The self-proclaimed righteous Five Mountains Sword Sects Alliance, though seemingly united, is constantly troubled by politicking and infighting among its members. Linghu Chong gets entangled in the conflicts and sustains serious internal injuries while using his newly mastered skill to defend his Mount Hua Sect fellows from attacks by Mount Song Sect members in disguise. The other sects mistakenly think that Linghu Chong's Nine Swords of Dugu is the Bixie Swordplay, and wrongly accuse him of stealing the manual and keeping it for himself. Yue Buqun also becomes suspicious and secretly jealous of his apprentice's sudden leap in swordplay prowess.