Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head with a sigh. "No one lives in this world exactly as they wish; there are always things beyond your control.

That girl Yinyue cares for you deeply, but alas, she cannot let go of Canghai Mountain." Li Muzhan managed a wry smile and nodded. "Indeed.

Canghai Mountain is more important to her than I am.

Elder Martial Sister made the right choice." "Yinyue is highly capable and extraordinarily intelligent; she handles affairs more smoothly than I do.

She is the optimal choice for Abbess.

With her leading, Canghai Mountain has hope for resurgence," Abbess Zhuzhao stated. "Yes," Li Muzhan agreed.

Abbess Zhuzhao fixed him with her almond eyes. "You rogue, what do you intend to do?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "Affection cannot tolerate even a shred of coercion.

I will not force Martial Sister's hand." Abbess Zhuzhao smiled faintly. "Buddhism speaks of the Sword of Wisdom cutting through karmic threads of attachment.

Your meditative focus is profound, your understanding of the Dharma exquisite—you possess such great wisdom." Li Muzhan chuckled. "Master need not worry." "Hmm, I only fear that love might curdle into hatred between you two," Abbess Zhuzhao sighed.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It will not come to that." "That is good, then.

You may go now." Abbess Zhuzhao nodded slowly.

Li Muzhan executed a slight bow with palms joined, turned, and left the pine grove, returning to his small courtyard.

A persistent ache lingered in his heart, so he immediately began practicing the Sword Forging Stance.

This stance was fierce and overbearing.

Now, with anger and killing intent lurking beneath his surface, it served only to amplify his sword intent.

His entire courtyard was suddenly suffused with surging sword energy.

The next day, when Zhong Bixuan arrived before his courtyard, just as she was about to step forward and knock, the hairs on her body suddenly stood on end, and a chill ran through her, causing her to involuntarily step back.

Her delicate frame, wrapped in a jade-green silk gown, tensed.

She gripped her sword and scanned her surroundings, trying to locate the source of danger, yet found nothing amiss.

She called out sternly, "I see you! Come out now!" Silence met her.

She focused her gaze, her eyes sharp as lightning, still detecting no anomaly.

Just then, the bone-deep chill vanished as if it had been a mere illusion.

She frowned in confusion.

A gentle voice suddenly reached her ear: "Martial Sister Zhong, please, come in." Zhong Bixuan pushed the door open while still holding her sword hilt.

Li Muzhan stood in the courtyard, looking over with a somber expression.

Zhong Bixuan felt an immediate jolt. "Junior Martial Brother Zhanran, what has happened to you?" she asked, surprised.

Li Muzhan had always been composed and serene, his vital spirit contained yet abundant.

She had never seen him so haggard, as if he had aged several years in an instant.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Nothing serious.

I've been training all night and am a bit weary.

Martial Sister, did you wish to descend the mountain together?" "Yes, I did," Zhong Bixuan nodded quickly, approaching him with a placating smile. "Junior Martial Brother Zhanran, what you say carries weight.

Could you speak to my Master?" Li Muzhan smiled, gestured, and sat down in the small pavilion.

Zhong Bixuan followed him, smiling sweetly. "Master listens to no one, but your words are the most effective.

Please put in a good word for me." Li Muzhan picked up the teapot, placing both hands around it, and asked with a smile, "Why do you wish to go down the mountain, Martial Sister?" "Hmph! That scoundrel surnamed Lin, I must personally cut him down!" Zhong Bixuan gritted her teeth and snorted hatefully. "Is this revenge for Elder Martial Sister Xu?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Zhong Bixuan nodded vigorously. "Martial Sister Xu is a woman of immaculate purity! To be so brazenly mocked and insulted—if I don't kill this Lin fellow, I won't sleep a wink!" Li Muzhan fell into contemplation, glancing at her.

At that moment, white steam billowed from the teacups with a gentle bubbling sound, releasing its fragrance.

He poured two cups, offering one to her, then took his own and sipped slowly before setting the cup down. "Martial Sister, Martial Uncle will never agree." "What others say won't matter, but what you say will!" Zhong Bixuan urged quickly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I have witnessed Lin's swordsmanship.

Even Elder Martial Sister Xu was no match for him.

Do you think you stand a chance, Martial Sister?" Zhong Bixuan huffed, "But you are here too, Junior Martial Brother!" Li Muzhan shook his head. "He has four guards with him, each one comparable to our Elder Martial Sister." "Then what should we do?" Zhong Bixuan tilted her head in thought. "Shall we ambush them? Or perhaps I could use a honey trap? That Lin fellow is an absolute lecher!" Li Muzhan laughed. "Martial Sister, let's wait a while longer.

Once I've sorted out the true situation, we can mobilize several masters—many against few—and annihilate them completely!" Zhong Bixuan sprang to her feet. "Junior Martial Brother, you are truly no fun!" Li Muzhan remained unmoved, shaking his head and smiling. "Martial Uncle has his own opinions.

Even if I spoke until my tongue turned blue, it would be useless!" "Then just try talking!" Zhong Bixuan pouted charmingly.

Li Muzhan laughed. "I won't invite ridicule for myself!" "Fine! Junior Martial Brother Zhanran, I remember this! Don't ever ask me for a favor in the future!" Zhong Bixuan stomped her foot playfully and turned, dashing away like a gust of wind.

Li Muzhan watched her leave with a slight smile, and the oppressive feeling in his chest eased slightly.

He changed into a sable coat and put on a matching fur cap, making him entirely white.

A long saber hung at his waist, complementing a rugged and unrestrained demeanor—the very picture of a bold martial adventurer.

He strode out of his courtyard and slowly made his way toward the Wuji Hall.

Along the path, disciples bowed to him in greeting, staring at him with astonishment.

His features hadn't changed, but his aura was completely different, as if he were an entirely new person.

When Li Muzhan reached the Wuji Hall, only two people were inside—Abbess Zhuzhao and Wen Yinyue.

Wen Yinyue’s face had regained its pearly whiteness; the gray pallor had receded.

Li Muzhan let out a breath of relief.

Although their romantic fate was over, their bond as martial siblings remained.

Seeing her recovered brought him an inexplicable joy. "Master, Elder Martial Sister," Li Muzhan said, pulling his fur-lined robe around him as he sat down cross-legged.

He removed his fur cap, revealing his shaven head.

Abbess Zhuzhao studied him, pursing her lips in a slight smile. "Zhanran, in this attire, you are truly unrecognizable...

Hmm, your eyebrows need to be thicker, and you should attach a long beard." Li Muzhan laughed. "That is precisely what I intend." Abbess Zhuzhao chuckled. "It's rare for you to alter your temperament so completely; it’s quite the likeness! Excellent!" Li Muzhan turned to Wen Yinyue. "Elder Martial Sister, since I plan to probe the situation, perhaps you could enlighten me." Wen Yinyue nodded, her expression cool. "The Three Laughs Hall is divided into East, West, North, and South sub-altars.

Each altar is headed by an Altar Master and two Vice-Masters, all of whom are formidable experts." She continued, "The culprit who harmed Junior Martial Sister An is from the South Altar.

They anticipated that someone from our sect would investigate and had set up hidden traps.

Martial Sister Xu and I realized the situation was perilous and retreated, but we were still pursued.

Our two Senior Martial Aunts sacrificed themselves to cover our retreat, yet we were still intercepted." "What about the two Senior Martial Aunts?" Li Muzhan frowned.

Wen Yinyue shook her head. "I do not know." Abbess Zhuzhao interjected, "The two Martial Aunts should be fine; they both possess life-saving ultimate skills." Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "Elder Martial Sister, this Lin Ping is Lin Yu’s son.

Are the four men beside him from the South Altar, or are they members of the Lin family?" "They call Lin Ping 'Young Master,' so they must be from the Lin family," Wen Yinyue replied. "The Lin family..." Li Muzhan mused.

Wen Yinyue advised, "The Lin family holds great power; it is best we do not provoke them." Li Muzhan shook his head. "This Lin Ping must be killed." Wen Yinyue glanced at him, then turned to Abbess Zhuzhao, who nodded. "Regardless of the cost, Lin Ping must die.

To insult someone from our Canghai Mountain like that will not be tolerated!" "Once Lin Ping is dead, neither the Three Laughs Hall nor the Lin family will let this go," Wen Yinyue stated calmly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Elder Martial Sister, while the Three Laughs Hall and the Lin family are powerful, a fierce dragon cannot crush a native snake.

They will gain nothing if they venture into Dayuan!" Wen Yinyue replied coolly, "But what if they don't attack Canghai Mountain directly, but merely resort to assassinating our disciples?" "Ah, that is something we must guard against!" Abbess Zhuzhao frowned slightly.

Li Muzhan proposed, "Then let us seal the mountain." "Nonsense! Sealing the mountain is a matter of grave importance; you cannot treat it as a jest!" Abbess Zhuzhao shot him a look.

Li Muzhan argued, "We have obtained the Flying Immortal Sword Scripture.

It is time for everyone to practice it seriously, integrate it into the Nine Swords of Canghai, and naturally, we will ascend to a higher level...

If we don't fly now, we will soar to the heavens! At that point, Canghai Mountain will be able to look down upon the world!" Abbess Zhuzhao pondered, then shook her head. "Sealing the mountain means severing all martial world activities, ceasing outside contact.

We would quickly be isolated by other sects; the repercussions would be severe." Li Muzhan smiled. "Master worries too much.

At the very least, Penglai Pavilion and Sacred Snow Peak are friendly to us.

Of the Seven Great Sects, Raotuo Temple remains neutral, and the Changbai Sword Sect is in decline.

If we secure amity with two more factions, what is there to fear?" Abbess Zhuzhao considered this, hesitant. "This matter is too weighty.

I must consult with the elders of the sect; a decision cannot be rushed." "Very well.

Then Master should think carefully.

I shall take my leave for now," Li Muzhan nodded. "Junior Martial Brother..." Wen Yinyue suddenly spoke.

Li Muzhan, who was about to rise, paused and turned back, a smile fixed on his face. "Does Elder Martial Sister have instructions?" Wen Yinyue felt a pang of acidity when she saw his courteous smile, yet she kept her tone level. "Those four cultivators specialize in Hardening Techniques, and they also possess synchronized attack methods." Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. "Good, I understand.

Thank you for the reminder, Martial Sister." Wen Yinyue slightly lowered her eyelids.

Li Muzhan stood up, resting the long saber horizontally at his waist, and laughed heartily. "Master, I am departing now." His laughter was bold and generous, soaring to the heavens, brimming with the spirit of a true hero. "Wait a moment," Abbess Zhuzhao raised her hand and waved him to stop, turning with a smile. "Yinyue, go to the Inner Treasury and bring back the fine weapon, the Azure Water Saber." "Yes," Wen Yinyue rose and departed.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I thank Master in advance." Abbess Zhuzhao asked with a genial smile, "The Azure Water Saber is a treasured blade.

Do you know saber techniques?" Li Muzhan shook his head. "I have actually never learned any saber forms." Abbess Zhuzhao responded, "That is fine.

I will search around and find a set of saber techniques for you." She turned and floated away gracefully, leaving him alone in the grand hall.

He sighed softly, gazing at the statue of the Jade Maiden.

It was so lifelike, its eyes shining with a spiritual intelligence, seeming almost to have transformed into a real person, poised to speak but holding back.

A shadow flashed, and Wen Yinyue reappeared, holding a long saber in her hands.

The scabbard was plain silver-gray, so unremarkable that one couldn't discern its quality at a glance. "Junior Martial Brother, this is the Azure Water Saber," she said, offering it with both hands.

Li Muzhan took it, gently drawing the hilt.

With a clear, resonant 'Zheng...' the sound of steel rang out, and a flash of blade light, like flowing water, appeared.

Holding the long saber, an icy chill emanated from it.

The blade was clear and bright, shimmering like jade-green water.

With a slight tremor, it rippled like a surface disturbed by a breeze—brilliant and agile.