Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 539 The Way of Heaven
"You"

Ning Zhongze looked at Yue Buqun, who had his hands behind his back, and sighed helplessly.

Her husband was a man of deep thoughts, and even she couldn't fully fathom what he was thinking.

However, she married him when she was 15 and he was 17. This year he is 49 and she is 47. They have lived together for 30 years.

Even though he was a man of deep thoughts, there were still some things she could see through.

He might not care about the other disciples and even want to drive them off Mount Hua, but Linghu Chong was different.

No matter how angry or annoyed he was, he had still raised Linghu Chong as his son for so many years.

Right now, Linghu Chong and his disciples are kneeling outside Jingyuezhai, but Yue Buqun doesn't say a word, simply wanting a way out.

Thinking of this, Ning Zhongze patted Yue Buqun on the back, turned around and left the study.

Came outside.

Of course, at this moment, there was no trace of a smile on her face. It was time to teach these little rascals a lesson.

"Master's wife! I was wrong, we were wrong!!"

Upon seeing Ning Zhongze emerge, Linghu Chong took the lead in kowtowing, his eyes bloodshot and red, with blood marks already appearing on his forehead.

Ning Zhongze stood on the steps of Jingyuezhai, looking down at his disciples kneeling on the ground.

Her usually gentle and warm face was now covered with a thin layer of frost, her eyes sharp as knives, slowly sweeping over Linghu Chong, Lao Denuo, and the disciples who were silent as cicadas in fear.

Fear and heavy pressure filled the air, with only Linghu Chong's suppressed sobs and the faint sound of his forehead hitting the bluestone slab.

She didn't speak immediately, but stood quietly, letting the silent pressure continue to intensify.

Until the blood seeping from Linghu Chong's forehead, who was kneeling at the front, mixed with cold sweat and dripped onto the stone slab, forming a small dark patch.

Ning Zhongze coldly opened her lips.

"What are you doing kneeling here? Who are you trying to impress?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying a chill that pierced to the bone.

"Do you feel wronged? Or do you think your master's punishment was too harsh and you're trying to gain sympathy by playing the victim?"

Linghu Chong suddenly raised his head, his face covered in tears mixed with blood.

"Master's wife! Your disciple knows his mistake! He truly knows his mistake! We shouldn't have slacked off in our training, and we shouldn't have wasted our time on the Cliff of Repentance! Please, Master's wife, plead with Master on our behalf!"

The other disciples hurriedly followed suit, kowtowing and admitting their mistakes, pleading all at once.

"plead?"

Ning Zhongze's lips curled into a faint, emotionless smile, her gaze piercing Linghu Chong like an ice pick.

“Chong’er, as the senior disciple, you should be a role model for your junior brothers and the person that Master and Mistress trust and rely on most! But what about you? You are not ambitious, you lead the way in being lazy, and you lead your junior brothers to sunbathe on the Cliff of Contemplation, wasting your time! Is this the responsibility of your senior disciple? Is this the demeanor of the head disciple of the Huashan Sect?”

Her voice suddenly rose, filled with heartache and deep disappointment.

"What was your master's painstaking and tireless effort all for? It was for the foundation of the Huashan Sect, for the future of you unworthy disciples! How much pressure did he bear, how many hardships did he endure to support Huashan? And you, instead, forget the gratitude to your sect, forget your master's painstaking efforts, and only seek temporary comfort! Have you ever thought about how much effort your master has put into the future of Huashan, how many burdens he has borne?"

Ning Zhongze took a deep breath, a complex look flashing in her eyes. Her tone softened slightly, but became even more somber.

"It's alright to tell you, just a few days ago, your master's Zixia Divine Skill has reached its peak! Looking at the world, he is confident that he can even fight Dongfang Bubai."

"If he were willing to reopen the gates of Mount Hua, the line of people willing to become disciples of my Mount Hua sect would stretch from here to the foot of the mountain. But why did he still send you to the Cliff of Repentance? It's because of the bond we've built over the years; he hopes you can recognize your mistakes."

"But what about you?"

"He's not even as good as a child who's barely begun the Moon Seeking Technique!"

"What's the point of staying at Mount Hua? Are we just waiting to be gossiped about behind our backs, with people saying that the Mount Hua Sect is full of ungrateful good-for-nothings?"

As Ning Zhongze finished speaking, the entire study fell into complete silence.

Especially Laudenau, who appeared tragic, but in reality his heart was in turmoil!
Why did Zuo Lengchan send him here?

It's because Yue Buqun is the most threatening person to him among the Five Mountains Sword Sects. After all, although the Zixia Divine Skill is slow and difficult to cultivate, it is a top-notch divine skill in the world.

However, Yue Buqun actually cultivated to the highest level!

Without a doubt, his master's series of plans targeting Mount Hua had all failed.

This is Jianghu.

This is the threat posed by top-tier experts.

No matter how many changes you make, I will cut you down with a single sword!
"call"

Taking a deep breath, Laudenau lowered his head.

He knew he had to pass this information on to his master immediately. Although Li Zhongren was a genius, geniuses needed time to grow, but Yue Buqun was already the biggest threat.

Especially Ning Zhongze's line, "to fight against Dongfang Bubai."

Having lived on Mount Hua for so many years, he knew all too well that this female knight-errant in front of him never stooped to lying. She was straightforward and honest. If she said so, then it must be true, and it was worthy of the status of the Zixia Divine Skill!
Ning Zhongze glanced at Laudenuo without leaving a trace and nodded secretly.

The couple had planned to reveal this matter beforehand, as a way to make an example of Zuo Lengchan and keep him in line.

"Master's wife! We know we were wrong! We'll never do it again!"

Linghu Chong naturally didn't think that much. He should have been happy for his master's breakthrough, but now, all he could do was weep bitterly, filled with regret.

"Please, Master's wife, give us another chance! We will definitely turn over a new leaf, practice diligently, and never dare to slack off again!"

Looking at the bloodstains on Linghu Chong's forehead and the regret in his eyes, and then at the other disciples' terrified and begging appearances, Ning Zhongze's anger finally subsided a little.

She knew the time was right; the harsh measures had been taken, and it was time to reassure her.

She couldn't really let her husband drive all these apprentices away, especially Chong'er.

She let out a long sigh, her voice low and heavy with weariness and earnestness.

"Opportunity? Opportunity is never given by others, it is earned by oneself! If it weren't for the fact that this is your first offense and you still have a shred of remorse, I, your master's wife, would be the first to not forgive you today!"

She paused, her gaze sharpening once more.

"Listen up, everyone! From today onwards, everyone except Denuo will be confined to the Cliff of Repentance for six months. Especially Linghu Chong, if you cannot master the new basic breathing technique, you will not be allowed to leave the Cliff of Repentance. As for the others, let's set them for minor mastery."

"Deno."

"Master's wife, your disciple is here."

"You don't need to kneel with them. You haven't done anything wrong, and I know their personalities. Your master isn't angry with you. However, for the next six months, you must not disobey your master's orders. You must strictly supervise them, or I will punish you as well!"

"Yes, Master's Wife!"

Laudenau took a deep breath and lowered his head again.

"Alright, all of you, get back to the Cliff of Repentance."

Ning Zhongze's voice suddenly turned cold, and an invisible aura pressed down on everyone, making it almost impossible for them to breathe.

"If you make another mistake, don't blame your master for being ruthless. She will definitely report to the sect leader and punish you according to the strictest rules: your martial arts will be stripped, and you will be expelled from Mount Hua. At that time, let alone five taels of silver, even fifty or five hundred taels wouldn't be enough to buy back your status in Mount Hua!" "Disciple obeys! Thank you for your mercy, Master's wife!"

The crowd felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and they quickly kowtowed in agreement, their voices trembling with relief.

Linghu Chong kowtowed heavily, choking back tears.

"Thank you, Master's wife! Your disciple will definitely repent and live up to your kindness!"

Ning Zhongze looked at them, her face still cold and stern, but the sternness deep in her eyes had finally softened. She gave Linghu Chong one last deep look, her eyes containing disappointment and heartache, but also a hint of barely perceptible hope and tenderness.

"Remember what you said today, and figure out who you are and what you should do."

She finished speaking coldly, then turned away, her skirt swaying slightly, and walked steadily back into the Mirror Moon Studio.

His back remained upright, exuding an undeniable air of authority.

Only after Ning Zhongze's figure disappeared inside the door did the people kneeling on the ground dare to truly breathe a sigh of relief, their backs already soaked with cold sweat.

Linghu Chong wiped the mixture of blood and tears from his face, staring at the closed door with a complex expression—fear, shame, and an unprecedented determination.

He knew that his teacher's wife's reprimand was both a thunderous rage and a show of leniency.

This punishment, which was raised high and then gently lowered, was more unforgettable to him than any other reprimand.

He struggled to his feet and whispered to his fellow disciples, who were also in a sorry state.

"Let's go back to the Cliff of Repentance."

On the steps, the tear stain mixed with blood was particularly glaring in the sunlight.

Inside Jingyuezhai, Ning Zhongze walked to Yue Buqun, who was standing with his hands behind his back, and gently took his hands in hers.

"Is this alright, my great sect leader?"

"Humph"

Yue Buqun snorted.

"It's only because of you that..."

"Okay."

Ning Zhongze tugged at Yue Buqun's hand.

"We're an old married couple, aren't we ashamed?"

Yue Buqun blushed.

"Hehe, I believe Chong'er will learn his lesson this time. Actually, you should have given this child a good scare a long time ago. He is so talented, but he only works hard for three days and then slacks off for two. This time, if it weren't for Zhongren, I'm afraid you still wouldn't have been able to be ruthless."

Hopefully, he'll learn his lesson.

Yue Buqun took a deep breath.

"If Chong'er can learn from his mistakes and make the most of his talents, and join forces with Zhongren, we can ensure that Mount Hua will be safe for a hundred years. By the way, find some time later to teach Chong'er those sword techniques."

"all?"

"Senior brother, are you serious?"

"Sigh, if I hadn't made a breakthrough, I wouldn't have been able to let go of this."

Yue Buqun sat down and took a sip of tea.

"But since my Zixia Divine Skill broke through to the fifth level, looking back, this so-called sword energy contest is so ridiculous."

"They are all descendants of my Huashan lineage. They can practice whichever they like, swordsmanship or internal energy. When one aspect becomes lacking, they will naturally make up for it. This is the way of nature, to let things take their course, rather than forcibly teaching them what we think we know."

"Senior brother."

Suddenly, Ning Zhongze let out a sigh, her eyes filled with tears.

The battle over sword energy occurred during their youth, and it was a deeply impactful experience for both of them.

Hearing his senior brother say that.

Tears silently streamed down her face, soaking her clothes. They were the culmination of decades of suppressed emotions, a mixture of pain, regret, and the overwhelming feelings she had after hearing her husband's sudden realization.

Yue Buqun put down his teacup, looked at his wife with a complicated expression, and gently patted her back, offering silent comfort.

Just as the heavy silence seemed to freeze the air.

"Bang!"

The heavy wooden door to the study was pushed open by a gentle yet overwhelming force, and a slender figure stood silently outside.

Yue Buqun's pupils suddenly contracted, and his Purple Cloud True Qi instantly spread throughout his body. His right hand was already on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

Ning Zhongze was also startled and stopped crying. She instinctively stood in front of her husband and looked at the newcomer warily.

The fact that the person could approach so silently without being noticed by the couple shows that their martial arts skills are truly astonishing!
Upon seeing the person's face clearly, the two were even more shocked!

The newcomer had white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and wore a faded blue cloth robe. He stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes deep as an ancient well, yet carrying an indescribable sense of vicissitude and...excitement.
It was none other than Feng Qingyang, the last remaining senior master of the Sword Sect!

"Feng... Uncle-Master Feng?"

Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze exclaimed in shock almost simultaneously, their faces filled with disbelief.

They never expected that this figure, who had long since withdrawn from worldly affairs and was almost a legend, would appear at this time and place!

Feng Qingyang did not step into the room, but stood outside the threshold, his gaze sweeping over the shocked couple with a complicated expression, before finally landing on Yue Buqun.

On his usually placid face, a rare hint of emotion and...gratification appeared.
"I was on the back mountain and heard quite a commotion coming from the Cliff of Contemplation."

Feng Qingyang's voice was clear yet tinged with the hoarseness of years, like a secluded spring in a valley.

"I thought it was because Sect Leader Yue had finally hardened his heart to clean house and drive away those good-for-nothing brats, especially that lazy good-for-nothing Linghu Chong."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as lightning, staring directly at Yue Buqun.

"Just now, I was right outside this door."

Upon hearing this, Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze were filled with even greater shock and disbelief!
Uncle Feng had been outside the door the whole time. Hadn't he overheard everything the couple had said in their emotional outburst, especially Yue Buqun's thoughts on the sword qi dispute and his understanding of going with the flow?

Feng Qingyang seemed to see through their thoughts. He slowly raised his hand, and that hand, which was covered with the marks of time but was still steady, was now trembling slightly.

He pointed at Yue Buqun, his tone unusually solemn, and after a moment, he spoke.

“Yue Buqun, what you just said, ‘Swordsmanship, internal energy cultivation—let them practice whichever they like. When the other aspect becomes lacking, they will naturally make up for it. This is the way of nature, to let things take their course, rather than forcibly teaching them what we think is right…’”

Feng Qingyang repeated Yue Buqun's words word by word, each word seemingly carrying immense force as it resonated in the silent study.

"What a wonderful 'go with the flow'! What a wonderful 'the way of heaven'!"

Feng Qingyang's voice suddenly rose, carrying a sense of sorrow and relief that had been suppressed for decades.

"How laughable! How lamentable! How tragic! We, the Sword and Qi sects, come from the same source and are originally brothers! Yet, for such vague and nonsensical principles as whether 'Qi' or 'Sword' is stronger or weaker, or which comes first, we have slaughtered each other, causing rivers of blood to flow! How many talents have perished, and how much camaraderie among fellow disciples has turned to dust!"

(End of this chapter)