Li Muzhan’s eyes were half-closed, his Void Gaze penetrating the wooden box to reveal its contents: two ginseng roots, similar in size but differing in appearance.

He placed his palm on the box, and a faint spiritual energy seeped out. Despite the excellent seal, he could still sense a delicate aura.

He took one box and opened it. A ginseng root lay before him. This one was a century old, looking no larger than a common radish, which he swiftly consumed in a few bites.

Afterward, he began practicing the Minor Dragon Form.

As the Minor Dragon Form took motion, a surge of heat enveloped his body, his internal force surging like a great river. At first, there was no distinct sensation, save for the Yongquan acupoint bubbling with heat, feeding into the surging tide of warmth.

After a quarter of an hour, a gentle warmth bloomed in his lower abdomen, threads of it escaping outward to merge with the surging heat. As time passed, this heat intensified, growing thick like rolling smoke, several times more robust than the heat rising from the Yongquan point.

Li Muzhan executed the Minor Dragon Form, circulating his energy relentlessly for an entire hour without rest. He was drenched in sweat, steam rising from him as if he had just emerged from a hot bath.

He slowly concluded the practice, a smile spreading across his face. His protective energy film had strengthened by a noticeable margin, an increase he estimated equaled a full year of arduous cultivation.

This was only a century-old ginseng. If he consumed the five-hundred-year-old root, the results would surely be greater. His smile deepened, and a fierce impulse rose within him to take the second ginseng immediately.

However, he quickly suppressed the urge. He needed patience; he first had to observe if there were any negative repercussions. He understood profoundly that all things in the world operated by rules; Yin and Yang generated each other—what benefits must also carry a cost.

He turned and left, meeting Wen Yinyue in the rear courtyard, arriving at a waterside pavilion. Beneath it, lotus flowers bloomed, and vibrant carp darted about, occasionally leaping from the water with flashes of red light.

White gauze curtains hung low on all sides. A gentle breeze drifted through, causing the drapes to sway like phantoms in a dream.

Wen Yinyue and Li Muzhan sat opposite each other at a stone table, casually sipping tea. This was tea brought by Wen Yinyue, who, knowing Li Muzhan’s appreciation for fine tea, had been entrusted with a pound of it by Abbess Zhuzhao.

Wen Yinyue untied the white gauze, revealing a face as delicate and beautiful as a flower. Li Muzhan stared at her, momentarily lost in awe. Wen Yinyue gazed into the distance as if nothing were amiss, but a faint furrow creased her brow, shadowed by a flicker of thin anger.

She was vexed by this lazy junior martial brother. She had no good solution, fearful of provoking him and having him retaliate later if she needed him to use the Great Bright King Scripture again. His previous mischief had become a source of mockery whenever their Master recalled it.

The best course of action was simply to pretend ignorance, to look away.

After a while, she elegantly set down her teacup and turned to him, asking lightly, "Junior Brother, was the ginseng helpful?"

Meeting her watery gaze, Li Muzhan felt every pore on his body open as if plunging into a cold spring. Only when she gave him a measured look did he break free from his reverie, smiling, "Yes, it’s worth a year of hard training for me."

Wen Yinyue’s bright eyes lit up. "Does that mean your military martial arts now equal the Azure Sea Divine Art?"

Li Muzhan hesitated, then shook his head. "More or less."

His progress in the military arts increased his Azure Sea Divine Art twofold. His current military skill was equivalent to his previous level in the Divine Art, but it could not match his current level in the Divine Art.

The explanation was complicated, so Li Muzhan simply nodded, giving a vague reply.

"Very good, watch out!" Wen Yinyue pursed her lips in a smile, brilliant as snow, and flicked her finger. An invisible burst of energy shot toward his face.

Li Muzhan raised his palm to block. With a muffled thud, he retracted and pressed his hand inward, instantly neutralizing the force. He laughed, "Senior Sister, not that trick again."

"Again!" Wen Yinyue let out a soft snort and flicked her exquisite, jade-white fingers again. Streaks of focused energy shot toward Li Muzhan, ceaseless and carrying immense power.

Li Muzhan remained seated, meeting her attacks with both palms. With every inward press and retreat, he dissolved the finger strikes, relaxed and composed.

With his energy film present, he feared no internal power. Once an incoming force penetrated, it was immediately absorbed into the film, unable to be turned to his use, but easily deflected away.

Li Muzhan secretly regretted that the internal force from the military arts and the internal force from the martial arts manuals could not merge. Otherwise, this would be akin to the Star Absorbing Great Technique.

Since they could not merge, he could not assimilate the military power. Furthermore, military force did not project externally for him to absorb, so the energy film could only defend, not generate further benefit.

As for the internal force from his martial arts manuals, he was not lacking. His Heavenly Origin Breathing Technique grew ever more refined, allowing him to recover internal energy at a speed far surpassing absorption from others.

In an instant, Wen Yinyue launched a hundred moves, and seeing she could not affect him, she vanished suddenly, striking his back with a movement as light as lightning.

Li Muzhan sat firm, striking back with his elbow to meet her jade palm.

With a muffled bang, Li Muzhan remained unmoved, but Wen Yinyue was forced back a step.

She stared at him, utterly astonished.

Li Muzhan turned, smiling. "Senior Sister, how was that?"

Wen Yinyue’s bright eyes, like water, rested on the stone stool. She nodded slightly. "Mmm, not bad."

Li Muzhan stood up, and the stone stool beneath him instantly crumbled, turning to dust. He moved to another stool and smiled, "Senior Sister's progress is astonishing; congratulations are in order."

Wen Yinyue replied, "With you pressuring me, I have no choice but to work hard. When will you be promoted to General so you can return with me?"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile and shook his head. "That's a long story. As soon as I joined the barracks, I ran into trouble and had to kill a few people, so..."

He recounted the whole affair. Wen Yinyue shook her head and commented mildly, "It’s a wonder Master calls you clever. Who knew you’d go and kill people secretly?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I considered it, but acting openly is best. First, to establish authority; second, if I acted furtively, people would become suspicious and I wouldn't last long in the barracks! The military camp has its own way of operating, different from the outside world."

Wen Yinyue nodded slightly. "As you wish, but you must hurry!"

She conceded that he had a point. She had to admit that her junior brother was sharper than she was; if it were her, she would have simply sought to kill the offenders secretly, without considering the ramifications. Master’s judgment was faultless.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Senior Sister, did Master order you to return to the mountain with me?"

"Mmm, yes." Wen Yinyue frowned slightly and snorted.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily, praising their Master’s wisdom for being so generous to him, acknowledging a debt of gratitude that was hard to repay. Wen Yinyue turned away to admire the lotus pond, ignoring him.

In the following few days, Wen Yinyue remained in seclusion practicing, never leaving the residence. If she went out at all, she disguised herself and climbed over the back wall, as the rear courtyard bordered the river where there was no one around.

Li Muzhan also spent two days in seclusion practicing martial arts. Finding no adverse effects from the energy derived from the ginseng, he was preparing to consume the five-hundred-year-old root when, that evening, he unexpectedly received an invitation from the eldest daughter of the Fan family—Fan Peiyao.

Li Muzhan had been planning to seek her out anyway, to thank her for sending Gao Tongcheng to Azure Sea Mountain, and because she should now know about his ties to Azure Sea Mountain.

He mentioned it to Wen Yinyue, who showed no excitement, so he went alone.

Zhao Shengli and the others had already purchased several adjoining residences; it had taken considerable effort. Apart from giving him a brief update, they had spent all their time finalizing their own properties.

Knowing Li Muzhan was in seclusion, they refrained from disturbing him, planning only to return to the barracks together on the last day. They usually did not visit the Ming residence.

The Ming residence was not far from Changping Tower. In the twilight, Li Muzhan strolled along the bustling streets of Tianlong City, which presented a picture of prosperity.

Although there were constant skirmishes along the border between Western Zhao and Dayen, they were localized disturbances. This state of affairs had persisted for centuries. Tianlong City was known as an impregnable fortress, and its residents never worried.

Because of the presence of Tenglong City, Tianlong City enjoyed greater prosperity. The soldiers of Dayen received high pay, ensuring their purses were always full and their spending power strong.

Watching the serene and joyful expressions of the people around him, Li Muzhan sighed inwardly, suddenly feeling the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders. A soldier's duty was immense and permitted no carelessness.

He arrived at Changping Tower. The waiter recognized him and eagerly ushered him in. "Master, it’s an honor to see you again! Please come inside."

"Is Miss Fan here?" Li Muzhan asked.

"Yes, yes, please!" The waiter nodded repeatedly, bowing as he led the way.

He guided Li Muzhan not to the private rooms on the second floor, but to a window seat on the first floor. The tables were spaced widely apart, separated by two empty tables, offering a measure of privacy while remaining connected to the lively atmosphere.

Fan Peiyao was dressed in a sapphire blue long robe, styled like a man’s attire. Her handsome and striking appearance was enough to charm most young women. She was idly fanning herself, observing the scene outside with an air of nonchalance.

Casually turning her head, she suddenly saw Li Muzhan. She quickly closed her fan, stood up, cupped her fists, and smiled, "Master!"

Li Muzhan returned the gesture with clasped hands and smiled, "Miss Fan, I trust you have been well?"

"Thanks to Master, everything is fine." Fan Peiyao pursed her lips in a sweet smile, her radiance dazzling, instantly revealing her feminine nature. That smile was too captivating for a man to produce.

Two grey-robed old men sat beside Fan Peiyao, their expressions dull and taciturn. They languidly held their wine cups and turned to look over.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Thank you for your help regarding Tongcheng."

Fan Peiyao laughed heartily. "It was just a small favor, nothing compared to the help Master provided."

Li Muzhan sat down, glancing at the two elders. Fan Peiyao introduced them as bodyguards arranged by Elder Master to ensure her safety.

Because the leader of Taibai Fortress remained unseen, Fan Peiyao was somewhat anxious. He was like a venomous snake hidden in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.

Li Muzhan nodded, agreeing with her caution. However, the two elders carried an immense air of pride, inheriting the Fan family's temperament. Li Muzhan found it amusing and ignored them, focusing his conversation on Fan Peiyao.

Though a woman, Fan Peiyao possessed a broad mind and bold spirit. Her straightforward manner made her very compatible with Li Muzhan, and their conversation flowed easily.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Now that the ginseng is recovered, you should be able to command respect in the Fan family, right?"

Fan Peiyao shook her head and laughed. "This time, it was all thanks to the military gentlemen of your Black Tiger Battalion. I had no merit; it was Elder Master's face that mattered."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "It seems you won't get your way easily then. Why not come work for me? I am in need of a steward."

Fan Peiyao laughed softly. "Master overestimates me."

The two elders glanced at him, their eyes flickering.

When Fan Peiyao reported the events, she had praised Li Muzhan as if he were a descending deity, incomparably brave. The members of the Fan family were unconvinced and secretly wished to test him.

However, since he was their benefactor, they dared not challenge him rashly, having to swallow their pride.

Military martial arts conceal essence and energy; outsiders could not gauge his depth. Seeing Li Muzhan speak with such calm and refined ease, even the stout men dared not underestimate him.

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed. "It’s a pity you are a woman..."

Fan Peiyao smiled bitterly. She often felt this regret herself. If she hadn't been born female, her several elder brothers wouldn't be in charge of the Fan family affairs.

Watching the Fan family’s arrogance grow—a sign of impending decline—she wished to salvage the situation, but felt powerless. Because she was a woman, no one listened to her advice.

Fan Peiyao picked up a large bowl. "Master, come, this humble girl must toast you a few times."

Li Muzhan laughed. "Then I shall not refuse. Please!"

The two drank heartily. In no time, they had finished a whole jar of wine. Fan Peiyao’s delicate face flushed crimson, making her exquisitely beautiful, possessing a captivating charm.

Li Muzhan felt no stirring of improper desire; he saw her as a good comrade, like-minded and spirited.

As Fan Peiyao’s bright eyes grew hazy, one bowl after another of wine led her to talk more and more, babbling about family trivialities, grievances, how useless her brothers were, her father’s favoritism, and how the Elder Master was muddled, allowing the Fan family to decline before his eyes.

The two elders’ faces changed drastically upon hearing this, and they began coughing heavily. Fan Peiyao ignored them, saying whatever she pleased.

It was rare for her to find someone she could confide in. She felt a kinship with Li Muzhan, like a true confidant. Her floodgates opened, pouring out all the frustrations that usually troubled her.

Li Muzhan listened quietly, smiling faintly, drinking bowl after bowl without changing his expression.

The two elders felt incredibly awkward, choosing to pretend they were deaf and mute, focusing on their food and drink.

Bowl after bowl they consumed. Li Muzhan did not try to stop her; if Fan Peiyao wanted to drink, he would accompany her, listening to her rambling confessions. As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, not expecting this turn. Seeing her cry drew curious glances from nearby patrons toward Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan suddenly froze, tossing the large bowl in his hand. With a sharp crack, the bowl and wine splattered outward, precisely shielding Fan Peiyao in front of her.

A few drops of wine splashed onto her. Her hazy eyes looked over, then suddenly snapped wide open.

An old man in a brocade robe rushed over. He threw his left hand forward, and a shower of cold light enveloped the entire table, including Li Muzhan, Fan Peiyao, and the two Fan family elders.

The two elders ignored their own safety, throwing themselves in front of Fan Peiyao. They struck downward with their palms, the resultant palm winds shattering the cold light, before they met the incoming elder’s palms head-on.

With muffled bangs, the two elders were sent flying backward, crashing through the window and falling toward the street below.

P: I am truly sorry, the consequences of this sudden outburst are manifesting. My cold has worsened, I have a fever and a runny nose—and strangely, so much runny nose, it won't stop flowing. If this continues, I might become dehydrated. Good heavens.