Dugu Heng shook his head. "Aunt, I know Brother Li. He absolutely won't come. He doesn't want to implicate his friends!"

Dugu Jinghua said, "If he doesn't come, it will be too dangerous. You must persuade him to come, even if you have to drag him!"

"...Yes, Aunt. I'll go try!" Dugu Heng nodded.

Dugu Jinghua looked at him lightly. "It's not trying, it's a must. Xiao Heng, you absolutely have to achieve this!"

Dugu Heng nodded forcefully. "Yes, Aunt, I will do it!"

"No matter how strong his martial arts are, can they stand against the combined might of three families?" Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "I don't want such a talented person to perish for nothing!"

"Aunt, why do you place so much importance on Big Brother Li?" Dugu Meng tilted her head and asked.

Dugu Jinghua said, "I value any talent. He is a person of genius. If we can befriend him, the benefits in the future will be endless, and our entire Dugu family will profit from it!"

Dugu Meng pouted. "Aunt, aren't you overestimating Big Brother Li? He is a disciple of the Yunxiao Sect! I am from the Floating Cloud Palace!"

Dugu Jinghua said, "Meng'er, the Floating Cloud Palace hasn't been able to compare with the Yunxiao Sect these past few years, that's an undeniable fact. The Floating Cloud Palace lacks a Grand Master—that alone is enough! ...This Miss Feng is also a future Grand Master. The Yunxiao Sect will remain formidable for an age!"

"Since Sister Feng is a future Grand Master, why not befriend Sister Feng directly instead of focusing on Big Brother Li? What is the logic behind that?" Dugu Meng shook her head, perplexed.

Dugu Jinghua said, "You didn't notice the relationship between Miss Feng and Young Master Li?"

"They are fellow sect members, senior and junior," Dugu Meng replied.

Dugu Jinghua shook her head. "You... Miss Feng's affections are rooted in Young Master Li. As long as you cultivate a good relationship with Young Master Li, you don't need to exert yourself to win over Miss Feng, lest you appear too calculating, which might displease her!"

"Oh—!" Dugu Meng suddenly understood, shaking her head. "Aunt, I always thought..."

"What did you always think!" Dugu Jinghua glared at her and snorted. "A dog's mouth doesn't speak ivory. Shut up!"

Dugu Meng giggled. "I misunderstood!"

Dugu Heng shook his head, glancing helplessly at his younger sister, and said to Dugu Jinghua, "Aunt, I'm leaving now to bring Brother Li over! ...But Aunt, you are being too calculating. When I make friends, it's not about all these calculations; the key is hitting it off temperamentally!"

"Enough, stop overthinking it, just go!" Dugu Jinghua waved her hand dismissively.

Dugu Heng said, "Aunt, I heard Brother Li's medical skills are superb. Why don't you let him take a look at you? Perhaps there is a way."

Dugu Jinghua waved her hand. "I've seen physicians of every description. I gave up that hope long ago. Stop worrying about me, just go, go!"

Dugu Heng didn't dare press her, but he hadn't given up in his heart. He decided to let Li Muzhan take a look; perhaps with his secret techniques, there might truly be a sliver of hope.

Dugu Heng, accompanied by four gray-robed elders, floated lightly toward Li Mansion. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they arrived outside. Several people were already standing there, waiting quietly.

The early autumn morning carried a crisp chill, and a sweep of the north wind sent the cold deep into the bone.

"Young Lord Dugu." These people bowed and cupped their fists when they saw him. Dugu Heng surveyed them with a smile. "Well, it's rare for everyone to gather like this. What's the matter? Is something happening?"

A round, plump middle-aged man in blue smiled. "Young Lord, we are waiting for Young Master Li!"

Dugu Heng said, "Oh, Fatty Zhao, you're acquainted with Brother Li?"

"Hehe, we aren't acquainted, but we wish to establish one. Young Lord, you are familiar with Young Master Li, correct?" The middle-aged man in blue smiled broadly.

Dugu Heng nodded. "Yes, we are close friends. What, are you setting your sights on me?"

The middle-aged man in blue chuckled. "Hehe, we only ask the Young Lord to introduce us!"

Dugu Heng waved his hand. "I think you should give up on this idea. Brother Li absolutely won't bother with you, no matter how many banquets you throw or gifts you send! ...Fine, fine, I'll mention it to him!"

"Hehe, I knew the Young Lord was righteous! Then I, on behalf of my Young Lord, thank you!" The middle-aged man in blue chuckled, his face beaming with joy.

Dugu Heng waved his hand. "Old Second Zhao thanking me? Let's forget it!"

He turned to the main gate, ignoring the people from the other two families—one from the Tang family and one from the He family. Why was the He family stirring up trouble? The He family held some influence in Tianjing, but compared to the deep foundations and long lineage of the Four Great Clans, they were a level below.

Dugu Heng paid them no mind, knocked on the door, and a small peephole on the right opened, revealing an eye. Seeing Dugu Heng, it smiled. "Young Master Dugu, please come in!"

The main gate swung open. An elder with a white beard and hair stood inside and smiled. "The Young Master already gave instructions: as soon as Young Master Dugu arrives, you are to go straight in!"

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Zhu." Dugu Heng nodded with a smile, then strode in with the four gray-robed elders, heading directly toward the back garden.

The people waiting outside rushed forward, but Steward Zhu immediately turned, entered the main gate, and closed it, ignoring their attempts to curry favor.

Dugu Heng strode into the back garden and saw Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue sparring barehanded. He stopped briefly, then walked closer, calling out from a distance, "Brother Li, Miss Feng!"

Li Muzhan stopped moving and turned with a smile. "Brother Dugu, you have sharp ears. Heard about what happened at the Zhu residence yesterday?"

"Brother Li displayed his might yesterday; now no one in the capital is unaware of it!" Dugu Heng said, approaching them and examining them both. "Are you two injured?"

"No injuries; we used flying swords," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Dugu Heng carefully observed them until Feng Mingxue shot him a glare, at which point he realized his mistake and quickly averted his gaze, laughing. "The flying swords of the Yunxiao Sect have made their name known again! ...Brother Li, are you practicing the Zhu family's Divine Dragon Hand?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Well, I've only grasped the very surface. Practicing it to observe and find a way to break it!"

Dugu Heng considered for a moment and shook his head. "The Zhu family's Divine Dragon Hand cannot be broken; it can only be suppressed by overwhelming force. It is fierce and domineering. Even if your cultivation is a notch above theirs, you can't defeat them unless your power is double theirs!"

Li Muzhan said, "It's a good thing we have flying swords; otherwise, we truly wouldn't be a match!"

Dugu Heng laughed. "You killed Zhu He and Zhu Jun. The Zhu family has had a spine broken by you!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "The Zhu family's foundation is too deep. I intended to eliminate them entirely, but unexpectedly, four old monks appeared. I couldn't defeat them!"

"You were lucky you didn't try to challenge the Song family. If you had done that, the Emperor would never have spared you, even if you were a Yunxiao Sect disciple!" Dugu Heng's expression became serious.

Li Muzhan said, "That is true. I couldn't think that far ahead at the time; I was caught up in the killing frenzy! ...What is the origin of those four old monks?"

"They are the protectors of the Danxin Iron Scroll," Dugu Heng replied.

Li Muzhan's eyebrows twitched. "Does that mean your residence also has four eminent monks?"

"Yes." Dugu Heng nodded and smiled. "Without them, we likely wouldn't have been able to guard the Danxin Iron Scroll over all these years. Quite a few people have coveted it!"

"What's the use of the Danxin Iron Scroll?" Li Muzhan asked.

Dugu Heng said, "The Danxin Iron Scroll is cast from a strange material and blessed by hundreds of eminent monks, possessing incredible power. Many people desire it."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I'd like to see this Danxin Iron Scroll. Is that possible?"

"Of course." Dugu Heng was overjoyed. He had been worrying about how to persuade Brother Li to come to his residence; this was exactly what he needed. "Come stay at my mansion. You can study it for as long as you like!"

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head. "I've caused quite a bit of trouble recently. The Zhu family has gone mad and will certainly seek furious revenge."

Dugu Heng pouted. "The Zhu family's strength is greatly diminished now. What is there to fear?"

"A centipede dies but does not fall over stiffly; one must guard against it," Li Muzhan said.

Dugu Heng laughed. "We've been opposing each other for years; I know exactly how capable they are. With my Aunt arranging things, Brother Li, you can settle in with peace of mind!"

"Senior Sister?" Li Muzhan looked toward Feng Mingxue.

Feng Mingxue nodded lightly. "It might be good to stay at the Dugu Residence for a while. It's not peaceful here. Tell the servants to go home for a while."

"No, no need." Dugu Heng waved his hand, beaming. "Bring them all over, lest the Zhu family uses it as an opportunity to cause trouble!"

"Mm, alright then, it's settled!" Li Muzhan nodded slowly.

When the group left Li Mansion, it included not only Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue but also their maids and servants, twelve people in total.

Several more people were waiting outside Li Mansion. Seeing Li Muzhan emerge, they rushed forward like a swarm.

They were stopped by an invisible force two zhang away from Li Muzhan, unable to advance a single step. Li Muzhan didn't even look at them, walking out while chatting and laughing with Dugu Heng.

"Young Lord Dugu!" The middle-aged man in blue quickly called out.

Dugu Heng turned and saw him, slapping his forehead. He was so caught up in his happiness that he forgot about this gentleman. He turned back and smiled. "Brother Li, the Zhao family sent a steward over."

Saying this, he pointed at the middle-aged man in blue.

The middle-aged man in blue scurried over excitedly, and the invisible force instantly vanished, allowing him to approach Li Muzhan smoothly. The others saw this and squeezed forward, but the invisible force remained, preventing them from crossing the line.

Li Muzhan nodded lightly. "Steward Zhao."

The middle-aged man in blue bowed respectfully. "Young Master Li, I am here under the orders of the Young Lord to invite Young Master Li for a drink and some entertainment."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Thank you for the kind invitation from Young Lord Zhao. Yes, I promise. We'll find a time to sit down!"

The middle-aged man in blue was instantly overjoyed and hurried to say, "Yes, yes, thank you, Young Master Li, for granting your favor! I will not disturb you further. This small token is merely a gesture of respect."

As he spoke, he presented a small box with both hands, about the size of a palm, made of purple sandalwood intricately carved with fine patterns. Just looking at the box, one knew it was extraordinary.

Li Muzhan reached out, accepted it, and opened it to find two Night Pearls. Dugu Heng laughed and cursed, "Old Second Zhao is too stingy!"

The middle-aged man in blue smiled. "The Young Master said that an overly valuable gift would seem too presumptuous. I hope Young Master Li does not disdain the meager offering."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Alright, I'll accept it. Thank you, Young Lord Zhao."

He casually handed it to Feng Mingxue. Feng Mingxue took it without paying much mind. Although Night Pearls were rare, especially two this large—one was enough to illuminate an entire room—they had obtained treasures before, so they didn't place much value on money or material wealth.

Seeing that Li Muzhan accepted the gift, the middle-aged man in blue cupped his fist. "Then I shall not trouble Young Master Li further. I take my leave!"

After saying that, he bowed and cupped his fist toward Dugu Heng in thanks, then vanished in a flash, making the surrounding onlookers intensely envious.

Li Muzhan glanced around and murmured with a smile, "Brother Dugu, you won't even give the Tang family some face?"

"Hmph, useless. Let's go," Dugu Heng pouted.

The group walked slowly outward. The others tried to approach but were blocked by the invisible force, forced to watch them slowly walk away until they gradually disappeared from view.

They stamped their feet and beat their chests in frustration. They knew they should have cultivated a good relationship with Dugu Heng. Now, they couldn't fulfill their orders and would surely suffer when they returned.

Li Muzhan, Feng Mingxue, and Dugu Heng walked side by side, talking as they went.

"Brother Li, how did you manage to kill Zhu He?" Dugu Heng couldn't help but ask. "That fellow is an old demon, lived long, possesses profound cultivation, and he's like an old turtle, hiding in his residence and never showing his face. Yet, this rare time he came out, you slew him!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "It was pure luck."

"Brother Li!" Dugu Heng glared at him with mock exasperation.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Actually, it truly was luck. Originally, I intended to kill him with the flying sword, but I didn't expect him to be wearing treasure armor that the sword couldn't pierce!"

"The Zhu family does possess a piece of treasure armor," Dugu Heng nodded. "It's the Guangming Armor, rumored to be unbreakable by anything except the Son of Heaven Sword. So it was worn by him; I thought it would be on Zhu Jun."

Li Muzhan smiled. "The flying sword really couldn't pierce it. In the end, I had no choice but to use my ultimate trump card."

"Trump card?" Dugu Heng was surprised. "It truly lives up to its name. In this age, only the Son of Heaven Sword can break the Guangming Armor!"

Li Muzhan smiled slyly. "Brother Dugu, do you want to know what my trump card is?"

Dugu Heng quickly waved his hand. "Let's forget it. Since it's a trump card, the fewer people who know, the better." Although he was intensely curious, he suppressed it; this was treading on dangerous ground.

Li Muzhan smiled. "I trust Brother Dugu. It's no harm to show you!"

As he spoke, he moved his hand, and a small, exquisite flying dagger appeared in his palm. It seemed cast from cold ice, almost invisible unless under direct sunlight.

Dugu Heng stared intently at the small blade, sensing it carefully. He couldn't sense it at all; it seemed integrated into the void. Even if it appeared behind him, he couldn't detect it.

"A fine blade!" he exclaimed involuntarily.

Li Muzhan extended the dagger. "Here, Brother Dugu, try it out."

Dugu Heng carefully took the small knife. It was icy cold to the touch, and a trace of chill pierced straight to his core. Could it truly be cast from ice?

What surprised him was how incredibly heavy the small blade was. A knife barely longer than his palm weighed more than a long saber. Once such a heavy blade was thrown, its destructive power would certainly not be weak.

Li Muzhan made a beckoning gesture, and the small blade instantly broke free, hovering motionlessly in the air.

Li Muzhan smiled. "This little treasure is very obedient. I use the Heart Sutra of Sword Control—Sister Senior uses flying swords; I use flying daggers."

"What a powerful flying dagger!" Dugu Heng praised ceaselessly, his eyes burning with envy. Holding such an exquisite little knife was a pleasure in itself.

Li Muzhan gestured again, and the small flying knife swiftly retracted into his sleeve, like a powerful beast.

Li Muzhan smiled. "The material of this knife is strange; it specializes in breaking armor. Without it, I truly wouldn't have been able to deal with Zhu He!"

Dugu Heng shook his head. "Alas... Zhu He died unjustly, running into Brother Li!"

While they were speaking, they slowly arrived at the entrance of the Dugu Residence. Dugu Meng was waiting. Upon seeing them, she ran over from a distance, took Feng Mingxue's hand, and acted very affectionately.

The group entered the residence. Dugu Heng personally arranged their quarters. Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were placed in one small courtyard to avoid trouble, while the other dozen or so people were settled in several smaller courtyards, receiving exceptionally high treatment. Given their status, they normally wouldn't receive such hospitality; this time, they benefited from the association.

As soon as Li Muzhan was settled, Dugu Heng dragged him off for drinks.

Since he was already at the Dugu Residence, there was no need to rush to see the Danxin Iron Scroll; there would be plenty of time. The two men drank in the pavilion in Dugu Heng's small courtyard.

The late autumn morning sun was bright, and the surroundings were exceptionally refreshing.

Feng Mingxue and Dugu Meng had gone off somewhere. The two men drank more heartily, finishing three jars in the blink of an eye, yet they were as sober as if they had just drunk water.

After drinking for a while, Dugu Heng put down his silver cup and let out a burp. "Brother Li, I have a favor to ask!"

Li Muzhan finished his drink in one gulp and wiped his mouth. "Speak!"

Dugu Heng said, "I heard Miss Feng say your medical skills are superb. Would you look at my Ninth Aunt?"

"Miss Dugu?" Li Muzhan frowned. "Even the Divine Physician of the World had no solution. I would be even less capable. Don't waste the effort!"

Dugu Heng quickly countered, "Divine Physician Hua doesn't understand martial arts, so he has no medical solution, but perhaps there is a martial arts solution, right?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "You're treating a dead horse as if it still has a chance to live... It's useless. Her meridians are blocked; she fundamentally cannot practice martial arts."

"Divine Physician Hua once said there is a secret, legendary technique in the world that can bring about rebirth, cleanse the marrow, and open the Ninth Aunt's meridians," Dugu Heng said.

Li Muzhan said, "Opening the meridians isn't difficult, is it?"

Dugu Heng sighed helplessly. "Opening the meridians isn't difficult, but the Ninth Aunt's meridians are very fragile. They break with the slightest force, and they are entangled together like a tangled mess, impossible to sort out."

Li Muzhan frowned and forced a bitter smile. "Brother Dugu, you overestimate me too much!"

"Others can't do it, not because their internal energy is insufficient, but because their cultivation isn't deep enough," Dugu Heng insisted. "But you, Brother Li, are different. Your cultivation is incredibly profound; perhaps there's a sliver of hope!"

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow. He understood what Dugu Heng was saying—cleaning out such fragile and twisted meridians required not only profound internal energy but also extremely delicate manipulation. While profound internal energy could be supplemented by transferring power, delicacy was different; others couldn't help with that. Insufficient cultivation truly meant being willing but powerless.

"Brother Li, we've known each other for so long, when have I ever asked you for anything?!" Dugu Heng cupped his fist, displaying a pleading look.

Li Muzhan pondered. "Have you spoken to Miss Dugu about this?"

"Not yet," Dugu Heng shook his head. "I know she wouldn't agree if I told her first, so it's better to act first and report later!"

Li Muzhan thought for a moment and sighed. "Alas... Fine. Who told me to run into you? I'll try, but if it fails, don't blame me!"

"That's enough! Hehe, thank you, Brother Li!" Dugu Heng was overjoyed. He picked up the wine jar and refilled both cups, praising, "With Brother Li stepping in, there is finally a sliver of hope! ...Alas, to tell the truth, every time I see the Ninth Aunt, I feel like crying!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I didn't expect Brother Dugu to be so sentimental!"

"Heaven has been too unfair to the Ninth Aunt; I truly cannot bear to see it!" Dugu Heng finished his drink in one angry gulp.

Li Muzhan smiled but said no more. "Since that is the case, I will try tomorrow!"

"Great!" Dugu Heng nodded forcefully. "I'll go tell the Ninth Aunt!"