At the break of dawn, Li Muzhan sat upon the massive boulder atop the mountain, practicing his breathing techniques. Wisps of purple qi drifted slowly toward his nostrils, swirling incessantly, resembling a miniature dragon coiling and hovering.
This was the scene that greeted Qin Yeqiu when she arrived behind him.
She made no sound to disturb Li Muzhan, knowing he was practicing the Dragon-Subduing Art (Jiang Long Jue). This art was profound and limitless, yet unfortunately, it was supremely yang and exceedingly slow; as a woman, she could not cultivate it.
Besides, her current Morning Glow Art (Zhao Xia Gong) had merged seamlessly with the Moon Reflection Art (Ying Yue Gong), achieving a perfect harmony of yin and yang, making cultivation twice as effective as before, with rapid advancements. There was no need to switch to a different internal method.
When he cultivated his internal energy, he could practice for days straight; she could only persist for two or three hours—the difference was astronomical. Switching to another technique now would be more loss than gain.
Li Muzhan was aware of Qin Yeqiu’s presence but did not halt his practice. The cultivation of the Dragon-Subduing Art demanded uninterrupted flow; otherwise, all prior efforts would be wasted. The qi before his mouth and nose was the essence; once drawn into his body, it would descend to the dantian and become true internal energy, ready for his use.
He inhaled the purple energy thread by thread until the sun had risen a noticeable degree. Only then did he slowly draw in the purple dragon. The air around his face shimmered with a faint purple haze before finally returning to normal.
Li Muzhan turned his head to look at Qin Yeqiu. Her purple robes billowed like a fairy’s, and she was watching him quietly. He smiled. “Senior Sister, what is it?”
He had been in seclusion. If there were no major issues, she would not have come to disturb him. Her early arrival clearly indicated something significant had happened, and judging by her expression, it was nothing good.
“Junior Brother, someone is injured,” Qin Yeqiu said, frowning.
Li Muzhan started. “How serious?”
“His life was saved, but his martial arts…” Qin Yeqiu sighed, shaking her head.
Li Muzhan’s expression changed drastically. He said in a deep voice, “Who is it?”
Qin Yeqiu looked at him, hesitating briefly. Li Muzhan quickly pressed, “Is it someone I know?”
“…It’s Junior Brother Qiao,” Qin Yeqiu sighed.
Li Muzhan’s face darkened. “Senior Brother Qiao?!”
Qin Yeqiu nodded. “Yes, he returned last night. Thankfully, it was in time, and his life was spared. But his wrist is severely injured. Even if the bone is set, the meridians are ruined… He won’t be able to use a sword again.”
Li Muzhan let out a long breath. As long as he was alive, that was what mattered. He asked grimly, “Who did this?!”
“Someone from the Myriad Saints Sect (Wan Sheng Zong),” Qin Yeqiu said with a grim face.
Li Muzhan asked, “How did Senior Brother Qiao get involved with disciples of the Myriad Saints Sect?”
Qin Yeqiu shook her head. “When we venture out, most travel in pairs or threes for mutual support, especially given our inexperience. I support that approach. Senior Brother Qiao is experienced, so he went alone. On his way back to the mountain, he encountered a disciple of the Myriad Saints Sect committing an evil act. He intervened, but that person’s swordplay was strange; he was stabbed in the wrist, and then fled back here.”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Strange swordplay?”
“Yes, supposedly every strike was insidious and vicious, impossible to guard against,” Qin Yeqiu nodded slightly.
Li Muzhan pondered, nodding slowly. “The martial arts of the Myriad Saints Sect are of that type! Is there poison on the sword?”
“There was poison. Thankfully, it wasn’t very potent,” Qin Yeqiu replied.
Li Muzhan asked, “How many Myriad Saints Sect disciples?”
“Two,” Qin Yeqiu confirmed.
Li Muzhan’s face grew stern, and he snorted. “This debt must be repaid! Senior Sister, I will go!”
“Aren’t you supposed to be leaving the mountain?” Qin Yeqiu asked.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “I’ll settle this matter first! I’ll see Senior Brother Qiao!”
“He’s in a foul mood now. Please comfort him well,” Qin Yeqiu advised.
Li Muzhan sighed, nodding slowly. “I will do my best.”
Li Muzhan arrived at the valley and entered Qiao Zaixian’s small courtyard. The robust and imposing Qiao Zaixian sat motionless by a stone table, his body slightly stooped, looking as if he had aged significantly overnight.
Li Muzhan shook his head, walked to Qiao Zaixian’s side, and sat down. Qiao Zaixian turned his head vaguely to look at him. Upon recognizing Li Muzhan, a bitter smile touched his lips. “Junior Brother, you know?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Senior Sister told me! How is it, Senior Brother? Feeling down?”
“Alas…” Qiao Zaixian shook his head with a bitter smile. “Though fortune is fickle, I never expected things to turn out like this. We need capable people in the Palace right now, and I can’t help!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “This doesn’t harm the Palace, and it doesn’t harm you, Senior Brother. You can finally enjoy the quiet life you always preferred, isn’t that right?”
Qiao Zaixian shook his head and sighed. “I do prefer tranquility, but not a tranquility forced upon me. I wanted to rest and enjoy myself after accomplishing a few things, not like this.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Senior Brother, you ran into two Myriad Saints Sect disciples?”
“Yes, neither was very old, but their schemes and wickedness were formidable—a belly full of malice!” Qiao Zaixian snorted, his face darkening.
Li Muzhan pondered. “Senior Brother was ambushed by them?”
“They pretended to be weak at first. I let my guard down for a moment and took a strike. The sword was poisoned, so I had to use an antidote and flee back,” Qiao Zaixian explained.
Li Muzhan asked, “They didn’t follow you?”
“How could they not follow?!” Qiao Zaixian snorted. “I took many detours to finally shake them off. This place cannot be compromised.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Hopefully, they haven't gone far!”
Qiao Zaixian laughed. “Is the Junior Brother planning to take action?”
“Let’s go!” Li Muzhan stood up.
Qiao Zaixian slapped the table with his left hand and roared with laughter. “Good! How satisfying! Let’s slaughter these two bastards!”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “First, I’ll vent your anger, Senior Brother, and then we’ll deal with the Myriad Saints Sect!”
“The Myriad Saints Sect?!” Qiao Zaixian quickly waved his hands. “Forget it, forget it. We can’t afford to provoke the Myriad Saints Sect. The Dragon Mountain Sect (Long Shan Zong) has already put us in this position; provoking the Myriad Saints Sect on top of that, and we won’t have a way to live!”
His right wrist was wrapped in white cloth and supported on his chest, immobile.
Li Muzhan observed his left hand and nodded. “Senior Brother, your left hand still looks quite nimble.”
“It’s alright,” Qiao Zaixian chuckled. “When I was little, I used my left hand to hold chopsticks, but my mother furiously corrected me and made me switch to my right hand immediately.”
Li Muzhan said, “That saves us trouble. Senior Brother, practice with your left hand for the sword.”
“The left hand is still inferior, after all,” Qiao Zaixian shook his head.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Then are you resigned to it, Senior Brother?”
Qiao Zaixian vigorously shook his head. “Not resigned!”
Li Muzhan pressed, “Exactly! If you’re not resigned, then put more effort into it. Practice the left hand fiercely; perhaps your achievement with it will be even greater. Left-handed swordsmanship is even harder to defend against and offers an advantage.”
“I hope so,” Qiao Zaixian replied with a bitter smile. “I’m just afraid I won’t achieve anything no matter how hard I practice.”
Li Muzhan pondered. “Try practicing first. Senior Brother, your aptitude is exceptional. As long as you are resolute, you will surely master left-handed swordsmanship. Although my sword skills may not be the best under heaven, they are certainly not inferior to others. Once you master it, Senior Brother, you can roam the world!”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you, Junior Brother, and practice the left-handed sword fiercely!” Qiao Zaixian nodded hard, his entire demeanor revitalized, no longer lifeless.
Li Muzhan left the valley with him. As they walked, Li Muzhan scanned the surroundings and asked with a smile, “Does Senior Brother know where they are?”
Qiao Zaixian replied, “I led them around into the western valley. They might still be there; it’s easy to enter that area but difficult to exit.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “That makes things easier!”
He knew the place Qiao Zaixian mentioned because it was a location he himself had recommended. They had agreed beforehand that upon returning, they must pass through there, as it offered the best natural barrier.
The wonders of creation were hard to fathom. Li Muzhan marveled; that valley formed a natural formation. Li Muzhan subtly altered it slightly, instantly transforming it into a Maze Formation (Mi Zong Zhen).
That spot was a hundred li away, which sounded far, but for those with decent movement skills (qinggong), it would take barely half a day to return.
The yuanqi (primal energy) in this world was sparse, meaning formations could not be fully utilized. However, some basic formations still had minor effects; they couldn't injure people, nor could they truly trap anyone—at most, they would get lost and eventually find their way out after walking a while longer.
Li Muzhan glanced at Qiao Zaixian and smiled without saying more. He actually possessed the means to heal Qiao Zaixian’s wrist; a little body-tempering technique transferred to him would allow for a slow recovery.
However, he wanted Qiao Zaixian to practice his left hand first. It was better not to heal the right hand too soon. Once the right hand was healed, that surge of unwillingness and indignation would dissipate, limiting his potential achievements.
Without healing his right hand, his resentment and indignation would fuel his desire to train desperately, potentially leading to great success.
It wouldn't be too late to heal his right hand then. Even if it ended up permanently impaired, they could always sever it again and re-set the bones later. Enduring some pain for the sake of the left-handed sword was worth it.
Li Muzhan believed Qiao Zaixian would eventually understand this well-intentioned plan and be grateful to him once he achieved something. For now, keeping it secret was paramount, lest his fighting spirit be dampened.
After half a day, the two arrived before a patch of woods. Li Muzhan suddenly held up a hand, and Qiao Zaixian stopped, turning to look at him. Li Muzhan whispered, “Wearing grey clothes, both in their twenties, one with a mole by his mouth?”
“Yes, those are the two,” Qiao Zaixian nodded heavily, sharp glints flashing in his eyes.
His wrist was injured, but his martial skill remained intact. He had used his qinggong swiftly all the way here. Hearing Li Muzhan describe the two, killing intent instantly surged within him.
Li Muzhan whispered, “Whether to kill them or spare them, Senior Brother Qiao must decide!”
“Kill them!” Qiao Zaixian snorted. “Kill them clean. Otherwise, they’ll be a menace!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Doesn't Senior Brother want to exact revenge personally?”
Qiao Zaixian waved his hand. “No need. These two are too treacherous; killing them is the safest bet. But Junior Brother, killing them—will there be repercussions?”
Li Muzhan understood what he meant: he was worried about the Myriad Saints Sect finding out. The Myriad Saints Sect was the foremost among the unorthodox sects (Xie Dao), and their strength even surpassed the Dragon Mountain Sect; Qiao Zaixian felt uncertain.
Li Muzhan smiled. “That’s why we must act decisively and cleanly, leaving no clues. Burying them deep in these old mountains, who would ever know?”
“…That’s true,” Qiao Zaixian nodded slowly, letting out a bitter laugh. “But the Myriad Saints Sect isn't an ordinary faction; I fear they have secret arts.”
Li Muzhan scoffed. “So what if they are the Myriad Saints Sect? Senior Brother, be bolder! Forget the Myriad Saints Sect or the Dragon Mountain Sect. In the future, we will crush them under our feet!”
Qiao Zaixian forced a bitter smile. “Junior Brother, your ambition is too great. Crushing them—I wouldn't even dare think it. To stand alongside them would be remarkable!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “We shall wait and see! We are almost there. Senior Brother, watch from the side. Once I confirm the targets, I will act!”
“Alright,” Qiao Zaixian nodded.
The two hushed their voices. Li Muzhan led the way, walking slowly westward until they reached a small valley. At first glance, it appeared very secluded. Without a guide, it would be difficult to spot such a small valley hidden deep within the dense woods; it was inconspicuous.
Li Muzhan and Qiao Zaixian floated inward, stopping about two li in. Li Muzhan pointed toward the west, and Qiao Zaixian nodded. He sprang onto the tip of a tree and focused his vision toward that direction.
Standing beside him, Li Muzhan could see a small valley shrouded in dense foliage. Two figures were moving within, circling about. They walked back and forth but seemed only to traverse the same loops, never heading out of the valley.
“Are those them?” Li Muzhan asked.
“Exactly, those two bastards!” Qiao Zaixian nodded fiercely.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Good. I’ll go take care of them.”
“Be careful, those two are cunning,” Qiao Zaixian quickly cautioned.
Li Muzhan laughed. “Whether they are cunning or not is irrelevant. I rely on martial arts.”
“Right, I know your swordsmanship, Junior Brother,” Qiao Zaixian replied with a smile.
Li Muzhan descended lightly from the tree, then swept forward like a wisp of light smoke. He quickly entered the valley and stood before the two figures. He then drew his sword, thrusting twice. The two men stood like wooden stakes, struck through the throat by Li Muzhan, falling stiffly to the ground.
Li Muzhan resheathed his sword and returned silently to Qiao Zaixian’s side, again like a wisp of smoke. He smiled. “Done. Let’s head back.”
“Incredible sword skill!” Qiao Zaixian exclaimed, examining Li Muzhan up and down. “Junior Brother, how did you cultivate your swordplay?”
He had personally experienced the might of these two; their swordplay was strange and ruthless, impossible to anticipate. Yet, against Li Muzhan, they had no power to fight back, dying from a single strike each!
Li Muzhan smiled. “My swordplay is much like everyone else’s. The key is speed, and accuracy, which requires slow refinement.”
“Alas… your internal energy is profound,” Qiao Zaixian sighed helplessly, shaking his head. “Speaking of this, we are all quite ashamed. We’ve cultivated longer than you, but none of us measure up.”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “My talent is slightly better; it was never fair to begin with. Everyone should stop comparing themselves to me. This time, I met Yin Zhaojiang; he is also a peerless talent with incredibly deep cultivation. We fought to a draw!”
“Junior Brother, you are remarkable!” Qiao Zaixian said in surprise, laughing. “Yin Zhaojiang is the foremost disciple of the Myriad Saints Sect, and you fought him to a draw!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “I also possess superior talent, which is why my cultivation time is shorter, but my level is not lacking. Give me a little more time, and I might even surpass him!”
“Is that true? You really fought Yin Zhaojiang?” Qiao Zaixian still found it hard to believe.
In their eyes, Yin Zhaojiang was a legendary figure—young, with supreme cultivation surpassing even older masters, truly at his zenith. Because he belonged to the Myriad Saints Sect, he was cloaked in an extra layer of mystery.
The Myriad Saints Sect was the leading unorthodox sect, possessing deep roots and vast influence, yet they maintained a degree of secrecy. Few disciples descended the mountain, but every one of them was singularly gifted, representing the pinnacle of mastery.
Among them, however, Yin Zhaojiang shone brightest, so dazzling he was hard to look at directly. That Li Muzhan could fight him to a draw was almost unbelievable to Qiao Zaixian.
Li Muzhan laughed. “Senior Brother, although Yin Zhaojiang is formidable, he is still only human.”
Qiao Zaixian shook his head in disbelief. “Junior Brother, it seems I underestimated you. If you truly crossed swords with Yin Zhaojiang, that is truly extraordinary!”
Li Muzhan said, “Senior Brother, as long as you master the left-handed sword, you will surely surpass me!”
He kept repeating this only to boost Qiao Zaixian’s confidence, to give him motivation to practice the left-handed sword more diligently; otherwise, there would be no need for these words.
“The sword styles you created—no matter how hard I train, how can I surpass you!” Qiao Zaixian laughed, waving his left hand. “If I only achieve two-tenths of your ability, I can at least protect myself!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “That might not be true. The student often surpasses the master. If Senior Brother practices with his left hand well, its power might even be superior!”
“Good, Junior Brother, rest assured. I will practice the left-handed sword desperately!” Qiao Zaixian nodded firmly.
Li Muzhan laughed. “Then I will await Senior Brother’s good news!”
The two floated back the way they came. Qiao Zaixian asked, “Junior Brother, won't there be any lingering trouble?”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile. “Even if the Myriad Saints Sect tracks us down, they won't catch us, Senior Brother, rest assured!”
“The Myriad Saints Sect is truly difficult to provoke; they are far more terrifying than the Dragon Mountain Sect!” Qiao Zaixian sighed.
When they returned to the valley, Qin Yeqiu was waiting in Qiao Zaixian’s room. Seeing them return, she said calmly, “Resolved?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “A trivial matter.”
Qin Yeqiu stated, “The people from the Myriad Saints Sect… that is a huge problem.”
Li Muzhan nodded. “The Myriad Saints Sect is indeed powerful. If we can avoid provoking them, we should. But if we truly run into them, provoking them is no great matter!”
Qin Yeqiu said coolly, “You haven’t seen the methods of the Myriad Saints Sect.”
Li Muzhan replied, “The Myriad Saints Sect deals in treacherous ways, but ultimately, victory is decided by martial arts. Senior Sister, I am currently devising a sword technique that counters the Dragon Mountain Sect’s styles.”
Qin Yeqiu frowned. “Can it counter all Thirty-Six Arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect?”
Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. “I’ll try my best. The Thirty-Six Arts are indeed profound and vast; countering all of them will be difficult.”
“You’ve seen the Thirty-Six Arts?” Qin Yeqiu frowned.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “I deduced the others through one internal method. As long as I find their origin point, I can devise a counter.”
“It’s difficult,” Qin Yeqiu shook her head and sighed. “If the martial arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect were so easy to counter, they wouldn't have remained dominant for so many years.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I can only do my best. If we cannot suppress the Dragon Mountain Sect, we will never see the light of day.”
“Alright, you try,” Qin Yeqiu nodded.
Qiao Zaixian shook his head and smiled without saying much. Qin Yeqiu glanced at him, then gave Li Muzhan a slight nod, indicating approval.