Chapter Forty-Two: Ten Million Miles

Hua Feihong’s movement as she began to recite her incantation was recognized not only by the Feng couple present, but also by Zhang He, who realized there was no escaping his fate today. This was the Shushan Sword Sect’s Second-Level Martial Art—The Myriad Sword Technique.

This was a formidable group attack; as long as one was within the boundaries of the dueling ground, there was no way to evade it.

“With formlessness and absence, transform myriad forms and things; with flowing qi, transmute flickering light; with…” Hua Feihong’s incantation was never completed, for at that moment, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air from outside the arena—the unmistakable sound of a hidden weapon. Hua Feihong sensed it, but when the sound rang out, she already felt a sharp pain on the back of her hand.

This hidden weapon was not merely swift—it was precise, ruthless, and forceful, the strength perfectly measured. It struck the back of her hand without causing harm, but it interrupted the prelude to the Myriad Sword Technique.

Looking down, she saw that the projectile was an iron walnut, a tool used by public officials.

Everyone turned in shock—who dared interfere in the duel between Shushan and the Feiyan Manor?

“Fair combat; victory and defeat are decided in an instant. If you win, you win; if you lose, you lose. Why resort to unleashing Shushan’s secret techniques out of spite?” The voice was neither loud nor soft, as if whispering in one’s ear, but it made everyone’s ears ring. The fat man and Xiao Lingling, lacking internal strength, nearly fainted from the shockwaves.

The newcomer’s inner strength was astonishing.

A black figure appeared on the distant mountain path, yet the voice continued: “The Shushan Sword Sect’s Yaoguang Palace’s Sage Lingyin, master of melody and of serene temperament, is of a realm so lofty and detached, far beyond our reach. Moreover, the Shushan Sword Sect has always prioritized the eradication of evil and the pursuit of the Dao—why would it stoop to a momentary contest of pride?”

Though the voice was still sixty or seventy meters away, as the words finished, the person had already arrived at the dueling ground. Zhang He looked closely: the newcomer wore feathered robes and a tall crown, a short azure jacket over green robes, and carried a long blue bundle wrapped in blue silk and yellow gauze.

It was the same blue-robed man Zhang He and his companions had first encountered at the noodle stall.

Hua Feihong, being a disciple of the Shushan Sect, had been in a fit of anger, but the blue-robed man’s words awakened her; reason returned, and she immediately saluted, saying, “Your guidance is most apt, senior; I am grateful for your instruction.”

The blue-robed man nodded. “To admit one’s mistakes and change is a great virtue.”

Feng Fei stepped forward and saluted. “Brother Qian, your esteemed presence honors us. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome.”

Zhang He and the others were surprised; they hadn’t expected Feng Fei to know this master of internal arts.

The blue-robed man sighed. “You should know, I did not wish to come.”

Feng Fei nodded. “It has been years since we parted, but seeing you in good health brings me comfort.”

“Not at all. I am far from well,” the blue-robed man replied calmly.

Madam Feng, who had remained silent, now narrowed her eyes coldly. “Why not?”

The blue-robed man sneered. “Because now that I am here, misfortune is upon you.”

Feng Youcai became instantly alert. He had thought this man odd the other day; now it was clear he meant harm to Feiyan Manor. “Who are you, to dare cause trouble here?” With that, he lunged, both middle fingers extended—obviously using the Flying Rock Finger technique.

Yet the blue-robed man treated him as if he were nothing, letting his chest take the two strikes without flinching, and even continued speaking: “I am not here to cause trouble.”

Feng Youcai was stunned. Zhang He’s eyes widened—this man’s internal energy was truly extraordinary, likely having formed innate protective qi. If so, he was probably a fifth-level master.

Feng Fei hurriedly clasped his fists. “Brother Qian, please forgive my son’s rudeness—it is my own failing as a father.”

The blue-robed man’s expression grew cold. “Perhaps it is the leader’s failure to manage his subordinates.”

The faces of the Feng couple changed at once. Feng Youcai could not help but blurt out, “Who are you, really?”

The blue-robed man sneered. “When I once fought side by side with your father, you were likely still a child.”

Madam Feng replied coldly, “He is Qian Wanli, the famed constable of Liaozhou.”

A famed constable?

This time, not only Zhang He and his companions but even Hua Feihong felt dizzy. The official Six Gates system promoted as follows: yamen runner, iron badge, copper badge, silver badge, gold badge, inner palace constable, imperial constable, one of the Four Great Constables of the Capital, and finally Chief Constable of the Six Gates…

The power of a famed constable rivaled that of a regional lord, and for Qian Wanli to appear in such a remote place meant this affair was growing ever more complicated.

What secret lay behind all this?

“Madam, your memory is impressive.” Qian Wanli suddenly became respectful. “It has been over twenty years since our last meeting in Liaozhou. Seeing you in good health brings me much comfort.”

Madam Feng said coldly, “It has indeed been over twenty years since you last parted with my husband and me in Liaozhou.”

Qian Wanli’s eyes flashed as he saluted sternly. “In the past twenty years, there have been over eighty robberies in this lawless region—travelers, traders, wealthy merchants, and retired officials have been killed or disappeared. These cases have alarmed the court. I have come under orders to apprehend the true culprits and bring them to justice.”

Zhang He realized at last—this place called Feiyun Village was indeed a haunt of outlaws.

Qian Wanli’s tone suddenly grew mournful. “The alliance leader once did me a great favor, helping solve the great Liaozhou tribute theft case. I have never forgotten that debt. But now, as a servant of the court, I must fulfill my duty. If anyone obstructs official business, they will be executed without mercy.”

The final words brimmed with killing intent, making all tremble with fear. Madam Feng cried out, “If you remember our past debt, why do you now repay kindness with enmity?”

“To serve the sovereign’s grace is to be loyal; above, I serve the emperor’s vast benevolence, below, the people’s justice. I would rather bear infamy for generations,” Qian Wanli retorted.

“Enough talk—draw your weapon.” Madam Feng leapt forward, using the authentic Flying Rock Palm technique. As her palms struck out, a violent storm swept the arena, sending debris and stones flying at Qian Wanli. Only now did Zhang He see the true power of the Flying Rock Palm—it rivaled a tempest.

“Madam, do not act rashly!” Feng Fei cried, but it was too late. Amidst the flying debris, a faint blue gleam flashed, like a swallow cutting through a tidal wave, and suddenly all the dust and stone vanished. Madam Feng crashed heavily to the ground; at her age, how could she withstand such a blow? Moreover, as she fell, blood pulsed from a wound in her chest.

“Madam!”

“Mother!”

Over thirty people from Feiyan Manor rushed forward, but Madam Feng was barely breathing. “Husband, do not blame Brother Qian… he… he bore no murderous intent…”

Feng Fei could see clearly—Qian Wanli had only broken the palm technique with a single sword, not targeted her. Who could have guessed Madam Feng would hurl herself at the blade so violently that the wound pierced her heart, beyond saving even for the gods?

Zhang He and his companions were dumbstruck. Hua Feihong too could not understand why this had happened, and could only watch in astonishment from afar.

Feng Fei cradled his dying wife. Even Qian Wanli, sword lowered, was aghast, his voice hoarse: “Madam, why?”

With her last breath, Madam Feng said, “Brother Qian, do not blame my husband or the Feng family—let all blame fall on me. You may return to Liaozhou and close the case…”

With that, her body slackened, and she passed away.

No one spoke. Everyone was utterly stunned by the sudden, tragic turn of events.

At last, Feng Youcai wailed in grief, his cries echoing across the land, while Qiao Gu stood with bowed head, silently weeping.

The one-eyed man stood for a long time, then seemed to muster all his resolve and stepped forward. “Madam’s name must not be tarnished; all the crimes were committed by me and the others, and had nothing to do with her.”

As he spoke, over twenty of the thirty household guards stepped forward in unison, making Qian Wanli’s face darken.

Even Zhang He thought Qian Wanli would now act strictly according to the law, but to their surprise, Qian Wanli sneered, “You think you lot could commit so many major crimes? All of you, step back!”

Zhang He was taken aback. Despite his unmatched skill, Qian Wanli’s judgment was also impeccable.

The one-eyed man raised his head. “For three generations my family has served the old manor lord. My father swore thirty years ago to serve the alliance leader to the death. If my father committed crimes, I cannot let Madam or my father’s name be disgraced, and it is certainly not the lord’s fault.”

Qian Wanli was stunned, as was Zhang He. No wonder the one-eyed man and his fellows seemed inept—there was a deeper story here. Yet their faces showed steadfastness and a willingness to die, with no hint of falsehood or the drunken incompetence seen in the gorge.

Qian Wanli stared at the group for a long time before sighing, “I see how deep your loyalty runs. You cannot bear to let Madam take the blame.”

Feng Fei, lost in grief, finally let out a long sigh. “Duxing!”

“Lord!”

“Step back!”

Duxing hesitated. “Lord, I—”

Feng Fei stepped forward, gazing at Qian Wanli. “Brother Qian, you are mistaken.”

“Mistaken?”

Feng Fei nodded. “It is not that they cannot bear to let Madam take the blame—it is that I cannot bear to let them suffer for me.”

Without waiting for Qian Wanli to reply, he continued, “After we parted in Liaozhou, my family and I survived over forty ambushes on the road.”

He pointed at the one-eyed man and his fellows. “The ancestors of Duxing and the others fought to protect my family, and we barely made it to this remote valley to escape our enemies. Look at this manor—how vast it is, how many people depend on it. I have been retired for decades; without outside resources, how could I support all this?”

Qian Wanli was speechless.

Feng Fei murmured, “Duxing’s father died from wounds sustained while escorting us. Duxing and the others were of limited talent and could not excel in martial arts. My son, Youcai, has strength but no heart for the sword. I know nothing of business or flattery, let alone theft; my only skill is in the deadly arts—taking lives and wealth.”

He laughed bitterly. “Duxing’s father and twelve others died protecting Youcai. If I cannot ensure that their descendants live well, I would have no face before them in the afterlife.”

Zhang He, Fatty, Xiao Lingling, and Hua Feihong stood in the distance, unable to utter a word. Their throats were choked; even tears would not come, for nothing in their quest had ever struck them so deeply.

Feng Fei said quietly, “My wife knew everything long ago and was willing to take the blame for all. But I…”

His voice broke, his fists clenched, and pain, regret, and deep remorse filled his heart.

Looking at Feng Youcai, Feng Fei said, “Youcai, when I am gone, treat Qiao Gu well. May all lovers in the world avoid such a tragic end. All the blame is mine to bear. Brother Qian, please spare the people of my manor…”

The words came so suddenly that most had no time to react. Feng Youcai and Qiao Gu cried out and rushed forward, but it was too late—Feng Fei’s own Flying Rock Palm struck his crown, and in the radiant sunlight, he slowly collapsed…

If you enjoy this novel, please remember to collect it and vote!