There was a long couch in the very center of the grand hall, upon which sat a girl in crimson gauze, cross-legged. She was called a girl only by his perception, based on her graceful figure and youthful aura.

This woman in red sat quietly in meditation, yet possessed an inherent, exquisite—even elegant—bearing. A swath of red gauze veiled her face, and two eyes, like flowing water, fixed upon Li Muzhan, chillingly palpable, as if solid.

Li Muzhan glanced at her; one could discern the willow-leaf eyebrows and almond eyes, but the rest of her features were concealed by the red gauze, rendering them invisible.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly. This red gauze was quite peculiar, actually managing to block his gaze. He was a Grandmaster, possessing the skill to transform the illusory into the real and the real into the illusory; everything within a hundred meters was under his control. He was the master here; seeing should have been easy.

Yet, the scarf steadfastly resisted. It appeared thin, but held a profound mystery within. Li Muzhan secretly admired it. As expected of the Floating Cloud Palace, their foundation ran deep; the Cloud Sect certainly didn't possess such a marvelous artifact.

Though he couldn't discern her nose or lips, observing the upper half alone revealed a delicate and gentle beauty—a rare sight indeed. Moreover, she was young, yet supremely arrogant, staring coldly at him.

Li Muzhan advanced a few steps, cupped his fists, and smiled, "Greetings, Palace Mistress Leng!"

"No need for ceremony!" Leng Chaoyun replied coolly. "You are Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan confirmed she was the new Palace Mistress of the Floating Cloud Palace, Leng Chaoyun, and nodded with a smile, "Indeed. I am here under orders from my Sect Master to deliver this letter."

He glanced around; there were no attendants, only her. He could only produce the letter, give it a gentle push, and let it float toward Leng Chaoyun.

Leng Chaoyun reached out and took it, directly tearing open the envelope. She scanned it briefly, nodded, and said, "Thank you, Sect Master Yi. I understand."

Li Muzhan knew that Yi Xingzhi had likely explained the matter of the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect in the letter. Thus, he spoke, "Palace Mistress Leng, that set of sword postures from the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect is one passed down within our sect. The Sect Master might have been too modest to say, but the power of this sword formation is immense. If they are ever given the chance to deploy it, the consequences are unpredictable. Even if the Palace Mistress escapes the catastrophe, your subordinates are likely..."

Leng Chaoyun frowned and looked at him mildly, "Such big words. Is the sword formation of your esteemed sect the best under heaven, perhaps?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "How could the Palace Mistress think that? I offer this with the best of intentions!"

"Thank you for your good intentions," Leng Chaoyun said coolly. "You wish to kill this Palace Mistress? The Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect, hmph! ...I hear you have become entangled with the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect again, repeating past mistakes. Your Cloud Sect truly has high aspirations!"

Li Muzhan frowned, speaking calmly, "Palace Mistress, those words are somewhat inappropriate. How we conduct ourselves is hardly for others to dictate, is it!"

Leng Chaoyun replied icily, "Then how this Palace Mistress acts is certainly not for you to decree!"

Li Muzhan shook his head in resignation, sighing, "I truly speak only out of good will!"

"Put away your good will!" Leng Chaoyun said coldly. "It's nothing more than your Cloud Sect’s swordplay being unmatched, and that one shared sword formation possesses the power to kill this Palace Mistress. Truly an impressive Cloud Sect!"

Li Muzhan looked at her, shook his head, and sighed, saying no more. She was being completely unreasonable, twisting everything; he couldn't reason with her. This Leng Chaoyun was clearly just a willful, quarrelsome little girl.

"Did I hit the nail on the head?" Leng Chaoyun asked faintly, her bright eyes slanted sideways. "Have you run out of arguments?"

Li Muzhan sighed, "If I had known this, the Sect Master needn't have written this letter. It would be better for Palace Mistress Leng to personally experience the power of this sword formation herself!"

"What a charitable heart you possess. I must thank Sect Master Yi," Leng Chaoyun replied coolly.

Li Muzhan frowned. Her tone was sarcastic, she clearly didn't appreciate it; instead, she took it as a display of dominance. Unreasonable, women! He shook his head.

"You shake your head and sigh, are you mocking my sophistry?" Leng Chaoyun challenged him, sneering, "Are you thinking that only women and petty men are difficult to manage?"

Li Muzhan twitched the corner of his mouth and replied mildly, "I dare not."

"You dare not—?" Leng Chaoyun sneered. "What is there for you to fear? As a disciple of the Cloud Sect, you clearly know you shouldn't provoke the disciples of the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect, yet you do. Are you trying to avenge your Sect Master!?"

Li Muzhan frowned, "Palace Mistress Leng, choose your words carefully!"

"Did I guess correctly? Are you angry because you're embarrassed?" Leng Chaoyun sneered.

Li Muzhan sighed, "Say whatever the Palace Mistress wishes. How could outsiders know the truth of the matter!"

Leng Chaoyun stated calmly, "I hear you are the most outstanding disciple of this generation in the Cloud Sect. Is that true?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "All my senior brothers and sisters are stronger than I."

"Look at your demeanor—you look like you're saying something against your better judgment. It seems it’s true then," Leng Chaoyun slowly nodded. "Since that is the case, I wish to see just how capable you are to be so presumptuous."

Although Li Muzhan did not display arrogance or haughtiness externally, an inviolable air naturally emanated from his core. Leng Chaoyun sensed this keenly.

She felt annoyed. There hadn't been anyone before her who possessed such composure. Naturally, she wanted to deflate his pride, and besides, it was a valuable opportunity to witness the martial arts of the Cloud Sect.

Yi Xingzhi had written with such solemnity that she certainly wouldn't assume he was merely trying to frighten her. This meant she truly needed to be cautious. However, the Cloud Sect's swordsmanship was exquisitely subtle, and their disciples were few. Over so many years, they still hadn't managed to ascertain the true depth of the Cloud Sect’s sword arts—a true failure.

She had promised her Master to make the Floating Cloud Palace flourish and surpass the Cloud Sect. The first step was to know oneself and the enemy to find a way to counter them.

Li Muzhan’s arrival was like someone asking for a pillow just when they were feeling sleepy.

She knew Yi Xingzhi’s letter wasn't purely altruistic; it carried selfish motives as well. He feared that if anything happened to her, the Floating Cloud Palace might take their anger out on the Cloud Sect. Thus, he sought to clear his own hands first. So, while grateful, it also stirred her anger.

Therefore, she had to seize this opportunity to provoke this Li Wuji. Li Wuqi was undoubtedly the foremost figure among the younger generation of the Cloud Sect, his sword mastery profoundly subtle.

It would be best to probe the reality of the Cloud Sect through this Li Wuji. She could not miss this chance. That’s why, regardless of her status as Palace Mistress, she used sharp, cutting words, all to incite Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan suddenly burst into laughter. Leng Chaoyun frowned, "What are you laughing at?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Palace Mistress Leng is forcing me to make a move, aren't you?"

"What makes you say that?" Leng Chaoyun’s heart skipped a beat, yet her bright eyes showed no expression, seemingly waiting to watch Li Muzhan make a fool of himself.

But Li Muzhan remained unmoved, smiling faintly, "Palace Mistress Leng has been pressing me at every turn; isn't it just to force me to act?... Alas, there is no need for such drama. A friendly spar is perfectly acceptable. I happen to have the same idea—to witness the peerless blade techniques of the Floating Cloud Palace!"

"Mhm, sparring is indeed normal," Leng Chaoyun acknowledged coolly. "However, everything I said was factual. Your involvement with the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect is known throughout the world, which is truly baffling."

Li Muzhan sighed, "That matter is not for outsiders to discuss."

Leng Chaoyun stated, "All you men are the same. You view women like animals, hunting for pleasure as if capturing prey, treating it as your own accomplishment. It’s truly repulsive!"

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow; it seemed Leng Chaoyun held a strong dislike for men.

He sighed and shook his head, "If I said I didn't know she was from the Nine Heavens Profound Maiden Sect beforehand, would Palace Mistress Leng believe me?"

Leng Chaoyun glanced sideways at him, "You think I would believe you!"

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly, "Forget it, why say more... Palace Mistress Leng, are you sending your disciples to spar, or will you personally trade a few moves with me."

Leng Chaoyun stated flatly, "You must first pass the test of my guards!"

Although she couldn't gauge the depth of Li Muzhan's power, she would never engage with strangers lightly. She clapped her hands, and three maidservants in white suddenly floated in.

These three maidservants were well-proportioned and beautiful, and while perhaps not peerless beauties, they were enough to draw attention in a crowd.

"Palace Mistress." The three bowed, green-patterned sabers hanging at their waists.

The scabbards of these three green-patterned blades exuded an aura of ancientness; it was clear they were not ordinary items. Li Muzhan swept them with a frowning glance, then turned back to Leng Chaoyun.

Leng Chaoyun said lightly, "Xiao Yan, exchange a few moves with Young Hero Li."

"Yes, Palace Mistress!" A rather full-figured girl responded, stepping forward two paces to stand before Li Muzhan. Her round face was taut, featuring a small nose and small eyes, exquisitely delicate—a little beauty.

At this moment, this beauty stared at him seriously, her small hand resting on her saber hilt, stating in a deep voice, "Young Hero Li, please guide me!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Miss Xiao Yan, please—!"

Li Muzhan had already noticed that the cultivation of these three girls was not weak. Compared to his senior brothers and sisters, they were about on par with Senior Brother Gu Cheng, truly remarkable.

Xiao Yan suddenly drew her saber. The blade light transformed into a silver rainbow, instantly reaching Li Muzhan in a dazzling flash—truly fast as lightning.

Li Muzhan sidestepped, calmly avoiding the strike. The blade light flashed again, attacking once more. Li Muzhan simply took another oblique step, evading it perfectly again.

Miss Xiao Yan frowned. The saber light intensified, its speed increasing further, yet it could never catch up to Li Muzhan's silhouette, not even brushing the corner of his robe—it was like chasing a mere shadow.

Leng Chaoyun watched quietly, saying nothing, her expression perpetually cool and indifferent, showing no anomaly.

Li Muzhan continued to evade while observing her expression. He noticed her state of mind was extremely stable; seeing Xiao Yan laboring in vain caused no change in her emotions, no sign of concern over winning or losing.

From this, he concluded that she was here to gauge his depth, to investigate the martial arts of the Cloud Sect. Li Muzhan secretly shook his head; this Leng Chaoyun was no simple character either. It seemed she intended to challenge the Cloud Sect.

He knew that throughout history, the Floating Cloud Palace had always viewed the Cloud Sect as a rival, a goal to strive for, but they had never succeeded.

This was because the Cloud Sect's method of selecting disciples was exceptionally rigorous, and their foundational scripture, the Yu Jing, was exquisitely subtle. Although no one had mastered it completely, those who learned even a fraction were top-tier masters.

It was said that the Floating Cloud Palace’s sabermanship was formidable, and they also possessed the wondrous Yu Jing level of internal art. Unfortunately, no one there had mastered it, whereas disciples of the Cloud Sect had, which kept the Floating Cloud Palace suppressed and unable to make headway.

As the foremost Sword Sect in the realm, while not necessarily the foremost overall sect, its momentum was second to none, especially with a Grandmaster sitting at its head, making it impregnable.

"Alright, Xiao Yan, you may step back now," Leng Chaoyun suddenly spoke.

Xiao Yan instantly sheathed her saber, floated back, cupped her fists toward Li Muzhan in a salute, and returned to her original position. Her expression was also mild, devoid of the frustration or resentment of defeat.

Li Muzhan frowned, looking at the other two women. Their expressions were focused, as if intently studying his movements. He couldn't help a wry smile; he felt like a monkey putting on a show.

"How about the three of you attack together," Li Muzhan suggested.

Leng Chaoyun’s willow-leaf eyebrows twitched slightly, and she slowly nodded, "If that is so, then the three of you may advance together. Do not hold back; you cannot injure him!"

"Yes!" The bright eyes of the three girls flickered as they glared at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled; after all, they were still young women, finally showing some emotional fluctuation.

"Watch the blade!" The three simultaneously shouted, and their figures shot forward, forming a triangle to surround Li Muzhan. The blade light instantly poured down like a curtain of silk.

This was clearly a saber formation; the saber intent was dense and chilling, almost substantial. The combined power of these three women’s attacks doubled their individual martial arts, making it seem like six people were attacking.

However, Li Muzhan had now transcended the constraints of specific moves. Within the storm of their blade light, he moved as if strolling leisurely, calm and composed, still only evading and not attacking.

The footwork he employed was not some profound technique, but merely a natural expression of his movements. Leng Chaoyun watched for a long time without discerning any subtlety, and her willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed.

After a while, all three women were slightly winded. Thin wisps of white vapor floated from their unbound hair, condensing without dissipating—a sign of intense exertion in their internal arts.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Palace Mistress Leng, have you discerned my true ability?"

Leng Chaoyun frowned and glared at him coldly, knowing Li Muzhan had seen through her intentions. She inwardly cursed this Li Wuji, who always managed to see through her thoughts.

She stated coolly, "The martial arts of the Cloud Sect are indeed profound and subtle!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Since Palace Mistress Leng wished to see, why not strike herself and experience the unparalleled arts of our Cloud Sect?"

"Very well. This Palace Mistress has the same intention," Leng Chaoyun replied calmly.

She waved her hand, "Xiao Yan, you and the others step down!"

"...Yes." The three replied with lingering resentment, floating back and glaring at Li Muzhan.

Even though Li Muzhan had won, they wouldn't necessarily have acted this way. What angered them was that from beginning to end, Li Muzhan hadn't taken them seriously; he hadn't shown his true capability, merely going through the motions.

This was a massive slight. They were the Palace Mistress's personal guards, chosen for their excellent aptitude and personally instructed by her. Their martial skills were the pinnacle of the palace, and they had always been arrogant, yet they were treated with such disregard—truly infuriating.

Leng Chaoyun slowly rose from the couch. Her graceful figure could no longer be concealed. With each light step, it appeared and disappeared, possessing a power to enchant all living things with those few movements alone.

Li Muzhan admired her inwardly but focused intently on her eyes, watching quietly as she approached.

"The saber," she commanded. Xiao Yan handed over her long saber; the blade light was dazzlingly bright.

She lightly brushed the blade surface, and instantly the saber transformed. The original brilliance shifted to a pool of flowing water, glistening as if about to drip, emanating a cool moisture that made one instinctively want to reach out and scoop some up.

Li Muzhan stared at the long saber in her hand. The blade was vibrant with spiritual energy; clearly, this was a unique internal art, similar to the Cloud Sect's Yujian Jing.

He braced himself, daring not to underestimate her. The Floating Cloud Palace had traditions spanning millennia; its sabermanship was peerless, known as the Saber School, comparable to the Cloud Sect’s Sword School—this was no mere coincidence.

Leng Chaoyun said lightly, "Li Wuji, be careful."

As her voice fell, the saber light flickered, and the tip of the blade was already behind Li Muzhan. He twisted his body; the blade tip pierced his afterimage, and he was already a away.

Li Muzhan looked toward Leng Chaoyun in surprise and laughed, "A fine technique of Blade Control!"

He saw clearly: this strike shared a surprising similarity with the Art of Sword Control. The saber had left her delicate hand, flying out with incredible speed, not inferior to a flying sword.

Leng Chaoyun also looked at him with surprise, not expecting this sudden strike to miss him either. Was this truly the foremost expert of the younger generation?

She delicately curved her slender right hand, and a flash of saber light streaked out, shooting toward Li Muzhan again. The long saber transformed into a spiritual serpent, incredibly agile and astonishingly fast.

Li Muzhan’s figure flickered, reappearing a zhang away, avoiding the strike. He laughed, "What saber technique of the Floating Cloud Palace is this?"

"The Xi Dao Jing (Saber Washing Classic)," Leng Chaoyun replied mildly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "The Xi Dao Jing—a superb saber technique. I am impressed!"

Leng Chaoyun stated coolly, "Has it not yet compelled you to use your sword arts?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "That depends on Palace Mistress Leng!"

Leng Chaoyun took a deep breath and called out, "Xiao Jiao! Xiao Xia!"

The two girls responded, throwing their long sabers one after the other. They landed in her hands, and with a caress of her jade palm, the blade lights shimmered like autumn water, flying out simultaneously.

The three long sabers transformed into three spiritual serpents, encircling Li Muzhan. They were swift as lightning; unless Li Muzhan employed his Grandmaster skills, evasion would be impossible.

He had no choice but to flick his fingers. Clink... one long saber hit the ground. Clink... another saber fell. But the third long saber suddenly flashed and landed in Leng Chaoyun's hand.

She stood holding the saber, pointing unwaveringly at Li Muzhan, her bright eyes calm as water, showing neither joy nor sadness, simply looking at him faintly.

Li Muzhan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling at her.

Leng Chaoyun's crimson gauze robe fluttered as if she stood in a strong wind. After four or five breaths, she slowly brought the saber down, cleaving a zhang away from Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan suddenly thrust his palm forward. With a hiss, the sound of tearing silk ripped the air. Li Muzhan quickly flashed aside; the embroidered stool behind him was silently split in two.

This strike had silently bypassed Li Muzhan’s palm energy. One must know that his internal power was tangible, and while he hadn't utilized his Grandmaster techniques, he was certainly beyond the power of a mere Grandmaster. Yet, she had broken through it.

"What a powerful saber technique!" Li Muzhan exclaimed.

This strike was pure saber energy, yet it carried no killing intent. If it had come from the shadows, most people wouldn't have been able to avoid or block it.

Leng Chaoyun frowned, tracing the saber surface, pondering silently.

Li Muzhan knew she had been dealt a blow. She had intended to probe the Cloud Sect's true strength through him, but unexpectedly, she failed to ascertain it and realized she was no match for him.

Leng Chaoyun remained silent for a long moment, then looked up and sighed deeply, "The Cloud Sect is indeed worthy of being called the foremost Sword Sect under heaven. I concede!"

Li Muzhan smiled slightly, "Leng Chaoyun, my apologies for my rudeness."

"Alas..." Leng Chaoyun shook her head, saying mildly, "It is I who have been rude. I did not expect your cultivation to be so profound. It seems the legacy of the Cloud Sect is correct."

The Cloud Sect's method of recruiting disciples had always drawn criticism; people thought they were dooming themselves. Even if the disciples were exceptional, their small numbers meant they could never form a true force.

Now, Leng Chaoyun was reevaluating whether she should adopt a similar method of recruitment to strengthen the Floating Cloud Palace.