Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 678 - 336: Conflict in the Mountains_2

Chapter 678: Chapter 336: Conflict in the Mountains_2

While deep in thought, a high-pitched, melodious chant suddenly rang out abruptly.

"Rootless tree, flowers bloom quietly, who’s willing to cultivate amidst worldly desires?"

"The transient life, a boat in the bitter sea, drifting here and there without freedom..."

Everyone turned their heads.

Two young Taoists, their swords strapped to their backs, were striding forward.

Their steps seemed as though treading on clouds, carefree as they traversed the mountain. Their movements were light, their sleeves fluttering, as they sang verses with unrestrained elegance.

Passersby saw them and couldn’t help but exclaim in awe and respect.

Evidently, these two Taoists were living immortals of Zhenxuan Mountain.

Whether intentional or not, the two Taoists slowed their steps near Jiang Shouzhong and his group.

Both looked youthful and refined.

Occasionally, their gazes flickered toward Yelü Miaomiao and her companions.

Especially the one on the left, whose eyebrows were thicker—when passing Miaomiao, he pointed his toe lightly downward, gently pressing upon a fallen leaf, standing with his arms clasped behind his back.

His robes billowed, paired with a cyan sword, exuding an air of charm.

Jiang Shouzhong chuckled upon seeing this.

So, here’s someone who couldn’t resist showing off in front of beauties.

Miaomiao rolled her eyes in exasperation at such juvenile antics.

Qu Hongling’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and she clapped her hands in deliberately exaggerated admiration: "Wow, this Taoist is incredible, just like an immortal! He can even tread on leaves to fly."

The thick-browed Taoist immediately perked up, continuing his display of leaf-treading agility.

Meanwhile, his rather plump companion looked displeased.

They had agreed to showcase their skills together, yet the other was purposefully stealing the spotlight before the beauties.

The plump Taoist casually snapped his fingers, magically conjuring a stream of flower petals in the air.

Soon, these petals formed a semi-circular flower bridge.

The plump Taoist raised his chin slightly, hands clasped behind his back, and began stepping across the flower bridge.

Qu Hongling enthusiastically clapped her hands: "Wow, this Taoist is even more impressive."

The thick-browed Taoist frowned ever so slightly upon witnessing this.

He then waved his sleeve lightly, causing leaves from nearby trees to detach and arrange themselves into a Yin-Yang Eight Trigram diagram.

The thick-browed Taoist sat cross-legged upon the diagram, floating upward into the mountain.

Qu Hongling covered her mouth, her sparkling eyes filled with amazement as her voice rang out again: "So, this Taoist is truly the most skilled."

The plump Taoist gritted his teeth, unwilling to be outdone, and brought out his trump card.

The originally amiable pair of senior and junior brothers were now competing fiercely, neither willing to lose face.

Qu Hongling, meanwhile, played the role of a marveling audience, alternating her praises between one and the other.

Observing that neither had anything else remarkable to showcase, Hongling turned to Miaomiao and said, "Miaomiao, who do you think would win if these two Taoists started fighting? I reckon the thick-browed Taoist is better."

Miaomiao discerned Hongling’s instigation and, suppressing her laughter, said, "Hmm, I think the same."

The plump Taoist’s eyelid twitched.

Qu Hongling added, "This thick-browed Taoist looks to be a master."

Miaomiao replied with a straight face: "Indeed, he carries the demeanor of an expert—far superior to the one beside him."

"..."

The two girls talked back and forth.

Unable to bear it anymore, the plump Taoist forced a smile and addressed the thick-browed Taoist:

"Junior Brother Zhu, I’ve heard your ’Ink Swordsmanship’ has reached the third layer and is catching up to me. On this pleasant day, how about sparring with me? Let me offer you some further guidance."

The plump Taoist deliberately spoke loud and clear.

The thick-browed Taoist, now addressed as Junior Brother Zhu, instantly wore an unpleasant expression.

It was true his swordsmanship wasn’t quite as advanced, but when it came to a real fight, he wasn’t lacking either.

Moreover, their master had remarked that his talent surpassed his senior brother’s.

Junior Brother Zhu gave a hearty laugh and replied, "Since my senior brother is so keen, I wouldn’t dare refuse. But I hope you’ll be careful and won’t end up almost injured like last time."

The plump Taoist’s eyes darkened, his smile hollow: "Don’t worry, this time I won’t hold back."

The two immediately drew their swords and began their duel.

Hikers paused to watch, mesmerized by the display of the two "immortal" Taoists’ contest.

Initially, the two kept their moves restrained—each sword stroke and maneuver perfectly staged to wow the audience.

But Qu Hongling’s cheers and occasional biased comments shook their composure.

She muttered at times, "So, this thick-browed Taoist isn’t very skilled after all." Or she sighed, "This plump Taoist, despite being the senior, is truly inferior to his junior."

Her remarks gradually stirred both into unleashing their full power.

At one point, the impatient thick-browed Taoist faltered in his technique, and the plump Taoist seized the opportunity to land a strike—a shallow cut appeared on his arm.

The plump Taoist, startled by injuring his junior, was about to apologize when he saw the other’s eyes redden and his sword thrust angrily forward.

The plump Taoist stumbled, nearly falling, and, feeling humiliated, cursed inwardly before retaliating with full force.

The spar escalated as both Taoists fought fiercely, unleashing increasingly dangerous moves.

Jiang Shouzhong sighed with exasperation at Qu Hongling’s playful instigations.

This girl was naturally gifted with a mischievous streak like that of a "demoness."

However, given they were right beneath Zhenxuan Mountain, things could go horribly wrong if someone got seriously hurt.

Jiang Shouzhong was about to intervene, but suddenly noticed Hongling summon her "Phoenix Slaying Sword" with a flick of her fingers.

The girl, after all, had her limits.

She knew better than to let things get out of hand and intended to put an end to the duel.

But before she could act, a silver flash suddenly streaked past, separating the dueling pair.

Everyone looked closely and saw a long sword embedded in a tree stump.

The blade hummed and vibrated audibly.

Moments later, a dark shadow swept over their heads and landed between the two young Taoists.

The newcomer was a man of about thirty, clean-shaven, with slightly dark skin and piercing, bright eyes.

"Senior Brother!"

The two Taoists immediately bowed in greeting.

The middle-aged Taoist, addressed as Senior Brother, scolded coldly:

"As disciples of Zhenxuan Mountain, how dare you brawl so recklessly in public? You’re both to copy the sect rules three hundred times and are forbidden from leaving Reflection Cliff for three months!"

The two were crestfallen upon hearing the punishment.

They wanted to plead for leniency but, seeing their senior brother’s stern countenance, could only resign themselves begrudgingly.

The senior brother then turned his gaze to Qu Hongling and said icily:

"Young lady, with your youth and intelligence, one would expect refinement and kindness. Yet here you are provoking discord, inciting strife within our sect, leading to such conflict. Your actions are far too vicious."

Qu Hongling arched a delicate brow, then replied in an aggrieved tone: "Taoist sir, what do you mean? I simply praised the two small Taoists for their impressive skills—how does that make me cruel-hearted?"

The senior brother’s face revealed an expression of mockery.

Without another word, he walked to the tree and retrieved the sword embedded within.

As he drew the blade, he flicked his wrist lightly, sending a leaf along the sword’s edge silently towards Hongling.

The man wasn’t intending to harm her, merely wishing to scare her slightly as a minor reprimand.

Jiang Shouzhong’s face darkened.

Just as he raised his wrist, Dugu Luoxue gently pressed it down.

Jiang froze for a moment, then saw Luoxue slightly shake her head. He had no choice but to withdraw his Dragon-slaying Flying Sword.

Qu Hongling saw that the leaf posed no actual harm, so she paid it no mind.

Yet Fang Ziheng, the least accomplished in cultivation among them, mistakenly believed the leaf posed significant danger to her. Realizing belatedly, his expression turned tense as he drew his sword hurriedly, slicing the incoming leaf with one stroke.

It wasn’t that the young master of the Fang Family intended to play the hero.

Throughout the journey, he had received countless favors from Jiang Shouzhong and felt a debt of gratitude. Seeing someone seemingly endangering their companions, he intervened without hesitation.

In his heart, he didn’t think Hongling and the others were particularly strong.

Only that Niuniu was the truly formidable one.

As a "master," he believed it his duty to protect his friends.

Blocking Hongling’s front, Fang Ziheng said with an unsightly expression: "Taoist sir, even though this lady might have provoked some mischief, you shouldn’t act with such ruthless intent. Isn’t this excessive?"

The senior brother’s gaze fell upon Fang Ziheng’s sword and asked: "Is this ’White Smoke’?"

Fang Ziheng nodded: "Indeed."

"Then you must be..."

"I am Fang Ziheng, the third young master of Famous Sword Villa. I have come to Zhenxuan Mountain seeking the Way of the Sword."

Fang Ziheng cupped his fists respectfully.

The senior brother replied indifferently: "I’ve long heard that the third young master of the Fang Family is a man of integrity and honor, one of the few chivalrous figures in Jianghu. But I didn’t expect you’d stand on the wrong side of reason for a woman. It seems you’re just another ostentatious pretender."

Fang Ziheng responded seriously: "If there’s reason, let’s discuss it. Taoist sir, to act violently without explaining the rationale—doesn’t that seem excessive? Whether I’m a pretender or not doesn’t matter; what does matter is where your sense of justice lies."

The senior brother chuckled: "It’s said ’White Smoke’ has Three Questions—you ask me about justice? Why not start by asking your sword itself?"

Fang Ziheng was left speechless.

"If you won’t ask, I’ll ask for you."

The senior brother suddenly drew his sword and thrust at Fang Ziheng.

Fang Ziheng’s expression changed as he quickly raised his sword in defense.

Watching the inexplicable fight unfold, Jiang Shouzhong held his forehead, utterly bemused.

What in the world was this?

Dugu Luoxue, however, continued staring at the mist-shrouded mountain peak, lost in thought.

Jiang Shouzhong followed her gaze, a faint realization dawning.

Could this all be part of a scheme?

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