Li Yubing hurried to ask, "Wuji, what is the same?" Li Muzhan replied, "The power gained from slaying the White Tiger is the same as what was gained from consuming the Lingzhi just now! ... Palace Master, you've truly picked up a treasure!" Li Yubing pursed her lips into a proud smile, beckoning with her delicate hands. Little Deer bounded over, rubbing its antlers against her hand, much like a child finding its mother. Li Yubing gently stroked the fawn and laughed, "I wasn't counting on this little one!" Li Muzhan mused, "Perhaps because the Palace Master held no selfish desire for it, it feels so close... Shall we return now?" "Don't you wish to rest?" Li Yubing asked. Li Muzhan shook his head, "I've already recovered. Shall we press on, or go back first?" "Naturally, we go back first, to see if the little deer can adapt to the outside world," Li Yubing decided. Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "I estimate it will be fine." Li Yubing insisted, "We must be certain. If it truly cannot manage, we'll have to release it back, lest we harm it while trying to help!" Li Muzhan nodded with resignation, then soared upward. The two of them, accompanied by the deer, drifted southward. They encountered no further obstacles along the way; the spirit beasts seemed to have learned of Li Muzhan's fearsome nature and kept their distance. Li Muzhan and Li Yubing’s Qinggong was superb, their movements like riding the wind, and the little deer's speed was equally breathtaking. Its seemingly light leaps were, in fact, as fast as lightning. As evening approached, they finally reached the edge of the North Pole Sacred Realm. Li Yubing glanced at the little deer, stroked its antlers, and slowly began to walk outward. The little deer hesitated, reluctant to move. Being extremely sensitive, it could sense that the atmosphere outside was fundamentally different from the world it knew—it felt as though stepping from a pristine realm into a foul, polluted one, causing it intense discomfort. Li Yubing watched it anxiously. The little deer stood motionless at the boundary, occasionally glancing outside, then back inside, lifting a front hoof only to place it slowly back down. Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled, "Palace Master, seeing how troubled it is, perhaps we should forget it." "But..." Li Yubing also wavered. She didn't want to part with the little deer, yet she understood that such a drastic environmental change would be deeply unsettling. It could thrive inside, but perhaps not outside. If she were in its place—a Grandmaster—suddenly entering an unfamiliar domain would leave her feeling completely ill-at-ease, desperate to return home. Li Muzhan pointed out, "It ultimately belongs to this world. Once it goes out, you might feel relief, but it will suffer." "...Alas, fine then." Li Yubing sighed, nodded, stooped down before the little deer, and gently stroked its antlers. Stroking its body, she pointed toward the north. The little deer tilted its head to look at her, remaining still for a long moment. Li Yubing patted it, smiled, and pointed north again, urging it to go first, but the little deer refused to budge. Li Muzhan said helplessly, "Then let's go ahead." Li Yubing nodded reluctantly, following Li Muzhan as they stepped out of the North Pole Sacred Realm.

With a soft cry of "Yingying," the little deer sprang out of the Sacred Realm and rushed toward Li Yubing. Li Yubing caught it in a hug, delighted. "Wuji, it wants to come with us!" Li Muzhan remarked, "Then let it adapt for now. We mustn't stray far. Let's find a place to settle!" "There are many mountains here; let's go over there," Li Yubing surveyed the surroundings and pointed toward a nearby peak. Li Muzhan agreed, and the three of them headed east. Ten li vanished in the blink of an eye. They ascended a towering peak, constructed two small cabins near a grove of trees, and settled in. In the following days, Li Muzhan mostly sat in meditation, while Li Yubing led the little deer through the mountains, allowing it time to adjust to the environment. After three days, the little deer began to feel unwell, its body weak. Li Yubing quickly carried it to find Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan was meditating in his own cabin, assimilating the gains from the North Pole Sacred Realm. Slaying a White Tiger had significantly boosted his cultivation, especially his spiritual power, advancement far surpassing that achieved through the Guan Tian Ren Shen Zhao Jing or even the faith-force cultivation. No wonder the Grandmasters of the Northern Wilderness City were so formidable; the North Pole Sacred Realm was indeed beneficial. Cultivating here, one could match Tong Tianshu after slaying only a dozen spirit beasts. This was a tremendous opportunity for Li Muzhan. He had long desired to rapidly increase his strength to seek revenge against the Emperor of Dali, only to fear that by the time he was strong enough, the Emperor would have already ascended to immortality, enjoying eternal leisure. "Wuji, look at it quickly," Li Yubing said, holding the little deer as she entered. Li Muzhan opened his eyes and assessed the little deer. It was utterly different from when they first emerged: its head drooped, and the clarity in its bright eyes was dimmed, lacking its former luster. Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head. "It seems it still won't work." "Wuji, is your internal technique ineffective?" Li Yubing asked. Li Muzhan replied, "It might not know how to operate it. Let me try." Li Yubing brought it to Li Muzhan's pallet and placed it beside him. The little deer struggled weakly but lacked the strength to move much. Li Muzhan placed his hand on its forehead. Moments later, Li Yubing felt the interior of the room turn fresh and pleasant as dense spiritual energy surged in, filling the wooden cabin. An indescribable comfort enveloped her, causing every pore to open, greedily inhaling the qi. Li Muzhan slowly lowered his hand, nodding in admiration. "Truly a spirit beast; its innate talent is astonishing! This Xu Kong Yin Qi Shu is even more potent in it than in me!" The little deer acted like a vortex of spiritual energy, drawing it ceaselessly, allowing Li Muzhan and Li Yubing to bathe in this sea of qi beside it. The little deer was like a black hole, with spiritual energy flowing in unendingly but never satisfying its appetite. This lasted for nearly half an zhen before the energy slowly dissipated. It leaped off the pallet and moved away from Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, "This little fellow is ungrateful!" Li Yubing hugged the little deer joyfully, beaming.

Li Muzhan glanced at Li Yubing and shook his head. With the little deer around, she seemed suddenly younger, almost naive—no longer the decisive Palace Master, but an artless young girl. This was somewhat perilous. While he was near, it was fine, but if he left, she might suffer misfortune. He immediately dismissed the thought, however. Li Yubing had courted trouble often enough but managed to survive to this day; she must possess some means of self-preservation. The little deer regained its liveliness and grace. With soft "Yingying" sounds, it extended its sweet muzzle to lick Li Yubing's hand, showing its own joy. Li Muzhan said, "Palace Master, now that it knows how to circulate the technique, it should be fine." "Wuji, thank you so much!" Li Yubing smiled sweetly. Li Muzhan shook his head. "Has the Palace Master consumed that Lingzhi yet?" Li Yubing chuckled, "No rush." Li Muzhan urged, "I think the Palace Master should take it now, lest complications arise later!" "Hmm—?" Li Yubing looked over, her bright eyes flashing with sharp intelligence. Li Muzhan nodded. "Wealth moves hearts. For a Grandmaster, this single stalk of Lingzhi is more tempting than tens of millions in riches. This one stalk equals slaying several spirit beasts, and spirit beasts are not easy to kill." Li Yubing slowly nodded. "That is true." She had witnessed firsthand how Li Muzhan hunted spirit beasts, even sparring with the little deer herself. He was outrageously strong, far trickier to deal with than a Grandmaster. Li Muzhan pressed, "If others saw this Lingzhi, killing a Grandmaster would be far easier than killing a spirit beast. Wouldn't it?" Li Yubing shot him an exasperated look. "Are you saying my strength is too low?" Li Muzhan smiled. "No matter what, some will take the risk. It’s best to consume it first, enhance your strength, and only then will we have a means of protecting ourselves!" Li Yubing pondered for a moment. "Then let's split it between us." Li Muzhan shook his head. "No need! ... Palace Master, please don't decline. I am skilled in the way of slaughter; you know this well. Facing a Grandmaster or a spirit beast, I have never been defeated!" "That is true," Li Yubing conceded. "But no matter how powerful you are, there is always someone stronger. You cannot be invincible under heaven. Let's eat the Lingzhi first; this little deer was originally captured by your ambush." Li Muzhan laughed. "I could slay it, but I couldn't subdue it. What I gained from killing it was only equivalent to that single piece of Lingzhi. The rest—it is not for me to claim. You moved it with genuine sincerity, so it belongs to you. Stop refusing!" Li Yubing shook her head. "That won't do." Li Muzhan insisted, "Palace Master, to be frank, I don't lack a few pieces of Lingzhi. I will go hunt in the Sacred Realm myself; hunting offers a greater sense of accomplishment!" "Hmph, you dislike profiting without effort?" Li Yubing chided playfully. "Then you saved the little deer this time; accepting a few pieces of Lingzhi is only right." Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Alright, Palace Master, let's stop debating; it makes us seem petty. One piece for me is enough, or else I won't take any at all!"

Li Yubing stared at him for a long moment, then sighed helplessly. "You... Fine!" She took out the Lingzhi from her robes; it was stored in a small white jade box. She pinched off a piece and handed it to Li Muzhan, who swallowed it immediately. The little deer watched him quietly. After swallowing, Li Muzhan immediately sat cross-legged to circulate his power, perfectly still. Li Yubing stood guard nearby. When he opened his eyes, she pinched off another piece for the little deer and put the remainder into her own delicate mouth. Li Muzhan guarded her while Li Yubing circulated her power. He inwardly chuckled; this would certainly test her. The feeling of a spiritual surge was rarely comfortable and required a bout of intense suffering. Moments later, Li Yubing began to tremble slightly. Her dark hair floated up, moving without wind, and her garments rustled. Her face remained composed, but her delicate brows were deeply furrowed as she endured immense agony. Li Muzhan knew this sensation: it felt like having one's skull pried open and something forcefully stuffed inside—intolerably painful, yet simultaneously hyper-alert. Her senses were sharper than usual, making the perception of pain even deeper. After about an hour, Li Yubing finally calmed down. Her purple robes were soaked through, revealing her moving curves, but Li Muzhan deliberately turned his head away. When Li Yubing slowly opened her eyes, the dim room suddenly brightened under the gaze of her eyes before slowly returning to normal. Her bright eyes were now moist and clear, just like the little deer's. Li Muzhan turned back and smiled. "Congratulations, Palace Master!" He could sense Li Yubing's strength; it was now slightly superior to his own. This large portion of Lingzhi was infinitely beneficial, significantly elevating her power in one go. Li Yubing shook her clothes lightly and smiled faintly. "Just luck! ... This Lingzhi is truly effective, what a pity!" Li Muzhan quickly waved his hand. "Nothing to regret, Palace Master. It is better that you consumed it than I. I will continue my slow ascent!" "Very well, as you wish," Li Yubing nodded and smiled. "Shall we go back inside now?" Li Muzhan countered, "Palace Master, this time let's split up!" "Hmm—?" Li Yubing looked surprised. "I wanted us to join forces and have the little deer find more spirit herbs!" Li Muzhan shook his head. "I will hunt spirit beasts instead. You take the little deer and proceed. Its strength is no less than mine; you have enough to protect yourselves. Furthermore, if danger arises, crush the jade pendant immediately, and I will arrive at once. ... In this way, we are actually more likely to encounter spirit beasts!" Li Yubing understood his meaning instantly and chuckled softly. "You are truly cunning! ... Can your divine abilities be used inside?" Li Muzhan nodded. "They can." Li Yubing laughed lightly. "This method is brilliant. If we separate, and I encounter a spirit beast, you appear immediately. Their strength won't be too great; taking them down will be easy!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "That's one way, but I want to test myself first. If you don't run into danger, you don't need to summon me. We need to improve not just our cultivation, but our combat techniques, don't we?" "Hmm, you make a good point. Alright, I will call you only when the situation becomes critical," Li Yubing agreed. With equal cultivation, battle technique determines victory or defeat; sometimes, having immense power is useless. The two left the cabin and returned to the North Pole Sacred Realm. Before entering, Li Muzhan gave Li Yubing a few words of caution about being wary of other Grandmasters. Li Yubing nodded, knowing well the principle that possessing treasures invites disaster. They each entered the North Pole Sacred Realm separately. Li Muzhan, alone, felt exceptionally lighthearted and moved north using his Qinggong. While Li Yubing’s compassion could move the little deer, the same approach wouldn't work for him. Because Li Yubing was a woman, and this was a place of extreme Yin energy, these spirit beasts were naturally antagonistic toward men. No matter how benevolent he was, they would never be tamed; he couldn't envy that. He drifted northward. Although the further north he traveled, the more dangerous it became, the greater his potential rewards, and the higher the probability of encountering spirit beasts. Spirit beasts didn't seek men; to hunt them, one had to use oneself as bait—there was no possibility of luck. He traveled about a hundred li when another fierce tiger reappeared, stepping onto a small ice mound and letting out a long roar that shook the heavens. It was a White Tiger, its entire body shimmering with silver light, even more formidable than the previous one. Li Muzhan calmed his mind and shifted his entire aura, beginning to circulate the Hua Hong Jing. In this environment, although the power of the Hua Hong Jing was somewhat suppressed, it remained his strongest technique. If he used Yin-gentle internal methods, the power might be significant, but the effect on the spirit beasts would be much weaker. He shone like a scorching sun in the sky, blazing brilliantly. The White Tiger stood on the ice mound looking down at him. Seeing his posture, it roared again and leaped down, vanishing into the void. Li Muzhan had already grasped the White Tiger's characteristics: 'Clouds follow the Dragon, Wind follows the Tiger.' Their speed was incredibly fast, and they could merge into the void, making them undetectable even to the keenest senses. Fortunately, Li Muzhan possessed the Po Kong Sword Intent, which allowed him to counter this move. For anyone else, it would be difficult to defend against; these White Tigers were truly assassins of Grandmasters. Li Muzhan vanished from his spot in a flash. The White Tiger materialized exactly where he had been standing. Li Muzhan then flashed behind the White Tiger and struck its flank with his palm. The White Tiger roared in fury and lashed its tail, creating sharp cracking sounds as it shattered the air. Li Muzhan flashed away again. The cold energy from his palm felt substantial, and the Hua Hong Jing could not completely neutralize it instantly; it required a full circulation to fully resolve the residual chill. He secretly marveled that this White Tiger was far more powerful than the last one; defeating it would be much harder. After some thought, his body suddenly expanded and then contracted sharply, drawing in the surrounding Heaven and Earth spiritual energy relentlessly, his body acting like a black hole swallowing everything. It took about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea for him to stop. The White Tiger watched silently, its own body also slowly beginning to swell.

When Li Muzhan finished circulating his power, he looked at the White Tiger before him. It had doubled in size, appearing even more terrifying, its aura like a mountain. Li Muzhan couldn't help but offer a wry smile. He possessed the Tian Shen Fu Ti Shu (Celestial God Incarnation Technique), and this White Tiger clearly possessed a similar secret art. This fierce tiger was truly exceptional. Out of options, he could only meet force with force and struck out fiercely with a palm strike. With a dull "Bang!" he was sent flying backward. The White Tiger roared "Ao" and leaped into the air, pouncing on Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan flicked his hand; with a slight whistling sound ("Chi"), a beam of white light pierced the White Tiger's belly. He then vanished from his original spot in a flash. The White Tiger's form flickered, becoming slightly more illusory, less solid than before. Through their previous exchange, Li Muzhan had pinpointed the White Tiger's weakness: its abdomen was one point, but the most critical was its forehead. The White Tiger growled mournfully and lunged at Li Muzhan again. Li Muzhan vanished from his spot, startled; this White Tiger’s speed had increased dramatically, far surpassing its prior swiftness. "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang..." Li Muzhan reappeared and engaged the White Tiger in a chaotic melee. He was forced backward time and again, but just before the tiger could strike, he would dissolve the internal force that had penetrated his body. The fur on the White Tiger's body stood on end, and it grew another ring larger in its fury. Every time Li Muzhan collided with it head-on, he was knocked away, needing time to cushion the impact and dissipate the internal energy. "Chi!" A streak of white light drilled into the White Tiger's forehead. This time, he brought his palm down again, and the White Tiger swept its tail in response—a practiced, fluid motion. This happened at least a hundred times, and each time, Li Muzhan was sent flying. This time, Li Muzhan suddenly produced his blade, startlingly abrupt and swift. The flash of the blade instantly pierced the White Tiger's forehead. The White Tiger paused, its form swaying slightly. Li Muzhan flashed to its front and struck down with his palm. With a crisp "Bo" sound, like a stone falling into a deep well, the White Tiger dissolved into a beam of light that drilled into Li Muzhan's brow. Li Muzhan sat down cross-legged, meditating for a moment before slowly opening his eyes. A flicker of cold lightning shot from his pupils, revealing a hint of a smile. This time the harvest was immense; his cultivation increased again. He frowned, looking toward a tall silhouette in the distance. A gray-robed elder stood quietly on the ice mound, observing Li Muzhan, his gaze icy and devoid of emotion. Li Muzhan’s hairs stood on end. He felt an extreme sense of danger, a feeling more intense than when he was targeted by the White Tiger just moments before. He took a deep breath, rose, cupped his hands, and asked, "May I ask what guidance Senior has to offer?" "Where did your flying knife come from?" The gray-robed elder's square face was expressionless, seemingly cast from iron. PS: Taking a few days off, apologies to everyone. (To be continued)