Li Muzhan smiled, rose, and stepped out of the pavilion into the clearing at the center of the flower garden, where the five young women glared hatefully at Feng Zui as he slowly approached.

Xiuxiu drifted after Li Muzhan, arriving beside the five women, and whispered, "Let's see how the Young Master disciplines him and gets justice for us all!"

"Really?" The five looked at Li Muzhan, then back at Feng Zui.

They were the eyes and ears of the Hidden Sect, stationed in Jingzhou City, and they knew Feng Zui well—a genius disciple painstakingly cultivated by the Divine Sword Sect. His cultivation was profound, and he was known as the Divine Sword Sect's foremost talent; he couldn't be underestimated, or he wouldn't have remained safe despite the Myriad Saint Sect's relentless pursuit over so many years. How could a genius they nurtured with such care be lacking?

They knew Li Muzhan’s cultivation was deep, but Feng Zui was even more terrifying; he might not necessarily defeat Feng Zui.

Noticing their gaze, Xiuxiu grew slightly annoyed and chided, "Don't worry. For him to surpass the Young Master? Hmph, in his dreams!"

The five smiled, withdrawing their resentful looks, nodding cheerfully. They were very fond of Xiuxiu; she was warm and approachable, without any airs, and they didn't want to hurt their camaraderie by stating the harsh truth.

Li Muzhan took his stance and smiled, "Brother Feng practices the sword?"

"Indeed, I practice the sword!" Feng Zui nodded slowly.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "The sword techniques of the Divine Sword Sect are merely average, I suppose?"

Feng Zui gave a solemn snort, "The world underestimates our Divine Sword Sect too much!"

Li Muzhan arched an eyebrow slightly, smiling, "The sword techniques of the Divine Sword Sect are indeed average, yet your confidence suggests yours must be extraordinary! Could it be the Sword Sect's lineage?"

Feng Zui's expression immediately shifted, sharp light flashing in his eyes.

Li Muzhan knew instantly he had hit the mark. He smiled, "So it is the Sword Sect's methods. I shall be enlightened by a demonstration!"

"Did your Divine Sword Sect steal the Sword Sect's techniques?!" Yi Xiaoru asked coldly.

Feng Zui laughed, "Senior Sister Yi misunderstands. We didn't steal the Sword Sect's methods; we created them ourselves!"

"You created your own sword techniques?!" Yi Xiaoru frowned and snorted, "I have had dealings with the Sword Sect; I can tell their techniques when I see them!"

Feng Zui frowned, displeased, "Senior Sister Yi, you are underestimating us too much! To be honest, our techniques were indeed inspired by the Sword Sect, so some similarities are unavoidable. But to claim we stole them based on that is going too far!"

"That’s a nice way of putting it!" Yi Xiaoru's face darkened, and she said coldly, "Your Divine Sword Sect is truly shameless to stoop to such actions!"

Feng Zui simply stopped explaining and said in a deep voice, "Then let us settle this with our hands!"

He had always worn a gentle smile, as if everything were within his grasp, but now he was somewhat irritated. Dropping his pleasant facade, he stated gravely, "Brother He, please proceed!"

He took his anger out on Li Muzhan, determined to teach him a lesson and vent his undeserved frustration on him, as a warning to the girls.

Li Muzhan saw through his intention and smiled, "Please."

He slowly drew his Yingxue Sword. Feng Zui narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly, "A fine sword!"

Saying this, he drew the long sword at his waist. Its blade was dazzlingly bright, only slightly inferior to Yingxue. It was clearly no ordinary Qingfeng blade, but a treasured weapon.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Brother Feng, if you can withstand ten of my moves, I will concede defeat!"

"Hmph—?!" Feng Zui’s face seemed coated in frost, and he sneered, "What arrogance! Very well, I shall see your skill. Watch my sword!"

His inner rage was like fire, yet his mind was cold as ice. With a sneer, he thrust his sword forward. The blade transformed into a streak of chilling lightning, incomparably swift, moving from stillness to sudden action with startling abruptness.

Li Muzhan lightly parried. Ding... A lingering, clear chime sounded. Both were fine swords, and their collision produced a particularly crisp and melodious sound.

"Good sword!" Li Muzhan praised, then shook his head, "The sword is good, but the technique is lacking. Again!"

"Hmph!" Feng Zui snorted coldly. His sword light blossomed into a sheet of dazzling brilliance, like a pool of water cascading down, directly enveloping Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan lightly thrust again. Ding... The myriad lights of the sword vanished, replaced by a continuous, clear, and high-pitched ringing.

"The sword is fine, but the technique is still inadequate." Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Bring out your signature move. This kind of swordplay is truly tedious!"

"Very well!" Feng Zui sneered, "I truly underestimated you, surnamed He. Take my next move!"

Ding... After thrusting his sword, Li Muzhan shook his head, "Still too slow!"

Ding... Amidst the ringing, Li Muzhan still shook his head and sighed, "Brother Feng, still too slow. Perhaps we should just stop. With sword skills like yours, how can you hope to contend with Xiaoru?!"

Feng Zui bit his lip tightly, but his sword grew faster and faster. The surrounding women couldn't follow his blade, but they could see Li Muzhan’s—leisurely, almost clumsy in appearance. A casual thrust here, a casual parry there, done with effortless indifference, yet somehow intercepting Feng Zui's sword and shattering his offensive.

Yi Xiaoru inwardly marveled. Big Brother's swordplay had reached the state of utter perfection—great subtlety concealed within apparent crudeness, simplifying complexity. This Feng indeed practiced the Sword Sect’s techniques, but before Big Brother, he was like a child, posing no threat at all. She shook her head gently.

"Ah—!" Feng Zui erupted in fury, shouting loudly. His sword light suddenly surged, as if a sun had descended before their eyes.

They were forced to close their eyes, hearing only a continuous string of ding-ding-ding-ding sounds, denser than rain hitting banana leaves.

Li Muzhan’s voice followed, "Still too slow! Too slow!"

"Surnamed He, you try! I want to see how fast your sword is!" Feng Zui roared.

The women opened their eyes. The blinding glare of the sword light had subsided slightly. They felt a chill in their hearts; such fierce light indicated the immense power of the technique.

But what met his sword was Li Muzhan’s bare palm. He hadn't used his sword to meet the blade; instead, he was flicking the sword with his fingers, his fingers moving like those of a musician playing a zither, lightly tapping the blade, producing a series of ding-ding chimes.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Do you really want me to demonstrate?"

"Come on, come on!" Feng Zui sneered, "Don't just talk, show me. You keep saying my sword is slow, show me one quick move!"

"Very well then," Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "I shall give you a demonstration. Are you ready?"

"Bring it!" Feng Zui sneered, relaxing his entire body, only his sword trembling lightly. In an instant, he was at his peak, ready to unleash the fastest possible strike.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Here it comes! Watch my sword!"

Chih! A light whistle sliced through the air, followed by a flash of white light so quick it vanished instantly, the sound like tearing silk. They couldn't see the sword, only a phantom streak of white light.

"How was that?" Li Muzhan's sword tip rested against Feng Zui's throat as he looked down with a smile, "Was that fast enough?"

"Again!" Feng Zui’s expression didn't change; he stared coldly at Li Muzhan, "That was just a trick. Again!"

"Brother Feng, I know you possess formidable body-tempering skills, impervious to blades, but my sword is a treasured weapon. Even your strongest tempering won't stop it. You must be careful!" Li Muzhan smiled and retracted his sword. "Forget it, let's try one more move. Are you ready?"

Feng Zui's face flickered. Then, his entire body tensed, his chest heaving violently a few times before deflating. He seemed to have lost a measure of bulk. He said in a deep voice, "Come then!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Very well, watch my sword!"

Chih! A streak of white light materialized, followed by a light whistle. The sword tip was already pressed against Feng Zui’s throat. He hadn't even managed to move, nor had the onlookers reacted.

Li Muzhan held his tip against his throat and smiled, "Brother Feng, what about this strike?"

Feng Zui stared blankly, his face pale, completely drained of color.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword and smiled, "No matter how exquisite your swordplay, if the execution is too slow, it’s useless. Go back and practice diligently!"

Feng Zui glared at Li Muzhan, "Your... your swordplay..."

Li Muzhan laughed, "My swordplay is ordinary; it’s only fast. When your sword can surpass mine in speed, then come find me. It won't be too late!"

He shook his head again, "Though the Sword Sect's techniques are marvelous, they require the corresponding cultivation method. Your method doesn't harmonize with the Sword Sect's foundation; refinement is meaningless then."

The Sword Sect's cultivation method was unique and, when paired with their sword techniques, could greatly accelerate sword speed. While Feng Zui’s method was exquisite, it offered no speed enhancement.

In that case, no matter how refined his swordplay, he couldn't execute it in time—what could he accomplish?

Li Muzhan turned his head, "Xiaoru, perhaps we should return the person to him?"

"Then return her," Yi Xiaoru nodded faintly. She walked over to the beautiful young woman, led her to Feng Zui, and said lightly, "Young Master Feng, do you wish to challenge me now?"

Feng Zui shook his head and sighed. The pallor slowly returned to his face, normalizing.

Yi Xiaoru asked, "My swordplay is inferior to Big Brother's. You won't contest mine either?"

"Alas... what's the use of competing? With him here, I have no hope," Feng Zui sighed, shaking his head. "Senior Sister Yi, I truly didn't expect him to be..."

Yi Xiaoru said calmly, "Even if Big Brother’s martial arts are not the world's best, they are rare. It's not a disgrace to be defeated by him."

As she spoke, she tapped the beautiful young woman on the upper back, instantly releasing the pressure on her vital points.

The young woman's eyes snapped open, glaring at Yi Xiaoru, then fiercely at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword, stood aside with his hands clasped behind his back, meeting her furious gaze with a smile.

The beautiful young woman shouted angrily, "Surnamed He, I will have my revenge!"

"Excellent," Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. "Then I shall wait with interest. Practice your martial arts well, then seek vengeance! Though next time, it won't be so easy. If you can't beat me, I'll capture you and make you the Sect Master's maid!"

The beautiful young woman’s face changed instantly. After giving him a vicious glare, she turned away, refusing to look at him. This episode had terrified her.

She didn't fear death, but she feared a fate worse than death. If she were truly defiled, she would have no face to live or to die. She found Li Muzhan’s smile particularly infuriating, wishing she could smash it with one punch.

Yi Xiaoru said lightly, "Young Master Feng, I heard your cultivation is profound. How did you cultivate?"

Saying this, she lightly tapped him. Feng Zui instinctively extended his palm to meet the contact—Bang!—a dull thud sounded, and Yi Xiaoru stepped back, her face slightly flushed.

Feng Zui, however, remained utterly composed, standing firm on the spot, frowning, "Senior Sister Yi, do you really intend to fight me?"

"I heard your cultivation was deep, but I didn't believe it until now. I believe you now," Yi Xiaoru waved a hand. "Your Divine Sword Sect’s cultivation method is wicked; it seems you've abused quite a few women!"

"Senior Sister Yi misunderstands. Our method isn't that bad!" Feng Zui smiled dismissively. "And I haven't abused any women!"

Yi Xiaoru said coldly, "You should leave now, lest I lose control and kill you!"

She wanted to kill this Feng Zui, yet she didn't want to do it herself. If she killed him now, the Divine Sword Sect would surely retaliate madly, and she might not be able to withstand it.

She remembered her Master’s instruction before descending the mountain: do not engage the Divine Sword Sect head-on; do not show off. The final reckoning was to be left to the Sect.

Feng Zui pulled the beautiful young woman close, checked her body, and, finding no injury, breathed a sigh of relief, whispering, "Xiaoying, are you alright?"

"Young Master, they didn't touch me," the young woman nodded slightly, then huffed, "But they were despicable; they kept my pressure points sealed!"

Feng Zui completely relaxed, cupped his hands, and said, "Senior Sister Yi, we shall meet again!"

His expression was grave. His former confident smile was gone, utterly shattered by the blow from Li Muzhan, leaving him devoid of his former spirited demeanor.

"Mhm, I won't see you out," Yi Xiaoru said coldly.

Feng Zui said solemnly to Li Muzhan, "Brother He, I will return!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Come back when you've trained properly!"

"Certainly!" Feng Zui stated deeply, pulling the girl close as they floated over the courtyard wall and vanished.

Xiuxiu clapped her hands and exclaimed in admiration, "Young Master, his swordplay is quite good!"

She felt Feng Zui’s technique was extremely skilled; she certainly couldn't block it, especially the last few strikes, which were like soul-snatching, incredibly swift as lightning. But, unfortunately, his opponent was the Young Master—it was like a child brandishing a broadsword against an expert. If it had been anyone else, things would be different; she knew she could never defeat him.

She turned to the five women, "Sisters, what did you think of his swordplay?"

The five nodded helplessly, "Very powerful sword skills!"

They then looked at Li Muzhan with renewed astonishment. They knew Li Muzhan’s skills were advanced, but their Mistress was notoriously critical; how could an ordinary person capture her eye? Yet, they had never imagined Li Muzhan’s swordplay had reached such a height that Feng Zui possessed absolutely no ability to counter, a vast gulf separated them!

Li Muzhan smiled and shot Xiuxiu a look. Xiuxiu giggled, "Young Master, being skilled is being skilled! We all got quite an education today!"

Li Muzhan gave her a look and ignored her, turning to Yi Xiaoru, "Xiaoru, can you track him?"

"Yes," Yi Xiaoru nodded slightly, lost in thought. "I can sense him."

Li Muzhan smiled, "That’s good. We’ll wait until everyone else arrives together."

"I'll go send the signal!" Yi Xiaoru said before departing the small courtyard. Li Muzhan stretched languidly and smiled, "You shouldn't engage in combat. Rest and recuperate for a few more days!"

The women responded crisply, "Yes—!"

Li Muzhan smiled, turned, and returned to the pavilion, picking up his book to continue reading. The women gathered together, chattering as they began to practice.

They were recreating the sword forms Feng Zui had displayed, one sentence after another, quickly reconstructing those few moves, marveling at them. These few moves were indeed exquisite, but unfortunately, they only saw the beginning; the rest was interrupted before completion when Li Muzhan subdued him.

The next morning, Li Muzhan announced he was going out to look around and disappeared. Yi Xiaoru, however, knew he had gone off to see another woman elsewhere.

She was secretly annoyed but helpless. She had met him later, and although she had managed to marry him first, beating Liu Biyun of Longshan Sect to the punch, she couldn't bring herself to forbid him from visiting Liu Biyun. Yet, his going made her profoundly uncomfortable and irritable, fueling her anger.

Li Muzhan arrived at Longshan Sect, but Liu Biyun was not there. He looked surprised and phased into another small courtyard. Inside, Wu Jingyi, clad in a green fighting uniform, was practicing with sword light as bright as snow.

As soon as he appeared, Wu Jingyi noticed him, quickly stopping her sword and turning with a smile, "Big Brother Li, you’ve come!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Jingyi, where is Biyun?"

"Oh, Senior Sister Liu? She went down the mountain," Wu Jingyi replied.

Li Muzhan’s face changed, "Down the mountain?"

Wu Jingyi nodded, "Yes. The Sect Master sent them down; it seems there's something important. Brother Mo and the others went out together too."

"The Four Heroes of Longshan Sect, all together?" Li Muzhan frowned and asked.

Wu Jingyi nodded emphatically, "I asked Senior Sister Liu, but she wouldn't say."

Li Muzhan’s face darkened, and he snorted, "How could the Sect Master let her leave the mountain?!"

He was extremely anxious. Since he had seized the demonic artifact, the Linhai Pavilion must be in a frenzy. At such a critical time, how could Liu Biyun leave the mountain! He was privately angry yet helpless because he hadn't told anyone about seizing the artifact, meaning the Sect Master Wang Duli didn't know either, which was why he feared Liu Biyun being away.

"Big Brother Li, what’s wrong?" Seeing his gloomy expression, Wu Jingyi asked tentatively. She had intended to ask for sword technique advice, but his dark face looked like it could drip water, and the air around them seemed solidified; she dared not speak rashly.

Li Muzhan snorted, "Never mind. When did they leave the mountain?"

"Yesterday morning," Wu Jingyi replied cautiously.

Li Muzhan frowned, "Where did they go?"

"I don't know," Wu Jingyi shook her head. "But Senior Sister Liu’s baggage looked quite heavy; it might be for a while."

Li Muzhan slowly nodded, "Good, I understand."

Wu Jingyi quickly offered, "Big Brother Li, shall I send a message to Senior Sister Liu, asking her to return, or to wait for Big Brother Li somewhere?"

Li Muzhan waved his hand, "Forget it, I'll find them myself!"

Wu Jingyi hesitated, then asked carefully, "Big Brother Li, can you find them?"

Li Muzhan nodded, waved his hand, and vanished from her sight.

Li Muzhan was anxious. Fortunately, his vital energies hadn't stirred; Liu Biyun should not have met with disaster yet. Moreover, she carried his jade pendant; if necessary, crushing the jade would allow him to teleport there to save her. He took a deep breath, considered, and decided he still couldn't spread news of the demonic artifact, nor could he tell Wang Duli, as it would cause immense trouble.

He flashed away, relying on his senses, and reappeared in a stretch of forest. The morning forest was exceptionally quiet. Liu Biyun and the others were packing their bags, preparing to leave on horseback.

Seeing Li Muzhan suddenly appear, Liu Biyun broke into a smile, while the other three exchanged glances and shook their heads repeatedly.

"Brother Li, are you following us too closely?" Mo Jiye chuckled.

Cui Shaoqing and Xie Jianfeng both shook their heads.

Li Muzhan smiled, "You are going...?"

"We can't say," Mo Jiye shook his head and smiled. "Does Brother Li have urgent business?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, his expression suddenly changing. He said in a deep voice, "Dismount!"

"Huh—?" Mo Jiye started, and the other two looked confused.

Li Muzhan raised a finger to his lips, signaling silence, and whispered, "Someone's here!"

"Who?" Mo Jiye opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound.

Li Muzhan frowned, "They don't come in peace."

His voice was low but clearly reached their ears.

"Strange..." Mo Jiye frowned, glancing around. Their movements were concealed, and they had been riding hard—how could anyone know their whereabouts? (To be continued)