Hai Yulan said, "The Chai family established their state with deep, intricate ties to Buddhism; this Danxin Tiequan likely relates to them as well."

Li Muzhan pondered, "Buddhism..."

Hai Yulan warned, "Buddhism is not to be trifled with. It might be inconsequential if you provoke the Zhu family—at worst, they send men to kill you, or you kill them. But Buddhism is different; their powers are vast and their methods strangely effective, impossible to guard against."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Indeed... if the Danxin Tiequan holds such terrifying power and is connected to Buddhism, it's best not to provoke it."

Hai Yulan looked at him with concern. "Big Brother, perhaps you should leave the Danxin Tiequan alone. Touching it could invite the Imperial Family's jealousy."

Li Muzhan laughed. "If the Danxin Tiequan can restrain me, how can I simply let it go?"

Hai Yulan replied, "They remain sequestered within the estates of the Four Great Families; it will never surface to threaten you!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "I am curious. Anything in this world that can restrain me, I must understand thoroughly, mustn't I?"

Hai Yulan sighed helplessly. "Sigh... Fine, I won't interfere anymore, but you must visit me once every ten days. You are not allowed to act like you did this time!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "Alright, alright. This time was special; I was busy battling the Zhu family, killing hundreds of their top masters. Their vitality is severely wounded now."

"Then they certainly won't let it rest!" Hai Yulan countered. "The Zhu family is like a rabid dog; once provoked, they lose all reason. You must be cautious!"

Li Muzhan assured her, "Don't worry. With their abilities, they can't destroy me!"

Hai Yulan insisted worriedly, "Pay special attention to their secret art, the Jade-Stone Incineration Technique. You've experienced it—it's impossible to defend against!"

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, then reached out again, pulling her into his embrace for an intimate moment, whispering close to her ear. But Hai Yulan held fast to her final defense, and Li Muzhan did not press her further.

After their closeness, Li Muzhan held her, grinning, "Senior Fu didn't grow suspicious this time, did she?"

Hai Yulan shifted, and finding she couldn't break free, she stopped struggling. Truthfully, she yearned for his embrace; the warmth and comfort were indescribable. Yet, propriety made her struggle briefly; if he truly let go, she would be disappointed.

Her cheeks were flushed like fresh blossoms. She tidied her slightly disheveled hair and shot him a look. "This time, you succeeded by sheer luck. Master was suspicious, but because you never showed up, coupled with my acting skills, you managed to dispel her doubts!"

Li Muzhan laughed. "It seems Heaven is helping us too!"

Hai Yulan gave him a sharp look. "Don't celebrate too early. Master might still be wary of you. Be careful when you come and go!"

Li Muzhan smiled broadly. "I will be careful!... Yulan, why don't you come out with me? We can wander for half the night, and then I'll bring you back."

His cultivation had advanced recently, especially through the grinding of the Danxin Tiequan. His spirit had surged, making the application of the Grand Transference Art smoother than ever.

Hai Yulan shook her head. "Let's not. This is fine as it is. If I go out and Master becomes suspicious again, these good days will vanish. One shouldn't be too greedy!"

Li Muzhan affectionately kissed her rosy cheek. "Wise words!"

The two lingered intimately for a while longer. Only when it was time for dinner did Li Muzhan reluctantly depart. Hai Yulan, too, felt a lingering melancholy, her spirits sagging slightly.

Not long after Li Muzhan left, Hao Xuemei entered, clad in flowing purple silk, radiant and spirited. She glanced at Hai Yulan and wrinkled her delicate, elegant nose.

"That scent..." she mused, her bright eyes suddenly widening. "Junior Sister, he was here?"

"Senior Sister, you have a nose better than a hound's!" Hai Yulan shot back, lazily sprawled on the couch, unwilling to move an inch.

"That boy has some nerve!" Hao Xuemei’s eyes widened as she looked Hai Yulan up and down, then laughed. "He didn't fall for Master's trap, did he?"

"Mm," Hai Yulan admitted without pretense, nodding languidly.

Hao Xuemei pursed her lips and smiled. "You need to be careful too, don't let Master notice!"

"Notice what?" Hai Yulan drawled.

Hao Xuemei continued, "You feel different all over, like a flower that’s just been watered. Master is experienced; she'll see it at a glance!"

"You noticed too, Senior Sister?" Hai Yulan lifted her head to give her a look. "Are you saying you're experienced too?"

Hao Xuemei pounced on Hai Yulan, tickling her. "You wicked girl, daring to tease your Senior Sister!"

"I'm telling the truth!" Hai Yulan defended herself, laughing. "If Senior Sister weren't experienced, how could you tell just by looking!"

Hao Xuemei retorted with mock indignation, "Anyone can tell from the look on your face!"

Hai Yulan quickly touched her own cheek. "Really?"

Hao Xuemei drew her hands back and huffed, "Look in a mirror. See your expression. Even though you look a bit droopy, your vitality is completely different!"

Hai Yulan leaped to the mirror and sat before it, examining herself for a few moments before floating back to the couch, pouting. "What should I do then? How can I hide it from Master?"

"Just wish that he really falls for someone else," Hao Xuemei suggested.

Hai Yulan rolled her eyes. "Senior Sister, the way you phrase that..."

Hao Xuemei laughed. "Alright, alright, my mistake. But this boy is a flirt; you need to keep an eye on him!"

Hai Yulan chided, "You worry too much. I know!"

Hao Xuemei shook her head. "I read people accurately. This fellow looks ordinary, neither handsome nor unattractive, yet he has a fatal attraction to women. His ability to lure admirers is considerable!"

Hai Yulan's expression shifted slightly; hearing Hao Xuemei say it made her concerned.

Men and women ensnared in love are often suspicious, changeable, and constantly fear loss, their usual wisdom vanishing, their entire focus on the other person.

Hao Xuemei smiled wryly. "But he should be satisfied. To have a great beauty like you favoring him, is he still not content?... Oh, I forgot, there’s also his Senior Sister to consider!"

Hai Yulan’s lovely face flickered between shadow and light, her delicate brows knitting together.

Seeing her distress, Hao Xuemei felt a pang of regret and quickly said, "Forget I said anything! Relax, he’s completely focused on you right now, thinking only of how to win Master’s favor back!"

"Master won't change her mind," Hai Yulan shook her head.

Hao Xuemei countered, "Not necessarily. There's always a turn of events... I just worry he holds a grudge."

Hai Yulan shook her head again. "He doesn't hold a grudge."

Hao Xuemei proposed, "Why don't you talk to Grandmaster? If Grandmaster speaks, Master will have to listen."

"Grandmaster is in seclusion," Hai Yulan explained.

Hao Xuemei brightened. "I've inquired. Senior Sister will come out of seclusion in a month."

Li Muzhan returned to the Dugu Estate and remained obediently within its grounds, not stepping a single foot outside, using the aura of the Danxin Tiequan to temper his spirit.

During this period, the Zhu family maintained a low profile. People knew of the Zhu family's possession of Grandmaster-level martial arts, but no one dared challenge them; in the eyes of outsiders, the Zhu family remained a colossal power.

Ten days flew by in a blink. Li Muzhan did not trouble himself with the Dugu Estate's Danxin Tiequan—his ambition lay with the Zhu Estate’s or perhaps the Tang family’s.

Over these ten days, Dugu Heng had sought out Tang Tang five or six times. If they didn't see each other for a day, it felt like a year had passed; they longed to be together every moment.

This time, learning from the previous incident, Dugu Jinghua had deployed even more guards to ensure his safety, especially since he was wearing the precious armor gifted by Li Muzhan.

In the early morning, the sunlight was bright and the air pleasant, the small courtyard filled with a faint floral fragrance, delicate mist enveloping the area.

This was the formation he had secretly laid down, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, appearing perfectly normal to outsiders.

Li Muzhan was practicing in the center of the courtyard, sparring with Feng Mingxue. Both employed the Divine Dragon Hand, a technique of infinite variations and profound subtlety.

Dugu Heng suddenly ran in, laughing. "Brother Li, the weather is splendid today! Let's go for an outing!"

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue stopped their exchange, each drawing a deep breath of stale air. Li Muzhan smiled. "Brother Dugu, it’s better if I remain inside."

"It's been ten days. The Zhu family has surely cooled down by now. It's fine," Dugu Heng argued. "Staying cooped up in the estate all day will make a man moldy!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Have you invited Tang Tang?"

"Heh heh, I have," Dugu Heng grinned.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "You two go have fun yourselves. Why drag me into it? If someone genuinely tries something, I might implicate you!"

Dugu Heng replied cheerfully, "We aren't afraid of being implicated, Brother Li! You're just being a spoilsport!"

Li Muzhan resolutely refused, provoking Dugu Heng's eyes to widen and his voice to rise. Seeing this, Feng Mingxue intervened. "Enough, stop arguing. Young Master, if he doesn't want to go, never mind. I will go in his stead."

Dugu Heng treated Li Muzhan casually, but he showed deep respect towards Feng Mingxue. She possessed an aura of transcendental detachment and dignified solemnity.

Dugu Heng gave a wry smile. "Alright, I'll tell you the truth. Tang Tang’s older brother will be joining us tomorrow. It's a perfect chance for Brother Li to meet him."

Li Muzhan's eyebrows flickered, then he smiled. "You! Playing tricks on me, are you? Is his elder brother looking for trouble, and you want me as a shield?!"

"Heh heh, you understand," Dugu Heng laughed smugly.

Li Muzhan considered it, then sighed. "Fine. I’ll make this trip!"

He was genuinely enthusiastic about helping the couple. He felt that without his intervention, they would never escape the shackles of their families and truly be together.

"Heh heh, I knew Brother Li would agree!" Dugu Heng was overjoyed.

Li Muzhan gave him an unimpressed look. "If you try a stunt like this again, I really might refuse!"

"I was originally planning to surprise you," Dugu Heng mumbled, rubbing the back of his head.

Li Muzhan changed his clothes and ate breakfast with Dugu Heng. Feng Mingxue remained silent throughout but stayed close to him.

Could the Zhu family truly sue for peace? That was a joke! If he ventured out, the Zhu family would certainly not let things slide. However, the Zhu family's means were limited. Without the Danxin Tiequan suppressing him within the Zhu manor, even numerous Grandmasters posed no threat to a Great Grandmaster. Still, one must always be cautious and not grow careless because of this. The Zhu family might possess some unexpected stratagem that needed guarding against.

The three left the Dugu Estate. Li Muzhan frowned, pondering, "I really don't feel anything strange. Senior Sister, do you think the Zhu family has truly given up?"

"No," Feng Mingxue shook her head. She, too, was curious about the Zhu family's current game. A Great Grandmaster's premonition was accurate; there should be no danger, yet the Zhu family hadn't made a move.

"Perhaps they are employing the strategy of retreating to advance?" Feng Mingxue suggested.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Forget it. I haven't been out in ten days. Let's relax a bit. Senior Sister has been suffering confinement too!"

Feng Mingxue replied placidly, "It makes little difference whether I go out or not." She preferred stillness over movement and would have been content remaining within the Dugu Estate, even though staying there felt like living under constant oppressive gloom—yet it had also honed her.

The three walked westward while talking. They turned south and arrived at another mansion. It was inferior to the Dugu Estate, lacking its dazzling splendor, but it was far more imposing than an ordinary residence.

Two young men in yellow stood beside the stone lions at the main gate, hands resting on their sword hilts, their gazes cold and expressionless as they scanned their surroundings.

Dugu Heng stopped before the main gate. The two yellow-clad youths glanced over, then looked away, exhibiting no expression, speaking no word, as if they hadn't seen him.

Li Muzhan shook his head, realizing the situation at a glance. The Tang family held a measure of fear towards the Dugu family. Even though the youths were mere pawns and Dugu Heng was a Young Master, their families were rivals, so courtesy was unnecessary. However, they dared not provoke Dugu Heng. They lacked an air of absolute fearlessness, suggesting the Dugu family held a dominant position among the Four Great Families, with both the Zhu and Tang families trailing slightly behind.

Dugu Heng pursed his lips and let out three sharp, swift whistles—sounds so quick they were easily mistaken for the chirp of a small bird.

Soon, a side door beside the main gate opened. Tang Tang, in purple silk, floated out with a handsome young man in yellow, followed by four elderly men also in yellow, all expressionless.

Li Muzhan observed the young man in yellow: his face was fair as jade, his eyes bright as stars, his nose straight, and his mouth square—a stately appearance, yet arrogance outweighed heroism, giving him an imposing air.

"Big Brother Tang!" Dugu Heng quickly approached, cupping his fists in greeting and smiling.

The youth in yellow gave him a cold stare, offering no return gesture, and turned to look at Li Muzhan. "Who is this?"

Dugu Heng hastily introduced, "This is Brother Li."

The youth in yellow scrutinized Li Muzhan from head to toe. "Is he that Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan shook his head helplessly. This Dugu brother certainly lowered his status for a woman. He said coolly, "Brother Dugu, who is he—?"

"Heh heh, Brother Li, this is Tang Tang's elder brother, Big Brother Tang Tianming," Dugu Heng quickly supplied.

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, avoiding Tang Tianming's gaze, and smiled warmly at Tang Tang. "Tang Tang, have you been well?"

"Brother Li, you've come too," Tang Tang, in a purple dress, looked lovely and delicate. She smiled, pursing her lips. "It's been several days since I saw Brother Li."

Li Muzhan laughed. "I’ve been lazing around in the courtyard, too lazy to move. Dugu brother dragged me out today to catch some sun so I wouldn't go moldy!"

Tang Tang smiled slightly, "Yes, Brother Heng was worried about you too, afraid you'd suffocate if you stayed cooped up."

"He's just worrying needlessly!" Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed. "Let's go."

Tang Tang approached Feng Mingxue and said politely, "Sister Feng."

"Let's go," Feng Mingxue nodded lightly, offering a faint smile.

Ignoring Tang Tianming, the group drew his face into a dark cloud, his handsome features tight. He spoke in a deep voice, "Li Wuji, are you that Li Wuji?"

Li Muzhan looked up. "Young Master Tang knows of me?"

"Heh, your name thunders in the ear!" Tang Tianming sneered.

Li Muzhan raised his eyebrows. "Am I that famous? I hadn't realized. Standing here isn't ideal. Let's talk as we walk."

With that, he turned and walked east. Dugu Heng and the others followed. Tang Tianming took a deep breath and trailed after them, determined to keep a close watch on his little sister. (To be continued)