Cold Zhaoyun’s bright eyes flickered, grasping Li Muzhan’s consideration, and she secretly praised his thoroughness. Presumably, the Palace Master and he communicated using a secret code that outsiders could never mimic; this truly rendered the plan foolproof.
She asked lightly, “Then you shall reside on the mountain. How about that?”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, “As the Palace Mistress commands! ... I have yet to see the Palace Mistress’s true appearance.”
Cold Zhaoyun’s willow-leaf brows instantly knitted, and she said sternly, “A lecherous brute!”
Li Muzhan touched his nose, “I dare not claim such a title. The Palace Mistress always meets people veiled; it always feels less than open and honest. Doesn’t the Palace Mistress think so?”
Cold Zhaoyun stated coolly, “I have one rule: the veil may only be lowered before my husband.”
She looked at Li Muzhan with a half-smile, her bright eyes holding no shyness, only faint mockery.
Li Muzhan suddenly understood, and he laughed, “Then I have been discourteous... Very well. In the unlikely event someone else impersonates the Palace Mistress, I fear I wouldn't recognize the real one.”
Cold Zhaoyun glanced at him, too lazy to bother, and said plainly, “You may stay in the adjacent hall. Though it is desolate there, it is quiet.”
She clapped her hands, “Xiao Yan!”
Instantly, the young maiden who had just fought with Li Muzhan entered, demurely asking, “Miss?”
“Take Young Master Li to Ningxin Hall to rest,” Cold Zhaoyun instructed.
Xiao Yan agreed, “Yes.”
She turned toward Li Muzhan, “Young Master Li, please—”
Li Muzhan smiled, “I trouble you, Miss Xiao Yan.”
Xiao Yan pursed her lips into a small smile and walked gracefully ahead. Cold Zhaoyun frowned, “Xiao Yan!”
Xiao Yan stuck out her tongue, quickly saying, “Miss, I know!”
She knew her Mistress resented her showing favorable regard to Li Wuji, thus diminishing the dignity of Floating Cloud Palace. She could only set her pretty face into a stern expression and walk out without saying another word.
The two exited the main hall and arrived at the second side hall to the west. Xiao Yan pushed open the door and stepped inside, turning back to say, “Young Master Li, please come in.”
Li Muzhan followed her in to look around. The place was quite spacious. The central hall was not large but suitable for practice. There were two rooms nearby—one a study, the other a bedroom. All furniture was present and accounted for, and everything was swept clean, spotless.
But honestly, being amidst white clouds, there was little dust to begin with; the area outside the main hall was pristine.
“Does Young Master Li require anything else?” Xiao Yan asked, her bright eyes looking over.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Miss Xiao Yan, how about we chat for a moment?”
Xiao Yan glanced toward the door and shook her head, “I cannot speak long with you.”
Li Muzhan laughed, “And why is that?”
Xiao Yan shook her head, “The Mistress forbids it!”
Li Muzhan smiled slyly, “It seems you are the Palace Mistress’s personal attendant. Is the Palace Mistress a strict person?”
Xiao Yan shook her head, “No, Miss is very kind.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Then why does she never smile?”
Xiao Yan tilted her head in thought and shook her head again, “Mmm, Miss has had a difficult life. Ever since the Old Palace Master passed away, Miss hasn’t been able to smile. She keeps a straight face all day; it’s quite sad.”
Li Muzhan observed that this Xiao Yan was innocent and naive, clearly having rarely descended the mountain to understand the treachery of the human heart or the hardships of the world. He sighed, “It seems great responsibilities weigh upon her shoulders, causing the Mistress to become this way.”
“Yes, so many people rely on Miss; how could she not be weary?” Xiao Yan nodded quickly and sighed, “Miss still has to bring glory to the Floating Cloud Palace. This is so difficult, especially having to surpass your Cloud Heaven Sect!”
Li Muzhan’s brows twitched slightly, and he smiled, “Why must you surpass ours?”
Xiao Yan sighed, shaking her head helplessly, “The Old Palace Master decreed that the Mistress must surpass the Cloud Heaven Sect no matter what and bring glory to the Floating Cloud Palace!”
Li Muzhan said, “This places too great a burden on the Palace Mistress.”
“Exactly! Your Cloud Heaven Sect is brimming with talented individuals, all top-tier masters. Although we have many disciples, most are failures. That’s why the Mistress is anxious and worried!” Xiao Yan nodded vigorously.
Li Muzhan asked, “Are there no other solutions?”
Xiao Yan shook her head and sighed, “I can’t think of any. Now that the Mistress has seen how powerful your martial arts are, she won’t be able to sleep again!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “It truly is difficult for the Palace Mistress. In her prime years, yet she must wear a veil. Did she suffer an injury to her face, or is she reluctant to be seen?”
Xiao Yan shot him a look, chidingly, “What nonsense are you speaking? The Mistress is an unparalleled beauty! Whichever man marries her would be blessed for eight generations!”
Li Muzhan smiled slyly, “I thought there was some flaw on the Palace Mistress’s face.”
Xiao Yan rolled her eyes, “Hmph! There are likely no beauties in this world who can compare to the Mistress!”
Li Muzhan mused, “What a pity. The Palace Mistress must have eyes too high for any man to be worthy.”
“That’s right!” Xiao Yan agreed wholeheartedly, shaking her head, “The Mistress’s martial arts are so formidable; which young man in this world could possibly contend with her? A man whose martial skill is lower than hers simply wouldn't be considered.”
As she spoke, her bright eyes gradually lit up as she looked toward Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, laughing, “Do not speak of it, do not speak of it! ... If your Mistress hears this, she will surely punish you!”
Xiao Yan hurriedly clamped her hands over her mouth, her bright eyes fixed firmly on him.
Li Muzhan laughed, “I am from the Cloud Heaven Sect. Do you think that is possible?”
Xiao Yan’s bright eyes immediately dimmed. She slowly nodded, releasing her hands with a sigh, “Truly… Fine, fine, I won’t speak of it to you anymore!”
Saying this, she turned to leave, coquettishly saying, “If you need anything, just call me!”
Li Muzhan agreed and smiled, “My cultivation requires undisturbed focus. Unless I call for you, it is best not to barge in!”
“Got it!” Xiao Yan called back from a distance, then turned and departed.
Li Muzhan glanced at the sky; dusk was already gathering. He lay down on the couch and instantly vanished without a trace, reappearing at Yuanxin Temple.
Before the main hall of Yuanxin Temple, Jikong was practicing, while Jing’er sat beside him, propping her chin up, watching two giant bears wrestle, thoroughly engrossed. Li Muzhan appeared without either of them noticing.
Jikong quickly stopped his movements and called out, “Master!”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Have they been rebellious?”
Jikong laughed, “No, Master. They stayed here to play while waiting for you. Jing’er is quite bold; she isn’t afraid at all.”
Jing’er ran over, laughing sweetly, “Master, they are so much fun!”
Li Muzhan said, “Don’t stay too close to them for now; be careful not to lose control and hurt you.”
“Mmm. Master, teach me martial arts too, so I can play with them,” Jing’er requested.
Li Muzhan nodded, “Then I shall teach you a set of footwork. Watch closely.”
He stepped out seven paces, then stepped out another seven paces, demonstrating each one to Jing’er: “This is the Reverse-Treading Seven Star Step, also called the Seven Star Evasion Step. Seven paces are taken as one step.”
Jing’er was extremely intelligent, far more so than Jikong. After watching a few times, she began to practice, quickly grasping the gist of it. Li Muzhan nodded with satisfaction.
This time, he did not directly imprint the martial arts into their minds. Learning bit by bit was also a method of tempering the spirit; constant direct imprinting would harm rather than help their mental fortitude.
Li Muzhan guided her a few more times, and Jing’er fully mastered it. She then moved about the hall floor, practicing the steps. As she grew proficient, her speed increased.
She had a slight foundation in internal energy, and without realizing it, she began channeling it into the footwork. Her figure gradually accelerated. Li Muzhan praised her inwardly—this was true talent, learning by analogy and grasping the essence of one thing from another, requiring no further instruction from him as she began experimenting with channeling her inner power into the steps herself.
Looking at Jikong, who was still familiarizing himself with the footwork, the progress between them was vast. However, Jikong possessed extraordinary perseverance and a resolute character. Though he learned slowly, he would not ultimately be inferior to Jing’er.
He occasionally offered Jikong a pointer, explaining things simply. The key to this footwork lay in application and insight; Jikong needed to put in much more effort to learn it.
The two giant bears, seeing Li Muzhan approach, had been watching eagerly. They followed Li Muzhan in learning this footwork. Although they looked clumsy, their movements were swift. Yet, movement was not their forte, and after a short while, they were exhausted, panting loudly and sitting motionlessly nearby.
Li Muzhan suddenly stopped his movements, narrowed his eyes, opened his Void Eye, observed for a moment, and then said, “Xukong, you go to town for a bit.”
“Fetch some food?” Jikong immediately stopped practicing.
Li Muzhan replied, “Yes, and while you are there, find Xiao Si and tell him to keep an eye on the people in town and figure out their origins.”
“Alright!” Jikong agreed and dashed off in a flash.
Only Jing’er and he remained outside the main hall, along with the two black bears resting lazily. Jing’er kept her head down, diligently practicing the Seven Star Evasion Step, growing faster and more tireless.
In only a short time, her internal energy waned, and just as she was about to stop, a surge of inner power flowed continuously into her Dantian. Immediately, her internal energy circulated robustly, and her body was filled with strength once more.
Li Muzhan watched with a smile as her speed suddenly accelerated, creating an afterimage. She had finally crossed the threshold of entry.
Jikong returned carrying a wooden box and reported, “Master, Xiao Si said he has taken note. Indeed, many strangers have arrived in town, and they are all masters. Xiao Si suspects they mean no good.”
Li Muzhan stated, “You all must prepare for battle.”
Jikong’s spirits lifted, “Master, are they truly from the Mo Li Palace?”
Li Muzhan nodded, “More or less. Was that Xiao Si’s guess?”
“Yes. Xiao Si said the Mo Li Palace will not let this rest and will surely retaliate,” Jikong nodded, rubbing his hands together excitedly, “We’ve been waiting for them!”
Li Muzhan cautioned, “Better be careful—don’t make your Master come to rescue you!”
Jikong declared confidently, “Don’t worry, Master. I have been diligently practicing the Arhat Fist recently and have gained a deeper level of understanding!”
Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head, “You still have a long way to go! ... When you practice more and more and feel increasingly uneasy, realizing how far behind you are, only then will you have truly entered the gate!”
Jikong touched his bald head, confused. He clearly felt his martial arts had advanced, leaving him fearless, so how could that be a weakness?
Li Muzhan waved his hand, “Forget it. You should gain some actual combat experience to understand the subtlety of masters. Be vigilant tonight; someone might attempt a sneak attack.”
“Master, I’ll take the night watch,” Jikong offered.
Li Muzhan shook his head, “No need. You should hide in the cellar tonight and not come out.”
“Ah—?” Jikong was puzzled.
Li Muzhan explained, “They will attack by surprise. If you remain constantly on guard, you won’t eat or sleep well and will eventually be worn down.”
“Then…” Jikong still didn't want to hide.
Li Muzhan waved his hand, “Enough. There will be times for you to fight.”
Jikong nodded reluctantly; his Master’s words could not be disobeyed.
Li Muzhan added, “Jing’er, bring Mother Zhao along with you. Starting today, you will both live in the cellar.”
Jing’er responded without hesitation, “Yes, Master.”
Li Muzhan glanced at Jikong, his expression seeming to imply: See how obedient Jing’er is! Jikong rubbed his head, chuckled twice, and dared not argue further.
Li Muzhan gave a few more instructions and returned to the Floating Cloud Palace. The night was deep. He went straight to sleep and slept quite peacefully in the Floating Cloud Palace, dreaming not a single dream, sleeping soundly until morning.
The next morning, a thin mist enveloped the surroundings. As Li Muzhan emerged from the side hall, four women were practicing martial arts in front of the main hall: one dressed in fire-red, the other three in white like clouds.
Seeing him come out, the red-clad Cold Zhaoyun said mildly, “Young Master Li, shall we exchange a few moves?”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Very well.”
He stepped right up to Cold Zhaoyun. She was still wearing the red veil and the red gauze robe, her entire being resembling a red cloud—her face like white jade, her brows like distant ink mountains. She was truly captivating, yet her eyebrows held a cold detachment, pushing others a thousand miles away.
Li Muzhan strode forward and launched a punch—it was the Arhat Fist.
Cold Zhaoyun brought her palms down like blades. With a muffled peng, Li Muzhan stepped back, feeling as if his fist had been cleanly sliced; there was a slight sting.
Cold Zhaoyun glanced at Li Muzhan’s fist, which was pale white like jade, bearing no mark. She knew the sharpness of her blade energy; a strike like that could cleave iron and stone apart, yet he was unharmed.
Li Muzhan inwardly resented her maliciousness but maintained a smiling expression: “What powerful blade energy. The Palace Mistress’s foundational arts are profound—I admire you greatly!”
“Likewise,” Cold Zhaoyun replied calmly.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Then, Palace Mistress, accept a blow from me!”
As he finished his smiling remark, he struck out with a palm. Cold Zhaoyun was wary, following up by waving her hands like blades, determined to obliterate whatever technique he used.
With a soft chi whistle, Cold Zhaoyun’s figure flickered, then she retreated a step, her red robes billowing wildly like a fierce wind.
Li Muzhan clapped his hands and laughed, “Palace Mistress Cold possesses formidable skill!”
This palm strike, though appearing light and graceful, utilized the essence of sword dao, unleashing extremely sharp sword energy. That Cold Zhaoyun could block most of it was truly remarkable.
Cold Zhaoyun felt blood surge, a heat rising in her throat, almost causing her to spit blood. She swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and nodded, “Likewise!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Does the Palace Mistress wish to take another strike?”
“Forget it, I am no match for you,” Cold Zhaoyun shook her head, realizing he was annoyed by her sneak attack, which is why he struck so forcefully. If she made another move, she would surely suffer.
Li Muzhan laughed, “What a pity, I haven't had my fill yet.”
Cold Zhaoyun countered, “You should save your strength to help me!”
Li Muzhan smiled and retracted his palm. His inner fire had vented, leaving him completely relaxed. “Palace Mistress, rest assured, I never go back on my word.”
His expression suddenly changed, and he hurried on, “Palace Mistress Cold, I need to meditate quietly for a while. Do not let anyone disturb me. You need not send me breakfast or dinner.”
With that, he turned and left, entering the side hall, and instantly vanished, reappearing at Yuanxin Temple.
As soon as he materialized, the Yuanxin Temple was in chaos. A group of fierce beasts was locked in battle with a crowd of men, and pitiful screams erupted intermittently, sounding extremely harrowing.
Li Muzhan scanned them quickly. The martial artists fighting the beasts were all strangers, but judging by their demeanor and expressions, none looked like good people—presumably, they were peripheral members of the Mo Li Palace.
However, even though they were all masters, they were not gaining the upper hand. These beasts, having been taught by Li Muzhan in ways that complemented their nature, had advanced by leaps and bounds, all becoming masters.
Furthermore, each of them had thick, tough hides, rendering swords and blades largely ineffective. Their internal energy cultivation methods possessed the effect of Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill, and combined with their innate gifts, they were truly impervious to conventional weapons.
Li Muzhan activated his Void Eye and saw over a hundred masters charging towards the East Gate Tower. Elder Hu and Steward Zheng were blocking the entrance, guarding the door and refusing passage to these people.
Both Elder Hu and Steward Zheng were masters. Under the siege of over a hundred people, they were not at a disadvantage. The key was their excellent positioning—right at the main doorway, they formed a bottleneck that was impossible for many to bypass simultaneously. Though there were over a hundred attackers, only four or five could strike them at once.
Li Muzhan shook his head, leaped onto the roof of the main hall, sat cross-legged, clasped his hands together, and instantly began chanting scriptures like falling beads, reciting the Boundless Brightness Heart Sutra.
His chanting rose slowly, then filled the air, echoing and booming. It seemed as if only his recitation existed in the whole world—every word clear as a bead, penetrating everyone’s heart without obstruction.
As the sound of his chanting arose, the scriptures entered their hearts like pearls, and immediately, their bodies and minds began to change. It was as if everything had become insignificant, all worldly affairs trivial like floating clouds, not worth such intense conflict. Why toil in vain? It would be better to lie down for a rest or sit down for a moment.
As his recitation grew louder, the effect on the people intensified. Their movements gradually weakened, their speed slowed, and their fighting spirit was entirely eroded.
With their fighting spirit gone, their violent intent vanished. People began to retreat, looking at each other in confusion and bewilderment; they had never encountered such a situation.
Li Muzhan’s chanting continued to resonate through the sky like rolling thunder, one word after another sinking into the depths of everyone’s core.
Li Muzhan recited the Boundless Brightness Heart Sutra continuously for half an hour, completely extinguishing the aggressive energy of the crowd. They felt the venture was pointless, yet they were inwardly alarmed. Someone who could control people’s hearts like this, while sitting there murmuring scriptures, must be a monstrous figure; it was best to retreat.
These two groups separated and withdrew from Yuanxin Temple and East Gate Town, retreating to a grove of trees on the west side of East Gate Town.
Li Muzhan closed his mouth and smiled faintly. His counterpart body felt significantly stronger. The faith of the people was continuously pouring into the counterpart body, gathering and strengthening it. In that brief time, the power transmitted from the counterpart body enhanced his own spirit by a tenth—truly terrifying.
A year of hard practice could not yield as much as this brief session. This method was indeed a swift path. Although difficult to acquire, it offered a shortcut compared to arduous training.
This method of cultivation involved accumulating merit and increasing faith. He wondered how far this could ultimately grow, and if he might truly attain Buddhahood.
The people of East Gate Town began clasping their hands and reciting Amitabha Buddha, becoming even more convinced of Li Muzhan’s power. He had managed to diffuse a catastrophe through scripture recitation; this Master Zhanran truly possessed magnificent spiritual might.
Unconsciously, their faith solidified, and their conviction in Li Muzhan deepened, strengthening his counterpart body.
Elder Hu and Steward Zheng also breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging glances and seeing the astonishment in each other’s eyes. This was truly great divine ability, not just superior martial arts, but the added power of Buddhist doctrine.
Li Muzhan, however, vanished abruptly from the rooftop as if he had never been there—a true dragon appearing only to disappear. He was rushing back to the Floating Cloud Palace to avoid having any flaws exposed.