She stood perfectly still, her aura instantly transforming, like a cold sword drawn from its sheath, glittering fiercely in the sunlight, so compelling one dared not look directly at it.

Such a fierce sword intent made Nie Xuefeng’s heart clench, and he secretly cursed his luck.

He had dueled many opponents and experienced life-and-death struggles, yet only his father possessed such an imposing presence; no other person commanded such an overwhelming, rigid aura.

Li Muzhan nodded; Li Yujiao's Snow Blossom Divine Sword technique had deepened considerably.

Even he could not match this sword intent; it was the result of years of painstaking, concentrated effort, coupled with her peerless talent and pure willpower.

No wonder her success in mastering the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture was no accident, but rooted in deep foundation.

Nie Xuefeng’s expression grew solemn, and he too drew his sword. His entire demeanor shifted at once, mirroring a long sword emerging from its scabbard.

Though neither had struck, the atmosphere in the grand hall grew heavy, the very air seeming to solidify.

The onlookers retreated a few steps, forming a circle. The burly youth, Nie Yinxia, took two steps back, positioning himself precisely along the line that would bisect the two combatants, ready to intervene at any moment.

Li Muzhan did the same. The two stood opposite each other, exchanged a glance, and then turned their attention back to the duel.

"Ding..." A clear chime rang out like a dragon's roar as Nie Xuefeng’s long sword slid free, transforming into a streak of cold light that shot forth.

Li Yujiao seemed encased in ice, devoid of emotion. A flash at her waist, and her long sword was already swinging. The endless curtain of cold light instantly illuminated the entire hall.

Shards of cold light drifted down like individual snowflakes. The temperature in the hall plummeted as if a great snowstorm had suddenly descended, vividly real.

"Ding ding ding ding..." A rapid succession of clear chimes sounded, like rain drumming on banana leaves, the cold light growing ever more intense until the onlookers saw nothing but a blinding radiance.

It was as if, after a heavy snowfall, the entire world was draped in white silver, leaving no other sight discernible.

Li Muzhan and Nie Yinxia were similarly affected. Nie Yinxia slightly narrowed his eyes, a faint, shimmering gleam—oddly subtle—flashing within them.

But the surrounding people were too focused on the flurry of sword light to notice him; only Li Muzhan took it all in.

He closed his eyes, observing with his Void Eye, clearly perceiving the sword techniques of both fighters, and marveling at the strangeness radiating from Nie Yinxia.

This Nie Yinxia’s martial arts cultivation and mental approach were truly peculiar; his vision was exceptional, likely capable of piercing through the encompassing cold light.

Attending Li Yujiao were two middle-aged women, wearing proud smiles. Their young mistress’s swordsmanship, they felt, was enough to dominate the world, unparalleled.

"Ding ding ding ding..." The continuous ringing persisted.

"Hmph!" Li Yujiao suddenly let out a delicate snort. The pervasive cold light vanished instantly. She slid her long sword back into its sheath, stood with her hands behind her back, and glanced sideways at Nie Xuefeng.

Nie Xuefeng dragged the tip of his sword along the ground, his eyes wide as he stared at Li Yujiao.

...........

A faint trace of blood seeped from beneath his ribs. Nie Yinxia frowned, "Junior Brother?"

Nie Xuefeng shook his head, pressing a hand to his left side, and chuckled, "Miss Li showed mercy. I shall certainly repay this debt of a single strike another day!"

Li Yujiao couldn't discern if he was being sincere or sarcastic. She merely snorted and turned her head away. "Senior Brother Zhanran, shall we go out and enjoy the scenery?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "That would be lovely."

He turned to Nie Xuefeng, saying, "Young Hero Nie, your Flying Immortal Sword technique still lacks a certain refinement. There is no need to rush; take your time."

"I am indebted for the advice!" Nie Xuefeng’s face did not look pleased.

Li Muzhan chuckled lightly. "Senior Sister, shall we head out?" Wen Yinyue nodded in agreement. The three of them left the hall with Li Yujiao. Outside, a disciple in white approached them. "Miss Li, Miss Wen, the Sect Master has already arranged lodgings. Please follow me."...

Li Yujiao asked, "Senior Brother Zhanran, shall we stay together?"

"Miss!" one of the middle-aged women quickly interjected.

The request carried a potentially ambiguous implication that could damage the young lady's reputation and that of the Sacred Snow Peak.

Li Yujiao smiled faintly, "We can share a courtyard, and we can also spar a bit. How is my Snow Blossom Divine Sword training progressing?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Greatly improved. What do you think, Senior Sister?"

Wen Yinyue nodded, "Good."

She turned and instructed, "Please make the necessary arrangements."

The disciple in white bowed respectfully, his expression animated.

He had heard the name Wen Yinyue as if thunder had roared past his ears. Seeing the Cold Lotus Fairy in person, she truly seemed like an immortal, and furthermore, she had spoken to him!

The group followed the white-robed disciple into an area thick with pine trees. After winding through several paths, they found several spacious courtyards nestled in the center of the woods.

The disciple led the way to the easternmost courtyard and invited them in. Inside, a patch of plum blossoms was planted, surrounding a flat martial arts practice field equipped with every weapon imaginable—saber, spear, sword, and halberd.

The rooms were fully furnished with bedding, all brand new, and a stove radiated a comforting warmth.

The group was satisfied. They put down their belongings and left the courtyard to explore Changbai Sword Peak. However, since the area was snowbound year-round, there wasn't much to see.

Li Yujiao chatted incessantly with Li Muzhan, sharing trivial details of her daily life.

She rarely descended the mountain, dedicating herself solely to practice. The disciples she encountered mostly worshipped her, speaking cautiously, terrified of displeasing her.

This had been her reality since childhood; only Li Muzhan treated her normally—speaking plainly, laughing freely, and even showing irritation when warranted.

Thus, upon seeing Li Muzhan again, she felt immense familiarity and had a torrent of things she wished to tell him.

Though Changbai Sword Peak offered little sightseeing, Li Yujiao and Li Muzhan still circled the area, trailed by the two middle-aged women who watched Li Muzhan with unceasing vigilance.

Wen Yinyue did not join them, claiming fatigue and a desire to rest, which suited Li Yujiao perfectly, as she sensed a nascent affection between Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue.

Changbai Sword Peak was connected to the surrounding mountain range, a continuous expanse of snow-capped peaks.

Li Yujiao pointed toward the vast Thunder Mountain. "Senior Brother Zhanran, I hear this area yields an abundance of Snow Lotus blossoms. Eating them prepared in medicine can enhance one's cultivation. Shall we search for some?"

At that moment, the two stood atop a massive boulder, gazing down at the sprawling wilderness below. The stone jutted out precariously, with an unfathomable valley beneath their feet.

A harsh wind howled, whipping at their robes.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Junior Sister Li, doesn't your Sacred Snow Peak produce an abundance of Snow Lotus blossoms?"

Li Yujiao shook her head. "The Snow Lotuses on our Sacred Snow Peak are not of high enough quality to increase cultivation; only those here will do."

"Is that so? Very well, I shall search for them," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

He, too, felt a flicker of interest. He didn't need the Snow Lotuses to boost his power, but he could find some for the many disciples of the Vast Sea Sect to consume, which would surely please his Master.

The two moved across the snow without leaving a trace, gliding like two feathers caught in the wind. The two middle-aged women following behind were quickly left in the dust.

"Miss! Miss!" the women called out. Li Yujiao let out a few light laughs, revealing a mischievous glint in her eyes, ignoring their calls and instead moving even faster. Li Muzhan chuckled, finding the scene amusing.

Braving the biting wind, they traversed the white snow, floating onward, descending Changbai Sword Peak in the blink of an eye to search the adjacent peak for Snow Lotus blossoms.

While executing their agility techniques, Li Yujiao spoke about the habits of the Snow Lotus, the places it preferred to grow, all while scanning the area with her eyes.

Li Muzhan suddenly accelerated, arriving behind a large rock and pointing with a smile, "Is this one?"

Li Yujiao caught up and nodded. "Yes."

She then looked at him with surprise. "Senior Brother Zhanran, how did you spot it?"

She was exceptionally intelligent; given their vantage point, she should not have been able to see behind that specific boulder, yet he had pinpointed it.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Just a lucky guess."

Li Yujiao accepted this, showing no suspicion. Subsequently, Li Muzhan found another and then another, greatly baffling her until she pressed him for the secret.

Li Muzhan tapped his temple. "Nothing else. My intuition is exceptionally sharp, a result of cultivating the Zen Meditation technique."

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

"Is that truly so?" Li Yujiao asked skeptically.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I began cultivating Zen Meditation when I was four and have practiced for over a decade. It was not without result, especially my intuition, which far surpasses that of ordinary people."

"Is that so? I never realized Buddhist Zen Meditation could have such an effect. I should have practiced it myself," Li Yujiao remarked with a laugh.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Cultivating Zen Meditation is not entirely advantageous. What good is astonishing intuition if you lack the practical skill to handle trouble when it arises? Alas."

Li Yujiao considered this and nodded. "That is true. Is this intuition really that accurate?"

Li Muzhan suddenly pointed toward the left front. "There is an old acquaintance in that direction."

"Oh? Let's go take a look!" Li Yujiao exclaimed cheerfully.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It's best we don't. It is not a friend."...

"If the two of us join forces, who would we possibly fear?" Li Yujiao waved a dismissive hand, smiling. "Senior Brother Zhanran, let's hurry!"

Li Muzhan offered a helpless smile and followed her. They headed northeast. After cresting one ridge, they saw a monk in yellow robes standing atop a large rock, gazing out at the mountain ranges.

"Is that him?" Li Yujiao stopped, pointing.

The yellow-robed monk turned upon hearing their voices. He was a handsome, young monk, fair-skinned with vivid lips, exuding an elegant and unrestrained demeanor.

He cupped his hands in greeting and smiled faintly. "This humble monk, Xinjue, greets the female benefactor..." ... "It's you?"

He recognized Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled, cupping his own hands. "Master Xinjue, Zhanran pays his respects!"

"Take my punch!" Xinjue's expression darkened, and he stepped instantly before Li Muzhan, throwing a powerful punch.

"Insolence!" A flash of sword light erupted from Li Yujiao's waist, engulfing the area in a curtain of icy radiance.

Xinjue abruptly retreated, transforming his punch into a light flick of his finger.

"Ding..." Li Yujiao's sword light instantly retracted. She frowned, staring intently at Xinjue.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Junior Sister Li, this is Master Xinjue from Lantu Monastery. He is not to be offended."

He then added, "This is Junior Sister Li Yujiao from Sacred Snow Peak."

Xinjue cupped his hands toward Li Yujiao. "My apologies, Miss Li. I did not realize."

Li Yujiao frowned slightly and said coolly, "Why did you launch a sneak attack on Senior Brother Zhanran? Do the people of Lantu Monastery have no regard for propriety?"

When speaking to Li Muzhan, she was like a young girl, but encountering others, she instantly transformed, becoming composed, aloof, and calm.

"Zhanran?" Monk Xinjue paused, then looked up at Li Muzhan with surprise. "Could you be Qiran of the Vast Sea Sword Sect?" (To be continued)