He first targeted those aligned with Li Tianlei, partly to punish their ulterior motives, and partly to do a small favor, given the weight of their Master’s reputation.
Li Tianlei snorted in fury and flashed forward, his sword striking down like lightning. Li Muzhan merely swayed, evading the blade, and unleashed the divine power of his Canghai Divine Sword with a surge of finger force.
Li Tianlei thundered like heavenly might, yet Li Muzhan drifted before him like a wisp of smoke, remaining untouchable despite the flashing sword strokes.
A barrage of finger strikes shot out, punctuated by endless screams. In moments, several experts were struck in the fingers, losing the ability to fight, leaving only Li Tianlei standing.
The formidable power of his Canghai Divine Sword lay in its internal energy—solid, unified, and drilling deep into the body. Even the strongest internal defenses could not dispel it; they could only let it rage unchecked.
Moments later, the only figures still capable of movement were Li Tianlei and Li Muzhan. They darted and attacked, their sword lights falling like lightning, but all attempts were utterly futile.
Li Muzhan's movement became increasingly graceful and ethereal, flowing like moving clouds and running water, possessing an indescribable rhythm that was breathtaking to behold.
With his solid internal energy driving his qinggong, his agility increased dramatically, allowing him to spar with Li Tianlei with effortless ease.
Li Muzhan smiled lightly: “Sect Master Li, shall we call this a draw?” “Hmph, if I don’t kill you, how dare I face my disciple!” Li Tianlei sneered, his moves growing sharper, his sword aura frigid, the air thick with cold.
Li Muzhan said calmly, “Even if I cannot kill you, dispatching them is as easy as turning my hand!”
As he spoke, he pointed a finger. With a soft hiss followed by a scream, a large man clutched his chest and flew backward, landing heavily.
Li Tianlei’s face changed color, tinged with purple indignation, and he roared, “Stop gawking, run!”
The others suddenly understood and fled instantly, vanishing from sight. Though wounded, they ran with the speed of lightning and smoke, unparalleled in swiftness.
Li Muzhan’s finger force was terrifyingly divine; they were already chilled to the bone, feeling like mere meat upon a cutting board, overcome with helplessness and fear. Upon hearing Li Tianlei’s command, they wished they had been born with more legs, their terror fueling their flight, neglecting their injuries for the sake of escape.
Li Muzhan laughed loudly, the sound echoing across the sky, audible throughout half of Tianlong City.
They felt humiliated but lacked the courage to face Li Muzhan. His finger strikes were truly astonishing; they had no power to resist.
Once everyone had fled until not a shadow remained, Li Muzhan suddenly stilled and said gravely, “Sect Master Li, stop the performance now!”
Li Tianlei abruptly sheathed his sword; the pervasive lightning faded, and the chill dissipated.
“Let’s sit and talk,” Li Muzhan stated lightly, flashing over to the small pavilion on the lake.
Li Tianlei shook his head and followed him into the pavilion.
Li Muzhan surveyed the surroundings and said, “Wait a moment.” He then vanished and reappeared moments later in the waterside pavilion behind them, retrieving a pot and cups. He drifted back, poured two cups of tea, and a rich fragrance immediately filled the air.
Though his life was not overtly luxurious, he valued refinement and elegance. This was a superior tea brought back from Mount Canghai, a rare treasure for ordinary people.
With a slight push, a teacup slid across to Li Tianlei; the liquid barely rippled.
Li Muzhan extended a hand, indicating for him to drink, and smiled: “Technically, I should call you Martial Uncle… A few days ago, I returned to Mount Canghai and saw Master.”
Li Tianlei replied coldly, “Unnecessary.”
Li Muzhan raised his cup, took a slow sip, squinted slightly, savoring the lingering aroma, appreciating the subtle, refreshing purity permeating his core. His senses were now keenly heightened, and the pleasure derived was several times more intense than for ordinary men.
After a moment, Li Muzhan slowly set down the cup and glanced at him lightly: “That man just now—he probably doesn't see eye-to-eye with you, does he?”
Li Tianlei’s eyes flickered, and he remained silent, lifting his cup to drink.
Li Muzhan chuckled: “I can see it. He doesn't respect you, and you can do nothing about him. Otherwise, given your temperament, Martial Uncle, you’d have eliminated him long ago… Having someone like that in the sect severely undermines your authority. If you can’t command the disciples as easily as your own limbs, doesn't being Sect Master become rather dull?” Li Tianlei merely snorted noncommittally, lowering his head to drink.
Li Muzhan continued, “The last time I visited Master, I spoke of your situation. Master was very sad.”
“Sad about what?” Li Tianlei looked up, his expression placid.
Li Muzhan sighed, “Master values emotional bonds deeply. She says she is utterly alone in the world, and though she has one relative, they are not close—no different from a stranger.”
Li Tianlei’s expression remained unmoved, his gaze distant.
“If you could visit Master on Mount Canghai,” Li Muzhan suggested, “she would surely be delighted.”
Li Tianlei looked up and scoffed, “That’s none of your business, Shushu!” “I have nothing to say to her.” Li Muzhan slowly picked up his teacup and took a small sip, eyes slightly narrowed, deeply relishing the sensation of the clear fragrance sinking into his viscera. “Master only has you as a relative, and she constantly worries about you… Why don't you go see her, Martial Uncle?”
Li Tianlei’s sharp brows furrowed, his eyes shifting, and he shook his head: “I won’t see her.”
“Hmm…” Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “I won’t force you, Martial Uncle, but you cannot force me either.” “What are you planning?” Li Tianlei’s face darkened.
Li Muzhan laughed, “With my current martial arts, injuring you wouldn’t be difficult, would it?” “Hmph, what arrogance!” Li Tianlei sneered, though his heart sank.
……………………………………………………………
Li Muzhan looked up at the sky and smiled: “After this, I will enter Western Zhao and continuously attack the disciples of Lei Jian Peak. It won’t take long before your position as Sect Master is precarious, will it?”
Li Tianlei kept his face steady and sneered, “If you have the nerve, why not try? Do you think the martial world of Western Zhao will tolerate a Da Yan man like you rampaging freely?”
Li Muzhan sensed the fluctuation in his heart and smiled: “Though the martial world of Western Zhao is strong, if I take care to evade, can they find me?”
Li Tianlei curled his lip in a cold smile and said nothing.
Li Muzhan stated, “Fame and fortune are fleeting illusions. Even if you dominate the martial world, Martial Uncle, what then? You still need friends, you still need family. A solitary man is the most pitiable… Whether you are the world’s foremost master or a mediocre nobody, the only ones who truly care for you are your kin. Blood is thicker than water!” Li Tianlei waved his hand and snorted, “Stop your nagging!”
Li Muzhan smiled, lifted his cup, and drank, intoxicated by the feeling of the pure fragrance reaching his core. He remained silent for a long time, and quiet settled over the small pavilion.
After a long pause, Li Muzhan slowly set down his cup and opened his eyes: “How about this: I will help you deal with that man and clear away your obstacles.”
Li Tianlei’s eyes flashed, brilliant light like lightning.
Li Muzhan smiled reassuringly: “He must be a major headache, and you are reluctant to strike him yourself, yet he wants to kill me. It is only right that I kill him.”
Li Tianlei pondered, silent. He was engaged in an internal struggle. Though he had always wished to eliminate this fellow martial brother, he could never resolve himself to it. Every time the thought of killing arose, he remembered their Master, and every kindness she had shown him resurfaced, immediately softening his heart and dissolving his murderous intent.
He often chastised himself for being too soft-hearted, unfitted for great deeds. Which held greater importance: his martial brother or the future of Lei Jian Peak? Their Master had already made her decision. Otherwise, the position of Sect Master of Lei Jian Peak would have been his, not his martial brother’s. If he committed the act, he would never find peace, forever tormented by his conscience. He could only rely on others; it was all down to his martial brother’s fate. If his fate was not yet sealed, he would not kill him again; if his fate was unfavorable and he died by another’s hand, then he could only blame destiny, not himself. Now that Li Muzhan had laid it bare, he was caught in conflict and hesitation again.
Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. This Martial Uncle truly wasn't suited for great endeavors; he was too sentimental. Yet, for such an emotional man, why would he refuse to acknowledge their Master? A person so attached to feeling was trustworthy. Li Muzhan found himself developing a degree of fondness for this Martial Uncle.
Li Muzhan coughed lightly and said calmly, “Fine then, I won't kill him. I will only cripple his martial arts and let him live out his remaining years quietly!” Li Tianlei’s expression shifted, and after a moment of thought, he slowly nodded.
Li Muzhan laughed, “Martial Uncle, if you are this soft-hearted, I fear you cannot make Lei Jian Peak dominate the martial world.”
Li Tianlei scoffed dismissively: “I don’t believe all great leaders must have hearts of iron?”
Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, “At the critical moment, you must act decisively and not be swayed by your emotions. On this matter, your indecision, Martial Uncle, has been a mistake… Moreover, if you had foresight, had you nipped the bud early, you wouldn't be in this predicament now.”
Li Tianlei fell silent, letting out a long sigh, his expression wistful. He had reflected on this before. If he hadn't shown weakness initially, constantly yielding because of their Master’s kindness, and had been firm when necessary, his martial brother would not have gained such leverage.
Li Muzhan continued, “If I were you, I would have sent him away from Lei Jian Peak long ago, letting him establish his own branch, separating him to avoid affecting your own authority.” Li Tianlei gave him a sharp look and snorted softly.
Li Muzhan went on, “It’s not too late now. Lei Jian Peak should establish an auxiliary manor and invite him to manage it. If he wants men, give him men; if he wants money, give him money… In my view, this man has grand ambitions but insufficient talent; once he hits a few walls, he will naturally settle down.” Li Tianlei looked thoughtful and remained silent.
Li Muzhan inwardly shook his head. His Master’s younger brother’s talent was indeed considerable—his martial arts were high, and his conduct was upright and strict. But his flaw was obvious: a lack of resolution. Such a person was best suited for maintenance, incapable of pioneering a foundation. His martial brother, on the other hand, was not a formidable figure; his cunning and methods were ordinary, yet he had managed to tie Li Tianlei down and keep him constantly frustrated—truly unnecessary.
Li Muzhan concluded, “You have been exceedingly benevolent up to this point; everyone in Lei Jian Peak sees it. Continuing to accommodate him out of misplaced righteousness isn't benevolence; it’s weakness, and everyone looks down on you for it.”
“Sigh…” Li Tianlei finally spoke, slowly nodding: “You have a point.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “So, do you still need me to eliminate him for you?”
“I will try myself,” Li Tianlei frowned, then sighed after a moment’s thought, “If he refuses to listen, then I’ll let it be.”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Even if he refuses to listen, you must forcefully suppress him. After all, you are the Sect Master. Even if he is the former Sect Master’s son, he cannot receive special treatment, or how can you maintain fairness and command respect?”
“Enough, I know what to do.” Li Tianlei waved his hand impatiently. Being lectured by a junior made him feel awkward. He had always been supremely confident in his own capabilities, but encountering Li Muzhan made him feel vastly inferior. This stark contrast made him uneasy and uncomfortable.
Li Muzhan smiled, “If you cannot manage it, Martial Uncle, come back here to find me. Treat it as a quest for revenge, and I will naturally deal with him and clear away this trouble!”
“Very well.” Li Tianlei put down his teacup and stood up.
Li Muzhan rose too, clasped his hands in a salute, and smiled, “Martial Uncle, I shall not see you out.”
Li Tianlei maintained a grim expression, nodded slowly, and walked a few steps. Before leaving the pavilion, he suddenly stopped, turned back to look at him, and said, “Rest assured, I will not break my word! I already have intentions of going to Mount Canghai.”
Li Muzhan chuckled heartily, “That would be best. I will await you on Mount Canghai!”
“Mm.” Li Tianlei nodded, turned, and departed, leaving the manor peaceful once more.
………………………………………………………………
Li Muzhan dropped his smile, paused in thought, then turned and headed toward the eastern residence. He reached the northern pavilion, ascended to the third floor, and stopped silently before a room, gliding like a gentle breeze.
Zhang Jinglan seemed to sense something, suddenly throwing open the door. She wore a white satin martial arts outfit, her face like jade, her exquisite features carrying an indescribable allure.
“Master…” Her breath was fragrant, her eyes alight, yet her expression remained quite calm.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Are your injuries healed?”
Zhang Jinglan nodded, “Almost. Master, are you alright?” She inwardly calculated that the Master’s martial arts were slightly weaker than her own Master’s; winning would be difficult, but escaping shouldn't be hard. Seeing the Master’s face, he didn't appear wounded.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “I encountered the Abbot of the Shangqing Temple; he saved me.” Zhang Jinglan stepped aside, inviting him in. Li Muzhan entered without ceremony, finding himself in a simple meditation chamber furnished only with a low couch, a short table bearing a teacup, and, beside it, a long writing desk set against the window, upon which rested a black zither, faintly gleaming.
As Li Muzhan settled down, his expression suddenly changed, and he called out loudly, “Senior Shangguan truly haunts like a persistent ghost! Since you are here, why not come in and sit?” A soft, beautiful voice sounded, “Monk Mingkong, what a cruel fate!” The voice was unhurried, gentle as a spring breeze, yet it echoed clearly, resonating directly in both their minds.
Zhang Jinglan’s face flickered slightly before returning to normal; she sighed softly and shook her head, saying nothing.
Li Muzhan walked to the writing desk, slid open the window, and smiled, “Senior Shangguan, please come in.”
A flash of purple shadow appeared, and both Shangguan Hong and Lan Mei’er materialized, standing gracefully before the two figures. (To be continued)