Li Muzhan slowly woke up, glancing left and right to find himself seated on the ground. A bright moon hung high overhead, quietly spilling a sheet of clear radiance that felt like a thin veil draped over him.

A pace away in front of him, Yi Xiaoru sat on a cushion, eyes closed, regulating her breath. Her face was like jade, emanating a faint, soft glow.

Li Muzhan coughed lightly. Yi Xiaoru abruptly opened her eyes, "Big Brother!"

Li Muzhan smiled. Yi Xiaoru quickly asked, "Are you injured?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled, "It's getting late, have you eaten?"

"Not yet. Everyone is waiting for you. Let's go!" Yi Xiaoru rose from the cushion. Li Muzhan also stood up and laughed, "You all go ahead and eat!"

Yi Xiaoru smiled, "Master insisted on waiting for you to eat together! ... After this battle, Brother, no one has dared to cause trouble again. That settles it for good!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile, "It was pure luck!"

"None of us expected you could defeat Ancestor Yin!" Yi Xiaoru couldn't hide her amusement.

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head, "Truthfully, this time was sheer fortune. If we had fought again, it wouldn't have been so easy!"

"Ancestor Yin won't fight again!" Yi Xiaoru shook her head and smiled, "He is an incredibly proud man!"

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head.

Yi Xiaoru continued, "If you hadn't crippled Senior Brother Yin this time and truly enraged him, he would never have attacked a junior like that!"

Li Muzhan smiled, and they had already entered the main hall.

Three women were seated in the hall. Gao Jingxuan was lying on a low couch, reading a book. Cheng Lian and Zhu Chuyun were playing chess, deeply engaged in a fierce match. They seemed not to have heard the footsteps of the two.

Gao Jingxuan put down her book. She didn't speak first, but instead carefully observed Li Muzhan, nodding slightly, "It seems you are fine! Lian'er. Yun'er, it's time to eat!"

"Brother-in-law, are you really alright?" Zhu Chuyun looked up and smiled sweetly.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister. I'm fine, just utterly drained!"

"That you could defeat Ancestor Yin truly makes me see you in a new light!" Zhu Chuyun exclaimed with admiration, "We were all holding our breath, just in case you couldn't win, we were prepared to join in together!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. Cheng Lian said with a smile, "Even if we attacked together, it would be useless. Ancestor Yin could subdue all of us in a single move! ... I suspect you used some secret technique, are you truly unharmed?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "No serious injury. A few days of recuperation will suffice."

"That's good then." Gao Jingxuan's spirits soared, "Xiao Ru, start serving the dishes!"

"Alright!" Yi Xiaoru responded, lightly stepping out. Cheng Lian and Zhu Chuyun followed, and soon the three women brought out the dishes, filling the air with appetizing aromas.

———— After Gao Jingxuan sat in the main seat, she patted the position to her left, "Dao'er, come and sit here!"

Li Muzhan startled, then gave a wry smile, "Master, sitting here is perfectly fine for me!"

He had been sitting at the end seat, next to Yi Xiaoru. Cheng Lian and Zhu Chuyun were seated next to Gao Jingxuan. Although there were only five people, there was still a distinction in seating.

"You are a man. Come and sit here!" Gao Jingxuan said in a deep voice, "Don't be so spineless, sticking close to your wife!"

Yi Xiaoru mildly scolded, "Master—!"

Gao Jingxuan ordered, "Hurry up and come over!"

Hearing her say that, Li Muzhan had no choice but to move over. Zhu Chuyun pursed her lips and smiled, "I suppose I should yield my seat. Master, you are clearly favoring men over women!"

Gao Jingxuan snorted irritably, "If you could defeat your Ancestor Yin, I'd let you take this seat!"

"I wouldn't dare!" Zhu Chuyun chuckled lightly, "Brother-in-law, your swordsmanship is truly unmatched!"

Their understanding of Li Muzhan's swordsmanship deepened further; it was truly inscrutable and overwhelmingly powerful, enough to induce despair just watching it.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "It's not really the swordsmanship, it's just a feeling. I've told others, but no one dares to practice it the way I do."

Zhu Chuyun quickly nodded, "I know how you practice your sword, I can only say you have a great life; we simply can't... Senior Sister, would you dare try?"

Cheng Lian smiled and shook her head.

Gao Jingxuan said, "Everyone has the martial art best suited for them. Some find it, some are unlucky and don't. Dao'er has found his Way... Alright, after today, you can finally stand firm; you don't need to fear others anymore!"

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile, "Yes. Let's begin!"

"Come, eat!" Gao Jingxuan picked up her bamboo chopsticks, and everyone started eating.

After Li Muzhan had a few bites to settle his stomach, he turned to Gao Jingxuan, "Master, what is this Grand Competition about?"

Gao Jingxuan selected a piece of stir-fried bamboo shoots and said casually, "Oh, the Nine Sects Grand Competition, held every five years. It's starting soon!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Are there any specific stakes for this competition?"

Gao Jingxuan pondered for a moment, swallowed her food, and put down her chopsticks, "Regarding the Grand Competition, it is indeed of major importance; it's a true reflection of the strength of the Nine Sects."

"Does it only concern prestige?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Gao Jingxuan replied, "After the competition, those in the top ten, and those below them, can enter Floating Cloud Mountain."

The moment Li Muzhan heard Floating Cloud Mountain, his attention immediately focused. Floating Cloud Mountain, Floating Cloud Palace—he wondered if there was any connection.

"What kind of place is Floating Cloud Mountain?" Li Muzhan asked.

Gao Jingxuan explained, "Floating Cloud Mountain is a mountain range, perpetually shrouded in mist. Once inside, people often get lost and cannot find their direction."

"Master, just tell him everything at once; look how anxious Brother-in-law is getting!" Zhu Chuyun pursed her lips and smiled, "Perhaps I should explain!"

Without waiting for Gao Jingxuan to speak, she immediately said, "Brother-in-law, Floating Cloud Mountain is a wonderful place. Although it's heavy with mist, there are often surprises waiting for you inside. Some people obtain secret manuals, some acquire precious swords, and some find treasured sabers!"

Li Muzhan frowned, "Only those two things?"

"My goodness, you aren't satisfied with just those two things!" Zhu Chuyun smiled coyly, "Brother-in-law, your appetite is quite large!"

———— Li Muzhan shook his head, "How large is Floating Cloud Mountain?"

Zhu Chuyun shook her head, "No one knows how large or how far it extends. We only know that each person can only stay for one hour. After one hour, they will walk out, no matter which way they go... they even come out if they don't move at all. It's very peculiar. Extremely peculiar!"

Li Muzhan fell silent, thoughtful.

Could this Floating Cloud Mountain be arranged with a formation? What she described bore a striking resemblance to formation mechanics. Although the spiritual energy in this world is thin, making formations difficult to sustain, there are always exceptions.

"Over the years, no one has discovered the true distance, height, or size of Floating Cloud Mountain; we only know that entry is permitted once every five years," Zhu Chuyun stated.

Li Muzhan asked, "Besides secret manuals and weapons, is there anything else?"

"No," Zhu Chuyun shook her head. "Only secret manuals and weapons. But don't think these are easily obtained. Once every five years, only ten people can enter, yet often they return empty-handed. Master, how long has it been since anything valuable appeared last time?"

"It appeared ten years ago," Gao Jingxuan replied.

Li Muzhan frowned, "So it's all down to luck then."

"That's right. Master, how many secret manuals have been obtained in total?" Zhu Chuyun asked.

Gao Jingxuan thought for a moment, "A total of three secret manuals were obtained. They are all supreme martial arts, including our core cultivation method!"

"Heh heh, Brother-in-law, did you know?" Zhu Chuyun said excitedly, "Master also obtained a secret manual once!"

Li Muzhan looked at Gao Jingxuan in surprise.

Gao Jingxuan snorted, "Master was young once too. I made it into the top ten of the Grand Competition back then. That's why I was fortunate enough to enter Floating Cloud Mountain and luckily obtained a secret manual. It is the 'Art of Celestial and Mortal Resonance' that they are cultivating now!"

Li Muzhan praised, "The Art of Celestial and Mortal Resonance is truly marvelous!"

Yi Xiaoru pursed her lips and smiled, "If not for that, I wouldn't have found you either! ... Big Brother, you will surely make the top ten in this competition and be able to enter Floating Cloud Mountain."

Li Muzhan smiled wryly and shook his head, "My luck has always been terrible; let's not count on it!"

"This is truly fate," Gao Jingxuan nodded. "Among the ten people, often the strongest martial artist doesn't get a secret manual, and the weakest has little chance either; those in the middle happen to have a better opportunity! ... Senior Brother Tang, who had the strongest martial arts back then, gained nothing, and everyone only gets one chance; once you enter, you can never go in again!"

———— "Ah—!" Zhu Chuyun cried out, lamenting, "Does that mean Brother-in-law has no hope at all?"

"Yes, nine times out of ten," Gao Jingxuan nodded lightly.

The reason she was so calm and unconcerned was exactly this. With Li Muzhan's current martial prowess, he was certain to take first place in the Grand Competition and enter Floating Cloud Mountain, making him merely a ceremonial participant with little actual hope.

Entering Floating Cloud Mountain was all about trying one's luck to see if one could obtain a secret manual or a precious weapon; otherwise, why enter such a confusing place where danger lurks?

Yi Xiaoru offered, "That's not certain. Perhaps there are exceptions, right?"

Cheng Lian smiled and pursed her lips, "In Little Sister's eyes, Brother-in-law is naturally unique... Master, I feel Brother-in-law is a blessed person; perhaps there is hope."

"One can only hope," Gao Jingxuan smiled faintly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I don't seek a secret manual; having a precious sword would be enough."

"That's true!" Zhu Chuyun chimed in, "No matter how good a secret manual is, it can't compare to Brother-in-law's swordsmanship. It's a pity your sword shattered. If you got a precious sword, it would be like adding wings to a tiger; who could defeat Brother-in-law then!?"

She turned, giggling merrily, "Master, we could strut around too! With Brother-in-law here, who would dare to disobey!"

"You..." Gao Jingxuan shook her head, revealing a hint of a smile.

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, "Senior Sister Zhu, I wouldn't dare claim that. If I truly provoke a major figure, I am no match for them! ... Are there other powerful figures among our Nine Sects?"

"Yes, although Ancestor Uncle Yin is the oldest generation of disciples, his martial arts aren't the strongest," Gao Jingxuan nodded lightly. "Besides, your victory over Ancestor Uncle Yin had an element of luck; you shouldn't be complacent."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes."

Zhu Chuyun pressed, "Brother-in-law, how exactly do you cultivate? Is the core method that superior? ... Our core method is also top-tier, so why is there such a huge gap between you and us?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "There is actually a secret to it."

"Tell us!" Zhu Chuyun's eyes immediately lit up, urging him eagerly.

Cheng Lian and Gao Jingxuan also pricked up their ears, their bright eyes fixed on him. They were truly astonished and curious about Li Muzhan's cultivation level. To reach a level comparable to Ancestor Yin at such a young age was something almost unbelievable if told.

Li Muzhan explained, "I didn't know before, but after watching Xiao Ru practice, I realized that everyone else stops practicing after one or two hours to rest... I actually practice for a full day or two, and sometimes I practice continuously for a whole month."

"Practice for a day or two?" Zhu Chuyun’s bright eyes widened in disbelief, "All at once?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes. What I practiced initially was a Daoist sitting meditation technique, purely for nurturing health and vitality. Later, when I discovered that secret manual, I treated it the same way as sitting meditation, practicing for one or two days straight."

Zhu Chuyun blinked her bright eyes, then turned to look at Gao Jingxuan and Cheng Lian, and finally at Yi Xiaoru.

Yi Xiaoru nodded, "Yes, Big Brother practices for a long time in one go, without stopping."

———— "Master, what is going on?" Zhu Chuyun asked.

Gao Jingxuan also frowned deeply, asking puzzledly, "Dao'er, when you practice for so long, don't you feel heavy-headed and utterly exhausted?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "No. Practicing feels like sleeping—very tranquil and harmonious."

"Strange," Gao Jingxuan mused. "Logically, it shouldn't be like this. Activating the flow of internal energy consumes a lot of spirit, no less than intense combat. How can you sustain it for so long?"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "I don't know either."

Naturally, he understood that his spirit was mighty, like a dragon or a tiger, and he didn't know fatigue. Furthermore, when tired, he could recover using the Viewing Celestial and Mortal Divine Illumination Scripture.

Later, he also came into contact with many secret arts that allowed for spiritual recuperation.

Gao Jingxuan asked, "You must have practiced some other secret arts, right?"

Li Muzhan pondered, "I once practiced a technique called the Jade Void Cave Spirit Art, which is for nourishing the spirit. Thinking about it, it might be due to this technique."

"Jade Void Cave Spirit Art..." Gao Jingxuan murmured, shaking her head, "I've never heard of it."

Li Muzhan smiled, "It’s a minor technique I obtained by chance. Originally, it was used to nourish the spirit, allowing me to focus better while studying."

"Dao'er, you truly are..." Gao Jingxuan shook her head and sighed, "If what you say is true, then this core technique is indeed marvelous."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "I didn't pay much attention to it back then. It doesn't cultivate internal energy, nor does it have much offensive power; it only nourishes the spirit. It was very useful for studying, but useless for martial arts... Only after seeing Xiao Ru practice did I realize that perhaps because I practiced this, I could sustain long periods of cultivation."

Gao Jingxuan said sternly, "Dao'er, be careful in this Grand Competition. You must enter the top ten!"

"What's wrong, Master?" Zhu Chuyun asked smilingly.

Gao Jingxuan explained, "Dao'er has such incredible luck; if he enters Floating Cloud Mountain, perhaps he might gain something!"

"That's right!" Zhu Chuyun quickly agreed, "Brother-in-law, you said your luck was bad. How can someone with bad luck obtain this secret technique and also a secret manual?! Most people who don't join a sect can't cultivate such a level of martial arts!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Now that you mention it, I truly misjudged myself. My luck seems quite good after all! ... Alright then, I'll give it a try!"

Seeing that the women, upon hearing about the Jade Void Cave Spirit Art, were envious but did not press further, he activated his Heart Communication technique and scanned their thoughts. They were all envious, but there was no greed.

He secretly admired them; he hadn't expected them to possess such magnanimity. Even disciples from famous, established sects would likely harbor greedy thoughts upon hearing this; secret techniques are an irresistible temptation for martial artists.

———— Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, "Master, I suspect it's the marvelous effect of the Jade Void Cave Spirit Art, but it's only a guess. Why don't we all try to test it out?"

"How do we test it?" Gao Jingxuan asked.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Everyone can try practicing it and see if it is indeed its marvelous function."

Gao Jingxuan frowned, "Dao'er, I appreciate your good intentions, but secret techniques are things kept highly confidential. The law states that one does not casually pass them on; even husband and wife cannot simply teach them."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "This is just a set of incantations I obtained accidentally; there is no established lineage. It doesn't matter if everyone practices it to see."

"Brother-in-law, are you really willing?" Zhu Chuyun smiled.

Li Muzhan laughed, "What is there to be unwilling about? ... We are a family now; there's no need to be distant. If the sect is strong, I benefit too."

The sect is a person's greatest backing; he understood this point profoundly. Disciples of those famous, established sects, even if their martial arts were weak, were rarely provoked. But disciples from small sects, even if they possessed formidable martial arts, were often disregarded by others.

This was an undeniable fact: navigating the martial world is not solely determined by one's personal martial arts skill; the strength of the sect is often more critical.

The Hidden Sect was still too weak. If it could be stronger, he would face fewer constraints.

The Jade Void Cave Spirit Art he mentioned was indeed a method for cultivating the spirit, far inferior to the Viewing Celestial and Mortal Divine Illumination Scripture, but in this world, such secret techniques were almost non-existent, making it extraordinarily precious.

"Sigh..." Gao Jingxuan shook her head, "No need. If you are truly sincere, then pass it to Xiao Ru and let her try."

"Master..." Li Muzhan quickly interjected.

Gao Jingxuan quickly waved her hand, "It's settled. Dao'er, you don't need to say another word!"

Li Muzhan looked at her helplessly, then at the other women.

Zhu Chuyun managed a strained smile, "Let's just listen to Master. We appreciate your good intentions!"

Cheng Lian nodded with a smile, feeling emotional inwardly.

Yi Xiaoru said, "Big Brother, since Master has spoken, let's do that."

Seeing that they were all in agreement, Li Muzhan nodded resignedly, "Alright then, let Xiao Ru try first. If it proves effective, then everyone else can practice."

Gao Jingxuan picked up her bamboo chopsticks, "We'll talk about it later... Come, come, the food is getting cold, hurry up!"

The others continued eating, somewhat distracted.

After Li Muzhan finished his meal and returned to his room to resume secluded meditation, only the four women remained in the room. Yi Xiaoru chided, "Master, Big Brother's intentions were sincere. Why refuse? It hurts his feelings!"

"You foolish girl!" Gao Jingxuan glared at her crossly, "One should not accept reward without merit. How can we casually accept such a miraculous art!"

Yi Xiaoru shook her head, "Master, why be so calculating? You don't need to keep such precise accounts!"

Gao Jingxuan sighed, "Silly girl! ... Right now, you are in the honeymoon phase, the best of times. Once this passes and feelings settle, he will regret it!"

Yi Xiaoru shook her head, "If our martial arts improve, that benefits him too. Why would he regret it?"

Zhu Chuyun quickly added, "Exactly! ... Master, I agree with what Junior Sister said. Brother-in-law isn't a hypocrite. Since he sincerely offers it to us, why refuse!"

"You girl are quite greedy!" Gao Jingxuan scolded irritably, "How can we accept such a marvelous technique for nothing! ... We will discuss it another day!"

Cheng Lian said, "Master, I actually have an idea."

"What idea?" Gao Jingxuan frowned, "Lian'er, you've been tempted too?"

Cheng Lian replied, "Naturally, I wish to see such a miraculous art. Master, how about we pass on our sect's martial arts to him in exchange?"

"Hmm..." Gao Jingxuan frowned and pondered thoughtfully.

The three women stared at her, somewhat nervously.