Hand-Washing Ceremony Opens, Mount Song Command Flag Arrives

After Su Chen and Captain Xing left the inn, they casually found a roadside eatery and stayed there, quietly observing the movements of Liu Manor.

"Lu Bai and the others are unwilling to do business with me. For now, I can only place my hopes on Liu Zhengfeng," Su Chen thought to himself. He just hoped the Songshan trio would put in some effort and push Liu Zhengfeng to a dead end, making it easier for him to name his price.

About half an hour later, Tingsong Pavilion returned to silence.

A strong scent of narcissus flowers filled the room.

Lu Bai and the other two zipped up their pants without a word.

An awkward atmosphere spread throughout the room.

Although they had all engaged in such traditional "manual labor" privately before, this was the first time they had done so in front of others, especially their fellow disciples.

Considering the three of them were prominent figures in the martial arts world, this incident had completely ruined their reputation.

Fortunately, only the three of them knew about it, which allowed them to salvage some semblance of dignity.

After a long silence, Ding Mian was the first to speak, "My two junior brothers, what happened today stays buried with us. Not a single word should be spoken of it."

Lu Bai and Fei Bin nodded in agreement.

This wasn't something to be proud of, and they certainly weren't bored enough to spread such news around.

"That scoundrel is truly detestable! To use such a despicable method as an aphrodisiac to frame us... I will find him and tear him to shreds to quell my hatred!" Fei Bin said hatefully, raising his sword and shattering the table in front of him.

They were unaware that Su Chen had used Aphrodisiac True Qi and believed they had been drugged with an aphrodisiac.

Ding Mian and Lu Bai also wore fierce expressions.

What happened today was a profound humiliation. If they didn't retaliate, how could they show their faces in the martial arts world?

"Killing that scoundrel is a certainty, but I'm worried about something right now."

Ding Mian's expression turned serious. "I'm very curious, how did he know we planned to annihilate Liu Zhengfeng's entire family?"

Fei Bin guessed, "Could it be that there's a traitor within the sect?"

"Impossible," Lu Bai immediately retorted. "This matter is of great importance. Only Sect Leader Senior Brother and a few of us know about it. Even the other Taibao members are unaware."

"If that's the case, how can there be a traitor? Is it you, or me? Or Senior Brother Ding? It couldn't possibly be the Sect Leader, right?"

Upon hearing this, Fei Bin had nothing more to say.

In truth, he also knew that a traitor was impossible; he had just spoken without thinking.

"Now is not the time to dwell on whether there's a traitor," Ding Mian said grimly. "What I'm most concerned about is whether Liu Zhengfeng knows about this."

"If he does know, and has made preparations, our operation will very likely fail."

"How will we explain ourselves to Sect Leader Senior Brother then?"

Hearing this, Lu Bai and Fei Bin's hearts tightened.

Despite their positions as part of the Thirteen Taibao of Songshan, if their operation failed, Zuo Lengchan would show them no mercy.

"Senior Brother, I believe Liu Zhengfeng probably doesn't know yet. If he did, he would have likely brought people to attack us by now," Fei Bin speculated.

Ding Mian sighed, "Let's hope so."

Lu Bai added, "Regardless of whether Liu Zhengfeng knows, the arrow is already nocked and ready to fire. The operation cannot be stopped."

"Therefore, we can only be more cautious and strive for a successful outcome in one battle."

If you like this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

The three nodded simultaneously, their eyes glinting with ferocity.

At noon, everything was ready within Liu Manor, and heroes from all walks of the martial arts world had arrived.

The Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony officially began!

Liu Zhengfeng, the protagonist of the event, had changed into new clothes. He came into the courtyard and cupped his hands in greeting to the assembled martial artists.

"Thank you, friends of the martial arts world, for gracing my Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony."

"In my travels through the martial arts world in the past, I have relied greatly on the goodwill of all of you."

"Although I am retiring from the martial arts world today, if any of my friends need assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. I cannot promise much, but I can certainly offer some financial support."

After delivering a customary speech, Liu Zhengfeng ordered a golden basin filled with water to be brought forth. Just as he was about to wash his hands, a loud shout came from the direction of the main gate: "Uncle-Master Liu, please wait a moment."

Liu Zhengfeng was startled and looked towards the entrance.

He saw four men in yellow robes stride into the courtyard, then split into two pairs, lining up on either side.

Following them, a taller man walked proudly through the center.

The man held a colorful five-colored flag high in his hand.

Everyone present was familiar with this flag; it was the command flag of Zuo Lengchan, the alliance leader of the Five Great Sword Sects.

"Uncle Liu, I am Shi Denda, a disciple of Mount Song. I am here on behalf of Alliance Leader Zuo to inform you that your Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony should be postponed," the flag-bearing man shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng's heart couldn't help but tremble.

He subconsciously recalled what Su Chen had told him back then.

[Zuo Lengchan of Mount Song wants to stop your Golden Basin Hand-washing and annihilate your entire family.]

"Could it be that what that Lord Su said is true? Is Zuo Lengchan really planning to wipe out my family?"

Thinking of this, Liu Zhengfeng was immediately startled, a sense of inexplicable panic rising in his heart.

Just then, Shi Denda's voice rang out again, "Uncle Liu, quickly accept the command flag."

Liu Zhengfeng came back to his senses, suppressed the panic in his heart, and looked at Shi Denda, "Nephew Shi, may I ask what Senior Brother Zuo's intention is with this order?"

His voice carried a slight tremor. This matter concerned the lives and safety of over a hundred people in his manor, so it was impossible for him not to panic.

Shi Denda replied, "This disciple is merely following orders. I do not know my master's intentions, so I hope Uncle Liu will forgive me."

Liu Zhengfeng's expression shifted as he continuously weighed the pros and cons in his mind.

After a long while, he looked back at Shi Denda and said solemnly, "Please forgive me, Liu, but I cannot accept this order. Years ago, the Five Great Sword Sects formed an alliance with the agreement of mutual assistance. In times of great crisis, we should follow the orders of Alliance Leader Zuo. However, today is my personal matter and has nothing to do with righteousness in the martial world."

"Please convey to Alliance Leader Zuo, Nephew Shi, that Liu will not obey the command flag."

With that, Liu Zhengfeng turned back towards the golden basin, preparing to continue his hand-washing.

But just then, Shi Denda flashed forward and, before Liu Zhengfeng could react, blocked the golden basin.

Holding the command flag high, he said, "Uncle Liu, please postpone the Golden Basin Hand-washing. Do not make things difficult for this disciple."

Being obstructed several times, Liu Zhengfeng sensed something unusual.

Recalling what Su Chen had said earlier, his unease grew.

At the same time, on the roof of Liu Manor, in a place no one had noticed.

Su Chen and Captain Xing were quietly squatting there, observing everything happening in the courtyard.

"The show is about to begin," Su Chen chuckled softly.