The group returned to the vessel, where forty soldiers stood at attention, maintaining a respectful distance from the ship, unwilling to draw near.
Cao Ya and Cao Miao—alighted from their sedan chairs, and the rest of the party boarded. Cao Ya and Cao Miao—ascended to the second deck. Li Muzhan did not follow, remaining on the main deck, leaning against the rail and gazing toward Baihuai City in the distance.
Xiao He drifted lightly to his side, turning her head. “Young Master, why the furrowed brow? Are you unhappy about killing Song Zimo?”
Li Muzhan kept his eyes fixed on the distance and shook his head. “I find it strange.”
“Strange about what?” Xiao He inquired.
Li Muzhan mused, “Logically, how could Song Zimo, as the leader of a major gang, be killed so easily? There must be more to it.”
Xiao He pouted and scoffed, “What does it matter what the inside story is? He’s dead, and that Song fellow deserved to die long ago. It’s proof that Heaven has eyes!”
Li Muzhan drew his gaze back to her. Xiao He continued, “The Mohu Gang committed every evil imaginable—murder and robbery. If Master hadn't wiped them out back then, who knows how many more people would have suffered!”
“So they were left unchecked?” Li Muzhan frowned. “What are those martial heroes in the Jianghu for? Don't they uphold righteousness?”
Xiao He curled her lip dismissively. “Hmph, those so-called heroes?!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Upholding justice and aiding the weak—isn't that what the righteous sects of the martial world aspire to? How could they allow the Mohu Gang to run rampant like that?”
Xiao He sneered and shook her head. “It seems, Young Master, you truly remember nothing. These fellows talk of righteousness, but what they truly seek is fame. Who would do such work for no benefit?”
“Wiping out the Mohu Gang would also bring renown, wouldn’t it?” Li Muzhan countered.
“The Mohu Gang hid deep within Mohu Lake, appearing and vanishing like ghosts. Outsiders who entered would only get lost. How could anyone find where Song Zimo was?” Xiao He shook her head. “It took Master’s entire army to finally destroy them. It simply couldn't be done by martial arts masters alone!”
Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly, and he chuckled. “Aren't the men of the Mohu Gang martial arts masters? How could they not withstand the Imperial Army?”
Xiao He tilted her head to look at him, then smiled faintly. “No matter how strong a martial master is, how can they stop the Imperial Army? Even the most formidable master cannot survive a volley of ten thousand arrows!”
Li Muzhan fell silent, reflecting on the differences between this world and his original one. In the other world, once one reached the Grandmaster realm with externally projected Gang Qi, even the most lethal hidden weapons were useless. They could create their own domain, and the Grandmaster was the master of that domain, controlling it at will.
But in this world, no matter how potent the Zhenqi, it could not be projected outward. Blades and arrows striking the body could only be evaded; there was no blocking them, unless one had mastered profound Iron Hardening techniques.
Yet, even Iron Hardening wasn't foolproof; it was like layering on armor. If the force of the blades and arrows was great enough, the hard conditioning would be useless.
In this world, anyone below the Grandmaster level was mediocre. This world differed from his original one: not only was the spiritual energy thin and unresponsive to command, but mental energy could not radiate beyond the body. Because this world operated under different rules, his previous understanding was nullified.
Li Muzhan’s Void Eye still functioned, but otherwise, he was no different from any ordinary master.
He sighed, shaking his head. “Xiao He, I want to practice martial arts.”
“Eh?” Xiao He’s bright eyes widened, and she laughed. “Practice martial arts? You still want to practice?”
Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. “I only know throwing knives; I know nothing else. Naturally, I wish to practice.”
“Really?” Xiao He said with a sweet smile, suddenly pressing a palm toward him. Li Muzhan met her hand, and with a dull thud, he remained utterly still, while Xiao He was forced back two steps.
She rubbed her wrist, her eyes widening even further. “You don’t know martial arts?”
Li Muzhan frowned, looking at his palms, then at Xiao He. “Again!”
Xiao He gave a delicate snort, her feet sliding forward as she closed the distance, bringing a palm strike down. Li Muzhan met it with a dull thud, and again Xiao He retreated two steps, complaining prettily, “Such great strength!”
Li Muzhan looked at his palms in confusion, frowning in thought. Xiao He didn't interrupt, continuing to massage her wrist while staring at him.
After a long pause, Li Muzhan shook his head with a bitter smile. “I can’t recall anything!”
“Then again!” Xiao He cried out charmingly, rushing toward Li Muzhan. Her palms danced like two butterflies, enveloping him.
Li Muzhan struck out with one palm. Thud! The palm shadow vanished, and Xiao He staggered back two steps, gazing at Li Muzhan with astonishment.
Previously, when Li Muzhan repelled her, she had attributed it to natural, innate strength, as he lacked internal energy. But this strike could not possibly have been a fluke.
His simple move possessed a quality of grand dexterity concealed by apparent clumsiness, and the technique itself was remarkably refined.
“Again!” she called out delicately, attacking once more with increasingly dazzling, dizzying palm work.
Li Muzhan countered with a single palm strike. Thud! He pushed her back again.
Xiao He was finally convinced. Li Muzhan’s technique was truly one of great skill masked by simplicity; it wasn't guesswork. She scoffed and pressed the attack, her jade palms moving with astonishing speed, holding nothing back.
Li Muzhan frowned and slowly struck out with one palm. Thud! He pushed Xiao He back once more.
Xiao He retreated several steps, casually smoothing a loose strand of dark hair. The exertion had brought a flush to her sweet face, making her look even more radiant.
She appraised Li Muzhan, shaking her head. “What martial art is that?”
Li Muzhan offered a helpless, bitter smile. “I don’t know. It feels like instinct, like moving without thinking.”
Xiao He pondered this. His movements were indeed exceedingly simple, like the most basic palm technique, yet they carried considerable force. The key was his sheer power. He attacked with brute force, steamrolling any technique she threw at him, making the fight intensely frustrating.
As they spoke, Xu Bo approached, chuckling. “Xiao He, what happened? What’s wrong with your hand?”
Xiao He was still rubbing her hand; Li Muzhan’s palm strike had been so strong it had left her wrist numb, requiring massage to restore circulation and for her to circulate her internal energy to heal it.
She turned and laughed. “Uncle Xu, Young Master used to be a master!”
“Oh?” Xu Bo smiled and nodded. “Young Master’s throwing knives are indeed formidable; he is certainly a master.”
“No,” Xiao He laughed. “Young Master isn’t just good with knives; his palm technique is also incredible! I can’t beat him!”
“Is that so?” Xu Bo turned to look at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan gave a pained smile. “What palm technique? I don’t remember any. I was just wildly striking out; it wasn’t any specific method. Xiao He, don't speak nonsense!”
“Uncle Xu, if you don’t believe me, try him yourself!” Xiao He urged.
Xu Bo regarded Li Muzhan and smiled. “Young Master, I humbly request your guidance!”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Very well.”
He couldn't keep hiding his martial ability indefinitely, but his background was important, requiring a delicate balance. Hiding it too long was stifling, and sooner or later, it had to surface—sooner was better than later.
“Behold my fist!” Xu Bo roared, stepping forward in one stride. His punch descended like a hammer, mighty and imposing, bringing a wave of chilling air with it.
Li Muzhan murmured in admiration. This Xu Bo had clearly killed many men; his killing intent was palpable, the sort that crushed the spirit and unsettled the mind.
He struck out with his palm, but just as it was about to meet the fist, he suddenly twisted his wrist, changing the push into a downward chop aimed at Xu Bo’s wrist.
Xu Bo twisted his hand and wrist, releasing the punch to meet Li Muzhan’s palm strike instead.
Thud! Xu Bo stepped back two paces, gripping the railing, looking at Li Muzhan with astonishment.
Li Muzhan stood firmly rooted to the spot, appearing completely unaffected. Xu Bo was inwardly amazed by Li Muzhan’s divine strength. With his extensive combat experience, he could distinguish between innate power and internal energy; this was absolutely not Neili, but raw physical strength.
Internal energy and Jinli (explosive force) were not the same. Neili was more mystical, but in terms of pure destructive power, it lagged slightly behind Jinli. Jinli was like an arrow; Neili was like water. Jinli could directly shatter flesh, while Neili could achieve it only by borrowing or amplifying Jinli.
Li Muzhan frowned. “Uncle Xu, please don't hold back for my sake.”
Xu Bo shook his head with a sigh. “Young Master possesses innate divine strength; it is truly formidable!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Uncle Xu, please use your Neili. I wish to see just how strong a first-rate master truly is.”
“Very well.” Xu Bo nodded slowly, let out a deep shout, and flashed toward Li Muzhan. He moved with the swiftness of lightning, his fist aimed directly at Li Muzhan’s chest.
Li Muzhan extended a palm to block—Thud!—and stood firm. He thrust his other palm forward—Thud!—and Xu Bo retreated two more steps, shaking his head with a rueful smile. “Young Master’s strength is immense!”
“Uncle Xu, why are you holding back?” Li Muzhan countered.
Xu Bo grimaced. “Young Master, this is the truth. Your power is too great! Though my Neili is deep, my raw physical strength cannot match yours, and I will inevitably suffer for it!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Is that truly the case?”
“Young Master, be careful. Again!” Xu Bo said gravely. He flashed toward Li Muzhan, and then a flurry of palm shadows enveloped him, even faster than Xiao He’s attack.
Li Muzhan watched the multitude of palm shadows calmly, then suddenly pushed out a single palm. Thud! The torrent of shadows vanished. Xu Bo and he each took a step back.
Li Muzhan could feel the surging power flowing from the point of impact through his palm, but his muscles merely trembled as he dissolved the overwhelming force.
Xu Bo stared at Li Muzhan’s arm in surprise, then slowly nodded. “It is indeed an Iron Hardening technique.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Uncle Xu, did you discern my cultivation method?”
Xu Bo shook his head and sighed. “Young Master, have you forgotten your cultivation method as well?”
Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head. “I don't recall learning any method; I remember nothing.”
“Then what about your palm technique?” Xu Bo pressed.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “I don't know about techniques. I just saw an opening and struck out, relying purely on feeling. I don’t recall any specific form.”
Xu Bo thought hard, then shook his head. He couldn't figure out Li Muzhan’s situation—whether he had forgotten techniques he once practiced, leaving only instinct, or if he was operating purely on instinct.
More critically, his sheer strength suggested innate divine power, equivalent to decades of cultivation by others—a truly blessed gift. He must have practiced Iron Hardening techniques in the past.
He had seen the tremor in Li Muzhan’s arm just now, dissolving the internal energy; this was purely the control method of Iron Hardening, not a natural reflex.
“Young Master, it seems you specialized in external arts—Iron Hardening—and never learned internal cultivation methods,” Xu Bo said after a moment of contemplation.
Iron Hardening techniques differed from others; once one specialized in them, they could not cultivate other methods, as the two conflicted.
Based on Li Muzhan’s reactions, his Iron Hardening technique must have been quite advanced. It was a shame it was entirely forgotten, a tragic waste to abandon it midway.
In Xu Bo’s view, Li Muzhan’s innate divine strength combined with Iron Hardening was a perfect match. If cultivated successfully, he could dominate the world. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, he fell into the river, lost his memory, and scattered his cultivation, forcing him to start over, which was difficult.
Thinking this, he frowned. This might be the result of a martial feud. The young lady had saved him, but might this attract further disaster? Yet, recalling the Master's capabilities, he felt reassured.
The Master possessed not only a pair of discerning eyes capable of seeing through people's hearts but also the gift of divination to foresee fortune and disaster. For him to accept Li Wuji as a disciple meant that Li Wuji must be trustworthy.
Li Muzhan asked, “Uncle Xu, I wonder if I can learn an internal cultivation method?”
“Young Master, you specialized in Iron Hardening. Do you truly wish to learn an internal method?” Xu Bo asked.
Li Muzhan nodded. “I remember no cultivation method at all, and I have no recollection of the Iron Hardening. Since I have become involved in the martial world, I must strengthen myself and have some means of self-defense. Otherwise, if someone manages to evade my flying knives, I am finished.”
“That is true enough…” Xu Bo nodded, considering. “Young Master wishes to learn a method, but it is not easy.”
Li Muzhan looked at him, his expression calm.
Xu Bo continued, “My own cultivation method, while not supreme, is quite profound, but due to sect rules, I cannot pass it on to outsiders.”
Li Muzhan showed a look of disappointment. “I see. Then I won't trouble you further, Uncle Xu.”
He turned to look at Xiao He. Xiao He quickly waved her hands. “My master also had strict orders not to pass it on to outsiders, or they would take my life! Besides, my method is for women; it wouldn't suit you anyway.”
Li Muzhan smiled helplessly and bitterly. “So you’re saying I can’t learn anything?”
Xiao He shook her head. “Even Miss doesn’t have a method to practice! Why don’t you seek apprenticeship with Uncle Hu?”
“Yin Hu Zhai?” Li Muzhan smiled.
“Yes,” Xiao He nodded. “Yin Hu Zhai’s methods are far superior to mine. Uncle Hu is a top-tier master!”
Xu Bo nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Hero Hu’s martial arts far surpass mine; he is a premier master. Learning from him would be the best path! Furthermore, given Master’s standing, Hero Hu likely won't refuse.”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. “Very well, I shall inform my Teacher.”
He excused himself from them and went upstairs to Cao Ya’s room, where he explained his intentions. Cao Ya frowned. “Wuji, you wish to learn martial arts?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes, Teacher. I wish to have the ability to protect myself.”
Cao Ya frowned and shook his head. “It’s a waste to learn martial arts! You have excellent retention and high comprehension. If you focus on classical studies, you have a high chance of achieving official rank, which is a hundred times better than being a mere martial artist!”
Li Muzhan countered, “Teacher, no matter how good the scholarship or how great the fame, without the ability to defend oneself, it’s useless, just like what happened to you this time! Moreover, practicing martial arts does not conflict with studying. Study during the day, meditate and practice at night—isn't that a good balance?”
“Wuji, you cannot serve two masters wholeheartedly. Although your talent is high, this world is full of geniuses, and how many truly achieve official rank?” Cao Ya shook his head, unconvinced. “Focusing diligently is hard enough, let alone being half-hearted? Furthermore, no matter how high your martial skill, you are still just a commoner. Once you pass the examinations, how dare those rough martial artists offend you? I fell to this state because I was dismissed from office. If I were still serving, would they dare be so presumptuous?!”
Li Muzhan smiled bitterly. “Teacher, are you so certain I will definitely achieve official rank?!”
“Given your aptitude, coupled with my guidance, success is certain!” Cao Ya declared proudly.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Teacher, I still wish to learn some martial arts for self-protection.”
“You stubborn boy!” Cao Ya sighed in disappointment. “Very well. I will speak to Brother Hu. Whether he accepts you is up to him!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Thank you, Teacher!”
Cao Ya shook his head. “Wuji, if you do not listen to your elders, you will surely regret it someday!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Rest assured, Teacher. I will not be distracted. Academics will remain primary, and I will casually practice some internal arts. I will certainly achieve a position!”
“I hope so,” Cao Ya muttered, shaking his head. “You are young and do not understand the subtleties involved. Martial artists will never hold true status; the court is deeply wary of them. If you truly wish to pursue officialdom, you cannot reveal your martial arts!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “There’s such a rule?”
Li Muzhan slowly nodded. Cao Ya had hit the nail on the head; this was indeed going to be troublesome.
“Therefore, if you are determined to practice martial arts, you must absolutely not display them externally,” Cao Ya stated gravely. “Otherwise, your reading will have been in vain, and forget about ever holding an official title!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Can that be hidden?”
“I estimate it will be difficult,” Cao Ya replied, shaking his head. “There are inspections when entering the examination hall.”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a bitter smile. “So, you’re saying I can’t practice?”
Cao Ya clarified, “Practicing some internal arts for physical fitness is acceptable, but if you wish to become a true master, you will never even get the chance to take the civil examinations!”
Li Muzhan’s brow moved slightly. He thought of the Hidden Blade Art, wondering if it could mask his aura.
His current cultivation focused primarily on drawing in spiritual energy. With the Void Qi Drawing Technique active, he didn't need to store Neili in his Dantian; at critical moments, he could absorb internal energy naturally.
Although the spiritual energy here was thin, the Void Qi Drawing Technique was domineering and powerful enough to assimilate Neili for his use. However, to raise his cultivation level, the Void Qi Drawing Technique was insufficient; he still needed a method native to this world.
“Hahahaha…” A hearty laugh suddenly rang out. Li Muzhan opened his Void Eye and saw a small boat gliding toward them. In an instant, it was alongside, and two figures leaped gracefully from it, landing gently onto the large ship.
Li Muzhan looked out through the window and saw Xiao He and Xu Bo bowing in greeting. Two men in yellow robes—a middle-aged man and a youth—had boarded the ship.
“Uncle Hu, you’re finally here!” Xiao He chirped sweetly.
The middle-aged man in yellow laughed warmly. “Xiao He, we weren’t too late, were we?”
Li Muzhan sized up the two men. Both were tall and slender. The elder had a prominent nose and deep-set eyes, strikingly handsome; even at his age, he retained considerable charisma, his eyes a shade of blue that glittered like gemstones.
The young man in yellow was radiating heroic spirit, his handsome features tinged with a hint of arrogance as he stood beside the middle-aged man like a javelin.
Li Muzhan guessed that the middle-aged man was Hu Ruilin. He couldn't quite place the youth—was he Hu Ruilin’s disciple, or his son?
Xiao He smiled coyly. “Uncle Hu, you arrived late!”
“Hm?” Hu Ruilin paused.
Xiao He continued, “That Song Zimo is already dead!”
“Song Zimo is dead?” Hu Ruilin laughed. “Who killed him? Did you and Old Xu do it together?” He knew that Cao Ya only had those two masters at his side, both having received teachings from an extraordinary person.
Xiao He shook her head and smiled faintly. “It wasn’t my doing. I can’t say more. Master is waiting. Uncle Hu, hurry up and go inside.” (To be continued)
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