Li Muzhan threw the shot with half his strength. Yi Xiaoru smoothly retreated two zhang, landing on a treetop, her figure swaying, causing the pine trees below to rustle.
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows lifted slightly. He praised the brilliance of the move—a superb way to diffuse force, like Yihua Jiemu (Borrowing Flowers to Offer the Buddha), channeling the energy into the pine tree.
Yi Xiaoru felt half her body go numb, staring at Li Muzhan in astonishment. She sighed inwardly that his reputation was well-deserved; no wonder Junior Brother Yin held him in such high esteem, calling him the foremost young master.
Li Muzhan flipped his hand, plucking another small pebble. He smiled faintly, “Miss Yi, perhaps we should stop fighting and sit down for a good talk.”
“You really are the murderer!” Yi Xiaoru sneered.
Li Muzhan shook his head, “It’s truly a misunderstanding. Why insist on framing me, Miss Yi?” Oh, I see!
“See what?!” Yi Xiaoru asked coldly, secretly circulating her gong to soothe the numbness in her half of her body.
Li Muzhan continued, “Brother Yin couldn’t defeat me, so you people plotted to eliminate me, didn’t you?”
Yi Xiaoru faintly shook her head, “Nonsense.”
Li Muzhan pressed, “Once I am gone, Brother Yin’s prestige will increase tenfold, which brings immense benefit to your Ten Thousand Saints Sect, correct?”
Yi Xiaoru coldly asked, “Why did you kill our two junior brothers?”
Li Muzhan fell silent, sighing, “Forget it. Since you say I killed them, then I killed them. What can your Ten Thousand Saints Sect do to me?”
Yi Xiaoru gave him a sarcastic glance, let out a cold laugh, and turned to leave.
Li Muzhan flicked his finger, and with a sharp chi sound, the small pebble shot out again. Yi Xiaoru’s figure swayed, like a lotus on the water, narrowly dodging it.
Li Muzhan laughed, “Miss Yi’s movement technique is quite good! Again!”
Chi! Another small pebble flew out. Yi Xiaoru dodged again, her movement skills exquisite, but she couldn't outpace the pebbles. After several stones, she could no longer evade them and was struck by one.
Bang! Like the sound of a drum, she flew backward.
Li Muzhan flashed out of sight on the rooftop, catching her with both hands in mid-air. The intoxicating fragrance and the soft, warm body of the beauty intoxicated him.
Ever since arriving in this world, he hadn't had the opportunity to release his desires, and they had been accumulating. His craving for a woman’s body grew stronger.
Yi Xiaoru’s body was completely numb and immobilized. Her face, like white jade, instantly flushed crimson, her eyes blazing with anger as she glared coldly at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “Miss Yi, why force yourself?!”
He floated down onto the treetop, then leaped back onto the roof, gently setting her down.
“What do you intend?!” Yi Xiaoru lay on the roof, looking up at him coldly, radiating an imposing aura that forbade any thought of profanity.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Let’s discuss this properly. How should we resolve this matter?”
“Release me first!” Yi Xiaoru snorted coldly.
Li Muzhan replied, “If I release you, you’ll go back and get people to kill me. It would be simpler if I just killed you now and saved myself the trouble!”
“Try it if you dare!” Yi Xiaoru said gravely.
Li Muzhan smiled, “Since I dared to kill those two, what’s stopping me from killing one more!”
Yi Xiaoru gave a cold laugh but said no more. Though furious enough to kill, she forced herself to remain calm, knowing she shouldn't provoke him further, lest he actually do it.
Li Muzhan pondered, “Miss Yi, there’s one thing I don’t understand. After I allegedly killed those two, why didn’t I flee, but stayed right there?”
“You wanted to provoke our Ten Thousand Saints Sect!” Yi Xiaoru stated grimly.
Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head.
Yi Xiaoru sneered, “Then you did it deliberately, turning the situation to your advantage.”
Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, “If I had just left, you wouldn’t have been able to find any clues. Why go to the trouble of doing this superfluous thing?”
“It was you who killed them, don’t deny it!” Yi Xiaoru said coldly. “You are considered a top master. A dignified man would own up to his actions! What a disappointment after Junior Brother Yin admired you so much!”
Li Muzhan laughed, “A dignified man afraid to own up? Miss Yi, it seems you are determined to accuse me of murder, determined to see me dead!”
Yi Xiaoru said sternly, “You killed them!”
Li Muzhan sighed, “Sigh… Miss Yi, why push me like this?”
“If you have the guts, kill me!” Yi Xiaoru sneered.
Li Muzhan sighed again, waving his hand, “Forget it, forget it. Say what you will!”
Yi Xiaoru rolled over and sat up, frowning and glaring at him. The earlier numbness was from the strange force contained within the stones. Now, that internal energy had finally dissipated.
Li Muzhan sat cross-legged, smiling, “Go back and tell them it was me who killed those men. Let’s see what your Ten Thousand Saints Sect is capable of!”
Yi Xiaoru calmly remarked, “You think you can match Junior Brother Yin, so no one in the sect can deal with you, right?”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Your Sect Master can defeat me.”
Yi Xiaoru scoffed, “What arrogance! You wouldn’t even withstand one move from the Sect Master!”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows shot up, and he laughed, “One move?”
Yi Xiaoru stated plainly, “Believe it or not. Junior Brother Yin couldn’t withstand one move from the Sect Master. I wonder if you can! Furthermore, dealing with you doesn’t require the Sect Master at all; any Elder would suffice!”
Li Muzhan chuckled, “Are your Elders that formidable?”
“Every single Elder possesses more than three hundred years of cultivation!” Yi Xiaoru stated proudly.
Li Muzhan asked, “And how many Elders are there?”
“Twelve.” Yi Xiaoru glanced at him sideways. “If the Elders are dispatched, you absolutely cannot escape. You will surely die!”
Li Muzhan sighed, nodding, “As expected of the foremost unorthodox sect—experts abound!”
Yi Xiaoru declared, “Anyone who kills a disciple of my Ten Thousand Saints Sect will have their entire clan exterminated. You should commit suicide to avoid implicating your family.”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly and shook his head, “I am all alone. Exterminating my entire clan or just me is much the same!”
“Then you’re in trouble,” Yi Xiaoru showed a look of sympathy, sighing, “For someone with no family, dying will be difficult. We will make you wish for death but be unable to achieve it—life worse than death.”
Li Muzhan burst out laughing. Her cold demeanor suddenly showed a range of expressions, making her quite endearing. He chuckled, “So, after all this, you’re not going to let me live?”
Yi Xiaoru frowned, “You truly didn’t kill those two?”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Why would I kill them? There’s no benefit in it!”
Yi Xiaoru pondered thoughtfully, “Who killed them then? There are only your footprints around. If it wasn't you, that person’s Qinggong must be extraordinary.”
Li Muzhan quickly nodded, “His Qinggong must be excellent! Think about it, I only stepped away for a moment to drink some water, and when I returned, the men were dead and the killer vanished. How could his lightness skill be poor?”
Yi Xiaoru slowly nodded, “Who was it, then?”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Your Ten Thousand Saints Sect has countless enemies, and there are countless masters in the world. How can you possibly figure out who it was? I suggest you simply say you know nothing. This kind of event is baseless. Not knowing isn’t a crime, is it?”
Yi Xiaoru let out a soft sigh and slowly nodded.
Li Muzhan smiled as he examined her, “Miss Yi, you aren’t trying to trick me, are you? Letting you go, only for you to return and continue framing me?”
Yi Xiaoru’s face flushed, her unspoken thoughts exposed. She huffed, “I am not that sort of person!”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, “I see that you, Miss, are pure and noble, not a petty person. Let’s leave together!”
Yi Xiaoru quickly asked, “Where are you going?”
Li Muzhan replied, “I need to visit the Dragon Mountain Sect. We can descend the mountain together.”
Yi Xiaoru had a sudden realization, looking him up and down. “Junior Brother Yin mentioned you have good relations with the Dragon Mountain Sect. Wasn’t it you last time who saved them from being wiped out by him?”
Li Muzhan laughed, “Brother Yin was too ruthless. If he really did that, how could the Dragon Mountain Sect not seek revenge against him?”
Yi Xiaoru calmly stated, “They can’t touch Junior Brother Yin.”
Li Muzhan said, “Brother Yin’s Qinggong may be good, but the Dragon Mountain Sect isn’t weak either. I have fought Mo Dao Gu Dongting before; Brother Yin would surely die against him!”
Yi Xiaoru snorted, “Gu Dongting wouldn’t dare kill Junior Brother Yin!”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “He dared to kill the Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain. The Dragon Mountain Sect would dare to kill him in return!” Even if he is the Sect Master’s son!”
“How do you know that?!” Yi Xiaoru’s jade-like face changed drastically.
Li Muzhan smiled, “That’s hardly a secret, is it?”
Yi Xiaoru frowned gravely, “If these words were spoken in front of Junior Brother Yin or the Sect Master, it would mean certain death!”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “It only looks like concealment. Why shouldn’t it be said?”
“You don’t understand,” Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “This is the Sect Master’s private family matter. Even an honest official can’t settle family disputes!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Fine. Thank you, Miss Yi. Wait a moment. I’ll pack up, and then we’ll set off!”
Yi Xiaoru nodded, watching Li Muzhan float into the wooden hut. Her delicate face grew grim, her phoenix eyes flickering thoughtfully.
She snorted inwardly. He was guarding against her, thinking he could be safe by hiding in the Dragon Mountain Sect. What a neat calculation—but things wouldn't be that easy!
The two left the small wooden hut together and headed toward the mountain exit. Yi Xiaoru maintained a slow, steady pace, moving with leisure, and Li Muzhan seemed in no hurry, walking alongside her.
From noon until the sun set, the pair had not yet left the mountain, still wandering through the vast expanse. The deepening twilight veiled the surrounding peaks and forests.
Yi Xiaoru suddenly stopped, frowning as she surveyed their surroundings. They were stepping on treetops, beneath them lay the dense, endless, boundless green of the forest.
Li Muzhan looked at her with a faint smile, “What’s wrong, Miss Yi?”
“Something’s not right,” Yi Xiaoru shook her head, her bright eyes darting around.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “This mountain range is a bit strange.”
“You know?” Yi Xiaoru turned to ask.
Li Muzhan nodded, “I suffered a setback here before. It’s easy to get lost and unable to leave.”
Yi Xiaoru’s bright eyes held a question. Li Muzhan smiled, “We haven’t taken the wrong path, but we should stop now. Let’s rest for the night and set off tomorrow.”
“What exactly is going on?” Yi Xiaoru asked.
Li Muzhan laughed, “You must follow the sun. Without the sun to guide you, you will certainly get lost.”
Yi Xiaoru countered, “The moon will do.”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “The moon won’t work. This area is very odd. Miss Yi, let’s go down.”
Yi Xiaoru gazed deeply at him, then drifted down from the treetop.
The two quickly built a fire. Li Muzhan picked up a handful of strangely shaped grass and threw it into the bonfire. A faint scent immediately drifted out.
The mosquitoes in the mountains were fierce. Without Gang Qi protection or mosquito repellent in this world, even the strongest masters would end up covered in bites after one night.
The two sat facing each other by the fire. The flames illuminated her face. Her jade-like features seemed brushed with rouge, making her exceptionally alluring; as her bright eyes moved, waves of soft light flowed within them.
Li Muzhan observed her inwardly. She was truly a feast for the eyes, but he felt only appreciation, no wicked intentions.
They watched the fire in silence, surrounded by the chirping of various insects mingled with the crackle of burning wood—peaceful and tranquil.
Li Muzhan broke the silence, “Miss Yi, why haven't I heard your name before?”
Yi Xiaoru glanced up at him, then let her gaze drop back to the bonfire, stating calmly, “I am a disciple of the Hidden Sect.”
“Hidden Sect?” Li Muzhan pondered, “One that specializes in hiding in the shadows?”
“Yes,” Yi Xiaoru nodded lightly, unwilling to elaborate.
Li Muzhan chuckled, “The Ten Thousand Saints Sect is very mysterious. Outsiders can’t figure out exactly how many disciples or experts your sect has.”
Yi Xiaoru stared at the fire without speaking. Li Muzhan continued, smiling, “From what I’ve heard, your Ten Thousand Saints Sect is divided into nine branches, is that true?”
Yi Xiaoru nodded, “Liu Biyun told you, didn't she?”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, “After sparring with Brother Yin, she became worried and told me some news about the Ten Thousand Saints Sect.”
“Yes, we are indeed divided into nine branches,” Yi Xiaoru confirmed.
“Which branches are they?” Li Muzhan asked, smiling, “The Dragon Mountain Sect also doesn't seem to know which nine branches you have.”
Yi Xiaoru shook her head, “That is a sectarian secret; I cannot say.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “The Ten Thousand Saints Sect is truly cautious. You can’t even speak of this?”
Yi Xiaoru offered a faint smile and remained silent.
Li Muzhan suggested, “It seems your Hidden Sect is one branch, and then there’s an Overt Sect? What if a disciple of the Hidden Sect makes a name for themselves in the world?”
“They return to the sect and cultivate in seclusion,” Yi Xiaoru replied.
Li Muzhan suddenly understood, laughing, “The Ten Thousand Saints Sect truly lives up to its name as the foremost unorthodox sect—so very cautious.”
Yi Xiaoru stated coolly, “Disciples of the Hidden Sect will not appear before others.”
Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, “Killing them to keep silent.”
Yi Xiaoru’s slender eyebrows lifted slightly, looking at him with surprise, then slowly nodding, “You are indeed clever. No wonder you could suppress Junior Brother Yin.”
Li Muzhan sighed, “Then you, Miss Yi, also want to kill me, is that it?”
“I cannot defeat you,” Yi Xiaoru shook her head.
Li Muzhan countered, “If you can’t defeat me, you’ll find someone to kill me. That’s the method of your Hidden Sect disciples, isn't it?”
Yi Xiaoru calmly said, “Young Master Li is overthinking things! Hidden Sect disciples can return to the sect for secluded cultivation.”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then smiled, “That’s good then. I truly do not wish to kill you, Miss Yi.”
“Good and evil are irreconcilable. Why wouldn’t you kill me?” Yi Xiaoru asked coolly.
Li Muzhan sensed a faint chill emanating from her, as if it originated from her core—a heart cold as ice. He shook his head and laughed, “How can good and evil be so clearly divided! Besides, I am just a man of the wilds; I care nothing for good or evil!”
“If you marry Liu Biyun, you become a disciple of the Dragon Mountain Sect,” Yi Xiaoru pointed out.
Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head. Yi Xiaoru continued, “The Dragon Mountain Sect and my Ten Thousand Saints Sect are mortal enemies. Neither of us can stay out of it.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Who can predict the future? Perhaps we might turn enemies into friends instead!”
Yi Xiaoru offered a faint smile, shook her head, and stared at the bonfire, falling silent again.
The two ate dry rations by the fire, then meditated through the night. The next morning, they rose and continued walking outward, following the direction of the sun. By noon, they had walked out of the great mountain range.
Li Muzhan and Yi Xiaoru parted ways.
Li Muzhan was rather surprised. Yi Xiaoru hadn't used any tricks. He had been prepared to face a sudden storm of ambushes. As a Hidden Sect disciple, her methods were extremely subtle, capable of notifying the Ten Thousand Saints Sect disciples silently, yet she hadn't done so.
He sighed inwardly, realizing he had underestimated her. She truly had the patience to endure!
After parting ways, he walked another hundred li along the official road. He wasn't in a hurry to reach the Dragon Mountain Sect, spending the time studying the secret manuals in his mind. His ability to multitask was becoming increasingly proficient.
He walked gracefully and leisurely, but his Qinggong meant that while he appeared ordinary, his speed was much greater.
One evening, he passed through a gorge. He glanced upward, noting that this was an excellent place for an ambush. A gentle wind whistled through, carrying a trace of killing intent.
He walked safely out of the gorge without meeting any ambush, but as soon as he exited, he stopped, shaking his head and sighing. In the end, they had come.
A middle-aged man in grey robes stood quietly in the center of the road. He was of medium height, lean and hardy like a pine, with a long sword at his waist. His eyes on his gaunt face were unusually large.
His gaze was as sharp as a sword, and his entire presence felt like a sword—sword energy soaring to the heavens.
Li Muzhan shook his head. This was a true swordsman, living for the sword, completely immersed in the sword intent, one with the blade.
When Li Muzhan reached three zhang away, the grey-robed middle-aged man pressed his sword and stepped forward, stating gravely, “Are you Li Guanhai?”
Li Muzhan nodded, “May I ask who you are, sir?”
“Wen Erya of the Ten Thousand Saints Sect!” the grey-robed man said solemnly.
Li Muzhan frowned and thought for a moment, unable to place the name. Wen Erya continued gravely, “I heard your swordsmanship is exceptional; I have come to test it!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Did Miss Yi ask you to come?”
Wen Erya nodded, “Junior Sister Yi said your swordplay is superb. Make your move!”
Li Muzhan was too lazy to waste words. He drew his sword and smiled, “I show no mercy under my blade; once drawn, it must taste blood. Be careful!”
“Likewise!” Wen Erya said solemnly, his momentum growing sharper. His sword was still sheathed, but it gave the feeling of already being unsheathed.
Li Muzhan took a step forward, and his sword light flashed—ding ding ding ding ding... a continuous, clear ringing. Within the flash of swords, their figures flickered like they were moving on the wind.
With a long ding, the sword light suddenly retracted. Li Muzhan and Wen Erya each stepped back one pace. Li Muzhan looked down at the hole in his chest, smiling, “Such a fast sword!”
Wen Erya said gravely, “Junior Sister Yi spoke the truth! Again!”
Li Muzhan asked, “You came to kill me, didn't you?”
“Just sparring over sword techniques!” Wen Erya shook his head. “Take this!”
Li Muzhan frowned in confusion. He truly didn't sense any killing intent from Wen Erya, but for a disciple of the Ten Thousand Saints Sect to only spar and not kill was truly strange.
His swordsmanship was superior, especially his speed; Li Muzhan almost couldn't keep up. He was struck in the chest by one sword, but his footwork was exquisite, allowing him to narrowly evade the fatal blow.
Any ordinary person facing such lightning-fast swordplay would never escape.
As he executed his sword techniques, he activated his Taoxin Tong (Mind-Reading/Insight) to discover Wen Erya’s true purpose. His mind became clear, completely immersed in the sword, and indeed, there was no killing intent.
Li Muzhan was perplexed, wondering what Yi Xiaoru had told this man. Her action seemed deeply meaningful—was it a warning, or something else?
He flashed away suddenly, dodging a sword aimed at his chest, shook his head, casting aside distractions, and suddenly accelerated his sword techniques, unleashing his true skill. Ding ding ding ding... In an instant, the two exchanged over a hundred blows.
Ding... Wen Erya stepped back, looked down at the hole in his chest cloth, and stated gravely, “I was slightly lacking. Farewell!”
Li Muzhan frowned, watching him leave, then surveyed the surroundings. What was Yi Xiaoru playing at!