Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “Which sect do they belong to?”
Xiao Yuan shot him a sidelong glance. “How would I know! Why don’t you go ask?”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile, picked up his silver cup, took a small sip of wine, and looked over. His gaze immediately met a pair of eyes as clear as autumn water—they belonged to one of the women.
This woman was tall and gracefully slender. As her eyes met Li Muzhan’s, she turned away coolly, leading the other five women to a table opposite his, where they sat down.
A faint, delicate fragrance drifted to his nose. Li Muzhan secretly admired her poise; such grace was truly captivating, enough to stir the heart even of a Willow-Hui hermit.
His fanciful thoughts instantly dissolved. He felt a chill; these six women were all armed, clearly skilled in martial arts. Especially the woman just now—her eyes were bright, reserved, yet deep, clearly indicating profound internal energy cultivated to the stage of complete concealment. He was far inferior to her.
Xiao Yuan snorted softly and shifted to Li Muzhan’s left side.
Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile, setting down the silver cup. “Xiao Yuan, are there no blacksmiths in the city?”
Xiao Yuan shook her head. “Yes, there are. I found one, and his craft is decent, but he can’t finish casting them until tomorrow at the earliest. Each sword needs to weigh a hundred jin. Can he manage that?”
“A hundred jin,” Li Muzhan murmured, “a little light.”
Xiao Yuan argued, “Any heavier and it will be too tiring for you to carry all the time, won’t it?”
Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. “You’ve certainly thought things through!”
“Of course!” Xiao Yuan huffed, tossing her head back proudly.
She noticed Li Muzhan sipping his lips casually, looking relaxed and content. She poured herself a cup of wine and took a tentative lick, immediately sticking out her tongue. She quickly grabbed several dishes and began devouring them voraciously.
Finally subdued, she let out a long sigh, patted her prominent chest, and complained, “What’s so good about this stuff? It’s burning hot!”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “It stings at first, but you get used to it. Then you start to feel invigorated!”
“I can’t stand it, I can’t stand it! This is pure self-inflicted torture!” Xiao Bai shook her head repeatedly.
While speaking with Xiao Yuan, Li Muzhan kept the women across the way in his peripheral vision.
The six women sat around their table, and one of them ordered several dishes, reciting them like familiar friends. Her voice was slightly husky, imbued with a magnetic quality—that single sexy tone held the power to bewitch the soul.
The woman continued, “Master, are you sure the one surnamed Feng is taking this road?”
“Yes, no mistake,” a crisp voice answered.
Judging by their voices, the disciple sounded older than the master.
Xiao Yuan glanced over curiously, but Li Muzhan kept his head down. It was common in the martial world for disciples to surpass their masters; strength dictated respect, and the accomplished were revered as teachers.
The crisp voice stated coolly, “This time, no matter what, we cannot let Feng Junsheng escape!”
“Ah?” Xiao Yuan gasped softly.
Li Muzhan looked up and quickly signaled with his eyes. Xiao Yuan covered her mouth with her small hand, widening her bright eyes in a feigned expression of shock.
At that moment, the six women nearby all looked over.
Li Muzhan boomed, “If you can’t handle the wine, then don’t drink it. Did you choke? Why is a young lady drinking alcohol!”
Saying that, he patted her back with his left hand to help her regain her breath.
“Ah!” Xiao Yuan’s bright eyes flickered, and she cried out again, sounding like a hiccup.
Li Muzhan smiled; the little imp was quick-witted. He patted her delicate back and joked, “How about another sip to push that feeling down?” Xiao Yuan quickly shook her head. “No, I don’t want any more!”—and let out another hiccup.
She burst into giggles, finding the situation amusing, her innocent and lively nature fully exposed.
Li Muzhan shot her a look, shaking his head with a wry smile. This girl truly didn’t know how dangerous the situation was; these women were no pushovers—they were dangerous figures.
The noise at the adjacent table quieted, and then one of the women approached. “Young little master,” she said calmly, “my Master requests your presence.”
Li Muzhan looked up and met a pair of alluring, almond-shaped eyes.
Her phoenix eyes were long and watery, carrying a hint of seduction, yet her gaze was cold, keeping him miles away. So close now, he could vaguely make out her features.
Li Muzhan paused, standing up, and pointed to himself. “Young lady, are you calling me?”
“Indeed. Please come,” the young woman said flatly.
Her voice was husky, low, and provocative—it was the same person who had spoken moments earlier.
Xiao Yuan sprang up instantly, pouting petulantly. “Who are you?”
The young woman spared Xiao Yuan a brief glance before turning her bright eyes back to Li Muzhan, staring at him without speaking.
Xiao Yuan grew annoyed, turning away with a huff. “I’m not going!”
Li Muzhan waved his hand, speaking gently. “Xiao Yuan, sit down first. I’ll go over and offer my greetings.”
“Zhanran!” Xiao Yuan whined coquettishly.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Calm yourself for a moment.”
With that, he left his seat and walked to the other table. Fragrance enveloped him, the atmosphere becoming enchanting.
He cupped his hands together, bowing to the woman seated directly facing the south. “This humble monk, Zhanran, pays his respects.”
This woman’s eyes were as clear as water, carrying a faint air of authority. Her well-defined eyebrows sloped sharply toward her temples, full of martial spirit. She exuded a sense of maturity; she was no mere girl.
“Little master, please sit,” she said casually, gesturing him forward while remaining seated herself.
A young woman gracefully stood up and shifted slightly to the side, vacating a space directly opposite the mature woman.
Li Muzhan sat down with a smile, his gaze slowly sweeping over the women. Except for the speaker, the other five were young, about the same age as Xiao Yuan.
The veil was as thin as a cicada’s wing. So close, although he couldn't see their skin clearly, he could discern their features—all were beauties.
Seeing so many beauties gathered was truly a rare event.
Throughout the entire Mei Manor, there were few comparable beauties: Mei Ruolan, Xiao Yuan, Gong Qingyun, and Mei Ruonan; the rest, like Xiuxiu and the others, only possessed moderate looks, not true beauty.
“May I inquire as to your name, Miss?” Li Muzhan asked, hands clasped.
“My surname is Lin, my given name is Qiongying,” the woman stated calmly. Her bright eyes suddenly sharpened, piercing his like needles, seemingly intent on seeing through his very soul.
Her face was long, her features deeply contoured, resembling a modern mixed-race woman, possessing a captivating aura.
“So, it is Miss Lin. I beg your pardon for my rudeness,” Li Muzhan returned the greeting with a smile, remaining perfectly calm.
Lin Qiongying frowned, feeling as if her punch had landed on empty air; she could not discern Li Muzhan’s true depth.
She asked softly, “May I ask where the little master’s home is, and where you hail from? Are you a monastic?”
Li Muzhan let out a hearty laugh. This was clearly an interrogation.
Lin Qiongying frowned at him, her delicate brows revealing displeasure.
“Insolence!” a woman to his left snapped. Her white gauze robes fluttered without wind as she instinctively reached for her sword hilt.
Xiao Yuan rushed to Li Muzhan’s back, whining petulantly, “Who are you to be so rude!”
“Xiao Yuan, calm down,” Li Muzhan waved his hand, his laughter receding. He shook his head. “Although this monk took vows, he engages with the world. I am currently a disciple of the Mei family in Jinyang City.”
“Jinyang City? The Mei family?” Lin Qiongying murmured, looking toward the other five women.
One of them piped up, “Master, I think I’ve heard of it... somewhere in Haidong Province—I don’t recall what about the Mei family!”
“Does the little master know Feng Junsheng?” Lin Qiongying asked calmly.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Though I haven’t met him, he is an enemy.”
“Oh?” Lin Qiongying’s elegant eyebrows lifted, a half-smile playing on her lips.
Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head. “I killed Feng Shangkun.”
“You killed Feng Shangkun?” Lin Qiongying exclaimed in surprise. Then she added, “A monk cannot kill. When did you do it?”
Li Muzhan replied, “About ten days ago.”
“No wonder,” Lin Qiongying studied him, her expression a mixture of smile and suspicion. “I heard that brat Feng Shangkun surpassed his predecessors, possessing divine archery skills. Can the little master really have killed him?”
“Pure luck,” Li Muzhan smiled.
Xiao Yuan glared at Lin Qiongying, clearly feeling indignant, but she kept silent.
Lin Qiongying glanced at Xiao Yuan and smiled slightly. “Little master, we also hold a grudge against Feng Junsheng, and we are here to kill him.”
“What a coincidence,” Li Muzhan clapped his hands, laughing.
“Indeed, what a coincidence!” Lin Qiongying said with a knowing smile. “How about we join forces for this endeavor?”
Li Muzhan smiled broadly. “That would be wonderful. To travel with Miss Lin and listen to your profound counsel would be a blessing for three lifetimes!”
“Zhanran—?” Xiao Yuan couldn’t help herself and tugged at his sleeve.
Li Muzhan pretended not to hear and continued smiling. “I still haven't had the honor of asking, Miss Lin, which sect are you a disciple of?”
“The Jade Immortal Sect,” Lin Qiongying replied serenely.
Li Muzhan chuckled lightly, then turned to look at Xiao Yuan, whose curved eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Lin Qiongying smiled faintly. “Our sect is obscure; it’s natural that the little master hasn't heard of it.”
“Hehe, a country bumpkin, ignorant and uncultured. I apologize for making Miss Lin laugh!” Li Muzhan smiled.
A husky, seductive voice chimed in. “My Master is the Sect Leader of the Jade Immortal Sect!”
It was the young woman who had invited him over. She shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes radiating disdain.
Li Muzhan looked at her, smiled, and said, “So, you are Sect Leader Lin. My apologies for my lack of knowledge.”
This young woman had a face like polished jade, a delicate, straight nose, and full lips curved slightly upward, making her appear sensually alluring.
Lin Qiongying waved her hand. “Little master, no need for formalities. We will rest in the city tonight; we expect Feng Junsheng to arrive tomorrow.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Very well. Even though this humble monk’s martial arts are meager, if I can help slay Feng Junsheng, I will not shrink from the task!”
When Li Muzhan returned, Xiao Yuan trailed after him, thoroughly disgruntled.
Li Muzhan gave her a look, and Xiao Yuan pursed her red lips, shot him an annoyed glance, but stopped causing a scene, focusing instead on her meal.
Lin Qiongying and her group ate slowly, meticulously, maintaining poised and quiet conversation. Li Muzhan ate while contemplating.
He had agreed so readily because he had no choice; it was an invitation that veiled coercion. If he had refused, they would have turned hostile instantly. These six women all possessed formidable martial prowess, especially Lin Qiongying, whose internal energy was deep—far surpassing his own. If a fight broke out, he knew he would likely be defeated. It was best to be perceptive.
They invited him to accompany them out of caution, fearing he might betray their presence; they showed no immediate desire to kill him. However, if he had refused, that possibility might have changed.
After the meal, they left the Three Questions Tower, and Li Muzhan led them to the White Stream Inn, taking lodging in his small courtyard. Xiao Yuan shared a room with him, while Teng Ji took another.
The six women regarded him strangely. Lin Qiongying wore a knowing smile, while the other five looked at him with contemptuous sidelong glances, clearly viewing him as a lecherous monk.
Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on the couch. Xiao Yuan blew out the lamp and sat facing him, their knees touching.
In the darkness, Xiao Yuan leaned closer, whispering, “Zhanran, should we run?”
Her breath was sweet, only half a foot from Li Muzhan’s face, her faint, lingering perfume swirling around his nose. Li Muzhan shook his head, murmuring softly, “Run from what? If we have a chance to eliminate Feng Junsheng, it’s good to share the burden for Sister and the others.”
Xiao Yuan whispered anxiously, “After they kill Feng Junsheng, won’t they kill us to silence us?”
Li Muzhan laughed. “No, we have no enmity with them; it’s fine.”
Xiao Yuan shook her head and huffed, “I don’t know about that. That one surnamed Lin has ill intentions!”
Li Muzhan patted her fragrant shoulder, speaking gently. “Xiao Yuan, have you ever considered how the Great Chieftain found us?”
Xiao Yuan paused, clearly unable to follow his line of thought. After a moment, she shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s truly bizarre! Logically, he shouldn't have been able to find us!”
Their movements had been secretive. Since entering the valley, they hadn’t left, and they had flown over the forest canopy initially, leaving no trace. Even the best trackers would have been stumped. Yet, he had come looking for them. It was incredible, truly strange.
Li Muzhan explained softly, “This person originated from Lantuo Temple. He might possess some incredible, unbelievable esoteric knowledge, specializing in tracking people.”
As someone who cultivated Buddhist methods, he knew that attaining a certain level in Buddhist practice could lead to the manifestation of supernatural powers. Although these were considered ‘external paths’ and one shouldn’t become obsessed, their destructive power was immense. Lantuo Temple was a monastery, likely housing many individuals who had achieved profound Buddhist understanding; having supernatural abilities wouldn't be difficult. Furthermore, perhaps to protect the temple, they specialized in cultivating these powers, making it a unique cultivation method. For instance, the Golden Net Finger, capable of shattering anything, derived from the Golden Net Sutra, closely resembling a Buddhist divine power, hence its immense strength, far surpassing ordinary martial arts.
Xiao Yuan grabbed his hand. “Zhanran, are you saying the Great Chieftain can track us again?”
“Yes. If he could find us last time, he can find us this time,” Li Muzhan affirmed.
Xiao Yuan panicked. “Then what should we do?”
She had witnessed the Great Chieftain’s might—his superb lightness skill and potent finger techniques. They couldn't fight him, and they couldn't escape him; he was terrifying.
Li Muzhan smiled slightly. “If we return to the caravan, and the Great Chieftain finds us, it will bring endless trouble. This situation is perfect right now.”
“Oh!” Xiao Yuan pointed at him and burst into giggles. “Zhanran, you’re so wicked!”
Li Muzhan held a finger to his lips. “Shhh!”
Xiao Yuan quickly stifled her laughter, lightly punching him with her small fist. She found his tactic of diverting disaster greatly satisfying.
After teasing for a while, Xiao Yuan, worn out from playing, lay down softly on the couch. Li Muzhan, however, got off the couch, cleared the Eight Immortals table, moved everything aside, and sat down upon it himself.
Just as he was about to settle into a cross-legged meditation, a long cry echoed from afar.
Li Muzhan’s expression hardened.
I truly wish to kill this thief, but my strength fails me. Today, I must push myself to write more, even at the cost of my health. Alas, my body cannot sustain it. As I push myself, my writing slows down. This is all I can manage for now; I sincerely apologize.
I feel ashamed regarding the monthly tickets, everyone. I will strive harder tomorrow. I am almost catching up to the great masters ahead, entirely thanks to every single vote from you all. I am deeply grateful.