Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 551 Afterwards
The thrilling night battle at the foot of Mount Hua was like a boulder thrown into the deep pool of the Jianghu (martial arts world), and the ripples it stirred up quickly spread throughout Mingzhou and even further afield.

In just a few days, taverns, teahouses, security escort agencies, martial arts schools, and even brothels and gambling dens in major towns and cities were all discussing the same topic enthusiastically—the Huashan Sect!

"Have you heard? Those two young men from Mount Hua who came down to train, Linghu Chong and Li Zhongren, slaughtered the elite troops led by the four elders of the Demonic Sect in the dilapidated temple on Black Wind Ridge!"

"More than that! I heard that even when the Heavenly King Xiang Wentian and the Mighty Demon Child Bai Xiong joined forces, they were all defeated and forced to vomit blood by that boy named Li Zhongren with just one iron mace!"

"Tsk tsk, that poisonous woman Sang San Niang was directly cleaved in two by Yue Buqun, the head of the Huashan Sect, with a purple sword aura that spanned dozens of feet! Qu Yang was also seriously injured!"

"The most terrifying thing is that Feng Qingyang! Senior Feng Qingyang of the Sword Sect didn't die at all! He appeared at the critical moment and broke the Demonic Sect's poisonous fog trap with a single sword strike!"

"It wasn't just his appearance! Do you know who fought against Senior Feng later? It was the Sword God of Tianshan in Guzhou, Ximen Chuixue! The two fought for hundreds of rounds, and it is said that their sword energy soared into the sky, destroying the mountains and forests, and in the end, they were evenly matched!"

"My God! Is the Huashan Sect about to rise again? Sect Leader Yue is hiding his true strength, his sword energy is so terrifying! Senior Feng's sword is still sharp as ever! And those two young geniuses... With this strength, can the Songshan Sect still suppress them?"

"Pressure? I doubt it! This time, Alliance Leader Zuo really lost more than he gained. I heard he was the one who secretly led the Demonic Sect to attack the Huashan disciples, and the result was..."

The news spread wider and wider, and the details became increasingly exaggerated.

Li Zhongren is depicted as a war god who is twelve feet tall and strong enough to lift a tripod; with a single swing of his iron mace, mountains crumble and the earth splits.

Linghu Chong's Dugu Nine Swords were rumored to be incredibly powerful, as if they could break through all martial arts in the world.

Yue Buqun's purple sword energy was described as a majestic and unstoppable heavenly might.

The epic battle between Feng Qingyang and Ximen Chuixue has become a legend that countless people in the martial arts world both yearn for and revere.

After decades, the name of the Huashan Sect once again resounded throughout the martial arts world with such a powerful presence.

Some people were happy, such as those sects that had received Huashan's favor or were already close to Huashan, feeling that the righteous path had gained another pillar supporting the heavens.

Some people were worried, and those who relied on the forces of Mount Song began to secretly plot.

Many more people were shocked and in awe, re-examining this ancient sect that seemed poised to return to the top of the Five Sacred Mountains.

Mount Song, Jingtang.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating Zuo Lengchan's face, which was so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

He held in his hand a series of intelligence reports gathered from various sources. The reports were largely similar, all confirming the astonishing outcome of the battle at the foot of Mount Hua.

"boom!"

Zuo Lengchan slammed his palm onto the hard ebony wooden table, leaving a clear handprint.

The teacup on the table jumped up, splashing tea everywhere.

"Trash! A bunch of trash!"

His voice was icy, containing barely suppressed rage.

"Xiang Wentian, Tong Baixiong, Qu Yang, Sang Sanniang... four renowned elders of the Demonic Sect, along with dozens of elites, couldn't even defeat two greenhorns from Mount Hua! They were even killed and severely injured by Yue Buqun with a single sword strike! They've completely disgraced the Demonic Sect!"

His meticulously planned series of murders were interconnected.

By using Laudenuo to spread false information to lure the Demonic Sect into action, and by using the Demonic Sect's power to deplete or even eliminate the future hope of Mount Hua, they can force out the possible existence of Feng Qingyang. Then, they can use Ximen Chuixue, a powerful expert from outside the realm whom they secretly introduced, to deal with Feng Qingyang. No matter what the outcome, with Feng Qingyang's health deteriorating, the members of the Demonic Sect will have a chance to take him down!
In this plan, he had overestimated the strength of Mount Hua as much as possible, even going so far as to introduce a variable like Ximen Chuixue.

However, all their efforts were in vain!
"Li Zhongren...Li Zhongren!"

Zuo Lengchan gritted his teeth as he muttered the name.

The description of the boy in the intelligence report terrified him.

Innate superhuman strength? A heavy iron mace? It withstood Tong Baixiong's giant axe and repelled Xiang Wentian's Great Nine Heavens Hand?
This was simply beyond his comprehension of the strength of young martial artists!

This is no genius, he's clearly a primordial beast in human skin!
All his calculations underestimated the destructive power and resilience of this freak.

Li Zhongren's existence was like an unreasonable giant hammer, forcefully shattering his meticulously planned scheme.

"And Laudenau!"

A cold glint flashed in Zuo Lengchan's eyes.

It now seems that Laudenau, this pawn buried for so many years, has probably been exposed long ago!

Yue Buqun and Feng Qingyang had been using a scheme against each other, employing Lao Denuo to transmit false information and then luring him into a trap!

It's laughable that they thought they had outsmarted the situation.

The feeling of being fooled made him angrier than the failure itself.

The quiet hall was deathly silent, with only Zuo Lengchan's heavy breathing.

After a long while, the anger in his chest gradually subsided, replaced by a deeper sense of malice and scheming.

"Humph……"

Zuo Lengchan let out a cold snort with an ambiguous meaning, and a cold smile slowly curled up at the corner of his mouth.

The losses were devastating, and the plan failed.

But it's not necessarily all bad.

One of his previous concerns was how to make the Shaolin Temple truly take the threat from Mount Hua seriously.

The unification of the Five Sacred Mountains was a key step for Songshan to dominate the region, while Huashan was always the biggest obstacle.

However, as the leading force in the martial arts world, Shaolin has always been aloof and unwilling to get too involved in the internal affairs of the Five Sacred Mountains. Especially when Mount Song was powerful, Shaolin had a hidden intention to support Mount Hua in order to counterbalance Mount Song.

Things are different now!
Feng Qingyang is not dead, and he has shown terrifying strength that is no less than that of the Sword God from beyond the realm!
Yue Buqun's Zixia sword has reached its peak, and the fierceness and domineering power of his sword energy have reached a state of perfection!

Furthermore, there emerged a prodigy with innate combat prowess like Li Zhongren, along with the equally limitless potential of Linghu Chong…

This Huashan Sect is no longer a threat to the Songshan Sect, but a behemoth that can threaten the existing order of the entire martial arts world!
This poses an unprecedented challenge to Shaolin Temple's transcendent status and influence in the martial arts world!
"The two masters of Huashan swordsmanship stand side by side, Feng Qingyang is still alive, Yue Buqun has reached his peak, and even more monstrous disciples have emerged out of nowhere... Hehehe..."

Zuo Lengchan chuckled softly, his laughter filled with a chilling pleasure.

"Will those senior monks from Shaolin Temple still be able to sit still?"

He knows Shaolin Temple too well.

Those monks who appear kind and benevolent on the surface, chanting Buddhist mantras, are actually more ruthless than any martial arts sect in their determination to maintain their own status and interests!

Why did all ten elders of the Demonic Cult perish at the Cliff of Contemplation on Mount Hua?
Shaolin Temple may have played a role in this!
The conflict between Huashan Sword Qi led to its decline. What role did Shaolin play in this?
Zuo Lengchan knew some of these secrets.

In the past, Shaolin could sit idly by and watch Mount Song and Mount Hua fight, and even secretly support Mount Hua to counterbalance Mount Song.

But now, the Huashan Sect, with its members like Feng Qingyang, Yue Buqun, Li Zhongren, and Linghu Chong, has far surpassed the Songshan Sect in potential and threat! Zuo Lengchan gazed out the window towards Huashan, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Right now, he had no direct leverage over him. Even if Yue Buqun hated him, so what? As long as he remained still, he would still be the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, and Yue Buqun would still have to respectfully address him as Leader Zuo.

Of course, he also knew that such days wouldn't last long.

If I don't have a backup plan for the next Five Mountains Sword Tournament, I might have to return the Alliance Leader's Token to Mount Hua.
The rest is up to these monks to decide what to do.
Shaoshi Mountain, Main Hall.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, and the sounds of Buddhist chants filled the air.

The golden Buddha statue, with its solemn and dignified appearance, looked down at the several elderly monks sitting on the prayer cushions.

The atmosphere inside the hall was not as peaceful and tranquil as it appeared on the surface; instead, it was heavy with the impending storm.

At the head of the table sat Abbot Fangzheng of Shaolin Temple. His beard and eyebrows were all white, and his face was as rosy as a baby's. His eyes shone with a sharp light as they opened and closed. He was the pillar of Shaolin Temple in this era and a master who had cultivated the Yi Jin Jing to a state of perfection.

He gently twirled a string of sandalwood prayer beads in his hand, but the other senior elders of the Dharma Hall, Arhat Hall, and Prajna Hall in the hall could sense a hint of solemnity beneath the abbot's calm exterior.

Each detailed intelligence report about the night battle at Mount Hua weighed heavily on the hearts of the old monks, like a heavy lead weight.

"Amitabha."

Master Xuannan, the head monk of the Bodhidharma Academy, broke the silence by chanting the Buddha's name in a low voice. His voice was loud, but he could not hide his worry.

"Feng Qingyang is still alive and can fight to a draw with the ancient sword god Ximen Chuixue. Yue Buqun has mastered the Purple Cloud Sword Technique, and his sword energy is so powerful that he can kill Sang Sanniang from dozens of feet away. The Huashan Sect has two masters of sword energy standing side by side, and they are no longer the ignorant fools they once were."

“What is even more worrying is Li Zhongren.”

Master Xuanku, the head of the Luohan Hall, frowned deeply. He was an expert in external martial arts and was particularly alarmed by the description of Li Zhongren's inhuman strength and physique in the intelligence report.

"Born with superhuman strength, wielding the Xuan Tie Heavy Mace, he withstood two elders of the Demonic Sect without defeat. If this boy were to receive full instruction from Feng Qingyang or Yue Buqun, he would surely become another unparalleled figure sweeping across the eight wastelands in ten years. Linghu Chong's swordsmanship is divine, and he is no ordinary person either. The fortune of Mount Hua... is already showing signs of burgeoning."

There was silence in the hall.

The conflict between the sword and qi schools at Mount Hua back then led to the decline of the sword sect and the weakening of the qi sect. While internal ideological differences within Mount Hua were certainly a contributing factor, Shaolin's "adapting to the situation" and "mediating" also played a role in pushing things along and weakening this formidable rival of the Five Sacred Mountains.

Those secrets were well known to the core elders present.

Even earlier, all ten elders of the Demonic Sect perished at the Cliff of Contemplation on Mount Hua, which also hinted at Shaolin's strategy of using the Demonic Sect's strength against them and depleting the top forces of Mount Hua.

Now, with the rise of Mount Hua and especially the reappearance of Feng Qingyang, these old grievances are likely to be brought up again!

Rumors have been circulating in the martial arts world, questioning the timing of the sword qi dispute back then as too "coincidental" and suspecting that someone had "set it up".

"Senior Brother Fangzheng."

Master Xuanji, the head of the Prajna Hall, spoke slowly, his voice low and deep.

"The rise of Mount Hua is unstoppable, and its top combat power is no longer something that Shaolin can easily suppress."

He glanced at Fang Zheng, his meaning clear: Master Fang Zheng's Yi Jin Jing was indeed incredibly profound, and he might be considered invincible within the temple due to the advantageous location, but Shaolin currently only had Fang Zheng as its master.

If Feng Qingyang and Yue Buqun were to arrive together, along with their two disciples with unlimited potential, Shaolin, despite its profound foundation, would inevitably pay a heavy price.

Master Fangzheng paused slightly as he twirled his prayer beads, his murky yet profound gaze sweeping over the crowd before he spoke slowly.

"Amitabha Buddha, the evil has risen and the righteous has fallen, and the righteous path has been in decline for a long time. It is truly a blessing for the martial arts world and a boon for the righteous path that Mount Hua can produce such a talent."

These words sounded grand and dignified, but the old monks present all understood the underlying meaning—praise! Praise was necessary! And it had to be praised to the skies!

Master Xuannan understood immediately and replied.

"Abbot Brother is absolutely right. The Huashan Sect's victory in thwarting the Demonic Sect's conspiracy, eliminating demons and upholding the dignity of the righteous path is truly a great merit! The reappearance of Senior Feng Qingyang in the martial world is an even greater blessing for the martial arts community. As the leader of the righteous path in the martial arts world, Shaolin should proclaim this to the world, vindicate Huashan, and highlight its achievements!"

"Of course."

A glint of light flashed in Master Xuanku's eyes.

"The young hero Li Zhongren fought bravely against the elders of the Demonic Sect, displaying unparalleled courage in the army. Linghu Chong's swordsmanship is divine, and he remained calm in the face of danger. Both are role models for the younger generation of our righteous path. We should invite heroes from all over the world to hold a 'Heroes' Gathering to Slay Demons' at Shaolin Temple to make the two heroes of Mount Hua famous! We should also invite Elder Feng and Headmaster Yue to ascend the altar to preach and share their insights on slaying demons, so as to enhance the prestige of our righteous path!"

Praise!

This is the strategy set by Shaolin.

Since a head-on confrontation would be too costly and could reopen old wounds, let's do the opposite.

The Huashan Sect, especially Feng Qingyang, Li Zhongren, and Linghu Chong, were elevated to an unprecedented level!
They should be established as role models and banners for the righteous path in its fight against the evil cult!
With great fame comes great responsibility, and with it, a larger target.

How will the Demonic Church react?
What will happen to the forces behind those mountain strongholds and outlaws wiped out by Mount Hua?

What about the other jealous or fearful factions?
How will people in the martial arts world view every move the Huashan Sect makes in the future?
More importantly, what about the Huashan Sect itself?

Will the young disciples become arrogant after suddenly gaining such great prestige?
Feng Qingyang is getting old; can he withstand this enormous pressure?

Under the immense halo and the scrutiny that comes with it, can Yue Buqun, the "gentleman swordsman," still maintain his true self?

The higher you are lifted up, the harder you fall.

Why did the ten elders of the Demonic Cult gather at the Cliff of Contemplation on Mount Hua back then?
It's possible that they were motivated by rumors such as "Huashan swordsmanship is the best in the Five Sacred Mountains" and "the ability to break the Demonic Cult's martial arts," and wanted to flatten Huashan in one fell swoop and prove the Demonic Cult's martial arts were invincible! Shaolin just gave those rumors a gentle push, ensuring that the information was transmitted more "accurately" to the ears of those who should hear it.

Now, it's just the same old trick.

With a louder voice and more ornate language, the Huashan Sect, especially those two brilliant young talents, was pushed to the forefront of public attention.

Let them bear the most vicious retaliation from the demonic sect, face the most critical gaze of the martial world, and shoulder the heaviest responsibility of protecting the righteous path.

"Amitabha."

Master Fangzheng uttered a final Buddhist chant, his voice regaining its usual peace and compassion, as if what he had just devised was not a sinister scheme, but a benevolent act to save all sentient beings.

"The Huashan Sect has rendered meritorious service in protecting the Dao and deserves this honor. Junior Brother Xuannan, the Heroes' Gathering should be organized by your Dharma Academy. It must be grand and solemn, demonstrating the determination of our righteous path to unite as one and jointly resist external demons. Let all the heroes of the world see that our righteous path has successors, and that evil demons and heretics will ultimately be doomed!"

"I will obey the abbot's decree!"

Master Xuannan clasped his hands in prayer and bowed.

The old monks exchanged glances, their eyes no longer showing solemnity, but rather a profound sense of control over the situation and a hint of barely perceptible coldness.

Inside the magnificent Mahavira Hall, even the Buddha statue's compassionate gaze seemed to carry a hint of indifference.

Want to rise to prominence?

Great, Shaolin is happy to see this happen.

However, the Huashan Sect, especially those two brilliant young heroes, should savor the thorns and costs along the way.

Amitabha.
(End of this chapter)