Volume 11.5 Chapter 68

Snapping out of his stupefied mode, Ming Feizhen stuffed his finger up his nostril. The h.e.l.l? Do all of you get such ridiculous names?

Ehehe. Changan Zhile scrubbed the back of his skull. Only sometimes do we get embarra.s.sing names.

Ming Feizhen pa.s.sed over his empty bowl. Young man, you must remember to live an honest and modest life. Have you ever seen me, Ming Mieba, acting arrogant?

Changan Zhile froze in disbelief, though it wasnt known if that was because of what Ming Feizhen said or his appet.i.te.

Thanks for the food. You can take the plates now.

I still have a task, though.

Now youre talking. Less plotting. More sincerity. Ming Feizhen took out an iron skewer from Changan Zhiles pocket that resembled a hidden weapon to use as a toothpick. So, what are you here for?

Changan Zhile thumped his chest. Im here to rescue you.

Get lost.

Changan Zhile tugged up a corner of his lips whilst placing his palms together, generating a loud snap sound. Youll change your mind once you see what Im capable of. He stepped into the formation.

There was no way Changan Zhile couldve practiced any orthodox disciplines when he was a.s.sociated with League of a.s.sa.s.sins, yet he didnt bat an eye, mould energy or complain when he stepped into the formation that used sunlight rock as its foundation.

Doesnt this mean hes never trained any internal disciplines? Where does his confidence come from?!

Changan Zhile separated his hands once he reached Ming Feizhens side, then ran one hand up the left side and one down the left side - yin and yang. He cracked a smirk again and said, Keep your guard up.

***

To make his stance clear, Miguo himself went to guard the formation for a day, but, after all, he was the man in charge, so he couldnt stake out there all the time. After five days of no visitors, Yungu paid Ming Feizhen a visit again.

Although the three unorthodox factions had different plans, the cornerstone of their plans was the same person. Demon Sects Great Guardian wasnt fodder Yungu could mow down. Not only was Ming Feizhen capable of holding his own weight, but wealth, authority and women wouldnt sway him, either. As a group of recluses themselves, Sky Palace understood Mount Daluo better than Wudang and Shaolin. Plus, there was no doubt they researched their compet.i.tion.

Mount Daluo members believed in being upright, observing morals, exercising kindness and not competing for material wealth and fame. Just as white paper was easier to dye different colours, the weakness of such people were extra clear. Sky Palace knew the weakness of every Mount Daluo disciple, which was why Ming Feizhen was different to them. While he showed a lot of openings, it was so difficult to sway his mind that she didnt know where to start. Therefore, she knew Mount Daluo wasnt responsible for Ming Feizhens lack of interest in her offers. If there was one person who could mould Ming Feizhen into such a challenge, it would be Ming Huayu.

Even after numerous sleepless nights, Yungu had no strategies to deploy. Hence, she decided to do away with strategy and try to pry openings from conversation. Young Master, I am here to visit again.

What is it now?

Yungu dimpled as though all of her hesitation before was a hoax and walked over to the rock. I was worried youd be lonely

Yungu: Am I seeing things?

Yungus eyes werent lying to her. Ming Feizhen really was lying slanted on a big rock, holding a duck leg in his right hand, a sheet of paper in his left hand and a cigarette in his mouth, looking through a pair of sungla.s.ses and humming a tune.

How does this feel, Sir? asked Changan Zhile, whilst giving Ming Feizhen a ma.s.sage.

Mm, not bad, not bad. Ming Feizhen exhaled nice and slow. Go a tad harder on the left shoulder.

Roger that.

What in the world? remarked Yungu.

If Changan Zhile was working, then his rank would be the equivalent of Yungus.

Yungu: Why is he here? And what is he doing?

This one is here on orders of Master Le.

Yungu asked, You were sent to give him a ma.s.sage?

Changan Zhile wiped his sweat. And cook, brew tea, clean, wash his clothes and do his bed. I am good at all of them.

Ming Feizhen nodded. Hes especially good at cooking.

Yungu staggered backwards.

The two youths looked up. Huh? What?

Yungu choked out, Young Master, has he bribed you? I spent so long speaking to you!

Ming Feizhen: Says who? You think I cant tell its a ploy? As if Id fall for such an obvious trick.

Yungu s.h.i.+fted her gaze to the duck leg in Ming Feizhens hand. But it looks like you enjoy the food

Man, this b.u.g.g.e.r treated me to pork trotters, then forced me to eat a stewed duck; it was h.e.l.l on earth. Had I not been trained, I wouldnt have been able to endure the harsh torture.

I-I lost to a duck?! Yungu sped off crying.

I heard Sky Palaces envoys have all trained Ice Heart, yet you made her cry, Changan Zhile commented.

Ice Heart? Whats that? Is it edible?

Anytime Sky Palace allowed a herald out, one could be sure that they had mastered Ice Heart - a skill that trained pract.i.tioners to become as cool as ice so that they wouldnt make decisions with a clouded mind.

Changan Zhile shrugged, then returned to ma.s.saging Ming Feizhens shoulders with the edges of his hands. Back to what we talking about before. Do you really have no intention of escaping?

Can I?

Cant you?

Lord Miguo is far more dangerous than I gave him credit for.

Really? I cant tell.

Im a variable he didnt account for ahead of time, yet he was able to stop me on the spot. I underestimated him. I do have an escape method, except it would cost everyone here their lives. Ming Feizhen set down the sheet of paper on hand. That said, I just came up with a new solution.

Which is?

Ming Feizhen looked over his shoulder. Another variable not accounted for.

***

Though Hua Qing was an exceptionally fast learner, what Zhuo Fengru and Wugou really liked about him was his ability to concentrate on a task, especially when he had the apt.i.tude, knowledge and mentors that he could be boasting about instead. His goal wasnt to excel as a martial artist but to learn a one-sh*t kill technique.

For the initial two days, Hua Qing saw himself defending justice and punis.h.i.+ng evil with Ming Feizhen, trying to become an accomplished man so that he could eventually propose to Su Li. He smiled in his sleep as he envisioned famous heroes across the land attending his wedding to give their wishes. Unfortunately, he ended up regressing instead of progressing in his training.

On the second night, instead of a cheerful visit from Zhuo Fengru or warm visit from Su Li, Kongkonger entered Hua Qings training chamber and fumed, Are you crazy?! What are you letting your mind wander for?! These skills arent yours! You think youre a hero now? Youre a thief!

Kongkonger swung an iron rod at Hua Qing, continuing, You learnt my skills; youll forever be a thief. Hero? My foot! Ask yourself: dont you know what your worth is? In the first six months under me, you didnt even know how to scale a wall. Adept? Get over here! He dragged Hua Qing out from his sh.e.l.l and held him down to bat again. Remember when you got caught stealing oil and got bashed? You were bed ridden for a month. You were lucky to have even survived.

I-I do, Hua Qing answered from behind his hands.

Do you remember when you got caught whilst scoping out a target location? Had I arrived a moment later, his dogs wouldve torn you limb from limb.

I do, Hua Qing replied in a m.u.f.fled voice.

Take your hands off your head.

Choking back his tears, Hua Qing pleaded, s.h.i.+fu, spare my face.

Shut up. Remove them.

Hua Qing shakily removed his bruised hands to see his s.h.i.+fu also crying.

Kongkonger hugged his disciple. Never forget that were thieves. Yes, its possible to sleep on a bed with blankets and not worry at night, as well as enjoy expensive clothes and food, but were not worthy of those things. Were just eye sores. Were thieves who drag ourselves out of a hail of punches and kicks time after time; however, we only have one life. Lose it and its gone for good. Kongkonger cast aside the rod, then went to the exit. I apologise for not teaching him better, he expressed with his head down.

Zhuo Fengru shook his head. Its thanks to you that we now have hope. I wish I had a s.h.i.+fu like you back then.

For the next three days, whether it was owed to the lecture or the beating, Hua Qing was freakishly focused on learning the skill, finally producing results.

Tonight, Hua Qing performed as they hoped for on all three attempts, so Zhuo Fengru made conversation with him. Still not planning to tell her?

T-tell her what?

Zhuo Fengru touched his beard and winked. Not even going to ask who she is?

Stop making fun of me, Elder.

Im not making fun of you. Im teaching you. Even if we control every variable we can, we only have a 50% chance of success. We may not even make it out of here. If I had the same opportunity, Id like to tell my wife my greatest joy wasnt training or being a hero but marrying her and having Yanran.

We can do it We can get through this.

I dont need you to comfort me. I have a wife and a daughter; you dont have anyone or anything. If you dont say it now, youll never have a second chance. Dont waste time. Go now. Zhuo Fengru pushed and kicked Hua Qing out.

Hua Qing rubbed his b.u.t.t as he wobbled, wondering if his training had any results at all.