I will now translate and then polish the provided Chinese text into natural, idiomatic English prose, maintaining the original paragraph structure.

Li Muzhan slowly drew the Dragon's Roar Sword, his expression solemn.

He hadn't expected Nie Xuefeng's swordsmanship to be so astonishing; a profound warning instinct urged him to give his all, recognizing this man as extremely dangerous.

The Dragon's Roar Sword trembled slightly, emitting a soft, shimmering light, as if eager to break free and fly. "Humm..." sounding like a swarm of bees, a brilliant radiance flashed, and Nie Xuefeng, body and sword as one, instantaneously closed the distance to Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan surged the Dragon's Roar Sword, arcing to meet the attack.

The brilliance exploded outwards, engulfing both figures; there was nothing to see but dazzling light, no sign of the men.

The two seemed to vanish, and the clash of metal went unheard, only the intensifying, dazzling light that forbade direct sight.

Wen Yinyue frowned in concentration, her eyes bright and clear, her slender, jade-like hand resting on her sword hilt.

Li Wudi squinted, watching closely, shaking his head intermittently.

Li Xiaoshui found the glare too sharp to see clearly and turned to ask, "Father, can Senior Brother win?" "Hard to say..." Li Wudi replied, shaking his head. "Then can he lose..." Li Xiaoshui asked, blinking her large eyes.

Li Wudi shook his head: "Probably not lose..." "Then why are you shaking your head?" Li Xiaoshui chided playfully, "You made me think Senior Brother Zhanran was outmatched..." Li Wudi turned to look at her, chuckling, "My dear Shui'er, these two are so young, yet their swordsmanship is so superb; your father simply can't help but sigh..." "Is Father feeling inadequate?" Li Xiaoshui teased with a slight smile.

Li Wudi smiled and nodded, "Indeed! Your father has lived all these years for nothing!" Li Xiaoshui laughed sweetly, "A great master produces a worthy disciple! Don't worry, Father, I will strive for honor on your behalf!" "What a good daughter!" Li Wudi stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Shhh..." Li Xiaoshui quickly placed a finger to her lips, waving her hand, "Look, look! Is Senior Brother Zhanran about to win..." Li Wudi squinted and surveyed the scene, shaking his head, "Still a ways off; it's still deadlocked." Li Xiaosong chimed in, "This fellow named Nie is quite formidable!" Having seen Li Muzhan’s immense power in repelling the Raging Wind Gang, he already idolized him, and he hadn't expected Nie Xuefeng to last this long.

Li Wudi explained, "The master of the Changbai Sword Sect is also surnamed Nie, and this one is too, and he uses the Flying Immortal Swordplay—he must be the Young Sect Master, naturally powerful." "Hmph, Young Sect Master!" Li Xiaoshui pursed her lips dismissively.

Li Wudi continued, "With his standing, he must have been meticulously trained from childhood, practicing the finest mental cultivation techniques and consuming countless elixirs—he’s simply not like an ordinary person..." "What about Senior Brother Zhanran?" Li Xiaoshui asked.

Li Wudi shook his head, "Zhanran has practiced Buddhist principles since childhood; he only started martial arts three or four years ago.

He is a true prodigy!" "Senior Brother Zhanran is still more amazing!" Li Xiaoshui brightened with joy.

..............................", ...

,""Ding..." a clear, lingering chime sounded as the brilliant light receded, revealing the two figures once more.

Li Muzhan’s sword tip pointed at Nie Xuefeng’s throat, unmoving.

Nie Xuefeng’s hands were empty; his long sword was planted at his feet, only the hilt remaining, its silver-white tassel fluttering.

Li Muzhan solemnly retracted his sword, slowly sheathing it.

His expression returned to normal, wearing a gentle smile.

Nie Xuefeng’s face remained grave as he stared intently at Li Muzhan. "Young Hero Nie, I concede!" Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a smile.

Nie Xuefeng shook his head, smiling bitterly as he bent to retrieve his sword.

He pulled a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve and slowly wiped the blade clean before returning it to its sheath, sighing, "Indeed, your reputation is well-earned..." He turned to Wen Yinyue and smiled, "People say the Dual Sword Monk Zhanran is number one among the young masters, and I remained unconvinced.

Now, I see it is truly deserved..." Li Muzhan smiled faintly and shook his head without saying much.

Wen Yinyue gave a faint smile, "Your Flying Immortal Swordplay is slightly lacking in depth.

If your father were here, my junior brother's victory would be uncertain—the Flying Immortal Swordplay is truly extraordinary..." She had seen clearly that Nie Xuefeng's Flying Immortal Swordplay had grasped the essence; he was evenly matched with Li Muzhan, and when his temperament flared, he had used a move designed for mutual destruction.

In the final exchange, Li Muzhan's left hand, holding the Decree Blade, flicked out lightly, sending Nie Xuefeng’s long sword flying.

Nie Xuefeng smiled bitterly, "How can I compare to my father?" If anyone else had spoken with such unreserved criticism, he would have fallen out with them long ago, but Wen Yinyue was different.

Ever since they met, she had spoken to him this way—it was her unique style.

Moreover, he was devoted to her.

In his eyes, everything about Wen Yinyue was beautiful, even words that sounded like mockery or sarcasm were breathtakingly lovely, like hearing celestial music.

Wen Yinyue smiled faintly, "If that’s the case, should you give up?" Nie Xuefeng laughed, "If my skill is inferior, I won't cling pointlessly.

On the contrary, I will offer my assistance in guarding the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome..." Wen Yinyue raised a delicate eyebrow slightly, "You would be so kind! Are you afraid others will seize it?" Nie Xuefeng chuckled, "Why must Fairy Wen spell it out so clearly!" Wen Yinyue stated plainly, "Assistance is welcome, but if you harbor any tricks, do not blame me for being ruthless..." "Fairy overthinks things; you underestimate me!" Nie Xuefeng hastily waved his hands, stating proudly, "Our two sects stand shoulder to shoulder; who could possibly snatch the Secret Tome from us?" Li Muzhan saw through Nie Xuefeng's motive in that instant.

The Seven Great Sects would certainly not give up; they were intent on seizing the Tome.

If someone else truly took it, their martial arts would surpass both his and Nie Xuefeng’s.

By ensuring Nie Xuefeng couldn't get it, but also preventing others from seizing it, he would be maximizing the benefit for the Changbai Sword Sect.

His ability to assess the stakes so quickly was indeed remarkable.

……………………...

Li Muzhan stood silently beside Wen Yinyue, speaking little, his quietude allowing Wen Yinyue and Nie Xuefeng to eclipse him entirely, like distant stars against the brilliant moon.

He did this deliberately, keeping Wen Yinyue in the foreground and not stealing her thunder.

Senior Sister Wen Yinyue would eventually become the Sect Master of the Vast Sea Sword Sect; the Vast Sea Sword Sect was hers.

He did not want people to associate the Vast Sea Sword Sect only with him, overlooking his Senior Sister.

Thus, he was content to play the supporting role, remaining silent and leaving all opportunities to speak to Wen Yinyue.

The sun soon dipped below the horizon, and dusk gathered, leaving the surroundings in a hazy expanse.

The light in the small pavilion dimmed.

Li Xiaoshui sent servants to bring a few lanterns to illuminate the pavilion.

Along with the lanterns came several plates of refreshments and fruits.

Since they possessed internal energy for protection, they were unconcerned by the drop in temperature. "Fairy Wen, how potent is the Dragon Slaying Hand? Have you mastered it?" Nie Xuefeng picked up a piece of pastry and asked with a smile.

Wen Yinyue shook her head, "I have not mastered it." Nie Xuefeng commented, "According to my father, the Dragon Slaying Hand is useless even if obtained.

It appeared once a hundred years ago, and no one has mastered it since; it's purely decorative." Wen Yinyue smiled and looked toward Li Wudi.

Li Wudi chuckled bitterly, "This Dragon Slaying Hand is indeed difficult to practice.

I focus on spear techniques, so it's even less likely for me." Nie Xuefeng offered, "Fairy Wen, if you encounter any difficulties, we can discuss them together and mutually enlighten each other.

One man’s stone can polish another’s jade, after all." Wen Yinyue gave a faint smile, "Are you serious about that offer?" "Alright, alright! Take it as if I never said it.

Then I wish Fairy Wen success in mastering the Dragon Slaying Hand soon!" Nie Xuefeng quickly retracted.

Wen Yinyue glanced at him, uninterested.

Ji Muzhan felt a faint, inexplicable discomfort, maintaining a slight smile.

Nie Xuefeng then laughed, "Brother Zhanran, you use the Vast Sea Nine Swords, correct?" Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes." Nie Xuefeng praised, "To bring the Vast Sea Nine Swords to such a level of attainment is truly formidable—I am inferior to you!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Mere luck.

The Flying Immortal Swordplay possesses unparalleled might; I admire it." Nie Xuefeng shook his head, "Logically, the Flying Immortal Swordplay should surpass the Vast Sea Nine Swords, yet I was defeated by you.

It truly means I haven't practiced it enough." Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, "Perhaps not.

While the Flying Immortal Swordplay is undeniably powerful, it may not necessarily surpass the Vast Sea Nine Swords." "Brother Zhanran, that's not right.

Although the Vast Sea Nine Swords are strong, our Flying Immortal Swordplay is stronger!" Nie Xuefeng stated earnestly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Your esteemed father has mastered the Flying Immortal Swordplay to its peak, correct? Could he defeat my master?" "My master didn't use the Vast Sea Nine Swords!" Nie Xuefeng said proudly.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Why use an ox-cleaving knife to kill a chicken? My master indeed did not use the Vast Sea Nine Swords.

As his disciple, I am unworthy and ashamed." "You..." ...!" Nie Xuefeng frowned, his face darkening.

................................

Wen Yinyue said calmly, "Young Hero Nie, whether my Vast Sea Nine Swords are strong or weak is not for you to judge.

Did your father say that?" "My father did not say that," Nie Xuefeng shook his head, glaring at Li Muzhan, still unwilling to yield.

He felt his earlier defeat was unjust, a single misstep; he hadn't expected this Zhanran to possess such formidable finger strength, or he wouldn't have been careless enough to lose.

Wen Yinyue snorted, "Your father didn't say it, yet you dare to!" Her tone held a hint of reprimand.

Nie Xuefeng sighed helplessly, "Ah...

you two senior and junior siblings are in league; I stand no chance against you both!" He swallowed a pastry in one gulp and chewed forcefully.

Suddenly, a clear laugh echoed, rolling in from the south, "Murong Hao pays his respects to Fairy Wen.

May I enter?" Wen Yinyue knitted her delicate brows.

Nie Xuefeng shot up, sneering coldly, "This brat has come to join the fun too!" Li Muzhan turned to look at Wen Yinyue.

Wen Yinyue murmured, "He is from the Murong family; he is also a master." Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, have you encountered him?" "Yes." Wen Yinyue nodded quietly, "We’ve crossed paths twice; he’s a troublesome sort." Li Muzhan nodded slightly, "Shall I step forward?" Wen Yinyue shook her head, "I shall handle it." These young elites neither yielded to the other; relying solely on martial arts was unlikely to convince them.

Only a combination of leniency and severity could keep them firmly in check.

As a woman, she found it easier to handle them.

Although her junior brother was exceptionally intelligent, dealing with them often led to him being wronged.

As a woman, she didn't need to worry about saving their faces and could act with greater freedom.

She was also sharp enough to grasp the benevolent intent behind Li Muzhan's actions. "What secrets are you two sharing?" Nie Xuefeng turned, glancing between Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue.

Li Muzhan replied, "I am uninformed; I truly do not know who this Murong Hao is." Nie Xuefeng pursed his lips dismissively, "Hmph, that boy relies on being from the Murong family; he's arrogant and utterly detestable!" Li Muzhan smiled, looking at him.

Nie Xuefeng quickly added, "Don't compare me to him!" A figure flashed, and three people appeared in the clearing.

In the lead was a handsome young man in white robes, followed by two maidens in white, one carrying a sword and the other a zither.