Chapter 36: Leading Calamity Eastward

Chapter 36: Diverting Disaster Eastward

Passing through the corridor and entering the inner hall, it was already nearing noon, and a multitude of martial heroes were arriving from all corners. Among them were Zhang Jin'ao, the deputy leader of the Beggar's Sect; the Iron Elder from the Three Gorges and Goddess Peak of Sichuan and Hubei; Pan Hou, leader of the Sea Sand Clan from the East Sea, and many more. For a moment, the main hall was abuzz with noise and excitement.

These guests from the martial world ranged from renowned figures to those of lesser reputation, yet Liu Zhengfeng greeted every visitor with a cheerful smile. As more members of the Five Mountain Sword Sect arrived—such as the Taoist Tianmen from the Mount Tai Sect and Abbess Dingyi from the Mount Heng Sect—the hall grew ever livelier.

“This young hero must be the esteemed disciple of Brother Yue from the Mount Hua Sect, I presume?” Tianmen, upon entering, immediately addressed Zheng Jian with a smile.

Zheng Jian, unfamiliar with him, asked in confusion, “And you are?”

“Haha, I am Tianmen Daoist from the Mount Tai Sect. I wonder why Brother Yue hasn’t come today?” Tianmen introduced himself, “Just now at the entrance, this old Daoist happened to witness your duel with Yu, the master of the Qingcheng Sect. Truly impressive—youthful talent indeed!”

Zheng Jian suddenly recalled that, in the original story, Tianmen Daoist was a straightforward man. Though somewhat rigid and hot-tempered, he carried the bearing of a sect leader. Since one should never strike a smiling face, Zheng Jian bowed respectfully, “Junior Zheng Jian greets Elder Tianmen. To answer your question, my master is currently in seclusion, practicing at a critical moment, so he could not come personally. Thus, he sent me to attend the ceremony.”

“I see.” Tianmen nodded with a smile.

The Five Mountain Sword Sect, being closely connected, treated each other as brothers and equals. As Tianmen was a few years older than Elder Yue, Zheng Jian appropriately addressed him as “Elder.”

As everyone exchanged pleasantries, there was much polite shuffling over the seating arrangements. Tianmen Daoist, Abbess Dingyi, and others of the Five Mountain Sword Sect were considered half-hosts, so none wished to take the main seat.

While the dispute continued, the sound of drums and music echoed from outside, and soon, officials entered with an air of authority, Liu Zhengfeng respectfully following behind.

Zheng Jian realized that the grand drama was about to unfold, watching with keen interest.

The official entered, accompanied by attendants. One attendant knelt on one knee, raising a tray above his head.

The official accepted it and announced loudly, “An imperial decree! Liu Zhengfeng, hear the decree.”

Zheng Jian couldn’t help but smile. In the original tale, Liu Zhengfeng’s actions had earned the disdain of many martial artists; even Tianmen Daoist and Abbess Dingyi harbored dissatisfaction towards Liu Zhengfeng due to the court’s intervention. Later, when Liu Zhengfeng’s family was held hostage by the Songshan Sect, the tacit approval of the martial elders was, perhaps, not without reason.

As Liu Zhengfeng and the officials went through the formalities and departed, Liu Zhengfeng, after some ceremonial speeches, began preparing to wash his hands in the golden basin. At that moment, Zheng Jian’s ears twitched—he knew the moment had come.

Sure enough, just as Liu Zhengfeng’s hands were about to touch the water, a fierce shout rang out from outside, “Hold it right there!”

A group surged in, led by a tall figure holding a five-colored command flag encrusted with pearls, proclaiming loudly, “The Five Mountain Sword Sect alliance leader’s banner is here!”

Immediately, Liu Zhengfeng’s family was watched over by the Songshan Sect’s men, a move that caught Liu Zhengfeng completely off guard and caused many martial artists to look grim.

Liu Zhengfeng tried to proceed with the washing, but Fei Bin, the Songshan Sect’s formidable “Great Songyang Hand,” appeared and overturned the golden basin. “Brother Liu, by order of the alliance leader, you are not permitted to retire!”

What followed matched the original plot: when Fei Bin accused Liu Zhengfeng of conspiring with Qu Yang, the hall erupted in chaos.

Suddenly, a voice rang out in the hall, “The Songshan Sect truly acts with righteous authority. I have a question for the esteemed members—may I ask?”

Fei Bin glared toward the source, finding Zheng Jian, and sneered, “What is it?”

Zheng Jian was unfazed by Fei Bin’s tone, smiling, “Our sect’s Lao Denuo betrayed his master. After my investigation, he now serves as the third disciple under Leader Zuo. If Leader Zuo is so upright, why would he shelter a traitor who betrayed his teachers, and even accept him as a disciple?”

Abbess Dingyi and Tianmen Daoist were both startled. They had heard of a traitor from Mount Hua three years prior, but hadn’t expected a connection with the Songshan Sect.

Fei Bin’s expression changed slightly, “Who is Lao Denuo? I’ve never heard of him. Mount Hua’s junior, do not make baseless accusations.” He knew of Lao Denuo, but admitting it publicly would ruin his leader’s plans.

Zheng Jian laughed, “If you wish no one to know, do nothing yourself. Lao Denuo is at Songshan, I’ve long been aware. You needn’t admit it! In fact, Lao Denuo was always Leader Zuo’s disciple, sent to Mount Hua under his orders, correct?”

Fei Bin’s face darkened, “Utter nonsense!”

Tianmen Daoist and Abbess Dingyi’s faces also shifted.

“In my opinion,” Zheng Jian continued mischievously, “the Hengshan Sect likely has Leader Zuo’s agents as well. Otherwise, how would they have learned of Uncle Liu’s connection with the Demon Sect elder? Let me guess, besides Mount Hua and Hengshan, do Mount Tai and Mount Heng have Leader Zuo’s agents?”

Diverting disaster eastward!

Though Liu Zhengfeng’s bond with Qu Yang was purely musical, in today’s martial world, it was an unforgivable crime.

To break the deadlock, without prior preparation, the only option was to divert everyone’s attention from Liu Zhengfeng to the Songshan Sect.

With traitors exposed in both Hengshan and Mount Hua, wouldn’t Mount Tai and Mount Heng now doubt their own ranks?

When their own interests were threatened, would they still care about Liu Zhengfeng’s retirement?

Compared to that, Zuo Lengchan and the Songshan Sect immediately became the focus of everyone’s wariness.

Fei Bin watched as Abbess Dingyi and Tianmen Daoist’s expressions shifted, secretly thinking, “This is bad.” As he hesitated, suddenly someone charged in, a flash of silver streaking toward Zheng Jian.

Catching the attack in the corner of his eye, Zheng Jian spun aside and laughed loudly, “Is the Songshan Sect trying to silence me?”

The attacker was burly and fat, Songshan’s “Pagoda Hand” Ding Mian. Beside him stood a tall, thin figure—Songshan’s “Crane Hand” Lu Bai. They flanked Fei Bin, glaring coldly at Zheng Jian.

“Young man, slandering the alliance leader is unforgivable. Once I capture you, I’ll go to Mount Hua and apologize to Brother Yue!” Ding Mian shouted, crossing several yards in a flash, striking at Zheng Jian with a powerful palm technique, his formidable inner strength making the attack rather terrifying.

“A fat fool thinks he can catch me?” Zheng Jian chuckled, activating his “Shifting Steps” technique. Within the tight space, he dodged and whirled, instantly engaging Ding Mian.

“Resentment value from Ding Mian +100.”

Ding Mian’s fury grew, his attacks ever more ruthless.

Within moments, the two exchanged several moves, Zheng Jian’s form growing increasingly elusive, leaving the audience dazzled.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhengfeng, as host, was stunned by the sudden chaos, frozen in place, unsure what to do.

…

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(End of chapter)