On the morning of the eleventh day, Dugu Heng suddenly appeared, requesting Dugu Jinghua return with him.

After ten days of treatment, Dugu Jinghua had undergone a fundamental change; her vitality surged, and the former fragility vanished, replaced by a palpable vitality.

Dugu Heng was overjoyed and confident, no longer overly worried about Dugu Jinghua’s injuries, knowing Brother Li was there to heal her eventually. Thus, he pushed the estate's mundane affairs back onto her desk.

“What is it?” Dugu Jinghua, clad in a moon-white combat suit, was sitting cross-legged atop a rockery, bathed in the rosy dawn light, practicing the Can Xia Jue meditation facing due east. She glared at Dugu Heng upon hearing his words.

Dugu Heng smiled, “Aunt, my younger sister’s Master has arrived, and she brought a Senior Martial Brother along!”

“Hmm—?” Dugu Jinghua’s delicate eyebrows arched. Her melon-seed face, once pale with ill health, now held a healthy, rosy glow that added a touch of exquisite beauty.

She slowly nodded, “Counting the days, it should be time. Is it Senior Qu?”

“Yes,” Dugu Heng confirmed, nodding. “Senior Qu is weary from her journey. She said she won’t take little sister back to Floating Cloud Palace immediately, but will stay here at the estate to teach for a while before leaving.”

“How can that be allowed!” Dugu Jinghua frowned. “You’re spoiling Meng’er too much! … Fine, I’ll go back.”

Dugu Heng hesitated, “But what about your illness…?”

“I’ll see Senior Qu first before deciding; it would be rude otherwise,” Dugu Jinghua replied.

Dugu Heng glanced around the surroundings and whispered, “Brother Li will blame me!”

“Just say I wanted to go back and check things out, that I’m worried about the estate,” Dugu Jinghua said curtly.

Dugu Heng nodded rapidly, “That’s good, that’s good! … Aunt, I’ll head back first. Otherwise, I won’t be able to fool Brother Li’s sharp eyes!”

“You…” Dugu Jinghua shook her head.

Dugu Heng chuckled twice and quickly vanished, fearing Dugu Jinghua would send him to speak with Li Muzhan, resulting inevitably in a lecture.

Now that Li Muzhan had saved Dugu Jinghua, Dugu Heng was overwhelmingly grateful, which diminished his confidence. He had been reprimanded twice by Li Muzhan for bothering Dugu Jinghua with trivial matters when her recovery was paramount and her energy needed conserving.

Dugu Jinghua floated down lightly. Although she had only practiced the internal art for ten days, the profound mystery of the Can Xia Jue, coupled with a stream of extremely pure internal energy Li Muzhan had infused to aid her practice, meant that a few days of training was equivalent to a year’s worth.

She arrived at the small courtyard where Li Muzhan was. Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were practicing the Shen Long Shou (Divine Dragon Hand); their technique was reaching a high level, and the power of their strikes grew stronger.

After hearing her request, Li Muzhan frowned, “Miss Dugu, now is not the time to return. If any delay occurs along the way, the loss will outweigh the gain!”

“It’s Senior Qu from Floating Cloud Palace; I must receive her personally!” Dugu Jinghua insisted.

“Someone from Floating Cloud Palace?” Li Muzhan pondered. “Is that your Master, Miss Dugu?”

“Precisely,” Dugu Jinghua affirmed.

Li Muzhan thought for a moment and sighed resignedly, “Alas… very well. Senior Martial Sister, you must accompany Miss Dugu. She cannot afford to be injured.”

“Understood,” Feng Mingxue acknowledged with a slight nod.

Li Muzhan solemnly cautioned Dugu Jinghua, “Avoid anger and agitation. Do not let your vital energy surge, or your injuries will worsen. You are currently in a damaged state and cannot withstand such stimuli!”

“I understand!” Dugu Jinghua smiled, pursing her lips. “Damaged state, the way you put it!”

Li Muzhan replied, “You look much better, but you are actually more dangerous now than before. Your meridians have been forced open but have not yet stabilized; they are more fragile than before. Even a slight stimulus could cause a bodily collapse—there will be no cure then!”

“Right, I understand,” Dugu Jinghua nodded.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly, “Senior Martial Sister, watch her. If necessary, take her away directly!”

“Don't worry, Junior Brother,” Feng Mingxue confirmed.

Feng Mingxue and Dugu Jinghua returned to the city together. In the main hall, cheerful laughter could occasionally be heard, punctuated by Dugu Meng’s bright giggles.

As the two entered the hall, they saw a beautiful middle-aged woman seated on the right, with a young man seated below her—broad eyebrows, large eyes, and an air of simple honesty.

The middle-aged woman wore an apricot-yellow silk gown, similar to Dugu Meng’s attire, and a long saber hung from her slender, graspable waist, making one worry it might snap her small frame.

The thick-browed, large-eyed youth also wore a long saber and possessed a heroic air.

“Senior Qu, what an honor to receive you; forgive my lack of proper ceremony!” Dugu Jinghua clasped her hands in a salute and smiled. “This humble girl was remiss!”

The middle-aged woman rose, returned the salute, and chuckled, “Miss Dugu is too kind. Meng’er told me you were recovering, so I rushed back out of concern.”

Dugu Jinghua moved to the central seat and smiled, “Senior traveled a great distance; it is my duty to welcome you. … Meng’er is mischievous; she ran back without permission. I was just about to send someone to escort her back!”

The middle-aged woman laughed, “Forget it. Meng’er is restless; staying on the mountain is boring, and she can’t stay put anyway. It’s better she be back here.”

Dugu Meng giggled sweetly, “Master is truly understanding!”

Dugu Jinghua shot her a glance and smiled, “She is too willful; Senior Qu has been troubled on my behalf! … Senior Qu, did you have a smooth journey?”

She chatted about casual matters with the middle-aged woman, deliberately omitting Feng Mingxue’s introduction. However, the middle-aged woman grew suspicious, casting questioning glances at Feng Mingxue from time to time.

Floating Cloud Palace held a deep, almost covetous interest in the internal techniques of the Cloud Sky Sect. Feng Mingxue, despite her youth, possessed profound cultivation, leading the middle-aged woman to strongly suspect she was a Cloud Sky Sect disciple. All Cloud Sky Sect disciples were renowned geniuses; only they could achieve such cultivation at such an age. Floating Cloud Palace paled in comparison.

“Might I ask who this lady is…?” The middle-aged woman finally couldn't help but inquire.

Dugu Jinghua sighed helplessly and smiled gently, “This is Miss Feng Mingxue. Miss Feng, this is Senior Qu Wanying from Floating Cloud Palace.”

Feng Mingxue clasped her hands in a salute, offering a faint smile, “I greet Senior Qu. This junior is Feng Mingxue of the Cloud Sky Sect.”

“Truly a prodigious talent from the Cloud Sky Sect!” Qu Wanying exclaimed in admiration, nodding. “Only a disciple of the Cloud Sky Sect could possess such grace!”

“Senior flatters me,” Feng Mingxue replied coolly.

She knew the Cloud Sky Sect and Floating Cloud Palace were not entirely amicable—not due to hostility from the Cloud Sky Sect, but because Floating Cloud Palace consistently strove to surpass the Cloud Sky Sect and become the world’s foremost sword/saber school.

Qu Wanying smiled, “This is my untalented disciple, Ding Xiuwen. … Xiuwen, you must learn much from Miss Feng in the future!”

“Yes, Master!” The thick-browed, large-eyed Ding Xiuwen quickly nodded, cupping his hands toward Feng Mingxue, “I greet Miss Feng. I hope for your guidance.”

Feng Mingxue, disinclined to converse further, gave a slight nod.

Qu Wanying addressed Dugu Jinghua, “Miss Dugu, I have a rather presumptuous request!”

Dugu Jinghua sighed reluctantly, “Please, Senior Qu.”

Judging by Qu Wanying’s expression, she vaguely guessed the woman’s intention but felt powerless to refuse.

Qu Wanying smiled, “Cloud Sky Sect disciples are rarely seen, appearing and disappearing like ghosts. It’s a rare chance to encounter one. I wish for Xiuwen to exchange a few moves with Miss Feng!”

Dugu Jinghua looked toward Feng Mingxue with some difficulty. Feng Mingxue simply smiled faintly, “Agreed.”

Dugu Jinghua started to say, “Miss Feng…”

Feng Mingxue nodded faintly, “I will keep my measure. Rest assured.”

Qu Wanying’s expression shifted slightly. She frowned, glancing at Feng Mingxue, then at Ding Xiuwen, “Xiuwen, stop when you are told!”

“Yes, Master!” Ding Xiuwen nodded eagerly, clearly itching for a fight. He stood up, saluted, and said, “Please instruct me, Miss Feng!”

He had long heard the esteemed name of the Cloud Sky Sect, and Floating Cloud Palace constantly spoke of surpassing them. Now, finally encountering a Cloud Sky Sect disciple—even a female one—was an opportunity not to be missed. He sensed Feng Mingxue’s deep cultivation; he knew he was her inferior. However, the two sects primarily competed in saber and sword techniques, where a slight difference in overall cultivation might not matter, as skill could often bridge the gap.

Feng Mingxue remained seated steadily, saying calmly, “Young Master Ding, initiate your move!”

“This…” Ding Xiuwen hesitated, looking at her in confusion. Sitting there, how was he supposed to attack? Did she mean she didn't intend to fight him?

Feng Mingxue gestured, and a flying sword shot out from her sleeve, hovering quietly in the air, resembling a dragonfly paused upon still water.

“A flying sword!” Qu Wanying frowned.

Feng Mingxue asked, “Senior Qu has seen our sect’s flying sword technique?”

Qu Wanying scrutinized her in surprise. “I truly didn't expect that at such a young age you would have mastered the flying sword!”

“It was merely luck,” Feng Mingxue replied indifferently.

Qu Wanying shook her head. “Luck is not enough to master the flying sword. Cloud Sky Sect disciples are indeed extraordinary!”

“Do you still wish to compete, Senior Qu?” Feng Mingxue inquired.

Qu Wanying waved her hand and sighed, “Forget it!”

Ding Xiuwen was unconvinced. “Master, I can defend against a flying sword!” He considered the flying sword merely a type of hidden weapon. His saber technique was dense and seamless; hidden weapons were useless against him, so he naturally didn't fear the flying sword.

“Young Hero Ding, be careful!” Feng Mingxue said faintly. As the words fell, a streak of light flashed. Before Ding Xiuwen could react, the light had already swept past his waist.

Clang! His saber, still sheathed, dropped to the ground.

Ding Xiuwen looked down, his face instantly flushing the color of liver—if that light had not cut the scabbard, his life would be forfeit.

Feng Mingxue calmly stated, “My flying sword excels at surprise attacks. Young Hero Ding should take note!”

“Excellent swordplay!” Ding Xiuwen bent to retrieve his saber, saying shamefacedly.

Qu Wanying praised, “What powerful flying sword technique! Xiuwen, step down now!”

“Master…” Ding Xiuwen hesitated, wanting to try again.

“Foolish boy, you are no match for her!” Qu Wanying shook her head.

“Master, how do we know if we haven’t fought?” Ding Xiuwen insisted.

Qu Wanying sighed helplessly, “You lost your saber without even truly engaging. How can you fight now? If we were to truly clash, you would already be dead!”

“Master, I want a fair match!” Ding Xiuwen pleaded.

Qu Wanying turned to Feng Mingxue, who nodded faintly, “Very well, Young Hero Ding, proceed!”

She rose lightly, leaping into the air like an elegant white crane, descending gracefully. Her white robes fluttered as her long sword traced a streak of white light.

Clang, clang, clang, clang… Ding Xiuwen met her attack with a flurry of saber strikes, resembling snow. Saber and sword crossed, sounding like jade beads rolling on a jade platter. Over a dozen exchanges passed in an instant.

Dugu Meng widened her eyes, her expression tense. She hoped Senior Brother Ding would win, yet she also wished for Feng Mingxue’s victory—a contradictory state that ultimately forced her to abandon a side.

With a clear chime, Feng Mingxue floated back two steps, clasped her hands in salute, and smiled faintly, “Young Hero Ding, I concede!”

She returned her sword to its sheath and resumed her seat, her expression placid as if nothing had happened. Ding Xiuwen stood frozen for a moment before coming to his senses and slowly picking up his saber.

Feng Mingxue had deflected his saber in the previous exchange, and he felt the immense force transmitted through the blade. He tried to grip it but lacked the strength; after a dozen exchanges, his arms were already numb. He realized her sword technique was exquisitely subtle, constantly targeting the flaws in his saber style. He understood that Miss Feng had held back; otherwise, she would have subdued him in two moves.

“Thank you, Miss Feng, for showing mercy,” he said, returning his saber to its sheath with a bitter smile.

Qu Wanying said, “Enough, Xiuwen. It is not shameful to be defeated by Miss Feng. Now you know the vast difference. Go back and train diligently!”

“Yes, Master,” Ding Xiuwen managed a strained smile.

Though Dugu Jinghua had only recently begun martial practice, her perspective was elevated and her judgment sharp. She noticed Feng Mingxue had intentionally held back, and Qu Wanying felt a degree of awkwardness.

After Dugu Jinghua exchanged a few more pleasantries, the small talk ended. They arranged accommodation for Qu Wanying and then departed quickly, rushing back to the villa outside the city for recuperation.

In Qu Wanying’s small courtyard, Ding Xiuwen hung his head, dispirited.

Qu Wanying shook her head. “Xiuwen, a true man cannot be defeated by such a small setback. Do not be arrogant in victory or dejected in defeat; train hard and catch up. Hanging your head in shame is too disgraceful!”

“That’s right, Senior Brother, just catch up!” Dugu Meng chimed in, nodding eagerly.

Qu Wanying scolded her, “Meng’er, say less!”

Dugu Meng pursed her lips and smiled, “Master, you chose the wrong opponent. Sister Feng has mastered the Huan Yu Jing! In the future, she will surely become a Grandmaster!”

“She mastered the Huan Yu Jing?” Qu Wanying looked astonished. Although not from the Cloud Sky Sect, she was deeply familiar with the prestige of the Huan Yu Jing. It was the entry-level internal art of the Cloud Sky Sect, yet it was also their highest-tier technique. Anyone who mastered it had truly stepped onto the threshold of Grandmastery—a genuine Grandmaster technique. Unfortunately, the Cloud Sky Sect was protected by existing Grandmasters, so no one dared try to steal it; and even if they did, they likely couldn't practice it. Cloud Sky Sect disciples were geniuses among geniuses, yet almost no one had mastered the Huan Yu Jing, showing its difficulty.

Dugu Meng nodded. “Yes, Sister Feng mastered the Huan Yu Jing and also the Yu Jian Jing (Sword Control Scripture). Senior Brother Ding, although formidable, is far behind Sister Feng!”

Qu Wanying sighed. “I never thought the Cloud Sky Sect was so lucky to have a disciple step onto the Grandmaster threshold!”

Dugu Meng added, “I think Big Brother Li has also succeeded. Otherwise, Sister Feng wouldn't hold him in such high regard.”

“Big Brother Li?” Qu Wanying arched her delicate eyebrows.

Dugu Meng laughed, “Sister Feng is powerful, but she is a notch below Big Brother Li. If she faced Big Brother Li, Senior Brother Ding wouldn’t even withstand a single move!”

“Really?” Ding Xiuwen’s spirits lifted upon hearing it was a man. Being utterly defeated by a woman had truly wounded his pride.

Dugu Meng smirked. “The most marvelous thing is that Big Brother Li is a Cloud Sky Sect disciple, yet his saber technique is incredibly potent. He even gave himself a nickname back then: Li Yi Dao (Li One Saber), meaning no one could withstand his single strike!”

“Is his saber technique really that formidable?” Ding Xiuwen’s eyes gleamed.

“Naturally!” Dugu Meng shot him a look. “Big Brother personally tested it. Even Big Brother couldn't withstand one move from Big Brother Li!”

“Then I must witness it myself!” Ding Xiuwen said quickly.

Dugu Meng replied, “Big Brother Li needs to treat Aunt’s illness, so he cannot meet Senior Brother this time!”

*JRM