The Jade Ruyi flew downward. Su Muyu glanced up briefly, hastily withdrawing his Xiyu Sword to lightly touch the descending weapon.

Such pure sword energy.

Su Muyu marveled inwardly. Though not particularly powerful, the sword energy surrounding the Jade Ruyi was extraordinarily pure—like a newly forged blade, pristine and flawless. After his gentle deflection, the Jade Ruyi returned to the city wall above.

Wushuang quickly pushed the sword case forward to receive it. As the case closed, he exhaled deeply: “How can this sword case move on its own?”

Song Yanhui watched in amazement. The case hadn’t moved on its own—Wushuang had unconsciously activated it. How could he possess such ability after just two days of basic inner energy training? He quickly looked down again to see if the Jade Ruyi had changed the battle’s outcome.

Liu Yunqi lay backward in a pool of blood.

Su Muyu planted his Xiyu Sword in the ground. Though the Jade Ruyi had prevented him from taking Liu Yunqi’s life directly, it didn’t change the outcome of breaking Liu Yunqi’s “Riding the Sword to Nine Heavens” technique. With a wave of his left hand, the seventeen blades flew back to his side. He drew them against his body, securing them at his waist.

“It’s him, it is him!” Song Yanhui had seen the same movement from that Anhe operative before. Now he was certain of his suspicions. He leaped down, positioning himself before Liu Yunqi with his sword raised.

Ignoring him, Su Muyu retrieved the Heyu Sword, wiped the dust from it with his sleeve, and sheathed it. Then he spoke: “My killing intent has receded, and my sword momentum is gone. If you draw your sword against me now, I will surely lose.”

Song Yanhui shook his head: “I understand. I won’t take advantage of your condition. I only ask that you spare my master’s life.”

“Spare your master’s life?” Su Muyu’s tone remained even. “Did your master think of sparing any lives when he slaughtered everyone in my Wujian City?”

Song Yanhui sighed softly: “Master’s actions back then were unforgivable, but as his disciple, I cannot watch him be killed before my eyes. I hope Young Master Zhuo can understand.”

“He won’t live much longer,” Su Muyu turned away. “I’ve completely shattered his sword heart and severed the meridians in his hands. He’ll never hold a sword again. For someone like him, having lost the qualification to be a swordsman, death isn’t far away.”

Song Yanhui glanced back at Liu Yunqi, who still gripped the Canglong Ya but couldn’t even lift it. He said quietly: “Thank you, Young Master Zhuo.”

“We’ve met before,” Su Muyu suddenly said.

Song Yanhui was startled, surprised that Su Muyu would acknowledge his identity. He nodded: “Yes. I saw your swordsmanship when we fought against the Demon Sect.”

“I admire you,” Su Muyu said slowly. “You’re very different from your master. Your swordsmanship lacks his malevolence, but you carry too heavy a burden. Unable to let your sword follow your heart, you can’t reach your full potential.”

Song Yanhui replied gravely: “Many have said this. But since the elders entrusted Wushuang City to me, I must carry its honor and shame on my sword.”

“We’ll end here today. Though it’s regrettable not to have challenged Wushuang City’s finest sword,” Su Muyu said quietly.

Song Yanhui considered this: “In a few days, by the Sword Pavilion on Wushuang City’s rear mountain, I would like to see your sword.”

“Agreed,” Su Muyu walked forward.

The weapon merchant who had been stirring up the crowd whistled, and several people gathered around him. He said softly: “Tell the people at Tianxia House that it ends here today. This young man won three matches—surely no one else could win.” He smiled, “But a new wager begins. In a few days, he’ll fight Song Yanhui.”

“Yes, sir!” The men quickly withdrew.

Su Muyu took a few steps forward, then suddenly turned back to look at the plaque above, murmuring: “Peerless Under Heaven.”

Once, the White Feather Sword Immortal had rescued his disciple from Tianqi City’s execution ground, striking down the plaque above as he left.

Today, if he were to strike down these four characters “Peerless Under Heaven,” Wujian City’s name would surely rise again in the martial world.

Song Yanhui noticed Su Muyu’s movement and tensed, quickly gripping his sword: “Young Master, please don’t act rashly.”

Su Muyu just stared silently for a long while, then lowered his head with a smile and turned away.

“In seven days, we shall cross swords!”

Three days later, at Snow Moon City’s Cang Mountain.

Li Hanyi stood with her sword at the peak when Sikong Changfeng appeared behind her carrying wine: “Don’t you find practicing sword daily on the mountain tedious?”

Li Hanyi turned to glance at him: “And you find counting money below the mountain interesting?”

Sikong Changfeng scratched his head helplessly: “Don’t bring that up! I came today because I heard something truly interesting!”

“Oh?” Li Hanyi sat on a stone bench. “You think I’ll find it interesting too? ‘Interesting’ is a high bar for me. If it falls short, I’ll send you down the mountain with my sword.”

“Hahaha! Three days ago, at Wushuang City, a swordsman appeared suddenly, claiming to be the son of Wujian City’s former lord, demanding to challenge Wushuang. Sword Mountain Peak, the Great Elder of the Martial Hall, and Former City Lord Liu Yunqi fought him—both lost,” Sikong Changfeng said gravely.

Li Hanyi thought for a moment, then shook her head: “Not very interesting. What’s Wushuang City? Those two are even less noteworthy. How could this be considered interesting?”

“Let me finish.” Sikong Changfeng set the wine jug on the table. “They say this swordsman ultimately used a paper umbrella containing seventeen blades, forming the Eighteen Sword Formation with the umbrella handle.”

“Su Muyu!” Li Hanyi exclaimed in shock.

Sikong Changfeng nodded: “Only Su Muyu in the martial world can use this technique. Surprising, isn’t it? Someone of his temperament challenged Wushuang. But there’s something even more interesting.”

“Oh?” Li Hanyi was intrigued. “What?”

“Su Muyu and Song Yanhui made an arrangement,” Sikong Changfeng declared. “In seven days, at Wushuang City’s rear mountain… they fight again!”