Cai Xiuping pondered for a moment, then asked slowly, "Zhanran, is there anyone to bear witness?" Gong Qingyun quickly interjected, "I can testify!" "Tell us what happened," Cai Xiuping nodded, his expression betraying neither pleasure nor anger.

In this moment that would decide Li Muzhan's fate, Gong Qingyun spoke the unvarnished truth of what she had witnessed, though she managed to weave in a slight fabrication.

She recounted that the instant she shouted for them to stop and rushed over, Fang Shaohua, cornered, had immediately moved to strike down Li Muzhan, who was still seated on the ground.

Li Muzhan’s own account of that part had been vague, so her version passed without revealing any flaw.

After Gong Qingyun finished speaking, Cai Xiuping remained silent for a long time, his eyes half-closed, like an ancient monk deep in meditation.

Mei Ruolan did not press him for time, her demeanor placid, her distant gaze encompassing both Li Muzhan and Gong Qingyun.

Li Muzhan’s eyelids were lowered, his expression tranquil and composed; his left hand moved over his prayer beads, counting them one by one, slow and deliberate, exuding an air of transcendence.

Gong Qingyun’s delicate, melon-seed face was taut, her bright eyes fixed unblinking on Cai Xiuping, as were those of Commander Jin and Li Mufeng.

For a moment, the silence in the room was so profound a needle drop could be heard.

After a considerable spell, Cai Xiuping slowly opened his eyes, cupped his hands, and declared, "Eldest Miss, Kaita's assessment is sound; let us sentence him to meditation against the wall!" Gong Qingyun’s rigid posture eased, and she let out a long breath, turning to look at Li Muzhan, yet he remained utterly unmoved, as if the matter concerned someone else entirely.

She couldn't help but feel deeply irritated and shot him a fierce glare.

Jin Kaita beamed, chuckling audibly.

Mei Ruolan’s hazy gaze swept over him, and he immediately hushed, though a smile still tugged at his lips.

Having served in the manor for years, he knew well the Eldest Miss's strict adherence to the law—uncompromising, even with relatives.

Zhanran, despite his genius, would not receive leniency from her.

Mei Ruolan glanced coolly at Zhao Faning: "Steward Zhao, what is your view?" Zhao Faning’s expression was grave; he spoke slowly, "Since it was self-preservation, the sin of accidental homicide can be reduced by one degree.

In my opinion, a year of wall-facing is too light; let it be two years!" "Old Zhao, that’s hardly fair play! ...

I say even one year is too harsh.

That brat Fang Shaohua, the scoundrel deserved to die!" Jin Kaita frowned, his voice rough.

Zhao Faning’s face hardened, and he stated sternly, "Disregarding the manor rules invites grave misfortune!" "Aha! Old Zhao, are you intentionally picking a fight?!" Jin Kaita glared at him menacingly.

He was simply bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

When Cai Xiuping spoke, Jin Kaita listened obediently, daring not offer a single rebuttal, but with Zhao Faning, who held comparable seniority, there was no need for such deference. "Enough!" Mei Ruolan raised a hand, and both men immediately straightened, looking straight ahead.

Mei Ruolan stated mildly, "One year and a half facing the wall! ...

Gong Qingyun failed in her restraint; six months confinement!" "The Eldest Miss is wise!" Cai Xiuping clasped his hands, and the others could only concur. "Zhanran, do you have anything to say?" Mei Ruolan looked toward him, her bright eyes shimmering faintly, mesmerizingly captivating.

Li Muzhan slightly lowered his gaze, performing a slight bow with palms pressed together: "This disciple willingly accepts the punishment." His expression was serene, like the water of a deep, still lake, yet within his heart, he sighed inwardly.

In any age or world, power reigned supreme.

Had the circumstances involved another, they would have faced expulsion from the manor and the abolition of their martial arts.

One and a half years facing the wall was surely the lightest possible sentence.

As for frustration, some was unavoidable, but he quickly suppressed it.

A true man knows when to bend and when to stretch; living under another’s roof means knowing when to bow one's head.

With his current meager strength, he could not act purely on whim.

For now, everything else was illusory; the path forward lay only in diligent martial cultivation.

Only by mastering the martial arts to become the world's foremost expert could he live as he pleased, wandering the world freely.

At this moment, his ambition surged, and he resolved to achieve the pinnacle of martial arts. "Good!" Mei Ruolan nodded, then turned. "Let this matter be known only among those present; do not spread it outside, lest unrest surface among the followers." "Yes, Eldest Miss." The few men looked toward Li Muzhan with complex expressions.

The Eldest Miss was clearly showing favor to Zhanran—a rare occurrence. "Eldest Miss, I wish to speak with Third Brother," Li Mufeng announced, clasping his hands.

Mei Ruolan inclined her head lightly: "Very well, go ahead." Li Mufeng stepped forward a couple of paces and pulled Li Muzhan outside.

The courtyard was surrounded by plum blossoms, their faint, delicate fragrance barely perceptible.

The two stopped before the Moon Gate to the south.

Li Mufeng lowered his voice, shaking his head with a wry smile, "Third Brother, you truly..." Li Muzhan smiled but said nothing. "You should have told me sooner!" Li Mufeng complained.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "The Eldest Miss cannot tolerate the slightest imperfection and sees through everything.

If Eldest Brother had known, it would only have brought harm, not benefit." "This..." Li Mufeng paused, then sighed helplessly and nodded.

If he had known beforehand, he would surely have tried to coordinate their stories.

The Eldest Miss’s perception was too keen; if she had seen through their ploy, the punishment might have been heavier.

One and a half years facing the wall was perhaps the best outcome.

Judging by his Third Brother’s bearing, he seemed entirely in control, having foreseen everything.

In terms of bearing and stratagem, the Third Brother was indeed unrivaled! "Third Brother, I know you are proud and willful, accustomed to acting without restraint..." Li Mufeng voiced his concern. "Brother, rest assured!" Li Muzhan waved a hand, smiling, "A slender arm cannot wrestle a thick thigh; a gentleman does not attempt the impossible!" Li Mufeng studied him for a long moment, then breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s good to hear!" "What secrets are you two whispering about!" A footfall sounded behind them, and Jin Kaita strode purposefully closer. "Vice-Steward, I need a few words with Zhanran!" Li Mufeng nodded. "Go ahead." He turned back to Li Muzhan. "Third Brother, keep your mind clear.

I will go home tonight and tell everyone you are in seclusion." "Brother, treat Sister-in-law well!" Li Muzhan acknowledged.

Li Mufeng started, quickly glancing toward the main house, then turned to glare at him before exiting the Moon Gate somewhat flustered and leaving immediately.

Li Muzhan laughed softly, then turned to Jin Kaita, clasping his hands in a formal bow: "Commander, this disciple is eternally grateful!" "Don’t waste breath on pleasantries!" Jin Kaita waved a hand, interrupting him gruffly, and said in a deep voice, "This time facing the wall is an opportunity.

Settle your mind and cultivate diligently!" Li Muzhan nodded. "Here is the manual for the Eight Swords of Town Mountain...

Come, I will demonstrate twice for you." He pulled a thin piece of yellowed silk from his robes.

Li Muzhan accepted it without hesitation, flipping through it rapidly until the contents were instantly branded into his memory; the spiritual bead had solidified, granting him perfect recall.

As soon as Li Muzhan finished reading, Jin Kaita drew his sword and began to move slowly, executing a set of sword techniques.

The movements were simple, the motions deliberately slow, yet the blade grew brighter until it became dazzling, forcing the eye to avert a direct gaze.

There were eight forms in total.

The sword followed his movements like the wind, causing the surrounding plum branches to sway incessantly.

Li Muzhan stood motionless in his flowing grey monk's robe, his eyes unblinking, etching every detail into his mind.

After demonstrating the sequence once, Jin Kaita did not stop, launching into a second repetition, and then a third, before finally pausing.

He presumed Li Muzhan had memorized it by now.

Zhao Faning walked over slowly, shaking his head with a slight smile, "Commander Jin, you certainly have a devoted heart!" "Get lost!" Jin Kaita glared at him.

Zhao Faning offered a faint smile to Li Muzhan. "Zhanran, do not mistake my severity.

You, my boy, are too hot-headed.

How could you strike a fellow disciple with killing intent?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Yes, my judgment was clouded by anger." Zhao Faning stated with sobriety, "I hope you learn your lesson! ...

The standing of our Mei Manor in Jinyang City depends entirely on our unity! If incidents like this recur, who among our ranks will dare associate with you?" "Yes," Li Muzhan replied soberly. "Enough, Zhao, stop with the grand sermons; you’re delaying my important business!" Jin Kaita impatiently waved his sword, its edge flashing coldly.

Zhao Faning shot him a sidelong glance and walked away with a wry smile.

Jin Kaita watched him leave, then pursed his lips. "That fellow is cut from the same cloth as your Eldest Brother—too earnest, exhausting company!" Li Muzhan smiled but offered no response.

This Zhao Faning was indeed upright and righteous; his character was utterly beyond reproach.

Jin Kaita sheathed his sword. "Zhanran, after weighing the options, this Eight Swords of Town Mountain sequence suits you best.

It relies on simplicity overpowering complexity, and strength compensating for finesse.

You must practice it well!" "Yes, Commander!" Li Muzhan felt a touch of emotion.

Jin Kaita added, "Consider this your extended seclusion.

When you emerge, you will astonish everyone!" "I will surely not disappoint the Commander's expectations!" Li Muzhan replied cheerfully. "Zhanran, the Eldest Miss is calling for you!" Xiao Yuan suddenly appeared, speaking in a sweet voice.

Jin Kaita waved his hand. "Go on!" Li Muzhan bowed, palms pressed together, and turned back toward the main chamber.

Mei Ruolan sat elegantly in the center, gazing mildly. "Zhanran, from this day forward, you will reside in the Star-Gazing Tower.

You may not descend for a year and a half." Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes." He chuckled inwardly; the Eldest Miss's arrangement was quite considerate.

Mei Ruolan then turned to Gong Qingyun. "Qingyun, you will remain here!" "Yes, Eldest Miss," Gong Qingyun replied in a low voice.

Mei Ruolan watched her, shook her head, and then turned back to Li Muzhan. "Zhanran, say your farewells to Yuzhen and the others, and then proceed directly to the Star-Gazing Tower!" Li Muzhan bowed with palms joined and departed, his monk's robe fluttering.

Gong Qingyun kept her head down, her peripheral vision following his exit.

Seeing him leave without a single glance in her direction brought her a mixture of disappointment and emptiness.

Mei Ruolan kept her fixed on Gong Qingyun.

Seeing her state, her hazy eyes flickered twice, and she sighed, "Qingyun, you..." "Eldest Miss, I..." Gong Qingyun murmured faintly.

Mei Ruolan said gently, "At your age, this is the prime time for cultivation.

You must be single-minded, letting no other matters distract your focus." "...Yes," Gong Qingyun’s fair face instantly flushed crimson.

Mei Ruolan continued calmly, "Zhanran is a monk, a man detached from the mundane world; he is not a suitable match." Gong Qingyun’s face grew even redder; she tried to protest, "Eldest Miss, I..." Mei Ruolan interrupted her, "Furthermore, his dedication to Buddhism is deep; he has already seen through worldly attachments.

His heart is tempered as hard as rock, standing aloof from the world, making it exceedingly difficult to bind him...

To fall in love with him will only lead to sorrow.

Do not deceive yourself!" The process of cultivating the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art had been excruciatingly painful, yet he had endured for a full hour—truly superhuman.

The fortitude of his spirit was beyond imagination.

Such an individual could not be moved by external forces; trying to sway his heart was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Gong Qingyun's expression suddenly dimmed as she recalled every interaction Zhanran had ever shown her, and the clarity of realization hit her all at once.

Mei Ruolan watched her stand there, lost in thought, shook her head, and lightly drifted away.