Chapter 10

On the second day, the Liu residence, which had been nearly desolate, suddenly became lively again. Three carriages were neatly lined up at the front gate, and the servants were busy loading them with large and small packages. A few fine horses were also standing nearby, snorting softly.

Before long, people of all ages from the Liu residence came out, including Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, who had practiced martial arts together, as well as Liu Zhengfeng's family.

After the events of the previous night, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang were now safe. Even if the Songshan Sect was unwilling, they would not openly eliminate the two, as it would undermine their authority. Of course, given the Songshan Sect's style of operation, the news of Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang's association would likely spread, damaging the reputation of Liu Zhengfeng and the Hengshan Sect. Considering this, Liu Zhengfeng decided to leave Hengshan early the next morning with his family and head for the capital.

Soon, everyone from the Liu residence boarded the carriages, while Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang went to the back door alone, looking around as if waiting for someone. Not long after, a figure appeared from the corner, carrying a long sword and walking steadily, clearly a martial artist. He approached the back alley and, upon seeing Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, was slightly taken aback but quickly bowed and said, "Linghuchong greets Uncle Liu and Senior Qu."

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang were also surprised to see Linghuchong. Was he the one who had sent the message?

"Linghuchong, my nephew, what brings you here?" Liu Zhengfeng frowned slightly. He had heard about Linghuchong from Qu Yang, knowing that he had risked his life to save Yilin, a true and upright man. But now... he shook his head inwardly, regretting his judgment. Qu Yang also seemed displeased. However, both were experienced in the martial world and showed no change in their expressions despite their thoughts.

Linghuchong, unaware of their thoughts, spoke frankly, "Disciple has made a new friend who is quite compatible with me. He said he left a package here and wants to retrieve it, but he is unwell, so he asked me to come."

Hearing this, the two were puzzled. They exchanged a glance, and Liu Zhengfeng said, "Linghuchong, this is the brother's package. My servant found it while cleaning the back yard. Please take it to your friend."

Linghuchong took the package from Liu Zhengfeng, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Uncle Liu! I will definitely deliver it to Brother Bai."

The two nodded. They could tell that Linghuchong was telling the truth. It seemed that the person was concerned for their safety and had specifically asked Linghuchong to retrieve the items. They exchanged another glance, recalling the night before the incident.

That night, Liu Zhengfeng had already gone to bed when a pebble thrown from outside the window woke him. Along with the pebble was a letter. The letter clearly described Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang's secret association, the Songshan Sect's plot, and their ambitions. It also mentioned the reward the informant wanted—a martial arts manual.

The informant did not want any secret manuals from the Hengshan Sect or anything the two were unwilling to pass on. He only asked for a few good sword manuals as a token of gratitude.

The events unfolded as described in the letter, and with their preparations, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang escaped a disaster. They were leaving today, and the morning was the day the informant had specified to come to the back alley to retrieve the manuals. They had hoped to meet their savior, but the person was so cautious that he had sent Linghuchong.

"This person is indeed cautious, but who is he? If he is righteous, it will be a blessing for the martial world; if he turns to the dark side, the martial world will have more troubles," Qu Yang sighed. This didn't sound like something a leader of a demonic sect would say, and Liu Zhengfeng's response was even more fitting for a righteous person: "Brother Qu, you worry too much. The martial world will always have troubles, regardless of this person. Look at what the Songshan Sect is doing; they won't stop until they achieve their goals."

They exchanged another glance, smiled warmly, and walked back to the front yard, mounted their horses, and left this place of conflict. But could they truly leave?

On the other side, Bai Xiaosheng, who had tricked Linghuchong into fetching the manuals, was anxiously waiting. When Linghuchong returned, he was overjoyed and immediately said, "Thank you, Brother Linghuchong!"

"Brother, you're too polite. If it weren't for Linghuchong insisting on drinking with you yesterday, you wouldn't have had a stomachache," Linghuchong waved his hand, being very generous. Linghuchong was a drunkard, and although his injuries were not fully healed, he couldn't resist his love for alcohol. No one in the Huashan Sect would let him drink at that time, so Bai Xiaosheng used this to befriend Linghuchong and have him fetch the manuals.

Holding the package, Bai Xiaosheng was very excited. He had learned very few martial arts since childhood, and the only sword technique he knew was the Tianshan Sword Technique. This was an unexpected bonus!

Suppressing his excitement, Bai Xiaosheng opened the package. Inside were two sets of clothes, some silver, and three books. It was clear that Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang had followed his instructions.

Putting aside the silver and clothes, Bai Xiaosheng picked up the books, his hands trembling with excitement—Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, these two masters, would not disappoint.

"Smiling Proudly in the World..."

The four large characters on the first book made Bai Xiaosheng pause, then he beamed with joy. He thought he had changed the story, and "Smiling Proudly in the World" would not be lost in the martial world, but Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang had given it to him.

Flipping through the book, Bai Xiaosheng couldn't understand the content, but this didn't diminish his love for the score. This was a masterpiece that spanned the entire "Smiling Proudly in the World," surpassing the works of ancient masters and considered the best of its time. Moreover, a true hero should learn some music. In the future, he could play the flute and try to earn the title of "Eastern Heretic."

Carefully putting away "Smiling Proudly in the World," Bai Xiaosheng looked at the other two books—Baihua Palm Technique and Illusory Spirit Sword Technique! The names of these two martial arts made his heart race even more.

Just as he was about to open the manuals, he felt a weight on his shoulder, as if someone had tapped him. This startled Bai Xiaosheng—Who? Could stand behind him without a sound.

He quickly turned around, striking with his hand, but the person was faster. He reached out and took the two manuals from Bai Xiaosheng, and his punch missed.

Turning back, Bai Xiaosheng saw an old man standing behind him, holding an erhu, which made him shudder. He smiled awkwardly, stood up, and bowed, "Bai Xiaosheng greets Master Mo Da!"

'Mo Da, why is he here?' Bai Xiaosheng thought, completely puzzled. How did the elusive Mo Da enter his room, and what did he want?

In fact, Mo Da's visit was related to him. When he and Lin Pingzhi chased Mo Da, mentioning Lin Pingzhi's name piqued Mo Da's interest. The person Bai Xiaosheng mentioned also intrigued him. Thus, he followed the two, observing their every move.

At the Liu residence, Mo Da noticed the Songshan Sect's surveillance and saw Bai Xiaosheng's actions, which he found favorable. He had a rare desire to take on a disciple.

But early that morning, he felt something was off about Bai Xiaosheng and Linghuchong's conversation. After Linghuchong left, Mo Da followed him and saw Bai Xiaosheng's transaction, which annoyed him. Despite his annoyance, his desire to take on a disciple grew stronger. Mo Da was not a moralist; Bai Xiaosheng's actions, though annoying, made him appreciate the boy's intelligence.

If he took him as a disciple, he could become the next Hengshan Sect leader. Moreover, the information about the Songshan Sect's plans to merge the Five Great Sects made Mo Da anxious. He needed to prepare for Hengshan.

Seeing Bai Xiaosheng bow respectfully, Mo Da coldly hummed and threw the two manuals back. Bai Xiaosheng caught them and quickly put them away.

"Boy, do you have a master?" Mo Da asked.

Just as Bai Xiaosheng was secretly rejoicing, this sudden question made him pause. He looked up, surprised, and instinctively shook his head. He then remembered that those who wanted to take on disciples often asked this question.

Could it be... Bai Xiaosheng's eyes lit up, and Mo Da said, "Do you wish to become my disciple?"

Indeed! Bai Xiaosheng was overjoyed. This was like a gift from the heavens. He quickly stepped back, bowed, and said, "Bai Xiaosheng is willing! Please, Master, do not disdain me and take me as your disciple."

Seeing Bai Xiaosheng's understanding, Mo Da nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good, good... I, Mo Da, may not be strict, but taking on a disciple is a serious matter. Since you will be my disciple, your fellow disciples must know. Let's go to Hengshan, and I will formally accept you as my disciple in front of them."

"Yes, disciple thanks Master!" Bai Xiaosheng was overjoyed, so much so that he forgot about Lin Pingzhi's parents. Of course, he had thought about rescuing them, but knowing that the Huashan Sect had mobilized a large force and not returned, he realized that the parents had likely died as in the story.

Outside the inn, Bai Xiaosheng saw Linghuchong and Lu Dayou. He was startled and thought, "Lin Zhenan and his wife must have been found!" He remembered that Lu Dayou had also been part of the Huashan Sect's operation yesterday. Now that he had returned, it meant he had found Lin Zhenan and his wife, and their fate...

Shaking his head, Bai Xiaosheng looked at Lu Dayou and Linghuchong, who were greeting Mo Da, and asked, "Brother Lu, did you find Pingzhi's parents?"

Lu Dayou nodded, his face somber. Seeing this, Bai Xiaosheng knew his guess was correct. He was also curious about who would receive Lin Zhenan's last words and whether the辟邪剑谱 (Pìxié Jiàn Pǔ) would still appear in the world.

He couldn't verify this now, as Mo Da nodded and left, and Bai Xiaosheng quickly explained to the two, who congratulated him. He then hurriedly followed Mo Da to Hengshan.