Dugu Heng soon arrived. Outside the main hall, a palanquin was waiting. The four middle-aged bearers were clad in fitted azure uniforms, their eyes sharp and bright, clearly indicating deep cultivation.

"Father, everything is ready. Shall we depart?" Dugu Heng strode in with purpose.

Dugu Jue nodded. "I'm going on a trip, first to the Tang family!"

"Right away!" Dugu Heng nodded vigorously, helped him into the palanquin, then turned back to cupped his hands toward Li Mu Chan: "Brother Li, truly..."

Li Mu Chan waved a hand. "No need for platitudes. Let's make haste. Go, go."

Dugu Heng's expression hardened into resolve, and he nodded slowly. With a sweep of his hand, he departed with purposeful strides. The four bearers moved as if gliding, silent as shadows, as if riding the wind just above the ground.

Once they left, only Li Mu Chan and Dugu Jing Hua remained in the hall.

Dugu Jing Hua chided softly, "Sir, why strain yourself? Though they are heads of their houses, their death is their own affair; it has nothing to do with you. Why must you involve yourself!"

Li Mu Chan smiled faintly, shaking his head. "I am not doing this for their sake."

"I don't want you exhausting yourself again!" Dugu Jing Hua protested, her cheeks flushing.

Li Mu Chan replied, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I help them only to cause trouble for the Emperor, not because I truly wish to aid them!"

"Oh, so saving Elder Brother was for that reason too." Dugu Jing Hua looked crestfallen and shot him a sidelong glance.

Li Mu Chan laughed. "You can tell that I don't care for your Elder Brother, can't you?"

"Not only can I tell, but Elder Brother can as well!" Dugu Jing Hua pursed her lips and smiled. "He is indeed heartless and unrighteous, quite detestable, but he is still my elder brother."

Li Mu Chan stated, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't spare a thought for whether he lived or died. Even if he died before my eyes, I wouldn't bat an eyelid."

Dugu Jing Hua couldn't help but reveal a smile, murmuring with a curved mouth, "I know, but you still saved him, and he is grateful."

Li Mu Chan shook his head. "I don't care for his gratitude at all. In your Dugu Estate, there are only two things I might possibly value."

"Which two?" Dugu Jing Hua tilted her head and smiled, shallow dimples appearing, possessing an indescribable, soft allure.

Li Mu Chan chuckled. "One is the Dan Xin Tie Quan (Iron Edict of the Loyal Heart); that is a fine item.

"The Dan Xin Tie Quan is certainly a valuable thing," Dugu Jing Hua agreed, nodding. "Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn't constantly plot to deal with our Four Great Families. It’s not just his apprehension of our influence, but also his desire for the Iron Edict."

Li Mu Chan continued, "The other thing... is you."

Dugu Jing Hua's face immediately flushed a vibrant hue, looking ready to yield a drop of dew. She gave him a sidelong glance and pouted, "What nonsense are you speaking? I am not some mere thing."

Her eyes flowed with charm, voluptuous and radiant, like a rose in full bloom, mesmerizing Li Mu Chan.

Li Mu Chan laughed heartily. "Now that I could potentially have you, obtaining the Dan Xin Tie Quan is out of the question, and I truly have no need for your Elder Brother's gratitude."

"Hmph, Elder Brother will repay you someday!" Dugu Jing Hua shot him a look.

Li Mu Chan smiled, "Then marry me!"

Dugu Jing Hua scoffed, "You dream too much! I am not marrying anyone!... I intend to live out my days within this manor; give up that idea entirely!"

Li Mu Chan raised an eyebrow. "Not marrying?"

"Mmm, I won't marry. Isn't this arrangement we have now quite good?" Dugu Jing Hua nodded, smiling. "Besides, if I were to marry you, what about your several sweethearts?"

Li Mu Chan laughed. "Marry me all together."

"You are quite greedy. I won't marry alongside others. Elder Brother wouldn't agree either," Dugu Jing Hua shook her head. "That would bring too much disgrace upon the Dugu Estate."

Li Mu Chan nodded in mock resignation. "Then that is truly unfair to you!"

"So, I won't marry, and we are perfectly fine just as we are," Dugu Jing Hua smiled.

Li Mu Chan sighed inwardly. By what virtue or merit did he inspire such sacrifices? While Dugu Jing Hua's actions were certainly for the Dugu Estate, they also made things easier for him.

With a soft sigh, he slowly drew her into his embrace. Dugu Jing Hua quickly placed a hand against his chest, chiding sweetly, "Your injury!"

Li Mu Chan smiled. "It's nothing."

He insisted on holding her tight. Dugu Jing Hua was cautious, trying her best not to touch the wound. Seeing that the injury had already scabbed over, she sighed. "Later, when you treat their injuries, you'll reopen them, won't you?"

Li Mu Chan asked, "Where are your estate's elixirs? I need to replenish my internal energy."

Dugu Jing Hua slapped her smooth forehead, suddenly enlightened. She pouted, "Look at me, so muddle-headed! I forgot about that!" In her anxiety over Li Mu Chan’s wound, she hadn't thought of anything else—she should have remembered the estate's spirit pills long ago. With the elixirs, perhaps his injuries wouldn't worsen.

"Wait for me, I'll fetch them immediately." She quickly pulled away from Li Mu Chan's embrace and dashed off.

Moments later, she returned with three jade bottles. The emerald jade bottles shimmered faintly, as if clear water flowed within them; one could tell immediately they were no ordinary items.

She picked up one bottle and smiled. "This is the San Qing Dan (Three Purity Pill); it revitalizes the spirit."

She picked up another jade bottle and smiled. "This is the Bai Cao Dan (Hundred Herb Pill); it replenishes vital essence."

She picked up the last jade bottle, shook it slightly, "This is the Wan Hua Dan (Ten Thousand Transformations Pill); it restores internal energy the fastest. Which do you want?"

Li Mu Chan mused for a moment. "The San Qing Dan will suffice."

"Good." Dugu Jing Hua nodded, then tucked the other two bottles into his arms. "Take these too, just in case."

Li Mu Chan laughed. "With my current cultivation, I don't need those two."

"Take them," Dugu Jing Hua insisted, pushing the jade bottles into his hands. Then she opened the first emerald bottle, revealing several crimson pills inside, each the size of a thumbnail, exquisite and delicate.

She took out two and placed them into Li Mu Chan's mouth.

Li Mu Chan grimaced wryly. "These are very precious items, aren't they? Isn't eating them like this such a waste?"

"No matter how precious, can they be more important than a life?" Dugu Jing Hua huffed.

As the two were speaking, footsteps approached, and then Dugu Heng called out, "Brother Li, they've arrived!"

Li Mu Chan nodded. "Master Tang?"

"Yes." Dugu Heng strode in. Tang Tang, dressed in violet robes, followed with a pale face, cupping her hands. "Mr. Li, can you truly save Father?"

Li Mu Chan waved a hand. "Bring the person over!"

Dugu Heng waved his hand back. "Quickly!"

Two men carried a stretcher, moving without a sound, bringing in the Master of the Tang Family—Tang Hao Ran. He lay motionless on the stretcher, his face bluish, covered in a film of deathly stillness; his breath had already ceased.

Li Mu Chan shook his head, pointing to his own knees. He had been sitting cross-legged, and the wound on his chest was clearly visible. Tang Tang hadn't noticed at first, but now looking up, she exclaimed, "Mr. Li, you're injured?"

Li Mu Chan nodded, saying nothing, and extended his hand to press Tang Hao Ran's wrist. Then, with his fingers brought together, he tapped several points on his chest, let out a long breath, and nodded. "It's fine. There is a thread of hope."

Tang Tang was overjoyed. "Sir, you must save my father!"

Li Mu Chan frowned and waved his hand. Dugu Heng quickly pulled Tang Tang back. "Tang Tang, don't disturb Mr. Li. He asked for the Master to be brought here; naturally, he intends to save him!"

Tang Tang nodded vigorously, staring intently at Li Mu Chan. Li Mu Chan slightly lowered his eyelids. Dugu Jing Hua whispered, "Sir, is he really salvageable?"

Li Mu Chan replied, "Let's try. It depends on his fortune."

Dugu Jing Hua nodded and whispered, "If Master Tang dies, the Tang family will truly be in danger, on the verge of collapse. But don't overexert yourself."

Li Mu Chan smiled. "If Tang Tang hears you say that, be careful she doesn't hold a grudge."

Dugu Jing Hua pouted, "Focus on saving others; don't harm yourself!"

Li Mu Chan said, "I know, you don't need to say more. I must save him regardless. Whether he lives or dies depends only on their destiny and fortune."

As the two were whispering, footsteps sounded again. Immediately following, a youth with a jade-like face and vermilion lips entered with Dugu Jue, his expression panicked.

"Mr. Li, Old Zhao is here too," Dugu Jue reported. "He wasn't as lucky as I; he couldn't escape. Should we bring him in to have a look?"

Li Mu Chan nodded. "Let's see."

Dugu Jue beckoned. "Xun Ming, bring your father in."

The handsome youth with the jade face and red lips nodded and personally carried the stretcher in, setting Zhao Huai Ren down beside Tang Hao Ran. Both looked pleadingly toward Li Mu Chan.

Zhao Huai Ren’s former dashing composure had vanished. His face was slightly contorted, showing unwillingness, but his complexion was ashen—he had also passed away.

Li Mu Chan rapidly tapped several points on his chest, then nodded lightly. "Hmm, there is still a thread of life here. Fortunately, I wasn't too late... You all step back; I need to save people."

Dugu Jing Hua spoke up. "Everyone step back. When Sir performs the technique, no outsiders can interrupt, or there will be life-threatening danger. Not only will the procedure fail, and the person not be saved, but you might also lose your own life."

Everyone looked worriedly at Li Mu Chan, but finally, under Dugu Jue's command, they slowly retreated, leaving the main hall. They were now resorting to desperation, having exhausted all other options.

Only Dugu Jing Hua remained inside, along with Dugu Heng. Dugu Jue stood outside, slightly lowering his eyes, closing them at the entrance of the hall.

Tang Tang and the jade-faced youth stood anxiously but dared not move. Hearing what Dugu Jing Hua had just said—that they absolutely could not disturb the process—they feared even the sound of their footsteps would bother Li Mu Chan.

They stood behind Dugu Jue, occasionally peering into the hall, where faint sounds of wind and thunder seemed to emanate, like distant thunder. They looked up at the sky, but there was nothing unusual.

They felt a long time had passed when Dugu Jing Hua's anxious cry rang out from inside: "Sir! Sir!" Startled, both started to rush in, but Dugu Jue held out an arm. "Don't move yet!"

The two stopped abruptly, forced to wait, peering anxiously inside. Li Mu Chan's voice drifted out: "Give me two more San Qing Dan."

"Sir, don't push yourself!" Dugu Jing Hua's voice responded.

Li Mu Chan said, "It's fine."

Tang Tang and the youth clenched and unclenched their hands, wishing they could rush in to see clearly, but Dugu Jue blocked the doorway, preventing them from daring to charge in.

Li Mu Chan's deep, measured voice sounded next: "Brother Dugu, help them sit up!"

"Right away," Dugu Heng's voice replied.

The sound of wind and thunder returned, this time louder. The two outside looked out but saw no movement. They realized the sound was coming from inside.

Dugu Jue shook his head and sighed. Tang Tang quickly asked, "Uncle, is something wrong?"

Dugu Jue opened his eyes and sighed. "Tang Tang, I'm old! The younger generation today is truly formidable!"

"What is it, Uncle?" Tang Tang asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Dugu Jue said, "Look at his finger techniques; they invoke natural phenomena—heaven and earth responding to him. He has reached the peak, achieving unity between man and heaven. Wind and thunder follow his will. This is a marvelous technique utilizing the power of heaven and earth; no wonder he can restore vitality."

"Does that mean it's very powerful, Uncle?" Tang Tang asked, her eyes wide.

Dugu Jue glanced at her, shook his head, smiling inwardly. What was the use of explaining such things to this young girl? Her martial arts were far too weak; she wouldn't understand anyway.

The jade-faced, red-lipped youth, Zhao Xun Ming, asked, "Uncle, does this mean Father has a chance?"

"Mmm, I myself was dragged back from the gate of hell, having already died. I was brought back to life by Mr. Li!" Dugu Jue revealed a joyful expression toward Zhao Xun Ming. "It seems he truly possesses ability that pierces heaven and earth. Now Father really has hope!"

Tang Tang glanced at him sideways. "You didn't believe in Mr. Li, yet you still sent Uncle Zhao over?"

Zhao Xun Ming sheepishly rubbed his head, saying nothing. He couldn't very well say it was a last resort, could he?

"Hah!" A thunderous crack echoed, causing the three outside the doorway to sway. Dugu Jue's face went pale, and he staggered precariously. Tang Tang quickly stepped forward to support him; her face was also pale, and she almost lost her footing.

"It's done," Li Mu Chan's weak voice came through. "Jing Hua, carry me back!"

"Sir! Sir!" Dugu Jing Hua's anxious voice sounded.

Dugu Heng's voice followed. "Aunt, you worry too much. Brother Li should be fine. Where should I take him?"

"To the manor!" Dugu Jing Hua stated.

Dugu Jue asked, "Little Heng?"

"Father, come in!" Dugu Heng's voice replied.

Tang Tang rushed inside without hesitation. She saw Li Mu Chan lying in Dugu Jing Hua's arms. Then she looked at her father; the bluish-gray pallor had receded from his face, replaced by a slight hint of rosy color over his paleness.

She quickly went forward to check his breathing; he was breathing steadily, appearing as if in deep sleep. Just as she was about to speak, Tang Hao Ran slowly opened his eyes.

"Father—!" Tang Tang cried out in overwhelming joy, rushing forward, tears streaming down her face.

Tang Hao Ran looked around, patted her back, "Girl, easy now!"

Tang Tang realized her action and quickly rose, cautiously asking, "Father, are you alright now?"

"Mmm, much better," Tang Hao Ran smiled, nodding. "I remember being about to leave... I've come back in a haze!"

"Old Tang, it won't be that easy for you to leave!" Zhao Huai Ren said slowly, opening his eyes and speaking faintly.

"Old Zhao, why are you here too?" Tang Hao Ran looked around, then smiled. "Brother Dugu, what is this place...?"

Dugu Jue snorted. "We are both people who have died once. Mr. Li forcefully pulled us back and returned us to the living!"

"Mr. Li?" They turned their heads and saw Li Mu Chan being held by Dugu Jing Hua.

Dugu Jue continued, "If Mr. Li hadn't used his secret art of reviving the dead, we would be keeping company in the Underworld! ... Mr. Li also took a hit from a Po Shen Jian (Spirit-Shattering Arrow) while saving people; there might be serious aftereffects."

"Alas... what great fortune!" Tang Hao Ran clapped his hands with emotion. "This Mr. Li is truly our benefactor. How can we possibly repay him!"

Dugu Jing Hua looked up. "Uncles, I must take my leave first!"

"Go, go. You should take Mr. Li back first. Is he alright?" Zhao Huai Ren asked quickly.

Dugu Jing Hua's face turned cold, and she said faintly, "I don't know right now. Farewell!"

She left with Li Mu Chan held coldly in her arms. Dugu Heng tried to help, but she dodged him, leaving the hall alone with Li Mu Chan, causing the atmosphere in the hall to instantly chill.

Dugu Heng attempted to follow and assist, but Dugu Jing Hua glared him back, forcing him to retreat reluctantly. Tang Tang also stopped helplessly, not daring to follow her, as she had never seen her so angry.

Zhao Huai Ren smiled. "Jing Hua is throwing such a tantrum; is it directed at us?"

"You have some sense!" Tang Hao Ran stood up, dusting off his behind. "If it's not directed at us, who is it for?"

"This...?" Zhao Huai Ren looked bewildered. "How did we offend her?"

Dugu Jue waved his hand and sighed. "Forget it. To save you, Mr. Li was forcefully knocked unconscious. She is heartbroken, that's why she is angry with you!"

"So that's it!" Zhao Huai Ren suddenly understood and smiled. "So Jing Hua does have someone she cares for! It truly is a rare occurrence for an iron tree to bloom, and only a heroic figure like Mr. Li could capture her eye!"

Tang Hao Ran said, "We've managed to claw our way back from death this time; it's all thanks to Mr. Li. We must repay him handsomely in the future!"

"How to repay him?" Dugu Jue shook his head. "Mr. Li is already a Grandmaster at such a young age. He lacks nothing—no money, no beauties, no secret martial arts manuals. What can we offer him?"

"Alas... that is true," Zhao Huai Ren frowned. "We can only see. It's a pity I don't have a daughter; otherwise, I'd marry her off to him!"

"With your looks, even your daughter would be a stretch. Better keep her for yourself!" Tang Hao Ran laughed.

Having narrowly escaped death, their hearts were filled with gratitude. They were originally old rivals, but now they felt an unusual warmth, like old friends.

"Brother Dugu, both of you were struck by the Po Shen Jian, right?" Zhao Huai Ren asked.

The two nodded. Dugu Jue sighed. "Though my life was spared, my martial arts are gone. The Po Shen Jian is truly formidable; I have experienced it now!"

Zhao Huai Ren frowned, as did Tang Hao Ran. Both checked themselves and shook their heads with bitter smiles.

Dugu Jue breathed a sigh of relief. "You two as well?"

The two nodded. Dugu Jue frowned. "It seems it was caused by the Po Shen Jian!... This enmity must be avenged!"

"How to avenge it?" Zhao Huai Ren asked with a wry smile. "We can't just storm the Imperial Palace and kill the Emperor, can we?"

"Hmph, why not?" Dugu Jue sneered.

Tang Hao Ran shook his head. "Brother Dugu, give up that idea. If we do that, we'll truly be stray dogs, and the Four Great Families will scatter to dust!"

Zhao Huai Ren sighed. "Brother Dugu, Old Tang, I think we should let it go."

Dugu Jue frowned at him. "You can swallow this insult?"

"If I can't swallow it, then what?" Zhao Huai Ren shook his head bitterly. "Are we truly going to drag everything down with us to destruction? We are already old; if we die, so be it, but what about our children?"