Chapter 98

Yue Fangxing's injuries were not severe this time, and he had recovered after a few days of rest. The two set off again and soon arrived in Fuzhou, where they inquired about the location of the Huashan Sect and headed straight there.

On the way, Yue Fangxing and Linghuchong heard much discussion among the martial artists in Fuzhou about the news of Muge Feng's activities. This man had stolen several fragments of the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* a few months ago and had been in hiding ever since. Now he had resurfaced, likely to seize more fragments from others. However, after the previous incident, those who possessed fragments were on high alert, making it difficult for Muge Feng to find an opportunity. Therefore, he had to appear himself to attract others who had fragments, causing a significant stir. Of course, this man was very cunning, constantly changing his location, making it hard to pinpoint his exact whereabouts.

Since the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* first appeared, over a year had passed, and the matter was still unresolved. Dozens of renowned martial artists had been killed or injured during this period. The martial world in Fujian was in turmoil, with occasional news of someone obtaining a fragment, and some bodies of those suspected to have fragments were found, but the fragments were nowhere to be seen. Gradually, people realized that those who obtained fragments had never left Fujian. Even those who wanted to leave were killed on their way, seemingly by unknown assailants. Many seemed to have the same idea: to resolve the dispute here and collect all the fragments of the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual*.

Yue Fangxing and Linghuchong ignored the chaos and went directly to the Huashan Sect's base, where they were led in by a junior disciple.

The Huashan Sect and the Hengshan Sect had traveled together, moving slowly, and it had been over two months since they arrived in Fuzhou. After arriving, the Hengshan Sect separated from the Huashan Sect and temporarily stayed at the Wuxiang Nunnery in the eastern part of the city. The Huashan Sect, having no base in Fuzhou, rented a house nearby, providing mutual support. During their time in Fuzhou, the martial world had been relatively peaceful, and they had not taken any action, only following the orders of the Five Mountains Alliance Leader and not leaving.

Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze discussing something. Seeing Yue Fangxing and Linghuchong return, they were overjoyed. Yue Buqun asked, "Chong'er, Xing'er, are your injuries healed?" They had been apart for more than half a year, and both had been severely injured when they left. Seeing them now in good health, Yue Buqun asked.

Linghuchong, seeing his master and mistress, was moved to tears and could not speak. Yue Fangxing said, "My injuries have long been healed, and Dashi Ge's injuries have also been cured by a stroke of luck. He is now re-cultivating the Purple Mist Divine Skill."

Hearing this, Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze were even more delighted. With Linghuchong's injuries healed, his life was no longer in danger. As for his expulsion, they had long forgotten about it. They had raised Linghuchong for over a decade, and a single order from Zuo Lengshan could not stop them. Moreover, with Linghuchong and Yue Fangxing's return, the Huashan Sect's strength had greatly increased, and they were no longer afraid of the Songshan Sect.

"Big Brother, are your injuries healed?" A clear voice came from Yue Lingshan. She had heard the news of Linghuchong and Yue Fangxing's arrival and rushed over to ask. As for Yue Fangxing, she was unaware of his severe injuries and knew of his high martial skills, so she was not worried.

Linghuchong, hearing her voice, was extremely moved. Seeing her, he could not control himself and grabbed her hand, saying, "Shimei..." This made Yue Lingshan blush.

Seeing this, Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, and Yue Fangxing left to give them some privacy.

As they were walking, they heard a disciple report that Dingshan and Dingyi of the Hengshan Sect had come to visit, saying they had something to discuss. The three hurriedly went to welcome them into the living room.

Dingyi, being impulsive, said as soon as she sat down, "Patriarch Yue, Lord Zuo has sent a letter, saying that there are traces of the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* in Longquan. He orders us to investigate immediately and set off today."

Yue Buqun was surprised, "Oh? Longquan is in southern Zhejiang. How could fragments of the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* appear there? Moreover, the letter I received ordered me to investigate in Longyan. Could there be a mistake in the letter sent to your sect?"

Dingshan said, "I also had doubts and specifically asked the Songshan Sect disciple who delivered the letter. It is indeed Longquan."

Yue Fangxing, hearing Longquan, became alert. In the original story, the Hengshan Sect had been ambushed in Longquan, indicating that the Songshan Sect had a strong presence there. Hearing Yue Buqun and Dingshan's conversation, he became even more suspicious and said, "The dispute over the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* has always been within Fujian. I have never heard of it reaching southern Zhejiang. I suspect that Lord Zuo's plan is to separate our two sects. You must not fall for it, Venerable."

Dingshan smiled but did not respond. Although she had heard about the Huashan Sect's encounter, she had not experienced it firsthand and was somewhat skeptical, not taking it seriously.

Yue Fangxing, feeling rebuffed, was secretly angry. However, the Hengshan Sect was an important force and a potential ally for the Huashan Sect, so he said, "Venerable, why don't our two sects go to Longquan or Longyan together and then proceed to the other location?"

Dingshan said, "Our two sects have been here for several months without incident. This time, Lord Zuo is urging us urgently, saying that the dispute over the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* is about to be resolved. We should follow his orders and head to the designated places to prevent the manual from falling into the hands of the demonic cult, causing chaos in the martial world."

Yue Fangxing, seeing that she was including the Huashan Sect and speaking in a somewhat condescending tone, became even angrier and said, "The three of you are highly skilled, but you must also consider your disciples. Not only could the Songshan Sect ambush you, but even if the news leaks, you might encounter all sorts of trouble. If any of your disciples are injured, it will be too late to regret it!"

Hearing this, Yue Buqun scolded, "Xing'er..."

Yue Fangxing immediately became alert and hurriedly apologized to the two nuns.

Dingshan, however, did not get angry and said, "Precisely because of this, I have another request for your sect." She then said to Yue Buqun, "I have heard that your disciple, Young Hero Linghuchong, is righteous and highly skilled in swordsmanship. Our Hengshan Sect consists of female disciples, and we could use his help on the journey."

Yue Buqun and Yue Fangxing were both slightly surprised.

Dingyi added, "Linghuchong is a bit of a mouth, but he is not a villain. When we meet Lord Zuo, my senior sister will speak on his behalf."

"Thank you, Venerables!" Linghuchong, who had been talking with Yue Lingshan, heard the nuns' arrival and rushed over. Hearing this, he was overjoyed and said to Yue Buqun, "Master!" He was volunteering for the mission.

Yue Fangxing was extremely anxious. Linghuchong had just returned to the Huashan Sect, and this was a good opportunity to deepen his bond with the sect. How could he be lured away by outsiders? He was about to speak, but saw Yue Buqun nod.

Yue Fangxing had no choice. Yue Buqun's decision could not be changed. However, he still tried, saying, "Venerable, our Huashan Sect is also heading to Longyan and needs Dashi Ge's protection."

His words seemed inappropriate, and Dingshan said, "Young Hero Yue, you are too modest. Your feat of killing two bears and several others at Wubagang was impressive. Even the three of us might not have such confidence."

As a junior, Yue Fangxing could not respond. Yue Buqun took over to avoid further awkwardness. They discussed a few more things, agreed on the plan, and Dingshan bid farewell to Yue Buqun, leaving with Dingyi and Linghuchong.

Yue Fangxing, seeing this, could only instruct Linghuchong to be cautious and return to the Huashan Sect as soon as possible after the mission. He hoped that once the dispute over the *Evil-Exorcising Sword Manual* was resolved, the two sects could leave Fujian together.

Yue Lingshan, hearing that Linghuchong was leaving again, was unhappy and chased after him, trying to persuade him to stay. However, Linghuchong was determined, and they had to part with reluctance.

In fact, Linghuchong's decision to go was not only to seek help from the Hengshan Sect to return to the Five Mountains Sword Sect but also to avoid facing Yue Lingshan. Before meeting, he had missed her terribly, but once they met, he did not know what to say. Moreover, his relationship with Ren Yingying made him feel guilty and unsure how to face Yue Lingshan, so he decided to use the Hengshan Sect's mission as an excuse to avoid her for a while.

At this point, the Hengshan Sect had already packed and bid farewell to the Huashan Sect, leaving Fuzhou for Longquan.

Yue Fangxing felt somewhat relieved. With three top-notch experts and Linghuchong, a master swordsman, even if the Songshan Sect attacked as in the original story, it would be difficult for them to succeed, and a complete defeat was highly possible. This provided some security, but he was more concerned about the Huashan Sect.

After seeing off the Hengshan Sect, Yue Buqun called Yue Fangxing to the study to discuss.

Yue Fangxing said, "Father, the two nuns from the Hengshan Sect clearly came to recruit Dashi Ge before he returns to the Huashan Sect. Why did you agree?"

Yue Buqun sighed, "I know, but although the Hengshan Sect has been close to us on the surface, they have become somewhat distant. To gain their genuine support, we must make some sacrifices. Besides, Linghuchong needs their help." He had not yet decided to completely break ties with the Songshan Sect, which was why they were in Fujian. As for whether Linghuchong would be lured away by the Hengshan Sect, he was not worried. He had raised and taught Linghuchong for over a decade and had confidence in him. Moreover, the Hengshan Sect's main goal was to gain some security and the favor of a top swordsman.

Yue Fangxing said, "But Dashi Ge should not go! His temperament is unpredictable, and it is hard to foresee what might happen." He then told Yue Buqun about Linghuchong's recent activities.

Yue Buqun was shocked to hear that Linghuchong had sworn brotherhood with Xiang Wentian, rescued Ren Woxing, and learned the *Sucking Star Great Technique*. He said, "The *Sucking Star Great Technique* is indeed a demonic skill. It's fortunate that Linghuchong has returned to the right path and is re-cultivating the Purple Mist Divine Skill. Now, with the nuns from the Hengshan Sect, who are all upright, you don't need to worry too much."

Yue Fangxing sighed, hoping it would be so. However, he was still uneasy. If the Huashan Sect had to go to Longyan and might also face an ambush, he would have gone with Linghuchong and the Hengshan Sect to Longquan.

Yue Buqun, seeing off the Hengshan Sect, then called Yue Fangxing to the study to discuss.

Yue Fangxing said, "Father, the two nuns from the Hengshan Sect clearly came to recruit Dashi Ge before he returns to the Huashan Sect. Why did you agree?"

Yue Buqun sighed, "I know, but although the Hengshan Sect has been close to us on the surface, they have become somewhat distant. To gain their genuine support, we must make some sacrifices. Besides, Linghuchong needs their help." He had not yet decided to completely break ties with the Songshan Sect, which was why they were in Fujian. As for whether Linghuchong would be lured away by the Hengshan Sect, he was not worried. He had raised and taught Linghuchong for over a decade and had confidence in him. Moreover, the Hengshan Sect's main goal was to gain some security and the favor of a top swordsman.

Yue Fangxing said, "But Dashi Ge should not go! His temperament is unpredictable, and it is hard to foresee what might happen." He then told Yue Buqun about Linghuchong's recent activities.

Yue Buqun was shocked to hear that Linghuchong had sworn brotherhood with Xiang Wentian, rescued Ren Woxing, and learned the *Sucking Star Great Technique*. He said, "The *Sucking Star Great Technique* is indeed a demonic skill. It's fortunate that Linghuchong has returned to the right path and is re-cultivating the Purple Mist Divine Skill. Now, with the nuns from the Hengshan Sect, who are all upright, you don't need to worry too much."

Yue Fangxing sighed, hoping it would be so. However, he was still uneasy. If the Huashan Sect had to go to Longyan and might also face an ambush, he would have gone with Linghuchong and the Hengshan Sect to Longquan.