BU Li Muzhan paid his respects to Lan Chun and, instead of returning to his own courtyard, proceeded to Mei Ruolan’s residence. It was noon, the sunlight bright, and in the quiet courtyard fragrant with plum blossoms, Mei Ruolan was deeply sunk into a reclining chair, covered with a blanket, basking in the sun, yet her face was pale, utterly devoid of color.

She was clad in a light violet silk dress, appearing fragile and utterly captivating. Xiao Yuan, in a light pink outfit, and Gong Qingyun, in snow white, sat beside Mei Ruolan, quietly speaking with her in soft tones.

“Miss, are you feeling any better? Are you sleepy?

Should we go back to bed?” Xiao Yuan asked. Her face was etched with worry as she looked at Mei Ruolan’s complexion, wishing she could take the suffering upon herself.

Mei Ruolan smiled faintly, “Xiao Yuan, don't make such a fuss. I am fine.

It’s good to catch some sun; I don’t want to stay on the couch.” “Alright…” Xiao Yuan nodded helplessly and sighed, “When will this injury of yours heal? That fellow Zhanran still hasn't returned!” Mei Ruolan shook her head and smiled faintly, “Zhanran coming back won’t solve it.

This injury was caused by that person’s internal energy; it cannot be cured by medicine or mere skill.” “Zhanran’s internal energy is formidable. Perhaps he can dispel it,” Xiao Yuan suggested.

Gong Qingyun inclined her head gently, “Indeed, Senior Sister. He possesses some strange abilities; he can certainly help Miss.” “He is very busy right now.

Don’t disturb him. My injury is not urgent,” Mei Ruolan smiled.

Xiao Yuan huffed, “When Zhanran returns, I will definitely have him avenge you, Miss!” “Sigh…” It was time for revenge; Senior Brother Lu and the others died too meaninglessly!” Mei Ruolan sighed. Gong Qingyun said, “Senior Sister, try to accept it.” Mei Ruolan nodded slightly, “Wandering the martial world is by no means all fun.

Xiao Yuan, you are forbidden to leave the mountain!” Xiao Yuan stuck out her tongue and fell silent. Gong Qingyun glanced at her and shook her head.

When Senior Sister had descended the mountain previously, Xiao Yuan had persistently begged and pleaded to go along. She loved excitement above all else.

Thankfully, Senior Sister was resolute in her decisions; no one could sway her. No matter how Xiao Yuan persisted, she held firm and ultimately refused, which had left Xiao Yuan quite vexed.

Now, looking back, Senior Sister’s judgment was impeccable. If Xiao Yuan had truly gone down the mountain this time, she likely would not have survived.

She might have returned only to cause Zhanran great sorrow. Mei Ruolan sighed, “Don’t think that just because we are from the Canghai Sword Sect, no one dares provoke us.

On the contrary, it’s more dangerous. Once we are provoked, the enemy will surely strike to kill, eliminating all future trouble!” “True.” Gong Qingyun nodded, glancing at Xiao Yuan, “Xiao Yuan, you need to focus more on your training.” “Okay, okay, I was wrong,” Xiao Yuan conceded with resignation.

Mei Ruolan and Gong Qingyun shared a smile of understanding. Xiao Yuan then murmured, “When will Zhanran be back…” “I’m back.” A clear, resonant voice suddenly rang out, and a figure flashed into sight as Li Muzhan appeared before the three women.

His monastic robes billowed around him, and a smile played on his lips. … Xiao Yuan rushed forward, clinging to his arm and shaking it vigorously, “Zhanran, why did you take so long to return!” Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Sister Mei, Junior Sister Gong, how have you been recently?…” “Hmph, how could we be well?

Miss is injured, and there seems to be no way to heal her. Quickly take a look!” Xiao Yuan interjected with a slight pout.

Li Muzhan walked up to Mei Ruolan and reached out to take her delicate wrist. Mei Ruolan smiled, her eyes growing deeper and hazier, “Zhanran, it seems you’ve made further progress.” “Yes,” Li Muzhan nodded, his brow furrowing momentarily, “What incredibly potent internal energy!” Within Mei Ruolan’s body resided a stream of internal energy, incomparably pure, searing like a raging flame, fiercely burning her vital energy and spirit.

It was fortunate that Mei Ruolan belonged to the Canghai Sword Sect and had a steady supply of elixirs to combat the flame’s consumption. Anyone else would have been burned alive long ago.

The owner of this internal energy must possess an extraordinary cultivation method, and their martial prowess must be astounding. “Zhanran, can you cure her?” Xiao Yuan asked, her bright eyes wide with anticipation.

Li Muzhan said, “Let me try. Senior Sister, let’s go inside!” “Good.” Mei Ruolan smiled.

Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun busied themselves lifting the recliner and carrying it indoors, placing Mei Ruolan onto the couch. Li Muzhan slipped off his shoes and sat cross-legged behind her on the couch, pressing his palm against her back.

Mei Ruolan also settled into a cross-legged posture, slightly closing her eyelids to begin regulating her breath. Li Muzhan’s monastic robes slowly swelled outward, and the blanket and silk quilt on the couch were pushed away by an invisible force, landing softly, caught by Gong Qingyun.

Gong Qingyun and Xiao Yuan’s garments fluttered as if caught in a strong wind; both had to circulate their internal energy to resist, secretly marveling at the sheer strength of Li Muzhan’s power. They ceased circulating their energy and focused on Mei Ruolan.

Her face turned flushed, and wisps of white vapor began rising from the top of her head. The room seemed to instantly become a degree warmer.

Had the two women not been so acutely sensitive, they would have missed these minute changes. Li Muzhan’s robes billowed even more fiercely, and his palms became glowing red, like pieces of red jade.

A moment later, Mei Ruolan’s complexion returned to a healthy flush, her breathing even and long. Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his palms; both hands remained fiery red like jade.

“How is it?” Xiao Yuan quickly asked. Li Muzhan opened his eyes and nodded, “No serious harm done.” “Zhanran, you truly are the best!” Xiao Yuan beamed, examining Mei Ruolan, “Miss, I told you, we needed Zhanran!” Mei Ruolan smiled, “Zhanran, are you alright?” Li Muzhan shook his head, “I’m fine, Senior Sister.

I need to study this person’s internal energy.” “Do it here, then,” Mei Ruolan suggested. Li Muzhan nodded.

The three women then left, leaving him alone in the room. Li Muzhan closed his eyes, settled his breathing, and began his inner contemplation, studying the foreign energy.

It was enveloped within the Laogong points of his palms, like two balls of flame, ceaselessly burning with tremendous power. Li Muzhan’s internal energy was profound and inexhaustible; he did not fear it.

For anyone else, maintaining such a state would require continuous cultivation to replenish their energy, but the speed at which ordinary people cultivate internal energy is far slower than the rate at which this fire consumed it. What was even more terrifying was that while burning, these forces continuously strengthened themselves.

This was more potent than simple absorption. By burning the internal energy, it purged impurities, leaving only the purest essence to fortify itself.

The nature of such internal energy suggested the terrifying power of its owner. A person cultivating such energy was akin to the Draining Star Technique he had seen in later ages, yet more fearsome.

The Draining Star Technique had limitations due to impure internal energy; this method had no such restriction. Its absorption speed might be slower than the Draining Star Technique, but it had no inherent drawbacks.

No wonder even the formidable Senior Sister was defeated. The rate of internal energy growth through this technique surpassed normal cultivation by a hundredfold, and the energy was exceedingly pure.

Such an individual was truly terrifying. Fortunately, his own internal energy was also of the highest purity.

Since the formation of the sarira, his energy had become even more refined, almost tangible. He used his energy to form a blade and entered the Laogong points to divide the flames.

He separated a small piece, like a tiny flicker of fire, so faint it seemed on the verge of extinguishing, and then used his own internal energy to weave threads around this tiny flame. Through these internal energy threads, he felt and analyzed the flame, attempting to deduce the circulation of its cultivation method.

However, achieving this was exceptionally difficult. He attempted the deduction for a while, then shook his head and gave up.

This approach was indeed too arduous, and even if he succeeded, the effort expended was not worth the result. He reconsidered, seeking a true countermeasure for this type of internal energy.

Everything in existence has its counterpart; where there is Yin, there must be Yang. This technique was supremely hard and fiercely Yang; the only way to subdue it was with the most absolute Yin.

He contemplated, and the Canghai Divine Art seemed suitable for a test. The Canghai Divine Art practiced by the members of the Canghai Sword Sect might not suffice, but his own version, now perfected, could counter this internal energy.

Thus, he activated the Canghai Divine Art cultivation method… A stream of internal energy, gurgling like water, drilled into his right Laogong point. A hissing sound reached his ears, like water poured onto charcoal.

The flame instantly extinguished. His internal energy reserves might not equal the opponent’s, but the purity of his energy held a slight edge—the existence of the sarira indeed brought unique benefits.

…………………… His right hand returned to normal, but his left remained like red jade. He kept this residual surge of energy to aid in tracking down that person later; with this trace, coupled with his intuition, finding the individual would not be difficult.

Wen Yinyue’s injury was severe, but different from Mei Ruolan’s. Hers was a sword thrust to the chest.

While the Creation Pill was effective at regenerating flesh and bone, it could not instantly seal the wound. Li Muzhan wished to descend the mountain alone immediately to find that person and avenge his junior brothers, but Abbess Zhuzhao stopped him.

She was worried about him; that person’s martial arts were too strong, and it was best if he went with Wen Yinyue. Wen Yinyue was no match for that person, but escaping should not be difficult.

If she hadn't been burdened by Lu Jingren and the others previously, she could have retreated with composure. Even after being severely wounded, she still managed to pull Mei Ruolan away to safety.

Li Muzhan considered it and agreed. The next morning, the sunlight was bright.

On the practice field outside the Wuji Hall, Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue stood on a high platform, looking down at the inner disciples training, shaking his head inwardly. They were dispirited, as if their vital energy had been drained, like eggplants frosted by winter.

Their movements were soft and weak. Even the four elite disciples from the North Court were the same—silent, distracted, and listless.

In this state, practicing was worse than not practicing. Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly and spoke a few low words to Wen Yinyue.

Wen Yinyue nodded, slowly descended the high platform, and quietly departed. Li Muzhan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing down at the crowd.

His eyes brightened, sweeping over the disciples like a blade. The disciples instinctively shivered, as if doused with cold water, snapping instantly awake.

The appearance of Li Muzhan surprised the inner disciples, yet simultaneously uplifted them. Most inner disciples had witnessed Li Muzhan display his terrifying might previously, turning the entire Canghai Mountain upside down, unstoppable by anyone.

They secretly called him the strongest master of the Canghai Sword Sect. In this moment of widespread anxiety, his presence served as a strong reassurance to all the inner disciples.

An hour later, as the disciples were about to finish their practice, Abbess Zhuzhao, Abbess Zhumei, and Li Zhuyue appeared on the training field, ascending the high platform to stand before Li Muzhan. Wen Yinyue was also among them.

The crowd instantly quieted down. Such an assembly was rare.

Usually, only the elite disciples offered guidance, and Abbesses Zhuzhao and Zhumei, along with Li Zhuyue, only instructed specific individuals privately; they rarely appeared on the main practice field. Abbess Zhuzhao approached Li Muzhan gracefully, “Zhanran, we heard you have mastered the Canghai Divine Sword.

Your Martial Uncle and Martial Second Uncle doubt it and wish to verify the truth.” Her voice was not loud, but it carried clearly to everyone’s ears, causing the people’s spirits to lift. A refined young woman emerged from the crowd, dressed in a light green silk robe, cupped her fists, and looked up, “Sect Elder Martial Aunt, allow me to challenge Junior Brother’s Canghai Divine Sword.” Abbess Zhuzhao turned toward her and smiled, “Jingying, your challenge is most appropriate.” “The Canghai Divine Sword…” The inner disciples murmured amongst themselves.

The Canghai Divine Sword was the foundational ultimate skill of the Canghai Sword Sect, lost to time. To think that Senior Brother Zhanran had actually mastered it—they watched with wide eyes, intensely curious.

“Senior Sister Xu, please!” Li Muzhan stepped forward a few paces, retracted his left hand into his sleeve, and gestured with his right. Xu Jingying floated onto the high platform, slowly drew her long sword, and pointed it toward Li Muzhan.

(To be continued)