Li Muzhan chuckled, "Senior Sister, I am a Grandmaster, after all!" He understood that Feng Mingxue meant it was a waste of good materials, delaying the disciples' progress. "You never take the time to guide them properly; you're busy all day, or else you're locked away cultivating!" Feng Mingxue shook her head and huffed.

Jikong and Jing'er breathed a sigh of relief; it wasn't that they themselves were inadequate! Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "When do I constantly watch over them? A master can only show the door; cultivation is up to the individual.

Their achievements are ultimately up to themselves." Feng Mingxue shook her head, "With a master's supervision, they would certainly be stronger.

If you don't manage anything, how can they mature? They are still young and know nothing." Jikong summoned his courage, "Martial Aunt, Master is very strict with us." Jing'er nodded vigorously, staring at Feng Mingxue with wide eyes.

Feng Mingxue pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, "Fine, your master is irresponsible.

If you wish to achieve anything, you must work harder yourselves." "Yes, Martial Aunt," the two quickly nodded.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, if you are still uneasy, why not manage their discipline for me." Feng Mingxue shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes swirling with a captivating charm.

She huffed, "Just enjoy your laziness to the fullest; I won't stand idly by!" Jikong's eyes instantly lit up with uncontainable excitement.

Li Muzhan said, "Jikong, take some time to seek guidance from your Martial Aunt.

She is standing on the threshold of becoming a Grandmaster; this is your great fortune." "Thank you, Martial Aunt!" Jikong quickly clasped his hands in salute, showing utmost reverence.

Li Muzhan shook his head.

This Jikong showed even more respect toward his Senior Sister than he did toward his own Senior Sister.

He hoped this young man could overcome the trial of emotion.

He could see Jikong was deeply entangled.

It was a pity he encountered his Senior Sister, whose gaze was sharp and whose understanding of worldly affairs was cold; the fire in Jikong's heart would soon be extinguished.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Jikong, go spread the word: I will be giving a Dharma talk today." "Master, so suddenly?" Jikong struggled to draw his gaze back to Li Muzhan, "It's too rushed.

People might not make it in time." Li Muzhan said, "If they can't make it, so be it.

I happen to have the time today, so I'll hold one session." "Yes, Master," Jikong nodded and turned to leave.

Jing'er said, "Master, if it's this urgent, very few people will attend." Li Muzhan smiled, "A few people don't matter.

I had a stirring in my heart, so I'll hold a talk.

It seems you haven't been lazy, Jing'er; your practice is quite good." "What cultivation technique is Jing'er practicing?" Feng Mingxue sensed something unusual.

Li Muzhan smiled, "It's the method passed down by Palace Master Li." "No wonder," Feng Mingxue nodded slightly. "Jing'er, Palace Master Li is a Grandmaster.

Her cultivation methods are supremely profound; you must cultivate with diligence." "Yes, Martial Aunt, I will practice diligently," Jing'er nodded hard.

After Li Muzhan finished his sermon and returned from Miaolian Temple to Feng Mingxue’s courtyard, Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, how was it?" He noticed his Xiang Shen (Embodiment) had solidified slightly, indicating that the Dharma talk had a significant effect.

Because this talk was arranged impromptu, the attendance was quite substantial.

This showed Jikong's capability.

Coupled with Li Muzhan's previous great reputation, once Jikong spread the word, nearly a hundred people quickly gathered and arrived at Miaolian Temple.

When Li Muzhan spoke, he did not rely on quoting scriptures.

Every word was simple and unadorned, speaking directly to the hearts of the audience, plucking the strings of their souls.

As a result, they felt Li Muzhan's discourse was profound yet accessible, often sparking moments of sudden enlightenment.

These truths were vaguely present, known in part, but fragmented and unclear.

Li Muzhan’s few concise remarks were like puncturing a piece of thin paper, instantly clarifying everything.

They felt a sudden, refreshing clarity, an inexpressible excitement, believing they had benefited immensely, which further deepened their faith in Li Muzhan.

The power of faith was truly wondrous; it gradually coalesced his Xiang Shen.

He could once again feel a continuous stream of power flowing in, a sensation of unparalleled wonder.

Feng Mingxue nodded, "I didn't expect my Junior Brother to be so versed in Buddhist doctrine." Li Muzhan had always claimed to be a disciple of the Dharma; his initial mentor had taught him secret Buddhist methods.

She had always assumed Li Muzhan was skilled in esoteric Buddhist arts, but that the true path of the Dharma required deeper study and wisdom for genuine comprehension.

Listening to Li Muzhan's sermon today, she realized she had underestimated her Junior Brother.

His insight into the Dharma was peerless, far beyond what she could have imagined.

No wonder he had reached the Grandmaster realm.

Although chance played a part, there was also inevitability rooted in the depth of his thought and the profundity of his wisdom, far exceeding that of ordinary people.

It was hard to imagine such deep wisdom in someone his age.

He always behaved playfully and informally in front of her, never serious or earnest, causing her to unconsciously look down on him slightly.

In retrospect, she realized she had been too superficial.

Thinking this, she suddenly huffed, "However, even though your Dharma is profound, your actions do not adhere to the Dharma, do they?" Li Muzhan's smile froze, and he wryly smiled, "Senior Sister, it is easy to know the Way, but hard to practice it." "That is true.

If you strictly followed the Dharma, what would become of Sister Hai and Miss Song?" Feng Mingxue shook her head and smiled faintly, "And Miss Dugu, too." Li Muzhan sighed, "Alas..." "You must eventually provide an account.

Marrying them all is likely impossible," Feng Mingxue shook her head. "The Madam will never agree.

I advise you to change your mind." Li Muzhan shook his head, "I truly cannot bear to hurt their hearts." "Then everyone will be hurt," Feng Mingxue shook her head. "It's not worth it for such a fickle fellow like you!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, I am ashamed of my own greed." "And you still haven't repented!" Feng Mingxue huffed.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Things have reached this point; there is no turning back.

I can only forge ahead bravely, strive for the best, and not retreat.

Otherwise, they will all be hurt, affecting their entire lives." "You do understand, then.

What were you doing before?" Feng Mingxue huffed. "What about Miss Dugu?" Li Muzhan said, "Haven't I been avoiding her all this time?" "You still have a shred of conscience," Feng Mingxue nodded.

Li Muzhan forced a wry smile, "Senior Sister, don't make me sound so terrible." "If it were anyone else, I would have run them through with my sword long ago," Feng Mingxue said irritably.

Speaking of Dugu Jinghua, Li Muzhan indeed felt a heavy sense of apology.

Although he had saved her life, he had also stolen her heart.

Yet, he genuinely did not want to delay Dugu Jinghua; his only recourse was to keep his distance and let their feelings cool.

He hoped she might forget him as a result.

Given her noble status, marrying a mere vagrant like himself was unsuitable.

Her current feelings were merely a fleeting heat of the moment.

The more Li Muzhan thought this way, the more reluctant he was to meet Dugu Jinghua.

Occasionally, these past few days, when he thought of her exquisite features and intelligent aura, his heart ached with longing, but he strictly suppressed it.

Feng Mingxue's words had stirred his memories again, and a look of melancholy crossed his face.

Seeing his expression, Feng Mingxue felt a pang in her heart.

She huffed, "Enough.

If you truly miss her, go back and see her!" Li Muzhan shook his head, "A short pain is better than a long one.

Let's just forget it!" "That's rare for you; in the past, you would never have let her go," Feng Mingxue glanced at him sidelong and huffed.

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister, please spare me!" Feng Mingxue pursed her lips and smiled, "I'm just stating facts! ...

Alright, alright.

I want to practice the secret method you mentioned; don't disturb me!" Li Muzhan nodded, "It would be best if you enter seclusion for pure cultivation.

Senior Sister, be careful." "Don't worry, I will certainly master it.

What level have you reached?" Feng Mingxue asked.

Li Muzhan said, "The fourth level." "Good.

I will emerge from seclusion only after I reach the fourth level," Feng Mingxue said. "You should go hide wherever you need to hide and stop lingering around here; the Madam can find you!" Li Muzhan's face changed, and he quickly said, "Not good, the Madam is here! I must take my leave first!" Feng Mingxue irritably said, "Go, go!" As soon as Feng Mingxue finished speaking, Li Muzhan vanished in a flash.

Just as he disappeared, Fu Feihong appeared gracefully, clad in ink-green silk robes, her lovely face tightly composed.

Feng Mingxue muttered a quiet word about Li Muzhan and stepped forward, "Madam." Fu Feihong's spirit soared, her elegance even more pronounced.

She waved her hand, "Where is that brat?" Feng Mingxue did not deny his presence and shook her head, "He just left." "Hmph, he must have known I was coming and fled, didn't he?" Fu Feihong stated.

Feng Mingxue nodded lightly, "I suspect so." Fu Feihong huffed, "He doesn't dare return to his own courtyard and comes here to seek peace.

That brat is too cunning!" Feng Mingxue pursed her lips into a slight smile, "He calculated that you had sent people to his courtyard, so he came straight to me.

...

Madam, I think perhaps it's best to let it be." "What do you mean, let it be!" Fu Feihong said crossly, "Mingxue, you are his Senior Sister, and your relationship is close, but as a woman, you cannot shield him!" Feng Mingxue shook her head, "Madam, you cannot do anything to him.

He runs faster than a rabbit, slipping away the moment he senses trouble.

You cannot catch him." "That is true.

With his divine skill, it is indeed hard to catch him if he intends to hide," Fu Feihong huffed helplessly. "But we cannot let him roam free indefinitely.

That brat is dreaming foolishly, trying to gloss over things—no way!" Feng Mingxue said, "Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes.

It's best to let them resolve it themselves.

The Madam can watch from the side, as long as the commotion doesn't get too big." Fu Feihong shook her head, "If I leave it to them, my foolish disciple will truly follow him.

She knows nothing; how can I watch her leap into a fire pit!" Feng Mingxue smiled, "Perhaps it isn't a fire pit?" "If you had to serve one man alongside other women, would you feel comfortable?" Fu Feihong challenged.

Feng Mingxue smiled slightly but said nothing.

Fu Feihong paused, then huffed, "Mingxue, tell me the truth, have you also fallen for him?" Feng Mingxue's face flushed, and she quickly shook her head, "Madam, what are you saying!" "I think you've fallen too!" Fu Feihong stared at her face and shook her head.

Feng Mingxue rarely blushed; this was telling.

Feng Mingxue said, "I just feel that when it comes to matters between men and women, it's best to let nature take its course.

Outsiders can hardly truly understand—like a fish knowing the joy of water." Fu Feihong shook her head, "You are still too young.

At your age, you think everyone's feelings are unique and different from others.

In reality, it's all the same!" Feng Mingxue shook her head dismissively.

Fu Feihong continued, "Everyone thinks their life is unique, but it's all the same.

Living in this world, from birth to death, what difference is there?" Feng Mingxue smiled, "I don't understand that part, but I know my Junior Brother's nature.

He appears easygoing, but he is extremely arrogant and stubborn.

It's hard for outsiders to sway him." "Hmph, becoming a Grandmaster at such a young age—arrogance is expected," Fu Feihong said with resignation. "If it weren't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't force him like this." Feng Mingxue said, "In my view, it's best to trust Sister Hai and let her handle it herself." "I can't rest assured," Fu Feihong sighed.

Feng Mingxue smiled, "The children will manage their own affairs.

I believe Junior Brother won't fail her." "He doesn't want to fail anyone—he dreams too sweetly!" Fu Feihong huffed.

Feng Mingxue said, "If they are all willing, wouldn't that be a happy ending for everyone?" "They are happy now but might regret it later!" Fu Feihong shook her head.

Feng Mingxue shook her head, "Who can predict the future? We martial artists live short, intense lives.

Why worry too much about the distant future?" Fu Feihong paused, frowned, pondered for a moment, and then slowly nodded.

In the following few days, Li Muzhan remained on Floating Cloud Peak.

Leng Chaoyun kept avoiding him, refusing to meet.

He felt as if he were living alone on the mountain peak, an indescribable loneliness settling upon him.

However, Li Muzhan feared this the least.

He would enter in the morning, read for a while, and after eating, he would disappear, reappearing at Miaolian Temple.

He would guide his two disciples in their practice and then hold another Dharma talk, which drew increasingly large crowds to Miaolian Temple to listen to his teachings.

Li Muzhan thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of having numerous believers, which solidified his Xiang Shen.

He spoke the Dharma with greater focus, yet cultivating the Dharma was not easy.

The most crucial aspect of Buddhist cultivation was practical verification, which required embodying the principles in one's actions, thereby strengthening faith, the primary source.

After delivering his sermon, he would guide them in meditation practice.

Regarding Zen meditation, there was no shortcut; one needed to calm the mind and rely on skill to smooth out the state of mind.

The mind is like a rapidly flowing river; quieting it is difficult and requires prolonged training.

However, meditating and achieving stillness within Miaolian Temple was not hard.

The entire temple was Li Muzhan's domain, under his complete control.

Those within would be influenced by Li Muzhan, their minds becoming tranquil, free from worries and sorrow, naturally allowing their hearts to settle quickly and experience the wonderful feeling of Zen stillness.

Once addicted to this feeling, they would become more diligent in practicing meditation, and the more they practiced, the firmer their faith became, and the stronger the power Li Muzhan received grew.

One morning, after finishing his meal, Li Muzhan was about to leave when he suddenly saw Xiao Yan rushing up the peak and darting into the main hall.

He stopped, frowned, and pondered.

Sensing that Xiao Yan’s demeanor was unusual, something must have happened.

His meddlesome nature flared up again.

He strolled out of his side hall and entered the main hall.

Only two people were inside: Leng Chaoyun, dressed in red gauze and a red veil, was pacing the hall, while Xiao Yan stood obediently to one side, her beautiful face tight with indignation.

As Li Muzhan walked in, both women turned their heads to look at him.

Xiao Yan's bright eyes lit up as she looked at Li Muzhan, then glanced at Leng Chaoyun, forcing her to close her mouth and shake her head in disappointment.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Palace Master, is there some trouble?" "Nothing," Leng Chaoyun replied faintly.

Her clear eyes were cold, yet her suppressed anger was evident in her tone.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Tell me about it.

I have nothing better to do, and it would be good to occupy myself.

Xiao Yan, did something happen?" Xiao Yan nodded, "Three of our Martial Sisters have been murdered." Li Muzhan frowned, "Who did it?" "The Zhu Family," Xiao Yan said hatefully. "Xiao Yan!" Leng Chaoyun huffed, and Xiao Yan quickly closed her cherry lips.

Li Muzhan mused, "The Zhu Family...

Do you mean the Zhu Family of the Four Great Clans?" "Exactly them!" Xiao Yan quickly nodded, then swiftly covered her mouth, cautiously glancing at Leng Chaoyun.

Leng Chaoyun snorted, "Correct.

The Zhu Family from the capital.

You need not concern yourself." Li Muzhan said, "What a coincidence.

I happen to be enemies with this Zhu Family.

They have always been overbearing, relying on the influence of Noble Consort Zhu, causing increasing outrage." "The Zhu Family...

Hmph, the Zhu Family!" Leng Chaoyun scoffed, shaking her head, "They have gone too far!" Li Muzhan shook his head, "Forget your Floating Cloud Palace; even our Cloud Heaven Sect, or the other two families, the Zhu Family doesn't take them seriously." Leng Chaoyun frowned, "How do you know so clearly?" Li Muzhan said, "Surely the Palace Master isn't so ill-informed? The conflict between me and the Zhu Family was a huge affair back then." Leng Chaoyun knitted her brows, a look of realization dawning as she surveyed him up and down. "I recall now.

It was rumored you severely injured the Zhu Family.

Is that true?" Li Muzhan nodded, "It is true." "But some also said you were killed," Leng Chaoyun said calmly. "If the latter part is false, then the former shouldn't be taken as absolute truth, right?" Li Muzhan forced a bitter smile, "Forget it.

Truth and falsehood are deeply intertwined in this matter; it cannot be explained in a moment.

Let's just say concerning my relationship with the Zhu Family: if I have the chance to deal with them, I will never let them off." "Mm, that much is true," Leng Chaoyun nodded lightly. "However, we do not require your assistance." Li Muzhan smiled, "Does Palace Master Leng know the details of the Zhu Family?" Even though her face was veiled, Li Muzhan could tell that Leng Chaoyun was still upset about the past incident, or perhaps embarrassed, unwilling to meet him, feeling ill at ease.

Leng Chaoyun said, "I know a little." Li Muzhan shook his head, "Actually, very few people know the full story of the Zhu Family.

In my estimation, with the strength of your Floating Cloud Palace, dealing with the Zhu Family will be very difficult." "What's so formidable about the Zhu Family!" Xiao Yan huffed.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "One of the Four Great Clans of the realm—they were enfeoffed by the Emperor himself.

After years of meticulous management, even if they cannot match the long lineage of Floating Cloud Palace, they cannot be underestimated.

Their power is immense, which is why they can be so tyrannical." "I will make a trip there personally," Leng Chaoyun declared.

Li Muzhan said, "What will the Palace Master do there?" "I need to see Zhu Lang," Leng Chaoyun replied.

Li Muzhan smiled, "This Zhu Lang is known for being lecherous.

The Palace Master must be cautious." Leng Chaoyun gave him a cold glare.

Xiao Yan hesitated, "Miss..." Leng Chaoyun waved her hand, "No need to say more; my mind is made up!" PS: Only one update today.

I went out during the day and am too exhausted.

I will write more tomorrow to make up for it.

(To be continued)