Chapter 45: The Sword Sect Pays Its Respects

Chapter 45: The Sword Sect Comes to Pay Their Respects

In the monotonous, tedious, and uneventful days of seclusion, half a month slipped by for Zheng Jian atop the Cliff of Reflection. During these two weeks, Zheng Jian would occasionally leave his cave—either to receive meals from Ruan Qiuqiu or, at other times, from his junior sister Yue Lingshan. No, that wasn't quite right—she was no longer the youngest disciple; the new junior sister was now Qu Feiyan.

Yue Lingshan seemed delighted by this change, finally promoted to senior sister. Having both junior brothers and sisters to order about felt novel and amusing to her.

One day, after finishing his exercises, Zheng Jian emerged and, as was his habit since first arriving at Mount Hua, sat on the smooth boulder gazing into the distance. Over the years, this daily ritual had become second nature—he couldn't shake it off. Even though he'd seen the cliffside scenery countless times, he never tired of it. Whenever he sat there, his mind would go blank—no thoughts, no actions—just a comfortable tranquility.

"Senior brother, senior brother—something terrible has happened!"

Zheng Jian turned around in confusion. "Why is it you, Lu Hou'er? According to the schedule, shouldn't it be Yue Lingshan's turn today?"

Lu Da-You paused, then hurriedly blurted, "Senior brother, something big has happened. Several people have come to pay their respects at the mountain today!"

Zheng Jian's interest was piqued. "Oh? Don't be in such a rush—tell me carefully, who are they?" Could it be Zuo Lengchan himself, coming to Mount Hua after his plans at Hengyang were foiled?

"People from the Songshan and Taishan Sects have come," Lu Da-You replied.

"Who from the Songshan Sect? Don't tell me Zuo Lengchan has come in person?" Zheng Jian was astonished. Damn, could Zuo Lengchan really be making an appearance for something so minor?

He thought it over—he probably wasn't yet a match for Zuo Lengchan, given his short time training martial arts. There was still a gap between him and such a supreme master. Was this karma for seeking the limelight?

"No, not at all. Uncle Zuo is of such high status—how could he come unannounced?" Lu Da-You said, puzzled.

So, it wasn't Zuo Lengchan after all. Zheng Jian let out a breath, leaning back against the stone. "Then who is it? And why have they come?"

"The representative from the Taishan Sect is Uncle Yu Ji, and the Songshan Sect sent Uncle Le Hou, known for his Yin-Yang Hands. Besides them, three others claim to be from our Mount Hua Sect, but Master wouldn't acknowledge them," Lu Da-You explained.

At these words, Zheng Jian seemed to remember something. "Describe those three in detail."

"One has a sallow complexion—his name is Feng Buping. The other two, I can't recall their names, but both have 'Bu' in them. They really do seem to be from the same generation as Master," replied Lu Da-You.

It all came back to Zheng Jian. These must be Feng Buping, Cong Buqi, and Cheng Buyou—the Sword Sect members who, as in the original story, came to Mount Hua hoping to reclaim their place with the backing of Songshan, only to be defeated by Linghu Chong.

He had no interest in the so-called rivalry between Sword and Qi Sects, especially since he knew that deep in the rear mountain, Granduncle Feng Qingyang, a legendary Sword Sect elder, was still in hiding.

An idea struck him: Granduncle Feng disliked seeing members of the Mount Hua Sect, but what he really meant was that he didn't wish to see Master. These three, being his juniors from the Sword Sect, might be welcomed. Why not send them to the rear mountain to find Granduncle Feng? This way, they could fulfill their filial duty and perhaps provide Mount Hua with some backup force. Two birds with one stone!

Congratulating himself on his cleverness, Zheng Jian said, "Let's go, then. Time to join the excitement."

With that, he and Lu Da-You headed down from the Cliff of Reflection, making straight for the Hall of Righteousness.

In the Hall of Righteousness, Master Yue and Madam Ning Zhongze sat in the seats of honor. On the guest seats were Le Hou, the Yin-Yang Hand of Songshan, and Yu Ji of Taishan. The three others were indeed Feng Buping, Cheng Buyou, and Cong Buqi. The disciples of Mount Hua lined both sides of the hall.

Master Yue's expression was calm. "Brother Le, Brother Yu Ji, you have come to Mount Hua and brought these men with you. What is your purpose?"

Le Hou chuckled. "Master Yue, Brother Yu Ji and I are here as witnesses at someone's request. As for the matter at hand, it's best to let them explain."

Yu Ji smiled and stroked his long beard, exuding the demeanor of a lofty expert.

Master Yue turned his gaze to the three. "Brother Feng, you three have long since severed ties with Mount Hua. Why have you come today?"

Feng Buping snorted coldly. "Brother Yue, is Mount Hua yours alone? Why shouldn't we ascend the mountain?"

Master Yue arched an eyebrow. "I dare not accept the honorific 'Brother Yue' from you three."

Feng Buping retorted, "Back then, your master seized Mount Hua through underhanded means and claimed the position of sect leader. Now, you've occupied that seat for more than twenty years. Today, I, Feng Buping, am here to reclaim the sect leadership for the Sword Sect."

"Oh? If you have the ability, the sect leader's seat is yours. But if your skills are lacking, it seems I'll be keeping it for a few more years," Master Yue responded, unruffled.

"Very well! With Master Le and Daoist Yu Ji here as witnesses, you won't dare renege. Let's settle this with our skills. Winner takes the sect leader's seat, the loser submits to the other's will. Do you dare accept?" Feng Buping declared loudly.

Master Yue glanced at Le Hou and Yu Ji, folded his fan, and replied, "So be it! Since Brother Feng is so determined, I shall accompany you."

With that, Master Yue and Madam Ning Zhongze rose and headed outside, the disciples following suit.

Feng Buping bowed. "Brothers Le and Yu Ji, please join us outside."

Zheng Jian and Lu Da-You arrived just as the crowd was leaving the hall. Seeing their master and mistress, they quickly stepped forward.

"Master, Mistress, are you all right?"

Master Yue smiled faintly. "All is well."

Ning Zhongze, however, looked uneasy, as though she wished to speak but hesitated.

Once they reached an open area, Feng Buping halted and turned to Master Yue. "Brother Yue, you've led Mount Hua for years, so I assume your Purple Mist Divine Art is well-practiced. Yet Mount Hua claims to be a Sword School—shouldn't the sword be foremost? If you focus only on cultivating inner strength, perhaps you've strayed from the right path."

Master Yue shook his head. "Brother Feng, you are mistaken. The Sword School does indeed emphasize swordplay, but it is swordsmanship guided by inner force—qi is the foundation, the sword its application. Only by honing both can one tread the true path. If you focus solely on swordplay and neglect inner strength, you'll be outmatched by internal school fighters."

Feng Buping was taken aback. He hadn't expected, after twenty years apart, that Master Yue would speak of balancing inner and outer cultivation. In the past, the Qi Sect had always scorned swordplay.

Cheng Buyou, standing nearby, interjected, "Life is short—how can you master everything? Striving for both will only lead to mediocrity. As sect leader, aren't you afraid to mislead your disciples with such views?"

"I can't say whether life is short," Zheng Jian quipped with a laugh, "but I can say you're definitely short! Judging by your stature, I doubt you stand more than three and a half feet tall?"

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