Chapter 594: There is a Big Problem

Ji Yuan had originally intended to go straight to the manor, but he changed his mind. He felt that something might be amiss at the Wei Family Manor and that he should perhaps approach it differently.

With this thought, Ji Yuan no longer hesitated. He walked closer to the roadside, deliberately circled around a large tree, and by the time he emerged from behind it, he had transformed into a man dressed in coarse gray cloth.

This man was slightly more robust than average. Though he didn't look old, his age was likely not young, with slightly grizzled hair simply tied back without any ornaments. His face was dark, and a side fringe covered part of his forehead. Beneath the fringe, a dark birthmark seemed to cover half of his face. He appeared expressionless, yet exuded a sense of grimness.

Ji Yuan's current appearance was inspired by the government official who helped him rescue Wei Wuwei years ago. However, back then, he had only relied on a slight disguise combined with an illusion, keeping his physique and silhouette unchanged. Now, Ji Yuan was completely transformed into a different person from his previous self.

Of course, this transformation was still a minor change in the grand scheme of true transformation arts. Ji Yuan's mastery of transformation had advanced significantly, requiring little effort and leaving him with no concern that anyone could see through it.

Previously, when Ji Yuan walked, passersby paid him little mind. But with his current appearance, those who saw him from a distance might not notice, but anyone approaching or nearby would instinctively avoid him. Even though he was plainly dressed, people would instinctively feel that this man was not to be trifled with.

Ji Yuan quickened his pace, and soon arrived at the entrance of the Wei Family Manor. When he had first visited, the place had seemed like a secluded paradise. Now, looking around the manor, the farmlands and weaving mills were still there, and the scenery remained beautiful. However, the pleasant feeling of the landscape had greatly diminished. More accurately, from an ordinary person's perspective, there was nothing wrong, but to Ji Yuan's immortal senses, the scenery felt amiss.

*Something is indeed wrong.*

With this thought in mind, Ji Yuan approached the Wei Family Manor. The guards at the gate of the Wei family also spoke up.

"Sir, please stop. This is the Wei Family Manor of Zhonghu Dao. Please state your purpose!"

The guards at the manor entrance had already noticed the approaching man. His appearance immediately conveyed that he was not someone to provoke, so they spoke with deference. If it had been an ordinary person, they would likely have simply demanded, "Stop! Who are you?"

The man did not immediately respond to the guards. Instead, he looked up at the plaque above the manor gate. It read "Wei Clan of Zhonghu Dao," whereas he remembered the previous plaque had read "Wei Family Manor."

After examining the plaque, Ji Yuan finally looked at the speaking guard and replied in a somewhat hoarse voice.

"Please inform them. My name is Tie Mu. I've heard much about the esteemed Wei family of Zhonghu Dao and have long admired them. As I passed through Luping City this time, I decided to pay a special visit."

Despite the man's plain, coarse clothes, his demeanor clearly indicated he was a master. The guards dared not be negligent and cupped their hands in salute.

"May I ask which sect or school you belong to, esteemed Sir? If it's convenient, please also mention what martial arts you excel in, so we can inform them properly."

The man grinned slightly, letting out a hoarse laugh.

"No sect, no school. I was once a government official, skilled in... the Iron Punishment Scroll."

*Iron Punishment Art!*

The guards were startled. They were also martial artists of the Wei clan, and nearly every martial artist in Zuyue Nation knew the formidable reputation of the Iron Punishment Art. It was a renowned government martial art in Dazhen, known for being easy to learn but difficult to master, and for its fierce and ruthless nature. Decades ago, when Dazhen and Zuyue Nation frequently clashed, the Iron Punishment Art caused immense suffering to both martial arts masters and court experts in Zuyue Nation. Especially for those captured and falling into the hands of these government officials, it was far more than just "shedding a layer of skin."

At that moment, the men at the gate suddenly paid more attention to the man's voice. So hoarse, and considering his general appearance, he was undoubtedly a master.

"Senior Tie, please follow me into the manor to rest. We will send someone to inform them shortly."

The guard's attitude became even more respectful. After gesturing for him to enter and seeing the man follow, he slowly walked ahead to lead the way, while another person hurried inside to report.

Ji Yuan followed the leading guard, listening as he enthusiastically described the scenery of the Wei Family Manor and praised its various merits. However, Ji Yuan had heard it all before, and his senses were now detecting anomalies, so his reaction was indifferent. In fact, he remained completely expressionless, simply walking without responding.

This demeanor made the leading guard's back secretly burn. The man beside him appeared quite old, but likely looked young due to his high martial arts mastery and profound internal energy. A practitioner of the Iron Punishment Art like him had undoubtedly defeated countless bandits and martial arts experts; the number of people he had killed with his own hands was probably uncountable. He was a true harbinger of doom. In front of other visitors, the guards could afford to be a bit arrogant, but before such a seemingly calm yet undeniably formidable master, it was better to be exceptionally diligent.

"Senior Tie, ahead is the reception hall. Our Wei clan traditionally has four halls: Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon. This is the Wind-Welcoming Hall, the most prestigious, reserved for eminent guests. We even hosted an immortal here once! Please, Senior!"

Ji Yuan couldn't help but glance at the guard again, then looked towards the hall ahead.

"Oh? You've hosted an immortal?"

Seeing that Senior Tie had finally shown some reaction, the guard instinctively let out a sigh of relief.

"That's right. Back then, the immortal, impressed by our Wei clan's merits, helped our family decipher the Wordless Heavenly Scroll right here. Uh, haven't you heard about it on your travels?"

"Hehehe... Perhaps I'm not good at socializing; I genuinely haven't heard."

Ji Yuan paid special attention to this so-called Wind-Welcoming Hall. He clearly remembered that he hadn't read the Heavenly Talisman Scripture here back then.

Seeing Senior Tie's demeanor, the guard suddenly understood. With such an unapproachable presence and aloof personality, ordinary people would likely steer clear, making small talk impossible.

As he arrived at the entrance of the Wind-Welcoming Hall, Ji Yuan noticed that several people were already seated inside. The hall was large, with two rows of guest chairs and tea tables on either side. Five groups of people were scattered throughout, some in groups of two or three, others four or five. Only Ji Yuan was alone.

"Senior Tie, please. You may choose any seat you like. Servants will bring you tea and refreshments. My duty requires me to remain at the manor entrance, so I must return to my post."

"Very well, you may go."

"Thank you for your understanding, Senior!"

The guard finished, bowed to Ji Yuan, then briefly acknowledged the curious onlookers in the hall, before turning and quickly departing. He let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling a strange sympathy for those who had fallen into the hands of such government officials back then. If merely walking and conversing with him caused such immense pressure, the suffering of those from the past was unimaginable.

Ji Yuan didn't bother picking a prime spot and directly sat down on an empty chair near the entrance. Immediately, a servant came over with a tray holding a teapot, teacups, and two platters of refreshments.

After the maid who served the tea curtsied and departed, someone in the hall immediately approached to greet him. The other guests were all elegantly dressed, so seeing this man in coarse cloth, and observing the cautious deference of the leading guard, they instantly knew he was an extraordinary master.

"I am Jiang Tong, from the Jiang Family Merchant Guild in Luping City. May I ask your esteemed name, Senior?"

Ji Yuan had just taken a sip of tea. Without rising, he looked up at the young man who spoke.

"Jiang Family Merchant Guild?"

"Indeed, just running a small business."

The young man approached while bowing, speaking very politely. Someone nearby chuckled.

"Hahahaha, the Jiang Family Merchant Guild's business extends all the way to Dazhen! If you're doing small business, then who in the world is doing big business?"

"Uh, haha, you're too kind, too kind!"

The young man quickly bowed to the person who spoke, and seeing the latter return the bow, he turned back to Ji Yuan.

"May I trouble Senior to tell me your name?"

Ji Yuan looked at the man before him and felt he resembled someone, a bit like Wei Wuwei in his younger days, though only in terms of his mannerisms and not his physique. He believed such a person would be adept at business.

"Tie Mu, from Dazhen."

The people around subconsciously paid more attention to the man seated near the entrance. The young man paused slightly, then became even more respectful, bowing again.

"So you are a senior from Dazhen, my apologies for the oversight!"

Before Ji Yuan could speak, a resonant voice came from the inner door leading into the reception hall.

"I hear a master from Dazhen, skilled in the Iron Punishment Art, has arrived. Our Wei clan of Zhonghu Dao is deeply honored!"

Walking briskly into the hall, a ruddy-faced elder appeared. He looked like a master, but he was neither Wei Xuan nor Wei Ming, whom Ji Yuan knew.

The newcomer's eyes immediately fell on Ji Yuan, who was seated near the main entrance. He quickly stepped forward, bowing as he spoke.

"My name is Wei Xing!"

"Tie Mu! I've heard the Wei clan is a prominent martial arts family in Zhonghu Dao, so I've specifically come to pay my respects!"

Ji Yuan stood up and cupped his hands in return, simultaneously scrutinizing Wei Xing. Under his Dharma Eye, a faint white aura subtly emanated from him, not very noticeable beneath his vigorous human vitality.

However, at such close proximity, Ji Yuan's Dharma Eye was enough to reveal these subtle details. While Wei Xing's vital energy above his head and shoulders was robust, the aura emanating from his facial features was very faint. Particularly, his eyes, which should have displayed a light blue qi, now showed more white beneath the blue. This applied not only to his eyes but also to the energy points all over his body.

*Is he not human? No, that's not right...*

Ji Yuan considered his own vast experience, yet he couldn't make a precise judgment about the situation before him. He only knew that there was definitely a major problem with the Wei family, and it was certainly not something they could have caused themselves. At least, they didn't possess the capability for it. Neither the writings he had left behind years ago nor the original *Journey Through Dreams in the Clouds* were texts that would lead to such bizarre transformations.