Li Muzhan chuckled, "Master, I'm not entirely reckless." Long Jingyue tilted her head, observing him, "The Qinghe Sword Sect is being so high and mighty; can you truly tolerate it?" Li Muzhan replied, "They are tyrannical and unreasonable; being purely yielding won't work.
We need to show some backbone.
I'll deal with them first, and then Master can step in to smooth things over." "The Qinghe Sword Sect isn't the Divine Fist Sect!" Long Jingyue countered.
Li Muzhan grinned, "I've had some recent breakthroughs and feel like trying my hand." His understanding of the Soul Transformation Palm deepened, allowing him to infuse it into his sword and fingers, significantly boosting his power.
He was itching for a contest with the Qinghe Sword Sect.
"Really?" Long Jingyue sounded unconvinced.
Li Muzhan smiled slyly, "Master, shall we spar a bit?" Long Jingyue rose, "Very well, let's have a quick exchange." They didn't leave the main hall, immediately assuming their stances, drawing their swords in unison.
Bai Mingqiu stood to the side, observing them.
The last time Li Muzhan helped heal her, her internal energy cultivation had soared, but the stronger she became, the more acutely she sensed the formidable power emanating from both of them.
Fortunately, both were guided by the heritage of huā; otherwise, she would have been truly ashamed.
"Clang..." Two silver huā bloomed, colliding with a clear chime.
Then, they separated, returning their swords to their scabbards.
Li Muzhan smiled, "Master, what do you think?" Long Jingyue snorted, "Wily boy, you actually have some skill!" Alright, go try them, but don't cause too much trouble!" Li Muzhan laughed, "Master, the bigger the stir I make, the more wary they will be!" Long Jingyue frowned and glared at him, "Don't underestimate the Qinghe Sword Sect; they have plenty of masters.
If they truly decided to get ruthless, they would certainly kill you first!" Li Muzhan said, "That would be ideal; if they can't kill me, they won't dare touch the Tianyuan Pavilion." "You..." Long Jingyue shook her head, "Fine, handle it as you see fit.
At worst, it will just be a fight; we have Tianyuan, they can't do much against us!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Master is wise!" "Now scram, have Qiu'er accompany you!" Long Jingyue waved him off.
Li Muzhan responded, "Yes, I'll trouble Senior Sister." Bai Mingqiu shot him a look, then turned and walked toward the exit, "Let me brief you; we are heading to Dongyang City." The two left the grand hall directly.
Bai Mingqiu turned to him, "Are you really planning to clash with them?" She had personally witnessed the might of the Qinghe Sword Sect; they were truly unfathomably strong.
Although her junior brother was powerful, he had nearly lost his life last time.
She did not fear death, but she could not bear for Li Muzhan to suffer any serious harm.
Li Muzhan smiled, "Senior Sister, I value my life and won't rush to my death." "As long as you are confident, that's good," Bai Mingqiu nodded slightly.
They moved swiftly and soon arrived at Dongyang City.
Li Muzhan deliberately avoided checking on Dong Wanyi in the Tianyuan Pavilion; he didn't want any distractions.
Entering a small courtyard in Dongyang City, they found four young men inside.
Li Muzhan recognized them as two inner disciples and two outer disciples.
Upon seeing Bai Mingqiu, they hurriedly bowed in greeting.
Bai Mingqiu's expression was cool as she waved a hand and entered the courtyard.
Li Muzhan followed casually.
Sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, Bai Mingqiu asked, "Junior Brother, when will you go see them?" Li Muzhan said, "Let's send someone to invite them." Bai Mingqiu shook her head, "They won't come; these fellows have massive egos." Li Muzhan replied, "Then we'll go to them." Bai Mingqiu pondered, "Junior Brother, do you intend to strike immediately?" Li Muzhan grinned, "If we can fight, we fight.
Senior Sister, you act according to the situation." "Understood," Bai Mingqiu acknowledged.
Li Muzhan surveyed the four men and said gently, "Senior Sister, since they dared to come to Dongyang City, they must have some backing.
Four Senior Brothers should return first." "That's wise," Bai Mingqiu agreed, turning to the four, "You four move out immediately and return to the Pavilion from Dongyang City." "Senior Sister Bai, even if we aren't capable, we can at least cheer from the sidelines," one handsome young man urged.
Bai Mingqiu frowned, "Junior Brother Hu, the Qinghe Sword Sect is ruthless and dares to kill.
Leave at once; do not delay!" "Senior Sister Bai..." The handsome young man was still unconvinced.
Bai Mingqiu's face darkened, and she huffed, "Is my word no longer valid?" The handsome young man glanced at Li Muzhan, then reluctantly nodded, "Yes, we will obey!" "Hurry up!" Bai Mingqiu waved her hand dismissively.
The four left the small courtyard without packing anything, leaving only the two of them.
Li Muzhan smiled, "The people from our Tianyuan Pavilion have decent courage." Bai Mingqiu shook her head dismissively, "The incident with the Divine Fist Sect gave them a boost of confidence, making them think too highly of themselves!" Li Muzhan commented, "Having that fighting spirit is certainly better than not having it." Bai Mingqiu sighed, "I just worry they lack staying power and will collapse at the first setback." Li Muzhan laughed, "One step at a time.
You, the future Pavilion Master, have a long and arduous road ahead!" "I know!" Bai Mingqiu shot him a look, "Let's eat first; I'll prepare something." She knew Li Muzhan intended to wait until the four disciples were far enough away before stirring up trouble with the Qinghe Sword Sect, to prevent the four from being intercepted.
"That would be perfect!" Li Muzhan was instantly delighted.
Bai Mingqiu's culinary skills were also exceptional.
She was highly talented; when Li Muzhan first joined the Tianyuan Pavilion, her cooking was merely average, as she rarely cooked.
Later, her skills soared, and her current cuisine was top-tier, far surpassing the progress in her martial arts.
After breakfast, the two headed west of the city to a large mansion.
Bai Mingqiu remarked, "This place was bought by the Mu family a while ago; they want to establish a foothold in Dongyang City." Li Muzhan smiled, "We'll see what they're made of then." As they approached, the two youths standing beside the stone lions stepped forward, hands resting on their sword hilts, glaring fiercely and coldly at Bai Mingqiu.
Li Muzhan stated calmly, "Please pass a message: Bai Mingqiu of the Tianyuan Pavilion and Li Wuji wish to see someone from the Qinghe Sword Sect." "Wait!" one youth grunted rudely and turned to enter the main gate.
He soon emerged, saying coldly, "Master Li permits you to enter!" Li Muzhan frowned, then smiled, and stepped through the main gate with Bai Mingqiu.
They were met by a Pine and Crane screen; turning past it was a quiet, secluded path lined with flower beds on both sides.
Li Muzhan commented, "A fine spot; it's a shame it fell into the hands of the Mu family." "Affecting refinement," Bai Mingqiu scoffed.
There were few people in the courtyard, almost unguarded.
Two youths stood before the main hall, clad in emerald green tight-fitting garments, their gazes sharp, fixed intently on Li Muzhan and Bai Mingqiu.
Li Muzhan spoke slowly, "Is this the hospitality of the Qinghe Sword Sect?" His voice was measured yet coherent, carrying throughout not just the mansion but nearly half of Dongyang City.
Five figures immediately emerged from the hall.
The one leading was an elegant middle-aged man with a face like fine jade, his long, clear beard flowing beneath his chin, possessing a dashing yet gentle demeanor that instantly inspired goodwill.
Behind him were four elders: two in green robes and two in grey robes.
They quietly studied Li Muzhan, paying no attention to Bai Mingqiu whatsoever.
Li Muzhan smiled, cupping his hands toward the elegant middle-aged man, who chuckled warmly, "You must be Li Wuji, the young hero from Tianyuan Pavilion's secret lineage.
I have heard much about you.
I am Li Mengtan." Li Muzhan paused thoughtfully, then smiled, "Li Mengtan of the Falling Blossom Sword; I have long admired your reputation as well." "Please, come inside," Li Mengtan stepped aside to invite them.
Li Muzhan and Bai Mingqiu entered the hall.
The four elders’ eyes were like lightning bolts, fixed on Li Muzhan, projecting an invisible pressure.
Li Muzhan sat down with relaxed ease, smiling, "Is Master Li here to back the Mu family?" Li Mengtan started slightly, surprised by Li Muzhan's directness, then stroked his beard and chuckled, "We came to seek your esteemed Pavilion, merely offering some care to the Mu family in passing." Li Muzhan nodded, "To be frank, I am the one who killed the man!" "Junior Brother!" Bai Mingqiu's expression shifted.
(To be continued)