Chai Xiaoyue smiled sweetly, "I truly don't know your real face, Mr. Li. Rest assured, I will speak to Father Emperor."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly, then smiled, "I am deeply grateful."

"Very well then, I won't trouble you further, Mr. Li." Chai Xiaoyue waved her small hand, then placed them behind her back and strolled leisurely away.

"Ninth Princess?" Hai Yulan watched her leave, then turned to look at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Meeting the Ninth Princess was truly accidental. I didn't know her identity at the time. I hope it proves somewhat useful."

"You weren't plotting to get to know her from the start, were you?" Hai Yulan asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile, "A flight of fancy!"

Hai Yulan pursed her lips and laughed, "You are so devious, one can never be sure!"

Li Muzhan sighed helplessly, shaking his head, and said no more, smiling, "This time, it was all thanks to the Ninth Princess; otherwise, the marriage proposal would have been difficult to achieve."

Feng Mingxue said, "I almost forgot, once this news gets out, your feigned death can no longer be hidden."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Precisely."

Feng Mingxue frowned, "Did you anticipate this outcome from the beginning? Is that why you taught her the Boundless Brightness Heart Sutra?"

She too had been taught this scripture and knew its profound mysteries, especially its unparalleled ability to regulate one's state of mind. Reciting it once before practicing martial arts was of immense benefit.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, you flatter me. I hadn't thought that far ahead; I only intended to exert what little strength I had to suppress the Heavenly Demons. Alright, let's go back to our own affairs and not mention the Ninth Princess!"

"Are you feeling guilty?" Hai Yulan pouted.

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, "Yulan, you think too highly of me. Only you treat me like a treasure; others may not see me that way."

"Hmph, you think too little of yourself!" Hai Yulan shot him a glare, still unconvinced.

She was extremely serious and focused in matters of affection, unlike Feng Mingxue, who could tolerate other women entering the picture. There had been women before, and she couldn't change that reality. But she didn't want Li Muzhan to have any more female companions. Li Muzhan smiled, taking her small hand and pulling her forward. She immediately became mortified, her face flushing crimson; he had never been this intimate in front of outsiders before.

She stole a glance at Feng Mingxue, only to see her looking around as if she hadn't noticed them, and breathed a slight sigh of relief. In front of Feng Mingxue, she always felt a little guilty, as if she had stolen Li Muzhan away.

The three wandered for the entire day, traversing only two streets in Tianjing City. The streets were long, but they stopped and lingered at every turn, walking too slowly.

Li Muzhan didn't urge them on, merely staying by their sides. When they asked for his opinion, he would nod or shake his head, speaking very little.

As evening approached, Li Muzhan escorted Hai Yulan back to the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Sect.

They fell onto the couch, Li Muzhan kissing her cherry lips, full and soft. His large hand slipped beneath her clothes, roaming and exploring. She gasped softly, and the air in the room grew intoxicatingly amorous.

Just as they reached the peak of their passion, footsteps sounded, and Hao Xuemei drifted in. The two quickly separated.

Hao Xuemei was wearing a light, elegant gauze shirt with small purple flowers on a white background. Seeing Li Muzhan there, and then looking at Hai Yulan’s flushed face, she too blushed.

Hao Xuemei, blushing, chided, "I knew it! Junior Sister showed no sign of grief; you must not be dead. Master thought she was overcome with sorrow!"

Li Muzhan smiled, rose, and clasped his fists, "Senior Sister Hao, long time no see?"

"You've certainly been busy!" Hao Xuemei waved her hand and sat down by the table. Li Muzhan and Hai Yulan also sat. Hai Yulan poured tea for both, asking, "Senior Sister, what's wrong?"

"Sigh... don't even mention it!" Hao Xuemei shook her head. "Forget it, let's not talk about these bothersome things. Li Wuji, is it true you struck against the Zhu family and actually killed half of their top experts?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "It was alright."

Hao Xuemei exclaimed in admiration, "Master also praised this action. Well done for the slaughter!"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and shook his head, "I was too impulsive, underestimated the Zhu family's power, and ended up having to escape with a false body—I'm truly too ashamed to face anyone!"

"That's already remarkable!" Hao Xuemei said. "No one in the world dares oppose the Four Great Families now. Only you, so now everyone knows of Li Wuji of the Cloud Heaven Sect!"

Li Muzhan sighed, "In the end, I still died, only to become a laughingstock."

Hao Xuemei shook her head, "Not at all. Everyone admires you for having the courage to confront the Zhu family head-on. Though you failed, it boosted everyone's morale."

Hai Yulan snorted, "The Zhu family lost most of their experts, so naturally, they have courage now. Why didn't they act sooner!"

Hao Xuemei laughed, "Junior Sister, you can't expect everyone to be as fearless as Wuji!"

"He's just recklessly bold!" Hai Yulan pouted and huffed, "He knew he shouldn't provoke the Zhu family, yet he did!"

Li Muzhan touched the bridge of his nose and smiled, "What's the use in discussing this?"

"Hmph, I'm afraid you'll cause trouble again and provoke the other families!" Hai Yulan glanced sideways at him.

Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling without speaking. She had guessed correctly; now he had also provoked the Tang family, though it hadn't escalated into a deep feud, the relationship wasn't exactly cordial either.

As a Grandmaster, his state of mind changed; he didn't need to be as cautious as a Buddha. If he wanted to provoke someone, he would—it wasn't a big deal.

The only concern was the Sect. However, the Cloud Heaven Sect had another Grandmaster, which was like a nuclear deterrent in later eras—no one dared provoke them. If a Grandmaster was truly angered, the consequences would be unpredictable.

"Senior Sister, what's been happening everywhere else?" Li Muzhan asked.

Hao Xuemei waved her hand, "Nothing much."

Li Muzhan's brow twitched slightly, then he smiled, "It must be related to me. Senior Sister, please tell me."

"Senior Sister...?" Hai Yulan frowned.

Hao Xuemei sighed helplessly, "Sigh... it’s all about the Sunset Glow Valley!"

"What about Sunset Glow Valley again!?" Hai Yulan huffed, her tone unfriendly.

Hao Xuemei said, "The Young Valley Master has arrived."

"So soon?" Hai Yulan was surprised. "It should have been another month."

Hao Xuemei replied, "Perhaps he's anxious, afraid that too much time will lead to complications."

She glanced at Li Muzhan and saw his expression darken. She quickly added, "But it’s fine, as long as Junior Sister doesn't agree, Master won't force you."

Hai Yulan snorted. Li Muzhan asked, "What did Elder Fu say?"

"Master wants Junior Sister to meet this Young Valley Master Guo." Hao Xuemei said.

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, "Elder Fu is truly amusing!"

Hao Xuemei could sense his anger and quickly said, "Master believed you were dead, so you can't blame Master for wanting Junior Sister to quickly move past her sorrow."

Li Muzhan snorted, "Truly a good Master!"

"Li Wuji!" Hao Xuemei glared at him.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Since that's the case, Yulan, you should come with me!"

Hai Yulan frowned, considered for a moment, and said, "Don't worry about this matter. I will tell Master... You go back first."

Li Muzhan frowned. Hai Yulan quickly added, "I will handle it, don't worry!"

Hao Xuemei nodded eagerly, "I will also speak to Master... Should we tell Master that you aren't dead?"

"Tell Elder Fu," Li Muzhan said. He glanced at Hai Yulan and sighed, "Fine, I'll leave this to you, Yulan. I'll come back in a couple of days."

"I'm just worried about Master..." Hai Yulan started.

Li Muzhan smiled, "It's fine, Elder Fu won't act rashly again."

Hai Yulan urged, "You should still be careful."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Mm, I will be careful. I'm leaving now!"

He waved goodbye to Hao Xuemei, then flickered and vanished from the room. Hao Xuemei watched him disappear, shaking her head and clicking her tongue in admiration, "To actually pull off such a brilliant maneuver. I said he wouldn't die so easily!"

Hai Yulan rebuked, "Senior Sister, you shouldn't have mentioned it!"

"Did I just annoy him?" Hao Xuemei laughed.

Hai Yulan said, "How could he be happy about that?... What if he gets provoked and harms Young Valley Master Guo? Then our two sects will truly become enemies!"

"If you don't agree, a feud is likely anyway," Hao Xuemei shook her head and sighed. "That's why Master is troubled."

Hai Yulan snorted, "Even if it means enmity between our two sects, I will not agree!"

"If a fight breaks out, many people will die. Can you really steel your heart to that?" Hao Xuemei shook her head and sighed, "Sunset Glow Valley is too detestable!"

Hai Yulan nodded, "This is using power to pressure people, which will only anger Master. Let's see." Hao Xuemei's eyes flashed, and she quickly nodded, "Yes, let him provoke Master. You should placate him for now; that's the best approach."

Hai Yulan sighed, "We'll see..."

She didn't want to meet Young Valley Master Guo, lest it tarnish her reputation.

Li Muzhan returned to the Dugu Residence and went directly to Dugu Jinghua's small courtyard. Xiao Xi was practicing martial arts in the yard, clad in a moon-white uniform, looking spirited and heroic.

Seeing him enter, Xiao Xi ceased her movements and looked at him curiously. Li Muzhan smiled, gesturing toward the interior room. Xiao Xi said, "Miss is handling matters inside, and the Heir is also there. Sir, please go straight in!"

Li Muzhan nodded and stepped into the room. He saw Dugu Heng sitting at the table, holding a plain letter, scrutinizing it with a frown. Dugu Jinghua stood quietly behind him, not uttering a word, her white robes spotless, her expression serene and elegant, her demeanor pleasing.

Seeing him enter, both looked up. Dugu Heng let out a breath of relief and quickly stood, "Brother Li, you're here!"

Li Muzhan waved his hand and smiled, "Brother Dugu, continue with your work; I need to speak a few words with Ninth Miss."

Dugu Heng sighed in disappointment. Dugu Jinghua smiled, "Alright, stop slacking off, hurry up with your business!"

Dugu Heng shook his head, "Brother Li..."

Li Muzhan laughed, "Don't be lazy when doing important work; we can talk after you're finished!"

"You and Auntie are thick as thieves, it infuriates me!" Dugu Heng huffed heavily.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, ignoring him, "Ninth Miss, I wanted to inquire about news regarding Sunset Glow Valley."

"Sunset Glow Valley?" Dugu Jinghua pondered for a moment, "Xiao Xi, go to cabinet number five and look up the information on Sunset Glow Valley and bring it here."

"Got it." Xiao Xi agreed, turning toward the west room.

She quickly returned, holding a thick booklet in her hands, which she presented to Dugu Jinghua with both hands, "Miss, here is everything about Sunset Glow Valley."

Dugu Jinghua took it and handed it to Li Muzhan, "Does Sir have any connection with Sunset Glow Valley?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Originally none, but now there is! ... I will read through this quickly and return it soon."

"No hurry." Dugu Jinghua shook her head, "Sunset Glow Valley declined a few years ago, but now shows signs of revival. The Young Valley Master, Guo Siyuan, is quite capable."

Li Muzhan's brow twitched slightly, "Capable?"

Dugu Jinghua said, "Sunset Glow Valley specializes in spear techniques; the Sunset Glow Spear is unparalleled under heaven."

Li Muzhan mused. He had encountered spear techniques before, but he hadn't witnessed this world's lineage of them.

"They say the spear reflects the man, and the man reflects the spear. This Young Valley Master Guo Siyuan has a rigid temperament, flaunts his prowess, and is extremely domineering. Sir needs to be careful when interacting with him," Dugu Jinghua advised.

Li Muzhan smiled, "That makes things easier."

It wasn't difficult to be enemies with such a domineering person. What troubled him most was someone like Dugu Heng—righteous, kind, and perfectly suited to his disposition, making it genuinely hard to strike against him.

Dugu Jinghua added, "But no matter how capable he is, he cannot surpass Sir, and your Cloud Heaven Sect surpasses Sunset Glow Valley, so you shouldn't suffer a loss."

Li Muzhan asked, "Has Sunset Glow Valley been making any major moves recently?"

"Hmm..." Dugu Jinghua pondered for a moment, "It seems they had a major clash with the Wind Thunder Sect and suffered a heavy blow to their vitality, so they are currently weakened."

Li Muzhan frowned, "Is this a tactic to appear strong to lure the enemy?"

"What do you mean by appearing strong to lure the enemy?" Dugu Jinghua became interested.

Li Muzhan said, "Young Valley Master Guo has proposed marriage to the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Sect."

Dugu Jinghua’s bright eyes flickered, and she pursed her lips in a smile, "Is it to that Miss Hai?"

She was extremely well-informed about Li Muzhan’s intelligence and was perfectly aware of the romance between Li Muzhan and Hai Yulan; a quick thought confirmed her suspicion.

Li Muzhan sighed, "Yes."

"I see..." Dugu Jinghua mused, "Logically, Sunset Glow Valley is also a major sect, and they are aware of the situation between Sir and Miss Hai. Perhaps they thought Sir was dead, which is why they are setting their sights on Miss Hai. The key lies with the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Sect..."

Li Muzhan immediately grasped the implication and snorted, "What a shrewd calculation—gaining a woman and increasing their influence simultaneously!"

Dugu Jinghua commented, "The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Sect is also not on good terms with the Wind Thunder Sect, so there is considerable hope for them."

Li Muzhan glanced at her. Dugu Jinghua smiled sweetly, "But since Sir intends to intervene, naturally, it won't be their business!"

Li Muzhan said, "I asked the Ninth Princess to intercede so I can be resurrected. Hopefully, Sunset Glow Valley will be sensible!"

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "Once the news of Sir being alive spreads, Sunset Glow Valley will naturally be more hesitant."

The name Li Wuji resonated throughout the realm. Although he was presumed dead, the glorious feat of slaying half of the Zhu family’s top experts startled the world.

Li Muzhan sighed, "I hope so. If it truly doesn't work, I'll have no choice but to take action."

Dugu Jinghua smiled, "Sir has made quite a few enemies. It’s best if you avoid fighting; just make them realize the difficulty and retreat."

Li Muzhan nodded, then turned to leave.

Li Muzhan was reading in the room. The Imperial Palace library was indeed rich in resources; these books were unavailable outside, containing many strange anecdotes and forgotten histories that might well be the truth, but people found them too absurd to comprehend.

Outside, Feng Mingxue was practicing her swordplay, executing the Wild Wind Slash Sword Style that Li Muzhan had derived from a cursive script. Now, through the joint comprehension of Li Muzhan and herself, it had become increasingly subtle and unpredictably strange.

Li Muzhan was engrossed in his reading when footsteps approached, accompanied by a light laugh. He set down the book—it was Chai Xiaoyue’s voice.

Li Muzhan stood and exited the room. Chai Xiaoyue was arriving with Dugu Jinghua, chatting with Feng Mingxue. Seeing him emerge, Chai Xiaoyue smiled, "Mr. Li, Father Emperor has agreed! He will no longer interfere with the Zhu family's affairs!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Can I resume my original appearance?"

"Yes!" Chai Xiaoyue beamed, "Today I came specifically to see your true face, Mr. Li!"

Li Muzhan reached out and made a gesture; instantly, he transformed, restoring his original appearance: a face like white jade, ordinary features, yet possessing an approachable, gentle, and warm aura—the whole person resembling a piece of fine jade.

"Have I disappointed the Ninth Princess? I am not handsome or dashing, just quite ordinary!" Li Muzhan joked.

Chai Xiaoyue laughed, "Just as I imagined!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "The Ninth Princess has been of great help to me. Have you been well these past few days?"

"The scripture you taught is truly miraculous!" Chai Xiaoyue said joyfully. "With this scripture calming my spirit, I sleep soundly and am no longer irritable. The entire world feels different."

Li Muzhan replied, "The Princess also has a perceptive root."

"I don't want to become a nun," Chai Xiaoyue huffed. "Mr. Li, I hear your martial arts are profound. How about we spar a little?"

She looked at Li Muzhan, eager to try.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Alright."

He also wished to experience the Imperial Family's ultimate skills. Reportedly, the royal ultimate arts were uniquely wondrous, with each technique being no less impressive than the hereditary arts of the Four Great Families.

"Does Sir use a sword?" Chai Xiaoyue asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Blades and swords have no eyes; perhaps bare hands and feet would be better."

"Very well, I'll go first then!" Chai Xiaoyue chuckled sweetly and suddenly thrust a palm strike, almost a sneak attack, deliberately forcing Li Muzhan to use his full strength.

Li Muzhan lightly warded it off. With sharp cracks like colliding thunderbolts, the force struck two feet behind him, and with a dull boom, a large pit appeared in the ground.

Li Muzhan smiled, "What powerful palm force!"

Chai Xiaoyue giggled, "Be careful, Mr. Li. I won't hold back!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Princess, feel free to use your skill. I am eager to experience the Imperial Family's ultimate arts."

"This is the Severing Flaw Palm. Again!" Chai Xiaoyue laughed sweetly and sent out another ethereal palm strike, silent and without trace. Li Muzhan guided it with his hand, and the cracking sound echoed like lightning striking in the sky.

Feng Mingxue frowned from the side, surprised at how formidable Chai Xiaoyue's martial arts were. That last palm strike, if aimed at her, would surely have put her at a disadvantage. Ordinarily, when one engages, they first probe the depth before deciding on a strategy. If she had met that palm strike head-on to gauge her opponent's strength, she would have suffered a loss.

With repeated sounds of colliding lightning, Li Muzhan moved lightly, and Chai Xiaoyue’s movements were as playful as if they were frolicking, yet every palm held killing intent.

After a dozen exchanges, Chai Xiaoyue called out sweetly, "The Severing Flaw Palm can't touch you. I'll change my move!"

Her movements remained as soft as a lover's caress, her face smiling sweetly without a hint of killing intent. Suddenly, Li Muzhan unleashed a palm strike, only a faint breeze stirring near his feet just before.

Li Muzhan praised, "What incredibly potent palm force; what technique is this?"

"Soul Shaking Palm," Chai Xiaoyue laughed. "Mr. Li lives up to his reputation; again!"

This time her palm strike was truly silent, but Li Muzhan didn't meet it head-on; he merely evaded, dodging ten or so strikes in quick succession. Chai Xiaoyue changed her move again, but this time her palm wind howled, like a raging storm.