Namgong Yun was stunned by the imposing power of Qi's palm strike, staring blankly as Yue Zhong brought his hand down upon him. Fortunately, he was no novice just stepping out of the nest; the momentary shock instantly reminded him that he needed to evade this strike immediately.

Judging by the sheer might of the attack, the thought of meeting it head-on never crossed his mind; all he desired was to dodge it. Yet, that initial lapse in awareness, coupled with Yue Zun’s already close proximity—this Purple Qi From the East technique arrived before him in mere moments. Despite Namgong Yun’s desperate retreat, he was ultimately a step too slow.

The crowd heard a sharp snap. Yue Ning’s Purple Qi From the East landed squarely on Namgong Yun’s chest. He shuddered violently, his robes whipping about as if caught in a gale, and a surge of inner wind actually erupted from his body.

Ye Wen, witnessing this, felt a jolt of surprise, letting out a soft "Oh?" He had clearly grasped the key to the situation, and he found himself quite intrigued by the Namgong family's peculiar protective skill.

It turned out that Yue Ning had poured his entire cultivation, even incorporating his newly mastered Purple Haze Skill, into that one palm strike. Yue Ning and Namgong Yun’s power levels were already neck and neck; focusing such a massive amount of internal energy into one blow aimed at Namgong Yun meant that even if it didn't kill him instantly, serious injury was inevitable.

Unexpectedly, the Namgong family had earned its standing in the martial world precisely because of such hidden, absolute techniques. Although the full force of the palm struck Namgong Yun, a significant portion of the energy twisted through his internal pathways, following a bizarre route before being vented out of his body.

Even so, Namgong Yun sustained a severe internal wound. A trace of blood first seeped from the corner of his mouth. Then, after enduring it for a moment, he couldn't hold back any longer. With a great wah, he vomited a large mouthful of blood—if Yue Ning hadn't reacted quickly, he would surely have been drenched.

Namgong Yun gasped for air a few times to regulate his breathing. The servants behind him rushed forward to support their young master, pushing various medicinal pills toward him: “Young Master, take your medicine quickly…”

He took the pills and swallowed them, then continued panting until his breathing gradually stabilized. Namgong Yun bowed to Yue Ning, clasping his hands: “Young Hero Yue’s skill is astonishing; I am thoroughly defeated and convinced! Today, I, Namgong Yun, was blind and failed to recognize a master, bringing disgrace upon myself. I offer my sincerest apologies to everyone from the Mount Shu Sect here! I implore you to release my little sister…”

These words finally brought about a slight shift in Ye Wen’s opinion of Namgong Yun. He mused that although the man was arrogant and overbearing, he wasn't entirely witless. Realizing he had kicked an iron plate today, his concession and surrender were quite clean and decisive, in a way that didn't entirely dishonor his family name.

“The Namgong lineage has persisted in the martial world not purely on reputation!” Guo Nu also murmured a soft compliment from the side. To maintain such composure after losing a match certainly spoke of a true aristocratic heritage.

Xu Ping first glanced at Ye Wen, and upon seeing Ye Wen wave a hand toward him, he slowly returned his long saber, along with the long sword in his other hand, to their sheaths on his back.

The matter should have concluded here. Whether the Namgong siblings stayed or left had little bearing on the Mount Shu Sect. If Guo Nu wished to play the peacemaker, he might have asked the Namgongs to stay; after all, there were plenty of rooms, and accommodating one or two wouldn't be an issue.

If he didn't wish to foster ties with the Namgong family, letting them depart peacefully would suffice. Any future trouble could be dealt with when it arose; it wasn't a concern for the present moment.

But who could have predicted that just as Xu Ping was sheathing his weapons, a sudden upheaval occurred? Namgong Zixin, who had never suffered a slight since childhood, could never tolerate such humiliation. Wherever she went, whether relying on her beauty or announcing her family name, she was always surrounded by admirers, enjoying great prestige. Anything she desired was procured with just a word.

As for confrontation? Ordinary folk, hearing she was the Eldest Miss of the Namgong family, treated her with utmost respect—who would dare lay a hand on her? Even when encountering elders, a mere reputation would suffice; if they lacked fame, wouldn't they all scramble to curry favor with her?

No one had ever insulted her as she was today. Never mind the destruction of her weapon, the simple fact that a long saber had been held to her throat and not removed for so long, forcing her into a state where she dared not move—she absolutely could not swallow this insult.

Even after personally witnessing her servants repelled by a sword strike and her brother struck by a single palm from a disciple, causing him to vomit blood—if not for her formidable protective divine art—serious injury would have been unavoidable. She remained resentful. When she saw Xu Ping putting away his weapons, she immediately jumped up and shrieked: “This is not over between my Namgong family and you lot today! I will definitely go back and tell Father to send people to wipe out your entire sect…”

This declaration caused not only Ye Wen’s expression to change but also Namgong Yun’s face to grow pale with alarm. He hastily rebuked her: “Little sister, stop your nonsensical rambling…”

However, Namgong Zixin was too spoiled by indulgence. If a senior family member had been present, she might have tempered her words, but with only her brother nearby, she felt no restraint, even dismissing her brother with a few sharp words: “Brother, you are truly useless. You can’t even beat a few country bumpkins, yet you always boasted about your great skill! Since you can’t help me today, I’ll have Father and Uncle seek justice for me!” “What a spoiled and willful girl!”

As Namgong Zixin was shouting, she suddenly heard a woman’s voice from the side sneering. She turned and snapped back: “Who are you, a country peasant woman, calling willful and spoiled…”

This single sentence had kicked a hornet’s nest. The faces of the Mount Shu disciples instantly changed, and Ning Ruxue’s beautiful features were overlaid with a layer of chilling frost: “Such an ill-mannered, willful girl… she truly deserves a thorough lesson!”

As she spoke, her jade-like hand lifted slightly, and immediately, a green sword energy flicked from her fingertip.

This green sword energy was neither grand nor overwhelming, nor did it carry any imposing aura. It was only about the thickness of a thumb, emitting no terrifying sound. But the moment this sword energy appeared, everyone in the hall, save for the Mount Shu members, sucked in a sharp, cold breath.

Though Namgong Zixin was willful, she was not entirely ignorant of the world. Seeing Ning Ruxue casually unleash a sword energy with a mere flick of her finger instantly drenched her in cold sweat. Only then did she realize the caliber of people she had offended today.

Xu Xian’s earlier move was too fast; she hadn't seen it clearly. And Yue Ning’s duel with her brother concluded purely with internal palm force; had she not been present, she couldn't have discerned its true power. Thus, she had only assumed that this Mount Shu Sect, while possessing some skill, had limits, and that once a true master from the Namgong family appeared, they would instantly crumble into dust.

But the emergence of that green sword energy made her realize how wildly mistaken she had been.

While sword energy was not an unheard-of phenomenon in the Jianghu—martial artists who reached a certain level in swordplay could all generate it, though strength varied—any master capable of producing sword energy would invariably forge a reputation in the world.

If Ning Ruxue had used a long sword to unleash her energy, she might have been surprised but not terrified. However, the effortless release of sword energy from Ning Ruxue’s bare finger was truly horrifying.

“Releasing sword energy barehanded—even the masters in my Namgong family cannot achieve that…”

At this point, Namgong Zixin finally understood the strength of the enemy she had provoked. Even Namgong Yun was drenched in sweat, hurriedly pleading: “Please, spare my little sister’s life!”

Fortunately, right after unleashing the sword energy, Ning Ruxue added: “I have no intention of taking a life today, only a slight punishment to teach you a lesson and make you see sense…”

Her palm flipped, and the sword energy suddenly accelerated, darting straight toward Namgong Zixin’s face. Everyone watching gasped in horror. If that energy struck her face, Namgong Zixin would surely perish; even a mere graze across her features would be catastrophic for a young woman, seeming entirely inconsistent with Ning Ruxue’s claim of only “slight punishment.”

Only Ye Wen remained completely unperturbed, sitting aside to watch the spectacle.

Others were not as relaxed. Namgong Yun even raised his long sword, intending to rush forward and pull his sister away, but the sword energy was too fast; he couldn't possibly reach her in time.

Just as he gathered his energy, he saw the green sword energy suddenly curve away from the terrified, frozen Namgong Zixin, turning sharply aside, then curving again, flying right past her ear. Namgong Zixin felt a strong gust of wind wash over her, followed by the sensation of that wind swirling around her head. Because it was so close, she could clearly hear the hissing sound of the sword energy slicing through the air, occasionally mixed with other faint noises. Yet, knowing the energy was circling her head, she dared not move an inch, terrified that any motion would result in a grievous wound—even a scratch on her cheek was unacceptable.

By now, Namgong Yun could see that the woman opposite had no intention of killing his sister. The sword energy was controlled as flexibly as a spirit snake, circling above his younger sister’s head, and each rotation caused a shower of black fragments to fall. Though he watched in terror, he was secretly relieved that his sister’s life had been spared.

If Namgong Yun felt this way, the surrounding crowd was even more astonished. Ning Ruxue’s slender jade hand moved as if performing a sleight of hand, releasing one green sword energy after another. Each one would hover above Namgong Zixin’s head for a moment, shedding a patch of black sheen before dissipating.

In just a moment, Ning Ruxue stopped, announcing coolly: “Slicing off most of your hair will serve as a warning. If you act so disrespectfully again, it won't be your hair that is cut…”

Namgong Zixin had stood stock-still, afraid to move. Hearing Ning Ruxue’s words, she finally understood that the successive green sword energies had sheared off nearly all of her beautiful hair.

She lowered her head and saw the ground around her covered in clippings of her freshly cut hair—scattered pieces, impossible to gather even if she wanted to keep them. Touching the back of her head, the fuzzy sensation informed her that Ning Ruxue hadn't taken all of it; a little remained. But such short hair was no different from a monk’s tonsure; at this moment, the difference was negligible.

While she was examining her hair, Namgong Yun rushed over the moment Ning Ruxue ceased, checking his sister’s head anxiously, worried she might have been harmed in any way.

Upon inspection, he found that apart from her drastically shortened hair, his sister had not sustained a single injury—her face, forehead, neck, and even her most vulnerable ears were untouched. Relieved, he was simultaneously awestruck by the woman's ability to control the sharp and domineering sword energy with such flawless dexterity. He quickly bowed to Ning Ruxue: “Thank you, esteemed lady, for showing mercy…”

After bowing, he slapped his sister’s side to remind her not to be so reckless again! Who knew that the moment Namgong Zixin touched her completely shorn locks, she let out a loud wah and burst into tears. Her wails were endless, like a newborn baby crying from hunger, and she continued crying despite Namgong Yun’s repeated attempts to console her.

Seeing her like this, the Mount Shu disciples lost interest in engaging further. She was clearly just an immature brat; pressing the matter would only make the Mount Shu Sect seem petty.

Moreover, since Namgong Yun had humbled himself and conceded defeat, Ye Wen saw no need to pursue the issue relentlessly. He glanced at Guo Nu, noticing that the latter’s previous easy smile was gone, replaced by deep contemplation; undoubtedly, Ning Ruxue's exquisite sword energy technique had unsettled him profoundly.

Turning back, he saw Namgong Zixin covering her face, crying loudly as she ran out, ignoring her brother’s shouts behind her. This forced Namgong Yun to first instruct his three servants: “Keep an eye on the Eldest Miss; I will follow shortly…”

He then turned back to the Mount Shu group, clasping his hands: “The profound techniques of the Mount Shu Sect have greatly broadened my horizons today! Please forgive any offense I caused just now!” He added to Ye Wen: “I will personally bring my sister to your sect to apologize in the future…” His demeanor suggested this was not the threat of a defeated man seeking future revenge.

Ye Wen replied calmly, “Young Master Namgong is too polite!”

“It is proper, as the offense was mine initially! I should have apologized immediately, but unfortunately, my little sister…” He finished with a wry smile. Though he himself was arrogant, he knew he paled in comparison to his sister’s temperament. After the grievances she suffered today, she would undoubtedly twist the narrative and blame him upon their return. He needed to hurry after her to prevent further trouble and, more importantly, to get home quickly so their elders could persuade his sister to accompany him to Mount Shu.

When Ning Ruxue hadn't made a move earlier, though the Mount Shu Sect’s strength was notable, Namgong Yun thought a few words and an apology would suffice. But Ning Ruxue’s display of sword energy could not be dismissed lightly. In Namgong Yun’s estimation, the Mount Shu Sect was highly likely to steal the spotlight at this martial arts assembly. With just that sword energy technique, securing a prominent place in the Jianghu in the future was not impossible. To needlessly provoke such an enemy was unwise; establishing a good relationship would be the better strategy.

“In that case, I shall take my leave now!” Namgong Yun paid his respects to everyone with meticulous etiquette before leaving the inn to chase after his sister. By then, the crowd surrounding them had multiplied, all still discussing Ning Ruxue’s miraculous sword energy display.

“Truly marvelous. I’ve seen sword energy before, but never used in such a manner!”

“Hey! Didn't you notice? That female hero from Mount Shu released the sword energy barehanded. The ones you usually see require a long sword…”

Someone who didn't grasp the nuance asked, “Is there a difference?” They were immediately met with glaring stares: “Hey! Look at this idiot!” “Oh my, are you joking?” “Damn, why are you all looking at me with such contempt? Watch me stop playing with you guys…” Clang and bang followed as a noisy scuffle erupted, but this was unrelated to Ye Wen and his group! The Mount Shu Sect had resolved their trouble and gained some prestige in the process; they likely wouldn't have any more small fry foolish enough to challenge them.

So, after finishing their meal in the hall, the disciples either retired to rest or stayed to drink tea and chat. Ye Wen had nothing else to do, so he remained seated there, drinking and chatting with Guo Nu about general Jianghu affairs, hoping to glean more information to enrich his own knowledge.

Of course, Hua Yi sat beside them, smiling and pouring wine for the two men. Ning Ruxue also occupied a seat at that table for reasons known only to her, making the atmosphere somewhat peculiar.

Guo Nu observed them for a while and discerned the underlying tension, especially noting Hua Yi’s look of determined defiance, which caused his brow to furrow deeply. He initially considered offering a word of caution, but remembering that the woman’s master held considerable sway within the Heavenly Bliss Gang, he decided meddling might only cause offense, so he kept silent.

“If anyone needs to teach her a lesson, it should be her master. Why should I interfere?”

With that thought, he disregarded Hua Yi’s corner and focused on discussing major Jianghu events with Ye Wen.

He was currently eager for Ye Wen to lean toward the Heavenly Bliss Gang; if an alliance, even a temporary one, could be forged, the Heavenly Bliss Gang would have a better chance of success at the martial arts assembly. Therefore, he answered most of Ye Wen’s questions truthfully.

As they spoke, they suddenly heard the sound of footsteps—a group of people clearly approaching the inn. Ye Wen was slightly puzzled but paid it little mind, assuming it was just another batch of martial artists looking for lodging.

However, moments later, Guo Nu and Hua Yi abruptly stood up, gazing toward the group just entering the main door. As they drew closer, Guo Nu immediately bowed and said, “We welcome the Gang Leader!”

Ye Wen had already made a guess when Guo Nu stood up. Seeing the middle-aged man leading the group stride purposefully toward them, followed by Guo Nu’s greeting, Ye Wen instantly knew this imposing figure—around forty years old, radiating a powerful aura that practically screamed dominance—was Lin Hai, the Leader of the Heavenly Bliss Gang.

Just as Ye Wen was about to speak, Hua Yi beside him also cried out cheerfully, “Master!” She then floated behind a woman who had been obscured until then. Ye Wen had focused only on Lin Hai and hadn't noticed the woman in the crowd. Because she was completely masked and covered by a wide cloak obscuring her figure, she hadn't drawn his attention.

Had Hua Yi not spoken and the woman stepped out from the group, he might have overlooked this strange person entirely. Feeling curious, he couldn’t help but stare. In that instant, even though the woman was heavily veiled, she gave him a sensation of mental disorientation. Alarmed, he quickly withdrew his gaze, thinking to himself: “No wonder she teaches a disciple like Hua Yi; she must be truly formidable!”

Unbeknownst to him, Lin Hai had been sizing Ye Wen up since he entered. Lin Hai clearly observed Ye Wen’s reaction. Seeing that Ye Wen recovered his composure within a single breath, he complimented him: “I have long heard of the fame of Sect Master Ye of the Mount Shu Sect; meeting you today confirms the rumors!”

Lin Hai deduced from Ye Wen’s instant recovery that his cultivation depth might rival his own.

Before Ye Wen could reply, Hua Yi’s master gracefully approached, saying, “Is this Sect Master Ye of the Mount Shu Sect? Truly a figure of elegance!” As she spoke, she lightly waved her arm, seemingly brushing past Ye Wen’s arm by accident.

With that brief contact, Ye Wen felt a faint stirring of his internal Zhenqi, with some energy threatening to escape his body. Startled, he immediately circulated his internal arts to calm the flow: “What kind of technique is this? It nearly siphoned my Zhenqi—does this woman practice the Star Absorbing Great Art?”