Chapter 81: Are You Planning to Break the Contract?

“Master, Cloud Crane is a wicked heretic. Our Mount Hua is a righteous and prestigious sect—how could we possibly associate ourselves with him?” Linghu Chong’s words drew approving nods from many disciples.

“Impudent!” With Linghu Chong openly opposing him, Yue Buqun’s old face darkened, and he rebuked sharply. As the head of Mount Hua, his authority was long established. Seeing their master enraged, the disciples grew silent and lowered their heads in fear.

Linghu Chong realized his mistake and immediately knelt. “Please forgive me, Master. I admit my fault.” His gesture gave Yue Buqun a way to resolve the situation, and his expression softened somewhat.

“It’s not your fault. You’ve been training on the mountain, unaware of what has transpired in the martial world.” Yue Buqun’s tone eased as he recounted, in detail, the events that had occurred recently in the world of martial arts.

Meanwhile, Cloud Crane, unconcerned and detached, sat leisurely to the side, sipping tea and watching the scene unfold with a mocking gaze.

During Yue Buqun’s narration, many disciples were surprised to learn that Grandmaster Hong Qigong had taught Cloud Crane the legendary Dragon Subduing Palm. Their eyes turned to Cloud Crane, filled with astonishment.

Especially when they heard that the renowned hero Xiang Yingtian was in fact a master-killing fiend, they were even more shocked. What stunned them most was that Xiang Yingtian, the scourge of the martial world, had ultimately fallen at Cloud Crane’s hands.

“I never expected the infamous Cloud Crane to be such a person!” a disciple couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

“It proves that rumors in the martial world cannot always be trusted!” Linghu Chong listened to his master recount Cloud Crane’s deeds. Knowing his master would never deceive them, his gaze toward Cloud Crane flickered with both shame and admiration.

His nature was unrestrained, yearning for the freedom of the martial world. Cloud Crane did only what pleased him, indifferent to the opinions and glances of others—exactly what Linghu Chong aspired to.

Yue Lingshan, however, still looked at Cloud Crane with disgust. She was destined to marry her senior brother one day. How could her father betroth her to Cloud Crane, a notorious scoundrel? What would others think of her?

Yue Lingshan silently resolved that she would rather die than marry Cloud Crane.

No one knew a daughter better than her mother. Ning Zhongze saw through Yue Lingshan’s thoughts at a glance. Though unaware of what arrangement her senior brother had made with Cloud Crane, she was determined to prevent her daughter from suffering. Moreover, Cloud Crane was not a good man—this was clear from the way he looked at her.

It seemed she would have to speak with her senior brother after this.

At that moment, Yue Buqun finished recounting the recent events in the martial world, while many disciples cast strange glances his way. He was relieved to see that the disciples’ resistance to Cloud Crane had lessened. This was good news for both Cloud Crane and Yue Buqun, as it would facilitate their plans.

“In that case, as the current head of Mount Hua, I hereby announce that Cloud Crane is now a disciple of our sect,” Yue Buqun declared.

As expected, a commotion erupted below. Though they had anticipated this, deep down, it was still hard to accept. The reason was simple: Cloud Crane’s reputation was so notorious that his joining Mount Hua might make them the laughingstock of others.

Cloud Crane observed their reactions, unsurprised by their resistance. After all, public opinion was terrifying.

Yue Buqun understood his disciples’ concerns, but to elevate Mount Hua’s prestige, a few rumors meant nothing. “Enough, the matter is settled,” Yue Buqun said.

The disciples fell silent; with their master’s word, there was nothing more to say.

“Cloud Crane and Chong, stay. The rest, leave!” At Yue Buqun’s command, the disciples filed out of the room.

“Sister, speak with Lingshan and make sure nothing goes wrong,” Yue Buqun instructed his junior sister to watch over his daughter. As a father, he knew Yue Lingshan’s unruly temperament well. If it were any other matter, it would be fine, but this concerned Mount Hua’s future and could not be taken lightly.

Ning Zhongze nodded; even without his reminder, she had already planned to do so. As she left, she cast a meaningful glance at Yue Buqun.

At this moment, Yue Buqun was preoccupied with the idea of becoming the leader of the Seven Great Sects, oblivious to Ning Zhongze’s unusual look.

Soon, only five remained in the room: Yue Buqun, Linghu Chong, Cloud Crane, and the silent man who always accompanied Cloud Crane.

Oh, and one more—Lin Pingzhi, who had faced constant ostracism since joining Mount Hua.

No one spoke, and an odd atmosphere filled the room.

Linghu Chong furtively observed his master, puzzled as to why Lin Pingzhi had been asked to stay. He didn’t know how much time had passed before Cloud Crane spoke, breaking both his reverie and the strange silence.

“You know a great deal about the Sun and Moon Sect. Speak,” Cloud Crane said, turning his gaze to the man behind him.

The man pondered for a moment before replying, “The so-called Sun and Moon Sect is merely a branch of the Ming Sect.”

His deep voice was full of disdain.

Yue Buqun’s brows lifted in surprise; he hadn’t expected the Sun and Moon Sect to be related to the Ming Sect.

“However, the Sun and Moon Sect’s leader, Invincible East, is more suited for the role than Ren Woxing,” the man continued.

At these words, Cloud Crane shot him a threatening look, prompting the man to hurriedly change the subject to what most concerned them: the terrain of Blackwood Cliff and how to attack with minimal losses.

Yue Buqun listened intently, his eyes flashing with excitement. With this intelligence, he could make preparations in advance, and conquering Blackwood Cliff would be within reach.

Cloud Crane’s companion noted every change in Yue Buqun’s expression, his heart as calm as still water. He felt no guilt for betraying the Ming Sect’s secrets. The founder of the Sun and Moon Sect had defected from the Ming Sect to establish his own, and their fate was irrelevant.

Besides, who would ever know he was the one who betrayed them? As long as Cloud Crane could help him exact revenge, he was willing to pay any price.

Indeed, the man trailing Cloud Crane was one of the Ming Sect’s Four Guardian Kings—the Golden Lion King. Disguised, his true identity was unknown to all.

“Well, now that business is concluded, shall we discuss our private matters?” Cloud Crane turned to Yue Buqun, his smile brimming.

At these words, Linghu Chong shuddered and glanced anxiously at his master.

Yue Buqun’s face betrayed nothing, but his hand hidden in his sleeve slowly clenched.

Seeing the other’s prolonged silence, Cloud Crane’s remaining patience dissipated. He spoke coldly, “It seems, Master Yue, you intend to break your promise?”

With these words, the atmosphere froze completely.