Lu Will Keep His Word and Be Honest

Nine Bamboo Mountain has nine peaks, each with its own nine cultivation sects. In order, they are the True Essence Sword Sect of Great Expansion Peak, the Qingguang Monastery of Second Worthy Peak, the Feather Transformation Sect of Sanqing Peak, the Emei Sect of Four Scenery Peaks, the Shuiyue Sect of Five Heng Peaks, the Dingwang Sect of Six Yang Peaks, the Piaoxiang Sect of Seven Plate Peaks, the Hanyue Sect of Eight Goose Peaks, and the Feixue Sect of Nine Pine Peaks.

The sect rankings are not based on strength; everyone is equally mediocre, with no standout contenders.

No, Sanqing Peak is the weakest, at least in the perception of the other eight peaks.

Everyone only knew that Sanqing Peak had an old Taoist named Mo Buxiu, who established the Feather Transformation Sect. His cultivation and strength were unknown. Considering the lack of spiritual energy on Sanqing Peak, cultivators with ideals and ambitions would not choose this place to establish a sect, thus classifying Mo Buxiu as someone just passing the time.

Coincidentally, Mo Buxiu was a restless person who traveled extensively. He never bothered to manage the dilapidated Feather Transformation Sect, and over time, the image of a Taoist just passing the time became fixed.

Who would have thought that while the master was just passing the time, the disciple would resolutely refuse to? With the new Sect Master inheriting the mantle, Sanqing Peak finally stood tall.

Huang Guan was quite troubled by Lu Bei's extortion of Ding Lei. In his opinion, Ding Lei was one of their own and should be protected. However, Lu Bei was no pushover either, possessing a formidable background that needed to be appeased.

Torn between a rock and a hard place, he could only enlist the help of Sect Master Zhao of the Piaoxiang Sect, who was known for his excellent eloquence. He hoped Lu Bei would put aside his grievances for the sake of their shared connection within the Nine Bamboo lineage and let Ding Lei off the hook.

As for how eloquent Sect Master Zhao was...

Judging by her graceful posture and the exquisite beauty of her features, barely concealed by a thin veil, it was likely very eloquent indeed.

It should be noted here that the cultivators with the highest cultivation on Nine Bamboo Mountain were Yang Fuliu, the Abbot of Qingguang Monastery on Second Worthy Peak, and Du Jinglan, the Sect Master of Hanyue Sect on Eight Goose Peaks. Both had been in the Foundation Establishment stage for many years. The former preferred tranquility, while the latter was a fitness enthusiast. Neither was inclined to meddle in affairs, which was why Huang Guan, due to his good interpersonal skills, was voted Alliance Leader.

It wasn't a bad thing. Although all nine peaks had cultivation sects, their strength was very ordinary. If not for the deterrence of the Huangji Sect, which prohibited private disputes between sects, the Spirit Bamboo industry would have been plundered long ago.

"Plundered" here refers to other third-rate sects. Second-rate sects, like the Lingxiao Sword Sect, wouldn't even bother with Nine Bamboo Mountain, even if they offered themselves up.

Therefore, Huang Guan's good connections and amiable disposition truly made him the undisputed choice for Alliance Leader.

Knock, knock, knock!

The sound of knocking echoed. Zhu Bo, who was strolling in the front yard, looked around and found himself the only idle person. Shrugging, he went to remove the bolt from the main gate.

Upon entering, he saw an old man and a young woman.

Zhu Bo didn't pay much attention to the old man's appearance, but he looked a few more times at the young female cultivator, whose demeanor was elegant, and lamented inwardly.

It was truly a shame not to have met the young lady at Yunshui Tower.

"I am Huang Guan, an old Taoist from the True Essence Sword Sect of Great Expansion Peak. This is Sect Master Zhao of the Piaoxiang Sect from Seven Plate Peaks. We apologize for this unannounced visit."

Huang Guan cupped his hands in a salute and asked, "May I inquire if you are Sect Leader Lu of the Feather Transformation Sect?"

"No, my junior brother Lu is in the backyard teaching a fox to write. My surname is Zhu, and I am from Dasheng Pass." Zhu Bo replied, cupping his fists.

"So, a distinguished guest from Sanqing Peak..."

Huang Guan smiled, stroked his beard, and probed, "I happen to know some friends in Dasheng Pass. May I ask which young master of the Zhu family you are?"

"My father passed away early, and I was raised by my uncle. If you must ask which family, it would be the Prefect of Dongqi Commandery."

"..." x2

"We apologize for the intrusion."

Zhao Shirán cupped her hands slightly, nodded at Huang Guan, and gracefully turned to leave.

She meant no offense; she simply did not wish to get involved in such a complicated mess. Huang Guan had not informed her of the situation's complexity before their arrival.

Huang Guan was still annoyed by Ding Lei's false report of the situation. Seeing Zhao Shirán leave so quickly, he felt it inappropriate to follow her. He braced himself and said, "Sect Master Zhao is accustomed to a quiet life. She came all this way specifically to visit, and naturally, she should return after her visit."

"She's quite the escape artist."

Zhu Bo agreed with a nod, then suddenly came to his senses and coughed lightly, clenching his fist. "Indeed, a very quiet person."

Huang Guan inwardly thought it troublesome. Birds of a feather flock together. Although he hadn't met Lu Bei, judging by the demeanor of his friend, the man himself likely wasn't much better.

"Brother Bo, who's outside?"

Lu Bei poked his head out, looking at Huang Guan with confusion. He whispered, "Strange, I had a feeling my luck with romance was about to turn today, but why is an old man knocking on the door?"

"He's looking for you."

Zhu Bo gave Lu Bei a knowing glance and leisurely continued to wander in the front yard.

Lu Bei understood. After introducing themselves to Huang Guan, he immediately began lamenting about Ding Lei of the Goose Sect, pounding his chest in distress. "Old Alliance Leader Huang, you don't know, that Ding fellow has gone too far. He led over a hundred people to attack Sanqing Peak in the dead of night. If I hadn't possessed some martial skills and could barely defend myself, I might have already met my end, my bones scattered to the wind!"

"Sect Leader Lu worries too much. Sect Master Ding had no such intentions. I've already inquired. The misunderstanding between you two... he..."

"No need to say more. I understand now. Old Alliance Leader Huang is helping his own kin and not upholding justice; you've come to mediate unfairly. Please go back and tell Ding Lei that Lu Bei always keeps his word and is most trustworthy. He owes me, and not a single cent can be short!"

Lu Bei snorted coldly. "Someone, see our guest out!"

No one responded. Lu Bei snorted again and slammed the main gate shut with a bang, secured the bolt, and returned to teaching the little fox spirit to write.

"So, what did you make of it?" Zhu Bo stepped forward.

"A bit troublesome," Lu Bei frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Brother Bo, you know me. I'm famous for respecting the old and cherishing the young. If a young person had come, and been a bit aggressive, even raising an eyebrow would have made my fist unable to hold back. But an old man politely coming to the door, I can't just beat him up!"

Lu Bei shook his head repeatedly. "There's no other way. I have to play the villain to the end and put more pressure on that Ding fellow. Make him sell everything he has to find the sect leaders of other peaks. Once there are more people, I can take them all down at once."

"That's the only way."

Huang Guan didn't even get to enter the house. He left Sanqing Peak in disappointment, unwilling to see Ding Lei. He sent word through his disciples to find someone else, stating that as the Nine Bamboo lineage was united, they shouldn't trouble his old bones.

The Emei Sect was shrouded in gloom. Disgruntled disciples grumbled privately, not naming names, but implying that someone surnamed Ding was incapable of managing the sect's affairs. With the Sect Master position in jeopardy, Ding Lei, without a second thought, traveled through the mountains overnight, visiting the remaining peaks.

Yang Fuliu of Erxian Peak, seeking tranquility, stated he needed three months for deliberation. Zhao Shiran of Qipan Peak feigned illness and refused to see him. Aside from Datou Peak and Sanqing Peak, Ding Lei promised various benefits and favors to secure the attendance of the Sect Masters from the other four peaks to lend support.

Among these, three were swayed by Ding Lei's enticements. Only Du Jinglan of Hanyue Sect was different. He was a man of refined tastes, a dedicated iron-pumper who had transcended base desires. Upon hearing that Lu Bei possessed considerable strength, he came specifically for a friendly martial arts contest.

Ding Lei was quite adept at organizing events. He set up a martial arts arena at the Emei Sect and sent a letter to Sanqing Peak, stating that as fellow cultivators, schemes and tricks were unorthodox paths. If Lu Bei intended to seize the Emei Sect's assets, they would settle it with strength at noon the next day.

"As expected of Sect Master Ding, setting up a Hongmen Banquet so quickly. Efficient. I didn't misjudge him." Lu Bei, who was at home petting his fox, was overjoyed upon receiving the letter.

Zhu Bo joined in the merriment. Half the money had already entered his pocket. How to secure the other half depended on Lu Bei's performance next.

The next day, at noon.

Lu Bei arrived alone for the meeting, familiar with the way to the Emei Sect. Banners fluttered, and a sea of people filled the grounds.

Of course, that was impossible. The Emei Sect wasn't a major sect. Setting up an arena in the training grounds would take up most of the space. If the number of spectators exceeded two hundred, the rest would have to perch on rooftops.

Lu Bei scanned his surroundings. The spectators were dressed in a motley assortment of clothing. It seemed Ding Lei hadn't managed to invite other sect leaders and had instead spread the news to attract some curious disciples.

Good, Lu Bei thought. More witnesses would make it easier for me to collect my debts later.

"Sect Leader Lu, welcome. We've kept you waiting."

Ding Lei clasped his hands together, a confident smile on his face. "Allow me to introduce you. These are..."

"No need to waste time. I have to go home and cook after this. Go prepare five geese. I'll be taking them with me later."

Lu Bei strode onto the stage. He swept his gaze over the three men and four women behind Ding Lei, his eyes lingering on the voluptuous female cultivator. "Judging by your humble demeanor, you must be the renowned Du Jinglan of Hanyue Sect, spoken of for your broad-mindedness. I've heard that among the disciples of Nine Bamboo Mountain, Sect Master Du possesses the highest martial prowess. I'll start with you!"

"..." xN

The training grounds fell silent. Everyone subconsciously turned to look at Pang Miaosong, the Sect Master of Shuiyue Sect. Upon seeing her, they realized Lu Bei was right. She did indeed have a humble demeanor.

Huh, that's strange. Why didn't I notice before?