Chapter 10: The Human Heart
The Monkey King leaped up, baring its teeth in a fierce expression, preparing to fight. It jumped over three zhang high and swung a stick over three chi long and as thick as an arm towards Li Feng's head. Just as the stick was about to make contact with Li Feng's head, a sound of 'woof' came from behind the Monkey King as a fierce wind approached. A small cat clawed at it, forcefully pinning it to the ground. Then, the small cat, weighing around five to six hundred jin, unceremoniously sat down on the Monkey King, swaying and spinning on its back before proudly following Li Feng downwards with a 'roar' of delight. Just as the stick was about to make contact with Li Feng's head, a sound of 'woof' came from behind the Monkey King as a fierce wind approached. A small cat clawed at it, forcefully pinning it to the ground. Then, the small cat, weighing around five to six hundred jin, unceremoniously sat down on the Monkey King, swaying and spinning on its back before proudly following Li Feng downwards with a 'roar' of delight.
The little cat nodded its head and dashed into the dense forest by the roadside like a flash. Soon, the forest was filled with the little cat's frenzied roars, the chaotic sounds of countless beasts running in panic, and other assorted noises. Hearing this, Li Feng burst into hearty laughter, and the axe in his hand swung even faster.
Wei Ziqun truly deserves to be counted among the elite of the Huashan Sect. As he witnessed the thunderous fire descending upon him, he swiftly moved his body aside, instantly retreating three zhang. The thunderous fire exploded upon the corpse of the woman in green, shattering her remains into charred fragments. Seeing the unpredictable might of heaven, how could Wei Ziqun dare to linger? In a frenzy, he fled towards Huashan. Faintly, one could hear him whispering a prayer: "O divine spirits, it is not that Wei is heartless, but rather that I am left with no choice... Sister, do not blame me; in the future, I will hold a water and land ceremony for you, to help you transcend and be reborn."
A very large black bear was caught, and the little cat was joyfully welcoming Li Feng ahead. However, Li Feng seemed a bit downcast as he greeted the little cat and turned back the way he came. Today's events were indeed too heavy for Li Feng, leaving him somewhat unclear and unable to articulate his thoughts. The only silver lining was that a corner of the dark veil had been formally lifted in front of Li Feng, equipping him with the capability and mental preparation to face future challenges
With a crisp sound of "pa," a surge of azure palm wind swept out violently, striking fiercely at the back of the green-clad woman's heart. Her entire body was propelled forward over three zhang, and she spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with shattered internal organs. The fierce wind in the treetops trembled in fear, whispering in a barely audible voice: "Damn it, what a ruthless fellow, what a hypocritical fellow, what a venomous fellow... what formidable palm strength."
While running, Li Feng swung the heavy axe in his hand, chopping at the surroundings. The trees along the way shattered, turning into firewood about three feet long and as thick as an arm. With a deft motion, he tossed the light firewood into the iron bucket he was carrying, which had a diameter of three feet. After chopping his way through, he filled two buckets with firewood. When he reached the stream at the foot of the main peak of Mount Hua, he could tie the firewood to his back and fill the bucket with water before heading directly back to Qingyun Ping. This was a peculiar skill he had developed over three years. Just watching the heavy axe fly up and down, one could see that he had mastered the technique to such an extent that not even a single leaf touched his body as he chopped his way through.
At this moment, Li Feng dashed out with his hair disheveled. Overwhelmed with excitement, he ran down the mountain path from Qingyunping, a distance of more than 30 li, in less than half a quarter of an hour, only slightly out of breath. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Li Feng shouted excitedly: "Little Cat, let's go, hurry up, hahaha, once I finish fetching water today, I will be completely relaxed. When I get back, I will catch a bear to treat you to... just think about it, each bite will be filled with the rich fat of the bear's paw."
His skin, continuously catalyzed by the elixir, became delicate and fair, resembling a piece of exquisite mutton-fat jade. His originally handsome face could now only be described as strikingly handsome, yet the inherent slickness in his demeanor rendered his entire visage rather sinister, making him appear far from the archetype of a good person.
Wei Ziqun stared blankly at the corpse of the woman in green, saying in confusion: "You forced me to do this. If you hadn't acted this way, I wouldn't have acted like this either. You must tell the master that you are intent on ruining my future and destroying my lifelong efforts. Junior sister, don't you want a husband with a renowned reputation? Do you really have to sabotage our future? This cannot be blamed on me"
Li Feng secretly concealed the iron barrel in the grass by the roadside forest, while he soared into the air like a great bird, tracing an arc as he ascended silently to a height of seven or eight zhang. At the peak, the innate true energy within him surged once more, causing his body to twist strangely before he floated up another three zhang, finally resting atop the highest ancient pine beside the small pond.
Li Feng stared blankly at Wei Ziqun, a chill slowly spreading through his heart. He had seen dead bodies before, during street brawls when thugs were killed by Big Tiger and his gang. However, he had never witnessed anything like this; just moments ago they were lovers, and now one could be so ruthless. A sense of inexplicable confusion and an unfounded coldness enveloped Li Feng, leaving him unable to discern everything before him
But it was already too late. With a few indistinct incantations, a flurry of yellow paper talismans fell from the sky like snowflakes, with strands of fine blue electricity entwined around them. Immediately, these electric sparks mercilessly struck the monkeys. These mountain monkeys could not withstand the onslaught of the electric current; one by one, they screeched and trembled as they fell from the trees, emitting angry roars, while their bodies could only convulse on the narrow stone path below the cliff. These mountain monkeys could not withstand the onslaught of the electric current; one by one, they screeched and trembled as they fell from the trees, emitting angry roars, while their bodies could only convulse on the narrow stone path below the cliff
The kitten's eyes were filled with a gluttonous gleam, and drool flowed in large streams from the corners of its mouth as it shook its head and wiggled its rear, dashing forward in pursuit of the fierce wind. Having stealthily indulged in three years of delectable treats alongside the fierce wind, the tiger's appetite was also aroused; just the thought of the rich, savory roasted meat made it unable to contain its excitement
His face suddenly lost the dignified aura of a great hero, transforming instead into a terrifying and fierce expression. As the woman in green had already leaped several dozen feet away, Wei Ziqun soared into the air like a great eagle, his toes barely touching the ground as he covered a distance of seven or eight feet. Then, at an altitude of about five feet, he extended his right palm forward, first slightly retracting the center of his palm inward, before suddenly thrusting it outwards.
If it were according to his previous temper, Li Feng would have thrown a paper talisman out and given these monkeys a good lesson. However, today is different; today marks the third year since he ascended the mountain, and it is also the last day of these tedious tasks of fetching water and chopping firewood. After this final day, he can, like Xiao Longzi and the others, engage in daily cultivation at Qingyun Ping, no longer needing to perform those menial tasks. This is what Li Feng, who is wholeheartedly pursuing higher magical powers, longs for the most.
The woman in the green dress screamed, "Alright, alright, alright, how much longer until you can become the leader?"
Of course, now Li Feng's only realization is: "Damn it, this Wei Ziqun is not worth anything. Once Master’s wife says 'Marry me,' I will definitely cherish her, I wouldn't even dare to hit her, let alone kill her. Sigh, Master, oh Master, you have actually reached the initial stage of transformation so quickly. Your progress is a bit too fast, isn't it? You must wait for me, as I am looking forward to being your husband and having a lovely child with you."
Wei Ziqun awkwardly rubbed his palms together and stammered, "Although the master is unwell, his internal strength is formidable, and he can at least hold on for another three to five years. When he can no longer bear it, he will naturally establish the position of the sect leader. I estimate that in about two years, I will definitely become the sect leader... Junior sister, let me tell you, I have already comprehended the first four of the Seven Absolute Techniques of Mount Hua through study and reflection. This swordsmanship is indeed profound and unparalleled, with immense power. When he can no longer bear it, he will naturally establish the position of the sect leader. I estimate that in about two years, I will definitely become the sect leader... Junior sister, let me tell you, I have already comprehended the first four of the Seven Absolute Techniques of Mount Hua through study and reflection. This swordsmanship is indeed profound and unparalleled, with immense power. Hmph, once I master all seven techniques, let's see if Third Senior Brother still has the face to compete with me for the position of sect leader." In that moment, Wei Ziqun's face was radiant, filled with an air of arrogance and self-satisfaction.
The man shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Junior sister, it is not that I, Wei Ziqun, lack compassion, but rather that I am currently in a critical phase of competing with the third senior brother for the position of sect leader. Our master has not taken a definitive stance, and if I were to become burdened with family matters now, while the third senior brother is solely focused on advancing in martial arts, it would naturally create a disparity in the eyes of our fellow disciples. I am currently diligently studying the sect's unique skills, striving to surpass the third senior brother and successfully take over the leadership of the sect"
Before the woman in green could speak, Wei Ziqun spoke for himself: "I have been learning swordsmanship on Mount Hua since childhood, achieving great success after ten years. I defeated the 'Cangfeng Fortress' with its two Heavenly Gangs and six Earth Fiends, contributing immensely to the illustrious reputation of the Mount Hua Sword Sect. However, my third senior brother is favored by the sect leader simply because he is the leader's nephew. If I do not strive hard, whether the position of sect leader is mine remains a question. Junior sister, can you not understand your senior brother's concerns? ... Do you wish to marry an ordinary Mount Hua swordsman or the sect leader of Mount Hua?"
Wow, wow, wow, it's the last day, the happy life is about to begin, the final day of fetching water and chopping firewood. A long howl shook the clouds, and the male monkey immediately began to screech sharply, gesturing and directing his troop of monkeys, indicating that they should quickly run far away
Wei Ziqun's rosy face turned pitch black, and he shouted fiercely: "No matter what, you must get rid of him. This wretched spawn must not come into the world... Junior sister, do you know? I am about to become the leader of the Huashan Sect. I will be the leader... Do you know how great the reputation of the Huashan Sect is? Do you know how much power the Huashan Sect holds throughout Shaanxi? Do you know how formidable the disciples of the Huashan Sect are in the martial world? Do you know how great the reputation of the Huashan Sect is? Do you know how much power the Huashan Sect holds throughout Shaanxi? Do you know how formidable the disciples of the Huashan Sect are in the martial world? As long as I become the leader, all of this will be mine, and it will also be yours. But you cannot allow this child to be born."
A pair of mischievous big eyes always restlessly darted around, which retained his characteristic nature, as if he were constantly observing the location of others' wallets on the streets of Suzhou. Three years ago, his hair had been completely burned off by the lightning of Gu Lingzi and Zhao Yue'er, but now it had grown back, cascading down to his waist. Unfortunately, this young man had no idea how to groom his hair, so it hung loosely behind his head, fluttering in the wind like a madman. Only when Zhao Yue'er could no longer bear to see it would she tie it up into a bun for him, making him look somewhat like a practitioner of the Dao.
As the sun rises, it casts a golden-red hue across the vast sea of clouds. A large group of white-headed monkeys chatter and perch on the small pine trees on the cliff, pointing at the sun; meanwhile, some restless monkeys leap and frolic among the branches, playing with one another. Only the tallest and most robust male monkey cautiously sits atop a protruding rock, its pair of red eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
Li Feng shouted, "Little cat, go catch a black bear by yourself and wait for me at the 'Gathering Yuan Formation' behind Qingyun Ping. I will go fetch water, and when we return to the mountain, I will roast meat for you."
Along the way, a wisp of morning mist drifted beside Li Feng. It was already midsummer, yet deep within Mount Hua, the cool breeze persisted, with mist and dew present day and night. Dressed in a coarse blue robe, Li Feng resembled a ghost, his toes barely touching the ground as he floated forward with the wind. Having entered the mid-stage of Qi induction, he moved without a trace of worldly presence, completely unconcerned with even the slightest breeze, as if he were an intangible specter.
The fierce wind shook its head, sighing as it floated down from the tree. Looking at the shattered body of the woman, the fierce wind showed no intention of tidying up. It rummaged through the grass to find its iron bucket, tied up the firewood, filled two buckets with water, and then shouldered the firewood, leaping with the iron bucket, soaring towards Qingyun Ping.
Young Master Li Feng, I swear that I will work hard to cultivate my path, so that Master will marry me as soon as possible... Wahahaha
The fierce wind swept through, clearing the sky of clouds, and the sun in the sky majestically cast down its light and warmth. Under the sunlight, the strong wind seemed like a tiny insect scurrying between the mountains, striving to run there, pursuing the path of the immortal in its dreams
The woman in green shouted loudly: "Wei Ziqun, you heartless one, are you going to kill your own child? No, I must give birth to this child, no matter what, this child must be born, this is my flesh and blood, you cannot harm him... Your reputation in the martial world is already sufficient, your influence in the Huashan Sect is already great enough, why do you still want to be the leader?"
Li Feng Huangan: "That so-called 'Little Celestial Star' palm will probably be recognized by the Huashan Sect. He is trying to destroy the evidence. Hmph, it's just like when we take a job, we need to quickly dispose of the wallet. This trick, we must learn it."
The Monkey King felt dizzy from being sat upon, and in a fit of anger, he jumped up, emitting a series of "squeak" sounds from his mouth. The monkeys that had been shocked by the electric talismans also climbed up in indignation, grabbing everything they could find to throw down below. In an instant, branches, stones, and moldy, foul-smelling dried fruits rained down like bullets. Li Feng and the kitten, heads down, fled in panic amidst the excited howls of the monkey horde. As they ran, Li Feng suddenly let out an angry curse: "Damn it, did that dead monkey just urinate on us? Just wait until I turn back; I will definitely throw it back at him." Li Feng and the kitten, heads down, fled in panic amidst the excited howls of the monkey horde. As they ran, Li Feng suddenly let out an angry curse: "Damn it, did that dead monkey just urinate on us? Just wait until I turn back; I will definitely throw it back at him."
The woman in the green dress let out a scream, desperately striking Wei Ziqun's hand: "No, this is my child, I cannot abort him. I can feel him inside me, he, he is alive, I cannot abort him, I cannot abort him... Senior brother, this is your child, how can you be so heartless? You, you, you cannot do this."
Wei Ziqun said with a gentle smile: "Junior sister, rest assured, as long as I become the leader of Mount Hua, I will definitely marry you. I, Wei Ziqun, a man of honor, would I ever let you down?"
By the edge of the pond, a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe, with a slender sword at his waist, was silently gazing at the water. From the direction of the fierce wind, one could see most of the man's face. He had a dignified red complexion, a slight stubble, and bright, piercing eyes, exuding an air of righteousness. In that moment, Li Feng immediately felt a sense of admiration for this man, pondering to himself: "It seems this old fellow is the kind of hero from the martial world, huh? Hehe, perhaps he is the very person that A Zhu and I once dreamed of seeking to be our master... Sigh, A Zhu, A Zhu, what could he be doing?"
Wei Ziqun's expression was extremely grim, while the woman leaped up like the wind and quickly ran towards the main peak of Mount Hua. She murmured to herself: "I want to go and speak to my master, I want my master to preside over our union, I want to marry you, I want to bear our offspring... Brother, if you truly love me, then marry me, so that our child can be born safely"
The woman in the green dress trembled for a moment, finally collapsing weakly to the ground, her face tilted towards Li Feng. Li Feng glanced over and saw her relatively delicate features, and couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly: "Damn it, what an ugly thing, not even close to my master's wife, the difference is too great, far too great... Hmm, it's like the gap between the ugliest girl at Chunyi Tower and the daughter of the governor of Suzhou, yes, about that level... hehehe, my master's wife is still prettier." A strange smile appeared on Li Feng's face, as if he had drifted off to some other thought.
The most significant changes he underwent were in his physique and appearance. Previously, he had a body resembling that of a thin monkey, but now he stands a full six feet tall, slightly taller than Zhao Yue'er. Due to his daily consumption of various spiritual herbs, he only occasionally indulges in a bit of wild food, resulting in no excess fat in his body. His muscles are tightly packed, as solid as steel, and when he removes his clothing, one can see the sharply defined muscles.
Li Feng muttered softly, "The Seven Absolutes of Mount Hua? How impressive can it be? If you say I attract heavenly thunder, what do your few moves of rusty swordplay amount to?" Li Feng's eyes darted around, and he secretly took out a golden talisman, beginning to channel his energy into it. This 'Five Thunder Talisman' was drawn by Zhao Yue'er and given to Li Feng for protection, possessing immense power. At this moment, Li Feng's magical power was low; even exhausting all his strength, he could barely activate it to summon a single bolt of heavenly thunder. This 'Five Thunder Talisman' was drawn by Zhao Yue'er and given to Li Feng for protection, possessing immense power. At this moment, Li Feng's magical power was low; even exhausting all his strength, he could barely activate it to summon a single bolt of heavenly thunder.
Li Feng immediately thought: "Wow, is it an affair? Back in Suzhou, Hu Damazi had an affair with Zhu Tufu's wife. We tipped off Zhu Tufu, and it turned into quite a spectacle. If this is also a similar scandal, I could catch them in the act right here, and who knows, I might even squeeze out some gold and silver from it." In an instant, his rogue nature was revealed, and the skills he had cultivated from reading hundreds of books over the past three years seemed to have gone to waste.
The woman let out her final scream: "Little Star, Master, you..." A mouthful of black blood spurted out, and her head fell heavily to the ground, lifeless.
Wei Ziqun bit his lip tightly, took a few steps forward, and firmly grasped the shoulder of the woman in green. He shouted angrily: "Tomorrow I will buy two taels of saffron, and you will make a soup for me to drink, do you hear me? You must get rid of the child; he cannot be born now, absolutely must not be born. Otherwise, my future, my reputation, will all be ruined. I, Wei Ziqun, have worked hard for twenty years in the Huashan Sect, and everything I have built must not be destroyed by this little bastard." You must get rid of the child; he cannot be born now, absolutely must not be born. Otherwise, my future, my reputation, will all be ruined. I, Wei Ziqun, have worked hard for twenty years in the Huashan Sect, and everything I have built must not be destroyed by this little bastard.
Wei Ziqun felt as if struck by a bolt of lightning, and he was instantly dumbfounded: "Master, Master, Junior Sister, you, you are pregnant? If that is the case, then it has already been five months? What, what, what are we to do? Even if we were to marry immediately, you would give birth in less than five months, and this, this is indeed a great embarrassment. When the Third Senior Brother boasts about it in front of the Master, what future do I have? My reputation as the 'Dragon-Slaying Swordsman' Wei Ziqun would be completely ruined, wouldn't it?" Even if we were to marry immediately, you would give birth in less than five months, and this, this is indeed a great embarrassment. When the Third Senior Brother boasts about it in front of the Master, what future do I have? My reputation as the 'Dragon-Slaying Swordsman' Wei Ziqun would be completely ruined, wouldn't it?
After all, in the heart of youth, Li Feng quickly forgot the events he had just witnessed, redirecting all his thoughts to Zhao Yue'er. However, he did not realize that the tragic scene he had just seen had already left a deep imprint in the depths of his heart, much like a dark stain on a piece of white paper. One day, this incident would affect him; one day, he would discover that what happened today would have a significant impact on the path he would take in the future. Yet, he remained unaware that the tragic scene had already left a profound mark in his heart, akin to a dark stain on a blank sheet of paper. One day, this incident would affect him; one day, he would realize that today's events would greatly influence his future path.
In three years, Li Feng has already been able to use the simplest Taoist talismans. Particularly due to the efficacy of the 'Zhu Long Grass' within him, as well as the various elixirs that his biased master, Zhao Yue'er, occasionally provides him in secret, Li Feng's cultivation speed is astonishingly rapid. He has now entered the intermediate stage of Qi Induction, with a strand of innate true energy within him circulating continuously like a string of luminous pearls, having already reached the innate realm that martial artists in the human world yearn for.
The cool wind caused her to be slightly lost in thought, while the woman standing more than six feet away, dressed in a long green skirt, softly said: "Senior brother, regarding our matters, you..."
The little cat, acting as the overseer, dashed around wildly, leaping left and right, frightening the beasts along the roadside into a frenzy of flight. Even the fierce tigers, leopards, and wolves depicted in mountain illustrations could only flee with their tails tucked between their legs upon encountering the little cat. They were merely ordinary ferocious beasts, while the little cat was a tiger spirit; the disparity in their abilities was too great for anyone to dare stand their ground. Even the black bear, one of the strongest in the mountains, could be easily swatted to death by the little cat with just one paw. They were merely ordinary ferocious beasts, while the little cat was a tiger spirit; the disparity in their abilities was too great for anyone to dare stand their ground. Even the black bear, one of the strongest in the mountains, could be easily swatted to death by the little cat with just one paw
The woman in green finally began to cry: "Senior Brother, I, I can't wait any longer... Five months ago, we met in secret, and I, I, I am already pregnant. Even if it's not two years, I fear I won't be able to wait even six months. Woe is me, if I give birth to the child on the mountain, how am I supposed to live? My Master values his reputation above all, and he will surely expel me from the Huashan Sect. Senior Brother, you, you, you must tell me what to do." Woe is me, if I give birth to the child on the mountain, how am I supposed to live? My Master values his reputation above all, and he will surely expel me from the Huashan Sect. Senior Brother, you, you, you must tell me what to do."
Wei Ziqun exclaimed in shock: "Junior Sister, come back to me, come back, let's discuss this properly, come back to me... You, you, I forbid you to go find the Master, come back... Do you hear me? ... Damn it, you foul woman, what do you intend to do?"
While scheming mischievously, the true energy within Li Feng continuously spread onto the talisman. Before long, the inscriptions on the 'Five Thunder Talisman' began to emit a faint glow one by one
Like the wind, he ran to the stream where he usually fetched water. However, the keen wind heard voices nearby, and it was faintly discernible that a woman's voice was present there.
Li Feng carried a massive iron bucket, with a heavy axe weighing over a hundred pounds inserted behind him, and charged down like the wind. With a light tap of his toes, he covered a distance of five or six zhang, smoothly gliding past the Monkey King, who was swinging a branch to smash his head. He chuckled mischievously as he dodged: "Oh, monkey, don't be angry; this is the last time I will disturb you. Hahaha, starting tomorrow, I won't be fetching water anymore, so I won't trouble you again, hahaha"
"Your son is a bastard? Then you deserve to be a turtle." There is no doubt that this is Li Feng's profound insight
Watching Wei Ziqun busy below for half a day, painstakingly disguising the corpse to appear as if it had been surrounded and killed by others, Li Feng's fingers trembled slightly. The 'Five Thunder Talisman,' already infused with true energy, erupted with a thunderous sound. With a loud bang, a massive bolt of lightning struck from the clear sky, descending in a firestorm with a radius of at least ten feet, aimed directly at Wei Ziqun's head.
Wei Ziqun stood dazed for a while, then gritted his teeth and said in a low voice: "Junior Sister, you cannot blame me. A man should accomplish great things. Romantic feelings are not lasting... Hmph, as long as I can become the leader of the Huashang Sect and provide the court with a group of skilled experts, then wealth and honor will be within reach. A woman is just a woman, nothing more..." He suddenly picked up a large stone by the stream and smashed it fiercely onto the back of the woman in green.
Li Feng watched with great interest from the treetops, his mouth agape as he thought to himself: "Wow, it's someone from the Huashan Sword Sect. According to reason, this is still the territory of the Huashan Sect. Damn, this guy was able to defeat the Tian Gang Star of 'Cangfeng Fortress'? Doesn't that mean even the old masters are no match for him? Damn, daring to confront the people of 'Cangfeng Fortress', this kid is indeed a true hero." Li Feng's impression of Wei Ziqun improved by threefold.
As Li Feng was arranging his true energy on the talisman, he was so delighted that he almost cheered out loud. This street-born little ruffian, who had always thrived on rumors and gossip, could not help but feel elated upon hearing such an exciting conversation. Li Feng's eyes sparkled as he looked at Wei Ziqun, secretly muttering to himself: "Brother Wei, rest assured, when I, Li Feng, have the chance to roam the martial world, I will definitely spread the word about you. Ha, you sneaked a woman from the Huashan Sect and got your junior sister pregnant, hahahaha... But really, you are being a bit too indiscriminate in your choices, aren't you? This woman is just barely decent-looking; she hardly qualifies as beautiful."