From the beginning of Swordsman, he created a legend in the martial arts world.

The three returned to the dilapidated temple together, collected the remains of Lin Zhennan and his wife, and then found a secluded hillside outside the city to bury them.

Afterwards, Meng Fei and Linghu Chong accompanied Lin Pingzhi to the Lin family's old residence in Xiangyang Lane.

The house had been uninhabited for a long time, overgrown with weeds, and filled with the smell of dust.

Following his father's vague hints, Lin Pingzhi carefully searched the ancestral hall where the ancestral tablets were enshrined, but did not find the sword manual he expected. However, when he moved Lin Yuantu's tablet, he unexpectedly discovered a hidden compartment.

There was no paper inside the interlayer, only a tough piece of oilcloth on which a set of palm technique diagrams and detailed explanations of moves were pierced with fine needle holes. There were also a few lines of small annotations next to it, which were obviously left by Lin Yuantu himself.

On it was the Lin family's "Heaven-Turning Palm," but the "Heaven-Turning Palm" moves recorded on this oilcloth were exquisite, with powerful and varied force, far superior to those taught by Lin Zhennan.

"This...this is an ancestral relic?"

Lin Pingzhi held the oilcloth, feeling both excited and confused. He had thought the relic would be the legendary Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, but he hadn't expected it to be a set of palm techniques that seemed even more advanced.

Meng Fei looked closely and understood. Although this Heaven-Turning Palm was not the "Evil-Repelling Sword Manual", it was indeed one of the essences of Lin Yuantu's martial arts. Perhaps he thought the sword manual was too vicious, so he specially left this palm technique so that his descendants could rely on it to establish themselves.

Without showing any emotion, he said to Lin Pingzhi, "Your grandfather was a man of profound wisdom. The relics he left behind must have a deep meaning. Pingzhi, you should study them carefully and not let them down."

Lin Pingzhi nodded emphatically and carefully put the oilcloth close to his body.

At this moment, Linghu Chong formally introduced himself again: "Brother Lin, I am Linghu Chong from the Huashan Sect. Today's events are truly unfortunate; please accept my condolences!"

Upon learning that Linghu Chong was actually the eldest disciple of the Huashan Sect, Lin Pingzhi's eyes lit up as he recalled the plan his father had discussed with Meng Fei before his death regarding Linghu Chong becoming a disciple of Huashan.

Although his parents were dead and the relic was not the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual, Yu Canghai was still up to no good and would probably still seek him out in the future. Thinking of this, Lin Pingzhi glanced at Meng Fei beside him.

Seeing this, Meng Fei spoke up at the opportune moment: "Brother Linghu, Pingzhi is all alone and burdened with a blood feud. Headmaster Yue of the Huashan Sect is known for his gentlemanly conduct. I wonder if you could ask Brother Linghu to introduce him to the Huashan Sect?"

"Firstly, I can receive protection; secondly, I can learn skills to take revenge; and thirdly... it can also fulfill Chief Escort Lin's last wish."

Looking at Lin Pingzhi's face, which was filled with grief, indignation, and unwavering resolve yet still retained a youthful innocence, Linghu Chong recalled his master's teachings. After a moment's thought, he readily agreed, "Brother Lin's family has suffered a great calamity. How can we stand idly by? I will do my best to inform my master of this matter. My master is a benevolent and chivalrous man, and I'm sure he won't refuse."

Upon hearing this, Lin Pingzhi's tears welled up again, this time mixed with gratitude and hope. He immediately bowed deeply to Linghu Chong and Meng Fei, saying, "I will never forget your great kindness!"

Just then, a bright green firework burst open in the night sky, shaped like a lotus flower, standing out prominently against the darkness.

Linghu Chong looked up and his expression changed drastically; his composure was instantly replaced by anxiety.

He hurriedly cupped his hands to Meng Fei and Lin Pingzhi, saying, "Gentlemen, this is an emergency signal from my Huashan Sect. It must be that our junior sister and the others are in trouble! The situation is urgent, and I must go immediately! We'll meet again at Hengshan!"

"Brother Linghu, wait a moment!"

Meng Fei stepped forward and said solemnly, "Since our fellow disciples from the Huashan Sect are in danger, although I am weak, I am willing to go with them and lend a helping hand."

Upon hearing this, Linghu Chong paused, his gaze quickly sweeping over Lin Pingzhi beside him, his mind racing.

Junior Sister had met Lin Pingzhi at a wine shop outside the city before. If Lin Pingzhi recognized her now, it would inevitably cause complications and make it even more troublesome to explain. The rescue is the priority right now, and it is really not advisable to cause any more trouble.

He then cupped his hands again and said to Meng Fei, "Brother Meng, I appreciate your kindness! However, this is an internal matter of our Huashan Sect, and it is really inconvenient to trouble outsiders. Besides, Brother Lin has just suffered a great calamity and is exhausted both physically and mentally. Brother Meng, you should take good care of Brother Lin first. As for the trouble, my fellow disciples and I can handle it. Farewell!"

Before he finished speaking, he used his movement technique and sped off towards the west of the city where the fireworks were rising.

Lin Pingzhi wanted to offer his help, but he didn't expect Linghu Chong to refuse so decisively, and even seemed to want them to stay out of it. Although he found it strange, he didn't have time to think about it deeply.

That night, Meng Fei and Lin Pingzhi found an inconspicuous little inn in the city to rest for the time being.

Inside the inn, Lin Pingzhi barely slept a wink all night. He would either silently weep over his parents' belongings or take out the oilcloth and repeatedly study the diagrams and annotations of the Heaven-Turning Palm technique, attempting to cultivate it.

However, his internal strength was shallow, and he had no one to guide him. He was completely unable to grasp the much more profound palm technique. He practiced for half the night, but not only did he not make any progress, but his breathing became disordered, and he almost injured himself.

The next morning, the two embarked on their journey to Hengshan.

Throughout the journey, Lin Pingzhi remained absent-minded, taking out an oilcloth to study whenever he had a spare moment, but he was repeatedly frustrated and frowned.

After traveling for half a day, when they stopped to rest at a teahouse, Lin Pingzhi finally couldn't help but earnestly say to Meng Fei, "Brother Meng, this Heaven-Turning Palm Technique is so subtle and profound that it is far beyond what I have learned before. I am dull-witted and without guidance, it is really difficult for me to grasp its essence."

"Brother Meng, you are highly skilled in martial arts and have extensive knowledge. Could you... could you give me some pointers?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Fei put down his teacup, shook his head, and said, "Pingzhi, this is your Lin family's traditional martial arts, which is of great significance. Although I am acquainted with you, I am still an outsider. It is unreasonable for me to pry into your family's secret techniques."

Lin Pingzhi's eyes reddened slightly, and he hurriedly said, "Brother Meng! My parents died because my martial arts skills were too weak to protect them!"

"Brother Meng, you have saved my life and protected me with immense kindness. Even if I were to die a thousand deaths, I could not repay even a fraction of that debt. Let alone this palm technique, even if I offered up everything my Lin family possessed, it would still be insufficient to repay such a great favor! I beg you, Brother Meng, to help me!"

His words were earnest, his expression both sorrowful and resolute, and after he finished speaking, he bowed deeply to Meng Fei.

Meng Fei looked at his slightly trembling shoulders and pondered for a long time.

He knew that Lin Pingzhi was eager for revenge, and he also knew that although the Heaven-Turning Palm was exquisite, even if he mastered it, he would probably only be able to barely protect himself against a master like Yu Canghai, and revenge would still be a pipe dream.

"That's enough."

Meng Fei finally reached out and helped Lin Pingzhi up, saying slowly, "Since you have this intention, I will study this Heaven-Turning Palm Technique with you, but I cannot accept your family's martial arts for nothing."

Seeing Lin Pingzhi's puzzled look, Meng Fei continued, "I also have a sword technique. Although it's not the best, it can help you improve your strength a little. I'll exchange the first three moves of this sword technique for the opportunity to study the Heaven-Turning Palm. How about that? That way, we'll be even, and you won't always feel indebted to me."

Upon hearing this, Lin Pingzhi was first taken aback, then a great sense of gratitude and excitement welled up in his heart. He knew that Meng Fei's swordsmanship was superb and that he had even defeated Yu Canghai. The swordsmanship he had passed on must be extraordinary!

This is not an exchange at all; it is clearly Brother Meng helping me and fulfilling my wishes!

At that moment, Lin Pingzhi, with tears in his eyes, bowed solemnly once more: "Brother Meng's good intentions are clear to me! Everything—is left to Brother Meng's arrangements!"