Leng Chaoyun slowly let out a breath, exhaling like an arrow. As she opened her eyes, sharp light flickered, substantial as a blade’s gleam, illuminating the room brightly.
Li Muzhan withdrew his right palm and smiled faintly, “Congratulations, Palace Mistress.”
Leng Chaoyun turned her head to glance at him, “Thank you!”
Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled, “Consider it payment for the Three Yang Soul-Returning Elixir!”
Leng Chaoyun snorted, “I don't need your pity!”
Li Muzhan gave a helpless sigh, “Very well, then you owe me a significant favor, which you must repay in the future! ... How do you feel now?”
“Excellent!” Leng Chaoyun nodded, then suddenly struck out with her snowy white jade palm.
Li Muzhan reached out and swept his sleeve; the fabric ripped with a sharp chi sound. Li Muzhan looked at her in surprise, “What a sharp technique!”
Leng Chaoyun laughed proudly, “The Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Saber Qi isn't so easily dispersed!”
Li Muzhan marveled, “I truly underestimated you! ... Again!”
Leng Chaoyun lightly struck out, her movement ethereal and graceful, indescribably pleasing to the eye, as if greeting someone, without a trace of hostility.
Li Muzhan slowly pushed forward. “Chii...” The void seemed to depress inward, immediately forming a vortex that eventually dissolved.
Li Muzhan nodded, “A fine saber technique! ... You’ve reached the fourth layer now, achieving Yin-Yang harmony, beginning to see its true power! ... But this technique is quite draining on the spirit, isn't it?”
“Yes, it drains the spirit rather than internal energy,” Leng Chaoyun confirmed, “But compared to its might, that’s negligible!”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Saber Qi capable of wounding a Grandmaster; no wonder you were so anxious to cultivate it... Poor planning on my part!”
“How so?” Leng Chaoyun asked with a slight smile.
Though her expression beneath the red veil was hidden, he could perceive joy and amusement in her clear eyes.
Li Muzhan snorted, “No wonder; you practiced this specifically to counter me, didn't you?”
“You guessed correctly!” Leng Chaoyun nodded with a smile.
Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile, “Unexpectedly, I’ve trapped myself; must we come to this between us?”
“You are a Grandmaster; must I be completely defenseless against you!” Leng Chaoyun huffed, “Besides, you’re hardly a good person!”
Li Muzhan’s eyes widened as if grievously wronged, “Palace Mistress, I am not a good person?”
“Hmph, not a single man is any good!” Leng Chaoyun declared.
Li Muzhan stammered, “To say such a thing... Palace Mistress, are you influenced by your master? ... We’ve known each other for some time, have I ever done anything wicked?”
“A lecher obsessed with beauty—you are no good!” Leng Chaoyun scoffed... Li Muzhan was left speechless; accusing him of lechery wasn't entirely false, as he truly did favor beautiful women. Furthermore, he liked more than one, which certainly appeared as debauchery to outsiders.
He took a deep breath, resigned, “Be that as it may, the Palace Mistress finally has the power to protect herself!”
“Thank you,” Leng Chaoyun huffed.
Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, “The Palace Mistress sounds quite unwilling to thank me!”
As the two were speaking, Li Muzhan’s expression subtly shifted, and he quickly said, “Palace Mistress, I must take my leave now!”
Without waiting for Leng Chaoyun’s reply, his form flashed, and he vanished without a trace.
Leng Chaoyun watched where he had disappeared, snorted, and called for Xiao Yan and the others to clean up the blood on the floor. She had coughed up quite a bit, and her body felt faintly hollow.
She knew very well that Li Muzhan had saved her again this time. Without him, she might have lost her life. **Although there was no external injury, her meridians were now severely disordered. It might pass in three to five days, but prolonged, her body would inevitably decline, an untreatable condition leading only to death.
After he arrived, he quickly found the countermeasure and, more importantly, conceived a method to reverse her cultivation technique. She understood that her comprehension ability was inferior to his.
Crucially, while healing her, he directly helped her advance the Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Saber to the fourth layer, saving her countless hours of effort.
She estimated that if her cultivation of the Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Saber had proceeded smoothly, reaching the fourth layer would have taken at least three to four years, let alone how incredibly difficult the technique was. Mastering the first layer was hard enough; the second became difficult, the third agonizingly so, and the fourth, even more so.
She had suffered qi deviation attempting the third layer, exceeding her limits; her mental power couldn't keep up to govern the internal energy flow, and the fourth layer would have been even harder to avoid. She had no idea how long it would take to master it, yet he had propelled her to the fourth layer instantly—this favor was too immense to express properly.
She shook her head. This fellow, Li Wuji, while appearing frivolous in speech, acted entirely differently. She genuinely couldn't help but be grateful, but her pride, youthful reserve, and self-respect kept her words clipped.
Li Muzhan flashed away, then reappeared instantly at the Mo Li Palace, finding himself in Li Yubing’s private chamber. Li Yubing was seated on the couch, her eyelids slightly lowered.
As Li Muzhan materialized, she opened her bright eyes and sighed.
Li Muzhan smiled, “What is it? What has caused our Palace Mistress to sigh again?”
“The great trouble has finally arrived!” Li Yubing sighed. Her snowy white silk garment shifted slightly as she rose from the couch, approaching Li Muzhan with a faint, delicate fragrance.
“Great trouble?” Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then smiled, “It couldn’t be that people from the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land have arrived, could it?”
Li Yubing stared steadily at him for a moment, then slowly nodded, “You guessed correctly.”
“Oh—?!” Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Did I really guess right?”
“Three Grandmasters have already arrived,” Li Yubing lamented... Li Muzhan frowned, “Three Grandmasters?”
Li Yubing shook her head and sighed, “We have no chance of winning this time.”
Li Muzhan furrowed his brow, “What is their purpose? ... To avenge the Lu family?”
Li Yubing shook her head, “No, ... they have come to invite us to the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land for a visit.”
Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head, “Why is that? ... Perhaps they intend to escort us back for questioning?”
“The invitation for me was secondary; the key is you,” Li Yubing stated.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Me—?”
Li Yubing explained, “They heard news that there is a young Grandmaster. So, they are curious, inviting you to be a guest at the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land.”
Li Muzhan frowned and mused, “Can the Palace Mistress discern if they come in good or ill intent?”
Li Yubing replied, “From my perspective, they don't seem to harbor thoughts of vengeance, merely curiosity. They wish to see you in person.”
Li Muzhan slowly nodded, “If that is the case, then I suppose I must meet them?”
“A monk can run, but the temple remains; what choice is there but to meet?” Li Yubing countered.
Li Muzhan sighed, “The tallest tree catches the wind; I’ve attracted too much attention, haven't I?”
“Not necessarily,” Li Yubing reasoned, “We don't know if it’s a blessing or a curse. What if they admire your talent and invite you to join the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land?”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “I truly don't care for any Sacred Land. Are they really that formidable?”
Li Yubing nodded slowly and sighed, “They are young, but far surpass Yan Luo. ... Their cultivation is comparable to Tong Tianshu's; they must possess genuine cultivation methods!”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched. He smiled, “Then I must see for myself.”
Tong Tianshu was the strongest person they had encountered. If he hadn’t had an accident activating his Heavenly God Possession technique, allowing Li Muzhan an opening, coupled with the relic and his formations, the two of them combined couldn't have defeated Tong Tianshu.
If these three possess Tong Tianshu's level of power, it is astonishing. It means that even two of them together couldn't defeat one of these three.
Li Yubing said soberly, “When staying under someone else's roof, one must be compliant. The cultivation of these three is too terrifying; we should obey them quietly!”
Li Muzhan sighed and slowly nodded, “It seems that is the only way!”
Li Yubing advised, “Don’t challenge them head-on. If things get dire, we’ll run. No one surpasses your skill at escaping!”
She feared Li Muzhan couldn't swallow his pride and would insist on testing their strength, which would lead to certain defeat if a fight broke out. Even if they used a Sacred Artifact to suppress them and killed these three, the repercussions would be endless. The Northern Wasteland Sacred Land is filled with Grandmasters; they aren't easily dealt with. No matter how powerful the duo were, they couldn't withstand the entire Northern Wasteland Sacred Land... As they spoke, Li Yubing had already sent someone to invite them. Footsteps approached, and Li Muzhan turned to look. Three elderly men in grey robes walked in slowly.
The elder leading them was stout, short, with a round face and small eyes, smiling with an air of geniality. The two elders behind him were of medium height; normally they would be considered short in a crowd, but compared to the leader, they appeared of average build—neither tall nor thin, just right.
Both rear elders maintained solemn expressions, exuding an innate authority. They strode with powerful steps toward Li Muzhan and Li Yubing.
Li Yubing smiled sweetly, “Three esteemed seniors, this is Li Wuji. ... Wuji, allow me to introduce you: this is Senior Huai Ren, Senior Lin Lei, and Senior Jiang Tianhua.”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled slightly, “Greetings, Senior Huai, Senior Lin, and Senior Jiang. I am Li Wuji!”
“Heh heh, a true young hero!” Huai Ren roared with laughter, his small eyes nearly disappearing. His voice was somewhat hoarse. “Li Wuji of the Yunxiao Sect, becoming a Grandmaster before the age of sixty—this is truly an unprecedented marvel!”
Li Muzhan smiled modestly, “It was merely a stroke of fortune, a gift of luck, truly nothing worthy of praise. I am ashamed!”
Huai Ren chuckled, “Young friend is too modest. Grandmaster status is never achieved by luck; if the state of mind isn't right, no amount of strenuous practice matters. Young friend possesses the mind of a Grandmaster at such a tender age; your future is limitless!”
Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling, “Senior Huai overpraises me; I dare not accept such accolades.”
Li Yubing pursed her lips and smiled lightly, “Senior Huai, stop praising him! This young man is already arrogant to the skies; one more word and he’ll float away!”
“A bit of youthful vigor is fine; we’ve all come from our youth!” Huai Ren waved his hand and smiled, “I truly admire the young man immensely!”
Li Muzhan continued to smile and offer humble denials, while the other two elders remained silent, merely staring at Li Muzhan as if trying to see straight through him.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Huai Ren, Li Muzhan inquired about their purpose.
Huai Ren smiled, “We are here under the orders of the City Lord, to invite Young Friend Li to be a guest in the Northern Wasteland.”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “The City Lord?”
Huai Ren explained, “Oh, everyone calls it the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land, but in reality, the Northern Wasteland is a city. The City Lord’s surname is Zong, Zong Dai. We are here on his command to invite Young Friend Li to visit.”
Li Muzhan replied, “I believe I am not acquainted with City Lord Zong?”
“Heh heh, Young Friend’s great name has reached the City Lord’s ears. The City Lord is curious, so he wishes to invite Young Friend over as a guest. The City Lord is known for his hospitality,” Huai Ren explained smoothly.
Li Muzhan slowly nodded, “I see. The City Lord’s kindness is deeply appreciated. I wonder, is this trip absolutely necessary?”
“Oh—?” Huai Ren smiled, narrowing his small eyes, “Does the young friend perhaps not wish to go?”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “It’s not that I don't want to, but I have pressing matters I cannot immediately set aside.”
“Is that so...” Huai Ren nodded, “We cannot force you then; we can only wait here for the young friend.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “That shouldn't be necessary, should it? It would be a sin to interrupt your vital cultivation.”
Huai Ren smiled, “Young friend, although the Northern Wasteland is good, the surrounding areas are too dangerous, plagued by fierce beasts. The three of us were sent to escort you safely there... Li Yubing interjected, “Wuji, since City Lord Zong has extended such a warm invitation, perhaps you should go take a look. We cannot refuse City Lord Zong’s face, right?”
Li Muzhan sighed, “I have long heard of the Northern Wasteland Sacred Land and wish to see it myself... Very well, I will make the trip! However, I have a few minor matters to settle. I ask the three esteemed seniors to wait a few days. How about that?”
Huai Ren chuckled heartily, “Excellent, no rush, no rush. Take care of whatever you need to.”
Li Muzhan replied, “Then I shall trouble the three esteemed seniors! ... May I ask what exactly about this junior warrants City Lord Zong’s special attention?”
Huai Ren smiled slyly, “Young friend, you are the first person to reach the Grandmaster realm before the age of sixty. We are all very curious.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “It was quite an odd occurrence. I was fighting someone at sea, and on a small island, I encountered a colossal serpent, one that was nearly transforming into a Jiao. I managed to kill the serpent by sheer luck, and the resulting spiritual impact caused me to become a Grandmaster upon waking.”
“How big a snake?” Huai Ren’s small eyes lit up.
Li Muzhan described, “Thick enough for two men to embrace, perhaps ten zhang long—truly massive. I thought for certain I would die, but with my Senior Sister there, I had no choice but to fight with everything, completely letting go of life and death.”
“Mmm, perhaps that was the key moment!” Huai Ren clapped his plump hands forcefully, “Letting go of life and death, achieving complete liberation—that is the key to ascending to Grandmaster.”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Thinking back, I also feel that was the crucial point, or perhaps completely unleashing my potential while slaying the great serpent.”
“A snake that long?” Li Yubing remarked, “When you told me before, you didn't specify its size, only that it was a big snake. I thought it wasn't that long!”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Telling the full extent would have been too frightening, so it was better left unsaid.”
Huai Ren nodded, sighing, “That snake was likely on the verge of achieving sentience... A pity, a pity. It was likely a tribulation, perhaps brought about by too much killing karma.”
Li Muzhan commented, “I was merely fortunate. Without that strange encounter, it would have taken me at least several decades to break into the Grandmaster realm, perhaps never in my lifetime!”
“That is not entirely true, but it would have been delayed by several decades,” Huai Ren shook his head. “When your cultivation reaches a certain point and your state of mind aligns, you will naturally reach Grandmaster. In truth, being a Grandmaster isn't that remarkable...” Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched, “Grandmaster isn't remarkable?”
Huai Ren laughed, “Outside, it is rare to encounter a Grandmaster, but in the Northern Wasteland City, Grandmasters are everywhere; it’s nothing special!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Surely not all the Grandmasters in the world have gathered in the Northern Wasteland City?”
“Heh heh... that’s an exaggeration. While we can’t say all the Grandmasters are in our Northern Wasteland City, well over half of them are here!” Huai Ren stroked the two small whiskers above his lip, smiling proudly.
Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, “The world is vast; I can’t even count how many nations there are. I only know Da Li borders Xi Hua, and Xi Hua borders He Country. I don't know of the others.”
Huai Ren nodded and smiled, “That is true. The world is too vast for anyone to traverse completely. To visit two nations in a lifetime is already remarkable!”
Li Muzhan asked, “From Senior Huai’s words, it sounds like there are other places similar to the Northern Wasteland City?”
Huai Ren affirmed, “Naturally, there are more than just our Northern Wasteland City; there is also Southern Star City, East Guo City, West Extreme City, and Shen Yang City—five Grandmaster cities in total.”
Li Muzhan queried, “May I ask why these five great cities attract Grandmasters? Is it not because of the cultivation methods?”
Huai Ren smiled conspiratorially, “These secrets you will learn in time, but I don't mind telling you now! ... Surrounding the five great cities are Sacred Realms. Grandmasters cultivating within them can enhance their power. Outside the five great cities, Grandmasters can only improve their cultivation through the accumulation of time; relying on time alone, they cannot advance further! ... However, this might not apply to young friend like you.”
Li Muzhan nodded slowly, “Sacred Realms...”
Huai Ren chuckled, “When young friend arrives at the Northern Wasteland, you must go see for yourself. Heh heh... I fear by then, young friend might not be willing to leave the Northern Wasteland City!”
Li Muzhan asked, “How far is the Northern Wasteland from here?”
“Hmm...” Huai Ren considered, “We never precisely calculated the distance. From the Northern Wasteland to here, we traveled for a full month.”
“Did you use Qinggong (lightness skill) to travel at full speed every day?” Li Muzhan inquired.
Huai Ren nodded, “That’s right.”
Li Yubing gasped sharply, “That far!”
A Grandmaster using Qinggong travels faster than a galloping horse, and their vital energy is deep, their internal energy inexhaustible. They only need brief rest. They can cover thousands of li in a day. Traveling like this for a month means tens of thousands of li... For an ordinary person, that journey would take several years!
Huai Ren smiled, “It’s alright; this place is the closest to our Northern Wasteland. The farthest of the other four would take a year to reach.”
Li Yubing gave a bitter smile, “Wuji, you truly need to plan carefully. A trip there and back will take months!”
Huai Ren added, “It would be best to arrange things well, as it is highly possible the young friend won't wish to return!”
Li Muzhan mused and nodded, “Fine, I will make the necessary arrangements. I ask Seniors Huai, Lin, and Jiang to grant me a few days’ grace!”
“No rush, no rush. We are quite tired from traveling ourselves; take a good few days to rest,” Huai Ren waved his hand with a smile. “Once you are ready, come find us at the Lu family residence.”
“The Lu family...” Li Muzhan and Li Yubing exchanged glances, a look of wryness passing between them.
Huai Ren noticed the reaction and asked with a smile, “What is it? Is there an issue?”
Li Muzhan sighed, “It shames me to say, but I have a grievance with the Lu family.”
“Is that so...” Huai Ren replied, “No matter. I can act as a mediator and turn the conflict into friendship!”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Then I shall trouble Senior Huai.” (To be continued...)