Chapter 93  

It is said that ‘Gui Tong Zi’ is adept in the art of invisibility. If he wants to find out your secrets, you would not notice him even if he was hiding right under your chair. But this person was already famous fifty years ago and for the last thirty, forty years, no one has heard anything about him. It was said that he has left for Japan and to enjoy the exotic country. Others said that because most of the people in Japan are dwarfs, so he felt happier staying there. Now that this person appeared suddenly again, his intentions are unfathomable.

Chen Feng Chao bowed and said, “I have long admired Elder’s great name, and now that I can be witness to Elder’s grace, it’s a most joyous thing indeed,”

Gui Tong Zi laughed, “You may be saying that, but I’m afraid in your heart you really want to ask why an old weirdo like me came here?”

Chen Feng Chao replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Gui Tong Zi added, “Actually even if you don’t ask me, I will tell you.”

Chen Feng Chao replied, Yes,”

Gui Tong Zi continued, “I came today because of two matters. Firstly, I heard that this Miss Tie is getting married, so I specially engaged a group of musicians. I can guarantee that all of them are skilled musicians. If Miss Tie goes through the ceremony before the musicians arrive, won’t it be a loss of face for me, therefore, I’ll have to ask that Miss Tie must wait for a little longer.”

Chen Feng Chao and the rest seemed to have heaved a secret sigh of relief, “So this old weirdo is not here for us.”

But Li Da Zui and the rest were secretly startled, “How is this old weirdo related to Tie Xin Lan? Why is he concerning himself over her affairs?”

Gui Tong Zi grinned at them, “Actually I don’t know this Miss Tie at all, it’s just that I’m a born busybody.”

Although Li Da Zui still felt a little suspicious, but he did not say it out. After being cooped in the Valley of Evil for twenty years, and although the things that they did after their re-emergence into the martial arts realm bordered on the nonsensical, but they are after all the ‘Ten Evils’. And the name ‘Ten Evils’ is not something that is given to them so easily, when something major really happens, all of them will be capable of handling the situation.

“There’s another thing which is even more interesting.” Gui Tong Zi said, “This time I unexpectedly saved someone, and this person is rumored to be a scoundrel. But I am born with a strange character, I love making friends with scoundrels, because if everyone else won’t be friends with a scoundrel, and I am like everyone else, won’t the scoundrel be very pitiful? If a person is pitiful, then how can he be called a scoundrel?” This person really has a warped logic, and the Murong sisters were secretly laughing when they heard this.

Bai Kai Xin laughed as well, “If Elder likes to make friends with scoundrels, that is too marvelous. Because the number of scoundrels here is ten times more then the number of scoundrels added up everywhere else.” If he doesn’t say a few words to instigate something or to show sarcasm, not only will his throat feel itchy, but his whole body will feel uncomfortable, just like a dog who has seen poop, it’s difficult to make it not want to eat it.

Gui Tong Zi looked at him and grinned, “It seems that this will be ‘Harming others without benefit to oneself’ Bai Kai Xin, you really live up to your name. I came up to this boat today, is to look for you.”

Bai Kai Xin was stunned and stammered, “Look… look for me? Wh… why? I don’t eat humans, neither do I gamble, amongst these people here, there’s none who is more honest than me.”

Gui Tong Zi replied, “Actually it’s not really me who is looking for you, it’s just that the scoundrel friend of mine has some issues to settle with you, so he would like to have a good talk with you.”

He suddenly raised his voice, “Come quickly, you toothless tiger, or is it true that you really dare not let others see you anymore!” Once these words were out, Bai Kai Xin wanted to slip away, because he has already guessed who the person is. Madam Bai was still pretending to be shy but once she heard these words, her expression changed as well.

But even if Bai Kai Xin has applied oil on the soles of his feet, there’s no way he can slip away by now. Once he leapt up, he saw Gui Tong Zi’s face blocking right in front of him.

Right at this time, there was a bang on the deck, and a person walked in with large strides, and who else can it be but Bai Shan Jun, the one whose wife is about to be snatched away.

Bai Kai Xin sighed and mumbled, “This messy affair, how can it ever be settled?”

Li Da Zui grinned from ear to ear and said, “Take your time to settle it, anyway you’re brothers with the same ancestor, you can always talk things over.”

Bai Kai Xin stared at him angrily, wishing that he can fight it out with him, but by now Bai Shan Jun has walked to him and he hurriedly smiled condescendingly, “Our family name is both Bai, and a single pen cannot write the word Bai twice at the same time, you must not listen to others trying to sow discord between our own family.”

Li Da Zui said icily, “A single pen cannot write the word Bai twice at the same time, and how can a pair of pants be worn on two pairs of legs?”

Bai Kai Xin jumped up, as if he wanted to leap over.

However Bai Shan Jun stopped him, and actually smiled, “What this brother said is quite true, I…” Bai Kai Xin exclaimed, “True? He is totally bull-shitting, your wife and me, there’s nothing… nothing, and I have no wish to marry her as well. You came at the right time.”

Bai Shan Jun replied, “Outrageous, since my lowly wife is now married to Brother, then naturally she is now Brother’s wife. Younger Brother here may be stupid, but I do know that one must not hanker after a friend’s wife, so how dare I flirt with my sister-in-law.” That he would actually say something like that, everyone was stunned.

Bai Kai Xin stammered, “You… what do you mean by that? Don’t you want your own wife back?”

Bai Shan Jun laughed, “I’ve never had that intention. The reason I came today, is just to make arrangements for the transfer, and once the arrangements are complete, no one is to argue about it in future.”

Bai Kai Xin exclaimed, “I snatched your wife away, don’t you want to fight it out with me!”

Bai Shan Jun replied, “Not only do I have no intention of fighting with you, I am instead extremely grateful to you…”

Bai Kai Xin’s nose looked as if it’s twisted, and he asked hoarsely, “You… you… you’re grateful?…”

Bai Shan Jun laughed heartily, “I have enjoyed her for twenty years, it’s time to let Brother enjoy a taste of her. She may be bad tempered, easily jealous, and although she knows how to cook, she doesn’t know how to take care of a household. But sometimes she will cook an egg for Brother to eat, it’s just that she may put a little too much salt in it.”

Bai Kai Xin was stunned on hearing all these, unable to express his grief at all.

But Madam Bai jumped up and screamed, “You… you moron, how dare you say anything bad about me…” Bai Shan Jun grinned, “Sister-in-law please don’t find the wrong person, I am now no longer your husband, you must remember this point now.”

Madam Bai was stunned as well, unable to say another word.

Bai Shan Jun bowed and said with a laugh, “I wish that the two of you will be happy for a hundred years to come, to be together until old age, and I beg the two of you, to let me have a way out, and in future I will certainly erect a longevity tablet for the two of you so that I will never forget your good grace.” He looked heavenward and laughed loudly before turning around and left.

Everyone looked at one another, all not knowing whether to laugh or cry, not a single one of them would imagine that there would actually be someone like that, or such a thing happening in the world.

After a moment, Madam Bai was heard mumbling, “He doesn’t want me, he actually don’t want me, is this real…”

Bai Kai Xin sighed, “If only it’s not real, but a pity he seemed to be perfectly serious.”

Madam Bai shouted, “This must not be true, he does not really feel that way, I know… I know he must be feeling very miserable now, I must not let him leave like that.” As she shouted, she ran out. After being starved for three, four days, Bai Kai Xin and the rest only gave her half a bun and a small cup of water, and now she used all of these remaining strength, as if she’s afraid that someone will pull her legs from behind. Actually, no one has the intention of stopping her at all, especially Bai Kai Xin.

Bai Kai Xin originally thought that this woman is quite interesting, and the most interesting part is precisely because she is someone else’s wife. Most men will find that someone else’s wife is more interesting, and all the more ‘Harming others without benefit to oneself’ Bai Kai Xin. That’s why when the others forced him to marry this woman, he wasn’t exactly against it. He only hoped that when Bai Shan Jun finds out about this matter, he would be roaring and crying with anger, and come to settle scores with him. But who would have expected that Bai Shan Jun would actually give her to him, as if she’s just a pile of trash, quite afraid that he won’t be able to give her away. Now Bai Kai Xin is really disappointed. He suddenly realized as well that this woman is not that much more interesting than a pile of trash.

That is the problem with most men. Even if it’s a pig, if there are two men fighting for her at the same time, then every inch of this pig will become beautiful, but if one of the men were to suddenly give up, the other man will suddenly wake up from his dream, “So she’s a pig, it’s just a pig.”

Now Bai Kai Xin can’t wait for this woman to run out quickly, the faster the better, and if she slips and falls into the river, that’s even better. But who would have expected that Madam Bai had just reached Gui Tong Zi when he reached out his hand, grabbed her by her neck and lifted her up. He may be very much shorter than her, but strangely, he was able to lift her up from the ground, and made it look very easy as well.

He carried her all the way back to Bai Kai Xin before putting her down. Madam Bai stared straight ahead, as if she’s so shocked that she doesn’t even know how the little short person can carry her up.

She grumbled, “Can’t I go and find my husband?” Gui Tong Zi replied with a straight face, “Your husband is right here, where are you going to look for him?”

Madam Bai said, “But… I have no wish to marry him, I was forced by others.”

Gui Tong Zi asked, “If you do not wish to marry him, then why did you pretend to be shy like a bride earlier?”

Madam Bai rubbed her eyes hard, thinking of rubbing some tears out, but her tears are not a lot, and they are disobedient, refusing to come out when they’re supposed to.

Gui Tong Zi laughed, and suddenly tapped Hua Wu Que’s shoulder, He had to stand on tiptoes before he could tap his shoulder.

He grinned and said, “Young lad, it’s really your good fortune to be able to marry the daughter of our Old Tie.”

Although Hua Wu Que was standing, but besides being able to stand, he does not have the strength to do anything else. Maybe he can still talk, but, at a time like this, what else can he say? Gui Tong Zi looked at the expression on his face and asked with a furrowed brow, “No matter what, you’ve finally gotten her as your wife, why are you still unhappy?”

Tie Xin Lan suddenly spoke up, “Elder, I… I….” Du Jiao Jiao and the rest did not seal her mute acupoint at all, because they’re not afraid of her talking. Even if she said something she’s not supposed to, they can stop her anytime.

But now, with Gui Tong Zi right in front of her, they have no choice but to let her continue talking, because no one wished to be carried up by the neck.

Even if Gui Tong Zi has no other skills but this, it’s already enough, because they saw earlier when he lifted Madam Bai, and if he just stretches out his hand, no one can guarantee that they will be able to avoid him. When he stretched his hand, it’s as if his hand was originally growing right out of Madam Bai’s neck. Luckily Tie Xin Lan only spoke three words, and she was unable to continue.

However Gui Tong Zi smiled and said, “I know you have a lot to say to me, but there’s no hurry now. Very soon, you will understand everything.”

The sisters of the Murong family were already secretly exchanging looks with one another, as if they’re discussing how to receive this strange person. The Murong family will never show any lack of courtesy towards their guests.

But before they could speak, Gui Tong Zi has already said with a laugh, “You need not invite me for a drink of wine, I never drink, because I’m too small sized, I will never win others in drinking. That’s why I might as well not drink.”

Chen Feng Chao smiled, “Since that is the case, why don’t Elder…”

Gui Tong Zi interrupted, “Are you going to ask me what I like? Fine, I’ll tell you, I only like to see women take off their clothes and turn somersaults. If you want to receive me, then just turn some somersaults for me.”

The expressions on the faces of the Murong sisters changed. Qin Jian, Mei Zhong Liang, Zuo Chun Sheng have already stood up, but Du Jiao Jiao’s eyes gleamed, hoping that they’ll start fighting sooner. Who would have expected that right at this time, the sound of music suddenly drifted in from the shore, and in this breezy night, it sounded so melodious, so charming and full of joy. No matter who, once he hears such music, he will not fight.

Once the music started, all the surrounding noises died down immediately, as if anyone with ears is totally mesmerized by this music.

Even the eyes of ‘Bloody Hands’ Du Sha is slowly becoming more gentle. The music can actually make everyone remember the happiest time in their lives, the happiest thing. Amidst the music, young married couples have started leaning close to each other unconsciously, their gaze interlocked, filled with gentleness and bliss.

Hua Wu Que’s gaze unconsciously looked towards Tie Xin Lan as well. Tie Xin Lan is also looking at him. They both thought of the times that they spent together. During those days, they may sometimes be in shock, sometimes be in fear, sometimes be in pain, sometimes be in sadness, but now, all they can remember is only those sweet memories.

Gui Tong Zi looked at them and mumbled with a smile, “Now all of you should believe that this group of musicians that I’ve engaged is not only the best in the world, but also the one and only. Even the Tang Emperor has not the good fortune to listen to them.”

The music is getting nearer and nearer, and they saw a small boat floating towards them on the river like a cloud. The boat was brightly lit, with more than ten lamps hanging high in the air, the light reflected on the river and there were another ten odd lamps in the river, looking like a seven treasures lighted pagoda coming down from amongst the clouds.

On the boat there were seven to eight people, some playing the flute, some carrying the qin, some playing the pipa, some tapping on bamboo, and one of them was actually beating the drums. The low sound of the drum may be monotonous and without change, but each beat seems to be hitting everyone’s heart. Making everyone’s soul intoxicated.

Under the light, it can be seen that although there are men and women in the group, but all of them has white hair, and some are even bent over and hunched back, like toothless old people. But when they stepped up the boat, everyone realized that they’re actually ten times older than when seen from afar. Those who have never seen them can never imagine that a person can live to such an old age, and even those who saw them cannot imagine this. That there were so many old men and old women playing music on a very small boat, this is something that is absolutely unimaginable.

And the most unimaginable is that such exuberant, youthful, uplifting music, actually came from this group of muddleheaded looking old people. If this is not seen with one’s own eyes, he will never believe it. But now everyone saw for themselves, it’s just that no one could see clearly how they got up their boat, because the small boat is too swift.

By the time the Murong sisters thought to go out and receive them, these old people are already on the boat suddenly, and the music did not even stop for an instant. The old man who was beating the drum has hair so white that it looks like snow, but his skin so dark it looks like charcoal, and he’s so skinny that there’s only skin and bones left. He used his thighs to hold a very large drum, and this drum looks even older than him, and very heavy as well. But he used his thigh to clasp it and flew up the boat lightly with the drum, as if they’re made from paper and a small breeze would blow him away.

Chen Feng Chao came forward first and said with a bow, “Elders are all skilled beyond this world, I wonder why today…” Before he could finish his words, the old man who was beating the drum suddenly stared at him and said, “Is your family name Cao?”

Chen Feng Chao was stunned, and replied, “Junior’s name is Chen Feng Chao.”

He had just uttered the word ‘Chen’, when that old man who was beating the drum suddenly exclaim in fury, “Those with the family name Chen is nothing good as well.” Amidst his roar, his shriveled body has lept up to fly away.

Gui Tong Zi furrowed his brows and pulled him, “Even if you detest those with the family name Cao, what has it got to do with those whose family name is Chen?”

The old man who was beating the drum fumed, “Who said there’s no relation, If not for Chen Gong* who let Cao Cao off, how could my ancestors have died in the hands of Cao Cao?”

(From Wikipedia: At the county of Zhongmou, where Chen Gong was the magistrate, Cao Cao was captured. When Chen Gong interrogated the fugitive, he was so impressed with Cao Cao's loyalty to the emperor that he decided to abandon his official post and join Cao Cao.)

With the commotion he’s making, the music stopped. No one knows what nonsense he was blabbering about, and only Murong Shan Shan suddenly laughed, “So it seems that, can Elder be the descendent of the martyr of Nan Hai, Mi Heng?”

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mi_Heng)

The old man replied, “That’s right, ever since the Three Kingdoms, I’m the 18th generation that this has been passed down, that’s why my name is Mi Shi Ba (Shi Ba = 18)

Only now did Chen Feng Chao understand what’s happening. So this old man is the descendant of Mi Heng, and Mi Heng played ‘Triple Tolling of Yu Yang’ on the drums and insulted Cao Cao. Cao Cao used the hands of others to kill him, and now this Mi Shi Ba wants to place this blame on Chen Feng Chao, making him at a loss as to whether to laugh or cry about it.

But Murong Shan Shan replied with a straight face, “Since that is the case, then Elder should not forget that Chen Gong died in the hands of the traitorous Cao Cao, so Elder and those with the family name Chen should fight their common enemy. If you were to fight amongst yourselves, won’t those with the family name Cao look upon it as a joke.”

Mi Shi Ba was stunned for a moment before he nodded his head, “That’s right, if not for your reminder, I would have forgotten. You’re quite an interesting young lady.”

Suddenly someone shouted, “Is there anyone with the family name Zhong here?”

This person is tall and thin with a long neck, and holding on to a qin. Bai Kai Xin thought that he has something against those with the family name Zhong, so he immediately pointed towards Li Da Zui and said, “This person’s family name is Zhong.”

He thought that Li Da Zui will certainly be in trouble now, because the ladies of the Murong family will certainly not speak up for Li Da Zui, but who would have expected that this old man with the qin dropped down to the floor in front of Li Da Zui and said, “Old man Yu Zi Ya, when I was a young man, your grandfather Mr Zi Qi was the only one who appreciated my music, and he spread the words of my music, making it famous. Now that we have met each other, if you do not mind, please allow me to play a tune for you.”

When Li Da Zui was younger he did have the reputation of a scholar, or Tie Wu Shuang would not have let him marry his daughter, so he naturally knows about the story between Mr Zi Ya and Zhong Zi Qi. That’s why when Bai Kai Xin said that his family name is Zhong, he did not object, and now he bowed and said, “If Elder has the mood for it, I will gladly listen.”

Yu Zi Ya sat down straight, his fingers plucking the strings of the qin, and once the music started, it makes one feel light, as if they’re in heaven.

Li Da Zui put on an act and closed his eyes, listening for a long time before saying loudly, “As majestic as Mount Tai! Excellent, marvelous.”

Yu Zi Ya’s music suddenly changed, becoming more gentle and melodious.

Li Da Zui clasped his palms and said, “Soothing like the River Jiang, excellent, marvelous.”

Yu Zi Ya drew his hand across the qin and stopped gracefully. He heaved a long sigh and said, “I did not expect that after so many years, the Zhongs will still appreciate the music. This tune of mine, will never be played for anyone else in future.”

Du Jiao Jiao have already seen that these old people are not highly skilled martial arts exponents, but she did not expect them to be so easily tricked.

She can’t help but secretly laugh to herself, “The older one gets, the more muddleheaded, seems that this saying is not wrong at all. These people here are really old and muddleheaded.”

Yu Zi Ya took hold of Li Da Zui’s hand and introduced the old men and old ladies to him one by one. The one playing the flute has the family name Xiao (Xiao = flute), and naturally he’s the descendant of Xiao Nong Yu. The person who played the zhu has the family name Gao, and he is most likely somewhat related to Gao Jian Li (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gao_Jian_Li), and whose descendent would be the one who plays the flute? It turns out that he’s the descendant of Han Xiang Zi, so naturally he’s related to the pioneer of essayist Han Yu as well.

The Murong sisters almost wanted to burst out laughing upon hearing all these from the side. They are slowly coming to the conclusion that these people are all mad, and very hilariously mad as well.

The most amazing thing is, the person who plays the yu claimed that he is the descendent of Mr Nanguo, and called himself Nanguo Sheng. Murong Shan Shan can’t take it any longer and said with a smile, “King Xuan of Qi loves the sound of the yu, and he will order 300 yu players to play at the same time, but 299 of them will certainly play better than Mr Nanguo*. Elder plays the yu so beautifully, so how can you be the descendant of Mr Nanguo?”

(*Story of Nanguo - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_%28wind_instrument%29)

This Mr Nanguo is short and fat, and looked very friendly, that’s why Murong Shan Shan dared to joke with him. As expected he was not angry, and said with a grin, “Miss only knows that my ancestor was making up the numbers, and became a laughing stock for centuries to come, but you only know one aspect of the story and not the other.”

Murong Shan Shan replied, “Junior is willing to be enlightened.”

Nanguo Sheng replied, “After the death of King Xuan, King Min took over the throne and ordered the 300 yu players to play a solo piece. When my ancestor heard of the news, he escaped in the night. Everyone is familiar with this part of the story, but they do not know that after my ancestor escaped, he vowed to work hard from then on. Before his death, he is already the best yu player during that era, and he strictly instructed his descendents that all future generations must learn to play the yu, with the hope of erasing the joke about ‘Nanguo playing the yu’.

He laughed and continued, “If Miss were to take a look, who else in the world plays the yu better than those with the family name Nanguo.”

Murong Shan Shan immediately put on a serious look and thanked him, “Junior was ignorant, if I have offended Elder, I hope you will forgive me.”

Actually everyone can see that Mr Nanguo’s family name is not Nanguo at all, Mi Shi Ba’s family name is not Mi, and the old man with the family name Han cannot possibly be the descendant of Han Xiang Zi.

Because Han Xiang Zi has never married, so how could he have a son, and without a son, he can’t possibly have a grandson.

But these old people insist on saying that, so everyone has no choice but to believe them. Although they can all see that these old people must be famous heroes of the martial arts realm fifty to sixty, or maybe even sixty to seventy years ago, but no one could guess their original names. All the more Tie Xin Lan could not guess why these old people would rush here to perform for her. Every one of these people are old enough to be her great-grandfather, so how could they be in any way related to her?

The eldest Murong sister is gentle and well mannered, a capable wife and excellent mother who does not speak out of place. She has a slight smile all along, sitting there quietly, but now she suddenly pulled her husband’s sleeve quietly and said gently, “It’s getting late now, everyone is tired now…” Chen Feng Chao tapped her hand and smiled, “I understand what you mean.”

Of course he can tell from the beginning that the situation today is getting more and more complicated, and he has no wish to drag this further with these weird unorthodox people, so he clasped his fists and said with a smile, “Now that the music is ready, we better finish up the ceremony for these two couples, so that everyone can have a hearty drink after that.”

Du Jiao Jiao clapped her hands and laughed, “You’re absolutely right.”

Ha Ha’er said, “Haha, as the saying goes, a single moment of the night is worth thousands of gold, we’re so busy talking that we forgot that the newly weds are anxious to go into the nuptials room.”

They can also tell that these old people’s background are dubious, and wish they can get out of this situation soon. Who would have expected that Gui Tong Zi suddenly exclaimed loudly, “No, not yet, wait a little longer.”

Du Jiao Jiao smiled, “Could it be that Elders have invited guests here for the ceremony as well?”

Gui Tong Zi replied, “Not a guest, but a host.”

Du Jiao Jiao can’t help but feel stunned, “Host? Aren’t all the hosts here?”

Gui Tong Zi ignored her, but spoke with Mi Shi Ba, “Didn’t Lao Yao (Lao Yao = youngest in the family/ group) come with all of you?”

Mi Shi Ba rolled his eyes and replied, “Who else can he come with if not with us?”

Gui Tong Zi asked, “Where is he?”

Mi Shi Ba replied, “Where is he, why don’t you ask him yourself?”

“If I know where he is, do I still need to ask?”

Mi Shi Ba stared at him, “If you don’t know, how would I know? I’m not his father.”

Gui Tong Zi chided him with a laugh, “You have the same irritable temper as your ancestor.”

Guo Nan Sheng laughed, “You obvious know that he has a bad temper, why do you still ask him, why don’t you ask me.”

Li Da Zui was secretly laughing at the side upon hearing all these. These people are getting more childish as they age, and when they argue, they’re as good as him.

Chen Feng Chao was afraid that they’ll argue further, luckily Nan Guo Sheng continued talking, “Lao Yao came with us initially on the boat, but he complained that the boat was moving too slowly, so he jumped ashore and came here on his own first.”

Yu Zi Ya said, “This is called more haste, less speed.”

Gui Tong Zi laughed, “I’m afraid his impatient character can’t be changed even when he’s dead.”

The lady flutist interrupted with a laugh, “With his speed recently, even if he took the longer route, he should be here long ago. I’m just afraid that he got into his bad habit again and is now fighting with someone again while on the way.”

Han Di Zi laughed, “If he is really fighting, then I’m afraid he won’t make it even if we wait another three days and nights for him.”

Du Jiao Jiao rolled her eyes and suddenly spoke up, “This friend of Elders, once he start fighting there’ll never be an end?”

Gui Tong Zi sighed, “If he does not fight until the other party kowtow and beg for mercy, he will not give up even if it means death.”

Du Jiao Jiao took a glance and Li Da Zui and asked, “Could it be him?”

Li Da Zui thought of someone as well, and suddenly exclaimed hoarsely, “Could this friend of Elders be….” Before he could finish his words, someone at the shore can be heard roaring suddenly, “Li Da Zui, Compulsive Gambler, where are you grand-bastards, scram out now!”

Xuanyuan San Guang clasped his palms and laughed loudly, “With the arrival of this son of turtle, it’s going to get even more interesting.”

Once that lion sounding roar was heard, Tie Xin Lan started shaking uncontrollably, either from surprise or from joy. The Murong sisters were secretly perplexed, the brother of these old weirdoes, how can he be an old friend of the ‘Ten Evils’? They really cannot understand.

Li Da Zui and Xuanyuan San Guang jumped to the head of the boat and laughed loudly, “You crazy old man, you’re still not dead?”

The person on shore laughed as well, “You grand-bastards are not yet dead, so how can I bear to die?” Amidst the laughter, a person jumped up the boat. A boat as large as this, even shook when he landed, and the wine in the cups spilled out, so one can imagine how heavy this person is.

But it cannot be said that his Lightness Skill is not up to par, because from his leap from the shore to the boat, the distance is at least forty to fifty feet! Plum Blossom Master, Divine Eye Scholar, their Lightness Skill can be considered one of the best in the martial arts realm, but when they think about it, they may not necessarily be able to leap forty feet. Since this person’s Lightness Skill is not weak at all, but he deliberately shook the boat when he landed, no wonder Li Da Zui and the rest called him ‘crazy old man’.”

Without even looking, everyone knows that the person who came must be a weird person and upon taking a look, they can’t help but suck in a breath of cold air. This person is not very tall, about six to seven feet at the most, and he looked square, like a huge rock. His head is even strangely bigger, if the head was chopped down and weighed, it’ll be at least thirty to fifty catties. The hair on his head was in a huge mess, like a chicken’s nest, the hair joining the beard, the beard joining the face, no one can differentiate which is the beard, and which is the hair. Even his nose and mouth can’t even be found. Looking from afar, he looks like a lion squatting on a huge rock, or like a lion that has been squashed out of shape.

Once this person jumped up the boat, he started laughing and chatting with Li Da Zui and Xuanyuan San Guang. The ages of those three added up is almost 200 years old, but they still do not behave seriously. On seeing this, Chen Feng Chao can only give a forced smile, not knowing if he should come forward to welcome him or not. That strange man suddenly pushed Li Da Zui aside and roared, “I forgot to take a look what kind of a husband you grand-bastards found for my daughter. If he’s not to my liking, see if I don’t give all of you a sound beating.”

He jumped up with a roar, and Du Jiao Jiao approached him with a smile, “This son-in-law we found for you, a crazy man like you will never find someone like him even if you went looking, you’re sure to be satisfied.”

On seeing this weird man, Tie Xin Lan’s tears have burst out uncontrollably, and she struggled to rush forward, crying out, “Father…”

With the suffering she felt, the bitterness she felt, she only managed to call his name before her throat got stuck, unable to say another word.

Hua Wu Que has also realized by now that ‘Mad Lion’ Tie Zhan has arrived. Looking at Tie Xin Lan, he will never imagine that her father would actually look like that.

Tie Zhan patted his daughter’s head and chuckled, “Good daughter, don’t cry. Your old man is not dead yet, you should be happy, why are you crying?” Before he even finished his words, he has already jumped in front of Hua Wu Que and looked at him from head to toe, and from toe to head again, scrutinizing Hua Wu Que for a few rounds. Hua Wu Que was so numb from hunger that he did not even move.

Tie Zhan nodded his head, “Seems that this lad looks quite human, but… why can’t he stand properly, or have you found me a sickly man?”

Gui Tong Zi laughed, “It’s not a serious illness, he only needs freshly steamed buns for his illness and he will be able to stand properly.”

Tie Zhan was taken aback, and asked, “Could he be suffering from hunger?”

Gui Tong Zi smiled, “That’s right.”

Tie Zhan jumped up and roared, “Who starved my son-in-law into such condition?”

Gui Tong Zi replied, “Who else but your old friends.”

Tie Zhan suddenly somersaulted, extended his hands and grabbed Ha Ha’er and Du Jiao Jiao by their collars, and forcefully lifted the two of them up. His martial arts is not exactly the best among the Ten Evils, it’s just that when he fights, he does it without a care to his own life. If real skills are compared, he may not be able to win Du Jiao Jiao. But now he has just extended his hands, and he managed to lift Du Jiao Jiao and Ha Ha’er, and not only are they unable to resist, they’re unable to avoid him as well.

Li Da Zui and the rest can’t help but feel stunned, no one would have imagined the great improvement in his martial arts. Mi Shi Ba, Yu Zi Ya and the rest have an expression of glee on their faces, and without a need to ask, these old freaks must have taught his martial arts. Ha Ha’er felt his neck about to break, and wanted to laugh but he couldn’t even get his breath out, and stammered, “Old… old friend, we can talk things over, why must you fight!”

Tie Zhan fumed, “What’s there to talk about, you ate yourself into a fatty, why did you starve my son-in-law thus.”

Du Jiao Jiao smiled condescendingly, “There’s something that Brother Tie does not know. If we don’t starve him, he would have run away long ago.”

Tie Zhan asked, “Run? Why would he run?”

Du Jiao Jiao replied, “Why don’t Brother Tie ask him yourself.”

Tie Zhan really loosened his hold, but grabbed Hua Wu Que’s collar and roared, “Let me ask you, why do you want to run away? Isn’t my daughter good enough for a sickly man like you?”

Tie Xin Lan grabbed her father’s arm, “Father, let him go quickly, this has got nothing to do with him.” The confusion and pain she feels in her heart, how can she reveal them in front of so many people.

Tie Zhan paused and asked, “What is this all about? … I don’t care about other things, I’ll only ask you, are you willing to marry this lad!”

Tie Xin Lan lowered her head, “I…I…”

Tie Zhan fumed, “Why have you turned wishy-washy now as well, what is so difficult to say it out, yes means yes, no means no. You only need to nod your head and this lad will be your husband, if you shake your head, I’ll chase this lad away for you.”

But Tie Xin Lan’s head could not move at all. She can’t nod her head, neither can she shake her head. Remembering the love Hua Wu Que has for her, how can she shake her head. She knows that once she shakes her head, she may never see Hua Wu Que again. But she thought of that hateful yet lovable Xiao Yu’er… and how can she nod her head then.

Her feelings now, even the most understanding person would not be able to understand, much less this ‘Mad Lion’ Tie Zhan who never understood anything about matters of the heart. He was almost crazy with impatience, and stamped his foot, “I don’t need you to talk, but can’t you even move your head now?”

Tie Xin Lan still refused to move her head.

Everyone looked at one another, all stunned. The Murong sisters may be astute, but they really cannot guess what she is thinking of right now. The only person who understands her now is Hua Wu Que. But his heart is in pain as well. He knows that Tie Xin Lan refuses to shake her head because she can’t bear to hurt him, but even if Tie Xin Lan nodded her head, won’t he feel sad as well?

He can’t help but utter quietly, “I…”

But who would have expected that he only managed to say one word before Tie Zhan jumped up and roared, “Shut up, who told you to speak. As long as my daughter is willing, you will have to marry her, if my daughter does not agree, you will have to scram!”

Once he said these words, even the Murong sisters were at a loss whether to laugh or cry. They only felt that such an unreasonable father-in-law, is really a rare thing in the world. But they do not know that if ‘Mad Lion’ Tie Zhan is a reasonable man, he won’t be listed as one of the Ten Evils.

The lady flutist suddenly smiled, “If a girl is not willing to nod or shake her head, that means she is agreeable.”

Her hair may have turned white, her face full of wrinkles, so ancient that she’s lost all her teeth, but the look in her eyes is still sultry, and one can imagine that she must have been very experienced in love when she was young.

Tie Zhan slapped his thighs, clapped his hands and said, “That’s right, only Sister Xiao knows how a girl thinks…”