Chapter 40

Returning to his room, Yue Fangxing tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. After reflecting on his savior mentality, his resolve to save Liu Zhengfeng gradually waned. After all, Liu Zhengfeng was just a stranger to him, and they had only met today, so there was no real bond between them. However, thinking of the innocent people in the Liu household, Yue Fangxing still felt uneasy and could not let go of the matter.

After a while, it was already deep into the night. Thinking that his father must have gone to bed, Yue Fangxing quietly left his room and headed straight for the Liu residence. He thought no one would notice him, but he did not realize that Yue Buqun was still awake, pondering matters of the Sword Sect, and had noticed his movements as soon as he set out. Although Yue Buqun could guess what Yue Fangxing was going to do, for some reason, he did not stop him.

Arriving outside the Liu residence, Yue Fangxing leaped over the wall. He planned to find Liu Zhengfeng quietly and inform him of the news so that he could be prepared. This way, he would have done his part. Whether Liu Zhengfeng would believe him or not was beyond his control. Although he was still concerned, he felt he had done enough by risking his safety to deliver the message to a stranger.

Yue Fangxing originally intended to inform Liu Zhengfeng secretly without disturbing anyone else. Since it was night, he could not enter through the main gate, so he leaped over the wall. He thought he had done it secretly, but what he saw made him pause in surprise.

It turned out that although Liu Zhengfeng lived in the city like a wealthy man, he was still a martial artist and knew well the techniques of high and low movements. He knew that no matter how high the walls were, they could not stop determined intruders. Therefore, the defense of the Liu residence focused more on detecting outsiders. The courtyard had few rocks and trees, mostly low flowers, making it difficult for intruders to hide. The night was clear with a bright moon, and the courtyard was almost completely visible.

Yue Fangxing did not expect the courtyard to be so open, nor did he anticipate that someone would be there at such a late hour. He was caught off guard and discovered by someone inside, leaving both parties surprised. Yue Fangxing felt particularly embarrassed.

"Who's there?" a woman's voice called out.

Yue Fangxing was startled and was about to leap forward to subdue the person, fearing that if it were known that the son of the Hua Mountain Sect leader was in the Liu residence, especially in the women's quarters, the reputation of Hua Mountain would be ruined.

At that moment, another clear voice said, "Hey! Isn't that the big brother who threw the pebbles?"

Hearing this, Yue Fangxing suppressed his movement and looked closely, recognizing Qu Feiyun. He felt even more embarrassed, not expecting his identity to be revealed so quickly.

Since his identity was known, Yue Fangxing could not subdue the person. He bowed and said, "I apologize for the late visit. I wonder where Master Liu is, as I have important news to tell him."

The woman who had spoken earlier said, "Are you Master Yue from the Hua Mountain Sect? What brings you to see my father?"

This woman was Liu Zhengfeng's daughter, Liu Jing. She had been dragged out by the mischievous Qu Feiyun to talk in the courtyard late at night, discussing what life would be like after Liu Zhengfeng retired. They had talked about today's events, mentioning Linghu Chong and Yue Fangxing from the Hua Mountain Sect, praising their chivalry and martial skills, and sharing many interesting stories. Therefore, when Qu Feiyun mentioned the "big brother who threw pebbles," Liu Jing immediately thought of Yue Fangxing. Although she was somewhat displeased with his uninvited visit, she still asked politely.

Hearing her call her father "father," Yue Fangxing knew she was Liu Zhengfeng's daughter. He decided to tell her the news, as it would serve the same purpose. He composed himself and said, "I have heard that the Songshan Sect plans to harm Master Liu at tomorrow's retirement ceremony. I came to inform him."

Liu Jing was puzzled. "The Songshan Sect wants to harm my father? How is that possible?" She was naturally confused, as her father's Hengshan Sect and the Songshan Sect were both part of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, and she could not imagine why the Songshan Sect would want to harm her father.

Before Yue Fangxing could answer, Qu Feiyun clapped her hands and said, "Of course, it's because your father and my grandfather! Big brother, am I right?"

Yue Fangxing smiled wryly. The little devil's mind was indeed unpredictable, and she could even laugh about such a serious matter. However, he said, "Little sister, you are indeed very clever. That is what I have heard."

Seeing that Liu Jing wanted to ask more, Yue Fangxing said, "I have delivered the message. I hope you will inform Master Liu to be prepared and to be cautious. Especially, he should be wary of the Songshan Sect using his family to threaten him. If anything happens, it should be made clear that it is Master Liu's personal matter to avoid involving his family. I must take my leave."

Yue Fangxing, following his father's advice, knew he should not get too involved to avoid implicating himself. Without waiting for a response, he leaped out of the Liu residence.

Looking at the empty street under the moonlight, Yue Fangxing took a deep breath, feeling as if he had completed a task. He did not know what he was thinking as he slowly walked away.

The next morning, Yue Fangxing accompanied Yue Buqun and the other disciples to the Liu residence. Liu Zhengfeng, having received the message, hurried out to welcome them, warmly greeting Yue Fangxing and praising him to Yue Buqun, "Mr. Yue's son is truly a fine young man with the demeanor of a gentleman!" He nodded at Yue Fangxing, indicating that he had received the message, but did not say anything in front of the others.

Yue Fangxing pretended not to know and treated him as usual. Yue Buqun, seeing this, felt relieved. He did not point it out and smiled, congratulating Liu Zhengfeng, walking with him into the main hall. Tianmen Daoist, Dingsi Nun, Mr. Wen, and He Sanqi, among others, also came to greet Yue Buqun.

Yue Fangxing nodded slightly. Although the Hua Mountain Sect had declined in strength, it was still a prestigious sect and part of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, maintaining a high status in the martial world. He noticed that not many people had arrived yet, and the Hua Mountain Sect had come early because of their alliance with the Hengshan Sect, acting as co-hosts.

After some pleasantries, more guests arrived at the Liu residence. It was the main day of Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony, and by the second hour of the morning, three to four hundred guests had arrived. Notable figures such as Zhang Jin'ao, the deputy leader of the Beggar Sect, Xia Laoshi, the master of the Zhengzhou Six Harmonies School, Tie Laolao from the Three Gorges of Sichuan and Hubei, and Pan Hou, the leader of the Donghai Sand Sect, arrived one after another. Some were familiar with each other, while others only knew of each other by reputation. The hall was filled with greetings and introductions, creating a noisy scene.

As the leader of the Hua Mountain Sect, Yue Buqun naturally had many people trying to form connections with him. Despite his name meaning "not to be in a group," he enjoyed making friends. He greeted many guests, regardless of their reputation, with a friendly demeanor, without the airs of a sect leader.

Although Yue Fangxing did not pay much attention to these interactions, he had made a strong impression on the guests the previous day by defeating Yu Canghai twice. They often praised him to Yue Buqun, saying that the Hua Mountain Sect had a promising young talent. Yue Fangxing could only smile in response. He noticed that, although many people had arrived, the number was still less than the previous day, which seemed a bit sparse for such an important day. He sighed, realizing the allure of secret martial arts manuals. He knew he had to be more careful to avoid revealing his involvement with the "Evil-Dispelling Sword Manual," as it could bring endless trouble if others found out.

After a while, the Liu residence prepared the banquet and invited the guests to take their seats. According to their status and seniority in the martial world, the leader of the Taishan Sect, Tianmen Daoist, should have taken the chief seat. However, since the Five Mountains Sword Sect was allied, Tianmen Daoist, Yue Buqun, and Dingsi Nun were considered co-hosts and did not take the seat. The senior guests all declined, none willing to take the chief seat.

Suddenly, two loud bangs came from outside, followed by the sound of music and the announcement of an official's arrival. The guests were surprised, wondering why an official was here. Was Liu Zhengfeng also involved in politics, and was this official here to pay respects?

Liu Zhengfeng, dressed in a new silk robe, hurried out of the inner hall, bowed to the guests, and walked to the door. After a while, the guests saw him respectfully escorting an official in official attire into the hall.

The guests were puzzled. "Is this official also a martial artist?" They saw that although he was well-dressed, his eyes were dull and he looked like a man of debauchery, clearly not a martial artist. Some thought, "Liu Zhengfeng is a prominent figure in Hengshan City and often interacts with the government. It's not surprising that a local official would come to pay respects on such an important day."

The official walked in confidently, stood in the center, and his attendants knelt, holding a tray covered with yellow silk, on which was a scroll. The official bowed, took the scroll, and announced, "Imperial edict, Liu Zhengfeng, listen to the edict."

The guests were shocked. Why was an imperial edict delivered here? Had Liu Zhengfeng committed some treasonous act that the emperor had to issue an edict? They stood up, on guard, and some even reached for their weapons.

To their surprise, Liu Zhengfeng remained calm, knelt down, and bowed three times, saying, "Your humble servant, Liu Zhengfeng, listens to the edict. Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, may the emperor reign for ten thousand years."

The guests were stunned.

The official unfolded the scroll and read, "By the grace of the emperor, according to the report of the governor of Hunan Province, the commoner Liu Zhengfeng, known for his public service and martial skills, is hereby appointed as a general. He is to serve the court and not disappoint the emperor's expectations. So decreed."

Liu Zhengfeng bowed again, saying, "Your humble servant, Liu Zhengfeng, thanks the emperor. Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, may the emperor reign for ten thousand years." He stood up and bowed to the official, saying, "Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your support." The official stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Congratulations, congratulations, General Liu. We are now colleagues in the court, so there's no need to be so formal." Liu Zhengfeng said, "I am just a commoner, but the emperor's grace has made me a noble. This is also due to the support of the governor and Lord Zhang." The official laughed, "Not at all, not at all." Liu Zhengfeng turned to his brother-in-law, Fang Qianju, and said, "Brother Fang, where is the gift for Lord Zhang?" Fang Qianju said, "It's already prepared." He turned and took a round tray, on which was a silk-wrapped gift. Liu Zhengfeng held the tray and said, "A small gift, not worthy of your acceptance, but please, Lord Zhang, accept it." Lord Zhang smiled, "We are brothers, General Liu, no need to be so formal." He signaled, and an attendant took the tray. As the attendant took the tray, his arms sank, indicating that the gift was heavy, likely gold. Lord Zhang's face lit up, and he said, "I have official duties and cannot stay long. Let's have three cups of wine to celebrate General Liu's appointment. May he soon be promoted and receive the emperor's favor." Wine was served, and Lord Zhang drank three cups, bowed, and left. Liu Zhengfeng smiled and saw him off to the gate. The sound of the official's departure echoed, and the Liu residence fired a salute.

This scene was unexpected, and the guests were speechless, their faces a mix of awkwardness and surprise. Although the guests were not from the underworld or rebels, they were respected figures in the martial world and generally looked down on the government. Seeing Liu Zhengfeng kowtow to the emperor and openly bribe the official, they felt disdain. Some could not hide their contempt. The older guests thought, "It seems this official position was bought with gold and silver. How much did he spend to get the governor's recommendation? Liu Zhengfeng has always been upright, but now, in his old age, he is so greedy for wealth and power that he would buy an official position?"

Yue Fangxing, who knew the truth, was initially watching with amusement, but upon hearing the content of the edict, he felt something was off. In the original story, it did not seem strange, but in this life, having read more ancient texts, he was familiar with the format of imperial edicts. He had never heard of such a simple and straightforward edict. Imperial edicts were usually flowery and elaborate. Moreover, the edict mentioned the recommender, which seemed to encourage favoritism among officials.

Yue Fangxing watched Liu Zhengfeng kowtow to the "Lord Zhang" and openly bribe him, and the "Lord Zhang" accepted it without hesitation. This confirmed his suspicion: the edict was likely forged. It was improper to read an edict in front of so many people, and accepting a bribe in public was even more problematic. How could someone become a high official this way?

Seeing the reactions of the other guests, most of whom believed it was real, Yue Fangxing shook his head. These martial artists were so easily deceived. Such an obvious act of self-degradation should have been clear to them. It seemed Liu Zhengfeng was determined to leave the country. Otherwise, if the forgery was discovered, the court would not tolerate it. He thought, "If the edict were real, it would be better. If Master Liu became a general and took up his post, with the protection of the army, the Songshan Sect would not dare to harm him!" He felt a bit regretful.

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