Chapter 1, Sharpening the Sword (2)

Today, Li Tieguai, the fifth master, was filled with anger, which was certainly not solely due to the flying axe thrown by Xiao Fei. However, seeing that everyone was speaking up for the young man, he felt somewhat embarrassed. Frowning, he gritted his teeth and said: "You are all protecting him, you are all protecting him! Go ahead and protect him! One day, you will all die at his hands! Just look at him, just look at his appearance, can you really not remember? You are all protecting him! One day, you will all die at his hands! Just look at him, just look at his appearance, can you really not remember? He is clearly pretending to be foolish, just so that everyone won't continue to ask about his origins!"

Note 2: Shi Zhonggui is the adopted son of Shi Jingtang, known for his bravery and martial prowess in his youth. Shi Jingtang first granted him the title of King of Zheng, and later the title of King of Qi. After the fall of Later Jin, the whereabouts of Shi Zhonggui's two sons became unknown

If the group accidentally picked up a young master from a prominent family among the pile of corpses, it would not be considered a bad thing. Once they have the opportunity to contact the living relatives of the young master, they would undoubtedly be able to exchange it for several hundred guan as a reward for their efforts. However, what truly puzzles everyone is that among so many noble families that have suffered disasters, there is not a single surname that corresponds to the character "Zheng" on the jade pendant around the young master's neck. Furthermore, since the fall of Bianliang, there have been no reports of any distinguished family publicly or privately searching for a missing young master. Yet, what truly puzzles everyone is that among so many noble families that have suffered disasters, there is not a single surname that corresponds to the character "Zheng" on the jade pendant around the young master's neck. Moreover, since the fall of Bianliang, there have been no reports of any distinguished family publicly or privately searching for a missing young master.

The statue of Buddha inside the Main Hall is made of hardwood, merely coated with a layer of gold paint on the surface. Having been subjected to smoke and fire for many years, it has long been dried out beyond repair. Today, it was suddenly ignited by a rolling thunder, and in the rush, how could it be easily extinguished? Unfortunately, the crowd had no buckets or water bags, so they could only strip off their clothes and run into the rain to fetch water. After a considerable effort of nearly half an hour, with the help of the arriving soldiers, they finally managed to put out the fire. Looking at the gilded Buddha statue, it has already been blackened by smoke, resembling a pitch-black creature, losing all semblance of solemnity. The ceiling above has also been scorched to a state resembling a pot bottom, dark and indescribably filthy.

Note 3: Wang Yanzhang, also known as the legendary Wang Tieqiang, was a renowned general of the Five Dynasties period, whose martial skills were only second to Li Cunxiao in storytelling. It is said that before being discovered by Zhu Wen, he was an orphan living by herding sheep, yet he became self-taught in martial arts.

The fifth leader, Li Tieguai, was even more enraged to see that he dared to retort. He raised his iron crutch and pointed it at the other person's nose, roaring, "Did the chief not tell you? Don't you have a mouth right under your nose? As for his son, if his son doesn't have the surname Han, does that mean he, like you, looks decent but doesn't even know what his own surname is?"

Is that not so? If you do not trust Xiao Fei, do you also not trust the boss?

Since you can't remember, there's no need to think about it anymore! The second-in-command, Ning Caichen, had the softest heart. He turned around, squatted in front of the young man, and comforted him loudly, "From now on, you can take my surname Ning. Call me, call me..."

"Serious matters, do you still expect him to handle them?" Today, the fifth leader, Li Tieguai, found everything displeasing, his brows furrowed as he roared, "Have him come back to report! He can't even clarify who the other party is, only remembering that their surname is Han! There are countless people with the surname Han in the world; without a name, how can everyone know which one it is? Have him come back to report safety, has the big leader forgotten that he is a fool? If he comes back, I will be even more uneasy!" Have him come back to report safety, has the big leader forgotten that he is a fool? If he comes back, I will be even more uneasy!

Has the money been exchanged? Will the previous party acknowledge the account? They wouldn't change their tune just because we brought more people, would they?

"The little man is quite cunning! Who knows what tricks he has hidden up his sleeve?" The fifth master, Li Tieguai, said to the crowd, yet he was unwilling to let the matter rest. "Even if he truly suffers from a loss of soul, just look at his appearance; could he possibly be from an ordinary family? And that jade pendant around his neck—what if it has something to do with the one captured by the Khitan? Tell me, what good outcome can we expect from this situation?"

I, I don't remember. It seems, it seems there is someone with the surname Han, with a face, a face that is a bit dark, resembling Uncle Wu. The height, the height is probably up to my nose bridge!" Xiao Fei gestured towards Li Tieguai, hesitatingly responding.

The young man was momentarily taken aback by the question, instinctively shrinking his shoulders, unsure of how to respond. Seeing this, the second-in-command, Ning Caichen, immediately spoke up to mediate: "Old Five, let it go. Don't hold a child to account! Let's get back to the matter at hand!"

Is the journey going smoothly? Have you encountered Zhao Yanshou's henchmen? I have long advised you not to follow. You are of no help at all, and only create more chaos!

Ah, how bitter it is! The crowd turned around in unison and saw the belly of the Buddha statue split open, with green smoke swirling around. They could no longer care about whether the person who had struck the blow was stunned or not, and grabbed all the tools they could find nearby to desperately put out the fire

In this day and age, when one refers to someone as fat, it is often said in a way that implies wealth and good fortune. The term 'fat' is associated with foolishness and carries a clear derogatory connotation. Having the character for 'fat' in a name or nickname usually signifies discrimination. However, the youth who is commonly called 'Little Fat' is completely unbothered by this. He first looks around, finds a relatively dry spot, and lays his shield down. Then, he sits down heavily, panting as he responds, "The big boss and Uncle Si are behind. They ran into acquaintances, so they will be delayed for two days on the road. Let me, let me return first to report safety to the uncles!"

Searching through his mind, he could not come up with an appropriate name. His gaze swept over the crowd, and suddenly he noticed the half-section iron spine spear in the hand of the third master, Xu Yuan. "Call him Ning Yanzhang. There was once a great hero named Tie Qiang Wang Yanzhang, whose origins were also unclear, yet he still achieved remarkable feats. It does not matter if you cannot remember who you are, or what your surname is, or whose offspring you are! What is important is that you must not forget to strive to live well, to work hard to become a towering hero!" (Note 3). It does not matter if you cannot remember who you are, or what your surname is, or whose offspring you are! What is important is that you must not forget to strive to live well, to work hard to become a towering hero!

Xiao Fei is too fair and delicate; despite spending half a year in the mountains with the others, exposed to the wind and sun, his skin tone has not darkened even a fraction. Standing together with the henchmen in the mountain stronghold, he resembles a white crane among a flock of chickens. Without needing to look closely, one can easily conclude that they are not of the same kind.

This statement truly struck at the heart of the matter. Everyone was instantly rendered speechless

Acquaintance? Who? Did the other party mention a name? The second-in-command, Ning Caichen, was taken aback for a moment and instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his sword

Note 1: Rolling Thunder, also known as ball lightning. It can be blue, green, or purple, and possesses immense destructive power

In these tumultuous years, encountering an old acquaintance in a foreign land is certainly not a good omen. Moreover, the actions taken by everyone in recent months have been extraordinary. If by chance this 'old acquaintance' were to take credit with the Khitan people, what awaits us at Wagangzhai would be a catastrophic disaster

The leaders of the various mountain strongholds were all exhausted. After enduring until the minions had retreated, each of them squatted on the ground, where sewage flowed freely, gasping for breath. Once they had caught their breath, they remembered the "culprit" behind the fire and turned their heads towards a certain individual who was also squatting on the ground, panting heavily. They spoke in unison, "Xiao Fei, why did you come back alone? Where are the big boss and the fourth brother? Why didn't they come back with you?"

With a crack, a purple lightning bolt from Youdao tore through the dark clouds, illuminating the soot-stained face of the Buddha statue. In that instant, the Buddha's eyes seemed to brighten as he gazed down at the multitude of beings below, filled with compassion.

"Old Five, that's enough!" As Li Tieguai's weapon was about to fall, the second-in-command Ning Caichen quickly stepped forward, blocking in front of Xiao Fei. "What did he look like when he was injured? You know it well! It's already quite difficult to remember that the other party's surname is Han and that he is very dark-skinned. Don't ask too much of him!"

Li Tieguai's greatest hatred in life is when others call him black. He suddenly stood up and shouted, "So what if I'm black? Am I as black as you? Do you even know how to speak like a human?"

Alas! Poor child!" Except for Li Tieguai, who still wore a cold expression, the other heads of the family all sighed and shook their heads. Although everyone often cursed and scolded in their daily lives, in reality, they always harbored a certain reverence for the mysterious forces beyond comprehension. Especially after being terrified half to death by that rolling thunder that burst through the window, they felt even more that the Buddha statue in the main hall, with its disemboweled appearance, might indeed possess some inscrutable power

Since Xiao Fei dared to make a solemn vow before the Buddha, it undoubtedly proves that his illness is not a pretense. The group should not harbor thoughts of silencing him simply due to doubts about his background. Moreover, regardless of the circumstances, Xiao Fei is still a child. The group has been through the trials of life for a considerable time; occasionally doing a good deed should have a beginning and an end

Even if Xiao Fei's life is extremely unfortunate, all of his direct relatives have already perished under the blades of the chaotic soldiers. However, even the Heavenly King cannot escape having a poor relative! The people of the Central Plains have always placed great importance on bloodlines. After the great turmoil in Bianliang City came to an end, how could the friends and acquaintances of Xiao Fei's parents possibly remain indifferent to the potential remnants of their old acquaintances still in the world?

When various doubts cannot be clarified, the answer may be reduced to a single one. This is what Li Tieguai, the fifth leader, is most suspicious of, and it is also what everyone fears the most. That piece of jade tablet does not represent a surname, but has another meaning. It is said that the emperor who was captured by the Khitan was conferred the title of Prince of Zheng before ascending the throne. If this speculation inadvertently becomes a reality, it is likely that despite the vastness of the world, what awaits everyone will be nothing but a dead end

These words are rather hurtful. In Xiao Fei's already reddened eyes, tears immediately glistened. However, her mouth seemed to lag behind, and for a moment, she could not utter any words in rebuttal. Yet, her originally open hand unconsciously tightened its grip.

In fact, it doesn't matter if you don't become a hero; as long as you live happily in this life, that's enough. After all, no matter what, I am still your second uncle!" Seeing the earnest expression on Xiao Fei's face, Ning Caichen was instantly filled with a sense of paternal affection, and he gently patted the young man's head, smiling as he added.

Aren't you going to ask the lackeys? Xiao Fei didn't come back alone; why are you fixated on him? Given the caution of the boss, how could he not send someone to escort him all the way back

The fifth master, Li Tieguai, saw this and was instantly filled with uncontrollable rage. He raised his iron crutch high and shouted, "What? You ungrateful little white-eyed wolf! Why are you clenching your fist? Do you still want to hit me? Come on, let's see if I can break your legs today!"

... ...

Indeed, what benefit do they gain from deceiving us? What is there about us that is worth deceiving?

The other several leaders also came over to offer their words of comfort. The young boy, Xiao Fei, was rescued from a pile of corpses last year; at that time, he had a wound the size of a bowl on the back of his head, deep enough to expose the bone. It was evident that he had been injured by a Khitan warrior's iron mace. Everyone believed he would not survive, but only the second-in-command, Ning Caichen, persisted in finding a doctor for the child, motivated by the thought of accumulating merit for the group.

The boy, known as Xiao Fei, nodded with a certain seriousness unique to youth, and said, "From now on, I will take my second uncle's surname, Ning. I will strive to become a true hero, living up to your expectations, second uncle!"

"I, I did not intentionally deceive you!" Just as everyone was feeling anxious, the boy known as Xiao Fei was behind the crowd, explaining with a sense of grievance, "I, I really can't remember. The reason the leader brought me this time was to let me see the places outside the mountain, to see if it could help me recall something. But, but I, I really can't remember. I have been trying desperately every day, trying desperately, but I have no impression of the things I see! The reason the leader brought me this time was to let me see the places outside the mountain, to see if it could help me recall something. But, but I, I really can't remember. I have been trying desperately every day, trying desperately, but I have no impression of the things I see! I, I swear. I can swear before the Buddha in the hall! If I really knew who I am, let me, let me be struck by lightning!"

In the end, Xiao Fei's life was saved, but he was left with a rather troublesome hidden ailment. Not only does he speak and act in a dull and clumsy manner, showing no trace of the cleverness typical of youth, but his memory has also deteriorated significantly, often leading to forgetfulness. He cannot even recall his own surname, given name, or where his home is, and when asked, he appears completely bewildered. He cannot even recall his own surname, given name, or where his home is, and when asked, he appears completely bewildered

***

... ...

In these tumultuous years of war, to grow to over eight feet tall at the age of fifteen or sixteen, and to be both fair and tender, one must surely come from a family of great wealth and nobility. Last year, when the Khitan invaded, Du Chongwei, who was ordered to lead troops to resist the foreign insult, turned traitor and defected. The cavalry formed ranks, allowing Zhang Yanze to willingly become the vanguard for the Khitan. They turned back to attack, leading their troops into Bianliang. In one night, countless noble families fell from grace and were cast into the dust.

... ...

Indeed, Lao Wu, you shouldn't always target him! The big boss must be fine; otherwise, with his character, how could he possibly allow Xiao Fei to return alone to deliver the message

I am not a fool! I, I have just suffered a little injury on my head! Although the young Xiaofei harbored fear towards Li Tieguai, he resolutely refused to admit that he was foolish. With a flushed face, he argued loudly, "Moreover, moreover, the big boss at that time didn't tell me his name either. He just asked me to call him Uncle Han Si. By the way, he, he also has a son, who also has the surname Han. He is also dark and strong, about the same height as me, and roughly the same age as me!" He just asked me to call him Uncle Han Si. By the way, he, he also has a son, who also has the surname Han. He is also dark and strong, about the same height as me, and roughly the same age as me!

"Old Five, you have tried him before! When he just woke up, you tested him in various ways every day! Even if he really had something hidden, you would have unearthed it by now!"

Everyone was taken aback by his words and couldn't help but turn around quickly. However, upon seeing Xiao Fei's somewhat immature face and red eyes, their doubts instantly vanished without a trace. "Enough, Lao Wu, you are being overly suspicious again. Xiao Fei has been with us for quite some time now; even if he is a good actor, how could he possibly not reveal any flaws? Moreover, just look at his age; he appears to be around fifteen or sixteen. What kind of child can deceive someone in their forties or fifties at such a young age!"