Up until now, Ming Feizhen never considered the man to be worth remembering. The most defining trait of the man was his lack of vigilance. In the presence of another martial arts adept, it was perfectly normal for people to be vigilant. Ming Feizhen didn’t hide his power, yet the smiling gentleman was completely relaxed.
“I heard Liu Shan Men’s leader is Yan Shisan. Since when did that change? Xin Buyi is courteous and respectful to you; does that mean… Liu Shan Men’s number two?”
The gentleman who had grown past the years of impulsiveness answered, “Indeed.”
He understands English?! This man can’t be underestimated.
“You don’t know me, but I know you and why you’re here.”
“You do?”
Fighting his urge to laugh, the man replied, “You’re finding a daughter-in-law for your shifu, right? It’s concerning that he wants you to inherit his philandering habits at such a young age.”
If he can say that, he must be close to Shifu.
Ming Feizhen wagged his hand. “And a hundred thousand silver taels.”
“My condolences.” The man went to scrub for Ming Feizhen’s head, but the latter recoiled out of the way, so the former sadly pulled his arm back.
Ming Feizhen, cheeks puffed, glared at the gentleman he designated a paedophile or man with a white-hair fetish.
“I’ve heard about the Fengpeng from your shifu. You’re impressive. Incomplete Tai Chi isn’t something anyone can lay their eyes on or learn.”
“You know about that, too? My shifu must owe you a lot of money.”
“Hahaha, you’re a fun kid. How’s your search for a wife? Need me to introduce someone?”
“Let’s not stand around to talk when we’re friends. Here, take a seat, Mister. No need to stand on ceremony.” Ming Feizhen pulled a bench over and gestured for the gentleman to join him.
The man was stupefied for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Your shifu is right.”
“Huh? What did he say?”
The man accepted the offer to sit. “He said you’re perfect.”
“That’s a given.”
“Save for the missing brain cells.”
“Can you adults not wrap what you’re trying to say in layers upon layers? Instead, try being more forthright. Anyhow, did you say you’d introduce someone to me?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be candid, then.” Ming Feizhen poured the man a cup of tea. “You have a daughter or niece?”
The man’s eyes batted rapidly as the corners of his lips rose a tad. “Even my family is a candidate for you?”
“Of course. Judging from your clothing, you can’t be poor. As for status, if you’re close to Yan Shisan’s level, then it’s acceptable. You have the exemplary appearance of a competent man, so your daughter can’t be bad. There’s no loss for me.”
“You’re smart, but…”
“But…”
“I do have a daughter. Needless to say, she’s the most adorable in the world. Problem is, she’s only five this year. I don’t think your shifu can wait that long. How about we have you two engaged? Both families would be happy, right?”
Ming Feizhen enlarged his eyes, not expecting the man to take his joke serious. “Mister, you really are a weirdo.”
“I met your shifu prior to making my way here and heard a lot of stories about you on the way. You did well. You don’t act like your shifu; you’re a hero in the making.”
Elated to hear he was different to his shifu, Ming Feizhen wagged his hand whilst grinning. “You sure know how to flatter people, Mister. Truth be told, helping people never crossed my mind. I just help those in need. What do you mean by ‘you shouldn’t be here,’ though?”
“Miguo Branch is a disease that has been responsible for numerous major cases in recent years. It’s been difficult to locate them as they do a competent job of hiding their traces and colluding with other unorthodox factions. As such, we have a special unit dedicated to monitoring inexplicable events at Three Gorges Dam, not just the group from the Western Regions. We found that the people hiding them involves far more than just victims.”
The man started folding finger by finger as he elaborated, “League of Assassins’ Master Le, Shaolin’s Venerable Kongcang, Zhuo Fengru and, more recently, Sky Palace.”
“Sky Palace?”
Word was Sky Palace is everywhere, yet it was impossible to find them.
“Rumour is that it’s time for their tests once every few decades, so one of their sacred maidens will be commencing her training in the world soon. Nobody can corroborate the claim; however, it’s the most trustworthy sign of activity from them in decades.”
“… What does that have to do with me again?”
“It’s not normal for so many unorthodox sects to convene as they have now. While we don’t know what their motivations are, we have identified two incidents at Three Gorges Dam that are most likely to thrust the martial world into turmoil. The first case is the whereabouts of Hua Feihua.”
Ming Feizhen folded his arms and acknowledged he heard loud and clear with his head. “There’s no doubt this means Miguo Branch is up to no good. Their appearances are telling. I bet they’re colluding with unorthodox groups of some sort. The solution is simple: lock them all up. They’ll spill everything once you treat them to some chilli water or whatever. Frame them for another dozen of crimes, and then execute them. Next.”
The man heaved a big breath. “That would be Mount Daluo’s successor entering the pugilistic world.” He locked eyes with Ming Feizhen and shook his head. “Who should I arrest?”
Glossary
Liu Shan Men’s number two – Ming Feizhen actually says “number two” in English here, a product of his visits to the Western Regions. That’s the other reason behind him thinking, “This man can’t be underestimated.”
