Chapter 342 The Future of Huashan

New Year, new atmosphere. The only shop left on the street with a small window on its door was the oil and salt shop, letting in a hint of the bustling life. All other shops were closed with locked doors, but from inside came the sound of gongs and drums. It was the unrestrained rhythm of the shop assistants, who were said to be venting their grievances accumulated over the year.

Young girls and wives dressed up carefully, wearing thick makeup and perfume, competing to be in full bloom. Even the old mothers in Sanhe County were not to be outdone, inserting a trembling red velvet flower in their hair, adding a bit of festivity and charm. Wherever young girls and wives were out, more young men would come and squeeze in.

Around the Weiyang Palace Huangzhuang store, there was a huge crowd of people, shoulder to shoulder, and it was extremely lively. It seemed as if even the air was squeezed by the hustle and bustle and could hardly circulate.

Ou Zanghua's carriage passed through the crowd and arrived outside the Ou Mansion.

When he got off the carriage, he saw that the Ou Mansion had changed the door gods, couplets, and signboards, and had freshly oiled the peach charms, making it look brand new.

From the main gate to the main hall, the steps on both sides were lit with vermilion lights, like two golden dragons.

"I wish you the same smooth sailing next year as this year." Mu Gaoong cupped his hands and said happily.

"Thank you." Ou Zanghua responded with a smile, then walked into the Ou Mansion.

The Ou Mansion was much more lively this year. When Ou Zanghua walked into the backyard, his family members were already waiting for him.

Lao Liu and Qu Yang sat together chatting and laughing, while Qu Feiyan sat beside them listening with a smile.

Madam Ouyang asked Liu Qing and Yue Lingshan to set up a game and play Landlord.

Mi Weiyi and Xiang Danian were sitting on the side, and no one knew what they were talking about.

Seeing Ou Zanghua coming back, Lao Liu smiled and said, "Haha, everyone is here, let's go have a reunion dinner!"

Ou Zanghua came over and joined everyone, supporting Liu Qing as they walked towards the restaurant.

It has only been a month or so, and with Liu Qing's skills, she doesn't need any help at all, but she is happy to do so because she sees that her husband values ​​her so much.

As everyone sat down, the sumptuous dishes that had been prepared long ago exuded an enticing aroma. As the elder, Lao Liu said a few auspicious words and blessings, then waved his hand and announced that the meal was ready.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Ou Zanghua accompanied Yue Lingshan to the Yue residence in Chongnanfang.

Ning Zhongze held his son in his arms. Seeing the two people getting off the carriage one after the other, he smiled with satisfaction and said to Yue Buqun beside him, "Brother, Lingshan did not choose the wrong person."

"Yeah." Yue Buqun smiled and stroked his beard. No one was more satisfied with this son-in-law than him.

"Dad, Mom, and Xiao Lingfeng, happy New Year." Yue Lingshan trotted over and said happily.

"Happy New Year!" Ning Zhongze responded with a smile.

The Huashan disciples were also very happy to see Yue Lingshan return. Several female disciples quickly surrounded her and started chatting with her.

Upon seeing this, Yue Buqun invited Ou Zanghua to go to his study to chat with him. This was also the first time the two had been alone together since leaving Hengshan County.

The two walked side by side, through the bustling courtyard, and into the quiet study.

In the study, the scent of ink and pine resin are intertwined, calligraphy and paintings are hung on the wall, and there is a scholarly air in the quietness.

Most of the calligraphy and paintings here were collected by Ou Zanghua, and most of them are works by artists from the Ming Dynasty.

As the door closed gently, the hustle and bustle of the outside world seemed to be isolated, and the two sat under the "Spring Spring Mountain Hidden Picture", which is one of the representative works of Tang Yin's teacher Zhou Chen.

Yue Buqun picked up the purple clay teapot, and poured a cup of tea for Ou Zanghua. He smiled and said, "It seems that your son-in-law is taking care of Lingshan like this, and I, as a father, feel relieved."

"Father-in-law, you are too kind. Lingshan is gentle and virtuous. I am lucky to have her. I should treat her with all my heart." Ou Zanghua took the teacup and said with a smile. Yue Buqun smiled even more happily when he heard this. It was good that the two of them had a deep relationship.

Changing the subject, Yue Buqun asked curiously, "I heard that the three masters of the Sword Sect have entered the mansion of the virtuous son-in-law and are serving as guards?"

Ou Zanghua nodded and said frankly, "That's right. They are all masters of swordsmanship. Although we were no match for Dongfang Bubai's surprise attack last time, we bought Qingqing precious time to escape at the critical moment. I admire their loyalty."

How could a shrewd man like Yue Buqun not understand what Ou Zanghua meant?

He smiled amiably and said, "It is indeed a rare opportunity for them to be appreciated by their virtuous son-in-law and to work for him."

Ou Zanghua took a sip of tea and smiled without saying anything.

Yue Buqun sighed inwardly. Even as an elder, he still lacked confidence when facing Ou Zanghua!

He adjusted his mood and spoke again, his tone more serious: "I also heard that Lingsong was not only diligent in learning in the Ou Mansion, but also received guidance from Feng Buping of the Sword Sect and practiced the Sword Sect's swordsmanship. Do you think this is appropriate, my dear son-in-law?"

After hearing this, Ou Zanghua asked gently, "The Sword Sect and Qi Sect of Huashan are both the roots of Huashan. Since Lingsong can learn from the strengths of many, how can it be said that it is inappropriate?"

A trace of complex emotions flashed in Yue Buqun's eyes, and he slowly said: "My dear son-in-law, what you said makes sense, but the conflict between the Sword Sect and the Qi Sect is far-reaching. It is not just a dispute between the strong and the weak, but also concerns the fundamentals of martial arts concepts and the inheritance of Taoism."

Old Yue patiently explained the grievances between the Sword Sect and the Qi Sect, but as the successor of the Qi Sect, he naturally tended to be more inclined towards the Qi Sect.

Ou Zanghua listened carefully, and waited until Yue Buqun finished speaking before he spoke: "It depends on what choice father-in-law makes. Isn't it what father-in-law has always wanted to do to restore the reputation of Huashan? The battle between the Sword Sect and the Qi Sect has lasted for several years, but in the end, apart from weakening Huashan, what else has been left?"

"Even the last survivors of the two cases are only my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Mr. Feng. What's the point?"

After hearing this, Yue Buqun said with a somewhat dissatisfied look on his face: "They have indeed betrayed the purity of Huashan's Taoist tradition, but how can we easily let go of our grudges and hatreds?"

"Seeking common ground while reserving differences will lead to greatness." Ou Zanghua advised calmly, "If it is for the good of Huashan, we should learn from each other's strengths and overcome our weaknesses. Huashan is big and can accommodate two different voices."

After hearing this, Yue Buqun was speechless.

If you think about it carefully, what Ou Zanghua said is the truth.

But he still felt a little unfair. If he gave up so easily, then what would be the value of what his elders had fought so hard for?
“What if the elders were wrong from the beginning?”

Ou Zanghua sighed and said, "The martial arts world should be a place where people can settle scores and enjoy themselves, but why has it become so stubborn?"

Yue Buqun frowned slightly. If Linghu Chong had said this, he would have started scolding him.

The person who said that was Ou Zanghua. He couldn't win the argument or the fight, which made him feel a little aggrieved.

He thought for a while and said, "If the Sword Sect returns to Huashan, the position of the Sect Leader must be held by the Qi Sect. This is the bottom line. This is not to stand still, but to maintain the inheritance and stability of the Huashan Sect."

"Why can't you learn martial arts from both sects at the same time?" Ou Zanghua asked with a smile.

Yue Buqun explained: "Human energy is limited. If you learn two martial arts at the same time, you will only master neither skill, which will be counterproductive."

Ou Zanghua did not argue with Yue Buqun, but said seriously: "I think your father-in-law is strong and healthy, and it will not be a problem for him to be the head of the sect for another ten years. Why don't we wait and make a decision after ten years? "

Yue Buqun thought about it for a moment before nodding: "Okay, then I will wait patiently for another ten years."

(End of this chapter)