After infiltrating the main characters' group, I became the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Hengxue, it's been years since we last met. You've become so capable of handling things on your own. I really owe you a lot for what happened last night."

"How is the old Valley Master's health?"

Tang Jingshan patted the young man on the shoulder with satisfaction. The young man was elegant and graceful, without any swords or complicated items, only a white jade flute at his waist. Every gesture he made was that of a refined and dignified young master from a noble family.

Song Hengxue bowed slightly, his moon-white robe swaying with an elegant curve as he moved. "You flatter me, Master. It's all thanks to Junior Sister Tang and the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Hall. I dare not take credit for it."

"My master has always been kind; he's been asking when the lord of the manor will come to Hundred Flowers Valley for a small gathering with him."

Tang Jingshan stroked his beard and laughed, "Hey, you're mistaken. Our two families have been friends for generations. How come you're not as close to me now that you're all grown up? Tell the old master that after this martial arts tournament, I will definitely find time to have a drink with him."

"As for Xi'er, that girl has grown up and is always thinking about punishing evil and promoting good. If you hadn't been there last night, I wouldn't have dared to leave her alone in Lingzhou City."

Song Hengxue lowered her long eyelashes slightly, her posture humble, and said, "It was Hengxue who was being too formal, Uncle Tang, please don't take offense."

"As for Junior Sister Tang, even without me last night, I believe she would have been able to handle this matter well."

Song Hengxue turned slightly to the side, her gaze shifting to the two boys sparring in the courtyard. "After all... she made some very good friends."

In the courtyard, Tang Xi and Su Ning were enjoying tea, while Yue Zijin and Pei Yunlian, for some reason, started sparring.

They fought fiercely, sword and blade against blade.

Tang Jingshan also stepped forward and looked at the scene in the courtyard, sighing, "Yue Zijin, that kid, really takes after his father. Back then, Brother Chuyang was also so full of youthful spirit, fighting with that person for three days and three nights before the two became close friends who could talk about anything."

Song Hengxue clearly knew the inside story. Upon hearing this, she simply smiled and said, "Although I have never met the two gentlemen, I have grown up hearing about their deeds since I was a child."

"...It's just a bit of a pity about that jade-faced sword immortal."

"It's more than just a pity for him," Tang Jingshan murmured, his weathered eyes now showing a hint of melancholy.

Song Hengxue keenly sensed the change in the emotions of the person beside her and casually changed the subject: "Regarding what happened the night before last, has Uncle made any judgment?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain flashed in Tang Jingshan's eyes, and he immediately turned away with a flick of his sleeve: "Hmph... they sent someone to explain the situation long ago."

"Just say it's your own business and has nothing to do with the martial arts tournament. As for last night's injuries, just tell them to cover them up."

"In that case, Uncle Tang can rest assured." Song Hengxue lowered his head, his tone unchanged, but his expression was unreadable.

After all, this year's martial arts tournament is different from the past. The Xiaguang Mountain incident in the past has already proven that the Demonic Sect has taken action, which is why Tang Jingshan is so concerned about the safety around Songyun Mountain.

"Uncle Fu, go and call everyone over." Tang Jingshan put down his teacup and calmly instructed Uncle Fu outside.

Song Hengxue wanted to leave, but Tang Jingshan stopped her, saying, "It's nothing serious, you can sit down and listen."

It wasn't until Uncle Fu called out that Yue Zijin and Pei Yunlian, panting heavily, put down their weapons in the courtyard.

"Good lad, your skills have improved a few days since we last fought."

Yue Zijin tilted her head back, hands on her hips, her forehead damp with sweat, her Adam's apple bobbing as she swallowed, her cheeks flushed with a healthy red, and her eyes shining brightly.

As for Pei Yunlian, she was also sweating, but not as much as Yue Zijin. She still stood upright in place, only her hand holding the sword trembled slightly.

"Ha... could you beat me before?"

Pei Yunlian stood tall and straight, the belt around her waist outlining her slender yet strong waistline, which caught Su Ning's eye several times.

Seeing the other party's provocation, Yue Zi originally wanted to draw his sword and fight again, but Fu Bo interrupted his actions.

Su Ning looked at Tang Xi, who had her head down and didn't say a word, seemingly scrutinizing the tea in her cup.

Su Ning then realized that she was embarrassed.

Reaching out his wicked little hand, he pinched the girl's cheek. "Alright, Uncle Tang is calling us, let's go."

Tangxi glared at her angrily, which made Su Ning pinch her again; it felt quite nice.

When the four of them reached the main hall, they saw Tang Jingshan sitting at the head of the table. He didn't say anything when he saw Tang Xi avoiding his gaze.

But then she turned her attention to Yue Zijin, saying, "Zijin, I heard that you had a wonderful encounter at Xiaguang Mountain and became a disciple. You're a good kid, but you're still young."

"Without a master's guidance, one's cultivation will never reach its full potential. Would you be willing to find a new master?"

Yue Zi had just finished a fierce battle and was in the midst of a thoroughly enjoyable moment. Upon hearing that they were going to find him a master, his eyes widened considerably: "Could it be that Uncle Tang is going to be my master?"

Tangxi, who was standing to the side, sneered without any mercy upon hearing this.

Her father was just a blacksmith. He was a master craftsman at making weapons, but his martial arts skills were mediocre at best. It was only because Yue Zijin didn't know his worth that he regarded her father as some kind of reclusive master.

Hearing Tang Xi's mockery, Tang Jingshan could only manage an awkward smile. Meeting Yue Zijin's inquisitive eyes, he felt rather embarrassed and could only feign composure as he picked up his teacup again.

"It wasn't me, but a highly accomplished master residing on Lotus Peak."

"This master's temper is unpredictable, but if you can receive his guidance, you will surely achieve extraordinary mastery in martial arts in the future."

"This afternoon, let Tangxi take you there. Young friend Pei can also come along. Although you already have a master, you can still go and consult that master."

Upon hearing the words "Lotus Peak," Su Ning knew immediately that the original plot was repeating itself.

This is also related to her, after all, the master on Lotus Peak is Yue Zijin's true master, who has been kind to him.

In the original novel, Su Ning only truly became enemies with the protagonist after killing Yue Zijin's master.

"May I ask what this esteemed sage's preferences are? What should I bring as a gift when I visit him?"

Yue Zi wanted to ask for more details.

Song Hengxue, sitting to the side, pondered for a moment, then looked at Yue Zijin and said, "Uncle Tang is probably referring to that reclusive Mr. Duanshui, who has lived in seclusion for many years. I heard that he built a Qingfeng Xiaozhu (Clear Breeze Cottage) on Mount Songyun more than ten years ago, and then gradually faded from the public eye."

"But this senior has never been known to have any particular hobbies."

Tang Jingshan nodded: "That's right, it is indeed this master. It's a blessing for our Sword Forging Manor that Mr. Duanshui is staying at Songyun Mountain. However, there is one thing: he has never troubled the Sword Forging Manor."

"So there's nothing I can do to help you with this. I can only introduce you. If you can win his favor, that would be best. If not, you'll have no choice but to become an apprentice of the Heavenly Sword Hall Master."

Seeing Uncle Tang's teasing expression, Yue Zijin recalled how she first met Cheng Yefu and couldn't help but shudder.

Looking at the other man's large frame and muscles, Yue Zijin felt that if he were to truly become Master Cheng's apprentice, he would probably have to spend three years forging iron first.