After resting for half an hour, the sun had completely set, plunging the surroundings into darkness. The group pressed on, galloping through the night and into the next morning, finally reaching the foot of Canghai Mountain by noon the following day.

Of the five, everyone except Li Muzhan was covered in road dust. Having run non-stop for so long, even with profound internal energy that never waned, the physical fatigue was inescapable.

Only Li Muzhan among the five appeared vibrant and spirited; not only was he untired, but he seemed even more energized. Thanks to his Heavenly Origin Breathing Technique and a body tempered by the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art, its power was now fully manifest.

Yang Zhong sighed inwardly. With such a figure in the Canghai Sword Sect, the next generation’s contest for supremacy would once again put the Penglai Pavilion at a disadvantage—a truly frustrating prospect!

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Yang, allow me to announce our arrival first."

Yang Zhong waved his hand dismissively. "No need for formalities. Send one person up to report, and we'll be on our way. No need for all that pretense!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, not insisting, and told a disciple waiting at the base of the mountain, who then shot upwards with swift steps.

Yang Zhong also started walking up, laughing. "I heard there's a rule on Canghai Mountain: you can't use Qinggong when ascending, only walking, is that true?"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Precisely. This is a rule passed down from our founding Ancestor; no one on Canghai Mountain dares to violate it."

"Alas... this strenuous climb is truly punishing. Wouldn't those who are old or frail be utterly exhausted climbing this mountain?" Yang Zhong shook his head.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Naturally, there are arrangements. If a person is genuinely weak, the disciples will carry them or lift them up. This rule, while strict, comes from good intentions, not cold-heartedness."

Yang Zhong inquired, "What good intention?"

Li Muzhan explained, "Our Ancestors feared that disciples would become too engrossed in cultivating internal energy, neglecting physical conditioning—putting the cart before the horse. This rule was established precisely to prevent that."

Yang Zhong raised his thick eyebrows and chuckled. "Such a profound meaning? Are you perhaps trying to fool me?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "How would I dare deceive a senior like you? Our sect’s internal cultivation methods are peculiar; practicing them is incredibly comfortable and highly addictive. One can easily become physically inert, focusing solely on internal power."

"Heh heh..." Yang Zhong laughed, shaking his head. "This is the first time I've heard that perspective. Truly novel, ha ha..."

Li Muzhan replied, "If Pavilion Master Yang does not believe me, you may ask my Master."

As the two chatted and laughed, Grand Master Zhuzhao and Wen Yinyue appeared from above, with He Fengxia following behind, the three slowly descending to meet them.

Before they were even fifteen steps closer, Yang Zhong cupped his hands and let out a hearty laugh. "Hahahaha... Greetings, Grand Master! It has been several years, but your grace remains as radiant as ever!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao returned the salute with clasped hands and chuckled a few times. "Pavilion Master Yang, you've aged quite a bit!"

Yang Zhong rubbed his reddening face and sighed dramatically. "Alas... a mountain of trivial matters, worrying me constantly. How can I not age, unlike you, Grand Master, who lives so freely and unburdened?"

................................. As Grand Master Zhuzhao drew near, a faint, delicate fragrance drifted down on the wind.

Yang Zhong looked towards the exquisitely beautiful Wen Yinyue and chuckled. "This must be the Cold Lotus Fairy, Wen Yinyue?"

Wen Yinyue performed a graceful bow. "Greetings, Senior Yang."

"Master," He Fengxia murmured respectfully, bowing her head.

Yang Zhong glanced at He Fengxia, his face darkening, and let out a gruff sound. "Little girl, your guts have grown fat! You've caused such a huge mess for your master!"

"Mas...ter..." He Fengxia stammered, unable to speak.

Grand Master Zhuzhao waved her hand, stepping in front of He Fengxia. "That's enough, Yang Zhong. Don't try to display your authority as the Pavilion Master in front of me! Let's talk inside!"

Yang Zhong shot He Fengxia a warning look. "Enough! I'll settle accounts with you later!" Then he forced a smile. "Grand Master, you misunderstand me. You know my temper; seeing this little girl just boils my blood!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao shot him a sharp look. "Who told you to play matchmaker and separate a loving pair? I say you brought this trouble upon yourself; don't blame the two youngsters!"

Yang Zhong huffed sullenly. "Your Zhanran was also an accomplice, stirring the pot!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao’s delicate face hardened, her willow-leaf brows knitting sharply. "Oh? My disciple offered a helping hand out of kindness, and now it’s become a fault! Yang Zhong, you are utterly unfair!"

Yang Zhong rubbed his nose, glanced at the stunned onlookers, and let out two awkward chuckles. "I am grateful for Zhanran's help, of course... Alright, alright, let's go in and talk!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao glared at him and sniffed, "Lead the way!"

The group quickly ascended the steps and arrived at the Wuji Hall, taking their separate seats. Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue sat behind Grand Master Zhuzhao, while He Fengxia sat behind Yang Zhong, quietly speaking to Yang Xingyun.

Li Muzhan glanced at the two women. Observing their conversation, it didn't seem like animosity but rather a closeness, as if their bond was very strong.

"Where is that rascal Xiaoyao? Has he finally decided he can't walk anymore?" Yang Zhong asked, not seeing Wang Xiaoyao.

Grand Master Zhuzhao gave him a sidelong glance. "He's still laid up in bed... Should I have him carried over so Pavilion Master Yang can pay his respects?"

Sensing the sarcasm in Grand Master Zhuzhao's tone, Yang Zhong chuckled wryly. "Forget it. Even though that boy is a scoundrel, his heart is fundamentally good, and he’s reliable when it counts!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao gave him an exasperated look.

Yang Zhong then said, "Grand Master, that fellow Nie Wangqiu is too shameless! He actually personally attacked a junior. That breaks the rules!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao let out a soft snort, her pretty face turning grave. Yang Zhong continued, "These rules cannot be broken; we must demand an explanation!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao sighed. "Indeed, an explanation is needed, but unfortunately, we have no proof. That thick-skinned rogue will never admit it!"

"Damn it, is there really no way to deal with him?!" Yang Zhong grunted, glaring.

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

"Father..." Yang Xingyun gently tugged his sleeve.

Yang Zhong quickly forced a smile. "Right, right, no rough language!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao shook her head. "What method is there? Unless we use his own methods against him—go and kill one of their young disciples!"

"I could never do such a thing!" Yang Zhong shook his head.

"Then that settles it, doesn't it?" Grand Master Zhuzhao huffed. "There is only one way: go and kill Nie Wangqiu. Zhanran has already injured him, and he's probably hidden somewhere inaccessible!"

"Sigh..." Yang Zhong listlessly pounded his knee.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly. "Master, if finding his hiding place is the goal, your disciple might be able to try."

"Hmm?" All eyes turned towards him.

Wen Yinyue nodded. "Master, Junior Brother possesses Buddhist divine abilities. Last time, when he avenged Junior Brother Lu and the others, he found them with ease."

"I see..." Grand Master Zhuzhao slowly nodded.

Regarding her second disciple's Buddhist abilities, Grand Master Zhuzhao had vague suspicions but had never pressed for details. Every time she asked, Li Muzhan would evade, claiming his intuition was merely sharper than average, a result of his deep meditative practice, nothing worth mentioning. After being put off or deftly redirected twice, it had pricked her pride as a teacher, so she simply stopped asking or bringing it up.

Yang Zhong quickly interjected. "Master Zhanran, can you really locate that fellow Nie Wangqiu?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "I have crossed swords with him before and still have a sharp memory of his aura. I should be able to find him, but assassinating him will not be easy."

"If we can find him, leave the rest to us!" Yang Zhong urged immediately.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Sect Leader Nie is a cautious person. Since he is injured, he will certainly have heavily fortified guards. Even if we find him, succeeding will be difficult."

"Heh heh, you only know one side of the story!" Yang Zhong said smugly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am eager to hear the rest."

Yang Zhong explained, "Indeed. This fellow is cautious, but he is also intensely suspicious. Because he is wounded, he will paradoxically allow fewer people to guard him. He trusts no one, fearing they might rebel and kill him while he is healing."

Li Muzhan paused in surprise, then laughed. "Such paranoia—living must be quite joyless for him."

Yang Zhong scoffed. "He has the nature of a ruthless hegemon. His life is dedicated solely to strengthening the Changbai Sword Sect, and over the years, he has been quite effective; the sect's power has greatly increased."

Grand Master Zhuzhao also nodded in agreement. "Yes, the Changbai Sword Sect used to be ranked last. Now... they have fought their way to the front ranks. That is indeed his contribution."

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

Li Muzhan nodded. Everyone has their own world and their own pursuits. To him, Nie Wangqiu was an enemy, but to the Changbai Sword Sect, Nie Wangqiu was a brilliant Sect Leader.

"Since Master Zhanran can find him, then let's make a move!" Yang Zhong slammed his thigh forcefully and turned to Grand Master Zhuzhao. "Grand Master, do you dare?"

"What reason would I have to refuse?" Grand Master Zhuzhao smiled faintly.

Yang Zhong declared, "Very well then. I will contribute three people, and you, Grand Master, contribute three. Seven of us together—I doubt we can fail to kill that fellow Nie Wangqiu!"

Grand Master Zhuzhao snorted. "Agreed!"

Li Muzhan remained silent; matters like this were ultimately decided by his Master.

Wen Yinyue spoke up. "Master, I will go."

Grand Master Zhuzhao nodded. "Good. You will accompany me to Cui Peak Pavilion to invite Martial Uncle Hua!"

Wen Yinyue agreed and turned, gracefully departing.

Li Muzhan watched Wen Yinyue leave, pondered for a moment, then quietly said to Grand Master Zhuzhao, "Master, perhaps Sister should stay behind. In the unlikely event that... with Sister here, Canghai Mountain will remain stable."

Grand Master Zhuzhao shot him a look. "Nonsense, you brat. Don't speak such ill omens. Even if we fail to kill that man surnamed Nie, we can retreat safely, no problem!"

Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head. "Master, if I were Nie Wangqiu, I would anticipate that you and Senior Yang might try to take advantage of his weakness, and I would certainly set a trap."

Grand Master Zhuzhao's delicate eyebrows lifted as she turned to look at Yang Zhong.

Yang Zhong rubbed his chin and spoke slowly. "We must guard against that. That fellow Nie Wangqiu is cunning beyond measure; he might very well do something like that!"

Li Muzhan continued, "Master, Senior, since he is pathologically suspicious, he will surely set up multiple illusionary formations to trick us. However, the area where he hides will not be heavily guarded, so we still have a chance."

Grand Master Zhuzhao laughed and chided him. "You brat, when you speak, you sometimes make sense, and sometimes you talk nonsense! Should we go or not?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "It is worth the risk. If it truly doesn't work out, we won't press the matter; we will simply withdraw... Master, I have one rather presumptuous request, which I hope both you and the Senior will grant!"