Four men in plain blue robes stood before the main hall, all clad in trim martial attire, radiating spirited energy. Though their features were unremarkable, they possessed a piercing spirit that spoke of formidable cultivation.

Li Muzhan assessed the quartet briefly. Dragon Mountain Sect was indeed impressive; judging by these four gatekeepers, they were the elite among the younger generation, capable of being top masters in the martial world on their own.

As they faced them, the four glanced only once at Li Muzhan before turning to Liu Biyun. Liu Biyun asked, "Junior Brother Meng, is the Sect Master inside?"

"Yes, Senior Sister Liu, the Sect Master is within," the tallest youth replied with a nod and a smile. "Senior Sister Liu wishes to see the Sect Master?"

"Please convey the message. Li Guanhai has arrived."

"Yes." The tall youth swept his gaze over Li Muzhan, his look distinctly cold and unfriendly.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Biyun, it seems I've truly become a public enemy. They must be grumbling about a fresh flower planted in cow dung!"

Liu Biyun pursed her lips, smiling faintly, "Elder Brother, why stoop to their level? Just wait a moment." She worried that Li Muzhan might take offense at the slight, unwilling to let him suffer the slightest grievance.

Li Muzhan waved a hand dismissively. "It’s up to Junior Sister Wu. Brother Wang, have you had any movement recently concerning the Purple Silk Palace?"

Wang Hanyang shook his head, laughing. "We’ve been quite idle lately. The Purple Silk Palace is nimble and keeps its distance; we can't find them, so we've simply left them alone for now."

Li Muzhan laughed, "So you just let them go, ignoring them?"

"Forget it. It’s nothing major anyway; a good scare was enough," Wang Hanyang replied with a grin. "They know when to behave, and we don't push people too far!"

Li Muzhan laughed softly and shook his head, "That truly doesn't sound like the way of the Dragon Mountain Sect!"

"Brother Li, you misunderstand us Dragon Mountain Sect members. While we appear stern, we always leave room for maneuver. It's just that rumors have exaggerated our reputation for being domineering!" Wang Hanyang chuckled. "That's the impression we want to give everyone, after all."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Indeed, establishing might is necessary before establishing stature, I understand."

"Young Master Li, the Sect Master invites you in!" The tall youth reappeared, cupping his fist respectfully.

Li Muzhan gave a slight nod. "Very well. Let us go in then."

The tall youth looked apologetically toward Liu Biyun. "Senior Sister Liu, the Sect Master only requested Young Master Li to enter."

Liu Biyun frowned, glancing at the hall, and nodded gently. "Elder Brother, be careful with your words."

"Relax, I understand. Let's go," Li Muzhan waved, stepping into the hall with a smile.

The moment he crossed the threshold, Li Muzhan sensed a vast power rushing toward him, pressing down like a mountain, almost tangible.

Li Muzhan’s brow twitched upward. He shifted his stance diagonally, instantly neutralizing the immense pressure. His mastery of directing jin was at its apex, especially after the last lightning strike, which propelled him to a higher level—his intention manifested into power with supernatural ease.

Seated within the hall was a single figure, clad in flowing blue robes, lean and tall. His features were plain, but his large eyes were swollen above, with loose bags beneath, yet he exuded an imposing aura just by sitting there.

He sat quietly, studying Li Muzhan. His voluminous blue robes lent him a scholarly refinement.

Li Muzhan cupped his fist and smiled, "Qingmei Li Guanhai pays respects to Sect Master Wang!" He knew this man was Wang Duli, the Sect Master of Dragon Mountain Sect, a renowned grand master hailed as the Invincible Divine Palm. Looking at him, one would hardly believe he was a top expert; his thin, frail frame suggested a scholar capable of wielding a sword, perhaps.

Wang Duli smiled and stood up, extending a hand. "Young Master Li, my apologies for not greeting you sooner. Please, have a seat."

Li Muzhan glanced around the hall, his eyes settling on the screens flanking the sides. The landscape paintings on them were elegantly simple, but behind them lurked two individuals whose cultivation was astonishing.

Wang Duli smiled. "I truly never imagined that the martial world would produce a prodigy like Young Master Li. Such cultivation at such an age—truly breathtaking genius!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Sect Master flatters me. Though my cultivation is high, it cannot be considered top-tier; I am far behind the two predecessors hidden behind the screens!"

"Young Master Li, why be so modest!" Wang Duli shook his head, smiling. "To detect my two Guardians shows that your abilities are indeed extraordinary. I am very impressed!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Thank you, Sect Master! ... May I ask the urgent matter that required your summons?"

Wang Duli smiled faintly. "The last time you visited the mountain, I was in seclusion and could not meet you. Hearing you were here this time, I could not delay further."

Li Muzhan smiled slightly. "I am merely a common man; what is there to see?"

"A common man cannot spirit away our sect’s flower!" Wang Duli chuckled heartily. "I know that girl Biyun. She has the same temper as her master—proud and never looking down on her peers. Her master and I always worried how she would ever find a suitable husband. To think we've met you—it's a match made in heaven!"

Li Muzhan replied, "It must be my luck, stumbling upon her and lending a hand, thus reaping a great benefit. In terms of talent, I truly do not deserve her."

"You saved her life," Wang Duli laughed. "For us men, a hero saving a beauty is the best way to capture a woman's heart!"

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. Wang Duli continued, "However, marrying our Biyun won't be that easy!"

Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched slightly, and he smiled, "Isn't that a bit premature?"

"It is not early!" Wang Duli waved his hand. "Your affair has become the talk of the sect. The youngsters are all indignant and wish they could kill you. In my view, for the sake of the sect’s peace, you should settle this matter sooner rather than later!"

"Settle what matter?" Li Muzhan asked, confused. "Marriage?"

"Precisely!" Wang Duli nodded eagerly, chuckling. "It will happen sooner or later anyway; sooner is better than later. It will put everyone’s mind at ease, lest they waste their time daydreaming and neglect their training!"

Li Muzhan fell silent, seemingly in deep contemplation.

"What? You don't want to marry?" Wang Duli frowned and glared at him, immediately releasing a wave of pressure, like a fierce tiger lunging forward.

Li Muzhan felt a chill in his heart. As expected of a Sect Master, in terms of raw cultivation, Wang Duli was equal to Tang Tianyu, and his spirit was immensely formidable. Such individuals were hard to shake mentally; their will was firm and their fighting spirit tenacious. Even when at a disadvantage or in a dire situation, they would not falter or panic.

Li Muzhan pondered, "It's not that I don't want to marry, but I feel the timing isn't right. Things should ripen naturally; rushing it now might result in an unripe, hard meal."

"You don't consider yourselves ripe yet?!" Wang Duli widened his eyes. "I say, Young Master Li, are you two perhaps planning to break up?"

Li Muzhan replied, "What if, after spending time together, we truly find we are incompatible..."

"Nonsense!" Wang Duli shouted sternly, causing the air to thicken instantly.

Li Muzhan shook his head pensively, "Feelings between a man and a woman are hard to define. Moreover, once married, it becomes an entirely different matter!"

"You scoundrel! It seems your intentions are impure!" Wang Duli dropped his smile, his tone turning cold. "You consort with Biyun but haven't considered marriage? You have great audacity!"

Li Muzhan forced a wry smile. "Sect Master misunderstands. Of course, we intend to marry, but we cannot rush it; we need some time to wait."

Wang Duli waved his hand. "You may not be in a hurry, but think of Biyun! The girl has followed you without status or title—when will this end?"

"Then, according to the Sect Master's wishes, when would be a good time to marry?" Li Muzhan asked.

"In my view, one month from now!" Wang Duli stated.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a bitter smile. "That's unlikely."

Wang Duli’s face immediately darkened. "Why is it impossible?"

Li Muzhan explained, "I still have worldly matters that require my attention and cannot disengage. Sect Master, rest assured, I will never betray Biyun. However, this is between the two of us; we should decide for ourselves!"

"Hah! You have remarkable nerve!" Wang Duli's eyes widened as he scrutinized him. "It seems you have no fear of me at all!"

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "The Sect Master is a reasonable man, I presume. I have done nothing wrong, so what is there to fear?"

"I think you rely on your martial prowess, which makes you act fearlessly!" Wang Duli snorted.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "The Sect Master misunderstands."

Wang Duli studied him, his gaze sharp as lightning, as if trying to pierce his very soul. After a long appraisal, he said slowly, "Young Master Li, if you wish to marry Biyun, you must agree to one condition!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "The Sect Master may state it."

Wang Duli declared, "If you marry Biyun, you must join our Dragon Mountain Sect!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Join the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

"What? You are unwilling?!" Wang Duli’s face darkened again.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly. "I am a man of the wilderness, accustomed to freedom. I truly cannot bear such constraint. Once I join your esteemed sect, I will inevitably violate the rules. Let's forget it."

"Hmph!" Wang Duli said heavily. "If you won't join the Dragon Mountain Sect, then forget about marrying Biyun. There is no room for discussion on this!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "Sect Master, must the family members of all disciples also become sect disciples?"

"That is correct!" Wang Duli nodded slowly. "Only by joining the sect can one be bound by its discipline, preventing any regrettable actions!"

Li Muzhan immediately understood the intent. This measure was likely designed to counter threats from enemies targeting family members. A great man might have an unworthy wife or incompetent children; family members were hard to control. The Dragon Mountain Sect found a simple solution: removing the root cause by making everyone part of the sect, subjecting them to sect rules.

Li Muzhan frowned. "What if I refuse to join your sect?"

"Then you cannot marry Biyun!" Wang Duli stated coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "If I refuse to marry Biyun, your Dragon Mountain Sect will kill me, is that right?"

"If you wrong Biyun, how could we possibly let you go?" Wang Duli replied mildly.

Li Muzhan let out a soft laugh and shook his head. "As expected of the Dragon Mountain Sect—so overbearing!"

"Young Master Li, have you considered this carefully?" Wang Duli studied him with a half-smile. "You truly do not intend to join the Dragon Mountain Sect?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "This is no small matter. Please allow me time to think about it."

Wang Duli said, "Young Master Li, your cultivation is formidable, but one tree cannot make a forest. No matter how strong one is, they are still just one person, and others have few scruples about attacking you. If one person cannot beat you, several can. Even a fierce tiger fears a pack of wolves! ... Joining the Dragon Mountain Sect is different; with strength in numbers, no one will dare bully you!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "That is certainly true!"

Wang Duli continued, "Biyun is a good girl. You wouldn't want to see her hurt or saddened, would you?"

Li Muzhan sighed. "This time, I'm afraid Biyun is put in a difficult position."

"Young Master Li, who exactly was your master?" Wang Duli asked gravely.

Li Muzhan replied, "My late master’s name is obscure, and he forbade me from speaking of it."

"There's no harm in telling me; you are not an outsider now," Wang Duli said with a gentle smile. "We will all be family sooner or later."

Li Muzhan smiled. "It seems the Sect Master is certain I will agree."

"How could one refuse such a good fortune?" Wang Duli smiled. "Who is your master, to have cultivated such a person? Truly admirable!"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then said, "My master is called Hermit Baocan ()!"

"Hermit Baocan..." Wang Duli thought for a moment and shook his head; he had indeed never heard the name. He looked at Li Muzhan; it didn't seem like a fabrication, and he was likely telling the truth. He possessed eyes like a hawk, capable of discerning intent, and he could tell Li Muzhan was not lying. However, he truly had never heard of Hermit Baocan—he must be a true hermit, someone whose astounding cultivation remained unknown, which was worthy of admiration. Though he had never met Hermit Baocan, Li Muzhan's own cultivation indicated that his master’s standard could not be far behind.

Li Muzhan continued, "Sect Master, please allow me some time to consider this matter. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave now."

"How long do you need to think?" Wang Duli asked.

Li Muzhan pondered briefly. "I will give the Sect Master a reply the next time I visit!"

"...Very well!" Wang Duli paused before slowly nodding.

Li Muzhan started to leave, then suddenly sat back down, frowning. "Sect Master, has the person who injured Biyun last time been found?"

"Yes, Jiang Cheng of Linhai Pavilion. He is a cunning old fox," Wang Duli nodded.

Li Muzhan asked, "Have you killed him yet?"

"We have already dispatched men," Wang Duli smiled faintly. "We will certainly take his life!"

Li Muzhan remarked, "The near annihilation of the Four Heroes of Dragon Mountain this time was truly perilous. It seems your Dragon Mountain Sect has grown too accustomed to smooth sailing!"

Wang Duli shook his head. "Such a thing should never happen, which is why Jiang Cheng must die!"

Li Muzhan smiled slightly. "Can you truly kill him?"

Wang Duli snorted proudly. "I have invited our two Martial Ancestors to act; they will finish the job swiftly!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Then I shall await the Sect Master's good news. If the Sect Master cannot deal with him, hand him over to me!"

"Young Master Li, although your cultivation is strong, you are still slightly inferior to him," Wang Duli shook his head. "Besides, he is cunningly experienced; you lack too much practical experience."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The Sect Master need not worry about those details."

Wang Duli grumbled good-naturedly, "Hmph, he is Biyun’s beloved. If anything untoward happened to you, how could I possibly explain it to Biyun!"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then smiled, "May I ask about the relationship between Biyun and the Sect Master...?"

"I am her Martial Grand-Master (Shi Gong)!" Wang Duli stated gravely.

Li Muzhan was startled; he truly hadn't known or expected this. Liu Biyun's master was actually Wang Duli's wife—they were truly family. No wonder the dignified Sect Master was handling this personal matter.

Li Muzhan exclaimed, "No wonder...!"

"Sect Master!" A voice sounded from outside.

"What is happening?!" Wang Duli asked sternly.

"Sect Master, the two Martial Ancestors have returned!" the voice outside called.

"Invite the two Martial Ancestors in!" Wang Duli commanded solemnly.

Footsteps sounded, and then two elderly men in grey robes entered. Both had snow-white beards and hair, faces ruddy as infants, and not a single wrinkle. Li Muzhan recognized their aura: they were two of the four figures from the Divine Mechanism Pavilion.

"Martial Ancestor Zhou, Martial Ancestor Yang!" Wang Duli rose from his seat and bowed, cupping his fists in greeting.

The two elders waved their hands. The round-faced elder sighed ruefully, "Sect Master, we have no face to return to you this time!"

"What happened?" Wang Duli was startled, examining them closely. "Are the two Martial Ancestors injured?"

"Alas..." Both elders shook their heads, their expressions filled with self-reproach.

Li Muzhan quickly interjected, "Sect Master, perhaps I should excuse myself for a moment?"

"No need!" Wang Duli waved him off. "You are hardly an outsider; there's no harm in hearing."

"Sect Master, who is this young man...?" The round-faced elder appraised Li Muzhan, frowning. "What incredibly potent cultivation!"

Wang Duli smiled. "Martial Ancestor Zhou, this is the man favored by our Biyun girl."

"Biyun, the little girl?" Elder Zhou scrutinized Li Muzhan and nodded. "The little girl is indeed blessed with fortune to find someone she cares for. Rare, rare indeed!"

Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled, "I pay my respects to both seniors."

"No need for formalities," the round-faced elder said with a wide smile, waving his hand. "The young fellow isn't old, yet his cultivation is profound. If I compare myself to you, I've lived my life in vain!"

Li Muzhan smiled modestly. "Senior is too kind."

"Your cultivation is no less than ours!" the round-faced elder sighed. "I wonder how you achieved it! ... Sect Master, this is real talent; we absolutely cannot let him slip away!"

Wang Duli smiled. "I am currently persuading him to join our sect!"

"Indeed, such talent should belong to our sect," the round-faced elder nodded in full agreement. "Gathering all the talents of the world into the sect is the way to prosperity!"

"Enough, let's get to the serious business!" the gaunt elder beside him said coldly.

"Hehe... all right, all right, I was getting to it!" the round-faced elder replied with a grin. "Sect Master, we failed this time!"

"You couldn't kill him?" Wang Duli let out a breath of relief. Elder Ancestor Zhou had always been difficult to converse with.

"Yes, not only did we fail to kill him, but we were nearly dispatched by him!" the round-faced elder said resentfully. "Damn it, I didn't expect that old fellow to have refined his swordsmanship to such a level!"

"Are the two Martial Ancestors unharmed?" Wang Duli asked urgently.

"We won't die that easily!" the round-faced elder waved his hand and snorted. "We don't know how that old fox suddenly had an epiphany; his cultivation hasn't changed much, but his swordplay has become terrifyingly proficient!"

"In short, we failed to kill the man," the gaunt elder stated firmly. "If we want to kill him, the Fifth and Sixth Elders must also join the fight!"

"The Four Martial Ancestors acting together?" Wang Duli frowned.

The round-faced elder sighed helplessly. "If we don't go together, we cannot kill him!"

"Is this Jiang Cheng really that formidable?" Wang Duli frowned in thought.

The round-faced elder sighed. "We never expected it. He was an idiot back then; who knew he would master such devastating swordsmanship!"

"His swordsmanship is indeed formidable!" the gaunt elder affirmed.

Li Muzhan cleared his throat lightly and raised a hand. "Seniors, Sect Master, how about I give it a try?"

"You—?" The round-faced elder was momentarily stunned, then waved his hand dismissively. "Little fellow, though your cultivation is deep, how many real fights have you been in? Absolutely not!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "If I don't try, how will we know it won't work?"

"Fine then! In that case, you must defeat us first," the round-faced elder said testily. "If you can defeat us, then you can go after that fellow Jiang, and you won't be risking your life!"