The commotion at Rotten Ke Mountain was simply too astonishing—it practically announced to the world with a neon sign: "Here lies a legendary inheritance, treasures beyond imagination! Heroes, come and play!"

The elders of the Qingyuan Sect naturally couldn’t turn a blind eye.

But the sect master had to remain at the sect.

Sending ordinary Inner Realm cultivators might not be enough, and they certainly couldn’t send Shang Wu. If Shang Wu went, it wouldn’t just be about the inheritance anymore—it would become a question of how many sects would come knocking on Qingyuan Sect’s door for revenge later.

Even if they secured the inheritance, the trouble it might bring could outweigh the gains...

At this moment, Elder Qian suddenly raised a finger, signaling he had a plan.

Wasn’t Jiang Yu, the Crown Prince of Great Yu, about to visit the Qingyuan Sect?

Clearly, such a prominent figure wouldn’t miss the excitement at Rotten Ke Mountain. As the top-ranked talent on the Hidden Dragon Ranking and a noble prince, he would undoubtedly have powerful escorts.

If anyone was safe, it would be Jiang Yu.

Coincidentally, Li Mo and Little Bing'er had just rendered great service to the sect. Instead of asking for rewards, why not make use of Jiang Yu as a tool and have him accompany them to explore Rotten Ke Mountain? That way, they’d ensure safety without missing out on the opportunity.

"Hmph... Fine, we’ll deal with him after Rotten Ke Mountain," the beautiful master muttered, displeased with the Great Yu Crown Prince but prioritizing her precious disciple and Little Bing'er’s safety.

"..."

The elders’ considerations were thorough, but Li Mo wasn’t actually worried about safety in Rotten Ke Mountain. After all, those spectacular phenomena were manually added by him—it might not even be that dangerous inside.

Besides, the Holy Son of the Summoning Demons Sect and a group of demonic cultivators would also be heading to Rotten Ke Mountain.

The Beast Hall’s leader called him "brother."

The Holy Son of Summoning Demons had to address him as "uncle."

Inside Rotten Ke Mountain, the ones who should be worried about their safety... probably weren’t him.

Li Mo didn’t comment, only reassuring Elder Xue.

Even with several people aboard, the Somersault Cloud didn’t slow much. Before long, Qingyuan came into view in the distance.

The Qingyuan Sect was now adorned with lanterns and decorations, meticulously arranged—though not for the New Year.

Two massive banners hung over the main peak.

The first read:

【Congratulations to our sect’s Li Mo and Ying Bing for securing the fourth and fifth ranks on the Hidden Dragon Ranking!】

The second proclaimed:

【Welcome His Highness the Crown Prince to our sect, guiding Qingyuan Sect’s efforts in safeguarding the region!】

This gave Little Li a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he’d returned to his high school days in his past life...

Li Mo gazed into the distance—his vision was exceptionally sharp now.

The distant Purple Sun Prefecture was also blanketed in silver. Faintly, he could make out a small hotpot restaurant fifty miles away by the official road, bustling with business.

Chu Long and the others must have had a lively New Year too...

The Somersault Cloud landed at the mountain gate, and Elder Xue headed for the main peak’s grand hall.

"You’re finally back," Shang Wu stretched lazily. "At least I’m not alone anymore. Little Bing'er, want to go soak in the hot springs?"

"Hot springs..." Ying Bing lowered her gaze, about to agree when something suddenly occurred to her.

Shang Wu, the Qingyuan Sect’s battle maniac, had been staying alone at the Autumn Water Pavilion all this time...

One only needed to recall the state of Jade Cluster Peak to imagine the possibilities...

"Li Mo, where are you going?"

"I’m heading to Pleasant Goat Hotpot to pay Chu Long a New Year’s visit—and also to see what size glasses she’s wearing now."

Ying Bing had also wanted to check on Chu Long, but the uncertain existence of the Autumn Water Pavilion made her eager to return and verify its condition.

"Go ahead. Dinner?"

"I’ll be back for it."

"Mm."

Li Mo waved at her and stepped back onto the Somersault Cloud.

---

Meanwhile.

Pleasant Goat Hotpot, located not far from Rotten Ke Mountain, had gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional flavor, becoming a favorite among travelers and martial artists passing through Purple Sun Prefecture.

On the first day of the New Year, business was booming.

"Hey, the strange phenomena at the foot of Rotten Ke Mountain have stopped recently. Does that mean the legendary divine sword beneath is about to emerge?"

"What divine sword? It’s clearly the remains of an ancient Buddha!"

"Who cares? With so many Hidden Dragon talents, Human Ranking experts, and Earth Ranking powerers swarming there, what does it have to do with us?"

A bearded martial artist changed the subject.

What topics were most popular in the martial world?

Divine techniques, divine weapons, heroic tales... and, of course, beauties.

Among the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Rankings, the Hundred Flowers Ranking sold the most copies—precisely because it was the most sought-after...

"Tsk tsk, the top three on the Hundred Flowers Ranking have shifted. First place is still Her Majesty the Empress, a model of grace and virtue. Second remains Sect Leader Tantai of the Penglai Star Sect, a Heaven Ranking powerhouse. But the third... it’s actually her!"

"Fairy Han just turned sixteen—she hasn’t even fully blossomed yet. How can she compare?"

"Damn it, Yantian Sect! At least include a portrait!"

"Heh, if that little Jiang girl at the hotpot shop took off her blindfold and her features aren’t bad, maybe she could make the list too?"

"Try removing it yourself."

A troublemaking martial artist egged on the bearded man at his table.

"Little Jiang, two more bottles of wine!"

The burly man, emboldened by alcohol, completely forgot about Aunt Mei’s sharp gaze from behind the counter.

But Aunt Mei’s expression suddenly froze.

Jiang Chulong was carrying two bottles of wine toward the table when her body stiffened mid-step, unable to even set the bottles down.

"Huh?"

The bearded man turned and saw a figure standing at the entrance.

A golden crown adorned his head, his moon-white robes flowing. His sword-like brows and starry eyes exuded an air of authority, his faint stubble only adding to his commanding presence.

But most striking were his eyes—pupils within pupils.

For a moment, it felt as though a dragon clutching a divine sword stood before them.

Two sword-bearing maids flanked him, one in cyan, the other in pink.

Noticing the young master’s narrowed eyes, the pink-robed sword maid gripped her blade, a piercing glint flashing in her gaze.

"Aah... my head... my head..."

The bearded man clutched his neck as if suffocating, collapsing to the ground as though his head had been severed.

His companions, realizing they’d provoked someone untouchable, quickly dragged him out.

The killing intent wasn’t directed solely at the bearded man—soon, the hotpot shop emptied.

"Who taught you martial arts?"

The prince’s dual-pupiled gaze scraped over Jiang Chulong like a blade.

"Your Highness—!"

Mei Yun hurriedly stood, trembling with fear.

Jiang Chulong’s face was bloodless, but she stubbornly tugged at Aunt Mei’s sleeve, keeping her head lowered.

"Aunt Mei... we... we don’t know him."

"Our shop... is closing early today."

She began wiping tables, picking up the scattered silver left behind by fleeing customers.

The pink-clad maid snapped, "His Highness is speaking to you. Kneel and approach!"

After a glance at Jiang Yu for approval, she summoned a withered branch from outside.

Without using true energy, she lashed it toward Jiang Chulong, the sword intent resembling a lone peak amidst clouds.

"Your Highness!"

Mei Yun took half a step forward but froze under the weight of those dual pupils.

Snap—

The scabbard struck Jiang Chulong’s back, yet she neither dodged nor retaliated, staggering under the blow as the festive red of her robes darkened with fresh blood.

Jiang Yu’s dual-pupiled gaze remained calm, as if discussing the most mundane of matters:

"Strike her until she fights back."

"Let me see for myself just how much skill you’ve honed with those rustic techniques of yours."

...