e!”

A’Zi said in a trembling voice, “I won’t make a move.”

Zhaixingzi said, “Why? I think it’s better if you make a move.”

A’Zi said, “I won’t fight with you. I know clearly that I can’t defeat you, so why should I waste my energy? If you want to kill me, then don’t hesitate.”

Zhaixingzi sighed and said, “I don’t actually want to kill you. It would be a pity to kill such a cute and pretty little girl like you. But I have no choice but to carry it out. Little Martial Sister, just make your move. If you kill me, you can become the Great Senior Martial Sister. In the Xingxiu Sect, apart from Master, everyone must obey your orders.”

A’Zi said, “A little girl like me will never, ever be able to surpass you. You don’t need to be jealous of me.”

Zhaixingzi sighed and said, “If you didn’t commit such a huge crime, naturally I would never make things difficult for you. Now…mm…however much I would like to help you, I can’t. Little Martial Sister, receive my move!” Saying this, he waved his sleeve, and a gust of strong wind rushed toward the flames. A green fire spark shot out at A’Zi, as if he didn’t want to kill her immediately, but instead wanted to use the flames to do it extremely slowly.

A’Zi cried out in fear and jumped two steps to the right. The flames followed her. A’Zi retreated another step, her back already leaning against the large rock that Xiao Feng was hiding behind. Zhaixingzi circulated his internal energy and the flames pressed upon her. A’Zi had nowhere left to retreat and was just about to jump sideways. Zhaixingzi waved his sleeve and two gusts of strong wind attacked the left and right sides separately. This caused her to be unable to dodge while the green flames closed in on her.

Xiao Feng saw that the green fire was only two feet away from her face. It came closer by an inch, then another inch. He said in a low voice, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll help you.” Saying this, he reached out from behind the large rock and pressed his hands against her back. He said, “Circulate your energy and strike at the flames.”

A’Zi had been so scared that her soul might as well have scattered. Upon suddenly hearing Xiao Feng’s voice, she was really overjoyed, and sent out her palm without even thinking. By that time, Xiao Feng’s internal energy had already poured into her body, so the strength of her palm was vigorous. The green flames suddenly withdrew two feet.

Zhaixingzi was shocked. A’Zi had been meat at the altar ready to be sacrificed, so he wanted to show off his martial arts and make the green fire hover around her face. He wanted her to loudly cry out in fear and take her life only after displaying enough of his might in front of the sect members. Who would’ve thought that at such a young age, she had such formidable internal energy? It was really beyond his expectations. After Master imparted the Xingxiu Sect’s martial arts, everyone practiced alone. What level they reached couldn’t be known unless they fought enemies together or destroyed each other. Thus, when A’Zi sent out her palm and forced back the green fire, everyone said “oh” in astonishment, but no one suspected that someone was secretly helping her. They only thought that A’Zi was naturally intelligent and had secretly practiced her martial arts to a profound level.

Zhaixingzi circulated his energy and shot the green fire back at A’Zi’s face again. This time, the energy he used was extremely ferocious, and the green fire’s speed was extremely fast. A’Zi squeaked, not knowing how the energy that had supported her had already disappeared. She dodged and the green fire shot at the rock, making “chi chi” sounds.

Xiao Feng said in a low voice, “Send out your left palm to partition the flames!”

A’Zi thought, “This technique is quite marvelous!” She raised her left hand, and with the force of her palm pushed toward the middle of the flames. The green fire immediately broke into two sections. The front half of the flames, lacking energy close behind it, burned on the rock for a while and gradually weakened.

Zhaixingzi thought, “If these flames are extinguished, then I would be showing a loss in front of all these sect members. How can I prevent this?”

At once he circulated his palm energy and shot the green fire at the rock again, intending to revive the green fire that had lost its roots.

A’Zi felt the abundant internal energy from his palms pouring into her back. If she didn’t expel it, her own body could even explode. She waved her right hand hurriedly and struck directly. Xiao Feng’s internal energy was incomparably profound, so even though the power in A’Zi’s body decreased, if she was good at making use of it and could catch Zhaixingzi off-guard, she could very likely secure victory in one strike. But she was extremely alarmed and the palm she sent out was too rushed. With a “hu” sound, the thin thread of green fire was extinguished, but although she had won, she hadn’t been able to harm Zhaixingzi at all.

(Part 2, translated by d4rksinz)

ZhaiXingZi was startled, he slanted his left palm and slap, a stream of green flame rise up from the bonfire and shoot towards AhZi. However the flame is much thicker this time, its power relentless, it shine jade green light on AhZi’s head and face. AhZi send out her palm force to resist the green flame and prevent it from coming closer. At once the green flame stop in midair and remain motionless, the flame advance 1-2 inch but retreat 1-2 inch. Amid the darkness, the flame is like a green snake reclining in the air, it sway lightly, its color bright and weird, the ray of light flickered indefinitely.

ZhaiXingZi shouted out in a stern voice, his palm force is even more vigorous, two ‘chi chi’ sound emit from the green flame, two stream of fire burst out from the flame and attack the left and right of AhZi. The green flame is made of saltpeter sulfur, muscovite and various substance, the mixture is then ignited, it’s nothing unusual, under the influence of internal energy it can be turn into flame and used to injure others, its power extremely fierce. Xiao Feng made a tiny movement with his left palm, a burst of palm force push out lightly, two ends of AhZi’s belt rise up, one float and one brush, the two stream of fire was reflected and shoot incomparably fast towards ZhaiXingZi.

ZhaiXingZi was so frighten that he became stupefied, while staring blankly the two flame already reach the front of his body, he hastily leap up, a stream of flame flew under his feet. Two younger martial brother cheered: “Excellent skill, senior martial brother is amazing!” They have yet to finish their applause as the 2nd flame shoot towards his abdomen. ZhaiXingZi is in midair, how can he rise up further? There is a ‘chi’ sound, the flame burnt his belly. With an “Ah” sound ZhaiXingZi cry out loudly and fell down, the stream of green flame also return back into the bonfire.

The crowd of disciples gaze at AhZi, their faces showed reverence, they had the same thoughts: “It seems junior martial sister’s power is not weak, senior martial brother might not be able to score a victory, it’s best if i don’t cheer so loudly.” After their Master impart the martial arts of XingXiu Sect, everyone will train by themselves, nobody knows each other’s attainment until they fight against the enemy or against each other. Unexpectedly AhZi was able to reverse the flame and use it to injure senior martial brother, although everyone was in awe but nobody suspected someone was hiding nearby and providing assistance, they assume AhZi was gifted with innate talent and secretly trained her skills to extremely profound level.

ZhaiXingZi’s expression is gloomy, he bite the tip of his tongue forcefully and spray a mouthful of blood at the bonfire. The bonfire suddenly became dark, immediately after it became very bright, the light is so bright that everyone can hardly open their eyes. The crowd of disciples cannot help but cheer loudly: “Senior martial brother’s internal energy is truly powerful, it broaden our horizons.” ZhaiXingZi spins his body violently, his like a spinning top and revolve around 10 times, he brush out his sleeves, the entire bonfire rise up off the ground, a mountain of firewall press down towards AhZi.

Xiao Feng knew that ZhaiXingZi employed an extremely powerful heterodox skill as he condense his entire lifetime of internal energy into this attack. The green flame arrive rapidly, it’s about to land on AhZi’s body, Xiao Feng had no alternative but to send out both of his palm, he smack two burst of strong wind towards AhZi’s sleeves. Under the reflection of the green flame, the purple colored sleeves of AhZi floated up and move outward, the force delivered by Xiao Feng pushed towards the green flame wall.

The green firewall is at a standstill in the air, little by little it move towards ZhaiXingZi. ZhaiXingZi is greatly alarmed, he bite down the tip of his tongue again and spray another mouthful of blood at the flame, the flame flourished and reverse back, however it advance only 2 chi before being reverse back again by Xiao Feng’s internal energy. ZhaiXingZi’s face did not have the slightest bit of color, he spit mouthful after mouthful of blood at the flame repeatedly. For every mouthful of blood he spray, his internal energy will decrease by a small portion, however before the vigorous internal energy of Xiao Feng how can the green flame advance another half chi?

Xiao Feng detected the opposing internal energy is getting weaker and weaker, it’s akin to an oil lamp on the verge of drying up, he gathered his energy and said to AhZi: “Ask him to admit defeat, there is no need to fight anymore.”

AhZi shouted out: “Senior martial brother, quickly kneel down and beg for forgiveness, i may spare your life. Admit defeat!”

ZhaiXingZi is abnormally frighten, he knew his life will end in an instant, after listening to AhZi’s words he quickly nod his head. AhZi said: “Why don’t you open your mouth to speak? You refuse to admit defeat?” ZhaiXingZi nod his head again and again, but he did not open his mouth to speak, his focusing all his strength to resist the opposing palm force, if he open his mouth his energy will halt and the green flame will sweep towards him and burn him to death immediately.

The crowd of disciples started mocking and abusing him: ” ZhaiXingZi, you lost in a fight, why don’t you kneel down and kowtow!”

“Little martial sister is magnanimous and spared your life, you still afraid of losing face? Open your mouth and speak!”

“Little martial sister tidied up Sect matters today, such glorious achievement, its truly the great restoration of our XingXiu Sect.”

“You conspired against our revered Master and aligned yourself with Shaolin, fortunately little martial sister exposed your deceit. Such disgraceful bastard, utterly shameless!”

“ZhaiXingZi, you stole the [Divine Wooden King Tripod], yet you made false counter-charge and accuse little martial sister, you must be tired of living.”

This bunch of disciples act pragmatically and take advantage of the situation, they flatter the strong and take advantage of the weak, once they see ZhaiXingZi occupy a disadvantaged position they immediately became hostile, just a few moments ago, these people praised their senior martial brother as a great hero unrivalled through all ages, but now they curse and berate him, his worse off than pigs and dogs.

Xiao Feng thought to himself: “The disciples of Old Freak Of XingXiu have such low moral quality, AhZi associate with them since childhood, naturally her conduct will be improper as well.” Seeing ZhaiXingZi extremely sorrowful state, at once he refrain from meting out harsh punishment, he withdraw his internal energy and AhZi’s sleeves hang down.

ZhaiXingZi’s expression is meek, his body sway about, suddenly both his knees soften and he sat down on the ground. AhZi said: “Senior martial brother, how are you? Convince of my ability?” ZhaiXingZi said softly: “I admit defeat. You….don’t….don’t call me senior martial brother, you are our senior martial sister!”

The crowd of disciples cheered: “Wonderful, wonderful! Senior martial sister’s martial art is unrivalled, XingXiu Sect have such a head-disciple, our XingXiu Sect will be even more renown under the heaven.”

AhZi beamed and said to ZhaiXingZi: “The rules of our Sect, the head-disciple has changed, how should the previous head-disciple be taken care of?” Cold sweat rain down ZhaiXingZi’s forehead, his voice trembled: “Senior…senior martial sister, i beg you….beg you….” AhZi smile delicately and said: “I really want to spare you, but it’s a pity, i cannot break the rules of our Sect. Please make a move!”

ZhaiXingZi knew his fate had been decided, he plead no longer, he gathered his energy to both his palms and push out towards the bonfire, but he exhausted his internal energy, the fire trembled faintly and remain motionless.

AhZi smiled and said: “Amusing, amusing, really amusing! Senior martial brother, where did your internal energy go?” She move forward two steps and send out both her palms, a stream of green flame spit out and shoot towards ZhaiXingZi. AhZi’s internal energy is mediocre, this stream of green flame is slow and unhurried, it’s also extremely loose and weak, but at this moment ZhaiXingZi did not have the slightest bit of power to resist, he did not even have energy to stand up and run away. The green flame landed on his body, in a split second his hair and clothes caught fire, amid his wretched cries his entire body is engulf by the raging flames.

The crowd of disciples praised loudly, they praised senior martial sister’s superb power and skill, she got rid of a scum that has plagued XingXiu Sect for many years, she followed revered Master’s decree and rendered great service.

Although Xiao Feng have seen quite a few savage acts in the martial arts fraternity, but AhZi is a young, pretty, innocent and adorable maiden, unexpectedly she is capable of such sinister action. He felt an indescribable sense of loathing and disgust, he sigh softly and walk away.

AhZi shouted out: “Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, don’t go, wait for me.” The disciples of XingXiu Sect saw someone suddenly appear from behind the rock, the 2nd and 3rd disciple recognize the person as Xiao Feng, they turn pale in shock.

AhZi shouted again: ” Brother-in-law, wait for me.” She rush towards Xiao Feng’s side. At this moment, ZhaiXingZi’s blood-curdling screech is getting louder and louder, his voice sharp and intense, adding the echoes from the ravine it’s even more unpleasant. Xiaog Feng frown and said: “Follow me for what? You became the head-disciple of XingXiu Sect and became the senior martial sister of these group of people, aren’t you contented?” AhZi smiled and said: “It won’t do.” She lowered her voice and continued: “This senior martial sister position is faked, why would i cherish it? Brother-in-law, let me follow you to YanMen Pass.” Xiao Feng listen to ZhaiXingZi’s wretched wail, his unwilling to remain in this place any longer, he quicken his steps and head northwards.

AhZi turn her head around and shouted out: “Second martial brother, i have some matters to attend to in the north. All of you stay nearby here and wait for me to return, nobody is allowed to leave without permission, do you understand?” The group of disciples rush forward a few steps, they bow respectfully and said: “We solemnly adhere to the decree of senior martial sister, disciples don’t dare to disobey.” Immediately after they praise in succession:

“We wish senior martial sister to have a pleasant journey.”

“Senior martial sister will achieve victory in a single move.”

“Senior martial sister possess divine martial arts, is there anything she can’t achieve in this world? Our best wishes is simply unnecessary.”

AhZi dismiss them with a few wave of her hand, she cannot help but reveal a smiling expression on her face.

*****************

Xiao Feng gaze into the distance, the great stretch of land, mountain and river, a vast expanse of whiteness, in a distant place a mountain peak had yet to be covered by white snow, he felt a sense of desolation, he pondered: “This place, once i leave, i will never come back again.” He took large strides, with a screeching noise, his movement on the snow is extremely fast. He saw AhZi doing her utmost to keep up, she wanted to travel side-by-side with him, under the reflection of the white snow, her pretty face is filled with innocence and lovely smiles, it’s like receiving some new fascinating doll or some delicious candy, if he did not personally witness the scene just now, who would believe she could kill her own senior martial brother and obtain the title of head-disciple of the number one demonic sect under the heaven. Xiao Feng sigh softly, he felt everything is dull and tasteless in this mundane world.

AhZi ask: “Brother-in-law, many thanks for your help just now! Why did you sigh? I am too naughty?” Xiao Feng said: ” You are not naughty, you are simply too ruthless and frightening. Even for adult man, this kind of act is unthinkable, you are just a young girl, you should not commit such merciless act.” AhZi said in surprise: “Why ask a question when you already know the answer, or you really not aware of it?” she incline her head and look at Xiao Feng, a curious expression written on her face. Xiao Feng said: “Aware of what?”

AhZi said: “This is really strange, how come you are not aware? My senior martial sister position is fake, you earn it for me, they simply can’t discern the truth. If i don’t kill him, eventually he will see through the guise, at that time you might not be at my side, i will surely die by his hands. Since i want to survive, i must kill him.”

Xiao Feng said: “Fine! Then why are you so determined to follow me to YanMen Pass?” AhZi said: “Brother-in-law, let me be honest with you, ok? Will you hear me out?” Xiao Feng pondered: “Oh, so you have not been honest with me all this time, now you finally admit it.” He said: “Good, i was afraid that you are not honest with me.” AhZi chuckled a few times, she held onto his arm and said: “You are afraid of me?” Xiao Feng sigh and said: “There are many things i am afraid of from you, afraid you might get into trouble, afraid you harm others casually, afraid you commit some weird stuff…..” AhZi said: “Are you afraid that i might be bullied by others, or killed by others?” Xiao Feng said: “Your sister entrusted you to me, naturally i have to take care of you.” AhZi said: “What if my sister did not entrust me to you? What if i am not AhZhu’s sister?” Xiao Feng snorted and said: “Then why would i even bother about you?”

AhZi said: “My sister is really that good? In your heart you really don’t have the slightest bit of regards for me?” Xiao Feng said: “I don’t look down on you. But your sister is a thousand times better than you, AhZi, you simply can’t be compared with her.” as he said it, the rim of his eyes turn red, his voice rather sore.

AhZi pouted, she said angrily: “Since AhZhu is better than me in every aspect, then you ask her to accompany you, i won’t accompany you anymore.” she turn around and walk away.

Xiao Feng pay no heed to her, he continued moving forward, however he cannot help but feel sadness in his heart: “If AhZhu can accompany me and walk on this snow ground, if she suddenly get angry and walk away, naturally i will immediately chase after her and apologise to her nicely. No, i won’t even make her angry in the first place, i will simply adhere to her wishes. Sigh, AhZhu is so yielding and considerate towards me, would she even get angry at me?”

Suddenly he heard the sound of footsteps, AhZi hurriedly ran back and said: “Brother-in-law you are really heartless, you really did not wait for me at all, you don’t have the slightest bit of kindness.” Xiao Feng smiled and said: “You can even talk about kindness. AhZi, who told you about the word ‘kindness’?” AhZi said: “I heard it from mother, she said we should not be cruel and overbearing toward others, we must be kind and benevolent.” Xiao Feng said: “Your mother is correct, it’s a pity you was not by her side from childhood, you followed your Master and learnt a belly full of evil thoughts.” AhZi smiled and said: “Fine! Brother-in-law, from now on i will follow you, i will learn something good from you.”

Xiao Feng had a huge fright, he wave his hands repeatedly and said hurriedly: “Won’t do, won’t do! What good can you learn from a crude man like me? AhZi, just go! If you follow me, i will be distraught with anxiety, i can never calm down and think through things properly.” AhZi said: “What kind of things you want to think about, why don’t you tell me, i can help you think. Your character is too good, you will be easily tricked by others.” Xiao Feng found it vexing yet funny, he said: “You are just a little girl, what do you know? Don’t tell me you can understand things i don’t know about?” AhZi said: “Naturally, there are many things you will never be able to think of.”

She grab a handful of snow from the ground and knead it into a ball, she toss it out to a distant place and said: “What will you do when you go to YanMen Pass?” Xiao Feng shakes his head and said: “Nothing. Hunting and shepherding throughout my entire life, that’s all.” AhZi said: “Who will cook for you? Who will make clothes for you?” Xiao Feng was stumped for words, he never thought of such matters before, he blurted out: “Eating and wearing clothes, isn’t that easy? We Khitans eat mutton and beef, wear sheepskin and cowhide, everywhere is our home, we are flexible and adaptable, there is nothing to worry about.” AhZi said: “When you are lonely, who will talk with you?” Xiao Feng said: “I will return to my own clan, naturally i will get to know friends from the same clan.” AhZi said: “They will only talk about hunting, riding, slaughtering cow and sheep, how can it be interesting?”

Xiao Feng sigh, he knew her words are correct, he remain silent and did not reply.

AhZi said: “You definitely have to go to Liao Empire? Why don’t you stay here, drink wine, get into fights, live or die, isn’t that more enjoyable?”

When Xiao Feng heard her words, his chest warm up, his heroic spirit soar, he lifted his head and gave a long whistle and said: “Your words are correct!”

AhZi pull his arm and said: “Brother-in-law, then please don’t leave, i also won’t go back to XingXiu Sea anymore, i will follow you, drink wine and get into fights.” Xiao Feng laugh and said: “You are the senior martial sister of XingXiu Sect, if they lose their head-disciple, lose their senior martial sister, then what will they do?” AhZi said: “This senior martial sister’s position is fake, my life will end immediately once they uncover the truth, although its fun but its nothing amazing. Its more interesting to follow you and drink wine and get into fights.” Xiao Feng gave a slight smile and said: “Talking about drinking wine, your wine capacity is too weak, i am afraid you will be intoxicated just after one bowl of wine. Your fighting ability is also out of question, you won’t be able to help me, instead i have to help you.”

AhZi is depress, she lock her brows and pace around a few times, suddenly she sat down on the ground and burst into tears. Xiao Feng was frightened by her, he inquired hurriedly: “You….you…what are you doing?” AhZi ignored him, she cried loudly, its really sorrowful.

Xiao Feng knew she always occupy the upper hand when dealing with others, even when captured by XingXiu Sect she is still stubborn and unyielding, he did not expect her to cry like a common girl, he cannot help but be at a loss and ask: “Hey, hey, AhZi, what happen?” AhZi sob and sniffled: “Go away, don’t talk to me, let me cry to death here, only then you will be happy.” Xiao Feng laugh and said: “You are perfectly fine, you won’t die by crying.” AhZi weep and said: “I must cry to death, i will cry to death and let you see!”

Xiao Feng laugh and said: “Slowly sit here and cry, i cannot accompany you anymore.” he stretch his legs and move away, he only move a few steps when her crying stop suddenly, there is no sound at all. Xiao Feng was somewhat baffled, he turn around and saw her lie prostrate on the snow ground, she is motionless. Xiao Feng sniggered inwardly: “Little girl throwing a tantrum, there is no reason for me to bother about her.” at once he left without a backward glance.

He move for a few li, he turn his head and look back again, the terrain is flat and vast, there are no trees or hill obstructing, AhZi is still lying on the ground motionless. Xiao Feng hesitated: “This girl’s temper is extremely odd, maybe she will really lie down there and never get up again.” he pondered: “I killed her elder sister, even if i disobey AhZhu’s words, i won’t take care of her or protect her, but i cannot anger her to death.” as he thought about AhZhu, he cannot help but feel his chest warm up, at once he turn back and travel with quick steps.

He rush towards AhZi’s side, she still lie prostrate on the ground, maintaining the exact same position as before, she did not move the slightest bit. Xiao Feng move forward two steps, he was stumped for words, she is embedded inside the thick snow cover, unexpectedly the snow surrounding her body did not melt at all, could it be that she really died? He was startled, he extended his hands and touch her cheek, her flesh is ice-cold, he checked her breath, she is not breathing. Xiao Feng saw her feign death before to deceive her parents, he knew her XingXiu Sect had a skill known as [Turtle Breath Skill], it can be use to shut off breathing, he did not panic, he extended his finger and touch the side of her torso twice, his internal energy penetrated through her acupoints.

AhZi cried out softly and open her eyes slowly, suddenly she open up her cherry lips and a shimmering blue needle shot out towards Xiao Feng’s eyebrows.

Xiao Feng is separated from her by merely a few chi, he never expect her to launch such sneak attack, the poison needle is exceptionally swift and fierce, no matter how high his martial arts, its impossible for him to evade it at such a hurried moment. He did not waste time thinking, he wave his right hand and generated an extremely thick and strong palm wind and chop back.

This palm contain his entire lifetime of internal energy, the steel needle arrive swiftly within a few chi, in order to use formless and shapeless palm wind to deflect the needle, the palm force must naturally be shockingly huge. As he slap out his palm, he spare no effort and slanted his body to the right at the same time, he detected a faint fishy stench, the poison needle flew past the side of his cheek, the distance apart is merely an inch, the danger is simply beyond compare.

At the same time, AhZi’s body was push away by his palm, she did not groan as her body flew horizontally, with a ‘Pa’ sound she landed around ten feet away. After landing, her body slide on the snow ground for another ten feet before coming to a stop.