Who? People from the Tianle Gang have come to offer congratulations?" Xu Ping nodded: "Yes, the leader is a woman who calls herself an elder of the Tianle Gang..." With that, he handed over the invitation card in his hand: "This is the Tianle Gang's formal calling card!" Ye Wen took the card and casually opened it. Inside, he saw lines of delicate calligraphy, clearly written by the woman: Elder Huayi of the Tianle Gang has specially come to congratulate the Shu Mountain Sect's Head Ye on his engagement. The content was ordinary, but the two words "Huayi" made Ye Wen's eyelid twitch. If his control over his Qi wasn't improving, he would have thrown this invitation away long ago. Who knew if that woman had tampered with the card in some way? Although he knew he was overthinking things, he still couldn't shake off his apprehension toward Elder Hua. Fortunately, he remembered someone was beside him, so he coughed, feigned composure, and commanded, "I will go greet her personally!" Ning Ruxue knew that the Shu Mountain Sect and the Tianle Gang were hardly amicable neighbors, so she immediately said, "I will accompany Senior Brother!" She knew her martial arts might not match Elder Hua's, but dealing with a few underlings should be no problem. If something went wrong, her presence would at least restrain others and prevent her Senior Brother from being surrounded and attacked.

When Ye Wen and Ning Ruxue arrived at a side hall designated for receiving guests, they found Huayi sitting there completely alone. After inquiring with Zhou Ding, who had been attending to Huayi, they learned that all the accompanying disciples from the Tianle Gang had been sent off to rest, not a single one remaining.

"Is this Elder Hua so formidable in martial arts? When Senior Brother last visited the Tianle Gang, did he happen to meet this Elder Hua...?" Ning Ruxue only knew that Ye Wen had been to the Tianle Gang and exchanged some probing words with Guo Nu and others, without actually coming to blows. Although it took some effort to leave, it wasn't a major conflict, so she hadn't asked further details, assuming nothing significant had happened. Therefore, she didn't know that Ye Wen and Huayi had already crossed paths, nor did she know that Ye Wen had taken a slight advantage while simultaneously suffering a hidden loss from Huayi's scheme.

Ye Wen stepped into the hall, cupped his hands toward Huayi, and spoke, "I didn't expect such a minor matter would require Elder Hua to come in person; you truly flatter me..." Huayi returned the bow. After Ye Wen was seated, she chuckled lightly, "Head Ye's engagement is hardly a small matter. For such an important occasion, my Tianle Gang naturally must express our regards..."

Observing Huayi, Ye Wen secretly tried to deduce her true purpose for coming to Shu Mountain. After thinking it over and over, finding no clear answer, he finally tried to probe: "Elder Hua traveling to our Shu Mountain, how are the affairs of your branch division being managed...?" Ye Wen’s meaning was too obvious; even Ning Ruxue could tell her Senior Brother was trying to test if the Tianle Gang had made any recent troop movements. Would the woman answer such a direct question? Unexpectedly, Huayi merely pursed her lips and replied with a smile, "Managing branch divisions was never my forte; these past months have been agonizing! Fortunately, Elder Guo has returned, so I no longer have to worry about those matters, allowing me to personally come and offer congratulations to Head Ye!" This reply clearly showed she was unconcerned, directly relaying the current situation of the Tianle Gang to Ye Wen.

"So Guo Nu has already returned from the Central Plains. Judging by Huayi's relaxed demeanor, perhaps the Tianle Gang benefited as much as they hoped at that martial arts assembly in the Central Plains..." While he was speculating internally, Huayi kept staring at him. Seeing the subtle shift in his expression, though slight, it did not escape her eyes. Knowing what he was thinking, she opened her mouth first: "Is Head Ye perhaps wondering about the gains our Gang secured at that martial arts assembly..." Seeing that the other party had brought it up, Ye Wen felt that denying it would appear petty. He simply nodded in acknowledgment: "I am indeed quite curious..."

Perhaps sensing Ye Wen's thoughts, Huayi was greatly pleased, and her smile deepened. Her delicate face was like a blooming flower; though only lightly made up, she radiated an alluring brilliance that drew attention. Fortunately, only the three of them were in the hall. Seeing that Huayi hadn't left any of her followers behind, Ye Wen also kept no one inside; only Xu Ping stood outside the door, awaiting Ye Wen’s orders.

Among the few people in the hall, Ye Wen was extremely wary of Huayi, especially remembering that he had deliberately taken advantage of her. If this woman suddenly caused trouble, how would he explain it to his junior sister? Ning Ruxue? Ever since seeing Huayi, he had felt something vaguely—he found her gaze unfriendly. Especially seeing how she spoke to his Senior Brother, appearing somewhat flirtatious, he felt an increased aversion toward her.

Huayi had been observing both of their expressions. Seeing that Ye Wen still appeared uninterested in her charms, she felt a pang of displeasure. However, that young woman with considerable beauty must be the fiancée whom Ye Wen was to marry. With a sidelong glance, she noticed that the woman’s expression seemed prejudiced against her, and she secretly chuckled before asking, "May I ask if this is the fair lady soon to be engaged to Head Ye..." Ye Wen, unaware of Huayi's inner thoughts, simply introduced her when asked: "This is my junior sister Ning Ruxue, whom I am about to marry. She doesn't have much renown in the martial world yet, so Elder Hua probably hasn't heard of her!" Unexpectedly, Huayi suddenly interjected, "Is she the heroic maiden who injured our Gang’s Lu Tian with a single sword thrust in the blink of an eye on Shu Mountain?" When Huayi spoke, there was no surprise or shock in her expression, and her tone was as calm as if she were asking the price of a jar of soy sauce. Yet, the information in her words compelled Ye Wen to pay close attention.

"Although Ning Ruxue's defeat of Lu Tian was not deliberately concealed, not many people witnessed it. How did the Tianle Gang manage to find out? It seems the Tianle Gang is giving our Shu Mountain Sect increasing attention!" Those who saw Ning Ruxue injure Lu Tian were either dead or had fled without a trace. Some had relocated to remote counties due to their sect’s migration. While it wouldn't be impossible to investigate, it would require significantly more effort. If the Tianle Gang didn't intend to move against the Shu Mountain Sect, there would be no need to investigate so meticulously. This single remark suggested the Tianle Gang had largely assessed the combat strength of the Shu Mountain Sect. The decision of whether to engage Shu Mountain in a fight to the death or what to do next was likely imminent.

"It's fortunate that Junior Brother's Chunyang Zhizun Gong is about to be mastered. The Tianle Gang definitely won't expect Xu Xian's skills to have advanced so rapidly in just one year. If a fight breaks out, our Shu Mountain Sect won't be entirely disadvantaged..." Ye Wen mentally estimated: although Elder Hua's martial arts were peculiar and her movement skills exceptional, her technique had a major flaw. Ye Wen wasn't sure if this was inherent to her practice or due to another factor. In their previous exchange, he had noticed that all of Huayi's skill was channeled through her silk ribbons. She mostly attacked from a distance using the ribbons, but when an opponent closed the distance, she seemed slightly awkward, unable to advance or retreat effectively—a stark mismatch for her cultivation level. Though he couldn't figure out the reason, as long as he could neutralize those ribbons and force her into close combat, he figured even his junior sister could subdue Elder Hua.

As for Guo Nu, known as one of the Four Great Elders, Ye Wen previously couldn't guarantee a win, at best securing a stalemate. However, now possessing several killer moves from the Tong Shou, defeating Elder Guo shouldn't be a problem. With that in mind, Shu Mountain would also have the added advantage of Xu Xian as another master. Whether the Tianle Gang sent Pei Wei or another yet-unseen elder, the Shu Mountain Sect would be able to respond calmly.

"The only uncertainty is whether their Gang Leader will come in person. But Pingzhou is remote, and the Tianle Gang has numerous assets; he likely wouldn't make a special trip..." Ever since Chen Yizhong joined the Shu Mountain Sect, Ye Wen had inquired about the Tianle Gang’s situation. He knew their leader was named Lin Hai, whose martial arts were entirely self-comprehended—a notable figure in the current martial world. His unique Tingtaojue, derived from observing and utilizing tidal forces for his formidable internal energy, was also famous. More importantly, Lin Hai was in his prime. He gained fame in his early twenties, a true prodigy. Now under forty, Lin Hai’s mastery must be far greater than before. If this man came in person, it was an open question who on Shu Mountain could face him.

"A figure of this caliber must, at the very least, have reached the Xiantian realm or be on the verge of it! Far superior to those like myself or others who have just crossed the threshold." Furthermore, from Chen Yizhong's words, he learned that Tingtaojue was realized from the ocean tides, suggesting its nature was very similar to the overbearing internal energy Yang Guo later cultivated. Only then did Ye Wen realize: the people in this world were not fools. The cultivation methods he learned through special channels, people in this world could also conceive of them; success or failure still depended on the individual. As for the other elder, Chen Yizhong only knew that this person was permanently stationed at the Tianle Gang headquarters. Apart from his name being Xiao Ming, and many speculating he managed the Gang’s various industries, no other information was known. It was only deduced, based on his subordinate status to Guo Nu, that his martial arts were likely slightly inferior to the 'Furious Golden Body' (Nùmù Jīngāng).

While these thoughts flashed through his mind, Huayi, seeing Ye Wen remain silent, did not interrupt, merely smiling and examining Ning Ruxue. After observing for a while, Ning Ruxue felt thoroughly uncomfortable. Just as she was about to speak, Huayi withdrew her gaze and remarked, "Head Ye and his junior sister are truly well-matched. I imagine many people are envious of your impending union..." This sudden compliment left Ning Ruxue unsure how to reply, so she simply sat silently. Ye Wen responded, "Elder Hua overpraises us!" "Not overpraise! I truly envy Sister Ning!" Then, turning to Ning Ruxue, she added, "Sister, allow me this liberty to call you sister, is that acceptable?..." Since Huayi had already used the term, Ning Ruxue found it awkward to directly refuse, "No, don't call me that!" She could only nod with a bitter smile, accepting it.

But then Huayi suddenly blurted out, "I heard that Sister and Head Ye have been childhood sweethearts; it's only natural for you to end up together! Alas, but some people are destined to suffer..." Pfft... Ye Wen had initially felt that although Huayi’s manner of speech today was slightly flirtatious, she hadn't been as unrestrained as their last meeting, and her conversation had focused on serious matters. He thought Huayi wouldn't trouble him today. Who knew that after circling around, she would inevitably return to this sensitive topic? He immediately spat out the tea he had just sipped, drawing both gazes to him.

"This tea is too hot..." Feigning composure, he set the teacup aside and even completed the act by wrinkling his mouth, as if he had genuinely scalded himself. Although Ye Wen's reaction was a bit strange, it provided an opportunity to gloss over the situation. However, Huayi suddenly cast a mournful glance at Ye Wen and then spoke as if to herself, "Sigh... I don't know how to tell him..." Seemingly talking to herself, her voice wasn't loud, but the timing was perfect; the hall was so quiet a pin drop could be heard, ensuring everyone heard.

Ning Ruxue's face showed suspicion, and she glanced at Huayi several more times. She noticed traces of hidden sorrow and pain in Huayi’s features, and her eyes, filled with resentment, flickered toward Ye Wen periodically. Ning Ruxue saw it, and Ye Wen certainly couldn't miss it. He wanted to curse inwardly: "Can't you just keep your mutterings in your head? You scoundrel! Why are you putting on that tragic act? What did I do to you? Look at me? Look again? If you look again, I'll eat you alive!" Ning Ruxue turned her head and happened to see a flash of anger in Ye Wen's eyes, along with a slightly threatening glare. Turning back to Huayi, she appeared like a startled fawn, displaying a perfectly panicked demeanor. Although she soon resumed her smile afterward, anyone not blind could tell it was a forced effort. This sequence of events occurred in mere seconds. Observing back and forth, Ning Ruxue sensed a major piece of gossip emerging, one that deeply entangled her own situation. This was certainly not a happy discovery.

Ye Wen knew Ning Ruxue had likely misunderstood—the look in her eyes was too obvious, practically demanding, "If you don't explain clearly, we're not done today!" He immediately signaled his junior sister with his eyes, urging her not to get agitated and promising a detailed explanation later. However, while he was silently sending this message, Huayi unexpectedly pulled out an embroidered pouch from her bosom and then declared, "This item doesn't ultimately belong to me; it’s time to return it to its rightful owner!" She then walked over step by step, holding the pouch out to Ye Wen: "I know this item is very important to you. I forcibly kept it then, treating it as a keepsake. But now I realize, what isn't mine will never be mine. I'll return it now, so I can cut off that lingering attachment..." Ye Wen was trembling with suppressed rage, cursing incessantly in his mind. After Huayi finished speaking, he strangely calmed down: "Are you finished?" He took the pouch, not engaging Huayi in conversation, and turned to Ning Ruxue, who was visibly shocked: "Junior Sister, that day you gave me this pouch, Senior Brother was overjoyed, and it made me understand your deep feelings. Thus, this pouch is our token of love! However, it was later stolen by a villain and used to try and destroy the bond between us. Keeping it is now pointless!" With that, he tossed the pouch into the air, flicked his right hand, and a series of sizzling sounds followed. A stream of purple sword energy shot out, line after line, shredding the pouch into pieces in the blink of an eye.

Ye Wen destroyed the pouch, shot a glare at the astonished Huayi, whose sword energy display had left her dumbfounded, and then turned back to Ning Ruxue: "From now on, Senior Brother will comb your hair every day to atone for my failings..." Combing hair was an act reserved for the most intimate relationships, and a man combing a woman’s hair carried significant meaning. Hearing this, Ning Ruxue's face immediately flushed crimson. Although she still didn't fully grasp the complexity between Huayi and her Senior Brother, she preferred to believe that Elder Hua had deliberately come to cause trouble. She cast a hateful glare at Huayi, then stood up and said to Ye Wen, "Senior Brother, what nonsense are you speaking? What will people think if outsiders hear it?" Realizing that staying would only lead to greater complications today, she stated firmly, "It's getting late. I'll go see how the meal preparations are coming along, to avoid neglecting our honored guest. Senior Brother, please stay and accompany Elder Hua..." Before leaving, she looked at Ye Wen one last time; though her eyes held a trace of questioning, they also conveyed a message that brought Ye Wen great joy: I believe you, Senior Brother!

Once Ning Ruxue left the hall, Ye Wen turned back to Huayi and said, "Elder Hua has truly gone to great lengths for my sake..." Seeing Ning Ruxue gone, Huayi knew that although today's performance had been spirited, it hadn't achieved the desired effect. Now, with no one else present, only she and Ye Wen remained, so she dropped the sorrowful pretense she had been maintaining. She pursed her lips and smiled: "Head Ye is truly fortunate to have such a trusting junior sister..." "Hmph..." Seeing Ye Wen remain silent, Huayi suddenly leaned forward, as if about to pounce on him. Ye Wen started, immediately using Tiyun Zong, leaping upwards, then gliding horizontally in mid-air, landing perfectly in the very chair Ning Ruxue had just vacated: "If Elder Hua likes that seat, I will gladly yield it to you..." Seeing her lunge fail, she gave Ye Wen a wronged glance before settling firmly into the chair and remarking, "Head Ye showed such tenderness with that single kiss back then; why such a heartless attitude now that you have made me feel something..."

With no one else present, Ye Wen directly refuted her: "It was clearly you who kissed me! And you were clearly trying to drug me! How did it become me showing 'tenderness' with a kiss..." Huayi quickly followed up, "Back then, Head Ye said he liked my bare feet; perhaps Head Ye is displeased because I haven't shown my feet today? If so, I shall remove my shoes and socks right now to please Head Ye, as long as you don't abandon this humble girl..." As she spoke, she made a gesture as if to remove her shoes and stockings. But as her eyes shifted, she noticed Ye Wen simply sitting still, neither stopping her nor showing any embarrassment. Puzzled by this reaction, she spoke again: "I'm taking off my footwear now!" "Take them off if you wish; it has nothing to do with me..." Ye Wen was confident, protected by the innate Ziqi of the Xiantian realm, and would no longer be affected by that strange fragrance. He had no fear of whatever 'beauty trick' Huayi might be planning with her feet! He concluded: "It's just that my Shu Mountain Sect is small and not highly developed. Although the grounds are large, we lack people, so the ground isn't very clean, and the disciples don't have strong hygiene concepts; spitting anywhere is commonplace... Oh, yes! The chickens and ducks weren't properly contained a few days ago and ran everywhere. I don't know how much poultry filth ended up on the ground. Elder Hua, after removing your shoes and socks, you should watch your step when walking..."