Ladies are naturally clean, yet Ye Wen spoke nothing but filth, which Hua Yi could hardly endure. Having been pampered since childhood with silks and fine foods, her life, apart from the rigors of martial arts training, had been nearly identical to that of a princess—anything she desired was readily provided, always attended by a host of servants.

By the time she grew up, her sheer beauty alone guaranteed her being fawned over and protected; where would she ever encounter someone who spoke like Ye Wen? “To actually mention chicken coop refuse and talk about spitting on the ground!” Thinking of those things, Hua Yi had already ceased her suggestive actions.

Though she could use her inner force to shield herself from external contamination, the sheer idea felt fundamentally nauseating and awkward. However, Hua Yi found herself utterly unable to disturb Ye Wen’s composure with her seductive arts, which greatly vexed her.

Ye Wen’s repeated ability to throw her off balance only served to ignite her competitive spirit. Unfortunately, after Ye Wen finished speaking that last sentence, he immediately sat up straight, not even sparing her a sidelong glance.

Finally driven to desperation, Hua Yi had no choice but to bring up matters of the Jianghu to capture Ye Wen’s attention. She knew the Shu Mountain Sect had not been founded very long.

Although they claimed the former Book Mountain Sect as their ancestral lineage, that sect was merely a minor power confined to the area around Book Mountain County. The rise of the Shu Mountain Sect was, in reality, a phenomenon of the last few years.

In her free time, Hua Yi had often wondered what capabilities Ye Wen possessed to elevate such an unremarkable small sect to its current standing. “Even if he benefited from some fortuitous encounter, this pace of development undoubtedly reveals the man’s extraordinary nature!

Given enough time, it is not impossible for the Shu Mountain Sect to become renowned throughout the martial world. Such a person is in no way inferior to our own Gang Leader Lin…” This appraisal, made by Guo Nu after meticulously reviewing all available intelligence on the Shu Mountain Sect, was something Hua Yi took very seriously.

However, the collected data also led to the conclusion that because the Shu Mountain Sect had never ventured beyond Pingzhou, their understanding of the current state of the martial world was extremely limited. “If you wish to capture Ye Wen’s interest, focus on discussing martial world affairs with him…” Before leaving, Guo Nu had offered this very advice, but Hua Yi had dismissed it then, believing that even if she failed to win Ye Wen over this time, she could at least cause chaos within the Shu Mountain Sect.

She had never expected that things would develop to a point where not only was Ye Wen unmoved by her charms, but she hadn't even managed to damage the relationship between him and his junior sister. “It seems I truly must follow Elder Guo’s counsel: discuss martial world matters first to draw his interest, and only then broach other subjects…” With this decision made, the words Hua Yi spoke next were not the aimless remarks from before.

The moment she opened her mouth, she asked Ye Wen, “Do you wish to hear about the Martial Arts Assembly…?” This question, indeed, piqued Ye Wen’s interest. Let alone the fact that the Martial Arts Assembly was heralded as the grandest event in the current Jianghu, where sects and heroes worthy of attendance were the absolute elite; anyone with ambition would naturally be interested.

Moreover, Ye Wen had long harbored thoughts of traveling to the Central Plains to broaden his horizons. Hearing Hua Yi bring it up now, he seized the opportunity to inquire, “I must ask Elder Hua for her guidance!” Seeing Ye Wen finally address her seriously, Hua Yi instantly broke into a wide smile: “Kiss me once, and I’ll tell you everything!” Ye Wen immediately withdrew his gaze: “Then never mind…” He then turned away completely, sitting motionless.

Seeing Ye Wen truly ignoring her, Hua Yi puffed out her cheeks in a show of sulking, but alas, there was no one around to pity the delicate beauty. Ye Wen treated her as if she were air, merely muttering internally, “A troublesome vixen…” Seeing Ye Wen remain unresponsive, Hua Yi deflated and added, “That Martial Arts Assembly is the biggest event in the current Jianghu, held once every five years.

The location often changes, with the major sects taking turns as hosts. When the Assembly convenes, heroes from all corners of the realm gather!

At that time, you might casually step on someone who happens to be the leader of some famous sect!” “Oh? What exactly is done at this Martial Arts Assembly?” He had always been curious.

If major events occurred, holding such an assembly seemed reasonable. Novels often depicted such gatherings, usually involving a powerful evil faction or, like in The Return of the Condor Heroes, a united front against foreign invaders!

But this set Assembly puzzled him to no end. Since it was established as a recurring tradition, there ought to be a fixed theme, right?

“To mediate sect disputes and resolve grievances. If any evil sect suddenly emerges to plague the Jianghu, we might discuss whether to unite and eradicate them…” Whether it was an illusion, Ye Wen faintly sensed a smirk on Hua Yi’s lips as she spoke, as if she held a measure of disdain for some of the Assembly’s proceedings.

Thinking carefully, according to Hua Yi, the Martial Arts Assembly seemed to be a venue where the great sects asserted their status, stamped their labels on the biggest pieces of the pie, and watched the smaller sects squabble over the scraps—a place akin to watching monkeys perform. The major sects were the audience; the minor sects were the performing monkeys!

He wondered if this speculation was too far-fetched, but Hua Yi’s words always gave him that impression. After asking several detailed questions, Hua Yi answered them thoroughly.

This time, she played no tricks to embarrass Ye Wen, and Ye Wen finally confirmed that his guesses were indeed accurate. “My Tian Le Gang rose in the Jianghu over a decade ago.

Although we couldn't rank among the top-tier sects when we first attended the Assembly, we held a fixed seat. However, at the last Assembly, in front of all the heroes and masters, we were forced to surrender that seat.

This time, the Tian Le Gang is determined to reclaim what is ours!” Ye Wen finally understood that the seats at the Martial Arts Assembly held significance. Generally, the foremost positions were reserved for the most preeminent sects of the time—sects like the Chan School, the Heavenly Dao Sect, the Tianshan School, the Jade Cave Sect, the Northern Sword Gate, and the Azure Dragon Society all held their established places.

Beyond these, there were many other seats, but these were not fixed; whoever sat there depended entirely on their own strength. The Tian Le Gang had secured a seat previously by supporting Lin Hai’s formidable power, but they lost it at the previous Assembly.

Ye Wen guessed that Lin Hai winning a seat that time involved some element of chance; logically, his martial arts prowess should not have been worse than in the Assembly prior to that. It could only mean there were no strong competitors vying with the Tian Le Gang at that time.

Once the seating was settled, everyone else had to stand and watch. The Martial Arts Assembly was heralded as a feast of the martial world, naturally with few restrictions; any martial artist could attend to join the excitement.

However, to approach the innermost circle, one either needed astonishing skill to achieve instant fame or already possessed sufficient renown; otherwise, one was merely one of the many onlookers. Hearing all this, Ye Wen suddenly realized, “So, this Martial Arts Assembly hasn’t officially begun yet?” Hua Yi blinked, then quickly understood Ye Wen’s misunderstanding, covering her mouth with a light laugh: “Of course not!

The Assembly is held every five years, and this session is scheduled for September this year, coinciding with late autumn when the weather is cool…” The months in this world were divided according to the twenty-four solar terms: one to three being spring, four to six being summer, and so on. Ye Wen considered asking what Guo Nu had been busy with in the Central Plains last year, but then recalled that with so many heroes attending the Assembly, preparations must begin long in advance; a year early was perfectly normal.

The contention for seats must also have started early; they couldn't wait until the Assembly began to decide who sat where, could they? While there would inevitably be struggles for these prime spots during the Assembly, that was like setting up a martial arts stage: as long as the champion defended their spot against challengers, the matter ended.

If everyone started clamoring—"I want a seat!" "I want a seat!"—wouldn't the Assembly turn into a vegetable market? Hua Yi saw him about to speak, then adopt a look of sudden realization.

She smiled, “I believe Sect Leader Ye understands!” “Mmm…” Seeing him nod, Hua Yi continued, “Actually, I came here with another matter to attend to…” “What is it? Elder Hua, please speak plainly?” Ye Wen had long suspected Hua Yi’s visit wasn’t simple, but at the time, he couldn't fathom her true objective.

Now that she seemed prepared to state it directly, he asked forthrightly. Hua Yi’s eyes flickered as she looked at Ye Wen, then grew serious: “Our Gang Leader Lin wishes to invite Sect Leader Ye to attend the Martial Arts Assembly!

Given the numerous grievances between our sects, Gang Leader Lin hopes to use the opportune moment of the Assembly to settle this feud with Sect Leader Ye…” Ye Wen’s pupils contracted. He hadn't expected Lin Hai to hold him in such high regard, wanting to settle matters personally.

Though Ye Wen believed his martial arts had advanced significantly, he wasn't certain if he could withstand a confrontation with a renowned Gang Leader. However, he could not display weakness now.

He nodded: “Since esteemed Gang Leader Lin extends such a warm invitation, I have no reason to refuse! Please relay to your Gang Leader that I accept this challenge!

We shall see the outcome at the Martial Arts Assembly…” Seeing him agree, Hua Yi was told to relay the message, but she merely smiled: “This does not require me to make the trip; I will write a letter to the Gang Leader shortly before departing…” Ye Wen’s eyelids twitched; a bad feeling suddenly washed over him. As expected, Hua Yi continued, “Elder Guo has returned and taken over the duties of that branch.

I needn't worry about the main headquarters either, so I have nothing urgent there. I plan to stay here at Shu Mountain for a few days…” She then suddenly leaned close to Ye Wen: “Sect Leader Ye wouldn't object to my stay, would you…?” Ye Wen leaned back, creating distance from Hua Yi: “Well, I certainly wouldn't exactly welcome it…” In his mind, he thought: Are you mad?

Our two sides have clearly drawn swords and set a date for a fight, and you plan to stay here? Are you running a fever?

“How heartless, after I even gave you my first time,” Hua Yi pulled back, pulling a handkerchief from nowhere and wiping her eyes, feigning tears, though her eyes remained dry—clearly an act. But what she said was too shocking.

Ye Wen was so startled he nearly slid off his stool, murmuring, Thank heavens my junior sister isn’t here! Aloud, he snapped: “Stop spouting nonsense!

When did I ever get your first time from you!” Hua Yi continued her pained expression: “You still deny it? Even though you treated me coldly just now, you at least admitted that event.

Though I was hurt, I thought you were a man who owned up to his actions! How is it that in just a moment, you deny something you actually did!” Ye Wen roared, “When did I do anything…” Just as he prepared to reach out and grasp Hua Yi’s neck to stop her nonsensical talk, Hua Yi lifted her chin and pointed a slender, jade-like finger at her own tempting, crimson lip.

Ye Wen instantly stopped moving upon seeing this, realizing the vixen was referring to a first kiss: “Damn it, you were the one who aggressively moved in first, okay…” Hua Yi blinked, her face a mask of innocence: “That was my first time, so I wasn't lying. Does the fact that I kissed you mean it doesn't count?” She then adopted a shy look: “And you even… Ah, you’re making me blush…” Ye Wen no longer even felt like cursing her; watching Hua Yi perform gave him an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

Finally, he relented: “Fine, then I did it…” “It’s good that you admit it!” Hua Yi was quite pleased. “But now you need to seriously think about how you’re going to explain this to your precious junior sister.

You gave your first kiss to me, you know…” Without waiting for Ye Wen to recover, she used her lightness skill and vanished in a flash. Xu Ping, who had been standing guard outside, saw a white shadow flash by, and then a white object coiled around her like lightning.

Before she could resist, she was yanked forward, and a voice echoed in her ear: “…Arrange my lodging outside for me. You lead the way…” Before her words had landed, she felt intense pressure from behind, like a sharp sword piercing her, causing her to instantly drop the restrained Xu Ping.

She dodged sideways, narrowly evading the purple stream of sword energy. “Within my Shu Mountain Sect, it is not your place to act so presumptuously!

As for Elder Hua’s residence, I will have someone lead you there,” Ye Wen’s voice, transmitted via the secret sound transmission technique, still resonated in her ear even though Hua Yi was already dozens of meters away. But the fact that Ye Wen could project his voice so far suggested his internal cultivation might have surpassed Guo Nu’s.

Slightly alarmed internally, her expression remained unchanged. She merely pouted in a playful manner: “You won’t even allow me to borrow a disciple to lead the way?

Sect Leader Ye is so stingy…” However, she made no further rash moves, even with an ordinarily skilled outer disciple standing beside her. She waited until a servant arrived to guide her toward the guest quarters.

Having dealt with Hua Yi, Ye Wen turned to Ning Ru Xue, who had been standing silently beside him all along. The junior sister couldn't have chosen a worse time to return than during those final few lines.

Now, even if he jumped into the Yellow River, he couldn't wash himself clean. “Senior brother, did you really… with that Hua Yi…?” Ye Wen’s face twisted with distress.

But the first thing he did was firmly grasp his junior sister, before considering how to explain. Why?

Because in situations like this, the moment a man opens his mouth, the woman often runs off after hearing just one sentence, refusing to listen to any explanation, which leads to a cascade of further misunderstandings, ultimately resulting in a tragic, multi-hundred-episode prime-time drama. Simply put: that’s how it always plays out on television!

To prevent such a tragedy, Ye Wen held his junior sister first as a preventative measure, then began to speak: “Junior sister, when I fought Elder Hua that day, we did kiss once. But it was because Elder Hua tried to drug me secretly, so she kissed me!

Junior sister, you must believe me… believe me!” Ye Wen feared Ning Ru Xue might suddenly shout, “I won’t listen, won’t listen, won’t listen!” which would turn him into a tragicomic figure. Or she might plug her ears and yell, “I don’t believe you!” which would have the same effect.

Fortunately, none of that happened. Instead, Ning Ru Xue smiled softly and said lightly, “I believe you, Senior Brother…” Ye Wen froze, then tilted his head slightly, loosening his grip on Ning Ru Xue’s arms: “You’re not going to get upset and leave?

Or perhaps you believe me, but are secretly planning to leave the mountain?” Ning Ru Xue looked puzzled: “Why would I leave…?” “Uh… this…” Perhaps sensing Ye Wen’s difficulty, Ning Ru Xue took his hand instead, smiling: “Since I said I believe Senior Brother, then naturally I won't doubt what you say! Besides, Hua Yi clearly has ill intentions; why would I heed her words?” As she spoke, she seemed to recall something and suddenly lowered her head, whispering softly: “Besides, Senior Brother’s first [kiss] was not taken by Elder Hua…” “What…” Ye Wen was greatly alarmed.

His first thought upon hearing this was that Ning Ru Xue had discovered some messy affair from his past life. But then he realized that was impossible; he had transmigrated, and even if he told people, no one would believe it.

His second thought was that the original owner of this body might have already had some intimacy with Ning Ru Xue, perhaps having even established some kind of agreement—a kiss sealing their bond—but things had diverged from Ning Ru Xue's hopes, causing them to drift apart later. But that didn’t fit either.

If that were the case, Ning Ru Xue should be angry that he didn't remember something so important and should be throwing a tantrum, not speaking so gently. Could it have been a childhood game of kissing?

It was said that girls had better memories than boys, especially concerning such matters. Had the two played 'kissing games' as children and exchanged vows like, "I want you to be my bride in the future..."?

Fortunately, Ning Ru Xue kept her head down, staring at her toes, unable to see the rapid changes on Ye Wen’s face. She just blushed faintly and said, “Senior Brother, do you still remember when our Book Mountain Sect lost its prestige?” “I remember…” How could he forget that event?

Ye Wen had time-traveled precisely at that moment. Moreover, Zhang Gui, who had injured him back then, was currently sweeping floors at his Shu Mountain Sect!

Ning Ru Xue continued: “At that time, Senior Brother was severely injured by Zhang Gui. Although we could administer medicinal soup to heal his wounds, his injuries were too severe, and he was unconscious, unable to take any medicine…” At this point, she could no longer continue.

Ye Wen was initially confused, not seeing the connection between this incident and a kiss. Then, he suddenly understood: “You mean, when I couldn’t drink the medicine, Junior Sister you used…?” Realizing how shy Ning Ru Xue was about such matters, he gestured toward his own lips.

Ning Ru Xue looked up and saw the gesture, her face growing even redder, but she still nodded gently. With that single confirmation, all of Ye Wen’s preceding wild conjectures vanished.

Ultimately, his first kiss had been given to his junior sister! And, incidentally, he had taken her first kiss too.

But he had been unconscious at the time, having no memory whatsoever of the sensation. Looking down again at his junior sister’s lips, Ye Wen considered whether he should taste them once more to retrieve that lost memory.

Unfortunately, Ning Ru Xue seemed to sense his intention. She immediately released Ye Wen’s hand, turned, and ran off, tossing back a phrase: “Time to eat…” and vanishing.