Li Muzhan took the twin swords and drew them, placing the empty scabbards on the table. “The Twin Sword Monk, Zhanran?” The surrounding crowd instantly understood, excitement bubbling up as they turned their curiosity toward this recently risen young master.

The sturdy, round-faced elder frowned, sizing him up, disbelief coloring his tone. “It was you—the one who defeated Little Ding and Old Man Yang?”

Li Muzhan held the long swords level, offering a slight smile. “Senior Yang, the Hermit of Dragon Mountain, and Senior Ding, yes, we have certainly met and exchanged a few moves.”

The round-faced elder chuckled dryly. “A capable young lad, indeed. No wonder the Family Head sent us; it seems you’re quite a handful!”

“Old Tong, why waste words on him!” the austere man on the left stated coldly.

The round-faced elder stroked his beard, his small eyes glinting. He shook his head with a sigh. “Brother Ma, it’s been too long since I’ve seen such a bright young talent. What a pity…”

The austere elder frowned and snorted. “The martial world is full of young talents, countless surging forth every year, but most vanish like shooting stars… Hmph. This little monk has offended someone he shouldn't have; his fate is sealed. Why waste breath debating it?!”

“Heh heh… That is true. A pity, a real pity…” The round-faced elder stroked his beard, nodding, then shaking his head again, lost in contemplation. Li Muzhan stood holding his twin swords, tips angled downwards, watching the two men with a faint smile.

First, a swirl of deep violet energy enveloped his face, like rising clouds and rosy mist, before slowly receding. His complexion became luminous white, like flawless jade, light circulating beneath his skin, lending him an air of pure refinement.

The round-faced elder glanced over, grinning. “Boy, say what you need to say now; you won’t have the chance later.”

Li Muzhan offered a mild smile. “Venerable elders, let’s fight if we must. Why chatter and become irritating?”

“A feisty one, aren’t you!” The round-faced elder chuckled, though a sliver of cold malice flashed in his eyes.

Li Muzhan laughed inwardly. This round-faced elder, for all his gentle exterior, was the exact opposite within—narrow-minded, harboring grudges over the slightest offense; truly a petty man. Such a person was best kept at a distance. One might offend him with a careless word without him showing it, only to suffer his retaliation later when least expected.

“Old Tong, I’ll go first!” The austere elder stepped forward.

“Hold it!” A crisp voice suddenly rang out.

The voice was husky yet perfectly rounded, like a stream of cool spring water pouring down from above. Everyone felt a sudden coolness wash over them, all dryness vanishing. They turned to look.

Lin Qiongying rose gracefully and approached, gliding to stand before Li Muzhan. The pale gauze covering her face could not hide the sharp intelligence in her beautiful eyes as they flicked briefly over the two men. With an elegant sweep of her gaze, she said lightly, “At your age, do you truly need to bully a child?”

Li Muzhan shook his head, letting out a quiet laugh. “Sect Leader Lin, forget it. This fight is inevitable sooner or later. Talking changes nothing; it’s better to finish it quickly and not delay His Lordship’s birthday banquet.”

Lin Qiongying waved her jade-like hand, speaking softly. “Don’t speak! Both these old fellows are top-tier masters; you cannot afford to lose the advantage!”

She then raised her voice. “Shame on you, being members of the Helian family, bullying someone in broad daylight! You bring disgrace upon the Helian name!”

The austere elder frowned and said in a deep voice, “What do you intend to do?”

Lin Qiongying replied serenely. “This humble woman has long admired the Helian Clan as the foremost family in the Northwest, renowned for its multitude of masters. I have always wished to witness their skill. Since fate has brought us together today, I certainly cannot pass up this opportunity!”

“And who are you?” the austere elder asked coldly, his eyes sharp as electricity, pressing her down.

Lin Qiongying answered lightly. “Lin Qiongying of the Jade Immortal Sect.”

“It is Sect Leader Lin!” The austere elder clasped his fist, frowning deeply. “This matter does not concern Sect Leader Lin. Why must you wade into this muddy water?”

Lin Qiongying smiled faintly. “You are mistaken. Zhanran once saved my life; how can I claim it is irrelevant? Besides, even if it were irrelevant, in this wide, bright world, I cannot stand by watching the Helian family bully someone like this!”

Her words were sharp as blades, yet her manner was graceful, her voice melodious and pleasing, instantly stirring the emotions of the crowd.

A middle-aged man stood up tall and laughed heartily, cupping his fist. “Sect Leader Lin, why trouble yourself? Allow me, Hua, to handle this!”

He was tall and slender, his face handsome as carved jade, radiating brilliance. A long saber hung at his waist, its sheath inlaid with several shimmering gemstones.

Li Muzhan glanced at the saber. The leader of the Absolute Saber Sect, Hua Shijun—a true picture of talent, certain to have captivated countless women.

Lin Qiongying spared him a glance and said lightly. “Thank you for your kind offer, Brother Hua, but it is unnecessary.”

Hua Shijun stepped forward two paces, coming close, and cupped his fist. “Among all the men present, none lack courage. How can we let Sect Leader Lin take the risk herself?!”

Lin Qiongying’s beautiful eyes flickered, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the men present. She smiled faintly and slowly retreated a few steps, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan shook his head, murmuring, “Sect Leader Lin, why involve everyone else?”

This tactic of driving the wolf to devour the tiger, the Sect Leader Lin executed with masterful familiarity, transforming a concrete maneuver into something intangible without anyone noticing. Her skill in handling the situation was indeed extraordinary. Although Li Muzhan had been cautious, sensing her overly calculating nature, he couldn't muster any anger now.

Lin Qiongying shot him a look. “Both these men are formidable. If we don’t probe their true strength and rush in, what if we suffer a loss?” Li Muzhan smiled and nodded.

Hua Shijun turned, his voice deep. “I am Hua Shijun of the Absolute Saber Sect. May I ask the distinguished names of the two seniors?”

“Tong Pingyi!” replied the round-faced elder.

The austere elder stated solemnly. “Ma Shouzhen!”

Hua Shijun asked, “Seniors, which of you will strike first?”

“Old Tong, I’ll take this one!” Ma Shouzhen said gravely.

Tong Pingyi smiled faintly. “The Absolute Saber Sect has quite a reputation. Don’t end up capsizing in a ditch!”

“Rest assured!” Ma Shouzhen nodded, his eyes snapping open. He said sternly, “Draw your blades!”

Hua Shijun drew his saber, entering a state of focused unity. His temperament immediately shifted from gentle to that of a soaring eagle gazing down upon all creation.

The blade shimmered lightly, like a pool of cold spring water, emanating a sharp chill.

Li Muzhan nodded. The saber was a treasure, and Hua Shijun’s mastery of its technique was profound. This change in bearing was the result of cumulative effort over long years, not something achieved overnight.

“Please!” Hua Shijun roared, the sound like muffled thunder. The saber light flashed like a silver ribbon, illuminating the entire hall. It transformed into a white rainbow arcing through the air, plunging straight down to cleave Ma Shouzhen’s head.

Ma Shouzhen narrowed his eyes, calm and steady, watching the saber light. His body remained still. When the tip of the blade reached his forehead, he suddenly shifted his stance, simultaneously driving a punch toward the body of the saber. Hua Shijun merely twisted his wrist, bringing the saber horizontal, allowing the fist to collide with it. Ma Shouzhen’s move was as swift as lightning. Just as his fist neared the blade edge, he transformed the punch into a finger strike; his five fingers struck the saber body in succession, like plucking five strings. Hua Shijun seemed struck by lightning, his whole body shaking, unable to hold onto his long saber. With a ding, the saber fell to the floor. He stumbled back a step, staring at Ma Shouzhen in astonishment. Ma Shouzhen retreated, his face stern, and snorted, “Absolute Saber Sect? Hmph, nothing more than that!”

Hua Shijun’s face, usually like carved jade, flushed crimson. Cold light flickered in his eyes as he stared fixedly at Ma Shouzhen, utterly furious inside. He had never expected this unknown figure to possess such skill, having just sent the Flying Sky Monkey King flying with one punch. He had initially thought the Monkey King had been careless; only now did he realize how strong this man’s martial arts truly were.

Ma Shouzhen glanced coldly at Hua Shijun, then turned his attention elsewhere. “Is there anyone else who disagrees? Step forward!”

The crowd exchanged glances, their faces mirroring surprise. Hua Shijun, the leader of the Absolute Saber Sect, was a top master in the Southern Martial Arts world; though perhaps not the absolute pinnacle, few could match him. To think he couldn’t withstand even a single move! Such terrifying skill made them realize that even they would only humiliate themselves by stepping up. They decided it was better to conceal their abilities.

Li Muzhan sighed softly, shaking his head. While the crowd was distracted, he subtly pressed several acupoints. “I will do it,” he stated gravely. Everyone turned to look at him.

Tong Pingyi stroked his beard and smiled. “Little monk, now that’s more like it. Relying on others to shield you from disaster isn't the way of a true man!”

Li Muzhan smiled slightly. This Tong Pingyi was indeed petty, sharp-tongued, and spiteful.

Under the gaze of the crowd, he raised his twin swords and stepped forward, his expression solemn and reverent. His gray monk’s robes fluttered as if meeting a strong headwind, trembling more violently with every step he took.

The color of his face grew ever whiter and more lustrous, as if he were a piece of white jade being polished. After a few steps, his face was indistinguishable from pure white jade, crystal clear and glowing.

Approaching the two men, Li Muzhan crossed his twin swords in a ‘ten’ shape. He said lightly, “Senior Ma, please instruct me!”

“Good, come then!” Ma Shouzhen nodded, frowning slightly.

Li Muzhan’s appearance at this moment was rather peculiar. Ma Shouzhen felt something was amiss, though he couldn't pinpoint what. Suppressing the distracting thoughts, he surged forward suddenly, appearing instantly at Li Muzhan’s side, driving a punch toward him.

Immediately, two balls of violet light rose up, enveloping him. Ma Shouzhen’s fist struck the violet light, and he was forced to take a step back, a patch of purple energy rising on his own face. The purple energy slowly receded, and Ma Shouzhen’s expression became solemn, his brow furrowed without moving. Tong Pingyi also frowned, glancing at Li Muzhan in astonishment, never expecting such an outcome.

Li Muzhan withdrew the sword light, looking calmly at Ma Shouzhen, then sweeping his gaze to Tong Pingyi. He said gravely, “Venerable seniors, come at me together!”

“Oh, you little monk!” Tong Pingyi burst into angry laughter.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, completely composed, yet his face grew ever more crystalline, like a beautiful piece of jade imbued with a strange, irresistible power that held everyone’s gaze captive.

“What kind of skill is this?” Tong Pingyi asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “If you do not attack, I will take my leave and travel to the ends of the earth. When we might meet again is hard to say!”

Tong Pingyi laughed loudly, turning to Ma Shouzhen. “Brother Ma, he’s threatening us! Alright, let’s see what he’s made of!” Ma Shouzhen nodded and said solemnly, “Brother Tong, his inner force is incredibly deep; be careful!”

Tong Pingyi let out a short laugh and drew his long sword. “It’s been a long time since I drew my blade. I’ll make an exception for you today. Watch the sword!”

As he spoke, a cold light flashed, the tip of the sword breaking the air as it rushed forward. Ma Shouzhen also drew his sword and followed, the two attacking Li Muzhan from both sides.

Two balls of violet light flashed up, enveloping Li Muzhan and blocking the two long swords.

Tong Pingyi appeared steady, but as soon as his sword move emerged, he seemed to transform into another person—swift as thunder, his momentum fierce like a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable.

Ma Shouzhen’s sword light crackled like lightning, dazzling and radiant. Every strike carried the weight of a thousand jin, accompanied by a cracking sound, as if he were slicing the very air.

Li Muzhan, however, was as steady as Mount Tai, his expression natural. He allowed the waves of attack to crash against him, merely wielding his swords to form two rotating masses of violet light that illuminated the entire hall, the sword energy chilling and intense.

Lin Qiongying’s bright eyes opened slightly in surprise. It was true: in just three days, Zhanran’s martial arts had progressed so remarkably; this rate of advancement was unheard of.

“Sect Leader Lin, is Master Zhanran truly from the Golden Sun Plum Manor?” Gu Liangzhu leaned closer and sighed quietly. Lin Qiongying replied coolly, “Yes, it’s genuine.”

Gu Liangzhu shook his head with a sigh. “Such martial arts truly make us ashamed!” Lin Qiongying smiled gently and nodded, saying nothing.

Tong Pingyi and Ma Shouzhen possessed astonishing skill. If she had stepped forward, defeat would have been certain. Yet, to her surprise, Zhanran was fighting them to a draw, unable to gain the upper hand. In that light, it seemed Zhanran’s martial arts were the best in the entire hall.

Gu Liangzhu shook his head. “I really don’t know the Golden Sun Plum Manor. Who could cultivate such a master?” Lin Qiongying replied, “Zhanran is exceptionally intelligent; he surpassed his teachers.” Gu Liangzhu shook his head and laughed. “His profound inner force is what is most astonishing; intelligence alone cannot achieve that.”

Lin Qiongying slanted an eye at him, coldly saying, “What is Great Hero Shuo really trying to say? I can’t keep up with you beating around the bush!”

“Heh heh, nothing much, just curious,” Gu Liangzhu rubbed his nose, realizing he had spoken too freely without considering whom he was addressing.

“Oh…” A sudden gasp arose from the crowd. Gu Liangzhu quickly turned his head to see Li Muzhan’s sword style change—from brilliant and dazzling to placid and ordinary.

The sword technique became simple; he now used one sword to counter one opponent. The sword light was peaceful, lacking the pressing violet aura from before, as if he had shed his ornate outer layer for common clothing. The onlookers worried—how could such a style stand against the tide-like sword flashes of the two men?

Then, astonishment overtook them. They watched as Li Muzhan’s sword movements remained calm and plain, neither tricky nor swift, merely composed and level. Yet, Tong Pingyi and Ma Shouzhen seemed to have lost their footing, their sword forms faltering halfway through, forcing them to change direction as if they suddenly forgot how to use their weapons. Their performance was entirely different from before, like they had been replaced by strangers.

“Strange! Truly strange!” Gu Liangzhu frowned, staring intently at Li Muzhan’s swordplay. He couldn't see anything unusual, but Tong Pingyi and Ma Shouzhen were hardly fools. This dramatic shift must stem from Li Muzhan. Only those caught within the engagement could truly grasp the power of the Tian Shu Swordplay.

One strike instantly sealed off the opponents' next move. To outsiders, it looked as if the two masters abandoned their moves midway, unaware that their change was a desperate necessity—to press on would be to deliver themselves directly to the blade tip.

They suffered in silence. After twenty-odd exchanges, their Qi and blood surged, and their frustration grew until they longed to roar toward the heavens.

“Ah!” Ma Shouzhen, with his explosive temper, could no longer restrain himself. His eyes widened in fury, and his sword light shot like lightning, stabbing straight toward Li Muzhan’s chest.

Li Muzhan calmly pointed his sword forward. If Ma Shouzhen did not change his attack, he would impale himself on the sword tip. Gritting his teeth, Ma Shouzhen ignored the imminent threat and drove his strike forward.

“Hmph…” He grunted deeply as his left shoulder was pierced, but a smile broke across his face—his sword had also struck Li Muzhan’s left shoulder.