Chapter 68: Zuo Lengchan Makes His Move

Chapter 68: Zuo Lengchan Makes His Move

On this day, Le Hou, the master of the Great Yin-Yang Hand from the Songshan Sect, visited Huashan once again.

He presented his visiting card, and the disciple assigned to receive guests was the newly promoted outer disciple, Huangfu Sheng. As a scion of a prominent family, Huangfu was well aware of the Songshan Sect’s illustrious reputation in the martial world and dared not show any disrespect. He sent someone up the mountain to report the arrival while personally escorting Le Hou upwards.

Along the way, Le Hou carefully observed the changes in the Huashan Sect, his apprehension mounting, though his face wore a gentle, spring-like smile as he engaged Huangfu Sheng in conversation.

"Brother Huangfu, are you from the Huangfu family of Jiangnan? Ah, I have long been acquainted with your family's patriarch, though we’ve only met briefly. What a pity that is," Le Hou commented warmly, shedding any airs of seniority and instead treating Huangfu as an equal.

Huangfu Sheng, accustomed to such exchanges from his upbringing, responded adeptly, "You flatter me, Elder Le. Your fame as the master of the Great Yin-Yang Hand echoes throughout the martial world; even all of Jiangnan holds you in the highest esteem."

Le Hou laughed heartily, "Oh, I dare not accept such praise." He continued, "It’s been some time since I last visited Huashan, and the changes are remarkable. I almost didn't recognize it!"

"Not at all," Huangfu replied, "There have been many new disciples lately; I myself only arrived not long ago. Elder Le, our Huashan Sect's development relies greatly on the strong support of your Songshan Sect."

"That's easily said," Le Hou responded politely, though inwardly he marveled at the caution in even the newest disciples’ words—Huashan’s recent recruits must include many talented individuals.

The Songshan Sect had always been vast, with a multitude of disciples. Under Zuo Lengchan, not only was he a brilliant strategist, but he also had the Thirteen Protectors as his wings, securing Songshan’s position as the leader of the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

In contrast, the previous Huashan Sect, aside from Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze, had only a handful of skilled members—barely worth mentioning.

Unexpectedly, since Zheng Jian’s rise, Huashan’s reputation had soared. When news spread of Zheng Jian defeating Xiang Wentian, Huashan’s prestige peaked, leading to thousands flocking to the mountain to pay homage.

"I always suspected this young man would be a major threat, but who could have guessed he would grow so quickly!"

"Fortunately, the Sect Leader elder has finally decided to make a move..."

Le Hou mused to himself, touching the five-colored command flag hidden in his robes, feeling much relieved. In his experience, Zuo Lengchan never fought unprepared battles—he must be absolutely confident.

---

Huashan’s Hall of Righteousness.

Master Yue stood at the entrance, personally greeting Le Hou from Songshan. Upon seeing him approach, Yue strode forward and said in a resonant voice, "Ah, Brother Le! It’s been so long—your presence is more impressive than ever. Truly, a cause for celebration!"

Le Hou returned the greeting with a smile, "Master Yue, you overpraise me. In the ever-strengthening Huashan Sect, how could I dare to act superior?"

Both men were exceptionally shrewd. Their faces were wreathed in smiles, though each secretly wished to stab the other.

As they exchanged pleasantries, they entered the Hall of Righteousness and sat as host and guest.

Master Yue spoke first, "Brother Le, why are you visiting Huashan today instead of enjoying prosperity at Songshan?"

Le Hou smiled lightly, "I never come without purpose. This time, I am entrusted by the Alliance Leader to deliver a message to you."

"Oh?" Yue’s heart stirred, though his face remained calm. "What does the Alliance Leader wish to convey?"

Le Hou replied, "Nowadays, the Demon Sect is powerful—Dongfang Bubai is ambitious, and Ren Woxing and Xiang Wentian have reemerged in the martial world. The Five Mountain Sword Sects have always stood united as the main force against the Demon Sect. The Alliance Leader has worked tirelessly, but despite our unity, there are still times of discord. When the Demon Sect's ten elders attacked the mountains years ago, our best fighters were nearly wiped out. The Alliance Leader often sighs over this, uncertain how to proceed."

"Now, with the Demon Sect growing ever bolder, the Alliance Leader has decided to convene a Five Mountain Conference at Songshan to discuss strategies against the Demon Sect. Hengshan, Taishan, and Nanyue Hengshan have already received the message; I am here for the same purpose, to trouble you, Master Yue."

After hearing this, Master Yue pondered deeply. He knew Zuo Lengchan well, and feared that the ambitions behind this conference were far from simple.

Seeing Yue's hesitation, Le Hou produced the five-colored command flag. "Master Yue, the Alliance Leader's flag is here. Please accept it at once."

Yue had no choice. Zuo Lengchan was, after all, the Alliance Leader of the Five Mountain Sword Sects. Regardless of other matters, his authority to convene a conference was unquestionable. Though hesitant, Yue accepted the flag.

Seeing this, Le Hou’s expression eased and he smiled, "In that case, on the fifteenth of next month, the Five Mountain Sword Sects will gather at Songshan. Please do not miss the appointed time, Master Yue."

Yue nodded his assent.

"Very well, then I’ll take my leave." Having accomplished his mission, Le Hou departed down the mountain.

After Le Hou left, Yue considered the matter. He decided he must consult Zheng Jian, and immediately sent Lu Dayou to find him at the Cliff of Reflection, knowing Zheng Jian would most likely be there.

Soon, Zheng Jian arrived and, seeing Yue's grave expression, asked, "Master, what happened? Did you quarrel with Mistress again?"

---

Master Yue shot Zheng Jian an annoyed look. "Don’t talk nonsense! Come sit, there’s a serious matter."

Obeying, Zheng Jian sat down and listened as Yue explained, "Just now, Le Hou from Songshan came by, bringing the Alliance Leader Zuo’s command flag. He says that on the fifteenth of next month, a Five Mountain Conference will be held at Songshan. I feel there’s more to this than meets the eye, so I called you here to discuss it—let’s try to see what the Alliance Leader is really up to."

Zheng Jian’s heart stirred, recalling the Five Mountain Sects’ merger from the original story. Could it be that Zuo Lengchan couldn’t hold back any longer?

He was unaware that it was precisely the pressure he’d exerted that had forced Zuo Lengchan to abandon further preparations and prepare for a showdown.

"Master, in my opinion, the Alliance Leader most likely intends to merge the Five Mountain Sword Sects and become the head of the new sect!" Zheng Jian bluntly revealed Zuo Lengchan’s scheme.

Master Yue was shocked. "This…"

Unlike in the original story, Yue’s desire for power had diminished greatly. With Huashan thriving and its future looking bright, Yue had never considered merging the Five Mountain Sects.

Besides, he no longer had the strength to compete for leadership.

"Though the Five Mountain Sword Sects have always been united, each was founded by its own ancestor. If we merge, Huashan will cease to exist—how could I face our forebears?" Yue firmly opposed the idea.

Zheng Jian felt relieved by Yue’s response, gratified to see that his master had completely deviated from the dark path of the original story.

"Master, does that mean we won’t attend the conference?"

"We must attend! But at the conference, I will absolutely oppose the merger. The leader of Taishan, Tianmen Daoist, is fiercely principled, and the head nun of Hengshan, Dingxian, is a heroine among women—they will never agree either. Zuo can remain Alliance Leader, but merging the sects is out of the question!" Yue declared resolutely.

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(End of Chapter)