The two took seats in the tavern, but the place was sparse, quiet, with few people drinking and laughing; most were discussing trivialities or the state of their businesses, with hardly any martial artists around.

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue sat for a while, gaining nothing. They returned resignedly to their small courtyard, ordered a jar of wine, and sat by the stone table before the bamboo grove, speaking as they drank.

The night was deep, a bright moon shone overhead, and a few lanterns hung nearby, casting a hazy glow over the courtyard. The two sat opposite each other in silence, an air of desolation hanging between them.

Feng Mingxue extended a delicate hand and refilled his cup, knitting her brows. "Junior Brother, we have no leads. How can we investigate?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I will search thoroughly later tonight, to see if there are any faint traces."

Feng Mingxue set down the wine jar, picked up her silver cup, and took a light sip. "I wonder how our two Senior Brothers are now, if they have met with harm."

Li Muzhan’s expression flickered, and he shook his head.

Feng Mingxue, observant as ever, had been watching him closely. Even in the dim light, the ripple in his expression did not escape her. She urged him quickly, "Junior Brother, if you know something, speak up!"

Li Muzhan sighed, shaking his head. "Senior Sister, it’s best to prepare for the worst."

Feng Mingxue’s face changed slightly. After a pause, she stared intently at him and said with a catch in her voice, "…Our two Senior Brothers…?"

Li Muzhan’s expression grew somber as he nodded.

"How could this be…" Feng Mingxue was half-believing, half-doubting.

Li Muzhan raised his cup and drained it, refilled it from the jar, and drained it again—three cups in succession.

The night was deep, the lanterns illuminating Feng Mingxue’s face, fair as jade, which now wore a grave expression. A gust of wind blew, making the lanterns sway, and she shivered.

Even when the gale winds of Leiyin Valley pierced her body, she had remained composed. Now, a mere night breeze caused her complexion to pale slightly.

Li Muzhan sighed. "Senior Sister, the dead cannot be brought back to life…"

"Nonsense! We haven't seen the bodies, how can you say they are dead!" Feng Mingxue quickly retorted.

Li Muzhan remained silent, shaking his head.

Feng Mingxue said, "Junior Brother, hurry and investigate. We cannot wait any longer."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Very well."

He set down the silver cup and floated lightly to the small courtyard on the east side, investigating one by one, searching every inch, refusing to overlook even the smallest area.

Finally, in the latrine, he found a single strand of hair, belonging to one of their Senior Brothers. The meticulousness of his search was evident. Feng Mingxue covered her nose, but Li Muzhan paid it no mind.

He returned to his own courtyard with the hair, sat by the stone table, closed his eyes to meditate and calm his breath. After a moment, he opened his eyes and rose to leave.

Feng Mingxue followed closely behind. The two left the small courtyard, traversed several small courtyards, and finally arrived before a large mansion in the center of the city.

Li Muzhan looked up to survey the residence. The plaque above the entrance bore the characters "Liu Zhai" in large script, written with a deep, distant stroke that held considerable flavor. Both inside and out, the mansion was dark, with not the slightest sign of activity.

"Our two Senior Brothers came here?" Feng Mingxue asked.

Li Muzhan nodded, frowning. "Unfortunately, the trail ends here. There's no one inside… Let's go in and take a look."

The two drifted into the residence. It was pitch black, with no light penetrating, as if the moonlight could not reach in. Upon entering, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue sensed an oppressive chill.

Li Muzhan frowned and whispered, "Senior Sister, this is the residual energy of a formation, the yin essence left after one was dismantled. A formation was set up here previously."

"There was a formation?" Feng Mingxue remarked. "Does this mean it was the work of people from Fenglei Sect?"

"Not necessarily." Li Muzhan shook his head.

Formations were rare; setting one up required the personal involvement of a Formation Master. Ordinary sects did not have Formation Masters, nor could they afford to invite one. Only the great renowned sects or ancient lineages might possess such means.

Tianjing City was Fenglei Sect's territory. Although there were some minor sects, none would be capable of setting up a grand formation.

Li Muzhan moved forward cautiously, with Feng Mingxue closely trailing behind him. They entered the main hall, then systematically checked the bedrooms and side rooms.

The rooms were impeccably clean; nothing remained, including furniture and all other belongings. Only empty spaces were left, as if the house had just been built and was awaiting its first occupants.

Li Muzhan swept his gaze across the surroundings but found nothing. The owner of this residence was exceedingly cautious; the floors and corners had been swept so clean that not a single strand of hair remained.

"What now?" Feng Mingxue asked, surveying the area.

She knew Li Muzhan possessed wondrous tracking techniques, but with nothing to track, he was helpless. It was like a dog's nose: it needed the scent of the person being tracked before it could begin; while his technique was a hundred times stronger than a dog's nose, the principle was the same.

Li Muzhan stated, "There's no choice, we must resort to brute force methods."

"There are still brute force methods?" Feng Mingxue inquired.

Li Muzhan replied, "We'll have to pay a visit to the Fenglei Sect."

Feng Mingxue quickly asked, "Junior Brother, do you suspect the Fenglei Sect?"

Li Muzhan pondered, then shook his head. "Nine out of ten chances they didn't do it. They are acting furtively, hiding from the light. Even the Fenglei Sect wouldn't be so foolish as to act within their own territory."

Feng Mingxue countered, "Perhaps they are counting on you thinking exactly that."

Li Muzhan shook his head. "That is too risky, and simply unnecessary."

Feng Mingxue sighed. "If it wasn't them, why go there?"

"We must ask to be at ease," Li Muzhan said. "Perhaps we can get other information. The Fenglei Sect should know the situation regarding this residence."

Feng Mingxue mused, "With a protective formation, maybe not."

Seeing Li Muzhan start to walk back, Feng Mingxue asked, "Junior Brother, are we going back?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "We will visit the Fenglei Sect tomorrow."

"Why tomorrow?" Feng Mingxue frowned. "Our two Senior Brothers could be in danger at any moment. It's better to act sooner than later. Let's go to the Fenglei Sect now!"

Li Muzhan looked at her and nodded resignedly.

Tianjing City was unlike Tianjing City, where nights were as lively as days, often even more so. The night in Tianjing City, however, was eerily quiet, almost deserted.

The two stopped quietly before a massive mansion. Under the moonlight, it seemed like an invisible behemoth lying in wait.

Two lanterns swayed gently in the night wind, their light flickering. The great gate was studded with over a dozen palm-sized bronze nails, and two copper rings gleamed brightly, emitting a faint luster.

The gate exuded an imposing aura, and the stone lions flanking it looked as if they had come alive, staring intently at the pair, ready to pounce at any moment, radiating a chilling might.

Li Muzhan said in a deep voice, "Li Wuji of Yunxiao Sect, and Feng Mingxue pay their respects to Sect Master Hu!"

His voice was calm and measured, like seawater slowly spreading, seeping into the mansion. Instantly, lights illuminated, and movement stirred within.

He had already gathered intelligence on the Fenglei Sect: the Sect Master Hu Baorui and the Young Sect Master Hu Tianzheng. Hu Baorui was a truly exceptional figure; under his leadership, the sect had repelled the Sunset Valley sect repeatedly, achieving unprecedented glory and holding extremely high prestige within the Fenglei Sect.

The Fenglei Sect was a linchpin in Tianjing City, and Hu Baorui was its true master—a man of high rank and authority whose word was golden, known for his integrity and fairness, earning high praise.

If not for these factors, Li Muzhan would have directly stormed the Fenglei Sect to question them, rather than proceeding with such caution—first investigating the whereabouts of his Senior Brothers, and then approaching the Fenglei Sect.

"Distinguished guests from Yunxiao Sect, I have failed to welcome you properly. Please come in—!" A deep chuckle sounded, growing louder, like rolling thunder.

"Creak…" The great gate slowly opened, and a gray-robed elder, leading several men, came out, laughing heartily. "Such distinguished guests visiting this remote place brings brilliance to this humble abode!"

Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. "We apologize for the intrusion."

He observed the gray-robed elder: his beard and eyebrows were graying, his frame lean, and his height unremarkable, similar to his own. His features were plain, but his eyes shot out beams of sharp light, cold and piercing, possessing an intimidating power that commanded respect without the need for anger.

This was Hu Baorui. His body exuded a vast power, clearly emanating from the Orthodox Heaven Thunder Heart Method, a supreme, utterly rigid orthodox cultivation technique of astonishing might.

Hu Baorui waved his hand. "Please—let us discuss matters inside!"

Li Muzhan nodded with a smile. "We truly apologize for disturbing you late at night, but the matter is urgent. My Senior Sister and I could not delay, we hope Sect Master Hu will not take offense!"

Hu Baorui waved his hand, chuckling. "Young Hero Li, not at all. I welcome esteemed disciples from such a prestigious sect; you are welcome anytime you visit. Please—!"

Feng Mingxue dipped her head slightly, her expression neutral.

Her gaze swept over Hu Baorui, pausing briefly on the young man beside him before moving away. This youth’s stare was sharp and intense, quite irritating.

The two entered the gate and were led into the main hall to take their seats.

"This is my son, Tianzheng," Hu Baorui said, pointing to the youth beside him. The young man had a round face and a stocky build, looking honest and simple-natured.

"I am Hu Tianzheng!" He cupped his hands and grinned. "Brother Li, Miss Feng, greetings!"

Li Muzhan nodded lightly. "Brother Hu is young and promising; your family’s lineage is enviable and worth congratulating."

"Heh heh…" Hu Baorui stroked his beard and laughed, shaking his head. "I’d be grateful if he didn't disgrace me. Young Hero Li, you flatter me, flatter me."

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Sect Master Hu, I have come to seek clarification on a matter."

"Please speak," Hu Baorui urged. "I presume the two young heroes wouldn't visit without cause. If there is anything I can help with, I will certainly not refuse."

Li Muzhan nodded and smiled. "I wish to inquire who resides in that Liu family residence in the center of the city?"

"The Liu family residence…" Hu Baorui stroked his beard thoughtfully, then looked toward Hu Tianzheng. Hu Tianzheng’s eyes darted, and he clapped his hands. "Father, it’s the Liu family near Zhenyuan Tower. I told you, that family is very peculiar!"

Hu Baorui looked enlightened, then frowned. "Why, has that Liu family caused offense in some way?"

Li Muzhan continued, "Sect Master Hu doesn't know? That place is now empty, deserted."

"Really?" Hu Baorui turned to look at Hu Tianzheng. "Tianzheng, did you know about this?"

Hu Tianzheng scratched his head. "Father, I was just planning to go to Leiyin Valley these past two days. I forgot about it. I thought they wouldn't cause any major trouble… Brother Li, did they cause some disaster?"

Li Muzhan shook his head lightly. "Two of my Senior Brothers have gone missing in Tianjing City, and the last known trace was the Liu residence. Has Sect Master Hu not heard any rumors?"

"Two esteemed disciples of Yunxiao Sect missing in our city?" Hu Baorui's expression shifted.

Li Muzhan nodded. "We were ordered to investigate, but we have no leads. The trail ended at the Liu residence. Since the Fenglei Sect governs Tianjing City, Sect Master Hu must know their background."

"This…" Hu Baorui’s face darkened. He glanced at Hu Tianzheng, who quickly said, "Are your sect’s two esteemed disciples truly missing in our city?"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "This matter is not glorious, why would I lie about it?"

"No, no," Hu Tianzheng waved his hand hastily. "I just don’t understand. Those two must possess considerable martial arts skill; how could they vanish?"

Every disciple of the Yunxiao Sect was an unparalleled genius, possessing supreme martial arts and sharp intellect. Backed by the Yunxiao Sect and a Grandmaster, they rarely suffered losses.

Li Muzhan explained, "Open arrows are easy to dodge, but hidden darts are hard to guard against. Our two Senior Brothers are simple and kind; they likely fell victim to an ambush. This Liu residence is the key."

"Alas… this is all due to our negligence!" Hu Baorui shook his head with a wry smile. "We've had smooth sailing these past years, and became a bit careless. I thought the Liu residence was a bit strange, but unlikely to cause significant trouble. I never expected this to happen!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "Our two Senior Brothers probably didn't expect that someone in Tianjing City, under the control of the Fenglei Sect, would dare to lay an ambush for them."

Hu Baorui asked, "When did your two esteemed disciples go missing?"

Li Muzhan replied, "Three days ago."

"Could they have gone somewhere on their own?" Hu Baorui suggested.

Li Muzhan smiled, and Feng Mingxue said coolly, "We wouldn't mistake missing people, Sect Master Hu. You control all of Tianjing City; if someone vanishes, surely you wouldn't be unaware of any rumors?"

Hu Baorui hurriedly shook his head. "Heaven and earth as my witness, I truly know nothing about this matter."

Hu Tianzheng frowned and glared at Feng Mingxue, his expression displeased. He sensed the accusation toward the Fenglei Sect in her tone. The Fenglei Sect had been a regional power for years; when had anyone dared speak to his father in such a manner!

Feng Mingxue’s expression remained unchanged as she said coolly, "It seems the Fenglei Sect's great reputation is undeserved. On your own territory, such a plot was hatched, and you were completely unaware."

"What is the meaning of that!" Hu Tianzheng suddenly stood up, glaring furiously at Feng Mingxue. "Are you questioning us, blaming us?!"

Feng Mingxue remained calm and said lightly, "If our two Senior Brothers were harmed here, the Fenglei Sect cannot escape responsibility. Young Sect Master Hu, what do you propose?"

"You…" Hu Tianzheng was about to erupt in curses, but Hu Baorui waved his hand. "Silence, Tianzheng!"

"Father—!" Hu Tianzheng called out unhappily.

Hu Baorui’s face darkened. He glared at his son and waved his hand again. "Stand down!"

Hu Tianzheng stared at him for a moment, then resentfully stepped back, sealing his lips, but his eyes glared resentfully at Feng Mingxue, as if he wished to teach her a lesson right then.

Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. "Sect Master Hu, my Senior Sister is merely distraught from worry and anxiety, and her manners might have slipped. We hope Sect Master Hu can be understanding."

Hu Baorui chuckled. "Not at all, not at all. If it were me and my fellow sect members were harmed, I would be just as anxious. …Very well, give me one day. I will certainly give you two young heroes an explanation by tomorrow!"

Li Muzhan sighed. "My Senior Sister and I are unfamiliar with this place; we rely entirely on Sect Master Hu's help. We will never forget this favor!"

Hu Baorui quickly waved his hands. "This is my duty. Such a huge oversight in my domain is entirely my fault!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Then it is settled. My Senior Sister and I will not impose further. We will call on you tomorrow to apologize!"

Hu Baorui smiled. "Good, I won't stand on ceremony!"

Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue rose to take their leave and departed the Fenglei Sect, returning to their small courtyard.

Inside the main hall of the Fenglei Sect, the lamps burned brightly. Hu Baorui stood with a grim expression before a line of gray-robed men—some old, some middle-aged—each possessing restrained power, full of spirit, and considerable cultivation.

Hu Baorui paced back and forth grimly, having walked over a dozen laps in front of them. He suddenly stopped and glared at them, snorting. "Stop sleeping! Get moving and investigate the details of that Liu residence—the more thorough, the better. Try especially hard to find out where they are now!"

Hu Tianzheng interjected, "Father, those two are too arrogant and rude! Why not show them some strength? Why bother with their affairs!"

"Shut up!" Hu Baorui roared.

"Father—!" Hu Tianzheng protested unhappily. "What is there to fear from those two youngsters? Where has your usual heroic spirit gone!"

A middle-aged man grumbled roughly. "Exactly, Sect Master, why should we bother with this meddlesome business? It’s the middle of the night; we might as well go back to sleep!"

"Li Zi, you are truly clueless!" Hu Baorui glared at the middle-aged man. "How old are you, still so fond of sleep!… Can the Yunxiao Sect really be offended?"

"What's so great about them!" Hu Tianzheng pouted disdainfully. "Their great reputation is perhaps undeserved. If they were truly that powerful, how could they disappear without a trace!… Moreover, they are just two young whelps who were so impolite to Father. They truly don't know the immensity of heaven and earth!"

Hu Baorui glared at him coldly. "Boy, you are short-sighted. You see their young age and think their martial arts are mediocre, right?"

"Are they perhaps stronger than you, Father?" Hu Tianzheng chuckled.

Hu Baorui sneered. "Of course they are stronger than me!… Do you think the prowess of Yunxiao Sect disciples is just boastful talk? It’s earned through fighting! …Let’s not mention anything else. Those two vanished three days ago. In three days, you could travel from the Yunxiao Sect here?!"

Hu Tianzheng countered, "Maybe they were nearby, of course they could get here!"

Hu Baorui waved his hand. "Enough, I can't explain it to you. With your paltry skills, how could you sense their true strength."

Hu Tianzheng snorted. "Can they really fight better than you, Father?"

Hu Baorui retorted testily, "Even if we tied together, we couldn't handle Miss Feng. Young Hero Li is even more profound; I cannot discern his depth."

Hu Tianzheng muttered, "I should try him out."

"Enough, don't seek trouble. Even if they weren't skilled in martial arts, we couldn't touch them. The Yunxiao Sect is not to be trifled with. Can you afford to provoke a Grandmaster?!" Hu Baorui waved his hand.

Hu Tianzheng scoffed. "A Grandmaster? I haven't seen one in so many years. Is it even real, or are they already gone? Who can say for sure!"

Hu Baorui frowned, his face gloomy. "You chatter too much, shut your mouth!… Listen to me, you must investigate the Liu residence thoroughly. If you fail, every one of you will go to Leiyin Valley!"

The men responded in unison and turned to leave.

Only Hu Baorui and his son remained in the hall. Hu Baorui snorted. "Tianzheng, you go to Tianlei Mountain!"

"Go to Tianlei Mountain to invite several Martial Grand-Uncles out of seclusion?" Hu Tianzheng’s eyes lit up.

"Yes, it’s best to be prepared," Hu Baorui nodded slowly, his voice heavy. "I only fear they might press the matter and hold us accountable!"

"They dare!" Hu Tianzheng scoffed coldly.

Hu Baorui glared at him. "You leave now, the sooner the better!"

"Yes," Hu Tianzheng nodded solemnly. "Should I invite all the Martial Grand-Uncles?"

"Yes, invite them all," Hu Baorui nodded slowly, sighing. "Unless absolutely necessary, one should not disturb their cultivation."

"Father is too cautious!" Hu Tianzheng mumbled, but as he saw Hu Baorui glare at him, he quickly silenced himself. "Father, give me credentials, I’ll leave right away!" [To be continued]