From the beginning of Swordsman, he created a legend in the martial arts world.

"Brother Meng, you absolutely mustn't!"

Linghu Chong, who was standing to the side, could no longer hold back. Despite his pain, he stepped forward and stood in front of Tian Boguang.

"Tian Boguang has already taken your unique poison; his life is entirely in your hands! How could you go back on your word and resort to such cruel methods—methods that are almost humiliating and cut off his escape route? How is this any different from the Demonic Sect?"

Linghu Chong's face was filled with disbelief and astonishment. Looking at Meng Fei's calm and composed face, he felt for the first time that this friend who fought alongside him and had superb swordsmanship was somewhat unfamiliar, even... somewhat frightening.

Looking at Linghu Chong, who was vehemently opposing him, and then glancing at Tian Boguang, whose face was ashen and who was trembling slightly, Meng Fei remained silent for a moment, a quick calculation seemingly flashing in the depths of his eyes.

He originally wanted to completely eliminate the possibility of Tian Boguang doing evil, but if he completely fell out with Linghu Chong because of this, or even left him with the impression of being "ruthless and inhumane" or even "heretical", it would be a loss that did not outweigh the gains.

Thinking of this, the cold, calculating look on Meng Fei's face quietly disappeared, and he returned to a calm and indifferent expression.

He sighed softly, seemingly helpless, yet with a hint of warning.

"Alright, since Brother Linghu insists so much... for your sake, let's drop this matter for now."

Upon hearing this, Tian Boguang's tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and he felt almost completely exhausted, but his fear of Meng Fei deepened even further.

Meng Fei's gaze fell on Tian Boguang again. "Tian Boguang, remember this: I spared your life today because Brother Linghu pleaded for you, and because you wrote down the secret manual and took the poison. But this is a one-time exception...!"

After a pause, Meng Fei said, word by word, with unwavering resolve, "The next time we meet will be your death day. At that time, even the King of Heaven himself won't be able to save your life."

Having said that, he turned away from Tian Boguang, who lay on the ground like a stray dog, and faced Linghu Chong, nodding slightly, his tone carrying an indescribable complexity: "Brother Linghu, I hope you are right, otherwise..."

Seeing the lingering confusion in Linghu Chong's eyes, Meng Fei continued, "Brother Linghu, the world is a long and unpredictable place. You are naturally generous and loyal, which is a good thing. But you should know that true friendship is the most important thing. Having one or two close friends in life is enough to comfort you."

As he spoke, his words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, becoming more meaningful: "Just like now, heroes have gathered in Hengyang City, and distinguished guests fill the seats. However, how many dare to speak out for justice or even step forward in this time of crisis?"

"Now that I've said this, Brother Linghu, you... think it over carefully. Farewell!"

Having said that, Meng Fei said no more and turned to leave.

Watching Meng Fei's receding figure, Linghu Chong sighed, unsure whether his choice was right or wrong.

As dusk settles over Hengyang, the city lights begin to twinkle, adding to the city's bustling atmosphere compared to daytime.

As soon as Meng Fei returned to the "Yuelai" Inn, he saw Lin Pingzhi walk quickly in from outside the door, his demeanor different from his somber and cautious demeanor when he left during the day.

At this moment, Lin Pingzhi's face was beaming, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up, and even his steps were much lighter.

"Brother Meng, you're back!"

Upon seeing Meng Fei, Lin Pingzhi immediately greeted him excitedly.

Seeing his expression, Meng Fei's heart stirred slightly, but he remained outwardly calm: "Pingzhi, what makes you so happy? Did Sect Leader Yue agree to take you as his disciple?"

"Uh...no, not at all."

Lin Pingzhi scratched his head slightly embarrassed, but was immediately replaced by excitement.

"I haven't met Sect Leader Yue yet, but Brother Meng, just now in the west of the city, I saw someone set up a martial arts arena, saying it was a friendly competition with prizes for the winner. I... I couldn't resist and went up to try my luck..."

Lin Pingzhi grew increasingly excited as he spoke, his voice rising involuntarily: "I never expected that those who went up to challenge me, looking so tall and imposing, all... couldn't even withstand three of my moves! Brother Meng, the three sword techniques you taught me are truly amazing! I..."

Lin Pingzhi was getting into the conversation when he suddenly sensed something was wrong. He looked up and saw that the gentleness on Meng Fei's face had vanished, replaced by a gloomy cloud.

In an instant, that calm gaze made Lin Pingzhi feel as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water. All his excitement and pride froze instantly, and the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them anymore.

"Brother Meng... Brother Meng,"

Lin Pingzhi's smile froze, and his voice involuntarily lowered, tinged with fear: "Did I...did I do something wrong?"

Meng Fei didn't speak, but just looked at him silently. That silence was more unsettling than any scolding.

After a long silence, Meng Fei finally spoke, his voice low and unreadable: "Did I teach you swordsmanship and martial arts so that you could show off in front of others, compete with them, and win prizes?"

His tone was not intense, even calm, but every word struck Lin Pingzhi's heart like a heavy hammer.

Lin Pingzhi's face turned pale instantly. The joy of winning on the stage and the pride of being praised all turned into endless regret and shame.

Only then did he suddenly realize that his original intention in learning martial arts was to avenge his family and to survive in desperate situations!

It wasn't to show off my strength or attract attention in this kind of setting! My actions just now could not only expose my identity and attract unnecessary attention or even danger, but also betray Brother Meng's painstaking efforts and profound meaning in teaching me swordsmanship!

"That's enough." Meng Fei ultimately did not continue to reprimand him, but his tone returned to its original calm.

"The Golden Basin Washing Hands Conference is about to be held. Hengyang City is now a mixed bag of people. From my observation, Yu Canghai and Mu Gaofeng have also appeared in the city. In the next few days, you must be extra careful and avoid attracting attention, lest you be targeted and cause trouble."

After saying that, he gestured to Lin Pingzhi with his eyes that he could leave.

Lin Pingzhi felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and knowing full well that he had made a mistake, he dared not say much. He simply bowed deeply and whispered, "Pingzhi will remember this. Thank you for your guidance, Brother Meng." Only then did he carefully leave the room.

After Lin Pingzhi left, the stern look on Meng Fei's face gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

He walked to the table and took out several pages of still-freshly inked paper from his pocket—the very pages of Tian Boguang's "Reverse Stepping on Three Layers of Clouds" light-body technique secrets and "Wild Wind and Swift Blade" sword techniques essentials.

Spreading the paper on the table, Meng Fei read it intently. At first, his expression was relatively calm, but as he delved deeper into the secrets of lightness skill, his eyes gradually revealed an undisguised admiration.

Meng Fei tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, secretly evaluating in his heart that Tian Boguang's "Three-Layer Cloud Stepping" lightness skill secret was indeed unique. In terms of practicality and technique, it was top-notch and would greatly benefit him in making up for his shortcomings in lightness skill.

Immersed in the two manuals, Meng Fei carefully studied them, combining his own knowledge with his own deductions and interpretations. It wasn't until an hour later, when he had memorized the essence of the two manuals, that he came back to his senses.

it's time.

Meng Fei took a deep breath, his consciousness sinking into the depths of his sea of ​​consciousness, and summoned the Martial Arts Roulette.

As a beam of light emanated from the roulette wheel and enveloped the manual, the wheel spun faster, and the various colored lights representing the rank continuously lit up, eventually oscillating between "green" and "blue".

Meng Fei held his breath and focused intently on the moment that would determine his rank.

Before long, the speed of the roulette wheel gradually slowed down, and the light that had been hovering finally stabilized.

Two beams of light appeared on the roulette wheel: one green and one blue.

【Inverted Triple Clouds: Blue, Second-rate】

【Swift Blade: Green, Third-rate】

[Number of chances to participate in the lottery: 3]