Mistress Zhuzhao nodded in satisfaction and resumed her seat. Mistress Zhumei turned her head. "Ruiying, please see to the settling in of Ruolan and the others." "Yes, Martial Aunt." A gracefully elegant woman replied, her voice slightly husky and rather cool.

She was clad in a light green silk robe, slender of build. Her appearance was not strikingly beautiful—merely above average—but she possessed a unique temperament, one of delicate elegance and quiet seclusion. A trace of aloofness lingered in her eyes and brow, making her difficult to approach. She stood in the second position, leading Li Muzhan to muse that she likely held the second rank, a status not low. "Ruolan, go with your Second Martial Sister for now. Rest well, and come find me tonight," Mistress Zhumei said with gentle warmth.

Mei Ruolan nodded and followed the woman out. As she left, she glanced back at Li Muzhan, a hint of a smile flickering in her hazy eyes. Li Muzhan offered a slight smile in return. "Bixuan, please help Qingyun and Xiaoyuan get settled." Mistress Zhumei instructed. "Yes, Master!" a young girl chirped cheerfully from the very end of the line.

She stepped forward, beckoning with a bright smile. "Junior Sister Xiaoyuan, Junior Sister Qingyun, follow me!" She had an oval face, a delicate nose, and lovely lips, exquisitely charming. Gong Qingyun and Xiaoyuan followed her out, sparing Li Muzhan a glance. Li Muzhan smiled faintly, a gesture of encouragement. Mistress Zhumei then turned her gaze back toward the line of men. Zhao Jinsheng stepped forward, cupping his hands. "Senior Martial Uncle, allow me to settle Junior Brother Zhanran." "Hmm, you are acquainted with him; that will do. Go ahead."

Mistress Zhumei smiled and nodded, then addressed Li Muzhan. "Zhanran, for now, you will enter the Outer Gate and start from the beginning. With your aptitude, it should take no more than a year, or two at most, to qualify for the Inner Gate." "Yes," Li Muzhan replied respectfully. "Junior Brother Zhanran, follow me," Zhao Jinsheng said with a beaming smile. ~∽●r&qu;●●■●●●●●r&qu;●●■●●●////~●

Li Muzhan followed Zhao Jinsheng out of the main hall, descending continuously. On both sides stretched expansive courtyards, winding along the mountain peaks for an untold distance. Each courtyard was a separate dwelling, shrouded by dark pines, isolated from its neighbors. The courtyards were tiered one above the other, ascending toward the highest Wuji Hall, resembling rice terraces. Li Muzhan counted eight levels of descent. On the ninth level, they turned east onto a path paved with bluestone slabs, flanked on both sides by towering green pines. Reaching the tenth courtyard, Zhao Jinsheng stopped, turned, and smiled. "Junior Brother Zhanran, this is where you will reside r. See if you are satisfied." With that, he pushed open the small gate and stepped inside.

Li Muzhan followed him in. A small path ran through the center of the courtyard straight to the main house, dividing the yard into eastern and western sections.

The west side held a grove of plum blossoms, within which stood a small pavilion, featuring five pointed eaves and five cinnabar pillars, quite exquisite. The east side was a flower garden, centered around a patch of bare earth paved with red clay, beside which rested a weapons rack. Upon entering, a faint, refreshing floral fragrance drifted toward him. Li Muzhan showed approval and asked with a smile, "Is this where the Outer Gate disciples reside?" Zhao Jinsheng nodded, smiling proudly. "How about it, Junior Brother Zhanran, are you satisfied with this place?"

Li Muzhan replied, "It's very good... I had imagined the environment for Outer Gate disciples, meant to temper their muscles and bones and strengthen their will, would be much harsher!"

Zhao Jinsheng chuckled. "That is true; Outer Gate disciples must forge their bodies, but the living quarters are still kept well." "Thank you, Senior Brother Zhao," Li Muzhan said.

Zhao Jinsheng waved his hand cheerfully. "No need for thanks; we are all family from now on. If you have any difficulties, come find me! I live on the Ninth Heaven, Courtyard Number Five." "The Ninth Heaven?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Zhao Jinsheng then explained that the disciples' living quarters were divided into nine tiers, known as the Nine Heavens, ranked according to annual accumulated points, creating a clear hierarchy. The first Heaven extended up to fourteen points, the boundary for the Second Heaven was twenty-eight points, forty-two for the Third Heaven, eighty-four for the Fourth Heaven, and one hundred twenty-six for the Fifth Heaven. Beyond the Fifth Heaven lay the Inner Gate disciples, divided into four tiers, following the same grading system as the Outer Gate. Li Muzhan, naturally, was now in the First Heaven, starting with zero points upon entry. // //●●●●●●●■●&qu;+ ●●■●~// ●●■●●●●////

Zhao Jinsheng concluded, "Junior Brother Zhanran, you should go in and rest first. Someone will be here shortly to measure you for clothing and forge your long sword." Li Muzhan nodded. "Thank you, Senior Brother Zhao. As an Outer Gate disciple, what duties must I perform?"

Zhao Jinsheng beamed. "The first trial for Outer Gate disciples is fetching water. You must carry water from the base of the mountain up here. It’s the hardest and most tiring, but you must endure it!" Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "What is the second trial?"

"The second trial is chopping wood, and the third is tending vegetables. Then it gets easier; you just manage a small vegetable patch." Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "How many trips of water must I carry daily?"

"At first, two trips a day. One trip is added every ten days. If you can carry ten trips in one day, you pass that stage," Zhao Jinsheng replied. "Chopping wood is similar; it starts small and gradually increases. Passing means chopping enough wood for one courtyard a day. By the end, you get to manage the small vegetable garden." Li Muzhan smiled. "Good. My physique is strong; can I pass the first two trials immediately?"

Zhao Jinsheng nodded. "Yes, you can. If your constitution is excellent, you can certainly pass the first two trials directly, but there is one condition: you cannot use ∽." Li Muzhan asked, "How would they know if I used inner strength?"

Zhao Jinsheng laughed. "The Martial Uncles and Aunts will seal your cultivation. Li Muzhan suddenly understood and smiled. "When we were ascending the mountain, if we had used internal energy, how would they detect it?"

"The Sect Leader Martial Aunt's cultivation method is peculiar and deeply perceptive. If you circulate your energy, she will notice," Zhao Jinsheng explained. "The consequence is immediate expulsion from Canghai Mountain, never to be taken back." Li Muzhan smiled, secretly intrigued by such a profound skill.

Zhao Jinsheng seemed to perceive his doubt and chuckled. "Don't disbelieve it. The Sect Leader Martial Aunt cultivates the Miao Lian Jing (Marvelous Lotus Scripture), which is inscrutable and immeasurably mysterious." Li Muzhan nodded. "Indeed, it's a blessing we weren't lazy on the ascent."

"Exactly. That's why the Martial Aunt values you all so highly. Many who join bringing pre-existing skills try to slack off, thinking they won't be found out, only to be turned away," he said, pointing west. "Zhanran, you must be careful. The person next door to you is a tyrant; do not provoke him." Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "What's going on?"

Zhao Changsheng replied, "He also joined with prior skills. His external body-hardening arts are formidable, and he is domineering and rough. None of the Outer Gate disciples dare cross him."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "Understood, I won't bother him."

Zhao Changsheng shook his head. "I'm worried he'll bother you. This fellow loves to stir up trouble for no reason. Just tolerate him; he won't dare do anything serious." Li Muzhan smiled but made no commitment. Zhao Changsheng fussed and cautioned him further before reluctantly departing.

He returned to his room. It had been thoroughly cleaned. The main house served as the living room, the east side was the study, and the west side the bedroom. The furniture was simple yet possessed an understated elegance. Clearly, a woman had cleaned the space.

He sat cross-legged on the couch, reflecting on what he had seen during the journey. The men in the Canghai Sword Sect were indeed in a weaker position; there were no male elders among the senior figures.

By now, Xiaoyuan and Martial Sister Gong must also be settled. Mei Ruolan had achieved a direct ascension into the Inner Gate to practice superior ultimate techniques—a happy occasion worthy of congratulations. However, looking at those senior sisters, she still had a long road ahead to surpass them.

He thought for a moment, sweeping away all distractions, and began to practice. His most crucial task now was cultivation, grinding away with all his might to meet Leng Feng and temper the arrogance of the Helian family.

Just as he was about to circulate his energy, there was a sudden, dull thud. Li Muzhan looked out the window to see the courtyard gate kicked open, and a burly, stout youth swaggered in.

He wore black robes, his body massive, with a round face and ox-like eyes, possessing a measure of simple honesty mixed with blunt aggression. He strode into the courtyard with a duck-walk gait. He called out loudly, "Ahem! Anyone home? Speak up!"

Li Muzhan gracefully slid off the couch, shaking his head; he surmised this must be the troublesome neighbor. He stepped out of the main room and stood on the steps, performing a slight salute with his hands clasped. "Senior Brother, may I ask what counsel you seek?"

The robust youth eyed Li Muzhan sidelong, taking him in from head to toe, and snorted. "You're that new little monk?!" Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "I am Zhanran. May I ask Senior Brother's respected name?" "This old man is Li Zongheng!" the stout youth declared. "So, Senior Brother Li," Li Muzhan said with a gentle smile. "May I ask why Senior Brother calls upon me today?"

Li Zongheng contemptuously curled his lip and waved a hand dismissively. "No special advice! Just here to tell you that from now on, you little monk, you listen to me!" Li Muzhan replied coolly, "Does the Canghai Sword Sect have such a rule?"

Li Zongheng glared with his ox-eyes, viciously. "Little monk, you ask too many questions! This isn't a Canghai Sect rule; it's my rule!" "Since it is not a sect rule, I regret that I cannot comply," Li Muzhan said with a faint smile.

Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, Li Zongheng flared with rage. His ox-eyes widened, and he rolled up his sleeves. "Fine! Another one who won't submit! I'll beat you into obedience!"

With that, he shot forward in a bound, his vinegar-bowl-sized fists aimed directly at Li Muzhan. The stance was simple, but the momentum was extraordinary. Li Muzhan met the attack with a punch of his own. Thump! With a dull sound, Li Zongheng staggered back three paces.

His face instantly flushed red, and he stared with wide astonishment. He looked at Li Muzhan and roared, "I wasn't prepared! That doesn't count! Try again!" Li Muzhan simply extended his hand, smiling lightly. "Hoo... hoo... hoo..." Li Zongheng stood with his hands held wide, puffing out his chest as if under invisible weight. His breathing was ragged, like an ox panting.

After three or five such breaths, his body seemed to swell slightly. Bang! He stepped forward, causing the ground to tremble slightly, and drove a punch toward Li Muzhan. This punch appeared clumsy, but it was astonishingly fast, arriving in an instant. Li Muzhan countered with another punch. Bang! Like a peal of thunder, Li Zongheng was sent flying. Li Muzhan stood steady, shaking his head and smiling. "Senior Brother Li, have you had enough?" Bang! Li Zongheng slammed into the courtyard wall, then fell to the ground with another thud, kicking up dust.

He rolled over on the ground, instantly sprang up, and brushed the dirt from his body, looking as if nothing had happened, before pointing at Li Muzhan and shouting, "You wicked little monk, you're truly treacherous!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "How was I treacherous?"

Li Zongheng glared at him, snorting heavily. "You pretended to know no martial arts, but you're actually a master! You deliberately lured me in—truly despicable and shameless!" Li Muzhan shook his head, amused by Li Zongheng's bizarre logic. "Are you convinced?" Li Muzhan walked up to him, smiling as he looked down. "Not convinced! This old man is not convinced!" Li Zongheng turned his head away, displaying fierce indignation. Li Muzhan smiled. "Then let's go again."

"Whoosh!" Li Zongheng suddenly launched a punch, faster than lightning.

They were separated by about an arm's length. This punch was incredibly quick; Li Muzhan had no time to evade. Bang! It struck squarely on his chest. Li Muzhan's expression remained unchanged, and his stance did not shift; he took the blow squarely. Bang! Li Zongheng was thrown backward again, crashing into the courtyard wall.

The wall shook as if it might collapse. Li Zongheng slid down limply, his hand twitching, but his entire body felt numb, unable to muster any strength. Li Muzhan smiled, shook his head, and turned back toward the house.

Li Zongheng blinked his ox-eyes in surprise, staring as Li Muzhan returned to the room and sat down cross-legged on the couch, visible through the window.

Li Muzhan said with a slight smile, "Go out and forget about the fight!"

Li Zongheng was gasping heavily, deeply angered. His strength suddenly returned, and he sprang up, glaring hard at Li Muzhan a few times before turning and leaving. Bang! The courtyard gate slammed shut heavily.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. Li Zongheng's external body-hardening arts were indeed impressive, but when it came to true external fortitude, who in this world could compare to the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art?

Furthermore, although his inner strength was deep, it was far inferior to Li Muzhan's. Engaging him in a fight was like bringing a great axe before Lu Ban, or showing off a broadsword in front of Guan Gong.

Li Muzhan stopped thinking and began regulating his breath for meditation. The Sarira in his Dantian rotated slowly, like a planet in orbit, with True Qi swirling around it like a nebula.

Operating the Tianwu Breathing Technique, wisps of energy entered his pores, merging into the lake of water surrounding the Sarira, constantly replenishing and strengthening it. Though he felt the effect was minor, it was certainly better than not practicing at all.

Normal breathing regulation relied on True Qi circulating within the body, which was inefficient. Compared to the Heavenly Origin Breathing Technique, it was worlds apart, an immeasurable difference.

While he was meditating, a middle-aged woman arrived. Her looks were average, not beautiful, but her demeanor was gentle and pleasant. She measured his dimensions quickly and then took her leave.

By evening, two sets of green robes were delivered. However, Li Muzhan did not change into them; being a monastic, he was required to wear the monk's habit, not this attire.

Soon, someone else delivered two sets of monk robes—one jade-colored and one gray. Only then was Li Muzhan satisfied, although the robe he was currently wearing had been sewn by Li Yuqi and he would not easily change it. The next morning, he rose early and knocked on the door of his eastern neighbor. "Who is it?!" an impatient voice came from within, and the door was suddenly pulled open, revealing Li Zongheng. Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Brother Li, pardon the intrusion." "You... you little monk, what do you want?!" Li Zongheng was stunned for a moment, then glared fiercely again. "Are you looking for another beating?!"

P: I have a cold. Four updates over the last two days sowed the seeds of illness, and I couldn't hold it back; I have a fever now. All sickness stems from the heart—stress builds up, leading to anger and inflammation. This is the first cold of the winter. Writing is slow, and it's late, so please bear with me a little. Thank you very much. D