Li Muzhan waved a hand, chuckling, "Hold on a moment, Fourth Senior Brother, I have a few words to say." "Fifth Junior Brother, speak quickly, don't delay the meal!" Yu Chi Ming sat down impatiently.

He Nan Shan chuckled lightly, "Seeing Junior Brother Five looking so solemn, it must be no small matter, right?" "It concerns the Head of Kaiyang Courtyard," Li Muzhan stated.

Cheng Xiao Feng frowned, "Fang Shaohua?" Li Muzhan nodded seriously, sensing the friction between Third Senior Brother and Fang Shaohua.

He said in a deep voice, "A childhood companion of mine was gaining experience at Chaoran Tower, preparing to enter the residence...

He was married just two days ago.

I was delayed due to an injury, but when I visited him yesterday, I found he had been hurt." As his expression darkened, the surrounding air seemed to thin, and a subtle air of majesty emanated from him. "Fang Shaohua did it?" Cheng Xiao Feng snorted.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Supposedly, he was drunk and injured him unintentionally." Cheng Xiao Feng’s lips twitched, and he sneered, "His conduct when drunk is atrocious...

He usually plays the gentleman, but once he drinks, his true colors show.

He’s not worth much..." Zhao Yu Zhen waved his hand, interrupting Cheng Xiao Feng, and fixed his gaze on Li Muzhan, "Fifth Junior Brother, what do you intend to do?" "Senior Brothers, please help me decide," Li Muzhan said with a faint smile.

Zhao Yu Zhen and the others relaxed, and the air seemed to flow normally again. "Hah! What is there to discuss? We'll teach him a lesson!" Yu Chi Ming sprang up, eyes wide open, shouting.

Cheng Xiao Feng nodded, "Indeed, he deserves a beating!" Li Muzhan secretly laughed.

Third Senior Brother was always composed and unconcerned with trivial matters; for him to say this meant his feud with Fang Shaohua was deep. "First Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother?" He looked towards Zhao Yu Zhen and He Nan Shan.

The two exchanged a glance.

Zhao Yu Zhen said gravely, "Yes, let's give him a little lesson!" "First Senior Brother is wise!" Yu Chi Ming immediately cheered, his spirit soaring.

He rolled up his sleeves, looking as if he couldn't wait to charge over immediately.

Zhao Yu Zhen glanced at him coolly, "Fourth Junior Brother, can you handle the Shaoyang Sword Style?" "Piece of cake.

His mastery is far inferior!" Yu Chi Ming scoffed dismissively.

Zhao Yu Zhen shook his head, "Fang Shaohua is a patient man; he must be hiding some skills.

Be careful not to capsize in the ditch!" "First Senior Brother, rest assured, leave it to me!" Yu Chi Ming thumped his chest loudly.

Cheng Xiao Feng said lightly, "Fourth Junior Brother, leave him to me instead!" "No, no, no!" Yu Chi Ming shook his head vigorously, hastily protesting, "That's not fair! You are a Senior Brother, how can you steal him from me!" Cheng Xiao Feng gave him a look, stating plainly, "This Fang Shaohua is mine!" Yu Chi Ming shook his head, refusing to yield, and the two began to argue, creating quite a scene.

Li Muzhan coughed lightly into his hand, interrupting their squabble.

Both turned to look at him.

Yu Chi Ming waved his hand impatiently, "Putting on airs! ...

Fifth Junior Brother, just say what you need to say, stop that fake coughing!" Li Muzhan wasn't annoyed in the least, smiling broadly, "Senior Brothers, regarding getting satisfaction for my friend, perhaps I should handle it myself." "Fifth Junior Brother is being too formal!" Yu Chi Ming rushed to say, "Your friend is our friend.

You haven't fully recovered from your injury; I'll do it for you, Senior Brother!" Cheng Xiao Feng said coolly, "No need to trouble you, I'll go." Seeing the two about to argue again, Zhao Yu Zhen raised his hand to stop them, "Alright, you two quiet down...

We'll entrust this matter to Second Junior Brother!" He Nan Shan cupped his fists and smiled, "As commanded!" "First Senior Brother..." Yu Chi Ming grumbled unhappily. "Silence!" Zhao Yu Zhen glared, huffing, "If you keep arguing, you won't eat!" He turned to Li Muzhan, "Fifth Junior Brother, we will take care of this.

Don't worry about it; focus on your cultivation, that's what matters!" Li Muzhan smiled, "First Senior Brother, Fang Shaohua is at Chaoran Tower right now." Zhao Yu Zhen paused, then laughed knowingly, "Well done, Fifth Junior Brother, quite skillful.

Was that relative of yours delivering the intelligence just now?" Li Muzhan rubbed his bald head and chuckled, "I used to chop wood for Chaoran Tower; I still have a few acquaintances there." "Alright, Fifth Junior Brother, you're starting to have some of Second Senior Brother's flair!" Yu Chi Ming guffawed, clapping his large, fan-like hand heavily on Li Muzhan’s shoulder.

The force behind his hand was considerable, and Li Muzhan could only offer a wry smile and endure it.

Zhao Yu Zhen smiled, "Since Fifth Junior Brother has already set the stage, let's put on a good show!" "Let's go!" Yu Chi Ming shouted excitedly.

The group rose, leaving Tianshu Courtyard, exiting the Mei Residence, and heading toward Chaoran Tower.

Chaoran Tower was south of the Mei Residence, not far away; walking south through three main streets brought them there.

Lanterns were hung everywhere in Jinyang City—under eaves, along walls, beside main gates—illuminating the streets as bright as day.

People bustled along the streets, and stalls of all kinds lined both sides, their cries of hawking ceaseless.

Adults were busy shopping, and children darted about laughing and playing; it was even livelier than during the day.

Observing this scene of prosperity, Li Muzhan felt a peaceful joy.

Though he appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, having lived two lives, he was past the stage of youthful impetuousness.

He considered consequences before acting and possessed more shrewdness.

This matter was simple: the most direct approach would be to go there, give Fang Shaohua a beating, establish dominance, and make him keep his distance from Li Jian.

However, considering his current precarious position—having entered the residence only two months prior and already rivaling Gong Qingyun, the top master of the Seven Courtyards—he was currently in the spotlight.

Acting rashly now would surely incite widespread hostility.

With the imprint of his past life, he understood the importance of interpersonal relationships and would never underestimate anyone; a misplaced stumble at a crucial moment could cost him his life.

Therefore, he needed to leverage support—naturally, pulling the Senior Brothers of Tianshu Courtyard into the matter.

The group chatted and laughed along the way, enjoying the bustling night market, and soon arrived at Chaoran Tower.

Chaoran Tower soared upward, piercing the clouds, brilliantly lit.

The faint sound of flutes and strings drifted down, accompanied by clear singing, making it seem like a celestial palace.

As they reached the front of the tower, a slender young man in a white robe approached.

His face was like powdered jade, his lips red and teeth white—exceptionally handsome.

He cupped his fists respectfully and smiled, "Greetings to Young Hero Zhao, Young Hero He, Young Hero Cheng, Young Hero Yu Chi, and Young Hero Li.

Please, the five of you, come inside—!" Yu Chi Ming strode in with a wide-legged gait, turning back to look at Li Muzhan, chuckling, "Fifth Junior Brother, he recognizes you too?" "I frequented this place before; how could I not know you?" Li Muzhan replied with a smile, his pace unbroken as he followed the youth up the stairs directly to the second floor.

The second floor was divided into sections by green vines, allowing patrons to see each other, yet requiring them to raise their voices; if the sound was too low, others couldn't hear.

This setup only amplified the lively atmosphere.

They ascended, casting their eyes around, finally resting on a table in the southeast corner.

This table was near the window, occupied by four men drinking in silence.

The young man leading them sat like a mighty general, his back ramrod straight, strong as a pine—it was none other than Fang Shaohua, the Head of Kaiyang Courtyard.

The other three occasionally raised silver cups to toast him, and he nodded slightly, smiling reservedly, but he downed the wine without hesitation.

Li Muzhan glanced over once and then turned away, smiling towards Zhao Yu Zhen.

Yu Chi Ming cackled, "Fifth Junior Brother, the fellow is really here! ...

Come on, let's go sit down!" Zhao Yu Zhen commanded coolly, "Don't rush to act; let's observe for a while first!" "I know, I know! First Senior Brother, you're too cautious!" Yu Chi Ming nodded rapidly, smiling, "Let's order wine first, and once we're sufficiently drunk, then we'll make a move—that's when it gets exciting!" Li Muzhan glanced at him, thinking how people were often fooled by Fourth Senior Brother's appearance, unaware of his deep, intricate schemes that surpassed ordinary folk! "Waiter, we'll sit over there," Zhao Yu Zhen pointed, speaking gently to the slender youth.

The youth looked respectful, nodding quickly, "Please follow me, sirs." In his eyes, the disciples of Tianshu Courtyard were figures to be looked up to—unattainable, with limitless futures, far beyond comparison with ordinary disciples of the Mei Residence.

Passing through the boisterous crowd and the pervasive aroma of cooked food, the five arrived at an empty table in the southeast corner.

Fang Shaohua glanced up at the five newcomers; a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he frowned, his gaze settling on Cheng Xiao Feng.

Li Muzhan gently moved his prayer beads, his demeanor calm and authoritative, meeting Fang Shaohua's gaze with a slight nod and a smile.

Cheng Xiao Feng, however, cast a cold glance and turned away, completely ignoring Fang Shaohua.

The short walk had attracted quite a few stares.

Li Muzhan’s head, shining brightly beneath his grey monastic robes, made him extremely conspicuous among the four others.

Li Muzhan secretly resolved that he needed to grow his hair out; attracting attention while moving through the martial world was never a good thing! Zhao Yu Zhen took the head seat, and the other four sat in order.

Yu Chi Ming gestured, swapping places with Li Muzhan, so his back was to Fang Shaohua’s table, placing him closest to them.

The dishes arrived quickly, their fragrance tempting, boasting perfect color and aroma.

They ordered two jars of strong Shaodaozi liquor; all five had respectable tolerances, and the jars were empty in moments.

Yu Chi Ming’s round face was flushed red, the color of dark dates, but his eyes shone with increased brilliance.

He suddenly slapped the table with a loud bang and laughed heartily, "Satisfying, truly satisfying! ...

Waiter, bring another jar!" Li Muzhan, sitting opposite Yu Chi Ming, maintained his usual expression, showing no change, and smiled placidly, "Fourth Senior Brother, that's enough; you'll get drunk if you drink more." "Nonsense!" Yu Chi Ming roared, his eyes wide, waving his hand forcefully, "Who's getting drunk? Who’s getting drunk? This little bit of liquor can't fell me? ...

Heh heh, what a joke!" His loud outburst was like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear day, causing the entire second floor to fall momentarily silent; the wine jars on every table vibrated slightly.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, noticing Fang Shaohua frown. "Keep your voice down," Zhao Yu Zhen said gently.

Yu Chi Ming lowered his voice, huffing, "Waiter, why are you standing there? Hurry up with the wine!" A slender youth had already hurried over and stood respectfully to the side, looking hesitantly between Yu Chi Ming and Zhao Yu Zhen.

Zhao Yu Zhen nodded, "Bring another jar of Nü'er Xiang." "Yes." The youth hurried away and soon returned carrying a large yellow jar of wine, placing it carefully on the table before scurrying off again.

Yu Chi Ming grumbled discontentedly, "First Senior Brother, this Nü'er Xiang is too mild; what's the point of drinking it?" Zhao Yu Zhen snorted, "It's good enough that we have something to drink, less chatter!" Yu Chi Ming mumbled a few more complaints, then struck the clay seal off the jar with his palm.

Instantly, a rich fragrance wafted out.

He poured a cup for each of the five, then raised his own silver cup, chuckling, "To Fifth Junior Brother making it back alive—cheers!" All five drank the cup in one gulp.

The taste was mellow and rich, a stark contrast to the fierce kick of the Shaodaozi.

A warm fragrance filled their stomachs afterward.

Li Muzhan nodded internally; Chaoran Tower certainly lived up to its name; this Nü'er Xiang was only surpassed by his own brew.

Yu Chi Ming set down his cup, scoffing dismissively, "Fifth Junior Brother, you're a monk, yet your worldly heart lingers; you still cherish beautiful women! ...

Though, cherishing them depends on who they are!" Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile.

Yu Chi Ming declared loudly, "If it were me, I'd finish it cleanly with a single sword strike against that girl; then we'd see if she could still show off!" "Fourth Senior Brother, she is a fellow sect sister; how could I use such ruthless means?" Li Muzhan shook his head.

Yu Chi Ming picked up the wine jar to pour more, snorting, "Your heart is merciful, but Sister Gong is ruthless.

Once the fight starts, whoever has the softer heart suffers!" Li Muzhan glanced across the room; Fang Shaohua’s cheeks were puffed out, his jaw muscles visibly working, clearly gritting his teeth.

He lifted his silver cup, took a small sip, and smiled gently, "Fourth Senior Brother exaggerates.

...

Sister Gong was simply blinded by anger; she never intended to kill me." "Hearts are hard to fathom; you can never be sure!" Cheng Xiao Feng suddenly interjected coolly.

Bang! A dull thud sounded as Fang Shaohua slammed his palm on the table and sprang up, pointing at Cheng Xiao Feng and roaring angrily, "Cheng, watch your words!" Yu Chi Ming, with his back to them, suddenly grinned, his expression smug.

This Fang Shaohua was indeed restrained and capable of yielding, but he had one fatal weak spot: Gong Qingyun.

Cheng Xiao Feng slowly stood up, turned around, and looked at Fang Shaohua with calm detachment, "The words are mine; it's not your place to dictate how I speak." Fang Shaohua's eyes flashed with sharp light, his aura intense, and he said coldly, "How dare you slander Sister Gong?!" Cheng Xiao Feng smiled faintly, becoming even more serene and detached, "And what if I slander her?" "Then I'd like to experience your skills!" Fang Shaohua sneered dismissively, "You people from Tianshu Courtyard are unbearably arrogant; I want to see just how much you actually have!" Cheng Xiao Feng replied calmly, "By all means, come then!" "Wait a moment, Third Senior Brother." Li Muzhan extended his hand and slowly stood up. "Fifth Junior Brother?" Cheng Xiao Feng frowned, displeased, "You should sit down!" Yu Chi Ming quickly nodded in agreement, "Exactly, exactly! Fifth Junior Brother, your injury hasn't healed; just sit and watch the show!" Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Four Senior Brothers, since this Head Fang has brought up our Tianshu Courtyard, how can I stand idly by." "Zhanran, what guidance do you offer?" Fang Shaohua frowned deeply.

Li Muzhan inclined his head slightly and smiled, "Among Tianshu Courtyard, I joined the latest and my martial arts are the weakest; I'm truly not worth mentioning.

While Tianshu Courtyard may not be extraordinary, not just anyone is qualified to challenge us.

...

If Head Fang wishes to fight Third Senior Brother, you must first pass my test!" Fang Shaohua's expression darkened, his eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp as a blade, staring fixedly at Li Muzhan.

He Nan Shan quickly said, "Fifth Junior Brother, you are still injured!" Li Muzhan said with a gentle smile, "Fighting Sister Gong required me to let my injuries heal, but against Head Fang...

hehe, I don't think that's necessary." "Hahahaha...

Hahahaha..." Yu Chi Ming roared with laughter, grabbing his silver cup and downing the contents.

He slammed the cup down with a bang, "Fifth Junior Brother, truly excellent! Refreshing! So refreshing!" Zhao Yu Zhen and the others also revealed smiles.

Fifth Junior Brother was usually quite earnest and never used coarse language, but when he chose to insult someone, he was devastatingly effective.

Fang Shaohua’s face flushed crimson, his fists clenched tightly, the veins on the backs of his hands slightly protruding.