The four men exchanged a glance with Li Muzhan and smiled in unison.

Li Muzhan remained motionless, his eyes slightly lowered, bearing a solemn and dignified appearance, like a Buddha statue in a temple, possessing an extraordinary bearing.

He was perfectly aware of the outside disturbances, yet he let them pass through him like water over bluestone, never lingering in his mind, focusing solely on the circulation of internal energy within his meridians.

He practiced the Six Volumes of True Sutras, and although the speed of his inner force cultivation far surpassed that of ordinary people, he still needed arduous effort to keep pace with the progress of his Eldest Martial Brother; time was precious.

Though he had emerged from seclusion, his spirit remained enclosed, paying no heed to external affairs, concerned only with cultivation; even situated in this bustling location, he maintained a focused mind and unwavering composure, concentrating entirely on his practice.

Jin Kaitai stood upon the platform, slightly hunched, resembling a massive black bear looking down upon the multitude with an imposing and severe gaze.

His eyes flickered, subtly catching a crystalline glint: "Good, this minor tournament begins at Yaoguang Courtyard...

Gong Qingyun, ascend!" From the crowd, a cloud of white mist slowly rose, drifting lazily onto the high platform where Gong Qingyun materialized, clad in white, exhibiting a captivating grace yet wearing an expression as cold as frost. "Good—!" The crowd roared in acclamation, interspersed with the delicate chirps of women's voices, the triumphant cheers of the young women from Yaoguang Courtyard.

However, those from Tianshu Courtyard remained utterly still, wearing odd, knowing smiles.

Yu Chi Ming chuckled, "This little girl's lightness skill has improved even more.

It seems the Fifth Junior Brother truly spurred her on!" "Indeed!" Cheng Xiaofeng nodded, his smile fading, replaced by a grave expression.

Jin Kaitai extended his hand: "Hand it over!" Gong Qingyun offered the round wooden token with both hands.

Jin Kaitai glanced at it and announced loudly, "Tianxuan Courtyard, Ding Huanming!" The crowd immediately looked around in confusion.

A young man in black emerged from the Tianxuan Courtyard section with a distressed look, lifting his head and cupping his hands: "Yes!" He pushed off with his legs and shot upward, landing lightly on the platform, bowing: "Senior Sister Gong, I seek your instruction!" "Less talk, show me your move!" Gong Qingyun dipped her head slightly, speaking indifferently, without even looking at him, her gaze fixed instead on Li Muzhan below the platform.

The moment her clear, slightly husky voice sounded, the surrounding air seemed to chill noticeably.

Standing on the platform, her white robes flowing, her eyes were locked onto Li Muzhan, but Li Muzhan below the stage kept his eyes slightly lowered, like an old monk deep in meditation, utterly still.

Helpless, her expression grew colder and colder.

Seeing Gong Qingyun's icy face, the young man's own expression soured further.

He gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and lunged, hoping to gain an advantage while Gong Qingyun was distracted.

A sudden flash of pure light erupted, like a waterfall descending from the sky.

With a sharp clang, the young man’s long sword flew from his grasp, and his body was sent tumbling far down into the crowd below.

Retracting her gaze from Li Muzhan, Gong Qingyun spared a quick glance at the young man amidst the onlookers, then drifted down slowly, returning to the throng of Yaoguang Courtyard. "Well done, as expected of Qingyun!" Jin Kaitai chuckled heartily, then stated in a deep voice, "Next, Fang Xiuxiu of Yaoguang Courtyard!" "I'm coming!" In a voice sweet as honey, a young girl leaped onto the high platform, clad in a moon-white silk shirt, radiantly beautiful—it was the Xiuxiu who had sparred with Li Muzhan before.

Before Jin Kaitai could speak, she sweetly handed over the round token.

Jin Kaitai scanned it and announced gravely, "Song Chaoyang of Kaiyang Courtyard!" Another young man sprang onto the stage, handsome and possessing an uncommon aura.

Upon reaching the platform, neither exchanged pleasantries; they immediately drew their swords to fight.

Such scenes were familiar to them, having experienced many; there was no need for conversation, only for deciding the victor.

Miss Xiuxiu’s sword techniques were exquisitely subtle, while the young man Song Chaoyang favored heavy power.

After battling for over a hundred exchanges, Miss Xiuxiu proved slightly superior and ultimately won.

Subsequently, the contest proceeded like a revolving lantern—people ascended and descended ceaselessly, match following match.

While there was plenty of excitement, the intensity was lacking.

Li Muzhan kept his eyes slightly closed, ignoring it all.

Jin Kaitai remained standing, his eyes sharp and penetrating, like an eagle or a falcon, akin to an arrow nocked and ready on the bowstring, poised to launch.

The four women, including Mei Ruolan, were seated behind him.

Her expression was peaceful, her eyes distant, hazy as mist or smoke, watching the arena lightly, occasionally glancing toward the spectators below.

The bright sunlight warmed her skin, making her feel languid and ready to doze off, yet everyone in the audience below seemed full of spirit and vigor, each feeling that the Eldest Miss was watching them specifically.

Li Mufeng’s expression was stern and focused; he stared only at the ongoing fights, never sparing Li Muzhan a glance, as if they were strangers.

As the matches wore on, two hours vanished swiftly.

The sun climbed to its zenith, and the daylight grew scorching. "Ping Sihai of Tianji Courtyard!" Following Jin Kaitai’s robust shout, a youth from Tianji Courtyard mounted the platform, offering the wooden token with a troubled face.

Jin Kaitai broke into a smile: "Zhanran of Tianshu Courtyard!" The crowd below felt a surge of excitement, and the four figures on stage also brightened, turning their gaze toward Tianshu Courtyard.

Li Muzhan remained with closed eyes, breathing steadily, still and immovable as a statue of the Buddha. "Fifth Junior Brother!" Yu Chi Ming quickly whispered.

Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes; the pupils were clear and bright, like the surface of a clear lake illuminated by the sun.

That clarity quickly receded, and his eyes returned to normal.

He released his hand seal, slowly stood up, and a series of crackling sounds echoed from his joints.

With a gentle step, he moved forward. "Whoosh!" He lifted his left foot, instantly darting forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, appearing on the platform in a blink.

He clasped his hands in a salute: "Senior Brother Ping, I greet you!" Jin Kaitai’s eyes widened.

He swept his gaze over Li Muzhan, thinking to himself: To achieve this level with Floating Light, Fleeting Shadow in just one month—this boy is truly a genius! Although Floating Light, Fleeting Shadow boasts supreme speed, its internal methods are intricate and impractical.

No one in the Mei family practiced it.

The other four members of Tianshu Courtyard practiced Cloud Dragon Nine Appearances, whose methods are simpler yet exquisitely profound; though not as swift as Floating Light, Fleeting Shadow, it is not far behind. "Junior Brother Zhanran, please grant me your instruction!" Ping Sihai sighed, his face drawn. "Please—!" Li Muzhan smiled faintly.

Ping Sihai took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Li Muzhan as he slowly drew his sword, settling into a ready stance.

He instantly seemed transformed, his presence powerful and vast as the wind.

Li Muzhan’s smile remained unchanged.

He adopted the starting posture of the Plum Blossom Twelve Swords and watched him silently. "See my move!" Ping Sihai roared, and two illusory blossoms formed at his sword tip, drifting elegantly toward Li Muzhan—bold and dashing in execution.

The vital points of Huagai and Zhongfu tingled slightly.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, his wrist flickered, and immediately a sky full of cold light enveloped Ping Sihai, resembling hundreds of silver needles.

Clang, clang, clang, clang...

A rapid series of crisp sounds like rain hitting banana leaves.

Li Muzhan took a step back, flicked his sword once, then sheathed it with fluid ease, before clasping his hands in a bow: "Senior Brother Ping, I thank you for your guidance!" Ping Sihai stood stunned, the mighty aura that surrounded him dissipating.

A moment later, he slowly, painstakingly slid his sword back into its sheath, cupping his hands with a wry smile: "Junior Brother Zhanran truly lives up to his fame.

I willingly concede defeat!" With that, he leaped down and retreated back into the Tianji Courtyard crowd.

The spectators were utterly bewildered, turning to discuss among themselves.

What was that? The winner was decided without a clear conclusion? What exactly happened? Someone turned and asked, "Senior Brother Ping, where did you lose?" Ping Sihai shook his head with a bitter smile, extending his right hand.

It was trembling incessantly.

He sighed, "Had he sent one more strike, my sword would have been sent flying." The crowd understood immediately.

One person murmured quietly, "Zhanran's immense strength is indeed real." Li Muzhan saluted the five men on the stage with clasped hands, stepped sideways, and instantly swept back into the ranks of Tianshu Courtyard.

The four from Tianshu Courtyard maintained normal expressions, only smiling and patting his shoulder.

Not long after Li Muzhan returned, it was the turn of Tianshu Courtyard.

First Zhao Yuzhen, then He Nanshan, Cheng Xiaofeng, and Yu Chi Ming.

Zhao Yuzhen faced a disciple from Kaiyang Courtyard; He Nanshan faced Yaoguang Courtyard; Cheng Xiaofeng faced Tianxuan Courtyard; and Yu Chi Ming also faced Kaiyang Courtyard.

All won with ease.

Finally, it was Li Muzhan’s turn.

Jin Kaitai’s booming voice announced: "Zhanran of Tianshu Courtyard!" Li Muzhan stepped forward, employing Floating Light, Fleeting Shadow.

His grey monastic robes billowed as he arrived on stage to present the wooden token to Jin Kaitai.

Jin Kaitai glanced at it, his gaze falling upon the Yaoguang Courtyard section below.

He spoke in a deep voice: "Fang Xiuxiu of Yaoguang Courtyard!" The area below immediately buzzed with discussion.

Zhao Yuzhen and the other three shook their heads and smiled; this match was clearly unnecessary.

From below came Gong Qingyun's sharp cry: "Yaoguang Courtyard forfeits!" "Truly forfeits?" Jin Kaitai asked sternly, his expression darkening.

Gong Qingyun stood beside Fang Xiuxiu, tightly clutching her small hand, her cherry lips pressed together, and whispered a single word: "Yes!" "Good, Fang Xiuxiu is disqualified from the next round!" Jin Kaitai nodded.

Fang Xiuxiu stomped her foot, helpless, her sweet little face full of reluctance.

Standing on the platform, Jin Kaitai, vibrant with energy, announced loudly: "Two rounds are complete.

The ranking contests will take place this afternoon.

You may disperse!" With that, he waved his hand, ignoring the crowd, and turned directly toward Mei Ruolan, smiling respectfully: "Eldest Miss, how are these youngsters?" Mei Ruolan’s eyes were distant, her expression dignified and placid.

She dipped her head lightly: "Not bad.

Their progress is considerable." Jin Kaitai chuckled: "Since Zhanran arrived, they have all been highly motivated! ...Steward Li, you have a very capable younger brother!" Li Mufeng, who had kept a straight face all morning, allowed a slight smile to surface: "It is all thanks to Commander Jin's diligent efforts." "He is a rare genius; it has little to do with me!" Jin Kaitai laughed heartily.

Though outwardly humble, he could not conceal a smug look.

Mei Ruolan stated mildly: "We shall see how he performs this afternoon." Saying this, she stood up, accompanied by Little Yuan, and descended from the high platform, leaving in a leisurely and composed manner, yet her pace was surprisingly fast, vanishing in a flash.

Only then did the assembled crowd disperse and depart.

Li Muzhan, along with Zhao Yuzhen and the others, left the training ground and returned to Tianshu Courtyard.

Along the way, they attracted countless gazes—envy, jealousy, adoration, and many other emotions—a clear testament to the complexity of human hearts.

He lowered his eyelids, slowly walking while turning his prayer beads, utterly ignoring the looks cast his way, his demeanor serene and composed, his grey robe flowing, presenting the air of an accomplished, high-ranking monk.

Yu Chi Ming laughed heartily: "Fifth Junior Brother, you are famous this time!" Li Muzhan smiled faintly but said nothing, continuing his slow walk while turning the beads. "Alright, Fourth Junior Brother, stop crowding him!" Zhao Yuzhen shot him a glare and snorted sternly: "Fifth Junior Brother keeps a low profile; they find him mysterious now, but once they get used to him, it will pass." He Nanshan smiled slyly and asked, "Fifth Junior Brother, facing Gong Qingyun this afternoon, do you have a chance of winning?" Li Muzhan paused his prayer beads, shaking his head: "Senior Sister Gong has improved further than before; I am not confident." "Gong Qingyun has improved, but your progress is even greater!" Cheng Xiaofeng remarked with a smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled faintly, saying no more.

Everything would be clear by the afternoon.

After lunch, Li Muzhan sat in meditation to regulate his breathing and conserve energy for the afternoon's duels.

The morning had been uneventful, eliminating nearly two-thirds of the participants; the main event was reserved for the afternoon.