He glared fiercely at Li Muzhan, a profound indignation burning in his eyes, as if he’d been utterly tricked. This was supposed to be merely "acquainted with spear techniques"? It was pure deceit!

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "Young Master Mo, do you wish to continue this contest?"

Mo Zichen sneered, "My skill is lacking; I only brought humiliation upon myself!"

Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a smile, returned to Dong Wanyi’s side, handed the long spear back to her, and asked, "Did I disgrace you, young lady?"

Dong Wanyi’s face bloomed like a flower. She had never expected Li Muzhan’s spear mastery to be so profound, defeating Mo Zichen—whom both Elder Geng and Elder He couldn't best—in just a few moves.

She turned with a smile. "Does Young Master Mo have any further pointers for us?"

"Farewell!" Mo Zichen, too ashamed to linger, turned on his heel and departed.

After they left, Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed. "This Young Master Mo’s cultivation is truly not shallow."

"But was he not still defeated by you, Young Master?" Dong Wanyi chuckled sweetly. "Your cultivation is clearly a level above his."

Li Muzhan shook his head. "I am not much stronger than him; it was sheer spearplay that gave me the advantage."

"Young Master Li’s spear techniques are truly exquisite. In my estimation, they are no less refined than the Dong Family Spear style," Elder He stroked his beard and smiled faintly. "This old man has truly broadened his horizons!"

Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched upward. He laughed. "Elder He flatters me. Mine are merely rustic tricks... Young Lady, if the opportunity arises, I would dearly love to witness the Dong Family Spear style myself."

"Certainly," Dong Wanyi nodded. "I shall speak to Elder Brother and arrange for you to spar a few moves with him."

"That would be most excellent," Li Muzhan replied with a smile.

Elder He chuckled heartily. "Young Master Li, the Eldest Young Master’s spear skills inherited the true essence from the Old Patriarch, and show signs of surpassing the original. You must be cautious!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Then I shall look forward to experiencing it firsthand."

Elder Geng had been silently stroking his beard, deep in thought. He kept replaying the moves Li Muzhan had used in his mind. The spear art looked simple, yet it was profoundly subtle.

The more he recalled each motion, the more ingenious Li Muzhan's technique appeared—so seemingly clumsy yet masterful, masking its depth behind an apparent simplicity. Perhaps only an opponent could truly grasp its profound nature.

Mo Zichen’s swift concession wasn't born of true despair; given his character, he wouldn't have left so abruptly otherwise. This Li Gongzi was deeply concealing his power; such spearplay was no mere 'rustic trick.'

"Young Master, wait a moment. I shall go find Elder Brother right now," Dong Wanyi suddenly rose, and before Li Muzhan could object, she gracefully departed.

Li Muzhan did not refuse, merely shaking his head and smiling. "I have yet to meet the Eldest Young Master."

"The Eldest Young Master is extremely busy and rarely sees outsiders," Elder Geng informed him. "Now that the Old Patriarch has withdrawn from worldly affairs, the Eldest Young Master manages everything."

Li Muzhan nodded. "Then I truly must meet the Eldest Young Master."

"You will not be disappointed," Elder Geng stated with proud confidence.

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. It seemed this Eldest Young Master was no ordinary figure; anyone who could earn Elder Geng’s sincere respect and pride could not be a common personage... About the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, footsteps sounded. Li Muzhan looked up. Dong Wanyi appeared, moving with delicate grace, followed by a tall, slender middle-aged man.

Li Muzhan’s brow flickered. This middle-aged man was clad in a sapphire blue long gown, immaculate and sharp in appearance. His long face was set in a serious expression. Though his features were not striking, his eyes were so keen they seemed to pierce directly into one's soul.

Li Muzhan hadn't expected the Eldest Young Master to be this aged; he had assumed he would be closer to Dong Wanyi’s generation. In reality, he looked more like her father; there was a considerable age gap between them.

"Eldest Young Master," Elder Geng and Elder He both rose and cupped their hands.

Li Muzhan, knowing this eldest son was named Dong Yufei, also rose and bowed.

Dong Yufei waved a hand dismissively. His sharp gaze fixed on Li Muzhan. "You are Young Master Li? ... A man of fine bearing. I thank you for saving my younger sister."

Li Muzhan smiled. "It was merely a small effort."

"You saw off the Third Young Master Mo?" Dong Yufei approached, radiating an imposing aura. "That Young Master Mo can be quite troublesome. I thank you for handling him for us."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Eldest Young Master is too polite."

Dong Yufei turned to his sister. "Little sister, you mentioned Young Master Li’s spear mastery is peerless, not inferior to our Dong Family Spear?"

Dong Wanyi glanced at Li Muzhan with a soft smile, pursing her lips. "Young Master Mo couldn't withstand ten of Young Master Li’s moves. Can you manage that, Elder Brother?"

Dong Yufei frowned in thought, then shook his head. "Though the Third Young Master Mo is young, his talent is extraordinary. He is said to be a rare prodigy in the Mo family once in a hundred years, with deep cultivation. I could not subdue him in ten moves."

Dong Wanyi smiled brightly. "There you have it. Li Gongzi wishes to see our spear style; Elder Brother, do not hold back."

Dong Yufei knitted his brows. "The Dong Family Spear style... Very well, Young Master Li. Let us exchange a few pointers then!"

Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled. "It would be my distinct honor."

Dong Wanyi waved her delicate hand, and Chunhua presented the long spear to Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan accepted it, took two steps into the clearing, and Dong Yufei slowly walked towards him, speaking in a deep voice, "The spear!"

Silently, two youths drifted over from the distance. One carried a long spear, the other a long sword, their steps light and airy.

Dong Yufei reached out and took the spear. He gave it a light shake, and a soft 'whirring' sound resonated. The spearhead seemed to come alive, trembling ceaselessly, swaying like a spirited serpent.

Li Muzhan watched with a smile, retreating two steps, cupping his hands. "Eldest Young Master, please, there is no need for ceremony!"

"Receive my spear!" Dong Yufei roared, and immediately a storm of spear points descended upon Li Muzhan, swift as lightning, surging like a swarm of striking vipers.

Li Muzhan flicked the shaft of his spear, creating a shimmering barrier of light before him. "Clang, clang, clang, clang..." The spearheads collided; phantom images in the air vanished and reappeared, an endless cycle of appearance and annihilation.

Li Muzhan parried while steadily retreating. A violent, overwhelming force surged through his weapon, threatening to consume him, but Li Muzhan managed to dissipate the strength through his footwork.

Li Muzhan appeared to be at a disadvantage. Dong Wanyi frowned as she watched for a moment, then turned to ask, "Elder He, has Elder Brother gained the upper hand?"

"He has," Elder He stroked his beard and nodded lightly. "The Eldest Young Master’s spearwork is sharp and superior."

"Will Young Master Li be defeated then?" Dong Wanyi inquired.

Elder He pondered, then shook his head. "I believe he cannot be defeated in a short time."

As they spoke, the momentum of the fight shifted again. Dong Yufei’s spear movements suddenly slowed. Each thrust was extended deliberately, but the positioning of the spearhead became erratic and unpredictable.

Li Muzhan’s style was different yet again; he remained focused on counter-striking only after his opponent moved. Initially still, he would suddenly thrust with the speed of lightning—a fleeting spark—and instantly break Dong Yufei’s momentum. He was like a tortoise, remaining utterly motionless, yet when he did move, it was with electric swiftness. Before one could truly register the action, he was static again, as if he had never moved at all.

"Elder He, who has the advantage now?" Dong Wanyi whispered.

Elder He stared intently at the center of the contest, his brow deeply furrowed. He shook his head.

A smile touched Dong Wanyi's lips as she turned her gaze back to the sparring pair.

After a long pause, Dong Yufei stepped back one pace and shook his head. "Enough. If we continue, there will be no clear result. Let this suffice!"

Li Muzhan retracted his spear, cupped his hands, and smiled. "Eldest Young Master’s spear skills are fierce. The Dong Family Spear is truly exceptional."

Dong Yufei looked deeply at Li Muzhan, then smiled faintly. "The Dong Family Spear style is exquisite, but alas, I am not worthy; my mastery is insufficient. It is Young Master Li’s spearwork that is truly refined. May I ask which school or sect you hail from?"

Li Muzhan shook his head and offered the same explanation he had given before.

Dong Yufei sighed slowly. "So that is how it is. I regret not being able to meet this hidden master. ... Little sister, you must entertain Young Master Li well."

"Yes, Elder Brother," Dong Wanyi replied with a slight smile. "Rest assured, how could I possibly neglect my benefactor?"

Dong Yufei turned. "That is good. Father will conclude his seclusion in a couple of days. Do not venture out then."

"...Understood," Dong Wanyi nodded with a trace of resignation.