After a long trek, Ye Nü and her group finally returned to the territory of Mount Shu. Their pace during these past few days of travel had changed; they were no longer meandering but pressing forward with urgency.

It seemed that having been away from the mountain for so long, everyone yearned to get back sooner, for to the people of the Mount Shu Sect, Shu Shan was home. Approaching home naturally quickens one's steps.

However, upon reaching the foot of Mount Shu, they encountered a detachment of imperial troops encamped there. Ye Wen was initially puzzled by the sight of this group, but a glance back at Wei Shishi, the reigning Grand Princess, brought instant understanding.

“I suppose these soldiers are here to guard the Grand Princess. But how did they arrive at Shu Shan before us?” Ye Wen naturally did not know that Emperor Wei Hong, having received word of the Princess, had immediately dispatched a secret decree, ordering the Imperial Guards to ride at full speed toward Pingzhou. Moreover, this detachment was not from the capital garrisons but from the local border troops of Pingzhou, making their mobilization far swifter than sending forces directly from the court.

As their party approached, someone immediately stepped forward to question them about their identities. Upon learning they were the contingent from the Mount Shu Sect, the soldier hurried off to report. Shortly thereafter, a group of people rushed out, led by several Imperial Guards.

These matters were of no concern to Ye Wen and the others; they naturally kept their distance. Had they remained closer, they would surely have become entangled, leading to who knew how much tiresome chatter.

Yet, he did not expect that soon Zhou Guan would approach them, bowing with clasped hands: “Thank you, Great Hero Ye, for your care along the way. I shall take my leave here!”

“Oh? Returning to the capital?” Ye Wen had a decent impression of this young man from a noble family who had managed to secure a post among the Imperial Guards. They had enjoyed agreeable conversation throughout the journey. He had assumed this young man would stay on his mountain for a while, not expecting him to depart right at the foothills.

Zhou Guan scratched his head, perhaps pondering how best to phrase his next words, finally deciding that blunt honesty would be the most efficient route: “Not only I, but the Grand Princess will also be returning to the capital! We have been away too long. While the Emperor is not displeased, the talk amongst the lower ranks has become unfavorable, seriously damaging the Grand Princess’s reputation. Having traveled this far was a good experience for her, but to linger outside any longer would be quite improper. Therefore, the Emperor sent a secret decree via express courier, ordering the Pingzhou border army to send a detachment to escort the Grand Princess back to the capital.” It was then Ye Wen realized that it was not just Zhou Guan departing, but also the seemingly scatterbrained Grand Princess.

However, being members of the Royal Family meant an inherent lack of freedom. That Wei Shishi could run off to enjoy herself for so long was only due to the reigning Emperor being her own brother, and with no elders left to restrain them, they could afford a bit of recklessness.

But royal decorum still had to be considered. Wei Shishi running off to travel with the Mount Shu group—Ye Wen could easily imagine the kind of gossip that would ensue.

Furthermore, the Emperor had personally decreed an imperial marriage in the great hall, intending to take Xu Xian as the consort. Xu Xian had subsequently refused the imperial edict, and immediately after, the Grand Princess had fled the palace to follow him. With all these events intertwined, it was inevitable that people would speculate wildly.

Looking up toward the military detachment, Ye Wen noticed the border troops were already fully prepared. The Grand Princess was seated in front of a luxurious carriage, her expression solemn, displaying a noble and extraordinary bearing—a complete contrast to the demeanor she had shown the group these past few days. This appearance fit the image of a princess some held in their minds, but Ye Wen found it ethereal, distant even.

Zhou Guan glanced back, then looked at Ye Wen: “Even great aristocratic houses are like this, let alone the Imperial House?” He then clasped his hands toward Ye Wen one last time: “We part ways here. If Great Hero Ye ever visits the capital, please do not forget to inform me. I will certainly prepare a banquet to welcome you!”

Ye Wen understood the rationale, yet he was struck by a sudden realization: everyone is born destined to bear responsibilities that they might not have chosen. It was the same for him, the same for Wei Shishi, and even for this Zhou Guan, who was currently mingling with the Imperial Guards—would he not eventually have to inherit his family estate and serve in the Imperial Army?

“Farewell, travel safely!”

As the large procession began to move away, the Grand Princess, now settled inside the carriage, lifted the curtain. She offered a slight smile to the Mount Shu Sect members standing by the roadside as a farewell gesture, then lowered the curtain. The group would never see the Princess who had traveled with them for so many days again.

Wei Shishi lowered the curtain and let out a breath of helplessness. Huan’er, sitting beside her, asked, “Your Highness, shouldn’t you bid them a proper farewell?”

Staring blankly at the heavily drawn curtain ahead, Wei Shishi sighed, “With so many outsiders present… how can I say a proper goodbye?”

Her usual antics in the palace were tolerated because the guards there were largely accustomed to her temper. But in front of outsiders, especially the border troops, she could not be so casual. If these numerous border soldiers saw the current Grand Princess acting in that manner, the imperial dignity might be utterly destroyed by her. The capital folk might be manageable, as the Emperor held sway and the Imperial Army remained his sharpest weapon, but the border army was very different; a small lapse could easily invite turmoil.

“We were bound to part eventually, it’s just a pity I couldn’t spend a little more time on Mount Shu!” Though she spoke this way, after Wei Shishi exhaled, Huan’er immediately remarked, “Your Highness should feel good about this! Returning to the capital means you won’t have to endure Miss Zhou’s icy glare all day long!” Remembering Zhou Zhiruo’s perpetual coldness, which most people couldn't tolerate, the fact that the Grand Princess had endured it all this time was remarkable. Of course, her martial arts progress remained nil—at most, she learned a few superficial stances that might fool the uninitiated. However, she had received a set of health-preserving exercises from Ye Wen, who had helped her achieve the initial entry into the practice. With guidance from a master skilled in internal energy cultivation later on, her health would likely remain robust.

“After this parting, it may be hard to meet again…”

Wei Shishi thought of that young girl, Zhou Zhiruo, feeling a mix of annoyance and lingering affection. The girl, who cared nothing for her status, was perhaps her best friend. She could share private thoughts with Zhou Zhiruo that she wouldn't even tell Huan’er. After all, Zhou Zhiruo was so cold and young; she likely wouldn't grasp the depth of many things she said, and even if she did, she wouldn't repeat them to others. She was truly the perfect confidante.

What she didn't know was that Zhou Zhiruo, having experienced great upheaval in her childhood, had grasped the essence of what was being said, even if not every detail was clear, and felt deep sympathy for the Princess. In fact, it was Zhou Zhiruo who had sought out Ye Wen and asked her own master to teach the health-breathing technique to the Princess, hoping to secure her sister’s lifelong health and peace. Ye Wen had been surprised at the time, privately musing if these "three-no" types were truly cold-faced but warm-hearted.

Even after Wei Shishi’s group departed, Zhou Zhiruo remained standing by the roadside, watching until the last trace of them vanished, reluctant to leave.

Finally, Ye Wen had to approach the still-young Zhi’ruo and gently urge her back to the mountain: “Let’s go! If fate allows, we will meet again in the future!”

Zhi’ruo turned to him, “Does Sister Wei dislike me?”

“How could that be?”

“Then why didn’t she say goodbye to us when leaving?”

Ye Wen sighed, “She must have her difficulties. Her status is simply too… constrained!”

Wei Shishi’s status was too constrained. Because she had traveled with the Mount Shu contingent to Pingzhou, all sorts of unpleasant rumors began circulating in the capital. Although the assembled officials dared not spread slanderous talk openly in the hall that day, many attending eunuchs and guards overheard snippets. Initially, these were confined to palace gossip, but eventually, they leaked out and, embellished by street talk, became as malicious as possible.

The personnel of the Five City Constabulary heard the rumors and reported them up the chain of command, eventually reaching Emperor Wei Hong’s ears. Angered, he received reports from his guards that the Grand Princess was currently heading toward Pingzhou with the Mount Shu group. This prompted him to send the urgent secret decree, ordering his sister to return quickly. His earlier hope of sparking some romance between his sister and Xu Xian had long since been discarded.

With three people gone from the entourage, the rest were all members of the Mount Shu Sect. Although Hua Yi had not formally entered the sect, she considered herself Ye Wen’s maid and was not an outsider. Ye Wen was often teased by his junior martial brother Xu, who privately asked him, “Senior martial brother, are you planning to take Miss Hua as a concubine? I wonder how you’ll manage Senior Sister’s reaction.”

Ye Wen pursed his lips, “Junior brother, you should worry about yourself! Having topped the Imperial Examination and been appointed as an official—that is truly bringing great honor to your ancestors. And since Rongrong is unwilling to marry you immediately, a whole flock of matchmakers will probably descend upon you as soon as you return home!”

Speaking of this, Xu Xian felt a headache coming on, especially considering how many times his own father had urged him. Even his mother had recently begun mentioning the daughters of various prominent families.

Worse still, the unscrupulous Ye Wen had even told him, “Speaking of which, I recall being entrusted in the capital to put in a good word for the Lin family’s young lady. How about it, Junior Brother? Are you interested in training a wild horse?”

Xu Xian shuddered at the suggestion: “Senior Brother means that Lin family young lady who is rumored to have a fiery temper and enjoys using a whip?”

“Uh-huh!”

“Better not! Junior Brother cannot handle that.” Xu Xian shook his head vigorously, then bid farewell to the group at the foot of the mountain: “I need to return home for a while to discuss matters in the capital with my parents before coming back to the mountain!” He then leaned close to Ye Wen to whisper, “Senior Brother, don't forget to prepare those fruits!”

“I remember, I remember! You go ahead!”

Having sent Xu Xian off, Ye Wen led the remaining group back up Mount Shu. The disciples were overjoyed to see their Sect Leader and elders return. Zhou Ding and Liu Muyan immediately dropped their current tasks to rush out and greet them, simultaneously reporting on the affairs of the mountain to their Sect Leader.

“During the time the Sect Leader was away, nothing untoward happened, though a few more people came seeking to become disciples. Since the Sect Leader and elders were absent, your junior brother dared not make a decision, so Senior Brother Liu permitted them to stay provisionally, pending the Sect Leader’s return for a final ruling!”

“Oh? Any promising prospects?”

Zhou Ding shook his head with a wry smile, “At best, they are about the same as most existing disciples. I suspect the Sect Leader will not find them particularly noteworthy!”

Seeing Zhou Ding say this, Ye Wen felt a slight disappointment and arranged, “Admit them to the Outer Sect for now. Time will tell!”

“Yes!”

Zhou Ding then meticulously reported on the cultivation progress of all the disciples. He also mentioned that some disciples had reached a certain level in their practice and had gone down the mountain for experience. Most chose to take charge of the sect’s properties, such as working as escorts for security firms or serving as guards for local landlords. Only a small number wished to venture out on their own; these individuals were currently not on the mountain.

“No wonder I noticed so many fewer disciples upon my return!”

Ye Wen supported his disciples going out for experience. Moreover, these disciples taking on jobs were also helping the Mount Shu Sect earn income, which pleased him greatly. In the future, once this batch of Outer Sect disciples achieved mastery, his burden would lighten considerably. They would become the circulating workforce of the sect, and the sect's various enterprises would be running smoothly, leaving him free to focus solely on instructing his few core disciples.

He then instructed Li Sen to look over the ledgers. Their group had been away for a considerable time, and the inns and rents needed inspection. Upon return, they naturally had to reconcile accounts first, calculate the income and expenditures for the year, and prepare for the year-end Grand Competition.

When Ye Wen returned to the mountain, it was already deep winter, necessitating preparations for the sect’s internal martial arts competition to assess the disciples’ training over the past year.

However, Ye Wen held little hope for this internal competition. Most of the disciples were the same as before, and he knew their general skill levels well. Even if someone won first place, at best he could only impart some advanced techniques; advancing to the Inner Sect would be difficult unless a disciple showed extraordinary, rapid improvement.

With everything arranged, Ye Wen went to assess Liu Muyan’s progress. Among his disciples, this fourth apprentice possessed the lowest overall cultivation base. However, if he mastered the Iron Hook Silver Stroke technique Ye Wen taught him, even ordinary opponents would find him troublesome. As for the internal cultivation, Ye Wen let him practice slowly.

After demonstrating a technique, Ye Wen was satisfied with Liu Muyan’s performance. Given that he had never practiced martial arts before, his current ability was commendable. He then tested Liu Muyan’s calligraphy, finding that this apprentice was indeed a genius. Since his physique had hardened, his brushwork had become quite respectable. Furthermore, he was no longer strictly imitating Ye Wen’s style but was beginning to integrate his own characteristics.

Liu Muyan’s script was somewhat more unrestrained and elegant than Ye Wen’s style—it was hard to say which was superior, as both possessed unique merits. But Liu Muyan’s script was still in its nascent stage; to become a master, he needed sustained, diligent effort.

“You have learned quite a bit of calligraphy now. What are your plans for the future?”

Liu Muyan’s initial reason for joining his tutelage was to learn calligraphy. Now that his skill had reached a certain level, further progress depended entirely on his own practice. There was little more Ye Wen could teach him, so he asked about his intentions.

Unexpectedly, Liu Muyan replied, “For days, I have been contemplating the ‘Shu Shan Two-Character Secret’ that Master imparted, and I often go to the foot of the mountain to view the characters ‘Shu Shan’ you inscribed on the cliff face. I have realized that my calligraphy is merely introductory; I am far from mastery. Therefore, I wish to remain on the mountain to continue practicing martial arts and calligraphy!” He had spent days meditating on those two characters and realized that while his calligraphy had seen achievement, replicating or reaching the level of Ye Wen’s inscription required achieving a commensurate level in martial arts. Currently, hindered by insufficient cultivation, he could only stare longingly at those two characters, unable to advance further. This realization solidified his resolve to cultivate martial arts diligently.

Ye Wen nodded and said, “Among my disciples, you have the poorest aptitude for martial arts. Do you know why I accepted you as a student?”

Hearing this, Liu Muyan’s face flushed. In terms of literary talent, he felt he was second to none, but in martial aptitude, he truly was not exceptional. Moreover, his mind was complex, unlike Guo Jing’s straightforward nature, and he lacked any foundation. His current level was only achievable through Ye Wen’s extensive support.

“Your student does not know!” He reflected that he truly lacked martial talent; if he were the master, he wouldn't have been eager to accept such a student either.

Ye Wen took a sip of tea and smiled, “It is because you persevere! Poor aptitude matters little; what is vital is self-awareness and relentless dedication! As long as you keep persisting, you will eventually obtain what you desire, whether in calligraphy or martial arts.” He continued, “If Muyan intends to pursue an official career, he must aim for the final Palace Examination, correct?”

Upon mentioning this, Liu Muyan lifted his chin proudly, “Naturally. Your student is confident he can place in the top three of the Palace Examination!”

Ye Wen did not doubt his apprentice’s literary talent. Having taken him as a disciple for so long, he knew his capabilities intimately. Xu Xian himself had said that Liu Muyan’s talent surpassed his own, and Xu Xian was a genuine top scholar.

“In that case, perhaps you shouldn’t bother taking the Prefectural and Tribute Examinations for these next two years!” Ye Wen stroked his chin, having devised a way for his apprentice to soar in status.

Liu Muyan was greatly confused. His original plan was to take advantage of his nascent calligraphy skills to secure the position of Juren (Provincial Graduate) in the state capital after spring, which would align perfectly for the Metropolitan Examination the year after next. Now his master was telling him not to test, which baffled him.

Ye Wen smiled knowingly, “Your previous failures in the examinations, even failing to become a Xiucai (Budding Talent), were all because of your poor handwriting!” At this, Liu Muyan’s face filled with shame, deepening his gratitude toward Ye Wen, feeling that accepting him as a master was the wisest decision of his life.

Ye Wen continued, “Although there were reasons, it inevitably lowered the examiners’ impression of you. If you proceed to the Palace Examination like this, possessing the talent of a top scholar, you might still yield the title of Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) to another!” Upon hearing this, Liu Muyan recalled the various rules of the examination hall. If he tested now, he might indeed suffer because of his past ‘record.’

Seeing that Liu Muyan understood, Ye Wen smiled, “So, we need a plan to transform the examiners’ perception of you!”

Liu Muyan, realizing his master had a strategy, asked eagerly, “How should we proceed?”

“Heh-heh!” Ye Wen chuckled triumphantly, “I’ll tell you in the next chapter!”