Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 144 Master-Disciple Understanding, Three Lineages Return to One Heart

"Go or not?"

For Ouyang Zheng, this kind of problem has never been a problem.

Let alone the fact that the Tianxing Sect's forces were attacked.

Even if the villagers near Mingyang encounter danger, he will definitely help them.

Even if there's no benefit in helping.

He asked himself, his talent wasn't high, his foundation wasn't strong, and under his leadership, the Tianxing Sect was declining day by day.

Not to mention comparing it to when our master was alive.

Even when Master was around, people would only say that Tianxing Sect was stupid, not that Tianxing Sect was weak.

In view of this.

Ouyang Zheng could only be strict with himself; if his abilities were insufficient, then he could strive for a good reputation.

That just so happens, he also enjoys doing these things.

Only when he saw the glimmer of gratitude in other people's eyes did he feel that his life had not been wasted and that he was not entirely worthless.

One of the things I'm proud of is that I married a wonderful wife, a virtuous wife and loving mother that everyone in the world envies, and a great help to me.

Another thing is that he saved many, many people in his lifetime.

Although suffering is commonplace in this era, and what he did was only a drop in the ocean, it still changed the fate of many people.

Given Ouyang Zheng's temperament, upon seeing the military tent in the camp cleaved in two and three men being beaten until they coughed up blood and flew around, he not only did not step forward, but hesitated.

Because he recognized that the one who was killed on the spot was Li Changsheng of the Ziyang Sect... and the one who was beaten like a dead dog was his good junior brother and good nephew.

When the masked man in black drew his sword, the surrounding air distorted, seemingly blocking both sight and mental perception.

It was clearly the innate martial intent he was using.

So, should we save them or not?

Ouyang Zheng was immediately filled with anger.

The scene was quite obvious: Li Feiying and his apprentice were secretly discussing important matters with the elders of the Ziyang Sect when they were attacked, and even the elder of the Ziyang Sect, Li Changsheng, was killed.

What exactly they were discussing was most likely something detrimental to the Tianxing Sect.

Is it necessary to save someone like that?

"Moreover, the enemy is very strong; to me, they seem far more powerful than that Old Demon Lianhua of the Hehuan Sect."

As Ouyang Zheng thought this, he sighed inwardly, moved his feet, and with a few leaps, he rushed straight to the camp like a roc spreading its wings.

The vast and mighty true energy of the ocean seemed to transform into a boundless sea, rumbling and shaking the void as it roared in.

Because he remembered a question.

How did I get through it?

I was coaxed here by my precious little apprentice.

He should come and see the Tiger's Den camp; he might witness something.

'Could it be that that brat had already predicted this? Or is he testing me, his master?'

'Will he be watching from the sidelines?'

A teacher chooses his students, and a student also chooses his teacher.

Ouyang Zheng considered himself mediocre for half his life, but he was unwilling to be looked down upon by his apprentice.

'That brat...'

My mind is filled with all sorts of messy questions.

Sensing the rippling blue waves around the masked man in black before him, Ouyang Zheng had no other choice, because he realized he recognized this sword technique.

"It's excessive for the senior to not be in seclusion in the East Sea but instead come to the Tianxing Sect's territory to wreak havoc."

boom……

Ouyang Zheng immediately used the Purple Star Heavenly Sword.

A sword, like the North Pole, hangs high in the night sky, its blazing white light covering a ten-zhang radius around him. The sword energy surges forth like a mountain or a sea, crushing everything in its path.

He always did this, taking the initiative and controlling his sword with his inner energy, making him unstoppable.

Lu Wubing understood immediately.

Although his master had grasped the key to breaking through to the Innate Realm, he only managed to merge the Ren and Du meridians, open the Xuan Guan (mysterious gate) and transform the Qi within the Vast Ocean into Innate Vast Ocean True Qi.

Their strength has indeed increased significantly.

Whether it's the quality of true qi, or its attack and defense capabilities, it's two to three times stronger than internal force.

However, his swordsmanship still had not truly solidified into a coherent intent.

It can only be said that he is a master of innate skill, but not a master of innate sword intent, which makes the situation somewhat awkward.

At this moment, Lu Wubing deeply understood the true meaning of the saying, "Knowing something doesn't necessarily mean you can do it."

Then let your disciple lend you a hand.

Lu Wubing pushed the black veil over his nose even higher, covering his face more completely, leaving only a sliver of his eyes visible.

The ordinary Qinggang sword he had borrowed creaked under the strain, and his figure, like a golden carp at the Dragon Gate, leaped up to meet the powerful sword energy.

"If Mr. Ouyang wants to save people, he should block three of my swords first before we talk about anything else."

His sword-throwing and wave-leaping movements weren't particularly graceful; his body twisted, and his sword style followed suit.

It looks crooked and ridiculous.

But then the sword was thrust out.

However, he and his sword merged into the raging tide of sword energy unleashed by Ouyang Zheng.

It was as if this wasn't a burst of energy, but rather ripples in the water; he had transformed into a free-swimming fish in the water.

The sword light that Ouyang Zheng unleashed inexplicably and naturally avoided his body, not only failing to hinder him in the slightest, but also pushing him back and using his momentum to make his attack faster and faster.

In the blink of an eye, a sword pierced his brow.

While Ouyang Zheng was shocked, he took half a step back, held a sword in front of his chest, surrounded by starlight, with the North Pole in the sky.

"Boom..."

The two swords, one horizontal and one vertical, touched each other.

Two figures were sent flying backward with a crash.

Lu Wubing's body sank slightly in mid-air, flipped and spun halfway, landed with one foot like a fish tail slapping the waves, and darted quickly close to the ground.

Upon landing, it traced a long arc like a kite on a string, and arrived in front of Ouyang Zheng again.

The sword thrusts forward.

Hua Hua...

The surging blue waves crashed into Ouyang Zheng's heart.

The space before me suddenly widened into a vast, turbulent blue sea.

"Good guy."

Ouyang Zheng received the sword head-on, and even with his vast and powerful true qi, he couldn't help but feel his whole body tremble violently.

It felt like an elephant had crashed head-on into me, and my whole body ached slightly.

He could no longer stand on his feet and stumbled back seven or eight steps.

Seeing the reality turn into illusion, he knew that his spirit had been shaken and affected, and his sword heart was unstable.

In particular, amidst the vast blue waves, a streak of light, faster than lightning, flashed and pierced the space between the eyebrows.

It was so fast that his mind couldn't keep up.

What kind of Azure Wave Sword Intent is this?

Ouyang Zheng felt his hair stand on end, his mind tremble, and his heart screamed a warning.

He couldn't care less about frantically expending his inner energy at that moment. As the pain between his brows stung, countless profound truths of sword techniques swept through his mind.

"To obtain the law and then forget it, to have true meaning without intention."

A flash of inspiration struck me.

Before my eyes, I could not see the raging blue sea, but only the dark night sky, with countless stars twinkling, and the North Star illuminating the heavens.

At this moment, Ouyang Zheng seemed to understand many things. The frustration and helplessness of the first half of his life disappeared with the night breeze.

He felt that he was no longer a person, but a star, an imperial star standing in the sky, eternal and unchanging, unmoved even as the world changes.

"Heaven's will is on my side."

Ouyang Zheng's sword suddenly underwent a strange change.

The vast, unfathomable true energy surrounding him receded inward, condensing on the sword's edge and emitting a dazzling light.

Although the movements appeared slow, the sword strike precisely hit Lu Wubing's concentrated essence and spirit, without any misdirection.

It's as if the two swords have always been there.

It was a destined encounter.

Ding……

The two swords clashed, producing a soft ringing sound.

Lu Wubing's heart skipped a beat, and he laughed loudly, using the force to fly backward.

With a light tap of his foot, he disappeared into the vast darkness of the night.

I thought to myself that Ouyang Laodeng's background was actually extremely profound.

Although their comprehension may not be that great.

But he had accumulated a lot of knowledge and experience, and laid an extremely solid foundation in the first half of his life. He either didn't understand it at all, or he suddenly realized it and managed to refine the Ziwei Heavenly Sword with the power of "Heaven's Will".

With the sword as heaven, I act on behalf of heaven.

With the sword in hand, one is the will of Heaven, one is destiny.

Why would a man of noble character and unwavering integrity forge such an imperial sword intent?

Lu Wubing found it very interesting.

I think that people in this era, whether good or bad, are either deeply ingrained with servility or have a rebellious streak.

What you see is not necessarily the truth.

The sect leader has forged a sword of divine will; anyone who dares to call him a loyal subject or a compliant citizen will be laughed at, even by dogs.

But it's good that we have such a leader. We might suffer some minor losses, but we certainly won't suffer any major ones.

After the sect leader condensed his true sword intent, he became incredibly powerful thanks to his formidable innate vast ocean true qi.

Even if I were to exert all my strength and use every trick in the book now, I might not be able to defeat him.

Wouldn't that be a joyous occasion?

His figure vanished without a trace.

Ouyang Zheng stood still, not daring to chase after him. He felt sweaty all over and was both relieved and puzzled.

That sword strike just now not only looked extremely familiar, but it was also incredibly dangerous.

If one is even a step too slow and fails to comprehend the sword intent of the [Purple Star Heavenly Sword], one will be unable to withstand the sword energy as sharp as a stream of light.

'Wow, that's fast. Wait, what a coincidence! What a brat, using this to test his master. No wonder he was sneakily urging me to come along.'

'It's just a wisp of light hidden within the Azure Wave Sword Intent, yet it's so difficult to deal with.'

In a real life-or-death struggle, I'm afraid I'd have a hard time keeping up with his speed.

Thinking of this, Ouyang Zheng felt both excited and frustrated.

This apprentice really couldn't understand it at all.

He seemed even more powerful than when I saw his sword intent break through that night.

Thinking to himself, if Lu Wubing had used the [Eight Subduing Dragon Swords] and fully unleashed the Flowing Light Sword Intent, he might not have even had a chance to fight back.

Although they are both at the same level of sword intent.

His own internal energy was many times stronger than his disciple's.

He suddenly remembered the sword strike between his beloved daughter and his eldest disciple, Yue Lingfeng.

When Ouyang Lan made her move, although Yue Lingfeng's swordsmanship was much more profound and his internal strength was seven or eight times stronger, he couldn't even execute a single sword strike completely.

They could only parry from the left and right, like a frail mortal caught in a raging storm, appearing powerless and weak.

Wasn't my own battle just like that?

Even if he made a breakthrough temporarily, he still had no confidence whatsoever that he could win the battle.

'Good heavens! Can I still be a master?'

Ouyang Zheng felt a mix of emotions, remaining silent for a long time, both amused and annoyed, when he heard a humming sound.

"Master Uncle, if you had come any later, you wouldn't have been able to see your nephew, sob sob..."

Yu Qingshan cried like a child weighing hundreds of pounds.

My heart is filled with grievances.

There was nothing I could do. Tonight, I was attacked and killed by multiple swords from beginning to end. I was beaten like a dead dog and didn't have a chance to fight back at all.

Having faced a life-or-death situation is like being doused with a bucket of ice water.

It brought him back to his senses.

All this talk of imperial ambitions and conquests is utter nonsense. I'm still that same petty scoundrel who used to fight stray dogs for food and risk his life against beggars—I'm nothing.

When exactly do we become arrogant, wanting more even after gaining so much?

"Senior brother, it's all my fault for being bewitched and doing all sorts of wrong things."

I dare not ask for forgiveness, I only ask that after my death I be buried at the foot of Tianxing Peak...

"If I could know this in the afterlife someday, I would hope to see the Heavenly Star Sect flourish once more."

Li Feiying looked ashen-faced and his eyes were vacant.

This time the blow was devastating.

Three swords shattered the hero's ambition.

With broken tendons and bones, and severed veins, this state of barely surviving is worse than death.

It's better to end it sooner rather than later, and then make a comeback eighteen years later.

At that moment, he remembered many things.

He recalled when he first started out, he was all alone and fought his way out of the bandits, suffering severe injuries and twenty-three sword wounds.

From then on, I thought that human strength has its limits, and that if one cultivates one's talents to the fullest extent, then it's just so-so.

Therefore, I became fascinated with training troops. Individual strength is important, but not everyone can take on multiple opponents single-handedly.

The true path to kingship in this world is actually the path of uniting the masses.

As long as you have enough strong soldiers and generals under your command and your power is strong enough, there is no such thing as a life-or-death crisis.

For a long time, he genuinely believed that he hadn't gone down the wrong path.

Tonight, however, I was taught a harsh lesson.

External forces are insufficient; true strength must come from within.

Yes.

Forming a battle formation might infinitely expand one's attack and defense, but when someone gets close enough to threaten you, you'll find that there's nothing you can rely on except the sword in your hand and the spear in your palm.

If you can't even save your own life, how can you talk about conquering cities and expanding your power?

It's nothing more than making wedding clothes for others.

With this thought in mind, Li Feiying's fighting spirit vanished, and he was already contemplating death.

"Junior Brother Li, what are you saying? It is a virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. As long as we brothers are of one mind and one heart, no one in this world will ever bully us again."

Seeing his junior brother, with whom he had fought for most of his life, become so frustrated and regretful, Ouyang Zheng felt bad for himself.

In a way, the old man with tears streaming down his face, Li Feiying, is a reflection of himself.

If it weren't for a fortuitous coincidence that led him to acquire a disciple who defied conventional wisdom, Li Feiying today would be tomorrow's Li Feiying.

Life is like a game of chess, with each move bringing something new.

They may betray us today, but they may return to us tomorrow.

A truly qualified leader prioritizes addressing mistakes over appreciating achievements. They must allow those around them to have their own ideas.

After all, there are very few people who are truly selfless and only know how to give.

He wanted to slap the master and apprentice in front of him to death.

Ouyang Zheng thought for a moment, then softened his tone.

"Let's pretend that what happened today never happened. You are still good disciples of my Tianxing Sect."

As soon as these words came out.

Li Feiying and Yu Qingshan broke down on the spot, crying and wailing.

Struggling and ignoring his own injuries, he collapsed to the ground.

When it really comes to a crisis, you still have to rely on your own family.

Ouyang Zheng sighed, helped the two up, and said with a smile, "If this had happened two months ago, your injuries would have been irreversible."

But now, there is still a chance for recovery... As your master, I will plead with my disciple to forgive and forget and save you."

"Ashamed."

Li Feiying was filled with embarrassment, which he couldn't hide even from his injuries.

After Lu Wubing won the competition, he not only failed to respond to the young sect leader's order to send his outstanding disciples over for training.

Moreover, he was persuaded to deal with the Tianxing Sect and to seize the position of sect leader for himself.

This is a big deal.

How can I face anyone now?

"Don't feel embarrassed. My disciple is broad-minded and won't take such trivial matters to heart. As long as he helps you wholeheartedly in the future, nothing from the past matters."

You may not know why I, the sect leader, arrived at such a opportune moment, saving you at the crucial instant.

"Why is that?"

“My disciple Wubing had already calculated this out. He told me that the Tianxing Sect’s Wangtian Cliff lineage is now as solid as a rock. If anyone with ulterior motives wants to make a move, they will definitely target Jin Yutang and Meng Hu’ao.”

Whether it's winning someone over, sowing discord, or launching sneak attacks and sabotage, they'll use any means necessary.

The entire Jin Yutang household is currently on the mountain, with their forces united, leaving no opportunity for attack.

Therefore, there is only one possible problem...

Ouyang Zheng stroked his beard and chuckled.

He finally understands it now.

Actually, winning over a person or a faction isn't that complicated.

Simply give him a beating followed by a sweet treat, and that will be enough.

Just like how gangs at the bottom of the martial arts world fight for territory, it's nothing more than [treating someone to a banquet, then beheading them, and taking them in as dogs].

This trick is very effective even if used thousands of times.

It can be used not only in the martial arts world, but also in the imperial court.

To put it nicely, it's like "their bodies trembled and they all bowed down in submission"; to put it bluntly, it's like "those who obey me prosper, those who oppose me perish."

My disciple, without making a sound, has accomplished such a great thing, relieving me of a heartache that has lasted for thirty years.

But somehow, no one has noticed anything amiss.

Good means.

However, it's a bit too much for them to boss me around like this, even though I'm their master.

Ouyang Zheng was slightly annoyed, so he decided to go back and complain to Xiaolan.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on his lips again, and he said in a deep voice, "Once you have finished packing, go up the mountain tonight and ask for treatment."

However, my disciple, who is currently at a crucial stage in his cultivation, may not have the time or inclination to attend to you. Please be patient.

After understanding Lu Wubing's scheme.

Ouyang Zheng also roughly figured out what his apprentice was thinking.

Kung Fu techniques can be taught at will, and sword skills can be forcibly improved.

However, there is one point that cannot be ignored.

That is a heart of gratitude.

We should never forget those who dug the well when we drink the water.

If someone takes advantage of the benefits and then betrays them, that would be quite a spectacle.

Who knows, the sick disciple might come knocking on our door in the middle of the night, masked... and then there will be no chance for forgiveness.

There's no need to elaborate on this with Li Feiying and his apprentice.

I believe they will figure it out soon.

Ouyang Zheng gave a few more instructions, then turned and left...

The Menghu'ao lineage has many disciples, and they were caught off guard earlier. The attacking enemy was too powerful, so they were extremely helpless.

By the time they realized what was happening...

They still have a strong and well-equipped army, with thirty or forty disciples under their direct instruction, so they don't need to make any special arrangements themselves.

They should go up the mountain to seek help on their own.

……

"What does Master Uncle mean by that?"

After everything was tidied up, Li Changsheng was quietly buried, and his clothes were burned. Only then did the master and disciple calm down to review the events.

Thinking of what Ouyang Zheng had said earlier, Yu Qingshan felt a little confused.

He remembered what Ouyang Zheng said: that his apprentice Lu Wubing had sent him to look after the place, and that Lu Wubing had long predicted that something bad would happen at Menghu'ao.

That's right to say...

Even a fool could tell something was wrong.

Li Feiying's mind had calmed down by now. The slight anger that had just ignited in his heart was completely extinguished by gratitude and relief.

In the end, they showed mercy.

"Don't you understand yet?"

He slowly looked up at the busy disciples in the camp and sighed.

"What did you understand?"

Yu Qingshan wiped the trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth with a white cloth, lay on the stretcher, and looked around with difficulty.

"Idiot, look at our camp! We were attacked at night, the enemy was so strong, how many people died?"

Li Feiying said angrily, feeling disappointed in his son.

With that kind of brain, and such ambition, if he really went out to work on his own, he'd be sold out and might even end up counting the money for someone else.

Yu Qingshan was puzzled: "One person died. Uncle Li was stabbed through the chest by a sword... No, Uncle Li of the Ziyang Sect is so strong, and he died. How come these junior brothers are still alive?"

He suddenly turned around and looked at his godfather.

They discovered that although the two were seriously injured, none of them had suffered any vital injuries.

Especially the head and heart, which were not pierced by a single sword.

What cracked was the skin and flesh, what broke were the tendons and bones, and what shattered were the meridians.

In other words, they were beaten so badly they were on the verge of death, but they weren't actually killed.

In the vast camp, not a single person was killed.

Those disciples who were blasted away only coughed up blood a couple of times. After taking medicine and resting for a while, they quickly became energetic again and were fine.

"This Gu Qingyun from the East Sea is so particular?"

"Dong my foot..."

Li Feiying could no longer hold back and slapped Yu Qingshan on the back of the head.

"If you really were Gu Qingyun, you would already be buried in the ground by now."

He sighed with regret, "What a formidable junior, what superb swordsmanship."

Yu Qingshan was stunned by the beating. Upon hearing this, he paused for a moment, and then a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: "Could it be that brat Lu Wubing?"

"What do you think? Maybe he's still hiding in the background listening."

"Qingshan, if you don't want any future troubles, think carefully before you speak."

"Ah, it's Junior Brother Young Master. Although we were beaten this time, we deserved it."

That Li Changsheng is a wolf in sheep's clothing; he actually wanted to turn us against our sect. He deserves to die.

And godfather, I must say, you did a terrible job this time.

"Our Heavenly Star Sect is so powerful, if you want to make a name for yourself, just focus on achieving merit. Why would you betray your own sect?"

Li Feiying stared at Yu Qingshan with his bright yellow eyes, remaining silent.

"Godfather, that's not what we meant. But someone's been eavesdropping."

"I'll let you hear it, I'll let you hear it..."

bang bang bang...

Li Feiying was furious.

Even being seriously injured doesn't stop him from beating people up.

Yu Qingshan was beaten so badly he cried out in pain.

The two didn't take it seriously at all and weren't worried about their injuries worsening.

Having cultivated the Crystal Body, that's how arrogant I am.

……

"Whether they're feigning ignorance or just pretending to be clueless, these two are ultimately smart people..."

Lu Wubing withdrew his gaze, his figure flashed behind the tent, and he left without eavesdropping any longer.

He thought to himself, now that the matter of unifying the three sects has been resolved, it's time for me to launch a counterattack.

This time, Li Changsheng died in the Menghu'ao military camp. No matter what, Li Feiying could not escape responsibility and could only follow him to the bitter end.

Otherwise, he would be the first to die.

To harbor disloyal intentions again.

Not only will the Ziyang Sect have to find a way to kill him and take revenge.

I must also kill him as a sacrifice to the flag.

……

Senior Sister Xiaolan pursed her lips to suppress a laugh, her lips still twitching.

Lu Wubing's outrageous actions left her utterly amazed.

"You can turn your hand to make clouds and rain, even if Uncle Li and the others know it all, they have to pretend they don't know and sincerely thank you for saving their lives, Junior Brother. How can you be so wicked?"

"No, Senior Sister Xiaolan, your words hurt me. Junior Brother is clearly a good person. He's just trying to help people see the error of their ways and prevent them from going astray."

Lu Wubing said in a serious tone, "Moreover, I also suspect that when Senior Sister was imitating bird calls earlier, Master had already recognized your voice."

what……

Ouyang Lan was leaping down from the tree.

Upon hearing this, her legs went weak, her little face contorted in pain, and she cried out in agony.

I twisted my ankle.

Lu Wubing was secretly delighted and almost burst out laughing.

However, fearing that Senior Sister Xiaolan would cry, he didn't smile. Instead, he quickly put on a concerned expression and reached out to support her, asking, "Are you hurt? Let me rub it for you..."

"How can I massage it in this pitch black? I can barely see anything, junior brother, I can't walk anymore."

"Okay, I'll carry you on my back."

Lu Wubing, without complaint, had just carried the fragrant and soft body on his back when he asked in surprise, "Senior Sister Xiaolan, have you been eating a lot lately? You've gained weight."

"If you say I'm heavy again, I'll let you carry Seventh Senior Sister next time."

Ouyang Lan threatened him.

Given Seventh Senior Sister's size, whether it would be heavy or not, it would probably be like an eagle crushing a chick.

Just think about it and enjoy it.

Amidst Ouyang Lan's light giggles, Lu Wubing scurried up the mountain, entered Lanxiang Courtyard, and shut the gate tightly.

Tomorrow I've decided to retreat to my thatched cottage and give those two scheming masters, Li Feiying and Yu Qingshan, a chance to cool off.

..........................................

(End of this chapter)