After Ye Wen successfully persuaded Pei Bang to leave, he felt a great sense of relief that it wasn't Guo Nu who had shown up today. Although he had never met the latter, nor truly faced him, judging by the Tianle Gang’s recent maneuvers, this man—known as the "Wrathful Vajra" and the foremost of the Tianle Gang’s four great elders—was clearly not someone to trifle with.

“My journey ahead should present little danger; it is the mountain gate I worry about most!”

After seeing off Pei Wei, Ye Wen gathered the key figures of the Shu Mountain Sect. This was partly to arrange all affairs during his absence, and partly to reassure them so they wouldn't fret over his safety. Fortunately, after the battle with Elder Pei earlier that day, everyone knew Ye Wen’s martial arts had progressed significantly, enabling him to retreat whole from the Tianle Gang. Thus, no one tried to dissuade him from taking a risk.

Although Xu Xian, the scholar, understood the maxim that a gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall, navigating the jianghu demanded a pursuit of wealth and honor through peril—one cannot catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den. He, too, grasped this principle and remained silent.

“Once I descend the mountain, guard the entrance closely every day, and set up hidden sentinels on the necessary path up the mountain every night! The Tianle Gang is unlikely to launch a sneak attack, but there are always petty ruffians who might covet our Shu Mountain Sect!”

Ye Wen no longer feared a sudden attack from the Tianle Gang. This summons was orchestrated entirely by them; a betrayal now would utterly ruin the Tianle Gang’s reputation, leaving them no way to recover.

If the Tianle Gang had delivered the letter with extreme discretion and without fanfare, Ye Wen would have needed to guard against that very tactic.

But now? Not just in Pingzhou, but martial artists in neighboring regions knew the Tianle Gang had formally invited the Shu Mountain Sect Master for a discussion, accompanied by a great procession. Countless eyes were fixed on both factions. The Tianle Gang, currently desperate to salvage their honor, simply could not afford such a dishonorable move.

While clashes between two factions often parallel warfare between nations, there were distinct differences. Unlike the total warfare seen between states where every means is justified, conflicts between sects usually adhere to more established rules. Since the Tianle Gang had publicly laid out their challenge to engage honorably, they could no longer resort to schemes and trickery, lest they become a laughingstock.

Of course, Ye Wen did not rule out the Tianle Gang secretly instigating other minor forces to cause trouble for Shu Mountain. It was based on this possibility that Ye Wen ordered the sect’s patrols to increase hidden sentinels beyond their usual guard posts.

“Wang Shu, the Master of the Zhengquan Sect, has been silent since I wounded him. He might make a move while I am gone; be wary of this!”

At this moment, both Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian could easily defeat Wang Shu, so Ye Wen wasn't worried about them losing a direct confrontation with the Zhengquan Sect. His concern lay with any insidious plots the Zhengquan Sect might devise—this was currently the weak link for Shu Mountain. Everyone in the sect, including himself, lacked extensive worldly experience; Shu Mountain detested schemes and cunning maneuvers.

“Senior Brother, perhaps I should accompany you?”

Ning Ruxue pondered, still worried about her Senior Brother, especially since Ye Wen intended to travel completely alone. Attending the banquet solo might project an imposing aura, but if trouble arose, he would have no one to rely on.

“No need, Junior Sister. Your cultivation still requires diligent practice; interrupting it now would negate all your previous effort!” He glanced at Xu Xian. His Third Junior Brother had refrained from volunteering because his Chunyang Wuji Gong had been advancing remarkably quickly lately. Ye Wen suspected that by the time he returned, this Junior Brother might achieve a major breakthrough.

“That snake blood’s efficacy is certainly potent, considering how long it’s been since he drank it for this effect to suddenly manifest!”

Therefore, Xu Xian absolutely could not leave Shu Mountain at this time. If he were allowed this opportunity to break through that critical barrier and master the Chunyang Wuji Gong, Shu Mountain would gain another master, providing significant confidence whether they chose expansion or quiet, gradual development in the future.

“Master won't even take a disciple to serve you?”

“I won't take anyone!”

He looked at Yue Ning and Zhou Zhiruo. Both disciples were currently at crucial stages in their training. Sending them out to see the world now was premature; waiting a few more years would be better.

“Master, aren't you waiting for Junior Brother Xu to return before leaving?” Yue Ning had matured; her figure was already close to that of an adult. In another year or two, once fully developed, she would be virtually indistinguishable from an adult. She was currently in the middle of puberty, and her voice emerged sounding like a cracked gong, quite unpleasant to the ear.

Ye Wen smiled: “By my estimation, Xu Ping should return in a day or two. I haven't left immediately because I was waiting for you, Junior Brother Xu! I wouldn't feel at ease until I understood the true attitude of the Hushan Sect!”

Before the words had fully settled, a disciple entered to announce Xu Ping’s return. Ye Wen immediately waved his hand, instructing the disciple to bring Xu Ping in. Moments later, he saw his dusty, travel-worn third disciple.

“Master, your disciple has failed his mission!”

Xu Ping entered, his face etched with shame, his words clearly indicating that the task Ye Wen assigned him had not been completed successfully.

In fact, Ye Wen had already guessed the general outcome the moment Xu Ping returned alone. When he finally spoke, his initial thought was confirmed: “Did you see True Man Liu?”

“I only saw True Man Liu once when delivering the letter, and never again afterward! I actively requested a visit, but the Hushan Sect people continually made excuses, claiming True Man Liu was occupied with urgent matters and could not be disturbed!” Mentioning this brought a surge of anger to Xu Ping. He was especially incensed by the arrogance of the Hushan disciples; even the gatekeepers looked down their noses at him. Had Xu Ping not been experienced in worldly manners and self-restraint, he would have already drawn his blade on them.

Whether he asked for Liu Qingfeng or was told Liu Qingfeng was cultivating or meeting with the sect elders, they wouldn't even allow Xu Ping to wait outside. They met his requests with thinly veiled mockery. Xu Ping was so frustrated he almost turned back—and in essence, he did. Seeing the situation, he understood they had no intention of letting him see Liu Qingfeng, so he turned around and returned immediately.

Ye Wen listened to Xu Ping’s account, contemplated for a while, and finally let out a long sigh: “The Hushan Sect has parted ways with us!”

It wasn't actually that severe. The Hushan Sect Master clearly did not welcome the rapid ascent of Shu Mountain. They seemed to be adopting a stance of watching from the sidelines. If Shu Mountain truly struggled to survive, Hushan would still offer aid to avoid losing a useful ally.

However, since they were already calculating against Ye Wen, he would naturally no longer consider them friends. At this moment, he even began to wonder if, after settling matters with the Tianle Gang, his Shu Mountain Sect might soon face conflict with the Hushan Sect.

Thinking too far ahead...

Shaking his head, Ye Wen pushed away the miscellaneous thoughts and continued questioning Xu Ping, “When you did see Liu Qingfeng, what did he say?”

Xu Ping replied: “After seeing the letter, True Man Liu immediately said he would persuade his Master to send aid. Even if the Master refused, he vowed to bring his disciples and assist us himself!”

Ye Wen nodded: “It seems True Man Liu is being detained by his Senior Brother acting as the Sect Master. But we don't need Hushan’s help right now, so we will let this matter rest.”

He had considered trading a basic internal cultivation manual and an ordinary introductory mental technique for Hushan’s assistance. But then he realized that would be like funding a future competitor. Military texts advise making friends from afar and attacking nearby neighbors. In the past, his weakness left him no choice, but now that he had grown and possessed the means for self-preservation, he no longer needed to be so passive. Since the neighboring Hushan Sect was no longer friendly, Ye Wen saw no need to fawn over them; maintaining minimal cordial relations would suffice.

After soothing his third disciple, Ye Wen briefly informed him of his imminent departure, concluding with an admonition: “Our sect is not yet powerful, so you must be exceptionally cautious after I leave. Xu Ping, although you haven't been with us long, you are a pillar of Shu Mountain. Assist your two Martial Uncles well in guarding the gate this time!”

Xu Ping nodded in assent, then asked, “Master is leaving the mountain without needing a disciple to attend to you?”

Ye Wen shook his head with a smile: “The banquet I am attending this time is a perilous one—having too many people makes it harder to escape.”

Although the others in the hall didn't know what a 'Hongmen Banquet' was, they inferred it was no pleasant affair. Since it wasn't the time for jokes, no one inquired further.

This round of instructions lasted until sunset. Ye Wen announced, “Let’s eat, and then I will descend the mountain immediately!”

Ning Ruxue exclaimed in surprise, “So soon?”

Ye Wen smiled: “After descending, I’ll rest at the base for a day, and head south first thing tomorrow morning. It makes no difference whether I go sooner or later; I have to go eventually!”

“Senior Brother, aren’t you preparing anything?”

Ye Wen spread his hands: “Prepare what? Bringing some silver and a long sword is enough!”

The others thought this sounded almost flippant. But then they reasoned there wasn't much to prepare anyway. Ye Wen was likely heading into a fierce battle; bringing too many things would only be a burden.

Only Ning Ruxue reached out and handed Ye Wen a small deerskin pouch: “This is the bag I use for my copper coins. It’s full, holding a hundred pieces. Brother Jing, please take it!” Because her Qiankun Yizhi technique often consumed large quantities of copper cash, she always carried such a pouch. Ye Wen’s style was quite different, so he hadn't prepared one.

Since he was heading south into what promised to be fierce fighting, Ye Wen’s projectile skills would certainly be needed. Running out of cash at a critical moment would be disastrous. Knowing Ye Wen didn't usually carry many coins, Ning Ruxue gave him hers.

Ye Wen casually took it, weighing it in his hand. It felt heavy, indicating it was packed solid with copper. He smiled at Ning Ruxue, but unexpectedly, his Junior Sister ignored him, turning her head away sharply.

“Wasting my expression!”

Sighing inwardly, Ye Wen ate dinner with everyone, then gathered his silver, hung the deerskin pouch at his waist, picked up a long sword, and headed straight down the mountain.

Glancing at the sword, he thought to himself: Our sect lacks skilled craftsmen. These general laborers are fine for repairs, but weapons and blades are beyond them. We must buy them when we descend, which is not only costly in the long run but the quality is truly subpar!

He recalled the time he tried to use the essence of the Rao Zhi Rou Sword technique, which ended up destroying a perfectly good long sword—a memory that still frustrated him.

If I return safely from this trip, I should look for a good artisan along the way.

Besides weaponry, a good craftsman could forge kitchen knives and farming tools—things the sect also needed. Thus, finding an artisan was immediately placed on Ye Wen’s agenda.

Stepping past the mountain gate, Ye Wen had only gone a few paces when he detected the sound of rushing cloth behind him, rapidly approaching. The person made no attempt to conceal their speed; in the fading light of evening, with no one else around, Ye Wen heard the sound from quite a distance.

Turning around, he saw a slender figure clad in fluttering pink, trailing a breeze of fragrance, stop gracefully before him. Ye Wen simply watched the Junior Sister, wondering why she had followed him down, and remained silent. Ning Ruxue stood under his long gaze, unable to speak, until her face flushed red with effort before she managed a single sentence: “I’m seeing you off!”

“Mm.”

Ning Ruxue had expected Ye Wen to launch into some long speech, but he only responded with this simple, soft sentence. She felt like she had punched air. At that moment, she truly didn't know what else to say, so she could only follow Ye Wen blankly step by step down the path.

Ye Wen was silent, and Ning Ruxue was silent. The primeval forest was filled with the chirping and singing of insects—crickets, cicadas, and the like—as if an orchestra had struck up a performance, their incessant noises filling the air.

Yet, the two of them didn't find the sounds annoying. Instead, accompanied by the fresh scents of grass, trees, earth, and soil, the atmosphere felt uniquely peaceful. Walking down step by step, it was as if the world consisted only of the two of them. Both Ye Wen and Ning Ruxue suddenly harbored the thought: If only we could keep walking like this forever...

Ning Ruxue secretly stole a glance at her Senior Brother and saw that Ye Wen was looking at her with an expression of deep interest. She immediately averted her gaze and stared straight ahead, walking stiffly forward. By the time she regained her composure, they were already standing at the foot of the mountain.

“We’re at the base. Don't walk further, or everyone will worry when you return late!”

Seeing that Ning Ruxue hadn't stopped, Ye Wen had to speak up. Only then did Ning Ruxue realize with a start that they had unconsciously reached the bottom of the mountain. Hearing her Senior Brother urge her back, she realized she hadn't spoken any of the words she intended to say.

“Senior Brother…”

“What is it?” Ye Wen found his Junior Sister’s hesitant demeanor rare. The last time he saw her act like this was when she sought his guidance on creating her own martial arts. Perhaps because such moments were rare, Ye Wen had to admit this version of Ning Ruxue was more captivating. However, he couldn’t stand there appreciating her indefinitely.

Fortunately, Ning Ruxue didn't linger in indecision for long. After a moment, she pulled an object from her bosom and handed it to Ye Wen: “This... take it with you!”

“What is this?” Ye Wen took it casually. It felt warm to the touch, likely from resting in Ning Ruxue’s embrace for some time, and even carried a faint fragrance. “A sachet? Why give this to me…”

Ning Ruxue, who had been hesitant, now didn't know how to answer. After stuttering a few times, she suddenly blurted out: “Why are you so long-winded? Just take it if I tell you to!” Seeing Ye Wen about to open the sachet, she quickly stopped him: “Don't look!”

“Oh,” he replied, securing the item, which seemed to be a sachet, close to his body. This immediately calmed the potentially fiery Ning Ruxue. “I’m leaving now!”

“Go early and return soon!” Watching Ye Wen wave goodbye, Ning Ruxue smiled and waved back. In that moment, Ye Wen even had the illusion that this was a wife sending her husband off to work.

Lost in his fleeting thoughts, he couldn't recall how he responded. By the time he snapped back to reality, he had somehow entered the town of Shushan County.

“Huh? Has my Qinggong improved this much? I reached the county town in the blink of an eye?”

Little did he know that Ning Ruxue, watching her Senior Brother walk off toward the county town with a blank look, muttered resentfully, “Big blockhead!” before using her Qinggong to swiftly return up the mountain.

Meanwhile, Ye Wen rested in the county town for a night and rose early the next morning. He no longer needed to worry about food or lodging here. Besides the Yueshan Escort Agency, there was now the Youjian Inn, an establishment wholly owned by the Shu Mountain Sect.

As the Sect Master, he was the ultimate proprietor of this inn; his food and lodging were arranged perfectly.

As morning broke, his washing supplies and breakfast were laid out before him. The Master of Shu Mountain now possessed the air of a minor landlord, even having someone serve him his meals.

“Too bad the person serving me is a man!” Li Sen, unaware of his Martial Uncle Sect Master’s thoughts, reported on the inn’s recent operations while asking if Ye Wen needed anything.

“Nothing. Go handle your business. I’ll leave after I finish eating.” “Shall this disciple see off the Sect Master Martial Uncle?”

“See me off for what? I’m not eighty years old!” The meal concluded amidst this unproductive dialogue. As Ye Wen walked out of the inn and prepared to head toward the edge of the county, he suddenly saw Constable Li of this county hurrying forward with several men, moving in the same direction he was headed.

In reality, Ye Wen had no real acquaintance with Constable Li, only having met him once. If not for the man’s official uniform, which made him conspicuous, Ye Wen might not have recognized him.

But if Ye Wen didn't recognize him, it didn't mean the Constable wouldn't recognize Ye Wen. Constable Li, who had been moving rapidly with a hurried expression, abruptly slowed his pace upon spotting Ye Wen, walking directly toward him.

“It’s been a long time, I didn't expect to see Sect Master Ye here!” As he spoke, he glanced behind Ye Wen and spotted the Youjian Inn not far away, immediately understanding the situation. As the county Constable, he was well aware whose property that inn was.

“Constable Li, indeed it has been a long time! May I ask why you are in such a hurry this early in the morning?” He asked this casually, without any real interest. If the Constable had offered a simple reply like, "Official business," Ye Wen wouldn't have pressed further.

However, before his question was fully answered, Constable Li seized the opening and exclaimed: “It’s tough being a brother! I hope Sect Master Ye can lend your brother a hand, recalling our past acquaintance!”