Nangong Tianwang appeared unsophisticated, guileless in his innocence.
Yu Dongnian focused his entire being, body and spirit, on the execution of his techniques, utterly pure, like still water.
Li Muzhan privately admired him; this scion of a great house was indeed not to be underestimated.
The depth of his inherited martial arts knowledge was extraordinary; among all the disciples of the Canghai Sword Sect, only a select few could achieve this level.
As a result, Li Muzhan found employing his Tāxīn Tōng (Mind-Reading) technique exceedingly difficult, for Nangong Wuwang’s mind moved precisely in tandem with his strikes.
As the stances shifted, so did his thoughts, intricate and profound.
Unpredictable in motion, so too was his inner world.
Li Muzhan found himself dividing his attention—coping with the subtle complexity of the Qiánkūn Palm while simultaneously attempting to unleash Tāxīn Tōng.
He was trying to unravel the secrets held within the Qiánkūn Palm.
But this proved incredibly challenging; Nangong Wuwang’s mind was as tranquil as a deep pool, making divination nearly impossible.
Previously, when he peered into the secrets of the Lěngfēng Divine Fist, it was only after spending days in continuous proximity to Leng Feng, relentlessly applying Tāxīn Tōng until he finally grasped the man's very thoughts and learned the divine fist.
In the time since, he had made little progress practicing the Canghai Nine Swords or meditating on the Heaven-Man-God Illumination Sutra, and his Tāxīn Tōng hadn't improved.
To discern Nangong Wuwang's thoughts in such a short span was monumentally difficult.
Zhao Shuqi sat in his grand armchair, eyes narrowed, stroking his beard, his gaze sharp and almost tangible.
After watching for a considerable time, his brow furrowed deeply, the vertical lines etched into his skin like knife marks.
He wished to discern the origins of Li Muzhan’s martial arts, but the Canghai Nine Palms Li Muzhan utilized were created by Lan Chunhe and had never before been displayed in public; thus, Zhao Shuqi had no frame of reference.
Moreover, within the Canghai Nine Palms, Li Muzhan had interwoven the divine fist techniques of Leng Feng.
The combination amplified their power, yet made them even harder to identify.
Zhao Shuqi shook his head, ceasing his study of Li Muzhan’s palm work.
He turned his attention to Nangong Wuwang’s technique, stroked his beard, smiled, and nodded approvingly.
Wuwang was truly a prodigy among the younger generation, one of the best.
This set of Qiánkūn Palm techniques, aside from lacking true depth of mastery, had grasped the core essence.
To comprehend the Qiánkūn Palm to this degree at such a tender age was truly rare—a genuine marvel.
The Qiánkūn Palm encompassed the mysteries of the universe’s operation, embodying the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity—the Three Talents.
Heaven and Earth, all contained within the two palms.
The true marvel of its application lay within the heart.
This Qiánkūn Palm was the culmination of Nangong Sidao’s entire life’s effort.
Its mysteries were endless.
To fully comprehend this set of palms, one required a deep understanding and profound insight into the natural world; without it, comprehension was utterly unattainable.
Cultivating the Qiánkūn Palm demanded first an intimacy with nature.
A heart that loved nature, unburdened by scheming, a pure heart being the most efficacious—like Yuán Hēng, Lì Zhēn (Primal Utility, Favorable Perseverance).
Though exceptionally intelligent, those people fell short of Wuwang’s innate connection.
Once mastered, within the zone covered by the dual palms, the wielder became like a celestial deity, capable of absolute control.
All external forces, whether palm strikes or weaponry, would lose their efficacy.
Though Wuwang had grasped the essence, his cultivation was still shallow, preventing him from unleashing the full might of the Qiánkūn Palm.
However, what he displayed now was already quite commendable.
This Li San, however, was a formidable individual.
His palm techniques were exquisite, his internal energy vast, and more importantly, his internal energy was exceptionally pure, allowing the Qiánkūn Palm technique to have minimal effect.
For anyone else, even those with deep internal reserves, their power would be severely diminished under the Qiánkūn Palm, rendering them non-threatening.
The fact that Li Muzhan’s palm art remained unimpaired demonstrated that his internal energy was unified and pure.
Curiosity stirred in his heart.
He scrutinized Li Muzhan, wondering when the Wang family had produced such a grand master.
So young, yet possessing limitless potential.
Li Muzhan was employing one mind for three purposes, constantly trying to dissect the Qiánkūn Palm.
Yet, he couldn't grasp the key—it felt immeasurably profound, and he struggled to find an entry point in such a short time.
The moment his internal energy approached Nangong Wuwang, it instantly warped and transformed, shifting from solid to ethereal, or from ethereal to solid.
He had never witnessed such miraculous phenomena.
The two were locked in combat, and before they knew it, hundreds of moves had passed.
White mist billowed from Nangong Wuwang’s head, his handsome face as pale and smooth as jade.
He appeared transformed into a statue of white jade, flawless in every aspect, his eyes like cold stars.
The power of the Qiánkūn Palm grew ever stronger.
He felt an exhilaration he had never known.
A master of such caliber, such an opponent—he had never encountered one before.
Through this battle, he grasped much of the Qiánkūn Palm's essence.
At this moment, his hostility toward Li Muzhan vanished entirely.
A person of such talent and intelligence was a rare jewel in the world; he felt a profound kinship.
After another hundred exchanges, he suddenly leaped backward and called out, “Stop!” Li Muzhan retreated, his breathing even, as if he hadn't exerted himself at all, and smiled, “The Qiánkūn Palm truly lives up to its name; I am impressed.” Nangong Wuwang shook his head.
“You are stronger than I!” “Very well, I will report to Big Brother.
You all should find an inn to settle down first!” Li Muzhan smiled and nodded.
“Thank you, Third Young Master.” Nangong Wuwang waved his hand dismissively, huffing, “Why thank me? It was agreed upon beforehand!” “You are truly an intractable person! A pity to have such superb martial arts!” Li Muzhan chuckled softly, shaking his head without speaking.
If he weren't worried about implicating the Canghai Mountain, he wouldn't be so constrained.
But the safety of Canghai Mountain concerned him deeply, leaving him no room for careless action.
Nangong Wuwang turned.
“Grandpa Zhao, I’ve disgraced myself!” Zhao Shuqi shook his head, casting a thoughtful glance at Li Muzhan.
“This fight was greatly beneficial to you.
Perhaps you should spar a few more times another day.” “That suits me perfectly!” Nangong Wuwang turned toward Li Muzhan.
“Li Er, shall we spar again another day?” “I couldn’t ask for more,” Li Muzhan replied with a smile.
The mysteries of the Qiánkūn Palm were infinite.
Although he couldn't fully uncover their secrets, he benefited immensely.
His understanding of the Canghai Nine Swords deepened by another layer.
The Great Dao shares a common destination; profound martial arts are inherently interconnected.
Furthermore, the stones of other mountains can polish one's own jade.
The Qiánkūn Palm catalyzed his comprehension of the Canghai Nine Swords, proving even more effective than solitary closed-door training.
Even without completely penetrating the secrets of the Qiánkūn Palm, he was content.
The wonders of the Canghai Nine Swords needed stimulation from top-tier exceptional arts to be unlocked faster than he could grasp them alone.
Nangong Wuwang hurried, “Then it’s settled! We meet here tomorrow morning, how about it?” “Agreed.” Li Muzhan nodded.
“Excellent, then that’s settled.
I’ll go inform Big Brother!” Nangong Wuwang turned and hurried away, as if afraid Li Muzhan might change his mind, vanishing quickly with his four guards.
Zhao Shuqi glanced at Li Muzhan and smiled.
“Young Hero Li, may I ask who your master is?” Li Muzhan smiled faintly, shaking his head without speaking.
Seeing his reticence, Zhao Shuqi chuckled.
“Since that is the case, I will ask no more.
There is an Aige Inn across the street; the environment is quite good.
Shall we head there? Wang Yuanchu agreed: “Very well, thank you, Elder Zhao.” Zhao Shuqi summoned a young man and instructed him to lead Wang Yuanchu and the others to the Lai Fu Inn ahead.
The young man was tall and well-built.
Though not handsome, he exuded a vigorous martial air, radiating masculine energy, drawing many admiring glances from passing women.
Wang Shuangfeng remained silent throughout, easily overlooked.
The Lai Fu Inn was on the next street over.
The young man led the group there, gave instructions to the innkeeper, securing the best courtyard, the expenses to be covered by the Dadao Martial Hall.
Wang Yuanchu cupped his hands in thanks, accepting without pretense.
The group settled into a residence—not a small house, situated next to the inn, virtually independent, save that the property belonged to the inn.
The residence spanned three courtyards: the front held a reception hall, the middle was a quadrangle courtyard, and the rear opened into a garden.
The garden was quite refined, featuring a rockery and a small stream.
It was surrounded by sparse bamboo groves, with a lotus pond in the center, spanned by an elevated, covered walkway that cascaded water.
Beneath the pond, schools of carp thrived, brimming with vitality.
The group sat within the covered walkway over the pond, admiring the lotus blossoms while engaging in light conversation.
A cool breeze swept through, refreshing their bodies and spirits, making the weariness of their long journey by carriage and boat vanish instantly.
Wang Yuanchu laughed.
“Brother Li, this is all thanks to you.
It seems the mission this time has a real chance of success!” Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.
“Eldest Young Master need not be so formal.
This Third Young Master Nangong is rather simple-minded.
Nangong Yuanheng is likely different.” “Nangong Yuanheng is indeed a formidable character!” Wang Yuanchu nodded repeatedly, chuckling, “Though I have heard of him for a long time, I’ve never dealt with him directly.
I must take this opportunity to meet him properly.” Li Muzhan smiled, nodding inwardly.
Nangong Yuanheng’s reputation preceded him, yet Wang Yuanchu wasn't intimidated; instead, he was eager for a challenge—a rare quality.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“Eldest Young Master, I won't be joining everyone tomorrow.
I plan to spar martial arts with the Third Young Master Nangong.” “Yes, that is wise,” Wang Yuanchu nodded.
Tomorrow’s engagement with Nangong Yuanheng will involve strategic maneuvering, and he is bound to face provocation.
Brother Li, being such a master, should not have to endure that.
It’s best he stays away.
He turned and glared at Wang Yingjie: “Yingjie, you aren’t going either tomorrow!” “Uncle, why can’t I go?” Wang Yingjie immediately objected, calling out quickly.
Wang Yuanchu sneered, glancing sideways at him.
“Hmph, with your impetuous temper, you’ll only ruin things if you go.” “Uncle vastly underestimates me! I’ll go, and I won’t say a single word!” Wang Yingjie insisted stubbornly.
Wang Yuanchu looked at him askance.
“Can you manage that?” “I guarantee it!” Wang Yingjie nodded emphatically.
Wang Shuangfeng spoke calmly, “Father, let him go.” Wang Yuanchu huffed.
“Fine, since Feng’er asks, I’ll trust you this once.
If you speak out of turn, I will personally throw you out!” Just as he finished speaking, someone knocked on the outer door.
Wang Yingjie went to open it.
Outside stood a young lady, dressed in a pale lilac silk gown, possessing a noble bearing.
She said nothing, merely presenting a formal invitation before departing.
The next morning, everyone woke early.
They ate breakfast in front of the inn.
Li Muzhan headed toward the Dadao Martial Hall, while Wang Yuanchu and the others proceeded to the Nangong Residence.
Li Muzhan felt no concern for their safety.
If danger arose inside the Nangong Clan residence, even he might not be able to intervene; thus, he set his mind at ease, choosing to fully contemplate the Canghai Nine Swords.
He also resolved to study the Qiánkūn Palm.
As soon as he arrived at the entrance of the Dadao Martial Hall, he saw Nangong Wuwang standing there, pacing back and forth, occasionally glancing in his direction.
Upon seeing Li Muzhan appear, his face lit up with delight, and he hopped up and down, waving enthusiastically: “Brother Li! Brother Li!” Li Muzhan flashed forward, suddenly appearing before him, cupping his fist and smiling, “Has Third Young Master been waiting for me?” Nangong Wuwang nodded rapidly.
“Yes, yes! Why are you only just arriving? Let’s go in quickly.” (To be continued), for the rest of the story, please log on to chapters for more and support the author.