He pressed his palms together in salute and chuckled, “Senior Leng, long time no see!”
“Indeed—long—time—no see!” Leng Feng uttered, a sliver of a cold smile playing on his lips. Clad in a sweeping grey robe, he moved with deliberate grace, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Yuzhen and the other three.
A moment later, he chuckled lightly, “Little Monk, I’ve thought of you often in this time. Heaven rewards the diligent; I finally run into you here!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “To be so remembered by Senior Leng is my highest honor.”
He turned, saying, “Eldest Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother, allow me to introduce, this is the Divine Fist Shakes Heaven, Senior Leng Feng!”
Zhao Yuzhen cupped his fist in a respectful bow, “Senior Leng, I am Zhao Yuzhen. I have long heard of your great name!”
This was no exaggeration; Divine Fist Shakes Heaven Leng Feng was indeed a preeminent master renowned across the realm. Zhao Yuzhen had known the name for ages but had never met the man until now.
The other three followed suit with their courtesies.
They were well aware that Li Muzhan and Leng Feng were adversaries, not friends, yet they maintained proper decorum.
Leng Feng studied the four men, waving a hand dismissively with a smile, before fixing his gaze back on Li Muzhan. “Little Monk, are you feigning weakness, hoping I won’t bother with these four?”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile, “With my four senior brothers present, I hold no fear. Though Senior’s skill is profound, with their aid, I have nothing to dread.”
Leng Feng let out a cold snort and shook his head. “Nonsense!”
He instantly discerned the true measure of Zhao Yuzhen and the other three; their internal energy was far inferior to Li Muzhan’s—they were simply not in the same league. If it weren't for Li Muzhan, he wouldn't bother acknowledging such company. Although Li Muzhan was his enemy, Leng Feng held a degree of respect for him. The intelligence and skill required to escape his clutches before were far beyond the ordinary. Left unchecked, this young monk would undoubtedly become one of the realm’s foremost experts, his potential limitless. Thus, while a fierce, blazing killing intent burned within him, he simultaneously held deep admiration, even reverence, for Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Senior Leng, in this vast sea of people and turbulent world, our reunion is surely fate! As a man of the cloth, I speak of affinity. May I invite you to share a drink at the Transcendent Tower? Would you honor me with your presence?”
Leng Feng smiled cryptically, glancing at the four brothers. “Little Monk, I too believe in the threads of fate. Very well, I feel a certain affinity with these four as well—we shall all go together!”
Li Muzhan laughed heartily. “It is an honor for my senior brothers, and I shall presume to accept on their behalf!”
Leng Feng nodded. “Good. You’re being cooperative this time, Little Monk. Let’s go!” He extended a hand, looking at the five of them with a knowing half-smile.
Li Muzhan exchanged a glance with his four brothers and said brightly, “Excellent, Senior, please lead the way!”
Leng Feng shook his head, gesturing for them to proceed, his expression firm.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “Senior is judging a gentleman with the heart of a petty man!”
Leng Feng grunted. “Little Monk, the feeling is mutual. You too judge a gentleman with a petty heart. Neither of us has the right to lecture the other!”
Li Muzhan roared with laughter, the sound echoing across the heavens.
Leng Feng’s expression tightened. He spoke in a deep voice, “Little Monk?!”
Li Muzhan’s laughter ceased abruptly. He turned sideways in a gesture of invitation. “Four Senior Brothers, please—!”
The four said nothing more, merely smiling before stepping forward. Their faces were calm, their demeanor natural.
At this point, anyone who couldn't see they were effectively hostages would be a fool.
A glint flashed in Leng Feng’s cold eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching up slightly. He found himself feeling a flicker of interest in these four. They either possessed extraordinary courage or held unwavering faith in the Little Monk.
He Nanshan and Zhao Yuzhen walked side-by-side, exchanging a glance, marveling inwardly. They never expected their seemingly easygoing, sincere, and forthright Junior Brother Zhanran could orchestrate such intricate schemes. They pondered why Zhanran invited Leng Feng to the Transcendent Tower—surely he had a contingency plan there, a chance to escape.
The name Divine Fist Shakes Heaven Leng Feng was like thunder in their ears; his mastery of fist techniques was said to be unrivaled. Though Zhanran was powerful, he was no match for Leng Feng one-on-one.
Lost in thought, they continued walking until the group arrived at the Transcendent Tower.
The young attendant at the door rushed forward immediately upon seeing them, eagerly ushering the six inside and guiding them to a table near the street-facing window on the second floor.
After sitting down, Li Muzhan loudly ordered several dishes, smiling. “It is a joyous occasion to share wine with Senior Leng today! Waiter! Bring four jars of Snow Plum Spring!”
A server from the distance shouted back, “Right away, four jars of Snow Plum Spring!” With that, he scurried down the stairs.
Moments later, he returned carrying only two jars, setting them before Li Muzhan’s table with a placating smile. “Esteemed guests, a great misfortune! We only have two jars of Snow Plum Spring left. If you grant us a brief moment, perhaps the time it takes for a cup of tea, we can fetch the others. We beg your patience, we beg your patience!”
Li Muzhan waved a hand. “That is acceptable. Bring them as quickly as possible; don't let us finish these two before the others arrive!” Turning to Leng Feng, he smiled. “Senior, your reputation as Divine Fist Shakes Heaven is well-deserved; your martial arts are truly exquisite. I deeply admire them! For the sake of your formidable style, we must drink deeply tonight!”
The server hastened to reply, “Yes! Yes! They’ll be here soon, very soon!” He bowed low, apologizing profusely, and backed away before running downstairs again.
Leng Feng watched the server leave, a thoughtful expression on his face, before letting out a soft hum. “This Transcendent Tower is not entirely ordinary. Even the serving staff seem to know a trick or two!”
Li Muzhan stood up and gently brushed the sealing mud from the mouth of a jar. He poured a full silver cup for Leng Feng, chuckling. “Come, Senior Leng, taste this Snow Plum Spring. It is a famous wine from Golden Sun City, and I often frequent this place just for this very brew!”
“You, a monk, can drink wine?” Leng Feng eyed him sideways.
Li Muzhan poured for everyone else, smiling as he did so. “My monastic vows do not apply to me. Furthermore, this rare chance to share a cup with Senior Leng—what do vows matter then!”
“You, Little Monk, clearly have ulterior motives. Do you have some trick planned?” Leng Feng gazed at him coolly, his expression unchanging. “Perhaps there is something wrong with this wine?”
Li Muzhan finished pouring every silver cup and set the jar down before sitting. He shook his head with a smile. “What kind of person do you take me for? Rest assured!”
“I know exactly what kind of person you are!” Leng Feng curled his lip and shook his head. He pulled a silver needle from his robe and pricked the silver wine cup. Since the cups were made of silver, any poison would naturally show itself. Serving wine in these cups implied an open heart, free of intent to poison. Nevertheless, Leng Feng remained unmoved. He tested his own silver needle first; finding no reaction, he finally gave a slight nod.
Zhao Yuzhen and He Nanshan exchanged another glance, sighing inwardly at Leng Feng’s caution. They realized this was the behavior of a seasoned veteran—prudent and composed, unaffected by external pressures.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Well? Now Senior dares to drink, doesn’t he?”
Leng Feng snorted. “A lesson learned is wisdom gained. How could I be careless? Come, let us drain this first cup, as a send-off for you!”
Li Muzhan smiled, shook his head, and said no more. He picked up his silver cup and downed the contents in one gulp. Zhao Yuzhen and the others followed suit, then looked toward Leng Feng.
Leng Feng let out a short grunt and emptied his cup as well, inverting the vessel to show not a single drop remained. He drank it all clean, eliciting applause from Li Muzhan, who laughed, “Senior Leng drinks with true spirit!”
Leng Feng glanced at him without arguing, saying blandly, “Come now, once we finish drinking, you can accompany me.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Go where?” He rose to refill their cups, adding, “I have just returned from the Vast Sea Sword Sect. Senior Leng, you may not know, but I am now a disciple of the Vast Sea Sword Sect.”
Leng Feng shook his head, a cold smirk returning to his lips. “The Vast Sea Sword Sect? A grand name, perhaps, but unfortunately, others may fear them, but I do not.” He then sneered, “Are you using the Vast Sea Sword Sect as a shield?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Not entirely. Although I’ve joined the sect, I am still ignorant of the true weight they carry. I might as well try my luck... It seems one must ultimately rely on oneself…”
“It’s good that you understand that!” Leng Feng grunted.
Zhao Yuzhen and the four exchanged bitter smiles. At a time like this, their Fifth Junior Brother still had the mood for joking—truly an oddity, and far too bold!
Li Muzhan lifted his silver cup again. “Come, Senior, let’s have another round!” With that, he drained it and swayed the inverted cup, laughing triumphantly.
Leng Feng also drank his down in one go, mimicking the action by shaking his silver cup. He said coolly, “If you intend to get me drunk, you’ve misjudged your target!”
“Does Senior have excellent capacity for alcohol?” Li Muzhan asked with a smile.
Leng Feng replied, “My capacity isn’t exceptional, but I’m accustomed to using internal energy to push alcohol out. Forget four jars, I could drink forty and remain sober.”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Senior is truly humorless. Very well, I won't toast you further. Do as you please. Eldest Senior Brother, Second, Third, Fourth—come, let us drink!”
“Good—drink!” The four responded, raising their silver cups and draining them with open spirit and bravado.
Their fighting spirit had been roused. As elder brothers, they had failed their junior brother, allowing themselves to become Leng Feng’s leverage, forcing the junior brother into a constrained position where he couldn't break away. They felt like slamming their heads against a pillar, ashamed to face anyone.
Li Muzhan and the four continued to clink cups and drink, and time slipped by unnoticed. The two jars of Snow Plum Spring were emptied, and the four brothers were showing a slight flush, mildly tipsy.
Leng Feng held his silver cup, sipping slowly, watching the five with detached intensity. Seeing them finish the second jar, Leng Feng let out a cold laugh, slowly setting down his cup. He spoke in a deep voice, “Enough. The wine is drunk, the meal is eaten. It’s time for you to move on.”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Shall we fight here?”
“What do you propose?” Leng Feng asked mildly.
Li Muzhan stood up, laughing. “Perhaps outside, so as not to disturb others.”
“As you wish!” Leng Feng replied calmly, turning to the four brothers. “However, these four must come along to bear witness!”
The four brothers’ faces flushed red. They clenched their fists and glared fiercely at Leng Feng.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Very well, Senior Brothers, you should witness Senior Leng’s fist work and see the might of Divine Fist Shakes Heaven!”
Zhao Yuzhen stated grimly, “Good!”
Leng Feng glanced at the four and snorted. “Let’s go!”
As they rose to leave, four figures happened to be walking up the stairs towards them. The leader was a man with a face like polished jade, sword-like brows, and eyes like brilliant stars, his nose finely shaped. In his bearing, he exuded romantic flair and refined elegance. Behind him were three women, all peerless beauties, a rare sight, immediately drawing everyone’s attention upon entering. Seeing the man and three women blocking the stairway, the onlookers inwardly admired them: a handsome figure among delicate flowers—nothing more glorious!
Li Muzhan smiled and pressed his palms together in a salute. “Senior Brother Zhao, you’ve finally arrived!”
Zhao Jinsheng laughed. “Junior Brother Zhanran, we aren't too late, are we?” As he spoke, he assessed Leng Feng thoughtfully, then smiled faintly. “This must be the Divine Fist Shakes Heaven, Senior Leng. I am Zhao Jinsheng of the Vast Sea Sword Sect!”
Leng Feng glanced back at Li Muzhan, a cold smile playing on his lips. “The Little Monk was indeed up to something! Zhao Jinsheng... Hmm, you are the disciple of Li Zhuyue?”
“Precisely,” Zhao Jinsheng replied with a slight nod.
Leng Feng snorted. “The Vast Sea Sword Sect, such arrogance. If you interfere, don’t blame me for showing no mercy to Li Zhuyue out of respect!”
Zhao Jinsheng smiled gently. “Senior Leng, Junior Brother Zhanran is the personal, direct disciple of our Sect Master. Should anything untoward happen to him, surely Martial Uncle Zhuzhao will not stand idly by. I implore Senior to reconsider!”
Leng Feng narrowed his eyes coldly. “Kid, are you threatening me?”
Zhao Jinsheng smiled and shook his head. “I dare not. Senior Leng misunderstands; I am merely reminding Senior Leng not to lose sight of the major issue over a trivial one. That is all.”
“A fine phrase, losing sight of the major issue. I should like to see Zhuzhao’s prowess!” Leng Feng shook his head and sneered.
Zhao Jinsheng sighed. “If that is the case, then we must offend Senior Leng.”
“Kid, all of you come at me together!” Leng Feng said sternly.
Li Muzhan laughed. “That would be for the best. Senior Leng is a peer of my Master’s generation. When fighting Senior Leng, we need not hold back!”
Leng Feng looked at him askance and sneered. “Little Monk, you are truly cunning. If you escape today, I, Leng Feng, will never trouble you again! Once or twice is fine, but not three or four times!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Thank you, Senior Leng!”
Leng Feng gave a faint smile. “You are certainly dying today, so there is no need to thank me!”
Li Muzhan laughed heartily and turned to the four brothers. “Eldest, Second, Third, Fourth Senior Brothers, please observe from the sidelines. I wish to exchange a few moves with Senior Leng!”
“Fifth Junior Brother, be careful!” Zhao Yuzhen said gravely, concern clear in his eyes.
Li Muzhan nodded with a smile, pressed his palms together in salute. “Senior Leng, I await your pleasure—!”
Leng Feng revealed a cold sneer. “Little Monk, all pretense. Why are we not going outside?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Since we have reinforcements, there’s no need to delay. Let’s settle this quickly!”
“Truly a hypocrite!” Leng Feng shook his head and sneered.
Li Muzhan offered no explanation. The Transcendent Tower belonged to the Mei family estate; if it were damaged, they would simply build a new one. Such incidents happened often, and he paid them no mind.
PS: I just got home from traveling today and only now have time to rest. I might not finish everything, but rest assured, I will complete the rest later. Yesterday, I wrote eighteen thousand characters and nearly collapsed from exhaustion. V