Chu Kuang said coldly, "You, surnamed Li, why are you framing me?"

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly, then shook his head, "Young Master Chu, why be so stubborn? Not giving up even in this situation?"

Yan Ziyuan said in a deep voice, "Chu Kuang, those three recognized you; Li Ping and the others saw it with their own eyes."

"Sect Master!" Chu Kuang immediately called out, "I am wrongly accused! I do not know those three!"

Yan Ziyuan snorted, "They had their faces covered, naturally you wouldn't recognize them!"

Chu Kuang shook his head, "Sect Master, if those people were truly someone I knew, I would recognize them even if their faces were masked!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Young Master Chu, weren't you unconscious at that time?"

Chu Kuang said coldly, "Though I was unconscious, I wasn't out the whole time. In a daze, half-awake, half-asleep, I saw those three, but I truly did not recognize them!"

"That is strange. You did not recognize them, yet they recognized you!" Yan Ziyuan said gravely, "What is the meaning of this?"

Chu Kuang said, "Sect Master, I believe someone is deliberately framing me, sending people over specifically to claim they recognized me!"

"You mean Li Guanhai?" Yan Ziyuan frowned, "He personally killed those three!"

"Perhaps it was to silence them," Chu Kuang snorted, glaring coldly at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan laughed, shaking his head, "Interesting, silencing them? ... I might as well just kill you to keep quiet!"

"Hmph, to tarnish the reputation of our Linhai Pavilion, you'll stop at nothing!" Chu Kuang sneered, "But the Sect Master's judgment is clear; your petty tricks are useless!"

Li Muzhan smiled, looking toward Yan Ziyuan, "Sect Master Yan. This Young Master Chu is quite formidable. In such circumstances, he manages a complete counterattack, turning the accusation back on me. I am impressed!"

Yan Ziyuan said coldly, "Young Master Li, are you from the Divine Sword Sect?"

Li Muzhan was startled, then laughed dismissively, "Sect Master Yan, are you serious?"

Yan Ziyuan said in a deep voice, "Are you a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect?"

"No," Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling, "If I were a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, I wouldn't use such crude methods; too clumsy, wouldn't you agree?"

"That's not necessarily true!" Yan Ziyuan said coldly, "Perhaps it was a sudden whim of yours, an impulse to harm Chu Kuang!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Sect Master Yan, do you really think I would go to such elaborate lengths to harm him?"

Yan Ziyuan said, "Killing Chu Kuang is easy. Tarnishing the name of our Linhai Pavilion is difficult!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Your Linhai Pavilion is a renowned orthodox sect, but what does your reputation have to do with me?"

"That's not certain," Yan Ziyuan sneered, "More help comes to those who are virtuous. If you blacken our name, you can find more allies!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Sect Master Yan, you overestimate Linhai Pavilion. To deal with you, I need no allies!"

"Such arrogance!" Chu Kuang sneered, "To think you can stand against our Linhai Pavilion—it’s like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, completely overestimating your own strength!"

Li Muzhan smiled and looked at Yan Ziyuan, "Sect Master Yan, I hear Elder Jiang is your sect's foremost master. Is this true or false?"

"Indeed," Yan Ziyuan’s face instantly darkened.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I know your sect harbors hidden talents, perhaps even more formidable masters. Thus, I dare not be arrogant. However, if your sect attempts to kill me, wouldn't it be a loss that outweighs the gain?"

"What loss outweighs the gain?!" Yan Ziyuan said coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled gently, "Even if you manage to kill me, Linhai Pavilion will suffer a blow to its vitality. I wonder if you can then handle the Longshan Sect?"

Wang Duli said with a smile, "Old Yan, don't say I didn't warn you. Not taking an advantage when it's offered is foolish!"

Yan Ziyuan gave Wang Duli a cold glance, sneered, and remained silent... Li Muzhan smiled, "This Young Master Chu is interesting. Forget it. Since Sect Master Yan doesn't wish to clarify matters, I, an outsider, won't meddle further!"

Chu Kuang sneered, "You, surnamed Li, are you feeling guilty? ... You are a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "On what grounds do you say that?"

"If you weren't a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, how would you know so much about them?" Chu Kuang sneered, "I knew nothing of the Divine Sword Sect before this!"

Li Muzhan waved his hand, unwilling to argue further, and turned to Yan Ziyuan, "Sect Master, I am ashamed!"

Wang Duli chuckled, "Dealing with such a cunning fellow is indeed troublesome. Never mind, let's stop wasting our energy. Let Old Yan handle this himself! ... Old Yan, since you're here, stay a while!"

Yan Ziyuan shook his head, "I have matters to attend to; I cannot stay long."

Wang Duli snorted, glaring at him, "Are you afraid we'll make a move against you? ... Relax, Old Yan, I’m afraid if you died, someone even stronger would take over as Sect Master!"

Yan Ziyuan sneered, "The feeling is mutual!"

He glanced at Chu Kuang, then swept his gaze over Li Muzhan, "Li Guanhai, you are a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, aren't you?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "The swords of the Divine Sword Sect are different from the swords of your Linhai Pavilion, Sect Master Yan. Aren't you clear yet whether I am from the Divine Sword Sect?"

"Then who exactly are you?" Yan Ziyuan asked gravely.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Cannot be said, cannot be said!"

"Hmph, playing at mysticism. Fine!" Yan Ziyuan sneered, turning to Wang Duli, "Old Wang, I'm leaving!"

Wang Duli quickly waved his hand, "No rush, no rush. You must eat, right? ... No need to rush off until after the meal!"

"No need!" Yan Ziyuan said bluntly and coldly, "Just looking at your face makes me lose my appetite. Let's go!"

With that, he turned to leave, stopping at the grand hall entrance, and turned back, "It was your doing that Chu Kuang's martial arts were crippled; I will remember this debt!"

Wang Duli quickly protested, "Old Yan, don't wrongly accuse me. If I wanted to cripple his martial arts, why would I bother with such theatrics? ... Besides, do you think I'm as ill-mannered as you, concerning myself with a junior?"

Yan Ziyuan's eyes flashed with sharp light, he glanced once more at Li Muzhan, then turned and walked away.

After they left, Li Muzhan shook his head, "That Chu Kuang!"

Wang Duli snorted, "Don't worry. Old Yan is a shrewd man; he wouldn't see through such a small trick, would he?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "It seems Sect Master Yan cares greatly for face."

"He's like a stubborn donkey that won't fall but loses face!" Wang Duli said irritably, "Having a Divine Sword Sect disciple infiltrate their ranks is enough to make anyone furious!"

Mo Jiye, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, "Sect Master, how will he deal with Chu Kuang?"

"Chu Kuang will suffer greatly!" Wang Duli shook his head and smiled, "Old Yan is a ruthless fellow. For Chu Kuang, having his martial arts crippled is almost preferable to suicide; at least that offers a quick end!"

Mo Jiye frowned, "Did he really cripple his own martial arts?"

Wang Duli said, "If not him, then who? Me, or Guanhai?"

Mo Jiye rubbed the bridge of his nose, smiling wryly, "I simply cannot imagine how ruthless one must be to cripple their own cultivation. If it were me, I'd rather commit suicide than cripple my own Dantian!"

"That's why you lack ambition!" Wang Duli retorted irritably.

Mo Jiye nodded with a wry smile... Li Muzhan remained thoughtful. Wang Duli looked over, "Guanhai, what is it?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Sect Master, I should take my leave!"

"What? You're leaving?" Wang Duli was surprised, "Do you think Old Yan will let you go?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Staying here permanently isn't ideal either... I sense Sect Master Yan is truly set on killing me. Lingering here would only implicate everyone else!"

"What do you mean by that?" Wang Duli frowned.

Li Muzhan said, "I can see that Sect Master Yan must kill me. If I stay, he will resort to other means."

"Hmph, if he dares to use any despicable means, I won't be polite!" Wang Duli frowned, "What is there to fear? The current Linhai Pavilion is like a tiger without teeth; nothing to worry about!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Sect Master, I am worried about the Demonic Artifact!"

"Rest assured," Wang Duli waved his hand, smiling, "He wouldn't dare use the Heaven-Slaying Sword! That thing is no ordinary item; it harms the user as much as the enemy. He lacks the nerve!"

Li Muzhan frowned, "Using a Demonic Artifact harms the user?"

"You probably haven't encountered one, so you don't know the fatal weakness of Demonic Artifacts," Wang Duli nodded, "Why are Demonic Artifacts not used lightly?"

Li Muzhan pondered, "I always thought it was because the consequences of overuse are too severe!"

In Li Muzhan's view, the Demonic Artifact was like nuclear weapons in later ages: immensely powerful, but with devastating consequences. Its primary function was deterrence, not deployment.

If you used a Demonic Artifact to kill an important figure, the opponent might retaliate with one too. In such a cycle of mutual destruction, eventually, only the owner of the Demonic Artifact would remain. What would be the point of the world then?

So, they likely had a tacit understanding not to deploy them easily.

Wang Duli snorted, "You think too highly of people!... Guanhai, let me tell you the truth: a Demonic Artifact is something you avoid if possible, and don't use if you can!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Why?"

Wang Duli said in a deep voice, "Demonic Artifacts are condensed remnants of malevolent energy accumulated over ten thousand years. When this malevolent energy enters the body, it disturbs the mind. For us who have practiced specialized mental techniques to control Demonic Artifacts, it’s manageable, allowing for a few more uses. But for those who haven't practiced such methods, touching a Demonic Artifact immediately turns them into madmen who commit suicide."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, looking at him with curiosity.

Wang Duli continued, "Even those of us who have practiced the mental arts cannot use them often. Every time it's used, the control over the Demonic Artifact diminishes by one point. After ten uses, one might not be able to control it anymore!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Could it be that the Demonic Artifact harms its master?"

Wang Duli nodded slowly, "Artifact Devouring Master—it is indeed so!"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, "Is there no other way?"

"No," Wang Duli shook his head solemnly, "With the mental technique, one can use it a maximum of nine times. Therefore, every use is crucial. He won't waste one to kill you, rest assured!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "My view is the exact opposite of the Sect Master's. He will use the Demonic Artifact to kill me!"

"Hmm—?" Wang Duli frowned, looking at him.

Li Muzhan explained, "Elder Jiang is the foremost master of Linhai Pavilion. If this vengeance is not exacted, how can Linhai Pavilion suppress the restless masses?"

"The might of Linhai Pavilion is unquestionable!" Wang Duli asserted.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Sect Master, you know their strength, but many people do not. He cannot kill me to avenge Elder Jiang; those people will feel Linhai Pavilion lacks backing and prestige, giving rise to thoughts of resistance. Sect Master, you know how terrifying such thoughts can be!"

Wang Duli let out a long sigh, nodding, "Yes, if thoughts of resistance arise, it becomes troublesome. It takes immense effort to quell the hearts of the people!"

The reason the Longshan Sect had acted so aggressively over the years was to save effort; otherwise, who knew how many disciples would have been sacrificed!

And by establishing a reputation for dominance, martial artists dared not provoke them, saving much trouble and granting the disciples greater security and safety.

The Sect Master understood this necessity best. Outsiders might not grasp the difficulty of this burden.

Li Muzhan stated, "Sect Master Yan must make an example of me. I also wish to witness the power of a Demonic Artifact!"

"You truly are bold because you are skilled, Guanhai!" Wang Duli shook his head, smiling wryly, "I advise you not to underestimate the Demonic Artifact; it is far more complicated than you imagine!"

Li Muzhan asked, "A Demonic Artifact stimulates a person's potential, greatly boosting their internal power, correct?"

"That is only one aspect!" Wang Duli shook his head, "And it's the weakest one. The key is that the owner of the Demonic Artifact has only one thought in their mind: kill. No other ideas can take root; external things have no effect... The owner of a Demonic Artifact becomes fearless of death. More crucially, it is the Demonic Artifact that kills, the Artifact controls the person, not the person controlling the Artifact. These things have existed for millennia; can you truly handle that?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Do these Demonic Artifacts become sentient?"

"Sentient or not, it's close!" Wang Duli nodded, "Guanhai, you are formidable, but you are absolutely no match!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "One must try regardless!"

"Alas..., since you are so determined, I won't stop you. It is up to your fortune. If you can truly withstand the Demonic Artifact, then I will be truly relieved!" Wang Duli shook his head in resignation.

"Big Brother..." Liu Biyun scolded lightly.

Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand, "Biyun, there's no need to persuade me; my mind is made up!"

"Big—Brother—!" Liu Biyun's bright eyes widened, huffing, "I forbid you to go!"

"Biyun, forget it," Wang Duli shook his head, "I see it now. He won't allow himself to back down, nor rely on others for protection. He feels it damages his masculine pride. If we persuade him now, he will torment himself over it later!"

"But..." Liu Biyun hurried to protest.

Wang Duli said, "Biyun, we martial artists face death every day. It depends on his fate. If his time has come, nothing can stop it. If fate spares him, even the Demonic Artifact cannot kill him!"

"Sect—Master—!" Liu Biyun glared, furious, her delicate face flushed with a faint layer of crimson, making her look captivatingly beautiful.

The beauty was charming whether happy or angry; even in her wrath, she was alluring.

Liu Biyun shot Wang Duli a resentful look, upset that he wasn't persuading Li Muzhan but encouraging his elder brother to take risks. She turned and chastised, "Big Brother, this is not child's play! You only consider your own satisfaction and never think of others!"

Li Muzhan said, "Biyun, this matter cannot be avoided. Even if I stay on this mountain for a while, can I stay here forever?"

Liu Biyun huffed, "Hmph, he is old; I don't believe he'll outlive me!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile, "If he dies, there will be another Sect Master. I must face a Demonic Artifact sooner or later. I want to see its power too. Don't worry, Biyun, even if I can't win, I can escape!"

Saying this, he blinked, revealing a smile.

Liu Biyun was momentarily stunned, then frowned and pondered before huffing, "Then Big Brother, you absolutely must not force yourself. If the situation is bad, you must run—promise me!"

Li Muzhan quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, if I see things turning sour, I’ll flee!"

"Sigh..." Liu Biyun glared at him helplessly, pouting, "But you can't leave these next few days!"

Li Muzhan nodded helplessly, "Alright, alright, I'll wait a few more days before going down."

Liu Biyun suddenly turned and glared at the others. Noticing their suppressed smiles, she instantly realized, and her delicate face flushed "Teng," like white jade smeared with rouge.

She stomped her foot, turned, and left, vanishing from the great hall in a flash. Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a salute to the crowd and chased after her...

As evening approached, the sun sinking low, Li Muzhan descended the Longshan lightly, clad in a cyan robe, a sword hanging from his waist, looking like a scholar venturing out with his weapon.

The sunset dyed his cyan robe red. He walked at an easy pace, his steps quick, leaving Longshan behind in moments, moving farther and farther away, soon arriving at a small path at the foot of a mountain.

Two groves of trees bordered this path, winding and twisting, its end obscured from view. As Li Muzhan stepped onto the path, he suddenly halted, saying lightly, "Sect Master Yan!"

A figure suddenly emerged from the woods, a tall and mighty physique, a cold and hard face. He strode forward, looking impassively at Li Muzhan, "You have great courage! You finally came out!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "To have Sect Master Yan personally wait for me here, I am truly overwhelmed with honor!... How is Young Master Chu Kuang?"

"Already killed," Yan Ziyuan said coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Is he truly a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect?"

"What do you think?!" Yan Ziyuan sneered, "I should actually thank you for identifying this mole!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "Did I ruin Sect Master Yan's plan?"

"I truly didn't notice," Yan Ziyuan shook his head, saying lightly, "I overlooked those close to me. This is a profound lesson. Li Guanhai, who exactly are you?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Li Guanhai of Qingmei. Sect Master Yan must have investigated clearly by now, right?"

Yan Ziyuan said in a deep voice, "The cleaner you appear, the more suspicious it is. Your background is too spotless."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, "Is there some flaw in that?"

Yan Ziyuan shook his head lightly, "Being too clean is unrealistic. If you are truly that ordinary, where did this level of martial arts come from!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "My master is a hermit who avoids worldly affairs and does not wish to be known to outsiders."

"Nonsense!" Yan Ziyuan sneered, "A true powerhouse cannot remain hidden. Even a treasured sword sheathed is still a treasured sword; there will always be a time for it to shine."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "If Sect Master Yan does not believe me, so be it. Is that the Heaven-Slaying Sword at your waist, Sect Master?"

Yan Ziyuan sneered, "You know quite a lot!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "I have long wanted to see a Demonic Artifact. Now I finally have the chance. Sect Master Yan, make your move!"

Yan Ziyuan sighed internally. This Li Guanhai was truly cunning and revealing nothing. It seemed he wouldn't get any answers through questioning; he would have to fight.

He slowly drew the long sword from his waist. It was as black as ink; the surrounding sunlight seemed entirely swallowed by it, leaving only a pitch-black void. No patterns were discernible on it.

Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes slightly, and a flash of gold erupted from his gaze. He saw the pattern etched into the sword: an eye carved deeply.

He experienced a sudden dizziness and quickly bit his tongue, instantly clearing his mind.

He became instantly vigilant. What a potent gaze! This single, dark eye seemed to have come alive, emitting an endless suction, as if it wanted to absorb a person's soul.

Since cultivating the Gazing at Heaven and Illuminating the Spirit Scripture, this was the first time he had suffered such a lapse in concentration, as if his soul was unstable and threatening to leave his body.

Li Muzhan frowned, looking at Yan Ziyuan, daring not to look at the sword again.

Noticing Yan Ziyuan's strange state, Li Muzhan grew even more alarmed... Yan Ziyuan’s physique seemed to have shrunk slightly, perhaps an inch shorter and a bit leaner. His entire body became hard as iron and stone.

His face was devoid of expression, his eyes coldly piercing. Unlike the previous chilling look, his current gaze held no emotion whatsoever, like a lifelike statue—even a statue's eyes were more animated than his.

Li Muzhan could sense that the Yan Ziyuan before him was a different person. His original aura had completely vanished, replaced by a strange, alien presence.

The Yan Ziyuan before him seemed to have transformed into the sun, hovering directly in front of him, emitting a scorching intensity, as if intending to melt him.

Li Muzhan solidified his spirit, circulating his internal energy, simultaneously igniting it. A vast power surged through his body uncontrollably.

Fortunately, his body contained a trace of lightning energy. This internal energy was fast and fierce, spurring his spirit to become increasingly solid and vigorous, allowing him to resist the oppressive force.

Li Muzhan gritted his teeth secretly. No wonder Wang Duli said he had no chance. The might of this Demonic Artifact was far beyond his imagination; it truly was as immovable as a mountain, impossible to resist.

Had it relied on his original strength, untempered by the lightning, he would have collapsed already, needing no further contest—just retreat.

"Fine sword!" he shouted in a deep voice.

This sharp shout carried immense spiritual power, channeled by the Heavenly Dragon Brahma Chanting cultivation method. Yet, Yan Ziyuan remained unaffected.

Li Muzhan frowned. Sure enough, he was being controlled by the Demonic Artifact. Otherwise, anyone hearing the Heavenly Dragon Brahma Chanting would react in some way, experiencing illusions.

Yan Ziyuan took a step forward, "Hmph!"

The sound was like muffled thunder ringing beside Li Muzhan's ear. Li Muzhan staggered slightly, and the ink-black longsword was already upon him. He swayed lightly, abruptly dodging away.

However, this sword strike was astonishingly subtle. It appeared to be a simple thrust, but as Li Muzhan dodged, it abruptly swept upward, changing its move mid-action, making it impossible to guard against.

Li Muzhan was already on guard, knowing the Demonic Artifact was tricky. He dodged again, and the ink-black sword stabbed toward him once more. Every move targeted Li Muzhan's heart.

Li Muzhan felt a distinct sense of powerlessness to parry, and vaguely sensed the profound mystery of this Demonic Artifact—it was best not to touch it. After dodging ten moves in quick succession, he felt somewhat rushed... After more than a dozen exchanges, Li Muzhan gritted his teeth. Seeing the enigmatic movements, he realized avoiding contact with the ink-black sword was impossible. Thus, he flicked his own sword tip.

"Clang..." A crisp clash of metal rang out, like gold and jade colliding.

Li Muzhan felt an immensely powerful wave of cold rush through the sword blade and instantly flood his body. His movement faltered for a moment, and as the cold current arrived, so did a barrage of illusions: the Ink Sword suddenly morphed into a colossal dragon, lunging directly at him.

As alarm pierced him, Li Muzhan quietly recited the Boundless Light Sutra. The Boundless Light Mountain, which had always hovered high in his mindscape, emanated a gentle power that enveloped him, driving the chill from his consciousness. The illusion vanished instantly.

The Light Mountain continuously poured forth its strength, warming his mind and nourishing his spirit and soul. Only then did Li Muzhan grasp the true might of the Boundless Light Sutra, something he had previously overlooked.

Once his mind cleared, his formidable spirit asserted itself. His inner energy, laced with the aura of lightning, circulated ceaselessly, relentlessly dispelling the chilling current.

He managed his focus across multiple tasks, his hands never ceasing their motion, trying his best to avoid direct contact with the Ink Sword; every clash required a considerable effort to neutralize afterward.

More critically, Yan Ziyuan’s swordsmanship was exquisitely profound, far surpassing any swordsman Li Muzhan had ever witnessed. The initial form of every move appeared unremarkable at first glance, yet it concealed infinite, unpredictable variations that were impossible to guard against. He needed to remain hyper-alert, treading as carefully as if on thin ice, striving to counter every strike and every posture.

This taxed his mental energy to the extreme; dealing with one move cost more effort than handling a hundred others, and after just a dozen exchanges, a sense of exhaustion crept in. This Yan Ziyuan’s swordsmanship was too deep; it seemed his own comprehension of the way of the sword remained shallow!

While inwardly sighing, he observed Yan Ziyuan’s technique, comparing it against the secrets imprinted in the manual Jiang Cheng possessed. He gained considerable insight, and his own swordsmanship became increasingly fluid and masterful—simple, yet profoundly mysterious.

In what felt like an age, another dozen moves passed. His internal energy surged, and white mist erupted above his head, constantly shifting into various shapes.

Yan Ziyuan remained impassive, cold as a block of ice. To Li Muzhan’s perception, he resembled a robot—a precise and merciless machine whose every thrust was aimed at ending a life.

Looking into his eyes, Li Muzhan saw a flicker of bewilderment, yet this distant look did nothing to diminish the deadliness of his swordplay. The blade itself contained a chill that was both strange and immensely dense. Every time Li Muzhan parried a blow, he needed a period of internal adjustment before he could meet the next one, leaving him perpetually constrained.

Li Muzhan no longer entertained thoughts of victory; his sole objective was to hold out for a few more exchanges, thereby learning more sword techniques and gaining deeper understanding, in hopes of someday defeating Yan Ziyuan.

With a succession of sharp clinks, Li Muzhan suddenly laughed aloud: "Sect Master Yan, let’s call it a day here. We shall meet again!"

As he spoke, his form flickered and he instantly reappeared more than ten zhang away.

"Hmph, trying to flee!" Yan Ziyuan’s eyes remained distant, but a cold snort escaped his lips, his voice devoid of all emotion. His figure blurred, and he materialized directly in front of Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled: "Farewell!"

He blurred again, reappearing ten zhang away, flashed twice more, and vanished into the forest.

Yan Ziyuan flickered twice, ultimately returning to his original spot... After a moment, his physique slowly regained its imposing stature and robustness, as if inflated by a circle. Suddenly, his body went soft, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

He gripped the Ink Sword with effort, slowly raising it as if it weighed a thousand jun. His teeth ground together with a squeak, the veins on his temples bulging, writhing like earthworms.

The veins on his arms also stood out. The Ink Sword felt as heavy as a massive boulder. He struggled to lift it, slowly guiding it toward the scabbard, then suddenly shoving it in with force.

Clang! The Ink Sword returned to its sheath.

The color drained instantly from Yan Ziyuan’s face, leaving it as pale as paper. His body trembled slightly, and only his eyes regained their clarity.

He leaned on a nearby pine tree to steady himself, taking several deep breaths before slowly exhaling, allowing a trace of color to return to his cheeks.

In this short interval, the sweat soaking his robes had made them cling to him as if he had just been pulled from water. However, as time passed, this sweat slowly turned into white vapor, and eventually, his clothes dried.

Yan Ziyuan slowly sat down, cross-legged beneath the tree, closing his eyes to regulate his breath.

He suddenly snapped his eyes open, a cold glint shooting forth. Li Muzhan stood two zhang away, smiling broadly as he looked Yan Ziyuan up and down: "Sect Master Yan, you don't look too well!"

"Hmph, Li Guanhai, you are truly despicable!" Yan Ziyuan sneered, his hand already resting on his sword hilt.

Li Muzhan smiled gently: "Sect Master Yan, can you still use the Heaven-Slicing Sword?!"

"You can try!" Yan Ziyuan stated flatly.

Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled: "Sect Master Yan doesn't need to put on a bluff. I already learned from Sect Master Wang that after using a demonic artifact once, it requires a month to recover."

"If you want to test it, I shall oblige you!" Yan Ziyuan sneered.

Li Muzhan said: "Sect Master Yan, I wish to propose a bargain."

"Speak!" Yan Ziyuan said gravely.

Li Muzhan smiled: "I wish to borrow Sect Master Yan's Heaven-Slicing Sword!"

"Hmph!" Yan Ziyuan gave a cold laugh, glancing at him dismissively.

Li Muzhan continued: "Sect Master Yan, I truly only wish to borrow it. It would be of little use to me, but I only ask to borrow the Heaven-Slicing Sword, and I promise great repayment later!"

"We are enemies!" Yan Ziyuan stated calmly.

Li Muzhan smiled sweetly: "Sect Master Yan, I actually know that if you use the Heaven-Slicing Sword again right now, your body cannot bear the strain. It would be life-threatening!"

Yan Ziyuan did not deny it, merely saying coolly: "Even if I lose my life, I can still kill you!"

Li Muzhan waved his hand with a smile: "Why such extremity? I have no desire to kill Sect Master Yan, just as I didn't wish to kill Senior Jiang. It’s a pity Senior Jiang insisted on fighting me, so I had no choice but to strike lethally."

"Silence!" Yan Ziyuan snorted coldly. "I underestimated you earlier, thinking you only managed to kill Old Ancestor Jiang through conspiracy and trickery. I didn't realize you possessed such true skill... When he unleashed the Heaven-Slicing Sword, although he couldn't control himself—that state was very strange, his body controlled by some bizarre force, even his mind—he could only watch from the sidelines, becoming a spectator."

"It’s a pity he couldn't know what I was thinking. I only felt confusion; my limbs were not my own, moving only according to an impulse. However, after each use, he always gained some benefit. He retained memories of the sword techniques executed, and even if incomplete, the gains were immense."

"He had already used the Heaven-Slicing Sword five times. Relying on that experience, his swordsmanship grew stronger, yet still not comparable to Old Ancestor Jiang Cheng. The Old Ancestor’s swordplay, honed over hundreds of years, was truly flawless and overwhelmingly potent."

"He could clearly recall the details of their encounters, but his own sword skills were fuzzy; he remembered his opponent’s moves perfectly, which is how he understood Li Muzhan's power."

Li Muzhan smiled: "It was impressive, but you still couldn't defeat the Heaven-Slicing Sword!... Sect Master Yan, I know that if you force yourself to activate the Heaven-Slicing Sword now, your body will quickly collapse. Why put yourself through this!"

"If you press me, we will perish together!" Yan Ziyuan said coldly.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "I truly have no intention of forcing you, Sect Master. If I truly need a demonic artifact, I have a great enemy who requires its aid."

"Impossible," Yan Ziyuan shook his head. "The incantation for the demonic artifact is the deepest secret; it is never taught to anyone except the next Sect Master. Without the incantation, the moment you touch the Heaven-Slicing Sword, you will be instantly obliterated!"

Li Muzhan smiled: "I don't need to use the Heaven-Slicing Sword; I only need its aura. Simply lend me the sword for a while!"

"You don't need the incantation?" Yan Ziyuan sneered.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "The incantation is unnecessary; I dare not ask for too much. I only need the Heaven-Slicing Sword!"

"No deal," Yan Ziyuan replied, shaking his head.

Li Muzhan frowned, his gaze gradually turning cold: "It seems I must forcibly take it then. Sect Master Yan, why push me to this point?!"

Yan Ziyuan sneered: "If you try to snatch it by force, you will surely die!"

Li Muzhan: "I don't believe that."

Yan Ziyuan pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Fine. I am truly weakened now and cannot use the Heaven-Slicing Sword again. You can come and take it."

Saying this, he unbuckled the Heaven-Slicing Sword and tossed it forward: "Catch!"

Li Muzhan reached out and caught it, smiling: "Thank you, Sect Master Yan!"

"Aren't you going to draw it out to look?" Yan Ziyuan said solemnly. "What if it's not the Heaven-Slicing Sword?"

Li Muzhan smiled: "That's reasonable."

He placed his hand on the hilt, and an immediate tremor pulsed through it. He hastily stopped, his intuition warning him of danger—he must not draw the blade.

Li Muzhan frowned, staring at Yan Ziyuan for a moment, then looked down at the hilt and the scabbard, curious about what danger lay within.

Seeing Li Muzhan pause, Yan Ziyuan said coolly: "No courage to draw the sword, eh?... To tell you the truth, if you had pulled it out just now, you would have met certain death!"

Li Muzhan laughed: "I don't believe it. How would I die without fail?"

"If you don't believe me, then try it!" Yan Ziyuan scoffed. "Forget about you; even Old Ancestor Jiang wouldn't dare draw this Heaven-Slicing Sword!"

Li Muzhan mused for a moment: "Could it be that this Heaven-Slicing Sword recognizes its master?"

"Correct!" Yan Ziyuan stated gravely. "It is loyalty-bound!... Only I can wield the Heaven-Slicing Sword now. No one else can touch it; anyone who does will die!"

Li Muzhan chuckled: "That sounds a bit too bizarre."

Yan Ziyuan: "If you don't believe me, draw the sword and try!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head: "Sect Master Yan, your attempt at goading me isn't very subtle!... Sect Master Yan, you must have some way, surely."

Yan Ziyuan shook his head: "I truly have no way. This Heaven-Slicing Sword must stay with me; it's useless to anyone else. Moreover, once this sword recognizes a master, it will kill anyone else who touches it!"

Li Muzhan smiled and sighed: "It seems I truly cannot borrow this Heaven-Slicing Sword then!"

"I advise you to simply retreat now," Yan Ziyuan said calmly.

Li Muzhan smiled: "Sect Master Yan, are you still capable of fighting now?"

"No," Yan Ziyuan admitted.

Li Muzhan smiled: "Since you cannot fight, yet remain so defiant, that is strange. Could it be you have some other reliance?"

Saying this, he held the Heaven-Slicing Sword and instantly vanished into the trees, startling Yan Ziyuan. Yan Ziyuan immediately let out a cold laugh and slightly lowered his eyelids.

Li Muzhan leaving was precisely what he wished for. As for the Heaven-Slicing Sword, he wasn't afraid; he and the sword were one, intrinsically linked. Even if separated by thousands of miles, he could vaguely sense its presence.

Once he recovered, he would find it again, and then, using the Heaven-Slicing Sword, he would certainly kill this Li Guanhai, he cursed inwardly.

His deepest hatred now was reserved for Li Muzhan; he wished Li Muzhan would smash his head against a tree. Every time he was defeated by this Li Guanhai, turning the tables proved incredibly difficult.

In desperation, he had deployed his final trump card—the Heaven-Slicing Sword—but even that could not touch Li Muzhan. Despair and chilling murderous intent filled Yan Ziyuan’s heart.

Li Muzhan soon reappeared, smiling warmly: "Sect Master Yan, I have hidden the Heaven-Slicing Sword away. It shouldn't run off by itself."

"You..." Yan Ziyuan glared at Li Muzhan, suddenly realizing he could no longer sense the Heaven-Slicing Sword!

Li Muzhan smiled sweetly: "Sect Master Yan, what do you think? Should I kill you, or let you live?"

He slowly walked forward, closing the distance to Yan Ziyuan step by step.

Yan Ziyuan looked up at him coldly, a hint of a sneer playing on his lips.

Li Muzhan approached, crouched down, showing no sign of guard: "Sect Master Yan, let's make another deal. Borrow the Heaven-Slicing Sword for my use, how about it?"

"Didn't you already get it?!" Yan Ziyuan grunted.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "This thing is probably useless in my hands, isn't it?"

Yan Ziyuan said coldly: "If you're thinking of getting the sword control mantra, you might as well give up. I will never tell you." (To be continued) RQ