Chapter 128: Lin Chong Ascends the Mountain

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At the edge of the reeds by Liangshan Marsh, a figure scanned the surroundings. Tonight’s darkness was less than ideal; thick clouds veiled half the moon, and even the moonlight reflected on the water lacked any distinct glow.

A narrow gap slowly opened among the reeds, and a head cautiously peeked out. “Is it really Leader’s elder brother, Brother Lin Chong, in person?”

Lin Chong nodded. “Brother, this is trouble for you. Please lead Lin Chong up the mountain.” Dressed simply, he carried only a waist knife and a bundle, bowing slightly.

The underling nodded. “The Ruan brothers’ patrol water spirits are very strict. Please enter the water and follow me.”

Lin Chong nodded again and stepped into the water.

The two submerged into the reed marsh, Lin Chong closely following the underling who led the way. With his current mastery of internal energy, underwater movement no longer hindered him. Using his internal energy to filter the air, he could breathe underwater—at least in these shallow depths, he could swim continuously.

As they advanced, Lin Chong noticed no patrols blocked their path; the way was smooth. If not for the cautious and slow pace of the guide ahead, Lin Chong might have thought he was being toyed with.

Soon, they neared the shore.

“Coach Lin, we’ve arrived.” The underling leapt out of the water with a somersault, landing gracefully on the bank.

Lin Chong felt something was amiss but followed nonetheless.

In the next moment, lights suddenly lit up along the shore.

“Welcome, Coach Lin, to Liangshan! Your arrival truly brightens our mountain!” A hearty laugh rang out, and the underling who brought Lin Chong ashore now wore the leader’s attire, grinning broadly.

“Coach Lin, I am Ruan Xiaoqi, one of the naval commanders. I had to hide the truth before out of necessity. If you have any grievances, feel free to come find me! Whether in drinking contests or sparring, Xiaoqi will accompany you!” He bowed and stepped aside.

“Coach Lin, I have long admired your reputation!” Chao Gai smiled as he approached Lin Chong. “We have all heard of your exploits. After you came up the mountain, the brothers here were filled with admiration. That’s why we intercepted the leader’s trusted man halfway to welcome you!”

Lin Chong smiled lightly. “King Chao need not be so formal. My brother’s letter was clear; I did not come to oppose you or your brothers, but to turn enemies into friends. I wonder if the king would grant me some face?”

Before Chao Gai could reply, a gong sounded.

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Chao Gai’s expression changed sharply. Two figures descended from above, landing before Lin Chong and him.

“Despite some mishaps, big brother, you have come!” Lin Zhong said, grasping Lin Chong’s hand. “The hour is not ideal, but if you agree, I shall arrange a welcoming feast!” His face wore a warm smile. Yet as Lin Chong’s elder brother, he immediately sensed this was not the same sibling he once knew.

“Tomorrow then. It will be a good opportunity to introduce me to the brothers of Liangshan.” Lin Chong sighed inwardly. His original intention remained: to help Lin Zhong stabilize his position on Liangshan and to coexist peacefully with Chao Gai and his group.

The next day, Liangshan held a grand banquet in Lin Chong’s honor.

Lin Chong, former instructor of the 800,000-strong Imperial Guard, was renowned throughout the land and highly respected in the martial world. If the mountain’s leadership seat had been his instead of Lin Zhong’s from the beginning, Chao Gai and the others would never have come to such strained relations!

Yet the current situation was not solely one side’s fault. Neither was willing to yield, and the conflict had grown beyond a mere dispute over interests.

“Brothers, my elder brother, once an instructor of a million-strong Imperial Guard and known as ‘Leopard Head’ in the martial world, comes to us by my invitation. Today’s feast is to welcome him! Brothers, shall we not welcome him warmly?” Lin Zhong raised his cup, his voice echoing inside and outside the hall.

“Welcome!” The response thundered through the skies.

“Leader Lin Zhong, we all know Coach Lin’s reputation. May I ask, Coach Lin, which seat will you take at this gathering?” The speaker was none other than the strategist Wu Yong.

“In my opinion, Coach Lin’s fame precedes him, and his strength is unmatched by us. More importantly, he is the leader’s own elder brother! As the saying goes, ‘An elder brother is like a father,’ naturally he should take the foremost seat! What do you all think?” Ruan Xiaowu spoke.

Laughter spread throughout the hall as many agreed with Ruan Xiaowu.

A cold glint flashed in Lin Zhong’s eyes; he hadn’t expected the other side to openly tear off their masks so quickly.

If the elder brother is like a father, and Lin Chong truly claimed the top seat, what would that make him? Like a mere son? That would place him a generation below everyone else!

Glancing at Wu Yong, Lin Zhong gritted his teeth in hatred. This move was truly underhanded, secretly sowing discord between himself and Lin Chong. If he weren’t allied with Chao Gai, he would have sought a chance to eliminate Wu Yong!

“Brother Ruan jokes. Lin Chong is no longer an instructor. A thief and fugitive, he has nothing but his spear and staff skills to show. If the brothers do not mind my lack of talent and learning, I am willing to serve as Liangshan’s spear and staff instructor. I seek no high seat, only a position to teach formations and martial skills.” Lin Chong stood, releasing internal energy that formed a glowing cup, filled with wine. He offered it to Chao Gai.

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“King Chao, I have heard your name and know your loyalty and capability. My brother was once wronged by the treacherous Gao Qiu, causing conflicts with you. I ask you and the brothers to grant Lin Chong some face. For Liangshan’s peace, we must rely on all of you. Lin Chong, I drink to you in respect!”

Lin Chong drained the cup, and Chao Gai had no choice but to follow suit.

“Since Coach Lin says so, it would be my fault to hold on to grudges. From now on, the past is past. We unite as one to ensure Liangshan’s prosperity!” Chao Gai raised his cup to the crowd, finishing his drink.

“One heart, Liangshan’s prosperity!” came the unified cry inside and outside the hall.

Lin Zhong’s expression shifted, but he ultimately agreed to the pact. Lin Chong was his elder brother after all, and he understood that Lin Chong’s arrival would not truly wipe out Chao Gai’s faction. His original intention was to leverage Lin Chong’s reputation to bolster his own prestige and solidify his position. Though this plan was not fully realized, he gained more room to maneuver.

Elsewhere, after the banquet, Chao Gai and his group gathered together.

Wu Yong gently fanned himself, a faint smile on his face. “Brother Chao, this encounter was a great victory. Lin Zhong’s scheme failed, and he cannot openly or covertly attack us anytime soon. Now is the perfect moment to expand our strength!”

“To be honest, I admire Coach Lin’s integrity. Even at such a time, he handles matters fairly. If he truly takes the top seat, that wouldn’t be bad,” Liu Tang said.

Chao Gai nodded. “Indeed, Lin Chong commands respect in both strength and character. He is not ambitious for power, which won’t hinder our growth. It’s a pity, though, he doesn’t seem interested in competing for leadership.”

Wu Yong added, “As long as Lin Chong doesn’t fall into Lin Zhong’s plots and is forced into conflict with us, we just need to buy time. Eventually, Song Jiang and the others will join us!” The earlier discord sown between the Lin brothers was not meant to end matters once and for all but to buy time for their true plan.

“The timely rain of the martial world, filial and righteous Hei Sanlang.”

Song Jiang’s name was far more useful than Lin Chong’s in certain respects. Moreover, a group of heroes had gathered around him. Even if they could not be fully controlled upon joining the mountain, their opposition to Lin Zhong would divide the enemy’s strength. Once the conflict began, their own pressure would lessen, allowing for further plotting.

“Song Gongming should have arrived in Jiangzhou by now,” Chao Gai thought aloud to Wu Yong. “Send another letter to Dai Zong. We must not let Brother Gongming suffer any injustice. Also, we’ll need to visit Jiangzhou sooner or later; it’s wise to gather intelligence in advance.”

Wu Yong nodded. “I will arrange it immediately.”