As Yue Hang led the group into the main hall, he immediately began introductions. First among them was the old man with a fine, long beard, Elder Xu Zhan. Next came the young gentleman standing beside him.

He then introduced the Master Liu’s contingent to the Xu father and son: “This is Master Liu Qingfeng of the Hushan Sect, and these two are his esteemed disciples.”

After the formalities of greeting were exchanged, the focus shifted to Ye Wen: “And this is Mr. Ye Wen, the Sect Master of Shushan. He has rushed here specifically to offer assistance regarding Young Master Xu’s predicament.”

Yue Hang phrased it beautifully, making Ye Wen sound like a paragon of chivalry, someone who rushes to aid the oppressed upon witnessing injustice. But Ye Wen knew the truth: he was simply taking payment to resolve a problem, having nothing whatsoever to do with lofty virtue. Yet, in this setting, even if everyone suspected the truth, no one would dare voice it.

He cupped his hands in a formal salute while simultaneously assessing the person he would need to protect for the foreseeable future.

A moment of genuine admiration crossed his mind as he took in the sight.

Whatever else could be said about Xu Xian, his appearance certainly lived up to the moniker of peerless handsome man. Though, in Ye Wen’s eyes, Xu Xian was not only devastatingly handsome but perhaps a little too delicate in his features.

“With just a touch of makeup, he could be a peerless beauty capable of toppling nations...”

Coupled with the heavy, concealing garments typical of ancient times, which hid any indication of physique, Ye Wen might have truly mistaken him for some wealthy young lady indulging in cross-dressing had he not already known Xu Xian was a man.

As Ye Wen observed him, Xu Xian’s companion was observing him in return. The moment Elder Xu laid eyes on Ye Wen’s countenance, his brow furrowed slightly. As the saying went, a smooth tongue often means unreliable action. Although Yue Hang claimed this young man was the Sect Master of Shushan, he seemed altogether too young.

Based on his looks, Ye Wen appeared younger than his own youngest son, Xu Xian, by a few years. Could his martial skill possibly be adequate?

As far as Elder Xu understood, martial proficiency generally increased with age. While young experts certainly existed, they were usually elite disciples from established, powerful clans. The Ye Master before him clearly did not fit that mold.

In contrast to Elder Xu’s growing apprehension, Xu Xian seemed far more intrigued by Ye Wen’s status. After the initial greetings, Xu Xian was the first to inquire: “Shushan Sect? Is that located on the Book Mountain? I have never heard of it.”

Ye Wen smiled faintly and replied, “It is a minor sect; it is quite normal that you haven't heard of it.”

Hearing this, Elder Xu’s worry deepened. He couldn't understand why Yue Hang had sought out such an obscure young man with no apparent background.

Fortunately, there was also Master Liu Qingfeng of the Hushan Sect. The Taoist priest, possessing an air of transcendent detachment, instilled a sense of grounding reassurance in the elder. Furthermore, Elder Xu had indeed heard of the Hushan Sect; he knew it was one of the more prominent sects in the Pingzhou region, which made him trust their strength all the more.

Consequently, an amusing dynamic soon emerged: Elder Xu engaged in continuous conversation with Master Liu, while Xu Xian kept Ye Wen talking animatedly.

“Where is the seat of your sect, Sect Master Ye?” Xu Xian seemed intensely interested in a sect led by someone so young. Perhaps he planned to visit sometime.

Ye Wen couldn't fathom what was so captivating about his sect, but an inquiry was always welcome: “Near the summit. Getting up there presents many inconveniences.”

“Close to the summit! Sect Master Ye’s home is truly extraordinary. Just by knowing where the sect gate is located, one can understand the grand ambition of your founder.” Xu Xian’s eyes gleamed at the answer. If previously he had merely considered visiting, now he was likely already plotting to ascend Book Mountain and stay a while at the Shushan Sect gate.

Before Ye Wen could even respond, the young Master Xu directly posed the question: “Sect Master Ye, will you be returning to your sect’s location tonight? If so, might I trouble you to carry me along?”

“Xian’er, stop this foolishness!” As soon as Xu Xian spoke, Elder Xu voiced his immediate displeasure.

Xu Xian flinched at his father's sharp tone and dared not utter another word, sitting obediently in place. The stark shift in his demeanor stunned Ye Wen.

“It seems this renowned Young Master Xu isn't the carefree scholar I imagined. Instead, he’s more like the top student from my own era.”

Xu Xian clearly possessed a naturally vivacious spirit, yet he had been molded into a prodigious scholar devoted solely to classical texts, oblivious to the outside world. His father, Elder Xu’s, methods of discipline were truly admirable.

Through various discussions, Elder Xu received a rough overview of Yue Hang’s plan for their journey south—how far they would travel, how many days it would take to reach Jiangzhou, the likely number of bandits they would encounter, and how Yue Hang intended to deal with them.

Ye Wen listened intently for quite some time, only then realizing that Xu Xian’s journey south was to reach an academy in Jiangzhou for focused study, intending to await the Imperial Examination two years hence before proceeding to the capital.

It was unexpected that such a complication had arisen. If a single misstep occurred, Xu Xian’s entire life might be ruined. Elder Xu repeatedly implored Master Liu to take special care of his son, urging him not to let any harm befall him.

Even Ye Wen, whom he had initially disregarded as insignificant, received earnest pleas. At this point, the elder could no longer afford to judge anyone based on reputation; he knew that his son's successful arrival in Jiangzhou depended entirely on the people seated here.

“Entrusted with a task by another, we shall see it through. Elder Xu, rest assured,” Master Liu declared.

Liu Qingfeng had initially intended this outing merely as training for his disciples, expecting to supervise them peripherally. But upon learning the full details of the matter, he became entirely serious. He was confident that with him present, not even a single mountain bandit would manage to come within half a step of Xu Xian.

“If necessary, this old Daoist might have to engage in a great slaughter—consider it ridding the populace of harm.”

With Liu Qingfeng’s firm guarantee, Elder Xu finally set his mind at ease and departed with his son. However, just before leaving, Xu Xian secretly whispered a message to Ye Wen: “Tonight at the hour of Zi, the City God Temple by the West Gate.”

Then, ignoring Ye Wen’s puzzled expression, he left with his father.

After the Xu father and son departed, Yue Hang immediately arranged lodging for Master Liu’s contingent and for Ye Wen, then excused himself to confer with his comrades about the departure logistics.

Because Zhao Heng showed him little regard, Ye Wen didn't linger for extended pleasantries with Master Liu and his disciples. Upon returning to the room Yue Hang had prepared for him, he practiced the sect’s internal arts while meditating, then began to ponder the meaning behind Xu Xian’s cryptic message.

“Why did he invite me to the City God Temple?”

As Ye Wen puzzled over the request, his mind began uncontrollably drifting toward wilder speculations.

“Could this Young Master Xu have some peculiar hobbies?” He shivered slightly, shaking his head to banish the alarming thought.

“Or perhaps this Young Master Xu is actually a Young Miss in disguise, who has fallen in love with me at first sight and wants to elope?” But he quickly dismissed this possibility, recalling that Xu Xian clearly had an Adam's apple, so he could not possibly be female.

While lost in these conjectures, the time swiftly approached the hour of Zi. Ye Wen hesitated briefly but ultimately decided to go. After all, whatever the situation, only by confronting him face-to-face could he gain clarity; agonizing over it here was no solution.

“What am I afraid of? I am a grown man, and I possess martial arts. Should I fear a frail scholar who couldn't even lift a chicken?”

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