This was not a breakthrough achieved through Yan Lengsi's comprehension of an ultimate technique; rather, Li Muzhan had preempted him, switching their positions entirely. Should anyone attempt to jump out, it was akin to suicide, for Li Muzhan’s long staff was already extended, striking and sending them flying before they could even find their footing.

Yan Lengsi stared blankly, finding it incredible, a chill creeping over him; the Ling Shan Sect disciples who suddenly burst forth hadn't even managed to launch an attack before they were struck down. Li Muzhan seemed to know their moves in advance, having already set up his counter-stance, just as if someone had peeked out from a hidden hole only to be immediately caught.

He suddenly thought of the Clairvoyant Eye (Tian Yan Tong); who could say that technique was useless? This was precisely the result of the Tian Yan Tong.

He asked Li Muzhan if it was the Tian Yan Tong that allowed him to see ahead. Li Muzhan nodded in acknowledgment and chuckled, "It's rare to have an opportunity to use it; at least my cultivation wasn't in vain." Yan Lengsi sighed mournfully, "Monk, I wanted to become a monk too, back then, but alas, my parents vehemently refused." Li Muzhan smiled, "Why did they object?" Yan Lengsi replied, "I was the only heir in the family.

If I took vows, I couldn't continue the family line and carry on the Yan family legacy." Li Muzhan nodded, smiling, "Yes, your parents' thinking was correct. Just like now, with the Prohibition on Secular Marriage in Da Yan, it's impossible to return to secular life and marry." Yan Lengsi let out a breath, "What a pity.

When I eventually marry and have children, I must still become a monk and cultivate the Buddha's path." Li Muzhan asked, "Why do you wish to cultivate the Buddha's path?" Yan Lengsi answered, "Cultivating the Buddha path frees one from worries." Li Muzhan turned to look at him and laughed, "Little Yan, what worries do you have?" As he spoke, his long staff suddenly darted out, a mere touch like a dragonfly skimming water. Three figures were leaping from the nearby woods, swords drawn to stab, but unexpectedly, Li Muzhan was back turned to them.

Suddenly, the staff snaked out from his side, like a venomous serpent from its hole, delivering three swift strikes. The three men were instantly sent flying, unable to execute a single move, feeling immensely frustrated.

They had encountered many who tried to force their way up the mountain, but few ever reached this far, and those who did weren't this formidable; they themselves couldn't last a single exchange. Yan Lengsi was unsurprised, keeping pace with Li Muzhan as they talked, "Birth, aging, sickness, and death—these are all worries.

My mother's health is poor; I wish to become a monk to pray for her blessings." Li Muzhan nodded, his expression solemn. He suddenly laughed, "What illness does your esteemed mother suffer from?" Yan Lengsi replied with distress, "The doctors can't name any specific illness; she is just frail." Li Muzhan chuckled, "Isn't that an opportunity?

The Ling Shan Sect refines spiritual medicines; surely they have some potent remedies for strengthening the body. We'll just acquire some." Li Muzhan added with a smile, "Perhaps even the Yuan Preservation Pill (Gu Yuan Dan) has body-strengthening effects." "That's right!" Yan Lengsi's eyes instantly lit up, nodding repeatedly, "How did I not think of that?

The Yuan Preservation Pill strengthens primal energy (Yuan Qi); it should be effective for my mother's ailment!" Saying this, he desperately wanted to rush to the summit in one breath, even though they were already close. He suddenly stopped, quickly asking, "By the way, Monk, how are we going to obtain the Yuan Preservation Pill?" Li Muzhan smiled, "I will force them into a wager.

If we win, we naturally get the pill, and we won't have to resort to stealing or robbing like thieves." "Is that so..." Yan Lengsi smiled, "That sounds perfect." Although he couldn't defy his master's orders, he felt uneasy about stealing someone else's elixir, even if they weren't from his own nation. But his master's command was absolute; he had to obey the order, hoping only that he wouldn't have to kill anyone and could complete the task stealthily, without anyone knowing.

But Li Muzhan was ascending the mountain with great fanfare. Though Yan Lengsi didn't fully understand, his master had commanded him before leaving to obey the Monk in everything and not make his own decisions, so he could only follow.

Thinking of this, he suddenly remembered and asked again, "But how can we force them to stake the Yuan Preservation Pill in a bet?... They wouldn't be that foolish, would they?" Li Muzhan slapped the precious saber at his waist, revealing a look of certainty.

Yan Lengsi looked down and was stunned, "The Mountain Severing Saber (Duan Yue Dao)? You intend to use the Mountain Severing Saber to force them to agree?" Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, "No, I will use this saber to gamble against them.

Why worry they won't agree?" "Ah—?" Yan Lengsi gasped in surprise. His expression changed drastically, and he hurried to say, "Monk, if you lose, this Mountain Severing Saber won't be yours anymore!

How will you explain that to Master?" Li Muzhan chuckled, "If we lose the bet, then we’ll have to steal the pills, and while we’re at it, we can steal the saber back as well; it's no big deal." Yan Lengsi still shook his head, "The pills are easy to steal, but not the precious saber. The saber is always on you." Li Muzhan patted his shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry, I have my own plans.

You don't need to fret." "...Alright then." Recalling his master's instructions to obey the Monk in all things, and seeing Li Muzhan's confident demeanor, Yan Lengsi could only nod in agreement. The two quickened their pace.

Li Muzhan’s long staff became faster and faster. Eventually, he didn't even wait for an attacker to appear; he simply flicked his staff, startling several small stones into motion.

The small stones shot into the woods, followed by muffled thuds, indicating the ambushed men inside were immediately struck down. This significantly increased their speed.

Although the Ling Shan Sect disciples behind them grew progressively stronger in martial arts, they couldn't match Li Muzhan's hidden projectiles. His control over internal energy (Jin Li) was exquisitely refined.

The small stones he shot out were second only to his flying daggers in potency, and none of the attackers could withstand them. In a short while, the two arrived at the mountain peak, before the imposing Daoist temple.

The temple's eaves resembled the wings of a soaring eagle, ready to take flight, constructed from purple wood. Though ancient, it exuded an aura of noble solemnity and strictness that discouraged disrespect.

There were nine steps leading up to the temple, dazzling white as snow and utterly spotless. Flanking the steps stood two youths on each side—four in total—clad in tight blue robes, hands resting on their long swords, radiating alertness and heroic vigor as they surveyed their surroundings.

Seeing Li Muzhan and Yan Lengsi appear, the four paused before one of them called out, "Who goes there?" Li Muzhan brushed off his monastic robe, cupped his fists, and said, "We are travelers from the Da Yan Kingdom, having heard of the great fame of the Ling Shan Sect, and have come to seek guidance." "You are those two from Da Yan?" A youth stepped forward a few paces, approaching them, frowning, "The Tenth Junior Brother didn't turn you away?" This youth had sharply defined brows and bright eyes, with the powerful build of a bear; he was a rare handsome man, his gaze piercing and sharp, like a cold star in the night sky. Yan Lengsi glared at him and scoffed, "We forced our way up the mountain!" "So that's it," the youth realized, looking back down the mountain.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Rest assured, we only injured them; no lives were taken." The youth cupped his hands and smiled faintly, "Hehe, esteemed sirs, Jin is truly impressed. In the past two years, no one has succeeded in forcing their way up." He signaled with his eyes, and another youth gracefully floated down the mountain, while a third turned and slipped into the Daoist temple with elusive lightness.

The two paid them no mind, instead observing the surrounding scenery. A moment later, the youth who had entered the temple emerged, walked up to the handsome youth, whispered something, and the handsome youth nodded.

He cupped his hands toward Li Muzhan, "I am Jin Shijie. May I ask your honorable names?" Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Mingkong." Yan Lengsi coldly glared at Jin Shijie, "Yan Lengsi." "Very well, Master Mingkong, Young Hero Yan.

Please, come inside. Our Martial Uncle is currently expounding on the scriptures; you two can listen in.

After resting for a few days, it will not be too late to spar." "We didn't come here to listen to scriptures," Yan Lengsi frowned. Jin Shijie smiled broadly, "Hehe, you two traveled a long way up the mountain and must be tired.

There's no need to rush into a fight; otherwise, it might seem like we are relying on attrition, wouldn't you agree?" Yan Lengsi was impatient; he wanted to return quickly. He felt uneasy staying here, as if they could be attacked at any moment.

He longed to snatch the Yuan Preservation Pill and leave immediately. But hearing Jin Shijie's words, he conceded they had a point.

He huffed, glanced at Li Muzhan, and turned away. Li Muzhan smiled, "That works too.

I'd like to hear the profound teachings." "Esteemed Young Heroes, please come in—" Jin Shijie invited courteously, a smile on his face. Guided by Jin Shijie, the two stepped onto the snow-white stairs and entered the Daoist temple.

Yan Lengsi remained tense, afraid someone might suddenly leap out to ambush them. Later, seeing Li Muzhan completely relaxed and smiling, as if out for a leisurely stroll, he suddenly understood: the Monk possessed the Tian Yan Tong.

If any danger arose, he would surely know in advance. Why was he worrying himself sick?

With this realization, he immediately relaxed, letting go of his tension. Following Li Muzhan, he entered the temple and saw a dense crowd sitting together.

When the footsteps sounded, the aged elder with white hair and a youthful face on the raised platform suddenly paused his discourse and glanced aside. The crowd followed his gaze and saw the two of them.

Yan Lengsi had never been stared at by so many people at once. Abruptly, he felt nervous, a little flustered, and subtly shifted behind Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan, however, was all smiles. He cupped his fists and said, "Greetings to all the distinguished sirs and seniors.

I am from Da Yan, admiring the prosperity of the martial arts world in Xi Zhao, and have come specifically to witness it. A pleasure to meet you all." Facing hundreds of gazes, Li Muzhan remained composed and at ease, his smile carrying an undertone of tranquility.

The crowd frowned, finding him irritating. A man from Da Yan, coming onto Xi Zhao territory, behaving so unconcerned and fearless—was he looking down on them too much?

Someone in the crowd shouted loudly, "Da Yan man, scram back to Da Yan! What are you doing here?" "Yes, go back!" others echoed.

Yan Lengsi’s face darkened. His earlier awkwardness vanished.

He stepped forward, placing himself in front of Li Muzhan, sweeping a cold glance over the crowd. He became stern, his face grim, his expression icy, radiating chilling intent.

Li Muzhan's smile did not waver. He shook his head, "I hadn't expected everyone here to possess such narrow-mindedness and temperament.

This truly disappoints me, deeply disappoints me." The elder on the platform narrowed his eyes, simply observing the pair without speaking, unconcerned by the noise below. Someone stood up and sneered, "Are these two young sirs here to challenge our Ling Shan Sect?" Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, "Precisely.

We have long heard the great name of the Ling Shan Sect. As we travel the world, we passed by and specifically came to witness your prowess." "And what name do you hold in Da Yan?" the youth asked with a cold smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Just common, unknown figures." The youth’s cold sneer deepened, "We do not fight with unknown nobodies. You should leave the mountain quickly." Yan Lengsi snorted, "We fought our way up the mountain.

What, are you going to deny it now?" Jin Shijie quickly interjected with a smile, "Alright, Junior Brother Zhu, keep your words brief. These two young heroes have successfully ascended the mountain; they are qualified to spar with us." "What skill is there in just fighting your way up?" the youth scoffed dismissively, twisting away and sitting down forcefully, clearly sulking.

The crowd immediately began murmuring and whispering, occasionally glancing at Li Muzhan and Yan Lengsi. Although the youth named Zhu claimed ascending the mountain was nothing, in reality, they all understood that it was no easy feat, and those who made it through were by no means weak opponents.

Furthermore, the Ling Shan Sect had a rule: only disciples ranked in the top ten were permitted to engage those who successfully climbed the mountain; disciples ranked lower had no right to fight, as they would surely be outmatched. They all knew this rule, which essentially meant that only a top-ten disciple stood a chance of winning against those who managed the ascent; those ranked outside the top ten were certainly no match.

Li Muzhan smiled, turned around, and said, "Young Hero Jin, in my view, perhaps we should postpone the contest. Arrange lodging for us, and we can begin the trials tomorrow, how about that?" "Tomorrow?" Jin Shijie smiled, "Isn't tomorrow too rushed?

Can you both recover in time?" Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, "We aren't injured. One night is sufficient to rest well.

Let's make it tomorrow, agreed?" Jin Shijie replied, "That would be best." Li Muzhan then asked, "We heard that your esteemed sect possesses a unique spiritual elixir called the Yuan Preservation Pill, which strengthens the body and vitalizes health. I wonder if it is available for external sale?" Jin Shijie shook his head and let out a faint laugh, "How could that be possible?

The output of our sect's Yuan Preservation Pills is limited, only supplied for our disciples' cultivation; they are never sold outside." Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head, "That is a pity then." "Why, did you two come because of the Yuan Preservation Pill?" Jin Shijie asked with a sly smile. Li Muzhan nodded, "I have long admired its reputation.

It is said that for ordinary people, consuming it grants longevity, and for martial artists, it enhances their power." "That is correct," Jin Shijie affirmed. The Yuan Preservation Pill truly was a rare spiritual medicine: it strengthened the physique and prolonged life for ordinary people, and enhanced power and built strength for martial artists.

The Ling Shan Sect's status as one of the foremost sects in the martial world owed a great deal to the Yuan Preservation Pill. Li Muzhan asked again, "Could the formula for your sect's Yuan Preservation Pill be purchased?" Jin Shijie's expression became strange, as if he thought Li Muzhan was mad, and he laughed, "That is even more impossible...

The formula is known only to the Sect Master, no second person alive knows it."