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The burly man stood up, his chest rising and falling slightly, clearly having expended considerable energy in the fight. He glanced around, and no one dared to meet his gaze.

The scholar hurriedly grabbed his arm: "Second brother, let's go!"

The burly man snorted coldly and spat on the ground: "What Dugu family? Nothing special!"

Just as the two were about to turn and leave, a cold snort suddenly came from outside the door.

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a chilling aura.

"You think you can just walk away after hitting the Dugu family?"

Before the words were finished, a fiery red figure swept into the restaurant's entrance like a shooting star. The speed was so fast that the wind pressure it created caused the lanterns hanging at the entrance to sway all at once.

The newcomer stood firmly in the center of the hall; she was a young woman dressed in a fiery red outfit. She appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a beautiful face but an icy demeanor. Her long black hair was simply tied back, and her posture was as upright as a pine tree. Most striking were her eyes—sharp as swords, and when she surveyed the entire room, no one dared to meet her gaze directly.

"It's Miss Dugu!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

The entire restaurant fell silent instantly, and even the three arrogant young men who had been so arrogant retreated to their private room, no longer daring to utter a sound.

The burly man's expression turned serious, and he assumed a defensive stance: "You're from the Dugu family? Perfect timing! I'd like to see that."

Before he could finish speaking, Dugu Feng had already moved.

Without warning, without any initial stance, it seemed as if he had simply taken a step forward casually, yet he instantly covered a distance of three zhang (approximately 10 meters) and lightly struck the burly man's chest with a palm strike.

The burly man roared and crossed his arms to block. He had just used this move to withstand the guard's steel blade without sustaining any injury.

However, this time is different.

With a muffled thud, the burly man's expression changed drastically. He felt a strange force pierce through his defenses and invade his body. The force was initially gentle, but it suddenly erupted after entering his body, impacting his meridians like a flood bursting its banks.

The burly man's massive body was sent flying by the blow, crashing into two tables before landing heavily, scattering shards of food and drink everywhere.

"Second brother!"

The scholar exclaimed in surprise and rushed forward to help him up.

Blood trickled from the corner of the burly man's mouth as he struggled to his feet, his eyes filled with horror. He had been so confident in his superior martial arts skills that ordinary swords and knives could not harm him, yet this seemingly frail young girl had struck him with a single palm strike, causing his internal energy to become disordered.

Dugu Feng remained expressionless and said coldly, "To be able to withstand one of my palm strikes without falling, you must have some skill. State your name."

The burly man took a deep breath, suppressing his surging blood, and said in a deep voice, "I am Cheng Yaojin, and if you have the guts, kill me!"

Dugu Feng nodded slightly: "Cheng Yaojin? Never heard of him."

His tone was flat, yet it only amplified the humiliation.

Cheng Yaojin was furious and roared like thunder: "Take another punch from me!"

His muscles bulged, he stomped his right foot on the ground, and unleashed a powerful punch. The force of the blow sent a gust of wind through the onlookers, who were secretly alarmed.

However, Dugu Feng remained unmoved, only casually dodging the punch when it reached her body. At the same time, her left hand moved like a nimble snake, grabbing Cheng Yaojin's wrist and pulling him away with a smooth motion.

Cheng Yaojin felt a clever force pull him, causing his full-force strike to veer off course, and he stumbled forward, unable to stop himself. Dugu Feng, with her right hand forming a sword-like shape, swiftly struck three major acupoints on his back.

In a critical moment, Cheng Yaojin twisted his body and barely avoided the vital points, but he was still hit in the Jianjing acupoint by the finger wind, and his entire right arm immediately became sore, numb and weak.

The two exchanged blows with lightning speed, more than ten moves in the blink of an eye. Cheng Yaojin's power was immense and his moves were heavy, each punch capable of shattering stone tablets; Dugu Feng, however, always managed to dodge with finesse at the last second, and his occasional counterattacks were always decisive and unavoidable.

Seeing this, Shan Wanjing whispered, "Master, it seems that Dugu Feng is not using his full strength, as if he is toying with him?"

Yi Huawei nodded: "The Dugu family's 'Azure Sky and Red Dust Sword Technique' is known for its unpredictability. Although she did not use a sword, her technique already revealed the essence of swordsmanship. Cheng Yaojin may be brave, but his skills are far inferior."

Just as the two had said, the battle downstairs was completely one-sided. Cheng Yaojin roared repeatedly, but he couldn't even touch the hem of Dugu Feng's clothes. On the other hand, Dugu Feng's movements were as graceful as a dance. With each flick of her palms, the sword intent of Biluo Hongchen was incorporated into her palm techniques, attacking Cheng Yaojin's defensive gaps from unexpected angles time and again.

Suddenly, Dugu Feng changed her technique, her palm shadow splitting into two, then four, as if more than ten hands were simultaneously attacking Cheng Yaojin's vital points. Cheng Yaojin was dazzled and unable to parry, taking three blows to his chest and abdomen.

"puff--"

Cheng Yaojin spat out a mouthful of blood, staggered backward, and finally knelt on one knee, barely managing to stay upright.

"I'm going to teach you a lesson. The Dugu family is not a place where you can run wild."

Dugu Feng stopped her stance and stood still, her red robes fluttering, seemingly unmoved, her breathing as steady as ever. With a wave of her slender hand, she said, "Tie them up!"

Several guards took out ropes and stepped forward.

The scholar stepped in front of Cheng Yaojin, his voice sharp but his tone weak, and shouted, "How dare you! Though we are not nobles, we are still..."

"But he's nothing more than a poor pedant who's just trying to be clever with words."

Her phoenix eyes swept over the messy hall and the injured guards, her expression growing even colder: "You've injured members of the Dugu family and smashed their shop. Do you think you can just walk away like this? Seize them! If they dare to resist, kill them without mercy!"

Her elite guards immediately stepped forward, swords drawn, gleaming coldly, and surrounded the two of them, exuding murderous intent.
Cheng Yaojin roared and struggled to get up, while the scholar was drenched in cold sweat.

At this critical moment, an indescribable and terrifying pressure suddenly descended!
This oppressive aura wasn't directed at the physical body, but seemed to act directly on the depths of the soul. In an instant, time seemed to freeze on the entire second floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. All noise ceased abruptly, and you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone—the young masters, the sword-wielding guards, the aloof Dugu Feng, and the struggling Cheng Yaojin—felt a shiver originating from their very life force, as if an invisible giant hand were gripping their throats. Their bodies stiffened, unable to move even a finger, and breathing became extremely difficult. Those with weaker internal energy felt their legs go weak, almost collapsing to their knees, their eyes filled with terror.

In this absolute silence and oppression, only the soft yet clear footsteps could be heard from the stairwell.

Tick…tick…tick…

Dressed in an elegant, simple dress, Shan Wanjing slowly descended the stairs. Her gaze swept across the entire area, lingering briefly on the three trembling guards. The three men were instantly struck dumb, their robes soaked with cold sweat. Then, she looked at the three people at the center of the scene, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"My master invites you three to a private room upstairs for a chat."

The moment the words fell, the terrifying pressure receded like a tide.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, panting heavily as if they had just struggled out of deep water. They were all still shaken, and their gazes toward Shan Wanjing were filled with awe and respect.

Dugu Feng's pretty face paled slightly. As the one with the highest level of internal energy cultivation, she felt the impact most deeply. The overwhelming mental pressure she had just experienced had shaken her to her core. She glanced deeply at Shan Wanjing, then looked towards the private room upstairs. After a slight hesitation, she suppressed all her arrogance and nodded slightly: "It is Dugu Feng's honor to be invited by Senior."

After saying that, he took the lead and followed Shan Wanjing.

Cheng Yaojin and the scholar exchanged a surprised and uncertain glance. Although Cheng Yaojin was muddle-headed, he wasn't stupid; he knew how terrifying the oppressive aura he had just felt was. The scholar, his mind racing, realized that this might be a turning point, or even an opportunity. Neither of them dared to say anything more and obediently followed.

Led by Shan Wanjing, the three of them ascended the stairs again, disappearing behind the curtain of the private room amidst the awe-inspiring gazes of the other patrons in the restaurant. Inside the private room, Yi Huaweian sat alone by the window, holding a white porcelain teacup, calmly watching the three enter.

Dugu Feng was the first to enter, her face still somewhat pale, clearly not yet fully recovered from the oppressive aura she had just experienced. When she saw Yi Huawei's appearance, a distinct look of surprise flashed in her eyes. Looking around, she saw Shan Wanjing standing respectfully behind her with her hands at her sides, and only then did she confirm that the young man in front of her was indeed the person in question.

Dugu Feng composed herself. Though proud, she was not foolish. The terrifying pressure that had almost frozen space was still fresh in her mind. Now, facing this unfathomable man in blue, she concealed all her outward sharpness and, in accordance with the etiquette of aristocratic families, bowed respectfully, saying, "Dugu Feng of the Dugu Clan greets Senior. Thank you for your words of help earlier."

Cheng Yaojin, panting heavily, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stared at Yi Huawei with his large, round eyes. The scholar beside him hurriedly tugged at his sleeve and bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble: "I am Xu Shiji. Thank you for your help, senior. My brother and I are extremely grateful!"

Xu Shiji was quick-witted and knew that someone who could possess such terrifying mental pressure was no ordinary person. This might be a chance to survive a desperate situation.

Yi Huawei did not stand up, but only slightly raised his hand to indicate: "Sit."

The voice was calm, yet it naturally carried an irresistible quality.

Dugu Feng bowed slightly, took her seat first, straightened her back, placed her hands on her knees, and cautiously sized up Yi Huawei; Xu Shiji was half-turned, as if ready to get up and reply at any time; Cheng Yaojin was slumped in his chair, occasionally grimacing and rubbing his chest.

Yi Huawei picked up the small red clay teapot and slowly poured clear tea into the three empty cups on the table. The sound of the water trickling was particularly clear in the quiet private room. He did it casually, yet he had a calm aura that unconsciously calmed the three people who were originally restless.

He pushed two cups of tea in front of Cheng Yaojin and Xu Shiji, and the other cup towards Dugu Feng.

"To meet by chance is also a matter of fate."

Yi Huawei put down the teapot, his gaze first falling on Cheng Yaojin: "Judging from your skills, they are fierce and unparalleled, not ordinary martial arts, but rather the kind of skill honed in battle. May I ask your name, and why you have come to this place, clashing with the Dugu family?"

Seeing that the other party's tone was calm and that he had indeed helped him just now, Cheng Yaojin puffed out his chest and said in a rough voice, "My name is Cheng Yaojin! I used to serve under General Zhang, but later... humph, anyway, I'm just a nobody now! I came to Luoyang hoping to make a living, and came to this restaurant with my brother to have a drink, but the waiter looked down on us and took a long time to serve the food and drinks. I couldn't stand it and that's why I took action!"

Yi Huawei's gaze shifted slightly, neither confirming nor denying, before turning to look at Xu Shiji: "Mr. Xu doesn't seem to be a martial artist?"

Xu Shiji hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "This junior is only slightly literate and his martial arts skills are rudimentary. I accompanied my sworn brother to Dongdu this time to seek some opportunities. The conflict just now was out of necessity and I had no intention of making enemies of the Dugu clan. I hope Miss Dugu will forgive me."

As he spoke, he gave Dugu Feng an apologetic smile.

Dugu Feng merely snorted coldly and remained silent. If it weren't for the presence of this mysterious man, she would never have let this go so easily.

Yi Huawei took a sip of tea and looked at Xu Shiji: "Li Mi of Wagang has big ambitions."

Xu Shiji cautiously replied, "Lord Mi is indeed a man of great talent and ambition. We brothers are sworn brothers, and we will act on behalf of Heaven..."

"I don't know if he has great talent and ambition..."

Yi Huawei put down his teacup and smiled faintly: "But when Li Mi killed Zhai Rang, did he ever think of the sworn brotherhood of Wagang?"

Xu Shiji's expression changed slightly, and Cheng Yaojin also dropped his nonchalant expression.

Yi Huawei continued, "Wagang is known as a gathering of righteous men, but in reality, everyone has their own agenda. Shan Xiongxin is loyal and righteous, but he is not given important responsibilities; Wang Bodang is opportunistic and has become a trusted confidant."

His gaze shifted to Cheng Yaojin, and he chuckled lightly: "As for General Cheng, you may seem rough and boorish, but you are actually incredibly meticulous. How well do you play the 'pretending to be weak to catch a tiger' trick?"

Cheng Yaojin's pupils contracted slightly, and he chuckled dryly twice: "You flatter me, sir. I, Cheng, am just a rough man."

Yi Huawei remained noncommittal, then turned to Dugu Feng: "The Dugu clan guards Luoyang with a formidable reputation. Miss Dugu, at such a young age, you have already mastered 'Azure Sky and Red Dust' to the point where you can use your palm as a sword and your intentions can be combined with your actions. Is Old Madam You well?"

Dugu Feng's heart skipped a beat. The other person had so clearly identified her martial arts foundation and even mentioned her grandmother, yet their tone was as casual as greeting a neighbor. This insight and composure made her feel that the other person was even more unfathomable. Suppressing her alarm, she respectfully replied, "Thank you for asking, senior. My grandmother is well. I acted improperly just now and disturbed your peace. I hope you will forgive me."

If the people downstairs saw her at that moment, their eyes would probably pop out of their sockets in astonishment.
Yi Huawei smiled and asked, "What level have you reached in the 'Azure Sky and Mortal Dust Sword Technique'?"

Dugu Feng was taken aback, and subconsciously answered, "The ninth level."

"He reached the ninth level at the age of ten, but hasn't made any progress since." Yi Huawei asked calmly, "Do you know why?"

Dugu Feng's pretty face paled slightly, and she pursed her lips, remaining silent. This was the proudest and most regrettable thing in her life.

Yi Huawei stood up and slowly walked to the empty space in the center of the private room: "Draw your sword."

Dugu Feng hesitated for a moment, then unsheathed the sword from her waist. The sword was drawn, its cold light gleaming; it was indeed a fine sword.

"Attack." Yi Huawei stood with his hands behind his back, his body completely exposed.

A hint of defiance flashed in Dugu Feng's eyes. Her sword tip trembled, transforming into several points of cold light that pierced Yi Huawei's vital points. This sword strike was as fast as lightning, a blend of illusion and reality, and was precisely the exquisite move "Starry Sky Scattered" from the "Azure Sky and Red Dust Sword Technique".

However, Yi Huawei simply turned slightly to the side, and the sword tips all missed their mark.

Dugu Feng changed her moves extremely quickly, her sword stance shifting to "Rolling Red Dust," with numerous sword shadows surging towards Yi Huawei like a tide.

Yi Huawei didn't move his feet, but swayed slightly in his upper body, and all the sword moves just brushed past him.

Dugu Feng gritted her teeth and changed her sword technique again.

"Azure Heaven and Yellow Springs", "The Strangers of the Mortal World", "The Fall of the Stars from the Nine Heavens"... each exquisite sword move was executed with the fluidity of flowing clouds and water, the sword light almost enveloping the entire private room.

Xu Shiji and Cheng Yaojin were mesmerized, their cold sweat pouring down their backs. They knew that if they faced such swordsmanship, they probably wouldn't last three moves. However, Yi Huawei moved with incredible precision, each time perfectly dodging the blade. His movements weren't fast, but he always managed to dodge the sword just before it reached him.

After thirty moves, Dugu Feng's breathing became rapid, and fine sweat beaded on her forehead. Suddenly, she let out a clear shout and thrust her long sword straight forward, unleashing the killing move "Heaven and Earth Grief Together" from the "Azure Dust Sword Technique".

This sword strike concentrated all her power; the tip of the sword trembled and emitted a buzzing sound.

Yi Huawei finally moved. He slowly extended two fingers and gently pinched the tip of the sword against his body.

Time seemed to stand still.

Dugu Feng's all-out sword strike was firmly held between two fingers, unable to advance even an inch. She tried to pull back, but the sword remained completely still.

Yi Huawei loosened his grip, and Dugu Feng, caught off guard, staggered back several steps before regaining her balance.

"His swordsmanship is exquisite, but he is bound by rigid forms."

Yi Huawei said calmly, "Do you know how many moves were used just now?"

Dugu Feng paused for a moment: "Thirty... thirty-seven moves."

"There are eleven weaknesses in the thirty-seven moves."

Yi Huawei said calmly, "When changing moves in the third move, 'Rolling Red Dust,' the left shoulder slightly lowered, revealing an opening under the armpit; in the seventh move, 'Azure Heaven and Yellow Springs,' the return of the sword was too hasty, causing instability in the lower body; the fifteenth move..." (End of this chapter)