Li Muzhan shook his head; this Wanzhong Shan was indeed cunning, playing precisely to human nature. His senior sister might have assumed Wanzhong Shan wouldn't resort to tricks again this time, planning to actually flee, but unexpectedly, Wanzhong Shan employed the same old ploy, ambushing her from the shadows once more, nearly succeeding again.

Thankfully, although Qin Yeqiu was rushing to pursue this time, a sliver of caution remained. While she was certain Wanzhong Shan was desperate to escape, having been fooled once meant she would naturally be more mindful.

Yet even so, she truly hadn't anticipated Wanzhong Shan would dare such audacity as to strike her again. This time, caught off guard while meeting the incoming palm, she could only muster six or seven parts of her strength. Stronger than the previous attempt, perhaps, but still far from her full power.

By engaging him with distraction against her focus, she was injured again. She was furious—not at Wanzhong Shan's treachery, but at her own lapse in judgment for falling for the same trick twice.

"Heh heh, the young lady is indeed formidable!" Wanzhong Shan sneered from the darkness.

The setting sun draped over the entire small town. Sunlight slanted from one wall top to another, casting shadows beneath the wall bases. Wanzhong Shan, hidden in the distance, let his voice carry clearly to Qin Yeqiu’s ears.

Qin Yeqiu frowned. She could tell from the sound that Wanzhong Shan’s injuries were not severe, and his Qinggong remained as extraordinary as ever, completely unaffected.

Qin Yeqiu secretly calculated that under these circumstances, her junior brother’s archery might not be effective; it still relied on her. Thinking this, she vanished in a flash, reappearing a dozen zhang away in the next instant.

Wanzhong Shan’s voice remained ahead of her, yet she couldn't grasp or touch him; he was like a shadow, his form flickering in and out of sight.

This bizarre situation was caused by the dappled light and shadow in the alley, creating illusions. Qin Yeqiu tightly pressed her lips together; she had to catch Wanzhong Shan.

Regrettably, Wanzhong Shan offered her no chance to catch up. His cold laughter receded further, causing a sense of despair in Qin Yeqiu; at this rate, she would certainly never reach him.

"Bang!" A dull thud echoed, and Qin Yeqiu was sent flying again. With another "bang," she slammed against the wall, as if intent on demolishing it.

She slid limply down, landing in the shadow beneath the wall base, blood bubbling from her mouth.

"Heh heh, little girl. Still too green!" Wanzhong Shan appeared, flashing to stand before Qin Yeqiu, bending down to gaze at her with a mocking smile.

Li Muzhan, watching the ambush from the shadows, frowned. After a moment’s hesitation, he decided against intervening yet.

He had seen the previous exchange clearly: Wanzhong Shan seemed to be moving faster and faster, yet Senior Sister Qin Yeqiu pursued him relentlessly, never giving up. Unexpectedly, Wanzhong Shan had tricked her again, suddenly recoiling to launch a sneak attack.

Qin Yeqiu had been on guard, but attempting to halt her momentum during high-speed flight while simultaneously channeling her internal energy was virtually impossible. Thus, she was struck and sent flying once more.

She knitted her brows, staring intently at Wanzhong Shan. Her gaze was as cold as frost, seemingly capable of freezing him solid.

Wanzhong Shan felt the chill in her look, shook his head, and laughed, "It seems my guess was right. You are someone important. Tell me, just who are you?"

Qin Yeqiu let out a cold laugh, showing no trace of fear.

Wanzhong Shan stroked a few strands of his beard, shaking his head, "The young lady isn't afraid that I’ll employ other methods? Can you truly withstand them?"

Qin Yeqiu sneered, "Bring forth whatever methods you have."

Wanzhong Shan smiled broadly, "For instance, I could strip off your clothes and toss you into the street, letting everyone see your true appearance. Then, see if you have the nerve to live on."

Qin Yeqiu’s bright eyes flickered, growing even colder.

Wanzhong Shan observed her expression remain unchanged, save for the shift in her eyes. He shook his head with a wry smile, "You truly are a person of high standing, with a will of iron. Very well, it seems I have no choice but to proceed like this!"

As he spoke, he reached out. Qin Yeqiu let out a cold laugh. "Bang!" With a muffled sound, Wanzhong Shan slid back a full zhang, shaking his right hand, "The young lady is formidable!"

Qin Yeqiu had exploded into action, and although Wanzhong Shan was prepared, he was still sent flying.

Her face was icy, and she was inwardly vexed. She hadn't expected Wanzhong Shan to be so tenacious, but she was even more displeased with herself for being led around in circles by his maneuvers.

"The young lady indeed possesses profound inner strength, a distinguished lineage, perhaps? This old man shall depart!" Wanzhong Shan chuckled twice, then vanished in a sudden flash.

Qin Yeqiu took a deep breath and slowly rose. Those last few strikes had nearly depleted all her internal energy, yet she had failed to stop Wanzhong Shan.

She leaned on the wall, slowly standing up. Just as she was about to let go, "Bang!" She was suddenly thrown backward again. Wanzhong Shan's echoing laughter sounded once more as he reappeared directly in front of Qin Yeqiu.

The palm struck her chest, but her expression remained unchanged. With a "Pfft," a stream of blood shot out, and she was left clinging to the wall, unable to fall.

This blow was too vicious; Qin Yeqiu nearly blacked out. She gasped several times, followed by a fit of violent coughing.

Wanzhong Shan smiled benignly, "Little girl, you never expected me to come back, did you? ...Let this be a lesson: when wandering the martial world, you must remain vigilant, never relaxing even a fraction!"

Qin Yeqiu managed to suppress her cough, saying coldly, "I have learned my lesson."

Wanzhong Shan smiled, "Little girl, can you speak now?"

Qin Yeqiu took a deep breath, trying to calm her coughing fit. She seemed about to speak. Wanzhong Shan watched her, smiling, not rushing her.

"Again!" Qin Yeqiu suddenly thrust out a palm. Wanzhong Shan extended his own to meet it. "Bang!" A dull impact sounded. Qin Yeqiu recoiled, crashing back against the wall, while Wanzhong Shan flew backward, hitting the opposite wall.

Wanzhong Shan slid to the ground, also spitting out a jet of blood with a "Pfft." His face turned pale, and he glared at Qin Yeqiu, shaking his head, "You little girl are truly insane. You'd rather drag me down with you in death, wouldn't you?"

"That's right!" Qin Yeqiu replied coldly, her voice somewhat hoarse.

Li Muzhan shook his head; it was time to reveal himself. He gracefully vaulted over a nearby residence and landed in the alley behind, sighing, "Senior Sister."

"Junior Brother, kill him!" Qin Yeqiu’s bright eyes lit up as she looked up at him.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "Good."

As he spoke, he approached Wanzhong Shan, "You are Wanzhong Shan?"

Wanzhong Shan stared at Li Muzhan, shook his head, and smiled wryly, "Kid, you want to die just like this little girl?"

Li Muzhan spoke slowly and calmly, "Wanzhong Shan, I will send you back to the netherworld!"

Wanzhong Shan laughed heartily, shaking his head, "What arrogance, boy! Come then!"

He instantly flashed away, vanishing from his spot once more. His Qinggong was in no way inferior to before his injuries; if anything, it seemed slightly improved.

Li Muzhan, however, did not pursue. He picked up his black bow, lightly nocked an arrow. "Bang!" The sound was like a sudden clap of thunder as the arrow disappeared.

"Ugh…" A muffled groan drifted from the distance.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Senior Sister, it is done!"

His Void Eye had already seen Wanzhong Shan collapse, the arrow piercing his heart, carrying him two zhang away before slamming heavily against the wall.

Qin Yeqiu slowly stood up, leaning on the wall. Li Muzhan did not step forward to help. Knowing her resolute character, support might actually hinder her more than help.

Qin Yeqiu slowly got to her feet. Li Muzhan frowned, "Senior Sister, you should tend to your injuries first."

"Let's go see him first," Qin Yeqiu insisted.

Li Muzhan didn't argue. He reached out to support her, guiding her forward. Qin Yeqiu glanced at him; seeing his firm expression, she did not push him away, allowing him to assist her swiftly over twenty zhang away.

Wanzhong Shan lay quietly at the base of the wall. The sun was nearly setting, and dusk was creeping in like swirling mist, making details indistinct from a distance.

Qin Yeqiu stopped about one zhang away. Li Muzhan smiled, "Don't worry, Senior Sister, he is truly dead this time; he won't be able to pull any tricks."

"Better safe than sorry," Qin Yeqiu cautioned, yet she didn't stop, slowly moving forward.

Li Muzhan could sense her caution; having suffered too much at Wanzhong Shan’s hands, she was naturally wary.

Li Muzhan, with both his Void Eye and intuition, knew Wanzhong Shan was definitively dead, slain by his archery.

After approaching slowly, Qin Yeqiu paused again, watching to ensure Wanzhong Shan remained motionless, an arrow piercing through his chest.

Looking at the arrow's placement—precisely through the left side of the heart—Qin Yeqiu finally relaxed, letting out a long sigh, "He’s really dead!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "He had bad luck. This arrow felt good; it was very precise."

"Your archery is truly remarkable!" Qin Yeqiu examined the shaft. An arrow that could pierce the heart—it was exceedingly accurate, a level unattainable through mere hard work.

Li Muzhan smiled, "It was nothing; a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse. I didn't expect to shoot so accurately either."

"Regardless, he is dead now," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan countered, "If Senior Sister hadn't injured him first, given his Qinggong, he surely would have dodged that arrow."

"Your arrows are strange; I doubt he could have dodged it," Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

After they exchanged a few more words, "Pfft," Qin Yeqiu coughed up another mouthful of blood.

Startled, Li Muzhan quickly retrieved a porcelain vial, poured out a pill, and offered it to her lips. Qin Yeqiu opened her mouth and swallowed it. As he did so, Li Muzhan instinctively wiped a trace of blood from the corner of her mouth.

Qin Yeqiu froze instantly, hastily pushing away his large hand. Wearing a veil, her facial expression was hidden, but annoyance flashed in her eyes.

Li Muzhan, startled, waved his hands in explanation, "Senior Sister, I had absolutely no improper intentions, it was just…"

"I know!" Qin Yeqiu snorted, turning to examine Wanzhong Shan. A faint layer of greenish pallor covered his ashen face. Qin Yeqiu recognized the aura of death; Wanzhong Shan was irrevocably gone this time.

In a small courtyard at the Wind and Cloud Inn, Li Muzhan stood in the center, quietly observing the moon overhead. Its silvery radiance poured over him, soaking the surroundings in moonlight.

Laughter echoed from a distance. This inn was close to the main street; even though it was late, the small town was still bustling, the night market in full swing.

Li Muzhan stood in the courtyard not to admire the moonlight, but to stand guard.

Qin Yeqiu's injuries were grave. Although she wore inner armor, Wanzhong Shan's internal energy was extremely sinister, capable of penetrating the armor to damage the body. Qin Yeqiu had suffered greatly.

Worried, Li Muzhan remained in the courtyard, listening to the sounds from within, tracking her condition through her breathing, knowing she was enduring agony.

"Senior Sister, shall I come in and lend a hand?" Li Muzhan called out loudly.

"No need," Qin Yeqiu's voice came back coldly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. He knew Qin Yeqiu was still upset about the earlier incident—accidentally touching her mouth was tantamount to improper conduct.

Li Muzhan sighed, "Wanzhong Shan's palm force is peculiar. If Senior Sister heals alone, it will take too long. It would be better if I assist you, and we can return to the mountain sooner!"

"That won't be necessary," Qin Yeqiu stated flatly. "You go back to sleep; you don't need to stand guard."

Li Muzhan shook his head, saying no more, merely standing silently in the courtyard, listening to Qin Yeqiu's breathing, shaking his head inwardly.

Her injuries were severe; Wanzhong Shan’s internal energy was highly venomous and antagonistic to hers, leaving her unable to subdue it for the moment. The internal wounds showed a tendency to worsen, even after taking the medicine.

Li Muzhan frowned. Qin Yeqiu was being obstinate, and he felt helpless. She was his Senior Sister, and also the Palace Mistress; he had already angered her once. If he provoked her further, who knew what troubles might arise.

With no other recourse, he could only stand guard outside, ready to intervene if anything untoward happened.

Time slowly passed. The moon gradually descended in the west. Li Muzhan stood unmoving in the courtyard, dew dampening his robes.

Suddenly, Li Muzhan turned and pushed open the door into the main room. The moonlight, like flowing water, illuminated the window, casting light into the room. The light remained dim. He lifted the curtain and entered the bedroom; Qin Yeqiu was seated on the couch, shrouded in shadow.

His gaze was like lightning. He saw white vapor steaming from above Qin Yeqiu's head. She had removed her mask; her face was pale as paper, looking fragile and weak, as if a gust of wind could sweep her away. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Li Muzhan said in a deep voice, "Senior Sister, allow me to lend my strength!"

Without waiting for Qin Yeqiu’s response, he stepped directly onto the couch, sat cross-legged, and placed his right palm against her back, sending a surge of internal energy flowing into her.

Qin Yeqiu was at a critical juncture, wrestling with Wanzhong Shan's internal force, locked in a stalemate. Unable to divert her attention, she could only allow Li Muzhan to proceed once he was inside.

The moment Li Muzhan's energy entered, it immediately merged with hers, the two instantly fusing into a unique energy stream. This new force drove the sinister, soft internal energy backward, inch by inch, until it retreated from her Dantian, flowed down to her Yongquan point, and exited her body.

Li Muzhan was surprised. He hadn't expected his internal energy to harmonize with Qin Yeqiu’s in such a remarkable way. The two blended like water and oil, forming an entirely new energy that, regardless of its potential power, was exceptionally effective at expelling the hostile force.

His previous internal energy hadn't produced such a phenomenon. Only this newly cultivated Chao Xia Gong (Morning Glow Skill) merged with Qin Yeqiu's energy to yield such a miraculous effect.

While pondering this marvel, he continued to channel his energy without pause. The merged forces formed a new internal current that slowly traveled through Qin Yeqiu’s meridians, nourishing them.

She could distinctly feel her meridians repairing, accompanied by a feeling of comfort, like sweet rain falling on parched earth—inexpressibly wonderful.

Her heart was torn between annoyance and wonder. No one had ever dared to be so brazen and disobey her word, yet he had done so purely for her well-being.

Initially, she was furious, itching to strike him down for his audacity in defying her, but she also recognized his pure good intentions regarding her injury.

His timely arrival had cleared away the stubborn, lingering palm force in just a few moves. A wave of relief washed over her, but another tension remained.

She didn't know how to face Li Muzhan—whether to scold him or praise him.

After a long moment, Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his hand and smiled faintly, "Senior Sister, your injuries were severe. Thankfully, Heaven favors the good-natured!"

"Get down," Qin Yeqiu snorted.

Li Muzhan stepped off the couch, smiling sheepishly, "Necessity dictated expediency, Senior Sister, please forgive my presumption."

Qin Yeqiu scoffed coldly, "If you do something like that again, I'll simply strike you down now, to prevent future trouble!"

Li Muzhan hurriedly nodded, "Yes, I absolutely won't dare next time!"

Qin Yeqiu gave him a sidelong glance. Seeing his expression was sincere yet tinged with a hint of disappointment, she snorted, "However, I must thank you this time. You earned the main credit for eliminating Wanzhong Shan!"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, "Without Senior Sister’s sacrifice, how could I have succeeded!"

Qin Yeqiu said faintly, "What is yours is yours; no need to argue!"

Li Muzhan replied, "It was purely luck. Is your injury completely healed, Senior Sister?"

"Yes, it is healed," Qin Yeqiu replied calmly, waving her hand. "You should go rest now."

Although as martial artists they shouldn't be overly concerned with etiquette, sitting together late into the night, a man and a woman alone, was improper and could lead to misunderstandings.

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and turned, leaving the room.

The next morning, Li Muzhan rose early to practice his swordsmanship. The Morning Glow Swordplay consisted of one hundred and eight forms, and he hadn't mastered them all yet.

As he practiced, the main door opened, and Qin Yeqiu emerged, a long sword hanging at her waist.

Seeing Li Muzhan practicing, she watched for a few moments before speaking sternly, "You move too fast! ...This particular move needs to be slower, slower still, like this…"

Li Muzhan slowly executed the sword stance he was practicing, and Qin Yeqiu provided pointers for each movement.

Li Muzhan benefited greatly. While he could memorize the forms through practice, without guidance on the subtle core principles, there remained a gap in understanding—the difference between knowing the technique and truly grasping its essence was vast.

Now, under Qin Yeqiu’s instruction, his comprehension of this sword style deepened, and his application grew more fluent. His progress was immense.

After a while, Li Muzhan lowered his sword and stood erect, cupping his fists with a smile, "Senior Sister."

Qin Yeqiu snorted, not giving him an easy expression, and said gruffly, "We are going back today."

"Going back today?" Li Muzhan frowned.

Qin Yeqiu huffed, "What, you don't want to return?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Senior Sister, it’s best we don't return immediately."

"Hm—?" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Li Muzhan reasoned, "Senior Sister doesn't want others to know we were the ones who struck, correct?"

"That’s right," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Then we cannot return right away. We should travel a bit first."

"Travel?" Qin Yeqiu questioned.

Li Muzhan explained, "If we return immediately after Wanzhong Shan dies, everyone will know we killed him! If we wander around for a while first, then return slowly, others will be left to guess!"

Qin Yeqiu stared at him, frowning. Li Muzhan chuckled, "Wherever Senior Sister wishes to go, we shall go. Who can stop you?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head and said no more.