She wore a look of practiced resignation. Without questioning how Li Muzhan had learned the Konghe Tianyou Shu technique, she glanced at Zhong Bixuan and stated, “I need to perform the rite on her; you must guard us from the side!”
“Yes.” Li Muzhan sat cross-legged upon the cushion.
He was currently utterly spent, liable to collapse from the slightest pressure—a mere straw could fell him. Being allowed to rest was precisely what he needed, as he didn't know how much longer he could hold on otherwise.
Mistress Zhumei slowly helped Zhong Bixuan sit up, her face etched with heartache. She sighed, “This time, the little girl has suffered grievously. Such a malicious arrow—who could have inflicted such a wound!”
Li Muzhan opened his eyes and said sheepishly, “Senior Martial Aunt, that arrow was my doing.”
“Hmm—?” Both Mistress Zhuzhao and Mistress Zhumei looked at him in surprise.
Wen Yinyue, just stepping through the hall doors, turned as well upon hearing this, her delicate brows furrowed in an expression that hinted at both resentment and reproach.
The gazes of six people fell upon him. Li Muzhan shifted uncomfortably, shaking his head. He managed a wry smile. “On the way to the Helian family, we were intercepted by a top expert from the Li family. Senior Brother Zhao and the others attacked him, and I was assisting from the side with my arrows… When I loosed the shot, the man actually used Martial Sister Zhong as a human shield.”
Mistress Zhuzhao frowned and asked, “A top expert from the Li family… Which Li family?”
“The Li family of Fengming City,” Li Muzhan replied.
Mistress Zhuzhao seemed thoughtful. “Ah… that family. They do have one formidable master, Li Jingwu. Did you encounter him? His claw technique is quite good.”
Li Muzhan described the man’s appearance in detail, certain in his mind that this was the one—a claw technique rare in the martial world, seldom known beyond his own fame.
Mistress Zhumei said gently, “Zhanran, that Li Jingwu is a notoriously troublesome opponent. You were fortunate to escape from him unharmed.”
Li Muzhan sighed. “Our skills were slightly inferior, leaving us constrained. He gave us a terrible beating.”
“Jin Sheng and the others weren’t hurt, were they?” Mistress Zhumei inquired.
Li Muzhan shook his head.
Mistress Zhuzhao waved a dismissive hand. “Let that old rogue enjoy a few more days of freedom. Yinyue, he’s your responsibility. Go down the mountain tomorrow and bring me his dog head!”
“Yes, Master.” Wen Yinyue nodded lightly, responding flatly.
Li Muzhan glanced at her. Mistress Zhuzhao chuckled. “Little fellow, what are you looking at? Do you doubt Yinyue’s capability?”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly.
Wen Yinyue gave him a cool side-eye. Mistress Zhuzhao laughed again. “Very well, you rest and regulate your energy today. Tomorrow, you will accompany Yinyue down the mountain and witness your Martial Sister’s skills for yourself.”
“Yes, Master.” Li Muzhan quickly agreed; it was exactly what he wanted.
“Master…” Wen Yinyue’s delicate brows tightened slightly.
Mistress Zhuzhao waved her off. “You are the Eldest Martial Sister; take the trouble to teach Zhanran well, don’t complain about the hassle!”
“…Yes, your disciple obeys!” Wen Yinyue slowly nodded.
Mistress Zhuzhao shot her a look and huffed, “Alright, you two guard me. I will treat Bixuan now.”
“Yes, Master.” The two responded.
Wen Yinyue sat beside Li Muzhan, and a faint, clean fragrance wafted over him. It was refreshing, invigorating his spirit and causing every cell in his body to awaken.
Mistress Zhuzhao sat cross-legged behind Zhong Bixuan, closing her bright eyes. Her hands formed seals, gracefully held as if plucking orchids, her bearing elegant, poised, and deeply moving.
Her hands shifted, forming one mudra after another; as soon as one stabilized, it transformed into another. The changes flowed like water, like clouds drifting across the sky; each seal looked like a lotus blooming in the void.
Li Muzhan was also proficient in hand seals and praised her technique internally as he watched, recognizing he was far inferior.
Mistress Zhuzhao formed over thirty seals, then drew them back to her Dantian (the energy center below the sternum), remaining utterly still, as if she herself had become a flawless, pure white lotus.
Her skin, already exquisite, fine, and pale, underwent a transformation, becoming the color of moonlight—as pristine as jade, emitting a soft, inherent luminescence that seemed to circulate beneath the surface of her skin.
Her moon-white monastic robe lifted slightly, as if she were seated in mid-air, a gentle breeze stirring the fabric.
“Seize!” Her bright eyes snapped open, unleashing two bolts of lightning that illuminated the entire hall.
She placed both hands on Zhong Bixuan’s body. Both women rose simultaneously, floating in the void. Streaks of hand seals formed in the air, coalescing into an ethereal shadow that descended upon Zhong Bixuan.
With the descent of each seal, Zhong Bixuan shuddered violently, as if struck by electricity.
After a few breaths, the fabric of both their robes billowed fiercely, resembling the surging waves of a great ocean.
Li Muzhan watched, mesmerized and slightly dizzy. Even for a life-saving technique, the Konghe Tianyou Shu of Yingyue Nunnery was vastly simpler—it relied mostly on the application of internal power, merely touching a few acupoints.
Time passed. The hand seals accelerated. Before the lotus formed by one seal could dissipate, the second one was already complete, and strings of these lotuses began to fall onto Zhong Bixuan’s body.
Li Muzhan felt a tremendous surge of power rushing toward him, as if he were submerged in a vast sea. The force pulling at him was immense, as if he had become one with heaven and earth.
His clothes fluttered. He turned to glance at Wen Yinyue; she remained as serene as ever, her pale green robes clinging to her delicate form, showcasing every graceful curve. Her cool yet seductive temperament was like a potent poison, easily capable of driving men to madness.
He sighed inwardly. Senior Martial Sister’s cultivation was indeed profound; he was far behind.
Mistress Zhumei sat on the opposite side, her eyes sparkling like jewels, fixed intently on Zhong Bixuan with extreme concern.
Although Zhong Bixuan was not the most outstanding disciple, her spirit was lively, her nature innocent and carefree, devoid of guile. She was a beloved source of joy for everyone. If anything were to happen to her, Zhumei truly wouldn't know how to face the world.
Her expression shifted rapidly—now gentle and compassionate, now stern and severe, as if two opposing emotions, Yin and Yang, were struggling and wrestling within her.
Fifteen minutes elapsed.
The lotuses in the void grew denser, thousands upon thousands, until the air seemed completely filled with them. Her jade-white hands were no longer visible, only the dense cluster of blossoms.
“Return!” Mistress Zhuzhao suddenly cried out sharply. All the lotuses in the void instantly converged, condensing between her palms, whereupon they burst forth with dazzling light.
As the light gradually receded, a single white jade lotus materialized, seemingly solid, faintly glowing, its radiance swirling, utterly captivating, making one yearn to hold it in their hands for closer inspection.
Mistress Zhuzhao held this jade lotus and slowly pressed it onto Zhong Bixuan’s forehead.
The jade lotus dissolved, entering her brow like a clear spring. Instantly, her forehead began to glow, and her entire face radiated a milky white luster, bringing immediate vitality back to her features.
Both women slowly descended. Mistress Zhuzhao formed her seals again, guiding the energy back into her Dantian, and became motionless.
Li Muzhan understood the rite was complete. He watched Zhong Bixuan; as she drifted down, her body trembled faintly, as if residual energy was still surging erratically within her.
Li Muzhan turned to look at Wen Yinyue.
Wen Yinyue opened her bright eyes and gave him a brief glance. “This is our sect’s ultimate secret art, the Yin-Yang Zaohua Shu—it seizes the vitality of heaven and earth to sustain human life.”
Li Muzhan asked, “How does it compare to the Konghe Tianyou Shu of Yingyue Nunnery?”
“It is more harmonious, like the gentle colors of autumn,” Wen Yinyue stated coolly.
Li Muzhan considered this, then shook his head, feeling his Senior Martial Sister was not entirely accurate.
“Stop thinking about it; you wouldn’t be able to learn it anyway,” Wen Yinyue glanced at him with a hint of a smile.
Li Muzhan pressed, “Does it require the Miaolian Jing to activate?”
“Yes, not bad,” Wen Yinyue nodded slightly, then turned her gaze back toward Mistress Zhuzhao.
Li Muzhan continued, “Senior Martial Sister, can you use it too?”
“Barely,” Wen Yinyue replied dismissively.
Just as they spoke, Zhong Bixuan suddenly groaned and slowly opened her eyes.
Mistress Zhumei immediately leaned close, whispering, “Bixuan, Bixuan?”
Li Muzhan also hurried over, staring intently at Zhong Bixuan, feeling tense.
Zhong Bixuan slowly turned her head. Her vision gradually cleared. She looked at Li Muzhan, then at Mistress Zhumei, and spoke weakly, “Master, where are we?”
Mistress Zhumei said softly, “We are in the Wuji Hall, dear. You are home now.”
Zhong Bixuan sighed in relief. “Is Senior Brother Zhao alright?”
Mistress Zhumei nodded gently. “He is unharmed. Zhanran brought you back… Don’t talk now; rest well and recover from your injuries.”
“Junior Brother Zhanran…” Zhong Bixuan turned to look at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan offered a wry smile and performed a respectful salute with clasped hands. “Martial Sister Zhong, this is my fault! I am relieved you have the blessing of good fortune!”
Zhong Bixuan snorted lightly. “Zhanran, your archery isn’t very good!”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Indeed, Martial Sister. Once you’ve recovered, we can spar again.”
“I will defeat you!” Zhong Bixuan declared with fierce determination.
“Alright, stop talking now, rest properly,” Mistress Zhumei quickly intervened, seeing that the two were about to launch into a verbal battle.
Zhong Bixuan gently closed her eyes and slowly drifted back to sleep.
As evening approached, Zhao Jinsheng and the other two returned. They were breathing heavily, looking exhausted and weathered, clearly having rushed their journey.
In Wuji Hall, Mistress Zhuzhao received the three, comforted them, and listened as they recounted the events.
Li Muzhan, Wen Yinyue, Mistress Zhumei, Li Zhuyue, Lu Jingren, Xiao Xueming, Yue Jianshu, Yan Yingxiong, and Xu Wanqing were all present.
After hearing the account, Mistress Zhuzhao shook her head repeatedly, looking first at Zhao Jinsheng, then at Li Muzhan.
Li Zhuyue, usually quiet and dignified, sighed. “Jinsheng, you still lack extensive experience navigating the martial world.”
Zhao Jinsheng hung his head and mumbled his assent.
Li Zhuyue looked at Li Muzhan and showed a look of approval, then turned with a smile. “Second Martial Sister, your discerning eye remains flawless. Zhanran truly is extraordinary!”
Mistress Zhuzhao pursed her lips and giggled, her voice like silver bells echoing through Wuji Hall.
Li Muzhan slightly lowered his head, maintaining a humble and respectful demeanor.
Li Zhuyue appraised Li Muzhan, then glanced at the five male disciples. She sighed, “In terms of wisdom, among the male disciples, Zhanran is certainly number one!”
Li Muzhan quickly demurred. “Martial Aunt, you flatter me; your disciple is unworthy of such praise!”
Li Zhuyue chuckled lightly. “Enough humility, Zhanran. An expert shows their skill upon first move. In terms of strategy and cunning, those five tied together wouldn't equal one of you.”
Li Muzhan grimaced inwardly. With such high praise, the five principal male disciples couldn't possibly accept it—his difficult days were surely ahead.
Li Zhuyue glanced sharply at Lu Jingren and the other four. “Remember this: from now on, whenever you travel outside the mountain into the martial world, you follow Zhanran’s lead!”
“Yes, Master!” Lu Jingren and the others responded in unison.
PS: I’ve been updating frantically these past few days and haven't rested even upon returning home. For this effort, I ask for monthly votes!