Li Muzhan pressed his palms together and bowed, saying, "Forgive this humble monk's lack of hospitality." The young married woman pouted charmingly, "Monk Zhanran, you've certainly bested us. The Moli Palace will not let this matter rest!"

Li Muzhan sighed deeply, shaking his head helplessly. "This monk wishes to avoid trouble, yet I do not fear it. If the Moli Palace truly refuses to let go, even a monk has a temper."

"Oh? The little monk has a temper too, rare, rare!" The woman gave him a sultry glance. "Endless prattling, truly sounds like a man!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "One who has taken the vows transcends the Five Elements and exists outside the mortal world."

"Fine, fine, I can't be bothered arguing with you, you stinking monk. Farewell!" The woman waved her hand briskly and turned to leave.

Li Muzhan saw them to the temple gate, offered a hand salute, and watched them depart. Just then, Jikong was rushing toward the temple, carrying a wooden box, his feet moving like the wind, the box remaining perfectly steady.

Seeing the three women slowly walking out of the temple, curiosity flared in his mind. He suddenly accelerated, brushing past them.

The three women glanced back at him, then at Li Muzhan, and let out a soft sneer. Jikong’s hair stood on end, and he shivered involuntarily.

"Master, who were they? They are not good people!" He sprinted up to Li Muzhan, holding the wooden box.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "People from the Moli Palace. Next time, remember to be more prepared. If they had truly attacked just now, could you have evaded them?"

"No way?" Jikong sounded a little uncertain.

He recalled the feeling from moments ago and knew they had intended to strike, but seemed hesitant, ultimately holding back. These three women gave him a bad feeling; he was definitely no match for them.

Li Muzhan said, "Be more careful next time. Let's go."

"Right away, Master! I ordered two meat dishes today to treat you!" Jikong said with an ingratiating smile.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Mmm, meat passes through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart. Let's go eat."

"Yes." Jikong secretly chuckled but maintained a solemn and serious expression, nodding deeply as he carried the wooden box inside. He saw two black bears lounging on the ground, slacking off.

Knowing he couldn't defeat these two black bears, he glanced away as if he hadn't seen them, took the wooden box into the nearby meditation room, and the master and disciple prepared to eat.

When Li Muzhan entered, the bowls and chopsticks were already set. Jikong was busy washing water. They sat down, and Jikong said, "Master, Zheng Xiaosi’s progress is incredibly fast, even faster than mine!"

"You’ve been lazy," Li Muzhan remarked casually as he sat down.

Jikong quickly denied it, "Master, don't wrongly accuse me! I absolutely haven't been lazy!"

"You work your body but rest your mind; you haven't fully grasped the essence of the fist technique, only practicing diligently through brute force," Li Muzhan said, picking up his bamboo chopsticks.

Jikong frowned in thought, then sighed, "This Arhat Fist is truly profound!"

Li Muzhan said, "If you can fully comprehend it, you will be safe from harm. You lack experience now and cannot see its full wonder; you can only practice it until it becomes second nature. You will grasp it when you actually fight someone in the future."

Jikong lowered his head. "This disciple is incompetent."

Li Muzhan gestured with his chopsticks. "This is not your fault; it's due to the limitations of your environment. Increasing experience isn't hard, actually. Once you break through to the Grandmaster level, I will find an opportunity for you to temper yourself."

"Yes, thank you, Master!" Jikong's spirits immediately lifted.

Li Muzhan glanced at him coolly. "This is all predicated on you reaching the Grandmaster level. If you don't reach it, you'll just go back to farming and marrying a wife!"

"Yes." Jikong quickly nodded, sped up his eating, finishing in a whirlwind, quickly cleaned up, and ran back to his own courtyard to practice diligently.

Li Muzhan, meanwhile, returned to the main hall to continue instructing the two black bears.

As evening approached, the sun setting, Li Muzhan suddenly flashed away and arrived at the Jiutian Xuannü Sect. Hai Yulan was practicing in the small courtyard, bathed in the rosy glow of the sunset.

As soon as Li Muzhan appeared, she stopped her movements and turned, her flushed cheeks radiating delicate beauty. She pursed her lips and smiled, "You finally decided to visit!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I've run into some trouble lately."

Hai Yulan's small courtyard was elegant, featuring a bamboo grove, a rock garden, and a flowerbed. She was standing in the center of the flowerbed, with a swing nearby.

Li Muzhan walked over and sat on the swing, smiling as he recounted his encounter with the Moli Palace.

Hai Yulan showed no surprise at his monk's attire; Li Muzhan had visited several times before, each time recounting recent events.

Hai Yulan came to sit beside him. A faint, delicate fragrance wafted over. Her beautiful face was close, and she lightly dabbed her pure, jade-like forehead with a white silk handkerchief. "Moli Palace... I have truly heard of them. The Palace Mistress, Li Yubing, right? A Great Grandmaster, indeed famous throughout the land."

"Mmm," Li Muzhan confirmed.

Hai Yulan smiled sweetly. "Then you need to be careful. Li Yubing does not have a good temper. Even as a Great Grandmaster, she isn't afraid to fight others, and you are still so young."

Li Muzhan sighed. "There's nothing that can be done about it."

Hai Yulan mused, "Li Yubing is the type who responds to softness, not hardness... Actually, I have a Martial Great-Aunt who is acquainted with her. Should I ask her to intervene with Li Yubing?"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands. "Never mind that. It might not work, and besides..."

Hai Yulan sighed. "My Master can't look after my concerns right now."

"What's wrong?" Li Muzhan asked.

Hai Yulan replied, "One of my martial sisters was killed by a disciple from the Floating Cloud Palace."

Li Muzhan frowned, a flash of golden light appearing in his eyes. He felt a strong affinity for the Jiutian Xuannü Sect out of affection for Hai Yulan, so he naturally felt close to her martial sisters as well.

Hai Yulan quickly added, "I wasn't close to this sister; I only met her once. She left the mountain long ago and married. Unfortunately, her husband had a conflict with a Floating Cloud Palace disciple, and she got involved and was killed by the Floating Cloud Palace."

Li Muzhan frowned. "How did Elder Fu and the others respond?"

"They fight, of course. There's nothing else to do," Hai Yulan sighed helplessly. "At this point, there’s nothing left to discuss. How could we not avenge our martial sister?"

"Is the matter not worth getting involved in?" Li Muzhan asked.

Hai Yulan shook her head. "We'll talk about that after the fighting is done."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, understanding the subtle reasoning. If a sect cannot protect its disciples, it’s a grave issue. Once conflict arises, if the sect prioritizes weighing gains and losses, unwilling to implicate all disciples over one person and opts for compromise, it will lead to internal division and ultimately collapse.

Such matters cannot be discussed in terms of profit and loss; they must be demonstrated through authority and bearing, letting the disciples know that the master will absolutely not tolerate anyone killing a sect member, and will never sacrifice a single disciple.

"Alas..." Li Muzhan sighed, pulling out two more jade pendants from his robes and handing them to her—"This is the Vajra Talisman, and this is the Earth Escape Talisman."

Hai Yulan smiled. "This sort of thing isn't up to us to handle."

"Elder Fu and the others will take action?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Hai Yulan nodded. "It will mainly be my Master and the others fighting. We are just there to cheer them on; we won't be instrumental."

Li Muzhan frowned. "Swords and blades are blind in battle; once blood is drawn, seniority is ignored. Take these... I'll go back and make some more for Elder Fu."

"No need. I'll give these to my Master. Since I'm not fighting anyway," Hai Yulan said.

Li Muzhan insisted, "Keep them for now. I’ll make more when I get back and bring a few more tomorrow."

Hai Yulan pursed her lips and smiled. "This is an opportunity to show diligence, but if my Master knows they are from you, she definitely won't accept them."

Li Muzhan said sternly, "When life is on the line, why fuss over such niceties!"

Hai Yulan pondered. "Then I'll just have to try."

Not long after Li Muzhan left, Fu Feihong appeared, her purple robes fluttering. The courtyard was brightly and softly lit by lanterns, creating a different ambiance.

Fu Feihong glanced around and said to Hai Yulan, who rushed to greet her, "That stinking brat has been here again, hasn't he?"

Hai Yulan smiled quickly. "Master, have you eaten dinner?"

Fu Feihong narrowed her eyes at her, displeased. "Look at your beaming expression; anyone could tell that brat just visited!"

Hai Yulan smiled innocently. "Master, he did come, but he left long ago, coming and going quickly, just saying hello."

"Hmph! Just let him abandon that idea!" Fu Feihong sneered coldly.

Hai Yulan smiled sweetly. "Master, how was the discussion? How are you planning to attack?"

Fu Feihong declared, "We are going to launch a surprise attack on the Floating Cloud Palace."

"Ah?" Hai Yulan frowned and shook her head. "A sneak attack?"

Fu Feihong waved her hand dismissively. "We need to give them a severe lesson!"

Hai Yulan shook her head. "A sneak attack isn't a good idea; it might not succeed. The Floating Cloud Palace should be on guard."

Fu Feihong waved her hand again. "We have our plans; just rest assured!"

Hai Yulan followed Fu Feihong into the house. After they were seated, Hai Yulan brewed tea and handed it over. "Master, how many Martial Uncles are participating this time?"

Fu Feihong said, "Myself plus eight others—nine of us in total to form a sword formation."

Hai Yulan nodded slowly, taking two jade talismans from her robe and handing them over.

Fu Feihong scrutinized them but did not take them, frowning. "What are these?"

"Master, this one is a Vajra Talisman; crushing it can protect the body. This one is an Earth Escape Talisman; crushing it allows immediate escape ten li away," Hai Yulan explained.

Fu Feihong snorted. "Where did such rare items come from?"

Hai Yulan replied, "Master, please don't worry about that; just keep them for now."

"Even if you don't tell me, I know. That brat Li gave them to you, didn't he?" Fu Feihong waved her hand. "You know my temper; why haven't you put them away yet!"

Hai Yulan said stubbornly, "Master, this time you are charging into a dragon's den. These two jade talismans are useless kept on me. I won't feel at ease unless you accept them!"

"Send them back where they came from!" Fu Feihong said testily. "When did the Jiutian Xuannü Sect ever need help from someone surnamed Li!"

Hai Yulan saw the look on her Master's face and sighed, "Master, I..."

"Enough, no more nonsense. I leave tomorrow. I specifically came to instruct you: if anything happens to me, you should just go with that brat surnamed Li!" Fu Feihong waved her hand.

"Master!" Hai Yulan's face changed, and she quickly said, "If you aren't confident, don't go! Why must you risk your life!"

"I have confidence, but nothing is absolute; there's always a slim chance, isn't there?" Fu Feihong countered.

Hai Yulan began to say, "Master, I think..."

"Enough, this matter is decided; nothing you say will change it!" Fu Feihong raised her hand.

Hai Yulan’s expression darkened, and she fell silent.

Fu Feihong continued, "If I am not here, there is still that brat Li. He's a notorious philanderer, but don't give your whole heart to him, lest you be too heartbroken in the future!"

Although Hai Yulan wanted to retort, she swallowed her words after looking at her Master's expression.

Fu Feihong slammed the table. "It’s a good thing that stinking brat is a womanizer, but his heart isn't bad. Otherwise, I would have killed him first!"

Hai Yulan twitched the corner of her mouth. She was a Great Grandmaster; how could her Master possibly kill him?

Fu Feihong glared at her. "Aren't you going to put them away!"

Hai Yulan reluctantly complied and tucked the jade talismans back into her robes.

...

The next evening, under the setting sun, when Li Muzhan reappeared, he found Hai Yulan standing motionless in the center of the flowerbed.

Sensing his arrival, Hai Yulan remained still.

"What's wrong?" Li Muzhan sensed the surging tide of her thoughts.

Hai Yulan slowly turned, her sleeves fluttering, and let out a soft sigh. "Master has left."

Li Muzhan frowned. "Left?!"

"My Master left the mountain with eight Martial Uncles," Hai Yulan confirmed.

Li Muzhan asked, "To the Floating Cloud Palace?"

"Mmm," Hai Yulan nodded lightly.

Li Muzhan pulled out the jade talismans from his robe; there were six in total, all shimmering with an inner light, clearly different from ordinary pendants—they possessed an added spiritual aura.

Hai Yulan shook her head. "It's no use. Master refused to accept them; she knew they were from you."

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head. Elder Fu's temper was indeed old and sharp, making her impossible to deal with.

"Good fortune favors the virtuous. Elder Fu will be fine," Li Muzhan smiled, patting her fragrant shoulder. "How about I speak to the Sect Mistress?"

"Absolutely not," Hai Yulan shook her head. "This matter cannot involve your Yunxiao Sect; Master would never agree."

Li Muzhan conceded. "Then forget it. It seems I was busy for nothing. Oh well, I might as well give them all to you. Distribute some to Martial Sister Hao."

"Mmm," Hai Yulan nodded lightly, then suddenly sighed. "I have a very bad premonition about Master..."

Li Muzhan reached out and pulled her into his arms. Feeling the warmth of her body, he patted her back gently. "Don't frighten yourself; you're getting flustered because you care."

"I hope so..." Hai Yulan sighed, resting her face against his chest.

Suddenly, a light chuckle sounded. "Oh, I apologize. I seem to have arrived at an inopportune time!"

Hai Yulan gasped and straightened up immediately, hastily pulling away from Li Muzhan's embrace, her face flushed red as if drunk. Her bright eyes turned toward the doorway where Hao Xuemei stood, her moon-white silk dress floating gently, a half-smile playing on her lips.

"Mar-tial Sis-ter!" Hai Yulan chided.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Miss Hao, it's been a while."

"You are a very busy man," Hao Xuemei said, gliding in, glancing at him. "Oh? Have you seen through the mortal coil and become a monk?"

Li Muzhan chuckled twice but said nothing more. Qi Xuemei pursed her lips and smiled. "I was worried Junior Sister might be upset after Master left, so I came to check. Turns out I was meddling!"

"Sister, come in and sit!" Hai Yulan shot her a look.

She turned and entered the room. Li Muzhan extended his hand with a smile. Hao Xuemei smiled coyly. "Am I interrupting your reunion?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Martial Sister Hao, please spare me!"

Hao Xuemei asked, "I haven't heard any news of you lately. Have you been in seclusion?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I've been finding an alternative path, searching for a method of cultivation."

"That makes sense... Even a Great Grandmaster without a foundational mental method or secret manual truly faces a huge challenge in how to cultivate," Hao Xuemei agreed, nodding.

They entered the room. Hai Yulan’s expression returned to normal; she had already brewed tea, and the three sat down to chat. They spoke of the recent affairs of the Jiutian Xuannü Sect, mentioning the martial sister who was killed—she originally had a small child, who was also killed by the Floating Cloud Palace.

That was why the Martial Uncles were so enraged; the Floating Cloud Palace had truly gone too far, too ruthlessly. As disciples of the Jiutian Xuannü Sect, not only had the martial sister died, but her child was also lost. The Martial Uncles were furious, murderous intent blazing, and this time they were determined to slaughter them.

Early the next morning, Li Muzhan was watching two fierce tigers playing and wrestling. He was teaching them unique skills one by one; he had taught the black bears the Giant Spirit Palm, the fierce tigers the Cloud-Parting Palm, and the leopard the Gale Flash. These were all peerless techniques tailored to their nature, adapted from those of the Yunxiao Sect.

These techniques, improved by Li Muzhan, were far more powerful and better suited to their meridians, allowing for extremely rapid progress in their cultivation.

Due to their simple nature, Li Muzhan found immense enjoyment in his time with them; it was quite entertaining. Jikong and Zheng Xiaosi, however, received little direct guidance, which made them green with envy, admiring the beasts for receiving such dedicated instruction from their Master.

"Master Zhanran!" Granny Zhao entered the temple carrying a basket covered neatly with a piece of white cloth, spotless.

She smiled and approached Li Muzhan, cautiously glancing at the two fierce tigers before setting the basket down. "Are you busy, Master?"

Li Muzhan smiled and pressed his palms together. "Benefactor Zhao."

Granny Zhao looked radiant, as if she had suddenly become ten years younger, smiling broadly. "I came specifically to thank the Master."

Li Muzhan asked, "Is Jing'er showing improvement?"

"Yes! Jing'er can get off the kang now, and she can even help me with chores!" Granny Zhao beamed, unable to close her mouth. "I never dreamed in my wildest dreams this day would come!"

Li Muzhan smiled softly. "This is Jing'er's fortune, and also the result of your merit, Benefactor Zhao. No need to thank me."

Granny Zhao quickly protested. "How can you say that? If the Master hadn't saved her life, Jing'er would be long gone, and I wouldn't have anything valuable to offer, only these eggs. If the Master doesn't disdain them, please accept them!"

Li Muzhan said no more, nodding. "Very well, thank you, Benefactor Zhao."

"The Master is always so polite!" Granny Zhao relaxed her tense shoulders and laughed. "Master, this old woman has one more presumptuous request!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Benefactor Zhao, please speak freely."

"I want Jing'er to serve by the Master's side." Granny Zhao requested.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, looking at her in surprise.

Granny Zhao hurried to explain, "Jing'er’s life was saved by the Master. I am endlessly grateful that she lived. But I truly don't know how to repay you, so let Jing'er come serve you!"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "Benefactor Zhao..."

"I know the Master is an enlightened monk and has no romantic attachments. Consider her a maid to sweep the floors and cook for the Master. I know Qi Er's cooking is inedible!"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. "Then let Jing'er come. I will observe her first. If fate is not aligned, Benefactor Zhao need not force the issue."

"Thank you, Master!" Granny Zhao was overjoyed and agreed immediately, turning to leave quickly, as if afraid Li Muzhan would change his mind.