"Are you Li Guanhai?" The voice was suddenly close; a flash of green light appeared, and a disheveled, worn-out middle-aged man materialized abruptly before him.

Li Muzhan focused his gaze, a chill running down his spine. The man was entirely unremarkable in appearance, the kind one would easily overlook in a crowd. Yet, as his eyes shifted, his peripheral vision held a sharp, chilling glint, imbued with an inexplicable depth.

Ordinary folk wouldn't notice anything amiss, but someone as keenly sensitive as he could discern the leakage of vital spirit, the chilling killing intent simmering within. Such malevolence was not imagined; it was forged by actual deeds. This man had certainly claimed more than ten lives; he was no benevolent soul.

"You are the Qingmei Li Guanhai?" The middle-aged man smiled. He was of medium height, neither too fat nor too thin, with an utterly plain visage that invited no interest whatsoever.

Li Muzhan stared at him with keen interest, nodding slowly. "I am Li Guanhai. May I ask your esteemed identity...?"

"I am Meng Liangchuan," the middle-aged man replied with a grin. "I heard your swordsmanship is peerless, rarely seen under heaven, so my hands got itchy for a look."

Li Muzhan pondered. "Meng Liangchuan... Forgive my ignorance, but I haven't heard the name."

Meng Liangchuan chuckled. "Heh, it's better that you haven't. If you claimed to have long admired my reputation, it would sound insincere. Everyone who knows my name is already dead."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "Senior Meng specializes in assassination?"

"Indeed," Meng Liangchuan nodded. "Just state my name before you die, so you don't become a muddled ghost. Rest assured, I won't be killing you!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Why not?"

"You are not the person we intend to kill," Meng Liangchuan explained. "Nor am I someone who enjoys killing. It’s best if I don't have to."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I thank you, Senior Meng."

"Alright, cut the pleasantries. Let’s test our swordsmanship," Meng Liangchuan waved a hand dismissively. "I'm busy; I don't have time for idle chatter."

Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Meng, are you from the Hidden Sect?"

"Oh? You actually know of the Hidden Sect?" Meng Liangchuan widened his eyes slightly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am acquainted with Miss Yi."

"I see." Meng Liangchuan suddenly understood, and a laugh escaped him. "Then I have even more reason not to kill you!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Senior Meng misunderstands."

Meng Liangchuan roared with laughter, pointing at him. "Kid, I haven't even finished speaking, and you're talking about misunderstandings? That’s just protesting too much!"

Li Muzhan offered a wry smile. "If Miss Yi hears that, she’ll certainly want to kill me."

"Heh, Junior Sister Yi doesn't kill people, kid, don't worry!" However, Meng Liangchuan’s face hardened. "But if you dare bully her, we’ll discuss killing you without mercy!"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands. "Senior Meng is truly mistaken!"

"Enough of this dithering. Come on, let’s spar!" Meng Liangchuan gestured, drawing his sword.

Li Muzhan smiled, drew his own sword, and sat back onto the couch. "Senior Meng, please make the first move!"

"Here?" Meng Liangchuan surveyed the surroundings, then shook his head. "Let’s go outside; it’s more spacious out there!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Why does a sword contest require vast space? Senior Meng, please—!"

Meng Liangchuan eyed him, a smile playing on his lips. "Feisty kid, aren't you? Then let the swords speak!"

He had no intention of killing or holding back. He wanted to gauge Li Muzhan's true skill—to see if he was worthy of associating with Junior Sister Yi.

As the words fell, a flash of sword light erupted, the tip already close to Li Muzhan. With a slight movement of Li Muzhan's arm, his own sword tip rested against Meng Liangchuan’s throat. He smiled faintly. "Senior Meng, I concede!"

Meng Liangchuan's expression shifted slightly. He looked down at the chilling, frosty sword tip, then back at Li Muzhan, grunting, "A swift sword. Again!"

Li Muzhan retracted his blade and smiled. "Very well, Senior Meng, please!"

Meng Liangchuan recalled his longsword, then swept his right leg out. Instantly, the embroidered stool and the table slid to the corner, leaving the space before the couch broad and flat.

Meng Liangchuan still didn't rush his attack. He paced slowly, maintaining distance, tracing an arc, his steps growing progressively slower.

Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on the couch, his longsword resting across his knees, watching him with a smile—possessing an aura that seemed immovable against any wind or storm.

Meng Liangchuan frowned, circling him slowly. Having lost the initial exchange of spirit, he employed a secret technique to bolster his morale and courage, hoping to increase his internal energy flow and quicken his sword speed.

Unfortunately, the secret technique was ineffective. While it enhanced his presence, the opponent's spirit was stronger, seated lazily as if atop a towering peak! He was astonished internally. While cultivation depth could transcend age—some gifted individuals achieving in one year what took others two or four—this aura was an intangible yet concrete presence, built only through genuine trials and accumulated victories. How many battles could a man his age have won to amass such an imposing spirit!?

Li Muzhan let out a slight smile, and Meng Liangchuan instantly tensed, realizing that continuing his circuitous walk was useless; his aura would weaken rather than strengthen. He resolved himself instantly, thrusting his sword out—body and blade as one, like lightning and light.

"Heh heh..." Li Muzhan smiled, retracting his sword and cupping his hands. "Senior Meng, I concede!"

Meng Liangchuan’s stiff posture slowly relaxed. He shook his head and sighed. "Indeed, your reputation is well-earned. No wonder Junior Brother Wen was also defeated!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Senior Meng flatters me."

"Kid, you are qualified to speak with Junior Sister Yi!" Meng Liangchuan snorted, then turned and walked away.

Li Muzhan cupped his hands and called out, "Senior Meng, I won't see you off. Travel safely!"

Meng Liangchuan snorted back. "Kid, if I ever hear you’ve been bullying Junior Sister Yi, no matter how good your sword skill is, I will kill you!"

Li Muzhan smiled, shook his head, and with a flash of white, Yi Xiaoru suddenly appeared.

Li Muzhan looked at her with a subtle smile. Yi Xiaoru’s expression was placid, as if she hadn't heard the exchange. She spoke quietly, "Senior Brother Meng arrived too quickly. I didn't have time to stop him. That won't happen next time. Be careful."

Li Muzhan smiled amiably. "Miss Yi, would Senior Meng’s swordsmanship rank among the best in the Myriad Saint Sect?"

Yi Xiaoru shook her head lightly. "Only High Grade."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Myriad Saint Sect truly has experts like clouds."

"The hidden strength of the Myriad Saint Sect far exceeds your imagination, as does the Dragon Mountain Sect. For your Purple Robe Palace to oppose the Dragon Mountain Sect is simply courting death," Yi Xiaoru stated.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Then what should we do? They intend to destroy us; should we just sit and wait for execution?"

Yi Xiaoru countered, "You shouldn't oppose the Dragon Mountain Sect; you should assist them... You've been doing this all along, haven't you considered this path?"

Li Muzhan smiled but remained silent. Honestly, his prior assistance to Dragon Mountain Sect disciples was first to get close, later for Liu Biyun, and also driven by the idea of infiltrating the sect under that guise—it wasn't purely altruistic aid.

Yi Xiaoru continued, "This path you are on is correct. As long as your contributions are significant enough, the Dragon Mountain Sect will show leniency. Your small Purple Robe Palace is not even worth their notice."

Li Muzhan asked, "Will that really work?"

Yi Xiaoru nodded gently. "Repaying kindness is a virtue. The Dragon Mountain Sect is, after all, a righteous lineage. No matter how domineering, they cannot openly violate this principle."

Li Muzhan remarked, "I observe their conduct doesn't much resemble that of a righteous lineage."

"To your Purple Robe Palace, this is actually quite favorable," Yi Xiaoru countered, shaking her head. "The major issues and the path of righteousness are still upheld. If you truly provide great assistance, they will repay you; they won't be ungrateful."

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head. "I am not so sure that will be effective."

"How will you know if you don't try?" Yi Xiaoru stated calmly. "If your Purple Robe Palace insists on revenge and opposing the Dragon Mountain Sect, your destruction is certain. Are you willing to sacrifice everyone just for a point of pride? Even if you could inflict heavy losses on the Dragon Mountain Sect—who have deep reserves—your Purple Robe Palace has shallow foundations; death is inevitable!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Miss Yi, you underestimate us too much!"

"I have investigated the foundation of your Purple Robe Palace thoroughly. About a hundred disciples. Even if every single one were a top master, you would still be far inferior to the Dragon Mountain Sect... 'Experts like clouds' is not hyperbole; the top masters of the Dragon Mountain Sect number at least eight hundred, if not a thousand!"

Li Muzhan fell into contemplation, a chill seizing his heart. Her words were like a basin of cold water dashed over his head. He suddenly realized he had indeed walked into a dead end by fixating on destroying the Dragon Mountain Sect. All his actions aimed at their ruin. While there was a slim chance of success, angering such a behemoth could lead to unimaginable consequences, and despite his own strength, he was only one person.

Yi Xiaoru advised, "Think this over carefully. Sometimes personal pride must be set aside for the sake of the Purple Robe Palace; a momentary insult is insignificant."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, a bitter smile on his face. "Thank you, Miss Yi. However, seeking to kill Mei Daoling will certainly offend the Dragon Mountain Sect."

Yi Xiaoru replied, "Then it depends on your finesse. You can challenge him openly. Even if you kill him, the Dragon Mountain Sect will have no grounds for complaint."

Li Muzhan pondered, nodding. "Very well, I shall attempt that."

After Yi Xiaoru left, Li Muzhan sat on the couch, lost in thought, his mind racing over the counsel she had given. Yi Xiaoru’s composure was indeed extraordinary; she could rise above the level of mere passion. Only by surpassing such emotional conflict could wisdom be born. Based on this alone, she was far superior to most women.

Opposing the Dragon Mountain Sect, or seeking friendship with them—both paths were difficult. One was a path of fierce pride and hardship; the other, a sacrifice of face, eroding valor and spirit.

Li Muzhan looked up at the coffered ceiling, meditating for a moment, then sighed softly. This matter required consultation with the Palace Master; he could not decide it alone. Regardless of the choice, strengthening the Purple Robe Palace was the fundamental necessity. Whether for war or peace, robust power was essential, otherwise, today it was the Dragon Mountain Sect, tomorrow the Linhai Pavilion, or perhaps some minor faction could take a swipe at them.

He sighed again. No matter the world, the law of the jungle never changed. The path for the Purple Robe Palace was long. He had initially planned only to secure the demonic artifact and leave, not getting too deeply involved, but now he couldn't simply depart. He must see the Purple Robe Palace rise before he could feel at ease.

The rest of his journey proceeded smoothly. He walked, mentally reviewing the secret manuals in his mind, feeling relaxed and at ease. Yi Xiaoru did not reappear, which left Li Muzhan with a faint sense of disappointment; Yi Xiaoru possessed a unique temperament—serene and intellectually engaging—that was quite pleasant.

As evening approached one day, he arrived at a small town—Fengyue City.

Upon entering Fengyue City, he proceeded directly to the Fengyue Inn. He presented a jade token to the drowsy innkeeper. The Fengyue Inn seemed somewhat remote and deserted; he noticed no one entering or leaving.

The innkeeper, dozing behind the counter, opened his eyes when Li Muzhan coughed, saw the jade token, and his expression remained unchanged as he slowly turned to look at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan stated, "Innkeeper, I wish to enter the mountains."

"Hmm, may I know the esteemed guest's name?" The innkeeper’s round face looked amiable, and he smiled as he assessed Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan replied, "Qingmei Li Guanhai, here to meet Miss Liu Biyun."

"Oh, the guest may select a room." The innkeeper nodded, smiling.

Li Muzhan casually picked one. The innkeeper called out, "Xiao Gui, hurry up and assist the guest with settling in, don't be lazy!"

A languid voice responded from inside, "Coming." The door curtain was lifted, and a gray-clothed youth, sixteen or seventeen, with delicate features, emerged from the back room, rubbing his eyes—still bearing traces of sleep.

"Sleeping in broad daylight? What manner of behavior is that? Hurry up!" the innkeeper scolded impatiently.

The gray-clothed youth shot him a look, then, showing little enthusiasm for Li Muzhan, said, "Follow me."

Li Muzhan smiled and followed him to a small courtyard in the rear. Though the Fengyue Inn appeared quiet, the accommodations turned out to be small courtyards rather than typical rooms.

The gray-clothed youth stopped at the entrance, glanced back at Li Muzhan, and listlessly pushed open the courtyard door. "Our prices aren't cheap. Have you brought enough money?"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Young brother, rest assured."

"Hmph, the last fellow stayed for two days but only had ten taels of silver on him. It was hilarious! We taught him a good lesson!" the gray-clothed youth pouted.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow. "That seems rather excessive?"

"How is it excessive?!" the youth glared, his tone icy. "A night here costs ten taels of silver. He stayed two nights, owing us ten taels! Hmph, breaking two of his legs was letting him off easy. Setting them would only cost five taels!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, laughing softly. "This place is truly unusual."

"Of course it is!" The youth puffed out his chest. "My martial arts may be lacking, but the Innkeeper is an absolute master. No one in Fengyue City dares to challenge him!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I apologize for my lack of decorum. Shall we go inside to talk?"

"Hmph, fine. Into the room!" The gray-clothed youth pouted, clearly disappointed.

The courtyard was quite luxurious: miniature bridges, flowing water, rockeries, and bamboo groves—all present, creating exquisite scenery. The furnishings inside the house were equally opulent. No wonder it cost ten taels a night; it was quite a profitable scam.

"How is it? Satisfied?" The gray-clothed youth asked, arms crossed, head tilted.

Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. "I'll take this one."

The gray-clothed youth announced, "It gets quite hot in the city at night. If you have nothing else to do, walk around. We are very close to the night market. I’m leaving now. If you need anything, handle it yourself; don't bother me!" With that, he waved a hand and turned away with an air of flair. Li Muzhan shook his head, amused; this waiter had quite the bearing, possessing a faint echo of the Dragon Mountain Sect's ways.

He didn't know the exact relationship between the Dragon Mountain Sect and this place. Judging by the Innkeeper's profound cultivation, he seemed to follow the Dragon Mountain Sect's cultivation method, but this youth clearly did not.

No one knew the location of the Dragon Mountain Sect. Finding them required an introduction, like this jade token belonging to Liu Biyun; otherwise, it would be extremely difficult. Even as a top sect, the Dragon Mountain Sect maintained its secretive operations, concealing its grounds.

Li Muzhan sat in the small courtyard, quietly watching the sun dip below the horizon. He was still pondering the secret manuals in his mind, intending to use them to refine the Nine-Style Sword Art he had created.

Dusk slowly engulfed the small courtyard, making the surroundings quiet. Li Muzhan sat motionless in the small pavilion before the bamboo grove, his expression distant, entirely immersed in his thoughts.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded in the courtyard, followed by the voice of the gray-clothed youth: "Senior Brother Wu, it’s this place!"

A clear, crisp voice followed: "Mm, Xiao Gui, thank you for your trouble."

"Heh heh, Senior Brother Wu, I’m off then!" The gray-clothed youth’s voice was laced with excitement. His footsteps faded away.

Li Muzhan snapped back to attention. Opening his Void Eye, he saw three young men outside, all dressed in sapphire blue long gowns. They were tall and slender, possessing handsome features and an air of imposing heroism.

"Is Li Guanhai here?" With a sharp shout, the courtyard gate suddenly swung open, and the three men entered slowly, their movements cohesive and fluid, like flowing water.

Li Muzhan remained seated in the pavilion, silently observing them.

The leading youth’s eyes sparkled like gems, exceptionally bright and possessing an intimidating presence.

Li Muzhan slowly spoke. "I am Li Guanhai. May I ask who the three of you are..."

"You don't need to know who we are. Are you here looking for Senior Sister Liu?" The leading youth waved a hand, his voice heavy, his gaze suddenly piercing Li Muzhan's eyes like a sword.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Yes, I am here to see Miss Liu. ...You gentlemen must be the esteemed disciples of the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

The youth coldly dismissed the notion with a wave. "We see plenty of people like you. Don't try to get familiar. Be smart and leave now, lest things get unpleasant if we have to use force!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Who exactly are the three of you...?"

"Senior Sister Liu is not someone just anyone can meet!" the youth stated grimly.

Li Muzhan chuckled, shaking his head. "Miss Liu invited me here as a guest. Is this the hospitality of the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

The three youths exchanged glances. The leader sneered, "Stop lying! Senior Sister Liu invited you as a guest? Heh heh, you might as well say the sun rose in the west!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Whether it’s true or not, you can ask when you return!"

"We don't have the leisure!" the youth retorted coldly. "Are you leaving on your own, or are we forcing you out?!"

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head. "It is said that the Dragon Mountain Sect acts domineeringly, and it is indeed well-deserved reputation!"

"How dare you!" the youth roared, pointing a finger at Li Muzhan’s nose. "If we don't beat you till you’re crawling on your belly, we aren't true Dragon Mountain Sect disciples!"

For more novels, visit storyread.net.