He cultivated the hand seals, utterly absorbed in the practice, losing all track of time. Before he knew it, he was already approaching the capital city, feeling a breakthrough was imminent—just a thin film separating him from the next level, ready to be pierced.

Unfortunately, upon reaching the capital, he couldn't seize the momentum for an immediate advancement, so he had to let the opportunity pass, resolving to continue when time allowed. Stepping out of the carriage, he mounted his horse instead.

As twilight deepened, they finally entered the capital city.

Compared to the capital, Shenguang City and Tianlong City were mere market towns. The scale and sheer prosperity of the capital were worlds apart.

Taking advantage of the fading light, their party passed through the North Gate, proceeding eastward along the wide main street until they stopped before a grand, imposing mansion.

The paving stones of the street shone like white jade, the surface so smooth and immaculate that one hesitated to step upon it for fear of soiling it.

General Hua sat astride his horse, pointing towards the brilliantly lacquered vermilion gate. "Master, this is my home. Please rest here for the night, and tomorrow we shall return to your General's Residence. What say you...?"

Li Muzhan nodded, scrutinizing the facade.

Flanking the gate stood a pair of stone lions, carved with startling realism, emanating a severe and majestic aura. The massive vermilion doors were studded with palm-sized bronze bosses, gleaming a rich yellow, simultaneously displaying opulence and imposing presence.

Centered above the lintel were two large characters inscribed on a plaque: Hua Fu (Hua Residence).

Two guards, clad in tight-fitting white silk uniforms, stood before the entrance. They stepped forward, one on the right and one on the left, offering formal salutes with cupped hands to General Hua, calling out joyfully, "Young Master has returned!" These guards appeared unremarkable, both around forty years of age with streaks of frost at their temples, yet their posture was ramrod straight, their very presence radiating a chill, a killer’s aura—clearly men who had seen battle and taken many lives.

"Brother Zhang, Brother Song, how have you been lately?" General Hua asked with a cupped-hand greeting.

The two guards replied, "Same as always, won't die yet. Young Master, hurry inside... The Master has been asking about you these past few days, complaining you were dawdling. The Madam just went to Shengyin Temple this morning to offer incense, praying for your swift return..."

With that, the two pushed open the heavily bossed, vermilion gate. One guard dashed inside, and a sound like a massive bronze bell echoed from within: "Young Master is back! Young Master has returned to the residence!" General Hua shook his head with a faint smile. "Brother Zhang is always impatient."

He turned to Li Muzhan. "Master, please!" Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. The two walked side-by-side through the main gate, followed by Ji Wuming and Jiang Yuyan, with a few guards left behind to tend to the horses.

Entering the main gate, a winding path paved with smooth pebbles led deep into a grove, flanked on both sides by flower gardens.

Though it was already early winter, the surrounding flowerbeds were bursting with blooms. The distant woods lining the path remained lush and verdant, as if summer had not yet relinquished its hold.

Li Muzhan inwardly marveled. Stepping into the residence felt truly like stepping into another world, warm as spring. He turned to observe, yet could discern no mystery.

General Hua chuckled. "Master finds it strange, does he?" Li Muzhan nodded. General Hua explained, "The earth beneath this place is unusual; the water remains warm year-round, and the ground stays temperate accordingly. Feel it." Li Muzhan bent down, pressing his hand to the ground; indeed, it was warm, like a heated kang bed.

He praised the marvels of creation unstintingly.

General Hua smiled. "Your General's Residence is much the same, Master. Warm in winter and cool in summer—perfect for living. Such peculiarities are not uncommon in the capital..."

"Truly worthy of being the capital," Li Muzhan commented with admiration.

................................................

As the two spoke, Li Wuming and Jiang Yuyan followed closely, silent.

Amidst the sound of their footsteps, a group of people suddenly emerged from ahead on the path. Leading them was an elderly woman dressed in satin embroidered with blue flowers. She was short and slender, her hair snow-white and impeccably styled, neat and precise.

She possessed vibrant energy and a ruddy complexion, the picture of eternal youth despite her white hair. She moved with surprising speed, her blue-flowered satin gown seeming to billow as if driven by wind, with a retinue of maids chasing breathlessly behind her.

General Hua was overjoyed and rushed forward, dropping to his knees. "Mother!" As the old madam approached, she helped him up, examining him closely. She chuckled, "You wicked boy, you finally remembered to come home!"

General Hua quickly turned. "Mother, this is Master Mingkong, a good friend of your son. It is entirely thanks to the Master's care that I managed to retreat unharmed." Li Muzhan brought his palms together in salute. The old madam returned the gesture with a respectful air, inquiring where Li Muzhan had taken his vows, who his master was, and which Buddhist scriptures he had studied.

The old madam was a devout Buddhist, possessing deep knowledge of the scriptures. She and Li Muzhan found themselves in animated conversation, and after only a few exchanges, she recognized Li Muzhan’s profound understanding of Buddhist doctrine.

She frequented Shengyin Temple and maintained connections with several high-ranking monks; engaging in discussions on sutras and Dharma had given her remarkable insight, naturally elevating her standards.

She took Li Muzhan’s arm, speaking affectionately and continuously, leaving General Hua neglected on the sidelines, until a white-haired elder appeared.

The elder was tall and thin, with a refined countenance and a stern expression. He walked slowly with hands clasped behind his back, approaching with measured steps, frowning as he fixed his gaze upon General Hua.

General Hua hastened forward to pay respects to his father, displaying the utmost reverence. At this moment, he was not a general but a child fearful of his father—a sight that brought a secret smile to Li Muzhan’s lips.

This was true human nature; it would be improper if he maintained the airs of a general even at home.

"Insolent brat, you still have the gall to show your face!" the elder sneered, hands still clasped behind his back.

General Hua managed a sheepish grin.

The elder nodded briefly to Li Muzhan and turned to walk ahead. General Hua and the others quickly followed. The old man smiled towards Li Muzhan. "Master, I need to lecture my son; pay him no mind."

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile.

"You all go on; I shall go prepare the meal," the old madam announced, departing down a small path leading east, flanked by her maids. Li Muzhan followed General Hua behind the elder into a vast hall.

………………………………

The hall was extremely spacious, capable of comfortably seating several hundred people. The floor was covered with a purple carpet. To the west stood an armory rack displaying various weapons—swords, spears, staves, and all manner of eighteen weapons.

To the east stood floor-to-ceiling bookshelves laden with volumes.

Beside the bookshelves was an openwork display stand holding ceramic ware and antiques—old and elegant, likely genuine pieces of considerable value.

The elder settled into a high-backed armchair. After a maid served tea, he sipped it slowly, gently closed the cup lid, and cast a sidelong glance at General Hua. "I hear you won a victory?" General Hua chuckled. "Purely by luck, I managed one win." The elder set his teacup down heavily on the table and sneered, "A blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse and winning once—don't get cocky, you don't even know who you are!"

General Hua hurriedly interjected, "Father, the victory this time was entirely due to Master; it had nothing to do with me!" "Hmph, it's good you know how to be humble!" The elder’s expression softened slightly.

He turned to Li Muzhan. "Dahua, my unworthy son. I thank you, Master, for looking after him." Li Muzhan returned the salute with a smile and a shake of his head, offering humble words, suggesting that he, rather, was the one receiving care. He asserted that the General possessed the talent of a commander and would have achieved this great victory even without his presence.

The elder shook his head. "He doesn't have that ability. He didn't practice diligently when he was young. To be the commander of an entire army and still get wounded by an assassination attempt—it’s utterly disgraceful. I have no face to show my old comrades!" General Hua looked sheepish, lowering his head without contradiction.

Li Muzhan glanced at the elder; his spirit and energy were profoundly contained—he was indeed a supreme master, possessing a gulf of difference compared to General Hua.

It explained why General Hua acted like a mouse encountering a cat in the elder's presence, completely subdued. It turned out his martial arts were inferior to the elder's.

Seeing General Hua drooping silently with his head down, the elder grew bored and waved his hand irritably. "Fine, scram. Go wash up thoroughly!"

General Hua scrambled to his feet and quickly left the hall with Li Muzhan, fleeing as if pursued.

Once they reached General Hua's courtyard, he finally let out a long sigh, offering a wry smile. "I apologize for letting Master witness such a scene..."

Li Muzhan shook his head, finding the scene strangely comforting. Seeing General Hua like this reminded him of his own situation in Jinyang City—powerful outside, yet just a son at home.

General Hua sighed bitterly. "My father has disciplined me since childhood; even now, seeing him makes my heart pound." Li Muzhan observed, "The Old Master’s martial arts are profound."

General Hua nodded. "The martial arts of my family are indeed exceptional. Unfortunately, I preferred reading over practice when I was young. I was disciplined countless times by my father, yet I never changed my mind... Later, when I grew up and understood responsibility, it was too late to truly master the arts."

"Your current martial arts are sufficient, General," Li Muzhan reassured him.

General Hua shook his head and sighed. "The skill I possess is truly nothing remarkable, far behind my friends. No wonder Father feels he has lost face."

................................................

Li Muzhan stayed the night. The very next morning, General Hua led him westward, stopping at the third residence after walking past two others.

"Master, this is your General's Residence," General Hua pointed to the mansion ahead.

Li Muzhan was quite surprised. The plaque above the gate bore four large characters: Ming Jiangjun Fu (General Ming's Residence).

Two smaller characters were inscribed in the lower right corner: She Zao (Built by Imperial Edict).

The vermilion wooden gate was even brighter than that of the Hua Residence, clearly newly constructed. The bronze bosses shone with a brilliant, brand-new yellow light. The four corners were reinforced with iron sheeting, and its imposing presence was in no way inferior to the Hua Residence.

However, there were no guards here, only two stone lions lounging on either side, watching with piercing gazes.

Li Muzhan pointed first toward the east, then back toward this place. General Hua chuckled. "We are separated by only two houses, not far apart..."

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Since that is the case, we could have come directly here last night." General Hua laughed. "This place wasn't fully prepared last night; it's ready today. Besides, having you stay one night at my residence was a gesture of hospitality." Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. At that moment, a small hole opened in the vermilion gate, revealing a pair of sharp, glittering eyes behind it.

He glanced over and recognized General Hua instantly, crying out loudly, "Young Master?"

"Uncle Gu, the master is here. Open the door quickly," General Hua called out cheerfully.

The vermilion gate quickly swung open, and a powerfully built middle-aged man stepped out, his eyes piercingly sharp. He approached General Hua alone.

"Uncle Gu, this is Master Mingkong, the owner of this residence," General Hua said with a sweeping gesture.

The middle-aged man brought his hands together into a salute. "Greetings, Master." Li Muzhan returned the gesture. General Hua smiled. "The General's Residence hasn't secured its staff yet, so I took the liberty of assigning some people from my own residence to assist you. Consider them your own servants for now..."

Li Muzhan did not refuse. Being new to the city and unfamiliar with the surroundings, it was best to remain settled for the time being.