Li Muzhan gestured for the two women to take the lead, the three men trailing behind. Dugu Heng walked in the middle, occasionally trying to strike up a conversation with Tang Tianming, who pointedly ignored him, instead calmly surveying their surroundings.
On Dugu Heng’s other side, Li Muzhan also scanned their surroundings, but with a wary alertness, guarding against any ambush. There was absolutely no way the Zhu family would simply cease their pursuit.
Dugu Heng attempted conversation a few times, but receiving no response, he finally fell silent, his gaze fixed on the two women ahead. The more he watched Tang Tang, the more entranced he became by her graceful figure; every sway of her walk, every slight twist of her waist, was enchantingly beautiful—like a dance.
He couldn't get enough of the sight, aching to sweep her into his arms for some tender affection, but they were out on the street, precluding such an action.
Li Muzhan glanced at him occasionally, seeing the look of utter infatuation fixed upon Tang Tang's back, and shook his head with a faint smile. He was truly deep in the net of love, unable to pull himself free.
Tang Tang seemed to sense the burning gaze on her back and cast occasional glances over her shoulder. Seeing his lovestruck, goofy expression, she smiled, her face radiant.
Tang Tianming snorted, and Tang Tang quickly turned back. Dugu Heng snapped out of his daze and returned to reality—he still had an impossibly difficult elder brother-in-law to contend with!
The two women did not linger, walking straight down the thoroughfare until they quickly exited the East City Gate. The view suddenly opened up before them: a wide, flat avenue stretched into the distance, flanked by level fields. Despite late autumn, green crops still covered the land. Not far off lay a copse of trees, and the fields cascaded down like terraces. Li Muzhan let out an appreciative sound. “The expansive view here truly clears the mind and lifts the spirits.”
Dugu Heng chuckled. “Li brother, what do you think? Doesn’t it immediately broaden your mood?”
Li Muzhan smiled back. “Indeed, very good. You have thought of everything!”
Dugu Heng grinned knowingly. “Naturally!”
As he spoke, he discreetly glanced toward Tang Tianming, giving him a subtle signal to take over the social interaction.
Li Muzhan pretended not to notice, smiling pleasantly as he studied the scenery, unwilling to provoke Tang Tianming, who was clearly an arrogant fellow who rarely paid heed to others.
Li Muzhan’s growing reputation must surely be due to the incident with the Zhu family. Tang Tianming must have heard about it, yet he maintained this dismissive attitude, clearly not believing the rumors.
There was little one could do against such haughtiness. He would have to teach him a lesson, but this was Tang Tang’s elder brother; gauging the right degree of response was tricky.
Such an act of offense could not be committed in front of Tang Tang. He could discipline him later, but for now, he couldn't rush things; Dugu Heng was being too impatient.
Dugu Heng pointed toward the northeast. “There’s a river that way. How about we go fishing?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “That would be excellent.”
Dugu Heng turned to Tang Tianming. “Tang elder brother, what do you say?”
Tang Tianming waved a dismissive hand. “Do whatever you want. Stop nagging!”
“Big—brother—!” Tang Tang admonished him with a soft pout.
Tang Tianming shot back impatiently, “What? Did I say something wrong?!”
“If you keep acting like that, Brother, I won’t bring you along anymore!” Tang Tang huffed.
Tang Tianming retorted coldly, “Fine then, you won't be coming out at all!”
Tang Tang’s bright eyes instantly misted over, and she bit her red lip, remaining silent. Tang Tianming quickly relented. “Alright, alright, I won’t say another word!”
The mist vanished from Tang Tang’s eyes, and she smiled, pursing her lips. “That’s better!”
Tang Tianming let out a resentful grunt. “Such a girl, always favoring outsiders!”
Tang Tang rolled her eyes at him and said to Dugu Heng, “Heng ge, we don’t have fishing rods.”
Dugu Heng quickly replied, “I’ve already sent someone to fetch them. We’ll walk over slowly; they’ll be back soon.”
Tang Tang flashed a charming smile and said no more. In front of so many people, she felt too shy to speak much with Dugu Heng, instead conversing with Feng Mingxue.
Although Feng Mingxue appeared cool and aloof, once one interacted with her, they discovered a gentle, calm, friendly, and approachable nature, lacking the harsh rigidity one might expect. She simply reserved her emotional expressions. Spending time with her was surprisingly comfortable.
The group arrived at the riverside. It was a broad river, perhaps ten zhang wide, with large boats occasionally gliding through the center, coming and going swiftly.
A stretch of woods bordered the riverbank, and they settled down near it. Soon, a middle-aged man in gray rushed over, carrying several fishing rods on his shoulder. They looked brand new, as if recently purchased.
Each person received a rod. Tang Tang and Feng Mingxue sat in the middle. Dugu Heng sat next to Tang Tang, Li Muzhan next to Feng Mingxue, and Tang Tianming took the seat of honor at the head of the line, next to Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan glanced at him but said nothing more. They cast their lines and settled into casual conversation. Tang Tang murmured softly to Feng Mingxue, while Li Muzhan subtly lowered his eyelids and remained still.
Dugu Heng, seated beside Tang Tang at the end, inhaled deeply as a breeze drifted past, his expression turning blissfully intoxicated. The delicate fragrance from Tang Tang entered his nostrils, and listening to her soft, sweet voice, he was utterly charmed—a pleasure surpassing that of immortals, wishing time would freeze at this very moment.
Li Muzhan spared him another glance and shook his head, smiling faintly. Love was the most painful thing, yet also the sweetest and most wonderful. They were currently passing through its most exquisite phase.
Tang Tianming spoke in a languid tone. “Li Wuji, is it? I hear you wiped out half the experts from the Zhu family. True or false?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Perhaps exaggerated.”
Tang Tianming snorted. “I thought so! No matter how strong one’s martial arts, there are limits. To claim you single-handedly destroyed three hundred experts is pure myth. Anyone who believes that is truly laughable!”
Li Muzhan simply smiled. “Indeed.”
Tang Tianming continued, “But your skill is certainly not fake; otherwise, Dugu Jinghua wouldn’t think highly of you!”
Li Muzhan frowned slightly. “What exactly does Young Lord Tang mean by that?”
Tang Tianming said, “The rumors outside say you are set to become a favored guest of the Dugu family. That’s true, isn’t it?”
Li Muzhan frowned and shook his head. “Utter nonsense!”
“I asked my father, and he said that rumors often have a seed of truth,” Tang Tianming boasted. “Otherwise, why would the Dugu family continue to protect you?”
Li Muzhan sighed. “This must be a rumor spread by the Zhu family. They are truly despicable to try and ruin the reputation of Miss Dugu this way!”
Dugu Heng remained lost in his gentle reverie, oblivious to the conversation unfolding nearby.
Feng Mingxue glanced toward Li Muzhan, then gave Tang Tianming a brief look. Tang Tianming quickly spoke up, “Miss Feng, I am Tang Tianming!”
Feng Mingxue gave a slight nod and turned back.
Tang Tianming scratched his head awkwardly. In his capacity as the Young Lord of the Tang family, everyone treated him with deference. He had never encountered such a coldly distant woman.
Li Muzhan frowned, sensing the raw desire in Tang Tianming’s eyes, which displeased him greatly.
Though he hadn't explicitly confessed his feelings to Feng Mingxue, only subtly courting her affection, he would never permit another man to harbor improper intentions toward her.
He had initially intended to wait, perhaps observe this arrogant man a little longer to gauge his true character, but now he felt he couldn't wait any longer.
Li Muzhan spoke coolly. “Young Lord Tang, these words must not be repeated. They harm Miss Dugu’s good name. If she were to hear them, she would surely be angered. I imagine Young Lord Tang cannot afford to anger Miss Dugu, can you?”
“Ridiculous! You think I fear her!?” Tang Tianming sneered, curling his lip. “She is just a mere woman, and she can’t even practice martial arts. What is there to fear?”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “What about the experts of the Dugu family?”
“The Dugu family dares to touch me?” Tang Tianming scoffed, casting a sidelong glance at the dazed Dugu Heng. He laughed coldly. “It’s laughable that the Dugu family lets a woman manage the household! There is no man capable of leadership!”
He deliberately spoke loudly so that even the intoxicated Dugu Heng would awaken and hear. Upon hearing the insult, Dugu Heng frowned. “Tang elder brother, what are you implying...?”
“Don’t understand?” Tang Tianming sneered. “Then let me be clear! … Your Dugu family has no suitable man, allowing a woman to be in charge! Especially you, Dugu Heng, a man of stature, yet incapable of upholding the family honor! How can such an incompetent person be worthy of my little sister!?”
Watching Dugu Heng’s expression shift, Tang Tianming sneered, “Based on you, you simpleton, a toad dreaming of eating swan meat—pure delusion!”
“Silence!” Dugu Heng roared, leaping to his feet, his voice cold. “Tang elder brother, out of respect for Tang Tang, I have always regarded you highly. I never imagined you held me in such contempt!”
Tang Tianming laughed coldly. “So what if I insulted you? Do you dare strike me?!”
Dugu Heng took a deep breath, glanced at Tang Tang, who was tightly pursing her lips, eyes lowered in silence, and then looked at Feng Mingxue, who watched him calmly, waiting to see what he would do.
Li Muzhan observed him with a slight smile, saying faintly, “Hit him.”
Dugu Heng slowly stood up, his voice deep. “Please, guide me.”
Tang Tianming scoffed. “With your pathetic, three-legged cat skills, you think you can fight me?”
“Please—!” Dugu Heng insisted gravely.
Tang Tianming slowly rose, sneering. “Since you insist on humiliating yourself, I shall oblige you. Come on!”
He strode confidently to an open space in the woods, pulled his tunic up to his waist, stood squarely in the center, rooted like a mountain peak.
Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched. No wonder he was so arrogant; he clearly possessed genuine ability. Looking at Dugu Heng, he noted a clear disparity in cultivation.
Dugu Heng slowly moved opposite Tang Tianming and extended his palm. “Tang elder brother, you strike first.”
“Good!” Tang Tianming roared, launching a punch as swift as rushing thunder. A "whoosh" sound preceded the fist arriving before Dugu Heng.
“Bang!” Unable to fully evade, Dugu Heng could only meet the blow head-on. He stumbled back three paces with heavy steps.
“A bit of skill!” Tang Tianming remained in place, sneering. “Take another one!”
As his words fell, his fist arrived instantly. Dugu Heng, now prepared, suppressed the surge of blood energy, bobbing away lightly to avoid the punch, and struck out with a counter-palm.
Tang Tianming ignored his right palm and drove another punch forward—a "whoosh" like lightning, arriving instantly, forcing Dugu Heng to evade.
One struck, one evaded. In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen moves passed. Dugu Heng employed the Xiaoyao Palm, requiring a sense of carefree detachment, seeking openings to strike with astonishing speed of footwork.
Tang Tianming’s boxing style, however, was forceful and swift; his punch speed far outpaced the Xiaoyao Palm. With his technique slightly inferior, Dugu Heng was constrained and utterly unable to manifest the 'carefree' essence required.
Watching him struggle to cover both sides, Li Muzhan shook his head. No wonder Tang Tianming was so contemptuous; perhaps Dugu Heng’s martial arts truly were inferior.
Li Muzhan sent a telepathic message. Dugu Heng slowly nodded, then spoke gravely, “Tang elder brother, I must now stop holding back!”
“Oh? You were still holding back? Come then!” Tang Tianming sneered.
Dugu Heng shouted, and his eyes instantly brightened. He was revitalized, appearing like a completely different person, his entire spirit and bearing transformed. His footwork became astonishingly fast, and his palm strikes surpassed his previous efforts, immediately giving him the upper hand over Tang Tianming.
Tang Tianming let out an “Eh?” He had seen Dugu Heng’s skills before, which were far below his own, leading him to dismiss him as unworthy of his little sister. Now, he saw he was incredibly skilled.
He too roared, pushing his internal strength to its limit, his fists like lightning, all the while intensely watching Dugu Heng for any sign of using a secret art.
Fists and palms exchanged rapidly; a hundred moves passed in moments. Tang Tang gripped Feng Mingxue’s hand tightly, staring fixedly at the duel, terrified of any mishap.
Feng Mingxue lightly patted her arm. “Relax. With Junior Brother present, nothing will happen to them.”
Tang Tang nodded. She knew Li Muzhan was highly skilled, but she didn’t know the true extent of his power. Having never witnessed it firsthand, she couldn't truly believe it.
After a hundred exchanges, Tang Tianming realized Dugu Heng was not using any hidden technique. “Oh,” he said, cold laughter creeping into his voice. “Kid, you’ve been hiding your true ability all along, haven’t you?”
Dugu Heng replied, “I had no choice.”
“Hmph, hiding your strength won’t save you now. Die!” Tang Tianming roared, his body suddenly swelling then shrinking rapidly, his fist streaking through the air like a meteor.
Dugu Heng flashed aside, and four or five afterimages appeared simultaneously. Tang Tianming’s punch shattered one image, hitting only empty air.
“Bang!” Dugu Heng’s right palm slammed into the center of Tang Tianming’s back.
Tang Tianming sputtered, ejecting a jet of blood, and slumped down limply.
“Big brother!” Tang Tang cried out in alarm.
Li Muzhan flickered to the spot. Before Tang Tianming could fully collapse, he lightly tapped him twice. Thump, thump—like striking a drum—startling Tang Tang.
“Pfft!” Tang Tianming spat out another mist of blood, but his face instantly regained its ruddy color, and he managed to stand firm without falling.
He swayed a few times, glared at Li Muzhan, then glared at Dugu Heng, letting out a heavy, resentful snort.
“Big brother, you…” Tang Tang also sensed something was wrong. She slowly released her grip and carefully examined Tang Tianming, finally letting out a breath of relief.
Tang Tianming felt bewildered—after taking those two hits, he felt inexplicably lighter, as if all the turbid energy had been purged. He turned to glare at Dugu Heng. “Kid, what a deceitful trick!”
Dugu Heng said, “Tang elder brother, I concede.”
“Was that your doing?!” Tang Tianming suddenly pointed at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan shook his head, looking thoroughly uninterested in speaking. Tang Tang scolded, “Big—brother—”
“Little sister, stop embarrassing yourself!” Tang Tianming insisted, pointing at Li Muzhan. “It must have been him!”
Tang Tang murmured quietly, “Brother, stop making a spectacle of yourself!”
Tang Tianming glared at Li Muzhan stubbornly, trusting his instincts. Dugu Heng asked, “Tang elder brother, are your injuries serious?”
“Stop with the false concern!” Tang Tianming snapped back. “You’re wishing I was dead!”
Dugu Heng smiled bitterly. “Tang elder brother, how can you say such a thing? How could I have such thoughts? I hope we can get along well in the future!”
“Dream on if you think you can marry my sister!” Tang Tianming sneered, pointing at Li Muzhan. “You, Li fellow, let’s have a match!”
“Big—brother—!” Tang Tang’s voice held a mixture of anger and reproach.
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. “Young Lord Tang, perhaps we should let this go.”
“You, Li fellow, are all just empty reputation?” Tang Tianming looked askance at him. (To be continued)