Within this radius, he could effortlessly command the primal energy of heaven and earth, even internal force, manipulating the four of them as if they were puppets.

Li Muzhan said in a deep voice, "Remember this clearly!"

The four immediately suppressed their scattered thoughts, focusing intently on every move and stance. Without pausing, they pressed forward, and in a short time, they broke through the encircling crowd, reaching the main gate.

At the gate stood over a dozen middle-aged men in red, each holding a long saber that shimmered faintly, thin as a cicada's wing, watching the six figures of Bai Da and his group with calm composure.

Li Muzhan frowned, "Their sabers are formidable; your protective arts won't block them completely, but they won't break your bones. Charge through."

Bai Da exclaimed, "Young Master, how did you get here so quickly, and how did you get in?"

This was also what the other four were curious about. Jing Zhiguang asked, "The windows and doors were thoroughly blocked; how did Leader Li force his way in?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Let's get past this hurdle first!"

The six of them slowly advanced toward the gate. The men in red formed a fan shape with their sabers, their expressions composed, a trace of sarcastic coldness playing at the corners of their lips.

"Clang, clang, clang..." The sabers met. The long sabers of Bai Da and his companions were utterly unharmed; all their blades were also precious weapons.

"Hmph... Oh... Uh..." With muffled groans, four of the middle-aged men in red clutched their throats and collapsed. Where the blades of Bai Da's four had passed, there was no resistance.

The four long sabers swept through the void, cutting where there was none, gliding effortlessly through the gaps, passing their throats like graceful, fleeting swans and taking their lives.

Bai Da and the other three felt a profound sense of relief; wielding this swordsmanship was invigorating and soul-satisfying... All eighty-one thousand pores on their bodies felt stretched open, a deep satisfaction surging to their core.

The expressions of the middle-aged men in red flickered. The cold smiles vanished. They quickly advanced a few steps, tightening their formation, and attacked fiercely, turning defense into offense.

The long sabers of Bai Da's four traced a languid arc. The vast array of saber light seemed non-existent as the blades passed through with ease, slicing past the throats of four more red-clad men. With stifled coughs, they slumped down unwillingly, their eyes filled with venomous resentment.

Jing Zhiguang’s eyes widened... He praised, "Boss Bai, your saber techniques are astonishingly powerful! Truly, no weak soldier serves under a strong general!"

Bai Da and the others grinned... but remained silent. They now understood that they were executing this set of sword techniques under the Young Master's control. This rare opportunity demanded that they master it.

They continued to execute the sword maneuvers while moving forward, their steps unbroken. By the time these two waves of men fell, they were already at the main gate, the bluestone door thick as a fist.

The red-clad men, though knowing they were rushing toward certain death, charged forward without hesitation. They were slashed across the throat by the long sabers and fell.

Li Muzhan stood beside Jing Zhiguang, shaking his head, "A pity, a pity!"

Jing Zhiguang countered, "Leader Li... They deserved to die; what's the pity in that!"

Li Muzhan sighed, "It's a pity for such brave and fierce men to die."

Jing Zhiguang pursed his lips and snorted, "What of it! There are plenty in this world unafraid of death, and most of them are villains. I say they died well!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "That is true; villains who fear not even death certainly deserve to die!"

Bai Da and the others turned to look over, "Young Master...?"

Li Muzhan approached the bluestone door, placing both palms flat against it, his eyes slightly closed, motionless. Bai Da and the others watched him vigilantly while keeping their sabers ready, just as more red-clad men and old men in black converged, intending to stop them.

"Boom!" With a muffled sound like an exploding thunderclap, the bluestone door shattered into a pile of small stones. The midday sun suddenly illuminated Li Muzhan's face.

His countenance was as smooth and gentle as jade. He gazed quietly at the crowd outside. Bai Da and the others quickly shielded him. Jing Zhiguang shouted loudly, "Leader Li, hurry and charge out!"

The people inside the hall rushed out like a wild flood pouring forth. Li Muzhan and his five companions stood unmoving at the main entrance, like boulders in the water, and the surging crowd naturally parted around them as they passed.

"Young Master?" Bai Da said in a deep voice.

Looking at the surging crowd, Li Muzhan shook his head, "We are going in!"

Bai Da and the others were stunned. Jing Zhiguang exclaimed, "Leader Li, we finally got out, why go back in?!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "They are simply going out to die; the exit is behind them. Let's go!"

Bai Da and the others hadn't fully reacted before their feet were already moving. In perfect unison, they slipped back into the main hall. The hall was empty, littered with corpses, and the scent of blood was so thick and viscous it felt like quicksand.

They hadn't noticed it while inside, but returning now, the smell of gore was overwhelmingly potent, nearly making them faint.

"Over there!" Li Muzhan pointed to the north side of the hall, where a painting of a crane among pines hung, exuding an air of quiet harmony.

He pointed at the Pine and Crane Longevity Scroll and commanded, "Bai Da, Li Er, push it down!"

Bai Da and Li Er strode quickly to the wall, sinking into a low horse stance. With an outward burst of breath, they pushed with both palms. With a "bang," the Pine and Crane Longevity Scroll disintegrated into dust, revealing a large hole in the wall.

"Go!" Li Muzhan said.

The six slipped through the hole into a courtyard. It was a quiet courtyard, deserted.

The sounds of fighting ahead drifted faintly, seeming very distant, which only amplified the stillness of the small yard. Li Muzhan pointed north, "A few more courtyards and we reach the sea. Let's go!"

The six figures floated into the next courtyard. This one was also quiet and empty. They passed through four more courtyards, still undisturbed, without obstruction, until they reached the rear garden, and climbing over the rear garden brought them to the beach behind.

"Young Master, why is no one here?" Bai Da asked strangely.

Li Muzhan replied, "Everyone went to surround and eliminate you. The rest have probably evacuated. It seems they plan to abandon Phoenix Island!"

"Evacuate?" Bai Da's eyes widened. "Are they planning to escape with the secret manuals?"

Li Muzhan nodded. The details were complex, and explaining them fully would take too long. He was too lazy to elaborate now; he would tell them in detail when there was an opportunity later.

They found a small boat and set sail, leaving Phoenix Island.

Jing Zhiguang took a deep breath, vigorously shook his fist at Phoenix Island, then turned and laughed, "I say, Leader Li, it's a good thing you showed up in time... otherwise, none of us would have made it!"

Li Muzhan frowned, "Bai Da, what happened?"

Bai Da lowered his head in shame, "Young Master..."

He meticulously recounted the events, which caused Li Muzhan's expression to darken. Silence descended upon the small boat; no one dared to even breathe loudly.

Jing Zhiguang was also affected, not daring to draw a heavy breath, his heart seized with tension.

After listening, Li Muzhan turned away, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the sea in silent contemplation. The four dared not speak, bowing their heads deeply.

After a long while, Li Muzhan looked out at the ocean and said slowly, "Bai Da... Li Er, you were wrong this time. You nearly cost everyone their lives!"

Bai Da kept his head down, "Yes... Young Master, this subordinate knows his mistake!"

Li Muzhan continued, "If you make a mistake, you must be punished. That is the rule!"

"This subordinate accepts the punishment!" Bai Da replied.

Li Muzhan flicked his fingers lightly twice. Bai Da and Li Er groaned, and the color drained from their faces, turning them as pale as paper.

Both felt their blood surge backward... an agonizing sensation like countless ants gnawing at their viscera—both numb and itchy, both painful and sour—making them long to tear open their chests and pull out their internal organs.

"Leader Li..." Jing Zhiguang interjected quickly.

Li Muzhan raised a hand, turned his head back, and smiled faintly, "Boss Jing... This is the rule of my humble estate. Rewards and punishments must be clearly distinguished to prevent chaos."

Jing Zhiguang was speechless, letting out a string of wry smiles, "This... this..."

Li Muzhan asked, "Boss Jing, what are your plans? Have you lost all your assets?"

Jing Zhiguang glanced apologetically at Bai Da and Li Er. They had sat cross-legged, their facial muscles twisted, beads of sweat the size of beans trickling down.

He shook his head, knowing pleas were useless, and sighed, "I have a little left—a clever rabbit has three burrows... Besides, I don't trust Phoenix Island either."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Boss Jing's insight is good; Phoenix Island is indeed untrustworthy."

Jing Zhiguang burst into curses, "Damn it, we nearly died at their hands this time; they are truly vicious! They meant to wipe us all out!"

Li Muzhan stated, "Phoenix Island is backed by the Zhu Family, one of the Four Great Clans. Now, in order to silence everyone, they are destroying Phoenix Island. So, Boss Jing, don't even think about revenge. Find a place and live peacefully!"

Jing Zhiguang laughed, "Then what about you, Leader Li? Are you going to tolerate this insult?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "As for me, I'll speak of it later. If I have the chance, I will avenge this. If not, I'll forget it, treating it as being bitten by a mad dog."

"Bai Da and the others aren't reconciled, are they?" Jing Zhiguang chuckled, glancing at Bai Da and Li Er, whose faces were contorted, their bodies trembling faintly.

He couldn't bear it and pleaded, "Leader Li, that's enough; there's no need to be so harsh, is there?" Li Muzhan said calmly, "They acted on their own initiative and nearly caused your deaths. This is light punishment. I won't always be able to arrive in time!"

"They meant well, though," Jing Zhiguang argued.

Li Muzhan stated firmly, "Whether intentions are good or bad, a mistake is a mistake. Boss Jing, don't interfere. How about we go to Wanghai City?"

Jing Zhiguang readily agreed, "Good, Leader Li, I will follow you wherever you go!"

Li Muzhan explained, "Wanghai City is near the sea; you must be accustomed to seaside life by now. Moreover, I plan to stay there for a while."

"Excellent, this is the place then," Jing Zhiguang nodded repeatedly.

In the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect, Li Muzhan flickered and appeared in an elegant room. Hai Yulan, clad in a flowing robe of dark green silk, was reclining languidly on a couch, flipping through a book out of boredom.

The moment Li Muzhan appeared, she immediately put down the book and stood up, her face blossoming into a smile, "Why did you take so long!"

"Not too late, am I?" Li Muzhan smiled as he sat down at the round table, taking in Hai Yulan's appearance.

Hai Yulan's eyebrows held a captivating allure; the dark green silk robe made her skin appear white as jade. With bright eyes and pearly teeth, she was graceful and utterly captivating.

She approached Li Muzhan, trailing a delicate fragrance, and with slender hands, she lifted a jug to pour him a cup of wine, "This is the Three Yang Wine I asked my Senior Sister to procure for you. Taste it and tell me what you think."

The wine cup was made of white jade. As soon as the wine was poured in, a mellow aroma drifted out, spiraling in wisps throughout the room and reaching Li Muzhan's nostrils.

"Three Yang Wine?" Li Muzhan inhaled deeply, exclaiming, "What a fragrance!"

He slowly lifted the white jade cup, first bringing it close to his nose to sniff, then narrowing his eyes to take a small sip. Only after a long moment did he let out a sigh, "Fine wine!"

Hai Yulan beamed, her beauty breathtaking.

Li Muzhan took another small sip, praising, "Miss Hai, you truly put your heart into this."

Hai Yulan smiled, pursing her lips, "I'm glad you like it... I'll ask my Senior Sister to get another jar next time!"

"Where did this Three Yang Wine come from?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Hai Yulan replied, "It's wine from Senior Sister Hao's family."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, "Miss Hao's family produces fine wines?"

"Yes, her family is a lineage of vintners," Hai Yulan nodded with a smile. "This Three Yang Wine is exceptionally rare; most people can't taste it."

Li Muzhan continued to praise it with another sip, nodding, "Such excellent wine is truly seldom seen!"

"This is a pastry I made; try one," Hai Yulan pointed to the small dish of reddish-green confections... looking quite pleased with herself.

Li Muzhan picked up a piece and tasted it. It melted instantly in his mouth—soft, fragrant, and sweet. She was exceptionally clever and possessed innate grace; anything she attempted, she mastered instantly and perfected quickly.

Li Muzhan ate several pieces of pastry... and drank two cups of wine, then began discussing trivial matters, recounting the events on Phoenix Island to Hai Yulan.

Hai Yulan was supremely intelligent, perhaps only slightly inferior to him. Li Muzhan knew that without his own unique advantages, he might not have surpassed her.

After listening, Hai Yulan paused for a moment, then sank back lazily onto the couch, "You say the Zhu Family orchestrated Phoenix Island?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "The Dugu brothers told me personally. It was a cunning move... Among the group that stormed the island, there were Zhu Family disciples—it turns out they were maneuvering to extract themselves."

"A truly good tactic," Hai Yulan conceded. "No wonder Phoenix Island always had top experts and formidable strength. That was a close call!"

She had originally planned to deal with Phoenix Island herself, but Li Muzhan’s sudden appearance diverted her attention, and then Li Muzhan took action himself... relieving her of the need to get personally involved.

Li Muzhan commented, "If the Hai Family had truly attacked Phoenix Island, it would have been perilous. Fortunately, you were a step behind; you were lucky."

With the Zhu Family's methods, destroying the Hai Family would have been child's play; the Hai Family would have had no chance of survival.

Hai Yulan asked, "They destroyed Phoenix Island and left?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Bai Da and the others were nearly killed. The rest of the pirates probably didn't survive, which saved me some trouble."

"What will they do next?" Hai Yulan inquired.

Li Muzhan pondered, "In my estimation... they already had a fallback plan. Now that Phoenix Island is destroyed, it won't stop them. They will rise again. The Zhu Family has immense wealth and influence, making it easy for them to cover their tracks."

"A vile Zhu Family!" Hai Yulan muttered resentfully.

Li Muzhan observed, "Creating Phoenix Island to accumulate wealth—the Zhu Family's methods are indeed dishonorable, but effective. The wealth gathered by Phoenix Island over the years is enough to rival a nation; the Zhu Family's strength is evident."

Hai Yulan hissed, "None of the Four Great Clans are easy to deal with!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "The Dugu Family will deal with the Zhu Family. Since they nearly killed the Dugu brothers this time, the Dugu Family won't let it go. However, confrontations between Great Clans rarely inflict deep, crippling wounds. What a pity..." "You plan to deal with the Zhu Family?" Hai Yulan's delicate eyebrows twitched and furrowed. "I suggest you give up that idea!"

Li Muzhan looked at her, smiling. Hai Yulan continued, "No matter how ruthless or deserving of death the Zhu Family is, only the Emperor can destroy them. No one else can touch the Zhu Family!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Why is that?"

Hai Yulan shook her head, "The Four Great Clans possess peak secret arts bestowed by the Imperial Family, along with the Danxin Iron Vouchers—which are essentially iron medals for pardoning death."

Li Muzhan frowned, "Does that mean whoever destroys them is defying the Imperial Family and will invite their own downfall?"

Hai Yulan nodded, "Yes, I heard my Master say so."

Li Muzhan mused, "So, we must first seize their Danxin Iron Vouchers before we can destroy them?"

"The Danxin Iron Vouchers were granted by the founding Bright Emperor; no one can recall them," Hai Yulan replied, shaking her head.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "What if they were stolen?"

"Who would dare steal the Danxin Iron Vouchers?" Hai Yulan shook her head and chuckled, "Besides, the item isn't worth much. To risk such danger just to steal it would be foolish!"

Li Muzhan stated, "What if I steal them?"

Hai Yulan quickly warned, "Don't take that risk!" Although the Zhu Family hasn't announced the presence of a Grandmaster, the foundation of such a clan is extraordinarily deep. One cannot say for certain they lack a Grandmaster. Even without one, they likely possess methods to guard against a Grandmaster; otherwise, they would have been destroyed long ago!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Methods to guard against a Grandmaster? What methods?"

Hai Yulan shook her head, "That is the most absolute secret. No one knows. If they did, it would surely reach the Grandmaster’s ears, and they would devise a countermeasure."

Li Muzhan frowned, "Even Grandmasters have countermeasures?"

Hai Yulan countered, "What about Death Warriors? Aren't you afraid?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Within ten Zhang, I am the master of everything; nothing can harm me."

"Not even an array formation?" Hai Yulan asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Useless. Array formations have no effect on a Grandmaster."

Hai Yulan mentioned, "I heard there is a type of Sacred Artifact in the world. The Forbidden Palace holds one to suppress power. It is said that if a Grandmaster approaches it, they instantly become an ordinary mortal."

Li Muzhan's eyebrow twitched. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly nodded, "That might be true."

If it were a Sacred Artifact containing the strong spiritual power of a high Buddhist monk's relic or skull, it might interfere with the Grandmaster's spirit, causing them to revert to the common level. Once a Grandmaster loses the ability of unity between heaven and self and their power to manipulate the world, they are no different from an ordinary Master. The depth of internal force could be compensated for by sheer numbers.

Hai Yulan concluded, "So don't assume a Grandmaster can act with impunity or omnipotence. The Four Great Clans probably possess such a Sacred Artifact as well."

Li Muzhan smiled, "I'd like to see if it's true."

"You..." Hai Yulan glared at him, frowning.

Li Muzhan picked up the white jade cup and took a small sip, smiling, "I will be careful, don't worry. If I wish to leave, no one can stop me!"

Hai Yulan shot him a look, "Then send a letter to my elder brother for me, please!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "You don't trust the Hai Family?"

Hai Yulan explained, "Now that I am gone, everything relies on my elder brother. He lacks experience and ability. He is a genius in cultivation but inept at handling worldly affairs."

Li Muzhan nodded, "No one is perfect. What should I tell him?"

Hai Yulan huffed, "Tell him to be careful. Before the people from Phoenix Island left, they might have executed a major pillaging!"

Li Muzhan frowned, "We must guard against that!"

"If my elder brother runs into trouble, help him out," Hai Yulan looked at him with shining, smiling eyes.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Naturally, I won't stand idly by!"

"That's good, I'll write the letter immediately." Hai Yulan chuckled lightly, moving gracefully to the writing desk, grinding the ink, and quickly picking up the brush to write.

Suddenly, an impulse struck Li Muzhan, and he frowned, "I'll be right back!"

With that, he vanished abruptly.