The seasoned martial artists, when discussing matters of consequence, were always brisk and decisive. Ye Wenqi hardly needed to speak more than a few sentences; by the time the meal concluded, the arrangement had been firmly settled.

“Everyone, return and discipline your sect disciples. Then, wait until the coming spring when Chief Dongfang has made all necessary preparations, and we shall set sail to eradicate the Demonic Cult!”

According to Dongfang Yi’s intention, they should seek weather free from typhoons, making winter and early spring the most suitable times. It was already autumn, and winter would soon follow, making a sea voyage timely.

However, considering that the sect leaders needed time to reorganize and settle affairs before departing, several extra months were allotted to provide everyone with sufficient time for arrangements.

And according to the wishes of Zen Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi, the Yuding Sect would not contribute personnel this time. Yet, Yuqingzi declared, “The Demonic Cult affair concerns the welfare of the entire realm. Although our Yuding Sect is hardly a major power, and my junior brother has no top experts among his contingent, we still wish to contribute our meager strength!”

Understanding that their sect truly lacked peak fighting power, Yuqingzi swiftly added, “The Demonic Cult has numbers on its side, and there will certainly be many rank-and-file members. Though you all possess supreme skills, you must not waste time on these lesser foes. Take more disciples with you; it will aid in the swift extermination of the Demonic Cult!”

Seeing Yuqingzi’s resolve, the others ceased persuading him, merely praising True Man Yuqing’s noble conduct for setting aside his own sect’s concerns for the sake of the world. Everyone present was aware of the Yuding Sect’s precarious situation: Yuqingzi had not long to live, and the few disciples he had were mediocre. Forcing them to join this expedition might well result in their complete annihilation by the Cultists.

The attendees, including Zen Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi, silently resolved to ensure the Yuding lineage survived. Meanwhile, Ye Wen was discussing strategy with Ning Ruxue: “When the time comes, we will divide into four routes, and we shall join the Yuding Sect. This will fulfill our promise to Elder Hu!”

He reasoned that under the protection of the Shu Shan disciples, the Yuding Sect ought not suffer any catastrophic losses. Of course, if the enemy proved too strong for even the Shu Shan contingent to protect themselves, then nothing could be done.

The ensuing matters were of little concern to Ye Wen. The various sect leaders were busy calculating the time required to return to their mountains, make necessary arrangements, and then lead their elite disciples to the Azure Dragon Guild’s headquarters.

Among this gathering, only the members of the Tianshan Sect were situated the furthest away, requiring the longest travel time. Thus, all schedules had to align with the Tianshan contingent’s timeline. Moreover, Li Xuan and his junior brother Zheng Ting were both formidable experts; losing their powerful assistance would significantly impact the operation.

As for experts, naturally, the more the merrier—otherwise, they wouldn’t have pulled Ye Wen into this affair. It was precisely because Zen Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi recognized Ye Wen’s strength.

But there was another layer of meaning they left unspoken!

That was, they felt the menace of the Demonic Cult could never be truly extinguished. Even if the Situ clan were wiped out this time, it was inevitable that another Sima clan or Sikong clan might arise to stir up trouble again.

Since Ye Wen was young, integrating him into this circle sooner rather than later meant the Orthodox Path would not lack an inheritor when they—due to old age or even death on this overseas venture—were gone. They would leave behind a vital seed for the Righteous Martial World.

Completely unaware that he was the protégé the two elders were guarding, Ye Wen was busy pondering how to manage his own sect upon returning.

“Zhiruo is too young; we won’t bring her this time. Ning’er is already a grown woman, and she must eventually inherit my mantle as Sect Master, so we must bring her along for good tempering!”

As for the remaining disciples, apart from Liu Muyan who was serving in the imperial court and could not accompany them, the others could be dispatched together.

“Li Sen and Zixin need not go either!” Ning Ruxue conferred with Ye Wen for a while before offering her suggestion.

Li Sen’s martial arts were subpar; sending him would be sending him to his death. Furthermore, the vast estate of the Shu Shan Sect required his attention, and he could not easily leave the mountain now.

Nangong Zixin also possessed insufficient skill; bringing her would be a liability rather than an asset, and she was better left overseeing the mountain. However, given her temperament, it was uncertain whether she would willingly remain. Moreover, the Nangong family members were all deploying for this Cult extermination; it was questionable if the girl would consent to stay behind.

Nangong Huang, conversely, was exceptionally talented and diligent. In the last five years, he had learned a great deal from Xu Xian, even mastering the Chunyang Supreme Art. His swordsmanship now bore the distinct air of Xu Xian in his prime. Coupled with his handsome looks and a tendency to chase romance, he had accumulated quite a few romantic entanglements over the past two years, even resulting in a girl from a minor Eastern Province sect coming to Shu Shan to find him.

At the time, Xu Xian had teased Huang Rongrong, “Are all the young ladies of the Eastern Province this fiery-tempered?” which left Huang Rongrong both embarrassed and annoyed, yet unable to find a rebuttal.

Counting them up, it was essentially just this small group—basically the disciples brought to this Martial Arts Assembly. What Ye Wen hadn't anticipated was that the most crucial part of the assembly had already concluded; the subsequent days of the gathering would be mind-numbingly dull.

He had expected that the sudden acquisition of a fixed seat for the Shu Shan Sect would cause a massive stir, perhaps even provoking some reckless fools to issue challenges.

But nothing happened!

Ye Wen slightly turned his head to glance toward True Man Tianyi, noticing that he and Zen Master Huixin were also observing him. As their gazes met, the two old men actually offered him a faint smile, as if they understood his perplexity.

Could these two old foxes have colluded with the other sects beforehand? The more he considered it, the more likely it seemed. Otherwise, it was hard to imagine how the glory-seeking martial artists would so calmly allow the Shu Shan Sect to effortlessly secure a seat that others had yearned for so long. Usually, when such a situation arose, even those who knew they were outmatched would jump up to display some form of prowess.

Whether to help him build prestige or purely to be contrary, they would never allow someone to secure a seat comfortably.

Today’s scene was genuinely unsettling.

“Master, lychees!”

While Ye Wen was pondering, Huayi brought a prepared lychee to his lips. He didn't think much of it, opened his mouth, and bit down, inadvertently sucking in the fingers holding the fruit along with it. Only after tasting it did he realize something extra was there. His tongue flicked out, grazing the fingertip, and given the intimacy of the action, he quickly retracted his hand.

Ye Wen turned to look at Huayi, finding her gazing down at her own fingers, likely startled by his sudden action. Although he had taken advantage of her many times over the years, this blatant display was a first.

Just then, Ye Wen felt a chill down his spine, a wave of killing intent washing over him.

“Killing intent!”

He turned to see Ning Ruxue’s delicate face tight with displeasure, her eyes narrowed slightly, with subtle sword energy seeming to linger within them. Ye Wen instantly extended a prepared lychee: “Junior Sister, have a lychee!” “……”

Seeing her brother’s feigned innocence, Ning Ruxue felt helpless. Moreover, under the scrutiny of the assembled crowd, it was inappropriate to argue with her senior brother. She obediently opened her mouth and bit the lychee. Yet, despite her caution, she inevitably grazed Ye Wen’s finger. She then understood that Ye Wen’s earlier move had been entirely deliberate. Just as she was about to ask when he had prepared the lychee, she saw Ye Wen lick the fingers that had held the fruit. Recalling that her own lips had just touched those fingers, her pretty face immediately flushed crimson. She lowered her head and silently ate the lychee.

Ye Wen glanced left at Huayi, still fiddling with her fingers with her head bowed, and right at Ning Ruxue, eating her lychee with a flushed face. He couldn't help but feel immensely pleased: This is a fine start, Muahaha!

But as his satisfaction peaked, the seemingly placid Martial Arts Assembly was suddenly disrupted. Li Xuan, who had been sitting like a statue, abruptly leaped onto the arena stage and declared, “This year’s assembly is dreadfully dull. Why doesn’t Master Ye come up and spar a few rounds with this humble one?”

He then cast a look of disdain toward the excited martial crowds below: “Let the heroes of the world witness the skill of the Shu Shan Sect Master!”

At these words, several second and third-rate sects, who had remained silent, roared their approval. These factions had long held grudges against the Shu Shan Sect and, due to the instructions from True Man Tianyi and Zen Master Huixin, were unable to directly challenge them. They were unaware that this restraint was because the Shu Shan Sect was joining the campaign against the Demonic Cult. Zen Master Huixin feared that Shu Shan might suffer irreparable damage, making the situation even more perilous later.

However, despite all their planning, no one anticipated Li Xuan suddenly making this move, challenging Ye Wen to a contest. In this scenario, it would have been better to let the minor sects cause some ruckus with Shu Shan! At least those people could only injure some Shu Shan disciples, whereas they were unlikely to defeat Ye Wen.

Even if Ye Wen expended some vital energy, a few months of recovery would surely set things right. But fighting Li Xuan...

True Man Tianyi and Zen Master Huixin exchanged a look, both finding their brows furrowed, their expressions tinged with helplessness. They were powerless against Li Xuan, a man of formidable martial arts skill who persistently refused to adhere to convention.

Ye Wen was momentarily stunned, not expecting Li Xuan’s sudden challenge. He saw the Tianshan Sect Master standing on the stage, hands clasped behind his back, gazing down at him with a faint smile still fixed on his face, yet his eyes held a hint of contempt.

Standing up, Ye Wen leaped gracefully, landing lightly on the platform. He offered a slight bow and stated calmly, “Since Chief Li extends such a sincere invitation, I, Ye Wen, shall certainly accompany you!”

Li Xuan let out a short laugh: “Master Ye is indeed forthright!”

Ye Wen offered no reply, merely focusing his senses and adopting a defensive posture. He had recently exchanged a few blows with the Nine Swords Immortal and understood the caliber of the world’s top masters. He did not believe he could defeat Li Xuan at his current level, but he also doubted Li Xuan intended to take his life—otherwise, why choose to fight in full public view? And at this particular moment?

If Li Xuan truly meant to kill him now, surely Zen Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi would not stand idly by.

As he was thinking, he heard Li Xuan declare, “Everyone, please do not be tense. This humble Li has no feud or accumulated grudge with Master Ye. I have only stepped up to make this Martial Arts Assembly a bit more lively. Therefore, this bout is merely a friendly spar!”

Despite these words, Ye Wen found the situation even stranger. Li Xuan was clearly not the type to sacrifice himself to entertain the masses. Based on his usual demeanor, he should be a man of absolute arrogance and self-regard.

Li Xuan continued, “We shall trade just thirty moves. What does Master Ye think?”

“Agreed!”

Unable to decipher the motive, Ye Wen decided to stop dwelling on it. He nodded in acceptance, then assumed his starting stance: “Please!”

Li Xuan raised a hand, and a Tianshan disciple below tossed him his personal sword. The sword, once unsheathed, was tossed casually, not aimed directly at Li Xuan’s waiting hand. Yet, with a flick of Li Xuan’s wrist, his palm formed a claw shape, and the sword seemed magnetically drawn, rushing straight into his grasp.

Is that a technique similar to Dragon Seizing Skill?

Ye Wen saw instantly that this differed greatly from his own Purple Qi Heavenly Net artifact manipulation; this was purely reliant on profound internal energy to forcefully draw an object to hand. This single feat revealed the depth of Li Xuan’s cultivation... However, as Li Xuan held the sword and settled into his stance, True Man Tianyi and Zen Master Huixin both showed looks of confusion, murmuring a soft, “Hmm?”

At that moment, Li Xuan raised his left sword hand and announced, “This is merely a sparring match, so I shall use my left hand to experience Master Ye’s swordsmanship!”

Ye Wen understood immediately: the opponent was deliberately using his non-dominant hand to engage him. It seemed he truly only intended a friendly contest, and since Li Xuan specified a test of swordsmanship, Ye Wen couldn't rely on his sword energy techniques.

“Very well!”

He brought his right-hand sword fingers together, and the long sword positioned before him suddenly vibrated. With a clang, it flew out of its sheath, spun in the air, and flew directly into Ye Wen’s waiting hand.

This art of Sword Control had been practiced by him to the point of effortless grace. Though still ineffective in actual combat, it was perfect for showmanship.

Many among the crowd below had not attended the previous Martial Arts Assembly and had only heard rumors that Shu Shan’s Jun Yu and Ye Wen understood Sword Control. They were skeptical until they witnessed it firsthand, leaving them with no choice but to believe.

“Is that Sword Control? Doesn't that count as martial arts anymore?”

“Heh! Why wouldn’t it count? Didn't the current foremost master of the martial world, the Nine Swords Immortal, specialize in Sword Control?”

“How can this be martial arts? It should be called immortal technique! Why doesn't Master Ye use Sword Control in combat?”

Another man scratched his head: “I don't know! Perhaps Master Ye’s Sword Control hasn't been mastered yet?”

This remark was immediately refuted by someone nearby: “If you don’t know, don’t speak nonsense. Master Ye’s most favored technique is an ultimate skill involving unleashing sword energy barehanded; he doesn't need a sword for practice, so naturally, he won't use Sword Control! Didn't you see Master Ye ascend the stage without his sword? He only drew it because Chief Li requested a contest of swordsmanship.” The crowd, previously puzzled, now looked enlightened.

The two men stood opposite each other. Just as Ye Wen was about to make the first move, Li Xuan suddenly lunged forward, his long sword flashing, unleashing the Tianshan Sect’s Holy Spirit Twenty-One Swords in rapid succession. Although the sword hissed sharply, no sword energy erupted. Ye Wen initially believed this was truly a mere sparring match, but he was shocked to see the blade aiming directly for his vital points.

Heh! This doesn’t look like a friendly spar! Ye Wen’s heart jolted; he suspected there was a trick to this exchange. He swiftly pivoted his own sword and casually deployed the most familiar Quanzhen Sword Style to defend himself.

Although the Quanzhen Sword Style was unexceptional, it was stable and balanced. If one’s skill was sufficient, even if it couldn't wound the enemy, the enemy couldn't easily wound oneself. Seeing Li Xuan's ferocious assault, Ye Wen first used the Quanzhen Style to guard his body before considering his next move.

There was a flurry of clanging metal. Both swords were infused with true qi, so after this clash, neither blade sustained any damage. But upon contact, the hidden sword energy within Li Xuan’s blade seemed to find an outlet, erupting in a wave. Ye Wen, caught off guard, was almost swept by the sword energy bursting from the blade.

Fortunately, Ye Wen had been wary. Although he hadn't consciously channeled sword energy into his weapon, he had condensed a substantial layer of robust true qi. Thus, this burst of sword energy was omnidirectional, with much of it heading toward Li Xuan himself. Li Xuan, equally surprised, had a shallow gash nicked on his shoulder by the sword energy.

Those watching from afar could not see it clearly, but Ye Wen, being so close, saw perfectly. This made him even more perplexed.

Is Li Xuan’s skill really this poor? Whether seen years ago or just yesterday, Li Xuan had displayed the bearing and aura of an unfathomable master. How could he nearly suffer injury in the very first exchange this time?

A master as renowned as Li Xuan couldn't possibly be all hype, especially since his reputation was forged by his own deeds; there could be no exaggeration. But the situation was bizarre. Could Li Xuan be deliberately putting on a show? And if so, for what purpose?

While pondering this, Li Xuan’s sword danced rapidly again. Simultaneously, his sword forms shifted, deploying the Vast Heaven Cloud and Wind Sword Style, a technique even more advanced than the Holy Spirit Twenty-One Swords.

Li Xuan’s left-hand sword technique was ceaseless yet powerfully imposing. Subtle cold energy permeated the blade, transforming the entire sword into a deep blue hue.

Damn it, using his ultimate techniques—and this is still called sparring? You brat, this is clearly an attempt on my life! Ye Wen parried the assault, only to see Li Xuan retract his right palm, condensing a layer of white frost in his palm before striking toward Ye Wen’s flank. Even before the palm struck, the bone-penetrating cold air alarmed him. He inwardly fretted that if this palm strike landed solidly, half his body would instantly turn into an ice sculpture.

Ye Wen swiftly flipped his own palm. The Innate Purple Qi within him churned violently, manifesting as a purple dragon's head on his left palm—a move from the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.

Ye Wen thrust his left palm forward, meeting Li Xuan’s right palm strike exactly. Ye Wen felt a chilling coolness in his palm, recognizing that the frost energy from the Ice Soul Cold Skill was even stronger than he had anticipated. However, his Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms were overwhelmingly fierce; every strike was delivered with full force.

Li Xuan’s palm strike, intended to distract, had not been executed with full power. Upon being struck by Ye Wen’s Dragon Subduing force, the cold energy in his palm was instantly repelled backward by the sheer strength of the palm. Following closely was a surge of tyrannical, dominating energy that rushed directly into his meridians.

Shocked by the ferocity of Ye Wen’s palm strength, Li Xuan suppressed the pain in his meridians and abruptly shifted his body. The sword move he had been executing suddenly transformed. With this single pivot and change, Li Xuan suddenly appeared behind Ye Wen, and the sword technique he had held in reserve exploded forth, aiming for Ye Wen’s back vital points.

Unexpectedly, after delivering his palm strike, Ye Wen immediately followed up with another move, the Divine Dragon’s Tail Whip, as if he had anticipated Li Xuan moving behind him all along. Li Xuan was so astonished that he failed to react. Given how close they were, the counter-palm strike landed squarely on Li Xuan’s chest.

Struck by this blow, Li Xuan felt his entire body convulse. The blood he had managed to hold back erupted forth, and he could no longer maintain his grip on the sword, which clattered loudly onto the ground.

Having gained the upper hand, Ye Wen turned around, looked at the fallen Li Xuan, and demanded, “You are not Li Xuan! Who exactly are you?”

………………