Having bid farewell to Li Muzhan, Fan Peiyao saluted the Right Commandant and departed under the escort of several guards. The Right Commandant cast a few glances at Li Muzhan after they left, shaking his head repeatedly.

He had intended to question Li Muzhan about his failure to follow orders within the army, but the success in taking Taibai Stockade this time was due entirely to Li Muzhan’s divine display of power, shooting down the men blocking the path and allowing them to surge inside.

The Right Commandant understood Li Muzhan’s marvelous archery skills perfectly. With such skill, even if he never became a general, there was no way the position of Commandant would elude him. It was best to leave room for future encounters.

While everyone else entered Taibai Stockade to accept the surrender of its inhabitants, Li Muzhan remained motionless at the mouth of the narrow valley, completely relaxed, his guard up against the possible return of the Head Chieftain.

If the Head Chieftain were to return, only he could tie him down. Otherwise, if the Chieftain went on a killing spree, the Flying Cavalry Camp men would be doomed; in that terrain, they could not utilize their military advantages.

The Head Chieftain did not appear. Li Muzhan surmised that he had abandoned Taibai Stockade. This man was ruthless, capable of letting go when necessary. His feud with the Fan family was deep-seated; it would certainly be a fight to the death.

He was already wounded from their previous engagement, and chasing for so long had only exacerbated his injuries. Furthermore, he currently lacked the ginseng needed for recovery, meaning healing would take a long time.

Once back inside the military camp, no matter how formidable his martial arts, he dared not barge in. As for the remaining troubles, they could be left to the Fan family; Li Muzhan genuinely held no interest in them.

The Black Tiger Camp men quickly finished their task, escorting about two hundred captured individuals out. Since their own soldiers had suffered no losses, they were not overly harsh with the Taibai Stockade men. They were tied together in long strings and marched toward Tianlong City.

Li Muzhan retrieved Scarlet Shadow and followed the main contingent, occasionally scouting ahead. The return to Tianlong City was smooth and uneventful.

They reached Tianlong City late in the afternoon. The group considered pressing on but preferred to avoid traveling at night, as marching in the dark was troublesome and there were no urgent military matters requiring haste. Thus, they decided to depart the following morning at dawn.

Li Muzhan informed the Right Commandant of his intention to return to his residence, and the Commandant readily agreed, merely cautioning him to be back early the next day so as not to delay the march.

Li Muzhan understood the Commandant’s mindset and sighed inwardly, acknowledging that rising to the rank of Right Commandant required more than just bravery; tact was essential as well. He saw a marked change in the Right Commandant, a clear embodiment of Buddhist detachment.

Upon returning home, Madam Gao arranged the evening meal. Li Muzhan then instructed Gao Tongcheng in the Mad Demon Staff Technique, teaching him two more forms. Gao Tongcheng’s comprehension was astonishing; he mastered them quickly.

The Mad Demon Staff Technique consisted of only eight forms; with this, Gao Tongcheng had now learned the entire set. Li Muzhan then began sparring with him, feeding him various moves he himself knew. Li Muzhan’s techniques were incredibly fast and powerful. Every move Gao Tongcheng tried to counter required his utmost effort, forcing his internal energy to surge and unlocking his potential.

Li Muzhan had integrated the Tuna Xin Fa (Breathing and Assimilation Mind Method) into the Mad Demon Staff Technique. By practicing the staff forms, he was simultaneously cultivating internal energy, making the full-intensity effort far more effective. In just a few days, a warmth had begun to gather in Gao Tongcheng’s Dantian.

He was overjoyed by this progress. After years of study under several masters without notable results, becoming this master's disciple had yielded internal energy in mere days—a world of difference.

Li Muzhan sparred with him for the entire night. Though exhausted, Gao Tongcheng forced himself to stay alert and give his all; otherwise, a single strike from Li Muzhan, though not necessarily injurious, would cause excruciating pain. Even fatigued, his spirit was highly stimulated, intensely tense, daring not to relax for an instant, lest Li Muzhan's move inflict agonizing suffering rather than physical harm.

Under this rigorous pressure, Gao Tongcheng's potential was rapidly unleashed, leading to staggering progress—advancing at the speed of a thousand miles in a day. One night of practice surpassed months of arduous cultivation for ordinary practitioners.

Madam Gao slept poorly the previous night. The intermittent shrieks echoing from the main hall made her heart pound with fear, leaving her unsure of what to do. She sighed inwardly; while her son's master was kind and compassionate in every way, he had only one fault: he was relentlessly severe in his teaching. Every cry from Gao Tongcheng made her heart clench and turn over, wishing she could take the pain for him. Yet, seeing Gao Tongcheng's subsequent excitement despite the pain, she swallowed the words of appeal she might have uttered.

She slept poorly all night, frequently startled awake by nightmares where Gao Tongcheng lay brutally beaten, covered in wounds, crying out for his mother.

She rose early and found Li Muzhan and Gao Tongcheng still in the hall when she entered. Dressed in a simple, elegant silk robe, she drifted in and asked gently, "Master, you two haven't slept all night?"

Li Muzhan was seated before a low table, his brush moving like a swimming dragon. Gao Tongcheng was watching nearby. Hearing the footsteps, both looked up. Gao Tongcheng smiled and approached: "Mother, why are you up so early?"

Madam Gao asked, "You didn't sleep?"

Gao Tongcheng chuckled twice, scratching his head, "Not at all sleepy... Master is writing a letter right now, recommending me to a place for martial arts training."

"What is this about?" Madam Gao's expression changed instantly.

Li Muzhan put down his brush, stood up, and smiled, "Madam, please, come sit and talk."

The three moved to the nearby Eight Immortals Table and sat down. A maidservant brought tea, her steps graceful, her figure alluring—it was Xiao Ya, Madam Gao’s former maid. Li Muzhan took a small sip of tea, closed the lid gently, and set the cup down. "Madam, Tongcheng has crossed the threshold; it is time for formal foundation building. But I cannot leave, nor can I delay him. I must send him to my sect."

Gao Tongcheng excitedly piped up, "Mother, I am now Master's formal disciple!"

"May I ask where your esteemed sect is located...?" Madam Gao asked, her delicate brows furrowed. Her eyebrows were lightly arched, her forehead smooth and fair, elegant and dignified, like a pristine lotus flower.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I am a disciple of the Canghai Sword Sect."

"Canghai Sword Sect?" Madam Gao looked perplexed, turning to Gao Tongcheng.

Gao Tongcheng exclaimed joyfully, "Mother, the Canghai Sword Sect is one of the Seven Great Sects of the world!"

Madam Gao shook her head, "I don't understand these things. Is it far?"

"Quite far," Gao Tongcheng replied.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Do not worry, Madam. I have some connections with the Fan Family Escort Agency; I will ask them to escort you and Tongcheng there."

Madam Gao nodded slowly, still harboring doubts, though she couldn't quite articulate what they were.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I originally thought Tongcheng’s initiation would take some time, but I didn't expect him to cultivate so diligently and progress so rapidly, far exceeding my expectations." He took out a jade pendant from his robe and handed it to Gao Tongcheng. "When you reach Canghai Mountain, present this along with this letter; it will be sufficient."

"Yes, Master." Gao Tongcheng hurriedly accepted it with both hands, excited. "Master, there's no need to hire escorts. With my skills, dealing with petty thieves is a trivial matter."

"Your martial arts are not high, but your boasts are grand," Li Muzhan said gruffly.

Gao Tongcheng chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head, "I feel like I have endless strength. With one staff swing, no one can withstand it."

"And me?" Li Muzhan asked.

Gao Tongcheng quickly replied, "Heh heh, Master is different."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "There are countless individuals with martial arts superior to mine. Once you reach the Canghai Sword Sect, you will understand how vast the world is, filled with endless astonishing figures." He didn't offer much more admonition. Pride is not moved by words; only after suffering setbacks can it be deeply etched into the heart. He was too lazy to elaborate further.

"Yes, Master," Gao Tongcheng replied respectfully.

Seeing his submissive, respectful, and admiring demeanor, Madam Gao felt a pang of jealousy. Her husband was never home, and though she had raised her son since childhood, she had never received such deference from him.

Li Muzhan said, "Madam, if there is anything to pack, please do so quickly. When shall you depart?"

"Master decides," Madam Gao whispered. She could see that once the Master made a decision, there was no room for change. He appeared gentle, yet he possessed an underlying assertiveness; his commands carried an inherent authority.

"Very well, let it be two days from now," Li Muzhan settled.

Madam Gao hesitated, "Then Xiao Ya and the others...?"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. "Logically, Tongcheng should go alone, but I presume you wouldn't bear to part with them. They can stay; someone must look after the residence."

"Good." Madam Gao nodded. She had been startled, then felt grateful, realizing he was showing compassion for her recent widowhood, understanding the grief of separation from her son. Thinking it over, disciples studying far away rarely traveled without their mothers accompanying them.

Li Muzhan rose again and sat before a small table by the window, picking up his brush. "I will write another letter for Tongcheng to give to Miss Fan of the Fan Family Escort Agency; she will arrange everything."

"Yes, Master," Gao Tongcheng nodded excitedly. Seeing Li Muzhan look back at him, he quickly added, "Don't worry, Master, I will be careful."

"You are a man. Before you act, first consider your mother, then consider your master, and finally, consider yourself. After considering these three, then make your decision—this is acting after 'three considerations'.... Can you do that?"

"Yes," Gao Tongcheng answered boldly.

"Yes, my foot!" Li Muzhan scolded with a laugh. "Have you thought three times already?"

Gao Tongcheng paused, then scratched his head sheepishly. Madam Gao smiled faintly, finding his method of teaching unique—'three considerations before acting,' and explaining it in such a way.

After breakfast, Li Muzhan left the Ming Residence directly, avoiding meeting Shanglin Shisanniang. He returned to the military camp and then set off with the others to return to Tenglong City.

On the way back, Li Muzhan did not ride Scarlet Shadow. He walked alongside the infantrymen. Scarlet Shadow’s reins were loose, following him step for step, like a shadow. The foot soldiers stared enviously at Scarlet Shadow, much like men of later generations eyeing a sports car.

Li Muzhan continuously drew and released his bow, the motion practiced and unceasing. The infantrymen watched with astonishment, marveling at his stamina, confirming that his reputation as a hero was not unearned. The Cold Jiao Bow emitted wisps of cool energy that seeped into his mind, providing an indescribable comfort. As he practiced, he reflected on the gains from this expedition.

The greatest convenience of practicing military martial arts was that the mind could wander once the movements became ingrained. When actions become second nature, executable even with closed eyes, one no longer needs to consciously control the movements; the body acts while the mind soars freely.

His trip to Taibai Stockade, failing to secure ginseng, was his biggest regret. However, obtaining the Cold Jiao Bow was a blessing, greatly increasing his odds of survival on the battlefield.

Without ginseng, he would have to cultivate diligently in the normal way, but he considered that if necessary, he would have to swallow his pride and request some from the mountain sect. Canghai Mountain had accumulated centuries of profound heritage; rare medicinal ingredients needed for concocting miraculous elixirs like the Creation Elixir were surely abundant. The mountain possessed numerous medicinal gardens, and the foothills were lined with apothecaries; any rare herbs purchased but unsold were sent up to the mountain. On the letter he was sending back with Gao Tongcheng, he had casually mentioned asking his master to send a hundred-year-old ginseng to test its effects. As a disciple of a renowned great sect, he needed to know how to utilize resources—a point where he was currently lacking, being too focused on solitary practice and ignorant of leveraging connections.

He repeated the motion of drawing and closing the bow, cultivating the Small Dragon Form. Inner energy surged powerfully from the Yongquan points on his feet, a rolling heat bathing his body as if immersed in hot water—exceedingly comfortable.

Scarlet Shadow followed lazily behind him, occasionally nudging him with its nose, quite mischievous. The horse was impatient, eager to gallop freely rather than walk so slowly.

Li Muzhan sighed in resignation, stopped his practice, turned, patted the horse's neck, and pointed ahead. Scarlet Shadow let out a joyous neigh, then shot off like an arrow, galloping away until it vanished into a small black speck in the distance.

The others were startled, hastily shouting, "Quickly, stop it! Stop it!"

Li Muzhan called out with a laugh, "No need, thank you, big brothers. Scarlet Shadow will return when it's had its run; no need to stop it."

"It will really come back?" someone asked doubtfully.

Another nodded in agreement, "Yes, Mingkong, hurry and chase it! That’s a precious steed; losing it would be a huge sin."

Li Muzhan smiled, suddenly pursed his lips, and let out a long, piercing whistle. Immediately, a horse's neigh echoed from afar, high and clear, soaring into the sky like a dragon's roar. In moments, a black dot appeared, growing rapidly larger until it transformed into Scarlet Shadow, arriving before him amidst the thunder of hooves, carried on the wind.

It continued galloping without slowing, stopping abruptly only when it reached Li Muzhan. It reared up on its hind legs, pawing the air a few times before letting out a long, drawn-out neigh (xī yùlǜ), landing steadily.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily, vaulted onto the horse, squeezed his legs, and Scarlet Shadow let out a joyful cry before transforming into a streak of shadow, vanishing in an instant.

Li Muzhan separated from the main army immediately, returning to Tenglong City alone. As he approached the forward camp gate, the training grounds were bustling with noise and activity. Li Muzhan frowned but did not see Zhao Shengli or the others; his entire group was missing.

He stopped a man and asked where Zhao Shengli and the others had gone. The burly man laughed, "Mingkong, you’re back... Unluckily, your group was on duty and went out on patrol this morning."

Li Muzhan looked up at the sky; it was nearly noon. If he had ridden swiftly in the morning, he would have returned already, but walking with the infantrymen had delayed him. He had rushed back precisely to avoid missing their patrol.