"Crack!" The illusion before his eyes suddenly shifted, a myriad of golden lights transforming into a single bolt of lightning, cleaving a rift in the void like a long sword.

Li Muzhan felt his body lighten, as if about to float up.

The illusion vanished from his sight. Upon introspection, he was overjoyed to find he had broken through an acupoint, causing his entire body to undergo a change, feeling significantly lighter.

His internal energy circulated more smoothly. This particular acupoint, once opened, seemed to herald a potential shift in the entire internal landscape, filling him with astonishment and sparking a profound interest in these twenty-four critical points.

By this time, it was the fifth day. He had spent four days to break through a single acupoint, succeeding by sheer fortune. At this rate, clearing all twenty-four points would certainly not be a swift undertaking.

He rose from his couch, pushed open the door, and stepped out into the small courtyard, where the setting sun cast a splendid, gentle light.

"Nie Xuefeng of the Changbai Sword Sect pays his respects to Great Hero Li!" A calm voice drifted slowly, as if right beside his ear. Li Muzhan’s brow immediately furrowed.

This scene mirrored the one with the Mad Wind Gang a few days prior. He shook his head; this was the Changbai Sword Sect, fundamentally different from the Mad Wind Gang; he could not simply resort to violence.

Li Muzhan activated his Eye of the Void and immediately perceived five figures standing outside the main gate. The one leading was a young man clad in snow-white robes, possessing sharp brows and brilliant eyes, radiating vigorous energy and an intimidating sharpness.

He stood before the gate with a sword hanging at his waist and his hands clasped behind his back. Behind him stood four others—two men and two women—all young. The women were attractive, not exactly stunning beauties, but fair to look upon. The young men had unremarkable features but brimmed with martial spirit, their eyes bright; they were clearly masters of considerable cultivation, a rarity for individuals of their age.

Li Muzhan also noticed, on the training grounds behind them, that Li Wudi, Li Xiaoshui, and Wen Yinyue were conversing together… Hearing the voice, he frowned deeply.

Li Wudi cupped his hands toward Wen Yinyue, turned, and strode toward the entrance, pushing open the main door to step onto the stone steps. He cupped his hands and said, "This old man greets Young Hero Nie of the Changbai Sword Sect."

Nie Xuefeng returned the gesture with a smile, his expression placid.

However, his gaze remained fixed on the small sword brand etched on the main gate. After a moment of contemplation, he inquired, "Senior Li, do you host disciples of the Canghai Sword Sect in your residence?"

"Indeed, Young Hero Zhanran and Fairy Wen are both present," Li Wudi affirmed with a nod.

Nie Xuefeng paused, then quickly asked, "Fairy Lenglian Wen Yinyue?"

"Precisely," Li Wudi confirmed.

"Heh heh, then I certainly must meet them," Nie Xuefeng chuckled, giving Li Wudi a deep look. He understood immediately: with the Canghai Sect present, his own plans were likely foiled. He hadn't anticipated that the Canghai Sect would move ahead of him!

"Please, follow me. Fairy Wen awaits your arrival," Li Wudi said, stepping aside to lead the way.

Nie Xuefeng, with his four companions, walked alongside Li Wudi. Nie Xuefeng maintained a composed, thoughtful demeanor, but the other four scanned their surroundings with guarded caution, looking as if an assassin might spring out at any moment.

...

They soon traversed the front courtyard, arriving at the training grounds in the rear garden. Wen Yinyue stood alone, her sable cloak startlingly white, complementing her fair face, making her complexion radiant.

Nie Xuefeng cupped his hands and smiled from a distance. "Heh heh, it is indeed Fairy Wen... How have you been since we last met?"

Wen Yinyue returned the gesture with a slight bow. "I am well enough. Is your esteemed father in good health?"

Nie Xuefeng's father was the Sect Master of the Changbai Sword Sect, Nie Yuanzhi, famed as the 'Immortal Scraper,' a true talent whose prowess was no less than that of her own master, Abbess Zhuzhao—whom she held in high regard.

"My father remains as vigorous as ever. I appreciate your concern," Nie Xuefeng replied with a smile.

He approached closer, smiling again. "Fairy Wen truly lives up to her name; your ways are mysterious, we concede defeat!"

Wen Yinyue offered a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying the compliment.

"You must have already acquired the Dragon Slaying Secret Scroll, I presume?" Nie Xuefeng inquired, turning to look around. "Why don't I see the Dual-Sword Monk Zhanran? I have long heard tales of his reputation and wished to meet him."

A green shadow flashed abruptly, and Li Muzhan materialized.

"I pay my respects to Young Hero Nie. I am Zhanran," Li Muzhan said, joining his palms in a salute, a slight smile on his face. He had removed his skullcap; his head was now bare.

"Dual-Sword Monk Zhanran?" Nie Xuefeng scrutinized him briefly, nodded, and laughed. "Excellent, truly a man of distinction! Meeting you is far better than hearing tales of you!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Young Hero Nie speaks too politely. I am plain-looking; hearing tales is better than seeing me in person."

Nie Xuefeng waved his hand, chuckling heartily. "Judging a person by their looks is shallow folly. I am hardly such a mediocre man, Brother Zhanran underestimates me!"

Li Muzhan smiled, and the four entered a small pavilion.

The pavilion sat beside a flower bed, and a faint fragrance of plum blossoms drifted in with the gentle breeze, subtle yet refreshing the spirit, while the setting sun dyed the surroundings in hues of crimson.

The light inside the pavilion was somewhat dim, yet Nie Xuefeng’s eyes glittered brightly.

The four sat down. The other four young men and women stood guard outside the pavilion, occupying the four cardinal directions, their gazes sharp as swords, watching their surroundings with tense vigilance.

Li Xiaoshui personally served the tea, the steam curling gracefully upward.

Nie Xuefeng accepted the teacup without diverting his gaze, murmuring his thanks. Li Xiaoshui’s delicate face flushed scarlet, and she retreated with bowed head, stealing a glance in their direction.

Li Muzhan smiled to himself. Which young maiden is not prone to infatuation? Encountering such a handsome, elegant youth, how could a sheltered girl like Li Xiaoshui, who had seen so few men, not have her heart flutter like a caged deer?

Nie Xuefeng set down his cup and smiled gently. "Fairy Wen, I have a rather presumptuous request."

"If it is a presumptuous request, it is best left unsaid," Wen Yinyue stated coolly.

Nie Xuefeng was momentarily checked, then recovered with a soft laugh. "Fairy Wen remains as sharp as ever. Nevertheless, I must voice it."

Li Muzhan glanced at Nie Xuefeng and sighed inwardly.

...

He could clearly see that Nie Xuefeng held feelings for his Senior Sister. It was easily discernible; the softness in his eyes was entirely different from how he regarded others.

Li Muzhan let out a quiet sigh. This Nie Xuefeng possessed a cheerful disposition, considerable martial skill, and an excellent family background—he was, by all accounts, a suitable match. It was a pity that one’s affections were unrequited; his Senior Sister remained aloof and seemingly unmoved.

He relaxed slightly, feeling a measure of comfort.

His Senior Sister was destined to take over the leadership of the Canghai Sword Sect; she could not marry. Perhaps she had long since set aside any thoughts of romantic attachment, to spare herself future pain.

Though he felt a trace of regret, he was also secretly pleased. This subtle feeling stemmed from his own improper desires for his Senior Sister; even if he could not have her, he didn't want anyone else to either.

Nie Xuefeng smiled. "Fairy Wen, I wish only to borrow the Dragon Slaying Secret Scroll for a brief viewing."

Wen Yinyue shook her head plainly. "Impossible."

"The Canghai Sect won't surrender the Dragon Slaying Secret Scroll once they have it, and I will not press you, Fairy Wen. Simply letting me view it once—surely that is not too much to ask?"

Wen Yinyue shook her head again. "It is not."

"Fairy Wen is so resolute; this makes matters difficult," Nie Xuefeng sighed, his eyes fixed on Wen Yinyue. "I truly do not wish to come to blows with you!"

Wen Yinyue stated calmly, "Matters must be settled in order. If you wish to seize it, then make your move. We shall see what skill you possess!"

"Fairy Wen sounds very confident?" Nie Xuefeng smiled. "I have mastered the Flying Immortal Sword Style; Fairy Wen must be careful!"

Wen Yinyue smiled faintly. "Beat my Junior Brother first, then we shall discuss that."

Nie Xuefeng laughed. "So now we have a flower protector, eh? Heh heh..."

Wen Yinyue smiled without speaking, and Li Muzhan smiled, also remaining silent.

Nie Xuefeng looked between Wen Yinyue and Li Muzhan. "Brother Zhanran, persuade Fairy Wen. We Seven Great Sects are bound by brotherhood; why this intense hostility?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "If the situation were reversed, Young Hero Nie, would you agree?"

"Naturally. It’s no great issue," Nie Xuefeng replied easily.

Li Muzhan smiled. "If Young Hero Nie agreed, would you not fear being accused that the Changbai Sword Sect fears our Canghai Sword Sect?"

Nie Xuefeng was taken aback, then dismissed it with a scornful laugh. "Let them talk what they will. Our Changbai Sword Sect never fears gossip; how can we control the mouths of others!"

Li Muzhan observed him, smiling; this Young Hero Nie indeed had a touch of simple earnestness.

He continued, "Young Hero Nie is carefree, but we cannot be. The prestige of the Canghai Sword Sect must not wane, or Master will surely punish me upon my return!"

"Heh heh, your Master is truly..." Nie Xuefeng shook his head, then caught Wen Yinyue's gaze and quickly stopped himself, chuckling to cover it. "Very well, let's stop this talk. How about we settle this with a martial contest?"

"How shall we compete?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Nie Xuefeng stated, "I will challenge both of you. If I am defeated, we shall drop the matter entirely. If neither of you can best me, then I shall demand a look at the Dragon Slaying Secret Scroll!"

Wen Yinyue’s lips curved into a slight, knowing smile as she glanced at him.

Nie Xuefeng added, "Fairy Wen, do not fault me for speaking plainly. The Flying Immortal Sword Style is fiercely dominant; once unleashed, it cannot be stopped. Please forgive any offense!"

"I shall not blame you!" Wen Yinyue replied serenely.

Nie Xuefeng clapped his hands and laughed. "Very well, then let us compete!"

He gracefully floated out of the pavilion and stood on the training ground, hands clasped behind his back, looking like a jade tree standing in the wind.

Li Muzhan leaned forward and whispered, "Senior Sister, what is his style like?"

"It is not to be underestimated. Be careful," Wen Yinyue murmured back.

Their faces were barely half a foot apart, their breaths almost mingling; they were nearly pressed together. Her soft exhalations carried a delicate fragrance that reached his nostrils.

His heart stirred, and he fought the urge to kiss her, forcing himself to remain still, his gaze fixed on her crimson lips.

Wen Yinyue shot him a warning look. "What foolish notions are crossing your mind? Go quickly!"

Li Muzhan’s heart fluttered further. Her slight displeasure and anger only highlighted her captivating charm. He quickly smiled. "Alright, I will meet this Young Hero Nie!"

"Be careful, don't stumble into the ditch!" Wen Yinyue cautioned him.

Li Muzhan walked out with her. Li Wudi followed silently behind them, saying nothing.

The three arrived in the center of the field. The other four members of the Changbai Sword Sect had already taken up positions behind Nie Xuefeng, their eyes fixed intently on Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled. "Then I shall have the pleasure of experiencing Young Hero Nie's swordsmanship. Please begin!"

"Good, then take care!" Nie Xuefeng was not reserved; he drew his sword slowly, raising it before him, his left hand forming a sword jue (mudra), which he gently traced along the blade.

The sword flashed brilliantly, and Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes, secretly astonished. As his left hand moved across the steel, Nie Xuefeng's entire aura transformed, as if he himself had become the unsheathed blade, fusing seamlessly with the longsword in his hand—a perfect unity. (To be continued)