"Uh?"
Nie Yun had not expected an offhand remark to draw ridicule. He shook his head helplessly.
He had been telling the truth, all right!
To be doubted for speaking the truth—just thinking about it was enough to leave one drunk with exasperation.
Still, he was not angry, nor did he answer.
It was only one sentence. Nothing worth making a fuss over.
"Let's go!"
Ignoring their mockery, Nie Yun called out and continued up the stairs.
Yun Luzi's Sword Mark was not far from the mountaintop now. If they continued upward, they should reach it soon enough. Rather than waste time here, they might as well press on.
"Young Master..."
Clan Head Wen Tao froze for a moment and could not help sighing inwardly.
If it had merely been a guess before, now he was certain.
This young master's swordsmanship truly was not much to speak of. He had probably come here only for amusement. Otherwise, why would he not even spare a glance for the Sword Mark left behind by the great Yun Luzi?
And after being mocked so viciously, he did not even refute them?
"Hold it!"
Just as Nie Yun was about to move forward, a shout rang out. A figure flashed over and blocked the three of them.
It was Zi Chong.
Zi Chong stretched out a hand before them, his eyes brimming with arrogance. "Apologize!"
"Apologize?"
Nie Yun frowned.
"That's right. Master Yun Luzi is my idol. Yet you said the Sword Mark he left behind offered little inspiration. That one sentence alone would be enough to make you die hundreds of times! But... I'm in a good mood today. Apologize, and I'll let you pass. Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Zi Chong's voice was icy.
"Take