From dawn till dusk, I stayed in the garden, with Song Wenbin, watering, draining the soil, weeding, watering again, and then fertilizing.
The moment the water hit, the weeds shot up, demanding to be pulled. Once the weeding was done, the scorching sun dried the earth, necessitating more water—a cycle that repeated endlessly.
As for the fertilizing, that was a grim chore, requiring one to pinch their nose.
There was a strict schedule for applying the fertilizer: it absolutely had to be done before everyone else woke up.
Of course, according to Song Wenbin’s experience, the earlier the better. Before dawn was ideal; even better if it was dark, when nothing could be seen—as if one’s eyes were closed. All one needed to do was plug one’s nose.
Once daylight broke and one saw the materials, forgetting about breakfast was a certainty.
Li Muzhan’s attainment in Chan Gong was profound. He had practiced contemplation techniques, including Anicca (Impermanence/Ugly Sight); he had witnessed things far more disgusting than this and remained entirely unfazed, able to regard it with equanimity.
Song Wenbin was deeply impressed. Logically, though he had been handling the fertilizer for over a year, he still hadn't grown accustomed to it; the sight alone made him lose his appetite for breakfast.
As soon as he sat down to eat, he couldn't help but think about it, and the harder he tried not to think, the more intrusive the images became, leading inevitably to nausea and an inability to swallow his food.
Yet, the rule in the mess hall was that no food could be left over. He didn't dare defy this, so he could only force down the food through sheer grit, battling the nausea.
This kind of suffering was difficult to comprehend without experiencing it firsthand.
That Li Muzhan could face it with such composure, unaffected by the fertilizer, filled Song Wenbin with both envy and admiration.
One morning, Li Muzhan was walking toward the mess hall with Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng when they suddenly ran into Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun midway. The two women were clad in tight black satin vests, looking dashing and heroic.
Though the Canghai Sword Sect had many female disciples, few possessed outstanding looks. As the two walked together, they illuminated each other, appearing as if bathed in a clear radiance, drawing the appreciative gazes of everyone nearby; men and women alike couldn't help but stare.
Gong Qingyun was cold as ice mist, not sparing a sidelong glance, while Xiao Yuan was charmingly radiant, holding her head high and chest out like a proud young deer, glowing with vitality.
The two women stopped them, drawing Li Muzhan and his companions to a halt.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Sister Gong, Xiao Yuan, what a coincidence.”
“Hmph, Zhanran, what coincidence!” Xiao Yuan shot him a look, pouting her full, cherry lips petulantly, “If we hadn't sought you out, would you have forgotten about me and Sister Gong!”
Li Muzhan chuckled, “Everyone is busy right now. I was just planning to find you both after the minor competition.”
“Hmph!” Xiao Yuan glared fiercely at him, adorably vexed.
Li Zongheng and Song Wenbin were completely transfixed. The Canghai Sword Sect had beauties, but such peerless ones were unattainable for outer disciples; they could only be admired from afar.
Take the four Senior Sisters, for example—ten stunning beauties—but they remained constantly near the Sect Leader. Outer disciples could only glimpse them during the monthly minor competition; the rest of the time, they were in the Upper Four Heavens, entirely out of sight.
Their skin was delicate, seeming ready to burst under the slightest touch; their bright eyes sparkled with liquid light. A single glance felt like one’s very soul was about to take flight. Both men were utterly captivated.
Li Muzhan glanced around, then smiled, “Alright, Xiao Yuan, have you eaten yet?”
Xiao Yuan huffed, “Not yet! We just finished training!”
“Then let’s go eat together, how about it?” Li Muzhan suggested with a smile.
Xiao Yuan pursed her red lips, feigning reluctance, and turned to look at Gong Qingyun.
Gong Qingyun’s eyelids drooped slightly, her expression unchanged.
“…Fine! I’ll let you off this once,” Xiao Yuan finally conceded with a huff.
“Then I thank you greatly,” Li Muzhan replied with a hearty laugh, extending his hand. “These are Senior Brother Song and Senior Brother Li; they are both good friends of mine.”
Li Zongheng’s mouth twitched, wanting to blurt out, Who is your good friend!
But in front of the beauties, his mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. He quickly forced a clumsy smile, “Heh heh… heh heh, greetings to you both, Junior Sisters. I am Li Zongheng, Zhanran Shidi’s neighbor.”
Song Wenbin flushed, murmuring shyly, “Greetings, Junior Sisters.”
They had gotten it backward; Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun were Junior Sisters, so they should have been greeted first. Li Zongheng and Song Wenbin’s introductions made it sound as if the women were the seniors.
Gong Qingyun returned the greeting with a slight nod, radiating a distance that kept people at bay.
Xiao Yuan laughed lightly, “Senior Brother Li, you are Zhanran’s neighbor?”
“Yes, yes,” Li Zongheng grinned foolishly.
Xiao Yuan was amused by his reaction, chuckling, “Then we have fate. Has any woman visited his courtyard?”
Li Zongheng quickly shook his head, “No one, besides the Sect Leader, the Martial Aunt, and the Eldest Senior Sister.”
Xiao Yuan huffed softly, casting a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan, “Alright, let’s go eat together. A person could starve waiting for you!”
The group walked into the great hall together, collected their meals, and sat down. Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun claimed the seats immediately to Li Muzhan’s left and right.
Li Zongheng and Song Wenbin were quick to catch on, sitting opposite them, lowering their heads to eat in silence—occasionally stealing a glance at the two women, which sent their heart rates soaring.
Xiao Yuan chattered incessantly, Gong Qingyun offered the occasional remark, and Li Muzhan mostly listened, a gentle smile on his face. This scene astonished the surrounding disciples.
After they finished eating and were walking out, Xiao Yuan asked, “Zhanran, have you seen the Young Mistress?”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Only once.”
Xiao Yuan said, “The Young Mistress is currently in seclusion practicing! …She went directly into the Inner Sect. It seems her training is quite arduous, not as leisurely as ours.”
Li Muzhan laughed, “And you two are very leisurely?”
Xiao Yuan giggled, “Yes! We just have to run ten mountain laps a day, holding a piece of white jade while circulating our breath. After we finish running, we go swim in the Jinhua Pool. It’s great fun!”
Li Muzhan was quite curious, and Xiao Yuan explained in detail. Initially, they were given a piece of white jade and only had to run two sets of stairs a day, but it had increased to ten now. After running, they had to swim in the Jinhua Pool, which was a hot spring, soaking there for two hours, and then the day was done. She proudly declared that her swimming ability was now unparalleled among the outer disciples and that she wanted to spar sometime to make him suffer a little in the water.
Li Muzhan smiled and agreed.
When they reached the entrance to the First Heaven Path, the two groups stopped. Xiao Yuan said sweetly, “Zhanran, don’t just focus on training!”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, “Okay. Let’s eat breakfast together every day!”
“Great!” Xiao Yuan immediately agreed, her round face lighting up, smiling sweetly, “You know what’s good for you!”
The two groups separated and walked down toward the Logistics Department. Li Zongheng chuckled, “Zhanran Shidi, how did you get to know those two Junior Sisters?”
Li Muzhan smiled and recounted the history between himself and the two women.
“The new Senior Sister Mei was also with you originally!” Li Zongheng suddenly realized, shaking his head with a sigh, “The Mei Manor really is a wonderful place; everyone there is so beautiful, hehe!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Brother Li, are your feelings stirring?”
“Don’t talk nonsense!” Li Zongheng’s face changed, and he quickly shook his head. “I know my place. A lowly Outer Gate disciple like me would never catch the eye of a girl like Xiao Yuan!”
Li Muzhan nodded with a smile, “Yes, it’s good that Senior Brother Li understands.”
Although his self-control was profound, the inherent weakness of men could not be avoided. Any beautiful woman nearby was subconsciously considered his private possession; no one else could claim her.
Li Zongheng snorted in indignation, turned, and said, “I’m leaving!”
With that, he dashed into the adjacent courtyard in a few quick strides. Li Muzhan and Song Wenbin proceeded to their small courtyard to continue tending to the eggplants. Song Wenbin sighed quietly, “Zhanran Shidi, apart from the Four Senior Sisters, I have never seen women—so—so—so—so—so beautiful…”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Yes, they are all beauties.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, a cold, sharp voice rang out abruptly: “Who is a beauty?!”
Both men jumped, seeing Wen Yinyue standing calmly by the well, her bright eyes like ice.
Clad in a moon-white silk robe, utterly spotless, she emphasized the coolness and seductive charm emanating from her. Her radiant beauty was so dazzling it was hard to look directly at her.
“Eldest Senior Sister!” Song Wenbin immediately clasped his hands in salute and bowed his head, his face flushing crimson.
“Mm,” Wen Yinyue replied softly, the sound possessing a magnetic quality, an intoxicating, soul-stirring power.
Song Wenbin’s face reddened further, not daring to raise his eyes to look at her.
Li Muzhan brought his hands together in a smile and bowed deeply, “Senior Sister graces us with your presence; I should have welcomed you sooner!”
Wen Yinyue stared coldly at him. After a long pause, seeing his smile unchanging and his expression undisturbed, she let out a cold snort and said icily, “Follow me!”
Li Muzhan nodded, turned, and said, “Senior Brother Song, I will return shortly.”
Song Wenbin nodded hastily, stealing a cautious glance at Wen Yinyue. He felt a strong premonition; he sensed the Eldest Senior Sister’s visit was ill-intentioned.
Though he didn't know why the usually unattainable Eldest Senior Sister had sought out Zhanran, judging by her demeanor, she was clearly angry.
Although the Eldest Senior Sister was usually aloof, she rarely lost her temper or cursed. Her speech was sparse, mostly concise and to the point.
He had no idea how Zhanran Shidi had provoked her. His heart was conflicted: on one side was his revered and admired Eldest Senior Sister, and on the other, his close friend who shared life and death. Who should he side with?
Li Muzhan followed Wen Yinyue out of the small courtyard and headed uphill. All along the way, they were the focus of attention, most eyes fixed on him.
The monthly minor competition was always presided over by the Eldest Senior Sister, Wen Yinyue. In the minds of the disciples, she was utterly unreachable, someone to be looked up to, like a goddess. They were intensely curious about why the Eldest Senior Sister was looking for Zhanran Shidi.
Li Muzhan walked behind her, inhaling the intoxicating, delicate fragrance, occasionally glancing at Wen Yinyue—a true indulgence.
Wen Yinyue’s steps were light, as if treading on water, swaying gracefully like a slender willow in the wind—elegant and captivating. A few glances were enough to quicken the blood.
Though she appeared relaxed, her pace was extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, she arrived at Li Muzhan’s small courtyard, pushed open the door, and entered the small training ground amidst the flowerbeds.
Wen Yinyue stopped, turned around, and said coldly, “Junior Brother, I am here under my Master’s command to impart martial arts to you.”
Li Muzhan was instantly overjoyed, quickly asking, “Martial arts?”
“Thank you, Master. I trouble Senior Sister,” he said, “What kind of—”
Wen Yinyue interrupted, “What kind of technique do you wish to learn?”
“Swordplay?” Li Muzhan asked.
Wen Yinyue shook her head, “Only Inner Sect disciples can practice swordplay. You cannot learn it.”
“Why is that?” Li Muzhan frowned, his elation turning abruptly to disappointment—the drop was too sharp.
Wen Yinyue’s delicate eyebrows furrowed, seemingly displeased, yet she still explained, “The body is the foundation of swordplay. If the foundation is not strong, no matter how exquisite the sword technique, it is useless… Outer Sect disciples train their bodies and only practice bare-handed combat.”
She added coolly, “The sword techniques of our Sect are miraculous and unlike other styles… If the body is not properly trained, practicing the swordplay will cause harm rather than benefit.”
Seeing her cold reserve, yet finding her so patiently explanatory, Li Muzhan felt overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.
He bowed, “Very well, I will follow Senior Sister’s guidance. What technique are you teaching me today?”
“You are following the Master’s instruction,” Wen Yinyue replied coldly, her dark eyebrows knitting again.
Li Muzhan nodded with a smile, “Yes.”
Wen Yinyue stated flatly, “Today, I will teach you the Azure Dragon Palm.”
“Yes,” Li Muzhan simply acknowledged, knowing further questioning was useless.
Wen Yinyue glanced at him, appearing slightly surprised. She had expected him to inquire further, but since he did not, she saw no need to elaborate.
Wen Yinyue said lightly, “The Azure Dragon Palm has eight forms. The introductory form is simple, but if practiced well, it strengthens the five viscera and increases physical strength tremendously.”
Having spoken, she began demonstrating without waiting for Li Muzhan to respond.
Li Muzhan followed behind her, learning each movement. Unfortunately, his body felt somewhat clumsy, and his progress was agonizingly slow; it took him a good half-day just to master the first form.
Wen Yinyue glared at him coldly, trying to force him to lower his gaze, but Li Muzhan was staring back at her, inexplicably.
“Are you doing this on purpose?!” Wen Yinyue asked coldly.
Li Muzhan blinked in surprise, shaking his head, “On purpose? What purpose?”
“Intentionally acting clumsy!” Wen Yinyue stated flatly, her expressionless.
Li Muzhan laughed, “I see. Senior Sister misunderstood. My aptitude is truly limited; my progress in martial arts is always slow.”
Wen Yinyue’s lips curved slightly, seeming to mock him.
Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and sighed, “If Senior Sister doesn’t believe me, go ask the Young Mistress. I have always been this way.”
Wen Yinyue stared at him sideways, seemingly convinced. “Mm, fine. Let’s continue!” Afterward, she corrected him meticulously and strictly. Any minor error required starting over. They practiced this way for the entire day, with no lunch break permitted. Li Muzhan’s spirit was formidable, and Wen Yinyue was no less determined. They practiced non-stop until evening, by which time Li Muzhan had completely mastered the Azure Dragon Palm.
Wen Yinyue said coolly, “The minor competition is the day after tomorrow. I hope you will not disgrace Master!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “I will certainly do my utmost!”
“Know your limits then!” Wen Yinyue said expressionlessly, waving her hand before gracefully exiting the small courtyard.
That night, Li Muzhan didn't sleep; he practiced the Azure Dragon Palm continuously. Though it was only eight forms, an introductory technique, in terms of subtlety, no martial art learned at the Mei Manor could compare. Though he learned slowly, he was not dull; if the technique hadn't been extremely profound, it wouldn't have been so difficult for him to grasp.
At dawn, he washed his face; there was no sign of fatigue; he was still full of energy.
Song Wenbin arrived, then called for Li Zongheng, and then they went to the North Courtyard to call on Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun. Once they gathered, they headed towards the mess hall.
Just as they were about to enter the hall, a line of people suddenly blocked their path.