Liu Biyun glared at him, turned and left the room, then returned coaxing a wooden basin. In the basin was water, chillingly cold, reflecting his face.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Where is Senior Cheng?"

Liu Biyun replied, "Master has gone out, looking for someone to help preside over the match."

Without waiting for Li Muzhan to speak, she added, "Senior Brother Jing's strikes are ruthless; his sword won't return to its sheath unless stained with blood. And his sword is too fast. Master wants to find a powerful Grandmaster who can stop him in time."

Li Muzhan felt a surge of emotion but smiled without revealing it, "It truly puts Senior Cheng to trouble."

Liu Biyun laughed, "Big Brother need not worry; even if you lose, there won't be any danger."

Li Muzhan shook his head with a faint smile, washed his face, took the towel she offered, and after drying, handed it back to her, "Biyun, you truly have no faith in me!"

Liu Biyun showed a look of embarrassment, "Big Brother, if they weren't resorting to trickery, I’d certainly believe you could defeat Senior Brother Jing. But this is the Meteor Sword Style..."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Alright, alright, I promise to be careful!"

Liu Biyun asked, "Does Big Brother want a few pastries?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Let’s eat after the fight."

"Very well then, let's go. Everyone is waiting!" Liu Biyun announced.

Li Muzhan followed her out of the main house towards the training grounds in the woods. But halfway there, a group of people suddenly emerged from the trees, blocking their path.

Li Muzhan sized up the six figures. They all wore sapphire-blue long robes, exuding the distinct air of arrogance unique to Dragon Mountain Sect disciples.

Li Muzhan recognized the two leading them; he had met them before in Fengyue City. Without Wu Ling present, one was surnamed Chang and the other Yang; their martial arts were passable.

"Junior Brother Chang, Junior Brother Yang, what are you doing?!" Liu Biyun frowned and chided.

Seeing their posture, it was clear they weren't there with good intentions. This was happening right before the match, and Liu Biyun worried they were planning mischief.

Senior Brother Chang smiled, "Junior Sister, we're just saying hello."

Liu Biyun replied impatiently, "What kind of greeting is this? We can exchange greetings at the training ground later. You all step aside quickly!"

"Junior Sister..." Junior Brother Chang avoided Liu Biyun’s bright, clear gaze, gathered his courage, and pressed on somewhat hesitantly, "Junior Brother Yang has something to say!"

Junior Brother Yang shook his head helplessly, shot Junior Brother Chang a look, cupped his hands toward Liu Biyun, and said solemnly, "Junior Sister, we simply cannot stomach it anymore!"

"What is it you can't stomach?" Liu Biyun huffed, "Junior Brother Yang, it's getting late. Say what you need to quickly and don't keep everyone waiting!"

Junior Brother Yang steeled himself and said in a deep voice, "Junior Sister, you should know where your loyalties lie. Your elbow bending outward so sharply—we all find it unbearable!"

"How is my elbow bending outward?!" Liu Biyun retorted with a sharp, delicate pout, her jade-like face flushing crimson.

Junior Brother Yang threw caution to the wind, "You helping an outsider so much—isn't that bending your elbow outward?!"

Liu Biyun feigned anger, "Hmph. Big Brother Li is the one who saved my life. He is here as a guest, and this is how you treat him? If I didn't help Big Brother Li, would I even be human?!"

Junior Brother Yang paused, about to retort, but Liu Biyun gave him no chance. "Hmph," she continued, "You lot, every single one of you, have meager skills yet stir up so much trouble. You are truly disgracing our Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Junior Brother Yang’s face flushed red, and he tried to speak again, but Liu Biyun waved her hand, huffing, "Forget it. There's no reasoning with you people. Get out of the way!"

Junior Brother Yang, face burning red, glared furiously at Li Muzhan. He dared not direct his anger at Liu Biyun, so it transferred to Li Muzhan. Gritting his teeth with hatred, he sneered, "You surnamed Li, I advise you to just admit defeat!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Why should I admit defeat?"

Junior Brother Yang sneered triumphantly, "Senior Brother Jing’s sword is too fast; even the Grandmasters couldn't stop it. To challenge him is to seek death!"

He continued with a cold laugh, "Besides, if the Grandmasters fail to stop it, it won't be Senior Brother Jing's fault. At most, Senior Brother Jing will have to spend a few years at Washing Cliff!"

He was originally thoughtful and possessed deep cunning, but he was still young, and he harbored feelings for Liu Biyun. Being scolded by her like that instantly filled his mind with rage, causing him to lose his composure.

"Junior Brother Yang!" Liu Biyun snapped sharply, pointing at him and shouting fiercely, "Are you insane?!"

Junior Brother Yang stared, his face slightly contorted, "Junior Sister, why are you protecting this brat? He’s bullying our Dragon Mountain Sect because we have no one capable. Are you helping an outsider bully us?!"

Liu Biyun scoffed, "Who says he’s bullying the Dragon Mountain Sect? It’s the Dragon Mountain Sect bullying Big Brother Li! ... You surnamed Yang, get lost now!"

She, who was usually gentle and refined, never used crude language, but now she couldn't help but curse him.

Junior Brother Yang kept glaring at Li Muzhan and sneering coldly. Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled faintly, "I truly don't understand. It’s just a sparring match; why attach so much importance to winning or losing?"

"You surnamed Li, it’s easy for you to say when you’re not the one standing here!" Junior Brother Yang roared, "You've cleaned out the savings of all the senior brothers, and you speak so lightly of it?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "If everyone is short on funds, then forget it. There’s no need to press the matter!"

"You surnamed Li!" Junior Brother Yang was fit to burst with anger, almost jumping up. The more Li Muzhan downplayed it, the angrier he became, feeling like a mere clown.

"Junior Brother Yang, are you going to move or not!" Liu Biyun drew her sword and stepped forward, glaring coldly at him.

She realized that this Yang fellow had ill intentions; he was here only to disrupt Big Brother Li's focus, hoping to gain an edge in the match—truly despicable. She was furious.

Li Muzhan reached out and placed a hand on her delicate shoulder, "Biyun, forget it!"

Liu Biyun’s body immediately went soft, her grip on the sword loosened, and her cheeks flushed as if intoxicated. Her virgin body was extremely sensitive to a man's aura. With Li Muzhan’s light touch, she could feel the warmth from his palm through her shoulder, like a current flowing straight into her heart, causing her body to feel weak and limp.

Seeing her appearance, radiant as a spring blossom, the disciples opposite felt a mix of sourness, bitterness, hatred, and anger. They glared fiercely at Li Muzhan, finally fixing their eyes on the hand resting on her delicate shoulder.

Li Muzhan withdrew his hand and smiled faintly, "Everyone, it's getting late. A martial arts comparison shouldn't require such seriousness. If I win today, you might win tomorrow. Everyone's skill is constantly improving. If you lose, you lose; just find a chance to win it back!"

"You speak too lightly, surnamed Li!" Junior Brother Yang sneered repeatedly, "I’d like to see what consequence you face if you lose this time!"

"Senior Brother Jing will definitely kill him," Junior Brother Chang murmured, shaking his head.

Seeing Liu Biyun glare over, he quickly turned his head away from her, as if he hadn't been the one who provoked her extreme irritation.

She turned her head, "Big Brother Li, don't listen to their nonsense. Let’s go!"

With that, she walked ahead, charging straight toward the group as if they didn't exist.

"Junior Sister, why must you help such a dead man?" Junior Brother Yang huffed in defiance.

Liu Biyun chastised him, "Get lost now, I don't want to talk to you!"

As Junior Brother Yang and the others retreated, he said, "Junior Sister, look at this fellow. He has no looks, no character, he only hides behind women—completely lacking any heroic spirit. How could he possibly be worthy of you, Junior Sister?!" Liu Biyun tightly pursed her lips, keeping her delicate face stern, saying nothing, only walking forward.

The Yang group continued their retreat and their commentary. Li Muzhan sighed faintly, shaking his head, and said calmly, "Be quiet!"

Junior Brother Yang stared blankly, his body instantly stiffening. The retreating group didn't notice until Liu Biyun had slowly walked past him without him moving. They then realized something was wrong and quickly moved aside, allowing Liu Biyun and Li Muzhan to pass while they checked on Junior Brother Yang.

Liu Biyun glanced back at them, then at Li Muzhan, and suddenly burst into laughter, her face blossoming with joy, "That was so satisfying!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Couldn't strike him, so just a small lesson!"

"Is Junior Brother Yang alright?" Liu Biyun asked.

After all, this was on the mountain. If a life were truly lost, the sect would never let the matter rest.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Just a small lesson. He will be extremely sensitive to sound for a few days; he’ll be fine then!"

"What will happen to him?" Liu Biyun asked, smiling with pursed lips.

Li Muzhan laughed, "The sound of a dog barking might startle him, and a loud shout will feel like thunder. He probably won't sleep well unless he knocks himself out."

"Big Brother, you are truly wicked!" Liu Biyun laughed cheerfully.

This counted as settling a score for her; this group of guys had been completely out of line!

When they reached the training grounds in the woods, the crowd was even larger than the day before, packed tightly together. Only a central clearing, about two zhang square, remained open, and many people were even perched in the trees.

Li Muzhan felt a little ashamed. It seemed the Dragon Mountain Sect disciples were very diligent, waking up early. The rules of a large sect were indeed strict.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Li Muzhan and Liu Biyun entered the area. Cheng Suzhen was already there, accompanied by a gentle, mature beautiful woman. She had a full figure and a round, moon-like face, with elegant eyebrows and beautiful eyes. She looked about forty, but a sense of vicissitude in her gaze and between her brows suggested she was much older than her appearance suggested.

"Brat, come here quickly. This is my Senior Aunt Cheng!" Cheng Suzhen beckoned with her jade-like hand.

Li Muzhan approached, cupped his hands, and bowed, "This junior, Li Guanhai, greets Senior Cheng."

"Mmm, young man, you look quite energetic," the middle-aged beauty smiled kindly and nodded. "I heard your swordsmanship is quite good—rare, truly rare..."

Cheng Suzhen laughed, "This brat doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth; he actually wants to witness our sect’s Thirty-Six Arts. I truly don't know what to say!"

The middle-aged beauty smiled, "Girl Cheng, don't brag. Biyun is a good child!"

Standing beside the middle-aged beauty were three others—the Elder Jin, Xu, and Bai from yesterday, all looking solemn.

Elder Jin pointed to the blue-robed youth beside him and said in a deep voice, "Little Brother Li, this is Jing Sen, challenging you. Do you accept?"

Li Muzhan turned to Jing Sen. He had a slender build and a pale complexion, giving him a sickly appearance, but his eyes were bright and piercing, his gaze like a sword.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Greetings, Brother Jing. I am Li Guanhai. I accept the challenge."

"One Marrow Cleansing Pill..." Elder Jin frowned. "What will Little Brother Li use as collateral?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "I don't have many treasures. I’ll use all the silver I won yesterday."

The crowd buzzed with murmuring—some laughed softly, some waited gleefully for misfortune, while others shook their heads dismissively. Opinions were varied.

Elder Jin looked somewhat uncomfortable, glancing at the other two elders, then towards the middle-aged beauty, "Senior Sister Cheng, what do you think...?"

"Follow the rules," the middle-aged beauty nodded faintly.

Elder Jin frowned, "Little Brother Li, the Marrow Cleansing Pill is a priceless treasure. Your collateral is insufficient. According to the rules, you must yield ten moves!"

Li Muzhan nodded solemnly, "Good."

Elder Jin stated, "If you win, the Marrow Cleansing Pill is yours. If you lose, all the silver goes to Jing Sen, and you must serve the Dragon Mountain Sect for ten years!"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes."

Elder Jin looked at Li Muzhan and said in a deep voice, "Little Brother Li, you can still withdraw now. Besides losing face, you lose nothing else."

Li Muzhan smiled and cupped his hands, "Thank you, Senior Elder Jin. This junior accepts the challenge!"

"Sigh... very well!" Elder Jin sighed helplessly, turning away, "Jing Sen, remember this: do not use lethal intent!"

Jing Sen, standing straight as a willow, revealed a slight smile on his pale face, "Grandmaster Jin, you know my swordsmanship is clumsy; it's easy to let loose but hard to recall. I might miss and strike accidentally."

Elder Jin waved his hand and said sternly, "Enough, let's begin."

Li Muzhan smiled, cupped his fists, "Brother Jing, I have long admired your name. Make your move!"

"Ten moves..." Jing Sen shook his head, looking at him with some pity, "To be honest, you shouldn't have come to the Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Please!"

Liu Biyun stood beside Cheng Suzhen, clutching her fists, her body tense as a bowstring, staring fixedly at the center of the arena.

Cheng Suzhen also stopped her light conversation with the middle-aged beauty, moving two steps closer, watching the arena quietly. The middle-aged beauty’s jade hand moved subtly within her sleeve, and a willow-leaf blade was already in her grasp.

With a sharp whistle, a white light flashed around Jing Sen, shooting toward Li Muzhan like a white rainbow, swift as a meteor.

Li Muzhan stepped sideways, deftly dodging the strike. A "whistle" sounded again, the white rainbow curved, tracing an arc as it stabbed toward him once more.

Li Muzhan stepped sideways again, elegantly avoiding it. Whistle! The white rainbow turned again, clinging stubbornly, but Li Muzhan's footwork was light and precise; each time, he narrowly avoided the attack.

Liu Biyun’s fingers twisted together until they turned pale and bloodless. Her body trembled slightly. The sword light grew faster, the whistling sound louder, and her heart felt tighter and tighter.

Cheng Suzhen also watched without moving, while the onlookers cheered excitedly, their murmuring rising and falling as they watched the match.

In the blink of an eye, five strikes passed. Li Muzhan still stood there smiling, relaxed and composed. In normal circumstances, such elegance would have made Liu Biyun's heart flutter like a little deer, her ears burning and cheeks flushed. But now, she had no romantic thoughts, only staring at Li Muzhan with unblinking bright eyes.

"Good footwork!" Jing Sen roared, his body flashing suddenly, seeming to dissolve into a phantom attached to the sword. The sword light suddenly intensified, like the sun descending into the arena. Its speed increased dramatically, but the whistling sound vanished instantly.

Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes; the sword light reached him in an instant. For anyone else, the light would have been impossible to even see because it was so dazzlingly bright.

Cheng Suzhen couldn't help but step forward. Liu Biyun's heart skipped a beat, feeling like it would jump out of her chest. The crowd's excited murmuring suddenly swelled, and someone cried out in shock.

A sword strike this fast almost exceeded the limits of the human body; there seemed no possibility of evasion. They could almost imagine the grim sight of Li Muzhan being pierced by the sword, a mix of excitement and melancholy on their faces.

Cheng Suzhen quickly turned to look at the middle-aged beauty. The middle-aged beauty slightly narrowed her bright eyes, and her left hand emerged from her sleeve, the willow-leaf blade flashing brilliantly.

"Shijia..." Cheng Suzhen called out softly.

The middle-aged beauty shook her head, "This little fellow is formidable!"

"Alas..." A sigh rose from the crowd. They saw Li Muzhan still standing there, smiling faintly, one hand behind his back, elegant and composed, like a noble jade tree in the wind.

At that moment, they suddenly felt he looked a bit more handsome (To be continued)