Chapter 145: A Masterclass in Double Standards
Bai Ruoxi left the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, heading towards the elegant residence where Ye Lingxuan resided.
Outside the Jade Glass Palace was a spacious plaza with a lake at its center. A circular path surrounded the lake, dotted with pavilions at regular intervals.
As Bai Ruoxi emerged from her secluded residence, she saw numerous cultivators strolling along the lakeshore, many of them Dao Companions or fellow disciples.
After spending several days together, the sect disciples had formed their own social circles. The more exceptional female disciples were pursued by numerous admirers, so this lively scene was hardly surprising.
Bai Ruoxi followed the path, intending to find Mu Zhi’an’s “good sister” for a friendly chat.
Just then, a slender figure in purple approached from the opposite direction. Her exquisite embroidered shoes tapped lightly against the ground, and an ancient-looking ring adorned her finger. A gentle smile graced her delicate features, drawing admiring glances from the surrounding disciples.
The two girls, one aloof and delicate, the other youthful and elegant, presented an impossible choice.
…This was precisely why Mu Zhi’an had opted for “all of the above.”
Many disciples within the Jade Glass Palace recognized the two talented girls. After all, they had been the subject of a fierce rivalry among the Peak Masters during the inner disciple selection.
Furthermore, the Third Prince’s earlier disruption at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony had become common knowledge.
“Sister Bai, what a coincidence! Where are you headed?” Ye Lingxuan asked, her eyebrows curving into crescents as she met Bai Ruoxi’s gaze.
Bai Ruoxi was surprised by the unexpected encounter.
“I was just about to visit you, Lingxuan,” she replied with a gentle smile. “Where are you going?”
Ye Lingxuan seemed surprised, then smiled sweetly. “What a coincidence! I was just about to visit you as well, Sister Bai.”
They exchanged surprised glances.
Spotting a vacant pavilion, they settled down and chatted like close sisters.
As their conversation flowed, Ye Lingxuan casually asked, “If I’m not mistaken, Sister Bai is currently at the Second Stage of Core Formation?”
Her posture was impeccable, elegant like a white heron. Her gentle smile and refined demeanor elicited a silent admiration from even the proud Bai Ruoxi.
Had she been fully developed, the title of “Tianxuan City’s Most Beautiful Woman” might have been a contest between her and Bai Ruoxi.
Bai Ruoxi nodded. “Yes, Second Stage.”
She paused, her voice softening with concern. “If I’m not mistaken, Lingxuan, it’s been a while since your last breakthrough?”
Ye Lingxuan seemed unconcerned, smiling serenely. “Cultivation is a journey, not a race.”
“On the other hand, Sister Bai, each stage within the Core Formation Realm requires considerable time and effort.”
She then steered the conversation towards her main point. “Speaking of which, I recently acquired some pills that might be helpful for your cultivation…”
As she spoke, she retrieved a jade bottle from her storage ring, seemingly unfazed by Bai Ruoxi’s intense gaze.
However, Bai Ruoxi’s smile vanished, replaced by a slight frown. “Are you referring to Qi Gathering Pills?” she asked, her voice laced with displeasure.
A vein throbbed on her forehead as she waved her hand, conjuring an identical jade bottle onto the table.
Ye Lingxuan’s smile faltered, and she tilted her head slightly.
That sneaky Mu Zhi’an! He gave Qi Gathering Pills to someone else…? She bit her lip, her feigned composure cracking to reveal a hint of jealousy.
She had been touched by Mu Zhi’an’s careful gesture when he had given her nine Qi Gathering Pills.
She hadn’t expected him to share them with Bai Ruoxi as well…
As they sat in awkward silence, a gentle voice interrupted them.
“Are you two the inner disciples chosen by the Peak Masters?”
They turned to see a handsome young man approaching. He was clad in a black robe, his demeanor exuding confidence and charisma. His warm smile, illuminated by the afternoon sun, drew the attention of several female disciples.
Among those disciples, a seemingly unremarkable young man stood out.
Ye Yu.
He stared at Luo Yuan, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.
If Luo Yuan could distract them for a while, this might be his chance to make a good impression on Ruoxi and Lingxuan!
Ye Lingxuan whispered to Bai Ruoxi, “His name is Luo Yuan. He was personally chosen by the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets.”
There were only eleven inner disciple slots available: one for each of the Nine Peaks, and two additional slots for the top two peaks from the previous sect competition.
Luo Yuan was the tenth inner disciple chosen.
His status, coupled with his handsome appearance, made him a standout among the newly accepted disciples. He had already attracted the attention of numerous female disciples.
Furthermore, rumor had it that he came from a powerful background and was incredibly generous. Becoming his Dao Companion would ensure a life of luxury and comfort.
However, such things held no appeal for the two girls.
They acknowledged the young man with a polite nod, then ignored him.
Undeterred, Luo Yuan approached their pavilion, his smile bright and friendly. “If I’m not mistaken, you two are the inner disciples of Boundless Sea Peak and Dao Peak?”
Bai Ruoxi’s demeanor remained aloof. She simply hummed in acknowledgment, then turned to Ye Lingxuan with a smile. “Lingxuan, about what we were discussing… perhaps we should continue this conversation at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony?”
Ye Lingxuan, quick-witted as ever, understood her meaning immediately. “You’re right, Sister Bai. Let’s go to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”
She offered Luo Yuan a polite nod, then rose to leave with Bai Ruoxi.
“There’s no need to rush,” Luo Yuan interjected. “The Immortal Ascension Ceremony is still a year away, but for cultivators, a year passes in the blink of an eye. We newly accepted disciples should get to know each other and look out for one another.”
He retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring, a smile playing on his lips. “Speaking of which, I have two Jade Beauty Pills I recently acquired from Brother Ye. I’d be happy to give them to you.”
Fifth-Grade Jade Beauty Pills!
The surrounding disciples gasped.
Though they couldn’t hear the conversation, they understood the situation.
Normally, such pills could only be obtained from the Alchemy Pavilion in exchange for sect contribution points earned by completing missions.
Purchasing them directly with Spirit Stones would cost around thirty thousand per pill. However, their allure was such that even at forty thousand, they would still be in high demand.
Offering them as gifts… most female disciples wouldn’t be able to resist.
Ye Yu frowned slightly.
He hadn’t expected Luo Yuan to use the Jade Beauty Pills he had sold him to woo his sister and Bai Ruoxi.
If they accepted the pills, they would be indebted to Luo Yuan, opening the door for endless harassment… And with his talent and charm, he might even succeed in winning one of their hearts…
However, intervening now wouldn’t create a lasting impression.
I should wait… until they’re truly desperate… Then, my intervention will have the greatest impact… He thought, his gaze fixed on the pavilion.
Suddenly, a disciple pointed towards the sky. “Look! Is that a Senior Sister or an elder arriving at the Jade Glass Palace?”
All the residents of the Jade Glass Palace were newly accepted disciples, mostly at the Foundation Establishment Realm, with the exception of Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou.
Cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Realm couldn’t fly, so it was natural for the disciples to assume the approaching figure was a senior member of the sect.
Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi also noticed the approaching figure, but they weren’t interested. They politely declined Luo Yuan’s offer and prepared to leave.
Just then, a frivolous voice called out from behind them.
“Where are you two going? Stay and play with me for a while.”
Ye Lingxuan frowned, her eyes flashing with displeasure at the disrespectful tone.
Bai Ruoxi also frowned slightly.
Luo Yuan narrowed his eyes, glancing at the young man approaching them.
Competition…?
As the young man reached the two girls, he boldly grabbed their hands.
Bai Ruoxi’s eyes narrowed dangerously, her hand instinctively reaching for her Bronze Sword.
However, she turned to see Mu Zhi’an landing gracefully on his black flying sword.
It was clear that he had used his spiritual energy to alter his voice and tease them.
Ye Lingxuan also turned, her cheeks flushing slightly as she met his gaze. She didn’t pull away, but she lowered her eyes, acutely aware of the stares from the surrounding disciples.
A closer look revealed a hint of resentment in her usually calm eyes.
Hmm… something’s wrong…
Mu Zhi’an immediately picked up on the resentment in her gaze. As a seasoned “fish farmer,” he knew something was amiss.
He had just returned from the Book Pavilion and was unaware of what had transpired, but seeing Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi together… he could guess.
I wonder who initiated the bragging rights competition… He pondered briefly.
Their apparent shyness only fueled the envy in the eyes of the surrounding disciples.
If it were just Bai Ruoxi, it would be one thing. But Mu Zhi’an was clearly aiming for both of them… And they seemed perfectly content with the arrangement. It was infuriating.
Luo Yuan also frowned, but he maintained his charming smile. “I’ve heard much about you, Young Master Mu. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said, cupping his hands in greeting.
Mu Zhi’an stared at him, puzzled.
Who the hell is this guy?
He noticed Luo Yuan’s lingering glances at Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi and understood.
I was gone for a few hours, and someone’s already hitting on my wife and sister?
“I am Luo Yuan, an inner disciple of the Peak of Celestial Secrets,” the young man introduced himself, sensing Mu Zhi’an’s confusion.
Mu Zhi’an bowed slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brother Luo. I’ve heard much about you as well.”
Seeing his amicable demeanor, Luo Yuan chuckled and transmitted his voice discreetly. “Young Master Mu, aren’t you being a bit greedy? You already have the lovely Miss Bai. Leave some for your brothers.”
Mu Zhi’an raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, Brother Luo?”
“Why don’t you introduce me to Miss Ye Lingxuan… Of course, I won’t let you go empty-handed. These two Jade Beauty Pills are yours.”
Two Jade Beauty Pills, worth a combined seventy to eighty thousand Spirit Stones… Most disciples wouldn’t be able to amass such wealth even after saving for a year or two.
However, Mu Zhi’an shook his head resolutely, his gaze meeting Luo Yuan’s. “Brother Luo, Lingxuan is my most precious sister. Don’t try to taint our relationship with pills! Even if you offered a hundred thousand, no… even a million or ten million Spirit Stones, I wouldn’t leave her side!”
He emphasized the word “sister,” subtly reassuring Bai Ruoxi that Ye Lingxuan was nothing more than a sibling, hoping to prevent any potential outbursts.
His firm refusal touched Ye Lingxuan’s heart. Her initial annoyance with his two-timing faded, replaced by a surge of affection.
Though she hadn’t heard Luo Yuan’s proposition, Mu Zhi’an’s words made it clear that a deal had been offered, and she was likely the subject of that deal…
His unwavering loyalty gave her a sense of security.
Luo Yuan’s face darkened as he watched Mu Zhi’an’s righteous display.
Not only had he refused, but he had done so openly, embarrassing him in front of the other disciples.
This Mu Zhi’an… he’s cunning…
Luo Yuan took a deep breath, then said, “One hundred thousand Spirit Stones.”
This time, he didn’t bother with discreet transmissions.
“If you leave now, Young Master Mu, the Spirit Stones and the two Jade Beauty Pills are yours.”
“You know how valuable Fifth-Grade pills are. You might not even be able to find them at the Alchemy Pavilion.”
With such wealth, pursuing any girl would be child’s play. However, Luo Yuan knew Mu Zhi’an might not agree… But even a moment of hesitation would be enough to exploit.
As expected, Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re offering that much?”
Luo Yuan smiled faintly, about to press his advantage.
Just then, Mu Zhi’an retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring. He opened it, revealing its contents to Luo Yuan’s astonished gaze.
A quick scan with his spiritual sense confirmed that the bottle was filled with Fifth-Grade pills… over thirty of them!
“These are Fifth-Grade Essence Restoration Pills. Thirty-six of them.”
Mu Zhi’an placed another bottle on the table. “These are Essence Replenishing Pills. Nine of them.”
“And these are Jade Beauty Pills. Six of them.”
“And lastly, Qi Gathering Pills. Forty-five of them.”
He smiled at Luo Yuan. “I had no idea Fifth-Grade pills were so valuable, Brother Luo.”
“You seem to like pills so much. I’ll give you ten Fifth-Grade pills and a hundred thousand Spirit Stones. How about you give me your wife?”