Rong Zheng's move didn't succeed, and using the force of the close encounter, she gracefully stepped back half a step.

Chen Yan had blocked that sword hastily, and he steadied his breath secretly, saying—

"Sister Zheng, your old wounds haven't healed, you shouldn't be wielding a sword."

Rong Zheng laughed, this time with a hint of mockery.

"So I am still your senior sister, and you think you should face me with swords? Chen Yan, there's no such thing as should or shouldn't."

"As a member of the Floating Pavilion, Sister, you chose to betray. This is against the principles."

"The word 'principles' coming from your mouth carries no weight. Chen Yan, you only see tasks as tasks, and this time it's just Du Hong asking you to act. If you truly had any 'principles' in your heart, you should have acted back at Stone Mountain."

Rong Zheng's sword pointed directly at Chen Yan.

"Enough talk, just complete your task. We'll rely on our own skills."

"Then, forgive me, Sister."

The Burning Jade Sword Technique wasn't something Rong Zheng learned alone; all the Shadow Guards of the Floating Pavilion had to master this basic sword technique before moving on to other skills.

Though basic, the technique was unparalleled. Rong Zheng, being the most talented among the twelve, needed only this set to secure her leadership position.

Though they had past ties, their stances were now different.

Chen Yan's moves were deadly, and Rong Zheng wouldn't hold back.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

The seven forms of the Burning Jade emphasized wide and sweeping movements, not fixating on details, using the sword to pressure and drive back the enemy.

Rong Zheng's fire spirit root was a perfect match for this sword technique. A casual swing of her sword would result in blazing flames, leaving nothing alive in its wake.

But Chen Yan was experienced and familiar with this sword technique, and even more so with Rong Zheng's style.

He seemed to be struggling to resist, but in reality, he was conserving his strength, waiting for a chance to exploit Rong Zheng's weaknesses.

Swoosh—

Chen Yan's sword energy struck the shoulder where Rong Zheng had an old injury, causing her to frown slightly. She twirled her long sword, deflecting Chen Yan's attack.

Even though the wound had been there for a long time, if aggravated, it still caused a dull pain.

Rong Zheng gritted her teeth slightly.

How bothersome.

She switched to her less dominant hand to hold the sword, planning to change her sword style when suddenly, a piece of peach branch sliced through the air, forcing back Chen Yan's sword that was coming from an obscure angle!

Cold sweat broke out on Rong Zheng's forehead.

The angle of that sword was tricky, attacking during her hand switch. In such a subtle moment, there was no time to defend.

But someone had helped her out.

She didn't need to think to know who it was.

Tao Mian sat on the wall, one leg dangling, the other bent and resting on the courtyard wall, with four or five people lying at his feet, all from their Floating Pavilion.

The Immortal took out another piece of peach branch from his sleeve. He seemed to have an endless supply of these, tossing them away without concern.

Tao Mian ignored Chen Yan and spoke directly to Rong Zheng.

"Little Hua, you've exercised enough for today, it's time to rest."

Rong Zheng was still eager to continue.

"I've come this far, and you won't let me go on? That's too cruel, Little Tao."

"Don't be stubborn, your wound is starting to hurt, isn't it? I'm counting on you to realize how bad you've been to me today and serve me tea tomorrow."

Tao Mian tapped the peach branch lightly against the wall twice.

Reluctantly, Rong Zheng sheathed her sword.

"Alright."

Seeing his disciple obediently listen, he then smiled and looked at the silently standing Chen Yan.

"You're still more suited to washing that big rock, that's the life you should be living."

Chen Yan's expression remained unchanged.

"Some things must be done, whether one wants to or not."

"Sigh, then there's nothing to be done. How about this, I'll pretend I didn't see you, take your little brothers and go back."

Tao Mian seemed unwilling to waste any more effort fighting, covering his eyes as if not to see.

Chen Yan hadn't expected this reaction, hesitated for a moment, but then regained his composure.

Regardless of the other party's actions, he had to complete his task.

Chen Yan knew that without getting past Tao Mian, he couldn't do anything to Rong Zheng. He turned sideways, intending to finish quickly.

He knew that as a mere mortal, he couldn't possibly match an Immortal. He thought, whatever he could achieve, he would.

He was just completing a task.

However, what he didn't expect was that when he tried to lift his sword, his right hand couldn't move at all!

The Immortal seemed to have done nothing, still leisurely sitting on the wall, with a bright full moon behind him.

The peach branch in his hand tapped the courtyard wall rhythmically.

"I said I'd pretend not to see, but it didn't work. So I have no choice but to personally send off you uninvited guests."