Gentleman Mountain, Bamboo Forest Cottage.
Chen Baiqing took a gentle sip of tea. Cui Hao, who would usually find some topic to chatter endlessly about, now wore a slightly solemn expression as he focused on the book in his hands.
This allowed her to quietly listen to the faint rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze.
She glanced sideways at Li Junzi, who was also holding a scroll nearby, a gentle smile on his face.
If time did not delay further, the third debate would take place the following day.
Yet, among the four in their circle, the least anxious was the protagonist of this debate—Li Junzi himself.
If victory were assured, that would be one thing.
But if the odds were slim…
Chen Baiqing set down her teacup, observing Li Junzi’s composed demeanor.
She was not without means to influence this debate—in fact, she had plenty.
Whether it was exerting pressure on Gentleman Mountain or negotiating a compromise, nothing in this world was purely about winning or losing—debates included.
After all, only principles were absolute; people were not, and debates were conducted by people.
However, employing such methods would likely not be something Li Junzi wished to see.
Sometimes, well-intentioned actions could backfire.
Chen Baiqing had never been fond of doing things that would make her own people resent her.
The debate consisted of five rounds—losing three did not mean an immediate end. The full five rounds would proceed unless one side conceded.
If Li Junzi could win even one round, it would be enough to prove that his arguments were not without merit.
After all, his true opponent was the Second Sage, while the one representing the Sage in the debate was a long-renowned Confucian scholar.
For now, Chen Baiqing chose to take no action—first, to await word from her senior sister and master, and second, to see how the third debate unfolded.
If their fifth junior brother turned out to be some Confucian prodigy and swept through the debates in one go…
Chen Baiqing pondered the idea briefly before dismissing it as utterly implausible.
Had it been their master, she might have believed it. But to expect their fifth junior brother to shine so brilliantly… that was a bit too much to hope for.
Her gaze drifted to the swaying leaves. She missed her master, wondering how he was faring now and whether he was suffering.
Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.
Bai Xuanling casually held a spirit sword in one hand, pressing down on Yanyun with such force that she could barely breathe. Bai Xuanling’s combat instincts were undoubtedly at the pinnacle of mastery.
She could keenly seize every opportunity and anticipate her opponent’s every move.
This overwhelming combat experience left Yanyun utterly miserable.
Yet, for Yanyun, the greater source of pressure at the moment was not Bai Xuanling.
Chu Xingchen sat nearby, munching on a spirit fruit provided by the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, shaking his head as he watched Yanyun get thoroughly thrashed.
"Tsk… after all this time, not a shred of improvement. It’s painful to watch."
Yanyun retreated, her gaze involuntarily flickering toward Chu Xingchen. Even after enduring his taunts for so long—long enough that she should have grown immune—his words still had a way of provoking her, each barb precisely calculated to make her want to punch him.
If only he kept his mouth shut, he might still pass for a decent human being.
But in the middle of a spar with Bai Xuanling, distraction came at a cost.
"Eyes on me."
Bai Xuanling’s warning came just before her sword descended without mercy.
The next moment, Yanyun was sent flying by the strike.
Chu Xingchen sighed dramatically, turning to Daoist Yuyang beside him.
"Ah, what can I say? Being this handsome has its drawbacks. Young ladies just can’t help stealing glances. As a man of such perfection, I’m burdened with guilt—there’s only one of me, after all. How can I possibly live up to so many expectations?"
Daoist Yuyang glanced at Yanyun’s murderous expression and could only offer a respectful remark:
"Brother Chu… your audacity is truly commendable."
Yanyun took a deep breath, pointing her sword at Chu Xingchen. "If I’m so lacking, why don’t you step in and spar with me instead?"
Chu Xingchen waved the fruit in his hand, shaking his head with exaggerated sorrow.
"To think the great Yanyun of the Tianyan Sect would challenge an invalid to a duel."
He paused, feigning terror as he added,
"Fine, fine—I surrender! How could I possibly stand against the mighty Yanyun?"
Though the tone was familiar and the mockery wasn’t directed at him, Daoist Yuyang still subtly shifted his seat, putting some distance between himself and Chu Xingchen.
Even he found the words unbearable, let alone Yanyun.
Yanyun inhaled sharply, lowering her sword before turning back to Bai Xuanling.
"Senior Aunt Bai… can’t we practice in private?"
Bai Xuanling replied calmly, "That’s my fault."
Yanyun frowned, unsure what she meant.
The next moment, Bai Xuanling continued, "I’ve been too lenient. In a life-or-death struggle, I doubt you’d have the luxury of caring about what others say."
With that, she lunged forward, her sword now radiating far greater power than before. A crushing wave of spiritual energy bore down like a mountain as she struck without hesitation.
Yanyun was sent flying once more.
Still, she quickly adjusted, bracing herself for another round of punishment.
Daoist Yuyang watched Chu Xingchen leisurely finish his fruit.
Truth be told, he couldn’t entirely blame Yanyun—if it were him, he’d probably snap too.
Chu Xingchen wiped his hands, his playful expression fading as he turned to Daoist Yuyang.
"So, feeling better lately?"
Daoist Yuyang shook his head slightly. "Losing to a stronger opponent is nothing to be upset about."
Chu Xingchen nodded in understanding.
Daoist Yuyang studied Chu Xingchen’s relaxed demeanor and couldn’t help but ask,
"Aren’t you going to prepare? Yanyun might not defeat Xu Jin."
Chu Xingchen stretched lazily. "Then we’ll deal with it when she loses."
Daoist Yuyang said nothing more.
Their attention returned to Yanyun’s ongoing ordeal.
Moments later, Lv Xuan strode in, holding a letter. He glanced at his disciple’s beating but said nothing, simply placing the letter on Chu Xingchen’s table.
Negotiations with the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect had been progressing smoothly lately, with tangible results thanks to mutual concessions.
Thus, Lv Xuan was in a relatively good mood.
"An urgent letter from your eldest disciple."
He offered the explanation, though his gaze lingered on Yanyun, his brow furrowing slightly—was Bai Xuanling always this ruthless?
An urgent letter?
Chu Xingchen looked puzzled as he opened the envelope, scanning its contents before turning to Daoist Yuyang.
"Brother Yuyang, do you have any pressing matters at the moment?"
"Pressing matters? My matches are over, so nothing urgent."
"Then come with me to handle something. A change of scenery, perhaps?"
Daoist Yuyang hesitated. Knowing Chu Xingchen, a "change of scenery" might not be as relaxing as it sounded—but the task would be real.
Chu Xingchen sighed. "Ah, if you don’t trust me, forget it. I’ll go alone."
With that, Chu Xingchen bid Lv Xuan farewell and turned to leave.
Lv Xuan said nothing more—after all, Chu Xingchen had already over-delivered on his mission, and sect matters naturally took priority.
Daoist Yuyang watched Chu Xingchen’s retreating figure, recalling the wine they had shared.
After a moment’s hesitation, he finally called out:
“Wait…”
Chu Xingchen’s steps halted instantly. He turned back, a satisfied smile on his face.