Chapter 9: Planning and Proposing Solutions

A middle-aged scholar dressed as a literati stood up in the room, beaming with a smile, and said: "Please come in"

Feng Xiaoxiao did not expect Chen Jinnan to have such a side, and couldn't help but chuckle, thinking: "It seems that Senior Sister had quite a reputation in the martial world back in the day!"

Chen Jinnan gazed at the Golden Snake Sword with nostalgia and said, "Indeed, this is the Golden Snake Sword of Hero Yuan. It was with this sword that Hero Yuan traversed the world, and his grandeur still vividly appears before my eyes." He then looked at Feng Xiaoxiao and spoke softly, "I wonder if Hero Yuan would be willing to come out of retirement and lead everyone in resisting the Manchus. I believe that with a single command from Hero Yuan, the entire martial arts world would be willing to heed his call. I would also be willing to relinquish my position as the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society and follow his orders under his command." After saying this, he returned the Golden Snake Sword to Feng Xiaoxiao.

Feng Xiaoxiao walked into the room, and the old man said: "This is the leader Chen of our association." Feng Xiaoxiao focused her gaze and saw that this person had a kind expression, but his eyes were like lightning, suddenly shooting over and then abruptly retracting.

Hearing this title, Feng Xiaoxiao smiled silently and thought to himself, "This is the first time someone has called me 'young hero'; it feels quite strange."

Feng Xiaoxiao cupped his fists in salute and said: "I am Feng Xiaoxiao. I have long heard of the esteemed name of Master Chen, and seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary"

Chen Jinnan was overwhelmed with excitement, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. Clenching his fists, he continued, "Then with Wu Sangui in the forefront, we shall follow behind. He will act openly, while we will operate in the shadows. Furthermore, by uniting righteous heroes from various regions, we shall rise against the Qing and restore the Han dynasty's glory!"

Chen Jinnan thought for a moment and said: "The 'Copper Pen and Iron Scale' Hero Huang passed away ten years ago. The position of the Huashan Sect Leader has been passed to his eldest disciple, 'Eight Directions of Might' Feng, who is no match for Hero Feng. Our Heaven and Earth Society has some connections with Hero Feng, and I will send someone to inform Young Hero Feng once I receive specific news." He then turned and walked back and forth a few steps, continuing: "The 'Invincible Divine Fist' belongs to Hero Gui's family, whose whereabouts are erratic and difficult to trace. I can only pass on the message and ask everyone to pay attention to their family's movements. As for Miss Ajiu, I have not heard of her, and the hope of finding her is slim. Continuing, he said: 'The 'Invincible Divine Fist' belongs to Hero Gui's family, whose whereabouts are erratic and difficult to trace. I can only pass on the message and ask everyone to pay attention to their family's movements. As for Miss Ajiu, I have not heard of her, and the hope of finding her is slim. As for the century-old Lingzhi, I do have some stock here. Since Hero Yuan needs it, I will hand it over to Miss He."

Feng Xiaoxiao was taken aback and quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands in salute and saying: "I have arrived too late, and I apologize for keeping you all waiting."

The wind howled, and the pain of being captured pierced to the bone, yet I could not muster my internal energy to break free. In my heart, I silently lamented: "I am sorry, Xiao Bao! In the end, I still could not change your fate!" I fixed my gaze intently on Chen Jinnan's eyes and said: "My brother Wei Xiaobao has a close relationship with the current Emperor of the Manchu Qing. If he can incite Wu Sangui to turn against the Qing, leading the Three Feudatories to rebel, we can then incite one or two generals who hold significant military power..."

Chen Jinnan wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a bitter smile, "I have dealt with them before, I have dealt with them before"

The two of them carefully pondered the details together, discussing for nearly half an hour. Seeing that there was hope for the revival of the Han dynasty, Chen Jinnan became even more eager to meet Wei Xiaobao, so he inquired about his situation from Feng Xiaoxiao.

Feng Xiaoxiao said: "The main leader is primarily taking him as a disciple, so you will have your share of headaches in the future"

Chen Jinnan pondered for a moment, shook his head, and said: "That would indeed be unfair to Young Hero Feng. May I ask what matters have been entrusted by Hero Yuan? The brothers of the Heaven and Earth Society are numerous, and perhaps we can offer some assistance."

The wind rustled as he said, "I beg your pardon!" He took down the Golden Snake Sword from his back, placed it on the table, and unwrapped the cloth that was tied around the sword.

Chen Jinnan raised his hands, and with a sharp sound, drew his sword from its sheath, channeling his energy with a shake. The sword's blade shone with a brilliant golden light, radiating a chilling aura, resembling a golden snake dancing wildly.

Feng Xiaoxiao looked at the resolute Chen Jinnan, filled with sorrow in his heart. He sighed and said: "I have a method; as long as there are righteous and ambitious individuals who can unite their efforts, perhaps we can seize a glimmer of opportunity to restore the Han and overthrow the Qing!"

Chen Jinnan was overjoyed and suddenly grabbed Feng Xiaoxiao's shoulder, exclaiming: "What method is this?"

Chen Jinnan smiled and said: "With a single kick, the young hero Feng sent the first warrior of the Manchus, Ao Bai, crashing to the ground, leading to his eventual capture and death, avenging countless Han people who had died at Ao Bai's hands. Within a few days, he became renowned throughout the world."

Feng Xiaoxiao joyfully said: "If I could have the assistance of the brothers from the Heaven and Earth Society, that would be the best. My master has instructed me to seek out Master Uncle 'Copper Pen and Iron Scale' Huang Zhen and Second Master Uncle 'Invincible Divine Fist' Gui Xinshu. Additionally, I am looking for a one-armed woman, in her forties, who may have become a nun by now; she was originally known in the martial world as Miss A Jiu. My senior sister is currently over at Changbai Mountain, searching for some century-old ginseng and ganoderma for our master."

Chen Jinnan's expression was grave, clearly contemplating the possibility. After a moment of thought, he said: "As long as our plans are thorough, we can certainly avoid such a situation. Nevertheless, we finally have a glimmer of opportunity now." After saying this, he stepped back and bowed, saying: "Young Hero Feng possesses extraordinary insight and is resourceful. My Han family aspires to restore its former glory, facing perilous depths and walking on eggshells; we need you, Young Hero Feng, to devise strategies. I would like to invite you to temporarily assume the position of Deputy Chief of the Heaven and Earth Society. When the time is ripe, I will willingly step aside and make way for you." After saying this, he raised his head, looking at Feng Xiaoxiao with a face full of hope.

Chen Jinnan smiled slightly and asked, "I heard from Brother Guan that Feng Shaoxia is a disciple of the great hero Yuan Chengzhi?"

The wind howled as I hurriedly sidestepped and helped Chen Jinnan to his feet, saying: "Upon my arrival in the Central Plains, I had already heard of the great name of the leader Chen. My brother Mao has never bowed to anyone in his life, yet he holds the leader in such high regard that he is utterly in awe. Today, I too have finally fulfilled my wish.

The wind howled as Chen Jinnan was helped up, saying: "I am unworthy of such great honor from the leader. I came to the Central Plains solely to serve my master. Without my master's consent, I truly cannot join your esteemed society. However, even if I do not join the Heaven and Earth Society, I am still willing to offer my services to Leader Chen Yitian without needing any title. Once the matter is settled, I will return to the island, and if my master agrees at that time, I will then serve under the leader again."

The wind howled, yet there was no excitement. He shook his head and sighed: "The northern Rakshasas have long coveted our Northeast, and the Mongolian Zunghar leader Galdan is also eyeing us, intent on restoring the glory of Genghis Khan. We must be cautious and prudent, lest we drive away the fierce tiger only to attract a pack of wolves. If the chaos of the Five Barbarians invading China were to repeat, we would become the sinners."

Chen Jinnan recalled Feng Xiaoxiao's evaluation of him and couldn't help but smile wryly: "If the Han family can be revived, what does this matter?"

The wind rustled as he recalled what he had just mentioned about Miss He, and he asked in surprise, "Does the leader also know my senior sister?"

Feng Xiaoxiao said with a smile: "He is a lazy boy, extremely mischievous, and quite fond of women. However, he values friendship greatly and is willing to risk his life for his brothers. He is also very intelligent and has good luck." Then he detailed his experiences to Chen Jinnan, explaining how he was captured by Hai Dafu and taken into the palace, how he befriended the emperor and together captured Ao Bai, and how he was poisoned by Hai Dafu, among other things.

Chen Jinnan hurriedly said: "I dare not, but being able to contribute to the efforts of the great hero Yuan is already a fulfillment of my wish."

The old man arrived outside a side room amidst the whistling wind, lifted the curtain, and called out: "The wind is howling, and Young Hero Feng has arrived!"

Chen Jinnan smiled and said: "Here are the nine incense masters of my Heaven and Earth Society. Originally, more than half of them had fought alongside the great hero Yuan against the Manchu invaders, and the remaining few hold immense admiration for the great hero Yuan. Upon hearing that the disciple of the great hero Yuan would be coming today, they all came to wait for him." He then invited everyone to sit down in the hall.

Chen Jinnan exclaimed: "He is merely a youth, yet without having undergone purification, he navigates within the imperial palace and has developed an excellent rapport with the emperor. He has accomplished great feats such as capturing and killing Ao Bai. He indeed possesses extraordinary qualities; the revival of our Han dynasty is truly promising." After pondering for a moment, he continued: "My internal energy, harmonizing yin and yang, can indeed expel the poison within my body. It seems that heaven has not forsaken the Han people, leaving us a glimmer of hope, which I must seize firmly. I wish to take him as my disciple; what do you think, Young Hero Feng?"

The wind howled, and with a complex gaze, he looked at the greatest martyr of this era, silently reciting: "In death, one realizes the emptiness of all things, yet the sorrow lies in not seeing the unity of the Nine Provinces. When the royal army conquers the Central Plains, do not forget to inform my father during the family sacrifice." He had already been influenced by him! As the Qing Dynasty swept across the land, and the Zheng family in Taiwan had fallen into the whirlpool of power struggles, those who were intent on restoring the Ming Dynasty were still embroiled in disputes over which emperor to support. He struggled to hold on, yet was powerless to turn the tide, ultimately being killed by the heir of the Zheng family to whom he had pledged loyalty on an unnamed small island. The death was incredibly tragic, yet utterly worthless, truly a death with eyes wide open. After his death, the Zheng family could no longer turn the tide, and under the orders of Kangxi, Shi Lang was dispatched to conquer Taiwan in one fell swoop, leading to their surrender.

The wind rustled, and a shock ran through my heart; this was a sign of mastery in internal martial arts. It seems that Chen Jinnan's martial arts skills are at least two levels higher than those of Hai Dafu. If I were to engage him in combat, the best outcome would be mutual destruction

The next morning, Chen Jinnan sent someone to invite Feng Xiaoxiao to gather in the hall. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Chen Jinnan waiting for him at the entrance of the hall with ten other people.

Chen Jinnan bowed deeply and said: "The three brothers of the Wind Hero are truly great heroes, please allow Chen Jinnan to pay my respects!"

Chen Jinnan sighed helplessly; how could he not understand that Feng Xiaoxiao spoke the truth? Over the years, he had toiled and struggled, barely managing to maintain the vast Tiandihui, yet he still faced suspicion from Taiwan, and the members of the society harbored various thoughts. It was all thanks to his tireless efforts and careful planning that he could ensure unity among them. But this thought lasted only a moment, and he immediately resolved: "No matter how difficult it may be, I will persevere. I will not close my eyes until I see the day of the restoration of the Han dynasty!"

Feng Xiaoxiao performed a bow and smiled, saying: "Then I will thank the leader of the headquarters on behalf of my master."

The wind howled as he shook his head and sighed, saying: "My master had long since lost hope, realizing that he could not turn the tide..." He then let out a cold laugh and continued: "If the martial arts community in this world could unite, the Manchu invaders would not have been able to invade back then, let alone now."

After the two had finished their conversation, Feng Xiaoxiao stood up to take his leave. Chen Jinnan continued to meet with Mao Shiba and Wei Xiaobao. The old man who had brought him in then led him to a private room to rest

The wind howled mournfully as I said: "Since my return from overseas to the Central Plains, I have traveled along the way, my ears filled with the treacherous words of the villain Aobai, who acts against the will of the people with cruelty and ruthlessness. Later, I learned more about the case from the Ming history, where the Zhuang family and many loyal and innocent people perished under the butcher's knife of that scoundrel. I had long made up my mind to eliminate him without delay. Coincidentally, my brother Wei was captured and taken into the palace, and by a stroke of luck, he managed to capture Aobai together with the Qing emperor. From him, I learned that the emperor did not wish to kill Aobai, so I made an agreement with Xiaobao to work together from the inside and outside. The three of us brothers joined forces to ensure Aobai's death, to comfort the spirits of the many who died unjustly."