When Li Muzhan returned to the small courtyard, Abbess Zhuzhao and Wen Yinyue were waiting. They were seated in the pavilion, conversing softly over drinks, their faces alight with smiles.

Wen Yinyue’s usual reserve had melted away, replaced by a smile that made her appear even more alluring and captivating. Seeing him enter, Wen Yinyue’s smile instantly vanished, her cold demeanor returning.

Abbess Zhuzhao tilted her head, looking at him with a playful grin. “Zhanran, we came here hoping to see you in a sorry state, but I didn't expect you to walk away unscathed!” Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, stepping into the pavilion and sitting between the two women.

He poured himself a cup of tea, took a slow sip, and chuckled, “Master, is Grand-Uncle Elder’s temper really that bad?” “His old temper is unparalleled in its ferocity.” Abbess Zhuzhao nodded, smiling sweetly. “I honestly thought you were going to get a proper beating!” Li Muzhan gave a wry smile.

“Grand-Uncle Elder demanded I restore the Canghai Divine Sword; if I failed, he would kill me.” Abbess Zhuzhao’s expression shifted sharply. “Seriously?” Li Muzhan nodded.

Abbess Zhuzhao’s delicate eyebrows furrowed. “That’s not good news.

Martial Uncle Elder kills without blinking; he says it, he does it!” Li Muzhan offered a helpless, bitter smile. Abbess Zhuzhao frowned in thought for a moment.

“There is only one way to restore the Canghai Divine Sword.” Li Muzhan asked, “Start with the Canghai Divine Qi?” “Precisely.” Abbess Zhuzhao nodded. “Moreover, the Martial Arts Hall hasn’t been idle all these years; they’ve developed the Canghai Divine Finger.

While it’s far inferior to the Canghai Divine Sword, it offers a starting point.” Li Muzhan nodded. “Master, are you suggesting we approach it from both the Canghai Divine Finger and the Canghai Sword Qi?” “Yes, that’s the only way,” Abbess Zhuzhao affirmed, then smiled.

“Unless you can advance further and cultivate the Canghai Divine Art to perfection… Only with the perfection of the Canghai Divine Art can the Canghai Divine Sword be wielded. Now, the Sword is lost, and no one has mastered the Art.

I have a feeling the two are connected somehow.” Li Muzhan frowned, pondering deeply, then slowly nodded. Abbess Zhuzhao continued, “Very well, Zhanran, we have another matter today.” “Whatever Master commands,” Li Muzhan replied readily.

Abbess Zhuzhao pursed her lips and smiled coyly. “You are now in Grand-Uncle Elder’s immediate circle; I wouldn't dare order you around casually!” Li Muzhan gave a wry smile.

“Grand-Uncle Elder has taught me the Canghai Nine Palms, which I am to transform into a sword technique.” Abbess Zhuzhao was surprised. “The Canghai Nine Palms?

I never thought Grand-Uncle Elder would pass on his ultimate secret technique to you immediately!” Without waiting for Li Muzhan to ask, Abbess Zhuzhao explained, “The Canghai Nine Palms is one of the most potent palm techniques. Mastered properly, it’s enough to dominate the martial world.” Li Muzhan nodded and urged, “Master, tell me what you need me to do quickly.” Abbess Zhuzhao smiled.

“Zhanran, you are now a direct disciple, bearing the responsibility of teaching. Don’t forget that.” Li Muzhan nodded.

Direct disciples ranked above inner disciples and were responsible for guiding and assisting the inner disciples in their training. Abbess Zhuzhao stated, “Starting today, you will instruct the disciples of the North Courtyard.” “The North Courtyard?” Li Muzhan was startled.

“Master, not the South Courtyard?” The North Courtyard housed the female disciples; the South Courtyard housed the male disciples. Abbess Zhuzhao shot him a look.

“You practice the Canghai Divine Art, while the South Courtyard disciples practice the Dragon Snake Ascension Art. What would you teach them?” Li Muzhan touched his nose, resigned.

“Master, I still need time to practice my own skills…” “Don’t even think about slacking off!… Dedicate one hour every day,” Abbess Zhuzhao interrupted, huffing. “You’ve mastered the Ruthless Sleeve well; sweeping the steps only takes you an hour.

Taking another hour won't be much, will it?” Li Muzhan’s current sweeping speed was astonishingly fast, all thanks to the Ruthless Sleeve, which he had practiced to perfection, achieving an uncanny control over its force. With one sweep of the broom, he could clean several steps at once.

Li Muzhan looked at her. Seeing her bright, resolute eyes, he could only nod reluctantly.

“Yes…” Abbess Zhuzhao revealed a broad smile. “That’s more like it!… Your paintings have been greatly inspiring to everyone; several people have broken through bottlenecks because of them.” Li Muzhan nodded.

“I’ll paint a few more in a while.” Abbess Zhuzhao stood up, smiling sweetly. “Good, then I won’t keep you any longer… Little fellow, were you hoping I’d leave ages ago?!” Li Muzhan had stood up too quickly, and she noticed.

He touched his nose and chuckled awkwardly. “Master worries too much!” Abbess Zhuzhao gave him a playful glare, teasing, “You heartless child!

Now that you have Grand-Uncle Elder, you look down on your old Master!” Li Muzhan rapidly protested his innocence, daring not to think such a thing. Abbess Zhuzhao continued to tease him a few more times before finally leaving, seemingly reluctant to go, taking Wen Yinyue with her.

Wen Yinyue remained silent throughout the entire exchange, as if she hadn't even seen him. Just as they reached the door, Abbess Zhuzhao called back, “Starting tomorrow morning, go to the North Courtyard training grounds.

Don’t forget!” Li Muzhan responded resignedly. After they left, he began practicing the Canghai Nine Palms.

As it integrated with the Canghai Divine Art, he felt its mystery deepen immeasurably, becoming utterly absorbed and unable to pull himself away. He practiced for an entire day straight, yet he felt no fatigue; on the contrary, he was revitalized, his entire being brimming with robust energy, as if he had slept deeply.

He already possessed the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art protecting his body, granting him exceptional physical resilience. Furthermore, the Canghai Divine Art held its own unique secrets that nourished the flesh.

Combined with the marvelous nature of the Canghai Nine Palms—of which he had grasped the essence—practicing felt like soaking in a warm spring, indescribably comfortable and utterly exhausting to none. The more he practiced, the more wondrous the Canghai Nine Palms seemed.

A single, simple move contained infinite subtlety; if executed correctly, he believed he would fear no martial technique under heaven. The next day, he arrived at the North Courtyard training grounds.

The North Courtyard grounds were located on the fifth level of the Heavenly Terrace, extending westward into a wide, open area. Li Muzhan had never been here before.

Upon arrival, he found it was no less impressive than the training ground beneath the Wuji Hall. Ordinarily, most people preferred the Wuji Hall ground, as it hosted both men and women and was quite lively.

Those with quieter dispositions, who disliked crowds, trained in their respective South or North Courtyard grounds, or within their private courtyards. No one monitored them; success was judged solely on performance in the small and grand competitions.

As soon as Li Muzhan reached the North Courtyard training ground, Xiaoyuan rushed over to greet him. She was clad in shining black silk martial attire, running toward him with a bright smile.

“Zhanran, is it true? Are you really going to instruct us in the Canghai Divine Art?” Li Muzhan nodded.

“Yes.” Gong Qingyun approached gracefully as well, holding a long sword. She also wore black satin martial clothes, her face as white as jade, though her delicate eyebrows showed signs of fatigue.

She only looked deeply at Li Muzhan once, offering no words. Their eyes met, lingering for a moment before separating.

Li Muzhan frowned. “Senior Sister Gong, you’ve lost weight.

What’s happened? Has someone been bullying you?” As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Xiaoyuan.