Li Muzhan had clearly set up the formation; the small courtyard was supposed to be hidden. How could she have gotten in!

“You certainly live a carefree life!” Yi Xiaoru stood watching Li Muzhan, her snow-white silk robe contrasting with her eyes, which were like clear, cool water. Li Muzhan smiled.

“Why are you here? Your presence honors me!” “I seem to have interrupted your private moment!” Yi Xiaoru stated plainly.

Li Muzhan gestured toward the back. “Let’s talk in the rear garden.” Xiuxiu glanced cautiously at Yi Xiaoru, and before Li Muzhan could speak, she gracefully retreated.

Li Muzhan didn’t offer much introduction; Yi Xiaoru recognized Xiuxiu, and Xiuxiu was wary of Yi Xiaoru, so further words were pointless. The two arrived at the pavilion in the rear garden.

After sitting down, Li Muzhan immediately asked, “You’ve returned to the Sect?” “I have reported back to the Sect,” Yi Xiaoru replied. Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly.

“And the Wansheng Sect hasn’t made any moves?” “They have already sent people over,” Yi Xiaoru informed him. Li Muzhan chuckled.

“Top-tier masters?” “Naturally!” Yi Xiaoru scoffed. “Although the Divine Sword Sect is despicable and shameless, their martial skill is formidable.

This time, the Sect has dispatched ten top masters, resolved to wipe out the Divine Sword Sect!” Li Muzhan shook his head. “They would wait for you to track them down?” “I have my own plan!” Yi Xiaoru said coolly.

Li Muzhan could tell from her demeanor that she was utterly confident, clearly relying on her mastery of tracking arts—a skill he had once falsely claimed for himself, attributing it to mere intuition. This woman, however, possessed the genuine art of tracking.

Li Muzhan now understood how she managed to breach his formation. It must be due to her tracking skill, which seemed intrinsically linked to the heart, to the spirit.

If her tracking relied on the five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell, or even all five—she could never have penetrated his formation. Since she could break the formation, it meant she transcended the five senses; she tracked using her true heart and spirit to achieve this level.

Li Muzhan shook his head; the Wansheng Sect truly deserved its reputation, possessing endless arcane arts and secret techniques. He had never imagined such a secret method existed.

Li Muzhan asked, “Since you are so confident, why come to me?” “I don’t need to be involved anymore,” Yi Xiaoru said. “I came looking for a place to hide.” “Hide from what?” Li Muzhan’s eyebrow arched into a smile.

“Not many things would make you want to hide. Could it be a person?” “Yes.” Yi Xiaoru nodded lightly.

Li Muzhan appraised her for a moment, then smiled gently. “Could it be a man?” “Yes.” Yi Xiaoru nodded.

“Someone you know—Yin Zhaojiang!” Li Muzhan exclaimed in surprise. “Him?!” Yi Xiaoru stated, “He is very annoying; I can’t be bothered with him!” Li Muzhan pondered silently.

After a moment of quiet, he chuckled. “Is Brother Yin pursuing you?” “Hmph!” Yi Xiaoru let out a cold snort.

Li Muzhan laughed. “Brother Yin is the top disciple of the Wansheng Sect, and he is handsome and dashing.

Few women could resist him.” Yi Xiaoru responded coolly, “What are you trying to say?” Li Muzhan tsked cheerfully. “This is your Sect’s intention, isn’t it?” “It is not!” Yi Xiaoru said coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled. “I hear Brother Yin has a strong chance of becoming the next Sect Master.

Gaining favor with him would be greatly beneficial to your Sect, wouldn't it?” Yi Xiaoru sneered. “Li, what do you take our Hidden Sect for!” Li Muzhan raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and smiled wryly.

“Fine, fine, I misspoke! But if you are hiding here, how will they pursue the Divine Sword Sect?” “One of my senior sisters is with them,” Yi Xiaoru replied.

Li Muzhan nodded knowingly. “No wonder!

How about we go take a look?” “I don’t want to see that Yin fellow!” Yi Xiaoru objected. Hearing that Yin Zhaojiang was pursuing her made Li Muzhan feel a knot of annoyance, an urge to teach Yin Zhaojiang a lesson.

He smiled. “I want to see him!” Yi Xiaoru asked, “Aren’t you afraid he’ll recognize you?” Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.

“I don’t think he will.” Yi Xiaoru said, “You underestimate people too much!” She looked Li Muzhan up and down thoughtfully. “However, your disguise is truly convincing, and crucially, your aura matches that of a man your apparent age.” Li Muzhan nodded with a faint smile.

Though he looked young, his experiences were vast and bizarre, coupled with his rebirth; naturally, his aura differed from that of an ordinary person, closely resembling that of a middle-aged man. Yi Xiaoru conceded, “Alright, perhaps going to look is fine!” Li Muzhan happily stood up.

Xiuxiu happened to be bringing tea when she saw them rise to leave and quickly asked, “Master?” “Xiuxiu, I’m stepping out for a while. Don’t wait up tonight,” Li Muzhan said gently, patting her delicate shoulder.

“We’ll do that matter tomorrow.” “Yes, Master,” Xiuxiu replied, nodding with disappointment and resignation. Yi Xiaoru glanced at Xiuxiu, then looked back at Li Muzhan, let out a soft snort, and swept away.

Li Muzhan smiled at Xiuxiu and left the small courtyard with Yi Xiaoru. Once outside the courtyard, he turned back to look.

Yi Xiaoru remarked, “This was your trick, wasn’t it?” Li Muzhan laughed. “Nothing escapes your notice.

I’m impressed!” Yi Xiaoru stated, “I have secret methods; you naturally can’t hide things from me! — But deceiving ordinary people is easy enough!” Li Muzhan asked cheerfully, “If your senior sister arrived, could she see through it?” Yi Xiaoru shook her head.

Li Muzhan chuckled. “I see, it’s because you’ve been inside before, right?” “Correct!” Yi Xiaoru huffed.

Li Muzhan felt relieved. “I went to great lengths to secure this safe haven.

It wouldn't do if it could be breached so easily!” Yi Xiaoru asked, “How did you manage this?” Li Muzhan gave her a knowing smile. “How did you get in?” “Hmph, stingy!” Yi Xiaoru gave him an irritated look.

The two floated out and boarded Yi Xiaoru’s small boat. Li Muzhan took the pole and pushed off; the boat shot out like an arrow from a string, leaving the small courtyard in moments.

Facing the wind, Li Muzhan laughed. “I suspect the Divine Sword Sect has long since vanished!” “Not necessarily!” Yi Xiaoru shook her head.

“It’s not easy for them to establish a base, and they won't abandon it easily. They might not even know they were exposed when you killed those three last time!” Li Muzhan countered, “Those who can evade the Wansheng Sect’s pursuit must be incredibly vigilant.

You are too optimistic. We shall see.” “Then we shall see!” Yi Xiaoru snorted.

“Even if they escape, my sister and the others can catch up!” Li Muzhan smiled without pressing the point. The boat sped on, with Yi Xiaoru steering.

Before long, they arrived at Jingzhou City. The city was quiet, yet the streets were brightly lit by lanterns, with people occasionally moving about.

Jingzhou City was known as the City That Never Sleeps; people were out at all hours, whether seeking pleasure, visiting the night market, or starting their trade early. The two disembarked and walked along the main street.

Yi Xiaoru soon stopped before a large mansion and lightly knocked. The main door was quickly opened, revealing Yin Zhaojiang standing there in a white robe, smiling at Yi Xiaoru.

“Junior Sister Yi, you’ve finally returned!” Yi Xiaoru said coldly, “Where is my senior sister?” “She is inside.” Yin Zhaojiang cast a brief glance at Li Muzhan. “And who might this be…?” “A friend of mine,” Yi Xiaoru stated in a low voice.

“He is He Zudao. Yin Zhaojiang!” Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled.

“Young Master Yin, I have long admired your reputation!” “Not at all, my meager fame is hardly worth mentioning. Brother He, please come in!” Yin Zhaojiang smiled, stepping aside and extending an invitation.

Seeing Li Muzhan as a middle-aged man, albeit one who was refined and dashing, Yin Zhaojiang didn't suspect any romantic entanglement with Yi Xiaoru, so he extended a very warm welcome out of affection for her. Yin Zhaojiang closed the main gate; Yi Xiaoru, already uninterested in him, walked straight inside.

By the time Yin Zhaojiang shut the door, Yi Xiaoru was already stepping into the main hall. Li Muzhan followed closely behind Yi Xiaoru.

Inside the hall sat more than ten people. At the center sat an elderly man with silver hair wearing a coarse robe, robust and imposing, resembling a lion at rest.

Beside him sat nine other elders in similar robes, subtly positioned to guard the central figure. Opposite the silver-haired elder sat a beautiful middle-aged woman, slender and graceful, her eyes sharp and clear as she sipped her tea.

Seeing Yi Xiaoru enter, the middle-aged woman set down her cup and beckoned. “Junior Sister, where did you go?

Why are you back so late!” “I was visiting a friend,” Yi Xiaoru replied, pointing to Li Muzhan. “He Zudao!” “Oh, he is your friend?” The middle-aged woman eyed Li Muzhan curiously.

As far as she knew, this Junior Sister Yi was aloof and held the world in disdain; she never made friends. How could she suddenly produce a friend?

Both curious and suspicious, she scrutinized Li Muzhan, as did the other ten elders. The silver-haired elder in the center let out an “Eh?” as he scanned him from top to bottom.

Li Muzhan smiled, cupped his hands, and said, “All you seniors, this humble He Zudao pays his respects!” “He Zudao…” The silver-haired elder frowned in thought, then turned to Yin Zhaojiang, who lightly shook his head. The elder then asked, “Are you a martial artist?” Li Muzhan laughed.

“This junior can only be considered half a martial artist. Usually, I keep to my studies, enjoying leisure travel, and have no desire to be involved in martial feuds.

I know a little martial arts, but very little.” “Oh, I see…” The silver-haired elder nodded. “No wonder.

Logically, someone of your apparent age possessing such cultivation is astonishing—enough to make a name for yourself in the world!” Li Muzhan replied, “Making a name for oneself is too troublesome; I dislike it.” “Young Master He, how did you come to know my Junior Sister?” the middle-aged woman asked with a smile. Li Muzhan smiled and looked toward Yi Xiaoru.

Yi Xiaoru snorted. “Senior Sister, he saved me.

If he hadn't intervened last time, I would have been wiped out by the Divine Sword Sect!” “Oh, so it’s him!” The middle-aged woman suddenly understood and smiled. “No wonder!

Young Master He, quickly, please take a seat!” As she spoke, she enthusiastically pulled over a chair and placed it above her own position. Li Muzhan tried to decline, but Yi Xiaoru interjected, “Enough, you discuss your matters.

He isn’t interested in any of this. I’ll take him to the rear garden to rest.” “Very well,” the middle-aged woman nodded.

She apologized to Li Muzhan. “Young Master He, we have urgent matters and cannot entertain you; please excuse our rudeness.

Let Junior Sister accompany you.” Li Muzhan nodded. “Understood, then this humble one takes his leave!” He turned and followed Yi Xiaoru out of the main hall to the rear garden.

“Xiaoxian, is this young man reliable?” the silver-haired elder asked, frowning in the direction Li Muzhan had disappeared. “Such astonishing cultivation at such a young age—he cannot be ordinary!” The middle-aged woman smiled.

“Elder Chu, rest assured. My Junior Sister is sharp as a tack; who could possibly deceive her!?” Elder Chu chuckled.

“That is true, but you women fear entanglement in matters of the heart. Once caught, even the cleverest woman is useless!” “Elder Chu thinks too much.

How could Junior Sister possibly take a liking to him?! He looks old enough to be her father!” The middle-aged woman shook her head and smiled lightly.

“Elder Chu, let’s focus on finding those Divine Sword Sect rascals!” “Xiaopan, Xiaoxian, you have no way either?” the silver-haired elder pondered. The middle-aged woman sighed.

“There are experts within the Divine Sword Sect who erased all traces. Finding them is proving too difficult!” “If it were this easy to find them, they wouldn't have fled for so long!” The silver-haired elder sighed and shook his head.

“It seems we will have to rely on Xiaoru to take action!” Li Muzhan and Yi Xiaoru arrived at the rear garden. It was far larger than his own small courtyard, featuring rockeries and woods, and even included a lake where clusters of koi swam, creating a beautiful sight.

The two strolled slowly along the corridor above the lake, which was adorned with strings of lanterns illuminating the water and the walkway. “It seems they failed,” Li Muzhan remarked with a smile.

“I could read the worry on their faces!” “Senior Sister is playing her hand,” Yi Xiaoru replied. Li Muzhan’s brow twitched, and then he smiled.

“So that’s how it is! Humph, your Senior Sister is no easy character!” Yi Xiaoru glanced sideways at him.

“And are you an easy character?!” Li Muzhan laughed heartily and rubbed beneath his chin. “These ten masters are truly something else.

I feel like I’ve stumbled into the lair of dragons and tigers!” “Are you feeling guilty?” Yi Xiaoru snorted. “Have you done anything wrong?” Li Muzhan waved his hand.

As the two were bickering, Yin Zhaojiang slowly approached along the corridor, his gait graceful, idly fanning himself with a folding fan. “Brother He, thank you for saving Junior Sister Yi!” Yin Zhaojiang closed his fan, cupped his hands, exuding an air of noble refinement, like a young lord.

“That Yin fellow, you’re being overly sentimental. Why thank him?” Yi Xiaoru scoffed coldly without restraint.

Yin Zhaojiang smiled. “Junior Sister Yi, Brother He saved my fellow sect member.

As her senior brother, how could I fail to express my gratitude? That would be impolite!” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Young Master Yin, I hear you are the foremost disciple of the Wansheng Sect. Seeing you today, the reputation is well-deserved!

When I was your age, I certainly didn't possess such cultivation!” “It is merely luck relying on the prestige of my elders!” Yin Zhaojiang waved his head dismissively. He then smiled.

“I haven't yet asked Brother He’s background?” Li Muzhan replied with a grin, “I am a man of the wilderness; what background could I have! ...To be honest, I love reading most of all.

I stumbled upon a martial arts manual, started practicing just for fun, and unexpectedly achieved some proficiency. I suppose that is my luck!” “I see, I was disrespectful, disrespectful!” Yin Zhaojiang praised him.

“Self-taught martial arts is not easy. Without immense perseverance and wisdom, success is impossible!” Li Muzhan chuckled.

“I was just lucky, consistently guessing correctly. Otherwise, I would have long suffered internal backlash!” Yi Xiaoru, seeing the two chatting so pleasantly, felt an inexplicable irritation.

She said coldly, “Yin fellow, do you need anything else?” Yin Zhaojiang gave an awkward laugh. “Heh, Junior Sister Yi, it seems we must trouble you again.

We lost track of those people!” Yi Xiaoru frowned at him. Yin Zhaojiang quickly added, “I regret not heeding Junior Sister’s advice… We underestimated those people!” Yi Xiaoru snorted.

“Senior Sister has no other ideas?” Yin Zhaojiang nodded. “Senior Sister Zhu said that only you can personally take charge!” Brother He, what do you think?” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Miss Yi, I might as well join the fun!”