Wen Yinyue stated flatly, "Master sent me here to instruct you in the Azure Dragon Palm."
"Master's kindness is truly immeasurable!" Li Muzhan cupped his hands in salute toward the north, "Senior Sister, please come inside. I will be ready shortly."
"No need." Wen Yinyue frowned and waved her elegant hand.
Li Muzhan mused inwardly, Could it be that Senior Sister dislikes men? Does she look down on entering my quarters because I am a foul-smelling man?
The thought struck him as plausible, yet he couldn't be certain. Her mind-lake was still and unrippled; his innate sense could detect no change. Coupled with her perpetually cold expression, she was difficult to analyze.
He decided to let go of the thought, allowing things to take their course. If she held hostility, so be it; it was of little consequence as long as he mastered his martial arts.
"Very well, Senior Sister, please wait a moment." Li Muzhan nodded, promptly shedding his inner tunic, bare-chested, and hauling up a bucket of water to wash vigorously.
Wen Yinyue watched Li Muzhan, her gaze steady and unwavering, her expression detached, placid—as if she were observing a slab of pork rather than a man.
After washing, Li Muzhan smiled wryly, shaking his head. This Senior Sister... truly extraordinary.
He entered his room, changed into a set of azure combat attire, and returned to Wen Yinyue's side. "Senior Sister, how shall you instruct me?"
"Sparring," Wen Yinyue stated simply.
Li Muzhan's spirits lifted, and he nodded quickly, "Nothing could be better."
Wen Yinyue's bright eyes were like clear, undisturbed water. She spoke calmly, "Fists and feet have no eyes. In combat, it is inevitable to strike too lightly or too heavily. Fortunately, you have cultivated the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art; I need not hold back."
Hearing this, Li Muzhan's heart tightened. He realized this was where Senior Sister had been waiting for him. It seemed she had been angered earlier and was now seeking to teach him a lesson.
However, her control over her emotions was astounding. Even he, when angered, struggled to remain so perfectly still, showing no flicker of agitation.
He nodded with a wry smile, "I hope Senior Sister will show restraint!"
"If you wish to master the martial arts, do not fear pain!" Wen Yinyue stated coolly.
"Yes," Li Muzhan bit his lip and slowly nodded.
"Be careful!" Wen Yinyue gave a soft cry. Her hand, like white jade, was already at his chest, delivering a gentle push. With a dull thud, Li Muzhan flew backward, slamming against the wall.
Li Muzhan landed again with another thud, tumbling into the flowerbed, narrowly avoiding being pricked by thorns.
Yet, though the force of this palm strike was strong, it was entirely cohesive energy, not insidious Yin force; it felt as if he had been struck by a log, sending him flying sideways.
Li Muzhan coughed, shook his head, and offered a bitter smile—Senior Sister was establishing dominance.
Wen Yinyue stated coldly, "When facing an opponent, one cannot afford a moment's distraction. Life and death are decided in an instant. If I were the enemy, you would already be dead."
"Yes, Senior Sister," Li Muzhan nodded, too weary to argue.
If she were an enemy, he would never allow her to close the distance; he would have preempted her long ago. But saying such things was pointless, merely sounding like empty bragging.
"Again!" Wen Yinyue beckoned with her jade-like hand.
"Good!" Li Muzhan leaped several feet across the distance, landing before Wen Yinyue.
Wen Yinyue sized him up, frowning. "Your internal energy has recovered?"
Li Muzhan shook his head, "No. The Annihilation Lock Origin Technique is indeed formidable... However, though I cannot use internal energy, I can use footwork."
That previous maneuver was the Flying Cloud Step. Though it couldn't be catalyzed by internal energy, that external Jin was still a form of strength that could be borrowed to simulate internal force.
Wen Yinyue nodded, stating calmly, "Your comprehension is indeed not poor. Receive the palm!"
Saying this, her small, jade-like hand advanced once more.
This time, Li Muzhan was prepared, swiftly drawing his body inward. One of the Eight Forms of the Azure Dragon Palm manifested naturally, fluid and instinctive from deep familiarity.
"Oh?" Wen Yinyue expressed surprise, her white jade palm flipping instantly, changing its trajectory to attack Li Muzhan's weakness.
While the Azure Dragon Palm was exquisite, it was ultimately a foundational introductory technique. In terms of refinement, it was worlds apart from what she practiced; she knew its flaws perfectly well.
Li Muzhan retracted his palm and shifted his move, responding with ease, possessing a knack for making the vulgar seem miraculous.
His thoughts raced like lightning, his speed several times that of an ordinary person. Although Wen Yinyue's strikes were swift, she was mindful of his limited internal power and did not use full strength, allowing him to keep pace.
Consequently, as their palms met and exchanged blows, they were locked in a deadlock, achieving an even score.
The two merely exchanged techniques. He used only the Azure Dragon Palm, while Wen Yinyue employed a variety of palm and fist forms, an endless repertoire with no move ever repeated. As she struck, she explained, "Matches between Outer Sect disciples test physical prowess and forms; they do not involve internal energy. With your current strength, it is sufficient."
Li Muzhan countered with a palm strike of his own, laughing, "Senior Sister, how is my Azure Dragon Palm?"
"Hm, slow to learn, but used well. Rare!" Wen Yinyue commented coolly.
Li Muzhan laughed heartily, "It is all due to Senior Sister's excellent teaching. A wise master produces a brilliant student!"
"There is no need for such words." Wen Yinyue's delicate brows furrowed slightly, showing displeasure. She huffed, "Sweet talk is ornate but insubstantial. Men truly are the least reliable!"
Li Muzhan chuckled, "My words are sincere; Senior Sister is too quick to judge."
Wen Yinyue snorted, her face turning cold, and ceased speaking. She increased the intensity of her attacks, one following the other, the speed accelerating.
She slowly infused internal energy, and her movements grew quicker, giving the impression of a dazzling butterfly weaving through flowers—a blur of motion.
A flurry of snowy white palms descended upon Li Muzhan. He weaved through them, twisting and evading, each escape executed with a hair's breadth to spare.
Li Muzhan was struggling. He hadn't expected his Senior Sister to master so many palm techniques; that alone placed her far above him.
Wen Yinyue, however, was even more astonished. She had not anticipated her Junior Brother's comprehension to be so breathtaking. Relying solely on the Azure Dragon Palm, he could actually withstand her. She calculated that if she had only learned it for a day, as he had, she could barely grasp it—certainly not perform at this level. Even her current self could not use the Azure Dragon Palm to counter several of her own martial arts sequences. His astounding comprehension and exceptional natural talent were clearly evident.
As time passed, the white jade-like hands moved faster, and Wen Yinyue’s internal energy intensified. She had now exerted a small fraction of her inner strength—enough to qualify as a martial arts master.
Li Muzhan relied on the Azure Dragon Palm, supplemented by his innate divine strength, to resist desperately. Though at a disadvantage, he stubbornly guarded his vital points.
"Hmph, indeed remarkable!" Wen Yinyue stated faintly. Her jade palm suddenly transformed into a streak of light, piercing through Li Muzhan's guarding palms, striking his chest.
Li Muzhan was thrown back, crashing heavily against the courtyard wall and tumbling into the flowerbed once more.
Li Muzhan stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes—fortunately, his azure robe was silk and repelled dirt easily.
He walked slowly back, offering a bitter smile, "Senior Sister, was that considered sparring?"
Wen Yinyue snorted, glancing at him sideways. "You cannot always encounter Outer Sect disciples. What will you do if an Inner Sect disciple comes seeking trouble?"
Li Muzhan smiled wryly, "Inner Sect disciples are forbidden from striking Outer Sect disciples, or face a year of wall contemplation, is that not the rule?"
Wen Yinyue stated flatly, "Someone as conspicuous as you—it's hard to guarantee an Inner Sect disciple won't risk the punishment just to put you in your place!"
Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, "Senior Sister, I must be truly dull; I have no idea where I attract such hatred."
"Have you not caused enough of a stir?" Wen Yinyue gave a brief glance, the corner of her mouth curving slightly, as if in sarcasm.
Li Muzhan laughed, "Isn't it just because I aimed to break through the stages early, not wanting to waste time?"
Wen Yinyue shook her head without speaking, seemingly too weary to elaborate.
Li Muzhan felt helpless concerning her attitude, laughing, "In what other way do I invite hatred? I seek Senior Sister's guidance to clear my confusion!"
"I don't know!" Wen Yinyue said coolly. She waved her jade hand and attacked again. "We will train for the entire day today; you must exert your full strength, no slacking... Tomorrow we rest, and the day after is the Grand Competition."
"Alright!" Li Muzhan rallied his spirit. The two resumed their exchange of palms and fists, sparring fiercely. In the process, the Azure Dragon Palm grew increasingly refined, its power mounting.
Time flew as they sparred. Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng came by, saw the lively match, and quietly departed, unwilling to disturb them. Their ingrained reverence for the Eldest Senior Sister was profound.
They sparred continuously from morning till night without a break. Li Muzhan witnessed Wen Yinyue's tenacity and fervor—a level of dedication he thought only he possessed.
Throughout that day, Li Muzhan endured countless palm strikes. Some were pure directional force, sending him flying; others were insidious Yin energy, sinking into his viscera like fine needles. Fortunately, his Vajra Indestructible Divine Art protected him, and Wen Yinyue held back her full power; thus, he suffered only hardship, not injury.
The next day, he rested, staying in the vegetable garden, awaiting the start of the preliminary competition.
On the morning of the third day, as Li Muzhan rose from bed, someone knocked at his door. He recognized the rhythm instantly as Song Wenbin and called out loudly, "Senior Brother Song, come in."
Song Wenbin, dressed in azure combat attire, strode in decisively. He entered the room directly, "Zhanran, hurry up! The preliminary competition is about to begin!"
"So early?" Li Muzhan released his hand seal, stepped down, pushed open the window, and glanced at the sky.
Song Wenbin was energetic and bright, laughing, "Zhanran, it's not early! We Outer Sect disciples are numerous; everyone competes in three rounds. It will take a full day to finish!"
"Good, let's go!" Li Muzhan nodded.
The two left the small courtyard and knocked on Li Zongheng’s door in the neighboring yard. Li Zongheng's door opened immediately. Dressed in azure combat gear, looking spirited, he stepped out and closed the door. "Let's go!"
The three followed the path lined with green pines, took a turn, and walked straight uphill to the large plaza before the Wuji Hall, their spirits immediately expanding.
The plaza was vast, circled by a border of bluestone, making it round, presumably to prevent anyone from accidentally flying too far out and landing in the deep, boundless valley below.
The roar of the river drifted up on the wind, faint and indistinct, like a fierce tiger held within the mountains.
In the center of the plaza stood a circular dais, upon which rested several high-backed chairs.
Wen Yinyue, clad in a moon-white silk robe, sat serenely in the center. Nine people were seated before her in order, divided into two rows: five men and four women, all with solemn expressions.
Li Muzhan spotted Mei Ruolan clearly among them, seated at the very end of the row of women. He nodded inwardly; clearly, the Eldest Young Miss possessed extraordinary aptitude. Having built a solid foundation, she had entered Inner Sect seclusion for a month and soared to prominence, joining the ranks of the direct disciples.
The Canghai Sword Sect rules divided disciples into three tiers: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and Direct Disciples. Outer Sect disciples’ foundational techniques were mostly taught by Direct Disciples; only the true ultimate secrets were personally passed down by the Sect Master level figures like Elder Zhuzhao. Thus, for the general disciples, seniors like Wen Yinyue were equivalent to teachers or senior martial uncles.
"Oh, who is that? A newly promoted Senior Sister?" Song Wenbin pointed toward Mei Ruolan.
Mei Ruolan seemed to sense something and turned her gaze over. Her ethereal eyes fell upon Li Muzhan, and she offered a faint smile. She was usually reserved, aloof, and noble; such a smile instantly made her radiant, causing the assembled disciples below to feel momentarily dazzled.
Li Muzhan cupped his hands in salute and nodded with a slight smile.
Mei Ruolan inclined her head slightly and slowly turned back.
Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng stared at him oddly, their eyes wide.
Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng pulled him aside, away from the crowd, and whispered, "Zhanran, you know that Senior Sister?!" He found it incredible; why was everyone Zhanran knew an absolute beauty?
Li Muzhan replied, "She is my Eldest Young Miss."
"Ah, so it's Senior Sister Mei!" The two understood at once.
Li Zongheng snorted, "Zhanran, you are a monk, yet you are blessed with such fortune with women. Truly enviable!" Li Muzhan clapped him on the shoulder and laughed, "You speak inaccurately. What fortune with women? Come, let's go sit down!"
Li Zongheng muttered something, pursing his lips. He was quite disapproving of his friend's feigned modesty. A real man should speak his mind; keeping things hidden was tiring!
The three found a place to sit. Several mats were already laid out on the platform, available for anyone to use, but men sat on the east side and women on the west, the two sections clearly demarcated and not mixed. Because they had arrived slightly late, the closer spots were gone, and they had to sit toward the back.
Shortly after they sat down, a young man on the high platform rose. His features were like jade, handsome and striking. He walked to the front edge of the dais, cupped his hands, and announced loudly, "Today is the Outer Sect Preliminary Competition day. I will not waste time with pleasantries; everyone knows the rules. First, we draw lots. Let's begin!"
Then, a row of male disciples and a row of female disciples, each holding a wooden box with a round hole in the center, walked up to everyone in turn. When the box reached them, they reached inside and drew out a wooden slip, much like drawing divination sticks at a temple.
Everyone performed the action skillfully and quickly. In a moment, the drawing was complete. Li Muzhan drew the name Zhao Qing.
Li Zongheng leaned over, snatched Li Muzhan's slip, glanced at it, and chuckled, "Zhanran, congratulations, the best possible draw!"
Song Wenbin also peered over curiously, his expression shifting slightly. He shook his head with a bitter smile, "Zhanran, this Zhao Qing will not be easy to deal with!"
"What's going on?" Li Muzhan asked, now curious as well. (To be continued)
Wen Yinyue stated flatly, "Master sent me here to instruct you in the Azure Dragon Palm."
"Master's kindness is truly immeasurable!" Li Muzhan cupped his hands in salute toward the north, "Senior Sister, please come inside. I will be ready shortly."
"No need." Wen Yinyue frowned and waved her elegant hand.
Li Muzhan mused inwardly, Could it be that Senior Sister dislikes men? Does she look down on entering my quarters because I am a foul-smelling man?
The thought struck him as plausible, yet he couldn't be certain. Her mind-lake was still and unrippled; his innate sense could detect no change. Coupled with her perpetually cold expression, she was difficult to analyze.
He decided to let go of the thought, allowing things to take their course. If she held hostility, so be it; it was of little consequence as long as he mastered his martial arts.
"Very well, Senior Sister, please wait a moment." Li Muzhan nodded, promptly shedding his inner tunic, bare-chested, and hauling up a bucket of water to wash vigorously.
Wen Yinyue watched Li Muzhan, her gaze steady and unwavering, her expression detached, placid—as if she were observing a slab of pork rather than a man.
After washing, Li Muzhan smiled wryly, shaking his head. This Senior Sister... truly extraordinary.
He entered his room, changed into a set of azure combat attire, and returned to Wen Yinyue's side. "Senior Sister, how shall you instruct me?"
"Sparring," Wen Yinyue stated simply.
Li Muzhan's spirits lifted, and he nodded quickly, "Nothing could be better."
Wen Yinyue's bright eyes were like clear, undisturbed water. She spoke calmly, "Fists and feet have no eyes. In combat, it is inevitable to strike too lightly or too heavily. Fortunately, you have cultivated the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art; I need not hold back."
Hearing this, Li Muzhan's heart tightened. He realized this was where Senior Sister had been waiting for him. It seemed she had been angered earlier and was now seeking to teach him a lesson.
However, her control over her emotions was astounding. Even he, when angered, struggled to remain so perfectly still, showing no flicker of agitation.
He nodded with a wry smile, "I hope Senior Sister will show restraint!"
"If you wish to master the martial arts, do not fear pain!" Wen Yinyue stated coolly.
"Yes," Li Muzhan bit his lip and slowly nodded.
"Be careful!" Wen Yinyue gave a soft cry. Her hand, like white jade, was already at his chest, delivering a gentle push. With a dull thud, Li Muzhan flew backward, slamming against the wall.
Li Muzhan landed again with another thud, tumbling into the flowerbed, narrowly avoiding being pricked by thorns.
Yet, though the force of this palm strike was strong, it was entirely cohesive energy, not insidious Yin force; it felt as if he had been struck by a log, sending him flying sideways.
Li Muzhan coughed, shook his head, and offered a bitter smile—Senior Sister was establishing dominance.
Wen Yinyue stated coldly, "When facing an opponent, one cannot afford a moment's distraction. Life and death are decided in an instant. If I were the enemy, you would already be dead."
"Yes, Senior Sister," Li Jiazhan nodded, too weary to argue.
If she were an enemy, he would never allow her to close the distance; he would have preempted her long ago. But saying such things was pointless, merely sounding like empty bragging.
"Again!" Wen Yinyue beckoned with her jade-like hand.
"Good!" Li Muzhan leaped several feet across the distance, landing before Wen Yinyue.
Wen Yinyue sized him up, frowning. "Your internal energy has recovered?"
Li Muzhan shook his head, "No. The Annihilation Lock Origin Technique is indeed formidable... However, though I cannot use internal energy, I can use footwork."
That previous maneuver was the Flying Cloud Step. Though it couldn't be catalyzed by internal energy, that external Jin was still a form of strength that could be borrowed to simulate internal force.
Wen Yinyue nodded, stating calmly, "Your comprehension is indeed not poor. Receive the palm!"
Saying this, her small, jade-like hand advanced once more.
This time, Li Muzhan was prepared, swiftly drawing his body inward. One of the Eight Forms of the Azure Dragon Palm manifested naturally, fluid and instinctive from deep familiarity.
"Oh?" Wen Yinyue expressed surprise, her white jade palm flipping instantly, changing its trajectory to attack Li Muzhan's weakness.
While the Azure Dragon Palm was exquisite, it was ultimately a foundational introductory technique. In terms of refinement, it was worlds apart from what she practiced; she knew its flaws perfectly well.
Li Muzhan retracted his palm and shifted his move, responding with ease, possessing a knack for making the vulgar seem miraculous.
His thoughts raced like lightning, his speed several times that of an ordinary person. Although Wen Yinyue's strikes were swift, she was mindful of his limited internal power and did not use full strength, allowing him to keep pace.
Consequently, as their palms met and exchanged blows, they were locked in a deadlock, achieving an even score.
The two merely exchanged techniques. He used only the Azure Dragon Palm, while Wen Yinyue employed a variety of palm and fist forms, an endless repertoire with no move ever repeated. As she struck, she explained, "Matches between Outer Sect disciples test physical prowess and forms; they do not involve internal energy. With your current strength, it is sufficient."
Li Muzhan countered with a palm strike of his own, laughing, "Senior Sister, how is my Azure Dragon Palm?"
"Hm, slow to learn, but used well. Rare!" Wen Yinyue commented coolly.
Li Muzhan laughed heartily, "It is all due to Senior Sister's excellent teaching. A wise master produces a brilliant student!"
"There is no need for such words." Wen Yinyue's delicate brows furrowed slightly, showing displeasure. She huffed, "Sweet talk is ornate but insubstantial. Men truly are the least reliable!"
Li Muzhan chuckled, "My words are sincere; Senior Sister is too quick to judge."
Wen Yinyue snorted, her face turning cold, and ceased speaking. She increased the intensity of her attacks, one following the other, the speed accelerating.
She slowly infused internal energy, and her movements grew quicker, giving the impression of a dazzling butterfly weaving through flowers—a blur of motion.
A flurry of snowy white palms descended upon Li Muzhan. He weaved through them, twisting and evading, each escape executed with a hair's breadth to spare.
Li Muzhan was struggling. He hadn't expected his Senior Sister to master so many palm techniques; that alone placed her far above him.
Wen Yinyue, however, was even more astonished. She had not anticipated her Junior Brother's comprehension to be so breathtaking. Relying solely on the Azure Dragon Palm, he could actually withstand her. She calculated that if she had only learned it for a day, as he had, she could barely grasp it—certainly not perform at this level. Even her current self could not use the Azure Dragon Palm to counter several of her own martial arts sequences. His astounding comprehension and exceptional natural talent were clearly evident.
As time passed, the white jade-like hands moved faster, and Wen Yinyue’s internal energy intensified. She had now exerted a small fraction of her inner strength—enough to qualify as a martial arts master.
Li Muzhan relied on the Azure Dragon Palm, supplemented by his innate divine strength, to resist desperately. Though at a disadvantage, he stubbornly guarded his vital points.
"Hmph, indeed remarkable!" Wen Yinyue stated faintly. Her jade palm suddenly transformed into a streak of light, piercing through Li Muzhan's guarding palms, striking his chest.
Li Muzhan was thrown back, crashing heavily against the courtyard wall and tumbling into the flowerbed once more.
Li Muzhan stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes. Fortunately, his azure robe was silk and repelled dirt easily.
He walked slowly back, offering a bitter smile, "Senior Sister, was that considered sparring?"
Wen Yinyue snorted, glancing at him sideways. "You cannot always encounter Outer Sect disciples. What will you do if an Inner Sect disciple comes seeking trouble?"
Li Muzhan smiled wryly, "Inner Sect disciples are forbidden from striking Outer Sect disciples, or face a year of wall contemplation, is that not the rule?"
Wen Yinyue stated flatly, "Someone as conspicuous as you—it's hard to guarantee an Inner Sect disciple won't risk the punishment just to put you in your place!"
Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, "Senior Sister, I must be truly dull; I have no idea where I attract such hatred."
"Have you not caused enough of a stir?" Wen Yinyue gave a brief glance, the corner of her mouth curving slightly, as if in sarcasm.
Li Muzhan laughed, "Isn't it just because I aimed to break through the stages early, not wanting to waste time?"
Wen Yinyue shook her head without speaking, seemingly too weary to elaborate.
Li Muzhan felt helpless concerning her attitude, laughing, "In what other way do I invite hatred? I seek Senior Sister's guidance to clear my confusion!"
"I don't know!" Wen Yinyue said coolly. She waved her jade hand and attacked again. "We will train for the entire day today; you must exert your full strength, no slacking... Tomorrow we rest, and the day after is the Grand Competition."
"Alright!" Li Muzhan rallied his spirit. The two resumed their exchange of palms and fists, sparring fiercely. In the process, the Azure Dragon Palm grew increasingly refined, its power mounting.
Time flew as they sparred. Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng came by, saw the lively match, and quietly departed, unwilling to disturb them. Their ingrained reverence for the Eldest Senior Sister was profound.
They sparred continuously from morning till night without a break. Li Muzhan witnessed Wen Yinyue's tenacity and fervor—a level of dedication he thought only he possessed.
Throughout that day, Li Muzhan endured countless palm strikes. Some were pure directional force, sending him flying; others were insidious Yin energy, sinking into his viscera like fine needles. Fortunately, his Vajra Indestructible Divine Art protected him, and Wen Yinyue held back her full power; thus, he suffered only hardship, not injury.
The next day, he rested, staying in the vegetable garden, awaiting the start of the preliminary competition.
On the morning of the third day, as Li Muzhan rose from bed, someone knocked at his door. He recognized the rhythm instantly as Song Wenbin and called out loudly, "Senior Brother Song, come in."
Song Wenbin, dressed in azure combat attire, strode in decisively. He entered the room directly, "Zhanran, hurry up! The preliminary competition is about to begin!"
"So early?" Li Muzhan released his hand seal, stepped down, pushed open the window, and glanced at the sky.
Song Wenbin was energetic and bright, laughing, "Zhanran, it's not early! We Outer Sect disciples are numerous; everyone competes in three rounds. It will take a full day to finish!"
"Good, let's go!" Li Muzhan nodded.
The two left the small courtyard and knocked on Li Zongheng’s door in the neighboring yard. Li Zongheng's door opened immediately. Dressed in azure combat gear, looking spirited, he stepped out and closed the door. "Let's go!"
The three followed the path lined with green pines, took a turn, and walked straight uphill to the large plaza before the Wuji Hall, their spirits immediately expanding.
The plaza was vast, circled by a border of bluestone, making it round, presumably to prevent anyone from accidentally flying too far out and landing in the deep, boundless valley below.
The roar of the river drifted up on the wind, faint and indistinct, like a fierce tiger held within the mountains.
In the center of the plaza stood a circular dais, upon which rested several high-backed chairs.
Wen Yinyue, clad in a moon-white silk robe, sat serenely in the center. Nine people were seated before her in order, divided into two rows: five men and four women, all with solemn expressions.
Li Muzhan spotted Mei Ruolan clearly among them, seated at the very end of the row of women. He nodded inwardly; clearly, the Eldest Young Miss possessed extraordinary aptitude. Having built a solid foundation, she had entered Inner Sect seclusion for a month and soared to prominence, joining the ranks of the direct disciples.
The Canghai Sword Sect rules divided disciples into three tiers: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and Direct Disciples. Outer Sect disciples’ foundational techniques were mostly taught by Direct Disciples; only the true ultimate secrets were personally passed down by the Sect Master level figures like Elder Zhuzhao. Thus, for the general disciples, seniors like Wen Yinyue were equivalent to teachers or senior martial uncles.
"Oh, who is that? A newly promoted Senior Sister?" Song Wenbin pointed toward Mei Ruolan.
Mei Ruolan seemed to sense something and turned her gaze over. Her ethereal eyes fell upon Li Muzhan, and she offered a faint smile. She was usually reserved, aloof, and noble; such a smile instantly made her radiant, causing the assembled disciples below to feel momentarily dazzled.
Li Muzhan cupped his hands in salute and nodded with a slight smile.
Mei Ruolan inclined her head slightly and slowly turned back.
Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng stared at him oddly, their eyes wide.
Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng pulled him aside, away from the crowd, and whispered, "Zhanran, you know that Senior Sister?!" He found it incredible; why was everyone Zhanran knew an absolute beauty?
Li Muzhan replied, "She is my Eldest Young Miss."
"Ah, so it's Senior Sister Mei!" The two understood at once.
Li Zongheng snorted, "Zhanran, you are a monk, yet you are blessed with such fortune with women. Truly enviable!" Li Muzhan clapped him on the shoulder and laughed, "You speak inaccurately. What fortune with women? Come, let's go sit down!"
Li Zongheng muttered something, pursing his lips. He was quite disapproving of his friend's feigned modesty. A real man should speak his mind; keeping things hidden was tiring!
The three found a place to sit. Several mats were already laid out on the platform, available for anyone to use, but men sat on the east side and women on the west, the two sections clearly demarcated and not mixed. Because they had arrived slightly late, the closer spots were gone, and they had to sit toward the back.
Shortly after they sat down, a young man on the high platform rose. His features were like jade, handsome and striking. He walked to the front edge of the dais, cupped his hands, and announced loudly, "Today is the Outer Sect Preliminary Competition day. I will not waste time with pleasantries; everyone knows the rules. First, we draw lots. Let's begin!"
Then, a row of male disciples and a row of female disciples, each holding a wooden box with a round hole in the center, walked up to everyone in turn. When the box reached them, they reached inside and drew out a wooden slip, much like drawing divination sticks at a temple.
Everyone performed the action skillfully and quickly. In a moment, the drawing was complete. Li Muzhan drew the name Zhao Qing.
Li Zongheng leaned over, snatched Li Muzhan's slip, glanced at it, and chuckled, "Zhanran, congratulations, the best possible draw!"
Song Wenbin also peered over curiously, his expression shifting slightly. He shook his head with a bitter smile, "Zhanran, this Zhao Qing will not be easy to deal with!"
"What's going on?" Li Muzhan asked, now curious as well.
Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "Senior Sister, I must be dense.
In what way am I inviting such hatred?" "Have you not caused enough commotion already?" Wen Yinyue glanced at him dismissively, a subtle, almost mocking curve to her lips. Li Muzhan chuckled.
"Isn't it just because I aimed to clear the trials quickly and didn't want to waste time?" Wen Yinyue shook her head without speaking, seemingly too weary to elaborate further. Li Muzhan, equally at a loss regarding her demeanor, smiled again.
"In what other aspect have I earned enmity? I ask for your guidance, Senior Sister, to clear my confusion!" "I don't know!" Wen Yinyue replied flatly.
She waved her jade hand and attacked again. "We train the entire day today.
You must give it your absolute all; no slacking! Tomorrow we rest, and the day after is the Grand Competition." "Very well!" Li Muzhan instantly energized himself.
The two exchanged palm strikes and fist blows, sparring fiercely until they were locked in an inseparable struggle. During this process, the Azure Dragon Palm grew increasingly refined, its power steadily augmenting.
Time flew by amidst their constant practice. Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng came by once, saw the pair locked in vigorous exchange, and quietly departed, daring not to interrupt.
Their ingrained reverence for the Senior Sister was profound. They fought continuously from morning until evening without a single break.
Li Muzhan also witnessed Wen Yinyue’s tenacity and fervor; he had always thought only he possessed such relentless drive. Throughout that day’s practice, Li Muzhan endured countless strikes.
Some were merely powerful jolts that sent him flying; others were insidious, inner force strikes that pierced his viscera like fine needles. Fortunately, his Adamantine Indestructible Divine Art protected him, and since Wen Yinyue wasn't using her full strength, he only suffered discomfort, sustaining no actual injuries.
The next day, he took a rest, spending the time in the vegetable garden, awaiting the commencement of the preliminary matches. On the morning of the third day, just as Li Muzhan woke up, someone knocked at his door.
Recognizing the rhythm of the knock, he called out, "Senior Brother Song, you may enter." Song Wenbin strode in with purpose, clad in a suit of dark green martial attire. He came straight into the room.
"Zhanran, hurry up! The minor competition is about to start!" "So early?" Li Muzhan unwound his hand seals, stepped down from his couch, and pushed open the window to check the sky.
Song Wenbin, radiating energy, laughed. "Zhanran, it’s not early at all!
We have so many outer disciples; each must fight three matches. It will take an entire day to finish them all!" "Alright, let's go!" Li Muzhan nodded.
The two left the small courtyard and knocked on Li Zongheng’s door in the adjacent yard. Li Zongheng’s door immediately opened.
Dressed in an identical dark green martial suit, he stepped out, brimming with spirit, and firmly closed the door behind him. "Let's move!" The three followed the narrow path bordered by towering green pines, then made a sharp turn.
They ascended directly toward the expansive plaza before the Boundless Hall, and their spirits immediately lifted. This plaza was enormous, ringed by a border of green stone that gave it a circular shape, designed to prevent anyone accidentally flying off the edge and plunging into the deep, boundless valley below.
The roar of the river rose faintly on the wind, like the distant growl of a mountain tiger. In the center of the plaza stood a circular, elevated platform upon which several high-backed chairs were arranged.
Wen Yinyue sat serenely in the central seat, clad in a moon-white silk robe. Seated before her, in sequential order, were nine individuals—five men and four women—all bearing solemn expressions.
Li Muzhan spotted Mei Ruolan sitting prominently among them, positioned at the very end of the row of women. He nodded inwardly.
Clearly, the Young Mistress possessed extraordinary talent. Coupled with the solid foundation she had built, her month of secluded cultivation in the inner sect had caused her to soar, placing her among the direct disciples.
The rules of the Vast Sea Sword Sect divided disciples into three tiers: outer, inner, and direct disciples. The introductory techniques for outer disciples were often imparted by the direct disciples themselves; only the truly ultimate secret arts were taught personally by figures at the level of Sect Master Bamboo Shadow.
Thus, even though Wen Yinyue and the others were senior sisters, to the general body of disciples, they were tantamount to masters or senior martial uncles. "Hey, who is that?
A newly promoted Senior Sister?" Song Wenbin pointed toward Mei Ruolan. Mei Ruolan seemed to sense the gaze and turned her head.
Her captivating, distant eyes settled on Li Muzhan, and she offered a slight smile. She was inherently cool, aloof, and noble; this single smile caused her beauty to erupt, momentarily dazzling the disciples below.
Li Muzhan performed a clasping salute, nodding back with a faint smile. Mei Ruolan inclined her head slightly and slowly turned back.
Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng stared at him strangely, their eyes sharp. They pulled him aside, away from the crowd, and whispered urgently, "Zhanran, you actually know that Senior Sister?!" Song Wenbin found it unbelievable; why were all the peak beauties he knew connected to Zhanran?
Li Muzhan replied simply, "She is my Young Mistress." "Ah, so it's Senior Sister Mei!" the two realized suddenly. Li Zongheng snorted.
"Zhanran, you are a monk, yet you attract such good fortune with women. Truly enviable!" Li Muzhan clapped him on the shoulder and laughed, "You speak unfairly.
What good fortune with women? Come on, let’s go and sit down!" Li Zongheng muttered something, pouting.
He greatly disapproved of Li Muzhan’s feigned modesty; a true man should say what he means, but hiding and concealing everything was exhausting! The three found a spot to sit.
Many cushions were already laid out on the field, available for anyone to use, though the men sat on the east side and the women on the west, the two zones strictly demarcated and not mixed. They had arrived slightly late, and the seats near the front were taken; they had to settle toward the rear.
Shortly after they sat down, a young man on the high platform rose. His face was like refined jade, strikingly handsome.
He stepped to the front edge of the platform, cupped his fists, and announced clearly, "Today is the Outer Sect Minor Competition. I won't waste time; everyone knows the rules.
We will draw lots first. Let us begin!" Following this, a row of male disciples and a row of female disciples each took a wooden box containing a round opening in the middle, and they moved to present them to every participant in turn.
When the box reached them, each person reached in and drew a wooden slip, much like drawing lots at a temple. Everyone was practiced and swift.
The process was completed quickly. Li Muzhan drew Zhao Qing.
Li Zongheng leaned over, snatched Li Muzhan's wooden slip, glanced at it, and chuckled. "Zhanran, congratulations!
A top-tier draw!" Song Wenbin also leaned in curiously to look, his expression changing slightly. He shook his head with a wry smile.
"Zhanran, this Zhao Qing won't be easy to deal with!" "What's going on?" Li Muzhan asked, suddenly curious. (To be continued)