Chapter 21 : A Word of Honour

Shiyun lowered his head when he heard his teacher’s command, but still didn’t move.

Master Nu angrilly yelled: “Are you deaf!”

Shiyun replied: “Master, I’m not deaf.”

Master Nu said: “Go over there and do as I ordered.”

Shiyun answered respectfully: “Master, I wouldn’t dare.”

Master Nu angrilly said: “What are you afraid of? If Feng San tries to stop you I will deal with him. Pupil against pupil, teacher against teacher. Now go!”

Shiyun shook his head and said: “Master, I....I...cannot.”

Master Nu slapped him and yelled: “Are you going or not?”

Shiyun’s face was red and swollen now but he still looked very friendly and gentle.

He gently replied: “Master, I cannot fight with ladies.”

Master Nu leapt and yelled: “What if women want to kill you! Do you let them take your head!”

He slapped Shiyun a dozen times.

Shiyun received his punishment and still looked very respectful and friendly. He smiled: “But this Miss doesn’t want to kill me.”

Everyone looked at master Nu and Shiyun, such a strange and funny teacher and student.

Zhu Lei’Er was quite happy when she saw that young Taoist being slapped but now she spoke on his behalf: “I was the one who insulted you. You should be the one to teach me a lesson.”

Master Nu yelled: “If I would fight a little girl like you, people will laugh at me!”

Zhu Lei’Er coldly said: “Acting like a madman and hitting your own pupil for nothing. Won’t people laugh at that too?”

Everyone thought master Nu was going to exploded with anger.

Master Nu looked at her for some time and laughed loudly: “Good lass! Brave little lass!”

Everyone was surprised to see his reaction, and thought nobody can guess what this Taoist will do in a minute.

Madame Hai Tang stared at Zhu Lei’Er for some time and said gently: “How old are you, little Miss?”

Zhu Lei’Er said casually: “About your age.”

Madame Hai Tang laughed: “About my age? Do you know what my age is?”

Zhu Lei’Er glanced at her and said calmly: “If I look at your face you should be about 20.”

Madame Hai Tang unintentionally touched her own face and said: “Really?”

Zhu Lei’Er continued: “If I look at your figure, you should be 20 something too.”

Madame Hai Tang laughed happily: “Little Miss, you do know how to please someone.”

Everyone likes to be praised. Charming women in their thirties who still look beautiful, like to hear that they still look like they’re 18 to 20 years old.

Zhu Lei’Er looked at her hands and said: “Your hands tell me you’re about 18.”

Madame Hai Tang again unintentionally put out her hands.

Zhu Lei’Er added: “So if I added all three together that would be 58. So you’re not 60 yet, are you?”

Everyone almost laughed out loud, even Feng San was amused by Zhu Lei’Er’s joke.

But nobody dared to laugh out loud, Madame Hai Tang couldn’t smile anymore. Yu Peiyu had no ill intentions towards Madame Hai Tang, he even thanked her for helping him out some time ago. Furthermore he knew that Lin Daiyu was her pupil.

He quickly interrupted: “Where are the rest of your friends, chancellor Yu?”

Yu Fanghe answered: “I know that master Feng’s room is a bit too small to receive too many guests. My friends are waiting downstairs.”

Zhu Lei’Er sneered: “You’re confident that the four of you are capable enough to deal with us. The rest of your friends have surrounded the house.”

Yu Fanghe calmly said: “Miss, I know you’ve a very sharp tongue. But I think you’re wrong to think that master Nu and Madame Hai Tang with their high statuses will quarrel with you.”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “You’re quarreling with me now. So your status is lower than theirs.”

Yu Fanghe didn’t know what to say and pretended not to hear that remark. He turned to Feng San and said: “Master Feng, I think you must know our intentions. We came here to ask master Feng to hand out a certain person.”

Feng San just grunted.

Yu Fanghe continued: “This person is this Miss Zhu.”

Again Feng San just grunted.

Yu Fanghe said: “Miss Zhu has done a few things in these years, a lot of friends in Wulin are not very pleased. As the chancellor of Wulin I have to look into this matter. I hope master Feng will not interfere in this affair, and let us take Miss Zhu away. I can promise you we will give Miss Zhu a chance to explain herself.”

Feng San grunted again.

He grunted three times, Yu Fanghe didn’t understand whether that was a yes or a no.

After some time Feng San sighed: “You have the audacity to come here and ask me to hand over Zhu Lei’Er.”

Yu Fanghe smiled lightly: “The Feng San we see before us, isn’t as fearful as the Feng San of years ago.”

Feng San turned to master Nu and said: “They talk the talk, you must walk the walk.”

Master Nu laughed: “Indeed, although the present Feng San isn’t as fearful as the old one. But some types of weed are very difficult to eradicate. Not a lot of people are capable of receiving your stances, and I belong to that small group who can.”

Feng San nodded and said: “Very good!......Fourth brother, see how many stances you can receive.”

Yu Peiyu walked up and said: “Reverend, I await your stances.”

Hong Lianhua, Madame Hai Tang, Yu Fanghe and master Nu were shocked to see Yu Peiyu walk towards them and accepting the challenge. Master Nu angrily shouted: “Why do you order a little boy to fight on your behalf! What is the meaning of this!”

Feng San closed his eyes and didn’t answer.

Zhu Lei’Er asked: “Don’t you understand?”

Master Nu yelled: “I don’t understand!”

Zhu Lei’Er explained: “With your lowly abilities my third uncle doesn’t need to fight you personally. Furthermore people might talk if my uncle defeated you.”

Master Nu yelled: “How can I fight this little child! He couldn’t even defeat my pupil.”

Feng San coldly interrupted: “The Feng San you see before you isn’t as fearful as the old Feng San. The Yu Peiyu you see before isn’t the same Yu Peiyu as a few hours ago.”

Yu Fanghe’s eyes glittered for a moment and asked: “This battle with him is decisive?”

Feng San nodded: “Indeed.”

Yu Fanghe asked: “If young master Yu loses....”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “I will go with you and accept your punishment.”

Yu Fanghe asked: “Do you mean that?”

Feng San said: “How dare you question me decisions?”

Yu Fanghe looked extremely happy and said: “In that case...... Reverend Nu, you can begin now.”

Master Nu angrilly shouted: “You want me to fight that kid!”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Young master Yu has become the sworn brother of master Feng. When reverend duels with him no one will say that reverend Nu bullied a youngster.”

Madame Hai Tang added: “Reverend, nobody will laugh you at you when you fight with the sworn brother of Feng San.”

Zhu Lei’Er asked casually: “But what if reverend Nu loses?”

Master Nu leapt up and angrilly shouted: “If l lose I will kowtow to this kid three times and call him master.”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “That isn’t necessary, my fourth uncle isn’t to keen on having an old and hot-tempered pupil like you. He will have his hands full on you.”

Master Nu shouted: “If I lose within 50 stances I will leave immediately.”

Initially he didn’t want to fight Yu Peiyu, but now his anger was aroused and nobody could stop him from fighting Yu Peiyu.

Zhu Lei’Er smiled: “50 stances....make it 500 stances....but don’t you think you can even touch the sleeves of my fourth uncle. However shouldn’t we ask the opinions of the other people too?”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Let’s make it 300 stances.....if within 300 stances reverend Nu is unable to defeat young master Yu we will leave at once. And won’t bother you anymore.”

Zhu Lei’Er looked at Madame Hai Tang and asked: “What about you?”

Madame Hai Tang said sweetly: “Young master Yu is an old friend of mine. I hope when master Nu defeats him he won’t be injured.”

Zhu Lei’Er asked Hong Lianhua: “And you?”

Hong Lianhua looked pensive and just said coldly: “Very well!”

Nobody believes that Yu Peiyu could withstand 300 stances with master Nu. Everyone saw the martial arts of Yu Peiyu, they knew that it was very difficult for Yu Peiyu to receive 300 stances of Shiyun. It would be a miracle if Yu Peiyu could last 50 stances.

Zhu Lei’Er said: “It is a deal! No one is allowed to argue later on.”

Master Nu grunted: “If someone is going to argue I will chop off his head!”

He turned to Yu Peiyu and said: “Yu kid! Attack first I will give you the advantage of three stances.”

Yu Peiyu didn’t reply, he was very nervous before these people arrived. He was worried whether he could pull it of. But now he was calm and thought: Master Nu is only human too, why fear him?

He put his entire concentration on master Nu. He was observing him very carefully; every move of master Nu didn’t escape his attention.

Everyone thought: Is he scared silly?

Yu Fanghe smiled happily.

Master Nu lost his patience and stamped his feet and shouted: “You.......”

Before he could finish Yu Peiyu advanced forward with lightning speed and aimed his palms for the knees of master Nu.

Martial arts experts like master Nu have reached the level where their martial arts have been integrated into their normal everyday actions. For example professional dancers have a more graceful walk than average people.

But when you’re angry or upset you’ve disturbed that fine balance. If you raise you feet and you do not want to kick someone you have created a flaw in your footwork.

Yu Peiyu was looking for a window of opportunity for himself to attack. Even master Nu was surprised and shocked, he twirled around in mid-air and counter-attacked.

He chose the offense as the best form of defense, which was a marvelous move, fit only to a true martial arts expert.

Zhu Lei’Er scoffed: “Giving the advantage of the first three stances?”

Master Nu went into offensive when he counter-attacked Yu Peiyu. Suddenly he whistled loudly and shot backwards. He broke of his attack and retreated to his original position. Everyone was shocked to see his movement, it was like magic. Master Nu’s generated his energy to that whistle and during his exhale he propelled himself backwards, everyone was amazed by the internal energy of master Nu.

Hong Lianhua even praised: “Excellent internal power!”

Yu Fanghe asked: “Master Hong Lian, in your opinion how many stances can young master Yu withstand?”

Hong Lianhua, who was a bit sorry to see this young man die, answered: “Around 100 stances.”

Yu Fanghe turned to Madame Hai Tang and asked: “What do you think, Madame?”

Madame Hai Tang smiled: “I have a lot of faith in the words of master Hong Lian.”

Both Hong Lianhua and Madame Hai Tang didn’t look at Guo Pianxian, he was standing in the corner of this room.

Guo Pianxian was pleased and thought: They didn’t see me.

But then he understood and thought: It is impossible for them not to see me. They must know that Yu Peiyu isn’t a match for master Nu, so that’s why they are not worried that I’ll escape from them.

Guo Pianxian broke out in a cold sweat.

At this point, the three stances advantage have passed and master Nu could attack now.

At first sight it seemed like there was nothing special about his techniques. It was like his fame did not match his abilities, but after three, five stances the power of his techniques began to show.

Although there was nothing special about his techniques, but the techniques fluently merged into each other. No loopeholes or flaws were made.

Initially Zhu Lei’Er thought: The famous master Nu is just overestimated. But after a few stances she began to worry.

These simple techniques may look ordinary, but in fact they were most lethal. Every stance was powerful enough to split open rocks and iron and the attacks came quickly after each other with no pause.

Zhu Lei’Er looked at Feng San, with the hope he could tell her whether Yu Peiyu stood a chance.

But Feng San had his eyes closed, and seemed not be interested in this battle to live or death.

In a moment almost 30 stances were over, master Nu’s attacks became fiercer and fiercer. Yu Peiyu could only defend himself and not attack.

It seemed that Yu Peiyu was pondering about every stance before he received master Nu’s attacks. Everyone thought that it was silly of him. During a battle you won’t have the time or could spare the concentration.

They were certain that Yu Peiyu couldn’t last till the 100th stance.

Yu Fanghe smiled: “It is a shame that a lot of people will have to miss this fight.”

Shiyun smiled: “In that case I’ll draw open the curtains. So everyone can watch.”

Shiyun rapidly drew the curtains and the light lit the room, Guo Pianxian wanted to sneak out of here in the dark but no it was too late.

He sighed and stood up and looked at Madame Hai Tang. He nodded to her and smiled, he was feeling shocked and happy to face her again. Somewhere he wanted to go to her and take her hand and talk about how much he missed her.

However Madame Hai Tang didn’t look his way and turned to Yu Fanghe and asked: “Chancellor Yu, there is something very strange I want to ask you.”

Yu Fanghe answered: “Madame, please ask.”

Madame Hai Tang said: “In your opinion how does master Nu compare to the late reverend Tiangang of Kunlun?”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “The martial arts of the KunlunSchool are known for being fast and furious. Reverend Tiangang was also respected by all for his internal and external skills, but........”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

Madame Hai Tang said: “But master Nu should be at least one level higher, isn’t it?”

Yu Fanghe smiled but didn’t answer. But the answer would be obvious master Nu is superior to the deceased reverend Tiangang.

Madame Hai Tang continued: “More than ten years ago my late teacher and I went to MountKunlun. At that time we saw that reverend Tiangang was engaged in combat with someone. His adversary looked like a lama from Tibet, this lama had very powerful internal strength too.”

Yu Fanghe said: “That lama must be the one of three top martial arts experts of Tibet, Hongyun lama. He has a deep feud with the KunlunSchool, he has challenged Kunlun for many times.”

Madame Hai Tang continued: “That time I stood away from reverend Tiangang and Hongyun lama for about 30 metres away from them. But I could still feel the force released by reverend Tiangang’s techniques, even my clothes sort of swayed with the wind. However I do not sense anything from master Nu’s attacks and we’re standing quite close to them.”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Master Nu has reached a higher level in internal energy control. He is able to focus his power only on Yu Peiyu not a drop of energy is wasted unnecessarily. When his attack is in vain, he will redraw his energy and use it into a new stance. If not all of us would have been blown outside by the force of his stances. Perhaps even the entire room would collapse.”

Madame Hai Tang sighed: “Fortunately I’m not Yu Peiyu.”

Zhu Lei’Er sneered: “He might not be in such a dire position as you think.”

Madame Hai Tang laughed: “How would you know? Please tell me?”

Zhu Lei’Er ignored her and started counting softly: “90,.......91......92......”

She was counting a bit too fast, at this point master Nu and Yu Peiyu had only exchanged about 80 stances. Yu Fanghe and others were certain that Yu Peiyu couldn’t meet up with the 300 stances margin.

And they thought they wouldn’t be bothered by a few extra stances. And no need to start a debate with a young girl over it.

We could compare Yu Peiyu to a nail and master Nu to a hammer at this time. Yu Peiyu’s situation is rather dire, but it is not easy for the hammer to bend a nail either.

He noticed that the attacks of master Nu were fierce and powerful and when he couldn’t think of a way to counter a certain stance, master Nu would would (un)intentionally redraw that certain stance.

Zhu Lei’Er continued counting: “101....102....103...”

Yu Fanghe turned to Hong Lianhua and smiled: “It is amazing he’s still standing. They’ve exchanged 100 stances now.”

Hong Lianhua casually said: “Very amazing.”

Shiyun suddenly said: “It seems that benefactor Yu’s internal power has increased by a lot.”

Hong Lianhua said: “It seems so.”

Shiyun sighed: “It is most strange that someone could gain so much internal power and only after half a day.”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Reverend Shiyun, rest assured. No matter how much internal energy he has gained it will be impossible for him to withstand the 100 stances of your teacher.”

Shiyun said: “They’ve already exchanged over 100 stances now.”

Yu Fanghe explained: “Your teacher wants to see what the level is of young master Yu and the skills of him. If not during the 86 stance young master Yu would have been defeated.”

It seemed like he was explaining to Shiyun, but he made sure that it was loud enough everyone could hear it.

Master Nu laughed arrogantly: “Exactly I just wanted to see what great skills Feng San had taught him! Now I’ve seen enough!”

He increased the speed and the power to his attacks.

However Yu Peiyu could adapt to his speed and receive his attacks.

We should know that Yu Peiyu is remarkable young man, however how much can he grasp from Feng San’s abilities in a short few hours.

That’s why in the beginning the techniques he used to counter master Nu were stances he made up in a flash. That’s why he was a bit slow in the beginning. But after 100 stances he began to feel more secure and his reaction to create stances ad hoc was also quicker. And his stances were becoming better and more special. It’s like when a layman plays go for the first time, at first you’re cautious and hesitating but after awhile you get the hang of it.

Also when dealing with an martial arts master like master Nu your potential will be pushed beyond limits. And your latent energy will be awoken as time progresses.

Zhu Lei’Er continued: “160.....161.....”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Miss Zhu, you’re mistaken. They’ve just exchanged their 153th stance.”

At first he wasn’t concerned about an extra one, two stances. But now he saw that Yu Peiyu was not losing he started to count too.

Zhu Lei’Er giggled: “Weren’t you feeling very confident earlier? You’re worried now, aren’t you? 167......168......”

She continued to count at her own pace and ignored Yu Fanghe’s comments.

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Miss Zhu, you can count in your own pace but we’ll minus those extra eight stances.....”

Master Nu shouted: “Does it matter, those extra eight stances? Do you think I won’t defeat this brat within 300 stances!”

During his shout he hit out his fist, Yu Peiyu drew two circles in the air with his hands and blocked that stance. However the stance was blocked but the force was still quite powerful and hit Yu Peiyu.

CrackkkkkThere was a hole in the floor, Yu Peiyu did seem like a nail and was hit through the board.

At this point Zhu Lei’Er counted till 171...She stopped and shrieked.

Yu Fanghe smiled happily: “Young master Yu has already lost, but it is admirable that he was able to receive more than 100 stances of master Nu.”

Zhu Lei’Er stared at him and said: “Who says my fourth uncle has lost?”

Yu Fanghe laughed: “Isn’t this losing?”

Before Zhu Lei’Er could answer, Yu Peiyu flew back out of the hole and whisked his hand towards master Nu.

Zhu Lei’Er clapped her hands and giggled: “Can’t you see? The only things broken are the stairs to the first floor. There isn’t a hole in the stomach of my fourth uncle. If making a hole in the floor is considered winning I’ll puch seven, eight holes for you, allright?....179.....180.....”

She started to count again and ignored Yu Fanghe.

Master Nu and Yu Peiyu had exchanged another eight stances now, Yu Fanghe laughed: “Young master Yu, don’t forget the hole in the floor saved your life!”

Yu Peiyu also understood that the floor saved his life, if the floor didn’t crack he would have injured by the internal force of master Nu. Fortunately he fell through the hole, the energy dispersed because the energy swayed away with his body.

And in a normal duel Yu Peiyu would have already lost, but this fight concerned the lives of several other people. So he pretended not to hear Yu Fanghe’s cynical remarks and continued to receive master Nu’s attacks.

After another twenty, thirty stances the usual smile on Yu Peiyu’s face was gone. Everyone inside and outside the room could hear the wind blowing and everyone whispered to each other.

“They’ve exchanged more than 200 stances now. Do you think he can last another 100?”

“Can’t really say.”

“It’s strange that this young brat is that fierce. In the beginning I thought he wouldn’t last ten, twenty stances. He seems to grow more vigorous as the battle progresses.”

Master Nu angrilly yelled: “SHUT YOUR TRAPS! Whoever opens his damned mouth again! I will personally chop off his frigging head!”

Nobody dared to whisper again, but they understood that master Nu was worried too now.

Zhu Lei’Er continued to count loudly: “212.....213.....”

Guo Pianxian’s eyes glowed with happiness.

But only Yu Peiyu’s heart began to sink, he knew he couldn’t meet up with the 300 stances limit anymore.

Yu Peiyu also understood that he might not even withstand another 30 stances.

Even Feng San opened his eyes and look worried. Only he and Yu Peiyu knew that Yu Peiyu had almost used up all his internal energy. And had to rest and to regenerate.

Feng San had his eyes closed the entire time, but he could hear force released from the palms, fists of Yu Peiyu. Awhile ago master Nu gained the upperhand but Feng San was not worried because he knew Yu Peiyu had still abundant energy to protect himself.

But now every stance of Yu Peiyu was generated with strong internal power but when he redraws his stance the energy is gone.

Every time he uses a stance his internal energy will diminish by a bit.

And when he’s exhausted and his energy gone, he won’t be able to withstand the powerful techniques of master Nu.

Suddenly master Nu’s fist came crashing down on Yu Peiyu, the force released was as sharp as a blade. Yu Peiyu quickly blocked but was still pushed backwards.

Master Nu immediately knew he was becoming weaker and weaker and increased his attacks. He attacked fiercely with tree first techniques and forced Yu Peiyu into a corner.

The Wulin people who were here with Yu Fanghe were shocked and happy. They didn’t understand why Yu Peiyu was weakening and also didn’t understand why he could have lasted this long.

Zhu Lei’Er counted: “226......227......”

Her voice trembled a bit.

There were still more than 70 stances over, and even Zhong Jing, the girl with the least martial arts insight, understood that Yu Peiyu couldn’t last for another 70 stances.

Madame Hai Tang sighed and said softly: “He won’t make it to 260.”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “I think 250 is enough.”

Master Nu shouted: “I SAY 240 IS ENOUGH!”

Both his fists came down on Yu Peiyu as lightning bolts, Zhu Lei’Er at this moment counted: “238.”

Yu Peiyu was confused by the numerous shadows of the palms and fists of Master Nu. He did not know how to block it and even if he knew he couldn’t cope with the overwhelming internal force generating this stance.

There was no other option than for him to be defeated.

Yu Fanghe laughed happily, Hong Lianhua got of the ledge and stood up, Madame Hai Tang shook her head and Shiyun recited softy with a smile: “May the deities be merciful.”

Yu Peiyu received that blow and his back was forced backwards by the overpowering energy of Master Nu.

It looked his back was about to snap.

Master Nu yelled: “Are you giving up now?”

Yu Peiyu gritted his teeth and shook his head.

Master Nu increased his energy to his palms and said: “Fall over!”

However Yu Peiyu didn’t fall over but he was slowly being pressed to the floor and he sweated heavily.

Everyone held his breath and looked in awe at this scene.

They heard a soft crackling noise, it came from the spine of Yu Peiyu. His spine was about to snap into two halves.

Zhong Jing wept and sobbed: “Young master Yu, please give up! Surrender!”

Guo Pianxian was wiping away his sweat.

Madame Hai Tang sighed: “Poor child! Why must you.......(*sigh).”

Zhu Lei’Er cried too and wanted to urge Yu Peiyu to surrender too.

She couldn’t watch anymore, Hong Lianhua called out: “Master Feng, do you really want to see this young man dead?”

Feng San said sadly: “Enough. I see no other choice, but to....”

Yu Peiyu loudly interrupted: “NO! We haven’t lost yet. I’m not done for it yet.”

Master Nu angrilly said: “Stubborn child! Pigheaded temper! Do you think I really will not kill you!”

He stepped forward with one foot and accidentally stood on a linen bag. With his omnipotent energy he easily stepped a hole in the linen bag.

But doing so countless snakes, centipedes, lizards, etc. all kinds of strange venomous creatures jumped on his body.

Master Nu was shocked and quickly stepped backwards; he was covered with those creepy crawlers. Everyone was shocked and some even shrieked loudly.

Master Nu was angry, he raised his arms to throw a few of his body and used his feet to stamp them to death. But there were too many so he kept using his hands to brush, hit those creatures. He lifted his legs to kick and to fling the creepy crawlers of his legs.

If it wasn’t for his magnificent internal strength he would have been bitten a couple of dozen times by those venomous creatures.

Zhu Lei’Er eyes glared up and counted clearly: “241, 242, 243....”

She continued to count and had reach the number 280 in a few moments. At this point Yu Peiyu realised what she was doing and called: “No, that doesn’t count. That doesn’t count.”

She ignored him and continued to count: “281, 282, 283........”

By the time master Nu crushed the last centipede with his foot she had reached 300.

Everyone was quiet and did not know what to say now. Yu Fanghe laughed: “Of course that doesn’t count.”

Zhu Lei’Er sneered: “Has my fourth uncle been defeated?”

Yu Peiyu leant against the wall and was panting heavily but he was still standing.

Yu Fanghe was silenced. Zhu Lei’Er said: “My fourth uncle is still standing; master Nu’s 300 stances are over. We’ve won.”

Yu Fanghe retorted: “But master Nu’s final stances were not aimed at young master Yu, everyone here could see that.”

Zhu Lei’Er scoffed: “Master Nu was engaged in combat with my fourth uncle, his every move, stance should be directed towards my fourth uncle. It is not our fault if he likes to hit himself instead aiming for my uncle.”

Yu Fanghe said: “Those creatures......”

Zhu Lei’Er interrupted: “Those creatures were in a linen bag, they didn’t attack him for no reason. He stamped on them first and we didn’t release them. Furthermore he has killed them and should really pay for them.”

Yu Fanghe did not know how to retort this clever girl and her sharp tongue; he was stunned for a minute and turned to master Nu. He forced a smile and said: “I think master Nu should decide for himself.”

Master Nu said loudly: “This kid is able to receive 300 stances of mine. Splendid! Good boy!”

Yu Fanghe said: “But you haven’t exchanged 300 stances.”

Master Nu stared at him and said: “Who says we haven’t. We were engaged in combat, every move counts! It is my own fault that my techniques did not injure him.”

Yu Fanghe stood there like an idiot not knowing what to say.

Zhu Lei’Er hugged Yu Peiyu and said happily: “Fourth uncle, we’ve won! We’ve won!”

Yu Fanghe composed himself and smiled: “Master Nu said you won. So you won.”

Zhu Lei’Er laughed: “Those are finally words fitting of the chancellor of Wulin.”

Yu Fanghe smiled lightly: “You can leave this place, I promise you we won’t trouble you.”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “Leave? This is my house. Why should I leave?”

Yu Fanghe looked annoyed, but master Nu said loudly: “They shouldn’t leave! WE SHOULD LEAVE.......”

Two men leapt into the room through the window, one of them with sharp eyes and a face full of pimples said sternly: “Right! We should leave but before we go we shall chop off their heads!”

Zhu Lei’Er angrilly asked: “Who are you?”

Yu Fanghe smiled and said: “This is the famous master Zhao Qun, his nickname is Outer Sky Heaven. His iron palms and his 72 golden darts are well-known through the realm.”

He pointed to the other man who stood next to the man with pimples, he was a tall man and his face was long like the head of a horse. Yu Fanghe said: “This is master Huang Feng, his nickname is A Thousand Mile Stallion. His flying kicks of the northern province are the best.”

Zhu Lei’Er scoffed: “Why would anyone be a horse? But he does have a face like a horse. And the other one should wash his face properly, all those pimples.”

Huang Feng and Zhao Qun were really angry now, Huang Feng sneered: “Master Nu is too benevolent, but we won’t let you go. We don’t need to uphold any Wulin rules when we’re dealing with heretic fiends like you. Little b-i-t-c-h- come with us!”

He wanted to grab Zhu Lei’Er, but someone suddenly stood in front of him. It was Shiyun who smiled friendly: “My teacher has agreed to let them go. Benefactor Huang leave them alone, please.”

Huang Feng sternly said: “The affairs of Wulin seniors are not your concern!”

He lifted his arm again and pushed out towards Shiyun in the hope to push him aside. But his attack was not successful and Shiyun still stood there smiling.

Huang Feng looked annoyed, master Nu walked over and said earnestly: “My pupil is rude, so you wish to teach him a lesson.”

Huang Feng had seen him ordering, hitting Shiyun around. He thought Shiyun wasn’t master Nu’s favourite student.

So Huang Feng said: “Indeed. On your behalf I would like to......”

Master Nu angrilly interrupted him: “Who do you think you are! You’re not fit to teach my student a lesson! How dare you lay your filthy hands on him!”

Master Nu grabbed Huang Feng’s wrist with incredible speed, and broke his wrist.

Huang Feng cried out in pain, he kicked out with his right leg. He is famous for his kicks, he could even smash a rock with his powerful kicks. Master Nu didn’t avoid that kick and even allowed it to hit his body. But the only thing that broke was Huang Feng’s leg.

Huang Feng cried out in pain and fainted. Master Nu didn’t look at him anymore and turned to Zhao Qun and coldly said: “Do you discard my words too and want to chop off their heads.”

Zhao Qun looked scared but as he’s also a famous martial artist. So he had to uphold his reputation.

He managed to smile: “Master Nu, since you’re not willing to interfere in this matter. We will take care of it for you.”

Master Nu angrilly shouted: “Give them to you! What idiotic skills do you have? Now you see that they’re too tired you want to take advantage of the situation! That Yu kid is even too weak to stand now.”

Master Nu grabbed Zhao Qun by his robe and lifted him up.

Zhao Qun was angry and shocked, he generated his full internal power to his palms and struck out at the shoulders of master Nu.

His iron palms were a respected skill in Wulin. He could break bricks with a mere blow. However his iron palms became as fragile as egg shells when facing master Nu. Zhao Qun called out in pain and broke out in a cold sweat.

Master Nu easily lifted Huang Feng with his right hand and with his left hand Zhao Qun.

Everyone was shocked to see his omnipotent martial arts and realised how good Yu Peiyu was. Zhao Qun and Huang Feng were famous martial artists with good martial arts and could not even exchange one stance with master Nu.

And young Yu Peiyu was able to receive 300 of his blows; everyone admired him and were impressed by his martial arts.

Master Nu yelled: “Who else dares to question my words!”

Nobody dared to say another word, master Nu grunted and walked away with big paces.

Shiyun put his palms together and said gently: “This lowly Taoist is very fortunate to meet so many skilful masters. I hope to see you very soon and learn from your teachings.”

Although he addressed everyone in the room, but his eyes were concentrated on the pretty Zhu Lei’Er.

Zhu Lei’Er softly pouted: “Leave, you little Taoist with your shifty eyes!”

Shiyun smiled and seemed not to hear that remark and bowed to Yu Fanghe: “After you, chancellor Yu.”

Yu Fanghe smiled: “Take care of yourself master Feng. You too, young master Yu. I will take my leave now.”

Madame Hai Tang paid her respects to Feng San and left too, Guo Pianxian turned pale. But Madame Hai Tang just ignored him, she looked at Zhong Jing and asked: “Are you a pupil of Xu Shuzhen?”

Zhong Jing didn’t want to look weak answered: “Yes, I am.”

Madame Hai Tang sighed: “Poor child.....poor child.....”

Zhong Jing was angered by her reaction and loudly said: “I don’t need your compassion. Save that for women whose husband left them.”

Madame Hai Tang smiled casually and walked away. She didn’t even feel angry, she felt she was above that. Zhong Jing felt she was being looked down by her rival. She started to cry.

Hong Lianhua looked at Guo Pianxian, he looked at Feng San and at Yu Peiyu.

He made a somersault through the window and was gone.

Everyone left, Yu Peiyu felt relieved and finally passed out.

The light shone on Yu Peiyu’s pale face, Zhu Lei’Er quickly went over to hug him and sobbed: “Fourth uncle, I....I....don’t know how to thank you.”

Zhu Lei’Er cried and lowered her head, Yu Peiyu smiled with difficulty: “At least we’ve won. Why are you sad?”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “I’m not sad. I’m just very very happy.” But she continued to sob.

Feng San said: “Lei’Er, no need to say thanks to your fourth uncle.”

Guo Pianxian coughed dryly and smiled: “Brother Yu has managed to defeat master Nu. From now on everyone will respect brother Yu....”

Zhu Lei’Er scolded: “How dare you call my fourth uncle [brother]? You’re not fit.”

Guo Pianxian smiled dryly: “Young master Yu has become very famous now, however.....”

Zhu Lei’Er asked: “However what?”

Guo Pianxian said: “However we cannot stay here anymore.”

Zhu Lei’Er said with indignation: “Why not? This is my home!”

Guo Pianxian said: “I’m afraid that Yu Fanghe won’t let this matter rest that easily. He may very well have another plan to deal with us.”

Zhu Lei’Er scoffed: “If they’re really up to something, there is no use in running. Besides my third uncle isn’t a coward.”

Guo Pianxian retorted: “But staying here isn’t a good plan.”

Zhu Lei’Er sneered: “You’re welcome to leave at any time. We won’t keep you.”

However Guo Pianxian was afraid when he stepped out of the house Hong Lianhua and Madame Hai Tang were waiting for him. Guo Pianxian looked embarrassed by Zhu Lei’Er sneer.

The wind blew strongly; everyone stayed silent and looked worried when they knew that Yu Fanghe might return.

Suddenly a dog barked loudly and awfully shrill, Zhong Jing said: “Why is that dog barking that awfully eerie?”

Zhu Lei’Er laughed: “Maybe Yu Fanghe stepped on his tail.” But she too was a bit afraid now.

Suddenly the dog’s barking died out like that. The barking was awful enough but the silence now was even more frightning.

At this point the air turned ominous, like something sinister was about to happen. Zhu Lei’Er wanted to say a few words to break the silence but she too didn’t know what to say.

All of a sudden a burst of fire flew towards their house and the house caught fire and started to burn at rapid speed.

Guo Pianxian yelled: “That old fiend wants to burn us to a crisp.”

Yu Peiyu said: “That’s why he gathered the villagers outside the town; he wanted to burn the entire Family Li village down if everything failed. So much for the chivalry of the orthodox schools.”

The fire had already surrounded them. Guo Pianxian said anxiously: “We can still make it now. We must hurry!”

Zhu Lei’Er looked at Feng San, Feng San didn’t say a word. Guo Pianxian said: “We can’t hesitate anymore! We should go now!”

Yu Peiyu sighed: “There is no other choice.”

Zhu Lei’Er said anxiously: “But what about third uncle.....”

Yu Peiyu said: “I will carry third brother on my back, and you follow me closely.”

Silver Blossom shrieked: “WHAT ABOUT ME! YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME HERE!”

Zhu Lei’Er gritted her teeth and said: “Fourth uncle, I will carry third uncle. You....you can carry her.”

Guo Pianxian looked at Zhong Jing and carried her on his back. He said: “No more hesitation! We must go now!”

Feng San said: “All of you go now!”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “Third uncle.....”

Feng San looked angry and said: “I will not be carried away out of here. What do you take me for?”

Yu Peiyu said: “But now.....”

Feng San interrupted him angrilly: “If word would spread out that Feng San was carried out of here and fled. I will not stand for such humiliation, I will rather die!”

Yu Peiyu urged: “Third brother, you can’t....”

Feng San said loudly: “My mind is made up!”

Zhu Lei’Er was about to go mad with frustration, but she knew when Feng San had made up his mind no one could change it.

Yu Peiyu sighed: “Brother, I know you’re worried that you will burden me. But I’m still strong enough to storm out of here with you.”

Feng San closed his eyes, the fire was spreading rapidly. It seems that Yu Fanghe and his lackeys have made the necessary arrangements to make the fire spread faster.

Guo Pianxian said: “If you don’t leave, I will leave now. Everyone......”

He didn’t know what to say and in a flash he was gone. He had already stormed out with Zhong Jing.

Feng San said sternly: “You should go too.”

Zhu Lei’Er said: “If you won’t go, I won’t go.”

Feng San said angrilly: “You dare to disobey me.”

Zhu Lei’Er sobbed: “I will listen to your every word, but not this time.”

Feng San pushed her away and said: “If you disobey me, I will kill you now!”

Zhu Lei’Er said resolute: “I won’t go. Kill me if you must, third uncle.”

Silver Blossom shouted: “Yu Peiyu, won’t you go?”

Yu Peiyu just stood there, stunned.

He couldn’t just leave Feng San here to his fate.

Silver Blossom cursed angrilly: “You’re all mad! Mad! Just my luck to run into a group of madmen!”

She wanted to use her art of levitation to leap out of the window. But her internal strength was practically gone and fell down and bruised her leg.

Yu Peiyu sighed.

Feng San sternly said: “You really want to stay here!”

Yu Peiyu looked at Zhu Lei’Er and said: “Brother, I.....”

Feng San said: “Very well! I will go first!”

He lifted his palm and was about to strike his own skull.

Zhu Lei’Er and Yu Peiyu quickly dashed forward to try and prevent him from committing suicide.

BANNNNNG! The wall crumbled and a figure dashed into the room, because of the thick smoke Yu Peiyu couldn’t see his face.

This figure was incredibly fast and picked up Feng San from the bed and was gone again.

Zhu Lei’Er yelled: “Who are you? What are doing with my uncle?”

But they could hear Feng San and the mystery person saying

“Who is it?”

“It is me!”

They could hear Feng San sighing, Zhu Lei’Er and Yu Peiyu dashed out to follow him.

But this mystery person was too fast and the fire caused them to a lot of trouble too. And before they knew it Feng San and that mysterious figure were gone.

Zhu Lei’Er sobbed: “Give me back my uncle! I beg you please return him to me.....”

She fell to the ground and started to cry, Yu Peiyu now noticed that they had already stormed out of the flaming house.

Although their clothes were scorched a bit, but they weren’t injured.

Zhu Lei’Er sobbed: “Who was that? Why did he take my third uncle?”

Yu Peiyu sighed but said gently: “Don’t worry! I don’t think that person had any ill intentions. If it wasn’t for him or her we would still be in the fire.”

Zhu Lei’Er asked: “What about third uncle?”

Yu Peiyu said: “I think third brother knew that person. Probably his friend. With such high martial arts third brother won’t be in any danger.”

Zhu Lei’Er wasn’t sobbing that sadly anymore but asked: “You’re right. Judging from what they said to each other, they must know each other. But why did that person leave me behind?”

Yu Peiyu said gently: “Perhaps he didn’t know who you were.”

Zhu Lei’Er said sadly: “You’re right. I don’t know any of third uncle’s friends. Nobody knows me.......I......I......”

Zhu Lei’Er started to cry sadly again when she realised she was all alone again. No parents, no uncle and no home.

Yu Peiyu felt sad too and consoled: “At least fourth uncle knows you. And you know me too, right?”

Zhu Lei’Er said sadly: “Will you leave me too, fourth uncle?”

Yu Peiyu sighed in his heart and said: “Of course not. I will never leave you behind. I will take you along wherever I go.”

But in his current state he couldn’t take care of himself let alone someone else.”

The fire came to their direction and they could hear the voices of angry people. Those must be the villagers, they must be furious to see their homes burnt to a crisp.

A loud voice said: “Everyone stay calm! We will pay for the construction of your destroyed houses. Don’t worry!”

Yu Peiyu frowned and said: “That is strange. The rebuilding of so many houses costs a lot. It is most strange that they would actually burn down an entire village just because of us. Or is there more to it?”

The fire slowly died out, and it was still very dark. Zhu Lei’Er sat on the ground looking sad and exhausted. Yu Peiyu had taken her to the cemetary, and she had not said a word since.”

Yu Peiyu said: “They did not set fire to kill us that simply.”

Zhu Lei’Er stared at a new grave and said: “Hmmm.”

Yu Peiyu said: “If they wanted us dead they would have placed a number of henchmen around the house. We could easily escape and did not see a single man.”

Zhu Lei’Er again said: “Hmmm.”

Yu Peiyu said: “They did everything just to get us out of your house.”

Zhu Lei’Er was paying attention now and said: “Are they mad? Just to get us of out of there, they burnt down the entire Family Li Village and have to pay the heavy compensation for it! Why?”

Yu Peiyu said softly: “There must be a reason.....there is bound to be a reason......”