Early the next morning, the Jiuhua Mountain group was preparing to leave when Gao Ding quickly grabbed Yang Suguan and said, “Nephew Yang, you must come with me! We agreed on this yesterday!” Yang Suguan smiled, “Uncle Gao, rest assured. My word is my bond.”
Wei Zizhuang stepped forward and whispered, “We carry important business. We shouldn’t get mixed up with these people. With too many people and loose tongues, it might ruin our mission.”
Yang Suguan shook his head, “In official circles, personal relationships are paramount. Since I’ve given my word, I cannot go back on it. Please bear with us, Guard Wei, and be extra careful on the road.”
Wei Zizhuang was merely Liu Angtian’s bodyguard – how could he argue with a court official? Hearing Yang Suguan’s insistence, he could only clear his throat and say flatly, “Lord Yang, don’t worry. I’ll handle things. Let’s go then!”
Everyone hurried along, wanting to cross Yellow Earth Ridge before noon. Zhang Zhiyue constantly urged the porters, calling, “Everyone hurry! Once we cross Yellow Earth Ridge, we can rest!”
Wu Dingyuan saw his nervous expression and asked, “What’s so strange about this Yellow Earth Ridge? Are there bandits blocking the road here?”
Zhang Zhiyue nodded, “Lord Wu guessed correctly. The bandits at Yellow Earth Ridge number in the hundreds and frequently come down to rob travelers. It’s quite fierce. Ordinary travelers hide their gold and silver and travel in groups. With all our belongings, we must be especially careful.” He called again, “Everyone hurry! After nightfall, there are many ambushes here. We must quicken our pace!”
The porters had been carrying loads all the way and were mentally and physically exhausted. Soon they reached an uphill section and felt even more strained, unable to help stopping to rest. Zhang Zhiyue took a rattan cane and walked forward, striking vigorously and shouting, “Why aren’t you moving faster!”
One porter, unable to bear the pain, cursed, “F*** you! I’m not doing this anymore!” He lay on the ground and refused to move, playing dead. Zhang Zhiyue was furious and repeatedly struck the man, but he ignored it completely, acting as if he were already dead.
Yan Ting saw the porters were too pitiful and couldn’t help interjecting, “Uncle! This slope is too steep and the loads too heavy. These people are truly pitiful. Just let them rest!”
Zhang Zhiyue angrily replied, “How is it that you’re taking outsiders’ side! These people don’t know what’s good for them. If bandits take advantage of this opportunity, wouldn’t we be in trouble?”
Yan Ting, after being scolded, felt embarrassed and could only lower her pretty face, saying softly, “I just thought they were pitiful. I didn’t mean to contradict Uncle.”
Wu Dingyuan saw her pitiful appearance and interjected, “I think these people are truly exhausted. Even if you beat them to death, they couldn’t move another step. I think everyone should rest a bit!”
Zhang Zhiyue shook his head, “The situation here is too tense. If we must rest, let’s do it after crossing this ridge.”
Yang Suguan had been silent all along, but suddenly spoke up, “How about this – Guard Wei and I will go ahead to scout. You rest here first. If there’s anything strange ahead, we’ll be prepared. How does this sound?”
Zhang Zhiyue hadn’t seen Yang Suguan fight, but knowing he was a Shaolin disciple, his martial arts foundation must be excellent. Wei Zizhuang’s skills were beyond question – even if these two encountered a whole gang of bandits, they could escape with their lives. He immediately said happily, “Excellent! We’ll trouble you two gentlemen then!”
Just as Yang Suguan was about to leave, he heard Yan Ting say, “I’ll go too!” Yang Suguan hesitated slightly, “We may encounter some danger on this trip. Miss, you should rest here!”
Before Yan Ting could respond, junior sister Juan’er already called out, “I want to go too! This place with its evil mountains and waters is boring to death!”
Yang Suguan looked to Zhang Zhiyue, spreading his hands, not knowing what to do. Zhang Zhiyue’s face darkened as he roared, “None of you are allowed to go! Stay here obediently!” Yan Ting quietly responded, “Yes.” But Juan’er made a face and went to rest under a tree.
Wu Dingyuan saw the two had gone far and also found a place to sit and rest. He saw Zhang Zhiyue in the distance still shouting loudly, telling everyone to arrange the carts and loads properly and not place them carelessly on the ground. Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but smile – in the past when he was a constable in Xiliang, what major cases hadn’t he seen? He just felt Zhang Zhiyue was making a mountain out of a molehill. Having slept late last night, Wu Dingyuan yawned repeatedly. With winter just beginning, the weather wasn’t yet severely cold, and the warm sunlight made him even drowsier. He closed his eyes and fell into deep sleep.
Suddenly he heard Juan’er’s voice in the distance saying, “Senior sister, look! There are so many beautiful flowers here! And fruits too!”
Yan Ting laughed, “Yes! These don’t look like things from our Central Plains! They can still bloom at this time of year!” Then he heard the carters and servants all saying, “How amazing! Where? Where? Quickly take us to see!”
Footsteps sounded as they all ran over.
Zhang Zhiyue angrily shouted repeatedly, “Don’t wander around! Come back quickly!” After a bout of yelling, he too chased after them.
Wu Dingyuan knew the junior sister was causing trouble again. Though his eyes were closed, he still smiled continuously.
After a while, he heard no more sounds. Wu Dingyuan, with his constable background, was cautious in all things. He suddenly started, thinking, “Why is there no sound at all? Could it be that bandits ambushed and they fell into a trap!”
Wu Dingyuan, deeply afraid something had happened to them, quickly sat up, grabbed his “Flying Silver Shuttle,” and walked toward where the sounds had come from. He carefully lowered his body and passed through the bushes to observe everyone’s condition.
Walking closer, he heard low human voices. His heart pounded with fear as he channeled his energy for protection, bent down, and slowly walked forward.
Entering the woods and looking carefully, he saw a large flower grove. Though it was winter, hundreds of flowers were still in full bloom – red, purple, green, yellow – brilliant and beautiful beyond description. The servants were some picking fruits to eat, some bending to admire flowers, all holding a fresh flower and sniffing it from time to time. Everyone’s face showed intoxication, and not one person spoke loudly or shouted.
But he saw Zhang Zhiyue with an iron-blue face, one foot in the woods and one foot outside, constantly looking back at the luggage and belongings scattered all over the slope, afraid someone would come steal them – quite a sight-spoiling appearance.
Wu Dingyuan walked forward and smiled, “So you’re all playing here. Where is Lord Gao?”
Zhang Zhiyue said, “Lord Gao is resting in his sedan chair – probably asleep now. When Lord Yang and the others return, we must hurry on our way!”
Wu Dingyuan saw his nervous expression and surveyed the nearby terrain, “Hero Zhang, don’t worry anymore. Ahead is a hillside – if bandits want to ambush us, they’d definitely hide there. I’ll go guard up there and guarantee nothing will go wrong!” Zhang Zhiyue grunted but remained noncommittal, just saying perfunctorily, “Much obliged then.”
Wu Dingyuan saw Zhang Zhiyue’s expression full of worry and knew he didn’t believe his words. He couldn’t help saying, “Hero Zhang! What major cases haven’t I seen? Don’t be so anxious and fearful – be careful you scare yourself!” Zhang Zhiyue didn’t know of his constable background and, hearing these words, paid no attention, just saying “Oh” without replying.
Just then, Juan’er made a flower crown and ran toward Zhang Zhiyue, laughing, “Uncle, this flower crown is for you to wear!”
Zhang Zhiyue reached out to take it and scolded, “Little rascal! Are you here to play or to do business!” He threw the flower crown on the ground and was about to step on it.
Juan’er lowered her head, tears in her eyes, saying softly, “I just wanted to make you a flower crown…” She sobbed continuously.
Zhang Zhiyue’s heart softened. He cursed once and picked up the flower crown himself. Juan’er broke into a smile and immediately helped him put it on. Zhang Zhiyue looked thoroughly embarrassed – his fat frame wearing a maiden-like flower crown was quite ridiculous. Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but laugh out loud. But Juan’er said, “Lord Wu, I’ll make one for you too!”
Wu Dingyuan waved his hands repeatedly, “No need!” He was afraid of wearing a flower hat and being greatly embarrassed. His face full of awkwardness, he quickly walked out of the woods.
Leaving the woods, Wu Dingyuan saw everyone still playing while Zhang Zhiyue watched the luggage. From his appearance, he didn’t seem to need help either, so there was no need to put a warm face against a cold backside. He yawned and went to rest under a tree. This time, closing his eyes, he quickly fell sound asleep.
While sleeping, he dreamed of returning to Xiliang in glory, eating and drinking heartily with many good friends, having a wonderful time, when suddenly he heard footsteps and that prefect Lu Qingzheng rushed in, shouting, “Wu Dingyuan! You have such nerve, daring to return!” Wu Dingyuan was greatly shocked and immediately woke up, instantly covered in cold sweat.
Wu Dingyuan touched his face, thinking, “I left Xiliang almost a year ago. I wonder how those old subordinates are doing?” Thinking of how they had turned against him mercilessly at the Horse King Temple that day, his heart couldn’t help but feel melancholy.
Lost in wild thoughts, he suddenly heard footsteps in the distance and someone saying, “F*** it, business has been bad these past few days. It’s all the fault of those Twin Dragon Stronghold bastards from Taihu…”
Wu Dingyuan was puzzled – this voice sounded quite unfamiliar. None of the porters or servants spoke with this accent. He was suddenly alarmed and completely woke up. He slowly rose and stole a glance in the distance, seeing dozens of people walking down from the hillside, carrying gleaming white knives. Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped as he quickly rolled into nearby grass, hiding himself in the tall grass.
He had just hidden when he saw several minions surrounding a bandit chief as they swaggered toward the sedan chair where Gao Ding sat.
Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed, thinking, “Where is Zhang Zhiyue? Why isn’t he coming to protect Lord Gao?” Seeing the critical situation, he quickly ran toward the woods to call Zhang Zhiyue out. After just a few steps, he saw a group of minions walking together, dragging Zhang Zhiyue, Juan’er, Yan Ting and others – all with their eyes closed as if sleeping.
Wu Dingyuan was shocked, thinking, “From their appearance, they must have been drugged with some sleeping potion, but this terrain is open – how could these bandits drug so many people at once?”
Just as he was puzzled, he suddenly heard the bandit chief in the distance saying, “That ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’ was right after all. These poisonous flowers – just one sniff, just two breaths, and even if the Great Golden Immortal descended and was reborn, they’d be unconscious for a while. We’ll rely on this flower grove to get rich from now on! Haha! Haha!” The minions also laughed heartily, quite delighted.
Wu Dingyuan was horrified, thinking, “So these flowers contain sleeping drugs. Poor Zhang Zhiyue – despite all his precautions, he still fell victim to these strange methods!” He also thought, “I wonder who this ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’ is, to have such bizarre techniques. If I encounter this person in the future, I must be extremely careful.”
He saw Yan Ting, Juan’er and other young women also dragged out and thrown beside the sedan chair. Several villains looked at them lecherously with evil intentions. Wu Dingyuan thought, “I must find a way to rescue them. I absolutely cannot let these flower-like girls fall into villains’ hands, or the consequences would be unthinkable.”
Being always efficient, he immediately had an idea. He hid in the grass, took out flint and steel, lit a piece of wood, and threw it into the woods. At this time of year in winter, the ground was covered with fallen leaves and dry branches. The sparks ignited and immediately caught fire. Soon the fire spread and thick smoke rose, already burning the poisonous flowers and grass.
Wu Dingyuan knew these bandits relied entirely on these poisonous flowers for profit and would certainly come to fight the fire. Sure enough, when the fire blazed up, he heard the bandits crying out in alarm as they all rushed into the woods, with not one person left to guard outside.
Wu Dingyuan quickly crawled out of the grass and urgently ran toward everyone. He saw Gao Ding had been knocked unconscious, while the others were tightly bound. He patted Zhang Zhiyue’s face, but saw he was still deeply asleep and wouldn’t wake up.
Just as he was panicking, he heard bandits calling, “Someone set the fire! Let’s quickly go back and look!”
Wu Dingyuan saw the critical situation – there were dozens of bandits total. As they say, a good man can’t fight many – he could only hide for a while. He thought, “These two young women are young and tender – they absolutely cannot fall into bandits’ hands. I’ll rescue them first.” He quickly picked up one in each arm and, using his lightness skill, ran up the slope.
As soon as Wu Dingyuan moved, he heard someone behind shouting loudly, “Everyone watch out! There’s someone on the slope!”
Wu Dingyuan heard the urgent wind sound behind him as sleeve arrows, iron bodhi beads, green lotus seeds and other hidden weapons kept flying. He summoned his true energy, carrying the two women, and with all his strength leaped up, already jumping to the top of the slope. Instantly behind him killing cries arose as a dozen minions climbed up the slope. Wu Dingyuan raised his “Flying Silver Shuttle” and struck downward – it hit one man right in the forehead. The man screamed once and rolled down the slope – clearly dead.
The others all shouted, “The little thief uses hidden weapons! Everyone be careful!”
The bandits were well-trained and immediately took out shields from behind to protect their heads and faces, still continuing to climb up the slope. Wu Dingyuan repeatedly used his “Flying Silver Shuttle” ultimate techniques, but they were all blocked by their shields. He saw countless large rocks nearby – these were formidable weapons dropped from heaven. He immediately lifted a rock the size of a tea table and, summoning his arm strength, threw it down forcefully.
The large rock rumbled as it rolled down, crushing countless shrubs and small trees, charging toward the bandits. Everyone screamed, “Oh my!” and scattered in all directions, but several couldn’t escape in time and were immediately crushed to death or sent flying – dying horribly. The remaining bandits were terrified and didn’t dare show off, quickly retreating.
The bandit chief cursed, “Damn brat! So cunning!” He took out a large blade and personally climbed up the slope. Wu Dingyuan lifted large rocks and repeatedly threw them at the chief, but the chief’s lightness skill was considerable – he dodged left and right, jumping high and crouching low, avoiding them all.
Seeing the chief about to reach the top, Wu Dingyuan quickly took out flint and steel and lit over ten torches. When the chief approached, he suddenly threw them all out. The chief was startled, flailing left and right clumsily – his beard was burned off in patches. At this moment, Wu Dingyuan hurled his “Flying Silver Shuttle,” hitting the chief’s shoulder. Unfortunately, in his panic he struck hastily and his aim was slightly off – otherwise he would have immediately taken his life.
The chief, hit by the hidden weapon, also rolled down, falling until his face was bruised and swollen. He struggled to get up and stood below cursing wildly, “Dog bastard! If you have guts, come down and fight your grandfather! F*** your ancestors! Quickly get down here!”
Wu Dingyuan saw they couldn’t attack for the moment, but he also couldn’t go down. He pondered, “This is now a stalemate – neither can overcome the other. But the bandits hold our people, and if they threaten us later, what can we do?”
Just as he was worried, he heard a young woman say, “Where is this? How did I get here?” It was Yan Ting slowly awakening.
Wu Dingyuan said joyfully, “You’re awake!”
Yan Ting rubbed her eyes, seeing herself lying on a hillside, and asked in wonder, “What’s going on?”
Wu Dingyuan was about to explain when he suddenly saw the bandit chief directing several groups of minions to circle around from left and right, thinking that Wu Dingyuan was only one person and could surely only guard one direction – when they climbed up from both sides, they could rely on superior numbers to subdue him.
Wu Dingyuan said urgently, “There’s no time to explain now! Fighting the enemy is urgent!” He lifted a large rock and threw it down at the bandits. The rock rolled rapidly and struck violently – one bandit climbing was hit head-on and died instantly.
The minions on the other side climbed very quickly and were about to reach the top. Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed and called, “Quick! Lift rocks and throw them down!” Yan Ting quickly walked to a large rock and tried to lift it with her strength, but her power was shallow and her physical strength weak – she walked unsteadily. Seeing the minions had already climbed up and were approaching with raised knives and fierce grins, Wu Dingyuan shouted, “Let go!”
Yan Ting was startled and released her hands. The large rock fell down. Wu Dingyuan took a quick step forward and kicked forcefully – the rock immediately flew up and crashed directly into the first minion climbing up. The man saw the rock coming and was scared out of his wits, quickly jumping down the slope and escaping by rolling and crawling. The rock rolled wildly downward as countless minions were climbing up. Suddenly seeing another large rock rolling down, they screamed, “Oh my!” and several more were crushed to death.
Wu Dingyuan, still shaken, looked at Yan Ting when he suddenly heard Zhang Zhiyue’s curses from below: “F*** dog thieves! Poisoning people isn’t heroic!” It seemed Zhang Zhiyue had finally awakened.
Yan Ting, hearing her uncle’s voice, was extremely concerned and quickly walked to the slope edge to look down. She saw her uncle had been tightly bound like a dumpling, sitting on the ground still cursing loudly.
Yan Ting saw her uncle captured and said anxiously, “Lord Wu, please think of a way to save my uncle!”
Wu Dingyuan was about to speak when suddenly a long arrow shot up, flying straight toward Yan Ting. Yan Ting cried “Ah!” in alarm and dove into Wu Dingyuan’s arms, holding him tightly.
Wu Dingyuan gently stroked her back and said warmly, “It’s just an arrow! Nothing serious.” Seeing her face pale with fright, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help shaking his head, thinking these female disciples from Jiuhua Mountain had no martial world experience – when it came to fighting, they were all frightened stiff. He wondered what the Azure-Robed Scholar was thinking, sending them down the mountain.
Just then, Yan Ting realized she was pressed tightly against a man and felt greatly ashamed. She quickly struggled out of Wu Dingyuan’s embrace – her beautiful face showed a rosy blush that was quite charming.
Wu Dingyuan said, “Miss, don’t be afraid. The bandits can’t attack for the moment.”
Yan Ting nodded and looked into the distance, taking a deep breath to calm herself. After a while, she turned and asked, “What exactly happened? How did everyone suddenly get drugged?” Her tone had become much calmer, recovering the bearing a martial world daughter should have.
Wu Dingyuan silently praised, “This is the proper spirit of a senior sister.” He said aloud, “Just now those flowers contained sleeping drugs. You weren’t on guard and fell unconscious after smelling them.”
Yan Ting was greatly amazed and said in shock, “So that’s it. These bandits have all sorts of methods – truly hard to guard against!”
Wu Dingyuan sighed, “As they say, virtue rises one foot, evil rises ten. These villains’ attacking methods are constantly innovating – to guard against them is probably quite difficult.” Yan Ting sighed and went forward to wake up junior sister Juan’er, who had slept well and looked sleepy-eyed, “What’s wrong! Is it dawn?”
Yan Ting smiled bitterly, “Something happened. Uncle and the others have all been captured – only we escaped with our lives.”
Juan’er was greatly shocked and quickly walked to the slope edge to look down. Seeing her uncle captured, she said urgently, “There are so many bandits below, and uncle has been captured by them. What should we do?” She began crying – both urgent and afraid.
Yan Ting comforted her, “Juan’er, be good and don’t be afraid. Senior sister is here to protect you.”
Juan’er cried, “What use are you? You can’t beat them either!”
Yan Ting looked embarrassed and turned to Wu Dingyuan, “Don’t worry. Even if senior sister can’t, there’s still Lord Wu here. His martial arts are superior and his knowledge extensive – he’ll definitely think of a way for us.” But Juan’er ignored this and just cried continuously.
Wu Dingyuan saw the two were young and weak and felt great pity, thinking silently, “No matter what, I must protect these two young ladies and at least let them leave here safely. Sigh! At this critical moment, why hasn’t Lord Yang returned?”
He saw the minions gathering below to discuss and evidently had new tricks, making him even more worried.
Soon enough, the bandits grabbed a servant and shouted, “Male and female little thieves, listen! I’ll f*** your grandmother first! If you don’t throw down your weapons and surrender, I’ll immediately kill this fellow!”
The servant was scared out of his wits and begged for mercy, “Good heroes, I have elderly parents above and wife and children below – please don’t kill me!”
The bandit chief laughed heartily and called loudly, “Friends above, listen well – if I count to three and you still don’t come down, I’ll slaughter him!” Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting looked at each other, not knowing what to do. If they went down now, it would be walking into a trap, but to watch helplessly as the servant was killed was unbearable.
Wu Dingyuan’s face was iron-blue as he heard the chief counting, “One, two…” Just as the servant was about to die, Yan Ting’s small hand tightly gripped Wu Dingyuan’s arm. She didn’t dare look and quickly turned away, burying her face in Wu Dingyuan’s chest, trembling continuously. Juan’er cried, “How can we save them?”
Wu Dingyuan sighed and turned his head away. The chief shouted, “Three!” The servant’s scream was heard – he had been killed.
The chief walked to Zhang Zhiyue’s side and sneered, “If you don’t come down, I’ll kill this fat man!” Seeing the six seal characters “Jiuhua Mountain Dragon Song Pavilion” on Zhang Zhiyue’s sword, he knew he was a martial world figure and his status must be important – the people above couldn’t help but rescue him.
The chief waved his steel blade with a fierce grin, “Same old rules! One! Two!” Zhang Zhiyue’s face was full of anger. Though tightly bound, with all his superior martial arts completely useless, he cursed loudly, “Lowly dog thieves! If you have guts, release me and let’s have a real fight with blades and swords! Don’t play these shameless tricks!”
The chief ignored him, his lips moving slightly as he was about to shout that final word.
Yan Ting raised her head, looking at Wu Dingyuan with tearful eyes, crying, “Lord Wu, please save my uncle’s life. In the future I’ll work like an ox or horse to repay your great kindness!” Juan’er was already crying like a person made of tears, sobbing, “It’s all because A’Sha didn’t follow us. If A’Sha were here, he’d definitely have a way!”
Wu Dingyuan thought, “If I reluctantly go down now, that chief is a shameless bandit who absolutely won’t keep his word and release people – it would only harm myself. What can I do?” Seeing the two young women with tearful eyes and the chief constantly counting, his mind was in chaos. Seeing Yan Ting’s heartbroken appearance, Wu Dingyuan’s heart was also stirred. He thought, “So be it! I can’t let this child hate me for life!” The chief laughed heartily, “Three!” and raised his blade to strike. Yan Ting screamed and nearly fainted.
Wu Dingyuan shouted, “Stop!” and jumped down from the slope. He put his hands on his hips and angrily roared, “Release this hero, or you’ll regret it!”
Zhang Zhiyue saw him risk coming down the slope – he was risking his life! He quickly called, “You go quickly! When Lord Yang arrives, he’ll naturally rescue us!”
The chief sneered, “What Lord Yang, Lord Small Yang – none of you are allowed to leave!” The minions shouted and attacked Wu Dingyuan.
One minion cursed, “You thief killed many of our brothers – watch your grandfather take revenge!” He grabbed at Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan used his master-taught boxing technique – with a whoosh, one punch struck the man’s face squarely. Hit by this punch, the man immediately flew backward and fell unconscious. Several nearby minions all shouted and charged forward with raised blades. Wu Dingyuan called, “Well done!” He raised his foot to kick sideways, elbowed backward, and after a bout of punching and kicking, had already knocked down five or six men. For a moment, no one dared advance.
The chief held his blade to Zhang Zhiyue’s neck and sneered, “Stand still and don’t move!” Wu Dingyuan sighed, knowing he was in trouble. He obediently lowered his hands, thinking, “What’s wrong with me today? In the past in Xiliang, how careful and cautious I was! Even when facing bandits ten thousand times more vicious than these small thieves, I could capture them easily. How did I act so recklessly today, throwing away my life for nothing? I’m acting like an impulsive child!”
He looked up and saw Yan Ting’s beautiful eyes gazing at him, tears glimmering in them, clearly very concerned. Wu Dingyuan felt comforted, thinking, “As long as I can protect this young lady’s safety, I’ll die without regret.”
Having this thought, his whole body suddenly shook as he instantly understood his own feelings, thinking, “So it’s this little girl! I’ve fallen under her spell! Think how capable Wu Dingyuan was in the past – how could I act so absurdly today? It’s all because of her!” For a moment he opened his mouth wide, staring at Yan Ting’s beautiful face from afar, not knowing whether he was happy or worried, seeming quite dazed.
Wu Dingyuan was now thirty-five years old and had spent his whole life working in government offices, rarely close to women. Though several superiors had wanted to arrange marriages for him in the past, they had all been delayed for various reasons, and he remained a bachelor to this day. Because of this, this famous Xiliang constable couldn’t even understand his own feelings – only at this life-and-death moment did he realize he had developed considerable feelings for this young lady.
The chief rushed forward, raising his steel blade and shouting, “F*** you bastard! You killed many of my men – you deserve to die! Watch me avenge them!”
Wu Dingyuan neither dodged nor avoided, looking up at Yan Ting and calling, “You all escape quickly! Please ask Lord Yang to come rescue us!”
But he saw Yan Ting didn’t flee backward but jumped down and urgently ran toward Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed and called, “You’re no match for them – quickly escape! Find Lord Yang to rescue us!”
Yan Ting called loudly, “I won’t run away! Let’s all fight desperately together!” Her beautiful face showed a determined expression – not yielding in the slightest.
The chief laughed, “Little girl has quite a temper!” Yan Ting was furious and swung her palm at the chief. The chief sneered, “You little beauty must be crazy with desire for men, coming to be my wife yourself!” Though he spoke cheaply, his face suddenly received a slap.
Zhang Zhiyue saw the chief suffer and laughed heartily, cheering, “Yan Ting hit well! Worthy of your master’s daily teachings!”
The chief was wildly furious and swung his fist to strike, but Yan Ting’s body technique was nimble. Though the chief was strong, he surprisingly couldn’t overcome her for the moment. Wu Dingyuan was amazed, thinking, “This young lady isn’t even twenty years old – who would have thought she’d have such superior lightness skills!”
It turned out “Jiuhua Mountain’s” martial arts had two great specialties – first in swordsmanship, second in lightness skills. The two complemented each other and were indispensable. After disciples entered the school, they first learned lightness skills before swordsmanship. Though Yan Ting’s swordsmanship was still insufficient, her lightness skills had reached the level of a first-class expert. Though the chief knew some martial arts, with Yan Ting light as a swallow, how could he catch her?
Wu Dingyuan was still amazed when the chief acted shamelessly. He shouted and held his blade to Zhang Zhiyue, calling, “Little girl, be good and don’t move, or I’ll kill this fat man with one stroke!”
Zhang Zhiyue cursed, “She’s just a little girl, and you can’t win in combat, yet you resort to such shameless schemes! Are you still a man?”
The chief spat and laughed lewdly, “I don’t care about all that! I do whatever I want! This little girl has good martial arts – she’ll make a perfect bandit queen in the future!” Many minions rushed forward to grab Yan Ting. With many people blocking the way, Yan Ting couldn’t fully display her body technique. She cried out in alarm and hid behind Wu Dingyuan.
Wu Dingyuan said in a low voice, “Miss, don’t be afraid. We’ll fight our way out together!” Yan Ting nodded and called loudly, “Lord Wu, Yan Ting will live and die with you today, fighting side by side!”
Though facing great enemies, Wu Dingyuan still felt joy and sweetness hearing these words. He smiled slightly at her and said, “Don’t worry. I, Wu Dingyuan, will do everything in my power to protect you.”
The chief saw the two still talking and laughing and couldn’t help becoming furious, cursing, “You two are at death’s door and still dare to joke?” Then he shouted, “If you don’t surrender, I’ll kill this fat man with one sword!” He began counting, and after counting to three, he would kill Zhang Zhiyue.
Wu Dingyuan’s mind moved as he immediately rolled on the ground toward the chief’s feet. The chief angrily said, “Are you seeking death?” His steel blade slashed down wildly – the situation was extremely critical.
Just as Wu Dingyuan’s life hung in the balance and Yan Ting screamed continuously, suddenly they heard bandits behind them crying out in agony. The bandit chief was startled and pulled back his steel blade, leaping backward, only to see a young gentleman holding a long sword with an elegant bearing, walking forward as if no one else existed. Several subordinates crouched on the ground with bleeding wrists – clearly all wounded by him.
Wu Dingyuan was overjoyed to see this person arrive and quickly rolled over to get up. Yan Ting’s heart pounded even more rapidly – she wished she could rush forward and embrace the gentleman tightly.
The bandit chief exclaimed in alarm, “Another one has come! Quickly stop him!” The bandits raised their blades and swung at the man, but they were all killed or wounded by his lightning-fast swordsmanship. Like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, no one could withstand even half a move from him.
The bandit chief, both shocked and afraid, couldn’t be bothered with Wu Dingyuan and rushed over with his blade raised, shouting, “Who are you?”
The gentleman smiled slightly and said, “I am Yang Suguan of Shaolin.”
With one light thrust of his sword, he pierced the bandit chief’s throat. The chief tried to speak but had no voice – in an instant, blood gushed wildly from his throat, his body went limp and collapsed to the ground, his limbs convulsing before he immediately died.
So who possessed such excellent martial arts? It was Yang Suguan who had arrived.
Everyone at the scene was overjoyed to see the bandit chief’s death. The bandits, seeing their leader killed, were scared out of their wits and knelt on the ground begging for mercy, all saying, “Hero, spare our lives! We are originally farmers from nearby who were captured and forced up the mountain to become bandits and robbers! Please spare our lives, sir!”
A man emerged from behind – it was Wei Zizhuang. They heard him shout loudly, “I’ve already burned your lair – all of you get off the mountain!” The bandits were greatly alarmed upon hearing this and looked up to see black smoke rising in the distance – clearly his words were true. The bandits gave a collective shout and all rushed down the mountain to flee for their lives.
Yang Suguan didn’t want to kill unnecessarily and just walked toward everyone, asking, “Is everyone alright? Is anyone injured?”
Wu Dingyuan smiled bitterly, “Fortunately, only one of Lord Gao’s servants was killed. Please trouble Lord Yang to go console him.”
Yang Suguan nodded, “Heaven’s blessing that only one person was hurt. If Lord Gao had been injured, that would have been extremely serious.” He walked toward Gao Ding’s sedan chair to comfort him with gentle words and help calm his shock.
Wu Dingyuan caught his breath for a moment and said to Yan Ting, “Miss Yan Ting, we’ve finally escaped danger.”
But Yan Ting didn’t hear his words – her beautiful eyes only stared fixedly at Yang Suguan’s back, her gaze flickering with what seemed like infinite tender feelings. Wu Dingyuan noticed something amiss and repeated his words again, but only heard Yan Ting hum in response, her eyes still gazing at Yang Suguan’s figure, completely deaf to Wu Dingyuan’s questions.
Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped, lightning and thunder flashing through his mind as he suddenly realized, “This little girl greatly admires Lord Yang!”
Yang Suguan was completely unaware and went directly to support Gao Ding. He saw that Gao Ding had a bruised and swollen face – he had been severely beaten. Yang Suguan comforted him with gentle words and then helped bandage his wounds.
Yan Ting’s beautiful eyes stared fixedly at Yang Suguan – when he went east, she looked east; when he went west, she glanced west – quite losing her composure. Suddenly seeing Yang Suguan turn his head, apparently looking toward Yan Ting, she feared their eyes would meet and blushed, quickly lowering her head. But Yang Suguan just walked toward Zhang Zhiyue to converse with him.
Yan Ting saw Yang Suguan was extremely busy with no time to pay attention to her, a little girl. From the beginning, he hadn’t even looked at her directly, not thinking of her at all. She sighed softly, her face suddenly showing a very lonely expression.
Wu Dingyuan observed coldly, taking in all these scenes. Instantly he felt his heart ache, knowing his feelings would certainly come to nothing. How could he compare with Yang Suguan’s handsome appearance and superior martial arts? Moreover, he was much older – a full ten years older than this little girl – how could he pursue her? For a moment his heart was troubled and he too sighed.
Just as Wu Dingyuan was feeling melancholy, he suddenly remembered Yanling Escort Agency and thought of how Qi Bochuan had died in his arms that year. His whole body shook as he thought, “Wu Dingyuan, ah Wu Dingyuan! Your great revenge remains unavenged to this day, and the Kunlun Mountain villains still roam free – how can you have leisure for such wild thoughts? Being so infatuated with women, can you still call yourself a man of Xiliang? Do you still have the face to meet the whole family of Yanling Escort Agency? This child Yan Ting is more than ten years younger than you – she’s like your own little sister. How can you think of laying hands on her? Are you still human?” Thinking this way, he blamed himself endlessly, his face showing a very awkward expression.
Juan’er came bouncing over and, seeing Wu Dingyuan’s expression, couldn’t help asking in alarm, “Lord Wu! Why are you grimacing like that? Do you have a stomachache?”
Wu Dingyuan was startled and quickly said, “Nothing! I’m fine.” Juan’er said in bewilderment, “Really? If your stomach hurts, you must say so! I have medicine in my pack!”
Wu Dingyuan smiled bitterly and shook his head, thinking, “Since this child Yan Ting likes Lord Yang, I could think of a way to help her. I heard Lord Yang hasn’t married yet – perhaps this match could be made…”
Seeing Yan Ting’s slender figure constantly moving before his eyes, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help feeling his heart ache. He forcefully shook his head, thinking, “Don’t worry about these things now! After we overthrow Jiang Chong and finish our great task, then we can talk about these romantic affairs!”
At this time, Wei Zizhuang was busy untying everyone’s bonds. Zhang Zhiyue was extremely angry and kept cursing without end. Wei Zizhuang laughed, “These villains even had their stronghold burned by us – what’s there to be angry about!” Juan’er said, “My uncle must be angry that you came too late! Tell the truth – were you sleeping just now? Or did you also have a stomachache?”
Wei Zizhuang was about to answer when Yang Suguan had already walked over and interjected, “Please forgive us, miss. Just now we encountered Embroidered Uniform Guards and the two groups fought, which delayed us for a long time.”
Wu Dingyuan had already calmed down and came to talk with everyone. Hearing Yang Suguan mention the Embroidered Uniform Guards, he couldn’t help asking curiously, “Embroidered Uniform Guards? They also pursued us here?” This Wu Dingyuan was an experienced man – though momentarily disturbed by romantic feelings, he suppressed them in a moment. These few sentences were spoken calmly and steadily, revealing not a trace of his inner thoughts.
Yang Suguan said, “Not only did they pursue us – this mountain stronghold was bought by them to ambush us!”
Wu Dingyuan nodded, “Just now I heard them mention someone called the ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy.’ Could this person also be coming to deal with us?”
Yang Suguan sucked in a cold breath and said in alarm, “The ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’ also came? This makes things very difficult!”
Juan’er said curiously, “The ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’? This name sounds very pleasant – she must be a beautiful woman. What’s there to fear about that?”
Yang Suguan sighed and was about to explain when suddenly a gentle voice said, “Little girl, you’re wrong. The more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she is. You must remember this well.”
Everyone was greatly shocked and quickly turned around to see a yellow-dressed beauty standing under a tree with a smile. The woman was about thirty years old, with a gentle and refined face – truly a twelve-point beauty. But no one knew when she had arrived – though there were many experts present, not one had detected her.
Yang Suguan, seeing this woman’s appearance, was startled and said in a low voice to everyone, “Everyone be careful – the Hundred Flowers Fairy has arrived.”
Hearing the four words “Hundred Flowers Fairy,” everyone felt amazed and raised their weapons to protect themselves.
Yang Suguan’s mind raced – this “Hundred Flowers Fairy” was named Hu Mei’er and was a famous poison master in the martial world. Her poison techniques were unrivaled in the Central Plains, and the poisons she used were unimaginable and incurable. This woman had always been on good terms with Jiang Chong, willingly serving as his henchman. With her invisible poisoning techniques, she had killed many court ministers and martial arts experts – even more troublesome than Zhuo Lingzhao’s direct attacks. Who would have thought that upon entering Henan, they would encounter this female demon? What could they do?
Juan’er didn’t know to be afraid and smiled directly at the beauty, saying, “Are you the ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’? You really are a very beautiful woman.” The Hundred Flowers Fairy smiled and said, “You’re very beautiful too!”
Juan’er stuck out her tongue and said, “But I’m not as formidable as you.” The Hundred Flowers Fairy laughed charmingly, her waist swaying, “What a lovely little girl! Your mouth is so clever – why don’t you come back to the mountain with me? When I teach you my skills, you’ll be both beautiful and formidable!” Their conversation was like casual marketplace chat, completely ignoring Zhang Zhiyue and the others.
Zhang Zhiyue was indeed displeased and sneered, “You want to take the little girl back to the mountain? You’ll have to ask me first!”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy laughed, “Who are you? Such an ugly, fat person dares to speak nonsense here?”
Zhang Zhiyue spat and said, “Who am I? I’m the little girl’s uncle! You’re an old woman past her prime – not particularly good-looking either!”
Hearing these words, the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s face suddenly paled – clearly very displeased. Her face darkened as she said coldly, “Who among you carries the sheepskin? If you want to live, quickly hand it over and spare this fairy from going on a killing spree!”
Yang Suguan’s heart stirred – it seemed this Hundred Flowers Fairy was also following Jiang Chong’s orders to seize the sheepskin. From this perspective, these villains would never give up until they retrieved the evidence.
Everyone remembered the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s vicious poison techniques and were secretly wary.
Zhang Zhiyue wasn’t afraid at all. Hearing the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s threats, he laughed heartily instead, “What ox hide, sheep hide, dog-skin plasters? Old woman! Fat man advises you – while you still have two points of beauty left, quickly find a man to marry. Don’t fight and kill anymore, lest you end up lonely as a nun in the future!”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy said grimly, “If you have guts, try saying that again.”
Zhang Zhiyue giggled, “Old thief woman, dead shrew, unwanted rotten goods – this is what you asked me to say. Want to hear two more sentences? Fat man is ready to oblige anytime.”
Zhang Zhiyue came from marketplace origins – when he cursed, it was extremely unpleasant. For the Hundred Flowers Fairy to compete in verbal sparring with him was asking for trouble.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy had always prided herself on her beauty. Hearing Zhang Zhiyue’s repeated sarcastic mockery, how could she not be furious? Suddenly silver light flashed and a cluster of silver needles flew out. Zhang Zhiyue was speaking happily – how could he expect a sudden sneak attack? He cried “Ah ya!” as his shoulder was already struck by needles. First, the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s hidden weapons were too small for the naked eye to detect – truly impossible to guard against; second, no one expected this Hundred Flowers Fairy would suddenly attack, catching everyone completely off guard with no one able to intervene in time.
The poison needles were incredibly vicious. Zhang Zhiyue had been struck for just a moment, but his face had already turned black, and he could only lean against a tree gasping.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy said coldly, “This is the consequence of insulting me.”
Everyone saw Zhang Zhiyue’s face rapidly turn black – there was no time to delay. Yan Ting, worried about her uncle, immediately drew her long sword and attacked the “Hundred Flowers Fairy,” shouting, “Quickly hand over the antidote!” She feared others would attack too late, so she struck first.
Sure enough, Wei Zizhuang immediately rushed forward, using his “Eight Trigrams Wandering Body Palm” to strike at the Hundred Flowers Fairy. The Hundred Flowers Fairy snorted and dodged, weaving in and out of their attacks. Wei Zizhuang, wary of her deadly poison, didn’t dare get too close and could only circle around her. Yan Ting’s martial arts were limited and she repeatedly encountered danger.
Wu Dingyuan saw the critical situation and shouted loudly, taking out his “Flying Silver Shuttle” to join the battle. Suddenly he heard Zhang Zhiyue cry “Ah!” and fall to the ground, his face black as ink. Everyone saw the poison work so quickly and were all shocked, stopping their attacks.
Yang Suguan had remained silent throughout, but seeing his side unable to win, he could no longer refrain from stepping forward. He walked into the field and softened his tone, saying gently, “Please quickly bestow the antidote, miss! The sheepskin is on me – if you want it, just find me. Why harm innocent people?”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy looked at him but hadn’t yet replied when suddenly someone cursed, “Thief slut! Unwanted rotten goods! You attacked me with a sneak attack – despicable and shameless! I’ll cut you in half later and see how arrogant you still are!” It was Zhang Zhiyue speaking and cursing – though severely poisoned, he kept cursing without end, truly showing fearless courage.
Hearing these words, the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s face showed sudden fury as she said grimly, “This fat man has such a foul mouth – he’s asking for death! Let me tell you clearly – this fat man insulted me with his words. Even if you want to trade the sheepskin for an antidote, this lady absolutely won’t spare him!”
Everyone was shocked to hear her speak this way. Seeing this woman’s strange temper and self-importance – completely different from Jiang Chong’s other subordinates – it seemed Zhang Zhiyue had truly brought disaster through his words.
Yang Suguan frowned. Though Zhang Zhiyue’s words were excessive, he had only made a few jokes – how could this cost him his life? In the critical situation, Yang Suguan was a man who could bend and stretch. Seeing the opponent was very conceited, he went along with her words, “My friend spoke inappropriately and offended the fairy – it wasn’t intentional. Fairy, you are magnanimous – please bestow the antidote.” He kept bowing, appearing very humble.
This Yang Suguan held a lofty position – in court he was a Secretary in the Ministry of War, a Fifth Grade official; in the martial world he was a personal disciple of Monk Tianjue, on equal footing with the Four Great Vajras and much respected by martial world elders. For him to speak to the Hundred Flowers Fairy this way was already giving her tremendous face.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy’s beautiful eyes flowed as she looked Yang Suguan up and down, seeing his Pan An-like handsome appearance and hearing his humble tone. She felt quite favorable toward him and said, “Who are you?”
Yang Suguan cupped his hands, “I am Yang Suguan of Shaolin. Please show mercy, fairy, and spare my friend’s life.”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy nodded, “So you’re the romantic Secretary. Mm, indeed a talented and graceful gentleman.” She glanced sideways at Zhang Zhiyue and sneered, “If everyone were like you, half the people in the martial world would die less.”
Yang Suguan was worried, deeply fearing Zhang Zhiyue would die here inexplicably. He kept bowing and pleading, “If the fairy could give me this favor today, Suguan will definitely visit you in the future to express gratitude for your kindness.” First, the Hundred Flowers Fairy had no grudge against them; second, seeing she was very conceited and wouldn’t forcibly seize the sheepskin on the spot, Yang Suguan tried to build relationships to make this female demon change her mind.
The two young women had thought Yang Suguan, coming from a distinguished family, would definitely be proud and arrogant. Who knew he could humble himself so much for others? Remembering he was lowering himself to beg for their uncle’s sake, besides admiration, they felt several more points of gratitude.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy heard him call her “fairy” repeatedly, treating her as a worldly transcendent figure. Her anger had dissipated considerably. She gazed at Yang Suguan’s handsome face, secretly pleased, smiled gracefully and said, “Very well, for your sake I’ll spare this dead fat man.”
Yang Suguan was overjoyed and about to express thanks when he saw her turn and smile at him – infinitely charming and bewitching. She said, “But let me say this first – I’ll spare this fat man but absolutely won’t let you go, Secretary Yang. You must remember this.” These sentences were spoken in such a coquettish, tender manner that they stirred one’s very soul. Whether she meant to seize the sheepskin or had other plans, no one could know.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy walked before Zhang Zhiyue and sneered, “Fat man, you insulted me – now quickly open your mouth to beg forgiveness, and this lady will spare your life.” She put her hands on her hips and stood before Zhang Zhiyue, waiting for him to plead pitifully.
But Zhang Zhiyue had the most stubborn character. In the past, he had fought violently with Kunlun Mountain’s Qian Lingyi over a table in an inn, and last time he had clashed with foreign monks over lodging. Now, with everyone watching, how could he lower his head? Though dying, he still cursed, “Slut! You can kill me, but if you want this master to bow his head to you, this thief slut, that’s absolutely impossible!”
Yan Ting rushed forward and cried, “Uncle, just lower your head and admit fault! Life is precious!”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy said coldly, “He’s poisoned – if you touch him, you’ll end up the same way.”
Yang Suguan quickly advised, “Hero Zhang, since ancient times heroes have been able to endure humiliation for great purposes. Why must you fight for this momentary anger?”
Everyone nearby echoed this sentiment, each speaking to persuade him. But Zhang Zhiyue was truly stubborn, just chuckling and saying, “Lord Yang needn’t lecture fat man. Living in this world, one seeks nothing more than a clear spirit and upright backbone. I honestly tell you – old Zhang doesn’t have the ability to be a turtle!” As he spoke, his breathing gradually weakened and his face became even more frighteningly black, as if ink had been poured over it.
Yan Ting saw Zhang Zhiyue still wouldn’t yield and, deeply afraid he would suddenly die, turned to plead with the Hundred Flowers Fairy. She knelt down and said, “Fairy! Please show mercy and spare my uncle!” The Hundred Flowers Fairy kept a cold face and said, “Your kneeling is useless – he must beg me for it to count.” She raised her chin with a very arrogant attitude.
Juan’er was usually quite clever, but at this moment was so frightened she could think of no plan. She quickly ran forward to plead, “Fairy, I beg you! My uncle has always had this stubborn temper – please spare him! If you’re not happy, I’ll go back to the mountain with you.”
The two girls knelt on the ground, continuously kowtowing and pleading, but the Hundred Flowers Fairy looked up at the sky, completely ignoring them with a proud and cold expression. Yang Suguan wanted to persuade Zhang Zhiyue, but seeing his stubborn temperament, didn’t know how to speak appropriately.
Suddenly a hidden weapon flashed, striking directly at the Hundred Flowers Fairy – it was Wu Dingyuan using his “Flying Silver Shuttle” in a sneak attack.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy cursed, “Showing off before an expert! Overestimating yourself!” She didn’t care at all, slightly dodging to avoid it, then silver light flashed in her hand as over ten poison needles shot toward Wu Dingyuan’s face. Wu Dingyuan quickly rolled on the ground to escape her deadly hidden weapons.
Wei Zizhuang saw Wu Dingyuan in danger and, deeply afraid he would be poisoned, immediately struck with a palm toward the Hundred Flowers Fairy. The Hundred Flowers Fairy’s waist trembled as she instantly flew up to tree branches and sneered, “If you have guts, attack again and see who can save this fat man?” It seemed that if anyone attacked her again, she could leisurely leave. This woman’s lightness skill was quite good – probably no one could pursue her.
Yang Suguan saw Zhang Zhiyue’s life hanging by a thread and rushed forward pleading, “Fairy, today I, Yang, am begging you – please quickly give the antidote!”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy sneered, “Lord Yang, if you want to beg me, go beg that dead fat man instead. I, Hu Mei’er, never take back half a sentence of what I say.”
Yang Suguan knew martial world figures valued face like gold, but someone as stubborn as Zhang Zhiyue was rare. For a moment, though his mind raced with strategies, he couldn’t think of a way to break the deadlock.
The two young women saw their uncle’s stubborn refusal and feared he would truly die. They immediately collapsed crying. Wei Zizhuang couldn’t bear it and ran over to persuade, “Brother Zhang! Why must you do this? If you die inexplicably, who will take care of these two children?”
Zhang Zhiyue saw the two sisters’ pitiful appearance and immediately remembered the sect leader’s heavy trust. He bit his silver teeth and turned to look at the Hundred Flowers Fairy, his heart churning with conflict.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy sneered, “If you want to live, quickly beg for mercy. What are you standing there for?”
Zhang Zhiyue heard the two women’s weeping and weighed the pros and cons, knowing he absolutely couldn’t be willful. He took a deep breath and reluctantly said, “I… I spoke inappropriately just now… you… you… spare… spare…” He wanted to beg for mercy but didn’t know how to speak – he actually began stuttering.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy leaped down from the branches and scolded, “Can’t even say two sentences clearly – truly a complete pig! Speak clearly to this lady and don’t try to fool me!”
Zhang Zhiyue was wildly furious, thinking, “I’ve lowered my head like this, yet this slut still wants to torment me – she’s too vicious!” In great anger, he forced himself to sit up and glared at the Hundred Flowers Fairy. But his body was gradually stiffening and his hands and feet were no longer very nimble – just supporting his body like this made him gasp for breath. He truly seemed near death.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy took out a pale yellow pill from her bosom, crouched beside Zhang Zhiyue, and sneered, “Dead fat man, we have no grudges between us – this lady didn’t want to kill you originally. If you’re sensible, immediately beg for mercy and I’ll give you the antidote.” She held the pill before Zhang Zhiyue and tossed it lightly, “What are you waiting for? If you’re afraid of death, quickly speak up!” She was playing with him to the extreme.
The onlookers saw Zhang Zhiyue greatly humiliated and were all angry, but since the Hundred Flowers Fairy had already spared one companion’s life, they couldn’t step forward to scold her lest they create more complications.
The two young women knew their uncle’s strange temper and cried, “Uncle, quickly speak!” Wu Dingyuan also called, “Brother Zhang, even ants cling to life – don’t be stubborn anymore!”
Zhang Zhiyue looked up and saw the “Hundred Flowers Fairy’s” face wearing a contemptuous smile, as if despising him to the extreme. His heart filled with even more hatred, but though he opened his mouth wide, he hesitated to make a sound. Everyone saw Zhang Zhiyue’s body stiff – even his eyelids seemed unable to blink – and they were all anxious. It seemed that if they delayed even a moment more, even with antidote in hand, it would be too late to save him.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy sneered, “Fat man, this lady has no time to waste with you. Whether you want to die or live, speak quickly!”
The two women cried loudly, “Uncle, don’t be stubborn anymore! Quickly beg her!”
Zhang Zhiyue’s mouth twitched as if he wanted to say something, but his voice was so weak no one could hear clearly. The Hundred Flowers Fairy laughed heartily. Knowing Zhang Zhiyue lacked strength, she bent down and smiled, “Quickly beg for mercy! This lady is here listening.”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy bent low, bringing her ear close to Zhang Zhiyue’s lips to hear his plea. Suddenly, there was a thunderous roar: “F*** your mother, thief slut! F*** your ancestors’ eighteen generations!” This voice was like spring thunder suddenly erupting – it shocked the Hundred Flowers Fairy into screaming shrilly, covering her ears and jumping up, nearly deafening her.
As everyone was shocked, Zhang Zhiyue had already rolled over and jumped up, roaring, “Go die!” With a swish, his sword at his waist suddenly left its sheath. Using his “Flying Curtain Sword Technique,” he stabbed directly at the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s throat.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy was scared out of her wits – she never expected Zhang Zhiyue could still attack while severely injured. Panicked, she quickly dodged sideways, but this sword came too fast and actually drew a faint line of blood on her neck.
Seeing the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s panicked expression, Zhang Zhiyue immediately laughed heartily and cursed, “Lowly rotten goods! That I didn’t kill you this time is your dog’s luck!”
The Hundred Flowers Fairy hastily retreated and angrily said, “Zhang, you’re seeking death yourself! Don’t blame others!” In a flash, she had fled from the woods, looking extremely disheveled.
Zhang Zhiyue saw the strong enemy frightened away by him and immediately looked up to the sky laughing heartily, very pleased. He stuck his long sword in the ground and was about to boast when suddenly his body trembled and he fell backward to the sky.
Everyone was greatly shocked and quickly gathered around. They saw Zhang Zhiyue’s face black as ink and his body completely stiff – it seemed that when he rashly exerted his energy just now, the poison had already attacked his heart meridians. Now his injuries were too severe and there was no medicine that could save him.
With their close one dying, the two women knelt beside their uncle’s feet, crying heartbrokenly. Everyone shook their heads.
Though that sword thrust had greatly deflated the enemy’s arrogance, it cost his own life. In the end, it was an act of suicide.
Though Zhang Zhiyue’s life was in mortal danger, his face was still full of smiles. He looked at the two young women and forced a smile, “Sorry – Uncle’s temper is too bad. I just can’t be a turtle. You… you mustn’t blame Uncle…” His chest hurt sharply and suddenly blood spurted rapidly from his mouth, staining most of his clothes red. Seeing his miserable condition, the two women cried even more heartbrokenly.
Zhang Zhiyue knew his death was imminent and looked at Wei Zizhuang, “Lord Wei, my sect has suffered this life-and-death crisis and can no longer protect Lord Gao’s return home. Please, in the spirit of martial world brotherhood, lend your aid.” Though he didn’t mention the two young women, everyone understood his meaning – he was entrusting them to their care.
Wei Zizhuang clenched his fists and said resolutely, “Hero Zhang, rest assured. Wudang disciples put righteousness first – you needn’t worry.”
Zhang Zhiyue showed a satisfied smile and looked at everyone, “Friends, though Zhang Zhiyue’s martial arts were insufficient and I fell into villains’ hands, before death I remain an upright and honorable man who has not disgraced Jiuhua’s name.”
Seeing his breathing gradually weaken, Juan’er suddenly screamed and threw herself at him, crying, “You can’t die! Uncle! You can’t die!” Everyone was shocked and quickly pulled her away, fearing she would also be contaminated by the poison.
Zhang Zhiyue looked at Juan’er’s delicate face and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, only now thinking that he would never see this girl grow up, marry, and have children. Just because of momentary satisfaction in revenge, he ended up parting midway, leaving these children to wander the martial world and suffer bullying.
In that instant, Zhang Zhiyue felt infinite regret and couldn’t help shedding two streams of clear tears. Zhang Zhiyue was naturally humorous and had never shed tears in his life, but now he suddenly showed such sorrow. The two young women, seeing this, cried even louder.
Through his teary, blurred vision, Zhang Zhiyue said in a low voice, “Two sisters, listen – you two are young and already orphaned. The martial world will be harsh in the future. You two must support each other and strive to live, understand…” Juan’er was young and tender. Though usually clever and spirited, at this moment of life and death separation, she could only lie on the ground crying bitterly, unable to say even one word.
Yan Ting, tears streaming down her face, choked out, “Uncle, rest assured. This disciple will do everything in her power – even if my life is forfeit, I will protect junior sister’s safety.”
As dusk fell, the evening glow reflected magnificently and brilliantly. Zhang Zhiyue knew he was about to die, so he wiped away his tears and tremblingly straightened his body, then faced west toward Jiuhua with a solemn and dignified expression. Everyone knew he was about to die from the poison, and their hearts were all sorrowful. The two women cried even more tragically.
Zhang Zhiyue looked up at the horizon and said softly, “Living in this world with much suffering and little joy, how different are we from birds and beasts… Only integrity matters.” Having said this, his head tilted and he departed with a smile, yet his body still stood tall without falling. This expert, famous throughout the world for his swift sword, had stubbornly died for the two words “integrity.”
The evening glow reflected Zhang Zhiyue’s shadow on the ground, forming a long line, but the shadow’s owner was no longer in this world. Seeing their uncle’s death, the two women immediately burst into loud tears. Everyone also felt their noses sting with emotion.
Amidst the weeping, Yang Suguan was heard sighing softly and whispering, “Some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a feather. Hero Zhang, you were really too foolish…”