Chapter 101: Nephew Shi of the Songshan Sect—Surprised? Was it unexpected?

“The entire martial world is suffocating, there isn’t a single true hero among the warriors. I want to see a world where every person is as powerful as a dragon!”

“My dear uncle, I can’t say if there are any true heroes left in this world, but I can tell you it will never be a world of dragons—at this point, they’re all eunuchs! Oh, perhaps the line of Senior Tianmen from Mount Tai is still somewhat respectable, as well as the guests from Shaolin and Wudang. As for the rest—sigh!” Yue Buqun let out a long sigh, for the entire martial world had been thrown into chaos by Yang Xin.

“A world of dragons? More like a world of eunuchs. I wonder if the Imperial Guard is still recruiting, or perhaps the Eastern and Western Bureaus?” Yue Buqun’s expression grew more and more complex.

Soon, the auspicious hour arrived. Disciples of the Liu family lit a string of firecrackers, and amidst the crackling, Liu Zhengfeng emerged, resplendent in a brocade robe over his short fighting attire, looking every bit the wealthy landowner. He walked out with the various sect leaders, elders, and renowned guests.

“Honored heroes, dear friends, and gallant men of the martial world! I am deeply grateful for your presence. Today, as I wash my hands of worldly affairs, I ask you all to bear witness.”

As soon as Liu Zhengfeng finished speaking, all the martial guests cheered together.

Perhaps it was just his imagination or perhaps something more, but to Yue Buqun, these cheers sounded strange; what should have been hearty and robust shouts of approval instead seemed laced with a chill, a sinister undertone.

For a moment, well-wishes like “May you have a long life and prosperity,” “Retreat with wisdom in time,” and “Wise and brave” poured forth from the guests like a tide, filling the courtyard with noise and merriment. Even the heads of the great sects and esteemed elders offered their congratulations with cupped hands and warm smiles.

“It’s good to have the Evil-Repelling Eye!” Yue Buqun thought to himself. The eye could not only see the flow of inner energy within a martial artist, but also had a keen insight. He could clearly see the insincerity in the elders’ smiles.

At that moment, Mi Weiyi and Xiang Danian made their entrance amidst the guests’ feigned cheerfulness. Mi Weiyi carried a tea table draped in silk, while Xiang Danian bore a golden basin, a foot and a half across, gleaming and filled with clear water.

Liu Zhengfeng clasped his hands and addressed the guests: “I, Liu Zhengfeng, was fortunate to be accepted by my master and taught the arts, but have failed to bring glory to the name of Mount Heng. I am ashamed before my elders. Fortunately, Senior Brother Mo leads us well, and our sect flourishes. I am grateful to be able to retire from the world’s disputes.”

With that, he suddenly knelt, facing towards Mount Heng, and kowtowed three times, the sound echoing crisply. Rising, his expression resolute, he declared, “Today, I, Liu Zhengfeng, wash my hands of the martial world, retire to the countryside, and will no longer intervene in its affairs. Should I break this vow, let my sword be my punishment!”

With those words, he turned his right hand, drew his sword from beneath his robe, and with his left index and middle fingers, snapped the blade in two with a sharp crack. The broken halves fell to the stone floor, embedding themselves with a hiss.

This display of skill instantly drew the guests’ attention, and they applauded enthusiastically. Yet under the gaze of the Evil-Repelling Eye, their admiration was hollow; their smiles were tinged with disdain.

“Of course. They’ve all been practicing the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual now; they look down on Liu Zhengfeng’s methods. Once, such a feat would have made him a legend, but now—with the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual in hand, the world is yours!” Yue Buqun shook his head repeatedly.

Breaking his treasured sword signaled Liu Zhengfeng’s determination to retire. He smiled, lifted his robe, and prepared to dip his hands into the golden basin.

“Hold!”

A sudden shout came from outside the main gate, startling the guests, who turned to look.

Four men in yellow robes strode in with cold, impassive faces and took positions at the entrance. Then a tall man in yellow, holding aloft a banner adorned with pearls and gems, entered proudly.

The courtyard was instantly abuzz.

“The Order of the Five Mountains Sword Sect Alliance!”

Some of the more knowledgeable guests cried out in alarm.

Even the leaders and elders of the great sects were shaken, staring solemnly at the colorful banner, wondering to themselves, “Why has Alliance Leader Zuo issued his command token?”

“So, it has come to this,” Liu Zhengfeng sighed inwardly.

Yue Buqun sighed as well, but his feelings were different. The longer he’d followed Yang Xin and absorbed his new ideas and perspectives, the more his own horizons had broadened. Where once he might have admired Zuo Lengchan’s machinations, now they seemed nothing more than children’s games. Liu Zhengfeng’s actions, as he’d seen in his dream, seemed all the more foolish.

“Well, here it is at last!” Yang Xin, on the other hand, looked positively eager, his face alight with anticipation.

The tall man in yellow strode forward with the Alliance’s command token and unfurled the banner before Liu Zhengfeng, declaring, “Uncle Liu, by order of Alliance Leader Zuo of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, your washing of hands from the martial world must be postponed.”

Liu Zhengfeng’s expression did not change, nor did his stance. Xiang Danian and Mi Weiyi did not remove the basin. Liu Zhengfeng asked coldly, “What is the meaning of this order from Alliance Leader Zuo?”

“I am only following orders and do not know the Alliance Leader’s intentions. I beg Uncle Liu’s forgiveness,” the man replied, his tone proud, his eyes betraying disdain rather than respect.

Liu Zhengfeng took no offense and instead smiled. “No need to stand on ceremony. You must be Shi, son of Qianzhang Song, are you not?”

A flash of pride crossed the man’s face, pleased that his reputation had reached someone of Liu Zhengfeng’s standing. He bowed. “Disciple Shi Dengda pays his respects to Uncle Liu.”

Then, Shi Dengda stepped forward and saluted the elders of the Five Mountains Sword Sect. “Disciple of Songshan, greetings to all uncles and elders.” The other four yellow-robed men did the same.

Liu Zhengfeng nodded politely, a smile on his face but none in his eyes. His voice was icy. “Shi, you are clever indeed, no doubt the result of Alliance Leader Zuo’s fine tutelage. But you are still young. Let me warn you: do not be arrogant. Remember, an uncle is always your uncle.”

With those words, Liu Zhengfeng ignored the command token entirely. He dipped both hands into the golden basin, washed them thoroughly, and then raised them high, water streaming down his fingers.

“The washing of hands is complete!” Mi Weiyi and Xiang Danian announced loudly, their inner strength projecting their voices.

All of Liu Zhengfeng’s disciples echoed, “The washing of hands is complete!”

“Shi of Songshan, were you surprised? Was this unexpected?”