Li Muzhan walked straight out of the lake and headed toward the Haotian Palace. This time, familiar with the way, he arrived at Lanyun City and went directly to the Palace, telling the two disciples at the gate that he wished to see Lu Chaozong.

The male and female disciples were not the original pair, so they did not recognize Li Muzhan. Hearing he requested an audience with Lu Chaozong—a top figure in the Haotian Palace—they dared not delay and immediately went to announce him.

Lu Chaozong soon emerged, his belly protruding slightly as he strode out with the imposing gait of a true master, looking utterly bewildered and mumbling about who was calling for him.

Being an orphan, he had few friends or relatives. Upon seeing Li Muzhan, his face lit up instantly with boundless joy, and he let out a few hearty laughs as he rushed forward, exclaiming, "Brother Li! It's you!"

He had not expected Li Muzhan to return so quickly, as the Haotian Palace and Star Lake Hermitage were separated by half of Nanli.

Li Muzhan smiled, cupping his hands in greeting: "Brother Lu, I've come to trouble you again!"

Lu Chaozong, clad in dark cyan combat attire, was full of vigor. His wide, grinning expression exuded both boldness and simple honesty. He laughed, "Haha, Brother Li, you’re back so soon! Wonderful… surely you haven't come just to see me?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "To see Brother Lu, and to pay my respects to Senior Sister Meng as well."

"Heh heh, I knew it!" Lu Chaozong blinked his large eyes and said, "Follow me. Rest a while first, I need to see the Master!"

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. They entered the main gate and followed him to the main hall. The hall was empty, decorated in an elegant and pleasant manner, possessing a feminine atmosphere rather than a masculine one.

As Li Muzhan surveyed the surroundings, Lu Chaozong explained, "I’ll have Senior Brother Zhang come keep you company while I go see the Master, and then I’ll take you to Wuyou Cliff!"

"Good." Li Muzhan stood with his hands behind his back, nodding distractedly as he gazed at a painting of a shepherd boy tending cattle on the wall.

He understood that with someone like Lu Chaozong, the less ceremony shown, the closer the relationship became; excessive politeness only served to push people apart.

Lu Chaozong turned and left. Zhang Chu soon arrived and entered the hall, offering a polite, smiling salute: "Brother Li, we meet again."

Li Muzhan turned back, returning the salute with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhang, how has Senior Sister Meng been lately?"

Zhang Chu remained as refined and gentle as ever, scholarly and cultivated, giving off an approachable, pressure-free aura.

Zhang Chu shook his head, "I haven't had a chance to see Senior Sister Meng. Wuyou Cliff is a forbidden area for us; no one is permitted to go there. I trust Senior Sister Meng is fine."

Just then, a young woman in a dark cyan dress floated in, holding a teacup, which she lightly set before the two men. A faint, delicate fragrance emanated from her, and her bright eyes quickly flickered over Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan was now something of a celebrity, having defeated Lu Chaozong, the foremost young expert. She had heard her senior brothers and sisters discussing him and was surprised to meet the real person so soon.

Li Muzhan smiled his thanks and took a small sip of the tea, saying, "Brother Lu has not suffered any ill-treatment through his association with me, has he?"

Zhang Chu shook his head and smiled lightly, "The Palace Master has been quite reasonable."

Li Muzhan smiled wryly. If the Master had been reasonable, she wouldn't have received such severe punishment, confining Senior Sister Meng to Wuyou Cliff. A lighter sentence would have sufficed; why be so utterly heartless?

Wuyou Cliff was no pleasant place; many Haotian Palace disciples had perished there. It was truly an ill-omened location.

Seeing the look in his eyes, Zhang Chu understood what he was thinking and sighed helplessly. He too wondered why the Palace Master had been so furious to issue such a heavy penalty.

It was likely due to the Star Lake Hermitage. If Senior Sister Meng had fallen in love with a disciple from another sect, it wouldn't have angered the Palace Master this much. Senior Sister Meng was the foremost beauty of Haotian Palace, always the Master's treasured jewel, yet she was destined for the Star Lake Hermitage. Perhaps it was a case of loving too deeply, judging too harshly.

The two exchanged some casual conversation, rambling about all sorts of things as the mood took them. Zhang Chu proved quite learned, and Li Muzhan was equally profound; they found themselves in comfortable intellectual harmony.

"Thump, thump, thump, thump," footsteps sounded, and Lu Chaozong strode in, laughing heartily, "Brother Li, I haven't failed you! The Palace Master has agreed! Let’s go!"

Li Muzhan stood up, smiling, "Good, thank you, Brother Lu!"

"Ah, what thanks are needed? You are visiting Senior Sister Meng, and we are all indebted to you!" Lu Chaozong waved his hand dismissively, grinning broadly, "Besides, it’s no slight for Senior Sister Meng to marry Xia Wufeng; none of our Haotian Palace disciples are worthy of her anyway!"

"Junior Brother Lu!" Zhang Chu quickly interjected.

What he had said was bound to offend people, and his voice was so loud that it was guaranteed to invite resentment.

"Senior Brother Zhang, was I wrong in what I said?" Lu Chaozong pouted disdainfully, "Our Haotian Palace lads all have poor martial arts skills, yet they carry themselves like royalty, looking down on everyone else. I finally see it clearly: Senior Sister Meng is truly discerning!"

"Junior Brother Lu, just say a little less!" Zhang Chu admonished him crossly.

Lu Chaozong chuckled, "Senior Brother Zhang, you have good character, but your martial arts are just a bit lacking—not even as good as Senior Sister Meng’s. How could you be worthy of her? ... Heh heh, Brother Li's little crush is purely the fantasy of a toad hoping to eat swan meat—a ridiculous daydream!"

"My dear Junior Brother Lu, you won't stop until you’ve offended everyone!" Zhang Chu shook his head with a wry smile.

Lu Chaozong laughed triumphantly, "If those fellows have the guts, let them challenge me! See if they dare. Hmph, playing tricks and scheming is the way of petty men!"

Zhang Chu shook his head, "Enough. With the Palace Master protecting you, no one dares touch you. Stop talking, or Brother Li will mock us!"

Lu Chaozong glared at Li Muzhan, "Brother Li wouldn't mock me, right, Brother Li?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Brother Lu, what you said is a bit extreme. Perhaps you should say less!"

Lu Chaozong shot him a few glares, then huffed, "Fine. Let’s go, let’s go to Wuyou Cliff! ... I can only escort you to the base of the cliff; you have to ascend alone!"

"Good." Li Muzhan nodded with a smile.

Li Muzhan left Lu Chaozong and Zhang Chu behind and climbed Wuyou Cliff.

Meng Qiuxia sat cross-legged atop the cliff, her long hair flowing, her dark cyan robes fluttering in the wind, yet she remained perfectly still, resembling a beautiful carved statue.

Li Muzhan could only see her elegant silhouette in the biting gale. He raised his voice, "Senior Sister Meng!"

Meng Qiuxia did not stir, as if she hadn't heard him. Li Muzhan’s expression shifted. He swiftly moved and appeared beside her, turning his head to look.

He saw that Meng Qiuxia’s face was deathly pale, her body ice-cold, completely devoid of breath, looking as if life had already departed. Disregarding propriety, he pressed his right palm against the high prominence of her left breast, the Jade Maiden Peak.

The flesh felt rich, full, and springy, a captivating sensation reaching deep into his heart. Yet, he harbored no impure thoughts, focusing only on sensing the faint respiration and heartbeat.

His tightly drawn face relaxed slightly. She had a trace of a pulse, though it beat after a long interval, barely perceptible, always seeming to exist and cease—yet there was a thread of life.

A moment ago, he had felt a booming sensation, as if struck by five thunderbolts. If Meng Qiuxia had suddenly passed away, Senior Brother Xia would surely go mad.

Fortunately, fate had not entirely forsaken them. Senior Sister Meng's life was hanging by a thread, but a spark of hope remained, faint as a candle in the wind, yet enough to sustain his resolve.

He withdrew his hand, pondering. The only methods currently available to save her were the Crane Control Nurturing Technique or the Heaven and Earth Creation Technique, but the Creation Technique absolutely could not be used.

Thus, only the Crane Control Nurturing Technique remained.

He secretly sighed at Meng Qiuxia’s luck in holding on. In the past, he couldn't have executed the Crane Control Nurturing Technique effectively, but now, with the Nine Revolutions Qi Refining Art mastered, it was no issue, and the technique was even stronger.

As long as a single breath remained, he could save her. Observing the faint nature of the Qi in her Dantian, it looked like exhaustion from exertion, but why had she reached this state if she possessed the Peiyuan Pills?

Had she suffered qi deviation, or was there some other change? He could only find out once she woke up.

While thinking, he floated down the cliff. Halfway down, he found two large stones, hoisted them onto his shoulders, and prepared to ascend again, but he heard shouts from below.

Turning, he saw Li Minghui accompanied by another unfamiliar youth, looking up.

Li Minghui called out loudly, "Stop right there!"

Li Muzhan paused and turned to look, frowning, "Is there something wrong?"

Li Minghui moved lightly, arriving nearby in an instant, pointing at the large stones on his shoulder and shouting, "You surnamed Li! What are you doing with those rocks!"

Li Muzhan stated calmly, "Fetching two stones, what of it? Is that also forbidden?"

"Nonsense, of course, it’s forbidden!" Li Minghui’s eyes widened as he yelled, "No stones can be added to Wuyou Cliff! If everyone did this, they’d build a stone cottage up here and turn it into a resort!"

Li Muzhan had no desire to waste words on him. He turned to leave, floating away like a wisp of smoke.

Li Minghui roared in anger and quickly pursued using his lightness skill, but their movement skills were mismatched. By the time Li Muzhan reached the cliff top, placed the stones, and positioned Meng Qiuxia sitting behind them, the two pursuers had just caught up.

"Senior Sister Meng!" Li Minghui was instantly shocked and turned to glare at Li Muzhan, "You… you actually injured Senior Sister Meng! How dare you!"

Li Muzhan sat down opposite Meng Qiuxia. Her body was rigid, frozen in the seated posture, requiring no support from him.

Seeing this, Li Minghui lunged forward, drawing his sword to stop Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan gently slapped his palm out. With a crisp ding, the long sword was knocked from Li Minghui’s grasp, flying off Wuyou Cliff, the faint sound of its impact heard only much later.

"You...!" Li Minghui’s face turned ashen. He turned to the other youth, "Senior Brother Liang, we can’t let him harm Senior Sister Meng! Let’s go together!"

Li Muzhan turned back, frowning, "Young Hero Li, I am saving a life, not harming one! ... Besides, can the two of you together stop me?"

Li Minghui was instantly speechless. Even if the four of them combined used the Fubo Sword Formation, they weren't his match; two were even less capable. But even so, they had to fight if they couldn't win.

Li Muzhan snorted, "Open your eyes and see clearly! Senior Sister Meng is hanging between life and death right now. If your meddling delays the treatment, how will you atone for it!?"

Li Minghui glanced at Meng Qiuxia, then at Li Muzhan, and sneered, "Even if she needs saving, it doesn't require your saving. I will go invite the Palace Master!"

Saying that, he turned, "Senior Brother Liang, please trouble yourself to fetch the Palace Master. I will hold him off!"

Senior Brother Liang, with broad ears and a respectable appearance, had been silent throughout, observing the situation. He stepped forward, reached out, and touched Meng Qiuxia’s wrist. His expression grew solemn. He glanced at Li Minghui, then at Li Muzhan.

Li Minghui quickly asked, "Senior Brother Liang, what is it?"

Liang shook his head, frowning, and gestured for him to come and check for himself.

Li Minghui waved his hand forcefully, gazing anxiously at Meng Qiuxia. Seeing her bluish face and the lingering pain and exhaustion in her delicate eyebrows, his heart twisted with distress, lacking the courage to confirm her condition personally.

Liang somewhat understood his feelings. He turned and said, "Young Hero Li, I am Liang Renchuan. Are you confident you can save Senior Sister Meng?"

In his view, Senior Sister Meng was likely beyond saving. Her pulse was almost undetectable, indicating a critical state, and in this severe gale, even any lingering life force would be blown away.

Li Muzhan did not speak, merely granting him a faint glance. His hands formed a crane's beak shape, and he rapidly tapped several points on Meng Qiuxia’s body. His expression was serious and solemn, possessing a sacred, inviolable aura.

"Senior Brother Liang, quickly stop him!" Li Minghui shouted.

Liang Renchuan waved his hand, "Let him try!"

Li Minghui stamped his foot in anxiety, "Senior Sister Meng still needs saving! If he messes around and accidentally kills her, what then? We must be cautious! We should wait for the Palace Master. I’ll go fetch the Master and stop him!"

With that, he turned and descended the mountain like a gust of wind.

Li Muzhan ignored external matters, focusing solely on the Crane Control Nurturing Technique. In moments, he had delivered more than fifty precise taps before slowly withdrawing his hands. White mist gathered above his head, condensing into a white cloud that hovered there, swaying gently, refusing to disperse despite the fierce gale—a truly miraculous sight. Liang Renchuan watched, slightly mesmerized.

Just from this mystical phenomenon, he knew that Li Zhu of the Star Lake Hermitage possessed profound abilities. Naturally, he wouldn't obstruct Li Muzhan's lifesaving efforts and focused his gaze on Meng Qiuxia.

Li Muzhan regulated his breath for a moment and slowly opened his eyes. Meng Qiuxia remained motionless, but her complexion had gained some color, the grayish-blue slowly fading.

Li Muzhan let out a long breath, glanced briefly at Liang Renchuan, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Not causing trouble was a sign of great insight.

He closed his eyes again to recover his breath. The Crane Control Nurturing Technique consumed vast amounts of vital energy. Though his internal power was deep, deploying the technique drained a significant portion. He quickly used the Void Qi Guiding Art to draw in Yuan Qi, converting it into internal energy to replenish his reserves. The Palace Master might arrive soon, and a fight could ensue.

Just as he topped up his internal energy, Li Minghui’s voice drifted over, a heavy tone in his call, "Palace Master, he is over there!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. Li Minghui appeared to be a steady young man, possessing handsome and elegant features, but when it came to Meng Qiuxia, his concern made him turn into a different person—impetuous, easily angered, and emotionally volatile, utterly lacking any mature composure.

Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes and turned to look. A middle-aged man floated forward, followed by several people. He ascended gracefully, like drifting clouds, yet moved with incredible speed, reaching their proximity in an instant.

Li Muzhan appraised him: the man’s features were ordinary, save for a pair of eyes clear as a newborn's and a small black beard on his lip, features somewhat resembling Li Muzhan’s own temperament.

The man glanced at Li Muzhan, a flash of cold light passing through his eyes, before bending down, placing his palm against Meng Qiuxia’s back, and then slowly retracting his hand. He nodded once.

"Palace Master, is Senior Sister Meng out of danger?" Li Minghui asked anxiously.

Zhang Chu, Lu Chaozong, and two other figures—a middle-aged woman among them—were intently watching Meng Qiuxia.

Lu Chaozong and Zhang Chu sent a concerned glance toward Li Muzhan, who smiled and shook his head. The middle-aged woman stared fixedly at Meng Qiuxia, her lips moving silently, her expression agitated.

Li Muzhan rose and offered a salute with cupped hands: "Li Zhu of the Star Lake Hermitage pays respects to Palace Master Bai."

The middle-aged man waved his hand, "No need for formalities. Let’s speak over there!"

He stepped toward the edge of the cliff, keeping a distance from Meng Qiuxia so as not to disturb her recovery.

"Young Hero Li, what is your rank within the Star Lake Hermitage?" the middle-aged man inquired. He was Bai Xiaotian, the Palace Master of Haotian Palace.

Li Muzhan replied, "My rank is the lowest; I am the most recent initiate to the Hermitage."

Bai Xiaotian nodded slightly, examining Li Muzhan up and down once more. "The Star Lake Hermitage indeed lives up to its name. Thank you for saving Qiu Xia’s life!"

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister Meng is no outsider; there's no need for such formality."

Bai Xiaotian shook his head, "You are mistaken, Young Hero. She belongs to our Haotian Palace, and you belong to the Star Lake Hermitage. There is no connection between you two; you shouldn't meddle in each other's affairs!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Palace Master Bai, what is the root of your opposition to the two of them?"

"Young Hero Li, why ask what you already know? The relationship between our two sects is hardly cordial," Bai Xiaotian stroked his slight beard, a faint, knowing smile on his face.

Li Muzhan continued, "Is Palace Master Bai afraid that Senior Sister Meng might reveal your sect's secrets?"

Bai Xiaotian nodded, "Precisely."

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I believe Senior Sister Meng is not that kind of person. Moreover, to speak plainly, if our faction wished to deal with your Palace, we wouldn't need to know any secrets."

Bai Xiaotian's expression darkened, his eyes flashing. Li Minghui sneered, "You surnamed Li, what arrogance!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Whether I am speaking boastfully, Palace Master Bai knows best. As the saying goes, it is better to resolve enmity than to foster it. Turning hostility into friendship is far superior to harboring hatred, wouldn't you agree?"

Bai Xiaotian stroked his beard and chuckled, "Are you speaking on behalf of Lake Master Leng?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "I am insignificant, and my words certainly cannot represent the Lake Master; this is merely my sincere sentiment. However, the Lake Master has already consented to the relationship between the two."

"Is that true—?" Bai Xiaotian narrowed his eyes slightly.

Li Muzhan nodded, "This junior would never utter a falsehood. The Lake Master initially opposed it, but after hearing my report detailing Senior Sister Meng’s unwavering devotion despite the severe torture and confinement on Wuyou Cliff, he agreed."

Bai Xiaotian laughed, "Lake Master Leng is quite open-minded. I admire that!"

Li Muzhan said, "The Lake Master possesses a compassionate heart, feeling it would be inauspicious to destroy such profound affection, so he reluctantly consented."

Bai Xiaotian shook his head, "I do not agree. The Star Lake Hermitage is not worthy of such a match!"

Li Muzhan frowned slightly, "Senior Sister Meng has just cheated death. Can Palace Master Bai not show compassion and grant their wish?"

Bai Xiaotian shook his head, "If it were any other matter, I might be flexible, but not this one."

"What exactly must happen for their union to be permitted?" Li Muzhan asked in a deep voice.

Bai Xiaotian laughed, "It is quite simple. If Qiu Xia can successfully break out of Wuyou Cliff, I will no longer interfere with their affairs. They will have my blessing!"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "Very well. If Senior Sister Meng truly breaks free of Wuyou Cliff, Palace Master Bai must not go back on his word!"

"My word is my bond; retraction is impossible," Bai Xiaotian stated calmly.