The moment he finished speaking, the crowd stilled, and all eyes turned in one direction. Li Muzhan followed their gaze; down the narrow path came a man in azure robes and a maiden in yellow, their garments flowing behind them. Facing the scrutiny of the assembled people, they conversed and laughed with ease, appearing like immortals.
These two possessed an arresting beauty that instantly captivated everyone, holding their attention fast.
Li Muzhan appraised the pair. The man in azure looked to be about twenty, lean and strong as a leopard, with piercing, sharp eyes set in a handsome face. His bearing was lofty; he was clearly a standout among men.
The maiden in yellow was gracefully shaped, with a delicate, melon-seed face, her bright eyes shimmering with life. She offered the crowd a radiant smile, appearing warm and approachable.
Together, the handsome man and beautiful woman—one sharp, the other gentle—were perfectly matched.
The man in azure seemed not to notice the onlookers, proceeding directly to the front of the Daoist temple, cupping his hands: “Wang Hanyang of Dragon Mountain Sect, and Liu Biyun, have come to pay respects to Daoist Xuanfeng.”
The people seemed subdued by their radiant presence, automatically parting to form a path for them.
“Dragon Mountain Sect?” The young Daoist who had previously thrown a punch narrowed his eyes. He studied the pair, then said calmly, “Please wait a moment, esteemed guests. Allow me to announce your arrival!”
The other young Daoist observed them with curiosity, especially the bright and lovely maiden in yellow, unable to pull his gaze away, drawn in involuntarily.
Wang Hanyang’s handsome face darkened, and he let out a soft snort. The crowd felt as though a thunderclap had exploded in their ears, their hearts nearly leaping from their chests.
Li Muzhan frowned. The young Daoist’s face flushed crimson, and he swayed as if about to collapse, but eventually regained his footing. The clarity slowly returned to his eyes, and the blush receded.
Li Muzhan shook his head. That single action had injured the Daoist. The disciples of Dragon Mountain Sect truly lived up to their formidable reputation—so overbearing!
Fan He understood immediately, but Fan Yi was confused. He whispered, “Granduncle, what happened?”
“Hush!” Fan He placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.
Fan Yi looked on, shaking his head in perplexity. Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “Brother Fan, this Young Hero Wang took a disliking to him and used internal force to strike him.”
“That one move caused injury?” Fan Yi asked.
Li Muzhan nodded. “The reputation of Dragon Mountain Sect disciples is well-earned!”
Though they spoke in low tones, the surrounding people were held in such awe that not a soul dared utter a sound, allowing Li Muzhan’s words to carry clearly to everyone.
They glanced over in surprise, observing Fan He’s darkened expression, then looking back at Li Muzhan, who merely lowered his eyelids, appearing as tranquil as a meditating monk. Fan Yi wore an expression of utter bafflement.
Fan He desperately wished he could clap a hand over Fan Yi’s mouth and disappear with him, but he knew they could not leave now. He had to stand firm, tugging at Fan Yi: “Shut up!”
He spared a glance for Li Muzhan, sighing inwardly. He had thought Li Muzhan would be easy to handle, but instead of avoiding trouble, he seemed determined to invite catastrophe at the most critical moment. Fan He wished he could snatch Li Muzhan’s words out of the air and smother them.
The onlookers’ expressions were laced with schadenfreude; finally, someone dared to provoke the Dragon Mountain Sect. They were eager to see what consequences would follow.
Wang Hanyang slowly turned his head, his gaze shooting toward Li Muzhan like an arrow.
The maiden in yellow, Liu Biyun, gently tugged his sleeve, calling softly, “Senior Brother Wang!”
Wang Hanyang’s intense gaze swept over Li Muzhan for a moment before slowly withdrawing. He turned his head back and let out a cold snort.
A muffled 'boom' resonated near Li Muzhan’s ears, like another clap of thunder.
He inwardly admired Wang Hanyang’s internal force—it was indeed superb—though still a shade inferior to his own. The sound was loud, but it failed to shake his spirit.
This snort from Wang Hanyang seemed casual, yet its power was considerable. It must be some secret technique, but fundamentally, it relied on internal force to injure others; cultivation level dictated its might.
Li Muzhan’s internal force was profound beyond measure. Even though Wang Hanyang was a highly regarded disciple of a prestigious sect, his internal force could not match Li Muzhan’s. He glanced at Liu Biyun and nodded subtly; this young woman had a commendable disposition.
Fan He grasped Fan Yi’s hand, finally stopping his trembling, and let out a long breath, looking at Wang Hanyang’s retreating back with some astonishment.
He turned to Li Muzhan: “Brother Li, are you alright?”
If Granduncle hadn’t intervened just then, Fan Yi would have been injured by that shockwave. He looked at Li Muzhan anxiously but found his expression composed, unharmed.
“I’m fine,” Li Muzhan replied with a smile, then offered an apologetic smile toward Fan He.
Fan He shook his head and whispered, “The Dragon Mountain Sect is not to be trifled with, Guan Hai. Do not act impulsively!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I understand.”
Fan He urged, “If you truly provoke the Dragon Mountain Sect, it will not only endanger yourself but also implicate your sect and your friends and family!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “It would even affect family?”
Fan He sighed. “That’s the most effective way to instill awe.”
Li Muzhan’s expression hardened into a sneer, and a cold laugh escaped him. As soon as he spoke, Wang Hanyang turned his head to glance at him, clearly having heard the derisive sound.
“Senior Brother Wang!” Liu Biyun quickly pulled at him.
Wang Hanyang shook his head. “Junior Sister Liu, this brat is too arrogant. He needs to learn a lesson!”
“Let it go, Senior Brother Wang,” Liu Biyun advised. “We have important business; don’t concern yourself with this.”
Wang Hanyang insisted, “It’s fine if he disrespects me, but disrespecting our Dragon Mountain Sect—I absolutely cannot stand by and watch! ... Don't worry, Junior Sister Liu, I won't kill him.”
“Why stoop to his level?” Liu Biyun reasoned.
Wang Hanyang shook his head, determined to teach Li Muzhan a lesson and establish authority. Otherwise, the prestige of the Dragon Mountain Sect would suffer, and his failure would be a grave offense.
He turned, pointed at Li Muzhan, and stated in a deep voice, “Step out!”
This suited Li Muzhan perfectly. He had been reluctant to rush into the Dragon Mountain Sect stronghold, wishing first to gauge their actual strength—know the enemy and know yourself for a hundred battles without peril. He did not want to barge in rashly.
He hadn’t expected to encounter the Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane. He was keen to examine the martial arts manuals of this world; if they were truly profound, it would be best if he could achieve a further breakthrough.
He certainly hadn't expected to run into the Dragon Mountain Sect here. Logically, with the sect’s renowned, exquisite martial arts, their disciples should look down on such relics.
He understood quickly: major sects maintain armories stocked with manuals from other schools. Stones from other mountains can polish one’s own jade. Having more reference materials would better aid in comprehending one’s own sect’s martial arts.
The crowd instantly turned their attention, expressions alight with excitement.
The Dragon Mountain Sect was famous, known for its domineering nature. The onlookers dared not provoke them, yet they were intensely curious about the true capabilities of their disciples. Now, they finally had a chance—how could they not be excited? After all, it was better for a fellow Daoist to suffer than for oneself.
Fan He’s face changed drastically. Fan Yi opened his mouth but dared not speak further. Wang Hanyang glared, his imposing aura swelling like a tiger descending a mountain. Fan Yi was terrified into silence.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly and cupped his hands. “What is the matter, Young Hero Wang?”
Wang Hanyang said sternly, “You have an opinion about our Dragon Mountain Sect, don’t you?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “I do. Not involving family is a rule upheld in the martial world for centuries. Your Dragon Mountain Sect disregards it. That is excessive.”
“Why should we adhere to it?!” Wang Hanyang sneered. “The Dragon Mountain Sect has its own rules. No one dictates to us.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “What arrogance!”
Wang Hanyang sneered, “You disagree?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “I do not!”
Wang Hanyang narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly. “Very well. Fight me. If you win, you may continue to disagree. If you lose, you will shut your foul mouth honestly!”
Li Muzhan inclined his head slightly. “Good. Then I look forward to experiencing the supreme arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect!”
Just then, footsteps sounded, and three Daoists emerged from the temple. The leading, older Daoist bowed deeply. “This humble one is Xuanfeng. What brings the two young heroes here?”
Wang Hanyang shot a glare at Li Muzhan, then turned and cupped his hands toward the Daoist. “Daoist Xuanfeng, greetings. I am Wang Hanyang, and this is Junior Sister Liu Biyun. We heard the Daoist possesses the Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane.”
“That is mere rumor in the martial world; it cannot be taken as fact,” Daoist Xuanfeng replied with a shake of his head and a smile.
Li Muzhan sized up the Daoist Xuanfeng: lean and refined, with sparse hair and a thin beard, possessing an elegant demeanor and clear, spirited eyes.
Wang Hanyang’s face darkened, and he snorted. “Since we have come, we know the truth. Daoist, don’t play coy; hand it over.”
“I truly do not have it,” Daoist Xuanfeng shook his head. “Young heroes, please come inside to discuss.”
“We won’t be going in,” Wang Hanyang waved his hand impatiently. “I advise the Daoist to hand it over obediently, lest we all end up losing face!”
Liu Biyun sighed and said softly, “Daoist Xuanfeng, you must have a copy. If you leave the copy, we will take the original. That causes no trouble for you, does it?”
“Junior Sister Liu, why say such things!” Wang Hanyang snorted, frowning sharply.
Liu Biyun cupped her hands and spoke gently. “Daoist, even if we obtain the manual, we won’t cultivate it. Our sect’s martial arts are vast and profound; consulting other manuals aids in comprehension. We hope the Daoist will grant our request.”
Her soft pleading and apologetic smile, her eyes brimming with gentle emotion, made it hard to refuse.
Daoist Xuanfeng considered for a moment, then sighed. “Alas… very well! If the two young heroes wish to see it, take it. This scripture is not some ultimate art. Wait a moment.”
He turned and left, moving as if carried by the wind, and soon floated back, handing Liu Biyun a yellow cloth-wrapped package. Liu Biyun thanked him and accepted it.
Wang Hanyang gruffly snatched it over, immediately opening the package. Inside was an ancient, square wooden box. Upon opening it, Li Muzhan saw a yellowed silk booklet lying within, estimating about thirty pages.
Wang Hanyang passed the box to Liu Biyun, picked up the silk booklet, flipped through a few pages, and then offered it to her. “Junior Sister Liu, take a look. Is it real?”
Liu Biyun leaned in, inhaled lightly, and her proud, jade-like nose wrinkled slightly. After a moment of thought, she handed the box back to Wang Hanyang. She picked up the silk booklet, brought it close to her eyes, and examined it in the sunlight. She nodded. “It should be real.”
Wang Hanyang turned to look at Daoist Xuanfeng and snorted. “Consider yourself wise!”
Daoist Xuanfeng’s expression remained unchanged, and he smiled faintly. “It seems the Dragon Mountain Sect places high importance on this Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane, sending two young heroes to retrieve it personally.”
Wang Hanyang snorted. “We were merely passing by. The Sect wouldn't concern itself over such trifles; a mere scripture is nothing!”
“Wang—Senior—Brother—!” Liu Biyun chided gently.
She carefully placed the manual back into the wooden box, closed it, and rewrapped the bright yellow package. Hearing his words, she couldn't help but glare at Wang Hanyang.
Daoist Xuanfeng stroked his beard and chuckled twice, his smile unwavering.
The crowd, witnessing this composure, simultaneously cursed and admired him. Before the Dragon Mountain Sect disciples arrived, he had maintained a lofty stance, using two disciples to hold back everyone. But now that the disciples were here, he surrendered the manual without argument—utterly spineless! Faced with Wang Hanyang’s ill-mannered behavior, he showed no anger; his face was truly thicker than a city wall. They were impressed!
Liu Biyun cupped her hands. “Daoist Xuanfeng, we came in haste this time because we are on a mission. We must be presumptuous today, but we will certainly repay you later. We hope the Daoist will not take offense.”
Daoist Xuanfeng stroked his beard and smiled. “Miss Liu need not be so polite. The renown of the Dragon Mountain Sect thunders across the land. For a simple scripture to catch the eye of the Dragon Mountain Sect is a blessing for our Miaoyi Temple.”
“Daoist, rest assured, I will report this to my master, and we will certainly offer generous recompense,” Liu Biyun replied with a bright smile.
Wang Hanyang pointed at Li Muzhan and said firmly, “Brat, come here!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Since you have obtained the Mysterious Scripture of Tortoise and Crane, how about this: let’s have a contest. If I win, this scripture belongs to me!”
“The brat has quite the appetite!” Wang Hanyang sneered coldly. “You dream too much!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Are you afraid of losing?”
Wang Hanyang retorted with a cold laugh. “Fine. If you win, the scripture is yours. If you lose, you will kneel and kowtow!”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then smiled. “Good. If I lose, I will kowtow!”
“Senior Brother Wang!” Liu Biyun frowned slightly.
Wang Hanyang turned and laughed. “Junior Sister, wait a moment. I’ll teach this brat a lesson, and then we’ll depart immediately!”
Li Muzhan’s heart stirred. They had a mission; were they heading toward Purple Robe Palace?
Wang Hanyang shouted sharply, hooking his index finger at him. “Brat, come on!”
Li Muzhan composed his thoughts, gave a brief smile, walked through the path cleared by the crowd, and approached Wang Hanyang directly. He drew his longsword and pointed it forward. “Draw your sword.”
Wang Hanyang snorted. “You are not worthy of me drawing my sword!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Then watch my blade!”
He advanced slightly, and with a soft ‘hiss,’ the sword tip reached Wang Hanyang’s throat with astonishing speed. Wang Hanyang, however, calmly shifted to the side, narrowly evading the thrust.
Li Muzhan gave a slight twitch of his wrist, and the sword tip writhed like a nimble snake, instantly transforming into a spray of steel blossoms aimed at Wang Hanyang’s chest.
Wang Hanyang tried to evade but could not dodge this time; this flurry of strikes was faster than the initial thrust. His vision blurred, then he felt a sudden chill over his chest, followed by bits of cloth fluttering down to his feet.
His feet seemed to glide on hidden wheels as he suddenly retreated a full. Looking down, he saw a plum blossom-shaped hole torn in the fabric over his chest.
“You…” Wang Hanyang was furious.
Li Muzhan retracted his sword into its sheath, shook his head, and said, “You lost!”
Wang Hanyang roared in anger. “You sneak attacked! Again!”
Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, speaking to Liu Biyun. “Miss Liu, is this the rule of your Dragon Mountain Sect? If you lose, you get a rematch?”
Liu Biyun scrutinized Li Muzhan, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, her eyes shimmering beautifully.
Li Muzhan appeared composed and smiled. “Miss Liu, please speak justly. Was that a sneak attack?”
Liu Biyun pondered. “Senior Brother Wang excels in swordsmanship. Since he hadn't drawn his sword, he feels the defeat was unjust. Why doesn’t this young master allow Senior Brother Wang to be truly convinced of his defeat?”
Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head repeatedly. “Well said, Dragon Mountain Sect!”