The next morning, as Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were practicing their forms, performing a certain technique, Dugu Jinghua floated in, clad in pristine white, utterly without a speck of dust on her person.

She entered with a bright smile, "Sir, my elder brother has emerged from seclusion."

Li Muzhan paused his swordplay. "The Clan Head is out? I should pay a visit."

"Big Brother wishes to meet you as well," Dugu Jinghua replied cheerfully.

Feng Mingxue subtly knitted her brow. Such grand airs. Yet, her expression remained placid. She said coolly, "Junior Brother, you go ahead. I won't join the spectacle."

Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. "I'll be right back. Ninth Miss, let's go."

Dugu Jinghua, sharp as ice and snow, understood Feng Mingxue's sentiment immediately and sighed inwardly. Her elder brother was also an arrogant man; he hadn't heeded her advice.

Li Muzhan followed Dugu Jinghua to the main hall. Dugu Jinghua lifted the curtain ahead of him, announcing, "Big Brother, Mr. Li has arrived."

As Li Muzhan stepped into the hall, a man rose from the main seat. He was powerfully built, with a hawkish nose and lion-like eyes. He boomed with laughter, "Mr. Li, I am Dugu Jue. Forgive my rudeness; please—come in!"

Li Muzhan took a moment to observe Dugu Jue. His appearance was heroic, his bearing deep and solid. At first glance, he seemed fiercely aggressive, but his tiger eyes were profoundly deep and tranquil, giving an impression of immeasurable depth. Clearly, he was calculating and complex, utterly unlike Dugu Heng.

He clasped his hands in greeting and smiled. "Clan Head Dugu, I apologize for the intrusion."

"Not at all, not at all. Having an anomaly like yourself grace my manor fills me with delight," Dugu Jue said, waving his hand as he sat down. "I heard from my little sister—you single-handedly took on half the masters of the Zhu family. Such a feat is truly earth-shattering. I am full of admiration!"

Li Muzhan smiled. Dugu Jue’s cultivation was profound. Though not quite his equal, he was certainly among the top masters in the Grandmaster realm.

His cultivation far surpassed that of Tang Haoran or Zhao Huairen.

To be at this level and still remain in seclusion suggested he was pursuing the Martial Dao, aiming to become a Great Grandmaster. However, given his age, becoming a Great Grandmaster would take him at least twenty years.

The key issue was his insufficient Divine Sense cultivation; he had taken a wrong path. It seemed none of the Dugu ancestors had ever succeeded in reaching the Great Grandmaster realm, lacking the necessary experiential guidance.

Dugu Jinghua frowned. "Elder Brother, Mr. Li is a busy man. If there’s nothing else, perhaps we should conclude this meeting."

"Mr. Li is a proud disciple of the Cloudsoar Sect. How fares Sect Master Yi these days?" Dugu Jue inquired with a smile.

Li Muzhan returned the smile. "The Sect Master is in robust health. Are you acquainted with the Clan Head and the Sect Master?"

"We've met a few times," Dugu Jue replied amiably. "Might I ask about Sect Master Yi and Miss Fu...?"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. "Still the same, a stalemate that won't break."

Dugu Jue chuckled, shaking his head. "Sect Master Yi and Miss Fu are truly a rare pair under heaven. It’s a pity their temperaments clash; it truly makes one sigh with regret!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I trust the Sect Master will eventually win the beauty's heart."

"Sect Master Yi’s deep affection is both commendable and lamentable!" Dugu Jue praised.

Li Muzhan said, "Now that the Clan Head has come out of seclusion, I can finally put my mind at ease and return to my own residence."

Dugu Jue blinked, his expression darkening. "What do you mean by that, Mr. Li?"

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "I am now a thorn in the Zhu family's side and a splinter in the Inner Court's flesh. Staying in the Dugu manor any longer is quite inappropriate."

Dugu Jue snorted. "The moment I emerge from seclusion, you plan to leave? Am I so inhospitable?"

Li Muzhan gave a bitter smile. "If that is the case, I shall stay a while longer. I only fear that the Dugu manor will be too busy, and we might just cause further disruption here."

"Mr. Li, you need not be so polite. Treat this place as your own home!" Dugu Jue insisted. "Seeing my little sister restored fills me with such overwhelming joy that, setting everything else aside, I wouldn't blink if you asked me to hand over the Dugu manor to you!"

Li Muzhan chuckled lightly. "The Clan Head is too kind."

"My little sister's ailment was beyond the cure of even the Imperial Physicians and the foremost doctor in the world. You cured her. You not only saved my sister but saved me as well!" Dugu Jue stated with heartfelt emotion.

Li Muzhan sighed. "This was also Ninth Miss's destiny, simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time."

Dugu Jue smiled. "Indeed, it was my sister's fortune, but your kindness in recreating her life—we dare not forget it! And you must absolutely drop this talk of leaving!"

Li Muzhan nodded helplessly. "However, I genuinely miss my home."

"Then consider this your home!" Dugu Jue declared.

He beckoned with his hand. "Little Sister!"

Dugu Jinghua stepped forward, her gaze fixed sweetly on Li Muzhan.

Dugu Jue commanded, "Connect the Listening Rain Courtyard, the Plum Blossom Courtyard, and the Night Fragrance Courtyard on the east side. Tear down the existing structures and build whatever you desire!"

"Yes," Dugu Jinghua agreed with a smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head, laughing gently. "Clan Head, that's unnecessary. The current small courtyard is quite fine."

Dugu Jue shook his head. "The current space is too cramped. My little sister is too stingy!"

Dugu Jinghua smiled sweetly. "I know Mr. Li doesn't fuss over trifles, so I didn't put too much effort into it."

Dugu Jue shook his head, pointing at Dugu Jinghua and sighing. "My little sister, you are far too disrespectful to the one who saved your life! How can this be tolerated!"

Li Muzhan managed a wry smile but said no more. He knew further words were useless; Dugu Jue was resolute, his word was law, and nearly impossible to change.

Dugu Jue spoke eloquently, his words flowing like pearls, witty and engaging. Coupled with Dugu Jinghua's charming participation, the hall was filled with lively conversation and laughter.

After a while, Li Muzhan took his leave. Dugu Jinghua accompanied him out of the hall. Once outside, she said, "Mr. Li need not be so wary of Big Brother."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am worried that Clan Head Dugu might be wary of me!"

"How could Big Brother be? You saved my life; he’s overjoyed!" Dugu Jinghua laughed.

Li Muzhan shook his head. The logic behind this was not complicated, only Dugu Jinghua, being immersed in it, failed to see clearly.

He truly wanted to leave the Dugu family. Dugu Jue's emergence was merely a confluence of events. He had originally stayed at the Dugu manor to utilize the family's Danxin Iron Voucher for his training. Now that he possessed the Sacred Artifact, remaining there indefinitely was improper. If rumors spread, it would surely tarnish Dugu Jinghua’s reputation.

In the following days, the Dugu manor remained peaceful. Li Muzhan stopped Dugu Jinghua from pursuing the construction of new courtyards; he had no intention of staying long.

Though he was Dugu Jinghua's benefactor, he was still an outsider, and carrying martial arts skills meant he could not avoid suspicion. It was one thing with Dugu Jinghua managing things, but Dugu Jue in charge was entirely different.

A few days later, Li Muzhan left a letter and departed the Dugu family with Feng Mingxue, returning to his own residence. He had no desire to involve himself in the affairs of the Four Great Clans.

He had discerned that they intended to openly oppose the Emperor, an act that could lead to the extermination of their entire lineage. The Four Great Clans held the Danxin Iron Voucher; neither he nor the Cloudsoar Sect possessed such protection.

Should their endeavor fail, the Four Great Clans would likely escape consequences when the inevitable investigation came, but the Cloudsoar Sect would certainly be implicated, potentially facing annihilation. He could not afford to be careless.

Early that morning, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were strolling in the rear garden. Though smaller than the Dugu manor's and less scenic, this garden offered peace of mind.

The two walked along the edge of the small lake, chatting idly, when Li Muzhan suddenly heard a knock at the door. The servants had not yet returned; only the two of them were at the residence.

Li Muzhan vanished momentarily and pulled open the courtyard gate. Standing outside was the charming Chai Xiaoyue, dressed in a light yellow silk gown, smiling brightly as she called out, "Mr. Li!"

Li Muzhan reached out with a smile to invite her in. Trailing silently behind her was an elder whose presence was easily missed if one wasn't paying attention.

The three entered the residence, bypassing the main hall and heading directly to the rear garden. As they walked, Chai Xiaoyue surveyed the grounds. "Sir, why aren't you staying at the Dugu manor anymore?"

Li Muzhan replied with a smile. "It’s not sustainable to always be a guest under someone else's roof."

"That's true, and this place looks quite nice," Chai Xiaoyue remarked. "Why haven't you visited the town for several days, Sir?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I've been completely absorbed by the books you sent, I haven't had time to go out."

"Hehe, are the books to your liking?" Chai Xiaoyue inquired.

Li Muzhan nodded. "They suit my taste perfectly. Thank you, Princess."

"If you like them, I can send over some more," Chai Xiaoyue offered brightly.

Li Muzhan replied, "That would be wonderful, thank you, Princess."

"Don't mention it. I don't read them anyway; they're perfect for you!" Chai Xiaoyue waved her small hand. As the three reached the rear garden, Feng Mingxue had already arranged tea in the small pavilion.

Chai Xiaoyue made no ceremony, taking a seat in the lakeside pavilion. She thanked Feng Mingxue with a pleasant smile, took a delicate sip of tea, and then stated, "Sir, I've come to invite you to the Heavenly King Temple."

"Accompany me to listen to scriptures?" Li Muzhan asked, amused.

"No," Chai Xiaoyue shook her head. "A great eminent monk has arrived at the Heavenly King Temple and is about to preach. Would you like to listen?"

Li Muzhan's eyebrows lifted. "A great eminent monk?"

"Yes, a great eminent monk from Xihua, his Dharma name is Kongjing. I hear his understanding of Buddhism is profound; he has achieved great enlightenment, witnessed the Tathagata, and possesses tremendous divine power."

"That powerful?" Li Muzhan asked.

"Of course! My Imperial Father sent a royal decree to invite him," Chai Xiaoyue confirmed.

Li Muzhan nodded. "A figure of such stature is certainly worth meeting."

Chai Xiaoyue smiled. "Then let's hurry; the altar is about to open for preaching."

"Sister-disciple, are you coming?" Li Muzhan turned to ask Feng Mingxue.

Feng Mingxue shook her head. "You go ahead. I won't join this excitement. I understand nothing of Buddhism; going would be like listening to celestial gibberish."

Li Muzhan didn't press her. He quickly changed his clothes and left the residence with Chai Xiaoyue, arriving at the Heavenly King Temple.

The Heavenly King Temple was exceptionally lively, even more bustling than usual, but most activity was confined to the outer halls. Entry to the inner halls required a certain status. Even as a disciple of the Cloudsoar Sect, Li Muzhan wouldn't normally enter the inner sanctum, but thanks to Chai Xiaoyue, they had the opportunity.

As the two entered the inner hall, an old monk greeted them. Li Muzhan bowed with palms pressed together. "Greetings, Master Tanming."

Chai Xiaoyue smiled. "Master, look at me!"

Master Tanming, clad in a purple kasaya, his face ruddy and beaming, chuckled benevolently. "The demonic energy has waned, and the righteous spirit thrives. Truly cause for joy and congratulations, Benefactor Chai. Have you encountered any fortunate circumstances?"

"Yes," Chai Xiaoyue replied with a sly smile. "Someone sent me a scripture to recite, and the effect has been excellent, but I cannot tell you who it was or what the scripture is."

"A scripture capable of suppressing demonic energy is no ordinary thing. Congratulations, Benefactor Chai, for escaping the sea of suffering!" Master Tanming said dismissively with a smile.

Chai Xiaoyue asked smugly, "Has Master Kongjing started his sermon?"

Master Tanming smiled. "In fifteen minutes. Benefactors Chai and Li, please, step inside."

The two followed Master Tanming deeper into the complex, arriving in a large hall furnished with nearly a hundred meditation cushions. Monks, old and young, were already seated, each with their eyes lowered, posture solemn.

The gray-robed elder had vanished at some point. Only Master Tanming brought the pair in. The assembled monks remained motionless, eyes closed, seemingly oblivious.

Li Muzhan scanned the room. Everyone present was a monk except for him and Chai Xiaoyue. Every monk present bore no fewer than four indelible precepts scars, indicating they were far from ordinary clergy.

The pair sat down in a central spot. Master Tanming sat beside Li Muzhan, offered him a brief smile, then closed his eyes in meditation, forming a mudra with his hands.

Li Muzhan whispered quietly, "Princess, shall we begin reciting?"

Chai Xiaoyue nodded lightly, closed her eyes, and moved her lips soundlessly. Her method of scripture recitation was unique: the text originated from her mind and was heard only within her own ears; no sound was emitted.

During the recitation, mind and scripture merged into one. Time passed extraordinarily quickly; it felt like only an instant, yet the fifteen minutes were gone.

"Clap!" A cloud-board struck. Everyone opened their eyes. In the center of the hall sat a thin, small old monk whose face was withered, sitting cross-legged like a shriveled walnut.

He sat there silently, betraying no sign of life. If one closed their eyes, they couldn't sense him. Several of the assembled monks, who had achieved some level of cultivation and possessed sharp senses, tried closing their eyes, only to find him instantly gone. They sensed his spirit had departed his body, standing in the void, looking down upon them.

The old monk first bowed with his palms pressed together and spoke in a soft voice, "This humble monk is Kongjing. Who is Kongjing?"

His voice was hoarse yet measured, sounding like a soft utterance, yet it resonated throughout the entire hall. He smiled and shook his head. "Kongjing is Kongjing; who is this humble monk?"

As the assembly pondered, Master Kongjing smiled gently. "This humble monk comes from Fayuan Temple in Xihua, invited by His Majesty. To study the Dharma with all the fellow Daoists here is truly an unparalleled opportunity."

"This humble monk will not display mere parlor tricks. I shall discuss the Heart Sutra with all of you," Master Kongjing continued with a slight smile. "The Heart Sutra is at once the most shallow and the most profound, the most subtle and the most exquisite—it is truly a supreme great method. If one can fully comprehend the Heart Sutra, one can perceive the Buddha's true nature and see one's original face. Fellow Daoists must not take it lightly."

His gaze was warm and calm, like gentle sunlight, sweeping over the assembly. When his eyes passed over Li Muzhan and Chai Xiaoyue, they glanced over them briefly and did not linger.

Li Muzhan was astonished. Truly an eminent monk; his composure was extraordinary. He was sitting among the assembled monks, yet his aura was distinctly different, yet Master Kongjing paid him no heed.

Master Kongjing began explaining the Heart Sutra sentence by sentence. His eloquence was mesmerizing, truly the descent of heavenly blossoms. Li Muzhan listened with admiration; this Master Kongjing was indeed a man who had attained the Dao, one who had enlightened his mind and realized his true nature.

He pricked up his ears to listen, a slight smile on his face. Chai Xiaoyue, however, had half-closed her eyelids, nodding gently with each point, on the verge of falling asleep.

Li Muzhan ignored Chai Xiaoyue and focused intently on Master Kongjing.

All the other monks were captivated, listening with soaring spirits and blooming hearts, and they likewise failed to notice Chai Xiaoyue. Even Master Tanming’s eyes shone brightly; upon hearing such subtle and peerless exposition, his own spirit and essence surged, making it difficult to remain perfectly calm.

Li Muzhan glanced around. In the entire hall, only he and Chai Xiaoyue maintained their composure—Chai Xiaoyue because she was nearly asleep, and he because his concentration remained unwavering and undisturbed.