Sunset, the bright moon rose in the east.

 

By the lakeside in the backyard, two figures sat there. The lake water reflected the moonlight, shimmering and tranquil.

 

"Old Zhang."

 

Li Ziye looked at the lake and asked, "Even you can't do anything about it?"

 

"No."

 

Slovenly Zhang shook his head and said, "Mu Yao has already activated his second Divine Hidden Technique, while you haven't activated any. The gap is too big."

 

"My family has silver."

 

Li Ziye said softly, "However much you need, we have. Divine weapons, battle armors, we have them all."

 

"That's impossible, unless…"

 

Slovenly Zhang stared at the lake and calmly said, "You have him killed tonight."

 

"That makes sense."

 

Li Ziye thought for a moment, then nodded seriously, "Old Zhang, name your price."

 

"Heh."

 

Slovenly Zhang gave a faint smile, "I'm not that despicable."

 

"One hundred jars of Hundred Flower Brew." Li Ziye made an offer.

 

"That's the Third Prince of the Great Shang."

 

Slovenly Zhang sneered, "Do you think I'm a fool?"

 

"Two hundred." Li Ziye raised the price.

 

"Absolutely impossible." Slovenly Zhang shook his head.

 

"Five hundred." Li Ziye directly increased the price.

 

"I don't like killing." Slovenly Zhang was silent for a moment before speaking.

 

"One thousand jars, plus five hundred jars of top-quality Daughter's Red." Li Ziye stated his final offer.

 

"Deal."

 

Slovenly Zhang stood up and walked away.

 

"Old Zhang."

 

From behind, Li Ziye called out.

 

Slovenly Zhang turned around and asked, "What, having second thoughts?"

 

"Not really."

 

Li Ziye smiled and said, "Just don't kill him. It's not time to completely fall out with the royal family. Just let him lie in bed for a few days."

 

"Coward."

 

Slovenly Zhang sneered and walked away.

 

***

 

Late at night.

 

In a room at the Yuelai Inn, Mu Yao sat under the candlelight, quietly wiping his sword.

 

In front of the bed, the servant boy made the bed and said, "Your Highness, you should rest early."

 

"Okay."

 

Mu Yao nodded and said, "You can go now."

 

"Yes."

 

The servant boy was about to leave, but then stopped, looking worried, "Your Highness, shouldn't we contact the officials in Yuzhou City? I'm worried that the Li Family might harm you."

 

"No."

 

Mu Yao smiled faintly, "We are all smart people who understand the rules. The Li Family will surely understand that if anything happens to me here, they won't be able to escape the blame."

 

The servant boy left the room, reassured.

 

Mu Yao put away his sword, prepared to blow out the candle and go to bed.

 

Suddenly, a cold wind blew, causing the candle to flicker.

 

Mu Yao was startled, and his face changed drastically.

 

The wind rose, and the room was shaken open by an invisible force. In the blink of an eye, a figure walked in. His steps seemed unhurried, but in a breath, he was already inside the room.

 

"Who are you!" Mu Yao exclaimed.

 

"The one who killed you."

 

The man wore a mask, his aura concealed. However, the terrifying pressure he exuded was suffocating.

 

"Fairy, save me!"

 

Knowing the terror of the intruder, Mu Yao retreated while shouting desperately.

 

"Qin E'nuo, huh?"

 

Under the mask, Slovenly Zhang smiled faintly, his figure flashed, and he grabbed the former's throat.

 

In the room on the third floor, Qin E'nuo heard the cry for help from downstairs, her eyes narrowed slightly.

 

In the blink of an eye, Qin E'nuo moved and disappeared from the room.

 

On the second floor, Slovenly Zhang grabbed the Third Prince's throat and slowly tightened his grip.

 

"I am the Third Prince of the Great Shang Dynasty. If you kill me, you won't survive!" Mu Yao said in terror.

 

"Bang!"

 

Slovenly Zhang didn't waste any words, he directly punched the former in the chest.

 

"Puff!"

 

With a powerful punch, the Genuine Qi penetrated into the body. Mu Yao felt a tightness in his chest and spat out a mouthful of blood.

 

"Whoosh!"

 

Just then, a sword aura came from behind them.

 

Slovenly Zhang let go of the man in his hand, his figure shifted, and he dodged the sword aura.

 

Mu Yao's body went limp and collapsed. Then, the sword aura passed by, and a strand of long hair silently fell.

 

In the room, Qin E'nuo and Slovenly Zhang's eyes met, creating a strong oppressive atmosphere.

 

"Plum Blossom Sword Immortal, you live up to your reputation. See you again."

 

Slovenly Zhang calmly said, then stepped forward and leaped out of the window.

 

Qin E'nuo frowned, her figure also flashed, and she chased after him.

 

Under the night sky, on the streets of Yuzhou City, two figures moved swiftly. In the blink of an eye, they had crossed several streets.

 

Ahead, Slovenly Zhang stepped on the air, leaped onto the roofs on both sides of the street, then pointed his fingers together to form a sword, and the sword aura broke through the air.

 

Qin E'nuo concentrated, waved her slender hand, and the sword aura gathered, blocking the attack.

 

"Sword Enthusiast!"

 

After the initial exchange, Qin E'nuo recognized the identity of the man. In Yuzhou City, the only one with such swordsmanship could only be him.

 

"Oh, good eyesight."

 

On the roof, Slovenly Zhang laughed and teased, "How did the renowned Plum Blossom Sword Immortal become a royal bodyguard?"

 

Qin E'nuo sneered, responding without showing any weakness, "I didn't expect that the world-famous Sword Enthusiast would stoop to being a hired killer. Who's your master, Li Ziye?"

 

"Heh."Zhang Latan smiled faintly and said, "You really think highly of that kid. I, old man, am not someone who is greedy for wealth. Although the Li Residence is wealthy, they cannot buy my freedom."

 

"Not the Li Residence?"

 

Qin E'nuo frowned, curious. Besides the Li Residence, who else would target the Third Prince?

 

"Qin E'nuo, do you still want to fight? If not, I'll leave," Zhang Latan laughed heartily and took another step, leaping away.

 

Qin E'nuo stood on the street, her eyes filled with flowing light, but she did not chase after him.

 

Her cultivation was not much different from Sword Enthusiast's. Unless they fought to the death, it would be difficult to keep him.

 

Who exactly was able to command Sword Enthusiast?

 

***

 

Li Residence.

 

In the backyard, Li Ziye was still waiting patiently.

 

At this moment, a figure flew past and took off the mask.

 

"Old Zhang."

 

Li Ziye immediately approached and asked, "Is it done?"

 

"My old man made a move. How could it not be done?" Zhang Latan laughed and said, "This time, the Third Prince will need at least ten days to recover. However, aren't you afraid of retaliation from the royal family for daring to do this?"

 

"Of course, I'm afraid."

 

Li Ziye smiled and said, "But, in recent years, the court has begun to test and suppress my Li Family intentionally or unintentionally. It's only a matter of time before the court makes a move against the Li Family."

 

"Heh, daring to contend with the royal family. It seems that I have underestimated your Li Residence," Zhang Latan squinted his eyes and said, "Today, I'm afraid that even if I don't make a move, someone will make a move against the Third Prince."

 

"Who knows? Perhaps Heaven can't bear to see it and will let some righteous individuals help kill the royal family's prestige," Li Ziye smiled.

 

"One thousand jars of Intoxicated Blossom Brew, plus five hundred jars of Daughter's Red. Not a single jar less," Zhang Latan emphasized.

 

"No problem."

 

Li Ziye smiled and said, "As long as you want to drink, I'll offer it anytime."

 

"Alright, I'll stay with you a little longer. I have a feeling that I might be plotted against at any time," Zhang Latan waved his hand and walked towards his room.

 

After Old Zhang returned to his room, Li Ziye did not stay long either and left.

 

"Creak."

 

The door opened, and Li Ziye walked into the room, seeing the woman inside, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

 

"Sister Youwei, why are you here?"

 

"Waiting for you."

 

In the room, under the flickering candlelight, Li Youwei's beautiful face looked so captivating.

 

"Waiting for me?"

 

Li Ziye walked forward and asked, "Is there something, Sister Youwei?"

 

"This is for you."

 

Li Youwei pushed a wooden box over, and inside the box, a long sword lay quietly.

 

"What is this?" Li Ziye asked in confusion.

 

"A poisoned sword."

 

Li Youwei calmly said, "Colorless and tasteless poison. Once it touches blood, it will cause the person's Genuine Qi to scatter. This poison can only last for fifteen minutes, after which the toxicity will dissipate. No one can detect it, and no one can cure it."

 

"Oh?"

 

Li Ziye's eyes flashed with surprise and he said, "There's actually such a good thing. When was it developed?"

 

"Your sworn brother sent it today," Li Youwei said.

 

"Second Brother?"

 

Li Ziye's mouth twitched and he said, "I thought he was dead since there has been no news from him."

 

"Don't talk nonsense. Be careful not to let him know," Li Youwei said angrily, "He won't be polite to you. Don't provoke him, or you'll suffer."

 

"I'm just saying since he's not here," Li Ziye smiled helplessly and said, "Sister Youwei, thank you, and thank Second Brother for me. He doesn't like me, so I won't thank him in person."

 

"Alright, I understand. Rest early," Li Youwei softly replied and then left.

 

In the room, Li Ziye looked at the sword on the table, and a dangerous light flashed in his eyes.

 

The night passed peacefully.

 

The next day, everyone from the Li Residence gathered, and many influential figures from Yuzhou City were even invited to witness the final outcome.

 

In the front yard, Li Ziye, Li Baiwan, and Li Youwei arrived together. The helmsman of the Li Residence was also present.

 

The Li Residence was bustling with activity.

 

From early morning until noon, and then to the setting sun, everyone patiently waited, attracting the attention of the entire Great Shang Royal Dynasty. They wondered what the outcome of this highly anticipated apprenticeship ceremony would be.

 

Amidst the anticipation of the crowd, Qin E'nuo arrived, stepping on her sword. She was still as stunning and radiant as ever.

 

If it came to temperament and appearance, Plum Blossom Sword Immortal was definitely unparalleled in the world.

 

Most of the main characters had arrived, only the Third Prince was missing.

 

As time passed, the influential figures from Yuzhou City who were invited by the Li Family began to grow impatient.

 

"Why is the Third Prince so arrogant? Even Plum Blossom Immortal has come, yet he still hasn't arrived."

 

"Let's wait a little longer. After all, he is a prince."

 

"Prince, hmph, he's just a prince, not the emperor. He doesn't have that much face."

 

The crowd whispered to each other, clearly having opinions about the late arrival of the Third Prince.

 

However, until the sun set, the second protagonist of this martial arts competition, Mu Yao, still did not appear.

 

Li Ziye, Li Baiwan, and Li Youwei knew it well, so their hearts remained calm.

 

"The sun has set, and the Third Prince still hasn't arrived?"

 

"What's going on? Why hasn't the Third Prince come?"

 

"The time has passed, and the Third Prince is actually afraid of the battle."

 

Inside the Li Residence, the influential figures from Yuzhou City whispered to each other, clearly not expecting this outcome.

 

"Fairy."Li Baiwan's face was filled with smiles as he said, "The Third Prince has not arrived, what should we do?"

 

"The time has come, Li Ziye has won and passed the test."

 

The outcome had been predicted long ago. Qin E'nuo took a deep look at Li Ziye not far away, without any further delay, she announced the result in front of everyone.

 

Upon hearing the result, Li Ziye was excited, he clenched his fist tightly, he had made it!

 

Everyone's eyes were on them, Qin E'nuo looked at him and asked seriously, "Are you willing to take me as your master?"

 

"I am willing."

 

A brilliant smile appeared on Li Ziye's face, he said, "From now on, regardless of fortune or misfortune, nobility or lowliness, or any other reason, I am willing to become a disciple of Fairy Qin, forever loyal and never abandon her until the end of my life. Fairy, are you willing?"

 

Listening to the strange declaration of the man in front of her, Qin E'nuo's eyebrows slightly furrowed, but she didn't notice anything wrong. In front of the city's nobles, she nodded and said, "Hmm, I am willing."

 

On the side, Li Youwei heard this and smiled, her beauty was intoxicating like a blooming flower.

 

He had made it, Qin E'nuo was destined to not escape from my younger brother's palm.

 

If he could marry a Sword Immortal as his wife, it wouldn't be a bad thing, it wouldn't be a disgrace to my younger brother.