“Phew… so hot…”

The mountain stream babbled along. In the scorching summer, nothing beat the stream for cooling off. The rushing water was icy cold and refreshing to the heart. Splashing that mountain snow-melted stream water on one’s face—ah… all drowsiness vanished, truly cool and pleasant…

He let out such a sigh of admiration, extending his sleeve to wipe his face. The originally mud-blackened cheeks, with this wiping, immediately revealed the snow-white skin beneath. He squinted his eyes, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile, when suddenly he saw his own reflection in the stream water.

Hmm, this fellow is not young anymore…

Completely at odds with the childish air on his face, this reflection showed frost-white temples, a pair of black and bright pupils that looked quite spirited. On his snow-white cheeks grew a pair of phoenix eyes—long and alluring eyes that looked somewhat like a girl’s, strangely delicate.

If not for that foolish-looking flower crown on his head, this reflection could truly be considered a handsome man.

“Aiya!” With a low cry, he rolled his eyes in an odd manner and was about to remove the flower crown from his head.

“A’Sha! What are you doing?”

He was startled and quickly dropped his hands, placing them properly on his legs, his face assuming a completely serious expression. Then he secretly glanced back to observe the movements of the young girl behind him.

“Hmph, the moment I’m not watching, you want to take off the flower crown, don’t you?”

He hurriedly waved his hands, saying miserably: “No, no! My head was itchy and I wanted to scratch it. I wasn’t trying to take off Sister Juan’er’s flower crown!”

※※※

The little girl before him had a beautiful oval face with charming dimples—wasn’t this the mischievous Juan’er who called herself the “Jade Maiden Divine Sword Little Sprite”? Like peas in a pod, this Juan’er was always inseparable from the big fool, so that mentally impaired middle-aged man must undoubtedly be A’Sha.

Juan’er boldly walked to A’Sha’s side, assuming a stern manner: “You men, none of you are any good! I kindly made you a flower crown, yet you treat it as a joke. If you don’t want it, fine!” Saying this, she huffily made as if to remove the flower crown from A’Sha’s head. A’Sha dodged away, laughing foolishly: “Sister Juan’er, what you’re saying is so hard to understand. What do you mean men aren’t any good?”

Hearing him play dumb, Juan’er immediately struck his forehead, laughing and scolding: “You can’t understand even that? Your madness isn’t that severe—don’t think I don’t know!” A’Sha grinned and blinked, his expression appearing even more bewildered.

After Juan’er had made a fuss for a while, she grew somewhat tired. She sat down next to A’Sha, the two leaning back-to-back, both yawning at the same time. Juan’er said lazily: “What are you doing? When I yawn, you yawn—do you copy everything I do?”

A’Sha yawned continuously, shaking his head: “Not at all. When I farted just now, you didn’t fart. How could I be copying you?”

Juan’er burst into laughter, pinching A’Sha’s cheek: “Such a glib tongue.”

It was still afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the tree shadows, sprinkling on the stream water. In the distance, green shadows were deep and quiet, accompanied by the clear spring on the rocks, making one feel thoroughly lazy. In the hot summer, it was perfect for sleeping. The two leaned against each other and slowly began to doze off.

A’Sha, drowsy-eyed, asked in a low voice: “Sister Juan’er, aren’t you going to practice swordplay?”

Hearing these words, Juan’er’s sleepiness completely vanished. She suddenly jumped up, exclaiming: “Aiya! If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten—Master is going to test my swordplay tonight! What should I do?”

This Juan’er, though fifteen years old, was still muddled every day. She appeared to be a clever sprite, but her mind was entirely occupied with trivial matters. When it came to actually practicing martial arts or swordplay, the little girl hadn’t opened her mind even a crack and couldn’t be bothered to think about it at all.

Thinking of how Master was usually gentle and refined but truly fierce when hitting people, Juan’er was so frightened that tears welled up in her eyes. She pleaded with A’Sha: “A’Sha, you must help me! Quickly help me review, or I won’t have dinner tonight.”

A’Sha made an “oh” sound, squinting: “What’s the big deal about not having dinner? We can eat meatballs!” Though they called him stupid, he wasn’t really stupid. Every time someone asked this A’Sha for help, he always had strange and peculiar words to deflect.

Thinking of the pain of being beaten, Juan’er had no mood for banter and urgently pleaded: “Alright, help your sister with this small favor, and tomorrow I’ll buy you cakes to eat.”

A’Sha’s eyes blazed with light as he sneered: “No good. I want to go to town to gamble, and you have to help me cover for it.” Juan’er stamped her feet anxiously, desperately pleading: “Whatever you want… quickly help me perform ‘Rolling Back the Pearl Curtain’ once. This move is the seventh form of the Feilain Sword Technique. Last time when Master taught it to me, you were beside me and saw it.”

A’Sha grinned: “It’s agreed then—tomorrow you have to take me to town to gamble.” Juan’er nodded repeatedly: “Fine, you quickly…” Before she could finish speaking, A’Sha’s huge body spun around, and in an instant he had drawn Juan’er’s sword. His movements were incredibly swift—sword light flashed as A’Sha swished three times, and in a moment he had already performed “Rolling Back the Pearl Curtain” three times consecutively. This sword technique originally had the feminine and gentle nature of women. Though A’Sha was exceptionally tall and large, his appearance was handsome, and when he suddenly performed it, he also had some otherworldly bearing.

Juan’er rubbed her eyes, pouting: “Too fast! Slow down—performing it so quickly, who can see clearly?” A’Sha made an “mm” sound and slowly executed the sword move. He flicked his wrist, first flourishing the sword flower, then stepped forward with his right foot, his left hand forming the sword seal, bending his body and arching his back, raising the sword to strike downward in reverse. This was precisely the essence of the “Rolling Back the Pearl Curtain” technique.

Juan’er watched with great pleasure and immediately snatched the long sword, laughing: “This is easy—my turn!” Saying this, she tried to imitate by drawing gourds after scoops. She flicked her wrist, but the sword flower only half-bloomed. Her right foot stepped forward, but she forgot to form the sword seal, though the reverse strike was performed with great gusto. She sheathed the sword and smiled: “Come evaluate—did I do it properly?”

This “Rolling Back the Pearl Curtain” technique had two key points. The first was the sword flower—this was a martial artist’s basic skill. Without sufficient wrist strength, the sword flower naturally couldn’t fully unfold, and rushing wouldn’t help. The second key point was the left hand’s sword seal. This sword seal was definitely not just for show—the guidance of advance and retreat, distance and precision all depended on the left hand’s sword seal, like a gunner’s front sight. Juan’er had even forgotten to form the sword seal, so how could she execute the complete technique?

A’Sha stared blankly and shook his head. His speech was poor, and he didn’t know how to point out the problem. Seeing him silent, Juan’er immediately broke into a radiant smile—while her sword flower hadn’t fully bloomed earlier, this spring flower now bloomed completely. Just this smile alone showed that Juan’er would undoubtedly be a beauty in the future. Though she was still young now, in a few years she would definitely be like a lotus emerging from water, not inferior to her senior sister Yan Ting.

She clapped her hands, laughing and jumping for joy: “Wonderful! I’ve mastered it! Now I can sleep!” Saying this, she threw the long sword on the ground and began resting again. With such laziness and indolence, if she were unlucky tonight, she might be beaten to death by the Azure-Robed Scholar.

After practicing swordplay, Juan’er napped by the stream, played around for a while, splashed water for fun, clapped and sang songs, truly treating A’Sha like a playmate. The two didn’t return for dinner until the sky was completely dark.

The two walked back along the path. The moon wheel had just risen, silver light flashing, making the road appear snow-white. Juan’er wasn’t a sentimental person and had no poetic feelings. She hopped along on her way home. When she reached the practice ground, she saw it was pitch black inside with no one around—Yan Ting must have already gone back for dinner. Juan’er made a face and smiled: “That annoying senior sister is just as much of a lazy bones herself, yet she dares to criticize me?”

Since Zhang Zhiyue’s death, Yan Ting increasingly had the bearing of a sect leader. Originally she would still chat and laugh with Juan’er, but after returning from Changzhou, she usually kept a stern beautiful face and lectured her junior sister. Juan’er, hearing these lectures, naturally covered her ears and ran away. These past few months, except for wandering the markets, the two sisters never went out together, otherwise they would constantly bicker and quarrel on the road, which was truly uninteresting.

It was now dinner time, and Juan’er was naturally famished. She took A’Sha’s hand and headed toward the temple. Walking near the temple gate, she could already hear voices coming from inside—voices that sounded heavy, as if someone was being scolded. Juan’er was delighted and whispered with a smile: “Wonderful! Senior sister got caught doing something bad!”

Yan Ting was usually well-behaved and obedient, acting increasingly steadily. It was rare to see her get scolded, so Juan’er was naturally overjoyed. She endured her hunger and pulled A’Sha along, the two sneaking stealthily to hide behind the firewood shed, peering through a crack to spy on the situation in the hall.

Juan’er put her eye to the crack and with the first glance saw her senior sister standing in the hall, her beautiful eyebrows tightly furrowed as if troubled by something. Juan’er secretly snickered: “Sister, oh sister, I told you to play with me every day, but you wouldn’t listen. Sigh… aren’t you still ending up getting beaten?” In the martial world there weren’t many masters, but if you wanted to find lazy people, regardless of age or gender, you could call out a whole row at any time. However, though lazy people were numerous, few could compare with Juan’er. Looking at her capabilities, she could probably rank among the top in the eight major sects.

Juan’er’s pupils rolled around as she looked toward Master’s usual seat in the hall. Sure enough, she saw the old man sitting motionless, wearing a human skin mask on his face so his expression couldn’t be seen. Juan’er had originally been grinning playfully, but seeing Master wearing a mask, she couldn’t help but feel slightly startled: “What’s going on? Only senior sister is there—why is Master wearing a mask? Could there be guests?”

Just as she was looking, A’Sha crowded his head over, saying impatiently: “Sister Juan’er, I’m hungry!” Juan’er waved her hand at him, whispering: “Don’t talk. There seem to be guests inside. Let’s watch first and see.”

For some reason, as soon as she saw Master wearing a mask, she felt somewhat uncomfortable. She immediately told A’Sha to be patient and wait until they had clarified the situation.

※※※

Just as Juan’er was puzzling over this, she suddenly heard a low voice from beyond the wall saying: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, how have you considered it?”

This person’s voice was terribly unpleasant, like a crow. Juan’er was startled and quickly put her eye to the crack again. She saw the speaker was a middle-aged man pacing back and forth in the hall, his face waxy yellow and truly ugly. Juan’er focused her gaze and saw there were three other people in the hall: an old man with a dark complexion, a farmer-like man, and another person who was an oily-headed, powdered-faced youth about fifteen or sixteen years old. Looking at that youth constantly stealing glances at Yan Ting’s beauty, his expression was somewhat frivolous.

The Azure-Robed Scholar had always had little contact with martial world figures. Now suddenly having three guests arrive was already considered this year’s rare grand event. Juan’er was secretly puzzled, thinking: “Clearly people have come as guests—why didn’t Master mention it beforehand last night?”

Usually when guests came, Master would invite the restaurant chef up the mountain to prepare several tables of banquet dishes, and she could also take the opportunity to feast heartily. Juan’er was puzzled, her eyes rolling as she thought: “This is really strange, what’s going on… could it be… could it be that these people came up the mountain suddenly, and even Master didn’t know in advance?” Though she was usually mischievous, she was very alert. Seeing the situation was unusual, she immediately paid close attention.

Just as she was thinking, the yellow-faced man coughed and asked again: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, how exactly have you considered it? Are you willing to come with us?” The Azure-Robed Scholar, hearing the question, only lowered his head without speaking. Yan Ting at his side interjected: “Second Master Song, what you’re saying is quite incomprehensible. My Master is perfectly fine cultivating the Dao on the mountain—how does this interfere with your Divine Blade Sect? Why must my Master relocate to the capital? Don’t tell me the Nine Flower Mountain Sect Leader is a three-year-old child who doesn’t even know where to live and needs you to overstep your bounds?”

These past two years, Yan Ting had gained considerable experience. Facing martial world heroes, she spoke fearlessly. Looking at her composed manner, each word crisp and clear, she especially drew out the four words “overstep your bounds” extremely long, clearly mocking the Divine Blade Sect’s improper conduct.

Juan’er peered through the crack and saw that Master Song’s face became even more unsightly after being refuted by Yan Ting. Normally when someone becomes embarrassed and angry, their face would definitely flush red, but this Master Song seemed to have liver disease—when his heart filled with anger, his face became even more yellow. Juan’er didn’t know this person was named Song Deguang, nicknamed “Yellow-Faced Ghost,” who had this waxy yellow appearance because he had practiced martial arts carelessly and injured his internal organs.

Song Deguang wanted to retort but couldn’t think of anything to say. Just as he was getting agitated, a childish voice rang out in the hall. A young man stood up, smiling: “Senior Sister Yan Ting’s criticism is correct—Second Master Song’s words were indeed inappropriate. We made this long journey to Nine Flower Mountain with complete sincerity, only wanting to invite the Sect Leader down the mountain for recreation. Who knew Second Master Song would speak too bluntly, naturally causing offense. Senior Sister Yan Ting, I apologize on his behalf here—please be magnanimous.”

Yan Ting was nineteen years old, while this youth was quite young, appearing two years younger than her by his looks. Yet when he spoke, he sounded old-fashioned, repeatedly calling Yan Ting “senior sister.” When he bowed, his gaze never wavered, staring intently at Yan Ting’s beautiful autumn-water eyes, performing very handsome gestures. Juan’er saw this and secretly sneered: “Where did this pretty boy come from, really thinking he’s Pan An reborn? Commander Wu likes senior sister so much he’d give up his life for her—if you want to win my senior sister’s favor, you’re far from good enough.”

The youth’s apology was intended only to please Yan Ting, but these words inevitably offended Master Song. Sure enough, he roared angrily: “You little brat Zhu Kang! What do you mean ‘speaking too bluntly’? You yellow-mouthed child, passing judgment like this—do you still have Master Song in your eyes?” Before his words ended, someone stood up beside the youth—it was the farmer-like man seen earlier. He smiled slightly: “Second Master, don’t get angry. Our young master meant no harm. Your Divine Blade Sect and our Zhu Family Manor have been family friends for generations—why get upset over one sentence?”

That Song Deguang, hearing the farmer’s words, his face became even more turbidly yellow as he sneered: “Fine, for Instructor Lu’s face, I won’t say more.” That farmer presented himself as a servant, apparently a retainer of the Zhu family, but was actually the martial arts instructor of Zhu Family Manor. This person was surnamed Lu, with the given name Yu. Because the Zhu family had received imperial enfeoffment and the master held noble rank, making them an extraordinary wealthy household, Lu Yu was willing to serve them and even considered himself a subordinate.

Instructor Lu smiled slightly at the Azure-Robed Scholar: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, my young master has apologized and exchanged pleasantries—we’ve given you sufficient face. Now come with us.”

This Lu Yu’s tone was relaxed, but his words were actually more domineering than Song Deguang’s. How could Yan Ting not be angry hearing this? Just as she was about to speak mockingly, the Azure-Robed Scholar sighed lightly and waved his hand: “Gentlemen, please say no more. Since taking over as sect leader, I have always focused on seeking the Dao and educating disciples, no longer concerning myself with court affairs. I’ll pass on this trip to the capital.” Saying this, he slowly stood up and cupped his hands: “Distinguished guests, forgive my poor hospitality.”

Hearing the Azure-Robed Scholar issue an eviction order with no room for negotiation, Lu Yu slowly stood up, placing his hands on his hips and smiling: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, if not for the monk’s face, then for the Buddha’s—are you truly unwilling to consider the face of Iron Spear Old Madam Zhu?”

The Azure-Robed Scholar, hearing his threatening tone, replied calmly: “Whether Old Madam Zhu or Master Song, since visitors are guests, how can there be reason to force the host to leave the mountain? Please have Instructor Lu take these words back: though Zhu Family Manor’s face is great, it’s not greater than Nine Flower Mountain’s ancestral tablets. If the Old Madam still insists on blaming me, this Azure-Robed Scholar dares not be disrespectful and will await her challenge at any time.” His voice was calm, but he threw Lu Yu’s words back unchanged, leaving him speechless.

Seeing Lu Yu at a loss for words, Zhu Kang, as his young master, had to step forward. He left his seat and stood up, smiling: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, don’t be angry. Actually, Zhu Family Manor’s invitation for you to come down the mountain is also with good intentions. How about this—since you find the capital too far, and Zhu Family Manor is also in northern Shaanxi, not far from you, why don’t we properly set up a table of wine to apologize and pay our respects to you? What do you say?”

Hearing this group of people all wanting Master to go down the mountain made people even more suspicious. The sisters—Yan Ting in the hall and Juan’er outside—were both secretly amazed, not knowing what scheme these people were plotting.

Zhu Kang was full of confidence, smiling as he waited for the other party’s response. The Azure-Robed Scholar showed no appreciation and shook his head: “I have already received everyone’s sincerity. As for that cup of wine, there’s no need to drink it. It’s getting late, and this mountain has few people—we haven’t prepared food and wine for distinguished guests. Please descend the mountain early.”

The Azure-Robed Scholar had always been gentle with people and rarely showed displeasure. For him to speak this way was already considered exceptionally angry. Seeing this situation, both Yan Ting and Juan’er felt even more puzzled, not knowing what these people actually wanted that would make Master so unhappy.

Song Deguang angrily said: “Azure-Robed Scholar, don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Everyone is sparing you because they see you’re harmless and have good intentions—don’t seek your own death and become an enemy of the martial world!” These words were already close to breaking off relations. No matter how good the Azure-Robed Scholar’s cultivation was, he couldn’t tolerate someone being so presumptuous at his door. He immediately said coldly: “Yan Ting, see the guests out for your master!”

Song Deguang sneered coldly, revealing a fierce and domineering air. Just then, a short figure slowly stood up in the hall. Looking at this person’s dark complexion, he had remained silent since entering the hall, but now, with just a slight movement of standing up, he emanated an aura of authority. He appeared to be a sect master, definitely not comparable to the likes of Zhu Kang, Lu Yu, and Song Deguang.

Seeing this short figure, the Azure-Robed Scholar’s body trembled slightly, but his tone remained as calm as before: “Manor Lord Gao, are you and the Twelve Heavenly Generals also going to force me down the mountain?” The short old man shook his head: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, Gao Tianwei will speak frankly. The matter between you and those bandits hasn’t spread through the martial world yet. Please, for the court’s sake, accompany us to the capital to avoid arousing the ministers’ suspicion. Otherwise… you know what the consequences will be.”

This short old man’s eyes blazed with divine light, and his tone was extremely confident. He was precisely Gao Tianwei, the top expert of the Heavenly General Manor.

The Azure-Robed Scholar took a deep breath: “I said before that I have long ceased to concern myself with worldly affairs. Whether the world falls into chaos or not, I will never betray Nine Flower Mountain. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.” Gao Tianwei said coldly: “I’ll advise you one more time—come with us. If Nine Flower Mountain is expelled by the righteous martial artists, how will you face your ancestors?”

Seeing there was no room for negotiation, the Azure-Robed Scholar immediately shook his head and sighed: “In the past, even when Zhuo Lingzhao ran rampant through the martial world, his words weren’t as domineering as yours. Yan Ting, bring me my sword.” Yan Ting was both surprised and delighted, knowing that Master was about to take action. The Azure-Robed Scholar was ranked among the eight great sect leaders of the martial world, his martial arts only slightly inferior to Zhuo Lingzhao and Fang Zijing. If he truly acted in anger, it would definitely be as swift as lightning.

Yan Ting presented the long sword. Candlelight flickered, and the six seal characters “Nine Flower Mountain Dragon Chant Pavilion” on the scabbard appeared even more ancient and elegant. The Azure-Robed Scholar held the long sword and slowly left his seat: “Tonight, in good spirits, we shall meet through martial arts. This Azure-Robed Scholar is honored to receive instruction from all you distinguished experts. Which friend will come forward to give guidance?” As he spoke, he slowly drew the long sword. With a humming sound, the sword tip swayed slightly, like a snake’s tongue.

There were countless sword techniques in the world. Kunlun’s sword qi was vigorous and profound, Wudang’s sword moved with gentle softness, Huashan’s sword technique was spiritually graceful, while Nine Flower Mountain was unique in the martial world for combining lightness skills with fast swordplay. The Azure-Robed Scholar’s wrist trembled, and the long sword’s movement was already like a coiled snake circling around. Mysteriously, a chill filled the hall. Though Juan’er was hiding in the adjacent room, she still felt her heart trembling with fear. Yan Ting, being in the hall, was even more covered in cold sweat.

Song Deguang chuckled: “Gao Tianwei, will you go up or shall I?” The short old man was indeed Gao Tianwei. Hearing Song Deguang’s words, he couldn’t help but furrow his brow: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, we have four people here. When fighting begins, you’ll still need to divide your attention to protect your disciple. Frankly speaking, you have no chance of winning…”

The moment the word “winning” was spoken, suddenly a blue light flashed as the long sword flew straight toward the ceiling beam. Everyone was startled and looked up urgently. Just then, a figure flashed by like a ghost and was already within one foot of Song Deguang!

This movement was as swift as a flying arrow, incredibly fast beyond belief—it was the Azure-Robed Scholar making his move. Song Deguang’s full attention was on the sword in the ceiling beam. Greatly startled and caught off guard, he hastily raised both palms to protect his face. Just then, his feet were tripped, and his body immediately tilted and fell toward Gao Tianwei.

The Azure-Robed Scholar’s martial arts were superb, and when he acted, he relied on strategy and cunning. First using the long sword to distract the enemy, then choosing to attack Song Deguang—he definitely had some ingenious plan. Gao Tianwei remained calm in crisis, supporting Song Deguang with his left hand while raising his right palm to guard his front. Just as he was about to observe the enemy’s movements, he suddenly heard two “hey-ha” sounds, followed by a thunderous crash. A man had broken through the window frame and was thrown out of the hall—it was Zhu Family Manor’s instructor Lu Yu.

Seeing his robust body actually thrown out by the Azure-Robed Scholar in a single move, Gao Tianwei couldn’t help but be both shocked and angry. He shouted: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, are you really going to fight to the death?” As he spoke, his entire body’s true qi surged, and his clothes swelled up like a balloon.

Seeing this strange phenomenon, the Azure-Robed Scholar showed no worry or fear. He reached out to pull over a young man and said gently: “Brother Gao’s words are so harsh. Since you don’t trust my words, why don’t we let Young Master Zhu here speak with you instead?”

Seeing the Zhu family’s young master fall into enemy hands, Gao Tianwei suddenly understood and was so angry his whole body shook, thinking: “They all say this person is full of schemes—he truly is an old fox!”

※※※

The Azure-Robed Scholar’s wisdom and foresight had allowed him to clearly see the situation in the hall before taking action. Among the four people in the hall, Gao Tianwei had the highest martial arts, Young Master Zhu had the most prestigious status, and Song Deguang had the most irritable temperament. The Azure-Robed Scholar had thrown out his long sword earlier only to divert everyone’s attention, then pretended to attack Song Deguang. Given this person’s violent temperament, if he were ambushed, he would definitely not dodge but would fight back forcefully. The Azure-Robed Scholar’s martial arts were already a level above this person’s—seeing him thrust out both palms, he instantly used footwork to sweep him down, then kicked him toward the strongest fighter, Gao Tianwei. With Gao Tianwei thus obstructed, the Azure-Robed Scholar took the opportunity to attack instructor Lu Yu. With the bodyguard down, the most important Young Master Zhu was in his grasp.

Three skilled fighters surrounded them, and Gao Tianwei was an extremely rare expert in the martial world. Who would have known that the Azure-Robed Scholar would calmly and unhurriedly reverse the disadvantageous situation in the blink of an eye? This victory was so easy—aside from the Azure-Robed Scholar’s lightning-fast movements, the most important factor was his extraordinary cunning calculations. Gao Tianwei was convinced of his defeat and could only laugh dryly.

The Azure-Robed Scholar placed his hand on Young Master Zhu’s head and said in a gentle tone: “Please ask Manor Lord Gao to take these unwelcome guests and quickly descend the mountain.” Song Deguang shouted: “You… what are you going to do to Young Master Zhu?”

The Azure-Robed Scholar said: “I said before that I have long ceased to concern myself with worldly affairs. Whoever rebels, whoever holds power—it has nothing to do with me. It’s just that you refuse to believe me, so I must find something to use as collateral to avoid being mocked for having no weight in my words.”

His meaning was quite clear—he was going to detain Young Master Zhu as a hostage. That Young Master Zhu’s face was deathly pale. Originally he had been flirting with Yan Ting, but now his face was bloodless, looking much uglier than a corpse.

This appearance should have been quite amusing, and Juan’er, seeing it, should have burst out laughing. However, seeing Master inexplicably fighting with so many guests, she vaguely felt something was wrong. Between shock and fear, she only stared with a pair of clear, large eyes, dumbfounded.

※※※

With the situation reversed, Gao Tianwei didn’t panic but said grimly: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, forgive me for advising you. If you want to detain Young Master Zhu, you’ll inevitably provoke the Four Great Families. In the future, when the four family heads join forces and come up the mountain to ‘greet’ you, aren’t you afraid?”

The Azure-Robed Scholar sighed: “I’m afraid.” Song Deguang struck while the iron was hot, shouting: “Then why don’t you release him?”

The Azure-Robed Scholar suddenly said: “Ting’er, quickly pack up our belongings—we’re going down the mountain.” Song Deguang made a “hey” sound: “What are you doing? If you had agreed earlier, wouldn’t that have been fine? Why break relations with us…” The Azure-Robed Scholar smiled: “Second Master Song, my leaving the mountain this time isn’t to go to the capital.”

Song Deguang was stunned: “Then where are you going?” The Azure-Robed Scholar smiled: “To a place where I can’t see you people.” The moment the word “place” was spoken, there was suddenly a scream as Young Master Zhu’s body crashed toward Song Deguang. Since this person’s status was important and no harm could come to him, Song Deguang didn’t dare to block and could only catch him with both hands. Seeing this, Gao Tianwei knew he was about to repeat his old trick and immediately snorted coldly, thinking: “Good Azure-Robed Scholar, you want to create a diversion and take the opportunity to ambush Song Deguang? Not so easy!”

The Azure-Robed Scholar was fighting alone, and there was still the delicate and vulnerable Yan Ting in the hall. Gao Tianwei sneered and mobilized his palms to strike at Yan Ting, planning to use the strategy of “besieging Wei to save Zhao” to break the Azure-Robed Scholar’s diversion tactic.

Just as he was about to act, suddenly a blue shadow flashed before him—the Azure-Robed Scholar was already three feet in front of him! Gao Tianwei was greatly shocked, never expecting this person to be coming for him. At this moment, the two great masters were too close to each other. Their internal energies squeezed and collided against each other, causing air currents to scatter in all directions. Gao Tianwei had difficulty breathing and hastily tried to retreat. Just then, his chest acupoint felt slightly numb—he had already fallen into the enemy’s trap.

Gao Tianwei’s martial arts were strong, and his reputation was widespread in the early years of the Jingtai era. Who would have known he would fall for an enemy’s ambush? Both shocked and angry, he urgently channeled his internal energy to break through the blocked meridians. Thanks to his deep cultivation, in the blink of an eye he had already cleared the blocked acupoint. Just as he was about to angrily counterattack, he suddenly heard an “ah” scream—Song Deguang had rolled to the ground together with Zhu Kang. Looking at how the two couldn’t move, they had apparently been ambushed by the Azure-Robed Scholar and had their acupoints sealed.

Gao Tianwei’s face darkened, realizing he had carelessly fallen into another of the man’s schemes.

At this moment, Zhu family instructor Lu Yu lay outside the hall, his life or death unknown. Young Master Zhu Kang had also been captured and was on the ground, and even the Divine Blade Sect’s Song Deguang was unable to fight anymore. In the hall, except for Gao Tianwei alone, all the skilled fighters had been eliminated. If the four enemies had attacked simultaneously earlier, the Azure-Robed Scholar would have had to divide his attention to protect Yan Ting and absolutely couldn’t have escaped unscathed. It was precisely for this reason that he had spoken humbly, only waiting for the opportunity to strike, systematically eliminating their wings until Gao Tianwei was alone—it had become a one-on-one situation.

The Azure-Robed Scholar sighed: “Manor Lord Gao, we can no longer stay at Nine Flower Mountain. I’d like to ask you to pass along a message—just say that the Azure-Robed Scholar and his disciple committed suicide. What do you say?” Gao Tianwei sneered: “If you want to fake your death, aren’t there plenty of ways? Why do you need me as a witness? Don’t tell me you’re afraid I’ll leak information?”

The Azure-Robed Scholar took a deep breath: “Master Gao, I don’t want to kill anyone—don’t force me to act.” Saying this, he stepped forward and slowly raised both hands.

Gao Tianwei assessed the situation. The Azure-Robed Scholar’s lightness skills were unparalleled in the world, moving through corridors and courtyards like a ghost. If he fought him indoors, he would already have lost half the battle. As the number one expert of the Huaixi Heavenly General Manor, his timing in facing enemies was far beyond what ordinary people could compare to. The moment this thought arose, his feet made a quick point, and using force from his back, with a thunderous sound he had already broken through the wall and flown out backwards.

Seeing that the Azure-Robed Scholar didn’t pursue, Gao Tianwei breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to steady himself, suddenly a gentle force pushed from behind, immediately stopping his backward momentum. Gao Tianwei was shocked: “An ambush?” His throat was dry, his face iron-blue as he tremblingly turned around, only to see a tall old man standing behind him. Looking at his mighty physique, Gao Tianwei broke out in cold sweat and said hoarsely: “You… you’re here too?”

Just then, heroic laughter came from the training ground outside the hall, and countless figures appeared at once. Gao Tianwei was both shocked and pleased, hastily cupping his hands: “How shameful, how shameful! Several sect leaders have come to Nine Flower Mountain together, and I didn’t know beforehand. This truly makes me ashamed beyond words.”

※※※

With Gao Tianwei breaking through the wall and leaving, it seemed the strong enemy had retreated. Yan Ting breathed a sigh of relief and was about to ask Master about the inside story when she suddenly heard vigorous laughter from outside the door, not knowing which expert had arrived.

Yan Ting’s face changed color, and she was about to call out and ask. But Master, hearing the laughter, showed a dim look in his eyes. He grasped his disciple’s wrist and said softly: “Ting’er, Juan’er, the time for parting has come. No matter where you are in the future, don’t forget the silk pouches Master gave you.” Saying this, he walked to the wall and knocked on the wall panel. Juan’er outside the wall, hearing these words, already had tears brimming in her eyes, ready to fall.

The two beauties understood in their hearts. Every New Year, Master would always give the sister disciples a red envelope along with an embroidered silk pouch, saying that on the day of his death, the two sisters should open it and look inside. In great sorrow, Juan’er only wanted to cry out, when suddenly a great roar came from outside the door: “Azure-Robed Sect Leader, I, Song Gongmai from Shandong, greet you here.”

Yan Ting saw an old man walk through the door. This person was extremely tall and had to bend over when entering the hall—his physique was truly frightening. She was thinking of shrinking behind Master when she heard laughter from outside the window and a sharp voice saying: “Sect Leader, my child Zhu Kang is truly useless—we’ve really made you laugh.” Yan Ting hurriedly turned her head and saw a figure faintly moving outside the window frame like a ghost.

Footsteps came in confusion as a large group of experts rushed into the hall. Yan Ting was both shocked and afraid, asking in a trembling voice: “Master, what… what is happening…” The Azure-Robed Scholar smiled miserably and shook his head: “Children, you’re going to suffer.”

Yan Ting was greatly shocked in her heart. Seeing the hall inside and outside packed with tigers and leopards, each with ill intentions, only staring greedily at her delicate body—those gazes were so greedy. Born beautiful, Yan Ting was no stranger to such looks. Those were the eyes of wolves, hungry wolves… She screamed and tightly embraced Master, begging for his protection.

The imperial court was the greatest power in the world. Even someone as strong as Zhuo Lingzhao or as mighty as Nu Cang Mountain—if they collided head-on with it, who wouldn’t be reduced to ashes? The Azure-Robed Scholar smiled bitterly and gently stroked his beloved disciple’s hair, his eyes showing a trace of sorrow.

With orthodox experts surrounding them, no matter how clever and adaptable he was, how could he escape? Could he really transform into a phoenix and fly away through heaven and earth?

※※※

The moon rose to mid-heaven, and the desolate moonlight shone into the empty hall. The candle flames on the table remained unextinguished, only swaying in the wind, making the scene appear even more desolate.

A young girl rushed into the great hall, crying: “Master! Master!” Earlier, when Master and senior sister were surrounded, Juan’er was both shocked and afraid but didn’t dare make a sound. She could only suppress her breathing and weep, watching helplessly as her beloved relatives were taken away.

A few hours ago, this hall was still the place where she acted coquettishly and snuggled close. Now she could no longer see any trace of her relatives. At this moment, even if it were Master’s scolding or senior sister’s mockery, she would willingly listen to it a thousand times. Juan’er’s heart hung with worry for her relatives’ life and death. Unable to bear the heartache, she sat down on the ground, covered her face with both hands, and began to sob.

Through her tear-blurred eyes, she suddenly remembered Master’s earlier instructions. Juan’er’s heart filled with hope as she hurriedly felt for the silk pouch at her waist and quickly opened it to look. She saw inside was a slip of paper with eight tiny characters written on it: “When fate ends and love dies, turn to Nu Cang.” Juan’er couldn’t understand the meaning above and didn’t know where Nu Cang Mountain was. In confusion and bewilderment, she finally couldn’t hold back anymore and began crying loudly.

Just then, a foolish voice sounded behind her: “Sister Juan’er, what’s wrong? Did someone bully you?”

Hearing these words, Juan’er’s heart suddenly felt calm. There was still him, there was still him who could protect her…

“A’Sha!”

She threw herself into his embrace, holding A’Sha tightly. As tears fell like rain, even though she was so young, she knew that an unprecedented great calamity had already befallen them…