He shot a surprised glance at Liu Biyun, not expecting the gentle and soft-spoken woman to be so bold; sending tokens between a man and woman was tantamount to a betrothal, and it seemed this world was no different.

Liu Biyun, her face flushing crimson, was about to leave, but Li Muzhan quickly called out to her, "Miss Liu, don't be afraid. Let's find a quiet place to talk properly."

Liu Biyun was overwhelmed with embarrassment. This whole display had been an impulse, and she desperately wanted to flee, intending to politely decline and depart. Li Muzhan hurried to say, "There are some things I need to make clear to you, Miss."

Hearing the seriousness and gravity in his voice, Liu Biyun turned back to look at him, noticing the clarity and solemnity in his eyes, as if something important was afoot.

"...Alright," Liu Biyun nodded softly. "Let's go over there."

Li Muzhan followed her gaze to a small teahouse across the way and nodded in agreement.

Liu Biyun glanced back at the inn; a disciple from the Dragon Mountain Sect was peeking out of a window, looking in their direction. Upon seeing her look back, he quickly ducked his head.

He had a round face and a stout build, carrying an air of brutishness about him.

A moment later, he cautiously poked his head out again. Seeing Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun walking side-by-side into the teahouse opposite, his face instantly darkened.

He strode back to his table and said in a deep voice, "I say, Junior Brother Wang, what’s going on? Who exactly is that fellow?!"

Wang Hanyang looked up. "Senior Brother Zhao, that’s Li Guanhai. He’s a wandering swordsman, incredibly skilled, especially his swordsmanship—far surpassing Huang Zongqi!"

"Hmm—?" Senior Brother Zhao’s eyes widened. "Even more formidable than that fellow Huang Zongqi?"

Wang Hanyang pouted. "Never mind Huang Zongqi; even two Huang Zongqis wouldn't be his match! ...Senior Brother Zhao, Junior Sister and I almost didn't make it back to you all!"

"Tell me about it!" Senior Brother Zhao grunted.

Wang Hanyang recounted, "I was injured, and somehow Huang Zongqi found out. He brought two Dark Swordsmen from the Linhai Pavilion to hunt me and Junior Sister!"

Senior Brother Zhao frowned. "Two Dark Swordsmen? Huang Zongqi really thinks highly of you! ...How did you escape them?"

The Dark Swordsmen of the Linhai Pavilion were the deadliest assassins; once targeted by them, death was almost certain. Even if his own group ran into them, their only option would be to flee. He couldn't imagine how Wang Hanyang, severely injured, and Liu Biyun would manage to escape. Running into two Dark Swordsmen spelled certain doom for both of them!

Wang Hanyang explained, "Li Guanhai saved us! ...Those Dark Swordsmen were no match for him at all. His swordsmanship is too terrifying! A single strike forced one Dark Swordsman back, and Huang Zongqi couldn't withstand even one move from him either!"

"Such terrifying swordsmanship?!" Senior Brother Zhao frowned, studying Wang Hanyang closely.

Wang Hanyang immediately cried out with a wronged air, "Senior Brother Zhao, do you not believe me!?"

"What style of swordsmanship does he practice?!" Senior Brother Zhao grunted.

Wang Hanyang shook his head. "His technique seemed rather ordinary, nothing intricate—just a single thrust. But the timing of that thrust was exquisitely precise. I could execute that same move, but nowhere near that accurately!"

"Bizarre!" Senior Brother Zhao stroked his round chin.

Wang Hanyang continued, "I heard him say his sword practice is very peculiar. He stands before a waterfall and thrusts at the water, needing to be able to sever the cascade!"

"Nonsense!" Senior Brother Zhao waved his hand dismissively.

Wang Hanyang shook his head. "But he makes sense! Practicing like that for over a decade would certainly forge swordsmanship as formidable as his!"

"Hogwash. If it were that easy, the martial world would be swarming with master swordsmen by now!" Senior Brother Zhao was unconvinced.

A handsome youth beside him offered, "Perhaps it’s his natural talent, then... Senior Brother Zhao, where is Junior Sister Liu?"

Senior Brother Zhao's face clouded over. "Hmph, she went to that teahouse across the way with him!"

Wang Hanyang slapped the table with a bang and let out a resentful snort.

"What is this, Junior Brother Wang? Does Junior Sister Liu truly fancy this fellow?" Senior Brother Zhao cried out strangely, his eyes wide.

Wang Hanyang shook his head and sighed, "**It's practically certain!"

"You little brat, you’re asking for death!" Senior Brother Zhao slammed his palm onto the table with a bang, leaving a distinct, charred handprint that smelled faintly of burning.

"Senior Brother Zhao, sigh..." Wang Hanyang shook his head mournfully.

"What are you sighing for!" Senior Brother Zhao cursed irritably. "How could Junior Sister Liu fall for some random kid with mediocre looks and an unremarkable background!"

Wang Hanyang shook his head repeatedly. "Senior Brother Zhao, it’s not entirely surprising that Junior Sister Liu would fancy him."

"What did you say?!" Senior Brother Zhao glared, grabbing him by the collar.

Wang Hanyang calmly struggled free and straightened his collar. He sighed, "Senior Brother Zhao, consider this: Li Guanhai didn't emerge from any famous or great sect, yet he achieved such prowess. How could that not inspire admiration? ...To be honest, he’s saved my life several times. But even so, I just can't stand the sight of the boy, though I do respect his skill!"

"Hmph, so you’re saying Junior Sister Liu has discerning eyes and recognized his true worth!?" Senior Brother Zhao snarled angrily.

Wang Hanyang replied, "Senior Brother Zhao, none of us are a match for him."

The previously mentioned handsome youth laughed lightly. "Senior Brother Zhao, Junior Brother Wang is just trying to provoke you... Junior Brother Wang, how did you sustain those injuries?"

Wang Hanyang sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, "He did it!"

"Hmph—?" Senior Brother Zhao glared.

Wang Hanyang admitted, "I didn't like his attitude and wanted to teach him a lesson, but I didn't expect him to be so strong. I ended up being the one taught a lesson!"

"He hit you, and then protected you?" Senior Brother Zhao scoffed.

Wang Hanyang speculated, "He was probably afraid that if I died, our Dragon Mountain Sect would retaliate, so he kept me safe."

"That makes sense." Senior Brother Zhao nodded. "Is this kid really that formidable?"

"Senior Brother Zhao, if I'm lying about this, may I be struck by lightning!" Wang Hanyang raised a finger toward the sky, swearing an oath.

Senior Brother Zhao stroked his round chin. "I must meet this fellow myself!"

The handsome youth inquired, "Senior Brother Zhao, can you defeat a Dark Swordsman?"

"Dark Swordsmen vary in strength," Senior Brother Zhao replied.

"And what about Huang Zongqi?" the handsome youth asked.

Senior Brother Zhao hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "That fellow surnamed Huang is rather tricky."

"Exactly!" the handsome youth sighed. "Even if we all went together, we couldn't beat him. We should just drop it!"

"Just swallow our pride like this?!" Senior Brother Zhao hummed unwillingly.

The handsome youth retorted, "Only an adaptable person is a true hero. If we can’t beat him, must we walk right into his trap just to be humiliated?!"

Senior Brother Zhao glared hatefully at Wang Hanyang, who innocently scratched his head.

Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun sat in a secluded corner of the teahouse. It was lunchtime, and they were the only two patrons.

Liu Biyun held her teacup with slender fingers, sipping slowly, her face perpetually flushed. Like white jade lightly dusted with rouge, she dared not look up at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan also sipped his tea slowly, remaining silent. Time drifted by in tranquil peace.

She could no longer bear the silence and looked up at him. "What did you wish to say, Young Master Li?"

"Oh." Li Muzhan roused himself, let out a sigh, and slowly set down his cup, gazing at Liu Biyun. "Actually, I have been concealing my true identity all along."

Liu Biyun started, quickly lifting her gaze to meet his.

Li Muzhan stated, "My true identity is Li Wuji, a disciple of the Violet Robe Palace."

"Violet Robe Palace?" Liu Biyun was astonished. "Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "When the Palace Master and I killed Wan Chongshan, we later discovered his true identity was a disciple of your Dragon Mountain Sect. I've been worried about potential retaliation from the sect, which is why I used the alias Li Guanhai to test the waters."

"You..." Liu Biyun stared blankly at Li Muzhan, unable to process the information immediately.

Li Muzhan sighed. "I had originally intended to keep the secret, letting this Li Guanhai slowly disappear. But given the current situation, I have no choice but to tell you the truth!"

Were it not for Liu Biyun's impulsive gesture just now, he felt too deeply indebted to her kindness to confess otherwise. Moreover, he knew the sooner this was revealed, the better. Secrets cannot be kept forever; eventually, she would learn, and the longer he waited, the more she would be hurt. His chivalrous nature kicked in, and he could not bear to wound her.

"Li Wuji..." Liu Biyun lowered her head, taking a sip of tea, avoiding Li Muzhan's gaze.

Li Muzhan sighed again. "If you were in my position, Miss, you would have done the same. The Violet Robe Palace saved my life; I cannot fail to repay that debt."

Liu Biyun remained silent, looking down.

Li Muzhan picked up his cup and took a small sip, sighing. At this point, he realized he could no longer control the outcome; everything now depended on her reaction.

Time flowed slowly, and a quarter of an hour passed unnoticed.

Li Muzhan said, "Miss, if you wish to find me in the future, take this token to Qingmei Town. I must take my leave now; we shall meet again!"

Liu Biyun looked up at him and asked coldly, "Did you really burn Wan Chongshan's clothes?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes."

The clothes had indeed been burned, but when they were burned was a different matter entirely.

Liu Biyun’s expression turned cold, and she looked away, saying faintly, "The sect may not let this rest."

Li Muzhan frowned as he watched her. Liu Biyun continued, "I don't have the final say in sect matters; I can only act upon orders. You should look after yourself!" With that, she set down her cup, turned gracefully, and departed.

Liu Biyun returned to the inn in a thoughtful daze and sat down under the intense gaze of Wang Hanyang and the other four, preoccupied with her thoughts and unaware of their strange looks.

"Junior Sister, has Li Guanhai left?" Wang Hanyang grunted.

Liu Biyun looked up. "Li Guanhai... yes, he has left."

"What did he have to say?" Wang Hanyang stared intently at her.

Liu Biyun shook her head. "He warned us to be wary of Huang Zongqi, saying he might not give up easily and could send more people after us."

"Hmph, the fellow surnamed Huang dares to try—!" Senior Brother Zhao slammed the table and sneered. "If he dares to come, I'll twist his neck off!"

Liu Biyun glanced at Senior Brother Zhao. She didn't speak. Usually, she would offer a few witty remarks—Senior Brother Zhao’s Blazing Sun Palm was devastating, but twisting necks wasn't his specialty. Today, however, she was preoccupied with what Li Muzhan had told her, having no mind for jests.

Wang Hanyang assured her, "Now that we have Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Brother Li, Senior Brother Song, and Senior Brother Meng, the fellow surnamed Huang won't gain anything even if he comes. No need for him to worry!"

Liu Biyun sighed and nodded.

Senior Brother Zhao couldn't contain himself. "Junior Sister Liu, what else did you discuss?"

Liu Biyun blushed instantly and frowned. "Senior Brother Zhao—!"

Senior Brother Zhao pressed on. "Junior Sister Liu, have you taken a liking to this young man surnamed Li?"

"Senior Brother Zhao, what nonsense are you speaking!" Liu Biyun quickly denied it. "I was merely thanking him properly; after all, he saved our lives!"

"Hmph, I suspect it's a case of being unable to repay a life-saving debt with anything less than offering yourself in marriage?!" Senior Brother Zhao said irritably.

Liu Biyun blushed deeply and scolded him playfully, "Senior Brother Zhao!"

Senior Brother Zhao pouted and huffed, "Alright, Junior Sister Liu, you are a woman whose mettle rivals any man's. Just say it clearly—have you fallen for him or not?"

Liu Biyun looked gentle and beautiful, yet beneath the surface, she possessed a spirit that dared to love and hate fiercely, being quite straightforward. She gave a small nod. "Yes."

"Ah—!" The other five gasped in shock, their faces draining of color.

Liu Biyun was the jewel of the Dragon Mountain Sect—not only beautiful but also possessing a kind disposition, gentle without being artificial, and forthright yet approachable. She was on good terms with everyone, and every disciple in the sect dreamed of marrying her. They were all talents, yet she had spurned them all in favor of some unknown vagabond. They truly couldn't comprehend it!

"Junior Sister Liu!" Wang Hanyang called out loudly. "How could you be so rash! ...He's just some wild talent, shallowly rooted. Even if his martial arts are a bit stronger, what use is that? He won't amount to much or achieve anything significant!"

While martial skill was paramount in the Jianghu, connections and influence were equally vital. A tiger cannot withstand a pack of wolves; no matter how strong a single person is, their strength is limited.

Liu Biyun shook her head without speaking, her jade-like face tightening.

Senior Brother Zhao pressed, "Junior Sister Liu, tell us, what exactly is so wonderful about this Li Guanhai that you fell for him so completely?"

Liu Biyun shook her head. "Senior Brother Zhao, I don't know either."

"Hmm—?" Senior Brother Zhao frowned in confusion.

The others looked at her strangely as well. Liu Biyun, her face red, shook her head. "I truly don't know, Senior Brother Zhao. Let's get moving as soon as possible."

"Sigh..." Seeing her flushed face, exquisitely lovely in the firelight, the hearts of the five men sank.

Senior Brother Zhao ground his teeth. "I have to kill that brat!"

Liu Biyun glanced at him. "Senior Brother Zhao, you can't beat him."

"Junior Sister Liu, you're leaning too far outward now!" Senior Brother Zhao cursed irritably.

Liu Biyun closed her mouth and remained silent. Senior Brother Zhao sighed. "This Li Guanhai truly has some skill. I must test him myself!"

Wang Hanyang quickly interjected, "Senior Brother Zhao, there will surely be a chance. Let's leave first."

"Go, go, let's go!" Senior Brother Zhao waved his hand carelessly. "It’s not that big of a deal, really. If Huang Zongqi has any sense, he won't bother us again!"

Wang Hanyang countered, "The fellow surnamed Huang is a madman; you can't judge him by common sense!"

"I think you've just had your guts scared out of you!" Senior Brother Zhao retorted irritably.

Wang Hanyang shook his head helplessly, realizing further argument was pointless.

Though Senior Brother Zhao spoke carelessly, seemingly unconcerned about Huang Zongqi, he was actually serious. The six of them left the inn directly and headed north out of the town.

Wang Hanyang's injuries had mostly healed; he didn't need to be carried. Senior Brother Zhao and the others took turns lending him strength, channeling inner energy to aid his movement techniques.

The six of them traveled until twilight deepened, finding a dilapidated Daoist temple near a stretch of woods. Though its walls were crumbling, it was not entirely abandoned—there was no spider silk or weeds, suggesting it was habitable. Seeing this, they guessed others lacking lodging had likely stopped here for the night, so they didn't think much of it. They built a bonfire in the main hall, sitting beside it, eating dry rations, and talking.

Once they were settled, a bright moon hung high in the night sky. Outside, it was pitch black, but the hall was brightly illuminated by the firelight, casting light into every corner.

Liu Biyun sat quietly, staring at the dancing flames. The firelight made her fair, jade-like face appear especially captivating. Her bright eyes were distant, clearly lost in thought. Seeing her, Wang Hanyang and the others felt both drawn to her and bitter; such a beauty was destined for another, which they could not easily accept. Without needing to guess, they knew Liu Biyun was thinking of Li Muzhan.

"Cough, Junior Brother Wang, are your injuries nearly healed?" Senior Brother Zhao cleared his throat and asked gently.

Wang Hanyang nodded. "They should be fine in two more days!"

Senior Brother Zhao said, "In two more days, we’ll be within the sect's territory! Then we won't have to fear that fellow surnamed Huang!"

"Senior Brother Zhao, I don't think that fellow surnamed Huang will come," one handsome youth chuckled. "Why would he seek further trouble when he knows we have reinforcements?"

Senior Brother Zhao warned, "That may be true, but we cannot afford to be careless. Caution is always wise." His expression suddenly changed, and he said sternly, "They're here!"

The others startled, tensing their bodies. Liu Biyun also snapped back to alertness, her bright eyes flashing before she floated to the window and poked a hole to look outside.

Senior Brother Zhao commanded, "Junior Brother Li, Junior Brother Meng, guard the windows! Senior Brother Song, we’ll guard the main entrance! ...Junior Sister Liu, act as circumstances require. Junior Brother Wang, you stay put and do not engage!"

"Senior Brother Zhao!" Wang Hanyang protested.

Senior Brother Zhao insisted, "Your injuries haven't healed, you can’t help much, just make sure we aren’t distracted!"

"...Alas, alright!" Wang Hanyang hung his head dejectedly.

The others had no patience to console him, each moving silently to their positions. Two youths went to the window, shattering the glass with a palm strike, letting the firelight spill out.

Liu Biyun frowned; this arrangement left them exposed—enemy hidden, self revealed—which was highly disadvantageous.

Senior Brother Zhao and another youth blocked the main entrance from left and right, watching the outside coldly.

Senior Brother Zhao roared like a thunderclap in the night sky, "Fellow surnamed Huang, come on then! Let this old man see what tricks you have!"

"Zhao Yetting," Huang Zongqi's voice drifted in. He was still clad in black, his face masked, revealing only his eyes. Behind him stood ten black-clad figures.

Liu Biyun stood behind Senior Brother Zhao and the others, drawing a sharp breath at the sight. Ten Dark Swordsmen! Though their faces and ages were hidden, she could tell they were Dark Swordsmen from their frost-white eyebrows and the palpable aura of killing intent.

Senior Brother Zhao's face darkened, and he cursed loudly, "Fellow surnamed Huang, you are truly shameless, resorting to such base tactics!"

Huang Zongqi said calmly, "A lion uses its full strength even to catch a rabbit. Zhao Yetting, I didn't expect to run into you—you have bad luck!"

"So what if it’s me!" Senior Brother Zhao, Zhao Yetting, sneered. "I’m having excellent luck today, finally catching you, you brat!"

Huang Zongqi’s eyes curved into a smile, and he shook his head. "Truly stubborn. Very well, let’s see if your skills have improved. Attack!"

"Hold them off!" Zhao Yetting roared, and he and his companion stepped forward simultaneously, blocking the threshold, leaving no gap. They only needed to deal with enemies directly in front of them.

Huang Zongqi waved his hand, and the ten black-clad figures split into two groups of five, shooting toward the window and the door. In moments, Zhao Yetting and his companion began to buckle under the pressure.

Zhao Yetting used his palm, while the other used his sword, but the swordsmanship of the five men opposite was too fast. The two could not fend them off effectively, yet dared not retreat.

"Hmph!" After a dozen exchanges, Zhao Yetting was wounded. Liu Biyun frowned. "Senior Brother Zhao, I'll help!"

"No need!" Zhao Yetting shouted. "Go help Junior Brother Meng and the others!"

Liu Biyun's sword flashed as she pierced out from behind Zhao Yetting, intercepting a blow that would have struck his left shoulder.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang..." Liu Biyun's sword became a blur, blocking one assailant. These black-clad men seemed skilled in coordinated attacks. Although Zhao Yetting's cultivation level was similar to their opponents', when they attacked in concert, fighting with no regard for their own lives, Zhao Yetting and his companion couldn't hold them off.

"Alas..." A long, soft sigh sounded. Liu Biyun's bright eyes lit up, and she looked up. Li Muzhan, clad in a flowing azure robe, stood quietly beside Huang Zongqi. He held a sword, the tip resting against Huang Zongqi's throat, poised with effortless composure. "Gentlemen, please stop, or I might accidentally..."

Huang Zongqi stared intensely at Li Muzhan, his eyes betraying no fear, and said in a deep voice, "Fellow surnamed Li, why must you oppose us?!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Are we acquaintances? I don't seem to recognize any of you! ...Gentlemen, please cease your attack!"

"Elder Hou, stand down!" Huang Zongqi commanded sternly.

The ten elders abruptly retreated, surrounding Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Your sword skills are respectable; could you be from the Linhai Pavilion?"

"Fellow surnamed Li, do you truly dare to kill me?" Huang Zongqi asked coldly.

Li Muzhan withdrew his sword and smiled gently. "Please—!"

Huang Zongqi sneered. "Fellow surnamed Li, why involve yourself in others' business!"

Li Muzhan replied, "If you gentlemen could be generous and let us pass, I would be eternally grateful!"

"Hmph!" Huang Zongqi sneered, pointing at Liu Biyun and the others. "Do you think you can truly save them?!"

With a muffled boom, the rear wall of the main hall exploded outward, sending dirt and dust flying. More than ten white-clad figures shot out from the cloud of debris, charging directly towards Wang Hanyang and the others.

Li Muzhan frowned. Huang Zongqi waved his hand, signaling retreat, while the ten black-clad men swung their swords, forming a dense, net-like barrier around Li Muzhan.

"Clang! Clang!" After delivering two swift thrusts, Li Muzhan broke free of the sword net. He had somehow seized a long sword in his left hand and leapt to Liu Biyun’s side in one step.

Liu Biyun hurriedly urged, "Young Master Li, quickly save Senior Brother and the others!"

Li Muzhan remained calm, nodding slightly. "Stay behind me!"

Zhao Yetting roared in fury. "Fellow surnamed Shi, you despicable villain!"

"Hahahaha..." A handsome youth threw his head back in joyous laughter. "The Dragon Mountain Sect is nothing special. Let's have a proper fight today!"

Zhao Yetting was furious. "You surnamed Shi! If you have any guts, fight me one-on-one! What skill is it to rely on numbers!"

The handsome youth smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Heh heh, Zhao Yetting, if I lack skill, then you must possess it. Too bad you're about to die!"

With a roar, Zhao Yetting's body visibly swelled by a full circle, and then, displaying incredible might, he smashed away three flying swords with three powerful strikes, closing the distance to the handsome youth and bringing his palm down.

"Bang!" The handsome youth extended his palm, and their hands met. Both were forced back a step.

Zhao Yetting’s face flushed crimson, the veins on his temples throbbing violently, ready to burst at any moment.

The handsome youth stepped back two paces, shook his arm, and chuckled mockingly, "Quite a powerful Lieyang Palm. How many more strikes can you manage?"

Zhao Yetting snorted in anger and lunged forward again. "Killing you is no problem!"

The handsome youth slipped back two zhang, waving a dismissive hand. "You are a man already facing death. Why should I bother arguing with you!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Miss Liu, who are they?"

"Shi Mingzhao of the Wansheng Sect!" Liu Biyun huffed.

Li Muzhan's expression shifted slightly as he sized up the handsome youth. He hadn't expected them to be from the notorious Wansheng Sect; they certainly carried themselves with distinction.

In this world, the lines between righteous and evil sects were often blurred, making clear judgment difficult. However, some sects were unequivocally evil, such as the Wansheng Sect, reputed to be the foremost sect of the wicked path.

The Wansheng Sect held a position of immense prestige and formidable power, perhaps even surpassing the Longshan Sect. Their wickedness stemmed from their cultivation methods, which demanded the killing of others to advance their practice.

"Miss Liu, long time no see!" Shi Mingzhao turned his head, a captivating smile gracing his handsome features. "Have you missed me?"

Li Muzhan frowned. Shi Mingzhao noticed Li Muzhan too and laughed. "Still trying to play the hero saving the beauty, are you? I shall certainly indulge you!"

He abandoned Zhao Yetting and lunged towards Li Muzhan, unleashing a powerful palm strike.

Li Muzhan lightly tapped forward. "Ah!" Shi Mingzhao recoiled violently. Li Muzhan lightly flicked his wrist, sending the droplet of blood flying from his sword. Shi Mingzhao retreated three zhang, quickly pressing several fingers to his right shoulder and wrist with his left hand, staring grimly at his right palm now stained crimson.

There was a gaping hole in his palm, revealing stark white bone—a horrifying sight. Li Muzhan’s seemingly casual sword strike had pierced clean through his hand.

"Hahahaha..." Zhao Yetting pointed at Shi Mingzhao and roared with laughter.

Li Muzhan said calmly, "Young Master Shi, if you don't order them to stop, I will take your life directly!"

"Hmph!" Shi Mingzhao sneered.

Li Muzhan’s figure flickered momentarily, a streak of cold light flashed past, and Shi Mingzhao let out a muffled groan, clutching his shoulder and staring at Li Muzhan with utter shock.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Stop it now. Harmony is best for everyone!"

"Stop!" Shi Mingzhao commanded sharply.

Ten white-robed youths floated back, positioning themselves behind him.

Shi Mingzhao held his left palm to his shoulder; blood was dripping from his elbow. A large pool of blood had already formed on the ground, clearly indicating a serious shoulder wound.

"Senior Brother Shi, what happened?" one of the youths asked.

"Hmph, let's go!" Shi Mingzhao sneered, narrowing his eyes. "I still haven't had the honor of learning your esteemed name!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Li Guanhai!"

"Well said, Li Guanhai. I shall remember this. We shall meet again!" Shi Mingzhao said in a deep voice, clutching his shoulder as he turned to leave, his face already pale.

Li Muzhan smiled, cupping his fist in farewell. "No need to see you out!"

He then turned towards Huang Zongqi and the others waiting outside the main hall. "Young Master Huang, no need to see you out either!"

Seeing this turn of events, Huang Zongqi sneered. "Demonic cultivators are indeed untrustworthy. Let's go!"

Zhao Yetting bellowed, "You surnamed Huang! When did your Linhai Pavilion sink so low as to ally with the Wansheng Sect?!"

Huang Zongqi waved a hand dismissively. "We simply encountered each other by chance... You surnamed Zhao, you were lucky today; next time, you won't be so fortunate!"

"Hmph, next time I'll definitely slaughter you!" Zhao Yetting scoffed. "Only relying on superior numbers, you despicable coward!"

"Let's go!" Huang Zongqi turned and departed, vanishing completely in the blink of an eye.