Chapter 6: The Great Roc Soars with the Wind

Feng Xiaoxiao let out a sigh, realizing that he was still one move short in the game. Suddenly, a thought struck him: Hai Dafu was tasked with a mission for Shunzhi, and he would definitely need to leave the palace to report to Shunzhi. If he were to kill Wei Xiaobao, wouldn't he fear being pursued by Feng Xiaoxiao? The matter he was handling was of great importance; he would not hold a deep grudge against a master over a mere Wei Xiaobao. At least until his task was completed, Wei Xiaobao would be safe. Moreover, Wei Xiaobao was quite clever; it was possible that Hai Dafu still needed him. By the time he established a connection with Kangxi, it would be uncertain who would be dealing with whom.

Mao Shiba patted his chest and said, "It was just a shock injury, but I am fine now"

As the wind howled, he sat in meditation to heal his injuries while pondering his situation. However, even as his wounds healed, he could not come up with a solution. He glanced at the Golden Snake Sword placed beside him and murmured, "It seems I will have to make more use of it in the future"

Feng Xiaoxiao raised the golden snake sword wrapped in cloth strips and said: "My master’s surname is Yuan, and his given name is Chengzhi"

The wind howled in surprise, and he never expected that Hai Dafu would actually take action against this young eunuch

The wind rustled, and Feng Xiaoxiao was momentarily taken aback. After laughing heartily for a while, he finally said: "You should visit the market more often in the future and see if you can find any heroes from the Heaven and Earth Society."

After reaching the main gate of the palace and walking for a while longer, Hai Dafu spoke up: "Is this about right?"

The wind rustled, causing a sudden flutter in my heart, yet my face remained calm with a faint smile as I said: "Please open the conditions quickly, or beware that I will take everything down with me. At worst, I will just set off on the journey with my two brothers afterward."

Hai Dafu suddenly struck out with a palm. With a loud "bang," Xiao Guizi was sent flying forward, crashing straight ahead.

Feng Xiaoxiao found a dilapidated siheyuan and, after listening for a while and hearing no voices, climbed in with Mao Shiba. The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, as if it had been abandoned for a long time. Upon reaching the front of the house, Feng Xiaoxiao pushed open the door and said, "Let us stay here for now"

The old eunuch called out: "Xiao Guizi, come and support this young brother."

Mao Shiba smiled and said, "Brother Feng, you can rest assured and recuperate."

The old eunuch reached out to lift up Mao Shiba and turned to say: "Where are you friends from, which region's cloth shop?"

A month later, when Feng Xiaoxiao's injuries had healed, he discussed with Mao Shiba how to rescue Wei Xiaobao

In a hurry, he swung a punch horizontally, producing a sound like "ka la" as Xiao Guizi's spine was immediately broken, sending him flying sideways for over ten meters, rolling several times on the ground. Fearing that Hai Dafu would take the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, he exerted all his strength in both fists and threw two consecutive punches, the wind from his fists striking forward with a "whoosh" sound, but they all missed.

A line of five people cautiously made their way to the palace

The wind rustled as he shook his head and said, "I do not know a single person from the Heaven and Earth Society."

Feng Xiaoxiao said: "Do not underestimate yourself; it is quite remarkable to encounter a master of this caliber even once in twenty years, as most people may never meet one in their entire lifetime"

The wind rustled as he waved his hand and said, "That is not easy; my master is in seclusion overseas, and it takes several months just to travel by boat"

Mao Shiba said with a hint of frustration, "I wonder how Xiao Bao is doing now?"

The old eunuch said, "Do not alarm others. If the prince inquires, just say that I am Lord Hai from the Imperial Kitchen." The several strong men replied in unison.

Little Guizi nodded and said, "Yes, Grandfather Hai." Slowly withdrew his hand

Mao Shiba nodded in agreement and asked, "Brother Feng, how is your injury?"

Mao Shiba exclaimed joyfully: "Good brother!"

The old eunuch snorted and scolded, "Fool, hide the dagger in your sleeve"

Wei Xiaobao felt somewhat moved and said, "Brother Feng, if I survive this great calamity, there must be some kind of fate awaiting me. I will definitely form a brotherhood with the two brothers, Liu, Guan, and Zhang, just like the oath of the Peach Garden."

Mao Shiba responded enthusiastically with a "good," while Feng Xiaoxiao looked at him with a smile as he left.

Then he pondered: "Whether to seek the Master Uncle or Ah Jiu, one cannot be separated from Wei Xiaobao. And to keep up with Wei Xiaobao at all times..." After thinking for a moment, he said decisively: "Heaven and Earth Society!" He continued to recall: "Wei Xiaobao's first interaction with the Heaven and Earth Society was to kill Ao Bai. But I only remember it was at the residence of Prince Kang, and I do not know the time. However, Wei Xiaobao will leave the palace when raiding Ao Bai's house. I just need to wait outside the palace for Wei Xiaobao to appear once I hear the news of Kangxi capturing Ao Bai." He said decisively: "Heaven and Earth Society!" He continued to recall: "Wei Xiaobao's first interaction with the Heaven and Earth Society was to kill Ao Bai. But I only remember it was at the residence of Prince Kang, and I do not know the time. However, Wei Xiaobao will leave the palace when raiding Ao Bai's house. I just need to wait outside the palace for Wei Xiaobao to appear once I hear the news of Kangxi capturing Ao Bai."

This time, while engaging with Hai Dafu, Feng Xiaoxiao discovered the flaws in his internal energy cultivation. The Hunyuan Gong generates internal power from the outside in; although its power is great, the quality of the internal energy is not entirely satisfactory. When fighting against masters of internal martial arts, it is easy to suffer internal injuries due to the shock.

He then took a deep breath and shouted, "If he is harmed, you will never be able to leave the palace for the rest of your life." He then helped Mao Shiba up and, like an arrow, instantly broke away from the crowd behind.

The old eunuch pondered for a moment. This young man was so resolute, and his martial arts were extraordinarily high. Even at his peak, he could only match this person to a standstill, and now he was far behind. If he truly killed the hostage in his hands, the other party would fight for their lives, and he would find it impossible to leave this place today. However, a thought crossed his mind, and he devised a plan, feigning helplessness as he said: "We will go to the palace together. Five hundred steps from the palace, I will release them."

The wind howled as he let out a bitter laugh and said, "That old eunuch is quite formidable; I won't be able to use my internal energy for at least a month."

The wind rustled softly as he smiled slightly and said, "Brother, have you forgotten? It was I who sought your friendship first. We have shared hardships together, and we are already brothers."

A burly man, somewhat apprehensive, stole a glance at Feng Xiaoxiao and said, "In response to your words, we are all from the Zheng Wangfu."

Throughout the journey, Hai Dafu remained well-behaved, neither speaking nor making any small movements

Feng Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said: "My master is the son of Yuan Chonghuan, the great general Yuan. Back in the day, he was the leader of the Huashan Sect and the martial arts alliance, commanding the Golden Snake Camp composed entirely of martial artists. Later, that bastard Li Zicheng ignored the Manchu invasion and focused solely on burning, killing, and looting in Beijing. In a fit of rage, my master led his troops to independently confront the Qing army, but despite his efforts, he was outnumbered and unable to turn the tide. In the end, disheartened, he retreated from the martial world."

Feng Xiaoxiao sighed, saying: "That old eunuch possesses profound internal strength, and among the entire martial world, he can be considered a top-notch expert. The imperial palace is indeed a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers; no wonder there are so many heroes in the martial world, yet no one has succeeded in assassinating the emperor"

Feng Xiaoxiao said with a smile: "It is normal not to have heard of it; my master has been in seclusion for over twenty years. How old were you back then?"

I will stay near the palace to see if there is an opportunity to rescue Brother Wei. We will meet here once a day, and if anything happens, you can come to the palace gate to find me

Xiao Guizi walked up to Wei Xiaobao's side and drew a dagger, pressing it against his back

The wind rustled as he nodded slightly and said, "Please move slowly so that I can see clearly."

Upon hearing this old eunuch refer to himself as "Lord Hai," Feng Xiaoxiao was certain that he was Hai Dafu. Observing his meticulous arrangements, she felt even more vigilant in her heart: "This Hai Dafu is shrewd and calculating; he might be trying to make me let my guard down. I wonder what tricks he will employ; I must be extra cautious."

Mao Shiba immediately felt a deep respect and clasped his hands, saying: "I originally only admired the leader Chen of the Heaven and Earth Society, but now I must also add the great hero Yuan to that list. I truly wish I could meet him in person"

Mao Shiba sighed and said, "I originally thought that with my skills, I could navigate the martial world, but it seems that these past twenty years have merely been a result of good fortune."

Hai Dafu slowly took a step back and said, "Xiao Guizi, you can slowly release the dagger."

After hearing this, Mao Shiba awkwardly said: "That won't be possible, I... I... I get seasick"

Mao Shiba expressed his disappointment, saying: "Then how can we find the heroes of the Heaven and Earth Society to help us?"

Mao Shiba recited it several times, his face flushed as he exclaimed: "To have a disciple like you, your master must be an extraordinary person. However, I, Mao Shiba, am rather ignorant and have not heard of this name."

Mao Shiba suddenly realized and said: "At that time, I was only about ten years old, and I had not yet ventured out into the world, so of course, I had not heard of his esteemed name."

Although Wei Xiaobao was terrified to the point of turning pale, he still mustered the courage to say: "Good brothers, loyal and righteous, if we are to die, let us die together. Eighteen years later, we shall be good men once again"

The wind rustled as he reached out to take the pulse, discovering it to be strong and vigorous, indicating that there was indeed nothing wrong. He then said: "For the next month, I will need to enter seclusion to heal my injuries, so I will have to trouble you during this time."

Mao Shiba asked with some suspicion, "May I ask who your esteemed teacher is?"

Mao Shiba ran over quickly

Mao Shiba exclaimed excitedly: "Brother, you are absolutely right. Don't worry about us, just take down this old turtle. We will drink together again on the road to the Yellow Springs."

Mao Shiba shouted loudly, saying: "The leader of the Tiandi Society, Master Chen, is a true hero and a real man. I have long wanted to meet him. Brother Feng, do you know Master Chen?"

Mao Shiba exclaimed in surprise, "Is it that serious?"

In the months that followed, Feng Xiaoxiao often stayed at the market near the palace. He enjoyed small dishes and drank a little wine every day, living a very comfortable life. One day, while he was dining in a restaurant, he suddenly heard a commotion outside, followed by a wave of cheers.

Feng Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and felt that there were no flaws in the situation. The old eunuch had not coughed at all, indicating that he was suppressing his internal energy. It would be impressive if he could exert seventy percent of his martial abilities. At a distance of five hundred steps, if he did not release the person, Feng Xiaoxiao could easily kill him before he entered the palace. After he released the person, this distance was also sufficient for him to escape with two individuals. Thus, he nodded and said, "Be careful as you walk, so as not to give me any misunderstandings." After he released the person, this distance was also sufficient for him to escape with two individuals. Thus, he nodded and said, "Be careful as you walk, so as not to give me any misunderstandings."

Hai Dafu had already carried Wei Xiaobao not far from the palace gate, while the palace guards and some officials' attendants had also rushed over

The wind rustled as if nodding, indicating that Aobai had finally been captured; this marked the starting point of Wei Xiaobao's rise to prominence. He murmured to himself: "The great roc rises with the wind in a single day, soaring straight up to ninety thousand miles." He picked up the Golden Snake Sword, stood up, and stepped into the flow of people outside the door

Feng Xiaoxiao, channeling his internal energy, fixed his gaze firmly on Hai Dafu and said, "Little brother, you are not injured, are you? After that old eunuch releases you, just run behind me, and I will ensure your safety."

The wind howled as he spoke: "Brother Mao, if we wish to enter the imperial palace to rescue someone, it is not enough for just the two of us. The Heaven and Earth Society commands great respect throughout the world, and there are countless experts within the society. With their assistance, we may have a chance of success."

Hai Dafu nodded and slowly released his hand

Xiao Guizi hurriedly withdrew his hands into his sleeves

Mao Shiba found what he said interesting, and laughed, saying: "Brother Feng, you have made a mistake with that statement; are you not also a top-tier expert? I have only seen you twice in twenty years"

Feng Xiaoxiao smiled faintly and said, "Brother Mao, how is your injury?"

The wind rustled softly as he smiled slightly and said, "Although I do not know the heroes of the Heaven and Earth Society, my master had some reputation in the martial world back in the day. As long as I can meet them, they will surely lend a helping hand."

Feng Xiaoxiao comforted, "Rest assured, I believe that old eunuch is a very cautious person. As long as we are not dead, he will not dare to harm Brother Wei. We should focus on healing our injuries first, and then look for an opportunity to rescue Xiaobao"

Mao Shiba also excitedly said, "Indeed. It must be so." Then, feeling a bit awkward, he added, "Brother Feng, your martial arts skills are exceptional; I wonder if you think highly of me?"