Guo Jian slowly turned his head, his face grim. “Third Brother, accept my condolences.

The dead cannot be brought back. That’s how it is for us martial artists; we never know when our lives might end.

No matter how high our martial arts skill, it’s useless!” The portly elder clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s enough that you’ve avenged your wife and the Young Valley Master!” Guo Jian slowly shook his head, his voice husky.

“This vengeance... I fear...

cannot be taken!” “Isn’t that brat still inside? How can it be impossible?” The stout elder asked.

“Can’t the rest of us old fellows handle this youngster?!” “Sigh…” Guo Jian shook his head. The stout elder chuckled.

“What about the Cloud Vane Sect? The Cloud Vane Sect has Grandmasters, but not everybody is a Grandmaster.

Does such a mere child dare to bully our Sunset Valley? What do they take us for here at Sunset Valley!” “Enough, Fifth Brother!” Guo Jian waved his hand, sighing.

“That brat is a Grandmaster!” The stout elder burst into laughter. “Third Brother, what time is it for jokes!” “I’m not joking!” Guo Jian frowned, snapping irritably.

“I was thrown out by him. I didn't even have the strength to fight back!” “Really?” The stout elder was momentarily stunned, then frowned.

“Isn’t he barely over twenty? How can he be a Grandmaster?

You must be mistaken!” “I don’t know what a Grandmaster looks like, but standing before him, I had absolutely no power to resist. Even if ten or twenty of us were tied together, it would be the same!” Guo Jian shook his head.

“There’s no such thing as a twenty-something Grandmaster in this world, Third Brother. You must have been fooled by him.

Come on, let’s call Fourth Brother and Second Brother, and we’ll all go in together!” The stout elder said nonchalantly. Guo Jian frowned in thought, swayed by the stout elder’s words.

A Grandmaster in his twenties was simply too shocking. If someone could reach that level so young, then their own decades of arduous cultivation had been utterly wasted—a source of deep shame!

Without waiting for Guo Jian to reply, the stout elder turned and called out loudly, “Second Brother, Fourth Brother! Hurry up, hurry up!” Two slender elders floated over.

One, with a long, thin face, spoke up. “What’s the fuss, Fifth Brother?

You haven't gone in to take care of that brat yet, and you’re already flustered!” “Third Brother is even more anxious than I am!” The stout elder waved his hand. “He got the worst of it at that brat’s hands and still insists the kid is some Grandmaster.

I refuse to believe it!” “A Grandmaster?” The long-faced elder frowned. “He’s barely twenty, right?

Where does a Grandmaster come from when one is only in their twenties? That’s a joke!” “I said the same thing!

But Third Brother is standing firm, insisting the brat is a Grandmaster.” The stout elder glanced smugly at Guo Jian. Guo Jian shook his head.

“Second Brother, that kid is sinister. Even if he isn’t a Grandmaster, he’s terrifying enough.

The few of us probably won't manage.” “Is he an immortal?” The long-faced elder waved his hand. “If the few of us can’t manage, then anyone else coming will also be useless.

Come on, let’s go in and see for ourselves!” Guo Jian opened his mouth, then closed it again. Hearing is deceptive; seeing is believing.

The matter was truly too incredible for words. Even if he exhausted himself trying to explain, it would be futile.

It was better to experience it firsthand. The four floated through the curtain and entered the main hall.

Li Muzhan, Zhou Zhiheng, and Wu Feifan sat quietly in their chairs, watching the four elders coolly. The four elders’ gazes swept over the three like lightning, landing on Li Muzhan’s face.

Suddenly, the hall brightened as if a dozen tallow candles had been lit. Li Muzhan spoke calmly.

“Are you all still not giving up?” “Li Wuji, are you truly a Grandmaster?” The stout elder eyed him askance, looking him up and down. “We’ve heard your name.

In the capital’s Zhu family affair, you were finally assassinated by experts from the Imperial Court, yet you returned from the dead—quite a skill. However, our Sunset Valley is no Zhu family!” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Oh—? Does that mean Sunset Valley surpasses the Zhu family?” “How long has the Zhu family existed?

Our Sunset Valley has a lineage stretching back long before the Li Dynasty. How can they be compared to the mere Zhu family?” The stout elder said proudly.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. “The Zhu family has hundreds of peak Grandmasters.

I wonder if Sunset Valley has any?” “Empty bragging!” The stout elder pouted. Li Muzhan sighed.

“Looking at the sky from the bottom of a well—that’s all this is. Do you think the Four Great Clans achieved their reputation through mere vanity?

Do you not realize how abundant the talent is within those Four Great Families!… Not every martial artist is content to live in obscurity like those in Sunset Valley. After cultivating profound martial arts, who can be satisfied merely living a quiet life without dedicating themselves to the Emperor’s service?

Countless masters seek allegiance with the Four Great Clans, and the elites cultivated by the Four Great Clans themselves are unparalleled. Sunset Valley is sequestered in a corner.

In terms of influence, wealth, or talent—which aspect can compare to the Four Great Clans?” After he spoke so much in one breath, the expressions of the four elders shifted slightly. Li Muzhan continued, “Putting everything else aside, I doubt I could even force my way into the Four Great Clans; your Sunset Valley is far behind.

For me, coming and going as I please, no one can stop me. Against an opponent like the Four Great Clans, you would be the first to be annihilated!” “Nonsense!” The stout elder roared.

Li Muzhan said, “You have been sequestered in a corner for too long; your perspective is limited, and you cannot see the vastness of the world or the abundance of talent. You merely assume that because Sunset Valley has a long history, your martial arts are supreme, unrivaled by anyone.

Little do you know that the martial arts of the Four Great Clans are secret techniques of the Imperial Palace, all possessing astonishing power. Your martial arts at Sunset Valley fall far short!” “The brat is speaking nonsense!

Take this palm strike!” The stout elder bellowed, his face turning red as he struck out with his palm. But as soon as he assumed the posture, his body became rigid and unable to move.

An invisible force restrained him, as if he were frozen. Exerting all his strength was useless.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. “Good medicine tastes bitter, and loyal advice is unpleasant to hear.

Since you cannot listen to this, Sunset Valley has ended up in this sorry state!… Furthermore, you are arrogant and presumptuous, daring to kill disciples of my Cloud Vane Sect. If the Sect Master hadn't always been benevolent and issued me a non-killing order, I would have wiped out Sunset Valley today!” “Nonsense!

Utter nonsense!” The stout elder cursed angrily. Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly, and the cursing abruptly ceased.

The stout elder opened and closed his mouth, but no sound emerged; he could only glare fiercely at Li Muzhan. “Fifth Brother?” The long-faced elder frowned and stepped forward to check on him.

The moment his palm touched the stout elder’s body, his own body instantly stiffened. He too was bound by an invisible force, unable to move.

His face turned red as he struggled violently, but it was as useless as being frozen in place, no matter how he thrashed. His internal energy would not move at all, like stagnant water, refusing his command.

The other two elders, just about to move, immediately froze as well. Li Muzhan shook his head.

“Do you believe me now?” He rose and walked up to the four elders, hands clasped behind his back, pacing a few steps. He sighed.

“Every offense has its perpetrator, and every debt has its collector. I have already eliminated the main culprit.

You should choose a new Valley Master. If you still refuse to yield, do not blame me for showing no mercy.” He turned his head.

“Senior Brother Zhou, Senior Brother Wu, shall we go?” “Just like that?” Wu Feifan quickly asked, smiling. “I haven’t had enough fun yet.” He watched with eager eyes.

Li Muzhan hadn't even needed to strike; the four elders had already lost all ability to act. To subdue an army without a fight was truly astonishing and marvelous to witness.

Li Muzhan said, “Senior Sister has been worried about you two brothers. Let’s return quickly.

As for these people, I presume they will have the sense to behave.” “Junior Brother Wu, that’s enough. Know when to stop!” Zhou Zhiheng said.

Wu Feifan scrutinized the four elders and sighed. “It’s far too lenient for them.

They tormented us both quite severely back then!” “The man is already dead; why dwell on it further!” Zhou Zhiheng replied. Wu Feifan nodded reluctantly.

“Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you, Senior Brother Zhou!” He turned. “Junior Brother Li, then let’s go.

It’s truly letting Sunset Valley off too easily!” Li Muzhan nodded, a smile appearing on his face. He cupped his hands toward the four elders.

“Farewell. There is no need to see us off!” The three floated out of the main hall.

The moment they vanished, the figures of the four elders moved, regaining their freedom. The stout elder darted across the hall, his agility even more pronounced than that of a youth.

“Fifth Brother!” The long-faced elder shouted sharply. The stout elder flashed back.

“Second Brother?” The long-faced elder sighed. “Forget it!” “Forget it?

What do you mean, forget it?” The stout elder, face flushed, snorted. “If we can’t beat him, let’s call all our senior and junior brothers, even invite our Master!

I don’t believe we can’t handle this fellow!” “We can’t beat him!” The long-faced elder sighed and shook his head. “It seems he wasn’t lying; he really is a Grandmaster.” “Impossible!” The stout elder exclaimed.

“At his young age, how could he possibly be a Grandmaster?” “There is no ‘impossible’!” The long-faced elder shook his head. “The world is vast and full of wonders.

It’s nothing unusual for someone to become a Grandmaster in their twenties; some people possess innate enlightenment.” “Then we just won’t avenge the Young Valley Master?” the stout elder cried out. “How can we avenge him?” The long-faced elder shook his head and sighed.

“I always thought being a Grandmaster wasn't that significant, but now I see his words were true. A Grandmaster is invincible.

Unless our Sunset Valley also produces a Grandmaster, we must not provoke the Cloud Vane Sect!… The Young Valley Master was spoiled by his wife over the years—arrogant and ignorant. Daring to kill a disciple of the Cloud Vane Sect was tantamount to seeking his own death.

He has no one to blame but himself!” “Then where is the honor of Sunset Valley now?” the stout elder cried out, unwilling to accept it. The long-faced elder snorted.

“Is honor more important than living?… Cultivate diligently! As long as we become Grandmasters, we can naturally take this revenge!

Otherwise, don’t even mention it!” “But…” The stout elder drooped his head, looking dejected. “No buts!

The proper thing to do is cultivate diligently. Otherwise, if he truly flies into a rage, he could annihilate us.

That would be a grave sin!” The long-faced elder snorted. Li Muzhan and the other two floated out of Sunset Valley.

Some disciples tried to stop them, but before they could move, they immediately froze. In that brief pause, Li Muzhan and the other two were gone.

Once outside Sunset Valley, Li Muzhan quickly said, “Senior Brothers, you two head back slowly. I’ll go ahead first and report the good news to Senior Sister.

How about that?” “Heh heh, how is Senior Sister Feng?” Wu Feifan teased. Zhou Zhiheng also smiled knowingly.

Among the disciples of the Cloud Vane Sect, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were always together, naturally suggesting they were deeply fond of each other—a perfect match of talent and beauty. While they felt resentment and dismay that such a flower was "stuck on cow dung," Li Muzhan had mastered the Returning Jade Scripture, forcing them to suppress their frustration and melancholy.

Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Sister has been worried.

She’s had a bit of a temper these past two days. If I don’t go back soon, the Wind Thunder Gate is going to suffer.” “We really thank Senior Sister Feng for her concern.

We will return on our own. Junior Brother, you go ahead.” Zhou Zhiheng said.

Wu Feifan chuckled merrily. “We owe you this time, Junior Brother.

Otherwise, we would have truly lost our little lives and gone for reincarnation. I’ll treat you to a good meal when we get back!” Li Muzhan laughed.

“Great, I’ll be waiting for that. Don't forget when we return to the sect, Senior Brother Wu!” “Don’t worry, I won’t forget!” Wu Feifan slapped his chest.

Li Muzhan smiled. “Very well, I will take my leave first.

Senior Brother Zhou, Senior Brother Wu, once you return, quickly tend to your injuries; don’t delay.” “Yes, yes, we know.” Wu Feifan waved his hand. The Cloud Vane Sect possessed a profound and miraculous healing art—the Extraordinary Vitality Technique.

Now, with the nourishment of Li Muzhan’s internal energy, their injuries had already improved. With the aid of the healing technique, their recovery would be even faster, and they would return to normal soon.

Li Muzhan waved to the two and suddenly vanished. Wu Feifan sighed in admiration.

“Truly a Grandmaster. That cultivation method…” “We might as well not even think about it!” Zhou Zhiheng shook his head and sighed.

“We’ve truly lost all face this time!” Wu Feifan laughed. “What’s losing face worth compared to getting our little lives back!… It seems the outside world is truly unsafe.

We need to cultivate our martial arts to be stronger before venturing out.” “Mmm, I need to tell everyone,” Zhou Zhiheng nodded. The two spoke as they sped over the treetops, their figures like streaks of lightning, merely two shadows.

“Senior Brother Zhou, do you think Junior Brother Li and Senior Sister Feng are really a couple?” Wu Feifan asked. Zhou Zhiheng shook his head.

“Who knows? They look like it, but Senior Sister Feng is like an ice maiden.

Does she truly understand romantic feelings?” “You’re wrong about that. The colder they seem, the more intense their inner emotions,” Wu Feifan shook his head repeatedly, filled with regret and indignation.

“What a pity for Junior Brother Li!” “If Junior Brother Li heard you say that, you’d regret saving your own life!” Zhou Zhiheng replied. Wu Feifan laughed.

“That’s a different matter; they can’t be mixed up!” As evening approached, the sun sank in the west. Feng Mingxue paced in a small courtyard, hands behind her back.

This was a small, elegant courtyard within the Wind Thunder Gate, featuring rockeries and bamboo groves, possessing a certain charm. Feng Mingxue, dressed in a gown of snow-white silk, looked like an immortal fairy, quietly observing the crimson glow in the west.

The sunset painted her cheeks exquisitely, and her bright eyes flickered with deep thought. “Tap, tap.” Someone knocked outside.

Feng Mingxue spoke gently. “Sect Master Hu, please come in.” Hu Baorui, clad in dark robes, pushed the door open and entered, smiling.

“Miss Feng, it’s time for dinner. Why don’t you join me?” Feng Mingxue said faintly.

“Sect Master Hu need not be so polite. Just have someone send the food over; there’s no need to trouble you personally.” “What kind of talk is that!” Hu Baorui chuckled.

“I must fulfill my duties as host. Otherwise, if Young Hero Li returns, he will blame me!” “I prefer quiet and dislike crowds.

I appreciate Sect Master Hu’s kind intentions, but I must decline.” Hu Baorui dared not press further, smiling. “Miss Feng, there’s no need to worry.

With Young Hero Li’s martial arts, Sunset Valley cannot harm him!” Feng Mingxue nodded slightly. “I’m not worried about Junior Brother; I’m worried about the two Senior Brothers… Never mind, Sect Master Hu need not stay with me.” Hu Baorui laughed.

“I’m bored anyway. It’s good to talk with Miss Feng and broaden my horizons.

Sunset Valley has truly gone mad, daring to assassinate Young Hero Li in the capital. Alas…” He shook his head as he spoke, wearing an expression of disbelief.

Feng Mingxue said faintly, “Youthful ignorance leads to fearless action. It is the fault of the elders for not teaching them well.” “I hear Madam Guo doted on her precious son, spoiling him so much that he believes he is the greatest in the world and no one should ever offend him,” Hu Baorui shook his head.

“I am thankful that I governed Tianzheng well. Though that child is immature, he isn't so reckless.

Thank heavens.” Feng Mingxue frowned. “I worry that Junior Brother will wipe out Sunset Valley in a fit of anger, which would cause a great disaster!” “Heh heh…” Hu Baorui chuckled, inwardly unconvinced but showing nothing.

He smiled. “I believe Young Hero Li is a benevolent person; he wouldn’t be so ruthless.” Feng Mingxue sighed, shaking her head.

“Normally, Junior Brother is easygoing and tolerant, but once his bottom line is crossed, his methods are harsher than anyone else’s.” “I think Young Hero Li is a wise man; he won’t do that,” Hu Baorui said with a smile. Feng Mingxue gazed toward the western sky, shaking her head and sighing.

“Alas… I hope so.” “Senior Sister, what bad things are you saying about me!” Li Muzhan suddenly appeared, smiling broadly. Feng Mingxue quickly said, “You’re finally back!

How are the two Senior Brothers?” “Mmm, thankfully I arrived in time and saved them. They are already returning to the Sect now,” Li Muzhan said with a smile.

“Thank heavens!” Feng Mingxue clasped her hands toward the sky in prayer, then quickly asked, “Then you didn’t cause too much trouble for Sunset Valley, did you?” “I killed Madam Guo and Guo Siyuan,” Li Muzhan said casually. Feng Mingxue frowned.

“You killed them?” Li Muzhan said, “They knew the identities of the Senior Brothers and dared to torture them to extract the Sect’s internal cultivation methods—truly audacious and wildly ambitious!” Feng Mingxue’s delicate face darkened. Such methods were a major taboo in the martial world; they were far too low.

It was utterly unlike the conduct expected of Sunset Valley. Li Muzhan said, “Their methods were mere child’s play compared to what the Senior Brothers knew.

They couldn't possibly extract anything, and in the end, they resorted to murder.” He winked, and Feng Mingxue knew there was more to the story. “They deserved to die!” “Young Hero Li, are you saying Madam Guo and Guo Siyuan are already dead?” Hu Baorui interjected, staring nervously at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan nodded slightly and smiled. “Mmm, unless they can also be resurrected, their souls have scattered by now!… Thank you for your care these past two days, Sect Master Hu.

We must be taking our leave.” Hu Baorui quickly replied, “Not at all, it was what I should do!… Did Young Hero Li really enter Sunset Valley?” Li Muzhan nodded. “Mmm.

No wonder they were so bold. That place is indeed hidden, and they set up a series of interlocking formations—it truly is impregnable.” Hearing this, Hu Baorui hurried to say, “That formation is the most vexing!

I lost many men trying, but I could never break through the defenses to get inside!… Young Hero Li has incredible skill!” Li Muzhan smiled, then pulled a white jade pendant from his robes and handed it over. It was palm-sized, intricately carved with the image of a high mountain.

Li Muzhan smiled. “Sect Master Hu, this is my token of recognition.” Hu Baorui quickly accepted it with both hands.

The surface felt warm and smooth, and his mind suddenly cleared, as if a basin of clear water had been poured over his head, making his thoughts exceptionally lucid. Li Muzhan said, “Hold this token, and I promise to help you with a small favor.” “Heh heh, thank you, Young Hero Li!” Hu Baorui’s eyes immediately lit up, and he scrambled to say, “How can I accept such a generous offer?

I only helped with a minor matter!” Li Muzhan smiled. “Without Sect Master Hu’s help, I fear I wouldn’t have found the two Senior Brothers in time to save them.

That was no small favor!” Feng Mingxue said faintly, “Sect Master Hu, Junior Brother recognizes objects, not people. Do not lose it.” “Yes, yes, I shall receive it with humility!” Hu Baorui nodded repeatedly, carefully tucking the pendant into his robes, barely suppressing a smile.

“Young Hero Li will surely succeed brilliantly. I shall host a banquet tonight to celebrate your victory.” Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled.

“No need for a celebration banquet. We still need to return to the Sect.

Sect Master Hu, we won't impose further. Farewell!” “It’s not too late to leave after dinner,” Hu Baorui insisted.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, looking at Feng Mingxue. She nodded slightly, and the two instantly vanished.

The small courtyard was suddenly empty. Hu Baorui stared blankly for a moment, then retrieved the white jade pendant from his robes, a broad smile blooming on his face.

“Father—?” Hu Tianzheng, clad in dark robes, strode in. He looked around briefly and asked quietly, “Why is Miss Feng not here?” “Miss Feng?

She has already left,” Hu Baorui said with a smile. “Gone?” Hu Tianzheng was instantly disappointed.

“Why did she leave so suddenly?… Did I say something wrong and anger Miss Feng?” “Impudent boy, put away those petty thoughts of yours. It’s impossible!” Hu Baorui said irritably.

Hu Tianzheng quickly replied, “Father, you underestimate me too much! I don’t have such ulterior motives; I just wanted to look at Miss Feng a bit longer!” “A toad shouldn't dream of eating swan meat!

You are far, far behind the standard set by Young Hero Li. Only when you reach that level can you entertain such ideas!” Hu Baorui shook his head.

Hearing his father mention Li Muzhan, Hu Tianzheng’s face immediately fell. He snorted, “I know!” “You still can’t see the relationship between Miss Feng and Young Hero Li?

If you harbor any improper thoughts, you risk angering Young Hero Li!” Hu Baorui warned. “What’s so great about angering him!” Hu Tianzheng pouted.

Hu Baorui shook his head, carefully placing the white jade pendant back into his robes. Hu Tianzheng quickly asked, “Father, what is that?” Hu Baorui proudly dangled the jade pendant before Hu Tianzheng.

“This is a parting gift from Young Hero Li—his token. Holding this jade pendant, you can ask him for one favor in the future.” Hu Tianzheng pouted, dismissive.

“What arrogant talk!” Hu Baorui said, “You boy, you don’t know the immensity of heaven and earth!… Alright, hurry up and send someone to inquire about any changes at Sunset Valley.” “Mmm, fine.” Hu Tianzheng reluctantly agreed, glanced sideways at the jade pendant, and turned to leave.

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue flashed into existence on Hengbo Island. Feng Mingxue glanced around, recognizing Li Muzhan's small courtyard, and chuckled, "Why are you back?"

"It's not advisable to return to the capital right now, so I thought I'd stay here for a while," Li Muzhan replied.

"Yes, that's fine too." Feng Mingxue nodded, moved into the east side room, and soon returned to the courtyard with a teapot and tea cups.

Li Muzhan was already seated in the small pavilion. She sat opposite him, poured the tea, and looked over with bright eyes, "Have the two senior brothers not been rescued yet?"

"They weren't harmed. I wouldn't kill them; at most, I would cripple their martial arts. When I arrived, the two senior brothers had already been buried for two days."

Feng Mingxue’s bright eyes widened, "They could still be saved from that?"

"It wasn't my doing. It was because Senior Brother Zhou and Senior Brother Wu used the Zhe Long Shu (Stinging Dragon Technique), leaving a sliver of life force, which is how they were saved."

"Zhe Long Shu..." Feng Mingxue nodded. She was also aware of this secret art—a miraculous technique for saving lives in critical moments. Any disciple of the Yunxiao Sect, upon facing inevitable death, was required to perform the Zhe Long Shu before passing.

"If it weren't for the Zhe Long Shu, the two senior brothers would truly be dead. Guo Siyuan tortured them for information, and Madam Guo knew and moved to silence them—their crime deserves death!"

"This matter must still be reported to the Sect Master," Feng Mingxue stated.

Li Muzhan nodded, "I'll go see the Sect Master shortly. Senior Sister, you should go into seclusion for a while."

"Yes, that's exactly what I intended." Feng Mingxue nodded lightly, then added, "You can't let go of the Dugu family, can you?"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "I can't just stand by and watch..."

"If you oppose the Imperial Palace's inner court, you are no longer a Grandmaster. Be extremely careful in everything," Feng Mingxue sighed.

She knew she couldn't persuade Li Muzhan; once his mind was set, no one could change it. She could only urge him to be cautious and prudent.

"Senior Sister, rest assured," Li Muzhan replied.

Li Muzhan stayed at the Yunxiao Sect for two days. During this time, he was summoned by the Sect Master, Yi Xingzhi, who inquired about the incident at Luoxia Valley. Yi Xingzhi expressed his approval of Li Muzhan's actions.

Though he was a benevolent person, harming disciples of the sect was something he could not overlook. Recruiting disciples for the Yunxiao Sect was difficult; sometimes, they couldn't find a single one in a year. Every disciple was exceptionally precious and must not be lost.

The insignificant Luoxia Valley dared to harm Yunxiao Sect disciples, and Li Muzhan's handling somewhat restored the sect's waning authority. The prestige of Yunxiao Sect had indeed been damaged and needed to be reasserted.

However, since Luoxia Valley had already been dealt with, it was not wise to act further for now, and no other factions had yet provoked them, so this assertion of authority would require finding another suitable opportunity.

Li Muzhan settled down contentedly for two days. In the interim, he visited the Jiutian Xuannü Sect to recount his actions. Hai Yulan applauded, remarking that his handling was perfectly appropriate. She suspected Luoxia Valley would conceal the news, thus preserving his identity as a Grandmaster.

As for the matter concerning the two of them, progress was slow. Fu Feihong showed no sign of relenting and intended to stall. Li Muzhan and Hai Yulan were no longer in a hurry either; since they could meet whenever they wished and go out when they pleased, this secretive approach was perhaps more amusing.

On the evening of the third day, Li Muzhan was reading in the small courtyard, poring over a martial arts manual from the Yunxiao Sect, studying it meticulously.

Once one ascended to the Grandmaster realm, martial arts techniques became a minor matter. Even the most exquisite martial arts were useless before a Grandmaster; the true measure was the manipulation of the surrounding environment.

He had previously focused intensely on strengthening his spirit, slackening his martial arts cultivation. But now that he had encountered a Sacred Artifact upon entering the capital and regressed to the level of a Zongshi (Master), he had to pick up his martial arts practice again.

He wanted to find a palm or fist technique that could rival the martial arts of the Four Great Families, but unfortunately, the Yunxiao Sect excelled in swordplay, and their close-combat techniques were lacking.

The martial arts manuals for fist and footwork within the sect were all gathered by disciples over centuries or millennia of accumulation, resulting in a massive collection.

When he went to examine them, he found four entire halls dedicated solely to fist and footwork manuals. He flipped through them one by one, and relying on his keen intuition, he selected ten volumes.

These ten manuals all exuded a peculiar strangeness, differing from ordinary martial arts.

He had already begun flipping through the first one. As the sun set, he sat quietly in the small pavilion, his expression serene. Suddenly, his face shifted almost imperceptibly. He set down the manual, vanished instantly, and the next moment appeared at the Dugu Residence.