The silver-haired elder's expression was grave, and he remained silent in contemplation.

Li Muzhan spoke slowly, "Senior, the grievances between Star Lake Lodge and your faction involve too much; caution is necessary.

It would be best to study the matter thoroughly.

Let us call it a misunderstanding for tonight and cease the confrontation!" He turned to Leng Wushuang, "Lake Mistress, would you agree?" Leng Wushuang nodded faintly, "Mm." Though their words were calm, they clearly reached everyone's ears.

Leng Wushuang's simple "Mm" sounded like a thunderclap, causing a surging of blood and qi among the assembled crowd.

The silver-haired elder's complexion shifted slightly.

He turned to look at the other elders; their eyes flickered, their lips moved, but no sound escaped them.

Li Muzhan, observing clearly from the high altitude, knew they were conferring through secret sound transmission.

He felt certain that any discussion among them would only lead to a retreat.

A snake cannot move without a head; Lin Zizhi's death had left them leaderless.

Without someone to make the decisions, the silver-haired elder, despite being the Vice Leader, likely lacked the prestige to command them directly.

Otherwise, he would not need to consult them before deciding to leave.

He turned and smiled at Leng Wushuang.

She shot him a sidelong glance without speaking.

A moment later, the silver-haired elder surveyed his surroundings and stated in a deep voice, "Brothers, we shall withdraw for now and return to the compound to recuperate and tend to our injuries!" The crowd roared their assent.

They were accustomed to rampant impunity in White Cloud City, always enjoying smooth sailing.

Only now, encountering Star Lake Lodge, did they realize how formidable the Lodge truly was; hundreds attacking dozens had failed to gain any advantage and had instead suffered losses.

Fear had already taken root in their hearts.

If they continued the fight, the consequences were obvious: even in victory, it would be a pyrrhic one, with perhaps only one or two survivors.

It was best to avoid such a brutal engagement altogether.

Hearing the Vice Leader's order, they breathed a collective sigh of relief, wishing they had wings to fly away immediately.

After the rest had departed, the silver-haired elder's group remained still.

He cupped his hands, raised his head, and declared, "Mistress Leng, if someone indeed framed us, then so be it—we shall treat it as if nothing happened.

However, if your sect truly killed our leader, the Three Laughs Hall swears vengeance! We take our leave!" With that, he turned and departed, followed by a dozen or so elders, each possessing profound cultivation.

It was true that the Three Laughs Hall boasted a wealth of masters.

This level of strength was terrifying to ordinary martial arts sects, deep as a mountain.

But compared to Star Lake Lodge, they still fell slightly short.

They had superior numbers, but their cultivation levels were inferior to the Lodge disciples.

Their cultivation was roughly at the level of Seventh Grade disciples, which was unremarkable within Star Lake Lodge; they relied solely on their numbers.

However, Star Lake Lodge's combined attack techniques were exquisite: two could match four, three could match eight, and four could match sixteen, unleashing astonishing power.

The Three Laughs Hall could not expect an advantage.

This was why, despite not having many disciples, Star Lake Lodge stood proud in the martial world, holding an unshakeable position.

..................................

Leng Wushuang waved her sleeve, "Enough, everyone return.

Those on watch, maintain vigilance; the rest, rest well." "Yes, Mistress," the crowd responded respectfully, glancing oddly at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan pretended not to notice their strangeness, smiling warmly as he watched them.

Xu Xiaorou called out loudly, "Junior Martial Brother, your injury isn't serious anymore, is it?" Li Muzhan nodded with a smile.

Suddenly, Leng Wushuang flashed away, taking him with her.

The crowd sighed and turned to look at others, their eyes communicating a hint of ambiguity.

They had never seen the Lake Mistress show such favor to a man.

They all sensed the subtle implications—could the Lake Mistress have developed romantic feelings? This thought was immediately suppressed; they dared not dwell on it, fearing the Lake Mistress might perceive it, for she possessed incredible abilities capable of seeing into people's hearts.

For this Junior Martial Brother, they felt only admiration and envy, never jealousy.

The Lake Mistress was a figure like a celestial being; standing before her, everyone felt self-conscious.

The more they understood her, the more they realized her height was like the clouds—mortals were simply unworthy.

Furthermore, the Lake Mistress was kind to everyone but remained completely detached from romantic sentiment; a fairy spirit had no mortal desires.

The only one permitted such familiarity before her was the Junior Martial Brother.

Li Muzhan returned to his quarters.

His bed had been pierced through and was unusable.

Leng Wushuang surveyed the room, looking at the cotton stuffing scattered on the floor, her expression turning slightly stern.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Lake Mistress, a few individuals came looking earlier.

I used my silver tongue to persuade them away." "What about Xiaorou?!" Leng Wushuang asked.

Li Muzhan replied, "I implored Senior Sister Xu to go assist." "Is your injury truly minor?" Leng Wushuang frowned, looking at him. "You certainly have plenty of cunning schemes! But dodging the first strike won't prevent the inevitable; a battle between the Three Laughs Hall and us is coming sooner or later!" "The wound has scabbed over; it's nothing serious," Li Muzhan assured her.

He turned and invited Leng Wushuang to sit by the table. "That's not certain; the Three Laughs Hall might lack the courage." "You underestimate the Three Laughs Hall!" Leng Wushuang shook her head.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Even if a fight is inevitable, it should be some time from now.

Lake Mistress, while it's still dark, why don't we go outside the city to retrieve the remains of that esteemed scholar, return to the Lodge, and recall all our disciples?" Leng Wushuang remained silent, contemplating.

Li Muzhan paused briefly, then sighed, "Alternatively, we could disguise ourselves as members of another faction and launch an immediate sneak attack, taking out their Southern Altar.

Since a battle is coming regardless, it's better to cripple one wing first!" A clear light flashed in Leng Wushuang's eyes as she looked up at him.

She wasn't surprised by Li Muzhan's intelligence—superior mental strength naturally led to greater cleverness than most people possessed.

But conceiving this idea required more than mere cleverness; it needed a formidable heart.

..................................

Leng Wushuang mused, "They must have defenses prepared." Li Muzhan smiled. "What if they are prepared? Their strength is insufficient.

This time, we cannot act openly; we must use stealth and hidden weapons!" He knew that the Star Lake Lodge disciples all practiced with hidden weapons, but they were never revealed publicly, only used at critical moments, unknown to outsiders.

Leng Wushuang glanced at him, paused in thought, and remained indecisive.

Li Muzhan pressed on, "Lake Mistress, we cannot afford to play it safe now.

What needs to be decided must be decided swiftly.

Though the Three Laughs Hall is strong, since we have provoked them, there is no turning back!" Leng Wushuang shot him a look—the main culprit was standing right in front of her! Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "I truly share the blame for this, otherwise, I wouldn't dare speak so much!" Leng Wushuang took a breath and said calmly, "Very well, we shall do as you say!" She stood up, ready to leave, but Li Muzhan quickly called out, "Lake Mistress, wait!" Leng Wushuang turned, looking at him calmly.

Li Muzhan continued, "Lake Mistress, I've thought of another idea.

We might as well stage a play." "What play?" Leng Wushuang asked.

Li Muzhan explained, "We can split into several waves.

The first group attacks, and when the situation is just right, the second wave goes in to 'rescue' them.

By playing both good cop and bad cop, we ensure they owe our Lodge a favor!" Leng Wushuang started, then shook her head and chuckled.

Li Muzhan prompted, "Lake Mistress, what do you think of this idea?" "Only you could come up with something like this!" Leng Wushuang assessed him.

Li Muzhan rubbed his nose and laughed. "I'm driven to it.

If we cannot win through strategy, we can at least save some effort and prevent our disciples from being injured." "Mmm..." Leng Wushuang showed signs of being swayed.

Li Muzhan emphasized, "This play must be performed realistically; it will require a stratagem involving self-injury.

We must plan it carefully to avoid any mishaps." "A stratagem involving self-injury..." Leng Wushuang pondered.

Li Muzhan urged, "The Three Laughs Hall members aren't fools; they are astute individuals.

Without a convincing stratagem involving self-injury, they might see through it." "Mmm, that has merit," Leng Wushuang nodded and said calmly, "It is rare for you to show such cunning.

Very well.

You should return and rest; I will issue the instructions." Saying this, she turned to leave, but Li Muzhan quickly stopped her. "Lake Mistress, what about me?" Leng Wushuang shook her head. "Your injuries are not light; you won't be able to help much.

Stay here!" She started to leave again, but turned back.

Li Muzhan quickly reached out, "Lake Mistress, my injuries are almost healed!" Leng Wushuang subtly pulled her delicate shoulder away from his grasp and glared at him, "Don't overdo it!" Li Muzhan quickly insisted, "Lake Mistress, see for yourself." Saying this, he pulled open his collar, exposing his right chest.

Though it was improper for a man and woman to be so close, Leng Wushuang paid it no mind and stared at Li Muzhan's wound.

..................................

By this time, Li Muzhan's wound had scabbed over, showing faint red flesh, indicating perhaps three or four days had passed—a remarkably fast recovery.

This was due to his special constitution, tempered by the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art, supplemented by the Heavenly Gazing Divine Scripture, and further aided by Leng Wushuang's spiritual medicine.

The convergence of these three factors led to a recovery rate so fast it was alarming. "Lake Mistress, what do you think?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Leng Wushuang nodded lightly, withdrawing her gaze. "Mm, it's fine...

Alright then, stay close to Xiaorou and the others, and don't wander off!" "Yes, Mistress!" Li Muzhan replied quickly.

Leng Wushuang turned to leave again, but Li Muzhan called out to her once more.

Leng Wushuang’s delicate eyebrows knitted together. "What is it now!" Li Muzhan rubbed his nose sheepishly. "Lake Mistress, I have yet another idea." "Speak!" Leng Wushuang huffed.

Li Muzhan asked, "Do any of our senior martial brothers and sisters know the sword techniques of the North River Sword Sect?" In his mind, the answer should be affirmative; his seniors and juniors were all geniuses, and learning sword techniques stealthily would not be difficult.

Even if they didn't know the core cultivation methods, they could certainly memorize the sword forms.

Sword techniques differ from palm or fist arts; while the cultivation method is crucial, the sharpness of the sword is also vital, unlike punches and palms, which rely entirely on the internal method to support their power.

To learn a sword technique stealthily, one only needed to observe the subtlety of its flowing changes to gain something. "Mmm, we know a bit," Leng Wushuang indeed nodded.

Li Muzhan smiled widely. "That's excellent.

Have the seniors who applied poison earlier subtly reveal a move or two of the North River Sword Style." Leng Wushuang revealed a faint smile. "You want to frame the North River Sword Sect?" Li Muzhan chuckled. "Isn't it best to muddy the waters before fishing?" Leng Wushuang smiled and nodded. "This idea is very good.

I understand." They exited the room, and Leng Wushuang summoned Xu Xiaorou, giving instructions for everyone to immediately disguise their appearances.

Then, divided into groups of ten, they were to take their hidden weapons and flatten the Three Laughs Hall's Southern Altar, ensuring they didn't kill too many, but rather disabled them.

Xu Xiaorou was overjoyed.

She glanced at Li Muzhan, then turned to leave, but was called back by Leng Wushuang. "Xiaorou, this time, the three of you take Li Zhu with you.

Don't repeat what happened earlier—a group of people entered his room, and you almost let him perish while you ran off," Leng Wushuang instructed.

Xu Xiaorou was greatly astonished. "People entered his room?" Li Muzhan laughed, "It was nothing, they just happened upon the place." Xu Xiaorou’s delicate face changed color.

She scrutinized him up and down, seeing he was unharmed, and breathed a sigh of relief. "I won't listen to you next time, thank goodness!" "Hurry up and go," Leng Wushuang waved her hand dismissively.

Xu Xiaorou quickly assented, stepped forward, grabbed Li Muzhan, and ran.

Li Muzhan was pulled along, looking back at Leng Wushuang, who merely waved her hand slightly, showing no expression.

..................................

Xu Xiaorou pulled him into a nearby room, summoned Zhang Qiaoyi and He Ruoshui, whispered instructions to them for a while, and then ran off to notify everyone else individually.

The group mobilized quickly and then divided into three waves.

The first wave had over a dozen people; Li Muzhan, Xu Xiaorou, and the others were in the third wave.

These three waves had distinct roles: the first wave excelled in stealth, infiltration, and assassination, including Ninth Grade masters.

The second wave specialized in hidden weapons, also including Ninth Grade masters.

The third wave specialized in sword techniques and martial arts, led personally by the Lake Mistress, Leng Wushuang.

When Li Muzhan and his group arrived, the fighting was already fierce.

The Southern Altar of the Three Laughs Hall was situated in the central part of White Cloud City, a grand mansion six courtyards deep and six courtyards wide, radiating splendor.

Now, it was filled with the clash of blades and cries of agony.

Li Muzhan was held by Xu Xiaorou, guarded closely by the three women, unable to act freely, following the crowd as they charged in.

As they rushed inward, the first two courtyards were undefended, containing only faint shouts and calls.

Upon reaching the third courtyard, the noise became chaotic and suddenly intensified.

Rushing into the fourth courtyard, the scene before them became intensely lively.

Rows of lanterns hung high, illuminating the expansive courtyard—a great yard perhaps twenty meters wide and long—now crammed with people fighting in a frenzy.

The clothing of these combatants featured only two colors: Star Lake Lodge members wore black night-prowling clothes, unmasked, each moving cleanly and swiftly.

The Three Laughs Hall members wore sapphire blue robes, which were somewhat difficult to distinguish under the lamplight.

At this point, Star Lake Lodge disciples and Three Laughs Hall disciples were thoroughly mixed in combat, making it hard to tell them apart.

It initially appeared that the Three Laughs Hall had the upper hand due to their superior numbers.

However, with the arrival of Li Muzhan’s wave, the tide turned.

Their support allowed the Three Laughs Hall to catch its breath and gain the advantage.

Xu Xiaorou kept a tight hold on Li Muzhan, preventing him from straying.

Zhang Qiaoyi and He Ruoshui flanked him, the three women joining forces to surround him, executing majestic and imposing sword techniques, sweeping forward like celestial swords.

Their sword styles were grand and powerful; after a dozen exchanges, they felled an opponent, then advanced further.

Li Muzhan, injured in his right chest, used his left hand, wielding a sword style.

He channeled his Blade Intent into the sword technique, thrusting out a strike imbued with strange latent force.

Upon contact, those with weaker internal cultivation would instantly feel numb and immobilized, unable to evade the second blow.

The three women’s sword lights flashed brilliantly, grand and imposing.

After a dozen strikes, they downed an opponent, and as they pressed forward, Li Muzhan, moving seemingly casually beside them as if playing a game, felled one opponent with every two strikes—none could escape.

Li Muzhan’s current internal energy cultivation was profound.

Although he hadn't mastered the Nine Transformations Qi Refining Method, the Void Qi Guiding Art allowed his internal energy to grow rapidly, constantly increasing.

..................................

His Blade Intent was growing more refined.

Anyone whose internal energy cultivation was inferior to his could not withstand the strange latent force and could only become a stationary target, easily struck by him.

The four pressed forward continuously, moving deeper inside.

The opponents they met grew stronger.

When the three women encountered resistance, they relied on Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan’s sword style was simple and unadorned, not reaching the level of profound subtlety; it consisted only of basic stances, like a novice just beginning to learn.

However, the strange latent force imbued in his sword paralyzed anyone it touched momentarily, leaving them helpless as the second strike approached.

After advancing another dozen paces, Li Muzhan halted and called out loudly, "Senior Sister, let us stop here; we won't gain an advantage by going further inside!" Lake Mistress Leng Wushuang, clad in flowing white, moved her palms gracefully and easily, her steps like riding the wind.

Every palm strike sent an opponent flying.

The silver-haired elder and several other elders were already struggling.

Leng Wushuang's arrival relieved the pressure on them; her Ninth Grade masters were more than enough to handle the other elders, as the silver-haired elder and his group were already injured.

Leng Wushuang struck two Ninth Grade masters, sending them flying.

Seeing this, they shouted in unison, "Retreat!" The first two waves of Star Lake Lodge disciples retreated like a tide, taking their wounded comrades with them.

To maintain realism, Li Muzhan had not held back his moves; every sword strike drew blood, though none struck a vital point.

Star Lake Lodge's spiritual medicine was excellent; though injured, they were not seriously harmed, and with the Lake Mistress present, they had no fear for their lives.

When they withdrew, groans still echoed in the courtyard.

Nearly a hundred Three Laughs Hall disciples lay on the ground; the first two waves of Star Lake Lodge disciples had been ruthless, their hidden weapons fierce, their sword techniques merciless.

The silver-haired elder ordered men to tend to the wounded, then turned to face Leng Wushuang, cupping his hands. "This humble one thanks Lake Mistress Leng for drawing her sword to aid us!" Leng Wushuang replied, "Leader Hu need not be so polite.

They sought to take advantage of the chaos with malicious intent.

If they had succeeded, that debt would fall upon our Lodge as well.

Therefore, Leader Hu need not be polite; I was merely saving myself." "Lake Mistress Leng is truly upright; this old man admires you.

Please come inside~!" the silver-haired elder said with a smile.

Leng Wushuang shook her head. "Forget it.

You all attend to your matters first; I will pay a formal visit another day." "...Very well.

It is quite chaotic here; I shall not detain Lake Mistress Leng." The silver-haired elder nodded slightly, saying generously, "Another day, this old man will host a banquet to thank Lake Mistress Leng for this great favor!" "Good, we take our leave!" Leng Wushuang nodded lightly, cupped her fist, and turned to depart.

Li Muzhan and the others also turned and left, quickly vanishing into the night.

Leng Wushuang remained silent, and her followers offered no response, saying nothing until they returned to Star Lake Lodge.

Once the main door was closed, the chatter erupted.

Leng Wushuang turned, frowning. "Enough idle talk.

Return to your quarters and sleep immediately!" "Yes," the crowd responded in unison.

Everyone dispersed quickly.

Li Muzhan did not move.

Seeing this, Leng Wushuang beckoned, and the two walked together into Li Muzhan’s room.

She lit the lamp.