Under the sonic attack, the sound was omnipresent. If he wanted to protect Daoist Qingxuan, it was impossible; he could do nothing against the invisible, formless sound.

Thirteen-Nanny laughed triumphantly, raising her hands high, and slowly brought them down, letting the two watch helplessly as her delicate white hands descended onto the strings to begin her assault.

Her entire body tensed, wary of Li Muzhan’s finger-force.

But Li Muzhan didn't unleash any fingers. He suddenly sat down behind Daoist Qingxuan, extended a palm, placed it on the center of the Daoist’s back, and transmitted a wave of mild inner force to aid his healing.

He was confident that the cultivation methods of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Shangqing Temple were supreme, allowing for rapid healing; with his assistance, it would be enough to stop the injury from worsening, perhaps even recover, allowing them to escape.

Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, escaping was the best course. The ideal method was to take Qingxuan and leave; even if Thirteen-Nanny was powerful, she wouldn't be able to catch up if he burned his inner force.

He had another plan. Forsaking that route, he instead sat behind Daoist Qingxuan and helped him circulate his power.

He had already viewed the Heavenly Demon Sect’s cultivation manual, which was immensely beneficial to him; he still wished to examine the Shangqing Temple’s manual.

Daoist Qingxuan nodded slightly and began circulating his power to heal.

“Zheng, zheng, zheng, zheng…” A flurry of rapid zither music erupted, carrying the aura of clashing metal and armored cavalry rushing towards them. Li Muzhan’s left palm rested on Daoist Qingxuan’s back, while his right hand formed a seal and pressed onto the ground, creating the Earth Connection Seal.

His body seemed to instantly merge with the earth, becoming one with it. Though the zither music was frantic, it flowed over him like water over blue stone—leaving no trace, entering his left ear and exiting his right without effect.

Daoist Qingxuan formed his hand seals, solemn and grave. Li Muzhan continuously channeled inner force into him, nourishing his body and repairing his injuries.

He greatly admired Daoist Qingxuan; a truly virtuous man was inauspicious to kill.

Having touched both of their cultivation methods and come into contact with their internal energies, he noticed something unique: although their inner forces were profound and even superior to his own, their level was higher too.

However, his own inner force was more concentrated and refined—a clear superiority. Their energy was like water, whereas his was like mercury, denser, more condensed, and possessing greater potency.

If they truly fought to the death, burning their inner force, perhaps he could manage a single bout. Yet, their sects were powerful, and they might possess secret methods; the most likely outcome was his defeat.

“Zheng, zheng, zheng, zheng…” The zither music grew increasingly urgent. Their robes fluttered as if caught in a gale.

Thirteen-Nanny’s head was bowed over the strings, her jade fingers blurring into a shadow, moving faster and faster. The surrounding flowers and grass shattered under the sonic pressure, turning into fine dust. The ground became polished clean as all grit was swept away.

The music was like wind, like a blade—fiercely sharp.

Daoist Qingxuan maintained his solemn hand seals, but his face grew increasingly flushed. Even with Li Muzhan’s inner force assisting, he was too gravely wounded; after this long, injury was compounding injury.

“Puff!” He suddenly trembled and spat out a streak of blood. His spirit instantly wilted, his body seeming to shrink slightly; his vital essence and spirit were severely diminished, growing dull.

Li Muzhan frowned. The zither music intensified; Thirteen-Nanny showed no sign of stopping, clearly intending to kill him.

He shook his head, formed a hand seal with both hands, and his eyes immediately blazed with divine light, as if a celestial being had descended or a Luohan had appeared. With a sudden, sharp shout: “Duo!”

“Hui…” One string on the zither snapped.

Li Muzhan’s sharp cry contained a Buddhist true word, like a lion’s roar, like a great bronze bell—the sheer force astonishing.

Thirteen-Nanny’s movement paused, but she immediately resumed playing, the music unbroken, still frantic. Her zither skill was peerless; even with one string gone, its lethality was undiminished. The sound surged like rolling waves, one after another, ceaseless, suffocating.

“Duo!” Li Muzhan shouted again.

“Ni…” Another string broke.

The music grew faster, sharper, painfully stinging the eardrums and chilling the body to the core.

Thirteen-Nanny looked up, her face flushed crimson, her eyes flashing with cold lightning as she stared fixedly at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, opened his mouth, and let out another sharp shout: “Duo!”

“Ding!” Another string snapped.

Li Muzhan immediately burst into a loud laugh: “Thirteen-Nanny, let’s call it quits!”

Thirteen-Nanny snorted, gave him a fierce glare, then lowered her head and plucked the strings harder. The music became more urgent, its destructive power completely undiminished. Daoist Qingxuan let out another groan and spat up a mouthful of blood.

Li Muzhan was also growing angry. “Duo!” “Duo!” “Duo!” “Duo!” He followed up with a series of sharp shouts, each like a drumbeat hammering against the heart. A string snapped violently from the assault. With each shout, he broke a string. Though her zither technique was strong, having so many strings broken caused a sudden, massive loss in its power.

Li Muzhan floated up, flashed past the wall, and flipped into the Ming Mansion, Daoist Qingxuan dangling from his hand.

“Ming Kong!” Thirteen-Nanny rose from her zither, flashed to the top of the wall, pointed accusingly, and stamped her foot: “Don’t you dare see me again!” With that, she spun around and drifted down from the wall.

Dust rained down from the courtyard wall, and suddenly, with a loud crash, a large section collapsed, revealing a gaping hole two meters wide and only a meter high, reaching chest level—easily crossed with a single step.

Li Muzhan arrived at a waterside pavilion and set Daoist Qingxuan down, smiling: “Daoist Master, rest easy and heal. No one will disturb you here.”

“Many thanks, Grandmaster.” Daoist Qingxuan bowed deeply, his voice weak.

In his current state, his spirit was listless and his light dim, yet his expression remained placid, his eyes gentle, devoid of any pain or anger, as if he were not the one injured.

Li Muzhan smiled: “I could not stand by when I saw the Daoist Master’s high virtue, so I had to save you... Focus on healing first, say no more. I will guard the Dharma for you.”

“Good, I trouble you.” Daoist Qingxuan nodded, took a small jade vial from his robe, poured out a few snow-white pills, swallowed them, and then sat cross-legged on the couch, closed his eyes, regulated his breath, and began meditating.

…………………………………………………………

Li Muzhan pushed open the door and stood outside, surveying the scenery on the lake. Gentle breezes came in waves, carrying a faint scent of water. Beneath the clear surface, schools of brocade carp gradually gathered, seemingly waiting for him to feed them.

Li Muzhan shook his head. Perhaps Mei Ruolan and the others often teased them and fed them, causing this reaction; they showed no fear of people at all.

He closed his eyes, focusing his Void Eye. In the eastern part of the mansion, a group of people were tidying up the flower beds and leveling the bluestone ground. Thirteen-Nanny was circulating her energy on a couch inside. In the waterside pavilion behind him, Daoist Qingxuan was shrouded in white mist; his jade-like face flickered in and out of view. The mist grew thicker and thicker, gradually obscuring him completely, until he was almost covered by a sheet of white cloth.

Half an hour later, the thick fog suddenly churned violently. The mist gradually thinned, revealing Daoist Qingxuan’s figure. In the end, the mist transformed into two streams that instantly drilled into his nostrils.

Through Li Muzhan’s Void Eye, Daoist Qingxuan seemed to flash momentarily, like the jade statue in the Boundless Hall on Cangshan Mountain. His face was now like polished jade, and a faint luminescence flowed beneath his skin.

Li Muzhan pushed the door open and entered, smiling: “Congratulations, Daoist Master, are you healed?”

Daoist Qingxuan dismounted from the couch and said seriously: “It is all thanks to the Grandmaster’s help!” Li Muzhan waved his hand: “I only hope the Daoist Master doesn't blame me. If I hadn't helped Thirteen-Nanny, you wouldn’t have suffered this much. Let’s consider the merit and demerit balanced.”

Daoist Qingxuan smiled, shaking his head: “Is the Grandmaster acquainted with Miss Zhang?” Li Muzhan nodded: “Yes, I’ve known her for a while; we’re good friends. Why?”

Daoist Qingxuan knitted his brows, hesitating briefly.

“Whatever you need to say, Daoist Master, just say it,” Li Muzhan prompted.

“It is improper to speak ill of someone behind their back, but this must be said,” Daoist Qingxuan said hesitantly, then his expression turned solemn: “For safety, the Grandmaster had best stay far away from Miss Zhang.”

“Oh—” Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly.

Seeing his indifferent expression, Daoist Qingxuan thought for a moment and said: “Grandmaster, Miss Zhang’s true name is Zhang Jinglan. She was a disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sect but later defected and killed two of our senior brothers from the Shangqing Temple. Now, both the Heavenly Demon Sect and our Temple are hunting her. No matter what, Miss Zhang cannot meet a good end.”

Li Muzhan asked: “The Heavenly Demon Sect and the Shangqing Temple are enemies, correct?” Daoist Qingxuan nodded: “Correct. Our Temple and the Heavenly Demon Sect have always been mutually restrictive, preventing either from becoming too dominant.” Li Muzhan smiled: “Where is the Shangqing Temple located?”

“On Mount Yulong,” Daoist Qingxuan replied.

Li Muzhan smiled: “If I have the leisure in the future, I will certainly pay a visit or two.” Daoist Qingxuan took out a white jade talisman from his robe, about the size of a palm, its surface glowing with circulating light and palpable spiritual energy. He handed it to Li Muzhan: “When the Grandmaster reaches the foot of Mount Yulong, inject your inner force into this talisman, and I will naturally come out to welcome you.”

“Good.” Li Muzhan took it; it felt warm and moist in his hand, as if it had come alive.

…………………………………………………………

Daoist Qingxuan said: “Grandmaster, you must stay far away from Miss Zhang. If you encounter someone from our Temple, it’s manageable, but if you run into someone from the Heavenly Demon Sect, your life will be in grave danger!”

Li Muzhan nodded: “Understood, I will remember the Daoist Master’s words.” Daoist Qingxuan let out a sigh of relief and bowed: “Then this poor Daoist takes his leave. Grandmaster, take care!”

Li Muzhan returned the salute with clasped hands, and Daoist Qingxuan soared away as if riding the wind. Li Muzhan closed his eyes, observing with his Void Eye; in that short time, Daoist Qingxuan had already left the Ming Mansion.

Li Muzhan privately admired Daoist Qingxuan’s genuine power. He turned and floated back to the east courtyard. By now, the servants had dispersed, and the mansion had returned to order, though sadly the flowerbeds were now level ground.

Li Muzhan stood before the building and chuckled: “Thirteen-Nanny…”

A purple shadow flashed, and Thirteen-Nanny stood with her hands on her hips, letting out a cold snort: “What do you want now?!” Li Muzhan approached with a smile: “Still angry?”

“How would I dare be angry? The Grandmaster is quite formidable!” Thirteen-Nanny sneered.

Li Muzhan smiled: “Daoist Master Qingxuan is a man of high virtue; killing him would be inauspicious, so it was better to show restraint. Are your injuries healed?”

“That’s not your concern!” Thirteen-Nanny’s face was icy.

Li Muzhan’s smile did not fade. He shook his head: “If I hadn't come, could you have killed him, Thirteen-Nanny?”

“...But you did come!” Thirteen-Nanny retorted.

Li Muzhan shook his head: “I helped you injure him, and then I saved him. It balances out the merit and demerit, I suppose... But ultimately, I saved your life. Is this how you treat your savior with such coldness?”

Thirteen-Nanny’s coldness retreated, and she shot him a sidelong glance: “Being soft-hearted, you will suffer greatly! That wretched Daoist Qingxuan is so stubbornly rigid. Whether you save him or not makes no difference to him; if he thought he should kill you, he wouldn’t hesitate!”

Li Muzhan laughed: “Why would he kill me?”

“For consorting with a demoness like me, you deserve death!” Thirteen-Nanny sneered.

Her smile was cold, but Li Muzhan looked at her and sighed softly, sensing a tinge of self-pity and self-harm in her tone—she looked utterly pitiable.

Li Muzhan sighed: “Your name is Zhang Jinglan?”

“Did that wretched Daoist tell you?” Thirteen-Nanny scoffed.

Li Muzhan nodded: “Let’s go inside and talk.”

Thirteen-Nanny gave him a sharp look, turned, and walked into the room, her movements graceful, light, and charming.

They passed through the main hall and reached a room on the second floor, instantly filled with a subtle fragrance. The moon-white carpet was thick and soft; the tea table and embroidered stools were all moon-white. A breeze blew in from the window, stirring the light gauze curtains hanging in the corner, creating a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere.

Thirteen-Nanny sat on a couch, leaning sideways, supporting her head with one hand, saying languidly: “Sit.”

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, sitting down by the writing desk near the window, and said gently: “Daoist Master Qingxuan said you betrayed the Heavenly Demon Sect and clashed with the Shangqing Temple—that you are unlikely to have a good end.”

“Hmph, that wretched Daoist, cursing me like that!” Thirteen-Nanny pouted, wrinkling her delicate, pretty nose. “He’s not wrong, I probably can’t escape death! It’ll be either the Heavenly Demon Sect or the Shangqing Temple... If you hadn't intervened this time, I would have died at that old Daoist’s hands.” Li Muzhan slowly nodded, vaguely understanding why she indulged in worldly pursuits; it wasn't because she had seen through life and death, but because she knew she was fated to die, making her reckless.

Li Muzhan asked: “Is there no other way?” I shall call you Jinglan, then.”

“None,” Zhang Jinglan shook her head.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment: “If it truly doesn't work, you could go to Western Zhao.” Zhang Jinglan shook her head: “Going to Western Zhao is useless; they can find me there.”

“They are that powerful?” Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Jinglan snorted: “Outsiders have no idea how terrifying they are.”

“They must have many hidden forces that outsiders don't know about, right?” Li Muzhan inquired.

Zhang Jinglan nodded: “Yes. The two sects are one south, one north; their eyes and ears cover half the sky. If I were hiding in the south, the Heavenly Demon Sect would have killed me long ago.”

Li Muzhan pondered, beginning to realize that because she was hiding in the Northwest, the Heavenly Demon Sect dared not approach. As for her, a traitor to their sect, the Shangqing Temple was happy to pretend not to notice. Daoist Qingxuan wasn't as calculating; he didn't grasp the Shangqing Temple’s mindset and acted without hesitation upon seeing Zhang Jinglan.

Li Muzhan let out a long breath: “Luckily, luckily!”

“Luckily what?” Zhang Jinglan asked impatiently, shooting him a sidelong glance.

Li Muzhan said: “Luckily I didn’t kill Daoist Master Qingxuan. Otherwise, we would be facing instant death!”

Zhang Jinglan frowned deeply and stared at him, puzzled.

Li Muzhan explained: “The Shangqing Temple could turn a blind eye to you killing those two scoundrels, but if you had killed Daoist Master Qingxuan, they would never show mercy again! You don’t honestly think the Shangqing Temple hasn’t discovered you, do you?”

“...Hmm, there’s some sense in that!” Zhang Jinglan murmured thoughtfully, slowly nodding.

Li Muzhan concluded: “Since that is the case, rest your heart. The Shangqing Temple won’t bother you anymore.”

“Hmph, I’m not so sure. Qingxuan is a stubborn old Daoist; he might still come back!” Zhang Jinglan pouted her cherry lips.

“Haha... Dear Senior Sister, who would still come?” A crisp, clear laugh suddenly rang out. A young maiden dressed in apricot-yellow appeared in the room. (To be continued)