Ye Wen nodded: "Perhaps I lost it during a fight!" This wasn't an outright lie; the sachet had been tucked close to him when he went to the Tianle Gang, right up until he left Pingbei County. When he emerged, it was gone. The only major confrontation he had at the Tianle Gang was against Hua Yi—that Elder Hua likely pocketed the sachet as an afterthought.

"And most likely, it was stolen!" "Stolen..." Ning Ruxue was even more bewildered. What purpose would stealing a mere sachet serve? Yet, perhaps a woman's intuition was simply too uncanny, because her next question was: "Was it stolen by a man or a woman?"

"This..." Ye Wen thought that if he explained the truth honestly to his junior sister now, it would prevent any melodramatic incidents even if Hua Yi eventually showed up with the sachet. But at this moment, it seemed the dramatic plotline was about to kick off early.

"It seems it was a woman!" Ning Ruxue saw Ye Wen's awkwardness and knew the answer, but she didn't press, merely saying, "If it was stolen, then let it be stolen..."

"You're not angry?" Her reaction made Ye Wen even more uncertain. Seeing that Ning Ruxue didn't seem upset, he relaxed a little. At that moment, he realized he cared about this junior sister, with whom he usually didn't see eye-to-eye, more than he thought: "Junior sister, don't be vexed. I will get that sachet back for you someday..."

"Get back..." Ye Wen didn't realize his words had inadvertently annoyed Ning Ruxue slightly: "Not take it back..."

Fortunately, Ye Wen reacted quickly, immediately nodding fiercely upon hearing that: "Take it back! Absolutely take it back!" As soon as he said this, Ning Ruxue's expression softened a bit. The small hand Ye Wen was holding didn't try to pull away anymore; instead, she let him keep holding it, even tolerating the slight liberties he took, occasionally rubbing his thumb gently in her palm.

Seeing his junior sister's mood improve, Ye Wen breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, thinking, "Thank goodness, no fires breaking out in the backyard!" However, the thought of the troublesome Elder Hua possessing the sachet made him feel instantly depressed, especially since he thought he had gained an advantage, yet he almost exposed his own embarrassment due to that wicked inner heat.

But he would never tell his junior sister these things. He wasn't some oblivious fool; how could he discuss one woman in front of another? So, the conversation gradually circled back to the two of them.

"How about, junior sister, you give me another one..."

It was unclear what was wrong with Ye Wen's request, but Ning Ruxue abruptly snatched her hand back and reprimanded him: "Why should I give you another one? I don't have any!" However, a slight flush graced her cheeks, and no one could know what she truly thought in her heart.

Ye Wen didn't press the issue, simply agreeing: "Okay, no more is fine. If you keep snipping off my hair, senior brother would also be very worried..."

This statement seemed to hit a hornet's nest. Ning Ruxue actually jumped up in alarm, asking: "Senior brother, did you open the sachet?" Ye Wen was startled by her sudden leap, but seeing Ning Ruxue's cheeks grow even redder, he continued to smile: "I only opened it to look after we walked less than a li!" In reality, he had opened it in the Youjian Inn; he had completely forgotten about it while traveling. Only after coming back to his senses did he remember to check what the sachet held. To his surprise, it contained a few strands of black hair, presumably Ning Ruxue's own, tied together and placed in the sachet for him to keep close—an implicit suggestion of wanting to be with him wherever he went.

Furthermore, in this world, one respected the physical form given by one's parents; hair and similar items were not to be discarded lightly, nor carelessly given away. When a woman gave a man a lock of her hair, it implicitly suggested entrusting herself to him. Ning Ruxue had presumed Ye Wen wouldn't open the sachet, allowing her to secretly act on her feelings. She never expected Ye Wen to disregard all that and open it so easily.

At that instant, realizing her thoughts had been discovered, Ning Ruxue’s face turned redder, like a perfectly steamed prawn—so alluring in a moment that she seemed capable of dripping blood-red nectar. Ye Wen smiled as he watched, and suddenly Ning Ruxue let out a loud cry, turned, and fled.

"Sigh..."

Ye Wen, completely baffled by the situation, stared dumbfounded as Ning Ruxue turned, bolted back to her room, and slammed the door shut with a bang... With his keen hearing, he could even hear the sound of her bolting the door.

"That dramatic?" Ye Wen stroked his chin. "Or did I smile too frighteningly?" He glanced left and right. Ning Ruxue's room was tightly sealed. Even if Ye Wen knocked now, he probably wouldn't get a response. The situation with Xu Xian was much the same; he had likely returned to rest and wished to be undisturbed. Ye Wen looked around and finally retreated to his own room.

These past few days of running around had left him somewhat weary—not physically exhausted, but mentally fatigued. Having his spirit constantly tense while outdoors, he could finally relax upon returning to the sect, allowing him to have a proper, peaceful sleep.

He didn't know how long he slept, but when Ye Wen opened his eyes, the sun was already high in the sky—a rarity for him. Perhaps Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian knew he was tired from his journey and didn't disturb him, letting Ye Wen sleep until he naturally awoke.

"Waking up naturally—that was one of my biggest dreams back then..." As for the other dream, Ye Wen hadn't achieved it yet, but he was continuously striving toward it. "After all, developing the sect requires making money, so that dream can still be realized here..."

After waking, he practiced his internal cultivation for a bit, then went out to stretch his limbs and check the time, realizing it was already past noon. He decided to cease wandering and attend to other matters after lunch.

He had intended to go down the mountain today to find Constable Li Fu and inquire about good blacksmiths near Mount Shu. Now, it seemed this matter would have to be postponed considerably.

Subsequently, Liu Muyan's situation also needed careful arrangement. Although he now had Chen Yizhong, a proper doctor, Ye Wen still wouldn't abandon his original plan: teaching Liu Muyan some rudimentary martial arts and Qi circulation techniques to strengthen his terribly weak body, and only then teaching him calligraphy.

Just as he was pondering this, Liu Muyan himself came running over. He first paid his respects according to etiquette, then asked, "Master, when will I begin studying with Master?" Ye Wen was just thinking about discussing private tutoring with Liu Muyan when the student presented himself at the door. Ye Wen immediately stated: "Not right away. You are currently weak and your arm lacks strength; learning now would be fruitless. Once your body has recovered somewhat, we will begin!" Liu Muyan nodded in understanding and said, "Then this student will return to his studies..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Wen said, "Wait!"

"Does Master have further instructions?"

"What are you studying? With your physique, you need rigorous exercise right now. Studying calligraphy isn't urgent! Since you are eager to learn calligraphy, focus first on strengthening your body..." Saying this, Ye Wen casually broke off a tree branch and tapped Liu Muyan's knee hollow, saying: "Start with horse stance!"

Liu Muyan's body was too frail to withstand Ye Wen’s tap—luckily, Ye Wen hadn't used any force, just a casual touch. But even so, it caused Liu Muyan’s body to weaken, and he nearly collapsed onto his knees.

"Mas... Master? Why practice horse stance?" Liu Muyan couldn't see the connection between writing characters and standing in a horse stance, nor did he understand how it related to physical recovery.

"The horse stance builds strength in the waist, abdomen, legs, and feet. Do you think writing only requires the arm? To write well, the arm, waist, abdomen, legs, and feet must work in perfect concert—that is what creates good calligraphy! The horse stance naturally strengthens your lower body foundation and core..." He paused briefly here, then pointed at Liu Muyan's right hand: "Position your right arm correctly as well; we will train your arm strength simultaneously..."

Liu Muyan was inherently a sickly scholar; how could he endure this? Even if his body were normal, he couldn't last long doing this.

But this scholar possessed an unexpected pride. Ever since he became Ye Wen's disciple, he was determined to master the art of calligraphy. Therefore, no matter what Ye Wen instructed, though he felt some internal resistance, he executed it without hesitation.

In truth, this stemmed from years of repeated setbacks. He held a deep-seated desire to prove his academic worth, which drove him to let Ye Wen manipulate him at will, all for the sake of achieving renown later.

Ye Wen observed for a moment. Seeing that Liu Muyan was only holding on through sheer willpower but showed no sign of collapsing, he praised him silently: "Setting aside what kind of person he is, with such stubborn pride, given the slightest opportunity, achieving prominence is no dream." Then he mused to himself: "Perhaps that opportunity lies with me..."

After another cup of tea time, Liu Muyan simply could not hold on any longer. Ye Wen set down his teacup, strolled behind Liu Muyan, tapped several points on his body in succession, and channeled some Zhenqi inward, murmuring the cultivation mantra for the basic internal technique aloud.

"Cast aside distracting thoughts and concentrate..."

Since Liu Muyan had no foundation, Ye Wen didn't make him slowly search for the sensation of Qi. Instead, Ye Wen used his own Zhenqi as a guide, circulating it several times within Liu Muyan's body. With rapid finger taps, he identified the crucial acupoints that needed to be activated for the basic internal technique, giving Liu Muyan a more direct impression.

Once Liu Muyan grasped the basics of the internal technique, Ye Wen taught him methods for controlling his energy flow to reduce the agony of the horse stance.

By the time this was finished, it was already noon. Ye Wen looked at Liu Muyan, who was drenched in sweat, and casually said: "That’s enough for today..."

Liu Muyan felt as if he had been granted amnesty and immediately tried to straighten up. However, having held the stance for too long, his body was stiff. Trying to stand up abruptly didn't work; instead, he nearly fell over. Fortunately, Ye Wen was nearby to steady him, saving his student from embarrassing himself. Yue Ning was waiting nearby, ready to call his Master for lunch.

Liu Muyan managed a few awkward laughs, then slowly shuffled along behind, taking one deliberate step after another. He could only move because Ye Wen had instructed Yue Ning: "Go help Mu Yan!" Otherwise, he would have simply collapsed onto the ground, unable to move.

Although Ye Wen had taught him some basic internal cultivation and even used his Zhenqi to help him begin the process, even imparting the mantra for the horse stance—internal cultivation wasn't something one could master so easily. He now understood what the circulation of inner energy felt like and knew how to command it, but cultivating his own inner energy and circulating it throughout his body would likely take at least three to five months. Moreover, given his age, if Ye Wen hadn't used Zhenqi just then to clear his meridians, he might never have gained entry in his lifetime.

However, Liu Muyan didn't grasp the deeper subtleties at this moment. He was only fascinated by the method that allowed a ball of warmth to circulate inside him. Because that warm sensation made his entire body quite comfortable, he couldn't help but ask Yue Ning, who was supporting him, a few questions.

Yue Ning explained that this was his junior martial brother, so he held nothing back, answering Liu Muyan’s inquiries one by one. Ye Wen heard this from the front but didn't stop them. After all, Liu Muyan was only asking about the most rudimentary things—knowledge that even outer disciples of the Shu Mountain Sect could learn. Ye Wen simply commanded: "...Ning'er, bring Mu Yan with you when you practice from now on. If he has any questions, instruct him thoroughly!" Liu Muyan didn't feel that being taught by a boy barely in his teens was inappropriate. After all, in terms of seniority, Yue Ning was his Master's senior disciple and a true, accepted disciple, placing him in a much more solid position than Liu Muyan. Moreover, it wasn't uncommon for the senior disciple to impart teachings on behalf of the Master.

"Mu Yan, in your spare time, also learn some basic martial arts from Ning'er to loosen up your joints! After all, just standing stiffly has limited effect." Liu Muyan simply nodded in agreement, not daring to say more.

Lunch that day was very simple. The key members of the Shu Mountain Sect were already waiting, expecting Ye Wen to arrive and give the signal—"Everyone, eat!"—before they could pick up their chopsticks.

Since there were no important matters to discuss that day, the meal ended quickly, and everyone dispersed shortly after to attend to their own duties.

Ye Wen watched as Yue Ning beckoned Liu Muyan to follow him, and Liu Muyan, wearing a face like he'd just eaten bitter melon, trailed after him. Ye Wen suddenly found himself with nothing pressing to do again.

"Time to check on Zhang Gui!"

He summoned Aunt Zhao, whose status in the Shu Mountain Sect had risen significantly. Only the important figures were personally served by her, and she now managed numerous handyman subordinates. He asked her to take him to the room where Zhang Gui was recuperating. After a short walk, they arrived at an annex specifically set aside for guests.

As he pushed the door open, a wave of medicinal odor rushed out, causing Ye Wen’s brow to furrow slightly against the pungent smell. He knew from the intensity of the fragrance that Zhang Gui's injuries were severe.

Taking a few more steps into the sleeping quarters, the first thing he saw was Zhang Gui sitting there with a look of utter surprise—perhaps he hadn't expected Ye Wen to visit so suddenly, making his reaction all the more unexpected.

Zhang Gui forced himself to stand, cupped his hands in a bow, and said: "Sect Master Ye! It has been a while since we met. Sect Master Ye's presence is even more commanding than before..." This was not entirely mere pleasantry. Zhang Gui vaguely recalled that every time he met Ye Wen in the past, Ye Wen displayed significant changes.

From the slightly foolish, easily defeated leader of the Book Mountain branch at first, to the Ye Sect Master who began to gain prominence after gathering fellow Shu Mountain members for the disciple induction ceremony, and then to the expert who defeated Wang Shu, showcasing the pinnacle of martial prowess for Shu Mountain.

Now, Ye Wen’s bearing surpassed even that previous stage. Since Ye Wen entered, Zhang Gui found himself instinctively looking up to him—a feeling stemming both from the vast gap in their cultivation levels and the increasingly evident disparity in their current status.

Who was Ye Wen now? Ever since that day they attacked the Shu Mountain Sect, witnessing its formidable strength—how powerful they remained even without Ye Wen—Zhang Gui understood that unifying the martial arts circles of Book Mountain County would be effortless for Shu Mountain. They hadn't done so before simply because they hadn't had the time.

Now, the Shu Mountain Sect had truly become the foremost faction in Book Mountain County, and due to Ye Wen's recent battles, their fame was subtly starting to rival that of the Tiger Mountain Sect. The Shu Mountain Sect's future aspirations targeted the entirety of Ping Province and even the Central Plains; they were simply on a different level than the True Fist Gate, which could only hop around within a small county.

And Zhang Gui himself was just a nobody in that small faction! Moreover, his injuries were the result of his own sect members—a thought that brought a sigh every time he recalled it.

"Brother Zhang, you are too polite. With your injuries, there is no need for such formalities! Sit!" Though he said this, Ye Wen comfortably accepted the bow.

He was here to treat Zhang Gui's illness, so accepting a bow was not something he felt guilty about.

Zhang Gui sat down again, and Ye Wen settled opposite him. He first observed Zhang Gui's complexion, noting the sallow color and the lack of energy in his voice, confirming the severity of his internal injuries. He extended his hand in a pulse-taking gesture and asked: "May I..."

Zhang Gui gave a wry smile and extended his own hand. He didn't feel he had the confidence to say things like, "No need for your concern," anymore. He was recuperating in their sect; refusing kindness now would simply be humiliating himself.

After examining him for a while, Ye Wen gained a general understanding of Zhang Gui's condition: "Brother Zhang, these injuries, while troublesome, are not incurable. Starting today, I will come daily to help treat your condition, and your internal injuries should heal within a month..." He then looked at Zhang Gui's forearm and lower leg, still wrapped in bandages and splints: "But as for the bone injuries, I can do nothing!"

"Sect Master Ye shows great kindness; I am unworthy of such favor..." Having come to attack their sect, only to have his life saved by them, Zhang Gui felt a knot in his stomach.

Ye Wen waved his hand, cutting off Zhang Gui's speech: "I am a person who distinguishes clearly between gratitude and enmity. Brother Zhang offered timely warning previously, and later saved the life of my disciple. Moreover, Brother Zhang's injuries were sustained because of my disciple. Treating your injuries is merely fulfilling my duty." Zhang Gui opened his mouth but said nothing. After a long hesitation, he seemed to make a firm resolution: "This life and this crippled body were both saved by the Shu Mountain Sect and Sect Master Ye. From now on, this life is at the command of the Shu Mountain Sect! I do not seek to join your sect; with my meager skills, I know I am not qualified. I only ask to serve as an ordinary handyman in your sect, doing tasks like carrying water or sweeping that are within my capability. That would satisfy me completely!"