The old man in brocade let out a cold snort and lunged at Fan Peiyao. She shook her head, her bright eyes regaining a measure of clarity. With a flick of her wrist, a large bowl shot out, whistling through the air with astonishing force.
The old man slapped the bowl aside with one palm, wine spray dampening his brocade robe. He was already upon Fan Peiyao, grinning as he raised his hand to strike directly at her crown.
With a dull thud, a hand suddenly appeared—long, fair, and smooth as fine jade.
The two palms met. The old man staggered back a step. Before he could regain his footing, he kicked forward again, aiming to smash down on Fan Peiyao’s head, intent on killing her.
Fan Peiyao tried to resist, but her body felt weak and unresponsive; she could only watch helplessly.
Li Muzhan sighed and stepped forward to intercept.
With another dull thud, the old man in brocade was forced back another step, his face flushing red as he stared intently at Li Muzhan.
His face was square and his mouth broad; his eyebrows were long and swept toward his temples. His eyes shone with piercing light. Though an elder, his presence was imposing, his sharpness exceeding that of many young men.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Who might you be, sir, to engage in such dishonorable acts?”
“Monk, mind your own business!” the old man in brocade said coldly.
Li Muzhan stood between them and Fan Peiyao, sighing again. “Alas… why the entanglement? The matter is past; it’s time to let go.”
“You!” The old man’s expression shifted.
Li Muzhan continued, “Taibai Fortress is broken. Killing more people accomplishes nothing. Furthermore, the initial fault lay with you. If you played the first move, why complain when others play the second? Let it end here.”
The old man sneered coldly. “Easy for you to say! Hmph! Destroying my foundation—this hatred can never be reconciled!”
Li Muzhan’s face darkened, and he spoke with chilling coolness. “So, you insist on revenge, to the death?”
“Indeed!” the old man grunted.
Li Muzhan took a step forward, his voice laced with cold mockery. “Then this matter also involves me. Come then.”
The old man waved a hand dismissively, snorting impatiently. “Little monk, you are no match for me. Get out of the way.”
“Is that so?” Li Muzhan smiled faintly and extended his palm. “Then let us test it!”
The old man gave a cold laugh. “I intended to let you live a little longer, but you seek death yourself. You have no one to blame but me!”
He threw a punch, determined to deliver a fatal blow. This little thieving monk had ruined his plans time and again; he deserved death. His eyes were piercing, his killing intent sharp as a blade.
Bang! A muffled sound erupted just as two men tumbled in through the window—the two elders from before, both nursing injuries indicated by trails of blood at their lips.
Although this was the ground floor, the foundation was exceptionally high, comparable to the second or third story of an ordinary tavern. A fall from this height without Qinggong would certainly be fatal.
Despite their injuries, they utilized their lightness skills in that perilous moment. Their internal organs felt as if sliced by knives, but they endured the agony, landed, took a moment to regulate their qi, and immediately leaped up again to shield the young lady. Old Master Fan was known for his generosity, but failing a crucial task would invoke his thunderous wrath, which they feared deeply.
……………………………………………………………………
As soon as the two arrived, they lunged at the elder in brocade like maddened tigers, their resentment immense.
The elder in brocade was none other than the Great Chieftain of Taibai Fortress in disguise. He let out a cold laugh. His punch, originally aimed at Li Muzhan, suddenly shifted toward one of the incoming elders, while his other hand struck out at the second.
Bang! Two muffled impacts sounded simultaneously. Both elders staggered backward, crashing into a table. Li Muzhan reached out, steadying the table to halt their momentum.
The two elders nearly collapsed onto the table, their backs now thoroughly soaked with hot soup and vegetables from the overturned dishes. Oil stains dripped down their clothes.
Blood welled up at their lips again. With a sudden surge of strength, they lunged forward once more, shouting in unison, “Miss, hurry and flee!”
Fan Peiyao’s bright eyes were clear, but her body remained unresponsive. Watching the two elders struggle filled her with anxiety; her delicate lips trembled, yet she could not utter a single coherent word.
Seeing this, Li Muzhan felt a wave of emotion. Though these two old men possessed considerable pride, in the face of such desperate self-sacrifice, he could not stand idly by. He picked up a chair and hurled it.
Crack! The Great Chieftain’s palm shattered the chair, and he strode forward.
Li Muzhan threw another chair—the one the two elders had occupied earlier. The Great Chieftain split it open with another palm strike, turning it to splinters, a testament to the overwhelming power of his strikes.
Li Muzhan moved swiftly, intercepting the two elders, and drove a punch toward the Great Chieftain.
“Hmph, showing off in front of an expert!” the Great Chieftain sneered, meeting the punch with one of his own. While Li Muzhan possessed great strength, it was still far inferior to his own; he was barely qualified to fight him at all.
As for his finger techniques, however, that was a significant threat, one the Great Chieftain had been carefully guarding against, fearing the force of his zhi li (finger energy).
Their fists met with a dull thud. Both retreated two steps. Li Muzhan stopped before the table, while the Great Chieftain staggered back, his expression subtly altered.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “How was that?”
He then pressed forward again, repeating the previous block with a punch.
Thump! Another dull impact. The Great Chieftain also attacked fiercely, repeating his prior move. Their fists collided once more.
This time, both retreated equally, returning precisely to their original positions.
Li Muzhan laughed heartily, then drove out another punch, identical to the previous one.
The Great Chieftain did likewise, meeting the blow with a cold smile, relying on brute force against brute force.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!…
A series of muffled sounds rang out continuously. Punch after punch, they engaged in head-on collisions, leaving the surrounding onlookers stunned, their blood boiling with excitement.
This method of fighting was deceptively simple; it relied entirely on sheer ferocity. After ten exchanges, Li Muzhan appeared completely unharmed, while blood was already seeping from the Great Chieftain’s mouth—he was injured.
Li Muzhan benefited greatly from his Vajra Indestructible Divine Art guarding his body, coupled with the strength of the Dragon-Elephant Power. The Great Chieftain, burning with arrogance and unwilling to accept defeat, was determined to see the fight through to a conclusion.
A fierce, dark energy rose within him; he refused to believe he could not overcome this little bald donkey.
……………………………………
Bang! Bang! Bang!…
Another volley of dull impacts followed. People rose from their seats, eyes alight, watching intently to see which of the two would last until the end.
Li Muzhan remained unaffected, but the blood at the Great Chieftain’s mouth increased. Suddenly, he let out a sharp roar that echoed throughout the entire hall, seemingly potent enough to rupture the eardrums of the crowd.
The patrons hurriedly covered their ears. When they looked up again, the Great Chieftain was gone; he had slipped out the window and vanished into the distance.
Li Muzhan made no attempt to pursue. After all, he was within the military encampment, and no matter how powerful the Chieftain was, he wouldn’t dare attempt an assassination here. Moreover, his martial arts were not frightening, and Li Muzhan possessed an uncanny intuition.
The two elders looked at him and cupped their hands in salute. “Many thanks, Master!”
Li Muzhan smiled and joined his own hands in greeting. “…Miss Fan! Miss Fan!”
He turned to look, only to find Fan Peiyao slumped over the table, fast asleep. He shook his head with a wry smile. “I entrust Miss Fan to you two. I shall take my leave.”
The elders nodded gently.
They held Li Muzhan’s martial arts in the highest regard. Having sparred with the Great Chieftain, they deeply understood the depth of his internal energy and the sheer power of his combat skills.
To see such a master defeated so thoroughly by Li Muzhan truly shocked them.
Li Muzhan smiled, offered a final respectful bow, and gracefully departed. He returned to the Ming Residence, bade farewell to Wen Yinyue, mounted Scarlet Shadow, and headed south. In a district on the southeastern corner, he located Zhao Shengli and the others.
Zhao Shengli and his companions had purchased an entire street—Qingshui Lane—acquiring every residence, leaving only two vacant structures besides the ones they intended to occupy, which they simply bought along with the rest.
They were flush with funds now and did not care about the minor expense; they simply wanted the satisfaction of living together as a group, ensuring they could remain united even after their military service ended—a truly wonderful prospect.
Li Muzhan agreed it was a good arrangement; it would certainly be convenient.
Zhao Shengli and the others were all busy hiring servants and rearranging the décor. Their faces shone with vigor, and joy radiated from the corners of their eyes.
Li Muzhan chatted and laughed with them for a while before returning to Tenglong City. They were quite reluctant to see him go, but they would be able to move into the new residence upon his next furlough.
Upon returning to the barracks and settling Scarlet Shadow, a soldier in black armor approached to summon him. “The Commandant requests your presence.”
Xiong Sihai recognized the soldier as one of the Commandant’s personal guards and whispered, “Great Monk, it must be about the Inner Camp.”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, suppressing the excitement bubbling in his heart. He followed the black-armored guard to the Black Tiger Camp hall. The Commandant sat behind his desk, looking calm and composed. Three men sat below him: the Left and Right Commandants and Sima Li, all looking somewhat exhilarated, their eyes fixed on Li Muzhan without blinking.
Li Muzhan performed a military salute, greeting them in turn. The Commandant stroked his beard and waved his hand. “Enough, no need for formalities!”
Li Muzhan looked toward the Commandant, an expression of inquiry on his face.
The Commandant stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Mingkong, I have already recommended you for entry into the Inner Camp. I will take you there personally tomorrow.”
Although Li Muzhan had heard this from Xiong Sihai, he still wanted to hear it directly, so he asked, “The Inner Camp?”
………………………………………………………………
The Commandant waved his hand, and Sima Li began to speak, explaining the details, which were largely consistent with what Xiong Sihai had described.
Afterward, the Commandant added, “If you manage to enter the Inner Camp, they possess secret techniques far superior to the Minor Dragon Form I taught you. You must cherish the opportunity!”
Li Muzhan managed a wry smile. “Commandant, I do not wish to leave the (Xiaoji Battalion).”
“Ah, rest assured,” the Commandant smiled, stroking his beard. “When you complete your studies, you will return to your post. There is no necessity for you to leave the Xiaoji Battalion permanently.”
Li Muzhan let out a breath, nodding with a smile. “I will abide by the Commandant’s arrangements.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t harm you,” the Commandant chuckled, sizing him up. “You little fellow, I truly hope you make it into the Inner Camp. If the Black Tiger Camp has someone who graduates to the Inner Camp, it brings glory to my name!”
He laughed. “Every time I see that Song fellow from the Tiaoduan Camp, he wears such a smug look and speaks so arrogantly. I can only grit my teeth and endure. This time, I will finally hold my head high!”
Sima Li chimed in with a smile, “Commandant, how many people are in the Inner Camp?”
The Commandant shook his head. “I know absolutely nothing about the Inner Camp’s affairs. They report directly to the Grand Commandant. Besides the Grand Commandant, perhaps very few people know.”
He was in high spirits and spoke more than usual. “But I estimate there are only a few—it’s not easy to find truly exceptional geniuses, is it?”
He continued, “It’s only that Song fellow who likes to show off in front of me. Could there really only be one person?”
He shook his head again. “That would be too few. Never mind all that. Mingkong, all you need to remember is to do your best. Don’t force yourself.”
“Yes, Commandant,” Li Muzhan replied solemnly.
The next morning, Li Muzhan arrived at the Black Tiger Camp hall. The Commandant, clad in crisp military uniform, looking energetic, was waiting for him. Seeing him arrive, he skipped any pleasantries and set off immediately.
The two left the main camp and headed west. Li Muzhan suddenly felt a strange sensation.
Though he had been stationed in Tenglong City, he had never visited any place other than his own military compound. Whenever he had leave, he always traveled to Tianlong City.
Only now did he find it odd: why was Tenglong City lacking in places for commerce? It wasn't prosperous enough.
The Commandant walked ahead, noticing Li Muzhan looking around curiously. Seeming to sense his confusion, he explained, “When the First Emperor founded this dynasty, there was a decree stating that Tenglong City is a strictly military strategic location, and civilian personnel are prohibited from residing here.”
“No businesses, no trading?” Li Muzhan asked.
“Exactly,” the Commandant nodded, sighing. “So, we either stay in the barracks or go to Tianlong City for recreation. As for Tenglong City, unauthorized wandering is forbidden.”
Li Muzhan nodded thoughtfully. No wonder Tenglong City hadn't fallen; it was due to this strict regulation.
The First Emperor, that venerable figure, had indeed possessed foresight, striking at the root of the issue.
No matter how strong a city, there will always come a day when it is taken. Li Muzhan did not believe in impregnable fortresses; the most common way to conquer them was from within. If the interior is stable, the city has no fear of capture.
……………………………………………………
Walking west for a mile, a large banner suddenly appeared in the distance, fluttering in the wind. It bore two large characters: “Shenwu” (Divine Might), which seemed poised to leap out from the flag, radiating a startling killing aura.
Li Muzhan realized with a start: this was the true Shenwu Camp.
The Commandant whispered, “Mingkong, once we reach the main camp, remain alert, do not be afraid or flustered, and bring some spirit to our Black Tiger Camp!”
Mu Zen replied in a deep voice.
They approached an imposing archway inscribed with three magnificent characters: “Jie Bing Chu” (Weapons Surrender Post), glittering gold, almost dazzling in the sunlight.
Four burly men stood beneath the arch, all clad in Mingguang armor, gleaming brightly. Under the sun, they resembled celestial beings, unapproachable.
The Commandant walked closer, and the four great men blocked his path without a word.
The Commandant took a breath and whispered, “Mingkong, remove your weapons. This is the rule.”
“Tyrannical rules!” Li Muzhan snorted lightly, his expression turning serious as he narrowed his eyes to examine the four men.
Military martial arts value the concealment of qi. Without direct engagement, judging skill levels is difficult, but observing these four, their qi was indeed contained, their killing intent thick—clearly veterans who had survived countless battles.
Though uncomfortable with such veterans, Li Muzhan decided not to make trouble.
The Commandant had not carried any blade, so he had nothing to surrender. Li Muzhan unbuckled his Cold Flood Dragon Bow and the Deer-Cutting Saber! He cast a deep look at the four men before following the Commandant inside.
The four guards exchanged glances and smiled slightly, unconcerned.
They had seen this situation many times. Those capable of entering the Shenwu Camp were never ordinary people; they were today’s favored few. Asking them to disarm was tantamount to insult, and few ever submitted willingly.
However, some possessed deep composure and remained outwardly placid, while others showed their displeasure openly, and some even dared to grumble a few complaints.
The four guards ignored all of them, feigning deafness and blindness. As long as the weapons were surrendered, they didn't care what anyone said.
But if someone refused to follow the camp’s rules and kept their weapons, then the guards would have to ‘assist’ them in surrendering those weapons, to prevent them from suffering misfortune inside.
Entering the camp armed was a direct challenge to the entire Shenwu Camp. They would be attacked collectively, and the rule was to leave them breathing, nothing more—no need for politeness.
The ruthlessness of the Shenwu Camp was notorious. It was a pity that these veterans’ good intentions were not appreciated; instead, they earned resentment, which was truly vexing.
After passing the archway, the Commandant spoke gently, “This is an old rule of the Shenwu Camp. Regardless of whether it’s you or anyone else not belonging to the Shenwu Camp, you must obey. Don't let it breed resentment.”
Li Muzhan nodded resignedly. His compliance was half an act, intended to give the impression that he was young, hot-headed, and lacked deep cunning. If he remained completely unperturbed, his composure too deep, it would look less favorable.
After passing through the archway, they found themselves on a wide avenue capable of accommodating ten horses abreast. Buildings lined both sides, stretching all the way to the city wall foundations.
They walked west along the main avenue until they reached the middle, then suddenly turned south, arriving before a large residence flanked by two lifelike stone lions. Ten guards in gleaming silver armor stood beside it.
The Commandant cupped his hands. “I am Hu Yixing, Commandant of the Black Tiger Camp, requesting an audience with the Grand Commandant.”
A silver-armored guard entered and soon returned, leading them through the main gate. Immediately inside the gate was a vast training ground paved with clean, tidy blue bricks. Over a dozen elderly men were practicing there, yet all appeared energetic, like seasoned veterans nearing retirement.
Behind the training ground stood a great hall. At the entrance stood an old man, solidly built and stout, with a stern, imposing face, who was slowly gazing over. His eyes swept across the training ground, landing on the two newcomers.
The Commandant quickened his pace, crossed the training ground, and stood before the hall, performing a military salute. “Subordinate Hu Yixing pays respects to the Grand Commandant!”
“Little Hu, is this the man you recommended?” The old man waved his hand, examining Li Muzhan.
His hair was graying, his beard scruffy, and he appeared somewhat unkempt, yet his entire being radiated vibrant vitality, making him seem less like an elder and more like a young man.
Commandant Hu Yixing nodded. “Yes, he is Mingkong.”
“Hmm, a spirited young fellow,” the Grand Commandant nodded and smiled faintly. “You may return now. I will have someone conduct a test.”
Hu Yixing hesitated for a moment, then chuckled. “Grand Commandant, might I stay on the sidelines to gain some insight?”
“What, you don’t trust Old Man me?” the Grand Commandant asked, stroking his beard and smiling.
“Never!” Hu Yixing quickly replied, laughing. “Subordinate is exceedingly curious and wishes to witness the genius figures of the Inner Camp.”
The Grand Commandant waved his hand. “Very well, stay. It will prevent you from feeling disgruntled later.”
“Many thanks, Grand Commandant!” Hu Yixing quickly saluted.
“Follow me,” the Grand Commandant stepped toward the dozen or so elders on the training ground.
Approaching them, the Grand Commandant coughed and spoke in a deep voice. “Old fellows, come and take a look at this young man.”
One elder blew on his white beard and scrutinized Li Muzhan. “Little Hu, is this the once-in-a-century genius you spoke of?”
Hu Yixing replied respectfully, “Yes, General Li, this is Mingkong.”