He glanced around, not spotting Daoist Zheng from Chaoyang Mountain, nor Li Yuqi and the others.

“Sect Master Lin, have you ever heard of Chaoyang Mountain?” Li Muzhan asked.

Lin Qiongying raised an eyebrow. “Chaoyang Mountain? Where did you hear of Chaoyang Mountain?”

Li Muzhan replied, “I met an elder who spoke of Chaoyang Mountain.”

Lin Qiongying nodded. “Chaoyang Mountain. I’ve heard it’s a secluded sanctuary of the Daoists, mysterious and unfathomable. I only know of its reputation, not its location.” “Oh?” Li Muzhan grew more curious.

Lin Qiongying continued, “It might be a mountain, or it might be a sect; no one knows. We only know the Daoists there are exceedingly powerful.” Li Muzhan nodded. “The one you encountered, was he a Daoist?” Lin Qiongying inquired. Li Muzhan admitted, “Yes, a Daoist senior.”

Lin Qiongying remarked, “Then he certainly wasn't a layman. The Daoists of Chaoyang Mountain rarely appear. In this era, Buddhism flourishes, while the Daoist path has declined. They prioritize aligning with Heaven’s will and responding to people, mostly living as recluses in the mountains.”

Li Muzhan smiled; Daoist Master Zheng was indeed no ordinary man.

Lin Qiongying then urged, “Zhanran, after the birthday banquet, why don't you stay at our sect for a while!” Li Muzhan shook his head, sighing, “Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Master Lin, but I must decline this time. I have offended the Helian family and am currently being hunted by them.” “The Helian family?” Lin Qiongying frowned and scoffed, “How brazen of the Helian family!”

Li Muzhan said, “They are the foremost noble house in the Northwest, with immense power, which gives them the right to be arrogant. After the banquet, I will find somewhere to lay low.”

Lin Qiongying scoffed back, “Then come to my Jade Immortal Sect!”

Seeing Li Muzhan shake his head again, Lin Qiongying chuckled, “I doubt they would have the nerve to follow you there!”

Li Muzhan still shook his head, laughing lightly, “Let’s forget it, Sect Master Lin. It’s better to avoid trouble than invite it. The Helian family becoming the top power in the Northwest is certainly not an undeserved reputation.” Lin Qiongying sneered, “I’d actually like to meet this number one power in the Northwest!”

She continued, “Alright, you’re a man; stop being so hesitant! Listen to me just this once… Xian’er and Qi’er are here too; they’re entertaining the ladies in the back. You can see them later!”

Li Muzhan considered this, then nodded in agreement. A thin, elderly man nearby chuckled and asked, “Little Master, may I ask your background and which temple you hail from?”

Lin Qiongying frowned, shot him a look, and huffed, “Senior Ji, I am speaking with Master Zhanran right now. Isn't there a proper order for these things?!” “Hehe, alright, alright, you two continue your conversation,” the thin old man quickly acquiesced. Li Muzhan clasped his hands in a smile and replied, “I am Zhanran, currently cultivating in the secular world, staying at the Plum Mansion in Jinyang. I am here representing the Third Miss to offer congratulations on Old Master Jin’s birthday.” He inwardly chuckled; revealing his identity like this, dispelling any mystery, would likely disappoint many. He also wanted to use this opportunity to gauge the depth of these people.

“So that’s it…” The thin old man suddenly understood, letting out a couple of laughs before turning away, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. The other five individuals displayed varied reactions—some scornful, some curious, others impassive. Li Muzhan noted each one, silently admiring that despite his humble disclosure, some still treated him with more, not less, seriousness.

Suddenly, Lin Qiongying lightly clapped her hands and chuckled, “I remember now!” “There is a rising star in the martial world recently, whose swordsmanship is peerless, known as the Twin Sword Monk, Zhanran. Is that you?”

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile, “Sect Master Lin mocks me… On the way here, my hands were idle, so I took care of some minor matters.” “It really is you,” Lin Qiongying pursed her lips and smiled. “As soon as I heard, I suspected it was you. You handled all those major incidents remarkably well; very good.” “So the Little Master is the Twin Sword Monk Zhanran,” a square-faced elder nodded while stroking his beard, admiration showing on his face.

His face was square, his complexion the color of jujubes, his eyes sharp and luminous, giving him an air of uprightness and purity that commanded immediate respect, his entire being exuding a righteous aura. Lin Qiongying stated calmly, “This is the Great Hero Gu Liangzhu of the Southern Sky, a truly great hero.” Li Muzhan clasped his hands in greeting, “So it is Great Hero Gu, my apologies.”

Gu Liangzhu sighed, “Your chivalrous deeds, Little Master, are truly commendable!” Feihua Stockade and Qinglong Stockade are notorious and infamous dens of evil. I’ve long wished to eliminate them, but alas, I lacked the strength.” Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “It was merely luck.” “One case might be luck, but over a dozen is not!” Gu Liangzhu laughed heartily, beaming with excitement, praising, “The people of Jiuyan City are eternally grateful to the Little Master!”

As the two spoke, the others also chimed in, mostly with words of praise, though their eyes often held doubt, not entirely convinced.

Seeing is believing; hearsay is unreliable. The martial world is rife with rumors. While they had heard of the Twin Sword Monk Zhanran, the current Li Muzhan possessed a tranquil demeanor, his divine essence deeply contained within his Purple Core, not a trace escaping. He appeared utterly devoid of martial skill. For such a person to be the rapidly ascending prodigy was hard to credit.

As they spoke, people at surrounding tables whispered amongst themselves, occasionally glancing over with great curiosity. The hall buzzed with noise. Suddenly, the sound of a bell and chime rang out, and the crowd instantly quieted. The resonance of the bell echoed throughout the hall as a middle-aged man announced loudly, “Please welcome our birthday star, Old Master Lu!”

“Hahaha…” Amidst laughter, Old Master Lu entered the hall dressed in fine brocade, a broad smile on his face, cupping his hands as he walked. People rose to pay their respects, and the atmosphere became lively.

Old Master Lu, clad in luxurious silk, his face flushed with happiness, walked slowly, stopping frequently as everyone came forward to greet him, moving like the center of a constellation toward the main seat.

He took the large bowl offered by his disciple, turned to face the crowd, and laughed heartily, “This old man has finally lived to sixty!” Twenty years ago, I thought that after a life of fighting and killing, reaching forty would be satisfaction enough. Ten years ago, I thought again, truly content if I could just make it to fifty or sixty—that would be pushing it. I never expected to actually make it to sixty! This life is nearly complete. Your presence here truly overwhelms this old man; I am deeply honored…” “Old Master Lu, no need for such modesty! It’s your sixtieth birthday; how could we not come, isn't that right, hehe…” a middle-aged man called out loudly.

Another man responded in a booming voice, “Great Hero Di speaks truly! We owe the Old Master so much assistance; we are also overjoyed to celebrate your longevity!” “Hehe, you’re too kind, too kind. It was just lifting a finger for this old man; it hardly deserves such fanfare…” “Hold on!” A sudden, sharp shout pierced the air like a thunderclap, causing the hall to vibrate. Two older men slowly stepped into the hall, stopping before Old Master Lu.

The lead elder was tall and broad-faced with small, squinting eyes, giving off a sinister impression, though a keen light flickered in his gaze.

The second elder was robust, slightly leaner, but possessed a stern countenance. As he surveyed the room, electric sparks seemed to flash in his eyes, projecting an imposing majesty. Li Muzhan frowned and subtly waved a hand.

Feng Shisheng, standing near Old Master Lu, glared at the two intruders, his senses sharp, taking in everything. He noticed Li Muzhan’s signal. He quickly and quietly approached Li Muzhan and whispered, “Master…?” Li Muzhan murmured quietly, “Go fetch my two swords.”

Feng Shisheng glanced at him, saw the sternness on his face, and understood there was no room for debate. He nodded, quietly left the hall, and headed towards the lodging to retrieve Li Muzhan’s swords. “What business do you two gentlemen have?” Old Master Lu asked with a gentle smile.

He seemed entirely unfazed by the ill intent radiating from the pair, still greeting them warmly. The crowd watched in admiration; such composure was beyond the reach of ordinary men.

Martial artists often drew blades at the slightest disagreement—this was because practicing martial arts heightened their vital energy, making them impulsive and quick to anger.

For Old Master Lu to possess high martial attainment yet maintain such an excellent disposition and control over his temper was truly rare.

“We are here to find someone!” The tall elder fixed his gaze on Old Master Lu and spoke slowly.

“Oh?” Old Master Lu maintained his smile. “Who are you looking for? Who are your esteemed selves?”

“We are guests of Helian,” the tall elder stated flatly.

Old Master Lu smiled and nodded, “So, friends of the Helian family!”

He continued, “May I ask what the Helian family is looking for, and if it is urgent?”

The other elder barked sternly, “The Helian family’s business is not for you to inquire about!”

Old Master Lu frowned slightly, yet his smile remained. “Anyone who comes to my residence is a friend of mine; how could I not inquire?”

The elder sneered, “Lu, you should weigh your own importance first! If you get entangled in Helian family matters, I fear you won’t be able to handle the consequences!”

Old Master Lu smiled wryly, “That is peculiar. Does the Helian family have secrets they must guard so closely that they require absolute silence?” “Insolence!” The elder shouted, like a sudden clap of thunder in a clear sky. “What an arrogant fellow!” A cold laugh suddenly rang out.

Li Muzhan paused, watching as a thin, wiry old man stood up from his table—the very man who had spoken to him earlier. The two new elders turned their heads to look. The tall elder frowned and asked sternly, “Flying Monkey King Ji Cunzhi?”

“It’s your father, me!” The thin old man shrieked, cursing, “You two old geezers are too arrogant, daring to disrupt Great Hero Lu’s good time! So what if you’re the Helian family? Today, I’m going to teach the Helian family a lesson!” “Ji, get aside!” the imposing elder roared, his eyes blazing with ferocity and power. Ji Cunzhi shrieked, “Take this!” His body blurred, and he suddenly appeared before the imposing elder, throwing a surprising punch with astonishing speed. With a muffled bang, Ji Cunzhi flew backward.

The imposing elder slowly retracted his fist, sneering repeatedly. His gaze swept over the faces of the assembled crowd, and he bellowed, “Who else is unconvinced? Step forward!”

Ji Cunzhi lay sprawled on the threshold, looking up at the sky. Just then, Feng Shisheng entered, carrying two long swords with silver-gray scabbards, elegant and ancient in appearance. Seeing the scene, he rushed to help Ji Cunzhi up.

Ji Cunzhi struggled to rise, his face flushed crimson. He wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth and glared angrily at the imposing elder, “Fine, no wonder you’re so arrogant; you do have some skill!” Li Muzhan slowly stood up and said calmly, “I am Zhanran. You are looking for me, aren’t you?” His voice was even, carrying slowly across the hall, capturing everyone's attention. The two elders’ eyes lit up, and they turned their gaze toward him. The imposing elder coldly inquired, “You are Zhanran?! Zhanran of the Jinyang Plum Mansion?!” “That is correct,” Li Muzhan nodded, waving his hand. Feng Shisheng hurried to his side and handed him the twin swords.