"This is the Northern Wasteland!" Huai Ren pointed to the magnificent, colossal city opposite, grinning at Li Mu Chan with unrestrained pride.

His robes were tattered, leaving him quite disheveled; the hardships of this journey had surpassed those of the outward trip severalfold, leaving even his profound Grandmaster cultivation marked by dust and grime.

Li Mu Chan nodded approvingly, "A truly magnificent city!"

Yet, he himself was immaculate, composed and at ease, showing no trace of the journey's rigors, far more pristine than Huai Ren. Beside Li Mu Chan stood Li Yu Bing, her white robes as clean as freshly fallen snow, untouched by a speck of dust.

Seeing the two of them so untroubled, Huai Ren sighed and shook his head. He truly had underestimated them. Though their individual cultivation levels were ordinary, their coordinated efforts were seamless, yielding immense power when combined.

Earlier, he had believed that even together they wouldn't be his match, but the battles endured on the journey had changed his perspective; united, he truly was no match for them.

The crucial factor was their flawless synchronization, coupled with their intimate understanding of each other’s martial arts—a rarity among Grandmasters.

Grandmasters were always solitary wanderers; it was nearly impossible for two of the same rank to emerge simultaneously from a single sect and cooperate so perfectly.

The emergence of Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing defied this convention. When they fought together, they were like a single entity, which was possible because Li Mu Chan possessed Taqiqingtong (Mind-Reading) and had taught Li Yu Bing the Wuliang Guangming Jing (Limitless Brightness Heart Sutra).

This allowed the pair to communicate telepathically, without uttering a word or using secret sound transmission, ensuring absolute rapport.

The two figures behind Huai Ren also had flickering expressions, startled by Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing. While neither Li Mu Chan nor Li Yu Bing possessed overwhelming individual strength, and even Li Mu Chan's superior intellect couldn't always bridge the gap in cultivation, their combined force multiplied their power significantly; none of them felt capable of standing against it.

Li Mu Chan turned his head. "Senior Huai, where do our cultivation levels place us within the Northern Wasteland?"

Huai Ren considered for a moment, then smiled, "Individually, you two are at the very lowest tier; united, you could reach the middle ranks."

Li Mu Chan expressed surprise, "The Northern Wasteland truly hides its true masters!"

"Heh heh, everyone here has room for cultivation improvement. You two haven't even begun to cultivate seriously yet. Given your aptitude, if you dedicate yourselves to rigorous training for a while, you should catch up quickly!"

Li Mu Chan nodded. "Then I thank Senior Huai for his auspicious words!"

Huai Ren laughed. "Any Grandmaster who enters the Northern Wasteland automatically becomes a resident upon entering the city, assigned a residence. Do the two of you wish to share?"

Li Yu Bing replied, "One residence for both of us will suffice."

"There is an empty one available," Huai Ren chuckled. "Aside from Grandmasters, an ordinary person might spend a lifetime striving just to secure a single house here. Do not underestimate the Northern Wasteland!"

Li Mu Chan smiled. "I see many people in the Northern Wasteland who possess no martial arts, or whose skills are weak."

"Ah, those are common folk. The Northern Wasteland isn't populated entirely by Grandmasters," Huai Ren clarified.

Li Yu Bing asked, "How can ordinary people enter the Northern Wasteland?"

Huai Ren grinned slyly. "North of the Northern Wasteland is an open road, or if you head south, you can arrange protection from a Grandmaster. The Northern Wasteland is incomparably prosperous, surpassing even the capital cities of the Outer Realms by a measure!"

...

As they spoke, they slowly proceeded inward, passing through the massive, imposing city gates and stepping into the Northern Wasteland City, immediately finding themselves immersed in a surging sea of humanity.

People came and went, weaving through the streets and alleys like a dense tapestry; everyone carried an energetic air, clearly living lives of prosperity.

Witnessing this spectacle, Li Mu Chan felt a burgeoning curiosity about the Northern Wasteland City, wondering how they managed to thrive so remarkably well.

The three from Huai Ren’s party guided Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing deeper, navigating the throng until they arrived before a large estate bearing the characters "City Lord's Manor."

Huai Ren smiled. "Wait here a moment, I must go in and announce our arrival."

Li Mu Chan nodded. "I trouble you."

Huai Ren shook his head with feigned dissatisfaction. "Still so formal!"

His corpulent figure floated inside. There were no guards outside the City Lord's Manor, contrary to Li Mu Chan's expectations—no stringent security, it looked like any ordinary residence.

Li Mu Chan activated his Void Eye and glimpsed the interior. Huai Ren strode directly in, arriving before a great hall where numerous tables were set up, and everyone was occupied with work.

Huai Ren went straight to the center and reported to an elder seated behind the main northern desk. The elder had white hair, a youthful complexion, and smiled while stroking his beard.

Li Mu Chan quickly withdrew his gaze to avoid causing offense, though he had ascertained that the elder was likely the City Lord. But why would the City Lord possess no martial arts? Or perhaps he had misjudged, and the City Lord had reached a level of profound concealment. However, although his own cultivation wasn't high, his spirit was formidable and keenly perceptive; he should have detected it.

Huai Ren hurried back out, smiling broadly. "Brother Li, Palace Master Li, the City Lord requests your presence!"

Li Mu Chan nodded, and he and Li Yu Bing stepped across the threshold. Li Mu Chan scanned the surroundings; there were indeed no guards, just as ordinary as any other residence.

Li Mu Chan turned to smile. "Senior Huai, why are there no guards here?"

"Guards?" Huai Ren paused, then laughed. "The City Lord's Manor truly has none."

"Aren't you afraid someone might harbor ill intentions toward the City Lord?" Li Mu Chan frowned.

Huai Ren chuckled. "If someone has grievances, they can enter the manor and speak directly to the City Lord. Why plot against him?"

"Anyone can enter the City Lord's Manor?" Li Mu Chan asked.

"That is not so," Huai Ren shook his head, smiling. "Only Grandmasters can enter freely. Ordinary people must petition the City Administration Office to see the City Lord."

"The City Administration Office?" Li Mu Chan inquired with a smile.

"The City Administration Office is where the City Lord conducts official business. If anyone has a complaint, they can go directly there to appeal to the City Lord, who will rule according to the law. However, the City Administration Office does have guards." As he spoke, Huai Ren led Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing into the great hall. The elder behind the desk descended, cupped his fists, and boomed with a laugh, "Young Master Li Wuji, Palace Master Li Yu Bing, I am Cheng Jun."

"Greetings, City Lord." Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing bowed formally.

Li Mu Chan took a careful look at Cheng Jun. He was slender, lean-faced, appearing like an ordinary old man, his beard and eyebrows entirely white, yet his cheeks possessed a ruddy glow, indicating excellent health maintenance.

But no matter how one looked, he didn't appear to be a martial artist—it was truly bizarre. Yet, his bearing and demeanor were deeply admirable, like basking in a spring breeze.

Seeing their expressions, Cheng Jun chuckled. "Are the two of you puzzled as to why this old man appears to possess no martial arts?"

Li Mu Chan nodded and smiled. "This junior initially believed the Palace Master was a Grandmaster, but I never expected..."

"Young friend, you are indeed mistaken. The City Lord's martial arts are peerless."

Huai Ren interjected with a smile. "He simply conceals his prowess. Your cultivation is still far too shallow, young friend, which is why you can't discern it. The City Lord is the foremost expert in the Northern Wasteland!"

Li Mu Chan realized instantly. "So that is it. This junior has indeed embarrassed himself!"

No wonder there was no need for guards; it stemmed from an absolute confidence in his own strength. The foremost expert in the Northern Wasteland—the fact that he could hide his abilities so completely offered a clear clue.

Cheng Jun stroked his beard and chuckled. "I dare not claim the title of foremost expert. The Northern Wasteland is full of hidden talents; who the true number one is remains unknown. I have merely ventured a bit further down the path. Young Master Li, Palace Master Li, please, have a seat!"

They sat down in their respective places. Cheng Jun sat directly across from Li Mu Chan, appraised him, and smiled. "Good, it is as they say!"

Li Mu Chan smiled. "Does the City Lord suspect that the rumors were exaggerated, and I am not a Grandmaster?"

"I did not believe it initially," Cheng Jun stroked his beard and smiled softly. "The mysteries of Heaven and Earth are boundless, and some norms are absolute rules that cannot be broken. For instance, the achievement of Grandmaster status after the age of sixty is like a baby requiring ten months in the womb before birth—an absolute impossibility to accelerate. I never imagined Young Master Li not only broke this rule but did so at such a young age. It is truly astonishing!"

Li Mu Chan demurred. "Not at all, City Lord overpraises me. I achieved this through a peculiar fortuitous encounter, not sheer arduous cultivation."

Cheng Jun waved his hand and laughed. "Young Master Li, that is not entirely true. Grandmaster status cannot be achieved by luck alone. Even with a windfall, one cannot forge a Grandmaster. Think of it like a bottle of water: a mortal's state of mind shapes their body into a container of a certain size. A Grandmaster’s state of mind forms a container of an entirely different size. The two containers are vastly different in volume. Even if a lucky break or external force is applied, like pouring water in, the bottle remains the same size; no matter how much water you add, it cannot exceed the capacity, correct?"

Li Mu Chan agreed. "The City Lord’s analogy holds true."

Cheng Jun continued, "Therefore, for you to attain Grandmaster status, while you may have had a lucky break, the key factor is your state of mind. How can someone as young as you possess the state of mind of a Grandmaster? I am truly curious!"

Li Mu Chan smiled enigmatically. "If this junior claims to possess Suhui (Past Life Wisdom), can the City Lord believe it?"

"Suhui?" Cheng Jun paused, then suddenly smiled. "So that is it!"

...

Huai Ren interjected from the side, "City Lord, what is Suhui?"

"Suhui means that upon reincarnation, one has not lost the memories of their previous life, or at least has retained a portion of them," Cheng Jun explained. "It explains why Young Master Li possesses such a profound realm at such a tender age—it is due to Suhui!"

"Has the City Lord met other individuals with Suhui?" Li Mu Chan asked, surprised.

He hadn't expected the City Lord to be so forthcoming, showing no suspicion or shock, as if he had encountered such people before.

Cheng Jun nodded. "I once met a highly accomplished Buddhist Master whose cultivation was profound and unfathomable; he too possessed Suhui."

Li Mu Chan smiled. "I see. For Buddhist disciples, once their practice deepens, recalling memories from one's previous or several past lives is not difficult."

"In that case, Young Master Li is also knowledgeable in Buddhist Dharma?" Cheng Jun inquired with a smile.

Li Mu Chan nodded with a smile. "A little. My initial mentor was a monk, and the foundation of meditative calm I built in childhood led to my current achievements!"

"No wonder, no wonder!" Cheng Jun exclaimed. "So you hail from the Buddhist lineage. My apologies for my lack of reverence."

Li Mu Chan smiled gently. "However, although I cultivated Buddhist Dharma in this life, I did not renounce the world and become a monk. Being tempered in the bustling mortal sphere has been a form of trial."

"Indeed, indeed," Cheng Jun nodded, praising him. "This old man has truly broadened his horizons!"

Li Mu Chan asked, "Where is that highly accomplished Master the City Lord mentioned now?"

"Master Shengkong? He is the Abbot of the Hanging Temple," Cheng Jun replied.

Huai Ren expressed surprise. "The Hanging Temple?"

Cheng Jun smiled. "Precisely. If you are interested, Young Master Li, you might seek an audience with Master Shengkong. His cultivation depth is such that even this old man cannot fathom its limits."

Li Mu Chan exclaimed with admiration. "Then I must certainly witness it."

Huai Ren smiled bitterly. "Brother Li, you wish to travel to the Hanging Temple?"

Li Mu Chan nodded. "Yes, I wish to pay my respects to Master Shengkong."

Huai Ren shook his head with a mournful sigh. "The Hanging Temple..."

Li Mu Chan asked, "Where is the Hanging Temple, and is it difficult to reach?"

"The Hanging Temple is situated on Wuyai Mountain. The beasts there are too ferocious; it is extremely difficult to penetrate," Huai Ren sighed, shaking his head. "Master Shengkong possesses great divine abilities; beasts do not dare approach him wherever he goes, which is why he can enter and exit freely. Others lack that capability."

Li Mu Chan frowned. "The beasts do not approach?"

"Exactly. Master Shengkong has great divine powers; we do not. Before we even get close to the Hanging Temple, we would end up in a beast’s belly!" Huai Ren shook his head regretfully. "So, if you wish to see Master Shengkong, perhaps wait. Maybe the Master will come here instead, City Lord?"

Cheng Jun shook his head. "Master Shengkong departed not long ago. He likely won't return this year."

"Ah—?" Huai Ren blinked his small eyes and shook his head helplessly. "Then there is no way!"

...

Li Mu Chan fell into deep thought. What he most desired now was secret Buddhist techniques. He had realized that upon reaching the Grandmaster realm, the path of martial arts reached its limit; Buddhist secret arts would become immensely useful.

Buddhism focuses on spiritual cultivation. Above the Grandmaster level, Li Mu Chan felt that methods of cultivating the spirit must be the orthodox path. In the trichotomy of essence, energy, and spirit, Grandmasters had already honed essence and energy to their peak; the next stage must be the cultivation of spirit.

Furthermore, he had a separate agenda: he needed to resolve old grievances, which likely required finding a way to break the Sacred Artifact.

"Hmm..." Li Mu Chan pondered. "When will Master Shengkong return?"

"In about a year," Cheng Jun stated. "Master Shengkong rarely emerges; he typically enters secluded meditation. We simply share a bond outside the mundane, so he visits once a year."

"One year..." Li Mu Chan shook his head. He was impatient. A year might seem short, but it was critical. In the final stages, missing that one year could prevent a breakthrough, leading to his life essence being exhausted while sighing in vain.

Cheng Jun stroked his beard and smiled. "Young Master Li, this old man cannot assist with that. Why don't you stay in the Northern Wasteland for a while first? Find an opportunity to improve your cultivation. Seeing as Young Master Li has exceptional fortune, perhaps you will encounter another windfall, your cultivation will surge, and you might find a chance to attempt the journey to the Hanging Temple."

Li Mu Chan slowly nodded. "That is the only way. I thank the City Lord."

Cheng Jun waved his hand and laughed. "It is I who invited Young Master Li; why thank me! In that case, I will host a banquet this evening to welcome Brother Li and Palace Master Li!"

Li Mu Chan quickly said, "That really isn't necessary, is it?"

"It is necessary, it is necessary! Everyone greatly admires Brother Li!" Huai Ren chimed in eagerly.

Li Mu Chan considered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Then I shall trouble the City Lord!"

Cheng Jun smiled. "Do not be so formal. Once you enter the Northern Wasteland, we are all one family. Moreover, among Grandmasters, there are no insurmountable enmities. Everyone who comes to the Northern Wasteland has but one goal: to elevate their cultivation, reach the next stage, and become immortal beings! As for personal grudges, they are truly insignificant. They impede the Great Dao; everyone avoids them when possible, so there is no need for excessive caution!"

Li Mu Chan smiled and nodded. "Understood."

Cheng Jun engaged him in conversation for a while longer before Huai Ren led them out, heading east toward a grand estate where they stopped before a large residence.

This opulent mansion occupied about twenty mu, quite imposing, spanning four courtyards. Beside it stood another residence of similar grandeur.

"These two residences are for Brother Li and Palace Master Li to choose from freely," Huai Ren indicated the two houses with a smile. "You decide which goes to the East and which to the West. If neither suits, we can find another."

Li Mu Chan smiled. "Palace Master, shall we take the one on the East?"

"Good." Li Yu Bing slowly nodded.

Since entering the Northern Wasteland City, she had remained largely silent. She sensed the relative coolness, yet harbored no ill feelings. If a Grandmaster couldn't endure such minor slights, they were too shallow.

In the lakeside pavilion within the rear garden, Li Mu Chan and Li Yu Bing sat opposite each other, relaxed and at ease.

This was their private garden: a large lake dotted with pavilions and platforms built over the water, quite elegant. Koi fish swam in the lake, and lotus flowers bloomed everywhere.

Although it was currently spring, the lotus blossoms were already open here.

"Palace Master, how is this place?" Li Mu Chan asked with a smile.

Li Yu Bing slowly nodded, setting down her teacup. "A fine place. No wonder the Grandmasters flock here!"

Inside the study, they had discovered a stack of martial arts manuals. These were all texts of the Grandmaster level, yet they were scattered about as if utterly worthless.

However, there was a rule in the Northern Wasteland City: you could practice them, but you absolutely could not pass them on externally. Northern Wasteland martial arts could not be taught to commoners. Of course, if you could use these texts to innovate an entirely new technique, then no one would interfere.

But for Grandmasters, these manuals were merely references, holding little utility. At their level, such rote techniques were unnecessary. The core issue for a Grandmaster was control; no matter how powerful the martial art, if one entered the realm of a Grandmaster, those techniques could not be executed.

"You wish to stay here?" Li Yu Bing asked.

Li Mu Chan shook his head. "I wish to meet Master Shengkong."

"Meet an old monk?" Li Yu Bing pursed her lips and smiled. "Do you truly intend to shave your head and become a monk? I doubt it."

Li Mu Chan smiled. "I wish to discuss Buddhist Dharma."

Li Yu Bing shot him a look. "Though your understanding of Buddhist Dharma is profound, you cannot practice it in action. I suggest you give up any illusions. An old monk seeing a frivolous, philandering young man like you won't offer any benefit."

Li Mu Chan shook his head, smiling. "Buddhism emphasizes 'affinity' (Yuan), Palace Master does not understand."

Li Yu Bing retorted testily. "Yes, yes, I don't understand. But I know you wear the skin of a Buddhist, yet lack the bone structure of one."

Li Mu Chan shook his head. "Quite the opposite. I wear the guise of a commoner, but my Buddha-bone is inherent."

"Heh heh..." Li Yu Bing laughed.

Li Mu Chan said, "Actually, the reason I wish to see the old monk is to find a method to break the Sacred Artifact."

"Oh?" Li Yu Bing showed surprise, then smiled. "Don't you possess the Sacred Artifact? Why seek a method to break it?"

Li Mu Chan shook his head. "It is merely a matter of personal grievance."

He wanted to find a way to break the Sacred Artifact so he could enter the Imperial Palace and settle accounts with that old emperor.