"What's the matter, Monk? Scared?" Old Li squinted his small round eyes and chuckled, "Don't be afraid. We've done things this exciting many times! Otherwise, how could these old fellows have cultivated to such heights? They'd have kicked the bucket long ago!"

Elder Ji stroked his beard and shook his head, chuckling. "Old Li, can you say a little less? Those small merits we earned are almost dissipated from all the boasting!"

Old Li snorted. "But it’s true! You guys are heartless, never acknowledging my contributions!"

"Could you have stolen the Yuan-Securing Pills all by yourself?" Elder Ji laughed.

"Without me, you wouldn't have stolen them either!" Old Li threw his neck back, clearly pleased with himself.

Elder Ji laughed. "Then we're even. You got a few extra Yuan-Securing Pills, you should be satisfied!"

"Hmph, you lot are definitely hiding some but refusing to bring them out. So stingy!" Old Li displayed an expression of disdain.

Elder Ji shook his head helplessly. "You're just causing trouble. If we had such things, who could possibly resist keeping them?"

Listening to their back-and-forth, Li Muzhan finally understood: they had pooled their efforts to pull off a cost-free venture, stealing some Yuan-Securing Pills.

That's why their cultivation was so formidable; having tasted the sweetness, they now wanted Li Muzhan and the others to learn from their example.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, coughed to interrupt their argument, and smiled. "Senior Li, we can't compare to you seniors."

He had known from the start that his martial arts were far inferior, nowhere near a match for them—otherwise, he wouldn't have felt that extremely dangerous intuition, making the hairs on his arms stand up.

He recalled the Commandant mentioning the martial cultivation realms in the army: refining the body with Qi, solidifying the body where Qi gathers, and strengthening the spirit as Qi gathers. Seeing how vigorous and energetic they all looked, they had clearly reached the realm of Qi Gathering and Spirit Strengthening.

Though he had condensed a Qi membrane, it hadn't fully permeated his muscle tissue, meaning he hadn't reached the state of complete Qi convergence, falling short by one realm—and one realm meant a world of difference. Despite their physical strength being less than his, if they fully channeled their internal power, he wouldn't be able to resist them.

Old Li snorted. "Although your internal power is lacking, kid, you're quick-witted, and you have great strength. That can compensate for the lack of internal power... This strong lad here, with his brute strength, is more than enough as a helper. You two set off tomorrow for the Lingshan Sect and bring back a few Yuan-Securing Pills!"

"The Lingshan Sect?" Li Muzhan quickly asked, feeling helpless inwardly. It seemed he had no room to refuse; he could only comply.

Old Li looked astonished. "You don't know the Lingshan Sect?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Disciple knows nothing about Xi Zhao; I haven't heard of the Lingshan Sect."

"Sigh... Poor child, knowing nothing, yet you aim to be a general. You're far off!" Old Li shook his head with a sigh.

Li Muzhan offered an embarrassed smile. The Great Yan's descriptions of Xi Zhao were sparse. People living far from the border often didn't even know what people from Xi Zhao looked like. Most assumed they looked much like the people of the Great Khanate—high-bridged noses, deep-set eyes, sharply defined features, distinct from the flat faces of the Great Yan people, making them easy to spot. Li Muzhan had killed many Black Eagle Cavalrymen and now knew that the people of Xi Zhao looked no different from those of Great Yan; their bloodlines were clearly the same. He wondered why they had split into two nations.

Elder Ji smiled. "Don't listen to Old Li's nonsense. It's fine. I have detailed files here. Take them back to study, but don't take them outside the inner camp. These documents were obtained by our secret agents at the risk of their lives; cherish them."

Li Muzhan felt a surge of genuine respect. Secret agents operated deep within enemy territory, surrounded by foes, living lonely, tense lives where their nerves were constantly taut. Such an existence could drive a person mad.

Elder Ji smiled. "You go back and wash up first, get some rest. I'll bring them over later, and I’ll teach you the Art of Mystical Evasion and Concealment."

"Yes, thank you, Elder Ji!" Li Muzhan smiled.

Li Muzhan bowed to everyone and turned to leave. As he walked away from the training ground, Yan Lengsi rushed to his side anxiously. "Monk, are we really going?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Senior Li has commanded it; how could we defy him?"

"Master likes to mess around, and Master Ji and the others don't stop him," Yan Lengsi scratched his head in distress.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Don't worry. They won't send us to our deaths. They'll probably be protecting us secretly."

"Master certainly wouldn't..." Yan Lengsi shook his head. "Last time I went out of the city to gather firewood, I ran into the Black Eagle Cavalry and almost didn't make it back."

"How did you get back in the end?" Li Muzhan asked, smiling.

Yan Lengsi said, "Thanks to a Yuan-Securing Pill. I ate one, suddenly felt energized, and managed to flee back desperately."

"Are the Yuan-Securing Pills really effective?" Li Muzhan asked.

Yan Lengsi nodded vigorously, excited. "Yes, they're incredibly effective... Master gave me this one, saying it was the last one he had, and I shouldn't use it unless it was a critical moment." He grew more excited as he spoke. "Master said eating this one Yuan-Securing Pill is equivalent to five years of hard cultivation!" He grinned broadly. "Heh heh, if only we had more! If I ate ten or eight, I could catch up to Master and the others!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, his heart stirring slightly. He hadn't expected that a single Yuan-Securing Pill would have a greater medicinal effect than a century-old ginseng root. The formula for these pills was truly profound, surpassing the effect of taking ginseng alone.

However, coming from a later generation, he understood that the human body forms its own system with automatic defense mechanisms against interference. Consuming too many medicines leads to drug resistance. The first Yuan-Securing Pill might equate to five years of hard cultivation, but the second would be less effective, and eating ten or eight might be even less potent, possibly only equaling half a year or so. If he ate too many, it would be a waste; it would be better to distribute them to others for a greater effect.

"Isn't that good?" Yan Lengsi asked quickly when he saw Li Muzhan shaking his head.

Li Muzhan smiled and explained his deduction.

Yan Lengsi frowned and thought it over, half-believing, half-doubting. He hadn't experienced it firsthand, so he wasn't quick to trust.

Li Muzhan returned to his room to wash up. Although he had taken quite a few blows, none were fatal. They had held back, ensuring pain but no serious injury. Coupled with the protection of the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art, he was unharmed. Just as he finished washing and changed into fresh, clean clothes, Elder Ji arrived at his room carrying a stack of scrolls, placing them on the table. He smiled. "Ming Kong, all the intelligence regarding the Lingshan Sect is here."

Li Muzhan nodded, picked up a painting scroll at random, and opened it. His expression immediately changed. He turned his head. "A map of Xi Zhao?"

Elder Ji stroked his beard and nodded. "That's right, a map of Xi Zhao!"

"I didn't expect..." Li Muzhan shook his head, unfolding the scroll completely. He glanced over it quickly, then stood up, moved a chair to the south wall, stepped onto it, and took down a landscape painting, replacing it with this map. Standing on the chair, his hands moved about, then suddenly paused. He pressed down on one spot and chuckled. "It's here!"

"Eh? You can read maps?" Elder Ji paused.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Maps are just mountains, rivers, towns, and fortresses. A quick glance is enough. Is this the Lingshan Sect?"

"Yes, correct, that is the Lingshan Sect," Elder Ji confirmed with a smile.

Li Muzhan gestured a few times, then sighed. "It's quite far from here." On the map, the Lingshan Sect was not near the border but much further north, almost in the center of Xi Zhao, about a thousand to eighteen hundred li from Tenglong City.

"With two good horses, it’ll take a day or two," Elder Ji said casually.

Li Muzhan knew this journey was unavoidable and smiled wryly. "The Lingshan Sect probably isn't very strong, are they?"

Elder Ji shook his head. "On the contrary. The Lingshan Sect is a major power in Xi Zhao. With Yuan-Securing Pills, how could they be weak?... Furthermore, possessing a treasure invites disaster; if they weren't strong, they'd have been wiped out long ago."

Li Muzhan looked over with suspicion.

Elder Ji chuckled. "Though they are strong, you two aren't weak either. In short, bringing back twenty Yuan-Securing Pills is the requirement for passing."

Li Muzhan thought for a moment. "Elder Ji, perhaps I should go alone."

"What, you find Little Yan a burden?" Elder Ji smiled and shook his head. "You mustn't underestimate this lad; he will surprise you at a critical moment!"

Li Muzhan looked over with doubt.

Elder Ji explained, "Little Yan's physique is peculiar, with boundless potential. The stronger the opponent, the stronger he becomes; the more dangerous the moment, the greater his burst of power—like becoming a different person."

Li Muzhan was surprised. "Such a thing exists!" He had heard of people like this; Senior Brother Lu from Canghai Mountain was such a figure—weak against the weak, strong against the strong. A true prodigy, always capable of surprising people. His master said this was due to bloodline, something that couldn't be forced. There were very few in the world with such a bloodline, and even fewer who could grasp it. As the bloodline thinned, such individuals became rarer, like morning stars.

Elder Ji continued, "To be honest, I originally intended for him to go alone, but since you arrived, he can go with you. It’s better to have one more person for added strength."

"Why don't the seniors offer secret protection?" Li Muzhan asked, puzzled.

Elder Ji shook his head. "We can protect him for a while, but not forever... Moreover, if he knows someone is watching over him, it’s difficult to stimulate his potential. Only when facing imminent death can his potential be fully unleashed."

Li Muzhan frowned, sighing inwardly at Yan Lengsi's hard fate. Training this way was akin to gambling with his life; one slip, and he could die. It truly wasn't worth it.

Elder Ji said, "Having him go out to gather firewood every day serves this very purpose. Every time he encounters danger, his cultivation leaps forward significantly, several times faster than regular training!... Ming Kong, although your comprehension is excellent, in terms of potential, you are far inferior to Little Yan!"

"To train using one's life, I truly cannot compare," Li Muzhan sighed.

Elder Ji laughed. "You don't need to belittle yourself. At present, you are far superior to him... Come, I will tell you the exact location of the Lingshan Sect." He pointed to the map and began explaining in detail, describing every river, mountain, city, and even small towns and villages with perfect clarity.

After speaking for a long time, he finally finished, let out a long breath, took the teacup, and smiled. "Did you remember everything?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes, I remembered." As he spoke, he casually asked about a few confusing points. Elder Ji answered each one with a smile, nodding. "I didn't realize you had such a memory. Indeed, you are qualified to learn the Art of Mystical Evasion and Concealment."

Li Muzhan was overjoyed. "Thank you so much, Elder."

Elder Ji waved his hand, smiling broadly. "Don't thank me; it’s because you proved yourself capable. The study of Mystical Evasion and Concealment is too arduous and profound; without the ability to memorize instantly, one cannot learn it at all."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Luckily, my memory is good."

Elder Ji continued, "Don't celebrate too early. A good memory is far from enough. Many people who can memorize everything still cannot learn this art; it also requires insight."

Li Muzhan said no more. Whenever the topic turned to Mystical Evasion and Concealment, Elder Ji became excessively talkative. Li Muzhan decided to speak less to avoid an endless lecture.

After talking for a while longer, Elder Ji finally stopped and pulled out a booklet from within, handing it to Li Muzhan. "Memorize this first, then I will explain it slowly."

Li Muzhan nodded, flipped through the palm-sized, thin booklet, murmuring to himself, and quickly finished. He handed it back to Elder Ji, who questioned him a few times. He had indeed memorized it. Although the booklet was thin, its content was dense and required rote memorization, with no tricks.

In the following days, Li Muzhan spent every morning sparring with the elders, always in the receiving end of blows. Yan Lengsi watched, sucking in his breath, fearing Li Muzhan wouldn't endure it. Li Muzhan, however, didn't mind. Having undergone similar experiences under the coercion of his grand-uncle in seclusion behind Canghai Mountain, this was nothing major. Moreover, with the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art protecting him, he barely felt the pain; the moment a sensation of pain arose, the Qi membrane would permeate it, and the pain would vanish. More importantly, this method was genuinely effective; his internal power advanced rapidly. One morning of practice was equivalent to four or five days—it was quite good. Furthermore, the martial arts styles of these elders were refined, seasoned, and agile in their changes, truly beyond the reach of ordinary people. Sparring with them provided him with significant gains.

Ten days later, Elder Ji agreed to formally teach him the Art of Mystical Evasion and Concealment. However, they also decided that Li Muzhan and Yan Lengsi would handle the mission to steal the Yuan-Securing Pills. Li Muzhan felt this was unavoidable, an ultimate test, a trial of life and death. Simply succeeding in the theft wasn't enough; they also had to return safely, which posed a significant challenge. Yan Lengsi, however, showed no fear. Li Muzhan had no choice but to agree.

He knew these elders would secretly protect them, only refraining from intervening until the critical moment. Though they were powerful with profound cultivation, they couldn't escape Li Muzhan's mind-reading ability. However, even if someone was protecting them, if they were forced to step in, Li Muzhan would lose all face staying in the inner camp. Regardless, he had to succeed.

Before leaving, Li Muzhan did not return to Ming Mansion to tell Wen Yinyue. Although the Lingshan Sect was far, with good horses, the journey would only take four or five days round trip.

Just before they departed, Old Li clapped Li Muzhan on the shoulder and chuckled. "Little Monk, the last time we succeeded, we used the tactic of Luring the Tiger Out of the Mountain. You might as well use it too." As he said this, he winked his right eye, looking quite smug.

"Yes," Li Muzhan replied, smiling and nodding.

Old Li chuckled again. "Go on, the sooner you go, the sooner you return... Little Monk, if you really manage to bring back the Yuan-Securing Pills, I'll give you something good!"

"What good thing?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Old Li grinned. "A precious saber!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "My Deer-Cutting Saber is also a precious saber."

"Hmph, your Deer-Cutting Saber?" Old Li pursed his lips and snorted. "Before it broke, it was barely acceptable. After being reforged, it’s hardly a precious saber anymore!" As he spoke, he drew the long saber at his waist. Instantly, a bone-chilling cold emanated from it, and his hand seemed to hold a pool of cold autumn water, gleaming brightly. "Here, take it and try." Old Li offered it.

Li Muzhan reached out and took it. The hilt felt heavy in his hand. Although it looked bright and crystal-clear, suggesting lightness, it was actually five or six times heavier than an ordinary long saber. However, this weight suited him perfectly. Holding it, he felt his heart settle, and a mountain-like sense of solidity enveloped his body.

Li Muzhan sighed, recognizing the saber was extraordinary, as if it possessed its own soul. "Senior Li, this saber must have belonged to a master craftsman, right?" Li Muzhan looked up and asked.

"Heh heh, you have some discerning eyes!" Old Li laughed smugly. "This belonged to Chunyu Yueyun, a master of saber techniques from Xi Zhao!"

Li Muzhan shook his head; he hadn't heard of this Chunyu Yueyun.

"He's from Xi Zhao, and you haven't heard of him!" Old Li looked somewhat disappointed, feeling his pearl had fallen onto a donkey's neck.

Elder Ji interjected smoothly. "Chunyu Yueyun was a renowned master of Xi Zhao saber arts, known as the 'Mountain-Cleaving Saber,' considered the foremost expert in saber techniques of his time. He deeply grasped the essence of the saber."

"Master, is this Senior Chunyu already dead?" Yan Lengsi chimed in, staring longingly at the precious saber, his eyes almost drooling as he gazed at it.

Old Li huffed impatiently. "Nonsense! If he weren't dead, how would this saber have fallen into my hands?"

Elder Ji laughed. "Indeed. If he were alive, we wouldn't dare enter Xi Zhao."

"Was this person that formidable?" Li Muzhan became curious, then smiled. "This saber should be given to Little Yan; my Deer-Cutting Saber is sufficient for me." Although the Deer-Cutting Saber had broken once, the military's smiths were highly skilled and had reforged it. He didn't feel there was anything wrong with it; it could still cleave through other blades and swords. The reason he used a precious saber wasn't solely for power, but for the sheer satisfaction. With an ordinary saber, he dared not use his full strength, lest he warp the edge or break the blade instantly. With a precious saber, he didn't have such concerns, allowing him to fight freely and without restraint. Using ordinary weapons felt stifling.

Yan Lengsi quickly waved his hands in refusal. "No, no, I don't need it."

Old Li snorted. "He practices hand-to-hand combat; the saber would be wasted on him!" He then chuckled conspiratorially. "Little Monk, I heard this saber holds the essence of Chunyu Yueyun's saber techniques. If the destined person grasps it, they might comprehend it!"

Li Muzhan paused, thoughtful. Holding this saber, he sensed a distinct aura.

Elder Ji said, "This is a bit mystical. We don't know if it’s true or false. It’s probably false; over a dozen of us studied it for more than ten years without reaching any conclusion."

Li Muzhan suddenly smiled. "Fine, then I will accept it!"

"Good lad, decisive!" Old Li beamed with delight. "This cursed saber is finally off my hands! My heavens, I can finally have a few comfortable days!"

PS: Suffering from a high fever, I sat in front of the computer all day and only managed to write this much. I will try my best to continue writing; I apologize for the short output.