naturally sense Feng Yi's contempt toward him; he feels displeased, yet he suppresses his anger and asks in a low voice: "Is everything you do really not to get me to teach you the divine skill sword manual?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Yi's eyebrows lit up with joy; as long as this person obeys, then everything has hope. He said: "I know you still harbor doubts, thinking I am trying to capture and then release, deliberately deceiving you."

But if you think carefully, if I truly wanted to force you to comply, I only need to tell Ling Tui Si to carry out the plan against your daughter, and you would have no room to resist.

Ding Dian's expression shifted several times in an instant; he knows he cherishes Shuanghua far more than his own life, while Feng Yi has long seen through everything—if he truly were of one mind with Ling Tui Si, he would only need to direct his scheme at Shuanghua, and all his secrets would be spilled.

"Then why are you helping me?" Ding Dian asked softly: "Surely it can't just be because you saw our love as strong as gold and were moved?"

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "Sir Ding, I speak plainly before sensible people. I help you, certainly because I feel your and Miss Ling's ordeal is too tragic, and my being here is also fate, so I can make up for your regrets; I myself will not only gain satisfaction, but also want some practical benefit."

"Practical benefit?" Ding Dian said.

Feng Yi smiled: "As a martial artist, to say that one is not moved by such a great law as the Divine Illumination Skill is pure boasting."

But I will use any means necessary, determined to obtain it.

If I could receive your transmission, Sir Ding, I would naturally be grateful beyond measure; if you are unwilling to transmit, simply bringing me out of this great prison would already make me deeply grateful for saving my life!" He said while clasping his hands.

Feng Yi's words came from the heart; he certainly also wants to cultivate the Divine Illumination Classic, but he has a system, so that thing is really not that important.

He said this merely to give Ding Dian a reassurance.

After all, only when one seeks something can one control it—this is an unchanging truth.

While Feng Yi was speaking, Ding Dian stared without blinking; seeing his sincere expression, not feigned, he let out a long sigh and said: "Enough, enough!"

His right hand suddenly swung out, patting Feng Yi's shoulder.

Feng Yi directly turned his back to Ding Dian, feeling a warmth in his back as a stream of qi entered his body; his body became warm and very comfortable, and the pain from Ding Dian's punches and kicks was greatly alleviated at once.

Feng Yi couldn't help thinking: "Martial arts truly are the most wonderful thing in the world. The Divine Illumination Skill—never mind beating people, healing injuries is even more awesome than glass; being number one in the metal system is no exaggeration!"

Then Ding Dian said: "Regardless of whether what you said is true or false, hurry up and say what should be done now."

Feng Yi slowly said: "For now, the plan is only for us to first escape the prison, then you sneak to the Ling Manor and directly take Miss Ling away, giving him a far‑flight escape."

Suddenly, Feng Yi felt his back lighten, his body turned, and he was face‑to‑face with Ding Dian; Ding Dian stared at him with a burning gaze and said in a solemn voice: "Is this your idea?"

Feng Yi's heart skipped a beat, his brows slightly furrowed: "How? You still aren't willing?"

He, like many others, thought the tragedy between Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua lies not in whether Ding Dian can do it, but in whether he is willing to do it.

For example, right now he still thinks Ding Dian is bound by ritual and unwilling to abduct Ling Shuanghua, rather than being unable to.

Thus his expression shows a kind of innocence, as well as a look of looking down on Ding Dian.

The two locked eyes for a moment; Ding Dian let out a long sigh, walked a few steps, lifted his head to look at the ventilation opening, and again gave Feng Yi his back.

Feng Yi most dislikes this habit of casually giving someone one's back; these ancient people always like to put on an act! He inwardly cursed: "Such a pedantic bunch, in the original plot they shouldn't even survive!"

He immediately stood up and said firmly: "Sir Ding, you are a man; some things require resolve; such indecisiveness, what can be accomplished? For now, the plan is only for you to leave the prison, forcibly take Miss Ling directly out of the Ling Manor, thereafter hide your name and live in seclusion in a deserted place. Do not let your procrastination cause lifelong regret!"

Ding Dian's thoughts turned like lightning; he suddenly turned his head to look at Feng Yi and said softly: "By now, I won't hide it from you; I have indeed thought of this method before, but both my leg tendons are broken, and my scapula has been pierced; now the Divine Illumination Skill has not yet been fully cultivated, I cannot escape this copper wall and iron wall, let alone forcibly take Shuanghua away."

Ding Dian ultimately, for Ling Shuanghua, revealed his true foundation, which surprised Feng Yi greatly.

"What?"

Feng Yi was stunned.

"Besides, even if I could break out of the prison, Shuanghua is overly filial; she would certainly not dare to defy her father's command and elope with me."

"After all, elopement is not only prohibited by ritual, it is truly too degrading to her. If Ling Tui Si disregards father‑daughter affection and harms her again, then I would have no redemption even after a hundred deaths." Saying this, Ding Dian revealed a faint bitter smile: "So as long as I can stay here, see Shuanghua's flowers, and think of her upon seeing objects, that is the greatest happiness of my life. This may be pedantry in your eyes, but it is also my helplessness."

These words left Feng Yi wholly sunk in deep confusion.

One reason is his own misestimation of Ding Dian's strength; another is that Ding Dian's kind of thinking is incompatible with his own.

By now, still thinking about propriety? Contempt!

These aren't important either! But what now? Originally Feng Yi had wanted to rely on Ding Dian's martial skills to break out, but who would have thought that he isn't that Ding Dian who has mastered the Divine Illumination Skill and is invincible under heaven—how could he possibly get out of prison?

After all, Feng Yi could persuade Ding Dian to make up his mind to escape, but he lacked the ability to let him achieve mastery of the Divine Illumination Skill! Without Ding Dian's Divine Illumination Skill, relying on himself to escape would truly be dancing on a grave! Feng Yi thought of this and said softly: "Brother Ding, if I mastered the Divine Illumination Skill, I could help you."

"You?" Ding Dian glanced sideways: "Don't rush, I won't teach you the Divine Illumination Skill now; even if I did, is this Divine Illumination Skill really that easy to cultivate? I've had various fortunate circumstances, my internal foundation is good, I've practiced for eight years and still haven't achieved mastery—what do you rely on?"

Feng Yi rubbed his head and said: "People differ. In this world there are always those who learn instantly and master quickly."

"You say, is it possible that I am that one-in-a-million martial arts genius?"

Seeing his solemn expression, Ding Dian burst into loud laughter, the sound shaking the roof tiles, and sneered: "A martial arts genius? I don't see it, but your shameless audacity is truly one in a million!"

Feng Yi felt his face heat up.

At that moment a shout rang out: "What are you making a fuss about?"

Only two gauze lanterns hurried over—originally it had grown dark, and four sword-wielding prison guards came in carrying the lanterns.

One person undid the iron chain, opened the lock, and a tall prison guard placed his blade against Ding Dian's neck; Ding Dian chuckled and offered no resistance, following the few people out.

It turned out that today was the fifteenth, also the time when Ding Dian monthly suffers beatings and torture.

Feng Yi watched as several people led Ding Dian away, thinking: "He has the secret protection of the Linked City Secret, so he'll surely be fine. But what should I do?"

He lay down, pondering an escape plan; Feng Yi knew that once Ding Dian left the cell, it would also be his most dangerous moment.

Just as he was thinking, suddenly he heard someone cough.

"Ah, you're up!"

Feng Yi turned his head and saw the two lantern-bearers raise their gauze lanterns, illuminating a fifty-year-old man in a red robe standing before the prison door.

Feng Yi's pale lips curled slightly as he sat up, saying: "Master Xia, is the Great Dragon Head wanting to see me?"

He recognized the old man as Ling Tui Si's trusted aide, Xia Santao—just like his original father's, they had both followed Ling Tui Si early on; this man is crafty and ruthless, cruel and vicious, certainly no good!

Of course, being able to follow a gang boss and a high-ranking official—these are just basic operations.

But more than a month ago, his original self, in a brothel, beat up Xia Santao's son out of jealousy over a lover—that was not good at all.

Feng Yi had reason to suspect that his being sent here by Ling Tui Si was likely Xia Santao's suggestion, in order to avenge his son! Xia Santao's gaze shifted to Feng Yi, he sized him up for a moment, and said gloomily: "Can you still walk?"

Feng Yi leapt up directly and said: "Of course I can!"

He wouldn't dare say he couldn't.

Not being able to walk would mean being useless!

Being useless would mean, to Ling Tui Si, that you could die! After all, Ling Tui Si sent the original self in to see results; how the results turn out, isn't it only after Ding Dian is taken away that one can ask? But as Feng Yi was leaving, he shook his hands, making a clattering sound, and said: "Master Xia, surely we can't see the Dragon Head while wearing handcuffs and leg irons, can we?"

Xia Santao said lightly: "Prisoners wear shackles; this is both the court's law and the superior's intention—you must bear it."

Feng Yi's heart sank; he wanted to say he was afraid Ding Dian would discover he was an undercover agent, but the other party had already been taken away for punishment.

Unlocking his own shackles would be trivial, but he didn't understand—what was the point? Was it to make killing him easier?

Feng Yi's thoughts turned, he secretly readied himself, and laughed heartily: "Master Xia, please!"

Two constables carrying lanterns rushed ahead to lead the way; Xia San Dao walked with his hands behind his back, Feng Yi followed behind him, and another six men gripped their sword hilts, guarding both sides.

As Feng Yi walked out, he saw in the shadows on either side of the prison door some black-clad men, each holding a crossbow in his arms.

That was a repeating crossbow bolt, a lethal weapon of the court; at close range, without top-notch skill, it was nearly impossible to dodge.

Seeing this arrangement, Feng Yi felt as if a huge stone had been placed in his heart. He finally understood why Ding Dian said his divine skill was incomplete, making escape difficult.

As he walked, Feng Yi kept thinking: "The system said leaving prison completes the task, with an unknown reward. Now that Ling Tui Si wants to see me, he must be outside. So does just leaving prison count as completing the task?" He thought, feeling somewhat expectant.

Upon leaving the prison, Feng Yi smelled the outside air and immediately felt his whole body reeked, yet after a long while there was no task-completion prompt. He was quite puzzled and asked, "Master Xia, have we left the prison grounds?"

While speaking, several people passed through the mansion; what met the eye was luxurious and spacious, with buildings arranged in an orderly yet varied fashion.

Master Xia snorted: "Are you addle-brained? Could this place also be a prison?"

Feng Yi gave a light smile: "I'm just curious—since the Dragon Chief wants to see me, do we just go straight there?"

"What? Do you still have any orders?"

Xia San Dao stopped directly, speaking in a neither-yin-nor-yang tone.

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "How dare I? I've been in the prison for many days and my body reeks. Going to see the Dragon Chief like this, don't you think it's disrespectful?"

"If he feels you're not doing your job well, that wouldn't be good either, would it?"

"You..."

Xia San Dao well knew Feng Yi smelled, but he just wanted to end this quickly.

Once Feng Yi came up empty-handed, it would be his death day; he couldn't afford to let him clean up.

Evidently, Feng Yi displayed a fearless, resolute demeanor, while also subtly revealing that he himself would not handle the matter.

But thinking of what the superior said—he wanted to personally ask Feng Yi a question, and if there was no progress, he would deal with him!

There must be no leak of the hidden danger that Ding Dian was imprisoned by himself.

Xia San Dao's mind flashed, he spoke solemnly: "You're doing business for the superior; how could he dislike you?" Then he looked at the constables on both sides: "Escort him!"

Saying this, he led the way down the corridor.

(End of chapter)