Li Muzhan carried the monk on his back, traversing the courtyard directly to a meditation room.

The room was simply furnished: a bed, a table, and a stool, with neatly folded, clean bedding.

Li Muzhan first placed the wooden box on the table, then carefully shifted his stance to gently lay him down,

"Monk, this is my room. If you don't mind the austerity,

perhaps you can stay here for now!" The old monk struggled to sit up, settling into a cross-legged posture, pressing his palms together,

"Thank you. I still haven't asked your monastic name, young master?" Though his face was riddled with pustules,

his voice was composed, unhurried, carrying a profound sense of peace. Li Muzhan returned the gesture with palms pressed together: "This humble monk's Dharma name is Zhanran." "Master Zhanran, this old monk is Jikong. I apologize for the intrusion,"

the old monk stated solemnly. Li Muzhan replied, "Master Jikong, there is no need for formalities.

Treat this place as your own home. I am the only one at the temple; I usually reside at my home down the mountain and only come here occasionally for secluded meditation retreats."

The old monk Jikong nodded, looking somewhat weary. Li Muzhan opened the wooden box and brought out two plates of vegetarian dishes: "I have matters to attend to today and cannot linger. Master, please make do with what is here; take what you need." After exchanging a few more words with the old monk Jikong, he picked up the wooden box and left. He exited the Chengjing Temple and headed towards the back mountain, entering a small valley.

He trod through the wild grass deep into the interior. After walking a hundred meters, a small pool appeared before his eyes.

The pool was situated on the slope of the valley, precisely halfway up the steep mountainside, encircled by stones forming a ring about four or five meters in diameter—barely longer than two modern bathtubs placed end-to-end.

The water was crystal clear,

allowing sight right to the bottom; fish, pebbles, and fine sand were distinctly visible. A faint white mist floated on the water’s surface, like a sheer white veil undulating in the breeze.

He set down the wooden box, along with a bundle he had brought from the temple. In a few quick movements, he stripped off his clothes, revealing a well-proportioned body, and leaped into the pool, his expression instantly becoming one of deep contentment.

This was a hot spring he had discovered when he was eleven.

The valley was remote to begin with, and the pool was precariously located halfway up the mountainside, difficult to access, making it hard for others to find. Whenever he felt exhausted, soaking here would instantly dispel his fatigue. Far removed from the comforts of modern life, being able to bathe in this spring was more than enough to satisfy him.

This time, however, it wasn't purely for pleasure. Although he had saved the old monk, he feared he might have contracted some highly contagious illness, so he came here first to cleanse himself before returning home, lest he infect his family. An hour later, he emerged, his whole body steaming.

He opened the bundle and changed into fresh clothes, then carried the wooden box down the mountain, returning to Li Family Village. Li Muzhan’s home was centered around a substantial three-room house with a tiled roof, complemented by several side rooms—quite impressive. While it couldn't rival the estate of the village's richest landlord, the Zhao family, it was certainly among the more notable households.

Li Mufeng, serving as a deputy steward at the Mei Estate, earned a monthly stipend of twenty taels. Li Muzhan earned a considerable income by chopping firewood; each trip to the city, carrying a veritable mountain of wood on his back, he accomplished the work equivalent to four or five strong men, so they were no longer as destitute as before.

Before he reached home, he saw a beautiful woman in her early forties standing near the entrance from a distance. Her figure was slender, her face exquisitely pretty, still radiating charm; it was evident that in her youth, she must have been a peerless beauty.

"Mother!" Li Muzhan called out, striding forward, a smile breaking through the stern, unyielding expression on his face. The beautiful middle-aged woman spotted him, walked forward a few steps with a smile, took the wooden box,

and playfully shot him a look, "Where have you been, only just getting back!" Li Muzhan seemed like a different person, shedding his usual composure. He wrapped his arms around her and laughed,

"Something delayed me. Has Second Sister returned yet?" The middle-aged woman lightly patted his shoulder,

pushing his arms away, her face lit up with joy, beaming radiantly, "She got back early! If I hadn't held her back, she would have gone to the city to find you long ago!" Li Muzhan chuckled, "Second Sister has finally finished her seclusion, has she? It’s been about a month, right?"

Saying this, he linked his arm around the middle-aged woman’s waist and walked inside, their manner intimate. Entering the courtyard, they faced a decorative screen wall painted with the sun and moon illuminating a vast river. Turning past it, the eastern side of the courtyard was dominated by a flower garden,

taking up more than half the space, where various blossoms bloomed in riotous competition. The west side featured a dense grove of green bamboo, rustling softly. The central courtyard was paved with clean,

neat blue bricks. An elder of about fifty years was bent over, pruning flower branches with his shears, his expression focused and serious.

Hearing the footsteps, he turned his head. His face was square, his demeanor grave. Seeing Li Muzhan enter with his arm around the middle-aged woman, he straightened up, hands clasped behind his back, glared at Li Muzhan, and harrumphed with a stiff face, "Finally deigned to return?!"

"Father," Li Muzhan replied with a smile. The middle-aged woman tugged his sleeve, "Never mind this old man, hurry inside and rest!"

With that, she pulled Li Muzhan into the house. The elder stood with his hands behind his back, shaking his head,

"A doting mother spoils the son!"

After sighing, he picked up his shears again and bent down to continue trimming the branches, his focus absolute. As soon as they stepped into the main room, a faint, subtle fragrance drifted out, and a gentle,

beautiful voice sounded, "Third Brother!" A fair maiden in white appeared before Li Muzhan, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, skin like congealed fat, her features softly beautiful, utterly untouched by the dust of the world, resembling an ethereal immortal lady.

She was nearly as tall as Li Muzhan, clad in an overly large, loose robe of moon-white monk’s cloth that obscured her exquisite curves, yet her presence was all the more transcendent, like a gracefully poised, pure lotus, seeming to illuminate the entire room with her radiance. "Second Sister!" Li Muzhan looked her over from head to toe, inhaling the faint, delicate scent, and smiled broadly, "Second Sister’s grace surpasses the past; it seems your cultivation has advanced significantly!" "Not bad," the gentle maiden smiled faintly. The middle-aged woman chuckled, "Yurong, you two siblings talk. I’ll go warm up the dishes!" Saying this, she picked up the wooden box and went out.

On the north wall of the room hung a painting titled 'Longevity of Pine and Crane,' beneath which stood a square Eight Immortals table flanked by two grand armchairs; to the south were two more armchairs on either side, with a dark-patterned tea table between them—the furniture suggested the stature of a prominent family. The two sat in the eastern pair of armchairs, leaning forward, drawing close to each other.

"Third Brother, Mother said Elder Brother and his wife have been arguing again?" The gentle maiden, Li Yurong, sighed softly. Li Muzhan nodded,

"Yes, Elder Brother hasn't been home for another month." "Those two..." Li Yurong shook her head lightly. "Even quarreling couples reconcile by bedtime. Second Sister need not worry," Li Muzhan said with a smile. "I think their horoscopes just clash!" Li Yurong sighed, shaking her head. "Oh, right, before I left, Master had a message for you."

"Oh—?"

Li Muzhan’s eyes brightened. Li Yurong pursed her lips into a smile, "Master said your Chanding (Zen Concentration) technique has entered the Fundamental Zen stage, transcending the Desire Realm and entering the Form Realm. Congratulations are in order." Li Muzhan smiled, gazing at her beautiful face. They were extremely close; her skin was like jade, faintly luminous, a clear sign of profound inner cultivation.

"Master praised you profusely," Li Yurong continued, laughing softly, "saying that without guidance, practicing alone, you managed to leave the Desire Realm and reach the initial stage of Zen. Truly, you possess latent wisdom, not a common mortal—you must be a Bodhisattva reborn."

Li Muzhan chuckled, but his heart tightened. This Divine Nun Xueyin’s prowess was indeed formidable. Though he wasn't a Bodhisattva, he was reborn—the greatest secret he had never shared. Once a person holds a secret, they become deep and mature;

his current mindset was even more seasoned than when he was thirty-five. "Did the Reverend Mother say anything else?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile. Li Yurong turned serious, "Master said you shouldn't continue cultivating alone. Once you reach the initial Zen stage, descending further involves endless illusions and countless Yin demons; any slight carelessness can lead to danger." "Hmm..." Li Muzhan mused, nodding, "I feel the same way." Li Yurong's long, perfectly shaped eyebrows knitted together, "Alas... it's a pity Master does not accept male disciples!" "My karmic affinity is insufficient; nothing can be done!" Li Muzhan agreed with a smile. "You're still smiling!" Li Yurong gave him a look,

then pursed her lips, "Master said she could introduce you to the Great Brightness Temple, to become a disciple under Master Xuanguang." Li Muzhan shook his head, "Thank you for the Reverend Mother's kind offer... I wish to join the Mei Estate." "Join the Mei Estate?!"

Li Yurong was puzzled, knitting her brow, "Why join the Mei Estate? ... While the Mei family is a large clan, given your nature, can you serve others?"

When it came to understanding her younger brother, she considered herself foremost; neither their elder brother nor their parents knew him as well.

The third brother was truly an unparalleled genius born with innate knowledge, possessing an intensely proud heart, though it was hidden beneath a gentle and tranquil exterior.

If it weren't for her third brother, she never would have been able to become Master’s disciple. Master was a Divine Nun renowned throughout the world, holding such a revered status that even the Prefect of Jinyang City would bow in greeting. Li Muzhan explained, "I heard from Elder Brother that the Mei Estate possesses a peerless martial art called the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Jingang Buhuai Shengong)." "Indestructible Vajra Divine Art?" Li Yurong looked thoughtful. After a moment of consideration, she slowly said, "I seem to recall Master commenting on this technique..."

"What did the Reverend Mother say?" Li Muzhan inquired with a smile. Li Yurong pondered briefly, "It seems to be an ancient martial art left from a previous dynasty, a technique for achieving a Golden Body to avert calamity. However, apart from the founding monk, Venerable Huiguo, no one in hundreds of years appears to have mastered it... The Mei Estate actually possesses this divine art?" Li Muzhan nodded, "Elder Brother wouldn't lie to me." "But this technique is extremely difficult to practice!" Li Yurong frowned, shaking her head repeatedly. "Even Master said it was difficult; that shows how hard it is... Moreover, there have been countless astonishingly talented individuals over the centuries, yet none succeeded. Even with your intelligence, Third Brother, I fear you might not manage it." "One has to try," Li Muzhan smiled lightly. "Alas... you, you are just too proud!" Li Yurong stared at him for a long time, sighing helplessly. "Fine, I cannot persuade you. But remember, if you fail, leave the Mei Estate and seek Master Xuanguang!" Li Muzhan agreed with a nod.

Footsteps sounded, and a woman with a graceful figure entered. She wore a dress of small, fragmented floral patterns, possessed a snow-white oval face, small cherry lips, a delicately straight nose, and bright eyes, exuding a heartbreakingly moving charm. She smiled gently at the pair, "Little Uncle, Yurong, it’s time to eat." "Sister-in-law, come sit!"

Li Yurong stood up, pulled her over, and pressed her into her own seat, whispering, "Has Elder Brother been throwing a tantrum again?"

"No," the woman hurriedly shook her head, forcing a smile. Li Muzhan glanced fleetingly at her heartbreakingly beautiful face, silently lamenting. Elder Brother was truly strange; to mistreat such a lovely wife, often arguing and staying away, leaving her neglected. Sister-in-law, whose name was Zhao Yiyi, was the daughter of the village landlord, Old Man Zhao—a true pampered young lady. Back then, Sister-in-law defied her family's objections and insisted on marrying Elder Brother, causing a massive stir. She surely never imagined this would be the outcome. "Elder Brother is truly...!" Li Yurong murmured resentfully,

softly comforting her, "Never mind him; he'll certainly come back to his senses eventually!" "Sister-in-law, let's start eating!"

Li Muzhan suggested. "Okay, Little Uncle!" Zhao Yiyi quickly agreed, standing up and hurrying out, as if making an escape. Li Muzhan leaned closer and whispered, "Second Sister, you should just pretend not to know anything."

"Elder Brother is truly going too far!" Li Yurong chastised him. Li Muzhan waved his hand, "Even the clearest official cannot settle family disputes. What happens between a husband and wife is hard for outsiders to judge. Just pretend you don't see it." Li Yurong gave him a look, "You brat, sounding so old and wise, as if you understand everything. Have you gotten yourself a woman?!" "Second Sister, don't speak nonsense,"

Li Muzhan smiled, then stood up and walked to the doorway, taking the wooden tray from Zhao Yiyi’s hands. On the tray were two vegetarian dishes: mushroom-sauce tofu and lotus root with wood ear fungus. Their colors were bright, their aroma tantalizing—truly excellent in appearance, aroma, and taste, making one’s mouth water. Li Yurong came over to help, placing the dishes on the Eight Immortals table on the east side, and smiled, "Third Brother, these are from Chaoran Tower again,

aren't they?" Zhao Yiyi smiled and nodded, "They are indeed what Little Uncle brought back from Chaoran Tower. I could never make dishes look this appealing." Li Yurong said, "Sister-in-law, your cooking is already excellent!...

Third Brother is just overly picky. Among the city's restaurants, only Chaoran Tower's food meets his standards—and your cooking, Sister-in-law." Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, Sister-in-law's skill is no less than Second Sister's." "Aren't I forced to improve by you?!" Li Yurong shot him a look. Li Muzhan chuckled heartily, going out to help bring in the remaining dishes. In a short while, their parents also entered, and the whole family sat down together to begin the meal.

The next day, it began to rain,

and Li Muzhan announced he was heading to Ai Mountain. As soon as he stepped outside, his expression instantly became composed and serious, as if he had transformed into another person. An axe was tucked into his waist, and a length of rope was coiled around it. He proceeded casually. Because of the rain, the villagers stayed indoors and did not come out; he encountered no one and headed directly up Ai Mountain. Ai Mountain was steep and high;

in such rainy weather, the mountain paths immediately became slick, yet he walked as if on flat ground, his mind occupied with his thoughts. The Indestructible Vajra Divine Art—he wanted to cultivate it because he was influenced by his memories of a later era. In that future time,

when he was young, Wuxia novels were wildly popular,

and he had read many. Like other men, he harbored a Wuxia dream. Upon arriving in this world, he realized the dangers inherent in this martial world. Although becoming a monk minimized the danger to the greatest extent,

after encountering bandits previously, he understood one principle: to live freely, Buddhist doctrines alone were insufficient; he needed to practice martial arts. He occasionally heard Elder Brother mention that the Mei Estate possessed the most formidable martial art, the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art, and his heart stirred. In his past life, reading Wuxia novels, he was profoundly impressed by Shaolin's Indestructible Vajra Divine Art and felt deep longing for it. Even knowing this world was different and this technique was not that technique from the novels, he remained irresistibly eager.

He followed the mountain path upward, bypassing Chengjing Temple, instead heading into the valley behind it.

He walked until the very end of the valley, stopping before the sheer rock face.

He pushed aside a curtain of green vines, revealing a cave entrance, tall enough for a man to pass through. Inside, it was a circular stone chamber, quite spacious,

extending about ten meters from the entrance to the innermost part. He lit a torch, illuminating the cavern. The cave was bare, containing only a simple wooden bed with nothing laid upon it. By the head of the bed stood a pitch-black iron rod, and jutting from a wooden board were a row of throwing knives. The iron rod was as thick as an infant’s arm and about a forearm’s length—more like an iron pestle.

The dozen or so throwing knives were lodged in the wood, gleaming coldly in the torchlight, their spacing identical, perfectly aligned, and quite striking to behold.