A long moment passed with no sound around him. Li Muzhan mused for a moment, vaguely grasping a sliver of Yi Xiaoru's thoughts—she had essentially decided he was hers.

However, because he hadn't killed her, she had shown mercy by sending someone to challenge his swordsmanship. This was a warning, demonstrating the formidable power of the Myriad Saints Sect; he should not provoke them.

Li Muzhan stood where he was, smiled, shook his head, and continued on his way.

On the journey to Dragon Mountain Sect, he organized the secret manuals in his mind. Previously, he had merely crammed them, focused only on memorization without the time to delve into their deeper meanings.

He had stored away hundreds of secret manuals. Initially, he proceeded with great caution, but as he grew more familiar with them, he began taking manuals from the Purple Robe Palace to exchange for the originals, reading them before returning them.

His movements were subtle, and since he only acted in the pre-dawn hours when no one came to inspect, he managed without error, getting through a good portion of the Divine Might Tower's collection.

This small portion represented the cream of the crop from the Divine Might Tower; the rest of the manuals were significantly weaker. He would review them if he had the leisure, but otherwise, he set them aside.

As he studied, he praised the Dragon Mountain Sect. As one of the foremost great sects in the world, their eminence was no accident. Every single manual was exquisite and profound enough to serve as a founding martial art.

Yet, the Dragon Mountain Sect only used these for reference, clearly placing them a tier below the Thirty-Six Arts. The subtlety of the Thirty-Six Arts was evident, and having practiced the Lotus Heart Palm, he knew it truly surpassed imagination.

The power of the Lotus Heart Palm exceeded all expectation. By comparison, it was similar to the Returning Jade Scripture and the Sword Control Scripture—both ultimate techniques demanding the seamless integration of the mind and vital energy.

The yuanqi in this world was sparse, making the internal jingqi even more potent and difficult to master. Fortunately, one's lifespan was long, allowing for slow refinement. The Lotus Heart Palm was not impossible to master, but it required centuries of arduous effort.

If one could not achieve such focus and dedication, if one's spirit could not grow, the Lotus Heart Palm remained out of reach. But how many could truly accomplish this—dedicating centuries to mastering a single supreme art? Few dared to make such a gamble.

Cultivating martial arts to become a top master was often for fame, profit, or women. To spend centuries honing the Lotus Heart Palm meant the heart would age along with the skill. The fame would become meaningless; the cost would outweigh the reward. This was why few in the Dragon Mountain Sect practiced it.

Only those naturally detached, wanting nothing, and content with a slow pace had a chance of success through measured cultivation.

Hearing from Liu Biyun that someone in the Dragon Mountain Sect had succeeded with the Lotus Heart Palm spoke volumes of that sect’s profound foundation and abundant talent. Compared to them, the Purple Robe Palace truly was pedestrian.

He continued toward the Dragon Mountain Sect at an unhurried pace. After ten days, he estimated he was halfway there. That evening, he entered a small city and found an inn.

Just as he settled in and sat on the couch in contemplation, serene and at ease, a sudden knock came from outside. Li Muzhan smiled and said, "Please come in, Miss Yi."

The door swung open, and Yi Xiaoru drifted in, clad in a white gown.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Miss Yi, what an unexpected honor to receive you; I should have gone out to greet you!"

Yi Xiaoru's bright eyes were like still water. She sized him up briefly, gave a slight nod, and asked, "Have Young Master Li met Senior Brother Wen?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I had the pleasure of experiencing Brother Wen's swordsmanship. As expected of a Myriad Saints Sect disciple!"

"Senior Brother Wen is obsessed with the sword, specializing only in sword techniques," Yi Xiaoru moved to the couch and sat gracefully on a wooden stool. "However, Senior Brother Wen's aptitude is not stellar; his swordsmanship isn't top-tier within the sect."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Not worse than Brother Yin."

Yi Xiaoru responded, "Junior Brother Yin's cultivation is deeper. As for his swordplay... a person's energy is finite. Junior Brother Yin focuses on internal energy cultivation, so his swordsmanship lags slightly."

Li Muzhan smiled enigmatically, "Brother Wen's swordsmanship isn't top-tier? How many in your esteemed sect surpass him?"

"In terms of sword techniques alone, there are at least eighty, if not a hundred," Yi Xiaoru stated plainly.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched, followed by a soft chuckle.

Yi Xiaoru questioned, "Does Young Master Li not believe me?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Miss Yi would hardly deceive me. I did not expect the Myriad Saints Sect to have so many sword masters. I am impressed, truly!"

"Does Young Master Li wish to witness them?" Yi Xiaoru offered.

Li Muzhan readily agreed, "Certainly, I would welcome it! I am fond of swordsmanship myself and especially enjoy observing masters of the blade. Thank you, Miss Yi!"

Yi Xiaoru replied, "No need for formalities. I told Senior Brother Wen you were skilled with the sword, and he was skeptical. When I return, he will undoubtedly enter secluded training to practice his swordplay, and he will challenge you again next time!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Then I shall wait. Sparring with Brother Wen has been highly beneficial!"

Yi Xiaoru continued, "When the other seniors see Senior Brother Wen in seclusion training, they will surely be curious. Senior Brother Wen would never lie, so he will certainly mention Young Master Li’s name."

Li Muzhan's brow twitched again, and he chuckled, "Then those seniors might feel unconvinced and come looking for me too, is that right?"

"Yes," Yi Xiaoru nodded slightly.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "My troubles are beginning, aren't they?"

Yi Xiaoru chuckled softly, her bright eyes flashing momentarily, and said slowly, "Young Master Li doesn't enjoy observing sword masters? Then you can enjoy yourself to the fullest now. Rest assured, Young Master Li, although we follow an unorthodox path, we do not kill in martial exchanges!"

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head, "Truly, women and petty men are hard to deal with; this saying is not false!"

Yi Xiaoru pursed her lips into a smile, her bright eyes gleaming, and then slowly inquired, "Young Master Li, are you Li Guanhai, or are you Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan remained outwardly calm and smiled, "Miss Yi, I don't quite understand. What are these names, Li Guanhai and Li Wuji? You must have mistaken me for someone else?"

Yi Xiaoru let out a light laugh and shook her head, "Stop playing coy, Young Master Li. I have already ascertained the truth: Li Wuji of the Purple Robe Palace and Li Guanhai of the Green Plum are the same person."

Li Muzhan frowned, looked at her, and sighed, "How did Miss Yi investigate this?"

Yi Xiaoru responded, "It is truly admirable that a Purple Robe Palace disciple possesses such cultivation. Young Master Li, you must have obtained the Purple Robe Palace's Morning Glow Technique, haven't you?... The genuine Morning Glow Technique?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes. I chanced upon an opportunity to understand this technique."

"No wonder," Yi Xiaoru nodded gently. "The Purple Robe Palace once produced a remarkable figure. Sadly, the sect rose because of him, and it also declined because of him."

"Senior Ma was an extraordinary person. The prosperity began with him, but how did the decline follow?" Li Muzhan asked curiously. He genuinely did not know; he only knew Senior Ma rose to prominence, but the subsequent events were murky. The disciples of the Purple Robe Palace knew nothing of it; perhaps only Qin Yeqiu held the full story.

Yi Xiaoru explained, "The Purple Robe Palace was obscure until he brought it renown. Unfortunately, he provoked our sect and ultimately died violently."

Li Muzhan's expression shifted slightly, "Senior Ma died at the hands of the Myriad Saints Sect?"

"Indeed," Yi Xiaoru nodded slightly. "That is why the Morning Glow Technique was lost, and the Purple Robe Palace withered, barely surviving on the Moon Reflection Art."

Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes, his brow furrowing.

Yi Xiaoru continued, "However, our sect has never taken the Purple Robe Palace seriously. If you do not seek trouble, we have no interest in bothering you. Otherwise, the Purple Robe Palace would have been reduced to ashes long ago!"

Li Muzhan's expression grew even graver. The Purple Robe Palace had truly endured many calamities: offending the Dragon Mountain Sect and now having an enmity with the Myriad Saints Sect, leaving them no sanctuary between the righteous and the wicked paths.

He suddenly laughed, "As expected of the number one unorthodox sect, you managed to uncover my identity."

Yi Xiaoru stated, "Under our sect's scrutiny, no one can remain hidden."

Li Muzhan stretched lazily and drawled, "Miss Yi is exaggerating, surely."

Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly, an undercurrent of arrogance visible, and said sweetly, "Young Master Li, you plan to go to the Dragon Mountain Sect under the identity of Li Guanhai; you have another motive, don't you?"

Li Muzhan replied with a smile, "I wish to gauge the Dragon Mountain Sect's true strength."

Yi Xiaoru countered, "Why waste your effort, Young Master Li? The Purple Robe Palace is hardly qualified to contend with the Dragon Mountain Sect; there is a vast difference between the two sects."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Human effort can change outcomes."

Yi Xiaoru warned, "If Young Master Li plans to oppose them, I advise you to give up early. The Purple Robe Palace is lucky to survive as it is. If you provoke the Dragon Mountain Sect further, the Purple Robe Palace will face utter annihilation."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Miss Yi!"

"Young Master Li wants to kill me, doesn't he?" Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly.

Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a mild smile, "Miss Yi is too clever. Overly clever women are rarely well-liked!"

Yi Xiaoru gave a knowing smile, "Young Master Li need not worry; only I know your secret!"

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

This was the first time he had encountered a woman who had managed to put him at a disadvantage. Her words seemed to invite him to act, but they were, in fact, a warning: if he made a move, he wouldn't be the only one aware of the truth.

Yi Xiaoru then offered, "Young Master Li, shall I inform my seniors and ask them to stand down?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Thank you for your kindness, but it's unnecessary."

Yi Xiaoru smiled sweetly, "There are many seniors fond of swordplay. I only worry you might become annoyed, or perhaps lose control in a spar and cause an injury. If that happened, it might implicate the Purple Robe Palace."

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "So you mean, I can only accept your kind offer?"

Yi Xiaoru stated calmly, "I always repay favors and grievances clearly. I will also help solidify your identity as Li Guanhai. Your sect's methods are too mediocre!"

"Then I thank you!" Li Muzhan cupped his fists. This wasn't the time to be stubborn. He had overestimated the Purple Robe Palace; if the Dragon Mountain Sect discovered the truth, the ensuing trouble would be endless and would implicate Liu Biyun.

Yi Xiaoru replied, "No thanks are needed; consider our previous debt settled."

Li Muzhan understood her implication—referring to the time he spared her life. He said, "Very well, settled then."

Yi Xiaoru clarified, "My helping you ward off my seniors is a separate transaction."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Then how should I repay this favor?"

"Help me kill someone!" Yi Xiaoru's bright eyes flickered, revealing a trace of coldness.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched, "Who?"

"Mei Daoling of the Dragon Mountain Sect," Yi Xiaoru uttered those words slowly.

Li Muzhan asked, "A master from the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Yi Xiaoru took a deep breath, her full chest rising and falling sharply. Li Muzhan’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his gaze steady on her eyes, "He doesn't seem to have much of a reputation."

Yi Xiaoru's face became grave, her gaze cold. She was forcefully suppressing her killing intent, yet it did not escape Li Muzhan's notice, "He is an Eremite of the Dragon Mountain Sect."

"An Eremite?" Li Muzhan pondered, "A disciple who does not leave the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

"Yes," Yi Xiaoru nodded. "The Dragon Mountain Sect has a group of disciples who ignore worldly affairs, dedicating their entire lives to studying martial arts. They remain unknown, yet their martial skills are superb."

Li Muzhan inquired, "If he is an Eremite, how did he offend Miss Yi?"

"That is none of your concern!" Yi Xiaoru answered coldly.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Miss, perhaps you should choose someone else."

Yi Xiaoru insisted, "He is the only one!"

Li Muzhan gave a bitter smile, "Miss, you must know my relationship with the Dragon Mountain Sect. If I kill Mei Daoling, what will Miss Liu do?... Furthermore, I don't know if Mei Daoling is good or bad, righteous or evil, and he's an Eremite—how could I possibly kill him!"

Yi Xiaoru stated calmly, "If Young Master Li wishes to do it, you will certainly succeed."

Li Muzhan replied, "This is asking too much of me. Miss, please seek someone more capable."

"Then forget it!" Yi Xiaoru replied flatly.

Li Muzhan looked at her and sighed, "Tell me the reason why you must kill him. If you can convince me, I will try."

Yi Xiaoru revealed, "My Senior Sister died by his hand."

"Isn't he an Eremite?" Li Muzhan questioned.

Yi Xiaoru snorted, "He will do anything for martial arts, just like you. He used a false identity to get close to my Senior Sister, tricked her into revealing her martial arts, and then killed her."

Li Muzhan’s mind raced, and understanding dawned suddenly, "I see now. You insist I kill him because you want him to receive retribution!"

"Retribution?" Yi Xiaoru murmured, nodding forcefully, "That's an excellent word. Yes, retribution!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Did your Senior Sister truly die by his hand?"

Yi Xiaoru was silent for a moment, then said coldly, "I witnessed it myself!"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "Fine, I promise you!"

Yi Xiaoru cautioned, "Mei Daoling hides within the Dragon Mountain Sect and never appears. It won't be easy for you to meet him, and even if you do, killing him will be difficult."

Li Muzhan asked, "How old is he?"

"Forty-three," Yi Xiaoru replied.

Li Muzhan then asked, "Did he obtain the martial arts of the Myriad Saints Sect?"

Yi Xiaoru clenched her jaw and nodded slowly, "My Senior Sister was deeply infatuated and completely unguarded. She passed all her martial arts to him."

Li Muzhan sighed, "Then he has mastered the strengths of both sects."

Yi Xiaoru nodded, her face cold.

Li Muzhan frowned, "The martial arts of the Myriad Saints Sect and the Dragon Mountain Sect are both extraordinary. Possessing the strengths of both means Mei Daoling's martial arts must be formidable! ... Miss, have you sought help from others to deal with him?"

Yi Xiaoru shook her head, "I have no certainty, so I would not send others to their deaths!"

Li Muzhan challenged, "And you believe I have that certainty?"

Yi Xiaoru nodded seriously, "You are resourceful, and your martial skill is strong; you are the best candidate."

Li Muzhan sighed, "But I have no certainty at all."

Yi Xiaoru reached into her robes and pulled out a thin booklet, handing it to Li Muzhan. As he took it, he could faintly detect a subtle, sweet fragrance.

He lowered his head to flip through it, musing, "The Void Piercing Art..."

He pondered, but his hands moved quickly, turning through ten pages without hesitation. After reading the last page, he closed the booklet, closed his eyes, and then reopened them a moment later, "What a potent Void Piercing Art!"

"Consider it payment," Yi Xiaoru offered.

Li Muzhan smiled, "You are rather generous, Miss!"

Yi Xiaoru explained, "The Void Piercing Art is difficult to practice. Given your comprehension, you have a chance to master it; it can increase your power twofold and save your life at a critical moment."

Li Muzhan nodded. The Void Piercing Art was peculiar; it revolved around the concept that 'Acupoints are Dantians.' Through refinement, the acupoints could store internal energy, functioning like a Dantian.

He smiled, "Miss Yi, this cultivation method is incomplete, isn't it?"

Yi Xiaoru nodded lightly, "Yes, this is only the first level, which is sufficient for you."

Li Muzhan sighed, "Are the later levels for the other acupoints?"

Yi Xiaoru confirmed with an "Mm," adding, "There are seven other acupoints, each harder to refine than the last. You don't have time to practice them all."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Mine is the Yongquan point; where are the other seven?"

Yi Xiaoru listed them: "The Blood Sea, Qi She, Divine Treasury, Divine Seal, Heavenly Spring, Heavenly Mansion, and Lesser Sea."

Li Muzhan slowly pondered the names and nodded, "Indeed, each one is harder to refine than the last. Once I kill Mei Daoling, will you give me the complete cultivation method?"

Yi Xiaoru asked, "Do you want it now?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "If you encounter fine wine, can you become satisfied by just a single sip?"

Yi Xiaoru paused in thought and then pulled another booklet from her robes, handing it over. "This is the complete version."

Li Muzhan took it. "Is this the martial art of the Myriad Saints Sect?"

This small booklet was as thin as the first, only a dozen or so pages, and looked quite unremarkable.

Yi Xiaoru explained, "This is the ultimate art of my Hidden Lineage; it does not belong to the Myriad Saints Sect."

"It's fine for you to pass it on to me?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

Yi Xiaoru stated solemnly, "If you can kill Mei Daoling, I won't hold back!"

Li Muzhan quickly flipped through the small booklet and handed both books back to her. Yi Xiaoru frowned as she watched him. Li Muzhan laughed, "Pretend I didn't see it."

Yi Xiaoru responded, "If my Master finds out, she will, at most, scold me a few times."

Li Muzhan smiled, "I will remember this."

Yi Xiaoru scanned him a few times with her bright eyes, "It seems you have the ability to memorize things instantly!... The Void Piercing Art is hard to master. You must not rush, nor be greedy. Mastering one level is enough for now."

Li Muzhan's cultivation was deep; mastering even one more acupoint would significantly deepen his internal energy, which, in her view, would suffice.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "I understand!"

She then provided several other points of caution, all related to Mei Daoling. This man’s image gradually solidified in Li Muzhan's mind.

Mei Daoling was exceptionally heroic, handsome, and projected an air of righteousness. More crucially, his comprehension was astonishing, his martial talent surpassing even Yin Zhaojiang.

Given his aptitude, he now possessed the strengths of two sects, and only in swordsmanship might he be surpassed. In the past, his Senior Sister practiced palm arts, not sword techniques, and the Dragon Mountain Sect's sword methods were not considered absolute peak tier—not comparable to the Seashore Pavilion. Therefore, although he mastered the strengths of both sects, his swordsmanship was unlikely to be exceedingly high.

Li Muzhan shook his head wryly. This idea could not be taken as gospel; swordsmanship was not invincible. Both saber techniques and palm arts could counter swordsmanship.

There is a saying: 'an inch shorter means an inch of danger,' but the fluidity of palm arts surpassed the long sword. If palm arts are mastered well, they can indeed counter the sword, much like water countering fire; overcoming the opponent relies purely on inherent capability.

Yi Xiaoru commented, "Your swordsmanship is good; you have a great chance."

Li Muzhan replied, "I hope so. What does he usually like to do?"

"He likes to play chess," Yi Xiaoru said.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. Yi Xiaoru also mentioned he was skilled in chess, zither, calligraphy, and painting, which was why he had completely captivated his Senior Sister, leaving her unable to pull herself away.

Li Muzhan shook his head; this Mei Daoling was indeed formidable and should not be underestimated.

Yi Xiaoru advised, "Don't force it. If the situation is unfavorable, do not act rashly and risk your life. You can find another opportunity later."

Li Muzhan smiled. Just then, footsteps sounded from outside: "Is Green Plum's Li Guanhai present?"

Yi Xiaoru said, "That must be Senior Brother Meng. I'm leaving!"

A white shadow flashed, and she vanished from the room. Li Muzhan sighed helplessly; she had departed without saying goodbye.

PS: Today's update is only one chapter for now; I will make it up tomorrow. I was running errands all day and only got home in the evening. I set up a poll; if you have time, please take a look and share your thoughts.