Li Muzhan meticulously observed the swordsmanship of the four figures; their blades flashed like a tightly woven net, impenetrable, the four combining into a sword formation.

It was the first time Li Muzhan had witnessed a true sword formation, rather than a coordinated joint attack. The combined power of these four was astonishing; the force behind every single strike was immense and surging, as if a mountain was pressing down.

If not for his recent, dramatic surge in cultivation, far surpassing his previous level, he would have found this encounter genuinely taxing, the outcome uncertain.

But now, he could observe their sword techniques with ease, savoring the subtlety of the Linhai Pavilion's style. While the cultivation methods of Linhai Pavilion were not top-tier, their swordsmanship was exceptional.

However, this specific sword formation managed to nullify the shortcomings of their internal arts, creating overwhelming pressure—few in the world could withstand this array.

While observing, Li Muzhan pondered, committing every move to memory, intent on cataloging the full range of their techniques; this had to be a complete sword style.

The four men’s sword lights were as fast as lightning, incredibly swift. In the blink of an eye, over two hundred moves had passed. The sword forms flowed ceaselessly like a vast river, truly endless. Li Muzhan watched with growing admiration.

It seemed not a single move was repeated; one followed the next, each strike potent. Li Muzhan watched intently, trying to plumb the depths of their mastery.

"Young Master!" Xiuxiu's voice suddenly rang out.

Li Muzhan turned his head and smiled, "Xiuxiu, hold on a moment."

"Young Master!" Xiuxiu called out, "Watch your back!"

In the instant Li Muzhan turned, two more figures suddenly sprang out of the river. One lunged toward him, the other toward Xiuxiu.

Both carried long swords, moving with terrifying speed. Their green robes clung tightly to their lean, wiry frames, their actions fast and ruthless. They reached the space behind Li Muzhan and in front of Xiuxiu in an instant.

Li Muzhan frowned but did not move to help Xiuxiu. He only commanded in a deep voice, "Xiuxiu, meet the challenge steadily. Treat this as training!"

"Yes, Young Master, be careful!" Xiuxiu responded, raising a palm to intercept the man in green.

The other man in green arrived behind Li Muzhan and thrust immediately. The tip of his sword was like a single cold star, instantly aimed at Li Muzhan's back.

Li Muzhan shifted slightly to the left, narrowly avoiding the thrust, then flicked his own sword tip upward, drawing a line from bottom to top. The green-robed man gasped, his life extinguished, and collapsed to the ground.

The four elders paused, taken aback that these two assassins had been dispatched so easily. After slaying the man, Li Muzhan glanced toward Xiuxiu. She was struggling, parrying blows with her palms, barely holding her ground against the barrage of swords.

These two youths who emerged from the water were both specialized assassins, focusing solely on killing; every move was aimed at life, concise and efficient, without a shred of wasted motion.

Fortunately, when Li Muzhan had coached Xiuxiu, he had drilled her on every type of move. With his vast knowledge, nearly all martial arts were mapped in his mind. By practicing varied counter-techniques, Xiuxiu did not panic when faced with this assassination style and managed to hold on.

—

The green-robed man had an ordinary appearance, his face placid, showing none of the grimness of a killer; instead, he was as calm as if he were merely washing his hands or taking a meal. Composed and detached.

"Young Master!" Xiuxiu called urgently.

Li Muzhan stated gravely, "Xiuxiu, his martial arts are average. You can defeat him, or all your recent training has been wasted!"

"Yes!" Xiuxiu replied with a forced note of resolution.

Courage surged within her again. She struck out fiercely, her slender hands hitting the sword blade every time, perfectly timed, batting the long sword aside.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, then turned back to the four elders with a slight smile. "Your sword moves have repeated. Have you finished demonstrating that set of sword techniques? A fine style!"

The stout elder roared in anger, "Arrogant boy! Take another strike from me!"

As he spoke, his sword momentum shifted abruptly, and the other three followed suit. The previous lightning-fast strikes instantly slowed to a crawl, like a tortoise. The four moved as if dancing, waving their swords languidly.

Li Muzhan, however, could feel the power. The four swords linked into one continuous mass. With a single sword moving this slowly, it would be hard to pose a threat.

Li Muzhan’s own slow swordplay relied on precise calculation—appearing slow, it was actually intercepting the crucial path, waiting for the opponent to deliver themselves to the point of impact. Thus, moving slightly slower was often ideal, as moving too fast while waiting would give the opponent time to change their strategy.

But the slowness of these four elders was different; it was as if four massive stones blocked a road, completely obstructing passage. Thus, regardless of speed, one could not pass through; one could only meet force with force.

Li Muzhan laughed loudly and violently flicked his sword. "Buzz..." like a swarm of bees passing by. A flash of cold light flickered, and then the four elders were sent flying, landing in the river with dull thuds.

Once submerged, they made no further sound; their fate unknown. Li Muzhan turned to look at Xiuxiu’s side and shook his head, "Xiuxiu, you should have finished him long ago!"

"Young Master..." Xiuxiu sounded slightly aggrieved. After all, this was her first real confrontation with an outsider; facing a gleaming, cold sword, merely holding her ground was an achievement.

Li Muzhan said, "Hurry up and take care of him. We still have sightseeing to do!"

"...Yes, Young Master!" Xiuxiu quickly agreed. Her movements suddenly accelerated. "Bang bang bang bang!" Four rapid palm strikes landed squarely on the green-robed man’s chest, sending him flying backward.

Once Li Muzhan stepped aside, her confidence solidified, and her mind sharpened remarkably. Her techniques became exceptionally fluid, instantly exploiting the flaws in the sword movements, and she sent him flying.

Watching the green-robed man fly to the riverbank and splash into the water, she beamed and turned to look at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan shook his head, flicked a small pebble with his finger, and with a soft hiss, it vanished into the center of the man's brow. Mid-air, the man froze momentarily, then plunged straight into the river, slowly surfacing.

Li Muzhan turned and said, "Let's go!"

He would never show mercy to those intent on killing him. Showing leniency this time meant they would return later; it was better to finish them decisively. At this level, it was no longer a matter of right or wrong.

—

The two walked slowly through Jingzhou City. Xiuxiu asked, "Young Master, are those people from Linhai Pavilion?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "They are."

The city lanterns had been lit; it was brilliantly illuminated. A bright moon rose in the sky, and the entire Jingzhou City was bustling, truly a city that never slept.

Xiuxiu continued, "Then, Young Master, will they keep sending people after us?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "They will."

"What should we do then?" Xiuxiu frowned, considering. "Can you defeat them, Young Master? I heard Linhai Pavilion is one of the few great sects in the world."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "I can."

"Young—Master—!" Xiuxiu pouted. Every time he answered with just one word, hands behind his back, he walked with an air of nonchalant grace.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "There's no immediate solution. We can only proceed slowly. Eventually, when they get bored, they will naturally quiet down."

"Then how many people will you have to kill until then!" Xiuxiu sighed.

Li Muzhan said, "If you don't kill, others will kill you. That's the nature of being in the Jianghu—one cannot always choose. Fan Pingye and Fan Pingshan deserved death, but perhaps not everyone in Linhai Pavilion does. It’s a pity they want to kill me, so I must kill them; the lines between good and evil blur."

Xiuxiu shook her head, "Young Master, if this continues, will they truly stop? I'm afraid they won't."

"That depends on them," Li Muzhan smiled. "Xiuxiu, you can defend yourself now. If you run into one or two, you can hold them off. If there are too many, run! With your Qinggong, they won't catch you!"

Xiuxiu nodded vigorously, "I understand!"

As the two chatted idly, strolling leisurely amidst the crowds on the bustling street, Li Muzhan suddenly drew Xiuxiu close by her slender waist and smoothly moved aside just as a sword tip emerged.

A frail, thin elder was passing slowly beside them, and a sword abruptly shot out from his waist, nearly striking Xiuxiu.

Xiuxiu gasped softly. Li Muzhan turned to look at the elder and frowned, "Someone from the Divine Sword Sect?"

"Hmph, you know your stuff!" the elder sneered coldly.

Li Muzhan suddenly stepped left. A gust of cold wind brushed past his flank; Xiuxiu dodged another sword. Li Muzhan glanced over and saw a young man, watching Li Muzhan and Xiuxiu with keen interest.

Li Muzhan frowned, "Is this how the Divine Sword Sect operates?"

"How we operate is hardly for you to dictate," the thin elder scoffed, sizing Li Muzhan up. "He Zudao, isn't it?"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "How do you know my name?"

"Who doesn't know the great name of He Zudao?" The thin elder shook his head. "A hero saving a damsel, why isn't that young lady here?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "She has already returned to the mountain."

"A pity you weren't brought along!" The thin elder scrutinized Li Muzhan and shook his head. "You saved their lives, but when they thought about what would happen to you, they still didn't bring you along. Truly..."

He clicked his tongue in disapproval, shaking his head repeatedly. "You saved them for nothing, and now you'll lose your own life. It's not worth it! I feel sorry for you!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Your Divine Sword Sect is fleeing like hunted dogs from the Myriad Sage Sect; how dare you act so arrogantly? Aren't you afraid the masters of the Myriad Sage Sect will show up?"

"Hmph, what of the Myriad Sage Sect?" The thin elder sneered repeatedly. "They are nothing but scattered sand now. Who listens to Tang Tianyu anymore?"

Li Muzhan frowned, "If you want to kill me, then act. Why waste so many words?"

The thin elder paused for a moment. "Let's find a quiet place to talk!"

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, "Why bother? What is there to discuss?"

"How about we make a deal?" The thin elder smiled.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and gestured, "Then let's discuss it here. More people around actually makes it harder to be overheard!"

"...Fine. You know our cultivation method, don't you?" The thin elder stated proudly.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Divine Sword Sect. The Divine Forging Art, I have long heard the name!"

"Any man would find our cultivation method irresistible!" The thin elder snorted. "Don't listen to the outside rumors calling our methods malicious; it's simply not true!"

Li Muzhan said, "Tell me exactly what it is; stop beating around the bush!"

"Very well!" The thin elder said gravely. "I'll be straightforward then. You want to cultivate our method, don't you?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I do not."

The thin elder smiled faintly, "He Zudao, I know you are a man of passion, one who enjoys women. Don't you desire to be impervious like Vajra?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Can one truly become impervious?"

"Naturally!" The thin elder asserted proudly. "Our method is profound; being impervious is merely the most superficial layer. If you find our main method too vicious and don't wish to use it, you can practice only the Divine Forging Art, which will surely grant you the power to be impervious and satisfy a hundred women nightly!"

"That sounds too mystical," Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile.

The thin elder snorted, "Why would this old man lie to you! Our disciples of the Divine Sword Sect only achieve this level as a mere entry point!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Can you do it too?"

"Of course!" The thin elder snorted. "Or should we test it out on the Hundred Flower Boat?"

"Let's skip that," Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Not interested!"

The thin elder frowned, "He Zudao, if a path to life is offered and you refuse it, it seems you are deliberately seeking death!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Your Divine Sword Sect is nothing more than a cornered rabbit. You won't amount to much. You should find a place to hide quickly!"

"Very well, we shall meet again!" The thin elder sneered, turned, and melted into the crowd, disappearing.

"Young Master..." Xiuxiu said, blushing slightly.

Li Muzhan said, "It seems you need to be more careful. If I am not around, don't venture out alone!"

"Yes, I understand, Young Master!" Xiuxiu nodded.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. "Perhaps I should take you myself. Forget about going to Qingmei Town!" Tomorrow, pack your things, and I will send you away!"

"Young Master, are you really sure it's safe?" Xiuxiu asked. Li Muzhan smiled faintly.

—

After midnight passed, Li Muzhan returned to the Hidden Sect, appearing in his own room. He slept soundly and, at dawn the next day, practiced martial arts with the four women.

They did not avoid Li Muzhan during practice, whether it was swordplay, palm techniques, or fist forms—all exquisite movements. Li Muzhan did not stand on ceremony either, joining them to practice his sword style.

As the five were training, footsteps sounded. Yin Zhaojiang walked over in white robes, leisurely fanning himself with a folding fan, looking both elegant and composed.

He stopped abruptly and exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? Brother He?!"

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword and smiled, "It's Young Master Yin. A pleasure to meet you!"

"You... Brother He, why are you here?" Yin Zhaojiang's smile faded, replaced by astonishment as he looked toward Gao Jingxuan.

Gao Jingxuan stated calmly, "Zhaojiang, what brings you here again?"

Yin Zhaojiang chuckled, "Heh heh, Senior Uncle Gao, I heard Junior Sister Yi and the others returned, so I came to inquire after them. Is Senior Sister Zhu, Junior Sister Yi alright? Did the Divine Sword Sect trouble you?"

Zhu Chuyun replied ungraciously, "Junior Brother Yin, you dare show your face? You stirred up trouble, and we suffered the consequences afterward! If it weren't for Mr. He, we'd have lost our lives long ago!"

"Oh—?" Yin Zhaojiang apologized feebly, "We truly didn't expect the Divine Sword Sect to be so audacious—not only refusing to flee but actually trying to ambush us!"

"You all ran off, what about us!" Zhu Chuyun wouldn't let it go, huffing, "Why didn't you think of us then?"

Yin Zhaojiang apologized again, "I did mention it, but Elder Chu and the others were in a desperate hurry to leave. I couldn't help it; my word doesn't count for much!"

"Enough, Junior Sister Zhu. Everyone knows Elder Chu listens to you!" Zhu Chuyun snapped back. "You were only concerned with saving your own skin back then, not us!"

Cheng Lian interjected, "That's enough, Junior Sister Zhu, it’s only human nature! Junior Brother Yin, I heard Elder Chu was also injured. Is he alright?"

Yin Zhaojiang shook his head and sighed, "Elder Chu was injured saving me. That Zhao Yuanming is too formidable. If it weren't for Elder Chu, our lives would have been forfeit!"

Cheng Lian asked, "You saw Zhao Yuanming? How high is his cultivation?"

Yin Zhaojiang gave a bitter smile, "His moves were too fast; I couldn't see them clearly at all. Only Elder Chu could barely keep up... Perhaps only Master himself will need to step in!" (To be continued.)