Li Muzhan learned her name was Zhu Ling. She was a standout among the inner disciples, young and female, yet possessing martial prowess that far surpassed He Sen.
Trailing behind her was a woman in violet, her face like white jade, lips stained crimson—a figure of overwhelming beauty whose cold, sharp radiance deterred direct gazes.
The vexation on Lin Shaobai’s handsome face instantly shifted to shock. He stammered, “Se-Senior Sister Bai?”
The violet-clad woman glanced at him briefly, a fleeting look that quickly settled on Li Muzhan, seeming to pierce right through him to his very core.
Li Muzhan offered a faint smile, cupped his hands in greeting, and remained silent.
Lin Shaobai finally snapped back to awareness, glaring at Zhu Ling and demanding, “Senior Sister Zhu, what is the meaning of this!”
Zhu Ling let out a cold laugh. “Lin, didn't you just boast that the outer disciples were better than the inner ones by a notch!”
Lin Shaobai glanced nervously at the violet-clad woman, his assertiveness deflating. He forced himself to speak, “Junior Brother Li defeated Senior Brother He to enter our Tianyuan Pavilion!”
“Nonsense!” Zhu Ling sneered, casting a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan. “Him? Defeating Senior Brother He? Hmph, hmph…”
The violet-clad woman merely raised a hand, instantly silencing Zhu Ling, who turned to look at her.
The woman’s bright eyes drifted slowly, their light flowing like water, a mixture of detachment and icy allure potent enough to make any man feel inadequate.
She spoke, her voice carrying a slight rasp, cold yet undeniably magnetic. “You are Li Wuji, Junior Brother Li, correct?”
Li Muzhan’s heart gave a sudden thump. He smiled faintly. “I am Li Wuji. May I ask who Senior Sister is…?”
Lin Shaobai quickly interjected, “Junior Brother Li, this is Senior Sister Bai Mingqiu!”
“So it is Senior Sister Bai,” Li Muzhan acknowledged with a slight nod, meeting her gaze with a steady smile. “Senior Sister Bai’s esteemed visit—what counsel do you bring?”
The violet-clad woman frowned slightly. No man, regardless of age, had ever maintained such composure and boldness under her scrutiny. Li Wuji was clearly no ordinary figure.
“I have heard,” Bai Mingqiu stated plainly, “that Junior Brother He was defeated by your hand.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Brother He’s cultivation is formidable; I was fortunate enough to win by a mere fraction. It amounts to nothing.”
Bai Mingqiu’s bright eyes moved, flicking toward Lin Shaobai. “Junior Brother Lin, you hold our inner disciples in low regard, do you not?”
Lin Shaobai’s face shifted slightly, embarrassment coloring his features. He chuckled weakly and mumbled something, unable to form a complete sentence.
Li Muzhan shook his head. This Senior Brother Lin seemed terrified of Senior Sister Bai. He looked like a man walking on eggshells, fearing for his very life.
Zhu Ling was still glaring at him, looking as though she wanted to devour him whole.
Bai Mingqiu turned her gaze back to Li Muzhan. “Senior Brother He mentioned that your cultivation far exceeds his own—a rare genius.”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. “Senior Brother He is too complimentary.”
Bai Mingqiu continued, “I hear you hail from the Dong Manor?”
Li Muzhan nodded. Bai Mingqiu followed up, “That would make you rivals with the He family?”
Li Muzhan laughed lightly. “It’s nothing significant. The two families have no major feud, just minor skirmishes over territory.”
Bai Mingqiu’s expression didn't change. “As sworn enemies, for him to say that is truly rare. Junior Brother Li, let us spar!”
Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands, laughing. “I dare not, I dare not.”
Bai Mingqiu’s brow furrowed, her jade-like face growing sterner. “What? Do you find me unworthy of being your opponent?”
Li Muzhan gave a wry shake of his head, then shot a look at Lin Shaobai, who hurriedly chimed in with a nervous laugh, “Senior Sister Bai, please spare Junior Brother Li’s life!”
Bai Mingqiu narrowed her eyes at him. Lin Shaobai rushed on, “While Junior Brother Li has some real skill, compared to Senior Sister Bai, it’s like a tiny star next to the bright moon!”
Bai Mingqiu looked at Zhu Ling. “Xiao Ling, your judgment is poor!”
Zhu Ling shot a venomous look at Lin Shaobai. “Xiao Bai, what are you doing!… What kind of person do you take Senior Sister Bai for, that you think she would strike lethally?”
Lin Shaobai stammered, “Senior Sister Zhu, it’s not that I fear Senior Sister Bai being ruthless, it’s that everyone else will come calling! If anyone finds out Junior Brother Li fought Senior Sister Bai, how can he possibly live on!?”
Zhu Ling pursed her lips and laughed, humming, “You men, you’re all such masochists!”
She was well aware of Senior Sister Bai’s influence. Though aloof and cold, ignoring everyone, she captivated every male disciple who crossed her path. Bai’s strikes were vicious, so no one dared provoke her. Anyone who could exchange words with her and retreat unscathed would enjoy a period of glory.
Lin Shaobai grimaced. “Senior Sister Zhu, please persuade Senior Sister Bai; just spare Junior Brother Li’s small life!”
“Hmph, embarrassing yourselves!” Zhu Ling pouted, glancing sideways at Li Muzhan. “Junior Brother Li, can you really defeat Senior Brother He?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “It was sheer luck.”
“Hmph, you’re infuriating, acting like it was some trivial matter!” Zhu Ling pouted and huffed. “So arrogant!”
Li Muzhan simply smiled and stayed silent.
Lin Shaobai forced a pleasant expression. “Senior Sister Bai, Junior Brother Li just entered the sect; he hasn't learned any profound martial arts yet. How could he possibly be your match? Right?… Furthermore, even if Senior Sister Bai wins, it wouldn't be a fair victory, would it?”
“Oh, Xiao Bai, you’re getting quite bold!” Zhu Ling huffed, her bright eyes glaring. “As if this lad, once he learns our sect’s martial arts, could match Senior Sister Bai!”
“That’s not necessarily true!” Lin Shaobai retorted proudly. “Senior Sister Zhu, Junior Brother Li is a true prodigy. If he learns our most supreme techniques, he can definitely defeat Senior Sister Bai!”
“Boasting again!” Zhu Ling sneered, casting a look aside. “Him?!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Brother Lin, that is too absolute. Senior Sister Bai’s cultivation is profound and unpredictable; I might not be her match!”
Lin Shaobai winked at him subtly, and Li Muzhan smiled, saying no more.
Bai Mingqiu’s jade face remained placid, as if she had heard nothing and seen nothing, yet she absorbed everything. She spoke calmly, “Xiao Ling, you…”
Zhu Ling shot Lin Shaobai a look of reproach. “That clumsy provocation tactic is painful to listen to!”
Lin Shaobai jutted his neck out stubbornly. “What provocation? I’m speaking the truth. Junior Brother Li is indeed a prodigy. If he truly masters our sect’s ultimate internal arts, he absolutely can beat Senior Sister Bai!”
“And if he cannot?” Bai Mingqiu asked mildly.
“This…” Lin Shaobai choked on his words.
Zhu Ling quickly signaled him, chastising, “All you do is brag!… Senior Sister Bai, pay no mind to his nonsense. Let’s go, leave them be!”
Bai Mingqiu glanced at her impassively, her bright eyes seeming to smile without a smile. Zhu Ling immediately flushed and snapped, “Xiao Bai, stop jabbering. Get out of the way!”
Lin Shaobai stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Li Muzhan. “Senior Sister Zhu, Senior Sister Bai, if Junior Brother Li learns the supreme internal arts and still cannot defeat Senior Sister Bai, I will willingly do one thing for Senior Sister Bai!”
Bai Mingqiu said mildly, “No need to trouble yourself.”
Zhu Ling glared at him and scoffed, “Who needs you? With your measly three-legged cat skills, what could you possibly do for Senior Sister Bai?!”
Li Muzhan smiled gently. “Add me to it. If I am defeated, I too will do one thing for Senior Sister Bai.”
Bai Mingqiu smiled faintly and held up three fingers. “Three things!”
Li Muzhan readily agreed. “Agreed. Three things!”
Bai Mingqiu asked, “What internal art do you wish to learn?”
Li Muzhan turned to Lin Shaobai. Lin Shaobai pondered for a moment. “Internal arts take time to master. Let’s go with swordplay instead!”
Li Muzhan nodded. Lin Shaobai continued, “The Twelve Swords of Tianyuan are our sect’s guardian technique. Senior Sister Bai has mastered them, right?”
Bai Mingqiu gave a faint smile. Zhu Ling chided, “Such arrogance, wanting to learn the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan immediately!… Xiao Bai, are you insane? Without the proper foundation, how can he learn the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan?!”
Lin Shaobai snorted. “I don't think so!”
Zhu Ling turned to Li Muzhan. “Junior Brother Li, pay no mind to Xiao Bai’s nonsense. The Twelve Swords of Tianyuan are our sect’s ultimate technique; they are powerful, but profoundly obscure and difficult to learn. One must master all preceding sword forms first. Currently, besides Senior Sister Bai, no one has mastered them. Do you really want to learn?”
Li Muzhan laughed. “It would be a shame not to learn such a sword technique!”
“Hmph, think you can learn it?!” Zhu Ling pouted and scoffed, eyeing him askance.
Li Muzhan turned to Bai Mingqiu. “Senior Sister Bai, privately teaching swordplay doesn't violate sect rules, does it?”
“Violating them once is fine,” Bai Mingqiu stated calmly.
Zhu Ling sniffed. “Senior Sister Bai is proficient in the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan. If she teaches you, since you are an outer disciple, it counts as breaking the rules, and you’ll have to face the Wall of Tianyuan for a year of contemplation!”
Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Then never mind. I truly cannot bear to have Senior Sister Bai suffer punishment!”
Bai Mingqiu waved it off. “It’s nothing; I’ll consider it secluded cultivation!”
Zhu Ling looked at her expression and knew Senior Sister Bai truly didn't care. She turned and glared at Li Muzhan. “Junior Brother Li, don’t worry, you won’t be punished!”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. Zhu Ling huffed, “Are you scared?”
Li Muzhan looked helpless, and Lin Shaobai frowned and grunted, “Senior Sister Zhu, don’t look down on people!”
“I look down on you all!” Zhu Ling pouted and huffed.
Lin Shaobai’s face darkened. “Senior Sister Zhu, even though we are less favored, we are no worse than you inner disciples. If we could have cultivated since childhood, if we could choose whatever internal arts we liked, we would have surpassed you long ago!”
“Empty talk!” Zhu Ling sneered coldly. “Lies!”
Lin Shaobai grunted. “I know, you just despise us and think you inner disciples are superior. I refuse to believe it!” He turned and shouted, “Junior Brother Li, you must bring honor to us outer disciples!”
Bai Mingqiu glanced at him. “Who is strong and who is weak isn't decided by shouting. Shouting louder won't help. Junior Brother Li, stop wasting time!”
Li Muzhan sighed, looking resigned. “I have only one request!”
“Speak!” Bai Mingqiu said coolly.
Li Muzhan stated, “This matter must be kept secret. Not a fifth person must know!”
“Fine.” Bai Mingqiu looked at Zhu Ling, who patted her full chest. “Relax, I won’t tell anyone!”
Li Muzhan turned to Lin Shaobai, who hesitated, then grunted, “If we don't tell, we don't tell!” He privately thought: if he actually won against Senior Sister Bai, hiding it from everyone—wouldn't that be like succeeding without recognition?
But seeing the expressions of the other three, he had to reluctantly agree. A hundred percent unwilling, but helpless, since this was Junior Brother Li’s own proposal. A knot tightened in his stomach: perhaps Junior Brother Li wasn't absolutely confident? He looked at Li Muzhan, then at Bai Mingqiu, his heart hanging in suspense.
Seeing his nervousness, Zhu Ling said irritably, “Don’t worry. Even if you lose, Senior Sister Bai won't bother commanding you to do anything. However, you have to do one thing for me!”
“What thing?!” Lin Shaobai huffed.
Zhu Ling giggled. “I’ll tell you when I think of it!”
Lin Shaobai took a deep breath and grunted, “A man’s word is his bond; no problem!”
“Very well, then you just wait!” She looked triumphantly at Bai Mingqiu and Li Muzhan, then cast a sympathetic glance at Li Muzhan. She had seen the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan; they were notoriously difficult. Every stance was awkward, and trying to force the practice would lead to self-injury. For a newcomer like him to attempt the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan was sheer folly, like an egg hitting a rock. There was no good end to crossing swords with Senior Sister Bai… “Come. I will teach you the sword forms!” Bai Mingqiu, hands clasped behind her back, walked out of the small courtyard and headed toward Li Muzhan’s yard. Lin Shaobai and Zhu Ling knew better than to follow.
Bai Mingqiu walked slowly, hands behind her back, radiating an aura of cold, proud detachment. As she approached the gate of Li Muzhan’s small courtyard, the door opened automatically, and she stepped inside.
Li Muzhan followed her into his yard. Bai Mingqiu walked to the center, extended a hand, and a long sword flew from the nearby weapon rack into her delicate grasp.
Bai Mingqiu explained, “The Twelve Swords of Tianyuan are most profound in how the form drives the internal methods. They don't require internal energy to command; form and spirit become one.”
Li Muzhan nodded. So this sword technique was also an internal art; practicing the sword was practicing Qi. Such sword arts were masterpieces of subtlety and should not be underestimated.
Bai Mingqiu lowered her head to examine the Qingfeng Sword. Her left index and middle fingers lightly stroked the blade, causing a shimmer of light to appear, illuminating her jade face and bright eyes. Her radiance intensified, making her impossible to look at directly.
Bai Mingqiu looked up. “However, this sword technique requires reversing the body’s blood and Qi flow, making it extremely difficult to cultivate. Watch closely!”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands. “Senior Sister Bai, please!”
“Hidden Dragon Stance!” Bai Mingqiu commanded sharply. She lowered her body, and the sword transformed into a shimmering silver ribbon, coiling like a majestic dragon.
Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes. Bai Mingqiu seemed to vanish; only a colossal silver dragon remained before him, moving slowly with immense power.
“Fish Leap Stance.” Bai Mingqiu called out again, and the sword form shifted abruptly, resembling a carp fighting furiously in rapids, swimming upstream until it leaped into the air in a dazzling display.
“Soaring Eagle Stance!” Bai Mingqiu roared, and the sword form changed again.
Subsequently, Bai Mingqiu sequentially demonstrated Crane Dance Stance, Roaming Dragon Stance, White Cloud Stance, Flowing Water Stance… a total of twelve forms, completed in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Though called twelve forms, they were each distinct, like twelve separate sword techniques. Every stance was seamlessly integrated yet utterly different from the next in intent and movement.
As Bai Mingqiu finished her demonstration, a misty vapor rose around her face, softening her peerlessly beautiful features as if she were veiled in white gauze. “…How was it, Junior Brother Li, did you understand?” Bai Mingqiu held her sword steady, waiting a long moment before returning it to its sheath, letting out a long breath as she looked up at Li Muzhan.
The misty vapor gradually retreated into her skin, leaving her face smoother and more luminous, like polished white jade, an inner glow flowing beneath the surface.
Li Muzhan spoke slowly, “A fine set of the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan. Truly exquisite!”
“I will perform it again!” Bai Mingqiu said. “These Twelve Swords have no secret tricks; the stance is paramount. A hair’s breadth off means a thousand miles astray. More crucially, every person’s body is different. When learning this set, subtle adjustments must be made based on the individual. Others cannot help you; you must rely on yourself!… Even if you imitate my movements perfectly, it will be useless!”
Li Muzhan nodded slowly. “Yes, I understand.”
“Very well, I will demonstrate once more.” Bai Mingqiu stated.
Her expression was blank, her tone indifferent, showing no impatience or mockery, as if performing a routine task.
Li Muzhan had, in fact, memorized it after the first viewing, etching it into his mind, playing it back repeatedly, mastering nearly all twelve forms. As his comprehension of sword techniques deepened, learning them became easier. He typically only needed one viewing to remember a common sword form; usually, when observing, he would immediately find the method to break it, making memorization unnecessary.
Bai Mingqiu performed the set again, this time slower, ensuring Li Muzhan could clearly perceive every move. Li Muzhan nodded occasionally.
After a while, Bai Mingqiu sheathed her sword and looked at him.
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “That’s about it. I’ll practice once and ask Senior Sister Bai for pointers.”
Bai Mingqiu tossed the sword to him. Li Muzhan caught it, sensing the warmth and faint fragrance from the hilt, silently praising it before slowly raising his blade.
Bai Mingqiu frowned, watching Li Muzhan execute the forms one by one. They were flawless. Her expression changed slightly. She had never imagined anyone could learn the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan after seeing it only twice.
When Li Muzhan returned the sword, Bai Mingqiu said coolly, “Have you studied the Twelve Forms of Tianyuan before?”
Li Muzhan shook his head.
“Then have you watched someone else practice them?” Bai Mingqiu pressed.
Li Muzhan shook his head again.
Bai Mingqiu sighed. Everyone’s Twelve Swords of Tianyuan were unique. The version he performed was identical to hers, showing no trace of anyone else—clearly his first time witnessing it.
“Truly a martial prodigy!” Bai Mingqiu stated softly. “Then for the remaining time, you need to ponder and find your own version of the sword forms. How long will that take?”
Li Muzhan considered for a moment. “Give me a month.”
“Good.” Bai Mingqiu nodded. “There’s no rush. If one month isn’t enough, keep practicing. You have up to a year.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Thank you, Senior Sister Bai.”
Bai Mingqiu replied, “I also want to see what true abilities you possess.”
With that, she turned and left the small courtyard. Li Muzhan did not follow, immersing himself in the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan.
Moments later, Lin Shaobai rushed over. “Junior Brother Li!”
Li Muzhan looked up at him. Lin Shaobai asked eagerly, “Senior Sister Bai really taught you the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan?”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. “I believe so.”
Lin Shaobai chuckled delightedly. “I never expected Senior Sister Bai to be so generous as to teach you the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Thank you, Senior Brother Lin!”
Lin Shaobai beamed proudly. “It was nothing, just a little ploy!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “If I lose to Senior Sister Bai, I’m afraid she won't let us off lightly!”
The pride vanished from Lin Shaobai’s face, replaced by a wry smile. “Senior Sister Bai is too clever to miss my scheme… Alas, I truly hope Junior Brother Li can make us proud!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I will do my best.”
“Hehe, even if you lose, it’s fine!” Lin Shaobai said smugly. “Gaining the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan is worth it!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Brother Lin wants to learn this sword art, doesn’t he?”
“Forget it,” Lin Shaobai waved his hand dismissively. “If even Senior Sister Zhu couldn’t learn it, how could I?”
Li Muzhan understood immediately: Zhu Ling had tried to teach Lin Shaobai the Twelve Swords of Tianyuan, but he couldn't grasp it. This surprised Li Muzhan; he had assumed Lin Shaobai’s main goal was securing the technique for himself, not truly fighting for the outer disciples.
Lin Shaobai said resentfully, “Junior Brother Li, if you can truly learn the twelve forms, we outer disciples can finally hold our heads high. See if they dare bully us then!”
Li Muzhan suddenly realized.
Lin Shaobai stopped bothering him, leaving him to cultivate in seclusion. The next morning, as Li Muzhan was practicing, he heard hurried footsteps stop outside his door, followed by a knock.
Li Muzhan went to open the door and saw two young men in blue robes—the same pair who had escorted him back previously, one named Wu and the other An.
“Senior Brother Wu, Senior Brother An?” Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled.
Their faces were grim. They shook their heads. “Junior Brother Li, you need to come see. Senior Brother Lin was beaten!”