Xiao Hu chuckled twice, still radiating simple sincerity, sizing up Li Muzhan. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes shone brightly, as if he had just found a fascinating new toy.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “Junior Brother Xiao, you amuse me.”
Xiao Hu quickly waved his hands, “Senior Brother He, let’s be straightforward. Your cultivation is indeed deeper, and your mental technique is formidable. What technique do you practice?”
Li Muzhan laughed, “I don’t even know the name. I got it from an ancient manual and have just been practicing it casually, which resulted in this.”
“Ah, you can do that?!” Xiao Hu’s eyes widened. He looked at Li Muzhan, then at Tang Tianyu.
Tang Tianyu’s thick eyebrows moved slightly. He turned to Gao Jingxuan and smiled, “This Young Brother He is self-taught, Senior Sister Gao?”
“Mm, correct,” Gao Jingxuan nodded.
Tang Tianyu appraised Li Muzhan with admiration, shaking his head, “Truly unexpected. Young Brother He is such an astonishing prodigy! Good! Very good!”
He turned and smiled at Gao Jingxuan, “Senior Sister Gao, you have truly recruited a genius for our Myriad Sage Sect!”
“He is not one of us from the Myriad Sage Sect!” Gao Jingxuan said coolly, “He is merely Xiao Ru’s husband, not yet one of ours!”
Tang Tianyu waved his hand with a smile, “Senior Sister Gao, you don’t need to be so rigid. If he is Xiao Ru’s husband, isn’t he family? I hope Young Brother He will not spare any effort if anything arises in the future!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “I listen to the Sect Master.”
Tang Tianyu observed him meaningfully a few times, realizing that the Sect Master he referred to was not himself, but Gao Jingxuan. It seemed Senior Sister Gao was truly fortunate this time. Such an exceptional figure entering the Hidden Sect—it seemed the Hidden Sect was not destined to perish after all!
He mused inwardly, his expression unchanged, smiling faintly, “Xiao Hu, are you convinced now? Are you still going to say your junior brother is incompetent?”
Xiao Hu chuckled, “Master, I was just saying that; why take it seriously!”
“Hmph, I know you too well!” Tang Tianyu shook his head disapprovingly and turned to Yin Zhaojiang, “Zhaojiang, you should also get along well with Young Brother He. You are all family from now on.”
“Yes, Master,” Yin Zhaojiang nodded respectfully, smiling at Li Muzhan, “Brother He, I look forward to your guidance in the future!”
Li Muzhan quickly laughed, “Not at all, I am merely a man from the wilderness; how could I compare to Brother Yin? As for the future Myriad Sage Sect Master, I dare not presume such a thing!”
“Brother He jokes!” Yin Zhaojiang’s face shifted slightly, and he quickly glanced at Tang Tianyu.
Tang Tianyu laughed, “It is rumored everywhere that Zhaojiang is the next Sect Master. It’s strange; I was unaware. The Sect Master may not necessarily be in our Yuan Sect; it depends on the performance of the disciples from all branches!”
Gao Jingxuan snorted, “Alright, Senior Brother Tang. Stop being so hypocritical. Your Yuan Sect techniques are peerless, and you have two excellent disciples competing. If not them, who else? ...However, both of them are quite good; deciding between them will require careful consideration!”
Tang Tianyu quickly waved his hand with a smile, “Senior Sister Gao, you’ve gone too far!”
He felt a chill inside. This Senior Sister Gao was certainly no pushover; to strike back so quickly, unwilling to suffer any loss. Both of her disciples were outstanding, and who should truly become the Sect Master was indeed making him vexed. If he continued to hesitate, it was inevitable that friction would arise between the two disciples. It seemed a swift decision was necessary. ———— While they were talking, another group of people ascended the mountain. There were four of them, all wearing long sabers and purple robes, exuding a fierce and domineering aura.
The one leading was a young man, powerfully built, his muscles seeming ready to burst through his garments. With every step he took, it sounded as if heavy stones were smashing onto the ground, his presence fierce and aggressive.
“Martial Uncle Tang is also here! Greetings, Martial Uncle!” When the leading youth reached them, he saw Tang Tianyu, paused briefly, then cupped his fists in salute.
The three youths behind him were also arrogant, but upon seeing Tang Tianyu, they all became meek, restraining themselves considerably, bowing obediently.
“Jian Xu, is it just you four who came?!” Tang Tianyu frowned.
The powerfully built youth nodded, “Master is feeling slightly unwell, so he didn’t come. He asked me to convey his congratulations to Martial Aunt Gao!”
Gao Jingxuan let out a cold laugh and nodded slowly, “Mm.”
Confident in her status, she disdained to argue with them. The Saber Sect was an old enemy; it was only natural he wouldn't come. His presence would only have been awkward.
“Alas... this master of yours...” Tang Tianyu shook his head, unconcerned, “Everyone else has arrived, yet he refuses. He is putting on airs! ...Shall I go personally to invite him?!”
The powerfully built youth scratched the back of his head and chuckled somewhat artlessly, “Hehe, Martial Uncle Tang, Master was afraid that if he came, he would start fighting with Martial Aunt Gao again. It wouldn't be good to spoil the festive mood on such a joyous day, right?”
“You do have a point!” Tang Tianyu smiled, “But he could just exercise restraint. Why must it always escalate to a fight?! ...Very well, I will go invite him myself!”
When the powerfully built youth saw him actually turning to leave, he hurriedly reached out, “Martial Uncle! Martial Uncle!”
“What is it?” Tang Tianyu snorted and asked coldly.
The powerfully built youth put on a pained expression, conceding helplessly, “How can I trouble Martial Uncle to make such a trip? If Master finds out, he will surely scold me to death! ...How about this: I will go invite Master, and I will tell him Martial Uncle insisted he come, alright?”
Tang Tianyu snorted disapprovingly, “You know when to be sensible, now hurry up and go!”
The powerfully built youth glanced at Li Muzhan, then turned and vanished from their sight in an instant, revealing astonishing lightness skill.
Only the three saber-wielding youths remained. They seemed somewhat awkward and shy, hesitant to speak to Tang Tianyu, so they gazed around as if admiring the scenery.
Tang Tianyu glanced at the three youths and shook his head, “Young Brother He, what are your plans after marrying Xiao Ru?”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “It depends on Xiao Ru’s wishes.”
“Xiao Ru surely wishes to stay on the mountain,” Tang Tianyu smiled, “She has lived here since childhood; how could she bear to leave? Besides, her Master and Senior Sister are still here.”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, “Yes, then staying here is fine!”
“Mm, that’s a good thought!” Tang Tianyu nodded approvingly, “It seems you genuinely care for Xiao Ru. I can rest assured now!”
Gao Jingxuan said irritably, “Senior Brother Tang, you are meddling where you don't belong! ...Why bother inviting that old ghost over!?”
Tang Tianyu persuaded, “Enough, Senior Sister Gao. It’s a happy occasion; let everyone rejoice together, drink heartily, and settle old scores!”
“Senior Brother Tang, you always dream of easy solutions!” Gao Jingxuan curled her lip and sneered, “Will that petty fellow ever yield? It would be better to just kill him!”
Tang Tianyu said, “Senior Sister, don't underestimate people. I see he has improved greatly in recent years, and he is a bit more moderate in his interactions. Perhaps it’s due to age. Your enmity should end now. Your younger disciple is married; how long must you two continue to fight?”
Gao Jingxuan sneered coldly, “Senior Brother Tang, you say that so lightly. It’s not that easy. ...Forget it, we’ll just wait and see!”
While the others waited nearby, Xiao Hu, unwilling to give up, sidled up to Li Muzhan and whispered, “Brother He, you really don’t know the name of the technique?”
Li Muzhan quickly replied, “Brother Xiao, perhaps we can spar again another time. I sense that Brother Xiao is proficient in fist techniques?”
“That’s right,” Xiao Hu smiled, “You have sharp eyes; you saw it immediately. I heard Brother He, your swordsmanship is even better, isn't that true?”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, “It is. I excel more in swordsmanship, but unfortunately, fighting involves no mercy between blades. It’s better not to use it for now. I will rely on Brother Xiao’s assistance in the future!”
Xiao Hu scratched his head and chuckled, “Hehe, naturally!”
The two spoke in low tones, clearly enjoying the conversation. Li Muzhan intentionally sought to befriend this seemingly honest and simple youth, yet Li Muzhan was certain he wasn't as harmless as he appeared.
To be chosen as Tang Tianyu’s disciple, Xiao Hu’s talent was self-evident. Furthermore, Tang Tianyu was clearly an old fox just by looking at him; how could a disciple trained by such a person lack cunning? Even if he started without much guile, under Tang Tianyu’s tutelage, he would surely develop deep sophistication.
As they spoke, Yin Zhaojiang observed the surroundings. He seemed indifferent to everything, occasionally glancing at Xiao Hu, who was currently engaged in an enthusiastic chat with Li Muzhan, a trace of anger flashing across his face.
Senior Brother clearly knew about his own plight, yet instead of joining him in denouncing the situation, he was bonding with this fellow named He.
He felt suppressed anger internally but did not show it. Instead, he smiled broadly while surveying the surroundings as if admiring the scenery.
In truth, he was ceaselessly plotting his own scheme, a faint killing intent hidden beneath the surface. ———— After a short while, the powerfully built youth returned in a gust of wind, reappearing before the group with an expression of awkwardness.
“What happened?!” Tang Tianyu’s face darkened when he didn’t see the person he expected. An invisible force swept over everyone, making it hard to breathe.
“Martial Uncle Tang, Master refused to come,” the powerfully built youth shook his head. “Master said it’s better not to meet, and he will apologize to Martial Uncle Tang another day; he still won’t come!”
“Hmph hmph, very good, Martial Brother Xiao puts on quite an air!” Tang Tianyu sneered repeatedly, shaking his head, “Fine, I will go invite him personally!”
“Enough!” Gao Jingxuan waved her hand, “You yourself said that forcing things never works out well. I don’t want to see his face on this happy day!”
“Alas... such a good opportunity, and he refuses to come. Truly…” Tang Tianyu shook his head, “Are you two going to fight for a lifetime?”
“Who’s afraid of whom!” Gao Jingxuan sneered coldly, “In another ten years, I want to see what the Saber Sect amounts to!”
Tang Tianyu glanced at Li Muzhan and laughed, “With Little He here, your spine has straightened up, Senior Sister. I think...”
“Are you done rambling?!” Gao Jingxuan glared at him irritably, “You all hurry inside and stop disturbing us out here!”
Tang Tianyu looked at her, saw her face darken, and sighed helplessly, “Alright, we’ll go in first. We’ll discuss this matter later; I need to settle accounts with Martial Brother Xiao!”
Gao Jingxuan waved her hand and stopped paying attention to him.
Tang Tianyu shook his head resignedly, beckoned them to walk in, but after a few steps, he turned back, “Jian Xu, aren't you coming?”
The powerfully built youth scratched his head and chuckled, “Martial Uncle Tang, please go in first. We need to have a good, friendly interaction with Brother He!”
Tang Tianyu glanced at the smiling Li Muzhan and joked, “Little He, show some restraint; drawing blood on a happy day is not good! ...It's unlucky!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “Yes, Sect Master, I will be careful!”
Tang Tianyu glanced at the eager youths behind him, stopped paying attention to them, and turned to enter.
Li Muzhan kept his eyes fixed on the four of them. After they went in, Li Muzhan asked quietly, “Sect Master, who were those two?”
“Shadow Guards,” Gao Jingxuan knew exactly whom he meant, snorting, “They are the Sect Master’s personal bodyguards. They pay attention to no one’s command.”
Li Muzhan pondered, “Are they not disciples of the Sect?”
“They are rather transcendent,” Gao Jingxuan said, “Their cultivation is deep, but they are truly tight-lipped gourds; they might not speak ten sentences in a year!”
“Indeed, formidable individuals,” Li Muzhan praised softly. ———— The two spoke between themselves, treating the four youths, including the powerfully built one, as if they were air, completely ignoring them.
The powerfully built youth was inwardly annoyed, his face darkening. He cupped his fists towards Li Muzhan, “Brother He, right? I am Hua Jianxu. Fame truly doesn't compare to meeting in person!”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Brother Hua, am I that famous?”
“Winning the heart of Senior Sister Yi makes it hard not to be famous!” Hua Jianxu smiled, shaking his head, “I would like to learn from you; I hope Brother He will not hold back his guidance!”
Li Muzhan glanced at Gao Jingxuan, smiled, and nodded, “Since you insist, please proceed!”
Hua Jianxu slowly drew his saber, “I heard Brother He’s swordsmanship is exquisite. I specialize in the saber. Let’s exchange a few moves!”
Li Muzhan smiled, bent down, picked up a tree branch, and said faintly, “I will use this then. Let’s stop before we draw blood; I certainly don’t want bloodshed on this joyous day!”
“Hehe, this...” Hua Jianxu’s smile stiffened slightly as he looked at the branch in Li Muzhan’s hand.
The branch was about the length of a sword, but it was thin and extremely fragile; it could snap with a gentle touch, let alone inflict injury!
To use such a thin stick against him clearly showed a lack of respect!
Anger flared within him, and his smile became rigid. He shook his head, “This... perhaps we should use actual swords. I don't want to bully you, or Senior Sister Yi will surely scold me to death if she finds out!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “No need. We are just exchanging a few moves, not truly testing supremacy. Please, or we won't have time!”
“...Fine!” Hua Jianxu was determined to shame Li Muzhan; this was also his master’s instruction, and it aligned with his own desires.
“Watch my saber!” He suppressed his frustration, holding nothing back, wishing he could cleave Li Muzhan in two with one strike, so he would dare not look at Senior Sister Yi again!
A flash of brilliant saber light swept down. Li Muzhan lightly shifted his body, then touched the branch forward—crack!—a crisp sound echoed, and the branch immediately broke.
Clang... The long saber clattered onto the ground with a resonant ring.
Hua Jianxu’s body froze, motionless. His hand was suspended mid-air; the saber had left his grip. He could move no further, only glaring at Li Muzhan with wide eyes.
Li Muzhan shook his head, turned to Gao Jingxuan, and smiled, “Sect Master, is this the Saber Sect’s technique?”
Gao Jingxuan pursed her lips and smiled, shaking her head, “The Saber Sect’s techniques are not bad, but he is young and has not grasped the true essence of the Saber Way.”
Li Muzhan nodded, “No wonder. I thought the Saber Sect’s methods wouldn't be this poor. ...Brother Hua, you amuse me!”
Saying this, he walked forward and gave a light pat.