[Yufeng]

Chapter Eight: How much does a Hero worth?


“But…” She sobs and said. “Don’t you know that what you going to do have a heavy price…From now on, you have become the traitor to the Pugilistic Fraternity. No one will forgive you…just like…no one will forgive me. You are still young…And you still have a very bright future…You should be respected by others…admired by people…In this vast Pugilist, there is no other person that have future as bright as you…handsome, young, wealthy…born from a aristocracy family, comes from a respectable Orthodox Sect…Why did you want to throw everything away, just…so…because…of…me…”

Even in her sorrowful speech, her voice could not have been much clearer.

Nangong Ping lifted his head to the skies and he solemnly said. “You don’t have to say it anymore. As long as I can face my conscious, I will not care for the insults of others. For the sake of the justice of the Pugilistic Fraternity, I can even sacrifice my future. What does everything matter.”

When he thought of this, in his innermost heart there was a chill. Because the extreme loneliness was something that not even a hero could endure. But his voice remained as steady and his weak body became a body of will that could stand firmly even if it was a hundred blows coming. Even if he would die, he would not regret it.

Now he was beginning to understand this ‘Cold Blood’ maiden. He strongly believed that beneath her icy cold surface hid a warm heart that was like a fire – But this was not easy to be found out for because of the ignorant of others, she had long ago hidden this warm heart.

He unwittingly reached out his hands to softly comb her long flowing hair.

“Loneliness can be easily put aside, but wrongs are very hard to endure…” Mei Yinxue softly said. “All these, I have long endured. These heart breaking pain, you…still young. You will not understand how much willpower you will need to hold yourself together.”

Her voice had by now started to be composed but her words leaked out more of her heartbreaks.

Nangong Ping sighed and said. “The span of a human life will be over in a fickle of a finger. I only want to live a life of knowing what is good and evil, no sense of guilt just like Shipo and that is enough.”

Mei Yinxue lifted her head and at the same time, four eyes strangely gentle merged together. At that instant of time, they forgot all the happy and unhappy feelings, beyond the pains of life, death and sickness. They even forgot their status, place and age!

Therefore, they enjoyed a moment of golden silence.

At the same time, far away, slowly stood up a man in black. He looked idiocy at this man and woman almost to the point of complete stoniness. His eyes were admiring yet at the same time felt pity, yet there was a small trace of envy.

Therefore he could not resist sighing.

Nangong Ping and Mei Yinxue was suddenly startled and got up and said at the same time. “Who?”

And they saw a shadowy figure from far away running over to them. In an instant, he was here.

Nangong Ping exclaimed. “It is you.”

Mei Yinxue tears had dried and her face regained her composure. She coldly said. “How would Tianshan disciple be this sneaky?” In her all life, she liked to act strong and most afraid of her tears being seen by others. Therefore she at this moment was most afraid that this Tianshan disciple who had suddenly appeared had secretly heard her and saw her composure.

Di Yang, who had been sighing earlier, was now covered with a laughing and smiling face. “The words of the Cold Blood Concubine are indeed very chilling to the bones…” He ceased his laughter and said in a serious tone. “But when I arrived here, I have no intention to sneak.”

Mei Yinxue coldly hummed and turned her head back.

Di Yang felt a heart wrenching pain in his heart but still he laughed merrily. “Mei Yinxue, do you know why I am here for?”

Nangong Ping paled and asked. “Are you here too for…”

Di Yang laughed. “Wrong, wrong. Even if you don’t say it out, I know you are wrong.” He ceased his laugh and said solemnly. “Although you and I only meet once but I strongly believe that what you been doing, will definitely not be a disgrace to the righteousness of the Pugilistic Fraternity. So how will I come to with ill intention!”

Nangong Ping was silence for awhile and could not help sighing. He slowly said. “I did not expect that in this whole wide world, there is another person that understands my difficulties…” His words were filled with gratefulness. And this telling sign of a friendship caused the breeze to be filled with a warm feeling.

Mei Yinxue turned her head, softly laughed awhile and said. “Then…I must have really wronged you!”

Her frosty face had suddenly changed to a smiling face. It was really like a barren desert that suddenly bosomed forth a flower. From now on, if anyone were the bosom friend of Nangong Ping, so would he be her bosom friend. Even though she might loathe a person but if that person could praise Nangong Ping, she would also turned her loathing to a smile.

Di Yang really did not dare to look at this smile that was like a flower. He lowered his head and suddenly laughed merrily. “Do you know that I have come to report my contribution?”

Nangong Ping was slightly startled. Only to hear Di Yang laughed and said. “Do you know what cause that big fire to start?”

Nangong Ping was filled with appreciation in his heart. If it were not for that big fire, now he would not know where would he be.

This appreciation that was so delightful that it caused Nangong Ping to bow to Di Yang. Although he was filled with gratefulness but he did not know what to say.

Di Yang smiled. He knew that this soundless appreciation was even more esteemed than speech. It was so heavy that he did not know how to do with it so he could only try to laugh it off to calm his heart that was very touched by his gesture.

“When I descended from Huashan,” he laughed. “I too, have reached Xian. But I arrived late and Xian City was already in a state of pandemonium. I tried to squeeze in and asked what happened. When I secretly took a peek above, I saw the Chief of Zhongnan Sect and you in a painstaking duel. I analyzed the situation and knew that it cannot be resolved. And it was also impossible to lend you a helping hand. Therefore…haha, therefore I could only sneak around and set the fire.”

Nangong Ping looked at Mei Yinxue from the sides of his eyes. Mei Yinxue said. “Just now I have already said, I have wronged him.”

Di Yang laughed. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. This ‘sneak’ word, I unintentionally used it.” He merrily laughed and said. “That ‘Eternal Restaurant ’ although it was built grandly but who would expect that, it would not hold the fury of the fire. I only set three, four torches and the fire spread like wildfire. When I saw the two of you escaping out from Xian City, I would not resist the temptation to follow. After searching for quite a few, I finally found the both of you. Actually I just want to meet you and there is no other reason.”

Mei Yinxue softly sighed. “You are not here to simply talk to him. You are afraid he would be badly injured and I am unable to take care of him…Haiz. I didn’t expect you to be such a good friend. But a pity…a friend such as you, is very rare in this world.”

Although Di Yang felt very touched in his heart but his mouth laughed merrily. “Maiden Mei, although you can be uncanny accurate but you think of me as too kind.”

Although Nangong Ping too was feeling touched but his mouth said. “I was slightly hurt but now I am alright now.”

These two young men although they had a warm heart but they were also haughty. Although they felt very touched but was unwilling to display it on your face. Although they were filled with a warm feeling, they acted like they were nonchalance.

Mei Yinxue smiled and smiled. “Is my guess wrong?”

Before she could finish, there were a eerie laughter coming from afar. And a man coldly said. “Naturally you have guessed wrongly. Those that secretly set fire, would he be a hero and a real man? How could he be a good man!”

Nangong Ping, Mei Yinxue and Di Yang were startled at the same time and turned their body!

In the darkness was a man with a snowy white fan. He was like a phantom that slowly made his way to them.

Di Yang straightened his body and immediately plunged forward like an eagle and attacked with his powerful hands.

The man in black laughed and commented. “What an extraordinary fast swiftness movement skill!” And he avoided Di Yang’s attack and reached the front of Nangong Ping.

Nangong Ping greeted him. “It is Hero Ren!”

Di Yang lowered his hands as he knew by now that he was a friend and not a enemy.

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping laughed. “Who will expect that the person that set the fire is from the Tianshan Clan!”

Nangong Ping did not expect that this person would be here so he introduced him to Di Yang.

Ren Fengping laughed aloud. “Young hero Di, the one that constructed the Eternal Restaurant did not use inferior materials. It just that I have added some combustible materials that the fire spread like wild fire!”

Di Yang laughed and said. “People said that ‘Wanli Liuxiang’ is an extraordinary hero from beyond the Pass. Now that I have seen it, it is indeed true.”

Ren Fengping said. “I am concerned about the whereabouts of Nangong Ping and this man who set the fire. Therefore I have followed!”

He took a glance at Nangong Ping, Mei Yinxue and Di Yang for awhile before he said solemnly. “After today, Mei Yinxue and Brother Nangong will find it difficult to move around in the Pugilist. I wonder what are your plans for the future?” His speech seemed honest but in his eyes he seemed to disguise something.

Nangong Ping sighed. “After today’s matter, I know that I will not be forgiven by the people in the Pugilist. But as long as I am without guilt, it doesn’t matter anything to me. Most probably I will visit Zhijiao Manor once. If I got the time, I will go to my hometown to pay my parents…”

Ren Fengping said. “Other places you can go but these two places you cannot go.”

There was a slight change in the expression of Nangong Ping as Ren Fengping explained. “Do not blame me for being straightforward. When Maiden Mei roamed the Pugilist doing whatever she cared to do in the past, she really made a lot of enemies. I believe that after what happened in Xian today, in a matter of days, the whole of the Pugilistic Fraternity will come to know that Maiden Mei is alive and her enemies will come knocking. If they cannot find the two of you, they will most likely to come knocking into those two places. Although the both of you are highly skilled, but you cannot win the masses…Haiz! Moreover Brother Nangong’s fellow clan brothers and sisters…” He solemnly sighed and then stopped.

Nangong Ping seemed to ponder while Mei Yinxue coldly laughed and asked. “Therefore, in Hero Ren opinion, what should we do?”

Ren Fengping paused for awhile to consider as he knew that in front of this clever maiden, he must not say the wrong words.

“I am stupid therefore I can only provide some ideas.” He smiled and solemnly said. “Maiden Mei made many enemies during her time in Pugilist. Although they are the same enemies but times have changed now.”

Mei Yinxue looked puzzled and asked. “How do you explain it?”

Ren Fengping explained. “At that time, these people are scattered all over. Among themselves, they do not know who is the also the enemy of Maiden Mei. Moreover owing to the circumstances at that time, no one will be willing to say it loud. But after ten years, the times are different. If those people know that Maiden Mei is still alive, they will be sure to group together to seek vengeance.”

There was suddenly a very mysterious smile on her smiling face as she slowly added. “Are they all coming just so for vengeance? I afraid…” Suddenly she looked at Nangong Ping and immediately stopped.

[MikeL]

this is a fantastic story, Yufeng ! many thanks!
this is written in so not typical GL styel

i am enjoying this Nan Gon Ping character, a good read.
_________________

[Yufeng]

Ren Fengping said. “No matter what. In my humble opinion, just the two of you will surely face many dangers…”

Nangong Ping interrupted. “Your meaning, we should seek shelter in…another Clan?” His voice was solemn and unhappy.

Ren Fengping smiled awhile. “With the status of two of you. I won’t say the word ‘Shelter’ even if I have the guts to say so.”

Mei Yinxue coldly said. “Hero Ren. If there is anything please say it out directly. Issn’t better than going around the bushes?”

Ren Fengping laughed. “In the presence of the smart people, there is no need for secrecy. If there are no friends that stand by you, I afraid it will be very hard for you to walk around in the Pugilist in the future. The two of you have a bright future. If you carry on like this, it will be such a waste.”

Nangong Ping sighed. “In this world, other than the two of you as my righteous friends, where can I find more.”

Di Yang laughed and said. “I am minor but Brother Ren…Hehe. He is indeed a undeniable hero of the pugilists and a Hero from the beyond the Pass.”

Ren Fengping smiled in appreciation. “What I have is only a title. How can I be compared to two young handsome heroes –” Suddenly he stopped and solemnly added. “But I have the fortune to know a friend. He is really a talent among talents. And he has a most heroic heart. He even knows the formation stratagems, music, chess and painting. As for his martial skills, it is even more extraordinary, he could use a leaf or a flower to wound others. He loves to make friends and his hospitality greatly exceed that of mine.”

Mei Yinxue secretly laughed coldly in her heart while Nangong Ping and Di Yang was impressed.

If it was others who say such a word, it would seem unbelievable. But from the mouths of ‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping, the temptation to know was different.

Therefore the two of them asked at the same time. “Who is this man?”

Ren Fengping smiled. “He stays beyond the Pass. Very few people know of his name but the name of Shuai Tian Fan would be known far and wide in future.

Di Yang commented. “What a dashing name.”

Nangong Ping said. “If such an extraordinary person will to come to the Central Plains, I will surely want to know him. Unfortunately I do not know him.”

Mei Yinxue asked. “Then Hero Ren, your meaning is, if we can make such a man as our friend, then all our troubles will be over?” Her tone was still cold and icy.

Ren Fengping said. “Brother Nangong, the Pugilist Fraternity is like a scattered sand. Kunlun has long been dominating the western region, Shaolin dominating the Central Plains, Wudang dominating in the areas of Jiangnan. Further south is Diancang and to the east is Huangshan. To the north is Tianshan and to the west is Zhongnan. All of them possess their own techniques. All of them have long wanted to dominate the entire Pugilistic Fraternity and potentially caused the entire realm to enter into chaos.

It was only of what happened in Huangshan in the past that caused grievously the loss of so many pugilists and because the ‘Divine Dragon and the Phoenix’ had been leading the Pugilistic Fraternity that the realm is currently at peace.”

Although his words had left the topic but Nangong Ping and Di Yang listened on with interest.

Ren Fengping added. “But now the various Sects and Clans are slowly regaining their lost strength and secretly on the move. Now that the Divine Dragon had disappeared, the balance that is holding the Pugilistic Fraternity is gone. If within a year, there is no one to hold the balance, the entire realm will be in a state of chaos.”

His words were like gold that impressed deeply in the hearts of men. Nangong Ping and Di Yang felt their hearts stirring.

Ren Fengping glanced at them and was secretly feeling happy at their expression. He added. “What have been divided will be whole again. Peace will come again after chaos. This will occur naturally. If during this time of chaos, there is no one in the Pugilist that could uphold righteousness, then the chaos caused by the hundred clans would not only cause chaos, plunder and rape would also be inevitable. If it still descended into chaos and no one can stop it, then how sorrowful will it be?”

Nangong Ping sighed. “Indeed. This is an excellent foresight.”

Ren Fengping smiled and said. “I don’t have the hidden talent of a crouching dragon. That Shuai Tianfan is the real Zhuge (Zhuge Liang (181 - 234) was one of the greatest Chinese strategists of the Three Kingdoms period, as well as a statesman, engineer, scholar, and inventor. Zhuge is an uncommon two-character compound family name. His name (or even just his surname) has become synonymous with intelligence and wit in Chinese culture) from beyond the Pass. Although he has not even stepped into the Pugilistic Fraternity, but his ability to analyze the situation of the realm is the same as actually witnessing it himself. To be honest with the two of you, I have stepped into Yumen, acting under orders to search from among the numerous pugilist heroes, to find those with the guts and enlightenment to resolve this situation. So that in future, we can uphold justice and righteousness for the entire Pugilistic Fraternity.”

Di Yang narrowed his brows and added. “Excellent thoughts for righteousness. But a pity there is no wine here or I will want to merrily toast you three times.”

Nangong Ping was perplexed in his heart and he became silence with many thoughts in his mind.

Mei Yinxue could not help but coldly laughed awhile and secretly thought. “I see that this Ren Fengping is a persuader for that Shuai Tianfan to buy over the hearts of others. Alas, alas, this Shuai Tianfan wants to dominate the Pugilistic Fraternity. He has such a wild ambition.” She paused to consider. “The appearance of Ren Fengping is most extraordinary, his martial skills outstanding. Even his words are inspiring and are anything but ordinary. What is more, he is also a heroic figure with a warm heart. No matter which angle I analyze, he can be considered a talented hero. Even that ‘Manshan Two Brothers’ listen to him. And he is only a persuader for that Shuai Tianfan. From these, that Shuai Tianfan martial prowess, talents and intellect are indeed unfathomable!”

When she had thought to this point, she could not help but felt astonished in her heart. She noticed that Ren Fengping did not say anything now but was like a speculator that was looking at their reaction before he said. “Brother Nangong, with your martial skills, talent and intellect, with your family wealth, the future of the Pugilistic Fraternity will definitely be yours. But you are unfortunately to be involved in a messy situation that could not find the understanding of your fellow pugilists."

"Even your fellow clan brothers will not be able to understand. You cannot move front or back, surround by enemies from left and right. Even if you have a thousand grievous but you still cannot earn the trust of the world. But if you will to co-operate with Shuai Tianfan and with the aid of this heroic Brother Di, there is no difficulty that cannot be resolved! Once the matter is over, not only can you uphold justice and righteousness for the Pugilistic Fraternity but also summon all the fellow pugilists and explain the head and tail from the beginning to the end. At that time your status will be different and your words will be golden instead. Will there be anyone in the Pugilistic realm that will say a word of disrespect to you? Not only will you not be in any danger, you will also be famous throughout the world. Even ‘Zhijiao Manor’ will hold a important place in the Pugilistic realm forever because of your fame!”

His words although said in a grave tone but every single word seemed to move the hearts of the listeners. It really caught the attention of the listeners and once they had listened, they could help but feel moved.

Ren Fengping looked at Nangong Ping and Di Yang, observed their expression and laughed aloud. “As the saying goes, if the hearts of two joined, it can severe gold. If the two of you will to join forces with me, in the future, the whole world will belong to us brothers!”

Mei Yinxue rolled her eyes and softly laughed. “According to Hero Ren, in less than ten years, this exceptional talented Shuai Tianfan will be the Alliance Chief of the entire Pugilistic Fraternity?”

Ren Fengping laughed. “If we could have the aid of the young hero Nangong Ping, in less than ten years, we can indeed control the situation of the Pugilist in our hands.”

He was very satisfied and proud, very sure that these two men would be moved by him.

Mei Yinxue softly laughed. “This Hero Shuai lead a recluse life outside the frontier, have not yet stepped into the Central Plains but already have the lofty aspirations to dominate the Central Plains and the Pugilistic Fraternity. It is really very impressive and worthy of respect.”

Although her smiles were very demure, beautiful and sweet but her words were actually that of disdain. But Ren Fengping, who was feeling sure of himself, did not noticed.

He smiled and said. “The three of you are very intelligent people. I am sure you will understand my efforts…”

Mei Yinxue rolled her eyes again and softly laughed. “Hero Ren kind intentions, we are indeed very moved but…” She looked at Nangong Ping who did not show any expression and was in thoughts.

Therefore she softly laughed and added. “We are in a very critical situation now and we are on the run. But Hero Ren grand plans are so far from being fulfilled. And that Hero Shuai is not even in the Central Plains yet…”

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping laughed and added. “Since everyone have the intention to participate in this grand scheme, I as brother will not dare to hide anything from everyone.”

He ceased his laughter and said solemnly. “Although it appeared that I have only been in the Pugilist for a few months but in fact, I have been within the Pass for five years. These five years, I have established in the Pugilist some foundations. But because the time is not ripe, therefore there are no one in the Pugilistic Fraternity that know about it.”

Mei Yinxue giggled. “Putting other things aside, just Hero Ren unfathomable martial skills alone is an amazement!”

Ren Fengping looked pleased and said. “For my selections of talents, those ranked in the middle I have found quite a few friends but those ranked on the upper echelon, are so few. Therefore it is the reason why I need the great support of the three of you because very soon, that Shuai Tianfan will enter the Pass.”

Although he thought of himself as brilliant but he did not know that he was being drawn by the demure Mei Yinxue by her beautiful smiles and drunk by her captivating eyes.

Nangong Ping and Di Yang had a slight change in their expression but Ren Fengping eyes shone brightly in a dazzling light. He added. “Not far from here, I have a villa. Although it is simple but it is quiet. I am sure no one will disturb the three of you. Unfortunately I have to remain in Xian City for awhile therefore I am unable to accompany you.”

Mei Yinxue purposely sighed in disappointment and slowly added. “Then what shall we do?”

Di Yang looked on seemingly frustrated while Nangong Ping knew her she had always been like that therefore he kept quiet and waited what would happen next

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping smiled. “No to worry. Although I am unable to accompany the three of you but there will be someone to lead…”

Suddenly he stopped and he looked at the three of them.

The smiles on Mei Yinxue face grew even sweeter while Nangong Ping kept his composure. Although Di Yang was getting impatience, for the sake of Nangong Ping and Mei Yinxue, he endured.

Ren Fengping was pleased with their expression therefore once again he recovered his smiling face and reached into his clothing and slowly said. “Although I want to be eager friend with the three of you but you may not believe yet…” His hand took something from within his clothing. Mei Yinxue, Nangong Ping and Di Yang took a glance and saw that he had a taken out three colourful sacks that shone like gold.

Mei Yinxue laughed lovable for awhile and then asked. “It so beautiful. What is it?”

Ren Fengping solemnly said. “Until now, those in the Pugilist that have seen this is rarer than rare…” He respectfully opened one of the sack and everyone caught a strange sweet aroma coming from the sack. From it, he took out a square ordinary purple wooden tablet and respectfully put it into Mei Yinxue’s hand.

Mei Yinxue lowered her head and noticed that this ordinary looking tablet had an exquisitely workmanship. On the surface was a craving of a picture. On top it was a Buddha that sat on the high clouds above the peak of a tall mountain. And behind the image, was the setting sun. And in the cloud was a man whose looks were impossible to tell although it was very bright around him.

On the other side of the tablet were the lines of a Tang poet Gao Shi taken from the Song of a Sparrow.
“A man should have roam carefree in the turmoil of the Pugilist realm.”

Mei Yinxue had been looking at it for sometime now with her head down. She looked up and laughed. “The man that was on the tablet, is it that of Shuai Tianfan?”

Ren Fengping nodded his head and replied. “This ‘Fragrant of the Wind and Rain Tablet’ belongs to Shuai Tianfan.”

He smiled and gave the two other sacks to Nangong Ping and Di Yang. “Because I want to gain the trust of the three of you, I make an exception to ignore any paper works and entrust these tablets to you.”

Mei Yinxue played with the tablet gently with her hand and then laughed. “What paper works?”

Ren Fengping replied. “Once the three of you reached the villa, you will know naturally!”

He suddenly clapped his hands with both his hands and there was a loud noise as the figure of a man that moved very fast appeared. He was one of the ‘Manshan Two Brothers’ Chang Sun Dan!

He moved lightning fast and was besides Ren Fengping in an instant. He looked maliciously at Mei Yinxue but when he saw the tablet on her hand, he was startled.

Ren Fengping smiled. “Brother Chang Sun, I know you have a misunderstanding with Maiden Mei but from now on, we are a family. Brother Chang Sun, you should forget about the past.”

Chang Sun Dan paused to consider for awhile before he coldly said. “I have already forgot about it.”

Mei Yinxue laughed lovingly and said. “Wow, what amazing speed!”

Ren Fengping laughed. “Can I bother Brother Chang Sun to accompany them to the ‘Fragrance Scent Manor’. I have some business at hand in Xian but I will hurry to meet up with everyone after I am done!”

Chang Sun Dan said. “Then…the sword…”

Ren Fengping laughed. “Brother Nangong, the precious sword that you have left behind in Xian City, I have sent my people to find it for you already.”

Nangong Ping who had been in deep thoughts, was startled.

Chang Sun Dan took a long sword from behind his back and coldly said. “The scabbard may not fit.”

Ren Fengping took the sword and handed it over to Nangong Ping and smiled. “Just now when I entered your room at the villa, I had already saw this famous precious sword. Later, I did not see Brother Nangong carrying it besides you. I hope I did not offend you by bringing it to you.”

He did not wait for Nangong Ping to appreciate his thanks and turned to Di Yang to ask. “Brother Di, do you know what so special about the wooden tablet?”

Di Yang who had been looking perplexed coldly laughed. “No matter how special this wooden tablet is, I will never become the claw of some one that want to dominate the Pugilistic Fraternity. Heng, heng...” He turned over his hand and threw the sack down on the ground and looked in the sky and refused to take even a second look at Ren Fengping.

Ren Fengping was startled and his expression changed. He croaked. “Brother Di, you…you…”

Nangong Ping took a deep sigh and said. “I am really appreciative of Brother Ren kindness. If that Hero Shuai is to come through from the Pass, I hope that I can be friend with such a great heroic figure but…” He sighed again and handed over the sack to Ren Fengping and added. “I am stupid, have no talent and moreover I am too willful. Therefore I am afraid I am unable to participate in Brother Ren grand plans. But, alas…I will never forget your kind gestures.”

He was born to be appreciative and kind. Although he appreciated the kind intention of Ren Fengping but he was not willing to be brought over by someone.

But he felt he owe something to this man therefore he was sighing.

Ren Fengping turned bronze green, clenched his hands tightly and seemingly almost crashed the sack that he was now holding. He turned slowly and looked at Mei Yinxue.

Mei Yinxue laughed and said. “I am for anything…” She gently laughed and returned the wooden tablet to the sack.

Nangong Ping expression had a sudden change while Ren Fengping eyes shone.

Mei Yinxue laughed and added. “But I don’t have any ambitions and guts therefore I can only give a thank of appreciation to Hero Ren. But…” She suddenly placed the sack into her dress and lovingly laughed. “I like this sack and wooden tablet very much so I am loath to return it to you. Since you have been so generous in giving it to me, I am sure you will not be so petty as to take it back. Hero Ren, do you agree?”

Di Yang could not resist making a laugh and noticed that Ren Fengping turned very pale and was stunned.

Ren Fengping slowly stretched down, picked the sack that was on the ground and looked very downcast.

Nangong Ping felt sorry for him and solemnly asked. “Brother Ren, if you need anything in future…”

Before he could finish, Ren Fengping burst out in hilarious laughter. It was icy and shrieking.

“Very good!” He laughed. “It seem that I am blind today. I see that the three of you have been making a fool out of me…”

Suddenly his laughter ceased and he slowly said word by word. “But since the three of you have known of my secrets, do you think you can leave here alive? Hehe! Do you really think Ren Fengping is an idiot!” He clapped his hands and he moved back seven feet!

From all around, in the shadows, more than ten men appeared with maces.

Nangong Ping, Di Yang, Mei Yinxue was startled while Chang Sun Dan remained solemn and flashed a sword!

Ren Fengping said in jest. “If I have no confidence to seal your mouths, would I dare to reveal those secrets in front of you?” He made a signal and his men surrounded Nangong Ping, Di Yang and Mei Yinxue.

Nangong Ping swept his eyes around and suddenly coldly laughed. “The feeling of appreciation and gratefulness have now been washed away by your this gesture!”

Ren Fengping coldly laughed. “It doesn’t matter if you are grateful to me, heng, heng! There is no difference now.”

Nangong Ping laughed. “Hundreds of pugilists surrounded me at Xian City. Will these tens of men cause me to lose my life here?”

Di Yang said aloud. “For those with the guts, they can also have the taste of the Tianshan Divine Sword!”

Ren Fengping coldly laughed. “Let me show you the result of five years of my painstaking effort whether it is any different from those rubbish in Xian City.”

Mei Yinxue solemnly said. “Don’t try to attack first, use inaction to counter action.
If there is anything wrong, clear a path out of the formation first…”

Ren Fengping said aloud in a clear voice. “Heaven!” then “Earth!” Tens of men attacked at Nangong Ping, Di Yang and Mei Yinxue at the same time in a tremendous show of force that startled them.

Nangong Ping shouted as he drew his long sword on his right hand. Mei Yinxue dress fluttering in a dance while Di Yang readied his fists as the three of them stood back to back with one another.

“Wind!” Hissed Ren Fengping.

The attacks grew even fiercer with the chains swinging and making ding dang sound.

Suddenly Di Yang cried out as a silver chain appeared like lightning struck him.

This formation was very deadly. It made use of the silvery reflective light of the maces, the sound of the strong wind caused by it and the ding dang sounds of the chain made this formation truly terrifying.

Mei Yinxue said in a startled voice. “Not good!”

Before she could finish, Di Yang tried to stand but another chain struck him. Without pausing to think it over, he caught hold of the mace with both his hands and his hands felt terrible. He was suddenly in pain from his left waist as well. But he charged to the black clad man with the mace he caught and both of them fell startled to the ground!

Nangong Ping used the sword to protect his body. Although the Fallen Autumn Leaf was a precious sword, it was not because it was renowned for its sharpness but because it was the sword of a famous man. But at this moment when Nangong Ping slashed it with all his might, its power was extraordinary!

There were a few sounds and three of the strange looking weapons which were really Morning Stars were fell by him. He turned around and saw Di Yang had fallen to the ground in a startled cry.

When Mei Yinxue saw that those men were using Morning Star Maces, she thought. “No wonder Ren Fengping does not seem worry!”

One must know that the Morning Star Mace was a type of weapon that was rarely seen in the Pugilist. Not only were it hard to be proficiency in it but when there were many people, it could even hurt the wielder. But if one manage to specialize in it, the power of the mace would be doubled.

Since those men were able to use such a weapon, it would appear that they had been highly proficiency in it. Not only were they co-operating very well, they would not even hurt themselves, and the display naturally were most extraordinary.

Mei Yinxue was very wise with experience that she had gained while she was roaming the Martial Fraternity therefore when she saw this formation, she actually had the intention to retreat. But when she saw Nangong Ping standing up to fight, she did not know why her heart was aroused too. Now she did not care for her own safety anymore and with a soft shout, she floated speedily in a wave of strong wind and blocked off the seven maces for Nangong Ping that were aiming at him!

Nangong Ping raised his long sword in all directions and ran towards the side of Di Yang who had fallen.

Mei Yinxue became very pale because she knew that the next instant when the maces struck, Nangong Ping will surely be wounded by those maces!

[Dimsum]

approaching 1,200 hits in a few days, your translation is the most read thread on his board congratulation Yufeng

[Yufeng]

Now there were silvery light everywhere in that instant when she had been in thoughts. She heard Ren Fengping shouted. “Frost!”

Mei Yinxue turned her body around and dashed across to Nangong Ping. She heard a shout and immediately the waves of morning stars were withdrawn and all the attackers took ten steps back.

Ren Fengping who was directing the formation noticed something went wrong with his Array and was startled. This ‘Heaven Wind Silvery Rain Array’ was created to dealt with the top exponents of the Pugilist therefore a lot of efforts had been expended on it. What most intricate about this formation over the ‘Eight Array Formation’ was the use of ‘Heaven, Earth, Wind, Rain, Sun, Moon, Cloud, Snow, Frost’ totaling nine changes that could constantly attack and aided one another. Although the changes were not complicated but he strongly believe the strange array and formation created, had the ability to bring down any top exponent!

As he did not saw Di Yang who wounded by it and deeply afraid that this painstaking formation would be destroyed, therefore with a shout, he dispersed the formation. Now he gently floated into the middle of the array…

Nangong Ping lowered his body to inspect Di Yang who was bloodied but his left hand was holding the throat of a strong man in black Di Yang was holding so tightly that his fingernails continuously had blood flowing out. That man wore a leather glove on his left hand and his mace was clenched by Di Yang’s right hand high in the air and it crashed onto the head of the man.

Nangong Ping was startled in his mind and he caught hold of Di Yang by his wrist and when Di Yang turned his head over, he noticed that he was covered with blood. This young man was wounded for the first time and it was also the first time he had ever killed some one. Therefore when he saw his own blood, his senses were in a state of confusion and he looked shockingly at Nangong Ping and at the mace.

The blood dripped from the mace coldly on Nangong Ping’s hands. The icy cold blood affected him as much as Di Yang. From now on, he would never treat the lives of others lightly.

Ren Fengping who had drifted to the middle saw the scene and laughed coldly. “I see that ‘Tianshan Divine Swordplay’ is really nothing at all!”

Mei Yinxue coldly laughed. “But the so and so Tianshan Divine Swordplay has caused your array to be in a state of confusion. It lucky that you have the foresight to disperse the array or else…hehe.”

Although she laughed it off but actually in a heart, she was secretly startled by the power of this array. She added. “Look at the broken head of your man, are you not afraid…”

Before she could finish, Ren Fengping broke into an eerie and hilarious laughter.

Nangong Ping appeared vex and said aloud. “Why are you laughing? Do you think that the loss of lives and blood is a funny matter?”

Ren Fengping ceased his laughter and coldly said. “Do you know flowers and trees need to undergo trials to grow?”

Nangong Ping was startled for he did not why he suddenly said something so irrelevant.

Ren Fengping added. “Martial arts and arrays are the same as flowers and trees. In this world, no matter what type of martial skills, no matter what type of arrays if they are not tested in blood, they will never be nurtured and grow. Although one of my men had died but his blood will cause this ‘Heaven, Wind, Silvery Rain Array to be more developed. It is indeed a joyous matter, why don’t you laugh?”

This explanation caused Nangong Ping to be very upset and sorrow at the same time. Sorrow because he suddenly remembered the martial skills that he had learnt was developed in blood too. He could not help but sighed. Every single words of this Ren Fengping were as sharp as blades that pierced deeply into the heart.

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping smiled and said solemnly. “I am not here to make enemies of the people in the Pugilistic realm. Therefore this Heaven, Wind, Silvery Rain Array is really not meant not to be used…”

He suddenly sighed deeply and added. “In Xian City, thousands of pugilists surrounded you and even your protégés are not understandable towards you. Only I, Ren Fengping at the risk of offending the wrath of everyone…alas! You have caused me to go against my own intention and was now trapped by my array!”

Nangong Ping sighed deeply.

Mei Yinxue coldly laughed and added. “You failed to intimidate us and are you trying to use a soft approach now?”

Ren Fengping said solemnly. “Since the three of you refuse to listen to my sound advise, therefore I will let you witness the true power of my Heaven Wind Silvery Rain Array.”

Mei Yinxue softly shouted. “Hold it!” And her body floated in an elegant flash, seemingly like she was flying across the field.

Ren Fengping secretly exclaimed. “What a terrifying swiftness skill!” And Mei Yinxue had landed in front of him. He laughed aloud. “Do you really think by retaining me in the middle of this Array, it will not be able to unleash its power?”

Mei Yinxue replied. “That is right.” She softly laughed and added. “I want to retain you here.” As her hands moved to hit Ren Fengping on his Ping Jian Jin accupoint!

Ren Fengping lowered his glance, as he did not dare to look at the captivating smile on her face as he tried to evade. At the same time his left hand reached toward her beneath her waist as he said coldly. “Forgive me for not accompanying you!” And he lifted his body up by the force of his right leg.

Mei Yinxue laughed most lovingly as she exclaimed. “You will not be able to leave.” She lifted herself up like a python using the strength of her right shoulder as her dress fluttered as she hit his ankle!

Ren Fengping was very startled as he immediately once again tried to lift up again and his hands homed toward her but could only hit her sleeve.

Mei Yinxue captivating laughed as she danced in mid-air. “You should come down!” And some bits of the clothing from her sleeve dropped to the ground.

Before she had finished, Ren Fengping was forced to the ground and guarded his front with two hands. He looked intently at Mei Yinxue. Just now when she exhibited the stance of ‘Flying Cloud swiftness skill’. It was done so casually but her mastery of the gravity, her flow of vital energies was actually in the acme of perfection. Even the present Chief of the Wudang Sect, Priest Tingxin did not have her martial ability.

Nangong Ping was secretly startled. Until now, he had never witnessed Mei Yinxue actual martial ability. It was much higher than he original thought. When she hit the ankle of Ren Fengping in such a causal way with her hand, she seemed to guise several other moves as well but because she had not meet any worthy opponent, she did not use any.

He was puzzled and at the same time admiring her. During those ten years while she lay in that dark narrow coffin, not only was it suffocating to be inside, it could drive anyone insane. And then this strange extraordinary maiden had not only regained her destroyed martial ability, it was such a painstaking and hard thing to do, she also managed to master the hardest skill in the inner strength category, the art of longevity. And her stances and strokes also seemed to have been greatly improved tremendously. He really could not guess how she managed to lay her hands on such a secret and extraordinary martial ability to create this miracle that was never seen for the hundred of years in the Pugilistic realm.

All those thoughts flashed in his mind while Di Yang slowly got up.

Ren Fengping coldly laughed and slowly said. “Do you wish to surrender or fight, decide it now.”

Mei Yinxue exclaimed. “I purposely want to delay the time! Is it not allowed?”

Ren Fengping coldly added. “Then you should hastily prepare for the burial of Di Yang!”

Nangong Ping was startled and asked in shock. “What did you say?”

Ren Fengping looked up at the sky and then slowly added. “On the surface of the silver mace, there is poison. If it contact with blood, it will act. There is no antidote…” He looked at Nangong Ping and continued. “If you wish to save your friend, you should make a decision now!”

As he was afraid of Mei Yinxue martial skills therefore he finally revealed this secret weapon of his.

Nangong Ping grew very pale and turned over to glance at Di Yang who was now looking rigidly and losing his normal countenance.

Mei Yinxue rolled her eyes around and coldly said. “I will not be bowed by mere words!”

Ren Fengping coldly laughed. “I afraid that in your heart, you know that it is not mere words! Although you are cold hearted and cold blood, you don’t even care about the life and death of your friends but…” He looked at Nangong Ping and added. “Nangong Ping, are you such a person too?”

Nangong Ping felt his heart stirring.

Mei Yinxue softly exclaimed. “If I capture you, will I be afraid that you will not hand over the antidote?”

Ren Fengping coldly laughed and said. “I don’t have the antidote on me and moreover...Hehe! Can you really capture me?”

Mei Yinxue looked perplexed and suddenly laughed coldly. “It really so funny. Alas it is so funny! I thought how great is ‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping but he is only so and so!”

Ren Fengping pretended not to hear while Mei Yinxue coldly laughed. “Using this method to force others to join you is the dumbest thing to do. Even if others will to join you, will not that person betray your secret after that? When that moment occur, you will deeply regret it.”

Ren Fengping laughed. “Not to worry you, maiden. If I do not have the ability to subdue dragons and tigers, I will not suggest it.”

Mei Yinxue secretly exclaimed. “Haiz!” She knew that her stratagem of attacking him using psychology did not work.

The two of them were strong willed and in this round, none of them managed to use words to move one another. As they were astonished by the ability of one another, they tried not rushed into a senseless fight first and hope to use words to move one another, hoping to score a victory without a fight.

Mei Yinxue was once again filled with a beautiful captivating smile. She suddenly had a thought. She would first attack Ren Fengping unprepared and hit his accupoints. If she did not succeed in the first attempt, she would immediately back off and before the Array could be activated, she would take Nangong Ping with her and break free of the Array.

But suddenly there was a sudden shrieking from the sky. It came from a crow!

Mei Yinxue was startled for this crow suddenly plunged on Ren Fengping’s face and seemingly wanted to gouge his eyes.

Although Ren Fengping was startled, he immediately retaliated with his hand! This hand was so fast and this crow was flying headlong towards him and could not have avoided it. But the crow suddenly evaded his attack by flying backward! And it flew up into the clouds and disappeared!

Ren Fengping looked on in shock. His hand was still in a offensive position and he seemed reluctant to put his hand down. Although there were many strange and wondrous creatures but a crow that can fly backward, from ancient times till now, there were never any occurrences! He thought. “Can this bird be a wondrous bird that looked like a crow?” He could not help wondering over it.

On the other hand, Mei Yinxue and Nangong Ping were puzzled as well.

Suddenly there was a queer shout coming from afar. “Move aside, move aside!”
And there was some initial confusion in the Array as they opened a path.

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping looked on unhappy and said aloud. “To be confused even before a fight cannot be forgiven. Have you all forgotten?”

Even before he had finished, a white hair thin priest in robe of blue walked in strides into their midst all the while shouting. “Move aside, move aside!”

This priest looked imposing and his left hand was on his front. On that hand sat a crow. When Ren Fengping glanced over, he noticed that the queer sound came from the crow. He was suddenly very startled within him and he broke into cold sweat. A crow that could fly in reverse direction was startling enough. But a crow that could talk was even more startling. Ren Fengping had a wealth of experience from roaming the Pugilist and his cunning was even more unfathomable. But at this moment, his countenances underwent a great change.

Mei Yinxue rolled her eyes to glance and immediately she too lost her composure.

This priest carried a smile on his face but it was his crow that shrieked. “The moon is not dark, the wind is not high, how can you commit murder and arson in the vicinity of Xian City?”

Although its voice was crude but every single word was clear.

Mei Yinxue felt her legs growing soft and she almost wanted to cry out in surprise.

As for Nangong Ping, he too was very startled and he immediately thought of one man and he said. “You…”

The priest looked at him and silenced him, therefore Nangong Ping stumbled and looked at the priest startled.

Ren Fengping tried to suppress the terror in his heart and he asked. “What tidings brings a secular priest here?”

That priest laughed merrily while that crow shrieked. “Why did you only greet him, did you not see me?”

Ren Fengping was shocked beyond words. To greet a crow was really very ridiculous.

The white hair priest laughed. “My crow friend here is haughty but his seniority is very high. Even if you greet him, what does it matter?”

Ren Fengping was stunned for awhile before he raised both hands in the most unwilling manner to greet the crow. He seemed to be deeply affected by the strange crow and the expression of the priest therefore he obeyed.

There was a tingle of laugh in Nangong Ping’s eyes, as he seemed to think it was very funny. Mei Yinxue was secretly puzzled for she knew that with his character, he would never poke fun at a senior pugilist. Therefore her suspicious was aroused. Although she was exceptional smart, she could not guess the reason.

The white hair priest laughed. “Very good. Very good manner child. It seem that my trip is not being made in futile.” He looked solemnly at Ren Fengping and said. “By accidental, I saw an ominous outlook here as I was passing through. As I could not bear to witness the calamity that is to befall a hero therefore I am here.”

Ren Fengping looked confused and slowly asked. “I do not quite understand the meaning of the words of Senior.”

White hair priest sighed. “Do you know that your luck is at its lowest now and if you are involved in bloodshed, you are sure to invite calamity. Although you and them have a deep grudging vendetta but today you should try to wash your hands, the earlier the better.” He did not look at Nangong Ping and Mei Yinxue, seeming disliking them. He solemnly added. “If the two of them try to fight you, for the sake of that respectful greeting, I will help you to fend them off.”

Ren Fengping expression changed and he was seemingly shocked for words before he slowly asked. “But…”

The white hair priest looked perplexed and said aloud. “But what? Do you not believe me?”

“Calamity befalls and still do not wake up from your senses. What a pity, what a pity.” The crow shrieked.

Ren Fengping remained rooted to the ground and he was terribly pale. He looked at Nangong Ping, Mei Yinxue and then at the priest and the crow and slowly said. “It not that junior do not believe your words but today I have to settle something and…”

The priest coldly added. “And what I say, is too mysterious and you find it too hard to believe, right?”

Although Ren Fengping did not say anything but in fact, his silence was the best indication that the priest was correct.

The priest laughed aloud. “In my entire life, there are no one that ever doubted my predictions because I have never predicted anything wrongly. Since you do not believe, are you really trying to end your own life?”

The crow shrieked and laughed in a strange manner. “Since you want to die, it is really easy, easy…”

Suddenly Ren Fengping thought of a person and he became very pale. “Senior, are you the renowned Heavenly Crow Priest who know all things in advance and whose prediction is always correct that is so famous in the Pugilist years ago?”

The priest laughed. “Very good. At least you know my name. That is right. I am that Heavenly Crow priest that reported disasters and not fortune!”

Ren Fengping slowly asked. “But…but according to the rumours of the Pugilistic Fraternity, Senior had long…passed away…”

The priest laughed. “More than ten years ago, I am weary of the illusion of living, therefore I fake my own death. I can’t believe that so many in the Pugilist actually believe that.”

Still Mei Yinxue was feeling very surprised inside of her. She had long ago heard of this priest that was so famous in the Pugilist for his uncanny ability to predict the future. He only predicted disasters and was never for once wrong. As long as he told someone that a disaster would befall him, it would surely happen. Therefore the people in the Pugilist nicked him as the Heavenly Crow Priest. Although crow sounds disrespectful but everyone in Pugilist lavished him with much respect.

The doubts in Ren Fengping mind totally disappeared.

The priest turned over and asked Mei Yinxue. “Did the two of you heard me?”

Mei Yinxue glanced at Nangong Ping and gently nodded.

The white hair priest ‘Heavenly Crow Priest’ continued. “I have the intention of rescuing him from this calamity, do you have any objections?”

Mei Yinxue was more than intelligent. How could she not know the priest was secretly helping them. Therefore she replied. “Since Senior has spoken, naturally there will be no objection.”

The white hair priest ‘Heavenly Crow Priest’ waved his hand slightly and turned to look at Ren Fengping. “Then leave while you can. If you delay it, it will be too late.”

Ren Fengping secretly sighed. “I am grateful by the kindness of Senior and I will want to extend my thanks to you again at some other time.” He shouted. “Let go!” He had a upper hand in this situation but now he left in a mercifully released manner and he did not even harbor any hatred or unhappiness. In fact he was very grateful to the Heavenly Crow Priest.

Ren Fengping’s men had long wanted to leave ever since they had saw the talking crow for they were frightened by it. So when they heard the order to retreat, it seemed like a pardon from the emperor and they respectfully bade the priest goodbye before they left hurriedly.

Ren Fengping looked viciously at Mei Yinxue for awhile as if he wanted to say something but at last, he sighed deeply, turned and left hurriedly. In a flash or two, he had disappeared into the darkness.

[Yufeng]

Nangong Ping did not say anything till Ren Fengping was far away. He suddenly sighed deeply. “You have use trickery again, alas! If it issn’t for the sake of Brother Di, I…” He suddenly felt so guilty.

Mei Yinxue was left wondering by Nangong Ping.

That white hair priest suddenly laughed. “This is a tooth for a tooth. To dealt with such a cunning heretic, what wrong with tricking him one or two times?”

Nangong Ping sighed. “It's not honorable…to trick”

Mei Yinxue was startled. And she was even more puzzled and could not resist asking. “What trick?” Although she possessed the fruit of wisdom but she could not tell what was the trick all about.

As the white hair priest knew the character of Nangong Ping, therefore he did not blame him for faulting him. He gently pat the crow feathers and laughed. “Crow friend, crow friend. It is all thanks to you!” He turned his wrist as though he wanted to severe something and raised up his right hand. “Go now!”

That crow shrieked and spread its wings to soar into the darkness.

When Mei Yinxue saw that he set such a wondrous spiritual bird away, she was very startled and puzzled inside. Therefore she could not resist asking. “Haiz…will it still return?”

The white hair priest laughed and laughed. “Maiden, you don’t have to feel pity. There are so many crows around, I can capture ten of them anytime I want.”

Mei Yinxue glanced at Nangong Ping and slowly added. “What is going on around here, I really cannot figure it out…” She was so sure of her unrivalled intelligence that when she encountered something that stumbled her, she could not help feeling frustrated.

The white hair priest laughed. “It a form of psychology attack that is used on a strong foe. It really unbelievable that this trick of mine managed to fool that Wanli Liuxiang Ren Fengping and even the world famous Peacock Concubine was fooled.”

Nangong Ping sighed. “After seven years, I really did not expect to see you again outside Xian City. And you even rescue me from this difficulty. And I really did not expect…alas! It been many years and your behaviour did not changed at all…” He sighed and shut up. His speech was filled with delight but also regret.

The old white priest ceased his smiles and slowly said. “To tell the truth, I did not use this trick for many years already. But when I saw the crisis that had befall you, I am forced to…”

Nangong Ping sighed. “You have come to save me, naturally I am grateful. But this method of yours, is not honorable. You have drifted in the Pugilist all your life, don’t you want to create for yourself a respectable, honorable, righteous reputation and did something earth shaking so that future generations will know?”

Although Nangong Ping voice was composed but it was sparking with righteousness and the white hair priest countenance was sunk and he lowered his head.

Nangong Ping slowly walked up to him and patted him on his shoulder. “If my words are strong, please do not blame me. You must know that if I do not feel proud of a friend such as you, I will not say it. Moreover, your kindness caused me to feel extremely grateful in my heart.”

The white hair priest lifted his head and smiled and basked in the light of friendship. He grasped Nangong Ping’s hands and asked. “All…these years, are you good?” He asked with great concern.

Nangong Ping nodded and replied. “I am good. What about you?” His calm composure was moved as well and his eyes shone with tinge of reflective light.

Mei Yinxue was lost in deep thoughts of her own. Suddenly she clapped her hands and softly laughed. “I know it!” She turned around and was besides the white hair priest in an instant as she caught hold of his wrist.

Nangong Ping asked solemnly. “What is the matter?”

Mei Yinxue captivating laughed. “You look, there is really a black string in his hand. Haha! The crow that can fly in reverse was actually caused by the string in his hand when he pulled it."

The white hair priest laughed. “Maiden you really have a most exceptional intelligence, there is nothing that can hide from you.”

Nangong Ping looked at the proud and smiling look on Mei Yinxue face and she looked more delighted than a child that was given good food and clothing. He could not help thinking. “Although she look very cold and frosty and unapproachable. But in actuality, she has an innocent heart but…Alas! The people in the Pugilistic Fraternity only know of her cold outlook but none of them know the kind heart that is within her.”

Mei Yinxue ceased her laughter and she looked perplexed. “But…that crow that knows how to speak in our tongue really muddle me!”

White hair priest laughed aloud and he suddenly used that strange shrieking sound and said. “Maiden you have been walking in the Pugilist for a long time. Did you ever heard of a strange magic trick used by wandering peddlers?”

Mei Yinxue listened carefully and observed that from the chest of the white hair priest echoed the shrieking sound of that crow. She was immediately stunned and asked. “What magic trick?” Although she had long roamed the Pugilist realm but all her associates were top exponents in the Pugilistic Fraternity, naturally she did not know of this unorthodox trick.

Nangong Ping explained. “This skill is call ‘Ventriloquism’. It makes use of the air channels in the body and emit is out from the muscles inside. It is a high art in the eyes of the wandering peddlers and also extremely hard to train…”

The white hair priest laughed it off. “It's just an unorthodox skill, there is nothing to be proud of it.”

Nangong Ping said solemnly. “Any skills that are mastered are not to be taken lightly. It just depends if it is used correctly.”

Mei Yinxue softly sighed and slowly said. “I will never expect to know that from the lower echelons of the pugilists, there is such an wondrous skill. If you say it is an unorthodox skill, I think otherwise and feel that it is a amazing skill. But a pity that I have never heard of it before.”

Nangong Ping slowly added. “The world is big and the creatures that dwell in it wondrous. It is not something based on just a person foolish intelligence to grasp all its mysteries. Those people that try to know everything, usually do not know anything.” (Referring to Mei Yinxue)

The white hair priest sighed, feeling grateful inside.

Mei Yinxue secretly sighed in her heart but still she retained a captivating smile on her face and asked. “Since you are not that ‘Heavenly Crow Priest’, then who are you?” She had always been very strong willed. Although her most innermost thoughts had been hit right on the mark by other but she did not show it.

Nangong Ping composed face floated a smile. He seemingly almost wanted to burst out in laughter at the thought of that priest name.

The white hair priest sighed and replied. “My name is Wan Da, a guest under the residence of Nangong Master.” He suddenly smiled. “But the people in the Pugilist nicked me as some one who knows everything, therefore I am forced to be acknowledged as Wan Shitong (Someone who knows many things)."

In his laughing fits, he lifted his glance and saw that Mei Yinxue remained solemn and did not have any tinge of jest. So he asked. “Don’t you feel it is a funny name, maiden?”

Mei Yinxue sighed and said in a serious tone. “Unless it is someone who is exceptional brilliant, unless it is someone that pursue knowledge, unless there are tens of years of hard work, how will anyone nick you as “Wan Shitong”. I greatly admire this name and I don’t find it to be funny.”

Wan Da was startled and he was greatly moved for he found someone that could understand him.

Nangong Ping sighed. “If it not someone who is exceptional brilliant, who else is able to say aloud such an extraordinary line.” (Referring to Mei Yinxue)

Mei Yinxue was delighted and she laughed captivating for awhile.

Wan Da sighed. “Ever since you become the protégé of the Divine Dragon Clan, those who were your proteges had now scattered. I wandered throughout the Pugilistic Fraternity with no accomplishments…Alas! Today I come to the Northwest hoping to witness the duel between the Phoenix and the Divine Dragon. And at the same time pay you a visit. But I was late and when I arrived at Xian City, I heard that the Peacock Concubine has returned to the Pugilist realm. I also heard of your heroic duel with the Chief of the Zhongnan Sect at the Eternal Restaurant.”

He sighed and added. “I know then you have finally accomplished something in your martial ability after many years. I feel very happy but I was also very worry for your safety therefore I searched the fringe of the city hoping for your news. But…”

Mei Yinxue laughed and interrupted. “But your psychology attack aided us to beat off Ren Fengping or else even if we were all injured, it seemed that we would still unable to break loose of that…”

Suddenly Nangong Ping shouted. “Oh no!” As he rushed to Di Yang and under the starlight, Di Yang countenance had darkened.

Ren Fengping did not lie when he said that the mace had been applied with poison.

Nangong Ping asked Di Yang with great anxiety. “Brother Di, how are you?”

Di Yang eyes were in a daze and he could not hear him.

Nangong Ping clenched his fists tightly and broke off in cold sweat.

Wan Da took a look and immediately his countenance changed. Nangong Ping turned around and asked solemnly. “Is there any hope?”

Wan Da was silence for awhile before he sighed. “The poison that was afflicted to him is not the type that is commonly used in the Central Plains. And the poison has already been…I afraid…afraid…”

Nangong Ping paled and exclaimed. “Is there really no hope?”

Wan Da sighed. “Unless we have Ren Fengping secret antidote, and the long gone miraclous pill ‘Against Heaven's Will’ by the Saint of the Physicians, I afraid that even the wondrous saving pill of physician ‘Pu Ling Xian’ cannot neutralize such a strong acting poison. I can temporary stop the poison from reaching the heart but…”

Before he had finished, Nangong Ping was already on his feet. Mei Yinxue gently blocked him and asked. “What are you trying to do?”

Nangong Ping said solemnly. “Brother Di was injured because of me. How can I watch him die?”

Mei Yinxue expressions changed and said. “If you want to get the antidote from Ren Fengping, would not it be as difficult as negotiating with a tiger?”

Nangong Ping coldly replied. “Even if it meant negotiating with a tiger, I have to try.”

Mei Yinxue melancholy sighed. “Then…let me accompany you.”

Nangong Ping exclaimed. “You are now the target of the entire Pugilistic Fraternity. How can you risk yourself?” Although he was expressionless but he accidentally leaked his concern.

Mei Yinxue asked. “Why must you always think of others and not think of yourself?”

Nangong Ping sunk his expression. “If everything is for ourselves, then life will be very pitiful.” He looked up and saw that the ‘Cold and Frosty’ Cold Blood Concubine was filled with looks of concern and emotions. So he unwittingly changed his tone. “Wait here awhile with Brother Wan, if I did not succeed, I will be back very soon.”

Mei Yinxue lovingly laughed and asked. “If you do not succeed, will you be back?”

Nangong Ping said aloud. “I will definitely be back!”

Mei Yinxue melancholy sighed. “If you promise me that if you do not succeed with the first attempt, you will retreat. Only then will I not follow you.”

A hundred emotions flooded in the heart of Nangong Ping, as he could not control it anymore as he slowly said. “Even if I were to crawl, I will crawl back. But…you must be careful too.”

Mei Yinxue slowly moved her body aside for Nangong Ping. She lowered her head and said. “We will be careful!”

Nangong Ping looked at her intensely only to hear her said in a clear voice. “If you are not careful with yourself, I…I…anyway I will wait here for you, no matter how long.”

Nangong Ping slowly extended his hands but suddenly he lowered it and he solemnly said. “I go now.”

Wan Da who was looking intensely sighed. “Is this maiden, really the Peacock Concubine?”

Nangong Ping was startled. “Naturally is real.”

Wan Da said. “If I did not witness it myself, I really cannot believe that the Peacock Concubine will…” He sighed and shut up. He really could not believe that the Cold Blood Concubine Mei Yinxue would show such heart wrenching concern and feeling for anyone.

Nangong Ping was standing rigid onto the ground. He could only felt an unspeakable warm feeling coming from his heart. Once again he looked at Mei Yinxue and said. “I'll go now!” As he left.

Mei Yinxue held her dress as she watched him disappeared into the darkness. She softly said. “Do you think that he will…Alas! If you really the ‘Heavenly Crow Priest’, it will be best. You can tell me what facing him will be a fortune or a calamity!”

Even if it were the most intelligence person, when they encountered something that really concerned them, they would unconsciously inquire the Fates. The Cold Blood Concubine was carefree and did not concern herself with the lives of others. Therefore the thing that everyone believed, she did not. Because she did not have feeling for anything therefore she did not have anything to concern or worry about. She had no fears and having no fears, she would not respect the Fates and the lives of others.

Now she had beginning to show signs of concern and fear. And she began to think that his life was much more important than hers. This feeling came so sudden and dyed red the plain white environment of her life.

Wan Da sighed deeply and slowly said. “Nothing can overcome his righteous heart. Maiden, do you agree?”

He looked at her and saw that Mei Yinxue was looking at the sky and did not heard his words because she was now asking the Heaven for his news.



Chapter Eight Ended.


　　

[Yufeng]

Chapter Nine: Heroic Spirit, Dry Cloud

Nangong Ping breath in deeply the cool air as he secretly entered Xian City. Although he knew that to retrieve the antidote from Ren Fengping’s hands were an almost impossible task but he had already made up his mind. In his dictionary, there was only, should he or should he not, and as long as it was the correct thing to do, even if he was to be killed by a thousand blade, he would never change his mind.

This courage caused him to neglect win or defeat, even beyond the façade of life and death. The people on the streets avoided Nangong Ping as they could feel his righteousness air that caused them unable to look into him directly.

Mulong Manor was quiet as well but it was unusually heavily guarded. Eight men wielding halberds were seen. They seemed to be searching the fog for the Cold Blood Concubine intensely with their eyes!

A young man appeared from the fog, his sharp and shining eyes asked them solemnly. “Is Master Wei in?”

“It so early in the morning, naturally he is in.” One of the men replied.

The young man solemnly said. “Please hurriedly ask your Master to come out. I have something important to see him!”

They were startled and another man laughed aloud and said. “Please ask our Master to see you!” He said in jest. “The sky has not even brighten yet and the Master is still in bed. If you want our Master to come and see you, haha. It is really laudable.”

The young man remained composed and coldly said. “Why don’t you go and report to him and say that…”

The same man laughed. “What there to say? Go back and wait until noon. Prepare a name card and write your intention. Our Master may not still want to see you. Just a few words, you expect our Master to wake up and to receive you, you must really be dreaming.”

Another man laughed. “If you are a famous person, maybe there is still room for negotiations. But it is a pity that you are not the famous Iron gut Long Fei and you are also not the recently renowned Nangong Ping!”

The young man slowly said. “I am indeed Nangong Ping!”

Everyone was immediately struck dumbfounded when they heard it was Nangong Ping and they all rushed inside the manor muttering. “Nangong Ping…Nangong Ping…” They had never dreamed that Nangong Ping who had battled Yushou Chunyang last night would appear alone in Mulong Manor!

Nangong Ping was not moved by this recently founded fame.

The quiet Mulong Manor was suddenly startled by the name of Nangong Ping. There were mutterings and it spread like wildfire as hundreds of eyes peeked from the corner to look at this young man that had fought with the Chief of the Zhongnan Sect Yushou Chunyang! But none dared to step forward openly.

Suddenly there was a powerful voice that electrified all the way to the entrance. “Where is Nangong Ping?”

Nangong Ping was very startled and he thought. “Who has such a powerful internal strength?”

One must know that although 'Fei Huan' Wei Qi and Yushou Chunyang were two top exponents of the Pugilist realm but he could tell that the person that was emitting his voice possessed very strong internal power and it was not Wei Qi or Yushou Chunyang.

Another voice shouted aloud. “Where is Nangong Ping now?”

Nangong Ping was perplexed, as the man that was shouting was Wei Qi but he looked so unlike himself earlier. Could another top exponent be hiding in the manor?”

Wei Qi stared at Nangong Ping and he coldly said. “Nangong Ping, why did you come here? Do you really not afraid to die?” His voice stumbled as he suddenly began to shout. “Mei Leixue, Mei Leixue, are you here as well?” He seemed to use two different tones.

Nangong Ping was feeling strange but he asked. “Where is Ren Fengping?”

Wei Qi was startled but he shouted. “Where is Mei Leixue?”

Nangong Ping became perplexed and he shouted too. “Where is Ren Fengping?”

But Wei Qi also shouted at the same time. “Where is Mei Leixue…”

Suddenly a strange voice silenced them. “Why did want to seek Ren Fengping?”

Another man appeared and he was Ren Fengping who laughed merrily. “Nangong Ping, you have come! Very good, very good…” As he welcome him like he was his guest. “Please come in!”

Nangong Ping secretly sighed and he appeared to be thinking.

Ren Fengping laughed and said. “If there is anything to discuss, we talk inside!”

Who was the top exponent in the mist? Who could that mysterious man be? How startling were his martial art skills? Nangong Ping took a deep breath as he stepped inside.

Wei Qi knitted his eyebrows and wanted to say something. But when he looked in the darkness, his eyes were frightened and he followed Ren Fengping and Nangong Ping at the back.

The mysterious voice asked. “Nangong Ping, are you here to retrieve from Ren Fengping the antidote?”

Nangong Ping looked around him, inspecting the hall and the darkness but he could not see the mysterious man.

[Yufeng]

After this point, I will summarize Chapter Nine and parts of Chapter Ten.

[China-man]

how many chapters are there?

[Yufeng]

[Yufeng]

Inside the Mulong Manor, Nangong Ping asked Ren Fengping for the antidote.

Ren Fengping asked Nangong Ping what would he offer in exchange for the antidote reminding him that he had no use of rare treasures and riches.

Therefore Nangong Ping offered his life in exchange for the antidote which startled Wei Qi. Nangong Ping told him if he was given the antidote, he would be back within one day to surrender his life.

Ren Fengping coldly exclaimed. “Why should I trust you!”

Nangong Ping furrowed and offered. “If you let me swallow a poison that enact one day after, I will surely be back!”

Therefore Nangong Ping took the poison and asked for the antidote from Ren Fengping.

Ren Fengping coldly laughed. “What antidote?”

Nangong Ping was angry that Ren Fengping had broken his promise that he attacked him. “You liar!”

But suddenly he was knocked forth by a force and the same mysterious voice said. “Who ever promise to give you the antidote?”

Although Nangong Ping was furious but still he felt weak and could not say a word out (The poison had reacted). Only to hear the voice said slowly. “The instant you enter the manor, your life is forfeited. What right do you have to use a life that is already forfeited to me, to exchange for the antidote?”

Nangong Ping felt like he was being tore apart by rage and sorrow. After he was tricked, he now felt a sense of hopelessness and pain that was cruelly tearing apart his life and feeling. “You…You…You are not human! Antidote…Hand over the antidote…”

The voice laughed it off and said. “Antidote? Give up this hope. Not only will you die here but your stupid friend will also die as well. Can you hear his pain and dying cry now? Now the same fate awaits you and you can feel the horror of what it is to die.”

As Nangong Ping lay dying, the voice jeered. “Now do you know that life is precious. But it is a pity that you can only live once right? Now you will enter into eternal rest.”

Nangong Ping struggled to open his eyes as he used the last of his strength to charge out but when he had moved a feet, he was knocked out.



On the other hand, Shi Chen and Guo Yuxia got up from the same bed. Shi Chen was startled when there was a knocking sound. It was the tavern servant who asked outside. “Guest, do you want some tea or water?”

Shi Chen wiped away his sweat and shouted. “No!”

Guo Yuxia calmed him down and the Shi Chen who was very paled sighed and said in a low voice. “I…I keep thinking that Big Brother is outside the door. Yesterday night, I have a lot of nightmares. In my dream, Mentor Master is whipping me and punishing me while Big Brother is scolding me loudly. And I also dream that…that…”

Guo Yuxia lovingly laughed. “That in your dream, Fourth Sister laughed coldly at you, am I right?”

Shi Chen sighed and lowered his head.

Guo Yuxia asked. “Chen Chen, If Big Brother really comes, what will you do?”

“I…I…” He was unable to answer and could only sigh.

She gently brushed her beautiful hair and melancholy sighed deeply. “Chen Chen, I know that you really like me.”

Shi Chen looked at her idiocy at this beautiful adulteress and sighed. “I…really like you but if Big Brother…he will come anytime…I…I am really very afraid.”

She smiled mysteriously and slowly asked. “What if Big Brother will never return?”

Shi Chen was stunned and asked. “Big Brother will never return?”

Guo Yuxia coldly said. “If he have not died, won’t he be here in Xian City?”

There was a change in Shi Chen’s expression as he asked. “What…What do you mean? I…”

Guo Yuxia coldly explained. “That day while I was on the summit of Huashan, I have already noticed that there is an ominous look on the side of the cliff where that man had died. That man when he had died seemed very shocked. And there was no wounds on his body, he was really frightened to death.”

Shi Chen was startled. “Frightened to death?”

Guo Yuxia nodded and explained. “After that, when you have found me, did you not saw my slight smile?”

Shi Chen replied. “But…I thought you are happy to see me that was why you smiled.”

Guo Yuxia softly laughed. “When I saw you, naturally I was very happy but that smile was because I heard a terrible cry on that summit coming down.”

Shi Chen looked confused. “A terrible cry? Why did I not heard it?”

Guo Yuxia laughed. “At that time you are focusing on me that why you did not notice. But I heard it very carefully. That terribly cry that was so startled and imposing cry was made by your Big Brother. Think about it. With your Big Brother temper, if…If he did not meet with any accident, would he make such a terribly cry?”

Shi Chen looked very confused and he appeared stunned. He did not know if he should feel happy or sorrow.

Guo Yuxia explained. “I did not dare to be ascertained but these few days when your Big Brother did not appear, I become sure. Think about it, with his behaviour, if he did not die, would he not be here? With his fame and his imposing look, the instant he entered Xian City, would no one took notice?”

Shi Chen sighed deeply as he turned his head around to wipe away his tear in his eyes.

Guo Yuxia rolled her eyes and said. “I afraid that Fifth Brother although he had escaped last night but he can never appear boldly in the Pugilist realm ever again. Therefore Zhijiao Manor only you and me are left. I can’t handle such a big establishment alone. I need you to help me.”

Shi Chen did not turned his head for there were tears in his eyes now.




Approaching noon, Shi Chen and Guo Yuxia stepped out of the Inn. Shi Chen followed Guo Yuxia respectfully behind like a respected fellow protégé. But his eyes were constantly on her waist up – This was not the glance that a protégé brother would look at his protégé Sister in law.

The streets of Xian City were different. Maybe it was caused by the pandemonium last night that cause the people to become jittery. And the shops with its famous red and black that were owned by the Nangong Family did not opened for business today. Maybe something happened to the Nangong Family.

Gu Yuxia looked calm as she made her way to Mulong Manor. But her eyes were constantly on the lookout for the changes in the city. That was the reason why she forsook the comfort of the carriage and took a walk.

Suddenly there were several riders. Leading them was a young man in handsome clothing. He looked most arrogant and looked at everyone with disdain.
But when he saw Guo Yuxia beautiful eyes, he pulled the harness of his horse and hurried it besides her. And he smiled at her.

Shi Chen was cold in his face and he did his best to suppress his anger and not to look at him. But Guo Yuxia looked lovingly at him for awhile before she lowered her head.

The young man on the horse became more and more outrageous as he smiled boldly at her and on her body.

Shi Chen could not endure this outrage anymore and he walked besides Guo Yuxia and coldly said to the young man. “What an arrogant heretic!”

The lad who looked like a girl on the young man right stared at him and asked. “What did you say?” While the teenager on the left said in a low voice. “Let us go and not be involved in any troubles!” As he whipped the horse.

The young man nodded and the three riders continued on their way.

Guo Yuxia smiled and said in a low voice. “Shi Chen, can you guess who this young man is?”

Shi Chen laughed. “Eight out of ten, he is a fresh protégé. Maybe he is also the son of a wealthy family.”

Guo Yuxia rolled her eyes and looked at the three riders. “I think his martial skills are not weak. I think he comes from a famous clan.” Her eyes were thinking of something but Shi Chen did not notice.

After turning into two more streets, they were finally within the vicinity of Mulong Manor. Just when they reached the entrance, there was a neighing sound. It came from the three riders earlier.

Shi Chen expression had a change as he coldly said. “That young lad seems to be following us!”

Guo Yuxia softly laughed. “Let us not create trouble.”

At the same time, the young man got off his horse and with a coincidence, he was besides Guo Yuxia.

Shi Chen stared at the young man with a malicious look.

The young man coldly said. “Friend, you…”

Before he could finish, Fei Huan Wei Qi and that 'Wanli Liuxiang' Ren Fengping came out of the manor to welcome and Ren Fengping said. “Please forgive me for receiving such distinguished guests late.”

Shi Chen secretly thought. “What is the background of this young man? Even Fei Huan Wei Qi is out to personally welcome him.”

He saw Wei Qi gestured to the young man with both hands but hurried to Guo Yuxia and laughed. “Mistress Long you did not want to stay in my humble dwelling. I wondered did you have a good rest last night?”

Guo Yuxia smiled and softly replied. “Old Senior Wei is too hospitable!”

Shi Chen secretly became embarrassed. “He is here to welcome us!”

That young man was surprised and looked startled at Wei Qi and Guo Yuxia. When he looked at the haughty eyes of Shi Chen, he became angry and coldly asked. “Is this the Mulong Manor?”

Ren Fengping laughed in a clear voice. “Indeed, indeed.”

Wei Qi turned his head and smiled. “You are traveling with Mistress Long?”

The young man coldly said. “I am from the Western peak of Mt. Kunlun, Tong Tian Gong. Who is this Mistress Long, I do not know.”

Guo Yuxia, Shi Chen, Wei Qi and Ren Fengping were slightly startled.

Wei Qi replied. “You are a Kunlun disciple, welcome…welcome. Let me prepare a humble feast to welcome you if you are willing!”

One must know that Kunlun disciples were rarely seen in the Pugilistic Fraternity. And very few pugilists went to the Western Kunlun too. Ever since in the past when the Immortal Divine Dragon won the Chief of the Kunlun Sect, Priest Ru Yuan on top of the peak of Mt. Kunlun, the only news that was regarding Kunlun was the foremost disciple of Priest Ru Yuan, ‘Cloud Breaker Hand’ Zhuo Bufan who with his superior swordplay dominated the heroes of the Pugilistic Fraternity, established his fame and became one of the strongest swordsmen of the new generation.

Since this young man was a Kunlun disciple then even Wei Qi had to look at him with respect. 'Wanli Liuxiang' Ren Fengping looked even happier as he extended his welcome to the young man and it appeared that he was the owner of Mulong Manor instead of Wei Qi.

The young man was not shy and went in.

Shi Chen whispered in a low voice to Guo Yuxia. "He belongs to the same clan as that ‘Cloud Breaker Hand’ therefore he is an enemy of Zhijiao Manor. I want to test him and see how great is the disciple of Kunlun.”

Guo Yuxia furrowed and secretly held his sleeve. “Let see what happens first, don’t be rush, alright?”

The tables and seats had already been arranged. Wei Qi laughed and said. “Mistress Long…”

But before he could finish, that young man who did not look shy at all immediately sat down at the foremost table unabashed. It was like he deserved to sit there.

Even Wei Qi appeared to be very unhappy inside him. He thought. “Even if you are a Kunlun disciple but you shouldn’t be this arrogant.” Suddenly he had another thought and laughed secretly. “If he knows that there are disciples of the Divine Dragon Clan here, his attitude will surely change.”

Shi Chen coldly hummed but that young man only looked upward and did not seem to care.

Guo Yuxia smiled and sat down casually. Shi Chen suppressed his anger and sat besides her.

And Wei Qi being the host naturally could not lose his cool too. He introduced the names of Guo Yuxia, Shi Chen and Ren Fengping thinking that with the reputation of these three people in Pugilist, the young man would be startled.

But the young man only coldly said. “I am Zhan Donglai.” And refused to say anything more but looked several times at Guo Yuxia and others wondered if he were being arrogant or just fresh from the protégé of his clan that he did not know the names of the three famous pugilists.

Wei Qi furrowed and angrily thought. “What an arrogant young man. Even your elder protégé brother Zhuo Bufan dare not try to be rude in my presence.”

Wei Qi laughed. “Brother Zhan although you are new to the Pugilist but you are not an outsider. Many years ago, ‘Cloud Breaker Hand’ Young Hero Zhuo when he first stepped into the Pugilist also pay me a visit once. He was very courtesy to me and respected me as his Senior, haha…”

Zhan Donglai coldly laughed and added. “Zhuo Bufan is my protégé nephew.”

Everyone was startled and Wei Qi ceased his laughter.

Zhan Donglai raised the wine cup and drank from it, then pointed at the two lads outside. “These two lads are the younger protégé brothers of Zhuo Bufan.”

Ren Fengping was startled as he got up from his seat.

Wei Qi forcefully smiled. “I am sorry that I do not know. Please forgive me for my rudeness. Please have a seat.”

The lad who looked the most composed said. “Protégé Uncle is sitting, I dare not sit.”

The other lad laughed merrily. “Next time when we visit the manor, just don’t ask us lead the horses.”

Wei Qi flustered with a slight red and he heard the lad exclaiming. “I didn’t expect that protégé brother Zhuo will be so famous in the Pugilist. When Grand Teacher knows of it, he will be very happy.”

Zhan Donglai swept his eyes and coldly said. “I come without inviting as I have heard of the hospitality of the master of Mulong Manor…” He looked at Wei Qi who flustered.

Zhan Donglai added. “Secondly, I am here to search for the news of my protégé nephew. My protégé nephew ever since he had come down the mountain, we do not have news of him for several years…” Suddenly he looked at Shi Chen and asked solemnly. “Friend Shi, do you know his whereabouts? If you know, please say it out.”

Guo Yuxia softly laughed. “I have long heard of Cloud Breaker Hand’s fame but did not have the chance to know him. So I really do not know where is his whereabouts.”

Zhan Donglai looked at her now and coldly asked. “Really?”

Guo Yuxia smiled even more beautiful and said. “You should believe the words of the disciples of the Divine Dragon Clan.” As she poured the wine from her cup onto the table and then cup was suddenly onto the table as it caught the flowing wine. Her movements were as fast as lightning. All that happened in an instant!

Zhan Donglai expression changed as he looked at her beautiful and captivating smile. Suddenly he laughed. “Even if you are not from the Divine Dragon Clan, I will believe the words of Mistress.”

Shi Chen hummed while Ren Fengping laughed. “The wine and the food are getting cold. Let enjoy it first lest we overlook the hospitality of our host.”

Suddenly before he could finish, seven eagles flew inside the hall.

One of the lads laughed. “Who will expect to see such a big eagle. It is really so fun.” Suddenly he moved through the mid-air and caught the eagle with both his hands.

He seemed to catch it so effortless that Guo Yuxia lovingly clapped her hands and said. “Good!”

Suddenly there was a shout. “Attack!”

Suddenly the other six eagles began to attack the lad.

As soon as Guo Yuxia praised the lad, now she said. “Not good!”

Ren Fengping, Wei Qi and Zhan Donglai were startled as they rose up.

The lad that was being attacked tried to evade the eagles while the other lad shouted. “Attack” as he shot out seven silvery light at the eagles.

One of the eagles was struck by the anqi and fell down to the ground.

Suddenly a chopstick flew past and struck at the lad who threw the anqi. The power of the chopstick was like an arrow and immediately the lad was knocked back!

Zhan Donglai solemnly said. “Is this the hospitality of Mulong Manor?” He looked at Wei Qi.

Wei Qi muttered. “The Hall of the Seven Eagles…”

There was a man in black outside the hall and in his hand was a red colour name card. He threw it towards them and Wei Qi caught hold of it. He opened it and there were no words on it. Instead seven soaring eagles with the colour of red, yellow, black, green, white, blue and purple were drawn on it.

Wei Qi shouted. “Please come in!” As he rushed to the outside the hall.

Ren Fengping was left muttering. “The Hall of the Seven Eagles…the hall of the Seven Eagles!” His eyes shone as he extended his hands to Zhan Donglai, Shi Chen, and Guo Yuxia and rushed to the outside of the hall.

Zhan Donglai’s eyes were filled with malevolent air as he turned and looked at the wounded lad. “Yu Er, are you injured?”

Yu Er shook his head. But his face was very paled. If he had not evaded in time, he would have died.

Guo Yuxia melancholy sighed. “What amazing martial skills for such a young tender age. It is really not easy. What does it matter if he got startled once a while?”

Zhan Donglai coldly laughed and said. “How could the disciples of Kunlun Clan be…”

Before he could finish, the wounded eagle that was on the ground began to recover and was about to fly off when a powerful windforce was extended out from the hands of Zhan Donglai and the eagle was seemingly trapped by a invisible hold. After trying to move for a few times, it dropped to the ground.

Guo Yuxia was very startled. “Outer Heaven Life Force!” She turned and looked at Shi Chen whose countenance had completely changed. The two of them did not expect that this arrogant young man would have such an astonishing supreme skill. He was even much stronger than the Chief of Kunlun when he first started to roam the Pugilist by several notches!

An imposing man in red dashed like lightning into the hall and gently picked up the dead eagle. He appeared to be very upset as he picked the dead eagle with his hands shaking. Following him were six other old men.

He shouted. “It's dead…it's dead…Who kill you…who is the one that kill you…”

The old man in red belt was the leader of the Hall of the Seven Eagles whose fame was established more than thirty years ago! And he was the also the leader of the leading Escort Agency in the entire Pugilist.

He looked malicious at Zhan Donglai and he attacked him.

But the amazing thing happened. Zhan Donglai with his left hand behind his back, hit him on his Jian Jin, Shang Da Tai Yin, Tai Yin accupoints at the same time.

Guo Yuxia rolled her eyes and said softly to Shi Chen. “Can you believe the world famous Startling Heaven Seven Eagles will not be able to handle a young man.”

Shi Chen softly said. “I think they come here to because of Fifth Brother. Do you think we should help them?”

[MikeL]

[Yufeng]

Oh I will try to finish Book one at the very least

Just replying to China-man on how many chapters are there

I guess my summary part is misleading ^__^; I mean I will edit some passages, so some parts of Chapter 9 and 10 will be sort of a abridged version.

It occurs mainly for the fighting scenes because i realized that after I translated some parts, the desired effect is not that good in english and I did not want to add in more sentences just to explain it.

For example, when Nangong Ping and Priest Tianming (Yushou Chunyang) was fighting with one another, the soaring part can be misleading. To give a much more detailed explaination will be Nangong Ping's Tianlong Sixteen Strokes allowed him to attack while he was still in mid-air in an instant while Tianshan wugong and the rest, had to move into the correct position when they jump to attack. In short, Nangong Ping can attack while he jumping at the same time

I guess my translation for the fighting scenes are very bad! At least I feel i did not translate it to the spirit, that why I editing some passages for Chapter 9 and 10.

[Yufeng]

Six other old men all with different colour belts appeared in the hall.

The old man with the red belt had fall and another old man with white belt was at the back to support him and carried him to a side. He was very dexterous and did the feat in an instant but did not attack Zhan Donglai. But three other old men attacked Zhan Donglai to prevent him from stopping the old man with the white belt from carrying the injured man in red belt to safety.

The two lads although young, when they were facing a strong enemy, they did not lose their composure and did not show any fear.

Two other old men with purple and yellow belts looked at one another and were initially surprised that it was only lads that attacked their eagles. So the old man with yellow belt said. “The fame of the Hall of the Seven Eagles have long been established tens of years ago. We will not fight with two lads.”

Zhan Donglai laughed. “Using a wolf pack tactic and even use animals to aid you, hehe…I see that the pugilists in the Central Plains have such mediocre fighters.”

The eyes of the old man in black belt tingle and he looked at the old man in blue belt as he stepped backward and stood beside another old man with a purple belt.

The old man with the green belt laughed and said in a loud voice. “Sixth brother, you step aside first while I sound out how great is this young man!” Seven windforce accompanied him as he finished. Although he looked thin and small but his fists were very startling.

The old man with the black belt although he had stepped aside was staring at Zhan Dong frostily.

The old man with the white belt carried the old man with the red belt aside and was examining him when Guo Yuxia walked over and lowered herself to ask. “Is this Old Senior injuries heavy? I have some medicine for treating internal injuries.” She looked very concern.

The old man with the white belt smiled and said. “Thanks for the concern of maiden. My brother has his accupoints hit and after awhile he will recover.” His eyes moved and looked carefully at Guo Yuxia into her eyes. In that instant, he had developed a good feeling towards this caring maiden.

Guo Yuxia sighed, reached out her hands to arrange the white hair of the old man in red and said in a low voice. “This Old Senior is really careless.”

Suddenly the old man in red belt opened his eyes and looked at Guo Yuxia but quickly closed his eyes. (He was pretending and basking in bliss)

Shi Chen secretly sighed and thought. “Why is she so gentle to everyone, does she really have such a merciful heart?”

At that instant after that old man in green belt and Zhan Donglai exchanged more than ten blows. And the old man strong blows seemed to have weakened and the rest of the old men underwent a slight change in their expressions.

Zhan Donglai who had been fighting with only one hand laughed in disdain at them.

Two other old men in blue and purple belts looked at one another and said. “Let teach this obnoxious young man a lesson!”

Zhan Donglai was purposely provoking them and it was obvious he looked down on them by fighting with one of his hand behind his back.

The old man in yellow belt came to Guo Yuxia’s side and asked solemnly. “Is that young man and you together?”

Guo Yuxia lifted her head and softly sighed. “If he and me are together, he will not be this rude to all the Old Seniors!”

The old man in white belt put the red belt old man aside and did not lift his head but said solemnly. “That young man is from Kunlun Clan and his martial skill foundation is not weak. Ask Sixth Brother to be wary.”

The man with the yellow belt appeared to be startled and he furrowed. “Seventh Brother accupoints have not been unseal yet?”

The old man in white belt did not reply and the old man in yellow belt sighed and looked at Wei Qi with hatred in his eyes.

The rest hesitated to fight him for it was not really a honorable thing to bully him with human wave tactics but Zhan Donglai was seemingly too arrogant.

Shi Chen was looking at the fights with interest. His eyes did not even blinked as he sighed. “I did not expect that Zhan Donglai will have such a astonishing martial ability. He is only around twenty years of age…Alas! Is there really a shortcut to progress martial arts in a short time?”

Ren Fengping cold laughed. “The Eagles have come to the west. It is because they have come for Nangong Ping. If Nangong Ping disappeared, even if Brother Wei have a hundred excuses, this matter will still be held accountable by Mulong Manor.”

Wei Qi turned ashen, as he was looking stunned.

The old man in white said. “How long since we last fight together?”

The old man in yellow sighed. “Ever since…” He looked at Zhan Donglai and slowly asked. “To fight such a young man, do we brothers need to…”

The old man in white sighed and added. “Although if we win by numbers, it is not honorable but it is better than letting Forth brother and the rest be defeated by him!”

White Eagle Bai Quantian said. “Let's go!”

Yellow Eagle Huang Jintian sighed. “Big Brother is really angry today.”

Black Eagle Leng Yetian laughed “Indeed!”

‘Wanli Liuxiang’ Ren Fengping looked on leisurely and he slowly said. “Startling Heaven Seven Eagles cannot be underestimated. In another few strokes, that Kunlun disciple, I afraid…”

Wei Qi suddenly sighed and lowered his head. “Even though I have joined your esteem gang but what is the use? I…I am already old and useless. Why did you keep trying to force me!”

Ren Fengping solemnly said. “Who is forcing you? If you are not willing, you can choose not to join in the fight.”

Wei Qi sighed. “The lives of my family, alas…”

Guo Yuxia turned her head and asked. “Chen Chen, did you see the torturous look on that Wei Qi’s face? And the expression on that Ren Fengping? Are you able to guess the reason why?”

Shi Chen sighed and slowly added. “Today what happen at Mulong Manor, no matter who win or lose, Fei Huan Wei Qi will have a hard time to resolve it…Alas! The vendetta of the Pugilist are sometimes so unreasonable.”

Guo Yuxia smiled and asked. “And?”

Shi Chen was startled. “And what?”

Guo Yuxia smiled. “When we first arrived at Mulong Manor, the mannerism of that Wei Qi and Ren Fengping already don’t look normal. Ren Fengping looked like a guest in fact he is more like a host. Surely he has a wild ambition for coming to the Central Plains. He could have even try to force Wei Qi to join forces with him by taking his family hostages. Wei Qi is old and doesn’t have any ambition but he is afraid of Ren Fengping. I do not know the exact details.”

She smiled awhile and added. “That Zhan Donglai possess extraordinary martial skills and it is his first trip into the Pugilist. Other than searching for that Cloud Breaker Hand, he also wants to seize the opportunity to gain fame. That why he acted so arrogant and full of troubles. And the Startling Heaven Seven Eagles easily provided him with such a good opportunity. He looked down on those pugilists that originated from Escort Agencies and moreover the Seven Eagles are all so old. But unexpectedly, he now found out that things are out of his expectations. Not only did he unable to find fame but he also cause Wei Qi to be in a difficult position. Ren Fengping is now gaining advantage from left and right and must be feeling delightful in his heart.”

When she had just finished, there was a soft laugh behind her. “Mistress your observations are the same as exactly as what you witness. It is really a admirable thing.” The voice was clear and seemed to come from her ear. She was startled and lost her composure. She turned her body and saw that the Red Eagle Hong Xiaotian was still sitting on the chair. And there was no other person.

She felt startled in her heart and she could not resist asking. “Who?”

Shi Chen turned his head around in surprise. “What is the matter?”

Guo Yuxia softly said. “Did you not hear something just now?”

Shi Chen was puzzled as he asked. “What thing?”

Guo Yuxia was startled and she shook her head and turned her body back. She thought to herself. “Is this the ‘Secret Whispering Skill’?” Her eyes rolled and once again she thought. “Among these people, who can possibly possess the knowledge such an inner supreme skill?” Although her heart was still startled but her face had regained her calmness.

The voice sounded again. “Ever since I has come from the Pass, from what I have heard or seen only Mistress you are considered to be truly heroic. If I can join hands with Mistress, there will be nothing we cannot do. If Mistress you are willing to co-operate with me, please nod your head gently three times.”

Shi Chen looked at Guo Yuxia and saw her looking perplexed. She seemed to be listening to something and then suddenly she nodded a few times and broke into a smile. There was a strange glow in her eyes. Therefore Shi Chen could not resist asking. “Sis…Sister in law, what is the matter?”

Guo Yuxia smiled. “Nothing…” As her beautiful hand pointed to Zhan Donglai.

Therefore Shi Chen turned and look and saw that Zhan Donglai attacks were getting slower and slower. As for the Startling Heaven Seven Eagles, their attacks were not as furious as before, they were also looking very tired and the combatants were all forcing themselves.

Suddenly there was a fog coming from all directions and Shi Chen felt that although this strange fog was fragrant, it was abit strange. His eyes started to blur and he could no longer witness the fight as sharply as before. In fact, he felt sleepy and slowly falling asleep…

Suddenly his mind jolted as he forced his eyes to open and he saw some one coming to his side. He could only see a beautiful shoe and from the fog, a voice sounded in his ears. “Startling Heaven Seven Eagles have come to the west to have their wings clipped. Kunlun disciple come eastbound to his feathers plunked…”

After that another haughty hilarious laughter was heard, it was from Ren Fengping. “The distant mountains although high, the fragrant wind and rain, descended upon the Pugilist Central Plains and enveloped it in a white intense mist…”

After that all was tranquil as Shi Chen finally succumbed to sleep and let the darkness enveloped him.


Chapter Nine Ended

[Yufeng]

Chapter Ten: Where am I?

Nangong Ping opened his eyes. He did not see anything or hear anything. All he could see was the darkness and all he could hear was quietness.

He sighed deeply and thought. “Am I dead?”

Death was not as frightening as he thought but it was certainly very lonely. “Although death takes everything away from me but did not take away my voice.”

So where was he now? In the Western Paradise or the Depths of Hell? Suddenly he unwittingly forced a smile. “If there are really ghosts and the Judges of Hell are rumoured to very strict in determining justice. Then I afraid I will be in Hell. But…” He sighed deeply.

“If it is the Western Paradise and it is so lonely. Then I rather to go Hell and not suffer this unbearable loneliness.”

When he thought of this eternal darkness, he suddenly saw an extremely beautiful yet pale face that appeared from the darkness and softly said to him. “No matter how long, I will wait for you…”

Now he felt a sense of hopelessness that numbed his entire body.

Suddenly he heard a voice, accompanying by sorrowful music. “Nan…Gong…Ping…” The voice sounded so far away yet so near his ears. His mind jolted and he could help it but broke into cold sweat. “Have…you…come…already…?”

Nangong Ping wiped away his cold sweat and shouted. “Who is you? Are you a ghost? I, Nangong Ping is not even afraid of ghost, will I be afraid of ghost?”

The voice seemed to drift off.

Nangong Ping was startled and loosened his fists. He had to admit that death was indeed very frightening.

Suddenly that sorrowful voice laughed and rung in his ears. “After you have died, you left behind your parents, therefore you are not filial. You did not contribute to your country or your countrymen, therefore you are disloyal. And because of your death, you cause the death of a friend because his poison reacts. Therefore you are not righteous. Since you are not filial, not loyal, not righteous. If you do not enter Hell, who will enter Hell?

Nangong Ping was startled and he thought with cold sweat breaking out. “Am I really such a not filial, not loyal, not righteous person?

The sorrowful voice asked again. “Nangong Ping, did you die in peace?”

“If I really return your soul to you, will you listen to me?”

There was a jolt in Nangong Ping’s mind as he got up and said aloud. “Who are you? Why are you pretending this act?”

From the darkness arose a laughing voice and then it became a hilarious laughter. “I am just trying to let you know the taste of dying and know that being dead is not easy to endure. Then you know that to live is actually precious.”

“Although it issn’t hell here but it is not far off. Although you have not died yet but I have more than ten chances to take your life. Even if I want to take your life now, it is a piece of cake. Since you have tasted the feeling of death, I am sure you know how scary it is to die…”

Nangong Ping suddenly laughed. “Therefore you want me to listen to you, is that right?”

The voice in the darkness said. “Indeed!”

Nangong Ping laughed. “Since I have already died once, even if I will to die a second time, what does it matter! To ask me to listen to such a pretentious coward like you, I will never do it!

After a while, the voice coldly asked. “Do you really want to be a unrighteous, not filial, disloyal person?”

But Nangong Ping did not bother with it anymore therefore he did not reply try to reply. Because in his heart, was a strong sense of righteousness that not even threats would work, even wealth could not corrupt him and not even death could move.

But a couple of things caused him unbearable pain but it still would not shake his determination. The longing of his parents, his Mentor Master last will, Di Yang life and death situation and Mei Yinxue who was waiting for him. All these caused him unbearable pain but in his innermost place, hid an unshakable principal.

Suddenly there was a sweet fragrant. It was the aroma of delicious food.

Nangong Ping thought. “It stupid to seduce me with food.” But the aroma was getting more and more tempting. He had to secretly agreed in his heart. “Using this method to seduce others is indeed tempting.”

The voice asked. “Nangong Master, how is the feeling of hunger? Is it unbearable?”

There was a sound as the voice said. “In front of you are two plates of chicken, if you are hungry, you can take it.”

Nangong Ping laughed as he angrily retorted. “I have already made up my mind and nothing will ever change my mind. Why are you still here wasting your breath?”

The voice sighed. “A person such as you, if you do not join hands with me is really the regret of my life. Because I treat you as a hero, I cannot bear to kill you. I did not even drug you to cause you to lose your senses and play you around. Therefore I jail you here. If I let you go, it is like releasing a tiger to the wilderness. There will be a day when my plans will be ruined by you.”

The voice sighed again. “I am really forced to jail you here. I hope that you will not blame me when you die. I will surely hold a grand burial for you.”

There was a ‘dang’ sound besides Nangong Ping. The voice said. “I have thrown a dagger besides you. If you cannot resist the feeling of loneliness or hunger, you can take the dagger to suicide. If you change your mind, you just need to shout loudly and I will release you. You are surrounded by iron walls six feet thick and five meters in height. The only way out of here is up. You can try to escape if you want. If you do not have enough strength, the two chicken in front of you have no poison. If you eat it, you may regain some strength.”

Nangong Ping sighed deeply. “You treat me so respectful. Even if you will to kill me now, I will not blame you.”

Suddenly a woman captivating voice laughed. “The two of you are like good friends but you must know…” Suddenly the voice weakened and ceased.

This voice was very familiar in Nangong Ping’s ears as he was jolted. “Who? Who is you…”

The voice sighed. “If I have meet you ten years ago, I will surely be your buddy. But it a pity...alas. What is your dying wish? Say it loud, I will do my best to accomplish it.”

But Nangong Ping was only thinking about that captivating voice. “Who is the woman that is talking besides you? You only need to let me take a look at her will do.”

There was silence and the voice slowly said. “Only this matter?”

Nangong Ping replied. “Indeed.”

The voice asked. “Is there no heirlooms, no last words to bring to your parents and friends. Do you really have no words of comfort to tell your girlfriend? Do you really have no unfinished wishes for me to accomplish for you? Are you not interested to see my face?”

Nangong Ping was startled. Now he realized that he had too many unfinished things left to be done.

But he said. “You don’t have to worry about other matters.”

The voice strangely said. “The person you want to see…”

Nangong Ping said. “I don’t wish to look now.”

The voice said. “But since I have already promised you, why don’t you take a look up?”

The hatch above opened up and a ray of light shone through.

Although Nangong Ping suspected that the woman he had in mind was someone he knew and very close to, he did not want to lift his head now to look at her. Because he did not want to hate anyone after he had died.

The hatch closed and the voice said. “Farewell to the heroic Nangong Ping…” As the scores from the Distant Mountains that were tall and the Fragrant of the Wind and Rain were heard from the scores of the zenith as he left.

Nangong Ping sighed and muttered in a low voice. “Farewell…farewell…” He suddenly discovered he had wept. A hero’s tear was not easily wept unless he had reached the point of hopelessness and great sorrow.

During this sorrow, he developed a courage, a courage that stemmed from life itself as he reached out to rub the hilt of the dagger.

Then he slowly walked to the side of the wall and used all his vital energies to hit against the wall. His hands vibrated. The walls were really made of iron.

He did not wish to destroy the body that he was given by his parents but he could not endure this feeling of waiting for his death anymore. He leaned on the wall lost in hopelessness. After sometime he was startled for the wall behind him became soft and he fell behind the wall.

He turned around and saw an old man carrying a torch. He looked very solemn and he gripped Nangong Ping by his sleeve and pulled him inside and closed the secret door.

Nangong Ping was stunned and realized that he had escaped from the vicinity of the death. He did not know to feel happy or gratefulness. Therefore he stood on the ground, stoned.

The old man that was carrying a torch was the Master of the Mulong Manor, ‘Fei Huan’ Wei Qi! He looked very troubled and waved slightly for Nangong Ping to follow him. The secret passage was like a maze and extremely intricate. There was dust all over, this passage seemingly was not used for a very long time.

Nangong Ping looked at his imposing back and he felt grateful. In all his life, he had never felt such a strong intense feeling of gratefulness for he had left ‘Death’ and the ‘Hopelessness’.

He tried to say something but found out his voice was marred as he slowly said. “Old Senior..”

Wei Qi did not turned his head but said in a low voice. “Shhh!” As he turned to another passage. Suddenly he pressed against the side of the wall and the wall in front moved. He muttered. “Seven Eagles haiz, Seven Eagles, do not blame me for unable to save you. I already did my very best…” Before he had finished, he entered through the secret door.

Nangong Ping was startled and soon came Wei Qi came out carrying a unconscious young man and solemnly said. “Carry him.”

Nangong Ping obeyed and carried the young man up although he was feeling puzzled.

After several turns, Wei Qi lead him to out to a forest.

Nangong Ping could not resist anymore and softly said. “Old…”

Wei Qi interrupted and he solemnly said. “You do not need to thank me in appreciation.”

Nangong Ping said. “But…this…”

Wei Qi sighed deeply and added. “There will be a sudden change in Pugilist very soon. The malicious stars from outside the Pass are now inside the Central Plains. The accomplishments that I have painstaking fought to have over the years will soon be gone.”

Nangong Ping was puzzled and about to ask him when Wei Qi continued. “This young man that you are carrying possess extraordinary martial skills and he is a Kunlun disciple. He is Zhan Donglai but at this moment he had been drugged. I don’t have any medicine for that but I believe that after awhile, he will soon awaken. The two of you are the young heroes and have a bright future. I hope that after the two of you escape and if you can, prevent that Demon to dominate the Pugilistic Fraternity.”

Nangong Ping furrowed and asked solemnly. “Who is that person? Is he…”

Wei Qi did not wait for him to reply and added. “Not only does this person possesses unfathomable martial skills but he also knew various use of drug and secret weapons. Among his henchmen that help him to do evil, are the Heavenly Piercing Life Stealing Twin Spears and the Four Swords of the Life Stealing Mystery Wind. These two men are very startling and very few men can hope to challenge them. You and me are definitely not their match.”

Nangong Ping asked. “Is this man Shuai Tianfan?”

Wei Qi was startled that Nangong Ping actually knew the name. Wei Qi slowly word by word replied. “Indeed, he is Shuai Tianfan!”

Wei Qi sighed. “At this moment, there are many other pugilists that are also trapped by him inside Mulong Manor. But with my limited strength, I can only save the two of you because only the two of you are placed in that secret rooms. Luckily both of you are young heroes while the rest are old heroes. But I hope that you do not forget my words. This man is really unfathomable. Please do not rush blindly into things!”

Nangong Ping was stunned and he asked. “Old Senior Wei, why did you…you not leave with us? We can wait for time to be ripe and in future return for revenge.”

‘Fei Huan’ Wei Qi sighed deeply. “I am old and I no longer have any wild ambitions…”

Nangong Ping worriedly exclaimed. “But Old Senior, if you remain here, you will be in danger!”

Wei Qi sighed, lowered his head and he forcefully smiled. “My achievements over the past forty years in the Northwest is still useful to them. Even if they knew that I am one that release the both of you, they will not harm me.”

He lifted his head and shouted. “I am the Master of Mulong, who will dare to ask me to go!” He turned around and said to Nangong Ping. “Go now!”

Nangong Ping was forcefully pushed out of the passage into the woods outside. He said. “Old Senior…”

Only to hear him solemnly said in the dark recedes of the passage. “The Dragon have nine sons, each sons are different. The same protégé disciples are like tigers and wolves…” And his voice disappeared.

Nangong Ping watched on with tears of appreciation. “Old Senior Wei, I hope you be living in comfort and everything will go smoothly for you…” He lowered his head and looked at the unconscious Zhan Donglai. “Zhan Donglai alas Zhan Donglai, I hope that you will not forget this kindness to live again and also not to forget the kind intention of Old Senior Wei.” He muttered.

His heart was suddenly very heavy again as he thought of Di Yang who had been poisoned and Mei Yinxue that told him that ‘she would always wait for him’.

If he entered Mulong Manor again to retrieve the antidote for Di Yang, he would once again lost his freedom and so would his life. Since he had regarded his life as minor to that of his friends but if he died, would he disappoint the hopes of Fei Huan Wei Qi who had risked his life to save him?

If he returned empty handed, would not his actions last night be meaningless? How could he watch Di Yang die of poisoning?

This hard choices caused him to be in extreme difficulties. It was even harder than the situation when he was doomed to die.

Suddenly from behind him in the darkness, a swift hand gently pressed against his Ling Tai accupoint. This Ling Tai accupoint consisted of twelve accupoints and everyone of them were connected to the heart. Even if it was some one that did not know the intricate accupoint skill of the soft art, if a person will to receive a hard kick, it will very well be fatal.

He did not move because this coming death was a release to the hard choices that he had to make. But after awhile, that hand did not press forth.

Nangong Ping furrowed and coldly said. “Friend, why did you not make your move?” He was not even interested who was the surprise attacker and only interested to have a quick end.

A sweet voice sounded out from behind and softly said. “Fifth Brother, are you really not afraid to die?” This voice seemed to be the same as the voice he heard in the cell.

Nangong Ping was startled and he turned around. “Sister in law!”

Guo Yuxia was smiling captivating at him. “Guess what I have in my hands?”

There was a jolt in his head. “Antidote? Is this the antidote?”

Guo Yuxia laughed lovingly. “Fifth Brother you are indeed very intelligence. I am indeed holding the antidote.” She gently released her hand and a red colour pill was seen under the starlight.

She melancholy sighed. “I know that because of this antidote you have risked your life. But still, you did not get it, right?”

Nangong Ping sighed and lowered his head. Only to hear Guo Yuxia adding. “In this world, there is many things that cannot be solved by martial skills alone. Do you know?”

Nangong Ping wanted to say something but he kept quiet.

Guo Yuxia continued. “When I reached Mulong Manor and heard your situation, I was very upset. But no matter how you treat me, you are still my protégé brother. How would I not try to protect you?” She was filled with concern but her eyes were analyzing but Nangong Ping did not notice.

Nangong Ping sighed and was guilty.

Guo Yuxia looked at his face and slowly added. “Therefore because of you, I am forced to co-operate with that Ren Fengping and finally managed to get his antidote. I even tricked him to take me to the place where you are imprisoned so that I can secretly come to rescue you. But I did not expected that you have escaped. I was really very happy for you but at the same time, frustrated. For knowing your temper, I know that you will not escape even if you will to die therefore I take the risk to come after you.”

Nangong Ping felt even more guilty and grateful. “Sister in law is indeed still my Sister in law. I have wronged her!” He thought. “She is doing all this for us protégé disciples.” He lifted his glance and looked into her beautiful eyes and thought. “Big Brother is really a lucky man.”

Guo Yuxia smiled but she sighed soon after. “I do not know what happen to Big Brother and Fourth Sister. Adding to it are the sorrows and anxieties…alas! Fifth Brother, you will not be able to understand.”

Nangong Ping felt even heart wrenching inside him. After awhile, he said. “Sister in law…I think that Big Brother is already back at Zhijiao Manor. After I…finish everything. I will go back to Zhijiao Manor.”

Guo Yuxia melancholy sighed. “I am after all just a woman. And your Third Brother doesn’t know any tact. If you were to accompany us, we can take care of one another but…”

Nangong Ping said in a clear voice. “Although I cannot take care of Sister in law but…” He took out a Han Jade and placed it into Guo Yuxia’s hands. “With this jade Sister in law, no matter where you go, you will always be taken care of in the proprieties of my family business.”

He did not look directly in her eyes therefore he did not saw the expression of Guo Yuxia who looked on proudly. He could only feel that her hands were on his hands.

Nangong Ping was startled and moved back but as he moved back, he noticed that Guo Yuxia had placed the red pill into his hands and softly said. “Fifth Brother, after you finish all your things, do not forget to come back and visit your Sister in law. If you see your Big Brother, remember to ask him to hurry home.”

Nangong Ping all the more did not dare to lift his head.

She sighed and said. “Sister in law have done so many things for you, I wonder if you can help Sister in law to do three task?”

Nangong Ping was startled and he said firmly. “Even if Sister in law did not do anything for me, I will also do my best for Sister in law. This is the right thing.”

Guo Yuxia said. “This man that you are carrying is a Kunlun disciple and he and us have some misunderstanding. His martial skills are extremely high and I afraid that even if the five of us together are not his match. For the sake of uprooting this source of trouble, help Sister in law by hitting him on his death accupoint.”

Nangong Ping widened his eyes and was startled. He said in a clear voice. “If this man is rude to Sister in law, when he has wakened, I will challenge him to a life and death duel. Even if I have to die, I do it without regrets. Now that he is still unconscious and moreover he was handed over to me by someone therefore I cannot touch him now.”

Guo Yuxia said sunk her countenance and coldly said. “You have taken the antidote from me and now you won’t listen to Sister in law anymore. I wonder what will you do in the future.”

Nangong Ping turned ashen and said. “I…I…” He suddenly returned the antidote to her hands and said solemnly. “I rather not take this antidote than do something that goes against the conscious.”

Guo Yuxia suddenly lovingly laughed. “Sister in law is only testing you to see if you have forget the teachings of Mentor Master. How can you be serious with your Sister in law.” She returned the antidote to Nangong Ping.

Nangong Ping flashed his eyes and saw that she had a upset look in her eyes. So he said. “As long as it is not this matter, I will undergo the tribulation of fire and accomplish any task for Sister in law.”

Guo Yuxia asked. “Do you treat Big Brother and Sister in law the same? If you treat Big Brother and Sister in law exactly the same, then Sister in law will be very happy.” She extended her hand and added. “I want you to hold Sister in law hand to show that you will not forget what you think today.”

Nangong Ping lowered his head and in the darkness saw her beautiful hand that were like jade. Somehow he became guarded and said. “I…I…”

Guo Yuxia asked. “Do you feel that Sister in law hand is too dirty?”

Nangong Ping sighed and extended his hand only to feel her soft hands suddenly tightened around him and a gentle and sweet feeling was felt in his heart from his hand.

Guo Yuxia softly said. “Fifth Brother, hope you do not forget what happen tonight…”

Nangong Ping felt a shiver in his heart. Before she could finish, he had loosened from her hands and sped away.

Guo Yuxia rolled her eyes and saw him disappeared into the darkness. She was smiling in a strange way. Suddenly a man speeded towards her in the darkness and caught her hand. He loudly said. “What are you holding in your hand?”

The man that suddenly appeared was Shi Chen. Not only was he upset but jealous too.

Guo Yuxia sunk her countenance and loosened her hand from him. “Who are you to me? That you can involve in my matter?”

Shi Chen turned ashen and angrily said. “You…you…you are a…” Suddenly he sighed and said. “After what you have done to Big Brother, I…but how can you be so…towards him…”

Guo Yuxia coldly laughed awhile and opened her hand. “This is what Fifth Brother had given me. With this jade, in a single day, I can withdrawn tens of hundreds of thousands of silver. Can you do it?”

Shi Chen was startled and the rage on his face became torturous. He clenched his fists tightly.

Guo Yuxia looked at him coldly and turned around.

Shi Chen suddenly cried out and caught hold of her shoulders tightly. He seemed to want to tear her apart and to spill her cold blood out of her body.

Guo Yuxia expression changed and her right hand suddenly reached out and hit him in his Jiang Tai 将台 accupoint. But she could only touch his sleeve and not hit him. Her malevolent air that flashed suddenly was gone in the same instant as she attacked.

Now she was smiling most lovingly and softly said. “What are you doing? I am feeling so painful.” This captivating voice was much more painful to bear than when she had tried to hit him on his accupoint just a moment ago.

Shi Chen sighed and let go of his hands while she was gently rubbed her shoulders.

Guo Yuxia said. “It so painful, hurry and help me to rub.”

Shi Chen extended his hands unwittingly and began to help her to rub her shoulders.

Guo Yuxia looked lovingly at Shi Chen and said. “That is right…This is it…be gentle…”

Following her seductive fragrant, Shi Chen began to increase the speed of his rubbing…his eyes slowly betrayed a tinge of a desire of a beast…

Guo Yuxia dreamily said. “You silly. What do you think I will do with Fifth Brother? (En, no)…I just want to help them by contributing abit…(En, be gentle)…(Here)…(You…cannot)…

Suddenly she slipped out like a fish from Shi Chen’s hold and Shi Chen gave a cry out!

Guo Yuxia loving laughed. “I told you cannot. If you do not listen, you will have to suffer abit.” She brushed her long hair as she giggled for awhile. This laughter caused Shi Chen to forget his pain, his reasoning and once again plunged on her.

But suddenly her smiles and laughing ceased as she coldly said. “What are you doing?” She became as serious and inviolable as a sacred maiden.

Shi Chen was startled and freezes in his track. It was like suddenly doused by a pail of cold water on his head.

When Guo Yuxia looked at him, she felt very proud within. She knew that this young man had totally fallen into her trap and became her slave. She was secretly delighted that all she had to do was to show some flesh and she could gain such a huge reward.

Therefore she softly sighed and said. “Chen Chen, you know how much I feel toward you but why do you always want to let me feel upset and angry?”

Shi Chen stood upright on the ground but painfully looked down.

Guo Yuxia rolled her eyes and slowly said. “If you follow me, I will never allow others to take advantage of you. As long as you are obedience and not let me angry, how will I not like you?” She was solemn as she added. “But you must know although I like you but I cannot elope with you. There is going to be many changes in the Pugilist that will soon occur and it will be beyond our understanding. But for the sake of our future, I am forced to do many things. Do you know?”

Shi Chen nodded and Guo Yuxia explained. “Therefore no matter what is going to happen, you must not interfere. If you agree, you can be with me forever or else…”

She did not continued but slowly turned away to walk away.

Shi Chen bit his teeth and used his hands to cover his face. He felt angry yet painful. He felt like killing her with a blow from his fist and ate her piece by piece inside him.

But Guo Yuxia turned around and softly said. “Why are you still standing here? Let us go. It is windy tonight.”

Shi Chen could not resist the urge to follow her sweet charming voice. Although he had a thousand thoughts, he cast it aside.


Nangong Ping ran in the darkness carrying Zhan Donglai. Although this darkness hid many secrets and guilt that some people wished to conceal but now, in his eyes, the world was so beautiful and kind. Although there were a lot of evil men but those who were kind far exceeded the evil.

He had placed the red pill into a small sack and it was more precious to him than hundreds and even thousands of precious pearls. For no matter how valuable those pearls were, how could it compare to the life of a good friend?

It was not before long that he finally reached the areas outside Xian City. He remembered the same place where he shared with her. But now his eyes swept the area. The place was desolate of any people and there were only the wind, tree and grass. He increased his pace to comb the area. His eyes looked carefully around but still he could not see Mei Yinxue.

“Did she forsake her promise and have left already?” His heart sunk at this thought as he said aloud. “Maiden…Mei, Maiden Mei…” This was the place where she supposed to be. As long as she did not leave this area, how would she not heard him?

Nangong Ping could only feel his breathing becoming as cold as the cold breeze as he thought. “She did not wait for me, why did she have to lie to me? What about Di Yang? Did she bring him away as well? Then all my efforts to bring this antidote…”

He sighed heavily and did not want to think over it anymore. Suddenly the dark cloud moved and the Moon was seen. A ray of light shone down and when he followed this ray of light, it was shone on Mei Yinxue’s face.

His heart jumped with exuberant joy as he shouted. “You are here!” He increased his pace and was besides her in an instant. But Mei Yinxue’s pale face and her exquisite beauty was cold and frosty and she looked idiocy. The only hint that she was aware was the light in her watery eyes. Other than that, there was totally no expression on her face. It was as though her accupoints had been hit and she temporary lost her strength. But then it also looked like someone used magic on her and now she was sitting idiocy beside a broken wall.

Nangong Ping began to have a heart wrenching feeling in his heart as he knew that something had befall her. “What happen to you…”

Even before he had finished, her eyes moved and glance in front of her in idiocy. She did not even glance at Nangong Ping.

Nangong Ping followed her glance and turned his head and suddenly discovered that five meters away on the opposite under a poplar tree was also another person sitting in a similar position. Only her eyes shone brightly in the darkness.

He focused his eyes and got a shock of his life. He exclaimed. “Maiden Ye, how come you are here!” He had not expected the person that was sitting under that poplar tree would be that Danfeng Ye Qiubai disciple, the exquisite beautiful but cold yet noble Ye Manqing!