Li Muzhan chuckled, "Everyone is eager to learn, desperate to create their own martial arts. The truth is, inventing martial arts isn't that difficult. It starts with copying a template, then with practice, you gradually get better."

Leng Chaoyun sighed softly, "Impressive!"

Li Muzhan stroked his thin mustache and laughed heartily, "Rare, truly rare. To receive such a compliment from Palace Mistress Leng, I am blessed in three lifetimes!"

Leng Chaoyun snorted coldly, "I speak the truth; I could never invent these knife techniques myself!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Perhaps it is due to our different experiences and perspectives. If Palace Mistress Leng had endured the same trials as I, you would surely create even more profound knife techniques!"

Leng Chaoyun snorted, "One can only hope!" Alright, I'll grant you this favor. I will go to the Yunxiao Sect early, posing as an ordinary guard. You must help cover for me."

"That is only natural. However, the journey to the Jiutian Xuannü Sect is fraught with danger..." Li Muzhan cautioned.

Leng Chaoyun glanced at him and huffed, "I will accompany you, but I will not enter the Jiutian Xuannü Sect!"

Li Muzhan clapped his hands and smiled, "That couldn't be better. Thank you, Palace Mistress Leng!"

"Don't thank me. Without these two sets of knife techniques, I would never have agreed!" Leng Chaoyun retorted with a snort.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Regardless, having Palace Mistress Leng's assistance gives me an added layer of security. It's getting late; let's head back and rest!"

"You're in a hurry!" Leng Chaoyun shot him a sideways look and extended her hand. "My saber, if you please."

Li Muzhan gently flicked his wrist, and the treasured saber flew back into Leng Chaoyun's grasp. She peered down at it, frowning, "The Saber Washing Sutra—this is undeniably the Saber Washing Sutra!"

Li Muzhan quickly said with a smile, "Palace Mistress Leng, you must be mistaken!"

Leng Chaoyun scoffed, "Even if I were a fool, I would recognize the Saber Washing Sutra. Li Wuji, when did you steal my Saber Washing Sutra?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Palace Mistress Leng misunderstands!"

Leng Chaoyun shook her head, furrowing her long, elegant brows, "When did you steal it? Did you enter the Fuyun Palace?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Palace Mistress Leng, stop thinking wildly. Whether I entered Fuyun Palace or not, surely you would know? Moreover, I've been preoccupied with my master's affairs lately; when would I have had such free time?"

"This is the purest form of the Saber Washing Sutra; I cannot be mistaken!" Leng Chaoyun frowned, her voice cold, "Li Wuji, tell me now—where exactly did you steal this from?"

Seeing the resolute look on her face, yet lacking any panic or viciousness, as if she were truly unconcerned, Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief. He sighed helplessly, "This matter... well, it was quite a coincidence!"

"Speak!" Leng Chaoyun commanded coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "It was when we were opening the Purple Casket. I inadvertently glimpsed the method of circulating your internal energy. I tried it out, and unexpectedly..."

"You..." A shadow of killing intent instantly descended upon Leng Chaoyun's features.

Li Muzhan knew immediately that things were bad; he had been tricked by this young woman. She wasn't indifferent; she had merely feigned nonchalance. Perhaps the leader of a Palace truly was extraordinary—not simple-minded, but possessing a deeper cunning. What was more pressing was that her face was veiled, and her red robes were so strange they completely obscured Li Muzhan's sight and perception.

"Good, good!" Leng Chaoyun slowly nodded, admiration tingeing her tone. "I didn't expect your methods to be so brilliant, stealing my core technique without me even realizing it!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "It was merely a happy accident, fate's design!"

"Fate's design, my foot!" Leng Chaoyun snapped, her dark brows laced with murderous intent. "You dare steal the secret core technique of the Fuyun Palace! Your crime merits execution!"

Li Muzhan waved his hand dismissively, "Surely it's not that severe!"

Leng Chaoyun retorted, "This is a rule of the sect. The core technique I cultivate is different from that of ordinary Fuyun Palace disciples; it is the Palace Mistress's secret manual, passed down only from one successor to the next—the teachings must never reach outside ears. And yet, you have learned this technique!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "It wasn't that I intentionally stole it; I merely acted on the spur of the moment. How about this: I will swear a solemn, venomous oath never to pass this technique on."

Leng Chaoyun shook her head, "Unacceptable, unless you cripple your martial arts and stay on Fuyun Mountain for life!"

Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head, "That won't do."

"Then don't blame me for being discourteous!" Leng Chaoyun frowned, speaking slowly.

Li Muzhan said, "Palace Mistress Leng intends to make a move? Surely that's unnecessary. Let's discuss matters; gentlemen resolve issues with words, not fists!"

Leng Chaoyun sighed and shook her head, "There is nothing to discuss regarding this matter. Option one: you cripple your martial arts and are imprisoned on the mountain peak. Option two: I kill you. There is no third way!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Is it really that serious?"

"You've been playing around with that cheerful demeanor, do you think I was joking with you?" Leng Chaoyun looked at him with pity and sighed. "This is absolutely no jest. Your greatest mistake was daring to steal my core technique!"

Li Muzhan sighed, "Ah... what about the favor you promised?"

"Since I have learned your knife techniques and given my word, I will naturally abide by the promise to help," Leng Chaoyun snorted. "Rest assured."

Li Muzhan smiled, "In that case, Palace Mistress Leng intends to subdue me?"

"Precisely!" Leng Chaoyun huffed.

Li Muzhan grinned slyly, "Then, Palace Mistress Leng, do you think you can defeat me?"

"I cannot defeat you myself," Leng Chaoyun stated plainly. Suddenly, she let out a long, resounding cry—a sound like thunder, vast and overwhelming, exploding in the sky.

Li Muzhan smiled, standing with his hands behind his back, a gentle breeze stirring. By now, the sky was beginning to lighten.

Seeing his resolute composure, Leng Chaoyun sneered internally. Immediately, three more long cries followed, sounding like the clear cries of white cranes, piercing straight toward the clouds.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, "What masterful cultivation!"

Observing his demeanor, Leng Chaoyun felt a surge of annoyance. He clearly wasn't taking these three seriously. The cultivation levels of these three Martial Uncles were truly at the pinnacle, the apex of the Grandmaster realm. Even if he himself were a Great Grandmaster, victory would not be guaranteed.

Three white figures drifted onto the cliff edge, landing softly before the pair like white feathers. They were three middle-aged women; while not top-tier beauties, they were certainly pleasant to look upon.

Leng Chaoyun clasped her hands in greeting, "Martial Aunt Yan, Martial Aunt Yang, Martial Aunt Chen."

The round-faced middle-aged woman in the lead smiled, "The Palace Mistress summoned us; what is your command?"

Leng Chaoyun wasted no words, extending her slender, jade-like fingers to point at Li Muzhan, "I request the three Martial Aunts assist me in taking this person down!"

"Understood." The three didn't speak further, merely nodding in agreement. Their forms flickered, and in an instant, they were beside Li Muzhan, surrounding him in a triangular formation.

Li Muzhan observed the three women. They were attractive, but showed no obvious signs of martial arts practitioners; their presence was completely contained, appearing no different from ordinary people. However, each wore a long saber at her waist, sheathed in ancient scabbards—likely indicating a treasure weapon within, a saber worthy of such a magnificent case.

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile, "Palace Mistress Leng, can we not discuss this calmly? Why must it come to this between us?"

"No more nonsense. If you can escape our grasp, then so be it. Otherwise, you will cripple your martial arts and be confined to the mountain peak. I will not take your life," Leng Chaoyun stated calmly.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Alas..."

Leng Chaoyun called out, "Three Martial Aunts, make your move!"

The three women nodded slightly, slowly drawing the long sabers from their waists, pointing them half-raised toward Li Muzhan. The round-faced middle-aged woman spoke, "Announce your name!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Li Wuji of the Yunxiao Sect. I request guidance from the three esteemed Seniors!"

"Yunxiao Sect?!" The eyes of the three women instantly lit up, a spark of electricity flashing within them. Their entire presence was instantly renewed, as if they were entirely different people—their spirits full, their gazes sharp and aggressive.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched; it seemed these three had indeed reached the state of Returning to Simplicity, not merely concealing their aura through some unique method. He felt a flicker of interest. These three must be the hidden cultivators of the Fuyun Palace, the strongest among them. Leng Chaoyun was aware he was a Great Grandmaster, yet she still called upon these three, suggesting they possessed true capability and were not easily defeated.

The round-faced woman smiled lightly, "A disciple of the Yunxiao Sect. Young in years, yet your cultivation is not insignificant." She assumed Li Muzhan possessed some hidden technique masking his aura, which is why she couldn't perceive its depth. She could never have imagined Li Muzhan was a Great Grandmaster, a state historically only reachable after the age of sixty in this world.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I beg the three esteemed Seniors to show mercy; this is merely a misunderstanding."

"Little fellow, whether it's a misunderstanding or not, the Palace Mistress has given the order, so we must comply. Rest assured, we won't kill you!" the round-faced middle-aged woman said with a smile.

"Senior Sister, shall we begin!" The sharp-featured, capable woman beside her said impatiently, "The Palace Mistress has already ordered it; don't delay!"

The round-faced woman chuckled, "It's just that it's been a long time since I've seen anyone from the Yunxiao Sect, so I was feeling a bit curious!" She turned to Leng Chaoyun, "Palace Mistress, I hope you don't mind?"

Leng Chaoyun scolded with a pout, "Yan—Martial—Aunt—!"

"Heh heh, alright, alright, we'll start now!" the round-faced woman replied cheerfully.

"Wait, Senior Sister Yan!" The last woman, with a delicate oval face, spoke in a deep, steady voice. Among the three, she was the most beautiful, with gentle eyes that seemed like a pool of clear spring water, making her approachable. Her bright eyes fixed on Li Muzhan, her gaze unusually profound.

"Martial Aunt Chen, let's subdue him first," Leng Chaoyun urged.

Martial Aunt Chen shook her head and sighed softly, "Palace Mistress, are you keeping something from me?"

Leng Chaoyun quickly denied it, "Martial Aunt Chen, you're overthinking things. This fellow is no good, full of tricks and schemes; he needs to be taken down quickly, and his martial arts crippled!"

"There's no need to rush this moment," Martial Aunt Chen shook her head, her voice soft and gentle, her eyes shimmering as she looked toward Li Muzhan. "Little brother, what is your surname and given name?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Esteemed Senior Chen, your disciple is Li Wuji."

Martial Aunt Chen said softly, "Little Brother Li, since you are a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect, you must know how Yi Xingzhi is faring these days?"

Li Muzhan paused, studying her, and suddenly recalled a legend. He nodded immediately, "Yes, the Sect Master is quite well."

"He is well?" Martial Aunt Chen nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "And what about him and Fu Feihong now?"

Leng Chaoyun pouted in annoyance, "Chen—Martial—Aunt—!"

But Martial Aunt Chen didn't spare Leng Chaoyun a glance, keeping her eyes fixed solely on Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan replied, "The two are soon to be married."

"Married?" Martial Aunt Chen froze, her complexion instantly turning pale. "Are those two getting married?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, lovers shall finally be united."

"Heh, lovers united... lovers..." Martial Aunt Chen shook her head, sighing with self-pity. "What a pair of devoted lovers!"

Leng Chaoyun glared at Li Muzhan, her bright eyes seeming ready to consume him. Li Muzhan pretended not to notice, asking out of curiosity, "How is it, does this esteemed Senior know our Sect Master?" He had, in fact, already guessed that this woman might be the one connected to the Sect Master. Seeing her gentle, water-like demeanor, he truly doubted the Sect Master's judgment for not choosing her over the stern and spirited Fu Feihong. Though Fu Feihong was indeed more beautiful and peerlessly elegant, their temperaments were like heaven and earth apart.

Leng Chaoyun snorted coldly, "Li Wuji, less useless talk!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I am merely curious."

Martial Aunt Chen sighed and nodded slowly, "Yes, I know Yi Xingzhi. I never thought after so many years, he would still marry Fu Feihong!"

Li Muzhan said, "They have been on-again, off-again for decades; it's time they found peace. Which Senior are you? Are you an old acquaintance of the Sect Master?"

"I am Chen Hongni," Martial Aunt Chen sighed.

Li Muzhan slapped his forehead—so he had guessed correctly. This Chen Hongni was indeed the woman connected to the Sect Master, but fate had cruelly separated them, leading him to marry Fu Feihong in the end. Though he felt pity for Chen Hongni, he dared not say more, offering only a smile.

Chen Hongni sighed, "When is their wedding?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "The ninth day of the twelfth month."

Chen Hongni delicately manipulated her long fingers, nodding slowly, "Ten days remaining."

Li Muzhan remained silent, daring not to speak further, seeing that she looked on the verge of tears. Leng Chaoyun quickly interjected, "Martial Aunt Chen, he is still here!"

Chen Hongni suddenly remembered, smiling with embarrassment, "Look at me, I'm getting confused... Palace Mistress, why must you apprehend him?"

Leng Chaoyun replied helplessly, "Martial Aunt Chen, we can discuss it later. Just don't let him escape!"

Chen Hongni said, "Very well then. Little Brother Li, since you have offended the Palace Mistress, nothing we say will matter now. Take this!"

As soon as she spoke, the three sabers moved in unison, forming three arcs of white light that attacked Li Muzhan simultaneously, lightning fast, giving him no chance to evade.

Li Muzhan sighed helplessly, "I apologize for the offense!"

He flicked his fingers lightly—ding, ding, ding, ding—a continuous cascade of clear, crisp sounds, like jade beads rolling over a jade plate, yet ceaseless like rain drumming on banana leaves.

Leng Chaoyun watched Li Muzhan intently, searching for a weakness, but Li Muzhan stood perfectly still, casually plucking the air as if playing a zither. Her heart sank continuously. These three were the absolute peak experts of the Fuyun Palace, having reached the limits of their skill; they were nearly unmatched below the Great Grandmaster level. For caution, she had them attack together, forming a Three-Wheel Formation whose power was extraordinary; she was confident it could even hold a Great Grandmaster. But seeing Li Muzhan's composure now, she realized she had underestimated Li Wuji. The three couldn't possibly contain him; the only reason they hadn't left immediately was to probe the true capabilities of the Fuyun Palace.

Realizing this, she felt immense frustration, stamping her foot angrily. She subtly took out her invisible flying dagger and, gritting her teeth, lightly threw it. It shot toward Li Muzhan in an instant.

Li Muzhan had been guarding against her all along. Seeing her hand move, he knew she was using the invisible flying dagger and shook his head with resignation, "Palace Mistress Leng, why resort to this?"

Clang—a sharp sound rang out. A treasured saber shattered. He used his internal force to swiftly pull the saber in front of him, just managing to block the flying dagger.

Martial Aunt Yan's saber shattered. Her face shifted slightly, but she didn't retreat. She let go of the broken saber and transformed her palm into a blade, continuing her attack, the palm-blade seeming almost tangible. She was shocked inwardly; she hadn't seen anything strike and break her saber, a treasured weapon capable of slicing through metal, a rarity even in the Fuyun Palace, yet it had shattered so easily.

Clang—another saber shattered, still without sight of the flying dagger.

With only Chen Hongni’s saber remaining in hand, Li Muzhan flickered abruptly, vanishing from the encirclement of the three, reappearing before Leng Chaoyun. He sighed, "It was merely an unintentional mistake. Very well, until we meet again!" With that, before Leng Chaoyun could speak, he flashed and disappeared without a trace.

"You..." Leng Chaoyun snorted in anger. She stretched out her hand, and the invisible flying dagger flew back; if Li Muzhan had been a step slower, the dagger would have pierced him. Leng Chaoyun was furious and vexed, stomping her foot before reluctantly recalling the dagger.

"Palace Mistress, what exactly is his background?" Martial Aunt Yan asked with a frown, looking at the fragments of the shattered sabers on the ground with obvious distress.

Leng Chaoyun said, "Martial Aunt Yan, I will find you another saber; it is all my fault."

"How can it be your fault, Palace Mistress? That brat was causing trouble!" Martial Aunt Yan shook her head. "How did he cultivate such martial arts? Is he truly a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect?"

Leng Chaoyun nodded slightly, "Yes, Li Wuji of the Yunxiao Sect, the foremost disciple of the third generation."

Chen Hongni inquired, "What happened to him? Why did the Palace Mistress want to cripple his martial arts?"

Leng Chaoyun shook her head, "It's nothing. He is a wicked fellow, and I couldn't handle him myself, so I asked the three Martial Aunts for help."

Chen Hongni said gently, "Very well then. We won't pry into the matters of you young people. This young man's martial arts are exquisite; be careful."

"Yes, Martial Aunt Chen, rest assured," Leng Chaoyun nodded quietly. She concealed the matter of Li Muzhan stealing the Saber Washing Sutra, intending to deal with him herself later, crippling his martial arts personally to leave no future trouble.

The three women looked at the broken saber fragments. Martial Aunt Yan shook her head, "Alas... we are truly growing old."

"Senior Sister, he is a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect. That sect always produces monsters; it's nothing to worry about," the sharp-featured woman replied, shaking her head. Chen Hongni seemed lost in thought, her mind wandering elsewhere.

Li Muzhan returned to Yuanxin Temple. The temple grounds had been meticulously cleaned. Jikong and Jing'er were still busy, bustling about inside and out with great energy. As for the fierce beasts, they had to come along too. Although their savage nature was purged, Li Muzhan was still uneasy; he needed to keep them near. If he released them into the mountains, they would become a serious menace.

Seeing him arrive, Jing'er ran to his side, clinging to him reluctantly, "Master, are we leaving now?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, are you packed?"

"Master, I don't want to leave," Jing'er murmured quietly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Every ten days, I will stay here for four days. You can come back to visit anytime. It's not far... Jing'er, focus on your training. Mastering movement skills will make traveling easier; Jikong won't need much time to travel back and forth."

Jing'er brightened, "So this place won't be abandoned?"

Li Muzhan said, "This is our foundation; how could we abandon it?"

"That's wonderful! Big Sister Li and the others will miss Master too," Jing'er quickly added.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Is your mother coming along?"

"If that's the case, then Mother doesn't have to go. I can visit often," Jing'er said.

Li Muzhan nodded, "That's fine." He raised an eyebrow, "Finish tidying up here. You two go to Miaolian Temple first; I will follow shortly after."

Jikong had already approached and smiled upon hearing this, "Yes, Master. I will take Junior Sister Jing'er with me. Have no worries, Master."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Don't let petty rivalry get the better of you; behave yourselves!"

"Yes," Jikong quickly affirmed. Li Muzhan vanished abruptly.