Golden Basin Hand-Washing Gift

"Hold it!"

Just as Liu Zhengfeng was about to wash his hands in the golden basin, a sharp shout suddenly came from outside the gate.

Everyone in the courtyard was slightly startled and turned to look, only to see four men in yellow robes quickly enter through the main gate.

As soon as the four men entered, they took positions on either side. Then a tall man in yellow robes strode out proudly from behind them. He was none other than Thousand-Fathom Pine Shi Dengda, a disciple of the Mount Song Sect.

Holding a five-colored brocade banner aloft, Shi Dengda walked before Liu Zhengfeng and said, "Uncle Liu, by the command banner of the Left Alliance Leader of the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect, I ask that you postpone the matter of washing your hands in the golden basin."

Hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng's heart lurched, but his expression remained calm as he gave a slight bow toward the Five Mountains Command Banner. "Nephew Shi, may I ask what the Left Alliance Leader intends by this order?"

Shi Dengda gave Liu Zhengfeng a slight bow. "This disciple merely acts on orders and does not know the Alliance Leader's intentions. I ask Uncle Liu's forgiveness."

After saying this, Shi Dengda quickly led the four men behind him over to Yue Buqun and the others, respectfully saluting each of them.

At this point, Dingyi of the Mount Heng Sect still did not know what had happened. Seeing that the Mount Song Sect was willing to stop Liu Zhengfeng from washing his hands in the golden basin, she happily said to Shi Dengda, "It could not be better if your master is willing to stop this! We martial artists ought to value chivalry above all else. How carefree it is to roam the martial world—why become an official? But Brother Liu has already made up his mind, and I have been unable to persuade him otherwise."

At this, Liu Zhengfeng's expression turned solemn. He continued to Shi Dengda, "Nephew Shi, when our Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect formed its alliance, we merely agreed to aid one another in attack and defense, and together uphold righteousness in the martial world. If a matter concerned the five sects, everyone was to obey the Alliance Leader's command. But my intention to wash my hands in the golden basin is only a personal matter. It neither violates the code of the martial world nor concerns our Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect. Please inform the Left Alliance Leader that Liu cannot obey this banner command, and ask his forgiveness."

Having said that, Liu Zhengfeng immediately headed toward the golden basin, intending to forcibly complete the hand-washing ceremony.

Seeing this, Shi Dengda flashed forward and blocked the golden basin.

He raised the Five Mountains Command Banner high in his right hand and said in a deep voice, "Uncle Liu, my master has always said that the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect is bound together like branches from the same tree, and that we are as close as brothers. His sending me with this command banner to stop you from washing your hands in the golden basin is both for the sake of preserving the bond between our sects and upholding righteousness in the martial world. Please do not make things difficult for this disciple, Uncle Liu!"

Hearing Shi Dengda's words, Liu Zhengfeng inwardly realized something was wrong, though his face remained impassive. "I am merely washing my hands in the golden basin. How does that have anything to do with upholding righteousness in the martial world? Besides, before I decided to wash my hands, invitations had long since been sent to Mount Song. If the Left Alliance Leader had objections, why did he not stop me earlier?"

Just then, a cry of alarm suddenly rang out from the rear courtyard of the Liu residence.

Liu Zhengfeng sensed that something was amiss and was about to investigate when he suddenly saw more than a dozen people emerge from the rear hall. They were his wife, children, and several disciples!

Behind each of them stood a Mount Song Sect disciple, holding a dagger against their backs.

Seeing this, Liu Zhengfeng knew things had gone badly. He immediately looked at everyone in the residence and said, "Friends, it is not that Liu insists on having his way. It is merely that the Left Alliance Leader has resorted to such threats today. If Liu submits, how could I still face Heaven and Earth?"

With that, Liu Zhengfeng's figure flashed as he tried to evade Shi Dengda and forcibly continue the hand-washing ceremony.

Shi Dengda was only a junior disciple. How could he possibly stop Liu Zhengfeng when he was going all out?

Just as it seemed no one could prevent Liu Zhengfeng from washing his hands in the golden basin, silver light suddenly flashed, and a hidden weapon tore through the air.

Liu Zhengfeng was forced back two steps. With a light clang, the golden basin was struck down by the hidden weapon, and the clear water inside splashed everywhere.

Then yellow shadows flickered atop the roof, and a yellow-robed figure appeared before everyone.

This man was around forty, of average height and extremely lean. He had two thin mouse-like whiskers above his upper lip. He was the renowned Great Songyang Hand Fei Bin of the Mount Song Sect.

Looking at Liu Zhengfeng, he cupped his hands and said, "Brother Liu, by the order of the Left Alliance Leader, you are not permitted to wash your hands in the golden basin."

Seeing the golden basin overturned on the ground, Liu Zhengfeng asked in a deep voice, "Brother Fei, may I ask why the Left Alliance Leader will not permit me to wash my hands in the golden basin?"

Fei Bin gestured for Shi Dengda behind him to raise the Five Mountains Command Banner, then said, "The Left Alliance Leader has sent us to ask Brother Liu: what dealings do you secretly have with the Demon Sect? What scheme are you planning to use against the righteous sects of the martial world?"

The moment those words were spoken, everyone around them was struck dumb with shock.

The Demon Sect and people like them were irreconcilable enemies. If Liu Zhengfeng truly had dealings with the Demon Sect, then they were all in real danger!

Liu Zhengfeng's expression changed slightly, but he still forced himself to remain composed. "I have never associated with anyone from the Demon Sect. As for this supposed scheme, I do not know what you are talking about."

Fei Bin immediately snorted. "Brother Liu, there is a Guardian Elder in the Demon Sect named Qu Yang. Do you know him?"

When Fei Bin mentioned the name "Qu Yang," Liu Zhengfeng's face changed drastically. His lips pressed tightly together, and he stopped answering.

Seeing this, everyone naturally understood that Liu Zhengfeng must indeed know Qu Yang.

"That's right!"

After a moment, Liu Zhengfeng slowly nodded. "Not only do I know Brother Qu Yang, he is also the only true confidant I have ever had in my life—my closest friend."

"Since Brother Liu is willing to admit it, the Left Alliance Leader has also given you two paths to choose from!"

A faint smile crossed Fei Bin's face. "The Left Alliance Leader orders you to kill Qu Yang, an elder of the Demon Sect, within one month and bring back his head. Then all past matters will be forgiven. Otherwise, our Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect will have no choice but to purge its ranks!"

Hearing Fei Bin's words, a bleak smile appeared on Liu Zhengfeng's face. "Brother Qu and I became kindred spirits at first sight. We became friends through music, and when we met, we merely played the qin and xiao together. We never discussed other matters. Perhaps none of you believe it, but though Brother Qu is a man of the Demon Sect, his character is noble and pure. I will never harm such a gentleman."

"However, after becoming friends with Brother Qu, I had long anticipated that this day would come. On one side are my fellow brothers of the alliance, and on the other is my intimate friend. Liu can aid neither side, and so I could only choose to wash my hands in the golden basin. I am willing to withdraw from the martial world from this day forth and never again involve myself in any grudges or conflicts. I only hope that you will allow me to remain apart and avoid being dragged into this."

"Hmph!"

Fei Bin snorted coldly and continued, "You want to stay apart, but what of Qu Yang?"

Hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng hurriedly said, "Brother Qu has sworn a solemn oath before me that from this day onward, he too will never interfere in the conflict between the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect and the Demon Sect!"

"So what?"

Fei Bin sneered. "The Demon Sect has every sort of trick for winning people over and sowing discord. Such words cannot be trusted! Brother Liu, I will ask you one last time: will you accept the Left Alliance Leader's command or not?"

"If the Left Alliance Leader has an order, Brother Fei may simply kill Liu and his entire family!"

Liu Zhengfeng said firmly, "But if you want me to betray Brother Qu, that is absolutely impossible!"

Seeing this, Fei Bin immediately took the Five Mountains Command Banner from Shi Dengda and looked toward the other members of the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect. "Brother Tianmen of the Mount Tai Sect, Brother Yue of the Mount Hua Sect, Dingyi of the Mount Heng Sect, and all members of the Mount Heng Sword Sect—the Left Alliance Leader has declared that the Demon Sect and our Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect share a hatred as deep as the sea and cannot exist beneath the same sky. Liu Zhengfeng has befriended bandits and submitted to our enemy. All fellow disciples of the Five Sacred Mountains must join hands to execute him! Those who accept this order, stand to the left!"

Seeing that Liu Zhengfeng remained unmoved, Tianmen Daoist and Dingyi could not help feeling deeply disappointed. They quickly led all their disciples to stand on the left.

The disciples of the Mount Heng Sword Sect also apologized to Liu Zhengfeng one after another before likewise walking to the left.

Yue Buqun, however, remained where he was.

Seeing this, Fei Bin coldly demanded, "Brother Yue, what do you mean by this?"

"Brother Fei, please be patient!"

Yue Buqun smiled faintly, then looked up toward the roof. "Qu Yang, Brother Liu would rather die than reveal your whereabouts. Are you still unwilling to show yourself?"

Everyone in the courtyard was greatly alarmed by Yue Buqun's words!

Qu Yang had originally intended to wait for an opportunity to rescue Liu Zhengfeng and his family, but now that Yue Buqun had exposed his whereabouts, he naturally had no further chance.

He immediately laughed loudly, leapt down from the roof, and stood beside Liu Zhengfeng.

"Brother Qu, why must you do this?" Liu Zhengfeng gave a bitter smile.

Qu Yang laughed boldly. "Music has been my greatest love in this life, and I have often lamented how hard it is to find a true confidant. Fortunately, I met Brother Liu, and my life has felt complete ever since. If you were to walk this final road alone today, would I not regret it for the rest of my life?"

On the other side, Fei Bin was delighted to see Qu Yang appear.

After all, so many experts from the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sect and the righteous martial world had gathered here. Once Qu Yang showed himself, there was no way he could escape. It would also leave Liu Zhengfeng with nothing more to say.

Just as he was about to order everyone to swarm forward, Yue Buqun's voice sounded again.

"Brother Liu!"

Yue Buqun looked at Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang with a smile. "I heard that the two of you are devoted to music and, after years of effort, composed an unprecedented piece called The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. Might you let Yue witness it?"

Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang were both slightly stunned by Yue Buqun's words.

They had never told anyone that they had created The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. How had Yue Buqun learned of it?

Yet The Smiling, Proud Wanderer was the product of both their hearts and souls. There was naturally no reason it could not be shown to others!

With that thought, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Brother Yue, though we do not know how you learned of this, Brother Qu and I did indeed compose a piece called The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. We believe no one throughout the ages can match it!"

"Good!"

Yue Buqun immediately said, "Would the two of you be willing to perform it here?"

Watching Yue Buqun converse with Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang as though no one else existed, Fei Bin flew into a rage. "Brother Yue, what is the meaning of this?"

"Brother Fei, please be patient!"

Yue Buqun said slowly, "Brother Liu once said that he and Qu Yang became friends through music. Why not verify it? Besides, so many righteous people have gathered here. Do you truly fear that the two of them can escape?"

At this point, Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang, who already felt they had reached a dead end, each took out an ancient qin and a jade xiao, intending to play one final duet before their deaths.

Several crisp notes rang out, and the qin music gradually began, elegant and refined.

Fei Bin had wanted to say more, but once the music began, he did not speak again. Instead, he watched Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang with secret vigilance.

The qin music continued, and the gentle sound of the xiao blended into its melody, deeply moving.

Before long, the qin notes gradually rose in pitch while the xiao grew lower and lower. Yet it did not fade away; it was like gossamer drifting in the wind, unbroken and endless, stirring the heart all the more.

Suddenly, resonant clanging notes rose from the qin, carrying an air of battle and slaughter, while the xiao remained gentle and winding.

After a while, the qin music softened as well. The two melodies rose and fell in turns, and then, without warning, the qin and xiao changed sharply. It was as though seven or eight qins and seven or eight xiaos were playing at once.

Though the qin and xiao music sounded endlessly intricate and ever-changing, every note rose and fell with perfect rhythm, pleasing to the ear and stirring to the heart.

At last, with a sharp "Twang!", the qin fell silent, and the xiao stopped as well.

For a moment, utter silence filled the surroundings!

Liu Zhengfeng said joyfully, "All men must die. To find a true confidant—if I die today, I shall have no regrets."

Qu Yang said the same. "Well said, Brother. Together, we have performed The Smiling, Proud Wanderer to its fullest. This piece now exists in the world, and we have played it. What regrets can we have in life?"

Seeing how lightly the two treated life and death, everyone in the courtyard was moved. Coupled with the exquisite qin and xiao music they had just heard, they now believed Liu Zhengfeng's earlier claim that the two had become friends through music.

After hearing this peerless piece, The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, Yue Buqun was also quite pleased!

This was because The Smiling, Proud Wanderer was the gift he had prepared for the group leader, Lu Qingshan!

Among everyone in the chat group, when it came to helping the group leader, he could not compare to Han Li or Pang Bo.

When it came to gold, silver, and treasures, he could not compare to Cao Cao.

So if he wanted to prepare a suitable gift for Lu Qingshan, he had to come up with something original!

And this piece, The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, was undoubtedly the most suitable choice!

After all, the storybook Lu Qingshan had uploaded was called The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. Though the two might not necessarily be related, this piece was still enough to show his sincerity.