Today marked the day when Mount Heng dispatched Liu Zhengfeng and heroes to partake in the "Golden Basin Washing Hands" ceremony. Mount Heng brimmed with a festive atmosphere as hundreds of travelers streamed through. The Five Top Sword Factions shared in this fervor. Jiang Hu was in a buoyant mood, drawing well-known figures, some even spanning three generations.
Some attendees were familiar with each other, while others merely admired from afar, never having met before. As they congregated in the hall, the Five Top Sword Factions' sect masters glanced at the crowded gathering. Observing the commotion among some attendees, they couldn't help but frown, sensing that Liu Zhengfeng might have underestimated their importance, thus dismissing the significance of the Five Top Sword Factions.
By two o'clock, Liu Zhengfeng returned to the inner hall, and his disciples attended to the guests. As he settled down, a flash of black light caught his attention. Gazing up, he noticed a black long iron pin stuck into the wood, positioned at his right hand.
Upon closer inspection, Liu Zhengfeng recognized this as the famed hindering weapon of his acquaintance, Qu Yang—the 'black blood needle'. This small needle, when released en masse, could prove fatal, a notorious hidden weapon of the Sun Moon Divine Cult.
However, this single flying needle was different. It had been hand-thrown and nailed into the solid wood. Despite its minuscule size—a three-inch cow hairpin—only a millimeter of the needle's tip was exposed. Liu Zhengfeng, using his palm, deflected the flying needle, causing it to break into two pieces.
Liu Zhengfeng shuddered. The black blood needle, as thin as a cow's hair, was not easily detectable, especially in the hand. Typically, such minute flying needles would bend or snap. Even with Qu Yang's proficiency, after decades, using them had become challenging. He required a substantial amount of internal force to release a large cluster of needles and needed poison on the needle for formidable power.
However, this instance, where the black blood needle maintained its minuscule size in the cow hairpin and remained undamaged upon hitting solid wood, surpassed Qu Yang's expertise. No wonder there was no trace of toxins.
Carefully wrapping the black blood needle and securing it in his arms, Liu Zhengfeng traced the needle's trajectory and arrived at a bamboo forest. There, he saw a young man wearing fine garments, adorned with a jade ring. He was accompanied by a girl, around 12 or 13 years old, who looked surprised upon seeing Liu Zhengfeng.
"Liu Grandfather!"
Startled by the scene, Liu Zhengfeng queried, "Why have you led me here, and why bring my niece?" Concealing a long-handed sword, he remained cautious.
Chen Ang, who was nearby when the dart struck, recognized the black blood needle from earlier. He was uncertain if Liu Zhengfeng had noticed it. Now observing Liu Zhengfeng's wary demeanor, he comprehended the situation. Rising and respectfully bowing to him, he explained, "I didn't intend to bring this girl; she insisted on following me. I've been unable to dissuade her. If Mister Liu knows her family, I'd entrust her to you."
Qu Feiyan, feeling disgruntled upon hearing her being described as a bother, turned away in a huff.
Liu Zhengfeng felt relieved upon seeing Qu Feiyan, as he and Qu Yang shared a clandestine relationship, concealing two taboos. If this got out, it would bring trouble not only from the Five Top Sword Factions but also from the Sun Moon Divine Cult. If Qu Yang's granddaughter was taken by adversaries, he'd risk everything to save her.
"Today marks Liu Jinshui's auspicious handwashing ceremony. Since the esteemed doctors have arrived, why not join us for a drink?" Liu Zhengfeng's face beamed with a smile as he extended a welcoming fist.
"Today may not be a day of great joy for you, but possibly a day when your entire family is doomed," remarked Chen Ang with a somber shake of his head. "Even after witnessing this black blood needle, you still cling to a sense of luck. Do you think no one is aware of your connection with Qu Yang?"
Liu Zhengfeng's heart stopped; his countenance immediately darkened as he retorted coldly, "Your words, sir, might confuse me!"
"Relax, conceal your soft sword in your sleeve. We're friends, not foes!" Chen Ang reassured, smiling and gesturing empty hands. "Mister Liu, surely you're aware that here in Mount Heng City, Ding Mian, Lu Bai, and Fei Bin, the 13th Taibao of Laoshan, together with the Alliance Lord of the Five Top Sword Factions, are hidden. What is your take on their presence?"
"The Alliance Lord's flag?" mused Liu Zhengfeng before remarking, "Zuo Leng Zen, the Left Alliance Lord, is highly esteemed. Sending the Alliance Lord's flag signifies something of significance!"
Chen Ang cast a knowing smile before addressing him directly, "Why deceive yourself? Zuo Leng Zen didn't ascend to the position of the Five Top Alliance Lord overnight. Your presence, Liu Zhengfeng, as the pinnacle figure of Mount Heng, is viewed as a thorn in his side. With this righteous justification, next year might spell trouble for your family."
His words were blunt, stirring anger in Liu Zhengfeng. At this moment, Zuo Lengchan's ambition wasn't as conspicuous, still enforcing the law in the eyes of others within Jiang Hu and the Five Top Sword Factions. Yet, his actions had been the cause of Liu Zhengfeng's family disaster, fracturing the unity within the Five Top Sword Factions and leaving Zuo Leng Zen's reputation in tatters.
Though Liu Zhengfeng initially refused to believe Chen Ang's words, given his decades-long presence in Jiang Hu, the circumstances of recent years filled him with apprehension and anxiety.
Qu Feiyan poured cold water on the situation, saying, "My Grandfather heard about this. He brought me here not to deceive you, Liu Grandfather. The Lushan faction truly intends to harm you."
Liu Zhengfeng's face darkened with uncertainty. While he was reluctant to accept Chen Ang's words, an unsettling feeling surged within him. Wrestling with conflicting emotions, he felt torn between disbelief and distress. As he contemplated leaving, his emotions in turmoil, his complexion turned pale and green several times. Finally, Liu Liu, one of his disciples, reported, "Master, the Lushan faction envoy is here. They're asking for you to come out and address the matter."
"Lushan faction envoy?" Liu Zhengfeng inquired.
The disciple hesitated briefly, respectfully responding, "I didn't see any senior from the Lushan School!"
At that moment, a sinister sneer emanated from Chen Ang's mouth. Before Liu Zhengfeng could react, a flash of cold light whizzed past him. A black-clothed figure suddenly dropped from the wall, landing with a resounding thud, blood trickling from their chest, their lifeless eyes staring.
The startled disciple eyed Chen Ang with nervousness.
Liu Zhengfeng nodded, motioning the disciple to step back, then hastened forward to remove the mask from the fallen figure, sighing deeply as he recognized the face.
Approaching Chen Ang, he remarked, "You've come to my rescue. I trust you. After I've resolved matters with my family, I'll seek your aid again! From today on, if there's a marriage proposal, I'll be sure to notify you." With that, he swiftly departed, unchanged clothes and all.
Qu Feiyan curiously observed the black-clothed person, gazing at Chen Ang with astonishment and admiration. To take down a lurking master from such a distance was no small feat. Her respect for Chen Ang grew. She hadn't witnessed Chen Ang killing the peak of the wood; otherwise, the commotion wouldn't seem so trivial to her.
"Let's leave now!" Chen Ang smiled at her, paying no heed to Qu Feiyan's reddening ears, heading straight towards Liufuzhong. Qu Feiyan, kicking up a fuss, watched Chen Ang depart and hurriedly followed.
Liufuzhong was bustling with friends and acquaintances, about 200 seats were occupied inside and out. Ding Yi Grandmaster and Yue Buqun were astonished upon Chen Ang's arrival. They wondered how he managed to get there. Yu Canghai seemed ill at ease, deliberately avoiding Chen Ang.
Yue Buqun, known as "not easily approached," though fond of making friends, approached Chen Ang to inquire about his background. Meanwhile, some people healed by Chen Ang's expertise greeted him respectfully. For a moment, Chen Ang seemed to seamlessly blend into the crowd.
Seeing Chen Ang engaging with everyone, some unfamiliar people from Jiang Hu curiously whispered, "Who is this guy? He seems to know everyone. Even Mr. Huashan
Ding Yi Grandmaster overheard nearby murmurs and couldn't help but falter, her composure fading. She glanced toward Chen Ang and exchanged greetings with everyone, her lips twitching slightly, raising suspicions from the disciples nearby.
"Nothing to worry about! Just a minor hiccup!" Ding Yi Grandmaster dismissed their concerns with a wave.
Chen Ang settled beside Lin Pingzhi and noticed the bewildered gaze of Yu Canghai. He wondered when these two had arrived together. However, in public, only one of them could acknowledge the other.
Meanwhile, Liu Zhengfeng had managed to slip away quietly. Chen Ang realized this when he found himself alone and understood that Liu Zhengfeng had skillfully evaded the officials who had come with an imperial edict. Liu Zhengfeng wasn't naïve; he understood the current unease within the Lushan faction and the general disdain from Jiang Hu towards those aligned with the imperial authorities. It wasn't the opportune moment to make enemies within the congregation of Jiang Hu.
Turning towards the crowd, Liu Zhengfeng spoke aloud, "Today's festivities are graced by numerous esteemed guests. Each of you who graces this event bestows honor upon me, Liu Zhengfeng. As a disciple who has entered the doors of martial arts under the tutelage of Mount Heng, I am ashamed for my past lack of accomplishment. Thankfully, under the guidance of my elder brothers here, I stand before you. Though age has limited my physical prowess, it is my desire to resolve any grievances in Jiang Hu."
Pausing for a moment, he glanced at the assembly of heroes and continued, "Henceforth, I, Liu Zhengfeng, lay down the sword of personal conflict. My days of engaging in martial disputes are over."
Upon hearing his magnanimous announcement, the guests showered Liu Zhengfeng with congratulations and accolades, celebrating his decision. Only Ding Yi Grandmaster sighed, muttering softly, "Liu virtuous brother, you are... oh!"
Liu Zhengfeng acknowledged Ding Yi Grandmaster's sentiments with a respectful nod, extending his arms to pour liquor into the golden pot, a customary gesture. The bustling hall was abuzz with congratulatory remarks and well-wishes for him.
At that moment, a voice from outside the door suddenly shouted, "Hold on a moment!"