They sat on the stone benches of the small pavilion. She positioned her legs slightly apart in a respectful stance, her hands formed into a mudra near her lower abdomen, her eyes lightly closed, presenting a solemn and reverent air.

Li Muzhan retracted his fingers and smiled. Feng Mingxue frowned and glared at him, while Dugu Jinghua also looked puzzled. Dugu Meng widened her eyes, glancing between Chai Xiaoyue and Li Muzhan.

After a long pause, Chai Xiaoyue slowly opened her eyes.

"How was it?" Li Muzhan asked with a laugh.

"Very comfortable," Chai Xiaoyue replied happily. "Thank you so much, Mr. Li!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "This sutra is the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra (Wuliang Guangming Xin Jing). It sweeps away all shadows and has a marvelous effect on subduing restless thoughts. It should certainly be beneficial to Your Highness."

Chai Xiaoyue asked, "Can it truly suppress the Heavenly Demon?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "It’s very easy to tell if it can suppress it. When you no longer feel aversion toward the Buddhist scriptures, the Heavenly Demon has been completely pacified."

Chai Xiaoyue said, "I’m averse to them because I’ve heard too many."

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Not quite so. You are influenced by the Heavenly Demon; deep down, you resent and despise the Buddhist texts. Once the demon's influence is gone, you likely won't resist them."

"Really?" Chai Xiaoyue tilted her head in thought. "When will I see an effect?"

Li Muzhan replied, "In about seven days. However, Your Highness must recite the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra once every day when you return, ensuring every word issues from your heart and enters your ears for it to be effective."

"Alright, I will try," Chai Xiaoyue nodded. "I never expected you to be a cultivator of Buddhism, yet you practice no martial arts."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Martial arts are a minor path; they do not lead to the Great Way of liberation."

Chai Xiaoyue stood up. "Well then, I shall return first. Big Sister Dugu, look me up when you have time to play!"

Dugu Jinghua shook her head and laughed. "I'm so busy all day I can't lift my head; how could I have time to play!"

Chai Xiaoyue giggled. "Heh, you are indeed a busy person! Forcing Uncle Dugu to emerge from seclusion to handle the things he should be busy with, but pushing it all onto you!"

Dugu Jinghua sighed. "Big Brother has been in seclusion for so long, I wonder how he is."

Chai Xiaoyue declared, "If you ask me, what’s the use of practicing martial arts or going into seclusion? You won't become a Grandmaster anyway... and even if you become one, it’s useless!"

Dugu Jinghua countered, "Saying such useless things! Big Brother is determined to become a Grandmaster. Once he truly achieves it, setting aside his martial prowess, his lifespan will increase."

"Alas, Father Emperor thinks the same way," Chai Xiaoyue shook her head. "Father Emperor wants to cultivate into a Grandmaster primarily for longevity. All those years my elder brothers fought and killed each other amounted to nothing; perhaps they won't even live as long as Father Emperor!"

Dugu Jinghua smiled but said nothing.

Li Muzhan’s eyebrows twitched. The Emperor actually wished to become a Grandmaster? That was pure fantasy.

As the ruler who held the power of life and death, no one dared challenge him, which left his heart numb. It was exceedingly difficult for him to truly grasp the laws of the world and achieve the state of Grandmaster.

Throughout history, no Emperor had ever become a Grandmaster unless they abdicated, discarding all glory and wealth—only then did that step become possible.

The Emperor’s desire to become a Grandmaster stemmed solely from his craving for power; how could he discard it? Until he broke through this mental barrier, he could never become a Grandmaster—it was a dead end.

Chai Xiaoyue departed, followed closely by Dugu Jinghua and Dugu Meng. Only Feng Mingxue and Li Muzhan remained sitting opposite each other in the pavilion. She frowned and questioned, "Why did you abruptly transmit the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra to the Princess?"

Li Muzhan replied, "Possession by a Heavenly Demon is no small matter."

"Heavenly Demon?" Feng Mingxue’s delicate brows furrowed. "Do such things truly exist?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "They do, but ordinary people cannot see them or even notice them."

"Aren't you afraid of exposing your identity?" Feng Mingxue worried.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Even if my identity were revealed, I had to transmit the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra to her. If the Heavenly Demon truly seized control of her body, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"What consequences would there be?" Feng Mingxue asked.

Li Muzhan stated, "It would lead to the extinction of Buddhism."

"With so many eminent monks at Heavenly King Temple, couldn't they stop it?" Feng Mingxue pressed.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "No matter how many eminent monks there are, they cannot contend with an entire imperial court. Once the Heavenly Demon gains momentum, the high monks will be powerless to deal with it!"

Feng Mingxue observed, "I also noticed the Ninth Princess has peerless martial arts. She's younger than me, isn't she?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "You are about the same age."

Feng Mingxue shot him a sidelong glance. "She must be younger than me, yet she possesses such cultivation..."

Li Muzhan mused, "The secret treasuries of the imperial palace must hold many rare elixirs and medicines, perhaps even surpassing those in our Cloud Heaven Sect."

"That is true," Feng Mingxue nodded lightly. "This Ninth Princess must be very beautiful."

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. "Senior Sister, where are your thoughts leading?"

Feng Mingxue warned him, "I remind you, stop provoking women. Sister Hai and Miss Song already keep you busy enough!"

Li Muzhan rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking somewhat awkward.

Feng Mingxue scoffed. "You are truly too greedy!"

Li Muzhan, embarrassed, conceded, "Alright, alright, Senior Sister, rest assured. I’ll go check on Yulan."

With that, he flashed away, looking rather flustered.

"What?!" Li Muzhan frowned, setting down the white jade cup, and looked up.

Hai Yulan sighed, "People from Falling Sunset Valley are here at the sect."

The two were in Hai Yulan's small cottage. She was dressed in a light yellow silk gown that accentuated her flawless, fair complexion, but now her delicate brows were furrowed with faint worry.

Sunlight streamed into the cottage, casting a soft, warm light. They sat opposite each other; Li Muzhan sipped his fine wine, then set it down after only one taste.

"The Young Master of Falling Sunset Valley has come to propose marriage to you?" Li Muzhan’s brows drew together, his gaze turning sharp. "Does he even know you?"

"Yes, we met once," Hai Yulan nodded slightly. "I encountered him back then."

Li Muzhan offered a half-smile. "Love at first sight?"

Hai Yulan glared at him. "How would I know? He was completely silent, and then suddenly proposed this matter. It's truly strange!"

Li Muzhan stroked the small mustache on his lip, pondering. "Is it because of love at first sight, or is there another reason—perhaps Falling Sunset Valley wishes to form an alliance with your sect?"

He was still dressed as a middle-aged man; the small mustache on his lip was dark and lustrous—not a fake one, but real hair. With this growth, his entire demeanor appeared much more mature, and coupled with the hint of world-weariness in his eyes, he looked like a man in his early forties. No one would ever guess he was the original Li Muzhan.

"I’m not really clear on that," Hai Yulan shook her head, her brow furrowed. "I've been so restless these past few days, completely out of ideas, I forgot to investigate the details."

Li Muzhan stroked his mustache and murmured, "Falling Sunset Valley..."

Hai Yulan offered, "Falling Sunset Valley and the Wind and Thunder Sect are sworn enemies; they fight at least once a year. Could they have suffered a loss?"

Li Muzhan pondered. "What about this Young Master?"

Hai Yulan replied, "His surname is Guo, given name Siyuan. He is quite capable, and his martial arts are rumored to surpass his predecessors. I haven't sparred with him."

Li Muzhan concluded, "It seems it really was love at first sight. It’s understandable; what man could resist someone like Yulan?"

Hai Yulan pursed her lips and smiled. "You’re just flattering me with sweet words!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Alright, let’s see what his intentions are before we plan how to deal with it... Has Elder Fu inquired about you?"

"No," Hai Yulan shook her head. "I heard from Senior Sister Hao. The people from Falling Sunset Valley visited a few days ago and said Guo Siyuan will pay a formal visit in two days."

Li Muzhan frowned. "It seems Elder Fu also wants to meet him."

"Yes, Master hasn't met him," Hai Yulan confirmed.

Li Muzhan finished the wine in his white jade cup in one gulp, stood up, and began pacing, his hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought.

Hai Yulan sighed. "I’m a complete mess right now, having no idea what to do. It's a good thing you've arrived!"

Li Muzhan nodded, pacing back and forth a few times, then suddenly stopped and sighed. "One option is to strike first—pretend we know nothing and beat him up first."

Hai Yulan clapped her hands delightedly. "A great idea! That will surely make him retreat!"

Li Muzhan countered, "If he's truly struck by love at first sight, this method might work. But if the marriage proposal is driven by interests, it will be ineffective."

"Master won't agree for the sake of interests," Hai Yulan assured him.

Li Muzhan smiled. "If that’s the case, he really is in love! But I fear he claims it’s love, and Elder Fu believes him, when in reality, it’s not so."

"That’s true," Hai Yulan nodded, huffing, "Falling Sunset Valley is truly detestable!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "They don't know about our connection... It seems I need to find an opportunity to announce things publicly! I will also send someone to propose marriage to the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Sect."

"Why join the fray!" Hai Yulan shot him a look.

Li Muzhan explained, "If we escalate it, we can force Elder Fu to agree. Otherwise, she will never nod her head."

"Will that truly work?" Hai Yulan hesitated.

Li Muzhan grinned. "But if we do this, you'll have no retreat!"

"What retreat do I need!" Hai Yulan glared at him, chastising gently, "I only hope you won't break my heart!"

Li Muzhan quickly assured her, "Where are your thoughts leading? How could I be faithless!"

"Hmph, you might not be faithless, but you’re certainly philandering!" Hai Yulan retorted, sounding annoyed.

Li Muzhan stroked his mustache and let out a few chuckles, not daring to argue.

Hai Yulan warned sternly, "Li Wuji, if you dare provoke any other woman, I will ignore you!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "Yulan, you worry too much. How could I have the mind to provoke other women? Elder Fu already keeps me in enough turmoil."

"But I mean it," Hai Yulan insisted. "It’s fine with Sister Feng, and that Miss Song from the Song family—besides them, no other women are allowed!"

Li Muzhan rubbed his nose, remaining silent, feeling quite awkward.

Hai Yulan sighed helplessly. "Master heard about your situation and relaxed her grip on me a little, but she fears I might seek revenge, so she won't let me leave the mountain!"

Li Muzhan suggested, "How about we go visit Tianjing City?"

"Tianjing City?" Hai Yulan's bright eyes flickered with a hint of longing, but she demurred, "Let’s forget it. It’s too far and too tiring."

Li Muzhan reached out, looped his arm around her slender waist, and vanished instantly.

He and Hai Yulan appeared together in the Dugu residence. Feng Mingxue was practicing her saber techniques. Seeing them materialize in the courtyard, she paused her technique and looked up.

"Sister Hai!" Hai Yulan snapped out of her daze and hurried over to Feng Mingxue with a smile.

Feng Mingxue lowered her saber and smiled gently. "Sister Hai, you've arrived."

Hai Yulan smiled. "I didn't expect it so soon... How have you been lately, Sister Feng?"

"How can I be well? With him around, there's always endless trouble," Feng Mingxue laughed lightly, shaking her head.

Hai Yulan pursed her lips and smiled. "Indeed, he even went against the Zhu family and provoked the imperial household. He’s truly audacious!"

When Li Muzhan met with her, he always discussed current affairs. She was exceptionally astute and could offer good counsel. Though perhaps not superior to Li Muzhan, her input was certainly helpful.

"This feigned death was a lesson for all of us," Feng Mingxue said, shaking her head toward the pavilion and walking that way. Hai Yulan followed, and they entered the pavilion to sit down together.

Hai Yulan shared, "Master heard news of Li Wuji and sighed quite wistfully. She has been much more lenient with me since."

Feng Mingxue sighed in response. "The royal family is truly tyrannical; direct confrontation is unwise. If the sect were implicated, a thousand deaths would not suffice atonement. Sister Hai, you seem troubled—is there something weighing on your mind?"

She was exceptionally perceptive; even though Hai Yulan was smiling, she sensed a trace of distress in her.

Hai Yulan cast a look at Li Muzhan, and Feng Mingxue shook her head. "Yes, he is certainly not one to let others rest easy."

Li Muzhan, busy preparing tea, chuckled upon hearing this. "Senior Sister, don't blame me unjustly. There is indeed an issue: Falling Sunset Valley has proposed marriage to the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Sect, seeking to wed Yulan to their Young Master."

"There's such a thing?" Feng Mingxue frowned.

She instantly understood: Hai Yulan was worried that her Master, Fu Feihong, might agree to this marriage, which would taint her reputation even if she and her junior brother could ultimately be together.

Li Muzhan appealed to her. "Senior Sister, I need your help."

"Speak," Feng Mingxue said calmly.

Li Muzhan proposed, "Our Cloud Heaven Sect should also publicly send a proposal to the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Sect—make a grand show of it."

Feng Mingxue frowned, instantly grasping Li Muzhan's intent, then shook her head. "You are ready to sacrifice your image, but this damages the sect's reputation."

Li Muzhan laughed. "As long as our strength remains, what does a little lost face matter?"

"You might not fear disgrace, but the Sect Master certainly will," Feng Mingxue stated coolly.

Li Muzhan insisted, "I will write a letter to the Sect Master and ask for his consent."

Feng Mingxue shot him a sidelong glance and shook her head. "The Sect Master might not agree. This is clearly an impossible endeavor, yet you insist on doing it."

"Senior—Sister—!" Li Muzhan frowned.

Feng Mingxue sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. I will speak to Master myself. I will personally go and propose on your behalf!"

"Sister Feng, perhaps you should let someone else go," Hai Yulan quickly interjected.

She was quick-witted and intelligent; she could see Feng Mingxue's feelings for Li Muzhan and realized this request placed Feng Mingxue in a terrible position. She felt sympathetic.

Feng Mingxue explained, "If Master went, it would be a matter of propriety she couldn't easily overcome. It wouldn't be an issue for me, as I am junior."

Li Muzhan also felt embarrassed. "Senior Sister, perhaps we should let someone else go. Brother Gu and Sister Yang would be perfect; consider it repaying a debt to me!" He had saved both Gu Cheng and Yang Biluo, and they had guided him into the Cloud Heaven Sect; their relationship was excellent, so there was no need to be polite over this small matter.

Feng Mingxue pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely afraid his Senior Sister might throw a fit and insist on going herself.

"Come on, let's go wander around the Capital," Li Muzhan suggested cheerfully. "The Capital's splendor is unmatched; it’s not a false reputation. I’ve been here so long, yet I haven't seen it all."

"Great!" Hai Yulan was also fond of excitement. She took Feng Mingxue's arm, and they left the Dugu residence together, strolling through Tianjing City, looking at jewelry, sampling snacks, and enjoying the hustle and bustle.

"Mr. Li!" As they walked down the North-South Avenue, a surprised voice called out from behind them. They turned to see Chai Xiaoyue.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Ninth Young Ma... Master! We meet again!"

He found it strange himself; did this Ninth Princess wander the streets all day long? And so early in the morning, too, to keep bumping into her.

Chai Xiaoyue, dressed in moon-white silk and fanning herself with a jade-ribbed fan, smiled brightly. "We truly are destined people! And this young lady is...?"

She looked toward Hai Yulan. Hai Yulan's bright eyes flickered for a moment, and she smiled gracefully. "This humble girl is Hai Yulan."

Li Muzhan introduced Chai Xiaoyue, then whispered her identity to Hai Yulan. Hai Yulan acted naturally, pretending not to know she was a princess.

Chai Xiaoyue seemed very interested in Hai Yulan, sizing up Li Muzhan and Hai Yulan. She immediately sensed the unusual intimacy between them; Hai Yulan holding Li Muzhan's arm clearly indicated a relationship beyond elder and junior.

"Sir is truly fortunate," Chai Xiaoyue murmured, lips curved in a smile. "Miss Hai looks like she has an orchid heart and jade mind; I truly envy her!"

She spoke with a hearty, masculine tone as she examined Hai Yulan.

Li Muzhan chuckled wryly. "Ninth Young Master misunderstands."

He inwardly sighed; it seemed his disguise couldn't hold. First Feng Mingxue, then Hai Yulan—anyone paying close attention could discover the truth.

He pondered for a moment, then shook his head helplessly. "Ninth Young Master, to be honest, I am not Li Muzhan, but Li Wuji."

Chai Xiaoyue froze, looking at him. "Li Wuji... that name sounds so familiar."

Li Muzhan gave a bitter smile. "My previous feigned death was a necessary escape when I was cornered."

"Oh—!" Chai Xiaoyue slapped her fan shut and laughed. "Now I remember! You're the one who crossed the Zhu family, right?"

Li Muzhan nodded, sighing. "I hope the Ninth Young Master will keep this confidential, otherwise, if the Dugu family gets involved, I won't be able to rest easy."

Chai Xiaoyue pursed her lips and smiled. "So it’s you! I really didn't recognize you! That means your martial arts must be incredibly powerful!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. "What good is powerful martial arts? It was better to be utterly wretched and forced to shed my skin like a cicada, feigning death to seek refuge?"

"That was the Zhu family bullying people with their power!" Chai Xiaoyue pouted, then smiled. "Alright, I will keep your secret for you, don't you worry!"

Li Muzhan transmitting the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra to her wasn't solely for the Heavenly Demon; he had another purpose. Being able to know her inner thoughts was like opening a channel into her mind. Her cultivation method was peculiar, and initially, he couldn't perceive her thoughts—his Mind Connection (Xin Tong) was ineffective. With the Infinite Brightness Heart Sutra, his Mind Connection was restored.

He saw clearly into Chai Xiaoyue’s mind; she deeply disliked Noble Consort Zhu and constantly wanted to cause trouble for her. By revealing his identity, not only would she keep silent, but she would also help cover for him. Furthermore, given her intelligence, she would soon uncover his true identity anyway. It was better to be frank now and gain her goodwill than to be exposed later.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I thank the Ninth Young Master!"

"Heh heh, this is interesting! Are you planning revenge against Zhu?" Chai Xiaoyue grew excited.

Li Muzhan slowly nodded. "I have been looking for an opportunity."

"Not a single one of the Zhu family is good," Chai Xiaoyue became even more enthusiastic. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I will certainly have to trouble the Ninth Young Master in the future."

Chai Xiaoyue beamed. "I will help with anything I can. I already sent someone to deliver a book; didn't you receive it?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. Chai Xiaoyue said, "These servants are so inefficient. When you return, Mr. Li, you will see it. It contains some secret histories from ancient times, which I’m sure you will love."