Li Muzhan let out an inexplicable smile, and before Wang Xiao-qiu could speak, he suddenly struck his chest with a palm, causing a spurt of blood to erupt. Li Muzhan flicked his sleeve, enveloping the arrow of blood and flinging it outside the grand hall.

"Master!" He Feng-xia cried out in alarm. Li Muzhan's strike was sudden and astonishingly swift; the crowd couldn't react in time.

By the time they did, Wang Xiao-yao's eyes were wide with disbelief as he slowly collapsed. He Feng-xia rushed to support him, staring at Li Muzhan in shock.

Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled, "This Xiao-yao is too hesitant in his actions. Always overthinking, too many stray thoughts.

Better to just make the deed done!" Abbess Zhu Zhao scolded him, "You! You truly are a scoundrel!" Wen Yin-yue also shook her head, unimpressed.

Li Yujiao giggled, applauding, "As expected of Senior Brother, so decisive! This Wang Xiao-yao is so wishy-washy, truly not a man!" He Feng-xia whispered, "Senior Brother?

Senior Brother?" Li Muzhan said, "Miss He, rest assured, I know my limits... The injury is a bit severe, yes, but there is no danger to his life.

He will recover after some rest. By the time Pavilion Master Yang arrives, we must at least have concealed it from him." Though he had never met Yang Chong, the Pavilion Master of Penglai Pavilion, the head of a sect was surely a sharp and astute individual.

Even if one wasn't naturally intelligent, experience would force it upon them; environment shapes the person. If it weren't a real injury, Pavilion Master Yang would see through it instantly.

Arousing suspicion would only worsen matters. This single palm strike served a dual purpose.

"Master, be a little lighter..." He Feng-xia complained with slight displeasure. Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Too light and Pavilion Master Yang will see through it.

Enough, no one is dying, no need to be so sad!" He Feng-xia shot him a look, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. Wang Xiao-yao was still unconscious, and her heart remained suspended.

She gave Li Muzhan another sharp look. "Truly reckless!" Abbess Zhu Zhao sighed, shaking her head, "Who knows if Young Hero Wang will turn against you over this!" Li Muzhan laughed, "Rest assured, Master, your disciple knows what he is doing." "Hmph, you know your limits?

If you knew your limits, would you have been buried under the snow?!" Abbess Zhu Zhao glanced sideways at him, clearly dredging up old grievances. The memory of him being crushed by the avalanche sent a jolt through her heart.

No matter how strong one's martial arts, one was as insignificant as an ant when facing nature's wrath. This momentary worry immediately turned into anger, and she couldn't help but want to reprimand him.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, rubbing his nose, and glanced towards Wen Yin-yue. Wen Yin-yue turned her head away, pretending not to notice.

Li Yujiao asked, "Senior Brother, will Pavilion Master Yang come?" Li Muzhan let out a breath and quickly smiled, "That depends on Master's skill. A personal letter from Master should surely persuade him to grace us with his presence?" Abbess Zhu Zhao snorted, "Naturally.

I'll write the letter immediately. No need to trouble a second person; you can take it!" Li Muzhan quickly interjected, "Master, I have only just returned and wish to enter secluded meditation to digest my recent insights.

Perhaps send someone else?" "Then should Yin-yue go? Your lightness skills are the best between the two of you...

If we send someone else, by the time the message reaches him and Pavilion Master Yang returns, Young Hero Wang will have taken this blow for nothing," Abbess Zhu Zhao stated flatly. "I will go, Master," Wen Yin-yue said calmly.

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, "Yes, yes, perhaps I had best go." Abbess Zhu Zhao chuckled softly, "That's more like it. You can set off shortly!" Li Yujiao said, "Senior Brother, let me accompany you." Abbess Zhu Zhao smiled, "Miss Li, you should rest well.

He has Scarlet Shadow; it's a rare divine steed, exceptionally fast—he won't be tired." Li Yujiao nodded slowly, somewhat reluctantly, but since Abbess Zhu Zhao had spoken, she couldn't disobey. She cautioned him, "Senior Brother, you must be careful." Li Muzhan laughed, "Alright, Junior Sister, stay here for a while.

Once this matter is settled, I'll accompany you back to Sacred Snow Peak." "Wonderful!" Li Yujiao immediately agreed with delight. Abbess Zhu Zhao rose and went to the writing desk beneath the window, picking up a brush and writing swiftly.

She soon finished the letter, folded it, and handed it to Li Muzhan, "Go now. The sooner you leave, the sooner you return.

Do not dawdle on the road." "Master, please let Junior Brother catch his breath," Wen Yin-yue said mildly. Abbess Zhu Zhao shot a look at Li Muzhan, "Feeling sorry for him?

He won't get tired!" Wen Yin-yue shook her head helplessly; Master truly was unrestrained in her old age, always teasing the relationship between herself and her junior brother. Li Muzhan said, "I will depart immediately and deliver it directly into Pavilion Master Yang's hands." "Mhm, go then," Abbess Zhu Zhao waved him off.

Li Muzhan smiled at everyone, turned, and left the Hall of Wuji, heading down the mountain. The disciples had already dispersed; the stone steps were quiet.

He descended Canghai Mountain. Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, he let out a long, piercing cry.

The sound was like rolling spring thunder, spreading forth, concentrated and unwavering, carrying a great distance. Soon, a neigh answered from the east—clear, high-pitched, like a dragon's roar.

In an instant, a red shadow appeared in his sight. Blink, and the red shadow was upon him, transforming into a magnificent crimson horse: Scarlet Shadow.

Scarlet Shadow swept past like a gust of wind. It stopped abruptly with a sharp whinny, then stretched its head forward to vigorously nuzzle Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan chuckled, stroking its jaw, adjusting its mane, and then vaulted onto its back, patting it once. Scarlet Shadow let out a soft whinny and shot out like an arrow, vanishing from the vicinity of Canghai Mountain in moments.

Penglai Pavilion rested atop Dan-yun Cliff at the edge of the East Sea. Facing the ocean, the pine trees remained verdant and lush, brimming with life despite the winter season.

A complex of palaces stretched along Dan-yun Cliff, nestled among the dense, dark pines, possessing a grand and magnificent aura, truly like heavenly palaces. The main hall of Penglai Pavilion was the Sea King Hall, and at this moment, roars echoed from within.

"That wicked disciple! He deserves death!

Deserves death!" The roar thundered, audible throughout Penglai Pavilion, even carrying out over the sea, like the wrath of the Thunder God. The hall inside was vast, capable of holding a thousand people, decorated in simple, ancient elegance.

Only three people were present: a middle-aged man with a face as ruddy as a date, possessing a dignified bearing and righteous air—he was Yang Chong, the Pavilion Master of Penglai Pavilion. Beside him sat a gentle young woman, clad in a dark-green silk gown that molded to her exquisite figure; her features were beautiful, and she looked at him with concern.

Opposite the two sat Elder He, shaking his head and sighing. Yang Chong snorted in anger, "Junior Brother, how did you serve as his martial uncle?

Why didn't you strike him dead on the spot instead of letting him spout nonsense and ruin our grand plan!" Elder He managed a wry smile, "Senior Brother, the Young Pavilion Master has a stubborn nature, which you know well. I couldn't persuade him.

Furthermore, he only responds to gentleness, not force. Even if I beat him to death, he wouldn't obey!" "You, you...

you are simply too soft-hearted!" Yang Chong shook his head dismissively. Elder He said, "Senior Brother, the trouble has already been caused; anything said now is too late.

In my opinion, allying with the Heart of the Eagle Wolf from the Changbai Sword Sect offers no benefit. We should reconsider." Yang Chong glared at him and roared, "Reconsider my foot!

Things have gone this far, what is there left to consider! It would be a miracle if we didn't become sworn enemies!" Elder He shook his head, unoffended, and sighed, "The Young Pavilion Master was also caught up by affection—who wasn't young once?

... Didn't you and the Madam also have a spectacular romance back then?

Like master, like disciple; the Young Pavilion Master is carved from the same mold as you!" "He's like me, carved from the same mold!" Yang Chong roared in indignation. He panted heavily, his face flushed and neck thick, clearly furious.

He then shouted, "What's more infuriating is that this degenerate dared to defy the Pavilion Master's decree and rebel against me!" Elder He countered, "When his temper flares, even if you spoke to him personally, he wouldn't listen. Doesn't that temper resemble yours?

You even argued with the Master back then!" Yang Chong stared at him unhappily, "Junior Brother... why do you only bring up my past mistakes?

Are you implying that this degenerate's behavior is all my fault?" Elder He smiled, "His temper is all learned from you, isn't it?" "Nonsense! I have an excellent temper!" Yang Chong huffed.

Elder He fell silent, his expression clearly showing skepticism. The young woman beside him whispered, "Father, try to refrain from such coarse language; Mother will scold you again!" Yang Chong startled, then turned and snorted, "Xing-yun, why are you speaking up for that degenerate?" The girl, Yang Xing-yun, whispered back, "It was Father who drove Senior Brother to that point; you can't blame Senior Brother!" "That faithless wretch!

This time, I will surely kill him!" Yang Chong roared. Yang Xing-yun whispered, "Father, it's all because you tried to arrange the match.

I told you, Senior Brother and I are not what you imagine!" "Do you think your father's eyes are failing?" Yang Chong pouted. Yang Xing-yun looked up and huffed, "Father, if you force Senior Brother any further, I won't live!" "Children shouldn't speak such nonsense!" Yang Chong snorted, then turned to Elder He, "Junior Brother, that brat must marry my daughter, not your daughter!" Elder He frowned, "Senior Brother, this is not for us to decide.

Matters of the young should be left to the young to decide themselves!" "Nonsense! What do children know!" Yang Chong waved his hand.

Elder He sighed helplessly, "Senior Brother, they are old enough, what don't they know?!" Yang Chong gritted his teeth, "Enough! This time I will certainly eliminate this degenerate!" "He is your disciple; deal with him as you see fit!" Elder He huffed, losing his temper as well.

"My disciple? Not my son-in-law?" Yang Chong's eyes widened, and he roared, "It seems you are the formidable one, Senior Brother, stealing my son-in-law without a word!" Elder He started to laugh, "In terms of character and looks, Xing-yun is far superior to Xia'er.

But the Young Pavilion Master happens to prefer Xia'er. It's like a toad liking a green bean—their eyes met; where is the argument?" As the two were arguing, a disciple reported from outside the hall, "Reporting to the Pavilion Master, Master Zhan Ran of the Canghai Sword Sect requests an audience!" "Eh, Master Zhan Ran?" Elder He sprang to his feet instantly.

Yang Chong asked sternly, "Zhan Ran from Canghai Mountain?" He instantly regained his solemnity and composure, as if transformed into a different person. "Precisely.

He says he has urgent matters to discuss!" the disciple called out loudly. Yang Chong commanded, "Invite him in quickly!" He turned to Elder He, "That's the Dual Sword Monk Zhan Ran, correct?" Elder He nodded, "Exactly!" ...

"Senior Brother, we should go out personally to greet him!" "Good," Yang Chong nodded, leading the two out of the Sea King Hall.