Li Muzhan nodded helplessly. "Miss Liu, rest assured. Since I've given my word, I will not go back on it."

Liu Biyun smiled sweetly. "The Young Master is a man of his word; I am naturally at ease."

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, saying no more.

Wang Hanyang snorted. "Junior Sister, why do you need him tagging along? He's a clumsy man; how could he possibly look after me?"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Young Hero Wang, you certainly put on airs! I was only going to look after you if Miss Liu felt uneasy about this Young Hero Huang!"

Wang Hanyang frowned. "Junior Sister, are you afraid that fellow surnamed Huang will launch a sneak attack?"

Liu Biyun’s expression grew solemn, and she slowly nodded. "Senior Brother Wang, we cannot afford not to guard against it!"

Wang Hanyang considered this, then grunted an affirmation. "If it were me, I wouldn't pass up such a golden opportunity either; I would certainly strike!"

Li Muzhan remarked, "I, too, would welcome a chance to witness the swordsmanship of the Linhai Pavilion."

Liu Biyun looked apologetic. "It seems the Young Master truly isn't a disciple of the Linhai Pavilion. This time, it really is as..."

She had been secretly observing the expressions of Li Muzhan and Huang Zongqi, watching to see if they recognized each other. Seeing the inexplicable hostility between the two of them, she felt a measure of relief. Then, a touch of apology followed, as the Linhai Pavilion was hardly inferior to her own Longshan Sect in the martial world; offending them could lead to considerable trouble!

Li Muzhan readily agreed, which only deepened her sense of apology.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Miss Liu need not be so concerned. I am a solitary man, and I possess a degree of self-preservation. What is there to fear from the Linhai Pavilion that would make me hesitate to offend your Longshan Sect?"

Liu Biyun pursed her lips and smiled, shaking her head. "The Young Master should heed my advice; it is best to offend as little as possible. Navigating the martial world isn't just about supreme martial arts. Your skill is undeniable, Young Master, but if our Longshan Sect truly set out to kill you, they certainly could."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "That's not necessarily true."

Liu Biyun countered, "The Young Master has excellent Qinggong, but the Longshan Sect's intelligence network covers the entire realm. Where could you possibly flee? Unless you hide in the deep mountains and forests and never emerge!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "If all else fails, I’ll hide in the mountains and emerge again after two or three years."

Liu Biyun shook her head. "Once the Young Master has tasted the splendor of the outside world, how could he bear the isolation of the deep forest?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I enjoy splendor, and I also enjoy tranquility... Miss Liu, when shall we set off?"

"The sooner the better," Liu Biyun replied.

Wang Hanyang urged, "Let's hurry. That Huang fellow is a villain; he definitely won't let this opportunity pass!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Then let us make ready. How long will it take to reach the Longshan Sect?"

"It took us ten days on the way here," Liu Biyun stated.

Li Muzhan glanced at Wang Hanyang. "Shall I carry Young Hero Wang?"

"How can that be proper?" Liu Biyun quickly shook her head.

Li Muzhan insisted, "Given the circumstances, the faster the better, to avoid being caught by the Linhai Pavilion."

"...In that case, we must impose upon the Young Master!" Liu Biyun hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.

...

A bright moon hung high in the night sky, and a cool breeze drifted past. Li Muzhan carried Wang Hanyang on his back, with Liu Biyun beside him, moving like a wisp of light smoke over a towering mountain, skimming along the treetops. In moments, they reached the summit.

The two paused on a large boulder atop the peak. Li Muzhan gently set Wang Hanyang down. Wang Hanyang stabilized himself, and the pallor had faded somewhat from his face. These past three days, while Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun had traveled relentlessly, Wang Hanyang had been enjoying a period of recovery, regulating his body, and his injuries had significantly improved thanks to the miraculous elixirs.

"What magnificent moonlight!" Li Muzhan exclaimed in admiration.

Liu Biyun pursed her lips and smiled. "I didn't realize the Young Master possessed such refined tastes! Most men rush in and rush out, never taking the time to notice such things."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Life is short; savoring existence is the true path."

"It is rare for the Young Master to have such insight," Liu Biyun praised him.

Wang Hanyang snorted. "Mawkish sentimentality. How is life short? Living for two hundred years isn't enough?"

His heart was in turmoil. He was grateful that Li Muzhan had saved his life, and he owed him for escorting him all this way. Yet, the slight intimacy between him and his Junior Sister made him intensely uncomfortable. He desperately wanted to drive Li Muzhan away and would hurl cold remarks at him at the slightest provocation. He knew this behavior was unseemly and might cost him face in front of his Junior Sister, but he simply couldn't stop himself; the words would leap out before he could control them.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Two hundred years isn't enough. I wish to live a thousand, two thousand years—perhaps even that won't be enough."

Wang Hanyang curled his lip and huffed, "What's the point of living that long! This world isn't that great; staring at it too long makes one weary and jaded!"

Li Muzhan glanced at him and chuckled. "How could one grow weary? Every day is different. Young Hero Wang, you are too careless; you haven't truly observed the world around you, have you?"

"Stop calling me Young Hero Wang. Just call me Wang Hanyang," Wang Hanyang retorted. "I focus all my efforts on cultivating martial arts; how can I spare time to look at these trifles?... You are indulging in activities that distract from your purpose!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Sometimes, moving fast doesn't mean moving far. One cannot rush martial cultivation; doing so often results in a weak foundation, leading to suffering later on."

"Are you speaking from personal experience?" Wang Hanyang scoffed.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Something like that."

Wang Hanyang responded with irritation, "You're so young, how could you understand these things? If you truly had personal experience, how could your martial arts be so high right now?"

Li Muzhan replied good-naturedly, "Why does no one believe the truth? This is indeed what I have learned through direct experience: the more you discover the beauty of the world, the faster your martial arts will advance."

"Nonsense," Wang Hanyang pouted.

Li Muzhan advised, "Brother Wang, don't be so quick to judge. Just try it and see."

"Really, Young Master Li?" Liu Biyun looked at him with doubt.

Li Muzhan smiled. "It is true for me. I cannot speak for others."

...

The three basked in the pure moonlight, conversing freely on the mountaintop. Li Muzhan smiled, Liu Biyun appeared lost in thought, and Wang Hanyang sneered disdainfully, occasionally stealing glances at Liu Biyun.

Suddenly, Li Muzhan turned his head toward a certain spot, frowning deeply, his expression serious.

Seeing his reaction, Liu Biyun followed his gaze, and her face changed as well. Wang Hanyang also sensed the shift and, after looking, snorted angrily. "That fellow surnamed Huang! If you're coming, then come openly! Why hide? Is this the style of your Linhai Pavilion?!"

Three figures dressed in black were silently approaching the summit. They moved without sound, as if riding the wind, composed and unhurried. Each wore a long sword suspended at his waist.

The leading figure was none other than Huang Zongqi. Though his face was masked, Li Muzhan recognized him instantly. The two behind him revealed only their piercing, glittering eyes, radiating palpable killing intent. Li Muzhan frowned; the killing aura from these two was too dense—they had clearly slain many people. Based on their eyebrows, Li Muzhan estimated they were both elderly men in their late seventies or eighties, which would be considered old age even in his original world; here, it was the same. This world was peculiar: human aging progressed similarly to his old world, with signs of decay appearing around the age of ten Dao Xing, yet lifespan was long, reaching around two hundred years.

"Clang..." The two elders drew their swords, raising them slowly before them. With a sudden, sharp cry, the two—man and blade—became a single streak of white light, charging forward. One beam aimed for Liu Biyun, the other for Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan said sternly, "Miss Liu, I will guard Brother Wang. Feel free to unleash your full power!"

"Good!" Liu Biyun cried out. The long sword at her waist transformed into a cluster of brilliant, snowy light, meeting the attack of the elder. With a continuous chime of "ding-ding-ding," Liu Biyun was forced to retreat step by step.

Li Muzhan glanced back and smiled. "Brother Wang, be careful. Do not circulate your Gong." Wang Hanyang was nearly healed; circulating his internal energy now would undo all the progress, causing his injuries to relapse and damaging his cultivation. Li Muzhan intended to see this through to the end.

Wang Hanyang grunted, "They must be the Hidden Swords of the Linhai Pavilion. Be careful; they specialize in swordsmanship designed solely for killing!"

"Understood," Li Muzhan replied, thrusting out a sword stroke.

The lunging elder suddenly slowed, his sword light spreading out to envelop Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan retracted his sword and struck again, a gentle thrust. The overwhelming sword light instantly vanished. The elder retreated rapidly. Li Muzhan stepped forward, his sword tip tracking tightly toward the elder's throat, like a cat hunting a mouse.

Huang Zongqi snorted coldly and drew his sword to strike at Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan shifted his body, maintaining his thrust toward the elder. The elder managed a desperate "lazy donkey roll," finally escaping the cage of Li Muzhan's blade, standing stabilized with lingering fear, looking at Li Muzhan in confusion. He truly could not comprehend how someone of Li Muzhan's youth possessed such swordsmanship.

Li Muzhan flashed a smile at Huang Zongqi and stabbed out once more. "Clang..." Huang Zongqi's long sword was knocked aside, nearly flying from his grasp. He quickly used the momentum to leap away and dissipate the force, barely saving his sword.

...

He also stared at Li Muzhan in astonishment, unable to believe what he saw.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword, smiled, and shook his head without speaking. The other elder also retreated behind Huang Zongqi, looking at Li Muzhan with surprise.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "The three of you do not act honorably; what a pity, given such swordsmanship."

"Who exactly are you?!" Huang Zongqi asked darkly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Li Guanhai of Qingmei. Why must Young Hero Huang hide his face? Has your Linhai Pavilion truly reached a point of mortal conflict with the Longshan Sect?"

"This is a private matter," Huang Zongqi stated grimly.

Li Muzhan laughed, glancing at the two elders. "Who would believe that? Weren't you pursuing Miss Liu? Why resort to such lethal means?"

"That is none of your concern," Huang Zongqi said, his gaze fixed on Liu Biyun with a complex expression.

Liu Biyun spoke coolly. "Young Master Huang, let us pretend tonight never happened. Please return."

Huang Zongqi stared at Liu Biyun, let out a long sigh, waved his hand, and the three turned to leave, vanishing into the dense woods in an instant.

Wang Hanyang huffed. "That fellow Huang is utterly detestable!"

Liu Biyun said gently, "Senior Brother Wang, we cannot entirely blame him."

"Junior Sister!" Wang Hanyang called out, unwilling to let it rest.

Li Muzhan displayed an expression of disappointment. "Is this the swordsmanship of the Linhai Pavilion?"

Liu Biyun looked at Li Muzhan in surprise. "Young Master Li, I never expected your swordsmanship to be so exquisite."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "I don't consider my swordsmanship masterful, but watching others perform it, their flaws are glaring, and the sight is agonizing!"

Liu Biyun frowned. "How did the Young Master train his swordsmanship?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "I didn't really practice swordsmanship much. I simply observed waterfalls and streams, and stabbed at water bubbles."

"Training based on observing waterfalls..." Liu Biyun mused. "How long did you do that?"

Li Muzhan flicked his fingers and said, "About thirteen years, I suppose."

Liu Biyun was astonished. "For those thirteen years, was all you did was watch waterfalls?"

Li Muzhan affirmed. "Exactly."

"That truly is..." Liu Biyun shook her head and sighed. "No other person could possibly do that!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "My Master forced me to do it. Later, I grew accustomed to it; it was rather interesting. You two could try it... though it likely won't yield results for a year or two."

Li Muzhan glanced at the two thoughtful figures, secretly amused. If they truly trained this way, they might grasp a slight understanding, but it was highly unlikely to be effective. He could instantly see the flaws in their swordsmanship because he was proficient in a hundred schools of swordsmanship and, more importantly, because of his formidable spirit, aided by the Eye of the Void.

Li Muzhan turned to them. "Miss Liu, Brother Wang, I suspect this Young Hero Huang will not accept defeat quietly."

"He'll come back?" Wang Hanyang asked, frowning.

Li Muzhan looked toward Liu Biyun. After a moment of consideration, she bit her red lip and nodded softly.

...

The next morning, they arrived at a small town. As soon as they entered a restaurant, four young men seated at the innermost table stood up and waved. "Junior Brother Wang, Junior Sister Liu!"

Li Muzhan took in the four. They all possessed a restrained Jingqi and had reached a commendable level of cultivation, surpassing Wang Hanyang and Liu Biyun slightly.

Liu Biyun and Wang Hanyang smiled. Wang Hanyang strode over confidently and began talking warmly with the four. Liu Biyun whispered to Li Muzhan, "Young Master Li, these are my four Senior Brothers."

Li Muzhan followed Liu Biyun over, introduced himself to them, and they all sat down to talk. Li Muzhan immediately cupped his hands in farewell. "Miss Liu, Brother Wang, since four Young Heroes have arrived, you are safe, and I can retire with honor!"

Liu Biyun paused in surprise. Wang Hanyang huffed, "What's the rush to leave!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "With four Young Heroes here, Huang Zongqi will surely know better than to pursue you. I have no need to stay. Miss Liu, we shall meet again someday."

Liu Biyun said, "Young Master Li, since you've come this far, why not visit our Sect?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "No need for now; I have other matters to attend to. Perhaps another day."

Wang Hanyang snorted, "Are you perhaps afraid of our Longshan Sect?"

Li Muzhan chuckled heartily. "Yes, your Longshan Sect's reputation is so mighty that I truly cannot bear the pressure... Farewell."

With that, he stood up and left without waiting for their reply. Liu Biyun quickly followed him out.

Li Muzhan stepped out of the restaurant, turned, and smiled. "Miss Liu, there is no feast that never ends. We shall meet again!"

Liu Biyun hesitated slightly, then whispered, "If I wish to see the Young Master, where can I find you?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Taihe Tower in Qingmei Town. This is my token." He pulled a piece of white jade from his robes and handed it to Liu Biyun. "Show this, and I will know, and I will come to see you."

Liu Biyun’s cheeks flushed as she reached out and accepted it, quickly tucking it into her sleeve. As her hand emerged from her sleeve again, she held a piece of jade—a dark green jade pendant. "This is my token. If the Young Master wishes to find me, you may come to the Longshan Sect. Holding this token grants entry to the mountain, or you may send word."

Li Muzhan smiled as he took it. It felt cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warm smoothness of the white jade! ! .