Winter yielded to spring, and once the New Year had passed, it was officially spring. Although the weather had not yet fully warmed and the chill remained biting, according to the original schedule, everyone in the Shu Shan Sect began preparing to depart for the Azure Dragon Society and then set sail to encircle and annihilate the Demonic Cult.

Several major events unfolded on the Jiang River during these days.

Among them, the Shu Shan Sect was ambushed by the Demonic Cult but managed to wipe out all the invaders while also killing the Cult’s Deputy Leader, Sima Xiangzhen, and the Wood Emissary of the Five Elements Envoys, severely wounding the Eastern Protector, Xiang Yutian. These deeds were widely acclaimed by heroes across the martial world, with some even praising the Shu Shan Sect as truly deserving of its reputation as the most prominent sect of recent years, its power undeniably formidable.

"The Demonic Cult clearly underestimates us righteous heroes, sending only a Deputy Leader. I say, it would only be appropriate if their Cult Leader came in person!"

"If that were the case, our assembled righteous heroes wouldn't need to campaign overseas; Headmaster Ye could have dealt with the Demonic Cult right at his doorstep!"

"Hahahaha!"

This victory by the Shu Shan Sect indeed greatly boosted the morale of the righteous alliance. However, the morale seemed to have risen a bit too much; many were becoming blindly optimistic, believing the so-called Demonic Cult was nothing to fear, and that as soon as the righteous heroes arrived, this confounded cult would immediately crumble.

Fortunately, the leading figures of the righteous alliance were not quite so foolish. Upon learning of the ambush on Shu Shan, the Zen Master Huixin and the True Man Tianyi immediately dispatched their disciples, skilled in qinggong (lightness skill), carrying letters to inquire about the situation at the Shu Shan Sect. They wanted to gauge the true strength of the Demonic Cult based on the losses sustained by Shu Shan.

Because of this inquiry arose the second major event: Shu Shan Headmaster Ye Wen injured his meridians fighting the Demonic Cult Protector Xiang Yutian, and was subsequently ambushed by the demonic sorceress Shen Yuqing, resulting in injuries that were far from trivial. Although his life was saved, his cultivation base was affected, and it was uncertain when he would recover.

Fortunately, aside from this, the Shu Shan Sect seemed to have suffered no other casualties. Not only were Ye Wen’s junior martial sisters and brothers unharmed, but even some of the renowned disciples sustained no injuries, suggesting they would all be available for the encirclement campaign against the Demonic Cult.

All this news flowed out from the Chan Sect and the Tian Dao Sect. According to reliable sources, the Shu Shan Headmaster Ye Wen would likely not participate in this grand endeavor to suppress the Demonic Cult and would focus entirely on recuperating. Even if his injuries healed well, he would certainly not be on the front lines when they departed.

"It matters not. Headmaster Ye has already dealt a heavy blow to the Demonic Cult at his own doorstep and killed their Deputy Leader—he has already performed such a marvelous feat. It's fine even if he doesn't come; let him rest assured while we deal with slaughtering those demonic villains."

Meanwhile, Ye Wen, currently deemed by the martial world as severely injured and unable to travel, sat in his courtyard, refusing to let go of his junior martial sister, holding her tightly.

"Senior Brother, it is late; you should rest..." Ning Ruxue kept her head lowered, almost burying her face into his chest. Yet, no matter how much she spoke, the hands clasped around her waist showed no sign of loosening. She thought to herself, Truly careless of me, to let Senior Brother grab me like this.

Ye Wen chuckled a few times: "The moonlight tonight is so fine; why rush back to rest? Junior Sister, stay with Senior Brother a little longer!"

At these words, Huayi, standing behind them, immediately covered her mouth and laughed softly. She had long discerned Ye Wen's intentions, but as a mere handmaiden, she naturally could not interject; she simply had to watch dutifully.

Alas, both Ye Wen and Ning Ruxue were martial artists of profound skill. Ning Ruxue instantly caught the sound of Huayi's quiet laughter, and the tips of her ears flushed crimson.

During this period, Ye Wen’s injuries gradually healed, and his entire cultivation base recovered completely. However, because Master Huixin and True Man Tianyi intended to deliberately mislead members of the Demonic Cult, they spread the rumor that Ye Wen was severely wounded—though this wasn't entirely a lie; he had been seriously injured, it was just that his recovery was faster than anticipated.

With his body mended, stomach full, and energy abundant, Ye Wen spent his days pursuing matters of mutual joy. Unfortunately, Ning Ruxue had been exceedingly vigilant these past few days, absolutely refusing to give Ye Wen any opportunity. Every time they met, she maintained a distance, ensuring he couldn't seize her.

"Junior Sister, let's finalize our marriage!"

Ye Wen had brought up this matter often lately, but Ning Ruxue had grown somewhat apprehensive, always deflecting the conversation whenever the topic arose. Today, however, Ye Wen seized an opportunity, held her fast, and declared, "It seems today this Headmaster will engage in boarding the train before buying the ticket!"

Ning Ruxue looked up: "Senior Brother, what do you mean?"

He whispered a few sentences into her ear, explaining the general meaning. Ning Ruxue instantly blushed so deeply she wanted to burrow into the ground, but alas, she was held too tightly to find anywhere to hide.

While they were playfully struggling, Xu Xian suddenly walked in from outside the courtyard. Seeing the scene, he immediately laughed, "Oh! Senior Brother and Senior Sister are both here!"

Since Xu Xian acquired his own separate courtyard, he rarely returned here. He was busy indulging in sweet moments with Huang Rongrong all day long, so he didn't often show himself before Ye Wen. Why he chose to return so late tonight was unknown.

The house originally occupied by Xu Xian had now been given to Huayi. After tidying up, Huayi placed all of Xu Xian’s belongings that he hadn't taken into a small side room. Xu Xian pointed casually toward that small room and said with a smile, "Just grabbing a few things; you two carry on!" With that, he entered the small room and began rummaging, the sounds of clattering and banging audible even from outside.

After a while, a dust-covered Xu Xian emerged, dusting himself off, and laughed, "I didn't realize this thing was tucked away so far in the back!"

When Xu Xian first appeared, Ning Ruxue had struggled a few times, but Ye Wen never loosened his grip. Holding Ning Ruxue, he asked, "Junior Brother, what did you come back for?"

Xu Xian displayed the item in his hand. Across its cover were written the bold characters: The Supreme Art of Pure Yang. Ye Wen was startled upon seeing it. Had he just casually left the copy of the Supreme Art of Pure Yang he had transcribed here after giving it to Xu Xian?

"Huang'er’s skills have reached a certain level. I plan to teach him this technique! With his current cultivation, using the Cold Pool Azure Fruit, he should be able to reach minor accomplishment directly!"

In the years spent at Shu Shan, Nangong Huang had diligently practiced swordsmanship and internal arts, making quick progress, but ultimately not as fast as other disciples who focused solely on internal arts. Thus, he had never learned any profound techniques until now, when Xu Xian felt Nangong Huang was ready to cultivate this ultimate art.

Because no one had practiced this manual since Xu Xian mastered it, he hadn't paid it much attention and had left it in his original room. When Huayi tidied up, she didn't look too closely, assuming it was just some of Xu Xian's poetry books and literary collections, and had stacked it with that pile of books in the small room.

"Heavens, thank goodness this was in my courtyard! If I had carelessly thrown it into the storage room, it might have ended up benefiting some lowly servant!"

Ye Wen was utterly stunned by Xu Xian's casual action. He stared blankly as Xu Xian blew a thick layer of dust off the manual, then strolled gracefully toward him, holding the book: "When are Senior Brother and Senior Sister planning to consummate their union?"

At this question, Ye Wen immediately smiled: "Soon. I originally planned to hold the ceremony in the next few days, but alas, the various major sects are busy preparing for the Demonic Cult encirclement. Holding a grand wedding now seems rather ill-timed!"

Ye Wen wanted to marry Ning Ruxue off gloriously, but given the current situation, a grand ceremony seemed unlikely. Thus, they would have to wait until after the war against the Demonic Cult to celebrate properly.

"Oh! Is that so!" Xu Xian nodded, then tilted his head back, seemingly calculating something.

"What? Is there an issue?"

Xu Xian shook his head: "I'm wondering if I should settle my own affairs too? Rongrong isn't getting any younger!" He then gestured toward himself: "And I’m already approaching the age of thirty!"

If he hadn't mentioned it, Ye Wen would have nearly forgotten that Xu Xian was already about thirty. Judging by his appearance, the life-preserving effects of the Free Wanderer Sect’s martial arts were truly remarkable. Ning Ruxue, who had cultivated a portion of the Minor Formless Art, would also see her appearance barely change, though her temperament would evolve with age.

As for Huayi... the beautifying effects of the Heavenly Demon Art were also incredibly potent. Unless she mentioned it, no one could guess her true age.

"Yes, my age is not insignificant either!"

Another year passed. Ye Wen moved one step closer to the threshold of thirty. Although he had mastered profound martial arts and, barring accidents, his lifespan would be much longer than ordinary people, and his appearance would barely change, a man knows his own affairs. He could fool others, but could he fool himself?

"I’m almost thirty and still haven't brought my wife home! I’m a complete failure, truly the shame of all transmigrators!" He thought of the protagonists in those novels; which one, after transmigrating, didn't have a harem of three palaces and six courtyards?

What? Seven? Seven was just the beginning! If you didn't end up with seventy or eighty wives, could you even claim to have transmigrated? If one transmigrated to some other continent, exotic races like mermaids and elves were standard issue. Beastmen and trolls could be used to vary the palate. As for human women, if you weren't a princess or a saintess, they wouldn't even deign to look at you.

"Alas... I haven't even settled things with my Junior Sister yet!" He glanced back at Huayi: "This one is still waiting for her turn!"

Watching Xu Xian depart cheerfully, Ye Wen swept Ning Ruxue up into his arms. Ning Ruxue gasped in surprise, her hands instinctively wrapping around Ye Wen’s neck.

"Junior Sister, let’s attend to important business first!"

"Ah?" She blinked, looking at Ye Wen: "What important business?" She wasn't quite clear on what crucial matter required such action.

"Let’s consummate the marriage first!"

"Huh?"

Without another word, ignoring Ning Ruxue’s struggles like a frantic carp, he turned and carried her into his sleeping chambers: "Mmm-hah, mmm-hah, Junior Sister, stop struggling!"

The big bad wolf had finally revealed his sharp claws, but alas, Ye Wen only knew how to scare her. If Ning Ruxue didn't agree, he wouldn't dare cross the line by half an inch; at most, he would take a small advantage.

And so, the day after, he would always sigh with deep feeling: "Alas... I am truly a failure, worse than a brute."

On Mount Tian Shan, Li Xuan held a letter in his hand and spoke to Zheng Ting, who sat below him: "The Demonic Cult attacked the Shu Shan Sect, were not only repelled but also lost their Deputy Leader Sima Xiangzhen and the Wood Emissary of the Five Elements Envoys!"

Waving the letter, Li Xuan looked at Zheng Ting: "What do you think?"

Zheng Ting did not answer but glanced at Li Zhen sitting across from him. The two were relatively close within the sect, and in some ways, they were thick as thieves. Unprepared for the Headmaster Li Xuan’s question, they exchanged a look before replying: "This is a joyous occasion for us righteous heroes!"

Li Xuan let out a cold laugh: "Is that so?" The doubt in his tone was palpable. Zheng Ting and Li Zhen felt a sudden chill sweep over them, pressured by Li Xuan’s aura compelling them to circulate their gongfu to resist.

Casting a cold glance at these two junior martial brothers, Li Xuan continued, "Recently, rumors have spread in the martial world that Shu Shan Headmaster Ye Wen is gravely wounded. How severe do you believe Headmaster Ye’s injuries are, Junior Brother?"

Upon hearing this, a flicker of smugness appeared in Zheng Ting's eyes, yet his face remained respectful: "This is a loss for our righteous path. With Headmaster Ye severely injured, it is likely he cannot participate in that grand campaign against the Demonic Cult."

"Is that what you think?"

"Isn't it?" Zheng Ting assumed that Ye Wen had been struck by his Profound Ice Severing Fire Demonic Art hidden strike, which lay dormant in his body. Now, during the great battle with the Demonic Cult masters, that hidden strike must have flared up. Otherwise, why would the Deputy Leader die at Ye Wen's hands, only to be wounded by the Protector afterwards?

It must be that Ye Wen’s profound skill initially suppressed the hidden strike. Once he killed the Deputy Cult Leader and was exhausted, the hidden strike erupted, and Xiang Yutian merely took advantage of the situation.

Hmph, what ‘Gentleman Swordsman’? He still fell for my trap! No matter how transcendent your skill, you can't withstand my demonic art! In a few more days, once his cultivation is entirely wasted, the Shu Shan Sect will be like a headless fly. Dealing with them will be entirely up to me.

While he reveled in his thoughts, Li Zhen opposite him remained silent, but Li Xuan watched the pair with an air of amusement.

Truthfully, Li Xuan did not believe the report of Ye Wen’s severe injury. He was more inclined to believe the two old figures were deliberately spreading rumors to confuse the Demonic Cult. This judgment wasn't based on confidence in Ye Wen’s martial arts, but purely on his understanding of the two elders. However, looking at the letter, Ye Wen actually managed to kill several masters of the Demonic Cult; his skill must have advanced further.

"This young man’s progress in martial arts is rarely seen in the world. Truly interesting!"

With a flick of his wrist, the sheet of white paper vibrated sharply, then instantly solidified, dissolving into glittering fragments in the air, never to be seen again.

Seeing Li Xuan’s demonstration, Zheng Ting and Li Zhen unconsciously swallowed. Regarding their Headmaster Martial Brother’s skill, they felt nothing but admiration and awe. To control cold energy to such a degree—having cultivated cold arts themselves—they knew how much comprehension and perseverance this required. It was precisely due to Li Xuan's overwhelming power that these two junior martial brothers dared not show the slightest disrespect in his presence. Only after Li Xuan departed and vanished from sight did they both exhale in relief.

"Third Senior Brother, do you think Headmaster Martial Brother suspects us?" Li Zhen asked somewhat anxiously after Li Xuan was gone.

He ranked sixth among the disciples of Mount Tian Shan, while Zheng Ting was third. Li Xuan was the eldest brother. Among their generation of Tian Shan disciples, all others were dead except for the three of them.

Zheng Ting pondered, finally saying uncertainly, "Senior Brother must have already noticed something, otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately mentioned leaving early at the Martial Arts Assembly that day, only to watch me secretly."

The memory of that day brought a cold sweat to Zheng Ting. He had expected Li Xuan to be furious about his actions, but unexpectedly, Li Xuan had merely dismissed the matter with a few casual words, as if he didn't care. This left Zheng Ting unable to decipher his senior brother’s true intentions.

Li Zhen considered this, then said tentatively, "Senior Brother, do you think Eldest Martial Brother might share our ambition...?"

Zheng Ting nodded: "That is not impossible!" He added, "For the two of us to use such means to make the Tian Shan Sect the foremost sect in the martial world is not unheard of. Didn't the Tian Dao Sect and the Chan Sect do the same back then to attain their current status? As long as we succeed, the Tian Shan Sect will surely stand at the pinnacle of martial arts!"

"Eldest Martial Brother has always wanted the Tian Shan Sect to be the top sect, so we don't conflict on that point. It's just that Eldest Martial Brother seems undecided about aligning with that..." Here, he trailed off, looking around nervously as if fearing eavesdroppers.

Li Zhen nodded; he understood.

"Right, what about the Shu Shan Sect matter..."

"Last time you mentioned Shu Shan might have ties to that old ghost Ling Xuzi. I investigated everywhere but found nothing. Furthermore, it seems only that Xu Xian from the Shu Shan Sect understands a bit of Ling Xuzi's martial arts. Perhaps he was a disciple taken in previously?" This matter also gave Zheng Ting a headache, but he could never uncover anything useful. When fighting Ye Wen, he also detected no trace of Ling Xuzi’s martial arts on him.

Li Zhen could only say, "That old ghost came to our Tian Shan for no reason and ruined our plans. I hope that old ghost didn't tell anyone else!"

Zheng Ting waved his hand dismissively: "Hmph, that old ghost took a full-force palm strike from me; he certainly won't live long! And since so much time has passed without anyone exposing our affairs, he must have died before he could tell anyone else! Do not worry, Junior Brother, just be cautious that Xu Xian might seek revenge for that old ghost!"

"Yes, what Senior Brother says is absolutely right!"

The two spoke with extreme caution, completely unaware that a figure was perched atop the roof of the room where they talked. It was none other than the Tian Shan Sect Headmaster, Li Xuan. The conversation between the two downstairs reached his ears clearly, yet Li Xuan lacked his usual arrogant and carefree demeanor; instead, he frowned, weighing the pros and cons.

"The situation has developed to this point; a decision must indeed be made. Should I align with the faction favored by my junior brothers, or should I remain firmly on the side of the righteous path?"

He flipped his hand, and a ball of brilliant ice crystals gathered in his palm, rotating beautifully and faintly shimmering with seven-colored light.

"And what of the Profound Ice Severing Fire Art... how can it truly be mastered? Must one only cultivate the Profound Ice Severing Fire Demonic Art like Third Junior Brother?"

Li Xuan pondered ceaselessly on Mount Tian Shan. Meanwhile, Ye Wen was also lost in thought: "Why don't I just eat Huayi first? But if I do that, Junior Sister will be angry, right?"

He looked at his left hand, then his right: "Ah, this is truly a difficult choice!"