The three of them exchanged a few words, and Mo Dongsheng’s face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Palace Mistress, Senior Sister, Young Hero Mo is indeed a bit lacking; his fearsome reputation is not entirely earned. To be honest, I am somewhat disappointed."

"Brother-in-law, hush! How can you say such a thing in front of others!" Yan Mei hurriedly cautioned.

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "Wuji, you must change this temper of yours. The Path of Utmost Sincerity is not cultivated in this manner."

"Yes, Palace Mistress," Li Muzhan bowed his head.

Mo Dongsheng's teeth ground together with a squeak, and he turned to look at Lu Wensong.

Lu Wensong paused with his hand on his beard, frowning as he stared at Li Muzhan, trying to discern the depth of his cultivation. Unfortunately, Li Muzhan practiced the Ku Rong Gong, his vital energy and spirit completely internalized; there was no outward sign of his training.

Qin Yeqiu looked up and smiled faintly. "Valley Master Lu, please forgive my junior brother. He has only recently joined our sect, and his words are too sincere. I hope Valley Master Lu will overlook any offense."

"Heh heh..." Lu Wensong let out a hearty laugh, glanced at Mo Dongsheng, and smiled. "Palace Mistress Qin, how about this: let them have a sparring match."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "Junior Brother Li has only been with us a short while; how could he possibly stand against Young Hero Mo? It would only invite humiliation!"

Li Muzhan chuckled inwardly. Senior Sister was genuinely angered now. Her words were subtly malicious; they wouldn't sting immediately, but after the spar, when they recalled them, Mo Dongsheng and his party would be red-faced with embarrassment.

Lu Wensong quickly waved his hand. "Palace Mistress Qin, you speak too strongly. It’s merely a friendly spar; victory and defeat are common. No need to take it to heart."

Yan Mei interjected, "Palace Mistress, perhaps I should step forward!"

Mo Dongsheng said coldly, "I do not fight with women!"

Yan Mei smiled radiantly, shook her head, and replied, "Young Hero Mo looks down on us women, does he? The Palace Mistress is a woman, too, you know."

Mo Dongsheng sneered, "That is my rule."

Yan Mei turned and chuckled. "I didn't expect Young Hero Mo to establish such a rule at such a young age. Truly worthy of being called a genius. Junior Brother, do you have such a rule?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I dare not."

Yan Mei pursed her lips and laughed softly. "In my opinion, you should also establish such a rule: absolutely never fight with women. Then you can have peace and quiet in the Palace."

Li Muzhan replied, "I fear the Senior Sisters wouldn't agree."

Yan Mei laughed lightly. "It seems you understand! If you dared establish such a ridiculous rule, we would force you to fight every day until you either kept it or broke it!"

Usually aloof and disdainful of speaking unnecessarily, she was now smiling like a blooming flower, enchantingly beautiful, making it impossible to look directly at her—a complete change of personality.

Li Muzhan understood this was her way of showing anger. He had heard from Qiao Zaixian that when Senior Sister Yan smiled like this, it meant she was furious, and one should immediately flee far away, lest they escape death but lose a layer of skin.

Mo Dongsheng's face grew somber. He could tell Yan Mei was condemning him with every word. He said coldly, "I long heard that the Purple Robe Palace suffered from an excess of Yin and a lack of Yang. I didn't believe the rumors, but it seems they are true!"

Yan Mei frowned and glared at him, sharp light flashing in her bright eyes, while Qin Yeqiu glanced at him with cool indifference.

...

Just as Lu Wensong was about to interject and change the subject, Li Muzhan laughed heartily. "Young Hero Mo speaks the truth. Our Purple Robe Palace truly suffers from an excess of Yin and a lack of Yang. The martial arts of our Senior Brothers are inferior to those of the Senior Sisters, and I am even worse. I have trained for too short a time; my inner strength is shallow, and my swordsmanship is mediocre—I am truly ashamed!"

Yan Mei and Qin Yeqiu both looked at him. Li Muzhan smiled, "However, the Senior Brothers are not resigned to this and are working desperately. They will certainly catch up to the Senior Sisters!"

Yan Mei pouted. "Exaggerating!"

Li Muzhan looked at Mo Dongsheng with a constant, gentle smile. "Young Hero Mo, my inner strength might be inferior to yours, so let us compete in swordsmanship instead. How about it?"

"Fine!" Mo Dongsheng replied coldly, his eyes bright, casting a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan.

He seemed to look down upon Li Muzhan. Yan Mei, still holding her anger, smiled radiantly. "Junior Brother, do not disgrace our Purple Robe Palace!"

Li Muzhan looked helpless. "The beautiful Young Hero is a genius of Clear Moon Valley. Senior Sister is being too demanding!"

Yan Mei snorted. "If you lose, you must come and practice swords with me every day!"

Li Muzhan immediately broke into a smile. "Yes, Senior Sister!"

Qin Yeqiu said, "Stop fooling around! Valley Master Lu, since Young Hero Mo will not fight women, let Wuji stand in for Junior Sister Yan and experience his skill."

"This..." Lu Wensong hesitated. "Perhaps we should just drop it."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "It is rare to encounter an opponent like Young Hero Mo. I also wish to witness Young Hero Mo's profound skills in a friendly exchange."

Yan Mei smiled. "Valley Master Lu, rest assured, Junior Brother Li will not injure Young Hero Mo!"

"Junior Sister, hush!" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Yan Mei smiled apologetically, waved her hand, and fell silent.

Qin Yeqiu smiled faintly. "Junior Sister Yan is just frank. Valley Master Lu, please overlook it."

Lu Wensong laughed. "Since that is the case, let them spar a little. I am also quite curious about the profound techniques of the Purple Robe Palace!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "I fear I will disappoint Valley Master Lu. I have been here too briefly; I have only learned a little bit of the surface."

Lu Wensong smiled. "When did Young Hero Li join the sect?"

Li Muzhan replied, "About half a year ago, but I possess considerable strength, though my inner strength is lacking."

Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly. "Junior Brother Li is naturally endowed with great strength, and his talent in the way of the sword is not insignificant. Young Hero Mo must not take him lightly."

Mo Dongsheng said coldly, "Thank you for the reminder, Valley Mistress Qin. I shall come to learn Young Hero Li's superior moves!"

He tapped the ground with his toe and moved to the center stage. His movements were graceful. Li Muzhan rose slowly and walked to stand opposite him. Both men stood steady.

Li Muzhan contained his aura, watching Mo Dongsheng quietly, cupping his fists. "Young Hero Mo, please!"

"Please!" Mo Dongsheng responded calmly, his arrogance subdued, his expression solemn.

Treating a rabbit like a lion—he was giving his full effort. His reputation as a genius was well-deserved. Though he looked down on Li Muzhan, he would not be careless. He sank his qi, standing firm like a mountain rooted by an abyss, staring intently at Li Muzhan.

The gleaming sword body was slowly drawn. Li Muzhan gave a slight flick of his wrist, and the blade "swished" straight toward Mo Dongsheng. His own imposing presence erupted along with the drawing of the Chao Xia Sword.

The momentum arrived before the blade; his formidable spiritual power attached itself to the momentum, the killing intent as substantial as a physical object.

...

Mo Dongsheng had never encountered such an aura. He felt an icy chill strike him head-on, his whole body feeling as if plunged into an ice cellar. His limbs stiffened immediately, and his expression turned to horror.

Li Muzhan slowly lowered his sword and smiled faintly.

Mo Dongsheng’s face darkened. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Good, good, Young Hero Li. Come then!"

Yan Mei called out, "Junior Brother Li, be serious!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes... Young Hero Mo, be careful!"

As his voice fell, a cold light flashed, and the sword tip arrived before Mo Dongsheng. Mo Dongsheng’s entire body tensed, the hairs on his arms standing on end, and he slashed down fiercely.

"Clang..." The sword light retracted, revealing the gleaming Chao Xia Sword. The light illuminated Li Muzhan's smiling face. He rotated his wrist slightly, and Mo Dongsheng felt a strong suction emanating from the sword, threatening to pull his own weapon from his grasp.

He quickly gripped his sword hard and pulled back, resisting the suction. Li Muzhan gave a slight push, and the sword tip stopped precisely at Mo Dongsheng's throat, the palpable coldness of the blade stabbing into his neck.

Li Muzhan stopped, smiling. "Young Hero Mo, I concede!"

Mo Dongsheng opened his mouth, but no sound emerged. His throat, invaded by the cold qi from the sword tip, was silenced. His face immediately flushed crimson, his eyes seeming ready to spew fire.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword, cupped his fists, smiled, and stepped back two paces.

The great hall fell so silent that a dropped needle could be heard. People stared dumbly at the two figures in the center, slow to react.

Li Muzhan had used only two strikes—one thrust, one rotation, and a final thrust—three movements that completely cornered Mo Dongsheng, as if an adult were fighting a child. Mo Dongsheng had no strength to retaliate.

Li Muzhan turned to look at Qin Yeqiu. "Palace Mistress, shall we continue?"

Qin Yeqiu lightly waved her hand. "Come back!"

Li Muzhan turned back and smiled. "Young Hero Mo, are you alright?"

Mo Dongsheng’s face was as red as dyed cloth, his body trembling slightly. His bloodshot eyes glared fixedly at Li Muzhan, looking frightening, as if he might spring forward at any moment to fight to the death.

Lu Wensong took a deep breath, gazing profoundly at Li Muzhan. His eyes, which had just shone with sharp light, tried to pierce through Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan met his gaze with a gentle smile.

Lu Wensong slowly let the sharp light recede from his eyes and said gravely, "Dongsheng!"

At this moment, veins bulged on Mo Dongsheng’s temples like several earthworms trying to burrow out. His eyes had nearly turned blood-red, staring fiercely at Li Muzhan.

He had never imagined being defeated so miserably, and in front of Qin Yeqiu. Recalling his previous arrogance and absurd ambitions, he found them ridiculous and laughable. The gazes of everyone present seemed strange, as if they were all laughing at him.

...

Lu Wensong's sharp shout startled him back to awareness. He took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and told himself: I cannot be defeated. I am Mo Dongsheng, the future foremost master under heaven; I cannot be defeated by a mere Li Wuji!

He looked up; his expression had regained its composure. He cupped his fists. "Master, I am inferior in skill and willingly concede defeat!"

"Good, it is well that you understand." Seeing his state, Lu Wensong knew he had climbed out of his stubborn corner and said gravely, "Victory and defeat are common in martial endeavors. This defeat is a good thing for you; it teaches you that there is always someone better out there, so you cannot become complacent. You must cultivate even harder!"

"Yes, Master!" Mo Dongsheng nodded heavily.

Yan Mei glanced sideways at the two of them with a half-smile, as if watching an entertaining play. Qin Yeqiu remained calm, and Li Muzhan maintained a gentle smile.

Lu Wensong turned to Qin Yeqiu and said with a smile, "The Purple Robe Palace lives up to its reputation. Is this Young Hero Li truly a disciple who only recently joined the sect?"

Qin Yeqiu replied faintly, "Valley Master Lu, I never speak falsehoods."

Lu Wensong hurriedly chuckled. "No, no, Palace Mistress Qin, please don't misunderstand. I am not doubting your word, but I find it hard to believe. To achieve such swordsmanship in half a year—surely Young Hero Li was already skilled when he joined us?"

Qin Yeqiu stated, "He has natural talent in the sword, and he is naturally strong. This enhances his sword power; it is not so extraordinary."

"This has broadened my horizons!" Lu Wensong sized up Li Muzhan and laughed. "Is Miss Yan's swordsmanship even more formidable than Young Hero Li's?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "That is natural. Senior Sister Yan's swordsmanship surpasses mine!"

Lu Wensong chuckled. "The Purple Robe Palace truly lives up to its name. Come, come, have some tea!"

Qin Yeqiu inquired, "Valley Master Lu, how did you discover Wan Chongshan's master?"

"Well, that..." Lu Wensong picked up his teacup and smiled. "I happened upon it quite by chance. I haven't sent anyone to Dragon Mountain Sect to confirm yet; there might be a mistake."

Qin Yeqiu frowned. "How could a disciple of the Dragon Mountain Sect be so incompetent?"

Lu Wensong laughed. "Incompetent? Heh heh, it's not that Wan Chongshan was incompetent, but that Palace Mistress Qin is formidable... The scenery in our Clear Moon Valley is quite lovely. Palace Mistress Qin should stay a few more days; allow me to fulfill my duties as host."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "Valley Master's kind offer is appreciated, but perhaps next time. I truly have no mind for sightseeing right now; please allow me to return and contemplate things."

Lu Wensong pressed, "A few more days won't hurt, right?"

Qin Yeqiu said faintly, "Perhaps the Dragon Mountain Sect is already attacking our mountain by now. I will visit some other day. Valley Master Lu, I must take my leave!"

Lu Wensong insisted, "Then at least stay for a meal and rest for the night before departing!"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "No need. Valley Master Lu, you need not see us off. Junior Sister Yan, Wuji, let’s go!"

"Yes. I haven't sent word back, and Senior Sister Hu and the others must be anxious!" Li Muzhan rose, cupped his fists, and smiled. "Young Hero Mo, if you master your swordsmanship in the future, feel free to seek me out at the Purple Robe Palace. We shall meet again!"

"I will," Mo Dongsheng nodded slowly, his tone deep.

...

As soon as the three left Clear Moon Valley, they immediately unleashed their full light-foot skill, moving swiftly like three wisps of clear smoke drifting into the woods, then melting into the vast mountains.

The scenery streaked past their eyes. Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister, Clear Moon Valley has guts and no small ambition. Could they be planning mischief?"

"They won't," Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

Yan Mei countered, "But we can't afford not to guard against it!"

All three were exceptionally clever. Before words were spoken, Li Muzhan was worried that Clear Moon Valley might not give up and would act out of shame and anger, so he added that sentence to bluff them a bit.

Yan Mei pursed her lips and laughed. "Junior Brother Li, I didn't realize you were this sharp!"

She felt Li Muzhan's final comment was excellent, sufficient to deter any improper ambitions Clear Moon Valley might harbor.

Li Muzhan’s face darkened, and he remained silent.

Qin Yeqiu’s expression was indifferent; she said nothing, burying her head in the journey.

Yan Mei asked, "Junior Brother Li won against the man named Mo, yet you aren't happy?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "In my nature, I would have killed him with one sword strike!"

Yan Mei glanced at Qin Yeqiu and pursed her lips, smiling slyly. "Is it because he's a toad dreaming of eating swan meat?"

Li Muzhan frowned, shook his head, ignored that turn of conversation, and pondered for a moment. "Senior Sister, Clear Moon Valley's scheme is quite cunning. Palace Mistress, are we just going to let them off so easily?"

Qin Yeqiu turned her gaze and swept a faint look over him. "If it truly is the Dragon Mountain Sect, we face the danger of our Palace being annihilated!"

Li Muzhan argued, "Senior Sister, I think we should investigate first. What if it isn't the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Qin Yeqiu sighed and shook her head. "Clear Moon Valley isn't necessarily audacious; they have calculated that to protect ourselves, we must seek their aid and ally with Clear Moon Valley."

Li Muzhan countered, "Then that is strange. Is Clear Moon Valley not afraid of the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

"If Clear Moon Valley allies with us, we might have a fighting chance. The Dragon Mountain Sect also has enemies, and if they suffer heavy losses destroying us, they will hesitate."

Li Muzhan mused, "It is very easy to align with them."

Yan Mei exclaimed, "Easy? I think they've got us trapped and won't stop until the Palace Mistress marries over!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, a hint of sarcasm in his expression.

Yan Mei urged, "Junior Brother, hurry up and tell us!"

Qin Yeqiu's bright eyes fixed on him, unblinking.

Li Muzhan smiled. "We just need to drag them into the mire with us, forcing them to cooperate."

"How do we force them?" Yan Mei quickly asked.

Li Muzhan suggested, "Spread the rumor that Wan Chongshan died at the hands of both our Palace and Clear Moon Valley."

Qin Yeqiu frowned. "The Dragon Mountain Sect can check that immediately."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Say that Clear Moon Valley and we jointly besieged Wan Chongshan, and we struck first, claiming the greatest merit."

Qin Yeqiu and Yan Mei were both sharp and intelligent, with quick minds; they smiled upon hearing this.

...

Midway through their journey, Qin Yeqiu had already sent out the message.

Upon returning to the mountain, Li Muzhan immediately entered seclusion to cultivate his martial arts. If the Dragon Mountain Sect truly was involved, the danger was immense; their masters were as numerous as clouds, and their cultivation methods superior, far beyond the Purple Robe Palace's capabilities.

With the Chao Xia Gong and Ku Rong Gong merging, Li Muzhan made further progress under his arduous training. His meridians were vast, and his Dantian deep; Li Muzhan was not satisfied, so he opened up all the acupoints across his body, using them as secondary seas of qi.

The next morning, he was practicing his swordplay. In the Way of the Sword, he had already entered the state of mastery, reaching the realm of "one sword breaking all techniques." Any move seen by him contained flaws that a single sword strike could exploit.

Suddenly, Yan Mei's voice drifted from outside. "Junior Brother Li!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Senior Sister Yan, please come in."

Yan Mei, clad in flowing purple robes, pushed the door open. Her delicate face was taut, having returned to her cold elegance. She said faintly, "Junior Brother, it is time to go."

Li Muzhan returned his sword to its sheath, cupped his fists. "Did you confirm the news?"

"Yes," Yan Mei nodded lightly. "Looking at the Palace Mistress's expression, it is not good."

Li Muzhan frowned. "We will deal with whatever comes; it's nothing major. I'll change my clothes."

He changed into a green robe and quickly followed Yan Mei to the Chao Xia Hall. Only Qin Yeqiu sat silently in a chair inside, completely still.

Li Muzhan and Yan Mei entered and sat opposite her.

Yan Mei asked, "Palace Mistress, is he truly a disciple of the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Qin Yeqiu slowly raised her head to look at the two, then nodded. "He is an apostate of the Dragon Mountain Sect... I have already released the news that Clear Moon Valley and we jointly besieged Wan Chongshan."

Li Muzhan stated, "They acted unjustly, so we act ruthlessly. Clear Moon Valley has forced us onto this path... Senior Sister, I will go to the Dragon Mountain Sect."

"You?" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Li Muzhan nodded. "I will go speak with the Dragon Mountain Sect and ask what exactly should be done."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "That is courting trouble. The Dragon Mountain Sect has always been overbearing and will never let this go easily. If you go, you are walking into a trap; they will certainly not spare you."

Li Muzhan argued, "Ignorance is not to be blamed. We didn't know Wan Chongshan belonged to the Dragon Mountain Sect. Now that we know, if we go apologize, there might be room for maneuver."

"You overestimate the Dragon Mountain Sect," Qin Yeqiu replied, shaking her head.

Yan Mei sighed. "Junior Brother, the Dragon Mountain Sect won't drop the matter just because we apologize in person. This issue isn't that simple; you cannot go!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "If the Dragon Mountain Sect truly refuses to relent, we will have no choice but to fight them."

"I will go."

Qin Yeqiu suddenly offered.

Li Muzhan protested, "That is impossible! Senior Sister, in my opinion, we should hide for a while first!"

"Can hiding for a moment hide us for a lifetime?" Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

Li Muzhan said, "Now that we have the Chao Xia Gong, I actually have an idea—I don't know if it's correct."

"Speak," Qin Yeqiu allowed.

Li Muzhan pondered, "The Chao Xia Gong and the Ying Yue Gong might have originally been a single cultivation method, only split apart later. Is that correct?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, and Yan Mei stated, "The Chao Xia Gong was obtained by Senior Ma, while the Ying Yue Gong has been passed down in our Purple Robe Palace for generations. Junior Brother Li, you are mistaken." (To be continued)