Li Muzhan said, “No rush. Tell me slowly. What exactly is going on?”

Zheng Xiaosi rushed to say, “Master, a group of ferocious beasts—lions and tigers—are coming from the west end, heading straight for our town!”

Li Muzhan frowned. “Is someone controlling them?”

Lions and tigers don’t travel together; their simultaneous appearance had to mean they were being manipulated. Whoever was behind this possessed considerable skill.

Zheng Xiaosi quickly replied, “It’s an old man.”

“Is he trying to enter the town?” Li Muzhan asked. “Where is he going?”

“He has Zhao Wuji with him,” Zheng Xiaosi added.

Li Muzhan mused, “Zhao Wuji? He found a helper to take revenge for him?”

“Yes. Zhao Wuji suddenly fled, and we couldn’t find him. We didn’t expect him to go find this sort of fellow. Those tigers and lions can truly eat people!”

Li Muzhan said, “Hmm. I will go meet him.”

He vanished in a flicker, gone from the spot. Just then, Jikong appeared. Zheng Xiaosi grabbed him, and the two bolted out, running toward the west end of the town.

When they reached the western edge, they saw Li Muzhan sitting cross-legged on a large stone. His eyes were slightly closed, palms pressed together in heshi, chanting scripture in a low, clear, gentle voice, each syllable falling like a polished pearl.

Opposite him was a stretch of woods, and before the woods, the gathering of beasts. Leading the pack were tigers—some pure white, some pure yellow, and some mottled yellow and white. Behind them were lions, both male and female, followed by leopards, with two bears interspersed in the group.

Though they were naturally majestic and terrifying, they were now lying quietly on the ground, seemingly asleep. Zhao Wuji and a purple-robed old man stood behind the beasts, their faces twisted into grimaces.

The old man was gaunt, his complexion sallow, as if recovering from a severe illness. A long flute was held horizontally across his lips, emitting a faint, mournful sound, like weeping and complaint.

Yet, this mournful sound could not suppress the clarity of Li Muzhan’s chanting. The purple-robed elder’s face grew increasingly savage, as if he were blowing the flute with every ounce of his strength.

Hearing Li Muzhan’s chant, the two felt their minds calm and their anger dissipate, even upon seeing Zhao Wuji. Looking at his vicious expression, they only felt he resembled a clown, inspiring an indescribable contempt and satisfaction.

Li Muzhan’s chanting grew louder, resonating like a bronze bell. Each word seemed to materialize, lingering in the air before drifting toward the small town behind them.

The sounds from the town seemed to diminish. Gradually, people began to arrive—first one or two, then a crowd, all drawn by the sound, gathering before Li Muzhan.

Jikong and Zheng Xiaosi exchanged a look, unsure what to do. Logically, the situation was perilous, but judging by their Master’s demeanor, it was nothing. They decided to stand aside and observe their Master’s abilities.

After a while, Li Muzhan stopped chanting, opened his eyes, scanned the assembled crowd, and smiled, pressing his palms together. “Esteemed benefactors, I apologize for the disturbance.”

“Master’s Buddhist teachings are truly profound—you have actually tamed these ferocious beasts!” Steward Zheng stood among the crowd, admiring the beasts opposite them.

Li Muzhan smiled gently. “These creatures possess wisdom. All sentient beings have Buddha-nature; upon hearing the sound of the sutras, they are moved and influenced.”

“It is truly the depth of Master’s Dharma,” Steward Zheng praised. “Without Master’s teachings, if these beasts had entered the town, we would have suffered greatly.”

Li Muzhan chuckled. “This matter was initiated by my junior disciple, so he should be the one to resolve it. Jikong, go.”

“Yes, Master!” Jikong, being quick-witted, understood Li Muzhan’s intention. He shot forward, plunging toward Zhao Wuji and the elder.

Zhao Wuji shouted, “Third Brother, be careful! This boy is a bit strange!”

“Insolent boy!” the purple-robed elder roared, suddenly striking down with a palm strike as swift as lightning.

Jikong had trained diligently in recent days, making his Arhat Fist increasingly proficient. He shifted his stance with a slight half-step sideways, dodging the palm while simultaneously driving his own fist toward the elder’s chest.

The Arhat Fist appeared straightforward, yet it possessed a peculiar quality. The purple-robed elder shrieked and scrambled backward, narrowly avoiding Jikong’s blow.

His face, already grim, turned ashen. He stared coldly at Jikong, his hands slowly expanding in girth. His ten fingers, once resembling withered claws, became thick and powerful, glowing a deep crimson like fresh blood.

Jikong immediately recognized the hands as unusual, clearly wielded by a strange palm technique that required caution. However, he possessed absolute faith in the Arhat Fist, especially with Li Muzhan nearby, who held the power of resuscitation—even injury wouldn't matter much. His courage soared. He struck before the elder could fully circulate his energy, unleashing another punch, light as if he were merely playing.

Everyone watched Jikong intently, a shade of worry coloring their anticipation. Jikong was well-liked; despite his recklessness, he possessed a chivalrous heart and was always willing to help. While some in town disliked him, most favored him. Seeing the purple-robed elder’s hands grow larger and more menacing while Jikong’s movements appeared ordinary, the crowd felt Jikong was at a disadvantage and worried for him.

Bang! The purple-robed elder met Jikong’s fist with a palm strike. Where the fist and palm connected, a muffled thud echoed. A ringing sound filled the ears of the onlookers, who immediately glanced nervously at the beasts. Though the animals remained placid, would this shock cause them to erupt violently? Their nature demanded flesh.

The purple-robed elder and Jikong both stepped back one pace. Jikong frowned, looking down at his hand. A layer of blackness was slowly receding, his internal energy automatically circulating to force out the poisonous vapor.

The purple-robed elder sneered and struck again. Jikong stepped forward, meeting the attack with a punch, but deliberately veering off the line of the elder’s palm to strike at a void point.

The two immediately locked into combat. The elder sought to land a solid hit, while Jikong avoided force with force, preferring to evade direct confrontation and strike at weaknesses. His fist technique was exquisite, often finding the fissures in the elder’s defense, leaving the elder breathless and wishing he could smash Jikong dead with one blow.

As the exchange continued, Jikong’s punches became faster. The elder was forced to abort his moves midway through, changing his technique. After a dozen exchanges, his internal energy began to surge turbulently, and he showed signs of instability. Every move he executed involved the circulation of internal force; altering his move mid-flow was like redirecting a mighty river. Once or twice was manageable, but after more than ten adjustments, his vital energy became somewhat disordered.

Bang! Jikong seized a momentary lull in the elder’s movements and suddenly slammed a punch into his chest. The purple-robed elder flew backward instantly.

Jikong moved like an arrow, following closely, and struck the airborne elder once more, sending him crashing heavily into a pine tree behind him.

Thump! Amidst the dull sound, pine needles rained down. The purple-robed elder slowly slid down and collapsed, his eyes closing in unconsciousness. Zhao Wuji cried out, “Third Brother!”

He lunged at Jikong, but Jikong sent him flying with a single punch. The power of the Arhat Fist was growing stronger; this punch was unleashed spontaneously, yet its force was boundless.

Crash! Zhao Wuji slammed into another pine tree, sliding down its trunk limply, spitting blood, his eyes dim and vacant.

Jikong huffed, “Zhao Wuji, we spared your life, yet instead of showing gratitude, you repaid kindness with enmity, bringing this man to harm us—truly a heinous crime!”

Li Muzhan said gently, “Jikong, that is enough. Send him to the magistrate.”

“Yes, Master,” Jikong replied respectfully, then turned to look at the herd of beasts. “Master, how should we handle them?”

These beasts were pleasing to look at, but keeping them would be a nightmare. How much meat would they consume in one sitting? Each one ate more than he did. Six tigers, six lions, six leopards, and two bears—together, they could bankrupt him in a single meal!

Li Muzhan pondered briefly, then sighed. “Release them back into the mountains.”

“…Yes.” Jikong reluctantly eyed the beasts. He rather liked them, but he simply couldn't afford to feed them, so they had to go.

Li Muzhan bowed to the crowd and slowly began walking away. The beasts rose and lazily followed him, keeping close.

The townsfolk parted widely, making way for the animals, afraid that a sudden whim might turn them into a meal. Only when the animals followed Li Muzhan away did the people dare to speak again.

Their main topic of discussion was why, after listening to Master Zhanran’s sutras, the beasts became as docile as kittens, following him obediently. This was truly a highly capable monk, possessing immense power. Seeing was believing; this level of Buddhist cultivation was indeed miraculous.

Jikong whispered a few words to Zheng Xiaosi, then quickly followed Li Muzhan, saying softly, “Master, I have already told Xiaosi to cripple the two of them, just sparing their lives.”

“Mmm,” Li Muzhan nodded. “This can be considered merit.”

“Master, what about these beasts?” Jikong turned, looking excitedly at the herd behind him, eager to try something.

Li Muzhan asked, “Do you have the capacity to care for them?”

Jikong recalled the Master’s two-month deadline. At the current pace, the outcome was uncertain, and truly dangerous. He needed to seize the time.

“…No, I don’t,” he shook his head helplessly.

Li Muzhan said, “Then release them into the forest and let them forage for themselves.”

Jikong worried, “I fear they might harm people. Who can manage so many ferocious creatures?”

Li Muzhan nodded. “It seems we must remove their fierce nature.”

“How, Master?”

“I will chant sutras for an hour every day to dissolve their aggressive qi,” Li Muzhan stated.

Jikong asked, “Will that be effective?”

Li Muzhan smiled. “We’ll try and see.”

They returned to Yuanxin Temple. The gates were wide open, and the beasts followed them inside, lying down on the blue brick floor, quietly watching Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan sat on a meditation cushion before the main hall and began chanting. They listened quietly, gradually drifting off to sleep, deeply peaceful.

Li Muzhan sighed. The issue of food for these beasts was indeed a problem. Although there was a mountain nearby with dense forest, the established power structure in the mountains meant their presence would inevitably trigger fierce battles. He needed to neutralize their aggressive energy before returning them to the wild.

Since they were carnivores and could not be changed to herbivores, keeping them from entering the mountain meant supplying them with meat. In desperation, Li Muzhan decided he had to spend money to avert disaster. After finishing his chanting, he instructed Jikong to fetch some silver from his quarters and go buy cooked meat in town. He needed to accustom them to eating cooked meat before their inherent wildness returned once the influence of his chanting faded.

Jikong shook his head in surprise as the beasts slept so soundly. He took Li Muzhan’s silver and headed to town. Soon after, he and Zheng Xiaosi returned with two carts piled high with cooked beef.

Their activity woke the beasts. They watched curiously as the two men busied themselves, presenting the cooked meat near their mouths, but they didn't eat. They were used to raw flesh and had never tasted cooked meat.

Li Muzhan whistled softly, and the beasts understood his meaning. They tentatively tried a few bites, but spat it out quickly; it clearly did not suit their taste.

Li Muzhan shook his head and returned to chanting sutras.

He chanted for one hour, rested for half an hour, then resumed for another hour, continuing this cycle until evening. While they slept soundly that night, Li Muzhan continued his practice the next morning, maintaining the one-hour chant, half-hour rest rhythm, and chanted continuously for seven days.

On the second day, the beasts, unable to endure hunger, began eating the cooked food. After seven days, they adapted, and surprisingly, they stopped accepting raw meat.

But the peaceful days lasted only a few more before new experts appeared in Donglai Town. This time, three Grandmasters arrived, intent on probing Li Muzhan’s true capabilities. Li Muzhan opened his eyes and regarded the little girl before him. Her pale, melon-seed face and a pair of curious eyes were fixed on him.

He seemed unconcerned with his own physical state, only curious about what he was doing.

Li Muzhan smiled. Madam Zhao quickly asked, “Master, is there any hope for Jing’er?”

Li Muzhan nodded. “It’s fine; no grave harm. She is congenitally weak, with insufficient lung energy. I will teach her a set of breathing exercises to practice slowly.”

“Thank you, Master!” Madam Zhao was overjoyed and immediately started to kowtow, but Li Muzhan gently waved her back. Madam Zhao felt an invisible force blocking her, making it impossible to kneel, which only increased her conviction that Master Zhanran possessed vast, divine powers.

Li Muzhan shook his head. “Benefactor Zhao, there is no need. Miss Zhao’s vitality is not extinguished. If she begins practicing right away, she will certainly escape this fate.”

Madam Zhao said, “Jing’er, why don't you thank the Master quickly!”

“Thank you, Master,” Jing’er smiled faintly, her voice soft. “Master, will I really not die?”

She looked at Li Muzhan with a mixture of innocence and curiosity, a faint smile on her lips.

Li Muzhan nodded. “It’s nothing to worry about. Rest assured, once you master the skill, you will become stronger than ordinary girls.”

Jing’er laughed, “Then I won’t have to leave Mother to go to the netherworld?”

Li Muzhan nodded. “Mmm, you will stay with your mother for a long time.”

“That’s wonderful,” Jing’er said happily. “I don’t want to leave Mother!”

Madam Zhao expressed her gratitude. “Master, I truly don’t know how to thank you. The grace of saving a life—I have no way to repay it!”

Li Muzhan said, “Benefactor Zhao, there is no need. Saving a life surpasses building a seven-story pagoda; this is my merit as well. Miss Jing’er, I shall impart the method to you.”

“Mmm,” Jing’er nodded, watching him curiously.

Li Muzhan lightly touched her forehead with his left index finger. She immediately closed her eyes, motionless as if frozen. Madam Zhao watched, holding her breath.

A moment later, Li Muzhan withdrew his hand. Jing’er opened her eyes; they seemed brighter, looking at him sharply. “Is this cultivation?”

Li Muzhan smiled. “Isn't it very simple?”

“Mmm, it’s very easy,” Jing’er nodded gently and smiled. “Can practicing this truly save my life?”

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “If you practice for a month, you will be able to walk normally.”

“Great! Then I’ll try,” Jing’er replied with a smile.

Li Muzhan stepped down from the kang. “Benefactor Zhao, I will return now. If anything is amiss, you may come find me.”

With that, he turned and left. Madam Zhao tried to say more, but Li Muzhan ignored her and departed the small courtyard.

On the way back, Jikong asked, “Master, can you really save that little girl?”

“Mmm,” Li Muzhan nodded. “Her vital essence is depleted, and her constitution is too weak. She needs slow recuperation.”

“Then why couldn’t Divine Physician Li manage it?” Jikong asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head. “Her life force was fading; medicine cannot cure a condition beyond the physician’s scope. I have instilled a spark of vitality in her, allowing her to rise again through the opportunity of cultivation.”

“Truly Master’s divine ability,” Jikong exclaimed happily.

Li Muzhan said, “Life and death are ordained. Her encountering me is fate—her life was not meant to end. …If you dawdle, and you don't reach the Grandmaster realm in two months, you need not follow me anymore.”

“Yes, Master, I will fight for it!” Jikong was startled and nodded repeatedly. He felt even more certain that he had chosen the right master; being expelled would truly mean the end of his ambition.

In the following days, Yuanxin Temple became lively. Madam Zhao was quick with gossip, and everyone in town learned of Li Muzhan’s capabilities—his power to restore life. Anyone suffering from a terminal illness flocked to seek his help.

Li Muzhan treated all these terminal cases, but turned away those with common ailments, instructing them to see Divine Physician Li instead. Donglai Town only had about a thousand people, and soon, everyone who needed help had been seen.

Li Muzhan’s fame grew ever larger, and the incense offerings at Yuanxin Temple flourished. The people spontaneously started fundraising to recast the golden statue, but he refused. He sought their trust in him, the living practitioner. If the golden statue were recast, all that accrued belief would transfer to the Buddha, leaving him with nothing. He would have labored in vain, so he naturally wouldn't permit it.

Seeing his firm stance, the townspeople admired his generosity even more. They did not press the matter, as recasting the statue would require immense expenditure, a huge burden for them all.

One morning, Li Muzhan returned from the Cloud Soaring Sect and practiced his fist forms in the open ground before the main hall. He was executing the Arhat Fist, a style selected from the secret manuals of the Cloud Soaring Sect—a technique of unparalleled subtlety.

This fist style appeared utterly unremarkable, its sweeping motions simple, resembling a beginner’s technique. Most people could not perceive its profound intricacies or destructive power. Although the Cloud Soaring Sect had another Grandmaster, this master was always traveling the world, remaining hidden to experience worldly affairs, rarely appearing at the sect or having time to study the martial arts manuals. For a Grandmaster, these manuals were mere flourish; even the most potent moves were like children playing against adults—no amount of trickery mattered. Only Li Muzhan had the patience to sift through these texts and, relying on his sharp intuition, discover the subtle essence and power of this Arhat Fist.

He hadn’t had the chance to fully display it, so he passed it on to Jikong and Zheng Xiaosi as a test. The results were excellent; their cultivation advanced rapidly. Continuing at this pace, both would reach the Grandmaster realm within two months.

As he was practicing, Zheng Xiaosi suddenly pushed open the main gate and rushed in, his expression filled with anxiety and worry. He called out loudly, “Master!”

Li Muzhan slowed his movements, finishing his stance, and looked over. Zheng Xiaosi, dressed in fine silk robes, looked every bit the wealthy young master, but his face was currently pale.

Li Muzhan frowned. “What happened?”

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