DGSD : Chapter 41 and 42. Unabridged.
I just realised I started translating the big Shaolin fight from Chapter 41 way back in 2003. Its 2007 now and I am not even halfway through Chapter 42 yet. I am now re-inspired to finish translating this whole sequence up till at least Sweeper Monk shows up.
I will still post the updates on the other thread so please leave all the comments there.
Will also take this chance to edit some grammar, spelling and other comments and mistakes made earlier. Still going to be far from perfect though.
DGSD Chapter 41. Part II.
Although the voice was not particularly loud, it was able to register clearly in the ears of everybody gathered on the mountainside, rendering them speechless and quiet for a while.
The thunderous sounds of galloping horses could be heard as a group of over 10 riders charged like the wind into view. The riders were all garbed in dark felt cloaks and all carried a commanding presence while the horses were all huge, robust and powerful beasts. The horses were black all over but as they galloped into view, the crowd could see the glint of gold and realised that all the horses were clad with horseshoes beaten out from pure gold. As they pulled closer, it could be seen that the group of riders numbered 19, but their heroic air and noble presence was like an army of a thousand troops. The front 18 riders rode up and quickly parted into 2 rows and the last horse galloped in between them into view.
Amongst the gathered Beggar Sect members, many started shouting wildly and frantically : "CHIEF QIAO! CHIEF QIAO!" as over a hundred beggars rushed out to bow before the last horseman.
This man was indeed Xiao Feng! After he had been cast out of the Beggar Sect, he had thought that the Sect members all viewed him with hate and contempt, never did he expect that so many veteren members would rush forward to greet him so warmly. Flushed with emotion, tears flowed from his eyes as he jumped off his steed and returned the greetings : " The Khitan Xiao Feng has been expelled from the Beggar Sect and has no more ties with the Sect, why does everyone still use my old title? Brothers, how have you all been?" With the last sentence, emotion overcame him as he could not hold back the old feelings of friendship and comradeship any longer.
Those who has rushed forward to greet him were all the 3 and 4 pouched disciples of the Beggar Sect. Those of lower rank were either raw recruits or had been to low ranked to have any contact with the Chief and the senior 5 and 6 pouched disciples were more matured and thus did not have the impulsive nature and hot blood of the younger members. Of those hundred or so members that had rushed forward, it was only after the moment of impulsiveness that they realised that they had acted too quickly. This person was after all a Khitan and an enemy. Some of them immediately lowered their heads and quietly retreated, yet others stubbornly remained, crying out "Qiao.....Qiao......how has elder been? We have all.... all thought of you every day and night."
Ever since that day when Ah Zi had suddenly ran away without warning, Xiao Feng had frantically sent out large numbers of scouts to find out her whereabouts. After several months, some had finally returned with the news that she was with the Beggar Sect and that mysterious Iron Masked man was with her.
Xiao Feng was deeply worried as he knew that Beggar Sect had deep greivances against himself and might harm Ah Zi should they have taken her captive. Anxious to rescue her, he immediately took 2 months leave from the Emporer and rushed southwards.
Xiao Feng had come to the Central Plains well prepared. The "18 Riders of the Swallow Clouds" (**Yan Yun Shi Ba Qi**) which he had chosen to ride south with him were all highly skilled Khitan fighters. During his previous fight at Ju Xian Manor, it was the sudden appearance of that mysterious hero which saved him from being hacked apart. That experience showed him that t fighting one against a hundred, even the most skilled fighter could not prevail. Thus he had brought with him these 18 riders, each who could fight like 10 men and each riding the swiftest horse. With these prized horses, it would not be too hard to escape even from the most dangerous situations.
As the group reached Henan province, Xiao Feng intercepted a low ranking member of the Beggar Sect and found out from him that Ah Zi had been blinded and followed the new leader around closely and was on the way to Shaolin Temple. Worried that in her crippled state she would be the subject of even more beatings and mistreatment from the Beggar Sect (**don't we wish huh?**), he frantically rushed towards Shaolin, hoping to rescue her midway and thus avoiding any run in with the Shaolin monks.
As he reached the slopes of Shao Shi mountain, he heard the louds shouts of the Xing Su members proclaiming that the Xing Su skills were far superior to the 18 Dragon Slaying Palms and could not help feeling enraged. Although he was no longer the Chief of Beggar Sect, the 18 Dragon Slaying Palms were taught to him by his beloved teacher Wang Jian Tong so how could he let a bunch of riff-raff belittle it so? After riding up and greeting the Beggars, he quickly saw that Ding Chun Qiu was grabbing on to a young girl dressed in purple with a slender body, smooth white skin and an almond shaped face. It was indeed Ah Zi even though her eyes were lifeless and blind.
Xiao Feng felt both pain and rage in his heart. With giant strides he charged forward as his swung his left hand in a crescent and pushed out with a palm strike from his right arm towards Ding Chun Qiu. This was the "Mighty Dragon Regrets" (**Kang Long You Hui**), a technique from the 18 Dragon Slaying Palms. The distance between himself and Ding Chun Qiu when he struck out with his palm was over 150 feet but the blazing speed with which he advanced was such that in a flash, both Xiao Feng and the palm energy was not more then 80 feet from Ding Chun Qiu.
Of all the kung fu techniques in the world, no matter how strong your palm strike, there was no way a single palm blow could strike over a distance of over 50 feet (**notice how it says 50 feet here, while earlier in the chapter the limit was 20 feet**). Ding Chun Qiu had long heard of the saying "North Qiao Feng, South Murong" and was not one to underestimate him. However, seeing that he struck out from over a distance of 150 feet, he never expected that the blow was aimed at him. It was thus unexpected that Xiao Feng was already within 30-40 feet of him and had struck out with another "Mighty Dragon Regrets", the force of both palms surging forward like a mountain shaking tidal wave.
In the face of such a fierce and blindingly swift attack, Ding Chun Qiu could not even breath, the oncoming palm force was like a furious wall of invisible force and he knew that if he tried to match it with his own palm, his arms and wrist would definitely be smashed to bits and possibly even his entire body would be smashed into bone fragments. In a panic, he flung Ah Zi away and frantically drew three semi-circles with his two arms to protect
his body while leaping backwards.
Xiao Feng followed up with yet another "Mighty Dragon Regrets", the palm force merging with the previous strikes. Ding Chun Qiu did not dare to meet this attack head on and used his right arm to deflect the oncoming strike at an angle. His arm felt full of numbness and needle sharp pain and his chest was constricted and unable to breath as he let the force push him back about 30 feet. Fearful that Xiao Feng would follow up with another attack, he pressed his palms to his chest and quietly gathered all his poisonous energies into his palms. But Xiao Feng only swept his arms up lightly and caught Ah Zi from mid air, un-blocking her sealed meridian points at the same time.
Ah Zi was blind and could not speak out all this time as her meridian points had been blocked, yet she heard everything that went on clearly. The moment Xiao Feng unblocked her pressure points, she gushed out : "Good brother-in-law! Thankfully you came to save me!"
Xiao Feng's heart was awash with pain as he gently comforted : "Ah Zi! These past months must have been hard on you. It is all my fault!" He knew that the Beggar Sect hated him and Ah Zi was his only kin in the world, as he rushed to save her it never occured to him that all this was Ah Zi's own evil doings.
The heroes assembled on the mountain were all shocked by Xiao Feng's appearance. During the previous fight at Ju Xian Manor, he had single handedly killed over 10 elite fighters, shaking the entire martial world with his skill and power. The heroes of the Central Plains were all seething with hate towards him and seeing that he had come to Shaolin, realised that another violent confrontation was inevitable. However, those who had been present at Ju Xian Manor all recalled the horrible scenes of blood and rendered flesh and felt a lingering fear as they shivered with fright. Mutely watching as he soundly defeated that seemingly invincible Old Xing Su Freak with a single "Mighty Dragon Regrets" technique, their fear only increased and everyone was left speechless
There remained a small handful of Xing Su members who were still shamelessly shouting lines like : "You the one named Qiao, you have been hit by our Xing Su Immortal's divine technique, in less then 10 days your body will rot and turn into bloody pus!" "The Xing Su Immortal has allowed you 3 free strokes since you are his junior!" "The high and noble stature of the Xing Su Immortal is way above you, why should be lower himself to fight you?" "You had better come to your senses and kneel to apologise to the Xing Su Immortal, or you will die a terrible death!" However, the voices were no longer as loud as before and didn't carry the previous arrogant air.
You Tan Zhi was initially horrified to see that Xiao Feng had arrived, yet was immensely relieved when he safely rescued Ah Zi but seeing how intimate Ah Zi was with Xiao Feng now caused him unbearable jealousy. Stepping forward, he quickly asked : "Quick...quick let Lady Ah Zi down!" Xiao Feng placed Ah Zi on her feet and asked : "And who are you?" You Tan Zhi was totally intimidated by hisheroic and piercing aura and could only chatter and mumble : "I am....I am the Beggar Sect Chief.....Chief Zhuang....that Chief Zhuang."
Someone within the Beggar Sect ranks immediately shouted : "You have already joined the Xing Su Sect, how can you still be the Chief of Beggar Sect?"
Xiao Feng angrily demanded : "Why did you blind Lady Ah Zi's eyes?" Frightened by Xiao Feng, You Tan Zhi retreated 2 steps and stammered : "No...no it wasn't me....it really wasn't me...." Ah Zi spoke up and said : "Brother-in-law, my eyes were blinded by that old bandit Ding Chun Qiu, quick! Dig out both his eyes and take revenge for me!"
Xiao Feng could not quite comprehend what exactly was going on and swept his eyes through the crowd. Studying the assembled throng, he spotted Duan Zheng Chun and Ruan Xing Zhu. Feeling a pang of pain as well as relief he shouted out : "Prince Duan of Dali, your beloved daughter is here, please take good care and discipline her properly!" Leading Ah Zi by her hand, he gently pushed her into Duan Zheng Chun's arms. By this time, Ruan Xing Zhu had already thoroughly wet her sleeves with tears and could only hug Ah Zi while crying : "My good daughter! What...what happened to your eyes?"
The sudden appearance of Xiao Feng had Duan Yu jumping for joy, he had wanted to rush out in greeting but Xiao Feng's immediate attack on Ding Chun Qiu, rescue of Ah Zi, questioning of You Tan Zhi and other acts had left no opening for him. Seeing how Ruan Xing Zhu was embracing Ah Zi while sobbing loudly, he wondered to himself : "Why does Big Brother Xiao claim that this blind girl is my father's precious daughter?" However, he knew that his father was a philanderer and immediately understood the obvious. Rushing forward he shouted : "Brother! How have you been! You had your junior brother here worried sick!"
Although Xiao Feng had only met Duan Yu for a brief period while drinking with him at Wuxi inn, they shared a deep comradeship and brotherly feelings. Grasping Duan Yu's hands he greeted : "Brother, a lot has happened and would be hard to explain, but thanks to your good fortune I am still alive and well."
Their reunion was suddenly interrupted by a loud shouting : "The one named Qiao, you killed my elder brother and I will have my revenge today!" Followed by yet another shout of : "This Khitan dog Qiao Feng deserves to be executed! We must not let him leave Shao Shi mountain alive!" Suddenly everyone in the crowd was yelling and shouting threats, some cursing Xiao Feng for killing a son, yet others blamed him for killing a father.
At Ju Xian Manor, Xiao Feng had either killed or injured a great multitude of people in the martial art circles. Of the assembled pugilists on Shao Shi mountain, many had fellow disciples, close friends or relatives who were hurt or slain by Xiao Feng. Although they were all frightened of Xiao Feng's power, the memories of kin and friends fueled their anger and they could not stop hurling abuse. As each person added his own shouts of abuse, the yelling steadily got louder. The crowd saw that Xiao Feng had only brought 18 riders with him and Beggar Sect carried animosity towards him, furthermore by defeating Ding Chun Qiu he surely had become an enemy of the Xing Su Sect too. In a fight, even if Beggar Sect stayed neutral, the assembled pugilists plus the Shaolin monks and the Xing Su members could surely outnumber the 19 Khitans vastly. Even if Xiao Feng possessed divine abilities he would be unable to escape. Feeling secure, the crowd only started shouting and scolding louder. The scoldings and shouts only got more and more vulgar as many brandished their swords and sabres as they prepared to rush forward together and chop Xiao Feng to pieces.
When Xiao Feng rode south with his 18 riders, he only planned on saving Ah Zi and never expected to run into a gathering of all his enemies. Having roamed the martial circles since young, Xiao Feng was well acquainted with many of the pugilists gathered here. He knew that the majority of them were heroic and righteous people who only became his enemy due to his Khitan birth and the misunderstandings caused by someone who framed him. The fight at Ju Xian Manor was not something he had wanted and if another fight broke out today, many pugilists will die and even if he managed to escape the 18 riders will not escape injury and death. As he tried to think of a plan he thought that since Ah Zi had been rescued he should try to leave rather then waste time tangling with these people. Turning to Duan Yu, he said : "Brother, the situation is fierce and dangerous, I have no time to talk so it is best that you retreat and distance yourself. The mountains are tall and the rivers long, we shall surely meet again." In his mind, he wanted Duan Yu to distance himself so that in his escape, no one would hurt Duan Yu in the process.
Seeing how the crowd of over a thousand fighters all faced his sworn brother with killing intent, Duan Yu couldn't help but feel his heroic instincts aroused so he replied loudly : "Big Brother, remember when we swore brotherhood we promised to share both good fortune and difficulties together? If we cannot be born on the same day, we shall die on the same day. Now that Big brother is facing danger, how can I abandon you?" Duan Yu had faced many dangers in the past but each time he had escaped or ran away, now hot blood was flowing through him and a sense of heroism was mounting inside him so he decided that he would die together with Xiao Feng to fulfil his promise of sworn brotherhood.
No one in the crowd knew who Duan Yu was. Although he had loudly proclaimed himself as Xiao Feng's sworn brother and vowed to fight against them, they only saw that he was a young and weak looking scholar, so nobody gave him much regard and the shouting only got fiercer.
Xiao Feng told Duan Yu : "Brother, I appreciate your good intentions but it isn't so easy for them to kill me. You had better retreat or I will be distracted by having to protect you and unable to fight properly." Duan Yu replied : "You don't have to protect me, they have no grudges towards me so why would they kill me?" Xiao Feng bitterly thought to himself : "If only that were true, there would be no strife and conflict in the world?"
Duan Zheng Chun quietly instructed Fan Hua, Hua He Gen and Ba Tian Shi : "This hero Xiao has saved my life before, should there be a fight later we will rush in and save him. " "Yes." Fan Hua replied as he glanced at the crowd of over a thousand, : "The enemy is many, does my Lord have a plan?" Duan Zheng Chun shoke his head and said : "A gentleman distinguishes between right and wrong, just do our best and repay him with our lives if need be." The Dali fighters replied in unison : "As you command!"
The Gusu Murong members were also discussing amongst themselves at this moment. Gong Ye Gan had matched palm and drinking ability with Xiao Feng back at Wuxi and was ready to assist Xiao Feng. Bao Bu Tong and Feng Bo Er were also great admirers of Xiao Feng and were willing to step foward and lend him their fists. But Murong Fu held them back, saying : "Brothers, our primary mission is to restore the dynasty, how can we offend the entire world by aiding Xiao Feng?" Deng Bai Chuan asked : "What does Master require of us?"
Murong Fu said : "We must win the hearts and minds of these heroes." Loudly proclaiming : "Brother Xiao, you are a great Khitan hero and view us heroes of the Central Plains as insignificant. The lowly Murong Fu wishes to witness your mighty techniques today. If I die under your palm, I would at least have done my bit for the Central Plains and die in honour." By using these words, he had put himself into a position of close comradeship with all the pugilists of the Central Plains regardless of the outcome of this fight.
The assembled heroes were all united in the desire to slay Xiao Feng, but even though they knew that their numbers would surely overwhelm him in the end, the first 10 or so attackers would surely be slain. Everyone had heard of the saying "North Qiao Feng, South Murong" so when Murong Fu proclaimed that he would ally with them, the crowd immediately cheered loudly. They knew that even if Murong Fu was defeated, he would have caused Qiao Feng to use up much of his strength and energy.
Xiao Feng was shocked when Murong Fu stepped up to challenge him. Folding his hands in salute he said : "I have long heard of your famous reputation, today I will be able to witness your supreme techniques and open my eyes."
Duan Yu angrily retorted : "Brother Murong, this is most unbecoming. My big brother is not your enemy, so why would you take advantage of the situation now? In fact, when you were wrongfully accused in the past, my big brother tried to defend you and clear your name." Murong Fu only laughed coldly and said : "If brother Duan's sense of heroism is insulted, you can step forward and fight too." Murong Fu had long been irritated by Duan Yu's pestering of Wang Yu Yan and took this opportunity to vent his anger but Duan Yu only replied : "What abilities do I have to face you in a fight? I am only trying to speak a few words of fairness."
Having been forced into retreat by Xiao Feng, Ding Chun Qiu felt very humiliated and took this opportunity to step forward laughing : "The one named Xiao, I conceded 3 strokes to you as you are my junior but don't expect me to concede the fourth stroke."
You Tan Zhi also stepped forward and said : "I thank you for saving Lady Ah Zi, but for my fathers murder, I cannot live under the same sky as you. Lets settle the score today."
Reverend Xuan Sheng quietly gave orders : "Use the Great Luo Han Formation to seal all the mountain exits. This evil bandit has caused the death of brother Xuan Ku and we will not let him leave Shao Shi mountain alive!"
Xiao Feng saw that he had been surrounded by 3 highly skilled fighters and the Shaolin monks were all over the mountainside, looking totally disorganised but actually formed up in a potent fighting formation. This situation was many times more dire then back at Ju Xian Manor. Suddenly he heard the dying cries of several horses and saw that the 19 Khitan steeds were rolling on the ground and foaming at the mouths.
The 18 Khitan riders shouted in fury and in an instant had slain 8 Xing Su members while numerous others had scurried away. What actually happened was that while Ding Chun Qiu was challenging Xiao Feng, he had instructed his followers to poison the horses so that Xiao Feng would not be able to escape using those powerful steeds.
Xiao Feng saw his own steed stare pitifully at him as it lay dying. As he stared into the animal's dying gaze, he thought about how he had rode for thousands of miles south with this horse over many days and was very attached to it. Seeing how it was viciously poisoned in such a despicable manner, his blood boiled and his rage was furiously aroused. Shouting loudy he yelled : "Master Murong, Chief Zhuang, Old Freak Ding, you can all face me together, Xiao Feng is not afraid!" He hated the evil ways of the Xing Su Sect, so with the loud 'Hu!" of a palm strike, he charged fiercely at Ding Chun Qiu.
Ding Chun Qiu had tasted the might of his palm strength and immediately resisted with his utmost force using both his palms. Xiao Feng seized the opportunity to pull in his palm force and divert it in a splitting blow towards Murong Fu. Murong Fu's most adept technique was his Star Shifting Movement (**Dou Zhuai Xing Yi**) which turns an opponents force back against him but Xiao Feng actually captured both his and his opponents strength in one strike of tremendous power and speed. This left Murong Fu with no hope of diverting the blow and he summoned all his inner strength to resist with both palms while leaping 30 feet backward.
Xiao Feng twisted his body by a small movement and avoided Murong Fu's return strike, with a huge yell and and a ear splitting punch his right fist unleashed a strike at You Tan Zhi. Xiao Feng's huge physique was a full head taller then You Tan Zhi and this punch was aimed square at You Tan Zhi's face. You Tan Zhi had always been in awe of Xiao Feng and this strike was loud as a thunderclap, scaring him out of his wits. This fist of Xiao Feng was extremely fast, the three movements of ; palm strike at Ding Chun Qiu, diverting strike at Murong Fu, punch to You Tan Zhi was executed as fast as a bolt of lightning. You Tan Zhi could not think of a response before the fist was at his face, but ever since he had practised hard with the Yi Jin Jing his body was capable of reacting without conscious thought. While his thoughts were still muddled, his body had already flipped backwards twice to narrowly avoid the thousand catties of punching power.
While You Tan Zhi's face was still full of shock, he heard a loud exclamation from the assembled crowd and noticed pieces of his mask fluttering like butterflies in the wind after it was split to pieces by Xiao Feng's strike. The onlookers could see the pits and lumps on his face, some red, some black and his orifices all rotten and scarred. His hideous appearance was shocking to behold.
In 3 blows Xiao Feng had forced 3 of the most powerful fighters in the world to retreat and his great fighting spirit swelled "BRING ME WINE!" he shouted. A Khitan warrior took a large leather wineskin from a dead Khitan steed and hurried up to offer it with both hands. Xiao Feng pulled out the stopper and raised the wineskin high over his head as a stream of white wine poured down. The wineskin contained at least 20 catties of wine but Xiao Feng raised his head and gulped down everything in one breath. His abdomen buldged slightly but his dark expression remained the same as he showed no sign of being intoxicated. As the crowd looked at each other, Xiao Feng motioned with his right hand and the remaining 17 Khitan warriors raced to his side, each holding a large wineskin.
Xiao Feng faced the 18 warriors and addressed them: "Brothers, this Master Duan of Dali is my sworn brother. Today we are surrounded and outnumbered by our enemies and might not be able to escape." Although Xiao Feng had gained the upper hand in his first encounter with Murong Fu and others, he had witnessed that these 3 fighters were all possessed of great ability and if they combined forces would pose a great threat to him, furthermore the rest of the assembled fighters all looked on like a thousand crounching tigers. Pulling Duan Yu's arm, he said "Brother, you and I might meet our end here, living up to our vows. Should we die or should we live, who cares! Lets just have a carefree drink together!"
Duan Yu was struck by Xiao Feng's heroic aura and immediately grabbed a wineskin, saying "Thats right, I want to have a drink with Big Brother."
Suddenly, a grey robed monk dashed out from within the group of Shaolin monks, shouting in a clear voice: "Big Brother, Third Brother, how could you guys drink without me?" Xu Zhu had been standing quietly amongst the cluster of monks when Xiao Feng rode up the mountain and displayed his impressive aura and heroic spirit while embarassing the entire gathered heroes of wulin. Seeing how Duan Yu stayed loyal to his brotherly oath regardless of danger he remembered that on Misty Peak his oath of brotherhood with Duan Yu had included Xiao Feng as well. A true hero should stick by his promises and not fear death, thinking of the night he got drunk with Duan Yu at Ling Jiu Palace and shared his feelings, he forgot all about the threat of death as well as all the rules and commandments of Shaolin monkhood.
Xiao Feng had never meet Xu Zhu before and couldn't help being stunned for a moment when suddenly addressed as 'Big Brother'.
Duan Yu ran up to Xu Zhu and grabbed his hand, turning to tell Xiao Feng : "Big Brother, this is also my sworn brother. His buddhist name is Xu Zhu. After revoking his vows he is call Xu Zhu Zi. When the two of us took our oath of brotherhood, we included you as well. Second Brother, come greet Big Brother." Xu Zhu immediately stepped forward and kneeled down, tapping his head to the floor : "Junior Brother greets Big Brother."
Xiao Feng smiled slightly to himself and thought : "My sworn brother is a real muddle head, when he swears an oath with another he actually included me as well. I am facing death here today but that this person seems unafraid of the danger and is willing to step forward now shows that he has a heroic character. Xiao Feng would not be wasting his time by acknowledging such a brother." Xiao Feng knelt in return and spoke "Brother, Xiao Feng is only too pleased to swear brotherhood with a hero like you." The two of them faced each other and bowed eight times, swearing brotherhood in front of all the assembled heroes of the martial world.
Xiao Feng was unaware that Xu Zhu had mastered ultimate kung fu techniques, thinking that he was only a low ranked Shaolin monk and would be limited in skills. However, as he had exhibited such a strong sense of righteousness and brotherhood, it would be demeaning to ask him to stand aside so he lifted a large wineskin and proclaimed : "My two brothers, this eighteen Khitan Warriors are totally loyal to your Big Brother and have shared all with me like brothers, lets all drink together before we all start dealing out death!" He tore open the wineskin and drank a huge gulp before passed the wineskin to Xu Zhu. Xu Zhu's heart was boiling over with passion and had given up all thoughts of the numerous Buddhist restrictions and prohibitions at this point, lifting the wineskin high up he drank a mouthful before handing it to Duan Yu. Xiao Feng drank another gulp and passed it to a Khitan Warrior and all of them lifted their wineskins and drank heartily.
Xu Zhu spoke to Xiao Feng : "Big Brother, this Old Xing Su Freak is guilty of killing my latter generation Master and fellow disciple as well as killing my former Sect Shaolin's reverend Xuan Nan and Xuan Tong. Your brother wants revenge!" Surprised and stunned, Xiao Feng asked : "You...." He never got to utter the second word because Xu Zhu had already struck out at Ding Chun Qiu with twin billowing palms.
Xiao Feng saw the exquisiteness of his palm technique and deep inner power and couldn't help feeling shock and joy, thinking : "So Second brother has such incredible martial skills, this is beyond my wildest expectations." He shouted : "Watch my fist!" With twin punches he struck out at Murong Fu and You Tan Zhi. Both Murong Fu and You Tan Zhi separately assumed defensive stances to block the fists while the 18 Khitan warriors understoof their Master's wish and surrounded Duan Yu to protect him.
Xu Zhu executed his Tian Shan Liu Yang Zhang, flying and dancing as he advanced. Back when Ding Chun Qiu had used his "Xiao Yao San Xiao San" on Su Xing He and Xu Zhu, Su Xing He had met a deadly end while Xu Zhu was unscathed. Thus Ding Chun Qiu was quite fearful of Xu Zhu and did not dare to use any poisonous techniques for fear that Xu Zhu was more skilled in poisons then himself and he would end up inflicting the poison on himself. Ding Chun Qiu utilised his Xiao Yao palm techniques to defend, thinking to himself : "This little thief had unlocked the Zhen Long Qi Ju and received the old bandit's legacy, becoming the Master of Xiao Yao Sect. The old bandit is full of devious tricks and might have planned an evil trap for me, I best be on my guard and not be careless."
The martial arts of Xiao Yao Sect emphasised gentle exquisteness and graceful speed, beautiful and elegant to behold. As Ding Chun Qiu and Xu Zhu exchanged blows, the sight was one of an old man with youthful skin and white hair looking like an immortal locked in combat with one possesed with cold determination and billowing monk robes. As the two of them advanced and retreated it looked as if a pair of butterflies were fluttering amongst the flowers in random dance, fulfilling the promise of the words 'Xiao Yao'. The crowd had never bourne witness to a display of Xiao Yao kung fu and were all enraptured and stunned with amazement, thinking "These two are striking blows meant to deal deadly death, yet each move is full of grace and beauty as if in a dance. This set of gentle yet forceful and elegant palm styles is totally unknown, which Sect does it belong to? What is it called?"
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng battled Murong Fu and You Tan Zhi alone. In the first 10 strokes he had gained the upper hand, yet after that he started feeling that each fist and palm attack of You Tan Zhi was full of extremely cold yin energy. As Xiao Feng was fighting Murong Fu with all his strength, You Tan Zhi attacked him again and he felt the cold yin energy chill his body, causing great discomfort. The poisonous energies of the silk ice worm had been conditioned and strengthened by the Yi Jin Jing, the righteous and the demonic fused, water and fire synergised to become one of the strongest and deadliest inner force under heaven and added to the miraculous techniques of Murong Fu's Star Shifting Stance, Xiao Feng was battling two ultimate fighters. Compared to that day in Ju Xian Manor against over a hundred fighters, this situation was not any easier. However, XIao Feng was born with divine martial talent and the deadlier the situation the more of his hidden potential will flare forward. Using the most extreme Yang technique under heaven - The 18 Dragon Slaying Palms, he shot out palm after palm, not allowing Murong Fu and You Tan Zhi any opening to close in, thus not allowing the Cold Yin poison of You Tan Zhi to invade his body. But using his palm strikes thus was immensely energy consuming and would result in him weakening in the end.
You Tan Zhi could see no opening for him to take advantage off, but Murong Fu's mind was clear as snow, knowing that if this went on for another hour, he and this Chief Zhuang would gain the upper hand. However, the saying "North Qiao Feng, South Murong" was well known and for him to accept this Chief Zhuang's assistance in victory would diminish the name of "South Murong" in relation to "North Qiao Feng" even if Qiao Feng was slain. Murong Fu calculated in his heart and thought : " My quest if of more importance then fame. If I can help the world destroy this great menace to the Central Plains, all the warriors of the Song Dynasty would owe me their gratitude. Looks like the title of "Supreme Leader of the Martial World" is due to be mine soon. All I will need to do is raise my hand in command and the Great Yan will be revived! Besides, if Xiao Feng is dead, "South Murong" being inferior to "North Qiao Feng" is of no consequence. Thinking again, he thought : "If Xiao Feng is slain, Zhuang Ju Xian would become a great foe and should the title of Supreme Leader fall to him, I would have to take orders from him and that would be a disaster!" Thinking thus, Murong Fu reserved part of his strength everytime he struck out with a blow and only made a show of exerting his full force and ignoring danger. The power of Xiao Feng's 18 Dragon Slaying Palms was thus largely absorbed by You Tan Zhi. As Murong Fu's skills were deep and amazing, none of the onlookers could see through his act.
In a short instance, the 3 fighters had fiercely battled over 100 strokes. Xiao Feng repeatedly tricked the inexperienced You Tan Zhi into unfavourable situations and it was all due to Murong Fu's intervention that relieved the danger. However, the unparalled ferocity of Xiao Feng's palm strikes were all endured by You Tan Zhi's deep inner strength.
Duan Yu stood amidst the 18 Khitan warriors and saw both his sworn brothers press forward, not yielding an inch. His big brother was fighting solo against two, although exhibiting an awesome aura, every one of his palm strokes were executed with thundering power, sending sand flying all over. Fearing that Xiao Feng could not keep it up he thought to himself : " Although I have sworn to share all dangers with my 2 big brothers, I am hiding here now while both are facing danger. What kind of righteous spirit is this? This is not sharing weal and woe? The 3 of us have sworn brotherhood, how can this third brother not be worthy. Although I am without martial arts but I can use the Encroaching Ripples of the Subtle Steps ("Ling Bo Wei Bu") to pester Murong Fu, allowing Big Brother to first smack that ugly Chief Zhuang back. That would be good."
With his mind determined, Duan Yu dodged between the 18 Khitan warriors and shouted out : "Master Murong, your name ranks together with my Big Brother, so you should be dueling one on one with him, how can you seek another's help? Even if you managed to struggle to a draw, wouldn't it be a shame to your name? Come come come, if you have the ability come test your fist on me." As he spoke, he rushed forward in a flash and closed in on Murong Fu's body, stretching out his hands to grab hold of the back of Murong Fu's neck.
Murong Fu saw that he approached with amazing speed and sent a palm strike backwards, hitting his face. Duan Yu's right cheek had its skin burst and blood gushed forth, causing him to tear in pain. His Ling Bo Wei Bu was capable of amazing movement when he executed it, it would be very hard for anyone to hit him, but this time he was trying to attack someone else. With his clumsy attempt to grab, how could he catch hold of the supremely skilled Gu Su Murong? Being struck with a palm, Duan Yu did not know how to dodge and his skin and flesh was torn, causing him pain beyond words.
However, in the brief instant that Murong Fu's palm touched his cheeks, he felt the inner strength from his body gush outwards and disappear without a trace and his hand felt numb. In shock he thought : "Xing Su Sect's evil poison techniques! This little pest has learnt it too, I better be careful." "Little boy Duan, when have you joined the Xing Su Sect?" , he cursed
Duan Yu uttered, "You said what......". Before he finished his sentence, Murong Fu's leg flew outwards with a kick, sending him tumbling. Murong Fu did not anticipate that his sneak strike would suceed and gleefully rushed forward, planting his right foot on Duan Yu's chest, saying "Do you want to live or die?" Duan Yu twisted his head and saw that Xiao Feng was still locked in the fight with You Tan Zhi and thought that if he rebutted Murong Fu and got himself killed, Murong Fu would rejoin the fight and put his big brother in an unfavourable situation again. Trying to waste time with him, he said "What good is there in death? Of course I want to live on, that would be a better choice."
Seeing that Duan Yu was still talking disrespectfully, Murong Fu's face darkened and said: "If you want to live, then..". He thought about calling Xiao Feng to bow a hundred times to him in order to disgrace him but thinking that Duan Yu's footwork was so amazing, it would be difficult to capture him again if he was set free. "...then call me Father a hundred times!" Duan Yu chortled : "You are only my senior by a few years, how can you be my father? Have you no shame?" Murong Fu sent out a palm strike with a 'Hu' sound and struck the ground next to Duan Yu's head, sending dust and dirt flying, leaving a hole in the ground. If the palm strike had been an inch closer, Duan Yu's head would have burst open. Murong Fu retorted : "Are you going to call out or not?"
As Duan Yu inclined his head and saw the indentation on the ground, he caught a glimpse of Wang Yu Yan standing with Bao Bu Tong and Feng Bo Er standing at the side, far away. Although her eyes were on Duan Yu, there was not even one glimmer of concern on her face, obviously she was only thinking in her heart : "Will cousin kill Master Duan?" Even if her cousin killed Duan Yu, she would not feel any sadness or pain. Looking at Wang Yu Yan's reaction, Duan Yu felt great sadness and thought that dying in Murong Fu's hand was better then living in such torment so he replied in sorrow : "Why don't you call me Father a hundred times instead?"
Murong Fu was furious and raised his right palm, aiming at Duan Yu's head when suddenly 2 figures shot out like an arrow. One shouted "Don't harm my son!" and the other yelled "Don't hurt my master". Although both moved very fast it was not enough to stop Murong Fu from hitting Duan Yu, however both Duan Zheng Chun and Divine Croc of the South Seas were top class fighters and launched separate palm strikes at Murong Fu's back.
If Murong Fu did not immediately defend he could have killed Duan Yu but end up receving serious injuries. So he retracted his right palm to block the twin palms of Duan Zheng Chun while his left palm draw a circle behind his back to dissipate the force of Divine Croc's attack. All 3 fighters struck with deadly force, shocking each other and realising how formidable their opponents were. Duan Zheng Chun was desparate to save his precious son so his right hand struck out with a stance from the Yi Yang Zhi, the move steady and full of inner force.
Wang Yu Yan screamed out : "Watch out cousin! This is the Dali Duan Clan's Yi Yang Zhi, don't underestimate it!"
Divine Croc cursed out : "Screw your Grandma, this bloody Master of mine might be useless but he is still Yue number 2's Master. If you beat my Master, its as good as beating me. If my Master was cowardly and called you Father wouldn't I be 3 generations below you? Wouldn't I be your lousy grandson? You are going too far, I'll have it out with you today! While cursing he lashed out with his crocodile mouth scissors, cutting left and right relentlessly at Murong Fu. His greatest irritation was to be ranked below others, fighting constantly over the title of 2nd and 3rd evil with Ye Er Niang. If Duan Yu had acknowledged Murong Fu as father, he would become a lousy grandson and that would be totally unacceptable. He would rather die then become someone's lousy grandson.
Murong Fu did not know what the heck he was shouting about and keeping his right foot firmly planted on Duan Yu, he defended against both attackers. After more then 10 strokes, he realised that although Divine Croc was wielding a deadly weapon, he was easy to defend against while Duan Zheng Chun's Yi Yang Zhi could not be taken lightly. He concentrated mainly on fighting Duan Zheng Chun and used whatever leftover space to deflect Divine Croc's weapon but still managed to force Divine Croc backwards by several tens of feet. Duan Yu was still being firmly stepped on and could not stand up as much as he tried to struggle.
Duan Zheng You saw that his son was being pinned down and should Murong Fu increase his force, Duan Yu would be injured to the point of spitting blood and death. He was concerned with saving Duan Yu fast and as such, wielded the Yi Yang Zhi fiercely and relentlessly. Suddenly a strange voice spoke out : "The Yi Yang Zhi of the Dali Duan Clan is deep and mysterious, harmonious and solemn, in its ferocity it maintains a regal bearing. With your crude and ungainly poking, you are like a no pouched disciple of the beggar clan, what kind of Yi Yang Zhi is that? What a shame to all Dali!"
Duan Zheng Chun saw that the person who spoke was non other then his nemesis - Duan Yang Qing. Although the words were rather true, his mind was all concentrated on saving his son and had no time to think of principles like harmony and regal style. His Yi Yang Zhi struck out harder and heavier, becoming extrememly fierce but lacking in depth and stability. Suddenly, Murong Fu deflected his finger strike slightly and with a 'chi', he ended up sealing Divine Croc's shoulder accupoint with his Yi Yang Zhi.
As Divine Croc cursed and screamed out : "YOUR MOTHER'S.....", his scissors clanged down on his leg, cutting to the bone. In furious anger and great pain he broke out in huge curses but suddenly thought : "He is my master's dad, I cannot curse him. But one day when I have the chance, I'll cut his head off with my crocodile scissors...."
Taking advantage of Duan Zheng Chun's hitting of his ally, Murong Fu struck out with lightning swift fingers and sealed the Zhong Ting accupoint on his opponents chest.
The Zhong Ting point was a sixth of an inch away from the Shan Zhong point. The Shan Zhong point was the reservior of a person's breath and of utmost importance. If it was sealed, a person would be unable to breath. Murong Fu knew that his opponent was dangerous and in his haste could not hit the Shan Zhong point. But as it was, Duan Zheng Chun was now having difficulty breathing and felt a wave of internal pain.
Wang Yu Yan saw her cousin hit his opponent and clapped out : "Cousin! What a wonderful 'Night Fork Probes the Ocean' (*Ye Cha Tan Hai*). Although only hitting the Shan Zhong accupoint counts as a "Ye Cha Tan Hai", she was only concerned with praising her beloved and so even if his aim was off by a sixth of an inch, it still became a "Ye Cha Tan Hai".
Murong Fu saw that his strike was not fatal and followed up with another attack. His right palm shoved outwards and slammed Duan Zheng Chun in the chest. Duan Zheng Chun did not even have time to take one breath since the last strike and thus was unable to defend. As Murong Fu's fierce palm struck him, he vomited out a mouthful of fresh blood. However, as his precious son was still trapped, he was unwilling to back off and tried hurriedly to smoothen out his breathing and gather his energy. But Murong Fu's second strike was already incoming.
Under Murong Fu's foot, Duan Yu saw his father spit blood as Murong Fu prepared to strike him with yet another palm. In his urgency he pointed with his right forefinger at Murong Fu and yelled : "You dare to hit my Father?" In his frenzy, his inner strength naturally surged forward through his forefinger and this was the "Shang Yang Jian" stance of the "Liu Mai Shen Jian". With a 'chi' sound, Murong Fu's sleeves were cut open by the invisible sword and as the sword energy collided with his palm energy, he felt a tingling pain in his hand. Murong Fu was shocked and immediately leapt backwards, leaving Duan Yu free to stand up and point out with the little finger on his left hand, executing a 'Shao Ze Jian' at Murong Fu. Murong Fu waved his
left arm to defend and with 2 slicing sounds, his left sleeve was cut open by the sword chi. Deng Bai Chun shouted out : "Watch out Master, its invisible sword chi! Use a weapon!" Unshealthing his sword, he spun it by the hilt and tossed it towards Murong Fu.
Duan Yu had felt deep bitterness in his heart when he heard Wang Yu Yan cheer out as his father was injured. With inner strength flowing through, he unleashed the Liu Mai Shen Jian, the six strokes of the "Shao Shang", "Shang Yang", "Zhong Chong", "Guan Chong", "Shao Chong" and "Shao Ze" Jian shot out as he thrust and sliced away. Attacking with his mind and body as one, he fought as if divinely inspired.
This set of swordplay from Duan Yu was magnificent and grand in display, each stroke contained heaven shaking power. Murong Fu hooked and slashed but was finding it difficult to resist Duan Yu's attacks.
**END OF CHAPTER 41**