Chapter 60: Punishing Evil and Upholding Justice?

“You flatter me, senior. I do not deserve such praise,” Yun Zhonghe replied humbly.

This only deepened Yanbo Tianke’s sense of shame, and his attitude toward Yun Zhonghe changed considerably.

“A great kindness needs no words of thanks. If ever you require my help in the future, do not hesitate to ask.”

“No, no, that will not be necessary,” Yun Zhonghe refused repeatedly.

He then returned the blade to Fu Hongxue. As Yun Zhonghe held it out, Fu Hongxue did not take it. “This knife will serve a greater purpose in your hands.”

“Well then…” Yun Zhonghe was not one to be coy. “If that is so, I shall accept it gratefully.” With a flick of his wrist, the knife vanished from sight as if by magic.

“I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave,” he announced, taking A’zi with him as he departed.

Yanbo Tianke watched Yun Zhonghe’s figure recede into the distance, a trace of admiration flickering in his eyes.

“Grandmaster, let us go as well,” Fu Hongxue said to his elder before setting off toward Gathering Heroes Manor in search of the Divine Physician Xue.

Elsewhere—

“Yun Lang, I cannot accompany you any further on your journey,” A’zi finally mustered the courage to speak after much inner conflict.

Yun Zhonghe halted, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt as he looked at her. “Why?”

“My martial arts are weak. If I continue to stay by your side, I will only become a burden to you.” A’zi stared at her toes, unsure how to face him.

Yun Zhonghe placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “Having you with me is my good fortune, not a burden,” he said softly, his voice brimming with unspoken affection.

A’zi’s eyes reddened at once. It was precisely because of this that she wished to train harder, so she could remain by Yun Zhonghe’s side as a worthy companion.

“No, I have made up my mind. As long as I have a place in your heart, I am content,” A’zi declared, her tone unwavering.

Seeing her resolve, Yun Zhonghe did not attempt to dissuade her further and instead asked about her plans.

A warm current coursed through A’zi’s heart as she gazed at him and slowly revealed her intentions. “The old monster of Xingxiu is dead, and now the sect is leaderless. I wish to return and restore its order.”

Yun Zhonghe nodded, deeply moved. He knew she did all this so he might one day hold his own place in the martial world.

“Thank you,” he said, gratitude shining in his eyes as he regarded her lovely face.

A’zi knew she could hide nothing from him. “I am only doing what I can.”

“Xingxiu Sect has a poor reputation in the martial world. When you take command, you must strictly discipline your disciples and not let them commit evil,” he admonished her sternly.

Yun Zhonghe trusted in her ability to accomplish this.

A’zi nodded earnestly. She would keep it in mind—after all, she did not wish her beloved to become a public enemy.

Yun Zhonghe took her delicate hand in his, gently caressing it in his palm, savoring its soft touch. The sensation sent his thoughts wandering.

A’zi’s cheeks flushed as she noticed his playful mischief, casting him a coquettish sidelong glance.

Yun Zhonghe chuckled. Were it not for the inconvenient timing, he would have long since transformed into a ravenous wolf and devoured her whole.

“Yun Lang, I’ll set out tomorrow. Tonight…” A’zi pressed herself against him, tracing circles on his chest with her finger.

The words woke Yun Zhonghe from his daze, and suddenly he understood the deeper meaning behind Hong Qigong’s parting gestures.

“Wonderful, A’zi. Tonight I’ll take you somewhere special.”

A’zi’s face was crimson, her eyes brimming with allure as she nodded.

…

Midnight.

Outside the city, in a secluded grove.

Hand in hand, Yun Zhonghe and A’zi appeared.

A’zi glanced around in confusion. “Yun Lang, is this the special place you spoke of?”

Yun Zhonghe said nothing, scanning their surroundings intently. After a moment, his clear voice pierced the silent night. “Elder Hong, Yun Zhonghe has come as promised. Please show yourself.”

At those words, A’zi was dumbfounded. Hadn’t he brought her out for a night alone?

Shortly after, a figure leapt from the trees and landed before them. Dressed in ragged clothes—who else could it be but Hong Qigong?

A’zi looked at him in bewilderment. Hadn’t he left already? Why was he here?

Hong Qigong regarded Yun Zhonghe with a smile. “You’re much sharper than that foolish boy.”

The “foolish boy” in question was, of course, Guo Jing, the famed hero.

Yun Zhonghe merely smiled at the remark. Guo Jing had learned the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms in just a month—if that was foolishness, then there were no clever men in the world.

“You made your hints clear, Elder. If I still failed to understand, I would not be destined for this opportunity.”

Hong Qigong had summoned Yun Zhonghe here in the dead of night to teach him the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. Of course, if Yun Zhonghe lacked the insight, things would have been different, but it seemed his worries were unfounded.

“Very well. I shall teach you the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.” Hong Qigong took his stance, preparing to demonstrate.

A’zi, understanding the situation, moved to leave, but Yun Zhonghe caught her hand.

Hong Qigong was generous. “You two may learn together.”

The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms were simple in form but required profound internal strength to unleash their true might.

Just as he was about to begin, Yun Zhonghe interjected. “Elder Hong, since we have come together, might you teach A’zi a set of martial arts suited to her?”

“You rascal.” Hong Qigong did not refuse. He turned to A’zi. “Then I shall teach you the Free and Easy Palm.”

Overjoyed, A’zi bowed. “Thank you, Elder Hong.”

Hong Qigong moved aside and began to demonstrate. His figure flitted effortlessly through the woods.

A’zi watched carefully and soon began to imitate him.

She was quick-witted; before long, she had grasped all the essentials of the skill.

Hong Qigong halted and turned to Yun Zhonghe. “Your turn, boy. Watch closely.”

With that, he began to perform the first form of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

Though the movements seemed ordinary, in Hong Qigong’s hands they possessed immense power. With a single strike, he split a massive tree in two.

Yun Zhonghe could not help but marvel—truly, this was the supreme external martial art.

Hong Qigong then performed the entire set from start to finish.

When he finished, he withdrew his energy and looked at Yun Zhonghe. “Have you memorized them?”

“I have.”

Hong Qigong nodded, deeply satisfied with Yun Zhonghe’s comprehension.

But there were still a few things he needed to say. He pulled Yun Zhonghe aside.

“Boy, do you know why I am teaching you the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms?”

Yun Zhonghe dared not answer lightly. After a long pause, he replied, choosing his words with care: “Senior, do you hope I will use this skill to uphold justice in the martial world?”