On every step from the base to the halfway point stood two people, a man and a woman flanking each side, all clad in solemn black, their expressions grave and composed.

The black martial silks glittered under the sun, contrasting sharply with the snow-white steps, making the display strikingly conspicuous.

Abbess Zhuzhao, Abbess Zhumei, and Li Zhuyue stood at the very bottom step, smiling warmly as they watched them approach.

Xu Jingying, Mei Ruolan, and the other direct disciples stood behind them, also beaming, while Xiao Yuan secretly waved a greeting.

Li Muzhan started, then turned to Wen Yinyue: "Senior Sister, what performance is Master putting on?"

Wen Yinyue replied: "Master is welcoming us."

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed: "We aren't honored guests, why such a display? Is this perhaps to welcome Martial Uncle Lu and Martial Uncle Bai back to the mountain?" Wen Yinyue shook her head: "No."

Disbelieving, Li Muzhan followed closely behind Wen Yinyue until he stood before Abbess Zhuzhao.

"Master, for whom is such a grand formation?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Abbess Zhuzhao pursed her lips and chuckled sweetly: "It's for the two of you!" "Me and Senior Sister?" Li Muzhan questioned.

Abbess Zhuzhao laughed heartily: "Exactly for the two of you! Stirring up trouble at the Changbai Sword Sect and injuring old man Nie—you truly brought glory to Mount Canghai!"

Li Muzhan said: "I was actually afraid Master would scold me." "Impudent boy, why would I scold you!" Abbess Zhuzhao shot him a look.

Li Muzhan chuckled and said: "Master, this is Wang Xiaoyao, the Young Pavilion Master of Penglai Pavilion, He Fengxia, and Li Yujiao, the Young Sect Master of Holy Snow Peak."

The three bowed respectfully to Abbess Zhuzhao, inwardly marveling at her youth; she looked more like Wen Yinyue's elder sister than a master.

Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand, smiling brightly: "Alright, alright, no need for formalities. You are friends of Zhanran, not outsiders. Proceed up the mountain."

"Yes," the three replied respectfully.

Abbess Zhuzhao was known by the moniker Rakshasa; ruthless and merciless. Although she was smiling, they dared not be careless, and their demeanor remained somewhat reserved.

Li Muzhan laughed: "Master is very kind, there's no need to fear."

Abbess Zhuzhao glared at him and scolded playfully: "Impudent boy, they are merely being courteous, not fearful! Aren't you going to lead them up the mountain!?" Li Muzhan acknowledged this, turned, and invited everyone to follow Abbess Zhuzhao up the mountain path together.

................................................, even Abbess Zhuzhao had to abide by the rules of Mount Canghai; she could not use Qinggong to ascend the steps, but had to climb them one by one.

As they walked, listening to Li Muzhan recount the events, Abbess Zhuzhao nodded intermittently, her smile reaching her eyes, occasionally throwing him looks of profound satisfaction.

Feeling greatly encouraged, Li Muzhan became even more animated in his storytelling. He gave far more detail than he had to Martial Uncles Lu and Bai, making it vivid and colorful, even revealing his own inner thoughts.

Walking and talking, the entire group listened with rapt attention, as if they had returned to that very moment.

Concluding his tale, Li Muzhan said with a smile: "Master, this disciple regrets his insufficient skill; I failed to seize the chance to take Nie Wangqiu's life. Such an opportunity will never arise again!"

"That villain is cunning and has a tough life force. Making him lose face is more satisfying than killing him. Well done!" Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand, beaming.

Li Muzhan smiled: "It is all due to Master's excellent teaching."

Martial Uncle Lu smiled broadly: "Second Senior Sister, you have taken on a fine disciple!"

Abbess Zhuzhao giggled: "Not bad, not bad. This impudent boy has finally done something good—unlike before when he only knew how to cause me trouble!" "Look how proud Second Senior Sister is!" the women laughed sweetly.

Every time they passed a step, the man and woman stationed there would stare intently at Li Muzhan, their expressions strange.

Li Muzhan felt bewildered and asked with a smile: "Master, why are they looking at me so strangely?"

Abbess Zhuzhao laughed: "They are looking to see if you have three heads and six arms! I heard news that you defeated Monk Xinjue of Lantuo Temple!" Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile: "Master, that is a false rumor—I did not defeat Master Xinjue."

"Oh?" Abbess Zhuzhao raised a delicate eyebrow.

Li Muzhan explained: "Master Xinjue and I sparred, and it only ended in a draw."

"Then why did everyone spread word that you defeated Xinjue?" Abbess Zhuzhao frowned.

She immediately suspected that someone might be deliberately sowing discord, trying to incite enmity between Mount Canghai and Lantuo Temple. Such news was truly malicious. The people of Lantuo Temple would certainly assume that Mount Canghai released the news to discredit them and elevate themselves, and hostility born from this could eventually erupt.

Li Muzhan continued: "When Master Xinjue and I clashed, it triggered an avalanche, and Master Xinjue ended up trapped underneath—I helped pull him out."

"Oh?" Abbess Zhuzhao glanced at him sidelong: "You even caused an avalanche, you are quite capable!"

Li Muzhan scratched his head and chuckled: "I got carried away with the fight and shouted a few times, and then it turned out that..."

"You shouldn't shout recklessly on a snowy mountain, you don't even know that?" Abbess Zhuzhao snorted.

Li Muzhan offered a couple of sheepish laughs: "I did remember, but in the heat of the moment, I couldn't resist, and I never expected it to cause an avalanche that almost buried me too."

"How did you survive?" Abbess Zhuzhao inquired.

Based on her assumption, both of them must have been buried in the snow during their fight.

..............................................,…………

Ji Muzhan smiled: "The Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill proved truly useful at a critical moment."

"Yes, you are thick-skinned enough not to fear being crushed." Abbess Zhuzhao nodded, glancing at him sideways: "Be more careful next time; not every time will be this lucky!"

"Yes, yes," Li Muzhan nodded quickly.

Moreover, his survival after being buried by the snow was partly due to the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill, but also related to his Chan meditation abilities—he could switch to internal respiration without relying on breathing through his mouth and nose.

Because he was buried under the snow, air quickly ran out. No matter how deep his internal force or how long his meridians flowed, he would eventually suffocate to death—but Li Muzhan did not fear this. Monk Xinjue's internal force was deep, but he hadn't reached the realm of Fetal Breathing; he could only pass out from lack of air. If Li Muzhan hadn't rescued him, he would certainly have perished.

As they spoke and walked, they unknowingly reached the Wuji Hall at the mountain summit. Martial Uncles Lu and Bai dispersed to catch up with acquaintances, while Li Muzhan and the four others entered the Wuji Hall.

Once everyone was seated, Abbess Zhuzhao asked: "Miss Li, how is Sect Master Li?"

"Yes, Madam, she is quite well," Li Yujiao replied respectfully.

Abbess Zhuzhao nodded! "I haven't seen Sect Master Li for five or six years. Time truly flies; in the blink of an eye, you've grown into a young woman."

Li Yujiao slightly lowered her head, listening respectfully and unmoving.

Abbess Zhuzhao then turned to Wang Xiaoyao and smiled: "How is Pavilion Master Yang as well?"

"Yes, Master is very well," Wang Xiaoyao quickly nodded.

"Has Pavilion Master Yang's violent temper not changed?" Abbess Zhuzhao asked with a smile.

Wang Xiaoyao hesitated for a moment, a difficult expression crossing his face, and simply smiled.

Seeing this, Abbess Zhuzhao laughed: "It seems it's still the same. Pavilion Master Yang's temper, I wonder how many people it has offended!"

Wang Xiaoyao felt this deeply but dared not agree.

Abbess Zhuzhao asked: "What is the situation between you two? Why does Pavilion Master Yang disagree?" Wang Xiaoyao looked embarrassed: "Martial Sister Yang, she..."

Abbess Zhuzhao clapped her hands and laughed: "I understand! Old Man Yang wants to marry his precious daughter off to you, is that it?"

Wang Xiaoyao nodded.

Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head: "This Old Man Yang, he really dares to dream!"

Wang Xiaoyao quickly said: "It is the disciple's lack of appreciation, but I truly only regard Martial Sister Yang as a sister, there is no romantic affection!"

"Mm, I understand, I understand," Abbess Zhuzhao nodded repeatedly.

………………………………”………………

She glanced sideways at Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue: "Like Yinyue and Zhanran, though they look close, there is no romantic entanglement—it cannot be forced."

Wen Yinyue's eyes flickered, and she remained silent.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and shook his head.

Abbess Zhuzhao eyed him askance: "What? Impudent boy, is what your Master said not correct?"

Li Muzhan quickly replied: "No one is wiser than Master."

"Looking at your expression, you seem unconvinced," Abbess Zhuzhao snorted.

Li Muzhan smiled bitterly and shook his head: "This disciple dares not."

"What is it that you dare not do, impudent boy?" Abbess Zhuzhao peered at him.

Abbess Zhumei shook her head: "Junior Sister..."

She sighed inwardly. This Junior Sister was always trying every means to push those two together, but perhaps she was too eager.

Abbess Zhuzhao smiled sweetly: "Very well, I will let him off today... Nephew Wang, you caused quite a mess this time, and you even dared to defy the Pavilion Master's command! Given your Master's temperament, if he had been there, he would have struck you down with a single palm!"

Wang Xiaoyao nodded, shame coloring his face.

Abbess Zhuzhao continued: "However, the law is not without mercy. For acting so devotedly for your beloved, it is understandable. You do not deserve death."

Wang Xiaoyao lowered his head and sighed: "I will return and ask Master Zhou for punishment, and accept whatever disposal he deems fit."

Abbess Zhuzhao snorted: "If your Master strikes you dead, you'll be free, but what will happen to Fengxia? Leave her to live alone?"

Li Muzhan smiled: "Master, stop frightening Xiaoyao, hurry up and think of a solution."

Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head: "Old Man Yang is stubborn; no one can persuade him. I don't have the face to help."

Li Muzhan smiled wryly: "Master..."

"You are full of bad ideas, come up with a plan!" Abbess Zhuzhao said with a sweet smile.

Wang Xiaoyao and He Fengxia looked over, as did everyone else present.

Li Muzhan scratched his head and sighed: "If nothing else works, the only option is to fake his death."

"Fake death?" Abbess Zhuzhao raised an eyebrow, smiling: "How would this faking of death work? Tell me about it."

Li Muzhan proposed: "Nie Wangqiu launched a sneak attack, and Xiaoyao was gravely injured saving me, his life hanging by a thread. Pavilion Master Yang should be urgently summoned."

Wang Xiaoyao quickly shook his head: "That cannot be done! It absolutely cannot be done!" He already owed Li Muzhan an enormous favor; if this happened, it would mean Mount Canghai owed Penglai Pavilion a huge debt of gratitude, which was utterly improper.

Li Muzhan sighed: "Xiaoyao, don't overthink it; worry about saving your life first."

"Whether I live or die is up to Master's discretion. I appreciate Senior Brother's good intentions, but I cannot accept it!" Wang Xiaoyao firmly stated.

Li Muzhan smiled: "If you start helping someone, see it through to the end. You can't just let me work hard for nothing, can you?"