A few bailiffs waited around the Grand Official. The official squinted at the rising red sun on the horizon. The sun grew redder and redder. The flames beside Zhou Huan and Shi Bingyuan intensified, yet the pile of snow next to them remained unchanged, still crystalline ice. But what was now visible was the sheer extent to which Zhou Huan and Shi Bingyuan unleashed the cold energy within them. The intense heat beside them instantly vanished, dissipating entirely with the first blaze of the ascending dawn.

“Sir, the sun is quite high now. Those two seem about done. Shall we proceed?” Two bailiffs murmured softly beside the Grand Official.

The Grand Official waved a large hand: “Go!”

Then, a rush of people surged up the mountain. Several beggars stepped forward, blocking the soldiers’ path, gradually closing in on Zhou Huan and the other man. The closer they got, the more the soldiers surrounded Zhou Huan and the handful of beggars in the center.

“Uncle Qi, what do we do? They’re all officers!” the young beggar trembled in fear, too scared to resist, yet also afraid to abandon Zhou Huan and the other man, lest the old beggar cause him trouble later.

After a large contingent of soldiers encircled the master and disciple, along with the beggars, a man emerged from the crowd. This person appeared to be the leader. He addressed the beggars: “You don’t need to be so nervous. We will certainly wait for the two masters to wake up before we formally invite them.”

At that moment, Zhou Huan and Shi Bingyuan gently moved their queues. Then Zhou Huan said: “Thank you, brothers among the beggars, your task is complete. However, you can come with me for a grand feast!”

“A grand feast? Masters, you must understand, from Old Qi’s observation, the people coming to invite you are likely from Lord Heshen’s mansion. Are you saying we should dine at Lord He’s residence?” The beggars spoke with surprising directness.

Zhou Huan looked up and chuckled: “Haha, of course. Since they’ve gone to such lengths to seek out a commoner like me, I must certainly give them face. We can’t just act however we please, but I must have a few conditions!”

“Then I must thank the two masters in advance!” With these words, Zhou Huan led Shi Bingyuan down the mountain. A grand procession of several hundred people followed behind Zhou Huan, with the few beggars flanking him.

As soon as they reached the base of the mountain, the Grand Official immediately stood up, set down his teacup, approached Zhou Huan, and bowed deeply: “Esteemed Master, this humble one offers his respects. What we witnessed just now—your skill, rarely seen in a century—has truly opened the eyes of us inferiors. We are exceedingly fortunate.”

Zhou Huan saw this man was indeed glib. Even if he didn't wish to go to Heshen’s residence, this fellow’s words would persuade him. However, he couldn't agree without stating some conditions; otherwise, it wouldn't seem reasonable. Since they had found him, it proved he must be of some use to them.

“I am Zhou Huan. To be welcomed by an envoy from Lord Heshen’s household is truly an honor that cannot be described. I am extremely pleased,” Zhou Huan returned the courtesy. This surprised the Grand Official for some reason; why would Zhou Huan, holding such status, return his bow? If the man refused to yield an inch, trouble would surely follow.

“Oh, Master Zhou. Our Lord He heard that the two masters have been sitting on the mountain for so long and worried about your health. That is why he sent me with prepared food and wine to await your arrival. Once you are refreshed, you can proceed to meet the Lord.”

“Haha, no need for that. Since Lord He extends the invitation, I will naturally grant him face. Let’s go, lead the way. But I have one condition: you must change clothes for these beggars, give them a good meal, and preferably find them some honest trade so they don't starve later, which would be unfortunate.” The conditions Zhou Huan laid out were quite firm. Arranging such matters for several people at once was somewhat troublesome, but for Heshen, it was certainly simple.

Without further preamble, Zhou Huan followed Shi Bingyuan and the retinue to Heshen’s mansion. After announcing their arrival at the gate, Zhou Huan was led inside by the guide. Upon entering Heshen’s reception hall, the moment Zhou Huan saw Heshen, he felt as if his mind had turned to paste—his thoughts utterly chaotic. An inexplicable surge of impulse arose, compelling him to strike the man down.

“You must be Master Zhou?” Heshen cut straight to the chase: “I, Heshen, am busy every day. I didn't seek you out for trivial matters; I sought you solely for your divine skills.” Heshen drew out his words, then continued: “I can see you two are here to participate in the Martial Arts Assembly. Such a gathering would suffer a great loss without two remarkable talents like yourselves!”

Zhou Huan immediately bowed: “This commoner dares not claim such titles. What we possess are merely parlor tricks, nothing more.”

“Haha, no need for modesty. The moment you, Zhou Huan, walked in, I sensed you were no ordinary person. Although you appear somewhat aloof, I, Heshen, am not an unreasonable man. I only ask one thing of you: you must secure first place at the Martial Arts Assembly. Furthermore, whenever others ask whose guest you are, you must simply say you are mine.” Heshen laid out his intentions clearly.

Zhou Huan smiled: “Taking first place is no difficult matter. The difficulty lies in whether I must comply with your specific demands. I intend to establish my own school. Regarding this assembly, I will certainly participate. If I cannot win, then my trip here is pointless. Moreover, while being affiliated with the House of He sounds like a good arrangement, you must understand one thing: how many in your House of He can truly cultivate skills like ours? We have synthesized the essence of many disciplines. Therefore, we can only represent ourselves; we cannot represent a department or organization. As for Lord He, we will certainly call him a very close friend.”

Officially speaking, this reply gave Heshen considerable face. However, Heshen had never imagined being rejected so blatantly. Under the Emperor's nose, within his own mansion, being refused—it simply would not do. Heshen exploded in fury: “Who says they possess divine skills? Whoever said that should bring them forth and make them demonstrate their abilities! I’ve long been skeptical!”

Heshen was deliberately provoking trouble. Zhou Huan smiled faintly: “Lord He, what is the meaning of this? At worst, we can run. You can send men to catch us and see how they fare.”

In truth, with Zhou Huan’s current skill level, no one could possibly catch him if he chose to flee, especially not within Heshen’s household. Furthermore, the recovery of their techniques had rendered them even more formidable than before.

Heshen was, after all, Heshen. His reception hall was full of hidden ambushes. Ten men suddenly appeared, surrounding Zhou Huan. Zhou Huan unleashed his palm winds, sending these ambushers reeling without causing any serious injury. He then smiled: “Lord He, perhaps my actions just now were a bit excessive. Technically, we shouldn't strike your men. But since they were here to provoke us on Lord He’s behalf, I could hardly disappoint Lord He, could I?”

Heshen’s true intention was deception: he wanted the two men under his command, primarily to participate in the Assembly so he could compete with other high officials. Having powerful allies would ensure his future standing and allow him to show off his personnel before the Emperor.

Zhou Huan’s lips curled slightly: “Lord He, perhaps I was in the wrong just now. But if I hadn't shown a fraction of my strength, I might have been immediately absorbed into your command. However, I promise Lord He that anything you ask us to do, we will fulfill wholeheartedly—except for taking direct orders under the banner of Chancellor He.”

Clap! Clap! Clap! Three rounds of applause sounded from outside Heshen’s reception hall. Heshen’s face immediately fell upon recognizing the visitor.

“Oh my, Old Man Ji, why are you here? This is preposterous. Why didn't you send word you were coming?” Heshen feigned cordiality. Indeed, the two men had a very close relationship, working in concert before the Emperor daily, surely forming a deep understanding.

The visitor was the familiar Ji Xiaolan, a large pipe stuck in his mouth, who entered the hall with a smile.

“Apologies, Lord He. I didn't mean to disturb your guard dogs just now. I came because I’m fond of your character, Master. At worst, I can be a dog too, but even a dog should bark a couple of times, shouldn't it?” As Ji Xiaolan spoke, his words were Heshen's bane. With that retort, Heshen was utterly silenced.

Ji Xiaolan glanced at Zhou Huan and Shi Bingyuan: “You two should leave. If you don't, I might just erase your entire clans.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Huan finally saw an exit. Why wait? Run! No need to clash with the He Estate over trifles. Let Scholar Ji handle the discussion with Lord He.

“Lord He, we fear Scholar Ji wiping out our clans. We had best depart now. If you need anything in the future, feel free to call upon me, and I promise to serve you diligently.”

Heshen watched Zhou Huan and Shi Bingyuan disappear into the distance, simmering with rage. He finally turned on Ji Xiaolan, complaining incessantly: “Tell me, you are a civil official. You know nothing of martial arts or magic, so why are you meddling in my affairs? At your age, shouldn't you be staying home quietly?”

“Oh, when one gets old, one must wander more. Look what a pleasant discovery I made today by wandering over here—I walk in to find Lord He entertaining a group of grand beggars! I immediately thought Lord He must be in an especially good mood today, so I brought my old pipe in to freeload some food and drink, and to offer my congratulations to Lord He.”

“Congratulations? On what grounds?” Heshen was utterly confused, yet facing Ji Xiaolan, he was powerless. He had no idea what scheme Ji Xiaolan was hatching.