The concealment was absolute; even those who knew the way often failed to find it. He stood before the valley, surveying it. Trees blocked the path into the valley, completely surrounding it, and more critically, a grand formation was laid out on the exterior. Were it not for him being a Grandmaster, unaffected by the formation, even a formation master would require considerable effort to approach and locate this valley entrance, and success would not be guaranteed.

Li Muzhan discerned that the exterior formation was not a single array, but formations nested within formations, linked together—a chain array. To break it, several points needed to be breached simultaneously. For a formation master, breaking one array might not be overly difficult, but breaking several at once was impossible; only cooperation between several formation masters offered a sliver of hope. For this linked array system, breaking even one section was nearly impossible; the other arrays would retaliate simultaneously, creating insurmountable obstacles. Thus, this valley was practically impregnable, unbreachable by anyone below the Grandmaster rank. Solid as bedrock, no wonder the Luoxia Valley remained undiscovered for so long, hidden deep within, its secrets unexplored.

Grandmasters were few and far between, countable on one's fingers across the realm. Moreover, they were each preoccupied with exploring the next higher plane, often entering seclusion for days, weeks, or even a year or two, leaving them no leisure for petty grievances and romantic entanglements. Grandmasters were beings of great liberation, those who had seen through the essence of life, transcended the mundane world, and achieved a detached, effortless state beyond worldly affairs. Most Grandmasters were over sixty, having attained enlightenment and reached that rank precisely because they had experienced the myriad facets of life, understood them, and let them go. It was almost unheard of, like Li Muzhan, to become a Grandmaster and still wrestle within the mortal sphere. They usually retreated to seclusion, contemplating the next higher realm, ever chasing a higher pursuit.

Luoxia Valley had always maintained a low profile, interacting little with others, and never provoking a Grandmaster. Hence, they were exceedingly secure, which gradually led them to become utterly arrogant. With a safe and worry-free retreat, they dared to provoke trouble freely; at worst, they could simply hide in the valley, inaccessible and untraceable.

Li Muzhan stood outside the valley, shaking his head with a sigh. In the span of a single breath, he had already thought through so much. He took out a strand of hair, sensing it delicately, and his expression subtly shifted. His figure flickered, vanishing from his spot, only to reappear before a small earthen mound on the mountaintop. He gazed silently at this mound, noticing the mud seemed freshly disturbed. He inhaled deeply and gently lifted both palms. Instantly, the dirt scattered, revealing a coffin. He pressed lightly upon the coffin lid, and it flew open, revealing two corpses lying within. Li Muzhan surveyed them briefly, his face darkening. The corpses were perfectly preserved, showing no sign of decay, and he recognized them at a glance. He probed the faint breaths of the two, then carefully lifted them out, laying them flat on either side of him. He sat cross-legged and initiated a secret art.

Disciples of the Yunxiao Sect all mastered a secret art: the technique of feigning death to escape peril. Unless the enmity was deep enough to warrant desecration, most could rely on this technique to save their lives. This secret art was called the 'Hibernating Dragon Technique.' It involved cultivating a breath of pure inner essence, hidden within a secret acupoint, completely separate from one's normal inner force or vital energy, making it undetectable by conventional means. When this inner breath circulated, the practitioner ceased breathing, heartbeat stopped, and even brain activity paused, almost entirely halting bodily functions—indistinguishable from true death. However, this single breath of inner essence could sustain life for a month. Within that month, by employing a unique counter-technique, the person could be revived and live again.

The profundity of the Hibernating Dragon Technique was immense, even considered a forbidden method, actually concealed within the Huan Yu Sutra. Most only knew it as a life-extending trick, unaware of its deeper secrets. Currently, only three people in the world knew the Hibernating Dragon Technique: Yi Xingzhi, and the two Grandmasters of the Yunxiao Sect. Li Muzhan was one of them.

After the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, the two stirred and slowly awoke. "Senior Brother Wu, Senior Brother Zhou, are you awake?" Li Muzhan asked gently. "Li... Junior Brother Li?" After a moment of confusion, their eyes cleared. They looked around, startled. "Junior Brother Li, how are you...?" Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Brothers, this is not the Underworld." "We're not dead?" They exchanged a look. Li Muzhan nodded. "Fortunately, Senior Brothers used the secret method! ... Senior Brothers' hands and feet...?" He could see that the tendons in their hands and feet had been severed, and they suffered internal injuries—they had clearly endured considerable torture. The two tried to move their limbs but couldn't stand, letting out helpless sighs, yet their eyes burned with furious rage. "A Luoxia Valley! How audacious!" "Did the people from Luoxia Valley do this?" Li Muzhan asked coldly. The round-faced senior brother asked, "Junior Brother Li, how did you find us?" Li Muzhan replied, "I was sent by the Sect Master to Tianjing City to search for you two... Senior Brother Wu, what exactly happened? How were you ambushed by the Luoxia Valley people?" The two shook their heads and sighed, full of shame. The round-faced Senior Brother Wu confessed, "It is shameful to admit, but we capsized in a gutter. We never expected Luoxia Valley to be so vile as to poison our food and drink." Li Muzhan's brow furrowed slightly. "Poison?" The inner force of the Yunxiao Sect could ward off poisons. The marvels of the Huan Yu Sutra, even at the second layer, sufficed to dispel all toxins. Those who ventured out for training must have practiced the Huan Yu Sutra to the second layer. Senior Brother Wu sighed, "The poison was bizarrely administered. We noticed nothing unusual, but it suddenly took effect while we were asleep, and circulating our power couldn't force it out." "There's such a poison?" Li Muzhan frowned, though he did not suspect deceit. The world was vast and full of wonders. Although the Huan Yu Sutra could ward off poisons, their cultivation base wasn't yet profound. Only his own mastery of the Huan Yu Sutra could truly dispel all toxins; the two layers they possessed could only negate the majority. Senior Brother Wu continued, "We tested it, and there was no poison individually. It turned out to be a kind of 'Union Poison,' mixed into both the food and the wine. Neither was toxic alone, but combined, they were fatal." The other, square-faced Senior Brother Zhou added, "Luckily our inner force was deep; otherwise, we would have died instantly. It’s a pity we still couldn't escape the ambush." Senior Brother Wu concluded, "As we were forcing the poison out, the Luoxia Valley people arrived and caught us red-handed. Then they transported us here." "Did they know your identities, Senior Brothers?" Li Muzhan asked, his brow tightening. Senior Brother Wu nodded. "Naturally, they did. And along the way, they tortured us, forcing us to recite our sect's mental cultivation methods, using all sorts of vicious means!" Li Muzhan's face turned grim. He nodded silently. Such efforts would be futile. The disciples of Yunxiao Sect were geniuses among geniuses. During the three trials to enter the sect, those who couldn't pass the trial of suffering were not qualified to join. Therefore, it was impossible for outsiders to extract cultivation methods from Yunxiao Sect disciples, unless they possessed an unparalleled technique for soul confusion, like the Jiutian Xuannü Sect. The Yunxiao Sect and the Jiutian Xuannü Sect were mortal enemies, not just because of the love-hate entanglement between Sect Master Yi Xingzhi and Fu Feihong, but also because their cultivation methods actively countered each other.

"Who was in charge?" Li Muzhan asked in a deep voice. He slowly pressed down on the arms and legs of the two men, stroking them one by one. His inner force was extremely condensed, almost substantive. His internal energy materialized from the intangible, temporarily replacing their severed tendons and ligaments, creating in them the illusion that they had returned to normal. Senior Brother Wu replied, "It was the Young Valley Master of Luoxia Valley." "Guo Siyuan." Li Muzhan nodded slowly and sneered. "A Guo Siyuan, indeed!" "Junior Brother Li, where are we now?" Senior Brother Wu inquired. Li Muzhan said, "Just outside Luoxia Valley!... Senior Brothers Wu and Zhou, shall we go in and take a look?" "Our current injuries..." The two hesitated. Li Muzhan chuckled. "Rest assured, Senior Brothers, such a minor matter doesn't require your action. Your Junior Brother will handle it. Revenge is sweetest when enacted immediately, isn't it?" "Junior Brother, I think we should first report back to the Sect Master and await his arrangements." Senior Brother Zhou was cautious and mature; despite the boiling hatred within, he did not act rashly. After all, Luoxia Valley was not an ordinary sect; it had a long and deep history. Li Muzhan said lightly, "If the Sect Master instructs us to prioritize the bigger picture, will you two forgo revenge?" Senior Brother Zhou replied, "We will naturally obey the Sect Master's orders, but the Sect Master wouldn't do that." Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. "The Sect Master is a kindly soul, excessively compassionate. In my opinion, the Sect Master will at most send someone to issue a stern reprimand." "Alas..." Senior Brother Wu shook his head and sighed. "Senior Brother Zhou, I think Junior Brother Li is right. The Sect Master has always advocated for treating others kindly." Senior Brother Zhou frowned. "But what if our rash actions genuinely provoke Luoxia Valley..." Li Muzhan sneered, "And if we provoke them, so what?... A mere Luoxia Valley dares to ambush us—what prestige does our sect retain then?!" He placed great importance on establishing prestige. This stemmed from the influences of his original world, where sects were numerous and struggles more severe; the weak were preyed upon by the strong, and without sufficient power, one would be consumed. In truth, this principle applied to every world; the law of the jungle was universal, just more veiled in this world compared to the overt cruelty of his original one. As a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect, his own power was secondary to the sect's strength—an invisible force present at all times. To safeguard the sect and its disciples, the sect's prestige was paramount, inspiring awe in others. Senior Brother Zhou was about to argue further when Senior Brother Wu quickly intervened. "Senior Brother Zhou, Junior Brother Li is correct. A small Luoxia Valley dares to treat us this way. If we endure this further, everyone will dare to step on our heads!" He gritted his teeth, his face contorted with resentment. The ordeal they suffered was severe; having their hand and foot tendons severed and enduring various vicious methods—anyone else would have broken down long ago. They had no choice but to end their own lives. In their final moments, remembering the life-saving secret art, they thought it might actually work, and they were truly saved. Senior Brother Zhou considered, looking at Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan said, "Senior Brother Zhou, listen to me. I will go and wipe out this Luoxia Valley!" "Absolutely not!" Senior Brother Zhou hastily objected. "Junior Brother Li, grievances have their source; you cannot destroy the entire valley." Li Muzhan asked, "Guo Siyuan... the matter with the Young Valley Master—does Madam Guo know about it?" Senior Brother Zhou slowly nodded. "Yes. Madam Guo, although annoyed, dared not provoke us, but she gave the order to kill us." Li Muzhan's expression turned cold. "That settles it!" Senior Brother Wu interjected, "Junior Brother Li, destroying their entire valley is a bit..." Li Muzhan shook his head. These two senior brothers were too influenced by the Sect Master, too benevolent, unable to harden their hearts. He sighed. "Very well, I will only kill the primary culprit!" Saying this, he turned and walked down the mountain, the two following closely behind. Their severed tendons felt normal again, but they knew they needed rigorous cultivation to heal completely. The Yunxiao Sect possessed specialized healing mental arts; such severe injuries to limbs could be treated with unique cultivation methods, supplemented by spiritual elixirs, eventually leading to full recovery. The three descended the mountain and arrived at the valley entrance. Li Muzhan threw his head back and let out a long cry, like spring thunder rolling across the sky, transforming into a deluge pouring into the valley. As the shout faded, he let out another long cry: "Li Wuji of the Yunxiao Sect has come to pay respects to Madam Guo!" "Pay respects to Madam Guo... Pay respects to Madam Guo... Pay respects to Madam Guo..." The echoes lingered, reverberating within the valley, refusing to dissipate. "Young Hero Li, please enter." A smooth, gentle voice sounded, melodious and enchanting, instantly inspiring goodwill. Li Muzhan remained unmoved, replying calmly, "Thank you, Madam Guo." As he spoke, he walked slowly inward, turning back to instruct, "Senior Brothers, follow my steps. There are formations here." "Right." The two nodded. They could now perceive the array layouts. Despite their profound cultivation and excellent swordsmanship, they understood nothing of formations. The three slowly entered the valley. After walking about a hundred paces, the scenery abruptly shifted, and the view opened up. Layer upon layer of houses were built against the mountainside, ascending from low to high, creating an imposing pressure. Halfway up the slope was a grand hall that immediately captured the eye. On the open ground before the hall stood a group of people, led by a graceful, striking woman in yellow robes, accompanied by Guo Siyuan in purple. From a hundred zhang away, Li Muzhan could clearly see the astonishment on their faces; every eye was fixed on Senior Brothers Wu and Zhou, as if they had seen ghosts.

Hu Baorui waved his hand, and an elder entered carrying a tray. On the tray lay a piece of dark green paper, utterly plain, seeming like jade but not, with unremarkable carving—revealing nothing of rarity or value. Li Muzhan glanced at it and instantly remembered. He had found this paperweight in the Liu residence previously, assuming it was original to the house, and had taken it as a clue. "Young Hero Li, Miss Feng, please look at this stone," Hu Baorui said, pointing to a square wooden tray, sighing. "This is what we found in the Liu residence." He glanced at Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue; their expressions were calm, showing nothing unusual. He inwardly reflected that his precious son lacked experience and political acumen. He quickly added, "As far as I know, this is Danqing Stone, a specialty of Luoxia Valley, and not very valuable." Li Muzhan nodded slowly. Feng Mingxue said flatly, "Is this the only stone?" Hu Baorui gave a wry smile. "They cleaned up too thoroughly; there are no other substantial clues. Furthermore, disciples had previously sent intelligence indicating that the Liu residence was somewhat strange." Feng Mingxue countered, "Since this is a Luoxia Valley specialty, how could they fail to take it? Would they intentionally leave it behind?" Hu Baorui shook his head. "This Danqing Stone isn't valuable; it's no different from our common stones. Perhaps they were too lazy to pack it away, being accustomed to it, which is how we obtained it." Feng Mingxue pondered. "Could it be that someone deliberately left this behind as a clue?" "Does Miss Feng mean that this incident wasn't perpetrated by Luoxia Valley, but that someone is framing them?" Hu Baorui mused. Feng Mingxue stated indifferently, "That is a possibility, isn't it? Since someone framed the Fenglei Sect, why didn't they frame Luoxia Valley?" "Well..." Hu Baorui smiled ruefully. "That's not impossible. Our disciples have also been observing this Liu residence. They keep a low profile and rarely show themselves, so we didn't pay close attention. We never expected them to be so audacious as to provoke your sect!" Li Muzhan smiled. "Our sect has relied on benevolence for years and rarely made enemies. It is unexpected that something like this would occur, and precisely here." He shook his head, affecting an expression of disappointment. Hu Baorui heard the implication in his words: why did this happen specifically in Tianjing City, where the Fenglei Sect was clearly implicated? He grew anxious internally. He was wary of the Yunxiao Sect, yet held a sliver of contempt—the wariness was merely habitual caution. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent Hu Tianzheng to summon the few Martial Uncles to intervene with force if necessary. But after seeing Li Muzhan flick his sleeve, he realized that fame was not without substance; this Li Wuji possessed a cultivation as deep as an abyss, unfathomable. The Fenglei Sect was no match, and even the Martial Uncles could not defeat him. Hearing Li Muzhan's words, he felt a chill and hastily said, "What Young Hero Li says is true. Why would such a thing happen in our city? I suspect the perpetrator not only harbored ill will toward your esteemed sect but also toward our Fenglei Sect. Our Fenglei Sect has always avoided making enemies, save for one—Luoxia Valley. The discovery of this Danqing Stone in the Liu residence further confirms it." Li Muzhan asked, "Does the Fenglei Sect have formation masters?" "Yes," Hu Baorui nodded. "We have two Martial Uncles who study formations." Li Muzhan nodded. "Then, did they discern what formation was originally in the Liu residence?" "Young Hero Li noticed it too," Hu Baorui chuckled. "As expected of a distinguished disciple of the Yunxiao Sect. The original formation in the Liu residence should have been the Five Dust Reversal Array, similar to an illusion array. The technique isn't masterful but very effective." Li Muzhan said, "Five Dust Reversal Array... it reverses directions, right?" "Exactly," Hu Baorui nodded solemnly, sighing. "The disciples couldn't ascertain the true situation, not because they were useless, but due to the nature of the formation." Li Muzhan slowly nodded. "If it was the Five Dust Reversal Array, it is entirely understandable that you couldn't enter... Luoxia Valley also has formation masters, don't they?" Li Muzhan knew this Five Dust Reversal Array and even how to set it up. This array was not something an ordinary person could establish; although crude, it required complex steps and considerable time. Therefore, the group in the Liu residence had meticulously prepared for no short period. It was no fault of the Fenglei Sect disciples that they couldn't penetrate the depths of the Liu residence. This Five Dust Reversal Array was unremarkable yet difficult to identify. It operated invisibly; even a formation master might not see through it immediately and could easily fall prey to it. Hu Baorui slowly confirmed, "Luoxia Valley does have formation masters!" Li Muzhan concluded, "It seems they truly did it." "Junior Brother, is it really Luoxia Valley?" Feng Mingxue frowned, her expression turning grim. She feared being led astray and making the wrong judgment again. Hu Baorui urged, "Miss Feng, I strongly suspect it is Luoxia Valley. Where else could so many coincidences point?" Feng Mingxue looked at Li Muzhan, who slowly nodded, his expression firm. "Then what should we do?" Feng Mingxue asked anxiously. She was frantic, wishing she could sprout wings and fly to Luoxia Valley to rescue her two senior brothers. Li Muzhan asked, "Sect Master Hu, do you possess anything from Luoxia Valley?" "What does Young Hero Li mean...?" Hu Baorui was confused and hesitant. Li Muzhan clarified, "Do you have anything obtained from Luoxia Valley, something that retains the aura of Luoxia Valley?" "Yes, yes," Hu Baorui quickly nodded. "I once acquired a precious saber from Luoxia Valley. Young Hero Li, perhaps you could examine it." He clapped his hands, and Hu Tianzheng stepped forward. "Father?" "Bring that Frost Moon Saber." Hu Baorui commanded. Hu Tianzheng glanced at Li Muzhan, snorted, turned, and left. He soon returned, holding a curved saber, its shape resembling a crescent moon. The sheath was dark grey, ancient and vast; the hilt was wrapped in white jade, feeling cool and comfortable in the grip, like holding a woman's soft hand. Hu Baorui took it and handed it to Li Muzhan with both hands. "This precious saber was taken from an elder of Luoxia Valley; it should have been his personal weapon." Li Muzhan reached out and took it, smiling. "Sect Master Hu, may I borrow it for a moment?" As he spoke, he drew the saber. Immediately, a piercing cold radiated out, seemingly substantial, as if the blade were shrouded in frost, mist swirling around it. "No problem," Hu Baorui smiled and agreed. "Take it and use it." Li Muzhan sheathed the saber and nodded. "Then I thank you. Senior Sister, wait for me here; I will return shortly." "Junior Brother, are you going to Luoxia Valley?" Feng Mingxue asked. Li Muzhan nodded. "It will be faster if I go alone." "...Alright." Although Feng Mingxue desperately wanted to accompany him, she realized her cultivation and movement techniques were not on the same level as her junior brother; she would only slow him down. This matter concerned the lives of the two senior brothers; there could be no delay. She had to let him go first. "Junior Brother, speak reasonably first; your two senior brothers' lives are paramount," Feng Mingxue urged as he prepared to leave. Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and nodded. He sensed that the two senior brothers were in grave danger, and there was nothing he could do that his senior sister wouldn't believe. "Young Hero Li, go without worry. We will take care of Miss Feng here!" Hu Baorui assured him. Li Muzhan smiled and nodded his thanks. "Then I rely on you, Sect Master Hu! ... Senior Sister, I'm off!" "Hurry back; saving lives is the priority!" Feng Mingxue waved her hand. Li Muzhan smiled, nodded, and then his figure flickered, vanishing from his spot. Hu Tianzheng started, looking left and right, then towards the door curtain, but it remained undisturbed. Li Muzhan had disappeared like a phantom; he hadn't passed through the door or windows. How had he left? He gazed around in confusion. Hu Baorui remained still, his eyes flickering. Feng Mingxue watched their expressions calmly, secretly amused. A moment later, just as Hu Baorui was about to speak. "Oh, right!" Li Muzhan suddenly reappeared, startling both Hu Baorui and Hu Tianzheng.

Feng Mingxue asked, "What is it?"

Li Muzhan slipped a string of prayer beads from his wrist and handed them to Feng Mingxue. "Senior Sister, hold these for me."

"This is..." Feng Mingxue's expression shifted slightly.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "A precaution, just in case."

Feng Mingxue naturally knew these beads were a sacred artifact from Tianwang Temple, strung with genuine Sarira, possessing the power to suppress a Grandmaster. Li Muzhan had always worn them—previously to mask his aura from divination by the Imperial Palace's inner circle, and later, even after the Ninth Princess pleaded for him, he kept them on to temper his spirit and bolster his mental resistance. This sacred artifact was truly miraculous, forged with secret methods to subdue a Grandmaster. The moment Li Muzhan wore them, he was a mere Martial Master; the moment he removed them, he became a Grandmaster.

When Li Muzhan took the beads off and gave them to her, it clearly meant he intended to act with the full force of a Grandmaster. Feng Mingxue understood immediately: he meant to force the issue.

"Junior Brother..." Feng Mingxue started to advise, but stopped herself.

Li Muzhan said, "Don't worry, Senior Sister. I won't strike unless it is absolutely necessary."

"Sigh..." Feng Mingxue shook her head and sighed. "Junior Brother, I have come to terms with it too. If our two Senior Brothers are truly in trouble, then let loose."

"Senior Sister has realized it too?" Li Muzhan arched an eyebrow.

Feng Mingxue gave a slight nod. Through Hu Baorui’s attitude, she understood that Li Muzhan was right: without establishing authority, they would never command respect, and more Senior Brothers would fall victim.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Rest assured, Senior Sister, I will try to kill as few people as possible."

"One can only hope," Feng Mingxue managed a weak smile.

Hearing Li Muzhan speak so lightly, Hu Baorui shivered inexplicably, feeling a chilling sense of fear and apprehension.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Very well. I'll be back shortly. Be careful, Senior Sister."

"Yes, be careful of everything," Feng Mingxue replied. In truth, she felt quite reassured. In this world, the means capable of truly killing a Grandmaster were exceedingly rare; besides the sacred artifacts of the Imperial Palace, there was the God-Shattering Arrow—she knew of nothing else.

Li Muzhan smiled, then abruptly vanished, seeming to dissolve into the void.

Hu Baorui stared at the spot where Li Muzhan disappeared, his heart tightening. Such mystical movement skill—if he were to suddenly strike like that, appearing beside him in an instant, his life would surely be forfeit. He took a deep breath, shaking his head in resignation. He knew this was Li Muzhan's warning: take good care of Feng Mingxue, or his life would be forfeit at any moment. Maintaining a composed expression, he smiled faintly. "Miss Feng, you needn't worry. Good fortune favors the brave, and with Young Hero Li taking action, he will surely succeed in rescuing the two young heroes."

"Then I thank Gate Master Hu for your auspicious words," Feng Mingxue inclined her head slightly.

Hu Baorui quickly demurred. "Not at all, not at all. Miss Feng, why don't you move over here to stay with us? It’s warmer, at least, and certainly safer, wouldn't you agree?" He was now determined to forge a bond with the Yunxiao Sect. The sect was far more formidable than anyone imagined. Though the world regarded the Yunxiao Sect as the foremost sword school, they still underestimated it. The strength of the Yunxiao Sect was evident in these two disciples; if the disciples were this capable, how formidable must their predecessors be? He truly had been living with a frog’s-eye view of the world!

Feng Mingxue politely declined Hu Baorui's offer. She needed quiet now, and seeing Hu Tianzheng’s eyes gleaming with interest, it was clear he intended to linger. She truly couldn't be bothered; staying here might tempt her to strike.

Li Muzhan held his curved saber, a piece of Danqing stone in his embrace, and a single strand of hair—left by his two Senior Brothers. He was certain he could use this to sense the location of the Liu residence, though he couldn't sense anything else. He held onto a sliver of desperate hope: although his intuition told him his Senior Brothers were gone, perhaps it was only because they were too far away that he couldn't sense them. Once he drew nearer, perhaps the connection would return, and his Senior Brothers might still be alive.

Holding onto this thought, he kept the strand of hair, then utilized the auras of the Danqing stone and the saber to lock onto a direction in his mind, heading straight for it. He scaled mountains, waded rivers, cut through forests, moving like a swift bird crossing the sky, constantly employing the Minor Shift technique, his speed like lightning and flint, never pausing. His body was robust, his inner energy boundless. After a full day of travel, he had covered over a thousand li, arriving at a deep mountain range by evening. He passed through the dense, endless woods and came to the entrance of a valley. This valley was incredibly secluded; without guidance, it would be nearly impossible to find, hidden too deeply, and...