Chapter - 45 Within the Dried Well, Beyond the Mud - 1 (1/2)

Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen met with Mu Wanqing and introduced her to Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu and the other gathered people. Ba and Zhu both knew that she was the daughter of the Zhennan King. However, as she had not been formally recognized, they addressed her as Miss Mu.

The group had covered a number of Li when they heard a loud cry from the left along with some loud sounds. The sounds were those of the Crocodile Deity's, as if he had met some danger. Duan Yu shouted: ”That's my disciple!” Zhong Ling said: You should all go ahead first to take a look. Your disciple is not a bad person by nature. Xu Zhu agreed: ”Yes!” His mother Ye Erniang had been close with the Crocodile Deity and it was likely that they had had some feelings for each other.

The group rode swiftly towards the sound. After making a few turns, they saw a dense forest. Beside the opposing cliff, they saw a strange and alarming scene.

A large cliff emerged from the deep valley there. Atop the cliff grew a single ancient-looking lone pine tree. Atop a branch of this tree was a man dangling from a single walking cane. Dressed in green, this was indeed Duan Yanqing. His left hand gripped the wooden cane while his right hand held a second cane. That cane was in turn held by the Southern Sea Crocodile Deity hanging below. The Crocodile Deity gripped a man's long hair - Yun Zhonghe. Yun Zhonghe was holding on to a girl's hands with both his own. The four people hung down like a long rope, swinging in the breeze precariously. Regardless who let go, those below would plunge into the valley measuring tens of Zhang. The valley was full of rocks and trees, like swords piercing upwards. It would be hard for someone who fell to survive.

At this time, a gust of wind arrived and made the Crocodile Deity, Yun Zhonghe and the girl spin almost half a round. This girl's back had been facing the group. When she turned around, Duan Yu exclaimed: ”Ai Yo!” and recklessly leaped down from his horse.

The girl was indeed the unforgettable Wang Yuyan that he had been pining for night and day.

Duan Yu, in a moment of clarity, saw that the cliff was dangerous and impossible to reach on horseback. He leapt down from the horse and rushed over on food. In front of the pine tree, he saw a big-headed and short fatty wielding a big axe in the process of chopping down the tree.

Duan Yu was bewildered and called out: ”Wei! Wei, what are you doing?” The short fatty ignored him and kept hacking away at the pine tree stroke by stroke. ”Peng! Peng!” Wood chips flew with large echoes. Duan Yu stretched out a finger and summoned his internal energy, prepared to use the Six Meridians Divine Sword (Liumai Shenjian) skill to injure him. He did not expect that his control of the skill was still poor and he could not always evoke it. He pointed repeatedly but there was no sign of the sword Qi manifesting. In a panic, he shouted: ”Eldest brother! Second brother! My two good sisters and the four kind ladies! Quick, come and save these people!”

In the midst of his shouting, Xiao Feng and Xu Zhu had rushed over as well. It turned out that this fatty had been obscured by a large rock and could not be seen. Fortunately, the tree was large and solid and the fatty needed some time to chop it down.

Xiao Feng eyed the scene and was most astonished. He could not understand how this had come to pass. Xu Zhu called out: ”Dear Fat-Brother, stop immediately! You must not chop this tree!” The fatty replied: ”I planted this tree. I want to chop it down and take it home to make a coffin to sleep in. What right have you to interfere?” His hands never stopped chopping as he spoke. From below, the sounds and moans of the South Sea Crocodile Deity continually drifted over. Duan Yu said: ”Second Brother, this man is not to be reasoned with. Please stop him before speaking on.” Xu Zhu said: ”All right!” and dashed forwards.

A man holding two wooden crutches suddenly appeared and rushed past the group. With a few leaps, he appeared in front of the fatty. It was You Tanzhi. He had slipped out from the donkey cart at some unknown time. You Tanzhi had one crutch to the ground and one crutch pointed to the group. He proclaimed: ”No one come over!”

Mu Wanqing had never seen him before. Suddenly seeing his strangely hideous visage, her face went bloodless and she let out a quiet ”Ah!” sound.

Duan Yu hurriedly said: ”Clan Leader Zhuang, please immediately stop this fatty and tell him not to keep chopping the tree.” You Tanzhi icily replied: ”Why should I stop him? What does it benefit?” Duan Yu replied: ”If the pine tree falls, everyone below will die.”

Xu Zhu saw that the situation was critical. He leaped nearer, thinking that even if he could not stop the fatty, he could at least pull up Duan Yanqing and the rest. He recalled the time when he managed to solve the Zhen Long Chess Formation and it had been greatly due to Duan Yanqing's direction. It was hard to say if it had been for better or worse, learning his skills thereafter and everything that had happened from then on, but Duan Yanqing had been good to him and he felt that he should repay the favor.

You Tanzhi's right hand stabbed the wooden crutch into the ground. His right palm swept outwards and a gust of ominous dark Qi blasted outwards. Xu Zhu was unafraid of his Toxic Cold Yin Palm but he also knew that this skill was formidable and should not be overlooked. He instantly replied with a palm of his own. You Tanzhi's sent a second palm to the base of the pine tree which gave it a mightly shake. The four people hanging there shook even more precariously.

Duan Yu urgently called: ”Second Brother, don't go, we can talk this out. No need to take action first.”

You Tanzhi said: ”Master Duan. You want me to stop this fatty. That is not difficulty. However, what benefit do I get?” Duan Yu said: ”I will give you whatever you want. I won't bargain. Quick! Quick save them before it's too late!” You Tanzhi said: ”After I stop the fatty, I want to leave immediately with Miss A-Zi. You, Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu and the rest must not stop me.”

Duan Yu said: ”A-Zi? She… Her eyes need treatment from my Second Brother. After she leaves with you, what about her eyes?” You Tanzhi said: ”If Mr. Xu Zhu can devise a way of returning her sight, so can I.” Duan Yu said: ”This… this…” He watched the fatty continue chopping at the tree. Thinking that despite everything, saving their lives was more critical, he replied: ”I agree! Quick… Quick…”

You Tanzhi waved his right palm and stabbed it towards the fatty. The fatty laughed icily and threw down his axe. With a cry, he used both palms to receive You Tanzhi's palm force. His palms generated a mighty gust. You Tanzhi's palm on the other hand was utterly silent.

In an instant, the fatty's face suddenly changed. He had originally worn a smug expression which suddenly became very strange, as if he had suddenly seen the weirdest event of his life. Two trickles of fresh blood flowed down the sides of his mouth and his body gradually stiffened and curled up. He slowly fell from the cliff. After a long interval, there was a loud thud. His body had crashed into the sharp valley rocks with a dull echo. The group thought about the short fatty's shattered body and felt a collective chill.

Xu Zhu leaped onto the branch of the pine tree, he can only see Duan Yanqing's crutch deeply embedded in the branch, he exerts his energy, and pulled up the four people below, with his deep internal energy, Xu Zhu stretched his left hand to pull the crutch up.

The Divine Croc called from below: ”Little monk, I knew you were a good monk, you were my second sister's son, you are I, Yue Laosan's nephew, of course your ability is not bad. If you didn't help us, we'll be hanging here for 3 days 3 nights, the taste of that won't be good.”

Yun Zhonghe said: ”You are still boasting, how can you hang there for 3 days 3 night?”

The Divine Croc said angrily: ”If I can't hang on, let go of your hair, then it will really happen, do you want me to try?” Both of them are facing difficulties, they had to rely on each other.

After a while, Xu Zhu pulled up Duan Yanqing, then the Divine Croc and Yun Zhonghe, at last he pulled up Wang Yuyan. Her eyes are closed, her breathing is weak, she had already fainted.

At first Duan Yu was very happy, followed by pitifulness, but after seeing both pair of her hands have a purple-black circle, he can see Yun Zhonghe's deep fingerprints, he thought of Yun Zhonghe's brutal personality, having indecent thought toward both Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling, everytime he depended on the Divine Croc to save him, since today this evil act have once been repeated he cannot help but be angry, he said: ”Big brother, second brother, this Yun Zhonghe is a bad person, let's kill him!”

The Divine Croc shouted: ”No, no! Duan….Master…..today is all due to Yun the fourth saved your….your wife….my master wife…...or else, your wife's life ended long time ago.”

Listening to him blabbering nonsense, everyone heard it very clearly. Duan Yu was more anxious about Wang Yuyan than normally, Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling saw it with their own eyes, just to take her back up, he doesn't care about injuries, seeing her goddess like appearance make their heart uncomfortable. They only see her eyes slowly opening and she exclaimed a ”Ying” sound.

She whispered: ”Am I in hell? I..I am dead?”

The Divine Croc shouted angrily: ”You ugly girl are blabbering nonsense! If this is really hell, are we all dead? Right now you are not my master's wife, I can scold you a little, it does not count as being disrespectful. There isn't much time, I think you will become my master wife soon, I'll lose the chance, so I should call you ugly girl right now. Wei, ugly girl, you were totally fine why did you want to die? You die is your own thing, you should not let Yun Zhonghe lost a life for you. No, if Yun Zhonghe died it does not matter, but if our Duan leader die then that will be very depressing. Even if Duan leader did die that is not a big thing, I, Yue Lao Er die because of you is really not worth it!”

Duan Yu consoled her softly: ”Miss Wang, that was a big shock, you should rest against the tree for a while,”

Wan Yuyan broke into a cry, her hand holding her face: ”Don't care about me, I….I….I don't want to live anymore.”

Duan Yu was shocked: ”She really wanted to die, but why? Maybe….Maybe..” He looked at Yun Zhonghe, seeing his fierce look, he thought : ”Ai ya, maybe Miss Wang was disgraced by this man, so she wanted to die?”

Zhong Ling walked up, she said: ”Hi, Yue Laosan!”

The Divine Cron saw her, he was overjoyed, he said loudly: ” Hi, little master wife! Right now I am Yue Lao Er, not Yue Laosan anymore!”

Zhong Ling said: ”Don't say little, it sounds horrible. Yue Lao Er, I ask you, why does this Miss Wang wanted to die? Is it this bamboo man who caused the trouble? I bet he's feeling itchy!” As she said this she blew on her 10 fingers. Yun Zhonghe's face color changed drastically, he withdrew 2 steps.

The Divine Croc shook his head, he said: ”No, no. The heaven and earth are generous, this time Yun the fourth changed his character, suddenly did a good deed. Us 3 people don't have Ye Erniang this companion, We are quite depressed, we came out to calm ourselves, when we walked here, we saw this ugly girl about to jump, she jumped with great force, Yun the fourth didn't catch her properly, sigh, he used to be a violent and fierce person, suddenly trying to do a good deed, it cannot be helped to went out of control……”

Yun Zhonghe said angrily: ”Your granny, I was just kind, when did I do a good deed? The surnamed Yun likes pretty girls, seeing this Miss Wang about to commit suicide, of course I find it not worth it, I wanted to take her home and make her my wife for a couple of days.”

The Divine Croc was furious, he cursed: ”Your granny, Yue Lao Er thought you changed character, saving people, remembering that you are a famous evil person and we had a deep friendship, I helped holding your hair, if I have knew that, I would've let you die.”

Zhong Ling laughed and said: ”Yue Lao Er, you used to be the ”Ferocious Deity and Evil Devil”, You only do evil, you don't do good deeds, now you changed your character already? Did you learn it from your master?”

The Divine Croc scratched his head, he said: ”No, No! No change of character, no change of character! Because the 4 arch villain have lost one person, it feels kind of weird. When I grabbed Yun the fourth, I also fell down, good that Duan leader's martial art is good, he came and grabbed me. But the 3 of us is 400 pounds in weight, this drag and pull, Duan leader also came down. He used his crutch to hook on to the pine tree, there is no way to come up, unexpectedly came a fat man from Tibet, cutting down the pine tree.

Zhong Ling asked: ”This fat man is from Tibet? Why does he want to kill you?”

The Divine Croc spat, he said: ”We the 4 arch evils are Western Xia's first, second class fighter, no, no, its third, fourth class fighter, you guys knew that long ago. This time the emperor is choosing the prince consort for the princess, he ordered a bunch of top fighters to stop people if they want to cause trouble. The Tibet prince was really unreasonable, he commanded people to stop people from going to try out for the prince consort, only he is allowed. Of course we are not happy,so we fought, and killed 10 of his Tibet people. So, we 3 arch evils and Tibet are not best friends anymore.”

When he said, everyone nodded, but why does Wang Yuyan wants to commit suicide, no one understood.

The Divine Croc added: Miss Wang, My master is here, you guys should get married, no need to commit suicide anymore!”

Wang Yuyan raised her head, she said chokingly: ”You are blabbering nonsense to bully me, I…...I will hit myself and die right here.”

Duan Yu said quickly: ”Can't do that, can't do that!” He turned to the Divine Croc and said: ” Yue Laosan(Yue number 3) , you can't…”

The Divine Croc said: ”Yue Lao Er(Yue number 2)!”

Duan Yu said: ”Ok, it's Yue Lao Er! You stop blabbering nonsense. But you did save lives, master is thankful. I will really need to teach you some martial arts!”

The Divine Croc had a strange look, he looked sideways at Wang Yuyan and said: ”You don't want to be my master wife? This is my big master wife, this is my little master wife, they are both my master wife.” he looked at Mu Wanqing,then looked at Zhong Ling.

Mu Wanqing blushed red, she spat, and said: ”Yi, where is that ugly freak?” Everyone was looking at Xu Zhu saving people, they just realized that You Tanzhi and Azi has disappeared.

Duan Yu asked: ”Big brother, they are already gone?”

Xiao Feng said: ”They are already gone. You agreed to his conditions, I will not block his way.” He cannot help but feel at loss, he doesn't know after Azi and You Tanzhi leave, what will happen to them.

The Divine Croc shouted: ”Leader, number 4, are we going now?” He saw Duan Yanqing and Yun Zhonghe already walked to the north, he turned around and said to Duan Yu: ” I am going to go now!” He sped up his pace, following Duan Yanqing and Yun Zhonghe back to Xinzhou.

Zhong Ling said: ”Miss Wang, let's sit in the carriage.” She supported Wan Yuyan, letting her sit in the carriage Azi sat before.

Everyone headed to Xinzhou. They arrived in Xinzhou in the evening.

At the time, Western Xia has 22 provinces. The one near the yellow river are Lingzhou, Hongzhou, Yinzhou, Xiazhou province, near the western river there are Xinzhou, Lianzhou, Ganzhou, Suzhou province in Gansu, Ningxia area. The land of the Yellow River gain benefits, rich grains, the so-called ”Yellow River harm, mercenary,” Western Xia is the land of the river and land. Soldiers and horses are strong, the number reaching 50 thousands. Western Xia are brave and strong, Yun: ”Controlling soldiers are harder than rocks, setting ambushes for the enemies. To cavalry for the former army, by good horse, good armour, if they're thieves, hook him, dead immediately. In a war, first battle in formations, if the formation is broken, the foot soldier charge in.” The Great Song with years of confrontation, tired and defeated. Western Xia's emperor's surname is Li, in fact, Tang Taizong national surname is Li, Great Song's national surname is Zhao, but Western Xia are happy to be surnamed Li. Western Xia's people have war everywhere, expanding their border, more migration. Right now, Xinzhou is Western Xia's capital, but compared with the original fame, is still far away.

That night Xiao Feng can't find any inn. Xinzhou is naturally not bustling, at the time it is the Qingming season, countless heroes came from different places, many inns are already full. Xiao Feng then went out of the city, he found a temple and used it as a shelter, men sleep in the west wing and women sleep in the east.

After Duan Yu see Wang Yuyan again, he was happy and sad, that night he flipped over and over again, how can he sleep? He thought: ”Why does Miss Wang want to commit suicide? How can I stop her from committing suicide? Ai, I don't even know why she wants to commit suicide, how can I persuade her?”

Seeing the moonlight coming in from the window, it was quite bright, it was difficult for him to sleep, he slowly got up and went into the courtyard, seeing 2 trees with leaves not so beautiful, bending on top of the temple's roof. Right now it is in spring, although the weather is cool, at night, it is still quite cold. Duan Yu walked around the tree for a couple of rounds, then thought again: ”Why does she want to commit suicide?”

Walking out of the temple, the moonlight shone onto a person's shadow, it was a white dressed maiden, her figure very similar to Wang Yuyan. Duan Yu was shocked, he said darkly: ”Oh no, she wants to die.” He sped up his pace, and came behind the white dress maiden. The pond water is as clear as the mirror, the face of the white dress maiden is precisely Wang Yuyan.

Duan Yu don't dare to advance, he thought: ”At Shaolin mountain, she was angry at me, this time we meet again, her face still shows that color, presumably nothing but anger. This time she want to die , it might be because she is angry at me. Ai, Duan Yu ah Duan Yu, you anger this beautiful lady, making her depressed, even a hundred deaths are not enough.” He hid behind a big tree, he sighed thinking that he did something really wrong. If somebody in this world deserve to commit suicide, it is him Duan Yu, not this Miss Wang.

Seeing the jade like texture of the lake, suddenly there are tiny little water ripples expanding, Duan Yu looked at it , he saw a few water droplets falling into the pond, it was Wang Yuyan's tears. Duan Yu felt even more pitiful, but he heard her sigh and said softly: ”I...I should die, so that it ends this endless suffering.”

Duan Yu can't take it anymore, he walked from behind the tree and said: ”Miss Wang, a thousand no, ten thousand no. It is all I, Duan Yu's fault, please hold on. If…..if you are still angry, I will kneel down.” He did what he said, his knees fell down, he was kneeling in front of her.

Wang Yuyan was surprised, she said anxiously: ” You...What are you doing? Please get up, if other people see it what will they think?”

Duan Yu said: ”If miss forgive me, forget all my wrongdoings, then I will get up.”

Wang Yuyan asked oddly: ”What do I forgive you for?What am I angry for? What did you do wrong?”

Duan Yu said: ”I saw miss very depressed, I thought miss must be sad because I wronged gentleman Murong, making him unhappy, so I led you into trouble. Next time if we meet again, if he wants to hit me, kill me, I'll only run, I won't hit him. If you don't want me to run, then I will give him my life.”

Wang Yuyan paused for a second, then said: ”Ai, you...you fool, I am depressed with myself, what is it about you?”

Duan Yu said: ”Does that mean, miss you are not angry at me?”

Wang Yuyan said: ”Of course not!”

Duan Yu said: ” Then my heart can relax.” He stood up, then felt that it wasn't right. If Wang Yuyan was depressed because of him, hit him, scold him, stabbed him with a sword, cut him with a knife, he would be more than happy, but she just said: ”I am depressed with myself, what is it about you?” he couldn't help but feel at loss.

Seeing Wang Yuyan hung her head, tears dropped onto her chest, her silk dress doesn't absorb water, so the tears wet her clothes, Duan Yu's heart ached, he said: ”Miss, what is troubling you, please tell me. I will do my best to fulfill your wish, I will have a way to make you happy again.”

Wang Yuyan shook her head slowly, the moonlight shone on her teary eyes like blue crystals, those blue crystals seems to carry happiness, but that light went dim, she said faintly: ”Gentleman Duan, you are always so good to me, in my heart I am very thankful, but this you do not have the ability to help me.”

Duan Yu said: ”I don't have much abilities, but my big brother Xiao, second brother Xu Zhu has top martial arts, they are both here, I am their sworn brother, we are as close as if linked by flesh and blood, whatever I ask them, they'll understand. Miss Wang, why are you so depressed, you can tell me. Even if it is very difficult, irreversible, you can say it out, it will make you feel better.”

Wang Yuyan's pale cheeks suddenly are covered with a layer of faint red, she turned her head, not willing to stare at Duan Yu's eyes, she whispered in a low, soft voice: ”He….he wants to become the Western Xia's prince consort. Second brother Gongye helped me, he said to restore Great Yan, he can't destroy a girl's love for him.” After she says this, she turned around, put her head in Duan Yu's shoulders, and cried.

Duan Yu was flattered, he didn't dare to move,he didn't know if he was happy or sad. So Wang Yuyan was depressed because Murong Fu wants to become the Western Xia's prince consort, if he married the Western Xia princess, naturally Wang Yuyan will be ignored. Duan Yu naturally thought: ”If she can't marry her cousin, maybe she will change her thoughts about me. I don't need to marry her, if I can see her everyday, in my heart I am happy. She likes being quiet, I can accompany her to a deserted mountain or island, living peacefully, what's better than that?” Thinking about happy moments, he couldn't help but dance a little.

Wang Yuyan moved her body, she stepped back, seeing Duan Yu's happy expressions, she said angrily: : ”You….you...I thought you were a good person, I told you, I did not realize that you will laugh at me.”

Duan Yu said: ”No. no! The heaven is my witness, if I, Duan Yu even the slightest feeling to laugh at you, thunder will split my body, 10000 arrows will pierce me!”

Wang Yuyan said: ”You don't want to laugh at me, that's good, who told you to swear an oath? So, why were you so happy?”

As soon as she said it, she understood: Duan Yu was delighted, because if Murong Fu marries the princess, then his love rival will be gone. Duan Yu love her with all his heart, do you think she doesn't know it? Except that she has doted her cousin since childhood, she had no time to read Duan Yu's feeling, she cannot help but apologize that the word ”love” must not be involved. After she understood Duan Yu's intention, she was shocked with shame, with flushed cheeks, she angrily said: ”You are not laughing at me, but it is still not good intention.”

Duan Yu's mind became clear, he said darkly: ”Duan Yu, ah Duan Yu, why did you have such despicable ideas? Isn't that being a shameless villain?” Seeing her pitiful face, he felt like he should make her happy, even if he must die, he will be willing to do it with a proud and arrogant air, he thought: ”I was only thinking, how to live with her in a desert mountain or island every morning and evening, happy and enjoyable, but I did not think that this 'happy and enjoyable' is my happiness, not Wang Yuyan's happiness. I, Duan Yu's happiness is her, Wang Yuyan's sadness. I want myself to be happy, that is loving myself, only by solving this problem in her heart is really loving her, and it's good for her.”

Wang Yuyan whispered: ”Did I say something wrong? Are you angry at me?”

Duan Yu said: ”No, no, how can be angry at you?”

Wang Yuyan said: ”Then why aren't you saying anything?”

Duan Yu said: ”I am thinking of something.”

Duan Yu doesn't have a plan: ”I,compared to gentleman Murong, am behind him in terms of martial arts and literacy, I am behind him in terms of characters, I am behind him in terms of reputation, I am not on top of him. Plus, they know each other since childhoods, they love each other for a long time, of course I can not be compared to him. There is one thing I am better at than him, I know what is good for Miss Wang, Gentleman Murong isn't as good as me. In the future, when miss Wang and gentleman Murong have descendants, her heart can still remember me, Duan Yu, knowing that in this world there won't be a second person who is this good to her.”

His heart is decided, he said: ”Miss Wang, you do not have to panic, I will tell gentleman Murong, ask him not to be the prince consort, and quickly marry you.”

Wang Yuyan was surprised, she said: ”No! How can you do that? My cousin hates you to the bone, he won't listen to you.”

Duan Yu said: ”I will be righteous, the point of a life is the love between a husband and wife, 2 hearts joined. Him and that Western Xia princess does not know each other, he won't know if she is pretty or ugly, kind or evil, first time meeting, and they are married, that is absolutely wrong. I will also tell him that Miss wang is beautiful and pure, very rare to find, very gentle, you can't find a second one. After a thousand year you can't find one, after one thousand year there still won't be one. Plus, Miss Wang loved Gentleman Murong for many years, so the love must be very deep, you can be that very fortunate husband, for all the lovers out there letting the heroes of Jianghu laugh?

Wang Yuyan heard his words, she felt moved, she said lightly: ”Gentleman Duan, you are very good to me, you flattered me, it made me happy….”

Duan Yu said hurriedly: ”No, no!” Once the word left his mouth, he thought that he had been infected by Bao Butong, and learned his favourite word. He couldn't help but smile, and said: ”I am very sincere, there words are from my heart.” Wang Yuyan also gave his ”No, no!” a light smile.

She said: ”There are many good things to learn, you had to learn from my 3rd brother Bao.”

Duan Yu saw her smiling, he liked it very much, he said: ”I have thought this thoroughly I will go persuade him, not only will Gentleman Murong stop wanting to be the prince consort, he will also returned back to miss for marriage.”

Wang Yuyan said: ”Why do you want to do this? What benefit will you gain?”

Duan Yu said: ” I can see miss happy, that is a great benefit.”

Wang Yuyan's mind became clear, she thought that the speech was an understatement, but it very true to her heart. Just that her heart has always been on Murong Fu, always with passion, but soon forgotten.

She sighed and said: ”You don't know my cousin's heart. In his heart, restoring the Great Yan is the most important thing. Second brother Gongye said that my cousin said: A real gentleman needs to do big things, that is the most important. If a man loses that desire because of children and wife, then he is not a hero. He also said: The Western Xia princess can be an ugly witch, it can also be a bad mouthed person, he won't care, the point is that he can restore the Great Yan.”

Duan Yu mumbled: ”That is quite true, That Murong really, wholeheartedly wanted to become an emperor, Western Xia's soldier really could help him restore his country, this…..this….this is truly difficult.” Seeing Wang Yuyan' tears, even if he had to climbed a mountain full of sword, or jump into a hot pan full of oil, he will gladly to it.

He said: ”You can count on me 120 times, I will go and be that Western Xia prince consort. Then your cousin can't be the prince consort, then he will have to return to you and marry you.”

Wang Yuyan was surprised, and delighted, she asked: ”What?”

Duan Yu said: ”I will be that Western Xia's prince consort.”

Wang Yuyan thought of, the day Gongya Gan came to told her that Murong Fu wanted to become the prince consort, to help restore the Great Yan. She felt hurt, and she cried, Gongye Gan wanted to persuade her, so he told her:

”Gentleman Duan is the Dali Kingdom prince, his father, Duan Zhengchun, is the brother of the Dali emperor, he is the only royal descendant, so in the future, the throne must be passed on to him. Young master wants to restore Great Yan, that is truly difficult, the chance of being the emperor is almost second to none. He is a commoner, how can he be compared to the Dali prince Duan Yu? Western Xia wants to find a prince consort, finding a prince is naturally better than a commoner, at least the princess can become an empress, it's better than being a commoner's wife. The Dali prince coming to Xinzhou, with gold and silver, they have already spent 10 thousand, 8 thousand, spending another 2-3 thousand is not surprising. We, Murong family cannot be compared to them.” (Wang Yuyan thought: That bookworm is the Dali prince? I didn't know that, why doesn't he tell me? Does he really have a lot of money?)

”Plus, when it comes to literature, Gentleman Duan reads a lot of books and poetry. In terms of martial arts, the Dali family knows the 6 Meridian Sword, on Shaolin Mountain, young master was defeated from that move, all the world's heroes saw it. Young master can't use the 'Returning you with your own way' to defeat him.”(Wang Yuyan thought: Gentleman Duan also knows ”Graceful Steps upon the Waves”, ”Six Yang Snowmelt skills”, these type of martial arts, cousin doesn't know them.)

”If we talk about their appearance, they don't differ too much. But Miss Wang, a real gentleman's air is not their appearance, he needs to be elegant and generous. Gentleman Duan is a bit naive, that is true. He wins in controlling himself, but once he saw you, he changed into a big, dumb person. Our young master, the only thing he thought about, day and night, is how to restore the Great Yan. He worries about it for a lot, of course it'd be harder for him to be elegant. If you didn't appear between them, I bet that Gentleman Duan is a lot more elegant. Third bother Bao tried to ridicule him, but he just stood there, not caring. Gentleman Duan is broad-minded, graceful, elegant, rare to find among people. Just that he is a bit younger than our young master, he is still naive.” (Wang Yuyan thought: Gentleman Duan is about 8-9 nine years younger than my cousin, only 1-2 years older than me. Cousin already have 1-2 strands of white hair, I had to pretend I didn't notice, or he won't happy.)

How about his people? Gentleman Duan have Dali's 3 master, 4 bodyguards, high martial arts, they are not below us, Deng, Gongye, Bao, Feng. His sworn brother Xiao Feng, General Xiao, Mr. Xu Zhu, has top martial arts without a match, we have a Miss Wang who knows the martial arts of every sect, we are obviously not their match.” (Wang Yuyan thought: General Xiao and Mr. Xu Zhu's martial arts, I can not understand at all, how can we even be their match?)

”Even if the Western Xia's king did chose our young master, General Xiao have ten thousand soldiers under his command, if he said: 'Emperor, I suggest you choose my sworn brother, if the Dali's crowned prince didn't become the prince consort, us 2 countries can combine and attack you, I think it will be difficult to block.' After he said these words, our young master can only hand his position over to the emperor Duan and say: 'Emperor Duan, congratulations, congratulations! I will go to my cousin, I will not be there to drink your wedding wine!” (Wang Yuyan thought: So this bookworm has this many benefits, I have always been thinking about cousin, not one bit about that bookworm. Well, he is ten times better, and I can do nothing to it.)

”I heard that Gentleman Duan came all the way to Xinzhou, is to become the prince consort.” (Wang Yuyan thought: I came to Xinzhou, he followed me.)

”If gentleman Duan really want to become the prince consort, young master can only lose. Third brother Bao said, we could find a chance to cut his head off. Me and Big brother Deng, forth brother Feng all said no, if the Murong family does that sort of thing, won't we become shameless villains? Only if Gentleman Duan wants to leave, not going to ask for the Princess's hands in marriage, but how to persuade him to go back, is a big problem. Young master and I talked about it for days, but we are still hopeless.” (Wang Yuyan thought: You want me to go and ask him to go back. If he listens to me, won't cousin go to be that prince consort?)

”Young master focused wholeheartedly on restoring the Great Yan, there is a golden opportunity, but there is an obstacle. Only by passing this obstacle, young master can have the ability to restore the Great Yan. If he is the consort then the princess will be his wife, young master really does love you,he wants to take you as a concubine, that time he will visit you everyday, 8days, 10days and still he won't go visit the princess for even once. Ai, just that we don't have a way, how persuade Gentleman Duan to not become the prince consort? That's a big part but we all have no way to help our young master…”(Wang Yuyan thought: You don't have a way, I do hope Gentleman Duan go to be that prince consort, then cousin can't go. But does Gentleman Duan be willing to be the prince consort?)

But now Wang Yuyan hears that Duan Yu was willing to go be the Western Xia's prince consort, as if the light just poked through a cloudy, dark night sky, she couldn't help but feel happy, she said lowly: ”Gentleman Duan, you are very nice to me, but if you do that, my cousin will hate you to the bones.”

Duan Yu said: ”So? He already hates me to the bone.”

Wang Yuyan said: ”You said, that you didn't know if the princess is pretty or ugly, kind or mean, but because of me you are willing to marry her, this...this….isn't this very difficult for you?”

Duan Yu wanted to say: ”If it's for you, no matter what it is, I am ready to face it.” But then he thought: ”I help you do things, if I want you to thank me, that is not a gentleman's behavior.” So he said: ” It's not because of you I face these difficulties, My dad wants me to go and marry this princess. I am going there for my father, it's not for you.”

Wang Yuyan was smart, Duan Yu loved her so much, how could it not be for her? She thought if he was insane, how can he just go and marry a person he doesn't know? It was for her he went and do this thing, he didn't get a merit, she was grateful. She took Duan Yu's hand and said: ”Gentleman Duan, My….my….whole life is indebted to you, in my next life….” She can only talk until here, she choked, she couldn't talk anymore.

The 2 of them have survived through many troubles, helping each other, alongside each other, for not only once, but it was nothing else, but this time Wang Yuyan felt moved, her hands gripped Duan Yu's hand. Duan Yu felt her smooth, soft palm holding his own hand, in an instant, he felt as if even the sky falls down he wouldn't care, he liked this feeling, he felt full of energy, he thought that if she is this good to him, even if he had to marry the Western Xia's Princess, Great Song's princess, Liao Empire's princess, Tibet's princess, Korea's Princess, so what? He felt as if he was weak, under this circumstance, his blood was boiling, suddenly he was dancing, he felt dizzy, his body gave a few shakes, he moved sideways, a 'plop' sound, and he fell into the pond.

Wang Yuyan was shocked, she shouted: ”Gentleman Duan, gentleman Duan!” She held out her hands.

Fortunately, the water isn't very deep, the cold water Duan Yu a pat, his body suddenly snapped out of daydreaming, he dragged himself and climbed up.

Because of Wang Yuyan's shout, many people in the temple wake up. Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu, Ba Tianshi, Zhu Danchen all ran out. Seeing Duan Yu all wet and embarrassed, and Wang Yuyan's face flushed and near the side, embarrassed, they all thought that the 2 are meeting near the pond, Duan Yu was clumsy, Wang Yuyan pushed him into the pond, they didn't dare to laugh, nor ask anything. Duan Yu wanted to explain, but didn't know what to say.

The next day is the 7th of the 3rd month, 2 days from the Qingming festival. Ba Tianshi went out very early in the morning to the Xingqing house to take care of some business. After he finished, he hurry back to the temple and said to Duan Yu: ”Young master, your father's letter about asking the Western Xia's princess hand in marriage, I have already give it to them. When they saw the letter, they were very polite, they said that this time young master came, they are very grateful, they believed they might be able to fulfill your wish.”

After a while, there were man with horses outside the temple, followed by a loud noise. Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen went out to greet them, they are the Western Xia's people, they come to meet Duan Yu and welcome him to there home. Xiao Feng is the Liao Empire southern king, the Liao Empire's potential is higher than Dali, Western Xia only knew he came, but her told everyone not to reveal his identity, him and Xuzhu all became Duan Yu's people, and followed him to their home.

Every have just settles down, they heard somebody in the back garden was swearing: ”What are you, coming here and gets the idea of marrying the princess? This consort position, our prince is definitely it, I say you better scurry back to your home!” Ba Tianshi heard this, he was angry, he thought that what kind of people will be rude enough to swear in front of someone's home? When he opened the door, he saw 7-8 big man, standing in the garden shouting nonsense.

Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen are both kind person, except Zhu Danchen is more refined, Ba Tianshi is more protective. Both of them didn't make a sound, they just stood in front of the door. Listening to a couple of people cursing and insulting with words even they don't know. When they heard the word ”Our prince”, they knew right away the men were the subordinates of the Tibet prince.

Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen exchanged a smile, they want to give these few men a lesson. Suddenly, the left door burst open, there were 2 men, one wearing yellow, one wearing black, they were fighting everywhere all of a sudden 3 men was on the ground, the other 2 are thrown out of the door. Then man in the black robe said: ”Great, great!” The yellow robe man said: ”No, no! Not great enough.” One of them is indeed Feng BoE, The other one is Bao butong.

They heard one of the Tibet warriors shouting: ”The one surnamed Murong, you should go back to Suzhou. You want to marry the western Xia princess, you annoyed our prince, 'Returning you with your own move', marry your sister and make her the little wife, let her stay in in Tibet, drinking milk tea everyday, she'll be very happy.” Feng BoE ran out leaving a gust of wind. They heard a 'Pa' followed by an 'Ai Ya' sound, the Tibet warrior ran away leaving curses behind.

Wang Yuyan sat in the room, she heard Bao, Feng two people and the tibet people, she frowned and shed tears quietly, deciding if she should meet them.

Bao Butong gave Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen a handshake and said: ”Brother Ba, Brother Zhu came to Western Xia, are you here to watch a lively show, or do you have other plans?”

Ba Tianshi laughed and said: ”The reason Mr. Bao, Feng came, same for us.'

Bao Butong said: ”Dali prince Duan is also here to ask for the princess's hand in marriage?'

Ba Tianshi said ”Exactly. Our young master is the son of the southern prince, the future of Dali Kingdom is all upon him. If he and the princess are married, it will be a perfect match. Gentleman Murong is indeed a man with good characters, except that your family status doesn't really match.”

Bao Butong face changed color, he said : ”No, no! The royal contests are for the masters. The arguing, is for us.”

Ba Tianshi laughed and said: ”Things like arguing, Brother Bao is number 1, no human can withstand. Little brother admits defeat, and would like to bid farewell.” He waved his hand, and walked back into the room with Zhu Danchen, he said: ”Little brother Zhu, listening to that Bao Butong speaking, it seems that our young master needs to participate in that royal contest. Our young master has a heavy internal injuries, his martial arts sometimes works, sometimes doesn't, it is very hard to predict. If he cannot perform the Six Meridian Divine Sword, not only would he not be able to be that prince consort, he might have his life on the line, what should we do?” Zhu Danchen also didn't have any ideas, so they went to find Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu to discuss.

Xiao Feng said: ”This royal contest, how do you compete? Is it alone, or with the subordinates? If others can participate in the fight, then you do not have to worry.”

Ba Tianshi said: ”Exactly. Little brother Zhu, let's go ask the generals. Ask them how to compete, then we can make plans.” The 2 men walked out.

Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu and Duan Yu, 3 men were drinking wine. You drink one cup, I drink one cup, having fun. Xiao Feng asked Duan Yu his experience with the Six Meridian Divine Sword, he wanted to teach him how to circulate his internal energy, so he can use his energy. He didn't know that Duan Yu have no understanding of internal energy, he didn't understand anything at all, how can he teach him in a short period of time? Xiao Feng had no other ways, so he kept drinking wine. Xu Zhu and Duan Yu's wine capacity is not as good as his, after 5 to 6 bowls, Duan Yu is already drunk, not knowing anything around him.

Duan Yu woke up feeling dizzy, he saw shadows from the paper window, he caught a glimpse of the moon, it's late at night, his heart thought: ” Last night I didn't finished listening to Miss Wang and I fell into the pond, What was she going to tell me? Will it be that she is waiting outside? Ai yo, not good, if she's actually waiting outside for a long time, grew impatient, and went back to sleep, wouldn't I miss a big deal?” he hastily jumped, walked out the door quietly, passing a garden, he was about to open the big door when he heard someone whispered: ”Gentleman Duan, come here, I have something to say.”

Out of surprise, Duan Yu jumped.

Listening to the sound, it sounded gloomy and doesn't sound like that person came with good intention, he was about to look back, he felt a tight tug, he had been captured. Duan Yu identified the sound, he asked: ”Is it gentleman Murong?

That person said: ”I don't dare, it is me, I dare ask brother Duan to talk.” It is indeed Murong Fu. Duan Yu said: ”Gentleman Murong asked, how can I dare not accompanying you? Please let go of me! ”

Murong Fu said: ”There is no need to let go.”

Duan Yu felt light, like flying. Actually, it's Murong fu capturing him, he leapt on the roof.

Duan Yu wanted to shout, then Xiao Feng, Xu Zhu must be awake and will come out and help him, but he thought: ”If I shout, Miss Wang might also hear it, if she sees us 2 fight, she will be very unhappy. She won't blame her cousin, she'll always notice my wrongdoings, why do I have to make her angry?” He didn't shout, he let Murong Fu captured him, walking out.

It was late at night, but the moon is clear and bright, below Murong Fu is a stone path, than have became loess trails, both sides of the trails are filled with half green, yet not yellow long grass.

Murong Fu had run for a while, he suddenly stopped, he put Duan Yu down heavily on the ground. Peng, Duan Yu fell on his shoulders, it didn't hurt very much, he thought: ”This person looks elegant, but his behaviours are barbaric.” He stood up and said: ”If brother Murong wanted to talk to me, you can say it, why the need to act rough?”

Murong Fu coldly laughed: ”What did you say to my cousin yesterday night?”

Duan Yu's face became red, he said softly: ”It's really nothing, we just met and had a few words, that's all.'

Murong fu said: ”You are a gentleman, the words you've said, the things you've done, why do you have to hide it?”

Duan Yu was shocked, angers rushed forth, he said: ”Of course I don't need to hide it from you, I told Miss Wang, I will persuade you.”

Murong Fu coldly laughed: ”You said you will persuade me by saying: the point of a life is the love between a husband and wife, 2 hearts joined. You also said that Me and that Western Xia princess does not know each other, he won't know if she is pretty or ugly, kind or evil, first time meeting, and we are married, that is absolutely wrong, right? You also said if I ruined cousin's good intention, lovers will curse me, heroes in Jianghu will laugh at me, right?”

Every word he said, Duan Yu was shocked, after he finished saying everything he stammered: ”Miss….Miss Wang told you?

Murong Fu said; ”How would she tell me?”

Duan Yu said: ”Then you heard it yesterday night?'

Murong Fu coldly laughed: ”You can lie to the world's every ignorant maidens, but you can't lie to me.”

Duan Yu said curiously: ”What did I lie to you?”

Murong fu said: ”Isn't it very clear, you yourself wanted to be the prince consort, you're scared I'll win, so you prepared a set of words, to trick me. Heihei, Murong Fu isn't a 3 year old kid, how can I fall for it? You really are dreaming really big.”

Duan Yu sighed: ”I was sincere, I really hope you and Miss Wang will get married, living like gods and goddesses, growing old together until your hair are white.”

Murong Fu laughed coldly: ”Thanks to your golden words. Dali's Duan and Gusu's Murong have no relations whatsoever, why did you have to be good to me? If I am tied up by my cousin and couldn't get out, you'll go wear red and become that prince consort.”

Duan Yu said angrily: ”What nonsense? I am Dali's next king, although Dali is a small country, we have never seen the word ”prince consort' 2 words as if it is the most important things in the world. Gentleman Murong, I'm persuading you, Wealth and riches means nothing, even of you actually became Western Xia's prince consort, then you want to become Great Yan's emperor, won't you have to kill many people? Even if central plains people were killed by you until blood fills the rivers, bones piled as mountain, can you actually be the Great Yan's emperor, is still very hard to say.”

Murong Fu was not the least upset and icily retorted: ”Your words ring of righteousness but you are actually a malicious character.”

Duan Yu hastily clarified: ”You are free to doubt my pure intentions. That is your right. Nevertheless, I will not permit your marriage to the Princess of Xixia. I cannot bear Miss Wang (Yuyan) being heartbroken and suicidal.”

Murong Fu bellowed: ”You wish to prevent the marriage? Ha ha. Are you overrating yourself? If I insist on the marriage; what can you do about it?”

Duan Yu swore: ”I will do my utmost best to hinder your plans. If I cannot do it alone, I will enlist the help of my friends.”

In his heart, Murong Fu was stricken. He knew only too well the amazing martial arts of Xiao Feng and Xu Zhu. Even without these two in the picture, Duan Yu himself is already a worthy opponent whenever he exhibits his Six Meridian Divine Sword. It is fortunate that his Swordplay is inconsistent and uncontrollable, the only loophole Murong Fu can exploit. In a flash, Murong Fu gently raised his head and exclaimed: ”Cousin (female), come here, I have something to tell you.”

Exhilarated and surprised, Duan Yu hurriedly turned his head around. The entire ground is shimmering with moonlight and no shadow of Wang Yuyan can be seen. He focused his gaze and finally noticed some movement in the woods across him. Out of the blue, his body stiffened as Murong Fu had sealed his acupoints again. As he felt Murong Fu lifting his body and realizing that he has been tricked, Duan Yu bitterly noted: ”Once again, you have resorted to violence, in addition to lies and trickery. That is unbecoming of a gentleman.”

Murong Fu coldly replied: ”With regards to despicable cads like you, gentlemanly methods can be overlooked.” Lifting Duan Yu, he starting walking to a side, hoping to find a ditch. He planned to murder Duan Yu with a palm stroke and bury him in the ditch. After travelling a fair number of yards, Murong Fu discovered a dry, unused well and raising his hands, he threw Duan Yu in. Duan Yu yelled: ”AIYAH!” and fell to the bottom of the well.

Murong Fu was about to gather some rocks to seal the well, starving Duan Yu to death when a female voice rang out: ”Cousin (male), did you spot me? What do you wish to tell me? Oh my, what have you done to Mister Duan?” Wang Yuyan appeared in the flesh. Murong Fu was momentarily petrified and frowned his eyebrows. He had intentionally pretended to speak to Wang Yuyan behind Duan Yu, wanting to distract him and seal his critical heart acupoints from the back. Unexpectedly, Wang Yuyan is indeed nearby.

In fact, Wang Yuyan was troubled and had a sleepless night. Leaning against the window and admiring the moon, she accidently witnessed Murong Fu capturing Duan Yu. Afraid of the two of them breaking out into a fight, and concerned over Murong Fu being overwhelmed by Duan Yu's Six Meridian Divine Sword, she gave chase. In the process, she overheard their entire exchange. She personally believed Duan Yu's pure sincerity in advising Murong Fu but the latter persisted in his misconceptions about Duan Yu. When Murong Fu lied to deceive Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan thought she had been exposed and decided to come forward.

Running to the side of the well, Wang Yuyan half-prostrated and peered into the well. She shouted: ”Mister Duan! Mister Duan! Are you injured?”

When Duan Yu was thrown into the well, he went down headfirst. Knocking his skull against the hardened clay at the bottom of the dried well, he had lost consciousness. After several calls and without any reply from Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan concluded Duan Yu had fallen to his death. Recalling his many acts of kindness from their past interactions, and presently even dying because of her, Wang Yuyan could not help but started sobbing. She wailed: ”Mister Duan, you…. Why did you….. Why did you die so abruptly?”

Murong Fu coldly stated: ”You are truly devoted to him.”

Wang Yuyan gasped: ”He was merely advising you with good intentions. You can choose not to listen, but there is no need to kill him.”

Murong Fu objected: ”This man is my greatest opponent. You heard it with your own ears. He will do whatever it takes to topple my ambitions. On Mount Shaoshi, he made me lost face and tarnished my reputation in the martial arts world. I cannot stand this man alive.”