Chapter 59

Yue Fangxing, although aware that Lin Pingzhi had taken advantage of a loophole, did not take it to heart. After all, who doesn't have a few small schemes? If he were in Lin Pingzhi's shoes, he would likely have done the same. Therefore, such behavior was not a big deal in Yue Fangxing's eyes.

Yue Fangxing did not pursue the matter further but instead carefully inquired why Lin Pingzhi had suddenly come to seek him as a master after such a long time. Under this questioning, Lin Pingzhi was somewhat hesitant but eventually explained. Yue Fangxing, half-listening and half-guessing, understood the general reason.

It turned out that after parting ways with the Huashan Sect in Luoyang, Lin Pingzhi and his parents temporarily stayed at the home of Lin's mother's father, Wang Yuanba, the Invincible Golden Saber. The Wang family, of course, knew about the recent and widely publicized massacre of the Lin family. They were extremely surprised to see them but welcomed them warmly.

Upon learning that the Lin family had come with the Huashan Sect, the Wang family became even more热情. When they found out that the Huashan Sect had already left, they expressed regret and criticized the Lin family for lacking manners, not inviting the Huashan Sect in when they arrived in Luoyang.

Seeing the Wang family's enthusiasm, Lin Zhenan felt relieved. After all, the Yue and Wang families had a close relationship, with frequent visits during holidays. He believed they would offer assistance. He then explained their purpose, which was to seek the renowned physician Ping Yizhi in Kaifeng for treatment. In his mind, Luoyang and Kaifeng were not far apart, and the Wang family must have connections.

When the Wang family heard that Lin Zhenan and his wife were severely injured and needed to seek the famous physician Ping Yizhi in Kaifeng, they looked at each other in hesitation, unable to make a decision. Although the Golden Saber Wang family was not entirely on the righteous path, they were still decent people and had little to do with the evil sects, let alone actively provoking them.

In the end, it was the old patriarch, Wang, who, out of concern for his daughter and son-in-law, made the final decision: as long as Ping Yizhi did not make any excessive demands, they would agree. Thus, the eldest of the Wang family escorted Lin Zhenan and his wife to Kaifeng.

Although Ping Yizhi was an eccentric person, he was not foolish after years in the martial world. He knew that Lin Zhenan's life might still be of interest to someone. He did not want to invite unnecessary trouble, so he did not make any difficult demands. He simply asked the Wang family to kill two people for him, and he agreed to the treatment.

As a result, Lin Zhenan and his wife received treatment smoothly. However, due to the severe damage to their meridians and the delay in treatment, their martial arts skills were essentially ruined. Nevertheless, being able to save their lives was a stroke of luck, and they were extremely grateful.

Back in Luoyang, as their injuries improved, Lin Zhenan began to consider having his son learn martial arts from the Wang family. Initially, the Wang family declined but did not outright refuse, only saying they would test Lin Pingzhi's skills. Lin Zhenan thought it was just a formality and agreed. During the test, a Wang family member of similar age fought Lin Pingzhi, who used the Exorcism Sword Technique but was still defeated. The Wang family members expressed disdain, and some even asked about the Exorcism Sword Manual, saying that the Lin family had a treasure but did not know how to use it, suggesting they should hand it over to the Wang family.

Lin Zhenan, upon hearing this, immediately stated that he only knew the Exorcism Sword Technique, not the Exorcism Sword Manual, and had Lin Pingzhi demonstrate it again to prove it. Although the Wang family still had doubts, they were relatives and could not press the matter. However, from then on, the Wang family avoided discussing Lin Pingzhi's desire to learn martial arts, and when pressed, they outright refused, leaving Lin Zhenan in an awkward position.

Lin Zhenan's stay at the Wang family's home became known, and although the experts interested in the Exorcism Sword Manual were drawn to Fujian, some second- and third-rate characters still tried to take advantage of the Lin family. As a result, the Wang family's peace was disrupted, and their dissatisfaction grew. The servants became negligent, and even the medicine for Lin Zhenan and his wife was sometimes delayed.

Worried about his parents, Lin Pingzhi inquired about the situation, only to be harshly rebuked, saying that they were ungrateful for the hospitality. This enraged Lin Pingzhi, a wealthy young man who could not tolerate such treatment. However, since they were guests, he had to endure it. When his parents' injuries improved, he could no longer bear it and proposed to Lin Zhenan the idea of going to Huashan to seek a master.

Lin Zhenan was still hesitant. He had learned that Huashan was currently divided into inner and outer sects, and only after a year in the outer sect could one join the inner sect, and even then, it was not guaranteed. Moreover, the current Huashan Sect leader, Yue Buqun, already had nine disciples and had not taken any new ones for years. Therefore, outsiders speculated that he would likely stop at this number. Lin Zhenan did not want his son to suffer in the outer sect, so he was conflicted.

Lin Pingzhi, in his anger, mentioned the servants' neglect, and Lin Zhenan, experienced in the martial world, knew that this must be due to the Wang family's dissatisfaction with their stay and the trouble it brought. It seemed that not only would they not learn the Wang family's skills, but their stay might be in jeopardy.

Lin Pingzhi pleaded again, and Lin Zhenan, unable to resist, also remembered that Yue Buqun had rescued them and taken them to Luoyang without seeking any favors, living up to his title of "Gentleman Sword." He began to waver and finally agreed. This was the reason Lin Pingzhi came to Huashan.

Although Lin Pingzhi was vague about some details, Yue Fangxing could guess his experiences while staying with the Wang family. He felt sympathy for him, especially since now that Linghuchong and Yue Lingshan's relationship was clear, he did not worry about Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan developing feelings and causing future tragedies.

Thinking about the sudden idea of teaching Lin Pingzhi some skills, Yue Fangxing became interested. If Lin Pingzhi showed potential, he would not mind helping. After all, he and the Huashan Sect had benefited from the Exorcism Sword Manual, even though it was originally obtained by the Lin family's ancestor from Huashan, it was also partly self-created.

Yue Fangxing could not make a decision about Lin Pingzhi's apprenticeship and decided to bring him to the mountain and let his father decide.

On the way, Yue Fangxing carefully observed and found that Lin Pingzhi's foundation had become much more stable, and his movements had a hint of the Galloping Horse Stance. It seemed that he had practiced diligently over the past three months to reach this level.

Yue Fangxing nodded repeatedly. Although the Galloping Horse Stance could be applied to walking when practiced well, Lin Pingzhi's achievement without guidance was impressive.

Yue Fangxing did not know that this was due to Lin Pingzhi's insights from riding a horse for several days from Changsha to Hengshan. At that time, Lin Pingzhi was in a desperate situation and had just learned the Galloping Horse Stance and the Rock Stance, so he valued them greatly. However, saving his parents was more urgent, and he had no time to practice, so he pondered and learned while riding.

The Galloping Horse Stance was different from ordinary horse stances, and Lin Pingzhi, by chance, found the right path. He felt that riding became much easier, which made him realize its value. The cold treatment from the Wang family also made him more determined, and he practiced diligently, achieving some success.

Yue Fangxing led Lin Pingzhi back to the mountain and reported to his father. Yue Buqun was somewhat surprised that Lin Pingzhi had suddenly come to seek a master after such a long time. Since he had not refused before, it would be inappropriate to refuse now. Moreover, the Lin family had stayed with the Golden Saber Wang family for months without any trouble, suggesting they had escaped the Exorcism Sword Manual's vortex. Therefore, taking Lin Pingzhi as a disciple was not a big issue.

After some thought, Yue Buqun allowed Lin Pingzhi to stay on the mountain and train with the inner sect disciples. Although he was still an outer sect disciple, if he performed well within a year, he would be admitted to the inner sect as agreed.

Lin Pingzhi was overjoyed, feeling that he had made the right decision. Although he still had a year to go, as long as he performed well, he believed entering the inner sect was a sure thing. He was extremely happy and knelt to kowtow repeatedly.

Lin Pingzhi was then led to his quarters, and Yue Fangxing was left to discuss with Yue Buqun.

---

Page break for advertisement

---

Page break for advertisement