Li Muzhan frowned, his temper rising as well. Continuous yielding was useless; in the martial world, one could only speak with fists, convincing others through sheer strength, for virtue was never as quick an argument as martial prowess.

"Little Wu, what is going on?!" A voice suddenly came from behind them. The four of them looked back simultaneously to see the innkeeper, round belly first, entering the area.

"Uncle-Master Zhang?" The three young men quickly cupped their fists in greeting.

The innkeeper frowned. "You arrived rather quickly!"

The lead youth scratched his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Uncle-Master Zhang, we took the shortcut. We didn't expect you to be back so soon."

"Hmph, hmph, you take shortcuts to chase away my guests—brazen indeed!" The innkeeper glared at them with irritation. He turned toward Li Muzhan, cupping his fist. "Young Master Li, forgive this intrusion!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Innkeeper, what manner of play is this?"

The innkeeper waved his hand, chuckling. "Ah, the impetuousness of youth. Young Master Li, please do not stoop to their level!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Young people are indeed prone to impulse; I am young myself."

"How can they compare to you, Young Master Li!" the innkeeper chuckled, glaring at the trio. "You rascals, why aren't you apologizing immediately?!"

"Uncle-Master Zhang, we didn't do anything serious. Why apologize?" the lead youth laughed. "It was just a few words!"

"Do you think I don't know your tricks?!" the innkeeper scoffed. "Did you threaten him again, telling him to leave quickly?"

The lead youth chuckled. "Heh heh, Uncle-Master Zhang, countless people admire Senior Sister Liu in the martial world. If we didn't help drive people away, Senior Sister Liu would be driven mad with annoyance and have no time to train!"

Another youth chimed in agreement. "Exactly, exactly! Uncle-Master Zhang, we meant well! If we didn't keep them off her back, Senior Sister Liu couldn't focus on training, so how could she become one of the Four Prodigies?"

"Heh, you little brats. You certainly have a way with words!" The innkeeper waved his hand. "Alright, this Young Master Li is different; he was actually invited personally by Biyun. You misunderstood him!"

"Really invited by Senior Sister Liu?!" The three stared wide-eyed, scrutinizing Li Muzhan as if he were some strange creature.

Li Muzhan smiled and cupped his fists. "Innkeeper, what did Biyun say?"

"Brother Li!" With a clear, delicate call, Liu Biyun swept into the small courtyard in her green robes, arriving directly before Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan glanced at her with a smile; she had become even more captivating since they last met, though a hint of weariness touched her delicate brow. This was not the place for talk, with so many outsiders present, so he didn't press for details, nodding with a smile instead.

Liu Biyun’s smile bloomed like a flower, her radiant beauty seeming to dispel the twilight. The three youths stood stunned, their hearts fluttering uncontrollably.

Their expressions quickly shifted, becoming indignant and tightly pursed.

Li Muzhan watched Liu Biyun with a gentle smile. Liu Biyun stared back at Li Muzhan, their gazes locked, reluctant to part.

Seeing the tender affection in Liu Biyun's eyes felt like a knife twisting in their chests.

They had imagined such a scene countless times in their dreams, yet seeing it materialize before them was drastically different from their visions. The affectionate gaze was fixed upon another man—a man who did not belong to Dragon Mountain Sect!

This realization brought them both profound disappointment and bitter resentment, as if a knife were relentlessly churning their hearts. Their teeth ground audibly; they wished they could draw their swords and slay Li Muzhan then and there.

The innkeeper coughed lightly and smiled smoothly. "Biyun, this is your guest?"

"Brother Li is my savior," Liu Biyun replied, her face flushed a delicate red, her gaze darting away, unwilling to meet their eyes as she spoke with a hint of panic.

She could not restrain herself, having gazed at Li Muzhan for so long; she felt shy and sweet, yet also slightly embarrassed.

"Oh, I see," the innkeeper nodded, enlightenment dawning. He, too, found it strange: Li Muzhan was unremarkable in appearance, not particularly handsome, and his martial arts seemed merely average—nothing that clearly set him above his peers. The explanation clicked: perhaps he had saved Liu Biyun by chance, likely not through martial arts, but some other means, thus earning the title of savior.

"Savior?" the lead youth snorted. He knew he shouldn't speak further at this moment, but his heart felt agonizingly tight, his chest stuffed with cotton, making it hard to breathe. He needed an outlet for his frustration.

Liu Biyun frowned. "Junior Brother Wu, thank you for your concern, but please return now!"

"Senior Sister Liu, is he truly your savior?" one of the other youths asked, unconvinced.

Liu Biyun snorted irritably. "Why would I lie to you all!"

She noticed their rudeness towards Li Muzhan. While she might overlook their rudeness toward her, their disrespect toward Li Muzhan ignited her anger, and she gave them no quarter.

The lead youth pressed on. "Senior Sister Liu, how did he save you?"

Liu Biyun replied curtly. "It’s a long story. You all need to leave quickly. Brother Li, shall we go? Up the mountain!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "As an outsider, would it be convenient for me to go up?"

"What's inconvenient about it?!" Liu Biyun chastised him playfully. "Master has long wanted to meet you. Let's hurry; it will be dark soon!"

"Very well," Li Muzhan nodded.

The lead youth huffed. "Senior Sister Liu is really going to take him up the mountain?"

Liu Biyun glared at him impatiently. "Junior Brother Wu, must you be so persistent? If you don't leave now, I won't be polite anymore!"

"Senior Sister, you truly like this Li Guanhai, don't you?!" the lead youth sneered.

Liu Biyun instantly blushed deeply, stamping her foot and crying out in mock anger, "Wu Ling! Aren't you going to shut up?!"

Wu Ling snorted. "Senior Sister Liu, I am not convinced!"

"Not convinced of what?!" Liu Biyun snapped back. "Shut your mouth!"

Wu Ling shot Li Muzhan a fierce glare. "Senior Sister, he has no looks, no martial arts, so how could you fall for such a fellow?! Senior Sister, I am truly disappointed in you!"

"Wu Ling, are you looking for a beating?!" Liu Biyun’s bright eyes widened.

"Alright, alright, Little Wu, you stop talking!" The innkeeper waved his hand and said sternly, "Whom Biyun chooses to like is her business; outsiders have no say. Little Wu, you boys need to go back!"

Wu Ling quickly retorted. "Uncle-Master Zhang, judge this fairly! Senior Sister passes over all of us fine young talents to choose such a fellow. Isn't that infuriating?!"

The innkeeper waved his hand and chuckled. "Little Wu, I'm an old man; I don't understand these matters, nor do I wish to interfere. It's getting late; hurry back to the mountain!"

Another youth tugged at Wu Ling's sleeve, whispering low. "Senior Brother Wu, it's getting dark. Let's head back first and plan things out later."

"No!" Wu Ling had dug in his heels; his resentment wouldn't subside, and he needed to vent. He turned and glared at Li Muzhan. "You surnamed Li, if you want to go up the mountain, you must defeat me first!"

Liu Biyun chastised him. "Wu Ling, you are asking for trouble! Will you shut up, shut up!"

A blur of green flashed; she instantly appeared before Wu Ling. She curled her slender index finger and flicked his head, producing a series of sharp 'pings.'

Wu Ling ducked and scrambled away, shouting as he fled. "Li Guanhai, hiding behind a woman—what kind of man are you!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile and sighed. "Biyun, let it go."

Liu Biyun flashed away again, disengaging from the chase, and instantly returned to Li Muzhan’s side, whispering, "Brother Li, don't let their words bother you!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "It's nothing. If it were me, I'd act the same way. A beauty causes trouble!" He then asked, "Will it be dangerous on the mountain tonight?"

"Yes," Liu Biyun shot a glance at Wu Ling over there, nodding gently. "There are many strange beasts on the mountain; night is their paradise. We cannot go out."

"Is that so..." Li Muzhan showed an expression of curiosity.

Liu Biyun explained. "They are quite docile during the day, but they change at night—becoming savage and violent. They are impossible to approach."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Even you cannot deal with them?"

Liu Biyun shook her head. "They are impervious to blades and spears, possess immense strength, and move as fast as lightning. We cannot defeat them."

"I see..." Li Muzhan nodded slowly, smiling. "That is quite a place; it must be excellent for tempering the disciples, wouldn't you agree?"

Liu Biyun hastily shook her head. "Brother Li, you underestimate them. We are busy hiding; how could we dare train at night?!"

Li Muzhan's brow arched slightly. "Could it be that even all the experts of Dragon Mountain Sect are helpless?"

"Even the Sect Master dares not go out at night," Liu Biyun confirmed, shaking her head.

The innkeeper glanced at the sky and sighed. "Alas... you youngsters certainly know how to dally. Forget it, stay the night; don't bother going back!"

"Uncle-Master Zhang, we sneaked out; we must return," one of the youths whispered low.

Wu Ling stopped moving and glared at Li Muzhan with undisguised mockery.

The innkeeper frowned. "Xiao Chang, the moon is rising. If you go back late, listen to me, stay here tonight, and we'll discuss it tomorrow. Your master is soft-hearted; if you say a few nice words, you can surely get away with it!"

"...Fine then," the youth nodded.

Wu Ling sneered. "You surnamed Li, do you have the guts to fight me?"

Li Muzhan sighed, raising his hand to stop Liu Biyun from speaking, and shook his head. "I'll handle this." He smiled. "Young Hero Wu, as you wish. The three of you can come at me together!"

"What arrogance!" Wu Ling slowly approached, glancing at Liu Biyun. Fearing she might interfere again, he knew he had to hit hard this time; his head nearly ached from the previous encounters.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Show me what you’ve got. If the three of you can withstand ten of my sword strikes, I will turn around immediately and not ascend Dragon Mountain Sect!"

"Good, you said it!" Wu Ling instantly felt galvanized, turning to Liu Biyun. "Senior Sister Liu, this isn't us forcing him!"

Liu Biyun watched Li Muzhan with a sweet, affectionate smile, which filled Wu Ling and the other two with equal parts anger and hatred.

"Senior Sister Liu, did you hear that clearly!" Wu Ling huffed.

Liu Biyun reluctantly shifted her gaze from Li Muzhan's face and glanced dismissively at Wu Ling. "You ignorant boy, look out for yourself!"

The innkeeper called out loudly. "Xiao Gui, light the lamps!"

"Coming..." The grey-robed youth trailed his voice as he ran in, swiftly lighting the lamps. He moved nimbly, hopping about, igniting all the surrounding lanterns—the eaves of the pavilion, the rockery, and the banks of the small stream were all adorned with glowing lanterns, instantly making the courtyard as bright as day.

"Innkeeper, we're done," Xiao Gui said cheerfully, arriving beside him.

The innkeeper slapped the back of the boy's head. "You rascal, you only get excited when there's a show!"

Xiao Gui’s eyes shone brightly as he stared at Li Muzhan, then at Liu Biyun, and finally at the trio of Wu Ling. He shouted, "Senior Brother Wu, crush his spirit!"

"Get out of here!" The innkeeper delivered another slap.

Xiao Gui retreated sulkily a couple of steps, putting more distance between himself and the innkeeper.

Wu Ling turned to the others. "Junior Brother Chang, Junior Brother Yang, let's not be polite either!"

"Agreed, Senior Brother Wu, the three of us join forces!" The other two youths nodded gravely, their expressions solemn. They, too, harbored resentment toward Li Muzhan, just not as fiery as Wu Ling’s. The chance to teach Li Muzhan a lesson was exactly what they wanted.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly at them, saying smoothly, "I will use the sword. You three young heroes may use whatever you wish."

"We'll use sabers!" Wu Ling snorted. "Ten strikes, you surnamed Li, I want to see if you can withstand ten of our strikes!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Too many words are pointless. Let's begin!"

"Behold the saber!" Three streaks of bright silver light instantly transformed into white rainbows, cleaving down towards Li Muzhan.

A gleam flashed at Li Muzhan's waist. A cold light vanished in an instant. It seemed like an illusion; Xiao Gui rubbed his eyes, unsure if he had actually seen it.

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled gently. "I concede."

The three looked down at their chests, where a small, round hole revealed the white color of their undergarments. They looked back up at Li Muzhan, frowning.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Do the three young heroes wish to continue the contest?"

"Continue what!" the innkeeper scoffed coldly. "Little Wu, you lot... alright, put away your sabers and go back honestly!"

"No, start over!" Wu Ling immediately cried out.

The innkeeper frowned. "Little Wu!"

Wu Ling argued. "That sword was too fast; we weren't prepared. Once more!"

Liu Biyun's delicate eyebrows shot up, and she scolded sharply, "Wu Ling!"

Wu Ling waved his hand quickly. "Senior Sister Liu, don't immediately side against us. One more match! If you truly defeat us, we'll be completely convinced!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Biyun, let the Young Hero Wu have his wish. Let's go again!"

"Wu Ling, I truly misjudged you!" Liu Biyun stamped her foot in annoyance, pouting with a cold sneer. "I never realized you were such a scoundrel!"

Wu Ling flushed but stubbornly jutted out his neck, pretending not to hear, glaring at Li Muzhan. "You surnamed Li, come on!"

Li Muzhan said, "Since you feel my sword was too fast, I shall slow down. Begin!"

"You first!" Wu Ling quickly said, thinking to himself that the man's sword speed exposed his movements, making him vulnerable; only by reacting later would he have a sliver of a chance.

Li Muzhan smiled, seeing through Wu Ling's intent, and thrust his long sword out gently, moving slowly toward them.

The three of Wu Ling suddenly roared like thunder cracking in the clear sky. Xiao Gui shuddered, his legs nearly giving way, and he would have collapsed had the innkeeper not supported him.

Liu Biyun frowned and glared at them. They were exerting all their might, yet she shook her head—it was useless, as the disparity was too great; trying harder would only lead to a more humiliating defeat.

Li Muzhan smiled. Though his sword moved slowly, it struck the backs of the three sabers precisely, one after another, with a clear 'ding...' The sword light circled with calm grandeur, as if in slow motion. The three stared with wide eyes, tense throughout their bodies, yet utterly unable to evade the languid thrust of the sword. Their strength spent, they couldn't recall their sabers in time.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword, cupped his fists with a smile, and said, "Three young heroes, I concede."

The three looked down at the round holes in their right chests, then let their gaze drop, avoiding Li Muzhan. This defeat was utter; their previous boasts seemed like a ridiculous joke, and their faces burned with shame.

"Hmph, all of you have low martial skills but disproportionately high arrogance. Now you know there is always someone better than you!" Liu Biyun snorted irritably. "Now hurry up and scram!"

Li Muzhan smiled at Liu Biyun, who blushed slightly, realizing he saw that she had softened her stance, trying to ease their awkward situation.

Wu Ling raised his head, staring hard at Liu Biyun.

Liu Biyun snapped back. "Wu Ling, are you still unconvinced?!"

Wu Ling shook his head. "Senior Sister, is this why you like him?"

Liu Biyun blushed deeply and snapped, "Scram!"

Wu Ling turned and shot Li Muzhan a glare, huffing, "You surnamed Li, don't get smug. I will defeat you and win back Senior Sister Liu!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "Then I shall wait!"

Wu Ling ground his teeth, then turned to the innkeeper. "Uncle-Master Zhang, which room are we taking?!"

The innkeeper immediately slapped Xiao Gui awake. "You lazy brat, hurry up and show them the way!"

Xiao Gui rubbed his head and hurried them along. "Senior Brother Wu, Senior Brother Chang, Senior Brother Yang, please follow me!" He glanced furtively at Li Muzhan before jogging out.

The innkeeper watched them leave, shaking his head and chuckling. "Ah... being young is truly wonderful; even jealousy is so entertaining!"

Liu Biyun chastised him. "Uncle-Master Zhang—!"

The innkeeper smiled broadly. "Biyun, your judgment is keen. My old eyes were clouded; I didn't realize Young Master Li's cultivation level."

Liu Biyun blushed. "Uncle-Master Zhang, Brother Li is visiting for the first time. I'll take him for a look around."

"Go on, go on," the innkeeper chuckled.

Liu Biyun tugged Li Muzhan's sleeve, and they gracefully left the small courtyard.

As soon as the trio of Wu Ling entered the courtyard, the youth named Chang collapsed onto a stool in the pavilion, cursing hatefully. "Damn it, where did such a formidable fellow pop out from!"

Wu Ling's face was grim, his lips tightly pressed together, refusing to speak.

The other youth, named Yang, sighed. "It seems if we want to suppress him, we'll need to ask Senior Brother Jing to intervene!"

The youth named Chang shook his head. "Senior Brother Jing has been in seclusion for serious training; I doubt he'll agree."

The youth named Yang smirked triumphantly. "Heh heh, you two don't know this: Senior Brother Jing actually likes Senior Sister Liu too!"

Wu Ling frowned. "When Senior Brother Jing makes a move, it means killing."

"Killing him would be best!" the youth named Yang sneered. "An outsider dares to covet Senior Sister Liu? What a pipe dream! Such people deserve to die!"

"Senior Sister Liu won't agree," the youth named Chang shook his head.

The youth named Yang snorted. "The more Senior Sister Liu protects him, the more Senior Brother Jing will want to kill him. An opportunity will surely arise!"

"Alas... how could Senior Sister Liu fall for such a person!" The youth named Chang shook his head. "It's heartbreaking!"

Wu Ling frowned and shot them a glare. "Stop thinking up such rotten ideas!"

The youth named Yang smiled and fell silent. The youth named Chang glanced at Wu Ling and sighed.