The Prodigal Disciple of Mount Hua: Seizing All Opportunities

Seeing that Chen Qianyang was listening intently, Lu Dayou changed the subject and brought the topic back to the Huashan Sect itself, but his face showed more worry.

"Sigh, after talking so much about the general situation of the world, what's most relevant to us is actually the trivial matters within our own Huashan Sect and the Five Mountains Sword Sects." He glanced around cautiously, then leaned close to Chen Qianyang's ear, "Junior Brother Chen, I heard you went towards Luoxia Peak a few days ago?"

Chen Qianyang nodded frankly: "A few days ago, I had some insights into cultivating my internal energy, so I thought of finding a place with beautiful mountains and rivers to contemplate the world, and that's where I went to Luoxia Peak."

"You're pretty lucky," Lu Dayou chuckled. "Looks like you didn't run into those scoundrels from Chaoyang Peak."

Chen Qianyang's heart stirred, and he pretended to be puzzled, asking, "Chaoyang Peak? I've heard my senior brother mention it. It seems to be the place where a senior of our sect lived in seclusion. Isn't that senior Mu Renqing highly respected and has a deep connection with our sect? I've heard that even Master respectfully addresses him as 'Uncle-Master'."

"The connection is deep, and the grudge is not shallow either!" Lu Dayou curled his lips and moved closer. "Grandmaster Mu is naturally a hermit who does not concern himself with worldly affairs. It is said that he was able to stay out of the sword qi dispute back then."

But his second disciple, Gui Xinshu, the "Invincible Divine Fist," is a scoundrel. He bullies us Huashan disciples constantly, relying on his superior martial arts skills, and shows no respect for our Master Yue. And then there's his Mei Jian and his gang of followers, who frequently provoke us, taking advantage of Mu Renqing's name. They always feel that we've usurped the rightful Huashan lineage, that we've usurped their place. Over the years, there have been constant, overt and covert, friction between the disciples of both sides. For the sake of the bigger picture, Master usually tells us to be more tolerant.”

He paused, lowering his voice even further: "The most critical issue is within our Five Mountains Sword Sect... Zuo Lengchan, the leader of the Songshan Sect, has seen his power grow significantly in recent years, making frequent moves and insisting on merging the Five Mountains into one sect. It is said that Fei Bin, one of the Thirteen Protectors of Songshan and the Great Songyang Hand, recently visited Mu Renqing. It seems that this was all about the merger."

"Even if we're going to merge factions, it shouldn't be Chaoyang Peak's business, right?" Chen Qianyang said, puzzled.

"Junior brother, you don't understand. To be honest, the Huashan Sword Qi Sect and Mu Renqing's lineage are all descended from the founder of the Huashan Sect. Although their philosophies are different, they can all be considered part of the Huashan Sect. If Zuo Lengchan can win over the Chaoyang Peak lineage and find the descendants of the Sword Sect," Lu Dayou chuckled, "just like you, junior brother, he can force Master to comply."

Chen Qianyang realized that this explained why Yue Buqun was so wary of his identity as a descendant of the Sword Sect.

"Did Mu Renqing agree?"

"Of course I don't know, but judging from Elder Mu's personality, it shouldn't be like that." Lu Dayou continued, "However, it's hard to say about his disciples, otherwise this news wouldn't have spread. You know, the Songshan Sect is powerful and has many experts. In recent years, its strength has subtly surpassed the combined strength of the other four sects. Our Huashan... sigh, Master's position as sect leader is like walking on thin ice, it's not easy."

Chen Qianyang nodded silently, memorizing all this information.

Internally, the Hidden Sect of Mu Renqing's lineage is eyeing them covetously; externally, Zuo Lengchan's plan to unite the Five Mountains Sects is pressing them step by step; and there are also hidden agents such as himself and Lao Denuo already planted around him.

His master was indeed in a difficult situation.

But for him, this might be the perfect opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

As the two were chatting, Liang Fa rushed over: "Junior Brother Lu, Junior Brother Chen, you two are secretly drinking here."

"Would you like a few drinks, senior brother?" Chen Qianyang asked with a smile.

"I'm not joking with you. My master summoned me. It's important. He wants us to go to the Hall of Righteousness as soon as possible."

The two dared not delay and immediately got up and went there.

The atmosphere inside the Hall of Righteousness was solemn.

Yue Buqun, dressed in light robes and with loose belt, sat upright in the position of sect leader, but his usually gentle and refined face was now as still as water.

Lao Denuo, Linghu Chong, Yue Lingshan and other disciples stood on both sides, all with solemn expressions.

Once Chen Qianyang and Lu Dayou had stood still, Yue Buqun's gaze swept over the crowd.

Tell the story slowly.

Huashan is under the jurisdiction of Huayin County. The day before yesterday, a murder case occurred at a traditional Chinese medicine shop in the county, in which all three people inside the shop were killed.

This pharmacy may seem ordinary, but it is actually owned by the Huashan Sect. On one hand, it sells and buys medicinal herbs, and on the other hand, it serves as the Huashan Sect's eyes and ears in Huayin County.

Now that all three outer disciples in the pharmacy have been murdered, as the sect leader, it is only natural that he must find out the truth.

Yue Buqun's voice remained gentle, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "While the financial loss is a small matter, the reputation of Mount Hua cannot be lost, nor can the deaths of our disciples be in vain. Moreover, we must be wary of those lurking enemies. De Nuo."

"Disciple is here," Laudenuo stepped forward from the crowd and bowed in response.

"You have always been steady and reliable, and are capable of shouldering great responsibilities." Yue Buqun nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then turned his gaze to Chen Qianyang. "Qianyang, you are quick-witted and observant. You two will go to Huayin County immediately to find out the truth of this matter, capture the villains, and comfort the spirits of the deceased, as well as uphold the prestige of Mount Hua."

"Disciples obey!" Laudenuo and Chen Qianyang replied in unison.

Chen Qianyang's heart stirred, realizing that this was another test from Yue Buqun, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.

"Father! I want to go too!" Yue Lingshan, who had been quietly standing behind Ning Zhongze, suddenly stepped forward, grabbed Yue Buqun's arm, and pleaded, "I'm sure I can help Second Senior Brother and Junior Brother Chen!"

"Nonsense!" Yue Buqun's face darkened, and he slammed his folding fan down in his palm, making a sharp sound. "Investigating cases is no child's play; dangers are unpredictable. How dare you act so recklessly! Stay on the mountain obediently, practice your martial arts diligently, and don't utter such words again!"

When Yue Lingshan was scolded by her father, she immediately pouted, her face full of reluctance and grievance.

Knowing her father's temper, she stopped arguing openly and only secretly glanced at Chen Qianyang.

A plan immediately formed in his mind.

Chen Qianyang and Lao Denuo accepted the order, packed up briefly, and then went down the mountain.

The mountain path was winding. After walking for about half an hour, Laodenuo suddenly stopped, looked at the dense forest beside the road, sighed helplessly, and called out, "Junior Sister, we've been following you all this way. The mountain wind is chilly. Let's come out."

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a rustling sound from the bushes by the roadside, and Yue Lingshan's pretty figure jumped out, her pale yellow shirt standing out against the greenery.

She patted her dress, which was covered in grass clippings, and giggled, a little embarrassed. "Second Senior Brother, your ears are really sharp! It's so boring up here, I... I just wanted to go down the mountain to take a look. I'll definitely be able to gather information for you guys, and I promise I won't cause any trouble!"

Laudenau looked at Chen Qianyang, his face showing reluctance.

Chen Qianyang chuckled inwardly; this young girl really couldn't stand being alone. However, he feigned seriousness and said in a deep voice, "Senior Sister, Master has given orders that you should not leave the mountain without permission. If Master finds out, I'm afraid..."

"If you don't tell, and if Second Senior Brother doesn't tell, who will know?" Yue Lingshan ran to Chen Qianyang's side, tugged at his sleeve, gently shook it, and pleaded softly. Her bright eyes blinked, carrying a hint of cunning and naivety. "Good Junior Brother, just let me come along! My swordsmanship isn't bad either! Besides, can you bear to see me return to the mountain alone and get scolded by Father?"

Looking at her beautiful face so close to his, and feeling the slight tugging at his sleeve, Chen Qianyang knew he couldn't stop her, so he went along with it.

He said to Laodenuo, "Second Senior Brother, since Senior Sister has already come along, and the mountain path is difficult to traverse, it would be unsafe for her to return alone. It would be better to let her go with us, so that we can look after each other. If Master blames us, Qianyang will take full responsibility."

Looking at Yue Lingshan's expectant eyes and seeing Chen Qianyang's resolute attitude, Lao Denuo pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Alright, but Junior Sister, you must promise me that you will follow my and Junior Brother Chen's arrangements for this trip and you must not act willfully or recklessly, otherwise I will send you back to the mountain immediately."

"I know, Second Senior Brother is the best!" Yue Lingshan immediately beamed with joy, glancing triumphantly at Chen Qianyang as if to say, "You know what's good for you."