Li Muzhan called out clearly, "Come in."

He returned the book to its place, rose, and stepped out into the courtyard, where he met Yan Lengsi, who was hurrying in. Seeing Li Muzhan, the young man stopped short.

His honest, square face flushed red, and he stammered, "Master Mingkong, I—I am Yan Lengsi. You can call me Little Yan."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Little Yan, how old are you?"

"Eighteen!" Yan Lengsi replied quickly.

Li Muzhan nodded, chuckling. "Then I truly must call you Little Yan. I am twenty, so you can just call me Monk. Come, come, let's go inside."

"Yes." Yan Lengsi nodded hurriedly, following Li Muzhan into the room. Li Muzhan lit an ox tallow candle; the light flared brightly, making the room feel like daytime.

Yan Lengsi sat down stiffly on the chair, hands resting on his knees, posture perfectly upright.

…………………………………………………………

"I apologize, there is no tea ready—no water to make it," Li Muzhan said apologetically.

"The water is in the cistern outside! I'll get it for you!" Yan Lengsi rushed out before Li Muzhan could respond. A dull thud sounded quickly from outside, and when Li Muzhan followed him out, Yan Lengsi was nowhere in sight.

He looked around, hearing movement coming from the rock garden. He walked over and saw a dark opening beneath the rock formation. Following the hole inside, he found Yan Lengsi there.

Beneath the young man’s feet was an octagonal mechanism. He pulled a rope a few times with nimble movements, soon hoisting up a wooden bucket shimmering with clear water.

Li Muzhan smiled. "So there’s a mechanism here, too."

Yan Lengsi, hoisting the bucket as easily as if it held straw, bent over and emerged from the hidden space. He laughed, "Old Ji and the others said they built this rockery with a false front over the cistern in case someone tried to poison the water."

"Hmm, a clever idea," Li Muzhan nodded repeatedly. Truly ingenious. These old masters, with nothing much to do in their downtime, must spend their time hatching such brilliant schemes.

He reached out to take the bucket, but Yan Lengsi instantly sidestepped, insisting on carrying it himself to the nearby kitchen. There, he filled a kettle, placed it over a bundle of firewood, and lit it. Two breaths fanned the flames, which immediately roared up, burning fiercely.

Noticing how adeptly he worked, Li Muzhan asked, "Is this the only way you can boil water here?"

Yan Lengsi stared intently at the fire, his eyes catching the leaping flames. His focus was absolute, as if he were engaged in some world-shaking endeavor.

It took Li Muzhan asking a second time before he looked up, nodding quickly. "Yes, I have to go collect firewood every day. The Masters use a lot."

Li Muzhan smiled. "That must be tiring. But now that I'm here, the two of us can share the work, and it will be much lighter."

Yan Lengsi immediately shook his head, smiling sheepishly. "No trouble, no trouble... I can manage it myself! It’s not tiring at all."

Li Muzhan smiled, not arguing further. He squatted down beside the young man, caught by his serious concentration.

…………………………………………………………………………

Li Muzhan added another piece of firewood and asked with a smile, "Little Yan, are all dozen or so elders your Masters?"

"Yes," Yan Lengsi nodded, smiling. "Each of them possesses profound skill. It's just a shame I'm slow; I can only learn one discipline."

"Which elder is yours?" Li Muzhan inquired, then added with a grin, "I have sharp eyes; is it Senior Li?"

"...Monk, you really are perceptive! Did Master tell you?" Yan Lengsi first looked surprised, then seemed to realize something.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "From your mannerisms and expression, anyone could tell. Besides, your movements bear some resemblance to Senior Li’s; you must have inherited his teachings."

"Do I really look like him?" Yan Lengsi asked happily, scratching his head. "Master is always scolding me for being slow, saying I haven't even grasped one-tenth of what he knows."

Li Muzhan laughed. "In my opinion, Senior Li is just overly concerned and perhaps too anxious. I think you’re practicing quite well; you certainly have great strength."

"That's right. What I practice is called the 'Mystic Python Great Strength Art'—it focuses entirely on power," Yan Lengsi explained.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then you must be incredibly strong. How about we test it out?"

Hearing the mention of the Great Strength Art made Li Muzhan’s own spirit stir. It wasn't that he wanted to gauge Yan Lengsi's strength, but rather to test the limits of his own power.

"Let's..." Yan Lengsi hesitated slightly.

Li Muzhan laughed. "I possess considerable strength too. The only reason I managed to get here was relying on natural divine might. Let's spar a bit and see whose strength is greater."

"Then..." Yan Lengsi considered it, a look of excitement dawning on his face.

He had always stayed near the elders, constantly being scolded. Though he went out daily to gather firewood, he had never truly tested himself against anyone, and he didn't know his actual level of skill. His Master always berated him for being hopelessly dull, saying it would take an eternity for him to master the Mystic Python Great Strength Art. He felt inadequate, but he had no idea just how inadequate he was.

Li Muzhan extended his palm. "Let's press palms against each other and see who can push the other back."

"Yes," this proposal perfectly matched Yan Lengsi’s desire. He didn't want to fight openly right away and risk damaging their goodwill; this kind of contest was ideal.

He extended his right palm to meet Li Muzhan's. They both stood up, immediately settling into a horse stance. Li Muzhan smiled. "You call the start."

"Okay... Start!" Yan Lengsi nodded seriously, then suddenly shouted the word. Li Muzhan immediately pushed, sending him flying backward a short distance.

Li Muzhan laughed heartily. "Come on, let's go again!"

Yan Lengsi’s face was scarlet. He had shouted the starting word but hadn't been prepared to exert force, losing before he even tried.

……………………………………………………………………

No wonder his Master always called him dull and slow; it was true.

Yan Lengsi blinked, coughed once, shook his arm, and then solemnly extended his right hand to meet Li Muzhan's right palm.

He slowly counted his breaths, then softly uttered, "Ready... Begin!"

His entire body tensed abruptly, moving simultaneously with his word. He rooted himself like a spike, utterly immovable, eyes wide, his arm thickening visibly.

Li Muzhan remained smiling, his expression unchanged, his breathing steady. Internally, he relaxed slightly—though Yan Lengsi possessed immense power, he was still a fraction weaker than Li Muzhan.

Despite that slight margin, Li Muzhan felt constrained. He watched the young man’s body slowly swell, as if gaining mass, the pressure on his hand increasing steadily. Li Muzhan felt a jolt of surprise.

Veins snaked across Yan Lengsi's face. He held his breath, exerting himself to the utmost, refusing to yield an inch, seemingly determined to shove Li Muzhan away.

Li Muzhan held his ground, carefully increasing his own pressure. He keenly felt that a moment of inattention could lead to disaster; Yan Lengsi’s tenacity was astonishingly fierce.

Time passed, marked by the crackling of the firewood, breaking the silence in the room. Yan Lengsi’s veins bulged, his face contorted in a grimace as he glared at Li Muzhan as if he were an enemy.

"Hiss..." The water kettle suddenly began to hiss and steam, clearly on the verge of boiling. Li Muzhan smiled, remaining completely still, allowing Yan Lengsi to expend his desperate effort.

A moment later, a gentle whistle sounded, and white steam puffed from the kettle spout.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Little Yan, let's call this a draw."

With that, he slowly retracted his strength. Yan Lengsi felt unsatisfied, but seeing Li Muzhan withdraw first, he could only follow suit, lest his victory be undeserved.

He dropped his hand and was instantly drenched in sweat, his back quickly soaked. The sweat dripped down, soaking into the earthen floor.

Li Muzhan laughed. "Truly worthy of the Mystic Python Great Strength Art! I have never met an opponent for my divine strength before. Today, I finally found one!"

Yan Lengsi shook his head, his expression low. "Monk, I am not your equal."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Close enough. You have about eighty percent of my strength. Among everyone I've met, you rank first in power."

"Really?" Yan Lengsi asked quickly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I am a monk; how could I tell falsehoods?"

"What about Master?" Yan Lengsi then asked, scratching his head with a hint of embarrassment. "Master said he was going to come look for trouble with you." He added, "Master also said that if he ran into another fool as dim as me, he'd rather just tie a rope around his own neck."

"Ha!" Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed, picking up the kettle and heading out.

………………………………………………………………

Li Muzhan and Yan Lengsi prepared the tea and sat down at the eight immortal's table inside, discussing the rules of the place.

Yan Lengsi shook his head. "I don't know much about it... We get up on time every day, then practice martial arts with Master. We train all morning, go out of the city to gather firewood in the afternoon, and the evenings are free—Master doesn't supervise."

Li Muzhan nodded. It seemed extremely routine, no different from his time in the Cavalry Camp; adherence to the schedule was key.

"Does only Senior Li teach you?" Li Muzhan asked.

"Master Li instructs us, and the other Masters watch nearby, offering pointers when they can," Yan Lengsi replied.

Li Muzhan smiled. "How long have you been studying, Little Yan?"

"One year," Yan Lengsi said.

"Oh—?" Li Muzhan paused, surprised he had been training that long. He smiled. "How are your advancements?"

Yan Lengsi said proudly, "Quite good... Before, I couldn't even lift the stone pedestals, but now I can carry them and run for quite a while."

Li Muzhan slowly inquired, "Has Senior Li taught you any other martial arts?"

Yan Lengsi nodded. "Yes, there's also a set of saber techniques."

Li Muzhan smiled. "It must be a secret art. I wonder how the seniors will guide me."

Yan Lengsi said, "You must choose one Master. Master Ji is the best, but sadly, he doesn't seem to take disciples."

As they were chatting, footsteps suddenly approached. Old Man Li strode in purposefully. He paused when he saw the two sitting at the table talking, then snorted, "Well, well, look at you two getting along so famously!"

Li Muzhan stood and offered a crisp military salute. "Senior Li."

"Master Li," Yan Lengsi rose and saluted solemnly, a stark contrast to Li Muzhan’s casual manner.

Old Man Li waved his hand impatiently. "Enough, enough! We aren't outsiders here. Cut the pleasantries! Come on, let's go eat!"

With that, he turned and walked away, full of enthusiasm.

Li Muzhan glanced at Yan Lengsi. Yan Lengsi was suddenly excited. "Master, is there something special to eat?"

"You bet there is!" Old Man Li walked ahead, disappearing into the twilight. "Hurry up, hurry up! If we’re late, these old devils will snatch it all!"

Li Muzhan asked with a smile, "What are we eating?"

Yan Lengsi exclaimed excitedly, "It should be tiger meat... Hurry, hurry, it’ll be gone if we delay!" He grabbed Li Muzhan’s arm and pulled him along. Li Muzhan followed willingly, trailing closely behind Old Man Li as they headed west to a large building.

This building resembled a grand hall, spacious and bright, featuring only one massive purplewood table in the center, two meters wide, stretching the entire length of the hall from the entrance to the far wall.

Chairs and stools were arranged around the long table. By now, more than a dozen elders were already seated, brandishing their chopsticks, deep in battle while chewing noisily.

Li Muzhan's eyes immediately lit up. In the center sat two huge basins of meat, looking like braised pork, emitting an aroma that was tantalizingly rich. This fragrance was unlike anything he had smelled before, yet it held a fatal attraction, drawing him closer.

…………………………………………， …………………………

"Little Monk, you're a monk, you can't eat meat! That's not right, not right!" Old Man Li quickly took his seat and joined the fray, snatching for food.

The chopsticks of the assembled crowd became weapons, weaving together to form a dense blockade. Anyone attempting to break through and seize a piece of meat would provoke an attack from the group. Some managed to grab nothing; others triumphantly secured several pieces.

Yan Lengsi sighed, shaking his head. "Monk, we won't get any!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Seniors, although I am a monk, I am currently absolved of my vows. Meat must be eaten when it is there. Where are the chopsticks?"

Old Man Li pointed behind him. "There's a whole container over there! If you have the skill, come and fight for it. If you can't snatch any, starve!"

Li Muzhan looked at Yan Lengsi. Yan Lengsi gritted his teeth and nodded forcefully. "Yes, let's try!"

"Good, that's the spirit! We team up," Li Muzhan laughed. He picked up three pairs of chopsticks and sat down next to Old Man Li with Yan Lengsi.

Old Man Li’s round, plump face was full of yearning as he stared at the braised meat. His Adam's apple bobbed as he audibly swallowed, which made Li Muzhan chuckle inwardly. Li Muzhan, however, maintained an indifferent expression. He turned and said, "Little Yan, you grab the meat; I’ll cover you from the side."

"Right!" Yan Lengsi responded eagerly, ready for action.

He plunged his chopsticks forward, aiming for a piece of braised pork in the basin before him. Instantly, several pairs of chopsticks swooped in to block him.

Suddenly, another pair of chopsticks appeared, quickly tapping those blocking chopsticks, causing them to tremble! The chopsticks paused, and Yan Lengsi seized the opportunity to scoop a piece of meat; the aroma intensified.

Yan Lengsi froze momentarily, surprised at how easily he had snagged some meat. Just then, several more pairs of chopsticks attacked.

Seeing the danger, Li Muzhan moved his other hand. With light taps, four pairs of chopsticks moved in unison, lightning-fast, striking several other sets.

Yan Lengsi snapped back to reality and quickly pulled back, a look of joy on his face. Just as he was about to deliver the piece to Li Muzhan's mouth, there was a crisp smack—Old Man Li’s chopsticks struck with lightning speed.

Juice and meat flew outward. Yan Lengsi’s smile froze. He looked at his empty chopsticks, then at Li Muzhan.

He saw that Li Muzhan had fully entered the fray. His four chopsticks were swift and agile, using the opponent's force against them, displaying the Flying Dragon Spear technique to perfection. Although the dozen elders attacked with chopsticks that were fierce, heavy, rain-like, or thunderous—all truly formidable—Li Muzhan was able to compete without being outmatched. However, he had the advantage of using two pairs; otherwise, his chopsticks would have been knocked away long ago.

……………………………………………………………….，

Although Yan Lengsi was slow to react, with Li Muzhan’s guidance, the two cooperated perfectly and each managed to secure two pieces of meat. Li Muzhan found the taste indescribably delicious.

Most of the meat in the two basins was eventually snatched by Old Man Li. He was strong, and his movements were incredibly fast, often seizing a piece with an unexpected move. If Li Muzhan hadn't intervened, Old Man Li might have eaten himself sick.

Old Man Li grumbled continuously, accusing the "stinky monk" of getting revenge and being utterly dishonorable, vowing that he would settle the score later.

After eating two pieces, Li Muzhan felt a warmth spreading through his body, his internal energy churning, showing a slight increase. Clearly, this was no ordinary meat; it might very well have been tiger.

After everyone had eaten, they sat around the table chatting.

Old Man Ji took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped his mouth. He smiled. "Mingkong, we have discussed it. For now, you will practice the Lesser Dragon Form. As for other arts, it depends on how much energy you have left. If you have enough time, you can choose other techniques to learn."

Li Muzhan said, "Old Ji, I wish to study the Art of War."

"The Art of War?" Old Man Ji paused, glanced at the others, and smiled. "Why the sudden interest in military strategy? You are young, but your ambition is not small."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I aspire to be a general, so naturally, I must study military texts and strategies. Furthermore, I am very interested in the Esoteric Art of Qimen Dunjia."

"Qimen Dunjia?" Old Man Ji frowned, shaking his head and sighing. "Why study that? Take my advice, forget it."

Li Muzhan shook his head, his expression firm. "Qimen Dunjia seems to probe the mysteries of heaven and earth, bordering on the Dao itself. I deeply wish to understand it."

Old Man Ji sighed. "Once you start studying that, you'll likely achieve nothing in life... Most people study their entire lives and never grasp anything worthwhile. It is too profound!"

An elder nearby chuckled. "Old Ji, this little monk is too clever. Let him try it out. If he shows no talent after half a month, he can give it up early, what do you say?"

"Hmm, that is an idea," Old Man Ji nodded slowly, looking at Li Muzhan. "How about it?"

"... Yes," Li Muzhan nodded, smiling. "Which senior will teach me?"

"Who else but Old Ji!" Old Man Li snorted, glancing sideways at Li Muzhan. "Little Monk, in my opinion, give up that thought right now. You? Trying to learn Qimen Dunjia?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Whether I succeed or fail, I won't know until I try."

"Yes, perhaps Mingkong truly does have the talent," Old Man Ji said kindly.

…………………………………………………………

The next day, Li Muzhan woke early and left his small courtyard. He saw people already gathered on the training ground: the twelve elders plus Yan Lengsi, all standing motionless in the morning breeze.

Li Muzhan recognized it immediately: they were practicing stake standing—a method in military martial arts often used to regulate breathing and enhance internal energy.

Li Muzhan walked over, about to speak, when Old Man Li turned and cheered, "Hit him! Hit him!"

Two elders instantly rushed forward, transitioning from stillness to motion with lightning speed, attacking Li Muzhan's head. Fists and palms clashed with thunderous force.

Li Muzhan reacted incredibly fast, having already sensed what was coming. He countered their moves, and the three began to fight. Yan Lengsi watched with rapt attention until Old Man Li slapped him, telling him to focus on his own training.

Li Muzhan's internal energy was not as deep as the two elders'; despite decades of cultivation, his progress, though fast, still lagged behind. However, his natural divine strength compensated for the gap in internal energy. Though still slightly inferior, he used the exquisite techniques of the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art to make up the difference.

Moreover, he could divide his attention and employ different techniques with his two hands simultaneously, effectively fighting as two people. He often redirected the strength of the two elders toward each other, using their own force against them. For anyone else, managing internal energy in such a manner would cause the body to collapse, but with the protection of the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art, the protective membrane cushioned the impact, leaving him unharmed.

Seeing that the two couldn't easily subdue him, two more elders joined the fray, making four surrounding him. In moments, Li Muzhan had absorbed quite a few blows. The military style of internal energy already provided a degree of protection, so the elders didn't hold back when hitting him—they were careful to only inflict pain, not injury.

Li Muzhan felt no real pain, remaining fierce. He sparred intensely for half an hour. His clothes were tattered, covered in imprints from fists and feet, though he protected his face, which remained unscathed despite the body blows.

After half an hour, everyone stopped. Li Muzhan took a breath and silently checked himself; his internal energy churned, and there was indeed a faint increase. This was their method of teaching: using combat as practice to accelerate progress. Now, it seemed, it was effective.

Old Man Ji stroked his beard and nodded, studying Li Muzhan. He smiled. "Mingkong, with such exquisite combat skills, you would be nearly invincible on the battlefield... It's just a pity your internal energy still lacks refinement."

An elder beside him nodded. "True. No matter how brilliant his techniques, insufficient internal energy means one solid blow could finish him... He needs to focus entirely on strengthening his internal energy and forget the rest!"

Li Muzhan admitted, "I also struggle with insufficient internal energy."

Old Man Ji smiled slyly. "That is everyone's struggle. We have no miracle elixir to boost your power; you just have to train desperately."

Old Man Li suddenly cackled. "There are plenty on the Western Zhao side. Shall we go rob some?"

Old Man Ji pondered for a moment. "Mingkong and Little Yan will go together. We’ll go to Western Zhao and snatch some Solidifying Yuan Pills."

P: Two updates, twelve thousand characters—I'm truly pushing myself to the limit. At the end of every month, my body can’t keep up; it’s truly draining my life away.