Li Muzhan nodded, watching her fragrance drift away as she departed. He lowered his gaze, turning the string of prayer beads over in his hands. They were smooth and warm like jade, yet possessed a clarity that shimmered like amber or agate.

He meticulously probed the gentle warmth, seeking a method to suppress or unravel its influence.

This was the spiritual force of a venerated Buddhist master, or perhaps pure benevolent intent. Feeling it was like sinking into a hot spring—comforting, warm, and inducing a profound, lazy desire to remain still.

With a sudden lift of spirit, he shook off the languid atmosphere. This was clearly a technique to bewitch the mind, rendering the wearer content with obscurity, free of distracting thoughts, perhaps even inspiring them to take holy vows, withdraw from the world, and abandon the turbulent mortal realm.

He breathed a soft sound of admiration for the potent Sarira beads. Truly worthy of a high monk; even in death, the aura lingering on the relic sought to guide others toward Buddhism.

Those who wore such beads were invariably influenced over time. Such a sacred artifact would not fall into wicked hands; rather, it would naturally convert the wicked. This, he surmised, was why Dugu Jinghua had been able to acquire it.

He shook his head. If he were to pass away now, could he form such a relic? His True Spirit had already awakened, allowing him to become a Grandmaster, but what lay beyond death remained obscure.

However, with these prayer beads, the intangible power of his True Spirit was being suppressed, confined within his physical form, unable to separate—isolated from the outside world, thus losing the Grandmaster’s ability to manipulate heaven and earth.

He intended to use these beads as a tool for tempering, forcing his True Spirit to adapt, to struggle, to attempt escape. The True Spirit would slowly grow stronger, becoming ever purer. Once it truly managed to break free from the beads' suppression, only then would he achieve true liberty, able to roam the world unimpeded.

Since achieving the rank of Grandmaster, he had found no clear path for further cultivation. He vaguely felt that this challenge might be one of the very methods required for a Grandmaster’s advancement, and he was willing to test it.

He was lost in thought when Dugu Jinghua reappeared, drifting back gracefully. She smiled faintly, saying, "Mr. Li, shall we depart?"

Li Muzhan looked up. Dugu Jinghua had undergone a complete transformation. She wore a scholar’s cap, a pale moon-white long robe, and held a white jade folding fan. With rosy lips, brilliant white teeth, and a face like polished jade, she was a stunning, elegant youth.

"Sir, how do I look in this attire?" Dugu Jinghua laughed, opening the fan and fluttering it gently with a dashing, cultured air.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Excellent, excellent! Your bearing is unmatched!"

"Then let us go!" Dugu Jinghua snapped the fan shut with a shua, turning sideways and extending her hand with a cheerful smile.

"Miss! Miss!" Xiao Xi rushed over, piping up sweetly, "I want to come too!"

She was clad in a jade-green silk blouse, exquisitely charming, pouting slightly as she glared at Li Muzhan.

Dugu Jinghua frowned. "What mischief are you stirring up now!"

"M-i-s-s—!" Xiao Xi whined charmingly, "I need to protect Miss!"

Dugu Jinghua huffed, "You only cause trouble!"

Xiao Xi grabbed her arm and shook it slightly, insisting sweetly, "I'll be perfectly well-behaved, I insist on going!"

Dugu Jinghua frowned, glancing at Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan smiled. "Let Xiao Xi come along; she can help carry things once we've bought them."

Xiao Xi puffed out her cheeks, shot him a sidelong glance, then flashed a smile back at Dugu Jinghua. "Yes, yes, I can help carry things, right?"

"Fine," Dugu Jinghua nodded with resignation.

The three left the Dugu Estate and strolled down the bustling main street, thronged with people.

The bright sunshine illuminated the entirety of Tianjing City. Shenwu Street, where Li Muzhan and the others walked, was the central north-south axis of the capital, the most prosperous area. Shops lined both sides, displaying an overwhelming array of jewelry and ornaments that dazzled Li Muzhan.

To his eyes, most of the jewelry was similar; the differences lay only in minor variations of style or pattern. Any piece would be lovely, and the distinction was insignificant.

Dugu Jinghua, however, was enthusiastically trying things on, frequently holding up a hairpin for Li Muzhan to see. Li Muzhan nodded lazily, while Xiao Xi offered serious and thorough critiques.

Dugu Jinghua, having adopted the guise of a young man, immediately abandoned the pretense upon encountering the dazzling array of jewelry. She removed the scholar's cap and let down her beautiful hair.

They browsed from north to south, Dugu Jinghua trying on piece after piece but buying nothing. Xiao Xi was quite disappointed. Li Muzhan accompanied them, yet his true focus remained fixed upon the city itself.

His True Spirit could not leave his body and thus could not manipulate the cosmos, but his Eye of the Void remained active. Everything within a ten-mile radius was visible to him with crystalline clarity, as if observing the lines on his own palm.

From north to south, they focused on the shops on the west side. On the return journey, they examined the shops on the east side of the avenue, which also featured jewelry alongside several clothing boutiques.

Li Muzhan trailed lazily behind the two women. Observing Dugu Jinghua’s eagerness, it seemed as if she had never been out shopping before. Xiao Xi was equally excited, chattering incessantly, offering pronouncements and critiques with the air of an expert.

He sighed inwardly. Dugu Jinghua truly had never experienced such an outing—first, due to her delicate constitution, and second, because she was preoccupied with the affairs of the Dugu Estate. Moreover, her heart had been like a dry well, viewing everything in shades of gray, devoid of enthusiasm.

Xiao Xi had always stayed close by her side and never had the opportunity to shop. Now that she finally had the chance, she spoke volubly, projecting an image of profound understanding.

Finally, after walking from south to north, Li Muzhan smiled. "It’s noon. How about we find an inn for lunch?"

"That sounds good," Dugu Jinghua replied with a smile, looking around at the bustling crowds and the cacophony of varied sounds. It was incredibly lively.

She pondered for a moment, then called out, "Xiao Xi, which inn is good?"

"I don't know either," Xiao Xi tilted her head, thinking.

Li Muzhan smiled and pointed west. "Let's go to that one!"

They followed his gaze. A towering structure soared into the sky, its great banner flapping in the wind, bearing three bold characters: "Shunfeng Lou." It was visible from anywhere in Tianjing City.

Dugu Jinghua nodded. "Let's go there!"

Xiao Xi pouted, thinking how her mistress always deferred to this fellow surnamed Li in every matter!

The three entered the inn and found a table by the window. Xiao Xi immediately perched by the sill, gazing down excitedly. The view from such a height was entirely different.

Though the Dugu Estate was magnificent, it lacked such tall buildings; any existing structures only reached two stories. The inn they were in towered at least twice as high as Dugu Jinghua’s own private chambers.

Li Muzhan ordered a few dishes, and Dugu Jinghua added two more.

Li Muzhan said with a smile, "Ninth Miss, is this your first time shopping in the city?"

Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly. "It is. It’s quite interesting. I always thought it tedious before, so I never bothered to try."

Li Muzhan remarked, "Tianjing City is incomparably prosperous, rare in the world. It’s a pity not to explore it properly... Do you not own any shops?"

"We have a few," Dugu Jinghua nodded. "But they mostly deal in grain and rice, or jewelry and similar commodities, which are largely controlled by the Tang or Zhu families. We do not venture into those areas."

Li Muzhan nodded nonchalantly. "What did you trade for this string of prayer beads?"

"Sir need not concern himself with that," Dugu Jinghua replied with a slight smile.

Li Muzhan suggested, "How about we visit an antique shop later?"

"Sir likes antiques?" Dugu Jinghua asked, surprised.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "To see if there are any good finds. Sometimes there are surprises."

He recalled the time he shopped with Feng Mingxue and unearthed that wooden sword from a roadside stall, which ultimately allowed his flying sword to take shape, vastly increasing its power—a gain beyond measure.

Dugu Jinghua smiled. "That sounds wonderful; I’d like to see those things too."

Li Muzhan stood up, intending to fetch two jars of good wine. Dugu Jinghua nodded, watching him slowly move towards the stairs to descend.

Xiao Xi crept closer, saying sweetly, "Miss, why do you agree with everything he says?"

Dugu Jinghua laughed, shaking her head. "Nonsense!"

Xiao Xi pouted. "Whatever he says, you agree, without a single objection. You have no authority at all!"

Dugu Jinghua sighed. "Your little head thinks only of absurdities. What authority do you have to talk about where Mr. Li is concerned? You’d only embarrass yourself. You need to set your mind straight!"

"I know!" Xiao Xi grumbled, wrinkling her delicate nose unhappily. "Miss, he already has his senior apprentice sister; you shouldn't be thinking such things!"

Dugu Jinghua’s face, like fine white jade, instantly flushed crimson. Angrily, she glared at Xiao Xi. "Xiao Xi, you wretched girl, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Xiao Xi shrank back, lowering her head but muttering under her breath, "Who’s talking nonsense? You clearly have feelings for him! I’m just afraid you’ll be taken advantage of..."

"X-i-a-o X-i—!" Dugu Jinghua’s face darkened.

Xiao Xi immediately clamped her mouth shut, obediently silent.

Dugu Jinghua was silent for a long moment before huffing, "Don't ever say such crazy things again, understood?!"

Xiao Xi reluctantly said, "Then can I just say a few more things first?"

"Absolutely not!" Dugu Jinghua retorted.

Xiao Xi glared stubbornly. "Then I still have to say it! Miss, you should pull back from the edge! Don't fall too deep! He likes one after another—he's clearly a fickle, philandering rogue!"

"X-i-a-o X-i—!" Dugu Jinghua snarled with a stern face.

Xiao Xi gathered her courage, pouting dramatically. "M-i-s-s! Why do you have to fancy him? I see nothing good about him!"

"You little girl, what do you know? Shut up!" Dugu Jinghua shot her a look.

Xiao Xi pursed her lips. "Miss, you are smarter than everyone else. Which man in the world is worthy of you!"

"You," Dugu Jinghua shook her head and smiled. "You're small but full of mischief! Alright, I understand. Mr. Li saved my life; I must not be disrespectful!"

"Saving your life doesn't mean you have to pledge yourself to him!" Xiao Xi persisted.

Dugu Jinghua stated firmly, "Regardless, you are not to be disrespectful!"

Xiao Xi sighed miserably. "I know—!"

She let out a heavy sigh, realizing her attempt at persuasion had failed. Her Miss never listened to advice. Once she set her mind on something, nobody could sway her.

About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Li Muzhan returned, carrying two jars of wine. He placed them on the table with a grin, chuckling, "This inn actually has some rare treasures!"

"Are these their private collection?" Dugu Jinghua examined the jars; they carried a scent of earth, clearly having just been dug up.

Li Muzhan smiled. "This is the manager’s private reserve. It took quite some smooth talking to persuade him to part with them."

"We shall taste them properly later," Dugu Jinghua replied happily.

As they spoke, the dishes arrived. Li Muzhan broke the seals, and plumes of rich fragrance drifted out, causing nearby patrons to turn their heads.

Li Muzhan merrily poured three cups. The three enjoyed their meal and wine, quite delighted.

Dugu Jinghua had a very low tolerance for alcohol. After just one cup, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, her eyes sparkled with intoxicating light, making her exquisitely charming—tempting one to take a bite.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, refilling their cups no more. He drank almost both jars himself. When they were satiated, Dugu Jinghua was slightly intoxicated.

Xiao Xi's cheeks were also flushed, her eyes hazy; she giggled, pointing at him.

Seeing this, Li Muzhan decided not to sober them up, finding the situation quite amusing. He helped them both back to the Dugu Estate.

The next morning, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were practicing with the saber. He demonstrated the ninetieth stance while Feng Mingxue sparred with him, absorbing the saber intent.

Dugu Jinghua rushed over, clad in white robes.

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue halted their practice and moved to a small pavilion to sit. Li Muzhan asked politely, "Does Ninth Miss have some matter to discuss?"

Dugu Jinghua gazed at him steadily. "Sir, I have received some news: Zhu Shiping has been killed!"

Li Muzhan’s brow arched slightly. "Zhu Shiping?"

"The son of Zhu Jun, the Young Master of the Zhu family!" Dugu Jinghua clarified.

Li Muzhan suddenly realized with a smile. "The former Young Master of the Zhu family? How did he die?"

Dugu Jinghua stated, "He was assassinated in a brothel."

Li Muzhan said, "Interesting. Assassinated? Surely he had guards?"

"He did, and they were top-tier protectors, not in the least inferior to the family head," Dugu Jinghua said gravely.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Was it a silent assassination, or did they force their way in?"

"He died without a sound. His guards noticed something amiss, but by the time they discovered it, Young Master Zhu was already dead and cold. The woman with him was knocked unconscious and knows nothing," Dugu Jinghua reported.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, watching her. "Ninth Miss, why are you looking at me like that?"

Dugu Jinghua laughed. "To penetrate the protection circle of four top experts silently and assassinate Zhu Shiping without a sound—that is not something just anyone can do. Zhu Shiping was not a fool either."

Li Muzhan suggested, "Perhaps he was blinded by lust."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "As the Young Master, he possessed life-saving secret arts. Sir, was it you who did this?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "When did Zhu Shiping die?"

"Yesterday at noon," Dugu Jinghua replied.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Yesterday at noon, I was with you, Ninth Miss, at the inn. How could I have done it?"

Dugu Jinghua frowned, shaking her head, yet she kept staring at him. She had a strange intuition that Li Muzhan was responsible; apart from him, there was no expert in the world so formidable.

Li Muzhan sighed with resignation. "Very well, it was me."

"Truly you, Sir?!" Dugu Jinghua’s slender, bright eyes widened.

Li Muzhan nodded. "I slipped out for a moment while fetching the wine, and took care of him on the way."

"How did you manage it?" Dugu Jinghua was half-believing, half-doubting now that he admitted it.

Li Muzhan explained, "I learned Zhu Shiping's habits from Elder Brother Dugu and saw him in person. Killing him afterward was not difficult?"

"I really didn't expect..." Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "No wonder you accompanied me shopping!"

Her exquisite face suddenly darkened. Li Muzhan quickly smoothed things over. "The main reason was to accompany Ninth Miss, to adjust your mood and prevent constant melancholy from harming your health. Killing him was just a side task, a small matter!"

"Did you do it for revenge?" Dugu Jinghua asked.

Li Muzhan smiled. "You could say that."

Dugu Jinghua sighed. "That is not the action of a wise man. Aren't you afraid others will suspect you?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Others will not suspect me; they will suspect Zhu Lang."

Dugu Jinghua frowned, thought for a moment, and slowly nodded. "That is true. Sir, you must still be cautious not to have your tracks uncovered."

Li Muzhan laughed. "I have the prayer beads on me, rendering deduction useless; they cannot sense me. Rest assured."

"Sir, please do less of this kind of thing; it allows me to truly relax," Dugu Jinghua said with a helpless shake of her head.

PS: Only one update today; I will make it up tomorrow. I have been pushing myself for two months and am running out of steam. I need a breather before I strive hard again.