Outside the world, only a single day had passed when observing the River and Mountains Scroll, but within Tianren City, two years had already gone by since Li Mo returned to Mo City.

In a tavern within the underground city—

Thwack!

The sound of a storyteller’s gavel echoed through the lively hall, momentarily silencing the clinking of cups and boisterous chatter.

A middle-aged man in a gray-blue robe and a melon-skull cap clasped his hands together and addressed the crowd:

"As the next celestial calamity looms, our Tianren City once again faces life and death. Yet, chaos breeds heroes, and heroes emerge from the young. This humble one has traveled far and wide, and today, I shall boldly recount the tales of the most remarkable figures of our time."

"Of course, these are merely accounts I’ve heard, perhaps mixed with some speculation. I ask only that you lend me your ears and spare a bite to eat."

"Speaking of heroes, one cannot ignore that young master from Mo City—sworn brother to Sword Sect’s Dong Changtian, peerless in both hammer and blade, his hands stained with the souls of countless demons."

"Recently, he purged the demonic hordes of the Stonestrike Clan in the Desolate Blaze Wasteland."

"..."

The moment Mo City and its rising young hero were mentioned, the crowd perked up with interest.

But it wasn’t just the patrons downstairs who were intrigued—the storyteller’s voice carried through the courtyard, reaching the private chambers on the second floor.

There, a group of Celestials sat.

"Mortals live such fleeting lives, yet they’ve managed to create such delicious food."

Feng Zhi gnawed on a lamb leg, her cheeks puffed out as she savored the rich flavors.

"I find the bustle of the mortal markets far livelier than the celestial cities," remarked Chun Mang, a petite woman in a green dress who radiated youthful energy. Among the Celestials, she was closest to Feng Zhi.

"I just heard Li Mo’s name mentioned," said Lei Ze, his voice deep and magnetic. "How has his mission progressed?"

Ever since Li Mo had gone undercover, Feng Zhi had declared that all matters concerning him were to be reported solely to her.

Thus, none of the other Celestials knew what he had accomplished.

Well.

Feng Zhi didn’t know either.

She had made it up on the spot back then. Now, faced with the question, she paused for a moment before raising the lamb leg with an air of profound mystery and replied coolly:

"Just keep listening."

Yan Rong rumbled in his deep voice, "It seems Feng Zhi has great confidence in her chosen agent. Then we shall listen attentively."

Downstairs, the discussions continued.

"Mo City’s influence has been growing stronger lately."

"Indeed. One must admit, the Sword Sect’s foresight was impeccable—recognizing Li Mo’s talent, breaking conventions to elevate him, even going so far as to swear brotherhood with him to dispel doubts."

"And history has proven them right. Li Mo has since slain countless demons, his swordsmanship transcendent, striking fear into the hearts of monsters."

"Who would’ve thought that after being overlooked by the Celestials and running away from home, he’d achieve such greatness?"

Little Li’s reputation among the demon hunters was now unparalleled.

Eighty-nine victories, zero defeats—his record spoke for itself.

"Earlier, someone claimed Li Mo’s swordsmanship was his greatest strength. While that is true, to consider it his sole reliance would be a grave mistake."

The storyteller spoke again, drawing curious glances.

"But I’ve heard tales of Young Master Li’s sword cleaving through fourteen provinces in a single stroke. And isn’t he sworn brothers with Sword Sect’s Dong Changtian? How could his blade not be his strongest asset?" someone asked, baffled.

The others nodded in agreement—after all, few had ever seen Li Mo in person, let alone ventured beyond the underground city.

"His swordsmanship is indeed extraordinary, reaching the realm of 'no sword in hand, yet a sword in heart.' But what truly defies comprehension is that hammer of his!"

"However, Young Master Li, being youthful at heart, insists on introducing himself as a swordsman whenever he rescues someone."

"For instance, just last month, when he slew a mountain ogre, he chanted sword incantations—only to smash the demon into paste with his hammer when it tried to catch his blade bare-handed. Ahem... this old man can’t fathom what obsession drives him."

"How do you know all this?"

Someone eyed the storyteller skeptically.

After all, it was hard to accept that a renowned swordmaster was secretly a hammer-wielder.

Li Mo’s epithet was the "Peerless Sword Hero," for heaven’s sake!

"Because I was the one he saved that day."

The storyteller pointed at his own eyes, indicating he had witnessed it firsthand.

The crowd: "..."

If this was a lie, then this man had nerves of steel to spread such rumors.

But if it was true... then he had even bigger guts to admit it.

Was this something you could just say out loud?

"I can vouch for it. Young Master Li was originally from the underground city’s Li Clan. I once saw him shatter the earth with a single hammer strike."

"So it’s real?"

"How lamentable... a man like him wasn’t chosen for Celestial inheritance, yet he thrived in the mortal city..."

"No need to pity him. Sword Sect’s Dong Changtian is aging—soon, Li Mo may very well become Mo City’s ruler."

"Now that you mention it... Li Mo... Mo City... Could it be fate?"

Upstairs.

The private chamber housing the Celestials fell into silence.

"He’s done so many impressive things? Sounds fun..." Chun Mang blinked, her interest piqued.

"He’s performed admirably. It seems our decision back then was correct."

Even the usually stern Lei Ze allowed a faint smile. "If the future ruler of Mo City is our agent, unifying the celestial and mortal realms will be effortless."

"Should we reclaim the mortal city, Feng Zhi deserves the highest merit," Yan Rong added with a chuckle.

"..."

Feng Zhi’s throat felt dry. She took a few absentminded sips of tea.

The joys and sorrows of Celestials were not shared—she alone found the commotion unbearable.

Just two years.

And he’s about to become their leader?

Well, it wasn’t entirely unreasonable. Li Mo had always been Mo City’s true master—now he was merely reclaiming his rightful place.

But... since when does a leader go undercover in his own territory?!

At this point, Feng Zhi was at a loss. She could only maintain her composure and pick up another lamb leg.

Best to focus on eating.

She could only hope the situation wouldn’t escalate further. One lie had snowballed into a web of deceit...

But soon, Jiang Yu somehow caught wind of it and assigned her a new task.

"I’ve heard of your agent’s exploits in the mortal city. Impressive work."

"Since he’s proven himself, it’s time to put him to proper use."

"With the demonic scourge nearly cleansed and the mortal city ready for revival, have him assist us in reclaiming it."

...

Meanwhile, in Mo City.

Ah-choo! "Who’s talking about me?"

Li Mo rubbed his nose, suddenly wary. Rumor had it someone in Tianren City was tarnishing his reputation.

He was a swordmaster, damn it! What nonsense about hammers?

Who was spreading these... uncomfortably accurate rumors? He’d better not catch them.

"Great-grandson, do me a favor and look into it," he said to Dong Ge Yu.

"I just got back from a mission, exhausted, and I still have demon materials to process. No way am I going."

Dong Ge Yu’s temple twitched. "And who are you calling 'great-grandson'? You don’t even have a son, let alone a grandson!"

With that, she stormed off.

Li Mo shook his head and entered the blacksmith’s shop where he was staying. He still didn’t understand why his celestial sister’s home was a forge.

But that didn’t matter.

Because the moment he stepped inside, he saw her beneath the tree, sewing clothes—a celestial maiden who seemed to have forsaken immortality for the mortal world.

"Oh? Which celestial fairy sister is this stunning beauty? Did I take a wrong turn somewhere?"

"Yours, and no, you didn't."