Jin Qiaoqiao offered a slight smile. "Mr.

Jiang, my apologies, but this humble woman cannot drink." "Oh—?" Li Muzhan picked up another yellow flower and slowly tucked it into the left side of her hair, smiling faintly. "I hear Miss Qiaoqiao possesses lofty character; truly, the rumors are well-deserved." Jin Qiaoqiao smiled, pursing her lips.

"It is merely what others gossip about; it is not to be taken seriously. This humble woman truly cannot drink.

I hope Mr. Jiang will forgive me...

I happen to have some newly picked Snow Bud Tea from this year. If Mr.

Jiang doesn't disdain it, perhaps you would join me in my rooms for a tasting?" The two leaned in close, speaking in hushed tones, laughing softly. From a distance, the crowd might have taken them for lovers flirting.

"I would be deeply honored!" Li Muzhan chuckled, tossing the third yellow flower to rest beside the others in her left coiffure. All three flowers rested on her left temple.

The blossoms contrasted with her lustrous hair, making the flowers appear even brighter, the hair darker, her complexion like congealed cream—a beauty beyond compare. Li Muzhan turned, meeting Lin Ping’s venomous, ice-cold gaze.

He offered a slight smile, then leaned toward Jin Qiaoqiao, murmuring a few words. She smiled in response, nodding her agreement.

Lin Ping’s teeth ground together, his eyes like burning embers. Back when he had given Jin Qiaoqiao yellow flowers, she had never shown him any warmth, not a single word, let alone a pleasant smile.

Yet, for this so-called scholar surnamed Jiang, she was beaming, seemingly blossoming like a flower herself. Lin Ping felt a sharp agony in his chest, as if being carved away, piece by painful piece, by a knife.

"Young Master, let me go slaughter this penniless scholar!" The red-faced elder suddenly stood up, seething with rage. The other elder, stocky and radiating an air of honest loyalty, waved a hand dismissively.

"Old Mo, what’s the rush! Sit down, sit down!" The red-faced elder turned to Lin Ping.

"Young Master, kill him or not?" The loyal-looking elder chimed in, "Killing him is necessary, of course, but not right now. Otherwise, it will reflect poorly on the Young Master.

To lose one's composure over such a penniless nobody in front of Miss Qiaoqiao would be losing the great for the sake of the small; it’s not worth it!" "Hmph, worth it or not, let's just kill him first!" The red-faced elder turned away sharply. The loyal elder shook his head with a faint smile and looked toward Lin Ping.

"Young Master, what do you think?" Lin Ping ground his teeth, his face icy, and slowly nodded. "Old He speaks wisely.

Spare him for now, but we take his life tonight!" "Tonight is a bit too soon," the loyal elder demurred, shaking his head. Lin Ping snarled through clenched teeth.

"Then tomorrow night! ...

We cannot allow him to cause further trouble!" The loyal elder chuckled. "Very well, we strike tomorrow night.

This old man will send someone to investigate his background first; there’s no rush to act!" "I thank Old He for his trouble!" Lin Ping said. The loyal elder smiled broadly.

"It is my duty to serve the Young Master; why be so polite!" With the decision made, Lin Ping’s mood eased somewhat. He gave Li Muzhan a cold glare, thinking there was no need to quarrel with a man already marked for death; let the fool enjoy himself for a little longer!

Li Muzhan descended from the high platform with Jin Qiaoqiao and proceeded directly to the third floor, entering an elegant room where every fixture seemed to be the color of milky white. A middle-aged woman followed Jin Qiaoqiao; her appearance was ordinary and unremarkable, yet Li Muzhan dared not underestimate her—she was clearly a master in her own right.

As the two entered the room, Li Muzhan glanced around and smiled. "So clean and refined; it suits Miss Qiaoqiao’s temperament perfectly." Jin Qiaoqiao pursed her lips in a light laugh, fluttering into the inner chamber like a wisp of wind.

She soon emerged, having changed into a loose robe of goose-yellow silk gauze. Her delicate face appeared even brighter and flawless, truly like jade and a flower.

"Mr. Jiang, please take a seat," the middle-aged woman said with a gentle smile.

She bent to arrange the tea set, lit the small red clay stove, and then quietly retreated. With only the two of them remaining, the atmosphere in the room grew somewhat intimate.

Li Muzhan, however, harbored no romantic notions. He observed Jin Qiaoqiao.

On the surface, she seemed only slightly versed in Tuna (breathing exercises), with limited internal energy—certainly not a top-tier expert. But upon closer inspection, one would notice her internal radiance was restrained, suggesting a different martial art was in operation, deliberately concealed, making it very hard to detect.

Clearly, the martial arts she practiced were strange and profound, far beyond common cultivation methods. He had faintly sensed the same unique skills in Su Yunyun, the core techniques of the Jade Cold Palace.

Regarding Su Yunyun’s identity, he had a vague suspicion but couldn't be certain. After a few moments of casual conversation, Li Muzhan realized that Jin Qiaoqiao possessed a clear and precise mind, considerable knowledge, and a knack for witty remarks that always struck the heart of the matter—a truly remarkable person.

Jin Qiaoqiao was equally astonished. She had not expected this middle-aged scholar, whose appearance was so plain, to possess such extraordinary insight and vast learning; he was truly a scholar.

She had initially suspected he was a martial artist merely disguised as a scholar, which piqued her curiosity. If he were truly just a scholar, he wouldn't engage in such behavior, competing for her affections with Young Master Lin.

Everyone knew the immense power of the Three Smiles Hall, and even those outside the martial world would be wary of offending Young Master Lin in White Cloud City. Her agreement to drink tea with Li Muzhan was partly intended to deliberately provoke Lin Ping and slightly diminish his standing, lest people assume he had her completely secured.

Seeing Li Muzhan’s caliber, she genuinely became interested. Her own learning was extensive, yet those young masters from noble families were invariably dullards; conversing with them was often frustrating—comparing apples and oranges.

It was rare to find someone with whom she could engage in spirited, insightful banter. Soon, the red clay stove began to gurgle contentedly.

She gracefully took the teapot and steeped two cups of tea. A delicate white vapor wafted up, carrying a fragrance that was truly refreshing to the soul.

"Excellent tea!" Li Muzhan praised. Jin Qiaoqiao smiled.

"This is tea we grow ourselves. If you enjoy it, sir, take a jin or so back with you when you leave." Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile.

"That won't do. I shall bring some fine tea over next time." Jin Qiaoqiao insisted.

"No need to be polite, sir; please take some back." She called out, "Mother Yang, please wrap a jin of tea for the gentleman." "Yes, Miss," the middle-aged woman’s voice responded from outside the room, followed by the sound of footsteps receding. After the woman was gone, Li Muzhan set down his teacup and smiled faintly.

"Miss, I wish to inquire about someone." "Oh? Who does the gentleman wish to ask about?" Jin Qiaoqiao asked, smiling.

"Su Yunyun." Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at Jin Qiaoqiao’s large, bright, clear eyes. "Su Yunyun of the Jade Cold Palace—does Miss Qiaoqiao happen to know her?" Jin Qiaoqiao blinked her large eyes and shook her head.

"Su Yunyun? I truly haven't heard of her.

Perhaps the gentleman has asked the wrong person? Where is the Jade Cold Palace?" Li Muzhan laughed softly.

"Why must Miss Qiaoqiao deceive me?" Jin Qiaoqiao smiled and shook her head again. "Qiaoqiao truly does not know what the gentleman is saying." Li Muzhan continued, "Miss Qiaoqiao’s internal energy methods and mental cultivation are inherited from the same lineage as Su Yunyun’s; how could you not know her?

The mental techniques of the Jade Cold Palace are profoundly mysterious, and I have always admired them." Jin Qiaoqiao’s delicate face shifted slightly, and she gazed at him, stunned. "So the gentleman is also a martial artist?...

Qiaoqiao truly has eyes but fails to recognize Mount Tai!" Li Muzhan said, "Although Miss Qiaoqiao’s cultivation is not as high as Su Yunyun’s, it is by no means inferior. I imagine everyone else failed to see through you?" Jin Qiaoqiao laughed.

"The gentleman truly has eyes like blazing torches! How did you discern my secret?" Li Muzhan replied, "Miss Qiaoqiao shares a similar aura with Su Yunyun.

I am particularly sensitive to such things, so I noticed as soon as I got close." "I see," Jin Qiaoqiao nodded in realization. "Then what is the gentleman’s relationship with Sister Su?" Since Mr.

Jiang had recognized her, she decided to admit the connection, lest the conversation stall. However, if the matter related to the outside world, she could still deny it.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then smiled slightly. "Not too far, not too close.

We are acquaintances, perhaps, but not intimately familiar." "I see..." Jin Qiaoqiao nodded with a sweet smile, mystified internally. Li Muzhan asked, "I wonder how Su Yunyun is doing recently?" "Sister Su is in seclusion; she has been for some time now.

I don't know how she fares," Jin Qiaoqiao replied, shaking her head. "Seclusion..." Li Muzhan nodded slowly.

He had an uneasy feeling something was amiss. When the two of them had joined forces, they had both benefited immensely, but it had been a major shock to her system.

He had always expected some drastic reaction, not this quiet retreat into seclusion. "If you wish to find Sister Su, it would be best to go to the Jade Cold Palace," Jin Qiaoqiao suggested.

Li Muzhan sighed. "The Jade Cold Palace is the most mysterious place; I have no idea where it is located.

How could I possibly find her!" Jin Qiaoqiao pursed her lips and smiled. "That, I cannot help you with.

The Palace location is a strict secret; we cannot disclose it. You must find it yourself." Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and shook his head, feeling a pang of disappointment.

Suddenly, he recalled that enchanting moment from before; Su Yunyun was indeed peerless, even surpassing Jin Qiaoqiao in allure. "Mr.

Jiang, you must be careful of Young Master Lin; he is no saint!" Jin Qiaoqiao cautioned him before he left. Li Muzhan laughed.

"Are you suggesting he means to kill me?" Jin Qiaoqiao frowned and sighed. "It’s hard to say for certain.

Though Young Master Lin cannot completely dominate White Cloud City, he is accustomed to having his way, and only a select few can keep him in check." Li Muzhan smiled. "Very well, I shall be cautious.

Miss Qiaoqiao need not worry." "Is Mr. Jiang your real name?

How shall I mention you to Sister Su?" Jin Qiaoqiao asked with a smile. Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head.

"It is better not to mention me at all." With that, he left the Hall of Exploring Spring. It was already past midnight.

Lanterns illuminated the streets brightly, revealing the immense prosperity of White Cloud City, which seemed a city that never slept. As Li Muzhan walked out of the Hall of Exploring Spring, he quickly noticed people tailing him, though they were not martial arts masters of high caliber, merely average experts.

He pretended not to notice and returned to his small residence. There, he sat in meditation, regulating his breath, practicing his Tuna, and intensifying his efforts to accumulate energy, aiming to break through to the next Jingjie (Realm).

He knew without needing to think that the pursuers were ordered by Lin Ping, likely attempting to gauge his true capabilities so they could plan their attack. In his estimation, Lin Ping, despite his hatred, would not strike immediately.

He was narrow-minded but not foolish; he knew the importance of thinking things through thrice before acting, lest he provoke someone he ought not to. But Lin Ping would eventually strike.

The feud over his father’s death and the dispute over a woman were irreconcilable; Lin Ping would never tolerate Li Muzhan’s pursuit of Jin Qiaoqiao. This suited Li Muzhan perfectly.

If a fight erupted now, it would not draw suspicion toward the Star Lake Cottage; it would simply be seen as a common affair of romantic rivalry within the Jianghu. The next evening, he returned to the Hall of Exploring Spring.

Lin Ping was seated in a room on the second floor, directly south-facing. Upon hearing the loyal elder report that the man surnamed Jiang had arrived again, his face instantly turned cold.

"Kill him tonight!" "Understood," the loyal elder readily agreed. Lin Ping paused to consider.

"I will do it myself! ...

If I do not personally execute this wretch, I cannot extinguish the hatred burning in my heart!" "Alright. I don't think this fellow is some great figure; he’s clearly asking for death," the loyal elder conceded.