Chapter - 29 Bug Congealing Cold, Palm Shooting Frost (2/2)

The rest of the disciples immediately came to an understanding: Their Master hated people who explain away and whitewash their mistakes, only by condemning themselves and admitting to all sorts of mistakes can they hope to receive their Master's mercy and forgiveness. In an instant, all the disciples start cursing themselves, they curse their own evil intentions and how they deserve to die. You TanZhi eavesdrop from the bushes, he was utterly baffled by them.

Ding ChunQiu gathered his internal energy, he thought of bursting through the 3 giant python binding him by using pure force. Unfortunately, the python's body is elastic and flexible. When Ding ChunQiu exerted his strength, the snakes only lengthen, their bodies did not break. Ding ChunQiu was covered with poison, his hair and clothes all contained deadly toxin. When the beggars attacked him with their weapons, all of them came into contact with his poison, however the python's skin is thick, tough and slippery, his poison could not penetrate it. As he listen to his disciples endlessly talking, he raged: ”If someone can come up with an idea to drive away the snakes, i will spare him. You lot still don't understand my temper? I will never kill people who are useful to me. You people only know how to talk nonsense and crap, what use is it?”

As he said this, the group of disciples immediately quieten down. After a while, someone said: ”We need someone to use a torch and burn the bodies of these snakes, they will definitely run off.” Ding ChunQiu scolded him: ”You are farting! We are out here in the wilderness, there's no village or shop nearby, who will come by? Even if someone did come by, once they see so many snakes, they will get scared and run off, why would they even bother to bring a torch and burn them?” the rest of the disciples kept suggesting ideas, but all the ideas were lousy and limited, everyone just kept on talking. They hope to curry favour with their master and show that they follow his orders and make themselves useful by suggesting ideas.

After a long time, a disciple was bound so tightly that he could not breathe anymore, in his dizzy state he randomly bite the snake. The python felt pain and retaliate by biting his throat, that disciple gave a tragic cry and died.

Ding ChunQiu was getting more and more anxious. If he was surrounded by numerous enemies, he could employ devious tricks and schemes, but these snakes are completely immune to tricks and schemes, he feared the snakes might get hungry and eventually swallow him.

His fear is indeed accurate, after not being influence by the flute sound for a long time a giant python is extremely hungry, it open its mouth and bite a XingXiu disciple. The disciples cried out: ”Master save me, Master save me!” his two legs had already been swallowed by the snake. His body was also swallowed, his waist entered first and it slowly move to his chest, as his still not yet dead he cried out loudly, his cry shook the wilderness.

Everyone knew the same thing was about to happen to them, the sight frightened them greatly. One disciple saw the Old Freak of XingXiu is also at his wits end, his resentment rose and he openly derided him, he blame Ding ChunQiu for implicating him, he was originally a shepherd at XingXiu Sea but was threatened and coerced into joining XingXiu Sect, since his about to die, he poured out all his resentment and dissatisfaction against Ding ChunQiu.

As he began cursing, the rest of the disciples also joined in. All the disciples suffered regular ill-treatment under Ding ChunQiu, they held the grudge in their heart and dare not voice it out. Since everyone is about to die together, they started to scold him to vent their frustrations. One disciple was cursing loudly and his body stirred, this provoke the python and it retaliate by biting him on the shoulder, the man scream: ”Ah Yo, Ah Yo! Save me, save me!”

You TanZhi saw these people are completely immobilized by the python, his heart did not have anymore misgivings and he stood up, the place is not suitable for staying and he wanted to leave quickly.

The XingXiu disciples suddenly saw his iron mask, they had a shock, but someone remembered that he can help save them, he exclaimed: ”Great hero, chivalrous man, please gather some dried leaves and light a fire to drive away these snakes, I immediately give you ... give you 1000 taels of silver.” another person said: ”1000 tael is insufficient, we have to give 10 000 taels” and another person said: ”This gentleman is a chivalrous person, his conscience is the best, he will definitely carry out righteous act, moreover there's nothing dangerous about lighting a fire to burn the snakes.” In an instant their praise got louder and louder, the previous rewards quickly increased to 1 million taels of gold.

The cursing ability of these disciples is first class, their flattering and bootlicking ability is even better and well honed. You TanZhi has never heard anyone call him ”Hero”, ”Chivalrous”, ”Benevolent and Righteous”, ”Peerless Hero”. Under their praise, his body felt light, as if he was floating, he suddenly felt he possess the spirit of ”Great Hero” and ”Chivalrous Person”, he did not care for the gold, he only felt regret that AhZi did not hear these people immortalize him.

At once he set off and start picking up dried leaves, but he saw there's many fierce python, he was scared of accidentally provoking these snakes and getting trapped by them, after thinking for a while, he gathered dried twigs and made a huge fire in front of him, he picked up one burning twig and threw it at the nearest python. He hide behind the fire, his body poised, if the snake rush towards him, he will immediately run and escape, whatever ”Great Hero” or ”Chivalrous Person”, he didn't care about it anymore.

The python is indeed afraid of fire, once it saw the fire burning, it released the XingXiu people and slithered into the bushes. You TanZhi saw his initial attempt was successful, along with the cheering of the XingXiu disciples, he lit several more twigs and threw them at the python. All the snakes started to flee, even the giant pythons can't withstand the fire, it released its captives and slithered away. Moments later, hundreds of snakes and giant pythons all fled the scene, not a single one remained.

The XingXiu disciples celebrated and cheered loudly: ”Master is extreme wise. Master has great foresight, the fire method is indeed the most effective.”

”Master has great fortune, he turn ill luck into good!”

”Its all due to Master graceful manner, he directed with perfect ease. He saved out insignificant lives!”

They kept praising and piling credits on Ding ChunQiu, they did not mention about You TanZhi's effort in freeing them.

You TanZhi stood rooted to the ground, he felt strange, he pondered: ”Just a few moments ago you people curse your Master, but now you praised him to the heavens, and now you completely forgotten about me, what happen to the 'Great Hero' and 'Chivalrous Person'?”

Ding ChunQiu wave his hand to beckon him over and said: ”Iron-head guy, come over here, what's your name?” You TanZhi was used to being humiliated, even though Ding ChunQiu was rude he did not care and reply: ”My name is You TanZhi.” And he walk a few steps towards him. Ding ChunQiu said: ”Are those beggars dead? Go check to see if they are still breathing.”

You TanZhi said: ”Ok” he bend over his body and stretch out his hand to check the breath of a beggar, he didn't feel any breath, the person was long dead. He tried another beggar, his breath also stopped long ago, he said: ”All of them are dead, they are not breathing.” He saw the expressions of the XingXiu disciples are strange, they seem to be gloating at his misfortune. He did not understand the reason behind it, he repeated his words: ”All of them are dead, they are not breathing.” After a while the smug look on their faces slowly died off, replaced by expression of shock and disbelief.

Ding ChunQiu said: ”Go examine every single beggar, see if any one of them can be saved.” You TanZhi said: ”Ok” he examined all the beggars, he shake his head and said: ”All of them are dead. Elder's skill is indeed formidable.” Ding ChunQiu smile sarcastically and said: ”You poison-resisting skill is also formidable.” You TanZhi felt curious and said: ”My...what...poison resisting skill?”

He was very puzzled, he did not understand the meaning of Ding ChunQiu's word. He did not realize that when he checked the beggar for breath, it was the same as going to the gates of hell. When Ding ChunQiu was immobilized by the python, he could not escape and had to be rescued by You TanZhi, if news of this spread out he will definitely lose face, thus when the snakes left he immediately thought of silencing You TanZhi. Unexpectedly, for the past few months, You TanZhi kept on practicing the [Tendon-Changing Sutra], the poison of the frost silkworm had also merged flawlessly within his body, thus the poison on the beggars could not harm him at all.

Ding ChunQiu pondered: ”Looking at his skin and listening to his voice, his extremely young, he definitely won't have any real skill or ability, mostly probably his carrying anti-poison pearl or some other treasures that repel poison, or he had previously consumed some miracle antidote.” He said: ”Brother You, come over here, i have something to say.”

You TanZhi saw his speech was sincere, but he personally witnessed how he viciously killed all the beggars, his disciples also cursed and flattered randomly, he felt these people are extremely difficult to deal with and its best to stay far away from them, he said: ”Junior has something to do, i can't stay, i have to go now.” He cupped his fists and walk away.

He only walk a few steps, a light breeze swept past his body, both his wrist was caught by someone. You TanZhi raise his head, he saw the person was a large man from the XingXiu Sect. He did not know his intention, but saw him laugh grimly, he knew he was in trouble and cried: ”Let me go!” and he gave a tug.

There was a whooshing sound over his head, a large body flew over his head, with a loud bang the body slam onto the opposite cliff, the skull was crushed immediately, the brain and skull mixed into a slurry.

You TanZhi saw the person slam the cliff with an extremely violent force, he found it hard to believe, he was even more astounded that the person was the one holding his wrist moments ago, he was puzzled: ”This man is perfectly fine, why did he bang his head on the cliff and commit suicide? Is he mad?” He never suspected that when he gave a tug, his fierce strength threw the large man out onto the cliff.

The group of XingXiu disciple gave an ”Ah” sound, their faces change color.

Ding ChunQiu saw the way You TanZhi threw his disciple, it was flimsy, not first-class skill, but the physical strength is highly unusual, he thought You TanZhi must be gifted with innate superhuman strength, but his martial arts is mediocre, his body flash and he extended his hand to push down on You TanZhi's head. You TanZhi was caught off guard, he was forced to kneel on the ground, he tried to straighten his body to stand up but he felt as if a ten thousand pound stone mountain is sitting on his head, he could not move at all, he pleaded: ”Elder please spare my life.”

Ding ChunQiu heard him plead for mercy, he felt assured and ask: ”Who is your teacher? You are really bold, how dare you kill my disciple?” You TanZhi said: ” I ...... I have no master, i dare not kill Elder's disciple.”

Ding ChunQiu did not want to waste time talking to him, it will be easier to simply kill him, he release his hand to let You TanZhi stand up, immediately he wave his palm and strike towards You TanZhi's chest. You TanZhi had a huge shock and he hastily extended his right hand to deflect the palm. Ding ChuQiu's palm was slow, You TanZhi extended his right hand and both their palms met. Ding ChunQiu wanted their palms to meet, he gathered his internal energy and sent it out together with the poison in his hand, this is his famous [Great Energy Dissolving Skill], the victim will either contract deadly poison, or sustain damage to his meridians and become incapable of exerting internal energy, the victim will feel as if all his internal energy is dissolved, the outcome is completely controlled by Ding ChunQiu. Ding ChunQiu killed countless people with this skill. When martial artists hear the word [Great Energy Dissolving Skill], they will feel great loathing and fear.

Both their palms clashed, You TanZhi's body shook and he retreated 6-7 steps, he tried to stand his ground but was forced to sit down, but the opponent's force did not dissipate, his arm hit the ground and his back also followed, his head also hit the ground and he somersaulted three times, he finally managed to stabilize himself and he kowtow and said: ”Elder please spare my life.”

When Ding ChunQiu clash palms with him, he felt his internal energy is extremely strong, the energy possess a strange coldness which also contains deadly poison, although You TanZhi fell down pathetically, but the poison palm from Ding ChunQiu can't harm his opponent meridians, he can't stop him from exerting internal energy, in terms of internal energy and poison, You TanZhi was not at a disadvantage, why the need to beg for mercy? Could it be that he deliberately ridiculed him? He walk a few steps towards You TanZhi and ask: ”You are asking me to spare you life, is it the truth or your faking it?”

You TanZhi kowtow and said: ”Junior is sincere, i beg Elder to spare my life.”

Ding ChunQiu pondered: ”I don't know what strange encounter this man met, he accumulated more poison than me, his a rare treasure. I need to recruit this man find out how he how he practice his skills, and then absorb all the poison from his body, and then kill him. Won't it be a waste if i just kill him like this?” He press his palm on You TanZhi's iron head, channeled his internal energy and said: ”Unless you accept me as your Master, else why should i spare you life?”

You TanZhi felt as if his head was being roasted, his face felt extremely hot, he was very scared. After being tortured by AhZi, he had long resigned himself to adversity, whatever good or evil, unyielding integrity, he forgotten all about them, he only hope to preserve his life, he quickly said: ”Master, You TanZhi is willing to be your disciple, i beg Master to accept me.”

Ding ChunQiu was overjoyed and said: ”You want me to be your Master, why not. But our Sect has many rules and regulation, can you abide all of them? Do you wholeheartedly accept my orders and never dare to defy?” You TanZhi said: ”Disciple is willing to abide by the rules and follow Master.” Ding ChunQiu said: ”If i want to take your life, you are willing to give it up?” You TanZhi said: ”This ... this ... ... ” Ding ChunQiu said: ”Think through it properly, if you are willing just say you are willing, if you are not willing just say so.”

You TanZhi pondered: ”You want to take my life, of course i am not willing. If it really reach such a state, then i will simply escape, if i fail to escape then even if i am not willing there's nothing i can do about it.” He replied: ”Disciple is willing to die for Master.” Ding ChunQiu laugh and said: ”Very Good, very good. Tell me all about your life experiences.”

You TanZhi did not wish to talk about his life experiences or recent misfortune, he said his a farm boy, he was captured by the Liao during their raid and they put a iron mask on his head. Ding ChunQiu inquired about the strange poison in his body, You TanZhi only revealed how he met the frost silkworm and Monk HuiJing, how he stole the frost silkworm, he lied that he was accidentally bitten by the silkworm, thus his body was frozen solid and the silkworm just died, he did not mention about AhZi or how she use him to train her poison palm. Ding ChunQiu press for more details about the appearance and shape of the frost silkworm, his face revealed envy and admiration. You TanZhi pondered: ”If i talk about the book with strange drawings, he will definitely snatch it and not return it.” Ding ChunQiu ask him about his strange martial arts but he did not reveal the truth.

Ding ChunQiu did not know about the martial arts of the [Tendon-Changing Sutra], he saw You TanZhi martial art was only mediocre, but his Yin-Frost internal energy is purely due to the miraculous effect of the frost silkworm, he cursed in his heart: ”This divine silkworm, to think it was absorbed by some strange coincidence, its really a pity.” After thinking for a while, he ask: ”The monk who captured this frost silkworm, his from MinZhong Temple in Nanjing?” You TanZhi said: ”Yes.”

Ding ChunQiu said: ”This HuiJing monk said the frost silkworm originated from the summit of KunLun Mountains. Very good, since 1 frost silkworm came from there, there must be 2 or 3 more. But KunLun Mountain's radius is a few thousand li, without an experience guide to point the way it would be difficult to catch the frost silkworm.” He personally experienced the divine effect of the frost silkworm, he felt it was even more valuable than the [Divine Wooden King Tripod], the prime task is to first capture Monk HuiJing and ask him to lead the way to KunLun Mountain to capture the frost silkworm. Monk HuiJing is from Shaolin, originally its a messy affair to mess with him but luckily his currently based in Nanjing and this makes it easier to capture him. At once he ordered You TanZhi to perform the rites and formally take him in as his disciple.

The rest of the disciples saw their Master especially attentive towards You TanZhi, naturally they heap tons of praises and tried to get into his good books. These bunch of disciples had openly curse their Master and surrendered to the enemy, Ding ChunQiu still have uses for them and thus he pretended to forget about their betrayal, moreover he had foresaw their betrayal and he was not too angry about it.

The group travelled north east. You TanZhi followed behind Ding ChunQiu, he saw his sleeves fluttering in the wind his footsteps light, he look like a god, he felt his admiration rising: ”I have such an incredible Master, it's really due to the good fortune accumulated by my previous life.”

They travelled for three days, on this afternoon, the group rested and quench their thirst at a pavilion, suddenly they heard the sound of horses, four people came riding on horses.

The four of them rode their horses near the pavilion, the person on the lead horse shouted: ”Elder brother, second brother, there's water in the pavilion, let drink a few bowls and let the horses regain their stamina.” He dismounted from the horse and walk into the pavilion, the other three also dismounted. The four of them saw Ding ChunQiu and his group of disciples, they nod their head to show courtesy and walk to the vat of water, they use the clay bowl and scoop the water.

You TanZhi saw the first person dress in black, his figure thin and small, he has a moustache and he looked agile and brave. The second person is dress in yellow robe, his figure is thin but his stature tall, both his eyebrow slanted downwards, he look sickly and has a vicious expression. The third person is dress in red robe, his figure tall and sturdy, his ears big, he has a thick white beard, he look like a rich merchant. The last person is dress in green scholar robe, he look around 50 years of age, his eyes are narrow perhaps due to studying too much, he did not scoop the water but drank from his own wine gourd.

At this moment, a monk came walking with big strides on the road, he stop outside the pavilion, join both his hands together and respectfully said: ”Benefactors, junior monk is thirsty, i wish to rest in the pavilion and drink a bowl of water.” the black-robe person smiled and said: ”Master don't need to be so courteous, we are all passers-by, this pavilion is not built by us, come in and drink some water.” The monk replied: ”Amituofo, thank you very much.” He entered the pavilion.

The monk is around 25 years of age, dense eyebrows and big eyes, a big sinking flat nose, his appearance rather ugly, his monk robe had numerous cloth patch and is extremely clean. He waited for the three men to finish drinking before approaching the water vat, he scoop a bowl of water, press both his hands together and lowered his head, he respectfully said: ”When Buddha gaze upon a bowl of water, he sees 84 thousand bugs, if i don't chant this mantra i will be breaking my oath of abstinence from meat” he chanted the mantra: ”Yan Fu Xi Bo Luo Mo Ni Sha He” after he finish chanting he drank the water.

The black-robe man felt curious when he saw it, he ask: ”Little master, why are you chanting?” The monk said: ”Junior monk is chanting the mantra for drinking water. When Buddha gaze upon a bowl of water, he sees 84 thousand bugs, monks are forbidden to kill, thus i have to chant this mantra before drinking the water.” the black-robe man laugh and said: ”Little master you really like to joke, this water is very clean, there's no bug” the monk replied: ”Benefactor you don't understand. With our mortal eyes, you can't see any bugs in the water, but with the divine eye of Buddha, he can see thousands of bugs in the water.” The black-robe man laugh: ”After chanting the mantra, you drink all the 84 thousand bugs into your stomach, the bugs won't die anymore?” The monk hesitated and said: ”This....this...my master didn't teach me. Most probably they won't die.”

The yellow robe man interrupted and said: ”Not true, not true! The bug still has to die, but when little master chanted the mantra, the 84 thousand bugs will all go to heaven, little master drink a bowl of water and help 84 thousand soul find peace. Great achievement, great achievement!”

The monk did not know whether his words are true or false, both his hands held onto the bowl of water, he stared blankly and muttered: ”Drink a bowl of water and help 84 thousand soul find peace? I don't have such great powers.”

The yellow robe man stood beside the monk and took the bowl from his hand, he inspected the bowl and counted: ”One, two, three, four, five, six, ......one thousand, two thousand, ten thousand, twenty thousand ... Not true, not true! Little master, the bowl has 83 999 bugs, you counted 1 extra.”

The monk said: ”Namo Amituofo. Benefactor you must be joking, you are a mortal how can you possess the divine eye?” the yellow robe man said: ”So you have divine eyes?” the monk said: ”I don't have it.” The yellow robe man replied: ”Not true, not true! I think you have divine eyes, or else how would you know i am a mortal and not Bodhisattva?” the monk look at him to the left and right, his expression utterly perplex.

The big red robe man walk over, took the clay bowl and return it to the monk, laughing: ”Master please drink the water! This brother of mine is only pulling your leg, don't take it seriously.” The monk accepted the bowl and said respectfully: ”Many thanks, many thanks.” But his heart felt uncertain and he did not drink the water. The big man said: ”I saw little master footstep is sturdy, you possess martial arts, how should i address you, where did you become a monk?”

The monk put the bowl on top of the cover of the water vat, he bow and said: ”Junior monk is Xu Zhu, i am from Shaolin Temple.”

The black robed man shouted: ”Terrific, terrific! So you turn out to be an expert from Shaolin, come, come, come! You and i will spar!” Xu Zhu wave his hand repeatedly and said: ”Junior monk's martial arts is lowly, how would i dare to fight with sir?” the black robed man said: ”I didn't get into fights for many days, my hands are itchy, we are only sparing, its not a real fight, why are you so scared?” Xu Zhu retreated two steps and said: ”Although junior monk practiced martial arts for a few years, but it purely for strengthening my body, i really can't fight.” The black robe man said: ”All the monks from Shaolin are experts in martial artists. Monks who just started learning martial arts are forbidden to leave the temple. Since little master is able to leave the temple, then you must be a top expert. Come, come! We will only spar for 100 moves, it doesn't matter who win or lose.”

Xu Zhu retreated another two steps and said: ”Benefactor you don't understand, junior monk is able to leave the temple not because of my martial arts, but because the temple currently lacks people to deliver letters. Junior monk is force to help out in delivering the letters. Junior monk is to deliver 10 'Heroes Invitation Card', my master ordered me to return immediately once they have been delivered, i am forbidden to fight, i had delivered 4 of the cards, i still have 6 cards with me. Benefactor you martial art is superb, please accept this invitation card.” He retrieved an oilcloth bag from within his bosom, he open the bag and took out a big red card, he respectfully presented it and said: ”May i ask for your name so that i can account for it when i report back to my master.”

The black robe man did not take the card, he said: ”You did not fight with me, how you know i am a hero or coward? Let spar for a few moves, i will accept this card after i beat you.” He took two step forward, his left fist made a false move, his right fist swung towards Xu Zhu. As he fist was about to reach Xu Zhu, he immediately held it back and shouted: ”Quick retaliate!”

The burly red robe man heard Xu Zhu mentioned about 'Heroes Invitation Card', his interest was piqued and he said: ”Fourth younger brother, there's no hurry to compete, let's take a look at what is on the invitation card.” He took the card from Xu Zhu and saw the words written: ”Shaolin Temple's abbot XuanCi, respectfully invites heroes from all over the world to gather on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the Chongyang Festival, at Songshan Shaolin Temple to challenge the reputation of Gu Murong's 'Returning you with your own move'”

The burly man gave an ”Ah” cry, he gave the card to the scholar beside him and said to Xu Zhu: ”So Shaolin is holding this 'Heroes Meet' to challenge Gusu Murong family.....” the black robed man shouted: ”Excellent, excellent, i am called 'Gust of Win' Feng BoE, i am the subordinate of Gusu Murong family. You don't need any 'Heroes Meet', i will personally ask for advice from Shaolin expert now.”

Xu Zhu retreat another two steps, his left foot is outside the pavilion, he said: ”So you are Benefactor Feng. My master told me, Shaolin Temple is requesting Mr Murong's esteem presence at the temple, but we dare not offend him. Its only that rumours been spreading around and many people have died in recent years under Gusu Murong's divine skill in 'Returning you with your own move'. My martial grandfather Master XuanBei died in Dali, we don't know if it's related to the Murong family, except for our abbot, everyone had suspicion in their heart, thus he....”

The black robe man interrupted and said: ”This matter is not related to our Gusu Murong family, but you will most probably not believe me even if i tell you. Since we can't fully explain the ongoing of this matter, we will settle through martial arts. Let's do it this way, both of us will spar right now, it's like drumming up support and setting the stage for the main show. On Chongyang Festival, i will then visit Shaolin Temple and fight every single challenger, joyful, joyful! But after going through 17-18 challenger i will most probably be heavily injured and immobile and won't have the chance to fight with your abbot XuanCi, sigh i don't have the fate, pity, pity!” as he finish he rub his firsts to get ready for the fight.

The burly man said: ”4th younger brother, hold on, we will clarify first, its not too late to fight afterwards.”

The yellow robe man said: ”Not true, not true. If we clarify the matter then there's no need to fight. 4th younger brother, this is a good opportunity, if you want to fight you cannot clarify the matter.”

The tall and sturdy man ignored both his brothers and said to Xu Zhu: ”I am Deng BaiChuan, the person over there is my second younger brother GongYe Gan.” As he finish he pointed at the scholar, then he pointed at the yellow robe man and said: ”This is my 3rd younger brother Bao BuTong, we are all followers of young master Murong.”

Xu Zhu paid tribute to all four men, he said: ”Benefactor Deng, Benefactor Gong...” Bao BuTong interrupted: ”Not true, not true. My second brother surname is GongYe, you call him Benefactor Gong, that is wrong.” Xu Zhu quickly said: ”Pardon me, pardon me! Junior monk is poorly educated, Benefactor GongYe please don't be offended. Benefactor Bao....” Bao BuTong interrupted again: ”Wrong again. Although my surname is Bao, but i have never given alms to monks or nuns in my entire life, thus you cannot address me as Benefactor.” Xu Zhu said: ”Yes, yes. 3rd Senior Bao, 4th Master Feng.” Bao BuTong said: ”Wrong again. My younger brother Feng will fight with you later, no matter who win or lose, you will gain some experience, your martial arts will definitely have some progress, isn't he making a donation to you?” Xu Zhu said: ”Yes, yes. Benefactor Feng, junior monk really cannot fight. Monks should focus primary on cultivating inner self, martial art is secondary, it doesn't matter if my martial art is lousy.”

Feng BoE sigh: ”You don't take martial arts seriously, your skill is most likely ordinary, there's no need to fight anymore.” As he finish, he shakes his head repeatedly, his enthusiasm dulled. Xu Zhu breathe a sigh of relief, his expression joyful and said: ”Yes, yes.”

Deng BaiChuan said: ”Master Xu Zhu, this invitation card, i will accept it on behalf of my young master. My young master should have visited your temple a few months ago, could it be that he never came?”

Xu Zhu replied: ”He didn't visit. The abbot long for his arrival but he didn't come, twice we sent our people to visit your residence, but we only heard that senior elder Murong had died and your young master had left the residence. This time, the abbot requested the Head-Monk of DaMo Hall to visit your residence in SuZhou to deliver the invitation card, he's afraid that your young master is still not at home and he could only try to widely circulate the invitation card within the martial arts fraternity, i hope you can explain this indiscretion to your young master. When Benefactor Murong visits our temple next year, our abbot will personally offer his apology.”

Deng BaiChuan said: ”Little master don't need to be so polite. The appointed date is still a long time away, my young master will definitely visit ShaoLin Temple at the appointed date and pay his respects to the abbot.” Xu Zhu join his hands together and bow, he said: ”Our abbot greatly welcomes young master Murong and all of you to visit ShaoLin Temple.”

Feng BoE saw Xu Zhu is outdated and overly formal, he didn't have the least bit of passionate straightforward behaviour of martial artists, although he may be a monk, but he doesn't look like a world renowned ”Shaolin Monk”, he could not tolerate him and ignored him, he turn and look at Ding ChunQiu and his group of disciples. The XingXiu disciples all carried weapons, obviously they are martial artists, Feng BoE should be able to select a few and fight with them.

When You TanZhi saw Feng BoE and the rest entered the pavilion, he immediately hide behind his master. Ding ChunQiu is tall and large and is able to hide him, Deng BaiChuan and the rest did not see his weird iron head. Feng BoE saw Ding ChunQiu was healthy in old age, he had an immortal aura about him and look like a top master, Feng BoE felt his admiration rising, but he still step ahead and challenge: ”May i know the name of this elder?” Ding ChunQiu smiled and said: ”My surname is Ding”

At this moment, Xu Zhu suddenly gave an ”Ah” sound, he shouted: ”Martial grandfather, you are here!” Feng BoE turn his head, he saw 7-8 monk travelling on the road, leading the group was two elder monk, two monks at the rear carried a stretcher and someone was lying on it. Xu Zhu quickly step out of the pavilion and paid his respects to the two elder monk, he also reported about Deng BaiChuan and his group.

The monk on the right nod his head, he entered the pavilion and said to Deng BaiChuan: ”Old monk is XuanNan” he pointed to another elder monk and said: ”This is my junior martial brother XuanTong, its fortunate that we get to meet four great virtuous people from Gusu Murong family.”

Deng BaiChuan and the rest has long heard of XuanNan's reputation, his face was full of wrinkles, his gaze deep and clear, they quickly paid their respect. Feng BoE said: ”Great Master is Head-Monk of Shaolin Damo-Hall, i have long heard of your divine skills, i wish to ask for some advice.”

XuanNan gave a slight smile and said: ”Old monk and junior XuanTong receive the orders of our abbot to travel to JianNan's Basin of Swallows, the residence of Murong family, to deliver the invitation card, this is the 3rd time our temple has send someone to the Basin of Swallows. But unexpected we met here by chance, our fate is really deep.” As he finish he took out a red invitation card from his bosom.

Deng BaiChuan accepted the card with both hands, he saw the words on the card: ”Respectfully inviting Benefactor Murong from Gusu Basin of Swallows”, he knew the contents must be similar to the card delivered by Xu Zhu, he said: ”Both of you are eminent monks of Shaolin Temple, you enjoy great reputation in the martial arts fraternity, it's a great honour for our Murong family to have you personally deliver the card. We have already gotten the invitation card from that little master, we should have responded quickly. On Chongyang Festival, my young master Murong will definitely pay his respects at Shaolin Temple, he will personally express his thanks to all eminent monks of Shaolin and clarify all misunderstandings.”

XuanNan pondered: ”You said to clarify all misunderstandings, could it be that senior martial brother XuanBei was not killed by your Murong family?” suddenly he heard someone shout behind him: ”Ah, Master, its him!” XuanNan turn his head, he saw a weird looking man point his finger at the stretcher, the man whispered something to the white-hair old man.

You TanZhi whispered to Ding ChunQiu: ”The fat monk on the stretcher, he is the one who captured the frost silkworm, but i don't know how he ended up being stretchered away by Shaolin.”

Ding ChunQiu heard this fat monk is the original owner of the frost silkworm, he was overjoyed and whispered: ”You didn't mistake him for someone else?” You TanZhi said: ”No, his called HuiJing. Master look, his body is fat and his belly round.” Ding ChunQiu saw HuiJing's belly is even larger than pregnant woman, with such a large belly, no one will ever forget it once they see it, they won't mistake him for someone else, Ding ChunQiu said to XuanNan: ”Great Master, i am a friend of this monk HuiJing, is he sick?”

XuanNan press both his hands together and said: ”May i ask the name of Benefactor, how did you know my martial nephew?”

Ding ChunQiu pondered: ”This HuiJing is with a group of Shaolin monks, this is very troublesome. Luckily we met him here, we can kidnap or seize him, much easier than trying to infiltrate Shaolin to capture him.” As he thought about the miraculous effect of the frost silkworm, he chest felt hot, he said: ”I am Ding ChunQiu.”

As he said the word ”Ding ChunQiu”, XuanNan, XuanTong, Deng BaiChuan, GongYe Gan, Bao BuTong, Feng BoE, all six of them simultaneously gave an ”Ah” sound, their expression became grave. The evil reputation of the Old Freak of XingXiu is renown throughout the world, they did not expect him to be a person with such graceful manner and elegance, even more unexpected is to be able to meet him at this pavilion. The six of them immediately became alert to guard against him.

XuanNan calm down in an instant, he said: ”So its Mr Ding from XingXiu Sea, i have long heard of your name, it's really well known.” He did not say ”it's fortunate to meet you” or other pleasantries, XuanNan thought: ”Whoever meets you, it really their great misfortune.”

Ding ChunQiu said: ”I don't dare, Head-Monk of Shaolin Damo-Hall 'Shifting Heaven and Earth within the Sleeves', renowned all over the world, truly well known and respected. This monk HuiJing, i am looking all over for him, to think we can meet here, excellent, excellent!”

XuanNan's eyebrows slightly narrowed, he said: ”It's unfortunate, martial nephew HuiJing did not obey the teachings of Shaolin Temple, he broke excessive rules. A year ago, he left the temple without permission and committed numerous evil. The abbot dispatch several people to look for him, after much effort they finally found him and now we are bringing him back to the temple. Mr Ding, you have met him before?” Ding ChunQiu said: ”So his not sick, he was injured by you people, is he injuries serious?” XuanNan did not reply immediately, after a while he said: ”He refused to accept the orders of the abbot, he even injure others.” XuanNan pondered: ”If he associated with evil demons like you, he broke another great commandment.”

Ding ChunQiu said: ”I was at Kunlun Mountain, i spent a lot of effort before capturing a frost silkworm, its an extremely important object, but it got stolen by monk HuiJing. I travelled from XingXiu Sea to Central Plains just to retrieve the frost silkworm ......”

He did not finish his words as HuiJing shouted: ”Where is my frost silkworm? You seen my frost silkworm? I found the silkworm after much painstaking effort at Kunlun Mountain....you...you...you stole it?”

Ever since You TanZhi revealed himself by shouting out, Feng BoE kept looking and examining his iron mask, he did not bother about the conversation between XuanNan, Ding ChunQiu and HuiJing. He walk a few rounds around You TanZhi, he saw the iron mask was very well made, it cannot be remove from his head, he wanted to stretch out his hands to knock on the mask, after examining a while he said: ”Hello friend, how are you!”

You TanZhi replied: ”I....i am fine!” he saw Feng BoE was very energetic, jumping and moving around, he was scared. Feng BoE said: ”Friend, this iron mask, how did you put it on? I have travelled all over the world but i have never seen such face mask before.” You TanZhi felt ashamed, he lowered his head and said: ”This...my....this was not under my control, i did not put it on myself.”

Feng BoE listened to his pitiful plight, he was angered: ”Who played this kind of joke on you? I will personally pay him a visit.” he stared at Ding ChunQiu, thinking that it must be the doings of the old man. You TanZhi quickly said: ”No...no its not my master.” Feng BoE said: ”You are a proper man, what's the big idea in putting on this iron mask? Come, I'll remove it for you.” He retrieved a dagger from his boots, the blade glimmered brightly, obviously its extremely sharp, he was about to use it to remove the mask.

You TanZhi knew the mask is stuck onto his face and the back of his head, its interlinked with his flesh and blood, his life will be in great danger if its forcibly removed, he quickly said: ”No, no, you cannot remove it!” Feng BoE said: ”Don't be scared, this dagger of mine can cut through iron as if it was made of mud, i won't harm your skin and flesh when i remove the mask.” You TanZhi shouted: ”No, you cannot do it.” Feng BoE said: ”You are scared of the person who put this mask on you, correct? When you see him next time, just say that Mr Feng forcibly removed it and its beyond your control, ask the evil person to come find me.” As he finish speaking, he held onto You TanZhi's left wrist.

You TanZhi saw the dagger flash brightly, he was extremely shock and shouted: ”Master, master!” he turn his head to seek help from Ding ChunQiu. Ding ChunQiu was standing beside the stretcher, his attention focused solely on HuiJing, he did not hear his pleas for help. Feng BoE raised his dagger, he shave the iron mask with it. You TanZhi panicked and wave his right palm, he wanted to push him away, there was a ”Pai” sound, he hit Feng BoE right in the middle of his left shoulder.

Feng BoE was preoccupied with shaving the iron mask, he feared he might slip and injure You TanZhi's face, he did not guard against the palm. The strength in the palm was exceptional, Feng BoE groaned and fell down. He use his left hand to push off the ground and got back up, with a ”Wa” sound, he vomited a mouthful of fresh blood.

Deng BaiChuan, GongYe Gan, Bao BuTong, the three of them saw You TanZhi's sneak attack, their 4th younger brother had a huge disadvantage, they were extremely shock, when they saw Feng BoE deathly pale face they became even more worried. GongYe Gan took his pulse, the pulse was rapid and irregular, there seems to be a faint trace of poisoning, he pointed at You TanZhi and cursed: ”Good kid, top disciple of the Old Freak of XingXiu, requite kindness with ingratitude, you use such vicious method to injure people.” He took out a small bottle from his bosom, remove the bottle cap and took out a detoxification pill, he fed it to Feng BoE.

Deng BaiChuan and Bao BuTong body flashed, they block You TanZhi and Ding ChunQiu. Bao BuTong secretly gathered internal energy in his left hand, his fingers formed a claw, he was about to grab You TanZhi's chest. Deng BaiChuan said: ”3rd younger brother, stay your hand!” Bao BuTong did not attack, his eyes shifted towards his elder brother. Deng BaiChuan said: ”Our Gusu Murong family has no feud with XingXiu Sect, our 4th younger brother has good intentions in removing the iron mask, why did your XingXiu Sect injure him? I want to seek Mr Ding for clarification.”

Ding ChunQiu saw his new disciple only need 1 palm stroke to injure a good fighter from Gusu Murong family, XingXiu Sect thus commanded awe-inspiring authority, he was secretly pleased and admired the miraculous effect of the frost silkworm even more, he smiled and said: ”Master Feng is brave and relentless, but he also likes to poke his nose into other's business. This disciple of of mine likes to wear an iron mask, how did it obstruct your Gusu Murong family?”

GongYe Gan had supported Feng BoE into sitting position, but his whole body was shivering, his teeth chattering and grinding, it was as if his in a freezer, after a while, his lips turned purple, his face also gradually turn from white to green. GongYe Gan's detoxification pill has miraculous effects, but after being consumed by Feng BoE, it seems to vanish without a trace and had absolutely no effect at all.

GongYe Gan was desperate, he place his hands near Feng BoE to check his breathing, suddenly a burst of cold air entered his palm, the chill penetrated into his bones. GongYe Gan quickly withdraw his hands and said: ”Not good, why is the cold so powerful?” even the air exhaled by Feng BoE was so cold, the frost poison in him must be very serious, the situation is very dangerous, there no time to debate who's right or wrong, he turn around and said to Ding ChunQiu: ”My younger brother is poisoned by your disciple, please give us the antidote.”

The poison contracted by Feng BoE is the deadly poison of the frost silkworm, force out by the internal energy of You TanZhi's [Tendon-Changing Sutra], not to mention that Ding ChunQiu did not have the antidote for it, even if he did had it why would he surrender it? Ding ChunQiu raise his head and laugh towards the heaven and shouted: ”Ah Wu Liu Lu Gong! Ah Wu Liu Lu Gong!” and flick his sleeves, generating a burst of wind. Suddenly the XingXiu disciples all rush out of the pavilion and quickly ran away.

Deng BaiChuan and the rest of the Shaolin monks felt this gust of wind irritated their eyes, it's really hard to bear and their tears rolled down endlessly, they could not open their eyes, they secretly curse: ”Not good!” they knew Ding ChunQiu's sleeve contains poison powder, with this flick of his sleeves, all the poison got scattered. Deng BaiChuan, GongYe Gan, Bao BuTong, all 3 of them block in front of Feng BoE, they were afraid the enemy might harm him. XuanNan shut his eyes and push out with his palm, it happen to hit the pillar of the pavilion, the pillar snapped immediately and half of the pavilion collapsed and came crashing down, roof tiles and mud rain down. Everyone struggled to open their eyes, Ding ChunQiu and You TanZhi had disappeared.

A few Shaolin monks shouted: ”Where is HuiJing? Where is HuiJing?” it seems during the confusion, HuiJing was abducted by Ding ChunQiu, the empty stretcher covered the head of one Shaolin monk. XuanTong was furious: ”Give chase!” and he rush out of the pavilion. Deng BaiChuan and Bao BuTong followed him and give chase as well. XuanNan wave his left hand and led the rest of the Shaolin monks to follow and provide assistance.

GongYe Gan was taking care of Feng BoE, both of them resting at the other intact half of the pavilion, GongYe Gan felt stinging pain in his eye, tears kept on flowing. He saw cold sweat seeping through Feng BoE's forehead, after a while it became frost. As he was getting scared and anxious, he heard the sound of footsteps, GongYe Gan raise his head, he saw Deng BaiChuan supporting Bao BuTong, they walk quickly. GongYe Gan had a huge shock, he said: ”Big brother, 3rd younger brother is injured?” Deng BaiChuan said: ”He got poisoned by that iron-head man.” After a while XuanNan and the rest of the monks also return to the pavilion. XuanTong was leaning on Xu Zhu's back, his teeth was making chattering sounds. XuanNan, Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan look at each other in fear, they were at a loss on what to do.

Deng BaiChuan said: ”That iron-head man and 3rd younger brother clash palm, after that he also clash palm with Master XuanTong. We didn't expect....didn't expect the poison of XingXiu Sect to be so powerful.”

XuanNan took out a small box from his bosom, he said: ”Our school's [Six Solar Energy Pill] is effective in countering frost poison.” He remove the lid of the box and took out 3 blood-red pills, he gave 2 of them to Deng BaiChuan and fed the 3rd pill to XuanTong.

Using the time required to eat a meal, XuanTong and the other two men slowly combat the chill until it stop. Bao BuTong curse loudly: ”This iron-head man, da....damn it, what kind of palm strength is that?” Deng BaiChuan said: ”3rd younger brother, curse later, focus on channelling your energy.” Bao BuTong said: ”Not true, not true! If i don't curse now, once i die, i can't curse anymore.” Deng BaiChuan smiled and said: ”Don't worry, you won't die!” as he said this he press his palm on his back, on his 'ZhiYan' acupoint, he use his internal energy to help him drive out the frost poison. GongYe Gan and XuanNan also use their internal energy to assist Feng BoE and XuanTong to drive out the poison.

XuanNan and XuanTong had deep internal energy, after a while, XuanTong gave a long sigh and said: ”Its done!” and he stood up, he continued: ”Such power!” XuanNan wanted to assist Bao BuTong and Feng BoE to drive out the poison, but the other party did not request for his help, if he carelessly tried to offer his help it might be seen as looking down upon their internal energy, this is seen as breaking of taboo in the martial arts franity.

Suddenly, XuanTong's body swayed, his teeth start chattering again, he immediately sat down and channelled his internal energy and said: ”Martial....martial brother, this frost.....frost poison is.....is very odd....” XuanNan quickly channelled his internal energy to assist him. The 3 of them circulated their internal energy continuously, the frost poison felt better for a moment, but it flare up again immediately, this went on until dusk, the three of them had already consume 3 [Six Solar Energy Pill], but the frost poison was not repelled at all. XuanNan brought 10 pills with him and his left with 1, he divided it into three parts and gave the three of them 1 each. Bao BuTong refuse to take it, he said: ”Even if i consume 100 pills, it....it won't....”

XuanNan was at his wits end, he said: ”Benefactor Bao is correct, this [Six Solar Energy Pill] is not the correct remedy, our internal energy also can't suppress this Yin-poison. In my opinion, we have to invite Divine Physician Xue, nickname 'Enemy of King of Hell', he can cured whatever difficult illness.” Bao BuTong said: ”Great Master, you know the whereabouts of this Divine Physician?” XuanNan said: ”Divine Physician Xue live in Ancestor-Willow Town at YangZhiXi, its not far from here. Old monk have met him many times before, if we go to him and ask for treatment he mostly probably won't reject. Gusu Murong family is renown throughout the world, Divine Physician Xue long admires you, he will definitely be gratified if he can become friends with the four of you.”

Bao BuTong said: ”Not true, not true. If Divine Physician Xue sees us all, he might not be gratified. Nevertheless, everyone is afraid of my young master's 'Returning you with your own move', but Divine Physician Xue is not afraid. In the future, if the Divine Physician is dying, he only have to find my young master and with his 'Returning you with your own move', his.....his...his old life can be saved.”

Everyone laugh out loud, they left the pavilion. They reach a small town and hired 3 carriages to let the three injured men to rest and recuperate. Deng BaiChuan also bought a few horses and gave them to Shaolin monks to ride.

After travelling for 4-6 hours, they group have to stop and assist XuanTong and the other injured men to combat the frost poison. Eventually, XuanNan did not have any inhibition and he used the divine skills of Shaolin to help Bao BuTong and Feng BoE to combat the poison. Although the route to Ancestor-Willow Town is not too far, but it pass through rugged mountain path and they had numerous delays, they finally reach the town at dusk on the 4th day. Divine Physician Xue lived within the remote mountain 30 li north of the Ancestor-Willow Town, luckily the Divine Physician explain the route in detail to XuanNan when they met at JuXian Manor. They group did not spend too much effort searching and they arrived outside the home of Divine Physician Xue.

XuanNan saw several large houses erected beside the river, there's a huge medicine garden in front of the houses, he knew he had arrived at the home of Divine Physician Xue. He dismounted and step forward, he saw two large white lanterns hanging by the door. He was surprised: ”The Xue family has a sick family member?” he rush forwards a few zhang, he saw a few sackcloth hanging over the door, a paper streamer to call back the spirit of the dead was inserted beside the door, it seems the family is holding a funeral. He saw two rows of words written on the paper lanterns: ”The funeral of Xue MuHua, died at the age of 55.” XuanNan had a huge shock: ”Divine Physician Xue can't cure himself and hence he pass away, this is terrible.” As he thought about the passing of this old friend, from now on they are separated by the nether world, he cannot help but feel sentimental and sorrowful.

Following behind him is Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan, they came riding on horses, both of them gasp in unison: ”Ah Ya!”

Suddenly they heard cries from within the house, its the widow: ”My husband, you have divine medical skills, who would have expect you to contract this acute disease, you abandon me and left alone. Husband, although you are called 'Enemy of King of Hell', you still can't beat the King of Hell, when you go to the nether world, the King of Hell will settle this score with you, you are in for a hard time!”

After a while, the 3 carriages and 6 Shaolin monks arrived. Deng BaiChuan dismounted and said loudly: ”Master XuanNan from Shaolin Temple, along with some friends, we have some matters and seek the help of Divine Physician Xue.” His voice rang out like a large bell, the cries from within the house stopped.

After a while, an elder step out of the house, his dressed like a servant, tears flowing down his face, his is very sad, he beat his chest and said: ”Old master died yesterday afternoon, you all.....you all can't see him anymore.”

XuanNan press his hands together and ask: ”What is the illness contracted by Mr Xue?” the old servant replied: ”I don't know, he just suddenly stop breathing. Old master provides treatment for others, whatever medicine he prescribes the illness will be cured....but....but....for himself....” XuanNan ask again: ”Is there anyone left in Mr Xue's family?” the old servant replied: ”None, no one.” Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan gave each other a glance, they felt the servant's tone did not contain any sadness when he said it. Moreover, they heard the cries of the widow just now. XuanNan sigh and said: ”Life and death is predestined, please lead us to his coffin and let pay our last respect.” The old servant said: ”This.....this.....ok.” he led the group and entered the house.

GongYe Gan was 1 step behind, he whispered to Deng BaiChuan: ”Big brother, i think there's something odd about this incident, that old servant's behaviour is suspicious.” Deng BaiChuan nod his head and followed the old servant to the mourning hall.

The furnishings in the mourning hall is crude, some items were not place correctly, the spirit tablet contains the words: ”Memorial tablet of Xue MuHua”, the words were strong and forceful, obviously its written by someone with deep learning, definitely not written by the old servant. Deng BaiChuan noted all these details but he did not comment. All of them paid their respects before the memorial tablet. GongYe Gan turn his head, he saw over 10 clothes hanging on a bamboo pole in the courtyard, there is clothes for married woman and a few clothes for children, he thought: ”Divine Physician Xue obviously had a wife and children, why did that old servant say there's no one in the family?”

XuanNan said: ”We came from afar to seek treatment from Divine Physician Xue, we never expect Mr Xue to pass away, this is really sad. It's getting late now, we wish to stay for the night in your esteemed home.” The old servant look very reluctant, he said: ”This.....this......en, fine! I invite all of you rest in the hall, i will go prepare the meals.” XuanNan said: ”Housekeeper you don't have to spend too much effort, simple rice and vegetables is enough.” The old servant replied: ”Yes, yes! Everyone please sit down and rest.” He led the group to the outer hall, he then entered the inner hall.

After a long time, the old servant did not come out to serve tea. XuanNan pondered: ”This old servant just experience the death of his master, its unavoidable that his confuse. Sigh, my martial brother XuanTong contracted this frost poison, how should we deal with it?” the group waited for over an hour, but the old servant still did not appear. Bao BuTong felt restless, he said: ”I will go find some water to drink” Xu Zhu said: ”Mr Bao, please sit down and rest. I will go help the old servant to boil the water.” He stood up and entered the inner hall. GongYe Gan wanted to examine the movements around the house, he said: ”I will accompany you.”

Both of them entered the inner hall. The residence of Xue is quite large, they have five hall, but they did not see the slightest trace of a person's persence. Both of them entered the kitchen but the old servant could not be found anywhere.

GongYe Gan knew something is not right, he quickly went back to the outer hall and said: ”Something is not right in this house, i think Divine Physician Xue might be faking his death.” XuanNan stood up and ask: ”What should we do about this?” GongYe Gan said: ”Great Master, i want to examine the coffin.” The group rush to the mourning hall, he extended his hand to lift the coffin, suddenly he had a strange thought, he quickly withdraw his hand, he took a shirt hanging on the bamboo pole and wrap it around his hands. He gathered his internal energy and lifted the coffin, he felt it was very heavy, the coffin definitely did not contain a corpse. He said: ”Divine Physician Xue really faked his death.”

Feng BoE took out his blade and said: ”Pry open the coffin lid and look inside.” GongYe Gan said: ”This person is known as Divine Physician, his definitely an expert in poison, 4th younger brother, you have to be careful.” Feng BoE said: ”I will keep that in mind.” He inserted the tip of the blade between the lid and the coffin, he push upward, there was a creaking sound and the coffin lid is slowly lifted. Feng BoE held his breath, his afraid poison powder might come out of the coffin.

Bao BuTong walk to the courtyard and caught two chicken, he return to the mourning hall, he raise his hands and threw the two chicken, the chickens crow loudly and move pass the coffin and landed in front of the memorial tablet. The chickens move towards the direction of the courtyard, but after a few steps it collapsed, their feet twitch a few times and it stop moving and died. The wind blew from the corridor, the feathers on the chickens all scattered and flew up in the air. Everyone was dumbstruck when they saw this. The chickens just died of poisoning and all its feathers immediately drop off, it can be said that the poison is really violent. No one dare to go near the coffin.

XuanNan said: ”Benefactor Deng, what is the reason behind this? Why did Divine Physician Xue fake his own death?” as he finish he leap upward, his left hand grab the crossbeam, he look inside the coffin, the coffin is filled with rocks, within the rocks is a big bowl, the bowl is filled with clear water. This bowl of clear water is obviously the poison. XuanNan shook his head and jump down, he said: ”Even if Benefactor Xue refuses to provide treatment, there's no need to lay such elaborate trap to harm us. Shaolin had no grievance with him, this kind of behaviour, isn't it unjustifiable? Could it be.....could it be.....” he said 'could it be' twice and shut his mouth, he thought: ”could it be he has some huge grievances with Gusu Murong family?”

Bao BuTong said: ”There no need for you to guess, my young master Murong has never met Divine Physician Xue, there's no need to even mention hatred or vengeance. If his our enemy, even if our poison is 10 times more unbearable, we will never come here and beg him for treatment. You think the one surname Bao and surname Feng is garbage?” XuanNan place his hands together and said: ”Benefactor Bao is correct, old monk guess wrongly.” His an eminent monk, since his heart did suspect them, even if he did not say it out loud, he should still shoulder the blame.

Deng BaiChuan said: ”Poison gas is filling the entire area, its not convenient to stay here, let's go back to the inner hall.” The group went to the inner hall, they discuss with each other but still could not guess why Divine Physician Xue fake his own death and lay down the poison trap. Bao BuTong said: ”This Divine Physician Xue is so vicious, let's just use fire and torch this entire place down.” Deng BaiChuan said: ”We can't do that, Divine Physician Xue is still considered to be a friend of Shaolin, since Master XuanNan is here we cannot act rashly.”

Currently, the surroundings is pitch black, there's no light in the hall, everyone is thirsty and hungry but they dare not drink the tea and water found in the house. XuanNan said: ”Let's go to a nearby farm house to ask for some water and food. Benefactors what do you think of this idea?” Deng BaiChuan said: ”Yes. But its best that we don't eat any food or drink within 3 li radius. This Divine Physician Xue put alot of effort in his schemes, he won't stop at just putting a coffin, we will feel terribly apologetic if great master gets implicated again.” Although he and GongYe Gan knew the trouble was not caused by them, but the reputation of Gusu Murong's 'Returning you with your own move' is simply too great, they made quite a lot of enemies in the martial arts franity, some relatives of Divine Physician Xue might have been accidentally killed and this blood-debt is place on Gusu Murong's family.

All of them stood up and walk towards the front door, suddenly they saw bright light flashing in the west, a stream of flame dispersed and turn into green colour, it covered the entire sky and came raining down, its magnificent and beautiful. Feng BoE said: ”Yi, who release this firework? Now is not the Lantern festival or the Mid-autumn festival, why are people releasing fireworks?” after a while, orange-yellow fireworks rise up to the sky, it look like thousands of flying stars colliding with each other.

GongYe Gan thought about it and said: ”This is not fireworks, it the signal from the enemy to execute a surprise attack.” Feng BoE shouted: ”Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Let's fight to our hearts content!”

Deng BaiChuan said: ”3rd brother and 4th brother, go wait in the hall, i will block the entrance, 2nd brother will block the rear. Master XuanNan, this matter does not concern Shaolin, please just stand aside and watch, there's no need to help, our Murong family thank you for your great kindness.”

XuanNan said: ”Benefactor Deng why are you saying this? Even if the enemy has some hatred towards you, there must be some truth and falsehood or misunderstanding, we have to be impartial, we cannot allow them to take advantage of your misfortune and rely on their numbers to win. If it's the gang of people dispatch by Divine Physician Xue, they lay down this trap and tried to poison us, we share a common enemy, how can we stand by and do nothing? Everyone, prepare yourself to meet the enemy!” HuiFang, Xu Zhu and the rest of the monks agreed in unison. XuanTong said: ”Benefactor Deng, i and your two brothers share the same poison, we should collaborate and repel the enemy.”

As they were talking, another two fireworks rise up into the sky, this time it was much nearer. After a while, another two fireworks appear, a total of six fireworks had been fired. The shape and colour of the fireworks were different, some look like a large pen, some look chessboard, some look like an axe, some look like large peony. After the fireworks had been fired, the sky was pitch black again.

XuanNan ordered the six Shaolin disciples to guard all four sides of the house. But after a long time, they did not hear any movement from the enemy.

Everyone held their breath and focus their attention, after the time taken to eat a meal, they suddenly hear a female voice singing to the east: ”For days my eyebrows are unpainted, and my handkerchief soaked in tears. Since your Majesty cares nothing for me, why should I care for my looks? How can a mere chest of pearls bring solace to my lonely existence?”

When the voice finish singing the song, immediately it turn into the voice of a man and said: ”AiYo, Lady Jiang, I have not seen you for a long time, i miss you very much, i bestow you a string of pearls, Lady Jiang please accept it.” After finishing, the voice turn into a female and said: ”Your Majesty already have Consort Yang as your companion, you even abandon your court sessions, when did you ever place this ill-fated woman in your heart, sigh......” as she said this, she starting crying.

Xu Zhu and the rest of the monks are unfamiliar with worldly affairs, the person suddenly became male and female, not knowing what kind of trick it is, they felt miserable. Deng BaiChun and the rest knew the person was acting out the story between Emperor Ming of Tang and the Plum Consort, suddenly becoming Plum Consort, suddenly becoming the Emperor, the voice and tone remarkably accurate, but this person suddenly appear at this juncture, they have some misgivings and unsure about the person's intentions.

The person said: ”My lady, don't cry, quickly prepare a feast, you will play the flute and i will personally sing a tune for you to relieve your worries.” The person's voice change to a female and said: ”Lowly concubine wash her face with tears every evening, i only hope to see your Majesty again, now that i get to see you again, i will die contented, goodbye, *cough*......*cough*.....”

Bao BuTong shouted loudly: ”I am An Lushan! Tang Emperor Li Longji, you are a muddleheaded emperor, quickly hand over Yang Yuhuan!”

The person stop crying immediately and gave an ”Ah” sound, apparently he had a huge shock.

The surroundings is silent again.