Chapter 28: Hand-Washing Ceremony Gifts

"Wait!"

Just as Liu Zhengfeng was about to perform the hand-washing ceremony, a harsh shout suddenly came from outside the gate.

Everyone in the courtyard was slightly startled, then turned to look, seeing four men in yellow robes quickly walk through the main gate.

As soon as these four entered, they stood on either side, followed by a tall man in yellow robes striding out from behind them with his head held high; it was Shi Dengda, a disciple of the Songshan Sect known as 'Thousand-Foot Pine'.

Holding a five-colored brocade flag in his hand, Shi Dengda walked before Liu Zhengfeng and said, "Junior Uncle Liu, this disciple acts on the flag order of Alliance Leader Zuo of the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects, requesting Junior Uncle Liu to temporarily postpone the great matter of the hand-washing ceremony!"

Hearing Shi Dengda's words, Liu Zhengfeng's heart panicked, yet his face remained impassive as he bowed slightly toward the Five Mountains Order Flag and said, "Nephew Shi, what exactly is the Alliance Leader's intention with this order?"

Shi Dengda bowed slightly toward Liu Zhengfeng and said, "This disciple merely acts on orders and does not understand the Alliance Leader's intent; please forgive this disciple, Junior Uncle Liu!"

After saying this, Shi Dengda quickly led the four men behind him to stand before Yue Buqun and the others, paying respectful bows one by one.

At this time, Abbess Dingyi of the Hengshan Sect did not yet know the true circumstances; seeing the Songshan Sect willing to stop Liu Zhengfeng's hand-washing ceremony, she happily said to Shi Dengda, "If your master is willing to come out and stop this matter, that is the best outcome! We martial artists should value chivalry above all; how much better to roam freely in the Jianghu than to become officials? Yet since Junior Brother Liu has made up his mind, I cannot persuade him further!"

At this moment, Liu Zhengfeng's expression grew solemn; he continued speaking to Shi Dengda, "Nephew Shi, when our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects formed an alliance, we only agreed to assist each other in attack and defense, jointly upholding righteousness in the Wu Lin! If matters concerning the five sects arise, everyone must obey the Alliance Leader's commands! But now, my intention to perform the hand-washing ceremony is merely a private matter; it violates neither Jianghu righteousness nor concerns our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects! Please inform Alliance Leader Zuo that Liu will not obey the flag order; ask him to forgive me."

After saying this, Liu Zhengfeng immediately walked toward the golden basin, intending to forcibly complete the hand-washing ritual.

Seeing this, Shi Dengda staggered slightly and blocked the path before the golden basin.

He raised the Five Mountains Order Flag high with his right hand, then spoke in a deep voice, "Junior Uncle Liu, my master has always said that our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects are united like branches of the same tree, bound by brotherhood. This time, he sent me with this flag to stop your hand-washing ceremony, both to preserve the friendship among our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects and to uphold righteousness in the Wu Lin; please, Junior Uncle Liu, do not put this disciple in a difficult position!"

Hearing Shi Dengda's words, Liu Zhengfeng thought inwardly that things were dire, yet his face remained calm: "I am merely performing a hand-washing ceremony; how could this relate to upholding righteousness in the Wu Lin? Moreover, before I perform the hand-washing ceremony, invitations were already sent to Songshan; if Alliance Leader Zuo had objections, why did he not stop me earlier?"

Just then, a cry of shock suddenly came from the rear courtyard of the Liu residence.

Sensing the anomaly, Liu Zhengfeng was about to go investigate when he suddenly saw more than a dozen people emerge from the rear hall; they were his wife, children, and several disciples!

Behind each of them stood a disciple of the Songshan Sect, holding a dagger pressed against their backs.

Seeing this, Liu Zhengfeng knew things were dire; he immediately looked at everyone in the residence and said, "Friends, it is not that Liu insists on acting alone; truly, today Alliance Leader Zuo has threatened me so severely. If Liu were to yield, how could I face the heavens and the earth?"

Speaking thus, Liu Zhengfeng staggered slightly, intending to dodge past Shi Dengda and forcibly continue the hand-washing.

Shi Dengda was after all a junior disciple; how could he stop Liu Zhengfeng when the latter struck with full force?

Seeing that no one could stop Liu Zhengfeng from performing the hand-washing ceremony, suddenly silver light flashed, then a hidden weapon broke through the air.

Liu Zhengfeng was forced back two steps; hearing a light 'ding', the golden basin was struck down by the hidden weapon, and clear water from within splashed in all directions.

Then, yellow figures flickered on the roof, and a figure in yellow robes appeared before everyone.

This man was around forty, of medium build, exceptionally thin, with two mouse-like whiskers on his upper lip; he was Fei Bin, the famous 'Great Songshan Palm' of the Songshan Sect, renowned throughout the Jianghu.

He looked at Liu Zhengfeng, clasped his hands, and said, "Senior Brother Liu, by order of Alliance Leader Zuo, you are forbidden from performing the hand-washing ceremony."

Seeing the golden basin knocked to the ground, Liu Zhengfeng immediately asked in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Fei, may I ask why Alliance Leader Zuo forbids me from performing the hand-washing ceremony?"

Fei Bin signaled Shi Dengda behind him to raise the Five Mountains Order Flag, then said, "Alliance Leader Zuo orders us to ask Senior Brother Liu: what secret dealings do you have with the Mo Sect? What conspiracy do you intend to use against the righteous sects of the Wu Lin?"

Upon hearing these words, everyone around was instantly shocked and pale.

It must be known that the Mo Sect and these people were irreconcilable enemies; if Liu Zhengfeng truly conspired with the Mo Sect, then they would indeed be in grave danger!

Liu Zhengfeng's expression changed slightly, yet he forced calmness and said, "I have never associated with anyone from the Mo Sect; as for this so-called conspiracy, how could such a thing even be mentioned?"

Hearing this, Fei Bin immediately snorted coldly: "Senior Brother Liu, there is a Guardian Elder in the Mo Sect named Qu Yang; do you know him?"

Hearing Fei Bin mention the name 'Qu Yang', Liu Zhengfeng's face changed drastically; he immediately pressed his lips tightly shut and said no more.

Seeing this, everyone in the hall naturally understood that Liu Zhengfeng and that Qu Yang must indeed know each other.

"Indeed!"

Moments later, Liu Zhengfeng slowly nodded and said, "Brother Qu Yang Qu Dage, I not only know him, but he is also the only bosom friend I have ever had in my life, my dearest companion."

"Senior Brother Liu, since you are willing to admit this, Alliance Leader Zuo has given you two paths to choose from!"

A smile flickered across Fei Bin's face as he continued, "Alliance Leader Zuo gives you one month to kill the Mo Sect Elder Qu Yang and bring his head here; then everything can be forgiven; otherwise, our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects will have no choice but to purge our own ranks!"

Hearing Fei Bin's words, a sorrowful smile flickered across Liu Zhengfeng's face: "Brother Qu and I became friends at first sight; we connect through music, and whenever we meet, we only play the zither and flute together, never discussing other matters! Perhaps you all do not believe it, but although Brother Qu is from the Mo Sect, his character is noble and pure; therefore, I will absolutely not harm this gentleman."

"However, since I befriended Brother Qu, I have long considered that such a day might come. On one side are my sworn brothers from the alliance; on the other, my closest friend. Liu cannot assist either side, so I can only choose to perform the hand-washing ceremony! I am willing to retire from the Wu Lin from now on, never to participate in any Jianghu conflicts again; I only hope you all will let me stay out of this matter and avoid being implicated."

"Hmph!"

Fei Bin snorted coldly and continued, "You wish to stay out of this matter; what then of Qu Yang?"

Hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng hurriedly said, "Brother Qu has already sworn a solemn oath before my eyes; from now on, he will absolutely not interfere in the struggle between the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects and the Mo Sect!"

"So what?"

Fei Bin sneered: "People from the Mo Sect use every trick to sow discord and separate allies; such words are certainly untrustworthy! Senior Brother Liu, I ask you one last time: do you accept Alliance Leader Zuo's order or not?"

"If Alliance Leader Zuo has an order, Senior Brother Fei may simply kill my entire family!"

Liu Zhengfeng said earnestly, "But to make me betray Brother Qu is absolutely impossible!"

Seeing this, Fei Bin immediately took the Five Mountains Order Flag from Shi Dengda's hands, then looked toward where the others of the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects stood: "Senior Brother Tianmen of the Taishan Sect, Senior Brother Yue of the Huashan Sect, Abbess Dingyi of the Hengshan Sect, and all of the Hengshan Sect; Alliance Leader Zuo has spoken: the hatred between the Mo Sect and our Five Great Mountains Sword Sects is as deep as the sea, irreconcilable. Liu Zhengfeng has befriended evil people and joined our enemies; all of us, the Five Mountains brothers, must strike together to destroy him! Whoever accepts the order, please stand to the left."

Taoist Tianmen and Abbess Dingyi, seeing that Liu Zhengfeng remained unmoved, felt deeply disappointed in their hearts; they soon led their disciples to stand on the left.

The disciples of the Hengshan Sect also apologized to Liu Zhengfeng one by one, then similarly walked to the left side.

Yet Yue Buqun remained standing in place.

Seeing this, Fei Bin immediately asked in a cold voice, "Senior Brother Yue, what does this mean?"

"Senior Brother Fei, please be patient!"

Yue Buqun smiled slightly, then looked up at the roof above: "Qu Yang, Senior Brother Liu refuses even unto death to reveal your whereabouts; do you still refuse to appear and meet us?"

Hearing Yue Buqun's words, everyone in the courtyard was instantly alarmed!

Qu Yang, who was on the roof, had originally planned to seize an opportunity to save Liu Zhengfeng's family, but now that Yue Buqun had exposed his location, there was naturally no chance left.

Immediately, he laughed loudly, leaped down from the roof, and stood beside Liu Zhengfeng.

"Brother Qu, why must you do this?" Liu Zhengfeng said with a bitter smile.

Qu Yang laughed heroically and said, "In this life, I love music above all; I often sigh that it is hard to find a true soulmate. Fortunately, I met Junior Brother Liu, and I feel my life is now complete. If today you, Junior Brother Liu, were to depart alone, would it not leave me with lifelong regret?"

On the other side, seeing Qu Yang appear, Fei Bin's heart also rejoiced.

After all, a group of experts from the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects and the righteous Jianghu had already gathered here; once Qu Yang appeared, there was no way he could escape, and furthermore, this would leave Liu Zhengfeng with nothing to say.

He was about to order everyone to surge forward when Xiao Ao Jianghu's voice sounded again in his ear.

"Senior Brother Liu!"

Xiao Ao Jianghu looked at Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang and smiled: "I've heard the two of you are devoted to music, and after years of effort, you've composed a piece never before heard in history—'Xiao Ao Jianghu.' Might I be allowed to hear it?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ao Jianghu's words, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang both paused slightly in surprise.

They had never told anyone about composing 'Xiao Ao Jianghu'—how had Xiao Ao Jianghu found out?

But this piece was their life's work; there was no reason to hide it!

Thinking this, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang exchanged glances, then nodded: "Senior Brother Xiao, though we don't know how you learned of this, Qu and I did indeed compose 'Xiao Ao Jianghu'—and we believe no one in history has matched it!"

"Excellent!"

Xiao Ao Jianghu immediately said: "Might the two of you perform it here?"

Watching Xiao Ao Jianghu speak casually with Liu Zhengfeng, Fei Bin could not suppress his fury: "Senior Brother Xiao, what are you doing?"

"Senior Brother Fei, please remain calm!"

Xiao Ao Jianghu said slowly: "Senior Brother Liu once said he and Qu Yang bonded through music. Let us test this claim. Moreover, so many righteous cultivators are gathered here—do you truly fear they will escape?"

At this moment, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang—who already felt they had reached a dead end—each took out their ancient zither and jade flute, determined to play one final duet before death.

"Zheng zheng"—a few notes rose, elegant and refined.

Fei Bin had intended to speak again, but as the zither's melody began, he fell silent, watching Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang with wary caution.

The zither's tones continued, mingling with the soft, haunting sound of the flute—deeply moving.

Soon, the zither's melody grew higher and fiercer, while the flute's tone sank lower, yet never ceased—like a silken thread drifting on the wind, unbroken, deepening the emotion.

Suddenly, the zither rang with sharp, metallic notes, as if echoing battle cries, yet the flute's tone remained gentle and graceful.

A moment later, the zither's melody softened again; the two sounds rose and fell unpredictably—then, abruptly, the zither and flute changed as if seven jade zithers and seven bamboo flutes played together.

Though the zither and flute melodies seemed wildly complex and ever-shifting, each note was precisely pitched, rhythmically cadenced, and heart-stirring.

Finally, a sudden "Zheng!" rang out—the zither fell silent, and the flute ceased at once.

For a moment, all was utterly still.

Liu Zhengfeng said joyfully: "All men must die. To have found one true friend, I die without regret."

Qu Yang replied: "Brother speaks truly. Our duet has poured every drop of 'Xiao Ao Jianghu' into the air. The world now holds this piece—we have played it. What more could life demand?"

Those in the courtyard, witnessing the two men treat life and death as trivial, were moved. Added to the sublime beauty of the zither and flute, many now believed Liu Zhengfeng's claim that they had bonded through music.

After hearing this once-in-a-millennium 'Xiao Ao Jianghu,' Xiao Ao Jianghu felt deeply pleased.

For this piece—'Xiao Ao Jianghu'—was the gift he had prepared for the group's master, Lu Qingshan!

Among the group's members, he could not match Han Li or Pang Bo in aiding the group master;

nor could he rival Cao Cao in wealth and treasures;

so to prepare a fitting gift for Lu Qingshan, he had to be original!

And this piece—'Xiao Ao Jianghu'—was undoubtedly the perfect choice.

After all, the story Lu Qingshan had once uploaded bore the very same name: 'Xiao Ao Jianghu.' Though the two may not be connected, this piece still clearly expressed his heart.

(End of Chapter)