He frowned slightly, and Yi Xiaoru quickly asked, "Big Brother, is something wrong?"

Her bright eyes never left Li Muzhan; her body was tense, and seeing Li Muzhan's slight frown instantly made her heart leap.

Li Muzhan pondered, "This demonic artifact does indeed carry a future affliction."

"What affliction?" Yi Xiaoru promptly inquired.

Li Muzhan replied, "The remaining malevolent aura of the demonic artifact cannot be dispelled; it constantly desires to kill."

"Yes, that is true." Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded, "It is truly fortunate, Dao'er, that you managed to devise the incantation! ... The demonic artifact possesses boundless power, but nothing in this world is absolutely perfect; where there is benefit, there must be a drawback. After using the demonic artifact, one will inevitably be influenced by it. Six times at most; any more, and one risks falling into demonhood like Zhao Yuanming!"

"Six times..." The women murmured, and Zhu Chuyun chuckled, "Six times is quite good! The key is deterrence, isn't it, Master?"

"Yes, knowing that is enough," Gao Jingxuan nodded.

Li Muzhan frowned, "The malevolent aura of this demonic artifact is extremely heavy. Those with unstable minds absolutely must not wield it."

"Alas..." Gao Jingxuan sighed, "Why didn't Sect Master Zhao pass his legacy to Zhao Yuanming back then? It was precisely because his will was not strong enough; he wasn't the right material to inherit the demonic artifact and couldn't control it... Just as Sect Master Zhao predicted, Zhao Yuanming still succumbed to the demonic path!"

Yi Xiaoru quickly asked Li Muzhan, "Big Brother, are you still alright?"

Li Muzhan smiled gently, "I do have a method for resolution."

Saying this, he handed the sword to Gao Jingxuan, "Master."

Gao Jingxuan did not take it, waving her hand, "You obtained this sword, keep it!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Consider it my respect for Master! ... This sword cannot be wielded by ordinary people; it is too saturated with bloody malevolence."

He recalled the scene he had witnessed earlier, knew the method of the sword's creation, and only wished to keep his distance from it out of reverence.

Gao Jingxuan said, "I am but a woman; I fear I cannot withstand it either."

"A woman cannot withstand it?" Zhu Chuyun asked in surprise, "Why can't women control demonic artifacts?"

"Indeed," Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded, "Demonic artifacts are inherently objects of extreme Yin and profound cold. A woman’s nature leans towards Yin, making it impossible to suppress the demonic artifact."

Li Muzhan frowned and slowly nodded, his mind once again recalling the method of its crafting. He sighed, "Master, I have a way to counteract it."

"What method?" Gao Jingxuan asked with a smile, not entirely believing. Then, a thought struck her—hadn't he also managed to derive the control incantation when there seemed no hope?

Li Muzhan smiled, "It is a passage of scripture. If Master recites it ten times daily, she should be able to wield the demonic artifact and control its power."

"A scripture?" Gao Jingxuan laughed, "What scripture is it?"

Li Muzhan replied with a smile, "It is a scripture I obtained by chance; it possesses considerable profundity and is best suited for calming the spirit and maintaining one's state of mind. Master might as well give it a try."

Gao Jingxuan laughed, "It's not a martial art, is it?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "It is not within the scope of martial arts."

"Very well, I shall try it then." Gao Jingxuan dropped all pretense... Gao Jingxuan and Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on the couch, facing each other. Li Muzhan slowly extended his left index finger, forming a strange hand seal, bringing it infinitesimally closer until it settled on Gao Jingxuan's brow center.

Gao Jingxuan trembled, startling the women watching from the side.

After the initial tremor, Gao Jingxuan quickly recovered. Her expression first tightened, then gradually relaxed, finally settling into one of solemn reverence, exuding a sacred aura.

In mere moments, Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his hand, reformed the seal at his Dantian, closed his eyes, and sat in quiet meditation.

After the time it took to steep a cup of tea, both opened their eyes. Li Muzhan smiled, "Master, how was it?"

"Infinitely mysterious!" Gao Jingxuan smiled, her gaze tranquil and peaceful.

Zhu Chuyun exclaimed with admiration, "Master has such an aura now!"

They clearly sensed the change in Gao Jingxuan. After Li Muzhan touched her brow, it was as if she had shed an outer layer; the gentle radiance she possessed before began to diffuse outwards, like a luminous pearl shining forth.

Li Muzhan had performed the rite of Guan Ding (Initiation/Empowerment); he had not only transmitted the Boundless Brightness Heart Sutra to her but also the artifact control incantation, as if lifting a heavy burden from her shoulders.

Regarding the demonic artifact, he had initially felt a flicker of greed, but now he was uninterested; it was ultimately an external object, something he could borrow a few times for revenge or research.

The method of the demonic artifact's forging was terrifying, yet the sword techniques it contained were truly exquisite—the essence of thousands of years, far surpassing any common secret manual of swordsmanship. If he could fully comprehend the swordplay within, he would undoubtedly surpass his current level.

"Master, please keep this sword. I may need to borrow it a few times," Li Muzhan smiled as he handed the Reverse Heart Sword to Gao Jingxuan.

Gao Jingxuan sighed and slowly nodded, "Dao'er, our Hidden Sect owes you too much."

Li Muzhan laughed, "Master, speaking like that makes us strangers!"

Gao Jingxuan smiled and nodded, "That's true, my words were presumptuous. But we are, after all, one sect; there must be rules. When we return, you may choose a few supreme techniques from the Sect's Martial Repository!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Thank you, Master!"

Gao Jingxuan cautioned, "Dao'er, do not underestimate our Martial Repository. If we are not strong, it is not due to inferior mental cultivation methods, but rather the limitations of our innate talent. There are many supreme techniques in the Repository that we cannot cultivate; you should try!"

Li Muzhan's brow twitched slightly, and he slowly nodded. He had no doubt about her words; how could a sect passed down for thousands of years like the Hidden Sect lack truly valuable treasures?

"Master, I heard a piece of news," Li Muzhan pondered for a moment.

"Tell me about it," Gao Jingxuan said with a smile, casually hanging the Reverse Heart Sword at her waist. She understood the demonic artifact quite well and felt conflicted about it. She both yearned to possess it to intimidate the petty, yet worried that if the artifact spiraled out of control, it could destroy the Hidden Sect... Li Muzhan continued, "I heard there are some mysterious locations in our world that can lead to other realms. Is this true?"

"Hmm—?" Gao Jingxuan frowned in thought, slowly shaking her head, "I don't recall hearing anything like that. This world, other worlds—this is the first I've heard of it."

Li Muzhan smiled, "It seems it was baseless fancy."

"Where did you hear that from?" Gao Jingxuan asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I forgot. Perhaps I overheard it accidentally, or maybe I saw it in a book. I thought it was quite interesting."

Gao Jingxuan replied, "I haven't heard of it. When we get back, I’ll inquire for you. Perhaps those ancestor masters might know."

"Master need not concern yourself; I was just asking casually," Li Muzhan said with a smile.

Gao Jingxuan laughed, "Now that you mention it, I am curious too. This is indeed a strange matter; it seems you don't know much about this heaven and earth."

Li Muzhan chuckled, "There are endless mysteries between heaven and earth, many beyond imagining, like Floating Cloud Mountain."

Yi Xiaoru frowned, "Big Brother, why are you inquiring about this?"

She suddenly felt a wave of worry, fearing Li Muzhan might become ambitious and travel to other places.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Just curiosity."

"Alright, he won't run off!" Gao Jingxuan said, seeing Yi Xiaoru's concern, "Let's head back now; no need to get entangled with them further."

"Should we let them know?" Yi Xiaoru asked.

Gao Jingxuan shook her head, "Let them make their fuss."

Yi Xiaoru leaned closer and quietly recounted Li Muzhan's discovery. This was what Li Muzhan had instructed; he did not wish to hoard the wealth alone. To him, money was an external thing, too easy to acquire; he could easily find a wealthy person and probe their mind with his Heart-Penetrating Wisdom to discover their hidden assets.

Gao Jingxuan frowned thoughtfully, "Is that so..."

She looked up at Li Muzhan and smiled, "Dao'er, you truly are remarkable. You plucked all the fruit; they didn't manage to gain anything!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Luck! Pure luck!"

Gao Jingxuan smiled and shook her head, "Dao'er, how do you suggest we handle this?"

Li Muzhan replied, "Let's leave it for now and decide later."

"Good," Gao Jingxuan nodded, "We'll listen to Dao'er. Let's go!"

"You're really not going to manage it?" Yi Xiaoru asked doubtfully, "They are so desperate; do you think they might find it?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "The Divine Sword Sect intentionally buried it. How could ordinary people find it? The only ones who knew—Zhao Yuanming and that other person—are both gone."

"I'm still a bit uneasy," Yi Xiaoru said... "What is it?" Zhu Chuyun asked in confusion.

Li Muzhan laughed, "It's the Divine Sword Sect's treasure, which we found unintentionally."

"Ah—!" Zhu Chuyun gasped, "Isn't that a massive amount of money!... Is it ours now?"

Li Muzhan nodded with a sly smile, "Senior Sister, is there anything you wish to buy?"

"Great! I'll buy a mansion right here!" Zhu Chuyun laughed.

"Enough!" Gao Jingxuan chided with mock impatience, "You certainly aren't holding back!... Why buy a mansion here?"

Zhu Chuyun laughed, "It’s quite lively here. I’ve grown tired of staying on the mountain; I could come down for a while to relax and clear my head!"

"Girl, you're tired of the mountain?" Gao Jingxuan laughed and scolded.

Zhu Chuyun giggled, "It's too quiet up on the mountain, isn't it?"

"Then this time, let's buy a few dogs," Gao Jingxuan conceded helplessly.

Zhu Chuyun was overjoyed, rushing forward to hug her, "Thank you, Master!" She had always felt the mountain was too quiet, but her Master and Eldest Senior Sister were quiet-natured, and her Junior Sister was gentle and compliant; her words carried little weight. Now that her Master had finally agreed to let her keep dogs on the mountain, she wouldn't be so bored!

"Let's go," Gao Jingxuan said, "Let them busy themselves. The remnants of the Divine Sword Sect should be rooted out; otherwise, the future troubles will be endless."

Li Muzhan smiled, "The Divine Sword Sect should not be underestimated; they won't be cleared out so easily. They might have hidden people in the Dragon Mountain Sect or the Lin Hai Pavilion."

Gao Jingxuan shook her head and smiled, "As long as the roots here are severed, we won't fear anyone hiding deeper inside."

As they spoke, the women began packing. The previous five women were settled in a small courtyard. Looking at the courtyard, they were Outer Sect disciples of the Hidden Sect, acting as their eyes and ears—capable people. It would be a pity to let them return immediately, and moreover, if they went back, they needed to know the situation here.

Xiuxiu walked with Li Muzhan. They first bought a few small dogs in Jingzhou City, chosen personally by Zhu Chuyun—each one like a little snowdrift, fluffy and adorable. They then slowly made their way back. The journey was smooth and calm, and before they knew it, they had returned to the Hidden Sect.

As soon as they were back at the Hidden Sect, they all let out a breath of relief. Barely had they sat down when Cheng Lian went out and quickly returned, having learned that Tang Tianyu was back and currently in closed-door seclusion, healing his injuries.

"Dao'er, how severe are his injuries?" Gao Jingxuan asked with a smile.

Everyone gathered in the main hall, chatting happily. The trip to Jingzhou had been immensely fruitful, putting them all in high spirits.

Li Muzhan smiled, "I could tell that Sect Master Tang intended to kill Zhao Yuanming."

Gao Jingxuan slowly nodded, "Zhao Yuanming indeed caused him countless troubles. Many disciples lost their lives at the hands of the Divine Sword Sect. Senior Brother Tang was furious."

Zhu Chuyun giggled, "It seems Martial Uncle Tang is severely injured."

Gao Jingxuan countered, "That may not be the case. His specialty is feints and illusions."

Li Muzhan pondered, "Sect Master Tang was struck by two swords, undeniably. Unless he possesses profound mental cultivation or miraculous elixirs, he will need some time to recover."

"That assessment is likely correct," Gao Jingxuan smiled, "No matter how miraculous the medicine or profound the mental cultivation, healing injuries like that will take at least ten to fifteen days."

"Master, should we tell them about the demonic artifact?" Yi Xiaoru asked.

Gao Jingxuan replied, "We'll find an opportunity."

Yi Xiaoru looked troubled, "I'm afraid it might cause some misunderstanding."

Zhu Chuyun laughed, "Junior Sister, you are too naive. Why worry about them? Do they dare to be presumptuous?!"

Cheng Lian nodded with a smile, "With the demonic artifact, we certainly don't need to fear them. Junior Sister, you worry too much!"

"Alas..." Yi Xiaoru sighed helplessly... "Master, I wish to enter seclusion for a while," Li Muzhan stated.

Gao Jingxuan was surprised, "Why?"

Li Muzhan explained, "I want to study the mysteries of the demonic artifact and see if I can remove its influence."

"Hmm..." Gao Jingxuan pondered, "This is indeed a significant matter, but it is too dangerous. You must be careful!"

"Yes," Li Muzhan nodded gravely.

Yi Xiaoru glanced at him sideways and snorted lightly. She dimly perceived a pattern: every time Li Muzhan entered seclusion, he was misleading them—ostensibly meditating, but in reality, leaving the Hidden Sect to go to the Dragon Mountain Sect! Although she knew this, she didn't want to ask, lest it cause unpleasantness. But this was a persistent thorn in her heart, made worse by the fact that Liu Biyun had known him before her; she was effectively the third party and naturally felt inferior, unable to voice her concerns.

Gao Jingxuan said, "I will not use the demonic artifact lightly, but if I truly fall to the demonic path, Dao'er, you must intervene immediately!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Master, rest assured, it will be fine."

"Let's hope so," Gao Jingxuan smiled.

Li Muzhan chatted with the women for a while longer before returning to his room with Yi Xiaoru. The moment he entered, Li Muzhan sensed something amiss. Knowing Yi Xiaoru was upset, he tried to tease her a few times, but she ignored him, turned, and left.

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly. Such situations were unavoidable; after all, women were not objects—jealousy was inherent. If he couldn't reason with her, he could only endure it helplessly. Thinking of this, he felt a pang of guilt; he had wronged two women, perhaps even every woman around him; he had truly failed in his responsibilities as a good man. With Yi Xiaoru angry, he had no way to appease her, no promise to offer to lift her spirits, so he could only shake his head and sigh. He entered the room, lay down on the couch, and began to enter Ding (meditative focus).

Seeing this, Yi Xiaoru dared not disturb him further. The demonic artifact was too perilous; deriving the incantation was already a tremendous risk, which he had only overcome by luck. Now, he planned to meddle with the artifact itself—it was like dancing on the edge of a blade... Li Muzhan sat immobile for ten days, his entire body resembling a carved statue. He remained deep in thought, contemplating a method to suppress the demonic artifact.

Sadly, after ten days, he still hadn't found a way to truly counter it. Whether examining the incantation or the artifact's spiritual essence, no control could be established. Li Muzhan slowly awoke, still deep in thought. Could it truly be that the demonic artifact was unstoppable? Since antiquity, there has always been something to counter every force; nothing is truly invincible, and the demonic artifact could not be an exception. So, how was it truly suppressed? He puzzled over it endlessly before slowly coming to.

"Big Brother?" Yi Xiaoru called softly.

Li Muzhan looked up; Yi Xiaoru was watching him with worry. He smiled gently, "How long has it been, Xiao Ru?"

Yi Xiaoru replied, "Ten days!... Big Brother, are you hungry?"

Li Muzhan nodded slightly, "Fetch something to eat."

Yi Xiaoru immediately turned and left, returning with a bowl of porridge. The fragrant steam reached him, and his stomach immediately rumbled loudly. Li Muzhan took the bowl with appreciative words and slowly finished it. Though not full, he didn't ask for more; an empty stomach shouldn't be overly stuffed at once to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach. Though his body refinement was profound, nearly indestructible, he still paid attention to preservation.

"Big Brother, have you figured anything out?" Yi Xiaoru asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. Yi Xiaoru consoled him, "Then let it go for now. Demonic artifacts have always been this way; no need to overthink it."

Li Muzhan smiled, but his expression suddenly shifted. He said hastily, "Xiao Ru, I need to go out for a bit. Something might have happened at the Palace!"

"The Purple Robe Palace?" Yi Xiaoru quickly asked.

Li Muzhan nodded, waving his hand, "No need to wait for me."

Just as Yi Xiaoru was about to speak, Li Muzhan vanished abruptly, causing Yi Xiaoru to stamp her foot forcefully. She had a vague suspicion that Li Muzhan was heading to the Dragon Mountain Sect. She sighed helplessly, sulkily collected the bowl and spoon, and slowly withdrew.

Li Muzhan flashed and disappeared, arriving at the Dragon Mountain Sect. He wasn't foolish enough to announce he was coming here; Yi Xiaoru was becoming increasingly petty, and he didn't want to add fuel to the fire. If he didn't say anything, Yi Xiaoru might suspect but would retain a shred of hope, or perhaps refuse to believe it herself—self-deception was far better than a direct confrontation.

"Big Brother!" Liu Biyun was in a grove of pine trees. Seeing him suddenly appear, she let out a sigh of relief, "Big Brother, you've finally arrived!"

Li Muzhan turned to survey his surroundings. He immediately activated his Eye of the Void to observe. He saw they were deep in the mountains, standing within a lush pine forest surrounded by continuous peaks. Liu Biyun was alone; further away, about five li distant, was Mo Jiye.

"Where is this?" Li Muzhan asked, surprised.

Liu Biyun whispered, "We are looking for that secret vault."

Li Muzhan frowned, "Still haven't found it?"

"No," Liu Biyun shook her head helplessly, "They said it's in this mountain, but this mountain is too large. I suspect they are just messing with us!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Any leads?"

"Yes, it might really be here," Liu Biyun gently nodded, "We should search separately in four directions; eventually, we will find it."

Li Muzhan smiled, "How can we search under these circumstances?"

Liu Biyun replied, "If it is a true hidden treasury, we should feel a resonance when we get close."

Li Muzhan slowly nodded. No matter how secret the hiding place, a treasure is like a sharp awl in a sack; it must eventually show its tip. With their keen senses, they would surely discover it.

Li Muzhan frowned again, "Does anyone else know about this place?"

"No," Liu Biyun shook her head.

Li Muzhan pondered, "Perhaps others have come here too."

"Who?" Liu Biyun asked, "It seems only we know!... Big Brother, now that you're here, you can help me find it!" She knew of Li Muzhan's capabilities, especially his almost supernatural intuition.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "That's not certain. If it were this easy, why would I have labored so hard!" (To be continued) RQ