Volume 11.5 Chapter 37

Zhuo Fengru washed his face at dawn with cold water and called it his bath.

At the end of Zhuo Fengrus discussion with Miguo Branchs apostle, they settled on tackling Liu Shan Men. In regards to strengthening the sarira, Zhuo Fengru couldnt say the decision was remotely ideal. The apostle said, Seeing as the boy is the thorn in your side, instead of searching and selecting from adepts in the martial world, just use him. With his developed internal energy, hes the perfect charger. Dont let me down.

Easy for him to say when he wasnt the one who would have to take down Ming Feizhen. Putting aside the challenge of countering Ming Feizhens unorthodox fighting style, even if he could apprehend Ming Feizhen, the commotion theyd cause would put a bulls eye on Zhuo Fengru. Zhuo Fengru wouldnt be Wudangs match even if there was a magic pill that instantly multiplied his abilities by ten folds. Unless he could catch Ming Feizhen off guard, covertly subduing him would only happen in fiction.

Zhuo Fengru: Yes, you must catch the enemy off guard.

Should Zhuo Fengru proceed with the intent of capturing Ming Feizhen, then hed need to reconsider what he told his son last night. After all, Ming Feizhen already had his guard up, so informing him that his son had been selling them out would only compel Ming Feizhen to fortify his guard. For that reason, he rose early in order to dissuade his son from apologising to them. Knowing his sons temperament, though, he mightve already been too late.

Zhuo Fengru kept simulating different scenarios in his head if he were to cross fists with Ming Feizhen, trying to find a counter for every technique in Ming Feizhens arsenal. No matter how he thought, unfortunately, he couldnt identify a pattern to Ming Feizhens style.

Maybe I can find something to exploit if I can watch him in action again.

Suddenly, a gust of hot wind propelled a dark silhouette at Zhuo Fengrus face. Whilst it felt as if his face would be squashed, there was an inexplicable energy holding it back. Whatever it was, he needed to squat and roll before worrying about that. He expected only half of the door behind him to remain - if not launched metres away from its hinges - yet the violent gale ceased once he rolled to safety.

Startled upon looking up, Zhuo Fengru blurted, Young Hero Ming?

Ming Feizhen, drying pole racked over his shoulder and dangling a green foxtail from his mouth, responded, Hero Zhou, Id like to seek some cudgel pointers from you.

Thats fine. Why did you come at me so suddenly, though?

Hahaha, you must catch the enemy off guard.

Uh, ahaha.

Here I come!

Ming Feizhens quick flick left afterimages. Zhuo Fengru formed used swordplay in his left hand and palm techniques in his right hand to cancel Ming Feizhens attack.

Beggars Sects Dog-Beating Staff techniques?! Do you know Chief Hong?

Of course. Catch this.

Brilliant Green Dragon Cudgel.

How about this?

That shouldnt count, should it? Thats Desert Brotherhoods Eclipse Spiked-Mace technique, not a cudgel technique.

The wind explosions they generated extended several metres.

Despite correctly identifying every schools techniques, Ming Feizhen never utilised the same schools techniques more than once.

That was Shaolin Temples Demon Subjugation Staff Technique!

Ming Feizhen pulled his weapon back and laughed. Correct! Do you have anything to say about it?

Your knowledge is vast. However, uh, why do I have to have a unique viewpoint?

Following a brief silence, Ming Feizhen consigned the pole to the ground. Forget it. Lets go have breakfast, he said, then strolled off.

Zhuo Fengru, baffled, followed along. The first thing to enter his sights upon entering the hall was his sons swollen face. Basing his judgement on Hua Qing, Su Li and Xu Yanrans stoic expressions, he immediately voiced, You all know now? This old one promises it is the last time.

Hua Qing inquired, The last time what, Hero Zhuo?

Huh? Piner, did you say something to them?

Eee, oo, woo, awu.

Su Li expressed, Young Master Zhuo has just been mumbling something similar ever since he came in. He has yet to say one complete sentence.

Its probably because of his facial muscles.

Zhuo Fengru quickly pulled his son away. This old one and his son have some business to attend to. Please enjoy breakfast without us.

Once they were gone, Hua Qing questioned, Howd it go?

Ming Feizhen took a seat, then sighed. I thought hed react if I used Shaolin skills, but he didnt budge. Even Im starting to question if he killed the Shaolin disciples now.

Is your Shaolin legit, though? Did he recognise it?

Of course it is. My shifu personally taught me each technique by the hand. Ming Feizhen took a bite out of a sesame cake. I just couldnt remember which move it was, so I went through a series of moves beforehand. Cant believe he didnt react after all that effort.

Su Li whispered, Do you two still suspect him?

Ming Feizhen: Very. Still dont know whether hes good or bad, nevertheless Wait a second. If he wont show his skills, Ill just have to make him fight me.

Hua Qing: Whats your bright idea this time?

Watch and see. Yanran.

Oblivious to what the conversation entailed, Xu Yanran brightly turned around to them, Yes, Brother Mieba?

Su Li pulled Xu Yanran over. Sister Yanran, hes several years younger than you. Why do you let him have his way?

Its fine. Hes helping my family and protecting Brother Hua. I admire him from the bottom of my height, so its okay.

See how nice she is? Lass Su, shut your trap. Yanran, Zhuo Yupin is engaged to you, right?

Xu Yanran hid her flush cheeks. Uhm Yeah.

Okay, cancel it for now.

Hmm?

For the reason, just say its because of me.

Huh?

Ming Feizhen sneered. I need everyones help. Im going to hold a bouquet throwing event.

Glossary

Cudgel flick - Its where your hand closer to the base acts as an axis that lowers vertically while the hand further up the cudgel pulls the end pointed towards the target upwards simultaneously (degrees is context dependent). Imagine a seesaw, where you have one hand roughly at the middle point and another hand at one end.