Xiao Feng put Duan Zhengchun frivolously on the bottom and retreated a number of steps.

Ruan Xingzhu took a deep bow to specific her gratitude and stated: ‘Chief Qiao, first you saved my daughter. Now you’ve got saved him… him… I actually do not know methods to thanks.’ The folks resembling Fan Hua and Zhu Danchen additionally came visiting to thank him.

Xiao Feng stated sternly: ‘Xiao Feng saved him completely out of self-interest. All of you needn’t point out it. Prince Duan, I ask you 1 query. Please reply truthfully. That yr you made a giant mistake that in your coronary heart you’ve got been ashamed of, proper? Although this error won’t have stemmed out of your true intentions, you harmed a baby to the purpose of being wretched for all times and never understanding its personal mother and father. Is that proper?’ Each time fascinated by the truth that each his mother and father had died tragically exterior Yanmen Move, he was in agony, so he was unwilling to state it clearly in entrance of all people.

Duan Zhengchun’s face reddened vastly throughout then instantly turned pale. He lowered his head, saying: ‘Sure, all my life I have been troubled by this matter. Each time fascinated by it, I really feel very uneasy. However the blunder was already made. It is onerous to make up for it. Heaven has proven pity on me and as we speak permits me to fulfill a parentless youngster of that yr once more. However… however… alas, I’ve wronged different folks on a regular basis.’

Xiao Feng stated in a extreme voice: ‘You already know that you just made a giant mistake and made different folks undergo, however why have you ever nonetheless constantly dedicated one wrongdoing after one other since then?’

Duan Zhengchun shook his head and stated in a low voice: ‘My conduct has been improper, my advantage has been poor, and in my life I’ve actually finished too many absurd issues. I really feel deeply ashamed fascinated by them.’

After listening to Madam Ma say Duan Zhengchun’s identify in Xinyang, Xiao Feng had day and night time thought that after discovering Duan Zhengchun he would execute him by dismemberment. He had been decided that he would solely take Duan Zhengchun’s life after making him style enough bits and items of struggling. However simply now, seeing that Duan Zhengchun was benevolent and righteous to his associates, daring and beneficiant to his enemies, and didn’t appear like a despicable evildoer, he couldn’t assist however grow to be suspicious, pondering: ‘His killing of my mother and father exterior Yanmen Move was as a consequence of misunderstanding. Everybody could make this sort of mistake. However he killed my foster parents–Qiao Sanhuai and his wife–, and harmed my benevolent grasp Xuan Ku. These are completely unforgivable crimes. Might there nonetheless be different particulars on this?’ He was by no means rash in his actions, so he requested Duan Zhengchun immediately, wanting him to personally reply earlier than he himself decided. Duan Zhengchun, with a deeply embarrassed expression, had stated that he had dedicated grave errors which had made him really feel uneasy by his life, and that as we speak he had met a parentless youngster of that yr once more. As for the issues resembling murdering Qiao Sanhuai and his spouse, and murdering Venerable Xuan Ku, he had admitted that ‘his conduct had been improper, and his advantage had been poor.’ Observing all of this, Xiao Feng knew clearly and firmly without delay. His face appeared to be lined by a layer of grim frost, and he made a ‘humph’ sound along with his nostril.

Immediately, Ruan Xingzhu stated: ‘He… he is at all times been like this. I do not… do not blame him.’ Xiao Feng turned to her and noticed that she was having a smiling expression and Duan Zhengchun along with her pair of starry eyes which was exuding tenderness and love. His anger surging up, he let loose a ‘humph’ sound and stated: ‘Nicely, so he is at all times been like this.’ Then he turned his head again and stated to Duan Zhengchun: ‘Tonight, on the third watch (midnight to 2 a.m), I will be ready on that bluestone bridge. I’ve one thing to debate slightly with you, sir.’

Duan Zhengchun stated: ‘I will positively arrive on time. I dare not repay this nice debt of gratitude with phrases, however you’ve got come right here from afar, why not go into that small home over there to for a couple of cups?’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘How is your harm, sir? Do you have to relaxation for a couple of days?’ Unexpectedly, he appeared to show a deaf ear to the invitation to drink wine. Barely baffled, Duan Zhengchun stated: ‘Brother Qiao, many thanks to your solicitude. This minor harm isn’t vital.’

Xiao Feng nodded, saying: ‘Then that is good. A’Zhu, let’s go.’ When he had walked 2 steps, he turned his head round and stated to Duan Zhengchun: ‘There is not any have to take these good subordinate associates of yours alongside.’ Seeing that the folks resembling Fan Hua and Hua Hegen all have been utterly loyal courageous fellows, he felt that it might actually be a pity in the event that they went to the bluestone bridge with Duan Zhengchun and thus unavoidably died at his personal palms one after the other.

Duan Zhengchun thought that this man’s phrases and actions have been somewhat unusual. Even the Emperor, additionally his brother, solely smiled about all of those many romantic demerits of his. This man, nonetheless, had denounced him in stern phrases in entrance of all people. This was a bit too unduly, however Xiao Feng was the one that had saved his life, so he stated: ‘Simply as you instruct, honorable brother.’

Pulling A’Zhu’s hand, Xiao Feng left instantly with out turning his head round.

Xiao Feng and A’Zhu went to a farmhouse and acquired some rice to prepare dinner and a pair of chickens to boil to eat their fill. As a result of there was no wine, the meal was unavoidably considerably unexciting. Seeing that A’Zhu appeared to be filled with worries and all alongside she had not stated something, he requested: ‘I’ve discovered my archenemy. You must really feel blissful for me.’

A’Zhu smiled, saying: ‘Sure, I needs to be blissful.’ Seeing that her smile was very unnatural, Xiao Feng stated: ‘Tonight, after killing this fellow, we’ll instantly go north to the surface of Yanmen Move to gallop on horseback, go searching, and pasture cattle and sheep, then we’ll by no means go any step contained in the Move. Oh, A’Zhu, earlier than seeing Duan Zhengchun, I took an oath that I might kill his complete household with out sparing even fowls and canines. However unexpectedly this fellow has private loyalty, so I feel solely the one who did the deed needs to be chargeable for it. There is not any want to seek out the opposite members of his household.’ A’Zhu stated: ‘Having this humane thought, you’d amass numerous credit score within the Underworld and future blessing.’ Xiao Feng burst out laughing and stated: ‘My pair of palms has killed many individuals. What credit score within the Underworld or future blessing would there nonetheless be for me?’

Seeing A’Zhu’s elegant eyebrows wrinkling, he requested once more: ‘A’Zhu, why aren’t you content? You do not need me to kill once more, proper?’ A’Zhu replied: ‘It is not that I am sad, however in some way my abdomen is aching very a lot.’ Xiao Feng stretched out his hand to verify her pulse and felt that it was beating unsteadily and swiftly. He stated softly: ‘The journey has been onerous on you. I am afraid you’ve got caught a chilly. I am gonna ask the granny to prepare dinner a bowl of ginger soup so that you can drink.’

When the ginger soup had not but been finished, A’Zhu shivered throughout repeatedly and stated in a quavering voice: ‘I am chilly, I am chilly.’ Xiao Feng, sympathizing along with her very a lot, eliminated his gown and wrapped it round her physique. A’Zhu stated: ‘Huge brother, after getting your revenge tonight, you’ll have fulfilled your nice aim. Naturally I ought to go together with you. Hopefully I might get considerably higher.’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘No! No! You keep right here to relaxation and have a sleep. If you get up I will have already introduced Duan Zhengchun’s head again.’

A’Zhu sighed and stated: ‘I am feeling very ailing, massive brother, it could actually’t be helped. I am unable to go together with you. I actually wish to accompany you and be along with you. I actually do not wish to be separate from you… You… You are such a lonely man. I am not treating you properly.’

Listening to her say in a deeply tender method, Xiao Feng was touched. He held her hand and stated: ‘We’ll solely be separate from one another for some time. What is the massive deal? A’Zhu, you deal with me very well. I do not know the way I ought to repay your kindness.’

A’Zhu stated: ‘We can’t be separate for only a whereas. I really feel that it is going to be very lengthy, very lengthy. Huge brother, after you allow me, I will be on their lonesome. And you will be all by your self, too. You had higher take me past Yanmen Move instantly. We’ll go pasture cattle and sheep like this. And you may take revenge on Duan Zhengchun 1 yr later. Is that each one proper? Let me be with you for 1 yr first.’

Xiao Feng gently stroked her lovely hair, saying: ‘We have discovered him with nice problem. After settling this rating tonight, we’ll by no means return to the Central Plains. Duan Zhengchun’s martial arts are far inferior to mine. He cannot use the ‘6 Meridians Divine Sword’ both. But when we waited for 1 yr, we might need to go to Dali. The Duan Household of Dali has very many consultants, in case your massive brother encountered a grasp of the ‘6 Meridians Divine Sword’, I might in all probability lose. It is not that I do not wish to hearken to you, however there’re many issues on this.’

A’Zhu nodded and stated in a low voice: ‘That is proper. I should not ask you to attend for 1 yr then go to Dali to seek out him and get your revenge. You completely mustn’t go into the tiger’s den alone.’

‘Ha-ha,’ Xiao Feng laughed and lifted the empty bowl up and took a gulp. He was within the behavior of ingesting with massive bowls. In the mean time there was nothing within the bowl, however doing so was nonetheless adequate. He stated: ‘If I, Xiao Feng, was alone, even when the Duan Household in Dali is a dragon’s lair or tiger’s den, I might nonetheless rush in with out worrying the least about life and loss of life and risks. However now I have already got little A’Zhu. I wish to maintain you and be with you for all times, so Xiao Feng’s life could be very valuable.’

A’Zhu leaned on his bosom, her again barely shaking. Xiao Feng gently caressed her hair. There was a sense of quietude and heat in his coronary heart. He thought: ‘Having such a spouse, what remains to be there to remorse?’ Instantly, he couldn’t assist letting his thoughts gallop to the frontier and his coronary heart fly past the Move. He thought that 1 month later, he and A’Zhu would journey on horseback collectively within the prairies, go searching and do shepherding with out having to take precautions in opposition to being harmed by the enemy, and with out fear and anxiousness. How carefree and relaxed would they be! However he had not but repaid the person in black for the good kindness of saving his life at Juxian Manor that day, so he was unavoidably uneasy. Nonetheless, as a result of this sort of nice hero in fact did benevolent deeds with out hoping for requital, Xiao Feng thought that on this lifetime he would don’t have any selection however to owe him this debt of gratitude.

Xiao Feng seen that it was progressively getting darkish. Leaning on his bosom, A’Zhu was already sleeping deeply. He took out 3 Qian of silver (~ 4 g), gave it to the farmer, and requested him to organize a vacant room. Then he carried A’Zhu and set her down on the mattress, lined her with a quilt, lowered the mattress’s curtain, and sit within the corridor of the farmhouse along with his eyes closed in meditation. Not lengthy after, he felt asleep deeply.

After sleeping for greater than 4 hours, he opened the door and walked out. He noticed that the brand new moon was hanging above the tops of the timber at an indirect angle, and within the northwest nook, darkish clouds have been gathering. It appeared there would possible be a giant thunderstorm tonight.

Xiao Feng placed on his gown and went in direction of the bluestone bridge. After going 5 li or so (0.5 km) he arrived on the river financial institution. He might see the reflection of the moon within the river, however half of the sky within the west facet was already filled with darkish clouds. At occasions, there have been a number of bolts of lightning shot out from the clouds, illuminating the environment. However after the lightning was gone, it appeared to be even darker. In a distant graveyard, will-o’-the-wisps have been fluttering back and forth on the grass.

Xiao Feng went sooner and sooner. Earlier than lengthy, he arrived on the bluestone bridge. Looking within the route of the Ursa Main, he seen that it was not but previous the second watch (10 p.m – 12 p.m), nonetheless early. He thought: ‘As a result of I wish to settle the massive rating, I could not stay calm and have unexpectedly arrived 1 watch earlier.’ In his life, he had had many appointments during which his life had been at stake, and he had met not just some opponents who have been higher at martial arts and extra famend than Duan Zhengchun. Nonetheless, tonight he felt unusually uneasy in his coronary heart, and he was missing the indomitable, do-or-die spirit of the previous.

Standing along side the bridge and looking out on the water which was slowly flowing underneath it, he thought: ‘That is proper. Previously I got here and went alone and did not need to maintain anybody. However tonight I’ve A’Zhu in my thoughts. Oh, this’s actually referred to as ‘when immersed in love, a hero loses coronary heart.” As he thought to right here, some tender emotions couldn’t assist rising from the underside of his coronary heart. The hint of a smile was seen on his mouth. He thought: ‘If A’Zhu was standing right here with me, it might be significantly better.’

Figuring out Duan Zhengchun’s martial arts have been nowhere close to nearly as good as his personal, he thought there was no have to be frightened concerning the final result of the duel tonight. Seeing that the time of the appointment had not but come, he sat down beneath a tree beside the bridge to pay attention his thoughts and do respiratory. Regularly, his Lingtai (an acupuncture level on the center of the again) grew to become empty and clear, and miscellaneous ideas not existed.

Immediately, lightning flashed, adopted by a growth of thunder. Then a bolt of lightning struck down from the mass of clouds. Xiao Feng opened his eyes and thought: ‘There’s going to be heavy rain right away. Is it already close to the third watch?’

Proper at this second, he noticed a person strolling slowly on the highway resulting in the Little Mirror Lake. It was none aside from Duan Zhengchun.

He walked as much as Xiao Feng, took a deep bow with palms clasped and stated: ‘What, might I ask, does Chief Qiao wish to instruct me by summoning me?’

Xiao Feng barely tilted his head and seemed askance at him. Immediately, he was burning with rage. He stated: ‘Prince Duan, the aim of my making an appointment with you here–could it’s you do not know what it’s?’

Duan Zhengchun sighed and stated: ‘You do that due to the incident exterior Yanmen Move that yr after I listened to the phrases of an evildoer by mistake, was stirred up by them and harmed your mom to loss of life, inflicting your father to commit suicide. It was actually a giant mistake.’

Xiao Feng stated sternly: ‘Why did you additionally hurt my foster parents–Qiao Sanhuai and his wife–, and homicide my benevolent grasp Venerable Xuan Ku?’

Duan Zhengchun slowly nodded and stated sorrowfully: ‘I solely hoped to hide this matter. Who would have thought that I might sink increasingly more deeply and finally would not have the ability to extricate myself from this?’

Xiao Feng stated: ‘Ha, who’d have thought you are an easy fellow? Will you punish your self, or gotta watch for me to enter motion?’

Duan Zhengchun stated: ‘Chief Qiao, when you hadn’t proven your expertise and saved me, as we speak at midday I might have misplaced my life beside the Little Mirror Lake. It is all due to your favor, sir, that I might reside a half extra day. Chief Qiao, if you wish to take my life, then you need to simply do it.’

At this second, there was a bang of thunder, and raindrops, massive as soya beans, out of the blue poured down noisily.

Listening to his daring and beneficiant phrases, Xiao Feng couldn’t chorus from feeling touched. Normally, Xiao Feng preferred to make associates with heroes and courageous males, so after he had seen Duan Zhengchun, observing that this man had a heroic bearing and was easy, he had taken a liking to him. If this was an strange mistake, then even when it was an amazing insult to Xiao Feng himself, he would have already dismissed it with amusing, and gone ingesting tens of bowls of spirit with Duan Zhengchun. However the deaths of his mother and father didn’t enable him to reside underneath the identical sky with the enemy, how might he let Duan Zhengchun move at this juncture? He raised 1 hand and stated: ‘As a son and a disciple, I am not allowed to not get revenge for the deaths of my mother and father and grasp. You killed my father, mom, foster father, foster mom, and my first benevolent grasp, 5 folks altogether, so I will assault you with 5 blows of my palms. After you’ve got undergone 5 palm assaults of mine, whether or not you will be lifeless or alive, the enmity previously will likely be written off at 1 stroke.’

Duan Zhengchun pressured a smile and stated: ‘Exchanging 1 life for only one palm assault, this retribution is a bit too straightforward on me. I deeply respect your nice kindness.’

Xiao Feng thought: ‘Do not you suppose that your Dali Duan Clan’s martial arts are preeminent. I am afraid you will not have the ability to stand up to the drive of 1 blow of my palm.’ Then he stated: ‘Be careful for this palm.’ His left hand moved in a circle, and his proper palm struck out with a ‘hu’ sound.

Immediately lightning flashed, adopted by a growth of thunder in mid air. The thunder strengthened the drive of the palm, so this palm assault of Xiao Feng was executed with the facility of heaven and earth, and wind and thunder. With a ‘peng’ sound, it hit Duan Zhengchun’s chest squarely. Without delay, Xiao Feng noticed he stood unsteadily and fell down. A ‘pai’ sound was heard as he bumped in opposition to the railing of the bluestone bridge. He drooped weakly, immobile.

Xiao Feng was startled: ‘Why did not he increase his palms to fulfill my assault? And why is he so unhealthy?’ He jumped forwards, grabbed the again of Duan Zhengchun’s collar and lifted him up. He was alarmed. His ears heard ceaseless rolls of thunder, and the heavy rain was sprinkling water on his face and his physique, however he felt nothing. He solely thought: ‘How has he grow to be so mild?’

At this time at midday, when going into motion and saving Duan Zhengchun, he had lifted him up for fairly some time. An individual with wonderful martial arts might instantly detect the distinction of even 1 Jin or half a Jin (0.6 kg) in weight of their palms. However at this second, Xiao Feng felt that Duan Zhengchun’s physique had out of the blue grow to be lighter by tens of Jin. A burst of indescribable concern out of the blue emerged in his coronary heart. He broke into a chilly sweat throughout.

At this second, a bolt of lightning flashed once more. Xiao Feng stretched out his hand and made a seize at Duan Zhengchun’s face. In his hand was a pile of squishy matter which fell away after only a wipe of his hand. Within the mild of flashes he might see clearly, and so he shouted involuntarily: ‘A’Zhu, A’Zhu, so it is you!’

He felt that his complete physique had not the slightest power, so he couldn’t assist however kneel down, hugging A’Zhu’s legs. He knew that the palm assault simply now had been executed with all his energy, so not even a first-class hero or daring man in wulin would have the ability to stay unhurt with out utilizing their palm assaults to obtain it, to say nothing of this fragile little woman A’Zhu. This blow of the palm actually had damaged all her ribs and crushed her 5 inside organs. Even when Divine Physician Xue was right here and gave her instant therapy, he would nonetheless certainly have a tough time snatching her life again.

A’Zhu leaned in opposition to the railing of the bridge. Her physique slowly slid down and fell on Xiao Feng’s physique. She stated in a low voice: ‘Huge brother, I… I… handled you very badly. Are you indignant with me?’

Xiao Feng stated loudly: ‘I am not indignant with you. I am indignant with myself.’ As he completed, he raised his hand and introduced it down on his personal head in a fierce blow.

A’Zhu made a slight transfer along with her left hand, wanting to stop him from hitting himself. However she was unable to lift her arm, so she stated: ‘Huge brother, you should promise me that you will by no means ever hurt your self.’

Xiao Feng cried: ‘Why are you doing this? Why? Why?’

A’Zhu replied in a low voice: ‘Huge brother, unfasten my robe, and try my left shoulder.’ On their thousand-of-li journey, Xiao Feng and she or he had travelled collectively and lodged in the identical inns, however from starting to finish, they’d at all times managed themselves and noticed etiquette. At this second, listening to her inform him to unfasten her robe, he was startled. A’Zhu stated: ‘I’ve already belonged to you. My… my… complete physique is yours. Simply have a look… check out my left shoulder, you then’ll perceive.’

Xiao Feng’s eyes have been filled with tears. Noticing that she was of sound thoughts when saying these phrases, he nonetheless had a faint hope. Instantly, he propped her up along with his left palm put in opposition to her again, then hurriedly channelled his inside power and continuously transferred it into her physique, hoping that he might make up for his blunder. His proper hand slowly undid her robe, exposing her left shoulder.

A protracted bolt of lightning flashed throughout the sky. Every part earlier than his eyes was lit up. He noticed that the pores and skin of her shoulder was whiter than snow, however there was a ‘Duan’ character, deep crimson as blood, tattooed on it.

Xiao Feng was each amazed and grieved. Not daring to take a look at it for lengthy, he pulled her robe and lined her shoulder. Then he gently embraced her, saying: ‘There is a ‘Duan’ character in your shoulder–what does it imply?’

A’Zhu replied: ‘When my father and mom gave me to different folks, they tattooed it on my shoulder in order that… in order that we’d acknowledge one another sometime.’ Xiao Feng stated in a tremulous voice: ‘This ‘Duan’ character, this ‘Duan’ character…’ A’Zhu stated: ‘At this time, once they found an identification mark on Miss A’Zi’s shoulder, they knew without delay she was their daughter. You… You… Did you see the mark?’ Xiao Feng replied: ‘No. It was improper for me to see it.’ A’Zhu stated: ‘She… She can also be tattooed with a crimson ‘Duan’ character on the shoulder, which is identical as mine.’

Xiao Feng out of the blue understood. He stated in a quavering voice: ‘You… You are their daughter too?’

A’Zhu stated: ‘At first I did not know. Solely after I noticed the phrase on A’Zi’s shoulder did I do know that. She has a gold lock too, which is identical as my gold lock. Each are engraved on with 12 characters. The characters on her lock are:

‘Lakeside bamboos are emerald inexperienced. They herald quietude and loads of happiness.’

(湖边竹,盈盈绿,报平安,多喜乐 – Pinyin of the first 3 phrases: Hu Bian ZHU – Bamboo)

And the characters on my lock are:

‘Celestial stars are glowing. They will glitter without end. You may be properly without end additionally.’

(天上星,亮晶晶,永灿烂,长安宁 – Pinyin of the first 3 phrases: Tian Liang XING – Star)

I… I’ve by no means understood the that means of the poem. I solely thought it used good phrases that rhyme. However it seems it comprises the identify of my mom. My mom is that girl Ruan… Ruan Xingzhu. This pair of locks was given to my mom by my father. After giving beginning to me and my sister, she gave every of us 1 lock, tying them round our necks.’

Xiao Feng stated: ‘Now I perceive. I will consider a option to treatment your harm without delay. Let’s slowly discuss this matter later.’

A’Zhu stated: ‘No! No! I have to say to you clearly. If I am delayed for one more whereas, there will not be sufficient time. Huge brother, please wait till I’ve completed.’ Xiao Feng couldn’t bear to go in opposition to her will. He had no selection however to say: ‘Alright, I am gonna hearken to you to the end. However do not exert your self excessively.’ A’Zhu smiled, saying: ‘Huge brother, you are very nice, taking me into consideration in the whole lot. How will you dote on me a lot?’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘In a while I will dote on you 100 occasions as a lot, 1000 occasions as a lot.’

A’Zhu smiled and stated: ‘That is sufficient, that is sufficient. I would not such as you to deal with me too properly. If I grew to become unruly, then who would management me? Huge brother, I… I hid in the back of the bamboo home and eavesdropped on the dialog between my father, mom and youthful sister A’Zi. It seems my father is already married. He and my mom aren’t legit husband and spouse. They gave beginning to me first, and 1 yr later they gave beginning to my youthful sister. After that my father wished to return to Dali. My mom did not let him go. The two of them had a giant quarrel. My mom even hit him, however my father did not strike again. After that… after that… there was no manner, so that they could not assist however break up. My maternal grandfather was very strict on the subject of household schooling, if he’d identified about this affair, he certainly would’ve killed my mom. My mom dared not take me and my sister house, so she had no selection however to ship us into different folks’s homes. However she hoped we’d have the ability to acknowledge one another sometime, so she tattooed a ‘Duan’ character on my and my sister’s shoulders. The one who adopted me solely is aware of that my mom’s surname is Ruan. In reality, in actual fact, my surname is Duan…’

Feeling even sorrier for her, Xiao Feng stated in a low voice: ‘You are such a depressing youngster.’

A’Zhu stated: ‘When my mom gave me to a different household, I used to be simply over 1 yr previous. So in fact I could not acknowledge my father. I could not even acknowledge my mom’s face. Huge brother, you are additionally like this. Within the apricot forest within the night of that day, after I heard them speaking about your origin, in my coronary heart I felt very sorry for you as a result of each of us are equally depressing kids.’

Lightning flashed nonstop. 1 crash of thunder was heard after one other. Immediately, a giant tree on the river financial institution was struck by lightning and fell down with ‘ka-la-la’ sounds. Nonetheless, as a result of the two of them have been paying no consideration to exterior issues, regardless that Heaven and Earth have been altering vastly, they have been nonetheless completely unaware of that.

A’Zhu continued: ‘Who’d have thought the one that harmed your mother and father to loss of life is my father? Alas, Heaven’s predestination is actually too merciless to us. In addition to, in addition to… it was I personally who tactfully found the identify of my father from Madam Ma. If I hadn’t disguised as Bai Shijing and tricked her, she certainly would not have been keen to say my father’s identify. They are saying that there’s Heaven’s will at nighttime. I’ve by no means believed it. However… however… in your opinion, can I imagine it now?’

Xiao Feng raised his head. The darkish clouds, which have been all around the sky, had been blocking the Moon insomuch that there was not the slightest trace of sunshine. A protracted bolt of lightning flashed throughout the sky, brightly illuminating the environment. It appeared as if Heaven had simply out of the blue opened its eyes.

He lowered his head dispiritedly, nonplussed in his coronary heart. He requested: ‘Have you learnt for positive Duan Zhengchun is your father?’

A’Zhu stated: ‘This cannot be flawed. I heard my mother and father hug my youthful sister, cry bitterly and inform her how they’d deserted me and my youthful sister. My father even stated that, on this life, he’d discover and convey me again, it doesn’t matter what. They could not have guessed that the daughter they gave beginning to was crouching exterior the window. Huge brother, simply now I pretended that I used to be ailing, however I disguised myself as you then went and instructed my father that the appointment on the bluestone bridge tonight was canceled, and each mistake was written off at 1 stroke. Then I disguised as my father and went to fulfill you… to allow you to… to allow you to…’ As she stated to right here, her respiratory was already faint just like the threads of a cobweb.

Xiao Feng transferred extra inside power by his palm to maintain A’Zhu from exhaustion. He stated tearfully: ‘Why did not you inform me? If I had identified he’s your father…’ However he couldn’t say the phrases following that, as a result of he himself didn’t know what he ought to have finished if he had identified beforehand that Duan Zhengchun was the daddy of his beloved both.

A’Zhu stated: ‘I tossed and turned and regarded for a really very long time. Huge brother, I wished to be with you for all times a lot. However how might that be attainable? Might I encourage you to not search revenge for the deaths of your 5 relations? Even when I talked rot and begged you, you’ll nonetheless give your consent. So, in the long run, that was out of the query.’

Her voice grew to become decrease and decrease as she stated. It was nonetheless thundering endlessly, however to Xiao Feng, each phrase A’Zhu stated was extra soul-shattering than the sky-shaking thunder. He held his head in his palms tightly, saying: ‘You would’ve instructed your father to run away and to not maintain this appointment! Or in case your father is a hero or courageous man and is unwilling to interrupt this appointment, you might’ve disguised as me and made one other appointment together with your father so that we would meet at a distant place and within the distant future. Why do you have to, do you have to make your self undergo like this?’

A’Zhu stated: ‘I need you to know that it is probably not as a consequence of his true intentions in any respect that an individual killed others. In fact you do not wanna hurt me, however you hit me with a blow of the palm. My father harmed your mother and father to loss of life, and that is additionally a blunder he made with out intent.’

Xiao Feng had at all times been wanting intently at her along with his head lowered. In the course of the a number of occasions when lightning flashed, he noticed that the look in her eyes was infinitely tender. His coronary heart was stirred. Immediately, he realized that the deep love she had for himself was actually past his earlier creativeness. And he out of the blue understood: ‘Although Duan Zhengchun is her actual father, he did not convey her up in any respect. If she had merely wished to make me perceive that unintentional errors may very well be forgiven, she would not have needed to lose her life in useless like this.’ He stated tremulously: ‘A’Zhu, A’Zhu, you certainly have another excuse. It wasn’t since you wished to avoid wasting your father, and nor was it since you wished me to know that it was an unintentional blunder. This’s for my sake! This’s for my sake!’ Then he rose, embracing her.

A’Zhu had a smiling expression on her face. Seeing that Xiao Feng had finally understood her underlying intention, she couldn’t assist feeling blissful. She knew that she was on the finish of her life. Regardless that she had not hoped that her lover would know the intention hid on the backside of her coronary heart, he had finally realized it…

Xiao Feng stated: ‘This’s completely for my sake, A’Zhu, is that proper?’ A’Zhu stated in a low voice: ‘Sure.’ Xiao Feng stated loudly: ‘Why? Why?’ A’Zhu stated: ‘The Duan Household of Dali has the 6 Meridians Divine Sword. In case you killed their South-Stabilizing Prince, how might they be keen to depart you alone? Huge brother, we will not learn the phrases in that ‘Muscle Altering Sutra’…’

Xiao Feng out of the blue understood. His eyes couldn’t assist brimming with tears. Then tears rolled down his face.

A’Zhu stated: ‘I’ve 1 factor to beg you, massive brother, are you keen to vow me it?’ Xiao Feng replied: ‘I will promise you even 100 or 1000 issues, to not point out 1 factor.’ A’Zhu stated: ‘I solely have 1 youthful sister. The two of us have not been in a position to be collectively since childhood. Control her, I encourage of you. I am frightened she would go down the flawed highway.’ Xiao Feng pressured amusing and stated: ‘Wait until you’ve got gotten properly, we’ll discover her so that you will have a reunion.’ A’Zhu stated softly: ‘Wait until I’ve gotten properly… Huge brother, then I and you’ll go exterior Yanmen Move to journey on horseback, go searching, and pasture cattle and sheep. Do you suppose my youthful sister will likely be keen to go there?’

Xiao Feng replied: ‘In fact she’ll go. Her elder sister and her brother-in-law invite her, how will she nonetheless not go?’

Immediately a ‘hu-la’ sound was heard. From the cavity underneath the bridge, an individual moved out, saying: ‘How shameless! What’s elder sister? What’s brother-in-law? I will not go.’ This individual was small and slender, and was sporting a go well with of waterproof garments. She was none aside from A’Zi.

After by chance hit A’Zhu with a palm assault, Xiao Feng had completely targeted his thoughts on her. In any other case, along with his expertise, he positively would have seen that there was an individual hiding within the water beneath the bridge. However as a result of, firstly, it had been thundering and raining closely, and secondly, his thoughts had been in nice turmoil, so he had been unable to detect A’Zi till she confirmed herself. He couldn’t assist being barely shocked and referred to as: ‘A’Zi, A’Zi, you rapidly come and see your elder sister.’

A’Zhu barely pouted her small lips, saying: ‘Initially I hid underneath the bridge to see you and my father struggle and to have a jolly time. Who’d have thought you’d hit my elder sister? You two have not completed rattling on and saying loving phrases. I do not like to listen to. You two can discuss love, however why drag me into this?’ As she completed saying, she moved in direction of them.

A’Zhu stated: ‘Good sister, in a while massive brother Xiao will take care of you, you… you will take care of him, too…’

A’Zi stated with a giggle: ‘This ugly rustic barbarian–I will ignore him.’

Immediately Xiao Feng felt A’Zhu, who was leaning on his bosom, barely tremble. Her head drooped and her lovely hair unfold over her shoulder. She was immobile. Horror-stricken, he referred to as: ‘A’Zhu, A’Zhu.’ He checked her pulse without delay, but it surely had already stopped beating. It appeared as if his coronary heart had additionally already stopped. He held out his hand and checked her respiratory, however she not breathed. He referred to as loudly: ‘A’Zhu! A’Zhu!’ Nonetheless, even when he referred to as 1,000 or 10,000 occasions, A’Zhu wouldn’t have the ability to reply him. He swiftly transferred his inside power into her physique, however all of the whereas A’Zhu didn’t transfer in any respect.

A’Zi, seeing that A’Zhu had stopped respiratory and died, was additionally shocked. She stopped grinning cheekily and and stated angrily: ‘You beat my elder sister to loss of life. You… you beat my elder sister to loss of life.’

Xiao Feng stated: ‘Sure, it is I who beat your elder sister to loss of life. You must take revenge to your elder sister. Fast, rapidly kill me!’ Along with his 2 palms drooped, he lowered A’Zhu’s physique. Then he held forth his chest, crying: ‘Shortly kill me.’ He actually hoped A’Zi would draw a knife and stick it in his chest, thus ending all his troubles with loss of life and releasing him from countless sufferings.

A’Zi, seeing his facial muscle tissues twitching and his scary expression, couldn’t assist being extraordinarily scared. She retreated a number of steps and cried: ‘You… Do not kill me.’

Following her, Xiao Feng walked forwards a number of steps. He reached for his chest and, with a ‘chi’ sound, ripped the material that lined the chest, exposing his pores and skin. He stated: ‘You’ve toxic needles, toxic thorns, toxic awls… rapidly puncture me to loss of life.’

Within the mild of a flash, A’Zi noticed that deep blue wolf head tattoo on his chest with fangs bared and tooth proven, wanting ferocious, so she was much more frightened. She out of the blue uttered an exclamation, rotated and ran away very quick.

Xiao Feng stood in a daze on the bridge. He was extraordinarily grieved and infinitely remorseful. He raised his hand and with a ‘peng’ sound he hit the stone railing, inflicting stone bits to scatter round. He saved dealing 1 blow of the palm after one other. Then, a loud ‘hu-la-la’ sound was heard as a block of the stone railing fell into the river. He wished to wail however was unable to weep anyway. A bolt of lightning flashed by, shining clearly on A’Zhu’s face. These deep love and deep issues nonetheless remained on the ideas of her eyebrows and the corners of her mouth.

Xiao Feng let loose a scream: ‘A’Zhu!’ Then, carrying her physique, he rushed into the wilderness.

It saved thundering and raining closely. He ran up the mountain for some time then ran down the valley for one more whereas, completely not understanding the place he was. His thoughts was in chaos, insomuch that it appeared to have gone clean.

The thunder progressively stopped, but it surely saved raining closely unceasingly. Within the East, daybreak was breaking and the sky slowly lightened. Xiao Feng had been dashing round for 4 hours, however he was not drained within the least. He solely wished to punish himself as a lot as attainable, and solely wished to die instantly to be with A’Zhu without end. Uttering hoarse cries of misery, he rushed round chaotically. Unconsciously, he out of the blue returned to the bluestone bridge.

He mumbled to himself: ‘I will go discover Duan Zhengchun, discover Duan Zhengchun, and ask him to kill me in revenge for his daughter’s loss of life.’

Earlier than lengthy, he arrived along side the lake. Xiao Feng yelled: ‘Duan Zhengchun, I killed your daughter. Come and kill me. I positively will not strike again. You rapidly come out and kill me.’ Carrying A’Zhu horizontally in his arms, he stood earlier than the Sq. Bamboo Forest. After he had waited awhile, the forest was nonetheless silent, and nobody got here out.

He walked into the forest and stopped earlier than the bamboo home. After kicking the door open, he walked into the home and stated loudly: ‘Duan Zhengchun, be fast and kill me!’ The home was empty and with out anybody. He searched one time all over the place, from the rooms within the wing to the yard, however didn’t discover Duan Zhengchun and his subordinates. Even the proprietor of the bamboo home Ruan Xingzhu and A’Zi weren’t right here both. The utensils and furnishings in the home have been nonetheless the identical as earlier than. It appeared everybody had gone away hurriedly, and of their hurry they’d not had sufficient time to take alongside something.

He thought: ‘That is proper. A’Zi introduced the information. She solely thought I nonetheless wished to revenge myself on her father. Even when Duan Zhengchun was unwilling to run away, that surnamed Ruan girl and his subordinates will surely drive him to run far and fly excessive. Ha-ha, I’ve come right here to not kill you, however to ask you to kill me, ask you to kill me.’

He yelled a number of occasions once more: ‘Duan Zhengchun, Duan Zhengchun!’ His voice went very far, however he might solely hear the rustle of excessive winds brushing bamboos. There was not in the slightest degree of human voice.

There was no one beside the Little Mirror Lake and within the Sq. Bamboo Forest, solely silence. Xiao Feng felt that it appeared there was solely him left underneath Heaven. Ever since A’Zhu had breathed her final, he had not but put her down for even a minute. For a lot of occasions he had channelled his inside power into her physique with the hope that Heaven would present pity on him and let her survive the intense harm, identical to when she had taken a palm assault of Abbot Xuan Ci beforehand. However that point, the drive of Abbot Xuan Ci’s Nice Diamond Palm hit the copper mirror in Xiao Feng’s hand, so A’Zhu was solely affected by the shock. This time, Xiao Feng’s palm assault hit her squarely within the chest, how might he save her life? Irrespective of how a lot inside power he had channelled into her physique, A’Zhu had at all times been immobile.

Carrying A’Zhu, he sat down earlier than the home in a daze from the morn to noon then to sunset. By now, it had stopped raining, making seen the azure sky, and the setting solar was illuminating his physique and A’Zhu’s with its boring mild.

When he was beset by distinctive fellows at Juxian Manor, regardless that he was completely remoted and the scenario there was extraordinarily harmful, he didn’t waver in his dedication within the least. Now, having made an irredeemable blunder along with his personal palms, he felt increasingly more lonesome. He felt that he shouldn’t reside on on this planet. ‘A’Zhu has died in her father’s place, so I can not discover Duan Zhengchun to get revenge. What else do I’ve to do? The nice endeavor of the Beggar Society, the grand ambitions and lofty objectives of the previous all usually are not price caring. I am a Khitan, what nice endeavor and grand ambition can I’ve?’

He walked to the yard and noticed a gardening hoe put at a nook of a wall. He thought: ‘Will I keep right here with A’Zhu without end?’ He was nonetheless carrying A’Zhu in his left hand and didn’t wish to let go of her for even a short time regardless. Lifting up the hoe along with his proper hand, he went into the Sq. Bamboo Forest, dug a gap then dug one other gap. The two holes have been facet by facet.

He thought: ‘When her mother and father return, they’re going to in all probability dig up the grave to see what really occurred. I have to put up a pill in entrance of the grave.’ He broke a bamboo part, minimize it into two, went into the kitchen, smoothed them with a kitchen knife then walked into the room within the west wing. He noticed paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones on the desk. Placing A’Zhu horizontal on his knees, he floor ink, picked up a brush, and wrote on a bit of bamboo: ‘The grave of a rash Khitan Xiao Feng.’

Then he picked up the opposite piece of bamboo and muttered to himself: ‘What do I write, ‘The grave of Madam Duan of the Xiao Household’? Although she and I had a promise of marriage, we have not acquired married. At her loss of life she was nonetheless a younger girl who was pure like jade and clear like ice. Would not calling her ‘Madam’ imply disrespect to her?’

Briefly unable to determine, he raised his head and regarded for some time. By likelihood, he noticed a calligraphic scroll hanging on the wall. It had fairly a couple of columns of phrases. He conveniently learn from the highest down:

We’re too bashful and drunk to sing,

Your elegant palms fasten aromatic silk.

Leaning on the flower within the candlelight,

I secretly move on my deep ideas.

The aroma of wine has risen to your eyes.

Mistaking crimson for emerald, I’m in a daze,

Lovingly turning round,

You wrinkle your eyebrows.

Assembly awhile however lengthy we will half.

The spring has ended once more,

How melancholy!

As he was not a realized man, the phrases he knew have been restricted. Nonetheless, this poem didn’t have any tough character, so he might see that it was a romantic amorous poem. It appeared the poem talked about ingesting wine, getting shy, singing, how the folks within the poem met one another for some time however would separate for a very long time, and the way unhappy they felt about that. He seemed confusedly on the scroll and was in no temper to grasp what the poem was about. He solely absently learn it from begin to end. And he noticed 2 rows of phrases written beneath the poem: ‘A report of the go to I paid Zhu mei (~ my expensive Zhu) in my youth to complement the wall. Having a accomplice with eyes shiny like stars and a waist slender like a bamboo in my firm, I’ve misplaced my consciousness of Heaven and Earth, years and months. Duan the Second of Dali scrawling in his intoxication.’

Xiao Feng mumbled: ‘He was actually blissful. Having a accomplice with eyes shiny like stars and a waist slender like a bamboo in his firm, he misplaced his consciousness of Heaven and Earth, years and months. Duan the Second of Dali scrawled in his intoxication. Duan the Second of Dali, hum, so this scroll was written by Duan Zhengchun to offer his lover Ruan Xingzhu, and was additionally concerning the affair between A’Zhu’s father and mom. How can they cling it overtly right here? Have they no disgrace? Ah, that is proper. Duan Zhengchun’s subordinates cannot come on this room.’

Without delay, he stopped taking note of the scroll, pondering: ‘What ought to I write on A’Zhu’s grave pill?’ He knew that along with his shallow command of language, even when he thought-about extra, he wouldn’t provide you with something. So he wrote 4 phrases ‘The grave of A’Zhu’. Then he put the comb down and rose to his ft. He wished to plant the bamboo tablets earlier than the holes, bury A’Zhu rigorously then commit suicide.

He rotated and carried A’Zhu’s physique in his arms. His eyes caught sight of the scroll on the wall once more. Immediately he jumped up and exclaimed: ‘A’yo’. Then he stated loudly: ‘Flawed, flawed, this matter is flawed!’

He took 1 step in direction of the scroll and seemed on the a number of rows of phrases on it once more. He noticed that the handwriting was spherical, clean, elegant and unconstrained. It appeared as if there was a voice saying loudly in his thoughts: ‘That letter! The letter the main massive brother wrote to Chief Wang–its phrases ain’t like this. They’re completely totally different to this.’

Having solely a restricted data of characters, he shouldn’t be in a position to acknowledge an individual’s handwriting. However the characters on this scroll have been lovely and skillful, and had neat spacing. The characters on that letter, however, have been skewed and angular. At first sight, anyone might know that it was the handwriting of a person of martial arts in jianghu. The distinction between the two kinds of writing actually was so massive that anybody might acknowledge it. He gazed on the characters on the scroll along with his eyes extensive open. It appeared he wished to search for the massive secrets and techniques and large schemes hidden in these a number of rows of characters.

His thoughts was in a whirl and filled with ideas of the letter that he had seen within the apricot forest exterior town of Wuxi that evening–the letter that the main massive brother wrote to Chief Wang. Venerable Zhiguang had torn off the signature of the letter and swallowed it into his abdomen to make him unable to know who had written the letter. However the handwriting of the letter had been engraved deeply and really clearly on his thoughts. The author of the letter and ‘Duan the Second of Dali’ who wrote this scroll have been positively not the identical individual. There was completely little question about it.

However might the ‘main massive brother’ entrust the duty of writing the letter to a different individual? After pondering slightly, he knew this was positively unimaginable. As a result of Duan Zhengchun was able to simply writing this sort of nice-looking characters, he actually was a person who was acquainted with penmanship. If he wished to write down a letter to Chief Wang to debate such an essential matter, what causes might he need to ask one other individual to write down the letter on his behalf? And he had no cause to ask one other individual to write down an amorous poem for his personal lover on his behalf.

The extra he thought, the extra uncertain he grew to become. He thought repeatedly: ‘Might it’s that main massive brother is not Duan Zhengchun? Might it’s this scroll wasn’t written by Duan Zhengchun? Unimaginable, unimaginable, in addition to Duan Zhengchun, how can there be one other ‘Duan the Second of Dali’ who wrote this sort of amorous poem and hung it right here? Might it’s Madam Ma lied? That is additionally unimaginable. She and Duan Zhengchun do not know one another, one within the North, one within the South, one is a widow of a country fellow, and one is a member of the the Aristocracy. What enmity between them can there be that she might make up lies on goal to trick me?’

After he had identified that the ‘main massive brother’ was Duan Zhengchun, all of the doubts and suspicions in his thoughts had been swept away, and he had solely been fascinated by methods to get revenge. At this second, when he noticed the calligraphic scroll, every kind of doubts and suspicions emerged in his thoughts: ‘If that letter wasn’t written by Duan Zhengchun, then the main massive brother is not him. If it is not him, then who’s the main massive brother? Why did Madam Ma wanna mislead different folks? What crafty schemes and conspiracies are there on this? I killed A’Zhu by mistake. However A’Zhu was keen to die for me. This fashion, a layer of unredressed flawed has been added to her unredressed flawed. Why did not I see this scroll earlier than? However this scroll has been hung in a room within the wings, how might I see it? If I had died to observe A’Zhu with out seeing it, that will’ve been a case of loss of life ending all troubles. Why did not I see it earlier or later? Why did I see it simply a short time earlier than my loss of life?’

The setting solar was about to vanish behind the mountains. The final sunbeams progressively acquired away from his insteps. Immediately he heard 2 folks advancing in direction of the bamboo forest from the facet of the Little Mirror Lake. These 2 folks have been nonetheless far. Concentrating his thoughts and listening, he seen that the incoming folks have been 2 girls. He thought: ‘In all probability A’Zi and her mom are coming. Hum, I wish to ask Madam Duan if this scroll was written by Duan Zhengchun. In fact she extraordinarily hates me for killing A’Zhu. She certainly needs to kill me. I… I…’ At first he wished to ‘strike again in no way’, however he instantly modified his thoughts: ‘If A’Zhu actually died unjustly, then it is one other one who killed my father and mom, and so this prime villain has borne another blood debt, and another life. Might it’s that A’Zhu wasn’t harmed to loss of life by him? If I do not settle this rating, how will I have the ability to die simply?’

He heard the two girls draw nearer and nearer and go into the bamboo forest. Then, after a short time, he additionally heard the sounds of their dialog. One girl stated: ‘Watch out. This harlot does not have good martial arts however she’s as much as all crafty tips.’ The opposite girl, who was younger, replied: ‘She’s all by herself. Mother, you and I’ll at all times have the ability to end her off.’ The significantly older girl stated: ‘Say no extra. As soon as we go into motion, let’s use probably the most harmful expertise. There is not any have to hesitate.’ The younger girl stated: ‘If father is aware of…’ That senior girl stated: ‘Humph, you continue to name him father?’ After that, there was no sound of speaking, however he heard the two girls going with stealthy steps. One in all them went to the principle entrance, and the opposite went to the again of the home. Apparently they wished to collectively assault from the entrance and the rear.

Xiao Feng was somewhat mystified, pondering: ‘Judging from their voices, these 2 girls aren’t Ruan Xingzhu and A’Zi. However they are a mom and a daughter, too. They’ve come right here to kill a lone girl. Oh, in all probability they wish to kill Ruan Xingzhu. However that woman’s father disapproves of this.’ This matter had flashed by his thoughts, however he didn’t paid consideration to it any longer. He was nonetheless sitting in a trance.

After fairly some time, a creaky ‘ya’ sound was heard as somebody shoved open the door and got here in. Xiao Feng didn’t increase his head the least. He noticed a pair of effective ft in black footwear walked as much as him and stopped at a distance of about 4 Chi (33.33 cm). After that, the facet window was pushed open and an individual leaped in and stood subsequent to him. Listening to the sound of that individual’s leap, he knew they didn’t excel in martial arts.

Nonetheless, he didn’t increase his head. With A’Zhu in his arms, he contemplated deeply: ‘The ‘main massive brother’ is Duan Zhengchun, or he’s not? Is there something uncommon in Venerable Zhiguang’s phrases? Did Elder Xu have any crafty scheme? Is there any flaw in Madam Ma’s phrases?’ Actually, ideas have been surging up in his thoughts like tidewater, and he was completely confused.

He heard the younger girl ask: ‘Hey, who’re you? The place’s that harlot Ruan?’

Her voice was chilly and her tone was completely disrespectful. Xiao Feng didn’t take note of her. He was solely fascinated by every kind of suspicions. The older girl stated: ‘Is there any connection between you, sir, and that harlot Ruan Xingzhu? Who’s this girl? Shortly say.’ Xiao Feng nonetheless paid no consideration to her. The younger girl stated loudly: ‘Are you deaf or dumb? Why do not you say a phrase?’ Her tone was brimming with anger. Nonetheless, Xiao Feng ignored her and saved sitting immobile and like a stone statue.

That younger girl made a stamp. The lengthy sword in her hand barely shook, and the blade shook. With a buzzing noise, she thrust the sword at Xiao Feng’s temple at an angle. When its tip was solely a number of Cun (3.333 cm) away from his temple, she shouted: ‘In case you maintain performing the idiot, I will allow you to style a little bit of distress.’

Xiao Feng was in a really harmful scenario however he didn’t care about it within the least. He was solely contemplating every kind of unanswered doubts and suspicions. That younger woman barely pushed her arm forwards. The lengthy sword was thrust forwards, and it went previous the facet of his neck at a distance of round 1 cun. Xiao Feng heard clearly the approaching route of the sword, so he didn’t dodge or parry it, as if he was completely unaware of it. The two girls checked out one another in amazement. The younger woman stated: ‘Mother, might this fellow be an fool? The woman he was carrying appears to be lifeless already.’ The lady stated: ‘He is in all probability performing idiot. There cannot be any good factor in the home of this harlot. Give him a hack of the saber first. Then we’ll torture and interrogate him.’ Simply as she completed saying, she introduced the saber in her left hand down on Xiao Feng’s shoulder.

Xiao Feng waited till the saber was half a chi away from his shoulder to show over his proper hand, stretch it out forwards and catch the again of the blade with 2 of his fingers. The saber appeared to be mounted to the air and stopped coming down. He barely pressed forwards along with his fingers. The deal with of the saber without delay hit an essential acupuncture level on the shoulder of that girl, rendering her motionless. Then, conveniently, he barely shook his hand, his inside power was channelled within the blade, and the metal saber was snapped in two with a ‘pai’ sound. He tossed the part in his hand on the ground conveniently. All alongside, he didn’t increase his head and have a look at the girl.

The younger woman, seeing that her mom had been subdued by him, was very frightened. She leaped backwards. Steady ‘chi-chi’ sounds have been heard as she shot 7 quick arrows at him. Xiao Feng picked up the damaged saber and knocked all of the arrows down with one stroke. Then he barely waved his hand, and the damaged saber flew out. With a ‘pai’ sound, the deal with of the saber hit her waist. ‘Ah,’ that younger woman cried. An acupuncture level of hers had been hit squarely. And he or she was instantly rendered immobile.

That girl requested in fright: ‘Are you injured?’ The younger woman replied: ‘My waist is hurting rather a lot, however I am not injured. Mother, he is blocked my ‘Jingmen acupuncture level.’ The lady stated: ‘He hit my ‘Zhongfu acupuncture level’. This… this fellow’s martial arts are very formidable.’ The younger woman stated: ‘Mother, who is that this fellow? How might he greatest the two of us with out standing up? I feel he in all probability used some evil approach.’

The lady dared not be fierce anymore. She stated to Xiao Feng mildly: ‘There is not any enmity between me, my daughter and also you, sir. Simply now we went into motion rashly and offended you. It was our fault. I pray that you’re magnanimous and can go straightforward on us.’ The younger woman swiftly stated: ‘No, no, we have been defeated, that is all. Why ought to we express regret? I do not prefer it. If in case you have the heart then simply kill me with a hack of the saber.’

Xiao Feng vaguely heard the phrases of the mom and her daughter. He solely knew that the mom had begged for mercy and the daughter was very cussed, however he paid no consideration to what they’d stated, not even a single sentence.

By now it was already pitch-dark inside the home. After some time, it acquired utterly darkish. Xiao Feng had at all times sat on the unique place, carrying A’Zhu and never making a transfer. Ordinarily he was very quick-witted, and when encountering difficulties, he had at all times been very quick in decision-making. If there was one thing that he was unable to grasp, he would put it apart without delay and briefly ignore it, and he would positively not hesitate or waver. However having by chance killed A’Zhu as we speak, he was exceedingly grieved and had grow to be dazed and benighted. It appeared as if he was only a demented madman.

That girl stated in a low voice: ‘Attempt to rush your inside power to the Huantiao acupuncture level. Perhaps that will have an effect on the channels and also you’d have the ability to open the blocked acupuncture level.’ The younger woman stated: ‘I already tried it. Completely ineffective…’ The lady out of the blue stated: ‘Hush! Somebody is coming!’

The crunch of footsteps was heard. Then somebody pushed the door open and got here in. It was additionally a girl. With a number of ‘ca-ca’ sounds, that girl used a fire-striking knife and a flint to set the kindling afire. Subsequent she lit the oil lamp. When she rotated and out of the blue noticed Xiao Feng, A’Zhu, and the two girls, she couldn’t assist exclaiming an ‘Ah’ sound. By no means might she have thought that there have been different folks in the home. So, when out of the blue seeing 4 folks, both sitting or standing, of whom all have been being immobile, she jumped out of her pores and skin without delay. Her palms loosened and the fire-striking knife and the flint dropped, making 2 clanking noises.

Immediately, the girl who had entered the home earlier shouted severely: ‘Ruan Xingzhu, it is you!’

The lady who had simply entered the home was none aside from Ruan Xingzhu. Turning round, she noticed that the one that had simply stated was a middle-aged girl with a younger woman, who was sporting solely black garments, beside her. These 2 folks have been somewhat lovely, particularly the younger woman. However she had by no means seen each of them. Ruan Xingzhu stated: ‘Proper, I am Ruan. Who’re you two?’

The center-aged girl didn’t reply. She solely constantly checked out her rigorously. Her face was filled with fury.

Ruan Xingzhu rotated and stated to Xiao Feng: ‘Chief Qiao, you already killed my daughter, what are you continue to doing right here? My… my… my poor daughter!’ As she completed saying, she wept loudly and rushed to A’Zhu’s physique.

Xiao Feng saved sitting in a daze. After an excellent whereas, he stated: ‘Madam Duan, my sin could be very critical. I encourage you to attract a knife and kill me.’

Ruan Xingzhu sobbed: ‘Even when I killed you with a slash of the knife, I would not have the ability to revive my poor daughter. Chief Qiao, you stated I and A’Zhu’s father made a blunder that we have been ashamed of and harmed a baby to the purpose of being wretched for all times and never understanding its personal mother and father. These phrases are true. However… when you wished to defend any person in opposition to an injustice, you need to’ve discovered Prince Duan and killed him. Why did you kill my A’Zhu?’

On this second, Xiao Feng’s thoughts was somewhat gradual. Solely after a short time did he shiver with concern in his coronary heart, asking: ‘What is the blunder that you’ve got been ashamed of?’ Ruan Xingzhu wept, saying: ‘You already know clearly. Why do you insist on asking me? Each A’Zhu… A’Zhu and A’Zi are my daughters. I did not dare convey them house so I gave them to different folks.’

Xiao Feng stated in a quavering voice: ‘Yesterday I requested Duan Zhengchun if he had made a blunder that he’d been ashamed of. He admitted frankly. So this shameful matter was solely giving A’Zhu… and A’Zi to strangers?’ Ruan Xingzhu stated angrily: ‘I already did this shameful factor, how can it nonetheless be inadequate? What unhealthy form of girl who makes a speciality of doing shameful issues do you suppose I’m?’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘Yesterday Duan Zhengchun additionally stated ‘Heaven has proven pity on me and as we speak permits me to fulfill a… a parentless youngster of that yr once more.’ When he stated now he had met this parentless youngster once more, he was speaking about A’Zi, and never… and never me?’ Ruan Xingzhu stated angrily: ‘Why ought to he wish to discuss you? Are you the kid he deserted to different folks? You… What rot are you speaking? Might I give beginning to an animal such as you?’ She detested Xiao Feng, however afraid of his excellent martial arts she dared not go into motion and solely scolded him.

Xiao Feng stated: ‘Then, after I requested why he has nonetheless constantly dedicated one wrongdoing after one other since, why did he admit that his conduct had been improper and his advantage had been poor?’ Ruan Xingzhu’s cheeks, which have been being lined with tears, barely reddened. She stated: ‘He has a free nature. It is at all times been so. After he is performed round with 1 girl, he’d mess around with the 2nd girl, the third girl, the 4th girl, debauching himself with one after one other, however… who wants you to meddle in different folks’s enterprise?’

Xiao Feng mumbled: ‘Flawed, flawed, utterly flawed!’ After being in a daze for a very long time, out of the blue he stretched out his hand and slapped himself closely within the face, making steady pai-pai-pai-pai sounds. Frightened, Ruan Xingzhu jumped to her ft and retreated some steps. She solely noticed that Xiao Feng saved beating himself with all his power and each blow of the palm was very heavy. After a short time, his cheeks had already swollen up significantly.

Then, a mushy ‘ya’ sound was heard as another person pushed the door open and got here in. This individual cried: ‘Mother, have you ever taken that scroll…’ She was none aside from A’Zi. Earlier than she had completed saying, she noticed different folks in the home, and noticed Xiao Feng was repeatedly beating himself along with his proper hand whereas carrying A’Zhu along with his left hand. So she couldn’t assist being so frightened that she was dumbfounded.

Xiao Feng cheeks swelled then their pores and skin broke. After that, his face and his hand have been filled with recent blood, then blood spattered ceaselessly on the partitions, the desk, the chairs… Every part was spattered with blood. Even A’Zhu’s physique and that scroll hanging on the wall have been additionally lined with small crimson drops of blood.

As a result of Ruan Xingzhu couldn’t bear to see this brutal sight, she lined up her eyes with each palms. Nonetheless, she nonetheless heard the continual ‘pai-pai’ sounds, so she referred to as out: ‘Do not beat anymore, do not beat anymore!’

A’Zi squealed: ‘Hey, do not soiled the phrases my father wrote, or I will ask you for compensation.’

She jumped onto the desk, stretched out her palms and took the scroll that was hanging on the wall. It turned out she and her mom returned solely to fetch this calligraphic scroll.

Startled, Xiao Feng stopped beating and requested: ‘Is that this ‘Duan the Second of Dali’ actually Duan Zhengchun?’ Ruan Xingzhu countered: ‘Apart from him, whom else?’ When she talked about Duan Zhengchun’s identify, she couldn’t assist displaying a sense of passionate delight on her face.

These a number of phrases cleared up a doubt in Xiao Feng’s thoughts: This scroll was actually written by Duan Zhengchun. That letter to Chief Wang was not written by him. And so the main massive brother in all probability isn’t Duan Zhengchun.

A thought instantly emerged in his thoughts: ‘There have to be crucial secret details in Madam Ma’s establishing Duan Zhengchun. I ought to untie this knot first, and the whole lot will come to mild.’ As he thought so, his intention of committing suicide disappeared without delay. The beating he had given himself simply now had left his face lined with recent blood, however due to it, he had been in a position to vent the regret and sorrow in his coronary heart. Thereupon, he rose, carrying A’Zhu’s physique in his arms.

A’Zi, having seen the two bamboo tablets he had written on the desk, stated laughingly: ‘Ha-ha, no marvel I noticed 2 holes exterior. I have been puzzled. So that you wish to die and be buried along with my sister? Nicely, properly, properly, you are actually too passionate!’

Xiao Feng replied: ‘I by chance fell into the merciless lure of a villain and harmed A’Zhu to loss of life. Now I have to discover that villain and avenge her first. Then I will observe her to the Underworld.’ A’Zi requested: ‘Who’s that villain?’ Xiao Feng replied: ‘In the mean time I’ve no clue. I will go examine this.’ As he completed, he went out with massive strides, carrying A’Zhu. A’Zi laughed and stated: ‘Are you going to seek out the villain whereas carrying my sister like this?’

Xiao Feng was barely nonplussed. Briefly, he had no thought. He thought if he carried A’Zhu’s physique to go on a thousand-li lengthy journey, it might finally be improper, but it surely was tough for him to let go of her as a result of he was actually connected to her. He checked out A’Zhu’s face in a daze. Tears rolled straight down his gory broken face. Combined with recent blood, the tears grew to become reddish drops and fell onto A’Zhu’s pale face. Actually, this was dripping with tears of blood.

When Ruan Xingzhu noticed his heartrending scenario, all her abhorrence of him vanished right away. She stated: ‘Chief Qiao, this blunder was already finished. It is already unimaginable to redeem. You… you…’ Initially she wished to advise him to restrain his grief, however she herself couldn’t chorus from bursting into tears. She stated tearfully: ‘It is all as a result of I am no good. It is all as a result of I am no good… Why did I give my good daughter to different folks?’

Immediately, the younger woman who had been rendered immobile by Xiao Feng interrupted: ‘In fact it is all since you’re no good! Different folks have been being blissful husband and spouse, why did you come and break up their household?’

Ruan Xingzhu raised her head and requested the younger woman: ‘Why do you say that, Miss? Who’re you?’

The younger woman replied: ‘You are a fox spirit (~ a wanton girl). You have made my mom so depressing. You harmed me… harmed me…’

A’Zi stretched out her hand to slap her within the face. Unable to maneuver, that younger woman noticed the incoming blow of the palm, however she couldn’t dodge it.

Ruan Xingzhu hurriedly held out her hand and pulled A’Zi’s arm, saying: ‘A’Zi, you’ll be able to’t act rudely.’ Then she turned to the middle-aged girl and surveyed her. Seeing that the girl was holding a metal saber in her proper hand and there was damaged saber on the ground, she out of the blue understood, so she stated: ‘That is proper. You employ 2 sabers. You… You are Sura Saber Qin… Qin Hongmian… elder sister Qin.’

This middle-aged girl was none aside from one other lover of Duan Zhengchun’s–Sura Saber Qin Hongmian, and the younger woman sporting black garments was her daughter Mu Wanqing. Qin Hongmian didn’t blame Duan Zhengchun for having amorous affairs all over the place, however she loathed the opposite girls for being prurient and seductive and snatching her beau. Due to this fact, after receiving a message from her shimei (youthful feminine fellow disciple) Gan Baobao, she and her daughter Mu Wanqing had without delay gone to assassinate Duan Zhengchun’s spouse Dao Baifeng and one other lover of his, with the consequence that they’d didn’t kill both. When she realized that Duan Zhengchun had one other mistress referred to as Ruan Xingzhu, who was dwelling in seclusion beside the Little Mirror Lake, she instantly took her daughter alongside to go to kill this girl.

Qin Hongmian, seeing that Ruan Xingzhu had acknowledged herself, shouted: ‘Proper, I am Qin Hongmian, who wants a harlot such as you to name me elder sister?’

Briefly, Ruan Xingzhu was unable to guess why Qin Hongmian had come right here. She was additionally afraid that if this love rival and Duan Zhengchun met one another, they might rekindle their previous emotions, so she laughed and stated: ‘That is proper. I stated incorrectly. You are a lot youthful than me, and you’ve got such an amazing magnificence too. No marvel Duan lang (~ expensive Duan) is so fascinated by you. You are my youthful sister, not elder sister. Youthful sister Qin, Duan lang misses you every single day. You are engraved upon his thoughts. I actually envy you your luck.’

When Qin Hongmian heard Ruan Xingzhu reward her for being younger and delightful, the anger in her coronary heart disappeared three-tenths. And when she heard Ruan Xingzhu say that Duan Zhengchun missed her every single day, her anger disappeared one other three-tenths. She stated: ‘Who needs you to candy discuss like this? You are positive used to flattering different folks.’

Ruan Xingzhu stated: ‘This younger girl is your valuable daughter, proper? Nicely, properly, properly, youthful sister Qin, it is a onerous job to offer beginning to such a magnificence…’

Noticing that the two girls have been harping on about romantic issues, Xiao Feng grew to become impatient and didn’t wish to hear extra. As an easy and resolute fellow, after the heartbreaking sorrow was gone, he without delay contemplated methods to deal with essential companies sooner or later.

Carrying A’Zhu’s physique, he walked to the facet of a gap and set her down in it. He grabbed the soil along with his pair of massive palms and slowly scattered it on her physique. However all alongside he didn’t scatter soil on her face.

He checked out A’Zhu with out blinking. With simply a number of extra handfuls of soil scattered on her, he would by no means have the ability to see her once more. His ears appeared to vaguely hear her voice promising to go exterior Yanmen Move to journey on horseback, go searching, pasture cattle and sheep, and be with him for all times. Lower than 1 day earlier than, she had nonetheless been saying these phrases which typically have been affectionate, typically have been witty, typically have been critical, and typically have been mischievous. However from as we speak on, he would by no means hear them once more. Any longer, the vow to pasture cattle and sheep on the frontier had come to naught.

Xiao Feng knelt beside the grave for a really very long time. However nonetheless, he was unwilling to scatter soil on A’Zhu’s face.

Immediately he rose. With a protracted howl, he stopped A’Zhu and pushed out his 2 palms on the identical time, shoving all of the soil beside the grave onto her physique and face. Then he rotated and walked into the room within the wing.

He noticed Ruan Xingzhu and Qin Hongmian have been nonetheless speaking unceasingly. Regardless that Ruan Xingzhu was being grieved, she was nonetheless artfully persuasive in speech and made Qin Hongmian completely happy. The enmity between the two girls had already been eliminated. Ruan Xingzhu stated: ‘Chief Qiao, this youthful sister of mine offended you, but it surely was unintentional. I encourage you to unblock their acupuncture factors.’

Ruan Xingzhu was A’Zhu’s mom so Xiao Feng actually listened to her to an affordable extent, not to mention the truth that he already wished to launch these 2 folks. Without delay, he got here close to, stretched out his palms and gave Qin Hongmian and Mu Wanqing a faucet every on their shoulders. The two of them solely felt a stream of inside power run from their shoulders to their blocked acupuncture factors. Instantly, they have been already in a position to transfer their limbs freely as standard. The mom and the daughter exchanged a glance. Of their hearts, they exceedingly admired Xiao Feng for the depth of his inside power.

Xiao Feng turned to A’Zi and stated: ‘Youthful sister A’Zi, might you please let me take a look at your father’s calligraphic scroll?’

A’Zi stated: ‘I do not need you to name me youthful sister this, youthful sister that.’ Regardless of saying so, she dared not disobey him and nonetheless handed the scroll over to him.

Xiao Feng unfolded the scroll and studied the phrases Duan Zhengchun had written a number of occasions once more. Ruan Xingzhu’s face turned a deep crimson throughout. She stated bashfully: ‘What’s so fascinating about these items?’ Xiao Feng requested: ‘The place’s Prince Duan, now?’ Ruan Xingzhu’s face modified coloration vastly. She retreated a number of steps and stated in a tremulous voice: ‘Do not… do not… do not go discover him once more.’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘I will not discover to make issues tough for him. I solely wish to ask him some issues.’ Ruan Xingzhu in fact was unwilling to imagine him. So she stated: ‘You already by chance killed A’Zhu. You should not discover him once more.’

Xiao Feng knew that in no way would she be keen to say, so he didn’t ask her anymore. He rolled up the scroll, returned it to A’Zi and stated: ‘Together with her final phrases, A’Zhu instructed me to maintain her youthful sister. Madam Duan, in a while, if A’Zi encounters any problem, so long as Xiao Feng can provide any assist, simply inform me, I positively will not decline.’

Ruan Xingzhu was very glad, pondering: ‘If A’Zi has a supporter of nice talents like him, in her life, misfortune will flip into luckiness and accidents will flip into good issues.’ So she stated: ‘I thanks very a lot, then. A’Zi, rapidly thank massive brother Qiao.’ She modified ‘Chief Qiao’ to ‘massive brother Qiao’ to make A’Zi and him grow to be nearer.

A’Zi instantly pouted her lips and stated with a scornful expression: ‘What problem will I’ve to ask him to assist? I’ve a grasp who’s the ultimate underneath Heaven and lots of shixiongs (older male fellow disciples), why ought to I be afraid of being bullied by somebody? He is like a clay Bodhisattva fording a river, unable to guard himself. He cannot deal with his personal issues and solely makes errors, how can he nonetheless wish to assist me with my issues? Humph, the extra he’ll assist, the extra issues he’ll create, will not he?’ She let loose a torrent of phrases along with her clear and carefree voice. A number of occasions Ruan Xingzhu gave her hints with the eyes to cease her, however A’Zi pretended that she didn’t see them.

Ruan Xingzhu stamped her ft and stated: ‘Alas, this youngster makes insolent irresponsible remarks. Chief Qiao, please present some consideration for A’Zhu and do not take offence at them.’ Xiao Feng stated: ‘My surname is Xiao, not Qiao.’ A’Zi stated: ‘Mother, this fellow does not even know his personal surname. He is a giant fool…’ Ruan Xingzhu shouted: ‘A’Zi!’

Xiao Feng took a bow along with his palms folded, saying: ‘I have to now bid you farewell.’ Then he turned to Mu Wanqing and stated: ‘Miss Duan, do not use these toxic missiles of yours anymore. They’re ineffective. Quite the opposite, when you meet an enemy of higher expertise, you will unavoidably be harmed by them.’

Earlier than Mu Wanqing had replied, A’Zi stated: ‘Elder sister, do not hearken to his nonsense. At worst these missiles will miss the enemy, what harms can they’ve?’

Paying no consideration to her, Xiao Feng rotated and walked out. When his left foot handed by the door, he took a swing along with his proper sleeve, inflicting a gust of wind with a buzzing sound. All of the 7 quick arrows that Mu Wanqing had shot at him earlier and had been knocked down by him acquired off the ground on the identical time and flew fiercely in direction of A’Zi like lightning. ‘Aiyo,’ A’Zi solely uttered an exclamation. How might she dodge in time? The 7 quick arrows skimmed throughout the highest of her head, the edges of her neck and the edges of her physique earlier than, with a ‘pai’ sound, sticking deep as much as the feathers within the wall behind her concurrently.

Ruan Xingzhu swiftly rushed forwards, embraced A’Zi and cried in concern: ‘Youthful sis Qin, rapidly take out the antidote.’ Qin Hongmian stated: ‘The place’s she wounded? The place’s she wounded?’ Mu Wanqing swiftly took the antidote out from her bosom and went study the situation of A’Zi’s accidents.

After a short time, A’Zi considerably regained her composure. Solely then did she say: ‘They… they did not hit me.’ Then the 4 girls seemed on the 7 quick arrows on the wall on the identical time, and all of them gasped with astonishment and their faces modified coloration.

It turned out Xiao Feng remembered A’Zhu’s final phrases, which requested him to maintain A’Zi, however he heard her say ‘I’ve a grasp who’s the ultimate underneath Heaven and lots of shixiongs, why ought to I be afraid of being bullied by somebody?’ Because of this, he swept away the arrows with the wind of his sleeve and gave her a scare, lest the little woman, who was blind to the immensity of the world and impertinent as a consequence of her robust backing insomuch that she seemed down on the heroes and daring males underneath Heaven, unavoidably suffered sooner or later.

He walked out of the bamboo forest, went to the facet of the Little Mirror Lake, discovered a giant tree with luxuriant branches and foliage, and jumped onto it. He wished to seek out Duan Zhengchun to ask clearly why Madam Ma intentionally solid the blame on him, however Ruan Xingzhu merely was unwilling to disclose his whereabouts, so he himself had no selection however to observe in secret.

Earlier than lengthy, he noticed the 4 girls come out. Qin Hongmian and daughter went forward of Ruan Xingzhu and her daughter. It seemed like Ruan Xingzhu was seeing the friends out.

The 4 girls walked to the facet of the lake. Qin Hongmian stated: ‘Elder sister Ruan, you and I really feel like previous associates on the 1st assembly. As a result of the previous ailing will between us has been dispelled, a matter of hatred in my thoughts has been eradicated. Now I wish to go discover that lowly slave surnamed Kang. Have you learnt the place she is?’ Startled, Ruan Xingzhu requested: ‘Youthful sister, why do you wish to discover her?’ Qin Hongmian stated resentfully: ‘Initially I and Duan lang have been dwelling blissful days. It was all due to the tips of this lowly slavish fox spirit…’ Ruan Xingzhu thought for a short while and stated: ‘That Kang… this harlot Kang Min, hum, I do not know the place she is. If you’ve discovered her, please give her a number of extra stabs of the saber on my behalf.’ Qin Hongmian stated: ‘That goes with out saying. I am simply afraid it will not be straightforward to seek out her. Alright, so long! Humph, when you meet Duan lang…’ Ruan Xingzhu barely shivered and stated: ‘What ought to I do?’ Qin Hongmian stated: ‘You give him 2 heavy slaps within the face for me, 1 slap to settle my account, and 1 slap to settle my daughter’s account.’

Ruan Xingzhu laughed gently and stated: ‘How can I meet this heartless damnable fellow? Youthful sister, if you see him, give him 2 slaps within the face for me as properly, 1 for me, and 1 for A’Zi. No, slapping will not be sufficient. Subsequent you give him 2 kicks for me. He fathered his daughters however did not maintain them, making me and my daughter so wretched and lonely…’ As she completed, she shed tears. Qin Hongmian consoled: ‘Sister, do not be unhappy. After we have killed that harlot Kang, we’ll return to be your companions.’

Xiao Feng, hiding on the tree, heard very clearly the dialog between the two girls. He thought that Duan Zhengchun was not unhealthy at martial arts and somewhat benevolent and dependable to his associates, however he had deserted himself to his love of female magnificence, so he didn’t rely as a hero. He noticed Qin Hongmian pull Mu Wanqing, salute Ruan Xingzhu and her daughter and go away without delay, then Ruan Xingzhu maintain A’Zi hand and return into the bamboo forest.

Xiao Feng thought-about: ‘Ruan Xingzhu positive will go discover Duan Zhengchun, however she’s unwilling to associate with Qin Hongmian, that is all. She stated that she got here to take this scroll so Duan Zhengchun is certainly ready not far up forward. I am simply going to look at from right here.’

Immediately there have been mushy sounds in a thicket, and a pair of folks in black garments quietly walked out, however they have been Qin Hongmian and her daughter returning. He heard Qin Hongmian say in a low voice: ‘Wan’er, how might you be so careless and simply tricked by them? There is a pair of male footwear underneath the sofa in elder sister Ruan’s bed room. The toe caps are embroidered with 2 phrases, the left shoe has the phrase ‘Mountain’, and the suitable shoe has the phrase ‘River.’ In fact they’re your father’s footwear. The footwear are very new, and the mud on their sole is not dry but. Clearly your father is close to right here.’ Mu Wanqing stated: ‘Ah! So this girl surnamed Ruan fooled us.’ Qin Hongmian stated: ‘Sure, how can she be keen to let that untrue fellow meet us?’ Mu Wanqing stated: ‘Father has no conscience. Mother, you needn’t meet him.’

After retaining silent for fairly some time, Qin Hongmian stated: ‘I wish to see him, however I do not wish to meet him. We have been separate for thus many days, he is already previous, and your mom’s already previous too.’ These few sentences have been quite simple, however the phrases contained deep feelings.

Mu Wanqing stated: ‘Alright!’ Her voice sounded very sorrowful. Ever since she and Duan Yu had parted firm, her reminiscence of him had grown daily, however understanding clearly this was a love that will go nowhere, she dared not present the load on her thoughts earlier than her mom.

Qin Hongmian stated: ‘We solely have to maintain watch from right here. I feel your father will arrive quickly.’ As she completed, she pushed the lengthy grass aside and hid herself in it. After that, Mu Wanqing hid behind a tree.

Within the boring starlight, Xiao Feng noticed that Qin Hongmian’s pale face was barely crimson. Clearly she was deeply stirred. He thought: ‘Love wears folks out to such an extent.’ However he additionally instantly considered A’Zhu, and couldn’t assist feeling a burst of ache in his chest.

Not lengthy after, fast footsteps have been heard on the trail. Xiao Feng thought: ‘This individual is not Duan Zhengchun. In all probability his subordinate.’ Certain sufficient, when that individual rushed close to him, he acknowledged that it was Zhu Danchen, the guy who had drawn in reverse on the bridge.

Ruan Xingzhu had already heard the footsteps, however she was unable to know who this individual was. She solely thought that it was Duan Zhengchun, so she referred to as: ‘Duan lang, Duan lang!’ and rapidly got here out to fulfill him. A’Zi got here out along with her.

Zhu Danchen bowed all the way down to the bottom, saying: ‘My Lord has ordered this subordinate to report that he has an pressing matter so he’s unable to return as we speak.’

Startled, Ruan Xingzhu requested: ‘What is the matter? When will he return?’ Zhu Danchen replied: ‘This matter is expounded to the Murong Household of Gusu. It appears the whereabouts of Mister Murong has been found. My Lord has gone north on a ten-thousand-li journey to seek out this man. My Lord stated that: After dealing with his essential matter, he would return to the facet of the Little Mirror Lake without delay for a reunion. Madam wants not fear.’ Tears welling up in her eyes, Ruan Xingzhu stated in a voice choked with feelings: ‘He is at all times stated he’d return without delay, however everytime he would not see me for 3 years or 5 years. I had a extremely onerous time ready for him to return right here, but…’

Zhu Danchen was exceedingly upset and indignant about how A’Zi had angered Chu Wanli to loss of life. Duan Zhengchun’s phrases had been handed on, so he was unwilling to stay right here any longer. He bow barely, rotated and left. From begin to end, he didn’t solid a have a look at A’Zi.

Ruan Xingzhu, ready till he had gone, stated to A’Zi in a low voice: ‘Your lightness ability is significantly better than mine. Shortly observe him, and go away identification marks on the best way for me. I will observe quickly after.’ A’Zi pouted her lips, laughed and stated: ‘You ask me to path father, so what is the reward?’ Ruan Xingzhu stated: ‘Every part Mother has is already yours. What reward do you continue to need?’ A’Zi stated: ‘Alright, I will write a ‘Duan’ character on the corners of the partitions then draw an arrow so that you just’d know.’ Ruan Xingzhu hugged her daughter’s shoulders and stated with gladness: ‘Good daughter!’ A’Zi laughed and stated: ‘Infatuated mommy!’ Then she raised herself up and chased after Zhu Danchen.

Ruan Xingzhu stood beside the Little Mirror Lake for a very long time. The she went alongside the small path. As quickly as she had gone, Qin Hongmian and her daughter successively appeared. The two of them made gestures with their palms and adopted behind her.

Xiao Feng thought: ‘A’Zi already leaves indicators on the best way. It will be very straightforward to seek out Duan Zhengchun.’ When he had taken a number of steps, out of the blue, within the moonlight, he noticed his personal reflection within the lake. He felt unhappy, upset, and really lonely, and his coronary heart ached. He wished to return to the bamboo forest to sit down in entrance of A’Zhu’s grave once more for some time. Nonetheless, right away, his heroic spirit surged up, and he despatched out a blow of the palm. The power wind of his assault hit the lake and splashed water throughout. The reflection within the lake additionally became a mass of fragments. With a protracted howl, he left with massive strides.

In the course of the a number of days later, he set out at dawn and slept at night time, ingesting very a lot, however consuming little. Each time he arrived in a city, he noticed a ‘Duan’ character and an arrow displaying the route left by A’Zi on the foot of a wall. Generally Ruan Xingzhu, after seeing them, scraped them off, however the vestige of the indicators might nonetheless be acknowledged.

On the best way to the north, it progressively acquired chilly. That day, not lengthy after he had gone exterior, it began to snow closely. Snowflakes floated back and forth, up and down within the air. Xiao Feng saved going till midday. Then he went right into a small wine store and consumed 12 or 13 bowls of spirit. When his dependancy to wine had not but been slaked, the store was already out of wine. Very upset, he ran for some time with massive strides and got here in direction of a giant metropolis. As he drew close to, he was barely shocked. It turned out he had arrived in Xinyang.

On the best way he had solely looked for the indicators left by A’Zi, and considered his personal worries, so he had paid no consideration to his environment, insomuch that he had unexpectedly returned to Xinyang. If he actually wished to seek out Duan Zhengchun, it might be as straightforward as rasing his hand. Solely dashing sooner in 1 day or half a day and he would positively meet up with Duan Zhengchun. However ever because the loss of life of A’Zhu, his thoughts had at all times been empty. He didn’t know the way he ought to move the time. In his thoughts, he had at all times thought: ‘What ought to I do after catching up with Duan Zhengchun? After I’ve discovered the prime villain and acquired revenge, what ought to I do? After I’ve returned to the surface of Yanmen Move alone to go searching and pasture sheep within the nice desert of wind and sand, what ought to I do?’ Consequently, he had not been in scorching pursuit all alongside.

After getting into town of Xinyang, he noticed a ‘Duan’ character written in charcoal on the foot of town wall. Beside the character was an arrow pointing westward. He felt a burst of misery in his thoughts as he recalled that day he and A’Zhu, facet by facet, had gone to Madam Ma’s home within the west of town of Xinyang to tactfully sound her out. At this time, pondering again, he felt that each step at the moment had pushed A’Zhu nearer to the Underworld by 1 step.

After he had gone 5 or 6 li (0.5 km), the north wind grew to become fierce, and the snow fell extra closely.

Following the indicators left by A’Zi, he went westward. These indicators have been new and had been left not lengthy earlier than. A number of the indicators have been left by scraping away the bark of timber and writing on them. On the boles, the resin on the locations scraped by the knife had not but congealed. The route of the indicators was none aside from Ma Dayuan’s home. Xiao Feng was secretly mystified, pondering: ‘Might it’s that Duan Zhengchun is aware of Madam Ma framed him, so he finds her to settle the rating? That is proper, when A’Zhu talked to me in her dying second on the bluestone bridge, she talked about Madam Ma. A’Zi heard it, and she or he should’ve instructed her father. However we solely stated Madam Ma, how can he know that she is that this Madam Ma?’

On the best way, he had been depressed and somewhat dazed. However this second, as he met a really uncommon matter, his spirit rose without delay, and the vigilance that he had had when partaking in battles with robust enemies in former days have been restored. Seeing an deserted shrine by the roadside, he instantly entered it, closed the door, lay down and slept for six hours. Solely on the 2nd watch (10 p.m to 12 p.m) did he come out and go in direction of the home of Ma Dayuan.

When approaching the home, he hid behind a tree and seemed rigorously on the environment. After he had noticed for some time, a faint smile appeared on the corners of his mouth as a result of he noticed 2 folks hiding on the northeast facet of the home of the Ma Household. Judging from look, they have been Ruan Xingzhu and A’Zi. After that, he noticed Qin Hongmian and her daughter hiding within the southeast nook of the home. On this second, the heavy snow had not but ceased so the 4 girls all have been piled on with a layer of white snow. A boring yellow mild got here out by the window of the room within the east wing, and there was solely silence. Xiao Feng broke a department off and threw it to the east. A mushy ‘pai’ sound was heard because it fell on the bottom. Ruan Xingzhu and the opposite 3 girls all seemed within the route of the sound. With a delicate leap, he already arrived on the underside of the window of the room within the east wing.

The climate was chilly and the bottom was frozen. All of the home windows of the Ma Household home had wood boards. Xiao Feng waited for some time. He heard a gust of north wind coming whistling. Ready till this gust of wind was about to succeed in the window, he frivolously despatched out a blow of the palm. His palm drive and that gust of wind hit the wood board of the window on the identical time. With a ‘ka-la’ sound, the wood board was damaged. Even the window paper inside was additionally left with a crack. Regardless that the folks resembling Qin Hongmian and Ruan Xingzhu have been within the space round the home, they weren’t conscious of this as a result of the palm wind and the north wind completely coincided with one another. If there was somebody within the room, they might not have the ability to detect this both. Xiao Feng put his eye subsequent to the crack and seemed inside. At first sight, he was dumbfounded, as if he didn’t imagine his personal eyes.

He noticed Duan Zhengchun, sporting a brief jacket and a small hat, sitting cross-legged on the sting of the earthen mattress, holding a wine cup in his hand, grinning and a girl who was sitting by the facet of the small mattress desk.

That girl was sporting white mourning apparel and had a lightweight make-up on. The information of her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes have been brimming with ardour. Her pair of watery glistening eyes seemed as in the event that they have been about to shed water. Like smiling with out smiling, like being indignant with out being indignant, she seemed sideways at Duan Zhengchun. She was none aside from the widow of Ma Dayuan–Madam Ma.