Chapter - 34 Wind Gather Closely, Disordered Cloud At Misty Peak (2/2)

Murong Fu said: ”Brother Duan is a direct descendent of the Duan family, his family is famous and upright, [YiYang Finger] and [Six Meridians Divine Sword] matchless under the heaven, how can he be mention together with the Old Freak of XingXiu?”

While he is speaking, he felt his right palm and arm swelling more and more, evidently its not due to the impact from the dwarf's twin hammer, he is bewildered and raise his hand, the back of his hand is glowing faint green, he smell some fishy stench, he immediately realize the truth: ”Ah, yes, my arm came into contact with the 'Verdant Wave Fragrant Dew Sabre', the poison gas slowly diffuse into the skin.” At once he flip the sabre horizontally, the back of the sabre facing outward, the edge of the sabre facing himself, he said to Wu LaoDa: ”Mr Wu, i will return this honourable weapon back, sorry for the offense.”

Wu LaoDa stretch out his hand to receive it, but Murong Fu did not release the handle, he was startled and laugh: ”This sabre is a little strange, mostly probably it offended you.” He took out a small bottle from his bosom, he open the bottle cork, he pour some fine powder on his palm, he turn his palm over and press in on Murong Fu's arm. In an instant the medicine penetrate the skin, Murong Fu felt a cooling sensation on his arm and palm, he knew the antidote has already taken effect, he smiled and presented the sabre.

Wu LaoDa received the sabre, he said to Duan Yu: ”This brother Duan, are you a friend or foe? If you are a friend you should trust us completely so that i can report the truth candidly. If you are a foe, although your martial art is high but we will fight you to the death.” As he finish speaking he look askance, his expression cold and imposing.

Duan Yu is troubled by emotional matters, how would he have Wu LaoDa's heroic spirit? He is dejected and said: ”I have so much worries on my mind now, i can't push it away or solve it, where to find the mood to pay attention to other people's matters? I am not your friend, but i am also not your foe. I can't help you, but i also won't trouble you. Sigh, i am grieving for all eternity, the world is so vast and big but who will recognize my worth, my tears roll down in grief and indignation. Those who know me say i am depress, those who don't know me say i am bringing trouble to myself. The gains and losses in the martial arts fraternity, why would Duan Yu even care about it?”

Taoist BuPing notice Duan Yu is crazy and eccentric, he keep mumbling to himself, but after mumbling a few words he would secretly look at Wang YuYan, Taoist BuPing already guessed 80-90% of the matter, he raise his voice and said to Wang YuYan: ”Miss Wang, your cousin Gentleman Murong already promise to assist us for the sake of justice, we will take part in this together and uphold justice, presumably Miss will take part as well?” Wang YuYan said: ”Yes, since my cousin is with you, naturally i will also follow, i willingly follow your lead.” Taoist BuPing smiled and said: ”I don't deserve such praise! Miss Wang is too modest.” He turn his head and said to Duan Yu: ”Gentleman Murong is with us, Miss Wang is also with us. Gentleman Duan, if you can join us as well, everyone will be eternally grateful to you. But if Gentleman is not willing then please leave by yourself, how about it?” as he finish speaking he move his right hand, his posture sending off a guest.

Wu LaoDa said: ”This...maybe its inappropriate.....” he really disapprove of the idea, if Duan Yu leave, he might leak out their secret, he grip his serrated-sabre tightly, if Duan Yu take a single step he will immediately move forward and block him.

But Duan Yu pace back and forth in a circle, he said: ”You ask me to leave, but where can i go? Although the world is big, but where will Duan Yu find safe shelter? I....i have nowhere to go.”

Taoist BuPing smiled and said: ”Since this is the case, then Gentleman Duan please come with us. When the time comes, you can just sit back without lifting a finger, don't help either side.”

Wu LaoDa have some misgivings, Taoist BuPing look at him and cast a meaningful glance, he said: ”Wu LaoDa, you are trifle in handling matters. Come, come, come! There are 36 Cave-masters and 72 Island-masters, poor Taoist been looking forward to the meeting but we never meet at all. From now on everyone will share the same enemy and hatred, you should come forward and introduce yourself to Gentleman Murong, Gentleman Duan and poor Taoist.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”This should be case.” At once he call out everyone's name, one by one he introduce them. These people rule different region and territory, most of them don't even know each other, while Wu LaoDa is introducing them to Gentleman Murong, someone will frequently call out: ”Ah, it turns out this so-and-so Cave-master.” Or they will whisper: ”So-and-so Island-master with shocking reputation, unexpectedly his appearance is like this.” Murong Fu was secretly amazed: ”How come these people don't even know each other? It seems they are meeting each other for the first time.”

Among the Cave-masters and Island-masters, four of them got killed by Murong Fu in the chaotic battle, when the subordinates of the four sees Murong Fu, they despise him and felt indignant.

Murong Fu said brightly: ”Just now i accidentally killed a few noble friend, i am terribly apologetic, from now on i will spare no effort and do my best to make up for my past mistake. But if someone is unwilling to forgive me, since we are fighting a common enemy we will put our differences aside for the moment, once the deed is done, please come to Gusu Basin of Swallow and find me, we will settle it once and for all.” Wu LaoDa said: ”Your words are correct. Gentleman Murong is very straightforward and honest! Even among our own brothers, we might have some complain and animosity, but we are facing a powerful enemy, everyone should put their minor differences aside. If anyone is short-sighted and refuse to take into account the big picture and try to take advantage of the situation to take revenge, then what should we do?” Many people say in succession:

”That person is obviously a horse that brings trouble to its herd, everyone should get rid of him.”

”If we cannot deal with that Heavenly Mountain old witch, its hard for everyone to preserve their lives, there is no need to even mention personal hatred.”

”How can there be intact eggs in an overturn bird nest? Wu LaoDa, Gentleman Murong, don't worry, no one will do such stupid thing.”

Murong Fu said: ”Very good, i offer my thanks. I wonder what errands you have for me, please instruct me.”

Taoist BuPing said: ”Wu LaoDa, since everyone is participating in this major event we need to work towards a common goal. You are the chief, please tell us the matter about Child Elder of Heavenly Mountain, how powerful is that old witch, what kind of shocking ability she has, tell us so that everyone can guard against her to avoid any surprise which we are not aware of.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Yes! All the Cave-masters and Island-masters recommended me to organize this event, my ability and talent is shallow, originally i cannot hold such heavy responsibility, luckily Gentleman Murong, Taoist BuPing, Sword God Mr Zhuo and Hibiscus Fairy join in to uphold justice, thus my burden is greatly reduced.” He still have some resentment towards Duan Yu, thus he did not mention 'Gentleman Duan' in his speech.

Someone from the crowd said: ”Save those polite words, get to the main point!” another person said: ”Damn your grandmother, we are going to risk our lives to kill someone, our lives are in jeopardy, all these empty talks, aren't you wasting our time?”

Wu LaoDa laugh and said: ”Brother Hong spew such vulgar language. Sea Horse Island Island-master Qin, please stand guard at the south-east, release the signal immediately if you spot any enemy. Violet Rock Cave Cave-master Huo, please stand guard at the west....” he dispatch eight experts in succession, they guard the eight directions. The eight of them complied with the orders, they lead their subordinates and rush off to their designated guard point.

Murong Fu pondered: ”These eight Cave-masters and Island-masters, it seems they are cruel and arrogant, violent and fierce people, unexpectedly they complied with the orders of Wu LaoDa, their expression vigilant and fearful, obviously the enemy is so powerful that they become extremely fearful. I promise to render my help, but i am afraid this problem is really dangerous and difficult.”

Wu LaoDa wait for the eight group of guards to walk far away, he said: ”Everyone please sit down, i will narrate our painful embarrassment.”

Bao BuTong suddenly interrupted: ”You bunch of people commit murder and arson, put poison and pillage, all of you fierce and vicious, terrible tyrants, what kind of painful embarrassment you have? It makes no sense, it makes no sense!” Murong Fu said: ”3rd brother Bao, calm down and listen to Cave-master Wu's account, don't interrupt his words.” Bao BuTong grumbled: ”His words lack logic, i cannot help but speak out bluntly.” Although he did rebut, but since Murong Fu already gave him an order, he dare not interrupt anymore.

Wu LaoDa force a bitter smile and said: ”Brother Bao is correct. The one surnamed Wu, although my ability is lowly, but i am born stubborn, i take advantage of people, i don't allow others to take advantage of me, but who would have expect, sigh!”

Wu LaoDa gave a sigh, suddenly the person beside him also gave a long sigh, he is even more sorrowful. Everyone look towards the person who gave the long sigh, Duan Yu is looking at the moon with his hands behind his back, Duan Yu gave a long sigh and said: ”The moon is so bright, a pretty lady appear before me; she is so elegant and attractive, i worry about how to express my feelings!” He is humming the chapter from the , the meaning is that the moonlight is bright, the beauty graceful, he find it hard to relax his thoughts and he cannot help but worry secretly. Most of the people around him are uneducated martial artists, how can they understand the meaning of this poem? Everyone glare furiously at Duan Yu, they blame him for interrupting Wu LaoDa.

Wang YuYan understood Duan Yu's real intentions, she afraid that her cousin might take offense and she secretly peek at Murong Fu, he is fixing his gaze entirely on Wu LaoDa, he never listen to Duan Yu recital of poetry, she breathe a sigh of relief.

Wu LaoDa said: ”Gentleman Murong and Taoist BuPing , both of you are not outsiders anymore, i am not afraid of letting you know about this matter. We 36 Cave-masters and 72 Island-masters, some live in desolated mountains, some rule over islands, it may seem as if we are free and unfettered, but all of us are restricted by Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain. To be honest, we are her slave. Every year, she will send some people to heavily reprimand us, she will curse and berate us, no living person can withstand it. You must be wondering, we must be indignant to be reprimanded by her correct? But this is not the case, the more she curse us, the happier we feel.....”

Bao BuTong cannot help but interrupt: ”This is strange! Aren't you demeaning yourself?”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Brother Bao you are not aware of the full details, if the people sent by Child Elder scold us severely, our crisis for that year can be considered over, all the caves and islands will organize a huge feast for several days to celebrate our well-being. Sigh, conducting ourselves like this, its indeed very demeaning. If the people sent by Child Elder don't curse our grandson as bastards, if they don't curse our 18 generation ancestors, our lives in the future will be difficult. You must understand, if she don't send people to curse us, she will send people to beat us, if you are lucky you get 30 strokes of rod, if your legs don't get broken in the process you will most likely organize a huge feast and celebrate.”

Bao BuTong and Feng BoE look at each other and smile, both of them make huge effort to restrain themselves from laughing out, unexpectedly these people have to organize a feast and celebrate even after getting beaten, such strange incident has never been heard before, but Wu LaoDa's tone is mournful and miserable, the crowd around him also gnash their teeth in anger and curse, it seems this matter is not fake.

Originally, Duan Yu focus solely on Wang YuYan, while looking at her, he notice that she listen attentively to Wu LaoDa, thus he also listen to Wu LaoDa speak, after listening to a few sentence he cannot help but slap his palm and said: ”Ridiculous! This Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain, is she a god or immortal? Devil or monster? She is so tyrannical, isn't she a bit too absurd?”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Gentleman Duan is correct. This Child Elder push us around, she treat us worse than pigs and dogs. If she don't order her people to beat us with rod, she will often use whip to lash our back, else she will hammer in a few nails into our back. Island-master Sima, the scars you got from the lashings, please let our friends see it.”

A thin and emaciated old man said: ”Ashamed, ashamed!” he undo his garment, on his back there are 3 vertical stripe and 3 horizontal stripe, the stripe criss-cross and is bright red in colour, it is really nauseating just looking at it, they can imagine the pain and anguish the old man must have felt when he endured the lashings. A black man said loudly: ”That is nothing. Please look at the nails on my back.” he undo his garment, there are 3 huge iron nail, its nailed onto his back, the nails are rusted, evidently it has been a long time but unexpectedly this black man did not attempt to remove it. Another monk said hoarsely: ”The injuries suffered by Island-master Yu, i am afraid it can't be compared with junior monk!” he undo his monk robe. A slender iron chain penetrate through his scapula, the chain goes downward and penetrate his wrist bone. He only need to move his wrist lightly and it will affect his scapula, everyone can well imagine the pain.

Duan Yu is extremely angry, he shouted: ”Preposterous, preposterous! Unexpectedly there is such sinister person in this world. Wu LaoDa, Duan Yu is determined to help you, everyone will work together to purge this great evil.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Many thanks to Gentleman Duan assistance.” He turn his head and said to Murong Fu: ”Everyone here endured some form of torture from Child Elder. We claim this is an 'Assembly of Ten Thousand Immortals', we are just exaggerating, in reality it should be 'Assembly of Ten Thousand Ghosts'. Our lives for these past years, i am afraid even the sufferings endured by ghost in hell can't be compared with us. In the past, everyone is afraid of her terrible methods, thus we simply suffer in silence, luckily god is fair, that old witch dominate us for a lifetime but she can also run out of luck.”

Murong Fu said: ”Everyone here is controlled by Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain and did not rebel, is it because of her superior martial arts which lead to defeat at every encounter?” Wu LaoDa said: ”Obviously that old witch's martial art is extremely powerful. But nobody knows exactly how brilliant it is.” Murong Fu said: ”Deep and immeasurable?” Wu LaoDa nod his head and said: ”Deep and immeasurable!” Murong Fu ask: ”You say that old woman ran out of luck, how so?”

Wu LaoDa raise his eyebrows, his spirit rose, he said: ”Its for this reason that we are gathering here. On the 2nd day of the 5th lunar month, Heavenly Wind Cave Cave-master An and i, Sea Horse Island Island-master Qin, etc, all nine of us take turns to present our offerings, pearls and treasures, thin silk and satin, exotic delicacies, rouge and cosmetics, we delivered it to Misty Peak Heavenly Mountain.....” Bao BuTong laugh out loudly and ask: ”That old woman is a granny, how come she still use rouge and cosmetics?” Wu LaoDa said: ”That old witch is old, but she have quite a number of female servants under her, some of the young women need these cosmetics. But there is not a single man at the mountain peak, i don't know who they dress up for?” Bao BuTong smiled and said: ”Maybe its for you to see.”

Wu LaoDa said grimly: ”Brother Bao you are teasing me. When we go to Misty Peak, our eyes are covered by black cloth, we can hear but cannot see, the people at Misty Peak, whether they are pretty or ugly, young or old, nobody knows.”

Murong Fu said: ”If that is the case, then the appearance of Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain, nobody ever seen it before?”

Wu LaoDa sigh and said: ”Someone did see her before. But those who see her will meet a tragic end. The incident happen 23 years ago, someone got the guts, he secretly pull down his black cloth and glance at that old witch, he didn't have time to pull the cloth up as both his eyes were blinded by that old witch, his tongue cut off, both his arms chop off.” Murong Fu said: ”Its fine if his eyes are blinded, but why cut off his tongue and arms?” Wu LaoDa said: ”Perhaps its to prevent him from revealing the appearance of the old witch, cut off his tongue so that he cannot speak, cut off his arms so that he cannot write.”

Bao BuTong stick out his tongue and said: ”Scoundrel, scoundrel! Ferocious, ferocious!”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Cave-master An and i, Island-master Qin, etc, the nine of us were extremely scared while at Misty Peak. The medicine that old witch ask us to prepare 3 years ago, a few items are really rare, for example the egg of 300 years old turtle, 5 chi long deer antler, we really can't find it. We cannot fulfil her demands, thus we assume the punishment must be heavy. Unexpectedly when the nine of us hand over the items, the old witch send someone to pass on a message: 'The items are passable, you nine bastards, quickly grab your tail and get lost!' its as if we are granted amnesty from the emperor, we were overjoyed, immediately we left the mountain peak, its best to leave quickly, if that old witch detect some of the items are not complete and inquire then we will be in deep trouble. We reach the base of the mountain and remove the black cloth covering our eyes, but we saw three dead people. One of them, Cave-master An recognize him as an expert from Western Xia First-Class Hall, he is called Nine-Wing Taoist.”

Taoist BuPing said: ”Oh, so Nine-Wing Taoist is killed by that old witch, however its rumoured that he was killed by Gusu Murong family.” Bao BuTong said: ”Bullshit! Bullshit! What Eight-Tail Monk or Nine-Wing Taoist, we never heard of them before, this blood-debt is place on us again.” His curse is directed at people who spread the rumours, he isn't scolding Taoist BuPing, but bystanders still felt rather uncomfortable when hearing it. Taoist BuPing did not take offense, he smiled and said: ”A famous person will attract criticism, it's a natural way of life!” Bao BuTong said: ”Bull.......” he glance sideway at Murong Fu, he swallowed his words. Taoist BuPing said: ”Brother Bao, how come you swallow your words?” Bao BuTong is having second thoughts, he shout furiously: ”What? You cursing me, i am eating fart correct?” Taoist BuPing smiled and said: ”I don't dare! Whatever Brother Bao likes to eat, you can simply eat.”

Bao BuPing intended to debate with him but Murong Fu said: ”In this world, praises and approval cannot be anticipated, we wholeheartedly want to preserve our reputation, instead we suffer slander, this is a very common matter, 3rd Brother Bao why the need to debate? Its rumoured that Nine-Wing Taoist possess extremely high lightness martial art, he is skilled in [Thunder God Shield], he rarely meets his match, ignoring the fact that he does not have any enmity with me, even if we did have some hatred i might not be able to beat him, he is known as the [Thunder That Shift The Nine Heavens] Nine-Wing Taoist.”

Taoist BuPing smiled and said: ”Gentleman Murong is too modest. Although Nine-Wing Taoist [Thunder That Shift The Nine Heavens] is impressive, but if Gentleman Murong also returns it with another [Thunder That Shift The Nine Heavens], then he will wait for death with his hands tied.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”There are two scars on Nine-Wing Taoist, both of them inflicted by sword. Hence, its rumoured that he died by Gusu Murong hands, but that is pure rubbish. Base on my observation, how can it be fake? If Gentleman Murong wants to kill him, obviously he will use Nine-Wing Taoist's [Thunder God Shield] to kill him.”

Taoist BuPing interrupted: ”Two sword wounds? Two scars? That is so strange!”

Wu LaoDa slap his thigh and said: ”Taoist BuPing is indeed an expert, you immediately detect something fishy. Nine-Wing Taoist died at the base of Misty Peak, but he suffered two sword wounds, something is amiss!”

Murong Fu pondered: ”What is so fishy about that? Taoist BuPing found it strange, but i really don't understand.” In an instant he cannot help but feel inferior.

Wu LaoDa wanted to test Murong Fu, he said: ”Gentleman Murong, do you think there is something fishy as well?”

Murong Fu is unwillingly to bluff his way through, he was startled and wanted to say: ”I really don't know the underlying reason.” Suddenly Wang YuYan said: ”One of the sword wounds on Nine-Wing Taoist is likely to be on his right leg, between the 'FengShi' and 'FuTu' acupoint, the other sword wound must be on his back, his 'XuanShu' acupoint, his vertebra is slice in half with a single sword move, am i correct?”

Wu LaoDa's shock is no small matter, he said: ”Miss you are also at Misty Peak? How come we....we never see....see you?” his voice is trembling, clearly he is extremely scared. He thought that since Wang YuYan is at the scene, then his future conduct inevitably will be known to her as well, he is afraid that the big secret is leaked out already, he have yet to mobilize the attacks but Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain already knows about it.” Another voice transmit from the crowd of people: ”How come you know....know....know...how come we didn't see....see....see....” The speaker already suffered from serious stuttering, he is even more anxious and his speech is unclear. Murong Fu thought the person's stuttering is awkward, its really funny, but unexpectedly none of the 36 Cave-master and 72 Island-masters dare to ridicule him, Murong Fu presume the person's martial arts must be solid, or the person is very vicious and everyone is rather fearful of him, immediately everyone cast meaningful looks at Bao BuTong, hinting him not to offend this person.

Wang YuYan said indifferently: ”Heavenly Mountain is located at western region, it is so far away, i never been there before.”

Wu LaoDa is even more afraid, he thought: ”Since you didn't witness it personally, then you must have heard it from other people, don't tell me this matter spread all over the martial arts fraternity already?” he quickly inquire: ”Miss, who did you heard it from?”

Wang YuYan said: ”Its just my own casual guess. Nine-Wing Taoist is an expert in the 'Thunder And Lightning Arts', when he fight with others he will definitely use his lightness martial art. He wield an iron tablet on his left hand, 42 move [Sichuan Road Tablet Art], protecting his chest, back, the top of his head and his left side, its really like an iron barrel, difficult for his opponent to attack, the only gap is on his right side, for a sword-wielding expert to injure him, he must attack his right leg, between the 'FengShi' and 'FuTu' acupoint. If the sword is thrust between these two acupoint, Nine-Wing Taoist will definitely raise his tablet to protect his chest, at the same time he will use his [Thunder God Shield] and make a move [Spring Thunder Moving Abruptly], chopping his opponent. Since his opponent is an expert, naturally he will seize the opportunity and chop his back. I guess this move must be from [White Rainbow Piercing The Sun], the move [White Emperor Beheading The Snake], or similar kind of moves to chop his 'XuanShu' acupoint on his backbone. Nine-Wing Taoist's martial art is strong, its not easy to use a sword to harm him, its best to use judge-pen or some other short weapon to hit his pressure point, but since its a sword, then this move is the most effective.”

Wu LaoDa breathe a sigh of relief, its as if he is released from a heavy burden, after a long time he stick out his thumb and said: ”Admirable! Admirable! The people under Gusu Murong is really extraordinary! Miss, your analysis is deep and logical, its as if you witness it personally.”

Duan Yu cannot help but interrupt: ”This lady is surnamed Wang, she is not....she is not Gusu Murong....”

Wang YuYan smiled and said: ”Gusu Murong is my closest relative, there is nothing wrong in calling me part of Gusu Murong family.”

Duan Yu vision turn dark, his body sway, his ears buzzing with the phrase: ”There is nothing wrong in calling me part of Gusu Murong family.”

The stuttering person said: ”So it is..is...is.....” Wu LaoDa did not wait for him to finish speaking and said: ”The wounds on Nine-Wing Taoist are indeed as speculated by Miss Wang, one sword wound at the right leg between the 'FengShi' and 'FuTu' acupoint, the 'XuanShu' acupoint on his back chop in half.....” but he is still worried, he inquire: ”Miss Wang, you are certain that you deduce it using martial arts knowledge, you really didn't hear it from someone else?” Wang YuYan nod her head and said: ”Yes.”

The stuttering person suddenly said: ”If you want to kill...kill....kill Wu LaoDa, then how....how...how....how....”

Wu LaoDa heard the person ask Wang YuYan on how to kill him, he is furious and shouted loudly: ”What is your intention in asking that question?” but he immediately had second thoughts: ”This lady is so young, its really unimaginable that she can deduce how Nine-Wing Taoist died base on martial arts knowledge, most probably she hid at the base of Misty Peak and witness someone using the sword moves. The implication of this matter is serious, there is no harm in probing further.” He said: ”Correct. May i ask Miss, if you want to kill me, how would you do it?”

Wang YuYan smile faintly, she move close to Murong Fu's ear and said softly: ”Cousin, the loophole in this person's martial art is behind his shoulder the 'TianZong' acupoint and the 'Qing Leng Yuan' acupoint behind his elbow, you can subdue him by attacking these two points.”

In the presence of several hundred experts, how can Murong Fu accept the guidance given by a young maiden? He snorted and said brightly: ”Since Cave-master Wu is asking you, there is no harm in saying it out loud.”

Wang YuYan blush, she felt ashamed, she pondered: ”I wanted to fawn upon you, but i didn't expect to show off my ability in front of everyone, it overshadowed your manly authority.” She said: ”Cousin, Gusu Murong knows all the martial arts under the heaven, you tell Wu LaoDa about it.”

Murong Fu is unwilling to pretend, thus he is unwilling to receive the glory base on her knowledge, he said: ”Wu LaoDa's martial art is high, you want to harm him, its easier said than done? Cave-master Wu, we don't need to discuss this unrelated topic, please continue narrating what you heard and saw at the base of Misty Peak.”

Wu LaoDa is determined to know if someone else is at the base of Misty Peak, he said: ”Miss Wang, if you don't know the method to kill me then you might not know the sword moves that killed Nine-Wing Taoist, then your speech just now is just wasting our time. Please tell us truthfully, how you know about the death of Nine-Wing Taoist, this matter is extremely important, its not for fun.”

Duan Yu fix his gaze and concentrate his attention on Wang YuYan when she move towards Murong Fu, he look at her actions towards Murong Fu, while she is speaking to Murong Fu he also concentrate and listen attentively. Duan Yu's internal energy is deep and profound, although Wang YuYan whispered softly to Murong Fu, he heard every single word clearly, at this moment, listening to Wu LaoDa's tone, it seems as if he is rebuking Wang YuYan for telling lies, Duan Yu respect her as if she is his sweetheart deity, how can he allow someone else to trouble her? Thus he did not say anything else, he move his right foot and executed [Graceful Steps upon the Waves], he flash to the east and spin to the west, suddenly he move to Wu LaoDa's back.

Wu LaoDa was alarmed, he said: ”What you doing.....” Duan Yu extend his right hand, he is already pressing down on the 'TianZong' acupoint behind Wu LaoDa's right shoulder, his left hand grab the 'Qing Leng Yuan' acupoint behind Wu LaoDa's left elbow. These two acupoints are indeed his Achilles heel, the weak point in his martial arts. Duan Yu is careless and clumsy, he doesn't know any martial arts at all, but firstly his footwork is strange and exquisite, in an instant he seize the advantage and arrive at Wu LaoDa's back, secondly Wang YuYan is extremely accurate in determining Wu LaoDa's martial arts, as Wu LaoDa flip his palm to attack his opponent but both his weak points are already controlled by his opponent, his opponent only needs to send a tiny bit of internal energy and he will immediately be crippled. Although Duan Yu possess strong internal energy, he cannot channel it at will, even though he manage to grab onto Wu LaoDa's weak point but in reality he cannot harm him at all. Wu LaoDa previously suffered under the hands of Duan Yu, he don't dare to flaunt his bravery in front of him. He force a bitter smile and said: ”Gentleman Duan's martial art is marvellous, i am completely convinced.”

Duan Yu said: ”I don't know any martial arts, this is all due to the guidance of Miss Wang.” As he finish speaking he release him and stroll back.

Wu LaoDa was startled and fearful, he stare stupidly for quite some time and finally said: ”I am finally aware that this world is vast, Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain might not be the only one who possess superior martial arts.” He kept glancing at Duan Yu's shadow repeatedly, he is bewildered.

Taoist BuPing said: ”Wu LaoDa, you have people with such high-level ability assisting you, its really heartening.” Wu LaoDa nod his head and said: ”Yes, yes! Our probability of success increase by several times.” Taoist BuPing said: ”Since there are two sword wounds on Nine-Wing Taoist, then he is not killed by Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Correct! At that time when i saw these sword wounds, i had similar thoughts as you. Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain don't like to travel far away from home, normal people don't dare to come within 100 li of Misty Peak to make a nuisance. She rarely has to fully utilize her martial arts. Thus, within 100 li of Misty Peak, if someone is killed, then it must be done by her personally. We are well aware of her temper, sometimes we deliberately lure 1-2 experts to the base of Misty Peak, let that old woman satisfy her lust for killing. When she kill people she only use 1 move, where is the logic in leaving two sword wounds on her opponent?”

Murong Fu was startled, he pondered: ”This Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain don't need a 2nd move to kill people, there is really such level of martial arts in this world?”

Bao BuTong is also sceptical, he is not reserved like Murong Fu, he ask: ”Cave-master Wu, you say that Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain don't need to use a 2nd move to kill people, of course its easy when dealing with someone with ordinary martial arts, but if its a real expert, don't tell me she can also kill with a single move? Exaggeration, exaggeration! Its really hard to believe.”

Wu LaoDa said: ”If Brother Bao refuse to believe, there is nothing i can do. But all of us are willing to be insulted by Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain, whatever she says, we don't dare to say no, if she does not have superhuman abilities, which of the 36 Cave-masters and 72 Islands-masters here wants to be nice to her? How come for all these years, we are so docile and nobody dares to revolt?”

Bao BuTong nod his head and said: ”Its indeed odd, everyone here might not be willing to be her slave.” Although he felt Wu LaoDa's speech is logical, he still want to debate: ”Not true, not true! You say nobody dares to revolt, but now aren't you revolting?”

Wu LaoDa said: ”There is some reasoning behind it. At that time, when i saw the two sword wounds on Nine-Wing Taoist, i had some doubts, i look at the other two dead people, those two also did not die by a single move, obviously its due to a fierce battle, they are riddled with scars. Immediately i discuss with Brother An, Brother Qin and the others, this matter is simply too strange. Could it be that Nine-Wing Taoist and the others wasn't killed by Child Elder? But if they wasn't killed by Child Elder, then her subordinates at Vulture Palace, how dare they kill people at the base of Misty Peak and spoil Child Elder's reputation in killing people with a single move? I had several doubts and suspicions, when we travel for a few li, Cave-master An suddenly said: 'Maybe....maybe that old madam...contracted.....contracted.....'”

Murong Fu is aware that he is referring to the stuttering person, he thought: ”So this person is Cave-master An.”

Wu LaoDa continued: ”At that time we are not far from Misty Peak, but in fact its actually a few thousand li away, when mentioning that old witch nobody dares to be disrespectful towards her, we always address her as old madam. Brother An said: 'contracted.....contracted...' these few words, everyone also know it without consulting each other: 'contracted illness?'”

Taoist BuPing said: ”That child granny, how old is she?”

Wang YuYan said softly: ”She can't be too young.”

Duan Yu said: ”Correct, since she is a granny then she can't be too young. But in the future, if you become a granny, you will still be young.” But Wang YuYan listen attentively to Wu LaoDa, she pay no attention to him at all, Duan Yu felt dull, he pondered: ”The words of Wu LaoDa, i better pay attention as well, if not when Miss Wang ask me about it and i can't answer then won't i be wasting a golden opportunity?”

Wu LaoDa said: ”Nobody knows how old Child Elder is. We are under her control, at least 10-20 years, at most 30-40 years, only Cave-master of WuLiang Cave and a few others, they recently came under the control of Vulture Palace. In any case, nobody has ever seen her appearance, nobody dares to ask her about her age.”

As Duan Yu listen, he recall that he know the Cave-master of WuLiang Cave, he look around, indeed Xin ShuangQing is leaning against a large rock far away, his head lowered in contemplation, his expression sorrowful.

Wu LaoDa continued: ”We immediately recall: 'Man must die eventually', no matter how powerful Child Elder is she will eventually die and her body break down. Our offering is not complete but she did not punish us, its already unusual, moreover Nine-Wing Taoist died at the base of the mountain, unexpectedly he suffered more than one wound, this is even more suspicious. To cut the story short, something must be greatly amiss.”

”We look at each other, nobody dare to speak, everyone knew that this is our only chance to take off our chains, but Child Granny is strict in governing us, nobody dare to suggest to investigate the incident. After a long time, Brother Qin said: '2nd Brother An conjecture is reasonable, but this matter is simply too risky, in my opinion, we should go back and quietly wait for news, after getting solid information it won't be too late to decide on what to do.'”

”Brother Qin's tried and tested method is appropriate....but...but we simply cannot wait anymore. Brother An said: 'This life-death talisman....life-death talisman....' he don't need to say it, everyone understood. The old witch has a hold on our life-death talisman, we cannot rebel, if she dies due to illness and the life-death talisman falls into the hands of another person, won't we be the slave of the second person again? We cannot free ourselves and be trapped for eternity? If that person is cruel and malicious, or worse than that old witch, then won't we have to endure even more suffering and torment? We are like an arrow on the bow string, there is no choice but to fire. We are well aware that its exceptionally risky, but we must go and investigate fully.”

”Among our group, in terms of martial arts and resourcefulness, Cave-master An is number one, especially his lightness martial art, its much higher than the rest. It was quiet at that time, the eight of us look at Cave-master An's face.”

Murong Fu, Wang YuYan, Duan Yu, Deng BaiChuan, Bao BuTong, they don't know Cave-master An, they scan the crowd repeatedly, they want to know what kind of person Cave-master An is, who possess superior martial arts and stutters while speaking. Everyone suddenly recall, previously Wu LaoDa introduce the crowd to Murong Fu and Taoist BuPing, but Cave-master An is not among them.

Wu LaoDa said: ”Cave-master An likes his peace and quiet, he is not fond of making friends, thus he did not introduce himself just now, please don't blame him! At that time, everyone long for Cave-master An to take charge and investigate the matter. Cave-master An said: 'Since this is the case, i will accept and go ahead to investigate.'” Everyone is aware that Cave-master An's speech is not that smooth flowing, its just that Wu LaoDa is unwilling to imitate his stuttering to avoid ridicule; this is also the reason why Cave-master An is unwilling to meet Murong Fu and Taoist BuPing.

Wu LaoDa continued: ”We wait anxiously at the base of Misty Peak, time crawls, we are afraid that Cave-master An might meet some misfortune. We don't have to lie to each other, although we are worried about Cave-master An falling under the evil hands of that old witch, but we are more worried the old witch might make life difficult for us in her anger. But since the matter already reach such a state, we can only endure, if the old witch wants to punish us severely, there is no way for us to escape. After 6 hours, Cave-master An finally return to the designated meeting point. His expression is happy, everyone breathe a sigh of relief. He said: 'The old madam is sick, she is not at Misty Peak.' It seems he secretly return to Misty Peak and eavesdrop on the conversation between the old witch's maids, he found out that the old witch suffered serious illness, she left to find medicine and seek medical treatment.”

When Wu LaoDa finish speaking, everyone immediately cheered loudly. They long knew about the news concerning the illness of Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain, everyone gathered here, the purpose is to discuss this matter, but hearing Wu LaoDa mention the incident they cannot help but cheer.

Duan Yu shakes his head and said: ”Feeling happy upon hearing news about illness, you people rejoice in other people's misfortune!” his words is inter-mix with thunderous joyful cheers, nobody heard his words.

Wu LaoDa said: ”We were elated when we heard this news, but we are worried the old witch is crafty, she deliberately fake illness to test us, the nine of us discuss, after two days we finally went up Misty Peak together to investigate. This time, i personally heard it for myself. That old witch indeed suffered serious illness, most probably its real. But we can't find out the location of the life-death talisman.”

Bao BuTong interrupted: ”Hello, old chap Wu, that life-death talisman, what stupid thing is it?” Wu LaoDa gave a sigh and said: ”That thing is complicated and not easy to explain, i can't explain it to Brother Bao in a short period of time. In short, the old witch controls the life-death talisman, she can kill us any time.” Bao BuTong said: ”Then its an extremely powerful magic weapon?” Wu LaoDa laugh bitterly and said: ”You can also say that.”

Duan Yu pondered: ”That Divine Farmer Clan Clan-Leader, goat-beard SiKong Xuan, he is extremely afraid of Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain's life-death talisman to the extent that he jump off the cliff to commit suicide, it seems this magic weapon is really powerful.”

Wu LaoDa is unwilling to talk about the 'life-death talisman', he said to the crowd: ”The old witch suffered a serious illness, its absolutely true. To free ourselves from disaster we have to gather our courage and fight till death. However, we don't know if the old witch has return to Vulture Palace. We have to figure out how to proceed from now on. Especially Taoist BuPing, Gentleman Murong, Miss Wang....Gentleman Duan, if the four of you have any brilliant idea please grant it to us.”

Duan Yu said: ”Previously, i heard that Child Elder Of Heavenly Mountain is vicious and tyrannical, she humiliate everyone, i feel really indignant, i am determined to go up Misty Peak and debate with that old madam. But since she has fallen ill, its not the way of gentleman to take advantage of other's precarious position. Not to mention that i don't have any brilliant idea, even if i have some brilliant ideas i won't speak of it.”