Li Muzhan’s eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands, chuckling, “A masterful technique!” This method of confinement was similar to that of Star Lake Villa, beneficial for practice, yet even more ingenious. If Senior Brother Xia was stuck on the cliff, he might pass the time cultivating, or he might not practice at all, simply indulging in idle thoughts.

On the Cliff of No Worries, however, one was forced to circulate internal energy to resist, inherently training their inner strength. The only difference was that one was active, the other passive; the resulting effect was hard to gauge.

But its brilliance lay in leaving a sliver of hope within despair, a singular source of motivation that, multiplied tenfold, could transform into infinite drive, spurring a person to cultivate desperately. In this regard, the Cliff of No Worries surpassed Star Lake Villa, making its effect even stronger.

Meng Qiuxia shook her head, “This rule is excellent, yet only one person has ever managed to leave the Cliff of No Worries—he was confined there for fifteen years!” “Fifteen years!” Li Muzhan let out a breath. In a lifetime, how many fifteen-year spans are there?

To dedicate fifteen years to arduous cultivation is nearly impossible for the average person; they would fall into despair and quit, or collapse. For someone to persist for fifteen years—it was both admirable and terrifying.

“Such a powerful individual, who might this great figure be?” Li Muzhan asked. “The former Palace Master,” Meng Qiuxia replied.

Li Muzhan understood instantly, “No wonder! I am truly impressed!” He then smiled, “Senior Sister Meng, perhaps you too can follow his path, cultivate diligently, finally break through the barrier, and become the next Palace Master!” Meng Qiuxia shook her head, “Palace Master Shang possessed unparalleled, transcendent talent.

The current standing of our Sea Heaven Palace is entirely due to his pioneering efforts. Otherwise, Sea Heaven Palace would still be a second or third-rate sect, hardly worth notice by the elite...

I have at least that much self-awareness; my aptitude is ordinary; I cannot compare to Palace Master Shang!” Li Muzhan laughed, “Why belittle yourself, Senior Sister Meng? At your age, to possess such cultivation is beyond the reach of most.

Furthermore, Xia Wufeng is the youngest Ninth-Grade master in our Star Lake Villa—a true genius! Common fluff cannot sway him!” Meng Qiuxia offered a slight smile and shook her head, “Him…” Li Muzhan considered, “It’s a pity I cannot privately teach you martial arts.

But rest assured, I will return to the lake and speak with Senior Brother Xia, asking him to devise a specialized cultivation method and pass it to you so you can break through soon!” “No need,” Meng Qiuxia frowned and shook her head. Li Muzhan smiled, “Don’t worry, this doesn’t violate the lake's rules.

Self-created martial arts remain private property, free for personal disposition; the lake does not interfere.” “Is that so?” Meng Qiuxia slightly widened her bright eyes. Li Muzhan chuckled, “Our Star Lake Villa is the freest of all sects.

This time, the Lake Master was genuinely angry, otherwise, he wouldn’t have punished Senior Brother Xia this way... This is also a case of deep affection leading to stern correction.

Senior Brother Xia’s potential is supreme, unmatched. He is the youngest Ninth-Grade disciple of our Villa, and the Lake Master holds such high hopes for him.

Given your unique standing, one can hardly blame the Lake Master.” “Indeed, our positions are quite…” Meng Qiuxia shook her head. Li Muzhan spoke with Meng Qiuxia for a while longer.

When he prepared to depart, Meng Qiuxia called him back, her brow furrowed as she looked at him. Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Sister Meng, do you have further instructions?” Meng Qiuxia’s face flushed slightly, and she coughed softly, turning her gaze towards the white clouds, murmuring, “Is he...

alright?” Li Muzhan let out a hearty laugh. Since meeting her, Meng Qiuxia hadn't asked a single question about Senior Brother Xia’s condition, making it seem as if she were unconcerned about him, suggesting a lack of feeling.

Meng Qiuxia pretended not to hear Li Muzhan’s laughter, but her entire face turned crimson, blazing to the roots of her hair, deeply embarrassed and unwilling to turn around. Li Muzhan laughed for a long moment.

Seeing Meng Qiuxia’s face grow redder and her delicate brows begin to knot, he quickly said, “Senior Sister Meng, rest assured. Senior Brother Xia is a free-spirited person.

Though he has lost some weight thinking of you, generally, he is fine; it shouldn't be serious.” “He lost weight?” Meng Qiuxia instantly turned to look at him, discarding all pretense of shyness. Li Muzhan nodded, “The wind and sun are harsher than being indoors.

Moreover, he is somewhat lost about his future, carrying bitterness in his heart... The Lake Master’s attitude has affected him greatly.” Meng Qiuxia sighed softly, her elegant brows furrowed, gazing silently into the distance, her eyes distant.

Li Muzhan continued, “But it’s not a disaster. Your current predicament will actually ignite Senior Brother Xia’s fighting spirit; he will focus entirely on researching and creating a new core method and won't have much time for idle speculation.” Meng Qiuxia remained silent.

Li Muzhan activated his mind-reading ability and sensed her heartache and longing. He quickly withdrew it, closing his mouth, not wanting to disturb her.

After a long pause, she seemed to snap back to awareness, her face blushing once more. Li Muzhan pulled a letter from his robe and smiled, “Senior Sister Meng, is there anything you wish to send back?

Here is a letter, personally penned by Senior Brother Xia.” Meng Qiuxia quickly accepted the letter, casting him a reproving glance. Li Muzhan chuckled, knowing she was annoyed that he hadn't produced it earlier—a mere letter was weightier than a thousand pieces of gold to her.

Li Muzhan asked, “Senior Sister Meng, do you wish to write a reply?” Meng Qiuxia shook her head, “I have no brush or ink; I cannot write.” She seemed distracted, turning her back to shield herself from the wind, and then opened the envelope to read Xia Wufeng’s letter. Her expression remained controlled while reading—this level of restraint was truly remarkable.

Li Muzhan did not watch her closely. He turned and walked to the edge of the cliff, facing the sharp, piercing gale, feeling the wind penetrate to his bones, almost reaching his very marrow.

This fierce wind was not just air; it was an icy, negative energy that caused severe harm. A person without martial arts skill lingering here, for no more than ten days or half a month, would lose half their life; a month would prove fatal.

It was exceptionally malicious. Only those possessing internal energy could endure it.

After a while, Li Muzhan turned back. Meng Qiuxia was still reading the letter, motionless, like a jade-like statue of perfect elegance.

Li Muzhan smiled, “Senior Sister Meng, take your time reading it. Is there nothing you wish to say to Senior Brother Xia?” Meng Qiuxia slowly raised her head and sighed, “Never mind.

There is nothing to say. Just tell him to take good care of himself.

I am fine here.” “Understood,” Li Muzhan nodded and prepared to leave, but Meng Qiuxia called him back. Li Muzhan asked curiously, “Senior Sister Meng, what is it?” Meng Qiuxia paused, then sighed, “Once you descend, it won't be so easy for you to leave.

My junior martial brothers are all exceptionally arrogant.” Li Muzhan laughed, “They will come again?” Meng Qiuxia replied, “I don’t know about the others, but my Junior Brother Lu will certainly not let this rest!” “Junior Brother Lu, who is this esteemed person?” Li Muzhan inquired. Meng Qiuxia stated, “Junior Brother Lu is to Sea Heaven Palace what Wufeng is to Star Lake Villa—the foremost master among the younger generation, unrivaled.” Li Muzhan’s eyebrow arched, showing sudden interest, “How do they compare to Zhang Chu and Li Minghui?” “They are far behind,” Meng Qiuxia shook her head.

Li Muzhan smiled, “Then I must seek a proper introduction!” Meng Qiuxia elaborated, “Junior Brother Lu has excellent aptitude, numerous fortunate encounters, profound luck, and his body-hardening skills are unparalleled. His internal energy is immense!” Li Muzhan chuckled, “Excellent!

The foremost young expert; I truly wish to see his skills!” Meng Qiuxia cautioned, “Junior Brother Li, though you are strong, you might still be a step below Junior Brother Lu. Don't push yourself to the limit; if you cannot win, concede, and seek to surpass him another day.” Li Muzhan laughed, “So, Senior Sister Meng is worried I might fight recklessly.” Meng Qiuxia explained, “Junior Brother Lu’s temperament is somewhat blunt, but he is not malicious.

However, he has a poor temper and detests being provoked. Once angered, he strikes without measuring his strength.” Li Muzhan recognized her good intentions and smiled, “Alright, rest assured, Senior Sister Meng.

A wise man avoids immediate danger. If I cannot win, I will naturally concede.” “That’s good,” Meng Qiuxia breathed a sigh of relief.

Out of affection for the one she loved, seeing Li Muzhan as Xia Wufeng’s junior brother, she felt a kinship with him and could not bear to see him suffer needlessly. Moreover, he clearly sympathized with her and Wufeng’s situation.

If something were to truly happen to him, how would she explain it to Wufeng? Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled, “Senior Sister Meng, it won't take long.

I will return!” “Yes, be careful, and don’t overexert yourself!” Meng Qiuxia nodded lightly. Li Muzhan descended the Cliff of No Worries.

True to Meng Qiuxia’s warning, as soon as he reached the base of the mountain, five figures stood waiting. All wore long robes of deep cyan.

The one in the lead was burly and tall, with thick eyebrows and large eyes that shimmered with tangible light. A mere glance from him felt like a sweep of sword energy.

Li Muzhan’s gaze sharpened. This youth looked to be just over twenty, similar in age to Senior Brother Xia, and his cultivation, while slightly inferior to Xia Wufeng’s, was not far off.

Had he not yet completed the Ninth Cycle Refinement of the Qi Art, he would not have qualified to fight and should have immediately admitted defeat. Such cultivation was truly profound.

But now that the breath conversion was complete, his internal energy was deep and not inferior to this young man’s. This must be Meng Qiuxia’s Junior Brother Lu.

He was indeed a significant figure; Sea Heaven Palace showed signs of resurgence with such a powerful talent emerging. The other four included Zhang Chu and Li Minghui, and two others who looked proud and spirited, appearing even more imposing than the leading youth.

The cultivation of these two was indeed not poor, slightly superior to Zhang Chu and Li Minghui, but significantly weaker than the youth named Lu. Li Muzhan felt too lazy to bother assessing them closely.

He walked forward with a slight smile, quickly approaching them. The path was a narrow sheep track flanked by grass and scattered rocks.

The five men blocked the way completely, making passage impossible. Li Muzhan stopped when he was close and smiled, “Are the five young heroes waiting here for me?” “Are you that Li Zhu?” the leading youth asked casually.

Li Muzhan nodded slightly, “Correct. I am Li Zhu.” Zhang Chu stepped forward, “Young Hero Li, this is Junior Brother Lu Chaozong, the foremost disciple of the fifteenth generation of our Sea Heaven Palace.

He wishes to exchange pointers with you today.” Li Muzhan smiled, “Junior Brother Lu, very well. Then there’s no need for further talk.

Let us begin!” “Haha… Good! Very spirited!

I, Old Lu, enjoy straightforward people!” Lu Chaozong roared with laughter, slapping his belly and grinning widely, “I like direct people. Let’s test a couple of moves!” With that, he charged forward like a charging bull, his fist the size of a vinegar vat, slamming directly toward Li Muzhan, producing a whistling sound that attested to the power of the blow.

Li Muzhan made no move to draw his saber. He met the charge with his own fist.

His fist moved silently, carrying a trace of ease and leisure, as if playing around. Bang!

A dull thud sounded as their fists collided. Li Muzhan sprang up a foot high, pivoting his foot before landing gracefully back in place.

Lu Chaozong, however, stumbled back three paces with heavy steps. He stared wide-eyed, looking at Li Muzhan in disbelief.

Li Muzhan inwardly marveled at the incredible power of Lu Chaozong’s punch—hard as iron, with immense and robust internal energy. Though lacking refinement, it was formidable.

However, despite his deep internal energy, it was less pure than Li Muzhan’s. Thus, when the fists met, the difference in skill was immediately apparent; Lu Chaozong was a step behind.

Following the cultivation of the Ninth Cycle Refinement of the Qi Art, the transformation of True Qi rendered Li Muzhan’s internal energy as pure as water, flowing smoothly, its destructive power several times greater than mere True Qi. With the same depth of energy, Li Muzhan could hold his own against several opponents.

This Lu Chaozong, despite his deep internal energy, had not yet reached the stage of converting Qi into liquid—a difference in level and essence. Of course, if swords and blades were involved, the subtlety of technique could bridge this gap; the strongest force is useless if it cannot strike the intended target.

But Lu Chaozong followed the path of overwhelming skill with brute force. Moreover, when it came to refining technique, he had no confidence in surpassing Li Muzhan; the martial arts of Star Lake Villa were currently unmatched.

Otherwise, with only a few hundred members and such a small population, how could Star Lake Villa stand aloof and secure from easy offense by the major sects? Therefore, he never intended to win with swordplay from the start; he chose bare-handed combat, seeking victory through sheer strength.

He possessed great fortune, having experienced several serendipitous encounters and consumed heavenly treasures, causing his internal energy to surge. The depth of his internal energy, while perhaps not leading the entire Sea Heaven Palace, was matched by few.

Relying on his internal power, he felt it should not be difficult to defeat a disciple of Star Lake Villa. He was confident, and upon hearing Li Minghui’s report, he grew impatient and eager to test the Star Lake Villa disciple.

It was only now that he realized the truth behind the great reputation: this seemingly unremarkable young man, younger than himself, possessed such profound internal energy—surpassing even his own! He found it unbelievable.

How could someone so young possess such deep internal energy? Had he, like himself, consumed some rare elixir?

The world is vast; there is always someone better. He recalled his master’s words, sighed, but immediately felt his fighting spirit rekindled.

He laughed loudly, “Good! Good!

Again!” This time, his punch was faster, the whistling sound stronger, arriving before Li Muzhan in an instant. He used all his might, intending to knock Li Muzhan flying.

Li Muzhan smiled and raised his fist in return. Bang!

Another dull thud, and Lu Chaozong slid backward smoothly, as if someone had pushed him across an icy surface. The other four quickly jumped aside to avoid him, none moving to help him up.

They knew his temper well; he hated any interference during a spar and would instantly turn hostile.