As the dancers swayed gracefully and exited the stage, Chief Shi declared in a loud voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, the feast has concluded. However, there is an unresolved matter that requires conclusion here. If you’re interested in witnessing some excitement, you’re welcome to stay."

This matter had been brewing for some time. Everyone was already aware and secretly excited, so no one left the venue. All eyes turned to Chief Shi. Nangong Liuli felt a bit nervous, but seeing Li Xian calm and composed, she felt reassured.

Chief Shi said, "Over a month ago, there was a grand event at the Water Altar, which I’m sure you all have heard of. On that day, Hua Wucuo from the Flower Cage Sect emerged victorious without dispute."

The disciples all nodded, engaging in lively discussions. Those in the know recounted how Li Xian unexpectedly rose to prominence, how he won the day, and how formidable he was. Those unaware listened with interest, repeatedly amazed. Occasionally, remarks like "Our Flower Cage Sect prospers" and "Who said our Flower Cage Sect lacks talents" were heard. They regarded him as a role model, lauding him as the great Flower Thief.

The deeds of the Flower Thieves were naturally despicable and shameless. Despite their heavy infamy in the Jianghu, having such a figure suddenly emerge brought a sense of pride and honor to the sect.

Upon hearing this, Li Xian felt strange at heart and sighed, "It seems my role as a Flower Thief is becoming a reality." Nangong Liuli blushed slightly and remarked, "You’re not much better than the usual Flower Thieves." Half worried, half schadenfreude, she added, "But if you go out in the future, you’ll have to use an alias. Otherwise, you’ll surely be hacked to death with random swords and spears."

Chief Shi continued, "However, that grand event was not perfect, as there was a flaw. The match between Hua Wucuo and Elder Hao Qingshe’s disciple, Zeng Xiaoke. Although Hua Wucuo won, Elder Hao Qingshe remained doubtful, which led to some unpleasantness at the scene."

"I mediated, deciding that the affairs of the young should be resolved by the young. Another match was arranged at a later date. However, private duels are hard to convince the public, and these matters concern sect rules and the final results of the event. It would be inappropriate for me to make a unilateral decision. Thus, taking advantage of this occasion with everyone present, serving as witnesses, let’s see who will win or lose today."

His words were calm but carried hidden sharpness, putting both Hao Qingshe and himself in a precarious position. If Li Xian won, Hao Qingshe would be proven unreasonable, causing many elders to lose face. If Zhao Lei won, Shi Yufei’s bias would be confirmed.

Zhao Lei already felt excited, confident that once she made her move, victory would be immediate. She cupped her hands and said, "Chief Shi, before we begin, there are some matters to clarify."

Shi Yufei responded calmly, "Go ahead."

Zhao Lei said, "According to the wager from that day, if I win, what should he do?" She pointed at Li Xian.

Shi Yufei answered, "He will be at your disposal." Zhao Lei smiled, "And what about his beautiful companion?"

Shi Yufei said, "She too will be at your disposal."

Zhao Lei laughed, "That’s even better. I hope Chief Shi adheres to the agreement and refrains from favoritism." Her words were contemptuous of Li Xian, and dismissive of Chief Shi. This person did not know their place, and the surrounding elders all shook their heads quietly.

She pointed and criticized several times. Li Xian remained utterly calm, sipping a cup of tea, and asked, "Elder Qingshe, junior has some matters for you to confirm."

Hao Qingshe squinted his eyes slightly but did not respond. Li Xian said, "Since Zeng Xiaoke keeps demanding fairness, let it be thorough. After I lose, she can do as she wishes. But if I win... if I were to claim her life, I ask Elder Qingshe not to hold it against me."

He began to show his hidden sharpness, staring directly at Hao Qingshe. Zhao Lei, with all her bluff and bluster, was nothing in his eyes.

Moreover, he pondered, "I can no longer coexist with Hao Qingshe; it’s difficult to stay on the same island. Today, I must kill Zeng Xiaoke. Given this, I might as well escalate the conflict. If I provoke Hao Qingshe into attacking me, Chief Shi might make a decision to expel Hao Qingshe. Even if Chief Shi is unwilling to expel Hao Qingshe, I can use this as an excuse to leave the Water Altar. Avoid this viper!"

Hao Qingshe said, "You scoundrel, not having killed you that day, you’re really audacious. Did I allow you to speak to me this way?"

Shi Yufei gazed over, locking in his presence.

Hao Qingshe knew that with so many people around, and everyone prepared to intervene, it would be difficult to make a move successfully. Coldly, he said, "Good disciple, go take down this brat and let’s see how long he can be arrogant."

Zhao Lei gracefully leaped into the martial stage. The area was dotted with red silk, spacious and open, with elders by the tables and disciples at the round tables, all able to see the details of the scene clearly.

Li Xian polished his Peach Blossom Spear, the Sinking River Sword slung at his waist. Rising from his mat, his long hair moved without wind, and the red mole on his forehead was striking. He stepped slowly towards the stage, while whispers of admiration passed among the crowd, impressed by his unique handsome visage. The beauties and fair maidens, confined to their chambers, often lonely and longing, felt their hearts stir, silently cheering.

Nangong Liuli sipped her wine, raising an eyebrow, with a sense of pride, thinking, "This annoying younger brother serious about things is indeed quite impressive."

The shaft of the Peach Blossom Spear was bright red, its spearhead sharp, perfectly complementing his stature. Li Xian breathed evenly. While confident and imposing, he did not underestimate his opponent, his eyes firmly locked on Zhao Lei.

Zhao Lei thought, "Last time you ambushed me, and I suffered a small loss. Today on this arena, if I’m vigilant, you can no longer sneak attack me. With your level of Martial Arts, how can you compete with me?" Seeing Li Xian step onto the arena, she already felt as though she had secured victory.

There was no idle chatter between them. After a brief pause to regulate their breathing, they engaged. Li Xian struck his spear against the ground with a resounding "thud," shaking the entire stage and raising dust four inches off the ground. This display of strength astonished the onlookers, even taking Hao Qingshe by surprise.

He attacked head-on, opting not to use the spear. Instead, he executed the "Vast Green Waves" move from the "Jade Palm" technique. In the previous street encounter, Li Xian’s palm strike had yet to engage with Zhao Lei before being halted by Chief Shi and Tang Feng. This time, he began with this move, symbolizing continuity from their last encounter.