The tension in the room was palpable. The disrespectful tone of the intruder evoked frowns from everyone present. With over a thousand heroes gathered, failing to accord due respect to Liu Zhengfeng would likely end in some repercussions. As heads turned, four men clad in yellow shirts stood at the entrance.
One of them, around forty years old, of average stature, with a peculiar thinness, sported two whisker-like moles on his upper lip. Many recognized him as Fei Bin from Feishan. Behind him were Ding Mian and Lu Bo, prominent figures from Laoshan Thirteen Taibao, clearly offering significant respect to Liu Zhengfeng.
They held aloft a five-color pennant, resplendent with pearl ornaments, catching the eyes of the crowd. Many recognized it as the flag of the alliance lord of Five Top Sword Factions.
While some were still confused, Liu Zhengfeng had discerned their intentions. He remained composed, gesturing casually to the nearby table and chairs, and remarked indifferently, "Ah, so it's the left alliance lord from Lushan School who's sent the flag! I wonder how many disciples from Lushan have graced us with their presence today."
His displeasure was apparent, and the intrusion caused a stir. Liu Zhengfeng didn't comprehend the motives behind Lushan's visit or their conflict. Ding Yi Grandmaster, trembling slightly, intervened, "Brother Liu, what's happening? Please have a seat and discuss it. Five Top Sword Factions can't afford any misunderstandings!"
With a solemn expression, Liu Zhengfeng responded to Ding Yi Grandmaster, "It's not my disobedience, but Left Elder from Lushan has gone too far. Not only has he meddled in the internal affairs of our four factions, but he's also planning to abduct my family! Come, take these few individuals away!"
As he spoke, Liumen disciples from the inner hall surrounded the Lushan faction members. Over a dozen yellow-shirted disciples from Mount Lushan were tied up by ropes, swords on their shoulders, arranged in a row by Liumen disciples.
Witnessing this scene, the onlookers turned pale. Some recognized these individuals from Mount Lushan, while Ding Yi Grandmaster couldn't help but exclaim, "Fei Bin, what is the meaning of this? Threatening Liu Brother's family is utterly unacceptable!"
Fei Bin was taken aback and hastily protested, "Liu Zhengfeng, how dare you! What is this nonsense?"
Before he could finish, voices from both ends of the lobby erupted, "Yes, the Lushan faction is here!" The uproar grew louder as a dozen disciples in yellow shirts dashed forward from behind. Simultaneously, dozens in various attires positioned themselves against the Liumen disciples.
The tension escalated, and both sides were at an impasse. One group outnumbered the other, but neither dared to act rashly. The stalemate intensified.
Amid the tense standoff, a voice broke the deadlock, exclaiming, "Yushan faction, Lushan faction! Quite the spectacle!"
Chen Ang emerged from the crowd, standing beside Liu Zhengfeng, twirling a black dart in his hand with a stern expression. He reprimanded, "In the righteous path of Wulin, resorting to hostage-taking and coercion against innocent families is despicable! Sichuan Sect lies ahead, and Lushan faction looms behind. Truly awe-inspiring."
His words stirred the onlookers from other Five Top Sword Factions.
Ding Yi Grandmaster, waving her sleeves, turned her attention toward them.
Fei Bin, observing Chen Ang, furrowed his brow in thought for a moment. Suddenly recollecting something, he pointed his longsword and asked, "You're Saihua?"
Chen Ang's reputation had reached Fei Bin overnight. The news of Lin Ping's fall into Chen Ang's hands and the clues regarding the demonic sect had intrigued him.
Though Fei Bin seemed eager, Chen Ang paid no heed to him.
"Bringing down the demonic sect, inciting infighting among us Five Top Sword Factions, and furthering the sinister motives of the Left Alliance Lord – Liu Zhengfeng, if you don't eliminate this demonic presence beside you, we will!" Fei Bin accused, pointing at Liu Zhengfeng and the supposed demonic faction.
Chen Ang was well aware that Fei Bin was undoubtedly a sinister swordsman. He aimed to capitalize on this situation to gather clues about the malevolent spirits. This individual never adhered to any principles. In previous incidents, he did not hesitate to take action against the Liu Family or even Qu Feiyan, displaying a ruthlessness that knew no bounds—all for the sake of his own objectives.
At the very least, in this scenario, forcing the demise of Liu Zhengfeng wouldn't be worth the potential repercussions from Left Cold Zen. It would result in the loss of numerous elite disciples. Furthermore, if Liu Zhengfeng disclosed any of Fei Bin's secrets, it would be a substantial blow to the position of the alliance lord.
Provoking Liu Zhengfeng would inevitably lead to Fei Bin's own downfall.
Chen Ang had no desire to engage with Fei Bin at all. His martial arts reputation or power hierarchy meant nothing to him. Even if he was labeled as a thief of the Demon Sect, how would the righteous path view him? The more people came to eliminate him, the more martial knowledge and intelligence he would acquire—a greater gain.
He sneered, "Words are pointless. Let actions speak louder!"
His darts flashed, a faint glint aimed towards Fei Bin. The silver brilliance was swift; onlookers only saw a momentary flash as Chen Ang's hand moved, and the dart shot towards Fei Bin's left eye.
Fei Bin was shocked by the sturdy dart, which embedded itself into the stone bricks at his feet. Muscles tensed, he propelled himself three feet backward to evade Chen Ang's attack.
Simultaneously, he twisted, turned, and lunged towards Chen Ang. His sword, three chi long, cut through the air, aimed at Chen Ang's heart.
A clang resonated as the swords clashed. Chen Ang's movements were swift; he evaded Fei Bin's sword with a seemingly effortless maneuver. He then grasped a long steel sword that appeared in his hands and, in an agile motion, glided through the air like a bird.
The clash intensified, and Fei Bin's long sword trembled under the pressure. Chen Ang's fluid swordplay entwined with Fei Bin's, showcasing both power and finesse.
Fei Bin, astonished by Chen Ang's mastery, attempted to release his grip on the sword hilt but was too late. The Flood Dragon-like motion of Chen Ang's sword twisted around, severing Fei Bin's right wrist, causing blood to spurt forth.
In a swift move, Chen Ang struck Fei Bin's chest, causing him to cough up blood and collapse.
"Junior Brother!" Ding Mian and Lu Bo exclaimed in shock, moving to assist, but Liu Zhengfeng stepped forward, crossing swords to stop them.