"Take a breath, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?" Li Muzhan chuckled.

Xiao Yuan took a deep breath, her proud chest rising and falling dramatically, her face flushed like an apple, stunningly vibrant.

She rushed out, "Yu-chi Ming and Cheng Xiaofeng have been beaten!" Li Muzhan shot to his feet, his face darkening. "Are they badly hurt?!" Zhao Yuzhen's expression sank, and she frowned, asking, "What happened?!" Xiao Yuan shook her head. "They ran into someone from the Bai family in the city, and a fight broke out...

they were outnumbered and severely wounded!" "Where are they?" Li Muzhan pressed immediately.

Xiao Yuan replied, "They are being treated at the Huichun Hall!" "Let's go!" Li Muzhan strode toward the exit.

After taking one step, he suddenly realized his action, paused, and looked at Jin Kaitai and Zhao Yuzhen, whose expressions were grim.

He sighed. "Commander, Senior Brother?" Li Muzhan looked questioning. "We'll talk as we walk," Jin Kaitai said, striding out with the imposing gait of a tiger.

Zhao Yuzhen shook her head. "The Bai family again!" Li Muzhan asked, "Old rivals?" Walking alongside, Zhao Yuzhen nodded. "In Jinyang City, three great clans stand supreme: our Mei household, the Liu family, and the Bai family! ...

The Liu family is manageable; their relations with us are decent.

The Bai family, however, are our sworn enemies!" "How deep is the enmity?" Li Muzhan inquired. "As deep as the sea!" Zhao Yuzhen sighed, shaking her head. "Four years ago, the Bai family's Third Young Master was killed—it was our Third Young Master who did it!" Li Muzhan drew a sharp breath.

The vengeance for a son's death, deep as an abyss, demands irreconcilable retribution! As for the Third Young Master, he knew him to be Mei Ruohai, the eldest son of the Second Branch of the Mei household.

It was said that this Third Young Master was a martial arts prodigy, possessing formidable skill, second only only to Mei Ruolan, and known for his bold and generous bearing, earning him great support within the Mei manor.

People privately speculated that he was destined to be the next family head.

The current head of the Mei household, Mei Songren, was the eldest son of the Second Branch and Mei Ruohai’s father.

The previous head, Mei Songping, was the eldest son of the First Branch, who had died young, leading to Mei Songren's succession.

Under these circumstances, whether the next headship would return to the First Branch or remain with the Second Branch was unclear; it rested entirely on Mei Songren's decision.

Mei Ruolan held a transcendent position, not only due to her fairness, composure, and sharp intellect but largely inherited from her father, Mei Songping, whose benevolence and compassion were universally cherished in the manor.

People showed her deference out of affection for her father, and furthermore, as the eldest daughter of the First Branch, her status was naturally distinct.

Since entering the manor, Li Muzhan had primarily remained within the Tian Shu Courtyard and the Qi Yuan Garden, rarely venturing out.

He had never met Mei Ruohai nor heard much about him.

They walked south toward a cluster of buildings nestled in the pine woods in the southwest corner—this was Huichun Hall.

Four burly men stood guard at the entrance, swords resting at their sides, radiating vitality, their sharp eyes briefly acknowledging the group with slight nods, betraying no emotion.

Stepping inside, they were immediately enveloped by the thick scent of medicine.

The large courtyard was empty, the bluestone ground covered with various herbs spread out to dry in the sunlight, releasing a potent fragrance.

The herbs covered the open space, leaving only five narrow paths leading toward five Moon Gates in the north.

Xiao Yuan led the way, guiding the three through the central gate into a quadrangle courtyard.

Two beds were set up in the center, with two figures standing beside them.

Lying on the couches were Yu-chi Ming and Cheng Xiaofeng, both pale, eyes lightly closed, motionless in a deep slumber.

Mei Ruolan, clad in purple, stood with her hands behind her back, her delicate brows tightly furrowed, her expression cool and distant.

Beside her stood a young man in a dark green long robe, of medium height.

While not classically handsome, he possessed an undeniable martial bearing—his eyebrows slanted sharply toward his temples, and a flash of keenness shone in his eyes when they opened or closed, radiating aggressive spirit.

He paced back and forth before the couches, grinding his teeth, his face contorted with rage.

Suddenly stopping, he glared at Mei Ruolan and said in a deep voice, "Eldest Sister, this time, we must settle the score with the Bai family once and for all!" Mei Ruolan glanced at him coolly and shook her head. "Elddddddest Siiiiiister!" the youth snorted, clearly dissatisfied, raising his voice. "Are we just going to let them bully us and hide like turtles?!" "Wait a little longer," Mei Ruolan said calmly.

She slowly turned, looking toward Li Muzhan and the others. "Eldest Miss! Third Young Master!" Jin Kaitai clasped his fists in salute, speaking in a deep tone.

Zhao Yuzhen followed with a bow, while Li Muzhan brought his palms together in a respectful gesture.

Mei Ruolan gave a slight nod. "Mm, you've arrived." Zhao Yuzhen’s face was so dark it looked ready to drip water as she slowly asked, "Eldest Miss, how serious are the injuries of Third and Fourth Brother?" "Their lives are spared," Mei Ruolan stated plainly.

Li Muzhan remained perfectly composed, his demeanor as still as water, and slowly approached, reaching out to place his hands on their wrists.

Though he was not versed in medicine, his twin Core Pearls allowed him clear internal vision.

His inner energy moved like delicate filaments, and wherever it traveled, it was as if he could see with his eyes, clearly observing the state of their internal organs.

Gently lowering his hands, Li Muzhan shook his head. "Fifth Brother, what is it?" Zhao Yuzhen pressed anxiously.

Li Muzhan sighed. "Their internal organs are displaced, and the right arm is broken!" Zhao Yuzhen gritted her teeth and snorted in fury. "The vicious Bai family! ...

This was done by Bai Qingshi!" "That scoundrel!" Mei Ruohai echoed.

Li Muzhan’s expression was placid, betraying no anger or joy.

Although he didn't know who Bai Qingshi was, he did not ask further.

He glanced around the vicinity and asked, "Where is Second Brother?" Zhao Yuzhen's face shifted instantly, and she turned to Mei Ruolan. "Eldest Miss, was Second Brother not with them?" "...Not yet found," Mei Ruolan hesitated slightly before shaking her head.

Zhao Yuzhen's face immediately turned ashen.

The three had been together; how could the Second Brother be missing?! Could it be that he had met a terrible fate?! Li Muzhan asked, "Eldest Miss, how did you find Third and Fourth Brother?" "They were found collapsed in front of Chaoran Tower," Mei Ruolan stated calmly. "...

I have already dispatched people; they should be searching all of Jinyang City by now." Mei Ruohai stomped his foot and pointed south. "If anything has befallen him in the Southern Mountain, I will annihilate the entire Bai clan!" Mei Ruolan glanced at him briefly. "Enough grand talk.

Send out more people!" "Good, I'll go myself!" Mei Ruohai agreed fiercely, nodding, and strode out purposefully.

Zhao Yuzhen bowed to Mei Ruolan. "Eldest Miss, I wish to go myself!" "Mm, go then!" Mei Ruolan nodded. "Fifth Brother, take good care of Third and Fourth Brother!" Zhao Yuzhen instructed solemnly. "Senior Brother, rest assured," Li Muzhan replied slowly, nodding.

Watching the two depart, Li Muzhan turned back. "Miss, have Third and Fourth Brother woken up at all?" Mei Ruolan shook her head. "Xiaofeng woke up once and said a few words.

Nanshan told them to leave first while he held the enemy back." Li Muzhan asked, "The Bai family truly dares to kill people?" "The feud between our families is as deep as the sea.

What would they not dare to do?" Mei Ruolan said coolly.

Li Muzhan sighed, his brow furrowing.

He spoke no more, lowering his head to examine their injuries.

A strange energy flowed slowly within their bodies.

Li Muzhan guessed it was the medicinal power; thus, he channeled a thread of his inner force to hasten its circulation, making it flow faster.

Mei Ruolan stated gently, "Be careful; their injuries are too severe to rush the process." Li Muzhan nodded but did not stop.

His inner force was pure and capable of extremely fine manipulation; he was highly confident.

In a short while, their complexions improved, indicating the medicine was taking effect.

Seeing this, Mei Ruolan ceased speaking.

She paced with her hands behind her back, her delicate brows deeply knitted, her bright eyes gleaming, becoming even more captivating as she clearly pondered the situation.

Footsteps sounded, and a young man floated in, clasping his fist in salute. "Eldest Miss!" "Was he found?" Mei Ruolan asked urgently.

The youth had ordinary features but possessed an intrepid spirit and bright, keen eyes.

He shook his head solemnly. "We have searched all of Jinyang City, but we have not located Junior Brother He!" "You searched everywhere?" Mei Ruolan frowned.

The youth nodded. "Yes, every street and alley; we questioned every household...

No one saw Senior Brother He." Mei Ruolan murmured, "Then he must be outside the city!" The youth asked, "Shall we expand the search outside the city?" Mei Ruolan nodded. "Yes.

Ten men per group.

If anything untoward happens, signal immediately; do not engage in reckless combat!" "Yes!" The youth saluted with a clasp of his fist and strode out purposefully.

Li Muzhan suppressed his anxiety, keeping his mind clear and settled.

Jinyang City, though large, was finite.

The Mei household had the advantage of local knowledge, so a thorough search was possible.

But the area outside the city was vast; even with many men, it was fruitless.

He turned and said, "Xiao Yuan, please go to the Tian Shu Courtyard and bring me the clothes Second Brother usually wears." Xiao Yuan, who had been standing quietly to the side, speechless as a mute, was momentarily stunned by Li Muzhan’s request. "Zhan Ran, what are you doing?" Mei Ruolan also turned to look at him.

Li Muzhan sighed. "At this point, we must try anything, even if it seems hopeless.

I will attempt to sense him." Mei Ruolan immediately frowned, looking at him, offering no comment or approval.

In this desperate situation, any method, no matter how improbable, had to be attempted.

Moreover, Buddhist teachings were rumored to possess inconceivable power; those deeply versed in them were said to achieve supernatural abilities.

Xiao Yuan whispered, "Oh," and floated away, returning in a blink.

Her innate talent was exceptional, and her movement technique far superior even to Zhao Yuzhen's.

Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on Cheng Xiaofeng's couch, his sapphire long robe resting over his knees.

He then formed a hand seal, lightly closed his eyes, and a peaceful smile touched his lips.

In an instant, he entered a state of profound meditation.

A brilliant light burst forth before him—a perfectly round, luminous orb, shining brightly like the moon.

As his concentration sharpened, the orb grew brighter, becoming like the sun, until his vision was filled with this radiance, and his spirit merged into the vast, shining expanse.

He moved his hands, forming the Earth-Touching Mudra, and gently placed them upon the sapphire robe.

Mei Ruolan and Xiao Yuan watched him intently, their eyes fixed on him as his hand touched the garment, never leaving his face.

Yet, his expression remained peaceful, his smile serene, showing no signs of strain.

Xiao Yuan whispered, "Miss, is he using Buddhist techniques? Can this really work?" "We shall see," Mei Ruolan replied, gazing at Li Muzhan and slowly shaking her head.

Time slipped away.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he slowly opened his eyes.

Xiao Yuan rushed over, eagerly asking, "Zhan Ran, how was it?" Li Muzhan gazed toward the sky, his brow tightly furrowed in deep thought.

Xiao Yuan dared not interrupt, fidgeting like a cat whose curiosity was being scratched, watching him intently.

Mei Ruolan also stared fixedly.

After a moment, Li Muzhan rose from his seated position on the couch and sighed. "I can only try to search in a specific direction...

Miss, I'm going now!" "Where?" Mei Ruolan asked.

Xiao Yuan quickly interjected, "Zhan Ran, what kind of divine power is this? Can you really find him?" "It's not a divine power," Li Muzhan shook his head. "I have practiced meditative concentration for many years; my intuition is merely a bit more acute than ordinary people's." "Oh, so it's just intuition..." Xiao Yuan sounded slightly disappointed.

Mei Ruolan said, "Take a signal arrow.

If you encounter any enemies, call for aid immediately!" "No need!" Li Muzhan shook his head, picking up the sapphire robe, turning, and walking away. "We can't afford any more delays.

I'm leaving!" As his words fell, he was already out the door. "Xiao Yuan, follow him!" Mei Ruolan immediately instructed. "Got it!" Xiao Yuan responded readily, shooting out with a swoosh to quickly pursue Li Muzhan.