"However, Wanchong Shan deserved to die, and killing them was a righteous act. Why shouldn't that be known?" Li Muzhan said.

Qin Yeqiu looked at him coolly. "Do you truly not know?"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Senior Sister, please enlighten me."

Qin Yeqiu shot him a sidelong glance, muttering internally that someone as clever as he should understand the reason but choosing not to spell it out. "Wanchong Shan comes from an influential background; he is by no means an ordinary sect disciple."

"Which sect is he from?" Li Muzhan asked.

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "I don't know."

Li Muzhan’s brow furrowed slightly, then he nodded slowly.

It wasn't surprising. Nowadays, sects were countless, scattering like stars across the land. While only a few were truly top-tier, the number of hidden sects no one knew about was legion.

The martial arts prowess of these reclusive sects varied; most were troublesome. Open attacks were easy to dodge, but hidden arrows were hard to guard against. Since their skills were rarely displayed publicly, outsiders remained ignorant, and disciples with high aptitude often soared to prominence overnight.

Most famous masters hailed from distinguished backgrounds, either having superb teachers or inheriting profound techniques, or perhaps stumbling upon a secret manual and becoming an apex expert—that was nearly mythical. Without a deep foundation, one couldn't grasp peak techniques; how could one run before learning to walk?

Li Muzhan shook his head. "And we let disciples like that roam the world unchecked? It's the father's fault if the son is ill-raised; their sects bear considerable responsibility."

"Wanchong Shan was clever; perhaps he surpassed his teachers," Qin Yeqiu sighed. "It's not that they won't act, but that they cannot."

"Then why fear them?" Li Muzhan challenged.

Qin Yeqiu replied, "I fear them hiding in the shadows, striking once and vanishing—impossible to defend against."

Li Muzhan stroked his brow thoughtfully. "Senior Sister, in my opinion, we must investigate thoroughly. There's no reason to guard against a thief for a thousand days. Once we identify the sect, we should go and offer an apology."

"Mm, I have already dispatched someone," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then shall we head back directly?"

"Let's go back," Qin Yeqiu agreed. "I need to enter seclusion."

Li Muzhan looked at her. Her expression was subdued, showing nothing unusual. He knew she was shaken; perhaps the ease with which he killed Wanchong Shan, after she risked her life and failed to subdue him, created too stark a contrast.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "Yes. Senior Sister’s injuries are not serious, are they?"

"Nothing major," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan sensed her coldness; her lingering anger hadn't dissipated. He said no more, and the two returned to Zishang Palace.

As evening approached, the setting sun dyed Zixia Peak crimson.

Li Muzhan stepped off his couch, refreshed and vibrant. He strolled out of his small courtyard, circled a few times, and arrived at Cao Ya's courtyard, pushing the door open as he entered.

Xiao He, dressed in a violet gown, was squatting in the center of the flowerbed, tending to the plants. Hearing footsteps, she straightened up and smiled brightly. "Young Master."

The flowerbed was a riot of color, a hundred flowers vying for attention, and she was one blossom among them, complementing the rest.

Cao Miao emerged from the adjacent kitchen, wearing a moon-white silk shirt that made her look like a lotus emerging from the water. She wore an apron and held a small bowl, smiling. "Junior Brother, you've arrived."

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, what are you making?"

Cao Miao replied, "Didn't you like Sanyang Biscuits? Father insisted I make some."

Li Muzhan grinned. "Teacher is truly something, making Senior Sister do this."

"Enough, hurry inside," Cao Miao said, shaking her flour-dusted, supple hands before turning with a graceful sway back toward the kitchen. Xiao He giggled, "Young Master, Master is very pleased."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Why is Teacher pleased?"

Xiao He explained, "The Palace Mistress visited. It seems she spoke highly of Young Master."

Li Muzhan shook his head; he knew his teacher wouldn't be pleased over such a small matter. Xiao He added, "Then I don't know! You should ask him yourself, Young Master. I'll go brew some tea."

She dropped her small trowel and scurried into the kitchen. Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling as he lifted the bamboo curtain and entered the main room. Cao Ya, clad in a dark green robe, sat upright in the armchair beneath the window. On the presentation desk before him were brush, ink, paper, and several books; he held one open, reading quietly.

Hearing the sound, he slowly lowered the book, turned, and beckoned him over. Li Muzhan approached, cupped his hands, and said, "Teacher's complexion looks excellent today."

"This old frame of mine is quite sturdy," Cao Ya replied, pointing with the book toward the chair beside him. Li Muzhan sat down, smiling at him.

Cao Ya continued, "Palace Mistress Qin visited yesterday and told me you can now afford to divide your attention to studying."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Did Palace Mistress Qin complain about me?"

Cao Ya shook his head. "It was clear she was quite satisfied with you. What, did you offend the Palace Mistress?"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands. "I wouldn't dare."

Cao Ya frowned. "Wuji, Palace Mistress Qin is fiercely proud. People like her cannot tolerate arrogance. Don't invite trouble for yourself."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "Teacher need not worry; I understand."

Cao Ya gave him a stern look and snorted. "You appear steady, but you are proud to the bone. No matter how well you hide it, your true nature occasionally shows. You will offend Palace Mistress Qin."

"Master, rest assured, I will be careful," Li Muzhan promised.

Cao Ya gazed at him for a long moment, then slowly said, "I am truly uneasy. Very well, it is up to your own destiny. After today, you will come here every morning to study!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Palace Mistress agreed?"

Cao Ya confirmed, "Yes. Palace Mistress Qin said your talent is extraordinary, and half a day of cultivation is sufficient. She also said she would take you to see Palace Master Long for formal initiation. You have finally secured your footing."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow. "See Palace Master Long?"

"The previous Palace Master, now living in seclusion on Miaoxiang Peak," Cao Ya explained.

... As the two were speaking, Xiao He entered, carrying tea on a purple sandalwood tray, smiling broadly. "Young Master, you went down the mountain a few days ago, didn't you?"

Li Muzhan accepted the tea and asked with a smile, "How did you know?"

"I inquired," Xiao He said proudly. "I'm quite friendly with many of the Senior Sisters now; I get information fast!"

Li Muzhan took a small sip of the fragrant tea and asked, "Any new news?"

Xiao He leaned in conspiratorially. "Young Master, you must be careful! The Senior Sisters want to give you a taste of their power."

Li Muzhan laughed. "They haven't given up yet?"

Xiao He's eyes curved into crescents with her smile. "You managed to withstand two of Senior Sister Gu's palms, which only made everyone more curious. They are determined to deflate your pride!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Then let them come!"

Xiao He continued, "Everyone is even more curious that you went down the mountain with the Palace Mistress to kill Wanchong Shan."

Li Muzhan asked, "Do they all know whether Wanchong Shan is truly dead or not?"

"Hee hee, tell me, Young Master," Xiao He cooed alluringly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "If the Palace Mistress won't speak, how dare I gossip."

Xiao He tilted her head, studying him. "Even if you don't tell me, I know. Wanchong Shan must be dead!"

Li Muzhan neither confirmed nor denied it, merely smiling silently.

Xiao He understood instantly and chuckled charmingly. "The Palace Mistress's martial arts are truly formidable. I heard the Senior Sisters say that Wanchong Shan was incredibly strong; no one could subdue him. Everyone was worried about the Palace Mistress!"

Li Muzhan warned, "Don't speak carelessly."

Xiao He laughed. "Everyone has guessed it. The Palace Mistress never gives up until she achieves her goal. Since she returned to the palace, Wanchong Shan is naturally dead."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Are they really going to cause trouble for me?"

Xiao He nodded vigorously. "Young Master, you cannot escape it. You might as well accept the challenge. At first, they wanted to send Senior Sister Ding, but after seeing you go down the mountain with the Palace Mistress, they changed their minds and settled on Senior Sister Yan."

Li Muzhan questioned, "Senior Sister Yan?"

Xiao He exclaimed, "Senior Sister Ding is the weakest in martial arts, but Senior Sister Yan is the number one master, Yan Yunhua! Young Master, surely you've heard of her?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Never heard of her."

Xiao He shook her head repeatedly, displaying a look of deep distress. "Young Master, your news is too outdated! Senior Sister Yan is our top master, with peerless talent and unmatched intelligence!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Can she compare to the Palace Mistress?"

"How could anyone compare!" Xiao He shot him a look. "The Palace Mistress’s martial arts are unfathomably deep; how could anyone compare!" She added seriously, "Young Master, you must be careful of Senior Sister Yan. She smiles sweetly, and she is beautiful, but her strikes are ruthless!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Good, I will be careful."

Xiao He stamped her foot, complaining, "Young Master, don't take it lightly! Senior Sister Yan once beat Senior Brother Qiao so badly he was bedridden for a month!"

Li Muzhan frowned, slowly nodding. "Right, I will be careful."

The same phrase carried a different weight. Xiao He sighed in relief, then shook her head again. "Alas... you won't escape this beating. The most crucial thing is not to be flippant or smile coquettishly with Senior Sister Yan. Furthermore, do not stare at her—Senior Sister Yan hates being stared at the most."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Understood."

Cao Ya watched Xiao He's endless chatter and waved his hand to interrupt. "Alright, Xiao He, go attend to your duties."

Xiao He cast an unwilling glance at Li Muzhan, reluctantly agreed, and slowly left.

Cao Ya watched her go and chuckled. "This little girl is afraid you'll suffer a loss!"

Li Muzhan said, "Teacher, the world is a battlefield. Although the palace seems calm, undercurrents surge. Male and female disciples are often at odds, and I cannot stand apart from it."

"Remaining aloof is not wise," Cao Ya nodded lightly. "The ways of the martial world differ from those of officialdom. Officialdom values forced harmony, hidden daggers behind smiles, and maintaining composure. The martial world is the opposite; you must adapt."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "Teacher, are you encouraging me to strike first?"

"When you must act, you must act," Cao Ya affirmed. "Showing your edge is often the better strategy."

"I understand, Teacher," Li Muzhan replied.

"Dinner is ready, Father. Shall we eat?" Cao Miao entered gracefully.

Cao Ya put down his book and stood up. "Let's go eat!"

The three left the main room and proceeded to the small pavilion in the center of the courtyard. The stone table within was already laden with dishes, and Xiao He was setting out the bowls and chopsticks.

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister," Li Muzhan said with a smile.

Cao Miao pursed her lips in a slight smile and sat to Cao Ya's left. Xiao He sat on the right, while Li Muzhan sat opposite Cao Ya. Xiao He had already filled their jade cups with wine.

The white jade cups were delicate and exquisite, carved with swirling clouds, making the wine look like amber, its rich fragrance wafting out. Xiao He twitched her nose slightly.

Cao Ya raised his white jade cup and stated thoughtfully, "Wuji, I plan for you to study for one year, and then take the county examination."

Li Muzhan also lifted his white jade cup and replied with a smile, "I will follow Teacher's arrangements in all things." (To be continued)