Film and Television World Life Record

Yue Lingshan asked curiously, "Are you two using Tai Chi swordsmanship?"

The man picking vegetables shook his head and said, "We use the Yin-Yang Sword Technique, but unfortunately our skills are not yet perfect. The sword is divided into Yin and Yang, but we have failed to blend them into one. We hope you will forgive us for making a fool of ourselves."

Li Mu said, "Such swordsmanship is still extremely high. The two seniors are too modest."

The woodcutter sighed, “Young friend, you are truly amazing. Just now, the spot you saw was the weak point of this sword technique. Alas... We have practiced this sword technique for decades and thought that it contained both yin and yang, both hard and soft. Who knew that you would still be able to see through our tricks? It is truly shameful.”

The wood-carrying man asked in confusion, "I wonder which school you belong to, young friend. My eyesight is poor, and I couldn't discern the origin of your swordsmanship."

Li Mu replied, "We are all disciples of the Huashan Sect. Are you two seniors going to Hengshan City to attend Uncle Liu's Golden Basin Washing Hands Ceremony?"

The man picking vegetables was taken aback, muttering to himself, "I didn't expect that there would be such a talent among Master Yue's disciples. We have underestimated the heroes of the world."

The woodcutter chimed in, "We're just here to join in the fun. We didn't originally intend to go to Liu Zhengfeng's 'washing his hands of his studies' ceremony, but seeing you, young friend, has piqued my curiosity. Perhaps we'll attend that day..."

Li Mu smiled and said, "Then, see you then."

The wood-carrying man joked, "It seems we two were destined to show our faces that day!" Then he chuckled and said, "Farewell, my two young friends. We'll meet again someday."

After saying this, the two picked up their loads, gathered vegetables and firewood, and continued their leisurely journey towards Hengshan City.

Li Mu and Yue Lingshan did not linger and headed towards Hengshan City.

Chapter 550 Washing hands in a golden basin

In the blink of an eye, it was time for Liu Zhengfeng to retire from his life of crime. Just after Chenshi (7-9 AM), the Liu residence was bustling with activity as guests from all directions arrived.

The Liu family had been a prominent family in Hengshan City for generations. By the time of Liu Zhengfeng's generation, with the backing of the Hengshan Sect, they had become the leading aristocratic family in Hengshan City, running pawnshops, carriage shops, and many other businesses, amassing a fortune.

Liu Zhengfeng's decision to retire from the martial arts world was not only incomprehensible to many in the martial arts community, but also baffling to his family.

As the second most famous figure in Hengshan, he was in his prime, yet he suddenly retired from the martial arts world to play the flute and teach his son, which is truly strange.

Although the family had some doubts about the matter, they accepted it gladly because they thought they could live a peaceful life without having to worry about grudges in the martial arts world.

It is said that the Ming Dynasty rose to power through religious sects. After the establishment of the country, numerous gangs and churches emerged in various places, and the imperial court tried its best to suppress and appease them. Only during the reigns of Hongwu and Yongle, when the country's military strength was at its peak and the martial arts world was weak, was the situation able to be controlled covertly.

In subsequent dynasties, although the Ming Dynasty's national strength grew increasingly prosperous, it had not been engaged in warfare for a long time, its military equipment was neglected, and its control over the martial arts world became increasingly weak. This provided fertile ground for the growth and expansion of martial arts forces.

One after another, martial arts factions sprang up like mushrooms after rain. A dozen or so people would gather together to form a gang, and three or five people would form a brotherhood to form a group. They would come up with a few simple martial arts moves and dare to establish a sect, proclaiming themselves as the founders. The chaos was dazzling and overwhelming.

At this very moment, in front of the Liu residence, the list of guests who came to offer their congratulations included more than thirty gang leaders and guild masters, as well as more than twenty sect leaders. Besides the major sects with established prestige in the martial arts world, there were also those semi-legal Jianghu forces.

Liu Zhengfeng personally greeted the guests from prestigious sects and senior experts, while his disciples received the lesser figures.

By noon, the Liu residence was packed with guests, and a long banquet was set up in the courtyard, with no fewer than two hundred tables inside and out.

Five or six hundred guests poured in like a stream. Zhang Jin'ao, the vice leader of the Beggars' Sect, Xia, the old boxer of the Zhengzhou Liuhemen, led his three sons-in-law, Tie Lao of the Goddess Peak of the Three Gorges of Sichuan and Hubei, Pan Hou, the leader of the East China Sea Sand Gang, Bai Ke, the two friends of Qujiang, and Lu Xisi, the Divine Brush, arrived one after another.

Some of these people knew each other, while others had only heard of each other but had never met before. For a time, the hall was filled with greetings and introductions, and a great deal of noise arose.

Tianmen Daoist and Master Dingyi, among others, sat comfortably in the hall. They observed that some of the guests were indeed renowned and influential in the martial arts world, while others appeared to be of dubious character. They secretly criticized Liu Zhengfeng, a master of the Hengshan Sect, for his lack of self-respect and for associating with such low-class figures.

Soon, a welcoming announcement came: "Master Yue of Mount Hua has arrived."

As the renowned Gentleman Sword, one of only two leaders of righteous sects to attend the Golden Basin Washing Hands Ceremony, Liu Zhengfeng naturally attached great importance to it. As soon as the welcoming words were spoken, he hurriedly stood up to greet him. Yue Buqun was very humble, offering his congratulations with a smile on his face, and walked hand in hand with Liu Zhengfeng through the gate.

Many heroes had naturally heard of the Gentleman's Sword, and they all craned their necks to look at him, causing the scene to fall silent.

Among the guests, Tianmen Daoren was the most senior, and he stood up to greet them with a hearty laugh. When Dingyi Shitai, Mr. Wen, He Sanqi and others saw this, they also stood up to greet them.

After a round of polite greetings, everyone took their seats. Although Yue Buqun's name was "Buqun" (meaning "unconventional"), he was not arrogant. Many of the guests were unknown, but as long as they came to talk to him, Yue Buqun was equally kind and friendly, chatting and laughing with them.

Inside the hall, everyone chatted idly, while guests from all walks of life continued to arrive at the Liu residence. As the auspicious hour approached, Liu Zhengfeng was about to return to the inner hall to have his disciples entertain the guests when he suddenly heard a voice announce: "Elders Qinghe and Qingren from the Wudang Sect have arrived."

Liu Zhengfeng was startled, then overjoyed. He naturally sent an invitation to Wudang and Shaolin Temples regarding his decision to retire from martial arts.

However, as the leading figures in the martial arts world, according to usual practice, they would usually send one disciple to handle such matters. Unexpectedly, two elders from Wudang actually came.

Liu Zhengfeng dared not be negligent and immediately went out to greet him.

The crowd in the hall was in an uproar. Wudang had always been aloof from worldly affairs and usually paid little attention to such mundane matters. However, the arrival of two elders today was a great honor, even for a sect leader. Liu Zhengfeng was truly capable.

Liu Zhengfeng welcomed the group into the hall and invited them to take their seats.

According to their status and prestige in the martial arts world, Tianmen Daoren, the leader of the Taishan Sect, is the oldest and most senior, and should sit in the chief seat. However, since the Five Mountains Sword Sects have formed an alliance, Tianmen Daoren, Yue Buqun, and Abbess Dingyi are half of the hosts, so it is inconvenient for them to sit in the chief seat. The two elders of Wudang also declined to sit in the chief seat. Everyone yielded to each other, and no one was willing to sit in the chief seat.

Unfortunately, the central armchair remained empty as the assembled heroes took their seats.

At this moment, Mi Weiyi suddenly brought out a tea table covered with brocade. Xiang Danian held a golden basin, which was gleaming and a foot and a half in diameter, and placed it on the tea table. The basin was already filled with water.

Just then, two gunshots rang out outside the door, followed by loud drumming and music, and the sound of gongs and shouts, indicating that some government officials had arrived at the door.

The assembled heroes were taken aback, only to see Liu Zhengfeng, now dressed in a brand-new silk robe, rush out of the inner hall, greeted with cheers. Liu Zhengfeng gave a slight bow and headed for the door. After a while, he was seen respectfully accompanying an official in official robes as he entered.

Everyone was puzzled: "Could this official also be a martial arts practitioner?"

However, although this person was dressed in fine clothes, his eyes were dim and he had the air of wine and women, clearly indicating that he did not possess any martial arts skills.

People couldn't help but speculate that Liu Zhengfeng, being a powerful figure in Hengshan City, inevitably had to cultivate relationships with government officials. Today was his joyous occasion, so it wasn't surprising that local officials would come to pay their respects.

The official strode in, took the center position, and the bailiff behind him knelt on his right knee, raised his hands above his head, and presented a tray covered with yellow satin, on which lay a scroll.

The official bowed, accepted the scroll, and announced loudly, "Imperial edict has arrived. Liu Zhengfeng, listen to the decree."

Upon hearing this, the assembled heroes were all taken aback. Liu Zhengfeng's retirement from martial arts and swordplay was a matter for the martial world; what did it have to do with the imperial court? Why was the emperor issuing an edict?

Could it be that Liu Zhengfeng is plotting a major rebellion, and the court has discovered it? That would be a capital offense, punishable by beheading, confiscation of property, and extermination of nine generations of his family.

Everyone thought of this at the same time, and many people immediately stood up and grabbed their weapons, thinking that since the official had come to deliver the imperial decree, the Liu residence must have been surrounded by soldiers, and a big battle was inevitable.

To everyone's surprise, Liu Zhengfeng said nothing, silently stepped forward, bent his knees, knelt down, kowtowed three times to the official, and said loudly, "Your humble servant Liu Zhengfeng hears the decree, long live the Emperor!" The heroes in the hall were all astonished upon seeing this.

The official unfurled the scroll and read aloud: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: According to the report of the Governor of Nanhu, Liu Zhengfeng, a commoner from Hengshan County, is public-spirited, righteous, and has made great contributions to his hometown. He is skilled in archery and horsemanship and is of great talent. He is hereby appointed as a military officer..."

Liu Zhengfeng kowtowed again and said, "Your humble servant Liu Zhengfeng thanks you for your kindness..." He stood up, bowed to the official, and said, "Thank you for your cultivation and promotion, Lord Zhang."

The official stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Congratulations, General Liu. From now on, we will serve as ministers in the same court, so why stand on ceremony?"

Liu Zhengfeng said, "I am just a commoner, and it is all thanks to the extraordinary cultivation of the powerful minister, the governor and Lord Zhang."

The official laughed and said, "Not at all, not at all..."

Liu Zhengfeng turned and took a brocade pouch from his disciple, smiling, "A small gift, nothing more..."

Lord Zhang laughed heartily and said, "We're brothers, yet Lord Liu is being so polite."

He winked, and the constable beside him reached out to take the plate. When the constable took the plate, his arms sank down, clearly indicating that the contents of the plate were quite heavy.

The official immediately beamed and said, "I am busy with official duties and cannot stay long. Come, come, pour three cups of wine to congratulate General Liu on his appointment today and his promotion to a higher rank soon. His Majesty's grace is everlasting."

Wine was poured for him by his attendants. Lord Zhang downed three cups in quick succession, bowed, and turned to leave. Liu Zhengfeng, all smiles, saw him off to the gate. Then, the sounds of gongs and shouts rang out, and the Liu residence fired ceremonial guns in farewell.

This scene was completely unexpected by the assembled heroes. Everyone looked at each other, speechless, their faces a mixture of embarrassment and astonishment.

Although the guests who came to Liu’s mansion were not gangsters or troublemakers, most of them were local strongmen who each had their own interests in the martial arts world and were all very proud of themselves. They had always kept to themselves and the government.

Seeing Liu Zhengfeng's sycophancy in granting the emperor a military rank of "Assistant General," and his overwhelming gratitude and blatant flattery, even daring to openly offer bribes, they felt extremely embarrassed, and some couldn't help but reveal their displeasure.

Many guests thought, "Judging from this, he must have bought his official hat with gold and silver. I wonder how much gold and silver he spent to get the governor's recommendation. Liu Zhengfeng has always been an upright man. How could he have become so greedy for wealth and power in his old age that he did such a thing?"

Liu Zhengfeng seemed oblivious to this, and stood up as if no one else was there, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply, saying, "Esteemed seniors, heroes, and good friends, I am deeply grateful for your presence, which is an honor for me."

"Brother, I'm retiring from the martial world today and will no longer concern myself with its affairs. You all probably already know why. I've been granted a military post by the court. As the saying goes, one who eats the emperor's food must be loyal to him. In the martial world, loyalty is paramount, but in matters of state, one must abide by the law to repay the emperor's favor. If these two conflict, it will put Liu Zhengfeng in a difficult position."

"From this day forward, Liu Zhengfeng is withdrawing from the martial arts world. My disciples may choose to join other sects or factions as they wish. I invited you all here to be my good friends and to bear witness to this. In the future, when you come to Hengshan City, you will naturally remain my good friends. However, I will not concern myself with the various grudges and disputes in the martial arts world." With that, he bowed again.

The assembled heroes had already anticipated his words. Under such circumstances, everyone should have congratulated Liu Zhengfeng and praised him for his timely retirement and indifference to fame and fortune.

But in this situation, with over a thousand people gathered together, no one could utter a word. For a moment, everyone looked at each other, and the hall was completely silent.

Seeing that no one spoke, Liu Zhengfeng sighed softly, flipped his hand, drew a long sword from under his robe, and with a snap of his hands, broke the sword in two. He then let the two broken pieces fall to the ground with two soft hissing sounds as they embedded themselves in the blue bricks.

Upon seeing this, all the heroes were astonished. Judging from the sound of the two broken swords piercing the blue bricks, the sword was clearly a weapon capable of cutting through gold and jade. Breaking an ordinary long iron sword with one's bare hands was not surprising for someone like Liu Zhengfeng, but to break a precious sword so easily and effortlessly demonstrated the purity of his finger skills, a level of mastery rarely seen in the martial arts world.

Many people sighed inwardly, "What a pity!" They didn't know whether they were sorry for the precious sword or for Liu Zhengfeng, a master swordsman, who was willing to surrender to the government and become strangers from then on.

Although the Five Mountains Sword Sect does not have the precept of "the sword is the man, the man dies when the sword dies," one can imagine how much they value their swords. At this moment, Liu Zhengfeng broke his sword to show his determination, which shows that he was truly determined.

Many heroes and valiant men couldn't help but sigh upon seeing this. But everyone has their own ambitions, and he was determined to retire from the martial world; there was no way to force him.

As they spoke, the disciples had already prepared a golden basin filled with clear water. Liu Zhengfeng smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and stretched out his hands to put the water into the basin.

According to the rules of the martial arts world, if one dips their hands into the golden basin and slightly wets them, it is considered that they have completed the ritual of washing their hands of the martial arts world. From then on, no matter what grudges they have with the martial arts world in the past, they must be wiped clean, which means that this person will no longer exist in the martial arts world.

Suddenly, a sharp shout rang out: "Wait!"

Liu Zhengfeng was slightly startled and looked up to see four men dressed in yellow shirts walking in through the main gate. As soon as the four men entered, they stood on either side, and then a tall man in yellow shirt walked in from between them.

He held aloft a five-colored brocade banner, adorned with pearls and gems, which emitted a dazzling light when unfurled. Many who recognized the banner felt a chill run down their spines: "The command banner of the Five Mountains Sword Alliance Leader has arrived."

He strode up to Liu Zhengfeng, raised the flag and said, "Uncle Liu, by order of the Left Alliance Leader of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, I request that the matter of washing the golden basin be temporarily postponed."

Liu Zhengfeng frowned and asked, "Nephew Shi, what does Alliance Leader Zuo mean?"

Stendhal said coldly, "This disciple is acting under orders. Please, Uncle Liu, receive the command..."

Liu Zhengfeng's expression changed slightly. No wonder only Mount Song from the Five Mountains Sword Sect had not sent anyone. He couldn't help but sigh, "Back then, when our Five Mountains Sword Sect formed an alliance, we agreed to help each other in offense and defense, and to maintain the righteousness in the martial arts world. When something happened that involved the five sects, everyone had to obey the orders of the alliance leader. That was indeed correct."

"However, my decision to retire from martial arts today is a private matter for me. It has neither violated the code of conduct of the martial arts world nor has it been related to the Five Mountains Sword Sect. Please tell my nephew Shi that I cannot comply with your request. Please forgive me, Senior Brother Zuo." As he spoke, he reached his hands into the basin.

Chapter 551 Conviction

Shi Dengda swayed slightly, reaching out to block the golden basin. Holding up a brocade banner in his right hand, he said, "Uncle Liu, my master has repeatedly instructed me to postpone washing my hands in the golden basin. My master said that the Five Mountains Sword Sects are of one mind and are like brothers. Passing on this banner is not only to preserve the friendship among the Five Mountains Sword Sects, but also to uphold justice in the martial arts world, and it is also for Uncle Liu's good."