Chapter 74: Let the Sun and Moon Sect Take the Blame for This

Chapter 74: This Blame, Let the Sun and Moon Cult Bear It

A fleeting glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Zuo Lengchan’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, feigning difficulty as he sighed, “Alas, it was truly my lack of foresight! So be it, so be it. For now, this is the only expedient measure we have. Everyone, let us move to the Fengchan Terrace.”

Zheng Jian chuckled inwardly. With Zuo Lengchan’s meticulous mind, how could he not know that the Junji Zen Monastery wouldn’t fit everyone? He must have planned to convene at Fengchan Terrace from the start—this performance, with those few sycophants, was all for effect. Tsk, tsk… impressive, old friend.

One had to know, in ancient times, Fengchan Terrace was no ordinary place. It was where emperors would go to display their civil and martial achievements. Since Emperor Qin Shi Huang began the tradition of performing the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, ambitious emperors of later generations would come to proclaim their mandate—be it at Mount Tai or Mount Song. Atop these peaks, as Sons of Heaven, they would offer sacrifices to Heaven. Such ceremonies were always state affairs; even an emperor would only hold a handful in his lifetime.

Though Zuo Lengchan was the leader of the Five Mountain Sword Sects, he was still far below the status of an emperor. Yet now he wished to hold a grand assembly on the Fengchan Terrace. Clearly, he wanted his ambition to be seen by all.

The crowd began to make their way toward the terrace. Elder Yue drifted to Zheng Jian’s side, his lips barely moving as he spoke in a secret whisper.

“Jian’er, I sense something is amiss.”

“Master, what do you find wrong?” Zheng Jian replied.

“Zuo Lengchan knows well that I would surely oppose the merger, yet he shows no concern. The Hengshan Sect was attacked at such a critical moment—not sooner, not later—suffering heavy losses. Abbess Dingxian is distraught, likely filled with hatred for the Demon Cult. From her look, I fear she may not stand with us. As for Master Mo of Hengshan, he’s always aloof and rarely involves himself in the sect’s affairs. I cannot guess where he stands. Our only hope lies with Taoist Tianmen of Taishan, fiery as he is—at least we can trust him. But the situation… I can’t see through it.” Elder Yue spoke with deep concern.

Zheng Jian glanced at Elder Yue, sighing inwardly. Who would have thought that, under current circumstances, Elder Yue—who was the most enthusiastic proponent of the merger in the original story—would now become the main opponent?

“There’s nothing to fear. Though Uncle Mo rarely gets involved, matters concerning the sect’s survival will draw him out. In the world of martial heroes, strength speaks in the end. As long as we defeat Zuo Lengchan, whether or not the merger happens is up to us!” Zheng Jian comforted.

Elder Yue sighed, patting Zheng Jian’s shoulder. “I know I am no match for Zuo Lengchan. It will have to be you. After this, the burden of Huashan will fall to you. I have grown weary after all these years and wish to rest.”

Zheng Jian hadn’t expected Elder Yue to say this now. He quickly replied, “Disciple is in no hurry, why should you be? The burden of Huashan should still rest on your shoulders. I’m used to a carefree life; I’m not ready to shoulder such responsibility!”

In truth, Zheng Jian meant every word. He truly had no desire to become the head of Huashan. Who knew when he might leave this world of Smiling Proud Wanderer?

Regardless, Zheng Jian had a feeling his time here wouldn’t last much longer. He would placate Elder Yue for now, and when he left, Elder Yue would naturally reconsider who should lead Huashan.

In Zheng Jian’s eyes, Linghu Chong was just right—whether tall or short, fat or thin! With Lin Pingzhi, Qu Feiyan, and a group of junior brothers and sisters supporting him, Linghu Chong would have no trouble at all! As for Zheng Jian himself, his ambitions did not lie in being a sect leader.

The system had already told him there were other worlds ahead, which meant there would be a next one, and one after that, and so on… Star voyages, time travel, technological marvels—well, he wasn’t sure if there’d be technology, but his goal was simply those unknown stars and seas!

While they spoke, the group arrived at the base of Fengchan Terrace. Built from massive slabs of stone, the terrace was broad and level. Standing there, the martial heroes felt refreshed and invigorated.

For the first time across both his lives, Zheng Jian ascended the Fengchan Terrace. Curious, he stepped closer and saw some stones still bore fresh chisel marks—clearly newly repaired.

Atop the highest peak of Mount Song, the space was wide open. Looking north, one could see the distant Yellow River; to the west, the city of Luoyang; in the other directions stretched endless mountain ranges.

Zuo Lengchan accompanied Master Fangzheng and Daoist Chongxu up to the terrace, smiling as he said, “Since we are here, why not ascend together?”

Master Fangzheng and Daoist Chongxu politely declined. Both men clearly understood Zuo Lengchan’s ambition and were unwilling to join him on the terrace.

Zuo Lengchan invited them several times, but seeing their firm refusal, he ascended alone. Just a few steps from the top, he halted and turned to look at the crowd below, his voice ringing out, “Please, everyone!”

The wind was fierce atop Mount Song, yet Zuo Lengchan’s voice carried clearly to every ear—an obvious sign of his deep cultivation.

The assembly grew solemn and gradually fell silent, all eyes fixed on Zuo Lengchan.

“Today marks the grand gathering of the Five Mountain Sword Sects. I am deeply grateful to you all for honoring Songshan with your presence! This place is humble; I hope you will not mind. Please, be seated.”

Nearly a thousand voices responded from below, filling Zuo Lengchan with immense satisfaction.

He continued, “We of the Five Mountain Sword Sects have always been the main force resisting the Demon Cult, as everyone knows. Yet after the last righteous-versus-evil war, our strength was nearly exhausted, while the Demon Cult remains at its zenith. Rumor has it that their former leader Ren Woxing has returned to the martial world. Should he join forces with Dongfang Bubai, the consequences would be unimaginable. I lose sleep night after night, worrying over this…”

Someone in the crowd called out, “Master Zuo, your heart is with the righteous path. You are the backbone of us all!”

Zheng Jian observed, amused—Zuo Lengchan had no shortage of flatterers.

“Ah, I do not dare accept such praise,” Zuo Lengchan replied with a smile, quickly turning grave. “Since becoming the alliance leader, I have worked diligently and have not dared to slacken for a moment. Yet still, the Demon Cult has found opportunities to strike. Liu Zhengfeng of Hengshan colluded with Qu Yang of the Demon Cult and is now missing. Abbesses Dingjing and Dingyi of North Hengshan met tragic ends at their hands. Two of the five sects have already suffered greatly. As alliance leader, I cannot shirk responsibility!”

Listening below, Zheng Jian could not help but admire the man’s eloquence.

At the mention of the two abbesses, the nuns of Hengshan grew teary-eyed. Abbess Dingxian was furious, crying out, “We are irreconcilable with the Demon Cult!”

“We are irreconcilable!”

“We are irreconcilable!”

Spurred by her words, many in the crowd shouted in unison, and for a moment, the mood was feverish.

Zuo Lengchan, seeing this, was all the more pleased. He knew, from this moment on, the blame would be firmly placed on the Sun and Moon Cult. Moreover, he understood the temperament of their members—proud and defiant, they would never deny it, but rather claim the blame outright.

“I, like all of you, stand irreconcilable with the Demon Cult! But the Five Mountain Sword Sects, divided as we are, lack the strength to rid the world of evil, much as we wish to… Alas, what are we to do?” Zuo Lengchan feigned deep concern.

…

(End of chapter)