She had intended for Li Muzhan to clash with Zhao Jingzong, but Zhao Jingzong, though appearing frivolous, was cautious. He didn't rush into a fight, preferring to let others make the first move.

She couldn't intervene; doing so would make her instigation too obvious and likely cause offense, especially to Elder Zhao.

Meng Guangshan chuckled. "Then I must see your skills. Junior Brother Li, please, make your move!"

Li Muzhan clasped his hands in salute, drew his sword, and pointed the gleaming blade solemnly toward Meng Guangshan.

Meng Guangshan let out a soft laugh, shook his head, and declared, "It seems I must strike first. Watch my sword!"

He drew his blade and stepped forward, his body merging with the steel. In an instant, he lunged at Li Muzhan, his thrust sudden and swift. Li Muzhan’s sword movement was slow; he merely met the attack with a gentle parry, then used the clinging contact to smoothly retreat.

Meng Guangshan’s footwork failed to keep pace, and his sword flew from his grasp. Li Muzhan’s blade traced a graceful arc along Meng Guangshan’s weapon, sending it spinning away to land at Meng Guangshan's feet.

Hiss! The sword pierced the soft, red earth, only the hilt remaining visible.

Meng Guangshan’s face darkened. A fiery glare shot from his eyes, landing squarely on Li Muzhan’s face. He opened his mouth but found himself utterly speechless.

Li Muzhan sheathed his sword and offered another polite salute. "Senior Brother Meng, I yield."

Clap, clap! Zhao Jingzong applauded, a smile fixed on his face. "Excellent swordsmanship! Truly magnificent!"

He addressed Meng Guangshan. "Junior Brother Meng, did you disregard Junior Sister Li's warning? ... No wonder you caught Elder Chen's eye; you truly are formidable!"

Li Muzhan smiled softly. "Senior Brother Zhao flatters me! ... Senior Brother Zhao, would you also care to offer some guidance?"

"I shall!" A sturdy young man stepped forward from the side. "Senior Brother Meng was undoubtedly careless. Let me experience your Great Sorrow Sword!"

Li Muzhan turned his head. This man was named He Buping, whose cultivation was a tier above Meng Guangshan’s. Usually taciturn, he had surprisingly chosen this moment to challenge.

He nodded with a slight smile. "Then I must ask Senior Brother He for instruction!"

He Buping dared not take the contest lightly. He slowly drew his sword, pointing it levelly at Li Muzhan. His expression was grave, his eyes sharp and fixed unwaveringly on Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan drew his sword, adopting the same initial stance as before. The very essence and spirit of his being seemed to have fused with the weapon, a subtle but palpable difference that Zhao Jingzong and the others could clearly sense.

Li Muzhan stated in a low voice, "Please—!"

"Watch my sword!" He Buping shouted as he thrust his blade forward. His movement was fluid and expansive, the attack not fast, the tip trembling lightly like a restless serpent, aiming to cover several vital acupoints.

Li Muzhan slowly extended his own sword. With a clear ding..., He Buping’s blade was struck. He instantly felt as if consumed by lightning; both his sword and body shuddered to a halt.

Li Muzhan followed through with a slight twist. He Buping’s sword slipped away from his grip.

"I yield, Senior Brother He," Li Muzhan said, returning his sword to its sheath and offering a solemn clasp of his hands.

If he had smiled now, it would easily be perceived as mockery, further provoking his opponent. Li Muzhan preferred not to push things to that extreme, as they were fellow disciples after all.

He Buping took a deep breath, regaining control of his limbs, and nodded slowly. "A fine sword technique! I concede defeat!"

He realized he had lost not just on swordsmanship, but that his cultivation level was also far inferior. The internal energy transmitted through the blade was balanced and peaceful—indeed the energy of the Great Sorrow Sword—but it was so solidified and pure that it penetrated his own defenses as if they were empty air. His own internal energy couldn't resist; the two were not on the same level, the gap immense.

He secretly shot a meaningful glance at Zhao Jingzong and said gravely, "Senior Brother Zhao, perhaps another day we can experience Junior Brother Li’s Great Sorrow Sword!"

Zhao Jingzong pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Junior Brother Li, I am no match for you either. I am impressed!"

Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly; he was rather surprised.

Zhao Jingzong laughed. "My martial arts are considered mediocre within the sect. Junior Brother Li, don't look down upon our Clear Mirror Sect!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "The martial arts of the Clear Mirror Sect are exquisite. Even the most basic Great Sorrow Sword holds endless mysteries. How could I possibly look down upon it! ... Senior Brother Zhao, if there is nothing else, I shall return to my training!"

"Very well, we shall spar another day!" Zhao Jingzong waved his hand dismissively.

Li Muzhan saluted everyone with a clasp of his hands, cast one deep look at Li Ye, and turned to depart.

The crowd watched him leave in his elegant stride, and murmuring broke out instantly.

Li Ye bit her cherry lips, glaring at his receding back with unconcealed frustration.

As evening approached, Li Muzhan was practicing when a knock sounded at his door. He opened it to find a thin, middle-aged man standing outside.

"Junior Nephew Li, my master requests your presence."

Li Muzhan clasped his hands. "May I ask your master’s name...? My own master’s surname is Zhao." The thin man spoke curtly.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Is that Elder Zhao? Please, come in!"

The thin man said no more, turning and leading the way directly east, then turning north, eventually arriving at a small courtyard near the edge of a valley.

The stone cliff face was extremely close, remarkably steep, casting an imposing shadow over the courtyard. The thin man pushed the door open and walked in, Li Muzhan following him into the small space.

The courtyard layout resembled his own, with a flowerbed and a bamboo grove flanking opposite sides, and a pavilion in the center. This place, however, was more refined, featuring a rock garden and flowing water, the gentle murmur of which deepened the courtyard’s tranquility.

Seated in the pavilion was a handsome, refined middle-aged man whose face was smooth as jade, his eyes sparkling like bright stars—a rare beauty.

Li Muzhan didn't need to examine him closely; he noticed a faint resemblance in the contours of his features to Zhao Jingzong, immediately recognizing him as Elder Zhao, Zhao Jingzong’s grandfather.

"Come sit," the elder beckoned, pointing to a stone stool across from him.

Li Muzhan saluted with clasped hands, silently entered the pavilion, and sat opposite the elder, inwardly surprised. He had expected Elder Zhao to be an old man, but this man appeared to be barely over forty.

"Li Wuji..." Elder Zhao stroked his beard and nodded with a smile. "Your cultivation is indeed exceptional. No wonder the Dao Hall insisted on having you."

Li Muzhan asked, "Elder Zhao, you summoned me regarding Senior Brother Zhao’s matter?"

Elder Zhao grinned. "He said you are a rare prodigy. That boy is usually arrogant and never praises anyone. How could I not be curious?"

Li Muzhan replied with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhao is broad-minded!"

Elder Zhao waved a hand. "He is too proud. I invited you here because I need your help with something!"

Li Muzhan said simply, "Whatever Elder Zhao commands."

He made no objections or qualifying statements to save face; such maneuvering before a figure of this stature would only seem small-minded and insincere. Li Muzhan increasingly felt the importance of virtue; at this level, petty tricks and small schemes were unnecessary, beneath notice.

Elder Zhao rose to pour tea for him personally, gesturing for Li Muzhan to remain seated. After setting the teapot down, he smiled. "This old man wishes to ask you to teach him a proper lesson!"

Li Muzhan's brow lifted slightly. He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then slowly set it down. "Very well."

"Aren't you going to ask why?" Elder Zhao observed him with keen interest.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Elder Zhao’s intentions are profound; you wish for me to temper Senior Brother Zhao's arrogance, correct?"

"Precisely..." Elder Zhao nodded, sighing helplessly. "For years he has lived under my shadow, everything going smoothly. If this continues, it will be disastrous!"

Li Muzhan nodded in agreement. Growing up too easily is harmful; it breeds the belief that the world revolves around oneself, that everyone should accommodate one’s needs. With such a mindset, no matter how powerful one’s martial arts, they will become a solitary figure. Lacking the impetus of hardship to spur self-improvement, one's ultimate achievement will be limited, unless possessed of an almost pathologically driven nature that drives them forward without external stimulus.

Elder Zhao chuckled heartily. "I’ve been looking for someone to help me these past few years, but unfortunately, these youngsters are all more cunning than the last, none willing to assist."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The timing must be precise, and besides, Senior Brother Zhao has a boundless future; making an enemy of him is unwise."

"Then why did you agree?" Elder Zhao asked with a knowing smile.

Li Muzhan smiled back. "I trust Elder Zhao."

"Heh heh..." Elder Zhao burst into laughter, beckoning. "Xiao Meng, bring the wine!"

The thin young man, who had been standing quietly on the steps beneath the pavilion, turned and left upon hearing the command. He soon returned with a jar of wine and two large bowls, setting them on the table and filling them both.

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