Yang Ruoruo stepped with an almost ethereal lightness, as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze, captivatingly graceful. Li Muzhan admired her inwardly; this was innate beauty, not something cultivated through artifice.

The two soon descended Mount Meng. At the foot, they turned west, passed through a dense forest, and arrived in a valley. Li Muzhan activated his Void Eye to observe: this valley was nestled between five peaks, exceedingly secluded; even with meticulous searching, one would struggle to find the true location without prior knowledge.

Yang Ruoruo glanced back at him. Li Muzhan smiled, "Miss Yang, shall I blindfold myself?"

"That would be best," Yang Ruoruo agreed without ceremony.

Li Muzhan offered a wry smile, shook his head helplessly, and said, "Please."

Yang Ruoruo retrieved a strip of black cloth from her robes, approached him, and tied it over his eyes, humming, "Such arrogance!"

A faint, delicate fragrance drifted from her. She stepped back a few paces, the scent seeming to emanate from the black cloth itself, mingled with her own perfume.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "I trust the Jade Peak Sect."

Anyone else arriving at an unfamiliar location would never agree to be blindfolded. Although martial artists rely on their sharp senses—seeing in all directions and hearing everything—the eyes are paramount. Blindfolded, even the strongest martial artist remains vulnerable to assassination.

Especially in this world where the Lingqi is thin, and inner power cannot be projected externally to enhance sensation, detecting plots becomes even harder.

Yang Ruoruo snorted coolly, "What good people are there in your Myriad Sacred Sect!"

Li Muzhan offered another bitter smile. "The world misunderstands our Myriad Sacred Sect, calling us the foremost sect of the Evil Path. In truth, every disciple of our sect adheres to strict rules and dares not violate them. While we may not constantly champion righteousness, we certainly do not engage in wicked deeds. Calling us the foremost Evil Path sect is truly an injustice!"

Yang Ruoruo turned her head to cast him a faint glance and scoffed, "The Myriad Sacred Sect acts without restraint, ruthless and merciless, killing without blinking!"

Because Li Muzhan possessed the Void Eye, being blindfolded made no difference; it was as if his eyes were uncovered. He could clearly see the slight pout on Yang Ruoruo's delicate lips.

Li Muzhan sighed, "Though our sect’s methods can be severe, there is no other way. In terms of ruthlessness, the Dragon Mountain Sect and the Seaside Pavilion are no less than us!"

"We're here," Yang Ruoruo announced.

Her pace softened slightly. Then, a faint, sweet fragrance drifted into his nose. Li Muzhan's vision cleared as the black cloth was removed, revealing a mountain valley.

A cluster of magnificent structures was built into the mountainside, rising from the valley floor to the peaks. It was early morning, the time for cooking, and wisps of smoke curled upwards. A vibrant life force washed over him.

Li Muzhan smiled, "This is the Jade Peak Sect?"

"Indeed," Yang Ruoruo nodded, stepping forward. A narrow path led into the valley, and they stood precisely at the entrance, flanked by dense, emerald-green woods.

"Junior Sister Ruoruo!" Two young men suddenly emerged from the trees, looking about sixteen or seventeen, with distinct traces of youth in their brows.

"Mm," Yang Ruoruo nodded slightly without breaking stride.

"Who is he?!" The two stared at Li Muzhan.

"From the Sword Sect," Yang Ruoruo stated.

"Hmph—!" The two were instantly startled, their eyes brightening significantly.

Li Muzhan clasped his hands in a smile, "Sword Sect He Zudao, greetings!"

"You are a disciple of the Nine Halls of the Sword Sect?!" The two let out a breath of relief.

Li Muzhan nodded, "A humble presence, indeed."

The two glanced at Yang Ruoruo with understanding, "Senior Sister Yang, Senior Sister Zhao was looking for you just now."

"I know," Yang Ruoruo waved them off. The two eyed Li Muzhan with curiosity, then reluctantly retreated into the woods and vanished… "Follow me then," Yang Ruoruo said flatly.

Li Muzhan followed her along the narrow path and then down a flagstone walkway, passing through a small courtyard, until they reached a three-story pavilion.

Before the pavilion was an open space where a group of men and women were practicing martial arts. Sword lights flashed, mostly youths, with an occasional two or three middle-aged figures offering guidance.

Li Muzhan glanced over and didn't linger. Their swordsmanship was exquisite, but their mastery lagged far behind Yang Ruoruo’s. No wonder she chose to train on the mountaintop rather than within the valley.

He caught a glimpse of the returning disciples looking curiously towards Yang Ruoruo, but they dared not stare for long. Yang Ruoruo seemed not to notice them, walking straight toward the pavilion as if they were mere air.

Stopping before the main gate, she called out loudly, "Master, I have brought someone from the Sword Sect!"

"Ruoruo?" With a voice clear and sweet, a beautiful woman in white drifted out and stood before the gate, scrutinizing Li Muzhan. "A Sword Sect disciple?"

Li Muzhan appraised the beautiful woman. Her features were deeply etched and refined, her bright eyes sparkling, and her crimson lips alluring; a captivating sensuality underscored her inherent purity.

Li Muzhan clasped his hands and smiled, "Myriad Sacred Sect He Zudao, may I inquire if this is Sect Leader Yao?"

"You really are from the Sword Sect?" The white-clad beauty studied him.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Indeed."

"Are you a reclusive cultivator?" the woman asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head. The white-clad beauty frowned. "If you aren't a recluse, how come I've never heard of you?… He… Zu… Dao. Never heard the name!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Although I am not a recluse, I have been diligently practicing the sword, remaining within the valley."

"It seems you have perfected your swordsmanship!" The white-clad beauty smiled faintly, examining him. "Are you the chief disciple of the Sword Sect?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled, "Sect Leader Yao misunderstands. My aptitude is slow; I practice slower than others, which is why I can now walk the martial world."

"Interesting," the beautiful woman gave a captivating smile. "I appreciate modesty, but your profound cultivation suggests this isn't modesty—it’s deception! ...Very well, please come in."

"Thank you, Sect Leader Yao," Li Muzhan bowed with a smile.

This white-clad beauty was Yao Jiameng, the Sect Leader of the Jade Peak Sect. She appeared to be in her early thirties, yet her deep cultivation was astonishing, even surpassing that of Tang Tianyu… Li Muzhan followed her into the main hall, and his vision instantly brightened. The interior was brighter than the outside. A snow-white carpet seemed too pristine to step upon, and the surrounding furniture was cream-colored—luminous yet softly inviting.

"Young Master He, how is Brother Hu?" Yao Jiameng settled down lazily, her posture elegant and graceful, regarding Li Muzhan with a smiling gaze.

Li Muzhan sensed the curiosity simmering beneath her demeanor and inwardly sighed. It seemed she knew a great deal about the Sword Sect. Why such detailed knowledge? Someone privy to information must have provided intelligence.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Brother Hu is in robust health and excellent spirits, quite well."

"You are Brother Hu's junior martial brother?" Yao Jiameng’s long, slender eyebrows twitched, and she laughed, "My apologies for my discourtesy!"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a slight smile, "It is Senior Brother Hu who holds me in high regard! ...Sect Leader Yao, this place truly possesses outstanding natural splendor, inspiring envy!"

"High praise," Yao Jiameng waved her jade hand, looking towards Yang Ruoruo, who stood quietly and coldly to the side. "Ruoruo, did you exchange blows with Young Master He?"

"Yes, Master. I couldn't withstand even a single move," Yang Ruoruo replied.

"Oh—?" Yao Jiameng appeared surprised, then laughed, "Couldn't withstand even one move?"

Yang Ruoruo nodded expressionlessly.

Yao Jiameng turned to Li Muzhan, "I did not expect Young Master He to be so formidable... Shall we spar a couple of rounds?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "It would be my honor to accept!"

"Young Master He originally intended to challenge me, didn't he?" Yao Jiameng smiled faintly.

Li Muzhan laughed, "I have long admired the reputation of your esteemed sect. Sect Leader Yao is a hero among women. I have longed to meet you and naturally seize this opportunity!"

"Excellent!" Yao Jiameng chuckled lightly. "You Sword Sect disciples are so likable—so straightforward, saying exactly what you think! ...Ruoruo, my sword!"

"Master..." Yang Ruoruo hesitated slightly, then stated coolly, "I shall call for the Grand Master!"

"Little girl, do you believe your Master is certain to lose?" Yao Jiameng snorted in annoyance.

Yang Ruoruo remained calm and expressionless. Biting her lip, she offered no denial, clearly conceding the point.

Yao Jiameng laughed softly. "Young Master He, Ruoruo is immensely proud; she has never held anyone in the world in high regard. Your ability to shatter her confidence is extraordinary!"

Yang Ruoruo said, "Master, I will definitely defeat him!"

"When?" Yao Jiameng asked with a smile.

Yang Ruoruo replied with a cold face and a deep voice, "Not long now!"

Yao Jiameng chuckled. "Perhaps when Young Master He is three or four hundred years old and can barely move?"

"Master!" Yang Ruoruo shot her a look.

Yao Jiameng laughed twice, shaking her head. "Alright, go and summon your Grand Master!"

"Yes!" Yang Ruoruo agreed crisply, turning to leave… Li Muzhan smiled, "For one so young, Miss Yang's level of mastery is rare!"

"You too are young, yet your depth of skill far surpasses hers!" Yao Jiameng chuckled. "You seem old before your time! How old is Young Master He?"

Li Muzhan paused to think, then smiled, "Nearing thirty."

Yao Jiameng clicked her tongue in admiration a couple of times, then shook her head. "Very well. Then let us exchange a couple of moves. How have you progressed with the Sword Canon of your sect?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "The Sword Canon is vast and profound; I have grasped only the surface."

Yao Jiameng smiled faintly. "Anyone hearing that knows it’s untrue—too modest! You are deceiving me. I must test it myself. Receive my palm!"

Her figure flickered, and she instantly appeared before Li Muzhan. Her jade palm sliced out lightly, transforming into a blade chopping downwards, soft and silent, like a lover’s caress.

Li Muzhan lightly tapped her jade wrist with a curved finger. Half of Yao Jiameng’s body immediately went numb, forcing her to step back, staring at him in surprise.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "Sect Leader Yao, please guide me further!"

"Clever boy, again!" Yao Jiameng vanished from her spot and reappeared behind Li Muzhan, her jade palm silently pressing toward his back.

Without turning, Li Muzhan swept his arm backward, as if he had eyes in the back of his head.

Yao Jiameng dodged his finger. Her jade palm moved like a fluttering butterfly, swift and intricate, capable of dazzling the eye and making concentration difficult.

Li Muzhan, however, countered stillness with stillness, executing what seemed like a clumsy single-finger move. While they appeared to be exchanging palm techniques and finger strikes, they were, in essence, battling with the sword, having dissolved the essence of swordsmanship into their palm and finger movements.

In the span of a hundred moves, footsteps sounded. Yao Jiameng drifted back, her bright eyes staring intensely at Li Muzhan. She knew Li Muzhan had been holding back; otherwise, she would have been defeated long ago.

"Master!" She turned, clasped her hands, and smiled sweetly, "The Sword Sect is about to rise again!"

Yang Ruoruo entered behind a middle-aged woman. This woman appeared slightly older than Yao Jiameng, but her eyes held a deep weariness that hinted her true age was greater than her appearance suggested.

"Young Master He, is that correct?" The middle-aged woman smiled at Li Muzhan, her gaze warm and gentle, completely devoid of hostility, which puzzled Li Muzhan. It seemed there were hidden histories between the Sword Sect and the Jade Peak Sect.

Li Muzhan clasped his hands and smiled, "Greetings, Senior Zhong."

He had done his research on the Jade Peak Sect and knew that the middle-aged woman before him was Zhong Qingbi, the previous generation's Sect Leader—a figure known for despising evil, being ruthless, and causing petty villains to flee at the mere mention of her name.

Yet, observing her current demeanor and bearing, there was no trace of ferocity; it was hard to imagine that she had once killed hundreds, striking terror into all who heard of her.

"No need for ceremony," Zhong Qingbi waved her hand and sighed lightly. "I never expected a disciple from the Sword Sect would finally walk the martial world again!"

Li Muzhan smiled slightly, "Senior Zhong is acquainted with Senior Brother Hu?"

"Alas…" Zhong Qingbi shook her head, her gaze gradually becoming distant, as if lost in memory.