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

Chapter 148 The martial arts world gathers at Mount Song; everything is ready! [Two-in-one]

As the date of the Five Sacred Mountains Alliance Conference draws ever closer, more and more martial arts sects are arriving at Mount Song.

Over the years, the Five Mountains Sword Sects have varied greatly in quality. The strongest among them is naturally the Songshan Sect. Among the other four sects, no grandmaster-level figures have been heard of. Therefore, apart from Songshan, the rest are all considered second-rate.

However, the strength of a sect is not only determined by its power, but also by its heritage, culture, and other factors.

The Five Mountains Sword Sects have been established for hundreds of years and have always been a prestigious and righteous sect. They have a long-standing reputation in the martial arts world and have stood strong for so many years, so their foundation must be strong.

Although there haven't been many prominent figures in recent generations, once the Five Mountains Alliance merges, they will immediately rise to the top tier of the first-class.

Therefore, the martial arts world showed great respect for this Five Mountains Alliance Conference. Not only were many first- and second-rate forces invited to attend, but even the two top-tier sects with profound foundations, Wudang and Shaolin, sent representatives in person.

Due to the large number of people, the Songshan Sect could not accommodate them all to rest on the mountain.

Aside from the Shaolin branch members being received by the main Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, top forces such as Wudang, Emei, and Kongtong, as well as some martial arts masters, were brought up the mountain by Zuo Lengchan's men. The weaker forces and independent individuals mostly had to find their own accommodations.

At the foot of Mount Song, in Dengfeng County, which is under the jurisdiction of Henan Prefecture, the area has recently become overcrowded.

Everyone was waiting for the arrival of the conference.

The martial arts world has not seen such a grand event for a long time.

Teahouses, restaurants, inns, and even some street eateries and stalls were filled with figures dressed as江湖人士 (jianghu figures, people of the martial arts world), carrying knives and swords, and you could hear their discussions almost everywhere you went.

This time, it was truly a lively affair.

"The Five Mountains Sword Sects' merger conference is still five days away, and so many people have already come here!"

"Brother Hua, it seems we made the right choice coming here to join in the fun!"

Two handsome and distinguished young men walked down the street. Looking at the bustling and prosperous scene, one of them, dressed in purple brocade and with four eyebrows, couldn't help but sigh.

These two were none other than Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou, who had traveled a great distance from Jiangnan to join in the fun.

How could such a grand event be complete without them?

Holding a folding fan and dressed in white, Hua Manlou smiled elegantly and said, "Brother Lu, you always seem to have trouble wherever you go. I hope you won't have any trouble this time."

"That's not necessarily the case!"

Lu Xiaofeng laughed and said, "Brother Hua, have you forgotten that Mount Song is not only a lively place, but also a place of trouble? If things go wrong, the liveliness may turn into trouble, and it is hard to say whether we can avoid it."

Hua Manlou was taken aback and said, "Brother Lu, are you perhaps referring to Fei Bin, the 'Great Songyang Hand' of the Songshan Sect, who ambushed and killed the Imperial Guards?"

"good."

Lu Xiaofeng's eyes flickered as he said, "There are many suspicious points in this matter. It's not certain whether Fei Bin killed those Imperial Guards. At least the Imperial Guards certainly don't believe it, otherwise, Lord Jiang wouldn't have personally led the Imperial Guards here."

Hua Manlou sighed with emotion, saying, "Time flies, it feels like a lifetime ago. I never imagined that after just a brief meeting in Hangzhou, that person would rise to such a height in just two short years. It's truly unbelievable."

Lu Xiaofeng laughed and said, "I felt from the beginning that that person was no ordinary person. Doesn't everything that has happened in the past two years prove that I, Lu Xiaofeng, have a unique vision and that I did not misjudge him?"

Hua Manlou shook his head and smiled, returning to the previous topic: "Although there are doubts about the Songshan Sect's ambush of the Imperial Guards, Fei Bin is dead after all, and the Left Sect Leader acted decisively, directly dealing with Fei Bin's disciples. Now that he is dead, there is no way to verify the facts. If that Lord Jiang still wants to take action against Songshan, I'm afraid it will arouse the wrath of the martial arts world."

A look of seriousness appeared in Lu Xiaofeng's eyes. He nodded and said, "What Brother Hua said coincides with my own. If this matter is not handled properly, it may easily cause a rift between the martial arts world and the imperial court, and then there will inevitably be endless disputes."

"The problem is that we've met that person before. If something really happens, we really don't know what to do..."

Lu Xiaofeng sighed, his face full of sorrow.

"Since you knew there would be trouble, why did you insist on dragging me along?" Hua Manlou said irritably.

Lu Xiaofeng's worry turned to joy, and he laughed heartily: "If I didn't come when there was trouble, then I, Lu Xiaofeng, wouldn't be Lu Xiaofeng!"

"Since you're already here, Brother Hua, cheer up!"

"Given our relationship with that lord, if something really happens, we can step in and try to mediate. Perhaps we can even prevent a conflict in the martial arts world. Wouldn't that be a great blessing in life?"

Hua Manlou sighed. What else could he do with a friend like that?

"Ok?"

Just then, Lu Xiaofeng's eyes suddenly lit up. He took a few steps forward, stopped a group of people walking towards him, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "May I ask if you are Mr. Li, the 'Little Li Tanhua' from Xingyun Manor in Baoding... no, from 'Li Garden' in Baoding?"

Li Xunhuan was taken aback. Seeing the two men's extraordinary bearing, he did not delay and politely returned their greeting with a cupped-hand salute, saying, "I am indeed Li Xunhuan. May I ask who you are, sir?"

Lu Xiaofeng's face lit up with joy, and he said, "I am Lu Xiaofeng, and this is Brother Hua Manlou. I have long admired the name of the third-ranked scholar, and it is truly a great joy to finally meet you today!"

Li Xunhuan suddenly realized, smiled gently, and said, "So you are the famous 'Four Eyebrows' and 'Seventh Young Master of the Hua Family,' I've heard so much about you."

"Don't dare!"

Lu Xiaofeng was somewhat excited and said, "I have long wanted to pay my respects to Mr. Li since I learned of his return. It is a pity that I was unable to participate in the 'Plum Blossom Thief' incident due to other matters. However, being able to meet Mr. Li today can be considered as making up for that regret."

Upon hearing this, a hint of unease appeared in Li Xunhuan's eyes. He shook his head and smiled wryly, "It might have been a blessing in disguise that the two of you didn't come last time."

Although Lu Xiaofeng was curious about the truth behind the previous "Plum Blossom Thief" case, seeing that Li Xunhuan did not want to bring it up, he did not press further and said with a smile, "Mr. Li must also be here to attend this Five Mountains Alliance Conference, right? Why don't we travel together?"

Li Xunhuan hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "That is exactly what I wish to do."

The group chatted as they walked.

Lu Xiaofeng was as excited as if he had seen his idol: "To tell you the truth, when Mr. Li was wandering the martial arts world, he was known as a 'troublemaker.' It just so happens that I am the same way. No matter where I go, I will encounter trouble. Is this also a kind of fate?"

"It really is fate." Li Xunhuan's smile was a little stiff. For the first time, he felt that sometimes being too famous is not a good thing.

Lu Xiaofeng, observing Li Xunhuan's expression, realized he had been somewhat presumptuous and refrained from rubbing salt into Li Xunhuan's wounds. Instead, he turned to the men behind Li Xunhuan and asked curiously, "May I ask who these brothers are?"

Li Xunhuan breathed a sigh of relief and turned around to introduce: "This is my brother who shared life and death with me outside the Great Wall, Tie Chuanjia; this is the son of a good friend of mine outside the Great Wall, Ye Kai; and this is... my adopted son, Long Xiaoyun."

"Could this gentleman be the 'Ironclad Warrior' who was famous throughout the country back then? I've heard so much about him!"

Lu Xiaofeng looked at the tall and strong Tie Chuanjia, and cupped his hands in amazement, giving a very appropriate emotional response.

Tie Chuanjia smiled sheepishly and said, "It's just an empty title. I'm sorry to have made Young Master Lu laugh at me."

"Everything I have said comes from the bottom of my heart!"

As Lu Xiaofeng spoke, he looked at the two boys behind him.

He was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with equally handsome features and an extraordinary demeanor;
The other was a boy, about ten years old, with a pale face and a cold expression. When he saw Lu Xiaofeng looking at him, he immediately glared and said, "What are you looking at? I am the son of 'Plum Blossom Bandit' Long Xiaoyun, no doubt about it. Are you satisfied now?"

"Yun'er, don't be rude!" Li Xunhuan frowned and scolded.

"Leave me alone!"

Long Xiaoyun gritted her teeth, her face full of resentment: "Don't think that just because my mother forgives you, I will forgive you too. It's all your fault that my father was harmed!"

"you……"

Li Xunhuan's face turned pale and then red, and he was extremely embarrassed.

At this moment, Ye Kai turned to look at Long Xiaoyun and said indifferently, "Do you want to get beaten up again?"

Long Xiaoyun shrank back and immediately stopped talking, clearly showing her fear of Ye Kai.

Ye Kai then withdrew his gaze, turned to look at Lu Xiaofeng, and cupped his hands, saying, "I am Ye Kai, greetings to Young Master Lu."

Li Xunhuan sighed and said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Young Master Lu."

"Where, where."

Lu Xiaofeng quickly returned the greeting, and a look of sympathy appeared in his eyes as he thought of the rumors about Li Xunhuan and Long Xiaoyun circulating in the martial arts world.

It's really quite tragic for a man to end up like this.

But now, it seems the hard times are finally over...

Realizing that Li Xunhuan's 'family atmosphere' was not very harmonious, Lu Xiaofeng wisely stopped bothering Li Xunhuan and instead started talking to Ye Kai.

The two were not far apart in age and quickly hit it off.

Through conversation, Lu Xiaofeng learned that Ye Kai was actually a disciple of Li Xunhuan. He had been studying with Li Xunhuan outside the Great Wall. He had heard that Li Xunhuan had gotten into trouble some time ago, so he rushed back from outside the Great Wall. He happened to come across the Five Mountains Alliance and came with his master to see the martial arts masters of the Central Plains.

But apart from that, they came here not to join the fun, but to seek medical treatment at Shaolin Temple.

Ye Kai didn't say much about the specifics, but seeing Long Xiaoyun's weak appearance, Lu Xiaofeng vaguely guessed what was going on.

"Brother Ye, if you want to see the masters of the Central Plains martial arts world, you've come to the right place this time."

Lu Xiaofeng did not inquire about seeking medical treatment, but replied with a smile: "In addition to the masters of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, the two great pillars of our Central Plains martial arts world, Shaolin and Wudang, have also come to this Five Mountains Alliance."

"In addition, there are top-tier sects such as Emei, Kongtong, Diancang, Kunlun, Xueshan, and Liehuo Palace, making it a gathering of heroes!"

Ye Kai humbly asked, "Brother Lu, may I ask which martial arts seniors have come?"

Li Xunhuan and Tie Chuanjia also subconsciously pricked up their ears, clearly quite interested in this as well.

Lu Xiaofeng smiled and said, "As far as I know, people from all five branches of Shaolin have come."

"The Shaolin Temple in Quanzhou sent Master Liaofan, one of the 'Three Masters of Quanzhou'; the Shaolin Temple in Putian sent Master Laoshi, one of the Four Great Monks of Putian; the Shaolin Temple in Fuqing sent Master Kugua; the Shaolin Temple in Jizhou sent Masters Fangzheng and Fangsheng; and the Shaolin Temple in Baoding sent Master Xinshu and his entourage."

"As for Wudang, this time it is Song Yuanqiao, the number one among the 'Seven Heroes of Wudang,' who has now taken over as the sect leader, who has brought his people along, along with Elder Chongxu and others."

"Emei Sect's leader, Abbess Miejue, also came personally..." Listening to Lu Xiaofeng recount the various masters from different sects who came to Mount Song this time, even Li Xunhuan couldn't help but be moved.

Some of them were people even he dared not ignore.

This Five Mountains Alliance has truly attracted most of the martial arts world in the Central Plains!
During their conversation, the group decided to find a place to eat before heading up the mountain, reasoning that given their status, they should have a place on Mount Song.

Soon, the group arrived at the entrance of an inn.

The inn was already packed with people, with more than a dozen tables set up at the entrance. A group of martial arts practitioners were sitting there eating, drinking, and chatting, but for some reason, no one dared to speak loudly.

"Waiter, could you please add an empty table? We'll leave as soon as we finish eating."

Lu Xiaofeng stepped forward to negotiate.

The waiter looked troubled and said in a low voice, "Esteemed guests, I'm really sorry, but there are too many people here today, and there's no room left. In addition, there is an important person dining inside who doesn't like to be disturbed. He has booked the upstairs room. It would be best if you didn't go in and cause trouble."

"A big shot?" Lu Xiaofeng frowned, displeased. What kind of big shot was so domineering?

Just as they were about to name a price, a calm voice suddenly came from upstairs: "Let them come up; there are still seats upstairs."

The waiter was taken aback, then quickly asked, "Gentlemen, which gentleman would like you to come upstairs?"

Upon hearing the voice from upstairs, Lu Xiaofeng and the others' expressions changed.

"It's him!" Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou looked surprised, clearly having recognized the person upstairs.

Li Xunhuan's face was stiff. He wished he could leave immediately, but faced with Lu Xiaofeng's polite expression, he could only sigh and follow him upstairs.

Once upstairs, everyone finally understood why, despite the crowds downstairs, no one dared to speak loudly.

It was very quiet upstairs.

There was only one table occupied by the window, with three men and three women, but they didn't seem to be together.

"Lord Jiang, it's been a long time!"

Lu Xiaofeng looked directly at the handsome young man in the main seat, who was wearing a black and red brocade robe, and cupped his hands in a smile.

"Brother Lu, Brother Hua!"

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly in greeting, then glanced at Li Xunhuan behind him and said indifferently, "Li Xunhuan, how have you been?"

"Li greets Lord Jiang!"

Li Xunhuan sighed, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully.

If it weren't for the coincidence, and the fact that his trip to Shaolin was to seek medical treatment for Long Xiaoyun, he really wouldn't want to have any more contact with Jiang Xuan.

"What? It seems Li Xunhuan doesn't want to see me?" Jiang Xuan looked at Li Xunhuan with a half-smile, glancing at Long Xiaoyun behind him, and vaguely understood the purpose of Li Xunhuan's visit to Songshan.

"I wouldn't dare." Li Xunhuan smiled wryly. Since he was already here, he might as well be carefree and went straight to sit down next to Jiang Xuan, calling out, "Waiter, bring the food!"

"Coming right up!" the waiter called out.

"Bring on the best wine and food, and you'll be well paid for," Jiang Xuan instructed.

"Yes, sir, rest assured, I will definitely pick the best!" The waiter nodded and bowed, and quickly went downstairs to give instructions.

"Then I'll be honored to have met you today, Lord Jiang!" Lu Xiaofeng said without any ceremony, and sat down at the same table as Li Xunhuan.

Jiang Xuan glanced at him and smiled, "It hasn't been that long since we last met, Brother Lu, why are you being so formal?"

"I was afraid you might be too formal, sir." Lu Xiaofeng laughed heartily, relieved, and cupped his hands in greeting, "Brother Jiang!"

"That's right."

Jiang Xuan laughed and said, "When I make friends, I never look at their status, I only look at whether they suit my taste."

"What a coincidence, we're exactly the same!"

Lu Xiaofeng nodded with a smile, then glanced at the group of people sitting at the same table as Jiang Xuan and teased, "Brother Jiang, you're quite the ladies' man! Aren't you going to introduce them to us?"

Jiang Xuan didn't explain, but smiled faintly and said, "They're all from the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Ren Yingying, Lan Fenghuang, this is my disciple Lin Pingzhi, and these two..."

"I am but a storyteller wandering the world. This is my granddaughter, Xiao Hong. Greetings, esteemed heroes." Tianji Laoren cupped his hands to Lu Xiaofeng and the others, displaying great humility.

But none of them dared to underestimate him.

The person who can sit at the same table as Jiang Xuan must have a very high status.
But seeing that the old man Tianji didn't want to reveal his identity, Lu Xiaofeng didn't press him for details.

"You're the 'Third Scholar' Li Xunhuan?" Sun Xiaohong's big eyes sparkled as she scanned Li Xunhuan.

"I am a lowly person and not worth mentioning. Please forgive my rudeness, young lady." Li Xunhuan cupped his hands in greeting.

Sun Xiaohong asked curiously, "You gave your fiancée and ancestral home to your good brother Long Xiaoyun to repay a debt of gratitude, but now that Long Xiaoyun is dead, your wife and ancestral home are back in your hands. You should be happy, so why are you still looking so gloomy?"

The expressions on everyone's faces changed slightly. This girl really was 'innocent and tactless,' rubbing salt into their wounds.

"Hong'er, don't be rude!" the old man of the heavens scolded.

Long Xiaoyun couldn't hold back any longer and stood up angrily, yelling, "You slut, what did you say...?"

"Shut up!" Li Xunhuan's expression changed. He stood up and bowed apologetically to Sun Xiaohong and Sun Baifa, saying, "This child is ignorant and doesn't know manners. Please don't take offense at him."

Sun Xiaohong wasn't angry. She looked at Long Xiaoyun curiously and asked, "Is he Long Xiaoyun's son?"

“With you…” Long Xiaoyun was extremely arrogant and was about to shout and curse when she met a pair of calm eyes. Her body trembled instantly, and she could no longer say the rest of the words.

Jiang Xuan glanced at him and said indifferently, "Li Tanhua gave away his family fortune to save you and your mother. You should be grateful. If you continue to be so arrogant and domineering, you might end up like your father. If that day comes, your Long family line will be cut off. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes, I understand... I won't do it again." Long Xiaoyun nodded meekly, no longer showing the arrogance and rudeness she had before in the face of the ruthless man who had ruined her family.

Li Xunhuan's expression was complicated. He cupped his hands and said, "Please rest assured, sir, I will definitely discipline him properly in the future."

"Better so."

Jiang Xuan remained noncommittal, too lazy to concern himself with his family affairs. He turned to look at the Heavenly Mystery Elder and said, "If anything happens in five days, I'll have to trouble you, Senior."

This encounter with the Old Man of Heavenly Secrets was purely accidental, but since he had met him, he figured he might as well use his free labor.

Since we already owe the Old Man of Heavenly Secrets one favor, one more won't make a difference.

There are quite a few experts here this time. It's good to win over a couple of experts beforehand to prevent uncontrollable factors from happening.

The old man nodded and did not refuse: "I will do my best."

"Then please enjoy your meal, my lord and the other heroes. I'll take my leave now. Hong'er, goodbye!"

The old man Tianji picked up his storytelling banner and left ahead of time with Sun Xiaohong.

Lu Xiaofeng glanced at the old man's back, his eyes flashing slightly, clearly guessing something. He turned back and asked, "Brother Jiang, are you preparing to take action against the Songshan Sect?"

Jiang Xuan did not answer, but turned to look at Lin Pingzhi: "This is my apprentice Lin Pingzhi, and also a survivor of the day the Embroidered Uniform Guard was attacked."

Lu Xiaofeng was a little puzzled. Hadn't everything already been introduced? But upon hearing the last sentence, Lu Xiaofeng quickly realized what was going on, his expression hardening as he said, "Brother Jiang, do you mean that it wasn't Fei Bin who ambushed the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but Zuo Lengchan?"

"Fei Bin was just a scapegoat pushed out by Zuo Lengchan."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "He thought that since he killed Fei Bin and gave me an explanation in advance, I could pretend nothing happened. This only proves that he doesn't understand me."

Lu Xiaofeng's expression was somewhat solemn as he said, "But what he did was quite effective. At least now all the major sects believe that Fei Bin was behind it. If Brother Jiang continues to pursue this matter, the other sects will certainly not stand idly by!"

"That's why I came in person."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "The Songshan Sect can be spared, but Zuo Lengchan must die."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is the bottom line of the imperial court. No one can get away with killing an Embroidered Uniform Guard member. Moreover, he killed my people. This is a provocation against me."

Lu Xiaofeng and the others exchanged glances, and after hearing Jiang Xuan's words, they finally confirmed that trouble was bound to happen at Mount Song this time.

After a moment of silence, Lu Xiaofeng said, "If Brother Jiang needs anything at that time, Brother Hua and I can lend a hand."

Jiang Xuan glanced at him in surprise, then laughed and said, "It's not certain that a fight will break out. We'll see when the time comes."

He did not refuse. Lu Xiaofeng and Hua Manlou were quite skilled in martial arts, both of them being masters.

As for Li Xunhuan, since he also wanted to go to Mount Song, Jiang Xuan didn't say anything more.

If the time comes and Li Xunhuan is needed, he won't be able to refuse.

He still owes me three chances to make a move.

After finishing their meal, upon learning that Jiang Xuan intended to take action against Zuo Lengchan, and since he was an enemy rather than a friend, Lu Xiaofeng and the others did not continue their journey to Mount Song. Instead, they took advantage of Jiang Xuan's influence and stayed at the inn, waiting for the day of the Five Mountains Alliance Conference before heading up the mountain with Jiang Xuan.

Jiang Xuan has booked the entire inn. Besides them, all the experts from 'Netherworld' have also gathered here.

Jiang Xuan made many preparations for this battle.

He not only wanted to flatten Mount Song in front of all the martial arts sects, but also wanted to use this battle to solidify his reputation, eliminate future troubles, and prevent similar incidents from happening again and affecting his cultivation progress.

now.

Everything is in vain, only the east wind is needed!
(End of this chapter)