Although the five grandmasters each had their own territory and rarely interacted, being on the same level meant they inevitably had personal connections. Just as Bai Yan and Fa Zhao were close friends, Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu were old acquaintances of Emperor Yan. In this battle, they had long been observing from the shadows, so they had already recognized Lin Dan’s martial arts technique.

Everyone who mastered the Asura Blade to its peak had once caused a bloody storm in the world. They might have been dead for hundreds or even thousands of years, but the terrifying memory they left behind in the hearts of people had never faded. Not only did Bai Yan’s sect leave a commandment to kill any inheritor of the Asura Blade, but other sects had similar warnings.

As the lord of Lianyun City and the number one master of the Eastern Tang continent, Bai Yan should have stepped forward to rid the world of this scourge. But now, he firmly protected Lin Dan behind him and said, “You two should come at me together.”

Bai Yan had once challenged and defeated four veteran grandmasters, but those were all one-on-one duels, unlike today, where two grandmasters would attack together. Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu were initially hesitant, but seeing his arrogance, they no longer wavered. One by one, they might not have had confidence, but together, their combined strength was far greater. How could they not defeat Emperor Yun?

“Then we won’t hold back! Emperor Yun, this demoness will eventually become a major calamity to the martial arts world. We have inherited the teachings of our sects and have no choice but to eliminate this threat for the people. Although it may be dishonorable for the two of us to fight you together, our actions are justified. We hope you will understand and refrain from aiding evil and sheltering this evildoer!” Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu, still needing to preserve some dignity, spoke with righteous conviction before attacking.

Bai Yan snorted coldly and met them head-on.

In an instant, the three were entangled in fierce combat. Lin Dan struggled to turn her head, hoping to witness the skill of the number one master in the martial arts world.

Fa Zhao chanted scriptures as he conjured an impenetrable golden shield to protect Lin Dan. His choice to side with Lin Dan was not due to his friend’s request, but rather because he followed the calling of his heart. He knew Lin Dan was not an evil person.

Bai Yan glanced back at Lin Dan, seeming a little worried, but grandmaster-level battles allowed no room for even the slightest distraction. Wei Qu seized the moment of Bai Yan’s lapse and immediately struck with a palm. However, it hit nothing. Bai Yan’s body dispersed like mist, only to coalesce behind Wei Qu in the next instant. With a casual palm strike, Bai Yan sent him flying, blood spraying from his mouth as he crashed to the ground, unable to rise for a long time.

Xiaoyaozi thrust his sword, only to pierce a cloud of mist. Bai Yan stood right before him, yet was as elusive as smoke, dissolving and reappearing in the blink of an eye.

Xiaoyaozi’s eyes widened in shock, his expression filled with fear. As he tried to draw his sword for another strike, he couldn’t find Bai Yan’s figure anywhere. In a frenzy, he slashed wildly at the air, but each time he withdrew his sword, Bai Yan’s ethereal form appeared where he had just attacked. Before long, Xiaoyaozi was drenched in cold sweat, his face twisted in panic, and he lost his composure. Without Bai Yan needing to make a move, his defeat was already apparent.

Bai Yan seemed unwilling to drag out the fight any longer. He suddenly appeared behind Xiaoyaozi and struck him down as well. Throughout the entire battle, Bai Yan had used strange, elusive movements to toy with the two grandmasters, delivering only two real strikes. In less than two-quarters of an hour, he had defeated both of them.

Lin Dan could see through Dugu Hong’s Eight Trigrams Phantom Steps, but she couldn’t decipher Bai Yan’s footwork at all. She did not doubt that if Bai Yan were serious, even if the other five grandmasters joined forces, they wouldn’t stand a chance. This man was far stronger than anyone could have imagined!

Bai Yan lightly landed on the ground, his white robe spotless and his hair smooth, as if he had never been through a fight. He spoke slowly, “According to the rules, if I kill you both today, all your territories will belong to me. You should know that even if I were cruel and ruthless, no one in the world would dare come to avenge you, because they don’t have the power.”

Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu spat out two mouthfuls of blood, their faces filled with a mixture of hatred and fear.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you don’t want to meet that fate, then you’d better stay far away in the future.” Bai Yan’s tone shifted, unexpectedly giving them a way out.

Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu hurriedly stood up and expressed their thanks, then supported each other as they descended halfway down the mountain, where their subordinates helped them the rest of the way. From then on, they kept a low profile, never daring to oppose Bai Yan again, nor mentioning killing Lin Dan. Through this battle, they not only failed to win but also realized a terrifying truth— Bai Yan’s power had far surpassed that of a grandmaster.

“How are you feeling?” Bai Yan walked over to Lin Dan and seemed to want to touch her face but quickly dismissed the idea. Lin Dan’s bones were all broken and he didn’t dare to move her carelessly.

“I’m fine. You should know that my martial arts can heal my body automatically.” Lin Dan’s tone was light. As long as she was alive, no injury was too serious for her. After a pause, she added, “Thank you both.” Without Bai Yan and Fa Zhao, after the battle, she would have been immobile and most likely killed by Xiaoyaozi and Wei Qu.

“I didn’t expect the two grandmasters to be so despicable and sinister. I’ve certainly learned something new.” She joked.

The heavy weight in Bai Yan’s heart slowly lifted and he chuckled softly. “Grandmasters are still human. They have their own selfish desires so don’t think of them as too noble. Didn’t you end up so poor after advancing to Grandmaster that you can’t even afford to eat?”

Lin Dan couldn’t help but laugh at his words, her lips curving slightly, eyes shining.

Suddenly, Bai Yan fixed his gaze on her, his eyes filled with lingering fear and relief. He had long made up his mind that if Lin Dan’s life was in danger, even if it meant breaking the rules of the Jianghu or going against the heavens, he would kill Emperor Yan to save her. But instead, she had brought him an immense surprise. Not only did she not lose, but with her incredible determination and sharp blade techniques, she achieved victory. It seemed she had no limits, always breaking through his preconceived notions again and again.

“This is a Rejuvenation Pill, the healing medicine of Lianyun City. I’ll feed it to you so you can recover more quickly.” Bai Yan took out the pill he had already prepared and carefully gave it to Lin Dan, even pouring water for her with great care.

“Amitabha. Perhaps the Nirvana technique I practice could also help relieve some pain for you. Please relax and allow me to transfer some vital energy to you.” Fa Zhao said gently.

Lin Dan, however, refused his offer without hesitation. She decisively said, “Master Fa Zhao, while transferring some of your energy would indeed relieve my pain, I see enduring this pain as a form of cultivation. If I accept the energy just to ease my suffering now, then in the future, when I want more comfort, would it be acceptable for me to slaughter the innocent? I must grow accustomed to this pain. It keeps me alert and it reminds me that I am myself. I am Lin Dan, not some kind of Asura.”

Fa Zhao, who had been a little uncertain before, now felt completely reassured. He pressed his palms together and said with admiration, “Amitabha, you indeed have both a Buddhist affinity and a wise heart. I was too attached to appearances. Now that this matter is resolved, and with Emperor Yun protecting you, I will take my leave. If fate allows, we shall meet again.”

“Farewell, Master Fa Zhao.” Lin Dan said just as a group of people appeared at the mountaintop. Among them was He Yufei, whom she hadn’t seen for some time, trailing behind.

“We greet Emperor Yun!” The group first saluted Bai Yan, then pointed at Lin Dan and said, “Emperor Yun, this demoness has been practicing the demonic Asura Blade technique. If you still remember our sect’s teachings, you should execute her on the spot!” These people were none other than the elders of Lianyun City. They had been hiding nearby watching the fight and naturally understood the whole situation.

Two grandmasters couldn’t sway Emperor Yun’s beliefs, but they, as his elders, thought they might be able to persuade him.

But this time, they were mistaken. Bai Yan took off his outer robe and gently draped it over Lin Dan, saying without looking back, “You can kill Lin Dan, but you’ll have to get through me first.” This was clearly not an agreement but a way of cutting off all their paths. In all of Eastern Tang Continent, who could defeat Emperor Yun? And who could bypass his protection to lay a hand on Lin Dan? Moreover, Fa Zhao also stepped forward, firmly shielding the gravely injured Lin Dan.

“Emperor Yun, the technique she’s practicing will one day spiral out of control, turning her into a mindless killer!” The grand elder said, his tone filled with urgency.

Bai Yan gently held Lin Dan’s fingertips, his voice tender, “I will stay by her side every moment. If she ever loses control……” He paused for a long time before continuing, “I will end her with my own hands.”

Upon hearing those words, Lin Dan didn’t feel afraid. Instead, she smiled softly.

Bai Yan couldn’t bear to look at her smile and turned his head slightly, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. After a while, he said hoarsely, “What right do you have to demand her death? She eliminated seven of the most evil people of the Jianghu and eradicated the plague of Wen City. The people she killed were all wicked individuals and the people she saved numbered in the thousands, if not more. Yet you, who have made a name for yourselves in the martial arts world for decades, what have you truly done for the common people? The higher you stand, the fewer responsibilities you bear, as if you’re superior to others. Compared to her, do you not feel ashamed?”

Bai Yan finally turned back to face them, speaking each word with clarity, “Even if you don’t feel ashamed, I do! You call her a madwoman, but let me tell you— she lives more clearly than any of you.”

Fa Zhao lowered his head with his palms pressed together and said, “Amitabha, I am ashamed, truly ashamed!”

The grand elder and the others could not lift their heads after Bai Yan’s words. Reflecting on how peaceful Eastern Tang Continent had become, and seeing the gravely wounded and near-death Lin Dan, they could only bow their heads in shame and leave. Bai Yan had a few female disciples left behind to tend to Lin Dan, while He Yufei, who had been lingering, quickly followed after them, refusing to leave.

These past days, her heart had been in turmoil. Watching Lin Dan break through to half-step grandmaster, then quickly ascend to grandmaster, defeating the fourth elder of Lianyun City, slaying Dugu Hong, and eliminating seven of the most notorious evildoers— all of this had pushed Lin Dan’s reputation in the Jianghu to rival that of the old grandmasters. Even the Eastern Sacred Sect had transformed from a demonic sect into a righteous one, bringing He Yufei immense benefits. She should have been grateful to Lin Dan, but at this moment, seeing Bai Yan’s meticulous care for her, He Yufei couldn’t help but wish Lin Dan would disappear forever.

Ever since Lin Dan had escaped death and freed herself from He Chongling’s control, she had become the deepest thorn in He Yufei’s heart.