Li Muzhan chuckled, "Senior Sister thinks my martial arts are insufficient?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, pondering, "Your internal energy is profound, no less than that of Junior Brother Qiao and the others. You also possess a great aptitude for palm techniques. In terms of martial arts, you are certainly capable enough."

"Then why?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Qin Yeqiu replied, "You lack experience in traversing the Jianghu. Sometimes, experience is more crucial than martial skill."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, I've heard many insights and experiences—those of Hero Hu, Elder Ma. Dealing with the pursuit back then, alongside Teacher, also involved navigating numerous schemes and stratagems."

Qin Yeqiu murmured in thought for a moment, then raised her head to gaze at Li Muzhan, "It is truly rare that Lord Cao emerged unscathed from the pursuit by the Mo Hu Gang and the Righteous Hall. I hear your archery is superb?"

Her face was like white jade, her eyes glittering like precious stones, seeming to illuminate the depths of one's heart.

Li Muzhan's eyebrows lifted slightly. This is more like it. He realized Qin Yeqiu had thoroughly investigated his background, taking considerable effort to uncover every move made by his Teacher and himself.

He nodded slightly, "My archery is passable."

"Never missing the mark, that is indeed rare," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, gesturing toward the small pavilion before stepping in to sit. Li Muzhan took a seat opposite her.

Once inside the pavilion, sitting across from each other, the proximity felt much closer. She exuded a cool, tranquil aura; even standing near her, one felt a distance, an unapproachability. But sitting opposite was different; he could catch the orchid-like scent she emitted and sense her vitality. Her face revealed not a single pore, truly like fine jade or porcelain.

Qin Yeqiu looked at him quietly, "The person I am tracking this time is a lone, notorious bandit who has roamed the world for nearly a century, steeped in evil."

Li Muzhan's gaze was gentle, retracting instantly after a sweep, showing no aggression. He frowned, "To roam the world for centuries and remain free is quite an accomplishment."

"Mmm," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly. "His name is Wan Chongshan. He is cruel and has slaughtered countless people. However, his swordplay is formidable, his Qinggong exquisite, and he is unbelievably treacherous—if he cannot win, he flees. The siege by Qingyue Valley once failed, making him even harder to deal with."

Li Muzhan asked, "Qingyue Valley couldn't handle him?"

He now had a general understanding of the martial world, partly thanks to the explanations from Qiao Zaixian and others, and partly from the books within Zhengyang Hall.

Qingyue Valley was also a first-rate major sect. Though its name didn't sound grand, it was filled with masters, its strength comparable to Zishang Palace.

The world was teeming with supreme masters, but few could escape an assault by Qingyue Valley unharmed. Qingyue Valley's formidable power was no empty reputation.

"Wan Chongshan is incredibly cunning; he escaped," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan frowned, "Senior Sister, do our Zishang Palace disciples travel outside often?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, "Occasionally, disciples venture out."

Seeing the confusion in Li Muzhan's expression, Qin Yeqiu explained, "Our Zishang Palace disciples descend the mountain once every three years to accumulate merit. No one has gone down in the past two years."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "That is good."

Qin Yeqiu pondered for a moment, then slowly asked, "Are you worried about retaliation from that fellow surnamed Wan?"

Li Muzhan understood immediately that she had already considered this. "Since Wan is so cunning, even if Senior Sister is confident, one must not let down one's guard. One must prepare for defeat before anticipating victory."

Qin Yeqiu responded, "If I truly cannot kill him, I will postpone the time when our junior sisters descend the mountain until he is dead."

"Can Senior Sister truly kill him?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Qin Yeqiu let out a soft snort, "A junior sister died at his hands."

Li Muzhan’s expression darkened, and he slowly nodded, "Senior Sister, I shall be the vanguard!"

Qin Yeqiu sized him up. Li Muzhan continued, "Senior Sister operates in the open, and I in the shadows. This will increase our chances of success."

"Your archery..." Qin Yeqiu pondered.

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister wishes to test me, perhaps?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded, "Very well."

She called out loudly, and a young girl in green robes floated into the small courtyard, entering the pavilion.

Qin Yeqiu commanded, "Xiao Wei, bring the Sunset Bow."

"...The Sunset Bow?" The green-robed girl, whose features were lovely, showed a look of astonishment.

Qin Yeqiu nodded, "Yes. Go quickly, and bring the arrows too."

"Yes." The girl responded lightly and hurried toward the back of the courtyard. Soon, she returned carrying a long, pitch-black bow in one hand and a quiver of arrows in the other.

The moment she entered, Li Muzhan's gaze became fixed on the inky black bow.

Seeing him so captivated, a smile touched Qin Yeqiu's cool features.

The green-robed girl's steps were as light as drifting, and she arrived before them in an instant, presenting the black bow and quiver together. "Palace Mistress."

Qin Yeqiu reached out and took them. "You may go."

The girl bowed lightly and floated backward, retreating from Li Muzhan's small courtyard.

"Junior Brother!" Qin Yeqiu coughed softly.

Li Muzhan startled, slowly drawing his gaze back from the black bow, and turned to look at Qin Yeqiu, "Senior Sister, is this the Sunset Bow?"

"It is," Qin Yeqiu confirmed. "Our Palace has many swords and blades, but only this single bow. No one knows which generation of our predecessors acquired it, but it remains usable. It must be no ordinary artifact."

Li Muzhan nodded solemnly, "It is definitely no ordinary artifact!"

His intuition was remarkably accurate. The moment he saw the pitch-black bow, he felt his spirit drawn inward, as if his flesh and blood were merging with it—truly wondrous.

Qin Yeqiu handed him the black bow. "Try it."

Li Muzhan accepted it. The grip felt warm and smooth, like fine mutton-fat jade. He plucked the inky bowstring, and a sound—"Weng..."—a resonant vibration like a zither from a later age, lingered endlessly.

Li Muzhan looked at the black string and praised, "A fine bow!"

The bowstring seemed like iron yet wasn't, like silk yet wasn't; it resembled sinew, unremarkable to look at but possessing immense strength. With his current divine power and physique, ordinary bows would snap if he drew them. This bowstring could withstand his pull, requiring a force of no less than four or five hundred jin.

"Junior Brother, I will step out. Try shooting an arrow at me." Qin Yeqiu suggested.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Very well, Senior Sister, begin!"

Qin Yeqiu suddenly flashed and vanished from her spot. Before her shadow had fully dissipated, she reappeared at the doorway, flashed again, and materialized by the base of the wall.

She flashed out over ten zhang away, her figure entirely unseen, appearing only as a flickering light, with intervals of about ten zhang between flashes, and in the next moment, she vanished from Li Muzhan's sight.

Li Muzhan stood steady, watching quietly. Suddenly, he moved. He drew and released the black bowstring, and with a muffled bang, a streak of black light sliced through the air.

With another bang, Qin Yeqiu reappeared, flying over ten zhang in the air before landing lightly.

After landing, she staggered back four steps before regaining her balance. In her right hand, she held an arrow. The shaft was dull black, trembling in her snowy white hand as if it were alive.

Li Muzhan lowered the bow slightly and smiled, "Senior Sister, are you alright?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, taking a deep breath, her purple robes fluttering briefly before settling down. She shook her head again, "What an astonishing arrow!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, what do you think?"

"Mmm," Qin Yeqiu slowly nodded.

Seeing her nod, Li Muzhan knew she had agreed. She was always reserved, rarely praising or criticizing others, usually offering only a few brief comments.

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister, with you in the open and me hidden, if you can wound him, I will have greater certainty."

Qin Yeqiu nodded slightly. Wan Chongshan's Qinggong was peerless, but her own was certainly not inferior; otherwise, she wouldn't even have grazed the edge of his attire.

If even her Qinggong couldn't evade this arrow, it would be difficult for Wan Chongshan. Furthermore, if he was unprepared, he wouldn't be able to dodge it. If she could even wound him, their success would be assured.

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, when do we set out?"

"We leave tomorrow," Qin Yeqiu replied.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Good, we will certainly slay this villain."

Qin Yeqiu glanced at him and shook her head, "Let's hope so."

She harbored no absolute certainty. Wan Chongshan escaping the Qingyue Valley encirclement, even if by sheer luck, proved his might. It wasn't just cunning; his martial arts were top-tier. He might have been deliberately concealing his true strength, feigning weakness to mislead others, allowing Qingyue Valley, even approaching him with the mindset of a lion tackling a rabbit, to fall into his trap.

Yuma Town was a small settlement situated at the northern entrance of the Ancient River region. Because it lay on the bank of the great river, boats frequently stopped at the docks to rest.

Although the town wasn't large, it was bustling, rivaling many smaller cities. Taverns and inns were particularly numerous, outnumbering those in larger urban centers.

As the sun set, two figures sat in the Drunken Immortal Tower, gazing out the window at the vibrant flow of people below, their expressions blank.

"Senior Sister, this place is so lively," the man in the green shirt said in a deep voice. On the table before him lay a long, wide bundle, its contents indiscernible.

He appeared to be in his early twenties, handsome, but his complexion was pale and stiff, devoid of expression, giving him a chilling and imposing air.

Across from him sat a woman in purple robes, of average looks, perhaps around twenty. A long sword hung at her waist, yet she sat quietly with an air of serene elegance.

The purple-robed woman nodded lightly, "Mmm. Yuma Town is a vital crossing. Not only do boats traveling north and south pass through, but the official road does as well."

"With such a strategic location, the Palace hasn't established a branch here?" the green-shirted man asked.

The purple-robed woman shook her head, "A disciple opened an inn here."

"This place must have excellent intelligence, serving as our eyes and ears," the green-shirted man nodded. "Hopefully, he knows no martial arts."

The purple-robed woman nodded lightly, "This Martial Uncle He suffered a severe injury that crippled his martial arts. Despite that, he is incredibly resilient and insisted on coming down the mountain to handle affairs."

Though her face lacked expression, her bright eyes glittered like black gems, stirring the heart.

The green-shirted man praised softly, "Respectable and admirable!"

The purple-robed woman continued, "The news about Wan Chongshan this time came from Martial Uncle He."

The green-shirted man pondered for a moment, "How certain are we?"

"Ten out of ten," the purple-robed woman stated. "Martial Uncle He has seen Wan Chongshan before; there will be no mistake in identification."

"That's good then," the green-shirted man nodded, then began to eat.

These two were Li Muzhan and Qin Yeqiu.

Their appearances had both been altered by masks. Before descending the mountain, Qin Yeqiu had given Li Muzhan a mask as thin as a cicada's wing. It adhered instantly upon contact, adhering to the face as if it were one's own skin.

Li Muzhan found this strange. Could this be a human skin mask?

Qin Yeqiu explained briefly that this was made from Heaven Feather Serpent skin—a unique, supreme craft known only to Zishang Palace. It required the third layer of skin from the Heaven Feather Serpent and an incredibly subtle technique to craft.

This technique was perfected by the husband of the fifth-generation Palace Mistress. Only five were ever made before the art was lost, as the Heaven Feather Serpent was an extremely rare variant creature.

The reason Qin Yeqiu accepted Cao Ya's terms was precisely because the mask would prevent Li Muzhan from exposing his identity, and coupled with the Withered-Flourishing Technique, they would be completely safe.

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, do we have other disciples outside the mountain?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, "Mmm. Many disciples choose to leave the mountain, settle down, marry, and have children. Not all disciples remain on the peak."

Li Muzhan remarked, "While the mountain is good, it is, after all, quite secluded."

"You're getting restless?" Qin Yeqiu's bright eyes flickered as she gazed at him.

Li Muzhan replied, "Indeed, I feel a need for movement after too much stillness."

His voice held a hint of amusement, but his face remained impassive. No matter how exquisite the mask, it failed to convey emotional shifts, leaving his expression perpetually wooden.

"Young people are like this, unable to sit still," Qin Yeqiu said lightly.

Li Muzhan smiled beneath his mask, then suddenly paused his movement, pointing toward the window, "Senior Sister, is that the one?"

"Oh?" Qin Yeqiu's bright eyes suddenly lit up.

Li Muzhan whispered, "Senior Sister!"

Qin Yeqiu quickly collected her composure, her bright eyes momentarily dimming. She nodded, "It is him!"

She shook her head, "I truly didn't expect him to be so brazen, walking openly as if afraid people wouldn't recognize him... I'll go take care of him!"

Li Muzhan quickly waved a hand, "Senior Sister, wait!"

Qin Yeqiu paused and looked at him. Li Muzhan pondered aloud, "Senior Sister, does he have some reliance that makes him so bold?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, "He is simply this audacious, acting unexpectedly, which is why he has evaded capture until now!"

"Is it really that simple?" Li Muzhan murmured.

Qin Yeqiu said, "Junior Brother, you are overthinking. Don't ponder further; stab him dead with one sword strike!"

"Heh heh..." Li Muzhan leaned back slightly and nodded, "Simpler is better. Alright then, I will wait for Senior Sister to succeed shortly!"

Qin Yeqiu rose, "You remain hidden. If I truly cannot manage him, then you strike!"

Li Muzhan assured her, "Do not worry, Senior Sister. I will find an opportunity to loose an arrow!"

"I am going," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, rising and floating down from the tavern. In moments, she appeared on the main street, blending into the throng of people.

Li Muzhan sat by the window, watching her merge seamlessly with her surroundings, drawing no attention. He knew this Senior Sister was also a master assassin; her ability to conceal herself far surpassed that of ordinary people. Observing her calm, unhurried movements, he knew she possessed vast experience.

Li Muzhan shook his head. It seemed this Senior Sister had killed many people—it wasn't just once or twice. Achieving the position of Palace Mistress at such a young age was no accident.

He picked up the long bow wrapped in the bundle, floated down from the building, and ambled onto the street. Opening his Void Eye, he surveyed the surroundings, following behind Qin Yeqiu.

Qin Yeqiu walked with a graceful, swaying gait, like a weak willow yielding to the wind. Although a sword hung at her waist, she looked like a delicate young lady, making the sword appear merely decorative, meant to intimidate.

Her steps were light, seemingly slow, yet she kept pace with a middle-aged man directly ahead. This man had a lean figure, a sallow complexion, a few strands of beard drifting, and narrow eyes flashing with cold light.

Such an ordinary-looking middle-aged man would easily fade into the crowd. However, he slowly began to leave the bustle, entering a narrow alley, heading toward the residential area in the west.

Qin Yeqiu paused momentarily, then followed. Li Muzhan, trailing behind, shook his head, realizing his Senior Sister had noticed something—Wan Chongshan must have detected them.

But at this stage, the arrow was already loosed from the bowstring; retreat was impossible. Even if the target noticed, they could only pursue; letting him escape now would lead to complications.

He was about to offer a reminder when Qin Yeqiu let out a sharp cry, "Wan Chongshan, stop!"

The sallow-faced middle-aged man halted, twisting to face Qin Yeqiu. She flashed forward, arriving within two zhang of him. They were in a narrow alley.

Li Muzhan stood in another parallel alley, separated from her by a row of houses. Reaching her position would require using Qinggong to vault over the obstacle, placing him far enough away that he was unlikely to be detected.

The sallow-faced man frowned, staring at Qin Yeqiu, "Little girl, who are you, and how do you know my name?"

Qin Yeqiu snorted, slowly drawing her sword. "You are Wan Chongshan, are you not?"

"Indeed. This old man does not change his name when he sits, nor his surname when he stands. I am Wan Chongshan," the sallow-faced man nodded slowly, looking at Qin Yeqiu with a faint, mocking smile.

Qin Yeqiu pointed her sword at Wan Chongshan, coldly declaring, "Your crimes are unforgivable. Today, I shall act on behalf of Heaven to annihilate a villain like you!"

"Heh heh..." Wan Chongshan chuckled, shaking his head. "You little girl are quite interesting, acting on Heaven's behalf. How amusing, how amusing!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. Senior Sister truly had some acting skills. She appeared exactly like a young girl just stepping into the martial world, ignorant of danger, knowing only right and wrong, good and evil, acting purely on hot-blooded impulse without considering consequences.

Qin Yeqiu sneered, snorting, "Wan Chongshan, you villain will meet your end here today. Do you have any final words?"

Wan Chongshan stroked his few strands of beard and laughed heartily, "Little girl, I was about to ask you the same thing. What are your last words? Wan Mou can deliver them for you!"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, "Such arrogance! Watch my sword!"

She thrust her sword out with incredible speed, instantly reaching Wan Chongshan's chest. The two zhang distance vanished in an instant, demonstrating formidable footwork and swordsmanship.

"Yo, the little girl has some skill!" Wan Chongshan chuckled, raising his palm to strike down. With a crisp ding, the long sword was deflected, and she lunged straight toward Wan Chongshan.

Wan Chongshan extended his other hand lightly, aiming to strike Qin Yeqiu's chest. Qin Yeqiu seemed to have mismanaged her internal energy, unable to twist away in time, so she met the blow with her own palm.

With a peng, both figures flew backward in opposite directions.

Wan Chongshan struck Qin Yeqiu's left ribcage, while Qin Yeqiu struck Wan Chongshan's chest. Both absorbed a blow from the other and were thrown back simultaneously.

Pfft! Wan Chongshan staggered backward, spitting a stream of blood before steadying himself. His face turned grim. "What a formidable little girl!"

He glared viciously at Qin Yeqiu, a mix of shock, anger, and apprehension in his eyes. The truly reckless are feared even by the bold; though he dared much, he still valued his life. Looking at the young girl before him, she appeared utterly unafraid of death, ready to drag him down with her if she perished.

Qin Yeqiu’s face was pale, a trace of blood staining the corner of her mouth—she had clearly sustained internal injuries—yet her expression remained unchanged, still calm and composed.

Li Muzhan, standing in the adjacent alley, shook his head. Fortunately, Senior Sister wore armor; otherwise, taking that blow might have meant certain doom.

However, Wan Chongshan was indeed a ruthless character. He had taken that strike without changing his expression.

Qin Yeqiu said solemnly, "Wan Chongshan, did you ever imagine this day would come!"

"Heh heh..." Wan Chongshan shook his head. "Little girl, who exactly are you!"

Having taken that palm strike, he was badly injured. He was always cautious and prudent; caution had steered his boat for thousands of years, and he never slighted any opponent, which brought him to this height. Yet, he had still fallen into a trap.

Qin Yeqiu's internal energy had pierced his body, shaking his five viscera. He knew then he had misjudged; this little girl was feigning youth; her internal power was terrifyingly deep, and he was no match for her.

Qin Yeqiu stated grimly, "The one who will kill you!"

"Little girl, with such cultivation at your age, you cannot be an unknown figure. Why hide your identity?" Wan Chongshan said with a sneer. "Are you perhaps afraid of Wan Mou seeking revenge?"

"That is correct," Qin Yeqiu said flatly. "You don't need to know who I am!"

"It seems you aren't entirely confident either," Wan Chongshan laughed and shook his head. "Very well then, Wan Mou takes his leave!"

He suddenly tilted his head back. With a muffled poof, another jet of blood sprayed toward Qin Yeqiu. She instinctively flashed aside, narrowly avoiding the projectile.

But when she looked up again, Wan Chongshan had vanished without a trace.

Qin Yeqiu's bright eyes narrowed; she thought, This is bad. She hadn't expected Wan Chongshan's Qinggong to be so absolute. A moment of inattention and he had slipped away.

Without hesitation, she charged forward. With a muffled peng, Qin Yeqiu flew backward, only landing ten zhang away, staggering slightly before steadying herself, and then spitting out a large mouthful of blood with a sound of Waa.

Li Muzhan frowned but remained still. This Wan Chongshan was truly cunning. In such a desperate situation, looking like a cornered dog, he unexpectedly launched a counter-strike.

In her hurried pursuit, Qin Yeqiu had failed to guard against his audacity. Despite being injured, he hadn't fled but had turned back to attack.

However, Qin Yeqiu's martial arts were superior. Despite the surprise, she managed to block the strike, forcefully taking the blow. Yet, this strike was a full-force attack from Wan Chongshan. In her haste, Qin Yeqiu could muster less than fifty percent of her internal energy and suffered a clear loss, sustaining an injury.

"Little girl, Wan Mou bears you no grudge. Why pursue this so relentlessly!" Wan Chongshan sneered, flashing away and vanishing from Qin Yeqiu's sight.

This time, Qin Yeqiu clearly saw Wan Chongshan's power. He disappeared in a flash; his Qinggong far surpassed hers.

She frowned and floated forward to continue the pursuit. Li Muzhan still did not reveal himself.

With a muffled thud, Qin Yeqiu was sent flying backward once more, landing with an almost weightless grace, blood blooming at the corner of her mouth, her bright eyes flashing with sharp intensity.

This time, she was truly furious. She couldn't believe she had stumbled in the exact same spot twice, having been blindsided by a sudden counterattack.