This immortal was clearly ordinary, yet he was unusually confident.

"Hehe, brother, you figured it out?" After being exposed, Ye Ling'er was too embarrassed to stay in Zheng Zhuang's arms any longer and stood up a little awkwardly.

"You're alright? You brat, you even dared to lie to your martial uncle!" Ye Qiujin stepped forward, carefully checked Ye Ling'er over, and found that Ye Ling'er was indeed unharmed. She laughed and scolded her in annoyance.

"How is that possible? You were struck by my palm, how come you're unharmed?" Qi Zhengqi looked incredulous.

Qi Haoran was so shocked that he didn't react for a moment, his mouth agape.

"Ling'er, what's going on? Could it be the 'Vajra Talisman'? No, even if it is the 'Vajra Talisman,' you shouldn't be able to stop it with your cultivation level." Ye Qiujin asked in confusion.

Ye Ling'er pondered for a moment, then looked at Zheng Zhuang with tender affection and said:

"Actually, I don't know what happened either. When that palm strike came, I almost thought I was going to die. I felt so resentful. I had just reunited with my brother and hadn't even had a chance to express my feelings to him yet. We hadn't even..."

"Get to the point," Ye Qiujin interrupted impatiently.

"Hehe, at that moment, I felt as if an invisible hand was protecting me, and the blow didn't hurt or itch when it hit me."

"Then why were you still pretending like that? Your martial uncle was almost worried to death, you know that?"

"Uncle-Master, Ling'er knows she was wrong. Ling'er just wanted to know my brother's feelings, that's why..."

"What a shameless little girl! She almost wasted my elixir!"

Ye Qiujin rolled her eyes at Ye Ling'er helplessly; she really couldn't do anything with this little girl.

"Fellow Daoist Zheng, thank you for protecting Ling'er, otherwise..." Ye Qiujin composed herself and bowed to Zheng Zhuang.

"Since I am here, I will naturally not allow anyone to harm her," Zheng Zhuang said with a faint smile.

Although Ye Qiujin had already guessed, she was still surprised when it was confirmed. Zheng Zhuang's cultivation was even more unfathomable than she had imagined.

Qi Zhengqi's face was gloomy. This suddenly appearing kid's strength was unpredictable. Even he himself couldn't have done that move just now.

What surprised him most was that he hadn't even realized how the other party had made the move.

"Haha, it's good that Junior Nephew Ling'er is alright. I suspect there must be some misunderstanding." He chuckled and then said to Zheng Zhuang, "I wonder which sect this fellow Daoist comes from? Could you come with us back to the Divine Sword Sect to explain this matter? If it is indeed my son's fault, I will not tolerate it."

"Father! He..."

Qi Zhengqi secretly made a gesture to Qi Haoran. He was somewhat wary of Zheng Zhuang's strength. Given the current situation, the only option was to lure him into the Divine Sword Sect before making any further plans.

In his view, there were many experts in the Divine Sword Sect, and even if Zheng Zhuang was powerful, he would not dare to act recklessly.

Most importantly, there is no evidence whatsoever that Qi Haoran persecuted Ye Ling'er. Ye Ling'er was unharmed, while Qi Haoran lost an arm. Even if the sect leader sees something amiss, he cannot take action, and the matter will ultimately be dropped.

Furthermore, for cultivators, consuming some pills and time to regenerate a severed arm is not a difficult task.

"I am from no sect or faction. My original intention was to visit the Divine Sword Sect, but I did not expect to encounter such a thing. It is quite disappointing. However, since I have come all this way, I will naturally go to the sect."

Zheng Zhuang knew exactly what Qi Zhengqi was planning, but he didn't take it to heart and casually agreed.

“Very well, then, fellow Daoist, please come with us back to the sect to see the sect leader!” Qi Zhengqi seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in Zheng Zhuang’s words, and said in a calm tone.

"I'll lead the way for you, brother." Ye Ling'er summoned her flying sword first and waved to Zheng Zhuang with a smile.

Zheng Zhuang nodded, then took to the air and floated in mid-air.

"Brother, don't you have any magical artifacts?"

"My sword has too much killing intent; I'm afraid it will frighten you."

Ye Ling'er smiled sweetly and urged her escape light towards Qingyuan City.

Zheng Zhuang watched Ye Ling'er walk on her sword, her graceful figure like a fairy, and was momentarily lost in thought.

The little girl I casually saved back then has really grown up!

No, she's not an adult yet...

Zheng Zhuang shook his head, suppressing the chaotic thoughts that suddenly popped into his head, and followed Ye Ling'er leisurely as if he were walking in the air.

Ye Qiujin and the others followed closely behind.

"Father, why..." Qi Haoran was full of doubts, not understanding why Qi Zhengqi was so arrogant at first and then so obsequious.

"Hmph, I tried every means to lure Ye Qiujin away, but I didn't expect this kid to show up halfway and ruin everything. This kid's cultivation is extraordinary. We should not make any rash moves for the time being. After all, he is an outsider. Can he really protect Ye Ling'er forever?" A cold glint flashed in Qi Zhengqi's eyes.

"Father, with your half-step Nirvana strength, how could you not be able to defeat him?" Qi Haoran was somewhat unconvinced, feeling that the other party was about the same age as him, and no matter how powerful he was, he could not possibly be his father's opponent.

"Fool! Do you think I would forcibly silence you? Ye Qiujin is watching from the side. Although her cultivation level is slightly lower than mine, her strength is not weak."

"What should we do now? If the charges are proven true, I'm doomed."

"Don't worry, I've already cleaned up the scene. Just deny it to the death, and who can do anything to you?"

"Hmph! That little hussy Ye Ling'er always pretends to be high and mighty, but look at her shameless face!"

"Who told you to be so useless?"

"No, Dad, she has vision problems. She actually thinks that boy is better looking than me!"

"..."

The Divine Sword Sect was not far away, and the group quickly arrived at the Great Rift Valley.

Ye Ling'er took out a jade talisman from her bosom, infused it with a trace of spiritual power, and the talisman flew straight into the depths of the thick fog.

A moment later, the thick fog rolled in and formed a circular passage in the center of the rift valley.

"Brother, let's go inside!"

Zheng Zhuang nodded and followed Ye Ling'er into the passage.

Passing through the passage, the surroundings suddenly opened up, with pavilions and towers, birds singing and flowers blooming, and cultivators occasionally riding their swords in mid-air. The scenery of this blessed land of immortals came into view.

"So it's Junior Sister Ling'er. Did you have fun in town?" the gatekeeper asked with a smile.

"Hello, Senior Brother Li!" Ye Ling'er wanted to say that she hadn't even had time to play, but after glancing back at Zheng Village, she smiled sweetly and said, "I'm very happy!"

Her smile was captivating, leaving Senior Brother Li completely mesmerized. It took him a while to recover.

"And this fellow Daoist is...?"

Just as Senior Brother Li was about to inquire about Zheng Zhuang's background, he saw Ye Qiujin and the others appear at the entrance of the passage. He quickly stood up, bowed, and said:

"Greetings, Uncle-Master Ye! Greetings, Elder Qi! Senior Brother Qi!"

Ye Qiujin nodded indifferently, while Qi Zhengqi and his son ignored her completely.

"Nephew Li, where is the sect leader now?"

"Reporting to Uncle Ye, the Sect Leader is holding a meeting with the elders in the 'Sword Heart Hall'."

Ye Qiujin nodded slightly, glanced at Qi Zhengqi and his son, and said to Zheng Zhuang, "Fellow Daoist Zheng, please follow me!"

Qi Zhengqi snorted and led Qi Haoran ahead.

Watching Qi Zhengqi and his son leave, Senior Brother Li cursed inwardly, realizing that the Qi family father and son had completely disregarded him.

Who is this young cultivator? Why is Uncle Ye treating him with such courtesy?

……

The Sword Heart Hall is a special place within the Divine Sword Sect. It is located in a remote area and is significantly simpler than other halls, even somewhat dilapidated.

Of course, it's not that the Divine Sword Sect doesn't want to repair it, but because this place was where the first patriarch attained enlightenment, and every blade of grass and every tree contains the essence of the Dao, so it cannot be disturbed rashly.

This place is usually the sect leader's place of seclusion, and ordinary disciples are not allowed to set foot here without being summoned.

However, at this moment, the hall was filled with the sounds of arguing.

"This is outrageous! To commit such a massacre and then impersonate a cultivator from my Divine Sword Sect, this person must not be let off lightly!" An old man in a red robe angrily slammed his fist on the table. His fiery red hair stood on end, like burning flames or upright sword tips.

“I’ve heard that those soldiers have mutated into demons. If he hadn’t killed them, the consequences would have been unimaginable. As for him impersonating someone from my Divine Sword Sect, could it be that he felt he had killed too many people and wanted to find a scapegoat?” Another old man in a black robe spoke calmly. He was completely different from the red-haired old man. His expression was like a calm lake, without any ripples.

"Elder Huo is right. Even if those soldiers turned into demons, it doesn't mean they're beyond saving. Those are tens of thousands of lives! Even those old demons didn't commit such a heinous crime! Now, the entire righteous path of Cangzhou is quite critical of us," said a burly, towering middle-aged man on the other side.

"Ahem, in my opinion, regardless of whether this matter is right or wrong, given this person's cultivation level, there is absolutely no need for him to tarnish the reputation of my Divine Sword Sect!" An old woman leaning on a cane cleared her throat and said.

Having said that, she turned to the middle-aged man seated at the head of the table and said:

"Sect Leader, you possess exceptional cultivation and extensive knowledge. Have you ever heard of this 'Divine Sword Thunder Control Technique'?"

The middle-aged man had a thin face, a long beard, and an elegant demeanor. He exuded a refined and scholarly air. He was none other than Zhang Weijian, the current leader of the Divine Sword Sect.

Lost in thought, he was taken aback by the sudden question and paused for a moment before speaking:

"Judging from the name of this technique, it sounds like a method from our sect, but this is the first time I've heard of it. Perhaps it's just a coincidence."

"Then, in the sect leader's opinion, how should this be handled?" the old woman asked again.

Zhang Weijian sighed inwardly. "Why do you all have to handle everything? What are you here for?" He had never wanted to be the sect leader, but his master was forcing him into it.

He couldn't help but miss the old days when he could practice swordsmanship without a care in the world and often see Senior Sister Qiu Jin.

But look at me now, even when I'm frequently in seclusion, people still bother me...

However, these people did do one good thing: they helped him take Ye Ling'er as his disciple. Ling'er was lively and well-behaved, which suited him perfectly. As her protector, Senior Sister Qiu Jin also visited him much more often...

Faced with the question, he knew that no matter which side he supported, these old folks would inevitably have another argument.

Just as they were struggling with this problem, Qi Zhengqi's voice suddenly came in:

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, I, Qi, have something to report."

Immediately afterwards, Ye Qiujin's voice rang out:

"Ling'er and I also have something to report!"

Zhang Weijian's eyes lit up immediately, and he quickly said:

"Senior Sister Ye, Elder Qi, please come in quickly."

When the people inside the hall saw Qi Zhengqi and Ye Qiujin arrive together, they knew it must be a serious matter, so they had no choice but to put the dispute aside for the time being.

"Senior Sister Qiu...," Zhang Weijian began, then, slightly embarrassed, remembered that Qi Zhengqi had arrived first, and said, "Elder Qi, what is it? Huh? What happened to Junior Nephew Qi's arm?"

Qi Haoran immediately knelt down, pointed at Zhengzhuang, and then cried out, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, I accidentally witnessed Ye Ling'er having an affair with this evil scoundrel. Enraged, he attacked me and severed my arm. If he hadn't been afraid of my Divine Sword Sect, I'm afraid I wouldn't be here today. Sect Leader, you must do justice for me!"

Ye Ling'er naturally objected and quickly said, "Master, don't listen to his nonsense. He was clearly trying to scheme against me. My brother was just angry and wanted to teach him a lesson."

A illicit affair? Does Ling'er already have a Daoist partner? I, her master, am still a bachelor…

Zhang Weijian was stunned for a moment. He already knew what had happened. Of course, he trusted his apprentice, but Qi Zhengqi, that old fox, dared to confront him directly, so he must have already dealt with the evidence.

Only then did Zhang Weijian begin to observe the composed Zheng Zhuang.

Ordinary face, but... confidence? How can you be so confident?

Strength...wait?

His eyes lit up, and he smiled:

"What do you call this fellow Taoist?"

"Zhengzhuang".

Aren't you going to ask me what happened?

"No need to ask."

"Interesting! Shall we have a friendly spar?"

"Right on my mind!"

"This place is nice; it would be a shame to damage it."

"It's an heirloom, it can't go bad, go to the back mountain."

"it is good."

"please!"

The two walked outside the hall in tacit agreement, then took to the air and headed straight for the back mountain.

The people inside the hall stared in disbelief, and it took them a long time to recover.

"Are they going to... have a battle of wits?"

"seems like it."

"The sect leader is a great cultivator at the Nirvana Realm, and that person just now..."

"For the sect leader to treat someone like this, they must be a cultivator of the same realm."

"But he looks so young..."

"There are old monsters who know how to stay young, maybe they're already hundreds of years old."

"Makes sense!"

Qi Haoran, who was kneeling on the ground, was dumbfounded. The other party was actually a Nirvana Realm cultivator, just like the sect leader. How dare he slander him?

Qi Zhengqi looked grave. His original plan was to persuade the sect leader to take action, but the other party was also a Nirvana Realm cultivator, which greatly worsened the situation.

Above the Nirvana Realm lies the legendary Transcendence Realm. It is said that reaching the Transcendence Realm allows one to escape the cage of Cangzhou and journey to a wider world.

Even among Nirvana Realm cultivators, there are only a handful in the entire Cangzhou.

"Elder Huo, actually, this matter..."

Qi Zhengqi knew he was in a difficult situation and planned to win over one or two allies first. If someone would lend a hand, there might still be room for maneuver.

Unexpectedly, Elder Huo, who usually had a good relationship with him, ignored him completely and rushed out of the hall like a blazing fire, heading rapidly towards the back and up.

The others realized what was happening and quickly followed on their swords.

"A battle between cultivators at this level is a once-in-a-century event! Old Huo, wait for me!"

"And I……"