Nestled within them was a bamboo hermitage, the entire nunnery shimmering emerald green, fresh and bright, a dazzling sight.

As evening fell and the sun dipped low, the sky blazed with sunset colors, dyeing the entire peach grove a magnificent rose-red.

Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue trod the winding path paved with fragrant grass, making their way through the peach grove to the bamboo hermitage. Along the way, they saw several young nuns playfully chasing each other, each holding a small bamboo basket containing mushrooms.

The nuns paid the pair no mind, continuing their game unabated.

Wen Yinyue paused, glancing at the five young nuns. Each was slender and graceful; though not stunningly beautiful, they exuded the vibrant energy of youth.

Noticing their pause, one particularly delicate nun pointed lightly, then darted away, leading the others to vanish into the peach woods, their crisp laughter echoing ceaselessly.

"Senior Sister, let's go,"

Li Muzhan said.

Wen Yinyue responded coolly, "Truly worthy of Yingyue Nunnery; the disciples are not ordinary."

Li Muzhan chuckled, "My elder sister is also cultivating here at Yingyue, maintaining her hair. It certainly lives up to its reputation."

Wen Yinyue glanced at him, nodded slightly, and resumed walking forward.

When the two reached the hermitage, they were momentarily stunned, even dazed, by its overwhelming green hue.

After a long moment, as they regained their composure, a refined young nun stood before them.

She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen, her monk's robe flowing, emphasizing her slender figure. With apricot eyes, rosy cheeks, and a beautiful countenance, her skin seemed so delicate it might break if touched, like a luminous pearl dipped in dew.

She pressed her palms together in a gesture of respect.

She asked timidly, "May I ask why the two benefactors have graced us with a visit?" Li Muzhan returned the greeting, smiling slightly, "Wen Yinyue of the Canghai Sword Sect, Zhanran, requests an audience with Abbess Xueyin. Would the venerable Abbess grant us passage?"

The young nun started, then asked, "You are Zhanran... Junior Brother Zhanran of Sister Yúrong?" Li Muzhan smiled, "I am Zhanran. Is Second Sister here?" The young nun shook her head, "Unfortunately, Junior Sister Yúrong is away from the convent these few days."

Li Muzhan inquired, "What about Abbess Qingsi?" The young nun apologized, "Senior Sister Qingsi is also absent; she went with Junior Sister Yúrong."

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head, "Then never mind. We will call upon Abbess Xueyin. I have not yet learned your monastic name."

The young nun blushed slightly, somewhat shyly, "My name is Qingrou... I shall go announce you immediately!" "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister Qingrou."

Li Muzhan smiled and pressed his palms together.

"It is nothing."

Qingrou hurriedly shook her head,

turning and jogging into the bamboo hermitage.

Li Muzhan turned to look at Wen Yinyue, noticing the slight upward curl of her lip, a hint of a smile playing there.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Sister, is there something you wish to say?" Wen Yinyue said flatly, "It’s a wonder you call yourself a monk!" Li Muzhan merely chuckled and shook his head, "If Senior Sister refrains from calling me a 'Flower Monk,' I shall count myself fortunate indeed!" Though his power of mental resonance was currently ineffective, having spent so much time with Wen Yinyue,

he had a subtle understanding of her temperament, allowing him to guess her unspoken intent from the beginning of any remark.

Wen Yinyue spoke concisely, omitting whatever could be spared; those lacking in insight could never grasp her meaning.

As the two were speaking, footsteps sounded—slow and measured. The gate of Yingyue Nunnery opened, and a beautiful woman emerged with composed steps.

She appeared to be around thirty, with perfectly arched brows, a delicate nose, and phoenix eyes; though cloaked in a jade-colored monk's robe, she carried the bearing of a royal princess—dignified and noble.

She stood upon the steps, gazing at Li Muzhan with a gentle smile.

Li Muzhan pressed his palms together in salute, smiling faintly, "Zhanran pays respects to the Abbess! My Lady Abbess, we finally meet!" Wen Yinyue also bowed formally, her expression impassive, saying nothing.

This nun was the world-renowned Divine Nun Xueyin, whose mastery of both Buddhist doctrine and martial arts had reached the apex, her fame resounding throughout the realm; the Yingyue Dharma Assembly was known to all under heaven.

The beautiful young nun’s gaze flickered, passing over Wen Yinyue to rest on Li Muzhan’s face, and she smiled faintly, "Zhanran.

Zhanran, what a name, Zhanran!" She stepped forward to stand before Li Muzhan, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Has the Abbess been disappointed? My appearance is unremarkable, and I possess no merits."

Divine Nun Xueyin smiled and shook her head, "Brilliance concealed within, an extraordinary physique, vital energy flowing toward the heavens... Zhanran, though your outward appearance is ordinary, you hold splendor within. A true cause for celebration!" "Thank you, Abbess."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "My visit this time was unavoidable."

"Come, let us speak elsewhere."

Divine Nun Xueyin raised her sleeve slightly and led the way to an octagonal pavilion situated at the edge of the peach grove.

The pavilion was open to the breeze on all eight sides, surrounded by lush grass. Its painted beams and carved rafters featured intricate, almost hidden carvings at the eaves, displaying exquisite detail.

Only a careful observer would notice.

Qingrou approached to serve tea, her steps utterly silent. She cast a quick look at Li Muzhan before quietly withdrawing.

Li Muzhan then realized it wasn't that he had been lost in thought earlier, causing him not to notice; rather, her lightness skill was supreme, allowing her to land without a sound.

Divine Nun Xueyin lifted the lid and sipped the tea lightly. Instantly, a delicate fragrance filled the pavilion, refreshing the spirit.

She set the tea cup down.

She smiled faintly, "Zhanran, tell me, what is the matter?" "Fine tea!" Li Muzhan exclaimed in admiration, slowly setting down his cup, and asked with a smile, "Does the Abbess understand the practice of Compassion Contemplation?" Divine Nun Xueyin laughed, "This tea is from your Chengjing Temple. Yúrong brought some last time, and I hadn't the heart to drink it until now. It is fitting to serve it to you."

"That is why it is fine tea," Li Muzhan returned with a smile.

Divine Nun Xueyin tapped his forehead lightly with her finger, smiling mischievously, "You!" She then asked with a smile, "You wish to cultivate the Compassion Contemplation?" "Yes,"

Li Muzhan nodded. "To reach the Mahayana of Buddhism requires a compassionate heart, but my cultivation focuses heavily on quiet meditation, and I cannot generate that compassionate feeling."

"Ah... Compassion Contemplation is indeed a profound method for cultivating the 'Poisonous Compassion Heart,'"

Divine Nun Xueyin nodded slightly.

The two sat and discussed the doctrine in soft, measured tones. Wen Yinyue drank her tea nearby, remaining silent, simply observing them with calm, clear eyes, her inner heart tranquil.

"Abbess.

I know of Compassion Contemplation, but not the method of practice. I must seek instruction from you."

Li Muzhan picked up his teacup, took another sip, and smiled. Having communicated with Divine Nun Xueyin through correspondence for a long time,

though meeting her for the first time, they interacted like old friends, feeling no awkwardness.

Divine Nun Xueyin nodded and smiled, "If it were anyone else, I would not dare teach it lightly. The practice of contemplation is extremely perilous; without a proficient Buddhist scholar guarding the practice, one can easily suffer a deviation of Qi and fall into delusion... But you, with your deep and steadfast resolve, are no threat!" "Thank you, Abbess."

Li Muzhan smiled. Divine Nun Xueyin waved her jade hand lightly, "It is merely a transmission of essence, a small effort. Why thank me?"

She formed a mudra with both hands, closed her eyes slightly, and remained motionless.

Wen Yinyue glanced at Li Muzhan; Li Muzhan gestured for her to remain still.

After the time it took to drink tea, Divine Nun Xueyin suddenly moved, her fingers shooting out like arrows. Though her eyes were closed,

her index finger accurately struck the center of Li Muzhan's brow.

The fingertip rested against his brow. Li Muzhan allowed the contact, closing his eyes. Neither moved.

They seemed transformed into statues.

Divine Nun Xueyin maintained a look of solemn dignity, her beautiful face fixed in an expression that was neither fully smiling nor fully serious.

At first, tranquility washed over Li Muzhan's face, but it slowly shifted,

becoming the same enigmatic, almost-smile as Xueyin’s, mirroring the expressions of the Bodhisattvas in the temple.

As Abbess Xueyin extended her finger, Wen Yinyue’s shoulder twitched slightly before relaxing; she frowned deeply, intently watching the pair.

After a few breaths, Abbess Xueyin withdrew her finger,

formed another mudra, and slowly opened her phoenix eyes. A tide of emotion—somewhere between sorrow and compassion—flowed from them, commanding immediate reverence.

Li Muzhan remained motionless, holding the expression of compassion.

Wen Yinyue formally bowed to Divine Nun Xueyin, her small expression still detached.

Divine Nun Xueyin offered a slight smile, returned the bow, and then turned, drifting gracefully back into the hermitage gate.

The gate slowly closed, and silence returned.

Wen Yinyue watched her enter before slowly drawing her gaze back to Li Muzhan.

She had not expected the world-famous Divine Nun Xueyin to greet them alone, without ceremony or surrounding entourage—meeting them as an ordinary person.

Were it not for her commanding aura and imposing presence, it would have been hard to believe this was the renowned Divine Nun Xueyin.

Even at Canghai Mountain, she had heard the name of Divine Nun Xueyin, and the Yingyue Dharma Assembly was known to every disciple.

Seeing Xueyin behave so plainly, Wen Yinyue felt a moment of disappointment, but now realized it reflected the high cultivation of an enlightened master—brilliance reduced to simplicity, a lofty realm.

"Alas..." Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes, tears welling at the corners, dripping slowly.

Wen Yinyue pretended not to notice and asked coolly, "How was it?" Li Muzhan wiped the tears from his eyes, slowly nodding, "What profound Great Compassion! The depth and subtlety of Buddhist law are truly unfathomable!" He seemed still immersed in the recent experience, his voice gentle and unhurried.

Wen Yinyue studied him for a moment. After a while, Li Muzhan returned to normal, smiled, and said, "Let's go, Senior Sister."

"Aren't we going to bid the Abbess farewell?" Wen Yinyue asked.

Li Muzhan laughed, "No need. A farewell would cheapen the encounter. We met by fate, and we leave by fate; we follow the flow. Let's go."

Wen Yinyue gave him a side-eye glance and gracefully rose.

Li Muzhan could guess what she was thinking—she was likely scolding him for putting on an act.

Li Muzhan descended Feng Mountain and returned home for a visit.

In the small courtyard of Li Muzhan's home were Daoist Zheng Mengbai, Li Yurong, and Qingsi. They were overjoyed to see him return.

When they heard that Li Muzhan had now become a disciple of the Canghai Sword Sect and that Wen Yinyue was its foremost disciple, they were all astonished.

Li Yurong, clad in a moon-white monk's robe with her hair down, possessed a celestial beauty. She laughed, "Third Brother, you've finally achieved enlightenment!" Li Muzhan chuckled, joining Daoist Zheng Mengbai for wine, drinking bowl after bowl in hearty succession.

Li Yurong then examined Wen Yinyue, saying, "Miss Wen. The famously named Cold Lotus Immortal, Wen Yinyue—this humble girl has long admired your reputation!" Wen Yinyue smiled, "I dare not accept such praise."

A chill radiated from her entire being; even her smile carried a cool air. Li Yurong seemed unoffended. Hearing that Li Muzhan had joined the Canghai Sword Sect filled her with joy.

She laughed, "From now on, I entrust my Third Brother to Miss Wen’s care."

Wen Yinyue glanced at Li Muzhan, nodding with a faint, detached smile.

Seeing her reaction, Li Yurong smiled smugly, "My Third Brother is supremely intelligent, but also reckless. You must keep an eye on him, or he might accidentally stir up colossal trouble!" Li Muzhan laughed, "Second Sister, stop teasing me! I leave tomorrow morning. Please prepare some good food to fill my belly!" "Why such haste!" "Alright, I'll go cook!" Li Yurong scolded playfully, hastily rising, "I'll make extra so you can take it with you for the road tomorrow."

"Good."

Li Muzhan nodded and drank another bowl with Daoist Zheng Mengbai.

Wen Yinyue felt somewhat uncomfortable with the atmosphere surrounding Li Muzhan, remaining cold and silent. However, Madam Qin took an interest, growing fonder of her with every look, and engaged Wen Yinyue in conversation.

Wen Yinyue was unsure how to respond, answering Qin Shi's questions haltingly. This caused Li Muzhan to chuckle inwardly, feigning not to notice.

Li Muzhan knew his mother was treating Wen Yinyue as a prospective daughter-in-law. As she spoke with Wen Yinyue, she complained about the regulation against marrying outside the faith all evening.

The next morning, as the two left home carrying wooden chests, Wen Yinyue clearly let out a sigh of relief, as if a great burden had been lifted.

Madam Qin had been too warm, too attentive; Wen Yinyue found it overwhelming.

Li Muzhan chuckled secretly, pretending ignorance to avoid incurring her displeasure.

The two utilized lightness skills to travel swiftly. Midway through the morning, Wen Yinyue suddenly stopped, surveyed their surroundings, and frowned, "Where are we going? This isn't Fengming City, is it?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Certainly not Fengming City."

"If not Fengming City, then where?!" Wen Yinyue frowned.

"To Dragon City,"

Li Muzhan replied.

"Dragon City?" Wen Yinyue frowned slightly.

She said coolly, "The Helian Clan?" Li Muzhan nodded. Wen Yinyue snorted, "To find Li Jinguo at the Helian Clan?" "Precisely,"

Li Muzhan nodded, smiling, "Li Jinguo is highly likely at the Helian Clan; there's no need to search the Li residence."

"How do you know?" Wen Yinyue snorted, shaking her head, "No, we must go to Fengming City first!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, why waste the effort?" Wen Yinyue said stiffly, "For certainty, we go to Fengming City!" Li Muzhan looked at her, then nodded helplessly, "If that is so, I will listen to Senior Sister this once!" Wen Yinyue snorted, "Don't think your calculations are always divine!" Li Muzhan smiled and said no more. The two changed direction and headed toward Fengming City.

As they walked, Li Muzhan meditated on the Canghai Divine Art. He possessed immense talent for the mental cultivation methods and had progressed rapidly to the second level, where Jing could differentiate between the virtual and the real.

With the aid of the Canghai Divine Art, his speed increased further.

Five days later, the pair arrived at Fengming City, entered directly, and located the Li residence.

By then, the Li family was gone—a vacated manor, only a few elderly servants guarding the courtyard remained. The former prosperity had vanished.

(To be continued)