The night was like water, and he sat alone on the couch... Looking back internally, his Neili flowed mightily, and within it was a stream of Neili that resembled a mass of quicksilver, which, though battered by the vast Neili, remained condensed and unbroken.

This mass of Neili exuded an icy aura; the surging Neili could not dispel the chill, which pierced the marrow of his bones. From his body to the depths of his heart, and then to his mind, his essence, energy, and spirit all sensed the cold.

He discarded distracting thoughts, pushed aside the sensation of cold, and focused entirely on the Neili, intending to refine this mass of cold energy. However, the Canghai Shen Gong, pure as mercury, was powerless against it.

As he refined it, he pondered the techniques he had learned, seeking a path to refinement. Finally, he recalled the Jiu Yao Xin Fa; among all techniques, this one was the most overbearing, the most rigidly yang.

It had rendered great service when confronting Xin Jue at Luotuo Temple, but later, as his cultivation advanced, the power of the Tianyuan Tuna Shu gradually became apparent, and the Jiu Yao Xin Jing was shelved.

The Canghai Shen Gong balances yin and yang; extreme yin generates yang, and extreme yang generates yin, allowing for mutual transformation. But its yang was not overbearing enough; it retained the softness of water, being bright and well-rounded.

The Jiu Yao Xin Fa, conversely, was fierce and overbearing, lacking roundness, too extreme. In this current situation, however, it was perfectly suited—like a wise general versus a fierce general. Normally, the wise general is best, but in specific circumstances, the fierce general is more useful.

……………………

No sooner thought than done, he began circulating the Jiu Yao Xin Fa.

As the technique turned, the Neili transformed rapidly. Previously like quicksilver, it now became magma. Fortunately, the Jinyue Buhuai Shen Gong protected his body, as the alternation of extreme cold and heat was highly damaging to his meridians.

Under the Jiu Yao Xin Fa... this mass of Neili rapidly melted, dissipating in the blink of an eye. The scorching Neili became warm, gentle, and solid.

He shifted the technique again, reverting to the Canghai Shen Gong, and noticed the change in the Neili. The previously colorless Neili was now coated with a layer of silver light.

This silver light was almost imperceptible; if his spirit were not strong and his internal vision perfectly clear, it would be difficult to detect, being so sparse as to be virtually nonexistent.

He suddenly experienced a strange sensation: as this minuscule silver light seeped in, the Neili abruptly felt heavier and more substantial, as if it had gained weight, becoming more real.

Not only did it become heavier and more substantial, but it also grew firmer.

This strange feeling defied easy description, yet it existed vividly and clearly. He lightly struck out a palm, and with a dull thud, a palm print appeared on the wall.

The Eye of the Void ignored the darkness; the room was pitch black, yet he could see the palm print clearly, and delight filled his heart. With a slight movement of his fingers, a stream of finger force shot out with a hiss... he felt his fingers dip slightly.

When executing the Canghai Shen Jian, it gained a greater sense of reality... as if an ordinary bright steel sword had transformed into a heavy Xuan Tie blade; the feeling of weight was distinct.

With a thought, he instantly retracted the finger force; it circulated freely, as agile as a snake.

The Canghai Shen Ke (Divine Engraving) and the Canghai Shen Zhi (Divine Finger) were drastically different. The latter was a single projectile of finger force, unable to be recalled after release. The former, however, was like a modern laser sword; the finger force remained condensed and unbroken, completely defying common sense and surpassing worldly imagination, possessing an almost miraculous quality.

It was no wonder that Canghai Shan had been invincible throughout the martial world relying on this sword technique.

……………………

Li Muzhan, however, felt no sense of invincibility. He believed that Canghai Shan’s dominance stemmed from sheer luck—a time when martial arts masters were scarce, and in a land without tigers, the monkey reigned supreme.

Even having mastered this sword technique, he could not claim to be unbeatable in the world.

The Canghai Shen Jian, compared to ordinary sword techniques, merely had a wider range of attack, was formless and colorless, and exceptionally sharp. But against supreme masters, these advantages counted for little.

Such masters possessed acute senses, observing all directions and listening everywhere; even blindfolded, they could sense the approach of sword light. Though they couldn't see the sword energy, they could certainly feel it.

Those supreme masters, provided their Neili far surpassed Li Muzhan’s and they were equipped with a fine sword, would not be overly disadvantaged against the Canghai Shen Jian.

Thus, the crucial factor remained the level of cultivation.

Of course, if their power level was comparable to Li Muzhan’s, they would surely suffer against the Canghai Shen Jian; to surpass Li Muzhan, one needed Neili that was several measures deeper.

Although Li Muzhan’s Neili was deep, he understood that countless individuals in the current world possessed profound internal power; his technique was strange, but others were not lacking either.

His ambition was to be number one under heaven, yet he was still far from Nan Gong En Dao.

Thinking of this ambition, his spirits immediately soared. He redoubled his efforts, re-entering meditation. Bright light flared before his eyes. As time passed, the light faded, transforming into vast darkness. Time continued to flow within that darkness. After an unknown duration, the Tian Gang Big Dipper stars appeared, six of which dimmed, igniting the Tian Shu star.

A single point of starlight descended from the Tian Shu star, pouring into his Baihui and surging into his Dantian. Then, the seven Tian Gang Big Dipper stars vanished, and he awoke from his meditation.

He urged his Neili to circulate again. Driven by the Jiu Yao Xin Fa, the Neili was scorching like magma, quickly refining this cluster of starlight, causing the Neili to become heavy and firm once more.

He reveled in the process. When he next summoned starlight to refine, he squinted to look—the day was already bright, and his stomach rumbled.

Li Muzhan had no choice but to suppress his reluctance, rise from the couch, leave the small courtyard, and look up at the sun, which was halfway up the sky.

At this hour, breakfast was long over, and the midday meal had not yet begun; the dining hall would be empty. Going there would be pointless. After a moment's thought, he strolled toward Mei Ruolan’s small courtyard.

Mei Ruolan’s courtyard was a sea of plum blossoms, emitting a faint, pervasive fragrance—it was the season for them to bloom.

In a small clearing among the plum trees, Mei Ruolan, Gong Qingyun, and Xiao Yuan were all practicing martial arts.

Mei Ruolan wore a light purple silk robe, her complexion ruddy, her eyes slightly hazy yet sparkling like gems. Gong Qingyun was clad in immaculate snow-white silk, appearing untouched by the mortal world... currently wielding her sword like falling snow.

Xiao Yuan wore a pink silk robe, grinning broadly, her face alight with joy.

Xiao Yuan formed a sword seal with both hands, pointing first with her left finger and then her right, wrinkling her face in a triumphant smile: "Miss, Senior Sister Gong, Zhan Ran has finally made a name for himself—the number one master of Canghai Mountain!"

Mei Ruolan smiled and shook her head: "It’s not to be taken seriously. We have many masters on Canghai Mountain who remain hidden in the back mountains."

"I know, are they like Great-Uncle and the others?" Xiao Yuan asked.

Mei Ruolan replied: "Yes. Besides Great-Uncle and them, there is a group of elders, all women, who are even more mysterious and never involve themselves in worldly affairs."

"I know! They only came out when Zhan Ran caused a ruckus at Wuji Hall back then!" Xiao Yuan pouted.

Those two seniors from back then were also defeated by Li Muzhan, which made her dismissive.

Mei Ruolan shook her head: "Never underestimate those seniors. That was Zhan Ran in a frenzy. If you fought those seniors, you wouldn't be able to block a single move!"

"What technique was Zhan Ran practicing back then?" Xiao Yuan asked.

Mei Ruolan said: "He must have abandoned that technique. It leads to qi deviation (zou huo ru mo); no matter how powerful it is, it cannot be practiced. He knows what’s important."

Gong Qingyun had been listening without speaking, her sword light like a silver thread, condensing into a dense, impenetrable barrier of silver light surrounding her.

Clang... came a crisp sound as her long sword suddenly vibrated.

She slightly raised her delicate eyebrows, her expression solemn. As the sword light receded and then brightened again, it transformed into a silver radiance enveloping her, like a circular light screen protecting her center.

Clang... came another sharp sound. Her long sword vibrated again, and the sword light immediately dimmed, appearing on the verge of being scattered by impact.

"Zhan Ran!" Xiao Yuan cried out sharply.

Li Muzhan walked slowly from the path winding between the plum trees... his grey robe billowing. He extended his right index finger and shot out a stream of finger force from two zhang away. Gong Qingyun finally could not hold onto her sword.

The long sword flew backward. Mei Ruolan suddenly flicked her silk sleeve with a graceful movement.

The long sword slowed, then shifted direction, floating gently back into Gong Qingyun’s left hand.

The moment the sword left her grasp, Gong Qingyun felt as if struck by lightning, immobilized, able only to watch her sword fly away, her anxiety useless.

Fortunately, this numbing sensation lasted only an instant; she had recovered by the time the sword returned.

"Fine, Zhan Ran, you arrive and immediately put us in our place!" Xiao Yuan rushed over, vigorously shaking Li Muzhan’s left arm, playfully complaining.

Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head: "I wanted to observe Junior Sister Gong's swordsmanship."

"Hmph, Senior Sister Gong’s swordsmanship has improved the fastest, she practices the best, even the Sect Leader praised her!" Xiao Yuan pouted.

Li Muzhan nodded: "Senior Sister Gong's swordsmanship is indeed exquisite."

Gong Qingyun shook her head, returned her sword to its sheath, and took the opportunity to give him a sidelong glance. Her pale, melon-seed face immediately radiated a captivating allure, cold as frost yet charming.

Li Muzhan’s heart stirred.

He smiled bitterly to himself. Since his intimate encounter with Su Yunyun, breaking his vow of abstinence, his perception of beauty had grown sharper and more intense, feeling as if a dam were about to collapse.

Fortunately, his self-control remained; though easily moved, he could still rein in his heart.

…………

"Xiao Yuan, I'm hungry. Prepare something to eat." Li Muzhan said.

Xiao Yuan smiled: "You haven't eaten in three days, have you?"

"Three days?" Li Muzhan asked, surprised.

Xiao Yuan nodded: "Yes. You haven't come out for three days. Miss said you were cultivating inside and shouldn't be disturbed. Were you really cultivating, or just sleeping in?"

Li Muzhan laughed: "I’m not like you; I can’t sleep in that long!"

"I can't sleep that long either," Xiao Yuan replied, her face flushing, secretly glancing at Mei Ruolan.

Mei Ruolan pursed her lips and smiled without speaking, allowing Xiao Yuan a moment of relief.

"Hurry up and go!" Mei Ruolan smiled.

"Alright, alright, I'm going right away!" Xiao Yuan bustled away in a flash.

Seeing her demeanor, Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled. Xiao Yuan had already reached the moon gate, turned her head at the sound of his laughter to glare fiercely at him, then ran off again.

Mei Ruolan returned her sword to its sheath and lightly wiped her forehead with a silk scarf, her movements elegant. She was like an orchid, emanating a pure, refined, and graceful aura.

"Senior Sister Mei, has your injury healed?" Li Muzhan asked, sitting on a nearby swing.

Mei Ruolan smiled: "It's fine now. When are you descending the mountain?"

"I have to wait for Senior Sister Wen." Li Muzhan replied.

Mei Ruolan cautioned: "Be careful. This time the enemy is highly skilled, cunning, and ruthless!"

Li Muzhan smiled: "I was hoping to test their skills. Senior Sister, has your Canghai Shen Gong reached the fifth level?"

"Yes, I just entered the fifth layer," Mei Ruolan nodded, smiling: "Thanks to your painting, I've gained much insight, and Qingyun and Xiao Yuan have benefited greatly too."

Li Muzhan smiled: "Fifth layer! Senior Sister, you are amazing!"

He turned to Gong Qingyun: "Junior Sister Gong, have you also reached the fifth layer?"

Gong Qingyun nodded slightly and gave a faint smile. Li Muzhan showed an expression of approval, and Gong Qingyun’s fair, oval face instantly blushed, causing her to turn her head away, seemingly shy.

Li Muzhan was secretly puzzled. He hadn't used the Mind-Reading Art (Ta Xin Tong); he never used it on friends. If he used it on friends, life would be too dull.

Mei Ruolan, with her extraordinary wisdom and supreme talent, reaching the fifth layer was already remarkable. Gong Qingyun’s aptitude was slightly inferior, yet she also reached the fifth layer—truly astonishing.

However, the Canghai Shen Gong placed the greatest emphasis on realm; good comprehension was vital. Without it, one could practice a lifetime and only reach the third layer at most.

The third layer was the watershed for the Canghai Shen Gong; breaking through depended entirely on comprehension, not force. Zhong Bixuan, despite his formidable aptitude, was stuck at the third layer for a long time.

Gong Qingyun’s rapid progress to the fifth layer was due to her intense obsession with his paintings. After he finished painting, Li Muzhan left Canghai Mountain.

Gong Qingyun's longing for him grew deeper and became irrepressible. Seeing the objects reminded her of him, so she frequently visited the dining hall to gaze at Li Muzhan’s paintings, using the art to convey her yearning.

Every time she looked at one of Li Muzhan’s paintings, she seemed to see Li Muzhan, feeling as if she could enter his heart through these works.

She would stare at the paintings for a while almost every day, utterly engrossed and intoxicated, unable to extricate herself. Although Xiao Yuan and Mei Ruolan missed Li Muzhan, they found other ways to express their longing; they often visited Li Muzhan’s small courtyard to absorb his presence.

Gong Qingyun secretly rejoiced, keeping it a secret from the other two. She felt Li Muzhan’s aura when viewing his paintings, which was no less potent than visiting his courtyard.

Unconsciously, she felt as if she had walked into the painting, merging with the state of mind Li Muzhan possessed while creating it, causing her comprehension of the Canghai Shen Gong to advance by leaps and bounds.

She had always focused on sword technique cultivation and hadn't been overly demanding of the Canghai Shen Gong, yet her progress was astonishingly fast, matching Mei Ruolan.

Mei Ruolan’s high aptitude was rare among Canghai Mountain disciples; it was said that apart from Senior Sister Wen Yinyue, no one could surpass her, and her Canghai Shen Gong progress was the swiftest.

Gong Qingyun managing to catch up to Mei Ruolan was truly astounding.

"Xiao Yuan has reached the fourth layer?" Li Muzhan glanced at Gong Qingyun, finding her beautiful and moving, but dared not look too long—her thin skin might incite her anger.

"Yes, she likes to be lazy," Mei Ruolan nodded.

Li Muzhan said: "Fourth layer, that's already quite good."

"That is true," Mei Ruolan nodded. After all, Xiao Yuan started later; reaching the fourth layer, on par with the other elite disciples, was not shameful.

The two conversed intermittently, like an old married couple. They had shared an intimate moment in Tianlong City where they almost crossed the final threshold; thinking back now felt like a dream.

Li Muzhan had expected awkwardness, but everything felt natural. Upon reaching Canghai Mountain, things reverted to normal, and they only felt closer, with no sense of awkwardness.

Time passed quickly. Soon, Xiao Yuan brought over a purple wooden tray holding two dishes, a bowl of soup, and two scallion pancakes.

A gust of wind blew, mingling the faint scent of plum blossoms with wafts of cooking aroma. Li Muzhan’s stomach rumbled, causing Mei Ruolan and Gong Qingyun to purse their lips and smile.

"Zhan Ran, food is here!" Xiao Yuan said proudly, balancing the wooden tray as she walked gracefully into the nearby pavilion, her steps swaying like willow branches.

Li Muzhan entered with the two women and sat down to eat. They had already finished their meals and watched him eat, chatting with him.

While eating, Li Muzhan remarked: "My painting can, at most, lead to comprehension up to the fifth layer. You don't need to look at it excessively anymore."

"Then you plan to paint another one?" Mei Ruolan asked.

She sat opposite Li Muzhan, Gong Qingyun beside her, and Xiao Yuan nestled close to Li Muzhan, occasionally wiping the corner of his mouth with a silk scarf.

Mei Ruolan and Gong Qingyun were accustomed to such intimacy.

Li Muzhan sipped his soup and shook his head: "No. Realms above the fifth layer cannot be casually disclosed; I plan to transmit them personally."

"How will you transmit them?" Mei Ruolan asked.

Li Muzhan smiled: "Using the Buddhist Guan Ding (Empowerment/Anointing)."

"Ah, that method is good, but it tires you too much!" Mei Ruolan frowned slightly.

The Guan Ding method could only be performed by eminent Buddhist monks; it involved transmitting one's intent to the other party. Without powerful willpower, it was nearly impossible to achieve. Li Muzhan, being an eminent monk, could manage it, but Guan Ding was arduous—transmitting one's essence, energy, and spirit to another was akin to a life-and-death battle.

Li Muzhan smiled: "If Canghai Mountain can be revitalized, it's fine if I exert myself more."

"Have you discussed this with the Sect Master Martial Uncle?" Mei Ruolan inquired.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "I intend to present this as a fait accompli!"

"You..." Mei Ruolan shook her head but didn't press further, knowing that once he decided on something, no persuasion would work, and moreover, he had always been wise and never made mistakes.

He chewed slowly but ate quickly, finishing everything soon after, and then began the Guan Ding for the three women.

Since forming the Sarira, his spiritual power had become more condensed. It seemed unchanged outwardly, but a qualitative transformation had occurred. This time, when empowering the three women, Li Muzhan distinctly felt something different.

Previously, each Guan Ding session felt like having his essence, energy, and spirit drained, leaving him weak and in intense pain for a while. This time was different; he only felt slightly fatigued.

He completed the Guan Ding for the three women in one go, then meditated to regulate his breath. In just half a day, by dusk, he was vigorous and energetic once more.

In the twilight, he sat on a long bench beneath the plum trees, his eyes slightly narrowed, watching the three women practice their forms opposite him. Their movements were fluid, their bearing graceful, like a sword dance.

He sighed deeply to himself; watching them practice was a supreme enjoyment. The Nine Swords of Canghai manifested differently through them.

Mei Ruolan's swordplay was expansive and poised, steady and composed, blending conventional and novel styles. Gong Qingyun’s swordplay was ethereal and sharp, like mist or light... Xiao Yuan’s swordplay was soft, yet contained hidden sharpness.

Each style possessed a unique grace, all beautiful. Their sword techniques were taught by Senior Sister Wen Yinyue, whose comprehension of swordsmanship surpassed his own by several measures—teaching according to aptitude, a true master's demeanor.

As he was watching with half-closed eyes, a sharp call suddenly reached his ears: "Zhan Ran, hurry to Wuji Hall!"

He looked up and surveyed his surroundings; there was no movement. The three women were intently practicing their swords, and no one else was present. He closed his eyes, activated the Eye of the Void, and saw Wuji Hall.

His expression shifted slightly. He stood up and said with a smile: "Senior Sister Mei, Junior Sister Gong, Xiao Yuan, please continue your practice. I won't disturb you; I must return now!"

Before the three women could react, he flashed away and vanished from the small courtyard.

The three women stopped their practice and exchanged glances, all feeling curious. His movements retained their composure and steadiness, but they knew him well enough to realize he was acting with a degree of urgency.