Zheng Youming felt a tremor deep in his core upon seeing Li Yundong, and a sudden jolt when he noticed Zi Yuan among the contestants, instinctively comparing her to the beauty cradled in his arms.

The woman in his embrace was, admittedly, a rare beauty; especially in bed, she conducted herself like a true lady. More remarkable still was her exquisite mastery of the tea ceremony—truly a master of both artistry and charm. Otherwise, he wouldn't have spared a fortune to organize this event: partly to advertise his own tea, and partly to give the woman in his arms a boost toward prominence.

But now, compared to the contestant before him, the beauty he had previously considered breathtaking suddenly looked to Zheng Youming like a mere common hen held instead of a phoenix. Indeed, comparing people only leads to frustration, and comparing goods only leads to disappointment!

Zheng Youming felt deeply unsettled. He leaned over and whispered a few words to a nearby staff member. The staff member nodded, then walked over to the young woman at the registration desk and retrieved the entry information for Li Yundong and his group.

As Zheng Youming read the documents, he was startled anew: "Supreme Grade Huangshan Maofeng?"

The beautiful woman beside him leaned over for a look and gasped, "That's a superb tea! I doubt your Tieguanyin can suppress it!"

Zheng Youming shot her a sidelong glance. "If my tea can't suppress it, can you, my Tea Maiden, manage it?"

As he spoke, he gestured subtly toward Zi Yuan with his eyes.

The beautiful woman glanced at Zi Yuan and let out a sour huff. "You like her? Then go chase her. Why bother with me?"

With that, she tried to slip out of his embrace and leave.

Zheng Youming quickly laughed, "Ah, don't be angry, you know you are the only one in my heart."

Only then did the Tea Maiden’s anger soften into delight. She chastised him, "You men are all eager for novelty and never satisfied. Hmph, I know you best! I don't care; you must guarantee I win first place, or I’m not done with you."

Zheng Youming offered a bitter, silent chuckle. My revered ancestor, can't you see her confident air? She’s brought out Supreme Grade Huangshan Maofeng. If the difference in skill is too vast, the crowd isn't blind. If I blatantly manipulate the competition, won't the audience curse me to death? I’ll end up tainted, and will your life be easy then? We'll both end up ruined!

The Tea Maiden looked at Zi Yuan. Though she didn't know Zi Yuan’s tea skills, merely observing the woman's transcendent aura made her own heart flutter. That kind of presence cannot be faked. If you don't have real substance, you wouldn't dare challenge this arena. She likely has considerable talent.

The Tea Maiden looked worried. "Then what do we do? Are you planning to let someone else win?"

Zheng Youming scoffed. "Why should the fat water flow into another man’s field? This is my turf, and I call the shots! This insolent brat always ruins my plans; how can I let him succeed this time!"

He beckoned a nearby staff member and whispered a couple of instructions. The staff member nodded, then entered the venue. Moments later, a man and a woman emerged from inside the hall.

The man appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties, dressed impeccably in a suit, looking energetic and distinguished. The woman looked to be in her twenties; her features were ordinary, but her eyes were sharp, and her brow radiated an almost arrogant pride.

Seeing the pair, Zheng Youming’s face broke into a broad smile. He shook the middle-aged man’s hand and said, "Manager Zhong, I’m going to need your help this time."

Manager Zhong smiled faintly. "Nonsense. We’ll be collaborating often in the future! Just name what you need."

Zheng Youming laughed. "One of the contestants just displayed exceptional skill, submitting a Supreme Grade Huangshan Maofeng tea…"

Before he could finish, Manager Zhong chuckled. "Supreme Grade Huangshan Maofeng? Ha, Manager Zheng, congratulations. Your advertising is quite effective; it seems you’ve attracted genuine tea merchants too. Is that what worries you? But I recall you possess quite a collection of rare Taiping Houkui. That is the King of Teas; surely you don’t need my assistance!"

Zheng Youming waved his hand with a bitter smile. "No matter how good the tea, it requires a master to brew it. Manager Zhong, stop joking! Just take a look..." He pointed toward Zi Yuan, who was not far off.

Manager Zhong glanced over, and his expression immediately shifted. He exchanged a quick look with the female companion beside him; she, too, looked at him in stunned surprise, as if she couldn't believe her eyes.

"What, do you know her?" Zheng Youming asked hastily, noticing their reaction.

Manager Zhong chuckled lightly. "We have some history, yes. What are your intentions, Manager Zheng?"

Zheng Youming ventured tentatively, "Since Manager Zhong knows her, perhaps you could persuade her to withdraw from this competition?"

"This is..." Manager Zhong paused in thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, I will try. But this woman has quite the background; I cannot guarantee success."

Zheng Youming smiled. "It’s worth a try. Since she is an acquaintance, there’s no need to damage that relationship."

Manager Zhong smiled faintly and walked toward Zi Yuan and her group. As he approached, he greeted them, "It is quite a rare occasion for True Person Zi Yuan of the Ling Palace Sect of the Zheng Yi Dao to grace a humble tea ceremony competition with her presence."

Zi Yuan turned around, and her expression also changed upon seeing him. "Abbot Zhong Qingsong of Huangshan Songgu Nunnery? Why are you here as well?" Her gaze instinctively fell upon the woman beside Zhong Qingsong. "Are you two competing too?"

Zhong Qingsong chuckled. "I am merely a partner to the organizers. Why would True Person Zi Yuan have the leisure for such a small competition?"

As he spoke, he looked toward Li Yundong and asked, "And who is this?"

Zi Yuan smiled slightly and introduced them. "This is Li Yundong, the current Sect Master of Fox Zen Gate. This is my junior martial sister Ruan Hongling. This is Su Chan of Fox Zen Gate, and this is Li Yundong’s senior disciple, Zhou Qin."

Zhong Qingsong was both shocked and bewildered as Zi Yuan calmly introduced Li Yundong. He was shocked because the cultivation world had been buzzing about an unparalleled young man who had forced the Six Great Sects to return empty-handed from Tianlong Mountain—and here he was. He was astonished because the usually aloof and proud Zi Yuan was associating with this Fox Zen Gate Master.

Zhong Qingsong subconsciously took a measure of Li Yundong. He saw a young man whose face was placid, a slight, hidden smile on his lips, possessing an extraordinary bearing, and eyes that sparkled with deep, unplumbed brilliance.

His heart tightened. He appears capable, which is a shame he hasn't walked the righteous path!

While Zhong Qingsong scrutinized Li Yundong, the young woman beside him was doing the same. Seeing no common mortals nearby, she asked pointedly and without courtesy, "You are Li Yundong?"

Li Yundong stood neither servile nor overbearing, merely inclining his head. "Indeed."

The young woman’s gaze flickered over Su Chan and Zhou Qin nearby, and she silently categorized him as a lecherous rogue. She pursed her lips and said, "They say you have astonishing divine powers and are formidable in combat, driving back the siege of the Six Great Sects single-handedly..."

Li Yundong smiled faintly. "It was mere luck."

The young woman snorted. "I think it was luck too. If I had been there, how could you have gotten the chance to stand out?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Su Chan immediately retorted, "Oh, anyone can talk! I suppose you intentionally waited for the excitement to die down before jumping in to offer after-the-fact advice!"

Ruan Hongling was inwardly furious: Who is this newcomer? She’s acting like a bullfrog yawning—what enormous arrogance! Where does that put my Sister Zi Yuan?

Ruan Hongling couldn't resist a sarcastic jab: "Anyone can boast! We'll see if there’s any real skill behind it."

The young woman swept them with a disdainful look and sneered, "A mere Three-Tailed Fox and a minor cultivator who hasn't even refined the Pure Yang Qi dare to be so aggressive?"

Su Chan and Ruan Hongling were both greatly angered and about to speak when Li Yundong stopped them with a gesture, giving them a look. Zhong Qingsong also turned his head and quietly chastised, "Qing'er!"

The young woman named Qing'er snorted, turned her head away, and stuck her nose in the air, radiating arrogance.

Zhong Qingsong smiled at Zi Yuan. "This is my disciple. I've spoiled her a bit; she is a touch proud. Forgive her manners."

Zi Yuan gave a faint smile. "It's nothing. Young people are often high-spirited and arrogant; it's quite normal."

Qing'er looked at Zi Yuan and suddenly asked, "Are you very old? Why do you speak like an elder?"

Seeing the young woman’s unrestrained and discourteous speech, Li Yundong frowned. Before Zi Yuan could reply, he spoke up. "True Person Zhong, do you require something specific? If not, we shall take our leave."

Zhong Qingsong observed how the other women in the group, including Zi Yuan herself, subtly deferred to Li Yundong whenever he spoke, causing everyone else to fall silent. He marveled inwardly.

Zhong Qingsong glanced at Li Yundong, then turned back with a smile to Zi Yuan. "Very well, no need for falsehoods in front of a True Person. I heard True Person Zi Yuan is participating in this tea ceremony contest, and I wished to pay my respects and ask you to grant me some face by withdrawing."

Zi Yuan smiled sweetly. "Whatever the matter, if it is convenient, we fellow cultivators should certainly assist."

Zhong Qingsong beamed. "That would be excellent. If True Person Zi Yuan could withdraw from the competition, I would owe you a great favor."

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Chan and Ruan Hongling’s faces changed, Li Yundong and Zhou Qin looked displeased, and even Zi Yuan slightly furrowed her brow. She asked, "Why should I withdraw from the competition?"

Zhong Qingsong smiled politely. "Because the organizer this time is also my partner. To maintain harmony among everyone, I think it best if True Person Zi Yuan withdraws."

Though his words were polite, they faintly hinted at a command and a threat.

Zi Yuan’s face was like still water; she said nothing, only directing her gaze toward Li Yundong.

Li Yundong gave a silent snort. "Does True Person Zhong mean that since you have involved yourself, this morsel is yours to claim, and no one else can touch it?"

Zhong Qingsong smiled courteously but replied, "True Person Li exaggerates, but yes, that is essentially the meaning."

Li Yundong had spent a long time planning for this event and was unwilling to back down now that the moment had arrived. He let out a sharp laugh and retorted angrily, "If you claim everything, should the rest of the world simply stop existing?"

Zhong Qingsong’s expression grew stern, and he looked toward Zi Yuan. "True Person Zi Yuan, what is your decision?" The underlying meaning was: I am asking Zi Yuan; you, Li Yundong, stay quiet.

Zi Yuan smiled faintly and replied, "What True Person Li means is what I mean."

Zhong Qingsong’s face changed, and Qing'er, standing beside him, sneered, "Master, why waste words on this degenerate person? Let her compete! I'll enter too, and I want to see what skill this True Person Zi Yuan truly possesses!"

Ruan Hongling could not hold back her fury. "Watch your mouth!"

Qing'er scoffed. "What? You can say things, but I can't? Everyone in the cultivation world knows that True Person Zi Yuan has disgraced herself by associating with people from Fox Zen Gate! The Six Great Sects are in an uproar right now, feeling they were tricked before, and they are discussing how to cause trouble for you! I suggest, True Person Zi Yuan, that instead of wasting time here, you figure out how to save yourself!"

She then glanced at Li Yundong with undisguised contempt. "As for you, since you are so greedy for beauty, why don't you take your fox spirit and hide in a cave to enjoy your romantic life? Why are you wandering about? Do you really think you’re the invincible great cultivator of the world?"

Qing'er’s words ignited silent fury in Li Yundong, but this was a public setting, and he couldn't lash out. His face remained placid, revealing nothing. He made a gesture to stop Ruan Hongling and Su Chan, who were about to erupt in curses, and without looking at Qing'er, he said coldly to Zhong Qingsong, "Go tell your organizer friend: I am taking those two million. This is a piece of meat right from a tiger’s mouth, and I, Li Yundong, am determined to snatch it this time!"

With that, he turned and walked away!

As soon as Li Yundong left, Zhou Qin immediately turned and followed him. Su Chan and Ruan Hongling both glared at Zhong Qingsong and Qing'er before spinning around and chasing after Li Yundong.

Zi Yuan opened her mouth as if to say something, but then sighed helplessly and followed them.

Zhong Qingsong looked at Qing'er with resignation. "You truly cannot control your tongue. I shouldn't have brought you out. Now look, you’ve managed to offend cultivators from two sects!"

Qing'er huffed. "What of it? I learned tea ceremony from Master since childhood; it’s an inherited skill. Why should I fear her! Besides, the Zheng Yi Dao has already sealed the Ling Palace Sect. The news is everywhere. Zi Yuan is a stray dog—what is there to fear? As for Li Yundong, ha! He's just a lecherous man. What's so great about him!"

Although Zhong Qingsong chastised her aloud, he secretly thought Qing'er had a point. After scolding her a bit, he dismissed the matter.

Meanwhile, after the furious Li Yundong and his party left the Workers' Cultural Palace, Ruan Hongling and Su Chan couldn't hold back. They began cursing one after another: "Insolent creature, utterly ill-bred!"

Su Chan’s cheeks puffed out in anger. "It makes me so mad! Yundong, you have to teach him a lesson!"

Li Yundong snorted. "She is a female cultivator; how can I teach her a lesson? If I win, it looks dishonorable; if I lose, people will say I bullied her!"

Zi Yuan sighed from the side. "Actually... we could have yielded this round."

Li Yundong turned toward her angrily. "Yield? Where does the yielding end? If I yield this step today, I’ll yield the next step tomorrow! If you don't have the diamond skill, don't take on the porcelain work. If they dared to set up this challenge match, they should be prepared for their gates to be kicked down! I want to see what skill this woman, whose arrogance surpasses the heavens, actually possesses! Zi Yuan, if you don't wish to compete, I won't stop you. You teach me the tea ceremony, and I will compete!"

Zi Yuan sighed. "Look at how angry you are. It is truly an anomaly that you managed to cultivate to this level."

Li Yundong laughed robustly, laced with anger. "My cultivation only adheres to four words: Unobstructed Mindset! I don't consider myself someone who seeks trouble or provokes others, but if others push the matter to my doorstep, they definitely won't get off easy! Zi Yuan, Zi Yuan, I think you are too yielding, which leads others to think you are weak and easily bullied. Now that your sect is in decline, everyone steps on you! I get angry just watching it; how can you tolerate it?"

Ruan Hongling felt a sense of kinship and nodded vigorously, declaring loudly, "Li Yundong, you finally said something human today!"

Li Yundong shot her a look, laughing in exasperation. "I think that statement of yours was definitely not human!"

Li Yundong’s stern lecture didn't anger Zi Yuan; instead, she felt strangely affected. She smiled helplessly. "You truly are domineering."

Li Yundong let out a hearty laugh. "Domineering? Didn't you see just now? The more humble you are, the more people treat you as weak! The Waidao Sect occupies the traditional medicine business and doesn't allow anyone to interfere. This Songgu Nunnery in Huangshan has seized a bit of the tea business and actually expects us to withdraw? What a joke! Do they want us gone? Fine then, I'll snatch away all their paths until they all have no path left to walk!"