Chapter 47: Past Grievances, Wiped Clean

Chapter 47: Old Grievances, Erased in One Stroke

Feng Buping, utterly despairing and resigned to death, suddenly felt the crushing pressure around him ease. Opening his eyes, he saw the tip of a sword halted just three inches from his brow.

“Thank you for the match, Senior Feng,” Zheng Jian said with a slight smile. He sheathed his sword and stepped back, carrying it behind him.

Those present each had their own thoughts. Elder Yue’s eyes brimmed with gratification and a touch of melancholy. He was comforted by his fine disciple—how could Mount Hua not flourish with such talent? Looking at Zheng Jian now, he already exuded the calm majesty of a true master. Yet, there was also a pang of sadness, as if he had suddenly grown old. Though not advanced in years, watching Zheng Jian mature from a mere child to this point made Elder Yue feel his own heart had aged.

As for Le Hou, the Dark-Yang Hand of Songshan, his gaze was filled with astonishment and gloom. This young man had become a dire threat. It was now clear why Brothers Ding, Fei, and Lu had gained nothing even when joining forces against him. With strength like this, perhaps only Senior Brother Zuo himself could suppress him.

Consider this: just seven moves! From start to finish, Zheng Jian had not even used any of Mount Hua’s advanced sword techniques—neither the Three Azure Peaks of Taiyue nor the Deadly Linked Triple Immortal Sword—he had relied solely on the most basic Mount Hua sword forms, overpowering Feng Buping with impeccable internal strength.

In terms of skill, Feng Buping was on par with Elder Yue—one excelled in swordplay, the other in inner power. Yet, facing Zheng Jian, Feng was defeated swiftly and simply.

Inside, Feng Buping was shattered. His years of conviction were crumbling, and he even began to question the path of the Sword Sect.

He had endured for twenty-five years, all for the day he could reclaim the name of the Sword Sect and restore its honor to Mount Hua. Yet now, utterly crushed, he looked blankly at Zheng Jian, then at his equally shocked junior brothers, Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi, a deep sense of shame welling up—how could he face them?

The feeling grew overwhelming. In despair, Feng Buping suddenly reversed his sword and drew it to his throat, intending to end his life.

“Senior Brother!” Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi cried out in alarm, but it was too late to stop him.

Fortunately, Zheng Jian reacted instantly. With a flash of his Shadow-Step technique, he appeared before Feng Buping, his sword intercepting and blocking the fatal stroke.

Seeing this, Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi breathed a sigh of relief. Cheng Buyou, overcome with emotion, choked, “Senior Brother, why do this? You were simply outmatched.”

Feng Buping let out a long, helpless sigh. “So be it. I am not his equal. Do with me as you will.”

Zheng Jian glanced at Elder Yue, who understood it was time to speak. After a moment’s thought, he sighed. “In the past, during the struggle between Sword and Qi, my master did indeed wrong you. As his disciple, it is not my place to judge. Now that things have come to this, Senior Brother Feng, I have no wish to punish you. Let all grievances be wiped away from this day forward. What say you?”

From “Brother Feng” to “Senior Brother Feng”—one word changed, but the meaning was worlds apart. Clearly, Elder Yue had recognized the three as fellow members of Mount Hua, something once unthinkable for him.

In the original tale, Elder Yue would never have admitted such a thing, not even at death’s door. He never acknowledged the truth behind the Sword and Qi dispute. But now, it was different, thanks to Zheng Jian.

The responsibility of revitalizing Mount Hua weighed heavily on Elder Yue. Otherwise, why would he have coveted the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual in the original story? No one is born evil or righteous—it is circumstance that shapes us.

Now, with Zheng Jian strong enough to shoulder Mount Hua’s legacy, Elder Yue’s perspective had changed, leading to this new outcome.

At the words “Senior Brother Feng,” Feng Buping trembled, looking at Elder Yue in disbelief. He knew Elder Yue’s character well and understood how rare this concession was.

After a long moment, Feng Buping responded with emotion, “With these words from Brother Yue, I have no regrets! As you say, let all past grievances be wiped away. From this day, I shall sheath my sword and no longer involve myself in Mount Hua’s affairs. Buyou, Buqi, what say you both?”

Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi exchanged a glance and answered in unison, “We will follow Senior Brother. We three are united as one; his word is ours.”

Seeing this, Feng Buping laughed heartily, as if years of resentment had finally melted away. He saluted Elder Yue, then offered a bow to the stern-faced Le Hou and Yu Jizi, sheathed his sword, and strode down the mountain. Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi followed.

Elder Yue, seeing the matter resolved, regained his composure. “Brother Le, how fares Alliance Leader Zuo these days?”

Elder Yue suspected Zuo Lengchan must have already begun practicing the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual; his words carried a double meaning.

Le Hou snorted. “The sect leader is well, but thank you for your concern. Since matters here are settled, I shall take my leave.”

“Ah, Brother Le, why the hurry? Why not stay for tea, discuss the Dao, and enjoy Mount Hua’s scenery before departing?” Elder Yue said calmly.

Zheng Jian, unwilling to watch them spar with words any longer, bowed and said, “Master, I’ll return to the Cliff of Reflection now.”

Elder Yue shot him a glare, but waved helplessly. “Go on, then.”

Zheng Jian hurried out, but instead of heading for the Cliff of Reflection, he made straight for the foot of the mountain.

Lu Dayou remarked, “Didn’t Senior Brother say he was going to the Cliff of Reflection?”

No one answered him.

Zheng Jian raced down the mountain and finally caught up with Feng Buping and his two companions at the foothills. “Please wait, Uncle-Masters!”

The three turned, faces changing dramatically as they saw Zheng Jian pursuing them. Was he here to eliminate all witnesses?

Noting their wary looks, Zheng Jian quickly waved his hands. “Please, don’t misunderstand, Uncle-Masters. I have an important matter to discuss—one too sensitive to speak of before the Songshan or Taishan sects.”

Hearing this, Feng Buping signaled his brothers to lower their guard. “What does Brother Yue wish to say? Since we have sworn to sheath our swords and not involve ourselves in Mount Hua’s affairs, we will not break our word. What more is there to discuss?”

Zheng Jian smiled. “It’s not about my master!”

“Then what is it?” Cong Buqi said impatiently. Having come down the mountain in disgrace, his mood was foul.

Zheng Jian grinned mysteriously. “There is a hidden master living in the rear mountains of Mount Hua—a surviving elder of the old Sword Sect, someone even my master doesn’t know about.”

At this, the three men’s breathing grew rapid. “Is that true?”

(End of chapter)