Face

Xu Qi'an immediately looked at Li Miaozhen and found that she was not surprised.

"Just some Rogue Cultivator. With the strength of the Heaven and Earth Society, they shouldn't have much trouble dealing with them," he said, frowning.

Master Bailian explained with a rather helpless tone, "Those Rogue Cultivator are the most troublesome. We don't want to commit more killings, but if we ignore them, we might be bitten in return."

"Their numbers are large, and they use any means necessary, posing a significant threat to ordinary disciples. However, slaughtering living beings is a grave taboo."

"Even if your life is threatened, it's still not allowed?" Xu Qi'an asked in surprise.

Bai Lian shook her head and whispered, "The Earth Sect cultivates merit, not the Dao Heart."

Her point was that the concept of having a clear conscience didn't apply to the Earth Sect. Killing someone would diminish one's merit. From this perspective, killing the most heinous criminals was acceptable, because eliminating evil was promoting good. However, not all Rogue Cultivator were villains. Xu Qi'an understood this.

Chu Yuanzhen smiled and said, "I'll go help too."

Hengyuan clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, this humble monk will also go and explain Buddhist principles to them."

In fact, Hengyuan was a martial monk. He did not have a monastic scar on his head, so theoretically he was not bound by precepts. He could eat meat, drink alcohol, kill animals, and even visit courtesans.

However, Hengyuan was an exception; he always demanded of himself the rules of "Zen meditation."

Master Jinlian said, "It's not about driving away those scoundrels, but about making them back down and stop causing trouble when the lotus seeds are ripe."

The White Lotus nun continued, "Actually, the Black Lotus deliberately spread the news to attract these wandering knights, intending to use them as pawns. In the past few days, they have fully played the role of scouts and cannon fodder."

"There are also some formidable experts among the Rogue Cultivator, not to be underestimated. If we cannot eliminate this hidden danger in advance, this force will cause us a great deal of trouble during tomorrow's decisive battle."

As she spoke, the White Lotus Daoist kept glancing at Li Miaozhen and Xu Qi'an; she now understood the Golden Lotus Daoist's scheme.

Upon hearing this, Li Miaozhen nodded confidently. "I have some reputation in the martial arts world, and I have many friends. Even those I don't know are willing to give me some face. Leave it to me."

Just as Xu Qi'an was about to follow Li Miaozhen and the others, Daoist Jinlian suddenly called out to him, "Young Master Xu, please wait a moment. I have something to tell you."

A thought struck him, and he realized the reason. He stopped and watched as his four Heaven and Earth Society companions left.

After their figures disappeared, Master Jinlian waved his hand, and the fragment of the Earth Book flew out of Xu Qi'an's pocket and landed in the old Daoist's palm.

He held the fragment of the Earth Book, smiling without saying a word.

Seeing this, Bai Lian wisely said, "I'll go outside to watch the battle."

By the cold pond, only Master Jinlian and Xu Qi'an remained. The old Daoist bit his fingertip and used his blood to draw a spell on the mirror surface of the Earth Book fragment.

Xu Qi'an tried to peek while standing on tiptoe, but was blocked by Daoist Jinlian. "The fragments of the Earth Book are the most precious treasure of my Earth Sect. Since you are unwilling to join my Earth Sect, then I can only abide by the rule that 'the Dao is not passed on to the unworthy.'"

"Daoist Master, you have absolutely no internet spirit! What is the internet spirit? It's getting things for free! No, it's sharing!" Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

Master Jinlian flicked her finger, striking the mirror with a "ding." The bloody incantation suddenly lit up before disappearing into the fragments of the Earth Book.

Xu Qi'an's brain went blank with a "boom," as if a thunderbolt had struck his mind, followed by intense pain, a pain that came from his very soul.

He clutched his head, his face twitching violently for over ten seconds before the pain subsided.

"Law Treasure has recognized its master is a part of its master; forcibly severing it is like cutting off an arm." Master Jinlian carefully put away the third fragment of the Earth Book and smiled.

"If you continue to carry it, Black Lotus will still be able to sense it. So, I'll keep it for now and return it to you after this is all over."

Xu Qi'an watched helplessly as the fragments of the Earth Book were taken into the arms of Daoist Jinlian, as if a cabbage he had raised for eighteen years had been eaten by a pig. He said worriedly:

"Master, you must keep this safe and return it to me afterwards."

Master Jinlian chuckled and said, "It seems you feel a strong sense of belonging to the Heaven and Earth Society."

Xu Qi'an shook his head, his face serious, and said, "No, it's because my wife's dowry is in the fragment of the Earth Book."

And it's 10 times the wife's dowry.

The outer perimeter of Yuezhi Mountain Villa.

In an area reduced to ruins by artillery fire, dozens of martial arts heroes are confronting disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society.

There had just been a brief exchange of fire here, with injuries on both sides, but no one was killed.

"Young Daoist priests, get out of here at once! These gentlemen are seeking treasures, not to harm anyone."

"That's right, if you dare block our way again, don't blame us for being impolite."

Dozens of martial arts figures scattered around, brandishing weapons and hurling insults.

The Heaven and Earth Society disciples who confronted them held flying swords, jade rulers, copper cones, cloth banners, and other Law Artifact, and did not retreat an inch.

A beautiful young woman raised her sword and retorted, "Bah! A bunch of shameless scoundrels, coveting the treasures of my Heaven and Earth Society, trying to seize them by force! Dream on!"

"Snort!"

With a cold snort, a fat, burly man rushed out, carrying two black iron hammers.

The pretty young girl, dressed in a Daoist robe, showed no fear and gently tossed out her flying sword, which pierced the air with a sharp whooshing sound.

"Bite!"

Sparks flew as the fat man casually knocked the flying sword away, then grinned maliciously and slammed his double hammers down on the girl.

But he couldn't bring himself to strike. A pair of small, porcelain-white hands blocked the hammer. They were a woman's hands, with well-proportioned bones and flesh, slender and delicate. Strangely, when these hands blocked the hammer, there was neither a fluctuation of energy nor the sound of metal colliding.

How could a mere flesh and blood withstand such a powerful attack?

Upon witnessing this scene, both the disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society and the heroes of the martial arts world on the other side found it unbelievable.

The one who made the move was a beautiful young girl with deep blue eyes and wheat-colored skin.

The characteristics of people from Southern Frontier are so distinct.

The fat man's expression changed. His rich combat experience allowed him to make the right judgment without thinking. He quickly abandoned the black iron hammer and retreated rapidly.

"Are all men from the Central Plains spineless, using such a light thing?"

Lina held two hammers in her hands, tossing them around like a little girl playing with a doll.

Over there, the martial arts practitioners stared blankly at this scene, unable to control the shock on their faces. Putting aside combat strength, just this kind of power alone was enough to crush all of them.

"The Gu Clan of Southern Frontier, the Power Gu Tribe?"

Someone frowned and muttered uncertainly.

Lina's azure eyes swept over the crowd. She grinned, revealing her little tiger teeth, and chuckled, "There's a saying in your Central Plains: 'It's impolite not to reciprocate.'"

Except for a few experts, the rest of the martial arts practitioners tensed up and quietly gripped their weapons.

"Click."

Lina stepped on a cracked paving stone, shooting towards the crowd like an arrow from a crossbow.

In an instant, people and horses fell to the ground, screams filled the air. She punched a man to the ground with immense Movement Method, yet she was also agile and skilled in martial arts.

After more than a dozen rounds, no one could withstand their attack.

The ambitious disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society were immediately invigorated.

Their attention had been entirely focused on Li Miaozhen, Xu Qi'an, and Chu Yuanzhen, neglecting this foreign girl, whom they thought was just an extra. They never expected her to be so powerful.

It wasn't until a man wielding a bronze staff intervened that Lina's offensive was finally halted.

Dozens of people, led by the man with the copper staff, formed an encirclement. In addition, there were several skilled concealed weapon users in the crowd who would occasionally throw a few hidden weapons at tricky angles.

With the cooperation of many parties, they finally regained the upper hand.

While his companions were holding the foreign girl back, the man wielding the copper staff roared, spun around, and swung the staff, the sound of it cutting through the air was shrill.

Lina raised her hand, once again using her palm as a weapon. She kicked out, sending the man flying, bleeding profusely.

"Lina, that's enough."

Li Miaozhen circled around from behind the disciples and loudly stopped them.

The two sides engaged in fierce fighting immediately ceased their attack.

Lina casually tossed the copper rod aside, and with her long, powerful legs, she walked through the crowd and returned to Li Miaozhen's side.

"You, you're the Flying Swallow Heroine?!"

A figure in the martial arts world recognized Li Miaozhen.

"Female Knight-Errant Flying Swallow?" The crowd scrutinized Li Miaozhen, their expressions subtly changing.

The Holy Maiden of Tianzong scanned the group of men and women and asked, "Who is the leader?"

She understands the ways of the martial arts world very well. If a situation arises that requires unity, the people of the martial arts world will elect the most prestigious or chivalrous person as the temporary leader.

Sometimes, reputation and prestige are even more important than strength. Strength can inspire fear and apprehension, but only reputation can command respect.

The burly man, clutching his stomach, staggered forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Liu Hu from Nanhuai County, Jianzhou. Are you truly the Flying Swallow Heroine?"

"They're just a group of weak Rogue Cultivator. I can handle them without Xu Qi'an's intervention," Li Miaozhen nodded, saying calmly.

"Gentlemen, the Nine-Colored Lotus Seed is a supreme treasure of the Earth Sect. Now, we are surrounded by powerful enemies, and your strength is insufficient to contend for it. Rashly participating will only lead to your death. Why not do me the honor and withdraw? Do not interfere in this matter."

Liu Hu's expression shifted. He had heard of the Flying Swallow Heroine's name before; in fact, it was legendary.

This Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect debuted two years ago, traveling the martial arts world, upholding justice, and has gained considerable prestige and countless friends.

If I offend her, all I need to do is open my mouth, and I might be wanted by those who have benefited from her kindness. Although the lotus seeds are tempting, what Lady Feiyan said makes sense. This trip was originally about seizing fortuitous opportunity, and we can't force it if the fortuitous opportunity hasn't arrived yet. Liu Hu felt he had to back down.

Other figures in the martial arts world were also wary of Li Miaozhen and dared not offend her.

They might not be afraid of the government, or even the imperial court, but they dared not offend the Flying Swallow Heroine, who had extensive connections in the martial arts world.

As expected of the Flying Swallow Heroine, her influence is comparable to that of some highly respected elders. The White Lotus Daoist nun, observing from afar, nodded slightly.

It seems that even if Xu Qi'an doesn't show up, Li Miaozhen is enough.

She immediately realized that the holy sons and daughters of the Heavenly Sect had traveled the world in countless ways, like a feather passing through water, only touching upon things briefly. This generation's holy daughter, Li Miaozhen, seemed to be different from her predecessors.

She drifted along, and eventually became a legendary female knight-errant.

Li Miaozhen smiled, cupped her hands, and said, "Miaozhen thanks you all in advance. If we meet again in the martial world, we are friends. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask. Miaozhen will do her best to assist you."

The group was still unwilling to give up, but after receiving a verbal promise from the heroine Feiyan, their resistance lessened somewhat.

"The Flying Swallow Heroine is so imposing!"

A deep, resonant voice rang out. The owner of the voice was a middle-aged swordsman with a long, flowing beard, handsome features, and an imposing presence. He carried a black-sheathed, green-bladed sword in his hand.

Behind him followed a dozen or so swordsmen in blue robes, including Young Master Liu and his master.

"It's the Ink Pavilion!"

"It's Pavilion Master Yang Cuixue."

The Rogue Cultivator, who had just been enduring humiliation and compromising with reality, now seemed to have found their backbone and actively gravitated towards them.

Even though there are countless sects in Jianzhou, Moge is still one of the top sects.

Li Miaozhen squinted, scrutinizing the bearded swordsman. "Nine-Bend Swordsmanship, Red River Ink Pavilion?"

Moge is a sect that has stood firm in Jianzhou for a hundred years. It has a profound history and legend has it that the founder of the sect comprehended the Tao in the Red River. He observed the nine bends of the Red River and comprehended the supreme Swordsmanship.

On the banks of the Red River, the Ink Pavilion was built.

It is worth mentioning that Yang Cuixue is a senior fourth-rank swordsman with profound Swordsmanship. Her most well-known achievement is fighting two fourth-rank swordsmen alone for a day and a night, ending in a draw.

"Nice to meet you!"

Yang Cuixue nodded and said in a deep voice, "Wealth can move people's hearts, let alone a treasure like the Nine-Colored Lotus. Isn't it unreasonable for Lady Flying Swallow to use her power to intimidate people?"

Li Miaozhen sneered, "I've always heard that Pavilion Master Yang is upright and honest, a truly reasonable person, but what he's spouting is all nonsense. The Nine-Colored Lotus is originally a treasure of the Earth Sect, yet you forcibly seized it, and you make it sound so noble."

She had heard of Yang Cuixue, the master of the Ink Pavilion. Rumor had it that he was an upright man who admired chivalrous people and often gave silver to well-regarded martial arts heroes.

Therefore, he was jokingly called Yang the Great Philanthropist.

"Heh, Flying Swallow is the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect, naturally she doesn't know the hardships of us Rogue Person," someone said sarcastically.

"What's the point of venturing into the martial world if you're afraid of death? My skills and this divine weapon were earned with my life."

"Exactly! How will we know who will emerge victorious if we don't give it a shot?"

With someone backing them up, the Rogue Cultivator immediately spoke with a more assertive tone.

Yang Cuixue shook her head and said, "Feiyan Heroine is a Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect. She has no shortage of Cultivation Method or famous teachers. How could she know the helplessness of Rogue Cultivator? Some people are stuck at a certain level and cannot make any progress for decades. They want to ask someone for guidance, but they can't find a famous teacher."

"Some people lack a suitable magical Law Artifact, yet they wield ordinary iron for ten years without ever risking their lives. How can they advance? How can they rise above others?"

"Yang simply felt that you can defeat them, even kill them, but you shouldn't deprive them of their right to fight."

The white lotus nun frowned slightly, while the disciples behind Li Miaozhen became alert again, preparing for battle.

Li Miaozhen narrowed her eyes, somewhat annoyed. This man's meddling had stirred up trouble again, making the scoundrels present restless once more.

She couldn't hold it in any longer.

Li Miaozhen gripped the hilt of her sword and said calmly, "Is Pavilion Master Yang here on behalf of the Martial Alliance to stir up this mess?"

The flying sword hummed and vibrated, poised to strike.

A dozen or so swordsmen in blue robes drew their swords.

Yang Cuixue raised her hand and pressed it on the hilt of her sword. Instantly, the sword aura that Li Miaozhen had unleashed vanished.

"Feiyan, the heroine, is a disciple of the Daoist School; her Swordsmanship is ultimately lacking," Yang Cuixue said calmly.

Li Miaozhen's intimidation of ordinary rogue Rogue Cultivator was not a problem, but the aura of this Mo Pavilion Master was profound, making him a strong figure even among fourth-rank cultivators. Chu Yuanzhen frowned and decided to stop standing idly by.

He strode forward and said with a smile, "My name is Chu Yuanzhen."

Yang Cuixue was taken aback, then solemnly clasped her hands in greeting. "The number one swordsman in the capital, I have long admired your name."

Chu Yuanzhen immediately said, "I wonder if the Pavilion Master could give me face and show some respect to the Ren Sect?"

Yang Cuixue shook his head. "I am but a martial artist. The Human Sect is a Daoist School. What does it have to do with me, or with anyone here? As for Brother Chu, forgive my bluntness, but I have accomplished nothing. What face do I have?"

Chu Yuanzhen's face darkened.

Yang Cuixue continued, "I am a swordsman, and the way of the sword is straightforward. If there's anything to say, I'll say it face to face. The Daoist School is far removed from the mortal world, inspiring awe but not respect. The Flying Swallow Heroine is chivalrous and righteous, but that's not enough to make us give up the opportunity before us. And Brother Chu is even less likely to give up."

Liu Hu nodded vigorously.

Li Miaozhen sneered, "After all that talk, why not just say that saving face for anyone is useless? Let's settle this with our skills."

Yang Cuixue shook her head again. "No, it's not that there aren't any, it's just that there aren't enough of them. Those who serve the country, those who serve the people, and those who are loved by the people are all among them."

"Interesting!"

At this moment, Xu Qi'an walked out from behind the disciples, smiling, and said, "I wonder if Pavilion Master Yang will grant me this favor?"

PS: There are still about 7,000 words to update today, making up for the chapter I missed yesterday.