"Heh, Third and Fourth Brother, you've come at just the right time. This is our Fifth Junior Brother!" He Nanshan pulled open the door and stepped out, introducing them with a smile.

"Fifth Junior Brother?!" The two were startled. The round-faced youth snorted, "Our Tianshu Hall only has four people; where is there a Fifth Junior Brother?!"

He Nanshan chuckled, "Fourth, you're being obtuse again! ... The Fifth Junior Brother was brought here personally by the Commander today; there's no mistake!"

"Oh, so it's true then? We finally have a Fifth Junior Brother! What a joyous occasion!" The round-faced youth said with a sarcastic lilt.

Li Muzhan watched quietly, his expression unchanging, discreetly sizing up the pair.

"Enough, Fourth!" He Nanshan waved his hand and turned around. "Fifth Junior Brother, this Fourth Brother is a bit of a blunt fellow, pay him no mind!"

The round-faced youth shouted, "Second Senior Brother, that's not right! That's so unfair! ... How can you badmouth me in front of the new Junior Brother!"

He Nanshan shook his head, pointed toward the handsome youth, and smiled, "Fifth Junior Brother, please overlook it... This is Third Brother, Cheng Xiaofeng, and Fourth Brother, Yu Chi Ming!"

He pointed to Li Muzhan again: "Fifth Junior Brother Li Muzhan, Dharma name Zhanran."

Li Muzhan retracted his Tianyuan Tunan Shu breathing technique, pressed his palms together in salutation: "Zhanran pays respects to Third Senior Brother and Fourth Senior Brother."

"Fifth Junior Brother, there's no need for such formality." Third Senior Brother Cheng Xiaofeng returned the gesture with a smile.

Fourth Senior Brother Yu Chi Ming also pressed his palms together, asking with a grin, "Tell me, Fifth Junior Brother, are you a true monk, or a fake one?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I am the Abbot of Chengjing Temple, registered in the Traveling Monks Registry."

The Traveling Monks Registry was the official record of all clerics in the Great Yan Dynasty, documenting the identity of every monk in the realm. If a wandering monk sought lodging at a temple, the temple was required to verify his credentials (fadiep) against the Registry. If a monk could not be found on the Registry, he was deemed an imposter—a capital offense. Monks in the Great Yan Dynasty held high status: they were exempt from corvée labor, required no bows to officials, and if accused of a crime, the government could not interfere; judgment fell solely to their originating monastery.

Yu Chi Ming froze, his jesting vanished. He quickly pressed his palms together in a solemn salute, "So you are the Abbot of Chengjing Temple! My apologies for my rudeness!"

"Fourth Senior Brother need not be so polite." Li Muzhan returned the salute with a smile.

Yu Chi Ming asked, "Has Fifth Junior Brother heard of Master Faxing?"

Li Muzhan solemnly pressed his palms together: "He was my former master!"

"Ah? Fifth Junior Brother is Master Faxing's disciple?" Yu Chi Ming was astonished.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, "My former master only had me as a disciple. Since his yuanji (passing into Nirvana), I am the only one left at Chengjing Temple."

Yu Chi Ming asked, perplexed, "Fifth Junior Brother, you were doing perfectly well as a monk, being the Abbot of Chengjing Temple—why come here?" His expression softened, as if meeting an old friend. In his estimation, though Chengjing Temple was remote, being an abbot held distinguished status, far surpassing that of a disciple in the Mei Residence.

Li Muzhan sighed, "A while ago, on my way home, I encountered some bandits. In the ensuing struggle, I killed someone, and this led me to realize a certain principle."

"What principle?" Yu Chi Ming quickly asked.

Li Muzhan sighed again, "The Buddhist Dharma is vast and saves all beings, but it is not omnipotent. To truly secure one's place in the world, one must still practice martial arts."

"That is true!" Yu Chi Ming nodded in agreement.

Li Muzhan continued, "Furthermore, cultivating the Dharma is not limited to just sitting in meditation and chanting sutras. I wish to try another path—to temper my heart amidst the ten thousand affairs of the mortal world, to achieve Buddhahood in this very body."

"Fifth Junior Brother, what spirit! What spirit!" Yu Chi Ming exclaimed loudly, "Truly worthy of being Master Faxing's esteemed disciple!"

He Nanshan and Cheng Xiaofeng also applauded in admiration.

"Fourth Senior Brother recognizes my former master?" Li Muzhan inquired.

Yu Chi Ming replied, "When I was a child, I suffered from a strange illness that no one could cure. Master Faxing chanted sutras for me for two days and two nights, and I was instantly well! ... The Master was infinitely compassionate, serving others above himself—a truly enlightened monk! ... I had been planning to visit Chengjing Temple to offer incense after completing my training, but unexpectedly, we are now separated by heaven and earth..."

Li Muzhan gave a slight nod, his face solemn. His master's lean visage flashed in his mind, seemingly smiling at him. A tide of longing surged to his heart.

Cheng Xiaofeng turned and smiled, "Second Senior Brother, how about we go to Chaoran Tower today to celebrate Fifth Junior Brother joining Tianshu Hall?"

He Nanshan looked at Li Muzhan and waved his hand, "It's not too late to celebrate when Eldest Senior Brother returns! ... Besides, it's getting late, and Fifth Junior Brother needs to go home."

The two exchanged baffled looks. Hadn't Li Muzhan just joined Tianshu Hall? Why go home again?

So, He Nanshan recounted the preceding events. Hearing the story, the two displayed very strange expressions.

Yu Chi Ming chuckled, "Alas... the Commander is truly something! This isn't like him. If he didn't want to agree, he could have just said so. Why go through such a convoluted detour? Truly strange!"

Cheng Xiaofeng also laughed, "The Commander has always been straightforward... People truly do change!"

"Heh heh, one month... the third layer..." Yu Chi Ming shook his head repeatedly, looking at Li Muzhan with pity, "That's simply impossible... Fifth Junior Brother, you should cherish the present moment. After this month, you’ll have to come back to live here! Heh heh. You’d best head home now. See you tomorrow morning!"

Li Muzhan smiled and said no more. He gave a salute to the three and departed with graceful lightness.

Cheng Xiaofeng watched Li Muzhan's receding back and smiled, "Our Fifth Junior Brother is quite something, clean and decisive!"

Yu Chi Ming shot him a glare, "How could Master Faxing's disciple be lacking?" He then pursed his lips, "The Commander is too unfair! ... That Tianyuan Tunan Shu is incredibly strange. We practiced diligently for eight years and only reached the second layer... Asking Fifth Junior Brother to reach the third layer in a month is absolutely impossible!"

Cheng Xiaofeng smiled without speaking.

He Nanshan waved his hand, "The Commander is straightforward and doesn't like beating around the bush... High monks and great clerics of the Buddhist sect often possess inconceivable divine abilities. Fifth Junior Brother comes from a distinguished master; he should not be underestimated!"

Yu Chi Ming scoffed, "Heh, Second Senior Brother, you’re talking nonsense! ... The tailbone and spine passes are difficult, yes, but with sufficient yang energy, one can push through. But the Jade Pillow Pass is like an iron bolt—as difficult as ascending to heaven! Even Eldest Senior Brother, with his genius, couldn't pass it!"

Cheng Xiaofeng nodded, "Indeed. Eldest Senior Brother switched to practicing the Shaoyang Zhenjing last month too!"

"Alas... what a pity for the Commander's good intentions!" He Nanshan sighed regretfully.

Cheng Xiaofeng shook his head, "There's nothing to be done about it. The Tianyuan Tunan Shu is truly too difficult, and its power isn't strong enough either. Our Tianshu Hall disciples can’t always be bullied by the disciples of the other six halls, can we?"

Yu Chi Ming became excited, "Heh heh, exactly! That Tianyuan Tunan Shu is a cursed technique. Ever since we stopped practicing it, we’ve finally been able to hold our heads high... I beat up two fellows from Tianji Hall today; that’s what feels good!"

"You fought again?!" He Nanshan frowned.

"Heh heh! Heh heh! ... It wasn't a fight, just a little sparring. Our Mei Residence encourages everyone to spar, doesn't it, Third Senior Brother?" Yu Chi Ming quickly waved his hands and smiled.

"Yes, just a little sparring, nothing major," Cheng Xiaofeng smiled faintly.

He Nanshan shook his head, "If Eldest Senior Brother found out..."

"Don't worry, Eldest Senior Brother won't be back for about ten days!" Yu Chi Ming quickly interjected. He immediately changed the subject, "Eldest Senior Brother persisted for ten years, which is already remarkable. I wonder how long Fifth Junior Brother can last."

Cheng Xiaofeng remarked, "Fifth Junior Brother is likely in for some suffering! ... The Commander is very disappointed in the four of us. He keeps scolding us for seeking quick success and claims we will regret it later. This time, he absolutely will not let Fifth Junior Brother off the hook!"

"Alas... the Tianyuan Tunan Shu is truly not for humans to practice. It’s as slow as a tortoise. A year of hard work is worth less than what someone achieves in a month—that feeling is unbearable!" Yu Chi Ming shook his head, sighing, "My poor Fifth Junior Brother—!"

"Fourth Senior Brother, the Tianyuan Tunan Shu is indeed a top-tier inner cultivation method. Perhaps our aptitude isn't good enough. If it were, changing to a different method wouldn't result in such rapid, thousand-mile leaps!" He Nanshan offered.

Yu Chi Ming pursed his lips and pointed downward, "This is Tianshu Hall! ... If our aptitude isn't good enough, then whose aptitude in the whole world is good enough?! ... It's a blessing we didn't stick with it. Look, Eldest Senior Brother persisted for so long, but in the end, he still switched to the Shaoyang Zhenjing?"

"There is always someone better beyond the heavens," He Nanshan replied.

Yu Chi Ming snorted, "Unless he started practicing from the womb, it’s impossible to reach the third layer before age twenty!"

"Alright, there's no use saying more. We’ll just wait and see Fifth Junior Brother’s future performance!" Cheng Xiaofeng waved his hand and turned back into the main house.

As Li Muzhan left the Mei Residence, he gave a slight smile and nod to the four large men guarding the entrance. The four men were momentarily stunned, then slowly nodded, forcing out faint smiles. They were accustomed to keeping grim faces; their sudden attempts at smiling made them look as if they were on the verge of tears.

Li Muzhan stopped by Chaoran Tower on his way. The sky was still bright, the sun low in the west, yet Chaoran Tower was already brilliantly lit. The sounds of flutes and strings drifted out, interwoven with soft, enchanting singing.

He stood before the entrance, and a young attendant rushed inside to announce him. Soon, Li Jian emerged from Chaoran Tower, dressed in immaculate white silk robes that highlighted his refined and vibrant demeanor—clearly a man of distinguished bearing. Seeing Li Muzhan from afar, he called out, "Muzhan, wait for me a moment. I need to change clothes, and then we can head back together!"

Li Muzhan waved his hand. Li Jian moved with flying speed, circling to the back of Chaoran Tower. In a short while, he reappeared, now wearing a plain grey long robe, much simpler than before.

They walked side by side, bathed in the lingering hues of the sunset, leaving Jinyang City. Walking along the mountain path, the lingering red glow coated them both like cloaks. Li Muzhan began to recount the day's events.

"Seriously? Muzhan, you got into Mei Residence too?" Li Jian exclaimed loudly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Yes, I joined the residence today."

"Which hall did you enter?" Li Jian quickly asked.

"Tianshu Hall," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

"Ah—?!" Li Jian was greatly shocked, his small eyes widening roundly. Then, he nodded slowly, "Well, that makes sense. You are immensely strong and exceptionally intelligent. Entering Tianshu Hall isn't surprising. But Tianshu Hall! You really are impressive!"

"Perhaps I have a good elder brother," Li Muzhan smiled.

Li Jian hurriedly shook his head, "If you had gone to another hall, Big Brother's influence would matter. But Tianshu Hall... Big Brother has no sway there!" He continued, "The manager told me today that by the end of this month, I'm to report to Tianji Hall. That is truly thanks to Big Brother's good fortune!" Without waiting for Li Muzhan to reply, he asked, "Oh, right, has Second Sister returned?"

"Yes, she stayed one night and left again. She might be back tonight," Li Muzhan nodded.

Li Jian giggled, "Did those dishes suit Second Sister's taste?"

"They were decent. The sauteed mushrooms were quite good," Li Muzhan smiled.

Li Jian immediately beamed, "I knew Second Sister would like them!"

They chatted as they hurried along. Li Muzhan’s steps were swift, and Li Jian, having practiced martial arts, also had strong footing. They traveled incredibly fast and soon reached Lijia Village.

Lijia Village was shrouded in faint blue smoke. Wisps of cooking smoke curled upward as households began preparing dinner. Li Jian did not go to his own house first but followed Li Muzhan to his home.

When the two entered the courtyard, the sun had not yet set. The late afternoon glow painted the small yard a brilliant red, gorgeous and dazzling, and the flowers in the beds looked vibrant and enticing.

A graceful figure stood in the courtyard, her skin as white and smooth as jade, clad in moon-white monastic robes, emanating not a speck of worldly dust, giving the impression of an immortal descending from the heavens—it was Li Yurong.

Li Yurong spoke, "Third, back so early?" She then cast a light glance at Li Jian, "Little Jian, are things well at Chaoran Tower?"

"Sec... Second Sister," Li Jian immediately flushed crimson, lowering his head to greet her, stammering. Although he worked as an attendant in Chaoran Tower and saw many people daily, shaking off his former shyness, he still felt nervous in front of Li Yurong, unable to speak properly.

"Mm," Li Yurong gave a slight nod, then turned to Li Muzhan, "Third, Master said it’s a shame you chose this path!"

"Thank you, Reverend Mother, for your concern," Li Muzhan smiled, striding further into the house. "Where are Father, Mother, and Eldest Sister-in-law?"

Li Yurong glanced at Li Jian, a half-smile playing on her lips, "They went to Little Jian's house... It seems a new daughter-in-law has arrived, and they've gone to see her."

Li Muzhan chuckled heartily, "Li Jian, your wife is here, why aren't you hurrying back!"

Li Jian scratched his head, his face red, not daring to look at Li Yurong. "I... I..."

Li Muzhan patted his shoulder, "Alright, you hurry along now, don't force yourself!"

"Then... alright then. Second Sister, I'm leaving!" Li Jian shot Li Muzhan a fierce look, quickly said to Li Yurong, and then vanished in a puff.

Li Muzhan couldn't stop laughing. Li Yurong frowned, "What are you smiling so foolishly about?"

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head, "I wonder if Li Jian can settle down. With a great beauty like you right in front of him, he certainly has his pick!"

"Nonsense! ... So, did you get into Mei Residence?" Li Yurong shot him a look and asked.

"Of course!" Li Muzhan nodded, chest puffed out proudly, "Did you forget whose younger brother I am!"

"Having you as a brother is my misfortune!" Li Yurong pursed her lips and smiled faintly. "Master nagged all day today, constantly saying what a pity it was about you. If you could dedicate yourself to settling your mind, you might actually attain Buddhahood... I’ve never seen Master fuss like that!"

"Reverend Mother rates me too highly!" Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands.

Li Yurong stated, "Master says that after cultivating for so many years, she has only just reached the Second Zen Realm. Someone with your level of cultivation is rare in our Great Yan Dynasty!"

"Me? I was just lucky," Li Muzhan shook his head. He said this sincerely, and he genuinely believed it. If he hadn't experienced life and death and understood the profound mysteries of existence, he wouldn't have developed such mental fortitude. Between heaven and earth, nothing is as significant as life and death. The Buddhist Dharma is the method for studying these mysteries, and a person only has one life; once dead, there is no turning back. His chance to die and be reborn here was, indeed, an extreme stroke of fortune.

Li Yurong asked, "Which of the seven halls in Mei Residence were you assigned to? Can you come back every night?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Tianshu Hall. The Commander agreed."

"Mm, that's good. Otherwise, Mother would surely be heartbroken... When I went to Master, Mother wasn't this reluctant to part with me!" Li Yurong smiled and shook her head, her expression placid, as if unaware how hard it was to enter Tianshu Hall.

"When I leave, won't you still be here?" Li Muzhan smiled.

Li Yurong said helplessly, "Mother truly is biased! ... Alright, what do you want to eat tonight? I'll cook!"

"Mm... Oil-crisped mushrooms, perhaps. Big Sister-in-law's frying is always just a bit off on the heat," Li Muzhan requested.

"Fine, oil-crisped mushrooms!" Li Yurong pursed her lips and smiled faintly, "Before Big Sister-in-law married in, she never did this. She's already quite clever!"

Saying this, she entered the kitchen and tied on a floral apron. The pink floral apron over the moon-white robes was somewhat incongruous, adding a touch of delicate beauty. Li Muzhan smiled, entered his room, lit a lamp, and began studying the Tianyuan Tunan Shu in the warm lamplight. As he studied, he practiced the breathing technique according to the instructions, feeling a warmth in his dantian (elixir field) and a profound, indescribable comfort throughout his body.