Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 448: Mu Zhian: This time we’ve met a real piece of work p1

Lan Clan, Feiqin Garden.

As soon as Mu Zhian returned to the garden, he quickly shed his robes and jumped into the medicinal bath pool.

Medicinal baths not only accelerated cultivation speed during training but soaking in them regularly could also temper the body.

Most importantly… it could strengthen the kidneys.

It’s worth mentioning that Mu Zhian’s kidneys weren’t sore or swollen at all right now. With his Nine-Tailed Fox body, his body could fully recover to its peak state within half a day.

However, quite a few things had happened today, and he needed to soak in a hot spring like this to let his brain relax a bit.

Seemingly sensing a streak of green light flash past his eyes, Mu Zhian asked without even opening them, “Weren’t you going a bit too far today?”

“Feeling sorry for your Dao Companion?” Yao Meng’s pleasant and soothing voice sounded beside his ear.

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “I just feel like this isn’t quite your style.”

“Oh?”

A hint of playful amusement flickered in Yao Meng’s beautiful eyes. “Could it be you think I’m some kind-hearted and gentle Fairy Sister?”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “That’s natural. In my heart, Yao Meng has always been synonymous with gentleness and kindness.”

Yao Meng’s voice faltered. She then couldn’t help but look Mu Zhian over a couple more times, a faint blush unconsciously appearing on her pretty face as she casually averted her gaze.

Sister Jade Empress has high attack but low defense… Mu Zhian looked strangely at Yao Meng sitting by the edge of the hot spring. He swam to the bank, reached out, and grabbed one of her delicate white ankles. The gold and silver thread-like anklets on her bare feet made her snow-white skin look exceptionally alluring.

“Actually, it’s because Ruoxi is currently attempting to break through to the Transcendence Realm. She helped you before, so I don’t think you’d disturb her Dao Heart at a time like this,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

Yao Meng stepped into the hot spring from the bank, letting the water soak her dress. She circled around to face Mu Zhian, a fresh, subtle fragrance wafting over. Then, a pair of cool, slender hands gently cupped his face.

Yao Meng looked at him with a smile, a charming grin on her face. “Do you know what tribulations one needs to face in the Transcendence Realm?”

Mu Zhian silently gazed at this bright and captivating face. Her jade-green eyes held a faint smile, and her rosy lips, coated with rouge, shone with an alluring, vibrant luster.

“The Transcendence Tribulation requires passing three major tribulations: the Body Tribulation, the Spiritual Sense Tribulation, and the Heart Demon Tribulation.”

“Why don’t you guess which tribulation is the most difficult.”

“Is there a prize for guessing correctly?” Mu Zhian asked.

“No prize for guessing correctly, but there’s a punishment for guessing wrong.” Yao Meng revealed a faint smile, but her eyes sparkled with a teasing light.

Mu Zhian shook his head. “That’s not fair.”

Yao Meng pursed her lips, smiling as she moved half a step closer again, her delicate body almost completely pressed against his chest. She whispered softly, “Then what do you want?”

Her nose was almost touching Mu Zhian’s. Her pure yet bewitching face was inches away, her beautiful eyes shifting, rippling with emotional moisture. “If you guess correctly, after you return to the Jade Pool Holy Land with me, how about I change into black silk stockings and high heels?”

Mu Zhian casually glanced at the plump, beautiful legs beneath her green dress. Her skin, glistening with water droplets, was like jade-fat, snow-white and supple.

It had to be said, although the ‘fish’ in Mu Zhian’s pond differed considerably in temperament and personality, and their figures varied, they all had slender waists and long legs. However, the part of Yao Meng that moved Mu Zhian’s heart the most was her jade feet.

“You’re fine just the way you are now. I like the original you,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

A faint smile appeared in Yao Meng’s beautiful eyes. Her rosy lips moved close to his ear. “Then… if you guess correctly, how about I give you one chance to order me around as you please? During this time, you can do anything.”

“For example, using your Heaven-Asking Lock and the unspeakable sphere in my little black room…”

Mu Zhian remained silent, his breathing seemingly quickening slightly.

It had to be said, this woman had indeed grasped his XP… It wasn’t that Mu Zhian liked this sort of thing, but having such a lofty Empress willingly submit to him brought immense satisfaction, both physically and mentally.

“Ordering you around isn’t important, but I am indeed somewhat interested in the Heavenly Tribulation for the Transcendence Realm.”

Mu Zhian cleared his throat. “If I remember correctly, the Dao Integration Realm also seems to have a Body Tribulation and a Spiritual Sense Tribulation… In that case, perhaps it’s the Heart Demon Tribulation?”

A flash of appreciation appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes. She smiled, pursing her lips. “Then guess again, what was my heart demon back then?”

This isn’t easy to guess… Mu Zhian remained silent, pondering inwardly.

“I’ll give you a hint. The Heart Demon Tribulation has three layers. It manifests the things a person fears most into reality. If one cannot overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation, they will never reach the true shore in this lifetime and will be forever trapped within the Heart Demon Tribulation, unable to escape, even for Dao Integration Realm experts.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered slightly. He said softly, “I once heard that when the first generation Demon Emperor led his army to attack the Eastern Continent, you suppressed the first generation Demon Emperor and left behind measures to protect the Jade Pool Holy Land… Is your heart demon related to the Jade Pool Holy Land? Furthermore… longevity?”

“Almost all Dao Integration Realm experts face the same problem. Cultivators of their generation have all turned to dust. Therefore, any great power hopes to live eternally, which is why they spend vast amounts of time cultivating Emperor Medicine,” Yao Meng said.

“You too?” Mu Zhian asked.

“I didn’t feel much about life and death before. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have intervened against the Nine-Lives Heavenly Phoenix.”

Yao Meng said softly, “Ultimately, the Dao I walk follows the principles of nature, and life and death are also part of nature.”

Just as Mu Zhian was about to say something, Yao Meng tilted her head up slightly, gently pressing her cool lips against his.

“But it’s been different since I met you.”

Yao Meng gazed at him and said softly, “I want to live eternally, and I want you to live eternally too.”

“The day you met misfortune at the Jade Pool Holy Land is still vivid in my mind even now.”

Yao Meng whispered, “I’m afraid you’ll die in front of me again, mmm…”

Before she could finish, Mu Zhian had already lowered his head and kissed her soft cherry lips again, turning Yao Meng’s words into soft whimpers.

After a short while, Yao Meng’s voice gradually became soft and alluring, her delicate body melting limply in Mu Zhian’s embrace.

This feeling is truly wonderful… Yao Meng closed her eyes slightly, her curled lashes trembling lightly, her face filled with intoxication.

In the Southern Wilderness, besides tracking the whereabouts of the Ocean God, she couldn’t do anything else each day.

The thought that Mu Zhian might be secretly targeted by other women in the Eastern Continent made her heart increasingly unbearable.

Although she always told Mu Zhian, ‘As long as I don’t feel cuckolded, it’s me cuckolding others,’ she ultimately still didn’t like seeing Mu Zhian being intimate with other seductive bitches.

Only I can cuckold others; others cannot cuckold me…

After a short while, Mu Zhian contentedly released her and said, “So your heart demons were the Jade Pool Holy Land, longevity, and matters concerning me?”

Yao Meng’s usually holy face seemed slightly flushed. She raised her beautiful eyes and glanced at him resentfully. “This is the Lan Clan, after all. You don’t know how to restrain yourself a little.”
“If someone saw…”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “In outsiders’ eyes, we are already married. Isn’t it normal to be a little intimate?”

He paused, then continued, “So what you said earlier, what does it have to do with you deliberately provoking Ruoxi?”

Yao Meng’s face regained its calm smile. “The Heart Demon Tribulation makes cultivators manifest their deepest, most unforgettable experiences as heart demons. Why don’t you guess now, what will Gong Lianyue encounter in her heart demon?”

Mu Zhian was stunned for a moment. “You…?”

Yao Meng n.t.r.’d Gong Lianyue right in front of her, was even intimate with Mu Zhian… and even mocked her.

Unless it was a girl like Qian’er who enjoyed being cuckolded, what other woman wouldn’t be angry enough to want to tear her apart?

It was fortunate that Yao Meng was in the Transcendence Realm and Gong Lianyue was also at Dao Integration. If they were ordinary women, they probably would have pulled hair and fought.

“People have different combat strength than usual when angry, and Dao Integration Realm experts are the same… Only by viewing death as returning home can one overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation.”

“She’s probably thinking right now about cutting me down with her sword after passing the Transcendence Tribulation, and then taking Her Highness the Princess back to her palace,” Yao Meng said with a grin.

“Even if you say that, it should be His Highness the Prince!” Mu Zhian corrected sternly.

Then he continued, “So Ruoxi will encounter you in her heart demon?”

“If nothing unexpected happens, yes,” Yao Meng smiled faintly.

If she weren’t afraid of going too far, she actually considered sending two Shadow Stones (Projection Stones) to the Sword Palace in a couple of days.

Letting Gong Lianyue watch the images of her and Mu Zhian being intimate in the Shadow Stones while preparing for her tribulation, unable to do anything…

Even Mu Zhian was speechless for a moment.

He knew Yao Meng liked to cuckold people, but he didn’t expect she could turn it into such an art form… Gong Lianyue would inevitably realize after her tribulation that Yao Meng had intentionally angered her today.

Therefore, after reaching the Transcendence Realm, Gong Lianyue wouldn’t be able to easily lash out at Yao Meng.

Perhaps she would even have to thank her then.

Yao Meng toyed with a strand of hair, her tall figure indistinct in the immortal mist, seemingly blending purity and desire, possessing a unique charm.

She blinked her beautiful eyes and said with a half-smile, “I’ve helped your Dao Companion so much. As her Dao Companion, shouldn’t you find a way to compensate Sister?”

Mu Zhian was stunned for a moment, thinking, You angered Gong Lianyue to the point she wants to tear you apart, and now you want me to compensate you…

But on second thought, if Gong Lianyue’s heart demon would be Yao Meng, then Yao Meng had indeed performed a great service this time.

Blackening triples strength wasn’t a joke… It wasn’t impossible for Gong Lianyue to comprehend a new sword intent during the Heart Demon Tribulation.

 

Chapter 447: Gong Lianyue’s ██ p2

The elders looked at each other, somewhat stunned.

However, they quickly reacted, their gazes falling unkindly on the elders of the several great Ancient Families present.

Meanwhile, high above the Ancestral Land watching the show, Lin Ling covered her small mouth with a lazy yawn, blinked her translucent red eyes, tears welling up, looking rather bored.

Mu Zhian hadn’t let her leave the Ancestral Land yet, so she could only wait here for news from him.

Just then, Lin Ling seemed to sense something, her gaze falling doubtfully in a certain direction outside the Ancestral Land.

She could sense Gong Lianyue’s Sword Dao Rhyme spreading outside the Ancestral Land.

Outside the Ancestral Land were countless high mountains. Gong Lianyue stood on the void, looking down at the entire Ancestral Land, and spoke coldly:

“Jade Empress, get out here for this Palace Master.”

As her words fell, a green lotus covering dozens of li bloomed silently, followed by countless green lotuses slowly unfurling.

A milky white halo glowed within the green lotus, sacred and enchanting.

From within that milky white halo, a fairy in a green dress walked out holding Mu Zhian’s hand, looking smilingly at Gong Lianyue: “Little Sister, aren’t you supposed to be in seclusion? Why do you have time today to come to the Lan Clan looking for this Seat?”

“Could it be that Little Sister has some urgent matter?”

Behind her, nine petals bloomed silently, emitting a heart-palpitating aura under the sky.

“No urgent matter.”

Gong Lianyue gritted her teeth: “It’s just that before entering seclusion, this Palace Master wants to tear your bitch mouth off first!”

This voice wasn’t loud, but it made those cultivators who were about to leave the Ancestral Land to investigate the situation outside feel their scalps tingle, their hearts tremble, and their legs go weak.

The two Dao Integration Realm experts of the Eastern Continent are fighting amongst themselves?

What’s wrong with the Sword Palace Master? Why is she suddenly so angry…?

Shua!

Just then, a sword qi descended from the sky into the Ancestral Land, causing the cultivators who were still trying to watch the excitement to feel a chill and immediately pull their descendants back into the Ancestral Land.

“Grandfather, aren’t we watching anymore?”

“Shut up! The Palace Master has business with the Jade Empress. We mustn’t disturb them,” the clan elder scolded softly, signaling the ignorant junior to be quiet.

These juniors could be ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, but they couldn’t. They had to protect their clansmen.

This sword strike from the Sword Palace Master was a warning to them.

Although they didn’t know what happened between her and the Jade Empress, it was best not to provoke her bad mood right now.

The Ancestral Land was enveloped in brilliant golden sword qi, making it difficult to see the scene outside.

But actually, even without this sword qi, no one dared to peek at this moment.

After all, anyone with discerning eyes could see that Gong Lianyue was truly furious.

This was the most enraged Gong Lianyue had ever been provoked.

Although she had long known that this Fairy Yao Meng seemed holy but was actually black-hearted underneath.

But Gong Lianyue still hadn’t expected this woman to come straight to her face and unleash mockery.

After cuckolding someone, she even wanted to kill their spirit?

Anyone would find this unbearable, let alone the extremely cold and proud Gong Lianyue.

Facing Gong Lianyue’s icy gaze, Yao Meng’s expression appeared extremely calm.

She raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, a faint smile in her eyes: “Palace Master is attached.”

“Even if this Seat truly unintentionally did something to anger you so, you should wait until after Transcendence before coming to find this Seat.”

“Your current state is probably just one step away from the Heavenly Tribulation for Transcendence, right? Perhaps in a few more days, after you pass the heart demon trial, the Heavenly Tribulation will descend.”

She saw through Gong Lianyue’s current state at a glance and spoke calmly.

Then, Yao Meng slightly lifted her proud, snow-white chin, a hint of a smile in her jade-green eyes, and transmitted her voice: “Palace Master, just go into seclusion and pass your heart demon trial peacefully. This Seat will definitely treat your Dao Companion well.”

“I definitely won’t let him down.”

Yao Meng’s words were like the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

Gong Lianyue sneered repeatedly: “Sharp-tongued little bitch, do you really think this Palace Master fears you? You want this Palace Master to go back into seclusion peacefully, letting you dual cultivate with him? That depends on whether you can take him away today.”

She stood suspended in mid-air, a faint, soft light glowing on her chest, as a Bronze Sword was slowly drawn from Gong Lianyue’s chest.

For an instant, myriad sword blades lit up behind her, their golden light seeming to overwhelm the dazzling sunlight.

Sou!

The next moment, Gong Lianyue attacked. As she struck out, sword runes intertwined, forming an unadorned Bronze Sword that slashed towards Yao Meng, seeming capable of obliterating all enemies across time!

Such destructive power, no wonder it was once rumored in the Nine Provinces that in terms of ‘attack’, Gong Lianyue’s combat strength was the strongest.

Yao Meng’s expression was calm. The green lotus behind her shed petals one by one, transforming into countless phantoms before her, slowly rotating like a peacock spreading its tail.

Boom!

A deafening sound erupted. The World-Purifying(Cleansing) Green Lotus was rapidly shattered by the Bronze Sword, only to instantly re-condense.

No one else in this world could achieve this, but Yao Meng could. The moment the weapon shattered, it reformed and condensed in her hands in less than half a second. Countless green lotuses on the ground continuously supplied Yao Meng with Spiritual Energy.

At this moment, Gong Lianyue’s gaze suddenly darkened!

On the ground, a hundred flowers bloomed simultaneously.

Those flowers rapidly absorbed the life force of the World-Purifying Green Lotus, converting it for their own use.

One thought blooms flowers, reigning supreme over the world!

This was the Dao contained within the Soldier Character Rune. Mu Zhian had only given her this rune a short while ago, yet Gong Lianyue had already completely mastered it.

A trace of surprise also flashed through Yao Meng’s eyes as the green lotus blocking her path crumbled bit by bit.

Yao Meng raised her hand, her slender finger lightly tapping the tip of the Bronze Sword.

This sword carried a terrifying will; even the World-Purifying Green Lotus hadn’t blocked it. Yet, when it touched Yao Meng’s fingertip, it unexpectedly showed signs of struggle, until finally, it completely stagnated in mid-air.

Yao Meng looked up, a faint smile on her face: “You came looking for this Seat with only this much strength?”

As soon as her voice fell, her gaze suddenly froze on the young man beside Gong Lianyue.

Mu Zhian had been taken away by Gong Lianyue at some unknown point… just in the instant they clashed.

“You didn’t even notice when this Palace Master split off a wisp of spiritual sense?”

Gong Lianyue’s eyebrow twitched, and she sneered, “So this is all your Transcendence Realm amounts to.”

Then, her gaze fell on Mu Zhian, a pleased smile in her eyes, and she said:

“However, this Palace Master doesn’t intend to fight you anymore. Anyway, after this, I will have Mu Lang stay in the Sword Palace. From now on, you can just watch as this Palace Master dual cultivates with him in the Sword Palace after my Transcendence, until he completely becomes this Palace Master’s shape.”

“Gong Lianyue, you dare—”

A flustered look appeared on Yao Meng’s face, her eyes fixed on Gong Lianyue.

Then, before the beauty in the palace dress could show a pleased smile, the corner of her mouth quirked slightly: “Were you hoping to hear this Seat reprimand you in such a panic?”

A cold wind blew past, and the ‘Mu Zhian’ beside Gong Lianyue actually turned into a green flower petal and drifted away with the wind.

Gong Lianyue froze for a moment, a trace of astonishment in her eyes, and abruptly looked up: “This is something you faked?!”

Yao Meng smiled without speaking, but a strange look flashed through her eyes.

Gong Lianyue’s brows furrowed slightly.

For some reason, she had a vague bad feeling.

“The Principles of Time… You rewrote the time on my body?!”

She suddenly realized, staring deadly at Yao Meng, almost exploding with anger.

Her ‘Heart Demon Tribulation’, which should have started several days later, had actually been brought forward to today!

Yao Meng let out a ‘heh’: “Palace Master, just go face your tribulation peacefully.”

“This Seat will definitely take good care of your Dao Companion.”

“Jade Empress, if you dare do anything outrageous to him while this Palace Master is undergoing tribulation, after this Palace Master finishes the tribulation, I will personally go to the Jade Pool Holy Land to find you!”

Gong Lianyue finally panicked. She now had no choice but to undergo this Heart Demon Tribulation. Adding the subsequent meditation time, it would take three months at most, or half a month at least.

During this time, there was no guarantee what the Jade Empress might do.

Yao Meng’s red lips quirked slightly: “Are you threatening this Seat?”

She paused, then said casually: “But it doesn’t matter… Since you mocked this Seat today, this Seat will thoroughly ‘experience’ your Dao Companion during your Transcendence period.”

“By the time your Transcendence ends, your Dao Companion will probably have completely become this Seat’s shape~”

Fury burned in Gong Lianyue’s eyes. The sword hum behind her resounded outside the Ancestral Land. She was so angry she wanted to pounce on Yao Meng and tear her apart.

But the Heart Demon Tribulation had already descended, and she could only rage helplessly.

Right now, the moment she attacked, the Heavenly Dao would immediately sense her movement and send down the tribulation.

“Jade Empress, if this Palace Master doesn’t see him after my seclusion ends, just wait for this Palace Master’s revenge!”

Gong Lianyue threatened viciously.

But this threat seemed so pale and powerless at this moment.

During her upcoming seclusion, she naturally wouldn’t be able to see what happened between Mu Zhian and the Jade Empress, but it wasn’t hard to imagine.

Yet she could only watch helplessly as this happened, unable to do anything.

Responding to her was Yao Meng’s gentle voice, as soft as heavenly music: “Don’t worry, you will definitely see him after you come out of seclusion.”

“However,”

Yao Meng paused, slightly lifting her snow-white chin, her eyes gentle: “Whether there will be an extra child in this Seat’s belly by then…”

“That’s not certain~”

Chapter 447: Gong Lianyue’s ██ p1

In the Lan Clan Ancestral Land, there was a slight commotion.

The two great Ancient Families and even the Clear Moon Holy Land, which had just launched a surprise attack on the Lan Clan, were now somewhat stunned.

After all, the information they had received should definitely not have been wrong.

But so what?

Now that the Spirit Dragon had appeared from the Ancestral Land, even if the Lan Clan truly harbored demonic cultivators, could they possibly question the Spirit Dragon’s identity?

In the vast Eastern Continent, probably no one dared to do so.

After all, she was a Spirit Dragon, a creation favored by the heavens; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she was a creature born of the Great Dao.

The Great Dao transcends all things in the universe; it could be called the origin of the universe, for the universe exists because of it.

In the entire Nine Provinces, only the Spirit Dragon resonates with the Great Dao.

Ultimately, it wasn’t that the Spirit Dragon resonated with the Great Dao, but that she was born with the Dao Rhyme of the Great Dao, and shortly after achieving Soul Transformation, she naturally reached Dao Integration.

With the appearance of the Spirit Dragon, this ‘farce’ in the Lan Clan Ancestral Land finally came to an end.

Lan Pingzhi and the others, who had been passive just moments ago, were now preparing to settle scores with these ill-intentioned enemies.

The Great Elder of the Lan Clan watched this scene, his aged brows furrowing slightly, and turned, intending to leave secretly.

Not far away, Lan Feiying, watching Mu Zhian who had already left, quickly tugged gently at her sister’s sleeve and transmitted her voice: “Sister, look, where does the Great Elder seem to be going?”

Lan Mulian glanced sideways. In her vision, an old man in a gray robe was slowly walking towards the outside of the Ancestral Land, looking somewhat flustered.

“Where does the Great Elder intend to go?”

Lan Mulian spoke calmly, her clear autumn-water eyes gazing at the gray-robed old man not far away.

The Lan Clan Great Elder ignored her, instead quickening his pace, intending to leave this place.

The Lan Clan’s greatest secret had been leaked for no reason. Even a fool could guess there must have been an internal traitor who revealed it. Staying here now, it would sooner or later be traced back to him.

Lan Pingzhi glanced sideways slightly, saying darkly, “Where is the Great Elder going?”

“The Lan Clan believes it has treated you well. Why would you commit such an act of betraying the clan?!”

As soon as Lan Pingzhi said this, it was like a stone causing a thousand ripples. Instantly, the entire Lan Clan was in an uproar, looking incredulously at this Great Elder who held high status and power within the clan.

Not far behind Lan Pingzhi, his principal wife was also stunned, staring intently at her grandfather.

“What did you just say? The Great Elder did this?” A Lan Clan elder beside him looked at Lan Pingzhi in disbelief.

“At first, I didn’t believe it either. But from his various actions before, and later his strong desire for Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying to join the Lan Clan, I became suspicious,” Lan Pingzhi said indifferently.

“Lan Cao, the Lan Clan believes it has treated you well. Why did you do this?” The First Generation Elder looked up, a trace of sorrow in his aged eyes.

It was clear that today’s events happened because someone leaked the information to outsiders; otherwise, the Clear Moon Holy Land wouldn’t have brought the other two great Ancient Families to denounce the Lan Clan.

He just hadn’t expected that the person who leaked the Lan Clan’s secret was actually the Lan Clan’s Great Elder, Lan Cao.

One must know, the Lan Clan Great Elder’s position in the Lan Clan could be said to be second only to one person. The Great Elder’s influence in the Lan Clan was also the most extensive. If not for the Great Elder having no son, the position of Clan Leader would never have fallen to Lan Pingzhi.

However, unexpectedly, after a brief moment of panic, a sinister smile appeared on Lan Cao’s withered face. He sneered, “Treated this old man well?”

His gaze fell on Lan Pingzhi, and he sneered, “If you truly treated this old man well, then over these years, you wouldn’t have, out of fear of this old man and the power behind me, secretly used those despicable means in the medicinal pills your wife took, secretly preventing her from getting pregnant.”

Lan Pingzhi’s pupils contracted slightly, his heart filled with shock, but his face remained expressionless.

“If you hadn’t acted secretly back then, the one inheriting the position of Lan Clan Young Master now wouldn’t be Lan Wu, but this old man’s grandchild,” Lan Cao slowly spoke, revealing an unknown secret.

“If you hadn’t harbored rebellious intentions early on, why would I have resorted to this?” Lan Pingzhi was expressionless.

This matter needed to be traced back to when Lan Pingzhi inherited the position of Clan Leader.

Clearly, there was a hidden story behind Lan Pingzhi inheriting the Clan Leader position back then. Lan Pingzhi was also aware of some of the Great Elder’s secret activities, which is why he desperately prevented his wife from getting pregnant.

Because, in those years, the power of Lan Cao’s faction was too immense. Once Lan Cao’s granddaughter became pregnant and gave birth to an heir, there would sooner or later be a day of ‘forcing the abdication’.

At that time, Lan Pingzhi was only at the Nascent Soul Realm, weak and isolated, unable to stand alone.

Once Lan Cao took control of the Lan Clan, the already disloyal Lan Cao would likely sooner or later do things harmful to the Lan Clan.

Lan Cao didn’t argue, merely revealing a grim smile: “So, you think you can stop this old man from leaving?”

The Lan Clan Great Elder should now be at the half-step Soul Transformation Realm. These words naturally provoked the anger of several Lan Clan elders.

Did his words mean he was confident he could defeat everyone present?

An immense surge of Spiritual Energy erupted from Lan Pingzhi’s body. He struck out with a palm towards Lan Cao, the shockwave causing many cultivators’ expressions to change slightly. Although they knew the Lan Clan Leader was powerful, they hadn’t expected Lan Pingzhi’s Spiritual Energy to be so close to the Soul Transformation Realm.

After the rules of heaven and earth were rewritten, Lan Pingzhi might be the first cultivator to step into the Soul Transformation Realm!

Just as countless people thought Lan Cao was about to suffer a great loss, they saw Lan Cao also strike out with a palm. Beneath his feet, a black, viscous liquid appeared, overwhelmingly engulfing and consuming the giant palm strike from Lan Pingzhi.

“Is this the confidence with which you attack me? Do you really think the Soul Transformation Realm is invincible in the Eastern Continent?”

Lan Cao stood with his hands behind his back, a sharp glint flashing in his murky eyes. He raised his hand again, striking out with a palm that transformed into a large black seal.

Brilliant radiance filled the large seal as it crashed down towards Lan Pingzhi!

Lan Pingzhi’s pupils contracted. He raised his hand again and struck out with another palm. The two divine abilities clashed, causing the mountain peaks to tremble violently and countless cracks to appear on the ground.

Pu!

Lan Pingzhi spat out a mouthful of blood, stumbled back several steps, clutching his chest, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

He abruptly raised his head, staring incredulously at the Lan Clan’s Great Elder, horrified: “Dao Integration Realm?”

“No, there’s something in your body, not bound by the rules of heaven and earth!”

Lan Cao said with a smile, “Clan Leader has sharp eyes.”

“A few days ago, a projection clone of the Sabbath’s(Rest Day) Divine Envoy bestowed some things upon this old man.”

“You all must abide by the rules of heaven and earth, but this old man can freely use Spiritual Energy that does not belong to this world.”

Lan Cao revealed an unknown secret: the ‘Sabbath’ that had once swept across the entire Nine Provinces was about to descend. A Divine Envoy had arrived some days ago, and he was one of that Divine Envoy’s servants.

The Sabbath, that was a ‘Heavenly Punishment’ that would purge cultivators above the Nascent Soul Realm. The Nine Provinces had experienced the Sabbath more than three times before, and each time, the major powers of the Nine Provinces were reshuffled.

Except for the three giants of the Eastern Continent, all cultivators present paled upon hearing ‘Sabbath’.

Just the things ‘bestowed’ by that Divine Envoy allowed the Lan Clan Great Elder to defeat Lan Pingzhi so easily. Watching this scene, everyone was deeply shocked.

“Does anyone else wish to keep this old man here?” Lan Cao’s gaze swept over the several equally stern Lan Clan elders present, a cold sneer on his face.

Originally, Lan Cao’s faction was the strongest force in the Lan Clan. But over the years, Lan Pingzhi seemed to have seen through Lan Cao’s disloyalty and taken precautions, weakening Lan Cao’s power several times.

But now, none of that mattered anymore. After all, when the Sabbath Divine Envoy’s vessel descended upon the Nine Provinces, the Lan Clan… no, most of the Holy Lands and Ancient Families in the Eastern Continent would likely be reshuffled.

At that time, he could create a power even stronger than the Lan Clan.

The elders were all furious, but helpless at the moment.

Before a cultivator whose strength was suspected to be at the quasi-Soul Transformation Realm, any means would seem weak and powerless.

Looking at the indignant expressions of the Lan Clan elders, the smile on Lan Cao’s face grew wider, laughing at these people who overestimated themselves and tried to obstruct him.

“In a few days, this old man will personally visit the Lan Clan to settle the scores from these years. You all just wait.”

With that said, he flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.

However, just then, Lan Cao vaguely sensed countless strange gazes behind him, looking at him incredulously.

More accurately, they were looking behind him.

Lan Cao’s heart suddenly chilled; he vaguely felt a bone-chilling coldness from behind.

He whipped his head around.

Unbeknownst to him, an ethereal figure had faintly appeared ahead. She seemed to walk from the Heavenly Court to the mortal world. Beautiful, yes, but her imposing aura was even more astonishing.

The night wind brushed her beautiful hair, stirring her black and white interwoven dress, like a banished immortal descending to the world.

Like a woman from the highest heavens, walking step by step into the mortal realm.

Such a peerlessly beautiful woman, never seen before… This thought flashed through the minds of countless cultivators present.

“Who are you?” Lan Cao demanded.

He sensed the killing intent from this person. His withered hand hidden in his sleeve quietly clenched into a fist. He abruptly raised his hand, runes flashing in his palm, intending to strike first.

Weng!

What followed was the hum of a sword. He suddenly felt the woman’s figure blur before his eyes. The next moment, Lan Cao’s lips moved, and he turned his head in horror to look behind him. Unknowingly, a five-pointed star rune had appeared on his back.

Gong Lianyue sheathed the Bronze Sword back into the scabbard on her chest.

Boom!

A roar sounded, and a deafening noise echoed throughout the Ancestral Land. Immense Spiritual Energy rippled outwards rapidly like waves.

“The Sabbath’s Divine Envoys haven’t even arrived, and they’re already recruiting subordinates with such fanfare?”

The cold, crisp, and calm voice of the woman dressed in a black and white palace dress dotted with plum blossoms sounded, making many present feel a chill in their hearts.

The expressions of all cultivators changed as they looked at the woman in the palace dress in astonishment.

One must know, just moments ago, even Lan Pingzhi couldn’t defeat the Lan Clan Great Elder, yet now he was slain by this mysterious woman with a single sword strike?

“Dao Integration Realm?!”

“There’s no mistake… It’s the Dao Integration Realm! Wielding the Bronze Sword, she is the Sword Palace Master!”

“Unexpectedly, two Dao Integration Realm experts came to the Lan Clan Ancestral Land…”

Lan Pingzhi and the several Lan Clan elders exchanged glances, equally horrified and finding it hard to believe.

Under normal circumstances, letting Lan Cao leave today would likely bring huge trouble to the Lan Clan in the future.

But who would have thought that one of the people chosen by the Sabbath’s Divine Envoy would be slain so easily.

Lan Pingzhi quickly reacted, took two steps forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said respectfully, “I was unaware of the Palace Master’s arrival today. Please forgive me, Palace Master.”

“You should still have many matters to handle in your Ancestral Land. Pay no mind to this Palace Master; handle your own affairs.”

Gong Lianyue said calmly.

“This…”

 

Chapter 446: I Will Rip Her Mouth Apart! p2

“The Lan family’s attitude is suspicious. Perhaps we should ask the Two Polarities Sect to mediate,” a sudden voice interrupted their thoughts, drawing their attention back to the present.

The other factions seemed to be arguing. The Lan family refused to yield, while the Clear Moon Holy Land, unwilling to miss this opportunity, wanted to expose the demonic qi within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

If they missed this chance, it would be difficult to bring down the Lan family later.

“You can leave. We’ll discuss this again after the Two Polarities Sect arrives,” Lan Pingzhi said calmly, his expression indifferent.

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land and the others frowned slightly.

The Lan family’s stubborn resistance only strengthened their suspicion.

But if they waited for the Two Polarities Sect to arrive, the Lan family would have already concealed the… problem.

Then it would be too late…

The Second Elder of the Lin family’s eyes turned cold. He raised his hand and formed a hand seal, his spiritual energy surging as hundreds of flowers bloomed on the ground, extending towards the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

Boom! A tremor shook the ancestral grounds.

Lan Pingzhi’s eyes turned cold. He roared, “Are you declaring war on my Lan family?!”

His powerful, half-step Soul Transformation aura enveloped the ancestral grounds, making the others apprehensive.

But the Second Elder of the Lin family, staring at the ancestral grounds, suddenly burst into laughter.

“As expected! There is a demon cultivator hidden within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds!”

His words were like a hammer blow, striking the hearts of the Lan family members. They looked up and saw a vast amount of pink demonic qi rising from the depths of the ancestral grounds.

Demonic qi!

The demonic qi swirled like a vortex, its alluring aura making them dizzy.

The Lan family elders’ hearts sank. They hadn’t expected their biggest secret to be exposed.

Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying instinctively looked at Mu Zhian, their hands subconsciously gripping their skirts.

If Mu Zhian wasn’t lying, the Lan family’s fate was now in their hands. A single word from them could change everything.

“Sister…” Lan Feiying looked at her aloof older sister. She didn’t feel any sense of triumph, but a complex mix of emotions.

Lan Mulian frowned slightly, listening to the commotion around her, and glanced at Lan Pingzhi, his face grim.

Then, she looked at Mu Zhian, his gentle gaze meeting hers.

After a long silence, Lan Mulian’s cold, clear voice echoed in Mu Zhian’s mind. “The Lan family’s matters are our family affairs. It’s not for outsiders to interfere.”

“I knew you would choose this,” Mu Zhian said with a grin.

Senior Sister, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, would ultimately choose to help the Lan family. He had anticipated this.

Lan Mulian, seemingly displeased by his knowing smile, frowned slightly and transmitted her voice, “Is there truly a demon cultivator within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds?”

“Yes,” Mu Zhian replied, meeting her gaze. “And it’s the consciousness of a Dao Integration demon cultivator.”

Lan Mulian stared at him in disbelief.

“Remember what the Lan family ancestor said?”

Mu Zhian continued, transmitting his voice, “The divine oracles bestowed during the ancestral worship ceremonies weren’t from her… Then who was it who bestowed those oracles and maintained the Lan family’s prosperity?”

Lan Mulian instantly understood, staring at Mu Zhian. “A Dao Integration demon cultivator?”

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s arrangements in the Eastern Continent before her death were with the Lan family!

The consciousness within the statue in the ancestral grounds wasn’t that of the Lan family ancestor, but the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox!

The Lan family must have known about this for a long time but kept it a secret to maintain their prosperity.

“No matter how powerful the Lan family, once their collusion with a Dao Integration demon cultivator is exposed, they’ll be destroyed,” Mu Zhian whispered.

Lan Mulian, seeing the pink demonic qi reflected in her eyes, looked at Mu Zhian. “Since there’s a demon cultivator within the ancestral grounds, what’s the point of asking us?”

She didn’t believe Mu Zhian could… switch things around and remove the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness in front of so many people.

Mu Zhian suddenly smiled. “It’s not just demon cultivators from the Demon Realm who have demonic qi. All demons do.”

Boom!

A vast amount of demonic qi surged into the sky from the Lan family’s ancestral grounds, swirling like a vortex, scattering pink light, alluring and captivating.

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land and the others exchanged glances, their eyes filled with triumph.

They were right!

There was a demon cultivator within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds!

The Lan family elders’ faces turned grim, their hearts filled with murderous intent. This secret, once exposed, would be their downfall.

They might as well fight and kill everyone present. It was their only chance…

“Such strong killing intent. Are they planning to silence us?” The elder from the Divine Clan, his demeanor effeminate, his eyes cold and merciless, sneered. “But we anticipated this. We’ve only sent projections. Even if we die, it’s just a minor injury to our origin. We can recover in a few thousand years.”

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land smiled faintly. “What do you have to say now, Fellow Daoist Lan?”

Lan Pingzhi’s face was grim, as were the faces of the elders behind him.

The Second Elder of the Lin family looked up at the surging demonic qi and scoffed. “The Lan family’s collusion with demon cultivators is undeniable. However, the final judgment should be left to the Two Polarities Sect.”

Just as Lan Pingzhi, his killing intent almost overflowing, was about to speak, a captivating, melodious song, like a siren’s call, echoed from the ancestral grounds.

“Aaaa——”

The song made many present, even the confident Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land, uneasy.

According to their information, the demon cultivator’s consciousness within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds should be incredibly weak. Why was its aura so powerful?

“Don’t worry. There are only two Dao Integration demon cultivators in this world, and they’re both in the Demon Realm. This must be just a remnant soul of some ancient demon cultivator,” an elder from the Divine Clan chuckled. “Let me see what kind of tricks they’re playing. Perhaps it’s just a final burst of power before its demise.”

He opened his third eye, staring at the ‘demon cultivator’ in the sky.

Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying instinctively looked at Mu Zhian, their eyes filled with suspicion, about to ask him what he had done.

Suddenly, the elder from the Divine Clan screamed in shock, his face paling as he stumbled back, clutching his eyes, murmuring in disbelief, “The Spiritual Dragon…? How is that possible…? It’s the Spiritual Dragon…”

Boom!

The expressions of the Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land and the others changed drastically, and the Lan family elders, seeing a glimmer of hope, looked up and saw a white-clad figure faintly visible above the ancestral grounds.

The Spiritual Dragon!

The Lan family elders exchanged shocked glances.

After a brief moment of surprise, Lan Pingzhi, as if realizing something, instinctively looked at Mu Zhian in the crowd.

“Young Master Mu, I’m eternally grateful…”

Lan Pingzhi’s voice echoed in Mu Zhian’s mind.

He didn’t even need to think to know that this was Mu Zhian’s doing… After all, he was married to the Jade Empress. It wasn’t strange for him to know the Spiritual Dragon.

No need to be so formal. Just give me your two daughters… Mu Zhian transmitted his voice calmly. “It’s nothing. We’re practically family.”

Lan Pingzhi, his earlier worries gone, looked at the Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land and the others and said coldly, “Have you caused enough trouble?”

“Such a commotion, even disturbing Senior Lin Ling’s cultivation… Who’s the real traitor here, trying to harm the Eastern Continent?”

He didn’t care about the details. Shifting the blame was his priority.

“How is this possible…?”

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land’s face was filled with disbelief. “No… That demonic qi contains… charm. It can’t be the Spiritual Dragon!”

Hearing this, the other elders who had been stunned by the Spiritual Dragon’s appearance also reacted.

“Although we haven’t met Senior Lin Ling, she wouldn’t have such a charming aura! That demonic qi was clearly seductive!”

The elders from the other ancient clans who had come with the Clear Moon Holy Land voiced their suspicions.

“I… accidentally left that aura behind while cultivating in the Lan family’s ancestral grounds a while ago. I apologize for the misunderstanding,” a sudden voice said, attracting everyone’s attention.

The Holy Master frowned, glancing at the young cultivator who had spoken so boldly.

Then, her eyes widened as she recognized him. “Mu Zhian?”

“Mu Zhian is also at the Lan family…?”

The faces of those from the other ancient clans changed as they looked at Mu Zhian with surprise.

The young female cultivators who had accompanied their elders stared at him with sparkling eyes.

With Mu Zhian’s explanation of the ‘charming demonic qi,’ their accusations were invalidated.

The Holy Master and the others’ expressions turned grim.

Mu Zhian smiled, cupped his hands towards them, and then left the ancestral grounds.

The Lan family would handle the rest. He didn’t like being stared at.

“Are you happy now?”

As he left, time suddenly froze, and Yao Meng appeared behind him, her long hair cascading down, her alluring figure concealed by a celestial mist, her eyes playful.

“Of course I’m happy to help Senior Sister and Feiying… but will you be angry, Jade Empress, that I… protected the Lan family?” Mu Zhian asked with a sigh.

“The Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm aren’t completely isolated. The conflict between them was caused by the First Demon Emperor. Since the current Demon Empress took over, their relationship has improved. A future alliance isn’t impossible.”

Mu Zhian nodded silently. “That’s probably the Demon Empress’s wish.”

Yao Meng suddenly chuckled. “A wish? Marrying you off to the Demon Realm would truly fulfill her wish.”

Shi Zixuan’s intentions were practically an open secret among the Dao Integration experts.

If Mu Zhian were truly sent to the Demon Realm, Shi Zixuan would probably do anything to promote trade and cooperation with the Eastern Continent.

Mu Zhian looked at her with a surprised expression. “Why would you say something so absurd, Jade Empress?”

Yao Meng paused. “What?”

Mu Zhian took her hand, his expression serious. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I want to be with you, always. You’re the person I respect the most, and also… my beloved… This will never change.”

Yao Meng’s heart stirred, a ripple of emotion disturbing her usually calm Dao Heart, her expression softening. “Although I know you’re just trying to please me, it’s still… heartwarming.”

She held his hand tightly, then, as if sensing something, glanced at a ripple in the space nearby.

A subtle smile appeared on her lips, and she raised her finger, a green lotus hurtling towards the spatial rift in the north.

A piercing hum echoed through the Sword Palace.

Deep within the Sword Palace, Gong Lianyue’s eyes snapped open, fury in her gaze. “Jade Empress, how dare you?! He’s my Dao Companion—!”

“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Yao Meng’s calm, gentle voice echoed through the Sword Palace. “Isn’t your Dao Companion… my husband?”

“Why don’t you guess what I’ll do with him… while you’re in seclusion, trying to ascend…?”

Gong Lianyue’s heart sank, rage boiling within her.

Just the thought of the Jade Empress… being with her Dao Companion during her seclusion… twisted her heart, filling her with jealousy.

And that bitch even had the audacity to taunt her!

Why didn’t she do anything to Mu Zhian when she was the one in seclusion?

Gong Lianyue was filled with regret.

Back then, she had been more reserved, with Bai Ruoxi as the dominant consciousness.

Hum!

With a sword hum, the World Cleansing Green Lotus sealed the spatial rift within the Sword Palace.

But the next moment, Gong Lianyue emerged from the lotus pond.

The petals of the World Cleansing Green Lotus shattered, scattering green light that tinged Gong Lianyue’s hair.

The Jade Empress’s blatant… cuckolding had enraged her.

Bai Ruoxi, within her heart’s world, sensed something and looked up. “Are you not going into seclusion anymore?”

“Seclusion?”

Gong Lianyue’s dark dress seemed to ignite with a golden flame, sword light flickering behind her.

A cold laugh echoed through the Sword Palace.

“Before I go into seclusion, I’m going to rip that bitch’s mouth apart!”

Chapter 446: I Will Rip Her Mouth Apart! p1

A misty rain fell from the night sky, and a long silence settled over the room. Lin Ling, her clear red eyes unwavering, stared intently at Yao Meng, glancing repeatedly at Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian was still reeling from the shock, surprised by Lin Ling’s sudden assertiveness. He hadn’t expected the usually obedient and docile Spiritual Dragon to act so… aggressively.

After a long silence, Yao Meng raised an eyebrow, looking at Lin Ling appraisingly. “Spiritual Dragon, if I’m not mistaken, you dislike conflict. Why are you so hostile towards me?”

“I’m merely his wife, yet you’re showing such animosity. Are you jealous?”

Lin Ling, usually cheerful and carefree, frowned and remained silent. She realized she had been too impulsive. Mu Zhian and the Jade Empress were married in the Holy King City, a public event witnessed by the entire Nine Provinces. Although it was part of a plan for the Jade Empress’s ascension, a marriage was still a marriage, and the Jade Empress did call Mu Zhian her husband. Everyone knew about their marriage.

Lin Ling is too kind. If it were Gong Lianyue, she would have already started fighting… Mu Zhian watched the scene unfold, maintaining a calm facade, but inwardly, his heart was pounding.

Yao Meng’s lips curved into a faint smile, and she continued her provocation. “Or are you like the others, also… attracted to my husband, wanting to keep him for yourself?”

A brief silence fell over the room.

This is bad. Yao Meng is much stronger than Lin Ling… Mu Zhian’s eye twitched.

Lin Ling, being shy, wouldn’t admit to being… attracted to Mu Zhian.

After all, their initial dual cultivation had been Mu Zhian’s doing, coaxing and tricking her into it to suppress the karmic fire. And although, as he had predicted, their relationship had… evolved after several sessions, she still couldn’t bring herself to admit such feelings.

Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere, Mu Zhian’s mind raced. What should I do? If I side with Lin Ling, Yao Meng will be angry, but if I ignore her, Lin Ling might be bullied to tears.

Among the ‘big sharks’ in his pond, this usually peaceful Yao Meng was the strongest.

Just as he was pondering this, Lin Ling held up her notebook: Miss Bai was his Dao Companion before you.

Yao Meng’s expression remained calm. She smiled faintly. “So what if she was?” Her green eyes, shimmering like gems, held a hint of amusement as she caressed Mu Zhian’s face. “He can have many Dao Companions, but only one wife.”

“And I’m his only wife.”

Her casual words shifted the pressure back to Lin Ling.

Yao Meng was right. She was Mu Zhian’s only wife. With Bai Ruoxi absent, she was the only one who could claim that title.

“Even if the Palace Master hears this, you don’t mind?” Lin Ling suddenly asked.

As she spoke, a mysterious power seemed to envelop the area.

Yao Meng glanced up, sensing something. “Word spirit ability?” she murmured.

So, Gong Lianyue, who was preparing for her tribulation in the Sword Palace, could hear their conversation.

But—

So what?

“What if she does? My… conjugal relationship with him is known throughout the Nine Provinces. Even Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t object.”

Her voice, calm and elegant, echoed through the room.

Far away, in the Sword Palace, Gong Lianyue’s eyes snapped open, and after a moment of stunned silence, she gritted her teeth.

That damned Jade Empress, using my seclusion to proclaim herself Mu Lang’s wife?! Even coming to my doorstep to flaunt it?!

This was like stealing someone’s boyfriend right in front of them… and even calling him “husband” so brazenly.

She was already calling him “husband” while she wasn’t even around. What else has she been doing in private?!

Just imagining it made Gong Lianyue’s blood boil.

“Calm down. Don’t let this disturb your Dao Heart,” Bai Ruoxi’s gentle voice echoed in her mind.

Gong Lianyue calmed down slightly, but she still seethed with anger. “I can’t let the Jade Empress get away with this! I’ll see what she’s planning!”

She summoned her bronze ancient sword, which transformed into countless sword images, weaving through the air.

The sword split open the space, revealing a scene of Mu Zhian’s location.

…

Back in the Lan clan’s territory, Yao Meng, having finally calmed down Gong Lianyue, smiled triumphantly.

“I should thank you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to convey my message to Gong Lianyue.”

The pleasure of cuckolding someone right in front of them… A wave of exhilaration washed over her.

Lin Ling’s face was a picture of shock.

Her innocent heart was shaken, and she was speechless.

She hadn’t expected the Jade Empress to be so… provocative, even flaunting her relationship in front of another woman’s Dao Companion.

If Gong Lianyue weren’t in seclusion, preparing for her tribulation, she would have already attacked the Lan clan with her sword.

The advantage she had built up had vanished, and Lin Ling, biting her lip, tears welling up in her eyes, looked at Mu Zhian with a pitiful expression.

Yao Meng hadn’t actually done anything to help Mu Zhian, but as his wife, that alone was a victory.

Even Mu Zhian, who was used to Yao Meng’s antics, couldn’t help but rub his forehead and sigh. “Yao Meng, that’s enough.”

Yao Meng smiled faintly, glancing at him. “Are you feeling… distressed?”

Even she felt a twinge of sympathy for Lin Ling, although she hadn’t considered what Lin Ling and Mu Zhian had been doing while she was away in the Eastern Continent…

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

Yao Meng might enjoy playing the villain, but he was the one who had to deal with the aftermath…

Knock, knock.

A knock came from the door, interrupting the tense atmosphere.

Someone’s here! I’m saved! Mu Zhian’s heart leaped with joy as he quickly got out of bed and opened the door.

“I’ll get it.”

Standing at the doorway was a beautiful woman in a yellow dress. Wei Mengrou wouldn’t normally come looking for him, so her appearance was unexpected.

“Mengrou, what’s wrong?” Mu Zhian asked, forcing a smile.

Anyone interrupting this dangerous situation was welcome… If Wei Mengrou had arrived any later, his next meeting might be in the Jade Pool’s little room.

Wei Mengrou didn’t answer, her gaze sweeping over the room.

She saw Yao Meng sitting on the bed, her legs crossed, a calm smile on her face as she looked at Wei Mengrou.

Then, she saw Lin Ling’s state and, even without witnessing what had just transpired, she had a guess.

“Something’s happened at the Lan family’s ancestral grounds,” she said.

…

The ancestral worship ceremony was held every few years by the major ancient clans of the Eastern Continent.

The Lan family’s ceremony, however, was particularly renowned, mainly because their ancestor had been a Dao Integration expert.

The divine oracle bestowed during the ceremony was highly valued by the other ancient clans. However, no one knew that it wasn’t actually from the Lan family ancestor.

Mu Zhian had anticipated that the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s presence would eventually be exposed, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. He wasn’t prepared.

When he and Wei Mengrou arrived at the ancestral grounds, the Lan clan members were already gathered.

Yao Meng hadn’t come. This was a Lan family matter, and she didn’t want to get involved.

“Senior Sister, what happened?” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice to Lan Mulian, whom he had spotted in the crowd.

“Something happened at the ancestral grounds. The ceremony might be postponed,” Lan Mulian replied, transmitting her voice back, but she didn’t know the details.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.

It seemed the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness was awakening…

Although he was still outside, he could sense her faint aura from within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

If that was the case, the ceremony couldn’t proceed as planned.

Lan Mulian suddenly transmitted her voice, “What you wanted to tell us before… is it related to the incident at the ancestral grounds?” She was intelligent and understood the implication of his words that night.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, then hesitated. He transmitted his voice, “Are you still angry, Senior Sister?”

Lan Mulian scoffed. “You flatter yourself, Junior Brother. Who would be angry because of you?”

If she had added, “Don’t misunderstand. If I’m angry, it’s not because of you, you idiot!”, it would have been a perfect tsundere line… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

He looked towards the ancestral grounds. Although there were no visible changes, he could sense a faint demonic aura, clearly concealed by the Lan family’s formations.

After a long silence, a commotion arose in the distance.

Mu Zhian looked over and saw members of other ancient clans from the Eastern Continent.

The Clear Moon Holy Land and two other ancient clans had come to the ancestral grounds.

Lan Pingzhi, the Lan Clan Leader, looked at the Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land, his brows furrowing slightly as he sensed their hostility.

“What brings you to my Lan family today, Holy Master? You must have something important to discuss,” he asked.

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land was an elegantly dressed woman. Although past her prime, she possessed a mature, alluring charm.

Three golden halos shone behind her, her aura imposing, a smile on her face. “What? Are you not welcoming us, Fellow Daoist Lan?”

An elder from another ancient clan chuckled. “We simply wanted to observe your ancestral worship ceremony. We hope you don’t mind our intrusion.”

He sighed and looked towards the ancestral grounds. “But it seems there’s been an… incident. The ceremony might have to be postponed.”

Lan Pingzhi, his hands clasped behind his back, smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. The ceremony will proceed as planned. You can all observe.”

“Oh?”

The Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land smiled faintly, a glint of light in her eyes. “It seems Fellow Daoist Lan is confident in suppressing that… thing within your ancestor’s statue.”

Her seemingly casual words were like a bombshell, shocking the Lan family’s high-ranking members.

Lan Pingzhi’s face hardened. He said in a deep voice, “If you have something to say, just say it directly. There’s no need for such cryptic talk and such a grand display. If you’re here to observe the ceremony, fine… But if you’re here to challenge my Lan family, you’ve chosen the wrong opponent.”

A slight commotion arose near the ancestral grounds.

Many realized that the Lan family was hiding a secret. Otherwise, the Clear Moon Holy Land wouldn’t have made such a grand entrance.

“You’re joking, Fellow Daoist. The Lan family is one of the most powerful forces in the Eastern Continent, besides the three major powers. Although your territory is rich in resources, it’s rightfully yours. We have no intention of challenging you,” an elder from another ancient clan, who had come with the Clear Moon Holy Land, said with a smile. “However, I’m skilled in divination and sensed something… ominous within your ancestral grounds, so I invited the Holy Master to help.”

“What exactly did you discover in our ancestral grounds that requires such a grand display?” Lan Pingzhi asked calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.

The elder from the Lin family smiled. “Demonic qi.”

These words caused an immediate uproar outside the ancestral grounds. Lan Pingzhi clenched his fists, a surge of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

But it quickly vanished.

He said calmly, “You’re joking, Elder Lin. Our ancestral grounds are a sacred place. No demon would dare to trespass. You must have misread the signs.”

“The Second Elder of the Lin family has been studying divination for a thousand years. He wouldn’t make such a mistake,” the Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land said, her voice gentle as she smiled faintly. “Why don’t you let him… examine your ancestral grounds and clear your name?”

“Are you challenging my Lan family, Holy Master?” the Grand Elder of the Lan family roared, a strange glint in his cloudy eyes.

The Holy Master shook her head and chuckled. “You misunderstand.”

She paused. “However, there’s a rule in the Eastern Continent that those who collude with demons are considered traitors.”

“The Two Polarities Sect has always held this stance, and even the Forbidden Zone once emerged to purge such traitors. If word gets out that the Lan family is harboring a demon cultivator… it won’t be good for your reputation, regardless of whether it’s true or not.”

Her words put the Lan family in a difficult position. If they refused to be inspected, it would only fuel the rumors.

But if a demon cultivator, especially a powerful one, was found within their ancestral grounds… the Lan family would be destroyed.

Their resources would be divided among the clans present today.

However, if no demon cultivator was found… these three powers would face the Lan family’s wrath.

But the potential reward was worth the risk.

Besides, it wasn’t even a risk.

Clearly, the Clear Moon Holy Land and the other two powers had come prepared.

Lan Pingzhi’s face darkened. He said coldly, “Are you questioning my Lan family’s integrity?”

“I apologize, but this is for the sake of the Eastern Continent. Even if the world finds out, they’ll understand,” the Holy Master of the Clear Moon Holy Land said with a smile. “So, have you decided, Fellow Daoist Lan? Will you allow Elder Lin to inspect your ancestral grounds?”

The Lan family elders were silent.

Lan Pingzhi’s eyes were cold. “No.”

“Your refusal will only make people think you’re hiding something,” someone said with a sneer.

The next moment, a bloody flower bloomed on the speaker’s chest, his eyes wide with shock as his consciousness was extinguished.

The earlier commotion died down instantly.

Lan Wu wiped the blood from his hand and said calmly, “You’ve accused my Lan family of harboring a demon cultivator. I hope you’re prepared to face the consequences if you find nothing.”

My brother-in-law is so cool… Mu Zhian, watching the scene unfold, was impressed.

He had a good impression of Lan Wu. Among these geniuses, Lan Wu was quite decent, although he had his pride, he wasn’t malicious.

Then, Mu Zhian glanced towards the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

Ripples appeared in the space before it, and a strand of silver hair seemed to flutter in the wind.

He looked at the Lan sisters in the crowd and transmitted his voice, “Senior Sister, Feiying, do you want there to be a demon cultivator in the ancestral grounds, or not?”

Lan Mulian was stunned, a flicker of surprise in her clear eyes.

She understood the implication of his words.

Mu Zhian was leaving the fate of the Lan family in their hands.

Lan Feiying exchanged glances with her sister and transmitted her voice back to Mu Zhian, “You clearly know something. Is there a demon cultivator inside or not?”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Whether there is or not isn’t important. What matters is what you want.”

The two sisters fell silent.

To be honest, they didn’t care much about the Lan family, but they didn’t want to see its downfall because of this…

 

Chapter 445: Yao Meng: I’ve Met My Match 

Late at night, the old village was quiet, with only the occasional bark of a dog.

Entertainment was scarce in this world, and most mortals would be asleep by now.

However, a slightly dilapidated house in the village was quite lively.

A young woman in a black dress and high heels looked at the unconscious young man on the bed, frowning slightly, seemingly displeased.

Several elderly people stood beside Huang Manting. A closer look revealed that they all had some sort of physical ailment, said to be the result of past injuries sustained while being pursued by enemies. They had come to this village to live out their remaining years in peace.

Huang Manting, feeling sympathy for them, had asked her father to have the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce send supplies every month to prevent these elderly and disabled villagers from starving.

The village had been peaceful until now.

But with Huang Weifeng’s arrival, this peace might be shattered.

“Manting, don’t be angry. Weifeng grew up in this village. It’s only right for him to recuperate here after being injured.”

“Yes, although you’re not blood-related siblings, you still grew up together in this village.”

The elders tried to comfort Huang Manting.

Two days ago, after finishing her cultivation at the Two Polarities Sect, Huang Manting had overheard some disciples talking about a young man who had offended the Lan family and been rescued by a mysterious expert.

Curious, she had inquired further, and after hearing the description of his appearance, she was almost certain it was Huang Weifeng.

She had rushed back to the village and confirmed her suspicions.

Huang Manting had grown up in this village, and Huang Weifeng, having lost his parents, had been cared for by the elderly villagers.

The children in the village had been close, but after Huang Manting’s father became successful in business, they moved out of the village, and her relationship with the other children gradually faded.

However, the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce had always taken care of the village, and the elderly villagers treated Huang Manting like their own granddaughter.

But now, Huang Weifeng had not only offended the Lan family, but he had also returned to the village.

If the Lan family found out… it would cause trouble for the village.

“It’s not Weifeng’s fault. An immortal saved him and brought him back to the village,” an old woman said slowly, glancing at the crippled old man beside her.

Huang Manting’s eyes flickered. She had heard about this and asked, “I heard he was surrounded by the Lan family, and a mysterious expert rescued him?”

The old man with white hair and a crippled leg hummed in response. “I don’t know who that immortal was, but he brought him back to the village.”

Huang Manting frowned slightly. “He also offended Mu Zhian, didn’t he?”

“Who’s Mu Zhian?” a young villager asked, puzzled.

“He’s the one who married the Jade Empress a while ago. Huang Weifeng offended him at the Lan family. It might cause trouble—”

Huang Manting suddenly heard a groan.

She glanced over and saw Huang Weifeng, awakened from his unconscious state, sitting up abruptly, gasping for breath.

Then, confusion and anger filled his eyes. “Where am I? How did I get here?”

“Where’s Mu Zhian?!”

Hearing Huang Weifeng’s words, several young villagers chuckled mockingly.

“He offended the Lan family of all people. What if he brings trouble to our village?”

“He’s always been useless in his cultivation, causing trouble for the village…”

Huang Manting also frowned, a surge of anger rising within her.

After causing such a big incident, he’s still acting so nonchalantly… If it weren’t for the elderly villagers present, she would have already taught him a lesson.

“So… I was in danger, and a mysterious expert saved me?”

“Mu Zhian… he also seems to have the protection of a powerful consciousness.”

Huang Weifeng recalled the events of a few days ago, a sharp glint flickering in his eyes.

He was a Chosen One, the protagonist of this world. He wouldn’t die so easily.

But who was this Mu Zhian…? To be able to unleash such power… As expected of the initial ‘villain.’

“You’re safe in the village. The Lan family won’t find you here. Just focus on your cultivation,” Dao Initial Celestial Venerable said gently. Although many villagers didn’t want Huang Weifeng to stay, he still wanted to protect him.

After all, he had been friends with Huang Weifeng’s parents and had promised to look after him.

“I understand,” Huang Weifeng nodded slightly, not apologizing for causing trouble for the village.

Firstly, they weren’t worthy of his apology. Secondly, he didn’t intend to stay here.

Could he achieve anything by cultivating in this village?

Without venturing out and experiencing the world, staying in this desolate village would only hinder his progress.

“Young Master Huang, you’ve caused so much trouble for the village. Don’t you have anything to say?”

Huang Manting, unable to endure it any longer, raised an eyebrow and glanced at him.

As a merchant’s daughter, she rarely offended anyone directly, but Huang Weifeng’s attitude was infuriating.

Seeing Huang Manting’s beauty, Huang Weifeng’s eyes lit up, but then he noticed her cold gaze and said indifferently, “I won’t stay in the village for long. I’ll leave after I recover.”

Huang Manting glanced at him coldly. “I hope so.”

If it weren’t for the elderly villagers present, she would have already exploded.

Dao Initial Celestial Venerable watched the scene unfold, sighing softly.

The young people in the room looked at Huang Weifeng with disdain.

Not only was he arrogant, but he didn’t even show any gratitude after the village helped him. He was hopeless.

Huang Weifeng, however, remained indifferent to their gazes.

After all, he was a transmigrator with a powerful backer. He didn’t need to care about these people.

With his ‘golden finger’ and the Holy Light Qilin’s protection, reaching the peak of this world was only a matter of time.

As for these people mocking him… he would make them regret it later.

Dao Initial Celestial Venerable looked at the boy’s arrogant demeanor, sighing inwardly. As someone who had experienced much, he could see that Huang Weifeng hadn’t heeded his advice at all.

But he had done what he could. The rest was up to Huang Weifeng.

This girl is much kinder than him… He looked at Huang Manting with a sigh.

She had remained respectful even without knowing their identities, even sending supplies every month… The elderly villagers appreciated her kindness.

After lecturing Huang Weifeng a bit more, they left the room, and the elders gathered to chat.

Hum!

Suddenly, they heard a humming sound, and the elderly villagers instinctively looked towards the south.

Dao Initial Celestial Venerable’s eyes narrowed. He whispered, “The Ocean God has perished.”

The old woman beside him said slowly, “He should have expected this after offending the Jade Empress so many times.”

“With the Ocean God’s death, the Southern Wilderness will be in chaos,” another elder said.

“If that’s the case, the Jade Empress will probably return to the Eastern Continent.”

“The first Transcendence Realm Human Emperor… I wonder what her next move will be after eliminating her external enemies,” Dao Initial Celestial Venerable murmured.

He believed that after ascending, the Jade Empress would be ambitious, expanding the Jade Pool’s influence, perhaps even unifying the Eastern Continent.

“Regardless, it has nothing to do with us old geezers,” a raspy voice came from beside him. “Don’t forget why we chose to live in seclusion.”

“Even so, we can’t completely ignore the outside world. Otherwise, if someone discovers this village, we’ll be in trouble,” another elder said.

“I think we should choose a young person to venture out and learn about the situation in the outside world,” Dao Initial Celestial Venerable said.

“If that’s the case, we must choose a kind-hearted child… I think Manting is a good choice,” the old woman said.

The elders were silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

“Let’s observe her for a while. If there are no problems, we’ll choose her.”

…

Lan Family.

“I’m so stupid… Really…”

Mu Zhian stared blankly at the ceiling, murmuring to himself.

He knew that Sister Lin Ling was an innocent, gluttonous girl, but he hadn’t expected her to be a completely different person under the influence of the karmic fire.

When Lin Ling didn’t want to cultivate: Mu Zhian will be free from desire.

When she wanted to cultivate: Mu Zhian will be completely enamored with me.

She’s a hypocrite!

Mu Zhian was furious.

He turned to look at the silver-haired beauty beside him.

“Aaa~”

She was holding his arm, nuzzling against it like a cat seeking a comfortable spot.

Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes fluttering, her beautiful face filled with contentment.

The Heavenly Court spiritual energy within her, combined with the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm, was an irresistible temptation, even for someone like Lin Ling, who wasn’t interested in cultivation.

She wouldn’t even trade it for Eight Treasures Crane!

“…”

Mu Zhian looked at her, speechless, then sighed softly and pinched her waist lightly, gently caressing the seemingly ‘dormant’ Lin Ling.

While suppressing the karmic fire, Lin Ling often entered this dormant state, during which it was difficult for others to approach her, as she would instinctively use her word spirit ability to push them away.

Mu Zhian looked at the sleeping beauty, gently covering her with the blanket, concealing her fair skin, and sat down cross-legged nearby to meditate.

He was still thinking about the runes he had seen on the Heaven-Measuring Ruler.

For some reason, they seemed familiar, especially the green rune that had glowed last night.

That rune could reverse time… This Dao seemed familiar to Mu Zhian.

He took out the Heavenly Court ring obtained by the First Demon Emperor and his consciousness instantly entered the Heavenly Court.

He closed his eyes, and nine thrones appeared before him.

Each throne was engraved with different runes and patterns. Behind the first throne was a lotus shape, inscribed with the character ‘Imminent.’

Behind the second was an ancient sword, corresponding to ‘Soldier.’

The third was a giant serpent, its appearance quite sinister. Just looking at it made one feel like they were being watched, a strange sense of allure emanating from it.

Besides the four thrones that were currently lit up, the remaining five were obscured by a soft white mist.

“The nine seats correspond to ‘Lin, Bing, Dou, Zhe, Jie, Zhen, Lie, Zai, Qian’ (meaning ‘Imminent, Soldier, Fight, All, Array, True, Row, Before, March’), all arrayed before. The ‘Imminent’ rune controlled by Yao Meng can rewrite and even reverse time, weakening others’ cultivation.”

Mu Zhian looked at the four seats before him, lost in thought.

He took out the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, which had recovered its energy. Four runes on the translucent ruler glowed softly.

The remaining five marks were blurry and indistinct.

“‘Lin, Bing, Dou, Zhe’—each character contains a different Dao, but I can currently only use ‘Lin.’ Does this mean that because only Yao Meng has resonated with the new Heavenly Dao and ascended, if Ruoxi and Zixuan also ascend, the ‘Bing’ and ‘Dou’ runes will be activated?”

‘Lin’ controlled the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and could rewrite time, while ‘Bing’ possessed immense vitality and life force, and ‘Dou’ could grow stronger with each battle, like stacking buffs, until a single attack could obliterate the enemy.

“I can currently bestow five seats. I have to consider the order…”

Mu Zhian pondered for a while, cultivated in the Heavenly Court for an hour, and exhaled slowly.

He opened his eyes, feeling refreshed.

The spiritual energy in the Heavenly Court was far richer than in the Nine Provinces. Even without cultivating, one could achieve immortality here.

Unfortunately, only his consciousness could enter the Heavenly Court through the ring.

Mu Zhian collected his thoughts, his consciousness returning to reality.

He could only cultivate in the Heavenly Court for an hour each day, and his time was up.

…

Southern Wilderness.

Yao Meng stood in mid-air, toying with an ocean-blue crystal, a rare coldness in her eyes.

It had been almost half a month since she parted ways with Mu Zhian. During this time, she had been busy searching for the Ocean God, unable to check on Mu Zhian.

Dealing with the Ocean God wouldn’t have taken long. After all, his lifespan was nearing its end, and he had severed his connection to the Heavenly Dao, his realm falling to Soul Transformation. Even if he burned his blood essence to temporarily reach Dao Integration, she could still easily defeat him.

But the Ocean God was good at hiding. After searching for so long, she had finally found a clue and killed him.

She wondered how Mu Zhian was doing…

Half a month hadn’t diminished her feelings for Mu Zhian. On the contrary, she couldn’t stop thinking about him… especially his younger form.

She wasn’t worried about his safety, but she wondered how many women he had been intimate with during her absence.

“I’ve wasted so much time on you. If I return and find him being intimate with someone else, I’ll crush your consciousness a thousand times over,” she said to the Ocean God’s consciousness trapped within the crystal, her voice gentle yet menacing.

Then, Yao Meng smiled faintly. “But it’s not just me who misses him. He must be thinking about me too, right?”

Thinking this, Yao Meng pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling with affection, a smile appearing on her face, anticipating their reunion.

Compared to the boredom of cultivation, being with him was much more interesting.

She raised her finger, and a petal of the World Cleansing Green Lotus silently entered the ocean-blue crystal, completely suppressing the Ocean God’s consciousness.

Then, her figure transformed into a streak of green light and vanished from the Southern Wilderness.

…

Feiqin Garden.

Mu Zhian’s consciousness returned from the Heavenly Court. Feeling the soft body in his arms, he instinctively embraced her waist, burying his face in her bosom.

Lin Ling stroked his hair and said, “Aaaaa (Your consciousness wasn’t here just now. Where did you go?)”

“Nothing. I was just meditating,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Lin Ling didn’t seem to care about the truth and nodded gently, seemingly enjoying the peaceful morning.

After a while, she seemed to sense something, her face flushing slightly as she fidgeted with her legs. She held up her notebook: Why are you always thinking about bad things?

Mu Zhian smiled, looking at the silver-haired beauty. “Me? Thinking about bad things? My dear Lin Ling, do you remember what you did last night?”

Lin Ling paused, then turned her head away, trying to whistle silently.

Mu Zhian looked at her ample bosom, barely concealed by her white dress. “Speaking of which, we haven’t had breakfast yet, and I’m a bit hungry. Do you want to try my suggestion from last time?”

“Aaa?” Lin Ling made a puzzled sound and followed his gaze, looking down at her chest.

After a brief moment of confusion, she seemed to understand, her face flushing as she glared at Mu Zhian playfully.

Seeing her resentful expression, Mu Zhian’s heart stirred with amusement. He enjoyed seeing Lin Ling’s shy demeanor.

“Just kidding. We can try it again when you’re willing,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

He embraced Lin Ling’s waist, closed his eyes, and gently kissed her on the lips.

At that moment, a faint green light flickered in the room, then vanished instantly.

Mu Zhian deepened the kiss.

Her lips were soft, and a cool, faint fragrance emanated from them, refreshing and pleasant—

Mu Zhian suddenly froze, sensing something amiss.

Although Lin Ling had a faint fragrance, it was different from this… This wasn’t Sister Lin Ling!

Then who was in his arms?

Mu Zhian opened his eyes, his gaze filled with surprise and uncertainty.

He saw Yao Meng’s beautiful face before him, like a snow lotus in the morning mist, exuding an ethereal, cold aura.

“Why are you looking at me like that? You know the ‘Imminent’ rune can reverse time, don’t you?”

Yao Meng smiled, resting her head on his shoulder, and teased, “Or are you disappointed that the person you kissed wasn’t Lin Ling?”

Yao Meng?!

Mu Zhian’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind going blank.

“You want to ask why I’m here?”

Before Mu Zhian could speak, Yao Meng answered for him. “I’ve suppressed the Ocean God, so I used a spatial technique to come back.”

A spatial gate was open behind her.

“I thought you would be missing me, but it seems you’ve found a new… companion.”

Yao Meng smiled, looking at the silver-haired beauty standing beside the bed.

“The Spiritual Dragon is a creature of luck, favored by the heavens. Being intimate with her… even the Great Dao can sense it… You’re quite bold. Aren’t you afraid of being punished?”

“If the Day of Rest arrives because of this, even I might not be able to protect you.”

Mu Zhian finally reacted, coughing lightly. “She was tormented by karmic fire, so…”

“So you needed Heavenly Court spiritual energy to suppress it?”

Yao Meng glanced at the silver-haired beauty thoughtfully and smiled. “Thank you for taking care of my husband. I’ll take over from here.”

Her voice was calm, as if stating a simple fact, as she gently stroked Mu Zhian’s hair, taking Lin Ling’s place.

Lin Ling frowned slightly, holding up her notebook:

He needs my help.

But you can’t help him.

To Yao Meng, these words were a blatant provocation.

She raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. “Lin Ling, although you’ve been with Shang Yanfei for many years, you’re still a Dao Integration expert. What can you do that I can’t?”

Lin Ling must have charmed Mu Zhian with her innocent, adorable demeanor. Now that she, the ‘rightful wife,’ was here, how could Lin Ling still say ‘You can’t help him’?

Although there wasn’t a difference in strength between the Transcendence Realm and Dao Integration, the Transcendence Realm was still superior in this world.

After all, it wasn’t bound by the rules of heaven and earth.

Lin Ling held up her notebook: Can you give him luck?

Can you give him three portions of Heavenly Dao Energy?

He needs to fake demonic qi during the ancestral worship ceremony. Can you fake Dao Integration level demonic qi?

“…”

Silence fell over the room.

Lin Ling showed the silent Yao Meng her notebook, adding the final blow: You can’t. I can.

So I can help him, but you can’t.

The calm smile on Yao Meng’s face finally faded.

Chapter 444: The Sect Master’s Secret 

Rain fell in the early morning. Mu Zhian, having changed his clothes, let out a refreshed sigh.

He glanced at the bed behind him. Lin Ling was huddled under the covers, her entire body hidden except for a single silver ahoge, her hand clutching the edge of the blanket.

She was already awake, just embarrassed.

Even Mu Zhian couldn’t help but feel his heart stir as he recalled the events of last night.

Mmm… Although he had been intimate with Lin Ling a few times, he hadn’t explored many… possibilities. As a seasoned veteran in the garden of love, he had many tricks up his sleeve and could slowly guide Lin Ling. He wouldn’t be bored for a long time…

After all, suppressing karmic fire didn’t necessarily require… the exchange of bodily fluids. The ultimate goal was to release the Heavenly Court spiritual energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace.

Yes… no matter the method, as long as the spiritual energy was released, it was enough.

Although Lin Ling had been reluctant to comply with some of his… requests last night, Mu Zhian wasn’t in a hurry.

After the first time, there would be countless more.

“This way, I haven’t let down Sect Master Lin’s kindness.”

Mu Zhian sat at the table, wrote a reply to Shang Yanfei, folded it into a paper crane, and tossed it out the window.

His mood was excellent. He put on his white robes, glanced at the silver-haired beauty under the covers, and walked over, gently patting her shoulder. “Lin Ling, do you want breakfast? I’ll go prepare some for you.”

“Aaa?” Lin Ling clutched the blanket, most of her face hidden, her eyes staring at him warily.

Mu Zhian paused, then chuckled. “Not the… snacks from last night… Just normal breakfast.”

Sensing her resentful gaze, Mu Zhian’s heart stirred slightly. He sat beside the bed, gently stroking Lin Ling’s hair. “If you don’t like it, we won’t try it again next time.”

Lin Ling blushed and buried her face in the pillow.

Then, she placed her notebook on Mu Zhian’s lap.

“I don’t like it, but I don’t dislike it either… If it makes you happy, we can try again next time.”

“You’re so kind, Lin Ling.”

Mu Zhian gently stroked her silver hair, sighing with genuine emotion.

This feeling of slowly… coloring a blank sheet of paper was truly irresistible…

And more importantly, she wouldn’t refuse him. She was so obedient. This was something Mu Zhian had never experienced before.

After all, although the ‘fish’ in his pond were beautiful, they were also quite… fierce.

That was understandable. They were all talented geniuses, naturally proud, and wouldn’t share their Dao Companion with other women.

But Sister Lin Ling was different… She didn’t mind, or rather, she had no desire to compete.

Of course, as long as he didn’t provoke her.

Normally, Lin Ling was docile and adorable.

“Or… would you like to try something else before breakfast?” Mu Zhian suddenly suggested, wanting her to… experience more.

He could smell the fresh scent of soap on her, from her bath after… last night.

“Aaa.” Lin Ling shook her head gently, her face flushed, biting her lip shyly as she seemed to recall the events of last night.

“Does that mean you agree?” Mu Zhian teased deliberately.

He understood that she was refusing.

Lin Ling glanced at him and shook her head shyly. “Aaa~”

“That’s not what I taught you last night. You have to say you like it,” Mu Zhian said seriously.

He looked at the shy, innocent girl with a smug smile.

He was about to tease her further when Lin Ling suddenly opened her mouth.

Then, a clear, melodious voice echoed through the room.

“Mu Zhian will be free from desire for the next seven days.”

Mu Zhian’s smile froze.

…

“I didn’t expect to anger her… I hope she’ll undo this word spirit ability tonight.”

Mu Zhian left the room, entered the study, sat by the window, and watched the rain outside, sighing softly.

“You deserve it. You think she’s a docile little white rabbit, but even a white rabbit will bite if cornered.”

Ye Qingxin’s languid voice came from within the Innate Celestial Furnace. “Lin Ling has been with Shang Yanfei for so long. She has a temper.”

Mu Zhian paused. “You know what just happened, Senior Ye?”

Logically, she shouldn’t be able to see the outside world from within the Innate Celestial Furnace…

As if knowing what he was thinking, Ye Qingxin smiled faintly. “Your Innate Celestial Furnace has lost so much spiritual energy these past few days. I’m inside it. How could I not notice?”

Mu Zhian’s expression remained unchanged. “So, you know everything that’s happened?”

Ye Qingxin sat in the void, playing with a strand of hair. “If you’re talking about your… dual cultivation with Lin Ling… although I didn’t see it, I’m aware of it.”

“Aren’t you angry, Senior Ye?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Lin Ling was tormented by karmic fire. If you didn’t help her, she would have to cultivate in seclusion for a thousand years… A thousand years isn’t long, but it’s enough time for most people around her to grow old. I know you’re kind and wouldn’t abandon her.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment. “Lin Ling has helped me a lot in the past.”

“You don’t have to feel guilty. We’re not Dao Companions. You can be intimate with other women. I have no right to object. I didn’t come out to scold you.”

Ye Qingxin dangled her jade-like feet beneath her black and red dress, her eyes downcast. “I just have a feeling that something ominous is brewing. Be careful.”

“Are you referring to the demonic qi in the Lan family’s ancestral grounds?” Mu Zhian asked.

“It’s not related to the Lan family, but the rules of heaven and earth. Something’s not right,” Ye Qingxin paused. “You won’t be in danger after the ancestral worship ceremony. I’m planning to visit the Forbidden Zone and see some old friends, and also investigate the problem with the rules of heaven and earth.”

“What about your true body… When should I bring you down?” Mu Zhian hesitated.

“You’ll probably return to the sect and cultivate for a while after the Lan family’s ceremony. I’ll come find you during that time,” Ye Qingxin said.

“Alright, Senior Ye. You have your own plans. I won’t stop you,” Mu Zhian smiled. “But please remember, I’ll always be waiting for your return.”

The woman within him fell silent.

Then, Mu Zhian suddenly asked, “Do you know what happened last night?”

Ye Qingxin shook her head. “I didn’t hear anything, but I sensed a strong demonic qi during my cultivation.”

Mu Zhian sighed softly. “I promised the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox I would find her consciousness and help her be reborn.”

“But her consciousness is within the statue in the Lan family’s ancestral grounds. I can only retrieve it during the ancestral worship ceremony. And I wonder how many people will use the demonic qi in the Lan family’s ancestral grounds to cause trouble.”

Mu Zhian paused, then smiled wryly. “Well, I don’t know why I’m complaining. I’ll find a way to retrieve the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness myself during the ceremony.”

A golden light flickered in the study.

“You’re just waiting for me to offer my help, aren’t you? With our relationship, you can just ask directly.”

Ye Qingxin, dressed in her black and red dress, bathed in golden flames, looked incredibly divine.

She smiled, looking at the boy sitting by the door.

Although his aura was restrained, he still exuded a powerful pressure.

This wasn’t the Nascent Soul realm, but close to Dao Integration!

In the past, this wisp of Ye Qingxin’s consciousness had been close to the Soul Transformation realm. By burning her blood essence, she could temporarily reach Dao Integration.

But now, with the changes in the rules of heaven and earth and the surrounding spiritual energy, her strength had also increased.

Mu Zhian shook his head gently and smiled wryly. “I do hope you can help me, Senior Ye, but this is a Lan family matter. If you refuse, I understand.”

Ye Qingxin walked to the desk, sat down, and looked down at the boy’s handsome face with a playful smile. “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness is indeed related to the Lan family, but more importantly, it’s related to those two girls.”

“If I intervene, I’ll be helping my two… rivals.”

“So, logically and emotionally, I shouldn’t help.”

She looked at the silent boy, casually placing her foot on his shoulder, and smiled. “You don’t seem very disappointed.”

“I know you haven’t finished speaking yet, Senior Ye,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Ye Qingxin narrowed her eyes, her toes tracing his shoulder. She leaned closer, one hand on the desk, and looked down at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “You can beg me.”

“If you make me happy, I’ll do anything for you.”

Mu Zhian looked up at the woman before him.

Her beauty was breathtaking, her lips full and red, her seductive eyes filled with a playful smile.

Normally, Mu Zhian’s heart would be racing, and he wouldn’t be able to resist.

But now… he felt nothing.

Lin Ling’s word spirit ability is too powerful… Mu Zhian looked at the beautiful ancestor of the Ye family, her alluring eyes, yet felt no desire, his mind slightly disturbed.

He opened his mouth, about to speak.

“Just kidding,” Ye Qingxin said, placing her finger gently on his lips and smiling. “The Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony… if you need help, I’ll be there.”

She caressed Mu Zhian’s face, her alluring red eyes filled with seductive charm. “But you know how you’ll have to… repay me, right?”

Her words sounded incredibly suggestive…

Mu Zhian instinctively reached out to embrace her waist, but Ye Qingxin slipped away, giggling. “Don’t worry. It’s not the right time yet.”

“After all, I want to save the best… experience for my true body.”

Ye Qingxin leaned close to his ear and whispered, “We can… play slowly in the Jade Empress’s room later.”

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred, but almost instantly, the word spirit ability took effect, and his desire vanished.

This feeling was incredibly frustrating. He had been aroused by Ye Qingxin, yet an invisible force suppressed his desire.

If Lin Ling wanted to play edging games, she could torture me to death… Mu Zhian thought, realizing the terrifying potential of her ability.

Ye Qingxin looked at the boy with a playful smile. “The word spirit ability is truly amazing.”

“But I’m curious. If your desire reaches its peak, can the word spirit ability still suppress it?”

Golden flames erupted around Ye Qingxin.

Then, as the flames dissipated, she was now wearing a thin, gauze-like green dress.

“Is that… Yao Meng’s dress?” Mu Zhian asked in surprise.

“I prepared it when I went to Yu State. Does it look good?”

Ye Qingxin twirled before Mu Zhian. The dress suited her surprisingly well, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to her alluring demeanor.

Although she seemed slightly shy, a strange excitement filled her heart.

Wearing the Jade Empress’s dress and even being intimate with her husband… This feeling was irresistible.

Mu Zhian sighed in genuine admiration. “It’s beautiful. You look as good as Yao Meng.”

Hearing this, Ye Qingxin couldn’t help but smile.

She gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face, then stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the lips.

Mu Zhian was stunned. He transmitted his voice, “Senior Ye, didn’t you say you wanted to save… that experience for your true body…?”

“Yes,” Ye Qingxin wrapped her arms around his neck and chuckled softly. “I want to save the best for my true body, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little… appetizer now.”

…

Evening.

Lin Ling sat on the soft mat with her legs crossed, her eyes closed, the cauldron within her slowly circulating.

Her pocket dimension within the cauldron was connected to the Great Dao, providing her with an endless supply of spiritual energy. But besides that, there was now another type of spiritual energy within her cauldron.

It was the spiritual energy from the Heavenly Court.

Whenever the karmic fire burned within her cauldron, the Heavenly Court spiritual energy would silently suppress it.

When half of the spiritual energy in her cauldron was Mu Zhian’s, the karmic fire would be completely suppressed.

Actually, in Lin Ling’s current state, as long as she didn’t use her word spirit ability frequently, the karmic fire wouldn’t act up.

However, perhaps because of Mu Zhian’s teasing earlier, the previously suppressed karmic fire was now surging.

The burning karmic fire intensified, her face flushed, her breathing heavy, her brows furrowed as she struggled to suppress it.

After a long time, she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze hazy, her legs rubbing together, as she instinctively looked towards the study.

…

I can’t take it anymore. Senior Ye is too tempting… I can’t…

Evening.

Mu Zhian was exhausted, both physically and mentally, but also… satisfied.

Lin Ling’s word spirit ability was so powerful that even when he was intimate with Ye Qingxin, his desires would vanish the moment they arose.

“What the hell, if Lin Ling makes me stay in ‘sage mode’ for a year, I’ll explode…”

This terrifying thought made Mu Zhian shudder.

Then, he quickly relaxed.

Unlike the other ‘fish’ in his pond, Lin Ling was an innocent and naive girl. She wouldn’t do something so extreme…

If it were Yao Meng, Mu Zhian would probably be… ‘privatized.’

He arrived at Lin Ling’s closed door, saw the flickering candlelight inside, and knowing she was still there, didn’t disturb her, but found an empty room to meditate.

Occasionally, quiet meditation was also enjoyable.

Late at night, Mu Zhian faintly heard a noise by the window. He discreetly glanced towards the door and saw a strand of silver hair.

He closed his eyes, pretending to be meditating.

“Aaa…”

He heard a shy voice and opened his eyes, seeing Lin Ling standing by his bed, looking at him intently.

“What’s wrong? I’m meditating,” Mu Zhian asked, puzzled.

Something seemed amiss… Could she be suffering from the karmic fire again…?

He discreetly observed Lin Ling, confirming that the karmic fire was indeed acting up, although not as severely as before.

Lin Ling blushed, gently tugged on his sleeve, and looked at him with moist eyes. “Aaaa…”

She handed him a meat bun.

You’re trying to bribe me with a single meat bun…? Mu Zhian complained inwardly, then said reservedly, “Lin Ling, have you forgotten that your word spirit ability sealed my desires today?”

He was about to tease her further when the silver-haired beauty, seemingly losing her patience, opened her mouth. “Mu Zhian will be completely enamored with me tonight.”

Mu Zhian: “?”

I feel like Lin Ling is the man, and I’m the woman being… She kicks me out when I’m in ‘sage mode,’ and wants me back when she’s… in the mood… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

But the next moment, his gaze was fixed on her, unable to look away.

Lin Ling held his wrist, a strange light flickering in her usually clear, red eyes, her lips glossy in the candlelight.

She pursed her lips and slowly leaned closer.

Mu Zhian could feel the warmth of her body, his heart racing, her fragrance filling his senses… It all felt incredibly real… He wrapped his arms around her waist, then leaned down and kissed her soft lips.

…

Two Polarities Peak.

A paper crane, emitting a faint white light, flew into the Two Polarities Sect, heading towards the back mountain.

A woman in a black dress lifted her finger, caught the crane, and casually unfolded it.

The message within appeared before her eyes.

She glanced at it, then casually put it away, her gaze falling on the bronze mirror on the table.

A beautiful, erotic scene appeared in the mirror, reflected in Shang Yanfei’s eyes.

She looked at the silver-haired beauty and the boy beneath her and couldn’t help but sigh softly.

She remembered her first encounter with Lin Ling.

The Spiritual Dragon was a creature favored by the heavens, born from the Great Dao, possessing the immensely powerful word spirit ability.

However, back then, Lin Ling couldn’t control her power and often caused trouble.

Therefore, wherever she went, people feared her.

Later, she took Lin Ling in, keeping her by her side and naming her Lin Ling.

Less than a thousand years later, Lin Ling broke through to Dao Integration, choosing to resonate with the Great Dao instead of the Heavenly, Earthly, or Humanly Daos.

It was also then that Lin Ling realized the Heavenly Dao Energy within Shang Yanfei was restricting her, so she used her word spirit ability to transfer three portions of it into herself.

Already plagued by karmic fire, Lin Ling had no choice but to enter seclusion in her pocket dimension to suppress it.

Until Mu Zhian appeared, and everything began to change.

Chapter 443: A Natural Airhead Is the Strongest! 

Mu Zhian’s mind short-circuited.

“Mu Lang…?” Lan Mulian repeated softly.

This form of address was very familiar to her, as Bai Ruoxi used it for Mu Zhian.

In this era, women usually added “Lang” after a man’s surname to address their beloved Dao Companion.

Lin Ling’s words were practically a self-imposed confession.

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint within.

Lan Mulian’s face darkened, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and anger.

“Senior Sister, it’s a long story,” Mu Zhian forced a smile. Even though he couldn’t see his own expression, he knew it must be awkward yet polite.

“You’re quite capable, Junior Brother. Not only did you trick Miss Bai into calling you Mu Lang, but you’ve even won over Senior Lin Ling?” Lan Mulian’s voice was cold, her face like frost.

“I didn’t win her over. A lot has happened…”

Mu Zhian coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain it to you later, Senior Sister.”

He looked at Lin Ling helplessly.

The silver-haired beauty blinked innocently, holding up her notebook: I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose.

I don’t believe you!

Mu Zhian almost lost his composure.

Lin Ling clearly knew the meaning of ‘Mu Lang.’ Otherwise, she wouldn’t have blushed when she said it a few days ago… He couldn’t help but suspect her motives.

She looks innocent and harmless, but she’s actually quite mischievous…

Lan Mulian scoffed. “You can explain it now, or are you busy… being intimate with Senior Lin Ling?”

“My relationship with Sister Lin Ling is quite pure,” Mu Zhian explained.

“Pure love?” Lan Feiying joined the fray, smiling.

Lan Mulian’s clear eyes, as deep as an autumn pool, looked at him calmly. “So, you were the one who suppressed Senior Lin Ling’s karmic fire?”

“It’s a bit complicated. I didn’t know my constitution could suppress misfortune. Then I learned that Sister Lin Ling had transferred Sect Master Lin’s misfortune to herself, causing her karmic fire to act up, so I…”

He wasn’t worried that Lin Ling would interrupt. He had already told her on their way here that the… events of ‘Suppressing Karmic Fire.mp4’ were their little secret, and Lin Ling, happily munching on crystal elbow, had readily agreed.

But who would have thought that the usually unassuming Lin Ling would call him “Mu Lang” in front of her Senior Sisters…

Lan Mulian had been sneering, but now, a look of surprise appeared in her eyes. “Master is plagued by misfortune?”

Lan Feiying was also surprised. “How is that possible…? Isn’t a person’s luck fixed? How can misfortune suddenly befall her?”

“Sister Lin Ling’s karmic fire was almost under control, but because of the misfortune, it almost erupted.”

Mu Zhian shook his head gently. “I don’t know the details. Sister Lin Ling told me a few days ago after she arrived at the Lan family.”

Lan Mulian instinctively looked at Lin Ling. “Master… How is she now?”

Did Senior Sister just call her “old lady”…

Even the usually cold and aloof Senior Sister is… afraid of Master… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

The two sisters’ attention shifted from the term ‘Mu Lang’ to Shang Yanfei.

Lin Ling held up her notebook: She’s fine now. Don’t worry.

Her misfortune is temporarily suppressed.

Temporarily suppressed? It seems Sister Lin Ling knows quite a bit about Sect Master Lin… Mu Zhian sensed a wealth of information hidden in these words.

Lan Mulian was relieved, then she started to think. Why would Master suddenly be plagued by misfortune?

Despite interacting with Shang Yanfei for so long, she couldn’t understand her Master. She hadn’t felt this way about any other Dao Integration expert.

Perhaps Master couldn’t read minds, but she could always see through people’s thoughts… That was probably why she had never won a game of Go against her.

Such a remarkable woman, plagued by misfortune?

“How is Senior Lin Ling now?” Lan Mulian suddenly asked.

“You transferred Master’s misfortune to yourself. Are you alright?”

Lin Ling shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Just as Mu Zhian was relieved that the atmosphere had calmed down, he saw Lin Ling continue writing: He’s helped me a lot these past few days, so the karmic fire has been suppressed.

Sister Lin Ling, are you doing this on purpose?!

Mu Zhian’s heart sank again.

“Oh?”

Lan Mulian’s interest piqued, her voice softening slightly. “Come to think of it, Junior Brother has helped many women before. I didn’t expect him to even help Senior Lin Ling… What exactly did you do?”

Mu Zhian instinctively glanced at Lin Ling.

Lin Ling glanced at him and held up her notebook: It’s our secret.

Mu Zhian felt a sense of despair.

She seemed to have said nothing, yet she had said everything.

These words, even if he hadn’t actually dual cultivated with Lin Ling, would still be misunderstood.

A cold snort came from beside him, and Mu Zhian looked at the aloof woman in the white dress.

Her face was expressionless, her eyes cold as she looked at the fickle man.

Lan Feiying’s face was also cold as she turned her head away, unwilling to look at him.

There’s no way out. I’ll just have to take the beating… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly and decided to leave with Lin Ling.

“Although Senior Lin Ling is a Dao Integration expert, she’s still naive. Take care of her, Junior Brother,” Lan Mulian said coldly, her expression even colder than usual.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then transmitted his voice to the two sisters, “Sister Lin Ling and I went to the Lan family’s ancestral grounds today.”

Lan Mulian’s clear eyes flickered, and she looked at Mu Zhian instinctively, her curiosity piqued.

Today’s events are related to him… Lan Feiying also realized something and glanced at Mu Zhian discreetly.

Good, they’re curious. This ‘cliffhanger’ worked… Mu Zhian didn’t explain further, seeing their curious yet hesitant expressions, and left with Lin Ling.

After leaving the main hall, Lin Ling’s beautiful face was filled with unease, and she glanced at Mu Zhian.

“Aaa…” she tugged on his sleeve gently.

“What is it?” Mu Zhian asked, slightly irritated.

Then, seeing her pitiful expression, like a kitten abandoned by its owner, he softened. “You caused me a lot of trouble today, Sister Lin Ling.”

“Sorry,” Lin Ling immediately held up her notebook.

Seeing you with other women makes me unhappy.

You told me to follow my heart and not always consider you.

But it seems like I’m causing trouble for you?

Yes, definitely…

Seeing Lin Ling’s downcast expression, Mu Zhian’s eye twitched. He stroked her silver hair. “But you did great.”

“Making you unhappy… means I did great?” Lin Ling tilted her head, puzzled.

Mu Zhian also tilted his head. “Why do you have to make me happy? As long as you’re happy, it’s fine.”

“Did you call me that on purpose today?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Lin Ling nodded slightly.

“Do you know what ‘Mu Lang’ means?”

“No, but I can guess,” Lin Ling wrote.

She’s not stupid, just usually acts innocent… Mu Zhian looked at her, standing in the rain, and remained silent.

…

Late at night, Mu Zhian returned to his room, lit a candle, and sat by the window, watching the rain outside.

The deep darkness and the sound of rain had a calming effect.

Mu Zhian took out the ancient bell, a thoughtful look in his eyes, and began to organize the information he had gathered these past few days.

Undoubtedly, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s arrangements in the Eastern Continent were related to the Lan family.

He was even certain that her consciousness was within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

The question was, did the Lan family’s elders know about this?

If they did, why didn’t they deal with her consciousness earlier, instead of keeping it in the ancestral grounds, even enshrining it?

During every ancestral worship ceremony, a divine oracle was bestowed from the ancestral grounds… and it wasn’t the Lan family ancestor who was doing it, but likely the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

This wasn’t just collusion with a demon cultivator, but a Dao Integration demon cultivator!

If this secret were revealed, the Lan family wouldn’t just be attacked. They would be destroyed.

This was a matter of principle.

“So, the Clear Moon Holy Land probably knows something and is secretly colluding with the Grand Elder of the Lan family, planning something big during the ancestral worship ceremony…?”

After all, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s demonic qi was so powerful that even with the formations suppressing it, they would definitely find a way to release it.

Once everyone in the Eastern Continent knew about this, the Lan family would be attacked by the other ancient clans…

Mu Zhian sighed softly, collecting his thoughts.

He couldn’t think of a solution now. He could only take things one step at a time.

He raised his finger, and a ruler, emitting a soft glow, appeared.

The Heaven-Measuring Ruler, the ancestral artifact of the former Lord of the Heavenly Court, possessing unique divinity, was now his weapon.

“I wonder if I can use the Heaven-Measuring Ruler to block the demonic qi emanating from the Lan family’s ancestral grounds…” Mu Zhian murmured.

Then, he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought.

If he were at the Nascent Soul realm, he might be able to do it with the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, but he was still a step away.

And he didn’t know how long it would take him to reach Nascent Soul.

Just as he was about to put the Heaven-Measuring Ruler away, his attention was drawn to its surface.

Nine marks were engraved on the faintly glowing ruler, and ancient characters had appeared on four of them.

“These characters seem to be from some ancient dynasty. I can read, but I can’t understand them…”

Mu Zhian, puzzled, infused the Heaven-Measuring Ruler with a wisp of spiritual energy.

Hum!

The space vibrated, and Mu Zhian felt the first rune on the ruler light up with a green glow.

The rain outside suddenly stopped, and Mu Zhian looked up in surprise, seeing the raindrops frozen in mid-air, like a painting.

The world was silent.

“This rune is related to the power of time, and I can use it?”

Mu Zhian was both surprised and delighted, then a wave of dizziness washed over him, and the spiritual energy in his cauldron was instantly drained, as if he had been dual cultivating for three days and nights straight, making him want to vomit.

He quickly put away the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, and time resumed its flow, his forehead covered in sweat.

A graceful, melodious voice came from beside him: “Aaa?”

Lin Ling handed him a cup of tea, concern in her eyes.

“Thank you,” Mu Zhian forced a smile, taking the teacup, his hands trembling slightly.

“Are you alright?”

Lin Ling knelt beside him, poking the chain in his hand with her finger, and continued writing in her notebook: Were you cultivating just now? Why did your weapon… regress?

Mu Zhian looked down. The Heaven-Measuring Ruler had also… collapsed, reverting from a ruler back to its chain form.

“It’s nothing. I was just too focused on my cultivation,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Lin Ling nodded, gently stroking the smooth surface of the Heaven-Asking Lock.

“It looks like a necklace,” she wrote.

Mu Zhian unclasped the chain and placed it around Lin Ling’s neck.

“It really does look like a necklace…” Mu Zhian said in surprise, gently stroking the smooth surface of the Heaven-Asking Lock. He tugged on the chain lightly, and Lin Ling’s face moved closer to his.

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but look at the silver-haired beauty kneeling beside him.

As if to hide his embarrassment, he coughed lightly. “Let me help you undo it.”

Lin Ling looked up at him, blinking her clear red eyes, and wrote in her notebook: Did pulling on it like that… excite you?

Mu Zhian’s expression remained unchanged. “Why are you asking?”

“Your heart was racing.”

Lin Ling’s innocent red eyes looked at Mu Zhian. “Do you like me wearing this necklace?”

That’s not a necklace… Mu Zhian looked at her beautiful face and complained inwardly.

I have to calm down… If Sect Master Lin finds out I’m bullying Sister Lin Ling like this, she’ll kill me… He quickly suppressed his thoughts and put the Heaven-Asking Lock away.

“Not really. I just think you look good in anything, Sister Lin Ling,” he quickly said with a smile.

Lin Ling blushed, lowering her head shyly, then burying her face in Mu Zhian’s embrace, kneeling beside him.

She’s not a dragon, but a docile cat… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

Many cats were like this, clinging to their owners, licking their faces, or kneading their laps.

After a while, Lin Ling looked up at him. “You seem troubled. Is it because of what happened at the ancestral grounds tonight?”

Mu Zhian hummed softly. “The Lan family’s matters have nothing to do with me, but Senior Sister and Feiying are still members of the Lan family. If anything happens to the Lan family, they’ll be affected—”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred.

If he remembered correctly, only the Grand Elder of the Lan family had agreed to the Lan sisters’ return, while most of the other elders had opposed it.

Even the Clan Leader hadn’t invited them…

Could it be because he was also worried about them being ‘affected’?

Lin Ling wrote in her notebook: Is there any way to help them?

Lian’er is like a daughter to me. I want to help her.

Mu Zhian sighed. “The Lan family’s matters are their own. It’s not appropriate for us outsiders to interfere… Even if we warn them about the traitor, they probably won’t believe us.”

Between the Grand Elder of the Lan family and an outsider… who would they believe? The answer was obvious.

“But if the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s demonic qi leaks out during the ancestral worship ceremony, it will cause a huge commotion.”

“Unless the demonic qi can be concealed,” Mu Zhian whispered.

He suddenly paused, a thought striking him like lightning.

“Conceal the demonic qi…” he murmured, his gaze instinctively falling on Lin Ling.

A playful smile appeared on his lips.

“I think I have a solution…”

Lin Ling blinked at him. “Aaa?”

“Don’t worry. You’ll find out in a few days,” Mu Zhian gently stroked Lin Ling’s silver hair.

“More importantly, you caused me a lot of trouble today, Sister Lin Ling. You have to compensate me.”

Under Lin Ling’s puzzled gaze, Mu Zhian leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Come here.”

…

Chapter 442: Lin Ling: Mu Lang! 

A misty rain was falling in the late night. Mu Zhian and Lin Ling left the observation platform and made their way to the outskirts of the Lan Clan’s sacred grounds. After circling a secluded manor, Lin Ling stopped, her gaze fixed on the ancient, sacred mountain not far off.

Immortal Emperor Mountain, renowned as one of the seven sacred mountains of the Eastern Continent. Legend held that the Lan family ancestor had achieved Dao Integration here. Later, nearing her end, she bravely entered the Forbidden Zone, a feat that awed the ancient beings within. Shortly after, she passed away on this very mountain, leaving behind her legacy. Thus, Immortal Emperor Mountain became the ancestral grounds of the Lan clan, a place of pilgrimage and remembrance.

“I’ve heard the Lan family ancestor was once a powerful Empress, much like Senior Sister Lan with her Sacred Heavenly Body, able to perceive the origin of all things. Even Dao Integration experts of the same realm are wary of her. Have you heard of this, Sister Lin Ling?” Mu Zhian asked as they walked along the rain-swept path at the foot of the mountain.

“She visited the Two Polarities Sect once,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook, revealing a little-known secret.

“The Lan family ancestor visited Two Polarities Sect before she died?” Mu Zhian’s interest piqued. “Did she go to see Sect Master Lin? What did they talk about?”

Lin Ling shook her head slightly. “I don’t know. I was in seclusion, suppressing the karmic fire, and rarely left my pocket dimension.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, recalling the ancient boat he’d seen on the lake and the Lan family ancestor within.

“Is the Lan family ancestor truly dead?” he asked suddenly.

“Her lifespan wasn’t over, but she disappeared mysteriously,” Lin Ling replied, shaking her head.

Perhaps the ancestor on the boat was still alive… Mu Zhian mused.

They soon reached their destination, the edge of Immortal Emperor Mountain. The path forward was blocked by dense undergrowth, the forest dark and ominous in the rainy night.

“There’s no path… Are you sure it’s here, Sister Lin Ling?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lin Ling nodded firmly. “Paths are made by walking,” she said softly, “even on Immortal Emperor Mountain.”

As if in answer, the bushes before them parted silently, and the seemingly impenetrable mountain trembled slightly.

An opening appeared on the mountainside, revealing an ancient underground palace within.

A massive stone gate blocked the entrance to the palace.

“We shouldn’t attract attention,” Mu Zhian whispered.

Lin Ling nodded, took his hand, and whispered something, her lips barely moving.

In the next instant, they vanished, reappearing deep within the palace.

Unlike Mu Zhian’s expectations of a gloomy, underground space, this palace was bathed in a brilliant, sacred light.

Lin Ling’s gaze was immediately drawn to a shimmering spatial rift not far away, pulsating with powerful spiritual energy, as if it led to another world.

“A pocket dimension,” Mu Zhian murmured. Creating pocket dimensions was a technique exclusive to Nascent Soul cultivators. The larger the space, the more resources required. Sensing the vast spiritual energy emanating from the rift, he could only imagine the resources the Lan family ancestor had expended.

Lin Ling suddenly frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Mu Zhian asked immediately.

“There’s a strong demonic aura here,” she wrote on her notebook.

“Demonic qi? In the Lan family’s ancestral grounds…?” Mu Zhian was stunned, then a feeling of foreboding washed over him. He took out the Soul Locking Bell he’d obtained from the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. The bell in his hand vibrated intensely. He looked up towards the spatial rift, a ripple of energy distorting the air around it, emanating a captivating glow.

Lin Ling stepped forward and, with Mu Zhian, entered the pocket dimension.

The world spun around them. A powerful presence descended, like a god gazing down upon the mortal realm. Mu Zhian felt his cultivation instantly suppressed from peak Nascent Soul to Core Formation Rank 5.

“This pocket dimension suppresses cultivation…?” He was inwardly alarmed, then glanced at Lin Ling, who seemed unaffected.

“It seems the formation doesn’t affect Dao Integration experts.” Relieved, he masked his aura and followed the path deeper into the pocket dimension.

Deep within the dimension, an area shrouded in thick white mist…

Ancient trees towered, covered in moss, surrounding dilapidated palaces and crumbling pillars, withered flowers scattered across the ground.

“This is important for both of us. You know the consequences of failure, Elder,” a young man in green robes said calmly.

“Don’t worry, Holy Son. I know what to do. I’ll give my all to help the Clear Moon Holy Land,” the elder replied, his voice low and his features and aura concealed, making it difficult to see him clearly.

Mu Zhian recognized the young man. It was the Holy Son of the Clear Moon Holy Land in the Eastern Continent.

He looked up at a statue not far away, a look of infatuation in his eyes.

The statue depicted a woman with a compassionate expression, a faint, deep blue light shimmering behind her, as if embodying holiness and nobility.

“Are the preparations complete?” the Holy Son asked casually, toying with the jade slip in his hand.

This jade slip was the key to the deepest parts of the Lan family’s ancestral grounds.

The elder nodded silently.

“It’s getting late. You should return, Holy Son. Staying here too long might attract attention,” he reminded.

The Holy Son gazed at the statue for a long time, then left with the elder.

Silence returned to the palace.

After about a quarter of an hour, ripples appeared in the air, and Lin Ling and Mu Zhian materialized, their auras concealed.

“Sister Lin Ling, do you sense anything… unusual here?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lin Ling pointed at the statue, then showed him her notebook: There’s a strong demonic aura within this statue, comparable to the current Demon Empress.

Mu Zhian’s eyes widened in shock. “Demonic qi? Within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds…? And you say it’s comparable to Zixuan’s?” He murmured, lost in thought.

Lin Ling tilted her head, looking at him with puzzled red eyes.

How does he know the Demon Empress’s real name…?

Mu Zhian’s mind raced.

“I’ve felt something’s not right since entering the Lan family…”

“Why did the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s bell react to the Lan family? Why could the Lan family ancestor bestow divine oracles during every ancestral worship ceremony, even though she was on that ancient boat? And she said she wasn’t the one bestowing them.”

“If it wasn’t her, then who…? Could there be another Dao Integration expert in the Lan family…?”

The answer must be this statue.

Mu Zhian looked up at the alluring figure and slowly approached it, reaching out to touch it.

The statue trembled violently, and a dense pink demonic qi seeped out.

Mu Zhian looked at the vibrating bell in his hand and realized the truth. He whispered, “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…”

Her consciousness was within this statue!

Lin Ling gently tugged on his sleeve and held up her notebook: Someone’s coming. We have to go.

…

Shortly after Mu Zhian and Lin Ling left, the Lan family elders, who had been meditating, were awakened and sent people to investigate the ancestral grounds.

That night, many Lan clan members were awakened by the commotion, their hearts filled with fear.

…

In a warm room, incense burned, and curtains were drawn.

Lan Mulian, startled by the tremors, instantly grabbed the sword from her storage ring. The area around her and her sister’s bedchamber was quiet, with no other clan members nearby.

She quickly changed into a thin white inner robe that outlined her figure and rushed outside, looking towards the ancestral grounds, a cold, gleaming sword in her hand, her long hair cascading down, covering her bottom.

“Sister… did you hear that too?” Lan Feiying, also awakened, called out, having already changed her clothes.

“It’s quite a commotion. Something must have happened at the ancestral grounds,” Lan Mulian said softly.

“Where’s Mu Zhian?” she asked.

Lan Feiying shook her head gently. “I don’t know. He might be meditating.”

Their rooms were adjacent to Mu Zhian’s. If they could hear the commotion from the ancestral grounds, so could he.

“I’ll go to the main hall. Wait for me.”

Lan Mulian returned to her room, changed into an elegant moon-white dress, grabbed her sword, and left with Lan Feiying.

However, they were stopped at the entrance to the main hall. The Lan family’s high-ranking members were gathered inside, discussing the incident at the ancestral grounds. No one else was allowed to enter.

Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying exchanged glances and, without forcing their way in, looked past the guards at the elders inside.

Besides the elders, they also saw the two ‘living fossils’ of the Lan family and Lan Wu, the young master.

“Senior Sister, Feiying, what are you doing here?”

A familiar, gentle voice came from behind them.

Lan Mulian turned and saw Mu Zhian, who had just returned from the ancestral grounds.

“When did you arrive? I didn’t see you on my way here,” she asked with a puzzled expression.

“And… Senior Lin Ling is also here…?” She glanced at the silver-haired beauty.

“I couldn’t focus on my cultivation tonight, so I came out for a walk,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

He glanced at the main hall, understanding. “It seems the commotion at the ancestral grounds has also disturbed them.”

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes and transmitted her voice, “You know something about what happened, don’t you?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, and he transmitted his voice playfully, “I do, but what will Sister Feiying offer in exchange?”

Lan Feiying gave him a seductive look. “What do you want in exchange for your information?”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment and transmitted his voice, “For example, I’ll leave the information in my room, and you can sneak in wearing… tight clothes later. If I don’t notice you, the information is yours.”

“And if you do notice me?” Lan Feiying asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

Mu Zhian smiled. “Then I’ll have to… punish the thief.”

“In your dreams.”

Lan Feiying glared at him playfully, then glanced at her sister.

Lan Mulian, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity, looked at Mu Zhian, as if she had heard something interesting.

Lin Ling also frowned slightly. Her white dress was slightly dusty from their trip to the mountain, her long, fair legs revealed beneath her skirt, her feet encased in deerskin boots, her demeanor innocent and obedient.

No one would have guessed that the Spiritual Dragon of the Two Polarities Sect was openly present at the Lan family… and no one had recognized her.

Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian and tugged on his sleeve gently.

As he turned around, she showed him her notebook: Bad boy. Don’t be a playboy.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered with surprise as he transmitted his voice, “You can hear our voice transmission, Sister Lin Ling?”

Lin Ling glanced at him, puzzled, and wrote in her notebook: Voice transmission isn’t a very powerful technique. Many know how to intercept it.

Then, she added: Your Senior Sister also knows how to intercept voice transmissions.

“?”

Mu Zhian froze, staring at the beautiful woman standing before him.

S-Senior Sister also knows how to intercept voice transmissions?

The cold beauty in the white dress, her long hair cascading down, smiled faintly, her lips full and sensual. “Do you have something to say, Junior Brother?”

“Or do you want me to wear… tight clothes and… play games with you in your room?”

Mu Zhian’s face froze.

What the… So, she heard everything I said to Feiying before?!

I’m so embarrassed!

He wanted to cover his face and run, but maintaining his composure, he forced a smile. “I was just joking with Feiying.”

Lan Mulian scoffed. “Whether you were joking or not, you know it yourself.”

Mu Zhian sighed helplessly.

He hadn’t expected to be caught flirting with her younger sister… How embarrassing…

I have to find a way to embarrass Senior Sister too… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

Lin Ling, listening to their conversation, glanced at the two women, frowned slightly, tugged on Mu Zhian’s sleeve, and wrote in her notebook: Let’s go back.

Mu Zhian collected his thoughts, nodded gently, and said, “I’ll take Sister Lin Ling back then.”

Lan Mulian glanced at the obedient Lin Ling and suddenly said, “Senior Lin Ling seems much closer to you lately, even coming out for a walk with you at night.”

Before Mu Zhian could speak, Lan Feiying walked over, putting her arm around his, and smiled. “Leaving so soon? Didn’t you want to play… dress-up? Sister will play with you tonight.”

Lan Mulian also smiled brightly, her thoughts in sync with her sister’s. “I can also play with you.”

“Whether it’s… dress-up, or… something else.”

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred, then, sensing Lin Ling’s gaze, he panicked.

Oh no, Senior Sister… Feiying… please stop…

I was just teasing you. Don’t make me expose myself!

The Lan sisters’ seemingly flirtatious words were actually a test, probing his relationship with the Spiritual Dragon.

Although Sister Lin Ling was usually gentle and docile, there was no guarantee she would tolerate this.

“What’s wrong? Your heart is racing,” Lan Feiying raised an eyebrow, placing her hand on his chest and smiling gently.

“I-It’s nothing. I’m just… a little excited by your offer,” Mu Zhian forced a smile.

He quickly changed the subject. “There was a commotion at the ancestral grounds tonight. It’s not convenient… Maybe another time.”

Seeing that the sisters, although suspicious, didn’t press him further, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s go back, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling glanced at the two beauties, then nodded obediently.

As Mu Zhian took her hand, she suddenly asked, “Are you and they… Dao Companions, Mu Lang?”

Her clear, melodious voice echoed through the quiet night, and the atmosphere instantly froze.

Mu Zhian froze, his expression stiffening.

“Mu Lang…?”

Lan Mulian almost doubted her own ears, staring at Mu Zhian.

Lan Feiying, who was about to leave with her sister, also stopped and looked at Mu Zhian, tilting her head slightly.

…

Chapter 441: Lin Ling is the Best in the World!

How to suppress karmic fire…?

This topic was a bit dangerous… Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat as he heard Lan Mulian’s question and was about to speak.

Lan Feiying placed her finger on his lips, smiling. “Sister just wants to ask Senior Lin Ling. If you don’t have anything else to say, it’s best to remain silent.”

“Or…” she continued, her tone changing slightly, “are you worried about revealing something?”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Of course not. I just think Sister Lin Ling is a bit… socially awkward… She might not be comfortable with so many people around her.”

Lan Mulian smiled faintly. “I often chat with Senior Lin Ling. She shouldn’t mind.”

She looked at Lin Ling.

Mu Zhian also glanced at Lin Ling, giving her a subtle look.

Lin Ling blinked her red eyes, understanding immediately.

Lan Mulian suddenly smiled brightly. “We have some unique delicacies in the Lan family’s territory, different from Tianxuan City. I’ll have someone send some to Sister Lin Ling’s room tomorrow.”

“Aaa!”

Lin Ling immediately held up her notebook: Ask whatever you want.

Mu Zhian: “…”

Lan Mulian looked at Lin Ling, her voice clear and melodious, like ice clinking in a glass. “I’ve often heard Master mention karmic fire… It’s said to be innate and uncontrollable. But it seems Senior Lin Ling has suppressed it quite a bit?”

Lin Ling nodded.

“May I ask how you suppressed it, Senior Lin Ling?” Lan Mulian asked sincerely.

Wei Mengrou pursed her lips, a suspicious glint in her eyes as the setting sun’s light reflected within.

Mu Zhian’s heart tightened as he also looked at Lin Ling.

Lin Ling shook her head gently and wrote in her notebook: It’s a secret. I can’t tell you.

That’s good… Sister Lin Ling isn’t that foolish.

Although she seemed innocent and adorable, she was actually quite intelligent.

She knows our relationship can’t be revealed. If it were Yao Meng, she would have already admitted it… As Lin Ling’s words appeared in her notebook, Mu Zhian’s worries dissipated.

Although Lan Mulian was still suspicious, she couldn’t be disrespectful towards her master’s close friend, so she dropped the subject.

“By the way, please keep Senior Lin Ling’s presence here a secret,” Mu Zhian suddenly said, addressing the two sisters.

He didn’t want Lin Ling’s identity to be revealed so soon.

“I know. If the clan elders find out she’s here, it might cause trouble,” Lan Mulian nodded slightly.

The Spiritual Dragon could bestow luck upon others, and most cultivators’ luck, although not terrible, was still far from ‘immense.’

Such an ethereal thing as luck could be bestowed by the Spiritual Dragon with just a few words.

Although they wouldn’t dare to harm the Spiritual Dragon, her presence in the Lan family would still cause trouble.

After explaining, Mu Zhian looked at the woman in yellow. “I’ll take her to her room. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at him meaningfully, a strange glint in her alluring eyes.

…

“I feel like Mengrou has noticed something… I shouldn’t have been so… unrestrained in front of her. Now, I can’t hide anything.”

As night fell, Mu Zhian returned to his room, exhausted.

Lin Ling tugged on his sleeve and showed him her notebook: How did I do today?

Mu Zhian collected his thoughts, took the notebook, and wrote: You did great, Sister Lin Ling.

“But this might… wrong you.”

She shook her head.

“If you don’t want our relationship to be revealed, we can keep it a secret for now,” she wrote.

Mu Zhian gently stroked her hair. “After all, you don’t like conflict. If no one knows about our relationship, no one will bother you.”

Although they had traveled for a day and a night, she didn’t look tired at all, her face even slightly flushed, her demeanor elegant and refined.

Lin Ling wrote in her notebook and showed it to Mu Zhian: But seeing you with other girls makes me unhappy.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, and he suddenly smiled. “That’s a good thing.”

“It means you’re becoming more… human, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling looked up at him, clutching the half-eaten bag of pastries.

“Being unhappy… makes me more human?” She couldn’t understand.

Mu Zhian took her hand. “Humans have emotions. Happiness, sadness, jealousy… these are all normal.”

“You being unhappy seeing me with other girls means you like me.”

“Like how you refused to kiss me a few days ago because you were shy… Shyness is also an emotion.”

“If I get jealous, will it cause trouble for you?” she wrote.

“No, I’ll be happy,” Mu Zhian chuckled, amused.

He reached out to Lin Ling, and under her clear red gaze, embraced her waist, looking down at her beautiful, innocent face.

“But as I said before, you don’t have to always consider me. You should also follow your own heart and be happy.”

“Aaa…” Lin Ling made a thoughtful sound.

Then, she leaned her head against Mu Zhian’s shoulder.

Before Mu Zhian could make a move, she whispered, “Don’t move. I want to lean against you like this for a while.”

Mu Zhian’s body froze, and he sighed inwardly.

After a moment, Lin Ling seemed to realize something, and she released him with a word.

“It’s a good thing the word spirit ability is on the innocent Sister Lin Ling. If it were any other girl in my pond, there would be big trouble…” Mu Zhian, his body having recovered its mobility, thought to himself.

The words spoken with the word spirit ability would always come true, one way or another. Even words like ‘Mu Zhian will be enamored with me’ could take effect. It was a truly powerful ability.

After a while, the sound of rain came from outside. Lin Ling frowned slightly, then took out her notebook: I don’t like rainy days.

“I quite like it. Drinking and enjoying the rain with a girl indoors is quite pleasant,” Mu Zhian said.

“Why don’t you like rainy days, Sister Lin Ling?” he asked.

“No one goes out on rainy days. When I was in my pocket dimension, I couldn’t hear anything,” she wrote, her expression calm, but Mu Zhian saw a deep loneliness in her eyes.

Even her gaze seemed to dim.

Mu Zhian suddenly said softly, “I’m here with you now. Let’s go outside and enjoy the rain and have some late-night snacks.”

Lin Ling’s previously dim eyes lit up, looking at Mu Zhian with a newfound brightness.

…

Spring rain was always like this, continuous and gentle, silently nourishing the earth.

Mu Zhian’s residence in the Lan family’s estate was a six-story building on the north side.

Each floor had an observation deck. From the top, one could see the surrounding area and the faint spiritual energy of the disciples from smaller sects and families under the Lan family’s rule.

On the top floor, Lin Ling sat on a soft mat, leaning against Mu Zhian, her shoulder against his.

She wore a white dress that hugged her figure, her feet bare, one thin strap slipping off her shoulder, her silver hair slightly disheveled, a wine cup in her hand.

Her face was more flushed than before, her usually innocent appearance now carrying a seductive charm, as she leaned against Mu Zhian, still immersed in the afterglow of their intimacy.

Mu Zhian, in a ‘sage mode,’ his arm around Lin Ling’s shoulders, looked out at the dark, rainy sky, the Lan family’s estate silent below.

“Do you still dislike rainy days now?” Mu Zhian wrote in her notebook.

Lin Ling shook her head gently.

“Do you still feel uncomfortable or uneasy about… being intimate with me?” Mu Zhian wrote.

“I wasn’t used to it at first, but I’m used to it now,” Lin Ling wrote, leaning against the table.

Unlike the innocent Lin Ling from before, she seemed much more mature now, no longer filled with the mixture of anticipation and unease she had shown that night.

“Just ‘used to it’? No other feelings?” Mu Zhian continued writing. He didn’t want to break the peaceful silence, content to enjoy the beauty in his arms, the sound of rain outside, and the warmth of the moment.

The candlelight flickered, and Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian, blushing slightly, and shook her head.

“No other feelings.”

“Heh, that’s not what you said earlier,” Mu Zhian teased, embracing her waist and feeling her soft body against his.

“How did you feel earlier?” he asked.

Lin Ling clearly knew what he wanted to hear and glanced at him, initially unwilling to answer.

But Mu Zhian gently pinched her waist.

Lin Ling’s toes curled, and she blushed, writing in her notebook: Very happy.

Mu Zhian smiled, about to tease her further.

Then, she continued writing: Happy being with you.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, sipping his wine.

Suppressing her karmic fire in the hot spring two days ago had been a struggle, with Lin Ling’s hesitant cooperation.

But today, both he and Lin Ling had been proactive.

To be honest, suppressing the karmic fire in the hot spring wasn’t as… sensually pleasing as doing it in bed.

After all, the water created… resistance.

But the different experience, the change in scenery, and the psychological satisfaction… Despite the resistance, it was still incomparable to being in bed.

“Should we write a letter to the Sect Master to reassure her?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Lin Ling had come to him because Shang Yanfei had secretly instructed her to seek his help in suppressing the karmic fire.

Shang Yanfei was far from the Lan family, and they hadn’t sent a message back, so the Sect Master must be worried.

Lin Ling shook her head gently and wrote in her notebook: If you wish. But she probably already knows.

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Did you tell her I would help you?”

Lin Ling shook her head: She knows you wouldn’t refuse me.

“But you would refuse…” Mu Zhian couldn’t help but say.

He hadn’t expected Sect Master Lin to miscalculate… If it weren’t for his quick thinking and gradual approach, Lin Ling might have really returned to her pocket dimension for seclusion.

If that happened, he wouldn’t see this innocent, adorable Spiritual Dragon for another thousand years.

Lin Ling hesitated slightly, then tugged on Mu Zhian’s sleeve, showing him what she had just written: I’ve had… bad thoughts about you before.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred: Are you referring to… that?

Lin Ling buried her face, nodding slightly: Aaa.

“When? Why don’t I know?”

“Whenever the karmic fire burns, a voice in my mind urges me to… do things to you. It’s like there’s another me inside.”

Suppressing her shyness, she extended her arm, and a silver scale, seemingly burning with flames, appeared on her fair wrist.

“Is this the karmic fire? But haven’t I suppressed it for you these past few days?” Mu Zhian asked.

“And I’ve never seen this scale on your arm before.”

Lin Ling under the influence of karmic fire was indeed a different person, almost like a… blackened version of herself.

“The karmic fire won’t disappear so easily. If I use word spirit abilities involving causality too many times, it will reappear. And if I wish, I can also make it appear by circulating my spiritual energy,” Lin Ling wrote.

“I’m sorry… I thought your karmic fire was completely gone.”

“It’s fine. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to play outside with you, Mu Lang. Being free makes me very happy.”

Lin Ling blushed, burying her face and tapping her notebook lightly.

“And… I was also very happy when you kissed me.”

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred. He stroked Lin Ling’s hair and whispered, “Call me Mu Lang again.”

Lin Ling’s face flushed, and she wrote in her notebook: What does Mu Lang mean?

Although she didn’t know its meaning, she felt like Mu Zhian was teasing her.

“It’s just a term of endearment for someone of the opposite sex. Nothing special,” Mu Zhian said, trying to coax her. “If you call me that again, I’ll have someone prepare a feast for you every day.”

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up. She looked up at him: Aaa?

“Really,” Mu Zhian nodded firmly.

“Mu… Mu Lang…”

Mu Zhian’s heart pounded with excitement.

Just teaching Lin Ling to call him this brought him an inexplicable joy.

Word spirit abilities make words come true, but titles don’t seem to be affected… I think I’ve found a bug in the word spirit ability.

I should have Sister Lin Ling call me that more often. It’s so exciting…

Lin Ling looked at Mu Zhian’s excited expression, puzzled. She couldn’t understand why he was so happy about a simple address.

She thought for a moment, then called out again, “…Mu Lang?”

Mu Zhian stroked her silver hair. “You’re such a good girl, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling frowned, displeased. “I’m your senior.”

“You’re such a good girl, Senior Lin Ling,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling puffed out her cheeks and turned her head away, ignoring him.

Mu Zhian, seeing that he had teased her enough, was about to comfort her when Lin Ling suddenly looked towards the hall entrance.

“What’s wrong?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lin Ling wrote in her notebook: Someone snuck in… from the east.

She adjusted her dress, tying the ribbon around her waist and covering her fair skin.

Mu Zhian whispered, “East… If I remember correctly, that’s the Lan family’s ancestral grounds. There are elders guarding it every day. Any intruder would be immediately detected.”

“The elder on duty tonight didn’t notice and let someone enter the ancestral grounds?”

“Is it a bad person?” Lin Ling wrote.

A faint smile appeared on Mu Zhian’s face. “I don’t know.”

“But since we’re full, let’s go and take a look. Let’s see who’s visiting the Lan family’s ancestral grounds so late at night.”