Xie Xuan’s loud shout quickly reached the Gate of Changshou.

Bai Hehuai looked up with delight. “It’s Master Xie!”

“If you’re going to help, just help. Why announce it first? At a time like this, who cares about scholarly etiquette? A surprise attack would’ve been perfect to take down this Jian fellow,” Su Changhe complained.

The flying swords descended one after another. Jian Wudi swung his sword, batting it back, but with each sword he deflected, the golden color in his pupils dimmed slightly. By the time broken swords littered the courtyard, his previous aura of invincibility had completely vanished, replaced by heavy breathing and a somewhat disheveled appearance.

At the city gate, Xie Xuan was also panting heavily. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Exhausting.”

“I never expected to see you in such a state. Haven’t your books taught you how to escape such predicaments?” A swordsman wearing a bamboo hat appeared before him.

“Li Hanyin?” Xie Xuan was startled. “How did you avoid being trapped by the flower poison?”

Li Hanyin sneered. “To be called a Sword Immortal and yet be trapped by such minor poison would be rather laughable.”

Xie Xuan scratched his head. “Indeed it would be. Might the Second City Lord teach this brother how you escaped?”

“Naturally, it’s because… I have the antidote,” Li Hanyin said quietly.

“Huh?” Xie Xuan was stunned. “Did the Third City Lord give it to you?”

“Of course not.” Li Hanyin waved her hand, and a miserable figure was dragged out from the corner. Lord Haoyue struggled to his feet. “Snow Moon Sword Immortal, as the Second City Lord of Snow Moon City, your actions are too crude and violent, I—”

“Give me another dose of the antidote!” Li Hanyin kicked him.

“Who are you trying to save now?!” Lord Haoyue cursed. “This flower poison antidote is extremely expensive. It’s not for you to use for charity!”

“It’s to save me,” Xie Xuan bowed slightly, his demeanor respectful.

Seeing this scholarly-looking man’s refined appearance, Lord Haoyue felt somewhat contemptuous. “Who are you?”

“Xie Xuan,” he replied politely.

“Oh my.” Lord Haoyue’s legs nearly gave out, and he almost fell to his knees.

“Do you have more antidote?” Li Hanyin asked.

“Yes, yes.” Lord Haoyue hurriedly took out a medicine bottle from his robes and handed it to Xie Xuan.

“Many thanks, good sir.” Xie Xuan took the bottle, poured out a pill, and swallowed it. After taking a deep breath, he smiled. “I see there’s quite a show over there. Would the Second City Lord like to join me?”

“I’ll pass. I encountered some annoying people on my way here,” Li Hanyin frowned.

“Oh? Others haven’t succumbed to the poison?” Xie Xuan asked curiously. “Who are they?”

“Though not poisoned, they’re barely able to move. They’re from the Hundred Knowledge Hall, and they’ve asked me to do something.” Li Hanyin’s tone carried a hint of annoyance. “I hate these kinds of tasks, but I have no choice. My mother and he are both among the Four Guardians, and since Mother asked me to help, I must.”

“I see. So Ji Ruofeng gathering us here wasn’t just for us to watch a show—he had his agenda. But that…” Xie Xuan shook his sleeves. “What does that have to do with me?”

“I helped cure your poison, so you owe me a debt. You should help me. At least, I believe that’s what those sage books you read would say,” Li Hanyin shrugged.

Xie Xuan sighed softly. “The Second City Lord speaks the truth. What do you need my help with?”

Li Hanyin looked at Lord Haoyue. “Take me to see your master.”

Lord Haoyue was startled. “If I take you there, he’ll kill me!”

“You can leave before we arrive,” Li Hanyin touched the Iron Horse Ice River sword at her waist, releasing a chill that made Lord Haoyue shiver. “If you don’t lead us there now, you’ll die right here.”

Lord Haoyue looked at Xie Xuan, who helplessly spread his hands, indicating he could do nothing about the situation.

“Lead the way,” Li Hanyin said sternly.

Xie Xuan turned to the carriage driver: “Wait for me here. I’ll leave at dawn and take your carriage again.”

“Yes, sir.” The driver, having witnessed Xie Xuan’s impressive display with the flying swords, now held nothing but respect for him and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Thus, Li Hanyin and Xie Xuan followed Lord Haoyue toward Tianxia District. Xie Xuan joked, “Coming all this way only to miss an interesting fight and instead clean up Hundred Knowledge Hall’s mess—you must be quite frustrated?”

“It’s fine. After handling this, a duel with the current Confucian Sword Immortal would make it worthwhile,” Li Hanyin replied.

Xie Xuan raised an eyebrow and changed the subject: “I heard Song Yanhui fought you and lost badly. Why are you still interested in his swordsmanship?”

“Song Yanhui’s swordsmanship is good, he’s just held back by Wushuang City.” Li Hanyin looked toward the Gate of Changshou. “Besides, I want to see Su Muyu’s sword.”

“Didn’t you fight together against Ye Dingzhi? Haven’t you seen his sword before?” Xie Xuan asked.

“He once said his sword wasn’t a sword but a killing tool. Only when he appeared in the world with his new identity would his true sword be seen.” Li Hanyin spoke slowly. “He’s very strong. Back then, without him, we wouldn’t have had the chance to wound Ye Dingzhi.”

Inside the Gate of Changshou.

Jian Wudi had recovered his breath, and no more flying swords came from the distance. He looked down at Su Muyu again: “It seems after I kill you all, there are still worthy opponents waiting for me.”

Su Muyu smiled. “Indeed there are worthy opponents. But you must defeat me first.”

“In your current state, you are no match for me,” Jian Wudi said deeply.

Su Muyu knew this was true. Although he had won earlier, Jian Wudi had now entered the Sword Demon path, raising his strength by an entire realm. Meanwhile, Su Muyu’s energy was depleted, and though he had recovered somewhat, continuing to fight would certainly end in defeat.

But there was still one chance.

One choice remained.

He could also enter the demonic state.

For an ordinary swordsman, entering the demonic state wasn’t something that could be done at will. No one had ever heard of “demonic deviation” being a matter of choice—it usually happened due to cultivation accidents. But Su Muyu could do it.

This secret was known only to Su Changhe.

Su Muyu could enter the demonic state with a single thought.

But it would come at a terrible price.

It might even cost him his life.

Just then, a figure landed beside Su Muyu.

Su Muyu was startled. “It’s you.”

“It seems our duel may not come to pass. If that’s the case, fighting together wouldn’t be such a bad thing either,” Song Yanhui drew his sword, smiling as he spoke.