As they all departed, Li Jiuming rushed out to survey the casualties among the guards. Two were gravely wounded, barely clinging to life.

The masters from Eastern Chu showed no mercy, taking the opportunity to kill a few guards out of spite while they were injured.

The two grievously wounded guards were carried in and placed before Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan placed both palms on their chests. The guards’ complexions rapidly regained color, their breathing evening out and stabilizing.

Now, when employing the Kong He Tian You Shu (Controlling the Crane to Replenish the Essence Art), he no longer needed to touch pressure points manually. His internal energy split into several streams, simultaneously sealing the acupoints—faster and more precise than manual intervention, all without any outward sign of exertion. It took immense mental focus to wield his internal energy with such mastery; ordinary practitioners of the Kong He Tian You Shu relied solely on striking acupoints.

General Hua glanced briefly at the two injured guards, his expression calm and betraying no worry. Instead, he turned to the young woman with a gentle smile: "I still haven't had the honor of asking the young lady's name?"

"This humble girl is Jiang Yuyan," the maiden replied, reaching up to wipe her face. A fair, delicate, melon-seed-shaped face was revealed to all eyes.

A melon-seed face, fine brows, round eyes, a straight nose, and cherry lips—she was undeniably beautiful, her bright eyes shifting with an aura of capable decisiveness.

"Miss Jiang possesses remarkably high-level disguise skills," General Hua observed generously, taking in her appearance with a smile. "Truly deceiving, I was completely fooled."

"The General overpraises me; it's merely trifling skill, not worth mentioning," Jiang Yuyan responded with a slight smile, her bright eyes sweeping towards Li Muzhan’s vicinity.

Li Muzhan slowly raised a hand and nodded in acknowledgment.

Ji Wuming performed a deep bow, then waved his hand. Several nearby guards showed expressions of gratitude as they cautiously stepped forward to lift the two injured men. More guards entered, each carrying an armful of dry straw, which they piled beneath a statue of a Luohan, creating a mound.

The two men were carried onto the straw pile, where it lay thick, soft, and fluffy.

"Master, they are out of danger now?" General Hua inquired.

Li Muzhan nodded. "They rest tonight; they should be able to travel tomorrow."

His own face was ashen, his expression utterly haggard, as if he hadn't slept for several nights, making him suddenly look aged and worn.

Normally, using the Kong He Tian You Shu presented him with little difficulty; the pale complexion he displayed earlier was all pretense. Kindness given lightly is not cherished.

This time was different; his internal energy carried a potent poison. If it entered the bodies of the two guards, it would not only fail to save them but actively harm them.

He conceived a method: binding his own internal energy, allowing his spirit-mind to enter the bodies of the two men, using their bodies as a medium to employ the Tian Yuan Tu Na Shu (Heavenly Origin Breath Circulation Art).

His spirit-mind was powerful, allowing him to control his internal energy as if it were his own limbs, but that was within his own body. In someone else's body, the situation was entirely different.

The human body holds infinite mysteries. No matter how potent the spirit-mind, it could not command the internal energy of another person’s physical form; it could only influence the other’s internal energy with its own.

He attempted this several times, ultimately failing. Man’s strength has its limits.

................”…………”,……”……………………”……”,……, these few trials severely taxed his spirit-mind, hence his extreme weariness.

Later, he devised another approach: practicing the Tian Yuan Tu Na Shu himself, and while the internal energy was still untainted by poison, forcing it out of his body and channeling it into the two guards.

His control over his internal energy was meticulous, making this maneuver easy to execute. The Kong He Tian You Shu then flowed naturally, the process being entirely different from the previous arduous attempts.

His profound exhaustion stemmed purely from excessive mental expenditure.

Li Muzhan glanced at Jiang Yuyan, then slowly closed his eyes, ceasing to speak, seemingly entering a state of deep meditation.

General Hua looked toward Jiang Yuyan and smiled lightly: "Miss Jiang, what are your plans?"

Jiang Yuyan frowned slightly, pondering for a long moment before shaking her head. "I do not know either... They will not let me go. I cannot fight them alone, nor escape them. Alas..."

General Hua's brow furrowed, and he nodded slowly. "Indeed. You are but a frail woman; how could you stand against them? Alas... and we must be heading to the Capital..."

Ji Wuming looked at her, his lips moving, but ultimately, no words emerged.

Jiang Yuyan managed a faint smile. "General need not trouble himself. Though they are strong, capturing me will not be so easy. I have endured this long; I can endure more."

General Hua clapped his hands together. "How about this: if Miss Jiang does not mind, join us. With the Master present, I doubt those few people from your family would dare act rashly."

Jiang Yuyan hesitated. "Th... this... perhaps it is not appropriate..."

General Hua waved his hand. "There is nothing inappropriate about it! It is settled!" He turned. "Master, what do you think of my decision?"

Li Muzhan opened his eyes, his gaze lingering on Jiang Yuyan’s fair, melon-seed face with an inscrutable, half-smile, before nodding lightly and closing his eyes once more.

General Hua chuckled. "Since the Master does not object, Miss Jiang, you shall stay. What say you?"

Jiang Yuyan offered a radiant smile. "Since it is thus, this humble girl will not be overly coy. Thank you, General!"

Her face was alight with joy, radiant as a flower, yet her heart gave a slight jump. Li Muzhan’s gaze was tranquil as still water; she felt as if her very soul was illuminated, leaving her with nowhere to hide.

General Hua clapped his hands happily. "I am merely being generous with another's possessions; it is all thanks to the Master’s formidable presence. You should thank the Master!"

Jiang Yuyan cupped her hands and bowed to Li Muzhan. "Thank you, Master."

Li Muzhan, keeping his eyes closed, returned the bow with cupped hands, his expression placid, showing little change.

Jiang Yuyan felt a fresh wave of awe. She perceived this monk as a formidable figure, one whose gaze pierced through to the core, as if everything were within his grasp, discouraging any thought of deception.

Although Jiang Yuyan felt uncomfortable under Li Muzhan’s penetrating gaze, she also felt safe and secure. That night, she slept exceptionally soundly.

When she awoke the next day, she found herself lying on a mound of straw, covered by a woolen blanket—warm and comfortable—her whole body languid, unwilling to rise.

The interior of the room was silent, but the outside was bustling with noise—footsteps and voices rising and falling. She wondered how she could have slept so deeply without waking. Normally, the slightest disturbance would rouse her instantly, her whole body tense, wondering if pursuers were near, ready to flee at any moment.

She did not rush to get up, slowly turning her head.

Sunlight reflected on the broken window panes, bathing the room in a soft, bright glow that seemed to carry the scent of sunshine, instantly brightening one's mood.

Her bright eyes focused. In the light, a figure sat cross-legged in the center of the main room, utterly still, resembling one of the surrounding Luohan statues or Buddhas.

The gleaming scalp, the grey monastic robe—she immediately recognized him: the monk.

She slowly rose and sat cross-legged, gently brushing off bits of straw from her cyan robe, cupping her hands in a greeting. "Master."

Li Muzhan opened his eyes, nodded with cupped hands. "Miss Jiang has awakened. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well." Jiang Yuyan blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed by how deeply she had slept, displaying none of the poise expected of a martial arts master.

Her expression remained unruffled. "Is the Master performing morning rites?"

Her bright eyes rippled with light, naturally exuding a radiant aura. Her gaze swept over the area where Li Muzhan was seated, revealing a hint of confusion. Clearly, she wanted to ask: if he were performing morning rites, was it necessary to sit right in the center of the room?

Li Muzhan smiled. "The morning rites are complete. I am currently observing these Buddhist statues."

"Statues?" Jiang Yuyan turned her head to look around. Most of the statues were dark, pitch black; what beauty could possibly be discerned? Moreover, all Buddhist statues in the world were largely the same; what was there to observe?

Li Muzhan smiled. "Observing the subtle reveals the profound; looking at the exterior reveals the heart. All these statues are the work of a master. Look at this one: joy mixed with compassion and tranquility. The subtlety of the state of mind contained within is truly endless in flavor..." He pointed to a Luohan statue on the left and spoke gently.

Jiang Yuyan looked closely but could discern no particular marvel and shook her head.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly.

The concept was easy to explain, but the ability to perceive the heart through the exterior was not something everyone possessed. With his Ta Xin Tong (Mind-Reading Insight), he unconsciously compared the subject’s expression with their inner thoughts. Over time, he naturally learned to discern the subtle from the apparent.

Jiang Yuyan, sharp and capable as she was, ultimately lacked the ability to truly penetrate human hearts. Her only object for analysis was herself, and since she couldn't constantly examine her own reflection, how could she learn this skill?

Li Muzhan asked, "The General intends to take you along on the journey. What are your thoughts?"

Jiang Yuyan withdrew her gaze from the statues and looked at him in astonishment.

Li Muzhan smiled. "They say compassion does not govern armies, yet the General is an exception. Unable to watch a young woman suffer hardship, he decided to bring you along to the Capital."

"Thank the General," Jiang Yuyan said solemnly.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly and shook his head.

"Master, I shall go out first." Jiang Yuyan stood up, cupped her hands, and opened the door to leave.

General Hua was practicing martial arts in the woods before the temple. Ji Wuming and several guards formed a circle, their expressions vigilant. In Li Muzhan’s absence, they were extremely tense.

Seeing her graceful approach, Ji Wuming stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Does the Young Lady wish to see the General? Please wait a moment until the General finishes his practice."

Jiang Yuyan nodded slightly, surveying the surroundings, and lowered her voice. "Brother Ji, are those two brothers' injuries no longer serious?"

Ji Wuming chuckled heartily and pointed his hand to the left. "Ah, those two? Look over there..."

Jiang Yuyan followed his gaze. In the sparse woods, several burly men were practicing their punches bare-chested. On this crisp morning, plumes of vapor rose from their bodies—they were brimming with vitality.

Among the strong men were the two who had been near death the previous night. Jiang Yuyan was surprised.

Ji Wuming said proudly, "The Master possesses great divine abilities..."

Jiang Yuyan stared unblinkingly at the two. Although they were less energetic than the others and slightly more cautious, they were still steaming and looked vigorous.

She shook her head, trying to recall if any secret medicine in her clan could achieve such a result. The Southern Jiang family possessed wealth beyond common imagination; wealth could move heaven and earth. Truly priceless things existed, but they were rare. With enough money, anything could be obtained.

The family's inner vault held numerous secret elixirs. Her own skills were sharp enough that she had managed to ascertain their contents without detection. The most potent was the Creation Elixir from the Canghai Sword Sect, said to revive the dead and mend bone, truly miraculous, yet they only possessed a single pill.

The Creation Elixir was astonishing, capable of bringing the dead back to life, but it was not so bizarre as to heal severe injuries overnight. She shook her head; could this truly be a divine ability? She had heard much about Buddhist supernatural powers but had never witnessed them firsthand. People spoke of them in exaggerated terms, but she remained skeptical.

As she was pondering, Ji Wuming’s gruff voice reached her ear: "The General is coming..."

She quickly composed herself and stepped forward. General Hua’s eyes flashed with sharp light, and his entire being exuded an oppressive aura, vastly different from his usual demeanor. By the time General Hua approached her, he had already reined in his spirit, returning to his scholarly grace.

He smiled. "Miss Jiang, what business do you have seeking me out?"

Jiang Yuyan made a curtsy. "The life-saving grace of the General is something this humble girl will never forget!"

General Hua waved his hand. "A small effort. No need for such ceremony. Please come with us. Once we reach the Capital, those people may be more restrained."

The Capital was home to hidden experts, numerous and all under the control of the Imperial Palace guards. As a General, he would also have Imperial Palace experts accompanying him, and he would no longer fear the people from the Southern Jiang family.

Jiang Yuyan hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

General Hua smiled. "Whatever you need to say, feel free."

Jiang Yuyan looked at him, a trace of shyness on her face. "General, this humble girl has a favor to ask..."

"Tell me," General Hua said with a gentle smile.

Though not stunningly beautiful, her elegance was accented by a dash of spirit, possessing a fresh and moving temperament.

Jiang Yuyan continued, "Since childhood, I have devoted myself to Buddhist teachings. I have heard that Master Mingkong is a highly virtuous monk. I wish to sit at Master Mingkong’s feet to listen to his guidance, willing to serve tea and sweep floors without complaint!"

"Hmm..." General Hua raised an eyebrow, looking at her in surprise.

Jiang Yuyan lowered her gaze demurely and said softly, "The General is a man engaged in great affairs; how could this humble girl disturb you with mundane matters... I only hope the General will grant my wish..."

General Hua paused, swept a glance over her, understood her apprehension, and laughed, shaking his head. He realized she feared he might covet her beauty, which was why she wished to stay near the Master—first, because the Master was a monk, and second, his high martial arts skills would ensure her safety. This Miss Jiang was truly a formidable character!

He laughed. "Very well. The Master’s side is indeed lacking a servant. Having you there will give me peace of mind..."

"Regarding the Master's side..." Jiang Yuyan showed a trace of shame.

General Hua laughed. "Leave that to me. This time, I must persuade the Master to agree!"

He had tried several times to send people to attend to Li Muzhan's daily needs, but Li Muzhan had refused every offer, so he had dropped the matter. Li Muzhan remained by his side almost constantly, so his own subordinates naturally served him, making sending additional help seem unnecessary. He thought to himself now that once they reached the Capital, they would have to separate, so offering the Master a helper would be ideal. Although this Jiang Shiniang was complicated and possessed considerable stratagem, the Master held wisdom in his grasp, so there was no need for concern.

"Thank you, General!" Jiang Yuyan murmured.

General Hua smiled. "The Master is a rare, virtuous monk. To be able to remain by his side and constantly receive his teachings is an immeasurable fortune. I hope you cherish it!"

His words were heavy with meaning, his gaze seeming to probe the depths of her heart.

"Yes, this humble girl understands." Jiang Yuyan caught the warning woven into his speech.

"Miss, feel free to walk around a bit. I will go speak with the Master." General Hua waved his hand and strode away.

He pushed open the door and laughed heartily. "Master, have you gained any enlightenment?"

Li Muzhan had already told him he wished to meditate on these Buddhist statues, sensing a profound subtlety within them, that they were far from simple.

Li Muzhan was seated cross-legged, his back to the door. Hearing the voice, he did not turn around, merely shaking his head while staring at the statues.

"What subtlety is there, exactly? I cannot seem to sense it..." General Hua walked up beside him and pulled up a low wooden stool to sit down.

Li Muzhan smiled. "It is merely a hunch."

General Hua laughed lightly. "No rush, no rush. We will stay here another day, and you can meditate slowly."

PS: I was halfway through writing yesterday and felt unsatisfied. I'll see if I can post another update today as compensation.