Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting traveled together, admiring mountains when they encountered them and enjoying waters when they met them, truly as carefree as immortals. Wu Dingyuan had been a bachelor all his life, and rarely having a beauty as companion, he felt especially warm during the journey. This mere hundred-some li of road actually took them a full ten days. However, Wu Dingyuan’s right hand occasionally showed signs of toxicity—whenever he exerted force or circulated his qi, phosphorescent purple light would emerge. The sight was extremely strange, and fearing it would frighten Yan Ting, he bought bandages along the way to tightly wrap his right hand.

On this day, which was the first day of the second lunar month, Wu Dingyuan personally drove the cart and finally arrived at the foot of Mount Hua. Wu Dingyuan sat in the front seat, turned around and lifted the cart curtain, smiling, “Miss Yan Ting, we’ve arrived!”

Yan Ting said joyfully, “Really?” As she spoke, she poked her head out from behind the curtain to gaze at the magnificent Mount Hua.

The two were separated by mere inches, their breaths intermingling. Yan Ting’s delicate, snow-white cheek drew close, almost touching Wu Dingyuan’s weathered, aged face. The fragrance of powder and rouge, breath like orchids—Wu Dingyuan glanced sideways and saw Yan Ting’s long eyelashes fluttering, adding to her gentle beauty. For a moment, he felt somewhat distracted and infatuated, wanting nothing more than to hold Yan Ting tightly in his arms and cherish her tenderly.

Just as his mind wandered like an unrestrained monkey, he suddenly saw Yan Ting point with her hand and cry out, “Lord Wu, look over there!”

Wu Dingyuan looked where she pointed and saw military camps spread out in the distance, with dark yellow military flags fluttering in front of the tents. Among them, a commander’s flag bore the vermillion character “Liu,” while smaller flags on both sides of the camp displayed the character “Qin.”

Yan Ting smiled, “That must be your Lord Liu’s military camp! It looks so imposing!”

Upon hearing the words “Lord Liu,” Wu Dingyuan’s heart suddenly shook as he remembered Yang Suguan. He thought to himself, “These past few days I’ve been so carefree and happy, how could I have forgotten Doctor Yang? Miss Yan Ting is so devoted to him—what am I to do?” His whole body trembled, and cold sweat began pouring down profusely.

Seeing his complexion suddenly change, Yan Ting quickly asked, “Lord Wu, what’s wrong?”

Wu Dingyuan hastily collected himself and laughed dryly, “It’s nothing. I just remembered some official business and felt a bit troubled. Let’s go up the mountain now. We can also meet and reunite with your junior sister.”

Yan Ting’s face lit up with joy, “That’s wonderful! I wonder how junior sister has been these past few days.”

Wu Dingyuan sighed inwardly. He understood clearly in his heart that once they went up Mount Hua, the two of them would likely part ways, and when he might see Yan Ting again would be anyone’s guess.

Though troubled, Wu Dingyuan was after all a constable by background, well-experienced in the world’s hardships, and naturally possessed a character capable of endurance. Seeing the situation as it was, even if he were to burst into tears, wouldn’t it still be helpless? He shook his head, took up the reins, and drove the cart forward.

Reaching the foot of the mountain, the mountain path proved quite difficult and no longer suitable for the cart, so Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting got down to walk on foot. The weather was still cold at this time, with some frost still on the ground. Wu Dingyuan feared Yan Ting might catch cold and glanced sideways at her, seeing she still wore the sable fur robe—warm and snug—that he had thoughtfully bought for her that day.

Wu Dingyuan felt comforted in his heart, thinking, “Even if this girl marries someone else in the future, I won’t regret treating her well.”

That day in Shenji Cave, when the two encountered great danger at the moment between life and death, Wu Dingyuan had risked his body rotting and bones dissolving to desperately leap into the Netherworld Sea to rescue Yan Ting. Recalling that day’s heroic deed, he felt his blood surge with passion, his heart filled entirely with the devoted affection from that life-risking rescue.

Seeing him grit his teeth, Yan Ting couldn’t help but worry. She grasped Wu Dingyuan’s hand, leaned her body close, and said softly, “Lord Wu, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Wu Dingyuan steadied himself. Seeing Yan Ting holding his hands, he deeply feared his right hand’s toxicity was too severe and might harm her, so he quickly withdrew his hands and laughed dryly, “Brother Wu is perfectly fine. How could there be any illness or pain? It’s nothing.”

Yan Ting’s beautiful eyes were full of tender affection as she said softly, “Lord Wu, please don’t say such things. When people fall ill, it can be faster than anything else. These past few days the weather has been alternately warm and cold—you must be careful of catching cold.”

Wu Dingyuan smiled bitterly to himself, “With my current physique, even Hundred Flowers Fairy’s silver needles couldn’t affect me—how could I catch cold?”

Since leaving Shenji Cave, Wu Dingyuan not only possessed sharp night vision and shocking palm toxicity, but his traveling speed had also become faster than a flying horse, separated from monsters by only a single step. When he had been struck by Hundred Flowers Fairy’s poison needles, he had remained completely unaffected. If he were to suffer headaches, fever, colds, or diarrhea in the future, that would indeed be a strange occurrence.

Though he thought this way in his heart, it wouldn’t be appropriate to say so aloud, lest he frighten Yan Ting. He shook his head, just about to change the subject, when suddenly a sharp voice came from beside the path, laughing, “Little girl, you’re so clever! The heavens have unexpected storms, people have unforeseen disasters. Whether you’re gods, Buddhas, immortals, Taoists, demons, ghosts, or monsters, one moment of carelessness and you’ll end up with your reputation ruined. How can one not be careful?”

Wu Dingyuan heard this voice was quite sharp, with a somewhat androgynous quality. He quickly turned to look and saw an old man standing by the roadside, crouching down to gather dry firewood. This elderly man had a hunched form and waxy yellow complexion, appearing to be about seventy years old. Aside from a rough cloth outer shirt, he had no cotton jacket for warmth, and his clothing was quite thin. He appeared to be a poor old man who came to the mountain foot to gather firewood for his livelihood.

Seeing Wu Dingyuan looking at him, the old man smiled and said, “Sir, are you perhaps asking for directions? Why do you keep staring at this old man?”

Wu Dingyuan had always been considerate toward people. Seeing this old man’s poverty, he removed his outer robe and handed it to the elder, saying, “Old sir, it’s cold up the mountain. Please put on this robe.”

Watching this, Yan Ting thought to herself, “Though Lord Wu looks fierce, he actually has a very kind heart.”

The old man didn’t take it, but simply said “Oh” and asked, “This gentleman and I have never met—why are you so good to this old man?”

Wu Dingyuan replied, “Within the four seas, all are brothers. At your advanced age, old sir, it’s only proper that you receive some care.” As he spoke, he forcibly pushed the outer robe toward him. The old man stood up to receive it but only held it in his hands without putting it on.

Yan Ting quickly stepped forward and said gently, “Old sir, our big brother is most sincere in his dealings. His asking you to wear this robe comes from genuine good intentions—please put it on quickly.” She took the robe with a face full of gentleness and said softly, “Old sir, let me help you put on the clothes.” She then shook out the outer robe and helped the old man put it on, her manner warm and intimate like a daughter-in-law.

Watching this scene, Wu Dingyuan was suddenly reminded of his father and felt sorrowful, “If father were still alive and my wife could help him put on a garment, how wonderful that would be.” Just with this thought, his eyes couldn’t help but redden.

Seeing Wu Dingyuan staring intently at himself and Yan Ting, the old man smiled and said, “You two children have such kind hearts, being so considerate to an old man. You must surely be filial to your parents as well.”

Hearing him speak of his own heartache, Wu Dingyuan sighed even more deeply and remained silent.

The old man looked Yan Ting over several times and praised with clicking tongue, “What a beautiful young lady! Have you found a husband’s family yet?”

Yan Ting’s face reddened as she said, “This young woman is eighteen years old. Without a matchmaker’s words or master’s command, how can marriage be discussed?”

The old man said “Oh” and pointed at Wu Dingyuan with a laugh, “This big fellow is vigorous and handsome. Little girl, honestly speaking, have you secretly taken a liking to him?”

Yan Ting spat and her cheeks flushed fire-red. She quickly turned her head away and said no more.

Wu Dingyuan heard the old man’s teasing hit right at the heart of the matter. Though he felt joyful inside, he couldn’t show the slightest hint of his feelings on his face. He smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, “Old sir, we have important business to attend to and no time to chat further. We take our leave now.” He pulled Yan Ting along and turned to walk away.

The old man laughed, “Don’t leave in such a hurry! Let’s chat some more!”

Wu Dingyuan saw Yan Ting’s face was completely red and utterly charming, and couldn’t help but smile at the corners of his mouth. The two gradually quickened their pace as they headed up the mountain.

The two continued up the mountain path. Wu Dingyuan noticed there were no other guests on the road, nor any Mount Hua disciples coming out to greet them. It seemed they had arrived late. He said, “It appears we’ve missed the appointed time. At this moment, Yuqing Temple is probably beginning the ceremony. We need to hurry.” He took Yan Ting’s hand and employed his lightness skill, rushing up the mountain path.

After traveling several li, Yan Ting only kept her head down walking quickly without speaking to him. Wu Dingyuan saw her hanging her head in silence and felt somewhat worried, “Looking at her expression, she seems somewhat unhappy. Could it be that old man’s words earlier have made her uncomfortable?” He couldn’t figure it out for the moment, nor could he think of any casual topics for conversation, so he could only quicken his pace to avoid awkwardness.

The two employed their lightness skills for about half an hour and reached North Peak. Wu Dingyuan saw a Taoist temple in the distance with the two characters “Yuqing” written above it. Wu Dingyuan’s heart leaped with joy, and he was about to enter the temple when he suddenly saw several sedan chairs placed in the empty space in front of the temple, with large numbers of elite factory guards crowding around the entrance. There appeared to be several hundred people—clearly Jiang Chong’s forces.

Seeing the Embroidered Guards’ arrival, Yan Ting was also alarmed and said in a trembling voice, “These bad people are here again!”

Wu Dingyuan stopped and thought darkly, “How are these demons and monsters so persistent? What are they doing at Mount Hua at this time?”

Wu Dingyuan observed for a while. At this time, their side had gathered many experts at Mount Hua—Ling Ding and Ling Zhen had profound martial skills, Wei Zizhuang and Yang Suguan were resourceful and wise, and even Qin Zhonghai and Lu Yun were all people with exceptional learning. With so many people and such strong forces, plus his own greatly improved martial arts, it seemed that as long as they reunited with everyone, whether in single combat or group fighting, they would have certain victory. Having calculated this, he said, “Miss, don’t panic. As long as we go in and meet up with everyone, we’ll have nothing to fear!”

Yan Ting’s face showed worry as she said, “But the entrance is full of Embroidered Guards. How are we going to get in?”

Wu Dingyuan replied, “There’s no need to worry about that. Watch Brother Wu.” Wu Dingyuan had always been meticulous in his actions. How could such a small matter as finding an alternate route into the hall stump him? He immediately pulled Yan Ting along and went around the mountain path to the back of the temple to look for another way in.

Walking to the empty ground behind the temple, they saw a tall surrounding wall. They figured that by climbing over the wall they could enter the temple. Wu Dingyuan was about to leap over when suddenly someone laughed, “Oh my! What a coincidence! Meeting you two kind people again!”

Wu Dingyuan found this voice very familiar. He quickly turned to look and saw an elderly man walking slowly toward them—it was the old man they had encountered by the mountain path. He saw the man with a beaming smile, still wearing Wu Dingyuan’s outer robe, looking very kind and amiable.

Yan Ting curtsied to the old man and smiled, “We meet the old gentleman again. We really are fated!”

The old man laughed, “Those with fate meet across a thousand li. Seeing how fated we are, we’ll surely cross the river together in the next lifetime!” The saying goes “ten years of cultivation to cross the river in the same boat, a hundred years of cultivation to share the same pillow”—the old man was naturally using this to tease them.

As he spoke, he looked Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting up and down and laughed, “What are you two doing here again? Are you cultivating that good fate of sharing the same pillow?”

Yan Ting was greatly embarrassed, her ears turning red. She spat and said, “Old sir, your words are so improper! Watch me give you a good slap.” She stamped her foot, her slender waist twisting as she turned around, no longer paying attention to the old man.

Seeing Yan Ting’s bashful state, the old man just laughed heartily, quite pleased.

Wu Dingyuan was secretly delighted but showed no emotion on his face. He coughed and said, “Old sir, your words are too frivolous. We’ve come here to find someone.”

The old man said “Oh” and replied, “So you’re looking for someone. How coincidental—I’m also looking for someone. Why don’t we go into the temple together?”

Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but feel slightly alarmed. Earlier he had noticed this old man following them like a shadow and already felt something wasn’t quite right. Hearing him say this made him even more wary. His gaze piercing, he looked at the old man and said, “Old sir has good eyesight. How do you know we want to enter the Taoist temple?”

The old man laughed, “What’s so difficult about that? North Peak is bare and barren with really nothing worth seeing. If you two weren’t going to enter the temple to worship, where else could you go? Unless you’re really looking for a bed to sleep in?” He burst into hearty laughter again.

Wu Dingyuan’s face darkened as he thought, “Today is the day of Ning Bufan’s retirement. The guests are all people from the martial arts world. Looking at this old man’s strange manner, he might be one of Jiang Chong’s subordinates. I must be careful in dealing with him.” He took Yan Ting’s hand and said directly, “Old sir, we have urgent matters to attend to and no time to chat further with you. Please excuse us.” As he spoke, his feet flickered as he was about to leave with Yan Ting.

The old man chased after them, saying, “Hey, everyone going into the temple together would be lively and fun—what’s wrong with that? Come with me quickly!”

Wu Dingyuan heard him shouting loudly—this might attract Jiang Chong’s subordinates. He snorted and turned around, saying grimly, “Old sir, what exactly do you want to teach us?” As he spoke, he drew in a breath of true qi and secretly prepared himself. Wu Dingyuan’s martial power at this time was divine—he was no longer that constable with inferior martial arts. With just a slight circulation of his power, a current of air emerged around his body, causing his clothes to billow slightly. His right hand even faintly emanated a purple glow, looking truly frightening.

Seeing his unfriendly expression, the old man quickly waved both hands in alarm, “Little brother, don’t be so fierce! I’m just here looking for someone—I haven’t interfered with you!” He shouted these words as loudly as thunder, certainly loud enough for the Embroidered Guards to hear.

Wu Dingyuan heard him shouting and knew this would certainly draw people over. He was about to angrily scold him when he suddenly heard someone behind them shout, “There are people talking over there! Let’s hurry over and take a look!” Wu Dingyuan looked back and saw three or five people quickly approaching. The newcomers wore factory guard uniforms—they were An’dao Jing’s subordinates.

Wu Dingyuan gave a “hey” and was about to get angry at the old man when the latter smiled mischievously and said, “Let’s go quickly. If people see us in a moment, there’ll definitely be trouble.” As he spoke, he leaped up and in one bound flipped over the wall, his body technique quite agile.

Wu Dingyuan saw he possessed martial arts and became even more wary. However, the Embroidered Guards behind them had already rushed close, and if the two sides met face to face, there would certainly be trouble. He sighed, embraced Yan Ting’s slender waist, gathered his qi and leaped up lightly, floating up like the wind.

That wall was fully three men high. Though Wu Dingyuan carried a person in his arms, with just a light jump his body still rose several feet above the wall, seeming to fly through the air like riding the wind. The old man sitting on the wall watched with a face full of amazement and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Excellent! Such lightness skill is worthy of someone from Tianshan!”

Wu Dingyuan heard him reveal the origin of his martial arts and was immediately shocked. He was about to speak out and demand answers when Yan Ting quickly covered his mouth with her hand. The old man just smiled mischievously and flipped down the wall himself.

Wu Dingyuan heard the old man call out his origins—how could he not press for clear answers? He released Yan Ting in mid-air and with one leap had already blocked the old man’s path, saying in a low voice, “Old sir, what did you just say?” Though his voice was low, his tone was extremely stern.

The old man looked bewildered and shook his head, “What are you doing? I didn’t say anything!” He completely denied it.

Wu Dingyuan saw him being slippery and immediately raised his right palm high, his face full of anger, “Don’t toy with me! Do you think I’m easy to bully?”

Yan Ting feared he would strike and harm someone, so she quickly pulled him back and urged, “This old sir only said a few extra words without any ill intent. Lord Wu, please don’t make things difficult for him.”

Wu Dingyuan knew the other party was definitely not an ordinary person. If he didn’t investigate clearly, there would certainly be future troubles. He paid no attention to Yan Ting and said coldly, “Old sir, speak clearly—exactly who are you? Why do you know my background?” As he spoke, his face was filled with killing intent. If the old man gave one wrong answer, there would be a good fight.

The old man scratched his head and frowned, “Alright, since you insist on asking, I’ll tell you. My surname is Liu, and I’m a lonely, helpless old man. Is that enough?”

Wu Dingyuan gave a cold laugh, “Old sir, you’re being so evasive with me—do you take me for a three-year-old child?”

The old man said with a bitter face, “Then what do you want? Do you want to see my family genealogy? But I left it at home and didn’t bring it out!”

Hearing this, Yan Ting couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Wu Dingyuan’s face was iron-blue as his mind raced, but he couldn’t think of which martial arts figure surnamed Liu would have such an appearance.

As he was puzzling over this, he suddenly saw large numbers of musketeers pouring into the temple. Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped, not knowing whether Jiang Chong had already started fighting with Yang Suguan and the others. Wu Dingyuan’s heart was suspended with worry for his companions, and he couldn’t be bothered with the old man. His foot touched the ground and he rushed toward the Taoist temple.

The old man laughed, “Seeing Jiang Chong’s forces, your energy comes back!”

Wu Dingyuan was shocked again and stopped, “You know about Jiang Chong too!”

The old man laughed, “That Jiang thief is so treacherous and evil—who in the world doesn’t know him?” Though he spoke with his mouth, his feet were quite swift, and in an instant he had already rushed out several zhang.

Wu Dingyuan followed the old man in running, but his heart was secretly fearful as he pondered, “What exactly is this old man’s background? How does he seem to know everything, yet claims his surname is Liu? Just who is this person?” He thought deeply but actually forgot to pull Yan Ting along. Looking back, he saw Yan Ting following closely behind him, her feet showing no sign of slowing down.

Wu Dingyuan had seen Yan Ting’s lightness skill at Tianshan before, so seeing her body technique was graceful now, he wasn’t surprised. He just smiled and nodded, and seeing Wu Dingyuan’s eyes showing faint approval, Yan Ting also smiled back.

In no time, the three had reached the back door of the Taoist temple and each leaped onto the eaves, quietly passing through the roof tiles. These three all had excellent lightness skills and made not the slightest sound as they traveled. Reaching a corner of the eaves, they saw the old man fly down, his figure flashing before disappearing—there must be an entrance below.

Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped, knowing this old man must have some connection to Yuqing Temple, otherwise how could he be so familiar with the terrain? He didn’t think further and immediately pulled Yan Ting down following the old man’s example. The two figures flew down and indeed saw a window lattice about a foot long and wide in front of them, large enough for a body to pass through. One after the other, they squeezed through.

Just as they entered the temple, the two had barely steadied themselves on the roof beams when they suddenly saw the space below filled with a mass of black heads—looking down, there appeared to be a thousand people, which couldn’t help but startle them both. Looking for the old man, he had already vanished without a trace. Yan Ting whispered, “What should we do? Should we jump down?”

Wu Dingyuan shook his head, not yet having made up his mind, when suddenly he saw a hand emerge from behind a plaque, waving at them several times. It turned out the old man was hiding behind the plaque, which was why his figure was completely concealed.

Wu Dingyuan saw the plaque was about ten feet long with the four characters “Sword Dance Flying High” written on it, and his heart leaped with joy, “This plaque is so huge, it’s indeed a good hiding place.” He immediately brought Yan Ting to hide there as well.

The two hid inside the plaque, crouching beside the old man. Wu Dingyuan saw the old man smiling cheerfully and had countless questions he wanted to ask. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard a voice shout, “Do you only dare bully those without martial arts? Do you actually dare to compete with me?”

Wu Dingyuan found this voice very familiar. He quickly peeked out to look and saw Zhuo Lingzhao with his hand on his sword hilt, staring at a tall man in the center of the hall. Wu Dingyuan saw Zhuo Lingzhao looked quite angry and couldn’t help but secretly wonder, “This scoundrel has always been successful and arrogant—how has he become so angry?”

Wu Dingyuan was curious and didn’t know who this person in the center of the hall was. He wanted to see his face, but since the man had his back to him, he couldn’t see his features for the moment.

At this time, the guests in the hall, regardless of age or status, were all staring intently at that tall man. Wu Dingyuan saw there was someone hiding behind Zhuo Lingzhao—this person wore python robes and had an iron-blue complexion. It was Jiang Chong. At the side of the venue, there were also large numbers of experts surrounding several hundred musketeers with guns raised to their shoulders. Everyone looked focused as if facing a great enemy.

Just at this moment, that person suddenly turned his head toward the plaque. Wu Dingyuan saw the man had noticed them and couldn’t help but softly exclaim “eh,” thinking, “So it’s him who’s arrived—no wonder there’s such a scene.”

That person had an aged face but with a stubborn expression—it was Fang Zijing, with whom he’d had a brief encounter years ago.

The old man smiled and bumped Wu Dingyuan with his elbow, laughing, “Worthy of being the Sword King—he detected us coming in just two or three moves.”

After that hurried meeting at White Dragon Mountain years ago, he had wandered the jianghu and traveled to distant places. In between, he didn’t know how many things had happened. Now he had not only become a commander in the capital but had also mastered extraordinary martial arts. Wu Dingyuan recalled past events and couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions, actually sighing.

Above the beams, Wu Dingyuan sighed continuously, while below, Zhuo Lingzhao kept challenging. He heard him shout, “Fang Zijing! You are a master of swordsmanship while Lord Jiang has no martial arts—why do you repeatedly threaten him with words? With Zhuo here, come compete with me!”

Wu Dingyuan heard Zhuo Lingzhao issue a challenge and his heart jumped as he quickly focused to watch.

That Fang Zijing had no intention of fighting. He just smiled and said, “Who threatened him? I just wanted to invite him to eat a taro.” As he spoke, he took out another taro and threw it directly at Jiang Chong. Jiang Chong was greatly frightened and quickly shrank behind Luo Moshi. The taro immediately hit Luo Moshi’s bald head and fell to the ground.

Fang Zijing frowned, “These taros are not easy to grow—don’t waste them.” As he spoke, he was about to go forward to pick it up. Luo Moshi was greatly alarmed and quickly picked up the taro, then stuffed it into An’dao Jing’s mouth. An’dao Jing, fearing Fang Zijing would be angry, didn’t dare spit it out and swallowed it skin and all in two or three bites.

Fang Zijing smiled slightly, “Is it delicious?” An’dao Jing’s mouth was full of food and could only wave his hands chaotically, his complexion pale—it seemed quite unpalatable.

Zhuo Lingzhao saw him still toying with others and his anger immediately blazed. He shouted, “You keep deflecting and talking about other things—are you afraid of Zhuo?”

Fang Zijing looked back at him, then smiled faintly, “Let’s say I’m afraid. The Sword God’s martial arts are number one in the world, his character number one in farts—this old man naturally concedes defeat.” As he spoke, he cupped his hands and returned to his seat, leaving Zhuo Lingzhao frozen on the spot, nearly exploding with rage. The guests hearing this mockery and remembering Zhuo Lingzhao’s usual behavior couldn’t help but show slight smiles.

Fang Zijing’s imposing manner, making a group of traitors lose face in just two or three moves, left Yan Ting stunned as she asked, “Who is this old gentleman? How is he so impressive?”

The old man laughed, “Little girl, remember this well. This person is called Fang Zijing, nicknamed ‘Nine Provinces Sword King.’ Twenty years ago in the jianghu, his martial arts were the highest, and he was glorious for quite some years. If that little punk Jiang Chong wants to provoke him, he’s asking for trouble.”

Wu Dingyuan also secretly admired him, thinking, “This is the bearing of a true hero, a true warrior. I hope that someday I can have half of Master Fang’s imposing presence.”

Zhuo Lingzhao had a proud nature. Hearing Fang Zijing mock him publicly, how could he not be furious enough to blow his top? His eyes blazed with light as he was about to strike and kill on the spot, when suddenly someone emerged from the crowd and quickly blocked Zhuo Lingzhao’s path—it was Kunlun Mountain’s second-in-command, “Sword Cold” Jin Lingshuang. He whispered in Zhuo Lingzhao’s ear, seeming to be persuading him of something.

The two spoke in extremely low voices that no one in the venue could hear. Wu Dingyuan, relying on the power of his “Purple Qi Wrapping,” had hearing thousands of times better than ordinary people and could hear everything. He thought, “Looking at these two’s manner, they must have some conspiracy. I can’t let this pass.” He activated his divine skill and listened to their conversation. He heard their rapid back-and-forth exchange, but it repeatedly came back to the same four words: “Martial Arts Alliance Leader!”

Wu Dingyuan’s face turned pale as he was shocked and puzzled. He saw Zhuo Lingzhao suppress his overwhelming anger, take a deep breath, and say grimly, “As long as Master Fang doesn’t come to provoke us court officials, considering he’s a senior, I won’t force him to fight.”

Many people knew Zhuo Lingzhao’s competitive nature, so hearing him speak with restraint, they couldn’t help but be secretly amazed. However, though Zhuo Lingzhao had made concessions, that Fang Zijing showed no gratitude. He had already returned to his seat and was now dozing off.

Zhuo Lingzhao, unwilling to provoke Fang Zijing further, turned to Ning Bufan and said coldly, “Sect Leader Ning, I have a request here. This matter concerns the lives and safety of martial artists throughout the world—I hope you’ll agree to it.”

The crowd heard him mention “martial artists throughout the world” and were even more surprised. This Sword God was fierce, cruel, cold, and selfish—when had he ever considered the world’s people? Since he spoke this way, there must be some scheme. Everyone immediately paid attention.

Ning Bufan knew Zhuo Lingzhao was ruthless and for the future safety of his disciples, how dare he offend him without reason? Hearing him make a request, he quickly coughed and said, “What instructions does Sect Leader Zhuo have? Bufan will naturally follow—please speak.”

Zhuo Lingzhao looked around at the guests in the hall, his eyes glowing as he said in a deep voice, “Distinguished heroes, since we have this rare gathering of talents at Mount Hua, this one wishes to take advantage of this rare opportunity to establish a Martial Arts Alliance Leader.”

The four words “Martial Arts Alliance Leader” caused an immediate uproar in the hall. The so-called “Martial Arts Alliance Leader” would be elected by heroes throughout the world, with words carrying the force of law that none could oppose. The guests were shocked and all looked toward the Kunlun disciples, seeing Tu Lingxin looking fierce and Qian Lingyi looking smug. If the Martial Arts Alliance Leader really fell into the hands of these traitors, given this group’s cruelty, where would there be peace in the jianghu? In the hall, Yang Suguan and Wei Zizhuang, and outside, Qin Zhonghai and Lu Yun, all became solemn. Only Wu Dingyuan had heard this earlier and wasn’t surprised.

Ning Bufan was greatly alarmed and said in a trembling voice, “You want to establish a Martial Arts Alliance Leader?”

Zhuo Lingzhao said sternly, “Exactly!” As he spoke, he slowly turned to look at Jiang Chong. The two men’s eyes met and both showed cruel smiles at the corners of their mouths.