Li Muzhen could only shake his head helplessly. "A jar of Snow Peak Brew!"

Xia Wufeng laughed, "Why be so extravagant? We're martial brothers, what's the fuss? Don't be polite!"

Li Muzhen grumbled inwardly. As they spent more time together, their familiarity deepened to the point of absolute casualness. Senior Brother Xia was certainly showing his weakness for fine wine.

He was not picky about food, but he was extremely discerning about alcohol; without fine wine, even the best meal was inedible. With good wine, even the worst food was welcomed with pleasure.

However, the liquor in the small residence was incredibly expensive, beyond the means of most disciples.

Most disciples brewed their own wine. There was plenty of space in the mountains—one could clear a plot to grow grain, be it millet or sweet potato, for brewing.

The Hall of Many Stars held numerous wine recipes, often for medicinal brews—wines that strengthened bones and spurred the flow of qi and blood upon consumption. For ordinary folk, they conferred health and longevity.

But these minor effects were negligible for the disciples of the Star Lake Residence. The martial arts they practiced already offered such benefits; medicinal wine was inconsequential. They brewed purely to satisfy their palates.

Take Xia Wufeng, for example. He favored strong liquor; the fiercer, the better. He usually drank Shaodaozi, and even a fine vintage like Snow Peak Brew was a rare treat due to its exorbitant cost.

"Now you can tell me, Senior Brother Xia!" Li Muzhen said with a touch of impatience.

Xia Wufeng readily agreed, "The method is simple. Use your blade to cleave stone. When you can sever it in one cut without using internal energy, you've touched the first layer. Then, switch to a wooden sword; when you can still sever it in one cut, that's mastery."

"Like that..." Li Muzhen slowly nodded.

After careful consideration, the method was indeed feasible. The key to this strike lay not in internal power, but in the blade intent. If one could truly cleave stone with a wooden blade, the resolve of the blade intent would be astonishing.

If wood could break stone, perhaps with a sharpened edge, one might cut through anything in their path with a single stroke.

The thought thrilled him. He laughed, "Thank you, Senior Brother Xia, this method is excellent!"

In that moment, his thoughts churned, expanding to conceive of other methods, such as using the blade to cut water, or even to slice through a feather.

These training techniques were extremely beneficial for tempering blade intent. It was like his initial training with throwing knives, which had now become a life-saving ultimate skill—not just because of precision, but because of the unwavering intent behind them, which gave the flying knives their formidable power.

"Then stop wasting time, let's start practicing!" Xia Wufeng laughed.

Li Muzhen nodded, retrieved a few pieces of bluestone—each about the size of two fists—and placed them on the stone table. He raised the Black Iron Blade and brought it down slowly.

For the sake of convenience in eating, the two had already built a stone table out of rocks. They often rested there for tea after strenuous training, enjoying a moment of leisure amidst hardship.

Clang... The Black Iron Blade struck, sending sparks flying from the stone, which then chipped off a piece but failed to split cleanly. It looked more like a result of hammering.

"Still far off!" Xia Wufeng shook his head repeatedly.

Li Muzhen pressed his lips together, saying nothing, and brought the blade down again. Ding... The result was similar to before, but this time the stone shattered into several pieces.

Xia Wufeng shook his head, "Blade intent—it's about cleaving, not smashing. You're putting too much force into it!"

………………………………………………………………

Li Muzhen spent half the day practicing his blade and the other half practicing his qi. At night, he used the Heavenly Reflection Sutra in place of sleep. His days were utterly fulfilling. Xu Xiaorou and the others occasionally came looking for him, but when they couldn't find him, they didn't press; they would be confined to the lake for a while longer.

Fifteen days passed in a blink. Li Muzhen had gained insight into his blade practice in recent days, making significant progress. He had grasped the essence and spirit of that one cut, now able to split a stone in half with a single stroke.

That morning, after breakfast, he went to the Falling Star Pavilion to learn the second stance from Leng Wushuang.

Leng Wushuang watched his first strike, nodded, and without much explanation, transmitted the incantation for the second stance, demonstrated it once, then turned and returned to the Water Pavilion.

Li Muzhen pondered in the Falling Star Pavilion for a long time, then hopped onto a small boat and rowed to the pier, heading up the mountain as he walked, lost in the sword technique imprinted in his mind.

Leng Wushuang’s strike was branded into his mind, replaying in his head like a video recording from later ages, viewed from different angles to ensure perfect clarity.

This was a divine ability; even those with excellent memories could not replicate such accuracy and clarity.

As he walked, he suddenly stopped, turning to look toward a dense, verdant forest. He could see no one else, nor any scenery.

He sensed killing intent and turned to his left, speaking gently, "Senior Brother He, may I ask why you are hiding there?"

A branch trembled, and a blue silhouette floated down to stand before Li Muzhen, landing as lightly as a feather, stirring no dust.

This person was tall and slender, clad in a long sapphire robe, with pale skin, refined features, and eyes that sparkled intensely. He possessed a delicate yet heroic look, truly handsome in a fair-skinned way.

This was Senior Brother He Jingsheng, a sixth-rank disciple. Unfortunately, his martial arts were not top-tier; he had stopped at the Profound Arena last time, causing many female disciples to sigh in disappointment.

Li Muzhen cupped his hands. "Senior Brother He, greetings. Were you waiting specifically for me?"

"Indeed." He Jingsheng nodded with a slight smile. "I heard that Junior Brother Li has been in seclusion with Senior Brother Xia, is that right?"

Li Muzhen nodded. "Yes, Senior Brother Xia was being held in isolation by the Lake Master, and I accompanied him to keep him company."

He Jingsheng smiled. "Senior Brother Xia's swordsmanship is peerless. Being able to stay by his side and receive his guidance is a great fortune, a rare blessing."

Li Muzhen chuckled. "Yes, it is my good fortune."

He Jingsheng said, "Please convey my regards to Senior Brother Xia. Besides you, the Lake Master has ordered that no one else may meet him."

Li Muzhen smiled. "Good. So that's what this is about. I will certainly pass the message along for Senior Brother He."

………………………………………………………………

He Jingsheng showed a flicker of awkwardness, then smiled. "How is your blade technique coming along, Junior Brother Li?"

Li Muzhen replied, "Still far from mastery."

He Jingsheng chuckled. "I find your blade work quite marvelous. I'm feeling an itch myself. How about we spar a little?"

Li Muzhen paused, glancing at him.

He Jingsheng blushed and quickly added, "No one instructed me, purely a desire to test skills. I heard Junior Brother Li is a genius in the Way of the Blade; I'm simply eager to try."

Li Muzhen gave a wry smile. The denial was obvious—he was clearly prompted by someone. However, he would not expose it, lest the other party become enraged through embarrassment.

"To receive guidance from Senior Brother He, I would be delighted! Please!" Li Muzhen feigned extreme delight. He had not brought his Black Iron Blade, only a standard long saber.

The Azure Water Blade was not with him either; it was too light and thin, and he had discarded it, preferring not to use it if possible, to avoid any association with Mount Canghai.

Li Muzhen drew his long saber and held it horizontally before him. "Senior Brother He, please!"

"You strike first." He Jingsheng drew his long sword, gave it a light flick, producing a small flower of swordplay. His feet settled into a stance of perfect balance, radiating the bearing of a master.

Li Muzhen shouted, "Presumptuous!"

He brought the blade down, seemingly slow but actually lightning fast, reaching He Jingsheng's brow in the blink of an eye.

He Jingsheng hadn't expected the saber to move so quickly and hastily blocked with his sword. Ding! A crisp sound followed, and the long sword snapped in two, cleanly severed.

Li Muzhen withdrew his blade and stood, apologizing, "Senior Brother He, I apologize for the offense!"

He Jingsheng looked down in surprise at the broken tip of his sword, then at the hilt in his hand, asking with astonishment, "Junior Brother Li, what is that saber technique?"

Li Muzhen replied, "The Mountain-Severing Blade Technique!"

"Ah... the Mountain-Severing Blade Technique, no wonder!" He Jingsheng seemed to realize something, then laughed and shook his head. "To be defeated by the Mountain-Severing Blade Technique, it's not shameful."

Li Muzhen was surprised by his calmness. He sensed that He Jingsheng was not merely pretending to be unbothered; his mood genuinely remained as placid as before, completely unaffected.

"Senior Brother He, you don't mind, do you?" Li Muzhen asked.

He Jingsheng shook his head and smiled. "Mind what? Being inferior in skill isn't shameful. It's normal that you could defeat me, just as you defeated Senior Sister Han."

Li Muzhen's heart stirred. He vaguely guessed that He Jingsheng had come on behalf of Han Yuzhu, perhaps seeking revenge for her? Logically, this shouldn't be the case; Senior Sister Han Yuzhu had an arrogant temperament and would never resort to such methods.

He Jingsheng shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "It was Senior Sister Feng and the others who were dissatisfied with your victory over Senior Sister Han. They pressured me into confronting you to see if your true skill was genuine or if you cheated."

………………………………………………………………

"So that's how it is..." Li Muzhen suddenly understood.

He Jingsheng clapped his hands together and laughed. "Alright, I've completed my mission. Junior Brother Li, you truly have substance. Senior Sister Han's defeat was not unjust!"

"Hmph, who says it wasn't unjust!" A cold laugh echoed from the nearby woods as Han Yuzhu, clad in black, suddenly appeared, glaring coldly at He Jingsheng.

He Jingsheng shrunk his neck slightly and managed a sheepish smile. "Senior Sister Han, you've arrived."

"A grown man, yet manipulated by a few young women—I'm ashamed for you!" Han Yuzhu glared at him coldly.

He Jingsheng gave a bitter smile. "Senior Sister Han, you know exactly how Senior Sister Feng and the others operate. If I hadn't agreed, wouldn't they have made my life miserable?"

"Soft-boned!" Han Yuzhu snorted.

He Jingsheng lowered his head, ceasing his rebuttal. There was no reasoning with her when she was determined.

Li Muzhen interjected, "Senior Sister Han, Senior Brother He merely complied with Senior Sister Feng and the others; he wasn't genuinely afraid."

Han Yuzhu sneered, "That sounds nice... Junior Brother Li, I was unconvinced by my defeat against you on the stage. Let's have another match!"

Li Muzhen nodded. "As you wish, I shall accompany you to the death!"

"Don't worry, I won't take your life!" Han Yuzhu huffed.

Li Muzhen exchanged a glance with He Jingsheng, noting the shared expression of helplessness in their eyes.

He pulled his eyebrows down sharply and stated gravely, "Senior Sister Han, let's dispense with the words. We'll see the truth in our moves!"

"Now that's a man!" Han Yuzhu showed approval. "Watch my sword!"

A beam of sword light rose from her waist, shooting straight toward him. Li Muzhen leaned aside to evade, and the sword light curved mid-air, adjusting its trajectory, its speed increasing slightly.

Li Muzhen pushed off the ground, retreating a full zhang, then slashed straight at the incoming sword with his long saber.

The sword light flashed, suddenly accelerating. Li Muzhen's strike met only air, while the sword tip was already at his chest—truly as fast as lightning.

Li Muzhen hastily took a sideways step, narrowly avoiding the tip. The chill from the sword pierced through to his shoulder. Had he been a fraction slower, his shoulder would have been pierced.

He Jingsheng, watching from the side, had his eyes wide open, more nervous than if he were fighting himself, terrified that Han Yuzhu might not hold back and truly kill Li Muzhen.

Everyone in the residence now knew that the newly arrived Junior Brother Li possessed peerless aptitude. If he truly cultivated the ancient qi refining technique to its peak, he could achieve immortality.

If such an important figure met with an accident, it would truly be letting the Lake Master down, as the Lake Master placed immense hope in him, tying it to the fate of the entire residence.

He Jingsheng's half-broken sword trembled slightly, wishing he could step forward himself to stop Han Yuzhu.

……………………………………………………”……

Hum—Li Muzhen sent out another strike. Han Yuzhu avoided engagement, changing her maneuver to dodge.

Although both were sixth-rank disciples, He Jingsheng's internal energy was no less than his own. If his sword could be broken, hers couldn't be spared either. Moreover, her sword was thinner and less sturdy than He Jingsheng's.

Li Muzhen called out loudly, "Senior Brother He, lend me your sword!"

He Jingsheng paused, then tossed it over. Li Muzhen now wielded the half-broken sword in his left hand and the long saber in his right, alternating between the saber and the sword in rapid succession.

Even though it was a broken sword, it was still sturdier than his own. Han Yuzhu gritted her teeth inwardly, resolving to beg the Lake Master for a proper treasured sword upon her return so she wouldn't be so constrained.

Li Muzhen's attacks were incredibly fast, a continuous barrage of saber and sword, giving Han Yuzhu no chance to catch her breath. She dared not clash with him and could only continue evading backward.

Li Muzhen's strikes were not all the Mountain-Severing Blade Technique, but a mix of feints and actual blows, and Han Yuzhu dared not risk guessing, so she could only evade.

The tables turned: Li Muzhen attacked relentlessly, while Han Yuzhu continuously retreated. With one advancing and the other retreating, they moved over ten zhang in an instant.

Li Muzhen suddenly halted his offense, took a step back, and smiled. "Senior Sister Han, let's stop here for today. Shall we spar again another day?"

Han Yuzhu said coldly, "No need for polite words. You are indeed a cut above me!"

Li Muzhen rubbed his nose, saying nothing, only smiling.

Han Yuzhu declared, "I will seek your guidance again next month. I hope you can still defeat me. Farewell!"

With that, she flashed into the woods and vanished in an instant.

He Jingsheng gave him a thumbs-up, said nothing, and vanished into the woods shortly after.

Li Muzhen smiled, turned, and headed back toward the cliffside.

Li Muzhen felt as if the first month had passed in the blink of an eye. Xu Xiaorou and the other two women were preparing to return to White Cloud City. The evening before, Xu Xiaorou came to bid him farewell.

Li Muzhen's heart sank, thinking of them heading out into danger again. He sought out the Lake Master, Leng Wushuang, asking why she insisted on sending them out when she knew people outside intended to ambush them.

Leng Wushuang stood in the Falling Star Pavilion, looking at him faintly. "Do you suggest we shrink back into the lake and never go out just because someone wants trouble?"

Li Muzhen fell silent. After a long moment, he said, "Lake Master, let us go investigate the culprits!"

"How much certainty do you have?" Leng Wushuang asked.

Li Muzhen considered, then shook his head. "We can only try."

Leng Wushuang responded, "Good. We will follow behind Xiaorou and the others!"

Li Muzhen immediately broke into a smile. "Yes!"

Leng Wushuang instructed, "Go back and pack your things. We depart tomorrow!"

Li Muzhen agreed, excitedly returning to his quarters. He then asked Senior Brother Chang for two good sabers—both heavy long sabers, though not as heavy as the Black Iron Blade, they were far superior to common long sabers.