Chapter 41: with translation of chapter title

Feng Yi is what sort of person, knowing that once he leaves the birthday banquet,

If it were he himself who provoked trouble and struck at Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, the first to step forward would be Di Yun.

This young man's fate is rough and tumble, yet he holds extraordinary respect for his master; in the original plot, merely because of his master's garment, he refuses to yield to notorious jianghu fighters, and if it were said that Qi Changfa plotted harm against his benefactor, this lad would surely fight to the death with me.

If I go easy on him, others will lose their fear of me!

If I strike hard, what kind of person would I become? Having snatched away someone's opportunity to learn the Divine Illumination Skill, then beating them—how is that any different from being a beast? Thus Yan Daping's appearance perfectly resolves this concern for Feng Yi.

Although Yan Daping was restrained by Feng Yi, he still harbored a fantasy, feeling he might have a chance to turn the tables, but at this moment he only felt all hopes dashed.

He understands a principle: Feng Yi's martial arts are indeed formidable, but he can anticipate everything that will happen when meeting at the Wan residence, and before him I have no secrets—how could I possibly deal with him? Yan Daping felt a chill in his heart and, unable to restrain himself, shouted: "You have obtained both the Divine Illumination Skill and the Linked City Manual; I haven't dug up your ancestral grave, nor have I embraced your child and jumped into a well—why must you torment me like this?"

Feng Yi's expression turned solemn, and he said sternly: "The principles of being human—even if I explained them to you, you would still not understand!"

Yan Daping remained silent for a moment, then slowly said: "You are indeed remarkable, you are a great hero!"

Seeing injustice, he draws his blade to help!

But you act this way, though it is the best strategy, aren't you afraid that I will now agree with you, go to the Wan household, and then regret it?

He ultimately clung to a sliver of hope, wanting to see if Feng Yi had overlooked something; he stared blankly at Feng Yi, only to see that his eyes clearly revealed a hint of contempt.

Feng Yi gave a hehe laugh and said softly: "Do you know how miraculous the Divine Illumination Skill is?"

Old Master Mei had his lungs pierced, soaked in the Yangtze River for a long time, yet he could still convey his last words to Senior Ding—this is one reason.

Senior Ding had his pipa bones pierced and his hamstrings severed, yet he could still circulate his qi and practice his arts—invincible under heaven!

These two feats—who among martial artists throughout history could accomplish them?

As for the third, I just slapped you and infused it with dark energy—have you ever heard of the fate of the Owl Daoist?

Yan Daping glared at Feng Yi with resentment, his face full of indignation.

This martial arts secret manual is the pain in his heart!

Feng Yi smiled and said: "In half a year, you will be just like him—your tendons and bones broken inch by inch, shrinking into a ball of flesh."

Yan Daping lost his composure for a moment, swallowed, and said in a hoarse voice: "You're deceiving me; how could such a method exist in the world?"

Feng Yi stared at Yan Daping and said: "In my eyes you are like a lamb awaiting slaughter, a chicken or duck in the kitchen—do I even need to deceive you?"

I also prepared to let the scorpions you raised bite you once, to make you suffer greatly, and since you are already in a deadly situation.

I would like to see whether someone like you, with corrupt intentions, greedy and vicious, would drag your eldest senior brother and third junior brother down to hell with you, or would you sacrifice your own life to protect them.

Whether they continue their carefree lives in twos and threes, or you alone suffer torment to death, or we all perish together— the choice rests in your hands.

As for that, I am quite looking forward to it!

Yan Daping could hardly believe his ears; in an instant his lips trembled as he muttered, "You are a devil, you are a devil…" his eyes revealing utter despair.

What a vicious method this is—if Yan Daping were willing to testify, the three brothers would all be done for.

If he does not accuse Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, those two will naturally be pleased, delighted—but he still must die! Yan Daping knows he has no choice! He tells himself he lacks the magnanimity to sacrifice himself for others.

"A devil?"

Feng Yi gave a hehe laugh and said: "As for dealing with you lot who have exhausted your heavenly conscience, I am willing to be a devil."

But if you could truly carry out the act of sacrificing life for righteousness, how could you have dealt such a vicious blow to your own master?

A qualified bad person makes me feel ill, and others had better not think they can have good days.

So, if even the master can be killed, what's the elder brother? In this regard I have great confidence in you; don't put on airs here, acting as if you radiate humanity's light and perform some great sacrifice.

Yan Daping stared fixedly at Feng Yi, his face devoid of color, pleading: "Please, please, kill me!"

Feng Yi shook his head: "I kill only to achieve a goal. If I can avoid killing, I will not kill. I do not like your suggestion."

Upon hearing this, Yan Daping's brow involuntarily showed a hint of contempt as he sneered: "You've only been famous a few days—have you killed so few people?"

Feng Yi said: "It is precisely because I have killed many that I can more clearly judge myself."

Before, I had a hint of curiosity about killing; now I find it quite boring. Do you understand this feeling of mine?

Saying this, he sighed, revealing a hint of desolation.

Yan Daping felt his whole body shake, then suddenly realized: "Because for you, there is no one you cannot kill, making it seem the simplest thing, utterly worthless."

Feng Yi lightly clapped his hands, smiling: "You are indeed my confidant."

Before, killing was too difficult for me, and besides I feared retaliation and official sanctions.

You know, my boss is after all an official figure.

Thus this is something desirable but unattainable.

But now killing is too easy—I need only stretch out my hand to catch and kill a person, or toss a chopstick to stab someone to death; killing is as easy as cutting grass.

You say, in this world there are those who like to tend flowers and trim grass, but who likes to pull weeds?

This is Feng Yi's genuine feeling; he now finds killing utterly uninteresting—whether it be Ling Tui Si, a court official, or "Falling Flowers Flowing Water," a jianghu magnate, their lives are in his grasp, presenting no challenge.

Then, killing—something that was hardest to accomplish in his previous life—now can no longer give him any sense of achievement.

Yan Daping looked at Feng Yi, solemn and carefree, his complexion flushing red then paling, and suddenly let out a mournful wail, raising his palm and slamming it straight toward his own forehead.

At this moment he truly did not want to live! Feng Yi is the greatest devil in the world!

Feng Yi didn't even glance at him, gave a cold snort, and flicked his left sleeve, striking squarely at Yan Daping's waist.

Yan Daping's body went numb, he flew sideways about a zhang and fell to the ground—how could he still commit suicide?

Then Feng Yi said softly: "Within arm's reach, if I do not wish for someone to die, no one can die; even if you died, I could bring you back to life—don't believe me? You can try."

But my patience is not great; if you provoke me, even if you kill yourself, I will strip your clothes off.

Hang you on the gate of Jingzhou, put a big sign on your back listing your crimes, so everyone can see what this "Earthly Divine Dragon" really is.

Yan Daping's face turned deathly pale, his lips trembled, his eyes hollow, he stared at the sky motionless, with a few tears trickling from the corners of his eyes.

He regretted it!

He truly regretted it! Why did he come to seek Feng Yi? Feng Yi sauntered over to Yan Daping, gave him a kick, and said: "It's getting late; I still have proper business to attend to."

Get up—if you obey, I can both refrain from letting the scorpions bite you and also release or apply this dark energy as I wish.

When the time comes, I'll lightly press a finger on your death point, absolutely letting you feel no pain—a hundred times more peaceful than the deaths of Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa.

I, Feng Yi, dare not say anything else, but as long as I promise someone something, I always keep my word—you can rest assured on that.

Yan Daping heard this, and his face turned ashen.

When to die, it has turned into a kind of reward.

Feng Yi said slowly: "You are also a notable figure; don't cling and refuse to leave, forcing me to beat you. If people see it, later they'll say you, Yan Daping, betrayed your master and abandoned your ancestors—already bad enough—but they'll also slap your face and kick your rear, which wouldn't even count you as a man!"

Yan Daping let out a heavy snort, wishing he could bite Feng Yi to pieces and chew him up, but he truly couldn't win, and his life was in Feng Yi's hands, so he dared not defy; he could only get up resentfully.

Feng Yi said: "Don't forget to bring your little companion; if you don't obey, I'll still have it bite you to clear the way ahead."

Yan Daping could only pick up his own poisonous scorpion, go ahead, and in his heart he cursed Feng Yi's ancestors eighteen generations over.

Feng Yi mounted his horse and leisurely followed behind Yan Daping.

One walked, one rode; along the way they spoke nothing, just followed the Yangtze River bank until the sunset sank in the west, seeing a small town ahead; from afar it looked very bustling with people coming and going.

Yan Daping couldn't help but ask: "We've just crossed the river; are we going to Jingzhou?"

Feng Yi said lightly: "How many days until Wan Zhenshan's birthday?" Yan Daping replied: "Less than three days."

Feng Yi glanced at him and said: "Then you're in such a hurry to die?"

Yan Daping was so angry his eyes almost burst with blood, yet he couldn't utter a sound.

You know he is called the 'Earthly Divine Dragon', his might shakes the martial world; countless formidable figures have fallen under his hand, yet against Feng Yi, this youngster, he is helpless, this frustration nearly drives him mad.

Yan Daping involuntarily looked up at the heavens, a hint of bitterness crossing the corner of his eye, and he sighed slowly: "Does retribution really exist in this world?"

Feng Yi ignored him, found an inn, and opened a room.

Inside the room, a single bean-sized lamp; they ordered food: a basin of tofu stewed fish, a plate of fermented black bean cured pork, and a basin of rice.

Yan Daping smelled the food's aroma, directly picked up his chopsticks and began eating; Feng Yi didn't move his chopsticks, fortunately having a free poison tester, which also eased his mind.

Yan Daping ate and ate, but suddenly tears streamed down his face.

Feng Yi coldly said: "How shameful, you're still a notable figure—what are you crying for?"

Yan Daping put down his chopsticks, wiped a tear, and sighed: "I used to always test for poison before eating, but today I no longer have that thought."

As he spoke, his complexion shifted suddenly—like reminiscence, like sighing, like sorrow, like worry.

Feng Yi gave a hehe laugh, lifted his cup of wine, and swallowed it.

After finishing dinner, Feng Yi immediately fell asleep fully clothed.

Yan Daping watched Feng Yi, who acted fearlessly before him; besides hatred, he also felt a growing admiration.

If he were in Feng Yi's position, he would absolutely not dare to act so.

Yan Daping, having been disciplined by Feng Yi, tossed and turned unable to sleep, when suddenly he heard several extremely faint sounds.

Yan Daping sat up abruptly, his heart alert; his inner strength was not weak, and being a martial arts veteran, he recognized at once the sound of sleeves brushing the wind.

Then Feng Yi leisurely said: "Isn't it joyful when friends come from afar? Hurry and go greet them properly!"

Yan Daping was so angry he nearly had smoke coming from his seven orifices, thinking: "How unreasonable—you caused the trouble, yet I have to deal with it!" He said: "Perhaps they're just passing bandits; why bother?"

Feng Yi turned over and said: "There are eight people around the roof now; you say they're just passing bandits, or are they assassins who came seeking us?"

A glint flashed in Yan Daping's narrow eyes; he immediately drew his long sword, pushed open the window, and leapt out, thinking: "Even in his sleep Feng Yi knows how many people have come—his inner depth is astonishing! It seems his claim of imparting dark energy to me is no empty threat; how can I preserve my life?"

Arriving in the courtyard, he saw the moon high in the sky, all around silent; on the left and right rooftops each had two clusters of black shadows; they wore black clothes and black hoods, only their eyes visible, the rest hidden in darkness. He wondered inwardly: "Feng Yi said there were eight; where are the other four?"

He held his sword across his chest, gathered his breath, and shouted loudly: "Who are you? Do you know that Hero Feng is staying here? Are you tired of living?"

One of the four, with a hoarse voice, said: "Old man, if it weren't for Hero Feng being here, we brothers wouldn't have come! This is none of your business; don't bring trouble upon yourself."

Yan Daping had originally been forced out by Feng Yi, but these words made him angry.

One thinks: Yan Daping himself is a notable figure in the martial world; not being able to best Feng Yi is forgivable, but this person dares to treat him with contempt—how can he bear such a slight?

He lifted his eyes and said sternly: "Gentlemen, if you have the courage to come calling, why hide your heads and faces? Are you afraid of embarrassing yourselves and disgracing your ancestors?"

Upon hearing this, the several men all burst into loud laughter.

Their laughter was strong and vigorous, rumbling loudly.

Upon hearing it, Yan Daping knew the visitors' internal strength was not weak; no wonder, despite knowing Feng Yi's reputation, they still dared to come. He shouted: "What's there to laugh about—will you come one by one, or all at once?"

After their laughter ceased, the leader sneered: "Heh, heh, you give face then refuse it—what sort of trick are you, daring to challenge us? Which brother will loosen this old man's muscles and bones?"

Seeing the leader's eyes shining with divine light, Yan Daping knew he was a formidable expert, and then heard someone shout: "I'll go!"

With a clang, he drew his sword, leapt down from the roof, his internal energy flowing straight to the tip, sword blossoms blooming, thrusting straight at Yan Daping's chest; his swordsmanship bore the style of a renowned school.

Yan Daping's right hand suddenly rose, with a swish, his sword arced like a rainbow, rising to meet the attack.

Although Yan Daping was usually inept in Feng Yi's hands, at this moment his swordplay was graceful, his stance steady, bearing the air of a master, his movements so swift they hardly seemed those of an old man.

Then came a clinking of metal; in that sound, the two had already exchanged three moves.

The attacker, confident in his deep sword skill, believed these consecutive strikes would surely wound the enemy.

Who would have thought the opponent not only blocked his three strikes but also counterattacked with three, leaving him stunned; he held his sword across his chest and shouted: "Who are you? Your swordsmanship shows you're no nobody!"

Yan Daping paid no heed to the question, shouting: "I thought who could be so arrogant—turns out you're from the Snow Mountain Sect; with such meager skill, you dare talk big—take my move!"

Suddenly he flipped his wrist, executing the move 'Lone Swan Over the Sea, Moats Dare Not Gaze'; the sword tip traced circles of light in the air, sending them toward the opponent.

He also sensed that the opponent's blade contained considerable internal strength, thinking: "This person's martial arts are already so superb; if the four joined forces, I'd surely be no match, but Feng Yi certainly wouldn't let me die now!"

Thus he felt no fear! Feng Yi had long been standing by the window, watching the two fight, thinking silently: "Yan Daping's fame shakes the martial world; he truly has some skill. I just couldn't tell that the attacker was using Snow Mountain Sect swordsmanship!"

But he knew, after all, he lacked martial world experience.

Those black-clad men were also startled; they hadn't recognized the opponent's details, yet the opponent had seen through their origins.

At this point the Snow Mountain Sect no longer dared to underestimate this old man; they dodged Yan Daping's thrust and unleashed seven lightning-fast strikes, swift and tight.

Yan Daping was no novice either; he wielded his sword like flying, his moves continuous, the tip turning seven circles, ringing with sound, in an instant he had passed seven or eight exchanges.

Feng Yi watched, thinking: "Yan Daping's internal strength is too lacking, his techniques are all showy; why not just thrust straight at his belly—quick and vicious? Even if it doesn't wound him, it could force him to withdraw his sword to defend; why should I myself fall into defense?"

Yan Daping's swordsmanship was greatly lacking, yet even so, fighting that Snow Mountain Sect expert, they traded blows evenly, not falling behind.

Feng Yi also thought: "Mei Niansheng didn't pass on the true transmission to them, but with just this move, how many in the jianghu could rival it? Why did it come to this? Is human greed truly endless? One mountain gazes at another, seeing it higher!"

The group of black-clad people also exclaimed "eh" repeatedly.

One shouted loudly: "Brother Wang, uh, speaking, this is a bit sinister; Feng Yi's timid lackey—how does he still have a tough move?"

As his words fell, Yan Daping suddenly shouted: "Bullshit!"

The long sword was suddenly thrust out; in a flash he switched it to his left hand, and with a slap of his right hand he dealt a heavy blow to his opponent's face.

This move was unconventional and extremely clever; the opponent was directly stunned, retreating several steps.

Feng Yi secretly praised: "If this move were infused with Divine Illumination Skill, the opponent would be done for!"

He knew that if he struck the opponent with full force, even if their internal energy equaled his, they would feel numbness in half their body; following up with his next move, in that instant it would be enough to doom the opponent.

Yan Daping naturally lacked such ability, but landing this move made him quite happy; having been slapped several times by Feng Yi, he could finally make up for it a bit.

Even that on others counts! Yan Daping wore a grin; his long sword trembled suddenly, resting on that person's sword.

The Snow Mountain disciple only felt a great force transmitted; his arm went numb, his long sword almost flying from his hand. Yet he also mustered his whole-body strength, forcibly gripping the sword, refusing to let go.

Unexpectedly, Yan Daping's long sword vibrated, like a spirit snake bursting forth, he thrust forward—with a hiss, blood spurted out.

That person's shoulder was struck by a sword; in pain, Yan Daping's sword hooked and instantly flung the opponent's sword away; the person hastily leapt back.

Then an old voice from the roof called out: "Liancheng Sword Technique—this is the Liancheng Sword Technique!"

Yan Daping coldly snorted: "Hey, not bad eyesight!"

Extending the sword in his hand, he caught the falling sword midair; the tip seemed coated with glue, actually sticking the opponent's sword back, he grabbed it with his left hand and said, laughing: "Snow Mountain Sect, with just this bit of skill, dare to covet the Divine Illumination Scripture and the Linked City Manual? Heh, truly overestimating oneself!"

Feng Yi saw that Yan Daping's three moves had reached perfection, suddenly realized, and thought: "The Mei Sect disciples' 'Tang Poetry Sword Technique' may be flashy, but ultimately it stems from the Linked City Sword Technique; Mei Niansheng does not teach them profound internal energy, leading them astray."

But I possess the Divine Illumination Scripture, which contains the ultimate truth; it is the foundation of martial arts, and in fact is the essence of the Linked City Sword Technique.

I, based on the moves of the 'Tang Poetry Sword Technique', can certainly trace back to the source and restore the true Linked City Sword Technique!

(End of chapter)