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

All eyes instantly turned to the platform that had been prepared in advance.

There, an incense table covered with red silk had already been set up. In the center of the table, a golden basin filled with clear water reflected a dazzling light in the sunlight.

Liu Zhengfeng straightened his clothes, and the smile on his face changed to a solemn and dignified expression. Under the gaze of countless eyes, he slowly walked towards the golden basin that would determine his future fate.

However, just as he was about to step onto the stairs—

"Wait a minute!"

A thunderous roar suddenly erupted from outside the gate of the Liu residence.

Immediately following, rapid and heavy footsteps approached like drumbeats.

A group of dozens of men dressed in yellow shirts, with stern expressions, led by a tall, middle-aged man with sharp, hawk-like eyes, ignored all obstacles and stormed in aggressively.

The newcomer's robe was embroidered with the pattern of the Five Sacred Mountains and their affiliated sects, and the token hanging from the waist of the middle-aged man in the lead further revealed his identity—Fei Bin, the "Great Songyang Hand" of the Songshan Sect.

Lin Pingzhi gasped and looked sharply at Meng Fei, only to see that Meng Fei's once calm eyes were now filled with understanding and coldness.

"Look, here it comes...!"

Meng Fei's voice was barely audible, yet it clearly reached Lin Pingzhi's ears.

"Brother Meng, this... it's bad enough that the Songshan Sect arrived late, but now they've openly interrupted Hero Liu's retirement ceremony and even... even kidnapped his family! What is the reason for this?"

Lin Pingzhi watched as Liu Zhengfeng and Fei Bin of the Songshan Sect confronted each other in the hall, their swords drawn. As Fei Bin listed Liu Zhengfeng's crimes of "colluding with the demonic sect," he felt a mixture of shock, confusion, and an indescribable sense of frustration.

Meng Fei's cold gaze swept over the seemingly righteous but actually aggressive members of the Songshan Sect in the hall. His voice was calm and indifferent, yet it went straight to the heart of the matter.

"It's nothing more than 'Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, but his real intention is to kill Liu Bang.' Zuo Lengchan is determined to merge the Five Mountains Sword Sects. Liu Zhengfeng is retiring from the martial arts world at this moment, and they have just happened to seize on his association with Qu Yang, an elder of the Demonic Sect. This is simply a golden opportunity."

"By launching this attack today, we aim to eliminate dissidents and intimidate the Hengshan Sect. Secondly, we want to demonstrate the power and 'enforcement' authority of the Songshan Sect to the other three sects, especially to all the martial arts heroes present here. In this way, who will dare to disobey when the merger of sects is implemented in the future?"

Although Meng Fei had anticipated the unexpected turn of events at the retirement ceremony, he still couldn't help but feel contempt upon witnessing the other party using Liu Zhengfeng's wife's life as leverage to carry out such a despicable act of coercion.

"But..." Lin Pingzhi looked at the Liu family women who were trembling with swords at their feet, especially the woman who was about the same age as his mother and had tears streaming down her face, and the little girl who was no more than a child. A strong sense of empathy and indignation suddenly surged into his heart.

He seemed to see the tragic scene when the Fuwei Escort Agency was destroyed. Back then, in the vast city of Fuzhou, was there anyone who dared to speak a word of justice for the Lin family? Was there anyone who stepped forward to help? No one. There was only indifference, avoidance, and even kicking someone when they were down!

Looking around, the Liu residence was filled with guests, including elders from prestigious sects and renowned heroes of the martial arts world. Yet, when the Songshan Sect used such cruel methods to coerce Liu Zhengfeng, not a single person stood up to speak out for justice!

This cold reality caused Lin Pingzhi's knuckles to turn white as he gripped the sword, and his body to tremble slightly.

At that moment, the situation inside the hall took a sharp turn for the worse!

Faced with the coercion of the Songshan Sect, Liu Zhengfeng frankly admitted that he and Qu Yang, an elder of the Demonic Sect, had become close friends through music!

These words caused an uproar throughout the room!

Those martial arts heroes who had initially felt some sympathy for Liu Zhengfeng and criticized the methods of the Songshan Sect instantly changed their expressions.

The evil cult and the righteous path are sworn enemies. Countless friends and relatives have died at the hands of the evil cult. Once the label of "colluding with the evil cult" is confirmed, it is an unforgivable crime!

Many people's gazes toward Liu Zhengfeng immediately shifted from sympathy to hatred and vigilance. Their previous dissatisfaction with the Songshan Sect for holding women and children hostage was largely dissipated by this "righteous" pretext.

"Pingzhi," Meng Fei, having observed Lin Pingzhi's every reaction, suddenly asked in a low voice, "What are your thoughts on the current situation?"

"I?"

Lin Pingzhi snapped out of his grief and indignation, looking at Meng Fei with surprise. After a moment's thought, he gritted his teeth and said, "It is indeed inappropriate for Hero Liu to associate with the elders of the Demonic Sect, but since he has decided to retire from the martial world, he clearly wants to sever all ties with the Jianghu and no longer be involved in the conflict between good and evil. Besides, one shouldn't let one's wife and children suffer. For the Songshan Sect to use this to coerce them is... is going too far!"

"Brother Meng, what I said... is it right?" He looked at Meng Fei, his eyes filled with a desire for confirmation and a hint of confusion.

Upon hearing this, Meng Fei shook his head slightly, then nodded, a complex smile on his face: "You're half right. Liu Zhengfeng's friendship with Qu Yang is a rare find in private, but in public, it violates the great taboo of the martial arts world that good and evil cannot coexist."

"There are some things that can be done, but must never be said. Once spoken, one will place oneself on the opposite side of the entire righteous martial arts world, leaving no room for maneuver. This is the power of 'reputation' and 'righteousness'."

He then changed the subject, his gaze sharpening, and his voice lowering, yet each word struck Lin Pingzhi's heart like a hammer blow.

"Look at Liu Zhengfeng today, facing such a calamity. Among all the guests here, how many dare to speak up for him? Why not? It's simply because they fear the power of the Songshan Sect, and even more so, they fear being branded with the stigma of 'colluding with the demonic sect'!"

"Pingzhi, think about it. When your Lin family was wiped out, did anyone dare to speak up for your Lin family or take action for you? No one! That's how the martial world is—it's all about seeking profit and avoiding harm. How can you expect others to risk their lives to fight against a powerful enemy for you?"

Looking at Lin Pingzhi's suddenly pale face, Meng Fei continued in a deep voice, "Even if you are lucky enough to join the Huashan Sect in the future, would Sect Leader Yue really wage a full-scale war against the Qingcheng Sect for your sake alone? At that time, you will most likely have to avenge your blood feud on your own, and what are your chances of winning against a master like Yu Canghai?"

Lin Pingzhi was speechless when asked the question, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

"However, today's events may not be entirely without their lessons."

Meng Fei's gaze swept over Liu Zhengfeng, who stood alone and helpless in the hall, yet still held his head high, and then over the silent onlookers.

"The so-called 'fame and fortune' are important in the martial arts world, but 'chivalry' is also respected. If someone dares to speak out for 'not letting the harm befall his wife and children' when Liu Zhengfeng is in danger, even if they cannot change the outcome, their chivalrous heart and fearless courage will surely leave a deep impression on some people."

Then, Meng Fei turned to Lin Pingzhi and said, "This is the beginning of 'reputation.' In the future, if you, Lin Pingzhi, can earn a reputation for chivalry with your sword, when you are strong enough to take revenge on Yu Canghai, you will not be alone."