Chapter 490: He Really… I’m Gonna Cry
Looking after others wasn’t Luo Tan’s forte.
She was the Empress of Yu State. Besides handling the affairs of the immortal court, she spent most of her time cultivating and researching alchemy.
Having her personally look after someone, especially a boy… at least to her, judging by his lifespan, Mu Zhian was indeed just a boy.
In short, looking after others wasn’t something she was good at.
However, this time, Luo Tan didn’t directly refuse.
Because she suddenly realized she couldn’t quite grasp the Jade Empress’s intentions.
“I know this is probably a difficult request for the Pill Emperor, but I don’t have anyone I can trust in the Eastern Continent, so after careful consideration, it seems only Yu State can provide a safe place for my husband to cultivate peacefully for a while.”
Yao Meng held her teacup, gazing at the calm pool in the distance, her voice cool and delicate, carrying the unique gentleness of a fairy.
“Of course.”
Yao Meng paused, a faint smile appearing on her beautiful and refined face as she admired the hall’s layout, and continued, “If it’s inconvenient for the Pill Emperor, I won’t force you.”
“In that case, I’ll ask someone else for this favor—”
Before she could finish speaking, Luo Tan suddenly said casually, “The Jade Empress and I hit it off at first sight. Since he’s your husband, it’s only right for me to help look after him for a few days. There’s no need to be so polite, Jade Empress.”
Yao Meng smiled: “That would be wonderful.”
She retracted her gaze, her beautiful eyes looking at Mu Zhian, her voice soft, “With the Pill Emperor looking after you, I can be at ease while I’m away these few days, right, husband?”
…I feel like Yao Meng is being sarcastic.
Mu Zhian sensed the underlying meaning in Yao Meng’s words. Looking into her green eyes, he could even see a hint of resentment in the Jade Empress’s gaze.
Clearly, Yao Meng’s request for the Pill Emperor to look after him for a few days was a pretense, and entrusting her husband to the Pill Emperor was the true intention.
As for what would happen during this time… it depended on the Pill Emperor’s intentions towards Mu Zhian.
Although Yao Meng always held the thought, ‘As long as I don’t feel cuckolded, then I’m the one cuckolding others’, personally sending her beloved to another woman for several days… still made Yao Meng feel a bit jealous.
That resentful gaze, a mixture of annoyance and jealousy, appearing on such a beautiful fairy’s face, it would be a lie to say Mu Zhian wasn’t moved.
However, with someone else watching, Mu Zhian could only force himself to look away and immediately said, “Whatever Jade Empress Sister decides is fine… Actually, I’m also quite interested in alchemy. It would be great if I could learn a thing or two through this opportunity.”
This wasn’t exactly a lie. Mu Zhian was indeed interested in alchemy. When he refined the second-grade Minor Rejuvenation Pill in the past, he infused Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy into the pill, allowing the female cultivators who consumed it to refine Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy… But the pill’s effect on Nascent Soul Realm cultivators wasn’t as good.
If he could infuse more Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy into the pill, if this pill were to circulate in the outside world, Nascent Soul Realm female cultivators would probably fight over it.
Mu Zhian was truly interested in alchemy and wanted to learn from Luo Tan.
Yao Meng smiled brightly, as if making the surrounding scenery dim in comparison.
“Then you can cultivate here first. I’ll come find you here after returning from the Southern Wilderness in a few days.”
Towards the end of her words, she looked at Luo Tan and said with a smile, “I’ll have to trouble the Pill Emperor with my husband these few days.”
Luo Tan’s slender hands on her lap subconsciously tightened around her magnificent white dress.
For this Pill Emperor, even when she achieved Dao Integration, her Dao Heart had never rippled like this before.
When she wrote to Mu Zhian, she had also thought about what to do if the Jade Empress came to Yu State with Mu Zhian…
However, she didn’t expect that the Jade Empress, for the sake of the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill, would actually plan to go to the Southern Wilderness first.
And… even personally deliver her husband to her.
Sensing Yao Meng’s gentle gaze, a faint smile also appeared on Luo Tan’s face: “It’s no trouble at all~”
Yao Meng put down her teacup, stood up, walked to Mu Zhian’s side, gently caressed the Green Lotus Ring on his finger with her slender hand, then raised her beautiful eyes, and said with a smile, “Cultivate well while I’m away these few days, don’t disappoint me~”
As her voice fell, she transformed into a green figure, then vanished like the wind.
“She actually really left…”
Even as the woman left, Luo Tan still seemed somewhat in disbelief, murmuring softly.
She had only met the Jade Empress briefly, did she really trust her that much?
But that made sense. She was a Dao Integration Realm expert, and her status in the Nine Provinces was noble. No matter how hard anyone racked their brains, they probably wouldn’t think she would have any involvement with this young man.
Moreover… he already had Dao Companions, one of whom was even the Jade Empress of the Jade Pool Holy Land.
If her relationship with Mu Zhian were to be known… once this matter spread, even the Pill Emperor’s reputation would be damaged.
Luo Tan quickly collected her thoughts, turned around, and smiled, “Come take a walk with me.”
She’s starting already, just after Yao Meng left…? Mu Zhian nodded slightly: “Okay!”
…
Luo Tan dismissed the guards and maids, and walked side by side with Mu Zhian from the back door of the hall to the lakeside.
“I thought you would come to Yu State alone, I didn’t expect the Jade Empress to send you here. She truly values you.”
Luo Tan wore snow-white jade boots, her magnificent white dress with gold and silver threads adding to her noble and elegant aura.
Many women appeared vulgar after wearing gold and silver, but this quasi-immortal Pill Emperor didn’t give off the slightest sense of vulgarity, instead exuding an air of nobility.
A ruby pendant hung around her fair and delicate neck, just hidden within her full and perky bosom, unfathomable.
“Jade Empress Sister is indeed very kind to me. Actually, she’s planning to go to the Southern Wilderness, but she wasn’t at ease leaving me alone in the Eastern Continent. After learning that Your Majesty cherishes talent, she thought of you being here,” Mu Zhian glanced at Luo Tan, seeing her seemingly doubtful expression, and explained the situation in detail.
“With the Jade Empress’s connections in the Eastern Continent, logically, she shouldn’t entrust such a ‘troublesome’ matter to me…” Luo Tan’s tone remained elegant as she admired the scenery along the lakeside, but she was still somewhat puzzled by this matter.
Mu Zhian sighed softly, “Your Majesty doesn’t know, although the Jade Empress has vast connections in the Eastern Continent, I wasn’t her Dao Companion from the start… I think you’ve heard about it.”
Luo Tan nodded slightly: “I’ve heard a little. What she did wasn’t quite right.”
The Jade Empress wasn’t Mu Zhian’s first Dao Companion, but joined midway. Luo Tan had naturally investigated this clearly.
“However, there’s no such thing as fairness in love. Although it wasn’t right, it’s human nature and understandable.” Thinking about what she was about to do to this young man beside her, Luo Tan quickly added.
She slowed her pace, looked at him with a slight smile, her rosy lips moving slightly, and said, “Since you’re interested in alchemy, then settle down today. Tomorrow, after the morning court session, come to my bedchamber and wait for me. I’ll personally teach you the art of alchemy.”
Why go to the bedchamber for alchemy…? Mu Zhian nodded slightly, casually glancing at the tall and slender Empress.
Different from the women Mu Zhian had met before, this Empress seemed to be the embodiment of nobility and elegance. But although he knew her status and position in Yu State, he couldn’t help but want to tease and suppress her, then watch her lofty demeanor crumble, revealing an embarrassed and shy expression.
“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?” Luo Tan knew what Mu Zhian was thinking, but didn’t expose him, instead asking deliberately.
Mu Zhian discreetly retracted his gaze and said, “Speaking of which, there was an alchemy competition held in the Two Polarities Sect some time ago. Does Your Majesty still remember?”
Luo Tan nodded slightly: “I invited you after that, so naturally I remember.”
“I’ve been thinking recently, although the pills I refine contain Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy, the amount infused is limited, and the effect on Nascent Soul Realm cultivators isn’t as great as I imagined… But if I infuse more Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy, the pills will explode.”
Mu Zhian paused: “Does Your Majesty have any way to combine the two?”
“Perfectly fusing Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy with pills, even allowing Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to refine Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy and benefit from it…?”
Hearing this, Luo Tan’s beautiful eyes flickered, and she couldn’t help falling into deep thought.
This was a field she hadn’t explored before. After all, even at Dao Integration Realm, it was impossible to touch the Heavenly Court, let alone Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy.
Then, she quickly chuckled softly, “This is quite an interesting question. I’ll think about it after I go back today and give you an answer in two days.”
“Do you still have the second-grade Minor Rejuvenation Pills infused with Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy?” Luo Tan asked.
Mu Zhian took out a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Luo Tan.
Just by slightly smelling the fragrance emanating from the jade bottle, Luo Tan’s expression became somewhat intoxicated.
After a while, she slowly opened her beautiful eyes and said softly, “Actually, even if you didn’t possess the Innate Celestial Furnace, I would still invite you to Yu State for a while.”
“Alchemy is different from cultivation. Basic skills are important, but flexible application of alchemy is equally important. It’s not necessary to rigidly follow the pill recipe and add ingredients to refine a pill.”
“And your past innovations in alchemy are also the reason I invited you.”
Mu Zhian smiled, “It’s a pity I grew up in the Eastern Continent. If I were born in Yu State, I would definitely find a way to serve Your Majesty, even becoming a cow or a horse.”
Luo Tan glanced at him with a slight smile: “If you’re willing, it’s not too late now.”
Her tone was sincere, clearly a genuine offer.
He just didn’t know whether it was more out of a desire to use him for both public and private matters, or a true appreciation for his talent.
Of course, although she extended the invitation, she didn’t think Mu Zhian would agree from the start, and the Jade Empress wouldn’t possibly agree to let Mu Zhian stay for long.
“Right, when I was in Tianxuan City, I was often looked after by a guest elder in the clan. If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. And he’s only ever been interested in alchemy. I wonder if Your Majesty could…” Mu Zhian suddenly recalled this matter.
Luo Tan readily agreed: “That’s no problem. I’ll write a recommendation letter later, and he can go to the Zunyun Academy. There are many elders there dedicated to alchemy, which will surely greatly improve his alchemy skills.”
Mu Zhian cupped his hands: “Then I’ll thank Your Majesty on behalf of my clan elder.”
Luo Tan casually looked back at the young man with his sincere attitude, took half a step forward, and said with a smile, “Actually, you being so polite makes us seem distant.”
“You used to stare at my legs in my bedchamber, you weren’t this restrained.”
Mu Zhian said demurely, “I’ve always respected Your Majesty deeply. My staring at you in the bedchamber back then was precisely because Your Majesty’s charm was too great.”
“Flattery,” Luo Tan raised an eyebrow and said faintly.
But a beautiful curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.
Seemingly because she had been too busy with the Sabbath recently, Luo Tan felt tired after walking for a while. She stopped by the lake, her beautiful figure leaning against the sandalwood fence. This action also pressed her ample bosom against the fence.
Very big… Although not as big as Nai Xi’s, one hand probably can’t grasp them… Mu Zhian glanced over with his peripheral vision, then quickly looked away.
“Sometimes I also wish to be as carefree as the Jade Empress, but I can’t abandon this Immortal Dynasty.”
The Pill Emperor leaned against the fence, her long, curled eyelashes trembling slightly, a hint of exhaustion in her eyes, seemingly melting her usual noble and elegant gaze.
“After reaching Dao Integration Realm, although the body doesn’t get tired, and the spirit almost never collapses, the heart gradually becomes numb, because day after day, I’m doing the same things.”
Luo Tan sighed. Although she was a Dao Integration Realm expert, and the esteemed Pill Emperor, capable of refining pills to extend lifespan, repeating the same things every day was ultimately too monotonous.
Mu Zhian silently gazed at her side profile. Only at this moment did he feel that this Empress seemed a bit closer to him, more down-to-earth, as if the jade beauty had come to life.
“To me, Transcendence and ascension aren’t about becoming invincible in the world, but about having a goal.”
Luo Tan turned slightly, looked at Mu Zhian, her rosy lips parting slightly: “Actually, when I’m with you, I feel very relaxed. It’s just a pity I met you too late.”
Mu Zhian reached out and held her soft small hand at the right moment, gazing into her beautiful eyes that seemed to hold a hint of exhaustion.
It was as if she had finally shed her Empress facade, revealing the demeanor of a woman.
As their gazes met, Luo Tan’s beautiful eyes reflected the young man’s face gradually approaching hers, until finally, they could almost feel each other’s breath.
For the first time, she felt a hint of shyness and subconsciously looked away.
Why wasn’t she this shy when teasing me before? Is she also high attack, low defense like Jade Empress Sister…? Looking at the Empress’s seemingly shy appearance and alluring red lips, Mu Zhian’s lips slowly approached hers while gazing into her eyes.
Just as he was about to capture her red lips, he stopped. As she opened her eyes in confusion, he hesitated, “If your servants see us here, it might not be good…”
The noble and elegant Empress couldn’t help but give Mu Zhian a disdainful look.
Playing coy after taking advantage…
She took the initiative, wrapping her arms around Mu Zhian’s neck, her red lips about to capture the young man’s.
Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps faintly came from the distance, accompanied by an urgent voice, instantly breaking the intimate atmosphere.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!”
A maid came running, lifting her skirt. Seeing the scene before her, her eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape, somewhat stunned.
Luo Tan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. She calmly pushed Mu Zhian away, glanced at the maid, and said calmly, “What is it?”
The maid finally reacted, looked at Mu Zhian curiously, then said, “The Great Peng Emperor of Cloud Province has just arrived in Yu State and is requesting an audience with Your Majesty outside the hall!”
The Great Peng Emperor…? The Princess’s fiancé, the ruler of Cloud Province?
Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. He glanced at Luo Tan and said, “Since Your Majesty has important matters to attend to, I won’t disturb you any longer.”
Luo Tan raised a delicate eyebrow, seemingly also somewhat surprised, and nodded gently: “You can go back to Daochu Palace first. I’ve already had people arrange rooms for you and your maid. Your maid should be at Daochu Palace now.”
“Do you need someone to take you there?”
Mu Zhian shook his head and smiled: “No need, I still remember the way. I’ll take a stroll.”
Luo Tan nodded slightly. She seemed to know what the maid beside her was thinking and said faintly, “You didn’t see anything today, understand?”
“This servant… This servant understands!” The little maid knelt on the ground and hurriedly replied.
Only then did she realize what kind of scene she had just witnessed.
This noble Majesty was actually being intimate with the Jade Empress’s husband… If this matter were to spread, it would probably cause a huge uproar.
“Let’s go,” Luo Tan said faintly.
…
Mu Zhian watched their figures until they completely disappeared, then leisurely retracted his gaze.
He didn’t go to Daochu Palace, but strolled leisurely through the garden, admiring the various medicinal herbs blooming like flowers.
As expected of the Pill Emperor, most of the plants in Luo Tan’s garden were rare medicinal herbs, some even emitting a faint rosy light, appearing especially sacred.
“Tsk tsk… She’s truly a rich milf. I haven’t even seen so many medicinal herbs in the Two Polarities Sect. I wonder if I’ll have a chance to grab some to take back, I can make medicinal meals for Lin Ling.”
Mu Zhian walked through the garden, sighing inwardly.
If Lin Ling knew that Mu Zhian still hadn’t forgotten her at this moment, she would probably be touched by his thoughtfulness.
“After so many years, this is the first time I’ve seen her care so much about a man, especially a man who already has a Dao Companion.”
While strolling through the garden, Mu Zhian suddenly heard a gentle voice beside his ear, as soft as flowing water.
Mu Zhian paused and looked in the direction of the voice.
Under a pavilion in the distance, a slender woman with a thin veil sat, gazing at him.
The Princess…?
Just as Mu Zhian thought of this, the Princess gestured towards the stone chair opposite her, her plump and alluring red lips parting slightly beneath her veil, and said with a smile:
“Young Friend Mu, would you mind keeping this Seat company for a chat?”
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