Even the most common folk in White Cloud City sensed the palpable tension, a pervasive heat that made everyone inexplicably irritable. Within the city walls, martial artists trod with extreme caution, yet disputes among ordinary people surged; a harsh word exchanged, an immediate descent into screaming or even fighting, became a frequent occurrence.
Under this suffocating atmosphere, Leng Wushuang and her group remained poised, mostly stationed in the courtyards surrounding Star Lake Villa.
Though Star Lake Villa itself didn't appear large, the several adjacent properties had all been secretly acquired, usually occupied by tenants but ready to serve as annexes when needed.
Moonlight spilled like water over Star Lake Villa. In the rear courtyard pavilion, the lights burned brightly. Li Muzhan and Leng Wushuang sat opposite each other, talking over cups of tea.
“Lake Mistress, should we pay a visit to Branch Master Lin?” Li Muzhan set down his teacup and asked with a smile.
Leng Wushuang shook her head. “No need.”
“Branch Master Lin is currently in a frenzy. For her to approach now would be like adding fuel to the fire, inciting him toward some reckless act. That benefits neither the Three Smiles Hall nor Star Lake Villa.”
“You are exceedingly bold,” she glanced at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan rubbed his nose and sighed. “Lake Mistress, what Junior Brother Lin did demands his death. Senior Sister Zhang and the others cannot have suffered in vain.”
Leng Wushuang said coolly, “I have my own arrangements. Why do you presume to act?”
“I couldn’t help it, Lake Mistress, please forgive me. Are the three elders not worried?”
“Mmm, they are well. They speak highly of you,” Leng Wushuang nodded.
Li Muzhan laughed, slightly embarrassed. “My considerations were insufficient, errors were made; otherwise, there would have been no need for such a grand display.”
Leng Wushuang squinted at him, shaking her head, a look of disappointment shadowing her features.
Li Muzhan felt a pang of guilt. His decision to kill Lin Ping was not solely for Star Lake Villa, but also for Canghai Mountain. Because of this hidden motive, he couldn't stand tall and righteous; his heart always held a measure of uncertainty.
He quickly changed the subject. “Lake Mistress, I discovered a cultivation manual deep in the mountains.”
Leng Wushuang’s expression remained unchanged as she calmly placed her teacup down. “Left behind by that person?”
“Yes,” Li Muzhan nodded.
“Hmph. Your fortune is considerable.” Leng Wushuang lightly nodded, then raised her cup again for a sip, the ethereal light casting shadows into the night.
Li Muzhan hurried to explain, “I was injured at the time, and to aid my recovery, I practiced it a bit. I couldn’t concern myself with anything else. Lake Mistress, please see if it is fit for practice.”
He drew a pale yellow silk booklet from his robe and presented it to Leng Wushuang.
Leng Wushuang made no fuss, setting aside her tea and accepting the silk booklet with her slender hand. She flipped through it quickly, finished reading, then closed it and sat motionless, her eyes shut.
After a long silence, she opened her eyes and nodded. “Mmm, not bad… The ingenuity of this manual is audacious, utterly unorthodox.”
“Can it be cultivated?” Li Muzhan asked.
Leng Wushuang looked him over, her gaze as cool and clear as a mountain spring, seeming to peer directly into his viscera. “You practiced it?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes. My internal energy was depleted, my injuries severe. I had no choice but to risk practicing it. Fortunately, no accidents occurred.”
Martial arts manuals could not be practiced casually. The circulation of qi could, with the slightest inattention, rebound against the body. Secret manuals, especially, were unreliable.
The world held endless marvels, and the human heart was even more inscrutable. Some harbored goodwill; others, malice. Manuals composed by the benevolent were brilliant, yet often carried the risk of falling into the wrong hands, leading to endless trouble, as flaws were invariably woven in. Those with evil intent were far more terrifying; their manuals offered no benefit but profound harm, turning practice into a leap into a fiery pit.
Therefore, grasping a secret manual and eagerly commencing practice was the most dangerous course; it was best to scrutinize it repeatedly and understand it fully before beginning. Yet, in desperate straits, a manual was a lifeline, leaving no other choice but to gamble—life or death surrendered to fate. Some found a manual, practiced diligently for years, and ascended to mastery; others practiced a manual only to suffer qi deviation, coughing blood until they died.
Li Muzhan, due to his sharp intuition, could sense the fortune or misfortune of a manual upon seeing it, which is why he dared to practice this one immediately. Offering it to Leng Wushuang, however, was a subtle offering.
Leng Wushuang regarded him. “Your internal energy is profound; your progress has been rapid. To which level have you advanced?”
“I have achieved Heavenly Insight,” Li Muzhan replied.
“Good.” Leng Wushuang’s brow arched, a faint smile touching her lips. “Once Heavenly Insight is achieved, one truly steps into the inner sanctum of the Ancient Energy Cultivation Arts.”
Li Muzhan said, “Unfortunately, I do not know the manual for the next level.”
Leng Wushuang nodded. “Very well, I shall transmit the next layer of the guiding principle to you.”
She handed the silk booklet back to Li Muzhan. “Though this manual is excellent, it cannot be used for constant cultivation. Practicing it at crucial moments is fine, but not otherwise.”
Li Muzhan took the booklet, and with a simple touch of both palms, it instantly dissolved into dust.
“Lake Mistress, this manual is already recorded in the Hall of Ten Thousand Stars,” Li Muzhan stated.
Leng Wushuang shook her head. “That is your personal fortune; it need not be appended to the Lake.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I study the martial arts of the Lake, and I contribute any martial gains back to the Lake. Allowing my senior brothers and sisters to practice it together would strengthen the Lake's power; it benefits me as well.”
Leng Wushuang showed a rare smile. “To think that way shows noble ambition. However, the Lake has its rules: how one disposes of martial arts acquired privately is not the Lake’s concern. If you truly wish to share, you may record it in the Hall of Ten Thousand Stars yourself.”
Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. “I will trouble the Lake Mistress to record it then.”
He then inquired why this manual couldn't be constantly practiced, as he found its method exquisite, making internal energy advance far faster than any contemporary technique.
Leng Wushuang shook her head. “Continue to focus on the Ancient Energy Cultivation Arts.” Seeing Li Muzhan’s slight reluctance, she added, “If you engage in combat, you may employ this method to replenish internal energy, but it is best avoided otherwise.”
“The level of this art is extremely high. Wait until your Five Energies are complete, and then use this method; the effect will be…”
Though Li Muzhan didn't fully grasp it, he nodded obediently.
“I will teach you the next level of the manual,” Leng Wushuang said with a hint of a smile.
Leng Wushuang recounted the guiding principle slowly. It was deceptively simple, and Li Muzhan memorized it after hearing it once. He then began asking questions, seeking clarification on every obscure point, which Leng Wushuang answered one by one.
After hearing this layer of the guiding principle, Li Muzhan could only offer a wry smile; it was truly agonizingly difficult.
This layer was named the Nine Revolutions Energy Refining Art. The qi of the void was drawn in during the day, descending along the Governing Vessel, passing through the Three Gates, crossing the Dantian, winding through the Nine Layers of the Tower, and concluding at the Celestial Aperture—this constituted one revolution. This sequence was repeated nine times, finally settling in the Spleen to be considered complete.
This circulation path ran directly counter to the body's natural self-revolving path for internal energy. The natural human sequence involved accumulating qi within the Dantian, allowing it to charge until it naturally broke through the gates, rose along the Governing Vessel at the back, passed over the head, and descended along the Conception Vessel in the front, finally returning to the Dantian.
His Nine Revolutions Art reversed this entire process. He attempted one circuit; the circulation was torturously difficult, his entire body’s blood and qi churned violently, causing extreme discomfort. Furthermore, this required achieving the state of Unity of Heaven and Man; otherwise, the qi from the void would be impure and useless for refining.
This layer of the art was significantly harder than the preceding ones. After trying it once, cold sweat drenched his forehead, and he felt as uncomfortable as if sustaining a grave internal injury. He looked at Leng Wushuang with a bitter smile, shaking his head repeatedly.
Leng Wushuang stated, “This layer of energy refinement is the progression formula, the true commencement into the Ancient Energy Cultivation Arts. Success in this layer adds sixty years to one’s lifespan. Do you wish to attempt it?”
Li Muzhan smiled wryly. “Has Lake Mistress practiced this formula?”
Leng Wushuang shook her head. “I have not. This method does not suit me; practicing it yields no benefit.”
Li Muzhan sighed. “This hurdle is not easy to clear…”
If he hadn't trusted Leng Wushuang, he might have accused her of deliberately trying to kill him. Practicing this way before, he would have instantly denounced it as madness, a path to suicide, and refused it outright.
Leng Wushuang observed, “The Nine Revolutions of Energy Refining: Death begets Life. It is a method of reaching life only through absolute peril. If you cannot pass this stage, the path of energy cultivation is hopeless for you.”
Li Muzhan smiled bitterly. “Has anyone passed this stage?”
Leng Wushuang shook her head. “Someone at the Lake has attempted this technique, but they couldn't even pass the earlier layers. You have progressed the furthest; give it a try.”
“Has anyone ever succeeded?”
Leng Wushuang nodded slowly. “Someone likely has succeeded.”
Li Muzhan’s smile grew more bitter. Judging by Leng Wushuang’s expression, she wasn't entirely certain herself; this Nine Revolutions technique felt more like suicide.
Leng Wushuang showed rare enthusiasm, smiling gently. “Try it. If you seek longevity, how can you avoid taking risks?”
Li Muzhan fell silent, lost in thought.
Leng Wushuang added, “Rest assured. I will guard you from the side; I won't leave until you succeed.”
Li Muzhan immediately agreed. The Lake Mistress possessed the power to revive the dead; with her present, at least his life wouldn't be forfeit. Though he didn't fear death, he refused to die in vain—it would be too unjust.
As they spoke cheerfully, a loud laugh suddenly rang out: “Heh heh heh… I am Lin Zizhi of the Three Smiles Hall. A pleasure to meet you, Lake Mistress Leng!”
The laughter boomed, shaking the entire night sky. Li Muzhan frowned and turned toward Leng Wushuang.
Leng Wushuang smiled faintly. “I didn’t expect him to come up here.”
She and Li Muzhan had just been discussing whether to visit the South Branch of the Three Smiles Hall; she had preferred avoiding Lin Zizhi to prevent escalating conflict and potential fighting. But Lin Zizhi coming to her was unexpected, though her demeanor remained unmoved. “Branch Master Lin graces us with his presence. Please wait a moment; I shall greet him personally.”
She rose slowly. “Let’s go meet Branch Master Lin.”
Li Muzhan murmured, “Lake Mistress, this visitor seems ill-intentioned. Shall we make some preparations?”
He was accustomed to not using his Eye of the Void when near Leng Wushuang, but upon sensing Lin Zizhi’s approach, he realized this Branch Master’s cultivation was profoundly deep.
Leng Wushuang nodded. “Mmm, that is wise.”
Li Muzhan turned and left, quickly reaching the adjacent courtyard to find Zhang Qiaoyi. Zhang Qiaojia was hurrying over as well; after hearing the few low words Li Muzhan spoke, she nodded, then turned and hurried away.
Li Muzhan hurried a few steps to catch up with Leng Wushuang, positioning himself behind her. The two of them reached the main door first. He stepped forward and pulled the large door open.
With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged man with a purplish complexion standing tall outside. Behind him stood six elders, each displaying a different demeanor—some with eyes half-closed, others standing with arms crossed, some lazily observing Leng Wushuang, others staring at the ground in thought. Though their expressions varied, all six elders possessed deep cultivation, their essence restrained, lacking the aggressive sharpness of typical martial arts masters; they resembled venerable old fellows more.
Li Muzhan frowned, studying the purplish-faced man; this must be Lin Zizhi. He wore brocade robes, his beard flowed beneath his chin, and he carried the bearing of a lion, looking down upon all beings. His phoenix eyes flashed open and shut, emitting icy lightning that pierced directly into one’s organs, chilling the heart.
“Branch Master Lin, long time no see,” Leng Wushuang cupped her fist in salute, her expression indifferent.
Lin Zizhi chuckled heartily. “Several years since we parted, Lake Mistress Leng, your grace surpasses even the past. Congratulations!”
Leng Wushuang smiled faintly and turned. “Please, come in.”
“Heh heh, to intrude so late at night, I apologize for the disturbance,” Lin Zizhi cupped his fists and laughed heartily, exceedingly polite, showing not a trace of sorrow or anger.
Leng Wushuang said no more. Lin Zizhi looked toward Li Muzhan. “May I ask who this young brother is—?”
“Li Zhu pays respects to Branch Master Lin,” Li Muzhan cupped his fist.
“Li Zhu?” Lin Zizhi’s eyes narrowed slightly, the cold lightning shooting out like two long swords, chilling to the bone.
Li Muzhan’s expression remained steady. He cupped his fist again. “I was acquainted with Junior Brother Lin. Alas, he passed away young; I shall not have the chance to meet him again.”
Lin Zizhi laughed. “You had a good relationship with my wicked son.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Though the time was short, there was some bond.”
Lin Zizhi’s face suddenly darkened. “Why did I hear that you two became enemies? That he was expelled from Star Lake Villa because of you?”
Li Muzhan’s composure did not shift. “It was a misunderstanding by Junior Brother Lin.”
Lin Zizhi sneered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “Hmph, what a convenient misunderstanding. No wonder Ping’er couldn't best you!”
He suddenly waved his long sleeve. “Go!”
Li Muzhan lightly pressed out a palm; with a dull peng, both Li Muzhan and Lin Zizhi retreated a step simultaneously.
“Eh?” Lin Zizhi looked up in surprise.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “Branch Master Lin, what is the meaning of this?”
Lin Zizhi coldly laughed. “Heh heh. A disciple of Star Lake Villa indeed! With that level of skill, killing Ping’er was more than assured!”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched. “Branch Master Lin saying such things is truly chilling to the core.”
Lin Zizhi coldly laughed. “You are Ping’er’s enemy. Since he cannot exact revenge, I, his father, shall do it for him! Boy, give up your life!”
Saying this, he stepped forward and lunged with an open palm.
A flash of white crossed Li Muzhan’s vision—Leng Wushuang was already standing before him. Her white sleeve flicked out gracefully, meeting Lin Zizhi’s grabbing hand.
With a muffled peng, Lin Zizhi snatched his hand back as if burned by electricity. With a staggering deng deng deng, he fell back three steps, his purplish face darkening further, his eyes hazy and unfocused, like a drunkard.
“Branch Master!” one of the elders behind him rushed forward to support him, then turned and glared furiously at Leng Wushuang.
Leng Wushuang blocked Li Muzhan, stating calmly, “A fine Branch Master Lin, striking against a junior. Do you not fear disgracing your own status?”
Lin Zizhi shook his head, regaining clarity, his face grim as ink. “Lake Mistress Leng, are you intending to make an enemy of our Three Smiles Hall?”
“And if we do?” Leng Wushuang asked coolly.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze. Lin Zizhi narrowed his eyes, the cold lightning fixed intently on Leng Wushuang. Leng Wushuang met his gaze calmly, her pure, bright eyes unwavering, seemingly tangible.
Their gazes appeared to clash in the air, sparking trails of fire. Li Muzhan could distinctly feel the spiritual battle raging between them.
Ultimately, Lin Zizhi was slightly inferior. He threw his head back and roared with laughter. “Good! Indeed, heroes emerge from the youth; the new generation replaces the old. Lake Mistress Leng, you clearly do not hold me in high regard!”
Leng Wushuang replied indifferently, “Striking a junior while ignoring your own standing—I cannot agree with that.”
Lin Zizhi shook his head and smiled. “I was merely joking with Young Hero Li. Why must Lake Mistress Leng take it so seriously? Heh heh…”
“Branch Master Lin, what is the purpose of your visit?”
She remained standing where she was, making no further move to invite him inside. Her demeanor was cold and aloof; a night breeze stirred, her white robes fluttering, making her look like an immortal maiden from the moon.
A flash of anger crossed Lin Zizhi’s face, which he instantly concealed with a smile. “I only wished to ask why you insisted on expelling my son from Star Lake Villa in the first place.”
Leng Wushuang answered, “He practiced the cruel Poison of Wickedness; Star Lake Villa cannot tolerate such a disciple… As the saying goes, the father is responsible for the son’s faults. Branch Master Lin, you spoiled him rotten.”
Lin Zizhi said coldly, “Lake Mistress Leng, Ping’er is already gone. The dead deserve respect. Such an assessment is too harsh.”
Leng Wushuang shook her head, appearing too weary to argue. “What is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong. Whether he lives or dies changes nothing. Branch Master Lin, you have come here seeking retribution, have you not?”
“Indeed,” Lin Zizhi said solemnly.
He took a deep breath, cold light blazing from his eyes. “Ping’er had a magnificent future, but it was ruined by your Star Lake Villa! Otherwise, why would he have suffered such hardship and taken such risks to achieve what he did? Yet, you people of Star Lake Villa still refuse to let him rest!”
Leng Wushuang shook her head, as if too bored to refute him further. “There is no need for more words. State clearly what you intend to do.”
“Good, straightforward!” Lin Zizhi sneered, sweeping his gaze over Li Muzhan. “The wronged party has a clear account. I wish to spar with Young Hero Li.”
Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head.
This Lin Zizhi was truly muddled, attempting such an outrageous act, showing absolutely no regard for grace or propriety by brazenly attacking a junior. It seemed his obsession with hatred had clouded his judgment. Even the cleverest person, once controlled by emotion, could become stubborn and foolish, capable of any absurdity.
Leng Wushuang also laughed, shaking her head, mirroring Li Muzhan’s movement, a faint trace of contempt and mockery playing on her lips.
Lin Zizhi ignored her mockery and said coolly, “Although Young Hero Li is a junior, his cultivation is profound. I fear I may be outmatched; I must request guidance.”
Leng Wushuang sighed, shaking her head. “A truly remarkable Three Smiles Hall, heroes emerge in droves.”
Her gaze swept over the other six elders. They all turned their heads away, avoiding contact with her eyes. In their hearts, they disagreed with their Branch Master’s behavior. But they understood: the Branch Master had only one child, his favored son. Now that the young master was dead, and the murderer had jumped off a cliff with no remains found, this oppressive grief had lodged itself in his chest, unable to vent. Seeing the murderer of his young master now, he naturally had to fight—a way to avenge the young master and comfort his spirit, perhaps bringing the Branch Master a shred of solace. His disregard for status, though excessive, was understandable; they decided to treat it as unseen.
Lin Zizhi, unconcerned, turned back to Li Muzhan. “Young Hero Li, are you going to hide behind a woman, or will you fight this old man?”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “Branch Master Lin, this junior follows whatever the Lake Mistress commands.”
They had exchanged a single palm strike earlier, which appeared equal, but Li Muzhan knew he was slightly inferior. If they truly fought, he would certainly not be a match for Lin Zizhi; his internal energy was lacking, and his techniques would likely not gain the upper hand.