Dugu Jinghua offered a wry smile. "She is no ordinary figure."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Wealthy or noble, possessing profound arts—indeed, not ordinary."

Dugu Jinghua glanced at Li Muzhan. "Surely, Sir, you haven't offended her?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "We initially vied for that calligraphy scroll, and later shared drinks. We've become acquainted! Miss Nine, please, tell us more!"

Dugu Jinghua shook his head. "It is not by chance that foes meet. If my guess is correct, her real name is Chai Xiaoyue, and she is Her Royal Highness, the Ninth Princess."

Li Muzhan's brow arched, and realization dawned. "No wonder she carries a Sacred Artifact. I thought Sacred Artifacts weren't so common, that anyone could possess one."

Dugu Jinghua elaborated, "This Ninth Princess is the foremost expert in the Imperial Family, breathtakingly talented—a genius unseen for centuries!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a faint smile. "I truly never imagined meeting her! Though a bit willful, her nature isn't ill-intentioned. Rare, truly rare!"

The coldest fate belongs to the imperial house; this is not limited to one era but true throughout all dynasties. The ** of the throne is the most potent ** in the world, which none can resist.

Dugu Jinghua understood his sentiment and smiled. "The Ninth Princess has always been unconventional, and since she is so dearly loved by His Majesty, no one can challenge her, so those messy affairs never touch her."

Li Muzhan mused thoughtfully. "Rare, the Emperor's most beloved..."

Feng Mingxue, seeing his expression, immediately knew he was hatching some scheme. "Have you crossed swords with her?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "No actual exchange, but I can sense her power."

"Did she discover your identity?" Feng Mingxue inquired.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Not at all. She still believes I am unskilled in martial arts, so she didn't employ her inner force while drinking with me. An amusing little thing."

Dugu Jinghua warned, "This Ninth Princess is certainly not simple. While kind at heart, she is far from foolish; rather, she is exceptionally clever. Sir, be careful not to let your guard down."

Li Muzhan replied, "She'll likely seek me out again, but it's no matter."

"Junior Brother, are you setting your sights on the Imperial Family?" Feng Mingxue frowned. "Can't swallow that insult and want to oppose the Emperor directly?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "Senior Sister, rest assured, I won't implicate the Sect."

Directly confronting the Emperor would purely be courting death. He was a Grandmaster; the Royalty couldn't touch him, but they could certainly deal with the Cloud Heaven Sect.

Furthermore, the Royalty, holding Sacred Artifacts, held a counter to his Grandmaster status. To become truly unrivaled, he needed to break the suppression of those artifacts.

An idea suddenly struck him: to counteract the Sacred Artifacts, the solution lay within Buddhism. No matter how strong his martial arts became, it would be useless without grasping the profound secrets of Buddhist methods.

As for the current Emperor, having sent the Heavenly Dragon Guard to assassinate him—that score would not be forgotten—but he wasn't in a hurry to settle it, lest he bring backlash upon himself. The Emperor's life was precious, but his own was more so; there was no need for mutual destruction.

As dusk approached and the sun sank low, Dugu Residence's rear garden was bathed in a rosy hue. Li Muzhan sat quietly in a small pavilion, the purchased scroll hanging from the eaves, which he scrutinized unmoving.

A breeze stirred, causing the scroll to sway slightly. Li Muzhan's gaze, previously fixed, suddenly brightened. He clapped his hands and rose, letting out a hearty laugh of pure joy.

Feng Mingxue arrived gracefully, clad in snow-white robes. "Junior Brother, what makes you so happy?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister, allow me to demonstrate a set of swordsmanship for you!"

He stepped lightly across the lake surface to the waterside pavilion opposite, soon emerging with a long sword in hand. He returned before Feng Mingxue. "This is a new sword style I have comprehended; I ask for Senior Sister's critique!"

With that, his form flickered, and the tip of his sword carved an arc of light that seemed to form a character, yet was indistinct. Then, with another flash, another character appeared.

Feng Mingxue watched his sword tip closely. Indistinct, a character that wasn't a character—it looked strange, yet the sword's speed fluctuated unpredictably, fast and slow, perfectly complementing his footwork; its power was undeniable.

"Let me try!" Feng Mingxue chuckled lightly and floated into the arc of sword light.

"Chiss! Chiss! Chiss! Chiss!" Li Muzhan’s movements suddenly accelerated, the sword tip whistling past her silhouette. Her movement technique was exquisite, fluttering like a butterfly, always evading the sword tip by the narrowest margin.

Li Muzhan abruptly slowed his sword speed, delivering a gentle thrust. The tip grazed the edge of her shoulder before he retracted his blade, smiling sweetly. "Senior Sister, how was that?"

"An excellent sword style!" Feng Mingxue looked down at her shoulder. Only the outer snow-white robe was pierced; the undergarment remained whole. This required incredibly precise control.

She looked up and asked, "What is this sword style called?"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile. "It has no name; I comprehended it from this cursive script."

Feng Mingxue pondered. "Scattered like hemp, tangled like grass—let's call it the Disheveled Cloak Sword Style."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Good, Disheveled Cloak Sword Style it shall be."

Feng Mingxue observed, "This style takes the essence of 'disarray' to catch the opponent off guard, but its true power lies in the footwork."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "The crucial secret is in the transitions, capturing the spontaneity and freedom of the cursive script, often leading to the unexpected."

"Indeed, a fine sword style, but what about the internal cultivation method?" Feng Mingxue inquired.

Li Muzhan replied, "I haven't fully grasped the internal method yet, but flowing through this entire script leaves one feeling refreshed and invigorated, so it must contain the core principle."

"I hope we can decipher the internal method, otherwise, it's merely superficial elegance," Feng Mingxue remarked.

Li Muzhan beamed. "Senior Sister, lend me a hand? We can study it together?"

Feng Mingxue replied, "I still need to practice my saber techniques; I cannot divide my focus."

Li Muzhan persuaded, "Put the saber aside for a moment. Constant, strained practice often yields diminishing returns. Let it rest, study the sword style for a bit—stones from other hills can polish our own jade, after all."

"Hmm..." Feng Mingxue's thoughts shifted. She slowly pondered. "Very well, I shall tentatively study this sword style, though I know nothing of calligraphy."

Li Muzhan instructed, "Then focus on the transitions of the brushstrokes, don't bother reading the characters, just observe the lines."

"Alright then." Feng Mingxue nodded, focusing intently on the cursive characters.

In the early morning, Li Muzhan finished his exercises, ate breakfast, and then strolled leisurely out to wander the streets, absorbing the daily life of the people around him.

The rich atmosphere of everyday life enveloped the Heavenly Capital. Li Muzhan was intoxicated by it. He loved this marvelous aura; only immersed in it could he truly feel alive in this world. Occasionally, he was afflicted by the strange illusion of whether he was dreaming—whether he might wake up and return to his original world, becoming a modern philosopher.

As he was wandering, a clear voice called out ahead: "Mr. Li!"

Li Muzhan looked up to see Chai Xiaoyue, clad in a long gown the color of pale moonlight, gently fanning herself with a folding fan—the very image of a dashing young gentleman.

Li Muzhan cupped his fist and smiled. "Brother Chai, we meet again!"

"This must be fate! I didn't expect to see you again so soon," Chai Xiaoyue laughed heartily. "Come, let's go together!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Am I interrupting your plans, Brother Chai?"

"Not at all, not at all!" Chai Xiaoyue waved his hand and smiled. "Mr. Li, is there anywhere you wish to go?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Just wandering."

"In that case, follow me to the Heaven's King Temple!" Chai Xiaoyue suggested.

Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly. Chai Xiaoyue explained, "I plan to pay respects to Master Tanming today. Mr. Li, perhaps you'd like to join? Since you seem to understand Buddhist principles, there might be insights to gain."

Li Muzhan smiled. "That would be perfect!"

He glanced at the gray-clothed servant trailing discreetly behind Chai Xiaoyue. Unassuming, yet clearly a peak expert concealed deeply—truly fitting for the Ninth Princess to have such a master as a guard. Li Muzhan compared them mentally; this gray-clothed servant was likely no weaker than Senior Sister in cultivation. In a real fight, Senior Sister might not prevail. Senior Sister had her flying sword, but this person surely had trump cards; they could not be underestimated.

The three strolled slowly along the street, pausing at every stall. Chai Xiaoyue was curious about everything, stopping to pick up items, gesturing, and examining them. Li Muzhan remained calm and composed, showing no impatience, watching her movements with interest. It seemed she rarely ventured out and was starved for such activity, finding novelty in everything.

They wandered from morning until mid-morning. Li Muzhan maintained his tranquil demeanor, while Chai Xiaoyue seemed to settle her mind, quickening her pace as they left the city. Upon exiting the South Gate, Chai Xiaoyue asked casually, "Mr. Li, is that calligraphy scroll truly that good?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Doesn't Brother Chai find it pleasing?"

"To be honest, I don't really understand it, so I wanted to examine it closely," Chai Xiaoyue pursed her lips and smiled. "What did Mr. Li glean from it?"

Li Muzhan explained, "With this script, you don't need to see clearly what is written—I don't recognize the characters either. But the transitions exude a rare spirit of carefree elegance. It’s very pleasing to look at."

"So Mr. Li doesn't recognize it either!" Chai Xiaoyue realized, chuckling lightly. "I thought my own knowledge was shallow for failing to appreciate it!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "No wonder Brother Chai was so generous!"

"Hee hee!" Chai Xiaoyue let out a delicate laugh, then quickly remembered her attire was inappropriate for such a sound, curtailing her laughter. "Sir, you are quite candid... Sir, do you truly understand Buddhism?"

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "That is true. My initial mentor was a monk, and my meditative concentration has considerable depth. I possess some understanding of Buddhist principles."

Chai Xiaoyue exclaimed, "That’s excellent! When we meet Master Tanming, you’ll have things to discuss. I certainly can't converse with him!"

Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "Then why is Brother Chai visiting Master Tanming?"

"Alas, I don't wish to go, but Father... Father commanded it, and I cannot disobey!" Chai Xiaoyue sighed, looking quite helpless.

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. "A father's command is not to be disobeyed. It serves my purpose perfectly, as I was looking to consult a high monk on Buddhist lore. Thank you, Brother Chai!"

"No thanks needed. If you can help me deal with him, I should be thanking you!" Chai Xiaoyue waved her hand and smiled. "Is there anything you desire?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "My daily needs are met. What I desire most is books. I read quickly, grasping the essence without dwelling on minutiae. I've read everything in the Dugu family's collection and now have nothing new. I'm utterly restless. Brother Chai, does your household have books I could read?"

"Is that so..." Chai Xiaoyue considered. "That's easy enough. I'll arrange to bring some books over. What sort of books do you enjoy?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I enjoy miscellaneous works—not the Classics, Histories, or Scholarly Texts. Preferably accounts of strange events, travelogues, and casual talk."

While they spoke, their steps seemed light. Midway to their destination, Chai Xiaoyue suddenly exclaimed in surprise. "Mr. Li, you know martial arts?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Martial arts? I know a little, merely enough to keep fit."

"Is that so? You don't look like someone who trains martial arts," Chai Xiaoyue tilted her head, scrutinizing him. She couldn't see any marks of sword or saber practice on his fair, long hands; his temples were neither prominent nor sunken. His spirit was clear, but not overwhelmingly assertive, not the look of someone with cultivated internal energy.

Li Muzhan smiled. "The method I practice is not martial technique, but a way to cultivate the body—a Buddhist method of self-nurturing. It doesn't count as martial arts."

"Then what about this lightness skill?" Chai Xiaoyue asked.

Li Muzhan grinned slyly. "I developed it practicing on mountain trails; I learned it without realizing it."

Chai Xiaoyue laughed. "That is indeed interesting."

She didn't suspect Li Muzhan’s identity. For a scholar to practice some martial arts for self-defense and health was unremarkable; many did so. However, the rarity was that he practiced these skills yet didn't display them. His internal method must be unusual, and since he focused only on internal cultivation, not external forms, this explained the appearance. Regarding martial arts, her experience was vast, far beyond that of ordinary people.

She did not increase their pace. The three arrived at the foot of a mountain quite briskly. The mountain was imposing, like a giant dragon lying prone, its ridges stretching far into the distance. Li Muzhan had never been to the southern regions and was unaware of such topography. If one hid within these sprawling mountains, they would be nearly impossible to find.

"Have you been to the Heaven's King Temple before, Sir?" Chai Xiaoyue inquired.

Li Muzhan looked around curiously and shook his head. "After arriving in the Heavenly Capital and entering the Dugu Residence, I buried myself in reading. I only finished the books these last few days, and being bored, I came out to wander. I truly have never been here."

"Heard of the Heaven's King Temple, have you?" Chai Xiaoyue asked.

Li Muzhan smiled. "A Royal Monastery, of course, I know of it."

"Let's go," Chai Xiaoyue said with a smile. "We must see Master Tanming before noon."

She quickened her pace and entered the mountain. Blue stone steps led from the base straight up. They followed the steps until they reached the mountainside, where a magnificent temple complex appeared, looking like a soaring eagle poised to take flight, its presence astonishing. This Heaven's King Temple possessed none of the gentle compassion typical of Buddhism; instead, its aura was sharp and severe, like a great beast ready to pounce and kill.

Two young novices stood on the steps at the temple entrance. Upon seeing Chai Xiaoyue, they quickly bowed and then turned and fled, vanishing in an instant.

"Hmph, why run when they see me!" Chai Xiaoyue snorted with clear annoyance.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Did Brother Chai offend them?"

"How dare I offend them!" Chai Xiaoyue snorted dismissively.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily. "That's strange, looking at how startled they were, they clearly fear Brother Chai."

"I only teased them a few times," Chai Xiaoyue waved her hand. "Men should have broader hearts; they won't achieve much with such petty minds!"

PS: One chapter released today.