The electric glow faded, finally vanishing, and she clearly saw Li Muzhan’s condition ten paces away.

Li Muzhan’s hair stood on end, his face a deep, inky black, as if dipped in soot. His robes had also turned black. He stood motionless, one hand braced against a tree that was charred black.

Cheng Lian took a deep breath and approached cautiously. She surmised the lightning bolt must have struck him, and he had managed to throw himself clear.

Her heart was filled with both emotion and worry. No matter how powerful one’s martial arts, facing lightning rendered them insignificant and powerless. It was a miracle he hadn't been vaporized by that strike. If only he hadn't...

The thought terrified her, and she dared not continue. She circled Li Muzhan slowly a few times, unable to detect his breath—it seemed his life force had ceased.

Yet, she held onto a sliver of hope. His cultivation was unfathomable. The massive, sky-scraping tree, thick enough for two people to encircle, was utterly blackened by the single palm strike he’d placed upon it, clearly indicating he had channeled the lightning into the tree.

Without that diversion, he surely wouldn’t have survived. Now, perhaps, there was a thread of hope.

She stood behind Li Muzhan, hesitated, then slowly reached out. Her right palm, white as jade, lightly settled onto the center of his back, the touch as delicate as treading on thin ice.

The jade palm made contact, feather-light and slow, brushing his robes—BANG! She was sent flying backward, slamming heavily into another large tree.

The tree, also thick enough for an embrace, shook its leaves violently from the impact. She slid limply down the trunk, spitting out a mouthful of blood with a gasp.

A few feathers detached from her embroidered tunic, only to be instantly soaked by the rain and fall to the earth.

Li Muzhan stirred, slowly turning his head. A bitter smile touched his soot-stained face. "Senior Sister?"

"Brother-in-law, are you alright?!" Cheng Lian instantly sprang up, discarding all grace, and rushed toward him in two strides.

Li Muzhan hastily waved his hand. "Senior Sister, please, don't touch me!"

Cheng Lian’s jade hand froze mid-air, regarding him with confusion. "Brother-in-law, you..."

Li Muzhan offered a wry smile. "There is still a residual trace of lightning in my body that I can't fully control... Are you alright, Senior Sister?"

Cheng Lian shook her head. "I’m fine. Are you truly alright?"

Li Muzhan nodded with a strained smile. "Yes, thankfully, I managed to cling onto life!"

He still felt the terror of the preceding moments; he had nearly died.

He had sensed the lightning descending in advance. He pushed Cheng Lian away for fear that if he failed to evade it, she would be implicated. Then, he employed instantaneous movement to break through space.

Unfortunately, he had underestimated the lightning's might. A single strike of electric light almost solidified the space around him, preventing him from fully teleporting; he only managed a small shift.

That tiny shift had saved his life. The lightning didn't strike him squarely, only grazing him slightly. Even so, he was nearly destroyed from within. It was only thanks to his extraordinarily subtle and profound control over internal force that he managed, with every ounce of his strength, to divert the invading lightning out of his body and into the tree.

That single slight impact nearly annihilated his body. If his body-refining techniques had not reached the apex of mastery, survival would have been impossible.

Reflecting afterward, he wondered why the lightning had targeted him. It was likely due to the dense Spiritual Qi. Lightning was condensed Primordial Energy, and spiritual items were more attractive to them. Those large trees struck by lightning were not chosen for their height, but for their rich Primordial Energy concentration.

He utilized the Divine Art of Sword Forging, using this lightning to continuously temper his body—first, to subdue the remaining electrical energy, and second, to enhance the power of the Sword Forging Divine Art.

After this refinement, he had essentially undergone a cleansing of marrow and washing of essence. The width and fortitude of his meridians and acupoints were now double what they were before, his power vastly increased.

However, fortune and disaster are intertwined. This physical form had nearly reached its peak, making further fundamental changes difficult. After the lightning’s tempering, other forms of internal energy refinement were less effective.

He estimated that his current cultivation, while immense, could not yet be called invincible. This world was too perilous—truly the graveyard of Grandmasters. Without Qi Shielding, a simple kitchen knife could kill a top-tier master. Those like him, accustomed to the constant protection of Qi Shielding in their original world, often lacked vigilance here, leading to sudden and catastrophic failure. Habits were hard to break.

Li Muzhan had traversed two worlds prior, and though he was a Grandmaster, he hadn't cultivated dependence, and the time spent achieving the Grandmaster rank was relatively short, making habit modification easier. Those who had been Grandmasters for a long time found adaptation exceedingly difficult, making them the most likely to meet their end here.

His thoughts raced, branching out, wandering aimlessly across every conceivable topic.

Cheng Lian's voice snapped him back. "Brother-in-law, shall we head back?"

The heavy rain still fell, and the booming thunder was muffled, lower now, but she still felt a jolt of fear; another strike like that, and escape would be impossible.

Surviving the lightning strike this time was truly a gift from heaven!

Li Muzhan shook his head. "No, we've come this far. We aren't turning back!"

Cheng Lian frowned. "Your injuries..."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "They are nothing. Let's keep going!"

He wiped the rain from his face, but his features remained stained dark as ink. Only when he spoke did his snow-white teeth show. Cheng Lian bit her lip, knowing she shouldn't laugh, but couldn't help it; he looked utterly ridiculous.

Li Muzhan slowly shifted his body, his joints seeming to creak audibly. Cheng Lian’s heart leaped, and she watched him tensely.

After taking a few steps, Li Muzhan returned to normal, swinging his arms and shaking his legs, letting out a long breath. "Heaven has not abandoned me!"

"That was too close!" Cheng Lian exclaimed.

Li Muzhan approached her, smiling. "Misfortune averted brings future blessings. Senior Sister, let's move on. Perhaps we might actually find something good!"

"Good!" Cheng Lian nodded. Li Muzhan gently took her slender waist, and they floated northward.

They traveled for another full day. As evening approached, twilight settled around them. Li Muzhan slowed his pace, returned his sword to its sheath, and stood atop a treetop to survey the surroundings. Before them lay another towering mountain, its peak piercing the sky. The surrounding trees were dense and lush, seemingly without end.

The most striking feature of the Floating Cloud Mountain range was the sea of forest—an endless expanse of trees, truly like an ocean, capable of driving one to despair and inaction. No matter which way they walked, there were only trees.

"Let's find a cave to make do for the night," Li Muzhan suggested.

"Mm." Cheng Lian opened her bright eyes and nodded slowly. Li Muzhan's speed was too great, and he controlled it even more precisely now. If he hadn't used his internal energy to shield her and his sword to deflect the raindrops, she would have collapsed long ago.

Li Muzhan floated upward along the mountain ridge, skimming the treetops. Midway up the slope, he suddenly stopped, turned his head, and smiled. "Senior Sister, there’s a cave over there. Let’s go check it out!"

Cheng Lian nodded. Li Muzhan abruptly changed direction, soon stopping before a stone cliff. Cheng Lian focused her gaze. Before her was a steep boulder with a cave entrance, about the height of a person, pitch-black, resembling the maw of some monstrous beast.

Cheng Lian remarked, "It feels a bit strange."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "It’s a snake den."

"A snake den?!" Cheng Lian shuddered. Fear of snakes was innate in women, and seeing such a large opening suggested the size of the serpent within.

Li Muzhan said, "Let's lure it out, kill it, and eat the meat. Snake meat soup is a delicacy!"

"How big a snake?" Cheng Lian asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "We'll see."

As he spoke, he let out a loud whistle. A foul, stale wind immediately rushed from the cave, followed by a crimson streak that shot toward Li Muzhan with lightning speed.

A cold glint flashed at Li Muzhan's waist. The crimson shape materialized on the ground—it was a snake’s flickering tongue. The sight gave Cheng Lian goosebumps, her hairs prickled, and she felt a desire to retreat. She would rather face a fierce tiger than a snake.

A "hissing" sound erupted, and a massive shadow shot out of the cave, bearing down on Li Muzhan and Cheng Lian. Li Muzhan drew Cheng Lian close and floated backward gracefully.

Only then did Cheng Lian get a clear look: it was a python as thick as a human waist, perhaps thirty to forty feet long, or over fifteen meters. Coiled on the ground, it looked like a small mound. Its eyes, large as fists, emitted a chilling, cold light. Contact with that light instantly made her whole body go cold, almost freezing her in place.

A warmth flowed from Li Muzhan’s palm, restoring her composure. She murmured, "Perhaps we should leave. This one is not to be trifled with!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "This snake guards this den; perhaps there's a treasure inside!"

"Really?" Cheng Lian’s spirits lifted.

Li Muzhan reasoned, "Treasures must have guardians, mustn't they?"

Cheng Lian thought for a moment, then shook her head. "It seems the manual Master obtained back then had no guardian."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Senior Sister, don't be afraid. If we can't win, running won't be too late!"

Cheng Lian moved her lips, then stopped. Given his Qinggong, if he wanted to leave, he could leave immediately.

"Hsssss!" The great snake coiled for a moment, its cold eyes fixed on Li Muzhan and Cheng Lian, unmoving. Suddenly, its head shot forward, a foul wind preceding it. Cheng Lian nearly gagged from the stench, saved only by Li Muzhan's internal energy soothing her body and mind.

"Clang!" Sparks flew as Li Muzhan's long sword collided with the snake's head.

"Hiss!" A jet of liquid shot from the snake's mouth. Li Muzhan abruptly shifted sideways, moving lightly like a lotus leaf undulating on water, skillfully evading it.

"Sizzle, sizzle." The snake’s saliva missed them but struck the ground, causing the stone to emit white vapor and a sizzling sound.

Cheng Lian sucked in a sharp breath. If the stone could burn like that, they wouldn't stand a chance if it hit them. Her body hair stood up again, and she tensed completely.

Though afraid, her will was firm enough to hold steady, her eyes fixed on the snake's head.

"Hiss, hiss!" The truncated tongue flickered as the snake's head shot forward again. Li Muzhan thrust his sword out. The great snake violently closed its eyes, but it was a fraction too late. Li Muzhan’s thrust was exquisite, completely deceiving its senses.

The great snake let out a strange cry, its tail whipping over violently. Li Muzhan pulled Cheng Lian back a step while withdrawing his sword, and instantly a jet of blood spurted towards the sky.

Thump, thump, thump, thump... Deep gouges marred the ground, each one half a foot deep, resembling the ruts left by a cart heavily laden with stones.

Li Muzhan flashed, vanishing from his spot, and reappeared in the air with Cheng Lian. Unable to see them, the great snake paused, searching, just as Li Muzhan’s sword pierced its other eye.

Li Muzhan knew snakes relied more on senses than sight, but the snake’s body was iron-hard; one sword thrust wouldn't pierce it. Only the eyelid was a weak point.

Blood spurted. Li Muzhan withdrew his sword and retreated, then slipped past the wildly thrashing tail, driving his sword into a white scar on the snake’s flank. The long sword sank in completely.

Li Muzhan floated back with Cheng Lian in his arms and breathed a sigh of relief. "That's it!"

He had finally found its vital point. With that single thrust, the great snake was finished; he could feel its life force rapidly draining away within its body.

"Alas..." Cheng Lian sighed, looking at the twitching serpent.

Li Muzhan said, "Senior Sister need not pity it; it has eaten people before! Let's go inside and have a look."

"Are there no more snakes inside?" Cheng Lian asked.

Li Muzhan smiled. "We'll see."

They stepped over the now limp, unmoving serpent, and he took the lead into the passage.

Cheng Lian had expected the snake's lair to be foul and stinking, but contrary to her expectations, it was not only odorless but filled with a refreshing fragrance, cleaner than the air outside.

They walked deeper in. The ground was smooth enough to serve as a mirror. Li Muzhan glanced down, realizing it was some kind of jade-like substance.

The cave twisted and turned, leading them about a hundred meters to a dead end.

Inside was a very regular, circular cavern, smooth and empty in the center. Cheng Lian immediately saw it was large enough for the great snake to coil within.

Her gaze sharpened, and she spotted a small tree growing from the stone wall, about an arm's length tall, bearing nine small, snow-white fruits, each about the size of a lychee. The fragrance was emanating from them.

"What is this...?" She turned to look at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan pondered without speaking, walked closer, examined them for a moment, and slowly said, "Could these be Snow Cloud Fruits?"

"Snow Cloud Fruits?" Cheng Lian asked in confusion.

She knew Li Muzhan was a scholar, widely read and knowledgeable, far surpassing her own understanding, so she never doubted his words.

Li Muzhan mused, "I read about them in an anecdotal record. There seems to be a type of Snow Cloud Fruit; consuming one transforms the body into a state of Pure Void, a Primal Body."

"What does 'transforming the body into a state of Pure Void, a Primal Body' mean?" Cheng Lian asked.

Li Muzhan explained, "It is what the Daoists call a Dao Body—essentially, a washing of the marrow and cleansing of the essence, allowing the body to harmonize and making the cultivation of internal energy easier."

"I see..." Cheng Lian nodded slowly and smiled. "I thought consuming one would cause a sudden surge in power, making one invincible!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "There are no such easy gifts in the world. If something that powerful existed, who could possibly withstand it? It would be like having the world's greatest master pour all their internal energy into you—could you bear it?"

"That’s true," Cheng Lian chuckled, relieved.

Li Muzhan continued, "But we shouldn't underestimate these Snow Cloud Fruits either. According to that book, they are the premier miraculous fruit in heaven and earth. Consuming one not only grants eternal youth but also adds a hundred years to one's lifespan."

"Ah?!" Cheng Lian’s face immediately showed astonishment.

Lifespan was of little concern to her; living too long could become tedious. But eternal youth was irresistible. Which woman didn't wish to remain beautiful forever? Especially a beautiful woman, who hated the thought of aging!

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister, let me try one first!"

Cheng Lian hesitated. "Are you certain?" What if it wasn't a Snow Cloud Fruit, but poison?

Li Muzhan smiled. "It's eight or nine parts certain. I must test it to know for sure. The book says it tastes astringent at first, with a sweet aftertaste that lingers long."

"However..." Cheng Lian frowned.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Don't worry, I'll just take a small bite. It won't be dangerous."

"I have an antidote here. Take this first!" Cheng Lian pulled out a jade bottle from her robes, poured out a snow-white pill, and handed it to Li Muzhan.

Although Li Muzhan was certain it was a Snow Cloud Fruit, he knew she wouldn't agree unless he complied. So, he swallowed the pill whole. Before she could speak, he plucked a snow-white fruit, took a small bite, and waited.

Cheng Lian clenched her fists, her whole body tense as she watched him.

Li Muzhan’s brow gradually smoothed out, and he smiled faintly. "It really is a Snow Cloud Fruit!" He plucked another and handed it to Cheng Lian. "Here, have one to try!"

Cheng Lian didn't take it, examining it cautiously. "Junior Brother, this is your discovery; you should keep them. I don't need one!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "This is ours. There are nine in total; we'll split them evenly!"

"No, I'll just watch," she demurred. "Fine, just give me one."

Li Muzhan suddenly tapped her shoulder acupoint, then pressed a Snow Cloud Fruit into her mouth, followed by tapping her cheek point, forcing her to crush it. As the fruit shattered, the juice turned into a liquid that slid down her throat, vanishing instantly, leaving only a lingering fragrance floating throughout her entire being.

"You..." Cheng Lian glared at him, slightly annoyed.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Come, I'll give this one to you. The rest, one for each of us. I'll keep the remaining three to give away."

He needed one for Senior Sister Qin Yeqiu, one for Liu Biyun, and one for Xiuxiu—that used up the remainder perfectly. As for people from his other two worlds, they weren't necessary; if those worlds had abundant spiritual energy, such miraculous fruits would be common, but they couldn't be brought over, making these few Snow Cloud Fruits precious.

Cheng Lian sighed helplessly. "Alas..." "Since I’ve already eaten one, keeping it is pointless."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Give them to your close female friends, but do it quickly. The medicinal effect will fade if too much time passes."

Cheng Lian thought it over and finally accepted the fruit.

Li Muzhan drew his sword, scraped a few times on the stone wall, then gently placed his hand against it, lifted slightly, and a piece of stone detached along with his palm.

Li Muzhan used his sword to carve a hole in the stone the size of a Snow Cloud Fruit, placed a few fruits inside, sealed the opening with dust, and handed the section back to Cheng Lian.

Cheng Lian took it, carefully wrapped it in her cloth bundle, and tied it to her back.

"There might be more here..." Li Muzhan surveyed the surroundings, then began tapping the stone wall with his sword hilt. He stopped at one spot and then pushed fiercely with both palms.

Thud! With a dull sound, the stone wall disintegrated, stones crumbling away to reveal an opening. Inside was a stone table, upon which rested a stone casket, and beside it, an ancient, dark-blue longsword.

Li Muzhan’s face broke into a smile. "Indeed, there is another hidden space!"

Cheng Lian exclaimed in surprise. "Is it a manual?"

Li Muzhan reached out to stop her. Cheng Lian sheepishly halted and turned to look at him. Li Muzhan picked up several stones from the ground and slowly rolled them forward.

Cheng Lian felt a chill. She had been too careless; if there had been a mechanism, she might have stepped right onto it!

More than ten stones rolled over every conceivable spot. Li Muzhan didn't stop there; he used stones to knock the casket to the ground, and the longsword followed.

"Is that enough?" Cheng Lian saw nothing unusual and couldn't help her curiosity.

Li Muzhan nodded. "We still need to be careful of the casket."

Cheng Lian asked, "Then what do we do?"

Li Muzhan stepped forward, and a cold glint flashed at his waist—Clang! The casket only gained a single white mark, revealing its incredible hardness.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly, bent down to pick up the longsword, examined it for a moment, and smiled. "No need to look inside; I know it's a fine sword!"

Cheng Lian laughed. "It happens that you're missing a good sword!"

Li Muzhan grinned. "Exactly, I won't be polite then!" He unbuckled his original scabbard, fastened the new treasure sword to his waist, and then slowly drew the hilt. A flash of snow-bright steel appeared before their eyes.

"A good sword!" Cheng Lian exclaimed, feeling a biting cold air wash over her. Li Muzhan swung it twice, nodded in satisfaction, and handed it to Cheng Lian. "Senior Sister, you try it."

Cheng Lian waved her hand dismissively. "I'll pass. Are you going to use this sword to chop open the casket?"

She wasn't particularly keen on exquisite swords; she was more concerned about what was inside the box—perhaps a martial arts manual.

She had a faint feeling that the box held a manual, and a powerful one at that!