After they made the acquaintance of Li Muzhan, they withdrew, leaving only Li Muzhan, Cao Ya, and Cao Miao inside the room. Quiet settled, the light within soft and diffused.

In the adjacent room to the west, Hu Ruilin sat across from his son, Hu Xiaofeng, whose face was grim. With a sharp slam on the table, Hu Xiaofeng angrily declared, "Damn it all!"

Hu Ruilin sat calmly, taking a slow sip of his tea, lifting an eyebrow to glance at his son without betraying any emotion.

"Father, doesn't that infuriate you!" Hu Xiaofeng sneered. "This is a clear sign they don't trust us. How outrageous!"

"Feng'er, sit down!" Hu Ruilin said mildly.

Hu Xiaofeng waved a hand dismissively. "I can't sit still!"

Hu Ruilin shook his head. "You, you are far too impatient! To be so vexed over such a small matter, is it really worth it?"

"We shield them from all harm, yet in the end, they won't put their faith in us! Even if you gave a beggar a steamed bun, he’d at least say thank you!"

Hu Ruilin’s face darkened. "Feng'er, silence!"

Hu Xiaofeng sulkily plopped back into his seat, muttering, "I'm just not convinced. Uncle Cao is being completely unfair!"

"You take yourself far too seriously!" Hu Ruilin sighed, shaking his head. "You aren't even Cao's son-in-law yet!"

"Father—!" Hu Xiaofeng quickly interjected.

Hu Ruilin looked at him. "I think Miaor hasn't taken a liking to you, so stop making things difficult for yourself."

Hu Xiaofeng shook his head. "Father, you're mistaken. She is reserved in front of outsiders, but she’s moved otherwise!"

"Really?" Hu Ruilin cast him a sidelong glance.

Hu Xiaofeng puffed out his chest. "Father, you underestimate me too much!"

Hu Ruilin shook his head. "Miaor is no simple girl. You are not worthy of her."

"Father, why are you always taking their side?!"

"I am merely stating the truth." Hu Ruilin shook his head. "You, my boy, have grand ambitions but little talent. You lack any real skill, so you are unfit for her."

"I am determined to marry her!"

Hu Ruilin shook his head. "I suspect Brother Cao will marry Miaor to Wuji. You have no hope. It’s best you be sensible and keep quiet!"

Hu Xiaofeng's face darkened. "Li Wuji?!"

Hu Ruilin nodded. "He is good material; his future achievements will not be low!"

"Just him?!" Hu Xiaofeng scoffed, twisting his body slightly. "He knows a few parlor tricks and can barely shoot an arrow. He has no looks, no eloquence—on what basis could he capture the beauty's heart?"

"Miaor is different from other girls." Hu Ruilin shook his head. "Don't compare her to them... You have too many romantic entanglements to settle. It’s time to focus your heart and practice your martial arts diligently!"

Hu Xiaofeng scratched the back of his head. "Father, you know about...?"

"Do you think your sordid affairs can be hidden from anyone!?" Hu Ruilin shook his head. "Boy, you are lagging far behind!"

Hu Xiaofeng's spirits plummeted. He lowered his voice. "Then what should I do to marry Miaor? ...Father, I truly like Miaor!"

Hu Ruilin shook his head. "Give up the idea, there's no chance!"

"Father—!" Hu Xiaofeng reached out to tug his sleeve.

Hu Ruilin remained unmoved, simply shaking his head.

Li Muzhan coughed lightly and set down his teacup. Cao Ya looked up from his contemplation, and Cao Miao’s bright eyes followed suit.

"Wuji, are you satisfied with those six?" Cao Ya asked gently.

Li Muzhan replied, "Teacher, I have a slight concern."

"Tell me about it." Cao Ya invited.

Li Muzhan frowned. "If I were your opponent, I would be waiting for this exact move from you."

"Hiss—" Cao Ya sucked in a sharp breath, pressing a hand to his forehead. "To cut the grass and remove the roots entirely!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "It's just that we don't know how deep his actual strength runs. Otherwise, summoning the guards now would be signing our own death warrant!"

Cao Ya gave a bitter laugh and shook his head. "Alas... I truly am getting old. I didn't foresee this step!"

Li Muzhan quickly smiled. "Teacher, I was just idly speculating; it might not be true."

"It's highly possible!"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "It's fortunate you only summoned half of them and kept the rest in reserve; the opponent must have some reservations."

Cao Ya fell silent, pondering. Cao Miao asked, "Father, should we ask Big Brother and the others to leave first?"

"Forget it." Cao Ya shook his head. "Since they are here, they stay put. A storm is likely coming, and we will need their strength... Miaor, you stay with me."

"Yes." Cao Miao nodded slightly, her bright eyes flicking towards Li Muzhan. Indeed, as the Master's disciple, his thoughtfulness was even keener than her own.

Cao Ya possessed the ability to accept and release situations. Since matters had reached this point, there was nothing else to manage. He let it go, smiling faintly. "Among those six, Feng'er has the strongest martial arts. Don't let her being a woman fool you; the Purple Garment Palace has a long history and is a renowned major sect in the world. Although Long'er and Hu'er have good aptitude, their sects are lacking."

Li Muzhan nodded. He could sense Cao Feng's formidable martial arts. Though she appeared delicate, quiet, and refined, there was a subtle, sharp aura about her, stemming from her internal cultivation method—the Purple Garment Palace's technique was truly potent.

Cao Ya continued, "Long'er has considerable strategic mind and excels in direct combat. Bao'er specializes in assassination. He'er has superb lightness skill, with talent far surpassing the average person. Yu'er is best at intelligence gathering and is the most adept at deception."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Each of your martial brothers excels in their own domain, Teacher. Your instruction is profound."

Cao Ya stroked his beard and chuckled. "I teach according to aptitude, letting them develop based on their temperaments. Only when interest aligns with nature can achievement be reached; otherwise, they'd merely be mediocre!"

Li Muzhan nodded, sighing. "It is truly their fortune to have met you, Teacher; I am fortunate as well!"

Cao Ya shook his head. "That's not necessarily true. You are now implicated by me and caught in danger. I don't know if we can overcome this hurdle."

Li Muzhan smiled confidently. "With all my martial brothers here, we will surely pass this trial!"

"Alas... I sincerely hope so..." Cao Ya stroked his beard, shaking his head with a faint smile.

The next morning, they rose early and returned to the large boat. Cao Long and the other five were nowhere in sight; they had vanished into the shadows to provide protection.

Li Muzhan activated his Void Eye and could clearly observe their positions.

Cao Hu was positioned at the very front. Cao Feng and Cao Yu flanked the wings. Cao Long was at the rear, while Cao Bao and Cao He were on either side. The six formed a hexagonal pattern, positioned about two hundred meters from Cao Ya—this distance was ideal; they could rush forward instantly if trouble arose while remaining concealed.

They returned safely to the main vessel and then traveled down the river. The six men reappeared on deck, and Hu Ruilin and his son finally saw them.

Seeing their appearance, Hu Xiaofeng was quite surprised. He had expected seasoned veterans, but these people seemed somewhat odd, being so young. How powerful could their martial arts truly be? His own Drinking Tiger techniques were exceedingly advanced; how could these guards compare? What use were these escorts!

He stood with Cao Miao at the bow of the boat, their clothes billowing as if borne by the wind. The thin veil on Cao Miao's face fluttered, her features intermittently glimpsed.

"Miaor," Hu Xiaofeng said, glancing at Cao Yu, who was leisurely fishing at the stern, "Do you think they can handle things?"

"Why wouldn't they?" Cao Miao’s bright eyes met his.

Hu Xiaofeng shook his head. "They are so young; how high can their martial skill possibly be?"

Cao Miao replied calmly, "All my sworn brothers come from famous lineages."

Hu Xiaofeng insisted, "So what if they come from famous lineages? They’ve only trained for a few years; how strong can they be?"

Cao Miao said faintly, "No need to trouble yourself worrying."

"Miaor, I only mean well; don't misunderstand me."

Cao Miao spared him a look and said coolly, "I understand. The wind is strong here; I think I'll return inside."

"Miaor," Hu Xiaofeng urged.

Cao Miao turned and walked away without acknowledging him. Hu Xiaofeng reached out to stop her, but after encountering her faint, distant glance, he reluctantly stepped back and cleared a path. Cao Miao departed, leaving behind a trail of light, fragrant air.

Li Muzhan, speaking with Cao Long, took in the entire scene, shaking his head silently. Hu Xiaofeng had no major flaws, only a rash nature—a common ailment of youth.

Cao Long said, "Wuji, our Godfather holds you in extremely high regard. Please persuade him often to take care of his health, especially not to read too late at night."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Teacher has been better these last few days; his mind isn't as burdened."

Cao Long breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. I have always worried about my Godfather's health; overexerting himself will certainly shorten his lifespan."

Li Muzhan mentioned, "Teacher said the Guiyuan Ointment you sent is very effective. Big Brother sends Guiyuan Ointment every month; Teacher says you worry too much."

Cao Long waved it off. "A bit of Guiyuan Ointment is nothing."

The Guiyuan Ointment was no ordinary substance; its medicinal ingredients were rare and difficult to gather, and its effect was excellent. Cao Ya attributed his robust physique to this very ointment.

Cao Long warned, "Wuji, you also need to be careful of Hu Xiaofeng."

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow slightly. Cao Long continued frankly, "We are family, so let's speak plainly. That boy is not a good sort."

Li Muzhan smiled. "Brother Hu is a bit arrogant, but nothing more, surely."

Cao Long shook his head. "He is dissolute and lustful; he is not a suitable match."

Li Muzhan frowned, nodding slowly. "Big Brother is worried about Miaor, aren't you?"

"Yes. I watched Miaor grow up. Although she has her own mind, she is young, and I fear..." Cao Long sighed.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Don't worry, Big Brother. Miaor knows where the line is."

"That boy has a handsome face; which woman doesn't admire beauty? I'm just afraid Miaor might be momentarily confused," Cao Long lamented.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "I can see it; Miaor is just placating him. Big Brother is overthinking things."

"That's a relief. (Shu Shu Wu)"

Li Muzhan added, "We must also give Martial Hero Hu some face."

"If it weren't for Martial Hero Hu, hmph!" Cao Long sneered. "A toad dreaming of eating swan meat—what a joke!"

As the two spoke, Li Muzhan's expression suddenly changed slightly. He rose and pushed open the window. Outside, the river flowed turbulently, and fresh air rushed in.

Cao Long rose and stood beside him, glancing around. His expression changed too. "Something is wrong!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "They come with ill intent."

Four black-canopied boats drifted rapidly down the river, quickly closing in on their large vessel. Li Muzhan turned. "Big Brother, what should we do?"

Suddenly, a small boat shot out from the main vessel. Two figures stood on it—Cao Hu and Cao He. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, with Cao Hu poling the craft. The small boat shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, moving faster than the four approaching boats.

As the four black boats moved downstream, Cao Hu and Cao He moved upstream. The two sides soon met. Cao Hu shouted in a deep voice, "Who approaches? Announce yourselves!"

His voice boomed like thunder, making the windowpanes tremble slightly.

Li Muzhan narrowed his eyes, admiringly. "Second Brother has profound internal energy!"

Cao Long smiled. "Wuji, you know about internal energy?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Martial Hero Hu taught me the Eight Drinking Tiger Methods, and I have cultivated some internal energy, though it is very weak—enough for health maintenance, but not for fighting."

"The Eight Drinking Tiger Methods," Cao Long acknowledged. "That is also a rare ultimate skill. Martial Hero Hu is quite generous."

Li Muzhan smiled. "It was Teacher who pleaded with Martial Hero Hu, disregarding his own stature."

"Godfather is very dedicated to you, Wuji," Cao Long remarked with a smile. "Wuji, you must work hard and not let Teacher's painstaking efforts go to waste."

Li Muzhan nodded solemnly and replied with a smile, "I will do my best."

While the two spoke, Cao Hu and Cao He leaped into the air, shooting towards separate black boats. Four middle-aged men dressed in black emerged from the cabins of the boats, staring coldly at the two martial brothers.

Cao Hu snorted, showing no fear. Mid-air, he launched a fierce palm strike, met by one of the black-clad men. With a muffled bang, Cao Hu landed lightly, while the black-clad man staggered back a step, caught by his companion.

Cao He moved like a soaring crane, meeting the second boat. A black-clad man lunged forward, throwing a punch. Cao He met it with a palm strike. With another dull thud, Cao He plummeted downward like a stone.

Both landed on their respective boats and charged toward the four black-clad men, immediately engaging in combat, managing to hold their own for the moment.

Li Muzhan marveled, "Second Brother and Fifth Brother are truly formidable!"

Cao Hu's fist techniques were fierce and overwhelming, his strikes like hammers yet incredibly swift. Even surrounded by four opponents, he was not losing ground.

Cao He's movement was subtle and wondrous; surrounded by the four assassins, he moved with deceptive ease. Though he couldn't overpower them, he was quick enough to evade, keeping the four entangled.

Cao Long sighed and shook his head. "These are true assassins. I must intervene now. Wuji, go to Godfather and have Martial Hero Hu protect you."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Be careful, Big Brother."

Cao Long coldly snorted. "They dare plot against Godfather? They are courting death. I’m going!"

Li Muzhan nodded. Cao Long pressed against the window frame and floated out, skimming across the river surface like a falling leaf. With two swift movements, he reached another black boat and engaged the four assassins there.

The last black boat suddenly lurched and capsized. Cao Yu's head popped up briefly near the overturned boat before he ducked back under the water. He then appeared directly behind one of the black-clad men. With a swift motion, a flash of blade light crossed the man's throat. Cao Yu submerged again, reappearing behind another assassin.

As he reached out toward the second man, that person suddenly twisted around and thrust a blade. Cao Yu sidestepped, and the two became locked in battle.

Li Muzhan got up and moved to the adjacent room. Inside, Cao Feng, Hu Ruilin, and Hu Xiaofeng were sitting, anxiously watching the river outside.

"Wuji, come here." Cao Ya beckoned, and Li Muzhan sat beside him. "Teacher, they finally couldn't hold back."

Cao Ya nodded. "These are likely scouts. Leave them to Long'er and the others."

Li Muzhan affirmed, "Big Brother and the others are highly skilled; they won't let them succeed!" (To be continued)