Li Muzhan sped like lightning towards White Cloud City, arriving outside the city gates in only a few days—much faster than before. For the past month at Wuyou Cliff, in addition to imparting the Dao Tian Jing to Meng Qiuxia, he had seized the opportunity to cultivate.

He discovered that Wuyou Cliff was truly a treasure trove; the Heaven and Earth vital energy there was extraordinarily pure. One day of practice here equaled ten days elsewhere.

He was immensely excited, feeling he had stumbled upon the secrets of the heavens. Just as the earth has many springs from which underground water erupts, the sky, too, seemed to possess invisible springs; in this specific location, the vital energy was concentrated and pure, several, even a dozen times denser than in other places.

This discovery was made entirely by chance. After finishing the instruction of the Dao Tian Jing to Meng Qiuxia, he calculated her current internal strength level, then estimated the level she would need to reach to safely leave Wuyou Cliff.

Comparing the two, he then projected the speed at which she could cultivate the Dao Tian Jing. By making these estimations, he realized that at Senior Sister Meng’s current rate, she would need six to eight years, perhaps even ten, to be able to leave Wuyou Cliff.

Youth fades quickly, and beauty ages easily. For such an unparalleled beauty to languish on Wuyou Cliff for eight to ten years was a true waste of nature’s bounty.

Li Muzhan could not bear it. He reasoned, finish what you start; if you’ve intervened, see it through completely.

Thus, he decided to employ the technique of Qi Transfer through the Crown (Guanding). His internal strength was profound, and coupled with the bounty of Wuyou Cliff, even if he expended some energy during the transfer, recovery would be swift.

The Void Spirit Qi Art was remarkably mystical, its power amplified significantly here. He only needed to spend a little time cultivating to recover what he lost, yet he could save Senior Sister Meng several years.

What better deal could there be? Meng Qiuxia initially refused, feeling the method was selfish, benefiting him at her expense, and she was terribly uncomfortable with it.

Only after Li Muzhan’s relentless persuasion did she reluctantly agree. She, too, dreaded wasting a decade on Wuyou Cliff, separated from Xia Wufeng—that thought alone was enough to drive her mad.

Li Muzhan swore emphatically that the Guanding method was no great sacrifice for him and that he could recover his strength with just a short period of training. Under duress, she could only agree against her better judgment, sighing inwardly that she owed this Junior Brother Li too much and had no idea how she could ever repay him.

Li Muzhan executed the Qi Transfer not in one go, but through multiple sessions, with the transferred internal energy incrementally increasing in potency each time. The process lasted ten full days before he concluded the entire ritual.

This method of Guanding was gradual, designed to steadily solidify her foundation without drawbacks. A single massive transfer, conversely, would be like a torrential downpour on arid land—much of it would be wasted and unabsorbed, yielding limited benefit.

His approach, multiple, progressively stronger transfers, was like light, consistent rain that thoroughly nourishes and allows the dry earth to absorb every drop, maximizing the benefit. After the Guanding, Meng Qiuxia saved several years of hard work.

With this as her base, she would need only another year or two of cultivation to be ready to leave Wuyou Cliff—it was akin to riding a favorable wind, soaring towards the heights. ………………………………”…………, By night, White Cloud City blazed with light, rich and vibrant like brocade.

People streamed in and out, the thoroughfare bustling. The night was alive with activity: the cheerful shouts of children, the delicate laughter of young maidens, and young men whose eyes shone as they swept appreciative glances over the curves of the women.

Li Muzhan walked through this lively throng with a light, measured gait. The thick scent of everyday life enveloped him, and he smiled, thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.

Though he could endure solitude, he also cherished crowds, especially enjoying the loneliness found within the bustle. The more crowded and lively it became, the more solitary he felt, the quieter his heart grew.

It was like a single piece of ice in boiling water: the hotter the water, the harder the ice remained. This sharp contrast between fire and ice afforded him immense enjoyment, confirming that merely existing was a wonderful thing.

He had not disguised himself. Clad in his simple azure robes with a saber at his waist, he moved with the flow of the crowd toward the south of the city, arriving before the renowned Spring Awakening Pavilion (Tanchun Lou).

Several rows of grand crimson lanterns hung above the Pavilion, bathing the entire structure in a red glow. Light spilled from every window, making the entire building shine as brightly as a celestial palace.

From within drifted the faint sounds of stringed and wind instruments, carried on the breeze along with a delicate perfume of rouge, punctuated by trilling, seductive laughter. This laughter resonated in the chest of any man passing by, causing a ripple of longing to ascend, a desire to step inside and experience the enchanting allure of these women.

Li Muzhan paused before the entrance, taking in the sight. The Spring Awakening Pavilion seemed unchanged; he wondered if the people inside were the same.

He stepped across the threshold, and soon a pimp, wearing a conspicuously misplaced green hat, scurried out to greet him. Upon seeing him, Li Muzhan smiled—it was indeed a familiar face, the same man from his last visit.

Beneath the askew green hat was a sharp, intelligent face with bright, knowing eyes. The pimp, seeing Li Muzhan’s smile, froze momentarily, then slapped his own forehead.

“Oh, forgive my memory, Lord Li! I nearly failed to recognize a true noble.

Please, come inside quickly!” He ushered people in and out constantly and lacked the gift of total recall, but Li Muzhan was one of the most generous patrons, always courteous, leaving a deep impression. He recognized him immediately.

Li Muzhan nodded slightly. “Little Chu, is Miss Qiaoqiao around?” “Yes, yes!

Miss Qiaoqiao is resting. She only performed yesterday,” Little Chu replied quickly, bowing low and ushering him in.

“However, Miss Qiaoqiao isn’t receiving guests currently. She only performs her sword dances when the mood strikes her… But, Lord Li is no ordinary guest; I shall inform her immediately!” Li Muzhan proceeded slowly and unhurriedly into the depths of the building.

Inside, the atmosphere grew quieter, unlike typical brothels; there were no other dancing girls in sight, only the occasional burst of delicate laughter, the soft music of flutes and zithers drifting from the various rooms—all exquisitely pleasing to the ear. In the center of the pavilion stood several veiled women dressed in white, each playing a different instrument.

Their figures were graceful, their posture elegant. The music they produced was light and ethereal, seemingly arriving from the distant heavens, washing away worldly desires and purifying the heart, leaving no trace of lust.

………………………………, Li Muzhan glanced over the veiled musicians. Beneath the white gauze, their features were ordinary, yet the veils inexplicably added an air of mystery and allure.

He shook his head, smiling faintly. “What’s wrong with Miss Qiaoqiao?” Little Chu glanced around and lowered his voice.

“We have a new madam; she’s very agreeable, especially kind to Miss Qiaoqiao. Now, Miss Qiaoqiao practically runs the Spring Awakening Pavilion.” “I see,” Li Muzhan nodded, proceeding upstairs to a room from which he could observe the six white-clad musicians on the stage below.

“Lord Li, shall I arrange a table of food and wine?” Little Chu asked while wiping down a table. Li Muzhan nodded.

“Very well. Arrange six dishes and one soup.” He took a silver ingot from his robe and tossed it to Little Chu.

“Please invite Miss Qiaoqiao to meet me.” “Right away!” Little Chu agreed with a beaming smile and turned to leave. The meal arrived quickly, perfectly presented in color, aroma, and flavor.

Though lacking the culinary genius of He Ruoshui, it was still exceptional, comparable to the finest restaurants outside. Li Muzhan picked up his silver chopsticks and ate for a while, feeling the hunger of a long day’s travel, rushing to arrive before nightfall.

As he was eating, footsteps sounded. He turned his head.

Jin Qiaoqiao’s graceful silhouette appeared in the corridor, followed by the stern-faced Madam Yang. Jin Qiaoqiao, draped in a shimmering rose-pink silk gown, radiated vibrancy.

Her delicate form moved like a supple willow swaying in the breeze as she drifted in, bringing a wave of fragrance close to Li Muzhan. She exclaimed with delight, “Mr.

Li!” Li Muzhan rose, greeting her with a cupped-fist salute. “Qiaoqiao, your grace is unchanged, your radiance even brighter.

Congratulations.” Jin Qiaoqiao smiled softly, “I see your cultivation has advanced significantly, Mr. Li; that is truly enviable.

Madam Yang, you may step out now.” “Yes, Miss,” Madam Yang replied. She cast a brief, narrowed glance at Li Muzhan, her eyes flickering, before slowly withdrawing and closing the door behind her.

Li Muzhan chuckled. “This Madam Yang remains unconvinced by me.” Jin Qiaoqiao brought her sleeve to her lips and laughed.

“Madam Yang doesn’t trust any man; she says that deep down, men are all wolves, and we must never let our guard down!” Li Muzhan laughed heartily. “Madam Yang is quite the astute observer; she certainly has men figured out!” Jin Qiaoqiao replied, “Exactly!

Good thing she’s here, or I wouldn’t have gotten through these years without being taken advantage of by men.” Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling faintly. “Madam Yang is right.

Men are wolves at heart; not one of them is entirely good. One must be cautious and vigilant, never careless!” “Are you including yourself, Sir?” Jin Qiaoqiao asked with a smile.

Li Muzhan gestured for her to sit and poured her a cup of wine, saying with a smile, “I am no exception; it’s simply human nature.” “You are quite candid, Sir!” Jin Qiaoqiao laughed, shaking her head. “But why have you returned here?

Is something the matter?” White Cloud City was currently a place of trouble; the people from Star Lake Lodge had all withdrawn, yet he had returned, which piqued Jin Qiaoqiao’s curiosity and confusion. Li Muzhan shook his head.

“I wanted to observe the movements of the Three Smiles Hall. Their complete lack of action makes me uneasy and unsettled.” ………………………… Jin Qiaoqiao chuckled, shaking her head.

“They are mired in internal strife; they have no energy left to mind anyone else’s business!” “Internal strife?” Li Muzhan asked curiously, raising his wine cup. Jin Qiaoqiao cupped her hands around her cup as well, clinking it against his before downing the contents in one smooth motion, setting the small cup down gracefully.

“It’s a fight for the position of the Southern Altar Master; three factions are struggling, and the fighting is fierce.” “They haven’t decided who the Altar Master will be yet?” Li Muzhan inquired. “Not yet.

It’s all because the former Altar Master Lin was a master of political maneuvering. He cultivated three factions, pitting them against each other, allowing him to sit on the sidelines like an emperor playing the art of balance—suppressing whichever side grew too strong, ensuring the three remained evenly matched and mutually constrained… The result?

He died, and now none of the three factions will yield to the others, leading to an irreconcilable conflict, a storm across the city.” “No wonder,” Li Muzhan nodded, then shook his head. “So the Main Altar doesn’t intervene and just lets them riot?” Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, lifting the pot to refill both their cups.

“It’s because Altar Master Lin was too dominant when he was here, running the Southern Altar so tightly that the Main Altar’s directives had little effect. They did send an Altar Master, but he died unexpectedly soon after, so now the Main Altar dares not interfere.” Li Muzhan laughed.

“It really is quite the spectacle!” Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, smiling faintly. “Indeed.

White Cloud City is lively now. Fortunately, they still adhere to certain rules and won't take their anger out on ordinary citizens.

They fight amongst themselves, and the common folk go about their lives; it’s actually entertaining to watch.” Li Muzhan countered, “It’s not that they adhere to rules, but rather the deterrence of the City Guard. Even when Altar Master Lin was alive, he showed the City Guard some deference.

How much more so now?” “That makes sense,” Jin Qiaoqiao nodded. The two shared another cup, then began eating, talking easily and pleasantly as they dined.

“Sir, you’ve arrived at a perfect time.” Jin Qiaoqiao’s bright eyes scanned his face, then she suddenly smiled in a peculiar way. Li Muzhan laughed.

“What’s perfect?” “You have an acquaintance here as well,” Jin Qiaoqiao replied, pursing her lips with a smile. Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Oh? An acquaintance?” “Sister Su is here too,” Jin Qiaoqiao stated.

Li Muzhan’s expression instantly shifted; his silver chopsticks froze mid-air, but he quickly regained control, steadily guiding a piece of beef to his mouth to chew slowly. He smiled calmly.

“Qiaoqiao, don't joke. Why would Miss Su be here?” Jin Qiaoqiao smiled slyly, shaking her head.

“I’m not joking. Sister Su happened to come visit me… Though, I always feel Sister Su’s intentions here aren’t purely social!” Li Muzhan opened his Eye of the Void.

He had closed it since entering the Spring Awakening Pavilion to avoid seeing things that might mar his mood, but now he couldn’t afford to. …………………………………… He saw a figure slowly approaching down the side corridor: draped in snow-white robes, a white veil obscuring her face, her deep features vaguely discernible.

Beneath the veil, her skin was like congealed jade, and the eyes visible above the gauze were like a clear, mesmerizing ocean, utterly captivating. She ascended to the second floor silently, her footfalls completely masked by the accompanying sounds of instruments and light laughter.

If Li Muzhan hadn't been using the Eye of the Void, he truly wouldn't have noticed her arrival. Li Muzhan managed a wry smile.

Since arriving in this world, the only woman with whom he had shared intimacy—Su Yunyun—was actually here! Jin Qiaoqiao’s bright eyes remained fixed on him, and seeing his wry expression made her even more eager.

She asked excitedly, “What is it, Sir? You don’t wish to see Sister Su?” Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head.

“Whether I wish it or not, I must see her now.” “You don’t seem happy, Sir. Are you not friends with Sister Su?” Jin Qiaoqiao’s large, bright eyes widened further, shining with curiosity.

Li Muzhan looked at her. Her inquisitive expression seemed desperate to burrow into his mind and see clearly.

The footsteps stopped. Li Muzhan turned around, sitting squarely in his chair facing the door.

Jin Qiaoqiao gracefully rose to pull the door open. As the door opened, revealing Su Yunyun’s alluring figure, her piercing, captivating gaze shot directly into Li Muzhan’s heart.

Li Muzhan smiled. “Yunyun, you’ve arrived.” Su Yunyun’s clear blue eyes flickered once, like a jewel turning, her veiled face expressionless.

She turned to Jin Qiaoqiao. “Qiaoqiao, you should leave us now.” “Sister Su, I’ll pour tea and fetch wine for you,” Jin Qiaoqiao offered hastily.

Su Yunyun looked at Li Muzhan, then slowly raised a hand. “No need.

Leave.” “…Yes,” Jin Qiaoqiao replied reluctantly, looking crestfallen and lingering. As she stepped out, she turned to close the door, glancing back repeatedly at the pair, trying to discern the nature of their meeting.

The atmosphere between them was strange—not quite friendly, yet not openly hostile either; it was bizarre. Her heart felt clawed by curiosity, desperate to bore a hole in the window to spy.

But she knew Sister Su possessed incredibly refined martial arts; she could never conceal her actions if she tried. Provoking Sister Su like that would be disastrous.

With a sigh, she glanced at Madam Yang, who stood stiffly leaning against the railing, observing the musicians below. She shook her head helplessly and could only turn back, pretending to watch the six women play, though her ears remained keenly focused on the conversation.

Li Muzhan stood up and approached Su Yunyun. A familiar yet foreign fragrance drifted to his nose, and his body immediately heated up, desire burning fiercely.

Li Muzhan gave a bitter internal laugh. This was the body’s primal memory; that soul-stirring moment was branded onto his core, impossible to erase.

He suppressed it fiercely, but the moment he drew near her, catching her scent, that memory surged again, breaking past his restraints and swirling in his mind. Su Yunyun stared back at him coldly, without a word.

Her clear blue eyes did not blink, showing only ice, as if looking at a stranger, perhaps even an enemy, with no trace of warmth. …………………………………… Li Muzhan sighed.

“I never expected you to come.” “Why shouldn’t I come?” Su Yunyun suddenly spoke, her slightly husky voice laced with magnetism, letting out a cold sneer. “You, faithless wretch, are afraid to see me, aren’t you?” Li Muzhan reached out.

“Sit and talk… You look a little thinner.” Su Yunyun scoffed and sat opposite him, staring coldly. Li Muzhan felt a pang of guilt but forced a calm demeanor.

To be honest, he felt he had wronged Su Yunyun; he had intended to seek her out, but obligations kept him tied down until she tracked him down herself. Li Muzhan said, “Yunyun, for disciples of the Jade Cold Palace to debase themselves in a pleasure house—isn’t that too great a sacrifice?” Su Yunyun let out a sharp snort.

“Silence! Who gave you leave to call me Yunyun?!” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Then what should I call you? Miss Su?

That sounds too distant.” He continued, “You people in the West Zhao territory—to have eyes and ears even here on the southern border of Nanli—you are truly formidable. It seems the Jade Cold Palace has ambitions far greater than we imagine!” “It’s none of your business to pry,” Su Yunyun said coldly.

She bit her lower lip, staring at Li Muzhan’s face, her heart aching with hatred, wishing she could strike him dead to quell the fire in her chest. Li Muzhan shook his head.

“The Jade Cold Palace consists entirely of women, yet such vast ambition is hardly wise.” Su Yunyun sneered and said nothing. Li Muzhan pressed on.

“How will these disciples of yours manage in the future? Staying in a place like this for too long will have terrible effects.” Su Yunyun looked away coldly.

“You don’t need to know.” Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. “If these disciples eventually marry, and their husbands learn of their past conduct, it will likely bring them misery for life.

Has your Palace Master considered this for them?” Su Yunyun’s expression shifted slightly; the clear blue of her eyes flickered. Li Muzhan sighed sadly.

“For the sake of ambition, you sacrifice your disciples’ happiness… Alas…” Su Yunyun bit her red lip, falling silent. Li Muzhan continued, “Fortunately, the women of this Spring Awakening Pavilion do not sell their bodies, but even so, the impact on them is profound—losing their innocence.

This is excessively cruel.” In this world, life was beautiful for the common folk, cruel for those at the very top, and ugly for those at the very bottom. As official courtesans, they constantly faced the most unrestrained side of men.

Every person possesses both light and shadow; these women spent their days confronting the darkness in men, and over time, it was inevitable they would grow disgusted or indifferent toward men. This destroys the purity of aspiration and beauty.

Romantic love is the most wonderful thing in the world; once destroyed, a great source of joy in life vanishes, making existence much harder. ………………………………, Su Yunyun let out a slight hum, her gaze darting, signaling him to stop speaking.

Though her own views aligned with Li Muzhan’s—she dared not voice agreement with such methods—hearing someone else criticize the Jade Cold Palace felt like a stinging lash, and she didn’t want to hear more, so she shot him a cold glance. Li Muzhan asked, “Why must the Jade Cold Palace force its disciples to sacrifice themselves for one person’s ambition?” Su Yunyun retorted coldly, “It is not your place, an outsider, to comment on the affairs of our Jade Cold Palace!” Li Muzhan shook his head dismissively.

“When injustice arises, one must speak out. Your Jade Cold Palace actions are truly disheartening.

If this continues, it won't be long before loyalty fractures, and you splinter apart. Look at the current state of the Three Smiles Hall Southern Altar—it’s a living example!” “The current predicament of the Three Smiles Hall is entirely your doing!” Su Yunyun snapped coldly.

“Which nation do you truly belong to? One moment it’s Dayuan, the next it’s Nanli—your words make no sense!” Li Muzhan started, glancing at Su Yunyun, wondering if she was making a veiled threat.

His current identity was precarious; if Star Lake Lodge ever discovered it, the consequences were unpredictable. Even if Star Lake Lodge were magnanimous, they likely could not forgive infiltration and manipulation.

Thankfully, no disciples of Star Lake Lodge had been harmed in the Three Smiles Hall incident; otherwise, his guilt would be deeper, and the fallout potentially more severe should the truth emerge later. He had come to a realization: paper cannot truly hide fire forever; his identity would be exposed one day.

He only hoped that when that day came, he would not be completely severed from Star Lake Lodge. Achieving that would require extraordinary accomplishments and merit.

His solo mission to probe the Three Smiles Hall was driven by this very thought. His heart tightened slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

He shook his head and smiled. “I am from Dayuan, and due to circumstance, I became a disciple of Star Lake Lodge.” Su Yunyun studied him for a moment, then said flatly, “Killing the Lin father and son has created endless future trouble!” Li Muzhan smiled.

“They are killed already; whatever aftermath there is, I must face it.” “If I were you, I’d hide in Falling Star Lake and never come out,” Su Yunyun sneered. Li Muzhan chuckled.

“Thank you for the concern.” Su Yunyun huffed. “I don’t care enough to worry about you.

You’re only focused on the Three Smiles Hall, but don't forget the Lin family; the Lin family’s power surpasses even the Three Smiles Hall!” Li Muzhan’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Oh?” He deliberately adopted a look of disbelief, shaking his head with a laugh.

“I have heard the name of the Lin family for a long time as well.” Su Yunyun warned, “If you ignore the Lin family, don't blame me later if you suffer a setback and I never warned you!”

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Indeed, thank you for the reminder. You wouldn't have come all this way just to caution me about the Lin family, would you? Is there something else?"

Su Yunyun replied coolly, "I was simply passing the time and decided to stop by to see Qiaoqiao. It was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time."

"If that's the case," Li Muzhan chuckled, "then we must share a thread of fate."

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