Chapter 80: with translation of chapter title

Feng Yi realized that Yang Guo anticipated every move; the Quanzhen sword style, no matter how it shifts, cannot escape the Jade Maiden Sword's enveloping technique—if one thrust landed, the Big Dipper Formation would be broken. Yet at the critical moment he lacked the strength to follow through and could not wound anyone.

Interpretation: Originally Feng Yi saw that Yang Guo's every move seized the initiative against the enemy; the Quanzhen sword technique, no matter how it dodged and changed, could never escape the encirclement of the Jade Maiden sword technique; if one of those thrusts were to wound, this "Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation" would be broken. But at the crucial moment, he lacked follow-through strength and could not wound anyone.

Let's produce: "Originally Feng Yi saw that Yang Guo's every move seized the initiative against the enemy; the Quanzhen sword art, no matter how it dodged and changed, could never escape the encirclement of the Jade Maiden sword art—if one thrust landed, this 'Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation' would be broken. Yet at the crucial moment he lacked follow‑through strength and could not wound anyone."

Make sure it's one line.

Furthermore, Yang Guo wasn't holding back, so to a martial arts master like Feng Yi it felt ambiguous—neither satisfying nor frustrating—leaving him with an itchy, uneasy feeling.

Translation: "Furthermore, Yang Guo was not holding back, so to Feng Yi, a master of martial arts, this situation felt rather unsatisfying, making one's heart itch unbearably."

We need to keep meaning: "Moreover, Yang Guo's manner was not holding back, so to Feng Yi, a great martial arts master, this gave a feeling of being neither here nor there, making one's heart itch unbearably."

Let's produce: "Moreover, Yang Guo was not holding back, so to Feng Yi, a great martial arts master, this felt neither here nor there, making one's heart itch unbearably."

It's just like a couple who, at the very end, suddenly lose that spark—who wouldn't feel their heart ache? Not only Feng Yi felt this way; Yang Guo was similarly confused. He had heard from Xiao Longnu that the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra neutralizes Quanzhen kung fu, even surpassing Wang Chongyang, yet now he can't overcome the Big Dipper Formation and doesn't understand its mysteries.

Translation: "It's like between a man and a woman—when it's almost over, suddenly that thrill is gone; who wouldn't feel anxious? In fact, not only Feng Yi thought so, Yang Guo also felt puzzled; he had heard from Xiao Longnv that the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra restrained Quanzhen sect martial arts and surpassed Wang Zhongyang, yet now he could not defeat this Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation, and he understood even less the mysteries of this Heavenly Gang Formation."

Make concise: "It's like between a man and a woman—when it's almost over, suddenly that thrill is gone; who wouldn't feel anxious? Not only Feng Yi thought so; Yang Guo also felt puzzled, having heard from Xiao Longnv that the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra restrained Quanzhen martial arts and surpassed Wang Zhongyang, yet now he could not defeat the Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation and understood even less its mysteries."

All this happened because Lin Chaoying and Wang Chongyang aimed only to compare skills, not to fight; a single victory sufficed, and they never intended to injure anyone.

Translation: "This was all because Lin Chaoying and Wang Zhongyang aimed only to compare skills, not to fight; a single victory sufficed, and they would never hurt anyone."

When Lin Chaoying and Wang Chongyang fought, they were serious seventy percent of the time and playful thirty percent; their abilities were evenly matched, so in reality neither could defeat the other.

Translation: "When Lin Chaoying and Wang Zhongyang sparred, seventy percent was earnest, yet thirty percent was mere play; their martial arts were evenly matched, so in truth neither could defeat the other."

Knowing that Lin Chaoying was eager to win and pitying her as a woman, Wang Chongyang would often yield a move or half a move at critical moments; Lin Chaoying then seized the opportunity to vary her tactics—sometimes acting coy and foolish, sometimes behaving wildly and shamelessly, showing no trace of a grand master's dignity. When Wang Chongyang laughed and cried in exasperation, Lin Chaoying would still win.

Translation: "Wang Zhongyang clearly knew his opponent was eager to win and pitied her as a woman, so at critical moments he would repeatedly yield a move or half; Lin Chaoying thereby varied her tactics—sometimes coquettish and feigning ignorance, sometimes wanton and mischievous, showing no bearing of a grand martial master; when Wang Zhongyang laughed and cried, Lin Chaoying would thus win."

These sword techniques are ideal for practicing with one's own comrades, but in actual combat they rely on numerous flourishes and empty moves, making it hard for the opponent to discern real from fake; they are easily deceived, and by the time the trick is noticed, one has already been controlled by the enemy, leaving no room for regret.

Translation: "Such sword techniques are originally ideal for sparring with one's own people, but when facing a real enemy, because the flourishes are many and false forms abound, the enemy finds it hard to discern truth from falsehood and is easily deceived; by the time one realizes, it's already too late—the opponent has seized control, leaving regret beyond remedy."

Li Mochou uses a whisk instead of a sword because the Ancient Tomb School's sword techniques are wondrous and unpredictable—seemingly ordinary, then suddenly a phantom move appears, looking as if she is about to discard her sword and concede, yet bizarrely the sword technique erupts from an utterly impossible direction, dazzling the eyes and leaving one helpless.

Translation: "Li Mochou uses a horsetail whisk instead of a sword because the Ancient Tomb Sect's sword techniques are wondrous and unpredictable—seemingly ordinary, suddenly a phantom move arises, looking as if she would discard her sword and surrender, yet strange things erupt, and sword techniques spring from utterly impossible places, truly dazzling the eye and leaving one at a loss."

Although her swordplay is exquisite, it is not easy to wound an opponent; therefore she applies sword techniques through her whisk, which are marvelous and inscrutable, often securing victory in a single exchange.

Translation: "Yet although the sword art is exquisite, it is not easy to wound the enemy; therefore she executes sword techniques with the horsetail whisk—the sword art is marvelous and inscrutable, often winning in a single bout."

But now Yang Guo faces the Big Dipper Formation; although his moves can confuse the attacker, the person being attacked does not attempt to block or dodge, relying instead on assistance from other positions, so these flashy tactics lose much of their effectiveness.

Translation: "But now Yang Guo faces the Heavenly Gang Formation; although its moves can confuse the attacker, the one being attacked does not block or dodge, relying instead on aid from other positions, so these flowery techniques lose much of their effectiveness."

Moreover, the seven Quanzhen disciples no longer use swords, so Yang Guo's long sword cannot counter their fists and feet, making the situation extremely perilous. If the other Taoists were not like Zhao Zhijing and his disciples, intent on killing him, Yang Guo would already have been slain.

Translation: "Moreover, the Quanzhen Seven Daoists no longer use swords; Yang Guo's long sword cannot counter their fists and feet, making the situation perilous in countless ways. If the other Daoists were not like Zhao Zhijing and his disciples, intent on killing him, Yang Guo would already have been slain."

Zhao Zhijing also saw this and shouted, "You traitor! First you betrayed your master, then you painstakingly learned a skill to counter our sect's martial arts—for the sake of our teaching, today either you die or I perish!"

Translation: "Zhao Zhijing also saw this and shouted, 'You rebel, first betraying your master, then painstakingly learning a martial art that counters our sect— for the sake of the Quanzhen Sect, today either you die or I perish!'"

He said this to stir up his fellow brothers' devotion to the sect, urging them to join him in killing Yang Guo.

Translation: "He said this to stir up the protective zeal of his fellow brothers toward the sect, so they would join him in killing Yang Guo."

Yang Guo, already driven into a corner and of a reckless nature, shouted, "Today I would rather die fighting than let you live, you despicable villain!"

Translation: "Yang Guo, already driven into a predicament and of a rash temperament, shouted, 'Today I will risk my life to kill you, you despicable wretch!'"

A flash of ferocity crossed his eyes; he leapt forward, twisted his body, and while airborne, his posture was light and graceful, like wind blowing willows. He slashed three times in quick succession, striking Zhao Zhijing's both shoulders and the top of his head.

Translation: "A flash of ferocity crossed his eyes; he leapt forward, somersaulting into midair, his posture light and graceful like willows in the wind, and swish‑swish‑swish he thrust three swords, aiming at Zhao Zhijing's both shoulders and head."

As for the Daoists stationed at the Tianxuan and Yaoguang positions, they also surged with momentum, letting out a long cry and sending their fists and palms flying from the side to assist.

Translation: "As for the Daoists at the Tianxuan and Yaoguang positions, they too filled with vigor, let out a long cry, and sent fists and palms flying to strike from the side and rescue."

Yang Guo paid no heed, charging forward with a reckless, self‑sacrificing resolve—he would die dragging Zhao Zhijing down with him.

Translation: "Yang Guo utterly disregarded everything, adopting a stance of rushing into boiling water and treading fire—he would die dragging Zhao Zhijing down with him."

Zhao Zhijing stared at the sword shadows falling like a sky‑covering veil, his chest seething with suppressed rage; he longed to shout to heaven and earth, to broadcast the scandalous affair between Yang Guo and Xiao Longnu.

Translation: "Zhao Zhijing watched the sword shadows fill the sky, his chest suffocating to the extreme; he longed to cry out to heaven and earth, broadcasting the scandalous affair between Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv."

Seeing Zhao Zhijing engulfed in a blade‑like aura, Feng Yi could not help but show surprise, thinking, "This kid is utterly reckless!"

Translation: "Feng Yi saw Zhao Zhijing enveloped in a sheath of sharp shadows, could not help but show surprise, thinking, 'This kid is utterly crazy!'"

In a flash, Feng Yi planted his foot, swift as an arrow, and swung his staff with the subduing‑tiger motion toward the seven Quanzhen disciples, while simultaneously raising his left palm to emit a blend of hard and soft internal energy.

Translation: "In a flash of thought, he planted his foot, swift as an arrow, and with his cane unleashed a strike like a tiger descending from a mountain toward the Quanzhen Seven Daoists, while simultaneously raising his left palm to issue a dark energy that blended hardness and softness."

With a resonant hum, Yang Guo's tiger mouth shuddered violently; his sword flew from his hand. He reacted instantly, slapping his palm forward, but unexpectedly his palm ached, the sword hilt flew back to him. He caught it reflexively, yet his rhythm was broken and he could no longer execute the following moves.

Translation: "With a hum, Yang Guo's tiger mouth shuddered violently, his long sword flying from his hand; he reacted swiftly, swinging his palm to strike, but unexpectedly his palm ached, the sword hilt was sent back to him, he instinctively caught it, yet his rhythm was disrupted and he could no longer execute the following moves."

Suddenly Feng Yi raised his hand again; his sword turned into a white flash, he snatched it and plunged it into the table before Hong Lingbo, where it trembled slightly.

Translation: "Suddenly Feng Yi raised his hand again; his long sword turned into a white light, seized, and plunged into the table before Hong Lingbo, trembling."

Feng Yi's staff then unleashed an irresistible pressure, like rivers overturning seas; Zhao Zhijing and the others felt a crushing wind press against their bodies, involuntarily stepping back several faces, their complexions turning ashen as they swayed on the verge of collapse.

Translation: "And Feng Yi's cane emitted an irresistible pressure, as if overturning rivers and seas; Zhao Zhijing and the others instantly felt a force pressing on their bodies, involuntarily stepping back several steps, their faces pallid, swaying on the verge of collapse."

Feng Yi separated the two sides, planted his staff, performed a somersault and landed back on the table, seated.

Translation: "Feng Yi separated the two sides, planted his cane, performed a somersault backward, and sat upon the table."

He moved forward and backward in an instant, flowing like light, as if he had not moved at all.

Translation: "His advances and retreats were sudden, his movements like flowing light, as if he had not moved at all."

At that moment Yang Guo landed, his face full of astonishment as he looked at Feng Yi; seeing Feng Yi reveal his martial prowess, he felt both ashamed and impressed—such skill rivaled that of his uncle Guo, and yet he had thought to help this disabled man, which now seemed laughable.

Translation: "Only then did Yang Guo land, his face full of astonishment as he looked at Feng Yi; seeing Feng Yi reveal his martial arts now, he felt both ashamed and convinced, for such skill compared to that of Guo Bo of old was not lacking, yet he himself had wanted to help this cripple—truly laughable."

The entire hall fell silent.

Translation: "The entire venue fell silent as if not even a sparrow could be heard."

The seven Quanzhen disciples stood dazed, wondering what they had come for; such experts, even the sect's top master Changchun Zhenren could hardly match them, yet they had run here to cause trouble? Though Feng Yi, after observing both Zhen Zhibing and the seven Quanzhen disciples, could not fully grasp the mysteries of the Big Dipper Formation, he had gained some insight—especially the distinction between real and feigned moves, the tactic of showing a weakness to lure the opponent, which, while reliant on subtlety, cannot be countered by mere internal strength tricks.

Translation: "The Quanzhen Seven Daoists stood dumbfounded—what were they doing here? Such masters, even the sect's top expert Changchun Zhenren could hardly match them, yet they came looking for a match? Feng Yi, having observed both Zhen Zhibing and the Quanzhen Seven Daoists, though he could not fully grasp the mysteries of the Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation, it was not entirely useless; especially, martial arts moves have real and false aspects, the winning method of feinting and revealing flaws, but internal strength admits no trickery."

Feng Yi's deep, pure internal power rivals any contemporary master; staff and palm issued together, not only suppressing the opponent's force but also pinpointing the flaw in their technique—like striking a venomous snake at its seventh inch—so the so‑called Ancient Tomb sword art and the "Big Dipper Northern Dipper" are shattered in a single blow.

Translation: "Feng Yi's internal strength is profound and rich, not inferior to any contemporary master; palm and cane issued together, both suppressing the opponent's insufficient force and directly pointing to the flaw in their technique—like striking a venomous snake at its seventh inch; thus the so‑called Ancient Tomb Sword Art and 'Heavenly Gang Big Dipper' are surely broken in a single blow."

Seeing Yang Guo's embarrassed expression, Feng Yi sighed softly and said, "Death can be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather; sparring is our duty as martial artists. If Yang Guo were to trade his life for another's, would that not bring pain to loved ones and joy to enemies?"

Translation: "Feng Yi saw Yang Guo's embarrassed expression, lightly sighed, and said, 'Death can be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather; to compare and practice martial arts is indeed our duty—if Young Hero Yang exchanged life for life, would it not bring pain to kin and joy to foes?'"

Yang Guo's face grew heavy; thinking of his aunt still wounded, he realized that fighting here, even if he killed Zhao Zhijing, would serve no purpose. He immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, Brother Feng, for your aid; I am deeply grateful."

Translation: "Yang Guo's face grew heavy; thinking of his aunt still injured, and himself here fighting desperately, even if he killed Zhao Zhijing, what good would it do? He immediately cupped his hands and said, 'Many thanks, Brother Feng, for your aid—I am deeply grateful.'"

"You flatter me," Feng Yi replied, waving his hand. "To stop evil, rescue the endangered—this is the spirit of chivalry, something many great sects fall short of, worthy of admiration."

Translation: "'Too kind,' Feng Yi waved his hand: 'You can stop others from evil deeds and rescue them from peril—this is the spirit of chivalry, something many great sects fall short of, worthy of admiration.'"

Feng Yi delights in those who champion justice and act bravely; his praise made Yang Guo's embarrassment ease a little, and he felt honored to be associated with such virtue.

Translation: "Feng Yi likes those who practice chivalry and act bravely in the face of justice, so he does not stint on praise; these words not only eased Yang Guo's embarrassment a little, but also made him feel honored."

He had long been scorned by the world, never praised, and he himself felt compelled to stand out, despising the Quanzhen sect and deliberately opposing it; yet hearing that his conduct bore a chivalrous spirit was a first for him.

Translation: "He had long been despised by the world, never praised, yet he also felt compelled to stand out, disliking the Quanzhen Sect and deliberately opposing it; but hearing that his conduct also bore the spirit of chivalry, this was the first time."

However, Zhao Zhijing's face flushed red; suddenly his eyes stared blankly and he spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing limp, his dantian feeling as if fried in oil, his true qi churning uncontrollably.

Translation: "But Zhao Zhijing's old face flushed red; suddenly his eyes stared, he spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsed seated, his dantian felt like oil in a pan, his true qi churned uncontrollably."

Everyone wondered why this happened, but only Feng Yi knew: his technique had not been fully expelled, his own internal energy forced it back, causing a reverse flow of qi that inflicted severe internal injury.

Translation: "Everyone wondered why this happened; only Feng Yi understood—his technique had not been fully expelled, his own internal force drove it back, a reverse surge of qi causing severe internal injury."

Feng Yi coldly said, "Daoist Zhao, you have repeatedly challenged me three times; now that your skill falls short, you have no one to blame but yourself!"

Note: There's a typo "you". We'll translate as "you". We'll keep meaning.

Translation: "Feng Yi coldly said, 'Daoist Zhao, you have challenged me repeatedly today; now your skill is inferior to mine—no wonder.'"

"By rights I should spare you, not pursue you to the bitter end, but you just called Yang Guo my disciple and then kept calling him a little beast, a bastard—clearly you are narrow‑minded and devoid of courtesy.

Translation: "By rights I should spare you, not pursue you to extermination, yet you just called Brother Yang your disciple, yet you kept calling him a little beast, a bastard—clearly narrow‑minded, devoid of humanity."

If I let you go, you will surely return and stir up trouble between the Quanzhen sect and me, causing me hassle; therefore I had better send you to the west once and for all, ending this matter.

Translation: "If I let you go, you will surely return to add fuel to the fire, letting the Quanzhen Sect make trouble for me, which would also annoy me; so I had better send you westward, to settle the matter once and for all."

Yang Guo suddenly stepped forward, blocking Zhao Zhijing, and bowed with a smile, saying, "Please, Brother Feng, show mercy!"

Translation: "Yang Guo suddenly stepped forward, blocking Zhao Zhijing, cupped his hands and smiled, 'Please, Brother Feng, show mercy!'"

The onlookers were baffled, utterly confused—just moments ago he had been shouting for Zhao Zhijing to be beaten and killed; only Feng Yi understood that this was the proud, headstrong Yang Guo, who gave a faint smirk, said nothing, and lifted his wine pot to pour himself a drink.

Translation: "The onlookers were mostly baffled, utterly perplexed—had he not just been shouting for Zhao Zhijing to be beaten and killed? Only Feng Yi understood: this was the arrogant, willful Yang Guo; he gave a hey‑chuckle, said nothing, and lifted the wine pot to pour himself a drink."

Yang Guo added, "I have at least bowed to him and called him master; now he has not returned the gesture, so he cannot die yet—I thank him here."

Translation: "Yang Guo also said, 'At least I have kowtowed to him and called him master; he has not yet returned the gesture, so he cannot die—little brother here thanks him.'"

Yang Guo had originally intended to kill Zhao Zhijing last night, but Xiao Longnu said a master must not be slain.

Translation: "Yang Guo had originally intended to kill Zhao Zhijing last night, but Xiao Longnv said the master must not be killed."

Yang Guo obeyed Xiao Longnu's words as if they were divine, so he made him swear an oath.

Translation: "Yang Guo regarded Xiao Longnv's words as divine command, so he could only make him swear an oath."

In truth Feng Yi also had no wish to kill Zhao Zhijing—first, his leg was not healed, so fewer troubles were better; second, he merely wanted to see how Yang Guo would react if he tried to kill Zhao Zhijing.

Translation: "Feng Yi actually had no intention of killing Zhao Zhijing either; first, his leg was not healed—better to do less than more; second, he merely wanted to see how Yang Guo would act if he killed Zhao Zhijing."

Indeed, he is a proud and stubborn sort.

Translation: "Indeed, he is a proud and stubborn nature."

The difference between killing and sparing is but a fleeting instant.

Translation: "Between killing and not killing lies only an instant."

In fact, the world's changes are often beyond expectation, and so are human hearts.

Translation: "In fact, the world's changes are often beyond expectation, let alone the human heart."

Yang Guo frowned at Zhao Zhijing and said, "I once took you as my master and kowtowed eight times; now you are no longer my teacher, yet those eight bows have not been returned."

Translation: "Yang Guo frowned, looking at Zhao Zhijing, and said, 'I once bowed to you as master, kowtowing eight times; now you are no longer my teacher, yet those eight kowtows you have not returned.'"

Zhao Zhijing flared with anger, opened his mouth to curse, but the foul words stuck in his throat and would not come out.

Translation: "Zhao Zhijing flew into a rage, opening his mouth to curse, but the foul words would not come out."

Yang Guo chuckled lightly, "You need not curse me in your heart; today you are not defeated by my hand, and I will not make you repay those bows. No matter how malicious your intentions, you owe an explanation to this young hero Feng."

"Although they do not fear you lot of feathered rebels, if you act like a mad dog and harass people, that is still not good."

We need to combine lines 51 and 52 as separate lines; they are separate numbered lines. So we translate each.

Line 51: "Yang Guo chuckled lightly, 'You need not curse me in your heart; today you are not defeated by my hand, and I will not make you repay those bows. No matter how malicious your intentions, you owe an explanation to this young hero Feng.'"

Translation: "Yang Guo chuckled lightly, 'You need not curse me in your heart; today you are not defeated by my hand, and I will not let you repay it—but no matter how malicious your intentions, you owe an explanation to this Young Hero Feng.'"

Line 52: "'Although they do not fear you lot of feathered rebels, if you act like a mad dog and harass people, that is still not good.'"

Translation: "'They may not fear you lot of feathered rascals, but if you harass them like a mad dog, that is also not good.'"

Zhao Zhijing's forehead bulged with veins, his face twisted beyond recognition.

Translation: "Zhao Zhijing's forehead veins bulged, his face twisted beyond recognition."

Yang Guo ignored him, turned to Feng Yi and said, "Brother Feng, is this acceptable?"

Translation: "Yang Guo ignored him, turned to Feng Yi and asked, 'Brother Feng, is this all right?'"

Feng Yi smiled, "Do as you wish, but you must listen to what this Daoist Zhao has to say, one point at a time."

Translation: "Feng Yi smiled, 'Do as you wish, but Daoist Zhao has some words you must hear one by one.'"

Yang Guo faced Zhao Zhijing and said, "You are a senior of the martial world; when your opponent loses, what should happen? Do I need to teach you? Or should I let you kill me here, to fulfill your reputation as a hero?"

Translation: "Yang Guo looked at Zhao Zhijing and said, 'You are also a senior of the martial world; when the opponent loses, what should happen—must I teach you? Or should I let me kill you here, to fulfill your reputation as a hero?'"

Zhao Zhijing knew Yang Guo wanted to kill him; if he stubbornly denied it, either Feng Yi or Yang Guo would surely end his life—comparing fame to life, the choice is not difficult.

Translation: "Zhao Zhijing knew Yang Guo harbored intent to kill him; if he stubbornly denied it, either Feng Yi or Yang Guo would have to kill him, and comparing reputation to life, the choice was not difficult."

He glanced at Feng Yi, an attendant helped him up, and Zhao Zhijing bowed, saying, "Your martial prowess surpasses all; I am defeated, heart and conviction convinced. Green hills remain, clear waters flow forever—farewell."

Translation: "So he glanced at Feng Yi, a nearby Daoist helped him up, and Zhao Zhijing cupped his hands, 'Your martial prowess is supreme; I, a humble Daoist, am defeated heart and mouth; may the green hills endure and the waters flow ever on—farewell.'"

Having spoken his words of surrender, Zhao Zhijing turned and rushed out of the inn's door; the other few Quanzhen disciples followed him out.

Translation: "Having spoken his parting words, Zhao Zhijing turned and rushed out of the inn's door, the other several Quanzhen Daoists following him out."

Feng Yi rose and clasped his hands toward Yang Guo, saying, "You've worked hard; we'll part here."

Yang Guo clasped his hands and laughed, saying, "Brother Feng, you're too polite." After a brief pause: "Brother Feng, was what I just did wrong?"

Yang Guo clasped his hands and laughed, saying, "Brother Feng, you're too polite." After a slight pause: "Brother Feng, was what I just did wrong?"

We must keep it as a single line.

Now 【62】: Feng Yi said, "What do you mean by that?"

Feng Yi said: "What brings you to say this?"

: Yang Guo said, "I let Zhao Zhijing go, going against your wishes. He is narrow-minded, and who knows what he'll do in the future..."

We need to keep the ellipsis? The Chinese ends with 「……」. We'll keep an ellipsis.

: Feng Yi waved his hand and said, "You're overthinking. In my eyes, whether Zhao Zhijing lives or dies is of no consequence."

: After saying that, he paused: "Zhao Zhijing harbors ill intentions in our eyes, a despicable villain, yet among the Quanzhen Sect he is the foremost of the third-generation disciples. If I truly killed him, I would instead draw enmity from the Quanzhen Sect, for he is not worth it. Fortunately, you have appeared to bring balance, which could be called perfect!" Yang Guo was delighted, clasped his hands and said, "Thank you!" After thinking, he added: "Brother Feng, your martial arts are truly extraordinary; to you, their broken formation is as flimsy as paper—just look at how Zhao Zhijing was frightened just now."

We need to keep the quotes and punctuation.

: "Actually, I'm not worth mentioning," Feng Yi chuckled, shifting his gaze to fix on Yang Guo: "You are the one who is truly remarkable."

: Yang Guo startled, blurted out: "I'm remarkable?"

: He felt bewildered.

: Feng Yi said lightly: "A person who has the ability to kill and dares to kill is hardly worth mentioning, because anyone can do that. But a person who has the ability to kill yet can refrain from doing so—that is truly difficult."

: "Only one who has attained great mastery in self-discipline and mind cultivation can achieve that!"

: These words, full of deep meaning, made Yang Guo shudder involuntarily.

: Feng Yi said, "Brother Yang, it's getting late; we'll meet again if fate allows." Saying this, he and Hong Lingbo rose and left.

: Yang Guo startled, seeing Hong Lingbo, then recalled just now; he immediately darted forward to block the two, gazing at Hong Lingbo with great curiosity and asked: "Miss, your footwork... and how do you know about the Heavenly Net and Earthly Trap?"

: Hong Lingbo smiled but did not answer.

: Feng Yi nodded with a smile: "She is called Hong Lingbo, also of the Ancient Tomb Sect, a disciple of Li Mochou." He hesitated slightly: "Nowadays, she is my bedmate."

: He spoke frankly and directly; Hong Lingbo was taken aback, her cheeks flaming, barely able to lift her head, yet she felt sweet inside. Yang Guo, however, was both astonished and impressed, saying: "Brother Feng, Li Mochou is a demoness—you dare provoke her? She is ruthless, taking lives in the midst of laughter and talk; she kills without blinking."

: Feng Yi's ears twitched slightly as he said, "This is a long story; I'll tell you in detail later. This is no place to linger!" He turned and walked away.

: Yang Guo hurriedly asked, "Brother Feng, where are you headed?"

: Feng Yi replied, "Just a wandering idler of the mountains and wilds—where would I have any destination?"

: "Brother Feng," Yang Guo followed him out, saying, "Brother Feng, if you have nothing else to do, how about we go for a night ascent of Mount Zhongnan?"

: "A night ascent of Mount Zhongnan?" Feng Yi turned his head: "You say that to a disabled person like me?"

: Yang Guo lifted his head to look at the sky; the moon was high, stars sparse, and he smiled: "I would gladly seek your advice, but my elders at home are waiting for me to deliver medicine, so I invite you—please grant me this favor."

: Yang Guo is only sixteen now, of a restless nature, living daily in the Ancient Tomb; without Xiao Longnv, how could he endure? Having seen Feng Yi today, he feels a sense of old acquaintance and wishes to invite him up the mountain for a chat.

: Even just chatting about the outside world would be fine.

: As for Feng Yi's disability, to a master of his caliber it is hardly an issue.

: Feng Yi pondered silently, then suddenly glanced at a low wall and murmured, "You still can't hold back, huh!"

: Yang Guo startled, followed the sound, and saw a yellow flash several zhang away that instantly appeared before him.

: In the moonlight it was clear: a beautiful Daoist nun wearing apricot-yellow robes, with apricot eyes and peach cheeks; Yang Guo also saw the whisk in her hand, surprise flickering in his brow, his body jerked and he rasped, "Li Mochou!"

: As it turned out, Li Mochou knew Feng Yi would go to the south gate of Chang'an to block herself; being swift, it became apparent.

: She hid in the dark, saw them buying a donkey to go up the mountain, and directly seized a horse, tailing them all the way.

: Just now Yang Guo had scolded her, and she couldn't restrain herself, which Feng Yi overheard.

: Li Mochou glanced at Yang Guo, seeing he seemed somewhat familiar, and said with a half-smile: "Do you know me?"

: Yang Guo had personally witnessed her wanton arrogance back then, killing the mothers of the Wu brothers, and he himself had been poisoned by her Ice Soul toxin—how could he not recognize her! Yet Li Mochou does not recognize the present Yang Guo.

: Suddenly Feng Yi shouted, "Li Mochou, you go back on your word? Come with me!"

: Li Mochou said lightly, "I must see my junior sister once; when the time comes, whether it's the Five Poisons Secret Transmission, killing or chopping, I'll obey your command."

: Yang Guo's face changed upon hearing this; he knew well the methods of his uncle-shishu, what does the master do? Feng Yi understood her intentions and sighed softly: "You are sisters; why must you stab her in the heart?"

: "You don't understand!" Li Mochou said coldly: "The Ancient Tomb Sect demands severing the seven emotions and six desires, never leaving the tomb in one's lifetime to inherit the mantle; I have failed to do so, so my master did not pass it on to me."

: "I accept that, but I just want to see my junior sister to see whether she has actually achieved it."

: Seeing her thus, Feng Yi sighed: "I thought only fools would bear a grudge against the dead..."

: Before he finished speaking, a sound of wind arose beside him; hundreds of silver threads like flowing light and flying snow swooped toward Yang Guo.

: Yang Guo leapt back, neutralizing her move, stared at Li Mochou with a look of surprise and doubt, and shouted, "What are you trying to do?"

: Li Mochou glanced at his footwork, smiled faintly, and said, "You are indeed a member of our sect!" She lightly whisked her whisk: "Won't you address me as Grand Aunt?"

: Yang Guo spat: "What kind of grand aunt are you?"

: Yang Guo had seen Li Mochou's techniques—her comings and goings swift, her whisk flying everywhere; her martial prowess is rare in the world.

: Only Guo Bo, his adoptive father, and Feng Yi surpass her, yet judging from her move just now, it is truly surprising.

: Nor is she stronger than myself—what is there to fear from her?

: Li Mochou's face changed, cold light flashing in her eyes as she snapped: "No wonder the Quanzhen Sect calls you a little beast—that's quite right. You don't understand respect for teachers and the Way at all!"

: She raised her right hand, but had not yet swung the whisk.

: "Enough!"

: Then came Feng Yi's fierce shout; the three of them felt their heads spin. Li Mochou's chest tightened, she involuntarily stepped back a step, her eyes full of desolation, wanting to speak but her throat dry, unable to utter a word.

: Feng Yi's gaze shifted, sweeping over Yang Guo, who also unconsciously retreated two steps.

: Feng Yi couldn't help a wry smile; this kid also fears me, and he turned his gaze to Li Mochou.

: Li Mochou drew a deep breath and cried out, "If you don't want me to go up the mountain, then just kill me!" Her voice bore a note of sorrow.

: Feng Yi said coldly, "Do you think I wouldn't dare?"

: Li Mochou chuckled, "What is there that you wouldn't dare?"

: "In this life, whatever I have wanted, I have never obtained."

: "My master made me swear to stay in the Ancient Tomb, yet I wish to leave, which in my master's eyes is utterly useless."

: "I met Lu Zhanyuan, taking him as my lover, but he said we were merely brothers in jianghu righteousness."

: "You rely on your superior martial arts to bully me at will, because in your eyes I am merely an ungrateful demon; whatever you do, you feel no guilt. And in my junior sister's eyes, I am also a troublesome bad senior sister. Hehe, today I just want to see whether my junior sister has truly severed the seven emotions and six desires, and whether she truly is as my master said—stronger than I, which ought not to be the case?"

She spoke, her face full of sorrow, tears streaming down her face.

Yang Guo stared blankly at her, his gaze vacant, then looked at Feng Yi, feeling slightly surprised—what is all this?

He seemed somewhat at a loss.

Feng Yi saw Li Mochou so sorrowful, apologetically said: "I am rude in my conduct, have caused offense; please forgive me."

Feng Yi paused: "Just right, Young Hero Yang also invited me to go up the mountain for a bit; let's go together!"

Yang Guo nodded slightly.

Li Mochou looked at him repeatedly, then asked: "You won't interfere with me?"

(End of chapter)