Li Muzhan managed a wry smile. "Now that things have come to this, there is still a sliver of hope in practicing martial arts." "Wuji, alas..." Cao Ya shook his head.

"I thought there would be some restraint, but I see I was too naive. He truly has no reservations left!" Li Muzhan chuckled.

"The most efficient method is to cut the grass and remove the roots; no one can withstand that kind of pressure." "Sigh..." Cao Ya seemed to age considerably in that moment. Li Muzhan said, "We should go to the Zishang Palace and reunite with Miao’er.

Besides, staying here is not good for the people back home." Cao Ya nodded silently. He knew he might bring disaster upon the clan, and only the Zishang Palace could shelter him.

The Zishang Palace had stood firm in the long river of time for thousands of years, a power the Imperial Court also treated with caution. Li Muzhan turned, cupped his hands, and bowed.

"Palace Mistress Qin, my teacher has agreed. We ask for your kind care." "Do you wish to become my disciple?" the woman in purple asked softly.

Her demeanor was cold, showing no emotion, and such gentle words caused the yellow-clad girl beside her to blink her bright eyes, studying Li Muzhan intently. Li Muzhan paused for a moment, glancing at Cao Ya, who gave a slight nod.

Li Muzhan then smiled. "To be accepted into the Palace Mistress's lineage, this junior would be overjoyed!" His internal energy was not yet deep, yet his spiritual perception flared.

The purple-clad woman before him seemed like an unfathomable abyss, and standing near her made the hairs on his body stand erect, his instincts screaming warnings. Considering she appeared no older than eighteen or nineteen yet possessed such cultivation, her mental art must be astonishing; Hu Ruilin was leagues beneath her, one rooted in the earth, the other ascending to the heavens.

This very opportunity was what he needed. This world was too perilous; even with his flying daggers for protection, he constantly felt at risk.

He desperately sought a supreme internal art, and now that the chance was before him, he could not let it pass. Taking a young girl as a master held no strangeness for him—the accomplished are masters.

This young woman could extinguish him with a single finger. Moreover, she must possess arts to maintain her appearance, so she couldn't truly be that young.

Besides, he had served several masters before, including young women—from the Canghai Sword Sect and the Xinghu Small Lodge. The Mistress of Xinghu Small Lodge, Leng Wushuang, was no older than this purple-clad maiden.

The purple-clad woman revealed a faint smile. "Good.

We shall dispense with the superfluous formalities. From this moment on, you are my junior brother.

I accept you on behalf of our master! Wuji, what is your surname?" Her smile flashed and vanished like a ray of sunlight breaking through dark clouds, only to be instantly obscured again, leaving Li Muzhan momentarily dazzled.

Li Muzhan blinked, momentarily stunned. "Li Wuji." He inwardly marveled at her move—accepting the apprenticeship in lieu of the true master elevated his standing without completely stripping him of his pride as a man.

Though she appeared distant and perhaps naive about worldly affairs, her handling of the situation was masterful, revealing deep insight. "I am Qin Yeqiu," the woman in purple stated.

"The Twelfth Generation Palace Mistress of the Zishang Palace." "Palace Mistress Qin, I have a rather presumptuous request," Cao Ya said slowly. "Lord Cao, please state it," Qin Yeqiu replied.

Cao Ya said, "I wish for Wuji to continue his studies, and if possible in the future, to enter official service. Therefore, Wuji's status..." "I see..." Qin Yeqiu pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"That can be arranged. I possess a secret art that can alter appearances.

He can change his visage to sit for the Imperial Examinations later." Li Muzhan interjected, "The Imperial Examinations require the dispersion of martial arts skills." "Yes, I am aware," Qin Yeqiu acknowledged with a slight nod. Li Muzhan also nodded, saying no more.

Cao Ya cupped his hands. "This old man is profoundly grateful!" Qin Yeqiu stated, "Lord Cao, please conclude your affairs quickly.

We will return to the palace immediately." Li Muzhan stood beneath a towering, majestic mountain, gazing up. Lush greenery flooded his vision.

Looking higher, wisps of cloud obscured the peak. Beside Li Muzhan stood Cao Ya and Cao Miao.

On the other side were Qin Yeqiu and the yellow-clad girl, Lu Xiaowan, along with Cao Feng. Li Muzhan watched the mountain, while they watched him and his companions.

Cao Long and the others had already returned to their respective posts, vanishing into concealment once more. "What a high mountain!" Cao Ya placed a hand over his brow, tilting his head back in admiration.

"This mountain radiates spiritual energy; truly rare!" Qin Yeqiu remarked, "Our Zishang Palace is at the summit. Lord Cao, let us proceed." Cao Ya bowed slightly.

"Palace Mistress Qin, you have worked hard on this journey. I am of little use, otherwise, we would not have needed such a long trek." Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

"Lord Cao need not be so humble. We handle the action; Lord Cao handles the strategy.

In the future, I shall frequently seek your counsel." Cao Ya smiled. "I would be greatly honored." Li Muzhan nodded secretly.

Although Cao Ya lacked martial arts, wisdom was sometimes more potent than martial prowess. Martial arts could conquer ten or a hundred men, but wisdom could conquer ten thousand.

Qin Yeqiu showed no disdain for Cao Ya's lack of martial skill; instead, she treated him with marked respect—a sign of keen judgment. Lu Xiaowan whispered, "Palace Mistress, should we send word ahead?" Qin Yeqiu replied, "Yes.

You go up first and bring a few people down." She turned. "Lord Cao, let us walk slowly for now." Cao Ya nodded and smiled.

"Very well." Lu Xiaowan floated upward, ascending the mountain like a piece of light fluff carried by the wind. //The fastest text update from Shumi Lou Li Muzhan and the others began their ascent.

There was only a narrow path leading up, uneven and rugged, difficult for ordinary people to traverse. Though Cao Ya practiced no martial arts, he regularly performed his boxing drills, keeping his body robust and his footing quite steady.

He walked the rugged path as if treading level ground. After ascending about two hundred paces, five figures drifted down from the mountain.

Lu Xiaowan led, followed by two young men in purple carrying a sedan chair. "Palace Mistress!" the two youths bowed upon arrival.

Qin Yeqiu waved a hand. "You two carry Lord Cao." Cao Ya laughed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Palace Mistress Qin, but I can manage. One must accept their age." Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

"Lord Cao, this path is passable now, but the ascent will become increasingly perilous shortly. One cannot ascend without Qinggong." "I see," Cao Ya conceded.

Qin Yeqiu glanced toward Li Muzhan. "Junior Brother Li, try it yourself." Li Muzhan nodded with a smile.

Qin Yeqiu then glanced at Cao Feng and Cao Miao. Cao Feng smiled.

"Palace Mistress, I will assist Junior Sister Miao’er." "Mm, let us go," Qin Yeqiu nodded, gliding forward. Li Muzhan utilized Qinggong along with the others to walk up the mountain.

Qin Yeqiu had already taught him the internal cultivation method and the lightness skill method. His steps were light, keeping pace with the group without falling behind.

Qin Yeqiu occasionally glanced back, noting how steadily he executed his Qinggong, nodding to herself. Truly, his talent was astonishing; he grasped concepts instantly.

The two young men in purple looked up at Cao Ya, while Cao Feng supported Cao Miao. Qin Yeqiu led the way, and Lu Xiaowan accompanied Li Muzhan.

She occasionally spared a look for Li Muzhan, the wafts of her fragrance drifting into his nostrils. Their steps were nimble; the rugged path felt like level ground.

Yet, it still took half an hour to reach the summit. A sprawl of connected buildings nestled against the mountain came into Li Muzhan's view.

The highest point of this complex was a grand palace, its imposing structure featuring glazed roof tiles that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. Lu Xiaowan whispered, "We've arrived." Qin Yeqiu paused briefly before continuing forward.

Li Muzhan and the others followed her through an open square into the main hall. Closer, the sheer scale of the hall was even more evident, emphasizing one's own insignificance.

A plaque in the center of the hall bore three large characters: “” (Chaoxia Dian—Hall of Morning Glow). They looked plain and unadorned, seemingly unremarkable at first glance.

Li Muzhan turned away, then immediately looked back, frowning as he stared intently for several moments. Lu Xiaowan whispered, "Junior Brother Li, these characters were inscribed by the husband of our First Generation Palace Mistress.

Legend says a mental art is hidden within the script, though no one has managed to decipher it." Li Muzhan studied the three characters, nodding once, just as Qin Yeqiu's voice arrived: "Come in." Qin Yeqiu entered the hall and sat in the central seat. Cao Ya, Cao Miao, and Li Muzhan sat to the side.

Lu Xiaowan served tea. Cao Ya was composed, sipping his tea as if sitting in his own home.

Qin Yeqiu set down her cup. "Lord Cao, Xiaowan will show you to rooms shortly.

Wuji and Cao Miao can stay with you." "Thank you, Palace Mistress," Cao Ya nodded. Qin Yeqiu added, "I will need to consult with you often in the future." Cao Ya smiled.

"I am quite idle. Palace Mistress, no need for ceremony.

However, Wuji’s studies cannot be neglected." "Agreed," Qin Yeqiu nodded readily. Along the way, she had guided Li Muzhan in martial arts and was confident in him.

She wasn't worried about his distraction with scholarly pursuits; his comprehension was astonishing, allowing him to learn martial arts instantly, saving him far more time than others. Furthermore, martial arts cultivation should not be rushed; over-exertion could be detrimental.

Initially, he should not practice for too long—two hours a day would suffice. As his power deepened, the time could gradually increase to two and a half, three, four, or even six hours later on.

"Wuji, stay behind," Qin Yeqiu instructed. Cao Ya and Cao Miao departed the hall, led by Lu Xiaowan.

Only Li Muzhan and Qin Yeqiu remained. Qin Yeqiu asked, "Junior Brother Wuji, have you studied martial arts before?" Li Muzhan smiled.

"Yes, I learned the Eight Methods of Drinking Tiger from Hero Hu." "When did you learn it?" Qin Yeqiu inquired. Li Muzhan calculated.

"About half a month ago." "Mmm..." Qin Yeqiu raised an eyebrow slightly and nodded. "The Eight Methods of Drinking Tiger is sufficient for building a foundation." She inwardly sighed again at Li Muzhan’s talent.

To achieve such a level of cultivation after only half a month of practicing the Eight Methods of Drinking Tiger—it truly was progressing a thousand li a day! Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, should I continue practicing the Eight Methods of Drinking Tiger now?" Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

"The Eight Methods of Drinking Tiger is superior to general martial arts, but it is far inferior to the techniques of our Zishang Palace. Naturally, you need not continue it." "Senior Sister, is the Zishang Palace primarily composed of women?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Qin Yeqiu nodded. "That is correct.

All successive Palace Mistresses have been women, and our core mental arts are tailored for females." Li Muzhan frowned slightly as he looked at her. Qin Yeqiu continued, "There are also mental arts suitable for men." Li Muzhan pressed, "Perhaps the female mental arts would be better?" "Slightly inferior," Qin Yeqiu conceded.

"However, mental arts are static; the person is the key. Given your aptitude, if you practice diligently, you have a great chance of surpassing your peers." Li Muzhan smiled.

"Senior Sister flatters me too much." Qin Yeqiu stated, "Among all disciples, your talent ranks first. It depends only on how hard you are willing to work.

I will teach you the true core art tomorrow." "Thank you, Senior Sister," Li Muzhan slowly nodded. (To be continued)