A common person would only feel the beads were cool as water, capable of clearing the mind and calming the spirit, noticing nothing else. But his spirit was powerful and acutely perceptive; he clearly sensed the strangeness of these night-luminescent pearls. The cool essence drilled into his mind, stabilizing his spirit, and over long periods, it could augment one's spiritual power.

For him, it was inconsequential. He cultivated the Gazing at Heaven, Man, and Divinity Illumination Scripture, and his spiritual power advanced rapidly. This slight boost from the precious beads was like a drop of water to an ocean.

But to others, this was exceedingly rare and valuable.

His spirit was like a lake, and a small increase was not worth noting. The spirit of an ordinary person was merely a drop of water to begin with; adding this much brought about a significant change, yielding extraordinary benefits.

When the spirit strengthens, not only does one become more energetic and mentally acute, but the channeling of internal energy becomes far more adept. His ability to minutely control his neigong was precisely due to his formidable spirit.

Furthermore, a strong spirit allows one to command internal energy with ease, making its circulation faster, which in turn enhances martial arts.

With these thoughts flashing through his mind, he lightly entered the Boundless Hall in an instant.

The assembled company was still busy, but when they saw him enter, their gazes converged on him, carrying varied meanings as they appraised him up and down.

Abbess Zhuzhao smiled sweetly, "You're back?"

Li Muzhan clasped his hands in a salute: "Yes, Master. They have all descended the mountain."

Abbess Zhuzhao turned and smiled, "Senior Sister, that old fellow surnamed Zhou, he came to show off his might, didn't he?"

Abbess Zhumei nodded, "Indeed. That young fellow surnamed Zhou has exceptional swordsmanship; he truly is a talent. No wonder Zhou Wanli couldn't resist coming over."

Li Zhuyue stated plainly, "Zhou Wanli has always held a grudge against Eldest Senior Sister. He carries sharp weapons, always looking for a chance to display them... This time Zhanran has rendered meritorious service; he deserves some reward."

Abbess Zhumei nodded and smiled, "Not bad."

Li Muzhan quickly bowed low, "This is what this disciple ought to do, I dare not ask for a reward."

Abbess Zhuzhao let out a delicate laugh and waved her hand, "Alright, boy, stop pretending to be virtuous. If you want a reward, tell us what it is."

Li Muzhan smiled sheepishly, "This disciple needs no reward. Could my merit offset my transgression, thereby excusing me from the prescribed punishment?" Small Novel Network First Release

"Smelly brat, have you finished sweeping the steps yet?" Abbess Zhuzhao pursed her lips and glanced askance.

Li Muzhan stroked his small mustache and smiled with slight embarrassment.

Abbess Zhumei looked at Li Muzhan, then at Abbess Zhuzhao, and nodded, "Hmm, I see Zhanran sweeps diligently on schedule every day, showing no slackness. It seems he has reformed. Let's waive his punishment, Sect Leader?"

Abbess Zhuzhao smiled sweetly and looked toward Li Zhuyue.

Li Zhuyue nodded, "Zhanran’s contribution this time is substantial enough to cover the offense."

Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand, "That won't do. Merit is merit, and transgression is transgression; they cannot be mingled. Senior Sister, Junior Sister, don't spoil him too much!"

The two ladies smiled and ceased speaking; after all, she was the Sect Leader.

Li Muzhan stroked his mustache, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Abbess Zhuzhao pondered for a moment, then clapped her hands, "How about this—I will reward you with a pair of precious swords!"

Li Muzhan, helpless, clasped his hands, bowed low, "Many thanks, Martial Aunt, many thanks, Martial Uncle... Many thanks, Master!"

Abbess Zhuzhao smiled and waved her hand, "Zhanran, your palm technique, did you learn it from Martial Uncle-Grandmaster?"

Li Muzhan replied, "It was indeed taught by Great-Uncle-Grandmaster."

"Hmm, no wonder it possesses such power," Abbess Zhuzhao nodded.

Abbess Zhumei smiled, "Zhanran truly has wonderful fortune. After so many years, this is the first time Martial Uncle-Grandmaster has imparted teachings—what a rare and marvelous encounter!"

Abbess Zhuzhao chuckled, "He was simply lucky, having happened to suit Martial Uncle-Grandmaster's temperament."

The eyes of the core disciples flickered, exchanging signals and discussing him silently with their gazes, occasionally sweeping towards Li Muzhan.

Previously, when Li Muzhan had suffered a backlash while practicing the Great Bright King Scripture, his power had been overwhelming, defeating every opponent on Canghai Mountain. While they admired him then, they were not convinced, as they felt it wasn't genuine strength.

Suffering a backlash, simply surviving was a major feat, and it was assumed his martial arts must have been damaged, so they hadn't paid him much mind. But now, it seemed they had been mistaken.

Now, he had actually gained the favor of the Great-Uncle-Grandmaster, receiving instruction in his supreme skills. No wonder his palm work was so exquisitely refined—it looked familiar, yet they couldn't place it.

Their envy flared intensely. The Great-Uncle-Grandmaster was an elusive figure, always staying in the Martial Arts Hall and almost never coming to the front mountain; they rarely saw him.

If they could receive instruction from the Great-Uncle-Grandmaster, they could surely distinguish themselves and become the foremost expert among Canghai Mountain's disciples.

Now, Junior Brother Zhanran had this extraordinary chance. If nothing unexpected happened, besides Eldest Senior Sister, Zhanran's future achievements would be the highest, placing him second only to the Eldest Senior Sister in skill.

Amidst the meaningful gazes of the crowd, Li Muzhan requested leave to depart and turned to exit the Boundless Hall. On the steps below, he was called to a stop by Mei Ruolan.

The two proceeded to her small courtyard, discussing the events of the past few days as they walked.

Unconsciously, they arrived before a courtyard about five or six times the size of Li Muzhan's own—featuring bamboo groves, flower beds, a rockery, and a gently flowing stream, exuding an indescribable tranquility.

They entered the small pavilion within the plum blossom grove, lit a small clay stove, and sat down to talk. The conversation revolved around asking Li Muzhan about his recent status, as well as about Xiaoyuan and Gong Qingyun.

Mei Ruolan wore a light purple silk gown, her bearing growing even more dignified and refined, making one hesitant to look directly at her; her entire presence seemed bathed in a clear radiance.

Hearing Li Muzhan mention using the (Infusion Method) to help Gong Qingyun, Mei Ruolan smiled faintly, "Qingyun has excellent comprehension. If she puts in a bit more effort, being a core disciple is not out of reach. Your assistance would be the best possible outcome."

Li Muzhan smiled, "The hurdle of the third layer, it seems Senior Sister Gong can overcome it. Once she reaches the fourth layer, the path ahead will be much smoother. Though she might not catch up to Miss, she will be close."

Mei Ruolan smiled, "I hope so. Our Mei family truly produces talent. And what about Xiaoyuan?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "As for Xiaoyuan, her nature is too flighty; she still needs some time to be tempered. There's no rush."

Mei Ruolan shook her head, "That little girl, I spoiled her too much."

Li Muzhan smiled knowingly, "Xiaoyuan's current martial arts are sufficient for self-preservation; there's no need to demand too much."

After chatting for a while, Li Muzhan took his leave and returned to his small courtyard.

When he arrived back, someone was already standing outside his door—it was the young woman who had summoned him earlier. She was slender, fair-featured, and clad in tight black satin attire that molded itself to her graceful figure.

She was standing by the door, holding two swords, lost in thought.

Hearing footsteps, she turned her head and smiled, "Senior Brother Zhanran!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Junior Sister Yang, why are you here?"

"The Sect Leader's reward has arrived," she said, handing over the pair of swords.

Li Muzhan accepted them and drew one. With a Zheng—the sound of a dragon's cry—a cold glint flashed into his eyes, and a chilling aura immediately rushed toward him. The hairs on his arms involuntarily prickled, sensing an undeniable danger.

"Good swords!" Li Muzhan exclaimed in admiration.

The young woman giggled, "Senior Brother Zhanran, these are the Dragon's Cry and Phoenix's Call Twin Swords; they are among the finest precious weapons."

"Excellent, thank you, Junior Sister," Li Muzhan said, unable to put them down.

P: I misspoke again, I wanted to write more but couldn't. I'm too ashamed to say anything more.