The meal was anything but pleasant for Ye Wen, stemming entirely from the incessant, lingering gaze of that Xuanyuan Wudi fixed upon Ning Ruxue.

What could be more vexing than one man eyeing your beloved? Two such men.

Not far from Xuanyuan Wudi sat a hulking brute, broad-shouldered and powerfully built, radiating formidable might. Like Xuanyuan Wudi, this man was a renowned lone wolf of the Jianghu.

"Long Batian, Xuanyuan Wudi... It seems many have risen to prominence in the martial world through sheer fortune! This is clearly not a privilege reserved for just one person."

Long Batian’s background mirrored Xuanyuan Wudi’s almost exactly; both were surrounded by a harem of wives and concubines, trailing a fragrant breeze and female admirers wherever they went, thus commanding attention on the road.

Upon encountering Ye Wen, they had initially assumed he was just another fledgling disciple ready to bow down. Yet, to their surprise, this alleged Mount Shu Sect Master, who appeared so much younger, was employing that same arrogant display of ‘shaking the imperial body’ and radiating an aura of supreme self-importance.

“What do you think you are? A mere leader of some newly sprung sect, daring to act so presumptuously?”

Both men thought this simultaneously, casting a glance toward Ye Wen.

“However, that woman’s beauty is undeniable. To be paired with this brat? What a terrible waste!”

With that thought, the two exchanged a quick, fiery look toward Xuanyuan Wudi (Long Batian). Sparks flew between them: “This time, I absolutely will not let him snatch the lead!”

Ye Wen casually picked up a piece of food and observed the two. He noticed they seemed incompatible, their every exchange of glances filled with subtle rivalry. He watched the unfolding drama with interest.

“These two truly exemplify the theory of mutual repulsion between the same sex! Not only are their genders identical, but their experiences are remarkably similar; such aversion is hardly surprising!”

Judging by their expressions alone, if not for the presence of numerous martial arts masters in the hall, a fight might have erupted right then. Dongfang Yi, as the host, was adept at diffusing tension. Noticing the darkening mood, he quickly interjected, though after each successful crisis resolution, he sighed inwardly: “To think these two actually showed up… what a headache!”

The meal dragged on in oppressive silence. Ning Ruxue could barely eat, murmuring softly, “Senior Brother, let’s leave. The way those two look at us is utterly offensive!”

Ye Wen nodded, cupped his hands toward the honored guests, Tianyi Zhenren and Dongfang Yi, and announced, “Your humble servant Ye and my junior sister have journeyed far… we are feeling rather fatigued and will take our leave now!”

“Sect Master Ye is welcome to go; no need for such formality!”

Tianyi Zhenren returned the salute with a gentle smile, saying no more. Seeing this, Ye Wen turned to depart, but just as he stood up, Long Batian suddenly spoke from across the table: “Host Dongfang extends such kind hospitality; how can Sect Master Ye so abruptly dismiss his goodwill?”

Ye Wen glanced at Long Batian. “Does Great Hero Long find fault with my departure?”

Long Batian swirled the wine cup in his hand and laughed heartily. “The master of the house has not yet left the table. As a guest, shouldn’t Sect Master Ye wait a bit longer?”

Before Ye Wen could reply, Long Batian continued, “If we speak of the fatigue of travel, Great Hero Long has also been journeying constantly, yet I remain seated here.”

Ye Wen gave a cold laugh. “I have already explained my need to Host Dongfang, and as the host, he raised no objection. For a mere guest, Great Hero Long, to have so much to say—is that not rather presumptuous?”

Long Batian saw nothing wrong with his stance and simply pressed on. “I am merely instructing Sect Master Ye on how to conduct himself in the world…”

“Great Hero Long is neither my parent nor my respected elder. By what right do you lecture me here?” Seeing Ning Ruxue about to speak, Ye Wen waved a hand to stop her. “I believe my manners are impeccable and my conduct entirely proper. As for Great Hero Long… hmph!”

With that, he turned to lead Ning Ruxue out, unwilling to waste another moment on such an ignorant man. As he spun around, he heard a furious roar from behind: “Ye Wen, do not mistake courtesy for weakness!”

Ye Wen turned back and took in Long Batian from head to toe. The man’s entire body was enveloped in a dense, shimmering aura, much like a Saint Warrior igniting their cosmic power, his face contorted in anger. A truly imposing sight.

“A pity his foundation is seriously flawed!”

From his demeanor alone, Ye Wen knew this was someone accustomed to being pampered since childhood, believing that whatever he said was law, whatever he desired was his to take, and whatever he wished to do, he did. In short, an utterly spoiled child.

“What is it? Does Great Hero Long wish to spar with this humble one? Do you intend to use force to compel Ye Wen to submit?” Saying this, Ye Wen spread his hands. “If so, this humble one is not one to shy away from a confrontation!”

Seeing the two men on the verge of a fight after mere exchanges, Dongfang Yi became as restless as an ant on a hot pan and rose quickly, intending to intervene.

But as he stood, he caught Tianyi Zhenren giving him a meaningful look while subtly transmitting sound: “Long Batian is indeed going too far. Why don't we let Sect Master Ye teach him a harsh lesson! Hopefully, it will bring him to his senses!”

Hearing this, Dongfang Yi reluctantly sat back down. However, based on his knowledge, Ye Wen’s cultivation wasn’t nearly that advanced—only slightly superior to his own. Why was Tianyi Zhenren so certain Ye Wen could handle Long Batian?

After all, Long Batian cultivated the Nine Revolutions Battle Dragon Art, one of the rare ancestral divine techniques. Rumor held that this art could allow one to shatter the void even before reaching its peak, attesting to its formidable power. While his own treasured technique, the Azure Dragon’s Roar, was profound, the gap between it and the Nine Revolutions Battle Dragon Art was immense.

Thinking of this, he was reminded of his second son, who cultivated the Phoenix Nirvana Nest Art. But the mere thought of his son adopting effeminate manners and even dressing in women’s clothing immediately sparked his wrath, and Dongfang Yi dismissed the thought of his second son entirely.

Returning to the present, even though Long Batian had not mastered this divine technique to its zenith, his power was certainly not to be underestimated. Ye Wen possessed impressive cultivation and unique martial arts, but he should still be inferior to Long Batian.

Yet, in reality, Dongfang Yi only saw a sudden, brilliant surge of purple light fill the hall, completely obscuring Long Batian’s silhouette. When everyone recovered their senses, they saw Ye Wen standing tall and composed, coldly observing Long Batian lying nearby, clutching his chest and utterly immobilized. Ye Wen spoke with arrogant dignity: “Considering you are a fellow practitioner and came here to crusade against the Demonic Cult, this is but a minor chastisement! I have sealed your cultivation with a single palm strike; it should release after three or four hours of internal circulation! As for these minor internal injuries… I assume you are not lacking in sacred healing elixirs, so Ye will not trouble himself with advice!”

With that, he turned to Ning Ruxue beside him. “Let’s go!” Saying this, the pair exited the main hall and vanished in a turn.

Dongfang Yi was left gaping, speechless at the outcome, yet his mind raced: “Ye Wen’s power has advanced again. He wasn't this formidable at the Zen Temple last time! Could it be… could Ye Wen have perfected the Innate Realm and glimpsed the path of the Grandmaster?”

Tianyi Zhenren stroked his sparse beard and nodded slightly, thinking, “This young man’s power is rare in this age, and his conduct is remarkably mature. It is certain that he will become the uncontested leader of the righteous path in the future!”

He then glanced at the two men who had held such high expectations: “Long Batian’s skill seems to have regressed these past few years; how could he not even withstand one palm from Ye Wen? As for Xuanyuan Wudi…, alas!”

He remained unaware that Long Batian had lived a life of utter indulgence these past years. Though he practiced diligently every day, martial arts mastery isn't achieved merely through diligence.

His early progress was incredibly fast, thanks not only to guidance from an expert and medicinal aids but also because several major battles forced the full potential out of him.

But subsequently, succumbing to comfort and pleasure, he had no opportunity for real combat. Furthermore, his fame was so widespread that wherever he went, people respectfully backed down upon hearing his name, or fled outright. In his extreme self-satisfaction, Long Batian rarely engaged in actual fights.

Ye Wen was different. Besides maintaining constant practice, he had fought numerous major and minor battles over the years. With the Demonic Cult threatening them constantly, Ye Wen maintained maximum vigilance every moment, thus always staying in peak condition—a stark contrast to the habitually pampered Long Batian.

When they clashed just now, Long Batian defaulted to a casual strike, but Ye Wen’s initial move was always all-out power—hence his swift defeat.

If they hadn't been within the headquarters of the Azure Dragon Society, and with Tianyi Zhenren present, Ye Wen would have certainly executed this brainless fool. He had encountered many such people before: shameless, endlessly pestering, taking any favor shown to them for granted, and believing that sparing their lives meant the benefactor feared them. Unless he made them absolutely terrified, they would turn into dog-skin plasters and cling on again.

However, the current situation was unsuitable for such ruthless measures. But Ye Wen was not afraid; if this fellow dared to speak nonsense and provoke him again, Ye Wen would feel free to strike lethally, regardless of Tianyi Zhenren’s presence or the assembly of righteous heroes. He had already given him one chance; since he didn't know what was good for him and returned for more, death would be his own fault, and no one could object.

Leading Ning Ruxue back to rest, the Mount Shu contingent kept a low profile for the next few days, confining themselves strictly to their courtyard.

Even when the Nangong brothers came to visit, relaying Long Batian’s public declaration that the Mount Shu Sect had offended him and were now hiding out of fear of him, Ye Wen offered no response.

After the Nangong brothers departed, Huayi, who had learned the whole story, looked thoroughly incensed. “Why don’t I go teach that foolish brute a lesson for his ignorance?”

Ye Wen waved his hand. “No need. Wait until we return from this campaign against the Demonic Cult. If he is still alive then, we can deal with him! For now, let us not waste energy on such a simpleton!”

The priority here was eliminating the Demonic Cult. Ye Wen wasn't thinking purely of the greater good, but at this moment, initiating a conflict, regardless of the reason, would inevitably lead to him being isolated and potentially labeled as setting aside public duty for personal grudges.

Ye Wen suspected that Long Batian’s current arrogance was based on this very calculation: establishing himself on the side of righteousness first. Once a fight broke out, regardless of who was right or wrong, the Mount Shu Sect would immediately suffer a disadvantage in terms of moral standing.

“If he wants to play games, I will play along! I will tolerate him for now, and after this matter is concluded, I will settle accounts with him!”

Besides the inappropriateness of the timing, another factor was Long Batian’s considerable martial skill. Engaging him now would inevitably lead to some injuries, which would be detrimental when facing the Demonic Cult later... Ye Wen felt he was not so foolhardy as to invite unnecessary risk. Thus, he could only wait for the right moment.

In the ensuing days, Long Batian saw Ye Wen remain silent and only spoke increasingly harsh words privately, never daring to utter them in Ye Wen’s presence.

If he had done that, Ye Wen would have genuinely turned hostile and acted immediately. Such behavior constituted a direct public insult, differing vastly from mere private gossip. While Long Batian was arrogant, he possessed enough intelligence not to be that foolish—he wanted to force Ye Wen’s hand, but not by cornering himself into a deadly situation where they would fight to the death.

The situation only began to calm down after the arrival of Chan Master Huixin.

The reason? Huixin Chan Master had once guided Long Batian; she was, to some extent, his quasi-master. Thus, no matter how arrogant Long Batian was, he had to heed the old monk’s words. Shattered Heart Chan Master didn't elaborate much, merely issuing a sharp command: “Stop fooling around!”

Long Batian was forced to swallow his entire scheme and retreat to ponder other methods with his array of beautiful wives.

“Sect Master Ye, this poor monk has failed in my stewardship; I apologize for letting you witness such a spectacle!”

Huixin Chan Master was a figure of immense insight. After a brief explanation, she grasped the entire context of the affair. Upon reaching the Azure Dragon Society headquarters, she went directly to Ye Wen without even taking a moment to rest.

She highly praised Ye Wen’s adherence to the greater cause, and her words naturally leaned in Ye Wen’s favor. Little did she know that if the old monk realized Ye Wen was currently boiling with suppressed rage, already determined to take the fool’s life, her praise might sound quite different.

After a few words, the issue seemed concluded! Only the two principals understood that the matter was not over; it was merely postponed.

However, this turn of events seemed to gradually shift the situation in Ye Wen’s favor.

Meanwhile, another major figure of fortune was flirting with his wives, openly mocking Long Batian: “That fool has finally run into an immovable obstacle this time!”

Since he and Long Batian could not abide each other, any mishap befalling the other would naturally become fodder for his jokes and ridicule for a long time.

Then, on the day the grand ship was set to depart, Xuanyuan Wudi, Long Batian, and Xu Xian met for the first time. The animosity flashing between them was visible even to those who didn't know the individuals.

“What is wrong with these people? Are they sworn enemies?”

Sensing the atmosphere between the three growing increasingly strange, Ye Wen approached and patted his junior brother’s shoulder. “Junior Brother, let’s board. Stop fooling around with the children!”

“You!” Long Batian instantly prepared to act, but a woman standing beside him grabbed his arm, shaking her head slightly to signal him not to.

Xuanyuan Wudi was secretly enjoying the spectacle, but quickly realized Ye Wen’s remark seemed to include him as well. He looked around for someone to address, but Ye Wen’s figure was already gone.

Subsequently, everyone watched as the two groups, trailed by their retinues of women, boarded the ship. Seeing such extravagance, people couldn't help but ask a few pointed questions: “My goodness, which sect are these from? Why are there only women?”

“What do you know? Those are Great Hero Long and Great Hero Xuanyuan. All those women are their wives and concubines! Heavens, so domineering! Over a dozen each! No wonder I’m forty and still can’t find a wife—these two have snatched them all!”

“Maybe you just lack the ability? Why blame others?”

“…”

The Azure Dragon Society had prepared four massive ships, each capable of carrying over a hundred people. When these vessels docked at the harbor, they immediately exuded an extraordinary presence.

Ye Wen had not lived by the sea in his previous life, so he had never seen such large vessels.

Although he knew that things like battleships and aircraft carriers were truly immense, he had never seen one firsthand. Now, witnessing these great ships, he too felt a surge of awe at their powerful and majestic bearing.

The Mount Shu Sect, the Nangong Family, and the Jade Cave Sect boarded the same ship, as the Azure Dragon Society knew these groups were relatively close, grouping them together to prevent potential incidents.

The only thing that annoyed Ye Wen was that Xuanyuan Wudi was on the same ship. This was because the organizers considered Long Batian and Xuanyuan Wudi antagonistic, and since Long Batian and Ye Wen also had friction, they tried to separate them.

Unexpectedly, Ye Wen found Xuanyuan Wudi equally disagreeable. Now, coupled with Xu Xian's instinctive aversion to the man, the two met on the deck, unleashing sharp sparks of friction that nearly blinded onlookers.

“Such a man, yet he looks like a woman! I wonder if he’s actually a man.”

Luckily, Xu Xian didn't hear that remark, or their own faction might have started fighting before they even left the harbor.

The great ships pushed off amidst the commotion, sailing out toward the vast ocean depths.

As soon as they cleared the harbor, Xuanyuan Wudi, who had been quiet for a short while, started making noise again. This time, seeing Huayi accompanying Ye Wen, he shamelessly approached and asked, “I am Xuanyuan Wudi. May I ask the name of this young lady?”

Huayi ignored him completely, not even turning her head, acting as if she hadn't heard.

Seeing Huayi remain silent, Xuanyuan Wudi assumed she was merely shy because she was a young girl, so he took a few more steps, intending to start another line of conversation. But just as he was about to speak, he felt a jolt throughout his body, and his internal Qi instantly seized up. The words about to leave his mouth were brutally forced back down into his abdomen by this sudden pressure.

“What is this… Could it be an aura field?”

Huayi, finding him bothersome, had directly unleashed her Heavenly Demon Aura Field. Caught completely off guard, Xuanyuan Wudi was rendered immobile. Then, Huayi casually flicked her delicate hand, sending a gentle palm wind that propelled Xuanyuan Wudi more than ten feet backward.

He thought this would teach Xuanyuan Wudi a lesson in restraint, but the man immediately opened his mouth: “Young lady has magnificent martial skill; I am truly impressed. Perhaps you could offer me some pointers……”

This time, it was Ye Wen who spoke. “This is a technique of my Mount Shu Sect. If you wish to inquire, you must ask me first!”

Seeing Ye Wen address him, Xuanyuan Wudi immediately straightened his chest, losing the meek demeanor from moments before. “I was speaking with this young lady; what concern is it of Sect Master Ye? Does your sect require permission from the leader just to speak?”

Ye Wen let out a cold laugh. “Members of my sect certainly do not require permission, but this woman is my maidservant. If I forbid her from speaking to outsiders, she will not speak to outsiders!”

The statement choked Xuanyuan Wudi, leaving him without a response, but he quickly dismissed the idea as impossible: “How could such an unparalleled beauty possibly be a mere maidservant?”