Wei Hong dismissed the court session for the day and simply sat in the Imperial Study, lost in thought. For years, he had striven tirelessly, intent on being a wise ruler, allowing himself little more than an hour of sleep daily. His health grew increasingly frail, and he rarely visited even the many consorts in the inner palace.

Yet, the work seemed endless. Despite promoting numerous young officials, tangible progress remained elusive. It wasn't until last year, upon appointing Liu Muyan as the top scholar, that Wei Hong understood the depth of the issue following a private conversation with him. He learned that throughout the entire Shang Dynasty, unseen rot permeated every level of governance. Many problems could have been avoided, but these underlying flaws caused endless complications, keeping him so busy he couldn't sleep.

At that time, Wei Hong realized that if he did not thoroughly rectify the state of the Shang Dynasty in his generation, it would inevitably drift toward decline. Thus, the thought of reform took root in his heart. Unexpectedly, Liu Muyan, who had just laid out the problems for him, immediately expressed his opposition, stating that the deep-seated issues were too entrenched to be resolved quickly; reform must be gradual, lest overly aggressive measures provoke a dangerous backlash.

Having been emperor for several years, Wei Hong was not ignorant of such realities. Though he appeared resplendent upon the throne, he knew that truly provoking certain powerful ministers could lead them to openly defy his authority.

What the Emperor did not know was that while studying at Mount Shu, Liu Muyan had, in his leisure, discussed his ideals for sweeping reform with his master, Ye Wen. Liu Muyan had fully expected that after narrating his grand vision for the empire, his master would look upon his disciple with newfound respect and offer high praise. Instead, after hearing his numerous brilliant strategies, Ye Wen only frowned and remained silent. This reaction chilled Liu Muyan considerably.

He then expected his master to rebuke him for arrogance, but Ye Wen said nothing. Instead, he steered the conversation toward other matters, using small, seemingly trivial details to make Liu Muyan suddenly realize that his plans, while not inherently flawed, were far too radical. If he were to stir up such turmoil immediately upon entering officialdom, his career would likely be short-lived.

Seeing his apprentice’s awakening, Ye Wen spoke no further. He knew he lacked deep theoretical knowledge, though he understood various miscellaneous matters and had heard many historical examples of renowned ministers attempting reform only to fail. Even the textbooks contained analyses of why these reforms stalled.

Furthermore, in this networked age, countless netizens had dissected these issues even further, providing deeper insights. With so much theory as a foundation, Ye Wen might not be able to enact such changes himself, but advising his apprentice on potential pitfalls was certainly within his capacity.

“The ills of a nation are like the maladies of a person! If the sickness has reached the vital organs, administering a harsh dose of medicine invites death. One must remain level-headed and proceed deliberately—that is the supreme strategy!”

It was by firmly remembering these words that Liu Muyan did not let his mind become clouded upon learning the Emperor also intended reform. The small examples Ye Wen had cited were too profoundly thought-provoking. He had only touched upon a tiny fraction of the issues, yet the ramifications were vast—a lesson he could never forget...

Especially after Ye Wen followed up by telling him: “The relationships within the court are similar to this situation; a delicate balance is formed. If you move recklessly, pulling one thread moves the entire tapestry. Prudence is paramount!”

After he relayed these insights to the Emperor, His Majesty was immensely impressed, even praising Liu Muyan as a pillar of the state gifted to him by his royal ancestors, showering him with accolades until Liu Muyan felt slightly lightheaded.

Subsequently, he received continuous favor and promotion from the Emperor, ascending to the position of Vice Minister of Personnel within a single year—a level of imperial regard rarely seen in this dynasty! Although his rapid rise caused dissatisfaction among many, Liu Muyan paid it no mind. He now understood that as long as he held fast to the great tree that was the Emperor, the petty factional struggles were mere trifles. Moreover, as long as he did not lean toward any single faction, these groups would not truly turn against him; officialdom demands one leave room for maneuver unless an outright enemy is made.

“This is rather similar to the martial arts I practice!”

Liu Muyan, who occasionally practiced martial arts at home, was unaware of the Emperor currently pondering him in the Imperial Study. Especially when a young eunuch attending him suddenly offered an observation to the Emperor: “This servant, while delivering an imperial decree to Lord Liu’s residence the other day, inadvertently glimpsed a painting in his manor. It was truly exquisite!”

Wei Hong, simply seeking to converse with the young eunuch out of boredom, had addressed him. This eunuch, named Xiao Luzi, was newly assigned to him. The previous attendant, Xiao Chunzi, had been promoted significantly and no longer handled daily duties outside of court sessions and crucial affairs. This was an ancient rule established by the founding Emperor: an attendant serving the Emperor could not hold significant concurrent responsibilities; once assigned a slightly higher post, they had to be reassigned, for fear that the eunuch might seize power through intimate proximity to the throne and engage in court intrigue.

“Oh? A painting?” Wei Hong, generally lacking expensive hobbies, enjoyed calligraphy and painting in his spare time, gifting his works to favored consorts and ministers. Liu Muyan’s excellent calligraphy had already left a superb impression on Wei Hong when he took the top imperial examination; importantly, Liu Muyan had focused solely on his examination answers, unlike Xu Xian who had submitted work in a perfunctory manner. The essays and solutions to various problems were genuinely outstanding.

Although many talented young men appeared in this year's final examination, Liu Muyan remained the most distinguished. Wei Hong knew Liu Muyan’s calligraphy was master-level, but his painting was not considered particularly skilled. In his leisure, he had asked Liu Muyan for a few drawings; those simple, gridded line drawings were interesting enough but hardly high art.

Could it be that Liu Muyan was actually a master painter, intentionally concealing his skill for fear of eclipsing the Emperor?

“What kind of painting? Did you see it clearly?”

Xiao Luzi, refilling the Emperor’s water cup, replied with a smile: “It seemed to be a depiction of a dancing girl, Your Majesty... This servant only glimpsed it accidentally. The dancer in the painting resembled a celestial fairy, especially her expression, which looked utterly lifelike. It startled this servant quite a bit at the time!”

Wei Hong chuckled: “Oh? Really that good?”

Xiao Luzi nodded.

Wei Hong paused, then glanced at the towering pile of memorials on his desk. Xiao Luzi noticed and remarked, “Your Majesty has been annotating these memorials for four hours; taking a brief respite would do no harm!”

“What do you know? These are all urgent state matters; finishing them sooner is better!” He reached out a hand, only to feel his entire body slack and weak—he had been sitting too long, and the prolonged posture was causing discomfort.

Frowning, he sighed: “Alas! You speak the truth... These memorials never seem to lessen. Continuing like this is not sustainable. We shall rest for a while!”

Seeing the Emperor agree, Xiao Luzi asked, “Shall this servant go to Lord Liu’s residence immediately and ask him to bring the painting to the palace?”

Wei Hong considered this, then said: “Is Liu Muyan’s home in the East City? It is a good time for Me to leave the palace for a walk as well. Prepare my robes for me!”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Luzi immediately helped Wei Hong rise from his numbed position, quickly helped him wash and change attire, and then they quietly departed the palace.

They took only two Imperial Guards with them, accompanied by a hidden retainer providing oversight. They walked slowly, observing everything along the way. Having left in the afternoon, they only reached Liu Muyan’s residence by evening.

Coincidentally, Liu Muyan was eating dinner and chatting with his martial uncle. It turned out Xu Xian had just arrived in the capital. According to them, his master should currently be en route to the Zen Sect to attend this year’s Martial Arts Assembly, after which he would visit the capital.

As they were talking, a servant arrived to announce a visitor.

“Who calls?”

The servant glanced at Xu Xian, uncertain how to announce the visitor. Liu Muyan sharply commanded: “These are family retainers; there is no need for secrecy!” Only then did the servant announce: “It is His Majesty!”

Liu Muyan was startled by the sudden news of the Emperor’s arrival and immediately rose to greet him. Just as he was about to inform Xu Xian, Ye Wen pulled Huang Rongrong and exclaimed: “Quick, Rongrong, hide! Do not let the Emperor see me!”

Hearing this, Liu Muyan remembered that his martial uncle was the top scholar of the previous term, having resigned due to illness. Otherwise, the official post he currently held should have belonged to his martial uncle—and it was possible his uncle might already be a Minister.

He instructed the servants to take his martial uncle and the person whose name he didn’t know, Huang Rongrong, to rest, while he hastily tidied himself and rushed out to formally greet the Emperor...

Upon reaching the grounds of the Zen Sect temple, although Ye Wen was not devout, a unique emotion stirred within him. Especially while being led by the guest monk toward the pre-arranged meditation room, listening to the intermittent tolling of the bell, he felt a profound sense of peace and serenity.

Ning Ruxue and Huayi, following behind him, gazed around curiously. Ning Ruxue seldom left Pingzhou and was curious about everything. Although Huayi had traveled widely, Zen temples typically did not entertain female guests. Even female supplicants coming to offer incense were usually confined to the main hall and the front courtyard; entry to the inner areas was prohibited. If not for the martial arts assembly being held, neither of them would ever have been allowed this far.

In fact, upon entering the temple and meeting the Chan Master Huixin, Ye Wen had privately inquired, even suggesting that Ning Ruxue and Huayi find lodging outside the temple walls.

To his surprise, Chan Master Huixin merely smiled and said: “If this old monk does not object, why should the Sect Leader Ye concern himself?”

Ye Wen had been about to retort that Huixin was hardly a proper monk, but the Chan Master seemed to read his mind and added: “The entire monastery is aware of permitting female guests inside, and no one objects. Sect Leader Ye, please feel free to stay! Moreover, though this is a temple, we do serve meat—it is just prepared simply!”

Since they insisted, Ye Wen refusing would seem overly deliberate. He thanked them and followed the guest monk to their assigned meditation rooms.

The meditation rooms were connected one after another. Ye Wen had brought all his disciples on this trip. Except for Liu Muyan, who held office in the capital and could not attend, and Xu Xian’s eldest disciple Li Sen, who also did not come, the young Nan Gonghuang had traveled with Ye Wen. As for Xu Ping and Nan Gong Zixin, they met up with the others outside the temple and ascended the mountain together.

Along the way, Ye Wen spoke with Xu Ping, learning about his recent experiences outside the sect.

“Over the past few months, my disciple has encountered many members of the Demonic Cult. Some of them seemed intent on launching surprise attacks, but this disciple discovered them early and dealt with them one by one!”

“Killed them?”

“Yes!”

“Good work!” He patted his third disciple’s shoulder, noting the increasing resolve in his eyes. Although he couldn't be sure if his cultivation had improved, his combat capability had certainly strengthened significantly.

Over the years, the Demonic Cult would periodically dispatch minor elements to cause trouble, especially aiming to harass the Shu Mountain Sect. However, these low-ranking assailants were usually repelled before they even met any important figures of Shu Mountain. If the attackers were slightly more significant, there was a fear of needless loss of fighting strength.

Eventually, they targeted the disciples of Shu Mountain who were out traveling. Unfortunately for the Cult, the direct disciples of Shu Mountain rarely traveled alone and always looked out for one another. As a result, the Demonic Cult suffered considerable losses without managing to harm Shu Mountain severely. Moreover, the Shu Mountain disciples were notoriously ruthless; once they acted, they left no witnesses. This filled the Demonic Cult members with both hatred and fear toward Shu Mountain.

But this severity also meant that the traveling disciples of Shu Mountain faced less danger overall, because dead enemies meant no messengers survived to report back, forcing the Cult to spend considerable time gathering intelligence on Shu Mountain disciples’ movements anew.

“However, there were several instances where members of the Demonic Cult tried to capture Zixin to threaten this disciple...”

“How did you handle it?” Ye Wen was quite curious. Nan Gong Zixin had inexplicably taken a liking to Xu Ping, sticking close to him constantly. Ye Wen suspected his disciple harbored feelings for her too; he never pushed her away, and they genuinely looked like a couple roaming the Jianghu together.

Logically, when one’s beloved is captured, one should be thrown into chaos. Ye Wen wondered how his disciple would manage. In any case, the person was right in front of him now, and Nan Gong Zixin was entirely unharmed—the outcome was happily resolved.

“This disciple told them, ‘Wait for your martial brother to avenge you, Junior Sister, and then I shall seek you out...’”

“...”

“Then that person suddenly turned and fled... but this disciple brought him down with a Qiankun Yizhi throw and finished him off with another stab.”

“...”

Ye Wen looked his disciple up and down, musing internally: I never realized before that this one is also a piece of work—he can actually say things like that!

Walking and talking, laughing and joking, after enjoying a purely vegetarian meal, Ye Wen went out alone to wander. The surroundings were filled with various martial arts sects gathered for the assembly. He had specifically inquired with the guest monk earlier and learned that the Jade Cave Sect was housed not far from them and had already arrived. Visiting them now seemed fine.

Especially after he specifically asked the guest monk if the Nine Sword Immortal was among the Jade Cave delegation and received a negative answer, he felt even more compelled to visit.

After exchanging courtesies with the Jade Cave disciples, he met Yuqingzi. Upon entering, Yuqingzi immediately pointed to a seat nearby and said: “Sect Leader Ye, please sit!”

Then, without waiting for Ye Wen to ask, he stated directly: “Sect Leader Ye, you have come seeking information about my junior brother, I presume?” Seeing Ye Wen nod, Yuqingzi sighed: “My junior brother achieved the Shattering of the Void a few days ago. Whether he succeeded or failed, I do not know! But I shall never see my junior brother again!”

With that, he sighed, and seemingly remembering something, the teacup in his hand trembled uncontrollably.

At first, Ye Wen thought Yuqingzi was merely overcome with emotion, but when the teacup continued to shake violently after a long moment, Ye Wen realized the elder was suffering from a physical ailment.

“Sect Leader Ye finds my display amusing. Age brings inevitable frailty!” While the Jade Cave Sect’s cultivation methods indeed emphasized longevity, this only extended lifespan, not granting endless vitality. Yuqingzi, over a hundred years old, found his condition worsening daily. Five years ago, when Ye Wen last saw him, the old man was energetic and walked with a vigorous stride; now, senility was evident, his spirit flagging, and his limbs were less responsive.

Ye Wen clasped his hands in greeting: “This junior has trespassed!” He then walked over, grasped Yuqingzi’s wrist to check his pulse, and finally conjured a purple lotus blossom, placing it above Yuqingzi’s Baihui acupoint while pressing down on his lower abdomen’s Dantian, allowing the two energies to resonate and help regulate the elder’s body.

After a short while, the lotus blossom above Yuqingzi’s head dissipated completely. Ye Wen withdrew his hands and returned to his seat. Looking at Yuqingzi again, he closed his eyes to regulate his breathing. When he opened them, his spirit was noticeably improved. He praised: “Sect Leader Ye, my junior brother mentioned this Purple Lotus, only saying its power was formidable, I never imagined it possessed such a marvelous function!”

“Regrettably, I cannot offer much aid to the senior, at most, I can help you feel more energetic for these few days!”

“That is enough, that is enough!” Yuqingzi chuckled warmly: “If this old man can avoid embarrassing the Jade Cave Sect at this assembly, I shall already be deeply indebted to Sect Leader Ye!”

Yuqingzi understood his condition clearly; he was running on fumes, his body failing. If not for his considerable cultivation level, he would likely already be lying in a coffin. Even so, his days were numbered. If not for this, the Nine Sword Immortal would not have sought out Ye Wen. Beyond being able to leverage his status as a highly senior figure to offer favors to the Shu Mountain Sect, there was also the fact that Ye Wen was young and could look after his sect’s interests for a longer time. Entrusting matters to a group of white-haired elders would be no different than leaving them in the care of his martial brother.

Seeing Yuqingzi in such a state, Ye Wen recalled the secondary meaning behind the Nine Sword Immortal’s plea. However, seeing a figure of grandmasterly bearing now resembling a common old man on the verge of passing away left Ye Wen feeling deeply unsettled. While helping Yuqingzi recuperate, Ye Wen understood that the elder not only had scant vital energy left but his meridians were also beginning to wither. The true qi he infused, though miraculous, could only sustain him for three or four days at most. In contrast, a normal person receiving a casual stream of Ye Wen’s qi could retain it internally for at least seven to ten days.

“Alas! Time spares no one!”

After sitting for a while, Yuqingzi drifted off while speaking. Ye Wen gently moved the elder to the bed, covered him with a blanket, and then left after instructing the Jade Cave disciples guarding the door.

Because of Yuqingzi’s condition, Ye Wen’s expression was grim when he returned. However, upon entering the lodging reserved for his own sect, he found Liu Muyan standing there.

“Muyan, why are you here?”

Hearing his voice, Liu Muyan turned and immediately performed a deep, respectful bow, calling out: “Master!” Then, straightening up, he began signaling Ye Wen frantically with his eyes, making Ye Wen wonder if his disciple had developed an eye affliction and had come to him for help.

“If you have an eye disease, you should see Old Chen. Why come to your Master?”

Liu Muyan was speechless, continuing to gesture toward the people behind him. Ye Wen then noticed several others standing there, one of whom possessed extraordinary features and distinguished bearing, standing out in the group like a crane among chickens. The main reason was the sheer arrogance in his demeanor—he possessed a bearing so conceited it was impossible to ignore.

“Oh? There are others? May I ask this friend’s name?” Upon uttering these words, Liu Muyan could only cover his face with his hand and heave a heavy sigh.