The motions flexed and extended, the membrane of Qi adhering to the tendons, which, upon lengthening, became suffused with Qi, urging their growth and transformation. External force pulled, internal force intensified; the collision of inner and outer power created immense might.

After ten days, he completed the middle stage. His body was brimming with strength, like an overinflated ball, creating an illusion that a single punch could break through anything. He recognized the feeling from when he first practiced the Twelve Great Strengths.

But reaching the advanced stage proved difficult, far less smooth. Those movements were truly too demanding, impossible to execute; they entirely surpassed human limits.

He estimated that achieving them would require even longer tendons. While he could manage the middle stage now, his tendons were still too short to attempt the advanced stage; he needed to continue practicing the middle stage.

This could not be rushed; forcing growth would lead to endless troubles.

This rapid advancement in the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill already brought him immense joy. If he continued like this, perhaps reaching the advanced stage would complete the tendon refinement, allowing him to enter the next realm—a truly unexpected delight.

…………………………………………………… That morning, he emerged from his quarters and sparred with the assembled elders on the training ground. His current skill was sufficient to handle seven or eight of them simultaneously.

Half an hour later, the sparring ceased, and they sat down to talk.

Yan Lengsi’s injuries had long since healed. He was bursting with vitality, unchanged from before, which drew admiration from Li Muzhan. For most people, such severe wounds from such a formidable opponent would inevitably leave a psychological scar.

Yet, he returned to his former state, completely unaffected, demonstrating a steadfast will and broad-mindedness. He was truly exceptional, and his future achievements would not be modest.

Elder Ji remained his usual amiable self, smiling broadly: “Mingkong, starting tomorrow, you should return. Li Muzhan startled: “Elder Ji?” Elder Ji sighed. “I had hoped to keep you a few more days to extract the trump cards held by these old fellows, but plans change faster than expected.” Li Muzhan glanced over the elders and asked, “Has something happened?” Elder Ji’s expression grew grave; he shook his head and sighed. “Alas, the North Line has suffered a major rout. Orders have arrived; your Flying Cavalry Camp is needed there for support.” “The Divine Radiance Camp?” Li Muzhan inquired. Elder Ji nodded. “The Eastern Chu Iron Cavalry has ridden south again, and the Divine Radiance Camp was routed. The situation is perilous, especially with a shortage of cavalry. We have no choice but to transfer you.” Li Muzhan frowned. “How come?” Dayan bordered Southern Li to the west, Western Zhao to the northwest, and Eastern Chu to the north. Its relationship with Southern Li was excellent, but frictions and constant warfare marked its dealings with Western Zhao and Eastern Chu. Elder Ji sighed. “The Eastern Chu Iron Cavalry is second only to the Great Khan’s Iron Cavalry. Previously, the Great Khan’s forces kept them in check, preventing them from committing too many troops despite their arrogance. Why they’ve launched such a massive invasion south this year is truly strange.” Li Muzhan frowned, considered for a moment, and asked, “When do you depart?” Elder Ji replied, “Likely within the next couple of days. Settle whatever loose ends you have immediately.” Li Muzhan nodded slowly. “Yes, thank you, Elder Ji.” “After returning from Heavenly Dragon City, go directly back to the Flying Cavalry Camp,” Elder Ji instructed. Li Muzhan nodded, gazing at everyone with reluctance. Suddenly, he knelt, kowtowing deeply to express gratitude for their teachings. The elders were slightly breathless. Old Man Li waved his hand. “Little monk, cut the theatrics. When you reach the North Line, just kill plenty of those Eastern Chu whelps and don't disgrace us—that’s enough!” Li Muzhan laughed. “Rest assured, Old Man Li, I will fight bravely!” With that, he let out a sharp cry. A crimson shadow flashed across the northeast corner of the training ground, the sound of hooves crisp and clear. Chi Ying arrived before him in an instant, light and swift. Li Muzhan vaulted onto the horse, gave a cupped-fist salute to the elders, and spurred his mount away. ………………………………………………………… Chi Ying was originally stationed with the Flying Cavalry Camp, but later, fearing insufficient care, Li Muzhan brought him to the Inner Camp, where he could often be seen practicing. Chi Ying’s speed grew increasingly quick, shooting out of the Inner Camp like an arrow, leaving Dragon Soaring City and heading toward Heavenly Dragon City. It took only half an hour to cover the distance. To an observer, it appeared only as a fleeting shadow, passing by indistinctly. If not for the sound of galloping hooves, one might have dismissed it as an illusion. Upon entering Heavenly Dragon City, he did not linger but rushed toward the North Gate. Exiting the city, he sped toward Taibai Stockade. Chi Ying scaled the mountain as if on flat ground, perfectly steady and incredibly fast, resembling a martial arts master utilizing Qinggong. He soon arrived before Taibai Stockade. Taibai Stockade had transformed completely. Its walls, built of green stone, towered about two zhang high, riddled with small openings, looking like formidable, grim blockhouses from a later era. As Chi Ying drew near, a soft whistle sounded—wuu—and an arrow shot down, landing before the horse’s hooves. A man shouted loudly from above, “Who goes there?” Li Muzhan called out loudly, “Please announce that Mingkong seeks an audience with Stockade Master Fan.” Silence fell from above. Li Muzhan patted Chi Ying, who was stomping his front hooves agitatedly, snorting impatiently, clearly unable to tolerate such provocation, eager to charge forward. Soon, the stockade gate swung wide open. Surrounded by twenty-odd people, Fan Peiyao emerged in a fitted green tunic, smiling. “Master, why have you come? Please come in quickly!” The green tunic hugged her delicate figure, her complexion slightly darker, a healthy, wheat-like tan. Surrounded by her entourage, she radiated vigor and spirited glances. Li Muzhan smiled. “Stockade Master Fan, I apologize for the intrusion.” Fan Peiyao pursed her lips and chuckled softly. “Master, please come inside quickly!” Li Muzhan scanned the group, nodding gently. He noticed that all twenty-odd people were experts. Though none were absolute masters, they were not to be underestimated. He was inwardly astonished. How had so many experts gathered in such a short time? …………………………………………………… Li Muzhan led Chi Ying into Taibai Stockade. The interior was orderly, resembling a small town. Houses were built along the mountainside, and children occasionally chased each other in the streets while elders sat basking in the sun. An air of contentment permeated the atmosphere. Li Muzhan turned and smiled. “Peiyao, you truly are capable. To transform a ruined stockade into this—impressive!” Fan Peiyao’s smile bloomed like a hibiscus flower. “Master, you flatter me. I haven’t done much.” The people behind her exchanged surprised glances, trying to guess Li Muzhan’s identity. The Stockade Master was usually reserved and seldom smiled; though beautiful, she possessed an imposing aura that commanded respect. Moreover, her methods were formidable, and her martial arts skill high. Even many young disciples in the stockade were nervous around her, not daring to breathe too loudly. Now, she had transformed into a demure young woman. Their eyes widened in disbelief; they had never seen this side of their leader—a truly eye-opening experience. They crossed a north-south avenue and arrived at the great hall halfway up the mountain. Before the hall was a flat training ground where nearly a hundred people were practicing, their shouts full of vigor and youthful energy. Li Muzhan released Chi Ying, patting its neck. Chi Ying snorted softly and strolled away leisurely toward the west, where a lush green slope lay. Li Muzhan smiled and entered the hall with Fan Peiyao. As they approached the entrance, Fan Peiyao raised a slender jade hand, and her escort stopped outside, watching the pair enter side-by-side, their expressions complex. Inside the hall, two young women stood and curtsied. Fan Peiyao waved her hand. “Go steep the finest tea.” “Yes, Stockade Master.” The two girls were pretty enough, not stunning beauties, but pleasant to look at. After they left, Li Muzhan surveyed the hall. “The atmosphere is certainly different. Peiyao, it seems you are truly suited to lead a region.” Fan Peiyao laughed. “Yes, I feel it too. No restrictions, just freedom and ease.” Li Muzhan looked around, noting the calligraphy and paintings. “These are not ordinary items; they could fetch quite a bit of silver. When did you acquire them?” Fan Peiyao replied, “They were the former Stockade Master’s collection… Master, rest assured, I have kept a low profile and won’t invite trouble.” Li Muzhan sat down and chuckled. “The people from Thunder Sword Peak have almost all withdrawn now. You don’t need to be overly cautious; just do what you need to do.” Fan Peiyao smiled. “I’m organizing people to weave cloth… and I established a small collection point outside. We are living quite comfortably.” “Where did those experts come from?” Li Muzhan asked with a smile. Fan Peiyao replied, “I gathered them from the surrounding stockades.” Li Muzhan smiled. “So, among the surrounding strongholds, only Taibai Stockade remains?” Fan Peiyao shook her head with a slight laugh. “The stockades still exist, but Sun Zhi— Li Muzhan chuckled and nodded. “Not bad. This move is quite clever.” ………………………………………………………… After exchanging more details about their separate lives, Fan Peiyao asked, “Master, you didn’t come here suddenly just to see me; there must be something else.” Her eyes flickered with a hint of allure, stirring Li Muzhan’s heart momentarily. He quickly looked away and laughed heartily. “You are correct. I am leaving.” “Leaving?” Fan Peiyao paused, surprised. “Where are you going?” Li Muzhan replied, “This is military intelligence; it cannot be leaked. Only you are permitted to know.” Fan Peiyao nodded, her bright eyes fixed on him. Li Muzhan continued, “I am going north. It might be a while before I return.” “To fight a war?” Fan Peiyao’s delicate features shifted slightly, and she frowned. “I’ve heard news from the north. It seems restless; the Divine Radiance Camp was badly defeated.” “Oh?” Li Muzhan feigned surprise. Fan Peiyao continued, “People travel here constantly, and information flows freely. I have also planted a few informants in the city. Being poorly informed leads to great losses.” Li Muzhan nodded, showing approval. Fan Peiyao indeed possessed the quality of a stockade leader; her methods were no less capable than a man’s, and she had a great future. Fan Peiyao frowned, about to speak, when the two young women gracefully entered, presenting tea cups. After the girls quietly withdrew, Fan Peiyao composed herself and said, “The Eastern Chu forces are attacking fiercely this time. They have captured Divine Radiance City, and several hundred li around it are now under Eastern Chu control.” Li Muzhan slowly nodded and sighed. “I truly didn’t expect the Eastern Chu to be so serious this time!” Because the Great Khan existed, Eastern Chu had never been able to focus fully on Dayan. Even when they sent troops, it was small skirmishes or raids, always wary of the Khan, never deploying a massive army. This time, it was completely different; they invaded directly with a large force and took Divine Radiance City in one stroke. It was clear the court must be deeply shaken. Fan Peiyao said, “Master, the Eastern Chu elites are even fiercer than Western Zhao’s, renowned as the second-strongest cavalry in the world. You must be extremely careful!” Li Muzhan smiled. “Don’t worry. My fate is hard; it’s difficult for me to die.” Fan Peiyao’s delicate eyebrows furrowed, shrouded in worry. Although his martial arts were peerless for a time, on the battlefield with massive armies, even superior martial arts were useless; life depended entirely on destiny. Seeing this, Li Muzhan smiled. “Life and death are determined by fate, and wealth by heaven. Don’t dwell on it too much. I came here to see you, to bid farewell, and secondly, to ask for a favor.” “Whatever the favor, Master, just say the word, and I’ll do it,” Fan Peiyao quickly replied. Li Muzhan asked, “Thirteenth Sister—do you know about Hu—” Fan Peiyao’s delicate face changed slightly, and she nodded slowly. “Of course, I know. She is your neighbor, Master.” …………………………………………………………………… ………… Li Muzhan smiled, pretending not to notice the change in her tone. “Her situation is not good; she is being hunted. I want her to come here to hide for a while, with you.” “Weave? Alright. Who are her enemies?” Fan Peiyao asked. Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. “They are from the Heavenly Demon Sect—an established hidden sect. They are not to be trifled with, so no news of her arrival must leak out.” “The Heavenly Demon Sect?” Fan Peiyao pondered, shaking her head. She had never heard of them. Li Muzhan continued, “I will have her disguise herself as a man to prevent any leaks that could cause major trouble!” “Understood,” Fan Peiyao nodded. “If any major trouble truly arises, self-preservation is paramount. Go to Canghai Mountain!” Li Muzhan instructed. Fan Peiyao smiled. “Don’t worry, I understand.” Li Muzhan appraised her and smiled. “It seems your progress is also remarkable. A pleasant surprise.” Fan Peiyao gave a wry smile, shaking her head and sighing. “I was forced into it, Master. I have to train desperately, or I won’t be able to control them.” Li Muzhan considered for a moment, then said thoughtfully, “Tell you what, I will teach you a secret technique. It allows you to unleash your potential in critical moments for escape.” Fan Peiyao quickly shook her head. “Forget it, Master. Secret techniques cannot be taught lightly.” There was an established code in the martial world. Fan Peiyao was aware that when receiving martial arts instruction, one must take a Daoist Oath never to pass it to outsiders. If ordinary techniques required this, a secret technique demanded an even heavier oath. She did not want to place Li Muzhan in a difficult position. Li Muzhan laughed. “I acquired this technique by chance. It’s fine to pass it to you, just don’t reveal it in front of others.” “Really?” Fan Peiyao hesitated. Li Muzhan smiled. “Why would I lie to you? This is a life-saving secret technique from the Wang Family of Penglai. Don’t pass it on, lest the Penglai Wang Family comes looking for it.” “The Penglai Wang Family!” Fan Peiyao sighed, feeling it was impossibly distant. Though the Fan family was large and powerful, compared to the Penglai Wang Family, the difference was like a small mound next to a majestic peak—vast and unreachable. Li Muzhan moved his lips slightly, employing the Secret Sound Transmission technique to pass the Wang Family’s secret method to her. This was the genuine Wang Family technique, not the one he acquired at the Mei Estate. While less potent than the Lamp-Lighting Art, it was still extraordinary enough for escaping peril. (To be continued)