Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 146 Internal Strife at Mount Hua: Everyone's Trying to Be a Dog, Feng Qingyang Makes His Appearance [Part 2]

Winter has passed, but the summit of Mount Hua is still shrouded in a chilly atmosphere, with mist clinging to the mountainside like gauze, soaking the gray stone steps.

The sea of ​​clouds surged beneath Jade Maiden Peak, and wisps of smoke rose from the bronze incense burner at the mountain gate, facing the gilded plaque "Eternal Righteousness" hanging on the cliff. The bronze bells on the corners of the plaque trembled in the wind, startling a few crows perched on the ancient cypress trees.

Suddenly, the sound of scattered footsteps came from the end of the stone steps, scattering the thin mist.

"coming."

Jiang Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking at a group of people hurrying towards the mountain gate.

The leader, dressed in an indigo robe, had a face as lean as an ancient pine tree, and a slightly pale complexion, yet exuded an air of refinement. Needless to say, he was none other than Yue Buqun, the head of the Huashan Sect.

This was Jiang Xuan's first time meeting Yue Buqun, but Yue Buqun had already met him before.

At a glance, Yue Buqun recognized the tall, handsome young man in a black and red brocade robe as Jiang Xuan, who had killed Yu Canghai with a single blow more than a year ago outside the West Gate of Hangzhou.

In less than two years, the latter not only made a name for himself in the martial arts world, but also became the head of the imperial court with the power of life and death. He had gained a majestic and mature aura that made him tremble.

I wonder what brings this esteemed person to Mount Hua this time?
Yue Buqun felt uneasy, but he didn't have time to think too much. He immediately went out to greet them at the mountain gate and bowed respectfully from afar.

"I was unaware of your arrival, and I have failed to greet you properly. I hope you will forgive me!"

"Sect Leader Yue, you're too kind. I've come uninvited, and I should ask Sect Leader Yue not to take offense," Jiang Xuan said calmly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd behind Yue Buqun.

The beautiful woman beside Yue Buqun, with her refined demeanor, is probably Yue Buqun's wife, Ning Zhongze.

But what about the three middle-aged men behind them, who were about the same age as Yue Buqun and his wife and seemed to be quite skilled in martial arts?
A hint of doubt flashed in Jiang Xuan's eyes.

According to the investigation, apart from Yue Buqun and his wife and the reclusive Feng Qingyang, there are no other masters on Mount Hua.

As for the disciples of the Huashan Sect, he naturally looked down on them.

"Your Excellency's presence at Mount Hua has brought great honor to my humble abode. I am overjoyed and would never dare to blame you."

Yue Buqun was very respectful and gestured for them to enter, saying, "If you don't mind, sir, please come into the mountain for a chat."

Jiang Xuan nodded, said nothing more, and walked straight into the Huashan Mountain Gate.

Lin Pingzhi held a sword in one hand, and also carried Jiang Xuan's Youlong Blade and Youlong Bow on his back, making his attire quite strange.

Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang were both stunningly beautiful, each with their own unique charm, and they followed gracefully with an exotic flair.

Yue Buqun only led his men in after the four entered the mountain.

Feng Buping and the other two exchanged glances, their brows furrowed, feeling uneasy as they wondered what the imperial court was doing at Mount Hua.

Although they had lived in seclusion for many years, they were not completely unaware of the outside world.

They had naturally heard of Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who had been the most famous and influential figure in the past two years.

A person with a great reputation is never undeserving, especially one who is a member of the imperial court.

Hopefully, the other party won't ruin their plans.

The three of them, with heavy hearts, followed the Sword Sect disciples inside.

at the same time.

On the Cliff of Reflection at Mount Hua.

An elderly man dressed in a blue robe with a long, flowing beard, who was instructing a young disciple in swordsmanship, frowned slightly and turned to look in the direction of Jade Maiden Peak.

At this moment, the sword in the old man's hand seemed to tremble slightly, its tip pointing towards Lotus Peak, and a faint sense of unease emanated from it, making people feel extremely oppressed.

"Uncle-Master Feng, what's wrong?" Linghu Chong sensed something was amiss, looked at the old man, and asked in confusion.

"A master has arrived on Mount Hua."

Feng Qingyang said slowly, his eyes somewhat grave: "Boy, your master is probably in trouble."

"Master?"

Linghu Chong was slightly taken aback, then shook his head, not taking it seriously: "Even the most powerful master, could he be as skilled as Grandmaster Feng?"

Feng Qingyang glanced at him sideways and snorted, "Do you really think I'm invincible? There are countless masters in the martial arts world, like carp crossing a river. With my martial arts skills, I probably wouldn't even rank in the top fifty!"

"This……"

Seeing Feng Qingyang's serious expression, which didn't seem like he was joking, Linghu Chong frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation, and anxiously asked, "So, there really is a master here at Mount Hua? Doesn't that mean Master and the others are in danger?"

"No, I need to go down the mountain and take a look!"

Linghu Chong was about to descend the mountain when Feng Qingyang stopped him: "Stop!"

"Even I consider him a master; what use would you be going down there?"

Feng Qingyang said irritably, "Besides, it's not clear whether they're friend or foe. Just stay here and I'll go down and take a look."

After saying that, Feng Qingyang flashed across dozens of meters in an instant, leaping and bounding between the cliffs before disappearing into the forest.

Even though he had witnessed Feng Qingyang's lightness skill many times, Linghu Chong couldn't help but feel a look of envy and amazement at what he saw at this moment, but it quickly turned into worry.

"I hope my master, mistress, and junior brothers are all safe and sound..."

……

Jade Maiden Peak, Huashan Righteousness Hall.

The hall was filled with the aroma of tea. Everyone was solemn and respectful. As they watched Jiang Xuan slowly sipping his tea in the guest seat, Yue Buqun and the others sat upright, as if Jiang Xuan were the master of the house. They didn't dare to even breathe loudly.

The three people opposite Feng Buping also had very solemn expressions.

The longer they spent time together, the more they could sense the extraordinary nature of this young man. With their cultivation perspective, even though they sensed danger from Lin Pingzhi and Ren Yingying, they could also vaguely feel the internal energy flowing occasionally from the three of them.

But when facing Jiang Xuan, their senses were as if a stone had sunk into the sea, without causing the slightest ripple. It was as if they were facing an insurmountable, towering mountain, giving them a sense of insignificance.

As expected of a powerful figure capable of defeating a Grandmaster, his reputation is well-deserved.

Just as the three were quietly observing Jiang Xuan, Jiang Xuan seemed to sense something, looked up at Feng Buping and the other two, and broke the silence by asking, "Who are these three?"

Yue Buqun looked somewhat uneasy and said, "These three are my senior brothers from the Huashan Sword Sect."

"I am Feng Buping!"

My name is Cheng Buyou!

"My name is Cong Buqi!"

Feng Buping and the other two stood up one by one, clasped their hands in a salute.

People from the Huashan Sword Sect?

Jiang Xuan suddenly realized, and then was somewhat surprised. Had they just stumbled upon an internal power struggle within Mount Hua, with Feng Buping and the other two vying for the position of sect leader?
"interesting……"

A smile appeared on Jiang Xuan's lips as he deliberately asked, "So you're from the Sword Sect. But as far as I know, after the conflict between the Sword and Qi Sects back then, didn't the Sword Sect separate and announce its withdrawal from Mount Hua? Could it be that you've reconciled now? Then I must congratulate Sect Leader Yue."

The atmosphere immediately became somewhat awkward after these words were spoken.

Yue Buqun's expression stiffened. He glanced at Feng Buping and the other two, and said with a stern face, "My lord, you have misunderstood. The Sword Sect has not returned to Mount Hua."

"Oh? What's the situation now?" Jiang Xuan asked in surprise.

Yue Buqun looked troubled, clearly not wanting to bring up this 'family scandal'.

Feng Buping said in a deep voice, "This is an internal matter of Mount Hua, so there's no need for you to worry about it, sir. May I ask what important matter brings you to Mount Hua this time?"

"Are you the head of the Huashan Sect?" Jiang Xuan asked, looking at him.

Feng Buping frowned and said, "I am the sect leader of the Sword Sect."

"Why are you interrupting when I'm speaking with Sect Leader Yue?" Jiang Xuan said coldly.

Feng Buping's expression froze, a flash of anger crossed his eyes, but he dared not lash out, gritting his teeth and remaining silent.

But Jiang Xuan wasn't going to let him off the hook. He continued to stare at him coldly and said, "You're not convinced?"

"I dare not," Feng Buping said through gritted teeth.

Jiang Xuan said indifferently, "If you dare not, then shut your mouth. If you dare to say another word before I ask you anything, I will cripple you immediately!"

The atmosphere immediately became even more tense.

Feng Buping and the other two turned red in the face, especially Feng Buping, who was trembling with anger and grinding his teeth. However, he dared not doubt the truth of Jiang Xuan's words, so he lowered his head and suppressed his anger.

Yue Buqun glanced at the three of them with schadenfreude, feeling a surge of pleasure. He forcibly suppressed the upward curve of his lips, but at the same time, he witnessed the domineering nature of this Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This man was not so easy to deal with.

Yue Buqun became even more cautious, sighed, and cupped his hands, saying, "To be honest, I'm ashamed to say this."

"This is a scandal of Mount Hua, and I did not intend to offend your ears, sir. But since you have asked, I dare not refuse to answer."

"The three senior brothers from the Sword Sect have come to Mount Hua to debate with me about the orthodoxy of Mount Hua and to compete for the position of sect leader."

Sure enough.

Jiang Xuan nodded and said calmly, "In that case, it would be better for Sect Leader Yue to deal with this matter first. I came to Mount Hua to discuss important matters with the Sect Leader. If Sect Leader Yue can't even keep his position, then I don't need to waste my breath."

Everyone was shocked.

Yue Buqun hesitated and asked, "May I ask what you wish to discuss with me, sir?"

Jiang Xuan looked at him with a smile: "I wonder if Sect Leader Yue is interested in becoming the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance?"

boom!
Yue Buqun was startled and somewhat bewildered. He stammered as he looked at Jiang Xuan, "M-Master, you mean..."

"Haven't I made myself clear enough?"

Jiang Xuan nodded calmly: "Then let me explain more clearly."

"The Five Mountains Sword Sects Merger Conference is imminent. This conference is hosted by the Songshan Sect because Zuo Lengchan wants to unify the Five Mountains Sword Sects and become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance. However, he has offended this governor, so the Songshan Sect must be destroyed and Zuo Lengchan must die!"

"With Zuo Lengchan's death, the position of leader of the Five Mountains Alliance became vacant."

"I wish to select one person to take charge of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, on the condition that he must obey my orders and that his ability and strength are not too poor."

"Well? Now, did you hear me clearly?"

Jiang Xuan looked at Yue Buqun.

"I...I heard you clearly!" Yue Buqun swallowed hard and nodded slowly, his previous calm and collected demeanor gone, replaced by boundless excitement and ambition.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards, as expected, will not let Zuo Lengchan off the hook!
Moreover, the imperial court actually wanted to take control of the Five Mountains Sword Sects and wanted to elect one of them as the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance.

Since Jiang Xuan approached him, was there any need to think twice about who to choose?
Without much hesitation, Yue Buqun had already made his decision.

We must cling tightly to the imperial court!
Although the martial arts world and the imperial court have always been clearly separated and do not interfere with each other.

People in the martial arts world often refer to the Embroidered Uniform Guard as the imperial court's lackeys or lackeys, and consider it shameful to be one.

But that's just some people saying sour grapes because they can't have them.

Becoming a lackey of the imperial court isn't easy; many people want to do it but can't find a way in.

The Ming Dynasty of today still belongs to the Zhu family, and the imperial court is still in charge.

With the imperial court as your backing, who in the martial arts world would dare to offend you?

Within the borders of the Ming Dynasty, no matter how powerful you are, can you be more powerful than the imperial court's million iron cavalry, or more powerful than the imperial court's muskets and cannons?

Unless you are a grandmaster or higher-ranking master, and there is no sect behind you to restrain you, the imperial court may not be able to do anything to you or kill you. Otherwise, even top sects like Shaolin and Wudang would never dare to offend the imperial court easily.

Otherwise, no one would be able to withstand the encirclement and suppression by the imperial army.

Yue Buqun never expected happiness to come so suddenly.

He had just been considering how to fuel the flames and seize the position of leader of the Five Mountains Alliance if the Embroidered Uniform Guard really attacked the Songshan Sect.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xuan came to visit in person.

Is there even a need to consider this?
With the assistance of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, becoming the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance is absolutely a foregone conclusion! In fact, with the imperial court as his backer, let alone just being the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, he might even one day unify the martial arts world and become the leader of the martial arts alliance!

Heaven has eyes! My years of forbearance and planning have finally paid off!
Yue Buqun was extremely excited.

At this moment, Feng Buping and the other two understood Jiang Xuan's intentions. They immediately forgot their anger and Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi frantically gave Feng Buping meaningful glances.

What's the point of fighting over who's the leader of the Huashan Sect?
If we're going to rob someone, let's rob the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance!
The latter understood, took a deep breath, stood up, looked at Jiang Xuan, cupped his hands and said, "My lord, I am also willing to serve you like a dog or a horse. Please give me a chance."

Yue Buqun's face turned cold, and he said, "Senior Brother Feng, the lord is here to see me. What does this have to do with you?"

Feng Buping sneered, "What you are looking for, sir, is the leader of the Huashan Sect. The position of leader belongs to the most capable person!"

"So, Senior Brother Feng is determined to fight me?" Yue Buqun drew his sword and stood up.

"Just fight, no matter who you are afraid of!"

Feng Buping drew his sword at the same time, without hesitation.

Are there really people vying to be dogs?
Jiang Xuan was taken aback. He had thought that it would take some persuasion to incorporate Huashan into his forces, but he didn't expect that the two of them would start arguing over it without him having to say much.

But soon, Jiang Xuan also smiled, stood up and said, "Since the people of the Sword Sect are not convinced, then Sect Leader Yue should first take care of his own family affairs. Whoever can become the sect leader of Mount Hua, I will negotiate this business with them."

"Yes, I will never disappoint you, sir!" Yue Buqun glared at Feng Buping, his heart filled with resentment.

Feng Buping was not afraid at all. He cupped his hands towards Jiang Xuan and said, "Then please be my witness. If I lose today's battle, I will voluntarily become an elder of Huashan and obey Junior Brother Yue's orders. If I win, I will ask Junior Brother Yue to give up the position of sect leader."

Yue Buqun sneered: "Senior Brother Feng knows how to talk. Regardless of victory or defeat, you will not suffer any loss."

Feng Buping solemnly said, "If I lose, I will personally apologize to you in front of all the disciples of Mount Hua."

"Alright! I hope Senior Brother Feng will keep his word!"

Yue Buqun received the answer he wanted, nodded in satisfaction, and walked out with his sword in hand.

The others immediately followed.

Soon, the group arrived at the open space in front of the Hall of Righteousness.

Disciples from the Sword and Qi sects gathered to watch, and Yue Buqun and Feng Buping did not stop them.

Since they were vying for the position of sect leader, they naturally had to defeat their opponents honorably in order to gain the disciples' trust.

"Senior Brother Feng, please!"

Yue Buqun held his sword in one hand and bowed solemnly.

This battle was crucial to his ability to win over the Sword Sect disciples and become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, so he was extremely cautious.

"Please!" Feng Buping also spoke, staring intently at Yue Buqun, paying close attention.

"My lord, who do you think will win this battle?" Ren Yingying asked in a low voice, standing beside Jiang Xuan.

"Yue Buqun".

Jiang Xuan did not hesitate and said calmly.

With his discerning eye, he could naturally see the difference in their martial arts levels.

Feng Buping values ​​swordsmanship over internal energy. Although he has developed sword techniques, his internal strength is weak, only at the late stage of the Innate Realm, and he has not yet fully opened all twelve meridians.

Yue Buqun's internal energy had reached a perfect circulation, and most of his true energy had been converted. He was only a step away from becoming a grandmaster. Although he had not yet mastered any sword techniques, someone who could become a sect leader was generally not weak.

With the support of true qi, the gap in swordsmanship can be bridged.

Yue Buqun's current cultivation level is arguably a step above Cao Shaoqin's, who was also at the peak of the Innate Realm back then.

Jiang Xuan had witnessed firsthand just how powerful Cao Shaoqin was back then.

Even though he had also grasped the essence of swordsmanship at that time, he dared not confront him head-on. Even if Qiu Moyan and Zhou Huai'an joined forces, they were no match for him.

In the end, it was only through a sneak attack by Diao Buyu using his sword skills, combined with his poisoned needles, that he was finally killed.

Feng Buping's current strength is not much stronger than his own when he was a top expert, and he could not possibly be a match for Yue Buqun.

The outcome of this battle was, in a sense, predetermined from the very beginning.

Sure enough, amidst the exclamations of the disciples, the duel between the two began.

And the outcome was exactly as Jiang Xuan had predicted.

Feng Buping's "Whirlwind Swift Sword" technique, enhanced by the sword's momentum, was fierce and swift, putting Yue Buqun under pressure from the very beginning and leaving the latter no chance to retaliate.

But ultimately, it lacked the momentum to continue.

After exchanging over a hundred blows, Feng Buping began to weaken, and Yue Buqun's counterattack began.

Yue Buqun's swordsmanship wasn't particularly exquisite, but relying on his abundant inner energy and suppressing Feng Buping with his cultivation level, Feng Buping was quickly defeated. His longsword was knocked away by Yue Buqun, and he had no choice but to admit defeat.

"I lost."

Feng Buping looked dejected and admitted defeat in front of everyone.

"Senior Brother Feng, you flatter me." Yue Buqun sheathed his sword and returned the greeting, displaying the demeanor of a sect leader.

The crowd was in an uproar.

The disciples of the Sword Sect, in particular, found it hard to believe and refused to accept this reality.

"I come!"

Cheng Buyou roared angrily, drew his sword, and stepped forward to challenge Yue Buqun again.

Cong Buqi was also eager to try, but was extremely unwilling to give up.

They were defeated by the Qi Sect back then, and they never expected that the outcome would be the same today. How could they accept this?
"stop!"

Feng Buping shouted to stop him, coldly saying, "I, Feng Buping, am not a sore loser. If I lose, I lose. There's nothing more to say!"

"From this day forward, I, Feng Buping, am no longer the head of the Sword Sect, but an elder of the Huashan Sword Sect. If you are willing, you may come with me to Huashan. If you are not willing, you may leave on your own."

Having said that, he looked at Yue Buqun with a complicated expression, and finally bowed to Yue Buqun, gritting his teeth and saying, "Feng Buping greets the sect leader!"

Cheng Buyou and the others exchanged bewildered glances, and finally had no choice but to step forward and bow, saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader!"

"Senior Brother Feng, you flatter me. There's no need to be so polite in the future."

Yue Buqun smiled and looked at the other Sword Sect disciples, saying, "We are all from the same Huashan lineage. From now on, there will be no distinction between Sword Sect and Qi Sect. We are all people of Huashan. Welcome back to our sect!"

Pop, pop, pop!

Jiang Xuan clapped his hands and walked out, saying calmly, "On behalf of the imperial court, I congratulate the two sects of Sword Qi on their reconciliation."

"I must thank you very much, sir."

Yue Buqun quickly returned the greeting and thanked him. He knew very well that without Jiang Xuan's support, Feng Ping and others would never have given in so easily.

Even if they lose, Feng Ping and his ilk will not be able to return to Mount Hua, and they will inevitably face endless troubles in the future.

However, Jiang Xuan has already stated that he will support the Huashan Sect Leader in his bid for the Five Mountains Alliance Leader position. Therefore, even if Feng Ping and others lose, they will never dare to cause trouble again.

They had no choice but to join Huashan.

We're all smart people; these words don't need to be spoken, everyone understands what's going on.

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Now that the internal problems of Mount Hua have been resolved, then Sect Leader Yue should make preparations for a meeting at Mount Song in half a month."

"Yes!"

Yue Buqun cupped his hands and asked, "I wonder how the lord needs the Huashan Sect to cooperate with you at this Five Mountains Alliance Conference?"

Yue Buqun paused for a moment, then continued, "If necessary, the Huashan Sect will do its utmost to help you eliminate Songshan."

Yue Buqun firmly stated his position.

Jiang Xuan was very satisfied with this. The reason he chose Lao Yue was because Lao Yue was a smart man and had ambition.

Only such people are easy to control.

It doesn't matter if you're a little weak; the most important thing is to know how to assess the situation and have your own aspirations. That's good.

“You don’t have to do anything.”

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "I will take care of the Songshan Sect myself. Sect Leader Yue only needs to be prepared. After I have dealt with Zuo Lengchan, I will step forward to take charge of the overall situation and become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance."

"Once the Songshan Sect is dealt with, I believe that with Master Yue's martial arts skills, defeating the leaders of the other three sects should not be a problem."

Yue Buqun said in a deep voice, "I will certainly live up to your expectations, sir!"

Feng Buping quickly stepped forward to pledge his loyalty: "I will do my utmost to assist the sect leader in seizing the position of alliance leader!"

The disciples around them looked at each other, some unable to accept that their master, who had always been highly respected and infinitely dignified in their hearts, was so humble and respectful in front of these henchmen of the imperial court.

I don't understand what's going on at all.

Their master has defected to the imperial court and become its henchman.
One disciple couldn't help but ask, "Master, our Mount Hua is a righteous sect in the martial arts world. Even if we want to become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, we should strive for it honorably. How can we possibly submit to the imperial court and become its lackeys?"

"shut up!"

Yue Buqun and Feng Buping's expressions changed, and they simultaneously shouted to stop them.

Immediately, Yue Buqun glared sternly at the disciple, then quickly turned to Jiang Xuan and bowed, saying, "This unworthy disciple is young and ignorant, please forgive me, sir!"

"It's alright, they're just young people."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand dismissively, not caring at all.

These young disciples, having never experienced the trials of the martial world, are ignorant of the wickedness of human nature. They think navigating the martial world is simple, and their thinking is also very simple: righteous is righteous, and evil is evil.

In their view, joining the imperial court meant becoming its lackey, which would be despised by the martial arts world.

But that's alright, once they taste the benefits, they'll change their minds.

As long as Yue Buqun agrees, Jiang Xuan doesn't care what these ignorant disciples think.

However, he had to be cautious about the attitude of the other person from Mount Hua.

Jiang Xuan turned his head and looked in a certain direction outside the courtyard, and said calmly, "What does Senior Feng think of Sect Leader Yue's decision?"

Senior Feng?
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and they all looked back in the direction of Jiang Xuan's gaze, but they did not find anyone there.

But Jiang Xuan's gaze remained fixed on a rooftop outside the courtyard wall, clearly convinced that someone was spying on him from there.

"Young friend, your martial arts are indeed unparalleled, and your senses are incredibly sharp. I admire you!"

A moment later, an aged voice suddenly rang out.

Then, an old man suddenly appeared from behind the roof and flew out, covering dozens of meters in an instant. His long blue robe fluttered in the wind, making him look like a reclusive immortal.

Everyone was taken aback; the old man's lightness skill was truly terrifying.

There are actually such powerful masters in Mount Hua?!
Yue Buqun's expression was solemn, his gaze fixed on the old man, who seemed strangely familiar.

Feng Buping and the other two had almost the same expression. They looked at each other and realized that the others had the same thoughts, which made them even more puzzled.

Finally, Feng Buping couldn't help but step forward and ask, "May I ask who you are, senior?"

Feng Qingyang snorted coldly and said, "What? This brat under Senior Brother Zhao's tutelage doesn't recognize me after only twenty years?"

Feng Buping's body trembled, and he looked at Feng Qingyang in disbelief: "You...you could be, Feng Qingyang, the Uncle-Master?!"

"You do have some discernment." Feng Qingyang's expression softened slightly.

"Uncle Feng, it really is you! You're still alive? That's wonderful!" Feng Buping and the other two were immediately overjoyed and knelt down to pay their respects.

Upon seeing this, the crowd erupted in uproar.

(End of this chapter)