"Junior Sister, your aunt’s ailment couldn't be cured, could it? Even Divine Physician Hua had no solution?" Ding Xiuwen asked.

Dugu Meng shot him a look. "It couldn't be cured before, but it can be now. If my aunt is cured, you're not happy about it, are you?!"

Ding Xiuwen waved his hands frantically. "No, no!"

Dugu Meng snorted. "I can hear the disappointment in your tone, Senior Brother!"

"Junior Sister, I'm just astonished," Ding Xiuwen said quickly, forcing a smile.

Dugu Meng eyed him sideways, sticking out her lip. "Don't think of Brother Li the way you think of yourself! Brother Li's swordplay is unmatched under heaven. He took down that trashy sect master of the Zhu family in one go, and killed dozens of their top experts! Heh heh, the Zhu family has lost more than half their elite masters now. Let's see them dare to act so high and mighty again!"

Qu Wanying said, "Meng'er! You're a young lady, watch your words, what if someone overhears..."

Dugu Meng laughed gaily. "Yes, yes, I just found it so satisfying, I couldn't help myself. Never again, Master!"

Qu Wanying shook her head helplessly and said gently, "Your Brother Li is that formidable?"

"Yes, Brother Li is incredibly powerful! If the Four Saint Monks hadn't intervened, Brother Li would have wiped out the Zhu family this time!" Dugu Meng nodded excitedly.

Qu Wanying inquired, "How old is he?"

"About the same age as Senior Brother," Dugu Meng replied.

Qu Wanying pondered. "Such skill at such a young age?"

Dugu Meng explained, "I heard Brother Li had a profound encounter, which is why his cultivation is so deep—even deeper than Sister Feng's!"

Ding Xiuwen curled his lip. "No wonder!"

Dugu Meng grew annoyed, her pretty face darkening as she snorted. "If Brother Li had a wondrous encounter, that's his own merit! Whether it was luck or grueling practice, the fact is he is formidable, and you, Senior Brother, are far behind!"

Ding Xiuwen huffed. "You look down on me, then!"

Dugu Meng countered with a charming pout, "Who looks down on you? I just can't stand to see it! Your martial arts are utterly ordinary, yet you still think you're a top-tier master!"

Qu Wanying shook her head helplessly and sighed. "Enough, you two start bickering the moment you meet! Meng'er, I want to meet your Brother Li."

Dugu Meng shook her head. "Master, Brother Li isn't meeting strangers right now. He needs to treat Aunt's illness first, and only then will he see people."

"Then I shall wait until your aunt is healed before meeting him," Qu Wanying stated. "Our Floating Cloud Palace used to be nearly on par with the Azure Cloud Sect, but now we seem to be falling further behind."

Ding Xiuwen puffed out his chest proudly. "Master, rest assured, I will cultivate diligently!"

Dugu Meng pursed her cherry lips and gave him a look. "Senior Brother, I'm not trying to provoke you, but he is a genius among geniuses. One day of his practice is worth ten of yours. If you want to catch up, you'll need at least ten times the effort!"

Qu Wanying observed coldly, remaining silent. She watched as her strange, lively disciple successfully spurred Ding Xiuwen, who flushed crimson and declared loudly, "Then I shall put in ten times the effort!"

"Easy to say, hard to do!" Dugu Meng looked at him sideways.

Furious, Ding Xiuwen stood up and stormed out. "Master, I'm going to practice!"

Watching him stomp off in anger, Dugu Meng chuckled. "Master, do you think Senior Brother will work hard for a while?"

Qu Wanying smiled. "You, you're not afraid of angering him into an explosion!"

Dugu Meng giggled. "The angrier Senior Brother gets, the crazier he works... But I wasn't lying! Senior Brother truly needs ten times the effort to catch up!"

"And what about you?" Qu Wanying shook her head.

Dugu Meng laughed. "I'm a girl! Fighting and killing isn't proper. I need to marry someday, raise children—what use is great martial skill then!"

Qu Wanying studied her, a hint of helplessness in her expression. "You..."

Dugu Meng giggled. "Master, how long are you staying?"

"Once I've taught you the Horizontal Cloud Saber, then we'll talk. I leave when you've mastered it," Qu Wanying replied.

Dugu Meng tilted her head, considering. "The Horizontal Cloud Saber? How powerful is it? I wonder if it's better than the Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber!"

"The Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber? Where did you hear of that saber technique?" Qu Wanying asked.

Dugu Meng explained, "That’s the technique Brother Li used! It’s incomparably potent. Brother Li told me he hasn't even reached its peak!"

"The Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber..." Qu Wanying mused for a long moment, then shook her head. "I haven't heard of it."

"Master, you must see this saber technique! When Brother Li used it, no one could withstand it!" Dugu Meng lamented with regret, "It's a shame that when she sparred with Sister Feng earlier, they chose swords instead of sabers. Sister Feng's Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber is also incredibly sharp!"

Qu Wanying felt a stirring of interest. Facing a superior saber technique was like a wine lover beholding fine spirits—she desperately wanted to taste it herself.

Dugu Meng chirped, "But when we meet Brother Li in the future, Master can ask him for pointers. Though I don't know if he'll agree to fight!"

Qu Wanying said, "Little girl, why are you dangling the bait? You just don't want to learn the Horizontal Cloud Saber, do you? You’re looking to slack off again, aren't you!?"

Dugu Meng contested indignantly, "Master, if it’s not as good as Brother Li’s Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber, why should I learn it? I’d rather learn nothing!"

Qu Wanying shook her head. "You are just lazy! The Horizontal Cloud Saber is a foundational technique. You must learn it before you can master more advanced saber arts. Right now, even if the Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber were right in front of you, you couldn't learn it. Understand that principle?"

"That's not necessarily true. Maybe I could master it!" Dugu Meng retorted stubbornly.

Qu Wanying stared at her for a long time, then sighed helplessly. "Fine. Since you refuse the Horizontal Cloud Saber, learn the Soul-Chasing Saber then. That technique is very powerful!"

Dugu Meng remained unconvinced and asked with a sly smile, "The Soul-Chasing Saber? How does it compare to the Seven Absolutes God-Slaying Saber?"

Qu Wanying shot back irritably, "Greedy beyond measure! You might manage the Soul-Chasing Saber with effort, but any technique more powerful than that, you simply cannot master!"

"Heh heh, alright then, Soul-Chasing Saber it is!" Dugu Meng quickly agreed when she saw her Master getting agitated, acting perfectly compliant.

Qu Wanying muttered resentfully, "Everyone else begs me to teach them martial arts, but you’re different—your Master is begging you to learn a saber technique! I must have owed you in a past life!"

"Heh heh, that’s because Master dotes on me!" Dugu Meng moved forward, shaking Qu Wanying’s arm affectionately.

Qu Wanying shook her head. "If I didn't truly despise wasting your potential, I would have given up on you long ago, you little brat! You are too complacent; even the best talent goes to waste if you don't apply yourself!"

"Don't worry, Master, I will master the Soul-Chasing Saber!" Dugu Meng thumped her chest in guarantee.

Ten days slowly passed, and the capital city returned to calm.

The upheaval concerning the Zhu family gradually subsided with Li Muzhan's disappearance. After all, the Zhu family was an ancient lineage spanning centuries; even facing a temporary setback, they would quickly regain their strength and remain unshakeable.

People even speculated that this Li Wuji had perhaps been secretly killed by the Zhu family, who were remaining silent only to lure out and net anyone else plotting against them.

All those eyeing the Zhu family knew their power. Thinking of the worst-case scenario, they settled down, restraining their ambition and daring not to act.

The noon sun shone bright and clear upon the hot springs, burning away the mist above the water. Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue emerged from the water and drifted into a small pavilion nearby.

Dugu Jinghua also floated up, her white robes settling like snow opposite Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan observed her and smiled faintly. "Miss Dugu, your meridians are now fully opened; you are considered cured. However, do not overexert yourself in practice; a full recovery will take another month."

"En," Dugu Jinghua replied, tightly pressing her cherry lips as she nodded firmly.

She opened her mouth, swallowing the words of thanks, and smiled. "Mister Li, you must have been terribly bored for these past twenty-plus days. How about I accompany you for a good tour of the capital city?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "That sounds wonderful. I haven't truly seen the capital city properly. With Miss Dugu as our guide, it will certainly be convenient."

Dugu Jinghua requested, "Mister Li, please stop calling me 'Miss Dugu.' Call me Jinghua."

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, laughing. "I wouldn't dare do that! It would elevate me a whole generation above Brother Dugu, and he would surely resent me to death!"

Dugu Jinghua pursed her lips and chuckled softly. "Then call me Ninth Miss."

"That works best," Li Muzhan agreed. "Ninth Miss, your future cultivation will proceed with half the effort for twice the result, but avoid practicing any fierce or domineering mental arts; they could harm your meridians."

"Yes, I understand," Dugu Jinghua nodded with a smile.

She then smiled faintly. "Meng'er's Master is Senior Qu Wanying of the Floating Cloud Palace. Mister Li and Miss Feng have heard of her, haven't you?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Senior Qu, the 'Understanding Blade'? Yes, I have heard the name."

Dugu Jinghua continued, "Senior Qu has long wished to meet Mister Li."

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed. "Does she wish to spar? That's hardly necessary; haven't my Senior Sister and she already exchanged blows?"

"Senior Qu doesn't wish for a duel, only to meet him," Dugu Jinghua clarified.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Very well. When we tour the capital, we can all go together; it will be livelier, won't it, Senior Sister?"

Feng Mingxue inclined her head slightly. "That would be fine."

Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly. "Wonderful, then it's settled. We'll explore the capital together tomorrow evening. The nights in the capital are especially captivating."

"Agreed," Li Muzhan nodded.

The setting sun hung in the western sky, the horizon ablaze with afterglow, casting the entire capital city in a rosy sheen.

The main hall of the Dugu Residence.

The light in the hall was soft, illuminating Dugu Jinghua, Dugu Heng, Dugu Meng, along with Qu Wanying and Ding Xiuwen, creating a warm atmosphere.

The others were chatting and laughing. Qu Wanying was praising Dugu Jinghua’s recovery. She had examined Dugu Jinghua’s condition earlier—even the Palace Mistress had been involved—but there was nothing that could be done.

She had believed Dugu Jinghua was beyond saving, yet now she had recovered, her body stronger than that of an ordinary person.

She marveled, "Miss Dugu, this misfortune has turned into a blessing for you!"

"How so?" Dugu Jinghua asked with a smile. She wore a white gown, her skin a delicate rosy white, appearing fragile enough to break with a light breath.

Qu Wanying explained, "Your entire meridian network is now open. That saves countless hours of effort. Cultivating mental arts will yield double the results with half the exertion. It truly makes one envious."

"Even so, it can't compare to those who have trained since childhood," Dugu Jinghua replied modestly.

Qu Wanying waved her hand. "Miss Dugu, you are mistaken. You are already far ahead of them. With your current meridians, you could catch up to them in a year, and surpass me within three or four years."

Dugu Meng, who had been bickering with Ding Xiuwen, interrupting his practice, was the reason he had forced himself to cultivate diligently. If Qu Wanying hadn't compelled him, he wouldn't have come this time. Even now that he was here, he was seizing every moment to practice intensely, unwilling to relax for even an instant. Dugu Meng, however, was deliberately opposing him, finding ways to engage him in conversation and annoy him endlessly.

Hearing this, Dugu Meng immediately turned her head. "Master, Aunt will catch up to you in three or four years?"

"Yes," Qu Wanying nodded gently. "That’s the slower estimate. If things go quickly, it might only take two or three years."

Dugu Meng’s eyes lit up. "Why?"

Qu Wanying elaborated, "Miss Dugu’s meridians are broad and robust, unlike ours. Our meridians are narrow and small; they require constant internal energy to expand them slowly, like carving out a river channel. Narrow meridians naturally slow the progress of internal energy because the channels restrict its flow. Miss Dugu’s meridians are inherently wide rivers, imposing no limits on internal energy growth. Cultivation, naturally, flows smoothly and rapidly. That's not something one can gain through envy!"

Dugu Meng quickly asked, "How did Aunt achieve that?" Then, she corrected herself with a burst of realization, "Ah, it must be Brother Li!"

Qu Wanying smiled and nodded. "This Young Master Li's ability to reshape meridians is divinely miraculous, rare in this age. Miss Dugu is truly blessed by heaven!"

Dugu Meng rushed forward. "Aunt, I want my meridians reshaped too!"

"Don't be absurd!" Dugu Jinghua interjected.

Dugu Meng pouted sweetly. "I saw Brother Li didn't expend much effort; he finished in twenty days. Let Brother Li help me too!"

Dugu Jinghua waved her off, ignoring her, and smiled at Qu Wanying. "Senior Qu, Mister Li should be arriving soon. Shall we tour the capital together?"

"That would be perfect," Qu Wanying chuckled lightly. "I have always wanted to meet this Mister Li. Such achievements at such a young age are truly baffling!"

Just as they were speaking, the young attendant Xiaoxi lifted the curtain and entered. "Miss, Young Master Li has arrived!"

As Qu Wanying was about to rise, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue floated in, bowing to the group with smiles. "We apologize for being late; please forgive us."

Dugu Jinghua introduced them. Li Muzhan smiled. "Greetings, Senior Qu. The fame of the 'Understanding Blade' precedes you. I never expected Senior Qu to be so young!"

Qu Wanying chuckled lightly. "Likewise. I also didn't expect Young Master Li to be so young!"

Dugu Meng quickly scurried over, taking hold of Li Muzhan’s arm and shaking it. "Brother Li, you have to do me a favor!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Save your breath. I have no intention of helping you!"

"Bro-ther Li—!" Dugu Meng stamped her foot in a charming fit of pique. "I haven't even told you what it is, and you've already refused me! That's heartless!"

Li Muzhan chuckled heartily. "Even without you saying it, I know what you want. Two words for you: No way!"

"Brother Li..." Dugu Meng twisted her delicate body, shaking his arm.

Dugu Heng stepped forward and pulled her away. "Stop causing trouble! Go play somewhere else!"

Dugu Meng glared at him. "Big Brother, you’re siding with outsiders now! I don't acknowledge you as my Big Brother anymore!"

"Very good!" Dugu Heng laughed. "Without a sister like you, I might live twenty years longer!"

"Bi-i-ig Brother—!" Dugu Meng’s face bloomed with a charming smile as she cajoled him. "Just help me out this once! I don't want to practice until I drop, but if my martial arts are weak, I'll be bullied. You wouldn't want me bullied, would you, Big Brother?"

Dugu Heng waved his hand. "It's not as simple as you think. This matter is too dangerous. Aunt was lucky; she succeeded on the first try. If she hadn't been so fortunate, she might have died instantly. Want to try that?"

Dugu Meng managed a strained smile. "No way?"

Dugu Heng continued, "That's not all. Didn't Aunt say it was agonizing? Do you think she was joking? You know Aunt's tolerance—if she says it's painful, it must be incredibly painful! Can you endure that?"

Dugu Meng shrank her neck and looked toward Dugu Jinghua.

Her aunt's composure and endurance were beyond compare. No matter how agonizing the suffering, she always remained indifferent. Throughout her childhood illnesses, she had endured countless torments without ever complaining. Since she admitted the pain this time, it must have been severe. Dugu Meng hesitated, beginning to back down. High martial arts were nice, but not essential; she had guards to protect her.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group walked out of the Dugu Residence onto the main street. A dozen grey-robed elders were subtly positioned around them.

The street was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Even when it wasn't a festival, the capital city was always like this at night—lanterns everywhere illuminated the surroundings as if it were daytime, yet infused with an air of hedonistic indulgence that quickened the heart. The livelier, the better.

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue walked together. Qu Wanying moved closer, constantly observing Li Muzhan with curiosity. She couldn't sense even a flicker of vital energy emanating from him, making him seem like an ordinary person with no martial arts. This amazed her. The Palace Mistress couldn't save Dugu Jinghua, yet this Li Wuji had succeeded. She didn't believe Li Muzhan’s cultivation surpassed that of her Palace Mistress; she only suspected some secret technique was involved.

But this strange sensation shook her beliefs. The complete absence of internal energy fluctuation didn't mean he truly lacked martial skill; rather, his internal energy was so condensed and unified with his body that it was impossible to detect movement.

Such a state was only spoken of in legends. Could he have attained the Great Grandmaster realm at such a tender age? She immediately dismissed the thought. For thousands of years, no Great Grandmaster had ever been younger than fifty.

This was an established convention—it seemed only with age could one gradually attain enlightenment, see through the world and life, and thus truly transcend to become a Great Grandmaster.

If that were true, his unusual manifestation must stem from some secret technique. This Azure Cloud Sect, renowned as the foremost sword school in the world, surely possessed other esoteric arts!

She looked at Li Muzhan, then at Feng Mingxue, then at Dugu Meng, and finally turned toward Ding Xiuwen, sighing inwardly—comparing people truly was infuriating!

"Senior Sister, we're being followed," Li Muzhan suddenly remarked.

Feng Mingxue frowned, scanning their surroundings. They were walking down a bustling street packed with people. Six elderly men formed a square around them, two in front, two behind, and two on each side, protecting the center. Ordinary passersby trying to approach were subtly diverted by them. The elders spoke no words and made no aggressive moves, but their inner energy surged like a tide, forcing approaching people to change course.

Feng Mingxue frowned. "Is it the Zhu family?" She felt an increasing chill and asked softly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Can't be sure. Could be opportunists trying to profit from chaos. We need to establish dominance."

"En," Feng Mingxue understood his meaning.

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