Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes, taking in her movements. Her footwork was sharp, suggesting rigorous training from youth, perhaps even martial arts proficiency, though the details remained elusive.

Li Muzhan chuckled. Could this woman also be from the Yu Han Palace?

It seemed the Yu Han Palace had grand ambitions, stationing so many disciples here, disregarding propriety. The notion of enduring humiliation to carry a great burden was clearly in play; they evidently possessed significant objectives.

Moments later, footsteps sounded. Li Muzhan turned his head to see Jin Qiaoqiao elegantly approaching, a smile playing on her lips, utterly charming. Trailing behind her was Mother Yang, her face stern, a faint, icy malice flickering in her eyes.

Li Muzhan rose and smiled, "Miss Qiaoqiao."

He appraised Jin Qiaoqiao briefly, a slight frown crossing his brow. Her features were drawn and weary, her delicate eyebrows conveying fragility, and her once bright eyes held a dimness.

It seemed her claim of illness was no mere excuse; she was genuinely unwell.

Dressed in a lake-green silk robe, Jin Qiaoqiao examined Li Muzhan from head to toe, then smiled. "Are you... Mr. Jiang?"

Li Muzhan had reverted to his true appearance: a young man, not conventionally handsome, but possessing an extraordinary air of detachment and elegance, his bearing remarkable.

With potent spiritual energy, his temperament was far more intense and solidified than the average person. Though reserved, he still surpassed others, appearing both carefree and distinctly exceptional.

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. "It is I."

"So this is your appearance, no wonder..." Jin Qiaoqiao studied him, nodding repeatedly. When she had carried him on her back, she had sensed an unusual aura about him, one too young, leading her to correctly guess he had disguised his features, though she hadn't exposed him. Though she didn't sell favors, she had seen all sorts of men and was intimately familiar with their auras; the difference between a young man and an elder was stark, instantly discernible upon approach.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Miss Qiaoqiao must not resent me for concealing the truth."

"No resentment, no resentment!" Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, her bright eyes twinkling as she broke into a radiant smile. "Did you perhaps plan this for a long time, deliberately intending to kill Young Master Lin?"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "...That is correct."

Jin Qiaoqiao’s pretty face instantly fell. "So you were using me!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "To be frank, this Junior Brother Lin was originally my junior brother, but he was expelled from the sect. Holding a grudge, he instigated Elder Lin to send assassins after members of my sect!"

"I have heard that he was expelled from Xinghu Cottage," Jin Qiaoqiao mused, fixing him with a stare. "So you are from Xinghu Cottage! ...I have met Sister Zhang, Sister He, and Sister Xu from Xinghu Cottage; their martial arts are truly superb, worthy of a renowned lineage!"

Li Muzhan smiled modestly. "I am ashamed; my martial arts haven't reached perfection."

"No wonder someone helped you; it turns out to be Xinghu Cottage! Are those three perhaps Sister Zhang and the others?" Jin Qiaoqiao suddenly understood.

Li Muzhan quickly asked, "Miss Qiaoqiao, do you know the whereabouts of those individuals?"

"They seem to have escaped; the men from Sanxiao Hall didn't fare well," Jin Qiaoqiao replied.

Li Muzhan let out a breath of relief. This matter had weighed heavily on him; he had come precisely to inquire about the fate of those people. They were experts dispatched by the Lake Master; any misfortune befalling them would be entirely his fault.

"They weren't Sister Zhang and the others?" Jin Qiaoqiao asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling. "No, ...that is good. If anything untoward had happened, a hundred deaths would not suffice to atone; my conduct was indeed imprudent!"

Jin Qiaoqiao said, "You are truly bold, Sir. Sanxiao Hall and the Lin family are not to be trifled with!"

Li Muzhan forced a wry smile. "There was no choice. For a junior brother like Lin, failure to eliminate him would fail to enforce sect rules and uphold proper conduct!"

Jin Qiaoqiao nodded. Lin Ping was the type of person anyone would have to eliminate; this concerned the dignity of an entire sect, allowing no room for soft-heartedness.

"I still do not know your honorable name, Sir," Jin Qiaoqiao smiled.

Li Muzhan replied, "Li Zhu."

Jin Qiaoqiao nodded. "Then, Mr. Li. Call me Qiaoqiao; stop addressing me as 'Miss.'"

Li Muzhan laughed. "That is fine. We are not strangers now. Qiaoqiao, please sit."

They sat down. Mother Yang stood motionless behind Jin Qiaoqiao, glaring coldly at Li Muzhan with ill favor.

Jin Qiaoqiao was injured saving him and had been recovering for some time. She had initially thought the injuries minor, but they had worsened unexpectedly.

She had been struck by palm energy—an unknown style. At first glance, it seemed ordinary; one should only need to circulate internal energy to expel it, and the force was slight, fainter than the wind. Jin Qiaoqiao paid it little mind, even maneuvering against the Sanxiao Hall members afterward to fully clear her own suspicion.

However, starting the next day, her condition worsened dramatically. This latent palm energy transformed into raging fire, burning fiercely and consuming her internal organs. She resisted with her internal energy; being profound, it should have been enough to suppress the force. But unexpectedly, the energy was bizarre; her internal power acted only as fuel. The more she tried to suppress the fire, the stronger the flames burned, as if pouring oil on the blaze.

Under Jin Qiaoqiao’s suppression, the palm energy that began as a mere spark now raged like a bonfire, blazing uncontrollably. Mother Yang, seeing the danger, tried to assist but couldn't fully subdue it. Their combined efforts could only offer temporary suppression, but precisely at noon each day, the palm energy would erupt, causing unbearable agony. Despite her deep internal cultivation, Mother Yang was helpless against it, able only to manage it moment by moment.

Seeing Li Muzhan, the source of the trouble, arrive, how could Mother Yang show him a pleasant face?

Li Muzhan was bewildered by the hostility, studying her for a moment.

Jin Qiaoqiao turned and saw it, shaking her head with a smile. "Mother Yang, perhaps you should step out. I have a few words for Mr. Li."

Mother Yang grumbled, "Miss, if I leave, what if he harbors ill intentions!"

Jin Qiaoqiao said firmly, "Mother Yang!"

Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand. "It's fine. Mother Yang staying here is no issue; she is hardly an outsider."

Mother Yang let out a cold snort and continued to glare at him.

Li Muzhan unleashed his divine sense; his Heart Connection activated, and he vaguely discerned the reason. He smiled. "Qiaoqiao, your injury hasn't healed?"

Jin Qiaoqiao sighed, shaking her head. "It's still a bit troublesome, but nothing serious."

Li Muzhan extended his hand, smiling. "I have some knowledge of medicine; let me take a look."

Jin Qiaoqiao looked at him, then smiled and offered her hand. Her wrist, snow-white, was delicate. Li Muzhan placed three fingers upon it, concentrating for a moment, then nodded. "Deficiency Fire with excessive Yang; it seems you are troubled by Zhiyàng Palm Energy."

Jin Qiaoqiao admitted ruefully, "Your diagnosis is spot on, Sir."

Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his hand. "What potent and vicious internal energy!"

Jin Qiaoqiao asked, "I don't know what palm technique this person practices, but it is truly malicious. No matter how I try, I cannot remove it. Do you have a method, Sir?"

Li Muzhan considered, then smiled. "Perhaps it is a matter of mutual restriction and generation between your internal energies. Let me try."

He stood, moved the embroidered stool, and sat behind Jin Qiaoqiao. He then placed both palms against her back. Jin Qiaoqiao instructed, "Mother Yang, guard us, please."

Mother Yang nodded, stepped back several paces, and stood by the doorway.

Li Muzhan slightly lowered his eyelids, placed his palms on her soft back, and his internal energy flowed in—starting as a thin stream, gradually growing into torrents and raging waves, crashing forcefully inward.

This internal energy was indeed peculiar, possessing a devouring quality, burning fiercely like a blaze. Any approaching internal energy was converted into fuel, exacerbating the fire. Li Muzhan’s internal energy was pure and earth-attributed. Though earth cannot directly counter fire, it can extinguish it. He pressed down with the imposing might of Mount Tai.

Mother Yang watched the two nervously. She saw a flash of golden light emanate from Li Muzhan, followed immediately by a flash of gold crossing Jin Qiaoqiao's forehead. Then, with a soft puff, Jin Qiaoqiao spat out a jet of bloody fluid. The blood was dark purple, sizzling as it hit the table.

"Miss!" Mother Yang exclaimed, taking a step forward, but Li Muzhan had already withdrawn his palms. His hands moved from her back to her Dantian, pausing there before he let out a long breath.

Jin Qiaoqiao also opened her eyes. The brightness returned to her clear gaze, and a slight smile touched her lips. Wiping the blood from her mouth, she laughed, "Sir has truly profound internal energy!"

She was secretly astonished. Li Muzhan’s depth of cultivation was like an immeasurable ocean, terrifyingly deep. When she had gone to rescue him, he had been utterly exhausted, barely possessing the strength to fight. Knowing this, she hadn't harbored suspicion upon seeing his profound power.

Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "How is it now?"

Jin Qiaoqiao smiled and nodded. "It's expelled, this damnable palm energy!"

Li Muzhan picked up a wine cup, took a sip, and said, "Qiaoqiao, if you need anything, you can seek me at the Xinghu Courtyard. If I am not there, you may send a message."

Jin Qiaoqiao nodded. "Sir is leaving so soon?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Have Sanxiao Hall and the Lin family caused you any trouble?"

Jin Qiaoqiao laughed. "With the people my uncle sent, they wouldn't dare approach."

Li Muzhan laughed. "I almost forgot; with the protection of the City Prefect, Sanxiao Hall certainly wouldn't act presumptuously. Did they just let the matter drop?"

Jin Qiaoqiao chuckled. "The two murderers jumped off a cliff; their bodies were never found. What else could they do?"

"That is good. I was worried they might take their anger out on you, Qiaoqiao," Li Muzhan said, nodding thoughtfully.

Jin Qiaoqiao replied, "They might wish to, but they dare not. My uncle has already sent warnings."

Li Muzhan paused, then shook his head. "A father who has lost his only son is sure to go mad. In any case, caution is best!"

Jin Qiaoqiao nodded. "Yes, my uncle is also prepared, sending several top experts, more than enough to handle things."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Very good. As expected of the City Prefect; his arrangements are meticulous."

They began to eat. Jin Qiaoqiao felt completely relaxed and had a hearty appetite, chatting with Li Muzhan as they dined.

Jin Qiaoqiao began to probe indirectly, asking about Li Muzhan’s relationship with Su Yunyun. Previously, when he was disguised as a middle-aged man, she hadn't questioned it, but seeing Li Muzhan's true face now made her suspicious of an ambiguous connection between the two.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Just friends."

Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head. "Sister Su is not the sort to be overly enthusiastic. She wouldn't care this much for a mere acquaintance. Where did you and Sister Su meet, Sir?"

Li Muzhan laughed evasively, unwilling to discuss it further. But he underestimated a woman's curiosity. After a few words, Jin Qiaoqiao circled back to the subject, relentlessly persistent. Li Muzhan found himself somewhat unable to cope, quickly finished a few bites, and then made a hasty escape.

He left Tan Chun Tower. The moon was high overhead; it was late, time for bed. If he didn't return soon, his three senior sisters would never forgive him. He strolled back along his way, soon stepping onto a narrow street where the bluestone pavement was bathed in moonlight that flowed like water. The city had quieted down, with only rows of lanterns hanging high on both sides. A night breeze stirred, causing the lights to sway, flickering dimly.

"Hmm—?" Li Muzhan suddenly stopped, turning to look around.

He hadn't expected to find men lying in ambush. In moments, more than a dozen experts surrounded him, floating down from the rooftops and standing in the moonlight. These men had been hidden indoors, appearing like ordinary citizens, showing no discernible anomaly. Even with his Eye of the Void, Li Muzhan couldn't immediately identify them all as foes. As Li Muzhan approached, they suddenly moved, revealing themselves as martial arts masters. The speed of their transformation created a jarring, almost unreal illusion.

Li Muzhan frowned, drawing the long saber at his waist, coldly facing the five men who leaped before him, and the five behind, sealing off the street.

Li Muzhan sighed. "Are you looking for me?"

"Indeed!" The elder leading them had a sallow complexion, as if long ill. Yet Li Muzhan could perceive that the man practiced wood-attribute internal energy. Since cultivating the Ancient Qi Refining Art, he possessed a deeper understanding of internal cultivation methods; every internal energy carried an attribute, though few truly grasped this. Truly pure, singular methods were rare; those like the Ancient Qi Refining Art were exceptionally scarce. Most methods contained five energies, emphasizing one, as with this elder whose jaundiced appearance might stem from liver or gallbladder troubles, or perhaps his cultivation focused there. Li Muzhan could sense the man's profound internal energy; he was certainly not ill, but rather powerfully imbued with force.

"What business do you have with me?" Li Muzhan asked in a deep voice.

The sallow-faced elder looked at him calmly. "You know Jin Qiaoqiao?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes."

"What is your relationship?" the elder asked sternly.

Li Muzhan offered a faint smile. "This is a private matter of my Lake; it is hardly your concern to inquire, is it?"

"Lake? What lake?" The sallow-faced elder frowned.

Li Muzhan glanced at the others and smiled faintly. "I am unworthy, but I am a disciple of Xinghu Cottage!"

"You are a disciple of Xinghu Cottage?" The sallow-faced elder’s eyes narrowed, his voice wavering slightly.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "That is correct." He then smiled. "Are you gentlemen from Sanxiao Hall?"

The sallow-faced elder smiled faintly. "You are a man who understands."

Li Muzhan said, "Sanxiao Hall, you are here because of Junior Brother Lin's matter, correct?"

The elder looked at him, pondered briefly, then waved his hand. "Very well, you may pass."

Li Muzhan scanned the elders. "I heard Junior Brother Lin has already passed. I had some acquaintance with him; what a pity..."

The sallow-faced elder's eyes sharpened like swords as he stared intently at Li Muzhan. "Is that so?"

Li Muzhan sighed. "In a couple of days, I will visit Elder Lin at Sanxiao Hall."

"Well, that is good. I will inform the Elder," the sallow-faced elder nodded slowly, then waved his hand. "Young Hero Li, proceed safely. We will not see you out!"

"Please—!" Li Muzhan smiled, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and walked forward slowly, brushing past the five men in front.

He walked out of their encirclement with ease, pondering the situation. His expression grew grim. Sanxiao Hall had indeed gone mad, resorting to such actions. They sought to punish anyone who associated with Jin Qiaoqiao, whether by killing or beating them. This action was undoubtedly reckless; even the most powerful factions invite ruin by accumulating unnecessary enemies. There were countless masters in the world; offending some seemingly insignificant person who happened to be connected to a great master could invite a host of troubles. Any rational person would avoid such behavior. Elder Lin must truly be deranged; losing only Lin Ping would drive any father to such extremes.

However, these subordinates showed a measure of reason; they didn't act just because he was from Xinghu Cottage. He had intentionally revealed his affiliation to provoke them into a fight. Unexpectedly, they held back. This sallow-faced elder could not be underestimated; the world was full of heroes, and one must never take them lightly.

He returned to the small courtyard. The three women were all seated in the small pavilion in the rear garden, which was brightly lit as if by daylight. All three were clad in white, pure as snowflakes.

The three women offered him cold looks upon his return, as the Tan Chun Tower was hardly an honorable place. Li Muzhan told them about encountering the Sanxiao Hall members on the road, and their expressions immediately turned serious.

The atmosphere in Baiyun City was now tense and suppressed, like gunpowder on the verge of explosion; a single spark could ignite everything. Xinghu Cottage was like a small boat in a storm, constantly facing the danger of capsizing. Though the three women were powerful, the experts of Sanxiao Hall were not weak. Even heroes could not withstand sheer numbers. If Sanxiao Hall was truly determined, their survival would be unlikely, yet the three of them showed no inclination to request aid, prepared to face death.

Li Muzhan found this situation frustratingly noble. He personally penned a letter—ostensibly about the remains in the cave—but in reality, he informed the Lake Master, Leng Wushuang, of the precarious situation here.

Five days later, thirty-six disciples from Xinghu Cottage arrived in Baiyun City. These thirty-six were all above the Seventh Rank, ranging in age from young to middle-aged, all highly skilled: twenty at Seventh Rank, twelve at Eighth Rank, and three at Ninth Rank. With the arrival of these masters, the numerous experts of Sanxiao Hall no longer posed a threat, and Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief.

Furthermore, the Lake Master, Leng Wushuang, came in person. Her visit was not due to Sanxiao Hall but because the remains in the cave were of immense significance, requiring her personal inspection.

That evening, Li Muzhan took Leng Wushuang, and the two went alone to the mountain cave to view the Vajra Indestructible physical body. Leng Wushuang’s expression remained calm upon seeing the remains, unlike the initial astonishment of the three women. She held an unshakeable belief in immortality, which allowed her to focus solely on the Dao, detached from worldly affairs. She had learned firsthand from her master about the possibility of achieving the Dao. However, cultivating the Dao was easy; achieving it was difficult, requiring surpassing countless figures of past and present—truly the most arduous endeavor in the world.

Their arrival only intensified the tension in Baiyun City.