‘Frowning!’ “Did no one in Fu Jia get hurt? Mei Ruolan said lightly, “It’s fine if only a few were injured and didn’t die, but if this continues, who knows what will happen next time.” “The Wang family isn't handling it?” Ge Muchen frowned and asked.

Mei Ruolan shook her head lightly, “They just arrived.

The Helian Clan’s people immediately showed up.

The Fifth Young Master of the Wang family is also a busy man; he can’t stay here forever.” Li Muchen sighed, saying helplessly, “In that case, it seems we must solve this once and for all?” Mei Ruolan shook her head, “No need for such intensity.

Master will send a few Senior Sisters to pay a formal visit to the Helian Clan to have a good talk.” Li Muchen laughed, saying, “That is indeed the bearing of a great sect.

A little intimidation?” Mei Ruolan nodded, “Yes.

Master said, unnecessary conflict breeds no benefit; it’s better to offer courtesy before force.” Li Muchen chuckled, “Martial Uncle is quite thorough.

That’s fine, but I wonder which major faction backs the Helian Clan?” Mei Ruolan frowned, “Master said it seems to be the Changbai Sword Sect.” “What is our relationship with the Changbai Sword Sect?” Feng Muchen asked.

Mei Ruolan shook her head, “It seems they are old enemies.

North Changbai, South Cold Sea—they share the martial world.

The Changbai Sword Sect has never been convinced by us.” “Then this time, it’s not good,” Li Muchen mused thoughtfully.

…………………………………… Mei Ruolan walked to the flowerbed, knelt, and propped up a peony bush.

“If we have Elder Sister Xu and Elder Sister Zhong, those three alone are sufficient.” Li Muchen asked, “Miss, I haven’t seen them myself...

I wonder how skilled these three Senior Sisters are?” “Profound beyond measure, ten times better than me,” Mei Ruolan stated.

Li Muchen laughed, “Are they truly that formidable?” Mei Ruolan stood up, dusted her hands, and sighed, “If you haven’t seen the Canghai Sword Sect, you cannot fathom the depth of martial arts.

You’ll know once you enter the Inner Sect.” Li Muchen appraised her with a glance and smiled, “I see your own skill is exquisite, Miss, your bones and marrow already changed—you know the subtleties of the Canghai Heart Technique.” Mei Ruolan smiled faintly and nodded, “Yes, the Cold Sea Divine Art is profound and unique.

Once one enters the gate, progress is extremely fast.” Li Muchen nodded.

At close range, he could see the direct disciples all possessed unfathomable inner strength, far surpassing his own, yet they were so young—clearly due to the marvel of the heart method.

He sighed, realizing that if he wanted to enter the Inner Sect, it would take another year or two—difficult indeed.

If he couldn't grasp the Great Ming King Scripture, he could only wait for the Inner Sect assessment and then cultivate the Cold Sea Divine Art.

If he could grasp the Great Ming King Scripture, he could use this time to diligently cultivate; otherwise, it would be wasted time.

Having been struck by the Nirvana Lock Yuan Technique, his inner strength couldn’t be circulated, preventing him from practicing internal arts.

He could only practice external martial arts.

For someone cultivating the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art like him, this was equivalent to idleness, a waste of time.

He considered that if necessary, he would have to break the Nirvana Lock Yuan Technique and secretly practice.

However, to truly break the Nirvana Lock Yuan Technique, the first thing he needed to do was establish his dominance, making everyone respect him and keep their distance, afraid to reach out against him.

Otherwise, any confrontation would surely expose him.

The second thing was to evade Senior Sister Wen Yinyue.

Her inner strength was unfathomable; if she probed him, she would certainly discover his anomaly and know he had broken the Nirvana Lock Yuan Technique.

His thoughts raced like lightning, four times faster than normal, and in a moment, countless ideas converged.

Mei Ruolan said, “Zhanran, come down the mountain with me?” Li Muchen smiled, “Miss, you are an Inner Sect disciple and can venture out for experience.

I, an Outer Sect disciple, am not allowed to leave.” “I can ask Master for help,” Mei Ruolan offered.

Li Muchen smiled and shook his head, “Due to sect rules, Martial Uncle won’t relent.” Mei Ruolan waved her hand, “Don’t worry about that.

Just tell me if you agree or not?” Li Muchen smiled, “Naturally, I agree.

I would go through fire and water for you without hesitation.” “Smooth talker,” Mei Ruolan pursed her lips slightly, glanced at him, and huffed, “You’ve been spending time with Xiaoyuan and Qingyun lately, haven’t you?” Li Muchen nodded, “Yes, we eat breakfast together every morning.” Thinking of this, a sudden desire to leave the mountain bloomed within him, and he said, “Very well, I’ll go down the mountain for a walk.

I’ll trouble Miss to plead my case!” “I can only try, after all, sect rules cannot be easily broken,” Mei Ruolan said faintly.

As the next mistress of the Mei Estate, the estate rules were strict, and rewards and punishments issued from her mouth.

She understood the importance of rules better than anyone; exceptions were not easily made.

Li Muchen suddenly realized he hadn't inquired about Elder Sister Feng practicing in seclusion since he entered the estate.

He wondered what peerless martial art she was cultivating and felt a sudden wave of curiosity.

“It was fine,” Mei Ruolan nodded.

“While I was in seclusion, I worried constantly that it was Xiaoyuan and Qingyun’s first time away from home—I feared they would miss it...

When I emerged, I found the two little girls hadn't missed home at all; instead, they were radiant, even better off than when they were at the estate.” Li Muchen laughed, “Xiaoyuan is a lively and outgoing character; she gets along with everyone.

Besides, the Outer Sect women have a very leisurely life; she’s swimming like a fish in water.” “Isn’t that so?” Mei Ruolan smiled faintly and shook her head.

“Not bringing them this time?” Li Muchen asked.

Mei Ruolan waved her hand, “No, they are currently focused on their foundation building; I can’t delay them.

As for you, I feel staying in the Outer Sect is purely a waste of time.

It’s better to go down the mountain for some experience.” She frowned, “I don’t know what the Sect Master is thinking, allowing you to waste time like this?” Li Muchen smiled and said no more.

Master had already instructed him to keep the matter of the Great Ming King Scripture a secret, so naturally, he wouldn't speak of it.

Moreover, he truly lacked confidence in whether he could master it.

Compassion, the benevolent heart—familiar concepts to every Buddhist disciple—yet knowing and doing were always two different things.

He understood, but couldn't achieve it; his own cultivation was insufficient...

He shook his head, thinking that relying on himself to realize the compassionate heart wouldn't work.

He needed to study Buddhist teachings deeply.

Within those teachings, there was a contemplation method called the Compassion Contemplation.

He had heard of it but had never seen it or received instruction from his esteemed teacher, Master Faxing.

However, since such a method existed, there was a key, a way to solve the problem.

After descending the mountain, he could seek guidance from the Divine Nun Xueyin.

Mei Ruolan said a few more words and then left.

After seeing her out, Li Muchen felt a restless stirring; he eagerly looked forward to leaving the mountain and returning home to visit.

Fortunately, he had escorted goods once and traveled twice before, so he was somewhat accustomed to it.

If he had just left home, he would have already wished for wings to fly back.

He suddenly pushed open the door and headed straight for the Wuji Hall.

Four people stood on the steps outside the Wuji Hall: two men in green robes, two women in black robes, standing still as statues, only their fluttering sleeves moving in the wind.

Seeing him approach, intending to ascend the steps, the four suddenly stepped forward, crowding the center of the steps, blocking the path, looking down at Feng Muchen— Li Muchen clasped his hands in greeting, “I am Zhanran.

I have matters to discuss with the Sect Master.” A young man, about twenty years old, with eyes as clear and sharp as the winter sun, stared intently at Feng Muchen and smiled faintly, “So it is Junior Brother Zhanran.

Please wait a moment.” He was quite amiable, nodding to Li Muchen, then turning to ascend the steps toward the Wuji Hall.

The other three exchanged glances in surprise.

That Senior Brother Gao’s eyes were always fixed on the ceiling; he never looked at people properly.

For him to be so pleasant now was truly like the sun rising in the west.

However, Zhanran, Zhanran...

the name sounded familiar.

Suddenly, they realized—it was the Outer Sect’s Zhanran! The gazes of the three swept over Li Muchen’s face, like observing a strange animal.

Ge Muchen smiled back.

He activated his spiritual sense, knowing they were curious.

The first person in several hundred years—this title wasn't for nothing.

Feng Muchen increasingly felt that his fame was becoming a bit too widespread.

A young girl said crisply, “Junior Brother Zhanran, you passed one gate a day, reaching the third gate—is that true?” She was slender and plainly featured, only moderately attractive, but her voice was clear and melodious, pleasant to hear, creating a feeling of closeness.

Li Muchen smiled and nodded, “Yes, Senior Sister.” “How did you become so skilled?” the girl continued to ask.

Li Muchen smiled faintly, “It was just relying on trickery.

I have hard external training protecting me, so it shouldn't be taken seriously.” “Oh...

I see,” the girl realized suddenly.

She said crisply, “Having hard external training is very advantageous in the Outer Sect! Wasn't that arrogant and overbearing Li Zongheng also practicing external arts!” She giggled happily, “Junior Brother Zhanran, which of you two is stronger, you or Li Zongheng?” Li Muchen laughed, “We’re evenly matched.” “Heh heh, being modest!” The girl chirped proudly, looking at them, “Li Zongheng definitely can’t beat you, otherwise he wouldn’t be so honest!” Li Muchen chuckled and said no more, tacitly accepting it.

…………………………，…………………… The young man from before returned, cupped his hands, and said, “Junior Brother Zhanran, the Sect Master invites you.” “I trouble Senior Brother Gao,” Li Muchen returned the salute.

The young man surnamed Gao waved his hand and laughed loudly, “It’s my duty, no need for thanks.

Hurry inside!” His expression was warm, like that of an old acquaintance.

The other three stepped back, clearing the space on the steps to allow Feng Muchen to ascend.

Just then, the girl whispered in a low voice, crisply, “Zhanran, the Sect Master’s temper isn't good today; be careful!” Li Muchen smiled and nodded, “Understood.” With that, he saluted the three again and slowly climbed the steps, quickly entering the Wuji Hall.

Inside the Wuji Hall, beneath the tall white jade statue, Abbess Zhuzhao was seated on a cushion.

Her bright eyes were half-closed, and the light flickering in the narrow slits seemed like glittering pearls.

The hall was vast and empty, with no other furnishings.

Abbess Zhuzhao’s already slender figure appeared even more petite and exquisite beneath the white jade statue, easily held within one's embrace.

“Greetings, Master!” Li Muchen stepped into the hall, clasped his hands, and bowed.

Zhuzhao Master opened her bright eyes; the brilliance surged, and the entire hall seemed to brighten.

She smiled gently, her complexion like fresh snow, and the hall brightened further.

Li Muchen felt momentarily dazzled, secretly astonished by his Master’s power.

He suddenly had the illusion that he was facing a piece of white jade, pure and flawless.

Zhuzhao Master nodded slightly, “Sit.” Li Muchen acknowledged, walked forward, shifted the cushion slightly, and sat opposite her, only four or five steps away, close enough to hear her breathing.

Zhuzhao Master glanced at him sideways and smiled, “You little monk, you have quite the nerve.” Every man she had met had lost their composure in her presence, making them restrained and unnatural, which was related to the cultivation technique she practiced.

This disciple, however, sat down right across from her so casually.

Li Muchen chuckled, “In front of Master, what is there to be nervous or bold about...

Why don't I see Senior Sister?” In his memory, Wen Yinyue was always by the Master’s side, never more than ten paces away, like a shadow.

Her absence today was indeed strange.

Zhuzhao Master pursed her lips and smiled, giving him a look, “She is in closed-door meditation, working on the crucial point of the Scripture.

She’s already been delayed a few days because she had to preside over the small competition.” Li Muchen understood immediately and laughed, “Delaying Senior Sister?” Zhuzhao Master laughed, “It’s good that you know.

This girl is cold on the outside but warm on the inside.

You’ll understand when you spend more time with her.” Li Muchen nodded with a bitter smile.

Cold on the outside, warm on the inside? No, no...

Senior Sister is cold on the outside and cold on the inside! ……………………………………，’……，，， Seeing his expression, Zhuzhao Master seemed to read his mind and chuckled lightly, “She still holds a prejudice against you.

Don’t rush; take it slow.” Li Muchen was very curious and quickly asked, “Master, what prejudice does Senior Sister have against me?” With Zhuzhao Master, it felt as if he had known her in a past life; the moment they met, a sense of closeness arose, as if she were naturally his Master.

Zhuzhao Master pursed her lips, smiled, and shook her head, “I can’t tell you that.

Wait until you master the Great Ming King Scripture, and then I’ll tell you in detail.” Her smile held a mischievous glint, like a little girl playing a prank.

Li Muchen nodded helplessly, “Alright, then forget it...

Master, I wish to go down the mountain to look around.” “Go down the mountain?” Zhuzhao Master started, then shook her head, “Impossible.

Outer Sect disciples are forbidden from leaving, unless they are expelled.” Li Muchen said, “I wish to visit an eminent monk to learn the Compassion Contemplation method to aid my cultivation of the Great Ming King Scripture.” “The Compassion Contemplation method?” Zhuzhao Master pondered, looking thoughtful, “I do know a little about the Contemplation Method.” Li Muchen suddenly remembered that his Master was also a nun, but he often overlooked it; her bright eyes flowed with allure, capable of captivating all beings, making it hard to associate her with the monastic life.

Li Muchen asked, “Master, have you attained great mastery in your Compassion Contemplation Method?” “I haven’t cultivated it; I only have a superficial understanding,” Zhuzhao Master replied, shaking her head.

Li Muchen’s spirits lifted, and he hurriedly said, “I wish to meet the Divine Nun Xueyin of Yingyue Nunnery.” Zhuzhao Master cast him a sharp look, saying cautiously, “Oh? Are you implying my Buddhist teachings are inferior?” Li Muchen laughed, “Is Master’s understanding of the Dharma deeper than Divine Nun Xueyin’s?” “You wicked boy! Being disrespectful to your Master!” Zhuzhao Master suddenly flicked her sleeve, and with a swift movement, she brushed past, sending Li Muchen tumbling heels over head.

Li Muchen flipped and sat back down on his cushion, chuckling twice with a look of helplessness on his face.

She was his Master; he couldn’t fight back, and besides, he couldn't win anyway.

Zhuzhao Master saw his helpless expression, pursed her lips, and laughed softly.

Once she finished laughing, she waved her small hand, “Alright, you go back first, and I’ll think about it!”