A white-bearded elder poked his head out, sizing up the pair. "Little master, are you perhaps looking for vegetarian food?

Wait a moment; I'll fetch some steamed buns." Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a polite salute. "I am Zhanran, venerable elder.

Is this the Li residence?" The old man started, looking him over sharply. "Little Buddhist Monk Zhanran, are you?" "That is I." Li Muzhan nodded.

"Perfect timing. The master of this house entrusted me with a letter for you, Little Master." The elder pulled a letter from his robes and carefully handed it over to Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan accepted it with both hands. He broke the seal immediately, revealing a single sheet of plain paper.

After a few quick glances, he shook his head and laughed, passing it to Wen Yinyue. Wen Yinyue took it, scanned the lines, frowned, and snorted softly.

Li Muzhan nodded to the elder. "Thank you for your trouble, elder.

We shall take our leave now." The white-bearded elder responded with a grunt, eyeing the two curiously a few more times before retreating and closing the door. Li Muzhan turned to his companion.

"Senior Sister, what now?" Wen Yinyue’s face was as dark as water. She said flatly, "We go to the Helian family." Li Muzhan nodded.

"It seems we have no choice but the Helian family." Wen Yinyue fixed him with a deep look. "Zhanran, this time, you guessed correctly.

You were right about the path ahead. From now on, you decide our course of action." Li Muzhan looked at her, surprised.

Wen Yinyue said lightly, "In foreseeing events, I truly am your inferior." Li Muzhan smiled. He was greatly impressed by her decisive nature.

"Good, Senior Sister! Let us head to the Helian Clan estate!" Wen Yinyue nodded slightly, not uttering another word.

Li Muzhan advised, "We had best maintain a low profile on this journey." Wen Yinyue nodded again, still silent. The two left Fengming City and headed directly north, setting their course for Dragon City.

Dragon City was not terribly far from Fengming City. Utilizing their lightness skill (qinggong), they traveled with great speed, taking only a day and a night to reach their destination.

The letter from the Li residence was entirely filled with venomous provocation, stating: If the bald donkey Zhanran has the gall, he should come to the Helian Clan estate; they would be waiting there, ensuring he would never return. If he lacked the courage, he should wait obediently, and people from the Helian Clan would come to end his life.

The malice and venom of the letter practically burned through the paper. Li Muzhan shook his head at such a message.

He felt only pity for them. He now understood the compassion that springs from knowing that a white-haired person sends a black-haired person to the grave—it is the deepest tragedy of the human realm; no wonder they acted so.

Dragon City. Dragon City was a crucial stronghold in the northwest, the gateway between the outer territories and the Central Plains.

Guarding it was a family of renowned generals, surnamed Long, who had served as military commanders for generations, protecting this very city. With the Long family stationed here, the barbarian troops from the outer regions could not advance a single step.

Dragon City was not originally named Dragon City; it was called Taiyin City. Later, in commemoration of the Long family’s martial achievements, the city was bestowed upon them and renamed Dragon City.

Within Dragon City, the Long family held supreme authority. Following them was the Helian Clan, renowned as the foremost noble house in the northwest, wielding immense prestige throughout the martial world.

The Helian Manor was situated in the very center of Dragon City, adjacent to the General's Mansion. The two families were even connected by marriage; the current matriarch of the Helian Clan was the Second Miss of the Long family.

This Second Miss Long was a formidable heroine in her own right. She deserved immense credit for the achievements of the Helian Clan.

The true decision-maker of the Helian Clan was nominally Helian Zhen, but in truth, it was the Long lady. On this day, before the gates of the Helian Manor, a youthful monk and a cold, striking young woman stood side-by-side.

They quietly observed the grand plaque bearing the estate’s name. The two noted the magnificence of the Helian entrance, flanked by two towering, lifelike stone lions that exuded an oppressive aura, as if ready to pounce at any moment.

Beside the lions stood eight burly men, lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, hands clasped behind their backs, legs spread wide, their eyes intensely sharp, clearly all seasoned masters. "Senior Sister, look at the sheer grandeur of the Helian Clan," Li Muzhan asked with a slight smile.

Wen Yinyue's eyes flickered over the scene in a swift glance, and she shook her head. "Too lavish.

It reeks of showing off; it lacks true substance." Li Muzhan applauded with a smile. "Senior Sister sees through it instantly!

Lacking substance—brilliantly put!" Wen Yinyue said indifferently, "Why dwell on such trivialities? Why not just storm the gates and demand they hand someone over?" Li Muzhan chuckled.

"Does Senior Sister think they don't know we’ve arrived?" "They surely do," Wen Yinyue replied coolly. Li Muzhan reasoned, "Since they know, we needn't rush." As established local powers, they could quickly ascertain the identity and purpose of any newcomer to Dragon City, as well as any potential danger.

Wen Yinyue remained silent. As the two were idly chatting, a large man approached them.

"Can I help you two? I can go inform the master." Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a salute.

"Please do. Ask for Elder Li Jingwu to grant us an audience." "Elder Li?" The middle-aged man frowned.

"Who are you?" Li Muzhan replied, "I am Zhanran." The man started, then blurted out, "You are the Twin Sword Monk Zhanran?" The other seven guards also stiffened in shock, staring at Li Muzhan with strange expressions. Li Muzhan pretended not to hear, offering only another salute with clasped hands, smiling expectantly at the middle-aged man.

The man immediately bowed low. "Master Zhanran, please wait!

I will be right back!" Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, stepping back to stand beside Wen Yinyue. He whispered, "Don't expect a peaceful resolution.

Let's go!" "Go where?" Wen Yinyue looked startled. Li Muzhan urged, "First, we get out of the city.

The Helian Clan is set on a confrontation, and they have the numbers. Retreat is the best strategy for now!" Wen Yinyue frowned, pondering for a moment before slowly nodding.

Li Muzhan sighed in relief. "Quickly, this way!" Saying that, he turned and dashed swiftly toward the east.

The other seven guards reacted with incredible speed; their qinggong was clearly superior, and they instantly surrounded the pair, blocking their path. Li Muzhan said gravely, "Gentlemen, what is the meaning of this?" One of the middle-aged men stated sternly, "We apologize, Master Zhanran, but the master has given orders to seize you.

We cannot disobey." Li Muzhan waved his hand dismissively. "Must you all walk into death's jaws?" The middle-aged man persisted solemnly, "You have invaded our territory.

Perhaps it is best, Little Master, if you surrender yourself!" Li Muzhan laughed heartily, turning to Wen Yinyue. "Senior Sister, it seems we are destined to share a fate.

Perhaps we will be buried here. Do you have any final wishes, Senior Sister?" Wen Yinyue replied coolly, "None." Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, are you not concerned about your family?" "I have no family," Wen Yinyue stated coldly.

Li Muzhan sighed, nodding. "What about a sweetheart, then?" Wen Yinyue’s face tightened, and she shot him a cold glare.

As they were speaking, just as he was preparing to act, a large contingent of people flooded out of the courtyard gate, quickly surrounding Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue. I fear there will only be two chapters tomorrow; please forgive me, everyone.

I logged on late today, and I apologize; I have many matters to attend to back in my hometown, and the internet connection there is inconvenient. (To be continued)