Li Muzhan flickered a few times, arriving within the Boundless Hall. Inside the Boundless Hall, Abbess Zhuzhao sat cross-legged behind Wen Yinyue, her palms pressed against Wen Yinyue’s back.

Wen Yinyue’s eyes were half-closed, motionless; hot vapor steamed above both their heads. Both their faces were flushed crimson, sweat soaking their robes and revealing alluring curves.

Li Muzhan barely spared a glance before swiftly sitting cross-legged behind Abbess Zhuzhao, pressing his right palm against her back. Threads of internal energy flowed in, and his brow immediately furrowed as he sensed his master's energy was turbulent, violent, hovering on the edge of losing control.

The situation was like trying to tame a runaway warhorse, and his master was visibly nearing exhaustion, about to lose control. He let out a long breath—thankfully, it was timely!

Evidently, his master realized the peril and, using the last of her strength, managed to cast a Secret Sound Transmission to summon him. Only now did he realize that his master's internal energy purity surpassed his own; though perhaps not as deep as his, victory in a direct confrontation would have been uncertain.

Had this happened three days prior, even with the desire to help, he would have been powerless. Her meridians had limited capacity, and his deep internal energy would have been impossible to inject.

Now, it was different. After three days of secluded cultivation, his internal energy was as pure as mercury, allowing him to inject it thread by thread, enough to counteract his master's energy.

Time trickled by. His complexion cycled: flushing red, then recovering, then flushing red again, then turning white, repeating this cycle several times.

He had not expected his master's internal power to become so violently chaotic when disturbed. More critically, his master and senior sister were connected, merged into one unified stream.

He had to sort out both their internal energies simultaneously. In a flash of thought, he deduced the cause: Senior Sister must have suffered a Zou Huo Ru Mo (Qi deviation), and Master, seeing the danger, tried to save her, consequently entangling herself.

Senior Sister was already superior to her master in attainment; Master attempting a rescue was, in hindsight, unwise. The situation must have been dire, forcing Master to act rashly, leading to this impasse.

It was fortunate he had arrived. The thought was instantaneous, but he dismissed all distractions, focusing entirely on regulating the two women's energies.

Since achieving the second layer of the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture, his internal energy had become immensely deep. Under the continuous supply of pure energy, he could barely maintain control.

The two women’s energies were in extreme turmoil, surging and receding like tidal waves, with a fierce counter-force. Li Muzhan was inwardly awed by the profound mystery and sheer power of their cultivation methods.

Even with his deep reserves, managing both women was strenuous. Within moments, his own energy began to wane, his face flushed scarlet.

He quickly employed the Heavenly Origin Breathing Technique to recover. Having condensed the Sarira, the Heavenly Origin Breathing Technique’s power was amplified; his body’s acupoints became like gushing spring eyes, replenishing his internal energy in an instant.

He replenished while regulating, his face flickering between red and white ceaselessly. ……………………………… When he finally relaxed and slowly withdrew his hands, both women had returned to normal, their faces glowing healthily.

Not only was their physical condition unharmed, but their internal energy had actually advanced. Li Muzhan, however, was deathly pale, like a sheet of blank paper, completely devoid of color.

His eyes were dim, and his brow revealed profound exhaustion. He glanced over; the windowpane was reflecting the crimson hue of the setting sun.

Evening already. He had been busy for hours.

He turned to look at the two women. "Master...?

Senior Sister?" "Hmph..." A long sigh escaped, and Abbess Zhuzhao slowly opened her eyes. Having concluded her focus, she shot a fierce glare at Wen Yinyue: "Yinyue, have you gone mad!" Wen Yinyue also opened her eyes, displaying a look of embarrassment.

Abbess Zhuzhao snapped, "If Zhanran hadn't been here today, the two of us would have perished!" "Master, I..." Wen Yinyue glanced apologetically at Li Muzhan, whispering, "Junior Brother, are you alright?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "Senior Sister, what happened?" Abbess Zhuzhao replied impatiently, "Hmph, what happened!

She was greedy to save time and rashly used a secret technique to heal her injuries!" "What method did she use?" Li Muzhan asked. Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand dismissively.

"You don't need to know!" Li Muzhan smiled wryly, rubbing his nose. Abbess Zhuzhao glared at Wen Yinyue fiercely, "It's a secret art from the Wonderful Lotus Scripture.

It's useless for you, practicing the Vast Sea Divine Art." Li Muzhan interjected, "Master, please calm down. Nothing serious happened in the end; Senior Sister was blessed with great fortune!" "If you hadn't returned, this bratty girl and I would both have lost our lives today!" Abbess Zhuzhao was still simmering, her chest heaving violently.

"I cautioned you countless times not to use this method unless absolutely necessary, yet you treated my words like wind!" Li Muzhan offered, "It's my fault, too. If I hadn't returned, Senior Sister wouldn't have panicked." Abbess Zhuzhao shot him a sidelong glance.

"Don't intercede for her! Once we return, you, bratty girl, will face a year of solitary confinement!

Do you hear me?!" "Yes, Master. Please don't be angry," Wen Yinyue nodded, her face flushed.

She had never been reprimanded in front of outsiders. Abbess Zhuzhao had always emphasized cultivating her authority as the Eldest Senior Sister, treating her entirely differently from other disciples, almost as an equal.

In private, she expected to be disciplined when due, but being scolded in front of her Junior Brother for the first time signaled that her Master was truly enraged. Driven by concern, she felt no anger, only deep mortification.

Li Muzhan laughed. "A year of solitary confinement is too harsh, Master.

You usually slack off, and Senior Sister handles all the sect's affairs. Without her, our Vast Sea Mountain will descend into chaos!" Abbess Zhuzhao squinted at him.

"Since you plead for her, fine. You shall take her place for a year!" "Ah!" Li Muzhan was dumbfounded, shaking his head frantically.

"Master, spare me!" "It's settled then!" Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand, giving him a sharp look. "Hurry up and leave.

Go back and regulate your breathing well; don't damage your foundation!" "Master's decree..." Li Muzhan started. Abbess Zhuzhao’s apricot eyes flashed wide, and Li Muzhan immediately fell silent, nodding reluctantly.

…………………… He truly had no interest in such an assignment; his ambition lay solely in cultivating martial arts to become the foremost expert under heaven. As for power within Vast Sea Mountain, he cared not at all, believing the Eldest Senior Sister was the best candidate.

For Vast Sea Mountain, the position of Sect Leader held little temptation. Even if an ordinary disciple encountered trouble outside, Vast Sea Mountain would dedicate all resources to assist.

Within the sect, there were strict rules. Violate them, and even the Sect Leader would be punished.

Obey them, and even if you weren't the Leader, you remained protected. He left the Boundless Hall and went directly to Mei Ruolan's small courtyard.

Every elite disciple was allotted a sizable courtyard. Mei Ruolan's usually housed three: herself, Xiaoyuan, and Gong Qingyun.

Even after becoming an elite disciple, Xiaoyuan had not forgotten her station and served Mei Ruolan from the side. Gong Qingyun remained close to Mei Ruolan, essentially acting as her guard.

Each person had their own room, occupying the main hall and the east and west wings; the three living together was quite lively. When Li Muzhan returned, they were chatting over tea in the small parlor.

Seeing him arrive, they eagerly asked what had happened. Li Muzhan smiled and said his Master had summoned him for a discussion regarding descending the mountain.

The three women did not pry further. After a while, Xiaoyuan shrunk her head and cautiously asked, "Zhanran, should I go down the mountain with you?

Would that be alright?" Li Muzhan smiled, while Mei Ruolan frowned, and Gong Qingyun also shook her head. Xiaoyuan dared not look at the other two, staring only at Li Muzhan, flattering him, "Zhanran, your martial arts are excellent; you can certainly protect me.

It won't be a big deal for me to go down, right?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "This descent is unusual.

We can discuss the next time." Xiaoyuan pouted. "Hmph, what next time?

Who knows when that 'next time' will be!" Li Muzhan waved his hand with a smile. "Even if I agreed, Master wouldn't.

Xiaoyuan, don't make trouble for yourself!" "Naughty fellow, you dare talk back to me!" Xiaoyuan stamped her foot and ran off. ……………… It was early morning, the sky ablaze with the rising sun.

Li Muzhan wore a grey monk's robe; Wen Yinyue was clad in snow-white silk, a white silk scarf tied around her cheek. The two stood before the colossal jade statue.

Three others stood before the statue: Abbess Zhuzhao in the center, Abbess Zhumei to her left, and Li Zhuyue to her right, all wearing solemn expressions. Abbess Zhuzhao adjusted Li Muzhan's collar and sighed, "Zhanran, be extremely cautious on this descent...

Prioritize your life above all else. Jingren and the others have gone; we cannot afford any more accidents!" Li Muzhan solemnly replied, "Master, rest assured, I will not act rashly!" Abbess Zhuzhao nodded.

"Good. Once you confirm the identity of that person, do not engage directly.

I must strike personally to avenge Jingren and the others!... And stay far away from that Dragon Slaying Hand Manual, do you understand?..." Li Muzhan smiled.

"Yes, Master." Abbess Zhumei smiled faintly. "Junior Sister, that's enough.

What is there for you to worry about with Zhanran's actions? Stop nagging and let the boy laugh at you!" "Very well, then descend the mountain!" Abbess Zhuzhao nodded slowly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Master, don't worry.

We won't lose a single hair!" "If you lose a single hair, you and Yinyue will face solitary confinement together!" Abbess Zhuzhao gave him a sharp look. Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, meeting the gazes of Abbess Zhumei and Li Zhuyue, clasping his hands in a farewell gesture, saying 'Take care.' Then he turned and descended the mountain with Wen Yinyue, moving like a dark cloud and a white cloud drifting downward.

The three stood before the Boundless Hall, watching Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue shrink until they disappeared. Abbess Zhumei asked, "Second Junior Sister, are you sure you don't need to send someone to follow them?" Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head.

"No need. Zhanran is more than capable of handling it." Abbess Zhumei slowly nodded.

"Let's hope so. When we find out who did this, we will slice them into ten thousand pieces, giving them a fate worse than death!" "That is precisely what should be done!" Abbess Zhuzhao snorted.

"What's the use of saying harsh things? We should focus on finding out who did it first!" Li Zhuyue said lightly.

"Junior Sister, you always spoil the mood!" Abbess Zhumei shook her head. Li Zhuyue stated calmly, "I only hope Zhanran won't be impulsive and risk himself as well." Abbess Zhumei gave her a sharp look.

"Crow's beak! That child Zhanran is even more steady than you!" "No matter how steady, he is still just a child!" Li Zhuyue replied coolly.

Abbess Zhuzhao said, "Junior Sister, do not underestimate him. He has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Only he schemes against others; no one can scheme against him. Rest assured, rest assured!" She vaguely suspected Li Muzhan possessed divine abilities and placed her full confidence in him.

She waved her hand and returned to the Boundless Hall; the other two departed directly to attend to their own matters. ……………… Funiu Mountain was located within the borders of Qinan, winding south along the Bo River and bordering Huangyun Mountain Range to the north.

It stood out uniquely, truly a fine location with pleasant scenery. At noon this day, the sky was gloomy, strong northern winds whipped about, and a chilling cold pierced the air, feeling like small knives against the face.

The wind swept past the bare treetops, emitting a mournful, howling sound, like a monstrous beast roaring. Two figures suddenly arrived at the foot of Funiu Mountain: a young man in a grey monk's robe, with unremarkable features, radiating gentleness and calm; and a woman dressed in snow-white silk, with an elegant figure and graceful bearing.

A white veil obscured her face, making her features unclear, but a single glance suggested she was a peerless beauty. These two were Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue.

They had utilized their lightness skill to travel, taking three days to finally reach the base of Funiu Mountain. Li Muzhan stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing up for a moment, then pointed toward the peak resembling a bull's head.

"Senior Sister, was this the place where the enemy attacked?" Wen Yinyue nodded. "We were admiring the view at the summit...

That person suddenly appeared and attacked without a word. By the time I reacted, he was gone." Li Muzhan closed his eyes, then opened them a moment later.

"Very well, let's go up and investigate." "Be careful," Wen Yinyue frowned. Her delicate brows knit together, her expression darkening.

Li Muzhan understood; even for someone as skilled at emotional control as his Senior Sister, revisiting a painful memory naturally brought heavy feelings and discomfort. "Let's go." Li Muzhan moved forward, his steps measured and slow as he ascended.

Funiu Mountain was not steep; even walking slowly, they reached the summit in fifteen minutes. The area was filled with strange rocks; some still retained patches of purplish-black bloodstains.

Li Muzhan’s senses were exceptionally sharp. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes with palms clasped, and began to murmur to himself, his voice growing louder until the chanting of the sutra echoed throughout Funiu Mountain, continuous and resonant.

Wen Yinyue felt as if he were glowing, the light intensifying until it became too dazzling to look at directly. She sighed inwardly.

This was indeed the marvelous power of Buddhist divine arts. With his transcendence, she believed her junior brothers' souls could finally rest in peace.

Since Li Muzhan's Sarira had formed, the power of the Buddhist scriptures was stronger; every word was like a bead, manipulating the surrounding energy of heaven and earth, dispelling the gloom and cold. Wen Yinyue felt the surroundings brighten slightly.

Li Muzhan examined the ground meticulously, leaving no inch unchecked—the marks on the stones, the small depressions in the earth, the anomalies in the grass and branches—all were clearly imprinted in his mind. He remained engrossed in his examination for a full half-hour before straightening up.

Wen Yinyue did not know what he was doing but did not rush him, standing silently to the side in her flowing white attire. "Done, Senior Sister.

Let's go," Li Muzhan said, glancing around, tossing a stone aside, and dusting his hands. "That's it?

Where to now?" Wen Yinyue asked. "To find that fellow!" Li Muzhan huffed.

"Where do we look?" Wen Yinyue inquired. "I have my methods.

Follow me." Li Muzhan smiled, but the corners of his mouth slanted downward, carrying a chilling edge.