Chapter 53

Everyone suddenly saw Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa with faces full of terror, looking up pleading, crying "Master, spare our lives!" Although they had no face to say such a thing, they looked pitiable.

This exactly fits the saying: "The pitiable must have something hateful about them."

But Feng Yi had no intention of sparing them; even though their meridians were in chaos and their martial arts completely lost, his heart remained unmoved.

After all, he had spent so much time crippling them just to make them suffer a miserable death! The reason he had just eased his force a bit was because he heard faint footsteps—signs of a martial expert approaching.

Indeed, as the coffin was carried in through the door, three figures appeared atop the Wan family's wall.

The three wore black cloaks, hands clasped before their chests; as they looked around, their eyes gleamed sharply, like hungry wolves lying in wait.

Some scholars, seeing their gazes, felt gooseflesh rise all over their bodies.

Feng Yi's expression grew solemn; his deep cultivation let him hear that these three scaled the wall with light, agile footwork—though not as exquisite as Falling Flowers Flowing Water, they were certainly not inferior to Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, and the like.

Moreover, their eyes were sunken, noses bridged prominently, making them look non‑Central Plains; in a flash he thought: "Could it be them?"

In the midst of everyone's astonished gazes, eight men in black tight‑fitted garments walked in from outside the gate. Upon entering the courtyard they split to left and right, standing solemnly and respectfully, each with straight waist and back, spirits vivid.

Immediately after, an official in government robes, waist bound with a jade belt, holding a folding fan, stepped forward with measured, deliberate steps.

He walked with the two black‑cloaked figures on either side; the left one was thin and tall, eyes deeply sunk, cheekbones high, complexion pallid as if bloodless, a smile playing on his lips, his triangular eyes flashing with cruel, thievish light.

The right one was burly, tiger‑backed and bear‑waisted, his face thick with beard, looking fierce yet exuding a sinister aura; his eagle‑sharp eyes glowed with a cold, deep light. Both stood firmly on the ground, their presence remarkably imposing.

Feng Yi silently cursed: "Damn it, where did Ling Tusi get these fellows? Looks like a tough battle is coming!"

While pondering, he circulated his energy throughout his body, listening closely to the surroundings to see if any other experts lay hidden nearby.

These cloaked figures looked strange, yet no one recognized them; however, the man in official robes was familiar to most, and they all showed a peculiar expression.

He had sunken cheeks, his face covered in ash, looking frightening; beneath his jaw hung three long whiskers that fluttered, utterly out of place.

Just a few days apart, how had he become like this? And everyone turned their gaze to Feng Yi.

Because this person had turned into such a ghostly apparition, it was entirely Feng Yi's doing.

For as soon as he entered the courtyard, some present scholars and degree holders hurriedly bowed and scraped, putting on fake smiles: "Sir Ling!"

Upon hearing that Prefect Ling had arrived, everyone in the hall rose to their feet.

As Prefect of Jingzhou, Ling Tusi held high rank and authority; those scholars and examinees aspired one day to be like him.

In the martial world, those who break the law with force are commonplace, but most are reckless outlaws who fear nothing.

Those attending Wan Zhenshan's birthday banquet today were all people with families and property; to avoid trouble they would not clash with officials in uniform, let alone a prefectural chief.

After all, a prefect is not frightening; it is the rigid organizational system behind him.

Upon seeing Ling Tusi, Wan Zhenshan seemed to grasp a lifeline, trembling as he said: "Prefect Ling, save me!"

Everyone exchanged glances, all feeling that Mei Niansheng had taken such wretches as disciples only to die at their hands—truly a grievous wrong! What sort of things are these! Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa were being relentlessly ravaged by Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill, that sense of emptiness growing stronger, as if their bodies were melting bit by bit.

They too had walked the blade's edge, believing that even death by a thousand cuts, slicing flesh inch by inch, could not compare to their present misery; they felt utterly tormented.

Seeing Ling Tusi, Wan Zhenshan felt as if he beheld his own father; as his inner strength ebbed, his bold spirit vanished completely, leaving only the will to survive.

This hideous visage was no different from that of a common folk; Ling Tusi didn't even glance at it, merely snorted from his nostrils, then stayed several zhang away from Feng Yi and took no further step forward.

His bearing was upright and composed, truly as steady as Mount Tai.

As Ling Tusi entered the courtyard, his gaze locked onto Feng Yi's face, not sparing a glance for anyone else, as if he were the only one present—how could he care about a mere Wan Zhenshan?

Feng Yi watched Ling Tusi and saw that after just a few days apart he seemed to have lost dozens of jin, so light the wind could blow him away; he said softly: "You still came!"

Ling Tusi replied calmly: "As an official entrusted by the emperor to govern this region, you drag a coffin through the streets, seal the Wan mansion, and wound Wan Gui—such a grand spectacle, surely you meant for me to come?"

"If I had not come, would you not be disappointed?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was even more startled—originally Feng Yi had deliberately let Ling Tusi know, in order to lure him here.

The thought made them break out in a cold sweat; Feng Yi's schemes were too deep—being his enemy truly meant restless nights.

No wonder the great prefect himself came in person.

Feng Yi shook his head: "I anticipated you would come, and I hoped you would. But I never expected that besides the Longsha Gang and the court officials, there would also be these masters—could you introduce them?"

His eyes flicked to the two men beside Ling Tusi, yet his hands never left Wan and Qi.

Suddenly a shout came from outside the manor: "Surround it!"

Voices rose before and behind the manor, even on all four rooftops people were shouting—clearly they had encircled the estate.

Everyone had already heard a dense tread approaching the manor's front, then abruptly stopping—there were two or three hundred people.

Yet they were not afraid.

Ling Tusi had plenty of pretexts to kill Feng Yi, but could he really slay them all? Feng Yi, too, had long heard the commotion, yet relying on his Divine Skill he paid it little heed.

A true man acts according to circumstance; with his present strength, if he truly wished to leave, no means could hold him.

"Hehe," Ling Tusi gave a faint smile, saying: "Last time I misjudged the enemy and fell into your hands—I have nothing to say.

"But now, whenever Young Hero Feng Yi shows his chivalrous trace, bloodshed inevitably follows; I fear you will kill and flee, leaving no trace, making the antidote unattainable.

"If you come, I fear a repeat of the past, and the confrontation will inevitably grow larger."

He evaded the question, outright refusing to disclose the origins or names of those cloaked figures.

Feng Yi felt a bit more certain inside, yet he could not expose it; if he were wrong, he'd lose face and seem fearful.

If he guessed right, Ling Tusi could simply deny it—meaningless.

Feng Yi gave a soft hum and said: "Martial world affairs are settled in the martial world; I need not explain them to you. Once I finish here, I will naturally go to the prefecture to find you—why the rush?"

Ling Tusi shook his head: "My coming to seek you is one matter; your coming to seek me is another."

Feng Yi asked: "How so?"

Ling Tusi glanced sideways at Feng Yi, snorted, and said: "I only want to know whether I have been poisoned or not."

Feng Yi chuckled: "What difference does it make to say it here versus going to the prefecture together?"

But seeing Ling Tusi with a cold face, he said: "Here are many martial heroes and numerous scholars of the Two Lakes; because Wan Zhenshan's ilk forget righteousness for profit and violate great human virtues, you are clearing the gate for Ding Tian on behalf of Old Master Mei.

"But if you do not uphold honesty and good faith, is all this not a joke? Yet if you reach the magistrate's office, you will likely claim that facing the imperial eagle‑claws, what loyalty is there to speak of?"

"Heh, this prefecture will again be led by the nose by you."

This taste, once I lose twenty jin from it, and if it happens again, my old life will be gone!

Ling Tui Si is versed in both civil and military affairs, naturally proficient in medicine, and has studied poisons extensively; otherwise, how could he have cultivated the deadly 'Golden Ripple Ten-Day Flower'?

After Feng Yi and Ding Dian left, he realized his body was unharmed, and then hurriedly questioned everyone from the Longsha Gang who had come into contact with them, thus finding out.

Feng Yi each day either fought and killed with the gangs, or mingled in brothels and gambling houses.

Even now, he still owes money to the gambling house and hasn't paid it back.

However, the gambling house people, previously wary of Feng Yi hanging out with Ling Tui Si, dared not demand payment.

Ling Tui Si thought it over and concluded: Feng Yi never had the chance to obtain the 'Bone-Rotting, Tendon-Severing Pill'; he himself was probably deceived.

But since it concerns life and death, no negligence is allowed; therefore, taking advantage of Feng Yi's visit to the Wan household, he sought a definite answer.

Upon hearing this, the crowd immediately stirred; they all knew Ling Tui Si had been poisoned by Feng Yi, and today they expected the antidote to arrive.

But what Feng Yi was thinking was something else: Ling Tui Si wasn't after the antidote, but rather taking a reassuring pill to prepare to kill himself.

But this is exactly what Feng Yi wanted—after all, you come to kill me, I kill you, then we can talk! If Ling Tui Si didn't come, it would be troublesome!

Assassination? That's something Feng Yi never even considered; with his invincible martial arts, having to kill someone sneakily is beneath even the bearing of Dongfang Bubai!

But if he kills openly, that would be breaking his word for profit!

After all, he once declared at the government office that all grudges were settled, something everyone knows; Ling Tui Si kept his word and released you, yet you turn around and kill people—what kind of thing is that?

Thus, at the gate of the Wan mansion, Feng Yi appeared to salute the surrounding crowd with clasped hands, but in fact he was passing a message to Ling Tui Si's informant.

I, Feng Yi, have arrived—you too, come quickly!

In short, this time entering Jingzhou, he not only had to deal with Wan Zhenshan and the others, but also send Ling Tui Si away, so he wouldn't constantly think about it and feel uneasy.

Feng Yi smiled slightly: 'Lord Ling, you truly are my confidant; I indeed act differently depending on the person.'

When dealing with sincere gentlemen, naturally I conduct myself as a gentleman.

But when dealing with petty villains and beasts, naturally I cannot treat them as I would gentlemen; to do so would be foolish.

Ling Tui Si also laughed: 'That's natural, after all I understand you just as you understand this official.'

As long as I live, you surely feel uneasy in your heart.

And if you live, this official feels the same!

Seeing their demeanor and words, the crowd thought they were old friends of many years, and felt quite astonished.

But hearing Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa emit a 'ge-ge' sound, their bodies suddenly shrank, mouths askew, eyes crossed, like fools, they uttered 'wu-wu' cries.

The two were repeatedly ravaged by Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill; their muscles and bones collapsed and shifted, causing strange pain, numbness, soreness, and itchiness—various odd sensations that words cannot describe.

Logically, under such extreme punishment they should have gone numb from pain, yet whenever they could bear no more, they felt a warm current fill their bodies, not only filling them with vitality but also filling their hearts with a sense of satisfaction.

They themselves felt everything with extreme clarity; this back-and-forth left Wan and Qi wishing they were dead yet unable to die, wanting to speak but unable to utter a word, only able to emit animal-like strange cries.

If not for Feng Yi's palm power sticking them in place, they would have already shriveled to the ground like a lump of mud.

Everyone knew these two would not die instantly; they were merely suffering punishment.

At that moment, Qi Fang let out a sharp scream and lunged toward Feng Yi. The few cloaked figures saw that graceful silhouette, a glint flashing in their eyes, and the lanky one even stroked his chin.

Feng Yi took it all in, his brows slightly furrowed; he flicked his left sleeve, extended his palm—pa, pa—two slaps landed squarely on Qi Fang's cheeks.

Qi Fang flew sideways about a zhang, and Di Yun rushed to embrace his junior sister, only to see her cheeks swollen, her former beauty gone.

Everyone was stunned, not knowing how Feng Yi could be so vicious toward a woman, ruining such a lovely face.

Qi Fang herself didn't know whether it was pain or grief; her face was soaked with tears as she sobbed, 'Father... father...'

Di Yun shouted, 'Surname Feng, you and Lord Ling are acquaintances—could you first release my master?'

Feng Yi didn't even glance at him, only saying to Ling Tui Si, 'All grudges must be settled; you merely want to hear one truth from me. Let me finish this matter first, then I'll give you a satisfactory answer—how about that?'

Ling Tui Si hummed, stroking his beard in thought.

Feng Yi raised his hand and lightly tossed Qi Changfa toward Di Yun.

Di Yun hastily reached out to catch it; it landed in his hand, light and airy, as if Feng Yi had placed it there, yet Qi Changfa's whole body was boneless, like a lump of meat.

Qi Fang let out a heart-rending scream, threw herself forward, embraced Qi Changfa, crying 'Father, father...' while feeling his mouth and nose, sensing a faint breath.

In that instant, a look of joy shone in Qi Fang's eyes.

Feng Yi infused a stream of Divine Illumination true qi into Qi Changfa, allowing him to live a few more days—no problem.

To kill him outright would be too lenient!

Di Yun's eyes were bloodshot, brimming with tears, he stared fixedly at Feng Yi, his emotions surging, shouting, 'You... you don't kill me, I will seek you out to avenge my master!'

Those words rang out like a heavy blow, shaking the hearts of all who heard them.

The crowd gazed at the young man before them, secretly thinking, 'Master Mei, a generation's great hero, produced three unworthy disciples, yet this grandson is honest and steady, his nature utterly different from Qi Changfa's—truly, fate is unpredictable!'

Feng Yi already held no ill will toward him; hearing this, he appreciated him even more, nodded slightly, and said lightly, 'Today I kill, tomorrow someone may kill me—I am prepared, and I don't fear having one more like you.'

Di Yun's body trembled, his eyes flashing with fierce light, his lips quivering; Feng Yi waved his hand sharply: 'Come on, out of respect for Master Mei, I don't want his line to end here, so I let you collect Qi Changfa's corpse—any more talk and I'll change my mind.'

Feng Yi then turned to Wan Zhenshan and said softly, 'As the senior brother, you ought to set an example for your juniors, yet you are utterly wicked and devoid of virtue; today's events are entirely your own doing, and letting you die under my Divine Illumination Skill is your fate.'

He raised his hand and struck down upon Wan Zhenshan's forehead.

Wan Zhenshan's face was filled with fear, his voice trembling as he begged, 'Spare...'

With a soft 'pa' sound, Wan Zhenshan's eyes bulged, blood poured from his seven apertures, he uttered no groan, and breathed his last.

Seeing his palm strike light as a feather, yet it shattered Wan Zhenshan's skull, the depth of his inner force was truly shocking to hear.

The several cloaked figures exchanged glances, all turning pale; they realized they had encountered an unprecedented formidable foe, leaving no room for other thoughts.

Feng Yi then glanced at Yan Daping and said lightly, 'Your turn—what do you propose?'

Seeing Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa in that miserable state, Yan Daping's face had already turned ashen; hearing this, it was as if a thunderclap rang in his ears, his legs felt as if soaked in vinegar—weak and sore, his body swayed, and he involuntarily showed a pleading expression.

Suddenly, Feng Yi swayed, stepped forward in a single pace to stand before Yan Daping, and struck with a palm like a gale toward his chest.

Yan Daping's mind went into a tangle; his first thought was to dodge or block, but he immediately realized, 'He wants to kill me—even if I fight back, I can't win.'

In that instant, with a 'peng' sound, Yan Daping spat out a mouthful of blood, staggered several steps, and his face turned deathly pale.

Feng Yi snorted, looked around, and said, "Yan Daping, as the second disciple of Old Master Mei, participated in the plot to harm his master; he ought to be executed, but seeing that he has truly repented and has exerted himself to expose the crime, letting the heroes of the world learn the truth of Old Master Mei's murder, I wish to spare his life, so that the Mei Sect's disciples are not wiped out. What do you all think?"

Seeing the grim state of Wan Zhenshan and Qi Changfa, everyone already harbored some aversion to Feng Yi's ruthless methods; upon hearing this, they all agreed that Feng Yi showed magnanimity, and each felt relieved.

All in unison said, "That's how it should be!"

In the martial world, those who exterminate others are branded as demons; even if they besiege and poison, they must be put down!

It's because everyone knows they might slip up, and fears becoming one of those marked for extermination.

Thus, sparing others when possible is the utmost advocacy in the martial world, and also a mutual understanding for self‑protection.

If everyone simply slaughtered every foe they met, the martial world would have long since broken apart.

Feng Yi naturally knew everyone's feelings, but if it weren't for Yan Daping's exertions, he would still have killed him; thus he looked at Yan Daping and said slowly, "After this palm, past grievances are dropped. Henceforth, you may not call yourself a disciple of Old Master Mei, nor may you use his martial arts. Go!"

Yan Daping focused his mind on his dantian, inhaled, and found no movement in his dantian qi; his martial arts were truly ruined. He felt regret, but to have kept his life was already a stroke of luck. He bowed to Feng Yi and said, "My three sworn brothers have greatly fallen short in virtue, unworthy to be listed among our master's disciples."

From now on, I will sincerely repent my past faults and dare not deviate; merely, I hope you will cherish your bright future.

He knew that Ling Tui Si had arrived today, accompanied by several experts; Feng Yi and he were of one mind.

But there were some things he dared not say; if he spoke too much, he would still be a dead man!

Feng Yi gave him a slight nod.

Yan Daping then looked at Di Yun and Qi Fang, showed a pitying expression, sighed, and said, "Your master and I both got what we deserved; it's just a shame for you good kids. Alright, go on—he can still give you a few words of advice, and that will be enough."

Qi Changfa's lips trembled, his eyes darting toward the gate.

Di Yun gazed at his master's pallid face, understood his meaning, embraced him and staggered a few steps, then looked at the weeping Qi Fang and sighed, "Junior sister, we must still take care."

Qi Fang's delicate frame trembled, her brows flickered; she stifled her sobs and followed Di Yun slowly away.

Di Yun walked a few steps, then turned back to look at Feng Yi, his blood boiling, and said, "You just said something well: since you are to inherit the divine art, and Great Hero Ding called you a brother, you must handle his affairs splendidly, do them well."

Then my master raised me, took me as his disciple, and called me Yun'er; I must avenge him, and thus I must also handle his affairs well, splendidly.

Feng Yi unconsciously narrowed his eyes, stared at Di Yun, and said slowly, "As the saying goes, extremes meet reversal; your master saw profit and forgot human bonds, while you cherish human bonds but know nothing of righteousness—this is overly pedantic. If you do not improve, not to mention seeking revenge against me, you might not even be able to return home."

Hearing this, Di Yun let out a loud shout, embraced his master, and rushed out of the Wan family gate.

Yan Daping and Qi Fang walked out of the Wan manor gate with unsteady steps, and no one stopped them.

After all, a conspirator who harmed his master and gained nothing, a useless wreck, and a daughter who lost her father—no one cared about either.

Just thinking back, the three disciples of Mei Niansheng once shook the martial world; today Wan Zhenshan grandly invited guests, full of vigor—who would have thought they'd end up so miserable.

The Wan family servant, thinking of this, let out a quiet sigh: "No wonder the master spared no expense to invite distinguished guests—it turns out this really is the last meal!"

Only after several people had left the gate did Ling Tui Si lightly tap his folding fan against his palm and say, "It's been a few days, and your bearing and demeanor truly make me look at you anew, sir!"

Feng Yi stared at Ling Tui Si for a moment, unslung his wine gourd, took a sip, then said, "Since you've guessed that you're not poisoned, why go to such lengths?"

Ling Tui Si revealed a faint bitter smile and said, "If I, this official, did not cherish my life, you and Ding Dian could not take my daughter away."

Alas, accompanying my daughter has cost me troops; fate toys with people—what more can be said?

Today I will have you, before all these heroes and eminent scholars, declare once and for all whether I am poisoned or not!

Everyone knows that Ling Tui Si has brought overwhelming forces today and will not let it rest; the reason he hesitates to provoke trouble is still that he fears he truly has been poisoned by the 'Broken Tendons and Rotting Bones Pill'.

The onlookers also turned their gazes to Feng Yi, waiting to see what he would say.

Feng Yi's gaze swept around; he saw the crowd, solemn and attentive, all eyes on him. Smiling gently at Ling Tui Si, he said, "Good, you conduct yourself openly—I, too, will not be vague."

I will tell you the truth: your guess is correct—you are indeed not poisoned by the Broken Tendons and Rotting Bones toxin.

The reason I deceived you was simply that circumstances were not in my favor then; to secure my escape I had no choice but to resort to this tactic. I hope the prefect will understand!

Saying this, he bowed with an apologetic expression.

Feng Yi well knew that some lies can deceive for a moment but not forever; that night Ling Tui Si was so ready to believe.

It was simply that he had been caught off guard, and moreover, what had happened to him and Ding Dian was so extraordinary, entirely beyond Ling Tui Si's expectations, with their lives in others' hands.

Thus he had no choice but to believe! Yet once he escaped, he would surely be able to uncover the truth.

However, since Ling Tui Si is engaged in great endeavors yet values his life, he naturally acts with such caution; Feng Yi, on the other hand, is naturally generous.

The crowd, however, erupted in an uproar.

Everyone knows that Feng Yi has offended Ling Tui Si; now, speaking openly before all, they say the dignified prefect was duped by a mere mud pellet—if Ling Tui Si does not tear Feng Yi to shreds, he will have no face to show in public.

Killer intent nearly burst from Ling Tui Si's eyes; he clenched his folding fan tightly and said in a solemn voice, "Are these words spoken after careful thought?"

Feng Yi gave a slight nod, tucked his robe's corner at his waist, and said, "Since you are so certain that you are not poisoned,"

in this setting I would not lie, so why ask further? What I fed you was merely a mud pellet rolled from my own body.

However, although you are not afflicted with the Broken Tendons and Rotting Bones poison, your complexion is off, your Yintang is dark, and murderous lines surge to your brows—this is the Greed and Delusion toxin, deep in the marrow; I fear your days are numbered.

A murderous aura suddenly appeared between Ling Tui Si's brows; he glanced askance at Feng Yi and sneered, "Fine, thank you for your precious advice!"

Then the bearded man beside him burst into hysterical laughter: "A dignified prefect, and also the chief dragon of the Longsha Gang, actually fooled by a mere mud pellet! Now that you know the answer, you can finally relax—why not dismiss these idlers so we can get to work? It's truly agonizing to wait." His voice was extraordinarily mighty.

Feng Yi's eyebrows turned cold; he glanced at the man, his gaze especially sharp, and said lightly, "Who are you?"

The man snorted, about to speak, but seeing Ling Tui Si raise a hand to stop him, he could only grudgingly stay silent.

Feng Yi chuckled scornfully: "I am speaking with Prefect Ling; a lackey who hides his head and tail, a menial servant, dares to interrupt—he truly has no sense of his own weight!"

The man's eyes flashed with ferocity as he laughed wildly: "I think this coffin is meant for you to prepare yourself!"

As his words hit the ground, he struck a palm at a coffin lying on the floor.

With a bang, instantly the coffin, borne by a fierce wind, hurtled straight toward Feng Yi.

The onlookers exchanged startled glances; the coffin itself was not light, yet he could shove it several zhang with a single palm—his martial prowess is truly rare, and no one knows who he is.

Feng Yi's expression remained unchanged; he said coldly, "The coffin may be big, but I fear you won't fit inside it!"

As he spoke, the coffin had already flown to within three feet of him; Feng Yi suddenly kicked out with his right foot, striking the coffin's base squarely.

The coffin promptly flipped over and soared into midair.

(End of chapter)