"Elder Qiu, what nonsense are you talking about!"

Glaring at Elder Qiu, Luo Qingxuan said angrily.

"Nonsense? Out of so many disciples in the sect, when have you brought anyone to see me? Not to mention, you even asked me specifically to look after him. Luo Ya'er, your little intentions are almost written all over your face." Shaking his head, Elder Qiu replied to Luo Qingxuan.

"What do you mean? Junior Brother Wang is someone I brought back to the sect. We're just friends!" Luo Qingxuan defended herself again: "Elder Qiu, if you keep talking nonsense, I'm going to pluck your beard!"

Halfway through her words, Luo Qingxuan had already turned to making a threat.

"Alright, alright, just friends, is that enough?"

Clearly, beard-plucking was quite intimidating, as Elder Qiu immediately changed his tune and turned his gaze to Wang Junze, saying again: "The Scripture Repository usually doesn't have many visitors. If you want to find something, just go look for it yourself. However, the rules of the Scripture Repository are that you can only read here and cannot take anything out."

"I understand!"

In front of this Elder Qiu, Wang Junze dared not be presumptuous and quickly bowed in response.

"That's not what I meant!" Luo Qingxuan interjected again: "There are so many books in the Scripture Repository, how could he possibly read them all? Elder Qiu, you're so familiar with it, why not guide him and recommend some sword manuals?"

"Luo Ya'er, if you admit you have a special interest in him, I'll help him, otherwise... ordinary friends aren't worth me wasting my reading time."

With a light chuckle, Elder Qiu said again.

"Elder Qiu!!!"

With a hint of embarrassment and annoyance in her eyes, Luo Qingxuan immediately reached out to tug at his beard.

"Owww, Luo Ya'er, be gentle, it hurts! Gosh, how can a grown girl still act like this?" Having a few strands of his beard plucked, Elder Qiu quickly relented: "Alright, alright, I'll tell you, okay? The sword manuals are on the second floor, in the third cabinet on the left. Most of them are complete, you can start from there."

"That's more like it!"

Nodding in satisfaction, Luo Qingxuan clapped her hands in triumph before saying: "Alright, Junior Brother Wang, take your time reading. I'm leaving now."

Without giving Elder Qiu and Wang Junze a chance to speak, Luo Qingxuan had already dashed out of the Scripture Repository, although for some reason, even as she escaped outside, her face still felt a bit warm.

What does he mean by "almost written all over my face"? So annoying!

After Luo Qingxuan left, Wang Junze couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. Scratching his head, he thanked Elder Qiu before heading up to the second floor as instructed.

With a brief glance, Wang Junze easily found the bookcase Elder Qiu mentioned.

The bookcase was large, holding at least a hundred volumes. After a quick check, more than half were various sword manuals. Wang Junze was delighted, and without the need to pick carefully, he randomly took a sword manual, sat down cross-legged on the floor, and began earnestly studying.

Downstairs, Elder Qiu glanced up at the position where Wang Junze was, nodded slightly, but didn't say anything, and simply picked up a book to continue reading.

...

Spring turned to autumn.

Unknowingly, another half year had passed.

Snow began to fall in Jubei City.

Through the wind and snow, several figures stepped into the City Lord's Mansion.

"Yuan Shouyi welcomes the members of the Four Symbols Sect to Jubei City."

From afar, Yuan Shouyi approached them.

"City Lord Yuan is too kind, but since you specifically invited us here to Jubei City, it must be for more than just these pleasantries, right?"

The middle-aged man in the lead had a composed expression, with no intention of making small talk, directly getting to the point.

After a slight pause, Yuan Shouyi smiled and continued: "Elder Liu is straightforward, so I won't beat around the bush. The Four Symbols Sect's visit to the Northern Domain this time should be to probe the Profound Moon Sword Sect, or... more accurately, to infiltrate your influence into the Northern Domain, isn't that right?"

Without waiting for a reply, Yuan Shouyi gestured with his hand and continued: "Elder Liu, there's no need to deny it. Since last year's Princess Changlin entered the Northern Domain representing the Judgment Department, it has signaled a change in worldly affairs. The court intends to target the Four Great Celestial Sects, and among them, the one with the closest ties to the court is the Four Symbols Sect."

"Officially, my position as Defender of the North is granted by the court, so naturally, I should side with the court. Personally... last year's struggle over the relics caused some discord between me and the Profound Moon Sword Sect. Although it hasn't reached the point of breaking ties, once a rift appears, it is difficult to mend."

Yuan Shouyi calmly continued: "So... let's be honest with each other, there is a foundation for cooperation between me and the Four Symbols Sect!"

"If Elder Liu feels that my words are not baseless, then please come into my mansion for a discussion. I've already arranged a banquet to welcome all of you."

Pausing for a moment, Yuan Shouyi smiled and said: "Of course, if I'm mistaken, or if the Four Symbols Sect does not think highly of me, then you may leave at your discretion, as if you've never met me. How does that sound?"

Slightly squinting his eyes, staring at Yuan Shouyi for about ten seconds, the middle-aged man finally spoke slowly: "In that case, we shall impose on City Lord Yuan!"

"Gentlemen, please!"

Gesturing with a welcoming hand, Yuan Shouyi smiled and said.

In a moment, the group followed Yuan Shouyi into the mansion, settling inside the hall. After the surrounding servants set the wine and dishes, they quickly withdrew, leaving a quiet environment for conversation.

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