From the beginning of Swordsman, he created a legend in the martial arts world.

Looking at Lin Zhennan, whose face was filled with grief and indignation yet who was trying to remain calm, Meng Fei's expression shifted slightly. He then said, "Chief Escort, please accept my condolences. Now that the matter has been investigated and the murderer's identity has been confirmed, I will take my leave as it is not appropriate for me to disturb you further."

After saying that, Meng Fei turned to leave.

"Young hero, wait a moment!"

Lin Zhennan took a deep breath, trying to suppress the grief and anger in his heart and the fear of the Qingcheng Sect, and quickly stepped forward to stop them.

At this moment, his gaze toward Meng Fei contained not only gratitude but also a hint of urgency and earnestness.

"I am deeply grateful for your chivalrous pursuit and assistance in identifying the true culprit."

He spoke earnestly, turning slightly to the side in an inviting gesture.

"It is getting late. If you don't mind, young hero, why don't you rest at the escort agency for a while? I can prepare a little wine to express my gratitude."

This attempt to persuade them to stay was clearly unexpected.

Mrs. Lin, who had been observing silently from the side, suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with doubt and confusion.

Standing beside her, Lin Pingzhi frowned deeply and couldn't help but ask, "Father! In this...this situation, why are you still keeping guests?"

Lin Pingzhi was filled with unease. He knew that he had accidentally killed Yu Canghai's son, and now that Yu Canghai had come to him in person, it was clearly a deadly trap.

He simply couldn't understand why his father wanted to keep someone of unknown origin.

Lin Zhennan was well aware of his wife and children's doubts. He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the bewildered crowd before finally settling on the seemingly ordinary longsword at Meng Fei's waist.

"Did you know that Young Hero Meng just fought with Yu Canghai outside the city?"

These words shocked everyone present.

Lin Zhennan continued, his tone tinged with a sense of relief at surviving the ordeal and a deliberately exaggerated admiration: "What kind of martial arts did Yu Canghai possess? If it weren't for Young Hero Meng's exceptional swordsmanship that repelled him, I'm afraid that... more than one brother would be in danger right now!"

His words were partly sincere and partly a strategy.

Although Meng Fei did not explicitly state the outcome, his ability to return safely from Yu Canghai's clutches was proof of his strength.

With powerful enemies surrounding them, the Fuwei Escort Agency is facing a life-or-death crisis. If they can keep this exceptionally skilled young man, it will undoubtedly provide a glimmer of hope for the crumbling agency.

"So it was the young hero who repelled that villain Yu Canghai!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Lin's face, which had been filled with sorrow and fear, immediately showed a look of realization and gratitude.

She quickly stepped forward and earnestly invited him, "Young hero, you have done such a great favor for my Fuwei Escort Agency. If we were to let you leave now, how could my Lin family feel at ease? It is getting late, so why don't you stay at the agency for the night? We can prepare a small feast to express our gratitude."

Seeing Madam Lin's sincere attitude, and considering that he had already intended to do so, Meng Fei readily cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I will trouble you."

When Lin Zhennan saw that Meng Fei agreed, his tense expression eased slightly. He immediately instructed his men to properly handle his companion's funeral arrangements and strengthen security. Then he personally led Meng Fei to the living room.

When only the two of them remained in the hall, he carefully chose his words, his tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of probing: "Young Master Meng, you are so young, yet your swordsmanship is so extraordinary. May I ask where you learned your skills? We, the entire escort agency, are truly grateful for your righteous assistance this time."

He paused briefly, observing Meng Fei's expression, and continued tactfully, "Yu Canghai has suffered a setback this time, and he will certainly not let it go easily. If you do not mind the simplicity of my humble abode, I, Lin, am willing to welcome you with open arms. I humbly request that you stay for a few more days so that I may do my best to fulfill my duties as a host. Whatever you need, my Fuwei Escort Agency will do its utmost to assist you."

These words expressed gratitude and a desire to recruit him, while also revealing deep concern about the threat posed by the Qingcheng Sect, and cleverly handing over the choice to the other party.

"Chief镖头 (Chief Escort) doesn't need to be so polite."

Meng Fei took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Yu Canghai suffered some minor injuries and should not be coming again for a while. Besides, my residence is in the city. If the escort agency has any urgent business, the chief escort can send someone over at any time."

He spoke calmly, but he had other thoughts in his mind.

Although she had some interest in Lin Zhennan's other martial arts skills, if she showed too much enthusiasm at the moment, it would seem that she had ulterior motives. It would be better to wait for the right opportunity.

Upon hearing Meng Fei's polite refusal, a hint of undisguised disappointment flashed in Lin Zhennan's eyes.

Although he had long anticipated that a young expert like Meng Fei would not be easily recruited, he still felt somewhat disappointed.

But he quickly composed himself, took a package from the side, and pushed it in front of Meng Fei.

"Since that's the case, I won't insist on keeping you any longer. This is just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope..."

Before he could finish speaking, Meng Fei's face suddenly darkened, and his previously calm gaze instantly sharpened like a sword: "What does the Chief Escort mean by this?"

His voice was cold and stern, tinged with obvious anger: "Do you perhaps think that I, Meng, am making this move for these valuables?"

Having said that, he immediately stood up, turned around, and walked out of the hall.

"Young hero, please wait!"

Lin Zhennan was shocked to see this and hurriedly stood up to catch up, his face full of regret.

"It was my foolishness! In a moment of haste, I offended you, young hero. I hope you will forgive me and not take offense!"

He repeatedly bowed and apologized, his tone sincere.

Only then did he realize that a young swordsman with skills like Meng Fei had his own integrity and pride, and could not be easily swayed by gold and silver.

Seeing Lin Zhennan's sincerity, Meng Fei decided to stop while he was ahead and, accepting the other party's apology, returned to the living room.

"Young Master Meng!"

Seeing Meng Fei sit down again, Lin Zhennan personally stepped forward to refill his teacup. Then, with a furrowed brow and a worried expression, he asked, "Given Yu Canghai's vengeful nature, he certainly won't let this go easily after his setback. I wonder if you have any advice on the current situation, young hero?"

Although he was extremely angry at Yu Canghai's ruthless actions, the Qingcheng Sect was powerful after all. If he could find a way to resolve the conflict and avoid a fight to the death, he would naturally be willing to try his best.

Meng Fei picked up his teacup, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "The Qingcheng Sect is powerful now, and a head-on confrontation is definitely not the best strategy. The only option now is to 'borrow' their strength."

"In today's martial arts world, Shaolin and Wudang are considered the pillars of the righteous path. If we can get the two sects to step in, I doubt Yu Canghai would dare to be too presumptuous."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhennan looked troubled and shook his head bitterly: "What you say is very true, young hero, but... although my Fuwei Escort Agency has a slight reputation in the martial arts world, it is probably as difficult as climbing to heaven to ask Shaolin and Wudang for help. I wonder if you... have any other good ideas?"

After a pause, Meng Fei put down his teacup, pondered for a moment, and then spoke again: "Besides that, the Five Mountains Sword Sect is the leader in the martial arts world. Currently, Zuo Lengchan of the Songshan Sect is the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, and his power is at its peak. If your son can become a disciple of the Songshan Sect and receive their protection, even if Yu Canghai harbors resentment, he will still have something to fear."

Upon hearing this suggestion, Lin Zhennan stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, but there was still no joy on his face.

"To be honest, young hero, I originally had the same idea, but..."

At this point, Lin Zhennan said with some concern, "In recent years, there have been rumors in the martial arts world that the Songshan Sect has become increasingly domineering and ruthless, with strict rules and cruel methods. If that were all, it would be fine."

"As far as I know, the Songshan Sect is increasingly interfering in the affairs of other sects and harbors considerable ambitions. If Pingzhi were to join their ranks, it would be difficult to predict whether it would bring him fortune or misfortune... What do you think of the other four sects, young hero?"

Meng Fei nodded slightly to show his understanding, and then continued, "The Hengshan Sect is all female nuns, so it is naturally inconvenient for your son to join. The Taishan Sect has a deep history and its power should not be underestimated, but most of its members are ordained Taoist priests, and its rules and regulations are very strict. I wonder if your son..."

Meng Fei looked at Lin Zhennan and saw him shake his head slightly, so he continued, "Originally, the Hengshan Sect was also an excellent choice, but unfortunately I have recently heard that Liu Zhengfeng of the Hengshan Sect is going to retire from the martial arts world. In these turbulent times, the Hengshan Sect may be in turmoil and may not have time to attend to other matters."

"As for the Huashan Sect... although its power is not what it used to be after the sword qi dispute, it was once the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance for several years. Its foundation and reputation are still there. The Huashan Sect Leader Yue Buqun is also known as the Gentleman Sword. If he is willing to step in to mediate, even if Yu Canghai has evil intentions, he will have to think twice."

Hearing Meng Fei analyze the situation of the Five Mountains Sword Sects so clearly, Lin Zhennan couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face.

He hadn't expected Meng Fei to have such a profound understanding of the true nature of various factions in the martial arts world at such a young age, and he no longer dared to underestimate him in the slightest.

"Young hero, your insightful opinion is truly enlightening, but..."

At this point, Lin Zhennan hesitated and said, "The Huashan Sect is far away in Shaanxi, a thousand miles away, and Yu Canghai will probably be here again soon. How can we possibly make it in time?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Fei smiled gently: "Chief镖头 (Chief Escort) need not worry. The Hengshan Sect's Liu Zhengfeng's Golden Basin Washing Up Ceremony is approaching, and all the Five Mountains Sword Sects will send people to participate. This is a good opportunity for your son to get in touch with Huashan and even seek protection."

At this point, Meng Fei met Lin Zhennan's gaze and said frankly, "To be honest, I am also quite interested in this grand event in the martial arts world. If the chief镖头 (chief镖头, a term referring to a person who is very skilled in martial arts and escorts) is determined to go, I am willing to accompany him."