"Hmph!" Feng Mingxue slowly sat up from the spring water, her long hair cascading down, her face like a lotus emerging from the water—clear, refined, and radiating a gentle glow.

Yang Biluo cried out in surprise, "Senior Sister Feng!"

She lunged forward, only to be stopped sharply by Gu Hengdi: "Don't move rashly!"

Yang Biluo pouted in slight annoyance, "Master, Senior Sister is awake now, she's fine! ... Where is Junior Brother Li? Is he alright?"

Li Muzhan sat up with difficulty in the hot spring, his face pale as paper, the blood at the corner of his mouth not yet washed away. He sighed, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister, but I’m not dead yet."

Yang Biluo laughed charmingly, "Junior Brother Li, what kind of talk is that, 'dead or not'! Are you hurt?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Just overexertion, nothing serious."

Yang Biluo leaned closer with a sweet smile, "Thank you for your trouble; if you hadn't been here, who knows when Senior Sister would have woken up!"

Li Muzhan turned his head to look at Feng Mingxue and smiled gently, "Senior Sister, are you alright?"

Feng Mingxue nodded faintly, "Thank you."

Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Sister, speaking like that makes us sound distant!"

Feng Mingxue offered a slight, cool smile and a soft nod, saying no more. Gu Hengdi frowned; she immediately sensed the awkwardness between Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue. Could something have happened between them?

They were both her most prized disciples; if something were truly amiss, it couldn't be overlooked. Could it be about matters of the heart between a man and a woman?!

She startled, studying the pair closely. Li Muzhan was smiling good-naturedly, appearing anxious to please despite having coughed blood from exertion during the rescue. Feng Mingxue, however, showed no relief or joy at having escaped a great calamity... her expression was cold.

Although she had always maintained a detached temperament, indifferent to worldly affairs and focused solely on martial arts, she behaved differently around those she was truly close to than she did with ordinary people.

Gu Hengdi glanced at them a few times... seeing Feng Mingxue’s current demeanor toward Li Muzhan—that of a complete stranger—she mused privately that Muci must have done something to wrong Mingxue!

Having perceived this, she pretended not to know anything and said softly, "Mingxue, hurry and change your clothes... get some proper rest!"

Feng Mingxue replied faintly, "Master worries unnecessarily, I am fine."

"Ah... you nearly scared this Master to death!" Gu Hengdi shot her a look, chiding her, "If you keep doing this, I’ll surely be scared to an early grave!"

Feng Mingxue revealed a faint smile, "It was nothing this time; even though I couldn't wake up, I was aware of everything."

Gu Hengdi sighed, "Mingxue, my nerves aren't strong; please don't ever do that again... martial cultivation cannot be forced!"

Feng Mingxue gently nodded, "Yes, Master, I understand."

Li Muzhan slightly lowered his eyelids and began sitting in meditation to regulate his energy. Gu Hengdi raised a finger to her lips, signaling the two women to remain silent, and the three slowly exited the hot spring.

After meditating for an hour, Li Muzhan left the spring... letting out a long breath. This time, Feng Mingxue had turned misfortune into blessing; her cultivation had greatly increased, easily amounting to five years of arduous practice.

The foundation of becoming a Grandmaster lay in the spirit; merely increasing internal energy was futile. The profound secret here was simple to grasp, yet most Masters failed to comprehend it.

The Huanyu Scripture of the Yunxiao Sect was different. Its marvel lay in the seamless integration of internal energy and spirit: the deeper the inner force, the stronger the spirit... as cultivation grew, the spirit followed suit, naturally driving one step closer to the Grandmaster realm.

Feng Mingxue’s cultivation had soared, marking a step toward Grandmaster, but reaching that pinnacle required a long road of decades of dedicated practice.

Li Muzhan sighed softly. It seemed Senior Sister was truly angry, but the situation was complicated. Senior Sister clearly didn't wish to involve herself in romantic attachment, yet she had become entangled anyway.

It seemed he should reduce the frequency of his visits to Hengbo Island to avoid upsetting her further. Li Muzhan shook his head, feeling a slight ache in his heart. Any man would be moved by this pure and pristine Senior Sister. He restrained himself fiercely, unwilling to force her, especially since her dedication to martial arts surpassed her feelings for him; a true resolution seemed unlikely, so perhaps it was better to give up early.

Thinking of this, he felt an urge to leave.

He wanted to depart, but Gu Hengdi would not allow it, insisting he rest and recuperate for two days first. Li Muzhan had no choice but to stay. Furthermore, Wanghai City was empty now that Phoenix Island was gone; without Feng Mingxue by his side, staying was truly joyless.

At dawn, he woke very early, having slept soundly through the night, finding sleep here exceptionally peaceful without the worry of outside intrusion.

He first practiced some breathing exercises, then began studying the Divine Dragon Hand. He had long wished to unravel its secrets, not just because of its exquisite intricacy, but because it was the supreme secret art of the Zhu family.

He had a premonition that he would inevitably clash with the Zhu family in the future; it was best to comprehend it early and find a method of counteraction, which would be effective even against a Grandmaster.

As he was studying, light footsteps sounded, and the door creaked open as Feng Mingxue entered slowly, clad in a snow-white silk robe.

She walked slowly into the small pavilion and sat down. Li Muzhan stopped his movements, turned, and sat opposite her in the pavilion, smiling, "Senior Sister, are you well?"

Feng Mingxue was cool and detached, nodding faintly, "Thank you, Junior Brother, for saving me."

Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Sister is being distant again."

Feng Mingxue offered a faint smile. Li Muzhan took up the pot and poured tea for them both, saying, "Senior Sister, there is no need to rush; reaching the Grandmaster realm isn't achieved in a day; it requires long periods of accumulation."

"Mmm, I understand," Feng Mingxue slightly bowed her head and smiled gently, "How is it going with Miss Hai? Are you still well?"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile, "Still the same. Elder Fu refuses to relent."

"You can still see Miss Hai, can't you?" Feng Mingxue inquired.

Li Muzhan nodded.

Feng Mingxue stated, "That is good. If two people have affection, they don't necessarily have to be together day and night; occasional meetings are enough."

Li Muzhan laughed, "People are naturally greedy."

Feng Mingxue continued, "I inquired. Elder Fu has a resolute character and is very stubborn; she will not change her mind."

Li Muzhan sighed helplessly, "I truly have no way with her; I dare not use any forceful methods, lest I achieve the opposite of what I intend."

Feng Mingxue stated faintly, "Elder Fu is invulnerable to blade and spear; you two are best advised to meet rigidity with softness."

Li Muzhan smiled, "We shall see what destiny holds; there will always be a way to resolve it... Senior Sister, why don't you go out for some fresh air? Your inner fire burns too strongly; restlessness is not conducive to practice."

Feng Mingxue countered, "Going out disturbs the mind; it's better to stay quietly on the island."

Li Muzhan sighed, "A person lives one life, like vegetation for a single autumn... Senior Sister, are you truly content with such austerity? To pursue only the path of martial arts, and not the path of life?"

Feng Mingxue nodded gently, "Mmm, I feel this is very good, very suitable for me."

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head.

Feng Mingxue frowned, "What are you laughing at?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Nothing."

Feng Mingxue frowned and glared at him, playfully scolding, "If you have something to say, just say it! Stop hiding things!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister... the seven emotions and six desires are unavoidable. You managed to suppress them before, but as the Huanyu Scripture strengthens... the seven emotions and six desires will become more intense, and it will be very difficult to suppress them."

"Is it because of practicing the scripture?" Feng Mingxue frowned.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Precisely! Any previous thoughts you could suppress are now magnified many times over; suppressing them is harder now. The best method is to vent, not to force restraint! Senior Sister, you are walking the wrong path!"

"What should I do?" Feng Mingxue revealed a trace of confusion.

She had experienced what Li Muzhan described but couldn't articulate it clearly; she felt her coldness slowly melting away, like ice yielding to the sun.

Hearing Li Muzhan's words, she suddenly realized it was due to the Huanyu Scripture, not his influence. She had been avoiding the truth, worried these changes stemmed from him.

Li Muzhan offered her eight characters: "Follow your heart's desire, act according to your comfort!"

Feng Mingxue looked at him and said faintly, "Junior Brother, you aren't trying to fool me, are you?"

Li Muzhan quickly laughed, "How would I dare!"

Feng Mingxue snorted, "There are things you dare not do!? Have you told Miss Song about Sister Hai?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed.

Feng Mingxue asked, "She would agree? I truly cannot understand how Sister Hai could be willing to share a man with others!"

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head without elaboration, knowing this was Feng Mingxue's core difficulty: she could not share a man with another, and so she restrained her own feelings.

Feng Mingxue glanced sideways at him, "You are too greedy!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Sister, this is a man's nature; deep down, a man wishes all the beauties in the world belonged to him!"

"Are all men that greedy?" Feng Mingxue frowned.

Li Muzhan nodded gently and laughed, "That's right! Not showing it is partly to conceal one's nature, and partly because it's impossible, so one must restrain oneself!"

Feng Mingxue sighed, "Then I had best focus solely on martial arts—!"

Li Muzhan chuckled heartily, "Senior Sister, follow your heart, don't force yourself! The matter of Phoenix Island isn't over yet; won't Senior Sister help me anymore?"

"You are a Grandmaster now; you don't need my help," Feng Mingxue replied.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "The backers of Phoenix Island are the Zhu family, one of the Four Great Clans. They are powerful; without Senior Sister's help, I truly won't manage."

Feng Mingxue’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, "The Zhu family of the Four Great Clans?... I have heard of the Tang family, renowned and unmatched under heaven; I didn't realize the Zhu family was Phoenix Island's backing."

Li Muzhan explained, "The Phoenix Island affair has blown up. Now the Zhu family is drawing fire to themselves and is busy putting out the blaze. They're focused on slaughtering those pirates on Phoenix Island and likely trying to eliminate the Hai family next; there will probably be a major uproar. Won't Senior Sister come out to witness it?"

Feng Mingxue pondered, "The pirates are all killed? Wouldn't that fulfill your desire?"

Li Muzhan sighed, "Those pirates deserved to die, and Phoenix Island deserves to die too. Phoenix Island will relocate elsewhere and continue to cause harm in the future!"

"You intend to pursue the remnants of Phoenix Island, and even the Zhu family?" Feng Mingxue asked.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "If this source of disaster isn't eliminated, peace will be hard to maintain in the world. Killing one of them saves ten people!"

Feng Mingxue stated, "You want my help?"

Li Muzhan nodded eagerly, "If Senior Sister were willing to come out of seclusion to help, it would be best!"

Feng Mingxue pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded, "For such a major event, I naturally won't hold back! Fine, I will help you one time!"

Li Muzhan laughed heartily, "With Senior Sister taking action, we are sure to sever the root of disaster that is Phoenix Island!"

Feng Mingxue countered, "My prowess lies in charging and fighting; strategy is not my strong suit. We will still need Sister Hai's help."

Li Muzhan smiled, "She is watched by Elder Fu, so she can only offer advice; relying on her for action is out of the question!"

Feng Mingxue declared, "One stratagem counters a thousand soldiers. Sister Hai’s methods are astonishing; her help is even more valuable! Junior Brother, when will you depart?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I plan to set out tomorrow, after taking one more look at Phoenix Island."

"Good, I'll go with you!" Feng Mingxue nodded, and she rose, drifting away.

Li Muzhan watched her depart, shaking his head and smiling wryly. He had, after all, harbored a mischievous intention: to see how long Senior Sister could hold out, whether she could truly control her emotions.

Stirring the emotions of a celestial maiden was an unparalleled enjoyment; he found it endlessly amusing.

At dawn, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue suddenly appeared in the small courtyard in Wanghai City. Li Muzhan deployed his Void Eye to survey the surroundings; the entire city was laid out before him.

The Hai residence was unusually quiet. Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, "Senior Sister, how about we go see Miss Hai?"

"Would it be appropriate for me to go?" Feng Mingxue hesitated.

Li Muzhan laughed, "What's inappropriate about it? You two haven't seen each other in a long while, have you?"

"Alright!" Feng Mingxue slowly nodded.

Li Muzhan wrapped an arm around her slender waist, instantly vanished, and reappeared in a small courtyard, flashing away immediately into the adjacent room.

Hai Yulan was practicing martial arts in the small courtyard, clad in an emerald green silk robe, looking heroic and vigorous. The entire courtyard was quiet, with only her present.

Although Li Muzhan only caught a glimpse, he recognized it as an inn. Fu Feihong was regulating her breath on the couch in the main room, not paying attention to this area.

Li Muzhan was startled by the sight and quickly flashed into the nearby room to avoid being detected by Fu Feihong, inwardly crying, This is bad.

Hai Yulan noticed them flash by. She slowly concluded her practice, not rushing back to the room, but first walking a circuit before returning to the side room as if nothing had happened.

She was surprised to see Feng Mingxue present. She had originally thought Li Muzhan’s strange Qinggong couldn't carry passengers; now it seemed that wasn't true—he could carry someone with him.

This meant she had greater freedom; she could leave with him for a short while and return quickly before her Master noticed.

Li Muzhan raised a finger to his lips, signaling silence, then moved both hands, taking out four jade talismans from his robes and placing them floating around them.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Alright, we can talk now. This formation provides sound insulation."

Hai Yulan let out a long breath, stepped forward, and took Feng Mingxue’s hand. She addressed her intimately as "Sister Feng," and Feng Mingxue smiled in return. The two women ignored Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan sat aside and listened as they chatted for a long time, not a single serious word exchanged—only everyday trifles and gossip from their sect.

After a while, Li Muzhan interjected, asking Hai Yulan what the plan was, when they could reach Wanghai City, and what exactly Fu Feihong was plotting.

Hai Yulan sighed helplessly, "Master is currently guarding me like a thief; she wishes to follow me every step of the way. She agreed to let me descend the mountain this time, but Master insists on accompanying me, to ensure I don't fall into danger!"

Li Muzhan commented, "This is also your Master's deep concern."

"She is guarding against you showing up!" Hai Yulan replied helplessly.