Chapter 23: A Woman’s Heart
That night.
Mu Zhi’an’s carriage traveled through the dark streets, stopping a short distance from the Bai Manor.
He hopped out and went to Bai Ruoxi’s side, holding open the curtain and offering her his hand.
She glanced at him in the dim light, then took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.
She looked around, then finally asked, “Young Master Mu, why are we sneaking into the Bai Manor?”
This was her own home. Why was he making her sneak in like a thief? It was baffling.
“Miss Bai, do you know where your father is recuperating?” Mu Zhi’an asked.
Bai Ruoxi was taken aback. How did he know about her father’s injuries?
But then she realized it wasn’t that surprising. Her father had been absent for quite some time. With the Mu family’s intelligence network, uncovering such information wouldn’t be difficult.
“He’s recovering at a safe location,” she replied softly. “Two guards are watching over him.”
“So, your mother is currently managing the Bai Manor, correct?” Mu Zhi’an asked.
Bai Ruoxi hesitated, then nodded.
“In other words, aside from a few servants, your mother is alone at the manor, right?”
“Young Master Mu, what are you trying to say?” Bai Ruoxi frowned, a wave of unease washing over her.
“You’ll understand soon enough, Miss Bai,” Mu Zhi’an replied. “But it might not be until tomorrow night.”
He turned towards the shadows. “Mengrou, it’s your turn.”
Bai Ruoxi turned around in surprise. She hadn’t noticed the woman standing behind them, her goose-yellow dress blending into the darkness. Despite her bright attire, she seemed to melt into the night.
If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t spoken, Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t have even noticed her presence.
“Don’t be surprised. When it comes to concealing her presence, she’s one of the best in the Core Formation Realm,” Mu Zhi’an explained.
Of all the Core Formation experts he knew, Wei Mengrou might not be the strongest, but her abilities were the most convenient.
The black-robed man’s faulty intel was a testament to her skill. He hadn’t detected her presence at the Bai Manor, assuming that only Elder Ren was a Core Formation cultivator.
That was why Mu Zhi’an never treated Wei Mengrou like a mere servant.
After all, if you didn’t treat people with sincerity, how could you expect them to treat you with sincerity in return?
“Don’t take longer than half an hour,” Wei Mengrou warned. “After that, I can’t guarantee your safety.”
Mu Zhi’an nodded, then turned to Bai Ruoxi. “Let’s go.”
She was still confused, but seeing him scale the manor wall, she followed suit. She landed gracefully beside him, her white dress billowing in the night breeze.
“What are we doing, Young Master Mu?” she asked softly.
Mu Zhi’an scanned the manor, his eyes sharp. Moonlight bathed the courtyard, and the wind rustled the leaves, creating an eerie symphony of whispers.
It seems the Bai Manor truly is short-staffed… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself. He glanced at Bai Ruoxi. “Wait here for me. I’ll be back soon.”
Before she could respond, he jumped down from the wall.
Qi Condensation strengthened the body, while Foundation Establishment granted access to “qi,” the spiritual energy within.
With qi, one could scale walls and leap across rooftops with ease.
If only I was at Core Formation, I could just fly around on a sword… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, a hint of regret in his heart.
Despite his musings, he remained alert, moving silently through the courtyard, searching for Bai Yuanfeng’s room.
His gaze landed on the second room from the right. He could see candlelight flickering behind the door, and a woman’s silhouette was faintly visible.
Even with Wei Mengrou’s help in concealing their presence, he took extra precautions, masking his own aura.
He approached the door and listened intently.
Silence.
It’s a shame they don’t have those flimsy paper doors you can poke a hole through… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, disappointed.
He didn’t give up. He scanned the area and spotted an open window.
He adjusted his breathing, then crept towards the window and peeked inside.
Disappointment washed over him.
Bai Yuanfeng was alone in the room, sitting on a luxurious couch, clad in a silk nightgown. Without her makeup, she looked much older, but she was still attractive for her age.
However, compared to her daughter, she was… lacking.
Is the black-robed man lying, or is Bai Yuanfeng being cautious…?
Mu Zhi’an wondered.
The black-robed man shouldn’t be spreading easily disproven lies.
So, it had to be Bai Yuanfeng’s cautious nature…?
As he pondered this, a hand tapped him on the shoulder.
He jumped, whirling around instinctively.
Bai Ruoxi was standing behind him, her eyes narrowed in anger. “Young Master Mu!” she hissed, keeping her voice low. “Why are you sneaking around my mother’s room at night?!”
Suddenly, a chill ran down Mu Zhi’an’s spine. He clamped a hand over her mouth, pulling her into his arms and pressing her against the wall beneath the window.
Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened in surprise. She struggled against his grip, about to demand an explanation, when she sensed something and looked up.
A streak of light descended from the sky, landing silently in the courtyard.
The light faded, revealing a man standing on a flying sword.
Gongsun Xiong.
Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened in shock.
What was he doing at the Bai Manor?
Moments later, the door to Bai Yuanfeng’s room opened. She smiled warmly and ushered Gongsun Xiong inside.