Chapter 56: Defeat Sheng Yi, the Patriarch Appears

These five are all experts of the Blood Blade Sect, especially Sheng Yi, whose martial arts are only inferior to the Blood Blade Patriarch.

If Feng Yi faced a single opponent, he could kill him with a wave of his hand; dealing with two or three would not be difficult either.

But the five formed a continuous assault; to kill one outright, his strength would have to be focused into a single move.

At that moment his whole body would be like an egg without a shell, and since the opponents were all highly skilled, they would surely exploit any opening; once injured, in this situation he would have nowhere to bury himself.

Although he had the Silkworm Armor to protect him, he could withstand one of their blows and kill one of them without difficulty.

Yet Feng Yi's mind is sharp and he plans ahead; he knows the Blood Blade Sect certainly has more than these five, and they still have a master.

Whether the Blood Blade Patriarch has actually arrived is uncertain to anyone.

Feng Yi would never assume that, just because Ding Tian in the original plot faced the Blood Blade Five Monks in the Jingzhou prison and thus would necessarily fare the same as him.

Such a thought would be overly presumptuous.

Therefore the Silkworm Armor is Feng Yi's trump card prepared for the Blood Blade Patriarch; it must not be wasted on these few unless absolutely necessary.

If the Blood Blade Patriarch were present and witnessed this, it would be hard to achieve surprise, to strike when unprepared, and to settle the situation in one blow.

For this reason he exchanged a few moves with them using genuine martial arts; but Baoxiang's loud cry as he fell startled the several Blood Blade monks.

In a one‑on‑one fight, even if Feng Yi killed Baoxiang with a single strike, they would not be surprised; after all they had personally witnessed the depth of his internal energy.

However, the several attackers were surrounding him simultaneously; even if Feng Yi's internal energy were profound, while attacking others he would have to divert part of it to block and dodge their strikes, daring not to concentrate his full internal force on a single person — this is why they knew his internal energy was extremely deep yet still dared to surround him.

Little did they know that Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill had reached perfection, his internal energy unmatched in the world, surpassing that of Ding Tian in the original plot by three tenths.

After all, he possessed a sound body, with no pierced arm bones, no severed tendons, and no heavy shackles on him.

They had only absorbed the force of two or three punches from Ding Tian, but Feng Yi devoted only thirty to forty percent of his power to defense; Baoxiang could not match him, and as he flew backward the residual force of the Divine Illumination Skill still lingered, making him feel a strange power permeating his body, his whole frame sore, and he immediately collapsed.

Fortunately Baoxiang, who had long cultivated the internal energy of the Blood Blade Classic, also belonged to the yang‑and‑harmonious type, so his life was not endangered; otherwise the Divine Illumination Skill would have penetrated his viscera and he would surely have died.

Even so, Baoxiang lay on the ground feeling his arms about to split, his whole body sore, almost numb, unable to rise for a short time.

When Feng Yi's internal energy reached this level, anyone who saw him could not help but but feel startled and change color.

Sheng Yi was shocked, a tiny flaw appeared in his blade technique; though fleeting, it was enough for Feng Yi.

This thrust, seemingly simple, suddenly increased several times in speed, swift as a released electric spark; hearing Feng Yi's "zhe" sound, Sheng Yi felt an incomparably sharp sword qi that made his sweat stand on end; trying to block, parry, or dodge with his blade was too slow, and the other junior brothers' weapons wanting to strike Feng Yi also needed time.

Feng Yi's thrust looks simple, but its power depends entirely on the swordsman's skill; this strike exploits an opening and gathers the full force of the Divine Illumination Skill, making it impossible to block or evade.

Sheng Yi's blade light flashed before his eyes, his heart turned cold, and he silently cried, "My life is over!"

But at this critical moment, Feng Yi suddenly sensed a great disturbance in the surrounding qi; everyone only saw a flash before their eyes, and a person like a meteor pellet fell from the roof onto Feng Yi's back.

This came as a complete surprise to all; no one expected there to be someone hidden on the roof.

The newcomer shouted, "Do not hurt my disciple's life!" His voice was hoarse and dry, like tearing silk.

In the flash of lightning and fire, a red shadow darted toward Feng Yi's forehead; Feng Yi heard the sound of a metal blade cutting the wind behind him, the blade's edge still three feet away, yet a keen blade qi almost tore his collar; his internal energy surpassed that of the Blood Blade monks, and was not beneath Falling Flowers Flowing Water.

Feng Yi knew who had come without turning back; if he tried to kill Sheng Yi outright, even with the Silkworm Armor protecting him, his head might still be split in two.

In that flash of thought, a method to overcome the enemy and win arose spontaneously; he simply reversed his sword and blocked the incoming blade.

With a clang, the buzzing did not cease; the two blades crossed, Feng Yi's sword momentum paused abruptly, and the opponent's arm went numb from the shock of Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill, causing him to retreat a step involuntarily.

But that brief pause was enough to break Feng Yi's killing move, giving Sheng Yi an opportunity.

He was light‑footed, continuously tapping his feet, and immediately slid out; meanwhile, as Feng Yi blocked the blade with his backhand, he borrowed the blade's force, stamped his foot hard, and his whole body shot forward like a cannonball straight at Sheng Yi.

Sheng Yi felt Feng Yi's whole body bringing a tide‑like fierce wind that made his breathing difficult; he hastily swung his saber to block.

Feng Yi's speed did not diminish; he flicked his right hand with a curved finger, producing a clang; Sheng Yi had never seen such a swift maneuver, his wrist went numb, his single saber flew like wind‑blown fallen leaves to the right, leaving his defense wide open.

This series of changes was both rapid and wondrous; before Sheng Yi could react, Feng Yi already threw his whole body into a collision with his chest.

That impact was like a mountain collapsing and a sea overturning; only a series of cracks were heard, Sheng Yi felt as if struck by a siege ram, his body bent like a bow, his limbs and bones nearly disjointed, and he flew out like a torn sack.

In midair his eyes bulged, black blood poured from his ears and nose, his mouth gaped wide, and he flew several zhang away.

Though it sounds lengthy when described, the actual exchange took only the span of a flash of lightning and fire.

Not to mention that the people on the field did not see clearly; even with an extra person present, Feng Yi's ability gave him no time to scrutinize his appearance, showing how fierce and perilous the battle was.

Suddenly seeing Sheng Yi flung out, Ling Tui Si's followers burst into a chorus of exclamations.

Regardless of how the crowd reacted, Sheng Yi had not yet hit the ground when four crescent‑shaped long sabers appeared; one of them glowed with a deep red light, differing from the other three by bearing a spear‑like blade wind that sealed off all four sides around Feng Yi.

Executing this move, aside from meeting it head‑on, it is very difficult to break out of the encirclement.

Yet these four sabers, imbued with tremendous force and converging from all directions, Feng Yi had only one sword in hand; whether he could withstand them, nobody knows.

After Feng Yi had just killed Sheng Yi, he hastily exhaled a breath, stamped his foot, shaking several floor tiles into dust; at the same time his wide sleeves fluttered, dust rose, and his sword traced a ring, sealing off up, down, left and right in an airtight manner.

Everyone saw a whirlwind arise around Feng Yi, the dust on the ground filling the sky like a dust storm, as mighty as a tornado, making them dizzy.

Although the Blood Blade monks were strong, they could not make out Feng Yi's exact figure; they could only swing their blades based on memory and deduction.

The sound of clanging never ceased, sparks flew, and in an instant a white figure darted out from the blade net.

Feng Yi used the smoke and dust to obstruct the monks' view, sweeping his sword and waving his sleeves; he not only blocked all four attackers' assaults but actually broke out of the encirclement, leaving the four monks astonished, angry, and yet admiring.

Moreover, they failed to trap him and could not press further.

Because in cold weather drinking icy water, the sensation of cold and heat resides in the heart.

Shan Yong, Ba Yin, and Hu Jie's internal energy still fell short of Sheng Yi's; when their weapons clashed with Feng Yi's, their arms went numb and they could not quickly gather internal energy to fight him; they could only hold their sabers sideways, secretly regulating their breath, preparing for the next round of attack.

But their inability does not mean others cannot; amidst a series of cold chuckles, a black shadow shot like an angry arrow, that red shadow lunged toward Feng Yi's back, and he heard the shout, "Lie down!"

This blade was both swift and fierce, and it arrived just as Feng Yi broke out of the encirclement.

Although Feng Yi's internal energy is deep, he also felt the immense pressure; of the four crescent sabers, three were manageable, but the tremendous force of the remaining one almost squeezed through his rotating sword shield.

As he was about to expel a turbid breath, the blade wind struck him again, fiercely sharp.

At the critical moment, Feng Yi again turned his sword to block; unexpectedly the red shadow flickered and swayed in the wind, turning like a soft ribbon, suddenly drifting lightly and changing direction to slash at his back.

Feng Yi's breath had not yet settled, his hand unconsciously eased a little; the opponent's move was again extraordinarily swift, with endless follow‑ups; if he tried to block with his sword, losing the initiative, those who had just caught their breath…

Feng Yi made up his mind, immediately decided to take a risky move, shifted his body three feet sideways; the black‑clothed person's follow‑up strike aimed at his head, Feng Yi staggered, tilted his head, and heard a clang; the red shadow struck his shoulder; everyone cried out in alarm, and Ling Tui Si, seeing this, could not help but let light shine from his eyes.

He saw the newcomer's blade technique vicious, his internal energy profound; even if Feng Yi were formidable, this blow could very well dislocate his arm, making it impossible for him to ascend to heaven; yet the black‑clothed person uttered a surprised "yi", seemingly also unprepared for this turn of events.

As it turned out, he was experienced and crafty; when he swung that blade, he instantly felt there was no sound of the blade entering flesh.

When masters clash, victory or loss is decided in an instant.

His move failed; Feng Yi expelled a mouthful of turbid qi, rapidly activated his Divine Illumination Skill, a red glow flashed on his face, he gave a powerful shrug of his shoulder, his body tilted slightly, his left fist shot like lightning toward the opponent's chest.

Only then did Feng Yi have a chance to get a clear look at his appearance: he saw a monk clad in a black robe, extremely old, with a pointed head and shaved ears, his wrinkled face suffused with a terrifying red aura.

Feng Yi realized it was the Blood Saber Patriarch.

Even though the Blood Saber Patriarch had experienced a hundred battles, he never expected his treasure blade to fail to cut flesh; and as Feng Yi shrugged his shoulder, the blade slipped out of his control and flew up.

This move gave the Blood Saber Patriarch a big fright; his weapon was a sharp treasure blade, and he firmly believed that even if one had cultivated the Shaolin Diamond Indestructible Divine Skill, it would still not be unable to cut.

What's more terrifying, the blade in his hand not only failed to penetrate, but was rebounded by Feng Yi's Divine Illumination Skill; it not only sprang up, but his chest also felt as if his qi and blood were boiling.

The Blood Saber Patriarch silently cried 'oh no'; a huge force came crashing down like a mountain; he instinctively twisted his body to dodge, but Feng Yi's punch had seized the initiative, its wind enveloping him, leaving no time to evade.

Where the fist's force reached, with a bang, the Blood Saber Patriarch's chest felt a heavy impact; he slid outward over two zhang, and a jet of blood spurted from his mouth.

"Master!"

Shanyong and Hujie, who were behind the Blood Saber Patriarch, rushed forward to support him, but as soon as their fingertips touched the Master's back, a huge force surged forth, making them retreat three steps with a thud-thud-thud, swaying before they steadied.

Although describing these actions takes a while, they all happened in the blink of an eye; the speed at which several people struck and the rapidity of their changes directly caused everyone to tremble and change color, exclaiming in unison.

"Master, are you alright?"

Bayin leapt forward again, steadying the still-shaken Blood Saber Patriarch.

Baoxiang also caught his breath at this moment and shouted: "Master, this kid's internal energy is too uncanny; be extremely careful."

Everyone was horrified; this old monk was actually the master of that group of Blood Saber monks, yet even joining forces they could not defeat Feng Yi alone.

Ling Tui Si couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.

The Blood Saber Patriarch, still shaken, shook his head and shouted: "I'm fine."

However, blood continued to trickle from the corner of his mouth; the soft sword in his right hand, its edge facing outward, looked razor-thin and sharp, the blade trembling incessantly like a live snake; he seemed unharmed, but in reality his five viscera and six bowels were nearly overturned.

The Divine Illumination Skill's momentum was overwhelmingly strong; this strike again hit a vital spot on the chest. Had Feng Yi not been wounded by the blade first, this punch would have lacked even half its usual power, and the Blood Saber Patriarch would have been taken out as soon as he entered the fight.

Even so, he had already suffered serious internal injuries.

The Blood Saber Patriarch lifted his gaze and saw Feng Yi's eyes dark and gloomy, slowly retracting his right fist, and he said in a deep voice: "Blood Saber old thief!"

The Blood Saber Patriarch's anger surpassed his internal injuries; he stared straight at Feng Yi and laughed loudly: "Amazing, amazing! I, the Patriarch, said your great reputation—how could you cut off my arm with a single blade?"

Damn it! I never expected you to be wearing that protective treasure armor, and you even deliberately took a punch from Baoxiang; the Patriarch really miscalculated this time! While speaking, he slowly rubbed the back of his blade across his shiny bald head.

The Blood Saber Patriarch's blade failed to penetrate; given his experience and insight, he shouldn't have been so easily struck.

But he saw that Feng Yi needed to resist even a punch from Baoxiang, and he had just exchanged over ten moves with himself and his disciples, not having caught his breath; when he swung this blade, its power was tremendous, and he felt certain of victory.

He was thinking about how to cripple him and seize his Divine Illumination Skill; then he would surely be number one under heaven, and the beauties of the world would be his for the taking, leaving him feeling elated and carefree.

He never expected that Feng Yi wore a Black Silkworm Armor and possessed internal strength far superior to his; it was a deliberate let-him-cut, a case of scheming against the unsuspecting, and he immediately suffered a great loss, which he naturally refused to accept.

Feng Yi looked at the Blood Saber Patriarch's highly distinctive move and said lightly: "You're also impressive; if not for the protective armor, this arm of mine would already have been severed by you. To have lived this long, your reputation is truly deserved; I admire you."

While speaking, Feng Yi transferred his long sword to his left hand and began to massage his shoulder.

Although he had the Black Silkworm Armor and Divine Illumination Skill doubly protecting him, that blow from the Blood Saber Patriarch was still hard to bear.

The opponent's internal strength was far beyond that of Shengyi and the others; the Blood Saber blade itself is a sharp weapon, thinner than an ordinary saber, with force concentrated at a point, so his half body felt numb and sore, and he could only secretly regulate his breath.

The Blood Saber Patriarch raised his thumb: "For that remark, I should have exchanged another three hundred moves with you. Unfortunately, I, the Patriarch, have lost a hand and can't keep you company!"

"Three hundred moves?" Feng Yi chuckled: "Do you deserve it?"

The Blood Saber Patriarch's face was flushed crimson, his eyes seeming to spit fire.

Feng Yi, however, maintained a normal complexion, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth that never faded.

Feng Yi knew that in the Liancheng world, the Blood Saber Patriarch's martial arts were not the highest, but his battle record was the most glorious; facing the four opponents of Falling Flowers Flowing Water whose skills were not inferior to his own, he could kill three and capture one, which could be called a miracle.

However, the biggest factor behind this miracle was the geographical advantage and his deep understanding of the snow's habits, which allowed him to strike Falling Flowers Flowing Water off guard.

But today, facing Feng Yi, he not only lacked that advantage; on the contrary, Feng Yi understood him quite well.

From before he even appeared, Feng Yi had been thinking how to scheme against him; once he showed up, all those plans were put to use.

However, thinking back to the danger just now, Feng Yi also broke out in a cold sweat from fear.

The Blood Saber Patriarch gave a soft snort: "Your internal strength is indeed far stronger than mine, but you rely only on the protective armor—what are you getting all worked up about?"

Feng Yi said lightly: "You lurked nearby, watching the five major disciples besiege me—one to drain my spirit and energy, two to observe my martial arts repertoire."

But you didn't expect that I had long known your nature, always keeping your thoughts in mind.

Your disposition is ruthless; if Shengyi weren't your disciple with the highest martial arts, fearing he'd be dead, you wouldn't have lifted a hand.

You wanted my energy to wane, then you would step forth calmly and decide the fate of heaven and earth in one move.

Alas, the path of martial arts is infinitely variable; martial skill is merely a prerequisite, victory or defeat still depends on timing and luck, and actual combat performance.

You brought your five major disciples, while I wear the treasure armor unseen; neither of us outshines the other in brilliance.

But your internal strength is inferior to mine, your martial arts are not stronger, and even though your combat experience is seasoned, this is Jingzhou, and I am more familiar with it than you.

You also misjudged the enemy, your strategy off by three moves or more; you're an old fogey—what qualifies you to trade three hundred moves with me?

The Blood Saber Patriarch's heart sank to the depths; he knew little of Feng Yi, while Feng Yi knew him inside out, and he cursed inwardly: "Damn it, all day I strike at geese, yet let a small bird peck my eye."

The supreme one laughed: "Excellent, excellent!" The blade's back bore his shiny bald head, and he clicked his tongue repeatedly: "You say that—today you surely intend to keep me, the Patriarch, here?"

"Is that so?" Feng Yi narrowed his eyes: "It just depends on your own courage."

(End of chapter)