The Prodigal Disciple of Mount Hua: Seizing All Opportunities

Chen Qianyang's voice was deep, and every word was clearly delivered to Linghu Chong's ears.

It was an extremely profound incantation, only a few hundred words long, yet every word was precious and perfectly aligned with the profound principles of Taoism.

Linghu Chong was initially somewhat indifferent, but as he heard the incantation, his dim eyes gradually brightened.

As the chief disciple of Mount Hua, he possessed extraordinary insight and naturally recognized the value of this mental cultivation manual.

It doesn't focus on accumulating internal energy, but rather on reshaping the meridians and transporting qi and blood, which is exactly what he's experiencing with his current broken body.

Read it once.

"Did you remember?"

Linghu Chong silently recited the mantra for a moment, his eyes filled with gratitude and awe: "Junior brother, where did you get such a wondrous method from... Never mind, I won't ask."

He's a smart man; he knows everyone has secrets.

"Senior Brother, this method is called 'Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian' (易筋锻骨篇). There is one thing you must do according to my instructions."

"you say."

"This matter is known only to Heaven, Earth, you, and me. It must never be revealed to a third party, especially... Master."

Linghu Chong's hand froze in mid-air.

If it had been half a month ago, he would have jumped up to refute it, saying that his master's kindness was as heavy as a mountain, how could he be deceived?

But now, after the incident with the Lin family in Fuzhou, the misunderstanding of the day before, and that subtle, almost imperceptible, coldness...

The veil of warmth had already been torn away from his heart, revealing the coldness beneath.

Linghu Chong remained silent for a long time before finally giving a bitter smile.

"Okay, I promise."

……

After settling Linghu Chong in, Chen Qianyang pushed open the door and went out.

When Yue Lingshan saw him come out, she immediately went up to him, took his arm, and smiled.

"How is Senior Brother?"

"It's nothing, you just need to rest and relax." Chen Qianyang gently pinched her nose. "Come on, you've been cooped up inside for half a day, go out for some fresh air."

The two walked out along the corridor and bumped into a group of people.

The one leading them was Yue Buqun.

Behind him followed several strangers dressed in brocade robes, each with a calm demeanor, clearly not ordinary fighters.

Especially the young man walking beside Yue Buqun, with a fair complexion and no beard, and a long sword at his waist, although he looked like a gentleman, his eyes and brows carried an undisguised arrogance.

Seeing Chen Qianyang and Yue Lingshan holding hands so intimately, Yue Buqun's originally smiling face instantly froze, and a shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes.

But he concealed it very well, and it was fleeting.

"Qianyang, Lingshan, you've come at the right time." Yue Buqun waved and said in a gentle tone, "Come and greet Young Hero Yun of the Diancang Sect."

Chen Qianyang understood.

Diancang School, Yun Shaohua.

Is this the so-called marriage partner?

He remained expressionless, stepped forward, and slightly clasped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Brother Yun."

The young man, Yun Shaohua, sized up Chen Qianyang and said with a smile, "This must be Young Hero Chen of Mount Hua! I've long admired your name. I heard that you frightened away a powerful enemy with a single sword strike in Fuzhou. Seeing you today, you are indeed a man of exceptional talent."

Although the words were polite, they carried a condescending air of scrutiny.

"Not at all," Yue Buqun stroked his beard and laughed. "Qianyang is a rising star of Huashan, but compared to my nephew Yun, who is famous throughout the south and whose swordsmanship has fully inherited the Diancang School, he is still a bit immature."

"Dad, I don't like hearing that."

Yue Lingshan suddenly interjected, her voice clear and crisp: "Our Huashan swordsmanship is profound and extensive. Junior Brother's swordsmanship was so powerful that even Yu Canghai couldn't withstand it. How can it be considered immature?"

The scene fell silent instantly.

Yun Shaohua's smile faltered.

Yue Buqun's face darkened: "Lingshan! How dare you be so rude! Nephew Yun is a highly accomplished disciple of the Diancang Sect Leader; how can you speak such nonsense?"

"That's true." Yue Lingshan muttered, but shrank back behind Chen Qianyang. "Father, you insist on boosting others' morale while diminishing our own."

Yun Shaohua took a deep breath, suppressing his displeasure, and cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Qianyang: "Miss Yue is straightforward and has a true character. However, I do admire Brother Chen's swordsmanship very much. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely ask Brother Chen for a few moves to see if it is really as miraculous as the rumors say."

A naked challenge.

Chen Qianyang gently patted Yue Lingshan's hand, signaling her to calm down.

He looked at Yun Shaohua, his eyes calm and unfathomable.

"Since Brother Yun is in such a good mood, I will gladly oblige."

His tone was calm, without the slightest fear or indignation.

A fierce glint flashed in Yun Shaohua's eyes, and he immediately took his leave.

Yue Buqun glared at the two of them: "Qianyang, come with me."

……

A moment later, in the study in the side hall.

Yue Buqun dismissed his attendants, leaving only Chen Qianyang.

Ning Zhongze, feeling uneasy, followed them in and stood to the side, hesitant to speak.

"Qianyang, you've gone too far."

"That's the Diancang Sect! Do you know how much effort I put into building this relationship? With the Five Mountains Alliance imminent and Zuo Lengchan being so aggressive, without external support, Mount Hua is in grave danger! And yet, for the sake of your own affections, you allow Ling Shan to offend such an important guest!"

Chen Qianyang stood with his head bowed, his back ramrod straight: "Master, Junior Sister doesn't like Yun Shaohua. If she doesn't like him, why force her?"

"Foolish!"

Yue Buqun abruptly stood up and paced back and forth. "In the world of martial arts, how can there be so much love and romance? The rise and fall of the sect is the most important thing! As long as you are willing to persuade Lingshan to change her mind and agree to this marriage, I can guarantee you..."

He stopped, staring intently at Chen Qianyang, and offered what he thought was an irresistible lure:

"When you return this time, I will pass on the Purple Cloud Divine Skill to you, and even... the position of the Huashan Sect Leader will be yours in the future."

In Yue Buqun's view, this was a price that no man could refuse.

He traded a woman for unparalleled martial arts skills and the position of sect leader.

Chen Qianyang raised his head and looked directly into Yue Buqun's eyes. His gaze was clear, yet carried a hint of mockery.

"Master."

Chen Qianyang spoke slowly, "I practice swordsmanship to seek revenge and protect my loved ones. If I have to give up even the woman I love, what's the point of this sect leader position and this Purple Cloud Divine Skill? To become a lonely figure?"

"You!" Yue Buqun was so angry that he pointed at him but couldn't speak for a long time.

"This disciple takes his leave."

Chen Qianyang, too lazy to waste any more words, bowed and strode away.

Watching his figure disappear through the door, Yue Buqun's face turned ashen with rage, his chest heaving violently.

"Senior brother..." Ning Zhongze sighed and stepped forward. "Why are you doing this? Qianyang is a stubborn boy. The more you push him, the more he'll rebel. Besides, I think his feelings for Lingshan are genuine..."

"sincere?"

Yue Buqun sneered, "Junior sister, you're too naive. How long has Chen Qianyang been a disciple? His martial arts have improved by leaps and bounds, it's incredibly strange. Now his reputation in the martial world even surpasses Chong'er's; in a few days, he might even surpass me, his master!"

"This kind of person is ambitious. If he can't become famous throughout the world, he'll just be a withered bone on the road. If Ling Shan follows him, she'll be implicated sooner or later."

"Moreover, I always felt that he was using Ling Shan. He had little influence in Huashan and wanted to rise to power. By grasping Ling Shan as a straw, he was grasping half of Huashan."

Ning Zhongze looked at her husband in disbelief, as if she were seeing him for the first time.

"Senior brother, how could you think that way? If Qianyang were that kind of person, why would he publicly reject your proposal? Wasn't Yun Shaohua just using Lingshan? The Diancang Sect is far away in the south; if it weren't for wanting to form an alliance with you, why would they travel thousands of miles to propose marriage?"

Yue Buqun was speechless, then waved his hand in a fit of embarrassment and anger: "I know what I'm doing, don't interfere!"

Looking at her husband's familiar yet unfamiliar face, Ning Zhongze felt a deep sense of powerlessness. She shook her head and retreated dejectedly.

……

As night fell, the moon was bright and the stars were few.

Chen Qianyang sat cross-legged on the couch, circulating his internal energy.

Knock knock knock.

There was a knock on the door.

"Who?"

"Junior brother, it's me, your second senior brother."

A playful smile curved Chen Qianyang's lips.

This old fox has finally shown his face.

"Senior brother, come in."

Laudenau pushed open the door and entered, his face plastered with his usual honest and simple smile. He casually closed the door and said in a low voice, "Junior brother, I hope I didn't disturb your rest? I came to see you as soon as I heard you were back."

"Senior brother, you're too kind. Coming so late, I'm afraid it wasn't just for this?"

"Junior brother is indeed straightforward. I've heard about everything that happened today, hey, that's satisfying! You didn't see it, Master's face was as green as an eggplant."

He was testing the waters.

To test Chen Qianyang's attitude towards Yue Buqun.

Chen Qianyang glanced at him and sneered, "Spit it out."

Laudenau's expression turned serious, and he dropped his playful grin.

"Uncle Fei, I would like to invite you, junior brother, for a chat."