Wang Dezhong of the Mountain Sword Sect recognized the person speaking as his junior sister from the same sect and asked, "Oh? Does junior sister know him well? How did you come by this information? His spear and sword techniques are indeed exquisite, and his extraordinary strength is undeniable. But when comparing martial arts transformations and sword techniques, we may not be disadvantaged."

The women chattered, "Not only do we know him, but the one who saved us is that young man from earlier. We wanted to introduce him to everyone, but somehow... things turned out this way."

Disciple Hua Wu asked, "Incredibly strange, this person is a notorious Flower Thief; why would he save you? Or is this a case of a thief crying to catch a thief, deliberately putting on a grand show? Sisters, you mustn’t be deceived. This Flower Thief looks slick and handsome, and he speaks sweetly to the extent that even the honorable Madam Wen finds joy in his words. At first glance, he seems quite unreliable."

Zhao Chunxia said solemnly, "It’s easy for my sisters to be deceived, but can we elders of each sect not discern the truth? The Flower Cage Sect does not excel in solo combat; if confronted by an enemy, they form formations to attack together. Just now, he challenged many at once, displaying both spirit and ability... Surely he is no mere Flower Thief? If he were a Flower Thief, wouldn’t you all be even lesser thieves?" As she bandaged Wang Zongzheng of the Mountain Sword Sect, hearing her peers remaining silent after their defeat, now that Li Xian had left, she seized the opportunity to respond swiftly and argued vehemently.

Mu Hongchou spoke, "He... he... I don’t know his origins, but such a person... is absolutely not a Flower Thief." She looked in the direction Li Xian departed, her eyes slightly dazed.

Tang Mengluo asked quizzically, "Where did you get this information, why does everyone call him a Flower Thief?" Wang Dezhong replied, "Elder Tang, after you went missing, we suspected the Flower Cage Sect was responsible, and thus allied with Flying Dragon City to strictly capture the Flower Cage Sect thieves. Several captured thieves pointed out that the one who captured you was that ’Flawless Flower’ Thief."

"Later, notices were posted, and Zhou Shijie, Brother Zhou, saw the appearance of Flawless Flower, recognized the red mole on his forehead, and reported his original name as Li Xian, a person from Qiong Heavenly Mansion, known locally as an evil Martial Captain, oppressing the townsfolk, committing innumerable evil deeds, and scorned by many."

After speaking, everyone looked towards Zhou Shijie. Zhou Shijie was startled, feeling out of place, and reluctantly clasped his hands together.

Upon hearing the words "Zhou Shijie," the women became very angry, their scolding echoing in response. Zhao Chunxia raised her hand to silence them, saying, "Brother Zhou is not a disciple of our Sword Sect, but his encounters with us in dangerous situations do elicit admiration. However, is what the disciple just said true?"

Zhou Shijie replied, "Of course, it’s true."

Lin Aoshan said, "I don’t think so." Zhou Shijie recognized Lin Aoshan and frowned, asking, "Is it you?"

Lin Aoshan said, "It seems to me that you, Zhou Shijie, are exaggerating out of jealousy. This Xiaolizi is quite a decent person; how could he be an Evil Captain? Judging by your behavior just now, you quite fancy that honored Madam Wen, don’t you?"

Zhou Shijie hurriedly said, "You... you’re speaking nonsense! How... how could that be?" The fellow disciples observing had already seen the truth. Wang Dezhong, Hua Wu, and the early acquaintanceship with Zhou Shijie formed good friendships, also pondered secretly, "It’s said that time reveals true intentions; upon first meeting Brother Zhou, he indeed possessed an elegant demeanor, remarkable style, and carried an air of destiny, evoking admiration. Later interactions revealed his slightly lacking martial arts skills and limited fortune, though he remained a notable figure, yet occasionally showed weaknesses. Furthermore, in daily exchanges he tended to accentuate his strengths, often flaunting and overshadowing his weaknesses. In daily interactions, it was hard not to notice his petty nature."

"Now looking again... this Brother Zhou is truly... truly..." Thinking of past friendships, they refrained from speaking further.

Lin Aoshan, extremely annoyed at Zhou Shijie, said, "Look at you, not physically unattractive, but your character is indeed poor. You fancy that Madam Wen and remain silent, behaving slyly. Secondly, when Madam Wen faced trouble, you advised her to cripple her martial arts. Meanwhile, Li Xian took the trouble upon himself. It’s hard for someone to even glance your way."

Zhou Shijie, provoked at heart, flew into a rage and was about to act. Lin Aoshan, Luo Feiyan, and Mu Hongchou glared at him. Zhou Shijie reluctantly ceased, and said, smugly, "Baseless speculation, no point arguing with you. Hmph, don’t forget, who caused the Five Mountains Sword Alliance to suffer? We are injured but at peace with ourselves. You remained indifferent, watching the drama unfold, only to now add sarcastic criticism."

Several disciples, stirred in emotions, felt extremely dissatisfied. Mu Hongchou said, "Hmph, having injuries is better than losing one’s life. Tell me, who among you could withstand a single spear from him?"

The resentment dissipated, and silence fell.

Wang Zongzheng of the Mountain Sword Sect spoke solemnly, "Elders, this alliance indeed contains many peculiarities. Now, with our injuries, while we recuperate, it is opportune to compile all clues and discern the truth."

Duan Yixin, Hou Yuande, Hu Yueyue, Xiao Wanjian all concurred. Wang Zongzheng said gravely, "Piaoxue, I once heard you say that the culprit is He Wentian. At the time it wasn’t disbelief, but rather... we had suspected He Wentian once; he later sacrificed himself to save us. When we met again the second time, we sought stability, afraid to further misunderstand, thus handled matters cautiously. If He Wentian is indeed the villain, Flying Dragon City is right here; how could he escape?"

Yang Piaoxue said, "Elder Wang’s painstaking care is understood by all, but this... He Wentian is undoubtedly the villain! Jieyou Tower, with its meticulous traps, caught us off guard, poisoned the dishes, and transported us to the Nine Orifice Dragon Heart Acupoint, imprisoning us. If not He Wentian, who else could have done it so easily?"

Xiao Wanjian said, "Flower Cage Sect schemes are endless; it doesn’t mean they couldn’t accomplish this." Wang Zongzheng said, "This matter must be handled cautiously. We do not defend him but must preemptively consider doubtful areas."

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