The moment Li Muzhan received the news of Dong Wanyi's severe injury, his heart burned like fire; he desperately wished to be back at the Dong residence immediately. With a burst of Qinggong, he flew down the mountain, and once inside the woods, he instantly returned to the forest outside Dongyang City.

Gliding into the city, he chastised himself. Ever since entering the Tianyuan Pavilion, he had been wholly consumed by martial arts and the search for a way back, never once returning to the Dong family to check on Dong Wanyi.

He had nearly forgotten her, and now, the realization struck him as utterly heartless. Shame and fury mingled, transforming into a chilling killing intent.

He walked slowly into Dongyang City and arrived at the gates of the Dong residence. The two young gatekeepers were startled to see him, then instantly overjoyed, hurrying forward: "Brother Li!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "Where is Miss?"

"Sixth Miss, she..." The two hesitated.

Li Muzhan flashed past them and entered the main gate. They offered no resistance. He swept into Dong Wanyi's courtyard like a gust of wind.

Inside, the two guards, He and Geng, were standing by. The two elders looked haggard, pacing back and forth, completely at a loss.

Suddenly looking up and seeing Li Muzhan, they were overwhelmed with delight. "Brother Li, you've finally returned! Quickly, go see the Miss (Madam)!"

Li Muzhan nodded, foregoing pleasantries, and headed straight into the room. The smell of medicine assailed him. He went to the bedside, where Chunhua and the other three sat quietly by the couch, speaking in hushed tones.

"Young Master Li!"

They were overjoyed.

Since Li Muzhan had entered Tianyuan Pavilion, his status within the Dong family had soared. In everyone's eyes, he was a favored son of heaven, someone whom no difficulty could stump.

Li Muzhan nodded and approached the couch. Dong Wanyi lay propped up, covered by a thin quilt. Her face was pale, her bright eyes dull and vacant. She managed a weak smile for him. "Why are you back?"

Li Muzhan snorted. "If I hadn't come back, I wouldn't have seen you again!"

"Ptooey, ptooey!" Xia Hua hastily spat twice, rolling her eyes at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan sat on a decorative stool, reaching under the quilt to take her hand. He placed his fingers across her snow-white, delicate wrist. Dong Wanyi blushed, afraid to look at him.

Chunhua and the other three watched him intently.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Li Muzhan frowned. "Who did this?"

"An old man from the Mu family," Chunhua huffed. "It was instigated by that scoundrel surnamed Mu!"

"Someone from the Mu family?" Li Muzhan turned his gaze toward them.

Chunhua supplied: "Mu Tieliou."

Li Muzhan had heard of the Mu family. He had specifically studied the surrounding martial arts powers; the Mu family was in Xiyang City, over a thousand li away from Dongyang City. Logically, they were entirely unconnected, a case of well water not interfering with river water. He hadn't expected a Mu disciple to show up in Dongyang City.

The Dong family were the local power here. If the Mu family dared to bully them, it wasn't because they were foolish, but because they felt secure—evidently, Tianyuan Pavilion's prestige was waning, causing the Dong family to be belittled as well.

"Who is Mu Tieliou?" Li Muzhan asked. "Which generation in the Mu family?"

Chunhua replied: "The fifth young master of the Mu family. A dissolute rake. Utterly ignorant and unrestrained in his lust!"

Li Muzhan frowned. "He was harassing Wanyi!?"

"His repulsive behavior was intolerable," Chunhua explained. "Miss severely rebuked him, and in his shame and anger, he ordered his servants to strike and injure her!"

Li Muzhan’s face grew cold, his voice emerging from clenched teeth: "Mu Tieliou!"

Dong Wanyi murmured softly, "It's a minor injury, I'll be fine after a short rest. It's nothing serious."

Li Muzhan snorted. "This injury will only worsen... His technique was vicious, a unique style, clearly intended to force us to beg them!"

He frowned. "What about Elder He and Elder Geng?"

Chunhua shook her head. "Elder He and Elder Geng were too far away. They couldn't reach her in time."

Li Muzhan remained grimly silent. Dong Wanyi spoke softly, "We can't blame Elder He or Elder Geng; they never anticipated he would act like that."

Li Muzhan stated gravely, "They are still in the city, aren't they?"

Chunhua nodded. "They are."

Dong Wanyi shot her a reproachful glance for revealing this, but Chunhua pretended not to notice, inwardly furious, wishing Li Muzhan would go and kill Mu Tieliou right then.

"Big Brother went to negotiate with them," Dong Wanyi gently advised. "Don't stoop to their level."

Tianyuan Pavilion was powerful, but the Mu family was not weak either, and they certainly weren't afraid of Tianyuan Pavilion. They might not respect him, a mere Tianyuan Pavilion disciple, and might even dare to kill him.

Though he was a disciple of Tianyuan Pavilion, the time had been too short. Even with the best aptitude, he couldn't have absorbed much martial skill. A direct confrontation with the Mu family now would be too dangerous.

Li Muzhan said coldly, "The Mu family!... First, tend to the injuries!"

He helped Dong Wanyi sit upright, then sat cross-legged behind her, pressing both palms onto her back. Soon, wisps of faint blue qi rose from Dong Wanyi's crown, slowly dispersing, carrying a faint scent of scorched air.

Half an hour later, Dong Wanyi’s complexion regained color, flushed and rosy; her spirit was excellent, looking as if she hadn't been injured at all.

Li Muzhan slowly withdrew his palms and rose from the couch. "How is it?"

Dong Wanyi opened her eyes, vibrant and alert. She reached up to touch her chest and exclaimed in admiration, "It's healed!"

Chunhua and the three others broke into broad smiles, quickly asking if she was truly well.

Li Muzhan said, "It's nothing major now, but no strenuous activity. Rest for another two days, and especially, do not become angry or let your temper flare."

Dong Wanyi laughed. "Truly worthy of a Tianyuan Pavilion disciple!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, his expression not cheerful. He felt extreme hatred for the person who struck her, to use such a malicious, unique technique to erode the heart meridian of such a delicate beauty. Had he delayed two more days, her life would have been in danger.

Just as they were speaking, Dong Yufei, dressed in a purple robe, strode in with long, purposeful steps. Seeing Li Muzhan, he immediately showed delight. "Brother Li, when did you return?!"

Li Muzhan replied, "Just now."

"Big Brother, did you send word to the Young Master?" Dong Wanyi chided him playfully.

Dong Yufei was thrilled, scrutinizing Dong Wanyi from head to toe. "Little Sister, you're all better?!"

"I told you not to disturb the Young Master, how could you..." Dong Wanyi said crossly.

Dong Yufei shook his head with a wry smile. "Little Sister, you were so badly hurt, we were all helpless. If I hadn't sent word to Brother Li, he would have blamed me to death!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "That's right."

Dong Wanyi huffed, giving Dong Yufei an annoyed glare.

Li Muzhan cut to the chase. "What did the Mu family say?"

"The Mu family completely disregarded us; they wouldn't even see me," Dong Yufei replied, his face darkening with resentment. "This is Dongyang City! The Mu family is too arrogant!"

Li Muzhan stated, "First Young Master, find someone to take me to see them!"

Dong Yufei’s spirit lifted instantly. "No need to find anyone, I'll take you!"

"Let's go," Li Muzhan commanded.

Dong Wanyi immediately jumped off the couch and stretched out an arm to block the doorway. "Big Brother—!"

Dong Yufei exclaimed, "Little Sister, what are you doing!"

Dong Wanyi was wearing only her sleeping robe; jumping down like that was quite unseemly.

Dong Wanyi paid no heed to propriety. "Don't go looking for the Mu family!"

"Little Sister, move aside," Dong Yufei said sternly. "The Mu family has gone too far! If we don't seek retribution, how can we maintain our standing in Dongyang City?!"

Dong Wanyi retorted sharply, "Can you defeat the Mu family?!"

"We have Brother Li!" Dong Yufei countered.

Dong Wanyi glared at him reproachfully. "The Young Master just entered Tianyuan Pavilion. Even if he learned true skills, how much could he have learned? Clashing with the Mu family now is far too rash!"

"Then what is your suggestion?" Dong Yufei frowned. He conceded his little sister had a point. Although Li Wuji had entered Tianyuan Pavilion, the time was too short. Even if he learned something, he hadn't had time to master it; attacking the Mu family now would be a significant disadvantage.

"Let's wait a while and discuss it then!" Dong Wanyi said.

Dong Yufei considered it and nodded. "Alright, we'll listen to Little Sister!"

Li Muzhan understood Dong Wanyi's intentions. With her in her nightclothes blocking the doorway, he couldn't bring himself to refuse and nodded reluctantly.

"Let's go, Brother Li, we're going for a drink!" Dong Yufei said cheerfully.

Dong Wanyi added, "Big Brother, I buried a few jars of wine behind my courtyard. They were saved for the Young Master."

"Good, good," Dong Yufei agreed repeatedly, pulling Li Muzhan out with him.

As soon as Li Muzhan left the small courtyard, he said quietly, "First Young Master, where are the Mu family members?"

Dong Yufei quickly replied, "Brother Li, forget it." A true man knows when to yield and when to advance; they had to recognize the situation. The Mu family was powerful, and the Dong family was certainly inferior. If not for Tianyuan Pavilion backing them, they wouldn't dare challenge the Mu family.

Li Muzhan stated firmly, "If they had only injured me, I wouldn't bother to pursue it. But they dared to hurt Wanyi—no matter what, I must get satisfaction!"

"Sigh..." Dong Yufei sighed. "The Mu family is hard to provoke!"

Li Muzhan said, "I will act covertly."

"Fine," Dong Yufei conceded helplessly. "They are at the fifth house in Qin Family Alley, in the southwest corner of the city."

Li Muzhan nodded. "First Young Master, go prepare the banquet. I will join you for drinks later!"

"Excellent!" Dong Yufei smiled. "Then I will await Brother Li's triumphant return!"

Li Muzhan cupped his fists, floated away, and quickly arrived at Qin Family Alley. The alley was wide and usually quiet, lined with grand residences. Only the rich and noble could afford to live on this street; it was not for ordinary people.

Li Muzhan reached Qin Family Alley and began counting from the beginning. At the fifth house, he knocked. A sharp, gleaming eye appeared in the door slot. "Who is it?"

"Is Young Master Mu here?" Li Muzhan asked gently, cupping his fists.

"Who are you, and why do you seek my young master?"

Li Muzhan replied, "I have long heard of Young Master Mu's great reputation. Hearing that Young Master Mu has graced our city, I specifically came to pay my respects. I am Bai Shan, Li Canghai."

"Li Canghai..." The person inside murmured for a moment, then scoffed, "Never heard of you!"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "I have just finished my apprenticeship and am traveling the world, so I haven't made a name for myself yet. Truly shameful!"

"Very well, wait a moment!"

A moment later, a side door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed in close-fitting cyan robes emerged. He sized up Li Muzhan, seeing no threat, and waved a hand. "Come in!"

Li Muzhan smiled, clasped his fists, and walked slowly through the side door. In front of the main hall was a reclining chair where a young man with a pale complexion lay, served by two beautiful maids—one fanning him, the other feeding grapes into his mouth.

He glanced sideways at Li Muzhan. "Li Canghai? Where are you from, and where did you study?"

"Are you Young Master Mu?" Li Muzhan asked with a smile.

"Indeed, I am Young Master Mu!" The pale youth nodded proudly, spitting out a grape skin. "I'm asking you questions, and you won't even announce your lineage?!"

Li Muzhan’s smile turned cold. He flicked his finger—Chii! Mu Tieliou flew upward, hitting the hall wall with a bang, then slowly slid to the floor.

"Insolent!" Two old men shot toward Li Muzhan like arrows.

Li Muzhan flicked his fingers twice—Chii! Chii! The two elders twisted to avoid the finger force, but they struck the hall walls with bang and bang, sticking there like two paintings hung on the wall, motionless.

Li Muzhan sneered. "Hmph, the Mu family!"

"Who exactly are you?!" Mu Tieliou yelled, leaning against the wall.

Li Muzhan walked up to him. "Is the Mu family so formidable?"

Mu Tieliou had nowhere to retreat and shouted against the wall, "You've injured me! The Mu family will never let this go!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "I'd like to see just how formidable the Mu family is!"