Li Muzhan frowned, strode swiftly to the small courtyard nearby, walked straight through the main room into the bedroom, where Lin Shaobai lay on the couch.
His face was the color of golden powder, his expression dim.
Seeing Li Muzhan arrive, he managed a weak smile, "Junior Brother Li..." Li Muzhan moved a stool to sit before the couch, took his wrist, closed his eyes for a moment, then looked up, frowning, "Who struck the blow?" "Senior Brother Zhang," Wu Ren said in a deep voice.
The two young men in blue shirts, one named Wu Ren and the other An Sijian, stood behind Li Muzhan, their faces filled with indignation.
Wu Ren spoke heavily, "Senior Brother Zhang Sitong, Senior Brother Zhang!" Li Muzhan frowned, "What deep feud does Senior Brother Zhang hold against Senior Brother Lin?" "Senior Brother Zhang is an inner disciple!" Wu Ren snorted indignantly, "He fancies Senior Sister Zhu, but Senior Sister Zhu fancies Junior Brother Lin..." Li Muzhan nodded suddenly, so it was a romantic rival; no wonder the attack was so severe.
"I'm fine," Lin Shaobai shook his head, "Just don't tell Senior Sister Zhu." Li Muzhan turned to ask, "Senior Brother Wu, Senior Brother An, doesn't this violate the Pavilion rules?" Both shook their heads.
An Sijian sighed, "When disciples spar, as long as no one is killed, it's fine.
The Pavilion supports this." Li Muzhan nodded, understanding that this was meant to enhance the disciples' sense of urgency, fostering competition and even enmity, which would only spur them toward diligent cultivation and striving for excellence.
If all the disciples were harmonious, they would lose the desire to advance; such is human nature, and one couldn't blame the Tianyuan Pavilion for having such rules.
Wu Ren said, "Junior Brother Lin, I'm afraid Senior Sister Zhu won't be kept in the dark!" Lin Shaobai struck the bed angrily, "He will definitely run to Senior Sister Zhu to stir up trouble, that despicable scoundrel!" "Senior Brother Lin, is this Senior Brother Zhang very skilled in martial arts?" Li Muzhan asked with a frown.
Lin Shaobai sighed helplessly, "His character isn't great, but his martial arts are indeed formidable." Li Muzhan said, "Then I must have a meeting with him." Lin Shaobai quickly waved his hand, "Forget it.
If Senior Sister Zhu finds out, I won't have the face to live.
I must defeat that Zhang fellow with my own ability!" Li Muzhan shook his head dismissively, "Senior Brother Zhang is an inner disciple, Senior Brother Lin, you..." Lin Shaobai retorted, "I'm not a pushover either.
Once my injury heals, I'll enter seclusion to cultivate intensely.
Don't think I can't handle him!
Cough, cough, cough, cough..." His body suddenly convulsed, and he began coughing violently.
Li Muzhan gently pressed his back, and his coughing slowly stopped.
Blood had stained the corner of his mouth.
He wiped it away and said resentfully, "A true gentleman must avenge this wrong!" Li Muzhan advised, "Senior Brother Lin, your injury is severe; you need careful rest.
A gentleman's revenge is not too late in ten years.
Don't rush to think about these things, lest the rising anger injures you further." "I won't die," Lin Shaobai shook his head, "Junior Brother Li, rest assured, I won't be impulsive." Li Muzhan nodded.
As the four were talking, footsteps sounded.
A burly young man entered slowly, hands behind his back, surveying the room from top to bottom.
Only then did he look at the four.
Li Muzhan sized up the man: a sturdy build, an honest appearance, and a square jaw that gave an impression of loyalty and reliability, stirring no ill will.
"You..." Lin Shaobai angrily pointed at the newcomer, "You still dare to come!" "Junior Brother Lin, I came to check on your injury." The newcomer smiled, asking with concern, "It's not serious, is it?" Li Muzhan looked at Wu Ren, who formed shapes with his mouth.
Li Muzhan understood: Zhang Sitong...
You are disappointed, I am not dead!
Lin Shaobai sneered, glaring sharply at Zhang Sitong.
Zhang Sitong smiled and shook his head, "If you really died, I'd be in big trouble.
I say, you aren't that fragile either!" "Are you here to mock me?!" Lin Shaobai snorted coldly.
Zhang Sitong shook his head, "Junior Brother Lin, if you have this little ability to protect yourself, how can you protect anyone?
What woman would choose you?!" "That's none of your concern!" Lin Shaobai said coldly.
Zhang Sitong advised, "In my opinion, Junior Brother Lin, you should honestly bury your head in martial arts practice.
Put everything else aside; don't get distracted and delay your training; that's what truly matters!" "Hmph!" Lin Shaobai said coldly, "I will specifically defy your wishes!" "Junior Brother Lin, don't blame me if you insist on this!" Zhang Sitong frowned, "As a senior brother, I have an obligation to urge my junior brothers in their practice, don't I?" "Cough!" Wu Ren coughed once and said loudly, "Senior Brother Zhang, you are an inner disciple, on what grounds do you manage us outer disciples?" "Junior Brother Wu, you have some nerve!" Zhang Sitong narrowed his eyes, staring at Wu Ren.
Wu Ren felt a flicker of apprehension but steeled himself, his expression unchanged, "Justice resides in the hearts of the people; everything boils down to reason.
Senior Brother Zhang, you are an inner disciple, and we are outer disciples; the well water doesn't interfere with the river water...
Moreover, Senior Brother Zhang, you entered the Pavilion at a young age and cultivated profound internal arts.
To come down and compete with us is simply inviting ridicule.
If you have the guts, go challenge Senior Sister Bai!" "Heh heh, challenge Senior Sister Bai?!" Zhang Sitong laughed and shook his head, "I can't beat Senior Sister Bai; I won't invite needless trouble." An Sijian sneered, "Senior Brother Zhang, you can't beat Senior Sister Bai, so you come to bully us outer disciples.
That's truly admirable!" "What a sharp tongue!" Zhang Sitong surveyed the three and shook his head, "But no matter how sharp the tongue, it cannot overcome a fist.
We martial artists value strength, not eloquence!...
If you are unconvinced, why don't we spar a bit!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Then Senior Brother Zhang, please enlighten me!" "Hm—?" Zhang Sitong looked at Li Muzhan in surprise.
The other three also looked over in surprise.
Lin Shaobai quickly said, "Junior Brother Li, don't let him provoke you!" The other two also spoke, advising him not to be rash.
They all knew that this Zhang Sitong was five years older than He Dassen and had entered the Pavilion eight years earlier, with superior aptitude, ranking as a considerable master even in the inner circle.
Li Muzhan might have defeated He Sen, but he might not defeat Zhang Sitong.
Furthermore, this time was different from the last; Zhang Sitong looked honest, but his attacks were vicious.
If Li Muzhan were truly injured, it would delay important matters.
Li Muzhan waved his hand, staring directly at Zhang Sitong.
Zhang Sitong chuckled, "You are Li Wuji, who defeated Junior Brother He, correct?" Li Muzhan nodded, "Indeed.
Senior Brother Zhang, please enlighten me!" Zhang Sitong smiled and nodded, "It seems Junior Brother Li is highly skilled and audacious.
Very well, I shall oblige you; let's go spar!" "Junior Brother Li!" Lin Shaobai was greatly alarmed.
Li Muzhan laughed, "Senior Brother Lin, please calm down.
I'll be back shortly!" "Be extremely careful..." Lin Shaobai shook his head, feeling moved, knowing this was to recover his honor.
But Zhang Sitong was cunning.
His martial arts were strong, but his mind was stronger; anyone unfamiliar with him would surely suffer a loss when engaging him!
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, stepping out of the bedroom.
He passed through the main room to the center of the courtyard, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked at Zhang Sitong, "Senior Brother Zhang, please!" Wu Ren and An Sijian helped Lin Shaobai out and stood to the side to watch.
Lin Shaobai sneered, "That Zhang fellow, if you use trickery, we will all look down on you!" "Junior Brother Lin, that's an unfair assessment.
When have I ever used trickery?
Deception and reality are inherent parts of martial arts.
If you cannot discern them, whom can you blame?" Zhang Sitong chuckled.
Lin Shaobai gave a disdainful sneer.
Wu Ren cautioned, "Junior Brother Li, be careful of his tricks." Li Muzhan nodded, "Senior Brother Zhang, please begin!" "Good!" Zhang Sitong laughed, "I will make the first move!" He flickered and vanished from his spot, appearing behind Li Muzhan.
A fist projection shot out, aiming for Li Muzhan's back.
The speed was astonishingly fast.
Lin Shaobai gasped, snorted hatefully—this was almost an ambush.
To do this as a senior brother was truly shameless!
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, spinning to throw a punch.
With a dull bang, Lin Shaobai felt a shock resonate by his ear, his blood surging, nearly spitting up more blood.
His vision blurred, but it cleared momentarily.
When he looked again, Zhang Sitong was clutching his chest, staring at Li Muzhan in disbelief.
Li Muzhan cupped his fist and smiled, "Senior Brother Zhang, I yield!" "You..." As Zhang Sitong opened his mouth, a spurt of blood shot out with a pu, and his body swayed precariously, almost falling.
Wu Ren and An Sijian watched coldly, utterly still, wishing he would fall to the ground.
Unfortunately, Zhang Sitong managed to steady himself.
His face looked as if coated in golden powder, and his eyes instantly dimmed.
This mouthful of blood seemed to have drained his vital energy and spirit; the entire man instantly became frail and weak.
"Good!
Good!" Zhang Sitong gave a cold laugh, staring hard at Li Muzhan and nodding forcefully, "I have truly been educated.
I didn't expect Junior Brother Li to have such cultivation!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Does Senior Brother Zhang wish to offer a few more pointers?" Zhang Sitong cast a cold glance at Lin Shaobai, "Junior Brother Lin has such a strong ally; it is truly cause for celebration.
But alas, no matter how strong a friend is, they are not yourself.
Junior Brother Li cannot stay with you forever!" Lin Shaobai sneered, "That's none of your concern, Senior Brother Zhang!" "Very well, I take my leave!" Zhang Sitong sneered, cupped his fists, and walked slowly out of the courtyard.
Wu Ren and An Sijian immediately cheered, roaring with laughter.
They applauded and shouted praise, "Seeing that Zhang fellow in such a sorry state is truly exhilarating!" Lin Shaobai also burst into hearty laughter, but he quickly restrained his smile, "Junior Brother Li, you must be more careful in the future.
That Zhang fellow is a complete villain!" Li Muzhan laughed, "I know..." As the four were chatting, footsteps sounded, and a red shadow flashed—it was Zhu Ling arriving.
"Senior...
Senior Sister Zhu." Lin Shaobai immediately suppressed his smile, his face flushing.
Zhu Ling ignored Li Muzhan and the other two, staring straight at Lin Shaobai, sizing him up from head to toe, "Your injury isn't serious, is it?" Lin Shaobai quickly shook his head, "Just a minor injury; it will be fine after a few days of rest." "Really?" Zhu Ling snorted, moved closer, reached out, grabbed his wrist, checked it briefly, and snorted again, "Such a serious injury, you'll need a month to recover!" She pulled out a jade bottle from her bosom; it shimmered with a greenish glow, seemingly circulating light.
She poured out a snow-white pill and pressed it directly into Lin Shaobai's mouth.
Lin Shaobai froze; the pill had already melted into a pure fragrance entering his stomach.
"Senior Sister...?" Lin Shaobai looked at her quizzically.
Zhu Ling declared, "This is a Five Spirit Pill.
Take this, and you'll be healed in three days!" Lin Shaobai felt somewhat awkward, "Senior Sister..." Zhu Ling waved her hand dismissively, "Enough chatter!
If you healed on your own, not only would you waste time, but if any hidden injuries remained, they could cause future complications and hinder your cultivation progress!" Lin Shaobai shook his head helplessly.
This was the difference between inner and outer disciples.
She possessed this Five Spirit Pill; outer disciples would need merit points to exchange for such things.
Moreover, the Five Spirit Pill was a superior elixir requiring massive merit.
If outer disciples gained merit, they would use it for martial arts manuals or techniques; how could they waste it on pills!
Thinking of this, he felt indignant and snorted, "As expected of an inner disciple!" Zhu Ling's round, delicate face darkened, her curved eyebrows shot up, and she slapped him, "You ungrateful wretch!" Lin Shaobai stumbled, nearly falling over.
"Senior Sister Zhu!" Wu Ren called out quickly.
Zhu Ling turned and glared at him, "What are you shouting about!
...
Relax, he won't die from that!" Lin Shaobai straightened up and let out a breath.
The slap looked heavy, but it carried no real force; instead, it channeled some inner energy, helping to activate the pill's efficacy.
Zhu Ling snorted, "Senior Brother Zhang bullied you, didn't he?" Lin Shaobai quickly admitted, "He used foul play; of course, I wasn't his match!" "Hmph, Senior Brother Zhang could beat you even without foul play!" Zhu Ling said irritably, "You weren't focusing on your training, and now you've been provoked, haven't you?" Lin Shaobai sneered, "He harbored ill intentions." "What ill intentions?" Zhu Ling asked.
Lin Shaobai sneered, "You don't know?" Zhu Ling widened her bright apricot eyes, a faint anger mixed with teasing, "What do I know?!" Lin Shaobai turned his head away.
Seeing this, Li Muzhan gestured to Wu Ren and An Sijian to leave, but Zhu Ling noticed.
She snorted, "Junior Brother Li, didn't you teach Senior Brother Zhang a lesson?" Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, realizing he was being unfairly blamed.
Wu Ren said smugly, "Senior Sister Zhu, you've misunderstood Junior Brother Li.
Just now, Junior Brother Li taught Senior Brother Zhang a harsh lesson!" "Oh—?" Zhu Ling's bright eyes lit up.
Li Muzhan waved his hand, smiling, "It was nothing; he went too far, and I couldn't stand it." An Sijian said solemnly, "He injured Junior Brother Lin and then came to flaunt his power; that was truly dishonorable.
Anyone watching would be angry!" Lin Shaobai looked somewhat embarrassed.
Zhu Ling coldly laughed, "Who is to blame for that?
Only blame yourselves for having low skill; otherwise, would he dare to be so presumptuous?" Lin Shaobai's face immediately fell, "Senior Sister Zhu, since our martial arts are low, we aren't worthy of your concern.
Please excuse yourself!" Zhu Ling's face instantly tightened, and she snorted, "You are such a dog-stubborn person!
...
Junior Brother Li, how did you teach Senior Brother Zhang a lesson?" Li Muzhan smiled slightly, "One punch did it." "You didn't injure him seriously?" Zhu Ling sounded displeased.
Li Muzhan laughed, "He'll probably need a few days to recover." Zhu Ling pouted in dissatisfaction, "Hmph, he got off too easily.
If it were me, I would have him bedridden for at least half a year!" Li Muzhan chuckled, "It depends on what he does.
If he tries to circulate his internal energy to heal, he will suffer a bit." "Interesting," Zhu Ling revealed a smile, "What trick did you use?" Li Muzhan explained, "Nothing much, just left a few pockets of latent force inside him.
Once he circulates his energy to heal, they will all activate simultaneously; that will keep him busy." "There's such a method?" Zhu Ling asked curiously.
Li Muzhan smiled, "Some obscure external arts, hardly worth mentioning.
How is Senior Sister Bai?" Zhu Ling immediately pursed her lips and smiled, "Senior Sister Bai praised you highly, saying you are a rare genius in the Way of the Sword." Li Muzhan replied humbly, "I dare not accept that." "Senior Sister Bai never praises people easily.
For her to praise you this time means you truly possess some ability," Zhu Ling waved her hand, examining him up and down, "When can you master the Twelve Swords?" Li Muzhan thought for a moment, "Give me a month, and I can master one sword form." "One form a month?" Zhu Ling laughed, "Very well, I will tell Senior Sister Bai.
If you truly master one form in a month, then you are indeed a genius...
I will have Senior Sister Bai issue an order so that no one disturbs your practice." Li Muzhan cupped his fists and smiled, "Thank you, Senior Sister Zhu." He indeed wished to enter seclusion to contemplate the Tianyuan Twelve Swords.
These twelve sword forms were profound and unfathomable; the more he studied them, the more mysteries he uncovered, overturning his initial impressions.
These twelve sword techniques were each a distinct sword intent, infinitely nuanced, much like his own Void-Piercing Sword Intent.
He vaguely felt he needed to examine them carefully.
However, as an outer disciple, he needed to accumulate merit and occasionally carry out assigned tasks; he couldn't simply stay put and cultivate.
Bai Mingqiu, as the most outstanding master among inner disciples, held a different status and her words carried weight.
If she could facilitate his desire to quietly focus on practice, that would be ideal.
Zhu Ling kept her word.
After she returned, news did arrive: as a newly initiated disciple, he needed some time to adapt and was temporarily excused from duties.
Time flowed like water during his comprehension of the sword forms, seeming to pass in the blink of an eye—seven days had gone by.
One clear morning, he left his small courtyard and walked upward until he reached another small courtyard.
He knocked on the gate.
"Who is it?" Zhang Sitong's deep voice came from inside.
Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Brother Zhang, it's me, Li Wuji." "Junior Brother Li?!" The gate was pulled open, and Zhang Sitong frowned, staring at him, "Why are you here?" Li Muzhan smiled gently, "I came to check on you, Senior Brother.
Your injury has healed, hasn't it?" "Almost," Zhang Sitong hummed deeply.
Li Muzhan smiled, "Then I am relieved.
My previous action was heavy-handed, injuring Senior Brother Zhang; I have been uneasy about it." "Sparring in martial arts is common; it's nothing," Zhang Sitong said lightly.
Li Muzhan glanced into the courtyard, "Senior Brother Zhang, look, should we go inside to talk?" Zhang Sitong hesitated, then snorted, "Come in then!" After they entered the courtyard, Zhang Sitong had no intention of inviting him indoors and stood in the center of the yard, saying sternly, "Speak plainly, what is the purpose of your visit?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Last time I sought guidance from Senior Brother Zhang, we didn't even exchange a single move; I am itching for a fight.
Now that Senior Brother Zhang's injury is healed, I wish to seek your guidance again!" Zhang Sitong's face darkened, and he snorted, "No need!" Li Muzhan laughed, "Could it be that Senior Brother Zhang is afraid?
Rest assured, this time I will be mindful of my strength; you won't suffer such a severe injury again!" "You, Li, are you threatening me?" Zhang Sitong sneered.
Li Muzhan looked at him with feigned confusion, "What makes Senior Brother Zhang say that?!
...
I genuinely wish to witness the true skills of us inner disciples." Zhang Sitong pondered for a moment, then sneered coldly, "Li, I admit defeat; there's no need for a match!" He seethed inwardly, realizing Li Muzhan was preemptively striking, challenging him first to scare him away before he could cause trouble!
RQ