Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 440: The Answer is… Cucked! 

Two days later.

Mu Zhian and Lin Ling rode in a carriage back towards the Lan family. Looking out the window, he could see the landscape of the Eastern Continent below.

A rich medicinal fragrance drifted through the air, and unknown celestial cranes soared alongside the carriage.

Lin Ling leaned against the window, her bright red eyes fixed on the cranes outside, seemingly lost in thought.

Mu Zhian glanced at her.

She didn’t seem to realize anything was amiss, but from his angle, he saw a different scene.

Her white dress, embroidered with cloud patterns, clung to her figure, her bottom pressed against the soft cushion, her silver hair cascading down, and the reflection of the celestial cranes shimmering in her red eyes. She looked like an innocent young girl.

Well… she was indeed innocent.

Although her lifespan was probably similar to the Jade Empress’s, her mentality was still that of a young girl.

Mu Zhian glanced at the cranes following them and thought to himself: It’s a good thing Sister Lin Ling ate her fill before we left, otherwise, you would probably be in the cooking pot by now.

Lin Ling’s immense, innate luck attracted all living beings.

That was why these cranes were following them.

But they didn’t know that the woman in the carriage wasn’t admiring them, but contemplating whether to roast them…

“She possesses such immense power, yet she’s as innocent as a little girl,” Mu Zhian looked at the silver-haired beauty leaning against the window and sighed inwardly.

But perhaps it was precisely because of her pure heart that her cultivation was so unimpeded, allowing her to reach the Dao Integration realm so quickly.

“Aaa?”

She sensed his gaze, turned to look at him, and made a puzzled sound.

“It’s nothing. Continue enjoying the scenery. Don’t mind me,” Mu Zhian waved his hand dismissively.

Lin Ling thought for a moment, then held up her notebook: There are so many delicious ingredients outside, more than in the sect.

You’re including those cranes as ingredients, aren’t you…? Mu Zhian looked at her beautiful face, met her gaze, and after a moment of silence, asked, “You can speak, but you rarely do because of your word spirit ability. Does that make you sad?”

Lin Ling shook her head: I’m used to it.

“My very existence is a blessing. She always tells me not to feel sorry for myself.”

“If I hadn’t persevered, you wouldn’t have been able to take me to the outside world, would you?”

Mu Zhian tilted his head. She was right. If Lin Ling hadn’t been suppressing the karmic fire in her pocket dimension, he wouldn’t have met her, let alone taken her out.

But he wondered if he could have endured like her, suppressing the karmic fire day and night, never seeing the light of day, for so long.

“You’re amazing, Sister Lin Ling,” Mu Zhian sighed after a long moment. “If it were me, I would have gone crazy.”

Spending countless years in that gloomy pocket dimension, suppressing the karmic fire, not even knowing what the Eastern Continent looked like… What was the point of being a Dao Integration expert then? She had power but couldn’t use it freely.

Lin Ling’s expression remained calm, and she shook her head gently: Compared to her, I’m nothing.

“Her?”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, seemingly guessing who she meant. “Sect Master Lin? What happened to her?”

Lin Ling seemed to realize something, covered her mouth, blinked her eyes, and shook her head gently.

Mu Zhian smiled. “It’s fine if you can’t tell me. Don’t force yourself.”

“I’m sorry, but I promised her not to tell anyone about her,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook, looking at Mu Zhian apologetically.

A spring breeze blew through the carriage, ruffling her clothes and revealing her round shoulders, her skin as white and smooth as jade, her ample bosom straining against the fabric.

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then chuckled. “Sister Lin Ling, has anyone ever told you that a verbal apology isn’t enough?”

Lin Ling made a puzzled “Aaa” sound.

“Then what should I do?”

“You have to call me Mu Lang,” Mu Zhian teased her seriously.

Seeing her hesitation, he took her hand and pulled her closer. “We’re Dao Companions now. It’s normal for Dao Companions to address each other like this.”

Seeing that the silver-haired beauty still refused to yield, Mu Zhian released her hand.

“If you don’t call me that, I’ll ignore you.”

Lin Ling paused, then tugged on his sleeve gently. “Aaa.”

Mu Zhian remained silent, looking out the window, mentally counting down.

When he reached ‘3,’ he finally heard a soft, clear voice beside him: “…Mu Lang.”

Seeing his pleased expression, Lin Ling held up her notebook: Does that address make you happy?

She could sense his joy.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, smiling. “If I’m feeling down, hearing you call me that will cheer me up.”

“Aaa.”

Lin Ling’s beautiful face was filled with a thoughtful expression.

Then, Mu Zhian asked casually, “You’ve been out with me for days. Isn’t the Sect Master worried?”

“She knows I’ll be fine.”

Mu Zhian was initially surprised, then he quickly understood.

Lin Ling was favored by the Great Dao. Anyone could encounter misfortune, but not her.

Even those with immense luck couldn’t easily die, let alone the Spiritual Dragon, a symbol of luck itself.

“So, the only way you could be in danger is… the karmic fire?”

Mu Zhian mused. “But I can suppress it, so there’s no need to worry.”

Of course, that was only if he continued to help her until the karmic fire accumulated over millennia was completely extinguished.

“But you said your karmic fire is acting up because you transferred the Sect Master’s misfortune to yourself… Why did you do that?”

“Did the Sect Master’s misfortune suddenly worsen, forcing you to act?”

Mu Zhian noticed Lin Ling’s silence and smiled, stroking her hair. “I understand. I won’t ask about her.”

Lin Ling’s brows relaxed, and she embraced Mu Zhian’s head, burying his face in her bosom.

Did our roles reverse…? Mu Zhian couldn’t help but think.

But he quickly relaxed in her warm embrace, closing his eyes and enjoying the innocent affection.

After a while, Mu Zhian’s hand traced her back, his arm around her waist, and he suddenly asked, “Speaking of which, can your word spirit ability even change a person’s… physical state?”

“There are limits,” Lin Ling shook her head.

“When I kissed you before, I felt your spiritual energy flowing into my Innate Celestial Furnace… If it wasn’t through a kiss, but through other methods, would it also work?” Mu Zhian asked, looking at Lin Ling’s ample bosom.

For example, using her word spirit ability to temporarily change Lin Ling’s… physical state…

“Aaa?” Lin Ling’s red eyes were filled with confusion.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” Mu Zhian quickly shook his head, smiling, and took out a bag of pastries.

The warm aroma filled the air, and Lin Ling’s eyes lit up.

“Here, I prepared this for you this morning,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

“Aaa?”

“It’s fine. I’m not hungry.”

Mu Zhian looked at the silver-haired beauty eating the pastries. “It’s a pity this world doesn’t have coconut milk. It would be even more delicious with that.”

Lin Ling’s ahoge perked up like a radar. “Aaa (What’s that?)”

Mu Zhian glanced at the meat bun in her hand, then at her ample bosom, leaned close to her ear, and whispered something.

Lin Ling’s red eyes widened in surprise, and a blush crept onto her face as she glared at him playfully, holding up her notebook: Bad boy!

Mu Zhian fed her the rest of the meat bun, smiling. “Let’s conduct a small experiment later. As long as it doesn’t involve causality, your word spirit ability shouldn’t trigger the karmic fire, right?”

“Don’t you want to try, Sister Lin Ling? It will be even more enjoyable than before.”

Lin Ling looked at him, her eyes watery, then after a long moment, she nodded shyly, her face flushed.

…

Outside the Lan family’s estate.

After traveling for a day and a night, Mu Zhian’s carriage finally arrived.

Lin Ling rested her chin on her hand, dangling her feet and looking at the scenery outside, seemingly having forgotten Mu Zhian’s earlier request, completely immersed in the outside world.

When the carriage stopped before the Lan family’s main hall, Mu Zhian got out first.

“I thought Junior Brother had already returned to the sect,” a cold, elegant voice came from behind him.

Lan Mulian.

Mu Zhian turned around and saw the alluring woman in the red dress and his cold Senior Sister standing not far from the entrance.

His Innate Spiritual Body also sensed the presence of the woman in the yellow dress standing in a corner.

“Sorry, Sister Lin Ling came to the Lan family a few days ago, so I took her to Tianxuan City for a while,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

A good actor could easily conceal their emotions.

Clearly, Mu Zhian was a good actor.

“Senior Lin Ling?”

Lan Feiying’s eyes flickered with suspicion. “What did you take her to Tianxuan City for?”

Although Lan Mulian didn’t speak, she also stared at him.

“Sister Lin Ling was suffering from karmic fire and was planning to return to her pocket dimension for a thousand years to suppress it. I was worried I wouldn’t see her again, so I took her to Tianxuan City to enjoy the local delicacies, so she wouldn’t have any regrets.”

Lan Mulian understood the underlying meaning of his words. “So, Senior Lin Ling is feeling better now?”

“Perhaps because of the delicious food, her karmic fire has temporarily subsided,” Mu Zhian said.

Lan Mulian pondered.

Lan Feiying made an “Oh” sound, seemingly understanding.

Wei Mengrou looked at her Young Master with suspicion.

Mu Zhian’s expression remained unchanged. He smiled. “Has anything happened at the Lan family these past few days?”

Lan Mulian’s expression softened slightly. “They’ve arranged for Mother’s memorial tablet to be placed in the Lan family’s ancestral hall. After the ancestral worship ceremony, she will be officially recognized as the deceased wife of the Clan Leader.”

“This should fulfill her last wish.”

Lan Mulian seemed lost in thought.

After a moment, she glanced at the carriage. “Is Senior Lin Ling inside?”

Lan Feiying and Wei Mengrou also looked towards the carriage.

Mu Zhian nodded discreetly. “She doesn’t want to return to the sect yet, so she came with us.”

Lan Mulian looked at Mu Zhian. “You didn’t… do anything disrespectful to Senior Lin Ling, did you?”

Mu Zhian smiled helplessly. “What do you take me for, Senior Sister? I wouldn’t dare to disrespect Sister Lin Ling. If I angered her, she could erase me from existence with a single word.”

Seeing that none of them were suspicious, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief.

It was fortunate that he had gone to Tianxuan City with Lin Ling and not another girl. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain.

Lin Ling, although pure and innocent, could sense malicious intent.

If Mu Zhian had any impure thoughts about her, she would know.

And she would naturally be wary of him.

Because of this, no one would suspect anything about their relationship.

“By the way, there’s news about Huang Weifeng,” Lan Feiying suddenly said. “The consciousness within him is probably the Holy Light Qilin, the mount of Dao Initial Celestial Venerable. And it’s said that the Holy Light Qilin only serves one master in its lifetime.”

This was information the Lan family had obtained through a secret investigation. Because of Mu Zhian, the elders hadn’t hidden it from the Lan sisters, hoping they would warn him.

If anything happened to him at the Lan family, the Jade Empress’s wrath would be unbearable.

“Holy Light Qilin…” Mu Zhian murmured, as if trying to recall if he had seen this name in any ancient texts.

“The First Elder of our Lan family told me yesterday that there were rumors in the Eastern Continent that Dao Initial Celestial Venerable disappeared mysteriously thousands of years ago, and the Holy Light Qilin, having lost its master, also disappeared shortly after,” Lan Mulian said.

“But logically, its lifespan should be much longer. It shouldn’t have died so soon.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, then he looked at Lan Mulian. “Senior Sister, are you suspecting that the mysterious expert who rescued Huang Weifeng was Dao Initial Celestial Venerable?”

Lan Mulian nodded slightly, then clarified that it was just a suspicion, but she still hoped Mu Zhian would be careful.

After all, they were in the open, while the other party was in the shadows. They didn’t know the intentions of the expert backing Huang Weifeng.

Being targeted by a Dao Integration expert would be troublesome.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “I’ll be careful.”

He looked at the sky. “It seems it’s about to rain. I’ll go and get Sister Lin Ling.”

After Lin Ling got out of the carriage, she immediately noticed Mu Zhian’s troubled expression and held up her notebook: I’ll protect you.

Clearly, she had heard their conversation.

Mu Zhian smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

Lin Ling shook her head gently and stroked Mu Zhian’s hair.

“What’s wrong with Senior Lin Ling?” Lan Mulian asked.

“Nothing. She’s just comforting me,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Lan Mulian pondered. “Senior Lin Ling has always been kind to you, and now she’s even more considerate… How strange.”

Mu Zhian, worried they might become suspicious, coughed lightly. “Let’s go back first.”

Along the way, Mu Zhian repeatedly changed the subject, avoiding any mention of Lin Ling. They soon arrived at the sisters’ residence.

Lin Ling followed them, happily munching on the snacks Mu Zhian had prepared.

Mu Zhian looked at the silver-haired beauty. “Senior Sister, I’ll take her to her room and come back to see you later.”

Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow. “Senior Lin Ling seems even more attached to Junior Brother after their trip to Tianxuan City.”

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm expression. “It’s probably because I’ve been giving her a lot of snacks.”

Lan Feiying looked at Mu Zhian meaningfully. “If snacks could win over Senior Lin Ling, the other sect disciples would have done it long ago.”

Lan Mulian continued, “I heard from Master that the Spiritual Dragon’s karmic fire can’t be easily suppressed. Why did it subside after your trip to Tianxuan City…?”

Wei Mengrou frowned, staring at her Young Master silently.

Mu Zhian smiled. “Perhaps it’s because of my natural… charm.”

But his smile was strained.

Lin Ling glanced at the three women and said, “You’re not allowed to bully him.”

Almost instantly, their hostility towards Mu Zhian vanished.

Lan Mulian was surprised inwardly. “Word spirit ability!”

This word spirit ability was truly mysterious. Just a few words could alter a person’s emotions?

What would happen if she used it on Junior Brother?

But there was something more important…

Lan Mulian looked at the innocent silver-haired beauty. “Why are you so kind to him, Senior Lin Ling?”

“He’s helped me a lot these past few days,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook, standing protectively before Mu Zhian, like a mother hen guarding her chicks.

“Helped you a lot…?”

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered, then a warm smile appeared on her face. “Could it be… related to the karmic fire?”

…

Chapter 439: Mu Zhian: Aaa! 

An hour later.

Lin Ling lay sleepily by the edge of the hot spring, her legs curled up, her jade-like skin flushed from the warm water, her back smooth and white.

Her hair, which had been tied up, now spread across the surface of the water, reaching her shoulders. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were alluring.

Mu Zhian picked up the ribbon that had fallen into the water, walked over to her, gently massaged her silver hair, and said softly, “Look at you, your face is all red from soaking in the hot spring for so long. You should go back and rest.”

“Aaa,” Lin Ling shook her head, distrustful of Mu Zhian, the culprit behind her flushed face.

A Dao Integration expert’s body was tempered by heavenly tribulations, and Lin Ling, in a sense, was also a demon cultivator.

And a demon cultivator’s constitution was far stronger than a human’s. How could her face be flushed from soaking in a hot spring?

They both knew the real reason.

Mu Zhian was deflecting.

“What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly so cold towards me?” Mu Zhian chuckled, amused.

Lin Ling glanced at him and picked up her notebook: You’re thinking bad things.

The problem is, I’ve already done most of the things I want to do… Mu Zhian said helplessly, “I told you, I’m just trying to help you.”

“The karmic fire has mostly subsided today. I can suppress the rest after I meditate. Maybe tomorrow,” Lin Ling said, her face flushed, hiding behind her notebook as she peeked at him shyly.

Mu Zhian smiled wryly. “Do you distrust me that much, Sister Lin Ling?”

Lin Ling paused, then shook her head gently.

“You’re my true friend, like her, so I trust you. But I still need some time.”

Mu Zhian gathered her scattered silver hair and tied it up, putting his arm around her shoulders. “We’re Dao Companions, not just friends.”

Lin Ling shook her head gently, holding up her notebook: We’re friends. You already have a Dao Companion.

“They all like you very much, so you can’t be my Dao Companion.”

“Being with me will only cause trouble for you and make them unhappy.”

“I just want everyone to be happy.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then sighed. “You don’t have to always think about me. You should also think about yourself, even if it means being… ruthless.”

Someone so naive couldn’t survive in the cultivation world. Fortunately, she had Shang Yanfei’s protection.

He couldn’t imagine how much trouble Sister Lin Ling would encounter if she ventured out alone.

“Ruthless?” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook.

“Being ruthless means you don’t have to always consider others. You should also think about yourself,” Mu Zhian gently stroked Lin Ling’s silver hair. “If I leave with someone else today and won’t see you again for years, what would you do?”

“As long as you’re happy,” she wrote.

“What about you?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lin Ling looked confused.

“If I don’t see you for a long time, won’t you be lonely? And what about your karmic fire?”

“Don’t wrong yourself. You’ve suffered enough. You should enjoy yourself,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling’s eyes flickered with thought, and she nodded slightly, making an “Aaa” sound.

Mu Zhian said, “Let’s go back. We’ve been here for a long time. The Mu Estate servants will become suspicious.”

He got dressed and was about to leave the hot spring.

A small hand suddenly grabbed his sleeve.

She held up her notebook: Can we… continue what we were doing earlier?

Mu Zhian shook his head gently. “No.”

Lin Ling looked at him, confused. She didn’t understand why he was suddenly rejecting her after being so gentle just now.

“That’s something only Dao Companions do. So, you have to use a more… appropriate term of address,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling understood, frowning slightly and glancing at him, then holding up her notebook: Bad boy.

Mu Zhian looked at her, smiling without saying a word.

“Mu… Mu Lang…”

Her voice was as clear and melodious as a silver bell in the summer breeze, like a siren’s song.

She tugged on his sleeve, her brows furrowed, biting her lip as she looked up at him.

Unlike the usually innocent, gluttonous Lin Ling, she now seemed more… human… Mu Zhian was puzzled, then he quickly understood.

She was being influenced by the karmic fire. This wasn’t entirely her.

However, even with her seductive gaze and address, Mu Zhian still shook his head, smiling. “Not enough.”

“You have to kiss me—”

Before he could finish, Lin Ling seemed to lose her patience and let go of his sleeve.

“Mu Zhian will be completely enamored with me today,” she whispered.

“?”

Mu Zhian’s smile froze as he looked at the silver-haired beauty, her red eyes slightly dimmed, and a thought crossed his mind.

Oh no, I messed up.

…

Yin hour (3:00 AM – 5:00 AM).

“S-Sister Lin Ling, I was wrong…”

Mu Zhian’s weak voice came from behind the thin gauze curtains, the candlelight flickering.

Lin Ling tilted her head, looking at him, then said encouragingly, “You can do it.”

“No, I really need to rest—”

Mu Zhian’s voice trailed off.

Something miraculous happened.

Although the depleted Heavenly Court spiritual energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace hadn’t recovered, his exhausted body was instantly rejuvenated.

No, it wasn’t rejuvenation, but the forced restoration of his body by the word spirit ability, like a grip strength meter resetting after reaching its limit.

And Mu Zhian’s previous lethargy was replaced by a surge of energy, his gaze fixed on the silver-haired beauty in his arms.

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhian opened his eyes, got out of bed, and stretched languidly in the morning sunlight.

As expected of a Fox Clan constitution, his recovery speed was incredible.

He had fully recovered in less than two hours.

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body was truly amazing.

The luxurious bed was a mess. It had experienced a rather… unusual night, and if it were kept as a sacred relic, it might even be able to summon the legendary Spiritual Dragon.

The blankets were neatly folded and placed aside. Lin Ling had already woken up and left the room. Mu Zhian got dressed and looked at himself in the mirror.

Mmm… Perfect!

Recalling the events of last night, a warm smile appeared on Mu Zhian’s face.

Unlike any other girl he knew, Lin Ling had been… innocent when it came to matters between men and women. He had almost felt bad for taking advantage of her.

…But Lin Ling under the influence of the karmic fire was someone you didn’t want to provoke.

A cornered rabbit would bite, let alone the Spiritual Dragon.

Lin Ling’s karmic fire hadn’t been fully suppressed, and Mu Zhian had repeatedly teased her, only to be taught a lesson by her word spirit ability.

“The karmic fire is quite interesting,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Remembering Lin Ling under the influence of the karmic fire, he felt a stir of excitement.

Lin Ling under the influence of karmic fire was a completely different person.

Usually, she was an innocent, gluttonous girl, but under the karmic fire’s influence, she became a seductive vixen.

She transformed from a shy, reserved girl into a demanding seductress, seeking only pleasure.

In short, the usual Lin Ling was good, and the karmic fire-influenced Lin Ling was also good. Both were incredibly beautiful.

And most importantly… She had white hair!

White hair and red eyes!

And she had an ample bosom and long, shapely legs!

These advantages were enough to overshadow any flaws.

Sister Lin Ling is perfect. Why didn’t I notice before…? Oh, right, she has incredible perception. She can sense any impure thoughts I have. There’s no way to…win her over.

It’s not difficult to win over a glutton, but it’s difficult to win over a glutton who can read your mind.

“Unfortunately, one night wasn’t enough to completely suppress her karmic fire. It will take some time,” Mu Zhian sighed softly.

The karmic fire had accumulated over many years and couldn’t be eliminated overnight. But at least for now, it was temporarily suppressed.

But she would still need his help in the future.

…

“Miss Lin, are you satisfied with the breakfast prepared by the servants?”

Old Man Ren asked with a gentle smile.

The more he looked at this girl, the more he liked her. She was indeed suitable to be Young Master’s Dao Companion.

Unlike any other girl he knew, she was clearly pure and innocent.

And she seemed a bit naive and delicate, willing to rely on Young Master, which wouldn’t make Young Master feel inferior.

Bai Ruoxi and that talented girl from before were both incredibly talented.

Young Master might feel inferior being with such girls.

Lin Ling glanced at him and nodded, taking out her notebook: “It’s delicious. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Old Man Ren chuckled.

After a while, Lin Ling took another bite of a pastry and looked towards the dining hall entrance.

Mu Zhian stood there, smiling. “You’re up early, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian, then quickly looked away, her silver ahoge swaying as she stuffed a meat bun into her mouth and took a sip of tea, her expression unchanged.

But a charming blush colored her cheeks.

Last night, she had been the one to take the initiative, and she had even used her word spirit ability in a… strange way.

If Shang Yanfei found out, she would definitely tease her.

Old Man Ren, noticing their interaction, but not commenting on it, said in a fatherly tone, “You also sleep until noon in the sect, Young Master?”

“I’m not criticizing you, but being so lazy will only make you fall behind other disciples in your cultivation.”

Mu Zhian shrugged. “I’m already at the peak of Core Formation.”

Old Man Ren glanced at Mu Zhian and scoffed.

Normally, it took several months to advance a single rank, even without encountering bottlenecks.

Young Master reaching the peak of Core Formation in such a short time?

Had he really caught up on all the cultivation he had neglected before?

Mu Zhian channeled his spiritual energy and gently pushed towards Old Man Ren.

The old man reacted quickly, striking back with his palm.

Then, he suddenly looked up, his eyes widening in shock as he stared at Mu Zhian. “H-How did you do it?!”

“Just normal cultivation. I cultivated, and then I reached the peak of Core Formation. I thought everyone was like this,” Mu Zhian feigned surprise.

“That’s not ‘normal.’ Your cultivation speed is even faster than that talented girl who came looking for you a while ago,” Old Man Ren said, staring at Mu Zhian in disbelief.

“Aaa?” Lin Ling looked up at him, puzzled.

Mu Zhian, understanding what she meant, chuckled. “It’s one of my ex-girlfriends from Tianxuan City. We’ve already broken up, so don’t worry about it.”

Old Man Ren glared at Mu Zhian. “You still remember her?”

“If you hadn’t reminded me, I probably would have forgotten,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Back in Tianxuan City, he had pursued many girls, relying on his looks.

And he had also pursued a girl who happened to be passing through Tianxuan City.

Old Man Ren sighed. “Three years ago, Young Master, you told her that you would go and marry her after dealing with the Gongsun family. But you’ve probably forgotten about that.”

“And now, after three years, she came looking for you herself, and I had to clean up your mess.”

“I had hundreds, if not dozens, of girls back then. How could I remember all of them?” Mu Zhian said helplessly, shaking his head.

These were all the troubles he had caused before awakening his memories. Now, he was paying for his past sins.

Lin Ling, seemingly not interested in their conversation, continued eating her breakfast.

Mu Zhian watched as the silver-haired beauty devoured a meat bun. “So, she came to the Mu family, wanting me to fulfill my promise?”

Old Man Ren glared at Mu Zhian. “In your dreams! After so long without contact, you think she still has feelings for you?”

“She came to break off the engagement, saying she no longer owes you anything!”

Mu Zhian was stunned.

Then, a relieved smile appeared on his face.

“That’s good… That’s good…”

There were already too many ‘fish’ in his pond. Any more, and he wouldn’t be able to handle them.

Old Man Ren was also speechless. Seeing this silver-haired beauty and remembering Bai Ruoxi, he knew Young Master must have caused quite a bit of trouble during his time at the sect. He glared at Mu Zhian.

“By the way, Old Man Ren, if I remember correctly, you’re a Mystic-grade alchemist, right?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Old Man Ren glared at him. “Why are you asking?”

“Do you want to go to Yu State for further training?” Mu Zhian asked.

He knew the old man’s only hobby was alchemy.

Old Man Ren was stunned, then waved his hand dismissively. “No need. I’m already old. It’s not convenient for me to travel. I’m fine staying at the Mu family.”

This was the truth, but he was also considering Mu Zhian.

The offer to go to Yu State… was tempting.

But Yu State was too far from the Eastern Continent, and their alchemists were numerous and united. They wouldn’t accept an old man like him for training.

“I’m serious. Aren’t you interested in alchemy, Old Man Ren?” Mu Zhian asked. He wanted Old Man Ren to comprehend the Dao of Alchemy and live for another thousand years.

Old Man Ren had watched him grow up and was like family to him.

“In Yu State, your alchemy skills can improve further, and there are also many formulas not found in the Eastern Continent,” Mu Zhian explained the benefits of going to Yu State.

Old Man Ren hesitated slightly. “Are you sure, Young Master? If I have to beg them, it’s not worth it.”

“I know someone there. She’ll agree. Don’t worry,” Mu Zhian smiled.

His agreement with Luo Tan was that after he reached the Nascent Soul realm, they would dual cultivate.

And now, he was just a step away from Nascent Soul.

Of course, he had to wait until after the ancestral worship ceremony… Mu Zhian looked towards the Lan family.

“Aaaa?”

A melodious voice pulled Mu Zhian back to reality.

He turned around and saw Lin Ling, having finished her meal, resting her chin on her hand and looking at him with puzzled red eyes. She held up her notebook: Do you want to go back?

“The ancestral worship ceremony is still a few days away. We can leave tomorrow.”

Mu Zhian shook his head, smiling. “I’m thinking about something else.”

Lin Ling tilted her head. “Aaa?”

Mu Zhian took her hand and led her out of the dining hall, then leaned close to her ear and whispered,

“I want to be a Dragon Rider.”

…

A day passed.

The bright moon hung high in the sky, the air slightly chilly in early spring.

The occasional bark of a dog echoed through the quiet, peaceful village.

It was an ordinary village in every way.

The only difference was that all the young people had moved away, leaving only the elderly.

They all had some kind of physical ailment, either crippled, blind, or missing a limb.

They lived on wild vegetables and the supplies sent by the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce.

Their lives were simple, but peaceful.

Tonight, however, this peace was shattered by the arrival of an old man.

Hum!

The space vibrated, a white light flickered, and an old man emerged.

He limped, dragging his crippled leg, and appeared in the village.

He held an unconscious young man in his arms.

It was Huang Weifeng.

“What happened to this child?”

An old woman with one eye, leaning on a cane, hobbled over from the village.

The old man sighed. “He was too impulsive. He went to the Lan family and offended the Jade Empress’s husband.”

The old woman’s cloudy eyes dimmed, and after a moment of silence, she sighed. “Send him away quickly. We can’t have our peace disturbed again.”

The old man nodded slightly. “I’ll send him away in two days.”

He looked at the supplies piled up outside the village. “Did Manting come by recently?”

The old woman shook her head. “She had a competition at her sect and was busy cultivating. She sent a message saying she’ll visit us in a few days.”

The old man’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “That child is kind-hearted.”

When the village had been impoverished, the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce had provided aid, and Huang Manting had often sent people to visit the elderly and disabled.

“Yes, she’s much kinder than Weifeng,” the old woman said pointedly, hobbling back to the village.

The old man watched her leave, his eyes deep, then said softly, “Jin Huang.”

A golden light flickered within Huang Weifeng’s body, revealing the form of a Holy Light Qilin.

It looked at the old man with excitement. “Celestial Venerable, you’re finally willing to see me?!”

Then, under the old man’s gaze, it fell silent.

“I’m just an ordinary old man now, not the Dao Initial Celestial Venerable you speak of.”

The old man said softly, “Tell me everything that happened when this child went to the Lan family.”

Chapter 438: Aaa? 

Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the sky.

Street lamps lit up one after another along the dim streets, casting a warm glow on the bustling crowds below. The aroma of food and the wisps of smoke from cooking fires filled the air.

“How can I help you?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked amidst the bustling crowd.

He knew he could suppress others’ misfortune, but how to suppress karmic fire… was beyond his knowledge.

Although he had a guess, he wasn’t entirely sure and didn’t want to make a mistake.

More importantly, he wanted to hear it from Lin Ling herself.

Lin Ling held up her notebook: You can absorb others’ luck and suppress misfortune. Suppressing karmic fire is the same as giving someone Heavenly Court spiritual energy.

Mu Zhian smiled faintly, gently stroking her soft hair. “Do you regret it?”

Lin Ling shook her head gently.

She turned the page and showed Mu Zhian the next line: If it’s you, it’s okay.

Her world was small, and Shang Yanfei was the only person close to her, with Mu Zhian being the second… To her, Mu Zhian was someone she could trust.

“But… won’t you mind my identity? If others find out, it might cause trouble for you. Is that okay?” she wrote in her notebook, seemingly anxious.

If any other woman said this, it might sound manipulative, but Mu Zhian didn’t sense any such intent from her.

Mu Zhian said gently, “Love shouldn’t be limited by race or age. Since we have feelings for each other, Sister Lin Ling, why should we care about what others think?”

“Although it might cause some trouble later, sometimes, even life itself is less important than my feelings for you.”

Mu Zhian’s sweet words flowed effortlessly, but only someone as innocent and naive as Lin Ling, whose heart was as pure as a blank sheet of paper when it came to love, would be moved by them.

Even life itself is less important than his feelings for me… Lin Ling repeated these words in her mind, a blush creeping onto her face.

“Aaaaa~ (She always said you’re good at sweet-talking women),” she whispered after a moment.

She?

Mu Zhian paused, then realized who Lin Ling was referring to.

It must be Sect Master Lin.

Although she’s a recluse, the Sect Master really understands me…

Mu Zhian continued, “What about your feelings for me, Sister Lin Ling?”

“Do you like me or dislike me?”

This question was a bit of a trap. Lin Ling could only answer with ‘like’ or ‘dislike.’

The innocent Lin Ling blushed, and after a moment, she held up her notebook: Like.

“Then don’t call me by my full name. Call me Mu Lang,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling tilted her head. “What does Mu Lang mean?”

“It’s a term of endearment, but only for the opposite sex,” Mu Zhian explained.

“Mu Lang,” Lin Ling said sweetly in her slightly awkward, clear voice.

Mmm…

A shiver ran down Mu Zhian’s spine, a pleasant sensation spreading through him.

He hadn’t expected a simple address to be so… satisfying.

He just wondered if Lin Ling would be angry if she knew its true meaning later.

Mmm, with her personality, she probably wouldn’t. Even if she did, some snacks should be enough to appease her…

Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian, then wrote in her notebook: “I hesitated when she asked me to come and help you.”

“You have many girls around you, and you’re always busy with their matters. And the Jade Empress has a strong personality. I didn’t want to cause trouble for you.”

“It’s not too late for you to change your mind.”

It’s not too late for you to change your mind now, but it will be too late after we return to the Mu family, Sister Lin Ling… Mu Zhian smiled. “I never regret my decisions.”

“Besides, if you want to suppress the karmic fire, you either have to return to your pocket dimension and cultivate, or I have to help you, right?”

Mu Zhian looked at Lin Ling sincerely.

He still wasn’t entirely sure about her feelings for him.

Was it just the care of a senior for a junior?

Or was it because of Shang Yanfei?

But it didn’t matter… Regardless, after they… dual cultivated, even if there were no feelings initially, it would eventually turn into love.

After all, even a blank sheet of paper would be… marked after the first time.

“It’s getting late. Let’s go back to the Mu Estate. I’ll have the servants prepare some snacks for you.”

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up, and she wrote in her notebook: Are there any delicacies I haven’t tried?

Mu Zhian hummed softly. “Even more delicious than your favorite crystal elbow and meat buns.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll prepare it for you after we return to the Mu Estate,” Mu Zhian said mysteriously.

…

Mu Estate.

After dinner, Lin Ling stood by the window, stretching languidly.

The spring night breeze ruffled her silver hair and her white dress, and combined with her bright red eyes and beautiful face, she looked incredibly adorable.

Mu Zhian had been summoned by Old Man Ren a while ago. It seemed that one of his former girlfriends had visited after he left the Mu family. Old Man Ren hadn’t thought it was a big deal, but now, seeing Mu Zhian return with such a beautiful silver-haired girl, he decided to inform him, just in case.

Lin Ling didn’t care about such trivial matters.

But she did care about Mu Zhian helping her suppress the karmic fire.

Waiting for him here was agonizing.

Although Lin Ling didn’t understand matters between men and women, she wasn’t completely naive. She knew what Mu Zhian needed to do.

Therefore, she felt incredibly uneasy.

Even if she transferred all three portions of Heavenly Dao Energy to Mu Zhian, her karmic fire wouldn’t be completely extinguished. Every word spirit ability involving ‘causality’ would intensify the burning.

But by cultivating with Mu Zhian, who possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace… the karmic fire could be gradually quelled.

After nearly half an hour, she still hadn’t seen Mu Zhian, so she walked towards the hot spring behind the Mu Estate, following her memory from earlier.

The maids nearby looked at the breathtakingly beautiful silver-haired woman with admiring glances.

Many were surprised, wondering how Young Master had managed to bring such a beauty back from the Two Polarities Sect.

She was tall, her white dress accentuating her figure, a black ribbon tied around her slender waist.

Lin Ling arrived at the hot spring and said, “No one is allowed to enter this area.”

She thought for a moment, then added, “Except for Mu Zhian.”

The rules of heaven and earth were silently rewritten, and the hot spring became a separate space, inaccessible to others.

After doing this, she untied the laces of her deerskin boots, her delicate, jade-like feet, adorned with a natural, translucent pink on her toenails, stepping onto the smooth pebbles beside the hot spring.

She untied the ribbon around her waist, then, holding the ribbon in her teeth, tied her silver hair into a bun and stepped into the hot spring.

Steam rose from the water, obscuring the hot spring, and Lin Ling raised her elegant chin, her red eyes gazing at the starry night sky, her long eyelashes fluttering gently.

If there were a plate of roasted crane legs by the hot spring, it would be perfect.

…Preferably Eight Treasures Crane.

After a while, she seemed to sense something and turned her head slightly.

A young man stood nearby, admiring the surroundings. He said, “The word spirit ability is truly amazing. This is practically erasing this hot spring from the Mu Estate, isn’t it?”

This was beyond the scope of ordinary techniques.

The word spirit ability had the power to turn the mundane into the miraculous.

Lin Ling blinked her red eyes and looked at Mu Zhian warily, writing with water by the edge of the bath: What are you plotting?

“Nothing bad. I just brought some snacks for you, Sister Lin Ling,” Mu Zhian replied, taking out a plate of roasted chicken and a jar of osmanthus wine he had asked the servants to prepare.

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up, then she became wary again: My senses tell me you have ulterior motives.

Mu Zhian walked over to her, knelt down, took her hand, and admitted frankly, “It’s not an ulterior motive. It’s to prevent you from being tormented by the karmic fire.”

Lin Ling sank into the water, only her clear, red eyes visible above the surface. She puffed out her cheeks and stared at him intently.

Mu Zhian met her gaze calmly. He knew he couldn’t avoid her, because Lin Ling was different from any other girl he knew. She rarely interacted with others, let alone being so close to someone.

He couldn’t avoid her now. Her current behavior was just due to her shyness. If he avoided her, it would make her uneasy, thinking he was forcing himself.

Although she possessed immense power, her heart was as fragile as a little girl’s.

So Mu Zhian looked at her with a gentle, sincere gaze.

Lin Ling could sense people’s good and bad intentions and naturally knew what Mu Zhian was thinking.

But Mu Zhian wasn’t hiding his thoughts.

So what if she could sense them? If he didn’t let her know his feelings, how could he proceed to the next step?

He was fickle and wanted to give every girl a warm home… Lin Ling already knew about the other girls around him. There was no need to hide anything.

So he wouldn’t hide his intentions.

Lin Ling looked up, studying Mu Zhian’s expression.

After a long time, she reached out from the water, grabbed Mu Zhian’s wrist, and pulled him into the hot spring with a splash.

Then, before Mu Zhian could speak, she tilted her head back slightly, closing her eyes under the gentle moonlight.

Her lips were slightly parted, her long eyelashes fluttering, a strand of silver hair falling across her shoulder.

Mu Zhian looked at her, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

He knew that her feelings for him were no longer just those of a feeder and a… feedee, but also… romantic feelings.

Mu Zhian took her hand, intertwining their fingers, and looked at her beautiful face. “You’re so beautiful, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling opened her eyes abruptly, a shy glint flickering within, and hid her face behind her notebook: Don’t say such cheesy things.

Despite her words, she felt a girlish excitement, more pleasant than any delicacy she had ever tasted.

Mu Zhian gently took the notebook from her hand and tossed it aside.

Then, as she looked up, he leaned down and kissed her soft lips.

The girl in his arms was warm and soft, her body trembling slightly.

After a while, her body relaxed, and she slowly opened her eyes.

“Aaa?” she whispered, a blush coloring her cheeks.

Mu Zhian paused, then understanding, nodded slightly.

“Aaa,” he replied firmly.

Chapter 437: Lin Ling: Can you… help me?

Lin Ling. Even among the Dao Integration experts of the Nine Provinces and the ancient beings of the forbidden zones, her existence was unique.

Even Dao Integration experts couldn’t rewrite the rules of heaven and earth and were still bound by the Heavenly Dao.

But Lin Ling’s existence could influence the Great Dao. Every word she spoke would come true, although her word spirit ability had side effects. Some things couldn’t be spoken casually, lest it bring karmic retribution.

Words like “No lewd acts allowed here” wouldn’t have karmic consequences.

But she couldn’t use her word spirit ability to alleviate her own karmic fire because that involved causality.

Before dawn, Mu Zhian and Lin Ling arrived in Tianxuan City in the carriage.

The Mu family now dominated Tianxuan City. The Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, having no ambitions beyond its own business, had branches in every major city of the Eastern Continent.

Near midday, Mu Zhian and Lin Ling strolled leisurely through the streets of Tianxuan City.

The carriage was too conspicuous, so they had disembarked outside the city. Spring flowers and plants rustled along the roadside, peach blossoms about to bloom, swaying in the wind. They walked across the mossy ground and entered an inn.

The inn was bustling with activity. Mu Zhian ordered a private room, and when the waiter brought tea and snacks, Lin Ling looked at them with excitement, writing in her notebook: “Are these the special pastries you mentioned?”

Mu Zhian hummed in response, smiling. “This is the first time I’ve brought a girl here for afternoon tea.”

Lin Ling looked at Mu Zhian thoughtfully, her brows relaxed, seemingly in a good mood.

This was probably also her first time in an inn.

There were similar teahouses within the Two Polarities Sect, but those were usually filled with disciples, either discussing the Dao or enjoying a leisurely chat with their Dao Companions. If she appeared there, she would attract too much attention.

Most people might not recognize the Spiritual Dragon, but ‘most’ didn’t mean ‘all.’ If her identity were discovered, it would cause a commotion.

However, there were no such concerns in Tianxuan City, as most people here were mortals. They only saw Lin Ling as a beautiful woman and wouldn’t think that one of the two Dao Integration experts of the Two Polarities Sect would come to an inn for snacks like an ordinary person.

“Is this your first time bringing someone here?” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook.

She probably thought Mu Zhian had brought many girls here for dates.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “I was quite innocent and socially awkward when I was in Tianxuan City, so I rarely went out, let alone bringing someone to an inn for snacks.”

From the private room, they could see the distant forest and the peach trees planted outside Tianxuan City.

The peach blossoms hadn’t bloomed yet, but the buds were also beautiful. There was also a lotus pond in the distance, and Mu Zhian saw more than one type of snow lotus within. A faint floral fragrance filled the room.

It was as if everything had been meticulously arranged, but Mu Zhian hadn’t planned on bringing Lin Ling here, let alone planting peach trees or creating a lotus pond.

Lin Ling looked out the window, then turned to Mu Zhian and showed him her notebook: “This place is no worse than the Pilgrimage Palace.”

Mu Zhian smiled and nodded. “Since every word you speak comes true, does your word spirit ability also work on you?”

“Some of them do, but most don’t,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook, sounding disappointed.

“But most word spirit abilities directed at you will take effect,” she said, looking at Mu Zhian with her bright red eyes.

Mu Zhian’s interest piqued. “For example?”

“Mu Zhian is not allowed to lie,” Lin Ling suddenly said.

Mu Zhian was stunned, then heard her ask, “Is this your first time bringing a girl out?”

Mu Zhian was about to shake his head and deny it when he felt an invisible force changing his thoughts, and he instinctively answered, “I often brought girls out when I was in Tianxuan City—”

Lin Ling nodded, then hesitated and wrote in her notebook: “Did you… do ‘that’ with them?”

Where did she learn such a modern term? Did Sect Master Lin teach her…? Mu Zhian was about to deny it, but he instinctively answered truthfully, “Yes, but rarely.”

Almost instantly.

Lin Ling blinked her red eyes, looking at him silently.

Mu Zhian rubbed his forehead, speechless. “Your word spirit ability isn’t meant to be used like this.”

Fortunately, she had asked about ‘that’ and not ‘intimacy.’ He had… done ‘that’ with girls a few times, but he had been intimate with them much more often… These were two different concepts.

Lin Ling seemed disappointed and wrote in her notebook: “This is my first time here with you, but you’ve been here many times with others.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then pushed the pastries on his table towards Lin Ling.

Lin Ling’s eyes flickered, but she turned her head away, refusing to be swayed.

However, she subconsciously gulped.

She held up her notebook: Don’t try to bribe me.

Mu Zhian picked up a pastry and offered it to her. “It’s not a bribe. I just want you to have some snacks.”

The tempting aroma seemed irresistible, and Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian, then took the pastry and happily nibbled on it.

Mu Zhian watched the adorable Spiritual Dragon, and just as she finished and reached for another pastry, he gently placed his hand on hers.

The silver-haired beauty looked up, blinking her red eyes, puzzled. “Aaa?”

“Was it good?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Aaa,” she nodded in satisfaction, completely forgetting their previous conversation.

Among the girls Mu Zhian knew, Lin Ling was probably the easiest to please. Just some snacks were enough to cheer her up.

Mu Zhian looked into her beautiful red eyes. “Although I’ve been to this inn with other girls before, this is the first time I’ve enjoyed this view with someone.”

“Aaa?”

Lin Ling tilted her head, then looked at Mu Zhian’s sincere eyes, his gentle voice echoing in her ears. For some reason, she felt a warmth spreading through her body, her heart racing.

She had never felt this way since reaching Dao Integration.

She averted her gaze, her eyes downcast, the pastry in her hand no longer appealing, her cheeks slightly flushed. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Mu Zhian held on tighter.

Mu Zhian took her hand and they left the inn, strolling through the streets of Tianxuan City. Before dusk, he took Lin Ling back to the Mu family to visit Old Man Ren, the guest elder.

“I didn’t expect you to bring such a beautiful girl back to the Mu family. You’ve grown up, Young Master,” the old man said, stroking his beard and looking at the girl beside Mu Zhian with a satisfied expression.

“She’s a disciple from my sect, still at the Qi Condensation realm. I’ll have to ask for your guidance in the future, Old Man Ren.”

The old man smiled and nodded.

“I’ll take her for a walk outside and come back to visit you later,” Mu Zhian said.

Old Man Ren nodded slightly and watched them leave, sighing inwardly.

I didn’t expect Young Master to find such a beautiful girl, almost as beautiful as Miss Bai.

It’s just that her talent isn’t as good as that talented girl Young Master found before.

…

“Did you enjoy yourself today?” Mu Zhian asked as they left the Mu family’s estate.

Lin Ling nodded like a little chick, making an “Aaa” sound to express her approval.

Mu Zhian smiled in satisfaction.

Being with the adorable Spiritual Dragon always gave him a sense of accomplishment.

Although she was a Dao Integration expert, she had never experienced anything like this, so even having snacks at an inn was a novel experience, making her as excited as a little girl.

This was something no other girl in Mu Zhian’s ‘pond’ could offer him.

No wonder Sect Master Lin sent Sister Lin Ling to me… Mu Zhian suddenly understood.

Shang Yanfei probably had the same thoughts as him.

Lin Ling had endured the burning karmic fire in her pocket dimension for too long. Now that she was finally free, neither he nor the Sect Master wanted her to return to that place and suppress the karmic fire for another thousand years.

Shang Yanfei must have sent Lin Ling to him for this reason.

Looking at the silver-haired beauty, who seemed to be enjoying their date, Mu Zhian suddenly sighed softly. “Unfortunately, after today, I won’t be able to enjoy such delicious snacks and beautiful scenery with you, Sister Lin Ling.”

“In a thousand years, I’ll probably be just dust.”

Lin Ling’s heart trembled, and she looked at Mu Zhian instinctively.

“A thousand years is just a blink of an eye for a cultivator. You won’t die so soon,” she quickly wrote in her notebook.

Clearly, she was worried.

But Mu Zhian continued his melancholic act, sighing. “I only hope that when you emerge from seclusion a thousand years later, Sister Lin Ling, you’ll still remember that spring day when a young cultivator enjoyed the blooming flowers of Tianxuan City with you. Then, I’ll have no regrets.”

Lin Ling put down the candied hawthorn in her hand and wrote in her notebook: “I’ll give you an Emperor-grade herb. After refining it, you’ll definitely still be at the sect when I come out.”

“Thank you, but I don’t need it,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

He stroked Lin Ling’s hair, thinking that although she was a Dao Integration expert, her experience was probably far less than his, a young cultivator less than twenty years old. If it weren’t for Sect Master Lin, he wouldn’t be at ease.

Lin Ling could sense good and bad intentions, but she disliked conflict, which made her ill-suited for the scheming world of the Nine Provinces.

“It’s getting late. I’ll take you back to the sect,” Mu Zhian said softly.

Lin Ling paused, glancing out the window and realizing it was dusk.

She looked up at Mu Zhian, as if trying to memorize his appearance.

…

“Do you have any other unfulfilled wishes?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked as they walked down the street under the setting sun.

She shook her head gently and whispered, “Aaa.”

“Do you want me to take you back?” Mu Zhian asked again.

Lin Ling held up her notebook: I can go back faster on my own.

She peeked at Mu Zhian like a kitten, not wanting him to try to keep her, yet hoping he would say something. But Mu Zhian didn’t move, just stared at her, as if seeing her off.

As the sun gradually set, the light in Lin Ling’s bright red eyes seemed to dim.

Mu Zhian remained silent, looking at her, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This Spiritual Dragon had taken care of him when his Innate Celestial Furnace hadn’t even evolved.

She had even been willing to confront the Southern Wilderness for him when he ‘died’ in the Jade Pool Holy Land.

Now, considering his difficulties, she didn’t want to trouble him and planned to return to her pocket dimension to suppress the karmic fire herself.

“Such an innocent girl… if I wanted to, I could probably trick her into bed a hundred times…” Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

He watched as Lin Ling walked towards the city gates of Tianxuan City, glancing back at him several times, as if hoping for something.

She walked further and further away, until finally, the light in her eyes dimmed completely.

Lin Ling opened her mouth, about to speak.

Suddenly, a pair of hands grasped hers from behind.

Lin Ling paused, about to turn around, when she heard a gentle voice, “If you don’t want to go into seclusion, I can help you.”

“I don’t want to wait a thousand years to see you again. I want to see you every day, Sister Lin Ling.”

Lin Ling’s heart trembled. The setting sun’s light was fading, but her red eyes gradually brightened.

After a long silence, she slowly turned around, her eyes filled with hope. She whispered, “Won’t that cause trouble for you?”

She could speak, but her words also carried the power of the Great Dao, so she rarely did.

“No, but the decision is yours,” Mu Zhian said, looking at Lin Ling intently.

If Lin Ling decided to return to her pocket dimension, he would respect her decision.

“As for me…” Mu Zhian shrugged. “I already have enough troubles. One more won’t make a difference.”

The setting sun painted the clouds red. She carefully observed Mu Zhian’s expression, then slowly reached out to him.

Finally, as the sun completely set and darkness fell, she wrapped her arms around Mu Zhian’s neck.

Her soft body and familiar fragrance made Mu Zhian breathe a sigh of relief.

He embraced her small, soft body and whispered, “I thought you were really leaving.”

“Will you be lonely if I leave?” Lin Ling tilted her head, looking at him, her face so close that their noses almost touched.

Mu Zhian imitated her voice and made an “Aaa” sound.

“Of course I’ll be lonely.”

“So I’ll do everything I can to help you,” Mu Zhian said seriously.

Lin Ling, like a happy little girl, made a joyful “Aaa” sound in his arms.

Then, a faint blush colored her cheeks, and she looked up at him with moist, shy eyes, whispering,

“Then… can you help me suppress the karmic fire?”

…

…

 

Chapter 436: Natural Airhead Counters Calculated Schemer 

“Sister Lin Ling?!”

Mu Zhian stared at Lin Ling, who had appeared out of nowhere, stunned.

Shang Yanfei’s letter had just arrived at the Lan family, and Lin Ling was already here… Even with a flying sword, the journey from the Two Polarities Sect to the Lan family would take at least two or three days.

And the Lan family’s territory was protected by formations left by their ancestor. Anyone trespassing would be immediately detected… But the Lan family was quiet. Clearly, no one had noticed Lin Ling’s presence.

“Aaa?” Lin Ling blinked her clear, red eyes, tilting her head at him.

Then, as if remembering something, she stuffed a bag of snacks into Mu Zhian’s arms and said sweetly, “Aaaaa~”

“…Thank you, I know you mean well, but I’m not hungry. You can have them,” Mu Zhian declined politely.

Lin Ling glanced at Mu Zhian, then happily took out a pastry and ate it herself.

Mu Zhian put away the letter and asked casually, “When did you arrive, Sister Lin Ling?”

“Aaa (Just now).”

Why can I understand what she’s saying…? Mu Zhian pondered for a moment. “Did you tear open a spatial rift?”

Lin Ling shook her head. “Aaaaa (I just said a few words).”

Mu Zhian understood.

Her word spirit ability could affect any location, even herself.

In other words, if she wished, she could return to the Two Polarities Sect at any time just by speaking.

“If it weren’t for the restrictions of the rules of heaven and earth, the word spirit ability would be the most powerful technique in the world,” Mu Zhian marveled inwardly.

No wonder the Two Polarities Sect had endured for so long. The Sect Master could shield herself from heavenly secrets and temporarily rewrite the rules within the sect, removing the restrictions on the word spirit ability.

Sect Master Lin and Sister Lin Ling were practically invincible together…

Mu Zhian placed the empty snack bag on the table and watched as Lin Ling brushed her silver hair, trying to flatten her slightly curled ahoge with his hand.

Lin Ling didn’t mention her misfortune. Her expression was calm, but her face was slightly flushed. Her long, silver hair cascaded down, curling slightly at her calves.

A natural beauty, untouched by artifice, unlike any other woman in Mu Zhian’s ‘pond.’

But he didn’t have any… strong desires towards Lin Ling.

Although he occasionally had some… thoughts because of her figure, it was rare.

It was difficult to have any impure thoughts about such a pure, innocent woman.

After finally flattening her ahoge, Lin Ling adjusted her dress, looking at herself in the mirror.

She seemed to sense Mu Zhian’s gaze and looked at him through the mirror, her fingertip flickering with beautiful runes.

At the same time, words appeared on the table: Why are you staring at me?

“You look very beautiful today, different from usual, so I couldn’t help but look,” Mu Zhian chuckled, sitting behind her.

Today, Lin Ling wore a milky white knee-length dress that revealed her alluring shoulders. A thin ribbon tied around her high waist accentuated her slender waist and curvaceous figure.

From Mu Zhian’s angle, he could even catch a glimpse of her ample bosom.

Lin Ling rarely dressed like this, as she rarely left the Two Polarities Sect, and few outsiders had seen her.

But today, she had clearly made an effort to look beautiful.

“She prepared these clothes for me. Do they look good?” Lin Ling wrote on the table, using her spiritual energy.

So it was Sect Master Lin. No wonder… Mu Zhian smiled and nodded. “You look good no matter what you wear, Sister Lin Ling.”

“I can sense that you’re being sincere.”

Lin Ling nodded, then took out a blank notebook and wrote: But you seem to have some… impure thoughts about me.

A being like Lin Ling could sense a person’s good and bad intentions even without mind-reading, and Mu Zhian’s gaze just now had been different from usual.

After a brief moment of shock, Mu Zhian met Lin Ling’s gaze and coughed lightly, changing the subject. “By the way, Sect Master Lin wrote me a letter before you came. Do you know what it says?”

Lin Ling nodded. “She said I’m plagued by karmic fire and need your luck to suppress it.”

“But it’s not that serious. It’s just some misfortune. It won’t affect me.”

“I can suppress the karmic fire if I return to my pocket dimension and cultivate for a few days.”

Mu Zhian was stunned.

So, Sister Lin Ling can suppress the karmic fire herself? Then why did Sect Master Lin ask me to help…?

“Wasn’t your karmic fire already suppressed? Why is it acting up again?” Mu Zhian asked.

“The Sect Master is plagued by immense misfortune. I transferred it to myself, but it’s not a big problem. Don’t worry,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook, showing it to Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred.

Sect Master Lin, a Dao Integration expert, is plagued by misfortune?

Even a Dao Integration expert can’t change their own luck…?

“So, your karmic fire is acting up because of Sect Master Lin’s misfortune?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lin Ling nodded slightly: ‘She’s done a lot for me in the past. It’s only natural for me to help her.’

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment. “There’s something I’ve been curious about.”

Lin Ling looked at him, silent.

“You helped me before… Was it really because of something special about me that attracted you?”

Lin Ling hesitated slightly, then shook her head gently. “She cares about you a lot.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen her care about someone. She told me you can refine all types of Heavenly Dao Energy, so I’ve been paying attention to you since you entered the Two Polarities Sect.”

“Although everyone thinks you’re fickle and unfaithful, I think you’re a good person.”

Mu Zhian was speechless.

Her words sounded a bit sarcastic. Although you’re fickle and scheming, I know you’re a good boy… That’s what Sister Lin Ling seemed to be saying.

But he couldn’t refute her.

“I’m not really a good person,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling nodded, writing in her notebook: I know.

Mu Zhian: “…”

Then, he saw her continue writing: I knew you were using me to scare the elders of the other ancient clans, both at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and in Tianxuan City.

Mu Zhian was stunned.

Who said Lin Ling was a naive, innocent glutton? She knew everything. She just didn’t care.

Although she rarely left the sect, she could sense people’s good and bad intentions.

To her, perhaps these things were just child’s play. The power struggles between Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and even Soul Transformation cultivators were just trivial matters.

As time passed, generations of disciples came and went, fighting amongst themselves, but the Spiritual Dragon remained the same.

However, among these disciples, only Mu Zhian dared to use the Spiritual Dragon to intimidate others.

After all, it was the first time the Spiritual Dragon had lived in a disciple’s courtyard.

This is a bit awkward, but fortunately, Sister Lin Ling can’t read minds… Mu Zhian quickly changed the subject. “Since you can suppress your misfortune yourself, why did you come looking for me tonight?”

“I came to say goodbye. I might not see you for a while.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “After you finish your seclusion, I’ll take you to Tianxuan City for snacks. We can consider it a vacation.”

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up.

But then they dimmed again.

“What’s wrong?” Mu Zhian asked.

“By the time we go to Tianxuan City again, that place might be gone…”

She hesitated, then wrote in her notebook: And you might be gone too.

Mu Zhian paused, as if remembering something. “How long will your seclusion last?”

“If all goes well, a thousand years should be enough.”

A thousand years… That was enough time for two dynasties to rise and fall, let alone Tianxuan City.

By the time Lin Ling emerged from seclusion, Tianxuan City would be a completely different place.

“That long?” he asked.

Lin Ling shook her head gently: ‘It’s not that long. When I had three portions of Heavenly Dao Energy, I spent most of my time in my pocket dimension suppressing the karmic fire.’

“But when I first joined the sect, I heard that the Spiritual Dragon appears every few years… Were you also suppressing the karmic fire then?”

Lin Ling nodded: ‘I was suppressing it until you appeared.’

“That must have been difficult, suppressing the karmic fire every day, unable to do anything,” Mu Zhian said softly.

“Everyone has their troubles. Mine are just… bigger. I’m used to it.”

Mu Zhian was silent.

He didn’t think he could stay in a pocket dimension for thousands of years, suppressing the karmic fire day and night, only having a chance to leave every few years.

No wonder she had been so clingy… To the Spiritual Dragon, he probably represented ‘freedom.’

No wonder she loved the food of this world. Unlike other Dao Integration experts, she couldn’t experience the joys and sorrows of life, nor could she train in the mortal world. Although she possessed the powerful word spirit ability, she could only spend her life in that gloomy pocket dimension.

If it weren’t for Mu Zhian giving her hope, she might still be meditating there, suppressing the karmic fire.

So, after finally being free from the karmic fire, she started to enjoy the delicacies of the world, which was, in a sense, experiencing life.

“Why didn’t you let me help you suppress the karmic fire?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

“You have many girls around you. They’ll cause unnecessary trouble for you if they find out,” Lin Ling wrote in her notebook.

Lin Ling wouldn’t make excuses or lie. This was her true intention: she didn’t want to cause trouble for Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment. “Since you came to say goodbye, can you delay your return to the Two Polarities Sect for a few days?”

Lin Ling nodded gently, a puzzled look in her eyes.

“The ancestral worship ceremony is still half a month away. I’ll take you to Tianxuan City before that, so you can enjoy its delicacies before your next seclusion,” Mu Zhian said.

Lin Ling’s eyes lit up, then she hesitated: ‘Won’t that cause trouble for you?’

She knew Mu Zhian had many girls around him. Taking her out at night might make them jealous.

Mu Zhian looked into her eyes. “You should also think about yourself sometimes, not just others. Just tell me if you want to go or not.”

Lin Ling was stunned, then nodded obediently after a long moment.

Mu Zhian smiled in satisfaction.

He whistled, and a faint roar echoed from the depths of the Lan family’s estate. It seemed the Flood Dragons were unhappy about being summoned in the middle of the night.

As they looked up, they saw the young man walking out of the room, and then their crimson eyes fell on the petite, silver-haired beauty.

The nine Flood Dragons’ eyes constricted, and their bodies trembled slightly.

Then, like obedient dogs, they lowered their massive heads submissively.

After the two boarded the carriage, the Flood Dragons raised their heads proudly and soared into the sky with a loud roar.

A strong wind blew.

Lan Pingzhi slowly opened his eyes in the quiet night. He had been awakened from his meditation by the Flood Dragons’ roars.

Without even leaving his room, he sensed Mu Zhian’s aura outside.

“Fooling around with another woman again?”

He scoffed, his displeasure with Mu Zhian growing.

After interacting with him for the past two days, he had a better understanding of his character.

The Jade Empress was close to Mu Zhian, but he also had relationships with other women…

Including his two daughters.

He couldn’t let this continue… He had to understand Mu Zhian’s intentions.

“I’ll go see him tonight and have a talk with him.”

Just one Dao Companion, the Jade Empress, would be fine, but having a rendezvous with another woman tonight… This was concerning.

Lan Pingzhi walked out of the hall with imposing steps, each step seemingly containing the laws of the Dao.

He looked up and saw a luxurious black carriage, pulled by nine Flood Dragons, about to leave the Lan family’s estate.

More than one person’s aura emanated from the carriage.

Seeing that Lan Pingzhi was about to call out to Mu Zhian, a servant at the door hesitated and whispered, “Clan Leader, let them go…”

Lan Pingzhi frowned, glancing at the servant. “You’ve always been by my side. Why are you speaking up for Mu Zhian?”

The servant hesitated, wanting to explain, but couldn’t find the words.

“Why are you stammering? Can’t you even speak clearly?”

Lan Pingzhi scoffed and looked up, about to call out to Mu Zhian.

“Mu—”

Inside the carriage, Lin Ling’s lips parted slightly, and she whispered something.

Lan Pingzhi’s voice cut off. He tried to speak again, but couldn’t make a sound.

The use of techniques was forbidden in this area, so even voice transmissions wouldn’t work.

This wasn’t Mu Zhian’s doing, but the mysterious woman in the carriage… Lan Pingzhi’s eyes narrowed, and he was about to dispel the technique.

Suddenly, the silver-haired woman opened the curtains, and as Lan Pingzhi looked up, his gaze met her clear, red eyes, which seemed to reflect everything in the world.

A strand of silver hair fluttered in the cold wind.

Lan Pingzhi was momentarily stunned, staring at her bright red eyes, his mind blanking.

After a long while, as the carriage slowly left the Lan family’s estate, he snapped out of his daze and murmured,

“How is this possible…?”

Chapter 435: You Wouldn’t Want the Spiritual Dragon to Die from Karmic Fire, Would You? 

“Sister doesn’t seem worried at all. Aren’t you afraid that Mu Zhian will be completely captivated by Miss Wei?”

Lan Feiying twirled a strand of hair around her finger, glancing at Lan Mulian as the candlelight flickered.

Wei Mengrou was Mu Zhian’s personal maid, but she had never shown any romantic interest in him, even after their intimacy. She had always maintained her reserved demeanor.

Yet today, she had taken the initiative to… lure Mu Zhian away… This was unexpected.

“If he could be so easily captivated by a woman, he would have stayed at the Jade Pool Holy Land with the Jade Empress long ago,” Lan Mulian said calmly, taking a sip of tea. “He might be momentarily charmed, but not completely captivated.”

Lan Feiying chuckled. “Sister is quite confident in him.”

“I’m not confident in him,” Lan Mulian shook her head, glancing at her sister. “I’m confident in his… fickleness.”

Lan Feiying was momentarily speechless.

Then, she smiled faintly. “Sister is much more generous than before. In the past, you wouldn’t have allowed your… man to be intimate with other girls, would you?”

Because of their unfaithful father, the two sisters loathed unfaithful men. If they knew the man they loved had other women, they would have left him long ago, let alone both sisters liking the same man.

“Not just in the past, even now,” Lan Mulian said calmly.

“Besides you, I don’t want to see him with any other woman.”

Lan Mulian’s voice was cold, but her gaze softened as she looked at her sister. “But he already had a Dao Companion before we met him, and now there’s the Jade Empress, a Transcendence Realm cultivator.”

“Before we can catch up to the Jade Empress, the thought of having him all to ourselves, even if we have it, is just a fantasy.”

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes, her voice seductive, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “So, Sister’s plan is to… claim him after reaching a similar realm as the Jade Empress…?”

“We don’t necessarily have to have him all to ourselves, but at least we won’t have to… worry about the Jade Empress’s reaction,” Lan Mulian said softly.

A smile flickered in Lan Feiying’s eyes. “So, Sister means, these… temporary flings don’t matter. The future is what’s important?”

The Jade Empress was their true ‘enemy.’ As for the others… although troublesome, they weren’t considered enemies.

The Lan sisters were now united against a common foe.

After chatting for a while, they began their cultivation.

Meanwhile, Mu Zhian had just left the Polar Star Forest on his sword.

Many plants in the forest had withered, and as the cold wind blew, they crumbled into ashes.

Wei Mengrou silently followed behind her Young Master. She knew that she had absorbed the life force of the forest, not intentionally, but because of the… shadow behind her.

Just as they were about to leave the Polar Star Forest, Mu Zhian paused, sensing cultivators approaching.

Few people came to the Polar Star Forest, and these people were being stealthy, as if trying to avoid being noticed.

He glanced at Wei Mengrou.

Understanding, she activated a technique and grabbed Mu Zhian’s wrist, concealing them both.

At the same time, Mu Zhian used a Southern Wilderness secret technique, enveloping himself in black mist, completely masking his aura.

An elderly man in green robes appeared not far ahead.

A middle-aged man stood before him, and they seemed to be communicating through voice transmission, as no sound could be heard.

“Why are they meeting secretly in the Lan family’s forest so late at night?”

Mu Zhian observed them from the shadows.

He recognized the elder. It was the Grand Elder of the Lan family. He didn’t recognize the other man, who was probably not from the Lan family.

After a while, the two men seemed to notice the changes in the Polar Star Forest. After exchanging a few words through voice transmission, the Grand Elder took out a jade slip and handed it to the other man, then quickly left.

“He just gave him a jade slip?” Wei Mengrou asked suspiciously after they left.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “On the day of the ancestral worship ceremony, the Lan family ancestor will bestow a divine oracle and open the Lan family’s secret realm. According to the ancestor’s decree, any cultivator can enter. But to reach the depths of the secret realm, you need this jade slip.”

He had heard this from Senior Sister Lan.

“That man’s robes were embroidered with a half-moon. If I’m not mistaken, he should be the Holy Son of the Clear Moon Holy Land. But why did the Grand Elder secretly give him a jade slip?” Wei Mengrou murmured.

Mu Zhian remained silent, his mind racing.

The Grand Elder’s secrecy meant he didn’t want others to know… The problem must be the jade slip.

“Let’s go back. I’ll ask Senior Sister tonight,” Mu Zhian said immediately.

He didn’t care about the Lan family’s matters. Even if the entire clan disappeared, it wouldn’t affect him.

But the Lan sisters were different.

He had to make sure they wouldn’t be harmed.

…

After leaving the Polar Star Forest, Mu Zhian immediately found Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying.

“The Clear Moon Holy Land is a powerful force in the Eastern Continent, second only to the Lan family,” Lan Mulian said after hearing Mu Zhian’s question.

“As for their relationship… as far as I know, they haven’t interacted much.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “Does the Clear Moon Holy Land usually participate in the trials after the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony?”

Lan Mulian shook her head. “Of course not. Every major power in the Eastern Continent has its own Dao and techniques. Only lone cultivators are allowed to participate in the Lan family’s trials.”

Seeing Mu Zhian’s thoughtful expression, Lan Mulian asked, “Why are you suddenly asking about this?”

Mu Zhian shook his head and chuckled. “Nothing. I just happened to see a disciple from the Clear Moon Holy Land today and was a bit curious.”

He glanced at the next room. “Feiying should still be meditating. I won’t disturb you. I’ll come and have tea with you tomorrow, Senior Sister.”

Mu Zhian stood up and turned to leave.

But at the doorway, he hesitated, turned back to Lan Mulian, and transmitted his voice, “I saw the Grand Elder of the Lan family giving a jade slip to the Holy Son of the Clear Moon Holy Land in the Polar Star Forest today.”

As far as Mu Zhian knew, the Grand Elder was the one who had enthusiastically invited the Lan sisters back to the Lan family.

Most of the other elders had opposed it.

Why would the Grand Elder, who supported their return, have secret dealings with the Clear Moon Holy Land?

This was confusing.

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered. “The Lan family has never interacted with the Clear Moon Holy Land, especially not the Grand Elder… When did they start having secret dealings…?”

She was intelligent and naturally sensed something amiss.

Good question, but I also want to know… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

The Clear Moon Holy Land and the Lan family were rivals. The Lan family allowed any cultivator to enter the secret realm during the ancestral worship ceremony, but they wouldn’t allow members of the Clear Moon Holy Land to enter.

And with the Clear Moon Holy Land’s resources, they shouldn’t need the opportunities within the Lan family’s secret realm.

So why did they want to enter?

The problem must be the jade slip.

It had been personally handed to the Holy Son of the Clear Moon Holy Land by the Grand Elder.

With that jade slip, Lan family members could easily reach the depths of the secret realm.

But logically, even with the jade slip, non-Lan family members couldn’t gain the ancestor’s approval. What was the point of entering the depths of the secret realm then?

Could there be something there that the Clear Moon Holy Land desired?

They continued chatting for a while. Mu Zhian didn’t care about the Lan family’s affairs, but he enjoyed talking with Senior Sister, who was beautiful and… well-endowed. Although they had been intimate before, chatting with her while she was dressed was a different experience.

Seeing Lan Mulian lost in thought, Mu Zhian excused himself.

He couldn’t continue chatting. He had to know when to stop. After all, he still had Wei Mengrou’s scent on him, and Senior Sister might notice.

And he had already shared most of his thoughts. He had nothing left to say.

Lan Mulian looked at Mu Zhian thoughtfully and smiled faintly. “By the way, Junior Brother, what were you doing in the Polar Star Forest for so long today?”

“There was a suspicious person with Huang Weifeng earlier. I tracked her to the Polar Star Forest, but I didn’t see anyone,” Mu Zhian said with a hint of regret.

Lan Mulian said calmly, “If I remember correctly, there’s a good hot spring in the Polar Star Forest that can relieve fatigue. Are you interested in going tomorrow?”

“If Senior Sister wishes, I’ll naturally accompany you… But why do you suddenly want to go to a hot spring?”

“I want to experience what Miss Wei experienced tonight.”

“How was Miss Wei?”

Mu Zhian’s face froze in shock.

…

“How did Senior Sister know? I was in the Polar Star Forest. Why does she know everything? Did she install a camera on me or something?”

Back in his room, Mu Zhian was exhausted.

After a simple medicinal bath, he lay down on the bed and meditated for over an hour, his complexion gradually recovering.

Just as he opened his eyes, he heard a shrill cry from outside. He opened the door and saw a black bird circling in the sky.

It held a letter in its beak, tilted its head, looked at Mu Zhian, and swooped down.

The black bird transformed into a wisp of black hair and gently landed, dropping the letter.

“This isn’t from Senior Sister. She would have used a paper crane…”

Mu Zhian opened the letter and read the message: The Spiritual Dragon is plagued by misfortune and tormented by karmic fire. If she’s in trouble, please take care of her… You wouldn’t want her to die from karmic fire, would you?

The Spiritual Dragon had always suffered from karmic fire because she had devoured three portions of Heavenly Dao Energy.

But after transferring two portions to Mu Zhian, she hadn’t suffered from it anymore.

“Why is she suddenly plagued by karmic fire again? Did something go wrong with her cultivation?”

But even if there was a problem with her cultivation, she shouldn’t be plagued by misfortune. After all, the Spiritual Dragon was favored by the heavens…

“And who wrote this letter—”

Mu Zhian noticed the name at the end of the letter.

Shang Yanfei.

It’s rare for Sect Master Lin to remember to write to me… Mu Zhian chuckled inwardly.

Back in Tianxuan City, he had exchanged letters with both the Sect Master and Lan Mulian, but after his… secret was revealed, his correspondence with Shang Yanfei had decreased significantly.

It was probably because Shang Yanfei, out of consideration for Lan Mulian, didn’t want to communicate with the man her disciple liked.

But he hadn’t expected her to send him a letter today.

And she hadn’t even used a paper crane.

This meant that the Sect Master knew his location, even this specific room.

“That woman is truly unfathomable…”

“And why do I sense a hint of… ‘cuckolding’ in Sect Master Lin’s words? How does she know about this… She’s a recluse who never leaves the sect.”

Mu Zhian looked at the letter, pondered for a moment, and called out inwardly, “Senior Ye.”

Wisps of fire, like threads, gathered in the room, and a woman in a black and red dress silently appeared.

Her face was beautiful, and the red dot between her brows added a touch of playfulness and charm, making her appear even more divine.

“What is it? Finally willing to summon me?” she asked, looking at Mu Zhian with a smile.

“I’ve actually missed you quite a bit these past few days, Senior Ye. I just couldn’t find the right opportunity…” Mu Zhian said tactfully.

Ye Qingxin glanced at the boy. “You’re always so good with words. Just say what you want to say. I’m not that petty.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment. “Senior Ye, during your time in the Eastern Continent, have you heard any rumors about the Sect Master?”

“Are you referring to Shang Yanfei?”

Ye Qingxin nodded. “Back then, the Ye family was very powerful in the Eastern Continent, with more than two potential Dao Integration experts. Shang Yanfei had already reached the Dao Integration realm before I did.”

Just how long has Sect Master Lin lived…? Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow. “What’s the average lifespan of a Dao Integration expert?”

Ye Qingxin shook her head. “It varies. Some Dao Integration experts with powerful bloodlines only live for ten thousand years, while others can live for forty or fifty thousand years.”

“With Emperor-grade herbs, their lifespan can be extended by several lifetimes, depending on how much Dao law the herb contains,” Ye Qingxin explained.

Not all Emperor-grade herbs extended lifespans equally.

Mu Zhian whispered, “Then how long has the Sect Master lived?”

Shang Yanfei was always unfathomable. She had witnessed Lin Ling’s Dao Integration, even the tribulations of many Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces… Just how long had she lived?

Mu Zhian was curious.

Could a Dao Integration expert truly live for so long?

“With enough Emperor-grade herbs, she can live forever.”

Ye Qingxin paused, then continued, “But cultivating Emperor-grade herbs is extremely difficult. Even the few Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces might not possess a single one.”

“Even in the Heavenly Court, Emperor-grade herbs are rare, especially those containing Dao law.”

Seeing Mu Zhian’s silence, Ye Qingxin continued, “Some have suspected that Shang Yanfei has either grasped the secret of immortality or has already ascended to the Transcendence Realm.”

“Are you that interested in her?”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “The Path to Immortality has appeared in the Nine Provinces several times, but she never ascended. It’s natural to be curious.”

“That’s what you say, but you’re actually just… interested in her, so you want to know more about her, right?”

Ye Qingxin saw through his true intentions, a hint of displeasure in her voice, and sparks seemed to dance around her black and red dress.

As expected of an ancestor of the Ye family, even her jealousy is captivating… Mu Zhian thought, finding her incredibly alluring.

He gently took Ye Qingxin’s cool hand. “Whether I’m interested in the Sect Master isn’t important. What matters is that I know you’re the one with me now, Senior Ye.”

Ye Qingxin glanced at the boy, clearly not believing him.

But under his gentle gaze, she seemed to blush slightly, lowering her eyes and looking at her fair thighs illuminated by the firelight, remaining silent.

“After the ancestral worship ceremony, I’ll go to the Jade Pool Holy Land and try to bring your true body down to the lower realm using the ancient coffin,” Mu Zhian whispered.

“Then you can also ascend to the Transcendence Realm, Senior Ye.”

Ye Qingxin frowned. “I’m not with you to ascend.”

Now that Mu Zhian’s identity as the Lord of the Heavenly Court was almost certain, she knew he could give her a seat, but that would make it seem like she had ulterior motives for being with him.

“I know, but if you’re stronger, I’ll be safer, won’t I?” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Ye Qingxin was silent for a long time, then her brows relaxed as she nodded slightly.

Seeing her soften, seemingly embarrassed as she transformed into a wisp of consciousness and returned to the Innate Celestial Furnace, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief.

The ‘fish’ in his pond were becoming increasingly difficult to control. He was afraid of messing up one day…

This wasn’t like Tianxuan City. If his harem exploded now, he would be torn to pieces.

Mu Zhian rubbed his forehead, intending to meditate on his bed.

As he turned around, he froze, staring at the silver-haired beauty who had appeared in his room.

After a moment, he tilted his head, as if doubting his own eyes.

Lin Ling also tilted her head, looking at Mu Zhian.

A strand of silver hair fell across her ear, and her clear, red eyes reflected Mu Zhian’s stunned expression.

“Aaa?”

She whispered softly.

Chapter 434: The Spiritual Dragon’s Karmic Fire 

Innate Celestial Furnace, Friend of Villains, and Heaven’s Envy—these were the three titles Mu Zhian initially possessed.

The Innate Celestial Furnace went without saying. A large part of Mu Zhian’s current achievements was due to this constitution.

Of course, it was also related to his hard work and ‘high EQ.’ Otherwise, it was uncertain whether Yao Meng would have even been revived.

After all, the Reincarnation Water needed to reconstruct Yao Meng’s celestial body wouldn’t have been obtained without Ye Lingxuan.

And Heaven’s Envy… This title simply meant that Mu Zhian’s talent was so great that it would shorten his lifespan.

As for Friend of Villains…

This title had caused him quite a bit of trouble in the past.

“I thought the Friend of Villains title hadn’t been active for a long time, but now it seems the true villain might have been by my side all along…?”

Mu Zhian leaned against the side of the hot spring, looking at the Friend of Villains title, which was emitting a deep black light on his personal interface, and murmured to himself.

He had been wondering for a while. In the past, this title had always attracted ‘villains’ to become his allies, like the Seventh Seat’s subordinate in Tianxuan City, the Seventh Seat of the Two Polarities Sect, and even the First Demon Emperor.

But since the First Demon Emperor’s death, the ‘Friend of Villains’ hadn’t attracted any villains.

Mu Zhian had initially thought that it was because the ‘fish’ around him had grown stronger, deterring those lurking in the shadows.

But now, the ‘Friend of Villains’ was reacting to Wei Mengrou.

Oh, wait…

It wasn’t reacting to Wei Mengrou, but to the Primordial Witch.

Mu Zhian turned to look at Wei Mengrou, who had changed into a black dress and was now sitting by the hot spring, her legs slightly apart, a charming blush on her beautiful face.

Her long hair cascaded down, a strand falling across her ample bosom, giving her a homely air.

She seemed less cold and more alluring.

Mu Zhian couldn’t tell whether she was the Primordial Witch or Wei Mengrou.

Or perhaps a combination of both.

Why is the Friend of Villains reacting to Mengrou…? Mu Zhian wondered.

“What’s wrong?”

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Wei Mengrou glanced at him, her voice melodious and captivating, like a witch’s whisper.

Mu Zhian snapped out of his thoughts. “Are you the Primordial Witch or yourself, Mengrou?”

“The Primordial Witch and I are one. Your question is strange,” Wei Mengrou looked at him, puzzled.

That’s true. The Primordial Witch was Wei Mengrou’s other self.

Mu Zhian understood and closed his personal interface.

He didn’t know why the Friend of Villains was reacting to Wei Mengrou, but he knew it had started after she obtained the third portion of Heavenly Dao luck.

And Heavenly Dao luck was the best way to suppress misfortune.

In other words, could it be that the Friend of Villains would react strongly when Mengrou’s Calamity Body was completely suppressed?

But if the Primordial Witch was truly the first ‘Immortal Ascension’ cultivator, why was she connected to villains?

Mu Zhian didn’t know the reason, but he chose to trust Wei Mengrou.

“Huang Weifeng was rescued by a mysterious expert today. Do you have any clues, Mengrou?” Mu Zhian asked casually, changing the subject, noticing her suspicious gaze.

Wei Mengrou, her attention successfully diverted, shook her head. “I tried to secretly follow them, but they seemed to sense my consciousness and concealed their aura, escaping.”

“So it was a Dao Integration expert… But would a Dao Integration expert be… crippled? Regenerating limbs should be a simple matter for them, right?” Mu Zhian said meaningfully.

Wei Mengrou suddenly understood.

Indeed, the one who rescued Huang Weifeng was a Dao Integration expert. How could a Dao Integration expert be crippled?

“Was it intentional? But what’s the purpose?” Wei Mengrou wondered.

Mu Zhian chuckled. “The only possibility I can think of is that the crippled man is… experiencing the mortal world, living like an ordinary person, going with the flow. He only intervened because Huang Weifeng was in danger.”

Wei Mengrou said softly, “In that case, it will be difficult to find this Chosen One in such a vast world…”

“It’s actually very easy.”

Mu Zhian suddenly smiled, a playful glint in his eyes.

Wei Mengrou was stunned.

Even a Dao Integration expert would have difficulty tracking Huang Weifeng, yet Mu Zhian claimed it was easy?

“Finding someone in the Nine Provinces is like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Mu Zhian looked at Wei Mengrou, who was now dressed in a black dress, her demeanor cold and elegant. “But if you know the specific location is in the Eastern Continent, even a specific village, it’s easy.”

“Village?” Wei Mengrou asked instinctively.

“The Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce sends supplies to a village of disabled people every month. The president of the Chamber of Commerce does this to repay the villagers for raising him.”

A faint smile appeared on Mu Zhian’s face. “If it’s not a coincidence, I think we’ll confirm my guess there.”

Wei Mengrou hesitated. “But if that person truly has the backing of a Dao Integration expert…”

Mu Zhian seemed to know what she was thinking and waved his hand dismissively. “A Chosen One is a valuable… resource. Only their immense luck can suppress your Calamity Body.”

“So, no matter what, the Heavenly Dao’s luck must become yours.”

Mu Zhian looked at the silent Wei Mengrou and smiled. “Are you going to thank me, Mengrou? Instead of that, why not call me ‘Master’ in the future?”

Wei Mengrou stood up gracefully, her attire different from usual, her jade-like feet bare as she walked towards Mu Zhian.

She placed her hands on his waist from behind, her cheek against his back, and closed her eyes, as if savoring his warmth.

Wei Mengrou hadn’t been intimate with Mu Zhian much lately, so she occasionally felt uneasy, wondering if he had grown tired of her.

But now she was completely reassured.

No matter how those vixens tempted him, he still remembered her.

A brief silence fell over them.

Mu Zhian reached out to hold Wei Mengrou’s soft hand but accidentally touched the grass beneath his feet.

The once vibrant grass was now withered, crumbling at his touch.

Mu Zhian glanced at the withered plants in the forest and discreetly looked away.

“Let’s go back.”

He turned to leave the Polar Star Forest.

But a small hand gently grabbed his sleeve.

“Wait…”

Mu Zhian paused, turning to look at the cold beauty in the black dress.

A blush colored her usually cold face, and her beautiful eyes, slightly moist, gazed at Mu Zhian intently.

Then, in a soft, seductive voice that sent shivers down his spine, she whispered,

“Are you satisfied with just… once?”

Her soft body leaned against him, enveloped in a mysterious black mist, like a woman’s hand gently caressing his face.

The faint sound of clashing chains echoed from within the mist.

Mu Zhian had never imagined that his cold and aloof maid would be so proactive.

His heart stirred, and he embraced Wei Mengrou’s waist.

Wei Mengrou’s long eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Her beautiful eyes were moist and filled with desire.

…

Lan Family.

The Lan family elders sat in the hall, their expressions grim.

At the head of the long table, a stern-faced man sat in a chair, looking at the elders below. “What do you think about today’s events?”

“That Huang Weifeng has a powerful backer. I’ve never seen a crippled Dao Integration expert before… We’ve offended him today,” the Fourth Elder said.

He was one of the elders who had witnessed Huang Weifeng’s outburst outside the hall.

“Not necessarily. That senior said he had a pact with Huang Weifeng’s father and would save him… It doesn’t mean they’re close. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have just taken him away. He would have demanded an explanation,” another elder retorted.

Many elders nodded in agreement.

The Lan family elders had gathered to discuss the incident with Huang Weifeng.

“Has that woman’s memorial tablet been placed in the Lan family’s ancestral hall yet?” the Grand Elder suddenly asked.

“We’ve made preparations. It will be placed there on the day of the ancestral worship ceremony.”

The Second Elder hesitated, then whispered, “But letting them return to the Lan family might not be a good thing…”

His cloudy eyes were filled with a dark glint.

“Yes, although our Lan family is powerful in the Eastern Continent, if that matter gets out…”

“Lan Qin, some things are better left unsaid. Be careful with your words,” the Grand Elder said, a sharp glint flickering in his usually kind eyes.

The elders fell silent.

Then, the First Elder, a ‘living fossil’ sitting in the corner, slowly said, “I also thought it was best not to bring Lan Pingzhi’s wife’s memorial tablet back… but now, it might be a good thing.”

“Mu Zhian clearly cares for those two sisters, and it seems to be mutual.”

“Even if something happens, he’ll protect them.”

Lan Pingzhi, sitting at the head of the table, frowned slightly. “Mutual affection? If something happens, Senior, do you really think Mu Zhian will protect them?”

The First Elder said calmly, “Our Lan family is powerful and influential in the Eastern Continent. Even putting that aside, Mu Zhian has the Jade Empress’s backing. If others know about his close relationship with those two girls, would anyone dare to offend him?”

Lan Pingzhi fell silent.

He still didn’t think Mu Zhian was reliable or worthy of his two daughters.

Lan Mulian was the number one genius in the Nine Provinces, her beauty breathtaking, and her younger sister, Lan Feiying, was alluring and talented.

What did Mu Zhian have besides the Jade Empress’s backing?

If the Jade Empress abandoned him, what would he be left with?

The Second Elder voiced Lan Pingzhi’s thoughts. “Perhaps the Jade Empress is just playing around…? After all, they haven’t faced any hardships together. Their relationship lacks… trials.”

“The Jade Empress ascended recently, and Mu Zhian seemed to be with her… She even said that Mu Zhian helped her greatly,” another elder said.

“That was just to give Mu Zhian some face. What can a Core Formation cultivator do?” the Second Elder immediately retorted.

Several elders nodded in agreement.

The First Elder looked around and suddenly whispered, “I happened to be awake on the day of the Jade Empress’s ascension. I saw the Sky God and the Earth God, two evil gods, being terrified by a ruler and fleeing for their lives.”

This sparked a discussion among the elders.

“One person terrifying two Dao Integration experts? Besides the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect, who else can do that?”

“Are you sure you saw correctly? The strength of Dao Integration experts shouldn’t be that different. How could the Southern Wilderness evil gods, with their strange techniques, be chased by one person without any resistance?”

Lan Pingzhi hesitated. “Senior, are you suspecting… Mu Zhian was the one who killed those two evil gods?”

The First Elder remained silent.

The Fourth Elder, listening to their conversation, also nodded slightly, about to speak.

Suddenly, something seemed to occur to him. He murmured, “A ruler…?”

Boom!

It was as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind.

His expression froze, his breathing quickened, and he subconsciously tightened his grip on his teacup.

Crack.

Cracks appeared on the teacup’s surface, and the next moment, it shattered, tea splattering everywhere.

This commotion attracted everyone’s attention. The First Elder, noticing the Fourth Elder’s strange behavior, looked at him with a gentle gaze. “What’s wrong?”

Everyone stared at the Fourth Elder.

The elderly elder calmed himself and said in a deep voice, “I saw Mu Zhian use a ruler today. Its power was terrifying, possessing divinity, surpassing even ancestral artifacts.”

Lan Pingzhi raised an eyebrow. “A ruler as a weapon is rare, but surpassing ancestral artifacts is a bit… exaggerated.”

“What kind of weapon can surpass an ancestral artifact?”

With an ancestral artifact, even a Core Formation cultivator could fight a Nascent Soul cultivator and remain undefeated.

Only ancestral artifacts could bridge the gap between realms.

What kind of weapon could surpass that?

If such a weapon existed, wouldn’t a Soul Transformation cultivator be able to fight a Dao Integration expert…?

A thought struck Lan Pingzhi like lightning, and he froze, murmuring, “A ruler… a ruler…”

His eyes widened as he stared at the Fourth Elder.

“Mu Zhian… was the one who killed those two evil gods?” he asked, his voice strained.

The expressions of the elders changed drastically.

Silence fell over the hall.

…

Two Polarities Peak.

The back mountain was quiet and cold at night. Lin Ling, her silver hair cascading down, her pure red eyes focused only on the meat buns and crystal elbow in her hands.

She devoured two meat buns, then took a bite of the crystal elbow, her cheeks bulging.

Then, she picked up Shang Yanfei’s teacup and took a sip, washing down the food.

As she ate, she sighed inwardly.

With Mu Zhian away, she could only rely on Shang Yanfei for food.

Although Shang Yanfei did feed her, she hadn’t seen Mu Zhian for a while, and she missed him.

Not because of the food, but because Mu Zhian had a pleasant… luck-based fragrance, and being near him made her feel safe.

She picked up the last meat bun and was about to take a bite.

Suddenly, she paused, tilting her head and looking towards a courtyard in the back mountain.

That courtyard was Shang Yanfei’s residence, usually quiet and undisturbed, except by her and Lan Mulian.

But tonight, she sensed something unusual.

Lin Ling tilted her head, puzzled. “Aaa?”

She could sense a vast amount of spiritual energy emanating from the courtyard.

“I am not here, but beside Shang Yanfei.”

The next moment, the silver-haired beauty appeared outside the bathhouse.

Lin Ling gently pushed the door open. The bath was filled with mist, and pink petals floated on the surface, their fragrance filling the air.

Shang Yanfei’s hair was tied up in a bun, a few strands falling across her shoulders.

She didn’t turn around. Her voice was calm and casual. “What is it?”

Lin Ling tilted her head, looking at the woman with curiosity. “Aaa?”

“This place is protected by formations. Even your word spirit ability won’t work here.”

A calm, elegant voice came from the bath.

No wonder her word spirit ability hadn’t worked earlier. Shang Yanfei had set up formations in this bath, preventing it from taking effect.

“Do you… also suffer from the burning of karmic fire?” Lin Ling asked.

Her voice was clear and melodious, but her speech was slightly awkward, as she rarely spoke due to her ‘word spirit’ ability.

Shang Yanfei gently cupped the pink petals in her hands, water droplets dripping down her ample bosom and splashing into the bath.

“Why do you ask?” she asked calmly.

Lin Ling tilted her head. “I only feel… desire… when my karmic fire burns.”

Shang Yanfei smiled faintly, glancing back at her. “You’re good in every way, except you’re too honest.”

“Isn’t honesty good?”

Lin Ling looked at the breathtakingly beautiful woman with a puzzled expression. “Your luck… seems strange.”

Shang Yanfei’s expression remained calm. “Leave first. I’ll come out after I change.”

Lin Ling stared at her, her red eyes filled with worry.

After a while, Shang Yanfei stepped out of the bath, her attire casual, her lips glossy, her long hair cascading down to her waist, her golden eyes filled with an undeniable authority.

Her usually loose-fitting dress strained against her ample bosom, accentuating her figure.

However, no matter how he looked, Mu Zhian couldn’t clearly see her face.

Or rather, even if he saw it clearly, he would forget the moment he looked away. Although her beauty was breathtaking at first glance, the inability to remember her features was always a pity.

As she stepped out of the bath, she noticed Lin Ling’s worried expression and couldn’t help but smile faintly. “Luck is indeed important before Dao Integration, but after that, fate is in your own hands.”

“Whether you have luck or not only determines whether you’ll be punished by the Heavenly Dao.”

Seeing that Lin Ling still wanted to say something, Shang Yanfei said, “Instead of this, don’t you want to eat crystal chicken? I’ve already prepared some for you.”

She turned to take Lin Ling to the kitchen.

Suddenly, a calm, melodious voice echoed from behind her.

“All misfortune befalls me.”

A vast black mist erupted from Shang Yanfei’s body, seemingly covering the sky.

Dark clouds gathered, and thunder rumbled.

“You—!”

Shang Yanfei reacted, but it was too late. The black mist had already entered Lin Ling’s body.

Her holy white dress seemed to be burning with black flames, and her legs weakened, almost giving way.

But before she could fall, Lin Ling’s face buried itself in her ample bosom.

“Why? You finally transferred the Heavenly Dao Energy to him, and now you’ll have to suffer from the burning karmic fire again,” Shang Yanfei said, supporting Lin Ling, her expression complex.

“Aaaaa~ (I can be in trouble, but you absolutely cannot),” Lin Ling shook her head gently and whispered.

Shang Yanfei was silent for a long time.

“If you can’t endure it, go to the Lan family and ask him for help,” she suddenly whispered.

Lin Ling was stunned, then seemed to understand the meaning in her eyes. Her face burned, and she rubbed her legs together, shaking her head.

Shang Yanfei’s eyes softened, and she plucked a strand of hair, blowing on it gently.

A cold wind blew, carrying the strand of hair into the sky, where it suddenly emitted a black light and transformed into a large, black bird.

The bird’s eyes were crimson, and its aura was imposing as it circled in the sky.

Shang Yanfei ground some ink, wrote something on a piece of paper, folded it, and casually tossed it into the wind.

The black bird let out a shrill cry, swooped down, grabbed the letter in its beak, and flew towards the Lan family.

“I’ve already told him,” she said, looking at Lin Ling with a smile. “Go to the Lan family and find him.”

Chapter 433: There’s No Going Back Now… 

Silence fell over the hall.

Mu Zhian’s expression remained calm, not even glancing at Huang Weifeng, his hands clasped behind his back, as if the figure beneath his foot was a mere ant.

Huang Weifeng, who had been quite handsome before, now looked disheveled and pale, his hair messy.

The surrounding cultivators stared at the scene in shock.

“Peak Core Formation, yet capable of unleashing an attack comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator… The Jade Empress must have given him some pointers.”

“With a Transcendence Realm wife, his cultivation will naturally be smooth sailing. The Jade Empress must have given him all her resources.”

Several cultivators who had been watching from the sidelines whispered amongst themselves.

Lan Chuan glanced at the disheveled Huang Weifeng and shook his head. “A Core Formation Rank 5 cultivator, where did he get the courage to challenge Young Master Mu? I’ll have someone take him away and interrogate him, see why he dared to cause trouble in my Lan family.”

He then looked at Mu Zhian with a smile. “Young Master Mu, please go and cultivate.”

His tone clearly indicated his desire to befriend Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian naturally accepted his goodwill, smiling. “Then I’ll have to trouble you.”

“This is a matter for my Lan family to handle. I apologize for causing you trouble, Young Master Mu.”

Lan Chuan waved his hand, his smile widening.

This Mu Zhian was just as rumored, easy to get along with. No wonder the two young ladies were fond of him.

Although there was a significant difference in their realms, Mu Zhian’s current value wasn’t just based on his cultivation or talent.

Their conversation reached the ears of the nearby cultivators, and many sighed inwardly. If it weren’t for the wrong time, they would also try to befriend Mu Zhian.

Why do I feel like every time a Chosen One appears, I become the villain…?

Is this also the Heavenly Dao’s scheme?

Mu Zhian, sensing the admiring gazes and the sparkling eyes of some female cultivators, complained inwardly.

According to the original script, Huang Weifeng should have offended the Lan family, and their Rank 8 genius would have challenged him, only to be defeated.

After defeating him, Huang Weifeng would then face him, Mu Zhian, the initial ‘villain.’

The current Huang Weifeng naturally couldn’t defeat Mu Zhian, but he could summon his ‘golden finger’ and win.

Then, it would be the classic scenario of ‘after the small fry comes the big boss.’

A Lan family elder would intervene, and Huang Weifeng would use his golden finger to escape… Then, the next day, rumors of his conflict with the Lan family would spread throughout the Eastern Continent.

This way, Huang Weifeng’s name would become widely known. He would offend many powerful families, constantly fight strong opponents, discover ancient ruins, hone his skills, and eventually reach the Dao Integration realm.

Unfortunately, although the Heavenly Dao’s script was good, Mu Zhian wasn’t the same Mu Zhian anymore.

He had evolved from a ‘villain’ to a… master of manipulation, the ‘Chosen Heroine.’

Of course, to the Nine Provinces, or rather, to the Heavenly Dao, Mu Zhian was still the villain, the stepping stone.

But he no longer wanted to change his role.

Being a villain was quite good, after all. He had people… fawning over him wherever he went…

He usually had to cling to Ruoxi, the Jade Empress, and the others, but now, even when he went out alone, he was admired by many. It was quite interesting.

Mu Zhian watched as Lan Chuan reached out to grab the unconscious Huang Weifeng, who was lying on the ground like a dead dog.

“Fellow Daoist, mercy begets mercy. Spare his life.”

A gentle, aged voice suddenly echoed from the void.

A spatial rift appeared in the hall, and a withered hand reached out, intending to take the unconscious Huang Weifeng away.

Lan Chuan immediately reacted, his eyes cold, and unleashed his spiritual energy, punching towards the withered hand.

The withered hand simply waved dismissively.

Hum!

Their attacks collided, the void trembling, and Lan Chuan stumbled back several steps, his arm numb.

He stared at the withered hand in the spatial rift, his voice deep. “May I ask who Senior is? And what is your relationship with this Huang Weifeng?!”

Lan Chuan’s Dao was body refinement, and anyone who fought him in close combat would suffer greatly. However, his full-powered attack had been easily blocked by the mysterious expert in the spatial rift.

Could Huang Weifeng also have the backing of a powerful being?

Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes, staring at the withered arm.

“Hmph!”

Seeing that Huang Weifeng was about to be taken away, a Lan family elder in mid-air finally intervened. He reached out towards the spatial rift, his voice deep. “Why doesn’t Fellow Daoist show your true face?”

Runes, imbued with a unique Dao Rhyme, flickered and transformed into a giant hand that descended from the sky!

This attack widened the spatial rift.

An elderly man in white robes, his face kind and benevolent, appeared within the rift.

One of his legs was crippled, and he seemed frail, but his cloudy eyes were incredibly deep, as if reflecting the heavens.

He held Huang Weifeng by the collar with one hand and raised his other withered arm, flicking his finger towards the giant hand.

Boom!

The void trembled as the Lan family elder’s attack was easily neutralized. The elder stumbled back, barely able to maintain his balance.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered as he stared at the elderly man in the spatial rift. He suddenly heard Ye Qingxin’s voice in his mind: “Be careful. This person’s aura is strange, no weaker than any Dao Integration expert in the Nine Provinces.”

He’s a Dao Integration expert?!

Mu Zhian was shocked.

A young man from an insignificant village, secretly protected by a Dao Integration expert?

The Heavenly Dao truly knows how to choose its Chosen Ones…

The Lan family elder, his expression serious, said in a deep voice, “The names of all Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces are recorded in the ancient texts. May I ask who Senior is?”

“This elder is a Dao Integration expert?!”

Everyone present was shocked.

Huang Weifeng was just a nobody from a small village. How did he know a Dao Integration expert?

What kind of opportunity could lead to such a connection?

The elderly man’s voice, filled with laughter, came from the spatial rift. “Just an old man. I made a promise to this child’s father that if he ever encountered danger, I would save him.”

“I’ve fulfilled my promise. His future depends on his own fate.”

He then vanished from the Lan family’s hall, taking the unconscious Huang Weifeng with him.

With a Dao Integration expert intervening, no one could stop them. They could only watch as the spatial rift closed.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, and he secretly controlled the Void Nightmare, intending to follow them.

However, before the Void Nightmare could follow, the spatial rift closed silently.

The two elders who had been watching from the shadows felt a sense of unease.

Letting someone who had caused trouble for the Lan family leave so easily… might lead to future problems.

Many in the hall were also shocked.

He had caused trouble for the Lan family, yet he was able to leave safely. Just how powerful was the expert backing Huang Weifeng?

After a brief silence, Mu Zhian relaxed.

He was indeed surprised, but only by the fact that Huang Weifeng had the backing of a Dao Integration expert. He wasn’t surprised that Huang Weifeng had escaped.

After all, to the Nine Provinces, a Chosen One was a protagonist. And protagonists, no matter what dangers they faced, would always survive.

But when did Huang Weifeng meet this Dao Integration expert…?

A Dao Integration expert who could tear open spatial rifts and seemed to be nearing the end of their lifespan… He had never heard of such a person.

“After this, he’ll probably hold a grudge against you,” Lan Feiying said, looking at the scene.

Mu Zhian nodded in agreement, sighing softly. “I envy Brother Huang for having a Dao Integration expert backing him. Unlike me, I have to tread carefully and rely on myself for protection.”

Lan Feiying glanced at him seductively. “Your method of self-preservation is to find a Transcendence Realm wife?”

Mu Zhian glanced around, seeing that everyone’s attention was focused on the mysterious expert, and secretly took Lan Feiying’s hand, transmitting his voice, “It doesn’t have to be a Transcendence Realm cultivator… You’re also good enough, Feiying.”

He paused, looking at the alluring Lan Feiying, then at the cold and elegant Lan Mulian. “Both you and that man are Chosen Ones. What if the Heavenly Dao gives you an oracle to… deal with me?”

Lan Feiying raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried that I’ll harm you?”

Mu Zhian slowly shook his head. “Not worried, just thinking… you’re a Chosen One, and so is he. If he comes looking for you later…”

“I’ll bring him to you,” Lan Feiying said calmly. “You’re my man, so I won’t let anyone harm you. My luck is also yours. You should already have the immense luck I gave you.”

After their intimacy at Two Polarities Peak, while Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace was giving Lan Feiying Heavenly Court spiritual energy, it had also absorbed the third portion of Heavenly Dao luck.

Before this, Mu Zhian hadn’t known that he could obtain luck from a Chosen One without defeating them.

If they were willing, he could also obtain their luck.

But most Chosen Ones were his enemies. How could they willingly give him their luck?

Only Feiying cares about me… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

“Won’t that cause trouble for you, Feiying?” Mu Zhian asked, feigning concern.

Lan Feiying smiled seductively and transmitted her voice, “Just… compensate Sister properly next time.”

“It doesn’t have to be next time. This time is also fine…”

Mu Zhian held Lan Feiying’s cool, soft hand, his gaze filled with affection.

Lan Feiying’s eyes softened. “News of tonight’s events will reach the Lan family soon. The elders will definitely send someone to investigate. You don’t want us to be interrupted, do you?”

As they conversed intimately, they didn’t notice a woman in a yellow dress watching them from a dark corner.

Lan Feiying seemed to sense Wei Mengrou’s gaze and glanced over, a triumphant smile on her lips.

Although you’re always by Young Master’s side, he’s gradually becoming… mine.

Seemingly understanding the meaning in Lan Feiying’s eyes, Wei Mengrou frowned slightly, her expression calm.

But inwardly, she was filled with jealousy.

She had been the first, yet now, Young Master was surrounded by all sorts of vixens, while she was still… stuck…

A dark mist faintly emanated from her as her eyes glazed over, her mind twisting slightly.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on a pure and innocent-looking girl not far away.

Huang Weifeng had caused trouble with the Lan family because of this girl.

The girl was walking at the back of the crowd, then suddenly vanished.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered as she stared at the spot, remaining silent.

…

Meanwhile, after the commotion had subsided, Mu Zhian was about to leave.

He suddenly noticed a subtle, alluring figure at the back of the crowd.

The maid seemed to blend into the shadows, her aura completely concealed, almost undetectable.

She gave Mu Zhian a meaningful look, then silently slipped away.

Does Mengrou need something?

Mu Zhian understood.

“Feiying, Senior Sister, I have something to do. I’ll go back and cultivate,” he said to the two sisters, then dealt with a few Lan family elders who came to express their concern, and discreetly left the crowd, following Wei Mengrou.

…

In the front hall, after returning to their room, Lan Feiying, who hadn’t been intimate with Mu Zhian today, said, seemingly feeling a bit… lonely, “Sister, did you hear his voice transmission just now?”

The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow on her alluring face.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, and although she wasn’t wearing her signature cheongsam today, her alluring figure was still evident.

Among the women in Mu Zhian’s ‘pond,’ Lan Feiying’s charm was unique, incredibly seductive to inexperienced boys.

“I heard it. He thinks I can’t hear voice transmissions, but if I wish, I can hear everything he says to others,” Lan Mulian said calmly.

Lan Mulian and her sister were complete opposites, one cold and one passionate. Either one alone could rival any woman in Mu Zhian’s harem, and together… they were unmatched.

Under her sister’s gaze, Lan Mulian took off her white shawl and hung it on a rack, then glanced at her sister. “He wanted to be intimate with you just now, but you refused. Are you sure it’s okay?”

“It’s fine. Things that are easily obtained are often easily overlooked. I’ll keep him waiting for a few days,” Lan Feiying said calmly, crossing her long legs, a confident smile on her face.

She had only been intimate with him at Two Polarities Peak because the atmosphere was right. But that guy had too many troublesome enemies around him. She had to be careful.

As long as he kept thinking about her, she would win.

Lan Mulian looked at her sister. “Don’t forget, he also has a maid.”

Lan Feiying chuckled softly. “Miss Wei is indeed beautiful, but she’s just like Sister, a tsundere. Even if she wants to be intimate with Young Master, she won’t take the initiative.”

After briefly interacting with Wei Mengrou, she had a good understanding of her personality.

Wei Mengrou was incredibly beautiful, but she was always passive, waiting for Mu Zhian to take the initiative.

In other words, after Mu Zhian arrived at the Lan family, the only ones he could… approach were her and her sister.

She had the advantage.

Lan Mulian, who had been innocently implicated, glanced at her alluring sister, remembering her intimate moments with Mu Zhian on the ancestor’s pleasure boat, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.

“What’s wrong, Sister? Why are you blushing?” Lan Feiying asked curiously.

“It’s nothing…” Lan Mulian looked at her sister with a complex expression.

Then she changed the subject. “Let’s meditate.”

I’m sorry, Feiying…

I’ve already… been with him…

As she felt a pang of guilt towards her sister, Lan Mulian suddenly seemed to sense something and turned her head, looking towards the west side of the Lan family’s estate.

After a moment, her eyes flickered.

“Heavenly Court spiritual energy…” Lan Feiying also sensed it. “Why is it coming from the forest in the west?”

Only the women who had been intimate with Mu Zhian could sense the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy, and now they could clearly sense it coming from the western forest.

Lan Mulian’s thoughts stirred. “I saw him heading towards the western forest earlier. Who went with him?”

“The only one who would accompany him is Miss Wei—”

Realizing something, Lan Feiying froze.

Boom!

It was as if a thunderbolt had struck her.

“How could this be…”

“How could Miss Wei take the initiative? Isn’t she the most… tsundere person? Why…?”

After a long moment, Lan Feiying murmured, “I was the first…”

…

Half an hour earlier.

West of the Lan family’s estate was a forest, filled with rustling trees, roaring beasts, and swirling leaves.

The Eastern Continent was vast, and human cultivators only occupied a portion of it. Demons and beasts also accounted for a large part.

At night, the roars and growls of wild beasts echoed through the mountains and valleys, creating a cacophony of terrifying sounds.

But with the arrival of a maid in a yellow dress, these sounds vanished, and the demons and beasts hid silently in the forest.

These creatures were incredibly sensitive and sensed that the maid was a Nascent Soul expert, unwilling to provoke her.

“Why did you call me here, Mengrou?”

Mu Zhian followed Wei Mengrou into the forest. The maid’s figure was alluring, her curves sensual and captivating, even in the darkness.

“Do you remember the woman who was with Huang Weifeng today?” Wei Mengrou asked, turning to look at Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian paused. “You mean that pure and innocent-looking beauty?”

Wei Mengrou immediately glared at him.

She knew he would notice any beautiful woman.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly. “What about her?”

“That woman left with Huang Weifeng, but before leaving, she seemed to be… observing you,” Wei Mengrou said.

Mu Zhian was puzzled. “Is that strange?”

Not everyone was interested in the ‘divine oracle’ bestowed during the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony. It wasn’t strange for someone to leave early.

As for that girl observing him, it wasn’t strange either.

Mu Zhian was an Innate Celestial Furnace. Even if he deliberately suppressed his aura, he would still involuntarily attract the attention of female cultivators.

“That woman vanished in an instant,” Wei Mengrou whispered.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. “In an instant?”

Normally leaving the hall wouldn’t be strange, but vanishing in an instant… required at least the Soul Transformation realm.

Soul Transformation cultivators could jump through space, and Dao Integration experts could even tear open spatial rifts.

So, there really is something strange about the woman with Huang Weifeng…

Mu Zhian suddenly thought of something and transmitted his voice with a hint of worry, “Since that woman is strange, are we sure it’s okay to come out here alone?”

Wei Mengrou’s expression remained calm. “If she has any intentions towards you, it’s a good opportunity to deal with her.”

With a wisp of the Primordial Witch’s consciousness within her, Wei Mengrou’s strength could reach the Dao Integration realm at any time. Even if that pure girl was strange, she was at most a Dao Integration expert.

“So you’re using me as bait, Mengrou, to see if she’ll take the bait?”

Mu Zhian understood why Wei Mengrou had brought him here. He smiled. “But it seems she doesn’t have any interest in me.”

Wei Mengrou hummed softly.

Mu Zhian continued, “In that case, let’s go back.”

He turned to leave, but Wei Mengrou grabbed his wrist.

She glanced at him. “It’s said that there’s a natural hot spring in the Polar Star Forest. Soaking in it can fully restore one’s mental energy.”

Although she didn’t elaborate, Mu Zhian understood her meaning.

He was tempted, but still hesitated. “But it will take time to find this hot spring. If we return too late, the other Lan family members might become suspicious…”

Before Mu Zhian could finish, a thick black mist enveloped the forest, and when his vision cleared, he was standing before a natural hot spring.

The black mist completely concealed the hot spring from the outside world.

“Mengrou—”

Mu Zhian looked up and froze.

Wei Mengrou’s long hair cascaded down her back, her black dress accentuating her sensual figure, her long, shapely legs encased in white and black stockings that reached her thighs.

She wore a pair of short boots, her legs crossed, her usually cold face now adorned with a mysterious, alluring smile.

For some reason, Mu Zhian felt a sense of familiarity and longing as he looked into her eyes.

The Primordial Witch.

“Do you like it?”

Wei Mengrou smiled gently, her voice like a soft veil caressing his face, making him itch.

Before Mu Zhian could speak, she stepped closer, her eyes filled with a mysterious light, and whispered in his ear, “If you like it, just command me, Master.”

Her whisper, like a seductive spell, echoed in Mu Zhian’s ears.

His gaze, initially calm, turned heated as he stared at her beautiful, alluring face, unable to look away.

At that moment, she was both the Primordial Witch and the maid who served him.

Within the black mist, an invisible thread seemed to be pulling him towards her, like a woman’s hand gently caressing his face.

Only one thought filled Mu Zhian’s mind.

He wanted to be close to this woman, no matter what…

He couldn’t resist any longer. He embraced her waist and, under her seductive gaze, kissed her soft lips.

At that moment, the third portion of immense luck was bestowed upon the Primordial Witch.

Wei Mengrou’s face flushed slightly, and she whispered, “Here?”

“No.”

To her surprise, Mu Zhian shook his head.

He lifted her into his arms, and the sudden weightlessness made Wei Mengrou snap out of her daze, her eyes widening.

Before she could speak, Mu Zhian carried her into the hot spring.

Ripples spread across the water’s surface.

“Let’s enjoy the hot spring first,” Mu Zhian whispered, looking down at the beauty in his arms.

In his warm embrace, Wei Mengrou’s eyes became hazy, and she looked at Mu Zhian, a strange glint flickering within them.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

Unnoticed by them, the surrounding bushes withered silently, and the vibrant colors of the Polar Star Forest faded as the black mist spread, like ink slowly staining a painting, until all life was devoured.

The title ‘Friend of Villains’ shone with an unprecedented brilliance.

Chapter 432: Thirty Years East of the River, Thirty Years West! 

For some reason, looking into the woman’s clear, cold eyes, Mu Zhian felt a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen a similar gaze before.

However, the woman in the blue dress didn’t speak, but turned and walked silently towards the dark pleasure boat like a ghost.

“Ancestor!” Lan Mulian suddenly called out.

Looking at the woman’s back, she asked, “Why are you here? Didn’t the Lan family say you had perished?”

The woman in blue paused and glanced at Lan Mulian.

“I am indeed deceased.”

She looked up at the ancient boat on the lake, a nostalgic look in her eyes. She said softly, “I can talk to you here because of this boat.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. “Your consciousness doesn’t seem weakened at all, Senior. Why do you say you’re deceased?”

The Lan family ancestor glanced at Mu Zhian, a strange glint flickering in her eyes for a moment.

Then she snapped out of her daze and smiled faintly. “She didn’t lie to me.”

“Take care of the girls around you. We’ll meet again in the future.”

Seeing that she didn’t intend to explain, Mu Zhian changed the subject. “The Lan family holds an ancestral worship ceremony every few years. It’s said that the ancestor will bestow a divine oracle, guiding the Lan family’s future and even granting great opportunities. Is this your doing, Senior?”

The Lan family ancestor’s answer shocked both Mu Zhian and Lan Mulian.

“I’ve never appeared at the ancestral worship ceremony, nor have I guided them,” the Lan family ancestor shook her head slowly.

Her voice was calm and cold, like ice falling into a glass of water.

Mu Zhian’s eyes widened in surprise. “If it wasn’t you, Senior, then who…?”

The Lan family ancestor glanced at Mu Zhian and took out a palm-sized, ink-black jade cauldron from her sleeve, tossing it to him.

“What’s this…?” Mu Zhian asked instinctively.

“You’ll need it during the ancestral worship ceremony,” the Lan family ancestor said calmly.

Her appearance was quite similar to Lan Mulian’s, but she lacked Senior Sister’s coldness and possessed a mature charm. If one didn’t know better, they might mistake them for mother and daughter.

After leaving the pleasure boat, Mu Zhian and Lan Mulian watched as the Lan family ancestor boarded the boat, and as it vanished from sight, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

“Let’s go back,” Mu Zhian said softly, looking at the black jade cauldron in his hand.

Lan Mulian nodded silently.

The events of tonight were too strange. She also needed time to think.

The Lan family ancestor, who should have perished, had appeared on a mysterious ancient boat… and her aura wasn’t weakened at all.

She had even said that the divine oracle bestowed during the ancestral worship ceremony wasn’t her doing…

Then who was it?

The Lan family should have only produced one Dao Integration expert…

“What are you thinking about, Senior Sister?” Mu Zhian asked, looking at Lan Mulian’s thoughtful expression as they flew on his sword.

“I’m just wondering why the ancestor didn’t seem weakened at all, yet she said she was deceased. She clearly had the aura of a living being…” Lan Mulian frowned slightly.

Mu Zhian nodded silently.

This was also what he was wondering.

Why would someone with the aura of a living being call themselves ‘deceased’?

Could it be that the Lan family ancestor was like him?

Lan Mulian looked at Mu Zhian, her lips parting slightly, as if wanting to ask something.

Why did Junior Brother also say he was ‘deceased’?

She wanted to ask, but she held back.

Mu Zhian looked back at the Primordial Lake. The pleasure boat, like a stone thrown into the water, rippled and vanished from sight.

“Senior Sister, since you can see through the essence of all things, can you see through my secrets?”

After a long silence, Mu Zhian asked.

Lan Mulian looked at Mu Zhian intently, then shook her head. “Your heavenly secrets are hidden. I can’t sense any fluctuations in your aura.”

As expected…

Mu Zhian wasn’t surprised.

His heavenly secrets were hidden, concealed from the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Provinces.

Because of tonight’s events, they were no longer in the mood for a leisurely stroll by the Primordial Lake.

Lost in thought, Mu Zhian left with Lan Mulian.

“What’s wrong? Did Sister just scold him? Why does he look so down?”

As they passed by a hall, a woman in a red dress, her eyes alluring, approached them. Seeing Mu Zhian’s distracted expression, she couldn’t help but ask.

Lan Mulian glanced at her sister and briefly explained what had happened.

“A deceased ancestor appeared on the Primordial Lake?”

Lan Feiying instinctively glanced at Mu Zhian, understanding why he was so troubled.

“Since the ancestor has already left, there’s no point dwelling on it. Cheer up. We can investigate the Primordial Lake tomorrow night,” Lan Feiying said gently, trying to comfort him.

“For Sister’s sake, cheer up.”

Smelling her sweet fragrance, Mu Zhian slowly collected his thoughts. “You’re so kind to me, Feiying.”

Lan Feiying glanced at him seductively, then hesitated, transmitting her voice, “Xueyi left my storage ring a while ago.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, looking at Lan Feiying instinctively.

The Fourth Pillar God of the Southern Wilderness had left Lan Feiying’s body…?

Could Xueyi also know that they were wary of her?

But where could a mere wisp of consciousness go?

Mu Zhian quickly collected his thoughts and smiled. “Just you alone can’t completely… comfort me, Feiying.”

Lan Feiying glared at him playfully. “Then what do you want?”

Mu Zhian embraced Lan Mulian’s waist with one hand and held Lan Feiying’s hand with the other.

“I need both of you to heal my heart.”

This was a hall for distinguished guests of the Lan family. Occasionally, cultivators would pass by, looking at this scene with envy, wanting to kick him away.

“This guy is so smug, being so close to two beauties of the Lan family. Isn’t he afraid of being targeted by other clan members?”

Three refined-looking scholars passed by, and one of them, tall and slender, frowned.

“Look closely at who those two girls are before saying that,” another young man said calmly.

“Lan Mulian… and that’s her younger sister, Lan Feiying?” The scholar’s expression changed, surprised.

Not many people knew that Lan Feiying and Lan Mulian were sisters, which indicated that these three scholars weren’t ordinary.

“Being so close to them without being rejected, that must be Mu Zhian… Just like the rumors.”

“He has a hidden aura, quite extraordinary. We should try to befriend him,” the third scholar, who hadn’t spoken before, finally said.

He clearly had the highest status among the three, and the other two nodded in agreement.

Lan Feiying glanced at the passing disciples, then glared at Mu Zhian. “Let go of me.”

After breaking free from his grasp, she took her sister’s hand. “Sister, let’s go back and cultivate. Ignore him.”

“If we go back with him, who knows what he’ll do. Don’t give him a chance to be alone with us.”

Lan Mulian blushed slightly, as if remembering their intimate moments on the pleasure boat. For some reason, she felt a strange sense of guilt as she looked at her sister.

Fortunately, Lan Feiying didn’t notice and pulled her sister away.

Mu Zhian didn’t try to stop them. After all, so much had happened tonight, and he also needed time to process it all.

He looked away, about to leave.

“So this is how the so-called Eastern Continent ancient clans behave? Others can stay, but I’m mistreated in every possible way. Did you even ask for my opinion?”

“I won’t stay in this Lan family!”

“The Lan family relies on their power to bully others. I, Huang Weifeng, will repay this humiliation a hundredfold!”

Mu Zhian faintly heard a young man’s angry voice. He glanced over and saw a young man confronting two Lan family members not far from the hall.

Mu Zhian’s interest piqued.

Wasn’t this the Chosen One the Void Nightmare had been following?

Although the Void Nightmare had told him that this person had come to the Lan family, Mu Zhian had been preoccupied with other matters and had forgotten about him.

He hadn’t expected to encounter him under these circumstances.

“Insolent! Do you really think you can challenge my Lan family, Young Master Huang?”

“This is the Lan family’s territory. No outsiders are allowed to reside here. We’re just following orders. If you’re dissatisfied, you can complain to the elders… if you can even see them.”

Two Lan family disciples scolded him loudly, their expressions cold and haughty.

They hadn’t expected this country bumpkin from the mountains to be so stubborn, even daring to challenge the Lan family in front of so many people.

They had simply asked him to change his residence to avoid disturbing Mu Zhian, but Huang Weifeng thought they were deliberately making things difficult for him.

Even if they were, so what?

Did the Lan family need to explain their actions to a mere cultivator?

The Lan family members and some guests in the hall looked at the young man, whispering amongst themselves.

“Is this Huang Weifeng crazy? How dare he cause trouble in the Lan family’s territory?”

“Even if the Lan family disciples were just following orders, so what? How can a lone cultivator retaliate against such a powerful force?”

Someone scoffed.

“If it weren’t for their reputation, the Lan family would have already killed him.”

Another lone cultivator said disdainfully.

He, like Huang Weifeng, was also a lone cultivator. This incident might affect them as well.

Two Lan family elders happened to pass by and noticed the commotion, but they didn’t intervene, simply hovering in mid-air and looking down.

A mere Core Formation cultivator wasn’t worth their time.

“You said your name is Huang Weifeng? I’ve never heard of a Huang Clan in the Eastern Continent. If you know what’s good for you, leave now. Causing trouble here won’t benefit you.”

A middle-aged man, in charge of the eastern region of the Lan family, spoke.

His gaze was deep, his aura steady, and a terrifying spiritual energy emanated from him.

“He’s Lan Chuan, the manager of the Lan family’s eastern district, at Nascent Soul Rank 3,” Lan Feiying whispered to Mu Zhian.

Boom!

Just then, Huang Weifeng felt a terrifying pressure descend from the sky, almost forcing him to his knees.

But he was a Chosen One and refused to yield even to the pressure of a Nascent Soul expert, gritting his teeth.

“I didn’t intend to offend the Lan family, but after their disciples brought me and my friend here, they repeatedly made things difficult for us, and now they say I’m not qualified to stay here and want me to move elsewhere. Is this how the esteemed Lan family behaves?!”

Huang Weifeng’s voice was firm and resolute, his dark eyes filled with determination, unwilling to yield.

But as he spoke, he glanced at a pure and innocent-looking girl not far away.

She was a delicate beauty with refined features, her hair smooth and black, her skin like jade, her eyes bright and captivating.

Dressed in white, she looked ethereal, but her beautiful eyes held an inexplicable alluring depth.

No wonder Huang Weifeng is so stubborn. He must have met this girl along the way and doesn’t want to lose face in front of her.

Mu Zhian observed the scene with amusement, his gaze lingering on the girl.

“We’re just following the rules. How are we behaving arbitrarily?”

The middle-aged man’s expression darkened upon hearing Huang Weifeng’s question.

Huang Weifeng scoffed and said loudly, “You claim to be following the rules, but why didn’t you stop that person behind you from entering the hall with your clan members?”

“Isn’t this just currying favor and pushing your own people into a dangerous situation?”

As Huang Weifeng spoke, many in the hall looked at him with disdain.

He was clearly just jealous of Mu Zhian, who was of a similar realm but enjoyed special treatment and could even be intimate with the Lan sisters.

It wasn’t just Huang Weifeng. Many lone cultivators nearby were also jealous of Mu Zhian, but they didn’t dare to show it.

Who would want to offend this young master? He had the backing of the Jade Pool Holy Land and was an inner disciple of the Two Polarities Sect, a distinguished figure.

And being able to… win over the Lan sisters was Mu Zhian’s own ability.

Many gazes were fixed on the young man standing at the entrance of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back.

He wore luxurious black robes embroidered with gold and silver thread and ancient patterns, a faint alluring aura emanating from his handsome features.

Many female cultivators stared at him, mesmerized.

To outsiders, Mu Zhian was still Mu Zhian, but in the eyes of female cultivators, he was the embodiment of ‘allure,’ possessing an inexplicable charm.

The middle-aged man’s face darkened. “Insolent!”

“Senior Lan Chuan, there’s no need to waste your breath on him. Let me handle this, so it doesn’t escalate and cause trouble for the elders.”

Lan Qu, a talented disciple of the Lan family, wanting to show off, summoned a bow and nocked an arrow formed from a talisman, aiming it at Huang Weifeng.

Rumble…

A terrifying pressure filled the air.

The arrow radiated a captivating light, making many present feel uneasy.

Lan Qu was serious.

Huang Weifeng was in trouble…

After all, Lan Qu was at Core Formation Rank 8, while Huang Weifeng was only at Rank 5.

The difference in their realms was too great to be overcome by technique alone.

“Hmph.”

However, Huang Weifeng’s expression remained calm, his dark eyes filled with serenity, as he raised his hand to meet the arrow.

Murmurs erupted in the hall.

“Is he suicidal? Even a peak Core Formation cultivator would have to be cautious, yet he’s facing it barehanded?”

“He’s just a country bumpkin. He’s only at Core Formation Rank 5, yet he dares to offend the Lan family. Even if he survives, he won’t be able to stay in the Eastern Continent…”

As they discussed, a terrifying golden light suddenly erupted from Huang Weifeng’s body.

He looked up sharply, his hair flying in the wind, his aura surging, and punched out, his fist colliding with the spiritual energy-infused arrow.

The void trembled, and Lan Qu shuddered, a sweetness rising in his throat as he spat out a mouthful of blood.

A golden light enveloped Huang Weifeng, making him look like a young god-king, his aura imposing.

Silence fell over the hall.

“He’s only at Core Formation Rank 5, yet he so easily neutralized a full-powered attack from a Rank 8 cultivator…?”

After a long moment, someone gasped in shock.

Not just those in the hall, but even the two elders in mid-air were surprised.

They had initially thought Huang Weifeng was unremarkable, his constitution even considered useless in the current world, yet he possessed such terrifying power?

Only three people weren’t surprised.

Lan Feiying, naturally, as she was also a Chosen One like Huang Weifeng.

Lan Mulian, with her Sacred Heavenly Body, had seen through Huang Weifeng’s… secret.

As for Mu Zhian…

He had already killed two Chosen Ones. He wouldn’t be surprised by any display of talent.

My assessment is… he’s even more arrogant than Ye Yu, but his talent seems to be inferior…

Mu Zhian looked at the young man radiating a holy light with interest.

He was more curious about Huang Weifeng’s ‘golden finger’ than his talent.

Was it some old man, or perhaps a system?

“You’re quite capable, young friend,” Lan Chuan said slowly, staring at the god-like young man, his expression serious.

It’s a pity there are so many lone cultivators outside. Otherwise, I wouldn’t let this child go…

If he acted himself, it would damage the Lan family’s reputation.

It wasn’t worth it for a mere Core Formation cultivator.

Lan Chuan was about to transmit his voice to Lan Qu, instructing him to use a secret technique to capture Huang Weifeng.

But Mu Zhian stretched languidly and looked at the young man below with a smile. “This matter was caused by me. Since Brother Huang is dissatisfied, in the cultivation world, strength speaks for itself.”

Lan Chuan’s heart sank, and he quickly said, “Young Master Mu, you mustn’t!”

Mu Zhian was a guest elder of the Jade Pool and the Jade Empress’s husband. If anything happened to him here, the Jade Empress would blame them. Who could protect him then?

He had heard that even the elders had been reprimanded by the Jade Empress earlier and forced to reconcile with the Lan sisters.

“Alright, since Young Master Mu is interested, I’m happy to spar with you!”

Huang Weifeng’s eyes lit up with fighting spirit, excitement surging within him.

This was a good opportunity to make a name for himself in the Eastern Continent.

His system required fame. The more famous he was, the greater the benefits. And if he used Mu Zhian as a stepping stone, his strength would soar!

Although their realms were vastly different, he had the Holy Light Qilin’s assistance.

Even if he let it possess him during the fight, no one would notice.

“So you really do consider me a stepping stone?”

Mu Zhian chuckled softly.

A ruler, emitting a soft glow, appeared behind him.

He grabbed the Heaven-Measuring Ruler and swung it gently.

Boom!

A terrifying aura erupted, the void trembling, and four mysterious ancient runes appeared behind Mu Zhian.

The expressions of the Core Formation cultivators changed drastically, their eyes filled with shock.

Even Lan Chuan stared at Mu Zhian with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

Is he really at the Core Formation realm…? Young Master Mu’s strength was comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Huang Weifeng’s face paled, and he cried out inwardly, “Senior Qilin!”

He had a feeling he couldn’t withstand this attack.

Mu Zhian, who was supposed to be a ‘stepping stone,’ why was he so powerful?

According to the Heavenly Dao’s oracle, Mu Zhian should just be a strong opponent on his path to Dao Integration!

The Heaven-Measuring Ruler, inscribed with the four characters ‘Lin, Bing, Dou, Zhe’ (meaning ‘soldiers, warriors, fighters’), was unleashed, absorbing a portion of Mu Zhian’s spiritual energy.

“This Huang Weifeng is in trouble…” someone whispered.

They watched as the runes from the Heaven-Measuring Ruler enveloped Huang Weifeng, expecting him to be defeated.

But suddenly, Huang Weifeng’s aura changed.

His realm soared from Core Formation Rank 5 to Nascent Soul! A golden light enveloped him, and a majestic golden qilin, radiating holy light, faintly appeared behind him.

Huang Weifeng reached out and caught the incoming runes, crushing them in his hand.

A strong wind blew, and the ground trembled.

“Even Young Master Mu can’t defeat him? If we let him go today, he’ll become a great threat in the future…”

Lan Chuan’s expression changed, and murderous intent filled his heart.

Many cultivators in the hall looked at Huang Weifeng with apprehension.

Mu Zhian was at the peak of Core Formation, and even they couldn’t withstand that attack, yet Huang Weifeng had neutralized it so easily.

It seemed Mu Zhian had encountered a tough opponent…

“Interesting,” Huang Weifeng slowly looked up, his eyes filled with a majestic golden light, like a powerful being looking down upon the world.

“Senior Qilin only gave me a portion of his power, and I could temporarily reach the Nascent Soul realm. If I use his full power, I can crush Mu Zhian like an ant.”

Huang Weifeng sneered inwardly.

But when he looked towards where Mu Zhian had been standing, he was gone.

He was stunned.

“Behind you!” the Holy Light Qilin’s voice echoed in his mind.

Huang Weifeng’s heart tightened, and he turned around sharply, seeing Mu Zhian behind him.

“Do you really think the Nascent Soul realm makes you invincible?”

“Genius?”

Mu Zhian punched Huang Weifeng in the head, sending the newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator crashing to the ground, his head ringing.

Before he could react, Mu Zhian landed before him, grabbed his head, and slammed it into the ground under the Chosen One’s disbelieving gaze.

“Who do you think you are?” Mu Zhian said indifferently.

“How is this possible…? Isn’t he supposed to be my stepping stone? Why is he so strong…?”

Huang Weifeng’s eyes were filled with disbelief, and he called out to the Holy Light Qilin in his mind, but the usually reliable spirit beast remained silent.

As he felt Mu Zhian’s condescending gaze, like one would look at an ant, Huang Weifeng’s heart was filled with frustration and shock, his fists clenching tightly.

According to the Heavenly Dao’s script, he was supposed to defeat these blind fools of the Lan family, then defeat Mu Zhian and attract the attention of the two Lan beauties…

But why…

Mu Zhian didn’t care what Huang Weifeng was thinking, simply glancing at him indifferently.

If Huang Weifeng had encountered the Mu Zhian from Tianxuan City, he might have succeeded.

However—

The ‘fish’ in the pond would grow, the Chosen Ones would grow, and he would also grow.

Perhaps he, the ‘Chosen Heroine,’ couldn’t compare to the other ‘protagonists’ in terms of cultivation speed, but it was enough to deal with the Chosen Ones of this world.

Chapter 431: The Lan Family Ancestor, The Mysterious Ancient Boat 

Mu Zhian channeled spiritual energy into the pleasure boat, steering it slowly towards the shore.

The colorful special spirit stones gradually dimmed, having fulfilled their purpose of creating a romantic atmosphere, their light extinguished.

The boat was quiet. Lan Mulian stood on the dimly lit deck, adjusting her slightly disheveled moon-white dress.

The lanterns swayed gently in the night breeze. Sensing Mu Zhian’s playful gaze, she said coldly, “What?”

“Nothing. I was prepared to spend the night alone, but fortunately, Senior Sister still cares about me,” Mu Zhian chuckled, walking over to Lan Mulian and gently fixing her hair.

If they returned looking disheveled, Lan Feiying, with her sharp mind, would surely notice something, so they both knew they had to tidy themselves up.

Despite her inner shyness, Lan Mulian maintained her elegant demeanor. “I was just strolling nearby when your paper crane arrived. I simply came to take a look.”

Mu Zhian hummed in response, not exposing her lie, and knelt down, picking up her white boots and putting them on for her.

Lan Mulian looked down at the boy, a strange excitement flickering in her eyes, a playful smile appearing on her lips.

“By the way, Senior Sister—”

Just as Mu Zhian finished putting on her boots and looked up to speak, he noticed a strange expression on her face.

Could Senior Sister be hiding a domineering CEO heart? …

“Do you have any… special hobbies, Senior Sister?” Mu Zhian asked tentatively.

“I don’t have any special hobbies. What are you talking about?”

Lan Mulian’s voice was cold and haughty, regaining her usual aloof demeanor.

“I saw an interesting story at Pavilion Master Yan’s place a few days ago called ‘The Domineering Sect Master Falls in Love with Me.’ I remember the story. I’ll make a copy for you using the Imprint Technique later.”

Lan Mulian scoffed, losing interest just by hearing the title. “Do you like that kind of thing, Junior Brother? I’m not interested in such stories.”

A Domineering Sect Master? Such a rebellious book. Why would Senior Yan have it?

Could it be that Senior Yan is interested in Master’s position as Sect Master?

And what did Junior Brother mean by giving her such a novel?

Master wasn’t nearing the end of her lifespan, and even if she abdicated one day, she wouldn’t act domineeringly.

She would be like Master, detached from worldly affairs, let alone developing feelings for a disciple.

The novel Mu Zhian mentioned was clearly a cliché story about a domineering sect master who secretly had a soft spot for a man.

Such a woman wouldn’t exist in reality.

Mu Zhian saw Lan Mulian’s disdain, but he just smiled without saying anything.

The title might be bad, but no woman could resist a good romance novel.

He had seen Senior Yan reading this novel when he visited her Book Pavilion.

It proved that many women dreamed of being a domineering ruler, and Senior Sister’s personality was already quite similar to that.

After enjoying the night breeze on the deck for a while, they returned to the cabin.

I’ll make a copy for Senior Sister after we get back. Perhaps after reading it, she’ll awaken her ‘queen dream’…

Mu Zhian glanced at Lan Mulian as they descended to the cabin.

Sensing his gaze, Lan Mulian frowned slightly and changed the subject. “By the way, where did you find this pleasure boat?”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “I saw it moored by the shore, and there was no one on board, so I borrowed it.”

It was quite a coincidence. If he hadn’t seen this pleasure boat by the Primordial Lake, he wouldn’t have thought of this plan, and he wouldn’t have been able to have the beauty in his arms so easily.

The night was quiet, the only sound the gentle lapping of water against the boat.

Lan Mulian glanced at Mu Zhian. “The Primordial Lake has been abandoned by the Lan family for a long time. How could there be a pleasure boat moored here, especially one that looks so new? You don’t have to lie to me just to create a romantic atmosphere.”

Mu Zhian shook his head, smiling. “I’m not lying, Senior Sister. This boat was already here.”

He paused, then continued, “Besides, how could a storage ring hold such a large boat? Unless it’s a cultivator who knows secret techniques and can create a pocket dimension within an object.”

Lan Mulian realized he was right.

With Junior Brother’s current realm, he couldn’t possibly possess such a technique.

“You only invited me tonight. Doesn’t Feiying know about this?” Lan Mulian suddenly asked.

“I’ll talk to Feiying later… But now, it’s just the two of us,” Mu Zhian said softly, taking Lan Mulian’s hand.

“You don’t have to be so considerate of my feelings. Feiying and I don’t mind sharing,” Lan Mulian suddenly said softly.

She paused. “Otherwise, back at Two Polarities Peak, I wouldn’t have… with her…”

Lan Mulian blushed, glancing at the boy, too embarrassed to finish her sentence.

So you and Feiying don’t mind sharing, even… your husband…? Mu Zhian pondered for a moment. “Then let’s go back to shore, and I’ll bring Feiying here?”

“You’re still thinking about Feiying,” Lan Mulian immediately glared at him, her previous shyness vanishing.

Mu Zhian: “…”

“Didn’t you say you and Feiying don’t mind sharing?”

He was speechless.

So, a woman’s words truly couldn’t be trusted.

Lan Mulian glanced at her Junior Brother, a cold smile on her lips. “Feiying and I don’t mind sharing, but that doesn’t mean I want to share a man with her all the time.”

A woman’s words truly can’t be trusted… Mu Zhian shrugged helplessly. “In that case, let’s continue enjoying the stars.”

“Wait.”

As if remembering something that happened earlier, Lan Mulian blushed and placed her hand on her chest, hesitating. “Y-You… You should go and bring Feiying here. I’m not comfortable being alone with you.”

The problem is, even if Feiying is here, I can still… subdue both of you… Mu Zhian sighed softly.

“Are you that insecure with me, Senior Sister?”

Lan Mulian glanced at him. “Look at my current attire, and then repeat your question.”

Lan Mulian sat on a slightly worn wooden plank, the floor quite clean. She wore a sleeveless top that revealed her alluring shoulders and delicate collarbone, her ample bosom tightly wrapped, her white dress placed aside.

There were dust stains on her dress, but her long, fair legs were clean. She sat with her legs slightly apart.

“These stains are because of you,” Lan Mulian reminded him calmly.

Mu Zhian was puzzled. “When did I stain your dress? I don’t remember.”

Then, he clapped his hands, as if suddenly realizing something. “It was when I had you… on the floor—”

Lan Mulian looked up, her usually clear eyes sparkling like the starry sky, beautiful and captivating.

Feeling the pressure of her Nascent Soul aura and seeing her embarrassed expression, Mu Zhian chuckled helplessly. “I was just joking, Senior Sister. Don’t be angry.”

Lan Mulian scoffed, glancing at him.

“What rank are you at now, Senior Sister? Your aura seems different from other Nascent Soul cultivators I’ve met,” Mu Zhian asked casually as he steered the boat towards the shore.

Lan Mulian said calmly, “Third Transformation of Nascent Soul, which is equivalent to Nascent Soul Rank 5.”

Mu Zhian was shocked. “Nascent Soul Rank 5… Even Chosen Ones don’t cultivate that fast. How did you do it?”

“Just normal cultivation,” Lan Mulian paused. “If you cultivated diligently every day, Junior Brother, you wouldn’t be much slower.”

Mu Zhian smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. “If I focused on cultivation, how could I help Senior Sister improve her cultivation?”

The Innate Celestial Furnace constitution was meant to support other ‘protagonists.’ It was better for the other ‘little fish’ to develop first, rather than him cultivating slowly.

After they became stronger, he would also become stronger.

Just like after Yao Meng ascended, Mu Zhian had access to unlimited resources.

It was just that his… kidneys were often tired.

But it was worth it, as it allowed the ‘fish’ to evolve smoothly…

Pretending not to notice Lan Mulian’s annoyed glare, Mu Zhian channeled his spiritual energy and steered the boat towards the shore.

He looked at Lan Mulian and asked tentatively, “Senior Sister, should I go and call Feiying?”

Lan Mulian glanced at him. “I knew you were thinking about Feiying. Do as you please. There’s no need to ask me.”

Mu Zhian: “…”

Didn’t you just ask me to call her?

Has Senior Sister forgotten how she… ‘begged’ me earlier…? Mu Zhian shook his head inwardly and reached for the cabin door.

The door wouldn’t budge, as if held shut by an invisible force!

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, and he channeled his spiritual energy, trying to force the door open.

However, even with his strength, greater than that of an average Nascent Soul cultivator, he couldn’t move the door, as if a mysterious force had sealed the pleasure boat shut.

“What’s wrong?”

Lan Mulian also noticed the anomaly and frowned.

It seems we’ve entered the classic ‘a man and a woman locked in a storage room’ scenario… Mu Zhian, surprisingly, still had the mood to joke. “I can’t open the door.”

He tried again, but to no avail.

Lan Mulian glanced at the boy. “How is that possible?”

She thought the sly Junior Brother was playing tricks again… perhaps because he wasn’t satisfied with their earlier intimacy.

“Move aside. Let me try.”

Lan Mulian stood up and pushed the door.

Nothing happened.

Mu Zhian looked at her, his eyes as if saying: See? I wasn’t lying.

Lan Mulian closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, they shimmered like the starry sky, mysterious and beautiful.

All the spiritual energy fluctuations within the boat were now within her perception.

She placed her hand on the door and gently pushed.

Creak.

The door creaked open slightly.

Mu Zhian’s eyes lit up. “It’s open?”

As expected of the Sacred Heavenly Body. She saw through the problem instantly.

However, Lan Mulian frowned slightly. “This isn’t the Primordial Lake.”

“We were just on the Primordial Lake. How can this not be it?”

Mu Zhian’s heart sank, and he pushed the door open, stepping onto the deck.

Boom!

A terrifying wave of energy erupted from the boat, and a thick black mist spread outwards, instantly darkening the starry sky.

The Primordial Lake was now shrouded in a mysterious, eerie darkness.

“What is this place? It wasn’t like this before,” Mu Zhian murmured, looking up at the pitch-black sky in shock.

“The Lan family’s old estate was built near the Primordial Lake, but they later relocated,” Lan Mulian also stepped onto the deck, her eyes clear and bright as she looked at the night sky.

“Since it’s abandoned, no clan members come here, which is why I asked where you found this pleasure boat.”

Mu Zhian froze, a chill running down his spine.

He looked down at the wooden deck beneath his feet, then up at Lan Mulian. “Then where did this boat come from…?”

Lan Mulian scanned the quiet, misty surroundings, her eyes flickering. “It is said that when the ancestor was alive, she once went boating on the Primordial Lake with a close friend. The next day, the boat and her friend disappeared.”

“Not long after, nearing the end of her lifespan, the ancestor left her only two Emperor-grade herbs to the Lan family and went to a forbidden zone in the Eastern Continent, slaying the ancient creature that had colluded with the First Demon Emperor.”

“Come to think of it, this pleasure boat seems to be the same one described in the ancient texts,” Lan Mulian said.

When they arrived at the Primordial Lake, she had been captivated by the romantic atmosphere created by Mu Zhian and hadn’t noticed anything amiss.

But now, she finally realized something was wrong.

This mysterious ancient boat was likely the one used by the Lan family ancestor tens of thousands of years ago. It had appeared on the Primordial Lake like a ghost, traveling upstream from the river of time!

Mu Zhian looked up at the swirling black mist under the night sky, his brows furrowing slightly.

“Regardless, we should leave this place as soon as possible. It feels ominous and dangerous,” Mu Zhian said immediately.

Lan Mulian nodded silently.

Mu Zhian channeled his spiritual energy into the pleasure boat, and it slowly moved towards the shore, ripples spreading across the lake’s surface.

As the shore drew near, Lan Mulian suddenly grabbed Mu Zhian’s arm.

“What’s—”

Before Mu Zhian could finish, Lan Mulian’s gaze was fixed on an alluring female figure by the lake.

“L-Look! There’s someone there!”

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, and he looked up sharply.

There was indeed someone there.

A woman in a blue dress, her figure graceful, tall, and alluring.

She looked at them, her gaze lingering on Lan Mulian. She said softly, “You’ve come too early.”

“It’s too soon to board the boat.”

Mu Zhian paused, then bowed. “May I ask who Senior is…?”

“I was once an ancestor of the Lan family, but now, like you, I’m just a deceased person. There’s no need to mind me.”

So it’s an ancestor of the Lan family. No wonder she looks a bit like Senior Sister, but more mature…

Mu Zhian nodded slowly, as if suddenly understanding.

Then, his pupils constricted.

A deceased person…?

This mysterious woman knew about him!

Mu Zhian looked up at the woman in the blue dress.

“…How do you know I’m not… alive?”