Li Muzhan asked, "Qingyue Valley? The same Qingyue Valley that once besieged Wanzhong Mountain?"

"Yes," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly.

"What connection do we have with Qingyue Valley?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "They know Wanzhong Mountain died by our hands."

Li Muzhan frowned. "That seems impossible?"

"Don't underestimate others," Qin Yeqiu cautioned.

Li Muzhan rubbed the bridge of his nose, falling silent in thought. Recalling the incident, he hadn't left any obvious traces; only the two of them were involved, and they had worn masks.

To be discovered even then—Qingyue Valley was terrifyingly capable. Unbelievable… or perhaps they had informants within the Zishang Palace!

His expression shifted slightly as he looked up at Qin Yeqiu.

Qin Yeqiu explained, "I made inquiries about Wanzhong Mountain with Qingyue Valley. After Wanzhong Mountain died, they guessed we were responsible."

Li Muzhan sighed in relief and chuckled. "I thought we had a mole in the Palace."

Qin Yeqiu frowned. "Don't jump to conclusions!"

Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "So, they should be thanking us?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded gently. Li Muzhan laughed, "They should be visiting us to express their thanks; why are we going over there?"

Qin Yeqiu replied, "They originally intended to come, but I insisted on us going."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister is afraid of attracting attention, aren't you?"

"Precisely," Qin Yeqiu nodded softly.

Li Muzhan asked, "If they already know, how can the secret be maintained?"

"Their disciples rarely go out. As long as we are careful, there won't be any leaks," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan understood. "So that's how it is. When do we leave?"

"In three days," Qin Yeqiu said.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Just you and Senior Sister going?"

"Junior Sister Yan will be accompanying us."

Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly. "Senior Sister Yan… will she be taking part in the confrontation?"

Qin Yeqiu explained, "Qingyue Valley has a prodigious talent—Mo Dongsheng. You should meet him."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Senior Sister fears we’ve become complacent, trapped in a well looking at the sky?"

Qin Yeqiu responded, "Your internal force is no less than mine, and your swordsmanship is commendable, but you must realize there is always a greater master beyond the next. Geniuses are countless in this world!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Senior Sister."

This was a well-intentioned effort, meant to guard against his arrogance, which could block his path forward. Though Senior Sister worried unnecessarily—his goal was to become the foremost under heaven, traversing the world unimpeded. After that, he would retrieve the demonic artifact and exact revenge, reuniting with the ladies.

Thinking of them, a sudden urge gripped him—he wished he could waste not a moment, to practice frantically until he became the world's greatest.

His spirit was strong, and his self-control exceptional. He recognized this as a mere impulse and forcefully suppressed it. While the Chaoxia Gong technique was marvelous, it might not be the absolute pinnacle of martial arts.

To become number one required more than solitary, head-down practice; he needed to spar with others and broaden his horizons. This trip was an excellent opportunity. Thus, he was grateful to Qin Yeqiu.

"Senior Sister," Li Muzhan requested, "Teach me the remaining sword forms—the thirty-six forms and the nine forms of Chaoxia. I wish to see them all."

"You are too hasty," Qin Yeqiu replied.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "The profound essence of the one hundred and eight Chaoxia forms—the thirty-six and the nine forms must be integral to it. Learning them together would aid my comprehension."

"I just fear you might confuse them," Qin Yeqiu warned. "If you jumble them, untangling the mess will take far more effort. It is best to proceed step by step."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I wish to try."

Qin Yeqiu gazed at him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "If that is your will, so be it!"

She placed greater importance on Li Muzhan’s archery. Even if he mastered the sword, it might not surpass his archery. Letting him hit a wall now and then would temper his pride, preventing him from becoming too arrogant.

Qin Yeqiu departed. Li Muzhan remained alone in the courtyard, practicing his swordplay. The gleaming Chaoxia Sword moved in bursts, then froze, and he would stop occasionally, frowning in deep thought.

The one hundred and eight Chaoxia forms, the thirty-six forms, and the nine forms were indeed interconnected. Inheriting the same lineage, Li Muzhan was certain they constituted a single sword art.

He had initially assumed the thirty-six and nine forms were condensations of the one hundred and eight forms. Only after examining the complete set did he realize he had been wrong.

These thirty-six and nine forms were not mere summaries or refinements of the one hundred and eight; they were a further evolution built upon them. Without mastering the full one hundred and eight, learning the thirty-six and nine was useless. The stances looked simple, yet he couldn't execute them; his movements felt awkward.

These movements defied convention, often culminating in an unexpected strike, like a viper emerging from a hole or the sun breaking through the void with immense momentum.

However, such movements were beyond the capability of an ordinary person. They looked simple, but execution was difficult, and their true application resided entirely within one's intent.

He shook his head. This Chaoxia Sword Style was unsuitable as a basic technique; it was too demanding. Few could fully internalize the one hundred and eight forms; mastering them over twenty or thirty years would be considered an achievement.

On the morning of the fourth day, he rose early, practiced the sword forms once through, changed into a cyan robe, and headed to the Chaoxia Hall. The eastern sun was largely obscured by mist, appearing and disappearing, while the Chaoxia Hall stood majestically amidst the white clouds.

When he arrived, Qin Yeqiu and Yan Mei were both present. Both wore violet robes, swaying like two vibrant flowers. Qin Yeqiu was cool and aloof, like an icy spring, while Yan Mei was strikingly beautiful.

The moment Li Muzhan stepped inside, their sharp gazes fell upon him, feeling like cool water washing over his skin. He smiled. "Senior Sister Qin, Senior Sister Yan."

Qin Yeqiu rose and headed toward the exit. "Let's go."

Yan Mei glanced at Li Muzhan, gave a slight nod, acknowledging him.

Though cold and aloof, she was not heartless. She had ignored all the male disciples previously because she looked down on them. Li Muzhan’s high martial skill naturally caught her attention.

Qin Yeqiu and Yan Mei both tied on their veils; the purple gauze obscured their faces, hinting at their features and making them more alluring. Li Muzhan saw it that way, but outsiders wouldn't know their true looks; even if their figures were magnificent, they might not harbor such thoughts, as many women possessed stunning figures paired with ghastly faces.

The three drifted down Purple Cloud Mountain, heading straight south. They moved with lightness, making no attempt to hide from the common folk, unafraid of causing a sensation.

They mostly took small paths, cutting directly through mountains and over ridges. Occasionally they walked on official roads, yet they caused no alarm; the reactions of the people were normal, indicating a world where martial arts held considerable sway.

As evening approached and the sun began to set, they stopped before a stretch of forest at the mountain's base, a dense woodland stretching from the foot of the mountain all the way to the summit.

"Let's rest here for the night," Qin Yeqiu finally spoke.

During the journey, she had remained silent, not uttering a single word, and Yan Mei was the same. Li Muzhan wisely kept quiet, focusing on his movement skills while quietly cultivating his internal energy.

Li Muzhan agreed readily. He quickly found a clean spot, swung his sword to fell a tree, and fashioned three stumps, which he arranged. The two ladies elegantly sat upon them.

He gathered dry branches and leaves, started a bonfire, then tossed in some green grass, causing a thick smoke to rise. This smoke carried a unique, refreshing fragrance.

This scent repelled mosquitoes and snakes—a technique Li Muzhan had read about, and it proved effective when applied.

The martial artists in this world differed from those in his original world; even with powerful internal energy, they could not project it as a protective aura (gangqi). They couldn't ward off mosquitoes or venomous snakes.

Even the most formidable masters would develop welts if bitten by a mosquito.

After arranging these necessities, Li Muzhan hunted a few Roe Deer. He cleaned and skewered them, placing them over the bonfire to roast. Soon, a savory aroma drifted out.

Li Muzhan performed these tasks cleanly and efficiently, as if with a mere flick of his fingers, making it look effortless. He likely wasn't trying to curry favor, but rather acting out of innate chivalry toward women.

Yan Mei and Qin Yeqiu quietly turned the roasting deer. His movements were swift, but by the time he finished, darkness had fallen. The surroundings were pitch black, with no moon in the sky.

The blazing bonfire illuminated their faces. The purple veils had been removed, and the firelight made their features appear even more radiant and captivating. The light in their bright eyes shimmered, stirring a profound emotion in Li Muzhan.

Yan Mei smiled at Li Muzhan. "I didn't expect Junior Brother Li to be so capable."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Just trivial matters. Senior Sister Yan praises me too much; it's just practiced habit."

Yan Mei continued, "I heard that Junior Brother Li’s swordsmanship is exceptional. I truly hadn't expected it. Senior Sister, how long has he been practicing the sword?"

Qin Yeqiu stared at the golden-brown deer and replied lightly, "About two months."

Yan Mei laughed charmingly. "To reach this level in just two months, Junior Brother Li is truly a genius. In my opinion, he surpasses that fellow surnamed Mo!"

Yan Mei, usually stern-faced, broke into a radiant smile that made her beauty explode, like a hundred flowers blooming at once.

Li Muzhan smiled back. "It seems this Young Master Mo is indeed formidable."

Yan Mei explained, "He is Qingyue Valley's foremost genius, and his reputation is well-deserved. Rumor has it he possesses a photographic memory; whatever martial art he learns, he grasps instantly and masters quickly. He is also profoundly learned."

Li Muzhan was surprised. Qin Yeqiu had only mentioned him briefly, and he hadn't inquired further. He hadn't expected Mo Dongsheng to be so skilled; he truly was an extraordinary figure!

Li Muzhan turned to Qin Yeqiu. "Senior Sister, when you besieged Wanzhong Mountain, did this Young Master Mo participate?"

The firelight danced, reflecting on Qin Yeqiu's jade-like face. She watched the deer and replied flatly, "He did."

Li Muzhan smiled. "In that case, he must be far inferior to Senior Sister."

Although Qin Yeqiu couldn't defeat Wanzhong Mountain, Wanzhong Mountain relied heavily on cunning; his martial skill was not overwhelmingly superior. In a straightforward fight, the outcome would have been uncertain.

Yan Mei interjected, "How can he compare to Senior Sister! He may be strong, but he is a disciple; Senior Sister is the Palace Master—they are not on the same level."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "That is certainly true."

Yan Mei then said, "Junior Brother Li, how about we spar a bit?"

Li Muzhan smiled awkwardly. "Is that necessary…?"

Yan Mei insisted, "I need to gauge your true capabilities so I can act appropriately. Wouldn't you agree, Senior Sister?"

Qin Yeqiu glanced up at Li Muzhan. "Yes, let's see."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I must ask Senior Sister Yan for guidance."

Yan Mei warned, "Junior Brother Li, don't hold back."

Through their brief interactions, she had sensed Li Muzhan's nature—he preferred to conceal his abilities and disliked showing off. He could restrain his supreme swordsmanship, something most young men couldn't manage.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Senior Sister Yan, please!"

Yan Mei handed the roasting deer she was holding to Qin Yeqiu. Li Muzhan set his aside. Qin Yeqiu slowly rotated the deer while observing the two.

Yan Mei gracefully stood up, moving about ten feet away. She slowly drew the long sword from her waist. Li Muzhan faced her, drawing his Chaoxia Sword; the blade's reflection mirrored the firelight.

"Junior Brother, watch my sword!" Yan Mei cried out, and her sword transformed into a sheet of chilling light, pouring toward Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan retreated. Yan Mei's sword work flowed, and the light surged outwards.

Li Muzhan retreated another step. Yan Mei’s sword light expanded further, and she laughed, "Junior Brother Li, don't be polite!"

Li Muzhan smiled back. "Senior Sister Yan, be careful!"

As his voice fell, the Chaoxia Sword became a solitary point of cold starlight, instantly piercing through the pervasive sword light and stopping motionlessly right before Yan Mei's throat.

The blinding sword light vanished. Yan Mei halted her own blade, looking down at the shining steel.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword, bowed, and smiled. "Senior Sister Yan, I apologize for the offense."

"Good lad, truly impressive!" Yan Mei shook her head, then praised Qin Yeqiu, "Is this truly the Chaoxia Sword Style?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly. "It is the Chaoxia Sword Style."

She recognized Li Muzhan's move as one of the thirty-six forms. She hadn't anticipated that single move possessing such potent force. She knew that although she was proficient in the Chaoxia Sword Style, she couldn't execute this specific strike.

Yan Mei returned her sword to its sheath, sat back on the wooden stump, and retrieved the deer to continue roasting it. "With swordsmanship like this, Junior Brother Li, you should be able to defeat Mo Dongsheng, right?"

"It should be achievable," Qin Yeqiu nodded.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword and resumed his seat. "I genuinely wish to meet this Young Master Mo."

Yan Mei grinned. "Junior Brother Li, defeat Mo Dongsheng and humble the arrogance of Qingyue Valley!"

Li Muzhan looked toward Qin Yeqiu, smiling. "Challenging them on their own turf might not be appropriate, Senior Sister?"

Qin Yeqiu stated calmly, "We'll decide then. If he knows better than to invite trouble, fine. If he seeks humiliation, you can oblige him."

Li Muzhan immediately replied, "Understood!"

Yan Mei pursed her lips and smiled slyly. "That fellow Mo is terribly arrogant and thinks too highly of himself. If I were to praise you highly in front of him, he surely couldn't resist reacting. Senior Sister, please don't blame me."

Qin Yeqiu replied coolly, "Just don't instigate anything actively."

"I know my limits, Senior Sister, rest assured." Yan Mei's smile was radiant, momentarily stunning Li Muzhan. When she cast him a sidelong glance, he became slightly awkward and quickly turned his attention back to the deer.

The night was profoundly peaceful. Time flew by in Li Muzhan's meditative state, and by the next morning, they resumed their journey, traveling steadily south along the mountain range.

As dusk approached, they paused before a mountain valley. This valley was situated halfway up a mountain whose imposing presence was magnificent, rising steeply—comparable to Purple Cloud Mountain.

The entire mountain was shrouded in dense forest, completely enveloped in greenery. Illuminated by the sunset, the air here was exceptionally fresh.

The trio traversed the mountainside horizontally, winding from the north side to the south, where they discovered the valley entrance hidden within a dense pine forest.

As soon as the three appeared, two youths in black robes floated out and offered a courteous bow, clasping their fists.

Qin Yeqiu stated coolly, "Qin Yeqiu of the Zishang Palace."

Li Muzhan scrutinized the two black-clad youths. Their temples bulged slightly, resembling two small walnuts hidden beneath their skin, and their eyes flashed with sharp, almost tangible brilliance.

To possess such cultivation at such a young age was truly rare. Li Muzhan nodded inwardly—worthy disciples of famous lineage; their skill level was comparable to his senior martial brothers and sisters.

"It is Palace Mistress Qin. Please wait a moment," the taller youth said with a smile, clasping his fists, then turned and walked away. The shorter youth remained stationary, his face taut, utterly motionless.

Li Muzhan frowned, glancing at Yan Mei. Yan Mei's eyebrows on her purple veil furrowed slightly, showing displeasure.

Qin Yeqiu, however, maintained a placid expression, standing quietly.

Li Muzhan coughed lightly and said in a gentle tone, "Palace Mistress, perhaps we should sit and rest for a moment?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "No need."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "This Qingyue Valley is well-hidden; ordinary people truly couldn't find it. Has the Palace Mistress visited before?"

"Yes, once," Qin Yeqiu confirmed with a nod.

Li Muzhan chose not to press the issue. Although he felt they were being slighted, he could only pretend not to notice for now. Drawing attention to the slight would only cause Zishang Palace to lose face.

He would keep this score to settle later; now was not the time to react.

He glanced at Yan Mei. Her finely arched eyebrows were deeply furrowed, but she remained silent, her phoenix eyes turning sharp.

"Heh heh heh..." A hearty laugh echoed, followed by a dozen people hurrying out from the valley. Leading them was a middle-aged man with a flowing white beard and a face like fine jade and eyes like bright stars; even in middle age, he remained exceptionally handsome.

Behind him followed over ten young men and women, all possessing distinguished looks and excellent bearing—some spirited, some refined—none were ordinary figures.

Qin Yeqiu’s expression remained calm as she clasped her hands in a greeting. "Greetings to Valley Master Lu."

Li Muzhan studied the middle-aged man. This was Lu Wensong, the Valley Master of Qingyue Valley, renowned as the 'Clear Wind Bright Moon Sword,' his swordsmanship lauded as peerless.

Lu Wensong clasped his fists and chuckled heartily. "Palace Mistress Qin arrives in person; this humble master failed to welcome you properly. Forgive my oversight, please, come inside quickly!"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slightly, offering no further words, and started walking inside. Lu Wensong's face was beaming with warmth and enthusiasm. However, the young men and women behind him maintained reserved expressions, occasionally glancing at Li Muzhan and Yan Mei with distinct arrogance.

Li Muzhan and Yan Mei followed Qin Yeqiu in silence. The group entered the valley and proceeded along a narrow path. The further in they went, the wider the path became, eventually opening into a vast space. The buildings were constructed along the northern mountainside, while the southern slope held medicinal herbs emitting a unique fragrance.

The group headed north to a grand hall marked with the characters "Mingyue Hall" (Bright Moon Hall), where they entered, sat down, and were served tea.

Lu Wensong occupied the main seat. The twelve youths were seated opposite Li Muzhan and his companions, still observing them with reserved scrutiny, their eyes betraying unconcealed defiance.

Lu Wensong stroked his beard and chuckled. "Palace Mistress Qin is far too courteous. I should have traveled there personally to express my gratitude for this matter, yet I caused the Palace Mistress the trouble of coming here."

Qin Yeqiu set down her teacup lightly. "It was convenient to take a short trip out anyway, and I stopped by. Valley Master Lu need not be so polite."

"Heh heh, very well, let's dispense with formalities. Thank you, Palace Mistress Qin, for eliminating Wanzhong Mountain. We have no way to repay you now, but we certainly will in the future," Lu Wensong said with a smile.

Qin Yeqiu asked, "Has Valley Master Lu ascertained Wanzhong Mountain's true identity?"

Lu Wensong frowned and nodded slowly. "I managed to find a clue."

Seeing his solemn expression, Qin Yeqiu inquired, "What is his background?"

Lu Wensong sighed and slowly revealed, "Wanzhong Mountain was a disciple of the Longshan Sect."

"Longshan Sect?!" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Yan Mei glanced at Li Muzhan, who was also deep in thought. He had heard the famous name of the Longshan Sect—one of the world's preeminent great sects, teeming with masters.

Qingyue Valley and Zishang Palace were both respected major sects, but compared to the Longshan Sect, they were like a drop in the ocean. Zishang Palace had over a hundred disciples; Longshan Sect had nearly ten thousand, with over a thousand top-tier experts.

Even if Qingyue Valley and Zishang Palace joined forces, they were far from a match for the Longshan Sect.

Lu Wensong sighed, shaking his head. "Alas... I never expected Wanzhong Mountain to be a disciple of the Longshan Sect."

Qin Yeqiu frowned. "The Longshan Sect has strict rules. How could they have such a disciple?"

Lu Wensong replied, "It is rumored he was an apostate, cast out of the sect."

Qin Yeqiu knitted her brows. "If he was expelled, why did he still retain his martial arts?"

The Longshan Sect was immensely powerful, and their cultivation techniques were supreme. They never permitted them to be taught outside. Once a disciple was expelled, their martial arts should have been stripped away.

Lu Wensong explained, "It seems he accomplished some great deed, so his martial arts were not crippled. Unfortunately, he disguised himself as Wanzhong Mountain, and no one could contain him."

Qin Yeqiu’s brow remained tightly locked. "He managed to roam free for so long because the Longshan Sect secretly supported him."

"The Longshan Sect wouldn't do that," Lu Wensong shook his head. "I suspect the profound mysteries of Longshan Sect's martial arts are so profound that Wanzhong Mountain benefited from the true transmission."

Qin Yeqiu remained silent in contemplation. This matter was indeed troublesome; everything depended on what the Longshan Sect decided. If they didn't pursue it, that was best. If they did, it would mean catastrophe beyond measure.

For any ordinary sect, even if a disciple became an apostate, they would not tolerate outsiders bullying him, let alone killing him. They would reason: if we didn't kill him, who dares to kill him?

Lu Wensong sighed. "Palace Mistress Qin, this has clearly become a huge problem. It’s fortunate that others don't yet know Wanzhong Mountain is dead."

Li Muzhan frowned, looking at Lu Wensong. That statement sounded strange. Did he intend to coerce the Zishang Palace?

"Heh heh, I haven't yet introduced you to my few unworthy disciples, Palace Mistress," Lu Wensong chuckled. "Come, come. This is Zheng Leyi, this is Su Hekong, and this is Mo Dongsheng. They are barely considered accomplished."

He pointed to the three sitting in front of him one by one. The three stood up and cupped their fists toward Qin Yeqiu.

Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, sweeping a detached glance over the three. She had no heart for pleasantries; the aftermath of Wanzhong Mountain's death hung over her like a massive mountain.

"Palace Mistress Qin, I am Mo Dongsheng. I have long heard of the Palace Mistress's esteemed name!" A tall, handsome young man in white robes smiled while cupping his fist.

Qin Yeqiu observed him. "So you are Young Master Mo. I too have heard your reputation."

Mo Dongsheng smiled. "It is just a small, undeserved reputation. As for the Palace Mistress, to take charge of an entire Palace at such a young age, carrying such heavy responsibility—truly a heroine among men! I admire you deeply!"

Qin Yeqiu offered a slight smile, then said no more.

Although her age was similar to Mo Dongsheng's, their seniority was different. She was a Palace Master; he was merely a regular disciple. Even a genius, he was still a disciple and could not be compared to her rank.

Li Muzhan frowned slightly. Yan Mei said coolly, "Young Master Mo's fame is indeed immense; our Zishang Palace disciples have certainly heard his name thunder far and wide!"

"Miss Yan is too kind," Mo Dongsheng replied with a modest smile. "I was merely fortunate; a small reputation hardly merits mention. I have achieved nothing significant thus far, which is truly regrettable."

Yan Mei smiled faintly. "Young Hero Mo will undoubtedly soar to the heavens in the days to come; there is no need for haste."

Li Muzhan let out an impressed sound. This Senior Sister Yan, who appeared cold and aloof, seemingly untouched by mortal affairs, was in fact incredibly perceptive—a woman with a sharp mind and quick understanding. Her quiet words had deftly sidestepped Mo Dongsheng's topic, smoothly shifting the focus from Palace Master Qin Ye Qiu to the rank of disciples.

Lu Wensong, who had been stroking his beard and watching everyone with a smile, chuckled again. "Dong Sheng has always held the Palace Master in high esteem. Today, he finally has his wish and has met the esteemed person in the flesh."

Li Muzhan’s brow furrowed tighter. This Lu Wensong had dragged the conversation back again!

Yan Mei smiled sweetly. "Valley Master Lu, when you laid siege to Wanzhong Mountain, how many men did you dispatch?"

Her question caused the atmosphere in the great hall to instantly chill. The dozen or so young men and women across the way shifted uncomfortably, and Lu Wensong managed a strained chuckle.

Yan Mei continued, smiling. "We took down Wanzhong Mountain with the Palace Master and Junior Brother Li taking personal charge. The Palace Master said Wanzhong Mountain was indeed slippery; it’s no wonder your esteemed Valley failed to capture him... I have always been curious, just how many people went out on that encirclement for him to still manage an escape?"

Li Muzhan nearly clapped his hands in admiration. Senior Sister Yan was truly formidable!

Lu Wensong shook his head with a rueful smile. "It is embarrassing to recount. A dozen or so disciples were sent to surround him, and yet he still slipped away. They lacked sufficient experience."

Yan Mei nodded, feigning understanding. "I see. The Valley Master did not personally intervene; no wonder Wanzhong Mountain escaped."

She knew perfectly well that Lu Wensong had taken part; the disciples he personally led in the encirclement were ultimately wounded by Wanzhong Mountain and forced to flee.

Lu Wensong’s expression grew awkward, and he forced a smile. "Wanzhong Mountain was a disciple of the Longshan Sect; he truly possessed some genuine skill. Even if I had acted myself, it would have been a tough fight."

"The Valley Master is too modest!" Yan Mei exclaimed with a radiant smile. "With the Valley Master's martial prowess, a mere Wanzhong Mountain would be nothing. Although your Valley disciples are strong, experience remains paramount."

Lu Wensong felt a surge of suppressed anger. The detailed account of the Qingyue Valley's attempt to corner Wanzhong Mountain would certainly not have escaped the ears of the Zishang Palace; saying this now was clearly an insult. Though furious, he showed no outward sign of it, chuckling amiably. "My group of disciples are generally unaccomplished, only Dong Sheng shows a bit of promise. Compared to Palace Master Qin, they are still far behind. I truly envy Palace Master Luo; you have successors worthy of the name!"

Li Muzhan vaguely grasped Lu Wensong's underlying intention. He suddenly smiled—could it be that he intended for Mo Dongsheng to marry Palace Master Qin Ye Qiu?! Lu Wensong was attempting to elevate his own generation, placing Mo Dongsheng on the same level as Qin Ye Qiu. The more Li Muzhan considered it, the more convinced he became, and a wave of indignation washed over him.

Yan Mei laughed enchantingly. "I believe the Valley Master is in the prime of his life; there is no need to rush things... Young Hero Mo is a genius, but unfortunately, he lacks real-world trial. If he were to be tempered in the martial world for a time, perhaps he could take up the important duties of the Valley Master. Am I correct, Palace Master?"

She turned her head toward Qin Ye Qiu and asked with a slight smile.

Qin Ye Qiu glanced at Mo Dongsheng, giving a slight nod. "At this age, and with this level of cultivation, it is rare."

Her few words carried the clear weight of an elder speaking to a junior, full of poised authority. Li Muzhan admired this; the Palace Master was no innocent lamb either.

Li Muzhan glanced at Lu Wensong, then smiled sweetly. "Palace Master, how do you think I compare to Young Hero Mo?"

Qin Ye Qiu shook her head. "Hard to say."

Yan Mei smiled. "Palace Master need not be so modest. In my view, Young Hero Mo still lacks a bit of fire."