Meng Qiuxia gave a slight nod, her autumn-water eyes flicking towards Li Muchan's waist: "A disciple from Xinghuzhuxia (Star Lake Small Abode)?"

"Yes," Zhang Chu replied, glancing at Li Muchan, "He is Xia Wufeng's junior martial brother, entrusted by Xia Wufeng to deliver a message to Senior Sister Meng."

Meng Qiuxia raised a slender brow, frowning slightly: "And where is he?"

Li Muchan glanced at Zhang Chu and Li Minghui, then smiled, "Miss Meng, I wish to speak with you alone for a moment."

"Absolutely not!" Li Minghui immediately stepped forward.

Li Muchan smiled and looked at Meng Qiuxia.

Zhang Chu looked rather troubled. "Senior Sister Meng, this Young Hero Li is supremely skilled. Senior Sister Song, Senior Sister Fang, Li Shidi, and I combined are still no match for him."

His implication was clear: the relationship between Haitain Gong (Sea Sky Palace) and Xinghuzhuxia was far from amicable. What if someone from Xinghuzhuxia intended treachery and sought to harm Senior Sister Meng? Though Senior Sister Meng was powerful, she might not handle this Li Zhu if he harbored ill intentions—caution was necessary!

Meng Qiuxia’s autumn-water eyes fixed on Li Muchan, and she waved a hand, "You two may go."

"Senior Sister Meng!" Li Minghui called out.

Zhang Chu also murmured, "Senior Sister Meng, we absolutely won't say a word otherwise!"

Meng Qiuxia offered a faint smile, "It's fine, rest assured. I highly doubt Xinghuzhuxia would resort to such despicable tactics. Go!"

The two hesitated, especially Li Minghui, who glared venomously at Li Muchan, his gaze sharp as a sword, as if trying to pierce him through and through.

Li Muchan smiled, shaking his head, thinking these two judged a gentleman by their petty standards. If he truly intended to kill Meng Qiuxia, why use such roundabout methods? That would be tantamount to suicide.

"Go now!" Meng Qiuxia frowned slightly. The two instantly panicked, nodding reluctantly, "Senior Sister Meng, we will wait at the foot of the mountain."

With that, Li Minghui shot Li Muchan one last hateful look and stormed off in a huff. Zhang Chu scrutinized Li Muchan, seemingly trying to decipher his thoughts.

However, Li Muchan’s gaze was clear, as pristine as lake water, revealing nothing of his inner workings. He could only give up in frustration; this Li Zhu was unfathomably deep and truly extraordinary!

Once the two disappeared, Meng Qiuxia took a couple of steps forward. A brisk wind brushed past her face, causing her dark green robes to billow and her long hair to fly up, making her seem as though she might depart with the breeze.

Li Muchan walked forward a few paces, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her, gazing at the layers of white clouds in the distance. The terrain here wasn't exceptionally high, yet it felt extraordinarily close to the sky, as if one could reach out and touch the clouds—lending an ethereal and lofty sensation.

Silence enveloped them; they simply watched the distant clouds.

After a long pause, she sighed softly and asked in a low voice, "What happened to him?"

Li Muchan showed a slight smile. He wondered how long she could maintain her composure. His Xintong (Heart Insight) was already active; he sensed her mind was turbulent, her emotions complex, yet she was forcefully controlling them.

For a woman like this to be moved—Senior Brother Xia must indeed possess considerable skill. Meng Qiuxia subtly held a trace of the Lake Mistress's bearing.

Their appearances differed: the Lake Mistress was pure and elegant, while Meng Qiuxia was peerlessly magnificent—one like a lotus, the other like a peony. Yet, both shared a certain detachment from the mundane world, observers rather than true inhabitants of this realm.

Li Muchan chuckled inwardly. By rights, he should be the one feeling detached, but conversely, he felt fully integrated into this world, while these two women stood aloof and independent, like ethereal orchids.

There was the notion that men harbored mother complexes and women father complexes, to varying degrees. For the disciples of Xinghuzhuxia, Lake Mistress Leng Wushuang might serve as a maternal or even divine figure; they respected and adored her but dared not harbor any impure thoughts.

Yet, fundamentally, this adoration remained, exerting an invisible influence. Meng Qiuxia’s stunning beauty and aloof temperament faintly echoed the Lake Mistress; this was likely the root of Senior Brother Xia's devotion.

In that fleeting moment, Li Muchan processed all this, shook his head, and smiled wryly—affection, it seemed, was the most marvelous and uncontrollable of forces.

Seeing Li Muchan remain silent, Meng Qiuxia turned to him, "Why didn't he come over?"

Li Muchan sighed, "Senior Brother Xia is occupied and cannot come."

"Is he injured?" Meng Qiuxia knitted her slender brows.

Li Muchan shook his head, observing her for a moment, then suddenly looked up, "Senior Sister Meng, I hope you don't mind me addressing you so directly?"

"It is fine," Meng Qiuxia inclined her head, staring at him unblinkingly.

Li Muchan slowly continued, "Originally, Senior Brother instructed me only to report that you were safe, but I felt I needed to explain everything to you clearly."

"...Speak then." Meng Qiuxia's expression shifted slightly, and she nodded gently, casually smoothing a strand of her hair, inadvertently revealing a delicate and pleasing beauty.

Li Muchan turned his head back to gaze at the drifting white clouds and sighed, "Eldest Senior Brother finally confessed your situation to the Lake Mistress."

"He finally said it!" Meng Qiuxia sighed.

Though Li Muchan hadn't turned, he clearly perceived the change in her expression—a hint of lingering resentment. He instantly understood: Senior Brother Xia had been stalling, causing Meng Qiuxia to feel slighted.

Li Muchan smiled faintly and shook his head, "Senior Sister Meng can probably guess the outcome?"

"Your Lake Mistress opposes our relationship, doesn't she?" Meng Qiuxia asked.

Li Muchan nodded, "Indeed. The Lake Mistress commanded you to separate—'Sever the threads of love with a sharp sword!'"

Meng Qiuxia fell silent, turning back to watch the clouds.

After a long time, she spoke, "How did he decide?"

"What do you think?" Li Muchan turned back to look at her, a slight, knowing smile on his face.

Meng Qiuxia managed a faint smile, "He is such a stubborn mule, he wouldn't agree, would he?"

Li Muchan also laughed, shaking his head, "Senior Sister Meng might not fully appreciate the status the Lake Mistress holds in the hearts of us disciples?"

Meng Qiuxia said coolly, "I know. He once told me that you view your Lake Mistress like a goddess."

"Correct. No one can defy the Lake Mistress's words," Li Muchan nodded. "Not because they dare not, but because they cannot, or rather, they are unwilling. Everyone willingly follows the Lake Mistress's commands."

Meng Qiuxia huffed softly and shook her head.

Li Muchan continued, "But this time, Senior Brother Xia actually disobeyed the Lake Mistress's command. No matter what, he refused to comply and insisted on his path."

Meng Qiuxia remained silent, lowering her head.

Li Muchan shook his head, "Actually, Senior Brother Xia’s struggle is futile. A small arm cannot twist a thick thigh; the final result is predictable."

"What happened to him?" Meng Qiuxia asked.

Li Muchan replied, "The Lake Mistress punished him with solitary confinement atop a cliff—your current predicament is quite similar. They truly are a pair of unfortunate lovers."

"No wonder," Meng Qiuxia nodded, seeming to let out a breath of relief.

Li Muchan explained, "Aside from me, Senior Brother Xia cannot see anyone else. I was entrusted by him to convey this message, but I was delayed and only now found an opportunity."

"Aren't you afraid your Lake Mistress will be displeased?" she asked, her lips curling slightly into what seemed like a cold smile.

Li Muchan laughed, "I reported it to the Lake Mistress. While she disapproves of your actions, she won't interfere in everything."

"How enlightened!" Meng Qiuxia commented with a faint smile.

Li Muchan chuckled, "The Lake Mistress is indeed enlightened."

Meng Qiuxia sighed, her smile vanishing, feeling a sense of emptiness. She looked up at the white clouds in the sky, falling into silent contemplation.

Li Muchan asked, "Senior Sister Meng, why are you here?"

Meng Qiuxia did not answer. Li Muchan chuckled, "Could it be that due to your situation with Senior Brother Xia, your Palace Master also punished you and confined you here?"

"Yes," Meng Qiuxia nodded.

Li Muchan laughed heartily, "It seems I underestimated your esteemed Palace Master!"

Meng Qiuxia looked at him, puzzled.

Li Muchan did not elaborate. Clearly, the Palace Master of Haitain Gong was also a proud individual who disdained using such low-handed methods; this was no honey trap.

Li Muchan pondered for a moment, then pulled out a small porcelain vial from his robe and presented it to Meng Qiuxia. "Senior Sister Meng, this is a vial of Peiyuan Pills—they are effective for enhancing internal energy and replenishing vitality."

Meng Qiuxia shook her head and did not reach out to take it.

Li Muchan urged, "I see you struggling to maintain your guard. Consider this vial of Peiyuan Pills a gift from Senior Brother Xia. I'll reclaim two bottles from him when I return!"

Meng Qiuxia stated, "No need. I can hold on."

Li Muchan smiled persuasively, "If you refuse this vial, I won't be able to explain myself to Senior Brother Xia when I return. Please accommodate me, Senior Sister Meng!"

He could tell Meng Qiuxia looked somewhat drained, a result of excessive internal energy depletion. She was clearly struggling, and without support, her health would soon suffer.

Meng Qiuxia looked at him, saw his earnest expression, and slowly reached out to take the vial.

Li Muchan smiled, "Senior Brother Xia is sentenced to three years of confinement, and he still needs nearly two more years before he can emerge. How long will you be held, Senior Sister Meng?"

Meng Qiuxia shook her head, "I don't know."

Li Muchan frowned, sighing, "Senior Sister Meng, what are your future plans?"

Meng Qiuxia smiled faintly and shook her head, "I don't know either."

Li Muchan offered, "In truth, in life, relationships are not everything. There are far more important matters. There is no need to fixate on romance so intensely."

Meng Qiuxia knitted her brows, "What do you mean by that? ... Are you ordered by the Lake Mistress to persuade me?"

Li Muchan shook his head, "The Lake Mistress gave no such order. I simply feel you should let go of this attachment. The road ahead is too arduous, and it isn't worth it."

Meng Qiuxia laughed, looking him up and down, "Junior Martial Brother Li, you are so young, yet you seem to understand matters of the heart quite well."

Li Muchan smiled, "It's merely some humble, foolish opinion of mine."

"I don't wish to hear anyone's opinion on this matter," Meng Qiuxia stated firmly.

Li Muchan sighed again, "Both Xinghuzhuxia and Haitain Gong oppose you. Senior Sister Meng, do you truly believe you can end up together?"

"We can," Meng Qiuxia nodded calmly. "Sincerity moves mountains. If one spends a lifetime without being able to spend it with the person one loves, wouldn't that be a waste of time?"

Li Muchan chuckled, "Feelings are just sensations, ethereal and fleeting—they arrive quickly and depart just as fast. You like each other now, but if you truly got together, perhaps in just two or three short years, the feeling would fade, perhaps ending in estrangement or even mutual aversion!"

"I don't want to hear your nonsense," Meng Qiuxia shook her head.

Li Muchan pressed, "If you continue down this path, you might end up harming each other. Severing the threads of love with a sharp sword is absolutely correct. While the entanglement isn't too deep, you should withdraw now!"

"Impossible!" Meng Qiuxia said gently, but her expression was resolute.

Li Muchan sighed helplessly, "This path is not easy, perhaps endless. You must be prepared!"

"I know," Meng Qiuxia replied.

Li Muchan offered a bitter smile, "Even determination is useless. Right now, you are confined here. How can you be released?"

Meng Qiuxia frowned, thinking for a while, then shook her head, "There is no way. The Palace Master likely intends to confine me for years until I yield."

Li Muchan asked, "If you refuse to yield, your Palace Master won't release you?"

"Correct," Meng Qiuxia confirmed.

Li Muchan stroked his chin, pondering, "In that case..."

Meng Qiuxia seemed to grasp his intention and shook her head, "If you plan to forcibly take me out of here, then forget it."

"Oh—?" Li Muchan looked up.

Meng Qiuxia explained, "This place looks unguarded, but it is actually protected by supreme experts. It might be easy to force your way in, but escaping is difficult!"

"I see..." Li Muchan paced slowly, hands behind his back, deep in thought.

"If force won't work, then we must rely on strategy..." Li Muchan murmured to himself.

Meng Qiuxia added, "No one confined on Wuyouya (Sorrowless Cliff) has ever managed to escape. Don't waste your energy... Besides, I have no intention of running."

Li Muchan frowned, "Then are you planning to stay on Wuyouya forever?"

"Yes," Meng Qiuxia nodded.

Li Muchan sighed, "Then you are forcing Senior Brother Xia's hand, compelling him to train furiously until one day he can storm Haitain Gong and rescue you!"

Meng Qiuxia smiled, "You are quite sharp!"

Li Muchan sighed, "Senior Brother Xia truly has good judgment. You trust him that much?"

Meng Qiuxia's peerlessly beautiful face broke into a smile. "His aptitude is excellent, but he is somewhat undisciplined. With external pressure, he could become one of the world's rarest masters."

"However, that won't happen in just a year or two. By then, I fear you will have aged, and your affection will have waned," Li Muchan cautioned.

"I will not regret it," Meng Qiuxia stated calmly.

Li Muchan pondered briefly, then slowly nodded. "Very well, I will relay your words to Senior Brother Xia. May all lovers in the world eventually find union!"

"One can only hope," Meng Qiuxia smiled.

Li Muchan assured her, "I will help. Senior Sister Meng need not worry."

Meng Qiuxia smiled, "Then I thank you."

Li Muchan glanced around, "I see that while this place is harsh, it is excellent for tempering the body and boosting internal energy. Senior Sister Meng should take this opportunity to cultivate."

"Yes. When the day comes that I no longer fear this violent wind (Gangfeng), my martial arts will be perfected," Meng Qiuxia said. "Only then can I leave Wuyouya."

"That's allowed?" Li Muchan's eyes brightened.

Meng Qiuxia explained, "If I can withstand the violent wind without fear, I can leave Wuyouya, and my transgression will be pardoned."