"Brother, you’ve been staring at it this whole time. Did you gain any insight?" Yi Xiaoru asked with a smile, "This demonic artifact is unlike anything else; you absolutely cannot touch it without the proper artifact control incantation!"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, I understand."

"Zhao Yuanming is dead, and this sword is useless now; no one dares to wield it," Yi Xiaoru frowned in thought. "Brother, what are you looking for from Master? Do you actually intend to use this sword?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Rest assured, I won't do anything foolish!"

"Brother, you must never touch this demonic artifact; it already corrupted Zhao Yuanming!" Yi Xiaoru continued to stare at Li Muzhan with concern.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "I am a man who fears death; I won't act recklessly!"

Yi Xiaoru scrutinized him with a frown. Only after Li Muzhan repeatedly assured her did she slowly relax, though her heart remained tightly wound. Li Muzhan feared death, certainly, but he was far from someone who played it safe.

Li Muzhan continued to gaze intently at the Nixin Sword (Reverse Heart Sword), indeed searching for a method of nullification. The incantation he had previously obtained was slightly off; the demonic artifact had interfered with his spiritual resonance at the time, causing a small error. He had been trying to deduce and refine the complete incantation.

This was no simple task; one slip could result in being corroded and controlled by the artifact, falling into demonhood.

He proceeded with utmost caution, refining the incantation while simultaneously relying on his intuition to test the correctness of the formula. Unfortunately, the incantation consisted of only a few lines, yet they were deliberately bizarre and convoluted, the meanings profoundly esoteric. He couldn't deduce the full solution in a short span.

Watching the time slip away, a sense of urgency grew within him. Without the proper incantation, this Nixin Sword was merely a useless burden—a pity to discard, yet pointless to keep.

"Brother, perhaps we should forget it for now. Let's go out for a stroll and clear our heads," Yi Xiaoru urged gently, reaching out to tug at Li Muzhan’s arm.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, "You go with Xiuxiu and the others. I won't join the revelry."

Yi Xiaoru spoke softly, "Brother, it is absolutely impossible to deduce the incantation for a demonic artifact. It has never been accomplished from ancient times till now. Why waste your efforts, Brother?" She desperately tried to dispel Li Muzhan’s obsession with the demonic artifact, lest he lose control for even a moment and actually draw the blade—the thought alone was terrifying. If he truly descended into the demonic path, what would she do?

Li Muzhan smiled, "Xiao Ru, if our Hidden Sect is to establish itself firmly, it won't be accomplished by the few of us."

"Since Brother arrived, our sect has been completely different!" Yi Xiaoru countered.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "That's merely the difference between fifty paces and one hundred! ... If the stakes were high enough, and they joined forces, we would be powerless!"

"Mm," Yi Xiaoru slowly nodded, her expression grave.

Li Muzhan stated, "To change our current predicament, this Nixin Sword is the key!"

"But Brother, there is no incantation," Yi Xiaoru lamented, shaking her head helplessly.

Li Muzhan grinned, "Am I not currently trying to devise the incantation?"

"Don't waste your effort," Yi Xiaoru sighed. "If one could truly deduce the incantation, the demonic artifact wouldn't be so precious!"

Li Muzhan countered, "How will I know if I don't try?"

"But it's too dangerous!" Yi Xiaoru frowned. "It’s not worth the risk. With Brother here, they dare not act presumptuously, especially after Brother killed Zhao Yuanming this time—that has truly established your might!"

Li Muzhan smiled and said no more... Yi Xiaoru insisted on dragging him along for a shopping trip, terrified he might do something rash, and Li Muzhan, unable to dissuade her, finally agreed.

He walked with the seven women through the bustling streets. Jingzhou City remained as vibrant as ever, seemingly unaffected by the downfall of the Divine Sword Sect. People thronged the thoroughfares, and every shop bustled with activity.

Li Muzhan trailed after them helplessly as they tried on jewelry, persistently asking for his opinion. He mumbled noncommittally, his mind elsewhere. He activated his Void Eye to observe Wen Hua and the others, as well as Tang Tianyu. It had been three days. Had they not visited his courtyard at all? They showed no respect or deference toward the Hidden Sect whatsoever. Wen Hua and his group remained clustered together, wandering the city of Jingzhou. Li Muzhan understood they were searching for Zhao Yuanming. Since Tang Tianyu and Zhao Yuanming had both been severely injured in their mutual destruction, Tang Tianyu's wounds were not light. Li Muzhan knew Zhao Yuanming must also be gravely wounded, and they were trying to capitalize on that opportunity to find him. Zhao Yuanming was already buried in a cave, so they wouldn't find him, but Li Muzhan felt no inclination to tell them. He might as well let them see how much trouble they could stir up. He was only waiting for Gao Jingxuan’s reply; it was for her to decide the next course of action. It wouldn't matter if Wen Hua and the others learned the truth later; first and foremost, requesting guidance from the Sect Master was the duty of a disciple.

"Brother, how about this jade hairpin?" Yi Xiaoru asked sweetly.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Mm, nice. Buy it."

"Broth—er—!" Yi Xiaoru pouted in mock anger.

Li Muzhan turned to look; Yi Xiaoru wasn't even holding a jade hairpin, only glaring at him reproachfully.

Li Muzhan rubbed his nose sheepishly, "Xiao Ru, let’s just go back. There’s nothing interesting to see here."

"Brother, it’s rare that we can all get out for some relaxation!" Yi Xiaoru complained playfully.

Xiuxiu quickly interjected, "Master, please don't spoil everyone's mood! ... Sister Yi wanted to buy a jade hairpin, but she just hasn't found the right one."

Li Muzhan pointed eastward, "That way. There's a shop over there with many jade hairpins; let's go take a look."

"Great!" Xiuxiu excitedly pulled Yi Xiaoru along as they ran over.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly, understanding Yi Xiaoru's good intentions—she was trying to break his concentration on the Nixin Sword by forcing him to interrupt his thoughts... While they were selecting hairpins in the shop, Li Muzhan urged them along a few times, and Yi Xiaoru and the others wisely purchased an item, paid, and left.

"Brother, what is it?" Yi Xiaoru asked quietly.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Senior Brother Wen and the others have arrived."

"What are they doing here?" Yi Xiaoru frowned.

Li Muzhan replied, "They are probably looking for Zhao Yuanming. It's best if we avoid them."

Yi Xiaoru wisely nodded. Having been preempted by Li Muzhan in securing the initial victory, she should technically have informed them, but since the Master had not sent word, remaining inactive was the best policy.

They lost their appetite for shopping and returned to the small courtyard. Just as they reached the front of the courtyard, before even stepping inside, Li Muzhan suddenly looked toward a small boat on the river.

"Master?" he asked in surprise.

"Master is here?" Yi Xiaoru asked with delight.

Li Muzhan nodded, "I truly didn't expect Master to arrive so quickly."

The Hidden Sect was thousands of miles away from here; for her to arrive in just two days suggested some secret technique was employed.

"Let's go," Li Muzhan started walking toward the riverbank. The small boat suddenly rocked once and drifted smoothly to the shore. Gao Jingxuan lifted the curtain from the cabin and gracefully stepped onto the bank.

"Master, Senior Sister Cheng, Senior Sister Zhu!" Yi Xiaoru joyfully rushed forward to greet them.

Gao Jingxuan was clad in an elegant, noble purple robe. Cheng Lian also wore purple, while Zhu Chuyun was dressed in a light goose-yellow silk dress. The three women standing together created a dazzling spectacle.

"Let's talk inside," Li Muzhan greeted them with the appropriate etiquette, then hurried forward to lead the way.

Yi Xiaoru whispered, "Master, Senior Sister Cheng, be careful here. Mind your steps and follow Brother’s lead."

After everyone entered the courtyard, Gao Jingxuan surveyed the surroundings and asked, "Dao'er, what is all this?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "A minor trick, perhaps an illusionary concealment."

"I don't think it's that simple," Gao Jingxuan said. "We searched everywhere earlier and couldn't find the place."

Li Muzhan explained, "It was to guard against retaliation from the Divine Sword Sect."

"I see..." Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded.

Cheng Lian smiled faintly, "I didn't expect Junior Brother He to have such a method... This place is beautiful."

"Xiao Ru and Xiuxiu arranged it," Li Muzhan chuckled, then introduced Xiuxiu to Gao Jingxuan and the others. Xiuxiu shyly performed her courtesies.

The group settled into the pavilion. Gao Jingxuan sat opposite Li Muzhan and asked gently, "Xiao Ru mentioned in her letter that you killed Zhao Yuanming and obtained the Nixin Sword?"

Li Muzhan nodded and recounted the entire event, only mentioning that he had hidden in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. The mutual crippling of Tang Tianyu and Zhao Yuanming had given him the chance; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to stand against Zhao Yuanming.

After hearing the account, Gao Jingxuan sighed profoundly, "That Zhao fellow is finally dead..."

Li Muzhan replied, "He couldn't be deader. I sensed a deep history between him and Sect Master Tang, so I dared not speak rashly until consulting with Master first."

"Mm, there is an old grievance involved here that outsiders do not know," Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded.

Zhu Chuyun smiled, "Master, tell us! He’s dead anyway!"

Gao Jingxuan paused in thought, then slowly nodded, "Actually, it’s nothing too grand. Zhao Yuanming was once a disciple of the Yuan Sect, but later defected to the Divine Sword Sect."

Li Muzhan asked, surprised, "Does that count as treason?"

Gao Jingxuan shook her head and sighed, "Actually, the previous Sect Master of the Yuan Sect was Zhao Yuanming's own father; very few people know that either."

"Ah—?!" The other women exclaimed in astonishment.

Li Muzhan hadn't anticipated this layer of connection; no wonder Tang Tianyu hadn't acted decisively before.

Gao Jingxuan sighed, "Sect Master Zhao was broad-minded, far beyond the average person. Unfortunately... Zhao Yuanming was also an exceptional talent. He quickly took control of the Divine Sword Sect, then rebelled against the Myriad Saints Sect. When Sect Master Zhao sent men to pursue and kill him, after Senior Brother Tang took over the Yuan Sect and became the Sect Master of the Myriad Saints Sect, the pursuit of the Divine Sword Sect lessened in fervor."

"That makes sense," Li Muzhan nodded.

Gao Jingxuan continued, "When tracking down the Divine Sword Sect, Sect Master Zhao showed no favoritism, severely damaging the Divine Sword Sect's strength. However, Senior Brother Tang couldn't completely disregard him, as he was the biological son of his own Master. He wouldn't kill Zhao Yuanming unless absolutely necessary."

Li Muzhan frowned thoughtfully, "Master, does this mean I cannot reveal that Zhao Yuanming died by my hand?"

"Mm," Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded.

Li Muzhan asked, "And what about this Nixin Sword?"

"This sword is useless. It’s best to bury it again," Gao Jingxuan advised.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I have a slight clue; perhaps I can unlock the artifact control incantation!"

"It's no use," Gao Jingxuan smiled, shaking her head. "The artifact control incantation is impossible to unlock."

Li Muzhan grinned, "I want to give it a try."

Gao Jingxuan frowned at him. In her eyes, Li Muzhan rarely spoke lightly; once he committed to something, he was highly confident. If he said he wanted to try, it meant he was sure! She looked at Li Muzhan with disbelief. The rule that the artifact control incantation could not be unlocked was ironclad. Even the most formidable master would fall victim to a demonic artifact if they tried to force it without the method; trying to show off would cost them their life. The corruption of a demonic artifact could not be resisted by mere human power. Wielding it without the incantation guaranteed demonic possession, eventually leading to a spree of slaughter followed by suicide. "Dao'er, are you truly confident?" Gao Jingxuan asked him earnestly.

Li Muzhan slowly nodded, "I will try."

"If you are not completely sure, don't try it!" Gao Jingxuan shook her head. "It's too dangerous. Betting your life for a dead object is not worth it!"

Li Muzhan asserted, "This demonic artifact is the foundation of our sect's establishment; we must obtain it!"

"Even so, you mustn't force it," Gao Jingxuan frowned and shook her head. "The object is dead, the person is alive. Even with a demonic artifact, if the disciples are weak, the sect will perish. If the disciples are strong, we don't need the artifact."

Li Muzhan stated firmly, "Master, no need to say more. My mind is set. I will try my best."

"You..." Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded. Seeing Li Muzhan's look of absolute certainty, she suspected he might have other information he couldn't share—perhaps he had extracted the incantation from Zhao Yuanming. However, Zhao Yuanming was no simple man; even if he revealed something, it wouldn't be the correct version, always containing errors, rendering it useless. She glanced at Li Muzhan with concern. Li Muzhan smiled, "Master, rest assured. I also fear death. If it truly fails, I won't push it."

"Good. You are the most important," Gao Jingxuan said solemnly. "You haven't seen Senior Brother Tang and the others these past two days, have you?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. Yi Xiaoru confirmed, "We've been hiding from them."

"Mm, well done!" Gao Jingxuan smiled. "Forget about them and these matters; it’s best to act as if you know nothing!"

"But what about the Nixin Sword..." Yi Xiaoru began.

Gao Jingxuan waved her hand, "Just alter its appearance; it's no big deal."

"What if we truly have to use the Nixin Sword? We'll need an explanation for its origin," Yi Xiaoru argued.

Gao Jingxuan laughed at her naivety, "You silly girl. Just make something up!"

Zhu Chuyun chuckled lightly, "Junior Sister Yi, you are too honest! Just say that Junior Brother-in-law obtained it by chance and gifted it to the sect. Let them say what they will!"

"Oh, I see..." Yi Xiaoru realized, slowly nodding, feeling that this might indeed work.

Li Muzhan smiled. Gao Jingxuan said, "Dao'er, we owe you again this time. It was a blessing that Zhao Yuanming fell to demonhood and didn't kill too many people!"

"Master, that previous encounter was perilous!" Yi Xiaoru interjected. "Zhao Yuanming ambushed us outside. If Brother hadn't lured him away, I wouldn't be here seeing Master now!"

Gao Jingxuan frowned, "Zhao Yuanming came to kill you?"

Yi Xiaoru replied, "I suspect he came for Brother. If Brother hadn't been there, Senior Uncle Wen and the others would have been finished long ago! ... Hmph, now they're biting the hand that fed them and ignoring Brother!"

Gao Jingxuan waved a hand dismissively, "That's just the type of people they are. Don't bother with them. It seems your martial arts have progressed significantly, Dao'er!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "Seeing Zhao Yuanming's swordsmanship did indeed give me great insights..." Li Muzhan sat alone on the couch, the Nixin Sword resting near his head. He first closed his eyes, observing the Nixin Sword, and then slowly extended his spiritual tendrils to gently stroke it.

He was employing the sword-nurturing technique from the Sword Control Sutra, attempting to tame the Nixin Sword. However, the moment his spiritual power touched the sword, a strange force repelled it, blocking the ingress of his spiritual energy. Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes slightly; this must be the power of the scabbard. It seemed this sheath was no ordinary item either—how could anything capable of sealing the Nixin Sword be mundane? He concentrated his spiritual power into the shape of a small sword and slowly drilled inward. Finally, following a tiny seam, he managed to penetrate. Instantly, his vision darkened, turning blood-red, accompanied by a shrill scream.

Li Muzhan jumped, quickly steadying his mind. His sight was filled with scarlet, as if he had fallen into a sea of blood. Li Muzhan knew this was the condensed malevolent energy (Sha Qi). He felt a surge of awe internally. What formidable Sha Qi! Truly worthy of a demonic artifact. And this was only the periphery; he hadn't even truly touched the blade, yet it was this potent!

A sequence of incantation gradually flowed out, and the blood-red energy slowly subsided. Li Muzhan let out a breath of relief—it seemed this incantation was indeed correct! However, he did not rush to withdraw his spiritual sense. He tested the incantation by attempting to draw the blade slightly, then pressed deeper, operating his internal energy according to the formula while examining the blade's essence.

Suddenly, a gruesome scene appeared before his eyes: an infant with its belly cut open, wailing horribly; young maidens decapitated, their corpses arranged in a bizarre pattern. All the blood flowed along small channels into a pool, and plunged into the center of this pool was a sword—the Nixin Sword itself, steeped in the gore.

Li Muzhan snapped awake abruptly.

"Brother?" Yi Xiaoru had somehow settled beside him, asking softly, "Brother, your complexion is terrible. What happened?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, letting out a long breath, using his strong will to suppress the nausea.

"Brother, you don't need to push yourself," Yi Xiaoru said gently, taking out a silk handkerchief to dab the beads of sweat from Li Muzhan's forehead in a gentle, elegant movement.

Li Muzhan forced a faint smile, "I've deduced the incantation. I'll try it in a moment."

"Really?" Yi Xiaoru exclaimed involuntarily.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I don't know if it's one hundred percent accurate, but it's very close! We should invite Master and the others over first, in case I lose control."

"Brother, let me do it instead!" Yi Xiaoru offered. "If I fall into demonhood, you can still subdue me. If you fall, no one can control you!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "If anyone falls, no one can cure it. I will do it. If I experience it personally, perhaps I can refine it further."

"...I will go find Master!" Yi Xiaoru slid off the couch... Soon after, Gao Jingxuan, Cheng Lian, and Zhu Chuyun hurried over.

Gao Jingxuan said the moment she entered, "Dao'er, you really managed to derive the incantation?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I wouldn't claim one hundred percent certainty, but perhaps ninety-nine!"

"You truly dare to try drawing the blade?" Gao Jingxuan glanced at the Nixin Sword, which lay by Li Muzhan's bedside.

Li Muzhan smiled, "If I am truly wrong, Master, all of you restrain me together and seize the sword. I will be able to regain consciousness!"

"If you are wrong, you will enter the demonic path, and it will be extremely difficult to awaken," Gao Jingxuan worried, noticing his lingering uncertainty.

Li Muzhan replied, "It's just a precaution."

Saying this, he reached out directly, grasped the Nixin Sword, and drew it from its sheath in one swift motion. An immediate coldness swept through the room, as if the temperature had dropped a dozen degrees. This was not merely a drop in temperature but a profound shift in aura, like plunging into a cellar.

"What a sword!" Cheng Lian exclaimed in admiration.

Zhu Chuyun stared intently at Li Muzhan's face, unblinking.

Li Muzhan's expression darkened, his gaze slowly turning icy and devoid of expression. Yi Xiaoru startled and quickly called out, "Brother?"

Li Muzhan closed his eyes, then opened them slowly, "What a potent sword!... Master, it seems the incantation is correct, but controlling this sword will not be easy!"

"What happened?" Gao Jingxuan watched him without blinking.

Li Muzhan slowly sheathed the sword and sighed, "So that's how it is!"

He finally understood the core power of the demonic artifact. Wielded according to the incantation, the sword seemed to become an extension of his own body, imbued with an inexplicable sense of exhilaration and aggression, a profound desire to kill and see blood. Innumerable sword techniques flooded his mind, as if he had instantly mastered them all, becoming a peak swordsman. Yet, as soon as the sword returned to its sheath, the techniques vanished from his mind, much like waking from a dream whose details were instantly forgotten, leaving only the hazy knowledge that a dream had occurred. (To be continued)RQ