The Smiling, Proud Wanderer: From the Moment He Picked Up Qu Feiyan

Chapter 146 The Stubborn Liu Zhengfeng

Seeing that Shen An denied it outright and his expression was sincere and genuine, Liu Zhengfeng naturally did not think that he would deceive him on such a matter.

He scratched his head and muttered, "That's strange—but that's exactly what that young master from the Hengshan Sect said yesterday. She told me and her master, Abbess Dingyi, that it was the young heroes Shen An and Shi Dengda from the Songshan Sect who rescued her from the notorious womanizer Tian Boguang. This matter has already spread throughout the city, and Abbess Dingyi even said she wants to find an opportunity to thank you in person!"

Upon hearing this, Shen An was both amused and exasperated.

How could so many things have happened? Tian Boguang even broke his arm, yet Yilin was still captured by him.

He spread his hands and said helplessly, "Uncle Liu, even if it was really me who did it yesterday, my senior brother Shi's broken leg bone hasn't healed that quickly yet. How could he possibly fight Tian Boguang? In my opinion, it must be some anonymous young hero who impersonated me and my senior brother Shi."

"Impersonating someone else?" Liu Zhengfeng frowned even more deeply. "This act of rescuing a beauty is a first-rate act of chivalry in the martial arts world, a great opportunity to make a name for oneself. Why would someone impersonate another person? This—this is truly bizarre. I have been traveling the martial arts world for decades and have never heard of such a strange thing."

The three looked at each other, completely baffled.

Shen An's heart stirred, and he vaguely guessed that this matter might be related to Linghu Chong.

In the original story, he was the one who saved him, and in all the world, only someone as unconventional as him would make such a carefree move as to leave without leaving his name.

But Liu Zhengfeng said that the rescuers were "two young heroes," which doesn't match up with Linghu Chong alone.

That's it, that's it.

Shen An decided to stop thinking about this inexplicable misunderstanding. He straightened his expression and brought the topic back, saying in a deep voice, "Uncle Liu, the most important thing right now is your retirement ceremony."

He paused, then said, word by word, "My master already knows about your association with Elder Qu. This time, he's gone to great lengths, sending his three uncles, Ding Mian, Lu Bai, and Fei Bin, to Hengyang. He's determined to get you."

Upon hearing this, both Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang's expressions changed.

"How—how did he find out?" Liu Zhengfeng finally panicked.

Shen An sighed and said, "This matter is all the fault of the Sun Moon Sect. Some time ago, their investigation into Elder Qu was far too high-profile. Combined with your retirement from the martial arts world, the two things corroborated each other, so it wasn't difficult for my master to guess that the person you associated with was Elder Qu."

This reasoning was so logical that it sent a chill down Liu Zhengfeng's spine. He had thought he had been discreet enough, with Shen An, the mole, covering for him. But in Zuo Lengchan's eyes, it was already full of flaws.

Seeing his deathly pale face, Shen An advised, "Uncle Liu, things have come to this point. Holding another 'washing hands of one's hands' ceremony would be tantamount to walking into a trap! In my opinion, you should listen to me and pack your bags tonight, take your family out of the city, and flee far away! The world is vast, and there is nowhere you cannot find refuge. Even going overseas is not out of the question."

If you don't want to go to Southeast Asia, I can point you in a direction where you can be recorded in history books as the first person to explore Australia, which is much better than being a martial arts leader.

However, Liu Zhengfeng slowly shook his head after hearing this.

He had been like a wealthy landowner, but now his plump face suddenly showed a vigorous and heroic air, quite different from before.

"Nephew, I appreciate your kindness." He looked at Shen An, his eyes full of gratitude, but clearly he had no intention of complying. "But I, Liu Zhengfeng, cannot leave. If I were to leave without saying goodbye tonight and flee with my family, it would be a light punishment to be accused of colluding with the Demonic Sect. If the world misunderstands that my senior brother couldn't tolerate me and forced me to leave, it would ruin the century-old reputation of my Hengshan Sect!"

He paused, then turned his gaze to Shen An and said sincerely, "I'm even more sorry for you, my dear nephew! If I leave, wouldn't I be putting you in an unjust and immoral position? How will you ever be able to stand up for yourself in Mount Song again?"

Upon hearing this, Shen An felt a surge of emotion.

He never expected that, when Liu Zhengfeng was at such a critical juncture, his first consideration would still be the reputation of his sect and loyalty to his friends.

"But----"

"Nephew, there's no need to persuade me further." Liu Zhengfeng waved his hand, his expression calming down. "Tell me, what will you do now that Alliance Leader Zuo has sent someone?"

Seeing that he was determined, Shen An could only sigh and say, "After the three senior uncles arrive in Hengyang, they will not immediately launch an attack."

They will first use their position as the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance to coerce and entice you. They may promise you future leadership of Hengshan, or threaten you and your family's lives to force you to side with them, preparing for the future merger of the Five Mountains Alliance and the Hengshan faction's defection to Songshan.

"Hmph! I, Liu Zhengfeng, would rather die than betray Hengshan!" Liu Zhengfeng slammed his hand on the bamboo beside him and said resolutely.

"This junior naturally trusts Uncle Liu's integrity." Shen An nodded and continued, "Since they can't win them over, they will reveal their true colors and expose your relationship with Elder Qu at the Golden Basin Washing Hands Ceremony in front of all the heroes of the world."

Therefore, I have another plan.

"speak."

"You will insist that you will never admit to having any connection with Elder Qu." Shen An stared into his eyes and said in a deep voice, "As long as you don't admit it, they will have no solid evidence. At that time, even if you can't get away unscathed, you can at least save your life and the reputation of the Hengshan Sect."

This was the best way Shen An could think of to break the deadlock, given that Liu Zhengfeng was unwilling to leave.

Even if one doesn't admit it, no matter how powerful their master is, they cannot convict them.

However, Liu Zhengfeng shook his head again after hearing this.

"I, Liu Zhengfeng, will not betray Brother Qu either."

"Uncle-Master Liu!" Shen An exclaimed anxiously, "I didn't ask you to betray Elder Qu, I only asked you to temporarily deny it! This is just a temporary measure!"

"To deny it is to betray." Liu Zhengfeng looked at Qu Yang beside him, a slightly apologetic smile on his face, then turned to Shen An and said solemnly, "My friendship with Brother Qu is based on music, a deep and abiding bond, and we consider each other lifelong confidants. This is an open and honest matter! If, in front of all the heroes of the world, someone asks about it, how could I, Liu Zhengfeng, deny it out of guilt just to save my own life? Wouldn't that be to personally tarnish Brother Qu's reputation and to drag our deep and abiding friendship into the mire? I, Liu Zhengfeng, cannot do such a thing!"

Qu Yang, who had remained silent until now, clapped his hands and sighed, his eyes filled with relief as he looked at Liu Zhengfeng.

A scholar will die for one who understands him; what more could one ask for in life than to have a Liu Zhengfeng?