"Senior's invitation, this junior must certainly obey!" With a gesture, he moved out first. Jiu Jian Xian made no pleasantries, simply rising, casually slinging his signature array of weapons across his back, and then stepping out in a stride to follow Ye Wen. Knowing full well the man’s powerful lightness skill, Ye Wen hadn't waited for him, yet as soon as Jiu Jian Xian was alongside, the two were already engaged in a silent contest.

Though they appeared to be walking out together, a sound of rushing wind filled the air, clearly the friction caused by rapidly moving currents of air. The dust around their feet swirled incessantly, the residual energy from their released Zhenqi scattering it away, but because the force constantly spun in unpredictable directions, neither man knew where the dust would finally land.

After a few more steps, Jiu Jian Xian's brow twitched, and he chuckled lightly, "Quite interesting!" As he spoke, the step he had just taken continued its forward motion as if nothing unusual had occurred.

Ye Wen knew clearly that he had just deployed the Ziqi Tianluo energy field, which he had spent five years perfecting. Normally, anyone stepping into the range of his field would find it nearly impossible to move an inch.

Even though he wasn't using his full Golden Power, Jiu Jian Xian seemed entirely unaffected, showcasing his formidable cultivation.

Simultaneously, the Zhenqi surrounding him began to spin; Ye Wen felt the field of force around Jiu Jian Xian being smoothly deflected aside, making it impossible to close the distance. This was the Hui Zhuan Yuan Xing Zhang technique of the Jade Cave Sect.

Though their exchange appeared to be a simple walk, they had already traded several rounds. At this point, it was clear that Jiu Jian Xian was worthy of the title of the foremost expert in the martial world today; Ye Wen’s techniques had had no discernible effect on him.

In a moment, the two arrived at the training ground. It was late afternoon, and many disciples were practicing, while others gathered in small groups, seemingly discussing something. Upon seeing Ye Wen arrive, they immediately bowed in greeting. Ye Wen merely waved a hand and commanded, "Clear the training ground!"

No one needed further instruction, but after glancing at the old man, the disciples understood that the Sect Master intended to spar with someone. They quickly ushered the few still practicing to the side, then eagerly formed a circle around the periphery of the ground, hoping to witness their Sect Master’s divine might.

"Who is that old man? How dare he challenge our Sect Master?" A disciple, who held Ye Wen’s skills in the highest regard, sneered dismissively at the old man carrying several flashy long swords on his back, looking down on Jiu Jian Xian.

It took several more knowledgeable senior brothers to correct him: "Watch your words! That is the foremost master in the martial world today—the Jade Cave Sect's Jiu Jian Xian, the venerable Hu Shuwen!"

Many others nearby had only heard the name Jiu Jian Xian in passing, never imagining that this old man standing opposite their Sect Master was the legendary expert.

"This..." After a long moment of stunned silence, one finally stammered out, "Why would Senior Jiu Jian Xian challenge the Sect Master?"

"How should I know? Just watch obediently; opportunities like this don't come often. If we can learn even a single move, it will benefit us for a lifetime!"

At this declaration, everyone immediately adopted respectful attitudes, ceasing all chatter to focus intently on the arena.

Ye Wen and Jiu Jian Xian took positions on opposite sides. They first performed the customary opening gesture for a match, after which Jiu Jian Xian unhooked the heavy sword from his back and spoke: "I am much older than you, and famous for many years. Sect Master Ye, you may strike first!"

The words were delivered plainly and factually, carrying no hint of disdain for Ye Wen, so Ye Wen offered no further courtesies, merely stating, "Senior, receive my move!"

His hand moved with his voice, and a Zixiao Longqi Jian shot forth—a bolt of purple sword energy erupted from his fingertip. A faint sound of a dragon's roar echoed across the training ground. This was because when Ye Wen helped Ning Ru Xue refine the Qinglian Jiange technique, he had also modified this skill to better fit its name.

The moment the dragon's roar sounded, Jiu Jian Xian was momentarily stunned: "Oh? Sect Master Ye's sword energy technique has changed again!"

Jiu Jian Xian was, after all, Jiu Jian Xian. He perceived that while the raw Zhenqi intensity of Ye Wen’s sword energy was similar to what he had displayed years ago, its destructive power was several magnitudes greater, for this energy blade was vibrating continuously—the dragon's roar was the sound produced by this vibration.

Frankly, the dragon's roar was merely an accessory. Ye Wen had integrated some theories he read in fantasy novels into this ultimate skill of his.

"Mine is a Wuxia version of the vibrating blade! Both its cutting force and penetration are far superior to ordinary sword energy. It just took a lot of brainpower to ensure the sound produced by the vibration resembled a dragon's roar..."

Such whimsical ideas often sprang up. Previously, his power was insufficient, and time was lacking; even with ideas, he couldn't dedicate himself to focused research. Only in these past five years, with leisure time, could he experiment with them one by one. Coupled with his cultivation hitting a bottleneck, he naturally spent quite a bit of effort on these miscellaneous endeavors, finally putting many theoretical concepts into practice.

This Zixiao Longqi Jian technique, featuring vibration and a resulting dragon's roar, was created in this manner. However, he unleashed it casually, holding back his full strength, and certainly didn't expect this single move to harm a master like Jiu Jian Xian; it was merely a greeting and a small demonstration of his capabilities.

The disciples below, however, couldn't discern such subtleties. They only saw their Sect Master wave his hand casually, and a dazzling sword energy shot toward Jiu Jian Xian, abruptly swerved before him, and then began circling him in an arc.

"Hmm?"

The disciples were startled, but Ye Wen knew Jiu Jian Xian had deployed the Hui Zhuan Yuan Xing Zhang—the technique using continuously rotating circular Zhenqi to shield the body. He still hadn't figured out a way to break it. His sword energy was already sharp enough, enhanced by vibration, yet it still couldn't penetrate this marvelous defense. However, the principle of vibration possessed a far more potent function. Jiu Jian Xian was initially using his defensive energy shield to dissipate the momentum of the Zixiao Longqi Jian, but after only two rotations, he noticed his protective Zhenqi was subtly trembling, showing signs of dispersal.

"Interesting!"

Channeling his power, a circular energy shield manifested around Jiu Jian Xian. The purple sword energy adhered to this shield, revolving around Jiu Jian Xian as the shield turned. Simultaneously, Jiu Jian Xian’s slightly dispersed protective energy solidified once more, while the force within the purple sword energy was gradually suppressed.

"Sect Master Ye’s skill is quite ingenious!"

Jiu Jian Xian praised him casually, then swung the heavy sword in his hand. This near-hundred-pound object moved like a light wooden stick in the old man’s grip, causing no apparent strain as he wielded it. As he swung this greatsword, the two long swords resting in their scabbards on his back clattered as they shot out simultaneously, heading straight for Ye Wen.

That wasn't all; as the energy shield around him pulsed and spun rapidly a few times, the Zixiao Longqi Jian energy bolt was flung back toward Ye Wen, startling him considerably.

"This protective Zhenqi not only defends but also reflects?"

Moreover, judging by the ferocity with which the Zixiao Longqi Jian returned—though the internal vibration had ceased—the speed it gained from the rapid rotation of the energy shield was no less potent than when Ye Wen had first launched it.

Seeing this, Ye Wen dared not relax. He flipped his left hand, and a purple lotus bloomed, manifesting the Shixin Lian Jin. He struck the fastest incoming sword energy, displaying a faint resemblance to the Hui Zhuan Yuan Xing Zhang. The lotus spun, directly flinging that sword energy aside.

This was not the end. With a sweep of his right hand, Ye Wen met the second incoming flying sword head-on with the Qijian Zhi. At the same time, he flicked the lotus from his left hand. A purple lotus ascended, then burst open, scattering into countless fine sword energies that flew wildly and without direction, like a swarm of headless flies. This chaotic attack forced the last flying sword to weave and dodge, rendering its direct assault impossible.

Jiu Jian Xian stepped forward. It seemed like a single pace, yet he instantly appeared close to Ye Wen. The two had initially been over two zhang apart, a distance that seemed nonexistent to Jiu Jian Xian.

Fortunately, Ye Wen had anticipated this. While dealing with the two flying swords, he had unleashed his innate Ziqi to its fullest, purple clouds rising from his body. As Jiu Jian Xian closed in, Ye Wen pushed his power to the absolute limit. With a wave of his left hand, he released a Shaoze Jian Qi, drawing a semicircle in the air directly toward the back of Jiu Jian Xian's head.

Simultaneously, he raised his right palm, directly employing the Xianglong Shiba Zhang. Purple energy faintly coalesced into the head of a purple dragon on his palm, spitting and swirling intermittently. Before the palm even struck, the powerful pressure alone caused Jiu Jian Xian to marvel greatly. Based on its sheer might, this single strike would certainly be devastating.

Startled, he formed the intention to test the power of this palm. He abruptly diverted the sword aimed at Ye Wen and turned it to meet Ye Wen's incoming strike.

A dull, strange impact resonated, accompanied by the roar of a great dragon and the sound of metal striking metal, momentarily stunning everyone present. For a brief period, they were disoriented. When their senses returned, they saw the two combatants separated once more. Ye Wen stood upright, hands naturally hanging at his sides, showing no outward sign of injury.

Jiu Jian Xian was similar, except his heavy sword was now planted on the ground; it was no longer wielded with the effortless grace it displayed before. Furthermore, his standing position was clearly not where the exchange had occurred. Thus, the crowd concluded that Jiu Jian Xian had taken the loss in that head-on collision, increasing their admiration for their Sect Master.

"What is this palm strike called?"

However, the reality was not as the crowd perceived. Jiu Jian Xian had abruptly changed his move to counter Ye Wen's accumulated power. In the instant of the collision, a flying sword had simultaneously rushed toward his blind spot, scattering the Shaoze Jian Qi Ye Wen had released while striking with his palm. This showed the calmness of his response.

It was only that, due to the hasty counter, his wrist felt numb from the impact of the palm, leading him to steady himself with the heavy sword as he spoke.

If one looked closely at Ye Wen, his left palm, naturally hanging at his side, was trembling incessantly—evidence of the force transmitted through Jiu Jian Xian's heavy sword during that direct clash.

Ye Wen simultaneously used his innate Ziqi to circulate the meridians in his left arm, aiding its swift recovery, while smiling, he replied: "This palm strike is a set of techniques I created over these past few years. It does not rely on intricate variation but on overwhelming force to suppress an opponent. It is called the Xianglong Palm, and I currently have twelve variations!"

"Xianglong Twelve Palms, then?" Jiu Jian Xian rubbed his wrist, then casually stroked his beard: "This palm technique is excellent, but I feel it doesn't quite suit Sect Master Ye's temperament!"

Ye Wen laughed: "I am aware of that. This technique was specifically created for my fifth disciple. My fifth disciple has a simple-minded nature; he is not suited for overly ornate skills!" Inwardly, however, he thought: Don't mess with the name, you bastard!

As the prestige of the Shu Mountain Sect gradually grew, some of its disciples also began to gain fame. With Yue Ning and the others establishing notable reputations, people became even more curious about the remaining members of the Shu Mountain Sect.

This Guo Jing naturally did not escape scrutiny. People felt he had a decent temper, honest and straightforward, but his martial arts seemed unremarkable, bordering on clumsy. The crowd wondered what stroke of fortune had allowed this seemingly dull-witted fellow to be accepted into the Shu Mountain sect, otherwise, how could such an individual become Ye Wen's disciple?

Even Jiu Jian Xian, who wouldn't normally think such things, had been puzzled as to why Ye Wen would accept a disciple whose disposition was nearly the opposite of his own. Now, after testing Ye Wen's palm strike, he admired the young Shu Mountain Sect Master even more.

"Teaching according to aptitude—how many people have spoken those words, yet how few truly achieve it! With Sect Master Ye leading the Shu Mountain Sect, it is truly a blessing for your disciples!"

Having fought Ye Wen today, he realized Ye Wen's progress in martial arts was even faster than he had anticipated. Although Ye Wen hadn't broken through that final barrier, in terms of actual combat power, Ye Wen could rank among the top martial artists today. Furthermore, observing his application of his techniques, once Ye Wen pierced that final mystic gate, the supposed gulf between peerless masters and ordinary experts would pose no obstacle to him.

Having established what he needed to know, there was no need to continue. Jiu Jian Xian placed his heavy sword back on his back, then shook his shoulders, and the two flying swords obediently zipped back into their scabbards.

"I won't fight anymore. My old body isn't what it used to be; even a slight exertion makes me feel weary!"

Ye Wen was inwardly puzzled. Why stop after only a few moves? What was Jiu Jian Xian's real purpose for seeking him out? Moreover, ending it like this meant that, on the surface, Ye Wen seemed to have the advantage, which might not look good for Jiu Jian Xian's reputation if word got out.

Surely he didn't rush over just to boost my reputation?

Seeing his confusion, Jiu Jian Xian smiled and said, "Sect Master Ye must have many questions. Let's find a place to talk slowly!"

Hearing this, Ye Wen said no more. He made a gesture inviting the elder to lead the way, and the two headed toward the inner courtyard. After only a few steps, they saw Ning Ru Xue and Hua Yi rushing toward them. Hua Yi had run to summon Ning Ru Xue upon seeing Ye Wen and Jiu Jian Xian were about to spar; Xu Xian was not on the mountain that day, so he hadn't been called.

Ning Ru Xue had been slightly worried when she heard Jiu Jian Xian was going to fight Ye Wen. After all, she had experienced Jiu Jian Xian’s fame and skills five years ago. If he accidentally injured her senior brother, she wouldn't know how to exact revenge. She abandoned her practice and rushed over, only to find Ye Wen and the old man Jiu Jian Xian walking toward her with smiles.

She approached and quietly asked, "Weren't you going to fight? Are you stopping?"

Ye Wen smiled: "We already fought!"

"So quickly? Could it be, Senior Brother..." Ning Ru Xue looked Ye Wen up and down, finally noticing that his left arm remained hanging at his side, never having been raised. Her heart lurched, and her face paled slightly.

Having spent so much time together, Ye Wen could instantly discern what she was thinking. He immediately reassured her, "It's nothing, my arm is just temporarily numb from the shock! Senior Hu's skills are truly profound and unfathomable!"

He wasn't flattering her; he was stating a fact. He had expected his calculated palm strike to at least surprise Jiu Jian Xian, and his casually released sword energy to cause him some minor annoyance. Instead, the elder had changed his move mid-attack and parried his palm strike, while even diverting energy to shatter his returning sword energy. Such cultivation was terrifying; in a fight to the death, he suspected he couldn't last more than a few rounds.

As they spoke, they arrived at a small hall—the same hall where Ye Wen and the others usually ate. Though not large, it was the most suitable place for conversation. The main hall always carried an air of solemn grandeur, making serious talk feel too constrained.

After asking Hua Yi to pour tea for everyone, Ye Wen and Jiu Jian Xian took their seats, with Ye Wen as the host. As soon as he sat down, Jiu Jian Xian announced, "I have a confession to make!"

"Ah?"

Hearing this, Ye Wen immediately suspected Jiu Jian Xian had contracted an incurable disease. Yet, the old man’s face was ruddy, he moved briskly without panting, and he had just sparred with Ye Wen without issue—he hardly looked like a dying man.

Noticing Ye Wen's expression, Jiu Jian Xian knew he had misunderstood. He chuckled and scolded, "You child, what are you thinking? What I mean is, I sense I am on the verge of shattering the void, and I won't be in this world much longer!" As he said this, he suddenly shifted his tone: "However, your assumption isn't entirely wrong. If shattering the void fails, my life will end there. It counts as a deadly trial."

"Since shattering the void is so dangerous, why must Senior pursue it?" Ye Wen didn't quite understand. If it was so risky, why not just enjoy his remaining life in peace?

Jiu Jian Xian shook his head: "Sect Master Ye will understand later. Shattering the void isn't something you can opt out of just because you don't want to!" He then looked Ye Wen up and down and sighed, "Sect Master Ye seems very likely to reach that realm, and your chances of success are much higher than mine!" He was genuinely moved by Ye Wen’s cultivation level at such a young age, which far surpassed his own achievements at that time.

Ye Wen remained silent. Hearing such a significant matter suddenly presented, he wasn't sure if shattering the void was a blessing or a curse. From the sound of it, it seemed mandatory—something that happened automatically once cultivation reached a certain standard, with no option to refuse?

He initially wanted to ask in detail, but seeing Jiu Jian Xian’s expression, Ye Wen felt it unnecessary; he had already found the answer.

Jiu Jian Xian pointed to the heavy sword resting nearby and said, "This Black Iron Heavy Sword is my personal weapon. Sadly, no one in my sect can inherit it. Seeing as Sect Master Ye's fifth disciple is adept at wielding heavy swords, I assume you also understand its proper use. I wish to entrust this divine weapon to you, Sect Master Ye, so it is not disgraced!"

"Black Iron?" Ye Wen suddenly felt a jolt in his heart, as if he had grasped something.

Then he heard Jiu Jian Xian laugh: "Sect Master Ye is indeed knowledgeable. Seeing your reaction, you must know the properties of Black Iron. You must have already guessed the truth behind my Sword Control Arts!"