Chapter - 30 Casually Binding the Hero (1/2)

After a while, they smell a faint flowery scent. XuanNan shouted: ”The enemy is releasing poison, quickly hold your breath, smell the antidote.” But after a while, he felt strange, he was clear-headed and refreshed, it seems the flowery scent did not carry any poison.

The person said: ”7th sister, is that you? There some strange person in 5th brother's house, he claims his An Lushan.” A female voice said: ”Only big brother has yet to arrive. 2nd brother, 3rd brother, 4th brother, 6th brother, 8th brother, let us reveal ourselves!”

When she finish, there was a bright light outside the door, a strange ball of light shone on 5 men and 1 woman. A black beard old man among them said: ”5th brother, quickly come out.” His right hand held onto a square wooden board. The female is a pretty middle-age married woman. For the other 4 men, 2 of them are dressed as scholars, 1 of them seems to be a carpenter, hand holding onto an axe and carrying a long saw on his back. The other man is green-faced and long-toothed, red hair and green beard, his appearance extremely scary, he look like a monster, his wearing a bright shining brocade robe.

Deng BaiChuan fix his concentration, he saw the person oil painted his face, it was not his original appearance, he dress himself like an opera actor, thus the one acting as Tang Emperor and Plum Consort is obviously this person, Deng BaiChuan said loudly: ”May i request the honorable names of ladies and gentlemen? I am Deng BaiChuan from Gusu Murong family.”

The other party did not have the chance to reply as a black figure rush out from the main hall, his blade shining, he chop 7 times towards the opera actor, it was Feng BoE. The opera actor was caught off guard, he hide to the east and dodge to the west, he was in an awkward situation. The opera actor started singing: ”My strength plucked up the hills, my might shadowed the world; But the times were against me, and Dapple (name of warhorse) runs no more; when Dapple runs no more, what then can ......” but Feng BoE attack was too quick and he could not finish the 3rd sentence.

The black bearded guy cursed: ”Hey you are too unreasonable, rushing out and hacking and chopping randomly, eat my [Big Iron Net]” the wooden board in his hands flashed and he whack straight towards the top of Feng BoE's head.

Feng BoE felt some misgivings: ”I have fought over hundreds of major and minor battle, but i have never seen such square wood board being used as a weapon.” He raise his broadsword and chop towards the board. There was a ringing sound, the broadsword hit the edge of the board, but the board was motionlessly, although the board may seem like it's made of wood but its actually made of steel, the exterior of the board is painted to make it resemble wood. Feng BoE promptly withdraw his broadsword, unexpectedly when he contract his arm the broadsword could not be withdrawn, it was stuck firmly on the steel board. Feng BoE was shock, he channeled his internal energy and exerted his force, only now did the broadsword separate from the steel board, he shouted: ”What an abnormal object! Is this steel board made of lodestone?”

That person smiled and said: ”Not really, not really! This is my working tool.”Feng BoE shot another glance at it, he saw many horizontal and vertical lines on the board, it's a Go (Chess) board, he said: ”What a weird object, come i will fight with you!” he swing his broadsword like the wind, attacking faster and faster, but he dare not let the broadsword touch the magnetic chess board.

The opera actor regain his breath and sing again: ”When Dapple runs no more, what then can i do? Ah, Yu, my Yu, what will your fate be?” suddenly he imitated the voice of a female, he said in a gentle coy voice: ”Worry not my Lord, although today's battle is unsuccessful, lowly concubine will follow you and fight our way out of this encirclement.”

Bao BuTong said: ”Shameless King of Chu and Consort Yu, quickly commit suicide, i am Han Xin.” He jump and extended his palm, trying to grab the shoulder of the opera actor. The opera actor avoided it and sing: ”A great wind came fourth, the clouds rose on high. Where will i find.....AiYa, my Gaozu of Han killed your Han Xin.” His left hand went to his waist and took out a soft whip and he lash it out towards Bao BuTong.

XuanNan saw both sides are acting like children, but their martial arts are solid, only that they don't know each other, his eyebrows narrowed slightly and said: ”Everyone please temporarily stay your hands, let us clarify the matter first.”

But asking Feng BoE to stay his hands and stop fighting is almost impossible, when he contracted the frost poison, his physical strength and stamina was not the same as before, in addition the frost poison can flare up anytime, it's extremely dangerous, his broadsword flash about as if it was shredding the wind, he wanted to achieve victory quickly.

As the four of them engaged in fierce battle, someone came out of the main hall, there was a clashing sound as two Buddhist monk's knife collided, an awe-inspiring entrance, it was XuanTong. He shouted: ”You bunch of wicked thieves, using poison and harming people, old monk will break his taboo and kill you all!” he was tormented by the frost poison for many days, he could not vent his frustration, thus he did not bother to clarify and attack the two scholars with his twin-knife. One scholar dodge and avoided, the other scholar took out a judge-pen weapon from his bosom, he executed his skills and start fighting with XuanTong.

The other scholar shakes his head from side to side and said: ”This is so strange! Why is this monk so hot tempered, i wonder where he comes from?” he extended his hands into his bosom and felt around, he said: ”Yi, where did it go?” he touch his left and right pockets, shake his sleeves, and pat his chest, he can't find it anywhere.

Xu Zhu was sympathetic, he ask: ”Benefactor, what are you looking for?” the scholar said: ”This big monk's martial arts is extremely high, my brother is not his match, i want to find my weapon and join the fight, Yi, strange, strange! Where did my weapon go?” he knock his forehead and pondered deeply. Xu Zhu cannot help but laugh, he thought: ”Coming out for a fight but forgetting where you put your weapon, this is interesting.” He ask again: ”Benefactor, what kind of weapon you use?”

The scholar said: ”Diplomacy is better than violence, my number one weapon is a book.” Xu Zhu said: ”What kind of book? Martial arts manual?” the scholar said: ”No, no. It's the Analects of Confucius, i want to use the words of sage to reform my opponent.” Bao BuTong interrupted: ”You are a scholar, you can't even memorize the Analects of Confucius, what's the point of studying?” The scholar said: ”Elder brother, you only know part of the information. The 'Analects of Confucius', 'Mencius', 'Spring and Autumn Annals', 'Book of Songs', i know all of them by heart. But a Buddhist monk only study Buddhist scriptures, they might not know about Confucius literature, i can recite it out by heart but if he has no knowledge about it, won't it be useless? Thus, i must show him the original text as evidence, then he can't deny it or try to dispute it, only then will it be useful. There is a common saying, 'Use book as evidence'.” As he said this, he kept on searching and patting around his body.

Bao BuTong shouted: ”Little master, quickly attack him!” Xu Zhu said: ”I will wait for Benefactor to find his weapon, after that we can fight.” The scholar said: ”The Song and Chu fought at a deep river, the Chu people has yet to cross the river, their formation not ready, its a good opportunity to attack, but Duke Xiang of Song said: It's not the way of nobleman to take advantage of the plight of others. Little master, your heart is benevolent, the same as Duke Xiang.”

The carpenter saw XuanTong's twin-knife flying and twisting around, his moves are extremely quick and powerful, the two scholars will be in danger if the fight drags on further, he raised his axe and wanted to assist them in battle. GongYe Gan wave his palm and strike towards him. GongYe Gan's appearance is refine and cultured, but his palm strength is vigorous and forceful, his nicknamed 'Jiangnan Number Two', last time he competed wine drinking and match palm with Xiao Feng, although he lost, Xiao Feng had deep respect for him, it can be seen that his internal energy is extraordinary, the carpenter slanted his body to avoid the palm and hack his axe horizontally.

The scholar still could not find his 'Analects of Confucius', he saw his companion judge-pen movement is really messy, it really isn't a match against XuanTong's twin-knife, he said to XuanTong: ”Hey, big monk. Confucius says: [The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.] Confucius says: [To subdue one's self and return to propriety, is perfect virtue. If a man can for one day subdue himself and return to propriety, all under heaven will ascribe perfect virtue to him.] Confucius also says: [Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.] You wave your twin-knife randomly, you are ruthless and only thinks about killing people, you did not show self-restraint, this is contrary to propriety.”

Xu Zhu whispered to Shaolin monk HuiFang: ”Martial uncle, is this person pretending to be dumb?” HuiFang shook his head and said: ”I don't know. Our master instructed us to be careful when going out of Shaolin Temple, martial artists are cunning and sly, they can come up all sorts of funny ideas and traps.”

The bookworm said to XuanTong again: ”Big monk, Confucius says: [Men of principle are sure to be bold, but those who are bold may not always be men of principle.] You are brave and bold, but you might not be benevolent, you cannot be considered to be a true gentleman. Confucius says: [What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others] If other people want to kill you, you will naturally be unwillingly to die, since you are unwillingly to die, how can you kill other people?”

XuanTong engage this bookworm and both of them jump about, he wave his twin-knife to attack, the bookworm follow XuanTong and suddenly move east and west, sometimes left and right, his always within 3 foot of XuanTong, constantly advising and persuading, it can be seen that his martial art is not weak. XuanTong was secretly vigilant: ”This rascal is spouting nonsense, obviously his trying to distract me and divert my concentration, once he find a gap in my moves, he will definitely exploit it and attack. This person's martial art is above the scholar with the judge-pen, i definitely have to guard against him.” Thus, he spent 60% of his concentration to guard against the bookworm and spent 40% to focus on attacking the scholar with the judge-pen. The situation of the scholar with the judge-pen improved considerably.

After exchanging 10 moves, XuanTong was getting impatient, he shouted: ”Get lost!” and flip his Buddhist monk's knife, smashing the handle of the knife towards the chest of the bookworm. The bookworm avoided it and said: ”Great master your martial art is extremely strong, my 4th brother and i, although its two against one we might not be your match, thus i advise you with wise words and hope that we can stop fighting, Confucius says: [Tsang, my doctrine is that of an all-pervading unity.] Tsang said: [The doctrine of master is to be true to the principles of our nature and the benevolent exercise of them to others - this and nothing more.] As human-beings, we must be prepared to forgive, we cannot be unreasonable and barbaric.”

XuanTong felt indignant, he slash his knife horizontally and curse: ”Be prepared to forgive? Be compassionate? Why did you put deadly poison in the coffin to harm others? If old monk is not careful, he would have died long ago, you still dare say: [What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others], you want to die of poisoning?”

The bookworm quickly retreated two steps and said: ”Strange! Strange! Who put poison in the coffin? The coffin is for corpses. Confucius says: [Li died, he had a coffin but no outer shell.] There is poison in the coffin, won't the corpse die of poisoning? Oh wait, the corpse died long ago.”

Bao BuTong interrupted: ”Not true, Not true. You did not put any corpse in the coffin, only poison, you wanted to poison us, the living people.” The bookworm shook his head and said: ”You gauge the heart of a gentleman with your own mean measures. Since there is no coffin here, there is no poison.”

Bao BuTong said: ”Confucius says: [Of all people, female and vile people are the most difficult people.] You are a vile person.” He pointed at the middle-age woman and said: ”You are a female, both of you are indeed difficult people. Are the words of Confucius wrong?” the bookworm was stumped for words, he finally said: ”You digress from the main topic, i don't have to bother about your words or give a reply.”

The bookworm is debating with Bao BuTong, XuanTong had one less person to deal with and he intensified his attacks, the judge-pen scholar was instantly in dire situation. The bookworm move closer to XuanTong and said: ”Confucius says: [If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with the rites of propriety? If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?] Big monk, you are without the virtues proper to humanity, you are really disappointing to the extreme.”

XuanTong was furious, he said: ”I am a Buddhist, detach from worldly affairs, you rotten scholar talking about literature, etiquette and music, benevolent or not, you cannot sway my heart.”

The bookworm raise his knuckles and knocks his forehead, he said: ”Very true! Very true! I studied too much and became foolish, i am really a bookworm. Big monk is obviously a Buddhist, but i advise you with words from Confucius and the traditional virtues, naturally you won't understand it.”

Feng BoE fought for a long time with the chessboard-wielding person, it hard to predict who will win, after a period of time, he start to feel the frost poison acting up in his lower abdomen. Bao BuTong compared himself with the opera actor, he felt his opponent's martial art is not high, but his moves is extremely complicated, sometimes he acted as Xi Shi (one of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China), his speech and laughter coy, his frown infectious, his steps lithe and graceful, it was the exact manner of a woman of peerless elegance, in an instant, he started to act as a tipsy and romantic Li Bai (renowned poet), his drunken state unpredictable, his footsteps unsteady. The miraculous thing was that when he acted as different character, he always had a unique set of martial arts to fit the character, sometimes he used his flexible whip or flick his long sleeves when acting as a beauty, or wave his pen when acting as a scholar, and Bao BuTong could not deal with him for the moment.

The bookworm was motionless for a while, suddenly he hum: ”Since you gave up immersing in music, you heart should have gained benevolence, if you did not gain it quickly, it's already ingrained in your heart?” XuanNan and XuanTong both had a huge shock, they thought: ”This bookworm is extremely knowledgeable, he can even recite verses by Easter Jin eminent monk, Kumarajiva.” The bookworm continued humming: ”After all, in emptiness, there is no music in heart, if you are pleased with knowledge on Buddhism, you are not enlightened by its teachings. Falsehood lies and deceit, it will not stop near your heart. Big monk, what is the next two verse, i forgot.” XuanTong said: ”Buddhist teachings acquired by a humane person, it will reveal itself when desired by the heart.”

The bookworm laugh heartily and said: ”Enlightening! Enlightening! You are a great Buddhist master, how can you not be humane? Moral principles under the heaven, all of them are the same. I advise you to let go of your hatred and turn back to correct path.”

XuanTong heart was shaken, he suddenly achieve enlightenment and said: ”Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo.” There was two clanking sound, the twin-Buddhist monk's knife was thrown on the floor, he sat down on the floor, his face revealed a smile, his eyes closed.

The judge-pen scholar was getting excited in the fight, but suddenly seeing this behaviour, he had a huge shock and did not attack with this judge-pen.

Xu Zhu said: ”Martial grandfather, did your frost poison flare up?” he extended his arm to support him, XuanNan said: ”Don't move!” he checked XuanTong's breath, but he had stop breathing, he had passed away. XuanNan press both his hands together, he chanted the 'Afterlife Prayer'. The rest of the Shaolin monk saw XuanTong had passed away, they started crying, they grab their Buddhist's staff and Buddhist's knife, wanting to go all out against the two scholars. XuanNan said: ”Stop! Martial brother XuanTong perceived Tathata in his meditation, his in Nirvana, he has achieved enlightenment, we have to be happy for him.”

After witnessing this shocking event, everyone stop fighting immediately and retreated simultaneously.

The bookworm shouted: ”5th brother, 5th brother Xue, quickly come out, someone got excited to death by my words. Quickly come out and save him! Damn Divine Physician Xue, if you don't come out quickly, this person will really die for certain!” Deng BaiChuan said: ”Divine Physician Xue is not in his house, Mr you are......” the bookworm is still shouting hurriedly at the top of his voice: ”Xue MuHua, 5th brother Xue, Enemy of King of Hell, Divine Physician Xue, quickly come out and save him! Your 3rd brother excited someone till death, they are going to make life difficult for us.”

Bao BuTong was furious: ”You caused his death, still pretending to be a good guy and shedding crocodile tears.” With a 'Hu' sound he send his palm at him, his left hand pass under his right palm, with this move [Dragon Searching For Pearl], he made a grab for the beard. The bookworm quickly dodged it. Feng BoE and GongYe Gan was aroused from their previous fight, they did not wish to stop and hence they start fighting again.

Deng BaiChuan shouted: ”Lie down!” his left hand stretch out and grab the back of the opera actor. Deng BaiChuan is chief among the subordinates of Gusu Murong family, his martial art is strong, internal energy powerful and vigorous, although his reputation isn't impressive, but of those who knew him they cannot help but deeply respect him. He easily caught hold of the back of the opera actor, he press him down towards the floor. The opera actor is quite agile and nimble, when his left shoulder touch the ground, he spin his body on the floor and sweep his right leg out, kicking towards Deng BaiChuan's leg. This move is extremely strange and quick, Deng BaiChuan is stout and strong hence its not convenient for him to turn or rotate quickly, he saw this move is hard to avoid, he immediately gathered his internal energy into his lower body to forcibly receive the kick to his leg, there was a 'Ka La' sound, the two legs collided and one of the leg broke.

The opera actor kept rolling about and his already a few zhang away, he shouted: ”You treacherous bandit, injuring an honest man, ouch my leg!” it seems that when the two legs met and the force collided, the opera actor was not a match against his opponent's force, his leg broke immediately.

The pretty middle-age woman only stood courteously by the side and did not participate, when she saw the opera actor suffered a broken leg and her other companions also in danger, she said: ”Who are you people, what is the reason for occupying my 5th brother's house? You did not clarify the situation and injure people?” although she's questioning the other party, her tone and manner is still soft and refined. The opera actor is lying on the ground, he look upward and saw two lanterns hanging by the door of the house. He pointed at the lantern and call out in shock: ”What? What is this? What 'Funeral of Xue MuHua', my 5th brother died?”

The person wielding the chessboard, the two scholars, the axe-wielding carpenter, the pretty middle-age woman, their gaze followed the finger and they saw the lantern. The candle flame in the lantern had long die out, the surrounding is pitch-black, as everyone was busy fighting, no one paid any attention to the lantern, only when the opera actor fell onto the floor did he finally raise his head and notice the wordings on the lantern.

The opera actor burst into tears, he sang: ”Alas, alas, my good brother, we swore brotherhood at the peach garden, we agreed to meet at the ancient city, you cross the five passes, slay six generals, such awe-inspiring might .....” his singing the opera 'Weeping GuanYu', but his too agitated and his accent is incorrect. The other five also bellowed their grievances:

”Who killed my 5th brother?”

”5th brother, 5th brother, which damnable murderer harm you?”

”We will fight to the death with you today!”

XuanNan and Deng BaiChuan gave each other a glance, both of them had the same thought: ”These people seems to be the sworn brothers of Divine Physician Xue.” Deng BaiChuan said: ”Some of our companions suffered some injuries, we came here to request Divine Physician Xue for medical treatment, but unexpectedly....” the middle-age woman replied: ”But unexpectedly he refuse to treat and you people killed him, correct?” Deng BaiChuan said: ”No......” he did not get the chance to finish as he saw the middle-age woman flick her sleeves, suddenly he smell a strong fragrance and he immediately became dizzy, he seems to be standing on soft cloud and shrouded in mist, he can't maintain his footing. The pretty middle-age woman said: ”Collapse, collapse!”

Deng BaiChuan was indignant, he shouted: ”Wicked witch!” he gathered his energy into his palm and sent his palm out. The pretty middle-age woman saw Deng BaiChuan shaking and swaying about, his already affected by her attack, unexpectedly he still manage to send out his palm. As she was about to dodge the attack, it was too late, the earth-shattering force came crashing onto her, her breathing was temporarily obstructed, her body flew up. There is a 'Ka la Ka la' sound, a few of her ribs got broken, she fainted before her body had landed on the ground. Deng BaiChuan's vision turn black and he collapsed onto the ground.

Both sides lost one of their fighters, the remaining people start fighting with each other. XuanNan pondered: ”There is some strange matters in this incident, we have to first captured the rest so as to avoided unnecessary casualties for both side.” He said: ”Get my staff!” HuiFang turn around and picked up the Buddhist monk's staff leaning against the door, he pass it over to XuanNan. The judge-pen scholar vaulted over and wave his right hand to attack HuiFang's chest. XuanNan strike out with his left palm, his palm had yet to arrive but the palm force had already reach his opponent's back, the scholar was hit and collapsed. XuanNan gave a laugh, he carried the staff in his hand, took two steps forward, brandish his staff and smash towards the chessboard wielding man.

The chessboard-wielding person saw the attack was extremely powerful, the staff had yet to arrive but the accompanying wind had already shrouded his entire body, immediately he flex his arm, he use both hands to raise the chessboard and block the staff, there was a loud ringing sound, sparks flew in all direction. The person felt his arms going numb, the web between his thumb and forefinger had split open. XuanNan raised his staff and he also lifted the chessboard along with it. The chessboard had extremely strong magnetism, it the past it trapped the weapons of numerous enemies, but today it met a strong opponent and got trapped by XuanNan's staff. XuanNan smash his staff towards the head of the person along with the chessboard. The person shouted: ”This 'Pressing Divine Head' (the name of a chess move) along with 'Leaning Cover', i can't resist both attacks!” he quickly scuttled forward.

XuanNan drag his staff and shouted loudly: ”Bookworm, lie down!” he swept his staff horizontally, the power in it is unstoppable. The bookworm said: ”Confucius is adaptable to current situation, once the wind blows the grass will topple, since you want me to lie down i will lie down, why not?” before he even finish his words, his already lying down on the floor. A few Shaolin monk jumped over and held him down.

The Head-Monk of Shaolin Damo-Hall is really outstanding, once he start fighting, he immediately subdued 3 experts from the opposing side.

The axe-wielding carpenter is fighting Feng BoE and Bao BuTong, his in dire situation and is about to suffer a defeat, the chessboard-wielding person said: ”Forget it, forget it! 6th brother, let us just admit defeat, we don't have to carry on playing this chess match anymore. Big monk, i want to ask you, how did my 5th brother offend you, why did you people kill him?” XuanNan said: ”There is no such matter......”

Before he could finish, suddenly there is two 'Zheng Zheng' sound of zither, it was transmitted from afar. When the sound is transmitted to their eardrum, everyone's heart violently palpitated two times. XuanNan was startled for the duration, another two 'Zheng Zheng' sound rang out. This time the sound is even closer, and everyone's heart palpitated even more violently. Feng BoE felt a sense of uneasiness, his right hand relaxed, with a 'Dang' sound his broadsword dropped on the floor. Luckily Bao BuTong quickly wave his palm and guarded him, else the enemy's axe would have split open his shoulder. The bookworm shouted: ”Elder brother come over quickly, elder brother come over quickly! The situation is extremely serious! Why are you moving so slowly and still playing that stupid zither? Confucius says: [When the prince summoned him, without waiting for his carriage to be yoked, he went at once.]”

The sound of zither kept on ringing, an elderly man with big sleeves stroll towards them, his forehead high and protruding, his appearance odd and ancient, his beaming and his expression is extremely amiable, he carried a jade zither in his hand.

When the bookworm and the rest of his brothers saw this man, they shouted: ”Elder brother!” the elderly man walk towards XuanNan, cupped his fists and said: ”Old man is lacking in manners, may i know the name of this Shaolin eminent monk?” XuanNan press his hands together and said: ”Old monk is XuanNan.” The man said: ”Hehe, so you are martial brother XuanNan. Shaolin's XuanKu must be your younger martial brother correct? Old man met him several times before, our conversation is extremely congenial, he must still be pretty healthy and strong.” XuanNan said sadly: ”Martial brother XuanKu was plotted against by a treacherous disciple, he had passed away and return to Western Paradise.”

The person stood wooden for quite a while, suddenly he leap upwards, it was a zhang high, his body has yet to reach the ground but his sorrowful voice can be heard in mid-air, he was crying. XuanNan and GongYe Gan was startled, they did not expect such an elderly man to cry as if he was a child. When both his feet touch the ground, he immediately sat down, he pulled forcefully at his beard, both his legs are like drum-stick, repeatedly beating and drumming the ground, he cried out: ”XuanKu, why didn't you meet me one last time before you die? Isn't this ridiculous? My song 'Peaceful PuAn in Sanskrit', many people heard it before but they don't understand the logic within, but you said this song is rooted in Buddhism, you listen to it again and again. My younger martial brother XuanNan, he might not have your level of comprehension, if i play zither for him, most probably its like playing zither to a cow, preaching to deaf ears! Alas! My life is ill fated!”

Initially, when XuanNan heard him cry, he thought he was a sentimental person, overcome by his grief he cried out in sorrow, but subsequently, he found out that his grieving over the loss of a person who understands his music, unexpectedly he even said his playing zither to a cow if he had to play for him. XuanNan is an eminent monk of high virtue, he wasn't offended at all, he only gave a slight smile and thought: ”These bunch of people are crazy and wild. The temperament of this person is notoriously similar to the rest of his group, birds of a feather flock together.”

The person continued crying: ”XuanKu ah, XuanKu, to repay you for being my soul-mate, i put in great effort and created this new song for you, its called 'Humming of A Reed', this song is to praise your Shaolin founder Master Damo for his great achievement in crossing the river with a reed. Why don't you listen to it?” suddenly he turn his head and said to XuanNan: ”Where is the tomb of martial brother XuanKu? Quickly bring me there, quick, quick! The quicker the better. I will play this new song at his tomb, maybe it can help him to relax and be carefree, he can even revive from the dead.”

XuanNan said: ”Benefactor, please don't babble nonsense, after my martial brother pass away, his body had been cremated and turn to ashes.”

The person was expressionless, suddenly he jump up and said: ”Very good, then you have to give me his ashes. I will use cowhide glue and stick his ashes in my zither, henceforth every time i play a song, he will definitely get to hear it. Isn't it a great idea? Haha, haha, isn't my idea great?” he was getting more and more excited, he cannot help but clap and laugh out heartily, suddenly he saw a pretty middle-age woman lying on the floor, he cry out in fright: ”Yi, 7th sister, what happen? Who injure you?”

XuanNan said: ”There is some misunderstanding, we are still in the midst of clarifying the situation.” The person said: ”What misunderstanding? Who misunderstood who? To cut the long story short, whoever injure 7th sister is the one at fault. Oh my goodness, 8th brother is also injured, the one who injure him is not a good person, how many bad person are here? Quickly step up and confess, we will openly discuss it, there is no room for concession.”

The opera actor call out: ”Elder brother, they killed 5th brother, quickly take revenge for 5th brother.” The expression of the person turned grave, he shouted: ”Preposterous! 5th brother is the 'Enemy of King of Hell', what can the King of Hell do against him?” XuanNan said: ”Divine Physician Xue faked his own death, there is only poison in the coffin, there is no corpse.” The elderly man and the rest of his brothers were elated, all of them ask in quick succession:

”Why did 5th brother fake his death?”

”Where is his dead body?”

”He didn't die, how can there be a dead body?”

Suddenly a soft voice floated from afar: ”Xue MuHua, Xue MuHua, your martial uncle is arriving, quickly come out and welcome him.” the voice seems to be breaking yet continuing, the distance is very far, but the voice is clear and distinct, obviously it transmitted by someone with very profound internal energy, its really no small matter.

The opera actor, bookworm, carpenter and the rest all cry out in alarm. The elderly man with the zither call out: ”Catastrophe is coming, catastrophe is coming!” he kept looking in all directions, his expression extremely frighten, he said: ”There is no time to escape, quick, quick, everyone hide in the house.”

Bao BuTong said loudly: ”What catastrophe is coming? Is the sky falling down?” the elderly man said in a trembling voice: ”Quick, quick, go in the house quickly! Its better to have the sky falling down, this ......” Bao BuTong said: ”Senior please make yourself at home, but i don't want to go in.”

The elderly man suddenly extended his hand, he caught hold of Bao BuTong's chest acupoints. This move is extremely quick, Bao BuTong could not guard against it at all, his already subdued, his body was lifted up and was quickly carried into the house.

XuanNan and GongYe Gan were astonished, as they were about to speak the chessboard wielding person whispered: ”Great master and everyone please go into the house quickly, an extremely powerful devil is coming soon.” XuanNan possess divine skills, he rarely meet any match in the martial arts fraternity, he is not afraid of any big or small devil, he ask: ”Which big devil? Qiao Feng?” the person shook his head and said: ”No, no, someone even more vicious than Qiao Feng. It's Old Freak of XingXiu.” XuanNan said: ”If it's the Old Freak of XingXiu then it couldn't be much better, old monk is looking for him.” The person said: ”Great master, you martial art is strong, naturally you are not afraid. But everyone here will be tortured till death by him and you will the only one left alive, you are really merciful.”

His words are sarcastic and meant to ridicule, but it was also accurate and true, XuanNan was temporarily stumped, he finally said: ”Good, everyone let us go in the house!”

At this moment, the zither elderly man had hidden Bao BuTong and came rushing out of the house, he kept urging: ”Quick, quick! Still waiting for what?” Feng BoE question him loudly: ”Where is my 3rd brother?” the elderly man flip his left hand and send his palm horizontally towards Feng BoE right cheek. The frost poison in Feng BoE had already flare up, its really hard to bear, when he saw the palm coming he quickly lower his head to avoid it. Unexpectedly, the elderly man did not fully execute his palm move, suddenly he diverted his energy downwards and he caught Feng BoE's nape, he said: ”Quick, quick, go in quickly!” he lifted Feng BoE like a chicken and carried him into the house.

GongYe Gan saw the elderly man did not have any evil intentions, but both his sworn brothers were subdued by him with a single move, he shouted loudly and was about to fight with him, but the elderly man move like the wind, he already rush into the house. The bookworm carried the opera actor, the carpenter supported the pretty woman and all of them quickly rush into the house.

XuanNan felt today's affair is really strange and weird, he did not want to be reckless to avoid causing more confusion, he said: ”Benefactor GongYe, let us just go in first and then take our time to decide what to do.”

Immediately, Xu Zhu and HuiFang lifted the corpse of XuanTong, GongYe Gan carried Deng BaiChuan and all of them entered the house.

The zither old man came out to urge them, but he saw everyone had entered the house, he quickly shut the front door, he went to fetch the door latch. The chessboard wielding person said: ”Elder brother, it best if we left this door wide open, this move is called solid yet empty, empty yet solid. This way, he won't dare to enter the house without careful consideration.” The elderly man said: ”What? Fine, i will listen to you. This......will this work?” he did not have any self-confidence at all while speaking.

XuanNan and GongYe Gan gave each other a glance, both of them had the same thought: ”This old man has superior martial arts, how can he be so flustered when dealing with important matters? This door, it can't even hold back common robbers, how can it stop the Old Freak of XingXiu, what difference does it make if the door is open or close? It seems this person suffered great loss against the Old Freak of XingXiu, he became like a bird startled by a bowshot, his terror-stricken once he knows the Old Freak of XingXiu is nearby.”

The elderly man said repeatedly: ”6th brother, think of an idea, quickly think of an idea.”

Although XuanNan possess considerable self-restraint, he was riled up by the fearful manner of the old man, he said: ”Sir, there is a common saying 'counter soldiers with arms, water with earth', adopt measures appropriate to the situation. No matter how vicious this Old Freak of XingXiu is, we will join hands and fight him together, we might not lose, there's no need to be so....so....hei....so cautious and timid.” The candles in the hall had been lighted, he glimpse his surroundings, the elderly man is terrified, the chessboard wielding man, the bookworm, carpenter, judge-pen wielding scholar, all of them wearing fearful expression. XuanNan personally witness the martial arts of these people, they aren't weak, they are wild and unrestrained, they appear to be elegant and unconventional warriors, but now they turn into children and useless cowards, it's really inconceivable.

GongYe Gan saw Bao BuTong and Feng BoE are fine, both of them sitting on a chair, but their frost poison had flare up and they shivered constantly, he supported Deng BaiChuan to a chair and made him sit down, fortunately Deng BaiChuan's pulse is even, his only in some sort of drunken state and he carried on sleeping, his life is not in any danger.

Everyone look at each other in dismay, after a short period of time, the axe-wielding carpenter took out a set square from his bosom, he measured the corners of the hall and shakes his head, he picked up a candlestick and walk to the rear hall. Everyone followed him, they saw him measuring the four corners, suddenly he leap up onto the beam and started measuring it, he shakes his head again and walk to the rear, stopping in front of Divine Physician Xue's fake coffin, he look at the coffin a few times, shakes his head and said: ”What a pity, what a pity!” the zither elderly man said: ”Its useless?” the carpenter said: ”It won't work, martial uncle will definitely see through it.” the zither man said in anger: ”You.....you still call him martial uncle?” the carpenter shakes his head and did not reply, he continued walking to the rear.

GongYe Gan thought: ”This person seems to only know how to shake his head, he doesn't do anything else.”

The carpenter measured the corners of the wall, he counted his footsteps and made some calculation with his fingers, it seems as if his trying to build a house, he kept counting his steps and walk to the rear garden. He held onto the candlestick and pondered for quite some time, the corridor of the garden had five stone mortars, he grasps a few dried husks and soil and put them in the mortar, he lifted the large stone pestle by the side and started pounding the mortar, 'Peng Peng', the stone is dense and is forceful as it landed on the mortar.

GongYe Gan gave a sigh and thought: ”We are really down on luck, meeting these bunch of lunatics, he still has the mood to pound grains in this kind of dire situation. It's still acceptable if his really pounding grains, but the mortar contains grain husk and soil, alas!” Bao BuTong and Feng BoE are resting in the hall due to their frost poison, but after a while, they also rush to the rear garden.

'Peng', 'Peng', 'Peng','Peng', 'Peng', 'Peng'! The pounding sound uninterrupted.

Bao BuTong said: ”Buddy, you are pounding the grains for cooking? But you aren't pounding grains. I suggest we better plow the field and plant corn seeds, when they grow.....” suddenly the southeast corner of the garden, around 7-8 zhang away, gave a squeaking sound. The sound is soft but rather unique, XuanNan, GongYe Gan and the rest look towards the direction of the sound, they saw four dwarf cassia tree.

'Peng', 'Peng', the carpenter kept on pounding, but the strange thing was that the 2nd cassia tree from right started shaking, little by little it move. After a while, everyone understood, when the carpenter pound the mortar, the cassia tree will move around an inch. The zither man cheered and rush towards the cassia tree, he said in a low voice: ”Not bad, not bad!” everyone followed him and ran over. The cassia tree had move aside, revealing a big stone slab, an iron ring is attached to the slab.

GongYe Gan was impressed and he felt ashamed, he said: ”This secret underground mechanism is ingeniously arranged, it's really fantastic. My dear friend, you discovered it within such a short time, you are really intelligent and wise, no less inferior than the creator of the mechanism.” Bao BuTong said: ”Not true, not true, how you know this mechanism isn't created by him?” GongYe Gan said: ”I said his ability and wisdom isn't inferior to the creator, if he is the creator, then his ability and wisdom is naturally not inferior to himself.” Bao BuTong said: ”Not true, not true. His not inferior, but maybe he is superior. But how can his ability and wisdom be superior to himself?”

The carpenter pounded another ten times, the big stone slab is completely exposed. The zither elderly man grip the iron ring and pulled it, but it did not move an inch, as he was about to channel his internal energy and give it another pull, the carpenter cry out in fear: ”Elder brother, stop!” he jump up and put the stone pestle on another mortar, he pulled down his pants and started urinating, he shouted: ”Everyone, quickly come over, let us urinate together!” The elderly man was started and quickly put down the iron ring, in a split second, the chessboard wielding man, bookworm, judge-pen wielding scholar, all of them went over and started urinating into the mortar.

GongYe Gan saw these five people urinate like mad, it was really funny and he could not refrain from laughing, but instantly, everyone caught a whiff of gunpowder. The carpenter said: ”Enough, the danger is over!” the zither elderly man had a lot of urine, he kept on urinating non-stop, he mumbled to himself: ”Damn it, damn it, i mess up another mechanism. 6th brother, luckily you spotted it quick, else everyone would have been blown into meat pastes.”

GongYe Gan trembled with fear, he became aware that he had just came back from the gates of hell, obviously a flint is linked to the iron ring, when the ring is pulled, the fuse is lighted and it advance to the hidden explosive, fortunately the carpenter is extremely vigilant, everyone urinated and they managed to wet the fuse and thus averted a big disaster.

The carpenter walk to the 1st stone mortar to the right, he exerted his strength and turn the mortar three times to the right, he raise his head towards the sky and recited something, after a long time, he turn the mortar six and a half times to the left. Suddenly, they heard another small squeaking sound, the big stone slab move aside, revealing a hole. This time the zither elder dare not rush in, he wave his hands at the carpenter and signalled him to lead the way. The carpenter knelt down on the floor, he look carefully at the 1st mortar to the left.

Suddenly they heard someone cursed from underground: ”Old Freak of XingXiu, you evil bastard! Very good, very good! You finally found me, your brilliant! You committed all sorts of crime, retribution will eventually come. Come, come! Come in and kill me!”

The bookworm, carpenter, opera actor and the rest all cheered in unison: ”5th brother is alive!” the zither elder said loudly: ”5th brother, we all arrive.” the voice from underground was silent for a moment then it shouted: ”It's really elder brother?” the tone was joyous.

There was a laughing sound and someone came out of the hole, it is the 'Enemy of King of Hell', Divine Physician Xue.

Unexpectedly, other than the zither elder and the rest of his sworn brothers, there's also quite a few strangers, he cannot help but stare blankly, he said to XuanNan: ”Great master, you came out of your temple, these few people are your friends?”

XuanNan hesitated and then said: ”Yes, they are all friends.” Originally, Shaolin had maintained that Master XuanBei was killed by Gusu Murong family, they considered Murong family as their nemesis. This time, he came together with Deng BaiChuan to seek medical treatment, along the way Deng BaiChuan and GongYe Gan insist that Master XuanBei was not killed by their young master Murong, XuanNan was around 70-80% convinced, in addition they braved dangers together and collaborated towards a common goal, he finally treated them as friends. When GongYe Gan heard his words, he turn and nod towards him.

Divine Physician Xue said: ”Since we are all friends then it couldn't be much better, everyone please go underground, Master XuanNan please lead the way.” Although he said those words, he still rush ahead and lead the way. The underground cellar is pitch-black, its a very dangerous place to be in, the martial arts fraternity is full of deadly secrets and traps, no one trust each other, thus to show respect for visitors he has to personally lead the way and enter first.

As Divine Physician Xue entered the hole, XuanNan followed him and entered as well, everyone supported the injured and followed soon after, they even carried the corpse of XuanTong in. Divine Physician Xue operated a motor and the big stone slab move and covered the hole, he operated the motor again and everyone heard a faint squeaking sound, the cassia tree move back to its original position and covered the stone slab.

The interior is a stretch of stone steps, everyone has to stoop down to travel, after travelling for a while, the ceiling gradually got higher, they reached a natural tunnel. They travelled for around 10 zhang and arrive at a spacious cavern. Over 20 people are seated by the corner beside a torch, the people consist of male, female, young and old. When these people heard footsteps, they turn their head and look at them.

Divine Physician Xue said: ”These people are my family members, the current situation is urgent, i won't ask them to come over and pay their respects, please forgive my lack of manners. Big brother, 2nd brother, how did your come here?” he did not wait for their reply and immediately start examining everyone's injuries. He examined XuanTong first, Divine Physician Xue said: ”This great master achieved enlightenment and pass away, it gratifying and joyous.” He examined Deng BaiChuan, smiled and said: ”My 7th sister's flower pollen will only make you drunk and intoxicated, there is no poison, he will wake up after a while.” The middle-age woman and opera actor suffered external injuries, although the injuries are not light but its a small matter for Divine Physician Xue. He took Bao BuTong and Feng BoE pulse, closed his eyes and pondered deeply.

After a long time, Divine Physician Xue shakes his head and said: ”Strange, strange! Who injured these two people?” GongYe Gan said: ”It's a weird looking youngster.” Divine Physician Xue shakes his head and said: ”Youngster? This person's martial arts possess both extremes of good and evil, his internal energy is extremely profound, it has a least 30 years of cultivation, how can he be a youngster?” XuanNan said: ”It certainly is a youngster, but his palm strength is deep and profound, my martial brother XuanTong clash palms with him and also suffered this frost poison. His the disciple of Old Freak of XingXiu.”

Divine Physician Xue was startled: ”Even the disciple of Old Freak of XingXiu is this powerful? Amazing, amazing!” he shakes his head and said: ”Regrettable, regrettable, the frost poison of these two senior brothers, i am really powerless against it. From now on, i don't dare to be known as 'Divine Physician'.”

Suddenly a bright resonant voice said: ”Since this is the assessment of Divine Physician Xue, we will take our leave immediately.” The voice came from Deng BaiChuan, he finally woke up after being intoxicated by the flower pollen, he heard Divine Physician Xue's diagnosis. Bao BuTong said: ”That's right, that's right! Hide underground for what? Life and death is fated, how can we imitate tortoise and mole and hide in underground cavern?”

Divine Physician Xue laugh grimly: ”You are extremely boastful! Do you know who is waiting outside?” Feng BoE said: ”You all are scared of Old Freak of XingXiu, but i am not afraid. You all have superior martial arts but its all in vain, you people get scared out of your wits when you hear the name of Old Freak of XingXiu.” The zither elder said: ”You are no match for me. Old Freak of XingXiu is my martial uncle, you tell me whether his powerful or not?”

XuanNan change the subject and said: ”Old monk has things he don't understand, i wish to seek clarification.” Divine Physician Xue said: ”The eight of us are fellow apprentice, we are known as 'Eight Friends of HanGu'.”

He pointed at the zither elder and said: ”This is our elder brother, i am number five. The rest of the matters are really complicated and not easy to explain, moreover, it useless to tell outsiders.....”

Before he could finish, everyone suddenly heard a thin and soft voice calling: ”Xue MuHua, why aren't you coming out to see me?”

The voice is thin yet balanced, it seems to be faint and indistinct but everyone in the tunnel heard it clearly, the voice is like a long string, penetrating 10 zhang through the ground and followed the complicated winding tunnel before entering the ear.

The zither elder was so surprised that he leap up, he said in a trembling voice: ”Old....Old Freak of XingXiu!” Feng BoE said loudly: ”Big brother, 2nd brother, 3rd brother, let us all go out and fight to the death with him.” The zither elder said: ”No you cannot do that, you must never do that. It doesn't matter if you go out and die a foolish death! But you will reveal this hiding place and the lives of all the people here will be sacrificed by your stupid bravery.” Bao BuTong said: ”His voice can penetrate this underground cave, won't he know we are hiding here? Even if you become a tortoise he will still force you out, you cannot hope to avoid him.” The judge-pen scholar and the bookworm said: ”He won't be able to enter this place for a while, everyone let us think of a good strategy to deal with him.”

The carpenter kept silent throughout, at this moment he interrupted: ”Although martial uncle Ding is highly skilled, but he will require at least four hours to break through this underground mechanism. He will need another four hours to think of a strategy to attack into this cave.” The zither elder said: ”Excellent! We have eight hours, we can consider carefully and take our time, correct?” the carpenter said: ”Nine hours.” The zither elder said: ”Where did the extra one hour come from?” the carpenter said: ”Within this eight hours i can arrange another three mechanism, it can delay him for another hour.”

The zither elder said: ”Very good! Great master XuanNan, when that big devil comes in at the scheduled time, we eight fellow apprentices will most probably not be able to escape his evil clutches. All of you are outsiders. The big devil will focus his attention on us martial nephews, all of you should be able to escape. You should not try to be a hero and fight to the death with him. Being able to escape the Old Freak of XingXiu is already considered to be a very heroic action.”

Bao BuTong said: ”Your farting, farting!” everyone started sniffing but they did not detect any stench, they gaze questioningly at Bao BuTong. Bao BuTong pointed at the zither elder and said: ”This person is bullshitting, its stinks so bad.” Previously he was subdued by the zither elder in a single move, he felt resentment in his heart, although his frost poison had flare up at that time and he did not have any strength to resist, but he was well aware that his martial art is greatly inferior to his, the stronger his opponent, the more he wanted to curse.

The chessboard wielding man gave him one glance and said: ”You can't even escape from my senior martial brother's palm, my martial uncle's martial art is 10 times better than his, now you tell me who is the one bullshitting here?” Bao BuTong said: ”Not true, not true! Superior martial art is not related to bullshitting. If your martial art is high, you can't bullshit? If you don't bullshit, your martial art is high? Confucius doesn't know martial arts, maybe he specializes in bulllshitting.........”

Deng BaiChuan pondered: ”The words of these people aren't unreasonable, 3rd brother is just debating and joking around with them, we should not waste the time we have here.” He interrupted: ”Everyone, i did not know your origin and this led to numerous misunderstandings, i even accidentally injure this lady, i feel terribly apologetic. Since we met a common enemy today, we are one big family. Later when this powerful enemy comes in, although the subordinates of young master Murong are unworthy, we will never run away, if we can't resist him then we will simply just die together.”

XuanNan said: ”HuiFang, Xu Zhu, later on if both of you see the opportunity, you must try to escape and return back to Shaolin Temple to report this matter to the abbot. In the event that everyone is eliminated by that devil at least we can get crucial information delivered.” 6 Shaolin monks said in unison: ”We respectfully obey your orders.” Xue MuHua and Deng BaiChuan heard the speech by XuanNan, they knew his mind is set and everyone will live or die together, even though they now have another strong helper against the Old Freak of XingXiu they still did not feel confident in winning.

The zither elder was expressionless throughout, suddenly he clap his hand and laugh: ”Everyone is going to die today. Even if martial brother XuanKu did not die, he will not get the chance to hear my wonderful song, 'Humming of A Reed', why do i need to feel sad for his death? Alas! Alas! Someone told me that i, Kang GuangLing is a big idiot, i always refuse to accept. But now, it seems even if i am not a big idiot, i am still a small idiot.”

Bao BuTong said: ”You really are a genuine big idiot, big stupid fool!” the zither elder Kang GuangLing said: ”I don't think i am more foolish than you!” Bao BuTong said: ”You are ten times more foolish than me!” Kang GuangLing said: ”You are hundred times more foolish than me!” Bao BuTong said: ”You are thousand times more foolish than me!” Kang GuangLing said: ”You are ten thousand times more foolish than me!” Bao BuTong said: ”You are hundred thousand times more foolish than me, a million times, ten million times!”

Xue MuHua said: ”You two are about the same, both of you are equally foolish. All the masters from Shaolin, when you safely return back to your temple your abbot will definitely ask about the cause and effect of this matter, i am afraid you won't be able to answer. This matter is a shameful incident in my sect, it's not related to outsiders. But to eliminate this scourge from the martial arts fraternity, we need the help of senior monks from Shaolin. Thus, i will now narrate in details the entire matter, but after hearing it please only report back to your abbot, do not leak or divulge it to another person.”

HuiFang, Xu Zhu and the rest of the monks said in unison: ”The words of Divine Physician Xue, junior monk will only report it to our abbot, we will never leak half a word to other people.”

Xue MuHua said to Kang GuangLing: ”Senior martial brother, i will now narrate the intermediate details of this affair.”

Although Kang GuangLing is the most senior apprentice among the eight of them and his martial arts greatly exceeds his peers, but his personality is very childish and naive. Xue MuHua is only trying to preserve Kang GuangLing's status and prestige by asking him for permission in front of outsiders. Kang GuangLing said: ”This is so strange, your mouth is your own, just say it if you like, why the need to ask me for permission?”

Xue MuHua said: ”Great Master XuanNan, Master Deng, our master is known as Mr Intelligent.....”

XuanNan, Deng BaiChuan and the rest were all startled, they said in unison: ”What? Mr Intelligent is the Deaf Mute Old Man, this person is born deaf and mute, he adopted a nickname and called himself Mr Intelligent. All his disciples and followers had their eardrums pierced and their tongue cut off, this fact is known by everyone. But Kang GuangLing and the rest of you are perfectly normal, this is extremely strange.”