In Henan Prefecture, a dilapidated mountain temple is hidden in the pine forest in the middle of the mountain. The arms of the mountain god sculpture in the temple are incomplete, the head is covered with dust, and the cobwebs stretch from the ear to the magic weapon held in the other hand. superior.
The early morning dew wetted the tiles, and a few drops of dew dripped from the cracks in the tiles and fell into the mud puddles on the ground. The birds came out of their nests, flapping their wings and fanning away the dew.
A ray of sunlight crossed the mountains, passed through the trees, brushed through the chirping of birds, and shone through the cracks in the tiles, shining on the dilapidated statue of the mountain god in the temple, as if returning light.
In the corner, Yu Changxuan and Tie Lian helped He Jiuyuan, who was lying on the withered grass and wanted to sit up, while Lu Ke sat quietly beside him to relax. Although the four people's faces were not full of filth, the blood marks on their faces and bodies were vaguely visible, and their clothes were torn in many places. It was obvious at a glance that they were people who had fought to the death after several fierce battles. Especially He Jiuyuan, who obviously suffered from serious internal injuries, uneven breathing, and pale complexion.
"Master, let me heal your injuries," Tie Lian said as he prepared to sit down cross-legged behind He Jiuyuan.
"No need," He Jiuyuan waved his hand and said in a weak voice.
"Yangchuan" Lu Ke breathed a sigh of relief and looked over, with an expression of helplessness and guilt on his face.
"Brother, please stop talking. I know you were seriously injured. That palm... If it hadn't been for brother, I would have died on the spot." He Jiuyuan struggled to finish these words, and it was already very difficult.
"Chang Xuan, help me over."
With tears in his eyes, Yu Changxuan helped Lu Ke sit opposite He Jiuyuan.
"Yangchuan, let's not talk about this between you and me."
He Jiuyuan nodded and said, "Brother, you and I have been brothers and sisters for so many years. Today, I am afraid that I am... unable to save myself. I can only entrust the Taishan lineage to my eldest brother. This leader's ring, please also... Please take it back again. This way, our...lifelong friendship will not be in vain." He Jiuyuan choked and finished these words in a hurry, then tremblingly and forcefully took off the leader's ring, handed it to Lu Ke, and then narrowed his eyes. Eye.
"Yangchuan...I won't say anything else. I will accept this ring. It belongs to the Taishan lineage. I will take care of it for you." After Lu Ke finished speaking, he blinked his eyes. Finally, he couldn't control it. He turned his back and burst into tears. Already spinning in my eyes.
People like Lu Ke are already used to seeing life and death, and he really doesn't need any words about He Jiuyuan's death. It has been almost forty years since He Jiuyuan traveled around the world at the age of sixteen, and they met, fought, and even intersected under Mount Lu. At that time, He Jiuyuan was still alone. With the help of Lu Ke, he met his mentor Luo Yi. More than 20 years ago, they dominated the world and jointly created today's Taishan foundation. Now, like a dream, they have returned to the years of wandering in the world more than 20 years ago. His talents are not inferior to He Jiuyuan, but he does not want to be restrained, so he gives up the position of head to He Jiuyuan. He has been willing to be a foil for so many years. All he wants is a friend and a sincere heart. Now, He Jiuyuan is gone, but he can't continue to live his life of smiling and proud. He has to be responsible for the Taishan Sect, just to live up to his best friends.
He Jiuyuan smiled and turned his head towards Tie Lian. "Lian'er, I have met your father several times as a teacher. Your father... trusted me so much and entrusted you to me. I really... really failed to live up to my trust. You entered my Mount Tai when you were eight years old. I I have always regarded you...as my own. Now...I am leaving. I have nothing left, only this pen...I hope you...treasure it and ask for advice...please ask the teacher for help. ...That's it... I'll die without regrets..." He Jiuyuan coughed, struggled, and finished speaking these words intermittently. His breath became increasingly weak and out of tune. In the end, his voice was inaudible. It seemed that his soul had returned. The time is near.
Tie Lian shook He Jiuyuan vigorously and shouted vigorously, but in the end he could not restore the favor of the God of Death. He looked at the pen in his hand, and a sense of guilt and powerlessness arose spontaneously. He felt angry at his stupidity. After more than ten years of studying, he had never been able to integrate Confucianism and martial arts. I am proud of my calligraphy skills, but I am ashamed to use it. Now, is it a joke to have this pen here?
He Jiuyuan left, peacefully and reluctantly. There were so many questions waiting for Lu Ke, Yu Changxuan, and Tie Lian to find answers.
All this happened so fast. On their way back to the mountains from Wudang, they were first followed by a group of people of unknown origin, and then they met Liu Jingshan and his people coming to greet them. Unexpectedly, Liu Jingshan and several bribed disciples suddenly attacked from behind, stabbing He Jiuyuan and Lu Ke, and then ambushed everyone. The four of them fought desperately to stand out, and were chased by the masters led by Liu Jingshan. They escaped here under the protection of some sincere disciples.
"Master, let's fight back to Mount Tai to avenge Liu Jingshan." Tie Lian still couldn't shake off the grief and anger of losing his master. After crying a few times, he stood up like a furious lion and rushed outside.
"Confused." Lu Ke pulled Tie Lian back, "You are going to die. Do you think this matter is so simple? Let me tell you, Liu Jingshan is not just for restoration. There are many masters who follow him, including Some may still be Jin Yiwei, and the imperial court must be involved in this."
Tie Lian was startled and said again, "What I'm looking for is the imperial court. First kill Liu Jingshan, then Ji Gang, and finally kill the faint emperor Zhu Di." After saying that, he got rid of Lu Ke and continued to rush out.
"Junior Brother Tie, calm down." Yu Changxuan quickly blocked Tie Lian, "We listen to Master and can't push in like this."
"You listen to Master, who should I listen to?" Tie Lian roared, having lost his mind when he spoke. He pushed Yu Changxuan away with force and jumped out of the door. Who would have thought that he fell down with a "dong" sound.
It turned out that Lu Ke struggled and rushed over, knocking Tie Lian unconscious from behind, but his own blood surged and he vomited blood.
"Of course we have to avenge ourselves, but not now. Since the imperial court wants to deal with us, the Five Mountains, several other sects must also suffer. Now that we have finally escaped the chasing enemies, the top priority is to recover from our injuries and then try to find out. Get news from other sects before deciding on the next move." Lu Ke seemed to be saying to Tie Lian, Chang Xuan, and himself.
"Master, why don't you and your junior brother rest here first, and I'll go outside to explore the situation." Yu Changxuan suggested.
Lu Ke took a look at it. Although he thought this suggestion was a good idea, he looked at He Jiuyuan who had fallen down. After all, he did not agree. He still loved his only successor very much, even though he usually beat and scolded him a lot. But he didn't feel at ease at all if he was allowed to go out alone at this time of year.
"Changxuan, you're tired too. It's better not to go out yet. This place is quite hidden and they won't be able to find it for a while. Besides, we are already alone now and it is not appropriate to spread out anymore." Lu Ke said slowly .
