NOVPUB“Huang Manting… If I’m not mistaken, she, Mu Zhi’an, and Ye Yu are all from Tianxuan City, right?”
The disciples watched as she descended the platform, their voices hushed, their conversations filled with a mixture of awe and envy.
“Tianxuan City is a land of abundant spiritual energy. It’s not surprising that it would produce several geniuses.”
Normally, a single location producing two geniuses was considered remarkable. But Tianxuan City had produced Ye Lingxuan, Ye Yu, Huang Manting, all individuals with exceptional talent. It was because Tianxuan City was near the Two Polarities Sect, its spiritual energy rich and potent. Even simply meditating there would accelerate one’s cultivation compared to other locations.
“Even if you failed, you still received some destiny. It might not be as potent as Senior Ling Long’s, but it’s better than nothing,” Mu Zhi’an said, smiling.
The tablet was a test, designed to assess their compatibility with Ling Long’s destiny. And simply undergoing the test granted them a small amount of destiny. His words eased the disappointment of those who had failed, their impression of him improving. They had initially remained neutral towards Ye Yu and Gongsun Cheng’s accusations because Mu Zhi’an was a stranger to them. But his actions now had changed their perception of him. Of course, some were still jealous, suspecting that he had already received an inheritance from Ling Long. But with him present, they wouldn’t dare to voice their suspicions. After all, if he was truly favored by Ling Long, it would be wiser to befriend him than to antagonize him. Whether they disliked him or genuinely appreciated his help, they understood what to do.
He watched as Huang Manting descended the platform, his gaze lingering on her alluring figure. She seemed to sense his gaze, meeting his eyes, a seductive smile playing on her lips. Then they both looked away. With so many people watching, it would be problematic if they knew he had helped her cheat. They were both intelligent. They understood the unwritten rules.
“Did you help her?” Wei Mengrou asked, her voice a mental message.
He glanced at her, smiling, his voice teasing. “Are you jealous, Mengrou?”
“Don’t worry. The three inheritances Senior Ling Long gave me are all for you. I was just helping Huang Manting.”
She scoffed. “I was simply asking.”
She paused, then added, her voice laced with concern. “Huang Manting is different. Be careful. You might be seduced by her charms.”
“I know what I’m doing,” he replied calmly.
A woman like Huang Manting, her possessiveness, her dominant nature, she enjoyed controlling others. She wasn’t suitable as a lover. She was better suited as a friend. Besides, if he wanted to explore certain interests, he could always ask Mengrou after he conquered her. He imagined her wearing black and white stockings.
No, I can’t get ahead of myself. One step at a time.
He sighed inwardly. He would have to settle for Ruoxi tonight.
He watched as the other disciples took turns testing their compatibility with the inheritance, his thoughts elsewhere.
“Young Master Mu, are you free for tea tonight?”
Huang Manting’s voice, sweet and alluring, echoed in his mind. He looked towards her, her arms crossed, surrounded by admirers, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her black dress clung to her captivating figure, her eyes, despite her seemingly casual conversation with the others, fixed on him, their allure undeniable.
“Another time. I’m busy,” he replied mentally.
His luck wasn’t good lately. The snow lotus incident hadn’t been resolved yet. If someone discovered he was visiting Huang Manting at night, it would be troublesome. He had to be cautious. And his mind was filled with images of Bai Ruoxi, her cold beauty, her elegant figure. He wanted to savor her tonight. He would deal with Huang Manting later.
He felt Wei Mengrou’s cold gaze upon him and quickly explained, “I’m not interested in her. I’m just returning a favor.”
“Why are you telling me this?” she replied, her voice indifferent.
She paused, then asked, “When did you owe her a favor?”
“I promised her father that I would look after her.” He glanced at her alluring figure, chuckling. “Isn’t this the best way to look after her?”
He was returning a favor and earning her goodwill. Huang Manting’s goodwill might not be useful, but it was a bonus.
Time passed, and the disciples continued their attempts, but the last purple aura remained within the tablet.
Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an, wondering if he was manipulating things behind the scenes. But she quickly dismissed the thought. There was no need for him to do that. He had given the first inheritance to Huang Manting to repay a favor. The second inheritance, as long as it didn’t go to Ye Yu, it didn’t matter who received it.
She looked at Ye Yu, his confidence unwavering, and she scoffed inwardly. His destiny might be strong, but why was he so certain he would receive an inheritance? Everyone here was talented. None of them were so arrogant.
The second inheritance went to a girl from the Southern Wilderness. She wore attire that was different from the other disciples, her head covered with a veil, a beauty mark adorning her forehead, her smile sweet and exotic. The Eastern Realm and the Southern Wilderness were far apart, their customs and appearances distinct. Her attire might seem unusual to those from the Eastern Realm, but it was common in the Southern Wilderness.
He studied her, his gaze lingering on her slender waist. That waist, it would be fun to watch it sway. It was rare for someone from the Southern Wilderness to travel so far to the Two Polarities Sect. As he thought this, he felt a sharp gaze upon him, and he looked up to see Ye Yu, his expression dark, having failed to receive an inheritance.
He ignored Ye Yu, chuckling inwardly. He had only interfered when Ye Yu had attempted to claim the inheritance. The other attempts, he hadn’t done anything. The girl from the Southern Wilderness had earned it through her own merit. It was to be expected. Ye Yu wasn’t the only genius in the world. He was simply one of many, his talent and destiny exceptional. Ye Yu had a chance to receive an inheritance, but so did others. But with Mu Zhi’an present, no matter how strong his destiny, he wouldn’t be able to claim Ling Long’s favor.
…
An hour passed, and the disciples were gradually teleported out of the realm. Mu Zhi’an also left with them.
Lan Mulian was waiting at the entrance, using a cloud to transport the disciples back to the sect. News of the two destiny inheritors would spread throughout the sect. And their newfound destiny would surely influence the inner disciple selections in a few days. After all, those who received Ling Long’s favor were destined for greatness. Even the peak lords would have to reconsider their choices.
Lan Mulian stood on a cloud, her back facing Mu Zhi’an, her figure alluring. She turned to look at him, her voice clear and cold. “The Third Prince reported that you cheated during the trial, disrupting the other disciples. Is this true?”
He can’t even accept defeat gracefully. He bowed respectfully. “You know me, Senior Sister. If I had cheated, I would have simply expelled Ye Yu and Gongsun Cheng.”
“And this is Senior Ling Long’s realm. How could I cheat under her watchful eye?”
She nodded silently, seemingly accepting his explanation.
“It’s a shame I didn’t receive an inheritance. I’m a bit disappointed,” he said, hoping for some consolation.
She scoffed. “If Senior Ling Long was truly seeking you, you wouldn’t have left empty-handed.”
She paused, then added, “If you did receive an inheritance, it’s wise to be discreet. There are other members of the Great Qian Dynasty’s royal family within the sect. Fighting among disciples is forbidden, but be careful. Don’t give them any ammunition.”
She was saying that the Third Prince had powerful backers, but they wouldn’t openly target him within the sect. But if they found a reason, it would be a different story.
She’s treating me like one of her own. She wouldn’t have warned him otherwise. “Thank you for the advice, Senior Sister,” he said sincerely.
She nodded.
“Where’s Master Yan?” he asked suddenly.
She had been with Lan Mulian earlier, but now she was gone. It was strange.
“Senior Brother Yi Hao invited us to enjoy some Eight Treasures Crane. She went with him.”
Seeing his confusion, she added, “Yi Hao is the peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak.”
Yi Hao. So he’s the one responsible for those brutal entrance exams. He made a mental note of the name.
“Aren’t you going, Senior Sister? I heard Eight Treasures Crane is a rare delicacy. Eating a portion can significantly boost one’s cultivation,” he asked.
She shrugged. “It’s useless for those at the peak of Core Formation. And someone has to stay here and escort you all back.”
“You’re so kind, Senior Sister.” He seized the opportunity to flatter her.
She nodded. “The matter with Senior Ling Long, while it doesn’t concern me, it’s important to you. If you’re free tomorrow, come to Two Polarities Peak early.”
It doesn’t concern her? She seems quite interested. He chuckled inwardly. “I understand. I’ll be there early tomorrow,” he replied.
They chatted for a while longer, then she suddenly looked up, her gaze fixed on something behind him. A silver-haired woman was approaching, her attire simple and elegant, her crimson eyes bright and clear, her hair tied back with a ribbon, her figure captivating, her aura gentle and charming. And in her hand she held a brightly colored crane! An Eight Treasures Crane!
Even Lan Mulian was stunned, staring at the woman, then she bowed respectfully. “Senior.”
“Senior Lin Ling,” Mu Zhi’an also said, bowing.
He looked at her, his brow furrowing. “Where’s Lingxuan?”
She pointed towards the Celestial Realm.
“She’s still inside?” he asked.
Lin Ling nodded.
“Senior, what are you going to do with that crane?” Lan Mulian asked hesitantly.
“Aaaa?” Lin Ling tilted her head, her expression innocent, as if to say: I don’t understand.
Lan Mulian smiled faintly. “I understand. If you’re interested in Eight Treasures Crane, I’ll explain everything to the peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak.”
Ling Long, to suppress her karmic fire, often secluded herself. It was rare for her to venture out. If she wanted a crane, it was understandable. The peak lord wouldn’t mind. Even a precious crane was nothing compared to Ling Long.
After chatting for a while longer, Mu Zhi’an said his goodbyes and left with Wei Mengrou. He stood on the flying sword, maintaining a safe distance from Wei Mengrou, as if to show he wasn’t tempted by her charms.
Lan Mulian watched them go, her expression unchanged. But as she looked away, she noticed that Lin Ling was gone. A few white feathers drifted down from the sky. Normally, flocks of Eight Treasures Cranes would be flying overhead at this hour, but today there were none. She frowned, confused.
Then she turned to look towards Mu Zhi’an, a strange foreboding settling in her heart.
