"Heh, I didn't expect that after just a few years, Brother Ye's cultivation would reach such exquisite heights. Even in a setting like this, he can effortlessly enhance the power of his subordinates. Buyue is impressed, deeply impressed..." Just then, a clear voice drifted into Ye Jingyu's ears...

A divine light flashed in Ye Jingyu's eyes, and his figure shot forward instantly. He saw Liang Xiaoke, Gongsun Lu, and Luo Ling'er positioned in a pincer formation, surrounding a man dressed entirely in white...

If not Huangfu Buyue, who else could it be...

Seeing Ye Jingyu appear, Huangfu Buyue smiled again, "Brother Ye, it's been several years. Not only is your own cultivation profound, but even those around you are crouching tigers and hidden dragons!"

"Brother Buyue, may I ask the reason for your late-night visit?" Ye Jingyu looked at Huangfu Buyue, who remained completely composed despite being encircled, a look of suspicion in his eyes. Now, the backbone of the Western Chu Empire was the Qinlong Sect, and Huangfu Buyue was the Dragon Moon Marquis of Western Chu, holding a special status that forced Ye Jingyu to be wary...

One must remember that the Western Chu Empire and the Southern Cloud Empire had always been allied. However, since Xuanyuan Xiaozhan was defeated by Ye Jingyu in Yunjing, the prestige of the Southern Cloud Empire had gradually surpassed that of the Tianyuan Empire. To think the Western Chu Empire would maintain the same close relationship with the Southern Cloud Empire as before was absolutely impossible...

Although they hadn't deliberately concealed their movements since arriving in Miaocheng, ordinary people couldn't possibly know they were here. Yet, Huangfu Buyue not only knew but also appeared at such a sensitive moment. What exactly did he intend to do...

Several years ago, Ye Jingyu was merely a Martial Master, while Huangfu Buyue was already at the Grandmaster realm. So many years had passed; as Ye Jingyu grew, how far had such a genius progressed?

"The battle back then was the most perilous engagement of my life. These past years, I have always regarded Brother Ye as my greatest adversary. Hearing that Brother Ye had come to Miaocheng today, I came specifically to pay my respects and hope to spar with you a little..." Huangfu Buyue chuckled lightly, his demeanor natural, without the slightest hint of insincerity...

"Are you out of your mind, you brat? My brother and sister-in-law are finally out for a rare honeymoon. This is a time of gentle breezes and beautiful sunshine, the perfect season for propagating the human race! You show up neither early nor late, why precisely now? Do you wish for humanity to go extinct?" Liang Xiaoke, standing nearby, burst out cursing upon hearing this...

Luo Ling'er’s face flushed crimson upon hearing those words. Her older brother truly had no filter, saying such embarrassing things in front of so many people...

Ye Jingyu rolled his eyes. It was deep night; where was the gentle breeze and beautiful sunshine? Besides, what did fine weather have to do with propagating the species? Indeed, no ivory could emerge from a zombie’s mouth...

Huangfu Buyue was momentarily stunned speechless by Liang Xiaoke’s outburst. He had rushed over immediately upon receiving news that Ruohan had arrived in Miaocheng. He originally only intended to meet Ruohan, but from her, he learned that Ye Jingyu was also in Miaocheng...

Ever since being defeated by Ye Jingyu’s single finger strike in Yunjing City, the typically arrogant Huangfu Buyue had fixated on Ye Jingyu as the greatest rival of his life. Especially after learning in recent years that Ye Jingyu was the disciple of Dugu Ba Chen and had defeated the War God of that generation, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan, Huangfu Buyue desired a battle with Ye Jingyu even more intensely. Upon hearing the news, he naturally rushed over immediately...

He had merely intended to seek a friendly spar with Ye Jingyu; how had it turned into a desire to cause human extinction in this fellow’s telling?

"Forget it, forget it. Since you have such lofty ambitions, this old man will entertain you with a few moves!" Liang Xiaoke said carelessly, yet he shot a meaningful glance at Ye Jingyu.

The implication was that Ye Jingyu had already fought two major battles consecutively and helped Lin Xiaoyi advance his cultivation; he needed rest now, so this matter should be left to him...

"Big Brother, let me handle this!" Unexpectedly, Ye Jingyu refused Liang Xiaoke's kind offer.

He understood Huangfu Buyue's status as the most outstanding contemporary disciple of the Qinlong Sect and a direct heir of Huangfu Yun. In contrast, Ye Jingyu represented Dugu Ba Chen. How could he allow Dugu Ba Chen's prestige to diminish?

Furthermore, Ye Jingyu genuinely wished to see the level these outstanding disciples from various major sects had attained after so many years...

Seeing Ye Jingyu's resolute expression, Liang Xiaoke opened his mouth but ultimately said no more...

"Brother Buyue, since you possess such enthusiasm, why don't we find a place where we can spar to our heart's content!" Ye Jingyu turned back to Huangfu Buyue and spoke with a faint smile. Even though he was weary, he was still confident in facing Huangfu Buyue in battle...

"This is Miaocheng, and the Tianjiang River lies to the south. Why don't we fight it out to the very limit upon the Tianjiang?" Huangfu Buyue proposed...

"Agreed..." Ye Jingyu accepted without hesitation...

"Then Buyue will take the lead. I await Brother Ye's esteemed presence at the mouth of the Tianjiang!" Seeing Ye Jingyu agree, Huangfu Buyue executed a cupped-fist salute. His gaze swept over Liang Xiaoke momentarily, and then he turned, sprinting south, disappearing without a trace in just a few steps...

"Xiao Yezi..." Upon hearing that Ye Jingyu intended to fight Huangfu Buyue, a worried expression surfaced on Luo Ling'er’s face...

"Heh, don't worry. I believe he is an upright person; it's just a spar, nothing serious will happen. Wait for me here..." Ye Jingyu cast a reassuring look towards Luo Ling'er, then his figure crossed the space, vanishing into the night sky as well...

"Hey, sister-in-law, you can't blame Big Brother for this. That kid simply doesn't appreciate romance. Don't say I wasn't on your side!" Seeing Ye Jingyu’s receding figure, Liang Xiaoke grinned at Luo Ling'er. Without waiting for her reply, his body plunged downwards...

He was utterly confident in Ye Jingyu’s strength, especially now that he knew Ye Jingyu had mastered the Phantom Star Step—there were virtually no others in this world faster than him.

As for Luo Ling'er, she wanted to follow, but Ye Jingyu’s speed was too great; his trace was long gone. She could only reluctantly lower her figure and return to the room to await Ye Jingyu’s return...

Meanwhile, in the secluded courtyard where Huangfu Buyue had stayed, Ruohan, filled with happiness, sat in the courtyard, gazing at the full moon in the sky, awaiting the return of her beloved. She knew that defeating Ye Jingyu was Huangfu Buyue's greatest lifelong wish. As his confidante, how could she possibly hold him back?

"Ruohan, well done!" But at that moment, a chilling voice sounded behind Ruohan...

(Sigh, over an hour, and I’ve only finished one chapter. I’m uploading this now to avoid keeping everyone waiting. I’ll go back to writing!)