Book 17 Chapter 1 – Surrounded by Distinguished Friends

Hong Funu’s speed was high, her shenfa beautiful; she was everything Kou Zhong expected her to be.

The one giving him most headache was her red whisk. Together with her amazing shenfa, they formed seamless heavenly clothes [i.e. flawless], making Kou Zhong practically unable to dodge, which forced him to retreat, and thus giving the opponent the free rein to unleash her swift and fierce offensive, which surged like the waves of Yangtze River.

Momentarily the whisk shadow flared out, like a whirlwind it rolled Kou Zhong inside the violent gale of raging sea of powerful offensive.

And by this time, it was already too late for Kou Zhong, who was not in the mood to zealously continue fighting, to draw his Moon in the Well, so he could only rely on his bare hands to cope with this red-clothed beauty storming him with relentless hard attack from the air.

Worse yet, her whisk could be stiff and could be flexible; it could circle and rotate as she wished, the thread brush, which reached three chi in length, was able to move freely as if it had eyes of its own, like a viper that bore through every gap in the opponent’s line of defense. Even the handle of the whisk could be used to pierce acupoint and stab arteries and veins, totally overbearing, extremely fierce.

From the beginning she has launched speed-against-speed type of desperate combat, so that the opponent did not even have time to take a breather.

Kou Zhong has fallen into a completely passive, defensive position; he could only meet a move by a move, waiting painstakingly for an opportunity to strike back.

‘Whoosh!’

The thread brush swiped Kou Zhong’s left arm, shattering his sleeve, and creating more than a dozen bloody stripes on his flesh. This was Kou Zhong’s conscious decision. Just before the opponent’s ruthless whisk stab the pit of his stomach, relying on his speed he spun around while traversing sideways, so that he was able to evade the hit on his vital acupoint.

In order to withstand the opponent’s attack, combined with her swift and severe footwork, which was like sudden and violent attack of ambushing troops, he simply had to watch for any opportunity in the midst of Hong Funu’s flowing-mercury like whisk style he could exploit.

More than a dozen scorching qi power burst into his body.

Kou Zhong knew that if he let this situation to continue, he would end up as a dead body lying on this side street.

Hastily he raised up a mouthful of true qi, not only to neutralize the opponent’s invading qi power, but also to focus the power in his entire body into launching a palm chop. In this critical moment, Kou Zhong unleashed the power from the ‘Secret to Long Life’ and the Jade Annulus of He Clan to the fullest.

Although Hong Funu gained the upper hand, Kou Zhong’s seemingly plain, nothing-special move made her feel as if she had no way to block or to defuse.

Kou Zhong’s palm strike was actually made of a succession of moves strung together. It was only through countless confusing-the-enemy changes that he achieved the ultimate position that rendered her completely unable to grasp the sudden outburst of the palm momentum.

Plus all the moves were wonderful as if made by heaven, fused together into one indivisible entity. Furthermore, it synched well with his body, giving the impression that all his power and his entire body and mind have synthesized into this one palm strike.

The most frightening aspect was that she originally thought to follow up the victory by revolving her whisk to sweep his face, but since Kou Zhong’s palm cut through the gap, he practically sealed her attack path completely.

Left with no choice, she had to meet the enemy’s attack head on. Lowering her wrist to stab downward, she used fantastic changes of technique to blur her movements so that what is true and what is false was difficult to tell.

The whisk appeared to be attacking the qi acupoint on his lower abdomen, but in reality, the brush was flicking upward to strike the artery on the opponent’s right wrist.

Kou Zhong laughed aloud, his palm’s momentum did not change, only it suddenly turned direction as it moved sideways and up at an angle, the tip of his palm shot toward the beauty’s sleek and graceful neck. The qi power created swishing noise.

Hong Funu had never imagined that Kou Zhong would have this kind of amazing move where he was able to flip his defensive position into offensive. Although she did not want to admit it, but deep down she knew that the opponent has already seen through her whisk technique. Letting out a tender shout she pulled her whisk back, while her legs moved lightning fast to kick five times in a row.

It was only this moment that Kou Zhong found the chance to strike back. With a long laugh he made a somersault over Hong Funu’s head, both palms pressed down, without the slightest trace he evaded this younger woman’s kicking technique, which had made him ashamed of being inferior, by dodging the strong to attack the weak.

Like a tornado the violent spiraling energy enveloped Hong Funu.

Hong Funu snorted coldly. The whisk rose up, it lashed toward the hollow of Kou Zhong’s palm pressing down on her.

‘Bang!’

Qi power collided.

While Hong Funu’s tender body was severely shaken, Kou Zhong soared high into the air; amidst his laughter, he called out, “Saozi [sister-in-law] is indeed formidable. Xiaodi is ashamed of being inferior, hence I can only run for my life.”

He continued high into the air, and disappeared without any trace.

Hong Funu stomped her feet in anger, but knew that she would never be able to pursue him.

However, being called sister-in-law by him, plus recalling that he had never pulled his saber, she could not stop the ill will toward him in her heart from somewhat diminishing.

Now she understood why her husband Li Jing valued his brotherhood with those two.

※ ※ ※

Tuoba Yu spurred his horse to move forward, and stopped next to Xu Ziling’s horse. Smiling wryly, he said, “Xu Xiong and Kou Xiong are figures that Zaixia, after my arrival at the Central Plains, has the highest regards. Being forthcoming and holding up comradeship, my real intention is to wholeheartedly make friends with you, who would have thought that the situation deteriorated to such degree, which made me feel that it is a great pity.”

Xu Ziling heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He originally thought that the opposite party wanted to fight, but listening to the tone of his voice, it did not appear to be so. Nodding his head, he said, “In life, it is difficult to have everything exactly like what we are hoping for. But even though we do not share the same viewpoint, I, Xu Ziling, still consider Tuoba Xiong as a friend, and what we have promised, we will never renege.”

Naturally Tuoba Yu knew that he was referring to the ‘Secret to Long Life’. Delighted, he said, “I never thought Xu Xiong would go back on your word either, because you are basically not that kind of person.”

And then, lowering his voice, he said, “You might not believe it, but Tuli Khan actually has a very high regard toward the two of you. It’s just that due to that kid Ba Fenghan between us, it was hard to talk about making friends. But now that Ba Fenghan is gone, we ought to be able to sit together and talk.”

At first Xu Ziling was stunned, but then he recalled that Tujue people’s desire was the more chaotic the Central Plains, the better it would be for them. And Kou Zhong was certainly a master in creating chaos and destroying the balance of power. Immediately he understood the reason behind Tuli wanted to express goodwill toward them.

Changing the topic, he said, “Tuoba Xiong’s news is indeed fast and abundant; we have just sent Fenghan Xiong off, you already tucked your tail and pursue him.”

Tuoba Yu snorted coldly and said, “If such trivial ability we did not have, how could we go back and report to our Shizun [venerable master]?”

And then he sighed and said, “The most unbelievable thing was that every time we came across this kid, his power seemed to be progressing one layer. And now even Qu Ao was defeated under his hands. I only want to ask one thing: does he also suffer serious internal injury from the battle against Qu Ao? Ay! I really shouldn’t ask you this question.”

Xu Ziling had quite a good impression toward this mystifying Tujue young martial art master. Smiling wryly, he replied, “How should I answer your question?”

Tuoba Yu’s spirit rose. “You already tell me the answer,” he said, “Honestly speaking, if he was not injured, even if we could catch up with him, there’s not much we could do. But now it seems like we still have a chance to try our best.”

Before Xu Ziling had a chance to respond, from the other side Chunyu Wei impatiently waved her horsewhip and called out tenderly, “Hey Shixiong! Is it my turn to talk yet?”

※ ※ ※

From the roof, Kou Zhong jumped down onto a side lane, and made a turn toward the Heavenly Street. Although his left arm, which was hit by the whisk, was no longer bleeding, but the whole arm was still throbbing with pain; the wound felt scorching hot.

He still had lingering fear toward Hong Funu’s whisk technique, which had reached perfection.

What saved his life was actually Fu Junyu’s ‘Yijian Technique’, which came from his own comprehension.

In all honesty, under Hong Funu’s whisk technique, which dazzled his eyes, even a simple block already entailed extremely strenuous effort on his part, much less trying to predict her attack route and think about a move to counter it.

However, the moment he was hit by the whisk, her whisk technique revealed a tiny gap, which enabled him to rouse his spirit so that he was able to somewhat seize the initiative.

It was just a fleeing moment, yet one that he was able to accurately grasp, and subsequently exhausting his power in that one palm strike. Not only it turned the situation around, but also because his palm regained the initiative, he was able to execute the ‘Yijian Technique’ flawlessly.

It was just like a game of chess; he launched an amazing move that made the opponent had no choice but to respond, thereby he was able to grasp where the opponent’s chess piece would move to.

And so his understanding of ‘Yijian Technique’ was another layer deeper.

This moment he walked among the crowd toward the Tianjin Bridge, and reached the House of Dong Restaurant’s main gate. As he was about to enter, someone called out from behind, “Kou Xiong, please wait!”

※ ※ ※

Slightly blushing, Chunyu Wei said, “Starting last night, I kind of like you.”

Xu Ziling, sitting on the horseback, listening with rapt attention, jumped in fright. “What?” he blurted out.

Fortunately, Tuoba Yu has returned among the Tujue warriors, about five zhang away; otherwise, if he heard it, Xu Ziling would be embarrassed.

This girl made a show of being very much in earnest to talk to him, but he had never imagined that she would say such thing.

Evidently Chunyu Wei was not too happy with his reaction; pouting her small mouth, she said, “What’s so strange about it? The men I like the most are those who are spirited and forthright, not like stupid bird who get deceived and swindled left and right. It was just because you are unlike Kou Zhong, who are always showing off his crafty and sly nature, that I did not notice you. That’s all.”

And then, “Hee …” she giggled, exposing her snow white and neat, adorable pearly white teeth, while her eyes showed a dreamy look, and she said tenderly, “Who would have thought that your craftiness is hidden well inside your belly, so that we could only watch helplessly as you guys slipped away easily.”

Xu Ziling did not know whether to laugh or cry, but he also felt big headache. Smiling wryly, he said, “I merely trying to find a way to escape in order to stay alive! How could you use the word ‘crafty’ to describe me? And didn’t you say you like Kou Zhong?”

Chunyu Wei cast him a sidelong glance and said, “I like both of you! Ay! I have to go. Aren’t you going to say a few affectionate words for me? Will you come to Tujue to look for me?”

Xu Ziling awkwardly said, “In my opinion, you picked the wrong target of affection. If I was really crafty, I would have known how to coax you right now. Unfortunately, I can’t even hold my own. Is there anything you want me to pass on to Kou Zhong? Pursuing people is like putting off fire, Miss must not lose the opportunity for the sake of a stupid bird like me.”

Not only Chunyu Wei did not pout playfully, she appeared to be in high spirit instead, almost to the point of euphoria, “I like what you said so much. Capable men are not afraid the women they love would look down on them. If I am late, I’ll come back to look for you two. Ay Actually, Ba kid is also not bad; if he did not kill Da Shixiong [first martial brother], that would be much better!”

Xu Ziling’s opinion on her rose up significantly. The most adorable aspect of this naïve, passionate young girl was her honesty and forthcoming, her hot pursuit of the bright side of life.

Chunyu Wei smiled sweetly, and lowering her voice even more, she said, “Tell Kou Zhong to be careful of Tuli; he is a crafty and cunning schemer. Shizun has never liked him. Yu Wei has to go now! Hee … It’s very rare that good-looking men like you and Kou Zhong also have heroic and lofty quality.”

Xu Ziling was anxious of being late. Hearing her last remark, he felt as if he had just received the Emperor’s amnesty. After mumbling some kind of farewell, he spurred his horse to gallop away.

※ ※ ※

Kou Zhong turned around to look; surprisingly it was Tuli and a group of Tujue martial art masters. They were jumping down their horses.

Tuli let one of his subordinate to take care of his horse, while as if he was an old friend he came over to Kou Zhong and said with a smile, “If Kou Xiong is alone, how about eating lunch together? I have an appointment with Shimin Xiong to meet here.”

Kou Zhong walked side by side with him toward the restaurant’s front steps. Pretending to be pleased, he said, “Khan’s good intention is highly appreciated. But not only I do have an appointment myself, last night I had a falling out with Shimin Xiong; if we eat at the same table, perhaps it will affect his appetite. Ha! We will always have another opportunity in the future.”

In his heart he was secretly wondering, Tuli and he could neither be considered friends nor foes, why suddenly be this amiable to him? Tuli was proud and arrogant, but with his status as the king of Tujue nation, he was willing to lower his voice and downplay his air; it may be assumed that he had some scheme to play.

Tuli halted his steps, and asked in low voice, “Has Ba Fenghan left?”

Following his example, Kou Zhong also stopped, and said in astonishment, “Khan has been in Luoyang for not too many days, yet your eyes and ears are this fast and abundant?”

Tuli’s group of Tujue martial art masters formed a ring around them, adopting a stance of stopping anybody from walking too close to these two men, so that the guests entering the restaurant had to walk a few paces farther around them; they looked rather overbearing.

Tuli laughed and said, “To be quite honest, in a world-class strategic city like Luoyang, how could we not have eyes and ears? Much less Kou Xiong, three men, flaunted your prowess by openly riding out the gate. If we were still at a loss, do we even need to mingle in the Central Plains?”

Kou Zhong smiled and replied, “Since Khan is able to see through our deliberate ostentatious display, you must also know that Ba Xiong has some other clever method that he is not afraid of being tracked!”

A murderous aura flitted through Tuli’s eyes, but it vanished as quickly. He calmly said, “Ba Fenghan may be able to evade other people, but definitely he won’t be able to avoid Ba Dai’er. One, because she is well acquainted with all Ba Fenghan’s tactics. Two, because her Enshi [benevolent master] Zhao Deyan Guoshi [teacher of the state, Athena translated it as ‘Imperial High Priest’ (as in Jinlun Guoshi, her note on 3rd Edition of Return of the Condor Heroes)] has passed on to her the matchless-under-the-heavens pursuing-and-tracking skill. So Ba Fenghan’s ‘counting his chickens before they are hatched’ plan will certainly fail.”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “Even if you can overtake him, what can you do to him?”

Tuli laughed calmly and said, “If we continued talking like this, we will end up opposing each other with equal harshness again. Frankly speaking, I really admire Kou Xiong’s style in handling matters, and really wish that we could convert an enemy into a friend. If we can look for possibilities for cooperation, it will be greatly beneficial, without bringing any harm, to both sides.”

Kou Zhong replied indifferently, “Khan thinks so highly of Xiaodi, it really makes me overwhelmed by favor [from superior]. Someday when we have a chance to raise our wine cup and chat in details, we will think about some mutually profitable grand projects.”

Delighted, Tuli said, “Kou Xiong is indeed a man who has a clear view of things as well as knowing your surrounding; you will have great prospects for the future. When the time is ripe, I will pay special visit to you.”

Kou Zhong seized this opportunity to take his leave and continue climbing up the stairs. But in his heart he was still pondering and speculating on what did Tuli mean by his remark, ‘when the time is ripe’.

※ ※ ※

Trailing a group of seven or eight riders, Xu Ziling entered the spacious outer courtyard of the House of Dong Restaurant. Only after entering the door did he notice that one of those men was surprisingly Li Shimin. But he did not see either Li Jing or Hong Funu. Already too late to avoid him, he could only hope that Li Shimin would not see him.

Who would have thought that everybody in Li Shimin’s group seemed to be alerted at the same time; they all looked at him.

Bracing himself, Xu Ziling said, “What a coincidence, Shimin Xiong also came here.”

Li Shimin revealed a slightly pleasantly surprised smile; hastening over to him, he said, “I was just looking for Ziling Xiong for a chat, who would have thought I bump into you in here.”

All his escorts were smiling amiably; there was not the least bit of swords-drawn-bows-bent sentiment on them. But Xu Ziling still felt that their eyes were looking for any flaw or weakness in him; nothing seemed to escape their gaze.

Li Shimin cheerfully said, “Let Xiaodi introduce Ziling Xiong. This one here is Yuchi Jingde Xiong. Not only is he proficient in the art of war, he is also an expert in using lance and mace. His name shakes the Jianghuai.”

Yuchi Jingde, who looked to be about twenty-five, twenty-six years old, took a step forward, and cupped his fist to salute.

At first glance this man’s physique did not look either big or tall, hence he did not particularly attract attention. Yet he was able to make Xu Ziling had a deep, unforgettable impression on him, because he was standing erect with stable-as-a-mountain air, and carried a stream of murderous-looking momentum around him; a clear display of out-of-the-ordinary power and charisma, with the confidence of a fierce general who treated the enemy’s magnificent army with thousands of men and horses as nothing.

His face had some kind of plain and simple, inelegant, and boorish flavor, but his eyes were flickering with spirited light, so that others knew that he was not someone who could be easily bullied.

While Xu Ziling was sizing him up, he still fixed his attention respectfully. “I believe very soon I will be able to ask Xu Xiong for advice on the outstanding consummate skill you got from the ‘Secret to Long Life’!” he said with a smile.

Naturally Xu Ziling understood the meaning behind his remark; he only smiled but did not say anything.

Another man took a step forward and introduced himself, “Zaixia Pang Yu. I have seen Xu Xiong before.”

Xu Ziling’s eyes lit up suddenly.

This man was tall and handsome; rarer still, his build was well proportioned, and there was nothing he could pick about. Moreover, he appeared svelte and forthright, giving the impression of a refined, educated gentleman, an expert in diplomacy, yet without being too wordy.

These two were key persons within Li Shimin’s Heavenly Policy Mansion, and formidable opponents to Kou Zhong and he.

Standing behind Pang Yu slightly to the side was a seemingly gentle scholar in scholarly attire, on his fair and comely face there seemed to hang a perpetual smile of someone who always planned in advance, someone who speak unhurriedly, and was always calm and unruffled in the midst of chaos.

By the time Li Shimin introduced this man was Zhangsun Wuji, Xu Ziling immediately recalled that this man and Yuchi Jingde were the two men Kou Zhong particularly mentioned; Xu Ziling could not help shivering inwardly.

Yuchi Jingde exuded domineering prowess without appearing angry. Together with Pang Yu’s heroic suave manners, and Zhangsun Wuji’s unfathomable depths, have stirred up the vigilance in Xu Ziling’s heart.

As for the remaining three men, they were Luo Shixin, Shi Wanbao, and Liu Dewei; all were martial art masters with refined and amassed qi within their bodies. Just from these six men, one could have a glimpse of Li Shimin’s astonishing strength.

After the introduction, Li Shimin warmly pulled Xu Ziling’s elbow to have him walking side-by-side with him, and said in a low voice, “Last night Xiaodi had a detailed chat with Mr. Li Jing …”

Hearing the name Li Jing, Xu Ziling immediately stopped his steps and cut him off, “Everybody has his own aspiration, and nobody can force it on anybody else. Shimin Xiong must not consider Kou Zhong’s normally frivolous manners. The fact is that he really has his own strong views; his determination will not be easily swayed by others.”

Li Shimin let go of Xu Ziling’s elbow; laughing calmly, he said, “In that case Xiaodi can save a lot of talking. In the future, if I ever commit an offense, Ziling Xiong must not take it personally. Xiaodi is also forced to act against my will.”

After staring deep at Xu Ziling with eyes brimming with emotion, he waved his hand with determination, and then with a smile on his face he led the Heavenly Policy Mansion’s martial art masters continued on up the stairs into the restaurant.

Xu Ziling sighed inwardly, knowing that he had just missed the last opportunity make amend with Li Shimin.

From now on, Li Shimin would become their most dreadful archenemy.

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