Martial Arts Master: The Lin Family Sword God, who swept through the Five Mountains and Four Sects

"Hmph!" Before Dingyi could speak, Yue Buqun coldly shouted, "Leaving your niece Yilin alone at the foot of the mountain is your fault! Even if there were reasons, you can't escape blame! What's more—how could you utter such absurd words as 'Seeing a nun means you'll always lose at gambling'?! A severe punishment isn't necessary, but a minor one won't escape you! Go back and immediately spend half a year facing the wall at the Cliff of Repentance! Do you understand?!"

Linghu Chong's face instantly turned ashen. He opened his mouth as if to argue, but seeing Yue Buqun's sharp gaze sweep over him, he could only lower his head and reply, "Yes...yes, Master."

"Hahaha!" Lin Tian, ​​who had been holding back for a long time, finally burst into laughter. "How about that? I told you! Brother Linghu, if your master heard these words, he'd be lucky to escape with his life!"

Linghu Chong glared at him fiercely, his eyes full of resentment. If this guy hadn't added insult to injury on the spot, insisting that he really said those words, he wouldn't have ended up in such a predicament.

Just as he was feeling annoyed, Yue Buqun suddenly turned around, solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Young Master Lin, if it weren't for your bravery in the Huiyan Tower incident, I fear I would have lost my life on the spot. I am deeply grateful."

Before he finished speaking, he bowed deeply, showing the utmost respect.

Regardless of his true intentions, Yue Buqun's demeanor and bearing alone make him worthy of the title "Gentleman Sword." His composure and uprightness are enough to make the martial arts world take notice.

He straightened up and slowly said, "I have long heard that the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is renowned throughout the world. In the past, Master Yuantu roamed the four seas with his seventy-two sword moves, and no one could rival him. Today, I have witnessed the young hero's skills, and indeed, his reputation is well-deserved."

These words sounded polite, but were actually a strong test. Lin Tian knew it perfectly well and smiled slightly: "Sect Leader Yue misunderstands. Don't laugh at me, but I practiced my family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique for a few years, but I always felt it was too flashy and weak to use, so I simply abandoned it. What I use now is my own creation, the 'Thirteen Deadly Swords.' After wandering the martial world for more than a year, I have killed countless bandits and villains with this sword, and I feel that the sharpness of this sword is no less than any first-rate martial arts technique."

He spoke fluently and confidently, without the slightest fear, and with an air of authority. He even managed to portray a sword technique that was clearly copied as a peerless divine skill that could establish a new school.

This move naturally had a deeper meaning—rather than worrying about Yue Buqun coveting the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual, it was better to nip his ambitions in the bud. If the heart of a thief is not stirred, why bother guarding against him?

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng clapped his hands in admiration: "Young Master Lin, at such a young age, you have actually created such a fierce sword technique. You are truly a genius that comes along only once in a century! I admire you!"

Yue Buqun nodded in approval: "I also deeply admire him. Given time, the righteous path may indeed produce another top master who can rival Dongfang Bubai."

Lin Tian smiled but remained silent. He didn't know if his words would completely dispel Yue Buqun's thoughts, but he wasn't worried. His swordsmanship was never just about words.

Besides, he would be going to Mount Hua in person soon. He might as well lay it all out then—if Yue Buqun really wanted to practice, he wouldn't mind handing over the sword manual.

With the storm over, Lin Tian did not linger any longer.

Looking at Linghu Chong beside him, he smiled slightly and said, "Linghu Second, I have two jars of Hengshan Centennial Pure Wine that Hero Liu sent yesterday. Would you like to try some?"

"Great!" Upon hearing that there was wine, Linghu Chong's eyes lit up immediately, and he blurted out the answer.

The moment he finished speaking, his heart skipped a beat—oh no! His master was still standing right next to him! He quickly shrank back, glancing at Yue Buqun with a pained expression.

"Since it is Young Master Lin who has invited you, Chong'er, you may go." Yue Buqun sighed softly, his tone helpless, but he did not stop him.

"Thank you, Master!" Linghu Chong was overjoyed. He immediately turned around, hooked his arm around Lin Tian's shoulder, and said, "Come on, Brother Lin, the Hengshan Bai Gan is a legend in the martial arts world. Today, I, Linghu the Second, can finally have some!" Without waiting for a reply, he pulled Lin Tian and hurried towards the back hall.

……

August 15th, Hengshan Sect.

As noon approached, guests arrived in droves, one after another.

Zhang Jin'ao, the vice leader of the Beggars' Sect, Master Xia of the Six Harmonies Sect in Zhengzhou with his three sons-in-law, Tie Laolao of the Goddess Peak in the Three Gorges of Sichuan and Hubei, Pan Hou, the leader of the East China Sea Sand Gang, and the two friends from Qujiang, Bai Ke with his divine knife and Lu Xisi with his divine brush, arrived one after another. Some exchanged pleasantries with old acquaintances, while others introduced themselves to each other. The hall was bustling with noise and excitement.

Daoist Tianmen, Daoist Tiansong, and Abbess Dingyi sat calmly on the high platform, seemingly oblivious to the passing heroes. In their eyes, reputable sects possessed their own dignity; why would they easily stoop to greet guests?

Only Yue Buqun remained calm and composed, chatting and laughing with heroes from all walks of life, showing no airs of a sect leader, as if he were just a gentle and refined old friend from the martial arts world.

In the main hall, besides Liu Zhengfeng, there were five other high seats.

Tianmen, Tiansong, Dingyi, and Yue Buqun are all renowned figures in the martial arts world, so it's only natural that they were seated before Yue Buqun, right next to Liu Zhengfeng. This drew frequent glances and discussions from the crowd.

"Sect Leader Yue," Zhang Jin'ao frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, "who exactly is that young man sitting next to Hero Liu? How could he be ranked as an honored guest at such a grand event?"

You must understand, a hundred years ago the Beggars' Sect was the largest sect in the world. Even though it's weakened now, as the vice leader, he should still be treated with respect. But this young man before him, so young, how dare he overshadow the elders of all the sects?

Yue Buqun smiled, his tone meaningful: "You may not know Chief Zhang's name, but you must have heard of his reputation."

"Oh?" Zhang Jin'ao was taken aback, then his gaze swept over the long sword at the boy's waist—on the hilt, thirteen bright pearls shone brightly, like a galaxy falling down.

His pupils constricted sharply: "Could it be... that he is Lin Tian, ​​the 'Deadly Sword' who has recently swept through the martial world?!"

The previous dissatisfaction vanished instantly. In the martial world, only strength matters, not age. So-called seniority and respect are merely because the older generation is generally stronger and has wider connections. But now, a young man who could kill Tian Boguang with a single sword strike is enough to silence all the veteran masters.

"It is indeed Young Hero Lin." Yue Buqun nodded, his voice filled with emotion, "Chief Zhang has just arrived and may not know this—the day before yesterday at Huiyan Tower in Hengyang, Tian Boguang was found dead on the spot, killed with a single sword strike. This was the man himself. His swordsmanship is something even I... cannot match."

Whether these words were sincere or a test was unclear, Yue Buqun knew very well that Lin Tian was indeed stronger than him.

Moreover, he was far stronger than anyone else. He himself wasn't sure if he could defeat Tian Boguang within a hundred moves.

……

Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony was a grand affair, with over two hundred tables set up and guests filling the venue.

Suddenly, two gunshots rang out, followed by the sound of drums and music that shook the rooftops.

A chill ran through everyone—the ceremony was about to begin.

The hall fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to Liu Zhengfeng, who was seated at the head of the table.

"I am deeply grateful to all my seniors and fellow practitioners for coming from afar. Words cannot express my gratitude." He stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said in a steady voice, "As you all have probably heard, I have been granted a minor official post by the imperial court. As the saying goes, 'He who eats the emperor's food must be loyal to the emperor.'"

This martial world values ​​loyalty and brotherhood, but the imperial court operates on laws and regulations. If these two conflict, brothers caught in the middle will find themselves in a difficult position. Therefore, from this day forward, I, Liu, will retire from the martial world. Of course, if any of you happen to pass through Hengyang City, you will still be my honored guests. However, I will no longer interfere in the grudges and conflicts of the martial world.

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Zhengfeng clasped his hands in a fist salute and slowly swept his gaze across the entire room.