One man sprang up, eyes wide open, and roared in a deep voice, "You monk have too bold an air; no need for Senior Brother Fang, I shall test you!" Li Muzhan stroked his prayer beads, his expression unchanged, and gazed over faintly.

This youth was in his early twenties, solid in build, with a round face and large eyes, moving with the robust energy of a tiger; though not tall, his imposing presence commanded respect.

He drew his sword, pointed it at Li Muzhan, and said coldly, "It is said the Tianshu Zhanran Swordplay is astonishingly fast.

I am Kong Li, and I must ask to see a demonstration!" Li Muzhan shook his head and said gently, "Senior Brother Kong, you are not up to it.

You had better step aside!" "Whether I am up to it or not, we will only know after a bout.

Come on!" Kong Li shook his long sword and demanded in a low voice.

His eyes were bright, and the gleaming long sword was held before him.

Li Muzhan shook his head, sighed softly, "Be careful," and suddenly flickered.

A clean breeze brushed past, causing everyone to narrow their eyes momentarily.

When they looked again, Li Muzhan stood smiling, stroking his prayer beads, his bearing utterly composed.

Kong Li slowly lowered his head, bit by bit.

His body seemed to freeze, his movements labored.

He glanced down, and his expression instantly changed: his right hand was empty—the long sword was already sheathed! Cold sweat suddenly flooded out, his forehead glistening.

He shivered internally, realizing he hadn't even perceived his movement, only feeling a cool breeze on his face, sensing something was wrong.

Yu Chi Ming slammed the table and roared with laughter, "Good, good, Fifth Junior Brother! That 'Floating Light Skimming Shadow' technique is absolutely superb!" At some unknown point, the surrounding area had fallen silent.

All eyes were fixed on this spot, the crowd excited, eyes blazing, like onlookers at a New Year's opera. "Excellent…" the crowd cheered in unison, their discussions a bustling clamor. "That movement skill is truly miraculous!" "Indeed.

If I were that fast, why would I waste my days scrambling about, picking pockets on the street!" "You scoundrel, you really are rotten!" Li Muzhan raised a hand to gesture for quiet, and the crowd gradually settled down.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, gazing at Fang Shaohua without speaking.

His gaze flickered twice, and Fang Shaohua slowly nodded, "Tianshu Zhanran, truly formidable!" "Chief Fang overpraises me.

Please draw your sword," Li Muzhan requested with a smile.

Fang Shaohua mused for a moment, then sighed, "I’ve had quite a bit to drink today; my condition isn't optimal...

Perhaps we can settle this another day!" "Ooooh—!" Yu Chi Ming cried out strangely, erupting into loud laughter, shaking his head. "Fang Shaohua, Fang Shaohua, with your pathetic state, you still dream of pursuing Gong Qingyun? It’s a wonder she’d even spare you a glance!" Li Muzhan glanced at his Fourth Senior Brother, silently praising his insight.

This Fang Shaohua was indeed a man of forbearance, and thick-skinned to boot; knowing he was outmatched, he sought to evade.

Such a person should never be underestimated. "Silence!" Fang Shaohua lowered his voice and said coldly, "Yu Chi Ming, drag Sister Senior Gong into this again, and don't blame me for being ruthless!" Yu Chi Ming squinted at him, "Oh, look at your meager courage.

What can you do to me?" Fang Shaohua stared back coldly, unblinking, his gaze chilling to the bone.

Yu Chi Ming pursed his lips, meeting the stare with an expression of utter disdain, his eyes wide and unblinking.

Li Muzhan lifted his silver cup for a light sip and shared a knowing smile with Zhao Yuzhen and the other two. "Alas...

the Tianshu Courtyard is truly laughable!" a youth suddenly sighed profoundly, shaking his head dismissively. "Their little bit of skill is only good for bullying the weak.

Once faced with Sister Senior Gong, they all turn into jelly-legged shrimp, like scolded curs!" The youth opposite him shook his head. "What's most laughable is that Zhanran monk, overestimating himself, daring to challenge Sister Senior Gong.

He nearly lost his life! ...

Sister Senior Gong is soft-hearted and held back; otherwise, he would have long ascended to the Western Paradise!" Li Muzhan chuckled, turning to observe the two.

These two were seated with Fang Shaohua.

The first speaker was tall and slender, with a straight nose, possessing an ordinary, unremarkable appearance, but his eyes were clear and spirited.

The other was thin and frail, looking as if a strong gust of wind might carry him away.

He had a pale, pointed face, thin lips, and narrow, icy eyes.

He Nan Shan set down his silver cup, shaking his head with a wry smile. "They truly don't know the immensity of heaven and earth! ...

Fifth Junior Brother, don't bother stooping to the level of these fools!" Li Muzhan studied the two, then turned back to smile, "Second Senior Brother, our Mei Manor truly has many talents!" "Fifth Junior Brother?" He Nan Shan looked at him questioningly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "...They certainly have plenty of courage!" He had already shown his skill during the minor competition, yet they dared to speak such sarcasm; they were indeed bold.

Zhao Yuzhen waved his hand, "Not quite!...

Fifth Junior Brother, don't let their bravado fool you.

They know the worst they’ll get is a thrashing, nothing fatal!" "Is that so..." Li Muzhan smiled.

He could tell that these two weren't entirely fearless; they were certainly brave enough, but they wouldn't dare openly contradict the Eldest Senior Brother.

He turned and said, "Fourth Senior Brother, let it go." Yu Chi Ming and Fang Shaohua were still locked in their staring contest, the stalemate unbroken.

Yu Chi Ming grunted, "Fifth Junior Brother, don't try to stop me.

I'm going to stare him to death!" Li Muzhan chuckled, "Fourth Senior Brother, since Chief Fang wishes to postpone, let it be postponed...

as long as he doesn't forget about it!" "Heh heh, that tortoise of his, he'll never remember!" Yu Chi Ming sneered coldly.

Fang Shaohua narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold and venomous, as if wishing to tear him to shreds. "Heh heh, I called it, didn't I?" Yu Chi Ming laughed triumphantly, pulling a face. "I say, you shouldn't be called Fang Shaohua anymore; call yourself Fang the Tortoise!" "You're asking to die!" Fang Shaohua roared in anger through clenched teeth, suddenly lunging forward.

A cold light flashed from his waist, instantly enveloping Yu Chi Ming in a sheet of shimmering frost. "Fourth Senior Brother!" Li Muzhan suddenly stepped in front of Yu Chi Ming. "Clang, clang, clang, clang..." Amidst a series of crisp metallic sounds, two streaks of cold light collided and instantly vanished. "Pfft!" Li Muzhan spat out a mouthful of blood, steadying himself with his sword. "Fifth Junior Brother!" The other four cried out in alarm, and Yu Chi Ming rushed forward to support him.

Zhao Yuzhen slammed the table hard, his face grim, and said coldly, "Despicable!" Li Muzhan pushed Yu Chi Ming's hand away, looking at Fang Shaohua calmly, and sighed, "I always believed the Chief of the Kaiyang Courtyard would be a man of honor.

Alas...

what a profound disappointment!" Fang Shaohua's expression didn't change; he said coldly, "That was a fast sword!" Yu Chi Ming erupted in curses, "You, Fang! You base villain, what can you do besides sneak attacking!" "A dog can never change its habits," Cheng Xiaofeng sneered coldly.

Li Muzhan waved a hand, slowly straightened up, returned his sword to its sheath, and shook his head at Zhao Yuzhen and the other three, sighing, "Eldest Senior Brother, let's go." Yu Chi Ming shouted, "Fifth Junior Brother, are you just going to let him go?" Li Muzhan sighed, "Forget it.

Fighting someone like that only sullies my sword.

It's truly tedious! Let's leave." "...Fine, let's go!" Zhao Yuzhen nodded, glaring at Yu Chi Ming. "Fourth Senior Brother, what are you dawdling for!" Yu Chi Ming snapped back to attention, gave Fang Shaohua a final, fierce glare, stamped his foot, and declared, "You, Fang, just wait! We'll settle this score sooner or later!" With that, the five of them left the Chaoran Tower.

The crowd watched them depart, pointing and showing clear disdain toward Fang Shaohua.

Fang Shaohua’s face was icy.

He glanced over at his three companions and saw their expressions were less than natural.

He sneered, "What’s wrong?" The youth with the pointed face roared, "What are you looking at!" Though he was pale and thin, his voice was booming, like a massive bronze bell ringing, making the crowd's ears buzz and their vision swim.

They quickly quieted down and returned to their places.

Kong Li slammed the table and snorted, "Senior Brother Fang, that Zhanran is just a show-off, all surface and no substance.

It's infuriating!" Fang Shaohua nodded slowly, his face gloomy.

The pale youth mused for a moment, then whispered, "Senior Brother Fang, he was injured today.

Once he recovers, how can we let this rest?" Fang Shaohua shook his head, "I simply won't engage." If he couldn't win, he wouldn't fight; being less skilled was nothing he felt ashamed of.

The pale youth shook his head, "If we hadn't wounded him, there would still be room to maneuver, but now..." He looked around, his eyes flashing with a dim light, and lowered his voice, "In my opinion, since we've started, we might as well finish him..." He made a light slicing gesture across his own throat. "Junior Brother Zhao, are you mad!" Kong Li started, his face changing instantly.

Fang Shaohua’s expression shifted, and he quickly waved his hands, "No, no! ...Killing a fellow disciple is forbidden by the Manor Rules!" The Mei Manor had its own stringent regulations; violating the laws meant facing family justice. "Exactly!" Kong Li quickly agreed, glaring at the pale youth. "Junior Brother Zhao, it's just a small matter, don't blow it out of proportion!" "Fine..." The pale youth's eyes flickered, then he shook his head with a wry smile and stood up. "I'm going out to relieve myself." Watching him leave, Kong Li shook his head and sighed, "Junior Brother Zhao is too fiery, always preferring sharp, direct approaches.

Alas..." "He's had a hard life since childhood; we can't blame him," Fang Shaohua said, waving a hand.

Kong Li tried to persuade him, "Senior Brother Fang, I think Zhanran isn't the type to hold grudges.

Let's have a good talk another day, clear the air...

We are all fellow disciples, there's no deep-seated hatred between us." "Mmm..." Fang Shaohua kneaded his silver cup, nodding distractedly, his gaze flickering.

A moment later, the pale youth returned, rubbing his hands. "Senior Brother Fang, shall we break up?" "Mhm, let's go." Fang Shaohua set down his silver cup and stood up.

As they exited Chaoran Tower, the pale youth subtly tugged on Fang Shaohua's sleeve.

Fang Shaohua said to Kong Li and the other youth, "You two go back first.

Junior Brother Zhao and I will stroll around and buy some things to take back." Kong Li glanced at the pale youth, then back at Fang Shaohua, and hesitated, "Senior Brother Fang..." "That's settled, go on! I know what I'm doing!" Fang Shaohua cut him off with a wave.

Kong Li nodded helplessly, "Senior Brother Fang, please think thrice before acting.

Don't do anything foolish!" Fang Shaohua raised his hand as if to strike, cursing with a smile, "You chatterbox! Always worrying about nothing.

Scram!" Seeing his demeanor, Kong Li visibly relaxed, then pulled the other youth away.

As soon as they were outside Chaoran Tower, Yu Chi Ming burst into loud, unrestrained laughter.

Cheng Xiaofeng smiled faintly, "Fourth Senior Brother, thank goodness Fifth Junior Brother was quick enough.

Otherwise, you'd be in serious trouble.

What's so funny?" He himself seemed to be in high spirits, a smile playing on his lips. "Did you see that boy's face?" Yu Chi Ming chuckled and asked.

Cheng Xiaofeng nodded, laughing, "It was indeed a masterpiece—one moment red, then green, then black, then white.

Poor fellow, he must have been utterly humiliated, I feel inadequate in comparison!" "He truly was hiding his true skills," He Nan Shan conceded with a shake of his head.

Yu Chi Ming let his smile fade, huffing resentfully, "That man is utterly insidious.

With such power, he pretends to be a complete coward all the time!" The thought of that earlier sneak attack still made him uneasy.

If it hadn't been for Fifth Junior Brother, he would have certainly taken that sword strike; Fang's movement speed was terrifying.

Given Fang's treacherous nature, that strike would surely have aimed for a vital spot—his life would have been forfeit! The five of them stopped by the Jinshui Bridge, the very spot where Li Muzhan had previously helped the old monk Kong.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Alright, my four Senior Brothers, I need to head home now." Yu Chi Ming paused, then immediately protested, "No, no! ...Fifth Junior Brother, you're injured! You must stay the night at the Tianshu Courtyard!" Li Muzhan smiled, "It’s just a small injury; it's nothing serious!" "A small injury!" Yu Chi Ming insisted urgently, "If it leaves a root illness, that would be terrible! Don't push yourself further!" Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled gently, "I already told them at home I’d be back." "Forget it, Fourth Senior Brother, stop trying to persuade him!" He Nan Shan shook his head and laughed. "Fifth Junior Brother’s word is his bond; persuading him is futile." Li Muzhan rubbed his tonsured head, chuckling, "Second Senior Brother overpraises me!" Zhao Yuzhen scrutinized him for a few moments, then nodded. "Well, a walk might do no harm.

Going back is fine too; you can rest properly for a couple of days!" Li Muzhan bowed, holding his palms together in a gesture of respect, "Thank you all for indulging my foolishness." Yu Chi Ming waved his hand impatiently, "Enough with the formalities! We are family; why be so polite!" "Fourth Senior Brother is correct," Zhao Yuzhen agreed. "This junior bids farewell." Warmth spread through Li Muzhan's heart as he once again clasped his hands in salute and turned to leave.

His steps were slow and measured, his left hand stroking the prayer beads, his monastic robes billowing gently—the very picture of a venerable High Monk.

Not long after Fang Shaohua and his group departed, Chaoran Tower became lively again, with people discussing the fight that had just occurred.

Suddenly, the noise on the second floor dropped sharply.

Everyone looked toward the staircase entrance where a graceful, clear-voiced girl in white, followed by a round, sweet-faced maiden, appeared.

As the two stepped onto the second floor, the chatter died down completely, as the occupants recognized the pair: Gong Qingyun, the undisputed top master of the Seven Courtyards of Mei Manor, and her tag-along, Fang Xiuxiu. "Senior Sister Gong, Senior Sister Gong!" a young boy called out loudly from the northeast corner.

Gong Qingyun raised a delicate eyebrow, dipped her head slightly, and advanced with light, elegant steps.

The patrons avoided looking directly at them, as if the two were phantoms they could not perceive.

The boy was handsome and sharp-featured, but very young, only about fourteen or fifteen.

Xiuxiu’s sweet face hardened, and she puffed out her chest to ask, "Little Meng, why are you alone?" The boy’s face flushed red.

He dared not look at her high, proud bosom, scratching his head sheepishly, "Heh heh...

I was punished." "Oh—! You missed out on dinner, so you had to come here!" Xiuxiu nodded vigorously, gazing at him teasingly.

The boy quickly said, "Senior Sister Gong, Sister Xiuxiu, you arrived a step too late! You missed a spectacular show!" "What show?" the two young women asked as they sat down, Xiuxiu eager to know.

The boy’s eyes shone.

He leaned forward excitedly, "The Tianshu Courtyard and the Kaiyang Courtyard got into a fight!" "What happened?" Gong Qingyun frowned slightly.

The boy recounted the entire sequence of events quickly and accurately, without bias or omission.

Gong Qingyun pondered for a moment, then asked faintly, "Zhanran was injured again?" The boy pouted, "Senior Brother Fang was completely dishonorable, sneak-attacking Senior Brother Yu Chi.

Luckily, Senior Brother Zhanran blocked it, and ended up spitting blood." Gong Qingyun's pointed face hardened with frost.

After frowning briefly, she suddenly stood up. "Not good!" Xiuxiu quickly asked, "Senior Sister Gong, what is it?" "Xiuxiu, order for me first, I'll be right back!" Gong Qingyun turned and left.

A flash of white, and she vanished through the staircase entrance.