The Old Master let out a small burst of satisfaction, his heart lightened, and walked out with his hands clasped behind his back. The moment he stepped outside, the smile vanished from his face, replaced by an expression as dark as a storm cloud, silencing everyone who saw him with icy dread: Judging by the Old Master's complexion alone, the Third Young Master was utterly finished, if not completely crippled... Hadn't they seen his face darkened like the bottom of a pot?

Tang Yuan returned home and reported the details of his trip to Old Master Tang. The Old Master sighed repeatedly, lamenting that the Jun family, a noble military lineage, had produced only one descendant who was now forced onto the path of a civil official—what a tragedy and pity. When Tang Yuan hesitantly recounted Old Master Jun’s sudden fury, Old Master Tang erupted in equal rage: "Idiot!

Why speak of things you know nothing about? That old wretch Li Shang had his Dantian shattered by Jun Zhantian’s single punch back then... Get out!" Tang Yuan immediately realized he had praised the wrong person and fled, clutching his head in panic.

In less than a day, news about the Jun family's Third Young Master, Jun Moye, had swept across the entire capital city. Not long ago, whispers circulated among the city's prominent idle youths that the celebrated rake, Young Master Jun Moye, had turned over a new leaf at home, dedicating himself to diligence and self-improvement. This rumor had reached many households, but the news was so "shocking" that some even launched covert investigations into Jun Moye’s past exploits.

Jun Moye himself wasn't terrifying—even at his worst, he was just a youth barely past coming of age. What was truly alarming was the prospect of the Jun family gaining a successor, a rising star; that would be a force to reckon with. But when today’s "grave and sorrowful" news spread, many breathed a sigh of relief, even turning it into a laughingstock, a topic for hushed gossip: A dissolute scoundrel suddenly repents, turns toward the righteous path, trains diligently for a few days, and promptly cripples himself.

Before his sudden burst of ambition, he at least possessed some residual Xuan Qi cultivation; now? Completely ruined... Is there anything in this world funnier than that?

As for the veracity of this news, this time, truly no one doubted it. It stemmed from two sources, both undeniable in their authority—witnessed firsthand by Tang Yuan, Jun Moye's die-hard, unreliable friend, and subsequently spread! And diagnosed by Fang Huisheng, the Imperial Physician of the Inner Palace, renowned as the Undying Gentleman!

Who dared to doubt it? To doubt it was to invite trouble upon oneself: Which noble family did not prize life above all else? Fang Huisheng was effectively a lifeline for these families when illness or injury struck!

To cultivate a good relationship with Fang Huisheng was akin to gaining an extra life! Anyone who dared utter, "I doubt the words of Divine Physician Fang!" would likely be drowned in a sea of spit within half a day... In truth, to tamper with the facts under the eyes of this Divine Physician Fang was beyond the capability of not just a mere Jun Moye, but even Old Master Jun himself!

"I didn't expect that Jun Moye would turn out like this? Something feels off," said Li Youran in the Grand Tutor’s residence, looking at the three individuals opposite him, his elegant brows slightly furrowed. "Li Feng, are you certain that Divine Physician Fang himself said those words?" "I can confirm it!" an aged voice boomed from outside as Grand Tutor Li Shang shuffled in, trembling slightly.

Facing his grandson, the Grand Tutor’s face was alight with wicked glee! Jun Zhantian, what good is your seniority, you old brute? Your Jun family is fated for decline, a fact even immortals cannot alter!

Jun Moye is headed for the bureaucratic path; never mind that he was already mud that couldn't be molded, even if he possessed genius, would we allow him a chance to rise? After all, the Empire's civil service is controlled by houses like ours! Li Youran smiled radiantly.

"Since Grandfather is so certain, the Jun family poses no further threat to us." Li Shang nodded, cautioning, "Therefore, for the time being, we must still avoid provoking Jun Zhantian! That old fellow truly kills people!" He cast a warning glance at Li Youran as he spoke. Li Youran had previously been slapped and kicked publicly by Jun Zhantian.

While Grand Tutor Li knew his grandson could endure, he was also aware of Li Youran's vengeful nature. Though he spoke of it little and showed nothing outwardly, he certainly had not forgotten the insult. Once an opportunity arose, revenge would be exacted!

Now, Li Shang’s instruction was a plea for Li Youran to abandon any thought of retaliation! After all, in the current climate, Jun Zhantian was an old lion across the entire nation whom no one could afford to provoke, a lion driven half-mad! Especially now, when His Majesty the Emperor so openly protected him, he was absolutely untouchable!

Moreover, the hidden strength Jun Zhantian displayed in his rage last night was genuinely staggering! Facing such might, any family that rashly engaged him head-on would suffer terrible and bloody consequences! Even for the slightly weaker established families, it wouldn't be difficult for Jun Zhantian to wipe them out overnight!

Li Youran narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly. "Grandfather need not worry; we would never commit such foolish acts. However, as for Jun Moye, indulging in some minor amusements now and then shouldn't cause any offense, should it?

A person who has just lost his Xuan Qi cultivation is bound to wallow in drink and women, and surely Grandfather and Old Master Jun wouldn't concern themselves too much with the squabbles of the younger generation." Li Shang smiled. "Just don't take it too far." The four grandsons assented in unison. In the Imperial Palace, His Majesty the Emperor reclined against a cushion on his dragon throne, eyes half-closed, his expression serene.

Fang Huisheng stood respectfully opposite him, head slightly bowed. "So... Jun Moye truly cannot be saved...

Hmm?" the Emperor asked after a long silence. "Yes. According to my diagnosis, this matter is absolutely genuine!" Fang Huisheng confirmed, habitually stroking his beard.

"Jun Moye has always been inherently reckless and accustomed to mischief. If he can finally settle down because of this, it would indeed be a blessing for the citizens of the capital." "A blessing for the citizens? Heh heh heh..." The Emperor chuckled vaguely a few times, then slowly closed his eyes.

"This old subject requests leave to withdraw." Seeing this, Fang Huisheng bowed knowingly and retreated. After he left, an almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of the Emperor’s lips—a smile of deep satisfaction and profound relief... Now, Old Master Jun seemed to have taken a three-month extended holiday.

In the eyes of outsiders, the Old Master’s temperament had drastically changed; following this series of events, he appeared somewhat disheartened and resigned. His actions were baffling. The Emperor himself even dispatched envoys specifically to offer condolences once.

For example: Old Master Jun would walk out the door, suddenly erupt in fury, and shout: "Where did all these big trees around here come from? Chop them all down for me! The weather is turning cold, and I can barely see the sun!

What kind of absurd setup is this?" Thus, with one order, within a five or six li radius around the Jun manor, not a blade of grass remained! Only bare, desolate earth. Additionally, Old Master Jun looked at the compound wall and grew furious again: "This wall is too low; won't any petty thief be able to come and go freely?

Raise it for me!" Consequently, the wall, originally two zhang high, was doubled overnight with overtime work. Moreover, perhaps inspired by some sudden thought, the Old Master commanded that the top of the wall be studded with thickets of thorns, each standing half a zhang tall—densely packed. Now, truly, even a bird would hesitate to perch upon it...

Another example: Old Master Jun seemed increasingly displeased with his useless grandson, or perhaps he had simply become addicted to grand construction lately. He actually partitioned two smaller courtyards within his own grounds, also enclosing them with high walls, effectively keeping Jun Moye imprisoned inside. As for the two adjacent courtyards, the one on the left belonged to Jun Wuyi, and the one on the right, to Guan Qinghan.

These two sections took up nearly half the entire Jun manor compound. The other half was occupied solely by Old Master Jun, from where sounds of things being smashed and thrown occasionally emanated; all the servants in the Jun manor walked on eggshells, daring not to speak or move loudly...