His internal energy was profound and abundant. The Red Shadow, practicing this energy, grew ever sharper, yet even with its great speed, it held back, reserving power for Li Muzhan, moving only slightly faster than an ordinary fine steed, a mere hair's breadth ahead.
It understood the deep intimacy between Wen Yinyue and Li Muzhan, hence it obeyed Wen Yinyue’s guidance. Had it been anyone else, it would have thrown them off long ago.
Wen Yinyue was truly annoyed, feeling her junior brother was too frivolous and needed a stern lesson. Hardening her resolve, she ignored Li Muzhan’s pleas and simply kept riding forward.
Li Muzhan chased behind while the Red Shadow ran ahead, covering ten li in the blink of an eye.
Seeing that Wen Yinyue would not relent, Li Muzhan stopped playing tricks and sped up, catching up to the Red Shadow like a wisp of smoke, riding alongside it.
The Red Shadow let out a soft neigh, showing delight.
Li Muzhan stroked its neck and chuckled, “Senior Sister is truly angry?”
The white veil fluttered as Wen Yinyue shot him a sidelong glance but said nothing.
Li Muzhan laughed, “Senior Sister intends to work me to death, is that it?”
Wen Yinyue slightly bowed her body, her bright eyes fixed ahead, ignoring his rambling. Her heart remained unmoved, and the corners of her mouth, beneath the white veil, curled up slightly.
Li Muzhan was persistent, chattering without cease.
In front of outsiders, he maintained a solemn and weighty demeanor, embodying the air of a high monk. Yet, facing the Bamboo Brow Master or Wen Yinyue, he instantly transformed, becoming glib and smooth-tongued.
Suddenly, Li Muzhan proposed, “Senior Sister, why don’t we stop by my home first? After visiting my parents, we can head to the Changbai Sword Sect?”
Wen Yinyue turned her head to look at him.
She pondered for a moment, then nodded, “At the Red Shadow’s pace, we have time. Alright, we’ll stop by your place first.”
“Thank you, Senior Sister!” Li Muzhan exclaimed with excitement.
The two continued traveling through the night. Because the road was deserted, the Red Shadow could unleash its speed and run freely. Li Muzhan, unafraid of causing a stir, fully employed his qinggong.
The distance covered overnight was double what they managed during the day.
As the first hint of dawn broke, they stopped, finding a secluded, quiet spot to meditate and regulate their breathing. The rising Ziqi (Purple Qi) was the finest tonic for cultivation.
The time when Ziqi permeated the air was the optimal period for internal energy training.
Although Li Muzhan didn't need to concern himself with such things, Wen Yinyue valued it, so he naturally accompanied her.
As he entered meditation, two stars appeared in his mind’s eye against the night sky—Tianshu and Tianxuan. The starlight enveloped his body.
With the completion of the Eight Forms of Rabbit Slaughter, Tianxuan shone brightly.
With both stars illuminating him, his absorption of starlight accelerated greatly. However, the crucial part was refining the starlight; the Dragon Slaying Heart Method, fierce and overbearing, was the most effective for this refinement.
Now, his entire Canghai Divine Skill had transformed into the Dragon Slaying Force—fierce, overbearing, supremely Yang and utterly firm. To restore the Canghai Divine Skill, he would first need to disperse the Dragon Slaying Force.
……………………………… Outside Jinyang City, in Li Family Village, Li Muzhan arrived only to find an empty shell. Li Zhuzi, along with Madam Qin and Madam Zhao, had already moved to Yingyue Peak.
Li Muzhan then proceeded with Wen Yinyue to Yingyue Peak.
As the setting sun cast its glow upon Yingyue Peak, Li Muzhan left the Red Shadow behind and climbed the mountain with Wen Yinyue. They ascended all the way to the summit, where they found the Yingyue Nunnery, nestled amidst bamboo groves.
Viewing it from a distance, the Yingyue Nunnery seemed to shimmer in and out of sight, possessing a distinct aura of tranquil distance.
Li Muzhan pointed afar, “Senior Sister, that is the Yingyue Nunnery.”
Suddenly, two crisp shouts rang out: “Who goes there? Stop!”
Two young novices, about fifteen or sixteen, emerged from the bamboo forest, holding gleaming long swords, glaring vigilantly at the pair, especially at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a bow. Dressed in jade-colored monk’s robes, he carried the refined air of a venerable monk.
“I am Zhan Ran. Kindly inform the Divine Nun Xueyin.”
“Wait a moment!” one young nun commanded sternly, turning and gracefully gliding across the bamboo tips, vanishing into the Nunnery grounds like an unfledged swallow, her movements exquisite.
The other novice became even more vigilant, her bright, round eyes wide, ready to draw her weapon at any moment.
Wen Yinyue whispered, “Is the Divine Nun Xueyin present?”
On their journey over, Li Muzhan had told her the famed name of the Divine Nun Xueyin—a divine monk of the world, highly praised even by her own master. Now, facing the prospect of meeting her, she suddenly felt a flicker of nervousness.
Li Muzhan shook his head, “The Divine Nun is not here.”
“Ah?” Wen Yinyue’s disappointment showed instantly.
If her junior brother said she wasn't here, then she wasn't. It was a pity she couldn't meet the Divine Nun Xueyin.
“Well, well, you naughty boy finally decided to come back!” A white shadow flashed, and Li Muzhan suddenly felt a sharp tug on his ear. A charming, coquettish maiden stood beside him, playfully pinching his ear while chiding him.
“Second Sister, gently! Gently!” Li Muzhan quickly begged for mercy.
Li Yurong glared at him resentfully, “I’ll yank your ear clean off!”
Her jade-like hand eased slightly, and she continued with feigned anger, “You shot that arrow and vanished without a trace! Mother and Father watched and waited for you day and night, and you wouldn’t return. You deserve a good beating, you rogue!”
Li Muzhan quickly interjected, “Second Sister, my Senior Sister is here!”
Only then did Li Yurong notice Wen Yinyue. She immediately let go, smiling sheepishly, and nodded to Wen Yinyue, “So this must be Third Brother’s Senior Sister. Forgive my rudeness, I am Li Yurong.”
“Wen Yinyue, greetings, Miss Li,” Wen Yinyue returned the greeting with a slight bow of her fists.
Li Yurong smiled sweetly, “Since you are Third Brother’s Senior Sister, you are not an outsider. Stop calling me ‘Miss.’ Just call me Second Sister.”
“…Yes, Second Sister,” Wen Yinyue nodded.
Li Muzhan had mentioned on the road that Li Yurong was older than her, thus she should be called Second Sister.
…………………………………………………………
Li Yurong subtly glanced at Wen Yinyue, then swept her eyes over Li Muzhan, her smile widening. “Come, come, let’s go to the house!”
Though her observation was concealed, Wen Yinyue perceived it keenly. Her face flushed slightly, feeling awkward, and she cast a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan.
Seeing his smug expression, as if he were bringing a new bride home, she inwardly cursed her mistake for accompanying him.
Li Yurong led the way, and they soon arrived at a valley behind the Nunnery. A collection of houses was built along the mountainside; the small courtyards were elegant, resembling those of a village.
Smoke was rising from the chimneys of every household, lingering in the small valley. The air was thick with the smell of burning firewood, which felt intensely familiar to him.
Hearing their approach, a volley of dog barks erupted.
Li Yurong wore an unstained white monastic robe, moving with graceful poise—a unique charm that made Li Muzhan sigh; after not seeing her for a while, Second Sister had become even more devastatingly beautiful.
They quickly reached a small courtyard on the east side. Li Yurong pushed open the door, “Father, Mother, look who’s back!”
Li Zhuzi was deeply engrossed in his flower bed, holding pruning shears. Hearing the sound, he looked up. The door to the main room moved, and Madam Qin appeared, “Who is it?”
She paused, her eyes widening, “Third Child!”
Li Muzhan stepped forward and hugged Madam Qin, “Mother, I’m back!”
“Is that really Third Child?” Madam Sen looked up.
Li Muzhan laughed, “Mother, if it isn’t me, who else would it be!”
“You wicked boy, you finally know how to come back! You know how to come back!” Madam Qin’s expression turned fierce, and she angrily hammered his chest, making a hollow thudding sound.
Li Muzhan chuckled, “Mother, I was busy!”
Madam Qin instantly burst into tears, “Fine, you’re busy, you’re busy! When you’re busy, you forget your mother, is that it!”
Li Muzhan quickly coaxed her with a smile, “Mother, haven’t you heard? Once you enter the martial world (jianghu), you cannot control yourself. Master sent me on an important errand, and I’ve only just finished it.”
Madam Qin wiped her tears, glaring at him resentfully, “You heartless, wicked boy… In short, you are unfilial!”
Li Muzhan hastened to agree, “Yes, yes, I am unfilial, I am unfilial!”
Li Zhuzi strode over, hands behind his back, “Alright, you’re back now. Crying and making a fuss—you’ll make others laugh!”
Madam Qin saw Wen Yinyue and quickly dabbed her tears away, smiling sheepishly at her, then called out, “Old man, hurry up and call the eldest son back!”
“Greetings, Old Madam,” Wen Yinyue stepped forward to give a formal bow.
“Mother, this is my Senior Sister, Wen Yinyue,” Li Muzhan introduced.
Madam Qin nodded repeatedly, “Good, good, no need for formalities. Third Child will rely on you to look after him. Hurry inside and take a seat.”
Everyone entered the house together. Li Yurong said to Li Zhuzi, “Father, I’ll go call Big Brother back. You go call Sister-in-law back.”
“Mm, good,” Li Zhuzi nodded, walking out with his hands clasped behind his back.
………………………………………………
Madam Qin pulled Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue onto the heated brick bed (kang) and asked them questions non-stop.
Li Muzhan answered each one, selecting the amusing details, making Madam Qin laugh continuously.
Wen Yinyue did not expose the embellishments. If adventuring in the martial world were so fun, his junior disciples Lu and the others would not have died miserably; venturing in the martial world was always a razor’s edge between life and death, with no enjoyment in it whatsoever.
In a short while, Li Zhuzi returned, and Zhao Yiyi appeared. As soon as she entered the room and saw Li Muzhan, she smiled shyly, “Little Uncle, you’re back.”
“Sister-in-law!” Li Muzhan bowed slightly and pulled her onto the kang beside him.
Zhao Yiyi appeared somewhat uneasy, glancing at Madam Qin. Madam Qin said, “Yiyi, come up. We are still a family, no need to be polite.”
Li Muzhan sensed the awkwardness and frowned slightly, “Mother, Big Brother…?”
Madam Qin showed distress, shaking her head with a sigh, “Alas, this eldest son. He seems steady, but his handling of affairs truly leaves one worried!”
Zhao Yiyi quickly interjected, “Mother, Little Uncle just returned, don't trouble him with this now.”
Madam Qin sighed and shook her head, “Fine, we’ll discuss it later. For now, it’s a rare occasion you’re back, let’s not mention it… How long are you staying this time?”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Five or six days, perhaps.”
“Five or six days? That’s so rushed?” Madam Qin was displeased.
Li Muzhan laughed, “My Senior Sister and I need to attend an engagement ceremony for a sect. After we see the excitement, we’ll return and stay a while longer, alright?”
“Mm, how long until you return then?” Madam Qin asked again.
“About half a month,” Li Muzhan replied.
Madam Qin’s face brightened, “That’s more like it. You must stay for at least a month before leaving!”
“Third Child is back?” Big Brother Li Mufeng’s voice sounded as the door curtain lifted and he ducked inside.