Li Muzhan smiled, picked up his wine cup, and slowly drank a full measure: “Yunyun, did you really come all this way just to see me?” Su Yunyun said coolly, “You’re being sentimental. How could I have guessed you’d dare come to White Cloud City?”

Li Muzhan chuckled, “Why wouldn’t I dare?”

“If you had stayed at Star Lake Hermitage, the Lin family wouldn't have dared do anything. They wouldn't have the nerve to storm Star Lake Hermitage and cause trouble. But you dared to come here—it’s no different than walking to your death. This is Lin family territory!” Su Yunyun stated.

Li Muzhan smiled. No wonder the Lake Master had refused him when he suggested scouting the situation here earlier; it seemed the Lake Master had already foreseen this.

Still, he had anticipated this outcome as well. The Lin family certainly wouldn't let the matter rest, but so what? Was he supposed to hide in Star Lake Hermitage for the rest of his life?

If one doesn't enter the tiger's den, how can one seize the cubs? Let’s see what tricks the Lin family has up their sleeves. Drawing them out would actually benefit Star Lake Hermitage; they could then strike back preemptively.

Su Yunyun said coldly, “You look down on the Lin family.” Li Muzhan nodded and laughed, “I haven't witnessed the Lin family's true strength yet. Besides, the Lin father and son are already dead. How could they trace their demise back to me here?”

Su Yunyun smiled faintly, “Don’t assume everyone is an idiot. Your few tricks might fool some, but they won’t escape the eyes of those who truly see.”

Li Muzhan smiled and took another sip of wine. The liquor was rich and mellow, lingering pleasantly on the palate—truly a rare vintage.

Su Yunyun continued, “Even the people from the Southern Altar might just be feigning ignorance. At this critical juncture, they can’t afford distractions that would delay their contest for the Altar Master position… Hmph. Once the Altar Master position is settled, they will surely turn their attention to dealing with you!” Li Muzhan remained composed, shaking his head with a smile of disagreement.

Star Lake Hermitage wasn't some common sect. Though few in number, every member was a genius with formidable strength. They weren't a faction anyone could casually provoke; even the Three Smiles Hall wouldn't dare initiate conflict rashly.

They are feigning ignorance now, and they will continue to do so. Provoking Star Lake Hermitage would be a thankless endeavor. It's better to follow the established path and pretend they know nothing.

Li Muzhan understood this point perfectly; he had grasped their true intentions.

As for the Lin family, he felt a slight sense of anticipation. After training diligently for a month at Wuyou Cliff, even after channeling power to Meng Qiuxia, his progress was unstoppable. His internal strength had surged forward, becoming exceptionally pure.

In just one month, he had cultivated his Wood Qi to a minor stage of completion. Now, two distinct currents of internal energy swirled in his dantian, merging like two wisps of vapor—one emerald green, the other golden yellow—shining brilliantly.

……………………………………………………

Although his internal strength hadn't doubled, it was close. The key was possessing two distinct internal energies, which made controlling his blade techniques far more elusive and dramatically increased their power.

Moreover, he cultivated internal energy by day and practiced his saber techniques by night. Amidst the howling gale-force winds, the Mountain-Severing Saber Form grew increasingly solid. Furthermore, by sparring with Meng Qiuxia, he had absorbed the martial essence of the Vast Sea Palace.

These roaring gales were like angry, gigantic waves, possessing immense power. As he swung his blade against them, his comprehension of the Mountain-Severing Saber Form deepened another level. Coupled with witnessing the Vast Sea Palace's martial arts—where one stone attacks another to gain insight—his understanding expanded further.

The martial arts of the Vast Sea Palace emphasized gentleness and yielding to momentum, much like a water-piercing spike moving through the sea to catch a fish; one must cleave through water resistance to gain speed. The Vast Sea Palace's techniques excelled at overcoming resistance.

This was precisely what the Mountain-Severing Saber Form lacked. The insight Li Muzhan gained complemented this deficiency, causing his understanding of the blade technique to jump significantly, progressing by leaps and bounds.

He mused that with his internal energy and blade skills advancing in tandem, having undergone a complete transformation, he would surely defeat Senior Brother Xia now. He could truly be considered a Ninth Rank disciple.

………………………………

Seeing his demeanor, Su Yunyun felt even more resentment, though she betrayed nothing on her face. She said calmly, “It is rumored that Star Lake Hermitage is the foremost sect in the Southern Realm. How many disciples do you have?” Li Muzhan chuckled, “What? Is Jade Cold Palace showing renewed interest in our Star Lake Hermitage?”

“Just curiosity,” Su Yunyun replied.

Li Muzhan shook his head, “Your Jade Cold Palace has eyes everywhere and is well-informed. You surely already know the answer. Why ask the obvious?” He had always been wary of Jade Cold Palace. Ever since seeing Jin Qiaoqiao and realizing how strategically the palace deployed its disciples, he knew their ambition was considerable. Sects with such ambition often stopped at nothing to achieve their aims, requiring stringent vigilance.

Su Yunyun frowned, “You men are so tedious. You truly shame Star Lake Hermitage!”

Li Muzhan took a piece of beef, placed it in his mouth, and chewed slowly, “Better safe than sorry. Your Jade Cold Palace is too terrifying; it’s best to keep a respectful distance.”

Su Yunyun’s expression darkened, and she shot him a cold glare.

Li Muzhan downed another cup of wine and sighed, “Yunyun, given your temperament, you must wish me dead. Why are you speaking so reasonably? … You must need something from me, right?” Su Yunyun suddenly broke into a radiant smile, “This time you guessed wrong. It isn't you needing me; it's me needing you!” Li Muzhan’s eyebrows rose, and he smiled, “How so?” Su Yunyun asked, “Haven’t you noticed anything unusual about your body?”

Li Muzhan secretly checked himself and his face instantly changed drastically: “You poisoned the wine?”

“Finally, you aren’t completely dense!” Su Yunyun clapped her hands and smiled lightly, “No need to circulate your internal energy. You know the poisons of our Jade Cold Palace. The more you use your cultivation, the faster you will die. Even an immortal can’t save you then!”

Li Muzhan smiled wryly, “Why?” Su Yunyun’s face turned grim, and she said coldly, “You deserve to die!”

Li Muzhan looked at her, shook his head, and sighed, “Is this about what happened last time?”

“Shut up!” Su Yunyun’s face stiffened, and she said coldly, “Do not mention that day again!”

…………………………………………, Li Muzhan sighed, “Let’s just treat it as a dream and let it go. I won't bring it up, and you won't either. We’ll both forget it, leaving no trace. Wouldn't that be better than clinging to it so tightly?” Su Yunyun let out a few cold laughs, her face full of sarcasm, “Fine. This is the face of you men. You do terrible things and act like nothing happened, yet you ask me to let it go? How ridiculous!”

Li Muzhan shook his head with a bitter smile and said no more.

He had a premonition; he had long sensed the poisoned wine, but he hadn't exposed it, wanting to see what Jin Qiaoqiao and the others were planning. He never expected Su Yunyun to be the poisoner.

“Why aren’t you talking anymore?” Su Yunyun stood up, walked up to him, and sneered, “Weren’t you so talkative just now? Are you playing mute now?” Li Muzhan sighed, “You want to kill me?” “Hmph, kill you?” Su Yunyun sneered, her azure eyes narrowing slightly, “It won’t be that easy! I’m going to imprison you in the palace, cripple your martial arts, and make you a laborer!” Li Muzhan smiled, “Nothing is more venomous than a woman’s heart. The ancients were not wrong!” “Hmph, you said it right!” Su Yunyun glared at him coldly, her captivating eyes radiating icy light, “I want to see if you can still be so high and mighty!” Seeing Li Muzhan maintaining an air of ease and composure, she felt a surge of anger, wishing she could strike him down dead with one slap, reducing him to a wretched sight.

Li Muzhan smiled, “Forget it. Since I’ve fallen into your hands, this stinking hide is yours to command. There’s no need for more words.”

Su Yunyun suddenly stepped forward and rapidly tapped his chest with her slender, white fingers. Li Muzhan offered no resistance. After she tapped him a dozen times, he instantly froze, unable to move.

Su Yunyun retreated two steps, secretly letting out a breath, her tense body relaxing.

Li Muzhan’s cultivation had increased dramatically, and his martial arts were astonishing. Though she trusted her sect’s poison, she dared not let her guard down. She didn't relax until he was subdued. Seeing Li Muzhan offer no resistance and his vital points sealed, she finally sighed in relief; the operation was a success.

Li Muzhan sighed, “It’s quite a distance from here to Jade Cold Palace. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to escort me there. I truly feel bad about it.”

“Shut up!” Su Yunyun commanded coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled, “Why not seal my mute acupoint as well?”

Su Yunyun let out a cold laugh and clapped her hands. The door immediately swung open, and Jin Qiaoqiao floated in, smiling, “Sister Su, are you finished talking?”

Su Yunyun nodded, “Qiaoqiao, come with me. Prepare a larger carriage.” Jin Qiaoqiao nodded lightly, “Alright, I'll go prepare.” She glanced back at Li Muzhan, pursed her lips, and smiled, “Why does Master have such a bitter smile? Is something amiss?”

Li Muzhan smiled, “Qiaoqiao, I am now a prisoner.” “Oh?” Jin Qiaoqiao paused, then turned to look at Su Yunyun.

………………………………………………

Su Yunyun snorted, “Don’t listen to his nonsense!”

Jin Qiaoqiao noticed Li Muzhan’s body was rigid and motionless, clearly having his acupoints sealed. A look of confusion crossed her face as she glanced between the two.

Li Muzhan laughed, “I didn't realize this pot of wine was poisoned!”

“It’s poisoned wine?” Jin Qiaoqiao exclaimed in surprise, turning to Su Yunyun, “Sister Su, did you poison it?” Su Yunyun replied, “Yes. Poison is the only way to deal with him. Qiaoqiao, don’t be fooled by his sweet talk; he is my enemy.”

Jin Qiaoqiao blinked her bright eyes and asked mildly, “Sister Su, how did Mr. Li become your enemy?” Su Yunyun’s expression shifted slightly, “You don't need to ask. In short, he is an enemy, and I am taking him back to the back mountain for mining!” Jin Qiaoqiao’s eyes widened, “Mining! It seems Mr. Li’s offense against Sister is serious. That’s hard labor, worse than death!”

She looked at Li Muzhan, then at Su Yunyun, feeling that the two shared a strange dynamic—they looked less like mortal enemies and more like an ill-matched couple.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. Su Yunyun huffed, “Hurry up and go.” Jin Qiaoqiao said, “Sister Su, I don’t think Mr. Li is a bad person. If the grudge isn’t insurmountable, why not make peace?”

Su Yunyun glanced at her, “Qiaoqiao, you have a lot to say today!”

Jin Qiaoqiao stuck her tongue out at Li Muzhan, daring not say more, and turned to leave to arrange the carriage and horses.

Only the two remained in the room. Li Muzhan asked, “Are you really going to do this?” “Did you think I was joking?” Su Yunyun sneered.