Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Duel on Mount Shu

Seeing that Zhang He and his two companions agreed without hesitation, Feng Fei was overjoyed. But soon enough, Zhang He and his friends found themselves equally delighted, for the task assigned to them was to assist Feiyan Manor in resisting a formidable enemy that was soon to arrive.

Should they complete the mission smoothly, the three of them would receive due rewards—rewards that would bear no mark linking them to Feiyan Manor. To be more precise, Feng Fei now required Zhang He and his companions to serve as retainers within the manor for a week, during which they would be allowed to learn some of the martial arts practiced there. Once the threat retreated, only then could they leave, and the skills they had acquired would remain with them. In essence, it was as if a pie had fallen from the sky, granting them free training in powerful techniques.

Yet Zhang He knew well that nothing came without a price. He was certain that this opportunity would demand a heavy toll, perhaps heavier than they could imagine.

The manual Zhang He received was the "Feiyan Palm," which required level 30 and 50 points in strength to use. Its effect: once mastered, a single strike would send rocks flying, and upon reaching the level of grandmaster, it could be combined with inner energy to unleash a fierce palm wind, subduing enemies.

Fatty received the "Feiyan Sword Technique," which, truthfully, wasn't of much use to him at present, though there was always the chance he might change weapons in the future. Meanwhile, Xiao Lingling obtained the "Feiyan Finger," a technique for striking acupoints—perfectly suited for a woman. Zhang He couldn't help but envy her; it was a skill he himself coveted, yet by a twist of fate, it fell into Lingling's hands.

The atmosphere in the Hall of Righteousness was no longer as tense as before. In the blink of an eye, Feng Youcai and the One-Eyed Dragon, seeing that Zhang He and his companions had become part of Feiyan Manor, adopted a far more courteous demeanor.

Only Madam Feng remained cold. "Since my husband is willing to recruit these honored guests, I will not press further. I ask only that the three of you aid our manor in repelling the enemy. But as you are not of our household, according to our rules, I..."

At that moment, Feng Youcai suddenly stepped forward, hands clasped in supplication. "Mother, I beg you to show mercy."

Only then did Zhang He notice that Qiao Gu, the clever maid, was also bound and guarded by two retainers with sabers.

Madam Feng turned her gaze to Feng Fei, who could only sigh helplessly and say nothing.

With a stern voice, Madam Feng ordered, "Throw her out of the manor!"

"I'll leave on my own," Qiao Gu broke free from the retainers, lowering her head as she retreated toward the gate.

Watching her depart alone and defenseless, Feng Youcai could only look on helplessly. Zhang He and his companions exchanged glances, unable to discern the true nature of Qiao Gu's relationship with the Feng family.

But there was little use in dwelling on it. The week ahead demanded nothing but diligent practice, waiting in stillness for the coming storm, and only upon the mission's completion could they consider their task fulfilled.

Zhang He's innate aptitude paid dividends, allowing him to progress rapidly. The manor, true to its name, was surrounded by layers of brown boulders at the base of the gorge, forming a natural training ground. Although Zhang He did not gain any levels over the next few days, he laid a solid foundation in his martial arts. Compared to his dedication, Fatty and Xiao Lingling were far lazier, often flirting, bickering, or quarreling, making scant progress in their training.

Most couples in "Dynasty" were in it for the fun, after all—a perfectly human tendency.

Restricted to the confines of Feiyan Manor during the mission, Fatty and his wife quickly grew bored of their life atop the gorge and instead became increasingly curious about the formidable foe approaching. If Feng Fei was already so formidable, who could possibly make even him wary? If even he was apprehensive, could the three of them truly hope to drive the enemy away? It seemed almost impossible.

Zhang He suspected that only the Feng family themselves could answer that question. Just then, Feng Youcai strolled up the mountain path, and Zhang He knew at once that he had just returned from the noodle stall at the mouth of the gorge.

Strictly speaking, the noodle stall served as the mouthpiece of Feiyan Manor. Any news from the outside world would reach the stall first, and with Qiao Gu managing things below, Feng Youcai would return at this hour every evening like clockwork.

"Brother Feng!" Zhang He called out to him.

Bathed in the moonlight atop Feiyan Mountain, Feng Youcai returned his greeting with a clasped fist. "Brother Wu, what is it?"

Zhang He sheathed his Qing Shuang Sword. "Brother Feng, I am most curious. Who is this formidable enemy your father spoke of? Might you enlighten me?"

"It is a long story," Feng Youcai replied, his expression tinged with meaning as he gazed at the mist clinging to the distant mountains, his eyes themselves seeming lost in a haze. "It concerns my father's past."

Zhang He recognized this as the backstory to their quest. "I am eager to hear the details, Brother Feng, if you would be so kind."

Feng Youcai lifted his head, a glint of light in his eyes. "My father was born into a martial family in Liaozhou. It is said that his ancestors were extremely strict, requiring him to study the classics from an early age and to devote himself to the martial path. He was gifted beyond compare, training through twenty years of seasons, three lessons a day, never faltering through cold or heat. At last, he mastered peerless skills, and at the age of twenty-two, his forebear finally allowed him to set out into the world alone..."

Zhang He listened in silence. Feng Fei was, as he suspected, a man with stories to tell.

Feng Youcai's face grew proud as he continued, "My father was bold and forthright, open-hearted and sincere. At twenty-two, venturing alone, he quickly made many friends. At twenty-five, he helped a renowned constable from the Six Gates solve the great tribute theft in Liaozhou. By twenty-eight, he slew over forty bandits at Black Wolf Camp. At thirty, he killed the most notorious villain in Liaozhou, Poison Bai Li. At thirty-three, he defeated the foremost blade master of Liaozhou. By thirty-five, he was elected martial leader of Liaozhou, esteemed by all his peers..."

As the tale unfolded, Zhang He found himself entranced. He could almost see before his eyes the heroic days of Feng Fei’s youth: born into a distinguished family, blessed with talent, and forging his own legend step by step, until he claimed the seat of alliance leader amid praise and glory.

But suddenly, Feng Youcai’s tone turned sorrowful. "Alas, at forty-two, my father lost his own father. He rushed home to observe mourning rites, and after three months, when he returned, the annual Liaozhou martial arts gathering had already appointed a new leader. Betrayed by a vile schemer, my father was defeated at the gathering. From that day, our family fell into decline, my parents wandering until they settled here at Feiyan Manor to live out their days."

A wave of melancholy swept over Zhang He. Every glorious ascent seemed to be shadowed by a silent, sorrowful price.

Feng Youcai continued, "My father made many enemies in his life, but all were slain save for one: the Sword Sect of Shu Mountain in Chuanzhou, which still stands tall."

Zhang He was deeply moved. The Shu Mountain Sword Sect was a preeminent school in the martial world. To earn their enmity was surely a heavy burden.

Feng Youcai offered a bitter smile. "It was not so much enmity as a grudge. Years ago, my father once defeated a master from Shu Mountain Sword Sect. That man never forgave the loss and has searched for years to avenge himself. But my father is no longer the man he once was. Few people know this, but at that martial gathering in Liaozhou, my father was crippled, losing most of his martial strength. His right hand can no longer channel inner energy—how could he possibly match a master of Shu Mountain with his left hand alone?"

Zhang He couldn’t help but smile wryly. Even crippled, Feng Fei was still so formidable—what must he have been like as the alliance leader of a province? And as for the martial leader of the entire Central Plains? No wonder, in the three years since "Dynasty" launched, no player had yet managed to claim the title of Central Plains alliance leader. The level of mastery required was simply beyond human reach.

Feng Youcai exhaled, seeming at last to relax. "There are countless masters in this world, yet none can truly be invincible. After all, even the greatest cannot defeat time itself—birth, aging, illness, and death."

Zhang He nodded in agreement. "So, did that master of Shu Mountain perish?"

Feng Youcai shook his head. "No. He lives, but is likewise greatly diminished by age. He now sends his disciples every three months to challenge Feiyan Manor. If we lose, he takes over the manor."

Zhang He said, "This manor is your family’s legacy. Of course Senior Feng would never hand it over."

Feng Youcai nodded. "Indeed. In years past, I stood in for my father. Shu Mountain’s disciples were weak at first, no match for me. But six months ago, a new disciple arrived—at first frail, but growing stronger with every bout, and deeply familiar with my techniques. Last time, victory came only with great difficulty. I fear I may not prevail in the coming match."

Zhang He reflected that the Sword Sect of Shu Mountain was renowned for its cultivation and swordsmanship. Though Feng Youcai’s acupoint-striking skills were formidable, against such foes, the advantage of weaponry would be hard to overcome. Now he understood why Feng Fei had arranged for the three of them to help defend the manor. So this was the true story behind their mission.

It was clear: victory was essential, or the quest would end in failure.

Feng Youcai bowed. "Brother Wu, in two days’ time, it will be the annual challenge between our manor and Shu Mountain. I hope you will train diligently to help us preserve our peace."

Zhang He returned the bow. "I will do my utmost."

He spoke with confidence, for in addition to the Feiyan Palm technique, he anticipated that his trade with Er Leizi would take place the following day. Even if Er Leizi could not come in person, he could have the system’s scout deliver the goods.

If all went well, Zhang He’s strength would be transformed, and he would have full confidence in challenging a second-tier disciple of Shu Mountain—even a third-tier one, he might just have a chance.

The challenger sent by the Sword Sect was unlikely to be a fourth- or fifth-tier master; most likely a second or third. After all, a second-tier master from such a renowned sect was far superior to someone from Tangmen or Xinghuomen.

Having made up his mind, Zhang He immediately sent a pigeon post to Er Leizi. The reply came quickly: "Tomorrow night at seven, the scout will arrive at the noodle stall in Feiyan Manor’s gorge. Please prepare the balance and the scout’s reward."

Tickets, please! Everyone, throw me your votes!