With a slight furrow of her brows, which were shaped like distant ink strokes, she sensed something peculiar about this internal energy. After circulating one full circuit within her body, it returned to her Dantian, yet instead of settling, it began to devour the inner force stored there.

Within the Dantian resided the inner energy of the Yingyue Gong, pure and profound, but encountering this gentle, warm energy, it dissolved instantly, like snowflakes meeting boiling water, offering no resistance whatsoever.

Watching the Yingyue Gong energy be consumed in a mere moment, transforming into this warm flow, a profound sense of loss washed over her, accompanied by a silent sigh.

Her own inner force, she realized with a sting, was utterly defenseless. Against her Junior Brother Li, she possessed no ability to resist at all—it was too humiliating.

The thought flashed and vanished quickly, replaced by a sudden captivation with this new energy. It circulated following the Yingyue Gong mental cultivation technique, one circuit after another, with effortless ease, utterly unlike the sluggishness and strain she usually experienced.

Curiosity was her first reaction. After ten full circuits, it morphed into astonishment. Ten circuits usually left her utterly exhausted, requiring two full hours, leaving her with no reserve strength.

This incoming energy flowed steadily, neither hurried nor slow, encountering no resistance from her meridians; ten circuits took barely fifteen minutes.

A thought sparked in her mind: she wanted to try propelling the energy herself. Curious if it would be like before, she willed it, and instantly felt an inexplicable pressure, as if something heavy was pressing down upon her heart.

She immediately sensed that this inner force was now under her control, as Li Muchen had ceased guiding it. She attempted to push it through one circuit, feeling disappointed in her heart—it was no different than before. The resistance in her meridians was still formidable, making the push difficult.

She gritted her teeth and forced it through half a circuit, then felt an immediate lightness in her chest, like shedding a burden of a thousand pounds. The inner force was once again taken over by Li Muchen, flowing smoothly and freely, its speed increasing several times over what it had been previously.

Ten circuits. Twenty circuits. Thirty circuits. Forty circuits. Her meridians throbbed with waves of tingling soreness. This energy possessed the miraculous quality of nourishing the channels. She had originally thought she couldn't last past twenty circuits, but even after forty, there was no sharp, agonizing pain.

It wasn't until sixty circuits that her Dantian swelled, feeling as hard as stone. Only then did Li Muchen withdraw his focus, slowly pulling back from her consciousness. The inner force returned to her control.

Yan Mei felt the vast, surging inner force within her Dantian. After those sixty circuits, her inner power had increased by half—equivalent to three or four years of her own cultivation. She found it utterly unbelievable, too astounding.

Slowly, she opened her bright eyes to look at Li Muchen. His face was pale, and white mist billowed from the top of his head, coalescing into a cloud shape that lingered for a long time.

Startled, she immediately looked toward Qin Yeqiu. Qin Yeqiu shook her head and whispered, “It’s nothing serious.”

Qin Yeqiu let out a breath of relief. She herself had been utterly worn out after only ten circuits. He had managed sixty in one go. Unless she had experienced it herself, no one would ever believe it.

No wonder he was so formidable, his cultivation so deep. It wasn't just talent; it was his ferocious method of training that no ordinary person could endure.

Pushing sixty circuits in one breath was fundamentally different from pushing ten circuits daily for a total of sixty over six days. The key was the limit—the breaking point.

Ten circuits a day was just a small step forward, but sixty circuits in one go was breaking past the limit, a massive leap forward, a world of difference... The white cloud above Li Muchen’s head slowly dissipated, turning into wisps of white smoke that slithered back like small snakes, disappearing into the blackness of his hair at the nape of his neck.

His complexion remained pale, but when he opened his eyes, an intense gleam shot out, brightly illuminating the room.

The two women narrowed their eyes, examining him carefully. Apart from the pallor, his spirit showed no signs of weakness; it had returned to full vitality.

"Junior Brother, thank you so much!" Yan Mei chuckled sweetly, her smile blossoming like a spring flower.

Li Muchen smiled back, "How do you feel, Senior Sister?"

Yan Mei’s pretty smile became even brighter, "The inner force has changed, increased by half—it’s quite fascinating!"

"Half?" Qin Yeqiu asked.

Yan Mei nodded, "Senior Sister doesn't believe it? Try it."

Saying this, she extended her jade-like hand. Qin Yeqiu pressed gently on her delicate wrist, nodded thoughtfully, and looked at Li Muchen with curiosity.

Li Muchen explained with a smile, "Senior Sister Yan's inner force entered my body, where I transformed it into Yin-Yang balanced energy, and then returned it to Senior Sister Yan. This new energy has the miraculous quality of nourishing the meridians, allowing them to expand to their maximum extent."

"Nothing went wrong?" Qin Yeqiu inquired.

Li Muchen shook his head, smiling, "This energy is quite peculiar, incredibly potent, and it devours other inner forces. Now, all of Senior Sister Yan's inner force has been transformed. The energy cultivated through Yingyue Gong now is this new force; it saves us quite a bit of effort."

Yan Mei mused, "So, my Yingyue Gong is gone then."

Li Muchen laughed, "The inner force of Yingyue Gong cannot compare to this. Senior Sister, consider this: if it can devour other people's inner force, what would happen if it invaded another's meridians?"

"Hmm..." Yan Mei paused in thought, her eyes brightening, "It would consume their inner force, and then... they would be subject to my control?"

Li Muchen smiled and slowly nodded, "This energy originates from the Zhaoxia Gong and Yingyue Gong. It can only be driven by these two mental techniques; no other technique can manipulate it."

Yan Mei admired, "If that is truly the case, it is terrifying."

Qin Yeqiu asked, "Does it truly possess such power?"

Li Muchen laughed, "Of course. If another person's inner force is pure enough, it won't be so easy. If the opponent notices early enough, they can expel it in time... There is no invincible martial art in this world."

"Even as it is, it's terrifying enough," Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

She pondered for a moment, then said, "If this is true, then Junior Sister Yan can also help others cultivate, can't she?"

Li Muchen nodded, "Yes, but Senior Sister Yan should be the one to do it. It consumes too much spiritual energy and effort; Senior Sister Yan might not be able to bear it."

Yan Mei huffed, "Junior Brother, you underestimate me too much!"

Li Muchen shook his head and smiled, "Senior Sister, you can manage ten circuits at once, right? I estimate the Palace Mistress can manage fifteen, correct?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slightly. Yan Mei admitted with resignation, "Fine, I truly am inferior to Senior Sister."

Li Muchen having Qin Yeqiu perform the task was not only for greater safety but also for another reason: this process was similar to when Qin Yeqiu planted true Qi for him before, akin to the Buddhist 'empowerment' ritual. It should be the duty of the Palace Mistress; it felt improper for an outsider to substitute.

Both Qin Yeqiu and Yan Mei were exceptionally intelligent; though Li Muchen didn't state it explicitly, they understood after a moment's thought. Yan Mei stopped arguing, and Qin Yeqiu did not decline further.

Qin Yeqiu considered, "Junior Brother Li, you will have to bear the burden, and we will entrust the other junior brothers to you."

Li Muchen nodded, "Understood. I will do my utmost."

Yan Mei snorted, "Junior Brother Li, you aren't planning to take this chance to raise their cultivation levels, are you?"

Li Muchen merely smiled without replying.

Yan Mei's bright eyes flickered, and she turned to Qin Yeqiu, "Senior Sister, our Purple Robe Palace is about to see a change in leadership!"

Qin Yeqiu smiled faintly, "They are all disciples of the Palace; it is best if they become stronger."

Li Muchen interjected, "Senior Sister Yan, fortune turns; thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. Our male disciples cannot remain subservient forever, can they?"

"Junior Brother Li, can you guarantee that once they rise up, they won't come looking for trouble with us?" Yan Mei asked without good humor.

Li Muchen paused in thought, then shook his head.

The male disciples had been suppressed for too long. Once they gained power, they would certainly not let the matter rest; they would demand retribution.

Qin Yeqiu pondered thoughtfully.

Li Muchen considered again, "Perhaps the Palace Mistress should handle this. I will go to Dragon Mountain Sect!"

"Junior Brother, you still intend to go to Dragon Mountain Sect?" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Li Muchen replied, "Senior Sister, this matter must be faced eventually. I will go to Dragon Mountain Sect to make some preliminary probes. Based on their attitude, we can make better plans in advance."

Yan Mei quickly exclaimed, "That's too dangerous!"

Li Muchen laughed, "It's nothing major. If things go south, I'll just run. Right now, I am the fastest runner in our Palace, aren't I?"

Yan Mei pursed her lips and chuckled, "That is true."

The quality of lightness skill depends on inner force. She was certain that he was currently the top expert in the Palace, his cultivation deeper than even the Palace Mistress's.

Li Muchen said, "I will act according to the situation."

Yan Mei warned, "Junior Brother Li, don't overexert yourself. If things look bad, flee immediately!"

Li Muchen smiled and nodded, "A true man knows when to bend and when to stand firm; I understand that principle!"

Yan Mei turned to Qin Yeqiu, "Senior Sister, Junior Brother Li is well-read, sensible, and calm. He is the most suitable. If it doesn't work out, he should just go and see."

Qin Yeqiu frowned, pondering silently.

Li Muchen pressed, "Senior Sister, we can't just sit here and let others butcher us, can we?"

"Exactly. If they truly want to pursue this, we'll hide. Hide for a few years, and once our martial arts are better, we'll emerge," Yan Mei declared, her confidence greatly bolstered now.

Qin Yeqiu thought for a while, then slowly nodded, "I will teach you another lightness skill."

Li Muchen smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Palace Mistress! ... Rest assured, I will be careful!"

Qin Yeqiu sighed, shaking her head, "You haven't dealt with Dragon Mountain Sect; you don't know how overbearing they are. And you are too proud; a fight is inevitable."

Li Muchen chuckled heartily, "I am eager to see the might of Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Qin Yeqiu frowned, but Li Muchen quickly said, "Senior Sister, relax, I will exercise restraint..." Yan Mei took her leave. Qin Yeqiu taught Li Muchen a lightness skill named Flowing Light, Swift Dissipation (). It was truly incredibly fast; when deployed, it resembled flashes of lightning, capable of collapsing distance.

It was fast, and its consumption of inner force was relatively low.

With Minor Teleportation, Major Teleportation, and Shifting Form and Changing Shadow already in his repertoire, Li Muchen was not surprised by this new skill. However, this lightness skill possessed a subtle profundity: it became faster and consumed less inner force until, eventually, it was almost like riding the wind, requiring no internal energy at all—truly marvelous and the best escape technique.

Li Muchen understood that Qin Yeqiu teaching him this skill was making preparations for him, suggesting she did not view his trip to Dragon Mountain Sect optimistically. The crucial part was being able to escape.

He took the opportunity to meet with Qiao Zaixian and others, gathering intelligence on Dragon Mountain Sect. He came away with the impression that the sect was powerful, tyrannical, and intolerant of any defiance. Anyone who offended them either died or was crippled; none escaped. This was why they were so infamous, feared by all.

Li Muchen did not share much, unwilling to incite panic or destabilize their morale. However, he regarded the Dragon Mountain Sect with increasing seriousness. The feeling of having his destiny controlled by another's whim was deeply unsettling.

His conviction solidified: he needed to venture out and could not remain confined to the Purple Robe Palace. He had mastered the martial arts of the Purple Robe Palace and now needed to gauge its standing in the martial world. Dragon Mountain Sect would serve as his touchstone.

In the early morning, Li Muchen arrived at the Morning Glow Hall. Qin Yeqiu was pacing within the main hall. Seeing him enter, she stopped and looked at him.

Li Muchen smiled, "Senior Sister, I am about to set off."

Qin Yeqiu drew a black, round token from her robes, about the size of her palm, and handed it to Li Muchen, "This is the Palace Mistress's Cipher Token. Seeing this token is equivalent to seeing me in person."

Li Muchen hesitated, "Senior Sister, is this truly necessary?"

Qin Yeqiu explained, "If you encounter a problem you cannot solve yourself, seek help. Disciples of the Purple Robe Palace are everywhere. If you wish to summon them, channel your inner force to activate this token; within a hundred li, they will sense it."

Li Muchen's eyebrow twitched, and he changed his mind. He took the round token; it felt warm and smooth like jade, yet harder than jade—like iron but not iron, like wood but not wood; truly peculiar.

Li Muchen asked, "Senior Sister, what material is this made of?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head, "I don't know. It has been passed down through generations. Do not lose it, no matter what."

Li Muchen smiled, "Rest assured, Senior Sister. As long as I live, the token remains with me; even if I perish, the token will remain."

Qin Yeqiu frowned, "If you cannot win, leave. Once you enter the mountains, do not try to act tough or speak conciliatory words. If things turn unfavorable, turn and flee immediately. With your inner force, Flowing Light, Swift Dissipation should be enough to get you clear."

Li Muchen nodded solemnly, "Yes, Senior Sister. I understand."

"Go now!" Qin Yeqiu waved her hand gently.

Li Muchen tucked the round token back into his robes, securing it carefully. Then, clasping his fists, he turned and strode out... By evening, Li Muchen was seated on the second floor of a tavern, the finest in Xunyang City. He occupied a table near the window, the setting sun's afterglow staining him red.

He narrowed his eyes, pouring wine for himself, four small dishes arranged on the table. He appeared relaxed and at ease.

The second floor was about half full. It was still early, the lanterns unlit, so few people were dining. He sat languidly, listening to the surrounding conversations.

Most of the chatter concerned trivialities, domestic matters. Fortunately, there were also martial artists discussing feuds and grudges in the Jianghu, which was entertaining enough. He wasn't in a hurry to reach Dragon Mountain Sect; he wanted to take this opportunity to gauge the true state of this world. He had been in this world for quite some time but hadn't truly understood or experienced its customs and atmosphere. This was a rare chance. With his current martial arts skill, while not invincible, it was sufficient for self-preservation, allowing him this leisure.

"Great-Uncle, have you heard? A secret manual has appeared in Qingzhou City!" Li Muchen suddenly became alert upon hearing something interesting.

"The Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane?" a voice, ancient and weathered, responded—clearly an old man.

"Yes, they say this Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane was left by the True Man of Tortoise and Crane a thousand years ago. A thousand years ago, the True Man of Tortoise and Crane was unrivaled across the world!"

The old man gave a cold laugh, "Who knows what happened a thousand years ago? I think it’s highly dubious, pure fabrication!"

"Great-Uncle, this time it seems real." The previous younger voice spoke quietly.

The old man scoffed repeatedly, "The Great Sky-Rending Divine Palm from ten years ago, you remember that?"

The young man replied, "That one was truly a joke, a farce, but this time it seems real. At first, most people thought it was a jest, but more and more people got involved. I even went to see it; it seems there is substance to it."

"Then who obtained this Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane?" the old man sneered.

"It is currently held by the Miaoyi Temple. People are already trying to snatch it away," the young man reported.

The old man laughed coldly, "What a joke. Who can successfully snatch anything obtained by Miaoyi Temple?"

"Everyone is persistent and keeps trying," the young man said.

The old man warned, "Xiao Yi, don't be foolish and wade into that muddy water!"

"Great-Uncle, is Miaoyi Temple really that formidable?" The young man sounded unconvinced.

The old man sighed, "Most people don't know how powerful Miaoyi Temple truly is. I saw it with my own eyes: their movement techniques are like ghosts, their swordsmanship like the divine. Unbeatable!"

"Are their specialty swordsmanship?" the young man asked in surprise.

The old man sighed, "Swordsmanship is Miaoyi Temple's ultimate hidden skill. I only witnessed it by chance. Fortunately, they don't slaughter the innocent, or they would have silenced me."

"The disciples of Miaoyi Temple all carry horsetail whisks; we always assumed the whisk was their weapon." The young man remarked.

The old man replied, "There are swords hidden within the whisk. Their mastery of the whisk is exceptional enough to deal with the common world. Very few circumstances require them to display their true swordsmanship."

"Those trying to steal the manual will suffer losses," the young man chuckled.

The old man snorted, "Let’s see how they die. Greed causes trouble. If they weren't disciples of the Sea View Pavilion from Dragon Mountain Sect, they wouldn't even be able to withstand Miaoyi Temple’s swordsmanship!"

"Great-Uncle, hearing you say that, I truly want to witness it." The young man said.

"You, alas, are simply too curious," the old man sighed. "Go, go then. Seeing Miaoyi Temple's swordsmanship might be good for you, so you don't fly too close to the sun without knowing the immensity of the sky..." Li Muchen suddenly stood up and moved to a table beneath the window opposite them. The older man at the table wore embroidered robes; he was stout, with crane-like white hair and a youthful face, looking like a man of wealth. The younger man wore a sapphire blue silk shirt, tall and handsome.

The two sat together, clearly master and disciple, both looking at Li Muchen with curiosity mixed with wariness.

Li Muchen smiled, clasped his fists, "I am Li Guanhai from Qingmei. I pay my respects to this senior."

"Qingmei..." The old man pondered, "Is that Qingmei Town in Junshan?"

Li Muchen’s eyebrow twitched, surprised, "I didn't expect Senior to know of Qingmei Town!"

"I visited once; it is truly a place of beautiful mountains and clear waters," the old man smiled, stroking his beard. "You must be Young Master Li; please, have a seat."

Although the approach was somewhat abrupt, the young man was enthusiastic. He had met many like him before and didn't coldly refuse. An extra friend meant an extra path, especially since young hearts are easily opened, making friendship easier to forge.

He glanced at the handsome youth beside him and smiled, "This is a grand-nephew of mine. I am Fan He, and this is Fan Yi."

Li Muchen clasped his fists, "Senior Fan, Brother Fan, I overheard you two mentioning the Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane, which is why I was curious and took the liberty of disturbing you."

"Sit down and join us," Fan He smiled.

Li Muchen gestured, and a waiter brought his food and drink over to their table.

Once seated, Li Muchen said, "I've heard many people discuss the Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane on my journey. It seems to be an unparalleled secret manual that everyone desires."

"Yes, that is the rumor circulating," Fan He nodded. "But there are many such rumors, and they surface daily. Who knows which is true and which is false? The best course is to ignore them, attend to your own business, and focus diligently on your cultivation."

Li Muchen smiled, "Senior Fan offers golden advice, but I heard this Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane is real, obtained by Miaoyi Temple, but unfortunately, they keep it secret."

"That is merely a rumor as well; it shouldn't be taken as fact," Fan He replied.

Li Muchen smiled and shook his head, "I believe it is real, but I have never met a disciple of Miaoyi Temple. How do they compare to the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

"Dragon Mountain Sect?" Fan He paused, then shook his head, "Dragon Mountain Sect is one of the top sects in the world; their cultivation techniques are profoundly mysterious. Although Miaoyi Temple is strong, they cannot be compared to the Dragon Mountain Sect."

Li Muchen showed a look of disappointment, "I see."

Fan He smiled, "Why? Young friend, have you met disciples of the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Li Muchen shook his head, "I haven't, but I have long heard of the great name of the Dragon Mountain Sect and have always wished to witness their prowess."

"Disciples of the Dragon Mountain Sect rarely leave their mountain; few have met them," Fan He stated.

Li Muchen asked, "Has Senior Fan met any?"

"Yes, I have met some," Fan He nodded. "Their martial arts are indeed exquisite, entirely different from ordinary martial arts masters."

"The Dragon Mountain Sect specializes in fist techniques, right?" Li Muchen inquired.

Fan He nodded, "The Dragon Mountain Sect excels in fist arts, but they also study swordsmanship and saber techniques. Disciples choose to study one or the other; most master one style and rarely focus on both. ... The Dragon Mountain Sect boasts thirty ultimate arts; mastering just one is enough to dominate the world!"

Li Muchen exclaimed, "I truly wish to experience the martial arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect."

Fan He smiled, shaking his head, "Young Brother Li, the martial arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect are certainly refined, but their disciples are all exceedingly arrogant. Most people cannot even enter their field of vision."

Li Muchen asserted proudly, "I am rather shallow in learning, but I understand a little swordplay."

Fan He smiled, "Young friend's swordsmanship must be superb; I apologize for my oversight."

Li Muchen chuckled, "It seems Senior Fan does not believe me."

A cold glint suddenly flashed from his waist and vanished instantly. On the table before Li Muchen sat a white porcelain cup, just filled by Fan Yi. Suddenly, wine bubbled up from the cup, quickly spilling over the table.

Fan He's brow furrowed slightly; he stroked his beard and nodded in admiration, "What swift swordsmanship!"

As his words fell, the white porcelain cup suddenly split cleanly in two. Li Muchen's previous strike had cleaved the cup.

Fan Yi glanced at Li Muchen, startled internally. The flash of sword light was so fast that he couldn't even discern the shape of the blade before it was sheathed, nor could he tell where the thrust was aimed. He hadn't expected this strike to have already split the wine cup; he realized he could not have avoided it! He stiffened abruptly, his whole body tense.

Li Muchen laughed, "It’s just a minor trick, the cup is inanimate. A true expert wouldn't stand still waiting to be struck... How does this swordsmanship compare to that of a Dragon Mountain Sect disciple?"

Fan He considered, then shook his head, "I can't say for certain. One must fight to know. The Dragon Mountain Sect disciple I saw used fist techniques—every punch was like a shooting star, fierce and overwhelming, incredibly fast, capable, it seemed, of shattering anything!"

Li Muchen admired, "I really want to witness it!"

Fan Yi suddenly spoke up, "Why don't we witness the martial arts of Miaoyi Temple first? Great-Uncle, let's go to Qingzhou to see the excitement!"

"Yes, it might be good to take a look," Fan He agreed.

Li Muzhan’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he quickly said, “Senior Fan, how about we travel together?”

“Heh, if the young fellow doesn't mind, we shall take the road together,” Fan He nodded and smiled.

Li Muzhan was overjoyed. “It’s true what they say: an elder in the house is a treasure. I’m just starting out in the martial world, knowing nothing. I need to learn much from you, Senior Fan!”

Fan He chuckled. “I shall tell you everything I know… Qingzhou.”

Li Muzhan and his two companions traveled day and night. After three days on the road, they finally reached Qingzhou City. Upon entering, they immediately sensed something was amiss.

After inquiring about matters within the city, the trio quickly found an inn, only to leave Qingzhou City shortly after and head towards the Miaoyi Temple in the south of the city.

Miaoyi Temple was nestled halfway up Tianmiao Peak. While not overwhelmingly tall, the peak held deep historical significance, its slopes blanketed by ancient, towering trees, many scarred by lightning strikes.

Stepping onto Tianmiao Peak, the air felt immediately fresh and moist, sharply contrasting with the air in Qingzhou City. It was truly a haven for cultivation.

“What a magnificent spot!” Li Muzhan exclaimed in admiration.

The three walked along a winding path choked with undergrowth. Li Muzhan surveyed the surroundings, shaking his head in approval. “Building a Daoist temple here is indeed an excellent choice.”

Li Muzhan had observed that while this world lacked Buddhist cultivators, it possessed Daoists; however, they were few in number, and their status was unremarkable, often regarded as merely skilled martial artists.

Fan Yi remarked, “Why is there no one around?”

The three had grown familiar on the journey. Fan Yi was naturally somewhat introverted and reserved, but he had become more talkative since becoming acquainted with Li Muzhan.

This Fan Yi was also a novice, curious about everything, especially coveting the Turtle Crane Mystic Scripture, desiring it intensely.

Li Muzhan held no such ambition. There was only one manual, and with so many people vying for it, obtaining it without sheer luck was impossible. Even if acquired, it might bring more trouble than fortune; even Miaoyi Temple, not a small sect, was subject to such covetousness.

Li Muzhan asked, “Is it over already?”

“Surely not so fast?” Fan Yi asked back, sounding somewhat anxious.

Fan He stroked his beard, smiling faintly as he shook his head. “Impossible that it’s done so quickly. Miaoyi Temple is no ordinary sect; it’s hard for outsiders to gain favor here.”

Fan Yi sighed in relief. “Brother Li, don’t scare me!”

Li Muzhan chuckled. “Brother Fan, you worry too much. Such things depend entirely on luck, and strength. You might as well let go of that desire!”

“But my luck has always been excellent!” Fan Yi countered.

Fan He smiled and shook his head, saying no more. His grand-nephew was still too green, also a novice. This Li Guanhai was far more mature than his grand-nephew; he understood what was unattainable and was purely there to observe the excitement.

However, Fan He did not press the matter. It might be better for him to face a setback; it would hasten his maturity. Furthermore, having seen the martial arts of Miaoyi Temple, he knew Fan Yi entertained foolish notions—it would be good for him to realize there were always greater masters out there… The three proceeded up the path, traversing the dense, lush forest, and soon arrived outside a Daoist temple. Immediately, they saw a crowd gathered, numbering over two hundred people.

The temple was built against the mountain like a fierce eagle poised to strike, radiating a sharp, oppressive aura that stole one’s breath.

Examining it closely, the temple exuded an ancient, weathered quality, clearly having endured many years of wind and rain. In front of the temple lay an open area where three ginkgo trees stood, their trunks wide enough for two people to embrace, their dense foliage swaying slightly.

The temple doors were open. Two young Daoist priests, holding fly whisks, stood silently on either side of the entrance, their expressions serene. The crowd remained outside the temple grounds, none daring to force their way in.

As Li Muzhan and his companions approached, some of the two hundred-plus onlookers turned to glance at them, while others ignored them, keeping their focus fixed on the two young priests at the gate.

Li Muzhan sized up the assembled group; almost every one of them appeared to be a master. Their eyes held a faint, sharp gleam, and the temples of their heads showed various abnormalities—some sunken, some protruding—all indicating unusual strength.

“Senior Fan,” a tall, robust middle-aged man approached, cupping his fist with a smile. “Senior Fan has come to join the excitement as well?”

“Heh, Little He, you’re here too,” Fan He returned the greeting with a smile. He then said to Fan Yi, “Yi’er, Guanhai, this is Senior He Haoyun, of the Thunderbolt Leg school.”

Li Muzhan and Fan Yi cupped their fists in greeting. He Haoyun waved them off, paying them little attention, and turned back to Fan He with a smile. “Senior Fan, you usually don’t concern yourself with these affairs. Why have you come this time?”

Fan He chuckled. “It’s this young fellow who wanted to see the excitement.”

“I see,” He Haoyun nodded and smiled. “Youngsters always enjoy this sort of thing. It’s good for them to venture out and gain experience.”

“Indeed,” Fan He agreed. “To broaden horizons, and perhaps knock some of that arrogance down a peg or two… Why isn’t anyone going inside?”

He Haoyun offered a wry smile. “It’s not that we don’t want to go in, it’s that we can’t get in.”

“Oh?” Fan He looked towards the two young Daoists. “These two young Daoist masters are skilled, I presume?”

“Extremely skilled!” He Haoyun lamented with a bitter smile. “We’ve all tried, but none of us can defeat them. We’re forced to wait outside.”

“Are they taking on two at once?” Fan He inquired.

He Haoyun shook his head. “It’s one-on-one. So, the rest of us have no face to attack together; it has to be a duel. These two Daoists’ fly whisks move like dragons and snakes—truly formidable!”

“I see…” Fan He nodded slowly. “No wonder everyone is waiting outside.”

“If Senior Fan were to make a move, you would surely succeed!” He Haoyun said, chuckling. “Senior, please step forward! We are all held up by two young Daoists, it’s embarrassing!”

Fan He waved his hands dismissively. “I’m an old man now, with old bones and old legs. Strength no longer resides in my sinews; touch me once and I’ll fall. How can I fight anyone?”

“Senior Fan!” He Haoyun pleaded, somewhat helplessly. “Senior, why be so modest!”

Fan He shook his head with a smile. “Little He, I truly can’t manage it. Don’t pin your hopes on this old man…” He Haoyun tried persuading him a couple more times, but Fan He firmly refused. He Haoyun reluctantly gave up and turned to leave, looking distinctly put out.

Fan Yi whispered, “Uncle-Grandfather, why won’t you fight? This is a rare opportunity.”

Fan He shook his head and looked towards Li Muzhan, who smiled and said, “It’s never good to steal the spotlight. If the Senior truly acted, they wouldn’t be grateful; instead, they would look for chances to embarrass the Senior, wouldn't they?”

“Precisely!” Fan He slowly nodded, expressing his approval. “Guanhai, you see clearly. That is human nature. Yi’er, if you wish to live long, you must never stand out too much. The brighter your fame, the faster you die!”

“What about the Longshan Sect?” Fan Yi asked, unconvinced.

Fan He said sharply, “The Longshan Sect is supported by the power of their entire school, so people dare not challenge their edge lightly. You do not possess that kind of backing!”

“But Uncle-Grandfather, you possess that kind of ability,” Fan Yi retorted.

Fan He shook his head. “My little bit of skill is nothing. You lack exposure; you will understand once you see true top-tier masters.”

Fan Yi remained unconvinced, suspecting his grand-uncle was merely being modest.

Li Muzhan smiled but said nothing, continuing to survey the masters nearby. His spirit was potent, and his intuition sharp; he detected two hidden, top-tier experts—a skill surpassing even Fan He’s level.

Fan He’s cultivation was indeed respectable. Li Muzhan estimated he was nearly his equal. Having refined his body through several of the most supreme body-tempering techniques, his meridians and Dantian were extraordinary, further bolstered by supreme arts like the Morning Glow Skill. His current depth of internal energy far surpassed that of an average person.

Fan He’s skill level was comparable to Qin Yeqiu’s; while he might lose in a direct fight against Qin Yeqiu, he was still a rare master. It wasn't surprising that Fan Yi felt that way.

“Hmph, let me try!” a short, lean old man shouted, leaping to the front of the temple gate. He drew a long saber and declared in a deep voice, “Little Daoist, clear the way, lest you harm yourself!”

The Daoist on the left bowed respectfully and flicked his fly whisk. “Senior, please proceed!”

The old man grunted twice. “Very well, I won’t stand on ceremony then!”

With that, he unleashed his long saber, which split the air like a streak of light—swift and ferocious. The Daoist whipped his fly whisk out like a whip, striking the blade. The saber’s light instantly dimmed as it became entangled.

The old man struggled and twisted, trying to break the hold, but the Daoist gave a slight shake, and the long saber flew out of the old man’s grasp, clattering about two zhang away.

The old man’s face flushed red. He ground his teeth, turned, and fled without bothering to retrieve his saber, quickly vanishing from sight, having abandoned the endeavor.

Fan He shook his head and murmured, “That was Yang Chang, the Tiger Hunting Saber. A renowned master.”

Fan Yi’s eyes widened. “What an incredible fly whisk!”

Li Muzhan nodded. “This young Daoist possesses profound internal energy—truly rare!”

“Indeed,” Fan He affirmed. “Don’t let his youth fool you; his internal energy is deep. None of the people here today stand a chance against him. Yi’er, you are still far behind!”

Fan Yi sighed helplessly. “Yes, I am not his match…” A stillness fell over the crowd as they watched the sun slowly sink into the west, turning into the evening glow that stained the temple and the people there red.

A sense of anxiety settled in their hearts. At this rate, even a hundred years wouldn't be enough to gain entry or lay eyes on the Turtle Crane Mystic Scripture. Lingering further seemed pointless; they might as well leave.

Li Muzhan murmured quietly, “Senior Fan, they are preparing to join forces.”

Fan He sneered. “Joining forces will only make it worse. Don't be fooled by their numbers; if the true masters of Miaoyi Temple are provoked, all these people combined will be useless.”

Li Muzhan asked, “Why are there so few people here?”

Logically, many people should have heard rumors about the Turtle Crane Mystic Scripture. The small turnout was contrary to the bustling scene he had imagined.

Fan He shook his head. “Over the years, tales of martial arts manuals have been countless. People have grown numb, too lazy to bother with them.”

Li Muzhan nodded slowly; that made sense. One manual today, another tomorrow, and yet another the day after—most turned out to be fake. Over time, nobody trusted these rumors anymore.

As the trio spoke in low tones, the short old man who had left earlier suddenly reappeared, drifting back as lightly as a wisp of smoke, his face beaming. It was indeed Yang Chang, the Tiger Hunting Saber.

Someone who held a grievance against him teased, “Old Man Yang, how can you find the face to return?”

Yang Chang chuckled heartily. “I bring good news for everyone: a disciple from the Longshan Sect has arrived!”

“A Longshan Sect disciple?” Murmurs spread through the crowd. Some were skeptical. “No way. Why would a Longshan Sect disciple come here?”

“Heh heh, I know a Longshan Sect disciple when I see one!” Yang Chang boasted. “I saw them heading this way; they must be coming here!”

“Old Yang, how many Longshan Sect disciples?” someone inquired.

Yang Chang held up two fingers. “Two!” (To be continued)RQ