Li Muzhan watched her depart with elegant strides despite the masculine attire; it was clear from her gait she was a woman.
He called the waiter to settle the bill, only to be informed by the waiter that it had already been paid—the young Master Yi had settled it.
Li Muzhan smiled, waved his hand, and the waiter quietly retreated. Li Muzhan sat by the table, contemplating for a moment. He glanced around; the surrounding diners kept a considerable distance, unable to overhear their conversation.
What had been said earlier could reveal some inside information if it fell into the wrong ears, which made Li Muzhan uneasy, causing him to linger.
He swept another look, suspecting there were spies from the Wan Sheng Sect nearby. His thought flickered, suddenly landing on the departing waiter, and he shook his head with a wry smile—it was this very waiter!
He sighed. The Wan Sheng Sect was indeed formidable, their influence reaching from high officials and nobles down to the common laborers and hawkers, making them impossible to guard against.
He rose from the tavern and headed toward the Zi Shang Palace, his movements incredibly swift, fully unleashed, resembling nothing more than a shadow.
He moved this way to avoid being tailed. The deaths of Mei Daoling and the others would soon be discovered, and he wondered if it would implicate him.
He had already established a firm footing within the Long Shan Sect. The effect of one Marrow Cleansing Pill was truly potent; even if suspicion arose, it wouldn't matter much.
Mei Daoling, outwardly refined and elegant, was inwardly maniacal. The Long Shan Sect must have realized this—keeping him around was a menace, and now that he was dead by Li Muzhan’s hand, they might even be pleased.
Furthermore, since he had taken the jade pendant, the Long Shan Sect should deduce that the Wan Sheng Sect was responsible. That incident was a scandal back then, one the Long Shan Sect would prefer not to revisit.
He was ninety percent certain that no significant trouble would arise. Even if it implicated him, his identity wouldn't be traced. Yi Xiaoru had already patched up the loophole for him; with the capabilities of the Wan Sheng Sect, the cover was flawless. He was full of confidence.
He quickly returned to the valley. Upon entering, he sensed something was amiss. The entire valley was steeped in a mournful atmosphere; although not everyone was dressed in white, it felt like a funeral.
He frowned and proceeded directly into the main hall. The valley was desolate; almost no disciples were around, except for Qin Yeqiu, who sat quietly in the main hall.
At dusk, "the setting sun dyed the valley red..." yet there was no warmth whatsoever. The sunlight in the main hall was softer, casting a reddish glow upon Qin Yeqiu.
Qin Yeqiu sat in a chair, lost in thought, a hint of sorrow marring her face, which was as white as jade.
Li Muzhan materialized suddenly. Caught in her contemplation, she didn't notice his arrival. Li Muzhan made no move, merely observing her calmly. He sighed internally; even his usually cool and detached senior sister showed distress. It seemed a major event had indeed occurred.
“Alas…” Qin Yeqiu let out a soft sigh, straightening up. She started to stand, then, only halfway up, sat down abruptly. She snapped her head to look over.
“Senior Sister,” Li Muzhan said with a slight smile.
Qin Yeqiu’s bright eyes lit up: “Junior Brother, you… you’re back!”
Li Muzhan nodded, smiling faintly, “I just returned.”
“It’s good that you’re back.” Qin Yeqiu seemed relieved, gesturing, “Sit down and let’s talk.”
Li Muzhan sat opposite her, scrutinizing her face. “Senior Sister, has something happened?”
“Yes,” Qin Yeqiu nodded softly, her delicate brows knitting. “Two junior sisters were murdered.”
“What?!” Li Muzhan’s expression shifted slightly, and he said gravely, “Two junior sisters?!” Are they gone?”
“Yes,” Qin Yeqiu nodded heavily.
Li Muzhan hurried to ask, “When did this happen?!”
“The funeral was held the day before yesterday; they’ve been laid to rest,” Qin Yeqiu stated plainly.
Li Muzhan’s face darkened, and he slowly asked, “Who was responsible?!”
“We don’t know,” Qin Yeqiu shook her head. “We haven't found out. They were ambushed and killed in the wilderness.”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Was it a targeted attack on our Zi Shang Palace? Or robbery and murder, or perhaps assault?” Did you notice any martial arts style?”
“Neither seems likely,” Qin Yeqiu sighed and shook her head. “They were killed by the sword.”
Li Muzhan pondered: “Sword techniques…”
“It was swordplay!” Qin Yeqiu looked over. “Both of them were very skilled with the sword. With their mastery, an ordinary person wouldn’t stand a chance against them!”
Li Muzhan nodded. He hadn't dared to ask who the deceased were, unwilling to hear their names and risk sorrow.
“I want to investigate, but I have no leads,” Qin Yeqiu frowned. “We cannot avenge them. As Palace Master, I feel deeply ashamed!”
Li Muzhan swallowed hard and forced himself to ask, “Which two junior sisters were killed?”
Qin Yeqiu announced the names of the two sisters. Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, they were strangers to him. Although he had been in the palace for quite some time, his interactions had been few; most of his time was spent in secluded martial arts training.
“Senior Sister, what do you want me to do?” Li Muzhan asked.
Qin Yeqiu looked at him, helplessly, “Wuji, this matter can only be entrusted to you. Go and find out exactly who did this!”
Li Muzhan nodded firmly: “Senior Sister, leave it to me!”
“You just got back, and you have to go again…” Qin Yeqiu sounded apologetic.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Senior Sister, our Zi Shang Palace disciples cannot die in vain!” Senior Sister, I witnessed their strength when I went to the Long Shan Sect this time.”
“Oh?” Qin Yeqiu’s bright eyes fixed on him.
Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, “In my view, we can only seek reconciliation; we cannot fight them head-on. We are no match for the Long Shan Sect; their foundation is too deep!”
“Indeed…” Qin Yeqiu sighed softly. “The Long Shan Sect is a behemoth; we cannot contend with them… But reconciliation is not so easily achieved, is it?”
Li Muzhan said, “We can’t rush this. Let’s take it slow. First, let everyone practice their swordplay well. I think we should wait two years before bringing it up again; perhaps there will be a sliver of hope.”
He wanted to gauge Qin Yeqiu’s stance. If she insisted on fighting recklessly instead of seeking peace, he would be powerless, as she was the Palace Master.
“Wuji, if you can bring about this reconciliation, that would be best. But the stubbornness and tyranny of the Long Shan Sect are notorious; it might not succeed,” Qin Yeqiu sighed.
Li Muzhan noticed that his Senior Sister seemed deeply struck this time, her vitality low.
“If there is even a sliver of hope, Senior Sister, we must strive for it…” “If we want revenge, we can only reconcile with the Long Shan Sect first. Once we have strengthened ourselves, we can take revenge later; there is no rush,” Li Muzhan argued.
Qin Yeqiu lightly nodded: “Yes, the weak are prey to the strong. That’s just how the martial world is.”
Li Muzhan pressed, “Senior Sister… you are the Palace Master; your spirit affects everyone’s morale!”
Qin Yeqiu started in shock, quickly sitting upright, her expression stern: “Yes, Junior Brother is right. It was my fault!” “Perhaps you should rest for a bit?”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “I’m not tired; this is important business!”
“Very well, then rest tonight and set off tomorrow!” Qin Yeqiu said slowly. “Wuji, if you discover anything, don’t act rashly!”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes, I will report to Senior Sister.”
“What if the culprit is truly powerful…” Qin Yeqiu hesitated.
She frowned; a bad premonition lingered in her mind. The sword technique Junior Brother created was world-class—simple, refined, and overwhelmingly powerful.
When the two women fought together, their combined dual-sword technique was formidable. Anyone capable of killing them with swordsmanship must possess extraordinary skill.
And few sects in the world were proficient in swordplay. Those with superior skill belonged only to the major factions. The Zi Shang Palace had just provoked the Long Shan Sect; provoking another major faction might lead to disaster.
Li Muzhan said, “Senior Sister, don’t I have another identity? If the murderer is powerful, I will use that identity for revenge!”
Qin Yeqiu frowned, pondered, and shook her head; doing so was too dangerous.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Sister, rest assured, I will act within my limits!”
“Mm, let’s hope so.” Qin Yeqiu looked at him, deeply unconvinced. He was a notorious troublemaker, bold to the extreme.
“Senior Sister, it’s getting late. I’ll go back to rest; I need to pay my respects to the Master!” Li Muzhan stopped her from saying more, knowing the next part would be a cascade of instructions. Looking at his cool and distant Senior Sister, who seemed like an untouchable ice beauty, he knew that once she started caring, she became a chatterbox.
Qin Yeqiu gave him a sidelong glance and waved her hand: “Go on!”
In the early morning of Qingmei Town, Li Muzhan sat by the window in a tavern, quietly watching the bustling street below. Travelers were leaving their inns, setting out early; town residents were emerging for breakfast; others, having stayed out all night, were coming from their lovers’ homes. The constant flow of people made the small town lively.
Li Muzhan ordered a pot of wine and two small side dishes, sitting quietly by the window, seemingly carefree and unhurried, occasionally taking a light sip of the fine wine.
He had made a substantial profit at the Long Shan Sect and was now flush with cash, spending lavishly—a feeling of unrestrained satisfaction.
As he was enjoying the lively atmosphere of the town, a faint fragrance drifted over. Li Muzhan looked up and smiled: “Miss Yi, we meet again!”
Yi Xiaoru was clad in a white gown, still spotless, but a hint of exhaustion touched her delicate brows. Li Muzhan started, feeling a pang of apology: “You must have been in a great hurry.”
Dust from travel still clung to Yi Xiaoru’s face. She replied curtly, “I have already returned to my sect. You were so urgent to see me, how could I not hurry?!”
Li Muzhan apologized sincerely, “It was my fault.”
“Enough!” Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “You must have an urgent matter. Tell me.”
She sat gracefully opposite him and raised her arm to signal. The waiter quickly rushed over to bring a wine cup and utensils.
Li Muzhan poured a full cup for her, smiling faintly, “Consider this a welcome back.” Three days—your sect must not be far from here.”
Yi Xiaoru knitted her brows. “If you have something to say, say it quickly. I advise you not to be overly curious!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Alright. Since no one knows the location of the Wan Sheng Sect to this day, my curiosity is understandable… and yes, there is a major matter.”
“Speak,” Yi Xiaoru put down her wine cup and said plainly.
Li Muzhan said, “Two of my junior sisters have been killed. I need your help to investigate who the culprit is.”
“Two junior sisters?” Yi Xiaoru frowned. “Disciples of the Zi Shang Palace?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Precisely.”
Yi Xiaoru said, “Your Zi Shang Palace disciples are not weak in martial arts… Were they together when it happened?”
Li Muzhan nodded and said gravely, “The sword techniques of the two senior sisters were also excellent. To kill them with a sword, it must have been either multiple assailants or a master swordsman.”
Yi Xiaoru frowned. “Tell me their names.”
Li Muzhan gave the names of the two junior sisters and described where they were found.
Yi Xiaoru listened attentively, slowly nodding. “I need to go back and investigate thoroughly. How long will that take? Are you in a rush?”
Li Muzhan replied, “As long as the murderer can be found, I am not in a rush!”
“Very well, wait a few days for my news,” Yi Xiaoru nodded, picked up her wine cup, drained it, and stood up.
Li Muzhan quickly said, “Stay for a meal before you go.”
Yi Xiaoru waved him off. “Forget it, I can see you’re anxious. I’ll head back now!”
Li Muzhan felt a little embarrassed, and also touched. This Yi Xiaoru, with her sharp intellect and noble character, was truly remarkable.
Silence reigned around him; it was as if the entire world’s sound had been erased.
Li Muzhan sat quietly in the lake water, his entire being condensed into a void-like aura, merging seamlessly with his surroundings. His Void-Breaking Sword Intent deepened his comprehension of the void.
Among all his martial arts, the most beneficial was this Void-Breaking Sword Intent. Nangong Sidi truly deserved the title of the world’s foremost expert; the Void-Breaking Sword Intent was infinitely profound.
In the early hours, the Long Shan Sect was vibrant with life energy. Even in the quiet, vitality pulsed through it; a few people were awake, while many others remained asleep.
Li Muzhan sat in the lake outside the Shenji Pavilion, his Eye of the Void surveying everything inside. He dared not enter rashly, as he hadn't fully grasped the nature of the void.
He had already reviewed all the top martial arts manuals from the Shenwu Pavilion, branding them all into his mind, ready to be accessed and studied at any moment… He was quietly digesting it all.
After looking through those, he turned his attention to the Thirty-Six Arts of the Long Shan Sect. Each of the Thirty-Six Arts was a peak martial skill of the contemporary era; mastering even one was enough to roam the world freely, if not achieve invincibility, then at least ensure self-preservation.
Li Muzhan wished for the martial arts of the Zi Shang Palace to surpass the Long Shan Sect, and the Thirty-Six Arts represented the greatest hurdle. Once he deciphered the Thirty-Six Arts and found ways to counter them, he could suppress the Long Shan Sect.
For the Zi Shang Palace to rise, the Long Shan Sect and the Lin Hai Pavilion were two colossal mountains that must be overcome. Even if it wasn't for old grudges, he needed to surpass them.
He hadn't fully experienced the swordplay of the Lin Hai Pavilion yet; he would find an opportunity to observe it later.
He sat quietly in the lake, merging with the water, patiently observing the rotation and rotation of the Shenji Pavilion guards, not rushing to act.
After observing the guard changes, he vanished without a sound, returning to Qingmei Town to await news. In terms of intelligence networks, ten Zi Shang Palaces could not match the Wan Sheng Sect.
However, the Wan Sheng Sect was the foremost evil sect, so he still needed to be cautious. Yi Xiaoru meant him no harm, but her fellow sect members might not feel the same.
Following the Mei Daoling incident, Li Muzhan believed the Wan Sheng Sect held no affection for disciples of the orthodox sects. Their cultivation methods were unorthodox, leading their personalities to easily become extreme; he still needed to guard against them carefully.
On the morning of the fifth day, Li Muzhan was strolling through the small town, sitting down at a street stall, ordering two bowls of wontons. No matter the world, wontons existed everywhere.
Two steaming bowls of wontons were quickly served. Just as he picked up his spoon to begin eating, a shadow fell over him, accompanied by a unique, subtle fragrance. Looking up, he saw it was Yi Xiaoru.
She wore a dark green silk robe, and her face was covered in an unhealthy, yellowish substance… the original brilliance of her beauty had diminished by seven or eight parts, no longer attracting attention.
Li Muzhan signaled again for another bowl of wontons, then pushed the other bowl toward her: “Any news?”
“Yes, I found out,” Yi Xiaoru nodded slightly.
Li Muzhan lowered his head and continued eating his wontons, remaining silent.
Yi Xiaoru picked up her spoon, lightly blew on the hot steam, and whispered, “It was Fan Pingye.”
“Who is Fan Pingye?” Li Muzhan asked faintly, chewing continuously, acting as if he didn't care in the slightest.
Yi Xiaoru said, “One Sword Chasing Soul, Fan Pingye. Haven’t you heard of him?”
“It’s him?” Li Muzhan stopped chewing and nodded. “One Sword Chasing Soul, Fan Pingye… Why did he kill them?”
“This man is a bit lustful,” Yi Xiaoru hesitated, then sighed. “He is a disciple of the Lin Hai Pavilion!”