Er Zuozhan Xiaoyuan, Gong Qingyun followed Mei Ruolan, with the father and daughter Lan people leading the way: …Elder Yi Zhi and Elder Zhang led the guards behind them.
The group slowly arrived at Fengming City.
From afar, they could see a magnificent city gate standing tall, its massive walls stretching east and west like two screens guarding the main structure.
The city gate was bustling with people, who seemed as minuscule as ants beneath the towering gate.
“What a grand city!” Li Muzhan exclaimed.
Xiaoyuan whispered, “This is the borderlands; beyond the west lie the barbarians. They often harass us, which is why the city is built so high.”
Li Muzhan nodded.
As they spoke in low tones, the three members of the Li family conversed with Mei Ruolan, while Gong Qingyun remained closely by her side, never leaving her.
Li Muzhan hadn't drawn the attention of the trio; seeing his seemingly ordinary spirit and bearing, they assumed he was merely a retainer accompanying Mei Ruolan due to her devotion to Buddhism.
In this era, Buddhism was flourishing greatly, with monks holding exceptionally high status. Many influential families enjoyed hosting eminent monks to accrue merit. Normally, these monks offered counsel; in times of trouble, a few pointers from these wise individuals could dissolve worries and bring immense benefit.
When the group reached the city gate, they were met by a small detachment of soldiers clad in iron armor—some of it tattered, showing stubborn stains that looked like dried blood that refused to wash away.
Their expressions were impassive, their movements crisp, as if they had become one with the formidable city walls.
Upon seeing the three of the Li family, they merely offered a slight nod, acting as if they were strangers, and insisted the Mei household’s carriages be opened for a thorough inspection.
Patriarch Li chuckled, “My lady, please forgive us. It’s been restless lately; the barbarians are stirring up trouble again, so the scrutiny entering and leaving the city is very strict.”
“Mm, that is very good,” Mei Ruolan replied, watching the soldiers examine each carriage one by one.
Their eyes were vacant, the look of men who had seen too much death on the battlefield. It was a pity they lacked martial arts skills; otherwise, they would have been formidable fighters.
The soldiers searched meticulously. Their commanding officer was lean as a javelin, his face like cold iron, his eyes frigid. He shot a glare backward, silencing the restless citizens who were starting to complain.
Finally, they discovered the small box of darts Li Muzhan carried. Their expressions shifted. Handing it to the slender officer, he opened the box, picked up a dart, scrutinized it from several angles, then approached Mei Ruolan’s party, his face darkening, and demanded, “Whose are these?”
Xiaoyuan sprang forward, raising her hand. “Mine!”
“Who are you, daring to conceal crossbow bolts?!” the officer demanded coldly.
Xiaoyuan said sweetly, “These are throwing needles, not crossbow bolts.”
“Throwing needles?” The officer sneered. “Do you take me for a fool? These are clearly arrows!”
“But arrows aren't this short,” Xiaoyuan shook her head, taking a few steps forward. With a casual flick of her wrist—bang—the small dart embedded itself deep into the city wall, only the tail visible. Her movement—a snatch and a throw—was light and elegant, yet swift as a gale. The officer hadn't reacted in time and stood frozen, staring at his empty hand. His face grew grim as he glared intensely at Xiaoyuan.
Xiaoyuan snorted disdainfully and pouted. “Do you want money? How much do you want?!”
“Enough, Xiaoyuan, stand down!” Mei Ruolan shook her head and chided gently.
Xiaoyuan glared back at the officer before retreating reluctantly.
Patriarch Li laughed heartily, exchanging a few pleasant words with the officer, teasing him for arguing with a little girl. It was obvious they knew each other well. The officer finally gave Xiaoyuan a disgruntled look before waving them through.
Xiaoyuan, showing no weakness, shot him a return glare, which caused the officer to secretly chuckle.
Li Muzhan smiled inwardly. Xiaoyuan appeared innocent and playful, but she proved quite extraordinary when it mattered, earning genuine respect.
He immediately frowned slightly. The Li household was the premier family in Fengming City, the local power brokers. Even if these soldiers were strictly enforcing the law, their severity seemed a little overdone, almost rehearsed.
The procession entered the city and proceeded north along the main thoroughfare. The streets were vibrant and crowded, and the clothing styles were similar to those in Haidong Province.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted in chaos. People scattered as the rapid drumming of hooves announced the approach of a white horse charging like an arrow. The rider was a young man, perhaps nineteen or twenty.
As he cut through the panicked crowd, the rider leaned over, stretched his arm, and snatched up a woman.
Amidst screams, the small woman landed upon the horse’s back. The nineteen-year-old rider laughed loudly, wrapping both arms around her, pinning her so she couldn't struggle. The white horse didn't slow, galloping past the Mei household entourage.
“Miss!” Xiaoyuan cried out anxiously.
Mei Ruolan turned her head. “Patriarch Li, what is happening?”
“Haha, this is a local custom; it’s called a bride snatching,” Patriarch Li said, stroking his beard and laughing. “Our men in Fengming City are all true heroes; we have no useless fellows. If a man wants a wife, he must take her himself!”
He waved his hand. “Come, come, we can talk as we walk.”
The procession reformed.
Xiaoyuan tugged at Li Muzhan’s sleeve and whispered in a sweet, reproachful tone, “Zhanran, why didn't you step in?!”
“Let’s understand the situation first,” Li Muzhan replied.
He noticed that although the surrounding people were flustered, they were not angry; rather, they watched the scene with excitement, sensing there was an underlying reason, so he wouldn't rashly intervene.
“Hmph, by the time we understand, it’ll be too late!” Xiaoyuan grumbled unhappily.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, ignoring her to look at Patriarch Li.
“Miss, this situation is very common here in Fengming City. Whichever young man sets his sights on a girl—if he has the ability—he goes and snatches her. It’s not like other places where they emphasize formal matchmaking.”
Mei Ruolan nodded lightly. “What if two men fall for the same woman?”
“Then it’s decided by individual skill!” Patriarch Li chuckled.
“And if the woman is already married?” Mei Ruolan inquired further.
Patriarch Li shook his head. “Then that won’t do… If she’s married, trying to snatch her is considered a wicked act and will be severely punished by the law!”
“And if the girl is unwilling, if she doesn't like him?” Mei Ruolan asked.
“Heh heh,” the Patriarch replied dismissively. “Beauties love heroes. Any man capable of snatching one must be a hero, and what woman wouldn't like a hero?!”
Mei Ruolan shook her head and smiled, asking no more questions.
The Li residence was located in the center of Fengming City, facing south. The compound was grander than the Mei residence by a significant margin. The guards all possessed sharp spirits and considerable martial arts skills.
Li Muzhan compared them silently. These guards were noticeably superior to the Mei household’s guards, making their overall strength greater. In a direct confrontation, excluding the highest-tier experts, the Mei household would likely lose.
He frowned; this comparison made him uneasy.
He couldn't explain why, but upon meeting the Li father and two sons, a sense of apprehension and impending danger arose within him—a feeling he deeply trusted.
As the sun set and the lanterns began to glow, the Li family prepared a banquet in the main hall to host the Mei party.
Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang, Li Muzhan, Gong Qingyun, and Xiaoyuan accompanied Mei Ruolan to the feast.
The hall was brightly lit, covered in a lush green carpet that resembled a grassy meadow. The furniture was simple: several low tables were arranged in two rows, leaving the center open.
When Mei Ruolan and her party entered, the three Li men were already present, along with two elders—one tall and one short. Both had white hair and youthful complexions, exuding an unusual aura.
The tall man had a long face and a stern expression. The short man had a round face, perpetually smiling so that his eyes practically vanished.
“Haha, my lady, please come in quickly,” Patriarch Li Jixian rose to welcome them.
He had changed into fine brocade clothing, appearing entirely like a prosperous gentleman radiating good cheer.
Mei Ruolan wore a pale violet silk gown, stunning all others. Gong Qingyun and Xiaoyuan looked subdued in comparison. She said calmly, “Patriarch Li, no need for such ceremony.”
“Come, come, allow me to introduce. This is Attendant Chen, and this is Attendant Song; they are both sworn retainers of our household,” Li Jixian introduced the two elders with formality.
“Greetings, my lady,” the two elders bowed deeply.
Mei Ruolan returned the courtesy, introducing Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang, and also introduced Li Muzhan, though she only mentioned his monastic name, not his true status.
Li Muzhan clasped his hands in greeting and let his gaze linger on the two elders. These two possessed profound internal energy and refined cultivation, far surpassing Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang.
The two elders’ eyes flickered as they sized up Li Muzhan.
Attendant Song returned the salute, smiling broadly. “Heh heh… Master Zhanran possesses truly profound inner strength!”
“I dare not accept such praise, Attendant Song. It is merely a slight, superficial technique practiced to keep fit,” Li Muzhan replied with a polite smile and clasped hands.
“Oh?” The three Li men—father and sons—all showed surprise.
“Attendant Song, Master Zhanran is actually a master?” Li Jixian asked, astonished.
Attendant Chen said coldly, “Patriarch, you were mistaken. Master Zhanran’s internal energy is deep, no less than my own!”
“Forgive my presumption, forgive my presumption!” Li Jixian hastily apologized.
Li Muzhan smiled slightly and returned a formal bow.
The two younger men, Li Tianhao and Li Tianfeng, turned to study Li Muzhan closely. He nodded and smiled, maintaining his composure, but he was inwardly wary. He had a distinct feeling that the way these two looked at Mei Ruolan was improper, laced with blatant greed and desire.
Mei Ruolan was undeniably gorgeous, and any man would be captivated, but the intensity in the brothers’ gazes was unusual.
Li Jixian chuckled. “Come, let us sit and talk while we eat.”
The low tables were small, allowing only one person per table while sitting on the cushions.
Li Muzhan nudged Xiaoyuan, then moved to sit beside Mei Ruolan. Xiaoyuan looked surprised but seeing his serious expression, said nothing more.
Li Jixian sat in the center, with Mei Ruolan on his left, followed by Attendant Chen, then Attendant Song, and finally Li Tianhao and Li Tianfeng.
Li Jixian was quite engaging, his discourse lively and hearty, making everyone feel as if bathed in spring breezes.
Mei Ruolan spoke little, offering only faint smiles. Most of the conversation was between Li Jixian and Li Muzhan, though the seating later shifted.
The two discussed everything from ancient times to the present, encompassing the whole world. Li Muzhan’s knowledge was not vast, but his breadth of experience was high. After Li Jixian’s long discourses, Li Muzhan would interject only a few concise sentences, instantly earning the Patriarch’s admiration and deeming him a kindred spirit.
Laughter erupted frequently from Li Jixian during the meal.
Unconsciously, an hour passed.
As the wine warmed their blood, Li Tianhao suddenly stood up and approached Mei Ruolan. Holding up a wine cup with both hands, he bowed sincerely. “It is a rare honor for the esteemed Miss to grace our humble home; I offer this cup to you, wishing you eternal youth.”
Li Muzhan turned to look at Mei Ruolan.
Mei Ruolan raised her teacup and said lightly, “Thank you, Brother Li.”
Li Tianhao smiled and shook his head. “I know that the esteemed Miss is a heroic woman with a great capacity for drink; why humble yourself?!”
Mei Ruolan offered a cool smile. “I truly cannot drink.”
Li Muzhan had already cautioned her before they left to be careful and avoid alcohol.
Li Jixian frowned slightly. “Tianhao, enough. You are a grown man, why force a woman to drink? You have no backbone!”
Li Tianhao smiled bitterly and nodded. “Very well. Then I shall drink first as a sign of respect.”
He then downed the cup in one gulp. After he retreated, Li Tianfeng came forward to toast Mei Ruolan. She again used tea instead of wine, and the brothers retreated, clearly displeased.
“Heh heh, my lady, please forgive these two brats. Seeing your beauty, they forget their own names!” Li Jixian apologized with a forced, jovial laugh. Mei Ruolan simply smiled faintly without replying.
Attendant Song suddenly stood up, smiling broadly. “Master Zhanran, how about we spar a few moves to liven up the mood for everyone?”
Li Muzhan, who had been contemplating the expressions of Li Tianhao and Li Tianfeng, paused upon hearing this and chuckled. “Attendant Song, I only possess a few clumsy tricks; they aren't worthy of the stage.”
Attendant Song laughed. “Master Zhanran is too modest. Are my humble skills perhaps unworthy of a display?”
Li Muzhan glanced at Mei Ruolan, who nodded her assent.
Li Muzhan stood up. “Since you insist, I would be honored to comply!”
He walked to the center of the room and said, “Let’s just exchange a few rounds of bare-handed martial arts.”
“Good,” Attendant Song agreed, quickly approaching Li Muzhan with a smile fixed on his face.
Li Muzhan had never formally learned palm techniques; he merely channeled his Shadowless Sword Heart Method into his palms, relying entirely on speed. His strikes were like lightning, yet weighed as much as tons.
Attendant Song’s palm work was exquisite, and his internal energy profound, but facing Li Muzhan, his movements weren't fast enough. He became constrained at every turn, forced into a desperate exchange of blows.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Their palms met continuously, the impact vibrating the floor. The thick, soft carpet muffled the sound, making the noise seem deep and muffled. As they kept striking, they seemed to ignite a genuine fire, increasing their speed until only a blur of palm shadows remained, the bang sounds incessant.
Attendant Song’s robes fluttered without wind, crackling audibly, his expression grave. Li Muzhan’s face was tinged with a purple mist, but his expression remained calm. The sound of their clashing palms grew louder.
In the hall, the clothing of the onlookers stirred, and the lamplight flickered. Everyone watched, eyes unblinking, trying to track the shadows of their palms.
Bang! Li Muzhan suddenly drifted backward, waving his hand. “Attendant Song, let us stop here!”
Attendant Song retracted his palm and his smile returned. “Heh heh, very good, Master Zhanran truly possesses deep internal strength. This old man admires you greatly, deeply admires you!”
“The feeling is mutual,” Li Muzhan smiled.
Seeing that neither party had turned hostile, Mei Ruolan nodded, and Xiaoyuan also let out a sigh of relief.
Li Jixian laughed heartily, showering Li Muzhan with praise. The brothers Li Tianhao and Li Tianfeng’s eyes flickered as they covertly glanced at him from time to time.
The meal lasted two hours, and their group returned to their guesthouse near midnight. The Li household’s hospitality was thorough; each person or small group was allocated a small courtyard, meticulously arranged, filled with fragrant flowers whose scent was intoxicating.
The westernmost small courtyard, originally intended for Mei Ruolan, Gong Qingyun, and Xiaoyuan, was where they were led.
When Li Muzhan escorted the women back, he suddenly changed his mind, refusing to leave and insisting on staying in that small courtyard.
Xiaoyuan enthusiastically agreed, finding the idea excellent, and Mei Ruolan, after a moment’s thought, also consented.
Near dawn, during the darkest hour, Li Muzhan, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes. Silently, he slid off his bed and peered out through a crack in the window.
Two dark shadows appeared in the courtyard. Li Muzhan recognized them as the brothers Li Tianhao and Li Tianfeng. They moved with unnatural quietness, their footsteps completely soundless. They crept to Mei Ruolan’s room door, paused for a moment, then quietly pushed open the window and leaped inside.
Li Muzhan frowned. Why was there no sound? The Lady’s martial arts were extremely high-level; if he could hear them, she should have sensed them too.
Just as he was about to move, a sharp pain suddenly struck his Dantian.
Hahaha, finally reaching Chapter One Hundred. Must keep striving! To write even better, I ask for all my esteemed readers’ support.