Li Muzhan chuckled twice and approached the desk by the south window. The darkness in the room did nothing to impede his writing. He picked up his brush, his strokes like swimming dragons and slithering snakes, then quickly set it down, and in a light, graceful movement, left Yiran Tower with the young woman, appearing instantly behind Yi Xiaoru.
“Big Brother, who is she?!” Yi Xiaoru had been waiting outside for Li Muzhan, prepared to provide backup and cause a massive scene should they be discovered.
Li Muzhan replied, “A disciple from the Divine Sword Sect. Let’s go.”
Yi Xiaoru frowned. “Why bring back a Divine Sword Sect disciple?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “She’s Feng Zui’s woman. Let’s see if we can lure Feng Zui out.”
“He won’t fall for it,” Yi Xiaoru shook her head.
Li Muzhan smiled and glanced at the girl in his hand. “Perhaps not. Feng Zui is arrogant and high-minded; he’ll never allow his woman to fall into another’s hands. He’ll definitely come to save her.”
“You want to kill Feng Zui?” Yi Xiaoru’s delicate brows moved slightly.
Li Muzhan laughed. “This Feng Zui isn’t easy to handle; he’s the trump card of the Divine Sword Sect. I rather want to see what he’s capable of. They are allowed to capture our people, but we aren’t allowed to capture theirs?”
“…Alright,” Yi Xiaoru nodded softly.
The group drifted back. Li Muzhan moved his inner force slightly, striking the young woman’s pressure points, causing her to slump into unconsciousness. They returned to Li Muzhan’s small courtyard.
The five women had been captured and suffered some hardship; all were injured. It was clear they were seized after a struggle, and once in their hands, they hadn't been given a chance to heal.
Yi Xiaoru personally inspected their injuries, her delicate brows furrowed deeply, filled with extreme vexation.
Those fellows from the Divine Sword Sect were despicable. Every one of them was wounded. If not for their superior cultivation methods, they would have long succumbed to their severe injuries.
More critically, when Li Muzhan released their pressure points, he directly infused them with a stream of pure inner force, easing their wounds and reviving their spirits. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had the ability to escape.
The lights in the small pavilion burned brightly. The women sat together, almost filling the pavilion. Yi Xiaoru moved from examining one to the next, clearly busy. Xiuxiu poured tea and water, offered melon and fruit, and looked upon them with sympathy.
“Miss, we’re fine,” the sharp and capable young woman smiled. “These mere flesh wounds won’t kill us.”
“If they aren’t treated well, they might leave scars,” Yi Xiaoru frowned.
“It’s nothing,” all five girls smiled and shook their heads.
Yi Xiaoru said, “A woman’s appearance is very important. If you’re truly disfigured, how will you find a husband in the future? Rest well, and be sure to apply the medicine on time!”
“Yes,” the five women cheerfully agreed.
Seeing they didn’t take it seriously enough, Yi Xiaoru shook her head helplessly. These girls were too young, their natures too simple; they didn't understand matters of the heart between men and women.
Once their passions truly awakened, they would understand the importance of their looks.
It was late, and they were all feeling weary. Yi Xiaoru told them to rest and recuperate for a while, no need to return yet.
Her killing intent toward the Divine Sword Sect surged; she yearned to strike immediately. However, she still wasn’t certain that Yiran Tower was the Divine Sword Sect’s main base.
Even if it was Yiran Tower, this rescue operation would surely alert them, and they might have moved. Finding their stronghold would become even harder.
Only Li Muzhan and she remained in the small pavilion; Xiuxiu had gone to settle the others.
Li Muzhan reached out and drew her into his embrace. She smelled fragrant and felt soft. He smiled. “What are you thinking about?”
“I’m thinking about where their main base is,” Yi Xiaoru struggled slightly, glancing toward the back courtyard door, fearing Xiuxiu might suddenly return, which would be too embarrassing.
Li Muzhan held her, preventing her movement, and laughed. “Their main base? We’ll know soon enough.”
“Big Brother has a way?” Yi Xiaoru looked up at him, her bright eyes like water.
Li Muzhan smiled. “We’ll see in a couple of days.”
“What method do you have, Big Brother?” Yi Xiaoru asked curiously.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “The Divine Sword Sect’s base will hinge on Feng Zui.”
“Will he really come?” Yi Xiaoru nestled into his chest and sighed softly. “That Feng Zui is truly infuriating, so wildly arrogant, not giving Big Brother a second glance!”
Yi Xiaoru had a terrible impression of Feng Zui, primarily because he showed Li Muzhan insufficient respect, looking down on him as if he didn't exist at all!
Her nature was naturally cold, and she didn’t care about others’ opinions. Feng Zui had been rude to her, and she merely dismissed it indifferently. But his disrespect toward Li Muzhan made her unable to suppress her anger.
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “Yes, he is young and spirited, a genius cultivated wholeheartedly by the Divine Sword Sect. Such behavior is inevitable.”
Yi Xiaoru snorted. “Big Brother should teach him a lesson.”
Li Muzhan smiled wickedly. “Not kill him?”
“Let’s forget it,” Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “If you truly kill him, the Divine Sword Sect will hate you fiercely. There’s no need for that!”
If they were to fight, it should be all Eight Sects together, so the Divine Sword Sect’s hatred would fall upon the Eight Sects, not concentrate solely on Li Muzhan. They couldn't deal with the Eight Sects, but if they became ruthless enough to kill Li Muzhan, it wasn't impossible. Li Muzhan’s cultivation was profound and immeasurable, yet she remained uneasy.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Rare. I thought you wished him dead.”
“I do wish him dead!” Yi Xiaoru snorted. “It would be best if he died right now! But if he has to be killed, let someone else do it!”
Li Muzhan saw through her thoughts instantly. Tenderness welled up, and he held her tighter, laughing. “Good, we’ll listen to Little Ru!”
Yi Xiaoru breathed a sigh of relief and smiled faintly. “He will really come?”
“How could such a conceited person not come?” Li Muzhan laughed.
Yi Xiaoru considered this and nodded. “Mmm, he might!”
Li Muzhan released her, suddenly pulling away from the warm embrace. Yi Xiaoru felt a sudden sense of loss. Footsteps sounded, and Xiuxiu returned gracefully.
“Young Master, it’s done,” Xiuxiu smiled.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Xiuxiu, don’t go out tomorrow.”
“Young Master is afraid of the Divine Sword Sect people?” Xiuxiu chuckled. “They’re no big deal. Shall I go spread some news, Young Master?”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Xiuxiu, you underestimate the Divine Sword Sect too much. They have probably figured things out by now and will be coming for us.”
“Then fine,” Xiuxiu nodded helplessly. “I won’t go out. I’ll play with them; their injuries aren’t light!” She had been interacting with them without realizing it and saw their internal injuries, making her inwardly indignant.
Li Muzhan said, “They’ll probably come tomorrow. If you go out, you’ll miss the show!”
“Hee hee, great! I definitely want to see the excitement!” Xiuxiu said excitedly.
Li Muzhan said softly, “Little Ru, you still have some business to attend to.”
Yi Xiaoru’s bright eyes turned toward him.
Li Muzhan said, “Withdraw all your subordinates in Jingzhou City!”
“Hmm—?” Yi Xiaoru looked at him in surprise.
Li Muzhan explained, “Once we raid their nest, we have to guard against them retaliating like this.”
Yi Xiaoru hurriedly nodded, lightly patting her smooth forehead. She hadn't even thought of this, focused only on capturing Feng Zui, and hadn't considered Feng Zui could counterattack.
She pondered for a moment, then rose. “I’ll go personally!”
Li Muzhan asked, “Where to?”
“To recall everyone, I must go myself,” Yi Xiaoru said. “I’ll be fine alone; it’s not a problem.”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment and slowly nodded.
Yi Xiaoru returned half an hour after leaving the small courtyard and came into Li Muzhan’s room, smiling. “Good thing we caught it in time!”
Li Muzhan was already lying on the couch, leaning against the headboard. “They should take a while to notice.”
Yi Xiaoru breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the couch. “If Big Brother hadn't reminded me, I almost made a huge mistake!”
Li Muzhan said, “Feng Zui must come this time. Find an opportunity to strike. Don’t you have that marvelous tracking technique?”
“Mmm, I just need to engage him in combat,” Yi Xiaoru nodded, then stood up to take a bath. She returned to the couch carrying the unique fragrance of soap.
Li Muzhan embraced her, but Yi Xiaoru quickly chided, “Big Brother, there’s a tough fight tomorrow. We need to conserve our strength and can’t be careless!”
“All right,” Li Muzhan didn't press. Feng Zui indeed couldn't be underestimated. Compared to himself, his cultivation was still shallower, but for his age, it was astonishing. He had been meticulously trained, likely possessing not just deep inner force, but perhaps more formidable skills—be it swordsmanship or palm techniques—so caution was necessary.
The martial artists in this world lacked Gang Qi (Aura/Energy Shields) and were exceptionally fragile. No matter how high their cultivation, a well-placed sword thrust could be hard to block.
He held Yi Xiaoru close and slept soundly through the night without dreams.
The next morning, Li Muzhan deactivated the formation, and the small courtyard became visible.
Xiuxiu mingled freely with the other women. She was gentle and enthusiastic, showing no airs. All the women enjoyed being close to her, and they chattered noisily together. She had always been a cheerful young girl, but after the immense change of being forced into the life of a courtesan at Baihua Ship, and finally being rescued by Li Muzhan, her spirit had not been consumed by darkness; she remained sunny and bright. Having experienced the dark side, she now cherished life and everything in it even more, understanding gratitude and contentment. Later, when Li Muzhan was gone for long stretches, she was somewhat lonely in the courtyard. Suddenly meeting so many peers, she erupted with great enthusiasm.
Seeing her like this, Li Muzhan vaguely guessed her state of mind and felt a pang of guilt.
Xiuxiu’s cooking skills had become increasingly refined and skillful. She practiced cooking diligently in her free time, knowing Li Muzhan was very particular about food, and she had made significant progress through dedicated study.
After eating, Li Muzhan was reading in the small pavilion when a loud laugh echoed from outside: “Junior Sister Yi, Feng Zui requests an audience!”
Yi Xiaoru, sitting opposite him and also holding a book, put it down upon hearing Feng Zui’s clear voice and looked toward Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan laughed. “Well? Can’t underestimate the Divine Sword Sect, can we?”
“Indeed, a local power,” Yi Xiaoru nodded slightly, snorting. “Big Brother, let him in?”
“Xiuxiu, please invite that young lady over!” Li Muzhan called out loudly.
Xiuxiu was practicing and sparring with the five captive women in the flower garden not far from the pavilion. Dressed in a pink silk robe, she looked radiant and alluring. Hearing Li Muzhan’s command, she called back, “Yes.”
Yi Xiaoru snorted. “Young Master Feng, please come in!”
“Pardon the intrusion!” With a burst of hearty laughter, Feng Zui suddenly appeared in the rear garden, stepping into the pavilion in one stride. Full of spirit, he cupped his hands and smiled. “Junior Sister Yi, we meet again!”
“It would be better if we didn’t,” Yi Xiaoru said coolly. “Young Master Feng, what brings you here?”
“Hehe…” Feng Zui laughed and shook his head, looking toward Li Muzhan. “Are you Brother He?”
Li Muzhan smiled and extended his hand. “Brother Feng, please take a seat!”
“I impose, I impose,” Feng Zui said, sitting unceremoniously across from the two.
“Xiuxiu, bring tea,” Li Muzhan instructed.
Xiuxiu responded crisply, “Young Master, coming right away.”
She drifted over, carrying the beautiful young woman lightly, placing her next to Li Muzhan as if setting down a log. She then drifted away and quickly returned, light as a feather, looking elegant and leisurely, yet moving with incredible speed. She brought the tea and smiled, pursing her lips. “Young Master Feng, please drink!”
Feng Zui’s gaze swept over the beautiful young woman, and he gave Xiuxiu a handsome smile. “Thank you, Miss Xiuxiu.”
Xiuxiu smiled faintly. “You’re welcome.”
As she spoke, she retreated behind Li Muzhan, watching him with a smiling, curious expression, as if observing a rare animal, which made Feng Zui very uncomfortable. He quickly composed himself, ignoring Xiuxiu’s curious gaze, and was about to speak after setting down his teacup when Xiuxiu said, “Young Master Feng, aren’t you drinking the tea? Are you afraid I poisoned it?”
Feng Zui frowned slightly, saying faintly, “Thank you for the kind thought, Miss Xiuxiu, but I’m not thirsty.”
Xiuxiu smiled brightly. “But I brewed the very best tea—it’s the one the Young Master brought, very precious! It would be a waste not to drink it!”
Li Muzhan smiled, and Yi Xiaoru chuckled lightly. “Xiuxiu, stop making things difficult for him. How would he have the nerve to drink the tea?”
“What a pity!” Xiuxiu shook her head and sighed regretfully.
Feng Zui was inwardly annoyed; her look seemed to scorn him, which was truly vexing!
Li Muzhan said gently, “What brings you here, Brother Feng?”
“Senior Sister Yi, didn’t we agree? I invited Senior Sister to a banquet,” Feng Zui sighed in relief, an unconscious flicker of gratitude arising before he cleared his mind and dismissed it. He truly didn’t want to drink the tea; even if called a coward, he couldn’t. The more insistence, the more likely there was foul play. Why jump into the fire pit himself!
Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly. “Oh, I forgot.” She was annoyed by Feng Zui’s disregard for Li Muzhan and wanted to vent her anger.
Feng Zui frowned. “Forgot?!… Senior Sister Yi, I’ve been waiting a long time!”
“Mmm, then another day,” Yi Xiaoru said coolly.
“This…” Feng Zui’s brow furrowed tighter. He said heavily, “It seems Senior Sister Yi has no sincerity?”
Yi Xiaoru glanced at him coolly. “Junior Brother Feng, we are not friends, but adversaries. It’s improper for us to share a meal. I think this dinner need not happen!”
Feng Zui revealed a handsome smile. “Does Senior Sister Yi feel unrestrained now that you’ve rescued your people? Yi Xiaoru,” he corrected himself, “What other tricks you have, bring them all out!”
Feng Zui smiled and shook his head. “Senior Sister Yi must have quite a few subordinates in Jingzhou City, right? …These five are just the tip of the iceberg.”
Yi Xiaoru frowned. “You are despicable!”
“You too,” Feng Zui chuckled lightly. “Didn’t Senior Sister Yi also capture my maid?”
“I truly didn’t expect Senior Sister Yi to be this kind of person; I am genuinely disappointed!” He shook his head and sighed, looking over the beautiful young woman, smiling faintly. “If Senior Sister Yi likes her, keep her. She can serve tea and water. If you truly dislike her, just kill her.”
“She is your maid?” Yi Xiaoru asked with a half-smile.
Feng Zui laughed. “Indeed.”
Yi Xiaoru turned to look at the beautiful young woman. She was still immobilized by the pressure point attack, but her bright eyes flickered. Even as a woman, Yi Xiaoru found her beauty outstanding. The beautiful young woman was staring at Li Muzhan with unblinking, cold eyes, as if she wished to kill him!
Yi Xiaoru shook her head. “Such a beautiful woman, merely a maid?”
“Heh heh…” Feng Zui laughed heartily. “Senior Sister Yi, I’m still young; it’s not time for me to marry, is it?”
Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly. “So, it doesn’t matter if I kill her?”
“Feel free to kill her!” Feng Zui waved his hand. “Although I find her quite pleasing, she’s just a mere maid. As long as Senior Sister Yi is happy, kill her if you wish!”
Yi Xiaoru shook her head and sighed. “She’s truly unlucky to have met a man like you!”
Li Muzhan watched with a smile, saying nothing, waiting to see how Yi Xiaoru would handle this.
Yi Xiaoru said in a deep voice, “Then I shall accept her. First, I’ll cripple her martial arts so she can’t cause trouble, and then I’ll send her to Martial Uncle Tang. Martial Uncle Tang needs people there.”
“Martial Uncle Tang?” Feng Zui frowned. “Tang Tianyu?”
“Mmm,” Yi Xiaoru nodded lightly. “Don’t worry. Although Martial Uncle Tang is a bit lecherous, he’s a good person and won't kill easily. Your maid will certainly not be in mortal danger.”
Li Muzhan inwardly applauded, recognizing Yi Xiaoru’s superb move. No man, regardless of his character, could tolerate being cuckolded, especially a favored son of heaven like him!
Feng Zui’s expression shifted subtly, then returned to normal. He smiled and nodded. “Since she is Senior Sister Yi’s person now, Senior Sister can deal with her as she sees fit!”
Yi Xiaoru responded with an “Mmm.” “Then I won’t be polite… Does Young Master Feng have any other business? If not, I won’t see you out!”
Feng Zui’s face flushed slightly, then slowly normalized. He forced out a smile. “Senior Sister Yi deliberately doesn’t want to attend the banquet?”
Yi Xiaoru frowned. “You’re a grown man, why are you so long-winded? Didn’t I already say it? We are enemies, not friends. It’s inappropriate for me to attend dinner. I won’t be going!”
“Heh heh…” Feng Zui laughed twice, defusing his anger and embarrassment, and shook his head. “Senior Sister Yi, why force me?”
Yi Xiaoru waved her hand. “That’s enough. If there’s nothing else, go. I have things to do!”
Feng Zui smiled faintly. “Senior Sister Yi has quite a few subordinates, right? Perhaps two or three hundred!… I will ask Senior Sister to meet them shortly!” He had already sent men to raid the Hidden Sect’s base, aiming to capture all their spies. Trading several hundred people for one person—he didn't believe she wouldn't yield!
Yi Xiaoru smiled faintly. “You were a step too late; they are all gone.”
Feng Zui’s expression shifted slightly. “Senior Sister Yi withdrew them all?”
Yi Xiaoru snorted dismissively. “You got one success, do you think I’d make the same mistake? Are you leaving or staying?”
“Alas…” Feng Zui shook his head with an expression of regret. “I truly didn’t want to reach this point with Senior Sister Yi, but alas, fate plays cruel tricks!”
Yi Xiaoru sneered. “Are you ready to fight?”
“I truly do not wish to do this, but Senior Sister Yi has been relentlessly pressing me. Alas…” Feng Zui sighed, shaking his head helplessly. “Then I must experience Senior Sister Yi’s ultimate skills.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken? Brother Feng, if you wish to fight Little Ru, you must pass my test first!”
“Brother He?” Feng Zui frowned. “Senior Sister Yi has always been upright; she would never do such a thing. You must have incited her, Brother He, right?”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. “Correct, I stirred things up. You capture our people, so we capture yours. It has nothing to do with being upright or not.”
“Very well, then I must experience Brother He’s ultimate skills!” Feng Zui gritted his teeth, sneering inwardly. The elders and masters in the sect are all very wary of this He Zudao; let’s see what ability he truly possesses! (To be continued)
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