On the plain silk, faintly visible cloud patterns framed four lines of small script, elegant and rounded, written from top to bottom, right to left—it was the personal handwriting of Mei Ruolan.

It clearly stated: I order the disciple of the Tianshu Court, Zhanran, to proceed to the Wulu Mansion in Luzhen, south of Heaven, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month, to present a birthday gift: two statues of Amitabha Buddha carved from white jade, and one scroll of the Diamond Sutra. Do not delay.

Li Muzhan frowned and glanced at Xiao Yuan.

Xiao Yuan kept a severe expression and stated solemnly: "Zhanran, this is the Young Miss's official decree. Only the Family Head has the authority to disobey; within the entire manor, no one can defy it, unless you are no longer a disciple of the Mei household."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly and said, "And what if the order is disobeyed?"

"Expulsion from the manor," Xiao Yuan replied, her expression unchanging, her eyes direct.

Li Muzhan shook his head. Truly, a higher position meant several moves ahead; he had no power to counter this at all. The Young Miss’s move was quite ruthless.

Zhao Yuzhen walked over, curious, "It's the Young Miss's official decree?"

"Indeed," Xiao Yuan nodded, her pretty face stern.

Zhao Yuzhen’s sword-like eyebrows twitched. "The Young Miss rarely issues personal decrees. Every time, it concerns something of great import. Fifth Junior Brother, what is it?"

"Senior Brother, you see for yourself," Li Muzhan handed over the plain silk scroll.

Zhao Yuzhen took the scroll with great care and slowly unrolled it, admiring, "The calligraphy of the Young Miss is truly magnificent; it is a pleasure just to look at it."

As he spoke, he saw the contents and looked up in surprise: "Just this...?"

He had expected some major affair for the Young Miss to personally write and issue a decree. To find it was such a minor matter caused him a moment of bewildered astonishment at the contrast.

Li Muzhan smiled. Xiao Yuan huffed, "Zhanran, have you accepted the order?"

Li Muzhan lowered his head, pondering for a moment, then said, "Very well, I accept it. Where are the items?"

Xiao Yuan kept her face straight. "I’ll give them to you tomorrow. Hurry and prepare now; don't be late."

Just as she was about to turn, she suddenly stopped. "Oh, right. The Young Miss has already instructed the Sword Forging Hall to recast two swords for you, along with some small arrows. You can take them all tomorrow."

"Good. Many thanks to the Young Miss," Li Muzhan nodded.

Xiao Yuan broke into a smile. "Then I shall report back to the Young Miss."

"Go on then," Li Muzhan waved his hand.

Xiao Yuan left gracefully, while Zhao Yuzhen remained staring fixedly at the handwritten note, deep in thought.

…………………………………………………………

"Senior Brother," Li Muzhan called out with a smile.

Zhao Yuzhen startled, snapping back to attention, and looked at him with a frown: "Fifth Junior Brother, what exactly is going on?"

Just then, He Nanshan and the other two also returned. Seeing them, they gathered around and snatched the handwriting from Mei Ruolan, studying it with keen interest.

Li Muzhan smiled and recounted casually how he had killed two sons of the Li family, incurred the pursuit of the entire Li household, and ultimately lured the bald-headed bandit to inflict losses upon the Li family.

Of course, he altered the motive slightly, claiming the two boys had tried to ambush him, and he killed them in a fit of rage, but he hadn't expected the Li family to be subordinates of the Helian clan.

Hearing the name Helian clan, the faces of the four men instantly changed color.

Zhao Yuzhen quickly asked, "The Helian clan? Which Helian clan?"

"The foremost noble family of the Northwest," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Zhao Yuzhen’s brow furrowed, and his face immediately darkened. He Nanshan quickly interjected, "The foremost family of the Northwest? How is the Helian family allied with the Li family?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "It seems they are related... I heard from the Young Miss that the Helian family has already sent people over."

"What are they coming for?" Yu Chi Ming looked bewildered. "Are they seeking revenge for those two boys? That’s making a mountain out of a molehill," he chuckled dryly.

"No," Li Muzhan nodded. "It is precisely for revenge for the two, and they want to kill me."

The laughter stopped abruptly. Yu Chi Ming's smile froze on his face as he looked at Li Muzhan, then turned to Zhao Yuzhen.

Zhao Yuzhen sighed, "The Young Miss is sending you away to avoid the Helian family?"

Li Muzhan nodded.

"The Young Miss’s efforts are truly painstaking..." Zhao Yuzhen lamented. His expression was tight, his features grim, with a barely concealed thread of anger.

Yu Chi Ming clapped his hands excitedly. "That’s right! Once Fifth Junior Brother leaves, the world is vast—how would the Helian family ever find him?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, frowning. "If I leave and the Helian family cannot find me, they will surely vent their anger on the manor. That would be terrible."

He Nanshan said gently, "Since the Young Miss has made these arrangements, she must have a countermeasure. Fifth Junior Brother need not worry."

"I just hope the Penglai Wang family arrives soon," Li Muzhan nodded, his expression easing.

Zhao Yuzhen sighed. "Fifth Junior Brother, you must be careful. The Helian family is notoriously difficult to deal with. Whether the Wang family will risk drawing trouble for you is uncertain... Moreover, even if the Wang family speaks up, the Helian family will still hunt you down!"

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, "Then let them come. I’d like to see just how remarkable the foremost family of the Northwest truly is!"

"Sigh..." Zhao Yuzhen stood up, striking the vermilion pillar forcefully. He said with resentment, "If our martial arts aren't strong enough, we are merely subject to the whims of others. What is the point of living like this?!"

The others fell silent. They all felt a sense of frustration and unwillingness. In the face of the Helian family, they felt like ants confronting an elephant, capable of crushing them with a single stomp. This feeling of powerlessness caused them pain and anger.

Zhao Yuzhen said in a deep voice, "Four Junior Brothers, no matter what, you cannot be lazy in your training. You must fight for your lives. If you don't fight now, you won't have a life later!"

The four remained silent. Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother, don't be so dejected. Perhaps I am destined to live long enough to withstand the Helian family!"

The four managed strained smiles, their hearts heavy; they simply couldn't take his words seriously. If the Helian family came, even the Family Head couldn't stop them, let alone him!

…………………………………………………………

As they were speaking, Jin Kaitai approached with long, powerful strides. Standing on the steps, he squinted, his gaze sweeping over them like lightning. He said in a deep voice, "Zhanran, follow me!"

The four men cupped their fists in salute. Li Muzhan performed the gesture as well.

Jin Kaitai waved his hand and stated sternly, "Don't dawdle with pleasantries; I have no time for chatter! Zhanran, stop wasting time, hurry up!"

Li Muzhan nodded to the four of them and followed Jin Kaitai out of the Tianshu Court.

The two walked south along the edge of the bright lake, passed under the weeping willow branches, then turned west, arriving before the Quiet Garden. Jin Kaitai pushed the door open directly and walked in.

This Quiet Garden was unique to the Tianshu Court; no one outside its disciples was permitted entry. Within the garden, the artificial mountains, dense woods, wild grasses, and fresh flowers were brimming with vitality—an excellent place for meditation, regulating breath, and cultivating one’s temperament, long favored by Zhao Yuzhen and the others.

The two arrived at a small clearing before the rockery. Nearby stood an armory rack displaying a full set of swords, spears, staves, and clubs; on the other side were several stone locks. The fragrance of incense was faint, the greenery lush.

Jin Kaitai’s steps never paused, moving with the heavy solidity of a bear, yet his footsteps were utterly silent, revealing a hint of agility and nimbleness—his footwork was clearly of a high caliber. Li Muzhan hadn't specifically commented on Jin Kaitai's footwork before, merely feeling it was unique. But now that his own cultivation had greatly advanced and his vision sharpened, upon watching Jin Kaitai walk, he perceived the subtle wonder. Clearly, this was a unique set of steps.

Jin Kaitai stopped in the center of the clearing and turned to look at Li Muzhan, his eyes shining intensely. "Zhanran, today I shall transmit the Tianshu Sword Technique to you!"

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled, "The foundational sword technique of the Tianshu Court?"

"Correct!" Jin Kaitai nodded, a hint of a smile appearing. "The Young Miss just personally commanded me to teach you this set of sword techniques!"

"What about Senior Brother?" Li Muzhan frowned. He suddenly remembered that each court’s disciples were only allowed one person to cultivate the foundational technique—Senior Sister Gong in Yaoguang Court, and Senior Brother Zhao Yuzhen in Tianshu Court. If he learned it, Senior Brother would be barred.

"Yuzhen has already learned the Tianshu Sword Technique," Jin Kaitai stated.

"Learned...?" Li Muzhan looked at him in surprise.

Jin Kaitai said gravely, "These are extraordinary times requiring extraordinary measures. Although the Young Miss is strict, she is not inflexible or stubborn."

"Yes!" Li Muzhan said no more.

The Tianshu Sword Technique draws its intent from the Tianshu star of the Big Dipper, which, though not outwardly brilliant, governs and controls the other six stars; it is the central pivot. The movements of the Tianshu Sword Technique are peaceful and unhurried, neither fast nor slow, yet they seize the initiative in every step, much like arranging troops and setting up a siege—anticipating the enemy's moves, leaving nothing to chance. This technique appears commonplace, yet it is exceedingly difficult to master.

After demonstrating it three times without pause, Jin Kaitai sheathed his sword and sighed, "Among the foundational techniques of the seven courts, the Tianshu Sword Technique is the hardest to learn. Without eight or ten years of effort, you won't grasp its threshold."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. This Tianshu Sword Technique truly looked ordinary, but every sword stroke contained subtle variations. The more he pondered it, the more profound its mysteries seemed.

Seeing him frown in contemplation, Jin Kaitai said, "This technique relies heavily on comprehension. In truth, you are most suited to practice it, but alas, you are learning it too early... Forcing growth prematurely is never a good thing."

Li Muzhan nodded, understanding his meaning. This Tianshu Sword Technique, at first glance plain and lacking exquisite flash, revealed increasing marvels upon deeper study; every move contained an intangible essence. If he hadn't witnessed the Qiankun Sword Technique or experienced several real battles, the 'him' before escorting cargo would never have been able to grasp this profundity.

"Try practicing it," Jin Kaitai said, handing him a sword.

Li Muzhan had already completely memorized it. He took the sword and began to mimic the movements slowly, as if practicing Tai Chi Sword. After a few gestures, he stopped again, pondered, and then lazily executed a few more movements.

Jin Kaitai watched, his face lighting up, nodding repeatedly, looking as if he might burst into a triumphant shout at any moment.

Li Muzhan practiced for a while before finally stopping, the tip of his sword touching the ground. He remained motionless, deep in thought. A moment later, he performed it once more, still stopping and starting, it looked utterly unformed, and he shook his head with an expression of unsatisfied yearning.

"Haha! Haha!" Jin Kaitai couldn't help but burst into loud laughter.

Li Muzhan was startled awake and looked towards him. Jin Kaitai laughed heartily, "Well done, Zhanran, truly... truly remarkable!"

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "Commander, it is indeed difficult to master; my execution is poor."

"You have already entered the gate!" Jin Kaitai laughed loudly, shaking his head repeatedly. "As expected of a great monk, your comprehension is astonishing. I am truly impressed!" As he spoke, he cupped his fist in salute. Li Muzhan quickly waved his hand, "Commander, please don't flatter me to this extent."

Jin Kaitai's eyes crinkled with delight again. "You, boy, will achieve great things in the future. Come, let's spar a bit. Try using the Tianshu Sword Technique." Saying this, he drew a long sword from the armory rack and attacked.

Li Muzhan met the assault with his clumsy imitation of the Tianshu Sword Technique. His aptitude for swordplay was not inherently great. He could memorize the form after seeing it once, but making it flow seamlessly required grueling, intense practice—more effort than ordinary people. Where others practiced ten times, he needed twenty. Consequently, although he grasped the essence of the sword technique, its execution was awkward and strained, completely lacking its true power.

Jin Kaitai was aware of his weakness and was not impatient. He merely used his own sword moves to drill Li Muzhan. Their swords crisscrossed until noon before they finally stopped. Both possessed enduring vital energy; after fighting for so long, neither showed any sweat.

…………………………………………

Jin Kaitai tossed his sword back, sliding it into the scabbard on the rack, and nodded. "Zhanran, very good! It's a pity you leave tomorrow. Otherwise, with ten days or half a month of practice, you could have mastered this Tianshu Sword. Among all the disciples of the Mei household, you have learned the fastest!"

"Thank you, Commander!" Li Muzhan smiled as he returned his sword.

Jin Kaitai waved his hand, stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky, and sighed, "I know about your situation, but it's a pity I can't help much! My skill won't last ten moves against a master from the Helian family!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "So, does that mean I can only wait for death?"

Seeing his indifference, Jin Kaitai smiled. "You have cultivated the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art and possess the Tianyuan Breathing Technique; you might stand a chance. Whatever happens, you cannot simply sit and wait to die... Run as far as you can!"

"Yes," Li Muzhan nodded.

Jin Kaitai advised, "In my opinion, you should find a place to hide, make yourself invisible to the Helian family, hide for a few years, cultivate your skills properly, and then you can come out openly and hold your head high when the time is right!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Commander, that is a good suggestion."

Jin Kaitai consoled him, "Our Mei household has the Wang family; the Helian family won't push things too far. If you escape, they won't dare cause trouble."

Li Muzhan merely smiled and said no more. In his heart, he knew this was unreliable. If he fled and they couldn't find him, they would certainly trouble the Mei household. The only way was to let them find him, thereby drawing their fury onto himself and sparing the Mei household from collateral anger.

He bid farewell to Jin Kaitai, then took leave of Zhao Yuzhen and the others, wishing to return home to prepare for his departure the next day.

Just as he stepped out of the main gate of the Mei manor, Xiao Yuan chased after him from behind, calling out from a distance, "Zhanran! Zhanran!"

Li Muzhan turned; Xiao Yuan was standing gracefully before the screen wall, beckoning to him.

Li Muzhan turned back and walked up to her, smiling, "What is it? Does the Young Miss have another instruction?"

"Mmm, the Young Miss asked me to send you something," Xiao Yuan nodded, then pulled him toward a grove of trees. She glanced around to ensure no one was present, and took out a thin booklet bound in yellow silk from her embrace. It was only four or five pages thick, feeling smooth and supple to the touch, resilient yet delicate—the material was strange.

Xiao Yuan said, "The Young Miss says that after you memorize it, you must destroy it so it is never passed down again."

Li Muzhan looked down. Four large characters met his eyes, written with a stern, imposing presence: The Art of Self-Sacrifice (Sheshen Dafa).

P. Few readers for this book; feeling a bit anxious. Is this the flop? Subscriptions are stuck around fifteen hundred and can't break through. Please help everyone out, thank you! (To be continued. If you wish to know what happens next...)