Xie Jianfeng snorted, "Senior Brother Mo, I don't think so. Maybe he's just bluffing!"

Mo Jiye retorted with annoyance, "Yes, yes, I was mistaken, and you see clearly. In that case, do you think you can defeat him? Can you beat Junior Sister Liu?"

Xie Jianfeng's face flushed, and he awkwardly admitted, "Junior Sister Liu is a prodigy; I cannot compare."

Mo Jiye scoffed, "Even Junior Sister Liu admits she’s not his match, so why are you still arguing!"

Xie Jianfeng grumbled sulkily, "Perhaps Junior Sister Liu is just flattering him!"

"Fine, fine. If you insist on embarrassing yourself, I won't stop you!" Mo Jiye waved his hand impatiently.

Cui Shaoqing chimed in, "Junior Brother Xie, you're blinded by lust. Wake up!"

Xie Jianfeng glared at him, "Senior Brother Cui, you’re siding with an outsider too!"

"I'm just afraid you'll humiliate yourself," Cui Shaoqing shook his head. "Alright, Junior Brother Xie, just be sensible. Otherwise, offending Junior Sister Liu will be hard for you to handle!" Xie Jianfeng scoffed, "What can Junior Sister Liu possibly do to me?"

"If Junior Sister Liu says a few bad things about you, the rest of us will tear you apart!" Cui Shaoqing shook his head.

A look of chagrin crossed Xie Jianfeng's face, and he fell silent.

Mo Jiye breathed a sigh of relief. "There's plenty of fish in the sea. Even though Junior Sister Liu is wonderful, you're not fated to have her, or else your brothers would have swallowed you whole!"

Xie Jianfeng sighed helplessly and shook his head, "I'm not convinced!"

Mo Jiye clapped him on the shoulder and smiled, "Come on, Junior Brother Xie. Once you become the world's best, you won't have to worry about women not liking you. Focus on getting this task done now. Do you want to stay in the Cold Wind Cave?"

Xie Jianfeng’s expression shifted slightly, and he nodded solemnly, "Senior Brother Mo, I understand!"

"That's good!" Mo Jiye was finally relieved. Just then, Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun emerged from the woods, and Liu Biyun blushed under their gaze.

Liu Biyun had been worried, not wanting them to be put in such danger. However, with the Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain all present, Linhai Pavilion would certainly hesitate to act, lest the Dragon Mountain Sect retaliate, risking an all-out war between the two factions.

The Dragon Mountain Sect and Linhai Pavilion constantly schemed against each other in secret, but there was an unspoken rule: they couldn't push things too far. Neither sect wanted a real conflict, as such a war would pose a threat to the very survival of both.

The other sects were watching keenly, not to mention the presence of the Ten Thousand Saints Sect. Thus, their covert struggles were contained. Killing one or two individuals was permissible; three or four was acceptable. But like this instance with Liu Biyun and the others, with the Four Heroes gathered, Linhai Pavilion dared not go for the kill.

Despite this, Liu Biyun remained uneasy. They might not kill all four heroes, but they wouldn't hesitate to kill one or two; it was still a perilous situation. Had it not been for Li Muzhan, she would never have taken such a risk.

Liu Biyun was intelligent, but a woman ensnared by love is not always so clever. Once Li Muzhan said it, she believed him.

Mo Jiye smiled, "Junior Sister, we need to hurry, or we won't catch that man surnamed Huang!"

Liu Biyun hesitated, glanced at Li Muzhan, and slowly nodded.

Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun stood side by side on a poplar tree. The tree was straight and tall, with dense foliage that obscured the five of them.

This poplar stood beside a small path at the foot of the mountain. It was surrounded by thick woods where poplars, pines, cypresses, and other trees grew in disarray, forming a lush forest.

A narrow path cut through the woods, leading to the mountaintop. They chose this spot to intercept Huang Zongqi because it was far enough from Linhai Pavilion and was a mandatory route—the ideal ambush point.

Liu Biyun whispered, "Big Brother Li, Huang Zongqi really hasn't come yet?"

Li Muzhan frowned, staring into the distance, and nodded lightly, "En."

Xie Jianfeng was also on the same poplar, perched on another branch to their left. He turned to look over, "Brother Li, is your family's divine calculation technique really accurate?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I can confirm, he truly hasn't arrived."

"That's strange; it's been two hours now," Mo Jiye and Cui Shaoqing stood on a branch to the right, stroking their chins in confusion. "We gave it our all; he wouldn't dawdle. His lightness skill is excellent; he should have been here long ago."

Li Muzhan laughed, "Perhaps he's deliberately being cautious, or perhaps he’s walking slowly. Besides me, only those hidden swordsmen know he carries the secret manual, so he shouldn't fear exposure."

"Very possible," Mo Jiye nodded.

Xie Jianfeng scoffed, "If you know about it, why would he fear exposure?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I still have some rapport with him."

"Rapport?" Xie Jianfeng frowned, "What rapport do you have with him?"

"Senior Brother Xie!" Liu Biyun chided gently.

Xie Jianfeng curbed his demeanor and said reluctantly, "I just find it unreliable, Junior Sister. You know how bad things will be if we fail to retrieve the manual!"

Liu Biyun said, "I trust Big Brother Li!"

"Alright, alright, forget I said anything!" Xie Jianfeng waved his hand in resignation.

Liu Biyun turned, "Big Brother Li, Senior Brother Xie speaks bluntly; please don't take offense."

Li Muzhan shook his head, frowning as he gazed into the distance, deep in thought.

"Big Brother Li...?" Liu Biyun called softly.

Li Muzhan gave an "En," then suddenly seemed to snap awake, turning to look over with a smile, "It’s nothing. If it were me, I’d be half-skeptical too... The Cold Wind Cave sounds terrifying."

"It's fine," Liu Biyun smiled.

Seeing Liu Biyun smile at Li Muzhan made Xie Jianfeng intensely uncomfortable. He snorted, earning a sharp glance from her, so he sulkily turned his head away, preferring not to see it.

Li Muzhan ran his left thumb over the knuckles of his other four fingers, faster and faster, his brow knitting tighter. Finally, his thumb settled on the third joint of his pinky finger, and his expression turned grave.

"Brother Li, what is it?" Mo Jiye asked cautiously.

Li Muzhan looked up into the distance and sighed, "There's a variable."

"A variable?" Mo Jiye hurried, "Did Huang Zongqi change his route?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Huang Zongqi is gone."

"Gone?" Mo Jiye started, hesitating, "You mean dead?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, dead."

"How is that possible?!" Xie Jianfeng snorted, "He has ten hidden swordsmen protecting him; who could possibly kill him?!"

Li Muzhan looked down at his left hand, shook his head, and sighed, "Judging from the divination, he is already dead! Let's head back!"

"Putting on airs!" Xie Jianfeng sneered.

"Senior Brother Xie!" Liu Biyun frowned at him.

Xie Jianfeng boomed, "We shouldn't have trusted him from the start, which has put us in this predicament. Senior Brother Mo, Senior Brother Cui, why did you..."

Mo Jiye's face darkened. He shouted, "Junior Brother Xie!"

Cui Shaoqing shook his head, "Junior Brother Xie, calm down. The Cold Wind Cave isn't that terrifying!"

Xie Jianfeng took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He nodded, "Senior Brother Mo, I spoke out of turn."

Li Muzhan frowned, glancing at him, then at Liu Biyun. Liu Biyun pressed her palms together in a gesture of pleading, signaling him not to take Xie Jianfeng's words to heart.

Li Muzhan managed a wry smile and shook his head, pretending not to notice Xie Jianfeng. He said softly, "Brother Mo, let's hurry, or everything will be too late!"

"Good!" Mo Jiye nodded, "We'll follow Brother Li's plan. Let's go!"

Once he believed Li Muzhan, he wouldn't easily change his mind. This trait greatly impressed Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan's behavior might seem unsettling to others, so Mo Jiye's resolute belief was rare. Most people couldn't possess such decisiveness and persistence; no wonder he was the leader.

Li Muzhan floated down from the tree, and the others descended like four fallen leaves. Then, they moved south along the path, transforming into five wisps of smoke streaking away, faster than galloping horses.

After sprinting for an hour, Li Muzhan suddenly waved his hand, bringing his figure to an abrupt halt. The other four stopped with him and turned to look at him.

Liu Biyun floated to Li Muzhan's side, "Big Brother Li, what's wrong?"

Li Muzhan pointed his left hand toward the woods beside them, "In there."

This was another small path, flanked by dense woods, similar to where they had set their ambush. However, there were no high mountains here; the terrain was flat, and the forest seemed endless.

Mo Jiye commanded, "Let's go!"

Li Muzhan floated into the woods. The forest was dense, the light dim, and moss covered the tree roots. Below lay a thick, soft layer of leaves and withered branches.

They stepped forward over the soft foliage, weaving around branches that crisscrossed their path. Li Muzhan suddenly stopped again.

Mo Jiye and the other four caught up and stood beside him. Liu Biyun observed, "Someone has been here!"

Li Muzhan reached out and snapped off a pine branch, about the length of his arm and as thick as his thumb. He lightly flicked it, turning it into a blur of shadow, then crouched down and struck the ground with the branch.

"Bang!" The leaves exploded outward, scattering in all directions, revealing a circular clearing. Lying in the bare space was a body.

Liu Biyun and the other three quickly moved closer. Mo Jiye said in a deep voice, "Huang Zongqi!"

Li Muzhan walked over, looked down briefly, bent down to check the man's breathing, then straightened up and sighed to the group, "A pity we arrived too late!"

"How long has he been dead?" Xie Jianfeng squatted down and felt him. Huang Zongqi was already breathless, his face bluish, marred by a look of savage unwillingness.

Xie Jianfeng reached out to feel Huang Zongqi's clothes but finally withdrew his hand in disappointment. He pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiped his hand, tossed it aside, and wore an expression of bad luck.

Mo Jiye asked, "How long has he been dead?"

Xie Jianfeng frowned, "Probably less than an hour."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Less than an hour."

Xie Jianfeng looked Li Muzhan up and down, feeling a surprise but saying nothing more. Liu Biyun asked, "Senior Brother Xie, the manual isn't on him, is it?"

"No, nothing on his person," Xie Jianfeng confirmed.

Mo Jiye squatted beside Huang Zongqi's corpse and slowly turned it over, examining it closely. "Hmm?!" he suddenly exclaimed softly.

"Senior Brother Mo, what is it?" Cui Shaoqing asked.

Mo Jiye frowned and said, "Junior Brother Cui, come take a look!"

Cui Shaoqing leaned closer and squatted down too. Li Muzhan observed the four of them; none showed any discomfort or awkwardness, indicating they were familiar with handling corpses.

Xie Jianfeng also moved a few steps closer to peer over. Liu Biyun asked, "Senior Brother Mo, what's wrong?"

Mo Jiye frowned and sighed, "It looks like the Heart-Burning Palm... Right, Junior Brother Cui?"

Cui Shaoqing slowly nodded, "En, it should be the Heart-Burning Palm!"

Xie Jianfeng scoffed, "The Ten Thousand Saints Sect is meddling too! Nothing happens without those damned people involved!"

Mo Jiye’s voice was heavy as he spoke slowly, "The force in this palm strike is extremely soft and subtle, leaving almost no visible wounds. Whoever wielded this Heart-Burning Palm must be extraordinary."

"Who possesses such Heart-Burning Palm mastery?" Liu Biyun mused, "It couldn't be Yin Zhaojiang, could it?"

As soon as she spoke, the expressions of the other three changed, but they remained silent.

Li Muzhan had heard of Yin Zhaojiang—reputed to be the foremost young disciple of the Ten Thousand Saints Sect, possessing peerless natural talent. Among the younger generation, few could match him.

Liu Biyun quickly asked, "Senior Brother Mo, it couldn't really be him, could it?"

Mo Jiye sighed and nodded slowly, "It’s more than likely."

Liu Biyun frowned, "Why would he be here!?"

Xie Jianfeng snorted, "How could the Ten Thousand Saints Sect miss out on something like this? Hmph. They even sent Yin Zhaojiang; they clearly value our secret manual highly!"

Cui Shaoqing shot him an annoyed glance, "Nonsense!"

Mo Jiye slowly stood up, clapped his hands, and announced, "It seems Yin Zhaojiang has taken the manual!"

Cui Shaoqing and Xie Jianfeng remained silent, their faces grim, clearly losing confidence. Liu Biyun opened her mouth, looking towards Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan surveyed their surroundings and stated grimly, "This is no place to linger. We must leave quickly!"

Xie Jianfeng snorted, "Can Yin Zhaojiang possibly come back?!"

Liu Biyun shot him a sharp look. Mo Jiye waved his hand, "Brother Li is right. Let's leave immediately!"

Xie Jianfeng said testily, "Senior Brother Mo, if the man surnamed Yin got the manual, he would have left long ago. Why would he come back? Shouldn't we pursue him?"

Cui Shaoqing countered, "And go offer ourselves up for slaughter?"

"Senior Brother Cui, you're giving the enemy too much credit!" Xie Jianfeng argued.

Cui Shaoqing stated flatly, "That's the truth."

"Junior Brother Xie, Yin Zhaojiang is not someone to provoke. Let's go back and accept our punishment," Mo Jiye shook his head.

Xie Jianfeng asked, "Senior Brother Mo, have you ever fought against the man surnamed Yin?"

"Never fought him," Mo Jiye shook his head. "If we had truly crossed paths, you wouldn't even see me here!"

"Is the man surnamed Yin really that formidable?" Xie Jianfeng asked, half-believing, half-doubting.

Mo Jiye sighed, "Junior Brother Xie, I know seeing is believing and hearing is often false; reputation sometimes exceeds reality. But this Yin Zhaojiang is truly terrifying. I saw him strike once from afar."

"How was it?" Xie Jianfeng eagerly asked.

Mo Jiye shook his head, "Fighting him is suicide."

Li Muzhan urged, "Hurry up and go, go!"

Xie Jianfeng sneered, "Brother Li, you're a full-fledged man. Does one man surnamed Yin scare you this much? At worst, we die!"

Mo Jiye snorted, "Junior Brother Xie, shut up!"

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head, saying to Liu Biyun, "Biyun, just tell them."

Liu Biyun quickly said, "Senior Brother Mo, listen to Big Brother Li first, hurry up and leave!"

Mo Jiye saw the seriousness in her expression and nodded, "Alright, let's go."

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head, "It's too late!"

Liu Biyun startled, quickly asking, "Big Brother Li, has Yin Zhaojiang arrived?"

Li Muzhan nodded. Liu Biyun lowered her voice, "Senior Brother Mo, actually, Big Brother Li obtained the manual, and he already gave it to me!"

"What?!" All three were stunned, staring at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan sighed, "I originally planned to wait until we saw Huang Zongqi to say anything, to save him face, but now I must speak."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" Xie Jianfeng exploded in anger.

Li Muzhan smiled. He couldn't very well admit that he had malicious intentions, hoping they would clash with Linhai Pavilion so he could take advantage of the chaos to ensure Liu Biyun's safe escape. As for the other three, their fate would be left to chance; a war between the two sects would allow him to fish in troubled waters and remove the great mountain weighing down the Purple Robe Palace.

Mo Jiye smiled wryly, "Brother Li, so you got the manual!"

Li Muzhan said, "Brother Mo, you can return peacefully now. Go ahead."

"Junior Sister Liu..." Mo Jiye looked toward Liu Biyun.

Liu Biyun pulled the manual from her robes and handed it to Mo Jiye, "Senior Brother Mo, here is the manual. Take it."

Mo Jiye hesitated briefly, then reached out and accepted it. He flipped through it carefully for a moment, then nodded, "It is indeed the manual for the Lotus Heart Palm! Brother Li, truly..."

Li Muzhan waved his hand, "No need for extra words; time is short. Hurry and leave... Biyun, you quickly go with them!"

"Big Brother Li, has Yin Zhaojiang really come?" Liu Biyun frowned.

Li Muzhan stared west and slowly nodded, "It should be him."

Mo Jiye handed the manual back to Liu Biyun, "Junior Sister Liu, you keep it! Brother Li, we can just leave together!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Too late!"

"Heh heh..." A clear, resounding laugh suddenly rang out. Immediately, a white figure flashed, and a young man in white stood beneath a pine tree ten yards away, his handsome face set in an expression of relaxed ease. "You all really came!"

"Yin Zhaojiang!" Mo Jiye said slowly, his body tensing.

Yin Zhaojiang stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his tall, slender figure in a flowing white robe exuding striking grace. He smiled, "You must be Mo Jiye? You’ve met me before?"

Mo Jiye stated grimly, "Once."

"Very good," Yin Zhaojiang smiled faintly. "Mo Jiye, Cui Shaoqing, Xie Jianfeng, and Miss Liu Biyun. The Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain are all here!"

"Yin Zhaojiang, what are you trying to do?" Mo Jiye asked deeply.

Yin Zhaojiang's handsome gaze landed on Li Muzhan, and he smiled, "May I ask who this esteemed guest is...?"

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and replied faintly, "Qingmei Li Guanhai."

"Qingmei Li Guanhai..." Yin Zhaojiang tilted his head in contemplation, then shook it, "I must be ignorant. Qingmei Li Guanhai, very well. Are you friends with them?"

Liu Biyun frowned, "Yin Zhaojiang, what are your intentions?"

"Heh heh..." Yin Zhaojiang laughed and shook his head, "I waited here patiently, hoping to see who the Dragon Mountain Sect would send."

"We're here. What do you want?!" Xie Jianfeng sneered.

Yin Zhaojiang chuckled, "I have long admired the great name of the Dragon Mountain Sect but never had the chance to witness your martial arts. Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet you. The Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain—your reputations are thunderous!"

"You want to fight us?!" Xie Jianfeng sneered, "Fine! I'll be the one to experience your profound skills!"

"Please—!" Yin Zhaojiang extended an open hand with a slight smile.

Li Muzhan tugged on Liu Biyun's sleeve and whispered, "Biyun, don't fight him."

Liu Biyun asked, "Big Brother Li, is he very powerful?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Possibly even a cut above me!"

Liu Biyun's face changed, and she quickly called out, "Senior Brother Xie, no!"

Xie Jianfeng turned to look at her. Liu Biyun addressed Yin Zhaojiang, "Young Master Yin's martial arts are supreme; we are no match. We concede defeat!"

"Junior Sister Liu!" Xie Jianfeng roared in anger.

Liu Biyun ignored him, focusing on Yin Zhaojiang. "Young Master Yin, either we mind our own business and go our separate ways, or the four of us will challenge you!"

Xie Jianfeng raged, "Junior Sister Liu, let me probe his strength first!"

Liu Biyun reasoned, "Senior Brother Xie, he killed Huang Zongqi and took the manual. Why is he still waiting here?... Naturally, it's to kill us!"

"That's right!" Mo Jiye stated grimly.

They naturally couldn't admit the manual was in their possession; otherwise, they'd never make it back to the mountain. They were now throwing the accusation back, but they understood that Yin Zhaojiang was waiting here specifically to kill them.

Yin Zhaojiang must have known the manual wasn't on Huang Zongqi, and the person who obtained it wouldn't return to Huang Zongqi. The fact that Yin Zhaojiang didn't pursue that person but waited here made his intentions obvious.

Yin Zhaojiang clapped his hands in admiration, "Excellent, excellent! As expected of the ice-smart Miss Liu. You saw through my intentions at a glance. I am impressed, truly impressed!"

Liu Biyun fixed her bright eyes on him. "Young Master Yin, why do you want to kill us?"

"Heh heh, that’s an interesting question!" Yin Zhaojiang shook his head and laughed. "You represent righteousness, and I represent evil. Since ancient times, good and evil cannot coexist. The Dragon Mountain Sect has grown increasingly overbearing these past few years. It would be quite satisfying to deflate some of their arrogance while I have the chance, wouldn't it?"

Liu Biyun stared at him, pressing her red lips together without speaking.

Yin Zhaojiang chuckled, "If I can wipe out the Four Heroes of the Dragon Mountain in one go, it will certainly quell some of the Dragon Mountain Sect's domineering spirit. Wouldn't that be satisfying!"

Mo Jiye said heavily, "No matter where Young Master Yin hides, our Dragon Mountain Sect will surely hunt you down to avenge us!"

Yin Zhaojiang shook his head and laughed dismissively, "Young Master Mo, that is a great fallacy! You also know that our Sect Master possesses a Demonic Artifact. If I stay with the Sect Master, what can your Dragon Mountain Sect do to me?!"

"Don't tell me you plan to follow him forever?!" Mo Jiye scoffed.

Yin Zhaojiang laughed, "Once I become the Sect Master, with the Demonic Artifact's suppression, I won't fear your Dragon Mountain Sect in the slightest!"

"How shameless of you!" Mo Jiye shook his head. "You have such high martial skill, yet you resort to such unscrupulous behavior!"

Yin Zhaojiang smiled and nodded, "Heh heh, your Dragon Mountain Sect speaks of honor and propriety, but the schemes brewing in your bellies surpass ours. When dealing with people like you, one must be unscrupulous!"

"Man surnamed Yin, stop the nonsense! If you want to fight, then fight!" Xie Jianfeng sneered. "Do you think we’re afraid of you! Senior Brother Mo, let's fight him!"

Mo Jiye took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Young Master Yin, this battle is unavoidable?"

Yin Zhaojiang kept one hand behind his back and smiled faintly, "It all depends on your capabilities. The Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain Sect, hehe, I'd like to see just how much substance you possess!"

"Very well. Then we shall experience your profound techniques!" Mo Jiye nodded slowly.

Liu Biyun glanced worriedly at Li Muchan and whispered, "Brother Li, I cannot stand aside. You have nothing to do with our Dragon Mountain Sect; he won't trouble you. Brother, you should leave first."

Li Muchan laughed and waved his hand, "Go ahead. I'll watch over things from the side."

"Brother..." Liu Biyun frowned, "While we keep him occupied, you must leave first!"

Li Muchan waved dismissively, "Enough, Biyun, there's no need to say more."

Xie Jianfeng barked, "Junior Sister Liu, what time is it? You still have the mind for sweet nothings!"

Liu Biyun shot him an irritated glare, moved to his side, and the four formed a square. Mo Jiye spoke in a grave tone, "Young Master Yin, please—!"

Yin Zhaojiang glanced at Li Muchan and chuckled, "Is Young Master Li not one of them?"

Li Muchan smiled. Mo Jiye interjected, "He is Junior Sister Liu's friend, not one of us from the Dragon Mountain Sect. Don't make things difficult for him!"

Yin Zhaojiang smiled faintly, "Very well. Today, I shall only slay the four of you. I will spare him!"

Before his words had fully faded, a white shadow flashed, and he was already behind Liu Biyun, his left palm flicking downward with terrifying speed.

Liu Biyun was prepared and swayed back. Mo Jiye, positioned behind her, swayed forward, passing her to meet Yin Zhaojiang head-on. Cui Shaoqing and Xie Jianfeng moved simultaneously, reforming the square formation to surround Yin Zhaojiang. Liu Biyun, even as she retreated, struck out with her palm. Four palms met one, forcing him onto the defensive.

Li Muchan toyed with a few small pebbles between his fingers, nodding inwardly. Their coordination was flawless; even without a formal formation, it was a masterful combined attack technique that fully showcased the martial arts of the four individuals.

Yin Zhaojiang met eight hands with his two, yet he showed no sign of being overwhelmed. Li Muchan frowned, sensing that Yin Zhaojiang was operating with ease, almost toying with the four of them.

It seemed he intended to probe their limits and understand the depth of their martial arts. Otherwise, a direct killing move would have finished them within a few exchanges.

The gap between them was not just in their palm techniques, but in their cultivation realm. Yin Zhaojiang possessed profound cultivation, his internal energy far surpassing theirs. They managed one move for every two of his palm strikes—the disparity was like that between an adult and a child; where was the possibility of victory!?

Mo Jiye and the other three also sensed the chasm between them, despair creeping into their hearts.

Mo Jiye said gravely, "Junior Brother Cui, Junior Brother Xie, Junior Sister Liu, let's use our final move!"

"...Yes," the other three responded grimly.

Li Muchan's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he did not rush to intervene, wanting to see the Dragon Mountain Sect disciples' final technique. He surmised it must be some secret art for stimulating latent potential.

He noted that secret arts for unlocking latent potential were exceedingly rare in this world, but for a prestigious sect like the Dragon Mountain Sect, with its deep and unimaginable heritage, possessing such a technique was not surprising.

Without a sound, the four figures visibly thickened by a circumference. Liu Biyun also activated her secret art; her delicate face flushed a deep crimson, as if intoxicated, radiating an indescribable, captivating charm.

The faces of Mo Jiye and the other two men became fierce, the veins on their temples bulging like earthworms, threatening to break through the skin, their eyes bloodshot.

With this transformation, their speed increased, enabling them to keep pace with Yin Zhaojiang. Yin Zhaojiang appeared slightly flustered but maintained his placid smile, focusing solely on defense.

Li Muchan shook his head and sighed. They were still too far beneath Yin Zhaojiang; even activating the secret art, they were a step short.

He thought of the Myriad Saint Sect. It was rumored that their martial arts were completely antithetical to the orthodox path, favoring unorthodox and esoteric approaches over direct confrontation.

The Myriad Saint Sect's martial arts were easy to start, offering rapid initial progress, but the further one ascended, the more perilous the path became, often leading to the danger of qi deviation and madness.

The existence of 'Demon Artifacts' was precisely to suppress the mind and prevent qi deviation, making them pivotal for the cultivation of the Myriad Saint Sect's arts. If their fast progress could be maintained without the risk of madness, they could advance even quicker, far surpassing the renowned orthodox sects. This explained why the Myriad Saint Sect was formidable enough to stand against the great orthodox schools as a single entity.

Looking at Yin Zhaojiang's terrifying power, Li Muchan surmised he had achieved this level through the aid of a Demon Artifact.

His own cultivation was the result of various fortuitous encounters and serendipitous alignments; the phrase "merit gifted by heaven" was not mere vanity—it was the reality of his situation.

For Yin Zhaojiang to possess such high cultivation at his age demonstrated the true terror of the Myriad Saint Sect.

"Hehe, amusing, amusing. Is this the martial art of the Dragon Mountain Sect? Nothing more than this!" Yin Zhaojiang laughed, shaking his head and sighing, "This Yin is truly disappointed!"

The four disciples of the Dragon Mountain Sect, faces flushed, attacked frantically, venting the surge of internal energy. If they failed to release it, they would burst; they couldn't afford to speak.

Yin Zhaojiang laughed aloud, "Miss Liu, allow me to see you off first!"

He flashed through the flurry of palm shadows, appearing behind Liu Biyun, his left palm lightly pressing toward her heart. The movement seemed leisurely and slow, yet Liu Biyun could not react in time.

With a sharp whistle—Chi— a streak of light shot toward Yin Zhaojiang.

Yin Zhaojiang uttered an "Eh," slapping out with his right palm while maintaining the left strike toward Liu Biyun’s back. With a dull thud, Yin Zhaojiang slid back a full zhang, his left palm naturally missing its mark.

With another sharp whistle—Chi!—a streak of light shot from Li Muchan's sleeve. Yin Zhaojiang struck out again, and with another heavy thud, he retreated another zhang.

Chi! Chi! Chi! Three more streaks of light shot from Li Muchan's sleeve, which Yin Zhaojiang met head-on. He was driven back another three zhang.

Only then did they clearly see that the objects Li Muchan projected were small pebbles, which Yin Zhaojiang shattered with his blows.

Li Muchan stepped beside Liu Biyun, placing his palm lightly on her back, and asked with a slight smile, "Are you alright?"

Liu Biyun's face was flushed, making her look radiantly beautiful. She shook her head, "Brother Li, I've troubled you again!"

Li Muchan smiled, "Stop talking nonsense. Could I really stand by and watch?"

He looked up at Yin Zhaojiang, "Young Master Yin, let us conclude this here!"

Yin Zhaojiang drew a silk handkerchief from his sleeve, slowly wiped his hands, then tucked it away, smiling faintly, "I never would have expected this, truly never expected it!"

The three disciples of Mo Jiye stared at Li Muchan in astonishment. They knew Li Muchan's martial arts were superior, but they had only assumed he was slightly above them, given his young age and lack of imposing aura.

There was no way they could have imagined Li Muchan had reached a plane of mastery comparable to Yin Zhaojiang.

Li Muchan smiled gently, "Young Master Yin, how did you achieve this level of martial prowess?"

Yin Zhaojiang smiled slyly, "The martial arts of our Myriad Saint Sect are supreme, naturally far superior to ordinary practitioners... Brother Li, if you are so formidable, are we perhaps related?"

Li Muchan shook his head and chuckled, "I achieved this cultivation through sheer fortuitous encounters. I have long heard the martial arts of the Myriad Saint Sect are the finest under heaven. Today, I have indeed witnessed it; it is truly extraordinary!"

"Brother Li, let us exchange a few moves." Yin Zhaojiang smiled, his figure flashing to Li Muchan's front, his right palm falling gently.

Li Muchan pushed out a palm with a smile. Bang! A fierce gale erupted, causing Liu Biyun's robes to whip violently. The others felt as if they were standing in the eye of a storm. When they squinted to look closely, Li Muchan remained rooted to the spot, while Yin Zhaojiang was pushed back a full zhang.

Li Muchan smiled, "Young Master Yin, perhaps we should cease here."

Yin Zhaojiang frowned momentarily, then smoothed his expression, laughing, "Meeting a master as skilled as Brother Li is a first for me. Refreshing! Truly refreshing! One more palm strike!"

As he spoke, he flashed before Li Muchan again, delivering another strike. This time, his palm held a faint crimson glow, as if a smear of fresh blood had been applied to the center.

"Brother Li, be careful, it’s the Heart-Burning Palm!" Liu Biyun cried out urgently.

Li Muchan nodded while simultaneously pushing out a palm strike, utterly mundane in appearance. Bang! Li Muchan stepped back a single pace, but Yin Zhaojiang remained firmly planted.

Li Muchan smiled, "A fine Heart-Burning Palm, truly formidable!"

Yin Zhaojiang stared at him intently. The heartstrings of Mo Jiye and the other three tightened as they watched him.

Moments later, a flush of red spread across Yin Zhaojiang's face, much like when the disciples activated their secret art, as if he were rouged, before his complexion instantly turned pale.

Li Muchan smiled, "Young Master Yin, shall we continue?!"

Yin Zhaojiang remained silent. Liu Biyun and the others realized he was injured, likely suppressing the churning of his blood, daring not to speak. Even so, he was not someone they could defeat, and given the unpredictable nature of the situation, they dared not make another move.

After a while, Yin Zhaojiang let out a long breath, his face growing even paler. Staring at Li Muchan, he slowly nodded, "Green Plum Li Guanhai, I yield!"

Li Muchan cupped his fist and smiled, "Until we meet again!"

"I will find you," Yin Zhaojiang said with a smile, glancing over the four, "I shall grant you face today, and temporarily leave their heads on their necks!"

Li Muchan replied, "No need to see you out!"

Yin Zhaojiang gave a loud laugh, "It is a fortunate event to meet Brother Li today. Farewell!"

A white shadow flashed, and he vanished into the woods. Li Muchan let out a long breath and immediately sat cross-legged on the ground. Liu Biyun quickly moved to stand behind him.

Mo Jiye and the other two also looked pale, slowly sitting down, completely drained of strength.

"Junior Sister Liu, are you alright?" Mo Jiye asked.

Liu Biyun shook her head, "I am fine, Senior Brother Mo. You all meditate and regulate your breath; I will stand guard!"

"How could this be..." Mo Jiye looked doubtfully at Liu Biyun, but asked no further, nodding instead, "Then we shall trouble Junior Sister Liu."

Liu Biyun smiled faintly. Xie Jianfeng asked, "Junior Sister Liu, how do you still possess strength?"

Liu Biyun replied, "Brother Li helped me just now."

"Oh, no wonder," Xie Jianfeng nodded, glancing at Li Muchan, who was meditating with his eyes closed, and shook his head, "Truly..."

Cui Shaoqing remarked, "A true master does not reveal his abilities; we cannot blame you!"

Xie Jianfeng sighed and closed his eyes. Cui Shaoqing looked at Li Muchan, shook his head, and closed his eyes too. Mo Jiye instructed, "Junior Sister Liu, if anyone approaches, wake us up first. Don't disturb Brother Li!"

Liu Biyun replied, "I understand."

Mo Jiye smiled, "Junior Sister, we owe you today. If not for you, our lives would surely be forfeit."

Liu Biyun smiled sweetly, "As long as Senior Brother Mo doesn't blame me."

Mo Jiye waved his hand and laughed, "What are you saying! Without you, there would be no Brother Li, and we would not have escaped Yin Zhaojiang's deadly grasp."

Liu Biyun said softly, "I concealed the manual before; otherwise, none of you would have chased Huang Zongqi, and we wouldn't have encountered Yin Zhaojiang!"

Mo Jiye shook his head, "If Yin Zhaojiang wanted to kill us, he would have found us eventually... Alright, Junior Sister Liu, stop blaming yourself. It has ended well, and that is better than anything!"

"Senior Brother Mo, you sound quite energetic!" Xie Jianfeng opened his eyes and said with a hint of pique.

Mo Jiye laughed and shook his head, "Fine, I won't talk anymore. I'll regulate my breathing for a bit."

As soon as he opened his eyes, the sound of hurried footsteps approached rapidly. In an instant, they were close by. Liu Biyun swiftly stepped forward to shield Li Muchan. Mo Jiye and the others opened their eyes to see over twenty youths arriving, all carrying long swords at their waists—clearly people from the Linhai Pavilion.

Mo Jiye looked at the corpse of Huang Zongqi not far away, and his expression turned grim. (To be continued)