Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, noting Li Ye's terribly short temper. A broken door was hardly a matter; someone would repair it soon enough, nothing for him to worry about.
He met with Huang Ningtian and laid out his plans: he wished to stay at Tianyuan Pavilion for a while, requesting only that a message be sent immediately should any situation arise.
In the main hall sat Huang Ningtian and Chen Daotang.
Huang Ningtian, settled in his grand armchair, stroked his beard and chuckled, “Wuji, I didn’t expect you to be so sentimental. Staying at Tianyuan Pavilion isn't a bad idea at all.”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a salute and smiled, thanking Huang Ningtian.
Huang Ningtian mused, “Tianyuan truly is an excellent place for secluded cultivation. It is mysterious, unfathomable, and holds a great secret, one that outsiders have never managed to uncover.”
Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly; he shook his head, genuinely having never heard of any such secret.
“That place, Tianyuan, has a way of driving people mad. It’s a wonder you could stand staying there,” Huang Ningtian laughed. “But you are a Mingjing Sect disciple now, so don’t stand idly by if trouble calls!”
Li Muzhan promised with a smile; as a disciple of the Mingjing Sect, he would naturally take responsibility when needed.
“Very well, take this.” Huang Ningtian pulled a square jade pendant, palm-sized, from his robes. It was milky white and felt as smooth and cool as if steeped in water.
“Sect Master…” Chen Daotang frowned.
Huang Ningtian chuckled, “This is a Communication Talisman. Guard it well and don't lose it. Don't let its small size fool you; it’s an array diagram inherited from the Ancient Era. It can send messages across mountains and vast waters.”
Chen Daotang explained, “Wuji, there are only ten of these Communication Talismans!… By circulating a special cultivation technique, you use your qi as ink to write upon it, and the other person will see it. Isn't that miraculous?”
Li Muzhan nodded in surprise. It was indeed amazing. It seemed his knowledge of Array Dao was still far behind; to devise such a wonder, the Ancient Era of this world had studied formations far more deeply than in his previous world.
He paused, then didn't immediately put the jade token away: “Sect Master, this seems… inappropriate?”
“What’s inappropriate about it!” Huang Ningtian waved his hand, urging him to accept it. “I have the authority to decide on such small matters!”
Li Muzhan offered a wry smile, “Your disciple is overwhelmed by this honor!”
Huang Ningtian laughed, “Wuji, don't belittle yourself. Your comprehension is excellent, and your practice is diligent. Your future is limitless; you are a pillar of our Mingjing Sect. You deserve a Communication Talisman!”
Li Muzhan felt a touch of emotion. Having joined the sect recently with shallow foundations, he had expected to be closely observed for some time, his character and loyalty tested before being truly accepted. He never imagined gaining such trust so quickly.
Chen Daotang said, “Wuji, accept it.”
Li Muzhan nodded silently, tucking the jade pendant into his robes.
Seeing that he had accepted it, Huang Ningtian smiled and waved his hand, “Good, I won’t waste any more of your time. Wuji, you may go.”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands again, omitted any further professions of loyalty, and turned to leave.
Chen Daotang accompanied him out, and together they walked to Li Muzhan’s small courtyard, settling in the pavilion to talk.
“Wuji, go back and practice the Grand Cycle Sword technique thoroughly. But don't forget one crucial point: sect martial arts must never be taught to outsiders!” Chen Daotang stated seriously.
Li Muzhan nodded, “Senior Brother Chen, I understand.”
“Indeed, I trust you realize that prohibiting the transmission of sect martial arts is a fundamental principle,” Chen Daotang affirmed. “The martial arts of Tianyuan Pavilion are also quite good. If you build a strong foundation there, and if Miss Bai is truly the promising talent I hear she is, it would be excellent if she decided to join our sect.”
Li Muzhan started, then shook his head, smiling, “Senior Brother Chen, Sister Bai is destined to be the Pavilion Master. How could she possibly join our sect?”
“People naturally seek higher ground; that’s not necessarily true,” Chen Daotang refuted. “Becoming the Pavilion Master requires strength that surpasses others, and Miss Bai is still a little short of that.”
Li Muzhan considered for a moment, “Senior Brother, if I pass on martial arts I created myself to Sister Bai, that wouldn't violate sect rules, would it?”
“No, that wouldn't,” Chen Daotang conceded. “It’s like the Qinghe Sword Sect and your Tianyuan Pavilion—both founded on self-created martial arts. Your comprehension is exceptional; you could try that path too. However, I advise you to focus on mastering the Celestial Mystery Sword Art first. You have plenty of time ahead.”
Li Muzhan smiled, “Yes, I understand.”
Chen Daotang continued, “That Communication Talisman is very precious. You absolutely must not lose it. I will transmit the necessary technique to you.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother Chen.” Li Muzhan nodded. “But I am truly humbled that they would give me a Communication Talisman.”
Chen Daotang smiled faintly and shook his head, “Don’t be so distant. We give you the talisman for two reasons: first, your potential is immense, and you are practicing the Celestial Mystery Sword Art, which no one else dares to touch. If you truly master it, you will be the sharpest sword in the sect. Second, you show loyalty to your roots, which is very reassuring.”
Li Muzhan rubbed his nose, feeling slightly embarrassed. It was truly an unintended consequence. He genuinely preferred staying at Tianyuan Pavilion; it was freer and more relaxed there. Although the interpersonal relations weren't perfect, having his Master and Bai Mingqiu, along with Lin Shaobai and Zhu Ling, made it far better than staying in the Mingjing Sect.
The Mingjing Sect already had Li Ye, which was headache enough. If he hadn't left, Li Ye certainly wouldn't have stopped causing trouble. She was the definition of a beauty that spells disaster, one woman who managed to turn the entire younger generation of Mingjing Sect disciples against him.
Rather than staying there to provoke her, it was better to retreat—out of sight, out of mind. Once he mastered the Celestial Mystery Sword Art and far surpassed his peers, they would surely see the situation clearly.
“Wuji, taking this Communication Talisman brings both honor and responsibility,” Chen Daotang grew serious. “If you are summoned, you must act immediately. Sometimes, when disaster strikes, swift eagle messaging is too slow; you use the Communication Talisman then.”
Li Muzhan affirmed, “I understand.”
Chen Daotang added, “Normally, we won't use the talisman. The talisman holders can communicate with each other. If you have any news, you can send it directly to me, and I will see it.”
Li Muzhan praised it a few times. This thing was like modern communication equipment; its appearance in this era was truly incredible.
Tianyuan Pavilion
In the main hall sat Long Jingyue and Bai Mingqiu, both clad in moon-white gauze robes, looking elegant and refined as they regarded Li Muzhan up and down.
“Wuji, I didn’t expect you to descend the mountain so quickly!” Long Jingyue pursed her lips and smiled. “Was the Stone Forest of Huaqing Sect that easy to pass?”
Li Muzhan shook his head, “Did the Huaqing Sect make any move?”
“No one came over,” Long Jingyue snorted, waving her jade hand dismissively. “Forget them, thinking about them just makes me angry!… How was your stay at the Mingjing Sect?”
Li Muzhan nodded, “Senior Brother Chen took great care of me, and the Sect Master trusts me. It wasn't bad, but no place is as good as your own doghouse. Staying here is much more comfortable.”
Long Jingyue smiled slightly, glancing at Bai Mingqiu, who had been watching Li Muzhan silently the whole time, her bright eyes like still water.
“Has the Qinghe Sword Sect quieted down?” Li Muzhan asked, using the question to cover his own awkwardness.
Long Jingyue nodded, “I didn’t expect them to actually be obedient and stop their attacks!”
“That’s good…” Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief, then pondered, “Master and Senior Sister, have you heard of the Purple Star Hall?”
Long Jingyue frowned, “Wuji, you’ve heard of it too?”
Li Muzhan replied, “Be wary of this Purple Star Hall.”
Bai Mingqiu’s expression darkened. Li Muzhan noticed immediately and quickly asked, “Senior Sister, what happened?”
Bai Mingqiu snorted, “I’ve crossed swords with them before.”
Li Muzhan immediately tensed up. Even though she seemed unharmed, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He rushed, “Senior Sister, are you alright?”
Bai Mingqiu shook her head, “Fortunately, I was quick-witted and escaped early.”
Li Muzhan frowned, “Are they also targeting our Tianyuan Pavilion?”
“Qiu’er just ran into them by chance; it probably wasn't specifically aimed at us,” Long Jingyue interjected.