"Master knows about your confrontation with Gu Dongting," Qin Yeqiu said.

"Senior Sister, did you tell Master about me and Gu Dongting?" Li Muzhan frowned.

Qin Yeqiu nodded gently. "Master pressed me; I couldn't hide it any longer."

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head. "Why go through all that trouble? What did Master say?"

"Master said you should try to avoid provoking Gu Dongting," Qin Yeqiu stated.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "Gu Dongting's saber technique is formidable, but it hasn't reached the level of unmatched supremacy!"

"Master said Gu Dongting's saber technique is demonic, but even more terrifying is his inner cultivation method," Qin Yeqiu said calmly. "Especially when cornered, he can unleash a technique called 'Body Splitting' that drastically boosts his power."

Li Muzhan frowned. "What kind of inner cultivation method is that?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "It's a unique method tied to the Demonic Saber. So, when facing Gu Dongting, you must either kill him in one strike or never push him too far."

Li Muzhan looked at her in surprise. It seemed the methods for triggering one's hidden potential were few in this world; such inner cultivation arts were quite common in his original world.

"Does Gu Dongting have any other hidden depths?" Li Muzhan asked.

Qin Yeqiu replied, "Gu Dongting is unfathomable. When he roamed the martial world, no one could force him to reveal his ultimate skills; he has almost never been defeated."

"Invincible under heaven?" Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow.

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "He is still short of reaching the state of being invincible, but he has been lucky. Experts at a certain level no longer act easily, and since he belongs to the Dragon Mountain Sect, very few top experts in the world provoke members of the Dragon Mountain Sect."

Li Muzhan mused, "Why is that? Senior Sister, is the Dragon Mountain Sect really that powerful?"

"Master says the Dragon Mountain Sect is also unfathomable, far stronger than what they reveal," Qin Yeqiu frowned. "We cannot afford to offend them."

Li Muzhan knitted his brows. "Does that mean we can't swallow this insult?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slowly. "Yes. According to Master's wishes, we, the Purple Robe Palace, will change our name and establish ourselves anew in the world, relying on your sword techniques."

Li Muzhan laughed, shaking his head. "Master's decision isn't exactly brilliant."

"There was no other choice," Qin Yeqiu sighed. "Master knows this isn't the right path, but circumstances force our hand."

Li Muzhan tapped his chin. "Changing our name today because we offended the Dragon Mountain Sect, who is to say we won't offend them again tomorrow? Will we have to change our name again?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slowly, understanding the validity of Li Muzhan's point. Everyone understood this logic, but when forced to choose, one is compelled toward this kind of self-poisoning cure.

Li Muzhan rubbed his chin, pondered for a moment, and then spoke. "Senior Sister, let's put that aside for now. Give me time to think of a solution."

"Think of what solution?" Qin Yeqiu stared at him. "There is only this path; otherwise, the Dragon Mountain Sect will not relent."

Li Muzhan snorted. "I refuse to believe the Dragon Mountain Sect is invincible under heaven!"

"The Dragon Mountain Sect isn't invincible, but they aren't someone our Purple Robe Palace can afford to provoke either. Don't be foolish and provoke them again."

Li Muzhan smiled. "If I can't deal with the Dragon Mountain Sect alone, I can borrow influence."

"Borrow influence?" Qin Yeqiu mused. "The Linhai Pavilion?"

Li Muzhan replied, "The Linhai Pavilion or the Myriad Sages Sect; that depends on the situation."

"Neither of them are easy to trifle with; do you think they'll just let you borrow their influence?" Qin Yeqiu shook her head.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "By then, they won't have a choice."

"Sigh... Be careful. Don't act rashly," Qin Yeqiu said helplessly. "The Dragon Mountain Sect is hard to provoke, and the Linhai Pavilion and Myriad Sages Sect are the same. If we provoke them, the repercussions will be endless."

Li Muzhan said, "I know about the Linhai Pavilion; they are a great school of the Sword Dao, on par with the Dragon Mountain Sect, essentially controlling one major domain. What about the Myriad Sages Sect, the foremost sect of the unorthodox path? How powerful are they?"

Qin Yeqiu's expression shifted slightly. "The Myriad Sages Sect acts without restraint, far beyond what ordinary people imagine. Absolutely do not provoke them!"

Li Muzhan asked, "The Myriad Sages Sect is the foremost of the wicked sects because of their inner cultivation method?"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slightly. "Exactly! The Myriad Sages Sect's inner cultivation is profound, leading to rapid advancement and immense power. But nothing in this world is perfect; this method has a fatal flaw: it unconsciously affects a person's temperament."

Li Muzhan frowned. "Affects one's temperament?"

Qin Yeqiu explained, "Even the best person, cultivating the Myriad Sages Sect's method, will turn into a brutal person. Their behavior gradually becomes sinister and cold-hearted, killing as easily as crushing ants."

Li Muzhan asked, "Then why cultivate it?"

Qin Yeqiu sighed. "Isn't it just for power? Although the Myriad Sages Sect's method changes one's disposition, it doesn't change their core nature. It merely excavates the darkness already within and utilizes that dark power. This dark power is incomparably strong, which is why cultivation progresses by leaps and bounds."

Li Muzhan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Utilizing dark power... It's marvelous, but it carries future dangers! The progress is extremely fast at the beginning, but it's easy to suffer qi deviation later, isn't that right?"

"Precisely!" Qin Yeqiu nodded slowly, surprised. "You know?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It's easy to deduce. Dark power isn't so easily controlled; it's like a monstrous beast—the stronger it gets, the harder it is to control, leading inevitably to loss of control."

Li Muzhan thought that to cultivate such a method, it would be best to combine it with Buddhist power to suppress the dark energy; only then could it be controlled, otherwise, it's like raising a tiger that will eventually turn on you.

Qin Yeqiu sighed. "Yes, you are correct. Demonic cultivation methods easily lead to qi deviation, and those who suffer from it are truly terrifying—they often become immensely strong, their power doubled. It takes many lives to eliminate them, which is why the demonic sects are feared by the martial world."

"I see..." Li Muzhan stroked his chin. "How does the strength of the Myriad Sages Sect compare to the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Qin Yeqiu said gravely, "Master says they are only stronger, never weaker."

Li Muzhan forced a wry smile and said no more; he still had a long way to go.

Half a month passed in a flash. During this time, Li Muzhan practiced diligently, striving to advance one level at a time.

Although the Morning Radiance Art was wonderful, it had inherent flaws, so he couldn't rely on it. Both the Tortoise and Crane Sublime Scripture and the Dragon Subduing Arts were rare and excellent cultivation methods. Li Muzhan ultimately chose the Dragon Subduing Arts for his primary focus.

The Tortoise and Crane Sublime Scripture required dual concentration to execute, but fortunately, he now possessed the Moon Reflection Art and the Morning Radiance Art, which could substitute for the Scripture's inner force—one tortoise, one crane, their combination creating endless marvels.

The subtlety of the Tortoise and Crane Sublime Scripture lay in its inner force application, used to enhance inner cultivation level, while the Dragon Subduing Arts were the most potent in their aggressive progress.

The Dragon Subduing Arts followed a path of balanced yielding and firmness, yet their execution was overwhelmingly rigid and vast—this was their true genius. If one cultivated them with excessive masculine energy, it would harm the body and shorten one's lifespan.

With his formidable mental strength and powerful physique, he activated the Dragon Subduing Arts with incredible speed and continuity. Half a month of his strenuous practice was equivalent to more than ten days for others, or even a full year.

The Dragon Subduing Arts held endless mysteries. His power increased significantly. Now, if he fought Gu Dongting again, he wouldn't have a guaranteed victory, but ensuring a safe retreat would be no problem.

Moreover, he hadn't used his ultimate moves yet—no burning of inner force, nor the use of the flying knife—so his confidence was quite high.

He built a hut on the mountaintop for secluded cultivation, yet he remained fully aware of the activity in the valley below. The disciples of the Purple Robe Palace had practiced the sword techniques he created, and then half of them left the valley to gain experience in the outside world.

The actions of the Dragon Mountain Sect this time had altered the Purple Robe Palace's disciple training plan. The previous methodical approach was abandoned. After building a foundation, they would now enhance themselves through real-world experience, rather than remaining in strict seclusion as before.

The former Purple Robe Palace was less like a martial sect and more like a hermitage; the disciples were like family, practicing martial arts not for competition but to pass the time or for self-defense.

Now, the Purple Robe Palace was different; it had an enemy—the Dragon Mountain Sect—so the disciples' mentality shifted, and they regained a drive for progress.

Li Muzhan sighed inwardly. Though this change was subtle, he felt it clearly. He wasn't sure if it was ultimately good or bad.

As the setting sun stained the mountaintop red, Li Muzhan sat on a rock, practicing breathing exercises facing the sunset. Qin Yeqiu appeared silently.

Li Muzhan looked up. Qin Yeqiu, her purple robes fluttering, said softly, "Junior Brother, the news you were waiting for has arrived!"

"From the Dragon Mountain Sect?" Li Muzhan's spirit lifted.

Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly. "The Dragon Mountain Sect made a spectacle of themselves this time. One of their disciples stole a secret manual and defected!"

Li Muzhan's eyebrows shot up, and he smiled. "Such a thing happened?"

"Yes. Surprised, aren't you?" Qin Yeqiu smiled, her face radiant as a flower.

Li Muzhan praised, "Truly brave to dare defect from the Dragon Mountain Sect... What secret manual did he steal? Was it one of the Dragon Mountain Sect's Thirty-Six Arts?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head and smiled. "No one knows what exactly he stole... Junior Brother, what do you plan to do?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I want to meet this person."

"The Dragon Mountain Sect is pursuing him," Qin Yeqiu frowned. "Can you reach him before they do?"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "Difficult."

"Then forget it. Don't provoke the Dragon Mountain Sect again," Qin Yeqiu advised.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I have no certainty, but I must try, or I'll regret it."

"...Fine." Qin Yeqiu nodded gently, sighing. "Master didn't forbid you from provoking the Dragon Mountain Sect without reason. Be careful!"

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister, give me another mask."

Qin Yeqiu took out a small box from her robes and handed it to him. "I don't have many left; be careful not to break it!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Don't worry, Senior Sister, I'm leaving now!"

"Wait a moment. I'll have someone inquire about the news," Qin Yeqiu said. "Find out exactly where he went, then it won't be too late for you to chase."

Li Muzhan nodded. "The sooner the better. I fear that by the time I get there, the Dragon Mountain Sect will have already dealt with him!"

"It's not that easy," Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "If it were that easy to deal with, the Dragon Mountain Sect wouldn't have let him escape. There should be some time, or this news wouldn't have leaked out."

Li Muzhan smiled. "He is indeed a formidable character. I admire him!"

Qin Yeqiu nodded slowly. "Indeed. I estimate the Dragon Mountain Sect must have sent someone like Gu Dongting. For him to have escaped for so long is remarkable."

She thought that she couldn't escape from Gu Dongting; his cultivation was too deep. Even with her Light Flash technique, she might not escape his pursuit.

The reason they managed to escape back then was entirely thanks to Li Muzhan's lightness skill; she couldn't have done it alone. This defector from the Dragon Mountain Sect having escaped for so long might even be superior to her.

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister, let me prepare. It would be best to find an item he carried with him."

"A personal item?" Qin Yeqiu frowned, pondering. "What use would that be?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I learned a bit of Divination Art from my teacher. Let's see if it's useful."

"Divination Art?" Qin Yeqiu smiled and shook her head. "Do you actually believe in that?"

Li Muzhan said, "It doesn't hurt to try."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head and sighed. "I don't have the means, and I can't get into the Dragon Mountain Sect... Don't you have a good friend in the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Li Muzhan sighed. "I don't want to involve her."

Qin Yeqiu snorted. "Then I can't help you."

Li Muzhan rubbed his chin helplessly and sighed. "Then forget it for now and we'll talk later. Senior Sister, please try your best to gather intelligence; I want detailed information on this person."

"Understood." Qin Yeqiu looked at him deeply, then left without another word.

The next morning, as Li Muzhan was just waking up, Qin Yeqiu was already in his small room, holding several plain slips of paper, which she handed directly to him.

Li Muzhan sat on the couch, unfolded his hands, took the slips, glanced at them, and then looked up, smiling. "Senior Sister, it seems our eyes and ears are quite sharp."

Qin Yeqiu replied, "Though our disciples are not famous, they are scattered throughout the world, so our intelligence network is efficient."

Li Muzhan looked at the slips a few more times, frowned, and pondered. "It seems he has fled out to sea."

"Yes." Qin Yeqiu nodded. "The sea is the best place to escape; there are no tracks to follow... Wuji, are you really going?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "It's best that he fled to the sea; perhaps he can escape! ... Hmm—sea?!"

His expression suddenly changed. Qin Yeqiu quickly asked, "What is it?"

Li Muzhan said, "The Linhai Pavilion..."

Qin Yeqiu, sharp as ice and snow, understood the implication as soon as she heard the name and exclaimed, "Wuji, are you saying he has ties to the Linhai Pavilion?!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it? ... The Linhai Pavilion rules the sea, and he fled to the sea!"

"That may not be the case!" Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "Perhaps he knew the Linhai Pavilion opposes the Dragon Mountain Sect, just like you—he wants to borrow influence."

Li Muzhan said, "Regardless, since he fled to the sea, the Linhai Pavilion will certainly not stand by! ... It looks like things are about to get lively between the Dragon Mountain Sect and the Linhai Pavilion!"

He had personally witnessed disciples of the Linhai Pavilion intercepting and killing disciples of the Dragon Mountain Sect. The Linhai Pavilion would never pass up such an opportunity to humiliate the Dragon Mountain Sect.

He vaguely guessed that this person named Zheng Zicong might truly have some connection to the Linhai Pavilion, or perhaps had ulterior motives—anything was possible.

"Junior Brother, are you leaving now?" Qin Yeqiu asked faintly as she saw Li Muzhan step off the couch.

Li Muzhan nodded. "There's no time to waste, Senior Sister. I'm setting off immediately."

"He sailed out long ago; how will you find him?" Qin Yeqiu shook her head and sighed. "The sea is vast; it will be a waste of effort. Just forget it!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister, this opportunity is rare, and how could I miss such an exciting event! ... I won't look for him; I'll go directly to the Linhai Pavilion!"

"Mm..." Qin Yeqiu nodded slowly, understanding his intent, and sighed. "Fine, do as you wish, but be extremely careful!"

Li Muzhan assured her, "I will be careful, Senior Sister. If I can't win, I'll run!"

"I hope so!" Qin Yeqiu shook her head. The last time she saw Gu Dongting, he could have fled first but insisted on fighting, resulting in injury and nearly being trapped.

Since then, she worried about his martial-enthusiast nature surfacing, compelling him to test his opponent's skills before leaving, sometimes walking straight into a trap. Fortunately, his martial arts were strong enough.

Li Muzhan rubbed the letter slips between his fingers until they turned to dust, picked up his long sword, grabbed the travel pack by the bed, and walked out. Qin Yeqiu hurried to follow him out of the room and escorted him all the way down the mountain.

Li Muzhan's first sight of the sea in this world was no different from the sea in his original world. The small coastal town was bustling, and he noticed quite a few martial arts experts.

He didn't rush to set sail. Instead, he found a place in a tavern in the town to sit down and listen to the local chatter, hoping to gather some intelligence.

He looked for a window seat, but they were all occupied. He could only settle in a corner, listening to the patrons' loud laughter or endless chatter.

He twitched his ears, listening to the conversations at every table. When he focused on one table, the noise from all others faded; only the voices at this table became distinct, as if spoken right next to his ear.

He moved from table to table, listening to about ten groups, when his ears moved again, focusing intently on the discussion at one table.

There were four middle-aged men at this table. Observing their pronounced temples, their cultivation seemed quite respectable.

A rough voice spoke up: "Third Brother, are you absolutely sure the fellow named Zheng left from here?"

"Big Brother, I'm sure. The kid left ten days ago; he hired a boat from a boatman named Meng," answered a sharp, thin voice.

"Have the Dragon Mountain Sect people arrived yet?" the rough voice asked.

"I don't know about that," the thin voice replied. "The Dragon Mountain Sect is powerful and arrogant; even if he hired a boat, he wouldn't have used an ordinary person. I'm afraid we can't find out."

The rough voice sounded displeased. "As long as one tries hard, one can find out. You're just being stingy with the silver!"

"Third Brother, money makes the world go round. You shouldn't be stingy over this small amount of silver," spoke a mellow voice. He sighed. "Since we know Zheng's whereabouts ahead of time, we can report it to the Dragon Mountain Sect."

"Ah—?" The thin voice piped up. "Report it to the Dragon Mountain Sect? ... Second Brother, aren't we supposed to pursue him ourselves?!"

"Third Brother, you're too muddled. What place is this!" the mellow voice sighed.

The thin voice asked confusedly, "What place?"

The mellow voice replied, "This is the territory of the Linhai Pavilion!"

"Linhai Pavilion!" The thin voice realized with a start. "Big Brother, you mean, that fellow is going to find the Linhai Pavilion?!"

"Hmph, even if he doesn't look for the Linhai Pavilion, the Linhai Pavilion will be looking for him!" the Big Brother said solemnly. "Think about it, can we compare to the Linhai Pavilion? They are the local authority, and they have the Dragon Mountain Sect backing them!"

The mellow voice chimed in, "Big Brother is exactly right. Third Brother, think about it: if we contend with both of them, can we win? It's better to curry favor!"

"Then why not tell the Linhai Pavilion?" the thin voice said stubbornly.

The mellow voice sighed. "Third Brother, you only have petty cleverness. Why are you so foolish about this? If we tell the Linhai Pavilion, won't they silence us?"

"Heh heh, that's true," the thin voice mumbled, sounding embarrassed.

"Alright, alright. Second Brother, shall we go find the Dragon Mountain Sect people now?" the Big Brother's rough voice rang out.

"Alas... in my opinion, we should just watch the show and not wade into this muddy water!" the mellow voice sighed. Li Muzhan glanced at the speaker—this man was of medium build, ordinary in appearance, looking honest and reliable.

"We've come this far; wouldn't it be too much of a loss to let go now?" the Big Brother said gravely.

The mellow voice spoke, and Li Muzhan saw the middle-aged man shake his head. "Big Brother, this matter is extraordinary. If we truly get involved, there could be a risk to our lives!"

"Is it really that dangerous?" the Big Brother hesitated.

"Certain death!" the mellow voice stated. "It was fine before we entered Linhai Pavilion territory; if we had chased that fellow and told the Dragon Mountain Sect, we could have gained their favor. But now..."

"Alas... I really didn't expect that fellow Zheng to be so gutsy, running over here!" the Big Brother sighed.

The mellow voice remarked, "Perhaps he is a disciple of the Linhai Pavilion!"

"Really?!" The Big Brother's rough voice sounded excited.

The mellow voice said, "I'm just guessing. Everyone in the martial world knows the relationship between the Linhai Pavilion and the Dragon Mountain Sect—they appear amicable on the surface but fight fiercely in private. They are capable of such a deed!"

"The Linhai Pavilion is too audacious, aren't they?" the Third Brother's thin voice chirped.

The Big Brother snorted. "These great sects are outwardly respectable, but they use every underhanded means in private. This kind of thing is nothing!"

"Big Brother, since Second Brother says so, let's just drop it," the thin voice said.

"Alas, forget it!" the Big Brother sighed.

Li Muzhan stood up and walked to their table, smiling faintly as he nodded.

The four men instantly tensed, staring fixedly at Li Muzhan, their eyes flashing sharp light, latent killing intent swirling around them like four crouching tigers, ready to pounce at any moment.

Li Muzhan smiled slightly. "I am Huang Zongming of the Linhai Pavilion!"

"Linhai Pavilion?!" The four were startled, and the killing intent slowly dissipated from their bodies.

The honest-looking middle-aged man—whom Li Muzhan had taken for the Second Brother—cupped his hands and smiled. "So it is a master from the Linhai Pavilion. A pleasure to meet you. We are the Feng brothers from Wind River."

"The Four Heroes of Feng, perhaps?" Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "I have long admired your fame. Would the four of you care to step aside for a private word?"

"What instructions does Young Master Huang have?" the honest middle-aged man asked with a smile.

Li Muzhan said, "I wish to inquire about Zheng Zicong."

"This is..." The honest-looking middle-aged man hesitated, a look of difficulty crossing his face. "Which Zheng Zicong are you referring to?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Senior Feng, why feign ignorance? Surely the four of you know quite a bit about Zheng Zicong?"

"Heh heh..." The honest man chuckled, his manner immediately warm. "Young Hero Huang seems aware of who we are. It’s a pity, but we truly know nothing."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly, then sighed, shaking his head. "I had hoped to become friends with the Four Heroes of the Feng Clan. Now, it seems..."

He turned to leave, his expression darkening.

"Wait." The burly man with a lion's nose and leopard's eyes, whose face had been tense, spoke in a deep voice. "We do have some news regarding Zheng Zicong."

Li Muzhan smiled. "If you could share it with me, I would be eternally grateful."

The lion-nosed, leopard-eyed man said solemnly, "Very well. We don't wish to involve ourselves in this matter. Young Hero Huang, just listen, and then we must depart immediately."

"Boss!" the honest middle-aged man interjected quickly.

The lion-nosed, leopard-eyed man waved a hand, his voice firm. "Second Brother, forget it. There’s no need to hide anything from Young Hero Huang. We'll say what we know... Zheng Zicong bought a boat and headed out to sea from here. Unfortunately, that was ten days ago; we are far too late!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Do you know where he was staying?"

"I believe it was the Shunfeng Inn," mentioned the middle-aged man beside him, who had been sizing Li Muzhan up. He had a sharp, monkey-like face that didn't inspire trust, and his voice was thin and unpleasant.

Li Muzhan nodded, a smile returning to his face. "Thank you, four seniors. Farewell."

With that, he cupped his hands, floated down the stairs, exited the tavern, and headed directly for the Shunfeng Inn.

The small town was easily traversed, and he reached the Shunfeng Inn in moments. He found two servants and inquired if a man named Zheng had stayed there ten days prior, describing Zheng Zicong's appearance.

The two servants thought hard. Years of serving guests had honed their memories, and they soon recalled the man. They then led Li Muzhan to a specific room.

Li Muzhan waved the servants away and entered the room, searching slowly. Finally, he found a few strands of hair and smiled.

He possessed a formidable spirit, and his intuition was astonishing. As his spirit grew stronger, his intuition became ever more precise, allowing him to judge that these few hairs belonged unmistakably to Zheng Zicong.

These few hairs acted like a compass, pointing directly to his location. Li Muzhan felt the direction clearly, so he proceeded to the coast, hired a small boat, and set off directly onto the sea.

The small boat skimmed lightly over the ocean surface. Unconsciously, half a day passed, and the evening had arrived. The setting sun stained the vast sea a golden-red, like endless, flowing brocade.

Li Muzhan stood at the bow, watching the magnificent scene, feeling his spirit soar. On the boundless ocean, there were no other vessels; only he existed between heaven and sea, the three becoming one.

As he quietly absorbed the moment, his expression suddenly shifted. Dark clouds surged across the sky, swallowing the sunset's fiery hues, and the wind began to pick up speed.

Soon, a fierce gale raged, followed by rain.

Li Muzhan stood at the bow, shaking his head helplessly. Since his external Qi could not be projected, he could only allow the storm to lash down upon him. He channeled his inner strength, merging it with the small boat and the ocean, preventing it from capsizing.

The small boat sliced through the tempest like an arrow loosed from a bowstring. Guided by his sensing, Li Muzhan navigated the vessel through the storm's resistance.

The boat traveled for about fifteen minutes when, with a sudden flash, the storm vanished entirely, as if entering another world. He turned his head; behind him was still the raging tempest, but here, the weather was fair, and the setting sun cast a glorious, endless glow.

Li Muzhan gave his body a slight shake, and with a soft thump, he was instantly clean and refreshed; the rainwater covering him had been violently shaken away.

The boat continued to shoot north. As a bright moon rose, casting the entire world into night, he saw a small vessel far in the distance, resting quietly upon the waves, rising and falling with the swell.

Li Muzhan revealed a faint smile. He opened his Eye of the Void and instantly saw the young man sitting cross-legged on the boat. A sapphire-blue long robe enveloped his strong, sturdy physique. His square face, framed by sword-like eyebrows and tiger-like eyes, truly exuded heroic vigor. He sat there like a lion at rest.

The young man's brow showed some fatigue as he sat with his eyes closed, regulating his breath. Beside him lay a waterskin and a cloth bundle, and a few pieces of dry ration were spread before him.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched. He hadn't expected the journey to be so effortless. Zheng Zicong had only made it this far after traveling for over ten days. It seemed he indeed had ulterior motives. By intuition alone, Li Muzhan was certain this was Zheng Zicong.

His boat sped toward the other vessel, quickly closing the distance. Zheng Zicong opened his eyes, a glint of golden light flashing within them, and regarded Li Muzhan calmly.

Li Muzhan sat at his bow, observing Zheng Zicong quietly, and shook his head.

Zheng Zicong asked coolly, "Who are you?"

Li Muzhan replied, "Zheng Zicong?"

"Correct." Zheng Zicong nodded slowly. "It seems you are aligned with the Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I am Li Wuji, a disciple of the Purple Robe Palace."

"Purple Robe Palace?" Zheng Zicong paused, thinking. "The Purple Robe Palace from a while ago?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "The same one Gu Dongting came to destroy!"

"You are that Li Wuji who inherited Gu Dongting's saber techniques?" Zheng Zicong exclaimed in surprise. "Weren't you supposed to be dead?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "How could I die while Gu Dongting still lives?"

"I hadn't expected that. Not only did you survive, but you're doing quite well!" Zheng Zicong assessed Li Muzhan for a moment, then nodded. "To withstand the Demonic Saber, you are formidable!... Why have you come?"

Li Muzhan stated, "I heard you stole a secret manual from the Dragon Mountain Sect."

"That is correct." Zheng Zicong said grimly. "You want to know about the Dragon Mountain Sect's secret manuals?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles. Since I intend to oppose the Dragon Mountain Sect, naturally, I seek a way to counter their martial arts."

"... I will not give it to you," Zheng Zicong refused.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Brother Zheng, what use is keeping the manual for yourself?... Unless you plan to use it as a token to join the Linhai Pavilion?"

"That is the plan," Zheng Zicong huffed.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile. "In my view, Brother Zheng should abandon that idea. The Linhai Pavilion will not accept you. Even if they did, it would only be a temporary measure."

"Why?" Zheng Zicong frowned.

Li Muzhan inquired, "Was Brother Zheng originally a disciple of the Linhai Pavilion?"

"...Yes." Zheng Zicong hesitated, then nodded slowly.

Li Muzhan had been using his Mind-Reading technique and knew he was lying, but a thought stirred in his mind, and he smiled. "If you were a Linhai Pavilion disciple, this would be easy to resolve. If you are not, how could they ever trust you?"

Zheng Zicong's face cycled through expressions of doubt and anger. He said firmly, "I possess the Lotus Fist manual!"

Li Muzhan's brow lifted slightly, and he said, "The Lotus Fist?"

"The most potent boxing technique among the thirty-six arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect!" Zheng Zicong snorted. "I doubt the Linhai Pavilion will refuse me then!"

Li Muzhan countered, "If you could betray the Dragon Mountain Sect, why couldn't you betray the Linhai Pavilion?"

"I have my reasons!" Zheng Zicong's face turned grim. He looked coldly at Li Muzhan. "Li Wuji, you wish to learn the Lotus Fist?"

Li Muzhan confirmed with a smile, "Indeed."

"What benefit do I get?" Zheng Zicong sneered. "You have enmity with the Dragon Mountain Sect, but that has nothing to do with me. Stand aside!"

Li Muzhan offered, "If I master the Lotus Fist, I will be venting your anger against the Dragon Mountain Sect in the future."

"I don't need the trouble!" Zheng Zicong scoffed. "I know your swordplay is excellent, but I don't have a sword manual. You should leave!"

"Should Brother Zheng not reconsider?" Li Muzhan smiled.

Zheng Zicong sensed ill intent and sneered, "What, you plan to take it by force?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "As expected of an outstanding disciple of the Myriad Saints Sect!"

"Myriad Saints Sect?" Zheng Zicong frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting? Farewell!"

Saying that, his small boat shot away. Li Muzhan's boat followed, pulling level beside him. Li Muzhan continued, "The Myriad Saints Sect employs truly marvelous methods!"

"I don't understand your ramblings!" Zheng Zicong said coldly.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "An outstanding disciple of the Myriad Saints Sect, planted within the Dragon Mountain Sect, only to later enter the Linhai Pavilion, acquiring the supreme techniques of both factions—truly impressive! I commend you!"

Internally, he was startled by the methods of the Myriad Saints Sect; they truly deserved their reputation as the foremost evil sect.

Zheng Zicong fell silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up, his eyes piercing like javelins. He said solemnly, "Li Wuji, how did you figure it out?"

Li Muzhan replied with a smile, "A flash of inspiration, a sudden realization!... I hear your Myriad Saints Sect possesses a demonic artifact. What might it be?"

"It is the Sect Master's Seal," Zheng Zicong stated calmly. "Unfortunately, aside from the Sect Master, outsiders never get to see it. Li Wuji, it's a pity you are so young, yet so clever!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Does Brother Zheng intend to kill me to silence me?"

"Precisely!" Zheng Zicong nodded. His small boat gradually slowed to a stop, and Li Muzhan's boat matched its pace, the two vessels hovering about two lengths apart, close enough to touch.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "With Brother Zheng's skill, I doubt you can kill me."

"Do you think surviving Gu Dongting's Demonic Saber means you can withstand me?" Zheng Zicong laughed and shook his head. "You vastly underestimate us disciples of the Myriad Saints Sect!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I must learn more. Please—!"

"Hmph!" Zheng Zicong flashed suddenly, dissolving into two phantom images that instantly appeared behind Li Muzhan, followed by a burst of blue light enveloping Li Muzhan's back.

Li Muzhan vanished from his spot, reappearing behind Zheng Zicong. A flash of saber light erupted from his hand, and then Zheng Zicong’s movement froze. A streak of saber energy shimmered across his chest, followed by a spurt of bright red blood.

He twisted his head, his wide eyes staring at Li Muzhan in disbelief. His lips moved soundlessly, unable to utter a word, and he slowly collapsed.

Li Muzhan sighed. This Zheng Zicong was a formidable opponent; he dared not hesitate, moving for an instant kill to prevent him from having a chance to destroy the secret manual.

He stood still for a moment. Only when the aura of life vanished from Zheng Zicong's body did he approach. He used his sword tip to lift the fallen garments, picking up a wrapped oil-paper package. Opening it, a genuine smile bloomed on his face.

Inside was indeed a secret manual. The script was dignified and plain. The cover bore the words "Lotus Fist" in large characters, followed by about twenty pages of text.

Li Muzhan flipped through it immediately, imprinting the contents into his mind, then pondered it carefully before nodding. This Lotus Fist, despite its soft-sounding name, was actually an extremely profound boxing technique—a method of blossoming in fire, transforming poison into wisdom, and rendering extreme hardness into ultimate softness.

The more he studied it, the more he recognized the fierce, overwhelming dominance of the Lotus Fist. Once mastered, no one could withstand a single blow unless their internal energy was several times deeper. Those with comparable or even slightly superior power simply could not block it.

Li Muzhan frowned in thought. The destructive power of the Lotus Fist was terrifying, and its cultivation arduous. It required a deep comprehension and mastery of internal energy, as well as a strong spirit—hence the Lotus Fist was also called the Lotus Heart Fist.