Dugu Jinghua was radiant, practicing with increasing diligence and making swift progress; she was nearing complete absorption of the pure inner force left by Li Muchen.

She smiled, pursing her lips, "Ninth Princess, what brings you here today?"

Chai Xiaoyue replied, "I came with Mr. Li. Sister Dugu, you truly are impressive; to secure a tutor of this caliber!"

Dugu Jinghua chuckled, "Mr. Li has some history with our Dugu family, so it was like a windfall falling into our laps! ... How did you come to know Mr. Li?"

Chai Xiaoyue beamed, "Through a piece of calligraphy, an accidental acquaintance—in Buddhist terms, fate. Sister Dugu, why don't you ask Mr. Li to be my tutor as well?"

Dugu Jinghua shook her head with a smile, "That's not for us to decide. Firstly, we must ask Mr. Li, and secondly, we’d need the Emperor’s approval."

"Father will agree!" Chai Xiaoyue asserted.

Li Muchen coughed lightly and smiled, "Ninth Miss...?"

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "I haven't introduced you properly yet, sir. This is the Ninth Princess, currently using the alias Chai Ming. Don't be fooled, sir."

Chai Xiaoyue grinned triumphantly, "Mr. Li, you didn't see through my disguise, did you?"

Li Muchen looked her up and down a couple of times, shaking his head with a smile, "No wonder I felt something was slightly off. So it is the Ninth Princess. My apologies for the disrespect."

He cupped his hands in greeting, his demeanor relaxed and unconstrained, as if the title 'Ninth Princess' meant little to him.

Chai Xiaoyue seemed pleased with his reaction, tilting her head, "Mr. Li, you really noticed something was wrong?... Is there something about me that seems improper?"

Li Muchen pondered, "Occasionally, there is a feminine softness in your manner, which is unavoidable. Furthermore, the Princess carries a faint scent—a fragrance rarely found on a man."

"Then why didn't you say so sooner!" Chai Xiaoyue shot him a look.

Li Muchen chuckled and shook his head, "I assumed the Ninth Princess had an aversion to uncleanliness."

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "I never knew the Ninth Princess and Mr. Li were acquainted. Where have you been amusing yourselves, Princess?"

"Where else would I be?!" Chai Xiaoyue sighed helplessly, "At the Heavenly King Temple, listening to that old monk chant scriptures until I'm bored to death! Though Mr. Li happens to enjoy Buddhist texts!"

Li Muchen smiled, "This trip was quite fruitful; these Buddhist scriptures are rare."

"What's so good about Buddhist scriptures!" Chai Xiaoyue pouted, "They are dreadfully dull!"

Li Muchen shook his head, "Ninth Princess underestimates the scriptures too much. Within them lies profound wisdom. If one can fully comprehend the Buddhist teachings, all worries disappear."

"No worries, but no joy either. What's the point of living then!?" Chai Xiaoyue huffed.

Li Muchen chuckled, shaking his head, deciding not to mention the subtle influence of the Heavenly Demon upon her, encouraging the pursuit of extreme desires, encompassing all passions and sorrows.

Dugu Jinghua agreed, "The Ninth Princess speaks sense. A person shouldn't see things too clearly, or life becomes tedious. Mr. Li sees too clearly!"

Li Muchen smiled, "Living clearly is better than living amusingly."

Chai Xiaoyue asked, "Sister Dugu, this Miss Feng is a prodigious talent from the Cloud Sect, searching for Li Wuji. Is Li Wuji truly not dead?"

Dugu Jinghua shook her head, glancing at Feng Mingxue, and let out a sigh.

Chai Xiaoyue understood immediately and sighed as well, "Miss Feng, the dead cannot be brought back to life; perhaps it's best to let it go."

Feng Mingxue offered a faint, non-committal smile. Seeing her reaction, Chai Xiaoyue knew she hadn't given up and refrained from further urging; more words would be futile. She was sharp as ice and snow, appearing lighthearted and flighty, yet possessing an acute insight into human nature—a basic necessity for surviving in the imperial palace.

Li Muchen remained silent, opening the wooden case. Inside lay five scrolls, which he slowly unrolled. The characters, as tiny as flies' heads, were meticulously neat and tidy.

He read these ten Buddhist texts several times, slowly pondering and grasping their essence. The scope of Buddhist philosophy was vast and boundless; the principles within even a single text could occupy one person an entire lifetime to study and comprehend. With his heart enlightened, having glimpsed the Tathagata, Li Muchen now viewed the scriptures as if looking down from a high altitude—clear and distinct. He grasped them upon first read; where confusion lingered, the connection between different parts soon allowed for seamless integration.

The four women conversed amongst themselves. Feng Mingxue spoke little, but with Dugu Jinghua present, she would prompt conversations, ensuring Feng Mingxue was included and not marginalized. Moreover, Chai Xiaoyue possessed extraordinary breadth of knowledge and rich experience, often bringing up subjects that piqued Feng Mingxue's interest.

Three women made for lively company. Though overshadowed by her aunt, Dugu Meng chattered incessantly, finding much common ground with Chai Xiaoyue, punctuated by bursts of delicate laughter. Chai Xiaoyue, still appearing male, would laugh heartily, creating a somewhat peculiar sight.

After a while, their attention turned to Li Muchen. Chai Xiaoyue smiled, "Mr. Li, have you finished reading those Buddhist scriptures?"

Li Muchen nodded. Chai Xiaoyue asked, "You didn't doze off while reading?"

Li Muchen laughed, "The Buddhist principles are sublime—truly genuine scriptures, Master Tanming put a great deal of effort into them."

"What effort could he have? Wasn't it just to make things difficult for you!" Chai Xiaoyue pouted dismissively, "He’s an old monk who has been ordained for so long, yet hasn't managed to shed his obsession with winning or losing!"

Li Muchen shook his head and smiled, "Ninth Young Master misunderstands Master Tanming. He genuinely meant well; the Buddhist principles in these texts are exquisite—not comparable to ordinary scriptures."

"You’ve been sold something and are helping them count the money! For someone as knowledgeable as you, you're awfully generous!" Chai Xiaoyue teased.

Li Muchen shook his head, "Ninth Princess, you think too negatively. Master Tanming would never act that way."

"Oh, forget it then, believe what you want!" Chai Xiaoyue shook her head helplessly, "You think all monks are good people? When they turn wicked, they are the absolute worst!"

Dugu Jinghua laughed, "Ninth Princess, if the Emperor heard those words, he would certainly reprimand you."

"My father believes in these monks!" Chai Xiaoyue pouted, "As if these monks are truly free from desire. He says the court officials are untrustworthy, all with their own secret agendas, but these monks only seek legacy."

Dugu Jinghua nodded, "The Emperor's thinking isn't wrong in that regard."

"Wrong how!" Chai Xiaoyue snorted, "These monks need food, drink, and shelter; not all of them aspire to Buddhahood!... Besides, achieving Buddhahood isn't that easy, is it?"

Li Muchen smiled, "Achieving Buddhahood is indeed difficult."

"Few of them truly wish to become Buddhas. If they fail, what then?" Chai Xiaoyue huffed, "Naturally, they start pursuing secular power and status."

Dugu Jinghua waved her hand, "Alright, Ninth Princess, let's not discuss this. If the Emperor finds out, he will surely be displeased. Let's talk about the Imperial Princes instead!"

Chai Xiaoyue let out a slight laugh, "Hehe, Sister Dugu, are you aiming to become a Princess Consort?"

Dugu Jinghua's fair face instantly flushed crimson, and she playfully rebuked, "Ninth Princess, what nonsense are you spouting!"

"Then why bring them up?" Chai Xiaoyue asked with a smile.

Dugu Jinghua explained, "I hear the Princes are contending quite fiercely, which is shaking the court."

Chai Xiaoyue scoffed, "Their squabbling is pointless; they are all fools. I can't be bothered with them."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head, "Their contest might actually be the Emperor's intention—to see which one proves superior before selecting the successor."

Chai Xiaoyue snorted, "Father is in his prime; he has no urgency to name an heir. Their constant fighting is purely absurd, and Father strongly disapproves."

Dugu Jinghua sighed, "They can't help themselves. If they don't fight, others will; if they don't take the initiative, they lose ground. Fall behind now, and they lose every step, potentially losing their lives along with the throne later on."

"Hmm," Chai Xiaoyue tilted her head in thought, "There's some logic to what you say. But Father is robust; he won't abdicate for at least another century or two."

Li Muchen raised an eyebrow, "How old is the Emperor now?"

Chai Xiaoyue replied, "Father just celebrated his sixtieth birthday this year."

Li Muchen nodded slowly. It seemed the Emperor practiced martial arts and had attained a significant level of cultivation to enjoy such longevity. The Princes starting their power struggles now was indeed premature.

He turned towards Dugu Jinghua. Dugu Jinghua smiled reassuringly, "Sir, rest assured, we have not involved ourselves."

Li Muchen nodded, "It's best not to get involved; it’s too dangerous."

Chai Xiaoyue grinned slyly, "What's so dangerous? With the Iron Edict of Loyal Hearts, Father can’t do much—at most, he’ll issue a few stern admonishments."

Li Muchen observed, "The Four Great Families are already viewed with suspicion by the Emperor."

"Yes, that is true. Father does fear the Four Great Families growing too powerful and becoming unmanageable," Chai Xiaoyue conceded, "But I think Father is overthinking it!"

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "It would be best if the Emperor shared your perspective."

Chai Xiaoyue countered, "Father thinks further ahead. He isn't worried about now, but the future. While he is here, it's fine, but once he is gone, my elder brothers are all simpletons; they might not be able to handle people like you."

Dugu Jinghua shook her head, "The Princes are all capable men. His Majesty underestimates them too much... or perhaps they are deliberately concealing their true strength!"

"Ah, that's very possible!" Chai Xiaoyue nodded slowly, deep in contemplation.

Li Muchen addressed her, "Ninth Princess, I possess a Buddhist scripture that can suppress dissenting thoughts. Would you care to learn it?"

"More Buddhist scriptures!" Chai Xiaoyue shook her head in exasperation, "I get a headache just hearing about them!"

Li Muchen smiled, "This scripture of mine is different from the usual ones. It might have an effect. If it truly works, you won't need to visit the Heavenly King Temple anymore."

"Really?" Chai Xiaoyue perked up instantly.

Li Muchen replied, "The effect will have to be experienced by the Princess herself."

"Then give it to me quickly!" Chai Xiaoyue urged.

Li Muchen smiled faintly and shook his head. Chai Xiaoyue shot him a look, "Spit it out. What favor are you asking for in return?"

Li Muchen chuckled, "The Royal Library's collection."

Chai Xiaoyue grumbled, "I already agreed to it... Fine, fine, I'll send someone to fetch them today. I'll get you twenty books at once, how about that?"

Li Muchen nodded in satisfaction, "Excellent!"

He continued with a smile, "I know the technique of Abhiṣeka (empowerment/); I can transmit it directly to you."

"You know Abhiṣeka?" Chai Xiaoyue looked at him, astonished.

Li Muchen smiled, "Though my martial arts aren't high, I do have some attainment in Buddhist doctrine."

Chai Xiaoyue closed her eyes, "That's wonderful. Transmit it quickly; I want to see what kind of 'profound' scripture this is."

Li Muchen extended his index finger and gently tapped her glabella, then withdrew it. Chai Xiaoyue's entire demeanor shifted instantly; her smiling face grew solemn and grave, and her hands formed an intricate mudra.

(To be continued)