"So," he said immediately, "it seems you're quite popular. How many enemies have you run into on this journey?"

Xiong Sihai let out a hearty laugh, boasting, "Forget those guys. They're all so petty. It was just a few scraps, what's there to hold a grudge over!"

Zhao Shengli followed with a laugh, "Exactly! A fight's a fight. Once it's over, you forget it. Holding onto it would just wear a man out!"

Li Muzhan glanced at the two, shaking his head. If everyone in the world shared such broad-mindedness, nothing much would ever happen.

It was a pity that human nature was so fickle, taking matters of pride and conflict far too seriously. A small grievance could easily escalate into a blood feud; one had to be cautious.

Xiong Sihai declared, "Zhao Tou, you certainly have spirit! We must toast to that with a large cup!"

"Excellent! Let's go to Changping Tower!" Zhao Shengli laughed joyously, unable to contain his excitement.

The group arrived before Changping Tower.

The inn towered into the clouds, its high banners flapping in the air, visible to everyone in Tianlong City, seemingly brushing against the white clouds.

Though it was still morning and nowhere near lunchtime, Changping Tower was already bustling with activity—a steady stream of patrons, all of them evidently high-ranking officials or wealthy elites.

Standing before the tower, the group seemed as insignificant as ants compared to the towering structure.

The passing elites, all figures of wealth and status, barely broke stride when they saw the group, though most cast glances of disdain, shaking their heads slightly from their lofty positions.

Li Muzhan surveyed them and knew they were mostly thinking: presumptuous fools, poor soldiers daring to dine here; one meal could bankrupt them.

Li Muzhan sighed. Although the status of soldiers was quite high now—a shortcut to securing a wife and having one's descendants blessed—in the eyes of the established wealthy, they were still far inferior.

A soldier's pay was high, better than that of the common folk, much like civil servants in later ages—more affluent than the average person, but still lacking compared to true magnates.

"Damn their dog eyes for looking down on people!" Zhao Shengli cursed indignantly upon seeing their expressions.

"Tell me about it," Xiong Sihai grumbled. "Even the brats from Xizhao rely on us to defend them. Without us, they’d be running with their tails tucked; how could they afford to be so smug?"

He then chuckled, "Zhao Tou, don't waste your breath on such shallow fools. Let's go in. This meal is on me today... Everyone eat until you burst! If you don't enjoy yourselves, you're looking down on me!"

Zhao Shengli paused, glancing around, and murmured quietly, "Good heavens, Brother Sihai, this place is outrageously expensive. Just the suggestion is enough; perhaps we should choose another day."

Xiong Sihai waved his hand dismissively. "Hah, what’s one meal? At most, it’s my entire year's salary! Let's eat! Today, we seek nothing but complete satisfaction!"

"...Very well, I'll treat next time!" Zhao Shengli clapped his hands, then turned, "Monk, let's go inside!"

Li Muzhan nodded slightly, offering no objection, curious about the splendor within.

They were quickly ushered in behind a group of plump men draped in fine silk and satin, all pot-bellied, pale, ruddy-faced, and glistening with oil, distinct from ordinary folk.

The inherent killing aura radiating from Li Muzhan and his companions was almost tangible, allowing the staff to immediately gauge their identity. A waiter approached and led them upstairs to a richly appointed private room.

The waiter wore a crisp, neat black silk uniform, and his features were handsome, making him quite pleasing to the eye.

Xiong Sihai was instantly displeased upon seeing the room. "This is too far inside. Find us one by a window, one where we can see the view outside!"

"This..." The waiter hesitated, his expression troubled.

All the rooms near the windows were already occupied. Though it wasn't yet mealtime, the inn was quite busy, with half the private chambers already filled.

The surrounding decor was elegantly subdued yet tasteful; every fixture appeared meticulously placed. The ceiling featured an ornate coffered design, and the floor was covered in a luxurious red carpet—a magnificent sight.

Furthermore, these were private chambers, separated from each other—small rooms where one could only faintly hear voices from adjacent rooms, and if one spoke softly, nothing would carry over.

Zhao Shengli’s eyes widened, ready to shout an admonishment, but Xiong Sihai stepped in first, tossing a silver ingot forward. "Waiter brother, I trouble you; do us a favor!"

The waiter swiftly accepted the silver, tucking it into his sleeve with a movement as graceful and quick as a hidden weapon master, a smile spreading across his face. "Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I shall go and see!"

"We thank you, we thank you," Xiong Sihai said with a broad smile.

"Brother Sihai, this..." Zhao Shengli stared, resentfully, "You, you..."

Xiong Sihai quickly raised a hand, signaling him to calm down.

Zhao Shengli snorted, swallowing his complaint, but he looked around with evident discomfort, muttering praises like a country bumpkin visiting the city.

Feng Dakun coldly surveyed the surroundings, wary and alert. Cai Yuzhang, however, remained indifferent, showing no astonishment. Only Li Baolu greedily scanned everything, looking even less composed than Zhao Shengli.

Li Muzhan observed calmly, finding the décor truly exceptional—both opulent and refined. It was no wonder it enjoyed the reputation as Tianlong City's premier inn.

The waiter soon returned, beaming, and cupped his hands. "Gentlemen, those guests have agreed. Please follow me!"

"Good, thank you for your trouble, Waiter brother," Xiong Sihai said cheerfully.

Zhao Shengli huffed, feeling the silver ingot had been wasted; that amount could feed an ordinary family for two to three months.

It was a time of prosperity, and prices were low; an ordinary family could live comfortably for a whole year on just ten or so silver taels, with plenty left over for good food.

The group arrived at a spacious room equipped with everything: a desk, a round table, and even a resting couch—it could serve as temporary lodging.

They settled at the table nearest the window; all eight men fit perfectly around it. Xiong Sihai immediately began arranging things: ordering dishes, calling for wine, and even requesting a singing girl.

Zhao Shengli laughed, "Brother Sihai, do we really need a songstress?... We're all rough men; how would we appreciate that sort of thing?!"

Xiong Sihai chuckled, "Zhao Tou, you haven't heard her yet. Let's listen first; if you don't like it, we'll send her away!"

Zhao Shengli rubbed his hands together, grinning, "Today is certainly an eye-opener!"

Xiong Sihai turned to the monk. "Great Monk, what do you think?"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Don't mind me; you handle it as you see fit."

"Then it's settled!" Xiong Sihai declared, calling out loudly, "Waiter! Bring the wine quickly! Don't keep us waiting!"

"Coming..." The waiter from before answered loudly.

A moment later, the waiter brought two large jars of wine, which Xiong Sihai took. He immediately broke the seal on one, and a rich fragrance wafted out, causing Zhao Shengli to swallow hard. The others also looked over, some subtly twitching their noses.

"Truly fine wine!" Zhao Shengli praised. He eagerly grabbed the other jar, smashed the seal, and laughed heartily, "It's been ages since I tasted anything this good!"

Cai Yuzhang remarked, "I recall the last time I tasted such exquisite wine was at the victory banquet, a gift from the Commandant!"

Zhao Shengli nodded repeatedly, "Indeed, indeed! This wine is no less fine than the Commandant's gift!"

Just as he was about to pour, he noticed the small silver cups on the table and frowned, loudly shouting, "Waiter! Waiter! Come in here quickly!"

The waiter scurried in, respectfully asking, "Gentlemen, what is your command?"

"Go, change these cups for me. Bring some large bowls!" Zhao Shengli commanded, holding the wine jar in one hand and gesturing toward the silver cups on the table with the other.

"Right away!" the waiter replied, quickly returning with eight large bowls to replace the silver cups. His expression remained unchanged; evidently, he had seen this request many times.

Zhao Shengli filled the large bowls to the brim; the aroma grew even richer. He laughed heartily, "Let's finish one bowl first, and then we'll drink heartily when the food arrives!"

With that, he picked up a large bowl and said, "Since we're out enjoying ourselves, let's do it properly! Great Monk, you don't need to observe your vows; don't be reserved!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Don't worry, Head Zhao. Let's begin."

"Come, bottoms up!" Zhao Shengli called out heroically, his bright eyes sweeping over the group before he tilted his head back and downed the bowl in deep gulps.

The others followed suit, draining their bowls, then exhaling with immense satisfaction.

This wine was potent. Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly; no wonder it was so mellow. It must have a unique brewing technique. Such fine wine was indeed rare.

Xiong Sihai roared with laughter, "Satisfying! Truly satisfying! This is how real men drink!"

Feng Dakun said, "Let's keep drinking like this! ...Brother Xiong, this won't be cheap, will it?"

Xiong Sihai waved his hand with a bold, generous air. "Hah! Who cares? Everyone just drink! Whatever we finish, we finish. Don't worry about the cost!"

The food arrived swiftly—twelve dishes were set down in a rapid succession, the waiter barely touching the ground as he filled the table. The group began to eat and drink, the atmosphere lively.

After a while, having downed three bowls each, Xiong Sihai’s face flushed red. He suddenly remembered something and called out, "Waiter! Why isn't Miss Shisan here yet?"

The waiter entered slowly, his expression hesitant, stuttering as he looked at Xiong Sihai but said nothing.

Xiong Sihai’s sword-like brows immediately knitted together. He darkened his face and demanded, "What is the matter? Speak plainly!"

The waiter glanced left and right and whispered, "Miss Shisan is being detained. The guests in that room won't let her go. Sir, please wait a bit longer; I'll go urge them again!"

"Damn it! Who is causing trouble?!" Xiong Sihai roared.

Zhao Shengli squinted at the waiter. "Kid, you're not asking for more money again, are you!"

The waiter’s face reddened in agitation. "Sir, may I be struck by lightning if I speak a falsehood!"

"Hmph, that's good then!" Zhao Shengli sneered sideways, unimpressed.

Xiong Sihai glared intensely at the waiter. "Tell me, who is it?"

"...It's a few other soldiers, sir," the waiter whispered.

Xiong Sihai chuckled dryly. "Oh? They're our colleagues then! ...Xiao He, go. See which blind fool dares to interfere with us!"

"Right!" Xiao He put down his large bowl and grabbed the waiter by the collar. "Lead the way!"

Xiong Sihai quickly waved his hand. "Wait! ...Don't bring him. Just tell him. You know Miss Shisan; go yourself!"

"Alright!" Xiao He released the waiter, glaring at him with his small eyes. "Hurry up and tell me, which room are they in!"

The waiter whispered softly, "Chunlan Residence."

Xiao He pondered. "Chunlan Residence... that’s on the third floor, right?"

"Yes, yes, on the third floor, directly above us," the waiter pointed toward the ceiling.

"Damn it, what bad luck! I should have gone upstairs from the start!" Xiong Sihai cursed, waving his hand. "Xiao He, hurry up and check!"

Xiao He vanished in a flash but did not return after a while. They drank another bowl of wine.

Xiong Sihai put down his bowl and grumbled, "What's wrong with that fellow Xiao He? Did he forget to come back after running into someone he knows? Old Ma, go take a look!"

Another of his subordinates stood up and nodded as he walked out. Li Muzhan suddenly spoke up. "Wait. Let's hold on a moment."

Xiong Sihai was startled and quickly asked, "Great Monk, what counsel do you offer?"

Li Muzhan glanced at the group. "In my opinion, Xiao He isn't delaying on purpose; he's likely been detained. If we're going, perhaps we should all go together!"

"...Very well!" Xiong Sihai nodded and stood up, addressing Zhao Shengli, "Zhao Tou, you keep drinking. Old Ma and I will go take a look!"

Zhao Shengli shook his head. "No, no, we all go together! I want to see who has the audacity!"

His eyes gleamed, his spirit suddenly roused, and his entire demeanor became much livelier. He laughed heartily, "Whoever has no sense will get a good thrashing!"

"Right, we go together!" Li Baolu chuckled foolishly.

His cheeks were flushed scarlet, and his eyes were hazy; clearly, he was already quite drunk, having a low tolerance for alcohol.

"Then let's go together!" Xiong Sihai didn't stand on ceremony and agreed immediately.

Li Muzhan sighed inwardly. Since things had come to this, there was no alternative but to go and see.

The group rose and left the small room, ascending to the third floor. They arrived before the Chunlan Residence, where the rooms were larger and more spacious. A clear, melodious singing voice drifted from inside.

The sound was excellently contained; one could only hear it faintly through the crack in the door, as if it originated from a great distance.

Xiong Sihai stepped forward and knocked on the door.

The door was pulled open, and a soft, graceful voice emerged, followed by the sight of a plain, square face wearing a languid smile. "Who is it?"

Upon seeing Xiong Sihai, the smile widened. "Oh, isn't this Young Master Xiong!"

"It's you!" Xiong Sihai's face darkened, and he sneered coldly, "Hau, is your dog-leg here? Is Jing inside?"

The large man’s smile vanished as his face hardened. "Hau, watch your mouth. If I get annoyed, your dog-leg will suffer!"

"Damn you, you audacious fool! Let Xiao He go first!" Xiong Sihai stepped forward, his face almost touching the other man's, his tone ominous.

"Fine," the big man stepped back lazily. "Come on, let the dog-leg go!"

"Bang!" A dull thud sounded from within, and a figure flew out, landing heavily on the floor with a thud.

Xiong Sihai’s eyes immediately turned red. Recognizing Xiao He, he rushed forward to help him up, seeing his face bruised and swollen, clearly beaten badly. One of his arms hung limp.