Gao Jingxuan shook her head. "No, the techniques are not to be lightly shared. Even though he is one of our Hidden Sect people, he was not formally initiated. The techniques cannot be passed on casually."

"If brother-in-law heard that, he would surely be heartbroken!" Zhu Chuyun shook her head. "Master, I propose this: let's see how well junior sister practices. If this secret art is truly as miraculous as they say, then we can exchange. Brother-in-law is one of us now, so it wouldn't violate the sect rules!"

Gao Jingxuan still shook her head. "You two should give up hope. Do not mention this matter again!"

"Mas—ter—!" Zhu Chuyun was still persistent.

Gao Jingxuan waved her hand. "Enough, stop aiming too high. The cultivation method you are practicing now is already supreme; how can you still be unsatisfied! Master these well, and you will be more than capable of protecting yourselves!"

"...Yes, Master!" Zhu Chuyun agreed reluctantly, knowing the matter was utterly hopeless and best forgotten.

Li Muzhan returned to his room to regulate his breath again. His fight with the elder surnamed Yin had been a desperate one; he had truly put his life on the line, holding back only on the use of those secret arts.

He benefited greatly. Back in his room, while quietly meditating, he began to repeatedly review the events of the fight, summarizing the lessons and experience, and studying the martial arts of the elder Yin.

Since he had crippled Yin Zhaojiang, the elder Yin would certainly not let the matter rest. He would surely seek another opportunity to challenge him in the future and cripple him in revenge for Yin Zhaojiang.

While he remained safely sequestered in his room, the entire Myriad Saint Sect was in an uproar. The fellow who had plucked the most beautiful flower in the sect turned out to be so formidable, capable of neutralizing the techniques of Ancestor Yin and possessing a sword art as unpredictable as ghosts and spirits.

Some who had been restless and eager to test their skills now abandoned their intentions. How could they compare to Ancestor Yin? They couldn't even withstand a single move, yet that fellow managed to sever Ancestor Yin's arm. What about their own arms?

Thinking this, they lost all impulse to provoke. Venting anger was important, but not at the cost of their own lives.

They sighed, saying that Brother Yin was truly unlucky to have encountered such a monster, unable to fight back or avenge himself—it was enough to drive a person mad with frustration!

As they lamented inwardly, a slight sense of schadenfreude flickered. Yin Zhaojiang had been famous throughout the world for years, making everyone else feel overshadowed.

If his martial arts were truly supreme and unmatched, that would be one thing, but his fame stemmed largely from being a disciple of the Yuan Sect, the direct disciple of the Sect Master. This had secretly fostered resentment in many.

Now that he was utterly crippled and could no longer swagger about fanning himself, they felt a surge of satisfaction, though also a degree of caution. This He Zudao was a ruthless character; he must not be provoked too far!

Li Muzhan used his seclusion time to carry out several more sensational deeds under the guise of Li Wuji, seemingly sweeping from north to south with unstoppable momentum.

During his ten days of seclusion, Li Muzhan returned to the small courtyard in Jingzhou twice to check on Xiuxiu’s progress. After his infusion, Xiuxiu’s power had increased significantly, though her martial arts still lacked refinement. Her swordplay was the weakest, while her palm techniques were better; naturally, being inherently quick-witted and dexterous, she performed better with her palms.

Every night, Li Muzhan shared a bed with Yi Xiaoru. The groans emanating from their room forced the other three women to cover their ears just to sleep peacefully.

— One morning, Yi Xiaoru rose languidly. When she stepped outside, the other three women were there, all clad in form-fitting training attire, practicing their sword forms.

Zhu Chuyun, wearing a sapphire blue combat suit that made her already fair complexion appear even more luminous, called out with a graceful hand gesture, "Junior Sister, come here, come here! It’s been a while since we sparred; let’s cross hands!"

Yi Xiaoru smiled. "Very well!"

She drifted gracefully to Zhu Chuyun’s side. Gao Jingxuan and Cheng Lian stopped their practice and observed Yi Xiaoru. Even though they were with her constantly, they noticed a change in her every morning upon waking.

She seemed like a piece of raw jade being polished, gradually beginning to radiate light, a brilliance that grew stronger by the day, emitting a radiance so compelling that it was difficult to look at directly.

If they had been men, they wouldn't have dared to look at her at all, instantly feeling inferior; she was too dazzling!

They pouted inwardly. It seemed women truly needed a man's nurturing; looking at Yi Xiaoru, one could see the immense change a woman underwent after marriage.

Her figure had changed without notice, becoming fuller and more rounded—ample where it should be ample, slender where it should be slender. Her already excellent physique had become even more exaggerated.

The skin on her face was so fine that pores were invisible, like tender egg white, flushed with rose beneath the white. Even as women, they felt an urge to touch her.

Moreover, her bright eyes were now more lustrous, shimmering with captivating light when she glanced around. Coupled with the unique charm in her eyebrows, she was truly unlike her former self.

Cheng Lian pursed her lips, smiled, and shook her head. She knew Junior Sister Zhu was using the spar as an excuse to vent her dissatisfaction—such a childish move!

In truth, Cheng Lian was also displeased. The nightly groans kept her from sleeping well; her face flushed, and her heart raced, unable to settle down, forcing her to rely on blocking her hearing.

But she felt too embarrassed to tell Yi Xiaoru; it was too shameful. Thus, she endured it, harboring a belly full of resentment toward her junior sister, which she hadn't had a chance to express.

Zhu Chuyun glanced sideways at her. "Junior Sister, palm or sword?"

"Whatever Senior Sister Zhu wishes!" Yi Xiaoru replied.

Zhu Chuyun said, "Then let's start with palm techniques!"

"Very well!" Yi Xiaoru chuckled lightly and nodded.

She understood that Senior Sister Zhu intended to bully her slightly. Had she offended Senior Sister Zhu somehow? She couldn't recall doing anything. Ha, Senior Sister Zhu must be jealous of her!

— "Nonsense!" Gao Jingxuan shook her head. Zhu Chuyun was three years older than Yi Xiaoru, and more importantly, she had started training earlier. In terms of cultivation, she had been practicing for five years longer than Yi Xiaoru.

Five years was no small span of time; it was enough to make one a minor master. The five-year gap meant Zhu Chuyun's internal energy held the upper hand over Yi Xiaoru's.

Cheng Lian smiled and asked, "I wonder if Junior Sister has practiced the Jade Void Cavern Divine Art."

"Even if she has, how long could she have practiced it!" Gao Jingxuan shook her head. "She doesn't act like a senior sister at all, trying to bully junior sister!"

"It’s alright, Senior Sister Zhu knows her limits," Cheng Lian smiled.

Gao Jingxuan shook her head. "Sometimes, Yun'er looks even younger than Xiaoru!"

Cheng Lian chuckled and nodded. Zhu Chuyun was indeed sometimes childish and naive, perhaps even more so than Yi Xiaoru at times.

While they were talking, Zhu Chuyun had already struck, letting out a delicate cry. "Junior Sister, taste my palm!"

She sent out a palm strike—it was graceful and exquisite, like white jade. Yi Xiaoru laughed lightly. "Senior Sister Zhu, no need to worry, come on!"

"Hmph, this little girl is seeking trouble, then I won't be polite!" Zhu Chuyun pouted, and her jade palm suddenly accelerated, a flurry of palm shadows making it seem as if she had transformed into the Thousand-Armed Guanyin.

Yi Xiaoru stood within the palm shadows, calm and composed, neutralizing each strike. Their moves were both refined, but there was a gap in their internal strength.

After exchanging about a hundred moves, Zhu Chuyun lost her patience. She suddenly launched an extremely tricky palm strike, forcing Yi Xiaoru to meet it head-on.

Bang! The two jade palms collided with a dull thud.

Yi Xiaoru stood firm, while Zhu Chuyun staggered back two steps, looking at her with surprise.

Cheng Lian cautioned, "Junior Sister, you must yield force when necessary; you can't brace against it, or you'll get hurt!"

Zhu Chuyun quickly waved her hand, shouting, "Senior Sister, she wasn't bracing hard!" That little girl is actually rebelling! Where did she get such profound internal energy?"

Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly. "Senior Sister Zhu, you can't bully me anymore!"

"Don't get smug, again!" Zhu Chuyun pouted, then surged forward again, her jade palms exceptionally tricky, forcing Yi Xiaoru to meet them head-on.

Bang! Their palms met. Yi Xiaoru retreated one step, but Zhu Chuyun staggered back three, her delicate face flushed as if drunk.

"Huh?!" Gao Jingxuan was surprised. Cheng Lian also realized something was amiss.

Yi Xiaoru was clearly superior. That was certain. Once might have been luck, but twice in a row meant it was real.

"Yun'er, what's happening?" Gao Jingxuan asked.

Zhu Chuyun took a deep breath, her high chest rising and falling violently, a breathtaking sight.

She said crossly, "Master, that little girl's internal power has surged incredibly, surpassing mine by a large margin!"

"Xiao Ru?" Gao Jingxuan looked at Yi Xiaoru.

Yi Xiaoru blushed with embarrassment, lowering her head. "Master..."

— Seeing her expression, all three felt a strange sensation. What indecent thing had she done to make her face so red?

"Xiao Ru, what exactly is going on?!" Gao Jingxuan asked with a frown. "Is there something else you can't bring yourself to say? Why is your face so red?"

"He helped me increase my cultivation," Yi Xiaoru replied softly, her face red.

Gao Jingxuan was astonished. "Dao'er has this ability? To increase cultivation?"

Yi Xiaoru nodded, her face burning, recalling the circumstances of that time; her entire body felt weak.

Gao Jingxuan frowned. "I truly didn't expect him to possess such skill! How did he raise your cultivation? As far as I know, there is no such method; it only raises it temporarily, and it reverts quickly!"

It wasn't one's own internal energy; in the Dantian, it was like water without a source—use a little, and it lessens, unable to regenerate. Even if a master poured internal energy into someone's body, it was rarely lasting.

As far as she knew, no one could truly raise another person's cultivation level.

"Let me see!" Gao Jingxuan beckoned.

Yi Xiaoru leaned over and offered her wrist. Gao Jingxuan placed two fingers on her pulse point, observed silently for a moment, then frowned and slowly nodded. "A truly formidable technique!"

"Master, what is it?" Zhu Chuyun quickly asked.

Gao Jingxuan said, "What an exquisite method!"

"Master?" Zhu Chuyun called out coaxingly.

Gao Jingxuan looked up at her and nodded. "Xiao Ru has indeed improved her cultivation; it's no different from cultivation. This method is truly superb! Xiao Ru, exactly how did he do it?"

"Exactly! Why the blush!" Zhu Chuyun quickly added. "If he did that for us too, it would save us countless efforts!"

Yi Xiaoru quickly shook her head. "It's not possible!"

"Why not?" Zhu Chuyun looked puzzled. "Is there some reservation involved?"

Cheng Lian said, "Junior Sister Zhu! Raising cultivation must be detrimental to Brother-in-law!"

"Oh, I see..." Zhu Chuyun nodded. "Then forget it. He is more important; we don't mind."

She finally understood now: Li Muzhan's existence was a tremendous asset to the Hidden Sect. The Hidden Sect had no elders; thus, Master alone supported it. Once the Master was gone, the Hidden Sect would vanish. But now, with Brother-in-law here, it was different; as long as Brother-in-law remained, no one would dare bully the Hidden Sect!

Yi Xiaoru blushed deeply. "Master, he said this is a dual cultivation technique, only usable between husband and wife; it won't work for others!"

The moment her words fell, all three women blushed deeply.

Zhu Chuyun pouted, "No wonder! This fellow isn't a good person either; how does he know about this!"

"Enough!" Gao Jingxuan quickly waved her hand. "Xiao Ru, relying on external force is always inferior. The key lies in your own diligent hard work!"

"Yes, Master," Yi Xiaoru acknowledged with a slight bow.

Gao Jingxuan said, "Continue practicing!"

— In the early morning, Li Muzhan was awakened by Yi Xiaoru, who got him up so they could eat early. The four women were dressed beautifully and solemnly, their expressions serious.

Although Li Muzhan felt no pressure, he also adopted a serious countenance. After eating, they descended the mountain and walked ten li to the west, reaching another towering peak.

This mountain was almost as high as the Hidden Sect’s, exuding a chilling aura. As they approached, others passed by, nodding in greeting when they saw them, but speaking little.

Li Muzhan walked alongside the three women, following closely behind Gao Jingxuan. Their steps were light as they quickly reached the summit, which held a vast plaza. To the north of the plaza stood five grand halls, magnificent and imposing.

Li Muzhan knew this was the main gate of the Yuan Sect. Compared to the Hidden Sect, the difference was worlds apart; even their residences were completely different.

The Hidden Sect had wooden huts; the Yuan Sect had palaces. The Hidden Sect consisted of only four people—now five with him—while the Yuan Sect had nearly a hundred members, all experts.

By now, about four hundred people had gathered on the plaza, standing quietly around a circular platform. On the platform, ten zhang in diameter, sat several Grand Master chairs occupied by four elders.

Li Muzhan and the women squeezed to the edge of the platform. Li Muzhan glanced at the four on the platform—he recognized them all. They were the Sect Masters of the various sects.

Gao Jingxuan floated onto the platform. Tang Tianyu was seated in the center. Seeing her arrive, he clasped his hands and smiled. "Junior Sister Gao, you've arrived quite early this year!"

Gao Jingxuan said coolly, "What difference does being early or late make?"

"Heh heh..." An elder beside him shook his head. "Junior Sister Gao is hopeful of entering Floating Cloud Mountain this year, so she came early. Usually, she is the last to arrive!"

This elder was tall and thin, with a refined appearance, a silver beard hanging from his chin, and a long sword at his waist. Even while seated, he exuded an air of heroic elegance and distinguished bearing.

Li Muzhan had met him before: Hu Chu, the Sword Sect Master, one of the top figures in the Myriad Saint Sect. His swordplay was superb, earning him the title of the Myriad Saint Sect's foremost swordsman.

"Senior Brother Hu, you are eager to test Dao'er, aren't you?" Gao Jingxuan exposed his intentions in one sentence.

Hu Chu stroked his beard and chuckled. "Indeed. I heard this child's swordsmanship is exquisite; my curiosity is piqued. I hope Senior Sister Gao will grant my request!"

"That depends on his wishes," Gao Jingxuan replied.

"Very well, after the Grand Competition, I shall certainly visit your mountain!" Hu Chu smiled.

As they were speaking, the elder opposite them sneered.

Gao Jingxuan glanced at him lightly. "Junior Brother Xiao, are you dissatisfied?"

"Hmph, a petty man basking in undeserved success!" Xiao Yixiao, the Saber Sect Master, sneered and turned his head away.

Tang Tianyu shook his head and smiled. "Senior Sister Gao, you have found a treasure. The revitalization of your Hidden Sect is in sight, a joyous occasion!"

"I thank Senior Brother Tang for his good wishes!" Gao Jingxuan smiled.

Tang Tianyu added, "If Young Brother He enters Floating Cloud Mountain this time, perhaps he can obtain a secret manual!"

Gao Jingxuan shook her head and smiled faintly.

Tang Tianyu said no more. He didn't believe those words either. Li Muzhan’s martial arts were too powerful; if he entered Floating Cloud Mountain, it was highly unlikely he would gain anything—they all understood the rules involved.

— Li Muzhan and the three women stood below. From time to time, people came over to join the excitement. The three women were charming, sandwiching Li Muzhan between them as they chatted, making the surrounding male disciples intensely envious.

Though their teeth ached with hatred, they dared not cause trouble. The way they looked at Li Muzhan was tinged with apprehension; their own arms were not as thick as Ancestor Yin’s.

"Heh heh..." A hearty laugh was heard. Li Muzhan turned his head and smiled; it was Chang Jiqing of the Beast Taming Sect, swaggering over.

He was accompanied by a fierce tiger whose forehead bore the character "King" formed by white fur. Its fierce aura was chilling, but fortunately, those present all possessed considerable martial arts skills and were not scared away.

Li Muzhan smiled and clasped his hands. "Brother Chang!"

"Brother He, it's been too long!" Chang Jiqing laughed loudly. "The last time you married, I was on my master's orders handling business downstairs and couldn't return. I am truly sorry!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Brother Chang, no need to be so polite! That tiger is quite impressive!"

"Heh heh, Brother He likes it?" Chang Jiqing chuckled. "Then I'll give it to you!"

Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand. "I don't have the ability to subdue a fierce tiger; I won't steal something you love!"

Chang Jiqing laughed. "Very well. When it has cubs, I will send one to Brother He!"

Li Muzhan did not refuse this time; he also liked tigers and thought raising one would be nice.

Chang Jiqing glanced around, shook his head, and sighed. "It’s strange not seeing the Yin fellow around; I'm truly not used to it. It’s too dull this time without him showing off!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Without Brother Yin, aren't you happier, Brother Chang?"

"Alas... that's true, but it just feels boring!" Chang Jiqing shook his head, helpless. "I don't know why!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, saying no more.

Just as they were speaking, a clear chime sounded from the stage. Tang Tianyu stood up, sweeping his gaze like lightning across the crowd, and instantly everyone fell silent, holding their breath.

Li Muzhan secretly admired his astonishing bearing. Usually mild, when his expression turned stern, his aura became formidable and weighty, pressing down on people so they couldn't move.

Tang Tianyu said in a deep voice, "The Grand Competition is held every five years; I won't elaborate on the rules. Each sect may select four disciples to compete in rotation. The top ten will enter Floating Cloud Mountain to try their luck. Xiao Hu, distribute the numbers!"

"Yes, Master!" Xiao Hu, clad in training gear, floated onto the stage. His face was solemn as he received a wooden tray holding a row of palm-sized round plaques. Each plaque was inscribed with a number: Jia Yi, Jia Er, Jia San, Jia Si, Bing Yi, Bing Er, Bing San, Bing Si... totaling thirty-two plaques.

Tang Tianyu continued, "Disciples of this sect are exempt from the initial rounds. Each must challenge disciples from the other seven sects. We will start with the Hidden Sect. Does anyone object? Senior Sister Gao?"

He turned to look at Gao Jingxuan.

Gao Jingxuan nodded. "Good, let's start with ours. Lian'er, you are the eldest senior sister, go first!"

"Yes, Master." Cheng Lian responded, floating onto the stage, calmly sweeping her gaze over the crowd.

Tang Tianyu commanded, "Xiao Hu, you come up!"

"Yes, Master." Xiao Hu responded in a deep voice, floating onto the stage. His honest face was tightly set, his eyes shining with sharp light, possessing a different kind of imposing presence.

Cheng Lian smiled faintly. "Senior Brother Xiao, please guide me!"

Xiao Hu grunted, and without another word, punched out directly. Cheng Lian drew her sword and parried with a light thrust, causing Xiao Hu's movement to momentarily freeze.

Li Muzhan had fought both Yin Zhaojiang and Xiao Hu before. When sparring with the ladies, he had imitated Yin Zhaojiang's boxing style. Seeing Xiao Hu’s boxing style, which looked familiar, Cheng Lian smoothly executed her sword move, utilizing a technique she knew intimately. (To be continued)