They wreaked havoc initially, taking down the Zhu family head, Zhu Jun, shaking the entire region. But after Shu Shu and the others went into hiding, the initial shock faded within twenty days.

The Zhu family had been utterly terrified; without the intervention of the Four Saint Monks, they were certain the intruders would have stormed their estate and slaughtered them all. After these twenty-plus days of recovery, their courage had returned.

Those who hadn't personally witnessed their killing spree generally didn't take the threat seriously, nor did they keep them in mind. Hearing is deception; seeing is believing—this is a human failing.

Since they hadn't seen the true extent of their prowess, they naturally felt no awe, acting boldly and without restraint.

To minimize bloodshed and truly awe the populace, one needed to establish authority, instilling a fear that would make them hesitate to oppose one upon even a mere thought.

She had grasped the nuances of this strategy and tactic deeply, understanding its necessity. A person's reputation precedes them; the martial world operates on this harsh reality.

Qu Wanying frowned: "Something's wrong!"

She, too, felt a chill, her bright eyes scanning the surroundings before she turned toward Li Muzhan: "Mr. Li, is someone there?"

Li Muzhan nodded: "Senior Qu sensed it too? ... It must be aimed at me!"

"Because of what happened with the Zhu family?" Qu Wanying chuckled.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly: "I and the Zhu family are locked in a mortal feud; they would never pass up this opportunity. Killing me is the only way they can wash away the shame of the Zhu family."

Qu Wanying pursed her lips and laughed: "You were excessively ruthless, killing their patriarch. The Zhu family has no choice but to fight you to the death, even if they have to bite the bullet and attack."

Li Muzhan sighed: "When I killed Zhu Wu, the Zhu family wouldn't stand down. Now that I've killed Zhu Jun, they are even more frenzied, leaving me no option but to kill!"

Qu Wanying replied: "Once you are in the Jianghu, you are not master of your own fate; you are compelled to kill."

Li Muzhan let out a helpless sigh: "Indeed..."

He inwardly mused that she truly deserved the name 'Understanding Blade'; her few words instantly inspired goodwill, preventing hostility despite the ongoing friction between Floating Cloud Palace and Cloud Soaring Sect.

The group walked on, talking, while Dugu Jinghua and the others noticed nothing amiss. Ding Xiuwen, bothered by Dugu Meng, kept his lips tightly sealed and his brow furrowed, yet dared not tell Dugu Meng to be quiet.

Dugu Heng laughed: "Brother Li, what's wrong?"

"Mmm, perhaps someone is setting their sights on us," Li Muzhan affirmed.

Dugu Heng's face shifted: "The Zhu family?"

He quickly turned to inform Dugu Jinghua. Dugu Jinghua frowned, looking at Li Muzhan: "Sir, what do you suggest we do?"

Li Muzhan said: "Let's wait and see; perhaps it's just a false alarm!"

Feng Mingxue stated flatly: "There is clearly killing intent!"

Li Muzhan countered: "But what if they decide not to strike, Senior Sister?"

"They simply haven't found the right opportunity," Feng Mingxue replied coolly. "There should be an ambush further ahead."

She was sharp-witted; only experience was lacking. With accumulated experience, her insight was becoming clearer, mirroring some of Li Muzhan's demeanor.

Li Muzhan grinned: "Then that's perfect—we'll wipe them out in one go! ... When we move, Ninth Miss, stay close to me."

"Brother Li, what about me?" Dugu Meng quickly asked.

Li Muzhan instructed: "Stay right beside your Master!"

"Oh..." Dugu Meng nodded.

They continued forward while talking and soon reached the end of the main thoroughfare. Turning south, they were about to round the corner onto another street.

"Bang!" A shower of silver light enveloped everyone. Li Muzhan flicked his sleeve, sending the light flying back. "Ah!" "Hmph!" "Ugh!" Cries of pain and muffled groans erupted in succession.

Dugu Heng and the others reacted, quickly taking their positions. Six elders in grey robes stood ready, speaking in deep voices: "Young Lady, hurry and leave this place!"

Dugu Jinghua looked toward Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan appeared unconcerned, shaking his head with a smile: "No need to rush; they are not much of a threat."

He realized these people were intentionally trying to force his group to move quickly, where an ambush awaited.

"Senior Sister, Flying Sword!" Feng Mingxue's thought moved, and instantly a streak of light flashed past their eyes. "Ah..." Painful cries rose, one after another.

Eleven figures rushed out from the dark corner, clad in black, charging like wild oxen. Dugu Meng instinctively grabbed Qu Wanying's wrist, startled.

A streak of light passed over the eleven individuals one by one. Feng Mingxue shook her head; killing now felt smoother and her technique far more polished.

Before the eleven black-clad middle-aged men could reach them, they all fell. Qu Wanying sucked in a sharp breath. These men were not weak in cultivation, yet they possessed no power to resist against the flying sword, appearing like three-year-olds.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "It seems this wasn't the Zhu family!"

If the Zhu family were acting, they wouldn't send such fodder—it would simply be a suicide mission. Furthermore, they wouldn't bother with probing attacks; they would go straight for total annihilation—it would be kill or be killed.

Feng Mingxue asked: "Less ruthless than the Zhu family, then who could it be?"

Li Muzhan shook his head: "Someone trying to fish in troubled waters. Kill them if they show up. Senior Sister, your swordplay grows sharper!"

Having stayed near Li Muzhan for training during the past twenty-odd days, she had been under constant, invisible pressure, forcing her to resist and break through.

The slow vortex formed by the hot spring was energy Li Muzhan had dispersed—it was the extremely dense Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi, brimming with vital life force.

However, after those twenty days, the bamboo, trees, and flora in the back garden were all droopy, looking as if they had been struck by frost, having had their life essence drained by Li Muzhan.

This spiritual energy, imbued with rich vitality, was incredibly beneficial to the body. Otherwise, Dugu Jinghua's frame could not have endured such turbulence; his lifespan would have been exhausted long ago.

While Dugu Jinghua benefited greatly, Feng Mingxue also gained immensely, improving both her spirit and internal strength.

Li Muzhan offered an apology: "Ninth Miss, Senior Qu, it seems we won't get a proper fight this time."

Dugu Jinghua frowned: "You really don't think it was the Zhu family?"

"Not the Zhu family," Li Muzhan confirmed.

"Why wouldn't the Zhu family attack?" Dugu Jinghua inquired.

Li Muzhan smiled: "They are likely waiting for the perfect moment for a killing blow?"

The group turned back the way they came. After only a few steps, hundreds of people suddenly emerged from the nearby rooftops. People scattered in flight, but Li Muzhan and his companions remained still, allowing themselves to be surrounded.

The rooftops, the sides of the street, and the roadside trees were packed with figures. Above, below, front, and back—everyone held long sabers, staring coldly at Li Muzhan's group.

The oppressive killing aura was almost tangible, radiating a bone-chilling cold. Dugu Meng shivered and moved closer to her Master. Qu Wanying instructed: "Meng'er, don't be afraid. Stay close behind me later!"

"Yes, Master!" Dugu Meng replied obediently, whispering: "Master, can we handle this many people? They all look like masters!"

Qu Wanying smiled, but her heart was heavy. Facing so many masters gathered together, if it were her alone, there would be no escape. Now, everything depended on how high Li Wuji's cultivation truly was, and on Feng Mingxue's flying sword. Her own exquisite saber techniques could barely fend off a few opponents; she could barely ensure her own safety.

"Hahaha..." A loud laugh rang out. Standing at the highest point of the roof was a man, robustly built and clad in a purple robe, clearly visible in the moonlight.

Li Muzhan looked up at him and chuckled: "Zhu Lang, the new family head. Thanking me for arriving? ... Had I not killed Zhu Jun, this position wouldn't be yours, would it?"

"Nonsense!" Zhu Lang pointed at Li Muzhan and roared angrily: "Li, you murdered my elder brother! Your crime is unforgivable! Today, we send you to the netherworld!"

Li Muzhan shook his head: "Verbal sparring is useless against these scoundrels. You are far too weak. I could clear them out in a few sword strokes. Bring out your trump card!"

Zhu Lang sneered repeatedly: "Li, you boast loudly! I want to see how many you can kill! ... Attack! Kill him! Whoever kills Li Wuji will be granted the Martial Arts of the Grandmaster!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the black-clad men changed. The Martial Arts of the Grandmaster—they knew the Zhu family had indeed acquired such an inheritance. Zhu Lang, having just assumed the headship, was facing internal instability, and he spread the news of the Grandmaster's martial arts acquisition to stabilize morale.

In Li Muzhan's eyes, Zhu Lang was worthless, but to the Zhu family, he was the head, and his word was naturally believable. They would never doubt him.

Li Muzhan laughed softly: "The ultimate technique of the Grandmaster, such a tempting prize. Family Head Zhu, do you truly possess the Grandmaster's ultimate technique?"

Zhu Lang sneered: "Indeed!"

Li Muzhan shook his head: "It is said that Grandmasters cannot be attained through practice, only through sudden enlightenment and release. Yet, you speak of a Grandmaster's martial art—it is truly hard to believe!"

"This is an inheritance left by a Grandmaster, far superior to any other ultimate technique in the world!" Zhu Lang sneered: "But you won't have the chance to see it!"

Li Muzhan shook his head: "If you truly possessed such an ultimate skill, your Zhu family wouldn't need hundreds of men to kill a mere individual. It's enough to make people laugh their teeth out!"

Zhu Lang coldly retorted: "How could the Grandmaster's martial arts be so easily mastered? Li, you picked a good time. All our Zhu family's top experts are currently studying the Grandmaster's martial arts. Otherwise, we wouldn't have given you the chance to run rampant!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly: "They are still studying the Grandmaster's martial arts now? It seems the Grandmaster's technique is more important to them than the Family Head's vengeance!"

Zhu Lang roared: "Li, stop trying to sow discord! Once we comprehend the Grandmaster's ultimate technique, dealing with you will be effortless!"

Li Muzhan sighed: "Very well, I shall wait!"

Zhu Lang let out a great laugh and waved his hand: "Li, you won't wait long! ... Everyone, attack together! Whoever kills him gains the chance to comprehend the Grandmaster's ultimate technique!"

The entire crowd rushed toward Li Muzhan in unison. They ignored Feng Mingxue and the others, focusing solely on him. Killing the others was useless; only by killing Li Muzhan could they gain the opportunity to study the Grandmaster's ultimate technique.

Once they learned it, they would truly soar like a carp leaping over the dragon's gate.

Spurred by the lure of the Grandmaster's legacy, they charged forward fearlessly, scorning death. In moments, they reached Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan chuckled, his form blurring as he instantly appeared before Zhu Lang.

Zhu Lang, however, remained calm. His shadow flickered, and two black-clad elders materialized silently, ghost-like, blocking him.

Li Muzhan frowned. The movement technique of these two elders was bizarre, seeming to emerge from within his own shadow—clearly some sort of secret art.

Zhu Lang chuckled sinisterly: "Li, I'll let you in on a secret: these are the Emperor's Shadow Guards, masters of strange and profound arts. I specially requested them from His Majesty! Now, prepare to die!"

Li Muzhan vanished. Everyone stopped in alarm, looking around frantically. Seeing Li Muzhan above, they leaped up to charge him, disregarding Feng Mingxue and the others.

Feng Mingxue and her companions were happy to stand aside. These attackers were all bloodthirsty, and highly cultivated. A fight would be life-or-death; it was best to avoid it.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang..." Li Muzhan tapped his ten fingers. With each ringing sound, the two black-clad elders attacked furiously with their short sabers, but all their blows were deflected by his fingers.

Li Muzhan was inwardly alarmed. These two elders possessed profound cultivation, surpassing even the deep power demonstrated by Zhu He.

Moreover, these two Shadow Guards appeared to be only in their sixties, not suggesting they were over a hundred—perhaps they had consumed spirit elixirs or possessed some secret art for maintaining youth.

Their short sabers were unusual, slightly longer than daggers but shorter than long swords. Held reversed, the blade rested against the forearm, making it hard to detect, yet their power was astonishing.

Li Muzhan’s finger taps appeared elegant and light, but he possessed terrifying divine strength coupled with unfathomably deep cultivation. One flick could shatter an ordinary long saber.

Yet, these two short sabers remained unharmed, continuing their relentless assault.

The rest of the crowd leaped up, lunging at Li Muzhan, attacking with blades, swords, and hidden weapons. Li Muzhan let out a soft hum: "Flying Sword!" With a sharp whistle, a short sword flew out from his robe, identical to Feng Mingxue's, transforming into a streak of light that weaved through the crowd.

During these past twenty-odd days while treating Dugu Jinghua, he had fashioned two flying swords in his leisure time and refined them with his spirit. Deploying them was no less effective than Feng Mingxue’s.

However, Feng Mingxue excelled in the refined control of the Sword Control Sutra; Li Muzhan excelled in sheer mental fortitude. Feng Mingxue's style was agile; his was fierce, yet his power was ultimately superior due to the difference in style.

"Ah..." "Ugh..." Wherever the sword light passed, the people in the air plummeted, falling to the ground like dumplings, thump, thump, thump.

Li Muzhan simultaneously used his ten fingers to fend off the two Shadow Guards while controlling the flying sword to execute the black-clad men. For a moment, no one could get close to him.

Dugu Meng's eyes shone brightly: "Brother Li is so powerful!"

Ding Xiuwen looked up, eyes wide. He never imagined Li Muzhan could be this formidable. The scene before him delivered an unprecedented shock and impact.

Dugu Jinghua murmured: "Miss Feng, shouldn't you lend Brother Li a hand?"

Feng Mingxue replied: "Junior Brother can still manage. I must protect you; this was Junior Brother's instruction." Dugu Jinghua sighed in self-reproach: "I didn't expect the Zhu family to be so audacious as to attack directly, disregarding our Dugu family!"

Although the Zhu and Dugu families were at odds, they maintained mutual caution, rarely engaging in direct confrontations, fearing the mutual destruction that a full-scale war would bring.

An open attack like today, disregarding the Dugu family's dignity, was highly irregular. She hadn't anticipated Zhu Lang would act so recklessly, failing to consider the repercussions—the Dugu family would surely retaliate afterward.

Feng Mingxue analyzed: "He's been driven mad by Junior Brother. With the family head dead, if he fails to avenge him, his position as head will be unstable."

"This Zhu Lang is not cut out to be a family head," Dugu Jinghua shook his head. "He lacks composure when facing major issues, resorting only to brute force. Perhaps the other two families are watching this spectacle in secret."

Feng Mingxue speculated: "The first group of attackers—could they have been sent by those two families?"

Dugu Jinghua nodded: "Highly possible, most likely the Tang family."

"Aren't the Tang family and the Zhu family allies?" Feng Mingxue asked, frowning. "The probing attack earlier held no goodwill; it wasn't helping the Zhu family."

Dugu Jinghua watched Li Muzhan display his divine power, sighing: "Between the Four Great Clans, where is there a true alliance? It's all about who schemes against whom, mutual utilization and restraint. If they genuinely loved each other, that would invite disaster!"

Feng Mingxue’s delicate brows moved: "The Emperor?"

"Yes," Dugu Jinghua affirmed. "Successive Emperors have always been wary of our great clans and have continuously suppressed us, wishing nothing more than to see the Four Great Clans decline."

Feng Mingxue asked: "Is it because of the Iron Warrant of Loyalty?"

"That is the Emperor's great hidden worry," Dugu Jinghua sighed. "With that object, the Four Great Clans are unshakeable, and the Emperor has no means to move against them."

"If the Emperor fears you so much, why not return the Iron Warrant of Loyalty to him?" Feng Mingxue pondered aloud.

Dugu Jinghua shook his head: "After generations of accumulation by the Four Great Clans, our power is immense, making the Emperor extremely wary. If we surrender the Iron Warrant, the inevitable result would be the execution of the clan and extermination of the lineage!"

Feng Mingxue sighed: "If this continues, eventually they will still be wiped out."

"There's nothing to be done; we can only bite the bullet and hold on," Dugu Jinghua sighed, shaking his head. "Life is like the ebbing and flowing of the tide; families are the same. No family lasts forever. I pray I do not live to see that day!"

Feng Mingxue observed: "The Zhu family looks like they are about to decline!"

Dugu Jinghua shook his head: "The other two families won't watch the Zhu family perish. It's best for Mr. Li to abandon that thought. It is better for the Zhu family to exist than not."

"You don't want the Zhu family to be destroyed either, do you?" Feng Mingxue teased. "Your four families are like four pillars holding up the sky. If one pillar is missing, the pressure becomes too great, right?"

"The Zhu family has an Imperial Consort, which is a great aid to us," Dugu Jinghua nodded.

Feng Mingxue gave a wry smile: "Fighting and cooperating—your Four Great Clans are truly complex!"

Just then, with a muffled 'bang,' a black-clad man suddenly exploded. Four companions nearby were blown to dust without a trace. Li Muzhan had struck him with a palm earlier, pushing him away, preventing the blast from reaching him.

"Alas..." Dugu Jinghua shook his head. "The Zhu family resorts to this again! It's impossible to guard against, yet so utterly cruel!"

Feng Mingxue called out loudly: "Junior Brother, let's stop here for now; let's return first!"

"Fine, let's go back first!" Li Muzhan shouted back.

He then flew away without waiting for Feng Mingxue and the others. The remaining black-clad men chased after him. Although more than half had been slain by Li Muzhan's flying sword, the temptation of the Grandmaster's martial arts made them fearless of death.

The two Shadow Guards directly retreated behind Zhu Lang, then flickered and vanished, seeming to melt into his shadow, which startled Feng Mingxue.

The remaining group walked slowly forward. Zhu Lang stared fixedly in the direction Li Muzhan had flown, ignoring Dugu Jinghua and the others, pretending they didn't exist.

He knew it was unwise to directly antagonize the Dugu family, as the consequences would be unpredictable. This was unlike dealing with Li Wuji; the Dugu family was known for their violent temper, and provoking them was ill-advised.

Li Muzhan quickly led the crowd of black-clad pursuers away, eventually flying outside the city. He circled twice in a patch of woods, then suddenly vanished, returning to the Dugu Residence.

In the main hall of the Dugu Residence, Feng Mingxue and the others were waiting for him. Seeing him appear, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Dugu Meng smiled: "Brother Li is amazing!"

Li Muzhan laughed: "The Zhu family's experts are just average. Those two Shadow Guards were peculiar; what was that about?"

"They are the Imperial Guards," Dugu Jinghua replied, frowning as he thought. "Perhaps they were sought through Noble Consort Zhu."