Cui Shaoqing and his group moved swiftly, saying nothing to each other along the way; they seemed like adversaries. Li Ping’s expression was tight, his lips sealed, his eyes darting incessantly as he replayed everything he had witnessed.

Li Guanhai’s words were staggering, yet with martial prowess that profound, why would he stoop to such folly? Such a lie would be exposed instantly. Could it be that his junior martial brother, raised alongside him since childhood, was truly an infiltrator, a member of the Divine Sword Sect? Though he knew little about the Divine Sword Sect, Li Ping knew they were originally a faction that split from the Myriad Saint Sect—hardly orthodox, definitely practitioners of the dark path. If Junior Brother Chu Kuang was indeed a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, then secrets of the Linhai Pavilion must have already leaked. Disaster loomed! The Divine Sword Sect wouldn't send spies with good intentions. Perhaps those junior brothers and sisters lost to enemies over the years were victims of the Divine Sword Sect’s machinations! Thinking this, he glanced back at the still-unconscious Chu Kuang, shook his head, and sighed. Wang Duli was a Sect Master, Li Guanhai a top master under heaven; they wouldn’t speak without cause. Could Junior Brother Chu truly be a mole? His heart warred with itself, unsure whether to believe it. If true, it would be a monumental embarrassment for the Linhai Pavilion. He glanced at Cui Shaoqing and the ten others in the distance, shaking his head again. The Dragon Mountain Sect might not harbor pure intentions either; perhaps they just wanted to watch his sect make a fool of itself. This thought brought Li Mu Chan to mind, and Jiang Cheng—the foremost master, felled by the relatively young Li Mu Chan. A surge of anger boiled in his gut, making him wish he could run his sword through Li Mu Chan right then. Alas, considering Li Mu Chan’s cultivation, he could only shake his head helplessly. He wasn't a match; a single finger movement from Li Guanhai would spell his doom! Just then, a sudden sharp cry echoed from not far off: “Who goes there!?”

Li Ping snapped his head around. Three figures burst from the woods, clad in flowing blue robes, faces masked by blue kerchiefs, holding long swords, stepping lightly toward the group. “Who are you people?!” Li Ping immediately utilized his movement technique, drifting forward, clasping his fists, and demanding in a deep voice. He sensed ill intent from the three. Their eyes, sharp as lightning, betrayed them as top-tier experts. He knew he couldn't win. The three slowly scanned the group, their gaze finally resting on Chu Kuang. In a flash, one darted to Chu Kuang’s side, bending low to examine him. “Just what is your business here!?” Li Ping’s heart sank. He vaguely suspected who they were; Li Guanhai had been right after all! “You’re the Chu kid, right?” one asked in a gravelly voice. Another nodded: “It’s this kid.” The two Linhai Pavilion disciples guarding Chu Kuang spoke sternly: “What are you trying to do?!” “Are you from the Linhai Pavilion?” one blue-robed figure asked slowly. “Indeed!” Li Ping replied deeply. “Sirs, I ask you to grant us passage!”

———— He had guessed their identities, but he kept his counsel, unwilling to name them directly, which would eliminate any room for maneuver. Things would only worsen. A blue-robed figure said lightly, “You’ve discerned the little Chu kid’s identity?” “What identity does Junior Brother Chu have!?” Li Ping pressed. “Junior Brother Chu was ambushed by the Dragon Mountain Sect; we are taking him back for the Sect Master to treat personally!” “Oh—?” The slender blue-robed figure glanced at him and smiled slightly. “You are Li Ping?” “Correct!” Li Ping’s heart sank further. It confirmed that Junior Brother Chu was indeed an infiltrator. He felt a pang of sorrow mingled with furious rage, all affection for Chu Kuang replaced by indignation and killing intent. “Heh heh…” The three blue-robed figures laughed, shaking their heads. “The youngsters from the Linhai Pavilion are truly pathetic!” “Alas… I didn’t intend to kill them,” one sighed. “They are so naive, so sweet; it’s a pity they know too much!” “What about those ten from the Dragon Mountain Sect?” another asked. The first blue-robed man grinned: “Kill them all too.” A third figure chuckled: “Once the two factions clash, and the melee results in mutual destruction, little Chu will escape with his life. Do you think Elder Yan will believe it?” “Believe it or not, we just need to make little Chu’s injuries look worse!” “Good point, good point. Still, killing them all outright feels like such a waste. I almost can’t bear it!” “Enough, Fifth Brother, stop that crocodile tears act!” “Yes, yes. Then let’s get to it!” “Great! … Let’s race—who can strike fastest!” “A challenge, then! Draw swords!” As the last words fell, both instantly drew their blades and charged toward Li Ping.

Li Ping was already braced for it. Seeing the situation turn sour, he bolted, sprinting toward Cui Shaoqing and the others, intending to divert the disaster onto them. He recognized the profound cultivation of these three; his own group was certainly no match and would soon be slaughtered. His only slim hope lay with the Dragon Mountain Sect. Cui Shaoqing, one of the Four Heroes of the Dragon Mountain Sect, possessed martial skill far surpassing his own and still possessed fighting capability. “Good boy, running fast enough!” The two blue-robed figures chuckled and gave chase. Li Ping moved like a wisp of smoke, reaching Cui Shaoqing in an instant. From afar, he shouted: “Brother Cui, these are men from the Divine Sword Sect!” Cui Shaoqing snorted. “Finally believing what the Master said?… Attack!” The Dragon Mountain Sect members were all skilled fighters, though inferior to Cui Shaoqing, they were far superior to Li Ping’s group. Led by Cui Shaoqing, the ten surrounded the two blue-robed figures. The remaining blue-robed man turned on the Linhai Pavilion disciples. These disciples were no weaklings, but with four surrounding one, they were quickly overpowered and in grave danger of collapse at any moment.

———— The swords of the two blue-robed men flashed, putting immense pressure on Cui Shaoqing’s group, leaving them breathless. Fortunately, the ten moved with perfect coordination—advancing and retreating, covering each other—preventing the two experts from landing a decisive blow. Seeing this, Li Ping rushed back to the Linhai Pavilion side. With his addition, the four disciples finally caught a breath, and the situation was barely stabilized. “Brother Li, look now, you finally admit it, don’t you?” Cui Shaoqing called out while parrying a strike. “Chu Kuang is a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect—a mole.” “Hmph, not necessarily. Junior Brother Chu might have abandoned the darkness for the light!” Li Ping scoffed. Cui Shaoqing laughed and cursed, “You stubborn kid! Why don’t we just leave you to deal with them?” “They intend to silence you all; you won’t get away!” Li Ping shook his head. Cui Shaoqing countered, “If we truly wanted to leave, they couldn't stop us!” “Then try it!” Li Ping retorted, holding his ground, refusing to be coerced by Cui Shaoqing. Cui Shaoqing smiled. “Your Linhai Pavilion is truly something. Planting an inside man, Chu Kuang must be a direct disciple, meaning your martial arts have been exposed?” “Brother Cui need not worry for us!” Li Ping said sternly. “He hasn't mastered the true supreme arts yet; if they leaked, so be it, it’s not the end of the world!” “I heard your Sword Scripture is quite marvelous. How about we take a look?” Cui Shaoqing suggested with a smile. Li Ping was secretly furious. What an appetite! This was using their lives as leverage. Saving them was possible, but a price must be paid—they wanted to see the Sword Scripture! Gritting his teeth and swallowing his anger, he said deeply, “The lives of the five of us are worth more than a Sword Scripture. Stop dreaming!” “Your Linhai Pavilion is truly stingy!” Cui Shaoqing shook his head. “Willing to let the mole see it, but not let your friends look!” “Your Dragon Mountain Sect is not our friend!” Li Ping sneered. Cui Shaoqing shook his head. “Adversity reveals true character. Though the Dragon Mountain Sect and the Linhai Pavilion have always been rivals, in critical moments, we cooperate. We count as friends!” Li Ping gritted his teeth, harboring secret resentment. “What excellent cooperation!” “You two youngsters have quite the energy!” one blue-robed man sneered. “Do you think we can’t kill you? Just watch!” As he spoke, his sword light suddenly flared, forcing a Dragon Mountain Sect disciple backward. The disciple clutched his chest and collapsed. “Junior Brother Hu!” Cui Shaoqing roared, intensifying his attack, daring not to look at the injury. The fallen Junior Brother Hu clutched his chest tightly. Blood was already welling up, spurting between his fingers, his face instantly pale, his gaze beginning to drift. A flash of blue shadow—Li Mu Chan suddenly appeared behind him. After striking several pressure points quickly, he sprinkled medicinal powder on the wound on his chest, speaking gently: “Just a flesh wound, nothing serious. Rest well for a few days, and you’ll be fine!” “Li… Young Master Li!” Junior Brother Hu looked up at Li Mu Chan, surprised. Li Mu Chan smiled and nodded. “I arrived a step too late; my apologies.” He was confident in his ability to save the man, so he hadn’t rushed out immediately. Intervening now would garner less gratitude; stepping in at the crucial moment altered everyone’s perception. Li Mu Chan’s motives for saving him were not entirely pure; half was due to an aversion to unnecessary death, the other half was to win favor. It would be difficult to establish himself in the Dragon Mountain Sect otherwise; his previous single sword strike that leveled the Dragon Mountain Sect had stirred massive public resentment, which wouldn't easily dissipate. “It’s good that Brother Li is here,” Junior Brother Hu managed, looking at his injury. “I really won’t die?” Li Mu Chan patted his shoulder with a smile. “It would be hard for you to die from this minor injury.” He then turned and glanced at the Dragon Mountain Sect side and the Linhai Pavilion side, saying with a smile, “You rest for a while; I’ll take care of them!” “Understood,” Junior Brother Hu nodded quickly.

Li Mu Chan drifted, appearing behind the blue-robed man fighting the Linhai Pavilion disciples. Before the man could react, Li Mu Chan slammed a palm into his back. Bang! The blue-robed man flew backward, and Li Mu Chan vanished, reappearing behind the other two experts, striking each of them in turn with a palm. His sudden appearance caught everyone off guard; several swords, even those from the Dragon Mountain Sect, swung toward him. They had no time to change their attacks and could only reluctantly retract their blades. Bang! Both men reacted, raising palms to meet Li Mu Chan’s strikes. The two blue-robed men were sent flying over the heads of the crowd and deep into the woods, slamming into large trees, causing leaves to rustle down.

Li Mu Chan shook his head and walked over to Cui Shaoqing. Cui Shaoqing let out a long sigh of relief, forcing a wry smile. “Brother Li, thank goodness you arrived!” Li Mu Chan sighed. “I underestimated Chu Kuang; he really did find a way to pass the information along. Didn’t you keep a close watch on him?” “He’s been unconscious the whole time,” Cui Shaoqing frowned. Li Mu Chan shook his head. “Actually, neither the Sect Master’s nor my restraints would render someone truly unconscious.” “What—?” Cui Shaoqing’s eyes widened, and he cursed bitterly. “You mean we were played by him?” Li Mu Chan nodded with a wry smile. “He certainly fooled everyone!” “Brother Li, were you following us all along?” Cui Shaoqing asked. Li Mu Chan replied, “Bi Yun was worried about you all.” Cui Shaoqing smiled and shook his head, immediately seeing through Li Mu Chan’s lie. Junior Sister Liu was now wholly devoted to Li Guanhai; her loyalties had long since shifted outward. She’d probably even advised Li Guanhai against coming out this time.

———— Li Mu Chan continued, “Bi Yun is having a hard time—worried about you all, and worried about me, but in the end, she let me come!” Cui Shaoqing believed this, feeling a little better. He smiled. “A married woman pours water out—that saying is absolutely true. Junior Sister Liu now… sigh, best not to mention it!” Li Mu Chan smiled. “She still cares about you all.” “Thank you, Young Master Li!” Li Ping stepped forward, clasping his fists deeply. Li Mu Chan smiled and shook his head. “Don’t mention it; it was a small effort. Young Master Li needn’t thank me.” “A favor is a favor, and a grievance is a grievance; we must keep our accounts clear!” Li Ping stated firmly. “You truly saved our lives; otherwise, we would have faced grave danger this time!” Li Mu Chan asked, “Are you still going to protect Chu Kuang now?” Li Ping showed a trace of embarrassment and said stiffly, “We will hand him over to the Sect Master for judgment!” Li Mu Chan nodded. “That’s fine, but your journey back won’t be peaceful. Do you want me to escort you?” “No need!” Li Ping quickly refused. If he truly accepted escort back to the Linhai Pavilion, it would become a true farce—enemies suddenly becoming benefactors. He couldn't stomach accepting charity from them. Li Mu Chan smiled. “Then you must be careful. The Divine Sword Sect will never give up; cultivating a Chu Kuang like that was not easy for them.” “We understand!” Li Ping nodded slowly. “We will request reinforcements!” “Then why not return and wait at the Dragon Mountain Sect!” Li Mu Chan suggested with a smile. “The Divine Sword Sect men will surely go mad. Even I can’t guarantee I can hold them off!” “Young Master Li, does the Divine Sword Sect possess such power?” Li Ping sounded skeptical. Li Mu Chan laughed. “As for how formidable the Divine Sword Sect is, just look at how well they’re surviving now. Remember, they are traitors to the Myriad Saint Sect and have been hunted by them all these years!” “Ah—?” Li Ping genuinely didn't know this. Li Mu Chan waved his hand. “I don’t need to explain the standing of the Myriad Saint Sect. The fact that they can thrive while being pursued by the Myriad Saint Sect, and still have the spare energy to plant a mole in your ranks, speaks volumes.” “I didn’t realize the Divine Sword Sect was so formidable,” Cui Shaoqing chuckled. “Brother Li, how do you know all this?” Li Mu Chan smiled. “I’ve crossed paths with them before; we have a falling out.” Cui Shaoqing said, “Brother Li, I suggest we listen to you. Let’s go up the mountain to rest, have your people meet us, and return together?” Li Ping looked at the other four, then nodded helplessly. They had arrived full of purpose, only to end up in this awkward, angry, yet helpless situation, forced to follow behind Cui Shaoqing and his group back to the Dragon Mountain Sect.

They stayed for three days. On the morning of the fourth day, as Li Mu Chan was practicing in the small courtyard, Liu Biyun rushed in. “Big Brother, Sect Master Yan is here!” “Hmm—?” Li Mu Chan lowered his sword. He had been practicing the secret manual he took from Jiang Cheng, and he mused, “Sect Master Yan of the Linhai Pavilion?” “Yes!” Liu Biyun nodded quickly. “I truly didn’t expect him to dare come!” Li Mu Chan raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Let’s go take a look!” “The Sect Master asked me to warn you not to go,” Liu Biyun said hesitantly. Li Mu Chan intended to see if Yan Ziyuan possessed any demonic artifacts, so he naturally had to go.

PS: Happy New Year to everyone.