Chapter 95

Cheng Ying sighed, "Guo the Great Hero's disciple is truly a heroic youth, outstanding talent!" She glanced sideways at Feng Yi beside her, secretly sighing, "Unfortunately, compared to him, I pale."

But we need to keep proper names: Cheng Ying, Guo the Great Hero (also called Great Hero Guo). Usually we use "Guo the Great Hero". Feng Yi is given.

We need to keep punctuation? Not required but keep meaning.

Let's produce: 【1】 Cheng Ying sighed: "Guo the Great Hero's disciple is indeed a youthful hero, outstanding talent!" She glanced sideways at Feng Yi beside her, and couldn't help sighing inwardly: "It's a pity that compared to the person beside me, he pales in comparison."

Cheng Ying sighed, "Guo the Great Hero's disciple is truly a heroic youth, outstanding talent!" She glanced sideways at Feng Yi beside her, secretly sighing, "Unfortunately, compared to him, I pale."

We captured.

Upon thinking this, she saw Feng Yi's dark eyes fixed upon her.

Translation: Upon thinking this, she saw Feng Yi's pair of dark pupils fixed upon her.

Better: "Just then, she saw Feng Yi's dark eyes gazing at her."

Let's produce: 【2】 Just then, she saw Feng Yi's dark eyes gazing at her.

Cheng Ying had never been stared at by a man like this before; being young and shy, she quickly averted her gaze.

Translation: Cheng Ying had never in her life been stared at by a man like this; being young-faced, she hastily averted her gaze.

Let's produce: 【3】 Cheng Ying had never in her life been stared at by a man like this; being young-faced, she hastily averted her gaze.

Feng Yi smiled and said, "What you said is correct; I had previously underestimated them."

Translation: Feng Yi smiled and said, "What you said is not wrong; I had actually underestimated them before."

Let's produce: 【4】 Feng Yi smiled and said, "What you said is not wrong; I had actually underestimated them before."

Cheng Ying was taken aback, feeling somewhat confused.

Translation: Cheng Ying was taken aback, feeling somewhat confused.

Let's produce: 【5】 Cheng Ying was taken aback, feeling somewhat confused.

Feng Yi is not petty; when he feels affection for someone, he tends to see only their strengths, not their weaknesses.

Translation: Feng Yi is not petty; when he feels affection for someone, he tends to see only their strengths, not their weaknesses.

Let's produce: 【6】 Feng Yi is not petty; when he feels affection for someone, he tends to see only their strengths, not their weaknesses.

If he feels ill will toward someone, it is the opposite.

Translation: If he feels ill will toward someone, it's the opposite.

Let's produce: 【7】 If he feels ill will toward someone, it's the opposite.

Feng Yi feels no fondness for the two brothers, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, considering them together with Guo Fu to be three good-for-nothings lumped together.

Translation: Feng Yi feels no fondness for the two brothers, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, considering them together with Guo Fu to be three clods of a bunch.

Feng Yi feels no fondness for the two brothers, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, considering them together with Guo Fu to be three good-for-nothings lumped together.

After all, Huang Rong herself attested that her daughter is nothing but a good-for-nothing.

Translation: After all, Huang Rong herself had certified her daughter as a good-for-nothing.

Let's produce: 【9】 After all, Huang Rong herself had certified her daughter as a good-for-nothing.

These two brothers constantly follow Guo Fu around, falling short of Yang Guo in every way, yet all they do is vie for her affection and cause trouble for Guo Jing and his wife.

Translation: These two brothers constantly circle Guo Fu, falling short of Yang Guo in every way, yet all they do is vie for her affection and stir up trouble for Guo Jing and his wife.

Let's produce: 【10】 These two brothers constantly circle Guo Fu, falling short of Yang Guo in every way, yet all they do is vie for her affection and stir up trouble for Guo Jing and his wife.

Had Cheng Ying not pointed it out, he likely would not have noticed their redeeming qualities even after ten or eight years.

Translation: Had Cheng Ying not mentioned it, he probably wouldn't have noticed their redeeming qualities even after ten or eight years.

Let's produce: 【11】 Had Cheng Ying not mentioned it, he probably wouldn't have noticed their redeeming qualities even after ten or eight years.

Today they faced many with few, yet did not lose their mettle and courage—a rare quality; moreover, they are both well-built. Wu Dunru's swordplay is pure, with hidden follow‑up moves; though his skill is shallow, his technique is remarkably subtle. Having studied under their master for less than four years, this level of ability is commendable among their peers.

Translation: Today, despite being outnumbered, they did not lose their mettle and courage—a rare quality. Moreover, they are both well-built. Wu Dunru's swordplay is orthodox, with hidden killing moves; though his inner strength is shallow, his sword technique is remarkably subtle. Having studied under their master for less than four years, this skill is noteworthy among their peers.

Let's produce: 【12】 Today, despite being outnumbered, they did not lose their mettle and courage—a rare quality. Moreover, they are both well-built. Wu Dunru's swordplay is orthodox, with hidden killing moves; though his inner strength is shallow, his sword technique is remarkably subtle. Having studied under their master for less than four years, this skill is noteworthy among their peers.

It is no wonder that Guo Jing and Huang Rong, knowing these two disciples fall short of Yang Guo, would still risk themselves for them; Guo Fu, moreover, finds it hard to choose between the two brothers.

Translation: It's no wonder Guo Jing and Huang Rong, knowing these two disciples fall short of Yang Guo, would still risk their lives for them. Guo Fu, moreover, finds it hard to choose between the two brothers.

Let's produce: 【13】 It's no wonder Guo Jing and Huang Rong, knowing these two disciples fall short of Yang Guo, would still risk their lives for them. Guo Fu, moreover, finds it hard to choose between the two brothers.

It seems I inevitably view people through colored lenses; I cannot help but let out a long sigh.

Translation: It seems I inevitably view people through colored lenses; I can't help but let out a long sigh.

Let's produce: 【14】 It seems I inevitably view people through colored lenses; I can't help but let out a long sigh.

Cheng Ying kept watching Feng Yi, not missing any subtle change in his expression; seeing him sigh wistfully, she asked, "What are you sighing about?"

Translation: Cheng Ying kept watching Feng Yi, not missing any subtle change in his expression; seeing him sigh wistfully, she asked, "What are you sighing about?"

Let's produce: 【15】 Cheng Ying kept watching Feng Yi, not missing any subtle change in his expression; seeing him sigh wistfully, she asked, "What are you sighing about?"

Feng Yi gave a wry smile and said, "In your eyes they are heroic youths of outstanding talent; even if the two brothers were to die now, as the ancients said, 'Having one beauty's praise, what more could one seek?' Yet I am far inferior to them."

Translation: Feng Yi gave a wry smile and said, "In your eyes, they are youthful heroes, outstanding talents; even if the two brothers were to die now, as the ancients said, 'Having one beauty's praise, what more could one ask for?' As for me, I am far inferior to them."

Let's produce: 【16】 Feng Yi gave a wry smile and said, "In your eyes, they are youthful heroes, outstanding talents; even if the two brothers were to die now, as the ancients said, 'Having one beauty's praise, what more could one ask for?' As for me, I am far inferior to them."

Cheng Ying's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushed; she wanted to laugh, but for some reason she replied coldly, "How could you not measure up to them?"

Cheng Ying's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushed; she wanted to laugh, but for some reason she replied coldly, "How could you not measure up to them?"

Let's produce: 【17】 Cheng Ying's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushed; she wanted to laugh, but for some reason she replied coldly, "How could you not measure up to them?"

Feng Yi glanced at her and said, "Those two brothers have seen what you look like, but I have not—doesn't that mean I fall short of them?"

Translation: Feng Yi glanced at her and said, "Those two brothers have seen what you look like, but I haven't—doesn't that mean I fall short of them?"

Let's produce: 【18】 Feng Yi glanced at her and said, "Those two brothers have seen what you look like, but I haven't—doesn't that mean I fall short of them?"

"Nonsense!" Cheng Ying spat, "What's there to look at? Besides, we first met when we were only twelve or thirteen—what does this have to do with not measuring up to them?"

Note there is an extra quote. We'll translate: "Nonsense!" Cheng Ying spat, "What's there to look at? Besides, when we met we were only twelve or thirteen—what kind of comparison is this?"

Let's produce: 【19】 "Nonsense!" Cheng Ying spat, "What's there to look at? Besides, when we met we were only twelve or thirteen—what kind of comparison is this?"

Cheng Ying is thin‑skinned; being teased like this by Feng Yi has already made her ears burn red.

Translation: Cheng Ying is thin-skinned; being teased like this by Feng Yi, her ears have already turned red.

Let's produce: 【20】 Cheng Ying is thin-skinned; being teased like this by Feng Yi, her ears have already turned red.

It turns out that years ago the mother of the Wu brothers brought them to the Lu household; Cheng Ying and the two were about twelve or thirteen, having played together and become acquainted.

Translation: It turns out that back then, the mother of the Wu brothers brought them to the Lu household; Cheng Ying and the two were about twelve or thirteen, having played together and become acquainted.

Let's produce: 【21】 It turns out that back then, the mother of the Wu brothers brought them to the Lu household; Cheng Ying and the two were about twelve or thirteen, having played together and become acquainted.

Although Feng Yi knows Cheng Ying is unwilling to show her true face, he still wants to see what she looks like; if he were to leave and never see her again, perhaps this feeling would pass.

Translation: Although Feng Yi knows Cheng Ying is unwilling to show her true face, he still wants to see what she looks like; if he were to leave and never see her again, perhaps this feeling would pass.

Let's produce: 【22】 Although Feng Yi knows Cheng Ying is unwilling to show her true face, he still wants to see what she looks like; if he were to leave and never see her again, perhaps this feeling would pass.

Yet being in the same place, and finding the spectacle of their fight uninteresting, he finds it hard to bear, but he cannot act rough like a ruffian; he sighs softly and says, "If I had known it would be like this, I would have been better off never seeing you, so as not to hurt myself."

Translation: Yet being in the same place, and finding the spectacle of these few fighting uninteresting, he feels restless inside, but he cannot act rudely like a ruffian; he sighs softly at her and says, "If I had known it would be like this, I'd rather not have seen you at all, to spare myself this heartache."

Let's produce: 【23】 Yet being in the same place, and finding the spectacle of these few fighting uninteresting, he feels restless inside, but he cannot act rudely like a ruffian; he sighs softly at her and says, "If I had known it would be like this, I'd rather not have seen you at all, to spare myself this heartache."

He has a relentless, never‑give‑up attitude; as the saying goes, he has a thick skin.

Translation: He has a stubborn, relentless demeanor— as the saying goes, he's thick-skinned.

Let's produce: 【24】 He has a stubborn, relentless demeanor— as the saying goes, he's thick-skinned.

Yet Cheng Ying's ears grew hot, and she still shot him a fierce glance, saying, "Then let you be heartbroken…"

Translation: However, Cheng Ying's ears grew hot, yet she still shot him a fierce glance and said, "Then just be heartbroken…"

Let's produce: 【25】 However, Cheng Ying's ears grew hot, yet she still shot him a fierce glance and said, "Then just be heartbroken…"

Before her words had finished, Wu Dunru let out a loud shout: "Nonsense!" He shook his long sword and thrust it toward Ho To's abdomen.

Translation: Before her words had finished, she heard Wu Dunru let out a loud shout: "Boastful and shameless!" He shook his long sword and thrust it toward Huo Du's abdomen.

Let's produce: 【26】 Before her words had finished, she heard Wu Dunru let out a loud shout: "Boastful and shameless!" He shook his long sword and thrust it toward Huo Du's abdomen.

Upon hearing Ho To call them pus‑filled sacks, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen wondered how they could face anyone if the insult spread.

Translation: Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen heard Huo Du call them pus-filled sacks; if this got out, how could they face anyone?

Let's produce: 【27】 Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen heard Huo Du call them pus-filled sacks; if this got out, how could they face anyone?

They also deeply respect their master; seeing Ho To claim he had an agreement with their teacher, everyone laughed, and their inner anger flared, making them unable to hold back—they immediately drew their swords and attacked fiercely.

Translation: Moreover, they deeply respect their master; seeing Huo Du still claim to have made an agreement with their master, everyone laughed, and their inner anger flared—how could they bear it? They immediately drew their swords and attacked fiercely.

Let's produce: 【28】 Moreover, they deeply respect their master; seeing Huo Du still claim to have made an agreement with their master, everyone laughed, and their inner anger flared—how could they bear it? They immediately drew their swords and attacked fiercely.

Although Guo Jing's martial arts are superb, he is not adept at instructing his disciples; having grasped the essence of advanced martial arts himself, he often fails to convey it clearly when teaching.

Translation: Although Guo Jing's martial arts are high, he is not adept at instructing disciples; having grasped the essence of advanced martial arts himself, when he teaches he often fails to convey it clearly, unable to explain it well.

Let's produce: 【29】 Although Guo Jing's martial arts are high, he is not adept at instructing disciples; having grasped the essence of advanced martial arts himself, when he teaches he often fails to convey it clearly, unable to explain it well.

The Wu brothers are also of average talent; in just a few short years, how much could they have learned? Against ordinary opponents they are barely sufficient.

Translation: The Wu brothers are also of mediocre talent; in just a few short years, how much could they have learned? Against ordinary opponents it's barely enough.

Let's produce: 【30】 The Wu brothers are also of mediocre talent; in just a few short years, how much could they have learned? Against ordinary opponents it's barely enough.

Ho To, however, has truly inherited the Golden Wheel National Master's teachings; his martial arts are first‑rate, he is twenty years older than the two, and his internal energy is consequently far deeper.

Translation: Meanwhile, Huo Du has truly inherited the teachings of the Golden Wheel National Preceptor; his martial arts are first-rate, he is twenty years older than the two, and his internal energy is consequently far deeper.

Let's produce: 【31】 Meanwhile, Huo Du has truly inherited the teachings of the Golden Wheel National Preceptor; his martial arts are first-rate, he is twenty years older than the two, and his internal energy is consequently far deeper.

Upon first entering the Central Plains, he injured the Three Heroes of Henan; later, on the Gansu‑Liang route, he single‑handedly killed the Seven Tyrants of Lanzhou, and his fame instantly spread across half the realm.

Translation: When he first entered the Central Plains, he injured the Three Heroes of Henan; later, he single-handedly killed the Seven Tyrants of Lanzhou on the Gansu-Liang route, and his fame instantly spread across half the realm.

Let's produce: 【32】 When he first entered the Central Plains, he injured the Three Heroes of Henan; later, he single-handedly killed the Seven Tyrants of Lanzhou on the Gansu-Liang route, and his fame instantly spread across half the realm.

Later he went to Mount Zhongnan to seek the hand of Xiao Longnv; even the Quanzhen Sect's Ha Daotong was severely injured by his "Great Hand Palm," showing his martial prowess is nothing short of extraordinary.

Translation: Later, he went to Mount Zhongnan to seek Xiao Longnv's hand in marriage; even the Quanzhen Sect's Hao Datong was seriously injured by his single "Great Hand Palm," showing his martial arts prowess is nothing trivial.

Let's produce: 【33】 Later, he went to Mount Zhongnan to seek Xiao Longnv's hand in marriage; even the Quanzhen Sect's Hao Datong was seriously injured by his single "Great Hand Palm," showing his martial arts prowess is nothing trivial.

After exchanging a few moves with Wu Dunru, seeing his sword approach, he twisted his body to the left—a maneuver most ingenious.

Translation: After exchanging a few moves with Wu Dunru, seeing his sword thrust, he twisted his body to the left—a maneuver most ingenious.

Let's produce: 【34】 After exchanging a few moves with Wu Dunru, seeing his sword thrust, he twisted his body to the left—a maneuver most ingenious.

Wu Dunru's sword thrust met only air; as he prepared to change his move, Ho To lifted the flat blade with his left index finger, striking it with his fan, which rang out and snapped the sword in two.

Translation: Wu Dunru's sword thrust met air; as he was about to change his move, Huo Du propped the flat of the blade upward with his left index finger, striking it with his folding fan—with a clang, the long sword snapped in two.

Let's produce: 【35】 Wu Dunru's sword thrust met air; as he was about to change his move, Huo Du propped the flat of the blade upward with his left index finger, striking it with his folding fan—with a clang, the long sword snapped in two.

Wu Dunru startled, leapt back quickly; Wu Xiuwen, fearing to injure his brother, kicked out with one leg and thrust his sword straight at Ho To's back to prevent pursuit.

Translation: Wu Dunru was greatly startled, leaping back hastily; Wu Xiuwen, fearing to injure his brother, kicked off with one leg and thrust his sword straight at Huo Du's back, hoping to prevent him from pursuing.

Let's produce: 【36】 Wu Dunru was greatly startled, leaping back hastily; Wu Xiuwen, fearing to injure his brother, kicked off with one leg and thrust his sword straight at Huo Du's back, hoping to prevent him from pursuing.

As he struck, the sword tip trembled slightly, flashing brightly; this diagonal thrust landed true, concealing a deadly follow‑up that would have pierced chest and abdomen in anyone else.

Translation: As he struck, his sword tip trembled slightly, emitting a dazzling light; this diagonal thrust arrived true, concealing a deadly follow‑up—anyone else would surely be run through chest and belly.

Let's produce: 【37】 As he struck, his sword tip trembled slightly, emitting a dazzling light; this diagonal thrust arrived true, concealing a deadly follow‑up—anyone else would surely be run through chest and belly.

Yet Ho To's martial prowess is such that, when Wu Xiuwen thrust his sword, Ho To merely flicked his fan, sending a clang; Wu Xiuwen's sword bent and twisted like a live snake, seeming about to fly from his grasp.

Translation: Yet Huo Du's martial prowess is such that, when Wu Xiuwen thrust his sword, Huo Du didn't even glance; he flicked his fan, a twist and a turn, and with a clang the sword went awry, writhing like a live snake, about to burst free from his grip.

Let's produce: 【38】 Yet Huo Du's martial prowess is such that, when Wu Xiuwen thrust his sword, Huo Du didn't even glance; he flicked his fan, a twist and a turn, and with a clang the sword went awry, writhing like a live snake, about to burst free from his grip.

If Wu Xiuwen tried to let his sword follow the fan's motion, his shoulder would have to dislocate; thus he released the sword and leapt backward.

Translation: If Wu Xiuwen tried to let his sword follow the fan's motion, his shoulder would have to dislocate; he had no choice but to let go of the sword and leap back.

Let's produce: 【39】 If Wu Xiuwen tried to let his sword follow the fan's motion, his shoulder would have to dislocate; he had no choice but to let go of the sword and leap back.

The sword then flew straight up, its light flashing a few times in midair before falling back down.

Translation: All that could be seen was the long sword flying straight up, its light flashing a few times in midair before it fell down.

Let's produce: 【40】 All that could be seen was the long sword flying straight up, its light flashing a few times in midair before it fell down.

Ho To's followers immediately erupted in thunderous applause.

Translation: Huo Du's retinue instantly erupted in thunderous applause.

Let's produce: 【41】 Huo Du's retinue instantly erupted in thunderous applause.

Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, like newborn calves unafraid of tigers, had believed that having inherited their master's true martial arts, either one could not defeat Ho To alone, but together they were sure to be invincible—yet the outcome was quite different.

Translation: Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen were like newborn calves unafraid of tigers; they had believed that, having received their master's true martial transmission, even if one could not match him alone, together they would surely not lose—yet they never expected this outcome.

Let's produce: 【42】 Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen were like newborn calves unafraid of tigers; they had believed that, having received their master's true martial transmission, even if one could not match him alone, together they would surely not lose—yet they never expected this outcome.

At that moment the brothers exchanged a glance, both resolved to fight to the death; they glared at Ho To, Wu Dunru extending his left palm outward and pressing his right downward, Wu Xiuwen lowering his left palm and raising his right horizontally—both postures of the Dragon‑Subduing Eighteen Palms.

Translation: At this moment the brothers exchanged a glance, both resolved to fight to the death; they glared at Huo Du, Wu Dunru with left palm extended outward and right palm pressed down, Wu Xiuwen with left palm lowered and right palm raised outward—both postures are moves of the Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms.

Let's produce: 【43】 At this moment the brothers exchanged a glance, both resolved to fight to the death; they glared at Huo Du, Wu Dunru with left palm extended outward and right palm pressed down, Wu Xiuwen with left palm lowered and right palm raised outward—both postures are moves of the Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms.

They waited for Ho To to make a move, then would engage him with their lives on the line; even if they could not perish together, they were determined to settle the score—one would die, the other would live.

Translation: They waited only for Huo Du to make a move, then they would fight to the death; even if they could not perish together, they would settle it as a matter of life or death.

Let's produce: 【44】 They waited only for Huo Du to make a move, then they would fight to the death; even if they could not perish together, they would settle it as a matter of life or death.

Although Ho To studied martial arts in Mongolia, his master the Golden Wheel National Scholar possessed knowledge as vast as a lake or sea, knowing every renowned martial art of the Central Plains; having resolved to go to the Central Plains to establish his reputation, the master broke down each famed school's signature techniques for him.

Translation: Although Huo Du studied martial arts in Mongolia, his master the Golden Wheel National Preceptor possessed knowledge as vast as lakes and seas, knowing every technique of the famed masters of the Central Plains; having resolved to go to the Central Plains to establish his reputation, the Golden Wheel National Preceptor therefore dissected for him one by one the signature techniques of the renowned martial schools there.

Let's produce: 【45】 Although Huo Du studied martial arts in Mongolia, his master the Golden Wheel National Preceptor possessed knowledge as vast as lakes and seas, knowing every technique of the famed masters of the Central Plains; having resolved to go to the Central Plains to establish his reputation, the Golden Wheel National Preceptor therefore dissected for him one by one the signature techniques of the renowned martial schools there.

Seeing that the Wu brothers, though young, had steady footing and solemn bearing, Ho To did not dare to underestimate them, thinking: "I have already won enough; since I have encountered these two, I must subdue them. But if I were to act now and fail to finish them quickly, I would lose face—and if Guo Jing saw it, he would gain an opportunity to strike, which would be utterly pointless."

Translation: Seeing that the Wu brothers, though young, had steady footing and solemn bearing, Huo Du did not dare to underestimate them, thinking: "I have already won enough to this point; since I have encountered these two, I must subdue them—but if I were to act now, I could not finish them in a moment; that would damage my reputation, and if Guo Jing saw it, I would lose face and give him an opening to strike, which would be self‑defeating."

Let's produce: 【46】 Seeing that the Wu brothers, though young, had steady footing and solemn bearing, Huo Du did not dare to underestimate them, thinking: "I have already won enough to this point; since I have encountered these two, I must subdue them—but if I were to act now, I could not finish them in a moment; that would damage my reputation, and if Guo Jing saw it, I would lose face and give him an opening to strike, which would be self‑defeating."

The Dragon‑Subduing Eighteen Palms is a top‑tier martial art; although the Wu brothers' power is shallow, their form is flawless—ordinary people notice nothing special, but to an expert like Ho To it is clearly not easy to contend with.

Translation: The Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms are a top‑tier martial art; though the Wu brothers' inner strength is shallow, their form is flawless—ordinary folk notice nothing, but to an expert like Huo Du it is clearly not easy to contend with.

Let's produce: 【47】 The Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms are a top‑tier martial art; though the Wu brothers' inner strength is shallow, their form is flawless—ordinary folk notice nothing, but to an expert like Huo Du it is clearly not easy to contend with.

Ho To, arrogant and ruthless yet also cunning, laughed loudly and said, "I have a prior agreement with Great Hero Guo; with these two juniors I am merely playing. Please, everyone, do not spare effort—take them down!"

Translation: Huo Du, arrogant and ruthless yet also full of guffaw, laughed heartily and said, "I have a prior agreement with Great Hero Guo; with these two juniors I'm merely playing. Please, everyone, take the trouble to subdue them!"

Let's produce: 【48】 Huo Du, arrogant and ruthless yet also full of guffaw, laughed heartily and said, "I have a prior agreement with Great Hero Guo; with these two juniors I'm merely playing. Please, everyone, take the trouble to subdue them!"

These words asserted his status without inviting blame; the crowd was puzzled, but since he had given the order they dared not disobey, and four men bent their knees slightly and leapt forward to attack.

Translation: These words gave him authority without inviting blame; the crowd was puzzled, but since he had issued the order they dared not disobey, and four people bent their knees slightly and leapt forward to attack.

Let's produce: 【49】 These words gave him authority without inviting blame; the crowd was puzzled, but since he had issued the order they dared not disobey, and four people bent their knees slightly and leapt forward to attack.

Cheng Ying said, "Let's go help!"

Translation: Cheng Ying said, "Let's go help!"

Let's produce: 【50】 Cheng Ying said, "Let's go help!"

Feng Yi's ears twitched; he suddenly grabbed her, pointed, and said, "No need—let's see how Great Hero Guo handles this first!" Following his finger, Cheng Ying saw in the distance a man standing on a large tree, thick‑eyebrowed and large‑eyed, dressed in gray, over thirty, looking rather rustic.

Translation: Feng Yi's ears twitched; he suddenly grabbed her, pointed, and said, "No need—let's see how Great Hero Guo handles it first!" Cheng Ying followed his finger and saw, far off, a person standing on a large tree: thick eyebrows, big eyes, dressed in gray, over thirty, looking rustic.

Let's produce: 【51】 Feng Yi's ears twitched; he suddenly grabbed her, pointed, and said, "No need—let's see how Great Hero Guo handles it first!" Cheng Ying followed his finger and saw, far off, a person standing on a large tree: thick eyebrows, big eyes, dressed in gray, over thirty, looking rustic.

Yet Cheng Ying, seeing him stand atop the tree, plain yet solid, as immovable as a mountain, exclaimed, "Is this Great Hero Guo? How formidable!"

Translation: Yet Cheng Ying saw him standing atop the tree, simple and solid, as immovable as a mountain, and exclaimed, "Is this Great Hero Guo? How impressive!"

Let's produce: 【52】 Yet Cheng Ying saw him standing atop the tree, simple and solid, as immovable as a mountain, and exclaimed, "Is this Great Hero Guo? How impressive!"

Feng Yi nodded and said, "Indeed!"

Translation: Feng Yi nodded and said, "That's right!"

Let's produce: 【53】 Feng Yi nodded and said, "That's right!"

Cheng Ying asked, "When did he arrive, and why does he not intervene?"

Translation: Cheng Ying asked, "When did he arrive, and why isn't he making a move?"

Let's produce: 【54】 Cheng Ying asked, "When did he arrive, and why isn't he making a move?"

Feng Yi replied, "He has just arrived himself; he does not act immediately, obviously wanting to observe his disciples' performance."

Translation: Feng Yi replied, "He just arrived too; he's not acting immediately, obviously wanting to observe his disciples' performance."

Let's produce: 【55】 Feng Yi replied, "He just arrived too; he's not acting immediately, obviously wanting to observe his disciples' performance."

Feng Yi's divine power is astonishing; his keen perception picks up footsteps and rustling clothes within ten paces, and being positioned above, he cannot fail to notice Guo Jing's arrival.

Translation: Feng Yi's divine power is astonishing; his spiritual awareness is keen—within ten paces he can hear the shuffle of feet and the rustle of garments, and being positioned above, he cannot fail to notice Guo Jing's arrival.

Let's produce: 【56】 Feng Yi's divine power is astonishing; his spiritual awareness is keen—within ten paces he can hear the shuffle of feet and the rustle of garments, and being positioned above, he cannot fail to notice Guo Jing's arrival.

Cheng Ying pondered briefly, then nodded slightly: "Indeed, a person's character only reveals itself in moments of crisis."

Translation: Cheng Ying pondered briefly, then nodded slightly: "Indeed, a person's character only reveals itself in the face of great events."

Let's produce: 【57】 Cheng Ying pondered briefly, then nodded slightly: "Indeed, a person's character only reveals itself in the face of great events."

Feng Yi also nodded, saying, "That's right—just as I wanted to see your face without pressing the matter, it shows your character is likewise good."

Translation: Feng Yi also nodded and said, "That's right—just as I wanted to see your face without pressing the matter, it shows your character is not bad either!"

Let's produce: 【58】 Feng Yi also nodded and said, "That's right—just as I wanted to see your face without pressing the matter, it shows your character is not bad either!"

Although Cheng Ying was reserved, this remark made her chuckle; before she could speak, the sound of horse hooves from the north rang out—"tap‑tap‑tap"—approaching with astonishing speed, and she saw a rider galloping swiftly toward them.

Translation: Even though Cheng Ying was reserved, this sentence made her chuckle; before she could speak, she heard the sound of horse hooves from the north, a rapid "te‑te‑te" approaching, and saw a rider galloping swiftly.

Let's produce: 【59】 Even though Cheng Ying was reserved, this sentence made her chuckle; before she could speak, she heard the sound of horse hooves from the north, a rapid "te‑te‑te" approaching, and saw a rider galloping swiftly.

Cheng Ying exclaimed in surprise: "How is this horse so fast?"

Feng Yi let out a long sigh and said: "That is a sweat‑blood treasure horse that even made Emperor Wu of Han covet it!"

Cheng Ying heard it from far away, turned her thoughts, and went inside; the horse's steps were incredibly swift, and before Feng Yi's words had finished, it had already galloped up, tall‑legged, covered in red hair, extraordinarily divine.

Several people in the melee also jumped back.

Only saw a red‑clad girl on horseback; rider and mount together came like a blazing coal, except for her snow‑white face which was not red.

She reined in the reins, and the red horse halted abruptly.

The horse, even while galloping, stopped as soon as commanded, neither rearing nor neighing, composed and tranquil.

Huo Du is the grandson of Jamukha, the sworn brother of Genghis Khan; although Jamukha was killed by Genghis Khan, he did not exterminate the sworn brother's descendants. Having grown up in Mongolia, he had seen countless fine horses, yet such a splendid steed was unprecedented, and he did not know this horse was the sweat‑blood treasure horse Guo Jing had obtained in the Mongolian desert.

It was only a little red horse back then; now its age has increased, past middle age, but as a divine beast it differs from ordinary steeds—though old, its bones and limbs remain strong, its speed undiminished. That is why Huo Du and the others, upon seeing it, wanted to seize it, but the horse's speed was too great for them to catch; the Wu brothers guarded their junior sister, allowing Guo Fu to escape and they surrounded the Wu brothers.

Now, seeing this red‑clad girl arrive, Huo Du felt both joy and alarm—joy at the horse's unmatched divine speed and the girl's peerless beauty; if he could obtain them, this journey to the Central Plains would truly be exhilarating! Alarmed by Guo Jing's whistle from afar just moments ago, he knew the man would soon arrive, yet wondered how he could obtain them. Seeing the girl after her swift ride, a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead, her cheeks flushed by the red robe, making her even more alluring, Huo Du stepped forward with his fan, smiling: "Young Prince Huo Du, may I ask the lady's name?"

Guo Fu involuntarily furrowed her brows, her expression showing disdain, and said: "I won't speak to a scoundrel like you!"

Her gaze shifted to the Wu brothers; seeing bloodstains on them, her heart leapt, and she cried out loudly: "Big Wu Brother, Little Wu Brother, are you badly hurt?" The area before the mountain had been silent, but this clear, crisp voice, like pearls falling on a jade plate, was moving beyond compare; anyone who heard it felt refreshed.

The Wu brothers, originally fearing Guo Fu's ridicule, seeing her concern felt genuine affection, and felt a pleasant tingling all over; though they were bleeding and hurt, they dismissed it as nothing, quickly laughing: "It's fine, it's fine, just flesh wounds!"

Wu Xiuwen asked: "Sister Fu, have Master and Mistress arrived?"

Guo Fu smiled sweetly and said: "Of course!"

Seeing her smile, everyone felt as if a rose had suddenly bloomed, bright and charming; inexplicably, they all felt a secret shame: "What sin—we, a bunch of martial‑arts masters, are troubling such a delicate girl; we're not true heroes!"

Hidden in the shadows, Feng Yi saw this peerlessly beautiful girl; at a glance he knew she must be Guo Jing and Huang Rong's daughter Guo Fu, and his heart stirred involuntarily.

He could not help recalling a controversial topic from his past life: whether Yang Guo actually liked Guo Fu.

In his mind instantly arose the appearance of Xiao Longnv.

If one compares their beauty, they are like winter plum and spring orchid, each perfect in its own way.

Because Xiao Longnv cannot be stared at directly, she is like a cold plum in snow, possessing an aura that defies frost and surpasses snow, untouched by mortal fire, giving the impression of something to be admired from afar but not trifled with, thus exuding an immortal aura—a complete superiority in temperament.

And Guo Fu is extremely lovely; what most captivates men is the bright, vivid quality mixed with her beauty, so striking and moving, giving a strong sense of reality.

Feng Yi could not help thinking: "I have seen countless women, and even Lingbo is a beauty, but this girl surpasses them all—no wonder the Wu brothers would fight to the death for her."

As for Yang Guo, he must have been moved; otherwise why would he feel inferior upon seeing her? With Yang Guo's proud nature, if he felt nothing, he would not care; not caring, where would inferiority come from? Having met so many beautiful women in his life, why would he feel inferior only before her?

Cheng Ying's gaze also fell on Guo Fu, and she observed her even more closely than others, unable to help sighing: "Miss Guo keeps getting more beautiful!"

She had seen Guo Fu back then in Yang Guo's broken kiln.

Feng Yi shook his head and said: "What a pity, what a pity!"

Cheng Ying asked: "What else is there to pity?"

Feng Yi murmured: "I don't even know which of you is more beautiful!"

"Naturally it's Miss Guo who is more beautiful," Cheng Ying said, then snorted: "You, a husband of such stature, always worrying which woman is more beautiful—aren't you afraid people will laugh at you?"

Feng Yi smiled faintly and said: "If I feared ridicule, how could I become an assassin? How could I be willing to lie here watching the fun? I'd rather go down and kill this lot—wouldn't that be better?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying could not help but startle.

Suddenly a burst of laughter rang out; a tall, burly man strode toward Guo Fu, showing no pity for fragrance or jade, leapt up, and reached out to grab her.

Beauty certainly pleases the eye, but the treasure horse is equally soul‑stirring.

Guo Fu was about to move to disarm him when she heard two swishing sounds; the man was swinging his arms, fully focused on her, not expecting a sneak attack; startled, his wrist suddenly ached, his arm went limp, and at that moment another hidden weapon arrived, striking his chest.

The man staggered, cursed: "Which thief…" then his face flushed red, he flung his legs upward and fell flat on his back.

Everyone looked closely and saw it was just two pebbles; their hearts sank—these were masters from the Central Plains and Western Regions, each worth a hundred men, yet felled by mere stones.

Only Guo Fu's cry was heard: "Mother!"

Huo Du's heart twitched; he leapt backward and shouted: "What a magnificent finger‑flick skill—could it be the Beggar Sect's Chief Huang arriving?"

Before his words finished, several people behind him wailed and lunged at the Wu brothers.

The Wu brothers were about to act when a clear whistle sounded; a gray shadow rushed like wind and lightning into the crowd, and those several people, for no apparent reason, collapsed in a heap.

No one saw his face clearly before two companions fell; recognizing a formidable foe, they all raised their weapons and surged forward.

The gray‑clad figure casually waved his hand; the crowd cried out in anguish, and seven or eight people thudded to the ground.

Seeing this, Huo Du flung his fan forward, but unexpectedly the gray figure turned his head, extended his left hand, and already seized Huo Du's palm, saying: "How can you view things like a child?"

Huo Du was seized, feeling numbness on half his body; upon recognizing it as Guo Jing's move that had once subdued him at Mount Zhongyang, he was shocked and angry, shouting sharply: "Master Guo, do you not know that a man's honor and righteousness come first?"

Guo Jing snorted, flicked his hand lightly, and threw Huo Du a zhang away like tossing straw; his body swayed slightly, and he had already reached the Wu brothers, who knelt and kowtowed, calling: "Master!"

Guo Jing helped them up and said gently: "You've done well; young people always need to suffer a bit."

"Yes!" the two replied, standing behind Guo Jing.

The crowd, already terrified by Guo Jing's methods and ashen‑faced, now that the Wu brothers spoke, found it even more effective than Huo Du's shouted orders, and immediately retreated,

Taking a closer look at the companions on the field, they saw the long‑bearded man's sword thrust into the old man's shoulder socket, the old man's blade lodged in the bearded man's shoulder, the slender person's Emei pierce through the tall man's palm, and the tall man's three‑pronged fork pinned the skinny man's foot.

The yellow‑faced man's whip, like a rope, ended up binding his own hands tightly; leader Huo Du performed a somersault, fell to the ground, stepped back two paces with a thud, and sat down.

The crowd stared at Guo Jing with angry eyes, shocked yet admiring, yet dared not advance—especially those who had followed Huo Du in causing trouble at Mount Zhongyang, who felt chilled to the bone; facing this group of experts, Guo Jing defeated them with a single move, his martial arts unfathomable; aside from the Golden Wheel Dharma King himself arriving, who could match him?

Cheng Ying, doubtful and uncertain, looked at Feng Yi and asked: "What kind of martial art is this?" She had not grasped Guo Jing's technique.

Then Feng Yi, also solemn, opened his lips slightly, exhaled a long breath, and said: "How formidable! To turn the enemy's own method against them—this is truly transforming decay into marvel!"

In fact, Guo Jing's move of using the enemy's force against them originated from the ordinary skill of entering barehanded against weapons; even if ten or eight attacked at once, he could use the enemy's sword to strike their sword, their spear to lash their whip, borrowing the enemy's strength to strike the enemy, thus dissipating their force.

Guo Jing's martial arts had already reached the highest state of acting at will, everything just right; yet he is usually gentle, leaving room when he strikes, not lightly hurting people, but now seeing his beloved disciple injured, he struck harder, letting these people reap what they sowed.

Seeing her father display such mighty power, Guo Fu felt great delight, clapped and praised, but as soon as she uttered the word "good," Guo Jing glared at her; she feared her father most and stuck out her tongue.

Then a soft voice rang out: "Running about recklessly—no wonder your father isn't angry!" A purple shadow flashed like lightning and stood beside Guo Fu.

It was a peerlessly beautiful lady—none other than Huang Rong.

Guo Fu hastily dismounted, took her mother's arm, and coquettishly said: "Mother!" She glared at Huo Du, bit her lip, and said: "It's not that I ran about wildly; this man is too wicked, trying to steal my horse!"

Huo Du sat on the ground, adjusted his breath, realized he was uninjured, gave a faint smile, rose at once, clasped his fan toward Guo Jing and said: "Master Guo, long time no see, I hope you've been well!"

Guo Jing clasped his hands and said, "Sir, you are always doing good deeds!"

Huo Du said, "Master Guo, I truly did not know this was your daughter, hence the misunderstanding."

Huang Rong said coldly, "If it weren't for my daughter, you could just go ahead and seize people and horses as you pleased."

Huo Du smiled, neither affirming nor denying.

In a blink, he turned to Guo Jing and said, "Master Guo's martial arts are superb, but a man of honor cannot stand without trust."

You had agreed with me back then to have a match ten years later; today you raise your hand against me—are you saying that even a renowned hero of the Central Plains is just a petty person who gains weight by breaking his word?

Back then he met Guo Jing at the Double Yang Palace and was subdued by a single move, yet seeing his skill, Guo Jing felt pity for his talent and did not seriously injure him; Huo Du, however, feigned devotion, pretending to admire Guo Jing's martial prowess and promising to seek his advice again in ten years.

Guo Jing initially didn't realize, readily agreeing; only later did Qiu Chuji point it out, making him aware that he had made a ten-year pact with Huo Du, who hoped to run rampant during those ten years so that Guo Jing would find it inconvenient to interfere.

According to jianghu rules, if someone admits defeat and sets a date for a rematch, then before that date arrives, even if they meet on a narrow road, they cannot fight.

Thus Huo Du clearly heard Guo Jing's whistle, knowing he would arrive imminently, and was not afraid; as for Huang Rong's whistle, though not weak, even if they truly fought, it might not be formidable, and he did not take it to heart.

Even though Cheng Ying was usually composed, she felt a surge of anger rush to her head and could not help but say, "This man is truly despicable, knowing he is no match for Master Guo, yet he uses some agreement to block him!"

Feng Yi chuckled and said, "Being despicable is good! If he weren't a little despicable, I'd find it boring!"

"What do you mean?" Cheng Ying could not fathom Feng Yi's thoughts.

Feng Yi's eyes shifted: "Want to know?"

"Mm."

"Then if you take off the mask, I'll tell you."

Cheng Ying's ears turned red, and she said, "I'm ignoring you."

Feng Yi felt even more itchy in his heart and sighed softly, "I understand—girls all love beauty, but you surely think you're not as pretty as Ling Bo, nor as lovely as the Guo family maiden, so you're embarrassed to let me look."

(End of chapter)