Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun walked side by side down the street. The lamps were lit, and the night was hazy, with lanterns hung on both sides of the bustling thoroughfare.
Seeing Li Muzhan curiously surveying their surroundings, Liu Biyun chuckled, “Big Brother, it’s even livelier at night than during the day. For one, it’s cooler, and secondly, everyone is busy during the day. At night, we can finally relax, come out for a stroll to clear our minds, and then go home to sleep.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Indeed, after a long day, relaxing before sleeping is much more comfortable… Biyun, it’s alright if you don't return, isn't it?”
“Master knows I came out to meet you,” Liu Biyun replied with a smile.
Li Muzhan offered a wry smile. “It’s precisely because she knows I’m coming that it’s more troublesome if you don’t return tonight.”
“Isn't there Martial Uncle Zhang?” Liu Biyun pouted and smiled. “Big Brother, you’re thinking too much!”
Li Muzhan touched his nose. “That’s a relief then.”
Suddenly, Liu Biyun stopped at a small trinket stall, bending down to examine the items. Li Muzhan reached out, picked up a jade hairpin, and handed it to her. “Try this one on.”
Liu Biyun took it and placed it in her hair, looking at him expectantly. “Does it look good?”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Very nice, very nice! Keep it!”
He pulled out a silver ingot from his robes and tossed it to the stall owner. Liu Biyun smiled faintly, “You didn’t need to give so much, Big Brother! You didn’t even haggle!”
Li Muzhan chuckled twice, pointing toward another small stall nearby. “Let’s go look over there.”
Liu Biyun shot a glare at the stall owner, who was grinning broadly while tightly clutching the silver. She huffed, “Big Brother, don't pull out any more money! I wanted to try haggling.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “It’s rare that you like something so much. Let’s go.”
Liu Biyun’s spirits soared as if she had drunk honey. She happily stood up and walked ahead, occasionally reaching up to touch the jade hairpin, afraid it might fall out.
As they strolled and chatted, Li Muzhan asked, “You have ferocious beasts in the Dragon Mountain Sect? Isn't that terribly dangerous?”
Liu Biyun answered casually, “It’s nothing. No matter how powerful the beasts are, they won’t attack us up on the mountain.”
Li Muzhan asked why. Liu Biyun explained, “We live on Dragon Mountain. It suppresses all beasts; no matter how fierce they are, they dare not approach. As long as we don’t go in at night, it’s fine.”
Li Muzhan pressed, “What if there’s an urgent matter?”
Liu Biyun paused in thought. “We can pass through if we carry the Sect Master’s Token.”
Li Muzhan’s brows twitched, and he slowly nodded, smiling. “These fierce beasts can serve as your helpers, can’t they?”
“Yes,” Liu Biyun confirmed with a nod. “If an outsider approaches without a sect disciple accompanying them, the beasts will attack.”
Li Muzhan praised, “Impressive!”
Liu Biyun said, “Big Brother, please don't be angry with Wu Ling and the others.”
Li Muzhan reflected for a moment, then shook his head. Liu Biyun cautiously glanced at his expression, then murmured softly, “They meant well, they just like to fool around—they’re still like children.”
Li Muzhan finally decided to clarify things with her to avoid future trouble.
He paused in thought, then slowly said, “Biyun, Young Hero Wu, while his temper is poor, is quite simple-minded. He isn't a bad person. It’s the other two who are harder to judge.”
“Hm—?” Liu Biyun started, then quickly nodded her perfect head. “Yes, Wu Ling is simple and honest, with a good heart. What about Junior Brother Chang and Junior Brother Yang?”
Li Muzhan asked, “Have they killed anyone?”
Liu Biyun shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Li Muzhan stated, “These two have a heavy propensity for killing. I sensed killing intent in them; you must be careful. I fear if they fail to achieve their goal, they might vent their frustration on you.”
“They dare—!” Liu Biyun’s bright eyes flashed wide.
Li Muzhan sighed. “Hasn’t hatred born from love been common since ancient times?”
Liu Biyun opened her mouth to retort but stopped, frowning as she thought, “Junior Brother Yang and Junior Brother Chang are quite cunning, but surely not to the point of murder?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “You’ll know in time. Enough about them; let’s find somewhere to eat!”
“Good, there are many snacks in the city!” Liu Biyun responded with a charming smile. With such a rare opportunity, she didn't want to dwell on such unpleasant topics. The two happily began browsing the food stalls.
They sampled the snacks one by one, exploring all of Fengyue City. When they finally returned to the small courtyard, the entire city had almost quieted down; it was well past midnight.
Li Muzhan stopped at the entrance of a small courtyard and said with a smile, “Biyun, let’s go back.”
Liu Biyun was reluctant to leave. Her bright eyes shimmered, catching the moonlight, her fair face like polished jade, her expression alluring as her gaze shifted.
Li Muzhan felt a strong urge to draw her into his embrace, but he felt it was too soon; one shouldn't rush. Love, too, required proper timing; if rushed, it would be half-baked.
Liu Biyun gazed at him affectionately and whispered, “Big Brother, let’s wake up early tomorrow. My Master has long wanted to meet you.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “What is there for her to see in me?”
Liu Biyun pouted and smiled slyly. “She doesn’t believe your martial arts are that formidable.”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “Does she not believe you, Biyun?”
“She specifically doesn’t,” Liu Biyun playfully scolded.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Then you must have lied to your Master.”
Liu Biyun giggled. “Master is too strict! I occasionally sneak a little laziness, and fooling Master isn't easy.”
Li Muzhan nodded as if suddenly enlightened. “No wonder!”
Liu Biyun chuckled lightly. “This time, Master will be truly convinced!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “It seems you and your Master have an excellent relationship.”
“I was picked up by Master down the mountain,” Liu Biyun revealed.
Li Muzhan nodded slowly. “I see. We are kindred spirits then; I was also picked up by my Master.”
Liu Biyun added, “Master is like a mother to me, but if I said that, she’d surely scold me.”
Li Muzhan asked, “How old is your Master?”
Liu Biyun glanced around left and right and whispered, “This is confidential; Master strictly forbids telling anyone!”
Li Muzhan held back a smile and quickly nodded.
Liu Biyun looked left and right again, lowering her voice significantly. “Master is thirty-six this year.”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows lifted, and he smiled. “Truly young! Does she have no Martial Husband?”
Liu Biyun shook her head. “None. Master is proud and high-minded; she looks down on everyone. Besides, Master never intended to marry, saying all men are untrustworthy.”
Li Muzhan laughed. “That could be a bit troublesome.”
Liu Biyun smirked lightly. “You’d better be careful; Master isn't polite to men at all.”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Your Master will surely guard against me like a thief, afraid I’ll run off with you. Her martial arts must be extremely high?”
“Naturally!” Liu Biyun nodded vigorously. “Master is a top-tier expert; otherwise, she wouldn't be allowed to take disciples at such a young age! Sect members must reach top-tier mastery before they can accept students!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Very well. I came to Dragon Mountain Sect partly to see you, and partly to witness the martial arts of the Dragon Mountain Sect.”
Liu Biyun pouted with a smile. “I think Big Brother Li is more interested in experiencing our martial arts! Don't you have other intentions?” Her expression suddenly shifted. She remembered Li Muzhan’s identity—a disciple of the Purple Silk Palace. Thankfully, the Sect hadn't killed any Purple Silk Palace disciples; the feud wasn't fully established yet.
Li Muzhan smiled gently. “Biyun, rest assured. I just want to see your skills.”
“Big Brother, please don't force anything,” Liu Biyun sighed.
Li Muzhan replied, “I understand. I’ve actually been trying to find a way to resolve the conflict between our two sects.”
Liu Biyun’s bright eyes lit up, and she nodded hard. “That’s a wonderful idea! Old enemies are better reconciled than connected. It would be marvelous if the two sects could resolve their differences!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Are you reassured now?”
Liu Biyun giggled. “Big Brother is wise!”
The two stood at the courtyard entrance talking and laughing until another hour passed. When a soft cough sounded, they startled awake. Turning, they saw the shopkeeper slowly approaching, holding a lantern.
“Martial Uncle Zhang!” Liu Biyun’s delicate face flushed crimson.
The shopkeeper smiled genially. “Biyun, it’s getting late. Aren’t you going to sleep quickly? If you’re out of spirits tomorrow, your Master doesn’t know what misunderstandings she might have!”
Liu Biyun’s face turned even redder. She hurried to say, “I’m going to sleep now! Martial Uncle Zhang, why aren’t you asleep yet?”
The shopkeeper chuckled. “It’s my habit to take a walk before bed.”
“Oh, then I’ll go to sleep,” Liu Biyun nodded, gazing longingly at Li Muzhan. Their eyes were locked, unable to part easily.
The shopkeeper shook his head, sighing softly to himself, then turned and walked away.
Li Muzhan smiled and patted Liu Biyun’s fragrant shoulder. “Biyun, off you go. I’ll head back now too.”
“En, then you sleep well too, Big Brother,” Liu Biyun nodded reluctantly.
The next morning, Li Muzhan was startled awake by knocking. He hadn't meditated in stillness; he had simply collapsed into sleep, seeing visions of several women in his dreams, leaving him feeling desolate upon waking.
Thankfully, he had Liu Biyun here to ease the loneliness in his heart. He got up and pulled open the courtyard door. Liu Biyun stood gracefully outside, clad in an apricot-yellow silk gown that cast her face in a pure, luminous white, like flawless jade.
“Big Brother, you’re awake?” Her bright eyes shone as she asked with joy.
After one night apart, she felt as if a long time had passed. Seeing Li Muzhan again brought an indescribable joy and sweetness; she couldn't look at him enough.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Just woke up. Are we leaving now?”
“Let’s eat first, and then we’ll depart!” Liu Biyun suggested.
Li Muzhan glanced around. “What about the other three?”
“I sent them away!” Liu Biyun replied.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Come in and wait for me a moment; I’ll be ready shortly!”
Liu Biyun’s face flushed with guilt under his smile. She had sent the trio away precisely because she wanted time alone with Li Muzhan, not wanting the three to interfere. With that one smile, she knew her thoughts had been seen through.
She recalled her Master saying women must maintain reserve, but achieving that was too difficult. If she had let those three stay nearby, she would have gone mad.
Li Muzhan turned back into the room to wash up. She stood nearby, gently handing him the towel and pouring water, acting as tenderly as a young wife, stirring deep affection in Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan finished washing up quickly. They left the small courtyard and headed straight for a snack stall in the city. After finishing breakfast, they departed from Fengyue City.
Daytime Fengyue City was certainly less lively than the night, especially in the early morning—it was deserted, as if the people hadn't woken up yet, feeling especially quiet.
After leaving the city, the two headed south, entering the deep mountains, traveling continuously south and then east. They were surrounded by lush, dense forests. These trees were different from the ones before—taller and thicker, clearly having stood for many years. The atmosphere drifting through the woods was also different, carrying an ancient aura.
Li Muzhan opened his Void Eye, seeing deeper and farther, spotting several ferocious beasts wandering leisurely in the mountains, yet radiating a palpable killing intent.
Li Muzhan grew solemn. Every single one of these beasts was comparable to a master; they truly could not be underestimated.
Liu Biyun turned and whispered quietly, “Big Brother Li, it’s best not to circulate your vital energy. If you see a beast emerge, don't panic; they won’t bite people easily.”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. “Truly formidable!”
Liu Biyun lowered her voice. “They are manageable during the day, but at night, their strength surges. Master says at night, they become three to four times stronger than during the day. They are impossible to fight head-on; if you encounter them, you must flee quickly. Whether you escape depends on luck.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Can even speaking loudly provoke them?”
“It never hurts to be cautious,” Liu Biyun insisted.
Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun slowly ascended. Li Muzhan used his Void Eye to look down as they climbed a thousand-meter-high mountain. The temperature dropped significantly on the peak; it was no longer the scorching summer, but felt like autumn.
Unconsciously, the two reached the summit. Following a small bluestone path upward, the terrain suddenly leveled out. A stretch of continuous buildings sprang into view. Clouds swirled around them, making this complex appear as if it were floating in the air.
As they drew closer, they realized the complex was vast. Looking down with the Void Eye, they saw countless rooms, one after another, covering the entire mountaintop.
Liu Biyun led him in a sudden turn eastward, winding through successive buildings along the bluestone path, arriving before a magnificent mansion.
“Master, I’m back!” she called out standing before the vermilion-lacquered main door.
Li Muzhan felt a great sense of novelty. The Dragon Mountain Sect had no guards, no sentries, appearing just like an ordinary mountain village, seemingly open to entry and exit at will.
The vermilion door was studded with bronze nails, each the size of a thumb, and the door rings were a brilliant gold, looking as if they were made of pure gold—extremely imposing.
“You’re here!” With a creak, the main door swung open, revealing a beautiful young woman standing just inside, slender and graceful, with captivating eyes that held a trace of sharpness.
“Master!” Liu Biyun stepped forward and called out sweetly.
The young woman snorted. “You wretch, you finally remembered to come back!”
Liu Biyun giggled lightly and quickly added, “Master, this is Li Guanhai, Big Brother Li!”
Li Muzhan knew this person was her Master, Cheng Suzhen. He cupped his hands and smiled, “Greetings, Elder Cheng!”
“You are Li Guanhai?” Cheng Suzhen sized him up a few times, nodding. “Not bad; not overly delicate or powdered. Come in and talk!”
“Come in,” Liu Biyun smiled. “Big Brother Li, Master dislikes formalities, so just treat this place like your own home!”
“Girl, how can this be treated like your own home?!” Cheng Suzhen retorted without warmth.
Li Muzhan smiled and followed Cheng Suzhen across the threshold. With a loud clang, the heavy door shut. Cheng Suzhen led the way gracefully, moving through corridors until they reached the main hall.
The hall was furnished warmly and elegantly, showing her extraordinary taste. The furniture was a moonlight white. On a low table, a vase held a few stalks of wild flowers.
The hall was very quiet. Cheng Suzhen sat down on an embroidered couch, lazily observing him. Liu Biyun prepared tea, brought three cups, and then sat down beside them.
Li Muzhan sat on a stool, facing Cheng Suzhen’s scrutinizing gaze with a smile.
Cheng Suzhen sipped her tea, set the cup down, and asked casually, “How old are you?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Twenty-six. Elder Cheng, you aren’t much older than me, are you?”
Cheng Suzhen glanced at Liu Biyun and snorted. “No matter how much younger I am, I am still your elder, aren't I? You saved the girl several times; I should thank you.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “It was coincidental; it amounts to nothing.”
Cheng Suzhen languidly continued, “The girl is my life. If anything happened to her, I wouldn’t be able to live. Tell me, what is it you desire?”
Li Muzhan pondered briefly, then slowly stated, “I wish to resolve the conflict between the Dragon Mountain Sect and the Purple Silk Palace.”
“Purple Silk Palace?” Cheng Suzhen thought for a moment, then slowly nodded. “Purple Silk Palace… there was such a matter. Martial Uncle Gu was defeated by a young fellow; that person wasn’t you, was he?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “It was.”
“You are a disciple of the Purple Silk Palace?” Cheng Suzhen asked, surprised.
Li Muzhan sighed and slowly said, “Originally, I intended to present myself as Li Guanhai of the Green Plum lineage, but I cannot lie before Elder Cheng. I am Li Wuji of the Purple Silk Palace!”
Upon meeting Cheng Suzhen, he had opened his Mind’s Eye and seen clearly into her heart. He recognized that her external coldness and aloof demeanor, designed to keep people at a distance, masked an inner warmth. Furthermore, her devotion to Liu Biyun was clearly life-defining. Relying on the life-saving debt, even if he failed, she wouldn't harm him. Thus, he decided to be completely forthright. Besides, her nature was fierce; if he lied now, it would become a huge problem later. Being honest upfront offered far greater advantages.
Cheng Suzhen stared at him in stunned silence. After a long pause, she turned to look at Liu Biyun and snorted, “Girl, you knew about this?”
Liu Biyun gently nodded. “Big Brother Li didn’t hide it from me.”
“You, you rascal…” Cheng Suzhen shook her head and sighed. “I don’t know if you are foolish or clever!”
Li Muzhan asked, “Elder Cheng, is there any hope for this matter?”
“It depends on human effort,” Cheng Suzhen mused. “We must observe slowly; I will test the waters first. You absolutely must not be so honest with others; you cannot reveal your identity to anyone else!”
Li Muzhan nodded quickly. “Of course, I won’t carelessly reveal it to outsiders. Elder Cheng is different.”
“Hmph, what makes me different!” Cheng Suzhen scoffed, glancing at Liu Biyun. “It won’t be that easy for the girl!”
Li Muzhan nodded with a wry smile. “Understood.”
Liu Biyun piped up, “Master, Wu Ling, Little Chang, and Little Yang blocked Big Brother down the mountain, wanting a challenge, but Big Brother taught them a severe lesson.”
Cheng Suzhen snorted. “Those protectors of yours! Not a single one is useful!”
Liu Biyun asked anxiously, “Will there be trouble?”
Cheng Suzhen shot her a sidelong glance. “What do you think?” She continued, “They are protecting you, this flower; no one else dares to pluck you. Wuji… Guanhai has incurred the wrath of the masses, which will cause trouble for him!”
“Then what should we do?” Liu Biyun asked.
Cheng Suzhen waved her hand dismissively. “Isn't his sword skill outstanding? True gold fears no fire!”
“Master—!” Liu Biyun complained softly.
Cheng Suzhen shook her head. “If he can’t handle your little troop of flower protectors, he should just leave the mountain early!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “I was just hoping to witness the supreme skills of the Dragon Mountain Sect!”
“That’s more like it,” Cheng Suzhen replied with a slight smile. “You should have that kind of heroic spirit!”