He could see that beneath the surface of the Zishang Palace, turmoil brewed; male and female disciples were set against each other, the Yin dominant over the Yang, leaving the male disciples utterly disregarded.

In such an atmosphere, being cordial was useless; it would only be perceived as weakness and timidity. His only choice was to fight back hard, displaying masculine assertiveness to carve out a sliver of survival.

The melon-seed-faced girl watched her coldly, then suddenly said in a deep voice, "Junior Sister Li, go borrow Elder Ma's manuscript, quickly!"

"Senior Sister Gu..." the round-faced girl glanced hesitantly at Li Muzhan, giving a subtle signal with her seductive eyes.

Li Muzhan understood the signal—it was telling him to admit fault and not clash with Gu; however, he pretended not to understand, narrowing his eyes and glaring at the melon-seed-faced girl.

"Hurry up!" The melon-seed-faced girl twisted her head to stare down the round-faced girl. (ShuShuWu)

The round-faced girl shook her head helplessly, gave Li Muzhan an apologetic look, and sighed, "Fine."

She turned and slipped into the bookshelves, quickly returning with two bright yellow scrolls, each as thick as his arm, the yellow emanating an ancient, weathered aura.

The melon-seed-faced girl gave Li Muzhan a triumphant sidelong glance. "Want to study the Morning Cloud Technique, hmph!"

Li Muzhan looked towards Luo Jiangyan. "Senior Sister Luo, is this allowed?"

Luo Jiangyan smiled coyly. "Junior Sister Gu, Junior Brother Li just arrived, no need to bully him so!"

"Men are all the same, so what if he just arrived? Senior Sister Luo, don't interfere!" the melon-seed-faced girl said coldly, glancing sideways at Li Muzhan. "Why don't you run off and tattle to the Palace Master! Truly a stalwart man!"

Li Muzhan frowned and sighed, "Senior Sister Gu, why must you treat me with such aggression?"

"Oh, the mighty stalwart man is being bullied by us little girls!?" The melon-seed-faced girl suddenly let out a couple of giggles before instantly hardening her jade-like face. "What a joke!"

Luo Jiangyan laughed lightly. "Junior Brother Li, this is how we operate in Zishang Palace. Disciples can spar as long as there are no casualties."

Li Muzhan nodded. "I see."

He shot a look at Luo Jiangyan; this Senior Sister Luo was no saint either, smiling sweetly while watching the drama unfold, showing no intention of intervening. He hadn't offended her; it seemed the male and female disciples in Zishang Palace truly clashed, using every means necessary. He, the newcomer, was slated to be bullied. This was a show of force, intended to leave a shadow over him from the start, so that even if he mastered martial arts later, that shadow would remain.

He turned to the round-faced girl and said gently, "Senior Sister, I wish to examine Elder Ma's manuscript; I hope you can grant my request."

The round-faced girl immediately looked troubled, while the melon-seed-faced girl sneered, "You want to see that manuscript? Simple: defeat me, and you can look!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Senior Sister Gu, I just joined; how could I possibly defeat you?"

The melon-seed-faced girl sneered back. "If you don't have the ability, then don't even think about looking at the manuscript!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Senior Sister Gu, you are going too far!"

"So what if I bully you!" the melon-seed-faced girl sneered. "Men are all worthless!"

"Eh, Junior Brother Li?" Footsteps sounded as Qiao Zaixian and Lin Beihai stepped into the main hall, pausing in surprise when they saw Li Muzhan with the three women.

Both wore azure robes; one was rugged and bold, the other handsome and dashing, each possessing their own style.

Qiao Zaixian chuckled heartily. "Junior Brother Li, you must be here to look at the secret manuals, right? Senior Sister Luo, Senior Sister Gu, Junior Sister Li, you are here too."

The three women glanced sideways at them and sneered.

Luo Jiangyan smiled sweetly. "Junior Brother Qiao, what a coincidence!"

Qiao Zaixian chuckled again. "Indeed, indeed, seeing Senior Sister Luo again. What is going on here...?"

He was outwardly rough but inwardly meticulous; he sensed the tension between Li Muzhan and the three women, his heart sinking. He cursed them internally for pulling this trick again—issuing a show of force to the new Junior Brother Li!

Luo Jiangyan smiled and shook her head. "I just arrived as well; I don't know what's happening."

"Senior Sister Gu?" Qiao Zaixian subtly grimaced but didn't expose the matter, smiling towards the melon-seed-faced girl. "Did Junior Brother Li offend you in some way? He is new, so as his seniors, we should offer him extra care and let him feel the friendliness of our Zishang Palace, shouldn't we?"

"Surname Qiao, shut up!" the melon-seed-faced girl said coldly.

Qiao Zaixian shook his head and smiled, looking at Li Muzhan. "Junior Brother Li, what happened?"

Li Muzhan's face was grim. "Senior Brother Qiao, you arrived just in time. I ask you to uphold justice. I wanted to view Elder Ma's manuscript, but this Senior Sister Gu snatched it away."

"Oh—?" Qiao Zaixian slowly nodded, then turned to the melon-seed-faced girl. "Senior Sister Gu, Elder Ma practiced the Morning Cloud Technique—that's a technique for men. Is Senior Sister Gu also interested in our male cultivation methods? Are you trying to switch to a male cultivation technique by studying Elder Ma's handwritten notes?"

"Shut up!" the melon-seed-faced girl snapped coldly. "I want to practice calligraphy; Elder Ma's calligraphy is excellent. I want to use it as a reference. What business is it of yours?!"

"Heh heh..." Qiao Zaixian chuckled, shaking his head. "Senior Sister Gu is also going to practice calligraphy? That truly is a marvel of the age! I am impressed!"

"Surname Qiao, stop being sarcastic! What's wrong with me practicing calligraphy!" the melon-seed-faced girl sneered. "Do you intend to stand up for him?"

Qiao Zaixian sighed. "There's no need for such hostility. There are plenty of people with good calligraphy. While Elder Ma's brushwork is exquisite, it isn't the absolute best. Why not choose another piece?"

The melon-seed-faced girl sneered, "I've set my mind on this one. You men are all cut from the same cloth, Surname Qiao. Is this Senior Brother of yours going to stand up for the Junior Brother?"

Qiao Zaixian felt helpless and cursed inwardly. But since it had come to this, there was no turning back. Having been pushed this far by the one surnamed Gu, if he didn't step up now, he would never be able to hold his head up again.

"Indeed!" He slowly nodded. "I intend to demand Elder Ma's manuscript back for Junior Brother Li!"

The melon-seed-faced girl sneered. "Very well. If you can beat me, the manuscript goes to him. If you lose, get lost!"

"...Fine, I will take the honor of experiencing Senior Sister Gu's supreme skill!" Qiao Zaixian nodded solemnly.

Li Muzhan knew at a glance that Qiao Zaixian couldn't defeat this melon-seed-faced girl. Her arrogance was backed by real strength; Qiao Zaixian was simply bracing himself.

"Senior Brother Qiao, let me do it." Lin Beihai, who had been tightly pursing his lips and watching everyone with gravity, suddenly spoke up. "Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? I will take on Senior Sister Gu."

"What bold words!" the melon-seed-faced girl sneered. "Surname Lin, if only your martial arts were as pretty as your face!"

Lin Beihai remained unmoved by her provocation, merely saying coldly, "Are we fighting, or just trading barbs?"

"Very well, then let's see the truth under our hands!" The melon-seed-faced girl gritted her teeth, cursing him internally as a bastard. She could never win a war of words with Lin Bei—he always kept his face cold and said little, yet every word was subtly poisonous. The more she looked at that handsome face, the more hateful he became.

Lin Beihai stated, "If you lose, hand over the manuscript!"

"Don't worry, I'm not like you lying men!" the melon-seed-faced girl sneered.

Lin Beihai kept his lips tightly sealed, too lazy to waste time arguing with her, knowing debating with a woman was unwise. In the end, it came down to a fight.

He tucked and tied up the front of his robe at his waist and gestured, "Let's go outside!"

"Go!" The melon-seed-faced girl snorted and walked out, the round-faced girl and Luo Jiangyan following closely behind. Qiao Zaixian and Li Muzhan walked at the rear.

"Senior Brother Qiao, Senior Brother Lin, he..." Li Muzhan asked with some concern.

Qiao Zaixian shook his head. "I don't know either; we can only wait and see. Junior Brother Li, you really have bad luck running into them!"

Li Muzhan gave a bitter smile. "I didn't understand anything, and this mess started. It feels like they knew I was coming."

"Hmm..." Qiao Zaixian nodded slowly. "That's true. You can avoid the first blow, but not the fifteenth. They were bound to give you a show of force sooner or later; we just didn't expect it to be this fast."

Li Muzhan remarked, "This Senior Sister Gu's temperament is far too extreme. Has she experienced some kind of trauma?"

"Yes." Qiao Zaixian nodded and sighed. "Her elder sister committed suicide after being deceived by a man. That's why she hates men—not one particular man, but all men under heaven."

Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head helplessly.

Qiao Zaixian continued, "Senior Sister Gu’s temperament is extreme, but her martial arts are excellent. Junior Brother Lin's skill is also very high, but..."

Li Muzhan nodded. "It seems Senior Brother Lin is not her match."

"Junior Brother Lin has been practicing desperately lately, making great progress. It's hard to say who will win or lose; it’s fifty-fifty. Perhaps Junior Brother Lin can win."

"I hope so," Li Muzhan sighed. "I've truly implicated both senior brothers."

"What are you talking about!" Qiao Zaixian quickly waved his hand. "Junior Brother Li, do you know that we only have eight male disciples in Zishang Palace, while there are a hundred female disciples?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Senior Sister Luo mentioned it."

Qiao Zaixian added, "We and they are constantly at odds; we never stop fighting."

Li Muzhan frowned. "Wouldn't it be better if everyone got along peacefully?"

"Alas..." Qiao Zaixian shook his head. "We want peace, but our Master, Martial Uncles, and Martial Aunts all have old grudges that have fallen onto us. We have no choice but to grit our teeth and endure."

Li Muzhan asked, "Are they the ones who won't let it rest?"

Qiao Zaixian nodded. "Initially, it was them refusing to back down. Later, we stopped backing down either. We have to fight for this honor, so the struggle continues."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Eight against a hundred; you are bound to suffer losses."

"Alas... even a fierce tiger can't stand against a pack of wolves. We do take many losses, but it only spurs us on to work harder and fight for this dignity," Qiao Zaixian sighed.

"Surname Qiao, what are you whispering about back there!" The melon-seed-faced girl's voice floated in from outside.

"We're coming!" Qiao Zaixian responded.

He quickly added, "That one is Gu Qiongxin, and the other is Li Chenjing; both are top-tier masters. Junior Brother, don't be fooled; don't fight them."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Understood, Senior Brother."

"Grit your teeth and survive this trial, then practice hard later to wash away this shame!" Qiao Zaixian clapped him on the shoulder and chuckled, maintaining an air of optimism.

Li Muzhan smiled back. "Fortune turns; I will train diligently."

Qiao Zaixian agreed. "Exactly! A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years!"

He quickened his pace out of the hall. By the time he reached the outside, Lin Beihai and Gu Qiongxin were standing opposite each other, staring intently, appearing almost like lovers gazing soulfully at one another.

Li Muzhan felt an invisible energy colliding, which surprised him slightly. This world was vastly different from the previous two: the spiritual energy was extremely thin, and internal energy could not be projected externally; once it left the body, it dissipated immediately, losing its power unless attached to an object. Since the primal energy was insufficient, the influence of spirit was also limited, meaning a mere aura lacked force. Yet, watching these two, a faint aura was beginning to manifest. This was the result of reaching a certain level in martial arts, combining physical posture with internal energy techniques to form a force akin to spiritual power.

Qiao Zaixian said gravely, "Junior Brother Lin, just do your best; don't force it."

"Hmph, that's all you've got!" the melon-seed-faced girl, Gu Qiongxin, sneered, and then shouted, "Take this!"

Her voice was delicate, yet it struck the ear like a heavy drum; the ground seemed to tremble slightly. Li Muzhan's internal energy wasn't deep yet, and this impact immediately sent his blood churning. Fortunately, his body was robust and his spirit strong, allowing him to control the surge quickly. He marveled inwardly at Gu Qiongxin's profound internal energy; at such a young age, looking fragile and delicate, her inner power was potent enough for a mere shout to disorient the mind.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!..." The two clashed in the center of the area. Lin Beihai moved with very small steps, shifting forward, backward, left, and right. Gu Qiongxin moved lightly as a butterfly, her palms soft yet agile, weaving around Lin Beihai like flowing water, entering every gap. Lin Beihai was immediately at a disadvantage.

Li Muzhan frowned and glanced at Qiao Zaixian, who was staring intently at the fight, unblinking, his body tensed like a crouching leopard, ready to spring out at any moment.

Li Muzhan then looked at Luo Jiangyan; she was watching the match with a pleasant smile, looking rather smug. He couldn't help but shake his head internally—this Senior Sister Luo was full of malice. She appeared sweet and kind, seeming to treat him well, but she was truly concealing a dagger behind her smile, subtly plotting against him.

Then there was the round-faced girl, Li Chenjing; her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed as she watched the fight with a hint of worry. Li Muzhan's heart stirred, and he looked at Li Chenjing again carefully. A faint smile touched his lips—could it be that this Senior Sister Li had feelings for Senior Brother Lin? If so, that would certainly be interesting. Did Senior Brother Lin know? Lin Beihai was exceptionally handsome, and with his tightly pursed lips and taciturn nature, he appeared cool and charismatic to outsiders—few women could resist such appeal. It was no wonder Senior Sister Li had fallen for him. However, if they truly wished to marry, it wouldn't be easy in this environment. The antagonism between male and female disciples was too severe; marriage would be seen as betrayal, displeasing both sides.

As Li Muzhan pondered this, the two in the arena were still locked in fierce combat. Li Muzhan admired their skill; both were superior to Hu Ruilin, worthy of being Zishang Palace disciples. Their techniques were exquisite: one steady as a mountain, the other flowing like running water. Movement and stillness balanced each other, resulting in a temporary stalemate, neither gaining the upper hand.

"Senior Brother Qiao, can Senior Brother Lin win?" Li Muzhan murmured.

Qiao Zaixian stared at the ongoing fight and shook his head. "Hard to say."

Li Muzhan asked, "Should we try to help Senior Brother Lin?"

Qiao Zaixian turned, frowning. "How do we help?"

"Say a few words to provoke them?" Li Muzhan suggested with a smile.

Qiao Zaixian shook his head. "Let's keep it a fair fight. If we interfere like that, we won't gain anything." The male disciples were only eight, while the female disciples numbered a hundred. If a free-for-all broke out, they would surely be overwhelmed given the disparity in strength.

Li Muzhan said, "I was just worried about Senior Brother Lin..."

Qiao Zaixian smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. If Junior Brother Lin loses, I'll step in. We absolutely must get the manuscript back!"

Li Muzhan felt slightly awkward. "Senior Brother Qiao, that's not what I meant."

"Relax, we will definitely win it back," Qiao Zaixian assured him. "If you want to study the Morning Cloud Technique, you must see this manuscript!"

Li Muzhan suggested, "How about we just drop it? They can't keep it forever."

"What do you think!" Qiao Zaixian shook his head. "Junior Brother Li, you don't understand them. They are capable of any outrageous act. Each person can only borrow a secret manual for seven days, but they will borrow it in rotation, specifically denying us the chance to read it!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Has this happened before?"

Qiao Zaixian nodded. "Yes. Junior Brother Zhao suffered this loss before; he only got to study it after a year."

Li Muzhan inhaled sharply. If that was the case, then fighting them and seizing the manuscript was truly the only way. He thought for a moment. "Senior Brother Qiao, let me do it!"

"You—?" Qiao Zaixian was startled, then laughed. "Junior Brother Li, don't joke. You've only been learning for one month, and it's the martial arts from the Drinking Tiger Den..."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Even if my skills aren't refined, the key to any move isn't in its complexity, but in its application."

"Junior Brother Li, it's not that I look down on you, but the martial arts of the Drinking Tiger Den..." Qiao Zaixian waved his hand dismissively.

Li Muzhan persisted. "What harm is there in trying, Senior Brother Qiao? Will they kill me?"

"That's unlikely," Qiao Zaixian laughed. "We have palace rules; harming a fellow disciple means forfeiting your life, without exception. Besides, you are new; no matter how far they push it, they will only inflict minor physical harm."

Li Muzhan smiled. "That settles it! If I must suffer a little for the manuscript, so be it. If things really don't work out, I'll go appeal to the Senior Sister..."

"...The Palace Master?" Qiao Zaixian paused, then shook his head. "Absolutely not! Never break the rules. If this gets brought before the Palace Master, it will be difficult for all of us."

Li Muzhan frowned. "The Palace Master doesn't know about this?"

"The Palace Master must know," Qiao Zaixian sighed. "But he pretends not to. In the Palace Master's view, competition among disciples can motivate each other, as long as it doesn't go too far. But if it is brought directly to the Palace Master, he has no choice but to intervene."

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, finally understanding completely. No wonder the disciples caused such a ruckus—it was a strategy, designed to spur the disciples to strive harder and prevent complacency. It wasn't a bad method in itself, Li Muzhan thought secretly. Harmony could build unity, but it might lead to slackness in practice. This kind of provocation might be even better. The key lay in balance: allowing them to fight amongst themselves while ensuring they could unite against an external enemy at a crucial moment. This required extremely subtle methods. Since Zishang Palace had existed for thousands of years, this method must have been perfected.

"Bang!" A dull thud sounded, and Lin Beihai suddenly flew backward. Gu Qiongxin's icy face broke into a smile, and she snorted triumphantly. "Surname Lin, go back and practice more! You think you can fight me? You’re still too green!"

Lin Beihai flew about two Zhang away, stumbling a couple of steps upon landing, clutching his chest, staring coldly at Gu Qiongxin. "Excellent skill!"

"Hmph, you're far behind, boy!" Gu Qiongxin pouted haughtily, then turned to Luo Jiangyan. "Senior Sister Luo, what do you think of my Azure Wave Palm?"

"Hmm, it has about sixty percent mastery," Luo Jiangyan smiled slyly. "Although it's a bit lacking, it's enough to deal with these two lads!"

"Senior Sister Luo's judgment is always precise," Gu Qiongxin chuckled. "I never quite grasped the true essence of the Azure Wave Palm, but after flipping through the secret manuals these past two days, I finally achieved enlightenment."

"Junior Sister Gu, your comprehension is extraordinary, truly rare," Luo Jiangyan praised. "When I was trying to grasp the mystery of the Azure Wave Palm, I had to stay by the seaside for a whole month."

"Senior Sister Luo's method sounds wonderful; I want to go to the seaside too," Gu Qiongxin said.

The two chatted animatedly, seemingly oblivious to Li Muzhan and the others. Qiao Zaixian's brows remained tightly knitted as he glanced at Lin Beihai. Though concerned, he didn't express it. He knew Senior Brother Lin was proud; showing too much concern now would only embarrass him, so it was better to say nothing.

Lin Beihai's handsome face flushed red, his eyes burning with fury, but he kept his lips tightly sealed, enduring it. His skill was inferior; saying more would only bring self-humiliation. Given Gu Qiongxin's temperament, she would surely lecture him mercilessly. It was better to appear stoic.

Li Muzhan remained silent, contemplating. He had missed the chance to intervene. It would have been appropriate before the fight reached a decisive point, but now, stepping in was unwise. Lin Beihai had lost; if Li Muzhan were to win now, how would Senior Brother Lin face the world? Wouldn't it make him seem utterly incompetent? Lin Beihai clearly possessed a proud and self-respecting nature, valuing face highly. Acting now would make him deeply uncomfortable and create distance between them.

"Junior Brother Lin, why the silent treatment? Not talking tough anymore?!" Gu Qiongxin didn't let him off. She sneered, "A real man, yet defeated by a mere girl like me! Do you still have the face to live?!"

Lin Beihai said gravely, "Senior Sister Gu's skill is superior; I concede!"

"Truly convinced?!" Gu Qiongxin glared sideways at him and sneered. "You, Junior Brother Lin, respect others? The heavens are number one and you are number two; I am not worthy of your respect!"

Lin Beihai's lips remained tightly pressed together, his eyes blazing at her without uttering a word. Gu Qiongxin ignored his fierce gaze and coldly said, "What, still unconvinced? Want another round?"

Lin Beihai stated firmly, "Senior Sister Gu, don't get carried away. Let's settle it again a month from now!"

Gu Qiongxin curled her lip dismissively. "A month it is. I'd like to see what you can do then. Junior Brother Lin, you have little ability but great arrogance, acting as if you are superior to everyone!"

She was inherently arrogant, and precisely because of this, she could not tolerate Lin Beihai. The proud cannot abide the sight of the equally proud, as if one mountain truly cannot house two tigers.

Gu Qiongxin turned her head and glared at Qiao Zaixian, "Senior Brother Qiao, are we still fighting?"

Qiao Zaixian coughed lightly. "Junior Sister Gu's martial arts have greatly improved. This is cause for celebration!"

"Stop with the nonsense, are you fighting or not?!" Gu Qiongxin waved her hand impatiently. "Whether my martial arts have improved is not for you to say. Just answer this: are you going to fight further?"

Qiao Zaixian slowly nodded. Li Muzhan spoke up, "Senior Brother Qiao, allow me."

"Junior Brother Li..." Qiao Zaixian frowned and shook his head.

"You—?" Gu Qiongxin cast a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan. Her bright eyes were like clear water, the delicate curve of her lips lifted in a sneer potent enough to shatter any man's confidence.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "One man's actions, one man answers for. Since I desire the manuscript, I must not implicate Senior Brother. Otherwise, my conscience will not rest easy. Senior Sister Gu, I come to seek instruction in a few moves!"

Gu Qiongxin suddenly let out a few bursts of delicate laughter, then her smile vanished, replaced by an icy coldness. "You truly have an audacious tone. Every man in our Purple Silk Palace possesses little skill, yet boasts loudly!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Senior Sister Gu, I am a newly initiated disciple. I have yet to master the truly exquisite martial arts. For you to spar with me, even if you win, it would hardly be an honorable victory, would it not?"

"An unearned victory is still a victory!" Gu Qiongxin was not fooled, coldly sneering.

Li Muzhan proposed, "How about this: If I can withstand three moves from Senior Sister Gu, I shall be considered the victor. What say you?"

"What arrogance!" Gu Qiongxin mocked coldly. "To think you can block my three strikes?!"

Li Muzhan smiled, then turned to look at Luo Jiangyan. "Senior Sister Luo, what do you think? If I can withstand these three moves, the manuscript is mine. If I cannot, I will leave without another word!"

Luo Jiangyan smiled. "Junior Brother Li, you've only just joined. Have you even learned the core cultivation method yet?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "The Palace Mistress just imparted the cultivation method to me, not the actual techniques."

"I heard you studied the martial arts of the Tiger Drinking Stronghold?" Luo Jiangyan inquired.

Li Muzhan admitted, "I studied with Hero Hu for a period; I know a little, just enough for physical conditioning. I never intended to pursue martial arts cultivation."

"The martial arts of the Tiger Drinking Stronghold are far inferior to ours. You won't be able to withstand three of Junior Sister Gu's moves," Luo Jiangyan said, shaking her head with a smile.

Li Muzhan laughed. "If I fail, then it is fate. Even if I were more powerful, it is difficult to defy heaven's will. In that case, I will cease studying the Morning Glow Art."

"That is an interesting perspective," Luo Jiangyan chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Very well, since you put it that way, I shall grant your wish this once, Junior Sister Gu?"

Gu Qiongxin knitted her delicate brows. "Senior Sister Luo, I do not wish to bully the younger generation!"

Luo Jiangyan pursed her lips and gave her an exasperated look. "Junior Sister Gu, stop being so precious. If you truly won't fight, then return the manuscript to him!"

"Hmph, over my dead body!" Gu Qiongxin snorted.

Luo Jiangyan retorted, "Then fight him. If you cannot take down the junior brother in three moves, you won't have the face to keep the manuscript either, will you?"

"Fine! If he can truly take my three blows, I will return the manuscript to him!" Gu Qiongxin sneered, eyeing Li Muzhan sidelong. "But I must warn you, Junior Brother, I never hold back my strength. If you get injured, don't blame me."

Li Muzhan grinned widely. "Don't worry, Senior Sister Gu, I won't report it to the Palace Mistress."

"If you report me to the Palace Mistress, you're no man!" Gu Qiongxin huffed, clapping her hands together. "Alright, enough talk. Let's settle this with action!"

Li Muzhan took two slow steps forward but was caught by Qiao Zaixian.

Qiao Zaixian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Junior Brother Li!"

Li Muzhan turned back with a smile. "Senior Brother Qiao, rest assured. I only need to block three moves from Senior Sister Gu. If I fail, it's no great loss—I won't be killed, will I?"

Qiao Zaixian frowned, glancing sharply at Gu Qiongxin. "Junior Sister Gu!"

Gu Qiongxin pouted. "Senior Brother Qiao, he said this himself! I didn't force him!"

Qiao Zaixian glared at her coldly. "Bullying a newly initiated junior brother—is this the sort of thing you'd stoop to, Junior Sister Gu?"

Though Qiao Zaixian appeared rugged, fierce, and imposing, his nature was actually the mildest. He usually maintained a cheerful demeanor and rarely lost his temper, but this time, he was truly angered.

"Then fine! Senior Brother Qiao, why don't you fight in his place? If you can defeat me, I'll return the manuscript. If you can't, just give up!" Gu Qiongxin said irritably.

Qiao Zaixian faltered. He truly could not defeat Gu Qiongxin. Among them all, Gu Qiongxin was the most aloof and cold, and not without reason; though young, her cultivation was profound. Lin Beihai, the strongest of the eight, couldn't best her, so he stood no chance either.

Gu Qiongxin said impatiently, "Then stop wasting time! Three moves will pass quickly. Besides, I won't do anything serious to him." Qiao Zaixian took a deep breath and sighed toward Li Muzhan, "Junior Brother Li, it is my own incompetence..."

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hand. "Senior Brother Qiao, relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself. If I lose, I only have myself to blame, not anyone else. And thank you, Senior Brother Lin!"

Lin Beihai waved his hand dismissively, his face grim, his eyes glaring at Gu Qiongxin as if breathing fire. Gu Qiongxin didn't spare him a glance, but Li Chenjing kept her gaze fixed on Lin Beihai.

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister Gu, please proceed."

Gu Qiongxin shot Li Muzhan a look. "Junior Brother, you have such audacity! You're just the same sort as that Lin fellow. I shall teach you a proper lesson today!"

With that, she pressed a palm forward, her figure moving with incredible speed, instantly appearing before Li Muzhan. Her hand was already aimed at his chest.

Li Muzhan let out a slight "Hmph" and threw out a punch.

"Bang!" Gu Qiongxin staggered back three paces, her exquisite melon-seed shaped face full of astonishment.

Li Muzhan took a deep breath, slowly retracting his fist, and smiled faintly. "Senior Sister Gu, I yield. Thank you for your move."

Gu Qiongxin rubbed her wrist, glaring at Li Muzhan. "Junior Brother, what immense power!" Did you cultivate internal force? No... that's not it. It isn't internal force."

She carefully considered the sensation from before: it was jin (explosive power), not nei li (internal energy). Her wrist throbbed with a sour numbness. This was a fierce, dominating jin, different from nei li. If it had been internal energy, she could have used her own to neutralize it, but this jin could not be dispelled.

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "Senior Sister Gu, my strength has always been greater than others since childhood."

"Innate divine strength!" Gu Qiongxin huffed, knitting her brows.

As soon as she said this, Luo Jiangyan and Li Chenjing both turned to look at Li Muzhan.

Luo Jiangyan asked, "Junior Sister Gu, he possesses innate divine strength?"

"Yes," Gu Qiongxin sneered coldly. "No wonder he was so bold; he relies on innate divine strength. Hmph, this is somewhat interesting!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "I wouldn't dare claim innate divine strength, but I do possess a measure of brute force—it's all crude strength, not very useful."

Luo Jiangyan shook her head and laughed. "Junior Brother Li, innate divine strength is extremely useful! No wonder the Palace Mistress personally took you on as a disciple!"

Li Muzhan looked over in confusion.

Luo Jiangyan explained, "Junior Brother Li, it's hard to explain clearly now. You will understand in the future. Junior Sister Gu, it seems you need to pay closer attention, or you might capsize in a calm ditch!"

Gu Qiongxin pouted and snorted. "It's just brute force. I'll deal with him!"

Without waiting for Li Muzhan to reply, she let out a sharp cry. "Watch my palm!"

Her figure flickered, and she was instantly behind Li Muzhan. Her jade palm patted lightly towards his back, seemingly slow but actually blindingly fast, like a flash of lightning.

However, Li Muzhan threw a punch backward, as if he had eyes in the back of his head; his reaction was incredibly swift. With a muffled 'bang,' Li Muzhan stepped back one pace, and Gu Qiongxin also stepped back one pace.

Li Muzhan rubbed his wrist, displaying an expression of pain. A flush of red appeared on Gu Qiongxin's melon-seed face, fading instantly.

The surrounding onlookers were astonished. They hadn't expected Li Muzhan to be this formidable. Firstly, his strength truly was divine. Secondly, how did he manage to block that palm strike?

Li Muzhan smiled. "I didn't expect to guess correctly with that punch. Senior Sister Gu, I concede."

Gu Qiongxin stared at him intently, her brow furrowed, then said coldly, "Junior Brother Li, I truly didn't expect you to have such skill. I am impressed! Truly impressed!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "I don't deserve such praise. Senior Sister Gu is too polite!"

Gu Qiongxin snorted. "I truly underestimated you. It seems your natural talent is astonishing!" She could see clearly that Li Muzhan's moves lacked any trace of refinement, yet they were effective. He simply grasped the points of speed and ruthlessness. Although her own techniques were marvelous, they couldn't match his pace. For an ordinary person to move so quickly would certainly raise suspicion of cultivating a unique core art, but since Li Muzhan possessed innate divine strength, such speed was taken as expected, not suspicious.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister Gu, this is the final move!"

Gu Qiongxin narrowed her eyes, staring into Li Muzhan's eyes, and said coldly, "Junior Brother Li, I will use my full strength for this last palm. If I cannot stop it in time..."

Luo Jiangyan quickly intervened. "Junior Sister Gu, perhaps we should call it quits!"

Gu Qiongxin turned to look at her. Luo Jiangyan urged, "I think Junior Brother Li blocking two moves is already commendable. Let's skip this third strike!"

"Senior Sister Luo!" Gu Qiongxin frowned.

Luo Jiangyan waved her hand. "Junior Sister Gu, listen to me this once! This counts as a win for Junior Brother Li. After all, he is new here. To block two moves is already remarkable. Do you still feel you've won?"

Gu Qiongxin hummed unwillingly but did not argue.

Luo Jiangyan mused inwardly: No wonder the Palace Mistress personally accepted Junior Brother Li. He truly is a prodigy, possessing not only innate divine strength but also astonishing speed. Such innate talent is rare in the world. If this young man truly cultivates the Purple Silk Palace's ultimate arts, he is certain to soar to the heavens. The Palace Mistress must hold great hopes for him. Junior Sister Gu is heavy-handed; if she accidentally injured Junior Brother Li and something irreparable happened, she would deserve ten thousand deaths. It is better to be cautious; there will be plenty of time in the future.

Seeing that Gu Qiongxin had fallen silent, Luo Jiangyan called out, "Junior Sister Li!"

Li Chenjing quickly retracted her gaze from Lin Beihai, though she couldn't hide her shyness. With a blush, she looked towards Luo Jiangyan. Luo Jiangyan pouted. "Why haven't you given the manuscript to Junior Brother Li yet! Let him study it well; perhaps he really can grasp the true Morning Glow Art!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Thank you, Senior Sister Luo!" In a single thought, he understood Luo Jiangyan's intentions, inwardly praising her intelligence and flexibility. It seemed she did not truly take the rivalry between the disciples to heart.

Li Chenjing stepped forward and handed the two scrolls to Li Muzhan. "Junior Brother Li, take good care of these and don't damage them."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Thank you, Senior Sister Li, I will be careful."

Gu Qiongxin maintained a cold expression and snorted. "A waste of effort. Senior Sister Luo, let's go!" She turned her slender waist and gracefully departed, vanishing in an instant. Luo Jiangyan and Li Chenjing smiled at Li Muzhan, then followed her into disappearance.

Li Muzhan paid no mind to anything else and immediately unrolled one of the scrolls. (To be continued)