Li Mufeng sized him up, nodded, and smiled, "Well, your complexion is excellent. Looks like you’ve been very comfortable at the Canghai Sect headquarters!"

"Heh heh, like a fish in water!" Li Muzhan chuckled.

"That's good!" Li Mufeng nodded, turning to look at Wen Yinyue.

Li Muzhan made an introduction, but Wen Yinyue merely gave a faint nod, not overly enthusiastic.

Li Mufeng turned to Zhao Yiyi with no particular reaction, as if he hadn't seen her, then turned back, "Mother, Third Brother is finally home. Stop nagging him so much; you repeat it a dozen times a day, my ears are practically calloused!"

"Serves you right!" Madam Qin shot him a look, snorted, and said, "Who told him not to come back? If he doesn't return, I'll just take it out on you, the eldest brother!"

Li Mufeng gave a wry smile and shook his head, "Third Brother, you really should come back more often."

Li Muzhan smiled, "Yes, I was tied up recently, but that's resolved now. I'll come back often."

"That's the way," Li Mufeng smiled and nodded.

Li Zhuzi called from outside in a deep voice, "Come out and eat."

The group left the east room and entered the main hall. Several dishes were already laid out on the table, perfectly appealing in color, aroma, and taste—clearly from a high-end restaurant, not home cooking.

Li Yurong, wearing an apricot-yellow apron and with her sleeves rolled up, was setting out dishes and chopsticks, looking every bit the diligent young wife.

She smiled, "I got a few dishes from the Chaoran Tower. I hope they suit your palate. Chef Li has retired; his apprentice is in charge now, and his skills are no less impressive."

"He retired so early?" Li Muzhan asked, reaching out to pinch a chicken leg.

"Slap!" Li Yurong struck the back of his hand, humming, "Wash your hands first!"

Li Muzhan chuckled a few times and went out to wash up. Meanwhile, Madam Qin warmly pulled Wen Yinyue to a seat. Wen Yinyue had already removed her veil, revealing her exquisite beauty.

Madam Qin watched, nodding repeatedly, glancing from Wen Yinyue to Li Muzhan.

When Li Muzhan and Li Mufeng had washed their hands and taken their seats below Li Zhuzi, opposite Madam Qin, Zhao Yiyi, and Li Yurong, Madam Qin shook her head and sighed, "Alas..." When will this ban on common customs ever be lifted!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "Mother, don't count on the Jinsu Ling being lifted. If you want grandchildren, manage Big Brother; don't count on me!"

Madam Qin shot Li Zhuzi a sidelong glance and sighed, "I wonder what sin the Li family committed in a past life!"

Li Zhuzi was displeased, "What does that have to do with my Li family?"

Madam Qin snorted, "If your Li family dies out without heirs, that's not my business!"

Zhao Yiyi's face became strained, and she lowered her head. Li Muzhan's heart ached to see it, so he quickly said, "Mother, stop talking about it. I've finally returned for a visit; let's talk about something happy."

"All right," Madam Qin paused, then turned, "Jian'er has really made something of himself these days."

Li Muzhan had sent people to invite Li Jian to Canghai Mountain previously, but he had refused, choosing to remain at the Mei Manor.

……………………

"How is Li Jian?" Li Muzhan asked.

Madam Qin said, "Let your elder brother tell you... "

Li Mufeng laughed, "He truly has made progress. He is considered a master among the Seven Courts."

"Is that so..." Li Muzhan smiled and nodded.

He had used the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art to help Li Jian, causing him a great deal of suffering; now it seemed to have borne fruit. That inhuman pain had not been suffered in vain.

"What about my few martial brothers?" Li Muzhan asked.

"They are also doing well, highly skilled in martial arts, and have become pillars of the Mei Manor. We relied on them during the last clash with the Bai family!" Li Mufeng remarked.

Li Muzhan frowned, "The Bai family? They still haven't settled down?"

Li Mufeng shook his head, "They're always like that, striking suddenly. They have the nature of wolves."

Li Muzhan's expression darkened, and he turned to look at Wen Yinyue.

Wen Yinyue said, "Junior Brother, don't stir up trouble unnecessarily. Let's discuss it when we get back."

Li Muzhan slowly nodded, "Very well. Let them enjoy their freedom for a while. I'll settle scores with them when I return!"

Li Mufeng shook his head, "Third Brother, don't get involved in this. The Bai family and the Mei Manor have been rivals for ages; fighting back and forth has become habit. It's a good thing there's restraint and no fatalities."

Li Muzhan’s expression softened, and he let out a breath. It seemed both clans were still rational. As long as no one died, he could consider it mere skirmishes, which might even help motivate the disciples. Perhaps this was even intentional on both sides. He chuckled, "Alright then, I won't meddle."

Li Mufeng said, "Third Brother, the Canghai Sword Sect is formidable, and your name has been established. You, Zhanran the Twin Sword Monk, are a top master among the younger generation."

Li Muzhan smiled with self-satisfaction, "Heh heh heh, merely competent, merely competent."

Li Yurong was picking at a crab, her slender, white hands graceful and captivating. She looked up and shot him a glance, "Getting smug over such a small reputation?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Second Sister, when will you emerge from the mountains?"

Li Yurong shook her head, "I have no intention of leaving the mountain. I stay with Master, and only come back when there's nothing else to do. I don't care for all the fighting and killing..."

"That’s fine too," Li Muzhan nodded.

Li Yurong continued, "Master often laments over you, feeling it a pity about your profound Buddhist teachings, worried that the mortal world will cloud your eyes."

Li Muzhan smiled, "If I am clouded by the mortal world, it merely proves my Buddhist teachings are shallow."

Li Yurong said, "Master also said your worldly attachments are vast and tangled, incredibly difficult to sever; what a shame."

Li Muzhan asked, "Why don't I see Divine Nun Xueyin?"

Li Yurong replied, "Master has gone traveling. She should return in a month; perhaps you can see her then."

She put down the crab, looked at him sidelong with a half-smile, "I heard you used the Crane-Guiding Oil Addition technique. Master might investigate that."

Li Muzhan's face became awkward, and he chuckled a few times.

………………

The meal concluded quickly amid laughter and merriment, everyone enjoying themselves thoroughly.

After eating, everyone gathered around the iron stove, sipping tea and talking. Madam Qin chattered about trivial family matters, which Li Muzhan listened to patiently, occasionally asking questions with keen interest.

Wen Yinyue sat to the side, speaking little, answering only when Madam Qin directed a question at her. She found Madam Qin's enthusiasm a bit overwhelming and rather strange.

Zhao Yiyi and Li Yurong served some small cakes and snacks to the group.

After an hour of conversation, everyone reluctantly dispersed to their rooms to rest.

Li Muzhan entered Li Mufeng's room. Zhao Yiyi had returned to her parents' home that evening; her family had moved here with the Li family, along with Li Jian’s family.

Li Muzhan settled onto the kang, leaning against the wall lazily, and asked, "Big Brother, what's going on with the main wife?"

Li Mufeng, who was reading on the other side, put down his book and sighed, "It's a long story. We just can't get along. I plan to divorce her!"

"Big Brother, are you insane!" Li Muzhan shook his head.

Li Mufeng waved his hand, "I can't live with her anymore!"

"What happened?" Li Muzhan asked.

"Her nature is too stubborn. My words have absolutely no effect on her. What use is a wife like that?!" Li Mufeng snorted, his face grim.

Li Muzhan started laughing, "I think, Big Brother, you’ve been spoiled by that lady at the Mei Manor."

Li Mufeng's expression turned awkward, and he quickly said, "Don't talk nonsense!"

"Big Brother, even if you marry that lady in the future, she will only be a concubine. You still haven't grasped the difference; the principal wife and a concubine are not the same," Li Muzhan shook his head.

Li Mufeng frowned, "What difference is there?"

Li Muzhan explained, "The principal wife must manage the household, take on more responsibilities. A concubine doesn't need to worry so much; her only task is to enchant you and she's done."

"What management can she do!" Li Mufeng scoffed.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I must speak fairly: Big Sister-in-law is capable. After marrying into our family from a wealthy household, she never puts on airs; she handles everything inside and out. With a wife like that, Big Brother, and you're still unsatisfied? You're too greedy!"

"But she can't bear children!" Li Mufeng countered.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Does that lady from the Mei Manor have any?"

Li Mufeng shook his head and sighed, dejected.

Li Muzhan also sighed, "Then perhaps the problem is yours. Alright, I'll find a good doctor to examine you."

"My problem?" Li Mufeng looked at Li Muzhan in astonishment.

………………

Li Muzhan nodded, "If it were Big Sister-in-law's issue, that lady from the Mei Manor would have been gone long ago. You staying over there would have been far better than staying here with Big Sister-in-law!..."

Li Mufeng slowly nodded, "Hmm, possibly, possibly..."

Li Muzhan continued, "Besides, Big Sister-in-law was a young lady from a distinguished family; having a bit of a temper is perfectly normal. Your lady, however, came from a servant background; having to yield and flatter since childhood has become instinct. People are different, aren't they?"

"Fine, I, your elder brother, am truly a failure... and I need you to counsel me!" Li Mufeng sighed.

Li Muzhan smiled, "The elder sister-in-law is like a mother. Big Sister-in-law has been so good to me; of course, I have to help her!"

Li Mufeng nodded, "All right, I’ll listen to you. I will bring her back and treat her well."

Li Muzhan beamed, relieved, "Exactly. For my sake, you must treat Big Sister-in-law well!"

Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue stayed for five days. On the morning of the sixth day, they departed.

During these five days, he had not left the family home nor visited the Mei Manor. He didn't want to alarm too many people, preferring to dedicate the time to his parents.

Li Yurong had also stayed home, accompanying Li Muzhan, occasionally sparring with him in martial arts.

Li Yurong's martial arts were profound and unfathomable. Although slightly inferior to Li Muzhan, she was still a top-tier master, which made Li Muzhan marvel inwardly. Divine Nun Xueyin's martial arts must be even deeper.

The Chengjing Temple was somewhat dilapidated, which made Li Muzhan feel a pang of guilt. He instructed Li Yurong to look after it for him, urging her not to let the temple fall into further ruin.

Seven days later, Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue arrived at the foot of Changbai Sword Peak.

Changbai Sword Peak was situated on the highest summit of the Northern Tianshan Range, perpetually covered in snow, treacherous in terrain, so high that even birds could not fly there; only martial arts masters could ascend.

Li Muzhan and Wen Yinyue reached the base of Changbai Peak and saw a massive paifang (archway) inscribed with four imposing characters: "Changbai Sword Sect."

Beneath the archway stood eight white-robed disciples. Though young, they all carried themselves with complete confidence and respectable cultivation, revealing the foundation of a prestigious sect.

The eight disciples lined up in two rows, standing on either side of the archway, hands resting on their sword hilts.

Seeing the two approach, four disciples stepped forward to salute them, then respectfully inquired about their names.

Li Muzhan presented the invitation letter. Two disciples led the way, while one disciple went ahead to announce their arrival.