Mistress Zhumei said gently, "Junior Sister, say less for now. Let Zhanran adjust his breathing first. Being sealed by the Suoyuan Shu for so long leaves some stagnation; he needs time to regulate his qi." Mistress Zhuzhao chuckled, "Very well, Zhanran, rest here and regulate your qi. Tell us what you need prepared, and I will have someone fetch it for you." Li Muchen replied, "It would be best if Xiaoyuan and Senior Sister Gong help me; they know how things should be arranged." Mistress Zhuzhao chided lightly, "You impudent boy, it seems you intend to become a worldly monk!" Li Muchen chuckled sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed. Mistress Zhumei also smiled, shaking her head, and nodded, "Alright. I will send someone to inform them and have them prepare things for you." "Thank you, Martial Aunt!" Li Muchen cupped his hands in salute. Mistress Zhumei waved her hand and smiled sweetly, "Child, why be so formal with your Martial Aunt?" With that, she rose and left the main hall, walking slowly, unhurried and composed.

Watching Mistress Zhumei depart, Li Muchen closed his eyes and began to meditate to adjust his breathing. As soon as he started regulating his qi and circulated the Tianyuan Tuna Shu, he immediately felt strands of pure qi flowing in through his pores, surging toward his dantian like a frenzy. It was like hungry wolves attacking their prey, a mad, rushing torrent. In a short while, the misty vapor swelled significantly, filling the dantian, yet it continued to expand relentlessly. It was as if a deflated ball, once compressed, had its restraint removed, causing it to rebound with even greater force—this was the state of the misty vapor. Li Muchen’s spirit remained unmoved; he observed the transformation with cold detachment, watching the Sarira rotate, driving the internal energy, clear as spring water, in a vortex. This rotation created a massive suction force that drew in the mist, transforming it into clear water. The mist was continuously converted, while the Tianyuan Tuna Shu remained active. Threads of internal energy drilled inward, swiftly pouring into the dantian, rushing forward like moths to a flame, with no thought of turning back. In moments, the clear water formed by the internal energy expanded by another circumference. As the clear water grew, the Sarira seemed to shrink, yet it became more crystalline and translucent, the golden light within intensifying. Li Muchen focused his spirit onto the Sarira, merging with it completely, understanding its changes intimately, yet he was somewhat bewildered, unsure why this transformation was occurring. Could it be that the root of everything was the Jimie Suoyuan Shu? Why did the Jimie Suoyuan Shu possess such power? Was it akin to the 'starvation therapy' of later ages? He pondered endlessly but found no answer, watching the clear water grow larger and the mist grow denser. Millions of pores across his body were absorbing vital qi, sending cool sensations deep into his core—it was exceptionally comfortable. Only today did he realize how powerful and rapid the Tianyuan Tuna Shu could be, rivaling the Jiuyue Xinfa, though his own mastery was still insufficient! It turned out that the source, the wellspring of power for the Tianyuan Tuna Shu, was indeed within the dantian! He was filled with a sudden, joyful sense of enlightenment. Slowly, the Tianyuan Tuna Shu began to decelerate. The fine threads of vital qi drifted into the meridians; they no longer surged forward as before but meandered gently, flowing away thread by thread. The Sarira had shrunk slightly, and the internal energy—the clear water—had grown larger. Only the mist formed by the internal energy remained unchanged, still swirling around like a nebula. Li Muchen slowly opened his eyes; a flash of golden light erupted from them, illuminating the entire main hall.

Mistress Zhuzhao was seated opposite him. Seeing his condition, she could not help but gasp softly, "Good heavens, boy, such profound internal energy!" Li Muchen smiled faintly, "Thank you, Master!" As he spoke, the golden light in his eyes receded, returning to normal. "Thank me for what?!" Mistress Zhuzhao asked with a light, puzzled laugh. Li Muchen praised, "The Jimie Suoyuan Shu actually has the effect of enhancing one's power!" "Nonsense!" Mistress Zhuzhao shook her head and chuckled, "The Jimie Suoyuan Shu is used to seal internal energy, not increase it!" "But my internal energy has indeed increased slightly," Li Muchen insisted. "Hmm... That's because you absorbed some of the internal energy from your Martial Aunt and me," Mistress Zhuzhao laughed, shaking her head. "The Jingang Buhuai Shengong—I never expected its cultivation method to be so marvelous, having the capacity to absorb!" "I am somewhat confused," Li Muchen replied, shaking his head. In his heart, he knew that while absorbing their energy contributed, that wasn't the fundamental reason; the true growth stemmed from the Tianyuan Tuna Shu. Could the Tianyuan Tuna Shu have advanced another level? Yet, it seemed to have already reached perfection, with no room for further progress. He shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it, vaguely sensing that the Sarira was still the root cause. Footsteps sounded, and a young woman in a black shirt entered, announcing, "Sect Leader, Junior Sister Xiaoyuan and Junior Sister Gong request an audience." "Ah, those two little girls are here," Mistress Zhuzhao nodded and waved her hand. "Tell them to wait a moment; Zhanran will be leaving soon!" "Yes!" The girl in black withdrew. Li Muchen stood up. "Master, this disciple takes his leave!" Mistress Zhuzhao reached out and tapped his shoulder, humming, "Wait a moment, what’s the hurry? ... Do men lose control of themselves the moment they see a beautiful woman?" Li Muchen chuckled twice, daring not to say more; he knew he couldn't win against his Master’s sharp tongue. Mistress Zhuzhao smiled playfully, "Although you are not an inner disciple, you will surely encounter trouble once you descend the mountain. I shall teach you two sword techniques." Li Muchen was overjoyed, bowing deeply with cupped hands, "Thank you, Master!" "That's enough. Once you've learned them, that will be my thanks!" Mistress Zhuzhao beckoned, and a streak of silver light flew toward her, landing in her hand. Li Muchen focused his gaze; it was a precious sword that moved with the fluidity of water—bright, chilling, causing the ambient temperature to drop several degrees. He had seen only one other sword of such high quality: Mei Ruolan's Cold Moon Sword. "What do you think of this sword?" Mistress Zhuzhao asked with a light laugh. Li Muchen praised, "A fine sword!" Mistress Zhuzhao let out a delicate huff, "Watch closely. There are only two forms. If you cannot learn them, I wash my hands of it!"

Her sword movements were slow, unfolding deliberately. It was as if the sword carried immense weight, making its motion laborious, a style distinctly different from the Taiji Sword of later eras. Though the Taiji Sword is slow, it is yielding, like flowing clouds and running water, graceful and elegant. Mistress Zhuzhao’s sword form, however, was dense and sluggish, as if she were wading through a swamp, with surrounding forces resisting her every move while she struggled to execute them. Observing her movements, one felt their own body grow heavy, suffocated by the pressure. Yet, the sword light grew stronger, the cold glint surging outward, illuminating the hall. The eyes of the jade statues glittered, radiating brilliant light, as if they had come alive. Li Muchen held his breath, staring intently, burning the movements into his memory so he would never forget. It was only two forms; despite their slowness and gravity, they did not take long. A moment later, the sword light receded, and the hall suddenly seemed darker. Mistress Zhuzhao concluded her form and asked delicately, "Did you see clearly?" Li Muchen nodded, "I saw clearly, Master. Your swordplay is excellent!" "Oh? You can tell that much," Mistress Zhuzhao squinted at him and chuckled lightly. "Or are you just flattering me, thinking that everything your Master performs is good swordplay?" Li Muchen laughed, "Master, you underestimate me! ... These two forms, possessing the ultimate simplicity that appears clumsy, are utterly seamless—truly exquisite!" "Good boy, you do have some discernment!" Mistress Zhuzhao beamed with pleasure. She hadn't expected that, at such a young age, Li Muchen would possess such insight, knowledge comparable to that of Wen Yinyue and the other direct disciples. She thought to herself that perhaps, aside from Yinyue, the other direct disciples might not grasp the subtle meaning; Zhanran's insight was truly extraordinary, showing great innate wisdom. Li Muchen shook his head with a wry smile. "Master, although I have memorized them, learning them may not be possible in a short while." Mistress Zhuzhao handed him the sword. "Start now. Practice a bit and see." Li Muchen reached out and took it, pondering for a moment before slowly swinging the blade. Mistress Zhuzhao watched. After he finished the sequence, she nodded and smiled, "Though the forms are not standard and significantly warped, you have grasped the essential spirit." "I still seek my Master's guidance," Li Muchen requested. Mistress Zhuzhao beckoned, "Good. Again! ... Move by move, do not rush." Li Muchen moved the long sword once more, his actions slow, second by second, like a slow-motion replay. Mistress Zhuzhao frequently interrupted to correct his posture. About the time it takes to brew two cups of tea, Li Muchen exited the Wuji Hall.

Xiaoyuan and Gong Qingyun were waiting for him at the bottom of the steps, holding a bundle, a dull black longsword, and a dull black short bow. Xiaoyuan, dressed in a pink silk blouse, stamped her foot occasionally, anxiously watching the Wuji Hall. The moment she saw him emerge, she urgently waved, "Zhanran! Zhanran!" Gong Qingyun’s clear eyes were like water; she looked over calmly, appearing detached, yet Li Muchen could read the concern beneath her facade. Li Muchen descended the steps unhurriedly, arriving before the two women, and smiled, "Senior Sister Gong, Xiaoyuan, are things packed?" Xiaoyuan raised her chin proudly, "Of course!" Gong Qingyun lowered her voice, "What happened? Why are you descending the mountain so suddenly?" Li Muchen took the bundle. "There's been some trouble at the Mei residence; the Helian family won't let the matter rest. Miss and I are going back to look into it." "The Helian family!" Gong Qingyun snorted lightly. Xiaoyuan’s bright eyes widened, and she snorted heavily, "Hmph, the Helian family again! Isn't the Fifth Young Master Wang handling it?" Li Muchen shook his head. "Since they went back, they won't return. Fortunately, Martial Aunt Zhumei gave the order that Miss can bring a few senior brothers and sisters along." Gong Qingyun let out a long breath and nodded, "Having a few senior siblings is more effective than the Fifth Young Master Wang... Zhanran, why are you going too?" "I'll tag along for the excitement," Li Muchen replied with a smile. Gong Qingyun murmured, "The Helian clan is very powerful. It will be dangerous for you. Be very careful. Don't try to show off; if you can't win, just leave!" Li Muchen laughed heartily, "That advice suits me perfectly! ... Senior Sister Gong, Xiaoyuan, don't worry. My life is tough, and besides, Miss and the others will be protecting me!" "You have the Jingang Buhuai Shengong, so I’m not worried!" Xiaoyuan giggled, though her bright eyes fixed on him. "When will you be back?" "It will likely take a while. We have to return to the Mei residence first, then check on the Helian family," Li Muchen explained. Xiaoyuan immediately pouted and huffed, "That sounds troublesome! That will take a long time!" Seeing her expression, Li Muchen understood what she meant and smiled, "It won't be short, but the lightness skills of the senior brothers and sisters are excellent, so it won't take too long." "Fine..." Xiaoyuan said listlessly. Gong Qingyun, though also disappointed, did not show it, stating calmly, "Try to come back as soon as possible, and quickly enter the inner sect. Look how rapidly Miss's martial arts are advancing!" Li Muchen smiled and nodded. "You two practice hard as well. Your foundations are solid, and it's easier for women than men; you'll probably enter the inner sect soon. ... Once you're in the inner sect, go into seclusion to practice. By the time you emerge, I’ll be back!" Xiaoyuan brightened instantly and laughed, "That's a great idea! Time passes fastest during seclusion. Let's do that!" Gong Qingyun smiled faintly, thinking to herself, Silly girl, time passes slowest during seclusion. She felt it passed fastest because Zhanran was always the one in seclusion, and she was always waiting outside.

Li Muchen was still talking with the two women at the foot of the steps when Mei Ruolan appeared a short distance below, waving at them. Xiaoyuan saw her immediately and ran over, grabbing Mei Ruolan's arm, and said sweetly, "Miss, I want to go too! Take me with you!" Mei Ruolan patted her shoulder and smiled gently, "Silly girl, descending the mountain this time isn't for fun; it’s very dangerous. You can't go." "Miss—!" Xiaoyuan pleaded sweetly, shaking her arm. Mei Ruolan shook her head, her expression firm, and whispered, "Stop fooling around, people will laugh at us!" "Miss, please let me go!" Xiaoyuan begged quietly. Mei Ruolan spoke softly, "What would you do? ... This time, Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Sister Xu, and Senior Sister Zhong are going. If you came, you wouldn't even keep up walking." "Let Zhanran carry me," Xiaoyuan suggested. Mei Ruolan huffed, "Zhanran is a bodhisattva crossing a river—he might struggle to keep up himself, let alone carry you! ... That’s enough, stop making a scene. We'll be back in a few days!" "Zhanran said it would take a long time!" Xiaoyuan pouted. Mei Ruolan said, "When has Zhanran ever spoken the whole truth? ... If he says it will take a long time, and he returns early, it’s a pleasant surprise. If it takes longer, you won't be anxious." "Oh, is that so..." Xiaoyuan let go of her arm and nodded slowly. "Zhanran just loves deceiving people!" At that moment, Zhao Jinsheng, Xu Jingying, and Zhong Bixuan appeared, standing nearby, watching them. Li Muchen and Gong Qingyun also approached. Xiaoyuan came over and tugged Li Muchen’s arm, shaking it lightly, and urged him, "Zhanran, you must come back quickly!" Li Muchen nodded and smiled, "Okay, I will do my best as soon as possible!" "If it takes more than a month, I'll come looking for you!" Xiaoyuan huffed. Li Muchen smiled and nodded, "Good, it won't exceed a month!" Mei Ruolan shot Xiaoyuan a glare, then said gently, "Alright, let’s go!" Xiaoyuan pouted, slowly releasing Li Muchen’s arm. Gong Qingyun gazed intently at Li Muchen. Li Muchen met her gaze for a moment, smiled, nodded, then patted Xiaoyuan’s fragrant shoulder, "Practice diligently, don't waste time playing!" Escorted by the two women, Li Muchen and his party of five descended Canghai Mountain. Li Muchen secretly chided himself for prioritizing romance over friendship. He had thought about bidding farewell to Xiaoyuan and Gong Qingyun, but hadn't considered saying goodbye to Song Wenbin and Li Zongheng—how ridiculous. However, if he were to go back and say goodbye to those two, Senior Sister Zhong's expression would likely become even less pleasant.

"Hmph, this is truly amusing!" As soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, Zhong Bixuan couldn't help but laugh. Zhao Jinsheng quickly said, "Junior Sister Zhong, if there's something amusing, tell us so we can hear it too." Zhong Bixuan glanced sideways at Li Muchen, then looked at Zhao Jinsheng and asked with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhao, do you think Junior Brother Zhanran is a worldly monk?" Zhao Jinsheng chuckled, "What makes you say that?" He glanced at Li Muchen and smiled, "Junior Brother Zhanran doesn't seem like one." "Hmph, all you men cover for each other. You’re all the same sort!" Zhong Bixuan pursed her delicate lips and shook her head dismissively. Li Muchen glanced at Zhong Bixuan, meeting her gaze exactly. Her eyes were bright and full of challenge, showing no sign of backing down, as if she intended to suppress Li Muchen’s spirit. Li Muchen maintained a smile, neither warm nor cold, simply looking at her calmly. Zhong Bixuan let out a delicate huff, "Junior Brother Zhanran, are you unconvinced?" Li Muchen smiled, "If Senior Sister Bixuan speaks, how would I dare be unconvinced?" Zhong Bixuan pouted and let out a dismissive, delicate huff, "Hmph, one can tell from your tone that you don't mean it. And you're supposed to be a monk!" Li Muchen smiled and said no more. "Alright, Junior Sister Zhong, say less!" Xu Jingying stated coolly. She wore a simple green robe, as pale and pure as a chrysanthemum, her eyes and expression conveying detachment, keeping people a thousand miles away, seemingly unreachable, to be admired only from afar. Zhong Bixuan snorted but said no more. Li Muchen cupped his hands in salute toward Xu Jingying, which immediately drew a cold, frowning look from Zhong Bixuan. Mei Ruolan furrowed her delicate brows, and Li Muchen quickly signaled to her with his eyes, afraid that she might actually cause trouble. If that happened, it would be a major problem, especially since this trip was to resolve the Mei family's issues, and Mei Ruolan had only just been promoted to a direct disciple; truly angering a senior sister would damage her image. The two exchanged glances, communicating through their eyes. Li Muchen possessed intuitive connection with her, and their gazes complemented each other enough for him to understand her meaning. "Let’s hurry on our way!" Zhong Bixuan suggested again, looking toward Zhao Jinsheng. Zhao Jinsheng nodded, "Good. It's better to be quick. The Mei residence might be in danger right now; the sooner, the better." "Thank you, Senior Brother," Mei Ruolan clasped her hands in thanks. "Junior Sister, there's no need for such courtesy; we are all one family!" Zhao Jinsheng waved his hand and smiled. "Junior Brother Zhanran, since we were evenly matched last time, let’s have a decisive match this time!" Li Muchen smiled, "Yes!" Zhong Bixuan’s bright eyes darted around, and she huffed, "Junior Brother Zhanran, if you are too slow, we will wait for you at the Mei residence!" Li Muchen grinned slyly, "Fine, I will also meet all the senior brothers and sisters at the Mei residence!"