Li Muzhan asked, "Sect Master, how come I only heard that the Myriad Saints Sect possesses demonic artifacts?"

"Heh heh…" Wang Duoli chuckled, shaking his head. "Guanhai, you aren't an outsider, so I'll tell you. Demonic artifacts are not good things, after all. We righteous sects still need to mind our reputation."

Li Muzhan's brow twitched, and he smiled, "So the Myriad Saints Sect Master didn't clarify things openly?"

"He couldn't be bothered," Wang Duoli replied. "In truth, quite a few sects in this world possess demonic artifacts, though they vary in strength."

Li Muzhan said, "I'm all ears!"

Wang Duoli smiled. "Guanhai, you're very interested in demonic artifacts?"

Li Muzhan nodded vigorously. "I want to get one and play around with it too!"

"Not easy!" Wang Duoli mused for a moment, then shook his head. "The demonic artifacts in the world are limited, and they all have owners. If you want one, you can only try to snatch it, but robbing for one is not a good idea."

"Why not?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Wang Duoli was very patient, smiling, "Demonic artifacts possess immense power. Once used, they unleash world-shattering force. Unless you hold another demonic artifact, you cannot withstand it."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, finally understanding why their few sects could maintain peace. In that case, even if Jiang Cheng died in Linhai Pavilion, it wouldn't harm their core strength!

So they wouldn't fear Dragon Mountain Sect because of Jiang Cheng's death, due to the existence of the demonic artifacts.

Li Muzhan frowned. "So, there's no other way to obtain a demonic artifact?"

"That depends on luck. Obtaining one demonic artifact can establish a sect," Wang Duoli chuckled. "The founding ancestor of our Dragon Mountain Sect obtained one by chance, which is how the Dragon Mountain Sect was established!"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. It seemed his understanding of demonic artifacts was quite shallow; what he knew before was merely the surface. Getting a demonic artifact was not so simple.

Wang Duoli pondered. "Those who currently possess demonic artifacts are all from major sects. If you want one... it's very difficult for a single person, no matter how strong their martial arts are."

Li Muzhan smiled. "There will always be a chance!"

Wang Duoli cautioned, "I advise you to be careful. You haven't witnessed the power of a demonic artifact, which is why you are so confident... Let me put it this way: even all of us here combined cannot withstand a demonic artifact."

Li Muzhan glanced around. The four elders present were the pillar figures of Dragon Mountain Sect. If all four attacked together, he himself wasn't entirely confident.

Wang Duoli added, "Everyone I mentioned includes you!"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "It's that strong?"

"Only stronger, not weaker!" Wang Duoli smiled. "However, they won't use demonic artifacts lightly. If they use them, I will use mine too!"

Li Muzhan cupped his hands. "Thank you, Sect Master!"

Wang Duoli waved his hand. "Why be so formal with me! ...Guanhai, you are practically a sect disciple now. I suggest you go into seclusion on the mountain for a while!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Alright then!"

Wang Duoli smiled, letting out a breath of relief. Thankfully, this Li Guanhai listened to advice.

———— While the two were talking, a disciple reported from outside: "Sect Master, some people from Linhai Pavilion are here!"

"How many?" Wang Duoli frowned.

"Six."

Wang Duoli stroked his chin and laughed. "Six people dare to come? They have quite some nerve. Let them up!"

"Yes." The disciple agreed and quickly departed.

Wang Duoli smiled. "Guanhai, it seems the people from Linhai Pavilion haven't given up and are insisting on inviting trouble."

Li Muzhan said, "Sect Master, I should probably excuse myself for a moment."

"No need." Wang Duoli waved his hand. "Let's see what they have to say."

Footsteps soon approached. The six walked into the main hall with confidence, brimming with vigor and spirit, showing no fear before the four elders, Wang Duoli, and Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, observing them, curious what they intended to say. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, settling on one young man.

This youth was stocky and powerfully built, with a square face dominated by thick eyebrows and large eyes, conveying a measure of simple honesty. Yet, his eyes were piercing, with faint cold glints, signaling deep cultivation to anyone observing.

Li Muzhan paid him attention because he had used the Soul Searching Art on Sun Chenghe of the Divine Sword Sect and learned that Linhai Pavilion had a disciple from the Divine Sword Sect, one of exceptional talent, named Chu Kuang.

The man with the thick eyebrows and large eyes before him was the one that flashed in Sun Chenghe's mind; he should be Chu Kuang.

Wang Duoli cupped his hands and smiled faintly. "Six young heroes visiting my Dragon Mountain Sect, may I ask your purpose?"

"Li Ping greets Sect Master Wang. We are here looking for him!" The handsome youth leading the group pointed at Li Muzhan and stated gravely, "We are here to avenge Old Ancestor Jiang!"

Wang Duoli shook his head. "Guanhai is one of our Dragon Mountain Sect members."

"I heard he is Miss Liu's beloved, is that correct?" The handsome youth, Li Ping, inquired gravely.

Wang Duoli smiled and nodded. "Indeed!"

"I didn't expect Miss Liu to take a liking to such a despicable fellow!" Li Ping sneered and shook his head. "What a disappointment!"

Wang Duoli laughed. "Despicable?"

"Ambushing Old Ancestor Jiang—that was a despicable tactic, truly beneath contempt!" Li Ping stated grimly.

Wang Duoli chuckled, shaking his head. "You mean Guanhai ambushed Elder Jiang? ...I think you might have made a mistake!"

"No mistake!" Li Ping insisted gravely. "With his skill, how could he kill Old Ancestor Jiang unless he relied on treachery?... Sect Master Wang, we know you have always been just; you wouldn't be partial to him, would you?"

Wang Duoli smiled. "I am not being partial. You are mistaken. It wasn't Guanhai who ambushed; it was Elder Jiang who was ambushed."

"Do you believe what you're saying, Sect Master Wang?" Li Ping's tone was becoming somewhat aggressive.

Wang Duoli shook his head with a wry smile. "Though I am flawed, I wouldn't resort to lying to deceive people, would I?"

"Based on his ability to kill Old Ancestor Jiang?" Li Ping glanced sideways at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled but remained silent.

———— As expected, Zhou Huairen couldn't hold back. Stroking his white beard, he sneered repeatedly. "Nonsense! Utter nonsense! You dare say such things!"

The six glared angrily at Zhou Huairen.

Zhou Huairen huffed, "You truly are the disciples and grandsons of Old Man Jiang. Your shamelessness is just like his. Your martial arts might not be much, but your talent for twisting right into wrong is considerable!"

Yang Yesi shook his head and sighed softly. "Jiang Cheng's swordsmanship was inferior to Guanhai's, and his narrow mind bred murderous intent. He seized an opportunity to strike, and Guanhai killed him in a fit of rage. We witnessed this with our own eyes!... We are old, and we have no inclination to lie to you. Whether you believe it or not, if you seek revenge against Guanhai, I advise you to abandon that notion!"

"Senior Yang, we don't believe you!" Li Ping stated gravely.

Yang Yesi glanced at him, gave a faint smile, and said no more.

Zhou Huairen, however, couldn't resist cursing, "Impertinent brats! You think you can bother Guanhai? You truly must be tired of living!"

"Fear of death is not something Linhai Pavilion disciples possess!" Li Ping retorted coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Impressive!... Very well, I shall grant your wish!"

Saying this, he stepped forward two paces. The six immediately retreated a step. Regardless of the details, Li Muzhan had killed Jiang Cheng—Linhai Pavilion's foremost master. Even if it was a sneak attack, it wasn't something ordinary people could achieve. Seeing Li Muzhan move, they involuntarily flinched back a step.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily. "Come then. All six of you attack together!"

"We are no match for you!" Li Ping stated grimly. "But we have thousands of Linhai Pavilion disciples; even a mouthful of spit from each could drown you!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "I won't let you spit. Why are you really here?"

Li Ping said gravely, "That fellow Li, if you were a real man, you wouldn't hide within Dragon Mountain Sect, relying on a woman's protection. What skill is that?!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "If you all were real men, you'd fight one-on-one. Relying on numbers, what skill is that?... Besides, whether I am a man is none of your business, is it?"

"You..." Li Ping's anger surged, leaving him speechless.

The broad-browed, big-eyed Chu Kuang shook his head. "Young Master Li, although I deeply resent you, I also admire you somewhat. Now I feel I misjudged."

Li Muzhan smiled, looking him up and down. "You are...?"

"Chu Kuang!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Have we met before?"

"No!" Chu Kuang shook his head gravely. "I have always been within the sect, never venturing out."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "That's strange. The aura about you feels familiar... Oh, right, have you practiced the Divine Sword Sect's cultivation method?"

———— Chu Kuang's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Li Muzhan in confusion. "Divine Sword Sect?... What Divine Sword Sect?"

Li Muzhan raised a finger, showing an expression of admiration. "Excellent. No wonder you could remain hidden in Linhai Pavilion for so long. That composure is truly remarkable!"

Chu Kuang frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He turned to look at Li Ping. "Senior Brother Li, what exactly is this Li Guanhai saying? I'm utterly confused!"

Li Ping's face darkened, and he sneered coldly. "Truly despicable. Chu Kuang is a disciple of our Linhai Pavilion. What does he have to do with the Divine Sword Sect!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Your Linhai Pavilion is truly interesting, filled with hidden talents. The Sword Forging Divine Art is not something just anyone can cultivate!"

"What Sword Forging Divine Art?" Li Ping snorted.

Li Muzhan replied, "Believe it or not, it's up to you. I only know that even ordinary disciples of the Divine Sword Sect are not qualified to practice this Sword Forging Divine Art. Yet, this Young Hero Chu can cultivate it—truly bizarre!"

"Guanhai, are you saying the Divine Sword Sect's cultivation method?" Wang Duoli's expression turned serious.

Li Muzhan smiled and pointed at Chu Kuang. "Sect Master, you have witnessed the Sword Forging Divine Art, haven't you? Look and tell me, does he practice it?"

Wang Duoli stated gravely, "The Sword Forging Divine Art is the foundational mental art of the Divine Sword Sect, not taught to anyone outside direct lineage disciples. I have indeed seen this method before. Young Hero Chu, step forward a pace!"

Chu Kuang said coldly, "Sect Master Wang, are you also falling for his baseless ramblings?"

Wang Duoli shook his head and looked at Li Ping. "Young Hero Li, I may not favor the Linhai Pavilion, but I wouldn't fabricate such nonsense. Whether this Young Hero Chu practices the Sword Forging Divine Art, I can tell with one look. You must know, the Divine Sword Sect is the public enemy of the Martial World!"

Li Ping's face darkened. He glanced at Chu Kuang, whose expression remained calm, showing no panic. He sneered coldly, "Your Dragon Mountain Sect is truly vicious! To pull off something like framing someone!"

Wang Duoli smiled and shook his head. "Judging a gentleman's heart by a petty man's measure. Forget it. Guanhai, let's stop meddling in their affairs!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I'm worried that the Divine Sword Sect has sinister intentions and might provoke a war between the two sects to reap the benefits."

"Mm..." Wang Duoli nodded lightly. "We must be prepared."

Li Muzhan smiled. "This Young Hero Chu must be a formidable figure in the Divine Sword Sect. To have cultivated the Sword Forging Divine Art to this level is no small feat!"

Wang Duoli hadn't sensed it, but he trusted that Li Muzhan wouldn't speak idly. Knowing Li Muzhan's cultivation surpassed his own, if this young man surnamed Chu were so easily seen through, he wouldn't have concealed himself for so long.

———— Chu Kuang stared coldly at Li Muzhan, his face a picture of righteous indignation. The other four seemed hesitant, remaining silent, occasionally glancing between Li Muzhan and Chu Kuang.

Chu Kuang said coldly, "Senior Brother Li, this Li Guanhai is indeed formidable. He truly deserves to be the one who caused Old Ancestor Jiang's demise. I'm starting to feel a bit afraid of him!"

Li Ping nodded slowly, staring intently at Li Muzhan, and stated gravely, "That man surnamed Li, stop talking nonsense. Junior Brother Chu joined our Linhai Pavilion as a child; there is absolutely no issue with him. As for you, what is your motive for saying such things? Are you trying to smear our Linhai Pavilion?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Believe it or not, it's up to you. But you had better be careful that this Young Hero Chu doesn't silence you. The Divine Sword Sect is no ordinary force!"

Wang Duoli suggested, "Why don't we capture him and ask Yan Ziyuan to come over and claim him!"

"That works too," Li Muzhan mused and nodded.

As he finished speaking, he flashed, suddenly appearing before Chu Kuang, and grabbed the collar of his robe, tossing him towards Wang Duoli. Wang Duoli caught him and struck his chest, instantly sealing his acupoints.

"You..." Li Ping was furious. "Sect Master Wang, we respect you as a Sect Master and expected you to be magnanimous. We never expected this behavior!"

Wang Duoli waved his hand and smiled. "Young Hero Li, invite Yan Ziyuan over to witness this and help you root out a mole. You don't need to thank us!"

Li Muzhan said, "Or perhaps we could just seal his martial arts and let them take him back themselves. If they truly don't believe us and he silences them, they can blame no one but themselves!"

Wang Duoli laughed. "This fellow is very formidable; to hide so long without being discovered... Yan Ziyuan isn't a fool. Can they truly suppress him?"

Li Ping glared at them, and the other four also looked displeased.

Chu Kuang's expression was grim, but he remained silent, closing his eyes as if accepting his fate—a fish on the chopping block.

Li Muzhan smiled. "This is something we must guard against... Alright, I will make a trip to Linhai Pavilion myself. This matter must be settled once and for all."

"You—?" Wang Duoli smiled and waved his hand. "You can't!"

Zhou Huairen said, "Guanhai, don't overexert yourself. I'll go!"

Wang Duoli quickly interjected, "Ancestor Zhou, perhaps I should send someone. This minor matter doesn't require the Ancestor's personal attention."

Zhou Huairen said cheerfully, "I want to see what's happening at Linhai Pavilion!"

Yang Yesi advised, "Forget it. Linhai Pavilion is boiling with rage right now. Why provoke them!... Besides, it's not very interesting!"

Zhou Huairen looked somewhat disgruntled and huffed, "If I'm not going, I'm not going!"

Wang Duoli was cautious. He sent ten disciples to accompany the six from Linhai Pavilion back to Linhai Pavilion to meet Yan Ziyuan in person and explain the situation.

Li Ping and the others remained silent, their faces devoid of honor.

They had seen Li Muzhan's movement when he grabbed Chu Kuang—it was lightning-fast, and they couldn't react at all. If it had been them, they would have ended up like Chu Kuang.

It seemed that his ability to ambush Old Ancestor Jiang was indeed based on some real skill; without genuine ability, an ambush would have been impossible.

———— The ten disciples were led by Cui Shaoqing.

As one of the Four Heroes, Cui Shaoqing was rather unassuming. He had plain features and a gentle nature, lacking any distinguishing characteristics. Moreover, he acted with foresight and prudence, never acting on impulse, and thus rarely attracted attention.

This was why Wang Duoli entrusted this task to him, instructing him to watch out for the Divine Sword Sect along the way. If things took a bad turn, he was to disregard the Linhai Pavilion people and prioritize his own safety.

Li Muzhan saw them off, accompanying them all the way to the foot of the mountain. Li Ping and the other five remained silent, showing only muted indignation without speaking much.

They occasionally glanced at Li Muzhan, their eyes filled with gloom.

When Li Muzhan reached the foot of the mountain, he spoke with Cui Shaoqing.

"Brother Li, rest assured, I will be careful!" Cui Shaoqing said with a slight smile.

He looked somewhat plain, but this smile conveyed sincerity. Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "I trust your meticulous thinking, Brother Cui. I said to be careful of Young Hero Li and the others; I need to teach you a method to release acupoints."

Cui Shaoqing smiled. "The Sect Master has already taught me."

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "He has two layers of restriction on him. One was set by the Sect Master, and I placed another, to prevent him from forcing his way out of the seal. The Divine Sword Sect's method is profound; we cannot be too cautious!"

Cui Shaoqing nodded solemnly, attaching greater importance to Chu Kuang. If both the Sect Master and Li Guanhai treated him with such seriousness, this man must indeed be important and not to be underestimated.

Li Muzhan pulled him aside and carefully explained the technique for undoing the restrictions. Cui Shaoqing nodded slowly, showing a wry smile.

He hadn't expected Li Muzhan's methods to be so complex. It would be genuinely difficult to memorize them. A simple restriction required such complexity; without his personal transmission, it would be impossible to figure it out by guessing!

Li Muzhan possessed immense spiritual power, controlling his internal energy with a subtlety far beyond that of ordinary people. To outsiders, his release of restrictions looked like a light tap of the palm, but the circulation of internal energy was incredibly intricate—hard to imagine.

He condensed the immensely complex technique for releasing restrictions into a single palm strike. For an outsider to achieve the same effect, to undo the seal, it wouldn't be possible with just one palm; one would need to remember the detailed pathways, moving step-by-step—it was exceedingly complex.

Just as Cui Shaoqing was about to take his leave, Li Muzhan pulled a jade pendant from his robe. It was crystal clear, flawless white, emitting a soft radiance.

"This is..." Cui Shaoqing was momentarily stunned. He had seen such a jade pendant before—it was from Liu Biyun.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Take this. If you encounter danger, crush it, and I will rush over as fast as I can!"

"This... perhaps it's unnecessary?" Cui Shaoqing smiled.

Li Muzhan insisted, "It's better to be prepared. The people of the Divine Sword Sect are capable of anything, and their strength is immense. I have dealt with them before and gained no advantage!"

"...Fine, then I thank you," Cui Shaoqing nodded slowly, accepting the jade pendant and carefully tucking it away. He cupped his hands and smiled. "Brother Li, farewell."

Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. "Take care!... Don't clash with Linhai Pavilion. If they choose to turn hostile, let them; don't resist."

"Understood, I know what to do," Cui Shaoqing smiled and nodded, then turned to leave.

Li Muzhan frowned, perpetually feeling that this Chu Kuang was trouble, capable of stirring up chaos even with his acupoints sealed.

He returned to the small cottage. Liu Biyun was waiting for him. Seeing him return, she let out a breath of relief. Li Muzhan mused, "Biyun, I need to go down the mountain."

Liu Biyun quickly shook her head. "Linhai Pavilion is waiting for Big Brother to come."

Li Muzhan sighed. "I'm truly uneasy about this matter and need to follow them secretly to observe... Don't worry, you know my ability to escape danger."

Liu Biyun nodded slowly. She had witnessed Li Muzhan's teleportation technique; if he wanted to run, no one could stop him.

Li Muzhan patted her fragrant shoulder. "I'll disguise myself and act covertly."

"...Alright then," Liu Biyun agreed resignedly.