Li Muzhan closed his eyes, slowly bringing his palms near the jade statue, inch by painstaking inch, edging toward the statue's right leg, moving slower than a snail the closer he got.

"Bang!" He was flung backward again, tumbling through the air before crashing heavily onto the door threshold.

"Hee-hee-hee..." Nun Zhuzhao tittered, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

After a long moment, Li Muzhan managed to struggle up, forcing a wry smile. "Master, is it that pleasing for you to see your disciple embarrassed?"

"You insolent brat, wanting to bully your Master who is so full of herself! Retribution is swift!" Nun Zhuzhao giggled, her cheeks flushing a deep red, like rouge brushed across white jade.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly and sighed.

His Master was a woman after all, and couldn't escape the common affliction of female pettiness. She had seen through his earlier ambition to defeat her, and this was her revenge.

.................... It took him a long while before he could rise, the numbness slowly receding.

He sighed. "What kind of internal force is this? So overwhelmingly powerful?" Nun Zhuzhao pursed her lips and chuckled. "That's a secret only the Sect Leader knows; I can't tell you!" Li Muzhan was persistent, chuckling slyly. "Just a little hint, how about it?"

Nun Zhuzhao laughed lightly. "You... just give up on it. If you have the guts, figure it out yourself. I permit you to touch it."

Li Muzhan slowly approached the jade statue and suddenly pointed a finger. "Chi!" A faint whistle pierced the air, and the statue shimmered momentarily, the force of his finger dissipating into nothingness.

Nun Zhuzhao laughed. "That little bit of skill you possess won't harm it."

"Master, where did it come from?" Li Muzhan asked.

Nun Zhuzhao shook her head. "I don't know either. I only know it has been passed down through generations." "Master, make it release a blast of the Canghai Divine Finger," Li Muzhan requested.

"What for?" Nun Zhuzhao inquired.

Li Muzhan replied, "I want to experience the Canghai Divine Sword again. Based on my estimation, the power of the Canghai Divine Finger relies on internal force. Once the Canghai Divine Art reaches the eighth level, the Canghai Divine Finger transforms into the Canghai Divine Sword." Nun Zhuzhao conceded, "I've thought the same, but couldn't confirm it. My Canghai Divine Art and Yin Yue's are both spurred by the Miaolian Scripture, so they aren't pure enough... It seems this task falls to you. Practice well and cultivate the Canghai Divine Art to the eighth level."

"That's difficult..." Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed.

Nun Zhuzhao shot him a look. "Nonsense. If it weren't difficult, why would I rely on you?"

She stretched languidly and casually rested her left hand on the jade statue.

Li Muzhan's expression changed instantly. He quickly flipped his right palm and pushed out fiercely. Halfway through his push, his body flew straight backward, struck away by an invisible, immense force, crashing through the door curtain and vanishing outside.

Nun Zhuzhao smiled faintly, looking thoroughly pleased.

……………………………………

She gracefully lifted the curtain and stepped outside, standing on the steps to observe. Li Muzhan was sitting cross-legged below the steps, eyes closed, breathing steadily, hands held in a mudra.

"Sect Leader." Two young men and women standing by the door bowed respectfully.

To the left of the door was the man, and to the right, the woman; both wore black satin uniforms. The woman was spirited and heroic, the man dashing and imposing—both clearly exceptional talents.

The two worriedly watched Li Muzhan but dared not move, simply looking on.

Li Muzhan sat motionless, his face like jade, a soft radiance flowing over it. His moon-white monk's robes fluttered as if caught in a strong wind, yet the air around him was perfectly still.

"Sect Leader... Brother Zhanran, is he..." the young woman on the right whispered softly.

She was purely beautiful and delicate, her posture graceful; a slight frown brought out a touch of charming concern. The young man also looked anxiously toward Nun Zhuzhao.

Nun Zhuzhao stood with her hands behind her back. "It's fine, he'll be alright shortly." A quarter of an hour slipped by in an instant. Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes and looked up. "Master..."

"Are you done? Come inside to talk!" Nun Zhuzhao beckoned from the steps, then turned and lifted the curtain, stepping inside.

Li Muzhan floated up, nodded and smiled at the two, and followed her in.

Nun Zhuzhao sat on the central cushion, gesturing forward. Li Muzhan moved to sit down and sighed. "Master, that strike of yours was ruthless!"

This strike of the Canghai Divine Sword, delivered by Nun Zhuzhao so casually and unintentionally, had left Li Muzhan in a sorry state, despite the protection of the Vajra Undying Divine Art and his Canghai Divine Art being at the seventh level.

The Canghai Divine Sword had a peculiar trait: its damage to disciples of the same sect was extremely light, significantly weakened for those who had practiced the Canghai Divine Art. Otherwise, taking that blow would have left him utterly wounded; the power of the Canghai Divine Sword was terrifyingly potent.

"That's all learned from you!" Nun Zhuzhao shot him a look, looking quite smug.

Li Muzhan offered a bitter smile and shook his head, offering no further argument.

"How was it? Did you sense any mysteries?" Nun Zhuzhao asked.

Li Muzhan slowly nodded. "It should be correct. The eighth level of the Canghai Divine Art, or perhaps the ninth level's Canghai Divine Finger, is the Canghai Divine Sword."

Nun Zhuzhao smiled. "That's good. Practice well... If you manage to reach the eighth level of the Canghai Divine Art, I'll reward you handsomely!"

"What reward?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

His Master, being the dignified leader of the Canghai Sword Sect, possessed broad horizons and high aspirations. The handsome reward she mentioned must be extraordinary, piquing his curiosity.

Nun Zhuzhao looked at him and began to smile faintly.

"Master, what is the reward exactly?" Li Muzhan grew even more curious.

…………………………………………………………

"How about I marry Yin Yue to you?" Nun Zhuzhao burst out laughing.

Li Muzhan froze. "Master is joking again!" She had brought this up once before—offering to marry off the Senior Sister to him. His heart had fluttered for a moment before he quickly sobered up.

"What, you don't like Wen Yinyue?" Nun Zhuzhao asked, her smile playful.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "Senior Sister doesn't fancy me. Master, please stop trying to play matchmaker!"

"Alright, let's change that. How about I teach you another martial art?" Nun Zhuzhao chuckled.

Li Muzhan felt a pang of disappointment. If his Master insisted, he could perhaps go along with it, claiming he was forced by her. Seeing her expression, with her eyes twinkling merrily, he knew she saw right through his thoughts and was teasing him.

He sighed helplessly. Dealing with this Master who loved to prank him was truly exasperating.

"What martial art?" Li Muzhan mustered some energy.

Nun Zhuzhao said, "The Great Boundless Art. You haven't heard of it, have you?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "The Great Boundless Art? Is it superior to the Canghai Divine Art?"

"Naturally. The Canghai Divine Art is just the introductory mental cultivation for the Great Boundless Art," Nun Zhuzhao laughed.

"Did you practice it?" Li Muzhan asked.

Nun Zhuzhao gave him a sharp look. "Nonsense! If I had practiced it, would I allow you to be so presumptuous? One slap could send you flying to the foot of the mountain!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "It's that powerful?" Nun Zhuzhao replied, "The Great Boundless Art transcends the category of martial arts. You will understand in the future; moving mountains and turning the seas, summoning the wind and calling the rain—nothing will be out of reach!"

Li Muzhan nodded, not taking it too seriously.

Seeing his reaction, Nun Zhuzhao glared at him, waved her hand, and said, "Hurry up and get lost. Don't linger on the mountain too long. First, deal with General Xuezi." "Yes, I will head down the mountain immediately then," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Nun Zhuzhao nodded. "Go ahead."

Just as Li Muzhan turned to lift the curtain, Nun Zhuzhao suddenly called out to him, pulling a porcelain bottle from her robe and tossing it over. "Take this. Don't overdo it again; preserving your life is the proper thing to do!"

Li Muzhan caught it with a smile, knowing it was a Pill of Creation, bowed, and took his leave.

He exited the Boundless Palace and intended to descend the mountain, but Xiaoyuan intercepted him outside the Boundless Palace, pulling him toward Mei Ruolan's small courtyard, demanding he recount his experiences in his absence.

Li Muzhan did not hide anything, giving them a general overview and asking them to remain patient. Once he settled his relations with Thunder Sword Peak, he would return.

As he was leaving, he instructed them to use the Two Eagles to communicate if they needed anything. They also possessed a jade flute and knew the corresponding melodies. They had befriended the Two Eagles back at Ming Manor and knew how to control them, so Li Muzhan didn't need to teach them again.

Subsequently, Li Muzhan left Canghai Mountain. At the forest below the mountain, he changed his attire, slightly altering his eyebrows and beard, making him look like a different person, before leaving Canghai Mountain and returning to Tianlong City.

………………………………………………

Li Muzhan went directly to Taibai Stockade and met Fan Peiyao.

She was already the Head Chief of Taibai Stockade. A couple of days prior, some people had come causing trouble, attempting to bully Taibai Stockade.

Fan Peiyao's martial arts were formidable. Though there was a gap between her and Li Muzhan, she was more than capable of dealing with a band of bandits, beating them until they wailed like ghosts and howling wolves, and subsequently incorporating them into the Taibai Bandits.

As a result, Taibai Stockade had grown considerably, and Fan Peiyao had become the female Chief.

While speaking with her in the main hall, several groups of people came seeking instructions. Fan Peiyao issued directives one by one, clearly organized, decisive, and composed—she possessed the bearing of a true leader.

Li Muzhan chuckled inwardly. This had become a place for her to truly spread her wings. Her scholarship was profound; she was in no way inferior to any man. It was a pity that confined within the Fan family, merely being a daughter had left her talents unused. Now, having broken free from the Fan family and becoming the leader of Taibai Stockade, she was like a fish in water.

The hall where they sat was vast and rugged, capable of accommodating hundreds of men arrayed in formation. Sitting inside, the two seemed small, as if within a grand temple.

Fan Peiyao was dressed in green silk, looking spirited and radiant, her charm heightened.

Li Muzhan sat lazily in a large armchair made of poplar wood.

He surveyed the surroundings and laughed heartily. "This place is very open, excellent! Excellent! You are doing well here; I am relieved!"

Environment greatly influences a person. Remaining in cramped quarters often leads to a constricted mood and narrow thinking—it's simply the way of nature, unless one's spirit is strong enough to resist the influence. In such a spacious environment, the mind naturally broadens, and one's perspective expands through subtle influence.

Fan Peiyao sighed. "These people here are pitiable and detestable. I truly couldn't stand by and watch; I had to start managing things slowly."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Peiyao, have you thought about the future?"

"The future?" Fan Peiyao showed confusion, shaking her head and sighing. "Right now, I only hope Li Tianlei doesn't find me. Otherwise, I won't even keep my life, let alone think about a future."

Li Muzhan smiled. "You should change your attire and disguise yourself as a man."

"...That's true." Fan Peiyao nodded slowly.

She immediately understood: once disguised as a man, it would be much harder for Li Tianlei to find her. If she remained a woman, she was too conspicuous and easily discovered.

Li Muzhan continued, "Taibai Stockade isn't far from Tianlong City, making it easy to develop. Who knows, you might build a legacy here."

"They're just bandits; what legacy can there be?" Fan Peiyao shook her head.

Li Muzhan smiled. "It depends on how you manage it. Why must being bandits prevent you from transforming your image, establishing a sect, and vying for supremacy under heaven?" Fan Peiyao startled, pondered for a moment, then shook her head and sighed, "That is too lofty a goal. With my rudimentary skills, how could I possibly establish a sect?"

Li Muzhan noticed her heart stirring and thought, There's hope yet.

He smiled. "Your martial arts aren't strong now, but that doesn't mean they won't be in the future! Build a solid foundation now, take in good disciples, and nurture them slowly. As you grow stronger, so will they, and eventually, you will become a force."

……………………………………,………… "Can it really happen?" Fan Peiyao hesitated.

Li Muzhan smiled. "The fellows of the Fan family look down on women. Why don't you establish a legacy that surpasses the Fan family and show them the capability of women!"

Fan Peiyao laughed. "Master, you are a man too."

Li Muzhan laughed. "I don't have such prejudices. Achieving greatness depends entirely on the individual, not gender. Peiyao, your will is steadfast; you possess the aptitude for great accomplishments."

Fan Peiyao's eyes gradually brightened, eager to try.

At the Fan family, she had endured disdain and scorn, nursing a deep resentment. After being abandoned by her clan during the recent Thunder Sword Peak incident, that feeling intensified. Now, spurred by Li Muzhan's encouragement, her spirit swelled, threatening to erupt.

Li Muzhan advised, "Whether you do it or not is your own decision. Whether you succeed is up to fate. Just strive to have no regrets when you are old and can no longer struggle, lest you regret the past."

"Good!" Fan Peiyao sprang to her feet, clapping her hands. "Then I shall establish the Taibai Sect!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "That's for the best! Act low-key first. When your martial arts are sufficiently advanced, you can hold your head high."

Fan Peiyao nodded firmly, her expression passionate.

Li Muzhan asked, "How can you enhance your martial arts?"

Fan Peiyao immediately frowned, pondered briefly, and then asked, "Does Master have any suggestions?"

Li Muzhan replied, "It would be best to apprentice under a renowned master. A great teacher produces a great student... However, the sect's martial arts cannot be taught outside, so you would need to find another superior mental cultivation technique elsewhere. But once your martial arts are strong, everything else falls into place."

Fan Peiyao nodded slowly, realizing that establishing a sect was not an easy task.

Li Muzhan consoled her. "No need to rush. Take it slowly. Nothing in the world is impossible."

"Are you considering joining the Canghai Sword Sect?" Li Muzhan inquired.

"The Canghai Sword Sect?" Fan Peiyao's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked, "The Canghai Sword Sect, one of the Seven Great Sects of the martial world?" Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "I have some connections; I can recommend you to join."

"That would be wonderful!" Fan Peiyao nodded quickly, praising, "To be able to join the Canghai Sword Sect would be a blessing of three lifetimes!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Very well, once things are settled here, you should go to the Canghai Sword Sect."

"Thank you, Master!" Fan Peiyao was thrilled.

She had long admired the Canghai Sword Sect, one of the Seven Great Sects. Both it and Holy Snow Peak were led by women, which she often used as motivation. She had never dared to dream of joining the Canghai Sword Sect due to their extremely strict admission standards. Now, the prospect of becoming a disciple filled her with uncontrollable excitement.

Li Muzhan retrieved paper and brush. His strokes were like a soaring dragon, and in a moment, he drafted a letter, handing it to her. He urged her to go to Canghai Mountain quickly, to avoid any unforeseen complications, such as Thunder Sword Peak tracking her down.

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