Ye Nü sucked in a few breaths, and the meridians within his body were no longer aching; the circulation of the innate Ziqing (Violet Qi) was unimpeded. However, that recent surge of intense assault had drained more true qi than he had anticipated. Although the innate Ziqing recovered quickly, it still required some time.

Fortunately, this didn't hinder his movements. He shook his hand as if trying to flick off whatever had touched it, but this was merely a subconscious reaction. Although his final palm strike had pulverized Situ Haoyun’s head, the explosive force of the blow meant nothing had actually adhered to his hand; it had all returned to the embrace of Mother Earth.

“Perhaps next time I should hold back slightly, just beat him to death. Beating him into this shape is truly too disgusting!”

Glancing at the corpse, which occasionally gave a faint twitch, Ye Wen was certain that in its current state, even those who knew him best would struggle to recognize him immediately.

“A pity that Madam Shen escaped again! Since that old hag has made her threat, I cannot rest easy until she’s dead!”

He glanced once more in the direction Shen Yuqing had fled. Ye Wen could only sigh. Shen Yuqing’s lightness skill (Qinggong) was too powerful and bizarre; she had vanished in the blink of an eye. Ye Wen, though confident he could outlast anyone in a long run, had no idea where to pursue, rendering his stamina useless from the start.

He looked down at Situ Haoyun’s corpse, then turned to Zhou Guan, who was staring at him in astonishment from the side. “This body, I fear, will trouble Guard Zhou to dispose of again!”

Zhou Guan snapped back to reality and quickly replied, “:It’s nothing at all, Great Hero Ye is too polite!” Having traveled with the Shu Shan Sect members these past few days, he knew this man was the senior martial brother of Heroine Ning, as well as her fiancé, and the current Sect Leader for this contingent. Even Lord Xu respectfully called him ‘Senior Martial Brother Leader.’

However, Ye Wen had been acting quite casually these past few days, speaking gently to everyone. Combined with his relatively young age, Zhou Guan had subconsciously underestimated him slightly, assuming that Ye Wen’s ability to secure the position of Sect Leader stemmed mostly from superior social graces.

Seeing him today, Zhou Guan realized that while social skills were indeed necessary to hold the position firmly, one’s martial arts could not be inferior to those of his fellow disciples. In the recent confrontation with that member of the Demonic Sect, he judged that he couldn’t withstand a single move from either of them. If he had stepped forward, he’d likely have ended up bloodied and dead on the spot within one exchange.

It wasn't just Zhou Guan who was shocked; the surrounding group of Royal Guards were filled with awe. Their impression of Ye Wen shifted completely in that instant, and they began speaking to him cautiously and respectfully. Even the Princess was no longer as arrogant as before.

“Huan’er, do you think this fellow will hold a grudge because I treated him so rudely earlier?” The Eldest Princess pulled her maidservant aside, now worrying that Ye Wen might resent her and refuse to accept her as a disciple—a fate she considered disastrous.

Huan’er scratched her head and finally replied uncertainly, “Probably not! Sect Leader Ye doesn’t seem like the sort of petty person, does he?”

Though they were speaking quietly in a corner, their words did not escape Ye Wen’s ears. Hearing this, Ye Wen snorted and thought, I am very petty, and I remember every slight!

However, saying this aloud now would seem deliberately provocative to the somewhat baffling Princess. If no one else were present, it wouldn't matter, but with his own disciples surrounding him, he swallowed the words to maintain the dignity required of a Master.

Simultaneously, he began reviewing the recent battle with Situ Haoyun. That fight had benefited him greatly today, even more so than his contest with Lin Hai at the Martial Arts Assembly.

During the fight with Lin Hai, Lin Hai had been courting death, only trading a couple of blows before backing off. Lin Hai had held back at the critical moment, and Ye Wen had not forced out his full potential either.

Today was vastly different. Situ Haoyun had arrayed his stance from the beginning, determined to take Ye Wen’s life. Furthermore, the man’s skill was on par with Ye Wen’s, and his protective vital energy (Huti Jinqi) was even stronger. If Ye Wen hadn't thought, at the last moment, to use his Spiral Sword Qi to shatter that punch technique—and in doing so pierce his opponent's protective energy—he would likely have been defeated by that single strike.

Moreover, though they exchanged only a few moves, every strike was essential, delivered with full force. In just a few exchanges, the energy expended was greater than a hundred or even a thousand moves against others.

As for how Ye Wen ultimately managed to take Situ Haoyun’s life afterward, it was entirely due to the miraculous nature of the innate Ziqing.

Consider this: when two masters of nearly equal skill clash, if one needs a few seconds to recuperate after unleashing a full-power move, while the other never has to consider recovery and can strike move after move—what an advantage that is!

Ye Wen capitalized on this advantage. After shattering Situ Haoyun’s punch momentum with one strike, he rushed in to deliver a killing palm blow while Situ Haoyun's defenses were wide open and his reserve energy was depleted.

“It’s practically like having all skills that require a cooldown in a game become small skills that can be spammed without restraint! I am practically a BUG!” He labeled himself internally, feeling even more satisfied with his innate Ziqing, not to mention that after just a brief moment of sitting, his power level had already recovered by seventy or eighty percent.

Poor Situ Haoyun! He had presumed that relying on the formidable techniques of the Xuetian Mo Gong (Blood Heaven Demon Art) and the Wuhu Duanwen Chui (Five Fox Severing Flail) would allow him to firmly suppress an opponent of equal power, never expecting to encounter Ye Wen, who possessed the innate Ziqing—an existence even more monstrous than himself—and thus met his end there.

He opened his eyes and saw Ning Ruxue sitting beside him, asking, “Senior Brother, how do you feel?”

Ye Wen knew his junior sister was worried he might have sustained internal injuries. After all, everyone present had clearly witnessed the imposing aura Situ Haoyun displayed when he attacked. The inherent nature of the Xuetian Mo Gong dictated that the greater the display, the greater the power. Thus, merely observing Situ Haoyun’s stance during the exchange was enough to gauge his cultivation level.

Among those present, only Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian might be able to maneuver around him using lightness skills, but when it came to a direct confrontation, only Ye Wen could manage it.

As she asked, Zhou Guan suddenly returned, bowing to Ye Wen. “Great Hero Ye, slaying the Demonic Sect traitor today is a great service. I will report this accurately, but the body needs to be sent to the capital—I wonder if Great Hero Ye objects?”

Since Ye Wen had killed this man, Zhou Guan naturally needed to ask permission before sending the body away, offering a sign of respect.

Ye Wen didn't mind. He knew that this Situ family member was a major headache for the current Emperor. Sending the corpse of a Situ descendant back now would surely delight the Emperor and likely earn these guards some rewards.

Furthermore, it clearly established that this group from Shu Shan stood in opposition to the Demonic Sect. Once the imperial court had clarity on this, the Shu Shan Sect would face far less official obstruction in their future development.

Since it was an all-around beneficial situation, Ye Wen readily agreed: “Guard Zhou, please use your own judgment!”

Receiving Ye Wen’s assent, Zhou Guan immediately directed several subordinates to handle the corpse, then arranged for the guards to escort the few injured brothers back to the capital.

Seeing that several of them were injured, two seriously so with internal damage, Ye Wen decided to see the act of kindness through to the end. He called the severely injured guards over: “Ye has some skill in treating internal injuries. It won’t be too late for us to leave after I tend to these brothers for a while!”

Saying this, he activated the largely recovered innate Ziqing and helped regulate their conditions for a time. While it wouldn't result in instant complete recovery, it would save their lives and ensure that the severe injuries would leave no lingering aftereffects.

“Great Hero Ye’s kindness, we brothers will never forget! If Great Hero Su Ye ever comes to the capital, should you need any assistance, do not hesitate to ask!”

These guards were indeed grateful people. They promptly reported their names, affiliations, and home addresses in the capital, then were escorted toward the capital by the few uninjured brothers.

After that group departed, Ye Wen looked around and realized that out of the original twenty-one guards, including Zhou Guan, only Zhou Guan remained.

He turned to look at the Princess, who seemed completely oblivious, feeling nothing inappropriate about the situation. Wasn't she afraid that they might abduct her back to the mountain for some purpose, or perhaps sell her off as a concubine? Given the Princess’s looks and bearing, she should fetch a very good price.

Looking back at Zhou Guan, the Imperial Guard tasked with protection, he also showed no concern. Instead, he smiled broadly: “Traveling with Sect Leader Ye’s entourage, what is there to worry about?”

Faced with such master and servant, Ye Wen could only sigh. If they insisted on following, so be it. At worst, he could bring them to Shu Shan for a few days’ hospitality, and when the Princess grew tired of playing, she would naturally return to the palace.

However…

“When you go back, remember to take this letter to the Emperor, and tell him that this Princess is in Pingzhou, at Shu Shan!”

The Princess handed a letter bearing her personal seal to one of the guards returning to the capital. Afterward, she told Huan’er, “Once Imperial Brother reads this letter from your Princess, he will send over all the necessary things!”

It turned out the Princess had listed everything she needed and ordered the Emperor to deliver it to Shu Shan, acting as if Shu Shan were merely her private estate.

Then she turned to Ning Ruxue and declared, “If Heroine Ning refuses to take me as a disciple, this Princess will simply move onto Shu Shan and refuse to leave!” This time, however, remembering Ye Wen, she added, “Please allow this person to join your sect, Great Hero Ye!”

“……”

Ye Wen felt the Princess was utterly throwing a tantrum, but he couldn't think of a solution immediately. Finally, having no choice, he pointed at Zhou Zhiruo. “Since Her Highness desires to learn martial arts, have my second disciple guide you through our sect’s basic exercises first. If you can persist, then we can discuss formal discipleship!”

In his heart, he was certain that this pampered Eldest Princess would not endure the ensuing hardships and would flee on her own before he even needed to chase her away.

The choice of Zhou Zhiruo was also carefully considered. Among his disciples, most were male; he only had Zhou Zhiruo as a female disciple, making it inappropriate for a male disciple to instruct the Princess. Furthermore, Zhou Zhiruo, being so reserved and lacking in outward emotion, wouldn’t be intimidated by the Princess’s demanding and unreasonable behavior, and could ensure the Princess experienced the maximum amount of hardship.

“Hmm! I am truly a genius! To think of such a method, hahaha!”

While immensely pleased with himself internally, he maintained an extremely serious expression as he explained to the slightly displeased Princess: “This Zhou Zhiruo has followed me for several years, and her skill is quite impressive. Do not underestimate her just because she is young. If a fight broke out, none of those guards who just left could match her!”

This statement carried the most weight. The Princess, hearing that such a young and adorably cute little girl was so formidable, was both curious and astonished, immediately wanting to see her demonstrate. Unfortunately, Zhou Zhiruo completely ignored her, standing by with a cold expression.

“Yes! My disciple’s temperament is a bit cold, but those are minor issues, please don’t mind…”

Seeing that Zhou Zhiruo remained unmoved, the Princess resorted to her stubborn streak again, producing a handful of sweets from somewhere and offering them to Zhou Zhiruo: “…Little sister, would big sister like a piece of candy?”

“……”

When Zhou Zhiruo remained indifferent, the Princess became even more contrary, bothering her incessantly day after day. Yet, the young Miss Zhou remained aloof, offering zero response outside of instruction. When teaching, she omitted nothing that needed to be said; in daily life, not a single word was offered.

“Hmph! This Princess refuses to believe she can’t manage a little girl!”

Seeing this dynamic, Ye Wen secretly chuckled. Finally, the Princess was bothering him less. Once she grew weary of Zhou Zhiruo’s rigid instruction, he would have peace.

“Yes! Everything is within my projections!”

While feeling smug, he was unaware that elsewhere, others were discussing matters concerning the Shu Shan Sect.

“Is that girl causing a ruckus again?” A handsome, refined middle-aged man of about forty, holding a rolled-up book, casually inquired.

The young man standing below him was unmistakably Nangong Yun, who had a brief conflict with the Shu Shan contingent at the foot of North Sword Peak. Hearing his father’s question, he replied respectfully, “Little sister is still clamoring to go teach those Shu Shan people a lesson.” Saying this, he let out a wry smile, inwardly sighing, Thank goodness I caught up with little sister before she rushed home to stir up trouble.

The middle-aged man frowned. Although he continued looking at the book in his hands, his attention was clearly no longer on the pages. “Truly reckless! Causing trouble herself and then demanding the family step in to discipline the opponent? Is the Nangong family this unreasonable? This girl is becoming less and less acceptable!”

Nangong Yun kept his head lowered, daring not to speak, because although his father was scolding his sister, he was also the one who spoiled her the most. If Yun stepped in too eagerly now, his father might suspect him of spreading gossip or kicking someone when they were down, out of jealousy towards his siblings.

But standing there was extremely stifling, and finally, his uncle spoke up, diffusing the tension for him.

The middle-aged man sitting below, who appeared to be in his early thirties, remarked, “Isn't it because Eldest Brother spoils her too much? I don’t see you reprimanding Hua-jie for her behavior. Why make Yun’er stand here listening to your lecture?”

He then waved his hand toward Nangong Yun. “You can leave. Don’t worry about the matter concerning Zixin; Uncle and your father know how to handle it! Also, keep an eye on that girl Zixin; don’t let her run around recklessly!”

“Yes!” Nangong Yun exhaled in relief and immediately withdrew. Only the two brothers currently managing the major affairs of the Nangong Clan remained in the room.

“You’ve read the reports sent back from the Martial Arts Assembly, haven’t you? What are your thoughts on this Shu Shan Sect, Eldest Brother?”

The current head of the Nangong Clan was Nangong Wentian, the one reading the book in the room, who was also the father of Nangong Yun and Nangong Zixin. The speaker was Nangong Tinghai, Nangong Wentian’s younger brother, who usually helped his elder brother manage the affairs of the Nangong Clan. The two brothers worked in concert, ensuring the Nangong family remained firmly established in the martial world.

Nangong Wentian sighed. “If they were a minor household, it would be easy to handle; sending someone over to apologize would demonstrate the stature of the Nangong family! But as it stands, the Shu Shan Sect cannot be underestimated, especially after their brilliant performance at the Assembly. This matter was none of our concern until Zixin stirred up trouble. If we don't make some gesture, ill feelings might arise.”

He paused, clearly distressed about his daughter. “Although the Nangong family does not fear conflict, needlessly creating a powerful adversary is unwise. We must resolve this before it escalates!”

Nangong Tinghai considered this, then concluded, “Zixin is getting older, but she grows more ill-mannered! Eldest Brother is so busy with family affairs that he’s been somewhat lax in her discipline, and Sister-in-law… Alas… If Sister-in-law were still here, she certainly wouldn't let her develop such a spoiled temperament!”

Nangong Wentian could only sigh in resignation.

Seeing the loneliness and melancholy in his elder brother’s expression, Nangong Tinghai knew he had trodden on sensitive ground and immediately steered the conversation elsewhere. “Yun’er said he is willing to travel to Shu Shan himself; I think that’s feasible!”

Nangong Wentian nodded. “I think so too, but Zixin refuses, which is why it’s been delayed until now!”

Hearing this, Nangong Tinghai suddenly proposed, “Has Big Brother ever considered simply having Zixin join the Shu Shan Sect as a disciple?”

“Oh?” Nangong Wentian was quite surprised by his brother’s sudden suggestion and asked, “Tinghai, what are your thoughts? Elaborate a little!”

Nangong Tinghai explained, “After the incident at the Martial Arts Assembly, the rise of the Shu Shan Sect is an undeniable fact in the martial world. Having a member of the Nangong family join them would hardly be a demotion of status. Moreover, Yun’er’s report mentioned that the Shu Shan disciples possess exceptional martial arts, suggesting their methods of instruction must be unique! Zixin’s spoiled nature was cultivated entirely by being pampered at home. It might be better to entrust her instruction to outsiders so she can learn some understanding of the world and human relationships!”

Nangong Wentian remained silent, stroking his chin as he mulled over his brother’s suggestion.

Logically, the Nangong Clan was a martial family; there was no need to send their descendants to other sects for training. However, in recent years, Nangong Wentian had been consumed by the burdens of the family. In the limited free time he had, instructing his eldest son, Nangong Feng, was already the limit; he had scant time to properly guide his second son, Nangong Yun, resulting in Yun’er’s skill being merely average.

There was even less time to educate Zixin, and since she was a girl destined not to inherit the family legacy, she had been indulged somewhat. Who knew that now they would be vexed by this girl? If she could be sent to Shu Shan to be properly disciplined, even if she learned little, correcting her temperament alone would be worthwhile.

He had nearly made up his mind when he heard his brother add, “I also intend for Huang’er to join the Shu Shan Sect simultaneously, to avoid future conflict between our own brothers over the position of Clan Head! It would be a permanent solution!”

……………… PS: June has passed, I feel nostalgic about it… Well, that’s just idle chatter. What’s truly significant is that July has arrived, marking the second half of the year. Angel hopes to maintain the current momentum, which means publishing 10,000 characters daily. Given my hard work—treating what others call an explosive chapter as a regular update—brothers, throw all kinds of votes my way! I want every single type of vote…