Li Muzhan nodded. If it had been Lin Qiongying and the others, over a dozen people with their powers stacked together, even his deep internal energy would have been useless.
At that moment, a whistling sound rose again, followed by a loud roar that echoed near their ears: “Zhanran, have the guts to come down! Stop hiding up there like a turtle!” Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled; the old man’s curses were vicious indeed.
Zhou Yuxian frowned, gave a light snort, and waved her hand: “Let’s go down and teach these two old fools a lesson, lest they keep their incessant noise!” Li Muzhan quickly reached out to stop her.
Zhou Yuxian glanced sideways at him: “What’s wrong? Are you going back on your word? Wasn't the deal that once you’ve fought us, you could go down?” Li Muzhan smiled wryly: “Still not advisable. It’s too dangerous for you girls to go down. Just ignore them.” “You... you take back what you said?!” Zhou Yuxian glared, her bright eyes fixed on him, utterly exasperated.
Li Muzhan remained smiling faintly: “I’ve crossed swords with them before. You really wouldn’t fare well going down, and the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation wouldn’t work either.” “Nonsense!” Zhou Yuxian turned away, refusing to look at him.
Li Muzhan continued: “Though the sword formation is potent, your control isn't quite there yet. Before you can even unleash its might, it will be broken by them. We should wait a little longer.”
Li Yuqi looked from Zhou Yuxian to Li Muzhan, then whispered: “Senior Sister, let’s practice the sword formation again.” “You only side with him!” Zhou Yuxian shot her a look. Li Yuqi’s face flushed crimson, the redness creeping up her neck, daring not to look at anyone. Li Muzhan smiled faintly as he watched Li Yuqi, finding her shy demeanor utterly captivating. ////●●●●●●●0 ●●●■●~// #39;#39; 0 ●■●●●●//
“...Fine. Then we’ll practice the sword formation again!” Zhou Yuxian considered it, then waved her hand, chiding: “But Zhanran... Senior Brother, you can’t secretly slack off and just pretend to be our opponent!”
Li Muzhan agreed with a smile.
Seeing him agree so readily, Zhou Yuxian revealed a slight smile: “Good that you know your place!”
In her heart, she was quite grateful. Acting as sparring partners for the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation was exhausting work. Master was too busy to spare the time, the Martial Uncles were too lazy, and the junior martial sisters lacked the skill to last long enough. Thus, they hadn't had a proper chance to practice the formation.
Now, with Li Muzhan, whose internal energy was profound and enduring, possessing seemingly endless stamina—truly unprecedented; even if the Martial Uncles had come, they wouldn't have lasted half as long as he did.
The Immortal Slaying Sword Formation grew stronger and increased its power exponentially as the practice went on. Li Muzhan’s ability to persist for so long was immensely beneficial to them. In this short session of sparring, they felt their progress was enormous, equaling the sum of all their previous gains. Zhou Yuxian felt grateful, though what she said next carried a different tone.
As for his yielding, she could see he was letting them win. Otherwise, at the formation’s initial stage when its power wasn't fully manifested, his martial skill was more than enough to shatter the array. Her bright eyes flickered, and she cried out fiercely: “Let’s practice the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation again, begin!” “En!” The ladies shouted in unison, their sleeves fluttering as they swiftly took their positions, enveloping Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan employed the Qiankun Sword Technique, shaking his head: “Your formation deployment is too slow!” Zhou Yuxian pondered for a moment, then said sweetly: “Wait a moment!” They broke formation and scattered! The ladies flew back, leaving Li Muzhan’s vicinity, standing behind Zhou Yuxian. Zhou Yuxian commanded: “Let’s practice a few more times, deploy the formation!”
The ladies flew out again, quickly occupying their positions and surrounding Li Muzhan, slightly faster than the last time, their expressions solemn, their delicate faces taut. Li Muzhan commented: “The opponent won’t just let you surround him; he will move too!” Zhou Yuxian nodded, waved her hand: “Disperse!” After the ladies flew back behind her, she raised her hand again: “Deploy!”
The ladies flew out once more, but this time Li Muzhan moved. He flashed away ten zhang, and the ladies landed, having failed to form the array, looking bewildered. Zhou Yuxian stomped her foot, playfully scolding: “Such blockheads! Chase after him!”
The ladies snapped back to awareness and flew up, their sleeves flowing like celestial maidens gliding in the air, occupying their positions from above and descending around Li Muzhan.
But Li Muzhan flashed again, escaping, and the ladies pursued. He darted back and forth by himself while the ladies followed closely, maintaining their formation like a net trying to trap him.
Finally, Li Muzhan deliberately lingered for a moment. As they chased him down, he was caught within the array. Immediately, their swords shot out, and the fight began.
Li Muzhan used both hands to execute the Qiankun Sword Skill, forming a sphere of light that enveloped him. He merely defended against their dense, rain-like attacks.
The power of the ladies' Immortal Slaying Sword Formation grew stronger and stronger; eventually, each person's internal energy increased four or five times over. Li Muzhan held out for an hour before finally admitting defeat.
After conceding, he was perfectly composed, while the ladies were drenched in perspiration, panting heavily, their delicate postures exuding a charming softness. The training ground was filled with an alluring ambiance.
Li Muzhan looked down at them, sword lowered, smiling faintly, clearly enjoying the sight, which made Zhou Yuxian’s teeth itch again, but she suppressed it, deciding to spare him this once in consideration of him accompanying their practice.
Besides, looking at the junior sisters’ expressions, they showed no sign of feeling violated; rather, they seemed softer and more feminine, almost entirely artificially so.
After a brief rest, they resumed practice. Hearing the angry shouts and curses rising from below spurred them on to practice even harder, enduring the soreness in their arms.
With Li Muzhan sparring with them, they practiced for an entire morning straight. Each one was glistening with sweat, going from dry to wet, and then wet to dry, looking quite disheveled.
Normally, they would have retired long ago for a rest, a hot bath, and a lovely sleep to feel refreshed and cheerful.
But today, they gritted their teeth and persisted. The constant curses from below transformed into an inexhaustible source of motivation, driving them to fight tooth and nail in their sword formation practice.
By noon, Li Muzhan looked at the sky: “Junior Sister Zhou, Junior Sister Li, and all junior sisters, let’s stop here for today. After your midday rest, we’ll continue in the afternoon.”
He truly enjoyed accompanying the ladies in practicing the sword formation; it allowed him to hone his own sword skills, appreciate the subtleties of the Jade Immortal Sect’s sword arts, broaden his horizons, and also savor their graceful dances.
The Jade Immortal Sect’s sword arts lacked murderous intent; they resembled sword dances—both beautiful and subtly enchanting. Protected by the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill and supported by his unending internal energy, he didn't feel tired at all; instead, it was a great pleasure, one he was reluctant to relinquish. “Alright, we’ll stop here for today. Everyone go back and rest!” Zhou Yuxian announced. The ladies agreed one by one. As they left, each one spared a glance for Li Muzhan, their eyes shifting alluringly, captivating the soul.
Li Muzhan stroked the small mustache on his lip, chuckled, and nodded in greeting, which once again made Zhou Yuxian’s teeth itch. She snorted: “Zhanran... Senior Brother! You’ve worked hard!” As she spoke, she forcibly suppressed the urge to glare at him, managing a strained smile before turning and leaving. The shouting below continued. “Zhanran, you little monk, scared to come down and fight? You’ve disgraced the Mei Residence!”
“Zhanran, you perverted monk, perverted monk!”
“The Jade Immortal Sect pretends to be pure and chaste, but behind closed doors, it’s full of promiscuity—that’s hilarious!”
Their curses became increasingly vile, making the ladies clench their jaws, their faces burning red. If Zhou Yuxian hadn't restrained them, they would have rushed down already.
When practicing the sword formation, they used Li Muzhan as a substitute for the men below, striking fiercely. Under this desperate effort, their proficiency advanced rapidly.
In the final deployment of the sword formation, they were able to exert double their usual power the moment they took position.
Li Muzhan returned to meditate for a while, and his spirit and energy quickly recovered to normal.
Listening to the cursing outside, he idly considered whether to let them wear out their mouths or to go down directly and silence them. With the help of the ladies, they should be able to surround those two men.
After thinking for a moment, he shook his head. Fighting them down below was not as rewarding as accompanying the ladies in their practice, which was endlessly fascinating and a great delight.
Although he harbored no wicked thoughts, beauty was indeed pleasing to the eye. To appreciate and indulge in it as an observer was far more delightful than engaging in a life-or-death struggle below.
An hour later, Zhou Yuxian knocked on his door outside, inviting him back to the training grounds to continue practicing the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation.
This time, Li Muzhan changed his approach. With one hand, he unleashed the Mount Tai Eight Swords; with the other, he used the Tian Shu Sword. Layer upon layer of sword light piled up like a mountain, the brilliance of the blades constantly flickering, blocking their siege.
The Tian Shu Sword Technique was adept at finding openings. Although their sword formation was practiced, their control was lacking, always revealing slight hesitations. Li Muzhan's Tian Shu Sword Technique was exquisite; he could always seize fleeting flaws.
As the power of the Tian Shu Sword Technique became apparent, the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation began to stutter, like gears catching on something, becoming increasingly disorganized. Fortunately, they could adjust, constantly recovering to mend the flaws and negate the power of Li Muzhan’s swordplay.
Li Muzhan and the ladies were in a constant tug-of-war, no longer the passive recipients of blows from before; they found it much more strenuous.
Only then did they realize that Li Muzhan had indeed been holding back intentionally. Had he applied this intensity during their previous spar, he would have defeated them long ago. Li Muzhan sparred with them for the entire afternoon, and they finally dispersed as the sun began to set.
As the ladies broke formation, they pulled Zhou Yuxian aside to talk. Zhou Yuxian shook her head repeatedly, finally nodding with a hint of resignation, and approached Li Muzhan.
Zhou Yuxian looked awkward, speaking stiffly: “Zhanran... Senior Brother, the sisters noticed something and would like to invite you to dine at the Immortal Ascension Tower.” Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head: “Forget it. All the junior sisters are so tired; there’s no need for a meal.” Zhou Yuxian shot him a look and huffed: “It’s a token of their sincerity, do you think so little of it?”
Li Muzhan stroked his little mustache, glanced at the eager expressions in the eyes of the distant ladies, and truly couldn't bear to refuse. “...Alas, fine, I will go and see the Immortal Ascension Tower.” Li Muzhan nodded slowly.
The ladies immediately cheered, scattering like nimble swallows, vanishing in an instant. In moments, only Zhou Yuxian and Li Yuqi remained on the training ground. The two accompanied him back to the small courtyard, then prepared themselves.
He had just washed his face when the courtyard gate sounded. Li Yuqi entered, holding a cloth bundle, her jade face as red as if intoxicated, unwilling to look at him. Li Muzhan stepped forward, smiling: “Junior Sister Li?” Li Yuqi kept her head down, placed the bundle on the stone table, and turned to leave, shy and inexpressible, exquisitely charming. Li Muzhan unwrapped the bundle. Inside was a monk's robe the color of jade—pure white and unstained—with finely stitched, delicate seams, very exquisite. Li Muzhan instantly loved it and took it into his room to change immediately.
Clad in the jade-colored monk’s robe, with prayer beads in his left hand and a sword hanging from his waist, his appearance was ordinary, yet the faint mustache on his lip and his mature, capable demeanor gave him the air of a truly accomplished high monk.
The jade robe remained spotless, and when worn by him, it complemented his unique temperament, making him look detached and extraordinary in spirit.
Li Muzhan was pacing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, feeling quite pleased, when the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Zhou Yuxian pushed the door open. The moment she saw him, she froze, casting a somewhat suspicious glance at Li Yuqi behind her. Li Yuqi’s face was flushed scarlet, and she kept her head down, avoiding her gaze. Zhou Yuxian understood, shot Li Muzhan a look, and said: “Let’s go!”
Without waiting for Li Muzhan to speak, she turned and departed, her movements swift and light, as if gliding on the wind. Li Yuqi stole a glance at Li Muzhan, her eyes flickering with emotion, and quickly followed.
Li Muzhan toyed with his prayer beads with his left hand and walked slowly with his right, catching up to the two ladies. They walked side-by-side; Zhou Yuxian was on his left, and Li Yuqi on his right. The three stopped before a tall, three-story tavern.
This tavern was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, soaring high, similar to the Chaoran Tower in Jinyang City, yet possessing an added layer of refinement. Waves of delicate laughter drifted out, somewhat ethereal, as if carried down from the heavens.
This mountain peak was already soaring into the clouds, and this tavern was even higher, almost piercing the sky. The biting cold wind alone was intimidating enough to carry sounds away.
Although the peak was high, it was surrounded by dense forest, so the streets below enjoyed a gentle breeze, undisturbed by the wind, as if on flat ground, only slightly cooler. But this tower was too high, rising above the forest’s protection, naturally exposed to the strong winds. “Immortal... Ascension... Tower...” Li Muzhan tilted his head back, gazing at the wooden plaque in the center, staring at the three large characters. Seeing his distant, slightly dazed expression, the two ladies did not rush him.
Women occasionally entered and exited nearby. Seeing them, they merely nodded and did not stop to converse, but their liquid glances inevitably swept over Li Muzhan. After a long moment, Li Muzhan sighed slowly, “What fine calligraphy...”
Zhou Yuxian snorted: “Naturally. This was written by one of our ancestors personally. Legend has it that this ancestor was an immortal who ascended to the heavens.”
Li Muzhan nodded, realization dawning: “No wonder. This sense of otherworldly detachment washes over me; so it comes from this senior...”
He had heard from Lin Qiongying that two ancestors had achieved success in cultivating the Dragon and Phoenix Union Gold Classic and had ascended. It seemed there was some truth to it after all. He felt a sense of wonder; could there truly be immortality and attainment of the Dao in this world?
Before seeing this wooden plaque, he hadn't strongly believed it—not because he thought Lin Qiongying was lying, but because he thought she herself had been deceived by the sect's ancient texts, hypnotized, and therefore untrustworthy.
Now, it seemed, he had been somewhat prejudiced... F