Fu Feihong said, "That boy Li isn't exactly a saint either. If you stick with him, don't even think about a moment of peace—nothing but heartache and misery. Can you bear that?" Hai Yulan replied, "Master, I know." "You’re blinded by infatuation right now; all your cleverness has flown out the window," Fu Feihong stated. "Knowing something is different from truly experiencing it. I won't stop you, but don't blame me later if you end up regretting it!" Hai Yulan insisted, "No matter what happens, I will never blame you, Master!" Fu Feihong snorted, "Whether you blame me or not is beside the point; I just can’t rest easy knowing I watched you jump into a fiery pit!" Hai Yulan pouted in protest, "Maaa-ster!... You think far too poorly of him!" "No, you think far too highly of him!" Fu Feihong retorted irritably. "Miss Song is a rare and wonderful woman; any man would treasure her and be content. But look at him—he has Miss Song and still chases after you? Insatiable greed! Once he has you, he’ll chase after others next. A dog can’t change its habit of eating dung!" Hai Yulan insisted stubbornly, "He won't." "As if!" Fu Feihong shook her head and snorted. "You are still too naive!" Hai Yulan pursed her lips and smiled. "Don't worry, Master. I'm someone who knows how to settle for less. I’ll team up with Miss Song and Sister Feng to watch him and not give him the chance!" "Sister Feng... Feng Mingxue?" Fu Feihong grunted. Hai Yulan nodded and sighed. "She likes Li Wuji, but she's been suppressing it. I doubt she can hold out much longer." "Sigh..." Fu Feihong shook her head with a long sigh. "You people, all of you are simply blind!" Hai Yulan’s face stiffened. In her eyes, Li Muchen was the most remarkable man alive. If someone didn't like such a man, they were the ones who were truly blind. Seeing her expression, Fu Feihong smiled faintly. "What, you’re starting to feel protective?" Hai Yulan frowned. "Master, there’s actually a secret. He strictly forbade me from telling anyone, but I feel I shouldn't hide it from you. However, you absolutely cannot tell anyone else!" "What secret?" Fu Feihong asked. Hai Yulan shook her head. "Not unless you promise never to pass it on." Fu Feihong stared at her with a furrowed brow. After watching her for a moment, Hai Yulan realized that trying to force or tempt her would be useless if she didn't want to speak. "Sigh..." Fu Feihong conceded with a slight nod of unwillingness. "Fine, I promise. Tell me!" Hai Yulan glanced around, but Fu Feihong impatiently urged, "There’s no one here. Hurry up and say it!" Hai Yulan leaned in. "Master, Li Wuji is actually a Grandmaster!" Fu Feihong let out a small smile and shook her head. Hai Yulan immediately protested, "Master doesn't believe me, does she?" Fu Feihong mused, "Should I believe you? ... A Grandmaster? Interesting!" Hai Yulan glared at her, frustrated. "Knowing this, I shouldn't have said anything!" "You know yourself that story sounds flimsy, don't you?" Fu Feihong chuckled. Hai Yulan insisted, "Master, would I be foolish enough to tell such an obvious lie?" "Well, that is true," Fu Feihong admitted. "You’re sharp and capable; you could weave a seamless lie. But women in love are all fools, and only you would believe that story!" Hai Yulan huffed, "Master, if he weren't a Grandmaster, how is it that the time you and the three Martial Uncles cornered him, you couldn't take him down?" "The kid's cultivation is indeed astonishing," Fu Feihong conceded with a nod. "But saying he’s a Grandmaster—I absolutely refuse to believe it!" Hai Yulan retorted testily, "Believe it or not, it’s up to you, Master!" Fu Feihong stared at her, suspicion creeping in. "He achieved Grandmaster status at such a young age?" Hai Yulan affirmed, "How dare I lie to you!" Still unconvinced, Fu Feihong snorted, "How do you even know he became a Grandmaster?" Hai Yulan explained, "When his will commands it, mountains move and seas surge—is that not omnipotence? Does that not qualify him as a Grandmaster?" "Did you witness this yourself?" Fu Feihong asked. Hai Yulan nodded firmly. "Naturally!" "How can he reach Grandmaster at this age?" Fu Feihong frowned. Hai Yulan elaborated, "Master, he and Sister Feng both managed to cultivate the Huan Yu Jing. Their mastery of the Yu Jian Jing is also profound. He was just one step away from becoming a Grandmaster... Once, we encountered a massive snake, thicker than my whole body, with a head bigger than this window. It swallowed both me and Sister Feng in one gulp. To save us, he used his flying sword to slay the monstrous serpent, but afterwards, he fell into a deep coma... When he awoke, he had become a Grandmaster." "He saved your life?" Fu Feihong asked. Hai Yulan nodded. "At that time, he and I were enemies; I had injured him, which is why the great snake swallowed us. If it weren't for him, Master, you wouldn't be seeing me now!" Fu Feihong's expression shifted. The thought of her being consumed by the snake, lost forever, gave her a sudden chill. She quickly urged, "And just like that, he became a Grandmaster?" "Yes. According to him, that serpent had lived too long and was close to gaining sentience. He absorbed that snake’s essence and spirit, breaking through the bottleneck to achieve Grandmasterhood," Hai Yulan explained. Fu Feihong scoffed, "He certainly got lucky, the scoundrel!" Hai Yulan countered, "But he is a genius by nature! How many people throughout history have ever managed to cultivate the Huan Yu Jing?" "Feng Mingxue is also destined to become a Grandmaster," Fu Feihong frowned. "And he is a Grandmaster too. The Cloud Heavens Sect truly is remarkable!" "Yes, and he’s still involved with Sect Master Yi..." "Silence!" Fu Feihong cut her off sharply. Hai Yulan wisely shut her mouth. "Anyway, Master, just stop worrying. Guo Siyuan challenging him is just asking for humiliation!" "Aren't you worried he’s offending the Sunset Valley?" Fu Feihong asked. Hai Yulan laughed lightly. "How does Sunset Valley compare to the Zhu family?" Fu Feihong snorted. "After offending the Zhu family, didn't he still end up having to fake his death to escape?" Hai Yulan pouted. "That was only because the Zhu family's Imperial Concubine whispered in the Emperor’s ear, forcing the Emperor to intervene. Otherwise, how could the Zhu family have managed him?" "Fine," Fu Feihong relented. "If he is a Grandmaster, I won’t meddle anymore!" Hai Yulan looked at her earnestly. "Master, then...?" "Hmph! I said long ago that even if he were a Grandmaster, I wouldn't agree. How can I go back on my word!" Fu Feihong declared. Hai Yulan stamped her foot and retorted, "Master, you truly are..." Fu Feihong waved her hand. "That’s enough. Stop talking about him and stop stirring up trouble in your own heart!" Hai Yulan asked suspiciously, "Master, are you deliberately provoking Sunset Valley?" "Why would I provoke them!" Fu Feihong said irritably. "I never expected Sunset Valley to be so greedy and so brazen!" Hai Yulan huffed, "It’s because we’ve been too soft; people don't fear us!" "That's true," Fu Feihong nodded. "It seems we need to establish some authority!" "Then let's use Sunset Valley as an example!" Hai Yulan suggested. Fu Feihong shook her head. "There are plenty of old monsters in Sunset Valley. It's best not to stir them up!" "Then you’re planning to use Li Wuji?" Hai Yulan asked, sounding displeased. Fu Feihong gave her a sidelong glance. "You’ve let your mind get clouded, girl. Didn't you consider that I had no idea Li Wuji was faking his death back then?!" Hai Yulan’s voice immediately weakened. "Then why not just tell Guo Siyuan to leave directly?" Fu Feihong sighed. "I initially thought he was decent—strong in martial arts and quite spirited. I guess I misjudged him." "Then just tell him to leave," Hai Yulan urged. Fu Feihong snorted. "I don't go back on my word. Forget it. Let's see what that kid Li does. You just stay put and don't interfere!" "Making him handle it again!" Hai Yulan was highly dissatisfied.

In the early morning, within a small courtyard of the Nine Heavens Celestial Maiden Sect, a young man in blue robes was practicing with his spear. The shaft blurred into a sheet of shadow, elusive and untraceable. Occasionally, the spear tip would flash into visibility, swift and vicious like a venomous snake emerging from its hole—tricky, sinister, and chilling.

A middle-aged man stood quietly nearby, watching. His hair was white, though his face suggested he was in his early forties, perhaps closer to fifty due to his hair. His brow carried an air of seasoned melancholy.

The blue-robed youth suddenly stopped his spear drill, breathing calmly. He slowly exhaled a stream of air that fell to the ground like water, revealing his true features.

A long, angular face, a sharp chin, and bright, sword-like eyebrows conveying vigor and heroic spirit. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips, hinting at arrogance.

"Young Master, your Flying Serpent Spear technique grows increasingly profound," the gray-robed middle-aged man remarked with a slight smile.

The blue-robed youth chuckled. "I feel as if I’ve suddenly grasped so much more, especially after directly challenging Yi Xingzhi. My progress has been astonishing!"

The gray-robed man frowned. "Young Master, that was unwise. You shouldn't have challenged Yi Xingzhi face-to-face."

"What does it matter!" the blue-robed youth dismissed the concern with a laugh. "I know he is inherently generous and would never hold it against me! Besides, challenging him in person was immense training for me—it solidified my spirit and will. The effect was quite good!"

The gray-robed man shook his head and sighed. "Doing that will bring endless trouble!"

"Yi Xingzhi is burdened by the need to maintain his reputation; he won't retaliate against me," the blue-robed youth waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, our Sunset Valley isn't a soft persimmon; he has to gauge our strength too!"

The gray-robed man managed a wry smile. "But the Cloud Heavens Sect has a Grandmaster."

The blue-robed youth curled his lip in disdain and sneered. "I hear the Cloud Heavens Sect has a powerful figure named Li Wuji, yet he was killed by the Zhu family, wasn't he? What can the Cloud Heavens Sect possibly do? So what if they have a Grandmaster?"

"The Cloud Heavens Sect won't let this slide. That Grandmaster might already be acting in secret," the gray-robed man sighed. "One person killed half of the Zhu family's experts. This Li Wuji is terrifying. Who knows how many more hidden masters the Cloud Heavens Sect harbors! If someone feels slighted by your disrespect, they are bound to seek revenge!"

"That’s excellent, then. I’m eager to see the skills of a Cloud Heavens Sect disciple!" The blue-robed youth gave his spear a slight shake and smiled. "I wonder if their sword techniques are superior, or if my spear techniques will win!"

"Heh heh... For you, the Cloud Heavens Sect’s sword techniques aren't even necessary!" A loud laugh suddenly rang out, and Li Muchen, clad in a plain blue robe, materialized before the two men.

The gray-robed middle-aged man stepped forward to shield Li Muchen, but the blue-robed youth stepped forward as well, positioning himself shoulder-to-shoulder with the gray-robed man, moving past his shield.

"Who are you!?" the blue-robed youth asked in a deep voice.

Li Muchen smiled. "Cloud Heavens Sect, Li Muchen!"

"Cloud Heavens Sect?" The blue-robed youth frowned. "Are you here to avenge Yi Xingzhi?!"

Li Muchen sighed regretfully. "I have long heard of the fame of Sunset Valley—its ancient history and deep foundation. I am truly disappointed to find the Young Valley Master so utterly disrespectful... Is the name of a Sect Master something a junior like you can casually utter? It is completely improper conduct!"

"Silence!" the blue-robed youth commanded coldly. "He is your Sect Master, not mine! What is improper about calling his name? Is he the Emperor?"

Li Muchen sighed. "Young Valley Master Guo, alas... There is nothing more to say. Let’s see what you can do with your hands. Sunset Valley, truly a Sunset Valley indeed!"

Guo Siyuan snorted, eyeing Li Muchen sideways. "What is your rank in the Cloud Heavens Sect? Are you above or below Li Wuji?"

Li Muchen smiled faintly. "The difference is negligible."

Guo Siyuan's eyes flickered, eagerness showing. "Very well! Then I shall see whether Li Wuji is more formidable or if I am!"

"Young Master..." the gray-robed middle-aged man quickly interjected. "Wait a moment, Young Master. Let me test his strength first, so as not to soil your hands!"

"...Very well!" Guo Siyuan nodded slowly. He also preferred caution, wanting to gauge Li Muchen's depth first to find a way to counter him.

Li Muchen shook his head. "Sunset Valley is being so small-minded. Truly disappointing. Come then!" The gray-robed man’s face flushed, but he braced himself, cupped his fists, and said, "Then I must offend you. Watch my blade!"

A cold gleam flashed from his waist, transforming into a long rainbow slicing toward Li Muchen. Within the blade’s light rode a unique spiritual energy, as if ten thousand men were striking simultaneously.

Li Muchen's brow lifted slightly. He secretly praised Sunset Valley—a blade cultivator possessing such spirit and energy was clearly no ordinary person.

He flicked his finger lightly. Zheng... A clear chime, like a dragon's roar, rang out, and the long saber was deflected. The gray-robed man took a step back, his expression darkening.

He looked at Li Muchen, then at his own saber, slowly sheathing it. He turned and said, "Young Master, perhaps we should forget this."

"Old Ji, what's wrong?" Guo Siyuan frowned.

The gray-robed middle-aged man shook his head and sighed. "This Young Master Li's cultivation is too profound."

Guo Siyuan huffed. "Then that’s excellent. I don't fight nameless opponents under my spear. Come forth!"

He strode toward Li Muchen, leveling his spear at him from a distance. "Make your move!"

Li Muchen smiled. "Good. Courage is commendable. Thrust your spear!"

Chi! A soft whistle, and the spear tip darted out like a venomous snake toward Li Muchen's heart, launching before Li Muchen had even finished speaking.

Li Muchen flicked his finger again. Peng! A muffled thud, like a drawn bowstring snapping.

Guo Siyuan’s body jolted, then the spear tip curved, sweeping horizontally toward Li Muchen’s throat with a Woo.

Li Muchen flicked his raised finger gently. Peng! Another dull sound, and the spear tip was deflected in the opposite direction.

Li Muchen stepped forward, closing the distance to Guo Siyuan, and lightly slapped out a palm strike. Guo Siyuan quickly used the spear shaft to block the palm.

Peng! Another muffled thud. The spear seemed to come alive, vibrating uncontrollably, before flying out of Guo Siyuan’s grasp.

Li Muchen reached out with a beckoning gesture, and the long spear flew into his hand. He then flicked it, and over a dozen spear blossoms burst forth, enveloping Guo Siyuan.

Guo Siyuan’s face changed color. He retreated rapidly, but he could not outpace the spear tips. Instantly, he was engulfed by the spear blossoms and then sent flying backward.

Chi! The spear shot out, Peng! Guo Siyuan landed heavily on his back, his spear tip pinning his tunic and embedding itself into the brick floor of the courtyard.

Guo Siyuan’s face was ashen, his eyes burning with rage, yet tinged with a hint of shock.

Li Muchen clapped his hands lightly, shaking his head. "Such spear work is truly ordinary. I heard the spear arts of Sunset Valley were famous; is this truly all it amounts to?"

"Lao Li, don't get cocky! I haven't even fully mastered my spear technique!" Guo Siyuan struggled, tearing his tunic, and then sprang up with a roar. "Our Sunset Valley’s spear arts are unparalleled in the world, no less impressive than your Cloud Heavens Sect's sword techniques!"

Li Muchen smiled. "I heard that Young Valley Master Guo surpassed your predecessors and became even better than them. I truly hoped to witness Sunset Valley’s spear arts, but seeing it now... hearing is not as good as seeing, what a pity!"

He shook his head, his expression full of regret. "With your current skill, even after ten or eight more years of practice, you won't be able to see my sword. Go back and practice hard. Stop swaggering about outside and making a fool of yourself. You are disgracing Sunset Valley and have thrown away a thousand years of glory!"

"Shut up!" Guo Siyuan roared, pointing his retrieved spear at Li Muchen and sneering coldly. "Lao Li, don't think you’ve truly beaten me!"

Li Muchen raised an eyebrow. "Oh—?"

Guo Siyuan pulled out his spear and pointed it coldly at Li Muchen. "Watch my Sunset Spear!"

As his words fell, his body merged with the spear, stabbing toward Li Muchen’s chest in an instant. Li Muchen shifted sideways, seemingly just barely evading it. Guo Siyuan’s motion paused, and the spear tip suddenly thrust out. Li Muchen shifted sideways again to avoid it. The spear tip retracted and shot out again, flickering in and out like a gecko’s tongue—incredibly fast, like lightning.

Li Muchen, however, evaded the attacks with effortless grace, watching Guo Siyuan’s spear thrusts from unpredictable angles, a look of approval dawning on his face.

"Good spear work!" he sighed, shaking his head. "But the mastery isn't deep enough."

As he spoke, he gently flicked the incoming spear tip with a light touch. Ding... The spear flew away, the tip embedding itself into the blue bricks two zhang away, the shaft vibrating softly.

Guo Siyuan stood blankly where he was, his hands empty.

Li Muchen stated, "Young Valley Master Guo, bringing out this level of skill only brings shame to Sunset Valley. You should go back and practice for several more years!"

Guo Siyuan’s eyes slowly turned toward Li Muchen, fixing him with a steady gaze.

Li Muchen smiled. "Young Valley Master Guo, do you wish to fight another round?"

Guo Siyuan asked, "You said your skill is comparable to Li Wuji's?"

Li Muchen smiled. "I am Li Wuji."

Guo Siyuan laughed self-deprecatingly. "Li Wuji, hehe, well done, Li Wuji!"

His laughter slowly faded into self-mockery, and he shook his head. "Li Wuji lives up to his reputation. I have been taught a lesson!"

Li Muchen replied, "Logically, because you were disrespectful to the Sect Master, you should receive a lesson. But since you are young and reckless, the Sect Master instructed me not to harm you. You should leave now!"

Guo Siyuan’s face was grim, and he glared coldly at Li Muchen. "Li Wuji, I will not forget today's humiliation. I will seek you out one year from now!"

Li Muchen chuckled and shook his head. "Perhaps practice for ten years before coming back!"

"Lao Li, just wait!" Guo Siyuan gave a cold laugh and turned to leave.

"Young Master...?" the gray-robed middle-aged man called out.

Guo Siyuan waved him off. "Let's go. No more embarrassment!"

The gray-robed middle-aged man gave Li Muchen a deep look, then turned and followed Guo Siyuan. The two men swiftly departed the small courtyard, moving down the mountain. Li Muchen observed them with his Void Eye; they did not speak to anyone from the Nine Heavens Celestial Maiden Sect.

Li Muchen shook his head. This Guo Siyuan was indeed rude, arrogant, and self-important, believing himself to be the only person of consequence—he lacked the demeanor of a disciple from a major sect whatsoever.