I am Zhao Zhijing, a poor Taoist priest, and I have disciples all over the world.

In the brightly lit hall, Zhou Zhiruo faced Zhao Min and a host of experts led by the Xuanming Elders. She looked slightly haggard, but her still exquisitely beautiful face showed no fear.

Seeing that she turned her head to the side and refused to speak to her, Zhao Min did not get angry. Instead, she smiled and said, "The Emei Sect Leader, Abbess Miejue, has been on a hunger strike for many days, so we have no choice but to send you, her prized disciple, to fight in her place."

"The rule here is that whoever wins three consecutive matches can leave safely. Mohepas, go and experience the Emei Sect's high-level skills."

At Zhao Min's command, a Tibetan monk came forward with a steel dagger in his hand. He was tall and burly, and his forearm alone was thicker than Zhou Zhiruo's slender waist.

At the same time, someone handed Zhou Zhiruo a wooden sword. The disparity in their weapons made it clear who was better without even lifting a finger.

Zhou Zhiruo refused to take the sword and instead turned to confront Zhao Min, saying, "My master despises those despicable people who only know how to use poison. He would rather die than be dishonored. Although I, as his disciple, cannot compare with my master, you shameless Tartars will not be able to steal my Emei Sect sword technique!"

Zhao Min, a princess of the Ruyang Prince's Mansion, finally lost her temper when she heard Zhou Zhiruo call her a "despicable villain" and a "shameless Tartar." She drew her sword.

"If others refuse to help, they will cut off a finger. But you are so beautiful, you must cherish your appearance very much."

"I'll leave dozens of scars on your face, just like this monk, and see if you still dare to be so stubborn!"

The monk Zhao Min had been lifting was originally hidden in the firelight. He took two steps forward, revealing a burly body and long reddish-brown hair. His face was covered with various scars, making it impossible to recognize him.

Faced with this ugly monk who gave her nightmares just by looking at him, and the sword tip that was only inches away from her face, no matter how strong Zhou Zhiruo was, she couldn't help but tremble and her eyes filled with tears.

Seeing her expression, Zhao Min smiled with satisfaction: "So you can be afraid too. Now, are you willing to surrender?"

"If you won't surrender, then kill me!"

“Killing you is easy, but right now I just want to teach you a lesson and find Master Ku a companion.”

Knowing she was doomed, Zhou Zhiruo closed her eyes, not daring to look at the long sword that gleamed with cold light. Just as Zhao Min was about to make a move, something suddenly flew in from outside the hall, knocking the long sword out of her hand.

"Miss Zhou!"

Amidst gasps of surprise, Zhang Wuji burst through the window, first knocking away the two Tibetan monks holding Zhou Zhiruo hostage, then exchanging a palm strike with the Xuanming Elders who had caught up with him. Both sides retreated two steps before regaining their footing.

Zhou Zhiruo, who was being protected in Zhang Wuji's arms, was unaware that he was Zhang Wuji from the Han River when Abbess Miejue led the Emei disciples to leave first at Bright Peak. She only thought that his real name was Zeng Aniu.

Since ancient times, men and women have not been allowed to touch each other. Although Zhou Zhiruo was rescued by accident, she instinctively pushed away the arm that was wrapped around her waist, blushed and lowered her head without saying a word.

"So it is the esteemed leader of the Ming Cult, Zhang. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

When Zhao Min saw Zhang Wuji suddenly appear, she was neither flustered nor afraid, as if she had expected it. Although she said "forgive me" while looking behind him, it was as if she was expecting something.

When Zhou Zhiruo heard that this "Zeng Aniu" had actually become the leader of the Demonic Sect, she was even more surprised and suspicious. She slowly moved a few steps to the side to increase the distance between the two.

Just then, because Zhang Wuji rushed out to save people, Song Qingshu and Wei Yixiao followed closely into the main hall. A large number of Mongol warriors immediately poured out from inside and outside the hall, completely surrounding the area. "Senior Brother Song!"

"Sect Leader Song."

Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo called out to Song Qingshu in unison, but their delicate minds as women quickly sensed something was amiss and they couldn't help but exchange a glance.

"Sect Leader Song, I didn't know this Miss Zhou was on good terms with you, otherwise you wouldn't have treated her like that just now."

Having anticipated that Song Qingshu would come to the rescue of the four major sects, Zhao Min was somewhat speechless at this moment. After calming herself down a bit, she said again, "I have been waiting for Sect Leader Song in Dadu for a long time. I suppose the Heaven-Slaying Sword that was taken from me by Sect Leader Song that day should be returned to its rightful owner."

Zhou Zhiruo was secretly alarmed that Zhao Min, this vixen, seemed to have developed feelings for Song Qingshu. Although she was in danger, she couldn't care less about that now and shouted, "The Heaven Sword is a divine weapon of the Central Plains martial arts world. When did it have anything to do with a foreign woman like you?"

The two women present were locked in a fierce argument, making the already tense atmosphere even more awkward. Zhang Wuji, however, failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind it and asked with his hands clasped, "Miss Zhao, what exactly are you planning to do by imprisoning the people from the four major sects in Wan'an Temple?"

At this moment, Zhao Min had regained her usual commanding demeanor and replied calmly, "Master Zhang looks so intelligent, why would you ask such an ignorant question?"

"I serve the imperial court, so naturally I want them to submit. If any of them don't, what's so strange about using some methods?"

Seeing that the two of them were getting more and more estranged, Song Qingshu thought that he had already achieved his goal for the night and should just go back and wait for the Bitter Monk to come to him. There was no point in lingering here any longer.

“Miss Zhao, I do not have the Heaven-Slaying Sword with me, and ultimately, this sword should belong to my Huashan Sect. I am afraid I cannot comply.”

Facing Song Qingshu, Zhao Min laughed and said, "The Heaven Sword has been passed down for a hundred years. How old are you? Don't you know shame to speak so confidently?"

"Anyway, I've laid a trap at Wan'an Temple. If you want to rescue the people from the four major sects, just come and attack. After the battle is over, I'm not afraid you won't obediently return the Heaven-Slaying Sword to me."

Song Qingshu looked around and saw that the enemy had already formed an encirclement. If he and Zhang Wuji stayed behind to cover the rear, it should be fine to have Wei Yixiao take Zhou Zhiruo out. However, it was hard to guarantee that there wouldn't be any ambushes outside.

Zhao Min was also worried that if the two sides started fighting, the situation might get out of control, and there would be no room for maneuver. So she simply said, "Let's leave it at that for today. Please, all three of you."

Then he looked at Zhou Zhiruo and said, "For the sake of Sect Leader Song, I will not make things difficult for her. Although I am a woman, I still keep my word."

Zhang Wuji also wanted to take Zhou Zhiruo away, but with powerful enemies surrounding him, he knew it would be extremely difficult, so he had no choice but to give up.

"I am deeply grateful for the three of you who saved me, but my master is imprisoned, and as his disciple, I must stand with him through thick and thin."

Zhou Zhiruo glanced at Song Qingshu and said sadly, "Senior Brother Song, please take care of yourself."

"Don't worry, Junior Sister Zhou. Next time we come, we will definitely rescue everyone from the four major sects together."

Song Qingshu offered a word of comfort, then bowed to Zhao Min and said, "Miss Zhao, farewell." (End of Chapter)