Mother Yang suddenly stepped forward to block the path. The honest-looking elder strode over the threshold, his face grim, and slowly pushed out his right palm. A current of hidden wind surged forth, rushing directly toward Mother Yang.

Mother Yang offered a faint smile and pushed out a palm as well. The two palms halted a meter apart, meeting with a muffled thump. Both figures swayed slightly, retreating a single step.

The honest-looking elder retreated just past the threshold, effectively placing him outside the room.

Lin Ping turned to look at Mother Yang, his brow deeply furrowed. He hadn't expected Jin Qiaoqiao to have such a master guarding her; no wonder she was so fearless. This Mother Yang was highly likely a master from the Fang family!

With this thought, he dared not act too brazenly. While the Lin family and the Fang family were evenly matched, his standing within the Lin family was far inferior to City Lord Fang’s status within the Fang family; they could not be compared.

“The fellow surnamed Jiang truly relies on a woman for protection. How disappointing!” Lin Ping shook his head and sighed, “For someone like you to catch Qiaoqiao’s eye… really…”

He turned back to her. “Qiaoqiao, this Jiang fellow is gilded on the outside but rotten within. What is there to be fond of in him, eh?” Jin Qiaoqiao frowned and said coldly, “It’s none of your business what transpires between Mr. Jiang and me. Get out of here now, don't cause trouble!”

Lin Ping shook his head. “I cannot stand by and watch someone with ulterior motives approach you, putting you in danger.” “Ulterior motives?” Jin Qiaoqiao paused, startled.

Lin Ping nodded, then sneered, “I heard news that this fellow surnamed Jiang is no good; he’s one of the Zhao family!” “Don’t spout nonsense. Which Zhao family?” Jin Qiaoqiao knitted her brows.

Lin Ping insisted, “Which other Zhao family? The one whose entire clan was wiped out by the Lin family!” “The Zhao family from Chuanzhong?” Jin Qiaoqiao scoffed.

Lin Ping nodded vigorously. “Precisely, precisely! This fellow surnamed Jiang is a remnant of the Jiang family, getting close to Qiaoqiao to spy on City Lord Fang!”

“Stop your baseless chatter!” Jin Qiaoqiao laughed, shaking her head. “Mr. Jiang doesn’t know martial arts at all. What use would he be in approaching City Lord Fang!”

Lin Ping quickly grew serious. “Qiaoqiao, you are mistaken! It is precisely because he lacks martial prowess that people let down their guard, making it easier for him to launch a sneak attack!”

“You are clearly talking nonsense!” Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, glancing toward Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan appeared utterly composed, smiling serenely.

Lin Ping turned back and sneered, “Fellow surnamed Jiang, no matter how steady you act, it’s useless. I’ve grasped the truth of who you are. You had better pack up and leave!” Li Muzhan chuckled, “Young Master Lin truly has marvelous methods! I had underestimated Lin Ping, resorting to such tactics instead of simple, direct murder.”

Lin Ping sneered, “Seeing how well Qiaoqiao treats you, and given that you’ve already caused some trouble, I don’t wish to press the matter further. Quickly abandon any thought of revenge and vanish, living out your days anonymously!” ……………………………………

Li Muzhan smiled. “Young Master Lin, are you determined to force me into being someone from the Zhao family?”

“What do you mean by that?” Lin Ping gave a dismissive, cold laugh. “At this stage, you still want to argue? Fine. I’ll bring someone here, and you’ll be honest then!”

He clapped his hands, and immediately, two men entered. The one in front staggered slightly, followed by a red-faced elder whose eyes shot out cold lightning, clearly possessing profound cultivation.

Li Muzhan frowned. He had an eidetic memory; he could recall anyone he had seen, yet he did not recognize the man leading the way. He had an honest and earnest face, appearing to be about forty years old and not very tall.

“You recognize this man, don’t you, Mr. Jiang?” Lin Ping pointed at the man with a cold smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head.

“Oh?” Lin Ping smiled meaningfully. “Does Mr. Jiang not even recognize his own servant? You can’t have such a poor memory, can you?” Li Muzhan laughed. “My entire life has been one of hardship, Mr. Jiang. How could I possibly have a servant? Young Master Lin truly jokes well!”

“Heh heh… A life of hardship, Mr. Jiang is quite modest!” Lin Ping sneered repeatedly, shaking his head. “As the son-in-law of the Zhao family, how could you possibly be destitute?”

Li Muzhan shook his head. “Young Master Lin, these methods are too crude. If you wish to harm me, you should just strike; why go through all this trouble!”

Lin Ping grunted, “Very well, whether you admit it or not, I am not surnamed Fang. Whether you acknowledge it or not, you are still part of the Zhao family. I have no interest in the grudges between your two families, but you had better not involve Qiaoqiao, or I won’t be polite!”

Li Muzhan smiled. “Young Master Lin is indeed deeply devoted. I admire that!” Jin Qiaoqiao frowned and snorted, “Lin fellow, get out now. I don't want to see you!” Lin Ping shook his head. “Qiaoqiao, even if you hate me, I cannot stand aside. This fellow surnamed Jiang is not a good man; he has malicious intentions and is using you, Qiaoqiao. I absolutely cannot watch idly by!” “I don’t care if Mr. Jiang is from the Zhao family or not. It’s none of your business. Get lost!” Jin Qiaoqiao showed no reserve, discarding any pretense of ladylike decorum.

Lin Ping shook his head. “This matter, I must intervene in!” Jin Qiaoqiao’s beautiful face turned cold, her large eyes narrowed slightly, and she sneered, “Lin fellow, do you think I’m easy to bully that you act so recklessly!”

Lin Ping quickly said, “Qiaoqiao, how would I dare!” “Hmph, if you don’t leave now, don't blame me for being rude!” Jin Qiaoqiao said coldly.

Lin Ping looked at her, saw her beautiful face shadowed with gloom and her eyes flashing with cold light, and sighed helplessly. “Alas… forget it. I’ll leave, then!”

He shook his head, turned to walk out, and with a casual sweep, placed his left hand toward Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan stepped back a pace, evading the move, and laughed, “Young Master Lin, what is this for?”

Lin Ping made an ‘Eh?’ sound, turning his head to look over. “Indeed, a master who hides his depths well, Mr. Jiang. How about we exchange pointers?”

Li Muzhan smiled. “If Young Master Lin is in the mood, nothing could be better!” …………………………………………

Jin Qiaoqiao frowned. “I don’t like sparring matches here. Lin fellow, if you wish to exchange blows, wait until Mr. Jiang leaves. Don’t cause a ruckus in my home!”

Lin Ping said helplessly, “Qiaoqiao, why must you insist on speaking up for him?”

“He is my guest!” Jin Qiaoqiao waved her hand impatiently. “Get out!”

Lin Ping looked at Jin Qiaoqiao, sighed again, glanced at Li Muzhan with a look of disdain, and turned to leave.

Li Muzhan watched him leave with a smile, thinking to himself what an exceptional figure Lin Ping was; he truly could not be underestimated!

After they departed, Mother Yang closed the door. Only the two remained inside. Jin Qiaoqiao gestured. “Sir, please sit down quickly. Pay no mind to the Lin fellow!”

Li Muzhan smiled. “Miss Qiaoqiao, to what extent did you believe his words?”

“Is Sir truly from the Zhao family?” Jin Qiaoqiao asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head. “No.”

“Who exactly are you, Sir, and why can’t you tell me?” Jin Qiaoqiao’s expression turned melancholic.

Li Muzhan laughed. “I cannot say. I cannot say.”

He touched the hidden throwing knife in his sleeve but ultimately restrained himself from taking it out. The moment his throwing knife was seen, Su Yunyun would recognize him. He did not want Lin Ping’s death to be linked to Canghai Mountain in any way. If Su Yunyun were to hate him, she might just have to send out a message revealing his identity, leading to endless disaster. If Sect Leader Lin and the Lin family became suspicious, they might lose their reason and, regardless of the truth, vent their anger on Canghai Mountain—that would be a grave sin.

Thinking of Canghai Mountain, Li Muzhan’s heart hardened. He shook his head. “Who I truly am is not important, Miss Qiaoqiao. I must leave now.”

“Sir, leave the city immediately!” Jin Qiaoqiao urged.

She called out loudly, “Mother Yang!”

“Miss!” Mother Yang pushed the door open and entered.

Jin Qiaoqiao retrieved an iron token from her bosom. It was dark and featureless at first glance. She handed the token to Mother Yang. “Mother Yang, please escort the gentleman out of the city.”

She turned to Li Muzhan. “Sir, the city gates are closed now, but with this token, you can pass. Go far away quickly, and do not tangle with the Lin fellow!”

Li Muzhan smiled and cupped his hands. “Thank you, Miss Qiaoqiao!”

“This whole affair started because of me. As long as you don’t blame me for being a femme fatale, that will be enough!” Jin Qiaoqiao pouted and smiled faintly.

Li Muzhan laughed. “Heh heh, I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.” He did, in fact, harbor that very thought. A beautiful woman as a source of disaster—it had been true since antiquity. Countless men had fought and killed for the sake of beauty; that was the fate of men. …………………………………………

Mother Yang led the way, and Li Muzhan followed behind. The two left the Tanchun Pavilion and headed straight for the north side of the city. Jin Qiaoqiao had already given Li Muzhan a bundle containing silver, so he wouldn't need to return.

He agreed, took the heavy bundle, and followed Mother Yang down the bustling street, heading due north.

Mother Yang suddenly spoke. “Sir, please don’t blame the young lady. That fellow surnamed Lin is capable of anything. It’s truly too dangerous for you to remain in the city.”

Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes, I understand Miss Qiaoqiao’s good intentions.”

Mother Yang continued, “Though you know martial arts, the Sanxiao Hall is full of masters. Even I walk on thin ice here. Two fists are no match for four hands; a brave man cannot stand against a multitude!”

Li Muzhan agreed. “Precisely.”

They arrived at the city gate and were immediately stopped by a squad of ten armored soldiers, five carrying spears and five carrying crossbows—enough to deal even with martial arts masters.

Mother Yang presented the iron token to the leader. Their icy gazes swept over Li Muzhan again and again. After a long moment, they slowly cracked the city gate open just a sliver.

Li Muzhan, having seen battlefields, instantly recognized these soldiers as men who had killed before; their killing aura was palpable. He felt a pang of confusion—wasn’t Nán Lǐ supposed to be free of war? How could there be soldiers with battlefield experience?

Li Muzhan cupped his hands toward Mother Yang, squeezed through the narrow opening, and passed out of the city.

A bright moon hung high in the night sky. Under the brilliant moonlight, Li Muzhan exited the city, the bundle on his back, and walked north. After traveling about a li along the official road, several figures blocked the path ahead. The man leading them stood with his arms crossed, watching Li Muzhan approach with a slight smile.

The moonlight shone like water on his face—it was Lin Ping.

Li Muzhan did not stop his steps. When he drew near, he cupped his hands and said calmly, “Young Master Lin, here late at night. What business do you have?”

“Fellow surnamed Jiang, you don’t know?” Lin Ping asked mockingly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. “I do not.”

“Tonight is the night you die!” Lin Ping sneered, shaking his head with a hint of regret. “You can only blame yourself for being a toad dreaming of eating swan meat! In your next life, remember this lesson. It’s best to stay within your proper station if you want to live long!”

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head.

“If you have any last wishes, feel free to tell me. Perhaps I’ll do you a favor,” Lin Ping said with a smile.