NOVPUBChapter 115: I Will Stand Tall and Still Be a Kept Man!
The Third Prince watched, his eyes widening in disbelief as Lan Mulian led Mu Zhi’an away. He had learned about her before joining the sect. As the sect master’s only disciple, her position within the Two Polarities Sect was unique. A wastrel, involved with Bai Ruoxi, the Ye sisters, and even Senior Sister Lan?
He stared after them, his anger simmering, until they disappeared from view. But it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t have to see Mu Zhi’an for much longer. They had both entered the sect through connections. But so what? The difference between an inner disciple and an outer disciple was vast. Mu Zhi’an might have entered the sect through connections, but he couldn’t become an inner disciple that way. The Mu family’s influence didn’t extend into the Two Polarities Sect. But the Great Qian Dynasty’s did. He could become an inner disciple with the help of the vice peak lord.
Once he was an inner disciple, he would have countless ways to seek revenge.
For now…
He looked towards Huang Manting, surrounded by admirers, her smile radiant, and his gaze softened, a hint of infatuation in his eyes. He had realized how foolish he had been. Bai Ruoxi was beautiful, and the Ye sisters were charming, but now, his priority was this exceptional woman, the young mistress of the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce.
As he thought this, she seemed to sense his gaze, looking up at him and smiling, her allure captivating. He felt his heart skip a beat, and he walked towards her, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
…
Meanwhile…
Ye Yu stared after Mu Zhi’an, his voice a desperate whisper in his mind. “Master, are you sure?”
“Is there really something sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace?”
“I sensed something. It can’t be wrong,” the old man replied. “Focus on your cultivation. If you become an inner disciple, the gap between you and him will only widen.”
“Then, dealing with him, it will be a simple matter.”
“And once you’re an inner disciple, visit the Pilgrimage Palace. Perhaps you’ll find something valuable.”
“I understand, Master!” He felt a surge of determination, his heart filled with hope. Mu Zhi’an might be acting smug, but this was the Two Polarities Sect. Inner disciples were chosen based on talent! And talent was something Mu Zhi’an lacked. He was just a scheming, lowly scoundrel. Lingxuan and Qian’er had been deceived by him. Even his former fiancée, she had fallen under his spell. Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi would surely become inner disciples. And then… He chuckled inwardly, turning and leaving the Pilgrimage Palace with the other disciples.
…
Mu Zhi’an said goodbye to Wei Mengrou and Bai Ruoxi, then followed Lan Mulian to the back mountain of Two Polarities Peak. A pavilion stood there, its octagonal table carved from greenstone. He stood before the pavilion, Lan Mulian beside him, the sect master facing away from them, her hands clasped behind her back. Her long hair cascaded down her back, her gray robe concealing her figure, her attire simple, yet her back, it was captivating.
He tried to see her face, but it was blurred, as if shrouded in mist.
“You’ve arrived,” she said, her voice clear and melodious.
He felt a sudden urge to prostrate himself. Her voice alone, it was like the voice of a celestial being, inspiring awe and reverence. I can’t kneel! She’s just a woman, a beautiful woman. He suppressed the urge, his gaze fixed on her back. Slowly, his lustful instincts overwhelmed his reverence.
Lan Mulian discreetly left the pavilion.
Shang Yanfei turned and sat at the table, waving her hand. A teapot and two cups appeared. “Have a seat. You must be thirsty after today’s events.”
He bowed respectfully, taking a seat across from her. He glanced at her, trying to see her face, but it was still blurred. It wasn’t like a mosaic. It was as if he forgot her features the moment he saw them.
“Ask whatever you want,” she said, smiling.
He hesitated, then asked, “Did you hear a strange voice at the altar today, Sect Master?”
“I did,” she replied calmly.
“Is there something sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace’s altar?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. He paused, then added, “Do I need to know about the Pilgrimage Palace?”
“No.”
“Then forget I asked,” he said, relaxing slightly.
She sipped her tea, her voice laced with amusement. “Aren’t you curious about the voice?”
“It’s not something I can handle. And if you weren’t concerned, Sect Master, then I don’t need to worry either,” he replied.
He’s quite clever. She studied him, her eyes twinkling. “Any other questions?”
“Are you accepting any more disciples?” he asked, trying to ingratiate himself.
She shook her head. “We’re not compatible.”
Why does that sound like a rejection? He cleared his throat. “How much do you know about me, Sect Master?”
His question was deliberately vague. He wasn’t sure how much she knew, if she was even aware of the Demon Realm Empress’s mark. He hoped to extract some information. But she simply shook her head, smiling. “Your question is too vague. Be more specific.”
He hesitated, then sighed. “Forget it. I have no more questions.”
“The nine peaks will choose nine inner disciples in two days. Inner disciples receive more resources, which will benefit your cultivation.” She set down her teacup, looking at him, a smile playing on her lips. “And you’ll have access to more information.”
“If you want to join the game, this is the first step.”
He froze, his hand hovering over his teacup. Her words were a clear hint. She knew about the Demon Realm Empress. He considered his options, then spoke, his voice firm. “Sect Master, the truth is—”
She raised her finger to her lips, silencing him, her smile unwavering. “You’re an unseen player. You shouldn’t reveal yourself.” 𝔫𝖔𝔳𝔭𝔲𝔟.𝖈𝔬𝔪
He stared at her, her beauty captivating. Her words were a clear message. She knew everything, but she wouldn’t acknowledge it. She was playing dumb. Perhaps because if he admitted to meeting the Demon Realm Empress, the World Devouring Python would sense it. The two Empresses were playing a game, and he was a pawn caught between them. He was both the Demon Realm Empress’s agent and the sect master’s.
Being a double agent wasn’t easy. He sighed inwardly, then changed the subject.
“Have you received a snow lotus, Sect Master?”
“Are you referring to the one that accidentally ended up in my possession?”
She opened her hand, revealing a pristine snow lotus. It was the one he had sent through the paper crane, intended for Lan Mulian!
The sect master was truly his pen pal. Even though he had suspected it, hearing her confirmation, it was still shocking.
This shark, my pond can’t handle her yet. If I brought her in, she might devour me.
He felt a mixture of disappointment and excitement. Perhaps it was the allure of the unattainable.
They finished their tea, and he stood up to leave. Whatever was sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace, it wasn’t his concern. He couldn’t influence the grand scheme. The sect master knew what she was doing.
As for becoming an inner disciple, he wouldn’t ask for her help. He didn’t mind being a kept man, but she was too powerful. Until he had earned her affection, accepting too many favors would create an imbalance in their relationship. She might think he was only using her. And that would be unpleasant.
He paused before leaving the pavilion, turning to look at her, smiling. “I might be insignificant, Sect Master, but the words in my letters, they were all true.”
“Those letters were intended for my disciple, weren’t they?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement.
“It was just a coincidence that they ended up with me.”
He smiled, his voice soft. “Indeed. A coincidence. But perhaps, a fated one?”
…
He left the pavilion, her gaze following him, his heart light. Normally, he wouldn’t have spoken to her like that. But she had replied to his letters, her words even hinting at something more. It meant he could make a move.
Of course, he had to control the pace. If he accidentally won her over, he wouldn’t be overjoyed. He would be worried. She was a shark. She would devour anyone in her pond.
He would take it slow, one step at a time. He waited outside the pavilion, and soon, Lan Mulian arrived, riding a cloud.
“Senior Sister,” he said, greeting her.
She glanced at the empty pavilion. “What did my master ask you?”
“Things I can’t discuss yet,” he replied.
She frowned, seemingly displeased, but she didn’t press him further.
“Are you confident about the inner disciple selection?” she asked, changing the subject.
He sighed, feigning concern. “Honestly, it’s difficult.”
He had a guaranteed spot in the sect, but becoming an inner disciple, that depended on his own abilities.
“Are you accepting any more disciples, Senior Sister? I could be your disciple,” he said, chuckling.
She smiled faintly. “You’re still in the mood to joke. It seems you’re confident.”
He sighed dramatically. “I wasted too much time in the past. I can’t improve my cultivation that quickly.”
“If you weren’t confident, you wouldn’t be so relaxed,” she said, her gaze meeting his, waiting for his answer.
She knows me too well. She’s too smart. He hesitated, then continued. “Fifth-level Foundation Establishment, it’s not enough to become an inner disciple.”
“But, I’m an arts student.”
Joining one of the nine peaks and becoming an inner disciple directly, it wasn’t realistic. There were too many competitors. But there were other, neutral factions within the sect. He didn’t have to become an inner disciple through one of the peak lords.
…There was an easier way…
