That surge of pent-up resentment boiled fiercely within him, growing ever more intense, ready to erupt in astonishing power later on.

Negative emotions should be released, not hoarded, lest they damage the self; he understood this deeply, yet he would never forgive this Lin Ping, his murderous intent boiling like magma, held down with crushing force.

“You did well!

Truly commendable!” Mistress Zhumei nodded in praise.

Few people in this world were as composed as Zhan Ran; controlling one's actions with reason was easy to say, yet nearly impossible to execute, as excitement could sweep away all caution.

Had someone else been in this situation, they would have fought desperately; those few opponents were absolute masters, and the result would have been gruesome—the thought alone sent a chill down his spine.

Zhan Ran’s temperament made him perfectly suited to lead a sect, but alas, the position of Canghai Sword Sect Master was reserved only for women, not men; his joining the Canghai Sword Sect was truly a pity.

This all occurred in the span of a single thought, and she spoke softly, “Revenge is not urgent.

Jingying mentioned that these individuals possess astonishing martial arts.

Although the young Master Lin Tan is young, his sword is lightning-fast; even without ambushing Jingying, he would have been too much for her.” Li Muzhan nodded: “His sword is indeed fast.” “This Sanxiao Hall is not to be underestimated,” Mistress Zhumei remarked.

“Even a mere sub-branch’s young master could push Yinyue and Jingying to such a state.” Li Muzhan replied, “That young master’s sword is extremely swift, and the four men accompanying him possess top-tier martial arts, comparable to those of the Eldest Senior Sister.” “Alas…” Mistress Zhumei sighed, turning her gaze toward Wen Yinyue, and Li Muzhan followed her look.

The gray pallor on Wen Yinyue’s face had not faded, and the lotus above her head appeared clearer.

The lotus above Mistress Zhuzhao’s head had doubled in size, like a crown upon her brow.

“If a small Southern Branch is this formidable, how powerful must the true experts within Sanxiao Hall be?” Mistress Zhumei shook her head, her expression heavy.

Li Muzhan stated, “Martial Aunt, I will personally travel to Nanli to investigate the situation thoroughly.” “Good.

With you going, I am relieved,” Mistress Zhumei smiled.

They spoke in low tones, but the hall was silent, and everyone caught every word.

After a prolonged period, the gray on Wen Yinyue’s face remained, but Mistress Zhuzhao’s complexion flushed crimson; clearly, she could no longer sustain it.

The cushion beneath Li Muzhan suddenly undulated, spreading out three feet like a lotus leaf, carrying him swiftly behind Mistress Zhuzhao.

Li Muzhan extended his right palm, pressing it against Mistress Zhuzhao’s back.

A stream of rich, pure internal energy immediately poured forth, absorbed instantly like sweet dew quenching parched earth.

Mistress Zhuzhao’s color gradually returned, and the white mist forming a lotus above her head grew larger still, expanding once more.

The gray on Wen Yinyue’s face, however, had not yet receded.

A quarter of an hour later, Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his hand, as did Mistress Zhuzhao.

She opened her almond eyes, shook her head, and sighed once.

Wen Yinyue sat cross-legged, maintaining a posture of solemn dignity.

… “Master?” Li Muzhan asked quietly.

Mistress Zhuzhao shot him a sidelong glance and huffed, “What do you want to ask?” “How is Senior Sister’s poison?” Li Muzhan inquired.

Mistress Zhuzhao snorted, “Though this poison is fierce, the protection of the Zaohua Pill keeps her safe.

It will merely take a bit longer to fully recover.” Li Muzhan nodded: “That is good news.” Mistress Zhuzhao stood up, and Niao Xi gracefully exited the main hall.

The others rose and followed.

Only Wen Yinyue and Xu Jingying remained in the hall, regulating their breathing.

Outside the hall, before the nearby pine forest, Mistress Zhuzhao suddenly waved her hand, and with a loud bang, everyone’s heart skipped a beat.

A clear, distinct palm print was seared onto a nearby pine tree.

Given the tree’s hardness, the effect on a human body was obvious.

Li Muzhan said, “Master, I will go down and check.” Mistress Zhuzhao frowned deeply, remaining silent in contemplation.

Li Muzhan knew she was worried, so he smiled, “Master, rest assured, I will go in disguise, ascertain the reality of the situation, and return immediately without engaging them in combat.” Mistress Zhuzhao still pondered silently, Wen Yinyue’s ordeal making her deeply cautious.

Li Muzhan smiled again, “Master, knowing the enemy and knowing oneself ensures victory in every battle.

If I go and find a suitable opportunity, is that acceptable?” Mistress Zhuzhao turned to look at him, considering his supernatural capabilities.

What Zhan Ran said was not false; if the true strength of Sanxiao Hall needed probing, among the experts of Canghai Mountain, he was the most suitable choice.

No matter how strong others were in martial arts, they were not as useful as his unique abilities.

Mistress Zhumei intervened, “Zhan Ran, perhaps we should wait until Yinyue awakens so she can tell us more before deciding.” Mistress Zhuzhao slowly nodded: “Yes, that is sound advice.” She turned and waved her hand: “Alright, everyone go back to rest!” Zhong Bixuan ground her teeth, pouting charmingly, “Martial Aunt, are we just letting this go?

We must have revenge!” She was clad in a vibrant emerald green tunic, her face like white jade, lovely and captivating.

Mistress Zhuzhao smiled faintly, “This revenge must be exacted, but we cannot rush.

First, we must ascertain their true situation, then we can plan!” Zhong Bixuan declared, “I will go, Martial Aunt!” “You, little one, forget it!” Mistress Zhuzhao shot her a look and shook her head.

Before Zhong Bixuan could argue further, Mistress Zhumei interrupted her: “Enough, stop causing trouble and go back to sleep quickly!” Zhong Bixuan whined coquettishly, “Master MM~~!” “Your rash and impulsive nature will only spoil things if you go!” Mistress Zhumei stated plainly.

Zhong Bixuan offered, “Then I’ll go with Martial Brother Zhan Ran!” “You’d only be a burden to Zhan Ran!” Mistress Zhuzhao snorted.

As they were speaking, Xu Jingying appeared before the hall entrance.

People quickly turned to look.

Mistress Zhuzhao hurried, “Why aren't you resting longer to regulate your breath?” Xu Jingying calmly shook her head: “I am fine.” “Come here, tell me exactly what happened,” Mistress Zhuzhao beckoned.

Xu Jingying walked to the group, shaking her head: “The South Branch of Sanxiao Hall killed Junior Sister An, and they revealed their tracks.

They are pursuing us now!” “How strong are their martial arts?” Mistress Zhuzhao asked.

Xu Jingying replied, “Lin Ping is slightly weaker.

The other four are a level above me, comparable to Eldest Senior Sister.” “That strong?” Mistress Zhuzhao’s delicate brows furrowed.

“Logically, that shouldn't be…” She was not entirely ignorant of Sanxiao Hall; while powerful, they shouldn't possess such overwhelming strength.

“This Lin Ping uses despicable and insidious methods; we must be wary.

Despite being stronger than us, he resorted to ambush,” Xu Jingying stated faintly, shaking her head.

She clearly harbored deep hatred for Lin Ping, yet her demeanor remained placid.

Mistress Zhuzhao turned to Mistress Zhumei, pondering: “Lin Ping, the Young Master—he must be the son of Marquis Hongyi, Lin Yu.” Mistress Zhumei slowly nodded: “Yes.

If he is Lin Yu’s son, those four masters must be his personal bodyguards… they might even be members of the Lin family!” Her expression darkened.

Mistress Zhuzhao and Li Zhuyue also frowned, their looks grave.

Zhong Bixuan asked, “Master, is the Lin family very powerful?” “One of the Four Great Families of Nanli!” Mistress Zhumei stated.

Zhong Bixuan scoffed dismissively, “So what if they are the Lin family?

We can still beat them until they scatter!” “Enough of your bragging!” Mistress Zhuzhao snapped impatiently, “Stop boasting empty words.

Do you think the Lin family is so easy to deal with?!” “Then we just won’t take revenge?” Zhong Bixuan protested, unconvinced.

Li Muzhan remained silent in contemplation.

Now that the Lin family was involved, it seemed a major complication.

“Master, how does the Lin family in Nanli compare to us?” Li Muzhan asked.

Mistress Zhuzhao let out a long sigh and shook her head: “Stronger than us.” Li Muzhan fell silent, frowning in thought.

“In that case, a head-on confrontation is out of the question.” Mistress Zhuzhao frowned, saying nothing.

Li Muzhan slowly suggested, “Master, let me go take a look first, how about that?” “Hmm, first ascertain the reality of the situation,” Mistress Zhuzhao conceded reluctantly.

She had originally intended for Li Muzhan to complete his comprehension of the Feixian Sword Sutra before descending the mountain, but now it seemed that luxury was no longer affordable.

… Li Muzhan glanced towards the hall: “Senior Sister’s… poison…” “I will handle that.

Rest assured,” Mistress Zhuzhao waved him off.

Li Muzhan nodded and said no more.

Mistress Zhuzhao waved her hand and commanded sternly, “Alright, it is settled.

Let Zhan Ran descend first to check things out.

Everyone else, go back to sleep and ensure you rest well to cultivate diligently!” After agreeing, the others departed, scattering in moments until only Li Muzhan and Mistress Zhuzhao remained.

A bright moon hung high overhead, casting silvery light upon them both.

Mistress Zhuzhao’s pretty face was solemn: “Zhan Ran, do not overexert yourself when you go to Nanli!” Li Muzhan replied, “Master, I will be careful.” Mistress Zhuzhao paused in thought for a moment, then slowly said: “The Great Ming King Scripture… you cannot use it!” Li Muzhan gave a bitter smile and nodded.

“Only investigate the situation.

Do not fight if you can avoid it!” Mistress Zhuzhao cautioned him again, unable to fully ease her worry.

She understood her disciple profoundly and could sense the murderous intent brewing within him.

Li Muzhan assured her, “Master, I will act according to the circumstances and will not be reckless!” Mistress Zhuzhao said, “That is good.

A temporary humiliation means nothing.

Once you master the Feixian Sword Sutra, and then master the Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture, combined with the Dragon Slaying Hand, in the future you may well surpass Nangong Endao… A gentleman’s revenge is best served after ten years!” “Yes, Master.” Li Muzhan felt a warmth in his heart.

Mistress Zhuzhao waved her hand: “Very well, then go.” “I will wait until Senior Sister awakens, inquire about the situation from her, and then descend the mountain,” Li Muzhan suggested.

“Hmm, that is acceptable,” Mistress Zhuzhao nodded, looking at him deeply: “What quarrel have you two been having?” Li Muzhan rubbed his nose and gave a wry, helpless smile.

Mistress Zhuzhao looked at him, sighed softly, and turned to enter the pine forest, following the winding path inward.

Li Muzhan walked alongside her.

Mistress Zhuzhao gazed into the distance, her almond eyes glittering: “This is also my fault.

Since childhood, I have instilled in her the notion of being number one in the sect.

She grew up believing herself to be the Canghai Mountain Master, and her sense of responsibility is too heavy.” “Master, I am fine,” Li Muzhan shook his head.

Mistress Zhuzhao pursed her lips into a slight smile: “I am not blind, how could I not see your feelings for Yinyue?” Li Muzhan rubbed his nose again.

Mistress Zhuzhao sighed: “The rule of the Canghai Sword Sect Master must remain unmarried has been passed down through generations.

Yinyue is determined to be the Master, so you must let go of your thoughts.” Li Muzhan asked, “Master, this rule cannot be broken?” “It cannot be broken,” Mistress Zhuzhao shook her head.

Li Muzhan sighed and smiled self-deprecatingly.