Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 546: Killing is to protect lives, killing karma is not killing people
Jingyuezhai

Feng Qingyang revealed Li Zhongren and Linghu Chong's progress and their plans to go down the mountain for training.

Yue Buqun sat upright in the main seat, a purple haze swirling between his brows, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance. After listening to Feng Qingyang's narration, he stroked his beard and pondered, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light, no longer the worried sect leader of the past.

"Uncle, you've worked hard. Chong'er and Zhongren do need to be tempered by the trials and tribulations of the martial world."

Yue Buqun's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable composure.

"When fledglings leave the nest, danger is inevitable, but it is also a necessary path. However, how to direct the wind and how to let the rain fall are matters that need to be carefully considered."

Feng Qingyang nodded slightly.

"That's right. The two of them are quite powerful now. Their first stop is easy enough. Let them see some blood and slaughter a few bandit strongholds. Their mentality will change. But what will truly allow them to grow is a really big event. Such events are hard to find. Only after experiencing such events can you and I truly feel at ease letting the two of them roam the world."

A faint, profound smile appeared on Yue Buqun's lips, his gaze seemingly piercing through the carved window lattices of Jingyuezhai and gazing into the distance.

"Uncle, rest assured. Senior Brother Zuo from Songshan is probably very concerned about the 'outstanding talents' of Huashan. Since the pieces he planted before have not been completely removed, let's let them shine one last time."

He paused, lowered his voice even further, but spoke each word clearly.

"This boy, Lao Denuo, was sent by Senior Brother Zuo to monitor Mount Hua. I have never alerted him all these years, and he still thinks he has hidden himself perfectly. Therefore, Zuo Lengchan also believes the messages he sends out. In that case, why don't we give him a hand? Give him some 'huge' good news and make him eager to send it out."

A hint of understanding flashed in Feng Qingyang's eyes, followed by even deeper admiration.

The Yue Buqun before me has completely overcome his inner demons and mastered the Zixia technique. His profound wisdom and resourcefulness have reached a level far beyond what he used to be.

Several days later, in a secluded spot on the back of Mount Hua.

Laudenau crept stealthily behind a boulder, holding his breath.

He "happened" to overhear two disciples returning from shopping down the mountain whispering among themselves, their words filled with excitement and worry.

"...Have you heard? Senior Brother and Junior Uncle (Li Zhongren) are going down the mountain for training!"

"Huh? Really? The sect leader is willing to do that? The martial world is not peaceful!"

"Of course it's true! The sect leader said it himself, to let them experience the true dangers of the martial world!"

Laudenau was no longer interested in hearing what was said next.

His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest!
Linghu Chong and Li Zhongren, the two most dazzling geniuses of Mount Hua, and the ones most feared by the Left Alliance Leader, are actually going to leave the mountain on their own initiative?

To be honest, he originally thought Yue Buqun wouldn't do such a thing.

He only allowed the two of them to cultivate in seclusion on the mountain until they mastered their skills, and that was indeed the case. He had heard that the two of them had been training on the Cliff of Contemplation, but he did not know what they were training for or who was training them, because after the two of them went to the Cliff of Contemplation, no one else was allowed to go there. Even the food and vegetables were delivered by Ning Zhongze herself.

This is enough to prove that the two of them were definitely studying the true Huashan tradition up there.

Now, this idiot Yue Buqun actually wants the two of them to go down the mountain. Does he think that once he has mastered his kung fu, no one will dare to provoke Mount Hua?
Dongfang Bubai is the best in the world, so those demonic cultists are just asking to die.

Not to mention, if planned properly, the blame could even be shifted to the Demonic Sect, which would then lead Yue Buqun to fight against the Demonic Sect, which would be quite interesting.

Thinking of this, Laudenau suppressed his excitement, outwardly appearing unchanged, but inwardly he had already planned everything.
The night was deep.
A carrier pigeon took off silently, flying towards Mount Song.
Mount Song, Jingtang.

The flickering candlelight illuminated Zuo Lengchan's ever-changing face.

He held in his hand the very intelligence that Laudenau had risked his life to deliver.

The decision to abandon direct suppression of Huashan was made by Zuo Lengchan after weighing the pros and cons.

As mentioned earlier, Yue Buqun is unfathomable, especially after mastering the Zixia Divine Skill, he is one of the strongest in the world. Even if he wins a direct confrontation, his Songshan Sect will probably be left with very little.

However, at this moment, he shared the same thought as Laudenau.

Has Yue Buqun gone mad?
He actually sent his two precious disciples down the mountain to gain experience.
However, he was not Laudenuo after all; he was Zuo Lengchan. He thought more and further ahead.

He knew Yue Buqun very well. Regardless of whether Yue was a hypocrite or a true gentleman, his actions over the decades were enough to prove that he was a meticulous person.

Would someone like that casually reveal such a huge flaw?

Therefore, it is very likely that Yue Buqun will personally accompany them on this so-called training trip down the mountain. If that's the case, then there's nothing more to say. Perhaps even the Demonic Sect wouldn't dare to wade into these troubled waters.

If Yue Buqun didn't accompany him, it would only prove one thing: this was a trap, and he was waiting for someone to fall into it, like him.

Then, another problem arose.

The strength of Mount Hua was transparent to him.

Apart from Yue Buqun, there's no one else who can fight. No matter how talented those two disciples are, they have to learn one step at a time. They can't just graduate without any training.

So, where exactly is this trap?
"Feng Qingyang??"

Zuo Lengchan considered this possibility.

Since the sword qi contest ended, Feng Qingyang has disappeared without a trace, neither alive nor dead.

However, such a top-tier expert wouldn't die so easily if he didn't want to.

If you do the math, Feng Qingyang is at most eighty years old.

At eighty years old, a top-tier master, his life was only about halfway over.

Generally speaking, martial artists who have broken through to the pinnacle of internal strength can easily live to around 150 years old.

Therefore, unless there are extremely special circumstances, Feng Qingyang must still be alive.

Furthermore, according to Laudenau's intelligence, the two of them had been training at the Cliff of Contemplation, and Yue Buqun had not gone there to guide them. So who was teaching them how to train?
Even if he couldn't see it, Zuo Lengchan felt that it was most likely Feng Qingyang.

Therefore, the trap is quite obvious.

If Yue Buqun doesn't go down the mountain with him, it means that Feng Qingyang will be following him in secret, or at the very least, there will be a master like him following him. He doesn't have to be Feng Qingyang, but there must be someone like him, otherwise, it doesn't make sense.

"if it is like this"

Having figured all this out, Zuo Lengchan narrowed his domineering eyes.

It appears that the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light, but in reality, the enemy is in the light while we are in the

It seems like I'm going to target those two, but actually...
Zuo Lengchan grinned.

"In fact, why can't I take action against that top expert?"

"Whoever he is, he must be very old."

"As people age, their physical strength diminishes. Living to 150 years old does not mean that your fighting ability will remain at its peak."

"An eighty-year-old man's amount of true qi is undoubtedly abundant; after all, true qi increases with age."

"But the body's structure and blood circulation..."

"These measures can only slow down the decline, not stop it, or even reverse it."

"This is the way of Heaven, and it cannot be changed by human will."

As the leader of the Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Song has countless such records.

Therefore, even an aging master can still be targeted if the method is appropriate.

For example, outside of Minnesota.

Of course, this matter requires careful consideration. After all, introducing external forces would make him a public enemy in Minnesota, so a scapegoat is needed.
For example.
Demonic cult.
-
At the foot of Mount Hua, a refreshing breeze blows.

Linghu Chong and Li Zhongren walked side by side, with the majestic Mount Hua behind them and the vast and boundless martial arts world in front of them.

Both of them changed into more practical clothing that allowed for easier movement.

Linghu Chong had a long sword hanging at his waist, which was given to him by Feng Qingyang and was Feng Qingyang's former sword.

Li Zhongren carried an iron mace. Yes, he could fight bare-handed, but why did he choose to fight bare-handed? At Feng Qingyang's suggestion, he took the iron mace. This thing was particularly suitable for him. Once he swung it, a mere graze would be fatal, and a single blow would be an injury!

"Senior Brother, where should we go first?"

Compared to Linghu Chong, Li Zhongren could be said to have never left the mountain. Facing the vast expanse below, he was completely lost and directionless.

"The first thing my master and grandmaster instructed me to do was to 'see blood.' Within a hundred miles, there are several small band of bandits who specialize in robbing passing merchants and have taken many innocent lives. Black Wind Stronghold is the most notorious one recently. Let's use them as a test, practice our skills, and rid the people of this scourge."

Linghu Chong pondered for a moment and then spoke.

More than half a year of experience has brought about a huge change in his personality. Although he is still as dashing as ever, there is a hint of maturity in his eyes.

"mob."

Li Zhongren shrugged. He didn't have any particular reaction to killing. In his previous life, he had slaughtered pigs, not as a butcher, but to experience the feeling of killing. The knife went in and out, it was just that. With the first cut, he felt a sense of immersion, as if the knife had stabbed himself. But after the second cut, everything disappeared.
"I'm not as carefree as you, junior brother."

Linghu Chong took a deep breath.

He'd been in many fights throughout his life, but he'd never killed anyone. Right now, he was genuinely a little nervous and lost.

However, he ultimately suppressed everything. Talking on paper is ultimately futile. As the senior disciple of Mount Hua, he couldn't afford to lose face in this matter.
-
Dividing line

Black Wind Village, night.

It was less a mountain stronghold and more a crude bandit den built on treacherous terrain.

The wooden fence was crooked and leaning. Several henchmen were dozing off while holding weapons. The village was dimly lit, and the sounds of drinking games and women crying could be faintly heard.

Linghu Chong and Li Zhongren, like two shadows blending into the night, easily bypassed the lax outer sentries and sneaked to the foot of the stockade wall.

"Senior Brother, shall I clear the way?"

Li Zhongren drew his iron mace. The heavy mace felt as light as a twig in his hands. He longed to test the results of his six months of arduous training and to experience the legendary thrill of "killing one person in ten steps."

"I'll take care of it. I'll deal with the sentries first."

After saying that, Linghu Chong's figure floated up like a ghost. Before his long sword was even fully drawn, there were only a few very faint groans. The dozing henchmen collapsed to the ground, and a spot of crimson blood quickly spread from their throats.

His movements were swift and precise, and the "anticipating the enemy's moves" technique of the Dugu Nine Swords was on full display when dealing with these small fry. However, his slightly furrowed brows proved that he was not calm at the moment.

Li Zhongren followed closely behind. His movements were far less graceful and elegant than Linghu Chong's, even appearing somewhat "clumsy." However, each step he took was as steady as a mountain, landing silently. He did not make a move, but his eyes swept around like lightning, his inner energy flowing slowly within him, like a lurking beast.

The gate to the stronghold was easily broken open by Linghu Chong, and the two of them rushed into the core area of ​​the bandit stronghold like tigers among sheep.

Killing broke out instantly!

"who?!"

"Enemy attack! Grab your weapons!"

The bandits were jolted awake from their drunken stupor and sleep, frantically grabbing the weapons at hand.

However, faced with an absolute disparity in strength, their resistance was as fragile as paper.

Linghu Chong's figure weaved through the crowd, his sword flashing like lightning, each flash bringing a spray of blood.

His swordsmanship was fierce and unparalleled, targeting vital points such as the throat or the heart, aiming to kill with a single blow.

At first, he had a hint of chivalry on his face, but as the first bandit fell in front of him with wide, terrified, and unwilling eyes, and warm blood splattered on his face, his movements involuntarily paused slightly.

The heavy stench of blood, the feeling of life rapidly slipping away under the sword... was completely different from the heroic image of "punishing evil and eliminating wickedness" he had imagined, bringing a cold, sticky sense of unease.

However, discomfort is discomfort.

Ultimately, the difference in strength was too great. Even if Linghu Chong held back, these bandits couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes.

On the other side, Li Zhongren held an iron mace, looking like a demon god descending to earth.

Wherever it passed, flesh and blood flew everywhere.

Most people who saw this scene would probably vomit uncontrollably.

But Li Zhongren's eyes remained eerily calm throughout, devoid of excitement or disgust, only displaying an almost cold focus.

As a result, the remaining robbers finally broke down and scattered.

But then Li Zhongren pulled out a handful of pebbles from his pocket, and with a forceful flick, they scattered like a shower of flowers, piercing through the bodies of the fleeing bandits one by one, who fell to the ground.

Only one burly man managed to dodge the attack. Clearly, he had some skill, but he was terrified and turned to flee towards the back of the mountain.

Linghu Chong instinctively wanted to give chase, but his steps slowed down by a beat due to the discomfort he had just felt.

Li Zhongren didn't even glance at the fleeing figure. With a casual kick of his toe, a short knife left on the ground shot out like a powerful crossbow bolt!

"Pfft!"

The dagger pierced the bandit leader's back with perfect precision. The immense force propelled his body forward, pinning him to a wooden post. He twitched twice and then lay still.

The battle ended quickly.

Apart from a few kidnapped women and children trembling with fear, there wasn't a single bandit alive in the entire Black Wind Stronghold.

The air was thick with an overwhelming stench of blood.

Linghu Chong leaned on his sword, his face pale, his chest heaving as he looked at the carnage-like scene before him.

He suppressed his urge to vomit. This was the first time he had personally ended so many lives. Even though the victims were heinous bandits, the direct impact of death was far greater than the sparring on the Cliff of Repentance.

Li Zhongren walked up to him and handed him a water bag.

"Rinse your mouth."

Linghu Chong took the water pouch, gulped down several mouthfuls, then spat it out, panting as he asked.

"Junior brother...are you...are you alright?"

Looking at Li Zhongren's calm and composed face, he felt both admiration and a sense of bewilderment.

"fine."

Li Zhongren spoke calmly as he began examining the corpses, confirming that no one had escaped by feigning death. His movements were so practiced that it seemed like he was doing this for the first time.

"Junior brother, you're amazing!"

"Actually, if you had known one principle, you wouldn't have acted this way."

"what?"

"Killing is to protect life; killing karma is not killing people."

(End of this chapter)