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Chapter 321: Dead or alive

At this moment, there was a knock on the door and the voice of Leng Shuang came from outside.

"Mistress."

"Come in."

Both Feng Jiu and Guan Xi Lin walked to the table and sat while Leng Shuang, who was fully dressed in black, walked into the room with a tray.

"Mistress, Young Master, this is the bird's nest porridge which Old Patriarch has specially ordered for you." She then put the two bowls in front of each of them and retreated to the side.

"Has my grandfather fallen asleep?" Feng Jiu asked while eating the porridge.

"Ah Hua it is taking care of him and said that he had already fallen asleep." Leng Shuang said and paused momentarily before saying: "Those eight leaders of the Feng guards have arrived and are waiting outside to meet with Mistress."

After Feng Jiu finished the entire bowl of porridge, she moved it to the side and said, "Let them stay in the manor first, wait till I have time and will meet them then."

"Yes." Leng Shuang replied and went out to relay her message.

After that eight of them heard her words, they looked at each other first before leaving. The moment they heard the news of their Patriarch, they had rushed back immediately. They thought that their Young Miss was not in, they didn't expect that she had returned already.

Just that, how was the situation of their Patriarch now? Has he passed the dangerous phase already?

They walked out of the courtyard but did not walk far. Instead, they stood around like the other guards that were protecting the courtyard, standing guard in silence.

This night, not only did Feng Jiu and the rest did not sleep, Murong Bo who was in the Palace was unable to fall asleep. He was worried the entire night and kept thinking about Feng Xiao. Has he died? Or was he still alive?

Under the situation at that time, he had heard his voice. If he didn't die....

Thinking of this, he stood up and paced back and forth restlessly. He could not stay still and could only look forward to the break of dawn to send someone to find out more news.

His original plan was to send someone over tonight, however after listening to the strict security that the Feng Residence has placed, if he were to send someone to assassinate tonight, he was afraid he would arouse their suspicion.

Only after thinking about it again and again that he put that idea away. Like them, Murong Yi Xuan was unable to catch any sleep. Today, he felt that there was something wrong with his Imperial Father's expression and that had roused his suspicion. He was afraid that the assassination attempt earlier today had something to do with him, if he really was related to this matter...

No! He must have thought wrong, his Imperial Father would not do such an impulsive and reckless thing.

However, there was a voice in his heart that told him that this was the cold hard truth. It was because if that assassination had been successful, Feng Xiao would have died then and everything would have fallen into his grasp. He had never expected that things didn't go as planned and such a worrying situation would unfold.

The various powers in Cloudy Moon City were all thinking about this matter. What if Feng Xiao fell just like that? What would happen to the Feng Residence? If Feng Xiao fell just like that, would Feng Residence belong to the Imperial family or will it be absorbed by the side branch?

After all, a Feng Residence without Feng Xiao would only leave an elderly old man and a sixteen years old Feng Qing Ge who wouldn't able to hold up the entire Feng Residence. What would be the outcome of the Feng Residence then? They were very curious that was why they were also very concerned about the life and death of Feng Xiao.

The moment the day brightened, almost every family and power have sent people to enquire about the news...

What surprised people was that there was no mournful cries coming out from the Feng Residence nor were there any white lanterns hung at the front of the gate. There was no news of Feng Xiao's demise at all.

Does...does that mean that he is still alive?

Other than suffering from such heavy injuries, he was poisoned as well. He actually managed to survive through all that?

Chapter 322: In a vegetative state?

Almost everyone was craning their necks as they looked at Feng Residence, hoping that there would be some news announced. However, if it wasn't any news that the Feng Residence deliberately released, it would be highly impossible to find out anything.

It was because no matter if it was the guards or servants in the Feng Residence, they had all undergone strict checks upon hiring. It was also heard that they have a clear distinction between the inner and outer courtyards in the residence. Those who were working in the outer courtyards have no permission to enter the inner courtyard and can only wait in their own allocated areas.

That was why if one wanted to find some news of the Feng Residence, one really had to wait till they themselves released the news, otherwise it would only be a fruitless attempt.

However, Feng Xiao's attack was known by entire city and there were also doctors who had proclaimed that he would not live past the night. That was why, be it life or death, Feng Residence should soon pass out a message. They could only wait till then and hear the message first hand.

This long-awaited message was only released at noon.

"What? Feng Xiao did not die but fell into a coma? He is now in a vegetative state? How is that any different from being dead?

"He did not die, it is because the black market had sent him some life-saving medicine that was able to preserve his life. But the poison had penetrated deep into his internal organs, in addition, the sternum was broken and his five viscera have been damaged which is why he fell into a coma. I heard that there might not be a chance for him to wake up."

When he heard this, someone asked: "Is this real? If he really turned into a vegetable, then it might really be better to die instead!"

"Isn't it? After all, he is the renowned general and is also an esteemed Martial Cultivator. Yet now, he has reached such a state. It really might be better to be dead than alive." Another person let out a sigh and shook his head with regret.

"Sigh! If General Feng really falls, then I'm afraid that the only outcome for the Feng Residence would be..."

Another person laughed when he heard this and said: "Whatever happens to the Feng Residence has also nothing to do with us! Such has been happening since ancient times, I'm guessing that as soon as this news spreads, the entire Feng Residence will be in a turmoil, especially so for the side branch."

"The Feng Residence's side branch? This Feng Residence was originally different from other family clans. They had long separated from each other, even if there is a side branch, they should not be able to step a foot in at all?"

"Ha ha, it's hard to say. Once Feng Xiao has fallen, there is only the elderly Old Patriarch Feng and their Young Miss. Not as if you do not know, doesn't that Old Patriarch have dementia? Although I haven't heard about any episode's recently, however will not know when it might occur again. Not to mention that their Young Miss is only sixteen years old and she does not have enough experience. Tell me, how can she support the entire Feng Residence? In my opinion, the troubles that the Feng Residence will experience are brewing and may blow up any time soon."

"Oh, I beg to differ. Haven't that Young Miss Feng taken over the family? With the Feng Command Token in her hands, the Feng Guards will only listen to her orders. Tell me, who would dare to find trouble with them?"

"Without any strength, who would obey a young lass? Who doesn't know that in this world, only the strong are respected? If there is no real strength, can chicken feathers be used to make arrows? You really are too naïve."

Out here, everyone was fervently discussing. At the Palace, when Murong Bo heard the news, he felt the weight in his heart dissipate and his burden lifted. He sat on the Dragon Throne and asked the shadow guard: "Is this really true? That Feng Xiao has turned into a vegetable?"

"This news is what your subordinate has gathered. As to whether or not it is true, that can't be determined because we are not able to get close to the Feng Residence." That shadow guard respectfully finished his report.

Murong Bo stood up and started to pace back and forth the main hall. After a while, he strode out and said: "The two doctors are to follow this King out for a trip!"

Chapter 323: Has she returned?

As Feng Jiu had not slept a wink the whole night, she had let Old Man Feng take over her while she went back to her room to get some rest early in the morning.

As for the news that were released, naturally it was what the three of them had discussed and agreed upon. Once this news was released, what would happen next? At this moment, they had no interest to pay any attention to it.

That was why, after noon had passed, those hoards of people who were clamouring to visit Feng Xiao with herbs in hands came in waves and they left it all to Old Man Feng to deal with it.

Those people were most probably trying to find out more about Feng Xiao's condition so Old Man Feng would definitely not let them all meet him. However, he did allow the steward to bring in a couple of people to visit the Feng Xiao who was unconscious.

"Sigh! Old Patriarch, don't worry too much. At least Feng Xiao had managed to survive, even if he's in a coma, there's still a chance that he would wake up." One family clan's head spoke in a regretful tone and sighed again. He could only try to console the Old Patriarch in this manner.

Another family head nodded his head and said: "That's right! If we have no skilled doctors in our country, we can always seek better skilled ones in other countries. Let's not mention the others but if you can find the Ghost Doctor and him treat General Feng, the chance of him waking up would be higher."

"At this moment, I can only spread the news and seek famous doctors from all around, if we are able to find the Ghost Doctor, then I would be able to put my mind at ease. It would be taking a huge load off my mind, it's just that...now we're in such a predicament...sigh!" He sighed and shook his head helplessly, his face was full of sorrow.

"Old Patriarch, the Ruler has arrived." The steward reported at the door.

Old Man Feng immediately left the room to greet the Ruler, leaving Leng Hua to guard by the bedside. The two family clan heads looked at each other and immediately followed him out to send their greetings.

"This old vassel greets the Ruler." Old Man Feng cupped his hands to greet, but before he could bow, Murong Bo stepped forward and supported him up.

"Old Patriarch, there's no need for formalities, how is Feng Xiao?"

After he had supported Old Man Feng up, he had immediately asked with a voice filled with concern. His expression was that of someone who was truly worried about his subordinates, filled with care and concern.

Old Man Feng shook his head with red-rimmed eyes and with great sorrow, he replied: "Fortunately, the black market had sent us a life saving medicine. But even if this is the case, we only managed to preserve his life...he has been unconscious the whole time. I'm afraid...I'm afraid that he would never wake up." Speaking till here, his voice choked and he lifted his sleeves to wipe the tears from his eyes.

"Don't be so anxious Old Patriarch, this King has brought two famous doctors here along Let them have a look at General Feng, they may be able to help."

"This old vassel is extremely grateful." He cupped both hands together and after the two family clan heads had paid their respects to the Ruler, he invited all of them to enter together.

Under the orders of the Ruler, the two doctors stepped forward and carefully examined Feng Xiao once again. The more they examined, the more surprised they were. When they had examined him yesterday, Feng Xiao was hanging by his last thread of life and they had both agreed and diagnosed that living past the night would require a miracle.

However today, although there wasn't much of a difference in appearance from yesterday, however, his breathing was much stronger. It was obvious that his breathing was so shallow that it could have been snuffed out anytime but now, his breathing had stabilized. This made them feel amazed by the medicine that the black market had given. It was practically an elixir that could resurrect the dead! He was almost at death's door and he could actually make it back alive?

The two of them stood up and walked to the Ruler and respectfully made their report. "Ruler, although General Feng has managed to preserve his life, however his internal injuries are too serious and the poison remains in his blood, hence, he's unable to wake up. If we are able to find the Ghost Doctor, that would be the day that he might wake up."

"Oh? It's like that?"

Murong Bo looked thoughtfully and turned to look at Old Man Feng and asked: "Such a major thing has happened to Feng Xiao, don't tell me that Qing Ge hasn't returned yet?"

Chapter 324: The Ruler departs

When they heard this, the two family clan heads quickly glanced at Old Man Feng. They had not forgotten that the Ruler had arranged a marriage for Feng Qing Ge....

Although in the eyes of everyone, for Feng Qing Ge to be a side concubine of the Crown Prince of Green Gallop Country was a prestige and considered it to be her good luck. However, Feng Xiao was adamant against it. In his eyes, he felt that being a side concubine was a huge loss for his precious daughter and he had stormed to the palace that very day! It was obvious that he had disagreed with this marriage and he even threw Lord Xiang out by the collar.

However, now that Feng Xiao had fallen, Feng Qing Ge had yet to return home, how would this marriage play out?

When they thought of this, the two of them sneaked glances at the Ruler and Old Patriarch Feng.

The expression of Old Patriarch Feng was still sorrowful as he replied with melancholy: "I've only sent her a letter and urged her to return to the manor as soon as possible. I didn't tell her that something had happened to her father, if she knew, how worried would she be? I didn't want her to worry too much."

Hearing this, Murong Bo did not ask further but consoled him and said: "Don't worry too much Old Patriarch Feng, it wasn't easy for Feng Xiao to stay alive, this King believes that once we are able to find the Ghost Doctor, he would definitely be saved."

"Thank you Ruler for sharing such auspicious words."

Old Patriarch Feng lowered his head and cupped his hands together as he spoke, however, there was no grief in his eyes. There was only a burning fury that disappeared the moment he raised his head. It was so brief that it was as if it had never appeared at all in the first place hence no one had noticed it.

The few of them exchanged some words for a while and after Murong Bo left, the two family clan heads also bade their farewell.

After sending them off, Old Man Feng returned to Feng Xiao's courtyard and went to the stone bench in the middle and sat down without a word. All the guards who were guarding the place in the shadows were all baffled by this as they exchanged querying glances.

"Say, Young Miss is back, yet why is it that we are to tell the outside world that she hasn't returned yet?"

"Old Patriarch Feng definitely has his intentions behind it."

"Why do I feel that it is Miss' own idea?"

"Speaking of Mistress, I didn't expect her face has fully recovered. There's not the slightest scar at all."

Listening to him call her 'Mistress', the rest looked at him with jest and said: "I see that after a bout with Miss, you've completely submitted to her!"

The man who was dressed in blue returned their mocking gazes with one of ridicule as he retorted: "Hey, don't say I didn't warn you. If you do not listen to the words of an old man, losses are at hand." After he said that, he saw Feng Jiu walking towards them.

"Look, it's Mistress!"

The man in blue smiled and walked forward without saying anything as he bowed down respectfully and said: "Luo Yu greets Mistress."

Feng Jiu stopped in her tracks and glanced at him before she revealed a faint smile: "Oh, it' you!"

He grinned and replied: "Heh heh, Mistress still remembers this subordinate?"

"Wasn't it you who were beaten up heartily by me the last time?" She winked at him cheekily as she walked past them and without saying anything further, she walked towards the middle of the courtyard.

"Grandfather." He raised his head up when he heard her call.

"Little Feng, you're here? The Ruler just left." He stood up and asked, "Are you going to see your father? Let's go, Grandfather will accompany you."

"Alright." She responded immediately as she followed him into the room and left Leng Shuang outside to guard.

The moment the doors were closed, no one knew what she was doing inside. The group who were blocked by Leng Shuang could only guard outside, only Luo Yu who had thick skin kept pestering Leng Shuang and smouldered her with questions.

"Leng Shuang, I'm Luo Yu. You still remember me right?" He gave her his most captivating smile but he was only returned with a frosty gaze of hers.

Chapter 325: Treatment through food!

"Go to the outside of the courtyard to guard." Leng Shuang frowned when she saw that blue robed man.

When he heard this, Luo Yu's eyes were sparkling with emotions and said: "Mistress did not instruct me to go outside to guard!" He glanced briefly at the closed door and beamed at her, "Rest assured, we are all on the same side."

Leng Shuang's brows furrowed deeper when she saw him swagger to the middle of the courtyard and sat down by the table as he sipped at the tea and helped himself to the pastries. Thinking of the words her Mistress had left behind before she went in, she didn't tell him to go out again and let them guard the courtyard but did not let them approach the room.

When the others saw this situation, they looked thoughtfully at Leng Shuang before their gaze rested at the door. They remained silent and started to contemplate.

In the room, Feng Jiu was accompanied by Old Man Feng while Leng Hua was by the bedside and Feng Xiao was lying unconscious in bed.

"Mistress." Leng Hua bowed down respectfully and retreated to the side.

Feng Jiu sat down by the bed and took her father's pulse. She retrieved the silver needles from her space and immediately unsealed a few acupoints that she had sealed previously. It took about half a time it took to burn a stick of incense and the Feng Xiao who was originally unconscious began to stir and slowly opened his eyes.

When Old Man Feng saw this, he was elated and he finally felt a huge wave of relief wash over him.

This morning, Little Feng had already told him that he had already awoken but when he had came by, he had fallen asleep once again. The next thing he saw was her using some silver needles to skillfully prick some acupoints and render him unconscious. He remained in this state all throughout since then.

At that time, although he did not personally witness him waking up, but he believed the words of Little Feng and also followed her instructions accordingly. Now, when he saw the unconscious Feng Xiao wake up, his excitement in his heart could not be contained.

"Feng Xiao, you've really given us a huge scare!" Old Man Feng said while sobbing and he let out a sigh of relief after.

Feng Xiao opened his mouth and tried to talk, however his breath was still very weak. His lips were moving but no sound came out.

"Father, you can rest assured that your body will be able to recover well." Feng Jiu said softly, "Although your body's injuries are very heavy, the most important thing is that you've regained consciousness. As long as you recuperate well, you should be able to get off the bed in a month's time."

He was most heavily injured at his chest and not to mention his five visceras were damaged. If not for her skill in medicine as well as her research towards pills and herbs, this kind of situation was indeed unsalvageable. However, with her skills coupled with her pill refining, he should be able to use a month's time to let him recover fifty to sixty percent.

"This time is just right for the to get a good rest and recuperate. From today on, there shouldn't be anyone else coming to visit. Even if there is, no one is allowed to."

"Yes, yes, yes. We'll listen to everything you say." Old Man Feng nodded his head again and again before he turned to leave instructions to block all visitors.

At this time, two knocks resounded on the door and a figure came in.

"Little Jiu, I've brought the porridge over." Guan Xi Lin brought in a small bowl and when he saw that Old Man Feng was here as well, he greeted him.

When Old Man Feng heard that it was for Feng Xiao to eat, he could not help but ask: "Little Jiu, is your father able to eat porridge already? His chest is so heavily injured, I'm afraid..."

Feng Jiu smiled sweetly as she took the bowl into her hands and scooped out a small spoonful. "This is the diet that I have specially prepared for father. His injuries are too severe, so we have to be careful with his medication. These meals all more mild and are very effective for his treatment."

Chapter 326: Having their sights set on Old White

While she was preparing the porridge, Guan Xi Lin came to the bed and assisted Feng Xiao and carefully helped him up so that Feng Jiu could feed him the porridge.

As she blew on the small spoonful of porridge, she said to him: "Father, there is some spirit fluid added in this as well. In addition to recovering the damaged internal organs, it can also restore your body's strength and stabilise the qi flow in your body. Come, careful it's hot."

Old Man Feng watched Feng Jiu gently caring for her father by the side and could not help but reveal a small smile as he nodded in appreciation.

Whoever said the only men were good?

Whoever said that only men could bring glory to the family's name?

What a man could do, a woman could do as well. Sometimes, they may even do a better job!

In their Feng family's line of descendants, there was only Little Feng this child. This child had grown up without any worries, not to mention being reprimanded by elders. Now that such an incident happened, even if it was a boy, he may not be able to withstand such pressure and panic.

However, she was just a girl who was only sixteen years of age had braved the storm and used her delicate frame to support the entire Feng Residence and paved a new path for them.

Thinking of this, he was full of emotions. He was proud on one hand yet distressed on the other.

"Father, close your eyes and rest well."

Feng Jiu gently said in a low voice and after he finished the whole bowl of porridge, Guan Xi Lin helped him to lie comfortably on the bed. Leaving Leng Hua behind to guard by his bed, the three of them left the room.

"Grandfather, brother, come over to my courtyard to talk." She looked at the two of them and pointed to the door.

"Alright." The two of them nodded their heads in unison.

Feng Jiu looked at the middle of the courtyard where Luo Yu and the others were and said: "The lot of you stay and guard this courtyard. Without my permission, no one is allowed to enter the room."

A few of them to each other and replied solemnly: "Yes!"

After leaving instructions to the Feng guards, the few of them walked towards her courtyard.

On the other side, in the Palace.

After returning to the Palace, Murong Bo looked at the two old cultivators who stood before him and asked: "What do you think? Do you think that Feng Xiao is really in a coma and is in a vegetative state?" It was not that he was full of suspicion but this matter was simply too unbelievable even for him.

Initially, he had thought that Feng Xiao would die without question, whoever who have thought that the black market would have graced him with a life-saving medicine and preserved that life of his. They thought that he would have awoken since his life had been saved, however he had became a vegetable instead and was unable to wake up from his coma.

Though this was a good thing for them, it's just that there was still a sense of uneasiness and irritability in his heart.

The two old men looked at each other as their thoughts trailed and they started to contemplate. Only after a long while they speak: "Ruler, Feng Xiao has received a blow from each of us. At that time, each of us used nearly 70% of our strength. If it was any regular person, he would have died long ago. It's only this Feng Xiao that could hold on till now, but we believe that although he is alive, there is no difference from being dead. After all, those two palm strikes were directed at his five visceras, even the Gods can't save him!"

Perhaps he was just waiting for their words of affirmation to let himself have a peace of mind. At this point, after he heard their words, he finally let go of all the worries that was in his heart.

"Mmmn, this King has the same thoughts." He nodded his head and finally revealed a smile as he said, "These two days had been hard for the two of you."

"It is a blessing for us to share the worries of our Ruler. It is just that..."

The two voices hesitated slightly as they had on an expression that they had something to say but did not know how to say it out.

Seeing this, Murong Bo laughed heartily and said: "If there are words to say, please say it."

When they heard his words, the two of them no longer hesitated and said directly: "It's like this, we would like to have that horse called Old White, we were wondering if the Ruler can help us think of a solution?"

Chapter 327: Going against orders?

That weird horse was definitely a spirit beast, but they could not identify what grade and what lineage it had. However, what they did know was that in such a situation, under the oppressive pressure and aura that they released, to be able to escape from the two of them was a commendable deed. They believe that it's grade should not be low.

If they could get their hands on it, they would definitely tame it and let it be their mount. After all, that never seen such a spirit beast that could have such spiritual awareness and such high combative powers. After that fight that day the desire to own it had been embedded in their hearts.

When he heard the words of the two, Murong Bo was startled and exclaimed: "You want that horse? From what I've heard, that horse called Old White was brought back by Feng Qing Ge when she went out to gain experience. If you want her to give it up, I'm afraid that it is quite impossible."

From that day's battle, he could also tell that that horse was out of the ordinary. No matter what, two Martial Cultivators was sent flying from the kick of its hooves. Where could you find an ordinary horse with such an ability?

It's just that as a Ruler of the country, to ask her to give up that horse was somewhat awkward and was something that could not be said out.

"Feng Xiao has fallen, while the Feng residence has only that Old Patriarch Feng and Feng Qing Ge. Between these two, one is elderly age while the other is so little. Not to mention that old one has dementia and suffers from occasional memory loss. The little one has only that puny strength, given a few days, I'm afraid even their Feng Residence can't even be kept together. So what more of a mere horse?"

"If it is difficult for the Ruler to make the request, why don't you wait for a while? I feel that once the Ruler makes his request, Feng Qing Ge would not dare to go against it. After all, Feng Xiao has fallen, the following days are different from the past."

Listening to these words, Murong Bo's heart thumped wildly and his lips curled up. "Alright, then wait for some time. When there is a suitable opportunity, this King will gift that horse to you two."

"We must first thank the Ruler." The two of them cupped their hands together and bowed, their faces were full of smiles.

In their opinion, this matter was not difficult at all. Once Feng Xiao has fallen, wasn't the Feng Residence just a fat lamb waiting to be slaughtered? It's only a horse, at that time even if she wanted to protect it, I'm afraid she don't have the capabilities to!

At the same time, although the eight Feng Guards were gathered at Feng Xiao's courtyard, however, their hearts were all focused behind that closed door.

"What do you think? Do you think that Patriarch is really in a coma?" One of them asked, his face was filled with curiosity.

"It should be, didn't the Ruler bring along two doctors to check? What's more, I heard that the Patriarch was severely injured this time round and it's his blessing that he had managed to preserve his life."

"But why do I still feel that something isn't right? Or...why don't we go in an have a look?" One of them suggested and there was a hint of temptation in his tone.

"I advise you lot to not harbour any thoughts. The Mistress has already explicitly given us the orders that without her permission, no one else is allowed to go in." Luo Yu who was leaning against a tree in the courtyard stared at them. Although his voice was faint, at this moment, there wasn't any hint of the usual jovialness on his face.

"But we don't even know the situation of our own Patriarch, my heart is fraught with worry! Besides, Fan Lin's medical skills aren't too shabby, how about letting him in to see Patriarch's condition?"

Fan Lin who was dressed in white was a man that exuded a gentleman's disposition. He contemplated for a while and said: "It's not good to go in without the permission of Young Miss and Old Patriarch. I still think it's best that we forget it. If we are meant to know, they would let us know. If we aren't meant to know, it's better for us not to know and it's best not to probe."

The few of them nodded and agreed, only that man who was enthusiastic about this was slightly dissatisfied and he said: "What is this? Isn't it just going in and having a look? Since you guys do not dare to go in, then I'll just go in myself, alright? Anyway, as long as you guys do not say anything, Young Miss would not know."

Chapter 328: Feng Residence's Side Branch

The moment he finished speaking, he immediately headed towards the closed room door.

"Qi Kang." A few of them called out to him.

That Feng guard stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at them. He had on a flippant smile and he said very matter-of-factly: "You all are just too nervous, is not as if I'm going to do anything to our Patriarch. I'm just very curious and want to have a look, that's all."

After which his reached his hands out for the door and it was at this moment that his outstretched hand was caught. He turned to look and saw that it was Luo Yu that held onto his hand firmly.

"Luo Yu, what are you doing?"

Luo Yu had on a serious expression and looked at him, his eyes reflected his unhappiness and he said, "Qi Kang, before our Mistress left, she had told us to stay within the courtyard and has not given us permission to enter. At that time, you had also agreed. Do not make things difficult for us."

Seeing that he was very serious, Qi Kang was startled as he retracted his hand and stepped back immediately. He turned around and saw in a glance that they all had on a serious and grave expression. He then smiled apologetically to them.

"Sorry, I'm only curious, that is all. I won't go in, alright?"

He had not seen this as such a serious matter. Only when he saw each of them react this way, he then felt embarrassed. He really had no ulterior motives and was simply curious. He just wanted to find out more about the condition of the Patriarch, he did not think that a moment of rashness would put his brothers in a difficult position.

He was the youngest of the eight but he wasn't an unreasonable person. If it was his mistake, he would apologise and correct it. The few of them saw this and sighed out with relief.

In fact, they did not know that Feng Jiu had not only left this courtyard for them to guard. She had also left instructions for the shadow guards to uphold this order. If there was anyone who had entered without her permission, they would be killed on the spot!

Everything that happened in this courtyard was all reported back to her. Even if she wasn't here in person, she also clearly knew what happened.

Two days later, she deliberately hurried back from outside. This time round, it was for everyone in the city to see her figure and let everyone know that she was back.

In the city, the moment news of her return reached his ears, Murong Yi Xuan immediately headed out to the Feng Residence. However, he did not expect that the gates of the Feng Residence had more than a dozen people waiting outside. After revealing his identity in a low voice, he was able to get some news and found out that they were actually the side branch of the Feng Residence.

Seeing the situation, he did not go forward to the Feng residence. Instead, he went to the tea house that was not far from here. He sat down on the second floor to drink tea as he paid close attention to the gates of the Feng Residence.

"Old Patriarch Feng, Young Miss, the side branch of our Feng Residence are outside. They said that they would like to pay a visit our Patriarch." The steward reported the situation outside and awaited their orders.

"Side branch? Which side branch?" Old Patriarch Feng furrowed his brows and asked.

"It's the branch that belongs to the Second Old Master, even the Second Old Master is here personally."

Hearing this, Old Patriarch Feng fell into deep thoughts. He looked at Feng Jiu who had not spoken yet as he continued to relay his instructions to the steward: "Bring them into the main hall, I will go and have a look."

"Yes." The steward and said and walked out.

"Little Feng, what do you think?" Old Patriarch Feng asked.

"It should be that they heard that father has fallen and started to have designs against us." She gave a brilliant smile. Today marks the start as these wolves begin to act. There will only be more coming.

"You're right, these people are all ingrates, I will go and send them all away." Old Patriarch Feng said and immediately walked away in huge strides.

"Grandfather." Her voice tinkled after him...

Chapter 329: Wild Ambition!

Old Patriarch Feng halted his steps and turned around to look at her.

Feng Jiu stood up and walked towards him. She said softly to him: "Just leave it to me, it's still better for Grandfather to stay here to accompany Father."

"You'll go instead?" He was startled and was worried that she might not be able to handle it.

"It's just a few people from the side branch, don't tell me that Grandfather is to worried that I can't cope?" She smiled slyly, as she gently pulled her sleeves up and sashayed towards the main hall.

At this time, the people waiting in the hall were already impatient.

"We've waited for such a long time, why isn't anyone here yet? Hmph! They really do not put us in their eyes at all!"

"Tell me about it, once Feng Xiao has fallen, even the basic hospitality of hosting guests have been completely forgotten."

Hearing the dissatisfaction of several people in the hall, the old man who held onto his walking stick while he sat down with his eyes closed immediately opened his eyes and bellowed: "Shut up!"

Everyone quietened down immediately and no one dared to speak until the steward's voice came from outside.

"Young Miss is here!"

When they heard this, everyone in the hall looked at the figure that was coming in from outside.

They saw a delicate girl who was dressed in white, her body was slender and she looked very fragile. Her steps were light as she elegantly walked in. Every step she took, her white skirt swirled like a flower blowing in the breeze, it was simply breathtaking.

As they looked up, they saw that she had a stunning countenance, and her fair skin complemented her exquisite features. If one had just one look, it was an unforgettable appearance.

Thinking about it, being hailed the number one beauty, her looks would definitely be extraordinary.

However, no matter what rumours are one thing and seeing her in the flesh was another thing altogether. They felt that she had a kind of attractive charm and disposition that would not lose to her face.

Looking at her, everyone's mind had a thought: Try to imagine this fragile and weak girl, how was she to shoulder the entire Feng Family?

When they thought of this, the more they had affirmed in their hearts that the decision to come here today was correct!

"Qing Ge greets Second Great Uncle, and fellow Uncles." After she paid her respects to the old man and the few middle-aged men, she then went to the main seat to sit.

"How is it that it's you instead of your Grandfather? Where is your Grandfather?" The old man asked in a low voice without masking the hint of dissatisfaction in it.

"There are many things to handle these past few days, and Grandfather was too busy that he had neglected his health and his body couldn't take it. He is now resting at this moment!" Her voice was soft and her manner of speaking was unhurried and leisure, sounding every bit like a young noble lady who was ignorant of the world.

At this moment, she gave off the impression that she was a docile and harmless frail lady.

When he heard her explanation, the old man glanced at her and said in a deep voice, "We have heard about your Father's incident. We had especially rushed over, afterall, we all have the same blood running in our veins. We are family, since such a big incident had happened to the Feng Residence, we cannot just stand aside and watch with folded arms."

Hearing these grand words of his,Feng Jiu picked up the cup of tea that was served to her and took a small sip from it. She also made use of this opportunity to cover the sneer at the corner of her mouth. Drinking her tea leisurely while covering half her face, she took her own sweet time.

When the old man saw that she did not speak, he continued: "One has to know that the country cannot be without a Ruler for even a day, similarly, a family cannot be without a head. Now that your Father has fallen and your Grandfather is already past his prime and in his elderly years. Not to mention, you are a woman, that's why we are here today to discuss with your Grandfather and recommend that your Uncle to help shoulder the Feng Family. After all, his strength is that of a Martial Cultivator and only he can stabilize the entire Feng Residence. He is the only one that can shoulder this heavy responsibility."

Chapter 330: Want to Seize Power

Feng Jiu put the tea cup down and on her beautiful face, was a faint smile. The eyes of the several young men who were standing behind their Father could not recover their sight.

They only saw her raise her head and look at the few middle-aged men sitting in the hall and her gaze finally rested on the old man as she replied with a smile: "Second Grand Uncle has the heart. Everything in our house is well now and there is no need for Uncle to help us shoulder anything."

Her voice paused for a moment and with a tinge of indifference, she continued on: "Not to mention, though you are the Feng Family, however our Feng Residence had long separated since the generation of Grandfather. That is why, with regards to matters of our Feng Residence, it's still best for Second Grand Uncle to not intervene."

"What kind of words are those? Is this the way you talk to your Elders?" His tone was unpleasant and his entire wrinkled face crumbled. Obviously he had never expected a n insignificant girl like her who was in the younger generation to talk to him in such a manner.

"That's right, Feng Xiao has fallen, look here, even your mannerism is totally lacking. It shows that there needs to be a capable head." The middle-aged man sitting at the side said in a calm voice and he looked at Feng Jiu with a condemning gaze.

And the few young men stood there lost in their own daydreams. They were thinking that if they could enter the Feng Residence, then they could be closer to this little cousin of theirs. She has the Feng Guards behind her and if the people of their branch can attain it, they can really soar through the skies!

"Ha ha ha..."

Listening to their accusations one, Feng Jiu laughed softly as she leaned against the back of the chair and twirled with the hair that dangled down from the side. With a casual and lazy demeanor, her aura slowly changed.

It was as if this laughter that she had just let out had changed the entire person. If it was said that the previous her was as docile as a kitten, letting people have the impression that she was weak and easily deceived then the change in her now was tantamount to a lion that had awoken. As it stretched out it's sharp claws, it revealed an intense and dangerous atmosphere. This sudden oppressive change could not help but made them feel a layer of chill on their back, one that penetrated right into their bones, letting them feel restless and unable to sit still.

"Why are you laughing?"

Because her laughter sent a chill down his spine, a middle-aged man was spooked by it.

Feng Jiu lifted her gaze and her ice cold eyes stared at them, with her lips slightly hooked, she said: "Naturally I'm laughing because of your own ignorance! You really overestimate your own capabilities."

The moment her words came out, everyone felt humiliated and angry. The old man slammed the walking stick on the ground and bellowed out in rage: "Preposterous! How dare you be so rude to your elders! You are simply too arrogant! Go and call your Grandfather out! I want to ask him how did he teach his younger generations? How can a junior talk in such a preposterous way!"

Feng Jiu looked at that face which could not hide the greed but he still tried to show that he had a sense of justice. She only felt that it was extremely unsightly.

Her fair and slender fingers tapped on the table as she looked at the lot of them who were had on an indignant expression but their hearts were scheming on all means and ways to take over their Feng Residence. When she thought of this, her lips curled up mirth and a strange glint flashed past her eyes. Only her languid voice that had on a tinge of laziness leisurely rang out.

"Since you've said that you want us to help us shoulder the Feng Residence, then it means that you have at least a bit of capability. Or else, let's not even mention my Grandfather refusing to hand over the token of authority to you, even I will not agree to such a thing, what more of the Feng Guards?"

"However..."

Her voice trailed off as she gave them a meaningful smile.

When they heard her words, their faces all lit up as they looked at her with expectant gaze and eagerly asked: "However...what?"

Chapter 331: You Can't

Seeing how anxious and eager they were, Feng Jiu lips curled up into a smile. "However, if you can win me, I will give up the token of authority."

When they heard this, everyone was stunned and couldn't help but laugh out loud. One of the middle-aged man One of the middle-aged man laughed out loud as he said with undisguised contempt: "You? Are you kidding? Let's not mention myself, but even anyone amongst the younger generations are stronger than you."

"Is that so?" She chuckled as she arched up her eyebrows slightly, looking every bit like a harmless little rabbit. "There is a training area in the manor, why don't we head over?"

When she proposed this, everyone in the hall had agreed in a heartbeat.

As such, they followed her and walked towards the training grounds was closest to the mountain behind.

Along the way, only that old man's brows were slightly creased, and his eyes were fixated on her as he tried to explore her intentions. However, unfortunately for him, the lady in front of him only showed what she wanted and at this present moment, it was a harmless appearance and it made it hard for anyone to read any further.

The people in the residence had also heard about this matter and everyone was discussing about it. However, as people of the Feng Residence, they had very strict regulations and hence even if they were in the residence discussing, they would not spread anything out. Because they knew about this matter, it had drawn the attention of many and they followed behind to take a look.

After hearing about this matter, those eight Feng guard leaders were taken by surprise. "For real? Just Young Miss? She's competing against them? As far as I know, there are indeed a few talents in the side branch. There is one who just entered the ranks of a Martial Cultivator last month, if Young Miss fights against him, wouldn't it just be delivering the token authority to his hands?"

"Young Miss should not be this kind of person, since she has proposed this, she surely possess the means and confidence to win them."

"Ah! How is it possible? Based on just her strength? Stop kidding around." One person waved his hands in jest, his face had the word 'unbelievable' written all over it.

It was only Luo Yu whose eyes lit up after hearing the news, and with one arm hanging over Fan Lin's shoulders, he said with excitement: "Go, go, go. Hurry up, let's go and see how our Mistress straighten these ignorant fools and put them back in their place! As I've told you, as you guys haven't traded any blows with her before, all I can say is that meeting her can only spell misfortune. The lot of you do not believe in her skills? It's rare that we have such a chance to see it, come on, we can't miss it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he dragged Fan Lin away towards the training grounds.

The others saw that and hesitated for a moment before following behind and headed towards the training grounds.

The shadow guards who were guarding the courtyard felt stifled in their chest. They had really wanted to follow along and have a look. Unfortunately, they had to stay and guard in this courtyard and were unable to leave.

When the news of this reached the ears of Old Patriarch Feng who was in Feng Xiao's room, he did not say anything. He was most clear about Little Feng, if she did not have the confidence, she would not do this. He's guessing that this was her method of ' killing the chicken to scare the monkeys 1 '.

Those people from the side branch were also too much. They were simply asking for a lesson, they really knew how to choose such impeccable timing. It was truly too disappointing!

Initially, he still harboured some thoughts of asking Leng Hua to pass a message to her and ask her to be lenient with them. However after thinking about it, he decided against it.

If there were no lessons stained with blood, these people would never give up and would have no fear. Just let her have her own way then!

At the training grounds, there were quite a number of guards that had surrounded the arena to spectate, however, the steward had them dismissed. They all dispersed and in the end, there were only ten of those from the side branch, the few leaders of the Feng guards as well as Leng Shuang and the steward gathered.

"Cousin, my father said that I'll be the one representing, lest people said that he was bullying the weak." A young man stepped forward as his brows arched up in arrogance.

However, Feng Jiu simply glanced at him and shook her head: "You can't." *to punish an individual as an example to others.

Chapter 332: Harbouring Bad Intentions

The moment he heard this, that young man's face darkened.

He can't? Which part of him can't?

"Cousin's way of speaking is really unbefitting, we haven't even tried, how are you so sure that I can't? Hmmm?" He said in it an ambiguous tone as he threw her a leering glance as he looked at her from head to toe.

When they saw his reaction, even though Feng Jiu didn't say anything, but the expression of Luo Yu and the others who were not far away immediately darkened. Their gazes turned cold and they stared at that man with a dangerous glint in their eyes. Especially so for Luo Yu, whose fists were clenched tightly, so much that even the cracking of his knuckles could be heard.

To actually harbour indecent thoughts of his Mistress? Hmph! He'll mark this kid for sure!

When Feng Jiu saw his gaze hovering on her, she looked as if she couldn't understand his meaning. She only arched her brow and glanced at him as her lips hooked up into a dangerous smile.

"Well, since you want to try, then try it! I just hope that you won't regret this choice of yours."

The old man and the few middle-aged men who stood by the side heard this and they felt a little confused. She clearly has no strength, but where was all this unfound confidence from?

One of the middle-aged man saw this and was just about to open his mouth to ask his son to come back, but who knew, his son had already took a big step forward.

"Come on! Very well then, I will let you try my might!" With a lewd smile on his face, he already stood in a battle ready position, waiting for her in a provocative stance.

Feng Jiu casually picked up a sword from the rack of weapons at the side of the training ground, her fingers traced the edge of the blade and she paused for a moment not knowing what she was thinking about, she just shook her head as a smile emerged at the corner of her lips. Eventually, she picked a wooden pole that was about 1.2 metres long.

"You're not going to pick a weapon?" She raised her eyebrows and looked at the young man that stood opposite her. This young man was supposingly her paternal cousin, however they were a generation apart and weren't close at all.

"Hahaha, against you, just my bare hands are enough to deal with you." He laughed loudly and the next moment, a wicked smile was hung on his face as he said, "Cousin, you have to be careful oh~"

The moment he said it, he took a step forward with a menacing stance as his hands shot forward, hooking his hands like a claw and reached out towards her chest. The faces of the eight Feng guards who saw this instantly changed.

"That lecherous bastard!"

Luo Yu cursed out in a low voice. As a man, seeing such irksome man making such an indecent move really made him want to go forward and beat him up.

"He's really throwing the faces of us men!"

The youngest of the eight, Qi Kang's expression also crumbled and stared at the young man dangerously. He even called her cousin, were they really relatives? Well, it's better off not having such relatives!

The other few did not say anything but they looked at that man with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows. Fan Lin had also noticed Leng Shuang who stood not too far away from them. She had on a calm but frosty gaze, and he couldn't help but be surprised. A few ideas flashed past his mind, and his gaze eventually returned to the training grounds and his originally tightened brows had loosened by then.

The young lady in white had on an indifferent expression as she stood there without moving an inch. She was holding the wooden pole in her hand in a very casual manner, there was not the semblance of any defined stance. And when she saw that his first move was to reach for her chest, she raised a brow and revealed a sneer.

Just when the hand of that young man was about to touch her chest, she was seen moving a slight bit and just as her side passed him, the wooden pole instantly knocked that wretched hand away and when the wooden pole fell onto his hands, they could even hear the whooshing of the wind from afar.

And what came next was the pitiful scream of that man....

Chapter 333: The Gains Do Not Make Up For The Losses

"Hiss! Arghhhhhh!"

That blood curdling scream masked the sound of the shattering bones in his hand. With just one move, that pole had landed on his hand and shattered all the bones in his hand. His hand was now swollen and looked like a swollen pig' trotter and his other hand was holding tightly to his injured hand as he jumped about in pain, trying every way to alleviate his pain.

"Arghhhh! Ahhhhhh!...Oh my hand....! Ssssss! Ughhh! It hurts like hell..!"

Seeing this scene, there was a relief on each of the Feng guards faces mixed with an undisguised delight as they relished the moment.

"Hah! He deserves it!"

"That's the way it should be!"

Luo Yu and Qi Kang both shouted out at the same time, and the two turned to look at each other with a smile in their eyes. Their sparkling gaze shifted to the figure in white on the training grounds, and felt that this strike was extremely refreshing.

When the people of the side branch saw this scene unfold before them, each of their expressions turned ugly to the extreme. When they first saw that his hands had reached for her chest, they felt that he had lost all their faces. Great, now in just one move, he had been hit by the wooden pole in her hands.

At the moment that pole had landed on his hand, their view was blocked by his body. That was why from their angle, it didn't look too heavy a blow and hence when they saw his extreme reaction, they only felt that he was being overly dramatic and was useless fool. He had completely thrown all their faces to the ground in front of those Feng guards and Feng Qing Ge.

However, it was at this moment when the wooden pole in Feng Jiu's hand swept out again and landed on his calf bone. As another ear piercing scream echoed, and just as they saw that he was about to collapse onto the ground, they could only see a flash and the wooden pole had struck him in midair. Another succession of screams reverberated throughout and with a bang, it landed right between his legs.

"Ah!"

"Ugh!"

"Omph!"

"Yikes!"

Almost at the same time, different voices came out from all around. All the men who saw this subconsciously clamped their legs tight, both eyes wide open in horror as a cold chill crept into their hearts in trepidation.

"Hiss! That move was too brutal! It hurts just to look!"

Luo Yu clamped his legs tightly and suddenly felt that his Mistress had really let him off leniently the last time. At least, she had only beaten his handsome face and had spared his little brother.

Qi Kang gulped and with a white face, he exclaimed: "Thi..This Young Miss' move is really lethal! Extremely fierce!" He couldn't help but think back, if he really entered the room that time, would Young Miss also reward him with the wooden pole?

Just the thought of it made a cold chill run down his back.

Sure enough, once the switch of a woman's wrath has been flicked, the wrath unleashed is unfathomable!

When Fan Lin saw the man who was sent flying by a wooden pole, and where it ended, he stroked his chin and said thoughtfully: "Seeing how this pole landed, it is estimated that his chances to have descendants are in jeopardy."

That very man had now fainted from the excruciating pain and was lying unconscious on the ground in a sorry state.

The other few looked at their Young Miss who had turned and put the wooden pole behind her, they all sucked in a cold breath. "I really can't see that our Young Miss is.... Mmn, such a harmless and docile lady can actually harness such an explosive maneuvers from the wooden pole...one really can't judge a book by it's cover."

"Hui'er! Hui'er!"

The middle-aged man cried out in shock, as he rushed forward to support his unconscious son and discovered that his entire hand was soft and all his bones had been broken. His whole palm was filled with blood, and at the most vulnerable place for men, there were also beads of blood and his pants had been dyed red. With a heart full of sorrow, he suddenly looked up as he cast her a resentful gaze, he hollered out: "You have such a vicious heart! Without any regards for familial ties, you actually struck out so heavily! You simply want to ruin him!"

Chapter 334: Worry for Naugh

Feng Jiu raised her eyebrows and sneered and with a one filled with ridicule, she said: "Familial ties? You dare to talk to me about familial ties? Do you really think that once my Father has fallen, my Feng Residence is easily bullied? Want to take over my Feng Family? You actually think that you are worthy?"

Hearing these words, the colour on the faces of the side branch changed and alternated. Seeing how she no longer concealed anything and her words were sharp and indifferent, it was at this moment that they finally realized that she had been toying with them since the beginning!

She never had the intention to let them enter the Feng Family! She never had the intention to let them take charge of the Feng Residence! She was just deliberately humiliating them!

"Hah! A very good Feng Qing Ge! Good! Very good!"

The middle-aged man was agitated and filled with rage to the point that he gnashed his teeth and handed his injured son to the person behind him. With huge strides, he angrily berated her: "Today, let me discipline you well on behalf of Feng Xiao!"

When they saw the middle-aged man walk towards her, the faces of the eight Feng Guards changed immediately: "That is the man from the side branch that had just reached the ranks a Martial Cultivator last month. No matter how skilled Young Miss is, her merits were her quick wits and agility, I'm afraid if she meets him head-on, she'll suffer."

"Let's go forward to help! To dare act so brazenly in our Feng Residence? To actually dare to bully our Young Miss on our site? Hah! Simply looking for death!"

"Yes, are we just decorations?"

"Let's go!"

The few of them shouted out and just as they were about to go forward, Leng Shuang came over and blocked their path.

"Don't add any extra trouble for Mistress."

Leng Shuang's cold voice coupled with her indifferent expression made her look every bit like an ice beauty. With her slim silhouette and the fitting black robes added a touch of coldness and without the gentleness of a lady, she was chilling to the extreme.

"He has reached the ranks of a Martial Cultivator, can Mistress handle it?" After the words rolled out of his mouth, Luo Yu was stunned momentarily as an unfathomable thought flashed through his mind.

Leng Shuang had stayed by her Mistress' side for a long time and had some basic understanding of her. If the Mistress couldn't handle it, she would be the first to rush out, but now she came over to stop them, it could only mean that....

The strength of the Mistress is high enough to be able to deal with that middle-aged man who has reached the ranks of a Martial Cultivator?

Damn! Is this even possible?!

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sucked in a cold breath as his enquiring gaze trailed over to the figure in white.

They had seen her dressed in red; it was enchanting and mesmerizing. It had a kind of lure and reflected an air of arrogance and at the same time, it exuded confidence and a glow of nobility shrouded her. Now that she was dressed in white, the first impression it gave was a gentle and docile temperament, like a harmless meek sheep.

However, this was only the illusion it gave, or else that young man wouldn't be in such a sorry state right now.

Just the thought of her landing that last hit, a few people shuddered as they gulped their saliva and subconsciously clamped their legs together.

Worried about her? Perhaps they were just worrywarts, and just worried for naught.

As for Feng Jiu who was standing with the wooden pole behind her back, when she saw that middle-aged man approach her with a palm strike directed at her face, she arched an eyebrow

and tossed the wooden pole away. She used her bare hands and directly attacked as she buckled his wrist with a strange speed.

Below, her leg swiftly moved as her body whizzed by in a flash and the wrist that was buckled was twisted deftly and a loud ka-cha sounded out. The other hand grabbed his shoulder and tugged his entire arm as another series of bone cracking sounds rang out in succession.

"Arghhhh!"

There was no sudden warning when a wave of excruciating pain suddenly assaulted him and that middle-aged man cried out pitifully, however, he was more shocked and horrified than anything.....

Chapter 335: Dumbfounded

Amidst his blood curdling screams, surrounding him was the sound of people sucking in their breaths. The crowd widened their eyes and looked at the scene unfold before them incredulously. If they had not witnessed this with their own eyes, they would never ever believe that a Martial Cultivator would actually... would actually be defeated into such a sorry state just like that.

"Arghhh!"

The middle-aged man was kicked at the back of his knees, his legs were forcefully brought down to a kneel, his body was pushed forward and the buckled arm was twisted and pressed firmly behind his back. The pain was so intense that he was covered by a layer of cold sweat. He tried to struggle to stand up but it was just a fruitless endeavour.

The people from the side branch were dumbfounded!

The eight Feng guards were also stunned! This was simply too perversive!

With such skills and such strength who dared to say that she could not support the entire Feng Residence? Who still dared to claim to help her run Feng Residence?

The hearts of everyone around them trembled. The hearts of the people from the side branch trembled with fear, never would they have ever imagined that Feng Qing Ge had such strange skills. She could even subdue a Martial Cultivator with just one move! With such strength, if they still said the words they had said previously, it was simply overestimating their abilities.

On the other hand, the hearts of the Feng guards were trembling with excitement, they were exhilarated that she had such skills! In their view, only a person with such outstanding talent was worthy to be their master!

Amongst all the people present, that old man from the side branch was the one who suffered from the most shock. He looked at her with a horrified gaze, perhaps others could not see it but he had seen everything clearly. She could have easily taken his life at that moment, but she didn't and she had only twisted his arm and restrain him. She had already shown mercy to them.

He quickly thought that if they did not share the same family name, storming into the Feng Residence forcefully and trying to wrestle the power away, I'm afraid that they would all be buried here this very day!

When he thought of this, trepidation crept into his heart and his entire back was drenched with cold sweat. While he was busy fumbling with the walking stick in his hand to ensure that he didn't slip, the other hand grabbed onto another man who was similarly stunned. He quickly quipped, "Hurry, quickly bring him back. Let's... Let's go!"

However, at this moment, no one dared to step forward again. They all stood there stunned as they looked apprehensively at the peerless lady who stood before them.

"Let me go! Let me go!"

The middle-aged man who was held down was struggling and screaming madly. It was at this very next moment when he saw her chop her hand at his back as he let out a muffled groan, he fell into a dead faint on to the ground.

Feng Jiu's cold and indifferent gaze swept by all the people of the side branch before she said in a warning tone: "This is the first and last time. As descendants of the Feng family, you should act like one. If such a thing were to ever happen again, I would not mind erasing your side branch entirely from the Feng family!"

Hearing her severe warning, the people from the side branch felt that their hearts had almost leapt out, as an unwavering determination had been set in stone in their hearts. No one doubted her words because they could see from her moves that she was definitely not a person who was sentimental about familial ties.

If there was ever a 'next time', they believe that she would definitely do what she had said today and totally let the side branch disappear!

The old man took a deep breath as he tried to suppress his fear in his heart. "I understand, I will manage the people of the side branch well. Such a thing would never happen again."

After hearing his affirmation, Feng Jiu's lips curled up she said, "Steward, send them out."

Chapter 336: Ghost Doctor's Portrait

"Yes." The steward replied respectfully and walked before the side branch before he led them out.

Seeing them leave with their tails between their legs, their faces ashened, Luo Yu couldn't help but laugh out with glee. He walked towards Feng Jiu with big strides and said fawningly: "Mistress, I've just found out that you actually treat me very well."

Feng Jiu raise an eyebrow she looked at him with a meaningful smile. Her line of sight passed by the few others before she walked out on the training grounds.

Seeing that she did not talk to him, Luo Yu simply thickened his skin and followed behind.

In the training grounds, everything was calm after they had left and now only the seven Feng guards remained.

"What do you guys think? With her strength and capabilities, do you think she is qualified to be our Mistress?" Fan Lin smiled as he looked at the people around him.

A few of them were lost in thoughts, when one of them finally spoke out: "Miss' performance is really beyond our expectations, if she is really such a woman, there is no problem taking over the Feng guards."

"That's right, the way she handled everything was impeccable. Her style of handing things is very resolute, she is not soft and is firm when she needs to be. Having such boldness and courage is not what an average person is capable of."

"Mmm, I think so as well. There wasn't much chance for us to come into contact with her the last time, however this time round, a lot could be seen. I feel that she is like a sleeping tiger, absolutely ferocious when she strikes!"

"However, we've been back for so long already yet she had ever left any instructions or orders. It's as if we are transparent, could it be that she is not satisfied us?" Qi Kang asked with concern.

At this moment, he was thinking if she had already found out what had happened that day?

"It's useless to think too much, come on, let's go!"

Several of them looked at each other before they walked back. In their hearts they had an inkling, perhaps it wasn't whether or not she was qualified to be their Mistress but it was her considering if they were qualified to be her subordinates.

In a distant kingdom, the black robed man came into the room of Grey Wolf, and quietly left after presenting a message.

Sitting by the table and drinking tea, Shadow One glanced at it and asked with curiosity, "Could it be news that the Master had asked for?"

"Yes, the day that Ghost Doctor left, wasn't Master not able to find him because he was caught up in something? After that, he had me to investigate his whereabouts and it was only recently that there was news." Grey Wolf muttered as he picked up the bag with the intention to have a look at the information.

"There was no news in Green Gallop Country, under Master's guidance, he asked me to send someone to Sun Glory Country to snoop around. Could this be that the news is finally here?"

"Ninth grade country? Why would Ghost Doctor go there?" Shadow One furrowed his brows, from his opinion, how could Ghost Doctor be from such a small country? After all, a ninth grade country could not possibly produce such an Alchemist with such a high calibre.

"How would I know? Master didn't say anything, he only asked me to send someone to Sun Glory Country to check things out." Speaking till here, he took out the information from the bag.

The first thing right at the top was a painting of a person, the person in this portrait was dressed in a resplendent red robe, the face outstanding and that pair of eyes filled with wisdom and it was drawn so vividly that it looked as if the person staring right at them. It had on a cheeky expression, with lips curled up in a devilish smile. Who else could this be but the Ghost Doctor that had been drawn out to such minute details.

Grey Wolf was holding onto this portrait as he shook his head and lamented: "Look at this, Master is truly lovesick down to his marrows! If you ask me to paint a portrait of Ghost Doctor, I could never draw out such a lifelike painting! Look, Master even managed to draw out his charm. If you say that Master do not have Ghost Doctor in his heart, I would never believe it!"

Chapter 337: The Unrequited Love of the Lord

Shadow One glanced at him and said, "I beg to differ. Lovesickness is a matter between two people, but in Master's case, one look and it's obvious that it's only one-sided. If Ghost Doctor has Master in his heart, he would not escape every time."

"Sigh! You can't blame this entirely on Ghost Doctor, looking at him, he should only be about fifteen or sixteen years old. He is just a young sprout, although I have to admit that he is more perverse than anyone his age, however you can't deny that in reality he is only fifteen or sixteen. Not to mention, Master is the one who is broken sleeve. That Ghost Doctor looks normal, so the matter of Master liking him it's one thing and the fact of him not liking Master is another. You say that Master likes him, could it be he wants to bend him?"

When he heard this, Shadow One looked at him strangely and said: "What you mean to say is that Ghost Doctor is normal but Master is not?"

Grey Wolf straightened his back and quickly glanced behind to check the surroundings before he laughed out, "Master has never been normal, tell me, would a normal man give up a beautiful woman who is well endowed and like a man instead?

"But..."

His complexion suddenly changed as a a glint flashed by his eyes as he coughed lightly before he put on a dignified expression and said: "Master is our Master, it doesn't matter whether he likes a man or a woman. That is not something us subordinates and stop and look at his feelings towards Ghost Doctor, I also want to help him with all my heart and wish that he could fulfil this wish of his and they can be together for a lifetime of happiness."

"Oh, are you worried that I will snitch on you?" Shadow One drank a mouthful of tea and asked: "Do I look like someone who will snitch on others?"

Grey Wolf gave him a condescending glance and said, "You wouldn't, only that when you're drunk, the first thing you'll do is to rush to Master and spill everything out, that's all."

"Cough ... cough"

Shadow One coughed awkwardly and retorted, "I was drunk the last time, did Master not take it seriously?"

"Yes, yes he didn't take it seriously and only said that he would find stronger wines for you to try."

While on the topic of this, he let out a sigh and said: "If you are not the only person around that I can talk and chat to, I wouldn't be dragged into trouble by you so many times."

"Hey! How can this be considered 'chatting'? You are obviously talking behind Master's back and gossiping about him. Other than me, who else dares to listen, huh?" These two are the only ones who would dare to discuss such things. They are the two that followed by their Master's side and are his left and right-hand man, other than them, who would have such guts?

Shadow One said and when he saw that Grey Wolf held to that portrait for a long time without putting it down, he advised: "You better be careful with that painting and don't leave any creases on it. Master has left strict instructions for this painting to be returned to him. You have no idea , when he had painted this, he held this painting in his hands and stood by the window and muttered to himself and berated the Ghost Doctor for having no conscience countless times . When I saw that, for moment that there I thought that he might have been possessed. If not for things cropping up at that side, I believe that Master would have long gone to find Ghost Doctor already."

"I know, I know... If it wasn't for letting the subordinates look for Ghost Doctor's whereabouts, Master would never let this painting out of his hands." Grey Wolf said as he put the portrait on the table and picked up the other information and looked through them. A short while later, his eyes widened and he stood up in disbelief as he cried out, "Wha... what? Ghost Doctor is a woman?!"

At that moment, Shadow One who was drinking tea immediately sprayed out a mouthful of tea onto the table when he heard that. And on the table, was that vividly drawn portrait which was instantly soaked wet...

"Choke! Cough, cough!"

Chapter 338: News of Ghost Doctor

He raised his head and looked at him with disbelief and said: "wha...what did you say?!"

Grey Wolf held on tightly to the paper in his hands as he said with exhilaration: "Hahahhahahahaha! This is fantastic! Ghost Doctor is actually a woman...Ah! So that means that our Master is normal, which means that we will have a Little Master in the future as well... Hahahahahahahahaha...ugh!"

His laughter stopped immediately as he looked at Shadow One with wide eyes: "You're in trouble, you actually ruined the portrait of Ghost Doctor! It's soaked wet now!"

Shadow One froze momentarily as he slowly looked at the portrait that had been soaked wet with the tea he had just sprayed out. Thinking back on the repeated warnings when his Master had passed the portrait to him....he found that his forehead was already covered with a layer of cold sweat.

"Let me look at the information."

He took the stack of paper over and the more he read, the more astonished he was. "Not only is Ghost Doctor a woman, but she's actually from that small ninth ranked country? I really can't believe that such a place can actually produce a person like her."

""Heh heh, who cares what country it is? In the future, as long as Master introduces Ghost Doctor to everyone, no one would say that he is a broken sleeve. Oh yeah, come to think about it, do you think that Master has long known this fact that Ghost Doctor is actually a girl?"

A shocking thought had suddenly hit him, perhaps his Master had known long ago that Ghost Doctor was a woman.

"There's a possibility."

Shadow One nodded his head and thought on how persistent his Master was towards her interests. He should have long known that she was a woman, or else, even if his Master didn't care about what kind of looks others cast upon him, but he wouldn't be able to tolerate anyone saying that he broken sleeves?

Thinking up to this point, he touched his chin. Come to think about it, the only people who said that he was broken sleeves was only Grey Wolf and himself... just the two of them...

Just as he wanted to delve deeper into his thoughts, he saw Grey Wolf pack up the documents as well as the portrait and quickly headed over to where Master was.

"I'll go and report to Master in Ghost Doctor's whereabouts." Grey Wolf grinned as he looked at the portrait deviously and said, "At the same time, I might as well tell Master about this portrait." The moment he finished speaking, he swiftly walked out.

"This white eyed wolf!"

Shadow One cursed out in a low voice and quickly stood up and chased after him.

In the room, dressed in a black robe and sitting by the the study table, he was busy writing and when he finally finished, he set the brush aside. As he picked up the cup of tea and placed it onto his lips, he heard a voice from outside.

"Master!"

"Come in."

Only after Grey Wolf heard the voice from inside, he then pushed the door open and entered. With quick steps, he hurried in and with a beaming face, he reported: "Master, there's news of Ghost Doctor." He handed the documents over, including the soaked portrait.

When he saw his Master staring at that portrait with a deep frown, without any tinge of apology in his voice, he said: "Master, Shadow One wasn't careful and sprayed a mouthful of tea on the portrait."

Shadow One who had chased him from behind heard these words and he glared at Grey Wolf fiercely before he knelt down on one knee in remorse: "It is all this subordinate's fault. Master, please mete out your punishment."

The Master glared at both of them and without saying anything, he looked through the information and the more he read, the more furrowed his brows were. It was especially so when he read the portion where it stated that she was engaged to this man called Murong Yi Xuan. His entire face darkened and his expression sank.

Until the moment he read that they had annulled their engagement did his brows loosen. On his impeccable face, there was even a faint smile. This revealed that he was very satisfied with the news he received.

Grey Wolf was observing his expression by the side and he carefully said, "Master, as Sun Glory Country is very far from where we are, we haven't received the latest news yet. But knowing Ghost Doctor's whereabouts, would Master like to go and have a look?"

Chapter 339: A good woman fears being tangled by her husband

Hearing his words, Hell's Lord raised his head and looked at him, his handsome and masculine face was unperturbed. Such a countenance did not lack anything, but once his expression darkens, it made people feel awe.

Grey Wolf smiled embarrassedly and said: "That... Your subordinate had read through the information and realised that Ghost Doctor is actually a woman. That is why this subordinate thinks that... Ghost Doctor is such an outstanding lady and if Master is not around her, I am afraid that she would be snatched away by other men."

Hell's Lord leaned back against the chair with both hands crossed and glared at him. His sexy lips curled up into a dangerous smile and in a magnetic low voice, he said, "Oh? So you think that this Lord would lose to other men? Or are you implying that she would be easily hooked by others?"

Hooked?

Hearing these words, Shadow One was kneeling on the ground trembled momentarily and quickly lowered his head. Does this mean that Master is treating all men who are close to Ghost Doctor as men with the intention to seduce her? However, it seems that the one who had been trying to seduce Ghost Doctor was only Master himself ah!

However even if this was true, these were words that he would never dare say out.

When Grey Wolf heard his question, the corner of his mouth twitched and he smiled awkwardly and said: "This... This was not what your subordinate means. It's just that as the old saying goes 'A good woman fears being tangled by her husband'. No matter how good a woman is, or how cold she is, her defences would be broken down after being relentlessly pursued by a man. What I am trying to say is that persistence is key and she might be drawn subconsciously under such method.

When he heard this, the Hell's Lord's eyes sparkled as a glint of enlightenment flashed by his eyes. He looked at Grey Wolf and said: "What you mean is that this Lord just needs to learn this 'tangle' and I don't have to worry that I won't be able to abduct her?"

Abduct?

At this moment, Shadow One no longer had any more courage to look up. He really wanted to say that Master had been inflicted by Ghost Doctor's love poison and it was too deep in his marrows that words such as 'hook' and 'abduct' could actually be said out from his most respected and noble Master's mouth.

Moreover, listening to his tone, it seems that he had the intention to implement it...

At this moment, he could not help but raised his head and looked at Grey Wolf.

He only felt that he was making a mess and stirring up more chaos with all these ridiculous suggestions.He really could not fathom how his most respected Master who was usually domineering and at times arrogant would steep to relentlessly pursue a woman, and even had plans to abduct her...

With the complete opposite reaction of Shadow One, Grey Wolf was very excited. After hearing the words of his master, his pair of eyes were shining as he said in a sly manner: "Not bad, not bad. Master, a woman needs to be tangled but not entangled. To tangle a woman, one needs some skills. There are ways to get around, some women are stubborn and refuse to give in while some are just testing to see how much attention that man is willing to give her."

"Moreover, with Master's qualification, it's only Ghost Doctor that your charm isn't working on, if it was any other woman, would Master need to resort to 'tangle'? With just one glance, one sentence, there would be a lot of women throwing themselves onto you."

Hell's Lord took a quick glance at him, and in his heart he lamented: Even Grey Wolf could see that that woman did not find him attractive at all and his charm was useless against her.

After thinking about it, he waved his hand and said, "The two of you can leave first."

Grey Wolf who was riled up at this moment wanted to ask when they go and find Ghost Doctor but he was dragged out by Shadow One.

"Your subordinates will be leaving."

Shadow One said respectfully and immediately dragged Grey Wolf along with him.

Looking at the two figures who departed, a glint flashed by Hell's Lord eyes as he looked at the portrait in his hand. The person in the painting had on lively pair of eyes and the smirk carried a hint of mischief in it. The longer he looked at it, he felt as if there was a feather in his heart tickling him.

His fingertips gently touched the little face of the person in the painting and in a low voice, he whispered with a smile: "Little thing, you can't run away..."

Chapter 340: Left a courtyard for you

"Achoo!"

Feng Jiu who was currently in the midst of filling the bottle up with medicinal powder suddenly sneezed, she rubbed her nose and muttered to herself: "Who is thinking of me?"

When the words came out, she smiled and shook her head. She felt incredulous that she had such a thought. After all, all those that would think of her were already by her side.

"Little Jiu."

Guan Xi Lin walked in with large strides, his face was exuberant as he said: "My place has been renovated, there are quite a number of things that I have asked people to do. The auspicious date for moving in has also been chosen, it will be three days later."

Hearing this, Feng Jiu also shared his joy as she smiled and said, "Really? That's great! All this time that I've been back, I haven't had a chance to take a look. Come, accompany me to have a look at your new place." She handed the bottle in her hand to Leng Shuang who stood behind her.

"This is the medicine for my father's wounds. Bring it over and let Leng Hua help him to redress his wound. Also inform my grandfather that I have gone to my brother's place to have a look." Several days had passed and her father was recovering very well. His spirit was also good hence she had left the changing of the dressing to Leng Hua.

"Yes." Leng Shuang acknowledged and brought the bottle of medicine towards the courtyard of Feng Xiao.

"Let's go." Guan Xi Lin said with an enthusiasm and brought her to the Guan house that he had built up with his own hands.

The two houses were extremely close to each other. The moment they walked out of the gate, they could already see the big mansion. When they came to the front of the gate, Feng Jiu stopped in her tracks as she raised her head and looked up.

Guan Xi Lin who was by a side saw that her gaze had landed on that plaque which was covered with a red cloth. He smiled and said, "I've asked grandfather to advise on the words, wait till I have officially moved in then I will uncover it. Come, let's go in and have a look."

"Mmn." She replied with a smile and walked into the mansion with him.

"Master, Miss."

There were a few servants cleaning up and a steward inside and when they saw them, they quickly put down all the things as they came over to pay their respects.

"Don't worry, continue what you are doing." Guan Xi Lin waved his hands in dismissal and walked in with Feng Jiu as he introduced the various places and explained the sources of inspiration.

"Look, this is the East Courtyard, this will be where I will be staying. This courtyard is the largest, there is sufficient space for me to practice my boxing. I have even asked people to install a wooden stake for training, oh yeah, let me bring you to your courtyard."

"Why did you leave a courtyard for me?" She looked at him, stunned.

"Of course, you're my sister, how can I not leave a courtyard for you? You have to know that Feng Residence is your house, this too is your home. There is always a place for you in this home." He grinned happily and continued, "I know that you like to have a quiet surrounding. That is why I had especially left this South Courtyard for you."

Hearing his words, Feng Jiu felt that her heart was warm and she smiled cheerfully, "Thank you brother."

"We are family, what is there to thank?" He laughed loudly and let her to the South Courtyard.

"It's so big?"

Seeing that he had left her the entire South Courtyard, she could not help but feel surprised. Normally, other than the main courtyard, the other three courtyards usually had smaller courtyards within. However, he had left the entire courtyard for her and even tore down the smaller courtyards and rebuilt it into one large one for her. It was only slightly smaller than her current one in the Feng Residence.

"You can live here comfortably, look there, I've even asked people to build a swing for you. I've also planted two rows of peach trees, one on each side. In the future, not only are there peaches to eat, you can also appreciate the beautiful peach blossoms. Not bad, right?"

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