In a moment, Granny Zhao returned, followed by a serene young girl whose round eyes sparkled with eagerness.
Li Muzhan had already driven off the two fierce tigers and now stood quietly observing them.
He recognized her instantly as Jing'er; though her appearance had changed, her aura remained the same, and those large eyes brimmed with a lively spirit, seeming almost capable of speech.
Her complexion was now rosy and radiant, beautifully captivating—no longer the scrawny waif from before, but a graceful, well-formed young woman.
A pale, coarse-spun linen robe draped her slender figure; while not voluptuous, her build was balanced, radiating the freshness of youth.
“Hurry, pay your respects to the Master!” Seeing the girl lost in thought, Granny Zhao tugged sharply at her sleeve.
Jing'er blushed deeply and quickly curtsied, pressing her palms together: “Jing’er thanks the Master!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly and nodded: “Jing’er, no need for ceremony. You’re quicker than I expected; you must have made good headway in Qi cultivation, haven't you?”
Jing’er nodded: “Yes, cultivating Qi is quite enjoyable, very comfortable.”
Li Muzhan chuckled: “It will be very taxing for you to attend to me.”
Jing’er waved her hands quickly: “I don't fear hardship! ... Master, please accept me!”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile: “You are young, in the prime of your life; why seek to take the tonsure?”
“I owe my life to you anyway; it’s only right that I repay the Master.” Jing’er urged, and Granny Zhao nodded vigorously from the side.
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment: “If you are truly sincere, then stay by my side. You needn't become a nun; serve as an unsanctioned disciple.”
“...Yes.” Jing’er replied cheerfully.
Granny Zhao was overwhelmed with gratitude, crying out excitedly: “The Master is truly compassionate! Thank you, Master, thank you so much!”
She was also secretly calculating: Master Zhanran possessed great mystical powers; with Jing’er by his side, no one would dare bully her again.
She, a widow, had struggled to raise Jing’er, and when the girl was sickly, no one had ill intentions, but now that Jing’er was well and grown into a beauty, she was a magnet for trouble. How could a mere widow protect her completely?
Although the town had Steward Zheng to uphold justice, what if some other young master from a wealthy family appeared? If Jing’er were forced into marriage, her life would be ruined, and the widow’s too.
With the omnipotent Master Zhanran protecting her, Jing’er would be safest, and the widow might even gain some prestige, allowing her to stand taller in conversations!
Li Muzhan understood these little schemes of hers instantly. There was nothing wrong with them; it was merely self-preservation born of necessity. He was driftwood in the water; naturally, she clung to him.
Granny Zhao instructed sternly: “Jing’er, keep your eyes wide open and serve Master Zhanran well. No fooling around or slacking off, do you hear!?”
Jing’er nodded softly: “Mother, I understand.”
Granny Zhao added: “And take good care of yourself. I’ll come back to see you in a couple of days!”
Li Muzhan smiled: “Granny Zhao, Jing’er can come during the day and return home at night; there’s no need to be so formal about it.”
“Return at night?... Master, is that appropriate?” Granny Zhao quickly asked, yet looked back with eager expectation.
Li Muzhan said: “It’s close to your home; it won’t matter.”
“Thank you, Master!” Granny Zhao said gratefully.
When Li Muzhan hadn’t agreed, Granny Zhao had pleaded wholeheartedly; once he consented, she suddenly felt an emptiness, as if something vital were missing.
Hearing now that Jing’er would return every night, Granny Zhao’s heart instantly felt whole again.
Granny Zhao tactfully departed. Li Muzhan observed Jing’er, extended his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Jing’er approached and offered her small hand.
Li Muzhan inwardly praised her intelligence. His fingers rested on her delicate wrist. Since she rarely went outdoors, her skin was pale, but after practicing Li Muzhan’s mental technique, her vitality surged, and her complexion turned a rosy white, exceedingly alluring.
Li Muzhan circulated his internal energy for a moment, then nodded lightly: “It seems you’ve been diligent. Your progress is fast, very good!”
Jing’er smiled coyly: “Master, this concerns my life, so naturally, I must work hard.”
Li Muzhan nodded with a smile: “That is certainly true!... Jing’er, how is your cooking?”
Jing’er replied: “My mother says it’s quite good. I don't know if you’ll be used to it, Master. Brother Qi must be a terrible cook, right?”
Li Muzhan offered a wry smile and shook his head helplessly.
Jing’er smirked: “I’m definitely much better than Brother Qi.”
“Who is much better than me?” Jikong strode in with powerful steps. Seeing Jing’er, he paused, startled: “Is that… Sister Jing’er?”
Jing’er smiled sweetly: “Brother Qi!”
Li Muzhan observed them both. Jikong quickly asked, “Master, why is Sister Jing’er here?”
Jing’er explained: “Brother Qi often goes to my house to help.”
Li Muzhan nodded: “That’s good. You are now fellow disciples; your affinity is deep.” “Master took Sister Jing’er as a disciple?” Jikong’s eyes widened.
Jing’er chuckled softly: “Greetings, Senior Brother!”
Li Muzhan shook his head: “Jikong, if you didn’t cook so abominably, I wouldn’t have needed to take another female disciple!”
Jikong touched his smooth scalp and chuckled sheepishly a couple of times.
Jing’er asked: “Master, where will I be staying?”
Li Muzhan instructed: “Jikong, go make arrangements. You need to accelerate your practice; your progress is falling behind even a young girl’s!”
Jikong looked Jing’er over, his face lighting up: “I didn’t expect Sister Jing’er to recover so well! Master must have saved her life!”
Jing’er nodded, smiling radiantly: “Yes, I practiced Master... Master’s technique, and my body keeps getting better. Otherwise, I’d have already reincarnated!”
They chatted animatedly, both excited, and Li Muzhan watched them with a faint smile, not interrupting.
After a while, Jikong snapped back to awareness and hurriedly led Jing’er away.
Li Muzhan let out a breath. Although he posed as a monk, he was not one in truth; he understood Buddhist doctrine but had no desire to abide by the precepts, which held no meaning for him. To sit upon the Buddha’s heart while consuming meat and wine—those who achieve enlightenment through true realization need not adhere too strictly to external forms; form is emptiness, emptiness is form.
He had always found the temple too stifling. While Jikong was present, he was still a man. He had some amusement playing with the beasts, but now that a girl was here, the atmosphere felt different.
He held no improper thoughts or desires, but having a lovely girl nearby made the ambiance more comfortable. Indeed, the harmonious blending of Yin and Yang was the true Dao; lone Yang cannot thrive, nor can lone Yin generate life.
“What? Senior Fu and the others went to the Floating Cloud Palace?” Li Muzhan frowned.
He was sitting in Hai Yulan’s room, where the candlelight was bright and soft, illuminating the small chamber as if it were daytime, yet possessing an added warmth and tranquility.
Under the lamps, Hai Yulan appeared charming and exquisite, her bright eyes flowing with affection.
She sighed softly: “I couldn’t stop my Master; I could only follow.”
Li Muzhan frowned: “Isn’t this…”
Hai Yulan explained: “Master and the others are going to assassinate. I suspect they mean to strike the Palace Lord of Floating Cloud Palace.”
Li Muzhan managed a wry smile: “Senior Fu and the others are certainly bold, and ruthless too. Aren’t they afraid of truly provoking the Floating Cloud Palace and starting a massive conflict between the two factions?”
“If they want war, let them fight! What have we to fear?!” Hai Yulan pursed her crimson lips, jutting them out stubbornly.
Li Muzhan mused briefly, then shook his head and sighed: “This move is far too perilous!... Could they be planning to frame someone?”
His expression shifted slightly: “What weapons are they using?”
“Swords, of course…” Hai Yulan’s expression also changed subtly.
She recalled casually mentioning the ability to set up a sword formation. A sword formation naturally required swords! ... The Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect did not primarily use swords.
Li Muzhan sighed helplessly: “It seems they really intend to pin the blame on our Cloud Heaven Sect!”
Hai Yulan offered a bitter smile: “Surely not!”
Li Muzhan declared: “Brilliant! Killing two birds with one stone!... But with just the nine of them, success in the assassination will be difficult.”
Hai Yulan shook her head: “We have specialized assassination sword arts, and the power of that sword formation is astonishing; the Floating Cloud Palace Lord might not withstand it.”
Li Muzhan frowned and pondered: “If the Floating Cloud Palace Lord is assassinated, the Palace will certainly assume the Cloud Heaven Sect is responsible and direct their wrath at us. This matter... Ugh!”
Hai Yulan looked at him apologetically: “What should we do now?”
Li Muzhan rose, clasped his hands behind his back, and paced, his face shifting with thought.
“Do you have any personal effects of Senior Fu?” Li Muzhan stopped abruptly.
Hai Yulan questioned: “You plan to stop them?”
Li Muzhan sighed helplessly: “At this point, I can only try to intervene; otherwise, our Sect and the Floating Cloud Palace are destined for war! ... Senior Fu’s maneuver is too malicious!”
Hai Yulan sighed resignedly: “My Master’s plan might not succeed, but if you go to stop her, you will become her enemy!”
Li Muzhan retorted sharply: “It seems I won’t be making friends with Senior Fu after all! ... Enemy or not, I’ll just abduct you!”
Hai Yulan rolled her eyes at him: “Asking me to betray my Master? Don’t even think about it!”
Li Muzhan conceded: “Alright, alright, we’ll discuss that later. I must stop Senior Fu first!”
“I don’t think this plan was Master’s idea,” Hai Yulan said with resignation.
Li Muzhan frowned, contemplating: “Yes, it doesn’t seem like it... Then whose idea was it?”
“Our conflict with your Cloud Heaven Sect isn't just between Master and Sect Leader Yi. There was enmity long before Master, and someone has always sought revenge against the Cloud Heaven Sect,” Hai Yulan revealed.
Li Muzhan nodded; this was true. Although Fu Feihong held no fondness for the Cloud Heaven Sect, she harbored deep affection for Sect Leader Yi—love and hate intertwined, making a clean break difficult. If not for his own sake, she might spare the Cloud Heaven Sect for the sake of Sect Leader Yi. Being proud and arrogant, she disdained such methods.
So, someone else was behind this? His expression darkened.
“...Very well, you may try to stop her.” Hai Yulan deliberated for a moment, nodded with a sigh, turned, and left the small room, returning quickly with a jade hairpin in her hand.
Hai Yulan handed the jade hairpin to Li Muzhan: “This is the hairpin Master always carries. She didn’t take it this time.”
Li Muzhan took the hairpin and examined it closely. The jade shimmered, clearly handled often, polished to such luster. Jade requires human touch; neglected, it loses its spiritual aura.
Suddenly, his brow shot up, and he smiled.
“What is it?” Hai Yulan asked, noticing his strange smile.
Li Muzhan turned the hairpin over and said with a smile: “Look at the inscription.”
Hai Yulan glanced but saw nothing. She looked closer and finally spotted three nearly invisible tiny characters. Focusing her gaze, the words “Yi Xingzhi” materialized before her eyes.
“This is…” She looked at Li Muzhan in astonishment: “It’s Sect Leader Yi...”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled: “It was a gift from the Sect Leader. It seems Senior Fu hasn't let go after all!... What a pity; once this affair breaks out, it will be impossible for Senior Fu and the Sect Leader to reconcile!”
“Are you going to stop it?” Hai Yulan asked.
Li Muzhan stated: “Even if I cannot stop it entirely, I must pull Senior Fu back, lest she commits a grave error!”
Hai Yulan’s bright eyes flickered, and she smiled: “Alright, do as you see fit!”
Li Muzhan retrieved the hairpin, pressed it against his brow, and remained motionless. After a moment, he vanished abruptly. Hai Yulan watched the space where he disappeared and sighed softly.
Torn between her sect and her beloved, she found herself in a truly difficult position.
Li Muzhan suddenly materialized in a dense forest. He opened his Eye of the Void, surveying the surroundings for over twenty miles, realizing he was within a vast mountain range.
A sweep of his Eye of the Void located Fu Feihong and the others on a nearby peak. The nine women sat cross-legged, swords resting across their knees, conserving their energy.
Li Muzhan removed a layer of his robes, leaving only his moon-white undergarment. He mixed tree sap with mud and added some medicinal herbs, smearing the mixture on his face, instantly transforming his appearance. His figure flickered, and in a silent flash, he reached the mountaintop, appearing behind the nine women. He reached out, wrapped an arm around Fu Feihong’s slender waist, and vanished in an instant.
By the time the other eight reacted, Fu Feihong was gone. They roared in anger and scattered, forming a defensive circle, showing their vast experience.
Li Muzhan, however, used a few quick shifts, employing the Minor Teleportation Art, and in moments, he left that peak, arriving at the summit of a distant, large mountain.
The two stood upon a giant boulder on the mountaintop. Li Muzhan set Fu Feihong down. She had been immobilized but regained movement now, staring at Li Muzhan with a frown: “Who are you?!”
Li Muzhan reached up and wiped his face, then clasped his fists with a smile: “Greetings, Senior Fu.”
“It’s you—!?” Fu Feihong sneered: “Lan’er, that girl is too eager to share secrets!”
Li Muzhan took out the jade hairpin and offered it: “I was able to find you using this.”
“What are you doing here!” Fu Feihong snatched the hairpin back, her tone cold.
Li Muzhan shook his head: “I am here to stop Senior Fu from doing something foolish. If you assassinate the Floating Cloud Palace Lord and the matter escalates, there will be no turning back!”
Fu Feihong sneered: “Killing disciples of my Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect will incur a thousandfold retribution!”
Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head: “I didn't expect your esteemed sect to resort to such tactics—assassinating the Floating Cloud Palace Lord and then framing our sect!”
“Who said we were framing your Cloud Heaven Sect?!” Fu Feihong frowned.
Li Muzhan shook his head. It was obvious she had been kept in the dark. This Senior Fu lacked the cunning of her disciples.
“You genuinely intend to frame the Cloud Heaven Sect?” Fu Feihong was not stupid and reacted quickly, though her scheming mind was not as complex as others. Her face shifted as she pondered, frowning.
Li Muzhan explained: “This plot is truly brilliant. If successful, the Floating Cloud Palace will retaliate against us, while your sect washes its hands clean. Afterward, you can reveal the truth, and the world will laugh at the Floating Cloud Palace and our humble temple for falling prey to the maneuvers of the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect!”
“Nonsense!” Fu Feihong retorted irritably: “Nothing of the sort is happening!”
Li Muzhan shook his head: “Whether it’s happening or not, Senior Fu knows best. You should withdraw from this matter, otherwise, if the Sect Leader finds out...”
“And what if he finds out!” Fu Feihong glared at him: “You are meddling, Li Wuji! Send me back!”
Li Muzhan refused: “If Senior Fu insists on doing this, not only will the Sect Leader and you suffer, but so will Jade Orchid and I... That’s why I absolutely will not let you go.”
Fu Feihong glared angrily: “You meddling brat, ruining my great plan!”
Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head: “Women are women after all; their perspective is limited. Your sect’s approach is truly... You should seek straightforward revenge; why resort to such underhanded tactics!”
“It’s not your place to dictate such matters!” Fu Feihong snapped back, though her expression was complex.
Li Muzhan’s words struck home. She had harbored doubts herself, but seeking vengeance for her disciple seemed to justify unusual methods. Now that Li Muzhan pointed it out, the fog cleared from her eyes, though she remained unconvinced.
However, in front of such a junior, she needed to uphold her sect’s honor and maintain her own dignity to speak assertively to him!
Without waiting for her further protest, Li Muzhan’s figure flickered. He seized her again and utilized the Great Teleportation Art, instantly returning to Hai Yulan’s courtyard.
His cultivation had increased significantly, and since they hadn't traveled far, taking her with him via the Great Teleportation Art didn't prove overly taxing.
Fu Feihong looked around, finding the scenery familiar. Realizing it was Hai Yulan’s courtyard, she turned and glared at Li Muzhan: “No wonder you can appear and disappear like a phantom; you possess such powerful techniques!”
It was truly miraculous; one moment they were a thousand li away, the next they were back at the sect. Had she not seen it herself, she would never have believed it. She pinched herself instinctively; the sharp pain confirmed it wasn't a dream.
“Master!” Hai Yulan emerged from the room, smiling as she rushed forward to grasp her Master’s hand and shake it: “Master, it’s wonderful you’re back!”
“Girl, your wings have hardened; now you try to control your Master!” Fu Feihong cast a sharp, teasing glance at Hai Yulan: “Master, you don’t know how worried I was, so I poured out all your affairs to him, and he discovered the flaw!”
Mentioning the matter, Fu Feihong’s expression darkened. She felt fooled. Never had she, who prided herself on intelligence and arrogance, endured such a thing!
“Master, let it go. Just pretend you never heard about this matter,” Hai Yulan urged, seeing her Master’s expression confirmed her guess.
Fu Feihong sneered: “Such a petty person, truly...”
She caught sight of Li Muzhan and quickly bit back her words, glaring at him: “Why are you still here!”
Li Muzhan offered a slight bow and smiled: “If Senior doesn't go, they won't be confident enough to carry out the assassination, right?”
Fu Feihong said coldly: “You should be pleased. The Nine-Person Sword Formation has power; you’ve ruined this assassination attempt. Now get lost; I’m annoyed just looking at you!”
Li Muzhan smiled dismissively, nodded to Hai Yulan, bowed again to Fu Feihong, and vanished before the two women’s eyes.
Fu Feihong stared at the spot where he disappeared for a while, then huffed: “That brat is quite something. It seems Master’s judgment pales in comparison to yours [referring to Lan’er]!”
Hai Yulan quickly replied: “Master, what are you saying!”
Fu Feihong shook her head, her face suddenly draining of color. She slumped into the house and sat before the desk by the window, sighing: “To think I prided myself on my intelligence...”
“Master, even tigers nod off sometimes,” Hai Yulan consoled her quickly.
Fu Feihong rolled her eyes at her: “You’re turning into a tigress!”
Hai Yulan smiled coyly: “Master truly possesses the spirit of a tigress; look how scared Li Wuji was!”
Fu Feihong retorted irritably: “That brat was showing deference because of you. I have no idea how he cultivated his martial arts!”