Ye Wen glanced at the arrogant fellow and immediately pegged him as the reigning Emperor, because even though Liu Muyan was a high official, serving as the Vice Minister of Personnel, a position that wasn't at the absolute pinnacle, he certainly wouldn't need to be so overly cautious with everyone. The only person capable of eliciting such tension was likely the current Emperor.

Moreover, the aura about him, that commanding gaze, and the manner in which he surveyed everyone as if watching an amateur play—Ye Wen could deduce this man’s identity after watching just a few more television dramas.

As for the words spoken, they were merely intentional provocations. Since you wish to play at being incognito, then I shall play along. You don’t want your identity known? Fine, I shall pretend I don't know!

Wei Hong was initially slightly surprised when he saw Ye Wen, simply because he hadn't expected Ye Wen to be so young—judging by his appearance, he seemed to be of a similar age, and being fair-skinned and beardless only made him appear younger.

He had initially assumed that Liu Muyan’s master would be at least a man in his fifties, otherwise, how could he possess such extraordinary calligraphy and painting skills? Ever since seeing that painting of dancing girls at Liu Muyan’s residence the other day, Wei Hong had been utterly captivated, finding it impossible to part with. He had shamelessly tried to take the painting, but Liu Muyan had explained it was a gift from his Master and he dared not pass it on casually, so Wei Hong managed to restrain himself.

At the same time, he also spotted the copybook that Liu Muyan always kept on his desk—the very one Ye Wen had specifically written out for Liu Muyan to practice his script. Upon seeing it, Wei Hong finally understood how Liu Muyan had acquired his current handwriting style. He held the book for quite some time before Liu Muyan quickly intervened, saying, "This copybook was gifted when Master was instructing this humble servant in calligraphy. Later, my own style began to emerge, and this copybook became less necessary, though I still take it out occasionally to admire Master’s brushwork!"

"Exquisite writing!"

Wei Hong admired it, praising, "Even though Master’s painting and calligraphy are rare in this age, which great Confucian scholar is he?"

After Liu Muyan achieved triple success in the imperial examinations, it was inevitable that some would ask why, given his talent, he had repeatedly failed even the initial county-level exams. He subsequently recounted the various instances where his plain appearance displeased the examiners. Later, to intensively study calligraphy, he apprenticed himself to a master calligrapher, practicing for several years before emerging to take the exams.

Some people also questioned why his studies took several years—this was clearly a deliberate attempt to find fault, implying Liu Muyan needed years just to produce presentable handwriting. To which Liu Muyan replied, "I have always strived to be first in everything. If I weren't to study calligraphy properly, I wouldn't study it at all. Since I chose to study it, I intended to master it. Thus, I stayed with my Master for several years, hoping to hone this skill to its utmost perfection!"

Wei Hong inwardly praised him, yet verbally remarked, "By today's standard, Minister Liu’s calligraphy has truly grasped the essence of your Master's teaching!" At the time, Liu Muyan merely claimed his own studies amounted to only two or three tenths of his Master's knowledge, and Wei Hong assumed this humility was a sign of deep respect for his teacher. Now, it seemed, Liu Muyan's Master truly wrote characters of unparalleled quality, and his earlier claims were not mere modesty!

His curiosity about this Master only deepened, leading him to inquire further, even entertaining the notion of inviting such a great scholar to court. It was then that he learned Liu Muyan’s Master was a figure from the martial arts world, currently heading to a Zen temple to attend a grand martial arts assembly.

"The Zen Temple is not terribly far from the capital. Why don't you accompany Us, Minister Liu? It would be a perfect chance to meet your Master!" And so, Wei Hong made simple arrangements, brought along a contingent of the Imperial Guard and personal escorts, and proceeded directly to the Zen Temple, arriving just as Ye Wen was leaving for the Jade Cave Sect, thus narrowly missing a direct encounter.

Ye Wen and Wei Hong scrutinized each other for a while, exchanged polite greetings, and then Ye Wen ignored Wei Hong, which piqued Wei Hong’s curiosity immensely. He secretly mused, "This young man is so casual with Liu Qingjia, who shows Us such deep respect. He must not have guessed Our identity!" He assumed Ye Wen took him for a high-ranking court official or perhaps a Prince in the capital, unaware that Ye Wen had already deciphered his true status completely.

Meanwhile, Ye Wen grabbed Liu Muyan and whispered, "Where is your Martial Uncle?"

Liu Muyan subtly replied, "Martial Uncle feared being seen by the Emperor, so he took a separate path! He's likely found lodging somewhere down the mountain by now!"

Ye Wen nodded; knowing Xu Xian's whereabouts was sufficient; there was no need to worry about others. He turned back to Wei Hong and said, "We are also guests here at the Zen Temple. Please forgive any lack of proper hospitality!"

Wei Hong waved dismissively, "Not at all, Sect Leader Ye, you are too kind!" He glanced around again, noticing that the sect seemed populated entirely by young people, the oldest being about his own age, a stark contrast to the leadership of martial arts sects he expected, which usually consisted of elderly masters or middle-aged men.

However, considering Sect Leader Ye himself was young, perhaps there wasn't an older generation within this sect. Throughout their conversations, Wei Hong and Liu Muyan had spoken only of calligraphy and painting, barely touching upon state affairs. He had, in fact, forgotten to ask Liu Muyan the name of this sect, and for a while, he failed to realize this was the very Shu Mountain Sect where Xu Xian had belonged.

It wasn't until a short while later that the commander of the small contingent of Imperial Guards accompanying the journey, Commander Zhou Guan, arrived and was visibly startled upon seeing Ye Wen and his group.

"Oh? Isn't this Brother Zhou?"

The first to speak was Guo Jing, who was standing guard at the entrance. After the Shu Mountain Sect members settled in, the disciples occasionally stood by the gate to signify their presence, allowing them to announce visitors from other factions. Guo Jing had been standing there when Liu Muyan arrived earlier, and he was still standing there now. He didn't find the task unpleasant; he simply executed what the elders commanded.

Hearing the call, everyone turned toward the entrance. Ye Wen immediately recognized the young man carrying something resembling a long sword as the Guard Zhou he had met a few years prior; the item in his hand was likely the same straight saber.

Ye Wen didn't react much, but Ning Ruxue's eyelid twitched. She thought, "The person brought by Muyan certainly has a high standing. Judging by his appearance, Guard Zhou is here to protect this man!" However, she never imagined this person was the Emperor; based on his surname, she assumed he was some powerful Prince.

Zhou Guan also hadn't expected that the Emperor, upon setting out to meet a certain sage, would run into this group from the Shu Mountain Sect. After a moment of thought, he couldn't figure out the connection to Shu Mountain, musing, Perhaps he has come seeking Xu Xian?

Thinking this, he spoke, "It has been many years, Sect Leader Ye, your demeanor remains unchanged! Why don't we see Young Master Xu? Has his illness not yet recovered?" At these words, both sides stiffened. Wei Hong's expression shifted dramatically as he asked, "Young Master Xu?"

Seeing the Emperor's face, Zhou Guan instantly realized his assumption was wrong. Yet, he couldn't ignore the Emperor's question and could only reply awkwardly, "Is the Master not here seeking the former top scholar, Young Master Xu?" Thankfully, he remembered that when traveling, he must address the Emperor only as 'Master' and not 'Your Majesty.'

Wei Hong then understood that the 'Young Master Xu' Zhou Guan referred to was Xu Xian, the man whose illness had caused him such regret. When he received news of Xu Xian’s resignation due to severe illness, Wei Hong had almost summoned the imperial physician who had declared Xu Xian well to berate him. Fortunately, he remembered that illness and misfortune are unpredictable and one cannot always blame others; he could only sigh while approving Xu Xian’s request to retire.

Thankfully, he had found some solace in Liu Muyan last year, gradually forgetting about Xu Xian, only to hear the name again today, and apparently, this Xu Xian was a disciple of this sect, judging by Zhou Guan's implication.

Xu Xian, when he was here, was supposedly from the Shu Mountain Sect? Thinking back, he recalled that the leader of the Shu Mountain Sect was surnamed Ye, and was indeed Xu Xian's senior brother—though he hadn't realized it was the very man standing before him.

"What a surprise, Sect Leader Ye is Young Master Xu's senior brother! When Young Master Xu was in the capital, I, Wei, had indeed heard of Sect Leader Ye’s reputation, yet I failed to recall it today. Truly..." He trailed off, unsure how to finish, and covered his embarrassment with an awkward laugh.

Ye Wen, however, appeared unconcerned, called out, and replied, "So you are an old acquaintance of Martial Brother Xu!" In his mind, he thought, Alright, you are definitely the Emperor, no doubt about it! What had been speculation moments before was now a certainty.

Wei Hong, still oblivious that his identity was known, maintained a cordial air: "I did not expect Lord Liu to also hail from your esteemed sect. Your sect truly cultivates talent prodigiously!" He then remembered the true reason for his visit: "Especially since Lord Liu mentioned that his Master's calligraphy surpasses his own by several times, making me keenly desirous to see it!"

Hearing this, Ye Wen finally understood why the Emperor had come—it turned out that seeing Liu Muyan's writing had sparked a desire to witness the calligraphy of the man who taught him. He was unaware that the painting he gifted Liu Muyan years ago also played a role, though Ye Wen himself had completely forgotten that matter and certainly wouldn't have connected the dots.

"You wish to see the writing? That is easily done!" With that, he called towards the inner room, "Huayi, bring out the Four Treasures of the Study!"

This Zen chamber was already equipped with the Four Treasures, so no extra retrieval was necessary. As soon as Ye Wen arranged his materials, everyone cleared the stone table in the courtyard. Huayi then spread the paper and began grinding the ink for Ye Wen.

At this moment, Wei Hong finally noticed that the person grinding the ink for Ye Wen was an unparalleled beauty. He was momentarily astonished but quickly recovered: "This young lady is..." He had already met Ning Ruxue; when Liu Muyan introduced her as his Martial Aunt, Wei Hong had been surprised then. Huayi had remained inside and hadn't appeared. Now that Ye Wen required ink, she emerged, explaining Wei Hong’s reaction. He even thought to himself, Is Shu Mountain perhaps a place blessed by heaven and earth? How is it that all the men are exceptionally talented, and the women are as beautiful as immortals?

"This servant is merely a maid who serves Sect Leader Master," Huayi replied while grinding the ink, offering a few brief responses. She had observed the group’s luxurious attire and extraordinary bearing, immediately recognizing them as powerful figures. Such people are usually best avoided, which is why she preferred to stay hidden. Now that Ye Wen had returned and called for the writing implements, she dared to appear.

Conversely, Wei Hong merely took her for Ye Wen's concubine and paid her no further attention, simply waiting for the ink to be ready so Ye Wen could write.

Seeing that the man asked one question and then spoke no more, paying Huayi no extra glance, the others inwardly commended him: "This man has excellent cultivation! Few men can look upon a beauty like her without losing composure, yet this man surnamed Wei only glanced once and then looked away, completely natural—this is not something an ordinary person can achieve." Even Liu Muyan privately praised, "The current Emperor is indeed a wise sovereign, unswayed by such peerless beauty!"

Little did they know that Wei Hong, as the reigning Emperor, had seen every type of beauty imaginable, from voluptuous to slender. His own harem housed concubines of every distinct type; he had experienced all manner of beauties, so he was naturally desensitized to feminine allure. Furthermore, this young lady was clearly a woman belonging to Sect Leader Ye; he wasn't foolish enough to forcibly take another man's woman.

Besides, forcefully taking a common girl might be slightly less scandalous, but seizing a mere maid would likely see the Emperor chased from his throne by his ministers by morning. Such an act would bring immense disgrace to the royal family. After all, the Wei bloodline did not rest solely upon his shoulders.

Ye Wen waited until Huayi had finished grinding the ink, then picked up his brush and asked, "What character would you like to see written?"

Wei Hong answered without hesitation, "Let us start with the character 'Tian' (Heaven)!" Hearing this, Ye Wen inwardly commented, ...The Emperor always likes to see himself as Heaven; this one is no exception to the common folly! Without another word, he lowered his head and inscribed the character 'Tian' onto the white paper.

The first few strokes seemed ordinary, causing Wei Hong a moment of disappointment; he wondered if this man was merely famous without substance.

However, as the subsequent strokes were completed, although the character looked simple and unadorned, there was an elusive quality to it, a feeling that one couldn't quite categorize its style. Wei Hong’s first impression was of commonness, but the more he gazed, the more he realized each stroke seemed to conceal countless subtle variations, making it impossible to fully grasp or clearly define.

In a daze, he felt the character was almost indistinguishable from the true concept of Heaven itself—at a glance, it was a vast, blue expanse, yet infinitely complex and wildly mutable. One moment it might suggest clear skies, the next, a torrential downpour. Furthermore, Wei Hong wondered if he was imagining things, but he sensed a subtle human form latent within the writing. Could this be an allegory for the current Emperor?

"Excellent! A fine character!" The more he looked, the more delighted he became. Wei Hong turned the paper over and over, his face beaming with joy, his hands gripping tightly, showing no inclination to let go.

Seeing this, Ye Wen casually remarked, "If you like it, I shall gift it to you!"

Wei Hong accepted without ceremony, thanking him happily, and then led his small entourage out of the Shu Mountain courtyard. Before leaving, he beckoned Liu Muyan to follow, presumably heading to the Zen chambers he would occupy to study the new piece of calligraphy at leisure. Abbot Huixin recognized the current Emperor, which was why he was permitted entrance onto their grounds in the first place.

Once the group departed, Huayi, standing beside Ye Wen, let out a tiny, hidden sigh. Ye Wen noticed and curiously asked, "What is it?"

Huayi replied, "That person just now carried an overwhelming, oppressive aura. I hardly dared to breathe in his presence!" Upon hearing this, Ning Ruxue and the others frowned suddenly. The Shu Mountain disciples realized they had felt the same way but hadn't consciously registered it until Huayi spoke; otherwise, they might never have noticed anything amiss.

Ye Wen looked at his disciples. Only Guo Jing remained unfazed; he must have had a thicker skin. He knew that an Emperor long accustomed to supreme authority had an aura that became as natural as breathing. Unconsciously, the others had been subdued by this pressure, but since most of them were skilled cultivators rarely exposed to such situations, they hadn't noticed.

Huayi, however, due to her past experiences, was more attuned to such subtle intensities, which is why she perceived the anomaly.

As for himself? Ye Wen held no regard for any Emperor. After two decades of upbringing, he fundamentally did not respect imperial authority, harboring a mindset of, "Emperors take turns; perhaps it will be my family's turn someday!" Thus, he felt no fear of the so-called 'Imperial Aura.'

However, given Huayi's cultivation level, she shouldn't have reacted so strongly unless... "You fear that man asking Master to take you away, don't you?"

His thoughts clicked, and he guessed Huayi's concern. Since becoming a maid, Huayi seemed to carry a sense of insecurity, as if afraid she might be abandoned at any moment. This might stem from the psychological trauma inflicted years ago when his Master discarded her like trash; even after so many years, it hadn't healed, and Ye Wen felt helpless about it.

Huayi’s face flushed upon having her thoughts exposed; she feared Ye Wen might actually become angry and give her away.

Seeing her intense reaction, Ye Wen soothed her softly, "You are my property, Master's. Master will not give you away!"

Hearing this, Huayi felt reassured, a brilliant smile spreading across her face. She cheerfully packed away the writing materials and carried them back into the room.

Only Ning Ruxue let out a soft 'Hmph,' expressing her displeasure. Although Ye Wen’s words were quiet, Ning Ruxue’s skill allowed her to hear them clearly, and she kept a very close watch whenever Ye Wen and Huayi were together, as the future Mistress of the Sect.

The other disciples were oblivious to this exchange. Once Wei Hong left, they dispersed to attend to their own matters. Ye Wen waited until his disciples had scattered before moving to Ning Ruxue’s side: "Junior Sister is jealous!"

"I am not!" Having been with Ye Wen for so long, she understood what jealousy meant now and wouldn't foolishly ask, "I haven't eaten anything, what vinegar is there to be jealous of?"

"Really?" Ye Wen saw that all the disciples were gone and suddenly dipped his nose near the side of Ning Ruxue’s neck, taking a deep inhale. This action caused Ning Ruxue immense embarrassment, and she tried to push him away, but Ye Wen immediately followed up with a teasing remark: "Such a strong scent of sourness!"

"You..." Ning Ruxue was furious and raised her foot, intending to stomp hard on Ye Wen's instep. However, Ye Wen reacted faster, shifting his foot aside while simultaneously pulling his Junior Sister toward him, drawing her into his embrace, and lightly patting her slightly uplifted, soft rear: "Hmph, trying to ambush your husband, you deserve a spanking!"

With a light smack, it was like disturbing a hornet's nest. Ning Ruxue, her vital spot struck, her face flushed crimson almost to the point of bleeding, suddenly cried out, "Wah!" And then, chaos erupted in the small courtyard; jade-green sword energy shot toward the heavens. Alas, just as it began to manifest as a sky full of green light, it was suppressed by a surge of purple energy.