Dong Yufei nodded to Li Muzhan and turned away with a proud stride, showing no sign of dejection from defeat, as if he were the victor. Li Muzhan watched Dong Yufei’s retreating back, understanding in his heart that the man had held back, not unleashing his ultimate, hidden techniques, confident he could defeat him.

Old He stroked his beard and chuckled, "Splendid! Young Master Li’s spear work is unparalleled, I am impressed!" Old Geng snorted, "How does it compare to the swordsmanship of your He family?" Old He shook his head with a smile, "How can we know without comparing?

Perhaps you’ll have a chance to spar a few moves with Young Master He soon. Old Geng, we are both getting on in years!" Old Geng snorted again, "Haven’t you always refused to admit you’re old?" Old He laughed, "Only seeing Young Master Li makes me realize just how old I truly am!

...Madam, we shall take our leave now!" Dong Wanyi gave a slight nod, "Old He, Old Geng, you both may return and rest. I shall not be going out today!" "Yes," Old Geng replied.

The two men nodded to Li Muzhan and turned to leave. They were Dong Wanyi’s personal guards; they were unnecessary within the manor, as the Dong Estate was tightly secured with hidden posts everywhere, impossible for outsiders to breach.

Once they had departed, Dong Wanyi said, "Young Master Li, elder brother did not use his ultimate moves." Li Muzhan nodded, signaling his understanding. Dong Wanyi asked, "How are you planning to spend your day, Young Master?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Tending to the flowers and plants, and studying characters again.

I will have to trouble you, Miss." "I have nothing else to do either." Dong Wanyi rose and waved her hand, "Chunhua, go prepare lunch. Make sure to prepare a few fine dishes to reward the Young Master." "Yes," Chunhua and the others acknowledged and left gracefully.

Only Li Muzhan and Dong Wanyi remained in the area. He knew Dong Wanyi wanted to discuss secret matters.

"I’ve thought it over carefully, Young Master. Your idea might just work." Dong Wanyi paced slowly toward the lake.

Li Muzhan followed her onto the lakeside walkway, reaching the small pavilion at the easternmost end. Dong Wanyi leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance, "It must be done secretly." Li Muzhan smiled, "The young lady has finally come around." Dong Wanyi turned to look at him, her bright eyes shimmering, "You are absolutely right, Young Master.

My previous approach was foolish; it couldn't be maintained for long." Li Muzhan offered a slight smile but said nothing. Dong Wanyi continued, "As long as I can protect Elder Brother He’s secret, I will try any method." Li Muzhan smiled, "It’s good that you understand now." Dong Wanyi frowned, "I only fear it might be too late.

Father is already displeased with me." Li Muzhan observed, "I don’t sense any displeasure from the elder young master toward you." Dong Wanyi broke into a small smile, "Big Brother has spoiled me since childhood. He scolded me over this, true, but he isn't truly angry.

If he were, I truly wouldn't know how to stay here!" Li Muzhan suggested, "A few kind words from the elder young master should suffice." "If Father finds out, he will hate me to death," Dong Wanyi shook her head, sighing softly. "Even Big Brother won't forgive me then." Li Muzhan frowned, "We must explain this matter to the Family Head and the elder young master first." "Hm—?" Dong Wanyi looked surprised.

Li Muzhan stated, "Things have come to this pass; the He family is unreliable. We can only rely on the Dong family." "But…" Dong Wanyi furrowed her brow.

Li Muzhan countered, "No matter what, the Dong family won't kill you. The He family, however, will silence you permanently." Dong Wanyi shook her head, "No one in the He family knows the location of the treasure." "That is debatable," Li Muzhan shook his head.

"Even if they don't know it now, they won't believe you will keep silent, and they will certainly try to kill you to ensure their secret is kept." Dong Wanyi fell silent, finally shaking her head again, "They wouldn't..." Li Muzhan smiled and said no more... In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed with Li Muzhan staying at the Dong Estate.

Li Muzhan had finished learning all the characters in one go; Dong Wanyi had nothing left to teach him, and she was no longer surprised by his prodigious memory. There were many people in the world with eidetic memory; although Li Muzhan’s talent was astonishing, it wasn't entirely unheard of.

She admired and envied it, but she didn't find it anomalous. Once Li Muzhan had finished studying the script, she brought two books over, then expressed a desire to go out for a walk.

Upon hearing this, Li Muzhan wished to accompany her to see the outside world. He had used his Eye of the Void within the estate to observe Dongyang City—it looked vibrant and bustling, and he longed to stroll through it himself.

Dong Wanyi readily agreed. Dong Wanyi was accompanied by Chunhua, as well as Old Geng and Old He.

With Li Muzhan added, the group of five left the Dong Estate. Stepping onto the street, the prosperity and noise rushed toward them.

The main thoroughfare was thronged with people, loud and chaotic. Li Muzhan examined the surrounding populace; their clothing was entirely different from the world he previously knew, looking unfamiliar.

He glanced down at his own attire and sighed. Noticing his expression, Dong Wanyi smiled gently, "Young Master Li, are you homesick?" Li Muzhan sighed and nodded, "I'm not quite used to it here.

Too many people, too noisy." Dong Wanyi pursed her lips and smiled, "It will get better after a while." Li Muzhan shook his head. Dong Wanyi walked ahead with light steps, pausing at every small stall to look at items.

Old Geng and Old He flanked them, one behind and one in front, constantly scanning their surroundings. Li Muzhan remained by Dong Wanyi’s side; every object she picked up, she would explain to him.

Li Muzhan listened and learned, acknowledging his lack of general knowledge in these areas. It was an eye-opener, and before he realized it, the five had traversed four streets and reached a major avenue in the southern part of the city.

This street specialized in delicacies—all manner of snacks and pastries, the mingled aromas making them even more enticing. "Here, try this!" Dong Wanyi pinched a round pastry and brought it to Li Muzhan’s lips.

Li Muzhan opened his mouth and accepted it. It was soft, sticky, sweet, and fragrant upon entering his mouth—truly delicious.

They were standing in front of a snack stall, where various exquisite pastries were displayed on the counter, emitting tempting scents. "This is called the Three-Fragrance Paste.

Isn't it good?" Dong Wanyi popped a piece into her own mouth and asked with a beaming smile. Li Muzhan nodded.

Old He and Old Geng frowned slightly from the side. The pair seemed a little too close, showing no reservations.

Outsiders might mistake them for lovers. They considered warning her but hesitated to speak, choosing instead to pretend not to notice.

Li Muzhan suddenly frowned. Just as Dong Wanyi was about to offer him another type of pastry, she noticed his strange expression and quickly asked, "Is this one not good?" Li Muzhan shook his head, "Something feels off." "What is it?" Dong Wanyi inquired.

Li Muzhan scanned left and right, then shook his head, "It feels like someone is following us." "Old He, Old Geng?" Dong Wanyi turned to look at the two men. They stood on either side of her, about two zhang apart—not too close, yet able to strike instantly.

The two shook their heads without speaking. Li Muzhan stated, "I have the feeling of being targeted by a fierce beast." Dong Wanyi chuckled lightly, "With Old He and Old Geng here, there’s no danger.

Let’s just eat some more pastries." Li Muzhan frowned, looking back and forth, sweeping his gaze over the stream of passersby. This street was full of food vendors, and many different kinds of people were moving about.

Just as Dong Wanyi was about to persuade him to eat a pastry, Li Muzhan abruptly shifted, placing himself behind her, and pressed his right palm forward. With a muffled thump, his palm force exploded in the air.

Clink... clink...

Two throwing knives landed on the bluestone pavement. Old Geng and Old He’s expressions changed instantly.

Old Geng stepped forward to shield Dong Wanyi, while Old He lunged toward the crowd. Amidst sharp whooshes, several streaks of cold light shot toward Old He.

The crowd scattered instantly. In a flash, only six people remained on the street: two women, two elders, and two middle-aged men, all dressed in plain clothes, hard to spot when mixed with the general populace.

Old He blocked the throwing knives with a sweep of his palm and rushed toward the six figures. However, the six showed no intention of fleeing; instead, they charged forward, and a fierce brawl instantly erupted.