Chapter 169: It’s the Thought That Counts
The Peak Masters exchanged uneasy glances.
They had sensed trouble brewing when they had encountered the Jade Empress at the pavilion.
After all, most female cultivators, even a Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, would be tempted by the spiritual energy of an Innate Celestial Vessel.
However, she was a Dao Integration Empress, so they had clung to a sliver of hope… perhaps she didn’t care about such things, or perhaps she hadn’t discovered Mu Zhi’an’s secret.
But seeing her now, standing beside him, confirmed their suspicions: she knew.
As a wisp of consciousness, she had resided within his body… it would be strange if she hadn’t discovered his secret.
If she was also interested in his Innate Celestial Vessel and decided to remain within his body… it would be a problem.
They were troubled, but they maintained their composure, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Senior Jade Empress!”
The Jade Empress, clad in a light green dress adorned with intricate patterns, smiled faintly, her beauty captivating.
Her loose sleeves billowed gently in the wind, adding to her ethereal charm.
Even though he had seen countless beauties in ancient attire, he couldn’t deny the appeal of such clothing… Mu Zhi’an thought.
“You all seem to be quite fond of this disciple. He must possess something special to have captured your attention,” she remarked, her voice as melodic as a songbird.
Her emerald eyes held a knowing glint.
“There was a disturbance at the Pilgrimage Palace. We came to ensure our disciples’ safety,” Ning Yuan replied, his voice respectful.
He glanced at Mu Zhi’an, envy flickering in his eyes.
To be recognized by Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon… and to have caught the Jade Empress’s eye… his destiny was truly remarkable.
The Jade Empress didn’t believe his explanation.
She smiled, her gaze sweeping over them. “Cultivation is a path against the heavens. There should be no shortcuts. Do not forget your original intentions in your pursuit of power. The path you forge step by step is your own.”
Her words were a subtle warning: do not covet the Innate Celestial Vessel. Cultivate diligently on your own.
She had clearly overheard their conversation and their excessive enthusiasm while residing within Mu Zhi’an’s body. She knew their intentions.
“If you truly desire shortcuts, it’s not entirely forbidden. However, moderation is key. Excessive reliance on shortcuts will only lead to a greater tribulation in the future,” she added.
Relying on an Innate Celestial Vessel to overcome bottlenecks was acceptable. However, using it to rapidly advance from the Nascent Soul Realm to the Soul Transformation Realm… that was unrealistic.
The Peak Masters nodded in agreement, relief washing over them.
It seemed the Jade Empress, though aware of their intentions, didn’t object.
She was simply reminding them to use shortcuts sparingly. Excessive reliance would lead them astray.
“Senior Jade Empress, what is your current state?” Ning Yuan asked after a moment of hesitation, mustering his courage.
“I require some time to recuperate,” she replied calmly, her smile unwavering.
With her presence, the Peak Masters couldn’t very well continue their pursuit of Mu Zhi’an. They exchanged a few pleasantries with him, offering vague promises of future opportunities before departing. Each peak assigned an elder to oversee the disciples’ safety at the Pilgrimage Palace.
“Are you disappointed that I intervened?” the Jade Empress’s voice echoed in his mind as he prepared to leave.
“Honestly, I’ve been struggling with this situation. They’re Peak Masters, and it’s difficult to refuse them. Thank you for your help, Fairy Sister,” he replied sincerely.
He sighed inwardly.
I was prepared to dedicate myself to the sect’s prosperity, even if it meant clinging to the Peak Masters’ jade-like legs… but then a Great White Shark entered the pond… no, not a shark. A mosasaurus, an extinct apex predator!
He pushed aside his regret, focusing on a more pressing matter. “Your consciousness is weak, Senior. Is it alright for you to remain awake?”
“I stayed awake to ensure your safety. I’ll rest now. Awaken me if you encounter any danger,” she replied.
She’s going to sleep? That’s a relief… He relaxed slightly.
Though she was beautiful, he wasn’t keen on having her observe his intimate moments with Bai Ruoxi or the Ye sisters.
He walked towards a specific location in the plaza.
“You mentioned that you chose Qian’er as your successor because she’s similar to you. In what way are you similar?” he asked, curious.
“Compatibility is a mysterious thing. My divination revealed that she was the most suitable candidate. As for our similarities… I’m not sure,” she replied calmly.
She then transformed into a wisp of flame, entering his other cultivation vessel.
She had refrained from entering his other vessel earlier to avoid alerting the demon while protecting him.
Now that he was safe, she could finally rest.
As she entered his Innate Celestial Vessel, she felt the potent, unique spiritual energy within and opened her eyes in surprise.
As expected of an Innate Celestial Vessel… the spiritual energy here can nourish my consciousness!
And…
She sensed something and asked, her voice soft, “Did you receive a destiny inheritance from Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon?”
“Senior Ling Long was kind enough to grant me a portion of her destiny,” he replied.
She nodded, her gaze lingering on his Innate Celestial Vessel, her voice filled with surprise. “And the Heavenly Dao Aura… it’s within the Innate Celestial Vessel?”
This is interesting…
She smiled, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
…
Mu Zhi’an left the peach blossom forest and found Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou sitting at a stone table.
With most of the disciples exploring the Dongtian, the area outside the Pilgrimage Palace was deserted.
The two beauties were chatting quietly, their relationship seemingly amicable.
He couldn’t help but admire Bai Ruoxi. She was stunning in her white dress embroidered with snow lotuses, her delicate features accentuated by her long, dark eyelashes. She exuded an aura of aloofness, but he knew she was a kind and loving woman.
Wei Mengrou, the maid, was equally beautiful, but her aura was cold and sharp, a stark contrast to Bai Ruoxi’s gentle demeanor.
While others might find her intimidating, he was curious about how she would behave once she fell in love.
Sensing his gaze, she looked up at him, her expression as impassive as ever. “He’s back,” she said to Bai Ruoxi, her voice flat.
She studied him, noting the change in his aura.
Reaching the Core Formation Realm had transformed him.
He no longer possessed the frivolous air and unhealthy pallor of a pampered young master. He now exuded the refined aura of a scholar, his noble upbringing evident in his every gesture.
“Let’s go back,” he said, approaching them.
Bai Ruoxi looked up at him, her eyes filled with concern. “Are you injured?”
He smiled, shaking his head. “I’m fine. Just a bit drained. I’ll recover after some rest.”
She sighed with relief, her hand unconsciously resting on her ample bosom.
His gaze lingered on her, enjoying the view from this angle.
Though they had been intimate many times, he couldn’t deny her allure. A beauty was a beauty, after all.
“By the way, what is your Core Formation Dao, my dear?” she asked, suddenly remembering.
Wei Mengrou also looked at him, curious.
The Core Formation Dao was a reflection of a cultivator’s past experiences. Their young master had been a notorious scoundrel in Tianxuan City, pursuing countless women. What kind of “Dao” had he forged?
He sighed inwardly, deciding to tease them. “It’s not something I can easily explain. We’ll talk about it later.”
“Not easily explain…?” Bai Ruoxi tilted her head, puzzled.
He took her hand, helping her to her feet, then leaned in, whispering in her ear. “You’ll find out tonight.”
“Don’t tease me, you… you…” She blushed, her earlobes burning crimson.
Ruoxi is the best. She’s considerate and understanding… He chuckled. “Let’s go back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”
Under Wei Mengrou’s disapproving glare, he boldly wrapped his arm around Bai Ruoxi’s waist and flew towards the Jade Glass Palace on his black sword.
…
Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Wei Mengrou brought three cups of tea to the pavilion, then sat quietly, not wanting to disturb them.
Mu Zhi’an took a sip of his tea, then retrieved two translucent seeds from his storage ring.
They were only slightly larger than grains of rice, but they emitted a potent aura of spiritual energy that drew Bai Ruoxi’s attention.
“These are Seeds of Dao Realization. Consuming one will greatly benefit your cultivation,” he explained.
“Seeds of Dao Realization…” She looked at him. “What about you?”
He smiled sadly. “I already consumed one, but my other vessel devoured it.”
His Innate Celestial Vessel was too greedy, hoarding all the good stuff, leaving nothing for his actual vessel. It was truly tragic.
She gave him a sympathetic look, then handed the seeds back to him. “I don’t need them,” she said shyly.
He was stunned, about to ask why.
But seeing the blush on her cheeks and the knowing glint in her eyes, he understood.
The spiritual energy from his Innate Celestial Vessel transferred to her during their dual cultivation sessions. Since the Seed of Dao Realization was within his Innate Celestial Vessel, she would naturally receive its benefits as well.
Hmm… she doesn’t need them.
She’ll get the benefits tonight.
“Mengrou, take this. Refine it tonight,” he said, handing one of the seeds to Wei Mengrou.
She hesitated for a moment, then accepted it.
“Did you obtain these from the Dongtian?” Bai Ruoxi asked.
He nodded. “I encountered a senior within the Dongtian. She gifted them to me.”
He patiently answered her questions as she pondered the information, sipping his tea leisurely.
After a while, he excused himself and went to find the Ye sisters, who were chatting in the courtyard.
Lingxuan noticed him first, her gaze meeting his. She opened her mouth to greet him, then hesitated, wanting to maintain her composure in front of her sister.
“Are you reading?” he asked, approaching them with a smile.
Qian’er looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw him. “Brother Mu!” she exclaimed.
Lingxuan nodded shyly. “…B-Brother Mu.”
Now that Qian’er knew about their relationship, there was no need to hide… but it would take some time for her to get used to addressing him as “Brother Mu” in front of her sister.
Under their watchful gazes, he sat down beside them and retrieved two Seeds of Dao Realization.
Qian’er’s eyes widened. “…Seeds of Dao Realization?!”
“Did that fairy give them to you?” she asked, surprised.
He nodded. “Refine these later. They’ll be beneficial for your cultivation.”
“Don’t refuse. Our bond is far more valuable than these seeds, right?” he said gently, placing his hand on Qian’er’s.
He then turned to Lingxuan, his other hand reaching for hers.
She hesitated, then nodded. “…Thank you.”
Qian’er also nodded. “Thank you, Brother Mu…”
She stared at him, her emerald eyes filled with adoration.
“Refine them tonight, so no one sees them and causes unnecessary trouble,” he advised, enjoying the softness of their hands.
They both nodded.
“Qian’er, it will take some time for you to adapt to the inheritance Senior Jade Empress bestowed upon you. Focus on your cultivation and familiarize yourself with it,” he said.
“And Lingxuan, I’ve always believed in your talent. If Qian’er encounters any difficulties, help her out.”
“I will,” she replied, nodding.
After a brief chat, he stood up to leave.
“I’ll walk you out,” Lingxuan offered.
He sensed she had something to say and accepted her offer.
As they walked along the path, she hesitated, then turned to him. “Are you sure you want to accompany me back to the Forbidden Zone in a month and a half, Brother Mu?”
“Perhaps I should just bring the Rebirth Water back for you.”
She was worried about the trouble he might encounter.
She wasn’t concerned about her father, but her clan…
If they discovered that the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone had been “abducted,” they would be curious about him, perhaps even testing him to see if he was worthy of their young mistress.
He stopped, his gaze meeting hers. “The Rebirth Water is only one reason. I don’t want you to go back alone.”
“Or will you not miss me when you’re gone?” he asked, gently caressing her cheek.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and she looked up at him, her voice barely a whisper. “I will…”
“You will what?” he asked, teasing her.
“I-I’ll miss you… why did you make me say that?” she mumbled, swatting his chest playfully.
He caught her wrist, his gaze softening. “I’ll miss you too, Lingxuan.”
“That’s why I’m going with you.”
He pulled her into an embrace, his other hand resting on her slender waist, inhaling her delicate fragrance.
He could feel her trembling, but she didn’t resist, simply lowering her head, allowing him to hold her.
After a while, he released her, admiring her flushed cheeks. “I’ll head back now, Lingxuan. Remember to refine the Seed of Dao Realization tonight,” he said gently.
…
Bai Ruoxi’s room was filled with a delicate fragrance, the sandalwood incense having burned out.
She opened her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering, her gaze clear and bright after her meditation.
She stretched languidly, her thin white nightgown clinging to her alluring curves.
Her swan-like neck, her long, flowing hair, her delicate features… she was breathtaking.
She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then walked over to the window, pushing it open and gazing at the moonlit sky, enjoying the cool night air.
The sky was a tapestry of twinkling stars, their brilliance enhanced by their proximity to the mountain peak.
She was a vision of beauty, her long hair cascading down her back, her loose nightgown accentuating her curves.
She felt a warm breath on her neck, then a familiar warmth enveloped her as a pair of arms encircled her waist.
She shivered, glancing at Mu Zhi’an with a playful glare. “Don’t sneak up on me like that. You scared me,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of complaint.
He met her gaze, a warm smile spreading across his face. “You sensed me, didn’t you?”
After months of cultivation, she was on the verge of reaching the Fifth Stage of Core Formation.
She had sensed him entering, but she had pretended not to notice, curious about his intentions.
“Where did you go?” she asked.
“I gave two of the Seeds of Dao Realization to others,” he replied with a smile.
“Others? Not your beloved Lingxuan and Qian’er?” she huffed, clearly displeased.
“I came back, didn’t I?” he said, nuzzling her neck, enjoying the softness of her body.
“I’ll transfer the energy from the Seed of Dao Realization I refined to you tonight.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and she melted against him, murmuring her assent. She turned to head towards the bed.
He gently stopped her. “Let’s stay here. The night sky is beautiful. We can enjoy the view from the window,” he said softly.
She froze, understanding his intentions. She blushed, glancing at him shyly. “You…”
“You have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ ‘You’ isn’t an answer,” he said, gently caressing her cheek.
Silence filled the room for a moment, then her voice, soft and hesitant, reached his ears.
“Yes…”
…
Later that night, Bai Ruoxi sat in front of her bronze mirror, combing her slightly tangled hair.
Mu Zhi’an sat behind her, watching her, his expression serene, his eyes clear and bright.
“By the way, who do you love the most, my dear?” she asked suddenly, her gaze meeting his in the mirror.
“Why do you even have to ask, Ruoxi?”
“The person I love the most is right here in front of me,” he replied, his voice filled with tenderness.
Boom!
A thunderclap echoed through the sky, a bolt of lightning illuminating the night, making his heart skip a beat.
Holy crap… what was that?
Was it targeting me? But I was telling the truth…
Bai Ruoxi turned to him, her eyes narrowed.
In the dim light, her usually bright eyes seemed dark and unreadable.
He stood up and took her hand in his, sighing. “That was just a coincidence. If I had lied, that lightning would have struck me, wouldn’t it?”
“How do I know you’re not lying?” she huffed.
However, remembering his passionate embrace, her frown softened.
He breathed a sigh of relief, glancing at the sky outside.
The weather was perfect. Why was there a sudden thunderclap…? It almost caused a misunderstanding.
Boom!
Another thunderclap echoed through the night.
Bai Ruoxi also noticed it, turning towards the window. “It seems someone is about to face their tribulation,” she said softly.
He walked over to the window and looked up, spotting dark clouds gathering above Two Polarities Peak.
A name flashed through his mind: Lan Mulian.
So Senior Sister’s Nascent Soul tribulation has finally arrived…
However, to his surprise, the tribulation clouds dissipated after only a short while.
“The tribulation… disappeared?” he murmured, confused.
Bai Ruoxi joined him at the window, her gaze fixed on Two Polarities Peak. “It seems Senior Sister is intentionally suppressing her cultivation,” she remarked.
He frowned. “Why would she do that?”
The tribulation had been forming, but Lan Mulian had forcefully suppressed her cultivation back to the peak of Core Formation.
Was she not prepared for the tribulation?
Impossible. With her personality, she would have been meticulously prepared.
So why was she suppressing her cultivation?
“She’s accumulating her strength, aiming to break through to the Second Stage of Nascent Soul in one go,” Bai Ruoxi explained, quickly understanding Lan Mulian’s intentions.
“The Second Stage of Nascent Soul…” He stared at Two Polarities Peak, impressed.
As expected of Senior Sister. She’s bold.
During a tribulation, the lightning bolts enhanced a cultivator’s spiritual energy. With Lan Mulian’s talent, she would likely face nine bolts of lightning at the peak of Core Formation.
By suppressing her tribulation now, the number of bolts might increase next time, from nine to ten, or even eleven or twelve.
The later bolts were exponentially more powerful. Using a tribulation to advance a stage was incredibly risky, and few had attempted it throughout history. Lan Mulian was one of the rare few.
News of her impending breakthrough spread throughout the Two Polarities Sect, causing a stir among both disciples and elders.
Nascent Soul cultivators were rare, even within the sect. Only the Peak Masters and elders had reached that level.
And this particular Nascent Soul cultivator was the Sect Master’s personal disciple.
That night, everyone was discussing the news, preparing gifts to celebrate her breakthrough.
Mu Zhi’an closed the window and carried Bai Ruoxi to bed.
Time to sleep!
And he meant it.
While Core Formation cultivators could go without sleep, he had expended a lot of energy today, and despite consuming a replenishing pill, he was still drained.
Rest was the best way to recover.
…
The next morning.
He woke up refreshed, stretching as he sat up in bed, admiring the sleeping beauty beside him.
Though he had seen her countless times, he rarely saw her sleeping so peacefully.
She’s captivating in every way…
He smiled inwardly, his gaze lingering on her ample bosom, then gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
He didn’t want to wake her. Even Core Formation cultivators needed rest.
Let her sleep a while longer!
He would use this opportunity to return to Tianxuan City.
He left the room, stretching again as he glanced at Wei Mengrou, who was tending to the flowers in the courtyard. “Mengrou, if Ruoxi asks where I am when she wakes up, tell her I’m consulting with Master Yan about some cultivation matters. I might be back late tonight.”
She glanced at him, her voice flat. “Consulting with Master Yan from morning till night?”
He shook his head. “It’s not just Master Yan.”
“Everyone is preparing gifts for Senior Sister’s Nascent Soul breakthrough. I can’t be left out.”
“Don’t you have enough pills from the Peak Masters? Isn’t that enough?” she asked, her eyes narrowed, suspecting he was making excuses.
“Pills are too common. It’s not special. And I’m sure many others will be giving her pills. It’s boring.”
“…Then what do you plan to give her?”
She stared at him, her lips pursed. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to give her… yourself.”
“A gift’s value isn’t determined by its material worth, but by the sincerity behind it, and the effort invested in obtaining it.”
He smiled. “Simply put, when giving a girl a gift, it’s the thought that counts.”
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