Luo Zhen's gait was captivatingly graceful, every step imbued with an alluring charm. Yet, her movements were elegant, her expression gentle, utterly devoid of any vulgarity—a true enchantress.

Li Muzhan let out a soft sigh of admiration. This was the manifestation of nei mei (inner allure); to a man, she was indeed a captivating beauty, one whose charms deepened the longer one looked.

Luo Zhen motioned for the two to sit, taking the seat of honor herself. A young woman in green served tea and then withdrew, leaving the grand hall feeling somewhat vast and hushed with only three figures present.

Laughter drifted in from outside, wave after wave, as if carried on the breeze. The sounds ranged from crisp to husky, all brimming with vibrant youthful energy.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched slightly. Looking at the women outside, he noted they were not all young girls, yet the laughter was so carefree. This clearly stemmed from their pure hearts and guileless natures. It seemed the Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect was not quite what he had imagined.

He mused inwardly that perhaps Fu Feihong’s unhappiness stemmed precisely from this simplicity—their clear-cut affections and aversions. Whatever Fu Feihong had done must have displeased them, leaving no room for her presence.

He cradled his teacup, lost in thought, his mind racing like lightning. Luo Zhen watched him quietly, understanding that between the two of them, he was the guiding force.

And then there was Li Wuji—a truly renowned name. Though she hadn't participated in the last ambush, Luo Zhen had certainly heard of it. His martial prowess was said to be astonishing; rumor had it he had already achieved the Grandmaster realm despite his youth. Whether this was true was debatable, as the consensus held that one could only reach Grandmaster status after the age of sixty. Achieving it so young defied imagination, making one half-believing, half-doubting.

Feng Mingxue glanced at Li Muzhan, then at Luo Zhen, remaining silent, simply waiting.

After a long pause, the silence in the hall became too profound. Luo Zhen cleared her throat softly and inquired in a gentle voice, "Young Hero Li's esteemed presence honors us. May I inquire the purpose of your visit?"

Regardless of whether he was a Grandmaster or not, the fact that he could withstand the clandestine attacks from Senior Sister Fu and the others meant he deserved courtesy; his youth should not be a reason for slighting him.

Li Muzhan offered a slight smile. "Senior Luo, our Sect Master was ambushed at the foot of the mountain. Does your esteemed sect have any knowledge of this?"

"Oh, that matter? We have heard about it." Luo Zhen nodded.

Li Muzhan frowned. "Since your sect is aware... I have been ordered by the Sect Master to investigate this matter, hence my uninvited intrusion."

"Sect Master Yi is blessed by fortune; petty villains rarely succeed against him," Luo Zhen responded with a charming smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "He was nearly killed this time. The Sect Master was lucky to survive, but this affair is truly egregious and cannot be so easily dismissed!"

"That is only natural." Luo Zhen dipped her head slightly, smiling pleasantly. "Young Hero Li, have you uncovered anything?"

Li Muzhan sighed. "I suspect this matter is inextricably linked to your esteemed sect."

Luo Zhen's expression instantly changed, and she quickly said, "Young Hero Li, what do you mean by that?"

Li Muzhan continued, "The Sect Master's movements are usually kept strictly confidential; even with guards present, they are indistinguishable from ordinary people. If your sect had not leaked the information, it would have been impossible to pinpoint the Sect Master's location!"

Luo Zhen frowned. "Young Hero Li, that is not necessarily true. Even if Sect Master Yi’s whereabouts are mysterious, it doesn't automatically mean we were the ones who leaked them."

Li Muzhan countered, "Our sect would never leak such information. Furthermore, no one else knew the Sect Master's movements; only your sect could have known. Even if your sect did not execute the attack directly, you must have been involved!"

Luo Zhen tightly furrowed her delicate eyebrows and shook her head. "Young Hero Li, you are being too rash. I can state with certainty that we had absolutely no part in this affair!"

Li Muzhan swept his gaze over Luo Zhen. "Senior Luo may not know the full story. I think it would be best to invite Sect Master Zhao out to meet us. This tactic of using a borrowed knife to kill is not particularly brilliant. If the Sect Master had truly perished this time, what benefit would you have gained?... The fact that the attack occurred so close to your sect is precisely why you would claim no involvement—it’s a feint, a counter-ploy, and still not very clever."

Luo Zhen’s fair face flushed crimson, her bright eyes fixed intently on Li Muzhan. Her full chest rose and fell dramatically, making one worry her garments might burst open.

Li Muzhan watched her with a faint smile. "Is Senior Luo angry because she is exposed?"

Luo Zhen took a deep breath, her heaving chest movements intensifying. Suddenly, she broke into a radiant smile. "Since you put it that way, then I must invite the Sect Master out to clarify this herself. Young Hero Li, please wait a moment!"

Watching her graceful departure, Li Muzhan shook his head. Luo Zhen's control over her emotions far surpassed the norm. However, this was consistent with the cultivation methods of the Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect; once a disciple achieved mastery, they possessed supreme emotional control, rarely displaying joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure outwardly.

Allowing these emotions to run unchecked would actually harm the body—this was the core of the Xuannü Sect's inner art: controlling the five passions and the five senses, mastering oneself to ultimately master others.

Feng Mingxue smiled lightly. "Junior Brother, this Senior Luo is indeed difficult to handle!"

Li Muzhan chuckled and nodded. "Indeed. Doesn't that make it more interesting?"

Feng Mingxue remarked, "But Senior Luo’s charisma is astonishing, truly admirable."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The cultivation method of the Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect is certainly unique... What move do you think they will deploy next, Senior Sister? Care to guess?"

"Sect Master Zhao will come out?" Feng Mingxue quipped.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I suspect Sect Master Zhao will not appear."

"Oh—?" Feng Mingxue laughed. "Even at this stage, she won't show herself? ...Senior Sister Fu?"

Li Muzhan shook his head again. Feng Mingxue pursed her lips and smiled. "Then it must be Sister Hai, right?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "This is truly the way of overcoming hardness with softness. I see this Senior Luo is formidable; her methods are far superior to Senior Sister Fu's!"

Fu Feihong was straightforward and blunt, harboring no guile, her nature remaining childlike despite her age. Luo Zhen was different: deep, calculating, and smooth in her dealings. Ten Fu Feihongs combined would not equal one Luo Zhen.

As they spoke, light footsteps sounded. Li Muzhan glanced at Feng Mingxue, who smiled knowingly and shook her head.

The curtain lifted, and a figure entered—it was Hai Yulan, standing gracefully in a purple robe. Her skin was luminous, like fine jade. She gazed at the two in surprise. "Li Wuji, Sister Feng, is that really you?"

"It is us," Feng Mingxue laughed. "Just as Junior Brother predicted, they brought you out!"

Hai Yulan stepped forward and took Feng Mingxue's hand. "Sister Feng, it's been so long! ..., what is going on? Why come directly here instead of visiting me first?"

She tilted her head towards Li Muzhan, then turned to look them over.

Li Muzhan sighed dramatically. "Silly girl, Luo Zhen is using you as a mere tool!"

Hai Yulan smiled sweetly. "Senior Aunt Luo came to inform me to see you. I thought it was a joke. Why would you be in the main hall? I never imagined it was truly you!"

She affectionately held Feng Mingxue's hand, studied her for a moment, and smiled. "Sister Feng, your martial arts have improved again; I truly envy you!"

Feng Mingxue returned the compliment. "Likewise, your progress is considerable too!"

"Far from Sister Feng's level," Hai Yulan demurred. "I've had nothing to do but practice martial arts to pass the time, and I didn't realize my skills had improved so rapidly, even faster than my previous hard training."

She had originally pursued martial arts to take charge of the Hai family, but without that ambition now, her practice was simply a way to alleviate boredom, a means to occupy time. Unexpectedly, this perfectly aligned with the Xuannü Sect's cultivation principles.

The Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect was a true orthodox lineage, adhering to authentic Daoist internal arts that required action through non-action (wu wei). The speed of progress lay in one's state of mind; achieving true non-action was the fundamental requirement.

Her natural talent was exceptional. Previously, she relied on sheer force and strenuous effort to become a top disciple, but she had reached a physical limit. Since following Li Muzhan, whenever he was near, she felt vibrant, everything beautiful, joyful, and exciting. When he was away, everything became meaningless, a shade of gray, boring—she might as well practice martial arts.

At least training offered some enjoyment, a sense of ease for body and mind, perfect for passing the time. This very state of mind allowed her cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds.

However, she was no longer so attached to martial progress now; improvement or regression mattered little, as she didn't need superior martial skill when Li Muzhan was by her side.

This mindset further aligned with the crucial tenets of the Xuannü Sect's art. Only those secluded senior members who had reached their peak, waiting for the breakthrough to the Grandmaster realm, could truly achieve this state of mind. Unfortunately, that realm was exceptionally difficult to break through to.

Breaking through to Grandmaster required extensive experience and profound realization. Most Xuannü disciples remained within the sect, rarely descending the mountain. Even if they did venture out, they rarely encountered a man who could truly stir their emotions—only an absolutely superior and powerful man could move their hearts.

But once they fell in love, it was cataclysmic, beyond control—this was also due to their cultivation method. The heart was locked too tightly; once the lock broke, the outpouring was unstoppable.

And those who did fall in love seldom returned to the mountain, with Fu Feihong being the only known exception. This was why the seniors in seclusion found it so hard to genuinely reach the Grandmaster realm.

"Oh, what was the matter anyway?" Hai Yulan tilted her head toward Li Muzhan. "Why so hesitant? It must be bad news—are you stirring up trouble again?"

Li Muzhan rubbed his nose and chuckled lightly. "Nothing much."

"Then hurry up and say it!" Hai Yulan pouted playfully.

Feng Mingxue glanced at Li Muzhan, who shook his head, signaling her not to elaborate, and then smiled at Hai Yulan. "It’s about the incident where the Sect Master was ambushed."

Hai Yulan nodded. "I heard about that too. Master was terrified and couldn't sleep! Luckily, Sect Master Yi is fine."

"Exactly that matter," Li Muzhan confirmed with a nod.

Hai Yulan asked, "Since Sect Master Yi is well, why are you here?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I wanted to question Sect Master Zhao."

"Question her about what?" Hai Yulan inquired.

Li Muzhan smiled. "To ask her why she tried to assassinate our Sect Master!"

Hai Yulan gave him an annoyed look. "How could our Sect Master try to assassinate Sect Master Yi? Don't joke!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I am not joking. This matter absolutely involves your Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect; you just don't know it. You should go back, lest you find yourself in a difficult position here!"

Hai Yulan frowned in thought. "Why would the Sect Master try to assassinate Sect Master Yi? There must be a reason."

Li Muzhan offered, "Perhaps jealousy, or maybe hatred. Our two sects have never been on good terms. Since the Sect Master delivered herself to our door this time, it was a rare opportunity. Even if the Xuannü Sect didn't strike directly, they could use a borrowed knife. I suspect it was a 'borrowed knife' assassination!"

"You really talk nonsense!" Hai Yulan shook her head. "The Sect Master would never do such a thing!"

Li Muzhan smiled slightly and shook his head. "This sort of thing is what your Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect excels at. Wasn't the assassination attempt on Palace Master Leng of the Floating Cloud Palace last time an example?"

Hai Yulan's face instantly flushed. "Our Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect excels at it? What do you mean by that?!"

Li Muzhan smiled serenely. "Sect Master Zhao wouldn't dare do it and then refuse to admit it, would she?!"

"Li Wuji, you've gone too far!" Hai Yulan scolded him.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It is your Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect that has gone too far. Luckily, our Sect Master’s life was not in danger this time; otherwise, I would certainly seek revenge!"

"How would you seek revenge? Would you wipe out our entire sect?!" Hai Yulan stared wide-eyed, her cheeks flushed, genuinely angry now.

Li Muzhan stated coldly, "If the Sect Master had suffered serious harm, I would be so furious that I would do anything!"

"Fine then, kill me too!" Hai Yulan exclaimed loudly.

Li Muzhan waved a dismissive hand. "Enough. I don't wish to discuss this further. You should go find Sect Master Zhao. For a dignified Sect Master to require her disciples to block people for her is truly undignified!"

Hai Yulan sneered. "Dignity? Li Wuji, you barge in here making baseless accusations, and you talk about dignity!?"

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Your opinion on this doesn't count. Call Sect Master Zhao out!"

Feng Mingxue sighed helplessly. "Alright, stop arguing, both of you... This concerns the sect's affairs. Sister Hai, you can't make the final decision here. Why suffer his anger? Go invite Sect Master Zhao."

"Hmph, Li Wuji, I will remember your face. Don't come looking for me again!" Hai Yulan snapped sharply, turning on her heel and leaving. The curtain flew up sharply, then dropped heavily.

"You..." Feng Mingxue shook her head, clearly disapproving.

Li Muzhan smiled. "If I didn't provoke her into leaving, she would stay here and hold me back, preventing me from speaking frankly. Senior Sister, you need to help persuade her later."

Feng Mingxue shot him a glare. "You caused the trouble, I'm not getting involved!"

Li Muzhan pleaded, "Senior Sister sees me suffering unjustly for the sake of the sect? ...Besides, if I speak to her, it will be pouring oil on the fire. It will be more effective if you handle it."

Feng Mingxue retorted with a pout, "I must owe you from a past life!"

Li Muzhan clasped his hands together and smiled. "Thank you, Senior Sister!"

As they were speaking, footsteps approached. Luo Zhen swept gracefully back into the hall. Li Muzhan's smile vanished, and he said gravely, "Senior Luo, where is Sect Master Zhao?"

Luo Zhen smiled sweetly. "The Sect Master is currently in secluded cultivation and cannot receive guests. How about this: wait until tomorrow. The Sect Master should be able to emerge then at the earliest. Will that be acceptable?"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Sect Master Zhao certainly has leisure. Entering seclusion at a time like this—is she perhaps avoiding us?"

Luo Zhen smiled and shook her head. "Young Hero Li misunderstands. The Sect Master is indeed in seclusion; she entered before Sect Master Yi arrived, and even his visit did not allow him to see her."

"Is that truly the case?" Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly.

Luo Zhen smiled. "Why would I lie to you? The scenery here is quite pleasant. You two might enjoy taking a tour; you might find something rewarding."

"We'll pass on that," Li Muzhan said, cupping his hands and rising. "We'll stay down the mountain for now. We will return tomorrow morning to meet Sect Master Zhao! ...If she still refuses to see us then, we will have no choice but to force an entry. Please do not blame us for any offense caused at that time."

Luo Zhen narrowed her bright eyes, smiling charmingly. "Rest assured, the Sect Master will certainly meet with you tomorrow when she finishes her seclusion. I shall not detain you further; safe travels, Young Heroes."

Li Muzhan waved a hand and turned to leave the hall with Feng Mingxue.

The women outside the hall were practicing their exercises. Although they did not stop their movements upon seeing the pair, numerous gazes settled on Li Muzhan, imbued with a definite air of scrutiny.

Li Muzhan knew they had all heard his name because of Hai Yulan. He presumed they were assessing whether he was worthy of her—and he could already guess their verdict: a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung, a tragedy that such a talented woman should marry an unworthy man.

The two floated out of the Nine Heavens Xuannü Sect. Li Muzhan stopped just outside the paifang (archway) and turned for one last look, shaking his head with a sigh.

Feng Mingxue teased, "What are you sighing about? Are you regretful? Do you feel you were too harsh?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I am unsure if this tactic will succeed, or if it will backfire. If I truly mess things up, my sin will be great."

"Hmph, you only realize you're scared now? What were you doing before!" Feng Mingxue retorted with annoyance.

She had felt worried initially, but Li Muzhan was always meticulous in his planning, seemingly assured of success. Thus, she hadn't worried excessively, merely enjoying the spectacle. Moreover, knowing his manner, she understood his words about fear were pure jest; he wouldn't act without confidence.

They walked down the mountain. At the base, they still had several hills to cross before truly exiting the mountain range. Twenty-odd li further lay a small city where they planned to rest and explore.

Just as they reached the foothills, Li Muzhan suddenly stopped. Feng Mingxue also halted, frowning as she looked toward the pine forest to their left, then turned to him.

Li Muzhan nodded slightly. Feng Mingxue scoffed, "Which esteemed person is lurking about so sneakily?"

"Forget it, Senior Sister, let's go," Li Muzhan abruptly quickened his pace. Feng Mingxue sped up to follow. As they moved forward, more than a dozen masked men in gray clothes shot out from the woods, surrounding them from all sides.

Li Muzhan's brow lifted. He exchanged a look with Feng Mingxue and instantly understood: these men were part of the same group that had ambushed their Sect Master earlier.

Feng Mingxue also realized it and said gravely, "Junior Brother, we must keep some alive."

"Mm, understood," Li Muzhan chuckled. "Let's test their resolve now."

Feng Mingxue turned to look, then gave a disbelieving laugh. The twelve men stood frozen in place. Their gray masks had fallen to the ground, their faces twisted into masks of savage fury as they glared at Li Muzhan, yet they could not move an inch.

He had subdued them unconsciously—this was the might of a Grandmaster, invisible and swift, beyond defense. Since sparring and exchanging techniques with Li Yubing, his comprehension of a Grandmaster's control had deepened, realizing its myriad, mysterious applications.

The moment these men appeared, Li Muzhan, without preamble, sealed their acupoints—an unseen, untraceable technique. He couldn't have done this before; he had learned this method from Li Yubing. Their sparring sessions had benefited them both immensely.

Feng Mingxue asked, "You sealed their acupoints; how can you interrogate them?"

Li Muzhan lightly tapped his fingers, moving across the twelve men one by one, then smiled. "Let's wait a moment. Let them 'enjoy' themselves first; then they'll be more inclined to tell the truth."

Feng Mingxue looked at the twelve men. The twelve middle-aged assailants looked increasingly ferocious and terrifying, but their eyes remained resolute and venomous, quite frightening to behold.