Xiao Chen returned to the courtyard where the outer-courtyard disciples lived and continued practicing there, just as he had the previous day.Meanwhile… At North Hill of Red Mountain CityA thin mist hung low among the wild trees.A black-robed figure moved swiftly along the narrow path. His steps were calm, but the gaze hidden beneath the shadow of his hood constantly observed his surroundings.Elder Qiao Ye was in no hurry.After receiving Meng Qianyue’s report regarding the deaths of the four Black Shadow Sect envoys, he did not immediately head toward the Ye Clan. Before seeking answers from others, he wanted to personally inspect the scene.From the top of the slope, Red Mountain City looked like a sea of lights amid the darkness. However, the area on the northern side of the city appeared particularly silent and dark.That was where the main headquarters of the Blood Wolf Gang had been located.Now, all that remained were ruins.Qiao Ye leaped down and landed silently in front

After Qiao Ye’s figure disappeared beyond the horizon of the morning, the atmosphere in the main courtyard of the Ye Clan residence still remained tense.The morning breeze, which had previously felt cool and refreshing, now seemed incapable of dispelling the oppressive atmosphere left behind by the arrival of a Peak Grandmaster.Ye Tong slowly lowered his clenched fist. His jaw was still tense, while his gaze remained fixed on the road Qiao Ye had just taken.A few moments later, he let out a long sigh before turning toward the senior elders standing behind him.No one spoke. They merely exchanged glances.Without needing to say it aloud, they all understood the decision that had to be made.“We have no choice but to do it.” Ye Tong’s voice finally broke the silence.One of the senior elders frowned. “Are we really going to comply with his demand?”Ye Tong did not answer immediately. He looked toward the still-open main gate of the Ye Clan, then slowly shook his head. “It’s not becau

The basic swordsmanship class that day was opened by Instructor Han Wei with a review of the theories of posture stability and breathing that were already familiar to the disciples.It did not take Han Wei long to finish presenting the material. Most of the disciples could even remember nearly all of his explanations from the previous lesson.After making sure there were no important questions from the disciples, Han Wei continued with several basic instructions before the class finally approached its end.However, just before dismissing the class, the instructor suddenly offered a piece of advice that immediately caught Xiao Chen’s attention.“If you truly want to understand the sword, don’t just practice with the sword in your hand,” Han Wei said while looking at all the disciples. “Occasionally, go to the academy’s weapon-forging hall.”Several disciples exchanged glances. They looked slightly surprised to hear such advice.Han Wei smiled faintly before continuing, “You may think t

The morning sunlight had just begun reflecting off the tiled roof of the Northern Pavilion when Xiao Chen stepped through its wooden gate.Inside the quiet pavilion, surrounded by clusters of green bamboo, the morning air felt much cooler than the residential area of the outer courtyard. A gentle breeze stirred the bamboo leaves, creating a soothing rustling sound.Near a stone table beneath the shade of the trees, Elder Gong Bodong was already sitting alone. A teapot rested on the table, while his hand slowly raised a warm cup to his lips.Hearing approaching footsteps, Gong Bodong lowered his cup and raised his head.A faint smile appeared on his face when he saw Xiao Chen entering the courtyard.“You came right on time, Xiao Chen,” Elder Gong said as he pointed toward the stone chair opposite him. “Sit.”Xiao Chen stopped several meters from the table, then clasped his hands respectfully. “Greetings, Master.”After receiving Gong Bodong’s nod, he walked closer and sat down calmly.

A gentle forest breeze blew, carrying a refreshing coolness among the dense trees of the Beast Forest.Xiao Chen stood several steps away from Ye Yuan. After discussing the massacre of the Blood Wolf Gang and the Ye Clan’s announcement, there was still a sense of curiosity lingering in his mind.“Uncle Ye,” Xiao Chen finally spoke, his tone hesitant. “Regarding the Ye Clan’s announcement calling you back… what is your attitude toward it?”Ye Yuan snorted softly.His expression instantly turned cold. He folded his arms across his chest and looked straight toward the trees in front of him.“Return?”The corner of Ye Yuan’s lips lifted into a mocking smile.“They drove me out like useless trash all those years ago. I became a stray dog with nowhere to return to, and now they want me to go back simply because they have encountered some trouble?”Ye Yuan chuckled briefly. His gaze was filled with undisguised disdain.“Don’t even dream about it.” He shook his head firmly.“I will never be t