Chapter 260

Yu Canghai originally said Yue Buqun harbored ulterior motives and so on, at first many thought the Qingcheng Sect couldn't hold its head up before the heroes, wanting to drag the Huashan Sect into trouble—this was a desperate move. But the more he thought, the more he felt there was something significant behind it.

But seeing Yue Buqun composed, he also felt perhaps he, like Yu Canghai, was measuring a gentleman's belly with a petty heart.

Yu Canghai had originally resolved to fight Yue Buqun to determine superiority, but Feng Yi's words made him feel like a monkey performer, his expression extremely ugly.

Pfft!

Yu Canghai turned his head and saw it was Lin Pingzhi; he first stared, then anger surged, he glared fiercely and shouted sternly: 'Lin Pingzhi, what are you laughing at?'

Lin Pingzhi recalled how his family had been toyed with by Yu Canghai like a cat playing with a mouse, but now it was Yu Canghai being toyed with by Feng Yi; he dared not retaliate, feeling contempt in his heart, and thus laughed.

Lin Pingzhi was also fearless at this moment, feeling pleased in his heart, and laughed: 'I thought the Qingcheng sect leader was merely a wicked Taoist who slaughtered innocents indiscriminately, but who would have thought he was also a flatterer who follows the wind and clings to power—a dog Taoist; this is truly just retribution, how could I not laugh?'

How could Yu Canghai not know that back then, when he dealt with the Lin family, he had the mindset of a cat playing with a mouse, deliberately humiliating them, and now his own situation facing Feng Yi is the same.

Yet Lin Pingzhi also dared to toy with him; recalling the humiliation he had just suffered, his evil rose to his courage, his eyes turned cold, and he blurted out a few words: 'Today I will avenge my son!'

With a wave of his hand, before the palm arrived, the wind came first, causing a stinging pain on the face, unlike before.

Everyone hearing the wind's sound knew Yu Canghai had been enraged; this palm strike was unleashed with full force, intending to take Lin Pingzhi's life.

Feng Yi strode forward and pushed his palm against Yu Canghai's elbow.

Yu Canghai felt a strange force surge upward, a blue aura flashed on his face, instantly his body went numb and he retreated three steps with a thud each; before he could grab a support, he suddenly felt his back hit a hard object, realizing with alarm that Feng Yi's push had driven him against the wall.

'Surname Yu.' Feng Yi sneered coldly: 'What Sect Leader Yue just said wasn't clear enough; this is the Hall of Gathered Jade—is this also where you intend to avenge your son?'

Upon hearing these words, Yu Canghai felt shame and indignation to the point of death; as the esteemed leader of the Qingcheng Sect, he found himself in a brothel, unable to avenge his son—his eye sockets heated involuntarily, he never imagined he would end up like this.

At this moment, if Feng Yi struck him dead with a single palm, it would be a release, but he simply would not do so.

This was merely to give the Lin family vent; thinking of this, Yu Canghai loudly declared: 'A scholar may be killed but not humbled; I, your humble Daoist, welcome your supreme technique!'

With a clang, the long sword was drawn.

Yu Canghai knew he was no match for Feng Yi, but under Feng Yi's step-by-step pressure, he realized he could not escape calamity this time; after all, he was not a lone wanderer like Mu Gaofeng who could kowtow and beg for mercy—better to fight with all his might, and even if he died, it would be glorious.

Everyone saw Yu Canghai's eyes brimming with tears; aside from Lin Pingzhi, Lao Denuo, and Yue Lingshan, the others felt greatly aggrieved, thinking that Feng Yi was standing up for the Lin family—killing Yu Canghai would suffice, but to heap such humiliation now, how could anyone endure it?

This is humanity.

What one sees is far more sensational than what one hears.

How Yu Canghai treated the Fuwei Escort Agency, they had only heard rumors; but how Feng Yi treated Yu Canghai, they witnessed with their own eyes.

Naturally, they all held his conduct in great contempt.

Only see Yu Canghai's internal power everywhere, his long sword humming in his hand; even before the sword thrust, it already emitted a bone-piercing sharpness.

Feng Yi saw Yu Canghai's solemn expression and calmly said: 'Very well, let me see how the Qingcheng Sect's martial arts fare. Attack with all your strength.'

Yu Canghai's eyes narrowed, his fighting spirit intense; he braced his right foot against the wall, and in an instant he seemed like a bird, airborne, his long sword flashing upward—a move called 'Pine Waves Like Thunder'.

Hiss—

The sound of breaking air was extremely sharp, enveloping Feng Yi.

The 'Pine Wind Sword Technique' is a renowned skill of the Qingcheng Sect's elite masters, forged through countless refinements, its moves truly exquisite; Yu Canghai had practiced the Qingcheng Sect's 'Cry of the Crane Reaching the Nine Heavens Divine Skill'—a technique no one had mastered for hundreds of years—though he had not yet achieved full mastery, lacking only a bit of timing, and now, filled with indignation, his sword thrust was as wild as wind and fierce as waves.

Everyone saw that his sword strike indeed embodied: the vigor of pine, the swiftness of wind—fast and powerful, astonishing and admirable—thinking it no wonder that Yu Canghai, knowing Feng Yi's formidable skill, still dared to strike.

Feng Yi only saw silver light flashing; in a single move, he had already struck five or six major points on his own chest, and laughed: 'Not bad!'

As soon as that 'not bad' word left his mouth, others also moved to attack.

Yet he did not sway, his feet did not move; he merely flicked his sleeve, producing a whoosh sound, sweeping aside the long sword.

Then came a humming sound; Yu Canghai's long sword was thrown back several feet, and he felt a great force travel up from the sword, his palm bones aching as if cut, unable to hold the sword.

Yu Canghai, a sect master, not to be taken lightly, used the momentum to shoot his long sword out, spinning forward, and his left palm struck toward Feng Yi's right shoulder.

Feng Yi raised his right hand, acting first despite coming later, his palm swept the long sword away, and then met Yu Canghai's palm force head-on.

With a 'crack' sound, Yu Canghai shuddered from the impact, this great force flinging him in a somersault; he staggered to a stand, his left arm limp at his side, his right hand's tiger's mouth split, blood dripping from his fingertips.

'Master!' Fang Renzi leapt forward, Yu Canghai shook his head: 'Step back!', he raised his injured right hand, and with a 'click' set his broken left arm straight.

A thought flashed, his eyes suddenly widened, and he shouted: 'Heart-Shattering Palm!' Staring straight at Feng Yi, he said: 'When did you learn our sect's Heart-Shattering Palm?'

As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar rose among the crowd.

The Heart-Shattering Palm is Yu Canghai's signature supreme art—how could Feng Yi also know it?

Feng Yi laughed: 'Your Qingcheng Sect used the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique against Lin Zhenan; how could I let you take all the credit?'

Yu Canghai laughed heartily: 'You really came just to cause me trouble because of the Lin family!'

'You're wrong.' Feng Yi shook his head: 'I'm not here to cause you trouble; I want your life.'

Yu Canghai snorted angrily, leapt up, and with three rapid successive kicks—swish, swish, swish—kicked toward Feng Yi.

Everyone recognized this as the Qingcheng Sect's 'Shadowless Phantom Leg', which emphasizes speed so fast that one cannot see clearly.

Although Yu Canghai's injury was not light, relying on his profound internal energy he barely suppressed the wound and kicked swiftly at Feng Yi, each kick stronger than the last.

Feng Yi's martial prowess was high, and Yu Canghai's flaw was obvious; his left hand snatched out like a gust of wind, gripping Yu Canghai's left ankle firmly.

Yu Canghai instantly felt as if bound by a metal hoop, pain excruciating, and he forcefully kicked with his right foot toward Feng Yi's wrist vital point.

But before he could kick out, Feng Yi shouted loudly and brought his hand down; Yu Canghai felt as if struck by lightning, with a thud he collapsed to the ground, his limbs nearly falling apart.

Feng Yi then grabbed him again and hoisted him up upside down.

Yu Canghai stood no taller than five feet; at this moment Feng Yi lifted him upside down as if carrying a child, Yu Canghai felt a strange force permeate his body, his body already numb, his face ashen, thinking he had endured great hardship to cultivate his divine skill, yet compared to this person it was still worlds apart, his heart filled with despair.

Qingcheng Sect disciples brandished their weapons and surged forward,

Feng Yi didn't even look, sweeping his large sleeve, a strong gust blew seven or eight people off their feet, they fell to the ground, and he laughed: 'Observatory Chief Yu, what do you say?'

Yu Canghai heard his extreme arrogance and no longer wished to resist, shouting: 'Skill inferior to man—if you want to kill me, just kill me; what else is there to say?'

Feng Yi gave a soft chuckle: 'You aren't afraid of death?'

Yu Canghai replied: 'What is there to fear about death? Why should I be afraid? At worst, the fish dies and the net breaks.'

Feng Yi calmly said: 'Observatory Chief Yu, forgive my frankness, the fish's death is obvious, but you still need to explain how the net breaks.'

Everyone actually understood that Yu Canghai, relying on having captured Lin Pingzhi's parents, felt this was leverage against Feng Yi.

Lin Pingzhi's face showed a hint of anxiety.

Yu Canghai gave a cold snort; that was what he thought, but he would not say it outright, waiting for Feng Yi to speak, then he would feign strength, and finally reluctantly roll up his banner.

Who would have thought Feng Yi would coldly chuckle: "I have a skill that makes people unable to live or die, but I believe true heroes of this world can certainly endure it, so please, Observatory Master Yu, this kind of hero, give it a try!"

As he spoke, he flicked a finger, and Yu Canghai felt a cold blast shoot in, piercing his chest at the "Qihu" acupoint, then traveling along his meridians.

At first he could bear it, but suddenly it became excruciatingly cold to the bone, and wherever it passed felt like thousands of fine needles pricking.

Feng Yi loosened his grip, and Yu Canghai fell with a "plop" to the ground.

Feeling that finger energy condense and not disperse, like an icy, spiky centipede wriggling inside his body, when it reached his neck hollow, Yu Canghai could no longer endure, rolling back and forth.

He, mindful of his status, did not want to shout loudly, could only forcibly suppress it, but this sensation was too painful; he grimaced, rolled all over the ground, and frothed white foam at the mouth,

just like having an epileptic fit, making onlookers feel extremely distressed.

Feng Yi's acupressure technique carries the agony of searching for souls and shaking spirits, and he had once absorbed the icy silkworm poison; that taste truly makes one wish for death, and he wanted to see just how tough Yu Canghai was.

Feng Yi wanted to rescue Lin Zhen nan and his wife, but he would not volunteer to speak.

He is no good person; how could he do good deeds for nothing?

"Amitabha!" Nun Dingyi could not bear to watch and said, "Feng benefactor, this method is really too vicious."

She has an explosive temper, but actually harbors compassion; Feng Yi knows this, so he pays no attention.

Lin Pingzhi saw Feng Yi with a wooden expression, while Yu Canghai was rolling in pain, fearing he might die and he would never find his parents' whereabouts, he said: "Master Feng's tiger-like might makes hearts tremble, but Yu Canghai sneaks about, a light‑shunning rat; for the mountain lord to catch rats is truly overkill!"

Having said that, he paused, looked at Yu Canghai, and said: "Yu Canghai, if you release my parents, how could Master Feng stoop to your level?"

Yu Canghai could neither live nor die, and he also wanted to confess everything about Lin Zhen nan and his wife, but after the torture he was utterly exhausted, his breath barely moving, his eyes fixed on Feng Yi, full of pleading.

This means you should quickly withdraw your technique so I can tell you the whereabouts.

Who would have thought Feng Yi would instead look at Lin Pingzhi and say: "Kid, using my influence to rescue your parents is also a clever move.

But why should I spare Yu Canghai for you? What benefit do you offer me?"

Lin Pingzhi was momentarily speechless, sweat rolling down his forehead.

Just now he had given Feng Yi a lofty hat, talking about chivalry and righteousness, while Feng Yi frankly said he was neither a hero nor a champion; now what does he have to offer him?

Surely he can't be offering the gold and silver on the ground, can he?

"That's not right," a soft voice said: "My master said saving a life outweighs building a seven‑story pagoda; a true man confers favors without seeking reward."

Feng Yi glanced over and saw it was Yilin, smiling: "Little nun, you're joking; do you think everyone in the world is like Linghu Chong, that doing good deeds needs no reward?"

If I were him, risking my life to save you, I would surely insist you become my wife; would that not still make me a true man?"

Hearing that, Yilin's cheeks flushed, she lowered her head and dared not speak further.

Everyone was even more indignant, utterly arrogant!

Nun, you're also teasing?

Is this a person?

How is he any different from Tian Boguang?

Lustful as life itself!

If Feng Yi knew, he would surely say, "You really have good taste."

Yue Lingshan snapped, "Stop spouting nonsense!"

Feng Yi is the epitome of double standards.

He can like countless beautiful women.

Yet he hopes women will like only him.

So he is willing to joke with Yilin, but has no interest in Yue Lingshan, not even glancing at her, merely smiling: "Lin Pingzhi, everyone wants your family's Evil‑Resisting Sword Manual; I am no exception—if you promise to hand over the manual, I will let Yu Canghai release your parents!"

Lin Pingzhi anxiously said, "My family has no Evil‑Resisting Sword Manual, ……"

Feng Yi waved his hand and said, "I'm asking whether you're willing to give it to me, not whether you have it!"

Upon hearing that, everyone felt doubtful.

Many here doubted the Lin family's Evil‑Resisting Sword Manual; after all, the fame of Lin Zhen nan and his son does not match that of Lin Yuan tu, yet seeing Yu Canghai shamelessly seize it made them feel it was six‑or‑seven tenths genuine, and now Feng Yi's statement makes it seem completely certain.

After all, if such masters all want it, how could it be fake?

Lin Pingzhi also thought of this and could not help feeling hesitant.

Feng Yi glanced askance, knowing he did not want his family's martial arts taken by him, and snorted: "If that's the case, I won't force it, Observatory Master Yu—may you have a smooth journey onward!"

Yu Canghai had already closed his eyes, feeling he could be released.

Suddenly Lin Pingzhi shouted, "I agree, I agree, please save my parents!"

Feng Yi laughed, "Good!" He tapped a finger, and Yu Canghai felt a warm current enter his body; the icy force vanished instantly, and he immediately staggered to his feet.

But seeing the venerable Qingcheng Sect Leader's mouth full of white foam, resembling a fiend, everyone was startled.

Yu Canghai paused a moment, then said, "If I release the Lin couple, will you let me go?"

Feng Yi coldly replied, "Are you trying to bargain with me?"

Yu Canghai pondered a moment, then forced a smile: "All right, Fang Renzi, you go bring Lin Zhen nan and his wife!"

"Yes, Master!"

Fang Renzi led several junior disciples out.

Suddenly Liu Zhengfeng called out, "That works too; the Qingcheng disciples fetching people won't take just a moment—let's all go to my residence and wait together, all right?"

Feng Yi sized up Liu Zhengfeng, then suddenly laughed: "Your place is an inauspicious spot; I'm not going!"

Hearing that, everyone felt suspicious and doubtful.

=9+book_bar

What does that mean?

Liu Zhengfeng was also puzzled, laughing: "I dare to ask, honored sir, what brings you to Hengshan City?"

Feng Yi laughed: "Watch the excitement! See how your Liu family walks toward its doom!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts jumped; Feng Yi's nature is unfathomable, and no one knew whether this remark was a joke or what.

While pondering, the Heavenly Gate Daoist angrily shouted: "Surname Feng, speaking like that, aren't you afraid you won't be able to take it back? Or do you truly rely on being invincible under heaven, acting as you please?"

Yu Canghai laughed: "From the sound you know the meaning, Heavenly Gate Daoist, your eyesight is still not bad!"

Feng Yi slightly nodded: "What Sect Leader Yu said is also very good!"

With a casual wave, a soft hiss sounded, a light noise.

Yu Canghai stared fixedly at Feng Yi, his lips trembling slightly, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes; suddenly, a gurgling sound.

"Ah!"

Yi Lin, Yue Lingshan, and the other women exclaimed in unison.

It turned out Yu Canghai's head rolled onto the ground, blood from his chest sprayed straight to the heavens, with a thud his body also collapsed, motionless, the wound on his neck still bleeding like a spring.

Feng Yi sighed: "Sect Leader Yu, if I want to kill you, you will surely die. Yet you still stir trouble here, not knowing to cherish your time and live a bit longer. So-called surpassing Lan Changqingzi, I think that's just exaggeration; you're just a fool!"

Feng Yi's Six Meridian Divine Sword is incomparably sharp; with one stroke it sliced off Yu Canghai's head, his attack gave no warning; when Yu Canghai died, everyone trembled, all thinking the same thing.

"Demon!"

In casual talk, taking a head—that's what a true great demon is.

Everyone stared at Yu Canghai's corpse, thoughts wandering, each with different ideas.

Especially Lin Pingzhi, recalling these days, he had endured great hardship, still thinking of avenging his family, but with a wave of Feng Yi's hand, he lost his direction again.

Who should he seek revenge against now?

Feng Yi lifted his eyes to the sky, then laughed: "Heavenly Gate Daoist, it seems you're not pleased with me; I heard your temperament is like blazing fire, but it turns out to be mere lip service—I've learned."

The Heavenly Gate Daoist was furious, his face like pig's liver, red with a greenish tint, he shouted loudly: "Surname Feng, my Heavenly Gate certainly does not fear you!"

With a clang, he drew his long sword, pushed off with his feet, and shot forward like a thunderbolt.

He is the head of the Mount Tai Sect, his martial prowess extraordinary; his long sword instantly turned into lightning, thrusting straight at Feng Yi's brow.

Feng Yi neither dodged nor avoided; he waited until the sword reached before his eyes, then extended his right thumb and index finger, lightly pinching.

A hum, and the long sword became like flowing water.

Feng Yi casually snapped it, a clang, breaking off a section of the sword, while his left palm struck out simultaneously.

The Heavenly Gate Daoist's sword was broken, only half remained; he raised it to block, blades facing outward.

Feng Yi gave a light laugh, swept his palm sideways, flicked his middle finger, emitting a Central Thrust Sword; with a ding, the sword broke into two pieces again; he seized the moment, the half-sword tip stabbing toward the Heavenly Gate Daoist's heart.

Feng Yi's strike was incredibly swift; his Six Meridian Divine Sword broke iron like mud; the Heavenly Gate Daoist was terrified, his face drained of color, secretly thinking his doom had come.

At that critical moment, Yue Buqun's face turned purple, he unfolded his fan and executed the move "White Cloud Emerges from the Cave," striking toward Feng Yi's back spirit platform point.

He intended to "besiege Wei to save Zhao," activating the "Purple Cloud Divine Art," hoping Feng Yi would block, thinking that then Nun Dingyi and others would successively attack, thus able to resist Feng Yi's uncanny methods.

Feng Yi laughed: "About time!" He tilted his body, shouted loudly "Let go!" and slapped his palm toward Yue Buqun's wrist.

This strike may not seem particularly fierce, but his speed was astonishing; Yue Buqun could not dodge it.

Only a soft "pu" sound was heard; Yue Buqun's wrist bone seemed about to break, he let out a muffled groan, and his fan fell to the ground.

Feng Yi laughed heartily, no longer paying attention to Yue Buqun,

Who would have thought the Heavenly Gate Daoist, aided by Yue Buqun, threw his broken sword and struck with both palms; Feng Yi immediately drew his left hand to deflect, guiding the Heavenly Gate's palm away; the Daoist spun twice, unable to stand firm.

At times the crowd burst into startled cries.

Feng Yi stepped forward, his hand like lightning, grabbing toward the Heavenly Gate Daoist's chest.

The Heavenly Gate Daoist hastily planted his feet with a "thousand-pound drop," but unexpectedly Feng Yi seized him; at that moment, a gentle breeze blew, and Nun Dingyi thrust her sword at Feng Yi's wrist.

Feng Yi frowned, smiled: "You're an old woman; I won't fight you!" He shifted his body aside.

But he had seized the Heavenly Gate Daoist without using force to seal his acupoints, giving him an opportunity; the Daoist raised both palms and struck toward Feng Yi's front chest.

Seeing that he had gripped the Heavenly Gate's vital chest point, yet the Daoist could still strike, Feng Yi exclaimed: "Your internal strength is indeed not bad!"

Before his words finished, the Heavenly Gate Daoist's palms had already struck to within a foot of Feng Yi's chest, but felt as soft as spring water, as if an invisible barrier lay there.

In the Heavenly Gate Daoist's astonishment, a mournful huqin melody drifted from afar, sad and plaintive, breaking the heart.

Upon hearing it, everyone felt their noses sour and eyes hot; lifetime tragic events surged into their minds, many feeling as if they had lost their parents.

"Night Rain over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers!"

"The Hengshan Sect leader has arrived!"

"Senior Brother!"

"Mr. Mo Da, long time no see!" Feng Yi said with a smile, flicked his hand, and flung the Heavenly Gate Daoist more than ten feet away.

The Heavenly Gate Daoist landed lightly, his face ashen, trembling; suddenly a figure burst from the eastern roof ridge, flashing like lightning, then vanished.

Liu Zhengfeng had no doubt this was his senior brother arriving; he called out: "Senior Brother, go slowly!"

Feng Yi gave a long laugh: "That's enough for today!" He lifted his robes and leapt, like a divine dragon soaring, and in an instant disappeared from sight.

His laughter lingered, yet the crowd hung their heads in dejection; Linghu Chong picked up his master's fan and handed it to Yue Buqun.

Yue Buqun silently took it, his hand squeezing the fan until it creaked.

Everyone thought: "Without Mr. Mo Da, the renowned Five Mountains Sword Sect would surely have been taken down by Feng Yi alone!"

Moreover, some thought: "The Five Mountains Sword Sect has grown overly proud in recent years; today its comeuppance has arrived."

"Serves them right!"

The dark ugliness of human nature cannot be faced directly; although all the heroes came to congratulate Liu Zhengfeng, many wished to see the Five Mountains Sword Sect mocked.

Thus in the original plot, when Liu Zhengfeng's family suffered disaster, those so-called friends hardly stood up for him. If they were truly men of deep righteousness, how could the Songshan Sect dare to defy heaven's great taboo, slaughter his whole family, ignore human ethics, and force a son to rebel against his father?

But no one spoke it outright; they all felt the spectacle was over, and indeed the trip was not in vain.

Feng Yi's martial prowess is such that he could certainly match Dongfang Bubai, contending for the title of the world's greatest expert.

The heroes all headed toward Qunyu Far; the Five Mountains Sword Sect folk felt embarrassed to leave together, wanting to wait until no one remained before returning to the Liu residence.

Lin Pingzhi gathered the treasures on the ground, slung them onto his back, turned and ran out. Yue Lingshan shouted, "Where are you going?"

Lin Pingzhi halted, turned his head, and in the hazy moonlight faintly saw a beautiful melon‑seed face, a pair of stark black‑and‑white eyes fixed on him.

Lin Pingzhi saw her lovely looks and thought, "She's in disguise, selling wine outside Fuzhou City, and Dingyi Nun said she was dressed in a strange guise. This ugly appearance is obviously deliberate; I just never noticed when she'd take it off."

Lin Pingzhi said, "I want to go find Great Hero Feng Yi to become his disciple and learn his craft."

Yue Lingshan snorted, "Who'd take you as a disciple? Besides, he's a moody madman—what could you possibly learn?"

Lin Pingzhi is stubborn by nature; though he knows the hope is slim, he remains resolute—he absolutely refuses to take Yue Buqun and the others as his teachers.

Because he thinks what he'd learn is no different from Yue Buqun's—still getting his weapon knocked away in one move—he'd rather have nothing at all.

Thinking, he gazed at Yue Buqun, who stood dazed, feeling lost, and blurted, "Sect Leader Yue, do you agree with what Great Hero Feng just said?"

Yue Buqun came to and asked, "What words?"

Lin Pingzhi said, "He said morals are going downhill and there are no good people in the world."

Before Yue Buqun could speak, the Heavenly Gate Daoist, hearing this, instantly flared with anger and shouted, "No good people? Utter nonsense! He's merely peerless in martial arts, yet acts superior—so is he good or bad?"

"Could he possibly admit he's a villain deserving death?"

Feng Yi didn't hear it; if he had, he'd surely say, "That's only natural."

Because he killed Tian Boguang, that's certainly his act, but part of the motive is his lust‑for‑life behavior—you and I did it together, yet such unchivalrous conduct, wreaking havoc on beauties, could that beauty ever fall to oneself?

As for deeds of chivalry and righteousness, he's done plenty, but that's merely incidental—unlike those who act for conviction and remain steadfast.

That's why he doesn't see himself as a great hero or a hero.

In short, if the world had someone like him, he'd have to be killed—no doubt about it.

The Heavenly Gate Daoist today lost face, his anger hard to bear; he finished speaking in one breath, glaring, panting heavily.

Dingyi Nun stared at him, eyes full of worry, saying, "Heavenly Gate senior brother, if our skills are inferior, we'll just train harder—why hold a grudge? Let's rest tonight; after Liu Xian Di's Sword‑Washing Conference ends tomorrow, we'll discuss further."

She flicked her sleeves, turned, and strode away.

That's what she said, but she knew in her heart that Feng Yi's martial arts were beyond their reach no matter how long they trained; yet before all the disciples, she couldn't dampen the sect's fighting spirit.

Yue Buqun glanced at Lin Pingzhi and said lightly, "For such matters, the more clueless you are, the clearer you'll get and the longer you'll live." Then he turned and left.

The Huashan disciples all followed closely behind.

Yue Lingshan gave Lin Pingzhi a disdainful snort, disliking his cluelessness—she'd rather not bow to her father, such a modest gentleman, and instead seek a madman; it's utterly unreasonable.

Lin Pingzhi didn't care, thinking, "You're the daughter of the Huashan sect leader—just acting superior, thinking I, Lin Pingzhi, must rely on your Huashan sect."

His family had suffered misfortune, and after just now he felt the world's people were hypocritical and affected, annoying—far less straightforward than Feng Yi: if you want my help, offer something in return.

After Feng Yi's villainous maneuver, this naïve youth Lin Pingzhi became somewhat cynical, yet he also grasped a truth: the adult world is built on value exchange—where are all those righteous heroes who help others for justice?

Anyway, he feels Yue Buqun is no longer that.

After all, Yue Buqun just said he'd saved his daughter—but how could he know that?

I went to the little teahouse in Hengshan City, didn't see his daughter or disciples coming together—actually I'd secretly followed Dingyi Nun and her group to the Liu household, and then everyone came here together; Lao De Nuo and Yue Lingshan never got a chance to tell me this!

Oh, suddenly it clicked—Lao De Nuo said Yue Buqun had once met them in Changsha; that must be how he found out.

He doesn't care whether it's true or false—the more he thinks about it, the wronger it feels.

In fact, he doesn't realize that in the original plot, Lin Pingzhi eavesdropped on Huashan disciples in a teahouse and learned everything.

Later, after Yue Buqun took him as a disciple, when introducing his fellow apprentices, he said these senior brothers—you'd already seen them all in that teahouse.

Obviously, all this little camel of his behavior had long been under Yue Buqun's notice. (End of chapter)