Li Muzhan beckoned, and a flurry of snow rose, spinning above his palm.
It grew smaller and smaller, gradually condensing into a snowball, which he then caught and squeezed tightly.
Li Yubing watched his movements, seeing him solidify the snowball.
Given his strength, such a squeeze would render the snow harder than stone.
Li Muzhan tossed it out.
The snowball flashed, leaving an afterimage, and struck Jian Zhimiao with a dull thud.
Jian Zhimiao exploded, shattering into pieces.
Li Yubing shook her head.
That blow was ruthless; not even a complete corpse remained.
As Li Muzhan summoned the snowball again, ready to squeeze it hard, Lu Changfeng suddenly leaped up opposite him, conjuring a phantom image and fleeing into the distance.
Li Muzhan snorted lightly.
The snowball sliced through the air, instantly shattering every phantom image, and struck Lu Changfeng with a muffled thump.
Lu Changfeng was sent flying.
Li Muzhan’s throw carried the weight of a thousand jin.
Coupled with his innate divine strength and his profound internal energy, Lu Changfeng's already broken body could not withstand it.
He spat a jet of blood mid-air.
A flicker of soft light crossed Li Muzhan’s hand, and immediately, Lu Changfeng’s body, not yet landed, expelled another stream of blood.
Li Yubing peered closely and saw it erupt from his throat.
Thud! Lu Changfeng crashed heavily to the ground.
He rolled up instantly, slapped a hand over his throat, instantly staunching the flow, and then turned to flee.
Li Muzhan frowned.
The vitality of a Grandmaster was truly astonishing; he seemed impossible to kill.
He had killed Hu Yu in a single blow before, causing him to underestimate the life force of a Grandmaster.
This Lu Changfeng was several times stronger than Hu Yu, his vitality even more potent; surviving so many strikes was incredible.
A ruthless thought hardened in Li Muzhan’s mind: if he didn’t kill this man today, he himself would die eventually.
Such an opportunity was exceedingly rare.
If he were prepared next time, a Grandmaster’s intuition would sense the danger, making assassination nearly impossible.
With this thought, Li Muzhan flashed forward, appearing before him, and struck his back with a palm—a muffled thud—sending Lu Changfeng spitting blood and arching backward into the air.
Li Muzhan flashed again, appearing behind him.
Li Yubing’s voice rang out: “Be careful!” Li Muzhan hastily urged the Lesser Teleportation technique, but he was a step too late.
A deafening boom echoed, and his vision blackened.
A savage surge of power flooded his body, threatening to tear him to shreds.
He cursed inwardly, quickly activating the Form Protection technique to nourish his body against the draining flow of energy.
His Gang Qi was useless now; the chaotic energy coursing inside threatened to burst him open.
He felt like an overinflated balloon on the verge of explosion.
Li Yubing’s heart sank.
She hadn't expected Li Muzhan to be caught off guard.
The self-detonation of a Grandmaster held unparalleled destructive power; survival seemed impossible, especially considering Lu Changfeng’s profound cultivation.
Hearing the bang and seeing Li Muzhan flung backward, his body bloating in the air, her heart sank into despair.
She knew disaster was imminent.
Just as despair peaked, a bright moon suddenly materialized behind Li Muzhan’s head—a disc of pure jade, white like the snow below, yet possessing a different kind of whiteness.
The moon shone brilliantly, its light swirling, then transformed into a pillar of radiance that descended upon Li Muzhan’s body.
The swelling stopped, and then slowly subsided.
Li Yubing breathed a deep sigh of relief, knowing the danger wasn't over.
A Grandmaster's power was not easily suppressed.
She gritted her teeth and gave a low hum, gracefully appearing behind Li Muzhan and gently pressing her palm against his back.
Her movements were slow and cautious, as if afraid of harming him.
The moment her slender jade palm touched Li Muzhan’s back, a muffled thud sounded, and she was flung backward, spitting a stream of blood into the air as she fell supine.
Li Muzhan let out a long breath and violently pushed forward with both palms.
With a thunderous boom, a deep crater appeared before him, large enough to bury a man up to his neck.
Li Muzhan instantly vanished from the spot, the moon halo still crowning his head, and caught Li Yubing.
She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, her face pale, and managed a wry smile: “You nearly killed me, brat!” Li Muzhan gently set her down while simultaneously channeling an influx of internal energy, chuckling, “Thank you, Palace Mistress!” He understood that if Li Yubing hadn't struck him then, giving the chaotic energy inside him an outlet, he would not have lasted much longer.
Even with the aid of Form Protection, he was barely preventing an explosion, but the rampant internal force was not easily tamed, causing havoc that left him reeling in a daze.
At that crucial moment, Li Yubing’s internal energy struck.
This rogue energy suddenly found an external enemy and united against it.
The previously chaotic force condensed into a single stream, allowing him to expel it easily.
It was Li Yubing who suffered the heaviest blow; that torrent of internal energy was incredibly violent, and the first strike was the most ferocious.
He directed his own energy into Li Yubing’s body and felt the turbulent inner force surging there.
This act was akin to diverting disaster, so he immediately helped suppress it.
Li Yubing sat cross-legged on the ground, Li Muzhan settling behind her.
White mist soon billowed above their heads.
Li Yubing managed a strained gasp: “Hurry and recall the Holy Artifact!” Li Muzhan realized his error and quickly placed the Sarira Beads from his hand back into their casket.
Immediately, the oppressive environment relaxed, as if they had surfaced from the deep sea.
The pervasive pressure vanished, leaving him feeling light, free, and ecstatic.
Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Li Yubing unleashed palm strikes, sending streaks of white light slashing into the snow.
Li Muzhan effortlessly floated to her side, sitting shoulder to shoulder with her, and asked with a smile, “Palace Mistress, is this Palm Sword?” “Hmph, you even know that?” Li Yubing glanced at him sideways.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“The martial arts of the Mo Li Palace are quite varied, especially their sword techniques.
The Mo Li Sword Style is indeed marvelous, though perhaps not as fine as our Cloud Peak Sect’s swordsmanship, it is still rare.” “Brat, you dare say Mo Li Sword is inferior to Cloud Peak Sect’s sword techniques!?” Li Yubing retorted sharply.
“Are you speaking nonsense with your eyes open!?” Li Muzhan nodded.
“I speak the truth.” “I refuse to believe it.
Let’s spar!” Li Yubing huffed.
“Bring out that bracelet again.
We are both sealed as Grandmasters now; let’s decide this purely on swordplay!” Li Muzhan smiled.
“The Palace Mistress is still injured; perhaps we should postpone.” “If you’re scared to fight, then count it as a loss!” Li Yubing insisted.
Li Muzhan considered for a moment, then laughed.
“Since the Palace Mistress presses the issue so insistently, we shall spar once you have recovered.
While the Mo Li Sword Intent is subtle, our Cloud Peak Sect specializes in Sword Control—the art of slaying from a mile away, unseen.” “Hmph, what good is a sword with form?” Li Yubing pouted.
“Its power is limited.” Li Muzhan smiled.
“The Palace Mistress’s sword intent might disrupt others, but it has no effect on me.” “I doubt that!” Li Yubing shook her head, unconvinced.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.
“If that is the case, let us heal now, and we can fight right here.
How about it? This snowy mountain is the most suitable ground for the Mo Li Sword Intent.” “Fine! I’ll take advantage of you then!” Li Yubing agreed.
Li Muzhan reassumed his position behind her.
Li Yubing said no more, closed her eyes, settled her breath, and both silently circulated their energies to heal her wounds.
Li Muzhan inadvertently recalled the Heaven and Earth Merging Cauldron Art** and a particular method described within: a technique to forge True Essence through the fusion of Yin and Yang.
He acted on the thought, refining his internal energy, and drew Li Yubing’s energy into his own body.
Though surprised, Li Yubing trusted him implicitly and allowed him to proceed.
After absorbing her energy, Li Muzhan channeled it along a unique internal pathway, fusing it with his own energy until it transformed into True Essence, which he then returned to Li Yubing.
Li Yubing felt this returning energy warm and comforting, yet it did not conflict with her own.
After circulating once within her, the energy dissipated, seemingly integrated into her body, instantly improving her injuries slightly.
Li Muzhan absorbed another portion of Li Yubing’s energy, transmuted it into True Essence, and restored her body.
Li Yubing was utterly astonished.
When they finally rose, having recovered fully, they glanced at the sun; it had shifted only slightly, as if barely an hour had passed.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“Palace Mistress, what do you think of my marvelous technique?” “Excellent.
Truly worthy of the Cloud Peak Sect!” Li Yubing nodded.
“This method of healing is something I have never witnessed before.” Li Muzhan grinned smugly.
“Our Cloud Peak Sect has always kept its true depth hidden.
Outsiders can never gauge our true power; they only ever see the surface.” He would never reveal that this was the Heaven and Earth Merging Cauldron Art; otherwise, Li Yubing would surely try to fight him to the death.
In their understanding, any Yin-Yang dual cultivation technique involved carnal acts, something shameful and strictly forbidden, especially for a female sect like theirs, which viewed male-female relations with mystique and awe.
“Enough gloating, let’s duel with swords!” Li Yubing commanded curtly.
Li Muzhan laughed.
“A duel it is.
I won't use my flying sword to take advantage of the Palace Mistress either!” “Good! I’d like to see what exquisite sword techniques you have left without your flying sword,” Li Yubing pouted, summoning her discarded snow sword back into her hand with a beckoning gesture.
Li Muzhan reached out.
A cluster of white snow spun above his head.
After patting it a few times, the snow transformed into a long sword rotating in the air.
Li Yubing pursed her lips with a slight smile.
“Your technique for this is exquisite!” Li Muzhan extended his hand, and the crystal-clear long sword settled into his palm.
With a gentle caress, the blade glowed with a soft luminescence, warm and fluid, as if an autumn pool rippled within it.
“Eh? Is that the Sword Cleansing Art?” Li Yubing asked, startled.
“That’s a secret technique of the Floating Cloud Palace!” Li Muzhan smiled.
“The Palace Mistress also knows of the Floating Cloud Palace?” “The techniques of the Floating Cloud Palace are as profound as those of the Cloud Peak Sect; it’s just that your disciples aren't as strong.
I’ve long admired the Blade Cleansing Sutra and have even witnessed it firsthand,” Li Yubing explained.
Li Muzhan inquired.
“Has the Palace Mistress visited the Floating Cloud Palace?” Li Yubing shook her head.
“I haven't visited personally.
I met the current Palace Mistress during Yi Xingzhi’s wedding ceremony, but I encountered the previous one and exchanged a few moves.” “I see,” Li Muzhan nodded.
“My Sword Cleansing technique was learned from the Floating Cloud Palace.
Come, let’s begin.” “Wait a moment.
You learned it from the Floating Cloud Palace?” Li Yubing waved a hand, smiling slyly.
“It seems your connection with that Leng Chaoyun is quite deep!” Her assistance last time was a huge concession, considering they always claimed parity with your Cloud Peak Sect.” Li Muzhan chuckled.
“It was merely a favor owed, nothing more.” “What is your relationship with this Leng Chaoyun?” Li Yubing asked with a smile.
Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile.
No matter how high their status or how old they were, women became intensely interested when such topics arose.
“Palace Mistress, shall we duel now?” Li Muzhan said seriously.
Li Yubing shook her head.
“Tell me first, then we duel.” “If we don't duel, then forget it.” “Zhanran, you’re nervous!” Li Yubing pointed her sword at him, laughing coquettishly.
“You heartless scoundrel, you’re despicable! Watch my sword!” As her words fell, her sword light was already upon him.
Li Muzhan gracefully retreated a step, laughing.
“Palace Mistress, you’re too cunning, not using the Mo Li Sword Style.” “Who said we only have the Mo Li Sword Style?” Li Yubing huffed in disappointment.
She had intended to ambush him, relying on his familiarity with the Mo Li Sword Style to teach him a lesson.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“That move was rather ordinary.” “Impudent brat, watch out!” Li Yubing snorted.
Suddenly, a cold star shot toward her.
Alarmed, she slipped, retreating a full zhang, but the cold star grew larger—it was the tip of Li Muzhan’s sword.
She was forced to retreat again, slipping another two zhang before executing a circular pivot to finally evade the relentless pursuit of Li Muzhan’s blade.
She was inwardly chilled; she hadn't expected Li Muzhan’s sword to be so fast.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“Palace Mistress, how was that?” “Passable,” Li Yubing grunted, finally unleashing the Mo Li Sword Style.
It was ethereal, suffusing the area with a chilling aura.
Li Muzhan chuckled, shaking his long sword.
With a soft whir, the blade shimmered brightly before the light retracted.
The sword tip instantaneously appeared before Li Yubing.
Li Yubing gave an “Oh,” surprised that Li Muzhan’s sword had not slowed but grown even faster.
She reluctantly raised her own sword in defense—a crisp ding sounded as the two blades met.
Smack! Both swords instantly dissolved into drifting flakes of snow.
“You brat!” Li Yubing shot him an annoyed glare and lowered her hand.
She knew that this last exchange was Li Muzhan’s true skill—it was truly unaffected by the Mo Li Sword Intent.
With this realization, she truly had no hope of winning.
With his current speed, she wouldn't last many exchanges; only as a Grandmaster might she have stood a chance.
She sighed and shook her head.
“Zhanran, your progress is too rapid.
Standing near you makes me blush from sheer embarrassment!” Li Muzhan smiled broadly.
“That is due to luck, Palace Mistress; you cannot envy it.” “That’s true,” Li Yubing conceded, then huffed.
“Who told you to be proficient in formations and possess a Holy Artifact? That luck is outrageously good!” She understood that killing a Grandmaster caused one’s cultivation to surge slightly.
Li Muzhan had killed three Grandmasters in succession; even at his young age, this continuous surge meant his current power surpassed hers.
Li Muzhan smiled.
“Palace Mistress, given my current cultivation, where would I rank among the world’s Grandmasters?” “Let me think…” Li Yubing pondered for a moment, then shook her head.
“West China has nineteen Grandmasters.
I don’t know the exact count for Da Li, but West China has nine.
With two killed by you, I suppose you rank in the middle tier.” “Not bad, not bad,” Li Muzhan beamed.
(To be continued)