Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue returned to their small courtyard, arriving at Li Muzhan's room where Feng Mingxue settled onto the kang, basking in its warmth.

It was early winter, and the kangs here were already heated. Tianjing City was accustomed to sleeping on these heated brick beds rather than couches, and sitting by the steaming edge of the kang offered a peculiar kind of comfort.

Soft lamplight illuminated Feng Mingxue's face, rendering her as lovely as a blooming flower, captivating and graceful, possessing a gentle charm all her own. Li Muzhan stared at her, momentarily transfixed.

Feng Mingxue shot him a look of exasperation. "Junior Brother, have I offended the Fenglei Sect?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "Senior Sister is clever and astute; you managed the timing perfectly."

"Sigh... I was desperate, we have no choice but to rely on them. These old foxes are all slippery; without applying some pressure, they won't lift a finger." Feng Mingxue shook her head helplessly. She usually despised employing such stratagems, preferring straightforward action, but this time, urgency compelled her to compromise, leaving her with no other recourse.

Li Muzhan sighed. "Senior Sister, being anxious now is useless. We should just do what needs to be done."

"Junior Brother, can you find no trace of our two Senior Brothers?" Feng Mingxue looked at Li Muzhan with intense expectation; in her eyes, this junior brother was omnipotent.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. "Logically, I should be able to locate them, but now there's no sensation at all. There is only one explanation: they are gone."

"Nonsense!" Feng Mingxue's delicate face darkened.

Li Muzhan sighed again. "Senior Sister, all we can do now is find the murderer and avenge our two Senior Brothers. We must let go of any faint hope."

"Until I see them with my own eyes, I won't believe it!" Feng Mingxue insisted.

Li Muzhan nodded, not pressing further. "The Fenglei Sect should be mobilized now. Tianjing City isn't large; they can conduct the search."

"I certainly hope so," Feng Mingxue scoffed, frowning. "If they can't find anything, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Senior Sister intends to take her anger out on them?"

"If something happens on their turf, who else should I look to?" Feng Mingxue said coldly.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "Senior Sister has quite a temper... This matter, in truth, might not have anything to do with them."

"How could you know?" Feng Mingxue frowned.

Li Muzhan replied, "I knew the moment I saw them. However, they must still assist; they cannot stand aside if we are to locate the truth faster."

"It has nothing to do with them?" Feng Mingxue frowned and pondered. "Who else would dare be so audacious?!" The Yunxiao Sect’s prestige was immense, the foremost sword sect in the world; no ordinary faction would dare provoke them. Moreover, the martial arts of the two Senior Brothers were formidable, not something just anyone could overcome.

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I have a suspicion, but there are no clues whatsoever. It’s just guesswork and not appropriate to speak of rashly."

"Tell me!" Feng Mingxue urged quickly.

Li Muzhan merely shook his head and remained silent.

Feng Mingxue’s jade-like face grew stern. "Junior Brother, stop talking nonsense, tell me quickly!"

Li Muzhan stated, "Luoxia Valley."

"No way?" Feng Mingxue was startled, knitting her brows. "They wouldn't have the guts, would they?"

Li Muzhan chuckled lightly. "Lust breeds audacity. That Young Valley Master Guo cannot swallow his pride and must vent his frustration. Since he failed to assassinate me, he likely shifted his malice onto our two Senior Brothers!"

"Him...?" Feng Mingxue still found it hard to believe.

Li Muzhan elaborated, "Our sect hasn't made any major moves in recent years. Despite holding the title of Grandmaster, we have lost our deterrent power, giving the impression of mere bluster. Who has actually seen a Grandmaster recently? Perhaps they no longer exist, which is why people are growing bolder!... I warned the Sect Master about this; his compassion prevents him from initiating slaughter, but now this problem has resurfaced!"

"Junior Brother means you want to establish authority?" Feng Mingxue frowned. While anxious, she had pressured the Fenglei Sect to help. But since they held little status, fearing deceit, they could only apply gentle pressure. Establishing authority, however, was different. This junior brother was ruthless and unafraid of bloodshed; asserting authority now could mean countless deaths and a fresh wave of carnage.

Li Muzhan argued, "At this stage, we must establish authority. Otherwise, people will forget the majesty of the Yunxiao Sect. Without awe, their boldness will lead to their own destruction. Better to make them cautious now."

"Heresy!" Feng Mingxue shook her head.

Li Muzhan quickly countered, "Senior Sister, sometimes killing is also an act of mercy."

"Enough, I disagree. We cannot initiate bloodshed!" Feng Mingxue shook her head, her stance firm. Li Muzhan showed a look of resignation; she was, after all, his senior sister. If she disagreed, he truly could not secretly defy her and act independently. He finally sighed. "Alas... fine, I will listen to you, Senior Sister. My mention of Luoxia Valley was just a guess. Take it as you will, but make sure the investigation is thorough."

A faint smile touched Feng Mingxue’s lips. "I naturally understand!" Yet, in her heart, she was certain: this junior brother’s calculations were flawless, and his intuition uncanny. If he called it a guess, it was likely nine parts truth. Still, she clung to a sliver of hope that the two Senior Brothers were safe, which would prevent any major upheaval—a truly peaceful world.

Li Muzhan glanced at her, seeing through her thoughts with perfect clarity. She held onto that faint hope, but he knew the two Senior Brothers were already gone. That was why the intent to kill and establish authority grew within him. If this matter were allowed to pass quietly, what would become of the Yunxiao Sect's prestige? How would the world view them? They wouldn't see tolerance, but weakness, and they would swarm to challenge them. By then, the Yunxiao Sect would be forced into a massive killing spree, claiming far more lives.

The next evening, Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue arrived at the Fenglei Sect once more. As they reached the entrance, the two powerfully built men standing beside the stone lions bowed respectfully. "Are you Young Hero Li and Miss Feng?"

Li Muzhan inclined his head slightly; Feng Mingxue observed them coolly. "The Sect Master requests your presence," the taller man said respectfully.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "Then please inform him we are here."

One of the men turned and entered the main gate to announce them. Hu Baorui soon strode out purposefully, flanked by two elders, both clad in deep black robes.

"Haha... Young Hero Li, Miss Feng, you've finally arrived! I was just about to visit you!" Hu Baorui boomed upon seeing them.

Li Muzhan smiled, cupping his hands in greeting. "Sect Master Hu, thank you for your trouble. Any news?"

"Come, come, let's discuss this inside." Hu Baorui extended his hand in invitation. Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue followed him through the main gate into the grand hall.

As Li Muzhan stepped into the hall, he glanced toward the left and smiled subtly. Hu Baorui’s heart skipped a beat, though his expression remained unchanged. He smilingly invited them to sit. After servants delivered tea, Hu Baorui took a sip, coughed lightly, and began: "Young Hero Li, Miss Feng, I had my men investigate meticulously, and we did uncover a clue. However, I fear you might not believe what I have to say."

"Sect Master Hu, please, just say it," Li Muzhan replied with a slight smile.

Hu Baorui dispensed with pleasantries, sensing Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue lacked the patience for stalling. He sighed. "After a detailed investigation, I judge that the residence belonging to the Liu family was a temporary base for Luoxia Valley."

"Luoxia Valley?" Li Muzhan pondered. "Your rival, the Fenglei Sect?"

"Alas..." Hu Baorui managed a bitter smile. "I fell into their trap. I thought they posed no real threat anymore and planned to let them off easily to avoid accusations of bullying women and children. Who knew they would resort to such a vicious scheme!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "How can you prove they were responsible?... Besides, do they even possess the capability? My two Senior Brothers are not ordinary men."

Hu Baorui shook his head sadly. "The two young heroes must possess superb martial arts, but Luoxia Valley possesses a unique poison called Dragon Mountain Snow. It is an odorless, tasteless, strange poison. Once infected, it is very difficult to detect; by the time one reacts, they have already collapsed."

"Dragon Mountain Snow..." Li Muzhan murmured.

Hu Baorui sighed. "Luoxia Valley keeps this poison highly secret, never revealing it publicly. Those who knew of it are no longer alive. We have fought them for hundreds of years and know each other deeply, which is how we learned of this poison!"

Li Muzhan pondered. "Is it fatal?"

"Yes," Hu Baorui nodded. "Without their proprietary antidote, death is certain."

"Luoxia Valley has no known feud with my Yunxiao Sect; why would they ambush my Senior Brothers?" Li Muzhan frowned.

Hu Baorui sighed. "I suspect they aimed to frame us, using your esteemed sect’s hand to deal with my Fenglei Sect. That woman, the one surnamed Huang, is truly venomous!"

"Do you actually have evidence? Or are you just trying to trick us into killing on your behalf?"

As they were speaking, Hu Tianzheng strode in energetically. "Father!"

"What are you doing here!" Hu Baorui frowned and waved him away. "That's enough, this is not your concern!"

Hu Tianzheng puffed out his chest, his eyes wide. "Father, can't I say a few words?"

"This is no place for you to speak, withdraw!" Hu Baorui commanded sternly.

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "Sect Master Hu, since the Young Sect Master has something to say, why not listen?"

Hu Baorui hurriedly said, "Young Hero Li, ignore this brat; he gets worked up the moment guests arrive!"

"Father, you fear them, but I do not!" Hu Tianzheng pouted, casting a sidelong glance at Li Muzhan. "That Li fellow, I heard all Yunxiao Sect disciples are geniuses among geniuses, incredibly formidable? I highly doubt it!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "I dare not claim such things."

Hu Tianzheng sneered. "Since you dare not claim it, why all the hype? Talking about peerless genius, none can surpass them—what arrogance!"

Hu Baorui's face darkened; he sighed inwardly, cursing himself for spoiling his beloved son, fostering a defiant temper that feared neither heaven nor earth.

Li Muzhan frowned faintly. "Young Sect Master, are you asking for a sparring match?"

"Indeed!" Hu Tianzheng nodded proudly.

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head. "I think that won't be necessary."

"If you are afraid, just leave quietly, and I won't trouble you," Hu Tianzheng huffed.

Li Muzhan sighed. "Very well, since you insist, Young Sect Master, make your move first. I will receive it, and I'd like to gauge the depth of the Fenglei Sect's profound skills myself."

"Good, then prepare to receive my move!" Hu Tianzheng eagerly agreed.

"Nonsense!" Hu Baorui roared. "Boy, have you made enough trouble!"

Hu Tianzheng retorted, "Father, I need to teach him a lesson, lest he look down on our Fenglei Sect and think he can command us just because he’s from Yunxiao Sect!"

Hu Baorui stated gravely, "Get out!"

"Father, ignore this! I must measure this man’s true strength!" Hu Tianzheng insisted.

Li Muzhan waved his hand with a slight smile. "Sect Master Hu, perhaps we should grant the Young Sect Master his wish. Let us have a small contest; I also wish to witness the unique techniques of the Fenglei Sect."

"This... it doesn't seem appropriate, does it?" Hu Baorui hesitated.

Li Muzhan smiled knowingly. "Sect Master Hu, aren't you thinking the same thing?... No need to be shy; just say it directly, and I will certainly fulfill the Sect Master's desire!... Consider this a gesture of thanks!"

"Young Hero Li, you misunderstand; I absolutely did not mean that!" Hu Baorui quickly denied.

Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand. "Alright, Sect Master Hu, let's just have the match and discuss later. Young Sect Master Hu, please—!"

"Excellent!" Hu Tianzheng was overjoyed, stepping forward before his father could speak. "Father, stand back, I am attacking!" Without waiting for Hu Baorui's consent, he lunged forward, his right palm striking toward Li Muzhan with lightning speed, utterly swift.

Li Muzhan shook his head and made a gentle flicking motion.

With a dull thump, Hu Tianzheng shot out like a stone, embedding himself immovably in a pillar painted vermilion red. After a moment, he struggled violently a few times and pulled himself free.

Li Muzhan sighed. "The Young Sect Master's martial skill is decent, but his cultivation level..." He shook his head, lamenting, "No matter how exquisite the technique, without sufficient internal energy to support it, it ultimately remains flashy and superficial. Young Sect Master should focus on diligent practice."

"You..." Hu Tianzheng roared in anger and rushed forward again.

When Hu Tianzheng drew near, Li Muzhan flicked his hand once more. Thump! Hu Tianzheng was once again embedded in the pillar, precisely in the same spot, fitting so snugly that the impression deepened, burying almost his entire body in the wood.

Li Muzhan shook his head, saying no more. Hu Tianzheng’s face was flushed, his eyes burning with fury, wishing he could strike Li Muzhan dead with one blow. He had always been a genius since childhood, never losing a physical confrontation except against his own father. He hadn't taken Li Muzhan seriously, believing the rumors about the Yunxiao Sect were inflated. Seeing Li Muzhan so young, he thought, how strong could he truly be? Thus, he sought to use this chance to establish his own fame. While he had considered the possibility of defeat, he never imagined being crushed so completely, unable to even muster a defense against a mere wave of a sleeve.

Noticing Hu Tianzheng preparing to charge again, Li Muzhan waved a hand. "Young Sect Master, let that be enough!"

"That's enough, boy!" Hu Baorui commanded sternly. "Stop fooling around. With your clumsy skills, you dare challenge Young Hero Li? It’s pure wishful thinking, overestimating yourself!"

"..." Hu Tianzheng glared fiercely at Li Muzhan, breathing heavily, clearly unconvinced.

Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled. "The unique techniques of the Fenglei Sect are indeed impressive, Sect Master Hu. Now, please show me your evidence."

"Certainly, I will present it to Young Hero Li right away." Hu Baorui quickly nodded, subtly signaling Hu Tianzheng, who retreated with a look of lingering resentment.

Li Muzhan watched Hu Tianzheng leave, a smile playing on his lips. Feng Mingxue had remained silent, observing everything with a cold eye. She discerned a trace of Hu Baorui’s manipulation in Hu Tianzheng’s outburst. She inwardly scoffed at Hu Baorui’s pettiness—he had actually tested the depths of their power. It seemed he lacked the appropriate respect and fear toward the Yunxiao Sect. She bit her red lip, sighing internally: was it truly time, as her junior brother suggested, to forcefully establish authority?