plumnovel Chapter 118 Zhangsong Mountain
Chapter 118 Zhangsong Mountain
Chapter 118 Returning to Mount Song
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Upon hearing these two words, Shen An's pleasant mood, which had just been due to his understanding of the palm technique, was replaced by a sudden chill, so much so that he didn't react at all.
Just then, a voice carrying a hint of grievance and reluctance came from not far away.
"Brother An, are you leaving again?"
It was Qu Feiyan, who had somehow appeared behind Feng Changrong.
She had clearly heard the commotion, and her bright eyes instantly welled up with tears.
Her voice, like a gentle stream, broke the brief silence in the room.
Shen An took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and gave her a gentle smile, reassuring her, "It's just a trip back to my sect, I won't be gone for long. At least I'll be back before Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony."
These seemingly comforting words calmed his mind a little.
Yeah, what's the rush?
He began to quickly review his actions in his mind.
First of all, Master could not possibly have any evidence whatsoever of his contact with Qu Yang.
Secondly, since descending the mountain, he has never done anything that would betray the interests of Mount Song.
On the contrary, whether it was establishing Bailianfang or integrating the Xiangtan waterway, it was all about expanding the territory and accumulating wealth for the Songshan School.
Of course, if killing Ma Bao back then counts, then he has nothing to say.
But would Master really care about a baby?
As for the possibility of connection with members of the Demonic Cult—
As long as this matter is not brought to light, given Master's ruthless and ambitious nature, he probably won't take it too seriously.
With this thought in mind, Shen An's panic gradually subsided. He finally had the mind to take the letter from Feng Changrong and open it to read it carefully.
The handwriting on the letter was indeed Zuo Lengchan's own, powerful and sharp, just like the man himself.
The letter states:
The matter of Liu Zhengfeng of the Hengshan Sect retiring from the martial arts world is of great importance and the Five Mountains Alliance must pay close attention to it. The Songshan Sect will dispatch a large contingent, led by senior members of the sect, to Hengyang to participate in the conference.
The special order was to have his disciple Shen An return to Mount Song immediately. Firstly, to give him a detailed account of the Hengshan Sect and Liu Zhengfeng's recent situation; secondly, to have him act as a guide, leading the sect members to Hengyang to attend the Golden Basin Washing Hands Ceremony after the meeting.
After reading the letter, Shen An breathed a long sigh of relief.
It seems I was just overthinking things.
Things hadn't gotten to the worst point he'd imagined. Surely his master wouldn't use such an excuse as "going back for a meeting" to trick him into returning to the mountain to confront him?
In that case, he probably wouldn't even have the chance to shout at Zuo Lengchan.
"What will happen to Bailianfang after I leave? Are there any arrangements?" Shen An put away the letter and looked at Feng Changrong.
"Oh, I forgot to mention," Feng Changrong quickly said. "The messenger who just came was a senior brother under Uncle Ding Mian. He conveyed Uncle Ding's message that our eldest senior brother has a leg injury and is unable to travel far, so he can stay in Hengyang to recuperate and take charge of things here."
Upon hearing this, Shen An exchanged a glance with Stefan, and they both saw a hint of understanding in each other's eyes.
This arrangement is watertight.
Shi Dengda was the eldest disciple, of noble status and highly skilled in martial arts. His presence in Hengyang was enough to keep the situation in order, and no one dared to harbor any disloyal thoughts.
Now that everything was in order, Shen An decided not to delay any longer.
He gave Feng Changrong and Shi Dengda a detailed account of everything from the various affairs in the neighborhood to the accounts between Songyang and major merchants, and the distribution of profits among the various wharves on the Xiangtan waterway.
After bidding a final, somewhat reluctant farewell to Qu Feiyan, Shen An changed into a set of martial attire, slung his heavy sword over his shoulder, and took his leave of the others. Alone, he embarked on the road back to Mount Song.
From Hengyang to Songshan, it takes only three days to travel at a brisk pace.
When the majestic and continuous Songshan Mountain range reappeared in his sight, Shen An couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
He led his horse from the stone archway at the foot of the mountain onto the familiar bluestone mountain path.
Along the way, the patrolling disciples, whether they knew him or not, would all stop in their tracks, bow, and respectfully address him as "Senior Brother" upon seeing his attire as an elite inner disciple.
Some of the older disciples recognized him, and their faces showed surprise and warmth.
"It's Senior Brother Shen! Senior Brother Shen is back!"
As we reached the mountainside, we passed a very open training ground, where shouts and cheers could be heard.
It was a group of newly initiated disciples learning the basic sword techniques of Songshan Swordplay under the guidance of a senior martial uncle.
The senior disciple was not tall, had fair skin, and three meticulously groomed long beards under his chin. He had a serious expression and would occasionally correct his disciples' mistakes.
It was none other than Tang Ying'e, the sixth of the Thirteen Protectors, known for his strictness and rigidity.
Tang Ying'e's eyesight was so sharp that he spotted Shen An almost the instant he stepped into the training ground.
He was taken aback at first, and then a rare, barely perceptible hint of joy appeared on his usually serious face, but he quickly covered it up with his usual strict teacher demeanor.
He stopped giving commands and said in a deep voice to the disciples in the arena, "Everyone, halt! Reflect on the 'Eternal Dragon' move you just witnessed, and refrain from making any noise!"
Having said that, he put his hands behind his back, took measured steps, and walked straight toward Shen An.
"Shen An." Tang Ying'e stopped in front of him, looked him up and down, and said, "You little rascal, you finally decided to come back?"
"Disciple Shen An greets Uncle Tang." Shen An bowed respectfully. "I have returned to the mountain to report on my duties as instructed by my master."
"Hmm." Tang Ying'e nodded, his stern features softening slightly. "You're back just in time. Since we've run into each other, don't rush off."
With that, he turned around and called out loudly to the group of new disciples who were curiously looking around, "Come here, all of you!"
Upon hearing the sound, the disciples quickly sheathed their swords, jogged over, and stood in a row, not daring to breathe.
Tang Ying'e pointed at Shen An: "You all need to see this clearly. This is your senior brother Shen An. Three years ago, he was your age and I personally instructed him in the basics of swordsmanship. Now, he stands alone at the foot of the mountain, and some of you must have heard of his name."
The new disciples immediately let out a low gasp of surprise, and those who hadn't heard it before joined in the exclamation.
Who wouldn't like the teacher to interrupt the lesson?
"Today's the perfect opportunity! Let him teach you arrogant brats a lesson!" Tang Ying'e changed the subject, turning to Shen An. "Shen An, use the skills you've honed in the martial world these past few years to demonstrate a few authentic Songshan sword techniques to your junior brothers. Let them broaden their horizons and know what it means to be outmatched! Don't think that just because you've learned swordsmanship for a few days, you can roam the martial world!"
Shen An understood Uncle Tang's intentions, gave a wry smile, but could not refuse, so he had to take off the heavy sword from his back.
Tang Ying'e's eyes widened in surprise: You—
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