A passing traveler through the heavens

In the past few days, under the meticulous care of the renowned physician Xue Muhua, Azhu's injuries have gradually improved.

On this day, according to reports from his subordinates, martial arts masters from all walks of life were arriving in the Juxianzhuang area for a gathering. It turned out that this gathering was jointly initiated by a Shaolin monk and the You brothers, with the aim of eliminating the Khitans who were disturbing the martial arts world of the Song Dynasty.

Since the incident in Xingzi Forest, the rumor that Qiao Feng was a Khitan has spread like wildfire throughout the Central Plains martial arts world. Some even took the opportunity to fan the flames, saying that Qiao Feng was actually a spy sent by the Khitan to infiltrate the Central Plains martial arts world and attempt to overthrow the Song Dynasty.

Qiao Feng and Ji Lin arrived at the gate of Juxian Manor, gazing up at the plaque hanging high above, while the noisy voices of people inside reached their ears. Then, the two stepped inside, and the once bustling manor instantly fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Qiao Feng, you are a lackey of the Khitan people, how dare you come to this gathering of heroes!" A man stood up and spoke loudly.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng sneered, "Why can't I come? If I don't come, how can you kill me?" His eyes revealed a firmness and fearlessness.

At this moment, the entire scene fell silent. Everyone knew how powerful Qiao Feng was, but they still firmly believed that they could defeat the former leader of the Beggars' Sect.

Qiao Feng slowly raised his head and looked around at the crowd. He took a deep breath and said, "Today, all of you have come here because you have had past ties with me, Qiao Feng. Here, I, Qiao Feng, am willing to drink this cup with you all and sever all ties from this day forward." After saying this, he picked up the wine bowl on the table and drank it all in one gulp.

"My killing you is not out of ingratitude, and your killing me is not out of treachery," Qiao Feng said solemnly, holding the wine bowl on the table.

Upon seeing this scene, Ji Lin couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. So, without hesitation, he stepped forward and took a bowl of wine as well.

“Brother Qiao, I, Ji Lin, have always judged people by their character, not by their actions. After spending this time together, I wish to become sworn brothers with you. What do you think, Brother Qiao?” Ji Lin looked at Qiao Feng and said sincerely. His eyes were full of trust and respect.

Qiao Feng was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected Ji Lin to make such a request in this setting. However, he quickly regained his composure, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Brother Ji, although we have only known each other for a short time, I already know that you are a man of great loyalty and righteousness. Today, you are willing to become sworn brothers with me, and I, Qiao Feng, am naturally more than happy to do so." Qiao Feng replied with a smile, then raised the wine bowl in his hand and clinked it with Ji Lin's.

The two simultaneously tilted their heads back and drank their wine in one gulp. At that moment, their friendship seemed to deepen even further. Those present, witnessing this, all showed expressions of surprise. They hadn't expected that, in such a tense atmosphere, anyone would dare to step forward and befriend Qiao Feng.

Seeing Ji Lin's actions, Qiao Feng wanted to stop him, but Ji Lin hurriedly said to the many heroes present, "I believe you all have your own judgment on what kind of person Brother Qiao is."

"Whether he is a Khitan or a Song Dynasty person, the rumors circulating about him in the martial arts world are nothing more than attempts to slander Brother Qiao. As for the truth of the matter, I believe you can all see it clearly." After saying this, Ji Lin turned his gaze to the surrounding martial arts heroes, his eyes filled with expectation and trust.

"I'm making this clear today: anyone who wants to harm Brother Qiao will have to get past me first!" Ji Lin's tone was firm and decisive, like an insurmountable mountain that no one could shake.

Seeing how highly Ji Lin regarded him, Qiao Feng was deeply moved. He knew that Ji Lin's choice was not merely a momentary impulse, but stemmed from his profound respect and trust in him.

Faced with this sincere affection, Qiao Feng finally put aside all his concerns and readily accepted Ji Lin's kindness.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Qiao Feng and Ji Lin raised their cups and swore brotherhood. With solemn expressions, they solemnly said, "Heaven above, Earth below."

"Today, I, Qiao Feng," Qiao Feng's voice was steady and powerful, full of heroic ambition.

“I, Ji Lin,” Ji Lin retorted without backing down, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.

"We swear an oath of brotherhood here, not seeking to be born on the same day, month, and year, but seeking to die on the same day, month, and year." The two uttered this vow in unison, shocking everyone present.

After the oath of brotherhood was completed, silence fell over the room. The first to rise and drink the severance drink were the elders of the Beggars' Sect. Their faces were solemn, and their eyes revealed complex emotions.

Qiao Feng and Ji Lin also silently raised their glasses, both drinking them down in one gulp without uttering a sound.

However, when the wine bowl slammed heavily to the ground, the crisp sound of it shattering broke the silence, as if foreshadowing a fierce battle about to erupt.

At this moment, the entire scene became tense, the atmosphere so heavy it was suffocating. The heroes of the martial world gripped their weapons tightly, ready to face any potential conflict.

In an instant, swords flashed and shadows danced, and shouts of battle rose and fell. Qiao Feng's palm strikes were powerful and vigorous, like a bloodthirsty beast, each move containing boundless power that sent chills down one's spine.

His figure moved swiftly through the crowd like a phantom, leaving a trail of blood and corpses in his wake. His eyes revealed a resolute determination, as if he had forgotten about life and death.

Ji Lin's finger techniques were nimble, and his movements were agile, like a ghost flitting about in the arena. With a light tap of his fingers, sharp sword energies shot out from his fingertips, instantly piercing through the enemy's chest.

His movements were light and elegant, yet brimming with deadly threat. His face held a hint of indifference and disdain, as if he paid no heed to the attack from these martial arts figures.

Other martial arts practitioners also displayed their skills, and for a time, the arena was filled with the whirlwind of punches and kicks, the surging of internal energy, and a fierce, evenly matched battle. Some unleashed unparalleled and powerful fist techniques, each punch carrying the force to shatter mountains and split rocks; others employed unpredictable and unpredictable swordsmanship, the flashing sword light dazzling the eye; still others displayed their lightness and agility, leaping and dodging through the air to evade their enemies' attacks. The entire scene was chaotic, the air thick with the stench of blood, suffocating everyone present.

However, Qiao Feng and Ji Lin, with their extraordinary martial arts skills and indomitable fighting spirit, gradually gained the upper hand. Their figures stood firm amidst the blood, like war gods, inspiring awe in everyone. Despite numerous injuries, they gritted their teeth and persevered, refusing to retreat an inch.

Blood flowed like a river within Juxian Manor, as if every corner of the courtyard held the remains of countless lives. The ground was stained crimson with blood, and the walls were covered with mangled limbs; the entire scene was horrific.

In the end, Qiao Feng and Ji Lin stunned everyone with their astonishing strength. Their eyes revealed a kind of majesty and domineering aura, instilling fear in those martial artists who had originally intended to continue their attack, causing them to halt in their tracks. Their figures appeared exceptionally tall amidst the pool of blood, seemingly invincible.

Having endured such a fierce battle, Ji Lin and Qiao Feng had regained some of their composure. Looking around at the corpses strewn across the ground and the terrified martial artists, a wave of sorrow washed over them. They knew that the fight could not continue; it would only cause more casualties. Therefore, they decided to leave this blood-soaked place, leaving behind a trail of fearful figures.

They turned and left, their steps steady and resolute. No one dared to stop them, not even daring to utter a sound. Their figures receded into the distance, eventually disappearing from everyone's sight. A deathly silence fell over Juxian Manor, only the pungent stench of blood reminding everyone of what had just transpired.

Upon returning to his residence, Ji Lin did not exchange many pleasantries with Qiao Feng. Instead, he hurriedly went back to his room and began to concentrate on his internal energy cultivation.

In the midst of that thrilling battle, Ji Lin suddenly spotted an enemy on the verge of death. A thought struck him, and without hesitation, he flashed behind the enemy, swiftly unleashing the Northern Darkness Divine Art to instantly absorb all of the enemy's power.

Through repeated accumulation, Ji Lin now possesses an incredibly powerful internal force. This force, like a surging torrent, flows continuously through his meridians, filling him with both excitement and tension.

After all, such immense power, if left uncontrolled and unguided, could potentially cause him great harm. Therefore, Ji Lin must concentrate fully on circulating his internal energy through his cultivation technique, gradually digesting and transforming it into his own strength.

As night falls, the bright moon hangs high in the sky, its light spilling like water onto the earth.

Ji Lin was concentrating on practicing his martial arts in his room when Wang Yuyan's gentle voice came from outside the door. It was calling him to dinner. Ji Lin looked out the window, a smile appearing on his face. He then stopped what he was doing and followed Wang Yuyan to the dining table.

At the dinner table, Qiao Feng sat alone, silently drinking his wine, his eyes revealing a hint of loneliness and sorrow. A'Zhu sat quietly beside him, keeping him company and occasionally offering words of comfort, but Qiao Feng only nodded slightly and remained silent.

Looking at Qiao Feng, Ji Lin felt a surge of sympathy. He stepped forward, patted Qiao Feng on the shoulder, and said softly, "Brother, drinking alone is no fun. I'll drink with you." Hearing this, Qiao Feng looked up at Ji Lin, forced a smile, and nodded.

The two raised their glasses, clinked them lightly, and then drank them down in one gulp. As the alcohol went down his throat, Qiao Feng felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He looked at Ji Lin gratefully, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

After several rounds of drinks, Ji Lin put down his glass, remained silent for a moment, and then decided to tell Qiao Feng the truth. He told Qiao Feng about his background and the events of that year.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng's face turned ashen, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock. He had never imagined he had such a complicated background, and at the same time, he was happy that his biological father was still alive.

After a long while, Qiao Feng slowly came back to his senses, took a deep breath, and a resolute look flashed in his eyes: "Brother, I plan to find my father first, and then we can discuss this further."

Ji Lin raised his head and looked out the window. "Uncle Xiao, my elder brother knows the truth. Aren't you going to show yourself?"

Wang Yuyan, A'Zhu, and Qiao Feng all looked around in surprise.

"How did you know I was here?" Xiao Yuanshan stared sharply at Ji Lin, then stepped in front of the group.

Ji Lin sneered, "I guessed, just trying to trick you."

"See, we got it out of them."

Xiao Yuanshan paused, then looked at Qiao Feng and said, "Feng'er..."

Ji Lin then stood up and said to Xiao Yuanshan, "Now that Uncle has come out, I will tell you the real murderer. The one who harmed your Xiao family is Murong Bo."

"Murong Bo?" Xiao Yuanshan's voice carried a hint of doubt.

“That’s right, it’s him. He deliberately provoked the Battle of Yanmen Pass back then, with the aim of triggering a war between the Song and Liao dynasties and profiting from it,” Ji Lin said calmly.

"Isn't he dead? How could it be him?" Qiao Feng asked, puzzled.

"Murong Bo faked his death and even met with Uncle Xiao frequently."

Xiao Yuanshan clenched his fists and said through gritted teeth, "So the other man in black at Shaolin Temple was him. Where did you get this information from?"

Ji Lin slowly spoke: "As a reclusive sect, the Xiaoyao Sect naturally has its own intelligence network. There's nothing in this world that I don't know!"

Then Ji Lin stood up, took Wang Yuyan's hand tightly, and led her away. They slowly walked out of the place, leaving the entire area to Qiao Feng and his son Xiao Yuanshan.

Back in her room, Wang Yuyan's face was filled with disbelief. She couldn't believe that Murong Bo was still alive!

“Yu Yan, I plan to make a trip to Tianshan next. We’ve been through so much lately, we probably won’t have time to look for your cousin.” Ji Lin’s voice was gentle yet firm.

Wang Yuyan nodded slightly, indicating her understanding: "It's alright, Brother Ji. Since you've decided to go to Tianshan, I'm willing to accompany you. Anyway, you can go find your cousin after you've finished dealing with these matters."

“Okay, it’s settled then. Get some rest tonight, and we’ll set off for Tianshan tomorrow morning,” Ji Lin said with a smile.

After escorting Wang Yuyan to her room and bidding her farewell, Ji Lin turned and returned to his own residence. Just as he was about to rest for a while, there was a sudden knock on the door. Curious, Ji Lin opened the door, only to be surprised to find A Zhu standing outside.

"Miss Azhu, what can I do for you?" Ji Lin asked, puzzled.

Azhu smiled gently and said, "Brother Ji, Brother Qiao and the others just discussed leaving here tomorrow to find Murong Bo. I also plan to leave with them."

Ji Lin nodded slightly, indicating his understanding. After all, Qiao Feng had always wanted to find the person who had caused his family's destruction and death to avenge him.

“Brother Ji, there’s actually something else I wanted to tell you.” A’Zhu paused, then continued, “To thank you for your help during this time, I’m going to give you this. I’m sure it will be of great help to you.”

As she spoke, A'Zhu took out a yellowed book from her bosom and handed it to Ji Lin. Ji Lin took the book and looked down at it, only to see three large, flamboyant characters written on the cover—"Yi Jin Jing"!

"The Yi Jin Jing..." Ji Lin murmured to himself, a surge of joy welling up in his heart.

This "Yi Jin Jing" is a peerless martial arts manual in the martial arts world, hailed as the treasure of the Shaolin Temple. It contains profound martial arts secrets that can greatly increase one's internal strength and enhance one's overall power.

Ji Lin opened the book and began to read carefully. The contents of the book were profound and extensive, and every page was full of mysteries. He was immersed in it, as if he had entered a completely new world.

However, just as he was about to express his gratitude to A'Zhu, he looked up and found that A'Zhu had already quietly left. Ji Lin looked at the Yi Jin Jing in his hand, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"I never expected A'Zhu to be so generous as to give me such a precious manual. It seems she is truly grateful for my care of her," Ji Lin thought to himself.

Ji Lin then closed the door, preparing to study the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic) carefully.

Sitting at the table, Ji Lin intently turned each page of the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic). He studied it, trying to grasp its essence. Before he knew it, night had fallen, but he remained immersed in the ocean of martial arts, oblivious to the passage of time.