Li Muzhan’s gaze swept over the assembled crowd, one by one. Some turned their heads away, others stared back, but none stepped forward to challenge him.

They knew it would be a battle they were certain to lose; why seek the humiliation? Every one of them was a top disciple within the Sect, brimming with arrogance and deeply concerned with reputation.

None respected the others, and none wished to be the one to lose face. Li Muzhan offered a slight smile, then turned his attention to Tang Tianyu.

"Sect Master..." Tang Tianyu stood up, his voice grave. "No one stepping up to challenge?

Our Grand Tournament's purpose is the exchange and discussion of martial arts. Such a master is before you—don't you wish to learn from him?

This opportunity won't come again!" The crowd sobered but remained rooted to the spot. Tang Tianyu shook his head.

"You all... very well.

He Xiao will take first place then!" Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. "My thanks to everyone for their forbearance." Tang Tianyu snorted heavily.

"Don't flatter yourself; they were just too cowardly to risk losing face! Go down and rest." "Yes," Li Muzhan replied with a smile, glancing toward Gao Jingxuan.

Gao Jingxuan waved a hand, and he drifted off the stage, returning to the side of the three women. Zhu Chuyun pursed her lips and laughed.

"Brother-in-law truly displays overwhelming might today!" Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister Zhu flatters me." Cheng Lian smiled and shook her head.

"Brother-in-law's swordsmanship is indeed unmatched. It's a pity the Blade Sect members were sensible enough not to jump out." "Hmph, they just bully the weak and fear the strong.

Let's see if they dare to provoke us again!" Zhu Chuyun pouted. Yi Xiaoru's bright eyes flickered, glancing at him repeatedly, as if she couldn't get enough of the sight.

Li Muzhan secretly squeezed her small hand, causing her to flush immediately and dare not look at him again. Once Li Muzhan descended, the atmosphere on the field immediately livened up again.

People automatically filtered him out, and the desire to compete surged anew, leading to continuous rounds of fierce fighting. Li Muzhan watched with focused attention, refusing to underestimate them just because their cultivation levels were far beneath his.

He observed the martial arts styles of the various sects, looking to see the whole from a single leaf. He wanted to use these individuals' techniques to deduce the true essence of their respective sect’s martial ways, as if observing the world through a single drop of water.

These disciples were the most outstanding talents in their sects, possessing the essence of their lineage’s arts; only the tempering of skill was lacking. The subtlety of their techniques was already apparent.

Observing them in combat, Li Muzhan vaguely grasped their profound secrets. Though he couldn't master them entirely, he still gleaned substantial insights.

His own martial arts knowledge was vast, making his comprehension of combat more agile, and his deductions easier. He was adept at creating martial arts now.

Even these surface-level introductions to the unique skills of these sects provided immense inspiration, making his viewing thoroughly engaging. Cheng Lian quietly admired his concentration.

Zhu Chuyun laughed. "Brother-in-law, what's so interesting about watching them?" Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled.

"In any gathering of three, there must be one who can teach me. Each sect's martial arts possess their own marvels.

I only benefit because my cultivation is higher and I am older. If they truly mastered their sect's techniques, I would not be their match!" "It is rare for Brother-in-law to be so humble," Zhu Chuyun chuckled softly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "To both Senior Sisters, our Hidden Sect’s martial arts are also top-tier.

If we practice diligently, we can certainly contend for supremacy under heaven!" "That's true..." Cheng Lian nodded faintly. "It’s just that we haven't practiced hard enough." ———— While the four conversed, round after round of fighting concluded.

The three women took their turns, winning more than they lost. Their swordsmanship had sharpened significantly; they had only sparred with Li Muzhan before, always improving, but now, in actual combat, they realized how much more powerful and vigorous their skills had become compared to before.

Each fight differed, some fast, some slow, but even the slower bouts were decided in just over a hundred moves—everyone aimed to finish within two or three exchanges. As evening approached, the competition was still not finished.

Tang Tianyu announced that the tournament would resume the next day, instructing everyone to return, eat, rest, conserve their strength, and return tomorrow. Li Muzhan returned to the Hidden Sect with Gao Jingxuan and the four women.

Zhu Chuyun was incredibly excited. At this rate, she too had a chance to break into the top ten.

She had never dared to hope she would make the top ten. The Hidden Sect had truly declined; only Cheng Lian had the ability to enter the top ten, having visited Floating Cloud Mountain twice with little tangible gain.

After dinner, everyone gathered outside to chat, bathed in the serene moonlight. Li Muzhan sat beside Yi Xiaoru, a gentle smile on his face, savoring this quiet life.

For the past few days, he had been engaged in external slaughter, killing ruthlessly under the identity of Li Wuji, forcing down the killing intent. This tranquil atmosphere was perfect for wearing away that malevolent aura.

Zhu Chuyun laughed. "Master, seeing Brother-in-law display such might this time, that old man Xiao has finally settled down.

It’s truly satisfying to watch!" Gao Jingxuan showed a hint of a smile and nodded. Cheng Lian said, "Master, he won't give up easily." "Mm," Gao Jingxuan acknowledged.

"He is not one to abandon his goal easily; he will surely resort to other tricks. Lian'er, once you enter Floating Cloud Mountain, stay with Dao'er and do not separate." "Yes, Master," Cheng Lian confirmed.

"Master, what about me!" Zhu Chuyun quickly interjected. "You—?" Gao Jingxuan assessed her with a look and shook her head.

"You cannot go." Zhu Chuyun quickly argued. "Master, I can also break into the top ten, and Junior Sister Yi can too!

If four from the Hidden Sect enter at once, that would be marvelous!" She laughed giddily, full of joy. Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.

Gao Jingxuan snorted. "You only dream up pleasant scenarios!" Cheng Lian suggested, "Master, why not let Senior Sister Zhu go, or perhaps Junior Sister Yi?

I have been twice and lacked the necessary luck." Gao Jingxuan shook her head. "Precisely because you have been twice, you must go again...

Dao'er has little hope, but you still have a chance." Cheng Lian countered, "Junior Sister Zhu has always had good luck, and Junior Sister Yi has been favored by fortune lately. They are both much better off than I." "Enough, it is settled," Gao Jingxuan waved her hand dismissively.

Zhu Chuyun was unwilling to concede. "Master, why can't Junior Sister Yi and I go?" Gao Jingxuan replied irritably, "We have already drawn too much attention.

What will others think?" Zhu Chuyun giggled charmingly. "Hee hee, who told them they aren't capable!" Gao Jingxuan stated, "Fortune turns in rotation; leave room for others in your dealings.

Alright, Yun'er and Xiao Ru, you need not compete tomorrow!" "Yes, Master." Yi Xiaoru nodded quietly. She was indifferent; it made little difference to her whether Li Muzhan went or she did.

Zhu Chuyun sighed in resignation and weakly agreed. "Yes, Master." Cheng Lian looked at Zhu Chuyun and shook her head helplessly.

Zhu Chuyun said, "Senior Sister, you must strive hard! Be sure to bring back treasures!" "That will depend on fate!" Cheng Lian replied with a smile.

Zhu Chuyun pursed her lips and laughed. "That’s not necessarily true.

If you encounter them, just take it directly!" Cheng Lian laughed and shook her head. They had rules: whatever one obtained belonged to them; snatching from others was forbidden.

Li Muzhan had learned of this rule and inwardly shook his head. Was this truly the Myriad Saint Sect?

It seemed completely at odds with its reputation as the foremost demonic sect. The atmosphere and rules here were more peaceful than those at Dragon Mountain Sect.

Li Muzhan felt a strange illusion, as if the two sects had swapped roles. The Dragon Mountain Sect emphasized strength above all, encouraging disciples to strive fiercely and suppress one another.

The Myriad Saint Sect was different, placing more value on camaraderie. "Lian'er, you must not be careless either," Gao Jingxuan pondered for a moment.

"Be wary of the Blade Sect disciples." Cheng Lian smiled faintly. "Master need not worry, I understand." Gao Jingxuan nodded slightly.

"You have experience from entering twice; nothing should be attempted a third time. If you fail this time, you cannot enter again." "I understand, Master," Cheng Lian replied.

Zhu Chuyun smiled slyly. "Senior Sister, don't fret.

If you don't get anything, I'll go next time!" With her current swordsmanship, she was full of confidence that she could definitely make the top ten in the next tournament. Cheng Lian smiled.

"Good, I’ll be counting on you then!" Gao Jingxuan glared at Zhu Chuyun irritably. "Who knows what will happen five years from now?

Perhaps if you don't work hard, others will surpass you!" Zhu Chuyun laughed. "Master, rest assured, I will cultivate diligently!

With Brother-in-law’s help, I will definitely enter the top ten!" "Let's hope so!" Gao Jingxuan shook her head, helpless against her lively and energetic disciple. ———— Li Muzhan surveyed the mountain range before him—endless, soaring into the clouds, truly like a giant coiled dragon.

It stretched beyond the horizon. Li Muzhan activated his Void Eye but still could not see the entirety of Floating Cloud Mountain.

It was rumored that no one knew how vast this mountain truly was. The ancestors of the Myriad Saint Sect had accidentally discovered the mountain's mysteries.

Every five years, this mountain would manifest for three days before disappearing again, becoming untraceable. Floating Cloud Mountain had been discovered nearly a thousand years ago, and many of the Myriad Saint Sect’s ultimate techniques were derived from it, leading the disciples to hold it in deep reverence, calling it the Ancestor Mountain.

It was revered not only because of its unfathomable height and its origin as the source of secret manuals but also because its mysteries seemed infinite, inspiring awe and displaying various miracles. One of its strange properties was that an individual could only enter three times; the fourth attempt, regardless of the method used, would fail.

An invisible force blocked the way, rendering martial arts useless; even the foremost expert of the Myriad Saint Sect could not break through this ethereal barrier. When the three days elapsed, the disciples inside were abruptly expelled.

This too was astonishing, as if a hidden master waited for the time to expire to cast them out. They all felt as if no people were present inside; it seemed a power emanating from heaven and earth was responsible for their ejection, deepening their awe.

Li Muzhan observed Floating Cloud Mountain, having always suspected it was arranged with a grand formation. Now, it seemed his assumption was incorrect.

There were no signs of formations here; everything seemed born naturally, showcasing the sheer wonder of creation. He would only know more once inside.

"Brother-in-law, let’s go in," Cheng Lian had been waiting quietly beside him. She was dressed in a purple form-fitting outfit, lending her an air of heroic capability.

While Li Muzhan studied the mountain, she watched him silently, not rushing him. Three days, in the context of Floating Cloud Mountain, was like an ant climbing a massive tree—one couldn't travel far.

The easily accessible areas had been scoured over a thousand years; any treasures there would have been found long ago. To find something valuable, one needed to go as far as possible.

Thus, time was increasingly precious. Even a moment's delay meant traveling several miles less with advanced movement skills, and perhaps the opportunity lay within those very few miles.

She felt anxious but did not urge him, knowing that if Zhu Chuyun were here, she would have already complained countless times. Li Muzhan nodded.

"Good, let’s go." The two slowly entered the treeline, and immediately the scene shifted. It was a vast expanse, appearing like an endless sea of trees.

Li Muzhan ascended a tree, and what he saw was still nothing but a boundless forest. He activated his Void Eye; within several miles, it was indeed a boundless, endless forest.

Li Muzhan frowned, finding it strange. He could no longer locate the entrance they had just used.

The Void Eye could pierce illusions, yet it failed to locate their original ingress point. This was clearly not a formation; he frowned, his curiosity piqued further.

———— Cheng Lian had already told him about the precautions concerning Floating Cloud Mountain: the beasts were ferocious, significantly more savage than the beasts outside, each possessing the strength equivalent to a top expert of the Myriad Saint Sect. Therefore, utmost caution was necessary, or one’s life would be forfeit.

In the past, disciples had been killed by fierce beasts. Later attempts involved traveling in groups, but grouping up drastically reduced the chances of obtaining treasures.

Through countless experiences, the optimal method had been found: disciples from one sect would form pairs, or disciples from closely allied sects would join forces—two people proved to be the best configuration. Beyond two, encounters with true treasures became rare due to an unseen force, as if the treasures themselves possessed some form of spiritual awareness.

While the chance for a pair was small, it offered security, but solitude offered the greatest possibility of discovery. The beasts here were too savage; one person was easily killed.

The beasts did not adhere to one-on-one combat; they often attacked in groups, possessing astonishing strength. Once entangled, escape was difficult.

They all had keen senses of smell and intuition, making them hard to shake off—they pursued relentlessly until death. Those with powerful martial arts fared better, able to survive three days and escape.

Those with weaker skills or poorer luck might be devoured by the beasts, leaving no trace behind. In the last century, few disciples encountered danger, as they usually traveled in pairs—ten people entering meant five pairs.

Cheng Lian said, "Brother-in-law, we must move quickly, or we won't find anything." Li Muzhan nodded. "I understand.

We need to speed up, Senior Sister. Shall I carry you for a while?" "You—?" Cheng Lian tilted her head to look at him and smiled.

"Junior Sister Yi mentioned your lightness skill is extraordinary. Very well, carry me!" Li Muzhan extended his hand.

Cheng Lian placed her small hand upon his, and Li Muzhan felt a warmth, softness, and tenderness that traveled from his palm straight to his core. He sighed inwardly, then smiled noncommittally.

"Senior Sister had best close her eyes." "Alright, if I can't help it, I'll close them," Cheng Lian replied curiously. Li Muzhan smiled, and his figure flickered suddenly.

Cheng Lian only saw a blur of movement before her eyes, unable to distinguish anything clearly except streaks of distorted light and warped lines. A moment later, she felt dizzy and nauseous, a churning in her chest threatening to bring forth vomit.

"Senior Sister, close your eyes," Li Muzhan sent a gentle current of inner force circulating through her viscera, helping to neutralize the urge to vomit. Cheng Lian reluctantly closed her eyes, marveling inwardly at the level one had to reach to cause such a reaction; she had never experienced anything like it.

———— She slowly closed her eyes. Li Muzhan’s mild aura enveloped her, making her feel as if she were submerged in warm water—an inexpressible comfort.

Before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep. "Senior Sister," Li Muzhan's clear voice woke her.

She quickly opened her eyes and felt refreshed, as if still bathed in a warm spring. She turned to look around.

The distortion was gone; they were in a lush forest. The night was like water, and a round moon drifted silently overhead.

She asked in surprise, "This is...?" "Night has fallen; let us rest a while," Li Muzhan said with a smile. Cheng Lian stretched leisurely and slowly nodded.

"How far have we come?" Li Muzhan smiled. "Nearly two thousand li." Cheng Lian exclaimed in admiration.

"What incredible lightness skill! This usually takes me three days of travel!" Li Muzhan smiled.

"We only need to rush forward; we shouldn't be looking at specific locations." Cheng Lian shook her head with a wry smile. "I haven't found anything; I have no experience.

But Master said if we encounter a treasure, we will naturally sense it." Li Muzhan praised, "Truly miraculous!" Cheng Lian smiled. "Miraculous indeed, but sadly, my luck isn't good.

Over the years, only Master has had such fortune." Li Muzhan laughed. "We might succeed this time." Cheng Lian replied, "Let's hope so.

I’ll rely on Brother-in-law’s luck then!" Li Muzhan chuckled heartily. "My luck has always been quite good, Senior Sister, rest assured!" "Very well," Cheng Lian laughed softly, bending down to pick up a piece of dry branch.

"Brother-in-law, you start the fire, and I'll go hunt!" Li Muzhan nodded. "Good." Cheng Lian set the branch down and then gently floated into the forest.

Li Muzhan opened his Void Eye and followed closely. The beasts here were too fierce; even he had to be cautious.

He was unfamiliar with this place and dared not be careless. A moment later, he had a fire blazing when his expression suddenly changed.

He vanished from the spot in an instant, reappearing next to Cheng Lian. Cheng Lian was surrounded by over a dozen small, sleek feline creatures.

However, these were unlike ordinary ones; they possessed wings, appearing somewhat strange. Their eyes were sharp, cold as ice, regarding Cheng Lian as if she were a young chicken, ready to pounce at any moment.

Cheng Lian tensed her body, her hand resting on her sword hilt, daring not to move. When Li Muzhan suddenly appeared, Cheng Lian felt his presence and immediately let out a breath of relief, sighing wryly.

"Our luck is poor. These are Flying Ferrets—quick and venomous.

We must be wary of the poison on their claws!" Li Muzhan said, "Let's go!" He gently took Cheng Lian around her slender waist, and their forms melted into a wisp of light smoke, vanishing into the woods in an instant. The chittering cries of the ferrets echoed far into the distance, sending chills down one's spine.

Li Muzhan and Cheng Lian, now ethereal smoke, sped forward, ignoring the newly lit fire. They had to lose this pack first.

He looked up at the sky; more than a dozen ferrets were streaking above them, moving with astonishing speed. Li Muzhan found he could not easily shake them off.

"What should we do?" Cheng Lian called out loudly. As she spoke, a gust of wind immediately rushed into her delicate mouth.

In this world, true external energy barriers could not form to protect the body. Even masters facing fierce winds had to endure them directly, unable to ward them off.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "We should have a contest then.

Senior Sister, close your eyes." "I'll close them when I can't take it anymore," Cheng Lian agreed. Li Muzhan nodded and, without another word, accelerated again.

He instantly pulled a dozen ferrets above him out of sight. They shrieked wildly, accelerated after him, and slowly began to catch up.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily and sped up once more. Cheng Lian finally could not resist.

The scenery before her eyes dissolved once more into distorted streaks of light, appearing utterly blurred. Li Muzhan's inner force circulated through her organs, neutralizing the nausea; otherwise, she would have succumbed again.

She reluctantly closed her eyes, the roar of the wind rushing past her ears, the entire world a deafening clamor. This was a world she had never experienced, and she found it novel and astonishing.

Unknowingly, she was enveloped in warmth and slowly fell asleep again. When she awoke, she turned her head and found herself lying in Li Muzhan's embrace.

He was resting diagonally on a tree branch, his eyes closed as if asleep. Cheng Lian immediately blushed.

His arms were warm and felt incredibly safe. She gently shook her head and slowly sat up, careful not to wake him.