Film and Television World Life Record

Thinking of this, Zuo Lengchan suppressed the agitation in his heart. He recalled how arrogant he had been back then. If he hadn't suffered that calamity, how could he have lowered his head? Subduing this young man would not be easy. He could only do his best.

But what if they can't be subdued? Zuo Lengchan thought to himself, then he would have no choice but to cut the Gordian knot and nip the trouble in the bud.

Although it's a bit of a pity, I absolutely cannot allow any more variables to arise in the plans I've painstakingly devised over the past ten years. And if this person has such potential and opposes me, it will not only affect the merger of the Five Mountains, but will obviously cause considerable trouble in the future. If he really refuses to submit, then I can't blame him for being ruthless.

Thinking of this, a hint of killing intent flashed in Zuo Lengchan's eyes.

Suddenly he turned around and smiled, "Nephew, has Junior Brother Yue ever told you about the Huashan Sect back then?"

Li Mu said, "I have talked about it before, why do you ask this, Uncle-Master?"

Zuo Lengchan's eyes flickered, and he took a deep breath before asking, "Have you ever heard your master mention Uncle Feng?"

Li Mu glanced at him. It was rare to see Zuo Lengchan, who was usually so cunning, acting so guilty. Li Mu had not only heard of him, but had also learned swordsmanship from him.

Following Zuo Lengchan's words, he said, "Grandmaster Feng? Of course I know."

Zuo Lengchan's eyes twitched, and he asked, "Do you know where Uncle Feng is now?"

Li Mu shook his head and said, "I don't know where it is now." He really didn't know; he had searched for it for a while more than a year ago, but still couldn't find it.

Then he asked Zuo Lengchan, "Why is my Uncle Feng so concerned about my Uncle Master Feng?"

Zuo Lengchan cupped his hands and said, "I was saved by my Uncle Feng years ago."

Li Mu was quite surprised, as he was unaware of this secret: "Oh, with Master Zuo's martial arts skills, how could he encounter such a thing?"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Lengchan glanced at Li Mu and said, "It all happened decades ago, so let's not talk about it. It's just that Uncle Feng's whereabouts are unpredictable, and I don't know when I will be able to repay this favor."

His words were a mixture of emotions, clearly indicating that he was overwhelmed with various feelings, and whether he wanted to repay a debt of gratitude was unknown.

After a moment of silence, Zuo Lengchan suddenly sighed, "Back in the day, how prosperous Mount Hua was! With two peerless masters, the former Five Mountains Alliance Leader Uncle Ning and Uncle Feng, presiding over it, its prestige was immense, rivaling that of Shaolin and Wudang. Even the members of the Demonic Sect avoided the area near Mount Hua!"

"What a pity. The internal forces cannot be united, and a battle of sword energy has ended up like this. How similar it is to the Five Mountains Sword Sects acting independently today."

Li Mu smiled and said, "What Senior Uncle Zuo said makes sense. It is clear that as a martial arts sect, it is only right to have martial arts originate from the same source."

"Our Huashan Sect's martial arts are all of the same lineage, yet we still have disputes over sword energy. If several sects with different lineages in the martial arts world were to unite as one, the martial arts learned by fellow disciples would be different. How easy would it be to eliminate the distinction between sects? If conflicts were to arise, the consequences would probably be even more serious than the disputes over sword energy."

Zuo Lengchan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, and gave Li Mu a meaningful look, saying, "Nephew, that's not entirely true. Just like Shaolin Temple has seventy-two unique skills. Although they all come from the same source, their lineages are different, yet they are the greatest martial arts in the world. This shows that the difference between schools is not in martial arts, but in people's hearts. What do you think, Nephew?"

Li Mu smiled and said, "What my senior uncle said makes sense. However, Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist pure land that emphasizes the emptiness of the four elements and compassion. People practice meditation and chanting Buddhist scriptures every day, and their mental cultivation is extremely high. For thousands of years, they have been the leading figures in the martial arts world, watching the rise and fall of various sects and schools, and firmly holding the position of the number one sect in the world. If all sects in the martial arts world cultivated their minds and natures like Shaolin, where would there be any disputes? The world would have been at peace long ago."

Chapter 570 Wielding a Sword on Mount Song

A cold glint flashed in Zuo Lengchan's eyes, and he laughed loudly, "Nephew is absolutely right. Junior Brother Yue has taken on a fine disciple."

Li Mu cupped his hands and said, "Uncle Zuo, you're too kind."

Zuo Lengchan waved his hand and said, "Nephew, what do you think of the current situation of my Five Mountains Sword Sect in the martial world?"

Li Mu said, "Our Five Mountains Sword Sect is united and renowned in the martial world. We are the backbone of the righteous path. In recent years, under the leadership of Senior Uncle Zuo, we have been thriving and our battles with the Demonic Sect have been evenly matched. Who in the martial world wouldn't give us a thumbs up after hearing this!"

Zuo Lengchan shook his head and said, "What you say is true, but not entirely true. Our Five Mountains Sword Sect has been allied for nearly a hundred years and is as close as family. However, in the fight against the Demonic Sect over the years, we have always had victories and defeats. It is not that our Five Mountains Sword Sect is inferior in martial arts. On the contrary, our Five Mountains Sword Sect has produced many talents and is very prosperous over the past hundred years. However, we have not been able to achieve victory in one battle. Do you know why?"

Li Mu said, "Oh, please speak, Uncle-Master."

Zuo Lengchan paced back and forth a few steps and said, “Although our Five Mountains Sword Sect has a constant stream of experts and everyone has the heart to eliminate evil and protect the righteous path, the fact that the five sects are scattered all over the world makes it difficult to transmit information. Even though we have formed an alliance, each sect does its own thing and cannot unify its commands, which is why we have ended up in this situation.”

"On the other hand, although the Demonic Sect's influence spans thirteen provinces in the north and south, its words are obeyed and its commands are consistent. It can deploy its troops and generals as easily as using its own limbs. Its strength and power are all directed in one direction. As a result, our Five Mountains Sword Sect will inevitably be defeated one by one."

Li Mu said, “What Senior Uncle Zuo said does make some sense. However, we are different from the Demonic Sect. The people of the Demonic Sect take their doctrines as their foundation, and only the fittest survive. They fight all day long and have crawled over the corpses of their opponents and comrades to get to where they are today.”

“Our sect is different. We are based on the inheritance of martial arts, and it is mostly passed down from master to disciple. We emphasize chivalry and righteousness, and put benevolence first. The two should not be confused.”

Zuo Lengchan suddenly chuckled coldly and said, "Nephew, you still haven't had enough experience. In this world, there aren't so many black and white distinctions."

Li Mu nodded and said, "What my senior uncle said makes sense. Different camps, different ideas, each sticking to their own views and doing their own thing, it is indeed difficult to distinguish right from wrong."

"But there are many things in the world that incur the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. What is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong."

Zuo Lengchan frowned and said, "What you say is true, nephew. I used to think the same way. Have you heard about the ten elders of the Demonic Sect besieging Mount Hua back then?"

Li Mu said, “I have heard of it. My Five Mountains Sword Sect challenged the ten elders of the Demonic Sect to a battle at Mount Hua. In the end, my Five Mountains Sword Sect won a great victory, and all ten elders of the Demonic Sect perished on Jade Maiden Peak of Mount Hua!”

Zuo Lengchan laughed heartily a few times and said, "That's true, but the details are unknown to outsiders!"

Li Mu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this; Zuo Lengchan knew quite a bit.

"I would like to ask you."

Zuo Lengchan's face was solemn, with a hint of coldness as he said, "Back then, when we challenged the ten elders of the Demonic Sect, my Five Mountains Sword Sect not only failed to win, but was also greatly at a disadvantage. In the end, we had no choice but to lure the ten elders of the Demonic Sect into a cave and detonate the explosives that had been planted beforehand. This trapped and killed the ten elders in one fell swoop. Outsiders only know that the ten elders of the Demonic Sect all died on Mount Hua, but they do not know the inside story!"

As Zuo Lengchan spoke, his heart was filled with turmoil. Ever since he entered the sect, he had often heard the elders, martial arts heroes, and fellow disciples talk about the Five Mountains Sword Sect's challenge to the ten elders of the Demonic Sect.

It describes how powerful the elders of the Five Mountains Sword Sect were in martial arts, how they openly challenged the sect to battle, how they killed the elders of the Demonic Sect on the spot, and how the members of the Demonic Sect were insidious, evil, despicable, and shameless.

He heard these stories from his elders when he was a child, and later he told them to his junior brother. He grew up surrounded by these fictional tales. At that time, he admired the elders who challenged the elders of the Demonic Cult so much, believing them to be incredibly skilled in martial arts and unparalleled in chivalry.

He fantasized that one day he could be like them, challenging the masters of the Demonic Sect to a duel before all the heroes of the world, and slaying them with his sword.

Unfortunately, these hopes were soon shattered. In the third year of his tenure as sect leader, his master, the former leader of Songshan Sect and the only survivor of the Songshan Sect among the Five Mountains Sword Sects' challenge to the ten elders of the Demonic Sect, told him the truth before his death.

Upon hearing this news, his pride crumbled instantly.

For the next ten days or so, he was in a daze until one day he came to his senses. His personality had changed drastically. His face became increasingly cold, and it was rare to see him smile. He became more and more demanding of himself and his fellow disciples. His martial arts skills also improved, and his sense of right and wrong faded. Instead, his belief in the survival of the fittest and the ruthlessness of using any means necessary to achieve his goals grew stronger.

Thinking of this, Zuo Lengchan not only looked at Li Mu, but also wondered how this equally proud young man would react upon hearing this matter, and whether he would react as he had back then.

But to his disappointment, Li Mu's face showed only a slight surprise, nothing else.

After all, Li Mu already knew what he was talking about, and had even personally collected some of the remains of the Demonic Sect elders. The fact that he could feign surprise was already a sign of respect for Zuo Lengchan.

Zuo Lengchan wondered to himself how he could be so calm. He knew that most of the people who set up the ambush back then were senior members of Mount Hua. How could such a young, passionate, chivalrous, and righteous person not feel ashamed or disappointed?

Li Mu glanced at him: "Senior Uncle Zuo, we can't judge the actions of our seniors, but after all, it was the people of the Demonic Sect who provoked us first, and they brought more than ten years of peace to the martial world. What do you think, Senior Uncle?"

Zuo Lengchan scrutinized Li Mu carefully and said coldly, "Our Five Mountains Sword Sect has always been mortal enemies with the Demonic Sect. The victor is king and the loser is villain. Even if we use some tricks, what is there to say?"

"However, this is how I treat my enemies. You will gradually learn how I treat my friends. Otherwise, how can I win the respect of my fellow disciples?"

Li Mu smiled and said, "I admire Senior Uncle Zuo's skill."

He truly admired Zuo Lengchan's skills. Zuo Lengchan not only managed Songshan Mountain to be prosperous and impregnable, but also secretly befriended and subdued many evil masters in the martial arts world.

Making these people submit to a righteous sect leader is many times more difficult than commanding the Thirteen Protectors of Mount Song. After all, they usually act recklessly and live a carefree life, so why would they bow down and be driven and restrained by others?

Look at how those unorthodox martial artists at the Five Hegemons Hill Assembly scoffed at and disdained the leaders of the Five Mountains Sword Sects.

Zuo Lengchan didn't have any drugs like the Demonic Sect's Three Corpse Brain God Pill to control these people. Getting them to work for him would be incredibly difficult, yet Zuo Lengchan managed to do it.

The reason why Mount Song was able to hold such a leading position among the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sects, with its strength both overt and covert, was largely due to Zuo Lengchan's skill and ability.

Regardless of the final outcome, judging solely from the perspective of consolidating and strengthening the sect's power, Zuo Lengchan's ability to govern the sect was clearly superior to that of the other four sect leaders. Under Zuo Lengchan's diligent governance, the Songshan Sect's strength was indeed far above that of the other four sects.

The two chatted for a while longer. Zuo Lengchan was unable to persuade Li Mu, but Li Mu had satisfied his curiosity by meeting Zuo Lengchan in person and having a chat with him. He was indeed a powerful and ambitious figure.

Seeing that it was getting late, Li Mu cupped his hands and said, "It has been a long time since I last met Senior Uncle Zuo. It is getting late, so I will take my leave now."

As he spoke, he turned to leave.

A hint of coldness flashed in Zuo Lengchan's eyes: "Nephew, why don't you stay here for now? You can leave after the Five Mountains Conference begins."

Li Mu smiled and said, "Thank you, Uncle-Master, but no need. Farewell!"

After saying that, he walked down from the Fengchan Terrace on his own.

A fierce glint flashed in Zuo Lengchan's eyes, and then he suddenly burst into laughter, picking up his sword as he spoke.

“Since you are so stubborn, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Li Mu stopped and slowly drew his long sword from his waist: "I've heard that my martial arts are unparalleled, so I'd like to learn a thing or two from you."

Zuo Lengchan sneered, "You have guts. If you can withstand ten of my sword strikes today, I will spare your life."

Li Mu laughed heartily: "Senior Uncle, you are so generous."

The next moment, the two sword lights clashed, the sky filled with flashing sword lights, leaving countless afterimages in the air, dazzling the eyes.

The moment the two clashed, Zuo Zhengchan's heart skipped a beat, realizing that the young man before him was far more formidable than he had imagined.

However, as a powerful figure in the martial arts world, he still maintained his belief in victory even when facing a second-generation disciple.

However, as time passed, in the blink of an eye, more than a hundred moves had been made.

Zuo Lengchan was increasingly surprised. His opponent's martial arts skills were completely beyond his expectations. Although his internal strength was slightly inferior to his, his swordsmanship had surpassed his. Looking at the sword shadows flying all over the sky, he seemed to see the sword light from back then, and a shadow of gloom flashed through his heart.

Another hundred moves passed, and Zuo Lengchan still had no chance of winning against this second-generation disciple of Mount Hua. He suddenly felt that everything was so absurd, and even a little disheartened. If he couldn't even defeat a second-generation disciple of Mount Hua, what qualifications did he have to be the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, and what qualifications did he have to merge the Five Mountains Alliance?

Just then, disciples of the Songshan Sect and some of the Thirteen Protectors at the mountain gate heard the fighting and rushed over with their weapons.

Zuo Lengchan quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. The person in front of him was almost the biggest obstacle to his merger of the Five Mountains Alliance. Naturally, there was no need to follow any rules of the martial arts world. He was about to call on his many disciples and junior brothers to attack him together.

Li Mu also noticed the scene over there. He forced Zuo Lengchan back with a sword and then flashed to the edge of the cliff.

He has been climbing Chaoyang Peak for many years, and he is already extremely skilled at climbing the Heavenly Ladder and the Nine Spiral Shadows.

Before anyone could catch up, he shook his arms and, like a bird in flight, leaped off the cliff. In a few bounds, he had vanished from sight.

The next sentence was: "Uncle Zuo, we'll meet again at the Five Mountains Alliance. I'll come back to learn from you then, in front of all the heroes of the world."

Zuo Lengchan looked at Li Mu, who had disappeared into the mountains, with a complicated expression. He suddenly felt that the world was full of strange things. The Five Mountains Alliance, which was originally a sure thing, had been given a huge variable.

What should we do next?