It was not I who provoked them; they came looking for trouble. Alas… I had no choice. I heard they are quite troublesome—a group of women.
Dugu Jinghua gave a gentle, knowing smile. “Sir has such a tender heart for the fairer sex; encountering them must indeed leave you feeling helpless. However, they are not easy opponents. They are much like your Cloud Ascendant Sect in the Great Li—their status is utterly supreme… But they are women; most possess narrow minds, dwelling on slights and unable to tolerate provocation.”
“Mmm, because there is a Grandmaster involved,” Li Muzhan nodded.
Dugu Jinghua said, “This Grandmaster conducts herself without the bearing of a true master, leaning entirely toward favoritism and protection without rhyme or reason. She is quite vexing; Sir should be careful.” She knew Li Muzhan was a Grandmaster, but Grandmasters have ranks. This Li Yubing was ancient, while Mr. Li was so young; he could not possibly contend with her.
Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly. “It’s too late for caution now. Since I have already provoked them, I can only find a way to deal with it.”
Dugu Jinghua pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “If I were Sir, I would find it best to avoid them altogether.” She knew men prided themselves on their reputation. Though Mr. Li was gentle as fine jade, he was still a man and could not lack competitive spirit; she didn't want to wound his pride.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “Ninth Maiden, you…”
Dugu Jinghua looked up. “Grandmasters should not fight; that is an unwritten rule. But it doesn't apply to Li Yubing; she is simply a madwoman. Why bother engaging with her?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Ninth Maiden’s goodwill is appreciated, but I truly wish to see what a Grandmaster is truly like.”
“Siiiir—!” Dugu Jinghua frowned, chiding him softly.
Li Muzhan chuckled warmly. “I have my own judgment. Don’t worry. If I can’t win, I’ll run. You know no one surpasses me in the art of escape!”
Dugu Jinghua pursed her lips into a faint smile, then furrowed her delicate brows, still unsatisfied. The fight between Grandmasters is often a matter of life and death in an instant; escape is impossible when the crucial moment arrives! She gazed at Li Muzhan, seeing his expression was calm and relaxed, and knew his mind was made up and unchangeable. Her bright eyes flickered cleverly, and various ideas surfaced in her mind.
Dugu Jinghua adopted a solemn look, letting out a soft huff. “She stirred up trouble between us and the Zhu family twice. When she saw we weren't falling for it, she quieted down.”
Li Muzhan laughed. “She always used the Zhu family as a chess piece to avoid suspicion. I didn't expect the Zhu family to be so difficult to handle; they didn't take the bait... At the crucial moment, the Four Great Families still need to stick together. Perhaps even the Emperor didn't anticipate that?”
Dugu Jinghua snorted. “That tactic has been worn threadbare for ages; it’s a wonder we didn't fall for it back then! …The Zhu family didn’t realize it initially, but now they’ve caught on!”
Li Muzhan sighed. “I just fear that if one scheme fails, a second will follow!”
Dugu Jinghua pursed her lips into a light smile and shook her head. “This time, she has her own troubles to deal with; she won't have time to meddle in our affairs!”
“Oh—?” Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, quite curious. Knowing it was the Four Great Families seeking revenge, he wondered what move they had planned.
“There are those rising in rebellion within Sichuan Province,” Dugu Jinghua announced.
Li Muzhan frowned. “Did you support them?”
Dugu Jinghua nodded slightly. “The Governor of Sichuan, Chen Feng, is a corrupt and cruel official, skilled only in flattering his superiors. The common folk are suffering unbearable hardships. This was the only way to get him transferred.” …, Li Muzhan slowly nodded. “The populace won’t be dragged into this, right?”
“The rebels slaughtered Chen Feng and then scattered. The Imperial authorities are only concerned with the pursuit; they won't have time to worry about the common folk?” Dugu Jinghua chuckled softly.
Li Muzhan looked at her, his thoughts racing like lightning, and he grasped the root of the matter. The Four Great Families must also have their own rules; they couldn't assassinate imperial officials, or the realm would descend into chaos. These rebels must have been secretly backed by the Four Great Families, providing funds, resources, and intelligence. Those people would be like fish in water; how could they possibly be caught?
Li Muzhan stated, “You need to be wary of the tail growing too big to manage.”
Hearing this, Dugu Jinghua understood that Li Muzhan had seen through the crux of the situation. She secretly praised him, thinking, As expected of Mr. Li, and smiled. “We are being cautious; there will be no lasting repercussions. It's also a method for keeping the Imperial Court in check.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Not losing that sense of dread is beneficial.” When officials lose their fear, they can do anything. Having a sword hanging over their heads that might fall at any moment benefits the common people.
He picked up a small booklet again. He possessed the ability to recall anything after a single glance; after flipping through it once, the contents were completely branded into his mind. Dugu Jinghua rested her chin on her left hand, watching him quietly, her bright eyes clear as water.
Li Muzhan stood up and stretched, his joints cracking like popping beans. Dugu Jinghua pushed a plate of pastries toward him. “Sir, please stay for supper. I will prepare Steamed Eight Treasure Meat.”
Li Muzhan laughed. “You’ll cook personally?”
Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly and nodded. Li Muzhan quickly agreed, “That’s wonderful! Hurry, then!”
Dugu Jinghua asked, “Do you want to see Xiao Heng?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Is he still clinging to Tang Tang?”
“Sigh…” Dugu Jinghua shook her head and sighed. “That boy—he’s completely bewitched by Tang Tang; he almost forgets his own surname!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “It’s his first time; it’s inevitable. It will fade after a while. Don't stop them; the more you restrain them, the more intense it becomes!”
Dugu Jinghua glanced at him sidelong. “Sir seems quite knowledgeable about this matter!”
Li Muzhan stroked his short beard and chuckled. “Just a bit of personal experience.”
Dugu Jinghua snorted. “Sir, when you like someone, you like them intensely at first, and then it slowly fades, is that it?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Isn't that how it is for everyone? Intense liking at the beginning, which naturally softens over time.”
Dugu Jinghua huffed. “No wonder!”
Li Muzhan sighed. “Forget it. It seems I am an unwelcome guest. I should be discreet and leave!”
“You are forbidden to leave!” Dugu Jinghua retorted, glaring at him with her bright eyes.
Li Muzhan stroked his beard and smiled. “Are you still inviting me to dinner?”
“Stay put, and leave after eating!” Dugu Jinghua rose in annoyance, moving with graceful, swaying steps. Li Muzhan watched her lithe, curvaceous back, secretly feeling a headache coming on.
At Yuanxin Temple, precisely at noon, Li Muzhan was in front of the main hall training two bears, teaching them to box. He directly projected his thoughts into the bears' minds; although they could not speak, they could comprehend his intentions. These two bears, though seemingly clumsy, were extremely agile, moving with incredible speed. Their thrusts and retreats possessed the swiftness of a gecko flicking out its tongue—still as a virgin, quick as a startled hare.
What Li Muzhan taught them was a set of Giant Spirit Palms, techniques actually derived from bear movements. The movements were expansive, deceptively slow yet actually swift, imbued with inexhaustible power. This Giant Spirit Palm contained a cultivation method; as the two bears practiced the palms, they naturally cultivated this method. The meridian structure of a bear’s body differed from a human’s; they lacked a few meridians, but those they possessed were thicker, allowing their cultivation progress to be extremely rapid.… He shouted a sharp command, urging the slightly lazy bears to continue practicing. Jikong approached, smiling broadly, and asked, “Master, what shall we have for lunch?”
“You decide. Just make them hurry up,” Li Muzhan replied. This disciple was excellent in every way—diligent and observant, serving him perfectly—except for one fatal flaw: his culinary skills were abysmal; nothing he cooked was edible. Li Muzhan was particular about food and naturally could not endure it, so he arranged for meals from Donglai Tower. He would place the order, and Jikong would fetch the food. Donglai Tower was the property of Steward Zheng, who refused payment from Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan was equally unpretentious; in return, he taught Zheng Xiao Si a set of boxing techniques, which was payment enough for the meals.
“Roger that, hehe…” Jikong agreed, chuckling when he saw the two bears stumble over each other, looking endearingly clumsy.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Don't laugh at them; you haven't progressed as fast as they have!”
Jikong lowered his head helplessly. “Yes, Disciple will certainly work hard!”
“Hurry back. Don't linger too long with Zheng Xiao Si!” Li Muzhan waved him off.
“Yes, Disciple is leaving now.” Jikong nodded quickly and darted away.
Li Muzhan glanced over. The leading woman was charmingly beautiful, while the other two were fair-featured, though not absolute stunners, yet their cool demeanor added to their radiance. Li Muzhan’s gaze was gentle; he put his palms together and smiled faintly. “Three female benefactors, have you come to offer incense at this humble temple?”
“Little monk, you are Zhanran?” the leading young woman asked, giggling.
Li Muzhan inclined his head slightly. “This humble monk is Zhanran.”
“One truly wouldn't have guessed; you actually managed to make Junior Sister Li and the others grit their teeth!” the woman chuckled slyly. “Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.”
Li Muzhan said softly, “So the three female benefactors are disciples of the Moli Palace. My apologies for the offense.”
“You know of our Moli Palace? Are you regretting it now?” The woman pursed her lips and smiled, her charm captivating, her glance glittering with shifting light.
Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. “Although Moli Palace is powerful, relying on strength to bully the weak—how could this humble monk ignore it!” He laughed inwardly; playing the part required saying what was expected of his role. All his verbose nonsense was precisely what fit the commonly understood tenets of a monk. Confronting them with immediate violence would be inappropriate. A little monk is expected to be wordy, persuasive, and eloquent—this is the true character of a Buddhist disciple, an embodiment of compassion. Resorting to blows instantly does not become a high monk. He needed to maintain the facade of a high monk—to preserve his image and increase credibility—not act purely on impulse. By his true nature, he would have fought without a word and driven them away.
“Hee hee… hee hee…” The woman burst into shaky laughter, as if she had heard the greatest joke.
Li Muzhan’s expression remained unchanged, and he smiled gently. “It would be best to turn hostility into friendship. What do the three benefactors think?”
“Little monk, we heard your cultivation is not insignificant. I didn’t expect you to be so pedantic,” the woman shook her head and smiled. “You must have heard how our Moli Palace conducts itself.”
Li Muzhan said, “The manner in which your Palace acts lacks tranquility; that is not fortunate.”
Li Muzhan sighed helplessly. The black bear standing quietly behind him let out a low roar, and its massive paw swept out.
“Bang!” The leading woman staggered back a step, and the black bear also swayed slightly before retreating.
The woman looked at the black bear in astonishment. “Oh? This brute has some skill!”
“Roar…” The black bear bellowed in anger, beating its chest before swiftly pouncing. The woman didn't draw her sword; her delicate jade palm met the attack lightly.
“Bang bang bang bang…” The woman and the bear fought in a tangle. The black bear was no match for the woman, occasionally taking a palm strike, but it seemed unaffected, growing only more enraged, its movements becoming even swifter. Li Muzhan stood to the side with his palms pressed together, chanting Amitabha Buddha, his expression serene, yet secretly lending strength to the black bear. Now, as his faith power grew, within a hundred meters, he could command as he wished—summoning wind, stirring clouds, or calling rain—all effects materialized instantly.
She let out a cold snort. “Little monk, do not blame me if I am ruthless!” A silver light rose from her waist, sweeping toward the black bear. The bear, undaunted, became even more ferocious. With a “Roar,” it lunged forward, and “Clang, clang, clang, clang…” the sword light scattered as it was struck by the bear’s paws. Occasionally, a sword gleam struck the black bear, but it was blocked, unable to penetrate. The internal energy Li Muzhan was channeling was a protective art that matched the bear's physique perfectly, making its power immense; swords striking its body felt like striking iron or stone.
“Huh…?” The other two women frowned upon seeing this. How could this black bear be so tenacious? Not only were its moves precise, but despite its lack of true mastery, it endured hits constantly. The terrifying thing was that its entire body was impervious to blades or spears. If this continued, it would be despairing—no matter how they struck, it was useless, a waste of effort. However, any brute-force defense has a weakness, a vital point. The woman fighting in the center understood this well. Her sword tip no longer struck randomly; instead, she aimed primarily for the black bear’s eyes. But the bear was clever and guarded its eyes well, its two paws never straying far from them. The black bear remained solid and composed, unhurried. Li Muzhan’s aura constantly enveloped it, so it felt no fear, only growing somewhat excited. It roared, and its movements accelerated.
“Two female benefactors, look here…?” Li Muzhan turned toward the other two women.
The two women glared coldly at him and huffed, “Little monk, are you behind this trickery?”
Li Muzhan feigned surprise. “Why do the two female benefactors say such a thing?”
A round-faced young woman snorted. “There’s no such thing as such a powerfully clumsy bear! You must be causing trouble, Senior Sister; let’s deal with him!”
The melon-faced young woman nodded slightly. “Agreed.”
As they spoke, sword light flashed, and the tips of two swords were suddenly before Li Muzhan’s chest. This thrust was executed with immense skill, making it impossible to defend against.
Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head. “The sea of suffering is boundless; turn back while there is time. To remain entangled in resentment is to find no peace, like falling into hell. Why live like this? Amitabha…”
As he spoke, the two women stopped, frozen in the posture of lunging forward, their sword tips only two inches from Li Muzhan’s throat. Li Muzhan seemed oblivious to the sword tips or the women's actions, turning his gaze to the black bear and the leading woman. Even though the bear's ferocity had been provoked, its paws remained fixed near its eyes.… Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed. This creature was truly intelligent, possessing spiritual awareness. People say bears are dull, but in truth, a bear’s intelligence far surpasses what ordinary people imagine.
The leading woman’s delicate face flushed crimson with anger, her bright eyes shooting cold glares, yet she was powerless against the black bear. Against an ordinary black bear, she could have killed it with a single sword stroke, but she was helpless against this one.
Li Muzhan sighed and said gently, “Female benefactor, why insist? Please stop!”
The woman suddenly retreated, and a cold gleam appeared—her sword tip reached Li Muzhan’s front. Li Muzhan shook his head, reaching out a finger to gently pinch the tip of the sword. He said softly, “Martial arts are a minor path; the divine power of Buddhism is vast. The female benefactor need not test it further.”
The woman turned to look at the other two, huffing, “Did you strike their pressure points?”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “This little monk knows nothing of pressure points.”
“Let go!” The woman twisted her wrist, pulling back her sword, but she didn't anticipate Li Muzhan suddenly releasing his grip. She staggered slightly, almost falling back, and glared hatefully at Li Muzhan before moving to stand beside the other two women. She didn't rush to release their pressure points but first felt their pulses. Their vital energy flowed smoothly, with no sign of stagnation or blockage; it truly wasn't acupoint striking.
“What kind of sorcery did you use?!” the woman turned and huffed.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Very well. Once I release them, the three female benefactors should depart.”
“Fine. If we can’t beat you, we certainly have no face to stay here!” the woman ground out through clenched teeth.
Li Muzhan let out a breath as if a great weight had been lifted and gently flicked his sleeve. The two women instantly shuddered and regained movement, rubbing their stiff thighs.