Li Muzhan asked, "Our Mei Manor possesses the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art, is that true?" "Yes, it is," Jin Kaitai nodded.

"But why do you wish to practice this technique?" "It sounds like a supreme Buddhist art," Li Muzhan replied. Jin Kaitai looked at him—the gray monk's robes, the purple prayer beads, the gleaming tonsure—and assumed that hearing of a Buddhist technique would naturally appeal to him. Jin Kaitai sighed,

"Ah... Listen to my advice and choose something else. How about the Shaoyang True Scripture? It focuses purely on the Shaoyang Meridian and possesses tremendous power.

Your Eldest Senior Brother practices the Shaoyang True Scripture." Li Muzhan smiled, "I still want to practice the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art." Jin Kaitai frowned deeply, took a long breath, and patiently stated in a gentle tone, "Zhanran, this technique sounds fearsome, but it is far more difficult to master than the Tianyuan Breathing Method... Rumor has it that no one has ever succeeded in practicing it except the one who created it."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Commander, I wish to try. If I cannot succeed, I will change to something else." His demeanor was calm, his gaze unwavering. Jin Kaitai looked at him with a frown, sighed, and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it! Since you are so determined, I won't waste my breath arguing! ...However,

the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art is the supreme guardian technique of the Mei Manor. You have only just arrived and are not yet qualified to practice it!" "How does one qualify?" Li Muzhan inquired. Just as Jin Kaitai was about to speak, he suddenly turned toward the courtyard entrance. Footsteps approached, and He Nanshan, Cheng Xiaofeng,

and Yu Chi Ming entered, all limping. Their faces were bruised and swollen, blood trickled from the corners of their mouths, and their clothes were torn, suggesting they had just survived a major battle. "Oh?

What happened to the three of you?" Jin Kaitai asked with a grin. Li Muzhan rose slightly,

cupped his hands in a salute, "Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother." "Fifth Junior Brother, no need for such ceremony," He Nanshan returned the salute, appearing composed with a slight smile, seemingly unconcerned by his own disheveled state.

Li Muzhan smiled, secretly admiring his Second Senior Brother's extraordinary bearing. Cheng Xiaofeng managed a wry smile, which pulled at a cut on his cheek, causing him to wince in pain. "Fifth Junior Brother,

seeing us like this is truly embarrassing!" Yu Chi Ming was entirely unconcerned, declaring loudly, "What is there to be ashamed of! Fifth Junior Brother is not an outsider!"

Li Muzhan asked gently, "What happened?" Jin Kaitai smiled broadly, "No need to ask, it must have been Qingyun, right?"

"Who else could it be?!"

Yu Chi Ming retorted unhappily. Though their acquaintance was brief, Li Muzhan could tell this Fourth Senior Brother was a straightforward fellow who dared to say whatever was on his mind. "You three..." Jin Kaitai shook his head, displaying an expression of profound disappointment. Yu Chi Ming glared, booming,

"Hmph! It's all your fault, Commander, for making us practice that confounded Tianyuan Breathing Method! Otherwise, how could we have lost face like this!"

Jin Kaitai was not angered, merely laughing and chastising him, "Impudent brat, you don't recognize a good intention when you see one!" "Fourth Senior Brother, say less!" He Nanshan rebuked. Yu Chi Ming pouted, shooting Jin Kaitai a resentful glance, still clearly dissatisfied,

but held his tongue. Ignoring him, Jin Kaitai turned, "Zhanran, later I will teach you the Twelve Plum Blossom Swords." "Yes, I will trouble the Commander," Li Muzhan nodded lightly. Jin Kaitai waved his hand, smiling as he assessed the trio, "You three hurry up and apply medicine. Qingyun strikes hard; if you delay, you’ll suffer for it!" With that, he turned and walked out with a smile,

his broad frame moving with surprising lightness. "Hmph!" Yu Chi Ming maintained a grim face, resentful. He Nanshan said sternly, "Fourth Senior Brother, have some respect!" Yu Chi Ming pursed his lips, while He Nanshan turned to Li Muzhan with a smile, "Fifth Junior Brother, this is your room; everything has been arranged!"

Saying this, he pointed towards the western wing. Li Muzhan thanked him with cupped hands and immediately inquired about the situation. "Heh, don't even mention it, it makes us blush!" Yu Chi Ming waved his hand, his round face genuinely reddening. He Nanshan pointed south, "Sit down and talk."

The four moved to the covered walkway. The lake water shimmered, and a cool breeze carrying the moisture of the water swept over them, refreshing and pleasant.

"Alas... Fifth Junior Brother is family, so there's no need to hide anything," He Nanshan sighed, offering a bitter smile. "Of the seven courtyards in the Mei Manor, our Tianshu Courtyard holds a transcendent status and is quite prestigious, but the most formidable person here is not from our courtyard!" "Oh—?" Li Muzhan sounded surprised, raising an eyebrow with a smile,

"Aren't the disciples of the Tianshu Courtyard the ones with the best aptitude?" "Alas, what use is good aptitude!" Yu Chi Ming grumbled resentfully, "A great master produces great disciples! It's all the Commander's fault for making us cultivate that rubbish Tianyuan Breathing Method!" "Fourth Senior Brother, stop bringing that up again! If you anger the Commander, you'll be the one who suffers!" Cheng Xiaofeng shook his head, clearly disapproving. He was always cool and detached; Li Muzhan could sense his inherent arrogance. "I feel resentful, and I can't just keep it bottled up inside!" Yu Chi Ming snorted. He Nanshan glanced at him, "The Commander had good intentions; you understand that too, don't you!" His glance, though seemingly mild, carried considerable authority. Yu Chi Ming pouted but did not argue, merely turning his head to look into the distance. He Nanshan sighed again, "We can't entirely blame Fourth Senior Brother for being angry. Gong Qingyun has given us trouble quite a bit these past two years; it truly is stifling!" "Yesterday, Third Senior Brother and Fourth Senior Brother were defeated by two people.

It turns out those two had some connection with the Yaoguang Courtyard, and today Gong Qingyun came looking for us," He Nanshan sighed bitterly, shaking his head.

"Is Gong Qingyun that formidable?"

Li Muzhan assessed the three of them. This was one against three. Yu Chi Ming declared loudly, "Hmph, the three of us together can certainly defeat her!"

"I wouldn't do such a thing!" Cheng Xiaofeng shot him a sideways glance. Yu Chi Ming chuckled and scratched his head, "I was just saying, so Fifth Junior Brother doesn't misunderstand!" He Nanshan shook his head, "Fourth Senior Brother is always complaining about the Commander, but it really isn't the Commander's fault. We can only blame Gong Qingyun for being lucky enough to gain the Elder Miss's favor and be taught the Yaoguang Sword Art!"

"The Yaoguang Sword Art?" Li Muzhan's spirit lifted. The other three also had bright looks in their eyes. Yu Chi Ming huffed, "If I had cultivated the Yaoguang Sword Art, who would Gong Qingyun be!" "Is the Yaoguang Sword Art very powerful?" Li Muzhan asked. "Powerful? More than just powerful!" Yu Chi Ming's eyes gleamed as he boomed, "The Yaoguang Sword Art is the guardian sword art of the Yaoguang Courtyard. It can only be cultivated after reaching the fifth level of the Taiyin True Scripture!" He Nanshan added, "Gong Qingyun was the earliest to cultivate the Yaoguang Sword Art, and now she has no match among the seven courtyards—even the Eldest Senior Brother is a step behind." Yu Chi Ming muttered resentfully, "Hmph, Eldest Senior Brother is about to cultivate the Tianshu Sword Art! By then, we'll certainly teach that wretched girl a lesson!" "Girl?" Li Muzhan paused in surprise, then realized. Recalling Jin Kaitai's introduction, the Yaoguang Courtyard consisted only of female disciples, so Gong Qingyun was naturally female. Yu Chi Ming’s round face flushed, and he chuckled, nervously averting his gaze from Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan quickly asked, "How does the Tianshu Sword Art compare to the Yaoguang Sword Art?" Cheng Xiaofeng offered a slight smile, "Of the Seven Heavenly Gang Swords, six have roughly similar power; only the Tianshu Sword Art is superior." He smiled, "Eldest Senior Brother will soon be practicing the Tianshu Sword Art, and then he will surely vent his frustration!" He Nanshan shook his head and sighed, "Difficult!... Gong Qingyun is not cultivating the Taiyin True Scripture, but the Taiqing True Scripture taught by the Elder Miss." Cheng Xiaofeng and Yu Chi Ming's complexions changed simultaneously, and they fell silent.

Li Muzhan glanced over, understanding that the Taiqing True Scripture was no minor matter. As for the Mei Manor's Elder Miss, he had heard his Eldest Brother mention her name—Mei Ruolan. He Nanshan waved his hand,

"Enough, let's not talk about her!... Fifth Junior Brother has just joined the courtyard; Gong Qingyun is proud and arrogant, she won't seek trouble." Yu Chi Ming pouted, "Hmph, I doubt she dares. If she angers Deputy Steward Li, she won't have an easy time!" Li Muzhan smiled; it seemed they knew about his Eldest Brother. He Nanshan chuckled, "Fifth Junior Brother, Deputy Steward Li is just and upright; we have always respected him!" Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "My Eldest Brother's temperament is rather rigid; he has likely offended quite a few people." "How could he not offend people? However, with the Second Young Master backing him, there's no need to worry," He Nanshan said with a smile. He looked at Li Muzhan and added, "I heard Fifth Junior Brother possesses prodigious strength—a cause for celebration! ...As long as you learn the sword arts well, you will establish yourself here!" Cheng Xiaofeng said with a smile, "Fifth Junior Brother, in my opinion, you don't need to rush the internal cultivation; the third level of the Tianyuan Breathing Method is a joke. You should focus on learning the Twelve Plum Blossom Swords first, and then select a powerful sword art. That will be sufficient for self-preservation!" "Yes, that path is good," He Nanshan agreed.

The four sat in the covered walkway talking, the atmosphere harmonious, time slipping by unnoticed until Jin Kaitai reappeared. He carried a long sword, glared sternly at the four, but said nothing. He merely beckoned to Li Muzhan and turned to walk out.

Li Muzhan saluted the three with cupped hands, smiled, and followed Jin Kaitai out of the small courtyard. The two stopped beneath a willow tree by the lake. Breezes gusted, the willow branches swayed gracefully, and a faint, crisp laughter drifted from afar, seemingly from a painted boat. Jin Kaitai fixed his gaze on Li Muzhan and stated in a heavy voice,

"Zhanran, you must never tell anyone that you have succeeded in practicing the Tianyuan Breathing Method." Li Muzhan glanced at him and nodded gently. Jin Kaitai sighed,

"It's best kept buried in your heart! ...Alas, this is my fault too! They toiled in cultivation for eight years; Yuzhen persisted for ten years, only to ultimately give up. Such pain, such unwillingness, yet they had no choice!... Yet you mastered it overnight. If they find out, they might not be able to bear it..."

"Yes, Commander, I understand," Li Muzhan smiled. "Good! I will teach you the Twelve Plum Blossom Swords today." Jin Kaitai said, drawing his sword. He flicked the blade, conjuring a pear blossom in the air—exceedingly beautiful. His physique was like that of a black bear, his limbs a full circle larger than an average man's,

yet he held the sword as lightly as if grasping a needle for embroidery. "The Twelve Plum Blossom Swords is the simplest set of techniques, suitable for beginners, but simple does not mean lacking in power. Do not underestimate it!" Jin Kaitai instructed.

"Yes, Commander," Li Muzhan nodded lightly, studying the gleaming longsword. Over the years, he had persistently practiced with flying daggers and an iron rod—one for long range, one for close combat—but he had never practiced the sword. Anyone who practiced the sword would possess certain telltale characteristics, easily recognized by a discerning eye, which would raise suspicion. The rod and dagger he practiced in seclusion were solely for delivering a decisive, unexpected strike when needed. Otherwise, in a straight fight, he simply could not defeat those who practiced martial arts openly. With his Eldest Brother, Li Mufeng,

at the Mei Manor, obtaining a longsword was not difficult for Li Muzhan, yet he had rigorously suppressed the urge, choosing the iron rod over the sword. Jin Kaitai's sword was about three feet long, longer than most swords. Noticing Li Muzhan staring at the blade, Jin Kaitai handed it over casually, saying with a smile, "You just arrived; use a standard sword for now. We'll have someone measure you later, and you can carry your own in a couple of days."

Li Muzhan took the longsword, lifting it to examine it. A faint chill wafted towards him. The blade was mirror-bright, reflecting the outline of his face. If one looked closely, one could discern fine, layered striations like fish scales, exuding an aura of exquisite craftsmanship. "What a beautiful sword!" Li Muzhan exclaimed, flicking the blade lightly with his finger. Zeng... A clear, lingering chime echoed.

Jin Kaitai grinned, "Heh heh, this is a Fish Scale Sword; it is exceptionally resilient. You may earn one like this as a reward for future accomplishments." He extended his right palm. "We will go one move at a time; we'll practice one stance per day." Li Muzhan nodded and returned the sword with both hands.

Jin Kaitai took the sword back and began to move. His movements were extremely slow, resembling late-period Tai Chi swordplay. He shifted his feet, turned his waist, his gaze following the blade. Every motion was perfectly distinct. He demonstrated three times, then rested the sword. He beckoned. "Zhanran, you try now." Li Muzhan nodded slowly, accepting the sword slowly. He stood still, motionless, his eyes flickering, his expression distant, as if his spirit had wandered beyond the clouds. Jin Kaitai frowned, sensing his inattention, but refrained from reprimanding him.

Zhanran was no ordinary person and should not be treated ordinarily. Li Muzhan stood for a long moment, then his spirit suddenly soared, as if returning to his body. His eyes brightened like the nearby lake, and the longsword began to move slowly. His movements were clumsy and slow. He turned haltingly, sometimes pausing to think before continuing.

It was disjointed, stumbling, and extremely awkward. When Jin Kaitai demonstrated, his movements, though slow, were expansive and graceful, blending hardness and softness. Even with his bear-like build, he exuded a sense of elegance. Li Muzhan’s practice possessed no trace of beauty whatsoever; it was so clumsy it was painful to watch. However, Jin Kaitai's eyes widened, staring intently at him, unblinking, like a hungry wolf spotting mutton. Li Muzhan finally completed the sequence and immediately started again. This second attempt was slightly better; he no longer paused to think. Though still awkward, the movements flowed together consecutively. Then, he performed the third repetition. This time, several errors were corrected, and the execution was smoother, taking less time. "Good!" As Li Muzhan finished, Jin Kaitai applauded without hesitation. Li Muzhan let out a long breath, his face slightly pale. He carefully returned the sword to Jin Kaitai and said with a wry smile, "Commander, I am too slow-witted; I didn't learn this stance well." "Slow-witted—?" Jin Kaitai’s eyes popped open, then he let out a bitter laugh. "If you are slow-witted, then there are no clever people left in this world! ...Heh heh, naive child, these are twelve stances, not just one!" "So that is how it is," Li Muzhan smiled.

He had been so focused on memorizing the sword forms, so absorbed in meticulously recording the information, that he had no capacity for other thoughts. Now that he paused, he understood; he had made a blunder, thinking such complex motions were just a single stance, when in fact, it constituted the entire set. He was more concerned now with his own peculiar state. Normally, his mind-lake was clear, his spirit tranquil, and his intellect sharp, with a good memory, but he could not achieve total recall. Today, something strange was happening. As soon as Jin Kaitai began demonstrating the sword art, his mind immediately calmed, external distractions vanished, and he focused entirely on memorization. He had noticed this morning that his mind felt exceptionally clear and fluid, and this experience was even deeper now. Jin Kaitai's movements were instantly etched into his mind;

upon reflection, they were perfectly vivid. He had a feeling that his brain had transformed into a computer from a later era, directly recording Jin Kaitai’s demonstration. However, since this was his first time practicing swordsmanship, clarity in his mind did not translate to smooth execution of movements. His meditative skill was profound, granting him superior control over his body compared to ordinary people, yet even so, performing the Twelve Plum Blossom Swords still appeared clumsy.