The next morning, Li Qiye dragged Nan Huairen along to wander around the vicinity of the Nine Saint Demon Gate. He wanted to see what kind of foundation the Nine Saint Demon Gate still had. Nan Huairen was extremely unwilling; regardless of whether Li Qiye was a fool or just thick-skinned, his intuition told him that Li Qiye was definitely a troublemaker. Walking with him would likely bring no good. However, Li Qiye didn't care whether he was willing or not. He turned and walked away, leaving Nan Huairen no choice but to follow with a bitter expression. After all, they were here for an assessment, and if anything happened to Li Qiye before the assessment, he couldn't explain it.

However, not long after they left, they were blocked by Du Yuanguang, an outer disciple known as a "little genius," and not just Du Yuanguang, but also a dozen other disciples from the Nine Saint Demon Gate. Many disciples had long disliked Li Qiye, but they hadn't had the chance to teach him a lesson. Now, with Du Yuanguang leading the way, many disciples were more than willing to follow and teach this "waste" a lesson.

"Oh, it's Brother Du. I've heard so much about you." Seeing the unfriendly approach of Du Yuanguang and his group, Nan Huairen's face changed. He hurriedly stepped forward to greet Du Yuanguang, trying to show goodwill.

Du Yuanguang didn't even spare Nan Huairen a glance. He coldly said, "Nan Huairen, this has nothing to do with you. Step aside, or you'll be dealt with as well."

This made Nan Huairen's face change, but he was a smooth operator, so he held back and bowed, saying, "Brother Du, what exactly has happened?"

Du Yuanguang didn't even look at him. He coldly stared at Li Qiye with killing intent. Li Qiye glanced at him and slowly walked up, calm and composed, saying, "Good dogs don't block the way. If you don't want to be a dog, get out of the way!"

As soon as Li Qiye said this, Nan Huairen knew things were bad. Sure enough, Du Yuanguang and his group's gazes could kill.

"You're courting death. The washing ancient sect dares to strut around in our Nine Saint Demon Gate? You must be tired of living! A bunch of ants dare to be so arrogant!" a disciple shouted angrily.

Li Qiye was about to speak, but Nan Huairen hurriedly pulled him aside, whispering, "Brother, let it go. Don't argue with them. Du Yuanguang is a key disciple of the Nine Saint Demon Gate, personally chosen by the gate's enforcer. Once he passes this year's assessment, he'll become an inner disciple of the Nine Saint Demon Gate."

Nan Huairen was reminding Li Qiye that they couldn't afford to provoke someone like Du Yuanguang, who had the support of a powerful enforcer from the Nine Saint Demon Gate, whose status was even higher than the elders of their Washing Ancient Sect.

Du Yuanguang's eyes flashed coldly, but he hadn't moved yet. He said coldly, "Our Nine Saint Demon Gate holds sway over the Gu Niu River Kingdom. Though the Washing Ancient Sect is just a small sect, we don't mistreat our guests. However, recently, one of our brothers lost a precious item."

These slow words made Nan Huairen's face change. He quickly asked, "Brother Du, what do you mean by this?"

Du Yuanguang glanced at Nan Huairen and said coldly, "Nothing much. It's just that we haven't had many outsiders recently, and only your Washing Ancient Sect has been visiting."

This was a clear accusation that someone from the Washing Ancient Sect was a thief. This wasn't just personal humiliation; it was an insult to the entire Washing Ancient Sect's reputation. Even someone as diplomatic as Nan Huairen couldn't help but look extremely displeased.

"Brother Du, please watch your words!" Nan Huairen wanted to mediate, but with the Washing Ancient Sect's reputation at stake, he couldn't just smooth things over.

Du Yuanguang gave Nan Huairen and Li Qiye a disdainful look and said, "Watch my words? The Washing Ancient Sect is already in decline, poor and desolate. Who can guarantee that thieves haven't infiltrated your sect? Even a useless mortal can become your sect's chief disciple. It wouldn't be surprising if your sect accepted some petty thieves as disciples."

Nan Huairen was red with anger. This was an insult to the Washing Ancient Sect, and no disciple with any pride could tolerate it.

"Brother Du, we must see your vice hall master. This matter concerns the honor of our Washing Ancient Sect and must be addressed!" Nan Huairen wouldn't back down, knowing this concerned their sect's ancient reputation.

Du Yuanguang was confident, sneering, "See the vice hall master? Nan Huairen, it's not that I don't give you face, but neither you nor your chief disciple waste is qualified to see our vice hall master. Your sect is just a minor one. Our hall master can seal grand heroes. If your elders ask to see our hall master, maybe, but you're not qualified, especially that waste!" He coldly stared at Li Qiye.

"That's right, the Washing Ancient Sect is nothing, and its chief disciple waste is even worse, just dirt under our feet!" other disciples jeered.

For Nan Huairen, this was a great humiliation to the Washing Ancient Sect. He trembled with anger. Only Li Qiye remained calm. He looked at Du Yuanguang and slowly said, "Whether this is your idea or your hall master's, it doesn't matter. You, Du, are just fond of the Nine Saint Demon Gate's heir, that girl Li Yanshuang. Though I haven't met your so-called goddess, that's just your limited view. The idea of your heir marrying me is your wishful thinking. With your sect's status, even as a maid beside me, I'd have to think about it..."

"As for you?" Li Qiye gave Du Yuanguang a disdainful look and said, "If your goddess has some talent, she wouldn't look at you. Even women I don't care for, you are not qualified to compete with me. Go find a cool place to stay!"

"You brat, you're courting death! I'll grant your wish!" Du Yuanguang roared in anger, his killing intent soaring as a divine sword appeared in his hand.

"Du Yuanguang, if it's a fight you want, I'll oblige!" Li Qiye's bold words made the furious Nan Huairen feel pleased, but he knew Li Qiye had never practiced cultivation. He quickly stepped in front of Li Qiye.

"Fine, Nan Huairen, I'll deal with you first, then kill this brat!" Du Yuanguang's eyes blazed with anger. To him, Li Yanshuang was an unmatched goddess. Li Qiye's insult drove him madder than an insult to himself.

Li Qiye gently pushed Nan Huairen aside and said slowly, "Huairen, if someone wants my life, I'll kill him myself. Just watch."

"Good, good, good!" Du Yuanguang laughed in rage, saying, "This is the funniest joke I've ever heard. A trash who learned some low-level martial arts dares to claim he can kill me, a cultivator in the Palace Opening realm. Fine, I'll give you a chance to duel."

"Hahaha..." Du Yuanguang's fellow disciples laughed, pitying Li Qiye. "Martial arts against dao techniques? The Washing Ancient Sect people don't even know the basics. So arrogant and ignorant, it's pathetic!"

In the duel arena, Li Qiye stood calmly, as if this duel was of no importance. Du Yuanguang arrived with his followers, his face full of contempt, as if looking at an ant.

"Trash, today I'll show you real power," Du Yuanguang said coldly, divine sword in hand, exuding a formidable aura.

Li Qiye smiled faintly, unaffected. He said calmly, "Stop talking and start fighting."

Du Yuanguang laughed angrily, his body flashing as he appeared before Li Qiye, the divine sword slashing down with deadly force. The onlookers wore cruel smiles, expecting to see Li Qiye cut in half.

However, as the sword was about to hit, Li Qiye effortlessly dodged. Du Yuanguang was shocked, and before he could react, Li Qiye's palm struck his chest.

With a thud, Du Yuanguang was sent flying, landing heavily, vomiting blood, and looking terrified.

"How is this possible?" The disciples of the Nine Saint Demon Gate were stunned. They couldn't believe their eyes. A "waste" who hadn't practiced cultivation had defeated a Palace Opening realm genius with one strike.

Li Qiye clapped his hands, as if doing something trivial. He looked at Du Yuanguang and said lightly, "I'll give you one more chance. Kneel and apologize, or die."

Du Yuanguang struggled to stand, filled with hatred and unwillingness, but he knew he was no match for Li Qiye, trembling with fear.

"You... you dare... The Nine Saint Demon Gate won't let you go!" Du Yuanguang said venomously, though his voice quivered.

Li Qiye sneered, eyes cold. "Then die." Before Du Yuanguang could react, Li Qiye appeared before him, striking again, killing him instantly.

The disciples of the Nine Saint Demon Gate were stunned. They had never seen such a powerful and ruthless opponent. Li Qiye glanced around and coldly said, "If anyone is still dissatisfied, come forward."

No one dared to move. Everyone was trembling in fear, intimidated by Li Qiye's overwhelming presence.

When Nan Huairen arrived, he saw this scene and was utterly shocked. He had known Li Qiye was somewhat special, but he had never imagined he was this powerful.

Li Qiye turned to Nan Huairen with a slight smile and said, "Let's go. We should continue our assessment."

Nan Huairen snapped out of his daze and quickly followed Li Qiye, his heart filled with complex emotions. He realized that his senior brother was far from ordinary.