Chapter 49: No Tears Until the Coffin Is Seen

Speaking of the guests inside Wan Manor, some were eating large chunks of meat and gulping wine, feeling heroic and delighted, while others were exchanging cups and chatting freely.

But a servant came running up to Wan Zhenshan with flying steps, whispered something in his ear, and Wan Zhenshan involuntarily sprang to his feet.

Suddenly came three muffled thuds, like successive firecracker blasts.

Everyone's heart jumped three times to the sound of 'thump-thump-thump'; looking toward the noise, they saw that the gate of Wan Manor was actually blocked by three black coffins.

These three loud bangs instantly extinguished the lively atmosphere in the hall; everyone's drunkenness vanished at once, some martial artists gripped their carried self-defense weapons, and the mood suddenly turned tense.

They all thought: 'What wicked deed has Wan Zhenshan done?!'

One must know that at noon, the chief of the Great Peace Mountain stronghold, Lü Tong, because his brother Lü Wei had picked flowers, was reported to the authorities by Wan Zhenshan and died at the hands of officials; to take revenge, he deliberately came on this auspicious day carrying two buckets of filth to cause trouble.

Lü Tong is a formidable figure in the underworld of the five northern provinces, skilled in the Six Harmonies Blade and Six Harmonies Fist, famous throughout the Yellow River region north and south; he could be relieved of a siege by Qi Changfa and the Di Yun master‑disciple pair, and the filth he had brought ended up all over him.

But who would have thought that by evening, coffins would show up again.

Wan Zhenshan's eldest disciple Jie Lukun, fourth disciple Sun Jun, fifth disciple Bu Yuan, sixth disciple Jie Wukan, seventh disciple Feng Tan, and eighth disciple Shen Cheng all rose to their feet and rushed out.

Wan Zhenshan shouted: 'Everyone, stand still!'

The disciples immediately halted.

Wan Zhenshan looked at Qi Changfa and said: 'Old Three!'

Qi Changfa slowly drained his cup of wine, then sighed: 'Ah, senior brother, your birthday banquet is indeed lively; let's see what divine being has come!'

Seeing everyone in the hall startled and looking around, only this person's neck remained unmoving; truly he possessed both courage and insight.

Suddenly someone chuckled: 'Wan Eldest Brother, what fragrant wine!'

Upon hearing this, Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa felt a jolt in their hearts: 'Oh dear, it's him.'

Suddenly a green shadow darted out from above the coffin wall, swift as a civet cat; this person's movement was quick, and before anyone could see his face clearly, he had already stood firm in front of the hall.

He was seen to be slender and gaunt, moving in flight like a drifting wind, yet when he said stop he stopped instantly, his body utterly still.

This shows that the visitor's internal strength and lightness skill are both top-notch, far surpassing today's troublemaker Lü Tong.

But some who got a clear look at the visitor's appearance were all startled: 'What kind of trick is this?!'

Wan Zhenshan laughed heartily: 'Old Two, how are you playing this kind of joke on me?' Saying that, he went forward to meet him.

The crowd instantly realized: the visitor was none other than Mei Niansheng's second disciple, the Earthly Divine Dragon Yan Daping; no wonder he was so formidable! It seems Mei Niansheng's disciples are none of them mediocre.

At noon today, the renowned northern greenwoods fighter Lü Tong flung out two buckets of filth; only thanks to Qi Changfa's profound internal energy and quick eyes and hands, who tore off his own robe to catch the two buckets, otherwise the birthday hall would have already become a dung pit.

Later, Di Yun, over the clothing bought for his master with the family's big yellow ox, came to blows with Lü Tong, but could not match him.

Wan Zhenshan lightly flicked his hand and threw Lü Tong onto the dung heap he had brought; his skill was astonishing, worthy of admiration.

Now Yan Daping, upon revealing his skill, is even more extraordinary; the three disciples of the Mei sect each indeed possess supreme techniques.

Besides admiration, they were also greatly surprised, thinking: 'They are fellow disciples from the same sect; why would they send coffins to a birthday feast?'

While Wan Zhenshan was greeting him, Qi Changfa also stepped forward quickly, clasped his hands and smiled: 'Second senior brother, how have you been?'

Yan Daping also returned the salute with clasped hands and laughed: "I'm not like you, bringing along a daughter disciple, guarding two mu of good farmland, living comfortably. If this old man had your learning, could this little Hemp Stream shop even hold me?"

Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa both knew Yan Daping's nature was humorous and didn't take it to heart, but Qi Changfa's daughter and disciple couldn't help laughing, letting out a 'ha'.

Di Yun and Qi Fang both thought Qi Changfa was illiterate, yet this second senior uncle they had never met said he was learned— isn't that laughable? Qi Changfa gestured to the two: 'Fang'er, Yun'er, quickly pay respects to your second senior uncle.'

Oh!

Di Yun and Qi Fang stepped forward, about to kowtow.

'You two come as well.'

Wan Zhenshan also greeted the assembled disciples.

Who would have thought Yan Daping would wave his hand and say: 'No need! I don't have the airs of an elder; I'm not worthy of having these youngsters pay respects to me!'

Saying that, he picked up the wine jug on the nearby table and gulped it down.

A cool freshness went straight to Yan Daping's lungs, sweet and crisp; he couldn't help exclaiming: 'Good wine, good wine, I won't be able to drink this again!'

Wan Zhenshan was already annoyed; hearing this, he replied testily: 'You've come to my elder brother's place, wanting to drink your fill— what's the point of pulling this stunt?'

Saying that, he waved his hand at the servants: 'Go, move that thing away!'

Yan Daping laughed: 'Wan Eldest Brother, don't rush to deal with it; I have a few words to say!'

Wan Zhenshan laughed: 'If there's something to say, wait a bit; it's not too late!'

We three brothers haven't seen each other in years; being able to chat today is a great joy.

Qi Changfa, hearing his sincere words, also turned serious: 'Yes, since our master passed away, we few have indeed had little contact; I'm afraid the master wouldn't want to see us like this.'

Wan Zhenshan nodded.

A flash of sly darkness crossed Yan Daping's eyes as he smiled: 'Wan Eldest Brother, Old Three Qi, our matter has been exposed!'

Wan Zhenshan startled at the sound, while Qi Changfa smiled: 'What matter has been exposed?'

Yan Daping looked around, then spoke loudly: 'Eleven years ago, on the night of the eighth day of the ninth month, we three brothers plotted to harm our master at the Three Peaks in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River!'

At that moment, everyone was shocked, rising to their feet one after another; even those who held official degrees as recommended candidates.

They originally had little interest in martial world brawls, but this matter was too huge.

After all, honoring one's teacher and valuing the Way is the foundation of being human.

As for the martial world, they all know the 'Two Lakes Great Hero' Mei Niansheng: his martial arts are superb, he hates evil as an enemy, and petty villains truly tremble at his name and quiver at his voice.

Yet he died suddenly; the three brothers all said it was because he had lost a martial arts secret manual, which made them depressed and fall ill.

Yet it turned out he was killed by his own disciples, leaving everyone feeling utterly bewildered.

Some, fearing they hadn't heard clearly, asked: 'Brother Yan, could you repeat that, this Great Hero Mei...'

Yan Daping had now thrown caution to the wind; if he didn't follow what Feng Yi said, he would naturally reap no good fruit, and besides, the matter had already been spoken, so he had nothing to fear, and he shouted loudly: 'Everyone listen well: my master Mei Niansheng was killed by us three wicked disciples in a secret plot for the Liancheng Sword Manual!'

Upon these words, even though Qi Changfa's will was as steadfast as a mountain, his heart felt as if sinking into a bottomless abyss.

Wan Zhenshan directly felt dizzy and blurred, nearly fainting.

Seeing him suddenly show signs of fatigue, as if on the verge of collapse, they thought: 'Indeed, it's no wonder; after all, the Earthly Divine Dragon is a renowned figure in the martial world— no one would dare lie about this, no matter how bold.'

Amid the crowd's astonishment and doubt, Wan Zhenshan had already steadied his mind, recalling the recent scene, feeling it was not good, he gripped the table edge with both hands, his face flushed red as he said: "Second brother, have you gone mad?"

In his heart he secretly thought: "If you manage to escape this ordeal, I won't make you turn into a dead dragon, then I'd consider myself incapable." Yan Daping coldly snorted: "I'm not crazy; I'm clearer than ever. Since we three dared to plot against our master, do we dare to do it but not admit it?"

Qi Changfa gave a hollow heh-heh laugh: "Second senior brother, it's fine if you spout nonsense, but please don't drag me and the eldest senior brother into this!"

Yan Daping gave a cold snort and said: "Qi Lao-san, you are the chief culprit in the plot to harm our master!"

Back then, although we all wanted our master's Liancheng Sword Manual, I and Wan Lao-da never intended to take his life!

It was you who seized the chance when our master was off guard, suddenly stabbing a sword into his lungs; I and Wan Lao-da were forced by you with no way to turn back, creating a lifelong hatred!

Everyone suddenly understood; no wonder Mei Niansheng's high martial arts could be killed by three disciples—it turned out Qi Changfa had launched a sneak attack, employing a killing move! Qi Changfa gave a hehe laugh, walked straight to the table, picked up a cup, lifted a pot of aged wine, and slowly poured and sipped.

At that moment, Di Yun and Qi Fang both had icy cold limbs, dazed eyes, trembling lips, yet could not utter a single word.

Yan Daping's gaze swept over Wan Zhenshan, he focused intently, then slowly said: "Wan Lao-da, you say, isn't it like this?"

These words carried weight; he was telling Wan Zhenshan that the deed was done, but you and I are not the main conspirators.

Yan Daping ultimately sought a way out for himself, wanting to push the blame onto Qi Changfa's head.

Wan Zhenshan, being pointed at, nevertheless showed displeasure: "Second junior brother, don't spout nonsense; I didn't do such a thing."

After all, the crime of patricide against one's master makes one a public enemy of the martial world that everyone can punish; no one dares to admit it.

In fact, many perceptive people could see from the reactions of the few that what Yan Daping said was the truth.

But they failed to see Yan Daping's intention; blurting it out like this, are they living too impatiently? In an instant the hall fell dead silent, save for the occasional clink of wine being poured, the faint sound of chewing, and then only the breathing of the crowd.

Yan Daping's expression also shifted dramatically; after a long silence he slowly spoke: "We few, 'reckless and perverse,' you may deny it, but do you really think no one knows? Qi Lao-san, dare you say you didn't plunge a sword into our master's back?"

Qi Changfa remained silent, lifted a cup of wine and sipped it slowly; his lowered sleeve hung straight like a blade, revealing his strong inner power and deep composure, causing everyone to secretly marvel.

Everyone secretly wondered if they had misjudged, that Qi Changfa had never committed such a heinous act! With a 'pa' sound, he suddenly smashed the wine cup, leapt up, and said: "Yan Daping, you've long taken a dislike to me; tell me what you want, lay out your terms, do I fear you? Why must you falsely accuse me and the eldest senior brother?"

Wan Zhenshan at the side tried to mediate: "Third brother, don't lose your temper; we are brothers after all, even if we have past grievances we shouldn't make a scene here—give the eldest brother some face!"

Yan Daping sighed: "Eldest brother, third brother, everything has a cause. Since we have done evil deeds, and retribution has come today, we ought to admit it."

Doing so would also show the courage to own one's actions, be open and aboveboard, not lacking in a man's spirit! If we stubbornly deny it to the death, we could evade responsibility, and then there would be no justice in this world!

I have not slept a single good night since I forced our master to death these eleven years; today I wish to atone for him before everyone's eyes!

Saying this, he beat his chest and stamped his feet, sat on the ground, and burst into loud sobs.

Had Yan Daping done this on an ordinary day, everyone would surely look down on him; but now he can openly confess his hidden deeds, something an ordinary person could not do—such an unseemly loud crying shows he truly regrets it.

Qi Changfa fixed his gaze on Yan Daping, utterly puzzled: "I don't know why Second Senior Brother is here spouting blood-filled slander; if you want to gain trust, do you rely solely on your mouth? Or are you merely putting on a show of loud crying here?"

Before Yan Daping could speak, he heard someone lightly cough; he immediately wiped his tears and rose to his feet.

A dignified, clear voice said: "I know you won't shed tears until you see the coffin; I even brought a coffin specially, yet facing the iron chains across the river, it's still not enough!"

The crowd's gaze shifted, and suddenly they saw a white-clad figure wearing a bamboo hat standing silently atop the Wan family's high wall, holding a person in hand, head lowered, hair disheveled, unknown whether alive or dead.

They were startled: "The coffin was brought by him, not Yan Daping! Who is this person?!"

Today the Wan family's high wall was decorated with lanterns and streamers, yet Feng Yi's lightness skill was so high that no one noticed when he had arrived.

The Wan sect disciples' eyes fell on the person in Feng Yi's hand, showing surprise and suspicion; the longer they looked, the more familiar he seemed.

Wan Zhenshan's eyes flashed with fire, and he couldn't help calling out: "Gui'er!"

Wan Gui's body trembled, yet he could not make a sound.

Wan Zhenshan's senior disciple Lu Kun, shocked and angry, strode forward and shouted at Feng Yi: "You little dog, quickly release my junior brother!"

He leapt up, drew his long sword, a white flash arcing straight toward Feng Yi's neck to chop—this was the Tang Poetry Sword Technique 'Ma Feng Xiao Xiao'.

Feng Yi, being scolded, gave a cold smile: "You will die because of that foul mouth!"

He raised his hand, lifted the bamboo hat from his head, and flung it away casually.

That bamboo hat, carrying a strong wind, approached slowly; Lu Kun, mid-air, thrust his sword at the hat.

With a 'bo' sound, the sword tip struck the bamboo hat, yet the hat suddenly burst forth with immense force; the sword in his hand became uncontrollable, its hilt reversed and smashed directly into his chest at the 'Shanzhong' acupoint.

Lu Kun's eyes widened, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood with a 'pu' sound.

Not to mention being mid-air; even if he were on level ground, he could not withstand Feng Yi's bamboo hat.

Suddenly a shadow flickered; Wan Zhenshan leapt up and caught Lu Kun.

Thus one saw Lu Kun's eyes wide open, a thin line of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, he pointed at Feng Yi, then tilted his head and instantly breathed his last.

The 'Shanzhong' acupoint is a vital spot on the human body; to be struck there by an attack infused with Divine Illumination Skill makes survival virtually impossible under heaven.

The other disciples watching turned ashen, thinking: "Thank goodness I didn't go up!"

Only now did the crowd get a clear look at Feng Yi's face: his white clothes surpassed snow, even his headscarf was plain white, as if he were wearing mourning; his visage was like a jeweled crown, outstanding and extraordinary.

Bu Yuan secretly exclaimed: "He said he would come, and he really did!"

He had once sent a message to Feng Yi and met him once.

Wan Zhenshan gazed at Feng Yi and coldly snorted: "Great skill! Using your fame, Feng Yi, to bully my son and kill my disciple—what justification is this?!"

Although his tone was harsh, he inwardly wondered: "Feng Yi's martial arts while in the government office weren't that formidable; he likely couldn't defeat me by much, yet after just a few days apart he has become so formidable."

Feng Yi glanced at him, smiled, and said: "As the saying goes, 'Persimmons are picked for their softness'; you have superb martial arts yet you don't pass on the true essence to your disciples, letting them embarrass themselves here—who else can you blame?"

Even if one claims Mei Niansheng didn't impart divine skills to his disciples, the martial arts he taught those three are still rare in the world, enough for them to make a name.

As for Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, they are simply ill-intentioned—either they mess up the sword technique in their teaching, or they teach confusedly without clear meaning.

Yan Daping had previously tested Wan Gui's skills and noticed this; he hadn't expected his own senior brother to even pit his son! In the original storyline, seeing Di Yun's martial arts, he also loudly cursed Qi Changfa.

Wan Zhenshan seemed not to have heard, raising his voice: "You, an ill-intentioned guest, have come to my door—what is your purpose?!"

Feng Yi swayed his body, drifting down from the wall; he still held a person in his hand, yet not a speck of dust disturbed—those who could judge admired his superb lightness skill.

Feng Yi paced slowly, his eyes like lightning, scanning the surroundings, and said lightly: "Yan Daping's words, as well as the reactions of Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, you all understand clearly."

Whether these three have committed the grave treason of patricide against their master, I believe you all have your own judgments! I, Feng Yi, hereby inform everyone: I am here today as a closed-door disciple of the great hero Mei to cleanse the sect, having nothing to do with outsiders.

You may watch with your eyes and listen with your ears, but if you interfere, you will be an enemy of Feng Yi; please take note.

Having said that, he clasped his fists and bowed toward all sides.

Thanks to the book friends of the Three Crazy People's Institute for the reward.

(End of chapter)