Li Muzhan frowned, pondered for a moment, and went straight to the Grand Hall to inform Long Jingyue that he needed to descend the mountain for a matter. Long Jingyue didn't ask much and readily agreed.

Li Muzhan was now a disciple of the Mingjing Sect. Although he was also a disciple of the Tianyuan Pavilion, his status was different; he couldn't be overly constrained.

Li Muzhan stepped out of the Grand Hall, then suddenly turned back.

Long Jingyue was sitting on a moon-white rug, looking composed and elegant, and asked with a smile, "What is it, Wuji?"

"Master, I have to go help the Qinghe Sword Sect this time!" Li Muzhan sighed, "This is an order from Sect Leader Huang; I cannot defy it."

Long Jingyue paused, her delicate brows furrowed briefly before relaxing. She slowly nodded, "Mm, you are a Mingjing Sect disciple now, so you should heed him."

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "I truly never expected this kind of thing to happen."

"Go quickly. Perhaps this is a test from Sect Leader Huang," Long Jingyue said with a laugh.

Li Muzhan asked, "Master, aren't you angry?"

"The Qinghe Sword Sect has nothing to do with us now; why would I be angry?" Long Jingyue shook her head.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "They really haven't caused any more trouble?"

"None," Long Jingyue smiled. "With the Mingjing Sect keeping watch, they dare not act recklessly. The Mingjing Sect isn't one to be trifled with; feigning compliance won't work."

Li Muzhan breathed a sigh of relief, "I was just afraid they'd try something underhanded."

"They probably understand the capabilities of the Mingjing Sect well, which is why they haven't done those things. Moreover, with you here, they wouldn't dare go too far," Long Jingyue shook her head and smiled gently. "So, Wuji, you need to understand: if you want to protect us, do your job well and make a name for yourself in the Mingjing Sect."

Li Muzhan nodded, "Understood. I'll be going now, Master!"

"Go on, go on. Don't let past grudges affect how you act. Do what needs to be done!" Long Jingyue waved her hand, her tone earnest. "Never play petty tricks, and never underestimate the Mingjing Sect!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, grasping the unspoken meaning behind Long Jingyue's words: there were too many subtleties involved in rendering aid; one wrong move or a slight deception could lead to vastly different outcomes.

For instance, intentionally slowing his pace to arrive late, or seeing something yet pretending not to notice, watching the spectacle for a while before intervening.

Or perhaps, holding back during the fight, delivering seven or eight parts of his strength instead of his full might—results that outsiders might not easily discern—would also yield a different result.

However, these maneuvers were beneath the dignity of true mastery. Li Muzhan understood Long Jingyue's point: he couldn't use such methods; they wouldn't escape Huang Ningtian's notice.

Thinking this, he cupped his hands in salute, "Master, I'm off then!"

"Go quickly!" Long Jingyue smiled. "Don't play petty tricks, but don't throw your life away needlessly either!"

"Guang"

Li Muzhan nodded and departed, unleashing his qinggong until he streaked across the earth like a shadow.

The Qinghe Sword Sect was nearly a thousand li away from the Tianyuan Pavilion. Even for a martial arts master traveling as fast as a galloping steed, it would take half a day to arrive.

Li Muzhan didn't use teleportation, but he exerted his qinggong to its fullest extent.

Toward evening, he arrived at the foot of the Qinghe Sword Sect's mountain. From two li away, he perceived that the Qinghe Sword Sect was quiet—no fighting, no killing intent.

Li Muzhan frowned, finding it strange. He didn't rush into the mountain but first stopped at the small town beneath the Qinghe Sword Sect, intending to inquire about the detailed situation.

The Qinghe Town was peaceful and harmonious, nestled below the Sword Sect. Outsiders dared not cause trouble here; the town was known for nothing being lost on the road and doors left unlocked at night.

He didn't press for immediate answers, instead ordering a table of dishes and a jug of wine at the local tavern, sipping slowly while his Void Eye surveyed the surroundings.

The Qinghe Sword Sect was still, and the town was quiet. Li Muzhan scanned back and forth, indeed finding nothing unusual. Even if there were shadowy figures, he couldn't conclude they harbored malicious intent; perhaps they were merely gathering routine intelligence, not preparing to attack.

After some thought, he finally decided to enter the Qinghe Sword Sect.

He acted on his thought, settling his bill and heading directly to the base of the mountain. He knew this path well. As soon as he stepped onto the small trail, two young men emerged from the woods on either side, clad in blue robes with swords at their waists, their expressions stern.

"Gentlemen, please announce my arrival. I am Li Wuji of the Mingjing Sect," Li Muzhan stated gravely.

He wore a simple green robe, a long sword hanging at his waist, and most importantly, a circular jade pendant hung there, emitting a soft, warm luster in the setting sun.

Seeing that milky-white jade pendant, resembling a polished mirror, the two hesitated before nodding. "Young Master Li, please wait a moment. Allow us to report!"

One youth slipped into the forest and vanished, while the other remained, staring unmoving at Li Muzhan, not speaking to him.

Li Muzhan smiled, slightly lowering his eyelids. Under the gaze of his Void Eye, he observed a bird leaving the woods and flying toward the summit.

Among countless birds, Li Muzhan could recognize this one as the messenger being sent. If this were the Mingjing Sect, a disciple would simply ascend directly.

A moment later, the bird returned to the woods, and the previous youth stepped out, stating solemnly, "The Sect Leader requests Young Master Li's presence!"

Li Muzhan’s brows twitched slightly, and he smiled, "Thank you!"

"Follow me," the youth said coldly.

Li Muzhan guessed that the youth now knew his identity but was compelled by his Mingjing Sect status to escort him up the mountain, unable to refuse. Li Muzhan understood the delicate situation: refusing his ascent would be an insult to the Mingjing Sect, so even knowing who he was, they could only invite him up first.

Inside the Grand Hall sat two figures. Opposite Li Muzhan was a thin, elderly man whose appearance was ordinary, save for a pair of eyes that shone with exceptional clarity, seeming capable of piercing one's heart and lungs instantly.

He would easily blend into a crowd, and people would never believe he was the head of a sect. The formidable Qinghe Sword Sect suggested a leader who should be imposing and awe-inspiring, someone difficult to look at directly. No one would suspect such an unremarkable old man.

"Heh, Li Wuji, Young Hero Li, it has been a long time!" The thin old man smiled, his tone oddly textured.

Li Muzhan naturally detected the sarcasm and shook his head, laughing softly, "Sect Leader Deng, indeed, long time no see!"

The old man was named Deng Jiuru, a foremost master swordsman in the martial world. His Qingquan Sword possessed infinite power, and he had suffered few defeats to date, upholding the entire Qinghe Sword Sect.

"Young Hero Li's visit truly brings glory to this humble place! What brings you here to advise us!?" Deng Jiuru sneered, "This old man truly hadn't expected Young Hero Li to descend the mountain so quickly!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Just a stroke of luck!"

"Luck alone won't see you through the Stone Forest!" Deng Jiuru said coldly. "Young Hero Li's talent is unparalleled; this old man truly admires you!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Junior Sister Li is also working very hard in the sect; I believe she will emerge soon."

"One can only hope," Deng Jiuru replied indifferently. "However, since Young Hero Li has honored us with a visit, it must be something significant, yes? What is the matter?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I am here under orders from the Sect Leader. Otherwise, I wouldn't be coming here to invite trouble upon myself!"

"Oh, Sect Leader Huang?" Deng Jiuru said faintly. "What instruction did Sect Leader Huang give?"

Li Muzhan relayed, "The Sect Leader only sent word, telling me to be highly vigilant, as something might be happening with your esteemed sect that requires my assistance!"

"Then we thank you very much!" Deng Jiuru sneered, nodding slowly. "We have no need of you right now. You may return!"

Had it not been for Li Muzhan's identity as a Mingjing Sect disciple, Deng Jiuru would have already ordered him cut down, unable to let him roam free. (To be continued)