Here’s the rewritten content, adhering to standard English grammar and maintaining the xianxia novel style and personal pronouns:

Outside Still Truth Temple, before a new grave, Jiang Wang opened his eyes.

That tiny silver moon landed in the palm of his right hand, transforming into a silver moon mark seared upon it, before vanishing without a trace.

Yet Jiang Wang could still distinctly sense its presence. It possessed no power, merely reappearing at his mental command, connecting to the Taiyin Star and drawing his spiritual consciousness into that profound and immeasurable illusory realm of the Grand Void.

He did not linger long exploring the Grand Void. The outskirts where he stood were hardly conducive to calm exploration.

Aside from the possibility of cultivators from Maple Forest City arriving to investigate the aftershocks of the powerful cultivator battle, Jiang Wang himself had more pressing matters to attend to.

If his memory served him correctly, the inner court selection for Maple Forest Dao Academy would commence in three days.

Once he missed this crucial window, it would be exceedingly difficult to find another opportunity—an opportunity for revenge.

For only the inner court students were truly recognized as disciples of the Dao Academy by the State of Zhuang. And Dao Academy disciples were not to be lightly humiliated, let alone harmed!

Casting a final glance at the dilapidated temple, where he had lingered for days while his ailing body struggled to recover, Jiang Wang strode away, bathed in moonlight.

In front of the ruined temple, weeds grew rampant. A gust of wind swept through, allowing the moonlight to fall upon the age-worn plaque lying on the ground. The characters upon it were faded and indistinct, but the two words “Still Truth” could be vaguely discerned.

Moonlight illuminated the ruined temple and the new grave. Wind rustled the leaves of the trees.

It sounded like someone’s sigh.

…

Maple Forest City was not small, and to many who had lived there for generations, it was their entire world.

Besides the City Lord, who represented the will of the State of Zhuang, the Zhang, Fang, and Wang families were the masters of this territory.

Night fell, and the back door of the Emerald Pavilion creaked open. Accompanied by the giggling of a plump madam, a man in a long robe with slits on both sides staggered out, reeking of alcohol, yet appearing all the more self-satisfied.

His name was Fang Decai.

This “Fang” surname had not come easily. His grandfather had begun serving the Fang family three generations prior, and only now had he been granted the privilege. Being trusted as a confidant by the Fang family allowed him such financial freedom, enabling him to indulge in the delights of places like the Emerald Pavilion every month.

After giving his favorite madam a hearty pinch, he laughed boisterously and departed.

The voluptuous madam watched him go, feigning anger and scolding him playfully. Only after his figure had disappeared into the alley did she spit, “Dogs relying on their masters,” before slamming the small door shut.

Therefore, she did not notice a man in tattered clothing closing in on Fang Decai from behind.

Fang Decai, possessing some martial skill, sensed something amiss. He abruptly turned, throwing a fist in retaliation, but his opponent merely deflected it with a casual palm.

In the next instant, his throat was seized. He was lifted off the ground, then slammed against the wall with brutal force.

More terrifying than the rapidly swelling pain in his face and the increasingly labored breathing was the face before him.

The gentle, serene face of Jiang Wang.

“Jiang… Jiang…” Fang Decai croaked in terror and struggling, his throat constricted.

“Who ordered you? The Fang family or Fang Pengju? Who else was involved? What poison was in the wine? And how did you contact the remnants of the West Mountain bandits?”

Jiang Wang spoke slowly, releasing his grip just before Fang Decai lost consciousness. “Now, tell me everything, slowly.”

He glanced up at the moonlight. “We have plenty of time.”

The night wind gently pushed the clouds, partially obscuring the moon. The quiet conversation in the alley sounded like whispered secrets of demons.

That night, the bright moon hung in the sky, and the night wind whistled. One who was presumed dead had returned to the city.

…

When dawn broke, Jiang Wang stood before the gates of the Maple Forest City Dao Academy.

The State of Zhuang recognized Daoism as its state religion. The most powerful supernatural forces naturally stemmed from Daoism, as evidenced by the Dao Academies scattered throughout the three prefectures and various cities across the nation.

The Dao Academy was not only the top choice for young people in the State of Zhuang to cultivate, but even officials at all levels were required to have a Dao Academy education to be considered credible.

Thus, for Maple Forest City, the most esteemed place was perhaps not the City Lord’s manor, nor even the residences of the three great families, but the Maple Forest City Dao Academy.

The Daoist tradition inherited by the State of Zhuang belonged to the Jade Capital Mountain lineage, which placed great emphasis on ritual. Therefore, the entire Dao Academy was constructed with opulence. The pair of jade lions flanking the main gate alone exuded immense majesty and nobility.

Jiang Wang’s clothes remained tattered and worn, emitting a faint sour odor. He had merely washed his face quickly, haphazardly tying his disheveled hair behind his head.

Standing before the wide-open gates of the Dao Academy, he held his head high and stood tall and straight as a pine.

The outer court disciples on duty rubbed their eyes in disbelief before exclaiming, “Senior Brother Jiang… Jiang Wang!?”

Jiang Wang nodded in acknowledgment. “Greetings, Junior Brother Wu.”

As the most daring outer court disciple in the Maple Forest City Dao Academy, he had participated in countless Dao Academy missions. Any outer court disciple who had been enrolled for more than a year would recognize him.

Junior Brother Wu turned and ran into the Dao Academy, excitedly shouting, “Senior Brother Jiang Wang is back! Senior Brother Jiang Wang is back!”

Before long, a throng of outer court disciples surged forth, crowding the Dao Academy gates, calling out greetings in a clamor of voices. This clearly demonstrated Jiang Wang’s popularity among the outer court disciples.

Among the dozens of outer court disciples, a few stood out. Even in the crowded conditions, the crowd instinctively made way for them.

“That Jiang brat! Where have you been hiding all this time? I thought you were dead!”

The one who began shouting from afar was Du Yehua. As he ran, the muscles on his body seemed as if they would burst through his training robes. His face was also unique, being covered with a full beard. Just looking at his face, one would think him two or three times larger than the other outer court disciples, seeming more like a mountain bandit than an eighteen-year-old youth.

Due to his premature development, he was known as “Early-Bearded Wonder”.

Like a bear squeezing his way through the crowd, he wrapped Jiang Wang in a bear hug, disregarding the faint sour smell emanating from his body. He kept repeating, “Damn it! Damn it!”

“It’s good you’re back!”

It was Ling He who said, “It’s good you’re back,” with bloodshot eyes and trembling lips.

His features were well-defined and his forehead broad, giving him the air of a calm and composed person. Dressed in a faded training robe, he stood steadily behind Du Yehua, gazing at Jiang Wang.

Only a handsome youth approached, sizing up Jiang Wang before pointing at his tattered clothes and laughing. “How did you get into such a state?”

His name was Zhao Rucheng. He possessed the most striking appearance, his smile seemingly flippant. However, only those who truly knew him could see the faint glint of tears hidden within his captivating eyes.

These individuals differed in appearance and personality, but all shared a bond of life-and-death friendship with Jiang Wang.

In numerous trial missions within the outer court, they had cooperated, overcoming countless difficulties and dangers, forging a deep and profound connection.

But Jiang Wang’s gaze passed over them, focusing solely on the handsome youth with seemingly reddened eyes amidst the crowd.

He said nothing and made no gestures, but his mere presence made him the center of attention.

“Pengju, it has been fifty-seven days,” Jiang Wang said, almost syllable by syllable. “Every day, I have been thinking of you.”

“You only think of Pengju, do you not think of your second brother?” Du Yehua grabbed Jiang Wang’s shoulders and shook him, shouting wildly.

Ling He and Zhao Rucheng remained silent.

Fifty-seven days was a specific and sensitive time, exactly the number of days since Jiang Wang’s disappearance.

Fang Pengju, dressed in expensive brocade robes, stepped forward with a smile. “It is good you have returned. Everyone has been worried about you these past few days.”

“Indeed,” Jiang Wang responded, smiling just as warmly. “How could you not be worried when there was no corpse to be found?”

Fang Pengju’s expression shifted. “What do you mean by that? I was beside myself with worry after your incident! I sent people everywhere to look for you!”

Jiang Wang said softly, “That is why I only dared to show my face today.”

“Jiang Wang! It is common knowledge that you were attacked by remnants of the West Mountain bandits! Do you suspect me?” Fang Pengju’s face flushed red with apparent anger and indignation. “We, the Five Heroes of Maple Forest, are as close as brothers! Did you perhaps hear some malicious rumors?”

Ling He, Du Yehua, Jiang Wang, Fang Pengju, and Zhao Rucheng – these five were the most outstanding disciples of the outer court of the Maple Forest City Dao Academy. Because of their shared ideals, they often banded together to suppress bandits, moving as one, and were known as the Five Heroes of Maple Forest.

Sensing the sudden tension in the atmosphere, the outer court disciples who had come to greet Jiang Wang began to feel uneasy.

“Could it be that Fang Pengju harmed Jiang Wang?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Fang Pengju has always been righteous, how could he do such a thing? It must be a misunderstanding!”

“I don’t think so… Senior Brother Jiang is not a fool to be easily manipulated.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“We are brothers, do not speak recklessly!” Du Yehua stared at Jiang Wang, his face anxious. His instincts told him something was wrong, but he had no way to prevent what was to come.

Ling He pondered for a moment before advising, “Third brother, you must have experienced many hardships and suffered greatly these past few days. Why not settle down first? In a few days, it will be time for the inner court selection. This is a matter of great importance, one that must be approached with care. The remnants of the West Mountain bandits have already been eliminated by our combined efforts. If there are any hidden circumstances, we can investigate them slowly. If you have grievances or hatred, we brothers will help you, even if it means bringing it to the County Dao Academy or the State Dao Academy!

But Pengju is our sworn brother, so I believe there must be some misunderstanding. Perhaps someone is stirring up trouble…”

“Elder brother,” Jiang Wang interrupted him, “When have I ever spoken without thinking? I value this brotherhood no less than you. Therefore, since I am speaking in this manner today, it means things truly are as I say.”

“Fang Pengju!” Jiang Wang turned to face the brocade-clad youth, pointing a finger at him. “I hope that after you open this box, you can still be so confident and righteous!”

Only then did the others notice the large box placed behind Jiang Wang.

“No matter what happens, I, Fang Pengju, would never harm a friend!” Fang Pengju said with sincerity after only a moment of hesitation. “I will personally see what vile evidence could lead my third brother to suspect his own brother!”

He strode to the front of the courtyard, drew his longsword from his waist, and with a single stroke, pried open the lid of the box!

Inside, a man bound and gagged with rags was revealed. Upon seeing Fang Pengju, his expression turned frantic as he desperately tried to speak around the gag.

Du Yehua and Ling He fell silent, recognizing the man as Fang Decai, Fang Pengju’s trusted servant.

“That day, your servant delivered a message, saying you invited me to Moonview Pavilion for a drink. When I arrived, you had not yet come. He urged me to drink a few cups first, to try the fine wine you had specially sent. The poison in that wine… was Two Realms Separated.”

“As soon as the poison took effect, bandits burst in… I personally eliminated the West Mountain bandits, never expecting that in this Maple Forest City, I would nearly be killed by a group of remnants!”

Jiang Wang’s voice drifted out, “So the first thing I did after recovering was find Fang Decai.”

Fang Pengju hesitated for only an instant before lunging forward with his sword!

“Beast! My Fang family has treated you generously. How dare you collude with bandits, forge letters, and harm my third brother!”

His strike was swift and accurate, spraying blood in its wake. Fang Decai twitched violently, gurgled a few times in his throat, and then lay motionless like a dead dog. From beginning to end, he did not even have a chance to say a word in his own defense.

“Fang Pengju!” Everyone present was intelligent. Although Du Yehua was rough, it did not mean he was stupid. Now, his tiger eyes widened, filled with surging anger.

“Second brother,” Fang Pengju said, lowering his bloodied sword, his face filled with shame. “I… I was momentarily overcome with anger, only wanting to kill this beast to avenge third brother!”

“It does not matter.” Jiang Wang watched Fang Pengju finish his act before producing a piece of paper from his robes, covered in dense writing. “Here is Fang Decai’s confession, complete with his signature. Does Pengju wish to see it?”

“Clang!”

Fang Pengju threw aside his sword and suddenly knelt down. “I do not need to see it. I know what it probably says. All I can say is that the West Mountain bandits are relentless in their desire to destroy me and must have paid a great price to make Decai this resolute! But third brother, believe me, I have always been open and honest. How could I ever commit such a base act? Regardless of the circumstances, my Fang family will give you an explanation. I will offer a reward of ten thousand coins, determined to eliminate all the bandits within a hundred miles, to wash away third brother’s hatred!”

Some of the outer court disciples in the crowd spoke out. “That is right, Senior Brother Jiang. All of you Five Heroes of Maple Forest are heroes and the pride of our Maple Forest City Dao Academy. Do not be swayed by malicious words!”

“When my late mother was seriously ill, Senior Brother Fang generously helped me. I believe he is not such a person.”

There were even those spitting on Fang Decai’s corpse. “This kind of evil servant deserves to die. He even tarnishes Senior Brother Fang’s reputation and ruins the brotherhood of the Five Heroes of Maple Forest. If he were still alive, I would tear him to pieces!”

“Fellow disciples, there is no need to say more!” Fang Pengju waved his hand to stop the discussion, then crawled a few steps forward and looked at Jiang Wang sincerely. “After third brother disappeared, I led people to search everywhere, weeping several times! My affection for third brother is known to all and witnessed by heaven and earth! Although my conscience is clear, if it were not for my trust in Decai, and third brother’s trust in me, how could this beast have had the chance to exploit us? All the blame lies with me. I am willing to bear it all!”

“I am willing to give up all my personal wealth to compensate for third brother’s pain; I am willing to endure a whipping to atone for the mistake of trusting the wrong person; I am willing to venture alone to suppress bandits, vowing to exterminate the remnants of West Mountain. If the remnants are not destroyed, I will not return to the city!”

“I am willing to do this, not as compensation. Third brother nearly died. This hatred is difficult to repay! It is just that as brothers, I cannot forgive myself!”

“If…” Fang Pengju finally said, nearly in tears, grinding his teeth. “If third brother’s hatred is still unappeased, then take up this sword and kill me with one strike! Pengju will have no regrets!”

All eyes turned to the bloodied sword discarded on the ground.

“Senior Brother Fang, you must not do this!”

“I believe it is not your fault. How can a true man speak of death so easily?”

The scene moved all who witnessed it, and they urged him to reconsider.

Even Ling He, after a period of silence, spoke out again. “Third brother, fourth brother, about this matter…”

Jiang Wang waved his sleeve and stepped forward, standing straight. “Pengju, I have been wounded for your sake, and you have also stood up for me. Together, our five brothers have also shared life and death.”

Whether it was Ling He, Du Yehua, or Zhao Rucheng, they were deeply moved. The blood and tears they had shed together, the days they had spent struggling together, the joy they had shared… only they truly knew.

How could the brotherhood formed through shared life and death be expressed with just a few words?

“Third brother…” Fang Pengju lowered his head, bursting into tears. “All the mistakes are my fault. I should not have trusted an evil servant, nearly causing a great disaster!”

“But since Pengju, you have said so…” Jiang Wang said slowly, “Then third brother will, with the utmost respect, accept your offer!”