Time slipped away as the sun crawled from the eastern horizon to the western sky, completely missing the midday meal; she remained by the entrance like a carved statue.

Li Muzhan slowly awoke, not yet opening his eyes, focusing instead on the gentle circulation of warm energy within him, his entire body feeling as if submerged in a hot spring.

He carefully savored the wonder of it; this cultivation method was utterly different from what he had learned before. With every circulation, the vital breath grew stronger, and his spirit solidified~~ShuShu Net.

He sighed, acknowledging that this ultimate technique was indeed superior to his previous methods. His inner force surged, *as if a waterwheel were turning, the energy flowing ceaselessly.

"Junior Brother Li?" Qin Yeqiu spoke upon hearing the sigh.

Li Muzhan quickly replied, "Senior Sister."

Qin Yeqiu drifted gracefully before him, a faint, delicate fragrance entering his nostrils. Her cool fingers rested upon his wrist, allowing a subtle thread of internal energy to probe his meridians.

Li Muzhan gazed with a slight smile at the face so close to his own, murmuring, "Senior Sister, I haven't been practicing incorrectly, have I?"

The two stood intimately close. Qin Yeqiu seemed devoid of feminine modesty, sitting down on the edge of the couch without reservation, their bodies nearly touching. Her skin, delicate as warm jade, stirred an impulse in him—a desire to reach out and touch—which he forcefully suppressed, keeping his hand still.

Qin Yeqiu withdrew her slender, onion-white fingers and nodded lightly. "Correct. It is rare."

Her gaze was placid, yet inwardly, she expressed approval. Li Muzhan's progress far exceeded her expectations. She had assumed simply mastering the fundamentals would be an achievement, but he had cultivated for two full hours straight, transforming his original internal energy into the new form, and even gaining ground in the process.

Li Muzhan smiled. "What is this cultivation method we practice?"

"The Wither-Flourish Art," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched, and he fell silent in contemplation. Qin Yeqiu continued, "The seed of inner energy takes root and sprouts, slowly growing, eventually falling back to the earth. One life, one death; one flourishing, one withering, like the passing of a single season for vegetation."

Li Muzhan inquired, "It must have some profound benefit?"

"Within the Purple Robe Palace, you are the only one practicing the Wither-Flourish Art. They practice the Zhaoxia Art," Qin Yeqiu explained. "Because Lord Cao intends for you to become an official in the future, this technique is the most suitable."

Li Muzhan asked, "How does the Wither-Flourish Art compare to the Zhaoxia Art?"

Qin Yeqiu glanced at him coolly. "The Wither-Flourish Art is harder."

Li Muzhan understood immediately; profound martial arts were invariably more difficult to master. This implied the Wither-Flourish Art surpassed the Zhaoxia Art.

Qin Yeqiu elaborated, "I taught you the Wither-Flourish Art for three reasons: first, your comprehension is excellent; second, since you are destined for officialdom, you must practice this art; and finally, your progression rate is fast. Most people practicing the Wither-Flourish Art cannot endure the solitude when progress slows, and they give up before the end... Book Friends Upload Update}"

"Give up?" Li Muzhan chuckled.

Qin Yeqiu replied flatly, "You don't believe me?... You will understand once you cultivate the Wither-Flourish Art."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Senior Sister, tell me about it first."

Qin Yeqiu agreed, "It is better to be clear. Cultivating the Wither-Flourish Art is more arduous than other methods. One flourish, one wither; flourishing and withering follow one another. Others only need to continually drive their internal energy to increase it. This Wither-Flourish Art adds another layer: you must completely draw back your internal energy and condense it into a seed."

Li Muzhan pondered this and nodded. "I imagine that layer of effort is very difficult."

Qin Yeqiu confirmed, "It is easy to release inner energy but hard to retract it. Achieving fluid control requires refined mastery. During cultivation, strengthening the energy isn't hard—a few more cycles suffice—but complete retraction is difficult. Without patience and refusing to exert sufficient effort, it is simply impossible."

Li Muzhan responded with a smile, "I see."

Qin Yeqiu cautioned, "This 'withering' aspect is the most taxing. I hope you can persevere."

Li Muzhan smiled broadly. "Thank you for your earnest concern, Senior Sister!"

Indeed, this Wither-Flourish Art suited him perfectly, allowing him to conceal his aura from outsiders. Entering the bureaucracy meant 'good practice within officialdom,' and the civil service was the finest path for his cultivation. Especially in this chaotic age, it was necessary, lest his talents lead only to ruin.

This world was too perilous, far more dangerous than the two worlds he previously knew; one wrong step could mean instant death. If he perished, what would become of those cherished women?

For their sake, he had to employ every method to protect himself; he could not afford to lose his life... Zhengyang Hall stood adjacent to Zhaoxia Hall, an equally grand structure, similar in layout and form. As he approached its entrance, he still felt his own insignificance.

Two young men in cyan robes stood before the hall, both appearing to be in their twenties. They watched him approach closely. Li Muzhan offered a smiling bow, remaining silent.

The round-faced youth on the left nodded. "Are you Junior Brother Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan smiled back. "Precisely. Greetings to both Senior Brothers."

The round-faced youth smiled pleasantly. "Junior Brother Li has come to view the secret manuals?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "I wished to see Senior Ma's original script; I wonder if it is kept inside."

"Heh heh, you're looking into the Zhaoxia Art, are you?" the round-faced youth chuckled. "The original script is inside, certainly, but I suggest Junior Brother save your energy and just stick to your current practice."

"The Zhaoxia Art?" Li Muzhan feigned surprise. "The manuals kept here contain the Zhaoxia Art?"

"You didn't know?" the round-faced youth laughed. "The Zhaoxia Art we practice is incomplete; it’s not the true Zhaoxia Art. The real technique belongs to Senior Ma; what we learn is merely the surface scrapings."

"So that's how it is," Li Muzhan nodded with feigned comprehension. "Since I've stumbled upon this opportunity, I have to try, otherwise I won't be satisfied, will I?"

"That's true enough," the round-faced youth agreed, nodding. "Senior Brother said the same to me back then. I had the exact same thought as Junior Brother."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I shall go inside."

The round-faced youth smiled broadly. "Go on, go on. Work hard. Maybe you really can break through."

Li Muzhan wasn't strongly motivated to decipher the Zhaoxia Art; after all, the Wither-Flourish Art he now practiced was far more suited to him.

However, having this mystery presented before him, the inability to solve it felt unbearable, like having a delicious dish right under his nose—how could he not take a bite and savor the flavor?

He entered the hall. Inside were row upon row of bookshelves. He scanned the area: nearly thirty shelves, all laden with scrolls and books.

As he stepped inside, he almost collided head-on with someone. A flash of yellow silk passed by. The person retreated a step, pursed their lips, and smiled. "Junior Brother Li, we meet again!"

A faint fragrance drifted softly. Li Muzhan saw Luo Jiangyan standing opposite him. He smiled. "It is Senior Sister Luo."

Li Muzhan was intentionally pretending to know nothing of martial arts; otherwise, he wouldn't be acting this way—he was currently putting on an act of being stunned by the array of manuals.

Luo Jiangyan appraised him up and down, smiling sweetly. "The Palace Mistress personally transmitted the cultivation method? That’s a first! Junior Brother Li is truly different!"

Li Muzhan detected the sarcasm in her words but pretended ignorance, feigning astonishment. "Don't all of you receive your methods directly from the Palace Mistress?"

Luo Jiangyan rolled her eyes at him. "Junior Brother Li, the Palace Mistress is the youngest; how could she teach everyone personally?"

Li Muzhan made an 'oh' sound and nodded in mock realization. "I see... Then who teaches everyone else their martial arts?"

"Each has their own master," Luo Jiangyan replied.

Li Muzhan pressed, "Why haven't I seen any seniors?"

Luo Jiangyan frowned and glared at him. "It seems you really know nothing! ...Well, true. With the Palace Mistress's nature, she would never utter an unnecessary word; she saves wherever she can."

Li Muzhan smiled placidly. "I must ask Senior Sister Luo for guidance."

Luo Jiangyan glared at him a few times, then huffed. "Fine. Today I'll be benevolent and explain things, lest you remain utterly confused! Our masters, aunts, and uncles are all away on the adjacent Miaoxiang Peak."

Li Muzhan inquired, "Why is that?"

"It's a rule of our Purple Robe Palace. Each Palace Mistress serves for one hundred years. After one hundred years, the current Mistress and all sisters of her generation retire and reside on Miaoxiang Peak," Luo Jiangyan explained.

Li Muzhan thought it over, shaking his head in confusion. "Why is that the custom?"

Luo Jiangyan shrugged. "The first Palace Mistress established it this way, the second followed suit, and now it's the rule. There is no deeper reason."

Li Muzhan suggested, "Perhaps it is to ensure the younger generation can become independent? ...The Palace Mistress took me as a disciple on behalf of her master—is the former master still alive?"

"Yes, the former Palace Mistress is in seclusion, which is why I didn't take you to meet her," Luo Jiangyan confirmed.

Li Muzhan sighed. "What a pity."

"Pity what!" Luo Jiangyan pouted. "You are lucky, boy. If you had met the former Palace Mistress first, you wouldn't have become a disciple!"

Noticing Li Muzhan look at her with puzzlement, Luo Jiangyan snapped, "The former Palace Mistress was opposed to accepting male disciples. That’s why our Purple Robe Palace currently has only eight male disciples, while there are a hundred female ones!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. A hundred to eight—it was a vast imbalance. An excess of Yin and a scarcity of Yang; the Purple Robe Palace was clearly not an easy place for a man to remain.

"What manual were you looking for?" Luo Jiangyan asked.

Li Muzhan replied, "I wanted to see Senior Ma's original script."

"You too want to study the Zhaoxia Art?!" Luo Jiangyan eyed him skeptically.

Seeing Li Muzhan nod, she sneered dismissively. "A waste of effort, all for nothing. In my opinion, you should just forget it!"

Li Muzhan insisted, "I still have to try."

"Trying is still useless!" Luo Jiangyan shook her head indifferently. "If Senior Ma were alive, she would surely be very disappointed!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. Suddenly, two young women emerged from behind the bookshelves. Both had bright, intelligent eyes. Though not stunning beauties, they were pleasant and attractive. One had a pointed, oval face and exuded an air of cold arrogance; the other had a rounder face, possessing a charming, delicate beauty.

"Senior Sister Luo, is this that Li Wuji?" the pointed-face girl asked coldly.

Luo Jiangyan smiled and nodded. "Yes, Junior Sister Gu. This is the Junior Brother the Palace Mistress treasures so highly!"

"Nothing special," the cold girl sneered.

Li Muzhan frowned and looked at her.

The pointed-face girl scoffed, "What? You aren't convinced?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Have I offended you in any way, Senior Sister Gu?"

"You are not worthy of offending me," the cold girl retorted sharply.

Li Muzhan frowned, glancing at her, then at Luo Jiangyan, and sighed with feigned helplessness. "This is inexplicable."

The pointed-face girl's expression immediately darkened, her eyes sharp as arrows.

Li Muzhan sighed again. "Since I have given no offense, why are you treating me this way, Senior Sister Gu?"

"Because I like to," the cold girl sneered. "You have remarkable nerve."

Li Muzhan smiled sincerely. "Senior Sister Gu, if I have inadvertently caused offense, I sincerely ask for your pardon."

He realized that being consistently submissive toward them would not work; he needed to adopt a firm stance. (To be continued...) RX