Yi Xiaoru knew he’d heard clearly, shaking her head with a sigh. “I think this matter needs more careful consideration.”
Li Muzhan looked up at her, sneering. “More careful consideration? If it were a Myriad Saint Sect disciple who was harmed, would you still deliberate?”
Yi Xiaoru frowned. “Exactly!”
Li Muzhan shot her a cold glare.
Yi Xiaoru continued, “Li Guanhai, think about it. Why did I wait so many years to avenge our Senior Sister? Isn't it because of Dragon Mountain Sect?” If that man surnamed Mei wasn’t a Dragon Mountain Sect disciple, I would have killed him long ago!”
Li Muzhan stated flatly, “I intend to kill him!”
“Have you considered the consequences?” Yi Xiaoru asked, furrowing her brow.
Li Muzhan inquired, “Is he a direct disciple of the Linhai Pavilion?”
“That’s right,” Yi Xiaoru nodded slowly. “It’s a shame his character is flawed due to his debauchery, so he lacks the aptitude to contend for the Pavilion Master position. However, he has a brother named Fan Pingshan, who is quite formidable.”
“Fan Pingshan…” Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
Yi Xiaoru explained, “Fan Pingshan rarely leaves Linhai Pavilion; he’s a secluded cultivator. His swordsmanship is exceptional; he’s one of the top swordsmen in Linhai Pavilion. It’s only because of Fan Pingshan that Fan Pingye hasn't already been expelled from the Pavilion!”
Li Muzhan commented coolly, “With such backing, it’s no wonder he acts so recklessly!”
Yi Xiaoru suddenly set down her small spoon, her brow tight. “Li Guanhai, must you always be so sarcastic?!”
Li Muzhan chuckled and shook his head. “Alright. I’m just feeling restless! Tell me what you’ve found out. You must have traced his whereabouts by now?”
“You’re going to be disappointed,” Yi Xiaoru bit her lip, sighing. “He’s gone to Linhai Pavilion!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “To seek refuge?”
“Yes,” Yi Xiaoru inclined her head slightly. “He might not know the identities of your two Junior Sisters, but he is cautious. Otherwise, he’d have been killed long ago!”
Li Muzhan put down his spoon, his brow furrowed in thought. “Inside Linhai Pavilion…”
Yi Xiaoru pressed, “Who knows when he’ll come out? Are you planning to wait outside Linhai Pavilion?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I’m idle anyway. If I wait, I wait!”
“Then you must be tired of living!” Yi Xiaoru retorted sharply. “Killing someone outside Linhai Pavilion—if the Pavilion doesn’t kill you, they’ll lose face.”
Li Muzhan asked, “What should be done then?”
“How about I arrange for someone to lure him out?” Yi Xiaoru offered with a smile.
Li Muzhan waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it. Don’t involve your Myriad Saint Sect in this!”
Yi Xiaoru glanced askance at him, huffing, “Are you afraid of others knowing you’re connected to us?”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. “Precisely!”
“You…” Yi Xiaoru’s face immediately fell.
Li Muzhan laughed. “Come on, just tell me what news you have on him.”
Yi Xiaoru turned away, ignoring him. Li Muzhan continued to smile. “It was just a joke. Why take it seriously? I want information on Fan Pingshan too, not just Fan Pingye.”
“Your appetite is quite large!” Yi Xiaoru sneered.
Li Muzhan reasoned, “I have no choice. If I kill Fan Pingye, Fan Pingshan will certainly seek revenge. Planning ahead is a necessity!”
Yi Xiaoru huffed, “You could just delay things!”
Li Muzhan looked at her, sighed, and shook his head. “I cannot delay. Something has already happened. If I fail to establish my authority this time, the morale of the disciples will collapse!”
—
Yi Xiaoru started. Her bright eyes flickered with thought as she slowly nodded. The Purple Robe Palace was indeed different from the Myriad Saint Sect. Although it had a long inheritance, its foundation was too shallow, and the disciples’ commitment was unstable.
It was unlike the Myriad Saint Sect. Even when their Senior Sister died at the hands of Mei Daoling, if the sect hadn’t immediately sought revenge, no one would have complained; even her own faith in the sect wouldn’t have wavered.
The Purple Robe Palace was different. If revenge wasn't taken for such an incident, the disciples would lose their sense of security and would never truly feel a sense of belonging.
“So, Fan Pingye must die?” Yi Xiaoru frowned.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Miss Yi, you understand once you think it through!”
Yi Xiaoru suggested, “Then change your identity!”
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows twitched. He looked toward her. Yi Xiaoru continued, “I’ll create an identity for you. One that no one can trace.”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “No need, and it wouldn't work anyway. Once Linhai Pavilion investigates your two Junior Sisters, they’ll guess the truth, or be very close to it!”
Yi Xiaoru scoffed. “That’s not necessarily true! Fan Pingye has offended many people; many wish him dead. Who would be certain it was the Purple Robe Palace that killed him?” Besides, did Fan Pingye even know your two Junior Sisters belonged to the Purple Robe Palace?”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Probably not.”
Purple Robe Palace disciples were forbidden from revealing their affiliation when venturing out, due to the Dragon Mountain Sect. Li Muzhan inwardly lamented, his heart twisting in pain thinking of their brutal deaths.
However, he was mentally prepared for such eventualities. Once disciples left the Palace, danger was inevitable. Wandering the martial world wasn't sightseeing; it was about facing various perils. Those who survived would become masters; those who failed might lose their lives.
The Purple Robe Palace had been too vulnerable precisely because its disciples lacked experience, only knowing how to cultivate within the confines of the Palace. Once faced with danger, their true weakness showed—they were easily crushed. Disciples untested by storms were useless, no matter how strong their martial arts.
Yi Xiaoru elaborated, “Then it’s simple. I’ll prepare a new identity for you. You find an excuse to provoke him, seize the opportunity to kill him, then hide in the wilderness. We’ll see what Fan Pingshan does then. Even with Linhai Pavilion’s immense power, they won't find you!”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
—
“What, is that inappropriate?” Yi Xiaoru frowned and asked.
Li Muzhan pulled a small piece of silver from his robe and tossed it onto the table. He stood up, and Yi Xiaoru followed suit. The two left the wonton stall and strolled slowly down the bluestone-paved street, shoulder to shoulder.
“Speak!” Yi Xiaoru urged.
Though she was disguised, masking her striking beauty, her subtle fragrance remained unchanged. Li Muzhan inhaled the scent; it carried a unique flavor.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Let Fan Pingshan find me instead!”
“You’re quite confident,” Yi Xiaoru appraised him. “Are you planning to kill Fan Pingshan too?”
Li Muzhan clarified, “Without his protection, how could Fan Pingye be so audacious?” Though he refrains from killing, he’s no good either. He deserves to die!”
“That is true,” Yi Xiaoru conceded with a nod. “Without him, Fan Pingye wouldn’t dare be so bold! But his swordsmanship is truly peerless. I’m not entirely sure how strong he is.”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “I was hoping to witness it firsthand!”
“I forgot you are also a top swordsman,” Yi Xiaoru returned a smile. “If you could kill Mei Daoling, you should be able to handle Fan Pingshan.”
Li Muzhan stated, “Linhai Pavilion’s swordsmanship is renowned. I’ve always wished to experience it. This is a good chance to test their actual strength.”
Yi Xiaoru scoffed. “Linhai Pavilion stole our Sword Sect’s techniques. How strong can they truly be?”
Li Muzhan looked at her in surprise. “Sword Sect?”
“What, you don’t believe me?!” Yi Xiaoru asked coldly.
Li Muzhan questioned, confused. “Are you saying Linhai Pavilion’s swordsmanship belongs to your Sword Sect?”
Yi Xiaoru stated coldly, “A Sword Sect disciple once stole a sword scripture from the sect, then betrayed the sect and changed his name to found Linhai Pavilion.”
Li Muzhan considered this for a moment, then shook his head. “That seems unlikely. If that were true, why didn’t your sect simply destroy Linhai Pavilion back then? Why allow them to flourish?”
“Hmph, Linhai Pavilion was just lucky!” Yi Xiaoru frowned and sneered. “It happened during the chaos of the Nine Sects’ civil war, when everything was fractured and disintegrating. Linhai Pavilion established itself during that turmoil. By the time the Nine Sects’ conflict ended and the Myriad Saint Sect reunified, two hundred years had passed, and Linhai Pavilion had already gained significant strength!”
Li Muzhan was greatly astonished. He truly hadn't expected such a history. Few in the world, especially disciples of the Righteous Path, knew this secret history.
He reflected, then said, “If that’s the case, your Myriad Saint Sect’s sword techniques should be formidable. Why haven’t I heard of them?”
Yi Xiaoru shook her head and sighed. “The Sword Sect suffered heavy losses of talent during the war, with many peerless masters perishing. Our sword techniques are nearly lost. Fortunately, we still possess the Sword Canon, but the Canon is too profound; no one has managed to fully comprehend it yet. Otherwise, a mere Linhai Pavilion could be wiped out with a single gesture!”
—
Li Muzhan concluded, “It seems Linhai Pavilion’s swordsmanship is excellent, but their disciples cannot fully grasp it.”
“Hmph, it’s not because they’re stupid. Their stolen sword scripture is incomplete; it lacks the corresponding internal energy cultivation method!” Yi Xiaoru sneered.
Li Muzhan’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “You mean their cultivation method doesn't align with their swordsmanship?”
Yi Xiaoru scoffed, “That traitor from the Sword Sect was certainly talented. He must have acquired some cultivation method from somewhere, but no matter how exquisite, it can’t compare to the Sword Sect’s own methods!”
Li Muzhan asked, “What is the Sword Canon?”
Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “A secret text of the Sword Sect. It is said that once one masters it, they are invincible under heaven. I haven’t seen it either. The Sword Sect treasures it, but alas, no one can fully comprehend it!”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “I’d truly love to see it…”
Yi Xiaoru waved her hand. “Don’t even think about it! None of us will see it, and you have even less hope!” Furthermore, though the Sword Sect has declined, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Within our sect, they still hold considerable sway. Even if your swordsmanship is good, you are no match for them!”
Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head, feeling a degree of disappointment.
Yi Xiaoru advised, “If you have the time, you should focus on seeing Linhai Pavilion’s sword scripture. As for the Sword Canon, forget it; it’s utterly impossible!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “If I have time, perhaps I’ll pay a visit to your Myriad Saint Sect.”
Yi Xiaoru’s expression shifted instantly, and she shook her head hurriedly. “You must abandon that idea immediately!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “What? Is your Dragon Mountain Sect a den of dragons and a lair of tigers?”
Yi Xiaoru’s face changed drastically. She quickly warned, “Li Guanhai, if my Master finds out I met with you, she will kill you first and then imprison me!”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Are righteousness and evil fundamentally opposed?”
“Sigh…” Yi Xiaoru sighed, shaking her head. “It’s all because of our Senior Sister’s death…”
Li Muzhan nodded with sudden understanding. He could imagine the pain and anguish of a Master whose disciple was seduced and murdered. It was natural for her to direct her anger elsewhere. He inquired, puzzled, “Why didn't your Master seek revenge back then?”
“My Master did seek vengeance,” Yi Xiaoru’s face darkened. “Unfortunately, Dragon Mountain Sect was too powerful. My Master was gravely injured and suffered lasting damage.”
Li Muzhan nodded, sighing. “Your Master truly had a difficult time.”
“That’s why you absolutely cannot let my Master know,” Yi Xiaoru stressed. “Otherwise, even if she doesn’t kill you, she’ll slaughter me first!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Very well. We’ll speak of it another time, if the opportunity arises.”
—
The two walked slowly along the bluestone path, talking as they went.
“You must have made the necessary arrangements by now?” Li Muzhan asked with a faint smile.
Yi Xiaoru gave him a sidelong glance and pulled two small booklets from her robe, handing them to Li Muzhan. “Here, they’re all here. Let me warn you one more time, Linhai Pavilion is not easy to deal with; they always have monsters among them!”
Li Muzhan accepted them, smiling casually. “That’s even better!”
“You…” Yi Xiaoru shook her head, knowing any further persuasion would be useless.
Li Muzhan casually flipped through the pages, his heart growing increasingly alarmed by the level of detail in the intelligence. It included what the target liked to eat, what kind of clothes he favored, where he frequented most, what dishes he ordered, which taverns, and his patterns of movement.
Li Muzhan was certain that with this information, the assassination would be effortless. Any assassin would have a chance of success.
He looked up at Yi Xiaoru and praised, “Worthy of the Myriad Saint Sect. I am impressed!”
Yi Xiaoru pursed her lips into a smile. “This is merely a minor trick.”
Li Muzhan stated, “With this, I am absolutely confident!”
Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “Fan Pingye has some capabilities; he’s no mere fool.”
“Indeed…” Li Muzhan sneered. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to kill my two Senior Sisters!”
Yi Xiaoru asked, “When will you make your move? Do you want me to help lure him out?”
Li Muzhan waved his hand. “No need. I’ll wait for him to come out!”
“Then who knows how long that will take,” Yi Xiaoru commented.
Li Muzhan sneered, “He won’t be lacking for women. I wonder how long he can wait!”
Yi Xiaoru sighed. “Alright then! Is there anything else you need help with?”
Li Muzhan replied, “This is more than enough. Thank you!”
Yi Xiaoru cast him a look, saying flatly, “Then we are square.”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Good, square it is!”
Yi Xiaoru turned and walked away, flashing twice before vanishing around the street corner. Li Muzhan watched the direction she disappeared with a faint smile.
Though she was a disciple of the Myriad Saint Sect, being with her was comfortable. She appeared aloof but was actually simple and passionate, albeit perhaps too shrewd.
He paused to reconsider, deciding to change his appearance after all. He began circulating his inner energy, following a specific meridian. Slowly, he felt a slight itch on his chin as his beard began to grow.
He had discovered this meridian by chance; it stimulated beard growth. He used to treat it as a novelty, but now it finally proved useful.
He entered a tailor shop. When he emerged, he was like a different person—dressed in a moon-white long gown, a long sword hanging from his waist, holding a white jade bone fan. Three strands of fine beard graced his chin, giving him a refined, almost ethereal look, appearing to be about forty years old.
Li Muzhan circled the city once, then reverted to his original appearance before drifting away from the city, heading directly toward Linhai Pavilion.
He knew the location of Linhai Pavilion and was making his way there. While resting at an inn one day, the waiter entered, silently placed a bamboo tube on the table, and then cautiously left.
Li Muzhan was surprised. He picked up the tube, pulled out the small paper scroll inside, and unrolled it. It was Yi Xiaoru’s handwriting, graceful and elegant, bearing three small characters: “Jingzhou City.”
Li Muzhan showed a slight smile. It seemed Fan Pingye had left Linhai Pavilion and arrived in Jingzhou City. (To be continued)
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