"Big Brother!" Li Mufeng was seated on a chair, looking solemn and composed.

He nodded lightly. "Mm, you're finally back."

Li Mufeng had kept Li Muzhan's confinement a secret from the family, especially from Li Yurong. If she heard, she would surely throw a fit and force her way into the Mei Estate. Though her martial arts were formidable, and the Mei Estate was no small power, the Yin Yue Nunnery was terrifying, and the Mei Estate could not afford to offend them.

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Big Brother waited specifically for me to return?"

Li Mufeng nodded. "Yes, the Eldest Miss mentioned you were promoted to Copper Armored Guard?"

"Indeed." Li Muzhan nodded, taking a seat opposite, as Zhao Yiyi brought tea.

Li Mufeng shook his head in astonishment. "Copper Armored Guard? The Eldest Miss is truly generous! ...The Mei Estate has only ten Gold Armored Guards, thirty Silver Armored Guards, and merely a hundred Copper Armored Guards."

Li Muzhan laughed, "That many?"

"Many—? You think becoming a Copper Armored Guard is easy?" Li Mufeng shook his head. "For ordinary disciples of the Seven Courts, after becoming Iron Armored Guards, it takes at least ten years to hope for a promotion!"

Li Mufeng continued, "It seems your martial arts improved greatly in this year and a half for the Eldest Miss to make an exception for your advancement."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Then I should thank the Eldest Miss?"

"Naturally!" Li Mufeng frowned, catching the underlying sarcasm in his tone. He huffed, "If not for the Eldest Miss's cultivation, how could you achieve this?"

Li Yurong knitted her delicate brows; the words grated on her ears. In her estimation, the Third Brother was supremely gifted, a rare genius unseen in a century. The Mei Estate had gained a massive advantage by taking him in; for him to join the Mei Estate was a concession of status.

Li Mufeng went on, "Most Copper Armored Guards are in their thirties. Those under thirty are only four: Zhang Ganxuan, Zhao Yuzhen, Gong Qingyun, and you!"

Li Muzhan's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

Li Mufeng, having gained experience, noticed his change in expression and quickly asked, "What is it?"

Li Muzhan hastily waved his hand. "Nothing... why haven't I seen Mother?"

Second Sister is here; this isn't the right time to talk. I'll find another opportunity later.

"She went to Li Jian's place," Li Yurong replied.

She pursed her lips and smiled, "Father and Mother dote on children; they are mad with longing for grandchildren!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, glancing at Li Mufeng and Zhao Yiyi. Their expressions shifted subtly, becoming somewhat constrained. Zhao Yiyi quickly interjected, "It's nearly noon. What would Uncle like to eat? I'll prepare it!"

Li Muzhan knew they were uncomfortable but pretended not to notice, smiling, "Sister-in-law, just keep it simple. I am indeed hungry."

Zhao Yiyi turned and left. Li Yurong said, "You two talk. I'll go help."

"Big Brother, I'm going to the temple. Shall we walk together?" Li Muzhan stood up.

Li Mufeng nodded. They left the house together. Zhao Yiyi hurried out to remind them to return early, lest they miss lunch again.

Observing their demeanor, Li Muzhan noted they weren't close, but neither were they cold; instead, they were exceedingly polite to each other. Li Muzhan frowned but said nothing. Domestic quarrels are hard for outsiders to judge or untangle.

The two walked east. As they passed a neighbor's house, the courtyard gate creaked open, and an old man shuffled out. He was short and frail, his face withered, his eyes cloudy, and his face a roadmap of deep wrinkles etched by time.

Li Muzhan paused, startled, and looked at him.

Li Mufeng smiled and greeted him, "Uncle Zhao!"

The old man was so thin a gust of wind might knock him over. He nodded and smiled faintly, "Young Master Li."

As he smiled, the wrinkles on his face spread out, resembling a large, blossoming flower. Li Muzhan also smiled thinly, "Uncle Zhao."

"You must be Young Master Muzhan?" the old man chuckled. "I've always heard Brother Li praise you; your bearing is truly extraordinary."

Li Muzhan smiled modestly, "One's own kin is always the best; you shouldn't take it seriously."

"Haha, an interesting child..." the old man chuckled.

After a few more pleasantries, they excused themselves and left.

The two employed their Qinggong, quickly reaching Ai Mountain, ascending the narrow goat path. The mountain was lush with dense, vibrant trees, radiating boundless vitality.

"Third Brother, did you notice anything odd about that old man just now?" Li Mufeng asked.

Li Muzhan nodded thoughtfully. "A master hiding his true strength?" Since gaining an extra Heart Pearl, he could multitask, making his senses even sharper. Though he couldn't pinpoint any flaws, he had a vague sense that something was amiss.

"He's a Gold Armored Guard," Li Mufeng confirmed.

Li Muzhan stopped abruptly and turned to look at him.

Li Mufeng remarked, "Now you see how much the Eldest Miss values you?"

Li Muzhan touched his chin and smiled faintly, "Interesting... the Eldest Miss is truly remarkable!"

Li Mufeng laughed, "Are you satisfied now? You don't need to teach your sister-in-law martial arts anymore!"

Li Muzhan looked at him and chuckled, "Big Brother, you've improved a lot!"

"Do you think I don't know you?" Li Mufeng laughed, quite pleased with himself. "Your actions always involve planning several steps ahead. When I risked teaching your sister-in-law martial arts, I knew there must be a deeper reason."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Sister-in-law's health is too delicate; learning some Tuna Gong [Breathing/Cultivation technique] will only benefit her."

He mused internally that he truly hadn't expected the Eldest Miss to dispatch a Gold Armored Guard. With this, the household was secure, and he no longer needed to worry. Teaching the sister-in-law martial arts served two purposes: strengthening her body and giving her the ability to defend herself. If someone attacked, she could at least hold them off long enough for reinforcements to arrive. The Eldest Miss thinking of this and sending a Gold Armored Guard was a grand gesture. With such methods, anyone else would be completely beholden, prostrating themselves in gratitude.

Li Muzhan suddenly spoke, "Big Brother, before I returned, I visited the Tianji Court."

"Mm, Li Jian is not bad," Li Mufeng nodded, his steps light. "He has an easygoing nature and decent aptitude. Your four senior brothers are taking good care of him."

Li Muzhan stated flatly, "I fought Zhang Ganxuan and crippled his martial arts."

"What?!" Li Mufeng stopped dead, whipping his head around.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile. "He provoked me, and I struck and ruined him."

"You... you..." Li Mufeng's face changed drastically, his fingers trembling, speechless.

Seeing this, Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, "If Mount Tai collapsed before you, your expression wouldn't change. Big Brother, your control of temper is still lacking!"

Li Mufeng hastily asked, "Third Brother, you actually crippled his martial arts?!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes, his Dantian is destroyed."

"You just got out, and now you'll be locked up again!" Li Mufeng panicked, stomping his foot and spinning around anxiously. "What is to be done? What is to be done! ...No, I'll go find the Eldest Miss first!"

He turned to rush down the mountain.

"Big Brother, calm down!... You should wait and see what happens!" Li Muzhan quickly held him back. Li Mufeng had lost all composure; with anyone else, he could remain steady, but their brotherly bond was too strong, making him act rashly out of concern.

Li Muzhan’s sharp command jolted him as if waking from a dream, and he slowly settled down, managing a wry smile. "You, you, you are too reckless! One day you'll scare me to death!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "I didn't kill anyone this time; at most, I'll be confined to my room. It's nothing."

Li Mufeng considered this and nodded. "No killing means there's room to maneuver..." Then he shook his head again. "However, Zhang Ganxuan has excellent potential and was expected to reach the Silver Armored Guard level. This action of yours will cause considerable trouble!"

He quickly added, "You go to the temple by yourself. I’m heading back to the estate now!" With a flick of his sleeve, he sped away.

Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile; Big Brother was truly angry this time.

As evening approached, he headed toward the Mei Estate. He had already arranged with his parents to spend the night in the Tianshu Court and have a good drink with his four senior brothers.

As he passed the Ran Building, he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind. He turned and saw two youths emerging quickly from the building, striding toward him.

Li Muzhan sized them up. The one in front was powerfully built, second only to Jin Kaitai, with a square face, honest and sincere features that suggested reliability. The other youth had a boyish face, smiling broadly, looking quite amiable.

The two approached quickly. The round-faced youth clasped his fists. "Greetings, Senior Brother Zhanran! I am Song Taihe from the Kaiyang Court!"

Li Muzhan smiled and returned the salute. "Junior Brother Song, Junior Brother Zhao, what business do you have with me?" Though he joined later, many in the Seven Courts still referred to him as Senior Brother. He recalled this person; Song Taihe had been defeated in the first round of the minor competition and hadn't advanced. His martial arts were quite average. The sturdy youth, named Zhao Zhengfeng, was actually quite formidable, possessing immense strength and sharp sword techniques, and had reached the second round.

The round-faced youth, Song Taihe, clasped his fists and smiled. "We have a matter we wish to ask you about."

"Speak," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Song Taihe’s gaze sharpened suddenly, piercing directly into Li Muzhan's eyes. "Rumor has it that Senior Brother Fang was killed by you, Senior Brother Zhanran. Is that true?"

Li Muzhan paused, then smiled. "Where did you hear such news?"

Zhao Zhengfeng snorted gruffly. "That's none of your business! Is it true or not?!"

Li Muzhan sighed and nodded. "That is correct. Senior Brother Fang Shaohua was indeed killed by me."

"Truly?!" Song Taihe asked in a low voice.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Why would I claim credit falsely?"

"Hahaha... Good! Good! To admit what you've done so readily, truly straightforward!" Song Taihe threw his head back and roared with laughter.

As the laughter died down, the sound of chaotic footsteps rose. A group of people surged out from a nearby alley, rushing forward like a tide, instantly surrounding Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan remained still, watching them with a smile. He counted about thirty of them at a glance, all glaring fiercely at him. His hand instinctively reached for his sword scabbard, only to remember his sword was broken.

He asked with a smile, "Junior Brother Song, Junior Brother Zhao, what is the meaning of this?"

Song Taihe sneered, "We are here to avenge Senior Brother Fang, to appease his spirit in the heavens!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, unconcerned. "Mei Estate disciples are forbidden from killing each other. Are you aware of that?"

Song Taihe scoffed coldly, "You killed our Senior Brother Fang and walk free. What do we have to fear for avenging him?"

Zhao Zhengfeng boomed roughly, "Besides, there are so many of us!"

The law does not punish the many. Even if they violate estate rules, with so many disciples involved, the punishment won't be too severe, certainly not expulsion from the estate.