If an ordinary person were to be stared down by this middle-aged man, they would likely be intimidated. However, after a single glance, Fang Yuan lost interest and refocused on the food on the table, treating the middle-aged man as if he were invisible.

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"Who is that? Dressed like a servant and not even a Gu Master, yet he dares to question Young Master Fang Yuan?" an inn attendant asked from the corner, sensing the tension and puzzled by the situation.

"Hmph, he's just relying on borrowed authority. Clearly a lackey of the Mo Clan, daring to challenge a Gu Master because he has backing. If it were any other mortal, who would have the guts?" someone nearby scoffed dismissively.

"Even so, for a mere mortal to dare shout at a Gu Master... tsk tsk, that must be quite an experience."

"Don't overestimate Gu Masters. Young Master Fang Yuan is only at Rank One – Initial Stage, having just refined his Life-Bound Gu. If it came to a fight, he might not even beat this robust and skilled mortal."

"Let's hope they don't break anything in the inn if they do fight."

The attendants whispered among themselves, too afraid to intervene, only daring to peek from their spots.

"You still have the nerve to eat and drink?" Seeing that his words hadn't frightened Fang Yuan, the burly middle-aged man's eyes flashed coldly. "Do you think I'm bluffing? Someone's already informed the young lady, and she'll be here soon. Don't think about running, not that you could. I'm here to keep an eye on you. You'll regret it soon."

Fang Yuan ignored him, continuing to eat.

The middle-aged servant frowned, seeing no trace of fear or panic on Fang Yuan's face. This made him feel ignored, his dignity offended.

He had been a servant in the Mo Clan for over a decade, trusted by his masters. Over time, he learned a bit about Gu Masters.

A Rank One – Initial Stage Gu Master often relied on physical combat. In battle, the threat of Gu insects was more psychological than practical.

Especially since he knew that a young Gu Master like Fang Yuan, just starting out, was far weaker than a robust adult like himself. In a fistfight, his long-term training would give him the upper hand.

Moreover, Fang Yuan had only refined a Moonlight Gu, capable of releasing a few Moon Blades at most.

The middle-aged man had been a sparring partner before. He knew that a Moon Blade powered by Initial True Essence could at most cut a palm-length wound, with very limited lethality.

With the Mo Clan backing him, he felt confident facing Fang Yuan, eager to impress his masters for rewards and recognition.

"Kid, you've got guts..." The middle-aged man's tone grew harsher as he rolled up his sleeves, revealing muscular arms covered in scars. His forearms bulged with veins, and his upper arms were thicker than Fang Yuan's thighs.

The inn attendants felt a chill, some patrons had already started to leave, quickly settling their bills to avoid trouble.

"Have you found Fang Yuan?" At that moment, a clear and haughty female voice came from the entrance.

Mo Yan strode into the inn, followed by a group of household servants.

She had a decent figure, tall and curvy, but her horse-like face, a trait of the Mo bloodline, greatly diminished her beauty, making her barely average.

She wore a blue martial outfit, with a red-bordered belt around her waist, embedded with a square iron piece engraved with a prominent "2".

Having just returned from a family mission, she still bore traces of travel.

These elements combined to create an imposing aura.

As she entered the inn, her presence silenced the dining hall.

"Servant Gao Wan greets the young lady!" The middle-aged man immediately changed his demeanor upon seeing Mo Yan.

He plastered a fawning smile on his face, bowed deeply, took a few quick steps, then knelt with a thud, greeting Mo Yan.

The inn attendants were stunned by the man's transformation.

Gao Wan, tall and burly, looked comical bowing and scraping, but the attendants couldn't laugh. His behavior highlighted Mo Yan's dominance.

Some attendants secretly worried for Fang Yuan. He was a major customer, and if something happened to him, it would hurt the inn's business.

Many silently prayed that Fang Yuan would surrender peacefully. A fight damaging the inn would be disastrous.

Mo Yan ignored the kneeling Gao Wan, her eyes fixed on Fang Yuan. She strode to the table, her tone sharp: "You're Fang Yuan? You seem to be enjoying your meal. I wonder if you've tasted a fist before? Let me show you how it feels, maybe it's even tastier."

Despite her words, Mo Yan didn't immediately act.

Fang Yuan's calm and odd behavior made her suspect he had hidden support.

"But it shouldn't be. Before coming, I investigated. This Fang Yuan is unloved by his uncle and aunt, orphaned young, and driven out by his relatives. With only Grade C aptitude, what background could a weak boy have?" Mo Yan mused.

Still, something unusual was afoot. She needed to probe further.

Fang Yuan chuckled, glancing at Mo Yan: "Who told you I'm Gu Yue Fang Yuan?"

Mo Yan was taken aback, then turned to Gao Wan.

Gao Wan, just standing up, knelt again, cold sweat on his forehead, stammering: "Mistress, I, I..."

They had a portrait of Fang Yuan but knew he and Fang Zheng were twins, looking very similar.

"No wonder this boy seems so fearless, he's Fang Zheng, not Fang Yuan." Mo Yan's servants quickly guessed.

"Fang Zheng is not someone Fang Yuan can compare to. The latter is just a Grade C, alone and unsupported. The former is a Grade A genius, taken under the patriarch's wing at the Aperture Opening Ceremony, with limitless potential!" Mo Yan hesitated without Gao Wan's confirmation.

Only the inn's corner attendants knew Fang Yuan's identity.

But they couldn't afford to offend either side, so they kept silent.

Fang Yuan finished eating, stood up, and glanced at Mo Yan: "Aren't you looking for Fang Yuan? Come with me, I'll take you to the academy dormitory to find him."

"If this is Fang Zheng, I don't want to offend him. If it's Fang Yuan, I can follow him to prevent impersonation." Mo Yan quickly decided.

"Fine, I'll go to the academy with you. Please!" Mo Yan stepped aside, gesturing for Fang Yuan to lead the way.

Fang Yuan smiled, walking out with his head held high.

Mo Yan followed closely, her servants trailing behind.

"Phew."

"Finally gone."

"Even if they fight, it's not our inn's problem anymore."

The inn attendants, mostly relieved, patted their chests in gratitude.

The group arrived at the academy entrance.

"Halt!"

"Stop, only clan Gu Masters are allowed free entry to the academy." Two guards blocked Fang Yuan and Mo Yan's group.

"How dare you! Don't you recognize me? How dare you stop me?" Mo Yan glared at the guards, scolding them.

"We wouldn't dare." The guards quickly saluted.

"Miss Mo Yan, we have you in our hearts. But the clan rules are strict. We can allow you to bring one servant. That's our biggest concession." An experienced guard replied respectfully.

Mo Yan snorted, unwilling but unable to defy the rules.

The Mo Clan was powerful but also attracted attention. Besides, the Chi Clan was a rival, and the patriarch's line watched for any missteps.

"You all stay, Gao Wan, come with me." Mo Yan ordered after some thought.

Gao Wan puffed out his chest, delighted: "Thank you for your favor, young lady!"

"Let's go, junior." Mo Yan smiled meaningfully at Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan remained calm, leading the way.

He reached the dormitory door, unlocked it, and pushed it open.

He stepped inside and stopped.

The door wide open, the room was simple and empty, no one else inside.

Mo Yan stood at the door, her face darkening: "Junior, you'd better explain, there's no one here!"

Fang Yuan smiled slightly: "Aren't I someone?"

Mo Yan stared at Fang Yuan, her eyes flashing with realization: "I'm looking for Gu, Yue, Fang, Yuan!"

Fang Yuan chuckled: "I never said I wasn't Gu Yue Fang Yuan."