Chapter 48

In the midst of the world, it seemed as if the stage belonged solely to Huang Yaoshi. The sound of his flute was melancholic, and his sword technique was elusive. Apart from the red-robed woman who was still putting up a stubborn resistance, the rest of the crowd was captivated by his artistic swordplay, their emotions unconsciously swayed by the music, their eyes filled with sorrow.

The red-robed woman's forehead was already covered in a fine layer of sweat, her heart filled with great alarm. Although Luo Fan's Zhongchong Sword had some effect on her, she knew that even at her peak, she could never defeat this person. When did the Eastern Heretic become so powerful!

"It seems I have truly underestimated the martial artists of the world!" With this thought, the red-robed woman let out a delicate cry, scattering several fine needles from her fingers, and her figure quickly retreated. Then, she lightly tapped her lotus feet and fled at an incredible speed.

Huang Yaoshi did not pursue her further. The flute music stopped, and the one who recovered the fastest from the melody was actually Xiaolongnü. Her heart was as clear as ice, and her state of mind was far superior to Luo Fan's.

"Luo brother, what do you think of my melody?" Huang Yaoshi asked, recalling their first meeting by the West Lake, where he had recognized Luo Fan as a great talent of the era, and thus had the idea of considering him a peer.

Luo Fan savored the melody, giving Huang Yaoshi a deep look. He knew from the original story that Huang Yaoshi had considered Yang Guo a peer, so he was not surprised. He thought of a song from the present world called "The Tide of the Green Sea," and softly sang:

How many people can truly traverse this life?

Neither righteous nor evil, it doesn't matter.

How I wish you could be by my side,

To admire the tide of the green sea together.

Every frown and smile cannot be forgotten,

The pain of separation is unbearable.

Only you,

No one has ever touched my heart like you.

If I could exchange my life for yours,

I would do so without hesitation.

As long as I can be with you,

I would be content to turn to ashes.

A single note of the flute, a kind of loneliness,

In this turbid world, who else understands me besides you?

The world knows the Eastern Heretic as mad,

But who can understand the pain in his heart?

A single note of the flute, a kind of solitude,

It carries my deep longing, hoping you will hear it.

The moonlight is filled with sorrow, the distance is vast,

The song carried a faint sense of loneliness and sadness. Huang Yaoshi seemed to be moved, and after the song ended, he paused and said, "This song is excellent, but isn't the lyrics a bit too simple? Did Luo brother write it?"

Luo Fan looked up at the white clouds in the sky, thinking of the present world, his eyes filled with longing. He thought, "Perhaps I will return soon." After a moment's thought, he replied, "The lyrics and melody were written by a friend of mine. My friend said that since we are all martial artists, why make things so pretentious? A simpler style is more in line with our straightforward nature."

Huang Yaoshi clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "A simpler style is more in line with our straightforward nature! This gentleman is truly talented, while I have fallen behind! I wonder who this friend of Luo brother's is, and if you could introduce me to him?"

"Huh?" Luo Fan was taken aback, thinking how could he introduce someone from another dimension? After some thought, he replied, "That friend is no longer in this world."

"Already... not in this world?" Huang Yaoshi sighed, "Such a kindred spirit, yet I have no chance to meet him! What a pity, what a pity!"

Luo Fan realized Huang Yaoshi had misunderstood, but he did not correct him, as it was impossible to tell him that the composer was from another world.

The surrounding soldiers were gradually recovering. They now saw Huang Yaoshi as a monster, scrambling to flee. Huang Yaoshi did not bother with these minions, and Luo Fan, being injured, had no time to deal with them either.

Luo Fan, holding his chest, stood up and bowed to Huang Yaoshi, "Thank you, Brother Huang, for your help this time." He then introduced the two women to Huang Yaoshi, explaining that this was the man known as the "Eastern Heretic."

Luo Fan then asked, "I wonder why Brother Huang is here?"

Huang Yaoshi stroked his beard and replied, "My sword technique is not yet perfected, and I have been struggling to improve it. I came out to walk around, but then I heard that Luo brother was in great danger, so I rushed over to see."

Luo Fan nodded in gratitude. This incident had caused such a stir that no one in the martial world would be unaware of it. His name would soon be known throughout the land, though it would likely be a notorious one. Huang Yaoshi then asked, "Luo brother, I heard you have betrayed the Quanzhen Sect and killed two of your senior brothers?"

Luo Fan's face turned cold, and he replied, "Yes." He then looked at Huang Yaoshi and asked, "Do you think I was wrong to do this?"

Huang Yaoshi twirled his jade flute and smiled, "Though we have only known each other for a short time, I know you are not a bloodthirsty person. Is there some hidden reason?"

Luo Fan sighed deeply. If he had to say who he admired most in "The Return of the Condor Heroes," it would be Guo Jing. But if he had to say who his favorite male character was, it would not be Guo Jing, but rather Huang Yaoshi. In ancient terms, they had a deep spiritual connection.

Huang Yaoshi, though not a good person, had many admirable qualities. As a husband, he was romantic and devoted, still deeply in love with his wife after decades. As a father, he was one of the most enlightened of his time, allowing his daughter to marry the seemingly foolish and unappealing Guo Jing. As a teacher, though many considered him cruel for breaking his disciples' legs, each of his disciples was proud to return to his side, a testament to the kind of master he was. His personality, with its wild and unrestrained nature, was more in line with modern people. In the entire "The Return of the Condor Heroes," there were only three people who could truly connect with Luo Fan, who had not been in this world for long: Huang Yaoshi, Yang Guo, and Guo Xiang. Guo Xiang he would likely never meet, and since he had already won the heart of Xiaolongnü, he might feel some discomfort around Yang Guo. Therefore, in the entire "The Return of the Condor Heroes," only Huang Yaoshi could be a true friend to Luo Fan.

If anyone else had asked, Luo Fan might not have answered, but when Huang Yaoshi asked, he sighed deeply and recounted how Zhao Zijing and Yin Zhiping had harmed Xiaolongnü, how his master and uncles had unjustly accused him, and how they had forced Sun Po to her death without any remorse. He described his disappointment and his decision to fight his way out without further explanation.

After hearing this, Huang Yaoshi and Lu Wushuang both exclaimed, "Well done!" Huang Yaoshi then said coldly, "I never thought Wang Chongyang's disciples would be like this. If he were still alive, he might have been furious!"

Luo Fan only shook his head and said nothing. Huang Yaoshi realized he had brought up an unpleasant memory and did not press further. After a moment of silence, Luo Fan said, "Brother Huang, would you like to have a few drinks with me?"

"Sure!" Huang Yaoshi was in high spirits, inspired by Luo Fan's song and with new ideas for his sword technique. From their first meeting by the West Lake, Huang Yaoshi had come to appreciate Luo Fan's straightforward nature and was happy to be his friend.

The two talked happily, considering each other kindred spirits, and even became sworn brothers! They drank until dawn, and Luo Fan fell asleep on the table. Even the usually tidy Huang Yaoshi drank to the point of intoxication, and the two women had to carry them to their rooms to rest.

Fortunately, after this massacre, few martial artists dared to challenge Luo Fan. This incident had given them a profound lesson! Hundreds of people! All but a few who escaped were killed! It was said that later, thousands of imperial troops tried to kill Luo Fan but were also defeated. Luo Fan's status in the martial world was now on par with the Five Greats, and some even called him the "Blood Sea Demon Lord," a title that could stop children from crying at night. This was a story for later.

After sobering up, Huang Yaoshi bid farewell to Luo Fan, eager to perfect his sword technique. Luo Fan did not try to keep him, and without further obstacles, they soon arrived at the entrance of the ancient tomb.

...

At the Zhongnan Mountains, in the Chongyang Palace, Hao Datong said to Wang Chuyi, "Brother, listen! The disciple you taught is quite something! The 'Blood Sea Demon Lord,' who has killed countless people, even our master never received such high praise!"

Wang Chuyi sat stiffly, trying to remain calm, "Killing countless people, but only evil people. What's the big deal?" But the paleness of his knuckles betrayed his inner turmoil.

Qiu Chuji suddenly became angry, "Brother, are you still protecting that boy?"

"Brother!" Although Hao Datong had seen the killings with his own eyes, why did Xiaolongnü need to be carried by Luo Fan? Why was Yin Zhiping shirtless? Why had Zhao Zijing been acting suspiciously? Ma Yu, who was usually cautious, shook his head and sighed, "According to Datong's account, there are still many unknowns. Don't jump to conclusions! I will investigate this matter, and then we will decide on punishment."

"What unknowns?" Hao Datong said unhappily, "I saw him kill people with my own eyes. Why bother with the details?"

Wang Chuyi only shook his head and sighed. He had once been a successful Taoist, with a youthful appearance, but now his face was lined with wrinkles.

...

Sun Po was buried in front of the ancient tomb by the Quanzhen Sect, who did not leave her body exposed. Luo Fan and the others paid their respects before entering the tomb.

Finally back in the ancient tomb, what was originally a simple task had turned into a series of complications. Luo Fan now felt a deep sense of sighing.

This was Luo Fan's first time entering the ancient tomb. The stone tomb was dark, with little light, but Xiaolongnü could see clearly even in the dark, so it did not affect her. Luo Fan, on the other hand, used his lighter as a torch.

...

Finally, the moment of truth is approaching...

Page break for ads

End of page break for ads