Bordertown Wanderer - Bian Cheng Lang Zi - by Gu Long

[bliss]

This might be the first time that Fu HongXue killed an innocent person, but he has already killed people who were implicated in his father's murder, such as the sworn brother of Ma Kongqun.

I like how Gu Long presents the theme of vengeance in this story. Blind rage born from a burning desire for revenge clouded Fu's judgement and lead to the death of Yuan. Furthermore, although Fu's father was a famous fighter, he may not have been as kind as Li Xun Huan, as the seemingly loyal and honorable Flower Guarding Swordsman felt that he had legitimate grievances with Bai TianYu.

So Bai may have been a character with shades of gray instead of an immaculate white.

Nice observations! For now, we can only assume that this is the case for Bai TianYu.

I always thought that this novel and Jin Yong's Tian Long Ba Bu both had very similar themes -- the cycle of vengeance and enmity, and ultimate resolution only through forgiveness and tolerance.

Where in a lot of his other novels his endings are kind of a letdown and rather weak, I think Gu Long was top-notch in how he wraps this story up. Hopefully I make it through to the end sooner rather than later and can bring you all along with me for the ride. Wish me luck!

[Wellesley]

I'm sure there will be many fans who will enjoy this ride to its conclusion, as demonstrated by the large amount of interest generated since you started translating again

[bliss]

The blade had returned to its sheathe.

But the blood on the blade would never dry.

Fu HongXue slowly turned around. His left foot took a step forward, then his right leg dragged along from behind. His entire body was still shivering, he was using all his strength to control himself.

"You're lying! Every single word you've said is a lie."

He slowly walked through the crowd, his eyes focused only on the ground in front of him. He didn't have the courage to look at the bodies anymore, nor did he have the courage to look at anyone else in the hall.

The sound of sobbing came from behind him. The sound of Ma FangLing's tears.

She was bitterly crying and cursing, shouting every single malicious obscenity in the world that she could think of. But Fu HongXue did not hear her. His entire body was numb from head to toe.

No one could stop him. No one dared to stop him.

His hand was still tightly clenched onto his sabre.

Jet black sabre!

The rays of the sun outside were still beaming and splendid. He walked into the sunlight.

Ma FangLing's hair was in a wild mess as she madly shouted, "And you consider yourselves friends of Yuan QiuYun? You're all going to just let him walk away after committing murder?"

No one replied, no one moved.

This conflict stemmed from nineteen years ago and not anyone else was part of it.

A tooth for a tooth, blood to repay blood debts. This was one of the oldest rules of the martial world.

And Bai TianYu did suffer a very horrible death.

Other than crying and cursing, there was nothing else that Ma FangLing could do. Crying and cursing couldn't kill Fu HongXue.

She suddely bit down on her lips and the sound of her sobs came to a halt. As her lips bled, she straightened out her garments and threw her hairtie to the ground. Her long messy hair fell loose as she slowly walked passed the frightened crowd and towards the door.

As she passed by Ye Kai, she suddenly stopped. She stared at him with her tear-soaked eyes and said, "You should be satisfied now."

Ye Kai could only give a forced smile.

"What should he be satisfied about?" Ding LingLin couldn't help but ask.

Ma FangLing stared at her fiercely, "Don't look so smug, he'll cast you off to the side one day too."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked straight out. As she was just about out the door, an old servant with a head full of white hair chased after her from behind.

He knelt down before her and said, "The old master has passed away, and young master Yuan is nowhere to be found. At a time like this, how can young mistress leave?"

The old servant's face was drenched in tears and his voice was trembling.

Ma FangLing didn't even turn to look at him as she held her head up and said, "I am not your young mistress. I never married into the Yuan family yet. From this day forth, I want nothing to do with the Yuan family."

She strode through the courtyard and didn't look back.

"From this day forth, I will never step foot inside 'White Cloud Manor'."

The autumn winds whistled, the air was even thicker.

Ding LingLin let out a sigh and said, "Who would've thought that she was be such a heartless person."

Ye Kai sighed as well, "Being heartless seems to be an inborn trait of the Ma family."

Ding LingLin glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes and said, "And what about the Ye family?"

As soon as she finished, a voice from behind replied, "They're not much better."

Ding LingLin didn't turn around as Ye Kai said, "Your brother has really come."

A person in a plumed coat and cap with a short beard and an archaic yellow sword slung slanted across his back slowly made his way towards them. Although he was dressed like a Taoist, every piece of clothing looked like it was fitted and matched perfectly. An obviously expensive and valuable jade ring adorned each hand. He was tall and slender, scholarly and elegant, worthy of being called an extremely handsome. But his expression was rather proud and arrogant. There were probably not many people in the world who were worth his time.

He was the great scholar of the martial world, nicknamed the "Immaculate Taoist", the eldest son of the Ding family, Ding YunHe.

Ding LingLin jumped for joy as she ran to greet him. The bells on clothes jingled incessantly.

Ding YunHe frowned and said, "Are you done running wild outside yet? When are you going to return home?"

Ding LingLin pouted her lips and replied, "I'm not a child anymore. Why must you lecture me as soon as you see me?"

Ding YunHe sighed and shook his head as he furrowed his brow at Ye Kai and said coldly, "Who would've thought that you'd still be alive by now."

Ye Kai smiled and replied, "By your good fortune, I've been eating well and sleeping well lately. I don't think I could bear to die just yet."

"'The good die young and misfortunes last a millenium', that saying couldn't be more true." Ding YunHe said.

"Why must you curse him so big brother?" Ding LingLin said.

"Because if he were dead, maybe you'd quietly return home and behave."

Ding LingLin blinked and replied, "You're right, if he were dead I probably wouldn't be running wild outside anymore. I'd be inside a grave."

Ding YunHe's expression sunk. But before he could reply, Ding LingLin suddenly tugged at his sleeves and said, "Do you see that person outside, the one with the sword attached to his belt?"

The person who was just walking in from the outside was Lu XiaoJia.

"Are you associated with the likes of him as well?" Ding YunHe asked her.

"You know who he is?" Ding LingLin asked.

Ding YunHe nodded his head.

There were not many people in the martial who weren't familiar with that sword of his.

"He said he wanted to kill you." Ding LingLin said.

"Oh."

"And all you have to say is 'oh'?"

"Well, I'm still alive and breathing."

Ding LingLin's eyes flickered, "You don't want to compete with him to see who has the faster sword?"

"My sword was never that fast." Ding YunHe replied.

Internal cultivation swordsmanship was based on the principle of countering speed with slowness. Overcoming movement through stillness in order to defeat one's opponents was the true essence of the technique.

Ding LingLin let out a sigh as she gazed at Lu XiaoJia. Lu XiaoJia didn't seem to pay any attention to her.

Suddenly, she strode over to him and said, "Wei."

Lu XiaoJia peeled a peanut and flipped it into the air.

"That person standing over there is my big brother. Do you see him?" Ding LingLin asked.

Lu XiaoJia was looking at the peanut falling through the air.

"Didn't you say that you wanted to kill him?" Ding LingLin asked.

After the peanut had fallen into his mouth, Lu XiaoJia slowly replied, "I said that?"

"Why don't you go over there and make a move?"

Lu XiaoJia chewed on the peanut slowly and said, "It just happens that I'm not in the mood to kill today."

"Why not?"

"Enough people have died already."

Ding LingLin's eyes danced as she smiled, "I understand now. Although your mouth is quite brave, your heart is quite scared of us."

Lu XiaoJia smiled. He didn't deny it, because he did fear one person. But that person was not surnamed Ding.

________________________________________

Fu HongXue stood in the middle of the road. He stood where the horse carriage had just been. He stood where he and Cui Nong had separated.

The crowd at 'White Cloud Manor' had scattered. As soon as one person left, ten followed, and then a hundred after that. Except for true-hearted longtime friends, no one wanted to stay in a place like that.
Friends like that were rare, extremely rare.

The crowd flooded out of 'White Cloud Manor' like gushing water. Some rode off on horseback, others boarded their carriages, and the less fortunate walked off on foot. A lot of them were still whispering back and forth about what had happened, but the consensus was that they were not cowards for leaving, it's just that it wasn't their business to meddle in.

Everyone kept their distance from Fu HongXue. It was as if disaster would befall anyone who got too close to him. But everyone also thought, "Why was this person still here?"

Fu HongXue didn't see any of them, he didn't see anything. His eyes didn't see anyone, nor anything. The world was completely empty to him, because Cui Nong was no longer by his side.

He was almost certain that she'd be waiting here for him. He never thought that she'd leave. To just leave like that without a single word, how could she do that to him?

Although he did just leave her as well, he did so because he had to seek revenge. He didn't want to risk putting her in harm's way. But the most important thing was that he'd never leave her alone, he would always return.

Although he had never said any of these things, she should've understood. Because she should understand him by now. Although he would sometimes treat her coldly and lash out at her for no reason, it was only because he loved her too much. He was too afraid of losing her.

That's why he was always pained and bothered by things things that were part of the long forgotten past. It felt like a needle puncturing his heart everytime he thought of another man sleeping with her. He didn't think any of these men deserved it, he always thought of her as a pure and innocent goddess. Althought he had never said any of this, she should've understood.

She shoudld've understood that he loved her. That he loved her very deeply.

But she was gone, she had left without a single word or sign.

Why? How could she be so cruel?

The wind was the same wind that was blowing before. The clouds were the same clouds that were drifting before. But to him, the world had completely changed. To him, the world was completely empty.

His hand clenched tightly onto his sabre. It felt as if someone was clenching tightly onto his heart, and pricking it with a needle right square in the center. A long, sharp and cold needle.

No one could imagine how deep and horrifying this painful sadness could be. It was the first emotion he felt more formidable to him than vengeance. At first, the only thing he wanted to destroy were his nemeses. But these emotions made him want to destroy himself. It made him want to destroy the entire world!

He never thought about his own mistakes, because he never felt that he was wrong. That is why he suffered. He never thought as far as realizing that words left unsaid would never be understood or heard.

Maybe it was because he didn't really understand Cui Nong, or women in general.

Maybe he didn't understand love.

He didn't understand how to express love, and he didn't understand how to love another person.

But he knew that this love was real!

When your love for someone is real, the pain that you feel is real. This is one of the sad truths in this world.

But as long as you've loved before, the pain would be worth it!

Night.

Stars were shining in the sky, leaves were rustling in the wind.

The moon in autumn was brighter than usual.

It was the same stars and moon in the sky as the night before. But where was the person from before?

The stars were still in the sky, and the moon was still in the sky. But where was she?

Three months. They had been together for three months. Ninety days and ninety nights. Although it seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye, each day, each night, each moment, each second was filled with unforgettable memories. There was pain and there was happiness. There was anguish and there was sweetness. How many sweet embraces? How many soft caresses? Was everything now nothing more than a memory?

Would these memories etched so deeply onto the heart have to be forgotten now? Or would they always remain unforgettable? And what if they were forgotten? And what if they were unforgettable? Life, what kind of life was this?

Fu HongXue bit down on his teeth and strode forth as the autumn breeze blew at his scarred tears. He couldn't die just yet!

Murky light. The murky lantern lit wine shop always carried with it a certain desolate loneliness. The wine was murky as well. Murky lights and murky wine were in front of him. He had never drank before but we wanted to get drunk. He didn't believe that alcohol could make him forget everything, but he wanted to get drunk.

He always thought that he could endure any pain, but the pain that he was feeling now was unbearable.

The murky wine sat in a shoddy porcelain bowl. He was determined to finish this turbid bowl of wine. But before he could reach his hand out, another hand picked up the bowl of wine.

"You can't drink this wine."

The hand was strong and sturdy but dull and drab. The voice was strong but drab as well. Fu HongXue did not lift his head. He recognized that hand and he recognized that voice -- Big Xue was a strong but drab kind of person, almost like a leage walnut.

"Why can't I drink this wine?"

"Because this wine isn't good enough."

In Big Xue's other hand was a large container of wine. He put the container down onto the table, popped open the cover and poured out one large bowl of wine. He didn't speak a single word. The expression on his face was neither one of sympathy or pity. All he did was give that bowl of wine to Fu HongXue.

Fu HongXue didn't refuse it. He wasn't even in the mood to turn people down. He only wanted to get drunk.

Who said that wine was sweet? The bitter and scalding wine was like fire as it poured down Fu HongXue's throat. He bit his teeth and swallowed it down, trying his hardest not to throw it back up. Instead, tears started to flow out.

Big Xue looked at Fu HongXue and asked, "You've never drank wine before?"

There was no reply.

Big Xue didn't ask again as he poured Fu HongXue another bowl. The second bowl tasted much better. After the third bowl, a very strange sensation came over Fu HongXue's body. He had never felt such a thing. The murky light on the table suddenly became much brighter. A strange vitality suddenly surged through his stiff and empty body. Even the pain that he felt slowly faded away.

But the pain was still in his heart, the blade was still in his heart!

Big Xue glanced at his blade and said, "Killing the wrong person is not that big of a deal."

Silence.

"Of all the heroes in the martial world, which one of them could say that they've never killed the wrong person before?" Big Xue said.

Still silence.

"Forget about others, just look at Yuan QiuYun himself. Who knows how many times in his life he's wrongly killed before." Big Xue said.

Fu HongXue lifted another bowl of wine to his mouth and finished it with one gulp. He knew that Big Xue had misunderstood his pain. It was much worse than what he thought.

He had completely forgotten that he just killed an innocent person. All he could remember was a woman, a woman who had deserted him.

Big Xue poured him another bowl and said, "You shouldn't even let what happened bother you, I know you're a good man, you ..."

Fu HongXue suddenly cut him off and said, "I'm not a good man."

Big Xue knitted his brow and asked, "Says who?"

"Me." Fu HongXue replied. He took the wine bowl and shattered it on the floor. "I'm not a man at all!"

Big Xue laughed and said, "I can assure you that you're the only person who thinks that way."

"Only because other people don't understand me."

Big Xue let out a sigh and said, "What about you? Do you really understand yourself?"

This was one question that he definitely did not have an answer for.

"We are merely strangers so of course I can't claim to understand you. But even so I would dare to say that you're definitely a person, an extraordinary person. And so you shouldn't let yourself drown in despair for any reason." His expression became even more serious and his voice became even more stern as he continued, "Especially not for a woman."

Of course Fu HongXue lifted his head. He suddenly realized that Big Xue was right. A man suffering because love was like green leaves on a tree suddenly withering.

"I can also tell you that not only is she not worth your pain but also that she's not even worth glancing another eye at." Big Xue said.

"You ... you ... you know her ... her whereabouts?" Even his voice trembled from nervousness.

Big Xue nodded his head and said, "I do."

Fu HongXue leapt up and said, "Tell ... tell me."

"I cannot."

"Why not?"

Big Xue stared at him. His eyes filled with sorrow and he down a bowl of wine. He finally nodded his head and said, "Fine, I'll tell you. She ... she's with another person."

"Who?"

"The young lad who was driving our carriage."

That sentence was like a blade stabbing into Fu HongXue's chest. His pain was spiralling close to madness.

"You're lying!"

"I never lie."

"If you say that again I'll kill you."

"You can kill me if you want, but I am not lying."

Big Xue's expression was calm and collected and he stared at Fu HongXue.

"You must believe me, you have to!"

Fu HoneXue stared at him as his hand clenched onto his sabre. He hadn't pulled his blade out, but his tears had started to flow. He could tell that Big Xue wasn't lying.

"You shouldn't blame her, she's not good enough for you anyway. If the two of you forced it, it would only result in sadness -- but the two of them are the same."

The two of them! That statement also felt like a blade stabbing into Fu HongXue's chest.

Could it be that the woman in his heart was that wretched and lowly?

He suddenly fell to the floor. Then his tears started to flow. At least he didn'y cry aloud. But these silent tears were even more depressing than loud wailing.

Big Xue didn't try to comfort him. Everyone knew that silent tears could not be solved by comforting. All he could do was wait and watch from the side. Waiting and watching until all the wine and grief in Fu HongXue's body flowed out through his tears.

Big Xue finally pulled him up and said, "Let's go. Let's go drink somewhere else."

Fu HongXue did not refuse. He had lost all willpower and dignity to refuse.

This place not only had wine but also women. Wine along with women could make all sorts of men forget all sorts of problems. Fu HongXue hadn't forgotten it all yet, but he was already numb. His pain was probably even deeper by the third day. But this place had women and wine waiting for him.

It looked like not only was Big Xue a good friend, he was a very good host as well. He provided for everything. Everything he offered, Fu HongXue accepted. When a person was in real pain, not only did they lose the will to refuse, they lost the courage to do so as well.

As soon as he opened his eyes each day he was waiting for the first bowl of wine. After the last bowl was finished, he would fall down. He only had one thing left to fear -- sobriety.

Does pain only exist when we are sober? Could numbness really wash away the pain?

Nightfall, it was not yet nightfall.

Flowery fragrances emanted from beyond the walls. The long road lay silent and empty. Under the rays of the sun it looked like a giant copper mirror. There were only four buildings on that road. The most luxurious brothels and inns in the city resided on that stretch. This road was called Courtyard Road.

At the end of the road were crescent shaped gate doors shaded on all sides. Strong fragrant odors emanting from within.

Fu HongXue pushed open those doors. He crossed into the small pathway. The smell of flowers, perfume and women permeated through the air. It was here that he spent six days in inebriation. This place had all varieties of wine and all varieties of women -- from thirteen to thirty. They were all very beautiful and they all knew how to please a man.

"How different is Cui Nong and any of the women here? I bet any one of these womenm aren't that far off from her."

Those were Big Xue's words. Fu HongXue didn't argue but in his heart he knew that CUi Nong was irreplaceable to him. In every man's heart is a woman who is irreplaceable to him no matter what. This is another one of humanity's sorrowful truths.

And now he stood, he hadn't drank a cup of wine yet today. The lingering fragrance from the previous night still remained. The walls were white, the furniture was shiny, a pot of chrysanthemums that sat atop a cabinet was in full boom. This was the most exquisite and luxurious place in the entire city, but he suddenly felt as if he was trapped in a cage.

He wanted to take a walk. His hand was still clenched onto his sabre, but nowhere near as hard as before. His complexion was still as pale as ever, but it was no longer transparent. It was more like ash.

Had the alcohol already destroyed his dignity and valor? Had it sapped away all his strength? Even he could sense it himself. His head felt swelled, his stomach was still empty. He didn't have an appetite for anything other than wine.

Suddenly, a new fear came over him. So he wanted to escape this cage.

The long street was desolate, flowers still permeated through the air.

Fu HongXue pushed open the crescent gates. A gentle gust of autumn wind greeted him. He took a deep breath and was ready to float away to wherever the wind carried him.

It was just then that he saw someone.

Cui Nong.

After countless moments of torment and pain, he suddenly saw Cui Nong.

But she wasn't alone. At her side was the young lad who was their driver.

But no one would ever be able to tell that he used to steer carriages now. He had on a long extravagant robe that was worth at least twenty silver taels, the type that the wealthiest young men in town wore. On his belt was Cui Nong's snuff bottle, several large pearls adorned his headwear. He could walk proudly with his chin up now.

But he still stood behind Cui Nong, the same way Cui Nong always stood behind Fu HongXue. As soon as Cui Nong's lips moved, his ears would perk up. Because all the clothes on his body and head were bought with her money. She practically bought his entire person.

It was something that she'd never be able to obtain from Fu HongXue.

Fu HongXue quickly became stiff and numb. The wind that blew at him suddenly felt hot, as if it were being blown from the depths of hell. His whole body felt as if it were engulfed in flames.

His blade was also in flames. The blade was still in his hands. He could've dashed over and killed that person in an instant. But he just stood there motionlessly, because he was feeling an indescribable sense of shame and disgrace. He was too afraid to confront them.

The ones who should be ashamed were them, but it was he who felt that way instead. What kind of emotion was this? What kind of pain and suffering was this? Who could've understood other than him?

"Let it go, let it go, let it go ..."

He wanted to turn away and not look at them. But his whole body was frozen in place, even his eyes were unable to move.

"Let it go, let it go, let it go ..."

Since she really was that kind of person, why use anymore was it to pain and weep for her? But his years had already started to flow.

His eyes watched as they walked towards an inn across the street. Cui Nong was in front while the youngster followed from behind.

He was still unable to move.

After who knows how long he finally felt a soft, delicate hand holding his own hand.

"Why are you just standing here? Big Xue has been looking all around for you and wants you to come drink more with him."

Right, alcohol. Why was he standing here sober, enduring such humiliation and heartache?

Thus, he went to drink again. He once was again in inebriation. He drank until he woke, he woke just to drink some more. Dignity, courage, and strength were all thrown out the window.

The only thing he had left was that blade.

Pitch black sheathe, pitch black hilt.

The hand that held his blade started to twitch slightly.

He had not drank yet that day. A young girl with a very big sweet smile poured them each a cup. Big Xue watched from across the table. Amber colored wine filled the jade colored cups.

Fu HongXue knew that as soon as he downed that cup of wine, his troubles and pain would instantly lighten. He reached out his hand and grabbed the cup of wine. Just then, Big Xue struck out and knocked the cup of wine out of his hand.

Fu HongXue was shocked.

Big Xue's expression didn't look as jovial and friendly as it had been the last couple of days.

"You still want to drink today?"

Fu HongXue hesistated before finally nodding his head.

"Do you know how much of my wine you've drank already?" Big Xue asked in a deep voice.

Of course Fu HongXue did not know, he could barely think straight let alone remember.

The young maiden with the sweet smile chimed in, "Not counting today, young master Fu's tab comes out to three thousand four hundred silver taels."

"How much has he paid so far?" Big Xue asked.

The young maiden's smile became even sweeter, "Not a single tael."

"Not even one? Then how is he still in here?" Big Xue said coldly.

"Because he is a guest of master Xue." the young maiden replied.

"Right, he is my guest so I can treat him once or twice. But you can't expect me to treat him for a lifetime."

The young maiden laughed and replied, "Of course not, it's not like he is master Xue's son or something. Why should master Xue pay for him for a lifetime?"

"I paid for him before because I thought he still resembled a hero. Who would've guessed that he's nothing but a leeching dog, not even the least resemblance of a man."

Fu HongXue's entire body shook from shame and anger, but all he could do was take it. Because even he knew himself that there was no reason for anyone to pay for his wine for an entire lifetime.

He bit down on his teeth and slowly stood up. His left leg took a step forward, and his right leg slowly dragged along from behind. He was even slower than usual because his legs were slightly numb.

"You want to leave?" Big Xue asked.

"I ... I should leave." Fu HongXue replied.

"What about your tab?"

Fu HongXue shut his mouth. He had no reply and had nothing else he could say.

"I can pay for the first three days, but the last eleven days ..." Big Xue said.

The young maiden cut in and added, "The last eleven days comes out to two thousand eight hundred and fifty silver taels."

"Did you hear her, that's two thousand eight hundred and fifty silver taels. You want to leave without paying up?" Big Xue said.

Fu HongXue had no reply, nor did he have anything to say.

"You don't have enough money to pay the bill? Fine, leave your sabre behind and I'll let you go." Big Xue said.

It was as if Fu HongXue's ears just heard a clap of thunder.

"Leave your sabre behind!"

Fu HongXue felt as if his entire body was crumbling apart. Big Xue had a malicious smile on his face. He had finally revealed his true colors. After quite some time, Fu HongXue finally put together nine words.

"No one can make me leave my sabre behind!"

"If you had said those words before, I might've taken heed. But now ..." Big Xue replied.

"But now what?"

"Now, you can't make such a threat. You're not worthy of making such a threat!"

Fu HongXue suddenly turned around. His eyes flashed red. At least he finally saw Big Xue for who he really was.

"If you don't plan on leaving your sabre behind today, you'll have to leave your head behind!"

"Leave your head behind!"

The reason why Big Xue was so kind to him was solely for the purpose of eventually uttering those words. It was all part of his plan from the start.

The blade was still in his hand, Fu HongXue could still draw it out of his sheathe at anytime. But he had completely lost the confidence in his ability to kill a person with a single strike. Because his courage, dignity, and his confidence had been completely sapped by wine.

"Draw your blade!"

Big Xue stood up like a giant.

"Are you afraid of drawing your blade?"

Not only was his voice filled with mocking ridicule, it was also filled with confidence. Because he understood Fu HongXue's martial arts very well. He also understood what Fu HongXue had lost in the last couple days.

He had complete certainty.

This certainty was the same certainty that Fu HongXue had when he plunged his blade into Yuan QiuYun's chest!

He knew that as soon as Fu HongXue drew his blade, he would be killed instantly. In the same way as when Fu HongXue drew his blade and others would be killed instantly.

It was a frightening change.

Who brought about such a change? And what could've caused it? What kind of thing is love?

Fu HongXue did not draw his blade. He could not draw his blade. His sword didn't feel like it was in his hands anymore, it felt like it was plunged into his heart! His heart was slowly dripping with blood, pain, remorse, shame, and anger. And all this was brought about by a woman. A woman who ran off to an inn with a lowly carriage driver.

"Let it go, let it go, let it go ..."

What if he drew his blade? What if he died? Love and hatred would perish instantly with him. His life would perish as well, all in one clean swoop. Under such pain and humiliation, why would anyone want to stay alive? What was worth staying alive for?

He had decided to draw his blade!

Nightfall.

The autumn clouds hung low, the land was vast and boundless.

Fu HongXue was prepared to draw his blade. Just then, he heard someone laugh.

Lu XiaoJia's laughter. Unbeknownst to them all, Lu XiaoJia was perched on the window for some time already. The sound of his laughter always seemed to carry a tone of cynicism and ridicule.

Fu HongXue's heart sank. He originally thought he had a tiny sliver of hope, but now even that was gone.

"Beautiful wine, beautiful women, and the two of you are going to throw your lives away here?" Lu XiaoJia said with a smile.

"Is it ever necessary to pick the right place to kill someone?" Big Xue said.

"Of course it is." Lu XiaoJia replied with a smile, "I'm much more of an expert at killing than you two and I can guarantee you that this is not the place to be killing people."

"You want to pick a location for us then?" Big Xue asked.

Lu XiaoJia nodded his head, "That garden over there is a good spot. No matter where you fall dead, you'll be landing on a bed of flowers."

Hazy evening mist, it appeared as if there was a layer of cotton yarn hanging over the flower garden. But this beautiful garden suddenly turned into a very cold and desolate place.

With a flip, Lu XiaoJia landed on another windowsill and said, "Autumn weather makes for such a great time for killing."

"Pity that there's no need for you to get involved this time." Big Xue said.

Lu XiaoJia smiled and replied, "When I have no one to kill, watching a friend kill is just as good."

"I guarantee you'll get a good show then." Big Xue said.

"I believe you." Lu XiaoJia replied.

He turned to look at Fu HongXue with a smile and said, "You know, the person being killed today really wasn't supposed to be you."

Fu HongXue stood still at the end of the path in the garden.

"Old Xue's martial arts are ferocious and powerful and he can be considered a first-class expert. But your blade seems to be possessed by some demonic power. Before, you would've been able to kill him." Lu XiaoJia said.

Silence.

"But now that's not the case anymore. Because you've lost confidence in yourself, how would your blade have any confidence in you?" Lu XiaoJia continued.

Still silence.

"You no longer trust your blade now, and your blade no longer trusts you. That is why you'll definitely die under Old Xue's hands."

Fu HongXue's palms filled with cold sweat.

"Watching someone like you die under another person's hands will be such a shame. But you have no one to blame but yourself."

Lu XiaoJia let out a sigh and continued, "If a person is seeking vengeance, he can't let his heart fall in love with any woman. If a person wants to stay alive in the martial world for a long time, he definitely can't let his heart fall for any woman. Besides, the person you've fallen in love with is nothing more than a prostitute."

Fu HongXue felt his heart sinking into this chest. He suddenly said, "If a person wants to stay alive for a long time, he shouldn't speak so many words."

"That is very true, I really have spoken too much today." Lu XiaoJia peeled another peanut and tossed it into the air as he said, "But at the same time, you've spoken too little."

"Oh?"

Lu XiaoJia caught the peanut in his mouth and chewed slowly, "You should ask him why he wants to kill you."

"I don't need to ask."

"Why not?"

"Because I already know why."

"You know why already?"

Fu HongXue's eyes filled with pain, "He must be one of the assassins that went to Plum Blossom Monastery that night."

Lu XiaoJia let out a loud laugh, "He's not even thirty years old, so he must've been a child back then. Why don't you try to guess his age?"

Fu HongXue looked startled.

"Since you can seek vengeance for your father, why can't he kill you for the sake of his father as well."

Fu HongXue finally understood.

Although Big Xue wasn't an enemy of the Bai family, his father undoubtedly was. This entire plan was to prevent Fu HongXue from going after his father. Who could say that Big Xue was wrong in his actions? Although his methods weren't very honorable, no one could criticize him for doing whatever it takes to protect his father's life.

Big Xue didn't say a word the entire time. He had focused all the strength in his body to his four limbs. His gigantic body looked as if it had become even bigger. His weapon of choice was a fifty-three catty iron hatchet that looked like it could split mountains.

Fu HongXue took a deep breath and said, "Fine, you might as well make your move now."

"I'll let you draw your sabre first, I can still kill you then." Big Xue said coldly.

Suddenly another voice was heard saying, "If you want to kill him, you'll have to kill me first."

Although that voice was coarse, it was still very audible. A person hurriedly made their way through the garden path. Usually, it was rare for someone to be able to maintain their grace and beauty under duress. Her neatly combed hair was in a mess, the anxiety and fear on her face was clear.

A young lad chased after her from behind, "Why are you meddling in other people's business for?"

Before the youngster could finish his words, she turned and slapped him across his face.

Big Xue and Lu XiaoJia were caught by surprise as they both uttered at the same time, "It's you!"

They couldn't believe that this woman was Cui Nong, and they couldn't believe that she would be willing to die for Fu HongXue. But in that instant, the person who was most amazed, most pained, and yet most joyful was of course Fu HongXue.

There probably wasn't anyone who could describe or understand how Fu HongXue felt at that point. Cui Nong had rushed over and was standing in front of him.

"What are you here for?" Big Xue asked.

"I can't watch him die." Cui Nong replied.

"You think you can protect him?" Big Xue with a cold smile.

"I can't, but I can die before him."

"You're really willing to die for him?"

"Why else would I be here for?"

"Then why did you leave in the first place?"

"Because ... because I thought he was disgusted with me, and looked down on me. I thought he didn't want me at all."

Tears started to brim on her eyes. "But now I know that he truly loves me. He only treated me that way because he was born with that kind of temperament."

Big Xue smiled coldly.

"Only now do I understand that as long as he truly loves me, nothing else is important. And anyway ... I know how these last couple days must have been for him." she said as tears streamed down her face.

She bit down on her lips as she continued, "If not for me, how could the likes of you threaten him?"

"You really want me to kill you?" Big Xue said coldly.

"Yes. If he were to die because of me, how could I live on anyway?"

"Very well, then I'll fulfill your wish." Big Xue said.

Suddenly Fu HongXue cut in, "Wait a second!"

"Don't tell me you want to die first now?" Big Xue remarked coldly.

Fu HongXue didn't reply. He didn't say another word. He didn't have to say anything else because his mannerisms had made everything crystal clear. In that split second, his entire person had changed again.
Before, his heart felt like it crushed into pieces, like paper in the palm of someone's hand. If your heart is in shambles, even if you had the strength you wouldn't be able to use it.

Everything in life is driven by one's heart.

Alcohol wasn't really destroying him. It was his pain and desperation that was destroying him.

But now, his heart felt whole again. His mannerisms were suddenly filled with confidence again, because he knew that the person he loved had not betrayed him. The hand that was grasping his sabre suddenly became exceptionally steady.

Big Xue looked at him and an unspeakable dread filled his body. He knew that if he didn't kill this person now, there would never again be another opportunity.

He let out a loud roar and charged over. The fifty-three catty iron hatchet turned into a fierce howling wind. Flowers in the garden were shaken by the tremendous force and blown into the air.

Then everything fell silent.

Flowers slowly drifted to the ground. The iron hatchet was raised high but stayed motionless. Big Xue stood there motionless as well.

Fu HongXue was already standing in front of him right under his hatchet.

But the only part of his sabre that was visible was its black handle, its blade was already buried into Big Xue's chest!

That jet black handle was still in his hand, his face was pale as snow.

The iron hatchet finally fell out of Big Xue's hands. His eyes bulged out as they stared at Fu HongXue. They looked the same as all the others that died under his blade, they filled with doubt and disbelief.
But he had no other choice than to believe it now. This person, that blade, really had that kind of power.

Fu HongXue did not look at him, he only stared at his sabre.

With a *QIANG*, his sabre went back into his sheathe.

Big Xue had not yet fallen. With a long heave, he managed to let out a couple of words, "I really wanted to see you as a friend."

Those would be the last words he ever spoke.

Then, he fell to the ground on a bed of flowers.

Fu HongXue still did not look at him, but for some reason a hint of sadness showed in his lonesome eyes.

"I really didn't want to kill."

Although he didn't actually say those words, there are some things that don't have to be spoken at all.


- END CHAPTER 31 -

[toe]

Welcome back Bliss...

[LiarLiar]

Boy, I haven't read this story in awhile and it took some time to get used to the style again. This is a very good 2 chapters and a half. It seem the story is shifting focus from Ye Kai in the beginning and Fu HongXue now. The story is also slowly reveal the story more and more. I like the pace. They give you just enough to want to continue. Thank for continuing the translation Bliss.

[bliss]

Hi all,

I've posted a large update to Chapter 31 above. It's quite a lengthy chapter and should be completed soon. Thanks for reading!

[Ren Wo Xing]

10 bucks Ye Kai has to come and save his arse!

[Wellesley]

Wow, huge update!

At first I thought Big Xue was doing all of this to help Fu HongXue regain his confidence, as they were acquaintances and seemingly on decent terms. Big Xue himself seemed like a decent guy.

Then I started having doubts about the nobility of his intentions. But now I think Big Xue really is trying to help Fu. That was a good way to make Fu draw his saber, by pushing him to the point where he had nothing to lose, even if he lost the battle death would still be better than the horrible 11 days he's been living.

[rati4u]

thank you bliss....want more

[bliss]

Hey all, Chapter 31 has been completed in its original post above. Enjoy!

[Wellesley]

Damn that's sad. I was wrong about Big Xue's intention but I still think that he's an honorable guy. Too bad he and Fu Hong Xue were entangled in this web of revenge.

[Han Solo]

Awesome.

Thanks,
Han Solo

[bliss]

Ruined flowers had all fallen down, a few petals landed on Big Xue's body.

Lu XiaoJia was still sitting there, he hadn't yet gone over to look at his friend's corpse. As he looked at the sabre in Fu HongXue's hands, his cold and distant eyes suddenly started to glow.

"An incredibly fast blade!"

There was no response.

Lu XiaoJia smiled as his voice deepened, "It's a pity that it's not a hundred percent swift."

Fu HongXue still did not reply because he knew those words were true. Although he was able to slay Big Xue, it didn't mean that his blade was now as fast as it had previously been. Even the heartiest of men would suffer damages after fourteen days of pain and torment.

Lu XiaoJia smiled very cheerfully and mercilessly because the situation was completely under his control. He slowly said, "There is one thing that we both understand."

Fu HongXue did not inquire, because he knew exactly what Lu XiaoJia meant.

"If I wanted to take your life, today would be the ideal opportunity. Only a fool would let this kind of opportunity slip away."

"You ... you want to kill him too?" Cui Nong stuttered.

"Do I look like a fool to you?" Lu XiaoJia said with a smile. He peeled another peanut and tossed it into the air. His hand was steady and sure, but the peanut suddenly vanished. It looked as if a strange force pulled it from behind and into another person's mouth.

This person was sitting in the room that Fu HongXue was previously in, slowly chewing on the peanut and sipping on a cup of wine.

Fu HongXue turned his head and saw him.

That incessant spirit, Ye Kai!

Ye Kai smiled as he took another sip of wine.

Lu XiaoJia smiled as well as he said, "There are more dishes on the table, why must you insist on stealing my peanuts?"

"Because there aren't that many opportunities to be able to eat your peanuts. Only a fool would let this kind of opportunity slip away."

"You look like quite an idiot." Lu XiaoJia said.

"It's why I'm still alive." Ye Kai replied.

Lu XiaoJia let out a loud laugh. He suddenly leapt forward, and with a flip, he disappeared into the vast twilight.

Ye Kai poured himself another cup of wine as he mumbled, "Looks like the number of fools this year are getting less and less."

The lamp was burning, Ye Kai lit it himself. There was no one else in that building, the young girl with the deep smile was nowhere to be seen.

As Fu HongXue stood in the doorway, he saw the cup of wine in Ye Kai's hand. But he was no longer drawn to it at all.

Ye Kai drank the cup of wine himself and said, "I'm not going to toast you because I know you're never going to drink wine ever again."

Fu HongXue stared at him intently.

"But you can still come in and have a seat. This place ..."

Fu HongXue suddenly cut him off, "Who told you to come here? Who!"

"I have a mind of my own." Ye Kai said.

"Why are you always minding my business?" Fu HongXue asked.

"Who was minding your business?" Ye Kai replied.

"Just before you ..."

"Is me eating Lu XiaoJia's peanut considered part of your business?"

Fu HongXue gritted his teeth.

Ye Kai let out a sigh and said, "Although the number of fools this year are getting less and less, it appears that there are still one or two left."

Cui Nong slowly made her way through the garden. The darkness of the night had engulfed the land. Her tears had not yet dried as they glistened in her eyes. She heard the sounds of slow, peculiar footsteps behind her. She was walking pretty slowly herself.

The wind was blowing, the autumn stars all lined in up in the sky one by one. It sounded like someone was playing the flute in the distance. Flute sounds in the autumn night always seemed to be able to make one's stomach feel uneasy.

She was right at the door, but just as she was walking through, she heard a voice call, "You --"

Fu HongXue's eyes in the autumn starlight were like the moon reflecting on a lake's surface.

Cui Nong stopped and turned around.

Fu HongXue stared at her and said, "You're going to leave again?"

Cui Nong nodded her head, then shook her head.

"Why don't you ever wait for me?" Fu HongXue asked.

Cui Nong lowered her head and replied, "When ... when have you ever wanted me to wait for you?"

Those words were like a needle, a sharp but not necessarily cold needle.

Fu HongXue rushed towards her and embraced her in his arms. He held on to her very tightly as tears started to gush out and the sounds of Cui Nong's sobs echoed throughout the lonely garden.

"I thought that you would never want me again."

"Why? Why would you think that for?"

"Because ... because when you saw me with that person ..."

"I can't blame you for that. You thought that I looked down on you and didn't want you. That's the only reason why you went to someone else."

"You really don't despise me?"

"It was my fault to begin with, how could I blame you."

"But I ..."

"I don't care what it is, it's all in the past now. Why can't we just let it go?"

"You can really forget all that ..."

"I can only ask that you forget all the times that I mistreated you."

Cui Nong started to smile. Although the tears on her face had not yet dried, she started to smile. She started to smile very sweetly and very tenderly.

She whispered into his ear, "Are you really Fu HongXue?"

"Of course."

"How come it seems like you've become a different person?"

"Because I really have become a different person."

"Why? Are you afraid to tell me?"

Fu HongXue finally let out a light sigh and said, "I don't even know what caused this change. All I know is that after being apart from you for fourteen days, I never want to be apart from you again."

Cui Nong held on to him closely as tears fell from her eyes. They were tears of happiness, the kind that were more valuable than pearls.

A man is only a man. Even if his heart really had a layer of ice over it, ice eventually has to melt.
Love would always be greater than hatred. Even though hatred could sometimes appear to be much deeper and more intense, only love was something that was eternal and never-changing.

The person sitting at the window now was Ye Kai. When the wind blew, the faint sound of bells could be heard coming from behind him.

They watched as Fu HongXue and Cui Nong walked passed the garden and disappeared into the night.

Ding LingLin finally let out a sigh and said, "It looks like he's slowly turning into a human."

Of course, she was referring to Fu HongXUe. Wherever Ye Kai went now, she always followed along. She didn't make an appearance before because she was busy watching out for the young girls in that place. She didn't want any of them seeing Ye Kai, and she didn't want Ye Kai seeing any of them either. Even she admitted herself that she was a jealous woman.

"You don't think he was human before?" Ye Kai asked.

"At least I hadn't ever seen another human like him." Ding LingLin.

Ye Kai couldn't help but agree.

"I never would've imagined that he would be this tormented over Cui Nong either." Ding LingLin added.

Ye Kai smiled and replied, "You think that he was tormented over her?"

"Was it not her?"

Ye Kai shook his head.

"Why was he tormented then?" Ding LingLin asked.

"He always thought that he was better than CUi Nong, that she wasn't good enough for him."

"I could see that."

"So when Cui Nong really left him, he was especially hurt by it because he always thought that she would follow him forever like a dog."

"So you think that he was distraught because his own pride was hurt so badly?"

"It's only because he felt deceived. Any man would feel crushed after finding out that they've been deceived by a woman. Even if he didn't love that woman at all, he would've felt just as hurt."

"You don't think that he really loves Cui Nong?" Ding LingLin asked.

"That's not what I meant." Ye Kai replied.

"When what do you mean?" Ding LingLin asked.

"What I'm saying is, if Cui Nong hadn't left him, he would've eventually left her one day. And under those circumstances he definitely would not have been hurt." Ye Kai responded.

"Why?"

"Because he is unlike other people."

"How so?"

"Because his life is filled with enmity and hatred. So ..."

"So even if he did love Cui Nong, he still wouldn't be able to forget vengeance!"

"Exactly."

"It looks like you really understand him well." Ding LingLin commented.

Ye Kai let out a sigh, "No one else in this world understands him better."

"Why's that?" Ding LingLin asked.

Ye Kai suddenly fell silent.

"Is it because your life is also filled with enmity and hatred?"

Ye Kai was quiet for quite a while before he finally sighed and said, "Maybe so, but I'm not like him."

"Why not?"

Ye Kai's eyes fixed on a bright star in the far distance.

"Because I had the chance to meet a person."

"What kind of person?"

"An amazing person. If god really existed in this world, then this person would be god."

"So this person changed your entire life?"

Ye Kai nodded his head.

Ding LingLin bit down on her lips and fell quiet. After some time, she finally asked, "Is this person a man or a woman?"

Ye Kai smiled.

"It must be a woman, what kind of woman is she?" Ding LingLin said as her eyes lit up.

"If he was a woman, then everyone in the world would be female as well." Ye Kai replied.

"What do you mean by that?" Ding LingLin asked.

An indescribable reverence gleamed in Ye Kai's eyes. "I've met a lot of people before in my life, all kinds of people. But he is the only person I've ever met that can be considered a real man."

Ding LingLin smiled as well.

"I've never known anyone as benevolent as him." Ye Kai said.

"He must be an extremely straightforward and righteous person." Ding LingLin said.

"Even if you lumped every single compliment you could think of in the entire world on him, it wouldn't even begin to describe his kindness and benevolence."

"You admire him?" Ding LingLin asked.

"Admire is an understatement. Even if he told me to kill myself right now, I'd be willing." Ye Kai replied. He let out a sigh and added, "But of course he would never tell me to do so, he has always lived for others and sacrificed only himself."

The more that Ding LingLin listened, the more her eyes started to glow. "Just who is this person?"

"You should've heard of him before."

"Oh?"

"His surname is Li ..."

Ding LingLin immediately cut in, "Could it be Little Li Tanhua?"

Ye Kai laughed and said, "I knew you would've heard of him before."

The same respect and admiration suddenly filled Ding LingLin's eyes as well. She sighed and exclaimed, "Of course I've heard of him before, who in this world hasn't?"

"His legacy really is unforgettable." Ye Kai said.

"Especially the duel that he had with ShangGuan JinHong. Although no one in the martial world was able to witness it, but the legends about that one fight far exceed any myths or fairytales." Ding LingLin added.

"I've heard at least five hundred people tell five hundred different versions of that battle." Ye Kai said with a smile.

"I've heard countless different tellings as well. Everyone always insists that their version is right and that all other versions are lies." Ding LingLin said.

"But there is one thing that no one can argue."

"What?"

"Little Li's Flying Dagger, never released unless it hits!"

Ye Kai's eyes suddenly lit up as he continued, "Not a single person can deny, not even to this day, that there is no one in the world can dodge that dagger!"

Ding LingLin's eyes lit up as well. She let out a sigh and said, "It's a pity that his dagger has disappeared from the world. We'll never be able to see it again."

"Who said so?" Ye Kai remarked.

"It was said that after he defeated ShangGuan JinHong, he retired his blade and retreated from the world." Ding LingLin said.

Ye Kai let out a laugh.

"If he hadn't retired, then how come there hasn't been any news of him in the martial world?" Ding LingLin asked.

Ye Kai laughed again.

"Do you know something about his whereabouts?" Ding LingLin asked.

Ye Kai's voice fell serious as he finally replied, "Uncovering the Plum Flower Bandit, astonishing the Shaolin temple, and defeating ShangGuan JinHong were only a few small deeds that he's done in his life."

"Those things can be considered small?" Ding LingLin questioned.

"After his triumph over the Golden Currency Union, he performed countless other earth-shattering feats."

"Really?"

"Why would I lie to you for?"

"What other things did he do?"

"If I told you, I guarantee that your blood would boil and you wouldn't be able to sleep."

"Then why haven't I ever heard of any of these earth-shattering feats?"

"When Qiu Ranke counquered the ten countries beyond the seas and declared himself king, Li Jing never knew about it either. How could a little girl like you expect to know about Little Li Tanhua's actions?"

He didn't let Ding LingLin cut in as he continued, "A true hero never wants to gloat about his heroic deeds to the common people anyway."

Ding LingLin pouted and said, "I'm a common person. What about you?"

"I'm a commoner as well, but I've been more fortunate than you."

Ding LingLin held Ye Kai's hand tenderly as she asked, "Can you please tell me about those amazing feats? I'd rather not be able to sleep at night than not know."

"I'll tell you all about them when we have some free time."

"What about right now?" Ding LingLin asked as her smile became ever sweeter.

"I don't have the time right now."

"How about just one or two for now?"

"No."

Ding LingLin pouted and flung his hand aside, "Whenever I have something to ask of you, you always put a price on it."

"The price has to be high." Ye Kai replied.

"Based on what?" Ding LingLin asked as she bit her lips.

"Anyone who knew how brilliant and amazing these stories were would set the price that high."

"They were really that amazing?"

"I can guarantee that you've never heard anything more moving or interesting before."

Ding LingLin's expression softened again as she said, "Fine, then I'll let you have your way. When you want tea, I'll pour tea for you. When you want wine, I'll get wine for you. How does that sound?"

"The answer is still no."

"Why?"

"Because I really don't have the time right now."

"What is it you have to do now?" Ding LingLin asked.

"I have to hurry to 'Hero Manor'." Ye Kai replied.

"'Hero Manor'?" Ding LingLin questioned.

"'Hero Manor' is the Xue family Manor." Ye Kai said.

"The master of 'Hero Manor' is the father of Big Xue, Xue Bin. You want to go there to tell him the bad news?"

"I'm not a crow."

"Then what do you want to go there for?"

"If my guess is correct, then Fu HongXue should be rushing to get there as well right now."

"You want to go there just because he's going there as well?"

Ye Kai let out a laugh.

"Why does it seem that you're always more concerned about his business than you are with me." Ding LingLin asked.

Ye Kai laughed again.

"I've always felt that there is some kind of special connection between the two of you. What exactly is it?" Ding LingLin asked.

"Don't tell me that you're jealous of him as well? Don't forget that he's male." Ye Kai said with a smile.

"So what if he's a man? Sometimes men go for men as well ..." before she could finish, she started to giggle and her cheeks flushed red with a smile.

Ye Kai's tone was still serious as he said, "Back in his day, Xue Bin was considered quite a hero. His 'One Hundred and Eight Stances of the Sky Splitting Earth Scorching Ancient Divine Hatchet' was said to be able to sweep away the Taihang mountains with a single swing. I wonder how it is now?"

"Are you afraid that Fu HongXue isn't his match, and want hurry there to help him just in case?"

Ye Kai smiled and replied, "If Fu HongXue really isn't his match, then what help would I be even if I was there?"

Ding LingLin gazed at him and said, "Are you saying that your skills are far from Fu HongXue's?"

"From what I know, his blade is unbelievably swift. No one in this world can match it."

"But I've also heard people say that you have a frightening blade as well." Ding LingLin said.

"Oh?"

"In fact it's a blade that cannot be seen."

"Oh?"

"Stop playing dumb with me, just tell me the truth. Is that blade of yours the true essence of Little Li's Flying Dagger?"

Ye Kai let out a sigh and said, "Only Little Li's flying dagger is Little Li's Flying Dagger. Aside from Little Li Tanhua, there can be no other."

"Why not?"

"Because that blade is not something that can be taught. You either know it or you don't!"

"And you?"

Ye Kai smiled and replied, "I would be satisfied if I knew even one-tenth of it."

"I never knew you could be so modest." Ding LingLin said sweetly.

"I've always been a modest person." Ye Kai replied.

"A pity that you're a bit dishonest."

"So it's best that you don't hang around me. When my faults surface, I might even take advantage of you."

Ding LingLin's face blushed. She bit her lips and stared at Ye Kai.

"If you don't, then you're a cowardly turtle."


- END CHAPTER 32 -

[Ren Wo Xing]

That person...can it be Li Xunhuan?!

[Wellesley]

"An amazing person. If god really existed in this world, then this person would be god."

Indeed, in terms of kindness or martial arts, the compassionate swordsman Li XunHuan is above mere mortals.

[rati4u]

It is LXH only .... i cant wait for next update ...want more! thanx bliss

[yeongwee]

Does anyone know if Ye Kai himself is related to the massacre, or even to the Bai guy himself? I seem to remember something like that earlier in the story...

Perhaps he was trying to say that he would have ended up like Fu Hongxue as an avenger if not for Li XunHuan.

[bliss]

Does anyone know if Ye Kai himself is related to the massacre, or even to the Bai guy himself? I seem to remember something like that earlier in the story...

Perhaps he was trying to say that he would have ended up like Fu Hongxue as an avenger if not for Li XunHuan.

That is what Ye Kai is implying, that if not for Li Xunhuan, he would've ended up living only for revenge like Fu Hongxue. He seems to be holding back details for now so for the sake of the story I won't give out any spoilers. PM me if you want to know specifically.

Thanks for reading everyone!

[yeongwee]

He seems to be holding back details for now so for the sake of the story I won't give out any spoilers.

Thanks! But I'll wait... no spoilers for me!

[bliss]

Chapter 32 has been completed in its original post above. Hope you all enjoy and thanks for reading!

I think Xue Bin's signature skill, 一百零八招開天辟地盤古神斧 (One Hundred and Eight Stances of the Sky Splitting Earth Sscorching Ancient Divine Hatchet), ranks up there as having one of the longest, haughtiest names.