Having secured the Sword Manual of Linhai Pavilion, he gained insight through analogy, acquiring a foundational understanding of its swordplay lineage. He grasped the very essence of swordsmanship; with any move presented, he could instantly discern its weakness.

The swordsmanship of these two elders was exquisitely refined, coupled with profound cultivation. Their swords struck like lightning and thunder, their cultivation level nearly matching Li Muzhan’s, their sword speed no less inferior to his.

Li Muzhan’s ability to handle the situation with ease was entirely down to his eyesight. Were it not for the need to observe the Linhai Pavilion’s sword techniques, he would have defeated the two elders long ago.

Xie Jianfeng and the others watched with wide eyes. Mo Jiye shook his head with a wry smile, Cui Shaoqing sighed, while Xie Jianfeng’s eyes shone brightly. Liu Biyun, however, looked somewhat worried.

She knew Li Muzhan’s cultivation was deep, but these two elders were ancient monsters who had cultivated for centuries, seniors who rarely descended the mountain from their sect. Against such masters, no one could guarantee victory.

In the blink of an eye, a hundred moves had passed. The elders’ swords were lightning-fast. Liu Biyun felt the time stretch, yet for Mo Jiye and the others, it felt like an instant.

Li Muzhan subtly mapped out their sword techniques and said in a deep voice, "Two seniors, pardon my offense!"

As his voice fell, his sword style abruptly turned unsophisticated. All previous flamboyance vanished, as if he no longer knew how to wield a sword. A thrust here, a sweep there—it looked like a child flailing randomly with a blade.

The boundless sword light of the two elders instantly dimmed. Their attacks lost all subtlety, like a magnificent musical movement suddenly interrupted by discordant noise.

Mo Jiye and the four stared, their insight sharp. They immediately recognized the marvelous depth of Li Muzhan’s swordsmanship. Each seemingly clumsy strike forced the elders to shift their technique, an experience like having one's deep breath abruptly cut short—unbearably awkward. Watching them felt uncomfortable, let alone the two elders themselves.

After only a dozen moves, the two elders’ complexions changed, flushed red as if drunk. Their internal energy circulated with their sword forms, and being forced to change moves halfway through ten times or more caused their internal energy to become somewhat uncontrollable. Blood energy began to surge, threatening to boil over.

They were deeply uncomfortable but unable to articulate it. The angrier they became, the more frantic their swordsmanship grew, yet Li Muzhan’s every strike targeted vital points, forcing them to change their moves, lest they take a direct hit.

Such sharp sword strikes, once landed, meant certain defeat or death. They had no choice but to drastically alter their techniques, essentially wounding themselves.

Li Muzhan spoke gravely, "Seniors, be careful!"

As his words ended, his sword style shifted again, transforming from ancient simplicity to blinding speed—like the flash of lightning and flint—thrusting out a dozen strikes in an instant.

The two elders grunted, clutching their wrists as they retreated, glaring at Li Muzhan with furrowed brows.

Li Muzhan retrieved his sword, cupped his hands, and smiled faintly, "I concede!"

The eyes of the four widened further, their eyeballs nearly popping out. They knew Li Muzhan's cultivation was profound and his palm techniques masterful, but they never imagined his swordsmanship was this terrifying.

The two elders looked down at their wrists, then at their dropped swords, their eyes locked on Li Muzhan: "Who is your master?!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, laughing lightly, "My late master was obscure. Seniors, I must take my leave!"

With that, he smiled at Liu Biyun and the others and turned to go... Only once he was far away did Mo Jiye and the others let out long sighs of relief. Xie Jianfeng hurried to say, "Brother Li, your swordplay is incredible. Truly didn't see that coming!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "The swordplay of Linhai Pavilion is decent, but sadly, they lack the essence."

When he had said similar things before, they would have scoffed, dismissing it as arrogance. Hearing it now, they dared not disagree.

"Brother Li, what sword style do you practice?" Mo Jiye asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Passed down from my master; he never gave it a name. I just call it the Nameless Sword Art."

"A truly formidable sword art," Mo Jiye exclaimed in admiration.

Cui Shaoqing interjected, "What's formidable is his eyesight."

Mo Jiye nodded. "Indeed, Brother Li's eyesight is even more formidable. His sword style seems utterly plain, yet every strike is perfected to the utmost degree. I am deeply impressed!"

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "Eyesight is trained. Once you've seen enough, you naturally develop the feeling of seeing through everything. You must trust your senses and act upon them."

Mo Jiye shook his head and laughed, "Act on feeling?... I wouldn't dare rely on feeling. If I misjudge, it means instant death."

The other three agreed; they trusted their eyes far more than their intuition.

Li Muzhan smiled. "That’s the crucial point. To learn to trust my own intuition, I endured significant hardship. This is something you must achieve alone; even a master cannot help you there."

"How did you practice back then?" Xie Jianfeng asked.

"Junior Brother Xie!" Mo Jiye snorted.

Xie Jianfeng chuckled. "I was just asking. If it’s a secret, don't tell me!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It’s hardly a secret, and there was no trick to it. When fighting others, you must trust your instinct implicitly, and even if the instinct proves wrong, you cannot shrink back or doubt—you must maintain absolute conviction."

"Like that..." Xie Jianfeng scratched his head, thought for a moment, and shook it. "I can’t do that."

Mo Jiye added, "I used to trust my intuition, but one time it nearly cost me my life, and since then, I haven't dared to trust it again!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "Then there's nothing to be done. The more you trust intuition, the more accurate it becomes. If you don't trust it, nothing else matters."

Mo Jiye sighed. "So, does this mean I can never master this level of swordsmanship?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Intuition moves faster than our hands and eyes. Once sword practice reaches a certain level, there is little progress to be made through mere technique. This is when intuition must demonstrate its power. Brother Mo, if you truly wish to become a top master, you must rely on intuition; there is no alternative."

"Alas... well, I'll go back and practice diligently," Mo Jiye nodded helplessly.

Xie Jianfeng declared, "I refuse to believe that without intuition, one can't master the sword!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Brother Xie doesn't believe it now, but there will come a time when you do. I was the same way. Thankfully, I heeded my master's words and worked hard on my intuition; that’s how I achieved this level of swordsmanship."

"Alright, Junior Brother Xie, stop being stubborn!" Cui Shaoqing snorted... Li Muzhan surveyed his surroundings and said with a smile, "Four of you, I truly must take my leave now!"

Liu Biyun called out, "Brother Li..."

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "By rights, I should escort you back, but I genuinely have matters to attend to this time."

Mo Jiye said, "Very well. Since Brother Li is pressed for time, we shouldn't delay you. Junior Sister Liu, after this matter is settled, you can descend the mountain to meet Brother Li!"

Liu Biyun nodded with resignation.

Li Muzhan smiled at Xie Jianfeng. "Brother Xie, you must treat your injury well, lest it become a chronic problem and impede your future progress."

Xie Jianfeng nodded. "Brother Li, I can't thank you enough for this great favor. I am straightforward by nature and can't hide my words. If I caused any offense, please be magnanimous and don't hold it against me."

Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand. "I am not that petty. Please, Biyun knows how to find me. We shall meet again. Farewell!"

With that, he flashed several dozen feet away, then vanished into the woods with another flicker.

Watching Li Muzhan disappear, the four were silent. Liu Biyun kept her gaze fixed on the woods. Mo Jiye sighed. Xie Jianfeng muttered, "Senior Brother Mo, I feel truly ashamed!"

Mo Jiye shook his head. "Go back and practice hard. Stop slacking off. Don't think the Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain Sect are anything special. You've finally seen what true skill looks like, haven't you?"

Xie Jianfeng retorted, "He and Yin Zhaojiang are both monsters!"

"Junior Sister Liu has sharp eyes," Cui Shaoqing chuckled. "Figures like this are rarely seen!"

Liu Biyun seemed not to hear him, staring intently into the distance, her gaze so piercing it made the other three uneasy.

Mo Jiye said, "Junior Sister Liu, he’s already gone."

Cui Shaoqing joked, "Do you think he'll suddenly come back?"

"There’s little hope," Mo Jiye shook his head. "I find Brother Li to be decisive; once he makes a decision to leave, he never turns back."

Xie Jianfeng laughed. "You two senior brothers are heartless! Didn't you see Junior Sister Liu is about to cry?"

Liu Biyun turned around and snapped, "Who’s about to cry! ...Three senior brothers, let's go quickly. We should return to the mountain before things get complicated!"

"Right, right, that’s the sensible thing!" Mo Jiye’s expression changed, and he urged them on. "We were lucky to run into Brother Li this time. Let’s hurry, before any more trouble arises."

"Linhai Pavilion won't send anyone else, will they?" Xie Jianfeng hesitated.

Mo Jiye reminded him, "Don't forget about the Ten Thousand Saints Sect!"

Xie Jianfeng sneered, "Hmph, the Ten Thousand Saints Sect has a lot of nerve. I will definitely settle the score with Yin Zhaojiang later!"

Mo Jiye shook his head. "That boast of yours is too much. It would be good enough if he didn't come looking for you. You’d be courting death!"

Xie Jianfeng argued, "Senior Brother Mo underestimates me. After a period of hard practice, I can definitely catch up to him!"

Mo Jiye shook his head and sighed helplessly. "You could practice for a hundred years and still not reach him."

Cui Shaoqing also sighed along with him. "Yes, we shouldn't even hope for it in this lifetime!"

Xie Jianfeng pouted. "You two senior brothers are too quick to dampen our spirits. What about Yin Zhaojiang? Their Demonic Cult methods allow for fast progress, but they are prone to qi deviation later on. The stronger their martial arts, the faster they die. I say he won't live long enough for us to deal with him!"

"Let's hope so," Mo Jiye replied with a bitter smile... Li Muzhan did not secretly escort them this time. He sensed they would return safely without incident, and then he returned to the valley.

The Purple Silk Palace was now situated in this small valley, deep within the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery where not a single human trace could be seen. People generally would not venture here.

Any comings and goings were obscured by the dense forest, making the location nearly impossible to discover. Furthermore, it rained frequently here; a heavy downpour would wash away any trace, leaving even skilled trackers unable to find the valley.

When Li Muzhan returned to the valley, Qin Yeqiu was in the central clearing watching the disciples practice their sword forms. Half the disciples were out gaining experience, while the remaining half were diligently practicing in the valley. Everyone possessed a burning desire to master martial arts and finally gain respect in the face of the Dragon Mountain Sect.

Li Muzhan sighed inwardly. That wish was beautiful, but achieving it was monumental, likely beyond the scope of a single generation.

Everything he did served this single purpose. Obtaining a Demonic Artifact was currently impossible; his goal was to elevate the Purple Silk Palace to a top-tier force capable of confronting the Dragon Mountain Sect.

"Junior Brother!" As he walked deeper in thought, Qin Yeqiu’s cool voice startled him.

Li Muzhan looked up and smiled. "Senior Sister, I’ve returned!"

"Mm," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly, waving a hand. "Keep practicing!"

Li Muzhan walked behind her towards the north. She was still clad in a purple robe, her face like jade, her cool demeanor reminiscent of an immortal detached from the mortal world.

The two arrived at the central structure—a large but rustic building constructed of wood that still held the scent of fresh lumber. Li Muzhan sighed inwardly; the place was far too simple.

Qin Yeqiu sat on a chair and, seeing him survey the surroundings, seemed to understand his thoughts. She said mildly, "Simplicity is better; it can spur everyone's fighting spirit."

It was Li Muzhan's first time in this specific area; previously, they had cultivated together on the mountain peak, providing mutual protection. Seeing the current state, a slight pang of melancholy struck him. He sighed, "Does the disciples' fighting spirit really need the Senior Sister to ignite it?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "Passion doesn't last forever. It might be fine now, but who knows about the future."

Li Muzhan nodded. "I only fear that once this fervor dissipates, and everyone accepts their fate, the will to resist will vanish, and our Purple Silk Palace will truly sink into obscurity."

"Mm, it's good that you understand," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister, my recent gains were substantial. I obtained the Sword Manual of Linhai Pavilion, as well as the Lotus Heart Palm from the Dragon Mountain Sect."

"Not bad." Qin Yeqiu showed a look of approval.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Doesn't the Senior Sister wish to see these two manuals?"

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "These are things you acquired; you don't need to bring them to us."

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Although these manuals are good, they are unfortunately unsuitable for the masses to cultivate. The disciples of Dragon Mountain Sect also cannot master the Lotus Heart Palm, and the Linhai Pavilion sword techniques may not even surpass the style I devised... For now, everyone should continue practicing my sword art."

"Mm, your sword style is simple yet refined, perfectly suited for everyone to practice," Qin Yeqiu nodded gently. "You weren't injured, were you?"

"I'm fine," Li Muzhan said with a slight smile. "Senior Sister, I think I need to enter seclusion again for a while."

"Seclusion again?" Qin Yeqiu frowned.

Li Muzhan explained, "I met some masters this time and have new ideas. I need to perfect my sword style further."

"Mm, that's fine too," Qin Yeqiu slowly nodded. "I will guard you."

Li Muzhan laughed. "I'll be right here in the valley; there’s no need for guarding."

"Alright," Qin Yeqiu nodded lightly. "You didn't provoke anyone from the Dragon Mountain Sect or Linhai Pavilion, did you?"

Li Muzhan recounted the entire sequence of events. Qin Yeqiu frowned. "Yin Zhaojiang..."

Li Muzhan nodded. Qin Yeqiu sighed. "Yin Zhaojiang is immensely famous, a true oddity within the Ten Thousand Saints Sect. It's a rare opportunity that you were able to clash with him."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Yin Zhaojiang certainly has genuine skill."

"Mm, his innate talent is rarely matched in this world. Furthermore, it aligns perfectly with the Demonic Cult's inner workings. Coupled with being the next Sect Master and suppressing a Demonic Artifact, that accounts for his cultivation level," Qin Yeqiu confirmed.

Li Muzhan inquired, "How many other disciples like him does the Ten Thousand Saints Sect have?"

"Only this one," Qin Yeqiu stated. "First, because of his talent, and second, a Demonic Artifact is not something just anyone can approach."

Li Muzhan frowned thoughtfully. "If there is one, there could be two. We must remain cautious! ...This recent incident was orchestrated by the Ten Thousand Saints Sect!"

"The Ten Thousand Saints Sect?" Qin Yeqiu’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Li Muzhan explained, "That traitor went to Linhai Pavilion with the intention of provoking a massive war between the Dragon Mountain Sect and Linhai Pavilion, allowing the Ten Thousand Saints Sect to profit from the chaos."

Qin Yeqiu shook her head. "That might not work. The two factions won't start fighting that easily."

Li Muzhan nodded. "I was too simplistic in my thinking initially. They are indeed difficult to instigate, but the accumulation of hatred is terrifying; it will erupt someday!"

Qin Yeqiu countered, "As long as the Dragon Mountain Sect Leader and the Linhai Pavilion Master possess even a shred of clarity, they won't allow their disciples to fight."

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Even if the leaders don't want war, the disciples might reach their breaking point and lose control, forcing a battle in the end."

"That would be mutually assured destruction, and the other sects would seize the opportunity," Qin Yeqiu noted.

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "Then our Purple Silk Palace could rise to prominence..." Although Li Muzhan didn't reside in the valley full-time, he still had his own courtyard there. The small courtyard was simple, not comparable to his original residence, but it was clean and aesthetically pleasing.

Upon returning to his small courtyard, he immediately entered seclusion, starting to study the Tortoise and Crane Marvelous Scripture, focusing particularly on cultivating its core mental technique, the Turtle Breath Method, putting immense effort into its practice.

The essence of the Turtle Breath Method was stillness—remaining motionless like a tortoise, unmoving as a stone, and thoroughly conserving one's vital energy. At its highest levels, one could truly transform into a piece of rock.

The Turtle Breath Method of the Tortoise and Crane Marvelous Scripture was profoundly mysterious. He had practiced similar Turtle Breath Methods in other worlds, but compared to this one, they were crude; its subtlety and mystery were beyond measure.

The original Turtle Breath Method could conceal one's aura, but its effectiveness was limited; it could fool those with lower cultivation but not those with higher levels.

However, the Turtle Breath Method in this scripture was different. Once mastered, not only could those with lower cultivation not detect it, but even those with higher levels could not. One would truly become indistinguishable from a stone.

When combined with Li Muzhan's Wither-Flourish Skill, which already concealed his spirit, essence, and vigor, adding the Turtle Breath Method meant layer upon layer of concealment, multiplying its effect.

After mastering the Turtle Breath Method, Li Muzhan tested it once by entering Qin Yeqiu's room. She remained completely oblivious to his presence. He then silently departed, ensuring she never knew he had been there.

Qin Yeqiu's cultivation might not be the strongest—certainly not superior to his own—but her innate intuition far surpassed that of ordinary people. This wasn't a martial skill but a product of natural talent; it was no accident she became the Palace Mistress.

Li Muzhan concluded that if he could deceive Qin Yeqiu, he could certainly deceive anyone else.

One evening, Li Muzhan opened his door to seek out Qin Yeqiu. She was currently instructing the disciples in sword practice. Her comprehension of this sword style was deep, but the disciples required meticulous guidance. Li Muzhan’s Nine Swords looked simple, but grasping the exact timing and flow during execution was difficult.

When Li Muzhan appeared, Qin Yeqiu beckoned, and the two entered the main hall. Li Muzhan said with a smile, "Senior Sister, shall we dine together tonight?"

"Your seclusion is complete?" Qin Yeqiu studied him, her clear eyes like placid water.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Yes, I've achieved minor success."

"What is it now?" Qin Yeqiu asked.

Li Muzhan grinned. "Senior Sister, in a few days, I plan to go out for a trip."

Qin Yeqiu watched him silently. Li Muzhan continued, "I intend to visit the Dragon Mountain Sect."

Qin Yeqiu frowned deeply. "The Dragon Mountain Sect? Don't do anything foolish!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Senior Sister has misunderstood. I merely intend to pay a courtesy visit, not cause chaos within the Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Qin Yeqiu said slowly, "It’s good that you aren't letting impulse guide you. The Dragon Mountain Sect's foundations are extremely deep; they are far beyond what we can currently contend with."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I understand."

Qin Yeqiu stared intently into his eyes, then nodded after a long pause. "Go then... At the moment of dawn, the darkest part of the night, Li Muzhan sat in his small courtyard, suddenly vanishing with a flicker. In the next instant, he materialized inside a completely dark room, permeated by a rich, scholarly fragrance.

Li Muzhan suppressed his aura, simultaneously employing the Wither-Flourish Skill and the Turtle Breath Method. He moved like a shadow, lightly adhering to the shadows cast by the bookshelves.

Li Muzhan remained motionless, activating his Void Eye. This place was a three-story pavilion situated in the center of a large lake.

The entire three stories were guarded by fourteen protectors; two stood at the entrance, and four on each floor. Each of these fourteen guards possessed an aura as deep and vast as the sea.

Li Muzhan assessed the fourteen guards with his Void Eye: every one of them appeared as frail as a candle flickering in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment, yet the aura emanating from them was terrifyingly potent.

This formidable aura was imperceptible to ordinary people. Only by combining his Void Eye's observation with his keen intuition could Li Muzhan clearly sense their terrifying nature.

Li Muzhan estimated these old fellows might be over three hundred years old. Three centuries of cultivation suggested a terrifying level of mastery. Especially in a deeply established sect like the Dragon Mountain Sect, there were often disciples who specialized purely in martial arts, detached from worldly affairs, achieving astonishing levels of accomplishment while remaining utterly obscure.

These types of disciples often appeared unremarkable but could stabilize crises at critical junctures—this was the true foundation of a major sect. Firstly, they could inspire such selfless dedication in their disciples, and secondly, they had the resources to provide for them, ensuring their material needs were met so they could focus entirely on cultivation.

Cultivating a single disciple required immense expenditure, much like students in later ages. Most sects could not afford to train too many disciples; every student was precious and could not be a wasted resource. Major sects were different; they could afford to place many 'idle pieces' on the board, which would shine brilliantly when the crucial moment arrived.

Li Muzhan sensed the cultivation levels of the fourteen elders, took a deep breath, and became even more cautious. The Wither-Flourish Skill and the Turtle Breath Method operated ceaselessly, rendering his entire being devoid of life energy, rendering him indistinguishable from stone.

After observing the guards, he turned his attention to the manuals. The first floor contained living quarters, training spaces for the guards, and several rooms.

The second floor began the collection of manuals. Bookcases were neatly arranged, densely packed with scrolls, an overwhelming sight that inspired deep reverence. Such an immense collection was unattainable for ordinary people.

Li Muzhan quietly marveled. Although the Purple Silk Palace's collection was extensive, it was far inferior to this. Rows upon rows of bookcases stood together, creating an immense visual impact.

Li Muzhan estimated there might be a hundred bookcases on this floor, ten rows deep, totaling one hundred shelves—truly a staggering hoard.

He presumed the collection here couldn't all be martial arts manuals; there were likely other miscellaneous texts. Suppressing his curiosity, he made no move, simply observing quietly.

Time crept by. He stood in the shadow of a bookcase, surveying his surroundings, while his Void Eye cast a view down, revealing the entire island with crystal clarity.

The sky slowly brightened to blue. The island's inhabitants began to stir—washing up, preparing food. Yet, there were only twenty of them, all servants.

They started fetching water to deliver to the front of the pavilion, but they didn't enter. Then, the fourteen masters from inside the pavilion took turns coming downstairs to wash their faces in front of the building.

Li Muzhan frowned inwardly. These fourteen masters hadn't slept the entire night; they were tireless. This Dragon Mountain Sect was truly formidable.

Although the cultivation of these fourteen elders was unfathomably deep, functioning without sleep was beyond the capability of ordinary people. Especially while regulating their breath and meditating, keeping their eyes open while asleep was too easy to slip into slumber at night, even for experts.

After they finished their ablutions, it was time for food. The servants brought it up, and the fourteen elders each took their meals upstairs to eat.

Li Muzhan carefully controlled his abdomen to prevent any gurgling sounds, still watching everything around him, observing the movements of every person nearby.

Once they finished eating, two small boats drifted near, and fourteen elders disembarked. They exchanged duties with the previous fourteen, taking over the watch of the pavilion.

Li Muzhan nodded silently. No wonder they looked so spirited; they were indeed taking shifts. Perhaps the Dragon Mountain Sect had dispatched more than twenty-eight top experts to guard this Divine Martial Pavilion.

The three golden, glittering characters of "Shen Wu Ge" (Divine Martial Pavilion) were exceptionally conspicuous in the dawn light, seemingly absorbing the sunbeams. The three characters possessed an imposing aura.

Li Muzhan scrutinized the characters for a few moments, filled with admiration. This was the work of a master. By observing the calligraphy, one could discern the person's spirit; every stroke was imbued with qi. The calligrapher possessed vast breadth of spirit, something far beyond the ordinary person.

The fourteen elders re-entered the Divine Martial Pavilion, each taking up a defensive position. Soon, more small boats arrived—they were disciples who returned some borrowed books and checked out a few others.

Li Muzhan smiled. The scene was strikingly similar to a modern-day library: the entry and exit of every volume were strictly regulated. However, most of these people only entered the second floor; the third floor remained untouched.

He waited an entire day. As evening approached, a single small boat drifted in, and one person disembarked. Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched—what a coincidence, it was Liu Biyun.

Li Muzhan remained still. Liu Biyun currently placed all her ardent affection on him, and he truly did not wish to place her in a difficult position. This was why he had continuously altered his plans regarding the Dragon Mountain Sect.

Previously, he intended to instigate a great war between the Dragon Mountain Sect and the Lin Hai Pavilion. First, he would learn the Lin Hai Pavilion's martial arts, then practice the Dragon Mountain Sect's techniques, and finally use these skills to launch sneak attacks on the disciples of both factions. He would use Lin Hai Pavilion swordplay to kill Dragon Mountain Sect disciples, and then use the Lotus Heart Palm to kill Lin Hai Pavilion disciples. By killing several people, he would naturally provoke a war between the two sects.

Later, because of Liu Biyun, he changed his mind; he didn't want to kill anyone... Liu Biyun, clad in a flowing azure robe, entered the Divine Martial Pavilion and proceeded directly to the first-floor hall, where she spoke with a few elders, taking a square, black token from her bosom and handing it to one of them.

The elder meticulously examined the black token, nodded, and returned it to Liu Biyun. Then, he led her up to the third floor. After entering, Liu Biyun stopped before a bookcase and began to browse diligently.

Li Muzhan remained hidden in the shadows, keeping his distance. His Ku Rong Gong and Gui Xi Fa were circulating, ensuring not the slightest breath betrayed his presence. He watched Liu Biyun intently flipping through the secret manuals.

It wasn't until night fell and the hall grew dark, making the characters illegible, that Liu Biyun reluctantly returned the manual to its place. She floated downstairs, bid farewell to the elders, and returned to her small boat, which drifted away.

By the time Liu Biyun departed, the sky had completely darkened, dominated by a high-hanging bright moon—a beautiful scene. Li Muzhan suddenly vanished.

He was certain that the third floor held the true essence. However, the manuals there were not for just anyone to read; Liu Biyun had access because of that black token.

Liu Biyun was one of the Four Prodigies of the Dragon Mountain Sect, and having achieved a great merit this time granted her the opportunity to consult the manuals here. Ordinary people would never be permitted entry.

Li Muzhan smiled, his yearning for these manuals growing stronger, yet he restrained his desire and made no rash moves. He continued watching until another fourteen elders arrived—but this group was different from the previous night’s contingent.

Li Muzhan mused: The Dragon Mountain Sect truly placed immense importance on this Divine Martial Pavilion. Deploying so many masters demonstrated the degree of care they took, terrified of any mistake.

He remained perfectly still inside the building until the following dawn, watching as another contingent of fourteen elders arrived to relieve the guards.

Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, this time they were familiar faces—the same fourteen elders from his first night. It seemed they had all rested well; every one looked invigorated.

After observing them, Li Muzhan felt assured. He abruptly vanished, returning to his small courtyard.

Back in his courtyard, he contemplated for a moment, then leisurely strolled out into the valley. This valley was entirely populated by women; his senior martial brothers had all left.

They were restless, eager to make a name for themselves in the martial world using the sword techniques Li Muzhan had created. They couldn't stand staying in the valley, fearing they would bore themselves ill.

On his way, the women he passed all smiled faintly upon seeing him. Li Muzhan greeted them cheerfully, continuously calling out "Senior Sister" from his courtyard to the training grounds—he called out over twenty times.

Seeing him approach, Qin Yeqiu ignored him, still instructing the others in sword practice. Li Muzhan watched from the side but said nothing.

After a while, Qin Yeqiu invited Li Muzhan inside for a seat.

Qin Yeqiu remarked, "You seem quite relaxed. Why don't you spar with the group?"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "That would be fine. I've observed several sword styles this time. Sparring with everyone would be beneficial."

"Couldn't ask for anything better," Qin Yeqiu revealed a smile.

Although the sword style Li Muzhan created was simple and quick to learn, achieving true mastery required actual combat. Li Muzhan's swordplay was extensive and perfect for practical application... Two days later, Li Muzhan reappeared inside the Divine Martial Pavilion again at dawn. Nothing had changed. Li Muzhan opened his Void Eye and looked down, his body utterly motionless. His Ku Rong Gong and Gui Xi Fa merged, allowing not a single trace of aura to escape his form.

Li Muzhan hadn't moved because he wanted to see if there were any hidden grandmasters. A sect with thousands of years of history like the Dragon Mountain Sect would certainly possess hidden, top-tier experts.

Especially concerning the Divine Martial Pavilion, the very core of the sect's essence, which could not afford any lapse. The elite forces of the Dragon Mountain Sect must be stationed here to ensure perfection.

Li Muzhan observed that although these fourteen elders were individually unfathomable, he dared not become complacent or assume they were the only ones present.

The visible and the hidden often formed the best defense. He saw the visible but not the hidden, which left him uneasy and untrusting. Thus, he didn't rush into action, choosing first to remain silent and observe carefully.

This observation period extended for several more days. He visited every two days. In the interim, he accompanied his senior sisters in practicing the sword. They squealed with delight; Li Muzhan's swordplay was dazzling and constantly varied, leaving them dizzy, yet his strikes were merciless, which served to train them well.

Li Muzhan's descending sword strikes were exceptionally fierce, as if he held a personal grudge against them. However, they understood this was Li Muzhan’s heartfelt discipline. Opponents they might face outside the valley in the future could be far crueler than Li Muzhan, and they needed to adapt or risk their very lives.

Li Muzhan observed five times, and on the sixth visit, he finally ceased restraining himself.

At the hour before dawn, the servants on the island began to stir, and activity commenced. Li Muzhan walked to a bookcase, gently pulled out a manual, and instantaneously vanished, reappearing in his own courtyard.

The sky was not yet fully bright, so he didn't light a lamp, going directly to the stone bench in his courtyard to examine the text. He could see the words on the manual in the dim light.

With absolute focus, he flipped through the manual swiftly; in the blink of an eye, he finished reading it. He then closed the book, shut his eyes, and thought quietly for a while. He reopened the manual, read a few pages, and then suddenly vanished, reappearing moments later on the third floor.

Li Muzhan moved with painstaking care, almost without a sound, returning the book to its place. He then picked up another, vanished again, and reappeared shortly after, returning the second manual.

Li Muzhan only intended to memorize the contents; cultivation could wait until he had reviewed everything. He wanted to examine every single manual on the third floor before considering anything else.

He flashed back to the Divine Martial Pavilion, withdrew a manual, vanished, memorized it, returned it, then immediately took another, repeating the cycle until it was returned.

He continued this pattern until the fourteen guards changed shifts. Only then did Li Muzhan stop. He returned to his room and sat on his couch, beginning to review the manuals imprinted in his mind.

During that early morning period, he had managed to review four manuals in total. Li Muzhan was confident he could cover more next time, and very few details would need refinement.

The most crucial aspect was that no one seemed to have noticed his presence—that was the most ingenious method of all... In the following days, Li Muzhan became busy. Every day he stole time to examine several manuals, sometimes four, sometimes five, before sitting on his couch to regulate his breath.

Qin Yeqiu noticed his laxity in attending sparring sessions. Though she considered going over to talk to him, she ultimately gave up, letting Li Muzhan have his way; if he didn't want instruction, so be it.

Li Muzhan constantly pondered the secrets of the manuals he had viewed, stripping away the superfluous to discover the essence and fundamental principles of the Dragon Mountain Sect's martial arts.

Li Muzhan desired to create a set of swordplay, fist techniques, or palm strikes specifically designed to counteract the Dragon Mountain Sect's martial arts. This way, the disciples of the Purple Silk Palace could walk the world with their heads held high.

Even if the Purple Silk Palace lacked the sheer power of the Dragon Mountain Sect, if their disciples feared no one from the Dragon Mountain Sect and possessed techniques specifically designed to counter them, they could finally avenge the slights of the past.

However, achieving this goal was far from easy. Li Muzhan was realizing his ambition step-by-step by covertly reading the manuals in the Divine Martial Pavilion.

It must be said that he still felt a shred of apology toward Liu Biyun. Returning the Lotus Heart Palm manual to the Dragon Mountain Sect had certainly been for her sake, but there was another reason: the Divine Martial Pavilion itself.

He had developed a sense regarding the Lotus Heart Palm manual; he could use it as a key to break through the void and appear directly beside it. Generally, the Lotus Heart Palm manual was kept among the collection. If it were elsewhere, in someone else's hands, Li Muzhan could sense it and proactively avoid that location. (To be continued)RQ