This morning, Li Muzhan awoke to bright sunshine. Pushing open the window, fresh air flooded the room.

His lower body felt as hard as iron; he had no choice but to relentlessly practice the Xiao Long Xing technique, moving with incredible speed until he was drenched in sweat and the yu fire slowly subsided.

The cooling essence within the sheli was depleted. Every time his cultivation finished, the yu fire would burn him, yet he was unwilling to cast it aside, forced only to endure the agony.

Fortunately, although the cooling essence of the sheli was gone, his self-control had unknowingly grown immensely, far surpassing what it was before, preventing him from completely losing control. As long as he was intentionally vigilant, he could always maintain command.

For the entire past month, he had not left his residence, nor had he seen Mei Ruolan and the others.

They needed to focus on mastering the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture, while he dedicated himself to the Xiao Long Xing, and also the Duan Yue Dao (Mountain-Severing Blade). His spirit was immersed entirely in the Duan Yue Dao day after day, striving to merge it completely with his consciousness.

He carried two flying daggers close to his body, refined through the Shen Lian (Spirit Refining) method. When unleashed, their power was astonishing, surpassing the Yellow Dragon Flying Sword several times over; they were his trump cards.

The Duan Yue Dao was rumored to contain the essence of the Duan Yue Dao martial arts. Although this concept sounded ethereal and vague, it wasn't entirely baseless conjecture; Li Muzhan preferred to believe it was true.

He pondered several methods, ultimately concluding that only mental condensation was feasible.

Condensing his spirit proved difficult because the Duan Yue Dao was peculiar, yielding him only slight gains.

The Xiao Long Xing was practiced nearly a hundred times, its movements so rapid they formed a streak of light and shadow. After an hour, drenched in sweat, the yu fire was purged.

He left the front courtyard, deeply satisfied. After a month of effort, the 'Aura Membrane' had expanded to halfway. In another two months, it should be full, marking the completion of the Lian Mo (Membrane Cultivation) stage. The Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill was poised to enter its next level—Lian Jin (Tendon Refining).

When this Aura Membrane was complete, it should resemble the Qi Condensation and Spirit Nurturing of military martial arts. Once the Qi was full, he would begin strengthening the Spirit, capable of transforming Qi into clouds, forming Gang Qi (Aura Energy).

However, according to the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill, after the Aura Membrane reached completion, the focus shifted to Tendon Refining.

He had always been perplexed, wondering which path it would actually evolve into upon membrane completion, feeling an intense curiosity, wishing he could immediately finish the cultivation.

Nevertheless, his vacation was over; he had to return to the Inner Camp.

For the first time in a month, he stepped into the rear courtyard. There, along the corridor, Mei Ruolan and the other two women were practicing palm techniques, their figures graceful and their movements exquisitely fluid.

Li Muzhan watched them for a moment, then stepped onto the lake, pacing slowly along the corridor toward them. Mei Ruolan was slowly executing a set of palm techniques, soft and graceful, her hands moving like butterflies.

Li Muzhan smiled and asked, "Ruolan, what technique are you practicing?"

Mei Ruolan glanced at him, her movements uninterrupted, and replied calmly, "Chuan Hua Zhang (Flower-Piercing Palm)."

"So it's Chuan Hua Zhang. No wonder it's so beautiful." Li Muzhan nodded. He had heard of the technique but never studied it; it seemed overly soft and yielding.

Xiao Yuan stopped her movements, wiped sweat from her brow, and gasped a few times. "Ming Kong, what have you been doing these past few days? Why haven't you come over?"

She was wearing a pink tight-fitting outfit that accentuated her graceful figure.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "I was in seclusion, diligently training, no time for distractions."

Gong Qingyun looked at him deeply, then glanced at Mei Ruolan, her eyes shimmering.

Li Muzhan felt a bit awkward under her gaze and chuckled, "Have you all finished practicing the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture?"

"We've all finished!" Xiao Yuan proudly puffed out her chest.

Suddenly, Xiao Yuan floated forward, a faint fragrance washing over him as her small hand pressed toward Li Muzhan's chest. She giggled sweetly, "Take a palm strike from me!"

Li Muzhan shifted sideways to evade. Her palm wind was sharp; her skill had advanced significantly.

Xiao Yuan’s cultivation base was already not shallow; now doubled, she was a formidable expert not to be underestimated. Palm shadows enveloped the air, every move aimed directly at Li Muzhan’s chest.

Li Muzhan dodged left and right, narrowly avoiding the blows, while laughing, "Xiao Yuan, your internal strength is deep, but your moves can't keep up—it’s useless if you can't connect."

Xiao Yuan pouted petulantly, "Hmph, don't you just stand there spouting platitudes! Watch how I deal with you!"

Gong Qingyun and Mei Ruolan stopped their practice, crossing their arms to watch. Seeing Xiao Yuan’s efforts prove futile, they couldn't help but shake their heads, knowing they couldn't best him yet.

Gong Qingyun declared, "Watch this!"

A flash of sword light appeared as she drew her blade, thrusting forward.

Her talent in swordsmanship was already supreme. Since joining the Canghai Sword Sect, her technique had become increasingly sharp and refined. As she executed the move now, a cluster of silver light erupted, the cold energy surging, the sword body itself invisible.

Xiao Yuan’s flowing palm shadows complemented this mass of silver light, rising and falling in succession. Li Muzhan relied on the Canghai Nine Palms, wrapping around them like fine thread, managing both opponents.

Mei Ruolan watched for a long time, then suddenly said, "Qingyun, Xiao Yuan, stand down. I will do it."

Gong Qingyun and Xiao Yuan instantly retreated, floating back to her side like two white clouds.

Mei Ruolan floated forward and said calmly, "Ming Kong, I request your guidance."

Her expression was cold, her face emotionless, her eyes hazy as mist, making it impossible to discern what lay hidden within. Li Muzhan managed a sheepish smile, "Ruolan..."

Mei Ruolan cut him off gently, "Let us see what we are truly capable of."

She drew her sword and made a light thrust. With a sharp whirring sound, the blade transformed into several silver snakes, writhing and gliding, the sword intent frigid and menacing.

Li Muzhan sighed helplessly. His five fingers moved, and each finger accurately struck the sword blade.

Mei Ruolan’s movement paused; she trembled slightly. A colossal force transmitted through the blade, nearly tearing it from her grip. She was secretly astonished: had Zhan become this powerful?

The Canghai Divine Art circulated, and she regained her composure. The sword light surged like a heavy snowstorm, sweeping toward Li Muzhan. A mass of sword light enveloped the area, obscuring his silhouette.

Li Muzhan, amidst the sword light, maneuvered and twisted, recognizing that Mei Ruolan was genuinely annoyed and using this chance to teach him a lesson and vent her frustration. Every sword strike carried lethal intent.

Li Muzhan smiled bitterly internally, dodging within an inch of space, barely avoiding the sword tips. A biting cold continuously pierced his pores, but it was neutralized by the Aura Membrane.

After evading a hundred moves, Li Muzhan raised his voice, "Ruolan, take a strike from me as well!"

He suddenly drew his blade. A flash of pale light followed by a level horizontal slash. Mei Ruolan instantly retreated, and the encompassing sword light abruptly retracted.

Gong Qingyun and Xiao Yuan widened their eyes, staring curiously at Mei Ruolan, then at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, slowly sheathing his blade, and said softly, "Ruolan, what did you think of that strike?"

Mei Ruolan remained motionless, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. After a moment of contemplation, she asked, "What sword style is that?"

"Duan Yue Dao," Li Muzhan replied with a smile, patting the Duan Yue Dao at his waist. "This is a single move I grasped from the blade itself. Not bad in power, wouldn't you say?"

He had been immersed in the blade, finally achieving an insight, though it was just one move.

Mei Ruolan gave him a faint glance, returned her sword to its sheath, turned, and entered the waterside pavilion.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. Xiao Yuan pouted and shot him a look, while Gong Qingyun gazed at him deeply before also turning and following Mei Ruolan.

Li Muzhan shook his head, helpless. "Xiao Yuan, I have to return to the camp now. You three can go out and play, but be careful, don't get into fights."

"You're leaving so soon?" Xiao Yuan, who had intended to tease him a bit, showed reluctance upon hearing this. "Stay a few more days?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I'll take leave again after some time."

"Oh, alright then..." Xiao Yuan replied reluctantly, then suddenly burst out laughing, "Ming Kong, did you offend the Young Mistress?... She’s really furious!"

Li Muzhan smiled, saying nothing.

Xiao Yuan leaned in close, her fragrance subtle, and covered her mouth, giggling, "You must have done something bad... Hehe, did you take liberties with the Young Mistress?"

Li Muzhan's expression changed, and he quickly raised a finger to his lips: "Hush—"

Xiao Yuan stared at him, her large eyes wide with surprise, knowing she had guessed correctly.

Li Muzhan waved his hand, glaring at her, and grumbled, "Stop talking nonsense, stirring up trouble. If you annoy the Eldest Young Mistress, you won't have a good time."

Xiao Yuan's bright eyes rounded, pointing at him, unable to speak clearly in her excitement. Although she enjoyed joking, she knew the gravity of the situation; this matter could not be spread. It had to be buried deep inside. She could only glare fiercely at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan glared at her again, signaling her to keep quiet, then turned and left. He mounted Chi Ying (Red Shadow), and within an hour, he was back at the Inner Camp, his speed startling.

The two eagles followed him, soaring above in the sky, leisurely and content. Their speed was now incredible, their cries clear and piercing, reaching the high clouds.

When Li Muzhan returned to the Inner Camp, it was not yet noon. On the training ground, Yan Lengsi was concentrating on his practice, and Old Ji and a few others were sparring. Seeing him return, Old Man Li waved him over.

The group began to besiege Li Muzhan, four men attacking simultaneously. Li Muzhan handled the encirclement with great ease, his speed even faster, his strength even greater.

Everyone was astonished; they hadn't expected his internal strength to advance so rapidly.

Li Muzhan explained the reason: he could practice the Xiao Long Xing day and night without rest. The others understood immediately and praised him endlessly.

Li Muzhan suddenly pursed his lips and let out a long, sharp whistle.

Two answering long whistles echoed from the sky, sharp and clear. A black shadow flashed, and a gust of wind swept across his face; the two eagles landed on his shoulders.

Old Ji and the others were stunned.

Old Man Li quickly asked, "Little Monk, you tamed them?"

Li Muzhan smiled, stroking the feathers of the two eagles. With a slight wave of his hand, the eagles transformed into two arrows, shooting toward the high sky with the wind. After reaching their apex, they spread their wings and soared leisurely.

Li Muzhan laughed, "They are very spiritual; they know gratitude. I didn't need to tame them; they chose to follow me."

"Good lad, truly blessed!" Old Man Li exclaimed, envious. "Why don't I ever have such good fortune?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Old Ji, Old Li, I don't want them fighting the Black Eagles yet."

"Yes, no need to rush." Old Man Li agreed quickly, then turned to Old Ji, "Old Man Ji, shall we use that method?"

"We can only try," Old Ji nodded slowly.

Li Muzhan looked at the two men doubtfully.

Old Man Li explained, "We've all thought it over, and there's only one way to defeat the Black Eagles: feed them Gu Yuan Dan (Firming Origin Pills)!"

"Gu Yuan Dan?" Li Muzhan was momentarily surprised.

Old Man Li continued, "Feed them Gu Yuan Dan, and it’s best to temper them with internal energy to enhance their physique."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. This method was excellent, but his own method was superior: instead of tempering their bodies with internal energy, he would let them cultivate internal energy directly.

"Little Monk, you try it out," Old Man Li urged.

Li Muzhan considered it, then slowly said, "Old Li, Old Ji, how about this: I will first try tempering them with my internal energy, without using Gu Yuan Dan. After all, the Gu Yuan Dan is too precious."

"Hmm, that is acceptable," Old Ji nodded.

PS: There will only be two updates today, I truly apologize. This cold lingers incessantly, giving me the feeling of high blood pressure. I dare not strain my mind too much. I will try to write more tomorrow. V