The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

“Wow——!!!”

Lin Mu's words were like pouring a bucket of cold water into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire Liu residence.

The guests who had been observing could no longer remain silent; the crowd erupted in a cacophony of voices and exclamations.

"Treason? That's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!"

A guest dressed as a wealthy businessman clutched his chest and gasped in shock, his face as white as a sheet, clearly terrified by the word "treason."

He came to offer his congratulations in order to curry favor with Liu Zhengfeng through his official connections, but he never expected to stumble upon such a momentous event.

"The Songshan Sect has really stirred up a hornet's nest this time!"

The leader of a small sect from Jiangnan gasped and instinctively shrank back into the crowd.

"Hmph! You deserve it!"

A low, cold snort came from the back of the crowd. It was a master from a minor sect that had been suppressed by the Songshan Sect. He gloated and whispered, "Zuo Lengchan has been ambitious all these years. Relying on his large number of people, he has swallowed up small sects everywhere. He has acted tyrannically to no end. He should have met his end long ago!"

"The Songshan Sect is indeed becoming increasingly unscrupulous in its actions."

Another renowned martial arts master, with white hair and beard, stroked his beard, sighed, and shook his head, his tone full of dissatisfaction: "Back then, the Five Mountains Sword Sects swore a blood oath, promising to help each other, but now they've become the only ones who dominate, bullying their fellow disciples. Arrogance will eventually be punished by Heaven!"

Some people's eyes flickered as they whispered among themselves: "No wonder Zuo Lengchan has been making contacts everywhere in recent years, engaging in martial arts competitions and forming alliances, annexing many small and medium-sized sects. His frequent actions suggest he might truly harbor rebellious intentions!"

This idea, like a venomous snake, crept into the minds of many.

Their gazes toward Fei Bin and Ding Mian changed instantly, revealing fear, wariness, and a hint of barely concealed alienation.

Nobody wants to be associated with "traitors".

The crowd instinctively took a half step back, creating a noticeable distance between themselves and Fei Bin and Ding Mian, as if they were carrying a plague.

Yue Buqun stood at the front of the crowd, stroking his long beard, his face still bearing the worried and humble demeanor of a gentleman, though a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

[What a shrewd young man! What a brilliant move to use someone else to do the dirty work! With just a few words, he's pushed the Songshan Sect to the opposite side of the imperial court. This accusation of "treason" is now firmly pinned on Zuo Lengchan; even if he had a thousand mouths, he couldn't defend himself!]

If we can truly use the imperial court to suppress Mount Song, the pressure on my Mount Hua Sect will be greatly reduced, and we might even be able to profit from the situation among the Five Mountains Sword Sects and regain our prestige...

His gaze toward Lin Mu grew increasingly complex, a mixture of admiration for the young man's courage and eloquence, and deep apprehension.

To possess such martial arts skills and mental fortitude at such a young age, he is destined for greatness and will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent.

The members of other sects each had their own agendas.

Only a few, with minds as deep as Yue Buqun's, could see through Lin Mu's scheme of using one tiger to devour another.

Many others were caught in a dilemma: they feared being implicated in the monstrous disaster of "treason" and becoming targets of the court's future purge of the martial arts world; yet they were unwilling to be used as pawns and rashly make enemies of the powerful Songshan Sect, thus inviting disaster upon themselves.

For a moment, everyone's eyes flickered, some whispered among themselves, others watched coldly, and no one was willing to take the lead.

Lin Mu took in everyone's reactions.

He spoke again in a loud voice, his voice carrying a powerful inner force, like a resounding bell that drowned out all the noise: "Gentlemen! Those present are all renowned figures in the martial arts world, elders of the Jianghu. You should know that the law of the land is merciless, and that when the emperor is angry, millions will die and blood will flow for thousands of miles!"

Lin Mu's gaze slowly swept over the leaders and experts of various sects, his tone solemn: "The Songshan Sect's act of treason today is irrefutable, and everyone has witnessed it! The corpses on the ground are proof enough!"

"Lord Liu is a third-rank military officer appointed by the imperial court. He receives the emperor's salary and is loyal to the emperor. His family members are also designated as official family members by the imperial court!"

"Fei Bin, Ding Mian, and others broke into an official's residence, slaughtered the servants, and even attempted to poison the officials' families. They committed the violence first and then intended to silence witnesses. How are their actions any different from those of traitors?!"

The voice suddenly rose in pitch, carrying a strong warning that struck everyone like a heavy hammer: "If you stand idly by and watch as the families of high-ranking officials are murdered without offering any assistance, you may very well be regarded as accomplices by the court!"

"At that time, the imperial court will be furious, the army will besiege and suppress, and the Imperial Guards will be dispatched everywhere. The sects and empires you have painstakingly built, and the wealth and glory you have enjoyed for many years, will probably be reduced to ashes in an instant!"

"At that time, not only will the sect's legacy be in jeopardy, but your very lives will be at risk! Your good days will truly be over!"

These words were like ice water poured over their heads, sending a chill down the spines of many who harbored illusions.

The sight of the imperial army's iron hooves crushing the mountain gate, and the chilling glint of the Embroidered Spring Blade of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, seemed to be right before my eyes!

In my opinion!

Lin Mu suddenly raised the Yitian Sword in his hand. The sword's blade gleamed coldly, making his eyes even more determined. The sword's edge was pointed at Fei Bin and Ding Mian.

"Why don't we all work together to take down Fei Bin, Ding Mian, and these traitors from the Songshan faction!"

"Bring them to justice and hand them over to the authorities for punishment!"

"Only in this way can we prove our innocence to the imperial court, clear ourselves of any involvement, and ensure the safety of ourselves and our sect!"

"well said!"

Master Tianmen of the Taishan Sect, with his hair and beard bristling and his eyes wide with anger, suddenly pushed his way out of the crowd.

He already deeply resented Zuo Lengchan's domineering behavior in recent years, and now Lin Mu's words ignited the anger in his chest, making him unable to restrain himself any longer.

"The Songshan Sect acts so strangely and violently, treating human life like dirt. They even dared to sneak into the backyard and harm Brother Liu's entire family. They are utterly heartless and worse than pigs and dogs!"

Master Tianmen roared, flicking his whisk so that the dust particles exploded like steel needles: "My Mount Tai Sect will be the first to object!"

"Disciples, obey the order!"

He turned to his disciples behind him, his voice booming like thunder: "Follow me to capture these traitors who are indiscriminately killing innocent people, and hand them over to the authorities for punishment!"

"Yes!"

A dozen or so Taishan disciples responded in unison, immediately drawing their swords. Their swords flashed, and they took two steps forward aggressively, forming a standoff with Fei Bin and Ding Mian.

"Amitabha."

Master Dingyi of the Hengshan School chanted a Buddhist prayer, her face solemn as iron.

Although she disliked Lin Mu's inflammatory words, if the young man hadn't intervened in time, Liu Zhengfeng's wife and children would probably have already perished under his blade.

I witnessed firsthand the Songshan Sect masters sneaking into the backyard to harm the women and children. This is a violation of chivalry and a disgrace to the reputation of a righteous sect.

"To harm another man's wife and children is ultimately a despicable act, contrary to the laws of nature, and a disgrace to our righteous sects."

Master Dingyi frowned, her gaze sweeping over the corpse on the ground, her tone heavy: "The Songshan Sect has indeed gone too far this time."

"Hengshan disciples, heed my command! Protect the Liu family and their relatives! Do not let the villains harm them in the slightest!"

"Yes, Master!"

The Hengshan disciples responded in unison, holding their long swords and subtly shifting their positions to protect Liu Zhengfeng and his family behind them, their stance clearly defined.

"Yes! These scumbags who indiscriminately kill innocent people deserve to be taught a lesson!"

Linghu Chong, already hot-blooded, couldn't contain himself any longer after seeing that both Mount Tai and Mount Heng had expressed their support. He gripped his sword hilt, ready to draw it: "Master, let's..."

"Chong'er! Stop being so insolent!"

Yue Buqun shouted to stop him, his face as dark as water.

While he secretly hoped that the Songshan Sect would suffer misfortune, the Huashan Sect was severely weakened and outnumbered after the sword and qi conflict. It was absolutely unacceptable for the Huashan Sect to be the first to stand out and become the target of the Songshan Sect's wrath.

What he needs is to reap the benefits without fighting, not to charge into battle.

"This matter has far-reaching implications, concerning the relationship between the imperial court and the martial arts world. We must consider it carefully and not act rashly!"

Yue Buqun pressed down on Linghu Chong's shoulder, his fingertips exerting a subtle pressure, his sharp eyes sweeping over the disciples, signaling them to calm down.

The safest option right now is to wait and see how things develop.

Fei Bin and Ding Mian looked at the restless crowd around them and listened to the sharp and incisive arguments. Their faces were already ashen, their lips had lost all color, and their hands holding swords trembled uncontrollably.

They never expected that this young man in blue robes who suddenly appeared would not only be highly skilled in martial arts, but also have such a sharp and vicious tongue!

In just a few words, they put the Songshan Sect on the hot seat of "treason," inciting public outrage and making them the target of everyone's anger, leaving them besieged on all sides!

Ding Mian caught a glimpse of the overt or covert hostility emanating from the various masters around him out of the corner of his eye, and a wave of despair washed over him.

If we're not careful today, let alone dealing with Liu Zhengfeng and making an example of him, I'm afraid none of them will leave the Liu residence alive!

Chapter 11: Slaying the Three Protectors with a Sword

Ding Mian was almost suffocated by Lin Mu's barbed words. He staggered back half a step, swallowed hard, and his mind raced as he tried to make a last-ditch effort.

His voice was hoarse, filled with a hysterical resolve, as he shouted, "Don't listen to this brat's lies and mislead the public!"

"He must be a spy sent by the Demonic Sect, deliberately sowing discord and destroying the camaraderie among our Five Mountains Sword Sects, so that the Demonic Sect can reap the benefits!"

"Fellow practitioners, this is a vicious scheme by the Demonic Sect. Do not fall for it!"

"Hmph! Whether you're spies or not, we'll arrest you and hand you over to the authorities for severe interrogation. The truth will then come out!"

Lin Mu sneered and suddenly shook the Heaven-Slaying Sword in his hand.

"Buzz—!!!"

The sword rang out clear and melodious like a dragon's roar, and as the cold light flowed across its blade, an invincible and sharp sword aura suddenly spread out.

Several guests who were nearby felt a stinging pain in their cheeks, as if countless fine needles were scraping their skin, and subconsciously took a half step back.

"Everyone!"

Lin Mu's voice, imbued with internal force, struck the blue brick wall, bouncing back and creating echoes, carrying an undeniable pressure: "It is aiding and abetting evil, a crime punishable by treason, and will end up with the extermination of your entire clan!"

"Or should we set things right, uphold justice, hand these traitors over to the imperial court, prove our innocence, and preserve our lives, our families, and our sect's legacy?!"

His gaze swept over the hesitant sect leaders with icy coldness, and his tone suddenly turned stern: "It all depends on your single thought!"

"If anyone stands idly by again, don't blame me for not warning them when the court investigates later."

"At that time, you will have to pray for yourselves and escape the consequences of being implicated!"

Before he finished speaking, Lin Mu's figure had already transformed into a streak of azure lightning that tore through the air, instantly covering several meters in distance, his target pointing directly at the pale-faced Fei Bin.

The Heaven-Slaying Sword in his hand transformed into a streak of cold light, carrying a biting wind, and pierced straight at his face.

Before the sword even arrived, the chilling sword aura caused Fei Bin's white hairs to stand on end, his cheek muscles to twitch uncontrollably, and his skin to feel an unbearable pain as if it were being pricked by needles.

"How dare you, you brat!!"

Fei Bin was terrified and roared in a fit of rage.

At the critical moment of life and death, the hairs on his body stood on end, and he unleashed all his potential, hastily raising his fine steel longsword to parry.

He had witnessed firsthand how Lu Bai's longsword was severed, and knew the terrifying sharpness of the opponent's divine sword. He dared not confront it head-on. His wrist spun rapidly, and the longsword drew a smooth and dense circle in front of him. This was the "Hidden Needle in Cotton" technique that the Songshan Sect was proud of, which was used to deflect the force of the sword.

But how could Lin Mu's sword moves be so easily neutralized?

Just as the two swords were about to clash, he gave an extremely subtle flick of his wrist, and the blade of the Yitian Sword suddenly deflected by half an inch as if it had a life of its own. The straight, piercing cold light instantly transformed into a diagonal, cold crescent-shaped arc of light, striking the middle of Fei Bin's longsword's spine with unparalleled precision.

"clang--!!!"

The sound of metal clashing was deafening, and sparks flew like fireworks!

To Fei Bin's utter astonishment, his longsword, forged from refined iron, was as fragile as rotten wood and withered branches before the Heaven-Slaying Sword, and was easily cleaved in two without any resistance.

The broken sword spun into the air, whistling as it pierced the air, and then crashed into a pomegranate tree in the distance, causing it to tremble violently.

"what?!"

Fei Bin's pupils shrank to pinpoints, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

He finally realized that the sharpness of this divine sword far exceeded his imagination!

In that split second, when Fei Bin was deeply shaken,

"Don't hurt my junior brother!"

Ding Mian's fierce roar exploded in my ears.

Seeing that Fei Bin was in imminent danger, he could no longer hold back and pounced from the side like an arrow.

He knew that Lin Mu's martial arts were unfathomable and that he would use his most powerful technique as soon as he made a move. His right palm instantly turned red like a branding iron, and the air was slightly distorted by the heat. With a scorching heat wave and a fierce force that could split rocks, he slammed his palm hard against Lin Mu's left temple.

It was his "Great Songyang Hand" that made him famous!

"Be careful, my benefactor!!"

Liu Zhengfeng was tightly entangled by two elite disciples from Mount Song, and in his haste, he could not break free. He could only scream in alarm, his eyes filled with anxiety.

Just as Ding Mian's scorching palm wind was about to touch his body, Lin Mu's figure suddenly shifted half a foot to the side, gliding past the palm wind like a willow catkin, his movement so fast that only a green shadow remained.

Ding Mian's palm struck empty air, kicking up a cloud of dust. Just as he was terrified, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

Before he knew it, Lin Mu had appeared behind him like a ghost, the Heaven-Slaying Sword drawing a deadly arc from bottom to top, as unpredictable as a gazelle's horns, at an angle so tricky that there was no way to avoid it.

“Pfft——!!!”

The dull thud of flesh and bone being easily torn apart was extremely grating. Ding Mian's body was cleaved diagonally in two from his right rib to his left shoulder blade.

Scalding blood mixed with internal organs gushed out like a fountain, staining the ground half a zhang behind him red, and even the pomegranate branches in the courtyard were splattered with scarlet spots.