A chill ran down his spine in the "Cloud Temple Sea Stare." He looked toward Mei Ruohai in surprise. He pondered, how could Zhan Ran be so powerful? Did he have some miraculous encounter?

Li Muzhan’s face darkened momentarily before returning to normal. He asked in a soft voice, "Second Young Master, how badly is Li Jian injured? Is his life in danger?"

Mei Ruohai shook his head. "Don't worry, it's not serious." He had a huge stroke of luck; he was almost finished."

He held his thumb and forefinger apart, showing a tiny gap. "Just this much apart!" The tip of the sword missed his heart, which is why he was saved."

A purple aura flickered across Li Muzhan's face and slowly receded.

He let out a breath and said steadily, "Did the Bai family do this?"

"Yes!" Mei Ruohai nodded, his voice filled with resentment. "After you left, the Bai family didn't stop causing trouble. Now it's our turn to hold our heads high!"

Li Muzhan asked again, "Have my parents gone back?"

Mei Ruohai nodded. "They went back long ago. Your elder sister emerged from seclusion three days after you left and took them back."

Li Muzhan was relieved. As long as Second Sister was there, along with the other Golden Armored Guard, the Bai family couldn't stir up any major trouble.

He said, "Where is Li Jian?"

"He went home to recover from his injuries," Mei Ruohai replied. Li Muzhan nodded, rose, and put his palms together. "Miss, Second Young Master, I must take my leave now!"

Mei Ruolan quickly raised a hand, and Li Muzhan stopped, turning to look at her.

Mei Ruolan looked at him and said gently, "Don't be impulsive, don't act rashly! To deal with the Bai family, wait until we can all act together."

"Yes." Li Muzhan nodded.

Gong Qingyun followed him out of the main hall, and the two stopped under the willow trees by the lake.

"Senior Sister, you must be tired too. Go back and rest well," Li Muzhan said softly, his gaze gentle.

The willow branches swayed lightly, a cool breeze swept across the clear lake, carrying wisps of coolness, and the surroundings were unusually quiet.

Gong Qingyun nodded and sighed, "You be careful too. Don't lose your temper over trivial matters."

"Yes." Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "For ordinary matters, I couldn't be bothered to get angry, but I cannot tolerate my friends and family being wronged."

Gong Qingyun showed a slight smile and murmured, "Eldest Miss has had a hard time too. She only thinks of the Mei Manor and never considers herself. Don't blame her."

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "I know. I only respect her; I wouldn't dare blame her."

"Good, see you tomorrow." Gong Qingyun waved her hand and gracefully departed, vanishing into the depths of the willow shade in an instant.

Li Muzhan stood where he was, watching her slender, graceful figure disappear, and suddenly felt a sense of wistfulness.

Senior Sister Gong had changed a lot. She still looked cold, but there was much more gentleness in her core, and she had become more womanly.

Thinking that her change was because of him, a nameless joy blossomed in his heart. Yet, there was also a trace of surprise, and he stared blankly into the distance, letting out an inexplicable sigh.

Soon, he collected his thoughts, walked straight out of the Mei Manor, crossed the mountain, entered the village, and returned home.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he paused abruptly.

Beside the flower bed in the small courtyard stood a Buddhist nun, clad in a snow-white monastic robe, holding a long sword, standing perfectly still, slender and poised. Her chest rose proudly.

Hearing footsteps, the nun sharply turned, and her bright, gleaming sword "shwa"ed outward, pointing at him as she cried out sharply, "Stop! Who are you?!"

Her voice was melodious and clear, her face like a full moon, with almond eyes, rosy cheeks, and a small, delicate nose—exquisitely beautiful.

Li Muzhan smiled. "This is my home. You are Second Sister's fellow disciple, aren't you?"

The nun paused, retracted her long sword, looking somewhat embarrassed, and turned to see Li Yurong rushing out of the house.

The white monastic robe billowed, her long hair flowed, and Li Yurong suddenly appeared before Li Muzhan. She frowned and spoke with playful annoyance, "San'er, you finally decided to come back!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Second Sister, have you been well?"

"Enough with the sentimental talk!" Li Yurong shot him a look, then turned around. "Dad, Mom, San'er is back!"

Madam Qin and Li Zhuzi rushed out of the house.

Madam Qin hurried forward, grasping his hands. Li Zhuzi, however, glared with cold eyes and sneered coldly, "You still remember you have a home here!"

Madam Qin immediately glared at him. "Old man, it's good that San'er is back! Why are you always saying harsh things!"

Li Zhuzi shot Li Muzhan a resentful look and turned away.

Li Muzhan glanced at the two elders; they hadn't changed much, their spirit and energy full and abundant.

Li Yurong then introduced him, "San'er, this is my Senior Sister, Senior Sister Qingsi."

"Greetings, Senior Sister Qingsi." Li Muzhan returned the salute with palms pressed together.

Qingsi looked somewhat flustered, hastily returning the salute, her beautiful face instantly blushing, looking as delicate as ripe fruit.

Li Yurong burst into laughter. "Senior Sister, why are you blushing? San'er isn't an outsider!"

Qingsi shot her a look. "Junior Sister!"

By age, Qingsi was older than Li Yurong, but Li Yurong was the final disciple accepted by the Nun Xueyin, making her the youngest sister, hence she had to call Qingsi 'Senior Sister.'

Li Muzhan offered a wry smile. "Second Sister, you're at it again!" Thank you, Senior Sister Qingsi."

He knew that Senior Sister Qingsi was here to help his Second Sister protect their parents.

"It's nothing," Qingsi shook her head, her face turning even redder.

Li Muzhan found her endearing and couldn't help but want to tease her, but he restrained himself. "Second Sister, I'm going to check on Li Jian. I heard he was injured."

"Hmph, it's nothing serious, and anyway, look who did the work!" Li Yurong chuckled lightly.

Li Muzhan suddenly realized and smiled. "So it was Second Sister's miraculous hands at work!"

He gave Qingsi a polite bow and a smile, then turned and left home, heading straight to Li Jian's house.

Qingsi hurriedly returned the gesture, her face still flushed crimson.

Li Yurong pursed her lips and chuckled. "Senior Sister Qingsi, your face is so red!"

Qingsi gave her a look of playful reproach. "All you do is tease me! Junior Sister, your third brother has very profound internal energy."

Li Yurong nodded. "Yes, this boy claimed he was in seclusion, but he was actually guarding a convoy. He must have had some fortunate encounter."

Qingsi nodded lightly, lost in thought.

Seeing her expression, Li Yurong smiled inwardly, feeling a surge of pride. San'er had truly grown up; he had the demeanor of a man and could attract women.

It was a pity that the celibacy decree was now in effect. San'er could never return to secular life!

Thinking of this, she bit her lower lip, stamped her foot resentfully, and shook her head repeatedly. She wished she could draw her sword and march to the Golden Mirror Treasure Hall to force the Emperor to revoke that edict.

When Li Muzhan arrived at Li Jian’s house, he heard a child crying from inside the house. A large black dog ran out into the courtyard, whining and circling his feet, wagging its head vigorously, showing great affection.

Li Muzhan bent down, petted the large black dog, and played with it for a while. Only after the child’s crying inside stopped did he lift the curtain and enter the room.

Li Jian was lying on the bed, his face pale. Beside him, a beautiful young woman was nursing a child—it was Zhang Jingwen, Li Jian’s wife.

Seeing him arrive, Li Jian’s spirits lifted, and he sat up at once, calling out, "Muzhan!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Well done, Li Jian. Wife, child, warm bed—you're enjoying yourself thoroughly!"

"Heh heh." Li Jian scratched his head, smiling broadly.

Zhang Jingwen quickly turned her back to him, a patch of white momentarily flashing across her chest. She blushed and turned her head, saying, "Muzhan, you've come. I'll bring you tea in a moment."

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "That's fine, sister-in-law, just take care of my godson."

He sat on the edge of the kang, looking at Li Jian, and asked with a smile, "How long have you been resting?"

Li Jian replied, "Ten days. It's almost fine; I was just thinking of returning to the Manor."

"Rest a while longer," Li Muzhan shook his head, his eyes crinkling in a smile. "It’s rare to be home with your wife. Don't rush back until you're completely well."

"Cultivation is important; I can't fall behind," Li Jian said.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Don't worry. You won't fall behind; I'm here!"

Li Jian was startled and quickly shook his head. "Forget it. Even if you killed me, I couldn't endure that suffering."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Then you should think carefully. Next time you run into someone from the Bai family, will you be this lucky?"

Li Jian fell silent and sighed.

Zhang Jingwen turned her head and whispered, "Muzhan, can you put in a word for him? Tell him not to do this anymore. He should go back to the Chaoran Tower!"

Li Jian’s expression changed. "Shut up! What nonsense are you speaking!"

Zhang Jingwen didn't look at him, staring fixedly at Li Muzhan. Her bright eyes were moist. "If something happens to him, how are we, a widowed mother and orphaned child, supposed to live?"

"A mere woman, what does she know!" Li Jian snapped angrily, his voice rough.

Li Muzhan looked at her. She was quiet and delicate, and while perhaps not as stunning as Second Sister or Mei Ruolan, she was still a beauty. Her pleading demeanor was so pitiful that no one could resist it.

He sighed and turned to Li Jian. "Hmm, that's true. You are established now; you aren't alone anymore."

Li Jian waved his hand. "Don't listen to her; what does a woman know!"

Zhang Jingwen lowered her head, her thin shoulders trembling slightly, her voice laced with tears. "Since you started going to the Mei Manor, I’ve been worried sick day and night. How am I supposed to live like this!"

Li Muzhan smiled wryly, glancing at Li Jian. Seeing his wife cry, Li Jian also softened, shaking his head repeatedly with a helpless look on his face.

Li Muzhan inwardly chuckled. Li Jian clearly couldn't handle his wife. He was tied down for life. Thinking of this, he gave Li Jian a look of sympathy.

Li Jian was currently looking at Zhang Jingwen with concern.

Li Muzhan found it amusing and said gently by way of comfort, "Sister-in-law, don't be like this. Since that's the case, Li Jian can transfer to an administrative post instead." The disciples of the Mei Manor had two paths: one was to become a guard, and the other was to transfer to an administrative role, like Elder Brother Li Mufeng.

"Really?" Zhang Jingwen immediately looked up, her beautiful face streaked with tears.

Li Muzhan nodded. "I'll speak to Elder Brother. Chances are high... However, you still need to practice martial arts; without skill, you will always be bullied!"

"Good, good, good!" Zhang Jingwen agreed repeatedly, gently placing the child in Li Jian's arms. She got off the kang, put on her shoes, and said, "Muzhan, you must eat dinner here tonight. I’ll go cook!"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hand. "Forget it. I just got back, and if I eat here, Mom and Dad won't agree! Some other day."

Zhang Jingwen looked toward Li Jian.

Li Jian nodded. "Yes, then tomorrow."

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. "Which one from the Bai family was it?"

Li Jian's face darkened. "Bai Moyun!" Hmph, as one of the three top experts of the Bai Estate, his swordsmanship was indeed exquisite. I had no power to fight back at all!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Do you want to take revenge yourself, or shall I do it?"

"I'll do it myself!" Li Jian said in a deep voice.

"Good." Li Muzhan nodded, stood up, and said, "I'm leaving. I'll come by again tomorrow."

Zhang Jingwen rose to see him off. At the main gate, she whispered, "Muzhan, thank you so much. He only listens to your advice; I’ve worn my lips thin to no avail!"

Li Muzhan smiled, waved his hand, and turned to leave.

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