Ye Wen’s landing and subsequent pause went unnoticed by the common folk, who continued to cheer his mid-air pivot. Those with slightly higher skill, however, narrowed their eyes; even some from the great sects raised an eyebrow, a few murmuring a soft, "Oh?" Chan Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi converged.

Being able to converse, they couldn't help but comment on Ye Wen’s lightness skill: “To think such a young prodigy has emerged in the Jianghu. This lightness skill alone is enough to establish him!” The Shu Mountain Sect had long resided in remote lands and rarely surfaced.

Although they had recently gained some notice, it amounted to little more than a faint reputation, earned primarily among a lower tier of martial artists. Consequently, disciples of the major sects largely looked down upon this suddenly prominent faction.

Even if news of the Jade Cave Sect’s Ninth Sword Immortal clashing with Ye Wen had reached them, they would have merely remarked, “The Jade Cave Sect is truly declining!” They would never concede that the Shu Mountain Sect possessed any real strength. It was only after Ye Wen displayed this masterful lightness skill that these figures finally paid him serious attention.

“I hadn’t expected such fine entertainment so early in this grand assembly!” True Man Tianyi stroked his beard, a slight smile touching his lips. The livelier the assembly, the happier he was; otherwise, traveling thousands of miles to Hezhou just to sit and display status would be dreadfully boring.

The Heavenly Dao Sect’s position was unshakeable; even if others didn't attend, no one would dare suggest their decline. He attended every gathering out of courtesy to his Jianghu brethren.

Chan Master Huixin, however, held a different view. His previous amiable expression vanished, replaced by one of deep concern.

In that instant, he transformed into the image of an enlightened master burdened by the suffering of the world. “To begin with such bloodshed and storm is hardly a good omen!

While those present hail from all corners of the land, they are the elite of the righteous path. If they suffer heavy losses, won’t the demonic and heretical factions gain the advantage?” “Master is overthinking things… The true elites of the righteous path are concentrated within these few major sects.

As long as relations among these sects are managed well, those heretical elements won't be able to stir up any major trouble!” “One can only hope, as the True Man says…” One watched the spectacle with amusement, the other with measured worry. Over at the Tianle Gang contingent, however, there was a sense of unexpected pleasant surprise.

Shen Yuqing, though not wearing her cloak today, was covered by a thick veil concealing her features. She murmured quietly to Lin Hai, “I didn't expect Ye Wen to have provoked Old Master Liu.

I wonder what started this incident…” Lin Hai nodded but seemed unconcerned. Guo Nu, standing nearby, interjected, “Though Old Master Liu isn't famous throughout the Jianghu, people mostly respect his conduct.

His martial arts, however, are not considered top-tier! Even if he calls Ye Wen onto the stage, I doubt he can truly harm him!” After a moment's thought, he continued, “However, this will surely trouble Ye Wen a bit.

After all, the old man has a good reputation; if Ye Wen acts ruthlessly, the Shu Mountain Sect’s banner might get stained. If he goes easy, the Old Master might seize an opportunity to leave a mark!

Regardless, we have stumbled upon an unexpected surprise this time!” Lin Hai finally spoke, acknowledging, “Elder Guo speaks truly!” He then fell silent, focusing his gaze on the two figures on the stage, only occasionally sensing distant eyes fixed upon him. Turning, he saw Dongfang Yi, the leader of the Azure Dragon Society, offering a distant salute.

Upon realizing Lin Hai had noticed him, Dongfang Yi showed no embarrassment, treating it as a simple greeting. While the Tianle Gang members were discussing matters, a rather solitary figure sat tucked away in a corner.

This woman, clad in plain white, also wore a veil, gazing at the person on the stage with an expression of immense complexity. She occasionally let out a soft sigh, then tentatively touched her cheek with her hand.

The moment she made contact, however, she hissed, “Hss!”—as if in extreme pain—and hastily withdrew her hand, settling back down with another sigh. This woman was Huayi.

That day, she had secretly gone to find Ye Wen. As soon as she returned to her room, she found her master staring at her with a face like frozen frost.

Before she could speak, Shen Yuqing slapped her across the face. The blow left her cheek bruised and swollen high, followed by a sharp reprimand: “You are becoming too mischievous, disregarding my words!

For the next few days, you will stay right by my side. You are forbidden to run off anywhere again…” This was why Ye Wen hadn't seen Huayi these past few days.

He had been somewhat puzzled but quickly reasoned that perhaps it was for the best, and he let the matter drop. Unbeknownst to him, Huayi was being kept under close watch by her master, who had also handed her the veil to hide the injury on her face.

As punishment, Shen Yuqing forbade her from using internal energy to dispel the bruise, forcing the palm mark to fade slowly. The true intent was to make her vain disciple see her appearance ruined and thus feel ashamed to meet Ye Wen.

This tactic proved incredibly effective. A mere scolding might have led Huayi to sneak out again, but the forceful slap had nearly ruined half her face, which would take at least ten to fifteen days to heal properly.

Appearing in public in such a state was unthinkable. Consequently, she had remained obediently by her master’s side, causing no trouble, and naturally, she wouldn't seek out Ye Wen.

In fact, it wasn't just Ye Wen who was puzzled; Ning Ruxue was also perplexed. The Tianle Gang and the Shu Mountain Sect were staying at the same inn, so why wasn't Huayi coming around to pester her senior brother?

For the first few days, Ning Ruxue knew Huayi often visited Ye Wen, and Ye Wen hadn't hidden it from her. But in the following days, she vanished completely.

This led Ning Ruxue to wonder: “Could that woman have given up?” Unable to resolve the mystery, and with the martial arts assembly officially commencing, she shelved the matter, focusing entirely on her senior brother on the stage, having zero interest in the movements of the Tianle Gang faction. However, the surrounding Shu Mountain disciples couldn't help but feel strange: “Why is this Liu Bishi deliberately causing trouble for our Shu Mountain Sect?” Everyone assumed Xu Xian would have the answer, but he merely stated, “We’ll know soon enough.

Why the hurry?” Just then, Ye Wen landed on the stage, cupped his hands towards Liu Bishi, and said, “I am Ye Tian, the current Head of the Shu Mountain Sect. May I inquire what guidance the esteemed senior wishes to impart by summoning me to the stage?” “You are that Ye Wen?” Liu Bishi’s words, coupled with his look of surprise and doubt, only deepened the crowd’s confusion.

Many even shouted, “Old man Liu, have you gone senile? You summon someone onto the stage without even knowing who he is?” Ye Wen was equally baffled: “I am Ye Wen!” Liu Bishi smacked his lips, then nodded.

“Since you claim to be Ye Wen, I shall ask you a few questions. Do you dare answer truthfully?” Ye Wen felt a flicker of displeasure, as Liu Bishi’s manner of speaking was quite impolite.

His reply was inevitably stiff: “Senior may ask away!” He was unaware that this was simply Liu Bishi’s nature—direct and forthright, with no malicious intent. If he erred, he would personally apologize afterward, seeking only a clear conscience, caring little for others' judgment.

Now that the true matter was at hand, everyone fell silent, eyes wide and ears strained, desperate not to miss a single word of Liu Bishi’s interrogation. Liu Bishi spoke: “I heard you once assisted the authorities in apprehending a ** Bandit.

Is this true?” Ye Wen paused briefly, then recalled the incident and nodded: “That is true!” Liu Bishi continued: “I heard that when the ** Bandit was subdued and unable to resist, you pierced him with your sword! Is that factually correct?” Ye Wen’s brow furrowed, but since he had indeed done it, he nodded: “Indeed!” Liu Bishi asked further: “Did the ** Bandit harm any of your kin or friends?” “No!” “Or did he insult the sisters of your sect?” At this question, Ye Wen’s frown deepened.

Before he could answer, a sharp cry rose from below: “Old ghost, you speak indecently! Why waste breath on him, Senior Brother?” It was Ning Ruxue, so enraged by Liu Bishi’s comment that she nearly leaped onto the stage.

Had Xu Xian not held her back, she likely would have fought Liu Bishi to the death. Unexpectedly, the old man turned to Ning Ruxue and said, “This young lady must be Head Ye’s fellow disciple.

I was merely trying to confirm a few points, not intentionally insult you, young lady. Please do not take offense!” With that explanation, Ning Ruxue could no longer cause a scene, swallowing her anger and choosing to ignore the old man.

It was Xu Xian who stepped forward and bowed slightly to Liu Bishi, signaling that he didn't mind. Seeing this, the old man chuckled, unconcerned by his exchange with Ning Ruxue, and merely remarked, “A fiery girl, that one.

This young lady is more polite!” The moment those words left his mouth, Xu Xian’s expression changed. Though he offered no harsh words, he too began ignoring the old man.

Liu Bishi looked bewildered, uncertain what he had said wrong now, until Ye Wen spoke up from the side: “That is my junior brother…” “Hahahaha…” At that, a wave of laughter erupted from the crowd, interspersed with comments like: “Oh? That’s a man?” “I was just thinking how fortunate the Shu Mountain Head is, with a beauty on his left and a beauty on his right—turns out that one’s a man!” “I’ve chased geese all day and still managed to mistake a flower today.

Looks like my skills are lacking!” Only then did Liu Bishi realize his blunder. He quickly apologized: “Young gentleman, my old eyes deceived me; I beg your forgiveness!” Seeing the old man willingly lower his stance to apologize, Xu Xian felt awkward continuing to posture and simply said, “Senior need not be so concerned!” After circling around, Liu Bishi finally turned back to Ye Wen: “I resume my questions!

Since the ** Bandit harmed neither your family nor your sect sisters, why did you kill him with such haste after he was already captured and subdued? Does Head Ye not strike too ruthlessly?” Ye Wen had guessed the truth by now.

Instead of answering, he counter-questioned: “May I ask how Senior relates to that ‘Crimson Shadow Under the Moon’?” Hearing this, Liu Bishi knew the youth had grasped some of the situation. Since he had nothing to hide, he replied plainly: “That was my only grandson!” Whoosh!

The statement drew gasps from the entire audience! No one had imagined the reputable Old Master Liu had a grandson who was a ** Bandit, and from the looks of it, this grandson had been run through by the Shu Mountain Head’s sword.

No wonder Old Master Liu had specifically requested Ye Wen. Of course, many self-proclaimed righteous martial artists felt Old Master Liu was confused by his age.

A grandson who turned to banditry was a blessing to the family, someone to be grateful for having been eliminated. Instead of visiting to thank Ye Wen for removing a family disgrace, the old man came to the martial arts assembly to cause trouble.

“Old man Liu, are you senile? Standing up for a ** Bandit grandson?

Do you truly care nothing for the reputation you’ve built your entire life?” Liu Bishi let out a mournful laugh: “How many more years does an old man have to live? What use is reputation to me?

I only grieve for my only grandson, who died tragically far from home, severing the Liu family bloodline! I have failed my ancestors!” He then declared loudly to Ye Wen: “I know I am in the wrong.

Seeking revenge for a ** Bandit grandson is hardly a glorious affair! I have always considered myself upright and clear in my dealings, and I do not wish to take advantage of the Shu Mountain Sect, letting outsiders believe your sect acted improperly!

I bring this matter before the martial arts world today to show everyone that I, an old man, have been muddled by age and seek vengeance for my grandson! As for the question of right and wrong, the masses know the truth, and it saves us from tarnishing the banner of a righteous, chivalrous sect!” Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent, unsure how to describe the day’s events.

Was Liu Bishi wrong? No.

He was intent on avenging his grandson, and moreover, the continuity of the Liu family blood was at stake. The only issue was that the grandson had a terrible reputation—he was a notorious ** Bandit.

His being wanted by the authorities proved the depth of his sins; clearly, he deserved his fate. Was Ye Wen wrong?

Also no. The Shu Mountain Head acted chivalrously by eliminating a scourge of the Jianghu—a great virtue.

Although Liu Bishi’s words implied Ye Wen had been unduly ruthless, no one could fault him. In the Jianghu, hesitation often meant facing ruthlessness from others.

With the truth laid bare, Ye Wen cupped his hands: “I see now. Since Elder Liu seeks vengeance for his only grandson, I have nothing more to say.

I accept this challenge. I ask Senior to make the first move!” The situation had reached the point of no return.

Now that Ye Wen understood the reason, his heart settled. As long as this old man wasn't a pawn being used by someone else, he was fine.

Liu Bishi looked Ye Wen up and down again: “You, young man, are quite decisive. You suit my temperament!

It is a pity that I must avenge the loss of my family line. As the elder, I should let you strike first!” He then shook both fists and settled into a stance: “Begin!” Ye Wen noted the old man’s fists, which were the size of bowls, realizing the core of his skill lay in his hands.

Though he had ascended with his long sword, he had no desire to exploit the advantage of a weapon now. He tossed his sword towards his sect’s side; seeing his junior sister catch it, he too assumed a stance: “Since that is the case, this junior will not hold back!” However, just as he was about to strike, Liu Bishi immediately called out: “Wait!

This is a fight to the death; you need not intentionally disarm yourself. Using your sword is fine!

I have heard rumors about your Shu Mountain Sect lately, knowing you have the nickname 'Gentleman Sword' in Pingzhou. I imagine your primary skill lies with the blade!

I do not wish to win by unfair advantage; go retrieve your long sword, and let us fight for our lives…” Ye Wen felt a surge of respect for the old man’s character. Had it not been for the matter of the wicked grandson, he might have sought a close friendship.

As it stood, however, it was inappropriate. Even if neither was harmed today, meeting again with ease would be impossible.

“My skills are not solely reliant on the sword, so Senior need not concern himself with that point!” To prove his words, he waved his hand, adopted the stance of the Iron Palm, and sent a palm strike floating towards Liu Bishi’s face from a distance. The onlookers saw that the palm was at least two or three zhang away from Liu Bishi; it was impossible for it to connect, and the strike itself seemed ordinary, lacking any visible subtlety.

What was this maneuver? Liu Bishi was equally puzzled, but suddenly felt a fierce gust of palm wind surge towards him.

His hair and whiskers all flew straight back, stinging his cheeks, and the sheer force of the blast made breathing difficult. “What tyrannical palm force!” Only then did he realize Ye Wen had not been boasting.

He stopped holding back: “Very well, make your move!” The crowd, having witnessed the strange phenomenon, switched from confusion to astonishment. Many who had only heard tales of the Shu Mountain Sect's might now understood the terrifying extent of the Shu Mountain Head’s power.

“A casual palm strike, yet the wind reaches two or three zhang away… This level of skill must be nearly equal to my own!” The one most keenly interested was Dongfang Yi of the Azure Dragon Society. Seeing Ye Wen’s strike, he immediately grasped the young man’s profound power.

Recalling the apparent closeness between the Tianle Gang and the Shu Mountain Sect, he became secretly vigilant: “Is this the Tianle Gang’s trump card? No wonder Lin Hai appeared so confident on this trip!” While the crowd pondered, the two on stage had already clashed.

However, Ye Wen executed only that initial move. Subsequently, he allowed Liu Bishi to attack freely from left and right, neutralizing the blows with his Mian Zhang (Soft Palm) technique, occasionally returning a light palm to force a change in pattern, all without unleashing lethal force.

He hadn't even used the ferocious Purple Cloud Dragon Qi Sword, nor had he employed the killing techniques within his Soft Palm or Iron Palm styles. Yet, even so, Liu Bishi could not break through.

Ye Wen’s accumulated skill, when focused on defense, created a perimeter almost impossible to breach. “Ye Wen’s martial arts seem somewhat similar to our Jade Cave Sect’s—heavy on defense, light on attack?” Yuqingzi pondered for a while, puzzled: “Could it be precisely because of this that he devised that sword manipulation technique, just like Junior Brother?” The Ninth Sword Immortal, possessing far more practical combat experience than his senior brother, observed briefly before stating: “That’s not it.

Ye Wen is intentionally holding back against Liu Bishi! Just now, I saw many follow-up moves available in his palm techniques, but he suddenly switched his approach, using a different set of maneuvers to parry, rather than counter-attacking.

He likely does not wish to take Liu Bishi’s life; otherwise, the outcome would have been decided long ago!” “Liu Bishi is also reputed; is his skill truly that subpar?” Yuqingzi could not comprehend why Ye Wen’s skill was so formidable. His junior brother finally clarified: “Liu Bishi is too eager for revenge; his attacks are rash and disorganized.

He possesses ten parts of strength but is currently only exerting five or six.” Many others had discerned the crux of the matter. Chan Master Huixin watched for a while and praised: “This Head Ye truly lives up to the name ‘Gentleman Sword.’” He highly commended Ye Wen’s decision to show mercy.

True Man Tianyi also stroked his beard: “Liu Bishi is not entirely ungrateful. This bout will likely conclude here!” As he spoke, Liu Bishi launched another move, 'Two Dragons Emerging from the Sea,' both fists striking towards Ye Wen simultaneously.

Ye Wen neither dodged nor evaded. He first swept his left hand outward, precisely striking the leverage point of Liu Bishi’s arms.

Then, his right hand followed, drawing Liu Bishi’s arms into a wide circle, completely deflecting the force of the dual strikes. Finally, with a gentle push, he sent the old man staggering backward repeatedly.

Having expended his momentum, and with the force of the redirection entirely neutralized, Liu Bishi was pushed seven or eight steps back by Ye Wen’s light shove before finally managing to stabilize himself. “I concede!” Seeing Ye Wen cup his hands in salute opposite him, Liu Bishi sighed deeply: “I am no match for you; this revenge cannot be taken!

I, Liu Bishi, have failed my ancestors! And I have failed my fellow martial artists.

I have no face left to live in this world!” With that, he gathered all his internal energy and raised his hand, aiming to strike his own crown of the head!

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