Chapter - 13 Giving Pointers to Extraordinary Men At the Waterside Pavilion of Fragrant Sounds (2/2)

Yao Bodang continued, ”Miss Wang, we originally came to cause trouble for the Murong family. From the looks of it, you seem to belong to the Murong family?”

Once Wang Yuyan heard the words, 'you seem to belong to the Murong family', she felt both bashful and happy. Her entire face blushed, and she swayed once before saying, ”Young master Murong is my cousin. What business do you have with him? How has he offended you?”

Yao Bodang laughed loudly. ”You are Murong Fu's cousin? That couldn't be better. The ancestor's of Gusu's Murong family owes my Yao family a million taels of gold and ten million taels of silver. It's been centuries, and they owe us interest on the interest. How shall we settle this debt?” Wang Yuyan was astonished. ”How can there be such a thing? My uncle's family has always been rich. How can they owe your family money?” Yao Bodang replied, ”Whether they owe us or not, what does a little girl like you know? I went looking for Murong Bo to get our money back. He agreed to pay us back, but he didn't pay us back a single copper before his feet stiffened and he dropped dead. Since the old fellow died, the only option is to go find his son. Who would have imagined that upon his creditors arriving, Murong Fu would actually hide himself away? The only choice I have is to find something to serve as a mortgage.”

Wang Yuyan replied, ”My cousin is generous and straightforward. If he borrowed money from you, he would have repaid you long ago. Even if he didn't borrow money from you, if you asked him for some gold and silver, he would not refuse you. What is this nonsense about him being afraid of you and hiding himself away?”

Yao Bodang wrinkled his forehead. He said, ”How about this. It's hard to fully debate matters like this in a short period of time. Tonight, why don't you temporarily come north with me, Miss? You can stay at the Qin family stronghold for a year or so. I guarantee that the people of the Qin family stronghold won't touch a hair on your head. The wife of Yao Bodang is a famous for being a jealous old tigress. I've always been extremely well-disciplined when it comes to dealing with other women. Put your mind at rest. There's no need for you to pack either, we'll leave immediately. After your cousin has coughed up the money to repay this debt, I will naturally escort you back to Gusu and allow you and your cousin to be married. The Qin family stronghold will give you a very lavish wedding gift, and I, Yao Bodang, will have to come and drink a wedding toast as well.” As he spoke, his lips split into another loud laugh.

These words were extremely boorish, and the last few words were all the more mocking, but in Wang Yuyan's ears, they sounded very sweet and made her very happy. Smiling, she said, ”You love to talk rubbish. Why would I go with you to the Qin family stronghold? If my uncle's family really borrowed money from you, most likely it was something which happened a long time ago which my cousin doesn't know about. All you have to do is produce evidence, and my cousin will definitely repay you.”

Yao Bodang's original intention was to carry off Wang Yuyan and force her to reveal martial arts secrets. Everything he said earlier about a million taels of gold and ten million taels of silver were all nonsense. Now, hearing how innocent she was in taking his nonsensical story to be true, he said, ”It is best if you come with me. The Qin family stronghold is a very fun place. We've raised a pack of black hunting panthers, giant hawks, and deer. Everything is new and exciting. I guarantee that you won't be bored of the place within half a year. As soon as your cousin receives the news, he will immediately come there to find you. Even if he doesn't pay me back, I guess I can just forget about it and let the two of you go back to Gusu. What do you think?” These words he spoke caused Wang Yuyan's heart to actually be moved.

Sima Lin, seeing her gaze wander and a beaming expression on her face, thought to himself, ”If she actually agrees to go to the Qin family stronghold, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to prevent her from doing so afterwards.” Without waiting for her to respond, he immediately interjected, ”Yunnan is a place of bitter cold, located beyond the Great Wall. Miss Wang, how could a delicate and tender Jiangnan beauty such as you suffer such torment? My hometown of Chengdu is a city of legendary beauty, known as the City of Silk and Satin. The silk which we produce is famous world-wide. Moreover, we have beautiful scenery and ten times as many diverting things to do as Yunnan. Miss Wang, in accordance with your beauty, you should come to Chengdu and buy some silk dresses. It would be like a red rose on a field of green plants, each multiplying the beauty of the other. Young master Murong is both handsome and talented. Naturally, he would like it if you dressed up beautifully for him.” Since he was now certain that his father had been harmed by the people from the Penglai sect, he held no more grudges against the Murong family.

Yao Bodang shouted, ”Farting, farting, your dog of a mother is letting out a smelly fart! Can it be that the city of Suzhou lacks silks or brocade? Open your dog eyes and take a close look at these three beautiful girls. Which of them don't know how to dress up?” Sima Lin let out a cold snort. ”It stinks in here. It really does stink.” Yao Bodang angrily shouted, ”Are you talking about me?” Sima Lin said, ”I wouldn't dare! I'm saying that a filthy dog naturally lets out nauseating farts.”

With a swishing sound, Yao Bodang drew the short-hilted broadsword from his and called out, ”Sima Lin, my Qin family stronghold, compared to your Qingcheng sect, is probably about on par and matched with each other. But if the Qin family stronghold unites with the Penglai sect, we'd probably be able to wipe out your Qingcheng sect. Am I right?”

The look on Sima Lin's face changed. He thought to himself, ”His words are not false. After the passing of my father, the strength of my Qingcheng sect is already diminished. In addition, this traitor, Zhu Baokun, has stolen our secret martial arts techniques. If the Qin family stronghold becomes our enemies as well, then things will become very difficult. As the saying goes, 'he who strikes first becomes the master, he who strikes second suffers disaster'. Goddamnit, the only option we have today is to launch a surprise attack on them.” He immediately said lightly, ”What do you propose?”

Seeing him fold his hands into his sleeves, Yao Bodang knew that could shoot forth his insidious hidden weapons at any point in time. Instantly, he became all the more cautious. He said, ”I am inviting Miss Wang to stay in Yunnan as my guest until young master Murong comes to escort her back home. But you have chosen to meddle in my business and refuse to accept this. Am I right?”

Sima Lin said, ”Your home, Yunnan, is too crappy a place for Miss Wang. I want to invite Miss Wang to come to Chengdu to enjoy herself.” Yao Bodang said, ”Fine. Let us determine victory or defeat through battle. Whoever wins will be Miss Wang's host.” Sima Lin said, ”Precisely so. After all, even if the losers want to be Miss Wang's host, they can't possibly invite her down to the underworld.” The meaning of his words was that this wasn't a competition of martial arts, but a life-and-death struggle which would determine who would live and who would be destroyed. Yao Bodang loudly laughed, then shouted, ”The life that I, Yao Bodang have lived, has always been one of lapping blood from the tip of my broadsword. Sect-leader Sima, you want to use the word 'death' to frighten me? I have not taken it to heart in the slightest!” Sima Lin said, ”How shall we compete? Shall the two of us duel with each other, or shall everyone just charge at the other side?”

Yao Bodang said, ”Why don't you just let this old fellow that I am play with you a bit…” Sima Lin suddenly turned his head towards the left, a look of utmost astonishment on his face, as though something bizarre had just happened. Yao Bodang's gaze had been on him this entire time, fearing that he was planning some sort of trick. But now, he couldn't help but turn his gaze to the left as well. Suddenly, three sneering sounds could be heard. Snapping his attention back, he saw that the hidden weapons were now less than a meter away from his chest. He felt sourness in his heart, knowing that he was in deep trouble....

Just at this critical, lethal moment, something flashed by his chest. With a clattering sound, it knocked aside all of the poisoned nails. The poison nails were shot out extremely quickly, and despite Yao Bodang being focused upon his opponent, he still would have been unable to avoid them. But the object which knocked aside the poison nails was several times faster than the nails. It was sent out later, but arrived earlier, knocking the poisoned nails aside. As to what exactly was tossed out, no one had seen clearly.

Wang Yuyan cried out in a happy voice, ”Is it Uncle Bao who's arrived?”

An extremely strange voice replied, ”Tis not so, tis not so. It isn't Uncle Bao who's arrived.”

Wang Yuyan laughed, ”You claim not to be Uncle Bao? Even before you yourself appear, your 'tis not so, tis not so' comments arrive!” That voice replied, ”Tis not so, tis not so! I am not Uncle Bao!” Wang Yuyan laughed. ”Tis not so, tis not so? Then who are you?” That voice replied, ”The kinsmen of the Murong family call me 'third brother', but you addressed me as me 'uncle'. Tis not so, tis not so! You addressed me incorrectly!” Wang Yuyan's body swayed with laughter as she pressed her hands to her face. ”You still aren't coming out?”

The voice did not reply. After a while, Wang Yuyan saw that there wasn't a single bit of movement, and cried out, ”Hey, come out! Come help us shoo out these random people away!” But still, no sound could be heard. Clearly, the person surnamed Bao had left long ago. Wang Yuyan felt a bit disappointed, and asked Ah Zhu, ”Where did he go?” Ah Zhu smiled. ”Third brother Bao always had this sort of weird temper. Earlier, miss, you said, 'You still aren't coming out?' Originally, he was planning to come out, but after hearing you say that, he would do the opposite to make things awkward for you. I'm afraid he might not come back at all today.”

Earlier, there was a 99% chance of death for Yao Bodang, if it hadn't been for the help of the man surnamed Bao. Naturally, he felt indebted to him. Originally, he held no grudges against the Qingcheng sect and felt no enmity towards them, but now, it was unavoidable that he would want to kill Sima Lin. Brandishing his short-handled broadsword, he shouted, ”Shameless scoundrel! You secretly shoot out hidden weapons. Do you think you can hurt this old man with them?” With a sweep of his broadsword, he chopped towards the crown of Sima Lin's head. Sima Lin's hands left his sleeves. In his left hand he wielded a steel awl, and in his right hand he wielded a steel mace, and his two weapons began to tussle against Yao Bodang's broadsword.

Yao Bodang possessed great physical strength, and his sabre techniques were ruthless and vicious. By contrast, Sima Lin specialized in using small, quick weapons and clever techniques. This was the first time a member of the Qin family stronghold and a member of Qingcheng sect had fought against each other. With each of them being the leader of their respective organization, this was more than just a life-and-death battle; this was something which would determine the prestige or downfall of their sects. Both of them were forced to be very careful, not daring to slacken off in the slightest.

After seventy or so stances had been exchanged, Wang Yuyan suddenly said to Ah Zhu, ”Check it out. It seems as though the Qin family stronghold is missing more than just five strokes from their 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' sabre style. Why isn't leader Yao using the techniques 'Carrying the Son Through the River' or 'Valuing Integrity, Guarding Righteousness'?” Ah Zhu didn't know anything about the 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' sabre style, and found it difficult to respond.

In the middle of this fierce battle, these four sentences drifted into Yao Bodang's ears. He was greatly shocked. ”This little lady's eyesight is incredible. It originally was the case that only fifty nine strokes remained of the sixty four strokes of the 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' sabre style. But when my master learned this style, he was not intelligent enough to learn those two stances, 'Carrying the Son Through the River' and 'Valuing Integrity, Guarding Righteousness.' Thus, those two stances were lost, leaving behind only fifty seven strokes. In order to save face, I slightly modified the alternate forms of two other strokes, so as to keep the number of stances at fifty nine. She actually saw through it.”

As it were, the people of the mountain strongholds were a motley, disorderly array. Anyone could mingle together with them, but when Yunnan's Qin family led raids to loot and plunder, the leaders were always disciples of the 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' school. The experts of other sects, knowing that the members of the Qin family stockade would not treat them as one of their own, would not go and try to join forces with them. Yao Bodang's master came from the Qin family. He was not only the chief of the Qin family stockade, but also the leader of the sect-leader of the 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' school of martial arts. His own martial arts level, as well as that of his son, Qin Boqi, was very mediocre. Thus, he gave his own rank and station to that of his head apprentice, Yao Bodang. Several months ago, while in Shaanxi, Qin Boqi was killed by a sabre technique which utilized three horizontal chops and a vertical chop, known as the ”Four Knife-Strokes of the 'Wang' Character” [The 'Wang' character, meaning 'King', is written in Chinese with three parallel horizontal strokes and a vertical stroke which bisects all three]. This was the hardest and most fierce technique within the 'Five Tigers Shattering the Gate' sabre style. Everyone believed that the killer must have been Gusu's Murong family. Yao Bodang, remembering his master's benevolence, marshaled the many experts of his stronghold and came to Suzhou to seek revenge on behalf of his martial-brother. Unexpectedly, he almost lost his life to the poison nails of the Qingcheng sect before he even had a chance to meet with the master of the place, and his life was actually rescued by one of Murong Fu's friends.

Yao Bodang hated Sima Lin's vile, treacherous techniques techniques. Now, hearing Wang Yuyan expose the flaws in his martial arts, he felt very ashamed. He wanted to defeat Sima Lin as quickly as possible, so as to maintain his own dignity and prestige within his sect. But this anxiousness to achieve a quick victory made him rash and impatient. He executed several risky attacks, all of which were dodged by Sima Lin. Letting out a loud roar, Yao Bodang brandished his sabre in a mighty downwards chop. Just as Sima Lin leapt to the left, Yao Bodang suddenly kicked out with his right leg. Sima Lin's body was in midair, leaving him with no place to dodge. Instead, he delivered a powerful thrust towards Yao Bodang's foot using the steel awl in his left hand, intending to force Yao Bodang to retract this kick. Although Yao Bodang indeed did not follow through with his right kick, his left leg suddenly struck out as well in a tandem strike, attacking the left side of Sima Lin's waist.

Sima Lin struck diagonally with his steel mace. With a clapping sound, by chance it managed to strike Yao Bodang precisely on the bridge of his nose. Blood immediately began to flow from the wound. But at the same time, Yao Bodang's left leg struck Sima Lin on his waist.

Unfortunately, since Yao Bodang was struck first, he was startled, causing the power of this kick to have less than 20% of his normal force. Although Sima Lin was hit, he suffered no ill effects at all, aside from some temporary pain. And so, in the twinkling of an eye, victory and defeat had been determined. Letting out a tiger's roar, Yao Bodang charged forward with his sabre. But feeling pain so severe that it seemed his head had been split in twain, Yao Bodang's footsteps became staggered and his footing became unsure.

Sima Lin's winning of this battle was highly due to luck. He knew that if he spared Yao Bodang's life, Yao Bodang would cause him no end of trouble in the future. Immediately, he made up his mind to be ruthless. The mace in his hand flashed through the air in an attack. Just as Yao Bodang brandished his knife to defend, the steel awl in Sima Lin's left hand pierced directly towards Yao Bodang's heart.

The deputy-leader of the Qin family stronghold, seeing that things were going south, let out a loud cry then threw his short-hilted broadsword directly towards Sima Lin. In the blink of an eye, the room was filled with the sound of wind blowing as over ten short-hilted broadswords flew through the air towards Sima Lin.

As it so happened, within the martial arts of the Qin family stronghold, there was a consummate technique which involved throwing their broadswords at an opponent. Each broadsword weighed roughly between three and five kilograms. When thrown at an opponent, they carried an extremely powerful force. Now, with over ten broadswords flying towards him, Sima Lin found himself in a hopeless situation, neither able to deflect them nor able to dodge them.

Just when it seemed as though he was about to fall prey to the flying broadswords, a shadow of a man appeared in the room, flying towards Sima Lin's side. Stretching out his hands, the shadow plunged them into the midst of those flying broadswords, snatching and grabbing at them until he had seized all of them. He clasped them to his chest with his left hand, then let out a long laugh, seating himself on a chair in the middle of the room. Following this, he hurled all of the broadswords down to his feet with a clanking sound.

Everyone was struck dumb with astonishment. The man seated in the chair was middle-aged, thin and gaunt, extremely tall, and wore a long, grey gown. There was a stubborn, perverse look to his features. Having seen his skill in seizing the broadswords, everyone here was both fearful and awed. Nobody dared to say a word.

Only Duan Yu was laughing. ”This brother's movements are really quick! I imagine your martial arts is at a very high level. Sir, might I ask what your undoubtedly famous name is?”

Before that man had a chance to reply, Wang Yuyan rushed forward and laughed, ”Third brother Bao! I thought you weren't going to come back, and was starting to worry. Wonderful, wonderful!”

Duan Yu said, ”Oh, so it's Mr. Bao.” Mr. Bao tossed him a sideways glance, then icily said, ”Boy, who are you? How dare you prattle on and on in front of me?” Duan Yu replied, ”My name is Duan Yu. I've never studied martial arts and am not a warrior, but during my time stumbling about the jianghu, I've somehow managed to avoid death up 'til now. It's really rather remarkable.” Mr. Bao turned and stared at him, not knowing how to respond.

Sima Lin stepped forward. Bowing deeply, he said, ”Sima Lin of the Qingcheng sect greatly appreciates your assistance. I will never dare to forget your great benevolence and kindness. Mr. Bao, might I ask what your full name is, so that I might forever remember it in my heart?” Mr. Bao's eyes flashed, and he suddenly struck out with a kick, knocking Sima Lin backwards into a somersault. He shouted, ”You think you are worthy of knowing my name? I didn't have any intention to save you. It's just that this is the home of sister Ah Zhu. If they dismembered you, you little brat, into many pieces here, it would've dirtied this place, the 'Waterside Pavilion of Fragrant Sounds.' **** off, **** off now!”

When Sima Lin saw him kick out, he wanted to dodge, but could not do so in time. The fall he took was very humiliating. After hearing Mr. Bao speak such bullying words, according to the rules of the jianghu, if Sima Lin didn't immediately attack and go all out, he would at least have to arrange a future date for a duel. No matter what, he could not allow himself to be humiliated so badly in front of everyone without even a response. He gathered himself, then said, ”Mr. Bao, today I, Sima Lin, was besieged by many enemies and almost lost my life. I am indebted to you for your saving of my life. I, Sima Lin, am a person who can distinguish between benevolence and enmity. I will repay benevolence with benevolence, and enmity with vengeance. Please, sir! Your move.” Sima Lin knew all too well that no matter how long or how arduously he trained, he wouldn't be able to achieve Mr. Bao's level of martial arts. Thus, he could only use the eight words, 'repay benevolence with benevolence, and enmity with vengeance', to indistinctly put up a muddled response.

Mr. Bao wasn't even paying attention to what he was saying. He turned towards Wang Yuyan and said, ”Miss Wang, how is it that the madame allowed you to come here?” Wang Yuyan laughed, ”Why don't you guess how this happened?” Mr. Bao mumbled to himself, ”This is a bit hard to guess.”

Sima Lin, seeing how Mr. Bao totally ignored his display in favor of talking to Wang Yuyan, felt even more belittled and humiliated than when he had been kicked earlier. He couldn't help but feel hatred towards Mr. Bao. He no longer cared at all about the benevolence which Mr. Bao had shown him earlier. With a wave of his left hand, he led all the disciples of the Qingcheng sect away.

Mr. Bao said, ”Hold. Stay here and listen to my instructions.” Sima Lin turned around. ”What?” Mr. Bao said, ”I heard that you came to Gusu in order to avenge the death of your father. You came looking for the wrong person. Your father, Sima Wei, was not killed by young master Murong.” Sima Lin said, ”Why do you say that? Mr. Bao, how do you know this?”

Mr. Bao angrily replied, ”If I say that young master Murong didn't kill him, then naturally young master Murong didn't kill him. Even if he really killed him, if I say he didn't, then the killing doesn't count. Can it be that my words hold no weight?”

Sima Lin thought to himself, ”These words of his are really far too peremptory.” He replied, ”I cannot exist in the same world with a man who murdered my father. Although my skill in martial arts is low, I must avenge his death, even if it results in my body being smashed into powder. Mr. Bao, if you know who murdered him, please inform me.” Mr. Bao loudly laughed. ”Your father isn't my son. Why should I know or care as to who killed him? I'm telling you that young master Murong didn't kill him, but it seems you won't believe me. Fine! Let's just say I killed him. If you want to avenge him, come kill me!” Sima Lin's face turned ashen pale. ”How can the murder of my father be treated as a game? Mr. Bao, I know that I am not your match. If you want to kill me, go ahead, but you are not allowed to humiliate me thusly!” Mr. Bao laughed, ”I refuse to kill you, but insist on humiliating you. What are you going to do about it?”

Sima Lin was so furious, his chest was about to explode. However, he still did not have the courage to rush forward and stake his life in an all-out-attack. He was caught between a rock and a hard place, with neither advancing nor retreating being a good option. He felt extremely awkward.

Mr. Bao laughed, ”Your father's level of martial arts is too trifling. Why would brother Murong bother to personally deal with him? Young master Murong's level of martial arts is ten times higher than mine. Think about it. Is your father fit to die underneath his hands?”

Before Sima Lin had a chance to respond, Zhu Baokun drew out his weapons then loudly shouted, ”Mr. Bao, Mr. Sima Wei was my instructor and master. I will not allow you to besmirch his reputation, after his death!” Mr. Bao laughed, ”You are a spy who snuck into the Qingcheng sect to steal their martial arts secrets. What does this have to do with you?” Zhu Baokun loudly shouted, ”Master Sima Wei treated me with the utmost kindness and decency. I, Zhu Baokun, am ashamed that I was not able to repay him. Today, in dying to protect my departed master's reputation, I will slightly atone for my sins of deceiving him! Mr. Bao, apologize immediately to sect-master Sima Wei!”

Mr. Bao laughed. ”I, Bao the Third, have never admitted to making any mistakes in my life, and have never apologized. Even when I know I am in the wrong, I'll argue and debate until my dying breath. Even when he was alive, Sima Wei didn't have much of a reputation. Now that he's dead, his reputation is even worse. This sort of person should have been killed long ago! It's great that he was killed! Great!”

Zhu Baokun angrily roared, ”Draw your weapons!”

Mr. Bao laughed, ”Sima Wei's son and disciples are a bunch of worthless trash. Aside from using hidden weapons to harm others, what else are they good for?”

Zhu Baokun shouted, ”On guard!” He struck out with the technique, ”Ascending to Heaven, Descending Past Hell”, a simultaneous attack using both the steel awl in his left hand and the steel mace in his right.

Mr. Bao didn't even leave the chair. He waved the sleeve of his left arm, and a powerful gust of wind struck outwards. As Zhu Baokun hurriedly dodged, Mr. Bao kicked with his right leg, sending Zhu Baokun collapsing to the floor. Mr. Bao kicked out again with his right leg, striking him directly on the buttocks and knocking him out of the room.

Zhu Baokun flew through the air, landing on his shoulder and his head. He immediately flipped to his feet, then hobbled and staggered towards Mr. Bao, once more stabbing at Mr. Bao's chest with the steel awl. Mr. Bao seized him by the wrist. With burst of force, he threw him up into the air. With a crashing sound, Zhu Baokun slammed into the ceiling. Falling to the floor, Zhu Baokun flipped to his feet, then rushed towards Mr. Bao a third time. Frowning, Mr. Bao said, ”You really don't know what's good for you. What, you think I won't kill you?” Zhu Baokun cried out, ”It's best if you killed me…”

Mr. Bao struck out with both arms, capturing both of Zhu Baokun's hands. With a cracking sound, he shattered both of Zhu Baokun's arms, also causing Zhu Baokun's awl to pierce into his own left side, while his mace hit his right shoulder. Blood immediately began to flow from his new wounds. These wounds he sustained were grievous. Although he still wanted to fight, he no longer had the ability to.

Everyone in the Qingcheng sect stared at each other, uncertain as to whether or not they should go forward and assist. Most of their hatred towards him had dissipated upon seeing Zhu Baokun truly be willing to sacrifice his own life in order to protect his master's reputation.

This entire time, Ah Zhu was silently watching from the sidelines. Now, she suddenly said, ”Master Sima, Master Zhu, if Gusu's Murong family truly did kill Sima Wei, how could we leave the rest of you alive? If third brother Bao truly wanted to exterminate all of you, I'm afraid it wouldn't be too hard for him to accomplish. At the very least, he wouldn't have saved master Sima's life, and miss Wang wouldn't have tried so hard to help master Zhu. I suggest that all of you go back home and launch a careful investigation as to who really killed Mr. Sima.”

Sima Lin felt that these words were extremely reasonable. He wanted to say a few words in response, but Mr. Bao angrily said, ”These is sister Ah Zhu's place. The hostess has asked you to leave this place. Why haven't you scrammed yet?!” Sima Lin replied, ”Fine! We'll meet again someday.” With a slight nod, he left. Zhu Baokun and the others followed him out.

Yao Bodang saw that Mr. Bao's martial arts was very high, and that he had a very weird temperament. He very much wanted to make the acquaintance of this incredible wulin figure, and also wanted to convince Wang Yuyan to divulge more martial arts secrets to him. He immediately rose to his feet and was about to speak, when Mr. Bao loudly said, ”Yao Bodang, I'm telling you right now that your worthless martial-brother, Qin Boqi, wouldn't be worthy of being chopped at a single time by young master Murong, even if he practiced martial arts for thirty more years. And even if he practiced for one or two hundred years, young master Murong would disdain chopping at him four times. I won't allow you to say a single word more. Roll the **** out, now!” Shocked, Yao Bodang's face turned ghastly pale. He tightly gripped the hilt of his broadsword. Mr. Bao said, ”Your level of martial arts is way too pitiful. Don't display your meager skills in front of me. If I tell you to roll the **** out, you should roll the **** out. There's no room for you to say anything else.”

Earlier, the bandits of the Qin family stronghold had thrown their broadswords towards Sima Lin. These broadswords were intercepted by Mr. Bao, and were now piled around his feet. As they watched him humiliate Yao Bodang, all of them wanted to attack and kill him. But unarmed and without their weapons, they were like toothless, fangless tigers.

Mr. Bao let out a loud laugh, then struck out with a series of kicks. Each kick landed on the handle of a broadsword, sending all of the ten-plus broadswords slowly flying towards the bandits of the Qin family stronghold. Each of them caught the broadswords, but as they did so, they were shocked. It had been extremely easy for them to catch their weapons. Clearly, Mr. Bao was intentionally returning their weapons to them. They couldn't help but realize that for Mr. Bao to make it so easy for them to catch their weapons, he could have easily made it extremely difficult for them to do so as well. It wouldn't have been hard at all for him to spin the broadswords around and pierce their bodies with them. Each of them wielded their weapons in their hands, but all of them looked extremely miserable.

Mr. Bao said, ”Yao Bodang, are you going to roll the **** out or not?” Yao Bodang laughed bitterly. ”Mr. Bao, you have saved my life today. The only reason I am alive is because of your kindness. If you have any orders for me, I will carry them out. I bid you farewell.” As he spoke, he bowed politely, then waved with his left hand. ”Everyone, let's go!”

Mr. Bao said, ”I told you to roll the **** out, not walk out!” Yao Bodang was stunned. ”I don't understand what you mean.” Mr. Bao said, ”Rolling means you roll. Are you going to roll or not?” Yao Bodang thought to himself that this person was extremely strange, clearly insane and unwilling to listen to reason. Paying no more attention to him, he hurriedly walked towards the main doorway.

Mr. Bao shouted, ”Tis not so, tis not so! This is striding, this is jogging, this is walking, this is running. No matter how you spin it, it isn't rolling!” With a flicker of his shadow, he appeared behind Yao Bodang. His left hand flashed out, seizing Yao Bodang by the back of his neck. Yao Bodang tried to defend with his right elbow, but Mr. Bao lifted him up with his left hand, raising him above the floor. Thus, Yao Bodang's right elbow missed him.

Next, Mr. Bao stretched out his right hand, grabbing Yao Bodang by the buttocks. He loudly shouted, ”This is the home of my sister, Ah Zhu! It's not the type of place where you can come and go as you please! Roll your mother****in' *** out!” His hands loosened, rolling Yao Bodang's huge form out of the building with a throwing motion.

Yao Bodang's acupoints had been sealed by him, rendering Yao Bodang unable to stand up. All he could do was helplessly roll on the floor like a giant log until his body exited the building. Fortunately, the doorway was very wide and his head did not collide with anything. The bandits of the Qin family let out a cry of alarm, and rushed out afterwards in unison, stopping his roll. Yao Bodang said, ”Quick, let's go, let's go!” All of them ran away as though a swarm of bees were after them.

Mr. Bao looked at Duan Yu up and down, but wasn't able to figure out what sort of fellow he was. He asked Wang Yuyan, ”What type of person is he? Should I roll him out too?”

Wang Yuyan said, ”Ah Zhu, Ah Bi, and I were seized by Granny Yan and were in an extremely dangerous situation. It was our great fortune that young gentleman Duan rescued us. In addition, he knows the circumstances of how elder Xuanbei was killed by someone using a blow from the 'Veda Sceptre' technique. We can ask him about it.” Mr. Bao said, ”So what you're saying is that you'd like for him to stay?” Wang Yuyan said, ”Correct.” Mr. Bao grinned. ”You aren't afraid that brother Murong will drink vinegar?” [Drinking vinegar means getting jealous] Wang Yuyan's eyes widened. ”What do you mean, drink vinegar?” Mr. Bao pointed towards Duan Yu. ”This fellow is glib and sly. Don't fall for his tricks!” Wang Yuyan still didn't understand. ”What tricks did I fall for? Are you saying he'll make up false stories about Shaolin? I don't think that's the case.”

Seeing how innocent and na?ve she was, Mr. Bao felt it was inappropriate to say anything else. He let out three cold snickers towards Duan Yu, then said, ”I heard that monk Xuanbei was killed in Dali by someone using a blow from the 'Veda Sceptre' technique, and that a bunch of stupid *******s are claiming someone from our Murong family did this. What exactly is going on? Tell me the truth.” Duan Yu felt very unhappy. He coldly replied, ”What do you think you're doing, interrogating a prisoner? If I don't tell you, what will you do, beat me up?” Mr. Bao was startled, but instead of being angry, he laughed while mumbling repeatedly, ”Bold youngster, bold youngster!” He suddenly walked forwards, then seized Duan Yu by his upper arm. He need to only use the slightest bit of force for Duan Yu to feel pain deep within his bones. Duan Yu loudly cried out, ”Hey, what are you doing?”

Mr. Bao replied, ”I am interrogating a prisoner and cruelly beating him!” Duan Yu let him do what he want, pretending as though the arm no longer belonged to him. Smiling, Duan Yu said, ”Go ahead and beat me up. I won't pay attention to you.” Mr. Bao added more force to his grip, causing Duan Yu's bones to groan in protest, as though they were about to snap. Duan Yu expended enormous effort to resist the pain, continuing to ignore him.

Ah Bi hurriedly said, ”Third brother, this young gentleman is extremely stubborn and has an extremely haughty temper when roused. He is our savior and benefactor. Don't hurt him.” Mr. Bao nodded. ”Wonderful, wonderful. Stubborn and has a haughty temper, eh? That's a very appealing trait to me, Mr. 'Tis not so, tis not so!'” As he spoke, he slowly released Duan Yu's arm.

Ah Zhu laughed. ”Speaking of appealing, everyone must be hungry. Old Gu! Old Gu!” Raising her voice, she shouted. Old Gu stuck his head in from a side door. Seeing that Yao Bodang, Sima Lin, and the others had left, he was overjoyed and happily skipped inside. Ah Zhu said, ”First, go brush your teeth twice, wash your face twice, then wash your hands three times. Lastly, prepare a few exquisite dishes for us. If they're even slightly dirty, Mr. Bao will make things rough for you!” Old Gu grinned. ”I guarantee they'll be clean. I guarantee it!”

The servants of the 'Waterside Pavilion of Fragrant Sounds' prepared a banquet for them within a flowery pavilion. Ah Zhu arranged for Mr. Bao to take the head seat, with Duan Yu seated next to him and Wang Yuyan taking the third seat. Ah Zhu and Ah Bi took the seats on the right hand side, accompanying them. Not waiting for the tea to be served, Wang Yuyan said, ”Third brother, he…he…”

Mr. Bao tossed a glance at Duan Yu, then said, ”Miss Wang, there's an outsider seated here. There are some things we cannot talk about. Moreover, the fellow here is a sly, glib, pretty-faced playboy. I don't trust him at all…”

Duan Yu's temper rose as he listened. He suddenly rose to his feet, intending to immediately leave.

Ah Bi hurriedly said, ”Young gentleman Duan, don't be angry. Mr. Bao always has had this sort of attitude. His formal name is Bao Butong [Butong means different, or contrary]. He insists on arguing or offending people for a bit. Only then can he swallow his food. The day he doesn't offend people with his words is the day the sun rises from the west. Please sit.”

Duan Yu glanced at Wang Yuyan. It seemed to him as though she wanted him to sit as well. Although he couldn't be certain of it, in the end, he wasn't willing to give up the chance to enjoy a banquet with her. He once more sat down, then said, ”Mr. Bao says that I am a pretty-faced playboy, and that I thus am very untrustworthy. I imagine, then, that your young master Murong's appearance is similar to that of Mr. Bao's?”

Bao Butong laughed loudly. ”Excellent question! Our young master is much more handsome than you, brother Duan…” Wang Yuyan, hearing these words, immediately broke out into a radiant smile which seemed to come from the depths of her heart. Bao Butong continued, ”Our young master has a vigorous, heroic spirit to his appearance. Although he is very handsome, it's totally different from your useless pretty-face, brother Duan. Totally different! As for my humble self, I am heroic but not handsome. I have an average degree of heroism and vitality, but an extraordinary amount of ugliness. Thus, I can be described as an ugly hero.” Duan Yu and the others all broke out into laughter.

After drinking a cup of wine, Bao Butong said, ”The young master sent me to Fujian to handle some business. He wanted me to secretly help Shaolin out in an important matter. As to what that matter is, we'll have to wait until brother Duan leaves before I can tell you. Since we are trying to become friends with the Shaolin sect, there is no way that we would kill one of their monks. In addition, the young master has never been to Dali. Although Gusu's Murong family is very powerful, I'm afraid we haven't yet mastered the ability to strike a person from thousands of miles away using the blows of the 'Veda Sceptre' technique.”

Duan Yu nodded. ”Brother Bao's words are very reasonable.”

Bao Butong shook his head. ”Tis not so, tis not so!” Duan Yu was startled. He thought to himself, ”I said your words are reasonable. Why would you disagree?” Bao Butong said, ”It's not that my words are reasonable. This is just how the truth of the matter is. Brother Duan, when you say that my words are reasonable, you leave open the implication that I am simply good at talking, and things aren't actually the way I say they are. Thus, these words of yours are really incorrect!” Smiling, Duan Yu did not reply, deciding there was no need to argue with him.

Bao Butong said, ”Yesterday, I returned to Suzhou. I ran across fourth brother Feng, and the two of us pondered over the situation for a bit. It must be that some son of a turtle has a grudge against Gusu's Murong family and is secretly harming others with the intention of having others making out the bill for these crimes to Gusu's Murong family. To tell you the truth, originally, this wasn't a big deal at all. What can be better than a nice big brawl?” Ah Zhu laughed. ”Fourth brother must have been exceedingly happy. He can't ask for anything better than a fight!” Bao Butong shook his head. ”Tis not so, tis not so! How can you say that he can't ask for anything better than a fight? He always asks for fights! Wherever he goes, he likes to get into fights!”

Seeing how he rebutted Ah Zhu thusly, only now did Duan Yu believe Ah Bi's earlier words. This person really did take a perverse joy in arguing against others.

Wang Yuyan said, ”Did you and fourth brother Feng figure anything out? Who is secretly causing trouble for us?” Bao Butong replied, ”Number one, it can't be Shaolin. Number two, it can't be the Beggar's Sect. Their vice-chief, Ma Dayuan, was killed by someone using the 'Throat Locking Technique'. Ma Dayuan became famous because of his skill in the 'Throat Locking Technique'. It's no big deal for someone to kill Ma Dayuan, but for someone to use the 'Throat Locking Technique' to kill him is clearly trouble for Gusu's Murong family. Duan Yu nodded. Bao Butong said, ”Brother Duan, you've been repeatedly nodding. You must be secretly saying to yourself that these words of mine are very reasonable.”

Duan Yu replied, ”Tis not so, tis not so! First, I only nodded once, and was not repeatedly nodding. Secondly, it's not that your words are reasonable; this is simply how the truth of the matter is.”

Bao Butong laughed loudly. ”This is the technique known as, 'using an opponent's skills, exercising them upon the opponent.' Do you want to place yourself in service to Gusu's Murong family? What's the meaning behind this? Have you taken a fancy to my little sister, Ah Bi?”

Ah Bi's face immediately turned red. Annoyed, she said, ”Third brother, you're talking wildly again. I haven't offended you.” Bao Butong replied, ”Tis not so, tis not so. If he's taken a fancy to you, it's because of your gentleness and adorableness. I said those words precisely because you haven't offended me. If you had offended me, I would've reversed it and said that you took a fancy to this pretty boy, but this pretty boy didn't take a fancy to you.” Ah Bi was even more embarrassed. Ah Zhu said, ”Third brother, stop bullying sister Ah Bi. If you keep on bullying her, then next time I'm going to bully your Liangliang.”

Bao Butong laughed loudly. ”My daughter's name is Bao Buliang. For you to call her Liangliang is flattering her, not bullying her. Sister Ah Bi, I don't dare bully you anymore.” It seemed as though he was actually a bit fearful when others threatened to bully his daughter. [The character 'Liang' means 'beautiful'; thus, her given name, 'Buliang', means 'not beautiful'. Ah Zhu referred to her as 'Liangliang' rather than by her given name, 'Buliang', hence Bao Butong's claim that Ah Zhu was 'flattering' his daughter.]

Turning his head towards Wang Yuyan, he said, ”Sooner or later, we'll figure out which son of a turtle is causing problems for us. Fourth brother Feng also just came back. He was in Jiangxi. I don't know the details of what he was doing too much. We two brothers went to pay a visit to the 'Manor of Blue Clouds'. Brother Deng's wife informed us that she received the news that a large group of experts from the Beggar's Clan had arrived in Jiangnan, most likely to cause us trouble. Fourth brother immediately wanted to go and fight with them. It was tough for her to convince him not to go.” Ah Zhu smiled. ”She's really talented. She actually managed to restrain fourth brother and convince him not to go fight.” Bao Butong said, ”Tis not so, tis not so. It's not that she's talented. Rather, her words were very reasonable. She said, 'We need to place primary importance on carrying out the young master's grand mission. We cannot run around cultivating powerful foes.'”

As he said this, Wang Yuyan, Ah Zhu, and Ah Bi all grew solemn as they exchanged a few looks.

Duan Yu pretended not to notice. Extending his chopsticks, he picked up a piece of stir-fried chicken, put it in his mouth, then said, ”Old Gu's techniques really aren't that bad, but compared to sisters Ah Zhu and Ah Bi, he's still a ways off.” Ah Bi smiled. ”Old Gu is inferior to Ah Zhu, but much superior to me.” Bao Butong said, ”Tis not so, tis not so! Each of you have your own strengths.” Ah Zhu laughed. ”Third brother, today your sister wasn't able to personally go to the kitchen and cook something for you. Next time you come, I'll make it up to you…”

Just as she was speaking, two clear, melodious sounds of a silver bell being run could be heard. Bao Butong, Ah Zhu, and Ah Bi simultaneously said, ”Second brother has sent us a message!” The three of them left the banquet, heading to the eaves of the room. Raising their heads, they saw a white pigeon fly in a circle above them before rushing downwards, coming to a rest on Ah Zhu's hand. Ah Bi stretched out her hand, untying a small bamboo tube which was tied to the bird's leg. She removed a scroll from within the tube. Bao Butong snatched it away from her. After skimming through it, he said, ”If that's the case, let's go now!” He said towards Wang Yuyan, ”Hey, are you coming or not?”

Wang Yuyan replied, ”Coming where? What's going on?”

Bao Butong displayed the letter in his hand. He said, ”Second brother sent us a message. He said that the Western Xia's 'League of Elites' sent out a large number of experts who have arrived in Jiangnan. We don't know what their intentions are. He wants me to take Ah Zhu and Ah Bi to go investigate.” Wang Yuyan said, ”Naturally, I'll go with you. Can it be that the Western Xia's 'League of Elites' wants to cause us trouble as well? Our list of enemies is growing larger and larger.” As she spoke, she frowned slightly.

Bao Butong replied, ”They aren't necessarily enemies. However, they definitely haven't come here for the sake of tourism, and it's not a religious visit either. It's been a long time since we've met with real experts. Now, both the Beggar's Clan and the League of Elites are here. Heh heh, now things are getting fun.” As he spoke, a delighted look was on his face, clearly showing his great joy at the possibility of getting into a big fight.

Wang Yuyan walked forwards, intending to take a look at the message. Bao Butong handed it over to her. There were seven or eight lines of characters on the letter, all written very elegantly and with great vigor. Although she recognized every single character, there was no unity or coherence in the sentences. Although she had read many books, she'd never seen a writing style like this. Frowning, she said, ”What's this?”

Ah Zhu smiled. ”This is a weird toy which second brother Gongye thought up. It's derived from poems and song melodies. Words with the 'flat tone' are read with the 'entering tone', and words with the 'entering tone' are read with the 'falling-rising' tone. 'Yidong' thusly becomes 'Sanjiang'. We're used to reading it and can understand it, but outsiders won't be able to make anything out of it at all.”

Ah Bi saw that Wang Yuyan looked a bit uncomfortable after hearing the word, 'outsiders'. She hurriedly said, ”Miss Wang, you aren't an outsider! Miss Wang, if you want to learn how to read it, I'll just teach you later.” Wang Yuyan immediately looked very happy.

Bao Butong said, ”I've long heard that the Western Xia's 'League of Elites' has accumulated a large number of experts. They have people from all over the western regions of China. If miss Wang comes with us, all you'll need to do is glance at them and you'll know what their origins are. After we handle this matter, we'll go to Henan to meet with the young master.”

Wang Yuyan was overjoyed. Clapping, she cried, ”Wonderful, wonderful! I'm coming with you!”

Ah Bi said, ”Let's take care of business here and go to Henan as fast as we can. We don't want to be late and miss him when he is on the way back. Also, there's that Tibetan monk. I don't know how much damage he's caused over there.” Bao Butong said, ”Second brother Gongye's wife has already sent someone to go investigate. That monk already left. Put your heart at ease. Next time, I'll help you beat that monk up.” Duan Yu thought to himself, ”No matter what he says, there's no way he can defeat that monk. Forget about beating him up, you should be thanking the heavens if he doesn't beat you up.”

Bao Butong said, ”I'm just afraid that if miss Wang comes us, the next time madame Wang sees me, she'll give me a fierce scolding…” Suddenly, he turned his head towards Duan Yu and said, ”You're always here listening! I'm unable to speak freely and comfortable with you here. If you please, beat it. As we're discussing private matters, we don't need your extra set of ears and lips. When we go fight with others, we don't need you to stand by the side and cheer either.”

Duan Yu clearly knew that his presence here could only irritate others. Now, seeing as how Bao Butong was openly shooing him off in an extremely impolite way, even though he was reluctant to part with Wang Yuyan, he couldn't be so shameless as to still stay. Rising to his feet, he said, ”Miss Wang, Ah Zhu, Ah Bi. I'll take my leave now. May we meet again.”

Wang Yuyan said, ”It's the middle of the night. Where can you go? Moreover, you aren't familiar with the waterways of Lake Taihu. It's best if you stay here overnight and leave tomorrow.”

Duan Yu could tell that although she was inviting him to stay, her attention was elsewhere. Clearly, all she wanted to do was fly as quickly as possible to young master Murong's side. He couldn't help but feel both furious and snubbed. He was the son of a royal family, impulsive and stubborn. Although he had undergone many thrilling events and suffered many torments recently, he had never before received such a frosty reception. He immediately replied, ”There's not much of a difference between leaving today and tomorrow. I take my leave.”

Ah Zhu said, ”If that's the case, I'll send someone to escort you out of the lake.”

Seeing how even Ah Zhu did not try to convince him to stay, Duan Yu felt all the more unhappy. He thought to himself, ”What's so extraordinary about this young master Murong fellow, for everyone to act as though he were some sort of celestial phoenix amongst men. They don't care at all about Shaolin, the Beggar's Sect, or the Western Xia's 'League of Elites'. They just want to reach his side as soon as possible.” He replied, ”No need. Just loan me a boat. I'll paddle myself out.”

Ah Bi mumbled to herself, ”But you don't know the waterways. I don't think this is a good idea. Be careful, and don't run into that monk again.”

Duan Yu stormily said, ”It's best if all of you hurry and go meet up with your young master Murong. If I meet that monk again, at most I'll be burnt to death by him. I'm not your cousin or your young master. No need to worry about me.” As he spoke, he quickly strode out of the room. As he left, he heard Bao Butong say, ”We don't know what the origins are of that Tibetan monk either. We need to investigate.” Wang Yuyan replied, ”My cousin most likely knows. If we find him…”

Ah Zhu and Ah Bi escorted Duan Yu out. Ah Bi said, ”Young gentleman Duan, in the future, after you meet with our young master, perhaps you will become good friends with him. Our young master really likes to make friends.” Duan Yu laughed coldly. ”I'm not fit to be his friend.” Hearing a large amount of resentment in his voice, Ah Bi felt very confused. She asked, ”Young gentleman Duan, why are you unhappy? Is it that our reception of you was too simple and brief?” Ah Zhu said, ”Third brother Bao has always been like this. Young gentleman Duan, please don't be too upset. Allow Ah Bi and I pay our apologies to you.” As she spoke, she grinned and curtsied towards him as Ah Bi did the same.

Duan Yu returned the courtesy, then took large steps towards the waterline. Arriving next to a small craft, he immediately tugged at the oars, sailing away into the lake. He felt a deep depression in his heart. As to why he felt this way, even he himself could not say. All he knew was that if he stayed ashore for another moment longer, he would lose control of himself. It was even possible that he would begin to cry. He vaguely heard Ah Bi say, ”Sister Ah Zhu, does the young master have enough spare clothing? Let's each sew a new set of clothing for him tonight.” Ah Zhu replied, ”Alright! You are so attentive and thoughtful.”