Li Muzhan caught the palm lightly, and the fierce palm wind instantly vanished without a sound. The seemingly incomparably potent palm force turned utterly soft and yielding, colliding with Li Muzhan’s own soft palm strike.
With a crisp pop, like a small pebble dropping into a well.
Both figures swayed slightly, retreating a step each. Chai Xiaoyue stared wide-eyed at Li Muzhan; this single exchange was a true gauge of his cultivation.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Princess has attained profound cultivation!”
Chai Xiaoyue snorted. “Aren't you just praising yourself!”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Princess, perhaps we should stop here?”
“You’re conceding?” Chai Xiaoyue huffed, thoroughly unconvinced. She knew she was a tier below Li Muzhan in cultivation, but she possessed numerous unique skills and secret arts, so she wasn't worried about losing.
Li Muzhan smiled. “If we continue, I fear it might escalate to real fire, which would be unsightly.”
Chai Xiaoyue pursed her lips and snorted. “Who’s brewing real fire? Don’t worry, I won't get angry. Go ahead and strike as you please!”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows arched slightly as he smiled. “Truly?”
“I keep my word. Come on, then!” Chai Xiaoyue insisted with a snort.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Then Princess, be careful. I’m about to bring out my ultimate skills!”
“So much nonsense!” Chai Xiaoyue rolled her eyes at him.
Li Muzhan sighed internally, shaking his head. This Ninth Princess truly possessed a competitive nature. She had completely shed the initial respect she held, now treating him as an equal.
She struck first, delivering a palm toward Li Muzhan’s chest so swiftly it seemed to cleave through the void to arrive instantly, giving no time for a reaction.
Li Muzhan sucked in his abdomen and recoiled, his right palm chopping downwards with electric speed, forcing Chai Xiaoyue to shift her technique. She transformed her palm into fingers, pressing forward with joined digits toward Li Muzhan’s palm center.
Li Muzhan converted his palm into a fist, smashing down like a hammer. Chai Xiaoyue retracted her fingers and formed her own fist. The two fists met with a loud peng, exploding like muffled thunder near everyone's ears.
Feng Mingxue frowned. The explosive force from their two fists was rather peculiar—yin within yang, and yang within yin. This was why their collision resulted in such a muffled sound; a slight lapse in guard from either side would inevitably lead to injury.
Chai Xiaoyue retreated a step, glaring angrily at Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan smiled. “Princess, how about we call it here?”
“Hmph, watch my Black Tortoise Peck!” Chai Xiaoyue called out sharply, her right fist transforming again, cupping slightly, and darting toward Li Muzhan as if pecking.
This move was as fast as lightning, resembling a coiled tortoise suddenly extending its neck to bite—utterly unpredictable.
Although Li Muzhan’s Grandmaster realm had been suppressed, his control over his body remained unaffected, placing him far beyond the level of ordinary Master experts.
His figure flickered. The smile just forming on Chai Xiaoyue’s face immediately died; what she struck was merely Li Muzhan’s shadow. Li Muzhan was already behind her, gently patting her back.
“Hmph, I’m done fighting!” Chai Xiaoyue pouted in charming displeasure, withdrawing her hand.
In that last exchange, she understood that no matter how powerful her technique, it was useless; his lightness skill was too superb, making him untouchable. It was better to stop early than to invite further humiliation.
Li Muzhan smiled. “The Imperial Clan’s ultimate arts truly live up to their reputation!”
Chai Xiaoyue glanced at him sideways. “Mr. Li, stop flattering yourself! ...Though I’ve practiced many techniques, none are truly mastered. Added to the fact that your cultivation runs deeper than mine... no wonder you managed to subdue half the experts in the Zhu family; it certainly wasn't luck!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “It’s rare for a Princess so young to possess such cultivation!”
“I benefited from elixirs and my Imperial Father’s help. You’re different.” Chai Xiaoyue shook her head.
Li Muzhan smiled. “I too had a fortuitous encounter that granted me this level of attainment. Otherwise, relying solely on my own arduous training, there wouldn't have been enough time.”
“Oh, that’s true enough,” Chai Xiaoyue nodded. She tactfully suppressed her curiosity and refrained from asking further questions.
For the following few days, Li Muzhan remained secluded in the Dugu Residence, delving into the data and intelligence reports concerning the Luoxia Valley and the Fenglei Sect. The information on Luoxia Valley was quite detailed, but both factions, being inherently low-key, maintained a guarded profile despite their fierce internal conflict.
It was only due to the profound foundation of the Dugu family and the Four Great Clans that the hidden struggles of Luoxia Valley and Fenglei Sect could not escape the Dugu family’s widespread network of informants.
Li Muzhan truly hadn't realized that Luoxia Valley and Fenglei Sect were far from ordinary; in terms of historical antiquity, they surpassed even the Yunxiao Sect. Not only were their histories long, but their strength was immense, possessing unique martial arts. Their members tended to live long lives, resulting in a significant presence of old-generation masters who still survived. However, these elders usually refrained from participating in sect disputes and killings, only intervening in matters of life and death, ensuring the juniors did not become dependent.
To outsiders, the two sects appeared to engage only in minor skirmishes, yet beneath the surface raged battles of earth-shattering magnitude, all kept secret, as if guarding some profound, indefinable mystery.
As the sun set, the entire Dugu Residence was bathed in a rosy glow. Li Muzhan sat in the waterside pavilion of the rear garden, bathed in the sunset, examining a small picture album—the very intelligence on Luoxia Valley.
Li Muzhan suddenly raised an eyebrow. What secret drove them to fight to the death, yet remain hidden from outsiders? This secret must be significant. He felt a surge of curiosity, but the album provided no answers, nor did the intelligence gathered so far. Li Muzhan frowned in thought for a while before having to give up. Despite his keen intuition, he could not simply guess; he needed more meticulous intelligence.
He set down the booklet and suddenly recognized his greatest weakness: his network was too thin. He lacked sufficient personnel to delegate tasks to, and not enough eyes and ears in the world. The world was vast, filled with countless singular talents and equally numerous schemers. While he could often perceive threats and avoid danger beforehand, some attacks proved impossible to guard against.
Like the previous assassination attempt, they used a Sacred Artifact to obscure the Heavenly Secrets, making detection impossible, leading to his stumble. Such incidents would certainly not be rare. If a Sacred Artifact could mask his senses, other strange artifacts must exist that could do the same. If such an event happened again, he might not be so lucky.
He shook his head. It wasn't yet time to establish his own sect. He needed ample time to accumulate resources gradually, but preparations had to begin now. He picked up the album again, reviewing the intelligence on Luoxia Valley alongside that of Fenglei Sect, hoping to uncover the secret driving their conflict, which he could then leverage to force Luoxia Valley’s compliance.
Stopping this crisis could be approached from two angles. Approaching Fu Feihong was impossible; the leverage had to be applied to Guo Siyuan—a plan to strike at the root.
He flipped through the entire album, ultimately finding nothing. Frustrated, he informed Feng Mingxue, then flashed away, reappearing in Hai Yulan’s small dwelling.
The moment he materialized, a delicate fragrance enveloped him. Hai Yulan stood to one side, while Fu Feihong sat poised behind a desk, staring at him with a half-smile.
Li Muzhan paused briefly, then smiled and clasped his hands. “Senior Fu, long time no see. I trust you have been well?”
Fu Feihong had once plotted to kill him and used every means to pressure him. Yet, Li Muzhan couldn't retaliate. Firstly, her status was different; she was Hai Yulan’s master, and affection for the student extended to the teacher, limiting his resentment. Secondly, she was the Sect Master’s confidante; one must show deference to the connection.
“You truly have a thick skin, not showing a trace of panic!” Fu Feihong sneered, shaking her head. “As expected of someone from the Yunxiao Sect; the faces are just as thick!”
She was clad in a purple robe, her features veiled in a layer of cold frost, appearing elegant and noble. Hai Yulan stood behind her, discreetly signaling Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan understood her gesture, realizing the situation wasn't dire.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Fu, you waited here specifically for me? I am truly unworthy of such attention.”
Fu Feihong waved her hand, coldly laughing. “Enough, stop beating around the bush with me. I intend to marry Lan’er off to Luoxia Valley!”
Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled. “Senior Fu wouldn't be so unwise, would she? Luoxia Valley and Fenglei Sect are mortal enemies. Marrying Yulan to Luoxia Valley is tantamount to making an enemy of Fenglei Sect. They surely won't let it slide... People are trying to avoid such murky waters; how could one willingly wade into them?”
Fu Feihong said coldly, “A mere Fenglei Sect, what threat is that?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Fu mocks my ignorance, doesn’t she? ...Luoxia Valley and Fenglei Sect have been fighting for centuries; neither is easy to deal with. If Fenglei Sect is insignificant, then Luoxia Valley must be equally inconsequential!”
Fu Feihong faltered, taking a deep breath, then said coldly, “Sharp-tongued, showing off your eloquence. You are the same sort as that fellow named Yi. That’s all the more reason Lan’er cannot marry you!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “If the Sect Master is so unworthy, why does Senior Fu still dwell on him and can’t let go? ...So many years have passed, Senior Fu. Why not simply write off the past grievances? It would be better to reconcile with the Sect Master and live peacefully!”
“Silence!” Fu Feihong snapped.
Li Muzhan sighed. “I can see that the Sect Master also hasn't let go of Senior Fu. For so many years, he has never married, actually waiting for Senior Fu!”
Fu Feihong’s face flushed red, and she glared angrily at Li Muzhan. To be lectured by such a young man about her relationship with Yi Xingzhi made her deeply embarrassed.
Li Muzhan said, “Instead of tormenting each other, why not come together?”
“Impudent boy, my affairs with Yi Xingzhi are none of your business!” Fu Feihong retorted.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Because no one has intervened, you two have continued like this. Senior Fu, I dare to say that if this continues, you might truly lose the Sect Master. Men’s patience is limited.”
“Are you threatening me?!” Fu Feihong asked coldly.
Li Muzhan sighed helplessly. “It can’t be helped if Senior Fu thinks that way. In matters like this, a slight misstep can lead to lifelong regret. I advise Senior Fu to curb her temper. Any grievances or resentments can be settled later, once you are together—you can torment and retaliate then!”
“Deceitful brat, shut up!” Fu Feihong snorted, glancing at him sideways. “I heard you offended the Zhu family, and now the Imperial Family?”
Li Muzhan replied, “I apologize for making you laugh, Senior. In the end, I had no choice but to execute the Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell escape tactic.”
“You still have some conscience!” Fu Feihong pouted. “That fellow surnamed Yi left just yesterday, did you know?”
She understood the intention behind Li Muzhan’s move: to prevent the Yunxiao Sect from being implicated. Such restraint was indeed rare. This act seemed minor, but it was often the hardest to achieve. It was precisely at critical junctures that true character revealed itself. Some disciples appeared righteous and acted well during ordinary times, but when faced with such a crucial moment, they were often more concerned with seeking refuge from the sect than protecting it. This mindset was utterly uncharacteristic of ordinary disciples; it showed he truly regarded the sect as his home, his foundation—extremely rare indeed. This realization caused her perception of Li Muzhan to shift.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Did the Sect Master come in person?”
Fu Feihong said, “Yi Xingzhi even humbled himself and came in person to plead your case for marriage.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Did Senior agree?”
Fu Feihong eyed him askance. “What do you think?”
Li Muzhan glanced toward Hai Yulan and gave a wry smile. “Senior must be opposed?”
“It’s good that you know!” Fu Feihong put on a stern face and said coldly, “You are purely a troublemaker. If Lan’er follows you, who knows how much suffering she’ll endure. Besides, you are a notorious philanderer, utterly untrustworthy!”
Li Muzhan sighed. “Senior is overthinking.”
“It’s useless no matter how beautifully you speak!” Fu Feihong waved her hand. “Unless you abandon your previous women and marry only Lan’er!”
Li Muzhan frowned, pondering. “Senior is making things too difficult for me.”
“Then forget it. Lan’er is our treasure; we will never let her be a secondary wife,” Fu Feihong snorted coldly.
Li Muzhan replied, “Senior, in my residence, there is no distinction between primary and secondary; everyone holds the same status.”
“That won’t do either!” Fu Feihong said coldly.
Li Muzhan sighed and gave Hai Yulan a wry smile.
Hai Yulan tugged at Fu Feihong’s arm and said with a pout, “Master, stop making things difficult for him!”
“You... you are too disappointing!” Fu Feihong shook her head and glared at Hai Yulan before turning back. “Boy, Yi Xingzhi came to propose, and people from Luoxia Valley have also arrived.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Did something happen?”
“Guo Siyuan has challenged you,” Fu Feihong stated flatly and coldly.
Li Muzhan frowned. “He wasn't disrespectful to the Sect Master, was he?”
“What do you think?!” Fu Feihong sneered.
Li Muzhan’s expression darkened. “He dared to be rude to the Sect Master?!”
Fu Feihong frowned, glancing at Li Muzhan, and snorted. “Youngsters nowadays are all getting out of hand. Once their martial arts are a bit stronger, they become utterly arrogant, looking down on everyone!”
Li Muzhan’s face fell, and the air seemed to thicken, becoming viscous. She felt her breathing constrict, as if sinking into a mire, her entire body heavy as stone. She was secretly startled; at such a young age, he possessed such power. No wonder her previous attempt to ambush him had failed.
Li Muzhan asked, “What did he say?”
“What could he say!” Fu Feihong scoffed irritably. “He wants to challenge you to decide who gets Lan’er!”
Li Muzhan frowned and slowly said, “What does he take Yulan for!”
The air grew even more stagnant, almost solidifying.
Hai Yulan chided, “Li Wuji!”
Li Muzhan snapped back to reality. The air immediately relaxed, and Fu Feihong’s breathing eased; the oppressive weight vanished, and her whole body felt light, almost buoyant.
Fu Feihong said, “I originally held some hope for him, but now I am very disappointed. I didn't expect Luoxia Valley to produce such a fellow!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “I heard he surpassed his master, learning newer and better techniques than the old ways. Such arrogance is perhaps understandable; many young prodigies are like this.”
Fu Feihong snorted. “I didn't like you before, but now, it seems you have some measure of decency. It’s hard to understand the younger generation these days!”
Li Muzhan smiled slightly, shaking his head. “Senior Fu is angry because he was disrespectful to the Sect Master, right?”
“Impudent boy, if you spout nonsense again, I’ll take Lan’er and keep her by my side constantly!” Fu Feihong warned coldly.
Li Muzhan quickly turned serious. “Did the Sect Master accept the challenge on my behalf?”
Fu Feihong sneered. “That fellow surnamed Yi is shameless enough. Even at this stage, he said he needed to consult you, letting you make the decision!”
Li Muzhan said, “The Sect Master has always acted this way. If it were Senior Fu in his place, you would have agreed without hesitation, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course!” Fu Feihong snorted.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “I refuse.”
Fu Feihong paused, then snorted. “You refuse? ...You show weakness at a time like this. As expected of Yi’s disciples; they all have such soft temperaments!”
Li Muzhan sighed. “Yulan is not something to be used as a wager. This Young Valley Master Guo... Senior, rest assured, I will have a good 'chat' with him!”
Fu Feihong glanced at Hai Yulan, who smiled faintly, her face radiant with pride. She sighed helplessly, realizing Lan’er was thoroughly smitten and unlikely to let go. Unwillingly, she snorted. “Chat about what?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “We’ll discuss worldly affairs, discuss life, and discuss respecting others.”
Fu Feihong said flatly, “Although Guo Siyuan is arrogant and conceited, he does possess some skill. You might not win against him?”
Li Muzhan asked, “Is he a Great Grandmaster?”
“Stop talking nonsense!” Fu Feihong scolded him irritably.
Li Muzhan smiled. “That’s good then. ...Senior, this move by Luoxia Valley might not be purely for affection or for Yulan; they have other motives.”
“Is it because of Fenglei Sect?” Fu Feihong asked.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Most likely, it’s an attempt to divert disaster eastward, using your sect.”
Fu Feihong said, “Yes, I thought of that too, which is why I didn't agree. But if you can’t beat him, then all bets are off. This time, we must suppress him and drive him away!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “And then?”
Fu Feihong snorted. “Don't push your luck!”
Li Muzhan said, “Senior, Yulan and I have feelings for each other. If your Master had managed you and the Sect Master back then, would you have given up?”
Fu Feihong said coldly, “Hmph, if my Master had stopped me back then, I wouldn't have been entangled with that fellow Yi!”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Without the Sect Master, Senior Fu might not have achieved happiness and fulfillment either. ...If you break us up, do you think Yulan will forget me and be with another man?”
Fu Feihong snorted. “It’s better for her to be alone than to suffer a lifetime with you!”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “Suffering and sweetness always accompany each other. How can one attain sweetness if one fears pain? Life is inherently filled with a thousand flavors; this is Yulan’s life, and she must choose it herself!”
“How can I watch her leap into a sea of fire!” Fu Feihong glared at him and snorted. “Alright, boy, hurry up and send Guo Siyuan packing!”
Seeing that she wouldn't relent, Li Muzhan realized there was no hope for negotiation. He gave Hai Yulan a helpless look, exchanged a glance, and Li Muzhan nodded, saying no more. He smiled. “Very well, I will deal with Guo Siyuan first!”
He clasped his hands and smiled. “Senior, I take my leave!”
He vanished abruptly. Fu Feihong frowned, turning to glare at Hai Yulan. “What, are you reluctant to see him go?”
Hai Yulan quickly replied, “Master, you shouldn't have let him go deal with Guo Siyuan!”
“Are you heartbroken?” Fu Feihong snorted. “If he doesn't act, who will?”
Hai Yulan said, “He already has enough enemies; offending Luoxia Valley on top of that... this...”
“Having many fleas doesn't make one itch more! What’s one more Luoxia Valley!” Fu Feihong sneered. “You, my dear, should just stay put obediently and avoid provoking him. He is nothing but a trouble magnet!”
“Mast——er——!” Hai Yulan complained with discontent.
Fu Feihong said, “You won't have an easy life following him!”
Hai Yulan pouted. “Master, you could have simply rejected Guo Siyuan clearly; why was it necessary for him to intervene!”
“That brat Guo is too arrogant. It’s good for him to learn a lesson!” Fu Feihong huffed.
Hai Yulan glanced at Fu Feihong, pursed her lips, and smiled slightly. Being exceedingly shrewd, she instantly saw through Fu Feihong’s underlying thoughts: she was gradually beginning to treat Li Muzhan as one of her own.