Li Muzhan shook his head, surprised that Wang Xiaoyao was such a deeply devoted romantic; rare, truly rare. If all went as expected, Wang Xiaoyao would one day become the Pavilion Master of Penglai Pavilion, leading the entire sect.

By now, he must have handled countless affairs, learning to remain calm and detached in the face of trouble. Like his senior sister, although young in years, her heart was somewhat aged; logic outweighed sentiment, and affection was not weighted heavily, certainly not above the sect's interests.

Take Nie Xuefeng, for instance; he had once pursued Senior Sister Wen with intense devotion, but for the sake of sect interests and the alliance with Penglai Pavilion, he quickly accepted the arrangement. Wang Xiaoyao, clinging so stubbornly to matters of the heart, was truly an anomaly.

“Hahahaha…” What a passionate, true-hearted Wang Xiaoyao!” Pavilion Master Nie suddenly threw his head back in a loud laugh, his face full of admiration. The short, thin elder’s expression shifted slightly.

He quickly cupped his fists and said sincerely, “Pavilion Master Nie, forgive my rudeness. Let me speak a few more words about the Young Pavilion Master!

The Young Pavilion Master is possessed!”…… He didn't wait for Pavilion Master Nie to speak; instead, he grabbed Wang Xiaoyao, lowering his voice, “Young Pavilion Master, in a situation like this, how do you intend to resolve it? Have you considered what happens if the Changbai Sword Sect breaks ties with us?

Who will then keep the Wang family in check? You will be the ruin of Penglai Pavilion!” “I don’t care!” Wang Xiaoyao forcefully shook his head, shouting, “I am a man of standing!

If I can’t even protect my own woman, what use is being this damned Pavilion Master! What use is it!” “Enough!” The short, thin elder’s face darkened, and he let out a heavy snort, “Even as the Young Pavilion Master, I have the authority to make decisions.

Stand down!” He pulled out a dull, black iron plaque from his robes. It was utterly devoid of luster, seeming to swallow all surrounding light.

He raised the iron plaque, holding it high before Wang Xiaoyao: “Wang Xiaoyao, I order you to leave this place immediately and return to Penglai Pavilion to await judgment!” Wang Xiaoyao glared fixedly at the jet-black plaque, grinding his teeth. His once handsome face contorted, veins bulging slightly on his forehead, as if battling an invisible force.

The short, thin elder raised the black plaque high, staring at him grimly, and let out a cold sneer, “What, Wang Xiaoyao, do you refuse my command?” Wang Xiaoyao stared straight at the plaque. After a long moment, he shook his head.

“I refuse the order! ...

The consequence of defying orders will be borne at the Hall of Punishment later. Today, even if my Master arrived, he couldn't make me leave!

If I must go, I’ll take Fengxia with me!” The short, thin elder laughed in extreme anger, “Good, Young Pavilion Master, you are truly insane! You dare defy the Pavilion Master’s Token?

Do you have any regard for Penglai Pavilion’s rules, or for the ancestors of Penglai Pavilion?! ...

Are you saying you wish to betray Penglai Pavilion?!” Wang Xiaoyao said coldly, “I will accept the punishment, but I must take Fengxia with me!” “You want to take Fengxia, but will Fengxia go with you!?” the short, thin elder sneered. …………………… Wang Xiaoyao said heavily, “I don’t care.

I must take Fengxia. Fengxia is mine.

She cannot marry that Nie fellow. Anyone who stands in my way is my enemy!” “Very well, I’ll be the first to stop you!” the short, thin elder sneered, slapping his chest.

“If you want to take Fengxia, you’ll have to step over me first!” “Uncle He, don't force me!” Wang Xiaoyao said gravely. “You dare defy the Pavilion Master’s Token, and you’re still afraid of killing this old man?!” the short, thin elder scoffed.

Wang Xiaoyao shook his head, suddenly pivoting, and stepped behind the elder to grab the young woman’s hand. Just as he was about to grasp it, a palm shot out.

He flicked his hand to evade the strike, only to see Nie Xuefeng intercepting, blocking the young woman behind him. Nie Xuefeng sneered, glancing at him dismissively, “Wang Xiaoyao, you’ve grown quite bold!

If you want to steal Miss He, first ask if I agree!” Wang Xiaoyao’s eyes were bloodshot as he glared intensely at Nie Xuefeng. “Hey, Nie!

Move aside!...” “Fine, defeat me, and I will naturally step aside!” Nie Xuefeng sneered, his expression self-assured, looking down on Wang Xiaoyao condescendingly. Wang Xiaoyao gritted his teeth and slowly nodded.

“Alright, today I must see what makes you so arrogant, Nie. Take this palm strike!” As his voice fell, his palms transformed into a deluge of afterimages that engulfed Nie Xuefeng.

Nie Xuefeng called out loudly, “Miss Li, lend me your sword!” He flicked his body over to Li Yujiao and reached for the long sword at her waist. Li Yujiao merely twisted her slender waist slightly and huffed, “Not lending it!” This slight movement perfectly evaded Nie Xuefeng’s grasp.

He missed completely and, with no time for further comment, the vast net of palm shadows descended upon him. The Changbai Sword Sect, as its name suggested, specialized in swordsmanship; their other martial arts were inferior to their blade work.

Nie Xuefeng without a sword was like a tiger stripped of its claws. He hadn't expected Li Yujiao's reaction.

He had assumed that because she was young, a sudden aggressive move would leave her flustered, allowing him to seize both her sword and establish his dominance. If he had truly acquired the sword then, it would have been equivalent to overshadowing the prestige of Shengxue Peak and making a name for himself across the land.

Li Yujiao rarely ventured into the martial world. Though seemingly gentle, even with her reputation for formidable martial prowess, others were inclined to underestimate her.

Nie Xuefeng was now paying the price for this miscalculation. Wang Xiaoyao’s palm techniques were like a raging storm, fierce and dense, leaving no chance for recovery; once struck, there was no escaping the outcome.

A person’s energy is finite. While the Changbai Sword Sect’s hand-to-hand combat was less refined than their swordplay, it was still powerful.

However, Nie Xuefeng had devoted himself entirely to sword practice, which was why he had mastered the Feixian Ke technique at such a young age; his bare-handed skills were somewhat lacking. Conversely, Wang Xiaoyao excelled precisely in boxing and footwork.

With their strengths and weaknesses directly opposed, the outcome was immediately clear: Nie Xuefeng fell into a defensive position, struggling desperately to hold on. ……………… “Stop this immediately!” A sharp shout suddenly rang out.

Pavilion Master Nie slammed his hand on the table, gritting his teeth, “Haven’t you disgraced us enough!” His voice was like thunder, causing Wang Xiaoyao to hesitate momentarily. Nie Xuefeng, whose internal methods stemmed from Pavilion Master Nie’s lineage, remained unaffected.

He swiftly retreated, leaping outside the fighting circle, finally able to draw a breath. Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

Pavilion Master Nie’s action clearly smacked of an elder bullying the younger generation; he had interrupted just as Nie Xuefeng was about to be defeated. Wang Xiaoyao glared furiously at Pavilion Master Nie, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

Pavilion Master Nie swept a cold glance over the two, shaking his head. “To stir up such a large conflict over a woman, jeopardizing the friendship between two great houses—you lack perspective, truly disappointing to this Master!” “Master…” Nie Xuefeng muttered in discontent.

“Silence!” Pavilion Master Nie glared—a dazzling electric light flashed, captivating and intimidating. Wang Xiaoyao was also shaken.

He took a deep breath, composing himself, and stated gravely, “Pavilion Master Nie, regardless of anything else, Fengxia is my woman. She cannot marry him!” Pavilion Master Nie asked coldly, “Is she truly your woman?

If that were the case, why did your Master agree to this marriage? Was he merely making sport of us?” “My Master opposed my being with Fengxia…” Wang Xiaoyao mumbled.

“Since your Master is against it, you, as his disciple, dare to disobey his order?” Pavilion Master Nie snorted. Wang Xiaoyao retorted, “I want to make my own decisions!” Pavilion Master Nie sighed and shook his head.

“You satisfy yourself, but are you not afraid of upsetting your Master?” Wang Xiaoyao said heavily, “My Master is only opposed for the moment; he doesn’t yet know how wonderful Fengxia is. Once I marry her, my Master will surely change his mind.” “You…” Pavilion Master Nie shook his head, turning to the Elder He, “Elder He, in my view, perhaps we should let this go.

Let’s not turn this into a joke.” His thoughts were deep and far-reaching; even if they forced He Fengxia into marriage for the sake of appearances, if her heart belonged elsewhere, she would not be happy. Changbai Sword Sect was important, but his son’s happiness was also important.

Although women might not seem like much, judging by his son’s nature, he wasn't the type to treat women as mere objects; one woman was enough to drive him mad and cause him to do foolish things. Elder He quickly replied, “Pavilion Master Nie, this matter was agreed upon by the Pavilion Master; I do not have the authority to decide.” Pavilion Master Nie gave a wry smile, scanning the surrounding crowd.

He saw the excitement in their eyes… they were all waiting for a good show—these people… He smiled and said, “How about this: let the young lady decide this matter. If she agrees to the betrothal, then it is settled; if she doesn't agree, then it’s off.

What do you say?” “This…” Elder He started, his face showing difficulty. ……………… “It’s settled then!” He waved his hand, turning with a smile toward the young lady.

“Miss He, tell us now. Who do you truly wish to be with?

I will make the decision for you. Even if you choose Young Hero Wang, I won’t blame you, nor will I pursue this matter further!” He Fengxia was dressed in crimson satin; her skin was fair with a hint of rose.

She raised her head, her face like a spring blossom, her eyes shimmering as she glanced over Pavilion Master Nie, then toward Nie Xuefeng, finally resting on Wang Xiaoyao’s face. Wang Xiaoyao stepped forward, “Fengxia…” “Miss He!” Nie Xuefeng looked at her intently.

Elder He snorted sternly, “Xia’er, without the Pavilion Master, there would be no father and daughter. You must think carefully!” He Fengxia’s eyes shimmered and flickered incessantly; her beautiful, flower-like face slowly turned pale.

The main hall fell silent, every eye fixed on her face, waiting to see what she would choose. “Heh heh heh…” A long burst of laughter suddenly rang out.

Everyone turned to look and saw a monk in gray robes seated second from the left, currently turning prayer beads with his left hand, laughing loudly and shaking his head repeatedly. They recognized him as the Twin Sword Monk, Zhan Ran, and their excitement grew.

“Master Zhan Ran, why are you laughing?” Pavilion Master Nie narrowed his eyes and asked mildly. Li Muzhan suppressed his smile and sighed.

“I merely feel it’s a pity. Such a delicate woman is being forced into this choice.

Don't you find that too cruel, Pavilion Master Nie?” Pavilion Master Nie smiled a half-smile. “She can choose as she wishes; no one is forcing her.

What cruelty is there in that? Master Zhan Ran certainly has a heart for fair maidens!” Li Muzhan shook his head.

“On one side is obligation, on the other, deep affection. If Miss He chooses your esteemed son, she repays her gratitude but betrays Young Hero Wang’s deep love.

If she chooses Young Hero Wang, she fulfills his deep affection but betrays the favor of the Penglai Pavilion Master. If you were in her position, Pavilion Master Nie, how would you choose?” “This Master would naturally choose obligation,” Pavilion Master Nie said heavily.

Li Muzhan laughed. “The concerns of love make heroes weak.

What is this emotion that causes people to vow life and death for one another? ...

Pavilion Master Nie can cut off all worldly feelings; I admire, I truly admire!” Previously, due to seating arrangements, and now because Nie Xuefeng had tried to ambush Li Yujiao, he held a deep dislike for this father and son duo, and thus did not hesitate to speak up for the opposition. He had clearly seen that Pavilion Master Nie harbored ill intentions toward the Canghai Sword Sect; trying to placate him was useless.

It was better to vent some of his Master’s suppressed anger. PS: There’s more to come.

Today I’m going all out; I refuse to believe this won’t earn a monthly ticket from everyone. (To be continued)