Liu Biyun said, "Big Brother's swordsmanship is excellent, but what if these people try a war of attrition? Who can endure that?"

"These young ones won't stoop to such tactics," Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "Ah, girl, you worry too much out of care. Every single one of those youngsters is brimming with arrogance; how could they resort to such a move?"

"I highly doubt that!" Liu Biyun snorted. "Master overestimates them. I say if they get desperate enough from losing, they'll try anything!"

Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "That still depends on his own fortune. In sparring and practice matches, accidental injuries are inevitable. Am I supposed to stand guard the whole time?!"

Liu Biyun huffed, "This concerns Master's reputation!"

Cheng Suzhen waved her hand impatiently. "Enough, girl. Talking till your lips are worn won't change anything. If he can't pass this test, it's best he retreats while he still can!"

Liu Biyun muttered sulkily, "Master!"

Cheng Suzhen smiled as she looked at Li Muzhan. "Guanhai, do you want me to watch from the side?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "No need to trouble Senior, I will be careful."

Cheng Suzhen smiled sweetly. "You need to be careful. Many of these young ones have already killed people, and right now, they all intend to kill you. You must protect yourself, yet you cannot kill them. Can you manage that? ... If you can't, you had best descend the mountain quickly; it's not too late yet!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "How can I leave without witnessing the peerless arts of the Longshan Sect? ... I have long heard the fame of the Longshan Thirty-Six Arts!"

Cheng Suzhen responded, "Indeed, our Thirty-Six Arts are quite remarkable. You wish to learn them?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "I specialize in swordsmanship; I do not wish to change and practice something else."

"That is fine too," Cheng Suzhen nodded. "Mastering everything means mastering nothing well. It's better to focus on one path. However, specializing in swordsmanship has its drawback: what if your sword isn't with you? ... It would be better to practice a set of palm techniques or boxing."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Indeed."

Liu Biyun hurriedly asked, "Master, can Big Brother learn the Thirty-Six Arts?"

"No," Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "Only direct lineage disciples can cultivate the Thirty-Six Arts; you have no hope. ... What level is Guanhai's swordsmanship really at? Shall we test it out?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Very well."

Liu Biyun quickly tugged his sleeve; they sat shoulder to shoulder, able to sense each other's faint scent.

Cheng Suzhen noticed this. She sighed, half-exasperated, "Girl, you..."

She then looked at Li Muzhan. "Guanhai, do you wish to spar?"

Li Muzhan bowed, "I request Senior's guidance!"

"She doesn't want you to fight? Are you afraid I'll lose?" Cheng Suzhen snorted, throwing a glare at Liu Biyun. "Truly, a girl whose heart lies outside!"

Liu Biyun protested, "Master, your swordsmanship truly isn't as good as Big Brother's. If you lose, won't you lose face? I'm afraid you'll fly into a rage out of embarrassment!"

"Nonsense! Am I that kind of person!" Cheng Suzhen huffed.

Liu Biyun slowly nodded. She was precisely that kind of person and absolutely capable of it.

Cheng Suzhen waved her hand, ignoring her. She rose from the couch, drew the long sword resting by its side, and emerged from the main hall onto the cleared ground in front, full of high spirits.

The residence was large and spacious. Directly facing the entrance was a screen wall; behind it lay a courtyard of bluestone—clearly a martial arts practice ground.

Cheng Suzhen stood poised with her sword, exuding a graceful elegance. She beckoned, "Come on, Guanhai. Unleash your full swordsmanship and let me see just how capable you truly are!"

Li Muzhan slowly drew his sword. "Senior, please be careful, I may offend."

The moment his words fell, the sword light flashed once, and the tip rested gently against Cheng Suzhen's throat, a slight push enough to end her life. His step forward, his single thrust—it was like lightning and flint, so fast that no one could react. Only when a chilling cold touched her throat did she realize the sword was already there.

"Senior Cheng," Li Muzhan retracted his sword and smiled.

Cheng Suzhen looked at him, then at Liu Biyun. Liu Biyun said, "Master, Big Brother's sword is very fast, I told you."

Cheng Suzhen snorted heavily, feeling utterly disgraced. She had heard Liu Biyun say Li Muzhan's sword was fast, but she hadn't expected it to be this fast.

"Again!" she huffed faintly.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Then, Senior, please be careful!"

Li Muzhan eased the speed of his drawing motion, delivering a soft, probing thrust. Cheng Suzhen met it with her own swing, and the two immediately engaged, their swords clashing in a flurry of motion.

In a flash, a dozen exchanges passed. Suddenly, Cheng Suzhen leaped back a step, moving outside the circle of engagement, and waved her hand. "Enough, enough, I won't fight anymore!"

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword and smiled, "Senior has fine swordsmanship."

Cheng Suzhen waved her hand dismissively. "Enough, stop trying to flatter me. I couldn't even complete a single proper move. This swordsmanship feels stifling; I'm bound to be defeated eventually!"

"Big Brother Li can see the flaws in my sword techniques, can't he?" Liu Biyun said with a smile.

Cheng Suzhen snorted, "Yes. It seems every move of mine has a fatal flaw. I originally thought it was flawless."

Li Muzhan smiled gently, "Senior, there is no truly flawless sword technique in this world."

"That is true," Cheng Suzhen nodded. "Your sword is fast, and your eyes are sharp; naturally, you see flaws everywhere. Your swordsmanship is truly exceptional. This time, girl, you were not lying!"

Liu Biyun pouted coquettishly, "Master, when have I ever lied!"

Cheng Suzhen pursed her lips. "Hmph, you've told plenty of fibs. Do you want me to list them one by one?"

Liu Biyun blushed deeply, daring not to reply, lest her Master actually start listing every triviality. She had done such things often, remembering every tiny detail, be it ancient history or trifling matters, and could recount them clearly.

Li Muzhan was settled into this courtyard. He occupied a room in the second wing, while Liu Biyun and Cheng Suzhen stayed in the main house of the third wing. The fourth wing was a rear garden.

Although the Longshan Sect possessed many residences, a four-wing courtyard like this was not for just anyone; it required a certain level of contribution and achievement. Cheng Suzhen was a hermit practitioner with formidable martial arts prowess.

After Li Muzhan was settled, Liu Biyun took him on a tour of the Longshan Sect. There wasn't much to see; the sect looked truly like a village, with people coming and going in a leisurely manner, lacking any distinct sectarian atmosphere.

When noon arrived, they returned to the residence, and the three shared lunch in the main hall. Just as they were eating, a sound of a knocker echoed from the outside gate.

Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "They've finally arrived."

Liu Biyun glanced at Li Muzhan. "Big Brother Li, it might be the challengers."

Li Muzhan smiled. "My hands are itching too. Tell them, anyone who wants to challenge me, go to the small training ground in the woods. I will accompany them all!"

"Alright," Liu Biyun stood up and headed out. She had steeled her resolve; this confrontation was bound to happen sooner or later. Whether she faced it or shied away, the outcome would be the same. She had to comply.

Cheng Suzhen watched Li Muzhan with a smirk. "Guanhai, when you fight them, you must strike a balance—hurt them enough to feel it, but don't take their lives."

Li Muzhan smiled slightly. "I can't kill them, but they can kill me? Interesting!"

"There's nothing to be done, this is within the sect grounds!" Cheng Suzhen laughed. "If you actually kill someone, the sect will never let it go!"

Li Muzhan sighed, "I can only do my best!"

He finished his meal slowly, then took a slow stroll around the courtyard to aid digestion. Afterward, accompanied by Liu Biyun, he headed to the circular training ground nestled in the center of a grove of trees.

About a hundred people were already standing there, all young men and women around twenty years old, all looking highly eager.

Outsiders were rarely invited to the Longshan Sect; one needed sufficient qualifications, and each person only received two invitations per year—once used, the opportunity was gone.

Liu Biyun had invited a man here—the man she cherished. This was a devastating blow to the young male disciples of the Longshan Sect. If she had chosen someone from within the sect, their disappointment would not have been so profound. To bypass the talented young men of Longshan and instead choose a 'wild root' from an unrenowned school infuriated them.

They cracked their knuckles, eager to teach this fellow a lesson immediately, drive him off the mountain, and make him abandon his foolish pursuit—a toad dreaming of eating swan meat!

When they saw Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun approaching side-by-side, with Liu Biyun acting as gentle as flowing water, standing beside him like a small, dependent bird, their hearts shattered.

The pain of heartbreak transmuted into fierce anger and killing intent, surging toward Li Muzhan like a tidal wave. Li Muzhan, with his keen senses, clearly felt their hatred and murderous drive.

Liu Biyun stepped into the center and declared with a hum, "Esteemed Senior Brothers and Junior Sisters, Big Brother Li is the savior of our lives. Surely, disciples of the Longshan Sect are not ungrateful?"

A young man said skeptically, "Senior Sister Liu, did he really save your life?"

Liu Biyun snapped back, "Little Hu, why would I lie? Why are you crowding here making trouble!"

Little Hu replied, "I also want to witness his martial arts. If his skill is lacking, he won't be worthy of you, Senior Sister!"

"What nonsense are you speaking!" Liu Biyun immediately blushed, radiant like a fresh flower. The crowd stared dazedly, then quickly realized that such a beautiful blossom would no longer bloom for them but would be plucked by an outsider. Their hatred for Li Muzhan intensified.

Li Muzhan spoke gently, "Everyone, I am Qingmei Li Guanhai. I have long admired the fame of the Longshan Sect. Today I have come to learn your peerless arts; I hope you will not spare your guidance!"

A youth emerged from the crowd. He was broad and sturdy, like an iron tower, standing before Li Muzhan. His face was dark and grim, as if scorched by smoke.

"Kid, I'll test you!" the dark-faced youth said in a deep voice, beckoning with a hand as large as a cattail fan. "Come on then, I won't take your life!"

Liu Biyun stepped aside and remained silent. She understood the delicacy of the situation; saying too much would only diminish Li Muzhan's authority, which was a serious matter for a man.

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled, "Please—!"

The dark-faced youth roared and slammed out a fierce punch. Li Muzhan's long sword near his waist moved, flashing out like an electric spark, then immediately returned to its scabbard.

The dark-faced youth lowered his gaze to his chest, halted his forward step and his punch, and huffed, "What a fast sword! ... I concede!"

Saying this, he stepped back, offering no further words, his eyes fixed on the round hole in his chest, seemingly trying to figure out exactly how that single strike had landed.

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled, "You flatter me."

The crowd murmured softly. None of them had seen how that sword strike occurred. They only saw a flash before their eyes, and the drawing and sheathing of the sword were complete—it was too fast!

Li Muzhan scanned the surrounding people. Liu Biyun frowned as she surveyed the crowd.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Is there anyone else who wishes to offer guidance?"

"I'll do it," a short, stout youth walked forward slowly. He carried a long saber at his waist, which he drew and pointed at Li Muzhan. "Your sword is fast, but let's see if it can be faster than my blade!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "I hope none of you disappoint me too much. Please—!"

Clang... The blade light swept out like snow, followed by a crisp sound, then vanished again. The long saber was knocked aside. The stout youth stumbled back a few steps before stabilizing himself, staring blankly at Li Muzhan.

He then looked down at the blade, where a small indentation marked the spot where the sword had tapped it. Seeing this single-point strike, he felt a chill run down his spine. He knew this strike had been delivered with restraint.

Li Muzhan kept his long sword drawn, slowly gazing at the crowd, a look of disappointment etched on his face.

The crowd buzzed with discussion, their expressions grim. They hadn't expected Li Muzhan's swordsmanship to be so formidable. The two who had just fought were no novices, though perhaps not the absolute top tier among them. Yet, facing them, Li Muzhan had won so easily. This led them to conclude that they, too, were no match for this Li Guanhai.

Li Muzhan asked, "Does anyone else wish to offer guidance?"

The crowd remained silent. To step forward would only be to invite humiliation; they could only bite their lips and wait to see how long this arrogance could last!

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head. "I didn't expect... never mind. We can discuss it tomorrow."

With that, he resheathed his long sword and slowly turned to leave. He moved with composure and elegance, treating the crowd as if they were nothing—a sight that made them clench their jaws, wishing they could leap up and slay him.

Liu Biyun turned back to the crowd and declared, "If you can't beat him, don't embarrass yourselves further. Big Brother Li actually defeated Yin Zhaojiang!"

"What? Defeated Yin Zhaojiang?"

"Which Yin Zhaojiang? The First Disciple of the Wansheng Sect?"

The crowd erupted in discussion. Liu Biyun’s two sentences ignited their enthusiasm, and they began buzzing with speculation.

Liu Biyun nodded. "Yes. If it weren't for Big Brother Li, Yin Zhaojiang would have killed four of us by now. Big Brother Li is our savior!"

"He actually defeated Yin Zhaojiang? No wonder!" The realization dawned, and it became much easier to accept. If he could defeat Yin Zhaojiang, what were they in comparison? Although Yin Zhaojiang was a Wansheng Sect disciple, in their eyes, he was mysterious, unfathomable, and beyond reach.

Liu Biyun shook her head, turned, and left, returning to the large residence. Li Muzhan was already speaking with Cheng Suzhen, chuckling lightly.

Cheng Suzhen turned to her as she entered. "Girl, you're back? How did it go?"

Liu Biyun smiled, "The few powerful Senior Brothers will surely be swayed by what I said."

Cheng Suzhen said, "Then let's wait for the show. Guanhai, if you want to witness the exquisite martial arts of the Longshan Sect, don't count on these boys; they are all just amateurs!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "They are young. After a few more years of practice, they won't have trouble becoming masters capable of holding their own. They are indeed disciples of the Longshan Sect."

"They won't achieve anything truly great!" Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "Our Longshan Sect martial arts are profound. At their age, if they haven't shown potential, then they are simply not cut out for it."

Liu Biyun worried, "Big Brother, if you keep acting like this, you will offend the entire sect."

Li Muzhan smiled, "I am making friends through martial arts. Surely, not every disciple of the Longshan Sect lacks such magnanimity?"

"That's not quite true," Liu Biyun shook her head. "Everyone is generally fine, but they are good to their own people and harsh toward outsiders."

Cheng Suzhen scoffed, "The truly capable ones haven't shown themselves yet. These youngsters are just putting on airs and showing off. They haven't learned the good things, but they've mastered all the superfluous nonsense!"

Liu Biyun laughed, "Yes, they won't just stand by and watch Big Brother dominate."

The lamps were lit. Li Muzhan sat in the rear garden. This small garden was warm as spring, as if it were its own separate world. The lanterns illuminated the space as brightly as day.

Li Muzhan sat by a stone table. Cheng Suzhen and Liu Biyun were seated on swings, the two swings side-by-side, rocking gently while conversing with Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan set down his teacup and spoke slowly, "Senior Cheng, does your esteemed sect have a certain Mei Daoling?"

Cheng Suzhen started, then frowned. "Senior Brother Mei? ... How do you know of him?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I only heard his name mentioned incidentally."

"Where did you hear it?" Cheng Suzhen asked.

Li Muzhan thought for a moment, then shook his head, "I can't quite recall. Perhaps in a tavern? The person seemed to have met Mei Daoling and spoke of his martial arts as incredibly powerful."

Cheng Suzhen sighed. "Senior Brother Mei is a hermit practitioner, someone detached from worldly affairs. It is quite rare for you to have heard of him; his situation is rather tragic."

"What happened?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile. "I've heard of hermit practitioners—those brilliant eccentrics who focus solely on martial arts and don't engage with the world. I hoped to learn a thing or two from them."

"I count as a hermit practitioner myself," Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "It's not that mysterious, but Senior Brother Mei is indeed different; he is a true prodigy."

Li Muzhan pressed, "How is he tragic?"

Cheng Suzhen sighed. "He has been imprisoned on Xixin Cliff for over ten years, hasn't he?"

"Xixin Cliff?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Liu Biyun explained, "Xixin Cliff is a sheer precipice. One must face the cliff face, surrounded only by bare rock. There is no escape."

Li Muzhan sounded surprised. "He must have committed a terrible offense? ... What happened?"

Liu Biyun sighed, "Martial Uncle Mei violated our sect rules by becoming entangled with a demoness from the Wansheng Sect. It was an act of mercy that they didn't revoke his martial arts!"

Cheng Suzhen added, "If the Sect Master hadn't been unwilling to let go of his peerless talent, his martial arts would have been crippled and he'd have been expelled long ago!"

Li Muzhan mused, "He fell in love with a woman from the Wansheng Sect?"

"Yes," Cheng Suzhen nodded. "That was destined to be a tragedy; there could be no good outcome."

"What was the best possible outcome?" Li Muzhan frowned and asked.

Cheng Suzhen sighed and shook her head. "He killed the Wansheng Sect woman."

Li Muzhan's expression changed. "He killed that woman?"

"Yes," Cheng Suzhen sighed, forcing a wry smile. "Senior Brother Mei killed that woman, then returned to the sect to beg forgiveness. The Sect Master, recognizing his sincerity, spared his life."

Li Muzhan frowned. "If that's the case, his character is questionable!"

"Alas... who can truly say what was right and wrong in that affair!" Cheng Suzhen shook her head. "How could Senior Brother Mei bring himself to such ruthlessness? There must be an underlying story!"

Liu Biyun chimed in, "Master, I feel that even with context, one shouldn't kill the woman they love. Hmph, perhaps Martial Uncle Mei's heart had changed!"

Cheng Suzhen waved her hand. "Enough, do not mention Senior Brother Mei in front of an outsider again!"

"It seems I won't be able to meet this Mei Daoling," Li Muzhan sighed in disappointment.

Cheng Suzhen said, "It may not be impossible to see him, though."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Then I shall have to trouble Senior!"

Cheng Suzhen paused in thought. "I will try. If I can manage it, all the better. If not, we'll forget it."