Chapter Sixty-Four: An Encounter

Though the two found themselves in grave danger, the collision of palm force and finger strength afforded them a chance to reposition. Behind Hua Wuque was the great door; turning swiftly aside, he watched as the thick door was pierced through by a single finger, the force undiminished, blasting a deep pit into the ground beyond.

Duan Yanqing too dodged aside, but unlike Hua Wuque, his back was lined with men. The palm force struck a member of Xixia’s First Grade Hall who had no time to evade. As expected, the man was sent flying through the air, dead before he even hit the ground.

“What remarkable skills—at such a young age! I imagine that when Qiao Feng was at your age, he was much the same,” Duan Yanqing said, focusing intently on Hua Wuque. After several exchanges, he realized this was not an opponent he could subdue quickly. Although Hua Wuque was slightly weaker, victory would not come without a prolonged battle. Moreover, Qiao Feng stood behind him like a thorn in the side.

“Haha, Master Duan flatters me. When I was this young, I was not his equal,” Qiao Feng replied with humility, stepping forward, clearly no longer content to remain a bystander.

As Qiao Feng approached, Duan Yanqing wasted no words. Pointing his steel staff at each in turn, he unleashed the full force of his Single Yang Finger. Both Hua Wuque and Qiao Feng dodged easily. However, while Hua Wuque simply evaded the attack, Qiao Feng, seeing the finger force barreling unimpeded toward a Beggar Sect disciple, reacted differently.

Qiao Feng raised his arm, forming his hand into a claw. As his internal energy surged through his limbs, a faint dragon’s roar seemed to emanate from him. Before all eyes, an immense suction appeared in Qiao Feng’s grasp, forcibly dispersing the Single Yang Finger in mid-air!

This sight left Hua Wuque thoroughly astonished. He murmured, “Subduing Dragon… no, that’s the Dragon Capture Technique!”

Yet Duan Yanqing saw none of this. Having fired off his Single Yang Finger, he vaulted over the high wall and fled. Where earlier he had lingered to cover the retreat of Xixia’s men, now his escape was swift and decisive, with no thought for rescue.

As he vanished over the wall, Duan Yanqing left behind a final remark: “Truly, this journey has been worth it. Today I have crossed blades with both the Southern Murong and the Northern Qiao Feng—most impressive, most impressive indeed.”

Though these events seem lengthy in the telling, in truth they unfolded in but a moment. Watching Duan Yanqing’s escaping silhouette, Hua Wuque instinctively prepared to give chase.

Just as he rose, Qiao Feng blocked his path. “Let it go, brother. Duan Yanqing is an old fiend with many years of infamy; who knows what hidden poisons and tricks he carries? It’s best to err on the side of caution.”

Faced with Qiao Feng’s candid smile, Hua Wuque frowned and asked, “Why didn’t you intervene when Duan Yanqing and I fought? Had we joined forces, no matter his scheming, he would surely have been caught.”

Hua Wuque, still unversed in the subtleties of human dealings, spoke bluntly. Had it been someone else, such questioning could well have led to a fight. Yet for him, this was already a great leap forward: the illustrious young master of the Palace of Shifting Flowers, who always braved the martial world alone, now thought to seek an ally. Ultimately, this could be credited to Little Fish’s guidance—and to Tie Xinlan’s impending childbirth.

But Qiao Feng was a different breed. He was not angered; instead, he burst out laughing. “You’re right, brother—it was my fault. But your martial prowess is so dazzling, I couldn’t help but watch a moment longer.”

No sooner had he spoken than Hua Wuque realized his words were inappropriate. Yet, proud as ever, he disdained to explain himself; at worst, he could stand a few harsh words. If things turned ugly, he would fight if he must, win or lose.

But Qiao Feng’s response surprised him, and he examined Qiao Feng with renewed respect. He had already held Qiao Feng in high esteem; now that admiration deepened further.

“Was that the lost Dragon Capture Technique you just used? Brother, your martial arts are truly unfathomable,” Hua Wuque said, after a moment’s thought, offering rare praise.

Had Little Fish heard this, his jaw would have dropped—when had Old Hua ever given anyone a compliment? Despite his deep affection for Tie Xinlan, not once had he spoken a word of endearment, even with their child soon to be born. If Tie Xinlan learned he had praised a man he’d just met, she would be thoroughly jealous.

Of course, Qiao Feng could not know any of this, but he could see that this young man was lacking in social graces.

“You have a discerning eye, brother—one move and you recognized the Dragon Capture Technique. Clearly, you come from a family of great learning,” Qiao Feng said. Then, recalling Duan Yanqing’s words before departing, he asked, “Could it be, as Duan Yanqing suggested, that you are Murong Fu, Young Master Murong?”

“Of course not. Duan Yanqing fought me for so long and still failed to recognize the Wedding Garment Divine Skill. He calls himself a villain in vain.”

“Wedding Garment Divine Skill? So, brother, you’re from the Palace of Shifting Flowers?”

“I was, once. Now I serve the imperial court.”

A man of the court? But hadn’t the Palace of Shifting Flowers been destroyed by the imperial court not long ago?

At this, Qiao Feng sensed that whatever the truth, he should ask no further.

“We’ve talked so long, brother, but I haven’t introduced myself. I am Qiao Feng of the Beggar Sect—thank you for your timely assistance.” With a hearty clasp of his fists, Qiao Feng spoke.

“Hua Wuque. No need for thanks. I was simply doing my duty,” Hua Wuque replied, nodding slightly.

“Good! Brother Hua, our meeting is fate. I am a few years your elder; if you do not mind, let me host you to a good meal and some wine.”

Thinking of the city’s devastation, Hua Wuque knew his task was not over—he still had much to investigate. He was about to decline when a thought flashed through his mind, stopping him.

The city is empty—who is there to question? And these men before me? They’re from the Beggar Sect—the greatest organization in the martial world. When it comes to intelligence, none can surpass them. Why chase all over when I can simply ask? Besides, my own efforts might yield nothing.

“Very well,” Hua Wuque agreed, as succinct as ever.

“Haha! Come, brothers, let’s eat and drink! Bring food and wine—enjoy yourselves! Tomorrow, we return to headquarters,” Qiao Feng declared, clapping Hua Wuque on the shoulder before turning to his fellow disciples in the courtyard.