The Mount Hua disciples split into two groups with Ji Boying and headed for Mount Heng.
Naturally, they encountered many watchful eyes along the way, though they had no way of knowing whether those observers meant them well or ill. They merely glanced over them and sized them up.
Yue Buqun had a fine reputation in the martial world. He was famous and had many friends, and many wandering heroes came to make his acquaintance.
No matter the martial artist he met—regardless of their skill, appearance, or fame—Yue Buqun never put on the airs of the leader of a great sect. He spoke with them warmly and graciously.
Yet whenever those martial artists wished to travel alongside the Mount Hua Sect, Yue Buqun would smilingly decline. Sometimes he said he intended to leave a day later; other times, he claimed he wished to sightsee. He always found some excuse to refuse.
Yue Buqun presented himself as such a refined gentleman and spoke with them so pleasantly. How could these people have guessed at his true thoughts? They simply assumed he had other plans and took their leave with smiles.
Even after Yue Buqun had sent them away, they still remembered his kindness. Once outside, they would call on friends and acquaintances, and whenever they met someone they knew, they would praise Yue Buqun while also borrowing his name to elevate themselves a little.
The implication was naturally this: Look, Yue Buqun, the renowned leader of the Mount Hua Sword Faction, one of the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects, was so courteous even to nobodies like us. What a loyal friend.
And weren't those three words, "loyal friend," quietly raising their own worth as well?
But how could they have known what Yue Buqun feared?
Yue Buqun's courtesy and propriety toward