Li Muzhan shook his head. "The esteemed Young Palace Master of the Jade Cold Palace can do as she pleases. Who would dare object?"

Su Yunyun frowned, letting out a slight huff. "It must be Qiaoqiao who spoke too quickly!"

Li Muzhan said, "If you intend to cripple my martial arts, you best do it now. Otherwise, aren't you afraid I might pull some trickery?"

He rather wanted to see if this Su Yunyun was truly so heartless. The potent poison inside him had already been forced down to his soles, ready to be expelled at any moment.

This poison was virulent, comparable to the Snow Scent Powder from before. It was the bane of martial artists, interacting antagonistically with inner strength—using neili to expel it was like using oil to extinguish a fire. If he didn't circulate his energy, the poison would actually take longer to act.

This was true for others, but not for Li Muzhan. His inner strength was like pure, refined water; when circulated, it bore down with the crushing weight of Mount Tai, directly driving out the virulent toxin.

After just a few cycles, the poisons were forced to his feet. With a slight exertion of energy, he could push them out completely.

"You’ve reminded me!" Su Yunyun sprang to her feet, her eyes glinting coldly as she approached Li Muzhan, raising her hand of white jade.

She held her palm still in the air, a cold smirk playing on her lips. Her gaze fixed upon him, as if trying to see through his mind, to gauge whether he felt fear.

Li Muzhan met her gaze with a smile, utterly motionless. This very smile was what she hated most.

Yet, doubt gnawed at her. His lack of alarm at having his martial arts destroyed was highly unusual. There was only one explanation: he had a contingency. Had the Soul Locking Powder failed?

He had previously taken the Snow Scent Powder, so he shouldn't be able to resist the Soul Locking Powder. Furthermore, she had clearly sealed his vital acupuncture points, preventing the circulation of neili.

What she didn't know was that Li Muzhan’s body, hardened by the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art and further tempered by military martial practices, no longer relied solely on meridians. His entire body could channel energy, an unobstructed network, making him immune to acupuncture point sealing.

She raised her palm to strike, and Li Muzhan returned the gesture with a smile. They remained frozen, locked in a standoff. Her clear blue eyes darted back and forth, sweeping over Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan stayed perfectly still, offering only that smile, resembling a Maitreya Buddha.

"Creak..." The door was pushed open. Jin Qiaoqiao entered gracefully, holding up the hem of her skirt. She stopped short upon seeing the tableau, momentarily confused.

"Sister Su, what is this...?" Jin Qiaoqiao inquired.

Su Yunyun retracted her jade palm into her sleeve, straightened up, and said coldly, "Seal his pressure points again, and see if there’s any issue."

"...Alright." Jin Qiaoqiao reluctantly agreed. She moved to Li Muzhan’s side, offered an apologetic smile, and with delicate fingers, she tapped several points in quick succession, like running them over harp strings.

Li Muzhan remained still, allowing her to strike the points, and he smiled. "Qiaoqiao, is the carriage ready?"

"Yes, it's ready. We can leave right away," Jin Qiaoqiao nodded.

Su Yunyun gave a sharp sniff. Jin Qiaoqiao stuck out her tongue, then turned back. "Sister Su, it's done."

Su Yunyun had maintained intense focus, guarding against any sudden eruption from Li Muzhan. She allowed Jin Qiaoqiao to approach because she knew the two shared an exceptionally close bond, and Jin Qiaoqiao had saved his life; he wouldn't harm her. If he broke the seals, Jin Qiaoqiao would be safe, and she would have time to counterattack.

She stepped before Li Muzhan and placed her palm on his back. Seeing that his zhenqi was stagnated and no longer flowing, the clear sign of sealed points, she found nothing amiss.

She drew her hand back subtly, secretly letting out a breath of relief. "Hmph. Throw him onto the carriage!"

"Yes," Jin Qiaoqiao replied, calling out for Old Madam Yang. Together, they lifted Li Muzhan and slowly escorted him out of the room and down the stairs, exiting the Tanchun Tower.

Li Muzhan's body was as stiff as a log. The two women, seemingly supporting him, were in fact hoisting him up. His feet barely touched the ground as he was smoothly slid along.

Two carriages waited outside the Tanchun Tower, each drawn by four horses. Their bodies were broad and large, crafted from purple wood that emitted a faint luster. The design appeared simple, lacking excessive carving or ornamentation, projecting an air of ancient dignity yet suffused with undeniable luxury.

Jin Qiaoqiao turned back. "Sister Su, are these two carriages acceptable?"

Su Yunyun followed behind them and nodded slightly. "Acceptable enough. We'll make do."

Li Muzhan managed a slight grin. "As expected of the Young Palace Master; quite the display. Even carriages like this are merely 'make do.' I’ve never ridden in such a luxurious carriage in my life; today is certainly an education."

"Be quiet!" Su Yunyun stated calmly.

Li Muzhan chuckled softly. Jin Qiaoqiao turned, frantically signaling him with her eyes. She knew the Young Palace Master had a terrible temper and was prone to fury. A wise man avoids immediate conflict; provoking the Young Palace Master never ended well—there would surely be suffering.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, ceasing his taunts.

Su Yunyun huffed, "Get in!"

Jin Qiaoqiao and Old Madam Yang helped Li Muzhan toward the front carriage. A robust middle-aged man jumped down, eagerly opening the carriage door, from which a faint scent of sandalwood immediately drifted out.

Jin Qiaoqiao entered the carriage first. Then, Old Madam Yang lifted Li Muzhan and passed him in, where Jin Qiaoqiao caught him and settled him onto the couch in the forward section.

The faint perfume emanating from her wafted into Li Muzhan's nostrils. He smiled slightly. "I must trouble you so much, Qiaoqiao. This must be a blessing earned over eight lifetimes."

Jin Qiaoqiao pursed her lips and chided playfully, "Enough, Sir! Say a few less words!"

Li Muzhan laughed heartily and nodded. "I've certainly fallen into your Young Palace Master's hands today. Finding joy in hardship is better than wearing a perpetual frown!"

Jin Qiaoqiao murmured, "Sister Su appears cold, but her heart is warm; she is very soft-hearted. If you spoke a few kind words, pleaded softly, she might certainly forgive you."

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed. If it were a lesser matter, a few soft words might sway her, but this was too significant. If he showed weakness now, she would only look down on him more. Judging by her temperament, she despised weak-willed men most; therefore, he could only remain resolute, never yielding.

Of course, he couldn't explain all this to Jin Qiaoqiao; he could only smile and play the fool.

Seeing his reaction, Jin Qiaoqiao said softly, "Just say less, and I will plead your case on the road."

"Thank you, Qiaoqiao," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head. "I still don't know what feud you two actually have."

Just then, Su Yunyun drifted in and pulled the carriage door shut, plunging the interior into dimness. Light entered only through the small windows on all four sides.

The compartment felt enclosed, and though large, it seemed small. The front section held a long couch—bedding and pillows on the left, a small table for teacups on the right. The rear section featured a square table with chairs on either side. On the table sat a yaoqin zither, a chessboard, and an exquisitely crafted censer emitting thin wisps of smoke.

The faint sandalwood mingled with the delicate fragrances of the two women. Li Muzhan’s acute senses clearly registered both scents. In the subdued light, the women’s features appeared even more refined, soft, seductive, and dazzling, like two exquisite, blooming roses.

He suppressed his impulse, stretching languidly on the couch, smiling faintly as he observed the two women.

Su Yunyun stared intently at Li Muzhan, trying to decipher his thoughts, but encountering his smile made her teeth ache again. She let out a short, sharp breath. "Let's go."

Jin Qiaoqiao rose and moved to Li Muzhan’s side, lightly tapping the wall of the carriage. She called out loudly, "Start moving!"

"Roger that!" the robust middle-aged coachman responded. With a sharp crack, he snapped his whip in a flourish, and the carriage began to roll forward.

Li Muzhan cast his Void Eye downward. In the carriage behind them sat Old Madam Yang and a demure young maid. The driver was an elderly man, but he turned out to be a top-tier master. The coachman for their carriage was clearly an unskilled hired hand, meaning the one in the rear carriage was a master—one of the Jade Cold Palace retainers.

With Old Madam Yang and this elder, plus the high skill of Jin Qiaoqiao and Su Yunyun, they should have sufficient protection. Still, Li Muzhan felt a degree of risk; if they encountered a siege by experts, the situation might turn unfavorable.

He smiled. "Just these few people are coming?"

Jin Qiaoqiao quickly replied with a bright smile, "Just us is enough. Traveling light helps us avoid drawing attention, which is best at a time like this."

Li Muzhan nodded, understanding her meaning. The Three Smiles Hall was currently in chaos, attracting many hot-tempered martial artists. Drawing unnecessary attention was not wise.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "I only worry that with so few people, if trouble truly arises, you two women, without masters to guard you, will be outnumbered."

Jin Qiaoqiao smiled. "Don't worry. Although our martial arts aren't the strongest, they are enough for self-preservation."

Su Yunyun glanced coldly at Li Muzhan. "A cat weeping for a dead mouse!"

Li Muzhan was about to speak, but Jin Qiaoqiao interrupted smoothly. "Sir, are you feeling uncomfortable? Would you like to change your position?"

Li Muzhan was currently half-reclining on the couch, a slightly awkward posture.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am a little uncomfortable."

"Then let me help you adjust," Jin Qiaoqiao said cheerfully, rising to help him shift. As they drew close, their ears brushed, fragrant scents mingled, soft hands moved, and gentle breaths sighed—all captivating to the senses.

Li Muzhan forcefully stabilized his mind, remaining as unmovable as a mountain, smiling as he met Su Yunyun's gaze. Su Yunyun huffed, "Qiaoqiao, you don't need to spoil him!"

Jin Qiaoqiao had already adjusted his posture to a cross-legged sitting position—the most stable and comfortable for a martial artist.

She smiled. "Sister Su, I truly can't bear to see him look uncomfortable."

"I forgot about the friendship between you two," Su Yunyun said, glancing at Jin Qiaoqiao. "If you're uncomfortable, then go to the back carriage!"

Jin Qiaoqiao laughed. "No need, no need, it’s much better now." She pursed her lips and chuckled. "Sister Su, are you perhaps jealous?"

Su Yunyun's clear blue eyes narrowed, and she shot Jin Qiaoqiao a look. She merely sniffed dismissively, seemingly above arguing, which elicited a light laugh from Jin Qiaoqiao.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "The journey is long; perhaps we should find something to pass the time. Does either of you know how to play chess? How about a game?"

Jin Qiaoqiao laughed. "I know a little, but I'm not an expert. Don't laugh at me, Sir!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am a prisoner now; how dare I laugh at you? Come, set up the board, let's have a few rounds!"

Jin Qiaoqiao turned to Su Yunyun. "Sister Su, what do you think...?"

Su Yunyun stated faintly, "I'd like to see how skilled he is at chess; whether he can best a woman."

Jin Qiaoqiao instantly became animated, rising to pick up the chessboard and bringing it to the small table beside Li Muzhan’s couch, placing it between them.

Li Muzhan, however, remained motionless, subtly indicating his sealed acupuncture points with his gaze—they couldn't be opened.

Su Yunyun stepped forward and lightly tapped his shoulder. Li Muzhan instantly relaxed his posture, stretching his arms and rotating his wrists and finger joints.

"Don't try any tricks!" Su Yunyun warned coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled, picking up the white stone box. "Let’s begin."

Jin Qiaoqiao took black and moved first, smiling. "I'm eager to witness your chess skills, Sir!"

Both played quickly. In the blink of an eye, the situation on the board solidified. Li Muzhan was relaxed and at ease, while Jin Qiaoqiao frequently furrowed her brow, her expression intensely focused, clearly troubled.

Su Yunyun also gazed intently, her delicate eyebrows drawn together. Only Li Muzhan remained completely unhurried, smiling as he observed the women's faces, leisurely turning a stone. The pale pieces slipped between his fingers like nimble little mice.

"Here!" Su Yunyun pointed to a spot on the board. Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head. "No, no, that doesn't seem quite right."

"It's right here, it is absolutely correct!" Su Yunyun insisted.

Jin Qiaoqiao considered it, then slowly placed the black stone. Li Muzhan immediately countered with a move, and the situation on the board drastically shifted. Jin Qiaoqiao cried out in surprise and turned to complain to Su Yunyun.

Su Yunyun was momentarily speechless, glaring venomously at Li Muzhan. Meeting his smile made her teeth itch so violently that she longed to strike him down. However, if she did that now, she would admit defeat. She took a deep breath, feigning nonchalance, and concentrated again, searching for a brilliant move to deflate Li Muzhan’s arrogance.

Although Li Muzhan’s chess skill wasn't top-tier, the two women were significantly worse. Moreover, his formidable mental acuity and sharp thinking far surpassed ordinary people; the two of them combined couldn't defeat him.

The carriage moved slowly, gradually leaving White Cloud City. Both women were absorbed in their anxious contemplation, oblivious to everything else. Li Muzhan, however, still had leisure to observe with his Void Eye.

Suddenly, his expression shifted. "Be careful!"

He violently flipped the chessboard upward. "Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" Several whistling sounds erupted simultaneously as arrows shot toward them. They were perfectly blocked by the upturned board.

This block bought the two women precious time. They quickly circulated their energy and swept their sleeves outward, causing the arrows to fall harmlessly to the ground. The whistling sounds continued incessantly—hiss, hiss, hiss—and in moments, the carriage interior was riddled like a hedgehog.

However, with the two women shielding him, Li Muzhan sustained no injury. All the arrows were cleaved apart by their flashing swords; two shields of sword light formed around them, protecting him in the rear.

The carriage interior grew brighter as shafts of light pierced the small holes created by the arrows, illuminating the stern faces of the two women as they swung their blades like lightning.

Li Muzhan snatched up the discarded stone box in front of him and scattered a handful of stones.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..." The white stones transformed into several streaks of light that shot outward, precisely exiting through several small holes, their incredible speed undiminished by hitting the carriage wall.

"Ah!" "Yah!" "Hmph!"

Several screams and muffled grunts echoed. Li Muzhan shook his head, scattered another handful of stones. Su Yunyun glanced back over her shoulder and snorted.

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