Leng Wushuang stated coolly, "Speak plainly, what exactly happened?" Li Muzhan scratched his head, affecting a simple appearance. "I came out for a stroll and ran into Senior Brother Xia here. We discussed some martial arts puzzles, and then I brought out some wine and food." He paused. "Unexpectedly, Senior Brother Xia was in low spirits, and after a few drinks, he became completely intoxicated."

Leng Wushuang gazed at him deeply, then turned away, facing the whipping wind.

Gusts of cool breeze made her white robes billow and dance. She stood silently, uttering not a word.

A faint, delicate fragrance drifted into his nostrils, yet at this moment, Li Muzhan felt no lascivious stirrings. Leng Wushuang, standing there, resembled an ethereal fairy untouched by earthly concerns, or perhaps a celestial crane about to unfurl its wings and depart.

"Lake Lord." A shadow flickered, and Xia Wufeng materialized on the cliff edge as if by spectral means. He clasped his hands in a bow.

"Are you awake?" Leng Wushuang inquired.

Xia Wufeng bowed his head in shame. "Your disciple behaved improperly; I beg the Lake Lord for punishment!" "That person from the Sea Heaven Palace—how do you intend to handle him?" Leng Wushuang asked mildly.

Xia Wufeng hesitated for a moment, then remained silent.

"You don't wish to settle this?" Leng Wushuang pressed.

Xia Wufeng kept silent, his lips pressed tightly together, unmoving.

Leng Wushuang stated softly, "So you plan to marry her, bring her back to Star Lake Hermitage, is that it?" Xia Wufeng shook his head, whispering, "We will find some secluded place to retire, and from then on, concern ourselves with nothing of the outside world."

"Hmm, that is certainly a major objective," Leng Wushuang nodded.

"Lake Lord, you agree?" Xia Wufeng looked up abruptly, his face alight with joy.

Leng Wushuang nodded. "If you can truly achieve that, then I naturally agree. However, there remains one obstacle: can you be certain that she has absolutely no lingering ties to the Sea Heaven Palace?" Xia Wufeng looked at her in confusion.

Leng Wushuang continued, "You are together day and night; it is inevitable that you might inadvertently let slip news about the Lake. If she remains concerned about the Sea Heaven Palace and relays any of that information, have you considered the consequences?"

"Lake Lord," Xia Wufeng insisted quickly, "She wouldn't!"

Leng Wushuang countered, "Perhaps not now, while you are inseparable, unconcerned with everything else. But affection is the most unpredictable and changeable of things—hard to fathom. Can you guarantee she will love you devotedly for your entire life, and that you won't one day turn hostile?"

Xia Wufeng paused in contemplation, then nodded firmly. "I will treat her well for the rest of my life!" Leng Wushuang shook her head. "Sometimes, simply treating someone well is insufficient. People are fundamentally different; their thoughts can be worlds apart. You wish to retreat to the mountains, content with obscurity, but perhaps she desires fame under the heavens, to live a life of splendor. What will you do then?" Xia Wufeng frowned thoughtfully, falling silent.

Leng Wushuang went on, "When two people are together, arguments can erupt at any time, and it becomes too easy to turn on one another. Everyone has their weaknesses, but right now, your passion blinds you. In two or three years, you might gradually see clearly—and find these flaws unbearable. You will constantly quarrel, affection will wane, perhaps break entirely. What happens then?" She paused, her voice dropping slightly. "Just as you cannot control the heat of your passion, you cannot control its eventual cooling. When that day comes, and you become enemies, and she knows the true state of affairs within the Lake—what then?"

Xia Wufeng’s complexion gradually turned ashen.

Li Muzhan glanced up at Leng Wushuang’s back and sighed inwardly. He had never imagined that the Lake Lord, so seemingly like an immortal being, possessed such a penetrating understanding of human relationships.

A sudden discomfort prickled him. Could it be that the Lake Lord had personal experience, allowing her such profound insight into the affections between men and women? In his mind, the Lake Lord was pure and unsullied.

Leng Wushuang said calmly, "Wufeng, think this through carefully. One wrong step, and you face regret for a lifetime!"

Xia Wufeng’s face grew paler, as if a basin of ice water had been poured over his head. The tender sweetness in his heart seemed to vanish instantly. A chill spread through him, from the depths of his spirit to the very tips of his body.

Li Muzhan remained silent. Emotions, he conceded, were indeed the most mysterious—both the most enduring and the most fragile; they could dissipate with the slightest carelessness, yet possess an unbreakable tenacity.

Xia Wufeng finally asked, "Lake Lord, what should I do?" Leng Wushuang shook her head and sighed. "The best course is to sever these threads of affection!"

Xia Wufeng was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Lake Lord, I cannot do that."

"If that is the case, then you shall face the wall!" Leng Wushuang decreed. "Face the wall?" Xia Wufeng started in surprise.

Leng Wushuang continued, "You showed disrespect to me, violating our prohibitions. You are punished with facing the wall for three years!" "Lake Lord!" Xia Wufeng cried out in alarm.

Leng Wushuang narrowed her eyes slightly and said plainly, "What? Are you unconvinced?" "Lake Lord, have mercy, I..." Xia Wufeng pleaded anxiously.

Leng Wushuang spoke plainly again. "If your affection proves lasting, she will not change her heart during your three years facing the wall."

"I..." Xia Wufeng was utterly stunned, taken completely by surprise.

Leng Wushuang concluded, "You will face the wall right here, and you are not permitted to step down the mountain even once." With that, her figure drifted forward, gliding off the cliff edge like a wisp of white cloud, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Xia Wufeng stood frozen, dumbfounded.

He remained motionless for a long time. Li Muzhan sighed softly. "Senior Brother Xia..."

"Alas..." Xia Wufeng stiffly turned, a bitter smile strained onto his face, yet unable to suppress a long, heavy sigh.

"This is my fault; I shouldn't have urged Senior Brother to drink," Li Muzhan apologized regretfully.

Xia Wufeng shook his head. "This matter has been weighing on my heart. I was bound to speak of it sooner or later. Better it came out now. It’s not your fault."

"What happens next?" Li Muzhan asked.

Xia Wufeng looked up at the sky. It was clear blue, with a few white clouds drifting by.

………………………………………………

It took a long time before Xia Wufeng finally looked away, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Since the Lake Wife has issued her command, I have no choice but to face the wall!" "What about Sister-in-law?" Li Muzhan asked.

Xia Wufeng remained silent, his expression fluctuating between shades of dark and light.

Li Muzhan suggested, "How about I leave the Lake and deliver a message to her, telling her what happened?"

Xia Wufeng managed a smile and shook his head. "You aren't Seventh Rank yet; you cannot leave the Lake."

Li Muzhan sighed, forcing a bitter smile. "I had forgotten. Given my progress, it might take me a year or eighteen months to reach Seventh Rank. Perhaps before I even reach it, Senior Brother will be out of seclusion!"

"Quite possible," Xia Wufeng countered, shaking his head. "Who told you to practice the Ancient Qi Cultivation Technique!"

Li Muzhan frowned in thought. "Is there truly no other way?" Xia Wufeng considered this. "Junior Brother Li, come here every day. We'll practice together and see if we can reach Sixth Rank as quickly as possible!" "Agreed!" Li Muzhan nodded, then managed a smile and gestured toward the scattered remains at their feet. "Senior Brother, shall we finish the drink, then?" "Drink more?" Xia Wufeng shook his head wryly. "We were so busy drinking just now that we forgot the meat! Let's eat that first!"

The two men sat down again, tearing at the meat with their hands, taking bite after bite. They devoured several catties of meat in no time; both had astonishing appetites.

After bidding farewell to Xia Wufeng, Li Muzhan returned to his small courtyard, then headed to a waterside pavilion on the western edge of the lake. He retrieved his bedding and some daily necessities and carried them up to the cliff edge.

Each man took his share, sat cross-legged on cushions, and began their practice—Li Muzhan cultivating his qi, Xia Wufeng working on his internal energy.

Starting the next day, Li Muzhan rose early to practice his qi on the cliff. When the sun was halfway up the sky, he would begin practicing his saber techniques, sparring against Xia Wufeng.

Xia Wufeng's swordsmanship had already reached the stage of returning to simplicity, transforming complexity into ease. With just two or three moves, Li Muzhan was defeated, as if every strike of his saber technique revealed a flaw.

After practicing saber forms for half an hour, Li Muzhan went down to fetch breakfast, eating with Wufeng. After the meal, they chatted briefly before resuming their cultivation.

A good teacher breeds a brilliant student. Training alongside Xia Wufeng day and night, coupled with his already exceptional comprehension, allowed his saber technique to advance by leaps and bounds, a thousand li in a single day.

One afternoon, as he bought his midday meal and was returning to the cliff, a young woman in green suddenly approached him. "Junior Brother Li, the Lake Lord requests your presence!"

Li Muzhan paused, then nodded. "Very well. I’ll take these things up, and I’ll see the Lake Lord immediately." The young woman was above average in appearance—not stunningly beautiful, but possessing a fresh and pleasant temperament. She smiled gently. "Good. Then come back quickly, and don't keep the Lake Lord waiting long."

"Yes, thank you, Senior Sister Mo!" Li Muzhan nodded quickly, quickening his pace.

………………………………………………

Li Muzhan arrived at the cliff, spoke briefly to Xia Wufeng, and joked, "Senior Brother Xia, I’ll go beg the Lake Lord for leniency. Do you think it will work?" Xia Wufeng quickly replied, "Don't waste your breath. The Lake Lord’s word is always final; she never retracts what she says. It's useless."

Li Muzhan sighed.

Xia Wufeng laughed. "This arrangement isn't so bad either. Having you here keeps me from being lonely. In fact, it’s quite peaceful, and I can calm my mind to truly reflect."

Li Muzhan turned to leave with a smile. The quickest way down would be to leap and fly directly, but his lightness skill wasn't yet sufficient for him to attempt such a thing safely.

He reached the dock below, boarded a small boat, and rowed to the Falling Star Pavilion. The Lake Lord, Leng Wushuang, was already standing there, looking at him with her ethereal, white-robed figure.

Li Muzhan hastened his rowing and soon reached the pavilion. He leaped in, cupped his hands, and greeted her, "Lake Lord."

"Mmm. Is Wufeng well?" Leng Wushuang inclined her head slightly.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Senior Brother Xia is acting normally... But Lake Lord, could you perhaps show some mercy and allow Senior Brother Xia out of the Lake to bid farewell to the one he loves?" Leng Wushuang cast a cool glance at him. "You're meddling a bit widely!" Li Muzhan scratched his head, offering a helpless, bitter smile. "It’s my fault for egging Senior Brother on to drink, which led to his transgression. I truly feel responsible."

Leng Wushuang stated, "You don't need to worry about this matter. I summoned you because I wanted to ask if you wish to learn saber techniques."

Li Muzhan’s spirits lifted, and he nodded eagerly.

Leng Wushuang continued, "Your Setting Sun Saber technique has achieved true mastery, but unfortunately, your innate foundation is weak, and its power is insufficient. Moreover, it doesn't harmonize with your internal energy. Ultimately, it doesn't have much future potential."

Li Muzhan nodded. He practiced an earthy qi; although only a faint trace existed, it was already sufficient to deflect sabers. This earthy energy was exceptionally pure and perfectly obedient, but it didn't flow smoothly when powering the Setting Sun Saber technique.

Leng Wushuang explained, "I have two ways of teaching martial arts: one is the Ladder to Heaven, and the other is the Leap of the Dragon Gate. The Ladder to Heaven is the gradual method—step by step, progressing sequentially, starting with lower-grade martial arts and gradually cultivating higher-grade ones. Most disciples use this approach."

Seeing Li Muzhan nodding and listening intently, Leng Wushuang proceeded, "The Leap of the Dragon Gate is the abrupt method—directly cultivating high-grade martial arts. It only requires gradual comprehension; as understanding deepens, the power of the martial art gradually reveals itself... Both methods have their merits and lead to the same destination through different paths."

Li Muzhan asked, "Lake Lord, which path should I take—Ladder to Heaven or Leap of the Dragon Gate?" Leng Wushuang replied, "Your comprehension is astonishing, and you already possess a foundation in martial arts; your understanding of the craft surpasses that of ordinary people. You shall use the abrupt method."

Li Muzhan let a slight smile touch his lips, seeming sheepish, but inside he was deeply alert. The Lake Lord was truly perceptive in all details; it seemed she paid him little direct attention, yet knew everything about him.

Leng Wushuang concluded, "Since you cultivate earthy qi, you shall learn the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique. The essence of both techniques is similar; studying the latter will complement and mutually inspire the former."

"Mountain-Splitting Saber technique?" Li Muzhan was taken aback.

"Have you heard of the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique?" Leng Wushuang glanced at him coolly.

Li Muzhan furrowed his brow in thought. "I seem to have a vague impression... Let me think. Ah! Wasn't there a great master of the saber in the Western Zhao Dynasty, unmatched in battle, who used the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique? Is that right?" Leng Wushuang said flatly, "Mmm. His real name was Ouyang Zu. You can find him on the Stellar Roster."

"He was actually a disciple of our Little Hermitage?" Li Muzhan exclaimed in surprise.

Leng Wushuang nodded. "It's a pity he never returned in the end."

Li Muzhan asked with keen interest, "Lake Lord, why did he go to the Western Zhao? Was he on a mission?"

Leng Wushuang looked at him briefly. "He felt that the martial arts of the Western Zhao held a unique mystery he wished to investigate."

"Is that so..." Li Muzhan felt a slight disappointment, having expected some dramatic, convoluted story.

Leng Wushuang warned him, "The Mountain-Splitting Saber technique is a Supreme-Grade Saber Art. If you can comprehend it fully, reaching Ninth Rank as a disciple is certain. I only fear you will be scatterbrained and reach for too much!"

Li Muzhan scratched his head and laughed; her words clearly carried an underlying message.

Leng Wushuang stated, "I will teach you one stance every ten days. We shall see if you can comprehend it by then."

"Yes, thank you, Lake Lord." Li Muzhan nodded solemnly.

Leng Wushuang extended her hand. "The saber."

Li Muzhan unbuckled his Azure Water Saber and handed it over. Leng Wushuang weighed it lightly, then shook her head. "Later, you will go exchange this for a Profound Iron Saber. This one is too light; it won't benefit the cultivation of the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique."

Li Muzhan nodded, staring at her with excitement.

Leng Wushuang had assumed he was impatient to learn, not realizing that Li Muzhan had already grasped a sliver of the true meaning of the Mountain-Splitting Saber from his previous encounters with the saber itself and was eager for a proper comparison.

She first carefully explained the saber formula, relating it eloquently; every word was like a precious pearl. Li Muzhan memorized it instantly, nodding repeatedly.

Seeing him recite it back without error, Leng Wushuang nodded with satisfaction. She swung the Azure Water Saber and brought it down slowly.

With a faint hiss, a yellow light flashed along the blade, striking the teacup resting on the stone table. The cup wobbled slightly, then shifted precisely one inch.

The saber's light could be extended and retracted—clearly indicating mastery at an extremely profound level.

Leng Wushuang slowly withdrew her saber and turned to look at Li Muzhan. "Did you see that clearly?"

Li Muzhan's eyes seemed unfocused, his expression blank.

Leng Wushuang watched him silently, then sat down, taking a small sip from her cup. She looked down, stroking the Azure Water Saber, her slender, white-jade hand tracing from the blade's body, across the spine, to the edge, and finally to the hilt, examining it meticulously.

She glanced up at Li Muzhan. The saber emanated a faint, surging aura of killing intent, powerful as a tide. A different person would likely fail to notice it; only because her own senses were so sharp, and after careful perception, did she detect its strangeness. Such a magnificent blade must have been stained with countless drops of blood—it was an ominous weapon. An ordinary person could not suppress it; only someone with his tenacious spirit. Anyone else would unconsciously become bloodthirsty.

………………………………………………

After a while, Li Muzhan snapped back to awareness, offering Leng Wushuang an embarrassed smile.

Leng Wushuang asked, "Did you gain any insight? Try it!" She casually tossed the Azure Water Saber to Li Muzhan. He caught it, smiling. "I just cross-referenced it with my earthy qi; it is truly miraculous. I hope the Lake Lord will guide me further."

"Demonstrate it," Leng Wushuang commanded calmly.

Li Muzhan slowly brought his saber down. Ohm—the blade vibrated continuously, like a stone dropped into a wasp’s nest, causing a swarm of angry buzzing.

Leng Wushuang nodded. "Mm!"

Li Muzhan retracted the saber, his expression grave, and slowly brought it down again.

Ohm—the sound was louder, the blade’s tremor more violent. The Azure Water Saber seemed to writhe like a white snake.

Leng Wushuang nodded again.

Li Muzhan retracted the saber, sweat beading on his forehead. These two strikes had been delivered with all his focus. Though they appeared slow, they drained his essence and spirit enormously. He lacked the energy for a third strike and could only sheathe his weapon in resignation.

Leng Wushuang stated, "Your comprehension is indeed astonishing. You have grasped the threshold with this single strike."

Li Muzhan just smiled, his expression unreadable. In his heart, he knew that grasping the essence of this strike was due to the divine energy he had perceived from the Mountain-Splitting Saber earlier, not his own true skill.

Leng Wushuang advised, "Try controlling it with your earthy qi; you will discover wonders. You may go back now."

Li Muzhan nodded and said no more. He turned, leaped onto the small boat, rowed back to the main courtyard, informed Senior Brother Chang, and obtained a Profound Iron Saber.

The Profound Iron Saber was broad and large, fully twice the size of the Azure Water Saber. Its surface was dull black, and it was incredibly heavy. However, when Li Muzhan held it, it felt perfectly balanced. The weighty sensation was exceptionally grounding, possessing a tangible presence. In terms of maneuverability, it far surpassed the Azure Water Saber. Although the Azure Water Saber was sharp, Li Muzhan felt it was too light, like handling a feather.

But the Profound Iron Saber had one major drawback: it was unsharpened, having no blade edge; it was blunt.

Taking the Profound Iron Saber, he returned to the cliff. Xia Wufeng was practicing his swordplay—a left poke, a right thrust—his movements clumsy, like a child fooling around. Hearing Li Muzhan approach, he stopped his sword, turned, and smiled. "Did the Lake Lord teach you any supreme skills?"

"The Mountain-Splitting Saber technique. Have you heard of it, Senior Brother?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Xia Wufeng’s eyes lit up. "The Mountain-Splitting Saber technique? Kid, your luck is truly significant—another Supreme-Grade martial art!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Brother knows this saber technique too?"

"All the Supreme-Grade martial arts are stored right here!" Xia Wufeng tapped his temple with the sword pommel.

Li Muzhan mentioned, "The Lake Lord teaches me one stance every ten days."

Xia Wufeng sighed. "The moves of the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique are simple, but mastering it is not easy. It involves saber intent; rote practice is useless!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Brother, how about you test this one strike of mine?"

"Alright," Xia Wufeng chuckled, pointing his sword tip forward. "Let's see it!"

Li Muzhan lifted the Profound Iron Saber and struck down. The blade wobbled slightly, moving with difficulty and hesitation.

Xia Wufeng’s smile faded. He stared solemnly at the Profound Iron Saber. When it drew near, he flicked his sword tip upward.

Clang... The Profound Iron Saber and the long sword were simultaneously deflected.

"Fine saber technique!" Xia Wufeng showed an approving smile.

"Senior Brother has excellent internal energy," Li Muzhan sighed. The force transmitted through the saber felt like an enraged ocean tide; his feet had already sunk an inch into the earth.

Xia Wufeng laughed. "You’ve just begun, yet you can already grasp the saber intent. You truly are a prodigy!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I'm far from it."

Xia Wufeng advised, "Although comprehension is paramount for cultivating the Mountain-Splitting Saber technique, diligent practice is also essential. You still lack tempering; it will improve over time." He added, "I seem to recall reading a sword manual note that mentioned a method for cultivating the Mountain-Splitting Saber."

Li Muzhan was overjoyed. "What method? Senior Brother, tell me quickly!"