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

Meng Fei's gaze swept over the ingeniously deciphered diagrams, and he felt a chill run down his spine.

The ten elders of the Demonic Sect were indeed martial arts prodigies, able to deduce martial arts techniques that could counter their opponents even in dire straits.

If these diagrams were to circulate, it would be nothing short of a catastrophe for the Five Mountains Sword Sects. However, for those who study swordsmanship, especially swordsmen like him and Linghu Chong, it would undoubtedly be a huge treasure trove. From it, one could not only glimpse the exquisite techniques of the Five Mountains Sword Sects, but also gain great inspiration from those incredible solutions, and even verify one's own swordsmanship.

The two lingered in the secret cave for a long time, memorizing the diagrams and discussing and verifying them, until the torches were about to go out, before reluctantly leaving.

However, Linghu Chong's expression was not as excited as it had been at the beginning; instead, a faint worry appeared on his face.

He stood on the edge of the cliff, glancing several times at the silent Meng Fei beside him. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but it turned into a barely perceptible sigh.

Noticing Linghu Chong's unusual behavior, Meng Fei pondered for a moment and roughly guessed the struggle in his heart.

"Brother Linghu, are you worried that... I might reveal the discovery of the secret cave today, and the fact that the Five Mountains Sword Technique is inscribed inside?"

"this……"

Upon hearing this, Linghu Chong's body trembled slightly. He turned to look at Meng Fei, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes at having his secret exposed.

"Brother Meng, please don't misunderstand! I have no intention of doubting your character, but... this matter is of great importance. The inscription inside the cave not only involves the secrets of my Huashan sword technique, but also the key to unlocking the martial arts of the other four sects of the Five Mountains."

"If this matter gets out and falls into the hands of those with ulterior motives, especially demonic cult members or those who harbor ill intentions towards our Five Mountains Sword Sect, the consequences will be unimaginable! The Five Mountains Sword Sect will likely... alas!"

Then, his tone changed, and he looked at Meng Fei with sincere eyes.

"However, although I have not known Brother Meng for long, I trust Brother Meng's character and conduct. I believe that Brother Meng would never do such a thing to harm our fellow martial artists."

"hehe!"

Meng Fei chuckled softly, a laugh that seemed to carry a hint of understanding, yet also a touch of something elusive.

He turned his head, looked calmly at Linghu Chong, and said slowly, "Brother Linghu, I appreciate your trust. I will keep this matter a secret and pretend I never saw it."

At the same time, the tone shifted, carrying a hint of probing: "However... Brother Linghu, you're only worried about me leaking the secret, but it seems you haven't considered whether you should inform Sect Leader Lingyue about this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Linghu Chong's expression froze instantly, his eyes filled with astonishment, as if he had never considered this possibility before.

Meng Fei continued, his voice calm yet each word clear: "Your sect leader, Master Yue, has always been determined to restore the prestige of Mount Hua, and has devoted himself to this cause for many years."

"The diagrams in this secret cave certainly contain the methods to break the martial arts of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, which is called 'breaking'. But if we go against the grain and carefully study the key points of the martial arts ideas within, we may be able to comprehend more subtle methods to fill the gaps, or even innovate the methods of 'establishing'."

"If Sect Leader Yue can obtain these diagrams and study them diligently, he can not only greatly enhance his own strength and that of the Huashan Sect, but also use this as an opportunity to 'share' the information about the loopholes in the sword techniques of the other four sects with them in an appropriate way."

"This move will not only show goodwill to our allies and consolidate the Five Mountains Alliance, but also greatly help each sect to make up for the weaknesses in their martial arts. At that time, the reputation of the Yue Sect Leader for being public-spirited and having a broad vision will surely be even greater, and the status and prestige of the Huashan Sect among the Five Mountains Sword Sects will also rise accordingly."

Looking at Linghu Chong's ever-changing expression, Meng Fei added meaningfully, "Moreover, if you achieve such a great feat, Brother Linghu, the punishment you received for the 'Smiling Proud Wanderer' musical score can probably be forgiven. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

"I...I..."

Linghu Chong was completely confused by Meng Fei's detailed and clear explanation of the pros and cons.

He instinctively wanted to refute, to say that this matter might involve his grandmaster Feng Qingyang, and he was even more worried about how his master would react if he knew about the diagrams in the cave that were designed to counter the sword techniques of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, especially the Huashan Sect.

Will this make them even more suspicious of the Demonic Sect, and even cause them to blame themselves for their connection to the musical scores? Will they use these scores to achieve certain goals...?

But Meng Fei's words did point out a possibility he hadn't thought about deeply... a possibility that could make his master overjoyed, benefit the Huashan Sect greatly, and also help him get out of his current predicament.

Two conflicting thoughts clashed fiercely within him, causing his expression to shift between light and dark.

Finally, he let out a heavy breath, his face showing obvious struggle and exhaustion, and said in a dry voice, "I...I'll think about it some more!"

Having said that, as if to escape this troubling choice, or as if to avoid Meng Fei's gaze that seemed to see through people's hearts, she turned and walked quickly toward the cave.

Meng Fei stood still, without saying anything to stop him or try to persuade him to stay. He had only mentioned the matter to satisfy his curiosity.

As for Linghu Chong's final decision, it was ultimately an internal matter of the Huashan Sect and had no direct relation to him.

He was more concerned about when he could completely eliminate the remaining poison, and how to better integrate the inspiration he gained from the Secret Cave Diagram into his Thirteen Deadly Swords.

From then on, the two seemed to have forgotten about the matter, and except for occasionally pausing when passing through the secret cave, they never mentioned it again.

Time seemed to have returned to its original course, and the two were once again immersed in the practice and sparring of swordsmanship.

During this time, Yue Lingshan continued to deliver meals on time every day, and she always seemed to appear "just in time" when Meng Fei was practicing swordsmanship or meditating alone. After putting down the food box, she was not in a hurry to leave, but her gaze would always inadvertently drift in Meng Fei's direction.

Meng Fei wasn't a blockhead; he could vaguely sense that gaze, which was sometimes curious, sometimes inquisitive, and sometimes carrying a slightly complex emotion.

But at this moment, he was completely absorbed in sparring with Linghu Chong, studying the secret cave map, and healing the remaining poison in his body. He had no mind or time to pay attention to the girl's quietly budding feelings.

Seeing Meng Fei's coldness, Yue Lingshan couldn't help but feel disappointed and annoyed. However, when she saw his calm and upright figure when he was focused on his sword, and the sharp sword light he wielded in the sunset or morning light, that disappointment was quickly replaced by a more complex emotion.

Just as Meng Fei and Linghu Chong were engrossed in dissecting the sword moves and discussing their subtle variations,

"Senior Brother—!!!"

A scream filled with panic and anxiety suddenly came from the direction of the mountain path leading to the Cliff of Contemplation.

The two men stopped almost simultaneously, their sword attacks abruptly halted. They both saw surprise and doubt in each other's eyes. That voice... was Lu Dayou's?

Without a second thought, the two quickly sheathed their swords and turned their gazes toward the source of the sound.

A figure stumbled and ran down the mountain path; it was Lu Dayou.

However, at this moment, he was nowhere to be seen in his usual cleverness. His clothes were torn by thorns, and his expression was unusually anxious.

"Senior Brother! Something terrible has happened! Master...!"