Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "You lot aren't exactly timid, are you? Offending the Floating Cloud Palace and then immediately sending people to strike right at their door—a preemptive move. You certainly live up to the Zhu family name!"

"Li, you stop gloating! Our people will avenge me!" the square-faced elder sneered. He had witnessed Li Muzhan employ his ultimate techniques; even disguised in a monk's robes, he recognized him instantly.

That scene was branded onto his mind as if by fire; it was impossible to forget. Even now, deep in the night, he would wake up startled from nightmares, all stemming from that moment.

Facing the numerous masters of the Zhu family, Li Muzhan had moved with utter ease, as if slaughtering chickens. Those top-tier Grandmasters, usually arrogant and almost impossible to subdue, were utterly defenseless before him, cut down one by one like livestock awaiting the knife.

Whenever he recalled those moments, a cold sweat would break out. Back then, he had been agonizingly close—just barely missed being struck by him, an attack that would have meant certain death.

At that time, though gripped by terror, their blood had surged, and they had resolved to die fighting. They harbored a single thought: to kill him and avenge all their fallen comrades. For that goal, death held no sting; they would still be heroes in eighteen years.

But recalling it now, the reckless courage vanished, leaving only palpitations and dread. Facing such a scene again, he knew he wouldn't have the nerve to fight to the death; he would only be able to flee.

The problem was Li Wuji’s movement technique was like lightning, as elusive as a phantom—escape would be impossible. This realization filled him with a crushing sense of powerlessness and fear.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Avenge you? Your Zhu family will avenge you? ... In that case, I shall eagerly await their visit. I only fear your Zhu family lacks the gall."

"Hmph, Li fellow, things are different for us now!" the square-faced elder sneered, his face pale. His heart trembled, but with the confrontation upon him, he had no choice but to commit; he knew this life was likely forfeit today.

"Oh—?" Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow. "Different now? ... It just means your methods have grown more despicable. Bullying the sect of a mere woman—the Zhu family certainly has potential!"

"The Floating Cloud Palace dared to kill our Zhu family disciples, a crime punishable by death!" the square-faced elder huffed, his expression proud.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Look at that. This is the true face of your Zhu family: you are allowed to kill others, but no one is permitted to kill a Zhu disciple! ... Have you even bothered to ask why the Floating Cloud Palace disciples felt the need to kill your disciples?"

"Asking is pointless. No matter what, killing a Zhu disciple leaves only one path!" the square-faced elder declared resolutely, his air imperious.

Li Muzhan said, "I am eager to witness the Zhu family's might. I won't kill you today. Go deliver a message to Zhu Lang. Tell him to send others if he dares! ... Without your Danxin Tiequan, let's see what skills you truly possess!"

"Li Wuji!" Leng Chaoyun suddenly interjected sharply.

Li Muzhan turned with a soft smile. "Is the Palace Mistress unharmed?"

Leng Chaoyun’s jade-like face was tense. Despite the red silk veil, Li Muzhan could discern the tension around her eyes and the look in her gaze. She sighed helplessly. "These scoundrels run rampant. There is only one solution—kill them."

Leng Chaoyun stated coolly, "Thank you."

She wasn't ungrateful. Despite her discomfort, Li Muzhan had saved her life. She knew that without him today, even a victory would have been a pyrrhic one, with devastating consequences.

Because of her secret cultivation art, any serious injury would truly strip the Floating Cloud Palace of its strongest power. Without her, she could not deploy the God-Slaying Blade, leaving the Zhu masters' potential return a dire threat.

Yet, despite knowing this, being seen in such a wretched state by Li Muzhan, and being rescued by him again, was decidedly unpleasant. She truly did not want it.

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Zhu family is my enemy as well, Palace Mistress. You need not be so formal... By the way, I'm letting him go. You don't object, do you?"

"He is your captive. How you deal with him is up to you," Leng Chaoyun replied neutrally.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Very well, I shall spare his life and send him back to deliver a message to Zhu Lang."

"It seems you truly made an enemy of the Zhu family long ago," Leng Chaoyun observed.

Li Muzhan smiled and pointed at the square-faced elder. "His appearance tells the whole story."

"How is Xiao Yan's injury?" Leng Chaoyun asked.

Li Muzhan replied, "Nothing serious. She just needs quiet rest."

The three other women were already attending to Xiao Yan, but she insisted on staying out of the main hall, casting glances toward this direction every so often. She could vaguely sense Leng Chaoyun’s mood; her mistress was proud and high-spirited, and this situation must be difficult for her.

Li Muzhan waved his hand, releasing the pressure points on the square-faced elder. "There. Go back and tell Zhu Lang that I am here, and we shall see if he has the guts to send anyone over."

"Yes, I will report everything faithfully to the Family Head!" The square-faced elder let out a silent breath of relief, yet his face remained stern and seemingly fearless.

Li Muzhan grinned wickedly. "Everyone fears death, and you fear it too. There’s nothing shameful about it. I hope we don't meet again, because next time, you might not even get the chance to be afraid."

"...What about my companions?" The square-faced elder's face twitched as he asked in a low voice.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Their chances are slim to none. If they weren't turned into paste, they’re close. You don't need to worry; for them, death is certain. It's a blessing that you survived!"

The square-faced elder nodded grimly. Running into this calamity star, surviving alone was indeed a blessing. He huffed deeply. "We will certainly settle this score!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "You sound quite confident. Does the Zhu family have more experts?"

"Hmph, you are correct!" the square-faced elder stated gravely. "Our Zhu family is one of the Four Great Clans. If we spread the word, plenty of Grandmasters will flock to us automatically!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "These Grandmasters..."

"The Zhu family’s power attracts Grandmasters; they naturally rush towards it!"

The elder felt it unlikely he could avoid running into Li Muzhan again. If he could foster a good relationship, perhaps his life could be spared. Life and death rested on this man's slightest whim; one raised hand, and he would live.

This was for his future survival. To live, he needed to sacrifice some things. Li Muzhan's words had struck a chord; he needed immediate clarity, even if it meant revealing Zhu family secrets to ensure his silence. After all, only he would be returning, and his companions were already gone; no one else would know.

Li Muzhan sighed. "If one cannot preserve their true heart, it is difficult to become a Great Grandmaster."

The square-faced elder shook his head. "Becoming a Great Grandmaster is hardly easy. People struggle hard enough to reach the Grandmaster level. To toil further for that one faint thread of hope—it's better to settle for solid benefits, live a slightly better life, and ensure one's family lives better."

Leng Chaoyun shot him a disdainful glance and pursed her lips.

She frowned, scrutinizing the elder. Why was this man speaking with such patience, as if trying to befriend Li Wuji? It was utterly bizarre.

Li Muzhan, however, clearly perceived the elder’s mindset. While shaking his head inwardly, he decided to play along, finding it a good opportunity to probe the Zhu family's background, saving him the trouble of questioning the Dugu family later.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Grandmaster experts are ultimately limited in their usefulness... Ah, I almost forgot. The Zhu family also possesses the Danxin Tiequan. Having Grandmasters is sufficient."

"Indeed!" the square-faced elder nodded slowly. "The Zhu family is currently at its zenith, and we old retainers are highly valued."

Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "Is Zhu Lang doing a good job as Family Head?"

"The Family Head is enlightened; everyone holds him in high regard," the square-faced elder confirmed.

Li Muzhan smiled thinly. Standards differed for everyone. In his view, Zhu Lang was mediocre and incompetent, but to these disciples, he was different.

Li Muzhan inquired, "You don't have any Great Grandmasters?"

"Great Grandmasters? I don't think so," the square-faced elder replied, shaking his head.

Li Muzhan pressed on. "Is the Zhu family’s relationship with the other three great clans generally good?"

"It's fine," the square-faced elder agreed.

Li Muzhan frowned. "And with the Dugu family?"

"Also quite good. The Dugu Family Head and our Family Head were drinking together recently; their relationship has recovered, unlike when Miss Dugu was in charge," the elder added, glancing cautiously at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled. "That settles my worries. How is Miss Dugu doing now?"

"Is Miss Jinghua still Miss Dugu?" the square-faced elder asked.

Li Muzhan clarified, "Miss Jinghua."

The square-faced elder shook his head. "I heard Miss Jinghua is ill, quite severely. Her old ailment has flared up; I fear..."

Li Muzhan's expression instantly changed. "What?!"

The square-faced elder quickly added, "I only heard this as I was arriving. It seems Miss Jinghua is gravely ill. I don't know her current condition."

Li Muzhan said gravely, "Old ailment flaring up, not an injury?"

"Who would dare injure her?" The square-faced elder shook his head. "She has an extremely close relationship with the Ninth Princess and belongs to the Dugu family; no one dares to make trouble for her."

Li Muzhan's face darkened. Leng Chaoyun glanced at him. Li Muzhan was usually mild and composed, unflinching even if a mountain collapsed before him. This unusual reaction clearly stemmed from Dugu Jinghua.

She shook her head inwardly. Just as expected of a notorious playboy, leaving affection everywhere—here was another poor woman!

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Enough. You may leave."

"Farewell!" The square-faced elder nodded and swiftly departed the peak.

Li Muzhan stood silent, gazing at the surrounding white clouds, his gray monk's robes fluttering gently. His eyes were fixed on the empty space, his body unmoving.

Leng Chaoyun coughed lightly and walked slowly to his side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, watching the drifting clouds, allowing her red veil gown to billow slightly.

A faint, delicate fragrance drifted past his nose. Li Muzhan’s mind was consumed with Dugu Jinghua; her exquisite, crystalline face flashed in his mind—every frown, every smile, as gentle as water.

"Palace Mistress, how shall we deal with the men below?" A young woman in green descended lightly onto the peak and reported respectfully to Leng Chaoyun.

"Did any of our disciples suffer casualties below?" Leng Chaoyun asked.

Her tone was detached, her gaze cool, yet authority lay beneath the surface. The green-clad girl hastily nodded. "No, Palace Mistress. They advanced directly to the summit."

"Seal their acupoints and keep them confined," Leng Chaoyun commanded.

"Their injuries are severe," the girl hurried to say. "If we don't treat them, they likely won't last long."

Leng Chaoyun paused in thought. "Use medicine to revive them!"

"Yes." The green-clad girl nodded respectfully, retreated, and floated down the mountainside.

Li Muzhan turned back with a smile. "You aren't killing them?"

"I wish I could kill them all to avenge my disciples," Leng Chaoyun huffed.

Li Muzhan frowned slightly. "Then why save them? Just kill them outright!"

Leng Chaoyun explained, "One matter is separate from the other. We cannot leave the dying unaided. We will exact revenge, but not before ensuring they live."

Li Muzhan chuckled, shaking his head. "Palace Mistress, that idea is quite amusing, but using elixirs on them is a waste—a real pity."

"It's no waste. Saving lives and taking lives are distinct duties; they must not be muddled together," Leng Chaoyun insisted.

By this time, Li Muzhan had composed his wandering thoughts. Though intensely worried about Dugu Jinghua, he maintained an outward calm, unwilling to reveal his anxiety in front of Leng Chaoyun.

"I hope nothing goes awry. If they try any tricks, I fear..." Li Muzhan trailed off with a shake of his head.

Leng Chaoyun snorted. "Rest assured. As incompetent as my disciples might be, they can handle this small matter."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Being cautious never hurts. Palace Mistress should also be careful. The Zhu family attracts Grandmasters for a reason; many secret arts are unheard of."

Leng Chaoyun frowned. "Are you worried they possess secret arts that can deceive or ambush people?"

Li Muzhan said slowly, "That is highly possible. Never underestimate disciples from the great clans; their foundation is deep, far surpassing that of our sects."

"They've only existed for a few hundred years; what's so formidable about that!" Leng Chaoyun scoffed.

Li Muzhan explained, "In the early days of the dynasty, the court scoured the martial world for secret manuals. The Imperial Armory's collection is far richer than that of any single sect. Furthermore, the court possessed a wealth of talent unmatched by martial sects. The martial arts they created through collective wisdom surpass any sect's skills."

"Are the Imperial martial arts inherently superior to ours?" Leng Chaoyun was unconvinced.

Li Muzhan countered, "I have witnessed the martial arts of the Four Great Clans; they are at least on par with those of our Cloud Heaven Sect. As for how they compare to your Floating Cloud Palace, I cannot say."

Leng Chaoyun shot him an annoyed look. The Cloud Heaven Sect’s martial arts were similar to the Floating Cloud Palace’s; his implication clearly irritated her.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "The Four Great Clans' martial arts originated from the Imperial Palace, supplemented by the secret manuals they collected using their immense influence. Their foundational depth far exceeds that of any mere sect."

"Fine, I understand," Leng Chaoyun said impatiently.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "I apologize for rambling. This minor issue shouldn't trouble the Palace Mistress."

Leng Chaoyun snorted. "Without your reminder, I truly might have been careless. Do you want to go see that Dugu girl?"

Li Muzhan's expression shifted slightly; he pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

Leng Chaoyun looked at him coldly. "Truly a heartless man!"

Li Muzhan sighed. "If I go, I might bring her harm!"

"Do you have some romantic entanglement with her?" Leng Chaoyun inquired sidelong.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Forget it, it’s nothing."

"If it’s nothing, why won't you go?" Leng Chaoyun snorted. "She is gravely ill. As a friend, you should at least visit!"

Though Li Muzhan said nothing, Leng Chaoyun had a premonition that Li Wuji and this Dugu Jinghua shared private feelings. He certainly possessed means!

And Dugu Jinghua’s illness might even be connected to Li Wuji. Thus, when Li Muzhan refused to go, she instantly grew annoyed and sneered repeatedly.

Li Muzhan sighed. "I cannot save her."

"I doubt that," Leng Chaoyun scoffed. "Are you afraid to see her because you feel guilty? ... Guilty for how you once wronged her?"

Li Muzhan forced a bitter smile. "Palace Mistress, please don't overthink things; that's baseless talk!"

"In any case, you are not a good man!" Leng Chaoyun waved her hand and huffed. "Forget it. Go do what you need to do. I have nothing more to say!"

With that, she turned and left, returning to the main hall to check on Xiao Yan.

Li Muzhan strolled casually to the edge of the cliff, gazing at the vast mountains below and the floating clouds around him, sighing inwardly, yet gripped by an inexplicable yearning.

Dugu Jinghua—if she was so sick, why hadn't she crushed her jade pendant to see him? Why conceal it from him? What was she trying to do?

She was intelligent enough to detect his evasiveness. Perhaps she was angry? Hurt?

He paced back and forth along the cliff edge more than a dozen times, finally stomping his foot, and with a sudden flash, he returned to his meditation cell in the Miaolian Temple, changed his clothes, and instantly flashed again, appearing at the Dugu Estate.

His small courtyard at the Dugu Estate was utterly silent. Li Muzhan paused, the immense pressure of the Danxin Tiequan washing over him. Fortunately, he was accustomed to it; without even activating his Void Eye, he walked into his room. It was swept spotlessly clean; someone tidied it daily.

Li Muzhan suddenly sniffed, his brow furrowed. He detected a faint fragrance, almost imperceptible, undetectable to ordinary noses, but impossible to hide from him.

This captivating, delicate scent was one he knew intimately—Dugu Jinghua’s unique aroma, not from perfume or powder, but her natural scent.

He frowned and sighed. It seemed she had personally cleaned his room.

He thought for a moment, finally sighing in resignation, and rose to leave the small courtyard. He walked to Dugu Jinghua’s courtyard and knocked on her door. Dugu Heng opened it.

He stared at Li Muzhan, startled. "Brother Li?"

Li Muzhan forced a smile. "Brother Dugu, where is your aunt?"

"My aunt, she..." Dugu Heng’s expression changed drastically.

Li Muzhan's heart sank. He hurried, "She—?"

Dugu Heng sighed and shook his head.

Li Muzhan urged, "Brother Dugu, speak! ... What happened to Jinghua?"

Dugu Heng shook his head and sighed. "Brother Li, why are you here?"

"You..." Li Muzhan glared at him with slight impatience. "Is Miss Jinghua alright?"

Dugu Heng’s face showed deep worry as he shook his head. "Aunt is very ill. Divine Doctor Hua said that Aunt, perhaps..."

"Perhaps what?" Li Muzhan pressed.

Dugu Heng sighed. "Perhaps... she won't make it through this time. It really seems hopeless."

Li Muzhan frowned. "Let me see!"

Dugu Heng shook his head, sighing again. "Aunt specifically instructed that she does not wish to see you."

"Where is she now?" Li Muzhan frowned, opening his Void Eye, but he could not locate Dugu Jinghua.

Dugu Heng shook his head and sighed. "Brother Li, I cannot tell you."

"Why won't Jinghua see me?" Li Muzhan asked.

Dugu Heng looked at him deeply a few times, then sighed. "Brother Li, you are my best friend and my role model. I have always respected you, but what you did to my aunt..."

"What did I do to Miss Jinghua?" Li Muzhan asked.

"You were too cruel to Aunt!" Dugu Heng huffed. "You haven't sent a single word for so long, as if you vanished into thin air, refusing to return to see her!"

Li Muzhan offered a weak defense. "I have been stretched too thin recently."

"Hmph, excuses! With your ability, you could be here in an instant, but you simply lack the will," Dugu Heng pouted, clearly displeased. (To be continued)