The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, becoming a disciple of Yue Buqun.

However, before this, this area had been controlled by Shaolin since ancient times. Apart from the Songshan Sect which has risen in recent years, no other sect could compare with Shaolin. Previously, Zhenshanzi could only rely on Shaolin to spread the fame of the Kunlun Sect. But now he has a legitimate reason to spread his influence, and he doesn't have to worry about Shaolin as before. Moreover, everyone is doing it, so Zhenshanzi is overjoyed.

Aside from Zhenshanzi, what Chongxu, Jiefeng, and the leader of the Diancang Sect were thinking remains unknown.

"With everyone's help, we will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Yue Buqun cupped his hands in greeting to everyone.

However, although a decision has been made, it cannot be implemented immediately. The aftermath of the destruction of the Songshan Sect must be dealt with first.

Master Mo and Abbess Dingxian were both arranging for their disciples to collect the bodies.

The atmosphere at the scene was very somber.

Yue Buqun then called Jiang Ning aside to a secluded spot.

Did Zuo Lengchan say anything to you before he died?

Before Jiang Ning could speak, Yue Buqun asked.

The two were on a high ground, and not far below, disciples from various sects were cleaning up the scene.

When they arrived at the scene, the battle between Jiang Ning and Zuo Lengchan had already ended, and Zuo Lengchan was dead, the cause of death being suicide.

Fang Zheng, Chongxu, and the others might not have any particular thoughts, but Yue Buqun knew Jiang Ning well. Basically, anyone who was attacked by Jiang Ning could not commit suicide. Zuo Lengchan's martial arts were indeed high, but it was impossible for him to commit suicide before Jiang Ning killed him. Perhaps Zuo Lengchan said something to Jiang Ning before he died.

Jiang Ning was not surprised, and immediately told Yue Buqun what Zuo Lengchan had said.

"Is the Songshan Sect supported by Shaolin?"

Yue Buqun was also startled upon hearing Jiang Ning's words.

It wasn't that he was flustered; it was just that the news Jiang Ning had told him was too explosive.

In particular, when Jiang Ning mentioned that Shaolin supported the Songshan Sect in order to control the Five Mountains Sword Sects, Yue Buqun's face darkened.

"How much of what Zuo Lengchan said do you think is true, and how much is false?"

Yue Buqun did not express his opinion first, but instead asked Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning remained calm, glancing down at the Shaolin disciples who were cleaning up the scene.

"Whether what he said is true or false, it is true that Shaolin wants to get involved in the affairs of the Five Mountains Sword Sects."

The things Fang Zheng and Fang Sheng did for them at Huashan at the beginning of the year are not lying.

Yue Buqun thought for a moment and nodded.

"I think Zuo Lengchan's words are a mixture of truth and falsehood."

The fact that Shaolin supported the Songshan Sect is probably true. Yue Buqun felt that Zuo Lengchan wouldn't lie about such a thing, and there was no need for him to.

Zuo Lengchan's claim that Shaolin wanted to remotely control the Five Mountains Sword Sects through the Songshan Sect is probably true, given that Fang Zheng's biased actions earlier this year and yesterday are still fresh in everyone's mind.

However, Yue Buqun felt it was unlikely that Fang Zheng would soon target their factions.

After all, the current situation in the martial arts world is too complicated. Whether it is the righteous path or the demonic sect, taking a wrong step could lead to an abyss. Even if Fang Zheng wanted to take action, he would not do so under such unclear circumstances.

The various sects of Mount Hua are currently safe.

Yue Buqun thought to himself.

Several months later, at the inauguration ceremony of Abbess Qingzhu of the Emei Sect, the five factions announced a new alliance with the Emei Sect. At that time, no matter what Shaolin wanted to do, the five factions could deal with it together.

there is always a solution to a problem.

"Don't worry, regardless of whether things are as Zuo Lengchan said, your master will be vigilant against Shaolin. You don't need to worry about these things, lest they be detrimental to your martial arts path."

Yue Buqun said to Jiang Ning.

Yue Buqun valued Jiang Ning highly. He knew Jiang Ning was very intelligent, but precisely because of this, he was afraid that Jiang Ning would get caught up in these matters and stop progressing in martial arts. That's why he repeatedly gave Jiang Ning instructions.

As for these matters, he, as the master, will bear the burden.

He's gotten used to it.

"Yes, Master."

Jiang Ning could naturally feel Yue Buqun's deep concern, so he didn't argue and nodded softly.

Looking at Jiang Ning before him, Yue Buqun could not hide his satisfaction.

Jiang Ning was someone he had watched grow up. He wasn't his biological son, but he was practically one. Now, seeing his disciple becoming more and more accomplished, even able to protect him from the wind and rain, Yue Buqun felt very gratified.

How old is Ning'er now?

Suddenly, Yue Buqun had an idea.

I think I'm nineteen.

Yue Buqun carefully calculated the time in his mind and realized that Jiang Ning was now nineteen years old and had just celebrated his nineteenth birthday not long ago.

Unfortunately, Jiang Ning was traveling at the time and missed it.

I didn't realize so much time had passed.

Yue Buqun sighed inwardly.

In another year, Jiang Ning will turn twenty and be eligible for his coming-of-age ceremony.

Come to think of it, he hasn't really prepared any birthday gifts for Jiang Ning over the years.

Thinking of this, Yue Buqun couldn't help but glance at Jiang Ning, and had already made up his mind.

Chapter 405: My Name is Jiang Ning

"Let's finish what we're doing first."

Yue Buqun said nothing more.

Although Zuo Lengchan revealed such a shocking secret before his death, Yue Buqun made no public announcement and had no intention of telling Master Mo or others.

It's best for him and Jiang Ning to know about this; letting others know won't do them any good.

However, this matter still surprised Yue Buqun. He had only had a premonition that Shaolin was not as simple as he thought, but now he was even more certain of it.

"it is good."

Jiang Ning nodded.

The two descended from the high place. By this time, the corpses within the Songshan Sect had all been cleared away, but the ground was still dark red, and a faint smell of blood permeated Shengguan Peak. The surrounding ruins all indicated that the Songshan Sect had become history.

The Songshan Sect had too many ledgers and had done too many murders and arsons in secret over the years. It would take a lot of time to sort out all these old stories, so everyone decided to rest in a county town near Songshan.

Fang Zheng did suggest resting at Shaolin Temple, but although Shaolin Temple is large, it cannot accommodate so many people.

"Alright, let's go."

Yue Buqun addressed his disciples.

"Yes, Master."

The disciples of Mount Hua responded and then descended Mount Song.

As Yue Buqun descended Mount Song, he took one last look back at the place.

From then on, the Five Mountains Sword Sects became history.

……

An unknown county town.

"Sir, please have mercy."

A beggar was on the street, constantly begging and soliciting from passersby.

The beggar was disheveled, his clothes were tattered, and a foul stench emanated from him, which became even more unbearable under the blazing sun.

Pedestrians hurried by, and no one stopped for the beggar; they all covered their noses and left with disgusted expressions.

The beggar sighed, looked at the empty, broken bowl, and then limped away from the street, arriving at an abandoned house.

Inside the house, several beggars lay lazily on the ground, looking utterly bored.

Upon seeing this beggar return, the other beggars in the house merely glanced at him and continued lying down without saying a word.

The beggar sat leaning against the corner, looked up at the sky, and squinted because the blazing sun made it impossible for him to open his eyes.

His stomach was rumbling, but the beggar seemed oblivious, still looking up at the sky, lost in thought.

Perhaps the sunlight was too dazzling, for tears welled up in the beggar's eyes.

The other beggars were used to seeing this beggar staring blankly again.

The lame beggar came to this county town a few years ago and lived with these few people in this abandoned house. Over the years, they often saw the beggar just sitting there in a daze.

Seeing that the lame beggar was staring blankly again, the other beggars didn't bother to look at him and turned over to continue sleeping.

The lame beggar remained staring blankly at the sky.

He didn't know how much time had passed when a shadow blocked the blinding sunlight and stood in front of him.

Ok?

The lame beggar, who had been staring blankly for too long, hadn't come to his senses until a few seconds later realized that someone was looking for him.

The lame beggar rubbed his eyes hard before he could see who it was.

He is a young man.

The lame beggar looked puzzled. He didn't recognize the young man, but he sensed that the man in front of him had an extraordinary air about him and was not an ordinary person.

The lame beggar panicked instinctively.

"Sir, is there anything I can help you with?"

Upon witnessing this scene, the other beggars assumed that the lame beggar had offended someone, and quickly got up and hid a short distance away to watch.

"Are you Zhong Weiming?"

The young man held a notebook in his hand and spoke while flipping through the pages.

The beggar was taken aback.

"How do you know my name?"