He rode to the Black Tiger Camp to see the Commandant. The iron-armored guards marched tightly packed, their armor flashing with cold light, each radiating a chilling aura that repelled ghosts and gods; they were all seasoned veterans of countless battles.

Li Muzhan held these men in high regard and stepped forward to exchange a few words. The guards recognized Li Muzhan; otherwise, they would have driven him away immediately and kept him from approaching.

One went inside to announce him and soon returned, inviting him in. When Li Muzhan entered the great hall, the Commandant, clad in a long, dark purple robe, was deeply engrossed in official documents, his expression focused, his thick brows tightly furrowed.

Li Muzhan did not disturb him, standing motionless while secretly activating the Minor Dragon Form. His feet were neither splayed nor clamped together, his elbows hung loosely, and his hands rested on his saber, resembling the stance of a sentry on guard.

Yet, this was a specific posture within the Minor Dragon Form—outwardly still, but with surging internal power, vast and mighty as a flowing river. ……………………………………, after a long while, the Commandant put down his brush, stroked his beard, and looked down.

“When did you arrive?” He surveyed Li Muzhan with a slight smile, nodding once. “Hmm, not bad.

You’ve finally gained some footing.” Li Muzhan had pondered the Minor Dragon Form day and night, and now he could execute it competently; setting the posture required no significant adjustment, and though it was still far from instinctual, his movements were no longer awkward. Li Muzhan performed a military salute: “Greetings, Commandant.” The Commandant waved his hand.

“Enough, stand up. You’re here about suppressing the bandits, aren’t you?” “Yes.” Li Muzhan nodded.

“Commandant, if I go suppress them, our men will be outside the city, and I’m worried.” “Such bold words!” The Commandant chuckled. “Without you, no one else can leave the city?” Li Muzhan offered a wry smile.

“The Black Eagle Cavalry will try every means to regain face. Once they leave the city, they will face a storm of blows from the Black Eagle Cavalry.” “Did I need you to tell me that?!” The Commandant snorted, stroking his beard in thought.

Slowly, he asked, “What method do you suggest we use to cope?” Li Muzhan proposed, “Delay things. Perhaps we should refrain from leaving the city for a time.

After a while, once their fervor subsides, we can slowly deal with them. What say you?” “A terrible idea!” The Commandant snorted and shook his head.

“This trend cannot be encouraged. If we start by learning to evade their sharp edge, the morale in the army will drain away, and the consequences will be severe!” Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

“Then what about waiting until I return? Just two or three days.” “Your task is also troublesome.” The Commandant shook his head and sighed.

Li Muzhan asked, “Commandant, why did you agree with the Fan family?” “The Provincial Governor requested it; I couldn’t refuse.” The Commandant’s face darkened. Realizing he had said too much, he waved his hand and angrily scoffed, “Why do you need to know so much!

Just stick to your assigned duties honestly!” “Yes.” Li Muzhan dared not joke further. “Commandant, if I kill enemies, that counts as military merit, does it not?” “Mm, naturally, a Sima will accompany you.” The Commandant nodded, waving his hand impatiently.

“Hurry up and get out of here! Go to the training grounds and await the orders of the Right Commandant!” “Yes…” Li Muzhan hesitated, but when the Commandant’s cold gaze swept over him, he quickly agreed.

He shook his head inwardly; it was the Right Commandant leading the contingent, which meant he might be in for some trouble. ………………………………………………………… Li Muzhan returned, mounted Chi Ying, and headed for the Flying Cavalry Camp.

The area around the Flying Cavalry Camp was deserted. When he reached the training ground, a single square formation stood there, ten men per row, totaling ten rows.

Beside the square formation was a long line of infantry, about two hundred strong. The front rank held a shield in one hand and a long saber in the other; the second rank held long spears; the third rank consisted of archers; and the fourth rank held great sabers.

These sabers were about one and a half meters long, reaching the height of a man, with hilts over a meter long. They were double-edged and required both hands to wield, similar in length to Guan Gong’s great saber but different in style.

The edges of both blades flashed with cold light. The soldiers wielding them were all robust and sturdy, appearing sharper and more resolute than the surrounding troops.

About a hundred cavalrymen and over two hundred infantrymen—Li Muzhan had assumed the entire Flying Cavalry Camp would be dispatched, but half remained. On the reviewing stand, the Right Commandant, clad in military uniform, was giving instructions.

His gaze swept over Li Muzhan, paused, and he beckoned him over. Li Muzhan dismounted and went to the foot of the stand.

The Right Commandant’s face was grim, his eyes flickering. He slowly stated, “Ming Kong, you will join the cavalry unit and act in concert with the others… Should you disobey orders, do not blame military law!” Li Muzhan gave a military salute and responded loudly, “Yes!” He turned, mounted Chi Ying, and took his place behind the massed cavalrymen.

Everyone stared at him. The current Li Muzhan was a legendary figure in the army—he had gone out alone on his horse to rescue people, slaying Black Eagle Cavalry and bringing back his comrades.

Such righteousness, such skill, meant he possessed both virtue and ability; the others regarded him as a hero. Li Muzhan nodded and smiled.

He knew he had deeply offended the Flying Cavalry Camp and secretly worried it would not be peaceful; someone would surely seek to settle old scores. The Right Commandant waved his hand and ordered, “That is all.

Break camp!” With two cannon blasts, Li Muzhan, along with the cavalry, left the camp, exited Tenglong City, and headed toward Tianlong City. They needed to reach Tianlong City first before heading outside its walls.

Li Muzhan followed behind the cavalcade, Chi Ying trotting slowly. The infantrymen in front marched with vigorous strides, not inferior to the pace of horses.

They ran for a time, then walked slowly, then ran again, then walked slowly, repeating the cycle—each man possessed formidable stamina. The cavalrymen appeared quite comfortable, leisurely and relaxed, displaying a sense of superiority as they swept glances over the infantry.

Li Muzhan followed silently behind the riders, focusing intently on drawing his bow. He held no arrows, yet he continuously drew the bow, his movements slow, as if contemplating something, but he was actually cultivating a posture from the Minor Dragon Form.

Using the motion of drawing the bow, his body stretched taut like the bowstring, instantly causing his internal energy to surge and concentrate in his arms, greatly increasing his strength far beyond the ordinary. Li Muzhan had always believed that internal energy in the army focused more on body refinement than on specific localized training.

Now, it seemed that wasn't entirely true; this posture from the Minor Dragon Form alone had vastly increased his physical power. He was delighted, feeling a measure of confidence for this upcoming bandit suppression mission.

……………………………………………… Originally, he had considered dispersing his army-cultivated internal energy to revert to the Vast Sea Divine Art, but he couldn't bear to do so. This internal energy had been hard-won; dispersing it would require a period of time to cultivate it back.

He feared that if he dispersed his internal energy, the Qi membrane protecting him would also vanish, which would be a huge problem; he didn't know when he could re-cultivate it. While recovering the Vast Sea Divine Art had infinite benefits, the army's internal energy offered one distinct advantage: the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art’s power increased significantly, with his five organs and six viscera protected by the Qi membrane.

Facing top-tier experts in this upcoming confrontation, even the Vast Sea Divine Art might not be enough; relying on the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art for survival meant he could not discard his army internal energy. Without internal energy, the power of the Flying Cloud Arrow would be greatly diminished.

The Minor Dragon Form perfectly compensated for this shortcoming: directing internal energy into his arms vastly increased the arrow’s destructive power. He had been practicing diligently, trying to channel his internal energy into the arrow.

However, this was extremely difficult; his body seemed encased in a membrane, blocking the outflow of internal energy. There was a profound mystery hidden within this, which Li Muzhan was beginning to grasp.

He was unwilling to give up, continuing this posture, slowly making adjustments, hoping to break through the barrier and infuse his internal energy into the arrow, which would grant it a significant boost in power. In terms of raw destructive force, the army’s internal energy was fierce and domineering, giving it the edge.

Seeing him practice like this, the others did not disturb him, feeling a faint sense of awe. They had all experienced how terrifying the Black Eagle Cavalry were, and he had managed to kill over twenty of them alone; his skill was unimaginable.

Time passed during Li Muzhan’s focused cultivation. The troops marched swiftly, and by evening, they had set up camp outside Tianlong City.

Li Muzhan requested leave from the Right Commandant to rest in Tianlong City that night. The Right Commandant shot him a cold glare, then waved his hand, granting permission impatiently.

It was clear the Commandant had already given prior instructions, or he wouldn't have agreed so readily. The southern city gate was bustling with people coming and going.

As Li Muzhan entered the city, intending to stay at a residence he planned to purchase for the night, a young man suddenly stopped him, cupping his hands. “Is this Master Ming Kong?” Li Muzhan sized him up: about twenty years old, slender, with a delicate and handsome face, possessing an air of gentle sincerity and clear, upright eyes that immediately inspired trust.

Li Muzhan nodded. “I am Ming Kong.” The young man saluted with both hands clasped.

“Greetings, Master Ming Kong! My young mistress is hosting a banquet at Changping Tower and requests the honor of Master Ming Kong’s presence.” “Your young mistress?” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Is it Miss Fan?” “Precisely.” The young man nodded. “Very well, let us go then.” Li Muzhan nodded and followed him to Changping Tower.

A waiter took Chi Ying, and another waiter came to guide them. When the waiter saw who it was, he paused briefly before smiling broadly.

“Master, you are here.” It was the same waiter he had encountered several times before; Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. He had visited several times recently, making him a familiar face.

The young man explained, “This is a guest of our mistress.” “Miss Fan was waiting for the Master. Please, come this way quickly!” The waiter hastily stepped aside to usher them in, very attentively.

………………………………………………………………………… The waiter led the way, guiding them to a private room. A slender, taciturn man opened the door and nodded upon seeing them.

“Is the Master arrived?” Fan Peiyao appeared, her voice soft and melodious, her hands clasped, a radiant smile blooming on her face. “Master, how have you been lately?” She was dressed in a moon-white silk robe, resembling a pure lotus blossom, elegantly reserved and beautiful.

Li Muzhan returned the salute with clasped hands and smiled. “Miss Fan summoned me; what is your instruction?” Fan Peiyao smiled warmly.

“I was overjoyed to hear that the Master had truly arrived.” “I dare not accept the praise… I should have removed my armor first, but I feared the Elder Miss would worry, so please forgive my discourtesy.” Li Muzhan smiled, indicating his iron armor. Fan Peiyao laughed.

“Master, there’s no need to be so formal.” They spoke calmly and pleasantly. Fan Peiyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, afraid he might retort and anger her again; today, he was surprisingly amiable.

Fan Peiyao introduced the slender man beside her. “This is my fifth uncle, surnamed Yue, named Tieshan.” Li Muzhan greeted him with clasped hands.

Fan Peiyao waved her hand. The young man brought forward a long wooden case and presented it to Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan looked toward Fan Peiyao. “This is for…” Fan Peiyao replied, “This is the Cold Jiao Bow treasured by my grandfather.

Please do not refuse it, Master.” Li Muzhan opened the wooden case, revealing a long bow entirely black, as if it had absorbed all surrounding light, exuding a mystical aura. Li Muzhan smiled.

As he reached out to pick it up, wisps of cold air passed through his palm, traveling up his arm, transforming into a cool sensation that flowed into his mind, instantly clearing his thoughts. He had previously obtained a precious bow, but it was tragically destroyed.

Seeing a treasured bow again now filled him with both familiarity and melancholy. Li Muzhan closed his eyes slightly, absorbing the cool energy.

The bow’s body was made of black iron, but it was an unfamiliar type of iron that continuously emitted faint cold air, calming his mind. When his palm touched the spot where the fine thread was wrapped, the cold air intensified, like ice.

The bow’s body was unadorned, only wrapped with a layer of fine thread, while the bowstring was pure, flawless white, creating a stark, eye-catching contrast with the black body. Li Muzhan plucked the bowstring; it resonated with a gentle hum, prompting him to exclaim, “A fine bow!” Fan Peiyao smiled sweetly.

“If the Master is satisfied, that is the best outcome!” Li Muzhan pulled it gently; it bent immediately into a full moon shape. He released the string with a muffled peng sound that made everyone’s heart jump as if struck by a hammer.

Fan Peiyao showed a look of astonishment. “The bow body is forged from Deep Sea Cold Iron, and the string is Jiao tendon.

Unfortunately, the bow is too stiff; ordinary people cannot draw it at all… Master truly lives up to the name of Divine Archer!” Li Muzhan shook his head. “It’s just a bit of brute strength.” He pondered for a moment, then looked up.

“I will accept this bow! Thank you for your trouble, Miss Fan!” Fan Peiyao smiled.

“If the Master likes it, that’s all that matters! Grandfather heard the Master was a Divine Archer and insisted on giving the Cold Jiao Bow to you.” “Old Master Fan has long been famous, and I regret not having the chance to meet him,” Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Fan Peiyao said, “After this mission concludes, my grandfather hopes to invite you to visit. Please do not decline then!” “It would be my honor,” Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Afterward, he exchanged a few words with Fan Peiyao, then took his leave and rode Chi Ying back to his residence. When he reached the front of his estate, he looked up to see that the plaque above the gate had been changed to read ‘Ming Residence.’ Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled; the name chosen was rather odd.

He dismounted and knocked on the door. A small hole opened in the door, and a pair of eyes peered out, asking, “Which master are you looking for, old monk?” Li Muzhan smiled.

“Elder, I am Ming Kong.” “Ah, the new master! Forgive this old man!” The old man quickly opened the door.

He was plump, with a jovial face, graying hair, and looked about fifty years old. “Master Can!” Gao Tongcheng rushed out, overjoyed.

Li Muzhan dismounted and patted his shoulder with a smile. Madam Gao also came out, along with two maids and two sturdy young men.

They greeted everyone one by one, and Li Muzhan walked inside with a smile. Gao Tongcheng quickly took the reins of Chi Ying.

“Master, is this your mount?” Li Muzhan laughed. “Be careful; it has a bad temper.” Gao Tongcheng paid him no mind and laughed.

“Master, my riding skills are quite good too… Watch me!” As he spoke, he tried to vault onto the horse, but Chi Ying sidestepped, causing him to miss his footing completely, leaving him red-faced. Li Muzhan laughed a few times, patted Chi Ying, and Gao Tongcheng, too embarrassed to show off again, handed the reins to one of the strong young men, who led the horse to the adjacent stable.

Taking advantage of the evening, Li Muzhan taught Gao Tongcheng two forms of the Maddening Demon Staff technique and was quite satisfied with his progress; his comprehension was sharp, and he worked hard. The next morning, Li Muzhan rose early, mounted Chi Ying, and rode to the military camp outside the city, joining everyone as they departed north through the Tianlong City gate.

(To be continued; for the rest of the story, please subscribe, support the posting, and read on the Tieba forum!),