Demi-Gods & Semi-Devils Chapter 38 - Muddled Intoxication, Lasting Emotions But Short Ruse

XuZhu looked at the deep ravine, he was helpless as well, he saw the anxious expression of the group of females, he pondered: "They call me Owner, but when we encountered real problem I can't provide any solution at all, how can I be their Owner? The scripture says: 'If someone comes to beg for hands and feet, ear and nose, head and eyes, flesh and blood, bones marrow and body parts, Bodhisattva Mohesa take delight in donating them'. The Six Paramita in Buddhism, 1st is Dana, why do I have to fear?" He removed the robe made by Fu MinYi and said: "Sister Shi, please lend me a weapon to use." 

Sister Shi said: "Yes!" She reversed her Willow-Leaf Saber, she bowed and presented the saber. 

XuZhu held the saber in his hand, he channeled his ‘Pure Energy of Northern Darkness’ to the edge of the weapon, he flicked his wrist, there was a light 'Shua' sound, he chopped off half of the iron chain which was attached to the cliff. The Willow-Leaf Saber is thin and slender, although it is very sharp but it was not some precious weapon, but after being empowered by his internal energy, the saber cut the iron chain as if cutting bamboo. The other section of iron chain remaining on the opposite bank was around 2 zhang and 2-3 chi, XuZhu grabbed the iron chain and returned the saber to Sister Shi; he gathered his energy and leapt forward to the opposite bank. 

The group of females all cried out in alarm. Grandma Yu, Sister Shi, Fu MinYi, etc., all of them shouted: "Owner, you must not take the risk!" 

Amidst their shouting, XuZhu's body was already approaching the ravine, the internal energy within his body circulated, he was light as a feather and flew forward. Suddenly his energy turned slightly impure and he fell downwards, at once he waved the iron chain and wrapped it around the other broken section of chain hanging on the opposite bank. He borrowed the force and his body rose up again, he landed on the opposite bank. He turned around and said: "Everyone rest here, I will try to save them." 

Grandma Yu and the rest were shocked yet full of admiration, they are also very grateful, they said in unison: "Owner please be careful!" 

XuZhu rushed towards the mountain where the miserable cry came from, he moved past a stone alley which was rather narrow; he saw two female corpses laying horizontally on the ground, their heads separated from their body, fresh blood pouring out from their necks. XuZhu pressed his hands together and said: "Buddha is merciful, sin, sin!" He quickly chanted the 'Afterlife Prayer’, 

afterwards he followed the alley and hurriedly rushed up the summit. He was climbing higher and higher, the white mist surrounding him was getting thicker and thicker, he reached the summit in less than two hours. Among the clouds and mist the surroundings were full of pine trees, he did not hear any human voices at all. He muttered to himself: "Could it be that the females from Great Heaven Division are all completely killed? This is really sinful." He plucked a few pinecones and put them in his bosom, he reflected: "Pinescones can kill people, I have to throw them lightly, just scare the enemy off, I cannot kill them."

He saw the path is made of green flagstone, every flagstone is 8 chi long and 3 chi wide, its arrangement extremely neat. It would require massive engineering works to construct such pathway, such effort seemed beyond the capabilities of the female subordinates under Child Elder, he presumed it must have been left behind by some predecessor. This green flagstone path was around 2 li long, at the end of the path was a huge majestic stone stronghold; to the left and right of the entrance were two stone vulture statues, they were around 3 zhang high, sharp beaks and large claws, their appearance handsome and divine. The appearance of the ancient stronghold was simple, he didn't know when it was constructed; the gate of the stronghold was half-closed, however there was no one in the surrounding. 

XuZhu rushed forward and entered, he passed through two courtyards, he heard a voice coming from the main hall; a person shouted sternly: "Where is the hidden treasure location of that thieving old woman? Will you speak or not?" 

A female voice cursed: "Dog slave, things have already reached such a state, you think we can still live? Stop your wishful thinking!" 

Another male voice said: "Island-Lord Yun, we can talk through this nicely, why so violent? The way you treat these women, isn't it a bit too rude?" 

XuZhu recognized this voice as Gentleman Duan from Dali. When Wu LaoDa wanted to kill Child Elder, only Gentleman Duan objected, he reflected: "It appears this gentleman doesn't know any martial arts, but he is heroic, brave and chivalrous, he is far superior to those martial art experts, he really deserves admiration and respect." 

He heard the Island-Lord Yun said: "Heng heng, you bunch of crafty servant girls want to die, naturally it's easy; but won't you be let off too lightly? My Jade Rock Island has 17 different kinds of weird torture, later I will test out the items one by one on you crafty servant girls. I heard the torture and punishment from Black Wind Cave and Hidden Shark Island are much more ferocious than mine; why don't you let us brothers see it and broaden our horizon?" 

Many people applauded and cheered loudly, someone said: "Everyone can compete with each other, let us see which cave or island has the most effective torture method." 

From the voices, there were several hundred people in the hall; their voices echoed in the hall, it was extremely noisy. XuZhu wanted to find some door seam and peep through it, but the large hall seemed to be made of layers upon layers of giant stones, unexpectedly there were no cracks at all. He suddenly had another idea, he grabbed some mud and dirt off the ground and smeared it on his face, afterwards he simply stepped into the hall. 

The tables and chairs in the hall were all full of people, more than half of the crowd didn't have any seat, they sat on the ground, a few others walked back and forth and gossiped among themselves. At the middle of the hall, 20 yellow-clothed women were sitting on the floor, their acupoints sealed, they couln't move at 

all. More than half of them are dripping with blood, their injuries not light; obviously they are the females from Great Heaven Division. The situation inside the hall was chaotic and messy, when XuZhu entered the hall several people turned and look at him, since he was not female then he was not from Vulture Palace, thus they assumed he is the disciple of some Cave-Lord or Island-Lord, nobody paid any extra attention to him. 

XuZhu sat down at the doorstep, he looked around. Wu LaoDa was sitting on an old fashioned armchair to the west, his complexion haggard and withered; however his expression was still fierce and determined. A tall and sturdy man was holding onto a whip, he was standing near the females of Great Heaven Division. He scolded and cursed loudly, he was trying to force them to reveal the hidden treasure location of Child Elder, evidently he was Island-Lord Yun. The females were stubborn and curse him back. 

Wu LaoDa said: "You bunch of servant girls are really stubborn, let me tell you, Child Elder was killed by her martial sister Li QiuShui, I personally witnessed it; don't tell me its fake? Surrender as soon as possible, we definitely won't make things difficult for you." 

A middle-aged female shouted in a shrill voice: "Rubbish! Honorable Master is matchless under the heaven, her body indestructible; who can harm old senior? Stop your vain attempts to get the precious method for breaking the 'Life-Death Talisman’, stop dreaming! Not to mention that Honorable Master is definitely safe and sound, in a blink of an eye she will come up the peak and punish you lot of traitors; even if old senior becomes an immortal, your ‘Life-Death Talisman’ will remain, within a year each and every one of you will groan in anguish, you will suffer an experience worse than death." 

Wu LaoDa said coldly: "Fine, you don't believe, let me show you something." He retrieved a cloth bundle and opened it, revealing a human leg. XuZhu and the group of females recognized the pant, shoe and sock on the leg, it was Child Elder's leg; they could not help but cry out in surprise. Wu LaoDa said: "Li QiuShui cut Child Elder into 8 pieces and cast them down the valley, I conveniently picked up one piece; why don't you examine it carefully, is it real or fake?" 

All the females from Great Heaven Division knew it was indeed Child Elder's left leg, thus Wu LaoDa was not lying; they could not help but burst into tears. 

The group of Cave-Lords and Island-Lords cheered loudly, they said: "That thieving old woman is dead, really fantastic!" Someone said: "The universe rejoices, everyone celebrate together!" Someone said: "Wu LaoDa, this kind of good news, how come you concealed it for so long, you should drink three big cups of wine to make up for your mistake." Someone said: "Since that thieving old woman is dead, then no one can undo our ‘Life-Death Talisman'....."

Suddenly a few 'WuWu' sounds rang out from the crowd of people, they resembled the howling of wolves or the barking of dogs; the sound was filled with pain and anguish, it was extremely terrifying. When everyone heard it their countenances changed, in an instant, other than this beastly wailing sound there was no other sound within the hall. They saw a fat person rolling around on the ground, his pair of legs kicking randomly, his pairs of hand scratching his face and then tearing his clothes off. Afterwards he violently clawed and tore his chest as if he wanted to dig out his own heart and lungs. In a short period of time his hands were full of blood, his face and chest were also full of blood, his shouting was getting more and more wretched. Everyone saw he was like a demon, they could not help but move away from him. Someone said softly: "The ‘Life-Death Talisman’ is here to claim his life!" 

Although XuZhu was hit by ‘Life-Death Talisman’ before, he consumed the medication immediately. Soon after Child Elder taught him how to neutralize the ‘Life-Death Talisman’, thus he did not experience this kind of miserable torture. He saw the situation was extremely disturbing, he finally gained heartfelt understanding of why everyone dreaded Child Elder. 

Everyone seemed to be afraid that the toxicity of ‘Life-Death Talisman’ was contagious, nobody dared to step forward to lessen his pain. In a short period of time, the fat person tore off all his clothes, his body filled with multiple bloody wounds; the ground was also stained with blood spots. 

Someone shouted exasperatedly: "Elder brother! Calm down, don't panic!" Someone rushed out from the crowd, he shouted again: "Let me seal your acupoints, we will think of a method of cure you." The person’s appearance was somewhat similar to the fat person, but he was much younger, he was also not that fat, obviously they were siblings. The fat person stared vacantly, it appeared as if he didn't hear it. The person moved closer, his expression filled with fear and vigilance, he was around 3 chi from the fat person, suddenly he extended his finger and pointed at the fat person's 'JianJing' acupoint. The fat person leaned to his side and avoided the finger, he flipped his hands and hugged him tightly, he opened his mouth and bit his cheek. The person shouted: "Elder brother, let go! It is me!" The fat person bit repeatedly, he was like a mad dog. His brother struggled but how could he break free, in a split second a piece of flesh was bitten off, the wound dripping with blood, he was in so much pain that he cried miserably. 

Duan Yu said to Wang YuYan: "Miss Wang, any method to save them?" 

Wang YuYan knit her eyebrows, she said: "This person is crazy, his strength inexhaustible, he is not using any martial arts, I really have no idea." 

Duan Yu turned his head and said to Murong Fu: "Brother Murong, your Murong family's divine skill in 'returning you with your own move', can it be used?" 

Murong Fu did not reply, his expression displeased. Bao BuTong said fiercely: "You ask my young master to copy a mad dog and bite him?" 

Duan Yu said apologetically: "My words are wrong, Brother Bao please don't take offense. Brother Murong please don't take offense!" He walked to the side of the fat person and said: "Senior brother, this person is your younger brother, please release him." The fat person hugged even tighter, he was still howling like a wounded beast. 

Island-Lord Yun grabbed a yellow-clothed female and shouted: "Most of the people in this hall are hit by that old thieving 

witch's ‘Life-Death Talisman’, the reaction is mutual, soon after everyone's ‘Life-Death Talisman’ will flare up, several hundred people will bite your body into pieces, are you scared or not?" The female gave a glance at the fat person, her expression shock and frightened. 

Island-Lord Yun said: "Since Child Elder is dead, just tell us her hidden treasure location and cure us, everyone will be eternally grateful to you, we definitely won't trouble you anymore."

The female said: "Its not that I am unwilling, but...but nobody knows. Honorable Master is extremely secretive in carrying out her affairs, she will never let us slave servants see it." 

Murong Fu followed the crowd up the mountain, originally he wanted to assist them and gain their gratitude and later recruit them into his service. At the moment, although Child Elder was dead, but her ‘Life-Death Talisman’ still lingered on everyone's bodies, it couldn't be 

neutralized; it seemed this '‘Life-Death Talisman’' was some kind of deadly poison, it couldn't be treated by martial arts. If everyone's poison flared up and they died, then his plans and schemes would turn into a dream. Murong Fu, Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan looked at each other and shook their heads, there was nothing they could do to help. 

Although Island-Lord Yun knew the yellow-clothed female was telling the truth, he felt faint aching in the acupoints of his ‘Life-Death Talisman’, it seemed it was about to flare up soon; he was anxious and angry, he shouted: "Fine! I will kill you stinky servant girl first and talk later!" He raised his long whip, with a 'Pa' sound, he lashed it violently at the female; the power in this whip was heavy and fierce, the female was about to have her head split open by this whip. 

Suddenly there was a 'Chi' sound, a hidden projectile flew from the entrance, it hit the female's waist. The female was hit and slid 1 zhang away, there was a loud 'Pa' sound, the long whip hit the stone floor, stone fragments flew in all directions. A small tan-brown ball was rolling on the floor, it was a pinecone. Everyone had a huge shock, they thought: "A small pinecone can push a person 1 zhang away, the internal energy is really no small matter, who is it?" 

Wu LaoDa suddenly recalled something, he shouted: "Child Elder, its Child Elder!"

Previously Wu LaoDa hid behind a rock, he saw Li QiuShui cut off Child Elder's left leg, afterwards he warp the leg in oil-cloth and carried it with him. He assumed that Child Elder was most likely killed by Li QiuShui, but he didn't personally witness how she died, thus he always felt anxious and worried. Previously XuZhu tossed pinecones and pierced his belly, the technique was taught by Child Elder. Wu LaoDa experienced it before, thus when the pinecone appeared again he immediately thought that Child Elder had arrives, he was so scared that his soul left his body. 

Everyone heard Wu LaoDa shouted "Child Elder", they turned and look around, 'Shua Shua' 'CaCa' 'KaLa' 'QiangLang' various kinds of weapon sound rang out in the hall, everyone held their weapons in hand, they move backwards simultaneously. 

On the contrary, Murong Fu walked two steps towards the door, he wanted to look at the appearance of Child Elder. In reality, when he used ‘Star Shifting Movement’ and neutralized the falling force of XuZhu and Child Elder, he already saw the appearance of Child Elder, but he didn't know that the 18-year-old-lady with a face like spring flower was actually Child Elder of Heavenly Mountain. 

Duan Yu guarded in front of Wang YuYan, he was afraid she might be injured. But Wang YuYan shouted: "Cousin, be careful!" 

Everyone focused their attention on the entrance, but after a long time there was still no signs of movement at the entrance. 

Bao BuTong shouted: "Child granny, if you are angry at us uninvited guests, then please come in and fight! Bao BuTong stands out from the masses, I am not afraid of you!" 

After a while, the entrance was still silent and motionless. Feng BoE said: "Fine, let me be the first one to experience Child Elder's moves, I am well aware that I can't defeat her, but I still want to fight, that is my never changing temperament!" He waved his broad sword and guarded his front and charged outside the door. Deng BaiChuan, GongYe Gan and Bao BuTong had deep friendship with him, they knew he was definitely not Child Elder’s match, thus they followed him out at the same time. 

Some of the Island-Lords and Cave-Lords admired their bravery, while others secretly ridiculed them: "You people have never seen the extent of Child Elder's power, now you try to be heroic, later you will experience suffering and by then it will be too late for regrets." Everyone felt panicky and frightened, but they heard Bao BuTong and Feng BoE’s voices, one shrill and one deep, they issued their challenge loudly outside the hall, but nobody respond.

**********

The pinecone that saved the yellow-clothed female was in fact fired by XuZhu. He felt really apologetic seeing everyone being so frightened and anxious by his action, he said: "Sorry, sorry! It’s my fault. Child Elder is indeed dead, everyone please don't panic." But he saw the fat person was still biting his brother, he considered: "If he carries on biting, both of them can't live anymore." He walked towards the fat person and smack his back, he executed ‘Six Solar Palm Of Heavenly Mountain’, at once a burst of 'yang' energy subdued the ‘Frost Poison’ of the fat person's ‘Life-Death Talisman’; however he didn't know the location and characteristic of the fat person's ‘Life-Death Talisman’, thus he couldn't remove it for him. 

The fat person's arms relaxed, he sat down on the floor and breathed deeply, his expression wavering, he said: "Brother, what happen to you? Who injure you to such a state? Tell me quick, tell me quick, elder brother will take revenge for you." The younger brother saw his elder brother had regained consciousness, he was extremely happy; he did not bother about the serious injury on his face, he said repeatedly: "Elder brother, you are fine now! Elder brother, you are fine now!" 

XuZhu stretched out his hands and smacked once on the shoulder of all the yellow-clothed females, he said: "Everyone is from Great Heaven Division? Your Sun Heaven, Vermillion Heaven, Clear Heaven, all the sisters from the various divisions, they are at the Heaven 

Connecting Bridge, but because the iron chain is broken they can't cross over for the time being. Do you have any iron chain or thick rope here? We should go fetch them over." His palm was filled with ‘Pure Energy of Northern Darkness’, no matter where the acupoints were sealed, the blocked meridians immediately cleared up; the females from Great Heaven Division could all move freely again. 

The group of females was pleasantly surprised, they stood up and said: "Many thanks to honored sir for saving us, we don't dare to ask for honored sir's great name." A few young women were impatient, they rushed out of the door and shouted: "Quick, quickly go fetch our sisters from the eight divisions, afterwards we can fight these traitors to the death." They turned their head back and expressed thanks to XuZhu. 

XuZhu cupped his hands to return the thanks, he said: "I don't dare! Someone else recued you, they merely use me as their proxy." His internal energy and martial arts originated from the three top masters of Carefree Sect, thus he was saying that Child Elder and the other two seniors recued them. 

The crowd saw him smack his hands without any effort, the acupoints of the group of yellow-clothed female instantly unsealed; he did not inquire where their acupoints were sealed, he did not even massage the corresponding acupoints, they had never seen or heard of such technique before. His appearance was not shocking and he was young, he definitely didn't have this kind of skill, they heard him mention about acting as someone else proxy, thus they believe that Child Elder has arrived at Vulture Palace. 

Wu LaoDa had some dealings with XuZhu at the snowy peak over several days, but at the moment, although XuZhu had grown hair on his head and his face was smeared with mud, when he opened his mouth to speak Wu LaoDa suddenly remembered and recognized him. He leapt beside XuZhu and hooked the meridians on his right hand, he shouted loudly: "Little monk, Child...Child Elder is here?" 

XuZhu said: "Mr. Wu, the injury on your belly is completely healed? I…I can't be a Buddhist disciple anymore, ‘sigh’! I am really ashamed...really extremely ashamed." He could not help but blush, but since his face was smeared with mud bystanders couldn't see it. 

Wu LaoDa had already controlled his meridians with a single move, he assumed XuZhu wouldn't be able to resist, at once he channeled his internal energy, he wanted to make him cry out in pain and beg for forgiveness, he knew Child Elder treated this little monk extremely well, thus he held him as hostage and Child Elder wouldn't dare to act rashly. Unexpectedly his internal energy seemed to disappear into the sea, it was gone without a trace, as it turns out XuZhu's entire body was protected by ‘Divine Skill of Northern Darkness’, he could absorb internal energy at any acupoint. Wu LaoDa was really scared, he didn't dare to channel his internal energy anymore, but he was also unwilling to release XuZhu's hand. 

The crowd saw the position hooked by Wu LaoDa, thus they assume that XuZhu was under Wu LaoDa's control, even if his martials arts were much higher than Wu LaoDa there was nothing he could do to resist, Wu LaoDa could do whatever he wants to him, they pondered: "If this lad is really an expert, his vital points wouldn't be captured that easily." Everyone start to ask him various questions: 

"Chap, who are you? How you came here?" 

"What is your name? Who is your teacher?"

"Who sent you here? Where is Child Elder? She is dead or alive?"

Murong Fu, Duan Yu and Wang YuYan also recognized him, he was the one at the 'Zhen Long' chess meet, and afterwards he rescued the mute little girl, Shaolin monk XuZhu. Duan Yu is really happy, he could not help but shout out: "Hello, Wu LaoDa, you must not harm him." 

XuZhu answered the questions one by one, he was polite and modest: "My religious name.... religious name is XuZhu Zi. Child Elder has passed away, her remains have been transported to Heaven Connecting Bridge. As for my teacher, ‘sigh’, I am really ashamed, really...really...I made a huge blunder, it’s inconvenient for me to speak of it. If everyone doesn't believe me, later you can examine the remains of old senior. Many thanks to the good intentions of Gentleman Duan, I won't be a hindrance. I am here precisely to handle Child Elder's funeral arrangements. Everyone is also old senior former subordinates, please don't bring up old hatred, everyone should just pay your respects before her coffin and forget all those hatreds, isn't it good?" He spoke sentence by sentence, sometimes he was ashamed, sometimes he was sad, suddenly he said something completely unrelated and the sentence doesn't link together; his speech was also not fluent, his last sentence was just entirely his own wishful thinking. 

The crowd of people assumed he was talking rubbish, that he was mentally unsound, their panic gradually wore off and they became domineering again. They cursed him: 

"Young chap what kind of thing are you, you dare to ask us to kowtow in front of that damn thieving witch's coffin?"

"Damn it, how did that damn thieving witch die?"

"Did she die by her martial sister Li QiuShui's hands? Is this really her leg?"

XuZhu said warmly: "Everyone, even if you have deep hatred with Child Elder, but since she is dead there is no need to nurse this hatred anymore; you keep on repeating ' damn thieving witch', isn't it a bit too vulgar. Mr. Wu is correct, Child Elder died under Li QiuShui's hands, as for this leg, it is indeed old senior's remains. ‘Sigh’, life is an illusion, it doesn't leave a trace. Although old senior Child Elder possessed deep and profound martial arts, in the end her martial arts still scattered and she stopped breathing; she will eventually turn into dust. Buddha is merciful, I hope that Child Elder will reincarnate and be on the good path, not experience suffering again." 

Everyone heard his nagging, it seemed Child Elder was indeed dead; at once they felt greatly relieved, someone asked: "When Child Elder was about to die, were you by her side?" 

XuZhu said: "Yes. For the past few months I have been serving old senior." 

The crowd looked at each other, suddenly they had another idea: "The secret to 

breaking the ‘Life-Death Talisman’, maybe it’s on this young chap." 

A green shadow flashed, someone moved closer and hooked the meridians on XuZhu's left hand. Immediately after Wu LaoDa felt something cold on the back of his neck, a sharp weapon was pointed at the back of his neck, a shrill voice said: "Wu LaoDa, let him go." 

When Wu LaoDa saw someone hooking onto XuZhu's left wrist he knew the person's accomplice would attack simultaneously, he was about to raise his palm to protect his body but he was slower by a step. He heard the person behind him said: "If you still don't let go this sword will chop down immediately." Wu LaoDa released XuZhu's wrist, he leapt a few steps forward, he turned around and said: "Twin-Freak of Zhuya, the one surnamed Wu won't forget today's matters." 

The one using the sword was a slim man, he laughed maliciously and said: "Wu LaoDa, Twin-Freak of Zhuya will simply handle whatever trouble you throw at us." The 1st Freak hooked onto XuZhu's meridians, the 2nd Freak searched his pockets. XuZhu pondered: "Just search if you want, in any case I don't have any shameful stuff on me." The 2nd Freak took out the items in his bosom one by one, the first item was the portrait given to him by Wuyazi, at once he unfolded the scroll. 

Several hundred people looked at the painting simultaneously. Child Elder previously stepped a few times on the painting, afterwards the painting was soaked in water, but the beautiful woman in the painting was still vivid and lifelike, as if she about to come out of the painting; the painting was simply ingenious and reached the state of perfection. When the crowd saw the painting, they immediately turned their heads and looked at Wang YuYan. Someone said: "Yi!" Another said: "Oh!" Another said: "Pei!" Another said: "Heng!" Those who said 'Yi' were surprised, those who said 'Oh' suddenly understood something, those who said 'Pei' were extremely angry, those who said 'Heng' were disdainful. 

The crowd had hoped that the painting was some kind of map or landscape, then they could simply follow and find the legendary medicine or method to breaking their ‘Life-Death Talisman’; who would have imagined it to be a portrait of Wang YuYan. After a round of Yi, Oh, Pei and Heng, everyone felt disappointed. Only Duan Yu, Murong Fu and Wang YuYan cried out "Ah!", however the meaning to this 'Ah' was different for all three of them. When Wang YuYan saw XuZhu kept a portrait of her by his side, she felt amazed, she blushed and pondered: "Don't tell me...don't tell me when this person saw me at the chess meet, he is also like Gentleman Duan, he....he put me in his heart? If not why did he keep a portrait of me by his side?" 

But Duan Yu considered: "Miss Wang is an incarnation of a fairy, her appearance out of this world, this little master adores her greatly, it’s not really strange. ‘Sigh’, it’s a pity my painting skill is not even 1% of this little master, or else I can also draw a portrait of Miss Wang. Someday when I part with her, I can look at the portrait day and night, it can somewhat relieve my bitter suffering from missing her." 

But Murong Fu pondered: "This little monk is also a toad that dream of eating swan meat." Obviously the phrase 'is also' was referring to Duan Yu. 

The 2nd Freak threw the painting onto the floor and searched XuZhu's pocket. Afterwards he took out XuZhu's official permit when he became a monk at Shaolin, a few broken silvers, a few dried rations, a pair of socks, it seemed none of them were related to ‘Life-Death Talisman’. 

While Twin-Freak of Zhuya were searching XuZhu, the rest of the crowd kept a close watch at the side, if they saw any peculiar object they would immediately rush forward and grab it; unexpectedly there was no special object from XuZhu. 

The 1st Freak of Zhuya cursed: "Stinky thief, before that old thieving witch died, what did she say to you?" 

XuZhu said: "You ask what Child Elder said before she died? En, old senior said: 'Its not her, its not her, its not her! Haha, haha, haha!' She laughed three times and stop breathing." The crowd couldn't make heads or tails of this matter, they deliberated carefully about the phrase 'its not her' and the hidden meaning behind her three laughs, but they were really hot-tempered and start cursing again. 

The 1st Freak of Zhuya shouted loudly: "Damn it, what it's not her, hahaha? What else did that old thieving witch say?" 

XuZhu said: "Mr. Senior, when mentioning old senior please be a bit respectful, don't scold her randomly." 

The 1st Freak of Zhuya was furious, he raised his left palm and smashed it towards the top of XuZhu's head, he cursed: "Stinky thief, I insist on scolding that old thieving witch, what can you do?" 

Suddenly there was a flash of cold light, a long sword extended over the top of XuZhu's head, the edge of the sword was vertical. If the 1st Freak of Zhuya continued with his palm move, his palm would be severed even before he touched XuZhu’s scalp. In his shock he hastily withdrew his palm, he was anxious and quickly retreated three steps, however he did not manage to pull XuZhu away and had to release his wrist. But he felt slight pain on his palm, he raised the palm and examine it, an extremely thin sword wound cut across his palm, blood was seeping out. He could not help but feel startled and frightened, if he had withdrawn his palm a bit slower, won't his hand be crippled? He glared towards the person who extended the sword, the person was wearing a green robe, he was around 50 years of age, his long beard floated lightly, his appearance delicate and refined. He recognized him as 'Sword God' Zhuo BuFan. The sword move was executed extremely quick, its target precise, it seemed his sword art had reached the pinnacle of perfection. He recalled the day Sword-Fish Island Island-Lord Ou left the group and ran away, in an instant his head was severed by this 'Sword God', although he was hot-tempered, he didn't dare to feud with this kind of top expert; he said: "Sire you injured me with that move, what is your intention?" 

Zhuo BuFan smiled faintly and said: "Everyone wants to know the method to breaking ‘Life-Death Talisman’ from this person, but old chap you suddenly want to kill this person. If the ‘Life-Death Talisman’s of all the brothers here flare up, how you suppose to account for it?" 

The 1st Freak of Zhuya was speechless, he said: "This...this...." Zhuo BuFan return his sword into its sheath, he leaned his body slightly, his elbow lightly bumped against the 2nd Freak of Zhuya, the 2nd Freak of Zhuya couldn't stabilize himself and retreated four steps back, his blood and energy rolling around his chest, he almost fell down. With great effort he finally manage to stabilize himself, he didn't dare to open his mouth to curse. 

Zhuo BuFan said to XuZhu: "Little brother, when Child Elder was about to die, other than 'its not her' as well as laughing three times, what else did she say?" 

XuZhu’s face suddenly turned deep red, his expression bashful. His head lowered slowly, as it turned out he recalled the words that Child Elder told him: "Bring that portrait over here, let me tear it up personally. When I have no more worries, I will direct you to find the lady in your dreams." Unexpectedly when Child Elder looked at the portrait, she noticed the person in the painting was not Li QiuShui, rather it was Li QiuShui's younger sister, she found it funny and yet sad; afterwards she died. XuZhu reflected: "Child Elder suddenly passed away, nobody will ever know the trail of that lady in my dreams, I am afraid I can never meet her again in my entire life." As he thought about it, he felt extremely disappointed, his soul seem to disappear from his body. 

Zhuo BuFan saw his peculiar expression, he must be hiding some important secret, he said pleasantly: "Little brother, what did Child Elder say to you, you can tell me, not only the one surnamed Zhuo won't trouble you, I also have a great reward to give you." 

XuZhu ears turn red, he shake his head and said: "This matter, I absolutely... absolutely cannot say." 

Zhuo BuFan said: "Why you can't say?" XuZhu said: "If I say this matter... say... sigh, in short, I cannot say, even if you kill me I still won't say." 

Zhuo BuFan said: "You really won't say?" 

XuZhu said: "Won't say." 

Zhuo BuFan fixed his eyes on XuZhu for a short moment, his expression was very resolute, suddenly with a 'Shua' sound, Zhuo BuFan pulled out his long sword, cold light flickered, a few light 'Chi Chi Chi' sounds, the long sword swiped a few times around an old fashioned square table, immediately after there were a few 'Pa Pa' sounds, the square table split neatly into nine pieces and dropped to the floor. In an instant, he slashed twice horizontally and twice vertically, a total of four moves, he drew the word 'well (井)’ on the table. The strange thing was that the nine pieces were all uniformly square-shaped, itheir size, length and width completely identical; it seemed as if the pieces were cut slowly after careful measurements with a ruler. At once thunderous applause rang out throughout the hall.

Wang YuYan said softly: "This sword art is called ‘Sword Of Duke Zhou’, it’s the consummate skill of Fujian's Jianyang 'One Word Intelligent Sword Sect', Senior Zhuo is most likely a venerated expert from 'One Word Intelligent Sword Sect'." After their loud cheers everyone had fixed their attention on Zhuo BuFan, they did not make any sound, although Wang YuYan’s words were soft, everyone heard every single word clearly. 

Zhuo BuFan laughed out loudly and said: "Miss you really have good eyesight, unexpectedly you know the name of the sword moves from my sect. It’s really rare, its really rare." 

Everyone pondered: "We never heard of this 'One Word Intelligent Sword Sect' from Fujian, this old man's sword art is so formidable, his sect should shake the entire martial arts fraternity; how come it does not have any reputation at all?" 

They heard Zhuo BuFan sigh and say: "Old man is the only one remaining in the sect, a man who lost his family. 'One Word Intelligent Sword Sect’: 3 generations, 62 people; but 33 years ago Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain wiped out everything cleanly." 

Everyone felt their hearts turned cold, they considered: "So this person came to Vulture Palace to avenge his sect." 

They saw Zhuo BuFan's sword tremble, he said to XuZhu: "Little brother, these few sword moves of mine, I will impart them to you, how about it?" 

As he finished speaking everyone revealed an expression of envy, but quite a few people also revealed their hostility. For someone who was training in martial arts, if he gained the favor of an expert and received 1-2 moves, very often it was enough to last him for an entire lifetime; he could become world famous and even use it to protect his life, all due to the guidance of the expert. However, it was also a common situation where an evil person mastered these wonderful moves and attacked his teacher, thus martial arts experts were very strict in selecting their disciples. Zhuo BuFan willingly imparted such a first-class sword art to XuZhu, obviously it was for the sake of knowing Child Elder's last words and acquiring the ‘Life-Death Talisman’. 

XuZhu did not reply, a female voice said coldly from the crowd: "Mr. Zhuo, you are also hit by ‘Life-Death Talisman’?" 

Zhuo BuFan looked at the person, the speaker was a middle-aged Taoist nun, he said: "What makes Taoist sister say such words?" 

Duan Yu recognized this Taoist nun as Dali’s Limitless Cave Cave-Lord Xin ShuangQing. Originally she was the sect leader of Limitless Sword Sect’s West School, after being subdued by Child Elder's subordinates, she had to change it to Limitless Cave’s Cave-Lord. All this while, Duan Yu didn't dare to look at Xin ShuangQing, he also didn't dare to go near her subordinate Zuo ZiMu, he was afraid they would bring up old grudge; 

now that she said something he quickly hid behind a large pillar. 

Xin ShuangQing said: "Mr. Zhuo, if you did not suffer the torment of ‘Life-Death Talisman’ then why the need to spend every possible means to beg for the method to breaking ‘Life-Death Talisman’? Supposing if Mr. Zhuo wants to gain the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ to control us, then our brothers from 36 Caves and 72 Islands just escaped a lion's mouth but fell into a tiger's mouth; I am afraid we won't be willing. Although Mr. Zhuo possesses divine sword art, but if you force us with nowhere to go, all our brothers here will disregard their lives and fight til death with you." Her speech was neither haughty nor humble, but it touched the main point and exposed Zhuo BuFan's motives, her words sharp and aggressive. Limitless Cave’s East School and West School, after being annexed by Vulture Palace, Child Elder planted her ‘Life-Death Talisman’ on both Xin ShuangQing and Zuo ZiMu; they had already experienced the torment, but now their wounds were just like new and they were afraid of being dominated by another person again. 

Over ten people responded from the crowd: "Cave-Lord Xin’s words are correct." Someone said: "Chap, what are the last words of Child Elder, quickly reveal it now, if not everyone will chop you up; the experience is really not pleasant." 

Zhuo BuFan's long sword trembled, it emitted a buzzing sound, he said: "Little brother, no need to be scared, just stay beside me and see who can touch a single hair on you? The last words of Child Elder, you can only tell me, if another person hears them then I can't impart my sword art to you anymore." 

XuZhu shook his head and said: "The last words of Child Elder only concerns me alone, it's also related to another person, but it absolutely has no relations to everyone here. No matter what I definitely cannot say. You sword art is good but I don't want to learn it." 

The crowd applauded loudly and said: "Correct, correct, good chap, strong and unyielding character; learn his sword art for what?"

"That cute and pretty little lady, a single sentence from her and she can uncover the origins of his sword moves, it can be seen that there is nothing special about his sword moves."

Another person said: "Since that lady knows the origin of the sword art, then she is also capable of breaking the sword art. Little brother, if you want to seek a teacher then its better to take that little lady as your master. Moreover you carry a portrait of her in your bosom, haha, naturally you should take her as your master."

Zhuo BuFan heard the mocking remarks from them, he was extremely embarrassed. He looked askance at Wang YuYan, after a long time she still remained silent. Zhuo BuFan was very angry, he pondered: "Someone claimed that you can break my sword art, unexpectedly you did not deny it immediately; don't tell me you really can break it?" 

In reality, Wang YuYan was thinking: "How come cousin is not too happy, is he angry with me? How did I offend him? Could it be...could it be that little master kept a portrait of me, thus cousin is enraged?" As for the words of bystanders she did not hear them at all. 

Zhuo BuFan glanced around and spotted the portrait on the floor, suddenly he recalled: "That chap drew a portrait of her and kept it in his bosom, naturally he is very much in love with her. If I want him to spit out the last words of Child Elder then I must start from this little girl; got it!" He picked up the portrait and stuffed it into XuZhu's bosom and said: "Little brother, I completely understand your worries, hey hey, talented man and beautiful woman, an ideal couple, it's really a match made in heaven. But someone is hindering you thus its difficult for you to get your wish. Let us do it this way, I will preside over the matter and betroth this lady to you; immediately bow to heaven and earth, your nuptial night will be at Vulture Palace, how about it?" While speaking he smiled and pointed at Wang YuYan. 

The entire 'One Word Intelligent Sword Sect' was completely wiped out by Child Elder, at that time Zhuo BuFan was not at Fujian, he narrowly escaped the disaster. Henceforth he didn't dare to return to Fujian anymore, he escaped to a cold and desolate place in Changbai Mountain and painstakingly researched his sword art. Unexpectedly he discovered a sword manual left behind by some senior expert, he practiced diligently for 20 years, finally his sword art was complete; he believed he was unequalled under the heavens. He left the mountain and killed a few famous well-known experts in Hebei, this made him even more arrogant as he considered himself unrivalled in the world, thus he proclaimed himself 'Sword God' as he knew no one can resist his long sword. Now his words are like law, who dared to go against him? 

XuZhu’s face turn red, he quickly said: "No, no! Mr. Zhuo you misunderstood."

Zhuo BuFan said: "A man should take a wife, a woman should be married off, it’s human nature to be lustful; why so bashful?" 

XuZhu was in a very difficult position, he said repeatedly: "This...this...it’s not...." 

Zhuo BuFan's long sword quivered, he executed a move 'Heaven Like A High Mountain' followed immediately by 'Boundless White Fog', two moves mixed together as one and thrust towards Wang YuYan. He wanted to confine her within his sword and pull her over, use her like a rare commodity and trade with XuZhu to make him spit out the secret. 

When Wang YuYan saw these two moves, she considered: "'Heaven Like A High Mountain' and 'Boundless White Fog', 90% empty 10% solid. One only needs to attack his front, disturb his heart and abdomen, he will definitely be force to withdraw his move." Although she knew the method, she couldn't execute the moves at all. The light from the sword was flickering and covered her head, she was panic-stricken and cry out 'Ah'. 

Murong Fu knew these two moves had no intentions of harming Wang YuYan, he reckoned: "There is no hurry for me to act, wait and see what this surnamed Zhuo is trying to do? Will this little monk reveal the secret for the sake of my cousin?" 

Duan Yu saw Zhuo BuFan thrusting his sword at Wang YuYan, however he didn't know what was true and what was false in the sword moves; naturally he turned pale with fright. In a moment of desperation he executed his ‘Graceful Steps Upon the Waves’ and rushed swiftly, he guarded in front of Wang YuYan. Although Zhuo BuFan's sword move was quick but Duan Yu was still one step faster. The cold light from the sword flashed everywhere, there is a light 'Chi' sound, the sword tip swiped a line down Duan Yu's chest, it originated from his neck down to his abdomen, his clothes split open, the wound was skin-deep. Luckily Zhuo BuFan needed to beg XuZhu for the secret, he had no desire to kill, thus when someone stepped forward to block he immediately withdrew his hand. The force in the sword was perfect, although the sword wound was long, the injury was trivial. Duan Yu was scared stiff, he lowered his head and saw his chest, abdomen and clothes were split open. There was a long sword wound and blood was seeping out, he assumed his chest and abdomen had split open and he would die immediately, he shouted: "Miss Wang, you...you quickly move away, I will block him for a while." 

Zhuo BuFan sneered: "Clay Bodhisattva crossing a river, he can't guarantee his 

own safety. You overestimated your capabilities, unexpectedly you tried to be this lady's guard." He turned his head and said to XuZhu: "Little brother, it seems there are quite a few people who are fond of this lady, I will get rid of this love rival for you, how about it?" The tip of his long sword pointed at Duan Yu's chest, it was a few inches away, it trembled indefinitely; he only needed to thrust it lightly and it would immediately pierce Duan Yu's heart. 

XuZhu had a huge shock, he shouted: "No, absolutely not!" He was afraid that Zhuo BuFan might kill Duan Yu, he extended his left hand, his little finger lightly brushed Zhuo BuFan's 'TaiYuan' acupoint on his right wrist. Zhuo BuFan’s hand turned numb, his five fingers released the sword hilt. XuZhu easily grabbed the long sword. This seizing of the sword was a high-level move from ‘Plum Breaking Hand Of Heavenly Mountain’, although the move appeared average, yet his little finger contained the highest level of ‘Minor Formless Skill’, even if Zhuo BuFan gained another 30-40 years of internal energy the sword would still be seized away. XuZhu said: "Mr. Zhuo, this Gentleman Duan is a good person, you definitely must not harm him." He courteously return the sword back to Zhuo BuFan's hand, he lowered his head and inspected Duan Yu's wound. 

Duan Yu gasped: "Miss Wang, I..I am dying, I hope you and Brother Murong’s marriage will last an entire lifetime, live together till old age. Father, Mother.. I..I...." In reality his injury was not serious at all, he merely assumed his chest and abdomen had been cut open, so obviously he would surely die, thus he fell into despair and collapsed. 

Wang YuYan rushed forward to support him, she cried: "Gentleman Duan, you did all this for me...." 

XuZhu moved like the wind, he sealed the acupoints near Duan Yu's wound, he examined the wound and felt at ease immediately, he laughed and said: "Gentleman Duan, your sword wound is light, you will recover in 3-4 days time." 

Duan Yu's body was being supported by Wang YuYan, she was also crying for him, his soul had long since floated away; he was extremely happy, he asked: "Miss Wang, you.....you shed tears for me?" Wang YuYan nodded her head, tears flowed down again. Duan Yu said: "Duan Yu finally achieved something today, even if I am pierced by a sword ten times, I am willing." Unexpectedly both of them did not hear XuZhu 's words at all. Wang YuYan felt really grateful, she couldn't control her emotions. Duan Yu saw his sweetheart crying, moreover she was crying for him; why would he even care about his life and death? 

XuZhu had seized and returned the sword, it happened in only a split second, only Murong Fu saw everything clearly. Zhuo BuFan knew it in his heart, however the rest of the bystanders assumed Zhuo BuFan was being lenient and he did not try to kill Duan Yu. Zhuo BuFan's shock and anger was simply indescribable, but in an instant he was having second thoughts. He reflected: "I accidentally acquired a sword manual at Changbai Mountain, I trained bitterly for 20 years; in the present age how can anyone be my match? Yes, most likely this chap got lucky, he just so happened to touch the 'TaiYuan’ acupoint on my wrist. There are lucky coincidences in this world. If he really intended to seize my weapon then how come he returned it to me after taking it? This chap is so young, how can he have any great abilities, how can he seize Zhuo BuFan's sword?" When he thought about it, his heroic spirit rose again, he said: "Chap, you are too meddlesome!" He thrust out his long sword, the sword tip pointing at XuZhu's back, he only needed to push lightly. He wanted to pierce XuZhu's clothes and let him suffer some pain, similar to how he had handled Duan Yu. 

Currently, the ‘Pure Energy of Northern Darkness’ in XuZhu's body was abundant and circulating around, its was just like a physical substance; when Zhuo BuFan's sword arrived it bumped against XuZhu's internal energy, the sword tip was deflected and slid off XuZhu's body. Zhuo BuFan had a huge shock, he changed moves quickly; immediately he slashed horizontally at XuZhu 's torso. This move was called 'Jade Belt Surrounding Waist', the sword attacked his front, right and back, the fatal acupoints were all targeted in these three positions, the move was extremely fierce and vicious. At this moment, Zhuo BuFan was aware that XuZhu possessed high level martial arts; it was way beyond his expectation, thus he sent out his full strength in this move. 

XuZhu cried out in surprise, he slanted his body slightly, he don't understand. Zhuo BuFan was talking to him nicely but he suddenly became hostile; unexpectedly he was out to kill him? There was a 'Chi' sound, the sword passed by his armpit, his old monk’s robe was cut open. Zhuo BuFan failed in his second attack, he was 50% amazed and 50% afraid. He spun his body and made a half-circle, he straightened his long sword, the sword tip suddenly spit out half-chi green light. From the crowd, around ten people cried out in surprise: "Sword light, sword light!" The sword light was like a long snake, it lengthened and shorten indefinitely. Zhuo BuFan revealed a sardonic smile, he gathered his energy from his dantian, the green light suddenly flourished and thrust straight at XuZhu's chest. 

XuZhu had never seen green light emitted out from a weapon before. He heard the heroic cheer of the crowd, he presumed this must be some kind of awesome martial arts; obviously he couldn't handle it, he stepped back and slid away. Zhuo BuFan exerted his full strength, he could not switch moves midway, there was a 'Shua' sound, the long sword thrust into a huge stone pillar and penetrated deeply, around 1 chi. This stone pillar was made of extremely hard granite, unexpectedly the soft-bodied long sword could penetrate around 1 chi, it could be seen that the energy attached to the sword was truly no small matter; the crowd couldn’t help but cheer out. 

Zhuo BuFan channeled his internal energy and pulled his sword out of the stone pillar, he chased XuZhu and shouted: "Little brother, where can you run?" XuZhu was inwardly scared, he slid away to avoid.

Suddenly someone laughed coldly from the left side, the voice said: "Little monk, lie down!" It was a female voice. Two white lights flickered, two throwing knives flew towards XuZhu. When XuZhu carried Child Elder initially, she taught him some lightness martial arts. Currently his internal energy was deep and profound, when moving, his hands and legs were incomparably light and agile, his body could turn according to his wish; although the throwing knife was fast, he still dodged it skillfully. He saw a pretyy middle-aged woman wearing light red clothes, she waved her hands and caught the throwing knives. Her palm seems to have some kind of strong suction force as it attracted the flying knives. 

Zhuo BuFan praised: "Hibiscus Fairy’s divine skill in throwing knives, it really broadens everyone's horizon." 

XuZhu suddenly remembered, previously when the crowd conspired to attack Misty Peak, Zhuo BuFan and Hibiscus Fairy, both of them and Taoist BuPing were from the same group. Taoist BuPing was killed on the snowy peak by his pinecone, thus it was not surprising that both of them wanted to kill him to avenge their companion. Having a guilty conscience, he stopped moving; he pressed his hands together and bowed towards Zhuo BuFan and Hibiscus Fairy, saying: "I made a huge mistake, I deserve to die. Although it was really not my true intention, ‘sigh’, in short this blunder is hard to redeem. If both of you want to beat or scold me, I....I....I won't dare to dodge anymore." 

Zhuo BuFan and Hibiscus Fairy Cui LuHua looked at each other, they thought: "At 

last this chap is scared." In reality, they were unaware that Taoist BuPing was killed by XuZhu, but even if they knew, they still wouldn't kill XuZhu to avenge Taoist BuPing. Both of them had the same thoughts, they moved close to XuZhu simultaneously, one left, one right, they grabbed XuZhu's wrist. 

XuZhu recalled the miserable death of Taoist BuPing, he regretted it a lot, he asked for forgiveness: "I made a mistake, its really too late for regrets. Both of you, please don't hesitate to punish me heavily, I willingly accept it, if you want to kill me I also won't dare to resist." 

Zhuo BuFan said: "Its really easy if you want me to spare you, you just have to tell me Child Elder's last words, I will spare you." 

Cui LuHua smiled and said: "Mr. Zhuo, can little sister listen as well?" 

Zhuo BuFan said: "I only want to seek the method to breaking the ‘Life-Death Talisman’, all our friends here will benefit as well; I am not the only one who gain the benefit." He did not agree to let Cui LuHua listen to the secret, but he also did not disagree; however his speech implied his desire to monopolize the secret. 

Cui LuHua smiled and said: "Little sister doesn't have your good conscience, I don't like this chap." Her left hand gripped tightly onto XuZhu's wrist, she waved her right hand swiftly, two throwing knives flew towards XuZhu's chest. 

Since Child Elder was dead, Zhuo BuFan couldn't avenge his sect, currently he wanted to find the method to breaking the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ and use it to control the crowd and rule over them. However Cui LuHua’s intention was completely different. Her elder brother was killed by the combined effort of 3 Cave-Lords from the 36 Caves, thus she wants to kill XuZhu so nobody could find out about Child Elder's last words. he ‘Life-Death Talisman’ on the 3 Cave-Lords would remain forever and they would undoubtedly suffer a death 100 times more miserable then her brother. It was way better then simply killing them herself, thus she acted out violently to kill XuZhu. Her moves were very quick, Zhuo BuFan's sword had returned back to its sheath, he quickly pulled it out, however he was one step slower. 

XuZhu was startled, there was no time to think, he involuntarily pushed out with both hands, Zhuo BuFan and Cui LuHua were jolted off simultaneously and they moved back a few steps. 

Cui LuHua shouted out, the throwing knives left her hand and flew swiftly towards XuZhu. Although she fell back a few steps, but with regards to throwing hidden projectiles the distance was considered to be extremely short. Zhuo BuFan was afraid XuZhu might be killed, he thrust his sword at the throwing knives. Cui LuHua already foresaw that Zhuo BuFan would thrust out his sword to rescue him, when the two throwing knives left her hand, immediately after another ten throwing knives flew out in rapid succession. Among them three knives flew towards Zhuo BuFan to hinder him, the remaining seven knives flew towards XuZhu's face, throat, chest, lower abdomen, XuZhu was shrouded by throwing knives. 

XuZhu grabbed with his pair of hands repeatedly, he executed ‘Plum Breaking Hand Of Heavenly Mountain’, he grabbed and threw accordingly; there were unending 'Ding Ding Dang Dang' sounds, in a split second he threw 13 weapons beside his leg. The 12 weapons were Cui LuHua's throwing knives, however the 13th item was Zhuo BuFan's long sword. When XuZhu executed ‘Plum Breaking Hand Of Heavenly Mountain’, he was very anxious and frightened, thus he did not think about who his opponent was, he grabbed whatever weapon he lay his eyes on, without much effort he had also seized Zhuo BuFan's long sword. 

He seized all 13 weapons, he raised his head and saw Zhuo BuFan’s pallid expression; he turned his head, he saw Cui LuHua’s frightened expression, he pondered: "Terrible, terrible, I offended people again." He quickly said: "Both of you please don't take offense, my conduct is rash." He bent down to pick up the 13 weapons, he clasped the weapons with his pair of hands and delivered to both of them. 

Cui LuHua assumed he was deliberately humiliating her, she gathered internal energy to her palm and struck towards XuZhu's chest. There was a 'Pa' sound, an incomparably violent force counterattacked. Cui LuHua cried out in alarm, her body flew backward swiftly, there was a 'Peng' sound, she crashed heavily against a stonewall and spurted two mouthfuls of blood. 

Zhuo BuFan, Taoist BuPing, Cui LuHua, the three of them were working together for the first time; prior to the event the three of them secretly tested each others internal energy. Although Zhuo BuFan was slightly better than the other two but it was only marginally. Currently XuZhu was holding onto the weapons, he only used the internal energy within his body and he could repel Cui LuHua and heavily injure her; Zhuo BuFan was absolutely not his match at all. Zhuo BuFan knew he could not gain anything today, he cupped his hands towards XuZhu and said: "Respect, respect, hope to see you again." 

XuZhu said: "Senior please take back your sword. I accidentally offended you, please don't take offense. If senior wants to beat or scold me, to help Taoist BuPing vent his anger, I… I definitely won't resist." 

When Zhuo BuFan heard this, he assumed XuZhu was mocking him spitefully. His face had already lost all its color, he took ahuge stride and went out of the hall.

 

Suddenly everyone heard a delicate voice, a female shouted out: "Hold it! What is Vulture Palace, you think you can just come and go as you wish?" Zhuo BuFan trembled, without thinking he reached for his sword hilt, however he grabbed thin air. He suddenly recalled that his sword was seized by XuZhu, a huge rock was blocking the entrance, 2 zhang high, 1 zhang wide, the entrance was completely sealed off. Unexpectedly he did not know when this huge rock moved soundlessly into place. 

When the crowd saw the situation they knew they had fallen into Vulture Palace’s trap mechanism. When attacking Vulture Palace everyone moved forward together, they killed or captured all the yellow-clothed females, they wiped out everything cleanly, after entering the main hall they carefully looked out for any hidden traps. However immediately after, someone's ‘Life-Death Talisman’ flared up, everyone was shocked at the ghastly sight since they would also suffer the same fate. Afterwards a series of events happened in succession and they never considered the dangerous place they were in, where crisis lurked in every corner. Only when they saw the huge rock sealing off the entrance did they finally tremble with fear: "To escape Vulture Palace alive today, I am afraid it won't be easy." 

Suddenly a female said from the top: "The four envoy servants of Child Elder pay their respect to Mr. XuZhu." XuZhu lifted his head, nine pieces of rock were jutting out from the roof; they seemed to be nine small platforms. Four 18-19 year- old maidens were standing on four of the rock platforms, they were prostrating when paying their respects. After paying their respects they jumped down immediately, while in midair they had already drawn out their long swords, they landed lightly. The four maidens, one was wearing light red, one was wearing light green, one was wearing light blue, one was wearing light yellow, they jumped off at the same time and landed at the same time. They bowed towards XuZhu at the same time, saying: "Envoy servant is slow in welcoming, Owner please forgive us." 

XuZhu pressed his hands together and bowed to return the greeting, he said: "Four sisters, no need to be overly courteous." 

The four maidens lifted their heads, everyone was startled. The four of them were of the same size and height, their appearance was also exactly the same, they had oval-shaped faces, bright and clear eyes, pure, elegant and beautiful; the only difference was the color of their clothes. 

The red-clothed female said: "We four sisters were born together, Child granny named me Plum Sword, my three sisters are Orchid Sword, Bamboo Sword and Chrysanthemum Sword. Just now we ran into our sisters from Clear Heaven Division, Vermillion Heaven Division, etc, we found out about the various affairs. Currently servant has already sealed off the Supreme Hall, I invite Owner to decide how to deal with these bunch of brazen treacherous lackeys." 

The crowd heard these four sisters were quadruplets, they finally understood, no wonder their appearances were identical, these four were beautiful and their voices pure and gentle; everyone had a favorable impression of them. Unexpectedly Plum Sword called them 'these bunch of brazen treacherous lackeys', it was extremely rude. Two men rushed forward, one holding a broad sword, another holding a judge's-pen, they yelled in unison: "Little girl, your mouth is filthy, you are fart...." 

Suddenly green light flashed repeatedly, Orchid Sword and Bamboo Sword thrust out their swords, two 'Dang Dang' sounds, the wrists of both men were cut off, their palms along with the weapons dropped onto the floor. This move was incomparably fast, the wrists of both men were cut off already but they still said: "are farting! Aiyo!" They shouted out loudly and leapt backwards, the floor was sprayed full of fresh blood. 

The two females cut off the wrists of two men with a single move, although the remaining crowd had better martial arts than the two men, they didn't dare to act rashly. Moreover the hall was made of exceptionally thick granite, they didn't know if there were other powerful traps or mechanisms installed; everyone looked at each other in dismay, nobody dared to speak. 

Silence ensued, suddenly someone roared out 'He He He'. When the crowd heard it they knew the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ had come to claim another life again. 

Everyone turned pale during this time, a big towering man jumped out from the crowd, both his eyes red, he was randomly tearing off the clothes on his chest. Many people shouted out: "Iron Sea Turtle Island Island-Lord! Iron Sea Turtle Island Island-Lord Ha DaBa!" Ha DaBa yelled out, he was like a wounded tiger, he raised his iron-hammer fist, there was a 'Peng' sound, he shattered a coffee table; immediately he rushed towards Chrysanthemum Sword. 

Chrysanthemum Sword saw his terrifying expression, she forgot about her own superior sword art, she was extremely scared, she dived into XuZhu 's bosom. Ha DaBa opened up his fan-like arm and grabbed towards Plum Sword. The minds of these quadruplets were interlinked, Plum Sword had already felt the reaction when Chrysanthemum Sword shook with fear, when Ha DaBa pounced towards her she screamed out in alarm and hid behind XuZhu. 

Ha DaBa grabbed empty air, he flipped his pair of hands and dug his eyes out. XuZhu shouted: "You must not do that!" He waved his sleeves and brushed the crook of Ha DaBa's arm, Ha DaBa's pair of hands immediately hung downwards. XuZhu said: "Elder brother your ‘Life-Death Talisman’ has flared up, my humble self will try to remove it for you." At once he executed the move 'Great Heaven Sun Song' from ‘Six Solar Palm Of Heavenly Mountain’, he smacked the 'LingTai acupoint' on Ha DaBa's back. Ha DaBa shook violently, his entire body collapsed. 

Green light flashed everywhere, two long swords separately thrust towards Ha DaBa; Orchid Sword and Bamboo Sword seized the opportunity and attacked. XuZhu said: "No!" He pinched and seized the two swords, he mumbled to himself: "Terrible, terrible! I wonder where his ‘Life-Death Talisman’ is located?" Although he knew the method to neutralizing the ‘Life-Death Talisman’, but ultimately his knowledge and experience were shallow. He could not discern the location of the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ on Ha DaBa, the force he exerted in the move 'Great Heaven Sun Song' was too fierce, unexpectedly Ha DaBa could not withstand it. 

Ha DaBa said: "Its planted… planted at... ‘XuanShu’... ‘QiHai’...Si... ‘Si KongZhu’..." The move 'Great Heaven Sun Song' from XuZhu had made Ha DaBa regain his consciousness. 

XuZhu said happily: "Since you know it then its good." At once he followed the method taught by Child Elder, he used the pure 'yang' energy of ‘Six Solar Palm Of Heavenly Mountain’ to dissolve the cold ice ‘Life-Death Talisman’ in the 'XuanShu', 'QiHai' and ' Si KongZhu' acupoints. 

Ha DaBa stood up, he waved his hands and kicked out his legs, he became wild from his happiness. Suddenly he threw himself towards the ground, 'Peng Peng Peng' he kowtowed towards XuZhu and said: "Benefactor, the life of Ha DaBa is saved by you, old senior, from now on if Benefactor has any orders, Ha DaBa will not hesitate and will willingly go through fire and tread on water for you." XuZhu was always respectful towards others, seeing Ha DaBa pay such courtesy he quickly knelt down to return the courtesy, 'Peng Peng Peng' he kowtowed as well 

and said: "I don't dare to accept such heavy courtesy, you kowtow to me, I also have to kowtow to you." 

Ha DaBa said loudly: "Benefactor please get up quickly, you kowtow to me, you will really shorten lowly person's life." To express his gratitude he kowtowed several times again. XuZhu saw him kowtow, at once he kowtowed again to return the courtesy. 

Both of them were kneeling on the ground and kowtowing endlessly. Suddenly several hundred people shouted in unison: "Neutralize my ‘Life-Death Talisman’, neutralize my ‘Life-Death Talisman’!" The crowd of people who suffered from ‘Life-Death Talisman’ surged forward and surrounded both of them. 

An old man raised Ha DaBa up, he said: "No need to kowtow, everyone needs to invite Benefactor to treat their poison and save lives." 

XuZhu saw Ha DaBa stand up, he finally stood up and said: "Everyone please don't rush, listen to me." In a split second the hall turned completely silent. XuZhu said: "To break the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ I have to confirm the location of the talisman, everyone do you know it yourself?" 

In a split second everyone was thrown into confusion, some said: "I know!" Some said: "Its at 'WeiZhong' and 'NeiTing' acupoints!" Some said: "My entire body is aching, damn it, I don't know at which bloody acupoints!" Some said: "My body is itchy and painful, its different every month, this ‘Life-Death Talisman’ can move!"

Suddenly someone shouted loudly: "Everyone please shut up, you are all making so much noise, how can Mr. XuZhu Zi listen to it?" The person who shouted out was the chief of the group, Wu LaoDa; everyone immediately became quiet. 

XuZhu said: "Although Child Elder imparted the method to breaking ‘Life-Death Talisman’ to me....." 

7-8 people could not help but shout out: 

"Fantastic, fantastic!"

"My old life can be saved!"

XuZhu continued: "But my ability in distinguishing acupoints and recognizing the illness is shallow. But everyone don't worry, if you know the exact location of your ‘Life-Death Talisman’, I will treat you one by one and help you neutralize it. Even if you don't know, we will slowly research; those who are skilled in medical arts can also join in and study together. In short, I will definitely cure you." 

The loud cheers of the crowd filled the entire hall with echoes. After a long time the cheers finally died off.

Plum Sword said coldly: "Owner agrees to remove your ‘Life-Death Talisman’, that is because he old senior is merciful. But you lot are so brazen as to revolt, you caused Child Elder to leave the Palace and die outside, afterwards you even attacked Vulture Palace and killed a lot of our sisters from Great Heaven Division; how to account for this debt?" 

Everyone looked at each other in dismay, their breathing stopped. Plum Sword was telling the truth, since XuZhu was Child Elder's successor then obviously he could not brush aside their heavy crimes. Someone wanted to plead earnestly but he had second thoughts. They had committed a heavy crime in causing Child Elder's death and attacking Vulture Palace, how could the matter be resolved by a few earnest pleadings? He was about to speak but swallowed his words. 

Wu LaoDa said: "Sister's words are reasonable, I committed a huge crime, I willingly accept Mr. XuZhu Zi's punishment." He was banking on XuZhu's character. Wu LaoDa knew he was honest and naive, he definitely couldn't be 

compared with the vicious and cruel Child Elder. XuZhu's punishment would definitely be lighter than what the four sisters were capable of; thus his speech was directed at XuZhu. 

Quite a few people from the crowd understood his intention, immediately after they shouted out: "Correct, our crimes are very serious, everyone willingly accepts Mr. XuZhu Zi's punishment." A few thought about the pain and suffering when the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ flared up, unexpectedly their knees weakened and they knelt down. 

XuZhu didn't know what to do, he said to Plum Sword: "Sister Plum Sword, what do you think?" 

Plum Sword said: "They are not good people, they killed so many sisters from Great Heaven Division, they definitely have to pay with their lives." 

Limitless Cave Deputy Cave-Lord Zuo ZiMu bowed deeply towards Plum Sword and said: "Miss, our lives are really miserable after being hit by this ‘Life-Death Talisman’. When we heard Child Elder was not at Misty Peak we became anxious, thus we made a huge error, we really regret it. I beseech Miss to be magnanimous, put in a few good words for us in front of Mr. XuZhu Zi." 

Plum Sword’s expression became grave, she said: "Those who killed before, sever your right arm, this is the most minor punishment." When she said those words she felt she was giving out orders, it was really not appropriate; she turned around and said to XuZhu: "Owner, is it ok?" 

XuZhu felt the punishment was too heavy, but he was also unwilling to offend Plum Sword, he stammered: "This... this... en... that..." 

Someone suddenly rushed out from the crowd, it was the Prince of Dali Duan Yu. Duan Yu loved to meddle in other people's business, to debate about right and wrong; he cupped his hands and greeted XuZhu, he smiled and said: "My dear friend, little brother really disapproved when these friends attacked Misty Peak, I persuaded them until my mouth turned dry but they simply refused to listen. Today they committed a huge disaster, my dear friend you ought to increase their punishment. Little brother hopes to become your official messenger, let little brother punish these friends, how about it?" 

That day, when the crowd wanted to kill Child Elder and swear an oath in her blood, Duan Yu was strongly against it and persuaded them. XuZhu had heard everything, he was aware that this Gentleman was benevolent and heroic, he respected him deeply. When Li QiuShui pushed him and Child Elder off the mountain peak, they were saved by Duan Yu. Moreover he really had no idea how to handle the situation, thus when Duan Yu said this he quickly cupped his hands and said: "My knowledge and experience is shallow, I don't know how to handle affairs. Gentleman Duan volunteers to handle it, I can't thank you enough." 

When Duan Yu took the initiative and asked for permission to punish the crowd, how could anyone accept it? Some of the bad-tempered people were about to abuse him but unexpectedly XuZhu permitted it, they were about to speak out but swallowed their words. 

Duan Yu said happily: "Very good." He turn around and said to the crowd: "The mistakes made by everyone are simply too serious, my punishment is not light at all. Mr. XuZhu Zi permits me to handle this matter, if anyone of you disobey then Mr. XuZhu Zi won't remove the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ for you. For the 1st punishment, everyone has to respectfully kowtow 8 times in front of Child Elder's coffin, be solemn and respectful, confess and repent; if anyone of you secretly curse Child Elder while kowtowing then you crime would have increase by another level." 

XuZhu said happily: "Absolutely correct, absolutely correct! This 1st punishment is very good." 

Originally the crowd was afraid this bookworm might suggest some weird or difficult punishment, they were really anxious and worried; but he had suggested kowtowing in front of Child Elder's coffin, they pondered: "She is already dead, what is so difficult about giving a few kowtows in front of her coffin? Moreover, how will he know if we secretly curse that old thieving witch? I will simply kowtow and secretly curse that old thieving witch." At once everyone agreed. 

Duan Yu saw everyone happily agree to his 1st punishment; his spirit rose, he said: "The 2nd punishment, everyone has to salute in front of the dead sisters from Great Heaven Division. Those who killed or injured people, you have to kowtow, confess and repent, you have to wear mourning clothes and pay your respects to the dead. Those who didn't kill, you have to cup your hands as a courtesy. My dear friend XuZhu Zi will treat your illness ahead of schedule as a reward."

Among the crowd, more than half of them did not kill anyone from Misty Peak, they immediately agreed. As for those who killed or injured people, it was only wearing mourning clothes and giving a few kowtows, it was a thousand times better than what Plum Sword suggested, thus nobody objected. 

Duan Yu said: "As for the 3rd punishment, everyone has to swear your allegiance to Vulture Palace eternally, you cannot be disloyal. Whatever XuZhu Zi says, everyone must listen to his orders. Not only must you be respectful towards Mr. XuZhu Zi, you must also be courteous towards Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Sword, as well as all the sisters from Vulture Palace; convert an enemy into friend, your conduct and speech must be courteous and respectful. If anyone is not willing then come up and compete 2-3 moves with Mr. XuZhu Zi, see if he is brilliant or you are better!" 

The crowd were joyous as they listened to Duan Yu, they said: "Of course, of course!" Someone said: "Gentleman Duan's punishment is too lenient, is there anything else?" 

Duan Yu clapped his hands, he smiled and said: "None!" He turned his head and said to XuZhu: "The punishments set by little brother, is it correct?" 

XuZhu cupped his hands and said: "Many thanks, many thanks, extremely correct." He glanced at Plum Sword and the rest of her sisters, his expression was rather apologetic. 

Orchid Sword said: "Owner, you are the owner of Vulture Palace, no matter what you say servant has to listen and obey. You are magnanimous, you spared these lackeys, you don't have to worry about us." 

XuZhu smile and said: "En, this...I still have some words, I don't know...don't know if I should say it?" 

Wu LaoDa said: "36 Caves and 72 Islands have always been the subordinates of Misty Peak, nobody dares to disobey any orders from Honorable Master. The three punishments set by Gentleman Duan are simply too lenient. If Honorable Master have any other punishment everyone willingly accept it." 

XuZhu said: "I am young, my knowledge shallow, it’s just that Child Elder instructed me in some martial arts, I really don't deserve to be Honorable Master or whatever. I have two wishes, this...this...I don't know if it is right or wrong, I will be bold and say it out, this....I invite seniors here to think about it." Ever since childhood, XuZhu had always been under someone, being ordered around and sent on errands, he never had the chance to suggest ideas or make decisions, thus he never dare to spoke in public. He hemmed and hawed while speaking, his expression extremely meek. 

Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Sword, all four of them pondered: "What happened to Owner, why the need to be so polite to these lackeys?" 

Wu LaoDa said: "Honorable Master is magnanimous, you pardon our serious crime and now you are so polite towards us. Even if we offer our lives as sacrifice we can't even repay a fraction of this debt of gratitude. Honorable Master, please simply give your orders!" 

XuZhu said: "Yes, yes! If I say something wrong, everyone please...please don't ridicule me. I want to talk about two matters. The 1st matter, it’s a bit selfish. I....I am from Shaolin Temple, originally....originally I was a little monk, from now on when you travel around, please don't trouble the disciples of Shaolin. This is my 1st request, I don't dare to order you or anything." 

Wu LaoDa said loudly: "Honorable Master's order: From now on, when we brothers travel around and come across great masters of Shaolin or Buddhist friends, we have to be respectful, we absolutely cannot offend them, otherwise the punishment will be severe without any mercy." 

The crowd replied in unison: "We will do as ordered!" 

Everyone agreed, XuZhu became bolder; he cupped his hands and said: "Many thanks, many thanks! The second matter, everyone please take into the account the virtues of life: Buddha is merciful, you cannot injure or kill people randomly. Although you are not a monk, but it’s best that you don't kill any animals, moles, crickets and ants are the same; it’s best that you don't eat any meat and fish, but this rule is not so easy. It doesn't mean that you definitely must be a vegetarian, even for me I broke my precept and eat meat. Thus....this...as for 

killing people, in short it is not good, it is better not to kill anyone, but I....I also kill people before, thus....." 

Wu LaoDa said loudly: " Honorable Master's order: All the brothers and subordinates under Vulture Palace, from now on you cannot rashly kill the innocent or kill casually, otherwise the punishment will be heavy." 

Everyone replied in unison: "We will do as ordered!" 

XuZhu cupped his hands repeatedly, he said: "I....I really can't thank you enough. Back to the main topic: everyone please do more good deeds, don't do evil deeds; it’s for your own good achievements and virtues, you will definitely have immeasurable karmic rewards." He laughed heartily at Wu LaoDa and said: "Mr. Wu, your few words are clear and distinct. I really cannot be compared with you. Previously I injured you with pinecones, I am really sorry. You....where is your ‘Life-Death Talisman’ located? I will remove it for you first!" 

Wu LaoDa had been willing to brave all the risk and danger to lead everyone in this revolt, it was purely for the sake of removing his ‘Life-Death Talisman’. He heard XuZhu promise to remove the ‘Life-Death Talisman’ for him, henceforth he will be free from the pain of having endless maggots gnawing at his bones. He was extremely happy, he felt really grateful, he knelt down and prostrated himself. XuZhu quickly knelt down to return the courtesy, he asked: "Mr. Wu, the injury you sustained from the pinecones, is it completely healed? You consumed Child Elder's ‘Tendon Breaking Bone Decaying Pill’, we have to think of a method to remove the toxicity as well."

*******

Plum Sword and her sisters operated the mechanism and moved away the huge stone that blocked the entrance. They let Vermillion Heaven, Clear Heaven, Mysterious Heaven, all the nine divisions enter the hall. 

Feng BoE and Bao BuTong were shouting, they came in with Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan. The four of them had gone out of the hall to battle Child Elder, however they bumped into the females from the various eight divisions. Bao BuTong was rude in his speech, Feng BoE loved to fight, they exchanged a few words with the females and started fighting with them. Not long after, Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan joined in to assist. Although the four of them had strong martial arts, ultimately they were heavily outnumbered, after a while all of them were injured. If the main entrance delayed in opening for a few more moments and Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Sword did not ask them to stop fighting, they four of them would have been captured or killed.

Murong Fu found the matter dull, he led Deng BaiChuan and the rest to say their goodbyes and prepared to leave the mountain. Zhuo BuFan and Hibiscus Fairy Chui LuHua did not say anything and left by themselves. 

XuZhu saw that Murong Fu wanted to leave, but he sincerely wanted him to stay. Murong Fu said: "I offended Misty Peak, I am really ashamed, it’s elder brother's great kindness if you do not fault me; how dare I to disturb you any longer?" 

XuZhu said: "You are too kind, you are too kind. Both gentleman are well versed in literature and martial arts, an accomplished hero, I admire you greatly, I wish...I wish...I wish to ask the two gentleman for advice. I..I am simply too stupid...too stupid." 

Bao BuTong had crossed swords with the group of females just now, he was heavily outnumbered and sustained numerous sword injuries, he was not in a good mood. XuZhu was so long-winded in trying to ask a guest to stay, moreover Murong Fu told him that XuZhu kept a portrait of Wang YuYan in his bosom, he pondered: "This little bald thief is a hypocrite, he is a Buddhist disciple yet he has evil intentions towards Miss Wang, obviously he is a lascivious monk who does not abide by religious rules." Bao BuTong said: "Little master, asking the heroes to stay is fake, but asking the beauty to stay is real, why don't you be forthright and request Miss Wang to stay at Misty Peak?" 

XuZhu was shocked, he said: "You...what you saying? I want to ask a beauty to stay?" 

Bao BuTong said: "You harbor evil thoughts, you think the people from Gusu Murong family are idiots? Hei hei, you are ridiculous!" 

XuZhu scratched his head and said: "I don't understand what Mister is trying to say, I don't find it ridiculous." 

Although Bao BuTong was within a tiger's den, his stubborn character was aroused, he no long cared about life or death, he shouted loudly: "You little bald thief, you are a Shaolin monk, since you are a disciple of a prestigious school how come you join a demonic sect and collude with these demons and ghosts? I get angry when I look at you. You are a monk but you force hundreds of women to be your wives, concubines and mistress, but you are still not satisfied and now you have funny ideas towards Miss Wang! Let me tell you, Miss Wang is attached to my Young Master Murong, you are just a toad wistful about eating swan meat, it’s best that you forget about your evil thoughts as soon as possible!" He was in a deep rage, he clapped his hands and stamped his feet and cursed loudly while pointing at XuZhu's nose. 

XuZhu was utterly perplexed, he said: "I...I...I...." Suddenly he heard two 'Hu Hu' sound, Wu LaoDa lifted his 'Verdant Wave Fragrant Dew Serrated Saber', Ha DaBa lifted a huge iron hammer, they shouted in unison and charged towards Bao BuTong. 

Murong Fu knew that since XuZhu removed their ‘Life-Death Talisman’ he had already gained the loyalty of this group of heroes, it would be incomparably dangerous if they started fighting in here. He saw Wu LaoDa and Ha DaBa pounce simultaneously, he dashed forward and executed ‘Start Shifting Movement’, in an instant the saber chopped towards Ha DaBa and the huge hammer smashed towards Wu LaoDa; there was a violent 'Dang' sound, sparks flew in all directions from the two weapons. Murong Fu flipped his hand and pushed lightly on Bao BuTong's shoulder, Bao BuTong was pushed a few zhang out. Murong Fu cupped his hands and said to XuZhu: "Sorry for the offense, we will take our leave now!" His body flashed past, he was already at the entrance of the hall. Murong Fu had seen the mechanism at the entrance just now, if the huge rock moved to block the entrance then he would be trapped and slaughtered. 

XuZhu said quickly: "Gentleman please wait, its really...not my intention...I..." Murong Fu raised both his eyebrows, he turned around and said in a bright voice: "Sire feels that he is unequalled under the heaven, you wish to advise a few moves?" 

XuZhu shook his head repeatedly and said: "No...I don't dare...." 

Murong Fu said: "I arrived without invitation, I am too bold; sire you simply must make us stay?" 

XuZhu shook his head and said: "No...no...its not it...‘sigh’!" 

Murong Fu stood at the entrance, he looked proudly at XuZhu, the heroes from 36 Caves and 72 Islands, as well as Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Sword, and the females from the nine divisions. The group of heroes and the females were all intimidated by his imposing manner, nobody dared to step forward to ask for a fight. After a long time, Murong Fu brushed his sleeves and said: "Lets go!" He boldly stepped out of 

the entrance. Wang YuYan, Deng BaiChuan, etc, the five of them followed him. 

Wu LaoDa said furiously: "Honorable Master, if he leaves Misty Peak alive, how can anyone of us hold our heads high? I invite Honorable Master to give us an order to intercept him." 

XuZhu shook his head and said: "Forget it. I...I really don't understand, why he is so angry...?" 

Wu LaoDa said: "Then subordinate will go and capture that Miss Wang." 

XuZhu quickly said: "No, no!" 

Wang YuYan saw Duan Yu had yet to leave the hall, she turned around and said: "Gentleman Duan, goodbye, see you again!"

Duan Yu was shaken, his chest ached, his throat seemed to be blocked, he replied with great difficulty: "Yes, good..,bye. I...it’s better for me to follow you....." He saw her shadow gradually move far away, she did not turn back. Bao BuTong's words kept echoing in his ear: "He said Miss Wang is attached to Gentleman Murong, he ask outsiders to give up, a toad wistful about eating swan meat. Correct, when Gentleman Murong stepped out of the hall, his manner was awe-inspiring, the lofty spirit of a true hero! He neutralized the moves of two formidable opponents with a single move; such deep and profound martial arts! I am someone who doesn’t even have the strength to bind a chicken, I make a fool of myself everywhere I go; how can she even take note of me? When Miss Wang looks at her cousin, it’s really full of love and adoration, as well as admiration, as well as affection, I...I Duan Yu...I am merely a toad." 

Two people were stumped for words in the hall- XuZhu was preoccupied with doubts and suspicions, he scratched his head and hesitated; Duan Yu was listless and in low spirits, he was so sad that his soul left his body. The two of them stared at each other blankly. 

After a long time, XuZhu heaved a long sigh. Duan Yu followed and gave a long sigh and said: "My dear friend, you and I suffer the same fate, this kind of bone-deep longing, how to free ourselves from it?" 

When XuZhu listened to him, he could not help but blush deep red, he assumed Duan Yu knew about his romantic encounter with his 'Dream Maiden', he stammered: "Duan...Gentleman Duan, you...how you know about it?" 

Duan Yu said: "There isn't a person who doesn't like to look at a beautiful person. There isn't a person who is not fond of a pretty woman. It’s human nature to love beauty. Moreover you and I are in the same situation, we can sympathize with each other, our regret is indefinite!" He heaved another long sigh as he finished speaking. He assume that since XuZhu carried a portrait of Wang YuYan in his bosom then he was in the same situation as him, both of them deeply adored Wang YuYan; thus the previous conflict between Murong Fu and XuZhu was naturally for Wang YuYan, he said: "My dear friend, you achieve the apex of martial studies, but love is all about fate. No matter your literary talents or martial arts, it just won't do if you don't have fate." 

XuZhu mumbled: "Yes, for Buddhists a person is born into this world due to karma, everything is about fate... correct..fate...you can only meet but not seek it...yes, after parting, a sea of people, how to find her?" He was referring to his 'Dream Maiden' but Duan Yu assumed he was referring to Wang YuYan, both of them had their own foolish illogical view; unexpectedly the more they conversed the more agreeable they became. 

The female servants of Vulture Palace arranged a banquet, XuZhu and Duan Yu were seated together side-by-side. The 

various Cave-Lords and Island-Lords were subordinates of Vulture Palace, naturally nobody dared to approach XuZhu and share the same banquet with him. XuZhu was not familiar with entertaining guests, since nobody approached him, he did not speek out to invite them; he only conversed with Duan Yu. 

Duan Yu was completely immersed in his adoration of Wang YuYan, he complimented her endlessly; he said her nature was sweet and gentle, her appearance beyond common beauty. XuZhu assumed Duan Yu was complimenting his 'Dream Maiden', he didn't dare to ask Duan Yu how he met her, he also did not inquire about the history of this maiden, however his heart was thumping madly, he pondered: "I thought that since Child Elder is dead, nobody will know the location of this lady. Heaven took pity on me, unexpectedly Gentleman Duan knows her. But listening to his speech, he seems to admire her deeply, he longs for her, if I tell him that I had previous encounter with her in an icehouse Gentleman Duan will undoubtedly be angry, he will leave the banquet and I will not be able to inquire about her anymore." He listened to Duan Yu's compliments of the lady, it suited his intentions, he also chimed in as well, his speech extremely sincere. 

Both of them talked about their own sweetheart, their  words intermixed with each other, but nobody mentioned the names of these two ladies, unexpectedly their speech connected flawlessly with each other. XuZhu said: "Gentleman Duan, for Buddhists a person is born into this world due to karma. The scripture says: 'Buddha says, life is born due to karma, they will also be extinguish due to karma.' Ancestor Damo says: 'All living things have no self, hardship and happiness is due to fate, if there is any pleasurable things then its constructed for a reason, you cannot seek to obtain it. Once fate is exhausted everything returns to nothing, where is the happiness?" 

Duan Yu said: "Yes! 'Gains and losses is due to fate, there is no increase or decrease!' Be that as it may but I am a mortal, how can I reach the state of 'Gains and losses is due to fate, there is no increase or decrease.'?" 

Buddhist doctrine was widespread and thriving in Dali, Duan Yu had studied Buddhist texts since childhood. Both of them, one quoted from “Diamond Sutra”, another quoted from “Lotus Sutra”, they consoled themselves yet hurt themselves, they understood each other’s regrets, fellow sufferers empathized with each other. Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Sword took turns to come up and pour wine. Duan Yu drank a cup, XuZhu also drank a cup, they chatted till midnight. The group stood up to take their leave, the various females guided them to their resting place. XuZhu and Duan Yu were 80-90% drunk, yet they kept on talking and drinking endlessly. 

Previously when Duan Yu and Xiao Feng competed drinking wine outside the city of Wuxi, Duan Yu used his internal energy to force the wine out through his fingertip; however currently he was using alcohol to drown out his sorrows, he was drinking wine for real, he said in a daze: "My dear friend, I have an elder sworn brother, surnamed Qiao, named Feng, he is truly a great hero, brave and heroic, his martial arts and capacity for liquor matchless and without equal. My dear friend, if you meet him you will undoubtedly admire him as well, but it’s a pity he is not here, if not the three of us can swear brotherhood together, it will truly be a joyous event." 

XuZhu had never drunk alcohol before, he relied completely on his exquisite internal energy and avoided alcohol intoxication, however his thoughts were fluttering around, he also became bold in his speech. Initially he was reserved and timid, suddenly his heroic spirit burst forth, he said: "Gentleman Duan if...that..if you don't look down upon me, the two of us will swear brotherhood first; in the future once we find elder brother Qiao Feng, we can swear brotherhood together again." 

Duan Yu was elated, he said: "Wonderful, wonderful! We will simply include elder brother Qiao when swearing brotherhood. Elder brother how old are you?" 

The two of them talked about their age, XuZhu was older by three years. Duan Yu shouted: "Second brother, please accept this salute from little brother!" He pushed away his chair and kowtowed. XuZhu hastily returned the courtesy, his knees softened and he fell forward. 

Duan Yu saw him tumble, he quickly extended his hands to support him. Their internal energy inadvertently collided with each other, they felt each other's internal energy was vigorous and abundant, they hastily restrained themselves. Currently Duan Yu was completely drunk, he staggered and stumbled around, he couldn't stand on his feet. Suddenly both of them burst into loud laughter; they embraced each other and fell onto the floor. Duan Yu said: "Second brother, little brother is not drunk, the two of us will drink another 100 cups!" 

XuZhu said: "I should accompany third brother and drink to our delight." 

Duan Yu said: "Life should be full of joy and happiness, not let the empty golden goblet face the moon, haha, we have to finish 300 cups!" The two of them became more and more muddled, eventually they became intoxicated and lost consciousness. 

- End of Chapter 38 -