Encountering these two elders this time, if it weren't for the Xuexiang San, he would have been utterly helpless.

Li Muzhan deeply felt his own inadequacy. He couldn't even handle the Nanjiang family, so trying to run wild in Dongchu was out of the question—he would certainly end up bloodied, perhaps even losing his life.

Rather than face that, he might as well risk everything. He burst through his restraint, focusing his entire being on the second layer of the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture. This time, it was the true second layer, possessing infinite power.

His internal energy instantly doubled, his energy shield thickened, and it erupted from his body.

His vital energy surged, like a vast river, and he couldn't suppress a long, exhilarating roar that seemed to declare himself sovereign over heaven and earth.

His mental fortitude was deep, however, and he quickly regained composure, drawing his power back and ceasing the shout.

………………

He drifted lightly to the ground and turned to look at the assembled group.

“Master, congratulations!” Jiang Yuyan said with a joyous smile.

She was like a blade of grass, and Li Muzhan a great tree; the stronger Li Muzhan’s martial arts became, the safer she was.

Li Muzhan nodded, smiling slightly. “I have troubled Madam.”

Feng Qianxi chuckled. “It’s nothing. It seems Master’s skills have greatly advanced. A cause for joy.”

Though she practiced no martial arts herself, through constant exposure, her insight was not shallow.

Zhou and Yao also offered their thanks, gazing at Li Muzhan with admiration. The two now truly believed that the awkward, strange set of martial arts he had just displayed was indeed a profound and mysterious skill.

Jiang Yuyan asked, “Master, with your great advancement in skill, can the Xuexiang San finally be cured?”

Li Muzhan shook his head. “No. This poison is truly strange; I still must make a trip to Dongchu. Let us depart now and return early…”

“Good,” Jiang Yuyan replied.

The group immediately packed their belongings and left the small town. Disregarding the deep, soft snow, they followed the official road south, heading straight for the capital city.

The journey was remarkably peaceful. It seemed the Nanjiang family had truly quieted down; no one came to pursue or cause trouble. They maintained an extremely rapid pace.

Zhou and Yao drove the carriage while Jiang Yuyan and the other two women sat inside. Li Muzhan rode his steed, Chiying, beside the carriage, his eyes perpetually closed, appearing to be dozing.

He was cultivating, simultaneously assisting Chiying in her training, and studying the changes within his own body.

After the doubling of his internal energy, the most obvious change was the thickening of the energy shield—it was now twice as dense as before—and his meridians had widened, also doubling in size.

This was the brilliance of the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture; it didn't just increase internal power but also altered the meridians. Otherwise, possessing deep internal energy without the means to utilize it would merely result in greater endurance.

The Jinquebuyizhen Divine Art had also changed, its muscle refining nearing completion. If he could bring it to full fruition, his strength would surely increase further, truly becoming inexhaustible.

Increased strength meant improved martial arts—a different path leading to the same destination as the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture.

Other than that, there were no further changes. The Heart Pearl remained unchanged. To gain another, he would have to succeed with the eighteen hand seals.

But mastering the hand seals required the increase of another Heart Pearl, creating a deadlock dependent entirely on luck. Li Muzhan’s luck had been poor recently, and his progress had been minimal.

He circulated his internal energy the entire day, striving for absolute control, where intent led the energy flow seamlessly.

They traveled ceaselessly for five days before finally returning to the capital and arriving at General Ming’s residence. Following this, Li Muzhan set out once more.

This time, Jiang Yuyan did not accompany him; she stayed behind to care for her mother. Having witnessed Li Muzhan’s martial capabilities, Jiang Yuyan understood that she would only be a hindrance, and it was better for her to remain steadfastly at home.

With the prestige of General Ming’s estate and the presence of the two experts, Zhou and Yao, the Nanjiang family dared not act too brazenly, allowing her to remain at ease.

Li Muzhan rode Chiying, moving like a streak of light, reaching Dongchu in two days.

……………………

The sun was setting over Gujiang City in Dongchu, twilight rising like mist and smoke to envelop the ancient city.

Gujiang City resembled a giant beast, resting silently by the river, unmoving, exuding an inexplicable aura under the dusk—ancient and profound.

Gujiang City was old, said to have been founded five hundred years ago by Sheng Gujiang, a military deity of Dongchu. Its walls were colossal and imposing, bearing the bearing of a War God.

Li Muzhan proceeded slowly down the main street of Gujiang City. People milled about in a lively throng.

This street was the main north-south axis, lined with stalls selling everything imaginable: food, entertainment, curios, necessities—whatever one could desire. In terms of prosperity, it far surpassed Tianlong City.

He had never been to the capital and did not know its true splendor, though he presumed it would surpass this place.

Shouts of vendors were incessant, mixed with haggling, laughter, and cursing—a tremendous din. Li Muzhan walked among the crowd, dressed in his jade-colored monk’s robes, his steps measured, his expression serene, slowly turning prayer beads in his left hand—the picture of a high monk.

A gentle breeze stirred, making his robes flutter, adding an air of ethereal grace. Passersby looked over, greatly surprised.

The people of Dongchu differed slightly in appearance from those of Dayuan, resembling later-era Caucasians, with deep-set features, high-bridged noses, and tall frames.

Li Muzhan was of average height, making him seem small within the crowd.

However, although relations between Dongchu and Dayuan were often turbulent, there was civilian exchange. Few Dongchu natives lived in Dayuan, but many Dayuan natives resided in Dongchu.

In terms of affluence, Dayuan lagged several degrees behind Dongchu.

Li Muzhan drew attention not because he was from Dayuan, but because of his exceptional bearing, standing out among the masses like a crane among chickens.

He continued steadily north, his pace unhurried, extremely slow. As he traversed the vast Gujiang City and reached the northern end, night had already descended, shrouding the surroundings in darkness.

He suddenly turned sharply west into a quiet residential area. The residences here were all grand and impressive, clearly beyond the means of common folk.

The avenue was wide yet hushed. Lanterns hung connected along the walls, illuminating the area as brightly as day, their light reflecting off the bluestone pavement.

Treading the mirror-like bluestone path, Li Muzhan walked west. After passing two dozen large estates, he halted before one, raising his gaze to examine it.

……

Four lanterns hung high beneath the eaves on either side, swaying gently in the breeze, lighting up the name plaque inscribed with the delicate characters for “Su Residence,” radiating a hint of captivating charm.

The black lacquered gate emitted a subtle sheen, conveying an air of mystery. The door lacked elaborate decoration, possessing an antique simplicity, with a small wicket door on the right panel.

Li Muzhan observed it for a few moments, recalling the information he had gleaned from the Forbidden Palace. After a short pause, he approached and knocked. The wicket door soon opened, revealing a single eye.

This eye was a brilliant azure, like a clear sky—strikingly beautiful.

A Dayuan native of this era would have been terrified by such a sight, but Li Muzhan, having witnessed numerous modern American films and foreigners in his previous life, was unperturbed.

“What is it?” a crisp voice rang out from within—clearly that of a young woman.

Li Muzhan replied, “Is this the residence of Lady Su? I am Mingkong, here to respectfully seek a discussion with the Lady.”

“The young lady is already asleep. Please return another day,” the girl replied, slamming the door shut with a snap. Her footsteps faded away; she completely ignored him.

Li Muzhan touched his nose, surprised by the reception; his eloquent speech was useless here. After a moment’s thought, he turned and walked away.

A little while later, he returned, holding an ancient brown guqin (zither). It was antique, its luster flowing, clearly no ordinary instrument. He was not short of funds and bought it instantly, spending a considerable sum.

There was a stone mounting block before the gate, used for mounting horses. He sat upon it, placed the zither across his lap, and began to play a piece. The strings resonated with a clear, sharp sound.

His zither skill was mediocre, merely superficial. He had dabbled slightly at the Mei Residence, and what he played now was barely palatable—not unpleasant, but far from masterful.

However, his command over internal energy was exquisite; he imbued the music with it, lending the performance a unique charm, bright and mellow, making it exceptionally pleasing and adding considerable depth.

Earlier, using his ‘Eye of the Sky,’ he had perceived that the entire Su Residence was teeming with hidden masters, potent auras suggesting he stood no chance in a direct confrontation. He had to resort to this clumsy, indirect method to gain proximity.

…………

As far as he knew, this Su Yunyun was a master of the guqin, her skill breathtaking and legendary throughout Gujiang City. She was famous across the entire Dongchu region, known simply as ‘Lady Su.’

Her appearance was exceptional, described as possessing national beauty, yet her temperament was bizarre—cold and aloof. The only known method to approach her was through the exchange of musical skill.

Only exceptional musical talent offered a chance to glimpse her true face. Normally, she wore a veil of white gauze, obscuring her features.

Many young men practiced their zither skills relentlessly just for a glimpse of Su Yunyun’s countenance, but they rarely succeeded. Musical talent requires innate gift; diligent practice alone has limited returns.

If their skill was insufficient, they never earned an audience, nor were they even granted a meeting.

Most gave up, while only a dedicated few persevered, waiting for the opportunity to astonish her with a sudden display of brilliance that would allow close contact.

Outsiders rarely saw Su Yunyun; she seldom left her residence. Yet, Dongchu had an open culture where women were less restrained and more passionate.

Su Yunyun’s divergence from other women only enhanced her mystery, driving the young men of Gujiang City to distraction.

Li Muzhan’s skill was modest, but believing his broad mindset and refined internal energy might offer a chance to enter the Su Residence, he resolved to try.

The zither music rose steadily, the sound concentrated yet lingering, drifting around him.

Time passed amid the music; a quarter of an hour slipped by.

Just as Li Muzhan was about to give up, footsteps sounded. The small door on the main gate snapped open again, and the girl’s clear voice rang out: “Alright, Monk… The Lady wants to see you. Stop playing, you’re too noisy!”

Li Muzhan was overjoyed. He immediately ceased playing. The main door creaked open, revealing a gap, and a young woman’s face appeared, skin as white as snow.

The girl beckoned. “Monk, hurry inside!”

Li Muzhan smiled and bowed with palms joined. “I thank the young lady.”

“Hmph, less nonsense. Follow closely and don't wander off!” The girl, pretty-faced, gave him an impatient glare and turned away to walk inside.

Li Muzhan smiled, following the girl into the Su Residence.

The girl was slender and tall, nearly his height, with a very narrow waist. As she walked, her waist swayed alluringly, a captivating motion that stirred the spirit.