"Old Feng."
Li Muxiu sat motionless in the courtyard, his mind buzzing, somewhat dazed.
He had never imagined that this old friend, who had roamed the martial world carefree for half his life, would actually fall into the Buddhist Sect's hands.
Even he could not keep up with his Heaven and Earth Trace Erasing Art.
His Spirit Concealment Breath Holding Art let him blend into the grass and trees. Whether he entered a bustling market or the mountains and rivers, he was like a fish slipping into the sea, impossible to find.
Even the forbidden grounds of the Imperial Palace, defended by the Million Imperial Guards, were somewhere he could come and go freely, without a sound.
Yet now, the Buddhist Sect had actually caught him.
The news had come from the Branch Family Disciples of Boundless Mountain. It was absolutely true, leaving Li Muxiu no room for disbelief.
Old Feng, how could you have fallen into their hands!
Li Muxiu slowly clenched his fists, his eyes moist. The excruciating pain spreading little by little through his heart seemed about to tear his chest apart.
He sat alone for half an incense stick's time, then rose and walked out of the courtyard.
First, he went to the Ancestral Shrine, where he saw the fifth brother, Li Qingzheng, sitting alone before a Go board outside.
Li Qingzheng, who was placing stones in a game against himself, looked over at Li Muxiu.
Their gazes met, and a trace of sorrow flashed through both their eyes before they reined in their emotions.
In the past, when they met, that cheerful young figure had been beside them most of the time. Now, he was gone.
"Second Brother, what brings you here?" Li Qingzheng forced a faint smile.
Li Muxiu's expression was somber. "I came