The action taken by Liu Bizhi caught everyone off guard. Although his words hinted at something ill-fated, nobody expected the old man to be so decisive, raising his hand to strike his own Tian Ling Gai (crown of the head).

Though Old Man Liu’s martial arts weren't supremely high-level, the force he commanded could not be treated lightly. If this strike landed truly, he would instantly perish. Many below the stage quickly cried out, “Old Liu, don't do anything rash!” Following this, countless people surged forward, and the few who were confident in their skill with hidden weapons even threw pebbles in an attempt to stop Liu Bizhi from taking his own life.

Ye Wenli was closest and reacted fastest. The Zi Qi Tian Luo Jin Qi (Purple Qi Heavenly Net Force) surged within his hands, and he raised his hand, ready to unleash it to deflect Liu Bizhi’s palm strike aside.

However, no matter how fast everyone reacted, they could not match the firmness of Liu Bizhi’s resolve. For a master at his level, if he truly intended to commit suicide, it was nearly impossible for others to stop him.

Liu Bizhi had already circulated his full strength while speaking; the moment his words ceased, his palm was already raised.

By the time everyone reacted and employed their countermeasures, Liu Bizhi’s palm had already slammed fiercely onto his own skull. Under the burst of force, his brain instantly turned into pulp, and he died with blood streaming from all seven orifices.

At this moment, Ye Wen’s Zi Qi Tian Luo Jin Qi had only just begun to gather and had not yet been released. Seeing the utter finality of Liu Bizhi's desire to die, he couldn't help but sigh deeply. Seeing the man already dead, he withdrew his internal power and stood motionless, watching as Liu Bizhi’s body went limp, kneeling on the ground—a posture suggesting he was dying to atone for the world.

At this point, many of the pebbles thrown by the crowd arrived, clattering loudly. These miscellaneous objects, originally intended to intercept Liu Bizhi and save his life, now seemed to mock his death. This scene caused deep emotion.

“Alas…”

A collective sigh rose across the venue. Ye Wen looked around and noticed that many people had rushed out from the crowds. These individuals were scattered everywhere, suggesting that Liu Bizhi had been well-liked and widely acquainted. He also saw people rising from some of the sects with reserved seating at the far end, but they were too distant to offer aid.

If Ye Wenli, being so close, couldn't intervene in time, how could these distant people possibly succeed? They had only hoped that Liu Bizhi’s intent to die was not firm enough—that even a moment's hesitation would allow anyone to save his life. But the blow Liu Bizhi struck was so swift and brutal that he was dead in the blink of an eye. Ye Wen had only managed to gather his force, let alone release it.

While everyone was lamenting, an elder emerged from the crowd and slowly ascended the stage. He bowed toward Ye Wen with cupped hands and said, “I am a close friend of Old Liu and have come to retrieve my old comrade’s body! I trust Sect Leader Ye will not object?”

Someone in the crowd remarked, “That man is Old Master Guan! This man and Old Master Liu usually didn't get along; who knew they were such close friends!”

“What do you know? Those two old masters only bickered and argued as if it were sport. Didn't you see that whenever Old Master Liu ran into trouble, Old Master Guan would step in to help? And whenever Old Master Guan had an issue, which time did Old Master Liu fail to rush over and lend his aid?”

“So that’s how it is…”

The murmurs of the crowd reached Ye Wen’s ears, and he immediately understood that this Elder Guan had a significant relationship with Liu Bizhi. He cupped his hands and replied, “Senior comes to collect Old Master Liu’s body; I certainly have no reason to obstruct you. Please proceed as you see fit!”

Elder Guan stood still, gazed at Ye Wen, and finally looked at his deceased friend, sighing, “Why, why did it have to come to this?” He then bowed again to Ye Wen, “I have heard of Sect Leader Ye’s deeds and know of your commendable reputation as the ‘Gentleman Sword’! I know not much about the ‘Sword’ part, but you are truly deserving of the title ‘Gentleman’! I thank you on behalf of my old friend for showing mercy.”

It turned out that Liu Bizhi had hidden nothing from Elder Guan, having told him about his intention to fight Ye Wen on the stage. Elder Guan had tried every means to dissuade him, but Liu Bizhi refused to listen.

“Do you know that once you step onto that stage, your entire lifetime of reputation will be ruined in an instant?”

At that time, Liu Bizhi had merely laughed, “After I step onto the stage tomorrow, regardless of the outcome, the only Liu Bizhi descending will be one lying down. I will have to trouble you, Old Guan, for this last request…”

He knew then that his old friend held the firm resolve to die. If he lost to Ye Wen, there was nothing more to say; even if he won, ashamed before his peers in the martial world, he would still take his own life as atonement.

Having witnessed the Qinggong (lightness skill) Ye Wen displayed upon entering the stage, Elder Guan already knew his friend was likely doomed. Later, seeing Ye Wen merely defend his position without pressing the attack, he immediately closed his eyes, knowing the outcome of today’s confrontation was sealed. Liu Bizhi, driven by personal vendetta and disregard for righteousness, would surely have no face to continue living, and even if Ye Wen hadn't struck hard, the old man likely would have ended it himself.

The subsequent events unfolded just as he predicted. Liu Bizhi, seeing the situation, instantly raised his palm and killed himself. Everyone tried to save him too late; he was dead before a word could be fully spoken, despite Ye Wen seemingly preparing a move to help.

Elder Guan shook his head helplessly and then slowly walked onto the stage to collect his friend’s body.

As for Ye Wen, he couldn't bring himself to hate the young man. The youngster acted honorably and openly, spoke with proper deference to rank, and was courteous. Had it not been for the present circumstances, Elder Guan would certainly have wanted to befriend this young man.

“The world is impermanent; a man dies, and matters fade. I hope all of you will show some leniency when judging my old friend in the future. I thank you all here first!”

He bowed to the assembled martial artists around him, who returned the courtesy, saying, “It is only right!” Finally, he bowed to Ye Wen, hoisted Liu Bizhi’s corpse onto his back, and slowly walked off the stage.

The surrounding crowd then made way, forming a path as they watched the old man slowly depart, carrying his friend’s body. Given Elder Guan’s cultivation, this journey shouldn’t have been difficult, yet as he walked, the onlookers felt he staggered slightly—though perhaps it was just an illusion…

“Alas… the helplessness of life!” Heavenly Master Tian Yi also hadn't anticipated such an ending. But upon reflection, now that Liu Bizhi had stepped onto the stage, he would have no face to walk the martial world even if he had stepped down. Perhaps this ending was a form of release.

Master Huixin lowered his head and silently recited a Buddhist scripture, seemingly to send off Liu Bizhi’s soul. After a moment, he raised his head, “I had some acquaintance with Layman Liu. I will chant a scripture for him to help him on his way, fulfilling my duty!”

“That hardly sounds like something the venerable Abbot of the Chan Sect would say!”

“As the Abbot of the Chan Sect, I am but a layman, not a true monk. How are my words incorrect?”

The Daoist and the Monk exchanged a few words before falling silent, letting out a few long sighs.

Meanwhile, the other sects were also discussing the matter. The members of the Tianle Gang were stunned by the development. Guo Nu merely commented with emotion, “I didn't expect it to end like this…”

Lin Hai remained silent. His gaze kept drifting to Ye Wen, pondering that final move where the young man had neutralized Liu Bizhi’s ‘Double Dragon Emergence’ and subsequently forced him back several paces.

“That move was exceptionally subtle; I wonder what technique it was! Elder Guo didn't mention it either. Could it be that Sect Leader Ye has recently achieved a breakthrough?”

The same thoughts occupied Dongfang Yi of the Azure Dragon Society. Seeing how Ye Wen had defeated Liu Bizhi with almost no effort, his eyes turned cold: “The Shu Mountain Sect truly has some depth. Even this level of martial skill is beyond what one would expect from the leader of a minor sect! But why have we never heard of this sect before? Could it be that this young man had some incredible encounter that caused the sect to suddenly rise?”

Other groups, such as the North Sword Sect, weren't as deeply preoccupied. After expressing some surprise, they merely showed a bit more spirit when discussing Ye Wen’s skills.

“Shu Mountain Sect…”

Within moments, some people began to pay attention to this newly emerging sect. Li Xuan of the Tianshan Sect also opened his eyes and said to the person beside him, “I thought it was all just nonsense chatter, but it seems the Shu Mountain Sect genuinely has some aptitude!”

Such an evaluation, coming from anyone else, might not amount to much. But coming from Li Xuan, it was considered an extraordinary compliment.

Not only was Li Xuan himself overwhelmingly powerful in martial arts, but he was also notoriously arrogant and usually looked down on others. For him to take someone seriously, one had to display true capability; otherwise, even acknowledging someone with the tip of his nose was already high praise.

Hearing their own Sect Leader speak this way, the members of the Tianshan Sect also raised their estimation of the Shu Mountain Sect, abandoning their initial dismissive views. However, the change was merely a shift from viewing them as a trash sect to a third-rate one.

Once this momentary affair concluded, everyone looked back towards the stage, as while the event was regrettable, it wasn't the main focus of the Martial Arts Gathering today.

The gathering had only just begun; many better spectacles were yet to come!

At this juncture, a disciple from the North Sword Sect ascended the stage and addressed Ye Wen, “Sect Leader Ye, is there anyone you wish to challenge?”

At the Martial Arts Gathering, even if one sought revenge, they wouldn't directly ask, “Who is your enemy?” Instead, they would inquire whom they wished to "challenge," which offered a semblance of dignity to all involved.

Of course, if the person taking the stage was unconcerned with such niceties and directly stated their grievance, others wouldn't pay it much mind, merely concluding that the ensuing fight would likely be a death match.

Upon this question, Ye Wen remembered he was still occupying the platform. If there were no pressing matters, he should step down and yield his position, making way for those seeking revenge, fame, or settling disputes.

Currently, Ye Wen’s Shu Mountain Sect was still in a developmental stage. Having just begun to expand beyond Shushan County, they hadn't even fully stabilized in Linshan County. Naturally, they weren't entangled in major conflicts with many sects.

If not for a series of unforeseen circumstances, they probably wouldn’t have clashed with the Tianle Gang so early. But engaging with the Tianle Gang right now seemed ill-timed!

“Perhaps I should take this opportunity to settle scores with the Thunder Sword Gate!”

Nodding to the disciple of the North Sword Sect, Ye Wen was about to state his intention to resolve a grievance with someone from the Thunder Sword Gate, when suddenly, a voice rang out from the side: “I heard earlier that Sect Leader Ye is called the ‘Gentleman Sword.’ We can set aside the ‘Gentleman’ part for now, but what basis do you have for that single character, ‘Sword’?”

As the voice faded, a figure appeared. Everyone turned to see a handsome young man standing proudly on the stage, holding a long sword. He cupped his hands toward Ye Wen and announced, “I am Li Bufan from Yunzhou, and I seek guidance from Sect Leader Ye!”

Ye Wen gave the North Sword Sect disciple a wry smile. The disciple smiled back subtly, gestured for Ye Wen to proceed, and then retreated to the side, clearly eager to watch the show.

“I feel like a monkey!”

This thought suddenly surfaced in Ye Wen’s mind, bringing a sense of helplessness! People in the Jianghu (martial world) sometimes resembled performing monkeys, forced to put on a show for others. Otherwise, how would reputation be earned?

He returned the salute to Li Bufan: “May I ask what advice this Young Hero seeks?”

“Since Sect Leader Ye’s nickname includes the character ‘Sword,’ I assume your swordsmanship is exceptional. I consider myself quite adept in the way of the sword and wish to ask Sect Leader Ye for some pointers!”

Up to this point, his words were respectable, nothing overtly offensive. However, the following sentences revealed his sharp edge, completely abandoning courtesy: “If Sect Leader Ye’s swordsmanship is truly formidable, then there is nothing more to say! But if you are merely a person with undeserved fame… Hmph hmph…”

Ye Wen’s eyelids twitched. Seeing the young man’s face full of arrogance, he knew this person was likely deliberately looking for trouble, hoping to use him as a stepping stone to fame: “…How about it?”

“I request that Sect Leader Ye remove the character ‘Sword’ from his appellation…”

The moment these words were uttered, the crowd erupted! In the Jianghu, a title was like one's personal banner. Asking someone to change their title was no different from smashing their signboard. This man’s demand to strip Ye Wen of his 'Gentleman Sword' title made it clear he intended to confront the Shu Mountain Sect head-on.

Ye Wen was furious, but his anger turned into a wry laugh. He responded casually, “If you can defeat me, then we can discuss it!”

“Heh! I’d like to see just how marvelous Sect Leader Ye’s swordplay truly is?” Li Bufan sneered, casually drawing his long sword, adopting a stance, and declaring, “Sect Leader Ye, please draw your sword…”

With those words, the noisy chatter from below the stage vanished entirely. Li Bufan stared intently at Ye Wen, holding his guard. He had expected Ye Wen to wait for a disciple to bring his sword or simply toss it up. Thus, he settled into his stance and waited, but when Ye Wen made no move, he grew impatient and called out, “Why haven’t you drawn your sword? Do you look down on me?”

Ye Wen casually replied, “Has Ye’s sword not already been drawn, yet you remain unaware?”

Li Bufan was momentarily stunned, unsure what Ye Wen meant by that statement. Just as he was about to ask, he noticed the surrounding audience fall into stunned silence, staring fixedly at the stage. A bad feeling struck him. He called out to a friend below, “Brother Li, look behind you!”

He quickly spun around and stared, his pupils contracting sharply. He sucked in a cold breath, breaking into a cold sweat, frozen on the spot, unsure what to do.

When Li Bufan turned back, he saw a long sword hovering in the air behind him, seemingly unsupported. The tip of the sword trembled slightly, pointing directly at his vital points.

He recalled that from the moment he asked Ye Wen to draw his sword, the crowd below had suddenly fallen silent. At the time, he thought they were just waiting for a good show, but now he realized they were all paralyzed by the sight of that masterless, floating sword.

“Sword Control Divine Art?”

Li Bufan had heard rumors that Ye Wen of the Shu Mountain Sect had once exchanged a strike with Hu Shuwen, the Nine Sword Immortal of the Jade Cave Sect, using sword control techniques. But he had dismissed it as the ramblings of petty folk, never taking it seriously. He absolutely refused to believe that a person whose sect he had never even heard of would know the Sword Control Method, which was revered as a divine art among swordsmen.

But seeing it now, he realized that martial world rumors might not be entirely false!

Li Bufan remained stunned, while the long sword continued to hover steadily in mid-air. Illuminated by the increasingly high sun, it reflected a dazzling sword light. After a few more moments, the sword suddenly vibrated, then zipped past Li Bufan’s head.

He quickly turned back around and saw the long sword circle Ye Wen once before landing directly back in Ye Wen’s hand. All doubt vanished; the sword was undeniably controlled by Ye Wen.

Compared to the common martial artists, the leaders of the major sects were even more profoundly shocked.

The Jade Cave Sect, already aware of this capability of Ye Wen’s, was not overly surprised. The Nine Sword Immortal even chuckled and remarked to his senior brother, “Although this young man’s sword control technique can’t be used for direct combat, it’s quite effective for intimidation!”

Yuqingzi managed a wry smile, unsure how to address his junior brother. Their sect’s unique skill was nearly no longer exclusive, yet his junior brother was still in the mood for idle chatter. But since this was his junior brother’s nature, he couldn’t say much.

In contrast to the composure of the Jade Cave Sect, the reactions of other major sects were much stronger.

Lin Hai of the Tianle Gang looked even more astonished. He turned to Huayi and asked, “Is this the Remote Object Manipulation skill you mentioned before? So it can control swords too?”

Huayi explained, “Although it can manipulate weaponry, the power isn't particularly strong; it’s like throwing a sword casually. Its advantage is that it’s unpredictable and hard to trace!”

Hearing this, Lin Hai was slightly relieved. “Then there is no need to worry. If the weapon lacks powerful Zhenqi (true energy), it cannot break a master’s protective vital energy barrier!”

The members of the Tianle Gang breathed a collective sigh of relief. Dongfang Yi of the Azure Dragon Society, however, looked even gloomier, cursing inwardly, “Where did Lin Hai find such an ally? He even knows the sword control technique of that old ghost, the Nine Sword Immortal? Could there be some connection between the Shu Mountain Sect and the Jade Cave Sect?”

He even suspected that the Shu Mountain Sect was merely a branch of the Jade Cave Sect. After all, the Sword Control technique had become almost synonymous with the Nine Sword Immortal; upon seeing Sword Control Divine Art, most people would naturally associate it with him, which was hardly strange.

Bei Chengyan, the Sect Leader of the North Sword Sect, uttered an “Oh?” and turned to ask her disciple, “The Shu Mountain Sect indeed has some depth. No wonder the Tianle Gang has suffered setbacks several times!” She and Pei Wei were once martial siblings, but because Pei Wei’s aptitude was limited and he couldn't achieve much, he left the mountain to roam the Jianghu.

Later, after mastering the North Sword Sect’s supreme technique, the Tianma Xingyun Sword Style (Heavenly Steed Roaming Clouds Sword Style), Bei Chengyan succeeded as Sect Leader and maintained contact with Pei Wei. She was somewhat aware of the affairs between the Tianle Gang and the Shu Mountain Sect.

At the time, she found it strange that while the Tianle Gang wasn't a top-tier sect in the martial world, they shouldn’t have been pushed into such a tight spot by a rural faction. Only after witnessing Ye Wen’s sword control display did she resolve her confusion. Naturally, she didn't know that Ye Wen’s move was merely for show, nor did she know that Ye Wen hadn't even possessed this divine skill before.

As for Li Xuan of the Tianshan Sect, his expression was grave, yet tinged with curiosity. He kept flipping his wine cup back and forth, but not a single drop spilled; it had long since been frozen solid by his Han Jin (cold energy).

“This Shu Mountain Sect… is quite interesting!”