Chapter 52

Yan Daping saw Feng Yi lift his hand from the shoulders of Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa; a trace of cold light flashed in his eyes and vanished instantly.

He immediately understood Feng Yi's meaning; if he spoke truthfully, out of consideration for this Second Senior Brother Yan, his own life might be spared.

After all, Feng Yi had never once called him 'Second Senior Brother Yan'.

But if he spoke nonsense, would those two idle hands not fall on himself? Yan Daping's expression turned serious, he was about to speak when a burly man suddenly stood up from the crowd and said loudly, 'Hold on!'

His body was like an iron tower, his muscles knotted like twisted roots, his voice like a great bell.

Among those who knew him, they knew his name was Fang Zhen, nicknamed Tianchui Taishui, his external martial arts extremely formidable, and he was a close friend of Wan Zhenshan.

Only hearing Fang Zhen say: 'Hero Yan, you accuse Old Hero Wan and Old Hero Qi of, for the Liancheng Sword Manual, using treachery to plot against Old Master Mei.'

Such an act is grossly unjust, forgetting kindness and betraying righteousness, something everyone can punish; if true, you will surely not escape disgrace and ruin.

So, you did it and now admit it—why exactly? Though I have not been close with Old Hero Qi, Old Hero Wan is chivalrous and righteous, deeply respected by the martial world and the people of Jingzhou; otherwise, today being his birthday, we would not all be gathered here. You say he is so grossly unjust, heartless and insane—truly hard to believe.

Thirdly, a few days ago, this Young Hero Feng fed Ling Tusi, the Prefect, a Broken Tendons and Rotting Bones Pill, forcing the mighty prefect, also chief of the Longsha Gang with hundreds under his command, to actually have to watch helplessly as Ding Dian took his daughter and left proudly.

So, was Second Hero Yan forced by threats, compelled to confess against his will here?

Lying to people is fine, but if later the martial world learns that we, following you, have framed someone, we too will lose face and might as well not be human—you had better think this through!

This man may look coarse, but his words are reasonable and stirring, full of inflammatory power; after all, the incident where Feng Yi used poison to coerce Ling Tusi is already widely known.

So, doing the same to Yan Daping is also quite possible! Immediately, dozens of those who usually have close ties with Wan Zhenshan responded, speaking all at once: 'Yes, under threats, what words can't be spoken!'

'Second Hero Yan, if it truly was Feng Yi who coerced you, making you bear this age-old injustice, just speak up; we are not here to eat for free—don't think his martial arts are high, if we all swarm him we'll still kick his ass!'

For matters not concerning themselves, the steady and prudent people all turned their gazes to Yan Daping and Feng Yi.

Yan Daping stared at Feng Yi, as if trying to see into his heart, but Feng Yi's face showed no expression, as if it were none of his business.

He knew everyone has a few close friends, let alone at Wan Zhenshan's birthday banquet, so this was no surprise.

Now the focus is on Yan Daping—if he listens, it's easy to talk; if he doesn't, heh...

Yan Daping pressed his palms together, the murmuring of the crowd subsided slightly, only to see his face grim as water, and he spoke loudly: 'Everyone's guess is not bad; I, Yan, am indeed forced by Junior Brother Feng, and have no choice but to come!'

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the four directions was startled.

Some showed doubtful, uncomprehending looks; some were angry and sneering; those with short tempers directly drew their weapons, glaring angrily at Feng Yi, as if a clash were imminent.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yi was also startled, but his internal strength was deep, so his composure remained undisturbed on the surface.

Qi Fang's eyebrows shot up in anger as she shouted: 'Uncle Yan, you're greedy for life and afraid of death, yet you come here spouting blood—you truly have no shame; from now on I won't acknowledge you as my uncle.'

Di Yun's eyes turned red as he roared: 'You're truly shameless. Pah!'

They hated this newly met uncle to the core.

Yan Daping clapped his palms and nodded repeatedly: 'Not bad, not bad—I am indeed greedy for life and afraid of death, base and shameless, unworthy to be your uncle...' His voice, however, was full of sorrow.

Yan Daping's expression changed sharply, he looked around coldly and said: 'Although I, Yan, am no great figure, I am no fool. All of you here are notable figures—who does not admire a brave, heroic man?'

Just now everyone saw that my Junior Brother Feng used means to coerce Old Hero Wan and Old Hero Qi into confessing; they endured such pain yet still refused to admit guilt.

Why? Because they knew that if they did not confess, the worst that could happen was death.

On the contrary, they would claim that Young Hero Feng failed to extract a confession and then resorted to murder; the accusation of killing their master would certainly be baseless.

But if they confessed, that would be true disgrace and ruin, with no hope of survival! Therefore I, Yan Daping, admit to having murdered my master, committing a crime unforgivable even by a hundred deaths—what place could I possibly have in the martial world? What punishment in this world could make me submit?

A flicker of surprise crossed Feng Yi's eyes as he sized up Yan Daping; though he said nothing, he thought to himself: 'Ah, it seems today I will spare his life.'

Everyone gradually loosened their grip on their weapons, and the atmosphere eased.

Someone said: 'It's not that we're overreacting; it's that your words were too shocking, causing us to lose our composure—Young Hero Feng won't hold it against us, will he?'

All eyes turned to Feng Yi's face.

Although Feng Yi remained silent, offering no explanation at all, everyone, whether they knew him or not, was filled with dread.

Because just now they had been a bit impatient, they had drawn their weapons against Feng Yi; with so many people today, a fight would still be entertaining.

But if Feng Yi were determined to leave, relying on these people they might not be able to keep him.

Di Yun snapped: 'How can you, as an elder, find such talk amusing?'

Yan Daping smiled narrowly: 'It's not about whether it's fun; I just want to tell you all that I originally also intended to go to the Wan household and turn back on the spot. But later I changed my mind for this reason.'

Nothing else—just my conscience!

These few words were spoken with resonant force, decisive as cutting iron and nail.

Everyone wondered why Yan Daping was like this, all feeling intrigued.

Yan Daping sank into memories of the past, his expression wavering; after a while he looked at the crowd and sighed deeply: 'My master, in his lifetime, was chivalrous and righteous, accomplished in both civil and martial arts; it's only a pity that he mistakenly took on us three disciples, which can be called a lifelong regret.'

Someone said: 'Yan Daping, cut the nonsense.'

Quickly tell the whole story in detail; no matter how big the matter, a single principle outweighs it. Why have you obliterated humanity, ignored ethics? Speak up and let everyone judge.

'Not bad!'

Yan Daping gave a weary smile and said: 'Back when we three disciples entered our master's school, we were overjoyed—disciples of the Hero Mei with the epithet Iron Bones and Ink Blossoms, wherever we went we were highly respected.'

But as our fame grew, our true nature began to show: either we liked to throw our weight around and act tyrannically, or we put on a sanctimonious façade, or we were ruthless and heartless; when encountering anyone who provoked us, we would rack our brains to devise poisonous schemes for revenge.

Our titles of Five Clouds Hand, Earthly Divine Dragon, and Iron Chain Across the River are widely known.

Our master, seeing this, grew furious and wanted to abolish our martial arts and expel us from the school.

But we first expressed remorse to our master, and second, the master-disciple bond ran deep, so he could not bear to punish us.

Yan Daping sighed again: 'But our master had also taken precautions against us and did not pass on his supreme arts.'

We had trained for over ten years, and though we sounded like decent masters, we could still not match our master—obviously he had not taught us genuine kung fu.

Moreover, our master had been taking us around on visits, seeking another heir. So we three discussed and decided to use force against our master, to seize that Liancheng Sword Manual from his hands, and certainly not let it fall into outsiders' hands.

Everyone thought: 'This is truly greed without limit—you three possess such skill, rarely finding an equal in the martial world, yet you still want to surpass your master!'

'Damn it, if I had your abilities, I'd wake up laughing even in my sleep!'

'Son of a bitch, always looking up to a higher mountain!'

Yan Daping fell silent, head lowered, after a moment he lifted his head with slightly red eyes and said: 'That night we reached the Three Gorges of the Yangtze, at San Dou Ping; we told our master we had some doubts about our internal strength, so he personally gave a demonstration. Seizing the moment when he finished demonstrating and completed his exercise, Old Hero Qi thrust his sword straight into his master's back—a deep thrust that surely pierced the lung.'

Speaking to this point, tears streamed down incessantly, he choked and said: "Who would have thought that the master, at such an advanced age, could still be so formidable."

I and Old Master Wan never intended to kill the master, so we took no weapons; only Old Master Qi III drew his sword, and my master, caught off guard, fought bare‑handed—finally, finally…

He had no choice but to fling out a volume of books, taking advantage of our three‑way scramble, and then jumped into the Yangtze River…

Hearing this, the heroes in the hall suddenly burst out with a loud curse: "Qi Changfa, I fuck your mother!"

Everyone was filled with righteous indignation, shouting: "Pah, what nonsense!"

"And Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, you two beasts—I fuck your mothers too!"

Most of those present were martial‑world folk, who never cared for refinement; their anger had already been stirred, and these tirades drew out long‑suppressed emotions—how could they still be polite?

Furthermore, some martial‑arts elders, recalling Mei Niansheng's heroic bearing, were filled with righteous fury at his disciples' treacherous scheme; had it not been for their fear of Feng Yi nearby, they would have rushed forward and beaten the three traitors to a pulp.

In an instant, the entire Wan household, north and south, erupted in curses; even some scholars joined in.

"Beasts!"

"Since ancient times, those who practice martial arts and study literature have only sought teachers and friends; I have never heard of such bestial conduct from you lot."

"Having drunk the Wan family's wine today, I have only brought shame upon myself for a lifetime!"

"Ashamed, ashamed—I still called him Old Hero Wan; I have nowhere to hide my embarrassment!"

"Ungrateful and treacherous—worse than pigs and dogs!"

"Deserving of death by a thousand cuts—may you be flayed and have your tendons pulled out!"

One must know that society holds the teacher‑disciple bond paramount; whether these are scholars who have passed the imperial exams or martial‑world folk, it is the same.

For they too may have sons, disciples, and followers; who would dare imagine that one day they might follow in Mei Niansheng's footsteps?

And as Yan Daping spoke, Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa gritted their teeth, their faces ashen, yet they could not utter a sound.

Because Feng Yi's hands were pressed on their shoulders, they felt as if a huge stone weighed upon them, their breath held, unable to speak, while others noticed nothing.

Everyone joined in the cursing; the foul language not only covered the Wan, Yan, and Qi surnames, but also anyone related to them—men, women, old and young—none escaped misfortune. Qi Fang and Di Yun were so ashamed they wished they could crawl into a mouse hole.

The Wan family disciples shrank into a corner, fearful of being implicated.

If they did not know that Wan Zhenshan had taught them a false technique, they might still have stepped forward to help, but now they only think of how to extricate themselves from this vortex—after all, having a master like Wan Zhenshan is also disgraceful. Feng Yi and the others had cursed enough; he gave a light cough, his inner energy profound, and though the sound was soft, it rose above the clamor, silencing everyone, whose eyes turned to him.

Then Feng Yi said: "You all know that I was originally a minor member of the Longsha Gang; Great Hero Ding took a liking to me and taught me the Divine Illumination Skill, which has brought me to where I am today—and the source of his Divine Illumination Skill is Old Master Mei!"

Upon mentioning the Divine Illumination Skill, everyone's interest was piqued, and one person shouted loudly: "Who doesn't know about this? That…"

Back then I even ran to Ding Dian's home once, only to find it deserted and empty; I was so angry I didn't eat a proper meal for three days!

Suddenly realizing everyone was staring at him with odd looks, he knew he had misspoken, and his face flushed red.

Feng Yi laughed: "We all make our living on the knife's edge; you have no kinship or obligation to Great Hero Ding, so it's only natural that you coveted the secret of the divine skill—nothing to be ashamed of!"

Hearing his reasonable and modest words, the crowd burst into laughter.

Feng Yi continued: "Great Hero Ding is like a brother to me; he told me in detail how Old Master Mei was killed and how he obtained the Divine Illumination Classic, which is why I have come to take revenge!"

Someone interjected: "How did Ding Dian obtain it? Old Master Mei was stabbed in the back, his lung pierced through, then he jumped into the Yangtze—was he still alive?"

This martial‑world secret truly aroused the group's intense curiosity, and they all bombarded him with questions.

Feng Yi lightly clapped his hands; the crowd fell silent. He nodded, pondered, and said: "I will now relate what Great Hero Ding personally witnessed and what Old Master Mei entrusted to him—please listen carefully."

Feng Yi had planned ahead; that day he had Ding Dian give him a detailed account of his encounter with Mei Niansheng, knowing he would have to speak of it today, for the more harrowing Mei Niansheng's death, the more vicious the means he could use against these traitors; otherwise, the measures he had prepared for these men would inevitably make everyone feel threatened and provoke resistance.

Feng Yi gazed into the distance and said slowly: "Eleven years ago, Great Hero Ding traveled to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze, to San Dou Ping; that night, while aboard his boat, he heard the sound of a fight on the shore."

As a martial artist, Great Hero Ding naturally concerned himself, and peered out from the cabin window.

That night the moonlight was bright, and he saw clearly that three men were surrounding an old man.

Great Hero Ding did not know the old man, but he recognized those three!

Someone chimed in: "The "Five Clouds Hand" Wan Zhenshan, the "Earthly Divine Dragon" Yan Daping, and the "Iron Chain Across the River" Qi Changfa are famous figures of the Lianghu martial world; Ding Dian, being a Jingmen martial artist, knowing them is hardly surprising!"

Feng Yi continued: "At that time Wan Zhenshan and Yan Daping were bare‑handed, while Qi Changfa wielded a long sword, surrounding the bare‑handed Old Master Mei."

Everyone stared coldly at Qi Changfa; Wan Zhenshan and Yan Daping bore no weapons, while Qi Changfa held a sharp sword—exactly as Yan Daping had said, it was Qi Changfa who delivered the killing blow! Qi Changfa's face was ashen, yet even facing this deadly situation, he was still scheming how to escape.

Feng Yi said: "Great Hero Ding and Wan Zhenshan had met a few times; he knew Wan Zhenshan's martial skill was not weak, but at that time he was far inferior to him."

Old Master Mei's back was already wounded, bleeding continuously; he had no weapon, only his fleshly palms to fight the three, yet his skill far surpassed theirs, so they dared not approach him.

The more Great Hero Ding watched, the more indignant he became, yet he saw that every move Wan Zhenshan and his companions made was a killing strike, clearly intending to kill the old man.

But he dared not utter a sound then, fearing they would notice—any mishap could be serious!

Everyone nodded in agreement, and someone said: "Never mind that the three were murdering their master; even an ordinary martial‑world grudge killing, if witnessed by outsiders, would usually require silencing them."

"Exactly; back then Great Hero Ding couldn't even beat Wan Zhenshan alone, let alone the two others—so his conduct was entirely understandable."

Feng Yi nodded: "They fought for another half‑day, and the blood flowing from Old Master Mei's back increased until he could no longer endure; suddenly he cried, 'All right, I'll hand it over to you,' and reached into his bosom to feel for something."

Wan Zhenshan and the other two all surged forward together, as if afraid someone else would snatch it first.

Suddenly, Old Master Mei thrust out both palms with a whoosh; the force drove the three men backward in unison.

Old Master Mei turned and fled, with a plunge he jumped into the river. The three shouted in alarm and rushed to the bank, but the Yangtze rushes down from the Three Gorges; the waters at San Dou Ping are swift, and in the blink of an eye Old Master Mei vanished without a trace.

Speaking, he turned his gaze to Qi Changfa: "But this Iron Chain Across the River still refused to give up, searching everywhere; he even leapt onto Great Hero Ding's boat, pulled up a bamboo pole, and fished wildly in the river."

Great Hero Ding dared not look further; he pulled the blanket over his head and vaguely heard them arguing, seemingly blaming each other.

Great Hero Ding only dared to rise after hearing the three had gone far off; then he heard a slap from the stern, the boatman crying "Ah!" and shouting, "A water ghost!"

Great Hero Ding turned his head and saw only a person soaked to the skin lying on the deck planks!

"Ah, is that Old Master Mei?"

Feng Yi nodded: "Yes, it turns out that after Old Master Mei jumped into the river, he dove beneath the boat, used the Great Power Eagle Claw technique to hook onto the hull and hold his breath, only emerging after the others had withdrawn."

Great Hero Ding hurriedly helped him aboard, seeing that his breath was faint and he could not speak.

Great Hero Ding knew that if Wan Zhenshan and the others were not resigned, they would surely chase downstream to look for Old Master Mei's corpse; being chivalrous, he wished to save a life, so he ordered the boatman to set off immediately, sailing upstream back to the Three Gorges.

But in the middle of the night there were no trackers; going upstream to the Three Gorges was no easy task—of course the boatmen were unwilling, yet Great Hero Ding had spent lavishly and managed it.

Great Hero Ding applied gold wound medicine to Old Master Mei's injury, but the sword thrust to his back had pierced deep, through the lung—this wound was beyond healing.

Ding the Great Hero simply did his utmost, asked no extra questions, and along the way bought fine wine and meat to attend to him.

Translation: "Ding the Great Hero simply did his best, asked no extra questions, and along the way bought fine wine and meat to serve him."

Ding the Great Hero only did his utmost, asked no extra questions, and along the way bought good wine and meat to serve.

Ding the Great Hero once told me that he personally witnessed this old man's martial arts, saw him leap into the Yangtze River and dive beneath the boat's hull, and that alone his courage and skill were enough to make me, Ding Dian, willing to lay down my life for him.

Translation: "Ding the Great Hero once told me, he personally witnessed that old man's martial arts, and personally saw him leap into the Yangtze River and dive under the boat's hull; just that courage and skill alone are worth my, Ding Dian, laying down my life for him!"

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese includes quotation marks? We'll keep as is.

Hearing this, everyone felt their hearts swell, but they thought the words were bold and lofty; only a true hero and great man could speak them.

Translation: "Hearing this, everyone's chest heated up, feeling the words were bold and lofty; only a true hero and great warrior could speak them."

Someone sighed, "Where there are white-haired newcomers, there are also instant friendships; this is heroes cherishing heroes!"

Translation: "Someone sighed and said, 'Having white hair like new acquaintances, there is also meeting like old friends; this is heroes cherishing heroes!'"

But this only makes the three disciples' wolfish hearts and doggish lungs even more apparent!

But this only shows the three disciples have wolfish hearts and doggish lungs!

Feng Yi said, "Not bad; at that time Ding the Great Hero had no idea this old man was Master Mei, he acted merely out of righteousness."

Translation: "Feng Yi said, 'Not bad; at that time Ding the Great Hero had no idea this old man was Old Master Mei; he acted merely out of righteousness.'"

After treating him for three days, Old Master Mei asked Ding the Great Hero for his name, gave a bitter smile and said, "Excellent! Excellent!" He then took out an oil-wrapped bundle from his bosom and handed it to him.

After treating him for three days, Old Master Mei asked Ding the Great Hero's name, then gave a bitter smile and said, "Excellent! Excellent!" He took out an oil-wrapped bundle from his bosom and handed it to him.

Ding the Great Hero thought this was a commission for him, so he said, "Where are your relatives, sir? I will surely deliver them to you without fail."

Translation: "Ding the Great Hero thought this was an entrustment, and said, 'Where are your relatives, Old Sir? I will surely deliver them to you, without fail.'"

Old Master Mei asked, "Do you know who I am?"

Translation: "Old Master Mei said, 'Do you know who I am?'"

Ding the Great Hero replied, "I don't know."

Translation: "Ding the Great Hero said, 'I don't know.'"

Only then did Mr. Mei say, "I am Mei Niansheng."

Translation: "Only then did Mr. Mei say, 'I am Mei Niansheng.'"

This news shocked Ding the Great Hero terribly.

Translation: "This shocked Ding the Great Hero badly."

This was both because of Master Mei's formidable reputation and because Wan Zhenshan and the other two were his disciples—how could they act so viciously?

Translation: "This was both shock at the fame of Great Hero Mei, and because Wan Zhenshan and the other two are his old man's disciples—how could they strike so viciously!"

Yan Daping choked up and said, "It's because we are beasts!"

Translation: "Yan Daping choked up and said, 'Because we are beasts!'"

Everyone gave him a sideways glance, thinking his words weren't wrong either.

Translation: "Everyone rolled their eyes at him, all thinking his words were not wrong!"

Feng Yi said, "At that time, Old Master Mei gave Ding the Great Hero a bitter smile, shook his head, and said, 'My third disciple is the fiercest; he sneaked up and stabbed me in the back before I knew it, forcing this old man to leap into the river to escape.'"

Translation: "Feng Yi said, 'At that time, Old Master Mei gave Ding the Great Hero a bitter smile, shook his head, and said, "My third disciple is the fiercest; he sneakily stabbed a sword into my back without warning, forcing the old man to leap into the river to escape."'"

With a crack, a burly man smashed the table with one palm, stood up, and said, "Old Master Mei was a hero all his life, yet in his final moments he showed a bitter smile toward a stranger—see how desperate, painful, and heartbroken he must have been."

Translation: "With a crack, a burly man smashed the table to pieces with one palm, stood up, and said, 'Old Master Mei was a hero all his life, yet at his final moment he showed a bitter smile to a stranger—see how desperate, painful, and heartbroken he was.'"

"Yeah, what good are these beasts keeping around? Just chop them down with one blow!"

Translation: "'Yeah, what's the point of keeping these beasts? Just chop them with one blade!'"

"What nonsense! Chopping these beasts down with one blow would just let them off easy!"

Translation: "'What the hell, chopping these beasts with one blade would let them off easy!'"

"Fine, you make a point, but if you dare not obey me, this matter isn't over!"

Translation: "'Fine, your argument has merit, but if you dare not submit to me, this matter isn't over!'"

"Damn it, are you still afraid of me?"

Translation: "'Damn, am I still afraid of you?'"

Feng Yi heard the two arguing again over a single remark, paid it no mind, and continued, "Ding the Great Hero doesn't know how to comfort such a tragic turn of events, nor does he understand why these master and disciples turned against each other."

Translation: "Feng Yi heard the two arguing again over a single remark, paid it no mind, and continued: 'Ding the Great Hero doesn't know how to console such a tragic turn of life, nor does he understand why these master and four disciples turned against each other.'"

Although he was curious, as an outsider he didn't feel it proper to pry further.

Translation: "Although he was also curious, as an outsider it was not proper to inquire further."

Old Master Mei, however, said, "My only kin in this world are these three disciples. They wanted to seize one of my sword manuals, not hesitating to assassinate their own master—hey, what formidable obedient disciples! They took the manual, but without the sword techniques, what good is it?"

Translation: "Old Master Mei then said, 'My kin in this world are only these three disciples. They wanted to seize one of my sword manuals, not hesitating to assassinate their master—heehee, what formidable obedient disciples! The sword manual was taken by them, but without the sword essentials, what good is it?'

Although the Liancheng sword art is marvelous, how could it compare to the Divine Illumination Skill? This Divine Illumination Classic, I give to you—practice it well. If mastered, its power is tremendous; it must never be passed to wicked people. Ding the Great Hero's Divine Illumination Classic came about in just this way.

Translation: "Although the Liancheng Sword Technique is marvelous, how could it compare to the Divine Illumination Skill? This 'Divine Illumination Classic', I give to you; practice it well. If mastered, its power is tremendous—must never be passed to wicked persons. Ding the Great Hero's Divine Illumination Classic came about just this way."

Everyone instantly understood that Ding Dian's Divine Illumination Classic was earned with his life; had he not been daring to venture forth and willing to bear responsibility, this marvelous skill would never have ended up in his hands.

Translation: "Everyone instantly understood: Ding Dian's Divine Illumination Classic was bought with his life; had he not been brave enough to venture and dare to bear the burden, this marvelous martial art would not have ended up in his hands."

Feng Yi said, "After Old Master Mei spoke those words, he died within two hours. Ding the Great Hero buried him by the Wuxia Gorge River, inscribing the tomb with 'Tomb of the Two Lakes Great Hero Mei Niansheng.'"

Feng Yi said, "After Old Master Mei said those words, he died within two hours. Ding the Great Hero buried him by the Wuxia Gorge River, inscribing on the tomb: 'Tomb of the Two Lakes Great Hero Mei Niansheng.'"

Later, because of the tombstone matter, Ding the Great Hero got into big trouble, which everyone knows, so I need not elaborate further.

Translation: "Later, because of the tombstone matter, Ding the Great Hero stirred up big trouble, which everyone knows, so I need not repeat it."

In an instant, the entire venue fell into silence.

Translation: "In an instant, the whole venue fell into silence."

A generation's great hero died filled with resentment, all because his disciples sought to seize his martial arts.

Translation: "A generation's great hero died harboring resentment, all because his disciples wanted to schemingly seize his martial arts."

Then, will one's own son or disciples someday treat him the same way? Feng Yi saw everyone pondering, lifted his palm from Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa's bodies, and Wan Zhenshan immediately exhaled a long breath, the words pent up in his heart spilling out: "Good, we usually call each other brothers and are good friends; today I, surnamed Wan, have met misfortune, yet where have my good friends gone?"

Translation: "Then, will one's own son and disciples someday treat him this way? Feng Yi saw everyone pondering, lifted his palm from Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa's bodies; Wan Zhenshan immediately exhaled a long breath, the words pent up in his heart spilling out: 'Good! Ordinarily we call each other brothers, all good friends; today I, surnamed Wan, have met misfortune, yet where have my good friends gone?'"

Everyone snorted in unison; stating these facts amounts to sentencing the three to death—who would dare intervene? This is a major taboo in the jianghu. No matter whom you kill, those seeking revenge can find help, but if you kill your master, who would dare assist? To help would be to share the same ilk—you couldn't stand on your own, and you'd drag your family's name through the mud.

Translation: "Everyone snorted in unison; once these facts are spoken, it's as if the three have been sentenced to death—who would dare to intervene? This is a major taboo in the martial world! No matter whom you kill, whoever seeks revenge can find help, but if you kill your master, who would dare to help? Helping makes you of the same ilk! Not only would you be unable to stand on your own, you'd also drag down your family's reputation."

But even as he lay dying, Wan Zhenshan stubbornly retorted, "Feng Yi, according to you, when did my master take Ding Dian as a disciple? Where does this talk of purging the sect come from? Even if I have committed heinous crimes, you cannot condemn me to death—there is still royal law in this world!"

Translation: "But Wan Zhenshan, even at death's door, stubbornly retorted: 'Feng Yi, according to your saying, when did my master take Ding Dian as a disciple? Where does your talk of cleansing the sect come from? Even if I have committed heinous crimes, you cannot cause my death! There is still royal law in this world!'

Where are the disciples? Hurry and summon Magistrate Ling!

Translation: "Where are the disciples? Hurry and summon Prefect Ling!"

"Alas!"

Translation: "'Alas!'"

Feng Yi burst into a loud laugh, suddenly plunged into the crowd, his hands rising and falling; all six of Wan Zhenshan's disciples were struck at their pressure points—some with arms jerking sideways, some lifting legs to sweep, some thrusting swords straight ahead—all turned into statues.

Translation: "Feng Yi burst into loud laughter, suddenly thrusting into the crowd; his hands rose and fell, and all six of Wan Zhenshan's disciples had their acupoints sealed—some with arms askew, some raising a leg to sweep sideways, some thrusting swords straight ahead—all turned into statues."

In that instant, Feng Yi swayed and returned to his original spot, as if he had never moved at all.

Translation: "In that instant, Feng Yi swayed and returned to his original spot, as if he had never moved at all."

Everyone witnessed this scene in silence, only the sound of the breeze fluttering their garments could be heard.

Translation: "Everyone watched this scene in silence, only the sound of the breeze fluttering their garments."

This is Feng Yi's true strength!

Translation: "This is Feng Yi's true strength!"

Under heaven there are ways to kill Feng Yi, but absolutely no means to save these two!

Translation: "Under heaven there are ways to kill Feng Yi, but absolutely no means to save these two!"

Feng Yi looked at Wan Zhenshan with a cold smile, thinking, "You still hope for Ling Tui's arrival? He won't come until you're dead!"

Translation: "Feng Yi looked at Wan Zhenshan with a cold smile, thinking: 'You still hope for Ling Tui Si? He'll have to wait until you die to come!'"

After a while, someone finally asked, "Young Hero Feng, did Old Master Mei ever say that Ding the Great Hero should purge his sect for him?"

Translation: "After a while, someone finally asked, 'Young Hero Feng, did Old Master Mei never say that Ding the Great Hero should cleanse his sect for him?'"

Feng Yi shook his head and said, "No!"

Translation: "Feng Yi shook his head and said, 'No!'"

The crowd was somewhat puzzled.

Translation: "Everyone was somewhat puzzled."

Yan Daping sighed softly, "Because even at his last breath, my master still regarded us wicked disciples as his kin."

Translation: "Yan Daping murmured, 'Because even at my master's last moment, he still regarded us few evil obstacles as kin!'"

Everyone suddenly understood.

Translation: "Everyone suddenly realized."

Since Mei Niansheng often felt pity for these disciples, even on his deathbed he still hoped they would reform and turn over a new leaf; alas, the master had affection while the disciples lacked righteousness. Feng Yi sighed, "Indeed, Old Master Mei, before he died, still said his kin were only these three disciples, and never told Ding the Great Hero to avenge him."

Translation: "Since Mei Niansheng often felt pity for these disciples, even on his deathbed he still hoped they would someday reform—alas, the master is affectionate, the disciples lack righteousness! Feng Yi sighed and said, 'Exactly, Old Master Mei, before his death, still said his kin were only these three disciples, and never told Ding the Great Hero to avenge him.'"

But I and Ding the Great Hero see it differently—these beasts must not live, for heaven cannot tolerate them! Ding the Great Hero's skills were not yet perfected; for years he was either hunted or imprisoned, never getting a chance to avenge his master.

Translation: "But I and Ding the Great Hero see it differently; these beasts not dying is intolerable to heaven's law! Ding the Great Hero's martial arts unfinished, for years he has either been chased or imprisoned, never having a chance to avenge him."

But just the other day, after leaving the Jingzhou prefecture office, Ding the Great Hero bowed to me and begged me to handle this matter.

Translation: "But just the other day, after leaving the Jingzhou Prefectural Office, Ding the Great Hero kowtowed to me, begging me to handle this."

Although I, Feng, am nobody and have never even met Master Mei, since I've been called a brother, received the Divine Illumination technique, and been bowed to by Ding the Great Hero, I must see this through no matter how difficult—do it well, so flawlessly that no one can find fault; otherwise, I would have already struck down these three beasts with a single palm!

Translation: "Although I, Feng, am nobody and have never met Old Master Mei, since being called a brother, having received the Divine Illumination Great Law, and having received Ding the Great Hero's bow, I must see this through no matter how difficult—do it splendidly, so no one can find fault; otherwise, I would have already smashed these three beasts with a single palm!"

With eyes like rivers and lightning, he swept his gaze over the crowd and said, "Esteemed gentlemen, if you have any lofty insights or differing opinions, please do not hesitate to instruct me; I, Feng, will surely adopt the best."

Translation: "Two gazes like rivers and lightning swept over the crowd as he said, 'Esteemed gentlemen, if you have lofty insights or differing opinions, please do not hesitate to instruct me; Feng will surely adopt the best!'"

Upon hearing Feng Yi's words, everyone felt each sentence strike their hearts, and feeling deeply humbled, they all exclaimed in unison, "A true man distinguishes gratitude from grudges; Young Hero Feng has done well!"

Translation: "Everyone hearing Feng Yi's words felt each sentence strike their hearts, and feeling quite humble, they all sensed extreme usefulness, shouting in unison: 'A true man distinguishes gratitude and grudges; Young Hero Feng has done well!'"

"What Young Hero? Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, and Qi Changfa are all famous figures; he dares to attend the meeting alone—such great wisdom and courage, couldn't he be called a great hero?"

Translation: "'What Young Hero? Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, and Qi Changfa are all famous figures; he dares to attend the meeting alone—such great wisdom and courage, how could he not be called a Great Hero?'"

Hearing these words, even Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, who refuse to yield to fate, bowed their heads and trembled.

Translation: "Hearing these words, even though Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa are unwilling to accept fate, they also hung their heads and trembled."

They knew there was no chance—Feng Yi's martial arts are so high, he has won everyone's hearts, making escape impossible!

Translation: "They knew there was no chance; Feng Yi's martial arts are so high, and he has won people's hearts, making escape utterly impossible!"

"That's right!"

Translation: "'That's right!'"

"To not kill these ungrateful, treacherous beasts is insufficient to uphold the righteous path!"

Translation: "'Not killing these ungrateful beasts is insufficient to illuminate the righteous path!'"

"Who says they shouldn't die? Let them step forward!"

Translation: "'Who says they shouldn't die? Please step forward!'"

"Now it's not a question of whether they should die, but how they should die; as Great Hero Feng said, a single palm strike to kill them would be too lenient—it would let them off easy!"

Translation: "'Now it's not a question of whether they should die, but how they should die; Great Hero Feng didn't say a single palm strike would kill them—no, that would let them off easy!'"

Then it's three knives, six holes!

"Pah, that's a bullshit method!"

"Hahaha," Feng Yi burst into laughter, shouting: "Good! Since everyone has no objections, I, Feng, will have no scruples, making killing enjoyable. I'll start by killing Wan Gui!"

While speaking, his body swayed; he grabbed Wan Gui's neck with his left hand, raised his right palm, and struck down at his forehead.

Wan Zhenshan shouted: "What are you doing?"

"Why kill my son?" This is Wan Zhenshan's question.

It is also everyone's question.

Feng Yi coldly snorted: "In the jianghu, we believe that whoever does the deed bears the responsibility!"

But since you dare to act but not to take responsibility, not taking responsibility, then this saying does not apply to you; I will kill your son, wipe out the roots!

Everyone instantly understood Feng Yi's ruthlessness.

This is to completely destroy the Wan family's reputation built over years, to punish the heart! Wan Zhenshan's face turned ashen, his lips trembling.

He understands all too well; if he admits it, his son can live and he will die, his infamy spreading everywhere.

But if he does not admit it, the Wan line will end here, and others will still take Wan Zhenshan as a laughingstock.

After all, it's just one death, yet you won't even save your son—what kind of thing are you? So greedy for life, afraid of death, you might as well stop being human!

Heroes of the jianghu value a scar as big as a bowl on the head.

Scholars speak of sacrificing life for righteousness! The people Wan Zhenshan summoned possess both! Wan Zhenshan thought of this, his fighting spirit gone, his spirit depleted, he said in a trembling voice: "I confess, Yan Daping is right—our master was harmed by the three of us!"

But Qi Changfa is the true culprit—he is the one who stabbed the master with his sword!

Even though Qi Changfa is deep and crafty, his wits changing, he too lost his composure, shouting angrily: "Wan Zhenshan, you bastards, what are you lot? Killing the master was agreed upon by all three of us, yet now at death's door you claim it was my idea!"

Wan Zhenshan snorted: "I and Yan Daping only wanted to injure the master and take his Lian Cheng Sword Manual—who let you stab him in the back with your sword?"

Yan Daping also said: "We didn't use any weapons; you used a blade, showing you are the most vicious and ruthless—Great Hero Ding saw it all, do you still want to deny it?"

Hearing this, Qi Changfa's face turned ashen with anger, he stammered "ah, ah" a few times.

They all wanted to burst into tears; he's decent with a sword, but damn it, without a sword, could he hurt the master? If you strike with a palm or a fist, would your internal energy not protect you and rebound?

But who could he say this to?

It's utterly impossible to defend oneself against a hundred mouths!

Everyone watched as several people snarled at each other like dogs, all showing looks of contempt.

What the hell is this? Are these supposed to be famed heroes and swordsmen of the age? Pah!

But then it became clear—perhaps the three of them driving Mei Niansheng to jump into the river, blaming each other, was exactly for this reason!

Indeed, Qi Changfa is the most vicious!

Feng Yi gave a cold snort: "All of you, shut up and show some face!"

Throwing Wan Gui to the ground, he walked up to Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, pressed both palms on their shoulders, and invoked the Shen Zhao Gong.

Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa instantly felt a warm current surge from their shoulders into their bodies, stirring their blood and qi, causing a feeling of nausea in their chests.

This warm current surged like a tide, rushing straight into their viscera, circulating back and forth, striking their meridians throughout the body.

Although they tried to resist, the warm current was overwhelming; upon contact with their own true qi, it vanished like melting ice and snow in an instant.

They felt as if the painstakingly cultivated internal energy they had accumulated was being squeezed out from the gaps in their bones and then dispersed through their pores.

The two immediately understood that Feng Yi was going to cripple their internal energy—just like grinding—so terrifying they nearly lost their souls.

Qi Changfa shouted: "Feng Yi, if you want to kill us, it should at least be a fair fight, not taking advantage of our peril!"

Everyone saw his face filled with extreme terror, yet he still wanted to challenge Feng Yi to a fight; they all stared at each other.

Feng Yi coldly snorted: "Feng Yi may be young and inexperienced, but I also know that sect matters should not be spoken of in front of everyone."

Yet you, these famous big shots, won't shed a tear until you see the coffin. You force me to waste words and effort! If just now you two had dared to act and take responsibility, admitting guilt directly, I would have released you for a fair duel.

This is exactly what I said earlier—giving you a chance to live!

But you don't cherish it; instead, you want to stir up the crowd and make things difficult for me—what should be done with people like you? Only death! Or a painful death!

Saying this, his internal energy did not cease, repeatedly striking their meridians.

Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa seemed to be in a steamer, the heat unbearable; their faces went from red to purple to black, white vapor rose from their heads, and sweat dripped down their bodies to the ground.

It was as if they had been drenched in a downpour for half a day; soon the ground was soaked with water.

Everyone saw Feng Yi's martial arts so marvelous, they couldn't help but feel astonished, fond, and fearful.

Some martial arts experts already knew that for Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, each drop of sweat lost meant a corresponding loss of true qi; when no more sweat could be shed, that was the moment of exhausted fuel and extinguished lamp—death.

Although knowing these three had betrayed their master and ancestors, deserving such retribution, I also felt a secret chill, knowing Feng Yi was truly ruthless! And in dealing with these two, if it were anyone else, that would be a demon!

Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, who could not be unaware of this situation, felt their whole bodies sore and weak, chests empty, nauseous and helpless—it was truly hard even to want to die, such suffering and pain beyond words, indescribable.

The two glanced at each other, suddenly recalling: "We wounded the master, then besieged him."

The old man, at that age, bled profusely, struggling with us for a long time, until his strength failed, only then did he jump into the river.

What he suffered and felt in his heart must be the same as what we feel now—no doubt! This truly is heavenly principle manifest, retribution never fails!

Thinking of the master, and feeling Feng Yi's strength in his hand weakening, they shouted in unison: "Master, spare our lives!"

Before anyone could react, suddenly came three "thud" sounds, and the three pinewood coffins blocking the Wan family's gate rolled inside.

(End of chapter)