The most frequent topic of conversation during the journey was the affliction of Murong Feixue of the Murong family, and the subsequent marriage contest set to take place next month to cure her. Rumor had it that Murong Tian and his wife were completely at a loss regarding her condition, so last month they had issued a proclamation across the entire continent via the Emperor of the Tianlong Empire, Long Zhantian. Whoever could cure Murong Feixue’s ailment would be granted her hand in marriage. If the successful individual was unwilling or was female, the Murong family would bestow half of their lands and wealth instead.

This news immediately caused an uproar. Just imagine the staggering wealth accumulated by the Murong family over several centuries, compounded by their landholdings—it instantly inflamed the greed of countless people. As soon as the announcement was made, an unending stream of individuals from all walks of life began rushing madly toward Tianlong City, which is precisely why every inn in Tianlong City was completely booked solid.

By the time Mo Han and his companions were settled, it was already noon. They decided to step out for a bite to eat and perhaps take in the sights of Tianlong City.

Just as they stepped outside, they encountered a group of people. One of them spoke up immediately, asking, "Pardon me, are you Young Master Mo Han? We are servants of the Gongsun family, acting on the explicit instructions of our Master Gongsun to invite Young Master Mo Han to our estate for a gathering. We sincerely hope Young Master Mo Han will grace us with your presence."

Mo Han felt a secret jolt of surprise. He had only arrived that morning, and with so many people passing through the capital daily, this person managed to locate his lodging so quickly. The influence of the Gongsun family was truly not to be underestimated.

Considering that they were, after all, relatives of Gongsun Yunyan, Mo Han replied smoothly, "I am Mo Han. In that case, I must trouble you gentlemen to lead the way."

The speaker offered Mo Han a slight smile and pointed toward two carriages waiting not far away. "We request that our esteemed guests board the carriages."

Mo Han and his party accepted without ceremony, taking their seats in the two carriages. Once everyone was aboard, the carriages immediately set off toward the Gongsun residence. Not long thereafter, they arrived at the Gongsun manor.

The moment Mo Han and his group disembarked, they saw a young man in his early twenties standing at the entrance. Upon spotting Mo Han, the newcomer stepped forward, bowed, and spoke, "I am Gongsun Hai. I was specially assigned by my father to greet you all here. Thank you for honoring us with your visit."

Mo Han returned the courtesy, replying lightly, "Having Young Master Gongsun wait here for me—I truly feel undeserving of such an honor."

Yet, there wasn't the slightest hint of embarrassment on his face.

Gongsun Hai did not seem to notice and gestured directly toward Mo Han and the others. "My father has been awaiting you in the main hall for some time now. Please, follow me."

Mo Han and his companions nodded and followed Gongsun Hai directly into the grand hall.

Upon entering the main hall, they saw an elderly man seated upon the central chair. Mo Han took him in at a glance: the elder appeared to be around fifty, but his complexion was ruddy and vibrant, exuding an air of vigorous energy. He was dressed in opulent noble attire. Although a smile graced his lips, sharp glints of light occasionally flashed from his small eyes, making it clear that this person was not quite as benign as his outward appearance suggested.

Mo Han instantly recognized that this must be the host of the day, the current head of the Gongsun family—Gongsun Wuji.

The elder stood up with a smile as Mo Han entered and spoke, "This must be Young Hero Mo Han, whom Yunyan mentioned in her letter. Indeed, you have a noble bearing and an extraordinary presence. A true young hero, it’s no wonder you could so easily win the admiration of my little girl. My daughter has never praised anyone so highly in her life; even I, her father, have yet to receive such accolades from her."

Mo Han quickly returned a smile, saying, "Senior must be the renowned Lord Gongsun. Yunyan certainly overpraises me. It is Mo Han's great fortune to have the honor of meeting Lord Gongsun today. Seeing Senior so full of vigor and heroic spirit truly delights me. In the future, I hope Senior will guide me often."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, Gongsun Wuji quickly responded, "Ah, I am old now, past my prime. The Empire currently needs youthful heroes like you, young brother. We old folks are fading; the future truly belongs to the younger generation. When that time comes, I hope young brother will look out for an old man like myself."

Mo Han inwardly praised his acuity. Gongsun Wuji seemed to be speaking with hidden meaning. He quickly replied, "Not at all, Senior is clearly in the prime of life. I see no sign of old age in you, so how could the situation you describe possibly occur? You jest, Senior."

Gongsun Wuji’s eyes flashed briefly upon hearing Mo Han’s response, and he replied, "Young Brother Mo Han is simply too modest. Come, I have already instructed someone to prepare a modest feast to welcome you. I hope you will not find it lacking."

With that, he led Mo Han and his group toward a side hall.

Everyone’s stomachs were rumbling. They had spent half the day searching for an inn, and as soon as they settled, they were summoned here; they hadn't eaten for the better part of the day. Seeing the sumptuous spread across the table, everyone’s appetite was instantly whetted. Shi Yan’s stomach even audibly rumbled, drawing a burst of laughter from the group.

During the meal, Gongsun Wuji hinted several times at his desire to win Mo Han over, but Mo Han cleverly played dumb and steered the conversation away each time. Mo Han was well aware that the Gongsun and Murong families were currently locked in a fierce struggle. Due to his master's connections, he was certainly bound to aid the Murong family, and he could not afford to become too entangled with the Gongsun family, lest he find himself in a passive or compromised position.

Gongsun Wuji was, after all, a man seasoned by many battles. Seeing Mo Han politely deflect his overtures several times, he dropped the subject. Instead, he engaged Mo Han in light conversation, and by the end of the meal, it could be said that the host and guests had enjoyed themselves immensely, causing Mo Han's overall impression of him to change significantly for the better.

As evening approached, Gongsun Wuji strongly pressed Mo Han to stay at the Gongsun residence, but Mo Han naturally refused, standing firm in his polite declinations.

Seeing this, Gongsun Wuji ceased his entreaties. He ordered a carriage to return Mo Han and his party to their inn, even escorting them personally to the main gate. He repeatedly told Mo Han that if he ever encountered any difficult matters, he should not hesitate to seek his help. This gesture did stir a measure of emotion in Mo Han; regardless of the elder’s underlying motives, his sincere enthusiasm toward him was undeniable.

Mo Han thought to himself that if a day ever came when they stood in opposition, he should still leave the elder some room to maneuver, as a form of repayment.

With that thought in mind, Mo Han cupped his hands in a formal farewell to Gongsun Wuji and Gongsun Hai in turn, turned, boarded the carriage, and returned to the inn where he was staying.

Long after Mo Han and his group had departed, Gongsun Hai, standing beside his father, could not help but speak, "Father, I don't understand why you are so warm toward this unknown man. I cannot see anything special about him. To me, he seems merely slick and smooth, perhaps capable with words, but otherwise unremarkable."