Ye Wen didn't care much about Zhang Gui recuperating at his sect. Although this deacon from the Zhengquan Sect had once held a grudge against him, the man wasn't inherently evil; at worst, their opposition stemmed from differing loyalties.

During that duel with Wang Shu, Zhang Gui had warned him. Regardless of whether his warning truly helped him parry that hidden weapon, Ye Wen felt he owed him a favor. Since the Zhengquan Sect was finished, Ye Wen could magnanimously accept him into the Shushan Sect, showing everyone there that Shushan wasn't interested in total annihilation—they even took in someone with whom they'd had past friction. What did they have to fear?

However, Ye Wen was now more concerned with the mention of saving Zhou Zhiruo once. Did that mean during the Zhengquan Sect’s assault on Shushan, they had nearly harmed his disciple?

Seeing his Senior Brother genuinely agitated, Xu Xian finally recounted that day's events in minute detail. Only after listening did Ye Wen realize the root of the trouble was simply a shortage of their own people.

Although any random disciple picked from the current Shushan Sect was a local expert, they numbered barely over twenty. Even if they all engaged the enemy, many assailants would remain unchecked.

In such circumstances, it was inevitable that a few attackers would break through and storm into the inner courtyard. It was fortunate that Yue Ning encountered them; though young, she was no longer a child. Seeing the intruders, she met them with a palm strike, following up strike after strike, knocking down quite a few.

But Zhou Zhiruo was too young, a girl with inherently less strength, and having never killed or seen blood, she hesitated to strike lethally. Consequently, an enemy seized the opportunity and grabbed her, taking her hostage.

As these men dragged Zhou Zhiruo out, the front courtyard remained a chaotic melee. Wang Shu had already been run through by Ning Ruxue’s sword, and in the ensuing lack of command, the sight of a captured little girl sparked immediate pandemonium among the attackers.

Some argued to use the girl to threaten the Lanshan Sect into compliance; others, terrified by the Shushan disciples’ killing prowess, wanted to retreat immediately, using Zhou Zhiruo as a guarantee for their safety... In short, they argued loudly without reaching any clear plan.

At that moment, Zhang Gui was locked in confrontation with Xu Ping; they had exchanged more than ten moves without either gaining an advantage. Seeing his own men drag out a girl no older than ten, Zhang Gui was instantly furious. Such a tactic was utterly despicable, unworthy of any true martial hero.

As the man approached, Zhang Gui snatched Zhou Zhiruo away, roaring, "You dare call yourselves martial heroes? Using a child as leverage? Have you no shame?"

What he didn't know was that his high standing within the Zhengquan Sect had long bred intense jealousy among many. Seeing him interfere now, someone immediately slammed a palm into his back, spitting curses, "I knew something was off with you! You always sided with Shushan—you must have secretly defected long ago!" He then pointed at Xu Ping, sneering, "You, a prominent deacon of Zhengquan Sect, a master ranked among the best at Shushan—you can't even beat one of Ye Wen's disciples? You're overacting!"

Zhang Gui was about to retort, but the blow he just received was too solid. His internal energy was instantly disordered, and as he tried to speak, he nearly choked on his breath, forced to swallow his words.

He realized then that these men intended to break with him entirely today; he was caught in an impossible situation, surrounded by enemies on both sides.

"Zhang Gui! You always looked down on us brothers, relying on the Sect Master's trust! We tolerated it because we all served the Zhengquan Sect! I never expected you to be such a turncoat! The Sect Master is dead, his body barely cold, and you're already currying favor with Shushan!"

He spat contemptuously, and before Zhang Gui could respond, he roared, "Kill this traitor first, and snatch back that girl!"

At this command, a crowd surged forward, directly targeting Zhang Gui. Initially, these men hadn't wanted to fight him, but the girl was too crucial; if they failed to secure her, they didn't know how the day would end. The Shushan Sect was too formidable; they admitted they couldn't defeat them by sheer force. So, after a glance exchanged among themselves, they made their decision: they charged Zhang Gui in unison. Of course, with so many attacking at once, they were confident that even Zhang Gui, however strong, couldn't withstand it.

At that time, Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian were both tied up battling numerous opponents. Although these attackers possessed mediocre skill, their sheer numbers meant the two would take a while to cut through everyone. Thus, only Xu Ping, being closest, rushed over upon seeing his senior sister in peril.

But even at his speed, time was needed. Zhang Gui was already encircled. The mob swarmed him, entirely unconcerned whether the girl might die amidst the chaotic blows. Seeing he couldn't fend them off, Zhang Gui immediately threw himself over Zhou Zhiruo, shielding her in his arms. He presumed his own death was certain, but he refused to let the girl perish under the hail of fists.

Fortunately, Xu Ping was quick enough. Employing both his saber in his left hand and sword in his right, he carved a path with rapid slashes and thrusts. He then reached in, grabbed, and flung Zhang Gui backward: "Martial Uncle, catch!" As everyone watched Zhang Gui thrown into the air, they looked up. Several who were confident in their lightness skills leaped to intercept him, only to be met by a sharp cry ringing in their ears: "Despicable scum, seeking death!" Turning their heads, they saw a sky full of sword shadows, like ten thousand charging horses, fiercely enveloping their vital points. Before these men could react, each was struck seven or eight times and dropped from the air.

Every one of them was dead before hitting the ground, so even their terrible falls made no sound.

"Bei... Beimajian Sword Style?"

Some knowledgeable men in the crowd recognized the technique Ning Ruxue used as the Beimajian Style from the Beijian Sect. They surmised that Shushan must have allied with the Sword Gate. Gu Ke immediately turned and fled—they might dare look down on the rising Shushan Sect, whose fame rested solely on Ye Wen’s reputation. But the Beijian Gate, which held significant prestige in the martial world, was one they absolutely dared not provoke. It was a famous major sect in the Central Plains, and anyone proficient in the Beimajian Style, even a mediocre one, could walk freely in the Jianghu.

What they didn't know was that Ning Ruxue's Beimajian Style wasn't the original masterwork. During Ye Wen’s previous match against Pei Wei, Pei Wei, holding back slightly due to caution, had unwittingly demonstrated the sword style almost perfectly. Ning Ruxue, watching from the side, had memorized a good number of the movements.

As for the "ten thousand charging horses" aura of the style, she could fully channel it using the Minor Formless Art. When she unleashed it, it appeared virtually identical to the genuine Beimajian Style, easily fooling even the most knowledgeable among the Shushan disciples, who couldn't possibly fathom the mystique of the Minor Formless Art.

Meanwhile, Ning Ruxue caught Zhang Gui. He had absorbed so many strikes he had already passed out, but he still clung tightly to Zhou Zhiruo, ensuring the little girl escaped without a scratch. Ning Ruxue, though initially disliking Zhang Gui, felt indebted to him now. With another pull, she directed him backward: "Junior Brother, catch him and look after him carefully. I will first slaughter every last one of these thieves who dared cause trouble at my Shushan!"

In fact, Xu Xian had intended to move when Xu Ping called out "Martial Uncle, catch," but Ning Ruxue beat him to it. Xu Xian gracefully moved aside to assist, successfully catching Zhang Gui.

He first checked on Zhou Zhiruo. The niece was thoroughly terrified by the day's events, staring wide-eyed, unsure what to do. Seeing her Martial Uncle, she finally calmed down somewhat. After comforting her gently, Xu Xian checked on Zhang Gui. He found the man had taken countless blows, his internal meridians and energy channels rattled by assorted True Qi jolts. Coupled with his relatively low cultivation, he was deeply unconscious. If left unattended, he would die within half an hour.

Fortunately, Xu Xian's Pure Yang Limitless Art had advanced significantly in recent days. While its healing power couldn't match Ye Wen's Purple Haze Divine Art, it was certainly enough to keep Zhang Gui alive.

"After that... After that, Senior Sister went on a rampage, slaughtering those petty thugs until they scattered and fled," Xu Xian recounted, glancing sideways at his Senior Sister. He seemed to recall something, perhaps the sight of Ning Ruxue that day had frightened him.

Ye Wen also glanced at his Junior Sister. Ning Ruxue remained unconcerned, pouting, "How dare they invade Shushan? Not killing them all was already polite enough!"

Hearing this, Xu Xian didn't know how to reply, but Ye Wen nodded thoughtfully, "All who invade are enemies. We owe no courtesy to enemies. I say we should have killed every last one!"

After all, that group had initiated the conflict by wantonly attacking another sect; they deserved to be killed. Moreover, they had taken a ten-year-old girl hostage? Such behavior, if known in the Jianghu, would immediately brand them villains, deserving death at anyone's hands.

"Spread the word about this later. Emphasize the part about them using a small girl as a hostage! Did anyone remember who was present that day?"

Xu Xian wasn't naturally soft-hearted; he merely adopted a scholarly demeanor from reading extensively. Furthermore, he hadn't killed any fewer than Ning Ruxue that day. Now that Ye Wen had set the tone, he cared even less about subtlety.

"Li Sen has already compiled a list. Do you want to look it over, Senior Brother?"

Ye Wen shook his head. "I don't need the list. Have Li Sen arrange to release this list to everyone, making it clear: these people are mortal enemies of the Shushan Sect, and we will hunt them for life! Let everyone know clearly that the Shushan Sect is not to be trifled with!"

"Yes! Sect Leader Senior Brother!"

Ye Wen was issuing orders with the authority of the Sect Leader. Neither Ning Ruxue nor Xu Xian dared to reply casually, their tone becoming formal. After discussing a few minor details and finalizing the plan, they returned to their usual ease.

"What about Zhang Gui? How is he now?" Since Zhang Gui had saved his disciple, Ye Wen felt it inappropriate not to check on him.

"We arranged a room near here for him and hired a physician a few days ago. The doctor said he suffered several heavy blows, jarring his internal organs, and injuring his Qi and blood meridians. He needs careful recuperation and must avoid shock or exertion, remaining bedridden."

Xu Xian pouted slightly as he spoke. "But Zhang Gui probably can't even move; he has several broken bones!" Ye Wen considered this. "Let him rest today. I will visit him tomorrow. If it’s injuries to the Qi and blood meridians, I might be able to resolve them!" This was true; his Purple Haze Divine Art was excellent at regulating Qi and blood and smoothing meridians—a superb tool for healing.

Thinking that his martial art served as a primary healing method made Ye Wen internally annoyed. He hadn't paid much attention before, but encountering Zhang Gui’s injuries brought the reality home.

"Damn it, I've become the main healer!"

This was something Ye Wen was unaware of. Many Daoist martial arts possessed wondrous effects for nurturing health and regulating the body. As a Daoist technique, the Purple Haze Divine Art naturally held unique advantages in this regard. Perhaps the reason Yue Buqun could never master it was related to his staunch Confucianism over Daoism.

Returning to his courtyard, Ye Wen and Ning Ruxue had just sat down when their two disciples arrived one after the other to demonstrate their recent training progress.

Ye Wen noticed that although Yue Ning's cultivation level hadn't significantly increased, her movements were markedly different—suggesting the practical combat had provided significant experience.

"Real combat is essential for improving cultivation; staying confined on the mountain isn't enough!" Then, when Zhou Zhiruo demonstrated her sword skills, Ye Wen was greatly astonished. He had never expected her to grasp the Extinction Sword Style, as it was created by the Immortal Master Miejue—a purely destructive sword art, ruthlessly and mercilessly executed. How could a child under ten grasp its essence? He had only hoped she would master the forms first, intending for her to slowly grasp the subtleties after gaining experience roaming the world. Yet, seeing her execute it now, she faintly seemed to grasp the core meaning, which truly startled Ye Wen.

"Could the impact of that day have caused such a shock to the little girl?"

Thinking it over, the only explanation was that Zhou Zhiruo felt she had dragged everyone down that day. If she had struck with sufficient ruthlessness, capturing her would have been impossible against those amateur thugs.

Seeing Zhou Zhiruo standing proudly, awaiting his critique, Ye Wen didn't know whether to be happy or sad for his disciple. "I might have some strange eccentricities, but don't just evolve into Miejue..."

However, Ye Wen didn't intend to change her thinking. People must grow, especially in a human-eating world like the Jianghu; a little ruthlessness wasn't inherently bad. "Let nature take its course! Children and grandchildren take care of their own fortunes... wait, I’m not that old yet!"

After some rambling thoughts, Ye Wen didn't pass judgment on Zhou Zhiruo's training path. He merely pointed out a few wrongly executed moves and inquired about her internal cultivation before dismissing her.

Watching the girl stride away with her head held high, dragging her long sword, Xu Xian whispered to Ye Wen, "Since that day, Zhiruo has seemed quite close to Zhang Gui; she visits him every day!" Hearing this, Ye Wen understood. It was because Zhang Gui had risked his life to protect Zhiruo that day, giving her a sense of security, leading to her intimacy with him.

This closeness resembled a reliance on an elder, and considering Zhiruo lost her parents at a young age, such a reaction was not strange. Thus, Ye Wen merely uttered a casual "Oh," and said no more.

Seeing his lack of concern, Xu Xian shrugged, coughed lightly, and prepared to leave. Ye Wen stopped him, asking urgently, "How is Junior Brother's injury?"

"Although my Pure Yang Limitless Art has advanced greatly, the final trace of cold energy remains unresolved. Now it seems that even if I open the Ren and Du meridians and let my Pure Yang True Qi flow throughout my body, it will still be powerless against that cold energy," he sighed softly. "But it's alright; the situation is much better now. The coughing is far less severe, only occurring occasionally, which doesn't impact anything!" Though he spoke lightly, Ye Wen felt uneasy. As long as that cold energy persisted, it remained an ailment, and no one felt comfortable with an unresolved sickness.

If this sickness wasn't cured, Ye Wen felt something essential was lacking. But he currently lacked a suitable potent Yang-attribute technique. Xu Xian was already learning the only Pure Yang Limitless Art available, yet it couldn't eradicate the cold.

Ye Wen knew the essence of the Pure Yang Limitless Art lay in the word 'Pure,' not 'Yang,' so purely hot energy wasn't enough to counteract the cold enough to eliminate it entirely. If he could find another strong Yang technique, comparing the two might allow him to purge the cold.

Besides that, Ye Wen thought of another method: "In a few days, I'll see if I can use my Purple Haze True Qi to draw out your cold energy. That would count as curing your illness." Xu Xian was startled. "What about you, Senior Brother?" He knew that Ye Wen drawing out the cold energy with Purple Haze True Qi meant transferring it into his own body. He would be cured, but must his Senior Brother suffer?

"My Ren and Du meridians are open, and my Purple Haze True Qi circulates endlessly. Furthermore, it can transform foreign True Qi. After a period, the cold energy will be converted by the Purple Haze True Qi already in my body, so it won't harm me!"

Though he spoke this way, Ye Wen wasn't entirely certain it would work. However, when he fell into the cold spring that day, the Purple Haze True Qi had indeed transformed both the cold and heat that invaded his body, leading to his sudden power surge. He surmised that this small amount of cold energy should also be convertible.

But Xu Xian strongly disagreed with this plan. He offered a perfunctory reply, "We'll see when that time comes. Perhaps Senior Brother will devise some miraculous technique and cure me outright!" Without waiting for Ye Wen to respond, he said, "I'll go back to my room to rest now. Senior Brother, you and Senior Sister should have a good talk..."

This remark instantly turned Ning Ruxue’s face bright red. The most awkward part was that before she could protest, Ye Wen turned and looked at her, catching her precisely as she was feeling shy.

"What... What are you looking at?" She turned her head away, deliberately preventing Ye Wen from seeing her face. "What's there to look at!" Ye Wen smiled faintly, suddenly reaching out and firmly grasping her small hand resting on the stone table.

"What are you doing?" Ning Ruxue was startled by the sudden move, but her first instinct wasn't to pull her hand away; instead, she looked around nervously, fearing others might see.

"Junior Sister, Senior Brother needs to confess something to you!" Ye Wen first took out the leather pouch hanging from his waist, then said apologetically, "The sachet you gave me, I seem to have lost it..."