Li Muzhan shook his head. "I appreciate the kind intentions of you two young heroes, but an innocent man is often ruined by the treasures he carries. Having the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome instantly makes me an enemy of the world. I dare not trouble you two."

Nie Xuefeng replied, "Master Zhanran, although your martial arts surpass ours, two fists are no match for four, and many ants can still bite an elephant. Having one more person means one more measure of strength. We should stay!"

"Young Master Nie speaks the truth," Murong Hao chuckled. "Too many covet the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome, each lurking like a hungry wolf, ready to pounce at any moment. Even if we are of little use, we can at least bolster the show of force..."

A young woman accepted his longsword and gracefully sheathed it with an elegant flourish.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Though our Canghai Sword Sect is humble, protecting the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome shouldn't be an issue. If it truly comes to that, we will certainly ask for aid from the two young heroes!"

His tone was gentle, yet his expression was resolute. Seeing this, the two felt a touch of helplessness. They exchanged a look and could only nod.

Li Muzhan's display of astonishing martial prowess meant his words carried weight. Even if they were reluctant, being under someone else’s roof compelled them to comply.

"Very well, since Master Zhanran is confident, we won't impose. We bid you farewell for now..." Murong Hao clasped his hands in salute and departed with light, unrestrained ease.

Seeing him leave, Nie Xuefeng snorted in dissatisfaction, then turned, cupping his hands in farewell with a smile to Wen Yinyue and Li Muzhan before also leaving the Li manor.

In the blink of an eye, the small pavilion fell silent.

………………………………

Li Wuren, being cunning and worldly-wise, quickly ushered Li Xiaoshui away to take their leave. The small pavilion was thus left only with Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue.

"Senior Sister, you don't blame me for driving away those two self-appointed guardians, do you?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Wen Yinyue picked up her cup, took a slow sip, and set it down deliberately, casting him a sidelong glance.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Sister, I don't think either of them are easy characters. At a critical moment, they might just stab us in the back. It would be impossible to guard against that..."

"Hmph, I know that," Wen Yinyue retorted with a slight pout. "I've been guarding against them all along. Don't trouble yourself with reminders..."

Li Muzhan gave a sheepish smile, picked up his own tea cup, and drank deeply. "I suppose the experts from the mountain are due to arrive soon?"

"Any day now..." Wen Yinyue glanced at him. "I've only met them four or five times; we aren't close. Don't let your mind wander!"

Having said that, she felt a little awkward, thinking the remark was perhaps overly defensive.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister is an ethereal beauty; what man wouldn't be moved by such a sight..."

Wen Yinyue glared at him, then turned away.

The atmosphere in the small pavilion grew strangely heavy. She suddenly rose, turned, and drifted away gracefully.

Li Muzhan shook his head with an amused smile and began to pace the pavilion with his hands clasped behind his back, contemplating the complex stakes involved.

The Dragon Slaying Secret Tome was indeed a poisoned gift. The other six major sects absolutely did not wish to see the Canghai Sword Sect attain it. A single sect gaining too much power was the most dangerous outcome; maintaining the current balance was paramount.

Given this, what stratagems would they employ?

…………………………………………

The next morning, as he was practicing the Dragon Slaying Hand technique, Wen Yinyue suddenly entered.

His progress was remarkably swift; the second vital point had just been opened. At this rate, he estimated he could master the Dragon Slaying Hand within a month.

The power of the Dragon Slaying Hand was spoken of in near-mythical terms, but few truly understood its capabilities; most just relied on hearsay.

"Senior Sister?" Li Muzhan awoke from his meditation.

Wen Yinyue was standing before his couch, exuding a faint, lingering fragrance.

"Awake?" Wen Yinyue inquired.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Is there something I can help with?"

If there wasn't a pressing matter, Wen Yinyue, being exceedingly reserved, would never initiate entry into his room. Li Muzhan knew immediately this was urgent.

"Martial Uncle has arrived!" Wen Yinyue announced.

Li Muzhan looked surprised. "They're really here? That fast?"

Wen Yinyue continued, "Martial Uncle and the others rushed here day and night. I've already arranged accommodations for them. Junior Brother will pay respects shortly."

"Naturally," Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. "How many experts did Martial Uncle bring?"

"Ten," Wen Yinyue replied.

Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head. "Ten is too few..."

"Five are from the Martial Arts Hall, and five are from Cuifeng Pavilion."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Martial Uncle is truly prudent! With these ten here, the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome is certainly safe!"

"Without them, we wouldn't be able to secure it," Wen Yinyue stated flatly.

Li Muzhan sensed her subtle dissatisfaction. He shook his head with a smile. "Senior Sister, don't underestimate the seven great sects. They have countless ways to plot against us..."

"With your abilities, Junior Brother, you shouldn't be afraid of them, should you?" Wen Yinyue remarked with a half-smile. She had already witnessed Li Muzhan's profound and almost mystical skills.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "In the face of true overwhelming force, fear or not makes no difference. Even if Great-Grand Uncle were here, I fear he couldn't protect the Tome alone; strength in numbers truly matters."

"You are being too modest," Wen Yinyue chuckled softly.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily. "Senior Sister, don't hold me in such high regard either. My time training is still short; I'm not yet capable of great deeds. I am far inferior to you!"

Wen Yinyue gave him another look and turned to leave, ignoring him.

Li Muzhan followed her out of the room to the rear garden to pay his respects to his Martial Uncle.

………………………………, Abbess Zhumei wore a simple grey monastic robe. Her expression was serene, but her eyes glittered with a sharp, bright intensity that commanded respect.

Li Muzhan noticed the fatigue etched around her brow; the rapid journey had clearly taken its toll.

Abbess Zhumei was strolling in the rear garden. She waved her hand when she saw him approaching to salute. "Enough, no need for formalities. You have achieved a great merit..."

"It was all thanks to Senior Sister," Li Muzhan smiled.

Abbess Zhumei smiled back. "Yes, both of you contributed. We were all quite surprised that we managed to acquire the Dragon Slaying Secret Tome this time."

"Pure luck," Li Muzhan replied. "If Elder Li hadn't intended it, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly..."

Abbess Zhumei nodded. "Indeed. We will properly compensate Mr. Li. Has there been any trouble these past two days?"

Wen Yinyue reported, "Martial Uncle, two days ago, a group called the Raging Wind Gang tried to surround and kill us. Junior Brother killed their leader and scattered the rest of the members..."

"The Raging Wind Gang...?" Abbess Zhumei frowned.

Li Muzhan’s heart stirred. He quickly asked, "Martial Uncle, is there something problematic about the Raging Wind Gang?"

Abbess Zhumei sighed, shaking her head. "Do you know why the Raging Wind Gang suddenly rose to prominence?"

Li Muzhan responded, "I thought about it afterwards. I felt this gang wasn't simple; they must have backing... But what need have we of fear on Canghai Mountain?"

"You certainly have no shortage of spirit!" Abbess Zhumei paused, then laughed.

Li Muzhan continued, "It can only be the other six major sects. Could it be the Luotuo Temple?"

"Yes, your guess is correct!" Abbess Zhumei nodded.

Li Muzhan immediately frowned. "It's really Luotuo Temple?"

Abbess Zhumei confirmed, "The previous leader of the Raging Wind Gang was originally a lay disciple of the Luotuo Temple. He later founded the Raging Wind Gang and has quietly built a deep foundation over the years."

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "It seems we've stirred up trouble after all!"

"So what if it's the Luotuo Temple!" Abbess Zhumei snorted, her bright eyes flashing with spirit. "What fear does the Luotuo Temple hold for us at Canghai Mountain!"

Li Muzhan countered, "Martial Uncle, the Luotuo Temple is no joke. Their strength is unfathomably deep. If we can avoid them, perhaps we should."

Abbess Zhumei chuckled softly and shook her head. "I finally understand. No wonder your Master is perpetually annoyed; you little brat are just good at provoking people!"

Li Muzhan scratched his head and let out a few chuckles. "In Martial Uncle’s estimation, how will the Luotuo Temple retaliate?"

Abbess Zhumei let out a cold laugh. "The same old tricks—an eye for an eye. They'll target two of our affiliated gangs; nothing surprising about that!"

Li Muzhan frowned in deep thought.

Abbess Zhumei remarked, "As long as it doesn't jeopardize Canghai Mountain itself, losing a few minor groups is inconsequential."

Li Muzhan asked, "Martial Uncle, which gangs do we currently support?"

………………………………………………

Abbess Zhumei smiled. "What, do you have an idea?"

Li Muzhan said, "I don't wish to implicate them."

Abbess Zhumei shook her head. "It's useless. You can't possibly defend everywhere, even if you wanted to help."

Wen Yinyue added, "We secretly assist quite a few gangs, large and small. We can't send guards to every single one, and you don't know the art of self-duplication..."

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Martial Uncle, please tell me the details. Perhaps I can make an accurate guess."

"Don't waste your effort," Abbess Zhumei waved her hand dismissively.

Li Muzhan looked toward Wen Yinyue, his gaze intense. Wen Yinyue frowned in concentration for a moment, then nodded toward her Martial Uncle. "Martial Uncle, let Junior Brother try..."

Abbess Zhumei shook her head. "Yinyue, you are usually so level-headed; why indulge this brat's whims..."

Wen Yinyue explained, "Junior Brother possesses some Buddhist skills; perhaps he can succeed."

"...Very well then, explain everything to him in detail," Abbess Zhumei looked at Li Muzhan, slowly nodded, and waved her hand again.

Wen Yinyue thanked Abbess Zhumei and led Li Muzhan back to his quarters, where she proceeded to explain the entire network of Canghai Sect's external affiliations.

This was top-secret information for Canghai Mountain. As the future sect leader, Wen Yinyue normally assisted Abbess Zhuzhao in managing sect affairs, which is how she knew these details; even other core disciples were unaware.

Li Muzhan listened intently, memorizing everything, secretly astonished by the sheer number of affiliate groups under Canghai Mountain. It was truly a behemoth organization. He knew Canghai Mountain possessed hidden experts and great strength, but he hadn't realized they secretly controlled over thirty different gangs.

After finishing, Wen Yinyue noted, "Junior Brother, most of these gangs are in the south, very few in the north. If the Luotuo Temple people seek trouble, they will certainly come this way."

Li Muzhan walked to the writing desk, ground his inkstone, and rapidly began writing on several sheets of plain paper. In a short time, he had produced over thirty slips of paper. He then moved to the outer area, flicked his sleeve, and the tables and chairs swiftly moved to the walls, clearing a large space in the center.

He carefully laid the thirty-plus slips of paper out on the floor. "Senior Sister, please help me arrange these."

Wen Yinyue immediately understood. She drew her Phoenix Cry Sword, used the tip to carefully lift and reposition the slips, quickly rearranging them according to their proper locations.

Li Muzhan walked slowly around the thirty-odd slips of paper, circling them once clockwise and once counter-clockwise, his eyes intensely fixed on the patterns for several minutes, before finally closing his eyes.