Chapter 5, Return to Mount Huashan

Master, Master, I heard that you single-handedly defeated the leader of the Chang Le Gang, who forced good people into prostitution. That is truly gratifying. Please tell me more!

Initially, your grandmaster entrusted the heavy responsibility of the Huashan Sect to me, hoping that I would restore the Huashan Sect to its former glory. Unfortunately, the conflict between the Qi Sect and the Sword Sect led to a significant decline in the strength of the Huashan Sect, resulting in the death and injury of nearly all the skilled practitioners within the sect. Consequently, the sect's power plummeted, and even the position of the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance was seized by the Songshan Sect.

Another person approached the table of the Han, boasting about his new information

Nonsense, the young hero Linghu acts with righteousness, punishing the wicked and speaking good words. He challenged the eight leaders of the Black Wind Stronghold, causing their infamous reputation to spread far and wide. In a single night, the nefarious Black Wind Stronghold was reduced to ashes. How exhilarating it is! Without a doubt, the foremost young talent in today's martial arts world is none other than the young hero Linghu

"Speak, Chong'er!" Yue Buqun said

In Yue Buqun's study, there hung a portrait of the founder of Mount Hua. Yue Buqun lit three incense sticks, respectfully bowed three times towards the portrait, and then carefully inserted the incense into the incense burner.

Your news is too outdated. A message has come from Jiangling, stating that the Chang Le Gang, which has dominated Jiangling for fifteen years and has bullied both men and women, has finally overstepped its bounds and provoked the young hero Linghu. The gang has been eradicated by Linghu, and its leader, Chu Batian, has had his head severed and displayed on the city wall for all to see. The people of Jiangling are all applauding in delight

Seeing Madam Ning Zhongze, the disciples of Mount Hua swarmed forward, surrounding Linghu Chong completely. In an instant, the entire hall was filled with a continuous buzzing sound, akin to a flock of sparrows chattering away.

Tsk tsk, Young Hero Linghu truly possesses unparalleled martial arts skills and unmatched righteousness; the Huashan Sect indeed lives up to its reputation!

Oh? Is there such a thing? Brother, come, come, sit down and have a drink, quickly tell everyone about it! The crowd's interest was piqued, and they urged the waiter to bring out the good wine.

The plot of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" is about to begin, and I should return to make some preparations

As expected, after handling several cases, the Huashan Sect received widespread acclaim in the martial world. In a short time, the reputation of the sect soared. Master Yue Buqun was referred to as the "Gentleman Sword," while his eldest disciple Linghu Chong was known as the "White-Clad Divine Sword" in the martial community. Both gained immense fame, overshadowing all others.

"The senior brother has returned and is currently meeting with the master and mistress in the main hall. Let's hurry over!" Lu Dayou said excitedly, "It has been so long since we last saw the senior brother, I can hardly wait. I heard that the senior brother has a nickname called 'White-Clad Divine Sword', single-handedly leveling the Black Wind Stronghold with just one sword. How impressive! All the brothers are eager for the senior brother to share his stories with us."

Master, how did you manage to kill the Four Ghosts of the Northern Desert all by yourself? I heard they look quite grotesque and are extremely ugly, is that true?

"Alright, Senior Brother and - Picture - Book, don't you understand Shan'er’s temperament? She always talks about Chong'er, and now that she has finally waited for Chong'er to return, how can she possibly calm down?" Madam Yue, Ning Zhong, then tried to mediate, saying: "It is indeed rare for them to have such a good relationship as senior siblings."

"The master brother has returned? Why didn't you say so earlier?" Upon hearing this, Yue Ling Shan immediately took off running, "Lu Hou Er, why are you still dawdling here? Hurry up and go over!"

"Lu Hou'er, why are you making such a fuss again?" Yue Ling Shan was practicing swordsmanship alone in the backyard, feeling gloomy, and muttered softly, "Stinky senior brother, bad senior brother, you promised to return soon, but it's been almost two years. Hmph, I won't pay any more attention to you."

While that person was enjoying the adoration of the crowd with great pride, and was about to speak with fervor after a few dry coughs, a weary-looking swordsman from the martial world, carrying a long sword, spoke up: "What new news is this? Do you not know that half a month ago, the Four Ghosts of the Northern Desert entered the Central Plains to commit evil deeds, resulting in the deaths of several esteemed martial arts seniors? Young Hero Linghu, upon hearing the news, pursued them for a thousand miles. In just half a day, he intercepted the Four Ghosts at Chisong Ridge and sent them to the afterlife. According to those fortunate enough to witness the event, the Four Ghosts did not even manage to withstand a single move from Young Hero Linghu before meeting their demise."

... ...

Bang!

Master, you are known in the martial world as the White-Clad Divine Sword, truly impressive

Linghu Chong, who was reporting to Yue Buqun about the work on the books, was interrupted by an excited shout.

"Waiter, the bill!" A young man in white placed a silver ingot on the table and stood up to leave. He was none other than Linghu Chong, the recent hot topic of discussion in the martial arts world.

This gentleman is undoubtedly a fervent admirer of Linghu Chong, and there are certainly many such individuals in the martial arts world.

... ...

"Enough of this nonsense! You are no longer a child, yet you still shout and scream. What kind of behavior is this!" Yue Buqun scolded with a stern face.

In an unremarkable inn, a storyteller with graying hair, dressed in a blue long robe, slammed his right hand, tightly gripping a wooden board, onto the table with force, and began to passionately recount the recent and most sensational incident involving the Black Wind Stronghold in the martial world.

Having achieved great mastery in martial arts, Linghu Chong originally intended to find someone to spar with, while also earning some reputation for the Huashan Sect. After emerging from Yiqing Valley, he began to scour the martial world for evil forces, specifically targeting notorious and malevolent organizations. Upon locating the stronghold of his chosen target, he would confront them single-handedly with his sword, eliminating both the principal offenders and their henchmen. The remaining members would be disbanded on the spot, and he would set the place ablaze, leaving behind a few large characters: "Certain gang and certain sect have committed numerous atrocities, robbing people of their wives and daughters, seizing wealth, committing murder and arson, etc. Huashan's Linghu Chong acts on behalf of heaven, slaying certain individuals here." He targeted notorious evil forces, confronting them single-handedly with his sword, eliminating both the principal offenders and their henchmen. The remaining members would be disbanded on the spot, and he would set the place ablaze, leaving behind a few large characters: "Certain gang and certain sect have committed numerous atrocities, robbing people of their wives and daughters, seizing wealth, committing murder and arson, etc. Huashan's Linghu Chong acts on behalf of heaven, slaying certain individuals here."

Linghu Chong rode a fine steed, galloping away with great speed towards Mount Hua

Master Brother, Master Brother, you have finally returned

The Black Wind Stronghold has committed numerous heinous acts, employing despicable and vile methods, to the extent that even the demonic sects disdain to associate with them. This is solely due to the eight stronghold masters, each possessing formidable martial arts skills, all of whom are top-tier experts in the martial world. Ordinary martial artists dare not provoke them; even if they harbor deep resentment, they find themselves powerless to act. Linghu Chong's actions are truly a source of great satisfaction for the people.

"Master, the disciples have slain all the scoundrels in the martial world who have committed numerous evils, thus gaining the widespread recognition of fellow practitioners in the martial arts community." Linghu Chong said, "In fact, this time I have encountered many matters that I cannot comprehend and wish to seek your guidance, Master."

"Father, I haven't seen Senior Brother for a long time!" Yue Ling Shan said in a spoiled manner upon noticing Yue Bu Qun's anger

Junior Sister, great news, great news! Stop practicing your swordplay and come with me to the main hall!

If one were to speak of the most outstanding martial arts hero in the recent world of Jianghu, it would undoubtedly be Linghu Chong, the eldest disciple of Master Yue, the "Gentleman Sword" of the Huashan Sect. Three months ago, the young hero Linghu emerged dramatically, annihilating the eight leaders of the Black Wind Stronghold in a single night, shocking many senior figures in the martial arts community. Today, this old man will provide a detailed account of the Black Wind Stronghold incident for all esteemed guests

As a teacher, I have always been diligent and dedicated, striving tirelessly to promote the Huashan Sect under my guidance. Over the years, although I have achieved some accomplishments and received the title of 'Gentleman Sword' from my peers in the martial world, the sect has consistently faced a shortage of talent. Yue Buqun sighed, saying: 'Chong'er, you have done very well. You challenged the Black Wind Stronghold, defeated the Four Ghosts of the North Desert, and personally eliminated the Chang Le Gang, greatly enhancing the prestige of our Huashan Sect. Chong'er, you have grown up and have not let down my earnest efforts!'

"Alright, everyone disperse," Yue Buqun commanded his disciples, then turned to Linghu Chong and said, "Chong'er, come to the study with me"

Although Yue Buqun in the original work is insidious and cunning, employing despicable and shameless means, no one can deny that he is indeed a very competent and exceptionally responsible leader. In order to promote the Huashan Sect, he has devoted an immense amount of effort. His various schemes and plots, even if they are looked down upon by the world, he still undertook personally, even at the cost of his own reputation, willingly transforming the long-held "Gentleman’s Sword" into a "Pseudo-Gentleman." All of this was merely to revitalize the Huashan Sect. How many people in the world can achieve all of this?

"Alright, alright, let's stop here for today. I have matters to report to the master. Come to my room tomorrow night, and the senior brother will talk to you at length." Linghu Chong felt dizzy and could only speak up, as there were still important tasks to attend to.

"Alas, Old Li, although we greatly admire the martial virtue and character of Young Hero Linghu, do you really think his martial skills are that formidable? One must remember that the leader of Black Wind Stronghold is no ordinary figure" said a burly man dressed in warrior attire to his companion