Yue'er blinked her large, captivating eyes, her delicate face registering a moment surprise. She hadn't anticipated a sudden rescuer. Her gaze settled on the masked figure before her, and she inquired in a soft, childlike voice, "Who are you?" "I am your rescuer," the man replied, a subtle smile playing upon his lips. He adjusted his hold on her, shifting her position. As he did so, the ropes binding her fell away, and he cradled her securely in one arm. The sudden appearance of this individual sent ripples of shock through the crowd. The Grand Elder, who had previously encountered the man, was particularly stunned. His eyes widened with fear as he exclaimed, "That is the wandering cultivator residing in the guest house!" Upon hearing this revelation, the martial sect members exchanged grave glances. One of the venerable elders observed, "He bypassed the barrier with ease. Our barrier, he traversed it effortlessly." "And from such a distance, he managed to catch the little girl, whom the Old Mountain Demon threw with such force. The speed..." another individual trailed off, his face paling. "I cannot discern his level of cultivation," another elder muttered, his voice laced with bewilderment. In contrast to the others, the Old Mountain Demon's face was contorted with unvented fury. The unexpected arrival of this unknown figure ignited his rage. Immediately, he channeled his energy into a powerful palm strike, aiming it at the masked man. However, as the visible wave of energy hurtled towards the masked man and Yue'er, the man did not flinch. He merely shifted his gaze from Yue'er's rosy cheeks, lifted his sleeve, and flicked it dismissively. The air current dissipated, and the Old Mountain Demon was sent hurtling backward several meters. "Bang!" The force of the deflected energy slammed into the Old Mountain Demon's chest, causing his internal energy and blood to surge upward. He coughed up a mouthful of blood. "Pffttt!" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 His footing faltered, and he lost his balance, tumbling to the ground. "Old Predecessor!" The crowd cried out in alarm, rushing to his aid. "Stop! If you do not stop, I will kill him!" The Sect Master of the Black Mountain Gate, holding Muchen captive, threatened the masked man. "Brother!" Yue'er cried out, her voice filled with anxiety. Her small hands clutched at the masked man's clothing, her voice pleading, "My brother, my brother, please save my brother!" "Be good, do not worry," the man reassured her, patting her head awkwardly. He raised his gaze, fixing it on the Black Mountain Gate leader. His deep eyes turned cold, and his voice hardened, "Release the child, and I will grant you a swift death." The indifferent tone, though seemingly gentle, sent a chill down the Black Mountain Gate Sect Master's spine. Fear gripped his heart, and beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. His grip on Muchen's neck trembled slightly. "Do not do anything rash. I have this child. If you dare to move, I will kill..." the Black Mountain Gate Sect Master stammered. However, before he could finish his sentence, the masked man vanished.