NOVPUBT/N: “Lin Long” and “Lin Ling” refer to the same person as I said in previous chapters. The chinese characters “Ling Long” is sometimes used as a name or sometimes as a title, meaning “Spirit Dragon”
That afternoon, Mu Zhi’an soaked in a bath infused with the Qi Gathering Pills gifted by Yu Ziyan, absorbing the purified spiritual energy from Bai Ruoxi’s Heavenly Dao Aura.
Normally, even purified spiritual energy required time to be fully absorbed by his Innate Celestial Vessel.
However, the Qi Gathering Pills accelerated the process.
It was clear that the Peak Master of Dao Peak intended to nurture him into a plump, juicy cabbage, ripe for the picking.
Of course, Yu Ziyan was unaware that Mu Zhi’an had already distributed thirty of those precious pills to the women around him…
He wasn’t in a hurry to advance to the Core Formation Realm himself.
After all… reaching that stage would only make him an even more desirable target for dual cultivation.
It was better to milk the situation for all it was worth while he was still at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
The pills refined by these Peak Masters were priceless, even with Spirit Stones.
Some recipes were incredibly rare, while others required scarce ingredients.
Qi Gathering Pills, in particular, were practically nonexistent on the market. Only Peak Masters with vast resources could afford to part with them.
It’s a shame Ruoxi is so easily flustered… He sighed inwardly.
He had hoped to enjoy some playful splashing in the bath with Bai Ruoxi, but her upbringing and her inherent shyness wouldn’t allow it. She had firmly rejected his advances.
But it didn’t matter. There was plenty of time. She might not be receptive now, but she would come around eventually.
After meditating for nearly three hours, he opened his eyes, exhaling softly.
Seventh Stage Foundation Establishment!
His cultivation speed was astounding, surpassing even the most gifted geniuses.
Of course, he hadn’t actually reached the Seventh Stage in a single afternoon. He had simply consumed the Stage Advancement Pill gifted by Senior Sister.
He changed into a luxurious robe and left his room, enjoying a cup of hot tea in the side hall.
Soon, Bai Ruoxi emerged, clad in a white dress embroidered with lotuses. Her face was flushed from her bath, her eyes sparkling like stars. A delicate fragrance clung to her, a mixture of floral scents and her own natural aroma.
The sight of her, her usually aloof demeanor softened by the warmth of the bath, was captivating.
Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but stare, marveling at her beauty. Even without makeup, she was flawless.
And so very… ample.
He had enjoyed her aloof, goddess-like persona, but her constant formality had made her somewhat unapproachable. This softer, more approachable version of her was… perfect.
“Come have some tea,” he said, beckoning her over.
She nodded gracefully, taking a seat beside him. “My dear, that paper you gave me… is it a talisman?” she asked, retrieving the paper from her sleeve.
It was the size of a typical talisman, with a strange drawing of a two-horned creature that vaguely resembled a dragon. The drawing was so abstract that one wouldn’t recognize it as a dragon without close inspection.
He nodded. “It should be. Senior Ling Long said it would mask the Heavenly Dao Aura, so I trust her judgment.”
She took a sip of her tea, her eyes flickering with concern. “Did something happen while you were out?”
Ruoxi is getting better at reading me. This is good. She’ll be a valuable asset… He smiled inwardly. “The founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak is a demonic cultivator sent by the Demon Realm Empress.”
“And she seems to be connected to the black-robed figure from Tianxuan City.”
He recalled the red-dressed beauty he had encountered in the cave dwelling, Yi Hao’s Master.
How had Ying Guhuan discovered his dual Cultivation Vessel constitution?
She must have examined him somehow.
As for her motive… he couldn’t be sure.
Was she simply curious, or was she looking for the Heavenly Dao Aura?
Regardless, it was better to be safe than sorry.
“The Demon Realm Empress…” She repeated the name softly, her expression growing serious.
“Should we inform the Sect Master or the elders?”
He shook his head. “She wouldn’t have revealed her true identity so blatantly if she wasn’t confident in her ability to cover her tracks.”
“Besides, the Sect Master might already be aware.”
His conversation with Shang Yanfei had made it clear that she knew about his role as a double agent.
Perhaps the Sect Master knew everything but chose to remain silent.
He didn’t know the reason, but she was likely aware of the presence of spies within the sect.
“Does the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak desire the Heavenly Dao Aura?” Bai Ruoxi wondered aloud, her brow furrowed with worry.
He sensed her concern and chuckled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Yi Hao said his Master rarely leaves the back mountain. I asked Senior Lin Long for help just in case.”
“So the chances of her discovering it are slim…” She met his gaze. “Then why were you so eager to seek out Senior Ling Long?”
“This is the Two Polarities Sect. No one would dare harm you here. But once the Heavenly Dao Aura is exposed, you might attract unwanted attention.” He paused, then added playfully, “Besides, you’re quite desirable yourself.”
She blushed, swatting his arm playfully. “Be serious.”
Her playful glare is almost as good as Mengrou’s… He narrowed his eyes, enjoying the sight.
“The chances of someone detecting the Heavenly Dao Aura are slim, but what if someone reports you?”
A casual glance wouldn’t reveal the presence of the Heavenly Dao Aura within her.
However, he couldn’t be sure if there were pills or secret techniques that could detect it.
He had sought out Lin Ling’s help as a precaution.
“Who would report me?” she asked, confused.
He twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers, his gaze traveling from her delicate neck to her beautiful face. “Whoever lost the Heavenly Dao Aura, of course,” he said with a smile.
“…Ye Yu?” Disgust flickered in her eyes at the mention of his name.
“He shouldn’t know it’s with me… Otherwise, he would have reported me already.”
“Your cultivation speed is too fast, Ruoxi.”
He studied her, his gaze lingering on her delicate features. “After last night, your Cultivation Vessel received another boost of spiritual energy. You might advance another stage within the next few days.”
“Once or twice wouldn’t raise any eyebrows, but if you continue to advance at this rate, others might start to suspect something. Especially Ye Yu, who originally possessed the Heavenly Dao Aura.”
After all, it was the Heavenly Dao Aura that had fueled Ye Yu’s monstrous cultivation speed.
However, even after losing the Heavenly Dao Aura, Ye Yu’s cultivation hadn’t slowed down significantly… Damn that lucky bastard.
The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the room. Mu Zhi’an lit the candles on the table.
The flickering flames illuminated her face, casting a warm glow on her delicate features.
“My cultivation speed isn’t solely due to the Heavenly Dao Aura,” she said, frowning slightly.
Her rapid progress was a combination of the Heavenly Dao Aura, her natural talent, and his nightly efforts.
“I hate Ye Yu,” she muttered.
He was always causing trouble. He had already tried to sabotage them several times back in Tianxuan City.
Mu Zhi’an reached for her hand, and she didn’t resist. She lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
“Don’t worry. With the talisman Sister Lin gave you, even if someone tries to expose you, they won’t succeed. No pill or secret technique can penetrate its concealment,” he reassured her.
“Just focus on your cultivation. Once you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, we can go wherever we please. We’ll be like Mundo.”
She looked up at him, confused. “Who’s Mundo…?”
“Don’t worry about it,” he chuckled.
“You’re so good to me, my dear,” she said softly, her anxieties melting away under his gentle touch.
She had once wished he would leave her alone, but now, she couldn’t bear to be apart from him.
Women are such strange creatures.
“By the way, you gave me all the pills. What if Lingxuan finds out and gets upset? What should we do?” she asked, her brow furrowing with worry.
Don’t worry. I gave her the same pills…
“It’s fine,” he said, shaking his head.
“Lingxuan is still young and at a low stage of Foundation Establishment. Perhaps… I should give her some pills as well? She’s your sister, so I consider her my sister too,” she said, her eyes shining with sincerity.
“These pills are expensive, Ruoxi. Are you sure?” he asked, trying to dissuade her.
“It’s not about the cost. I care about Lingxuan. I want to do something nice for her,” she insisted, her expression earnest.
Are you sure you’re not trying to provoke her by showing up at her doorstep with gifts…? He squeezed her hand gently. “I’ll give her some of the pills I get from Master Yan in a few days. Keep these for yourself.”
“Master Yan?” she asked, her eyes widening slightly.
“Will she give you pills?”
“Of course,” he chuckled.
“I am her disciple, after all.”
If word of Dao Peak’s generosity reached Yan Ruyu, she wouldn’t stand idly by.
“But why would the Peak Master of Dao Peak give you pills?” Bai Ruoxi wondered aloud.
“Perhaps because I brought her two valuable disciples?”
He took a sip of his tea, skillfully dodging the dangerous topic. “You smell lovely today, Ruoxi,” he said, changing the subject.
“Did you do this for me?”
She blushed, swatting his arm playfully. “Stop teasing me.”
She sensed the desire in his eyes. “Is it okay to… every night? Won’t it affect your cultivation?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t underestimate my stamina, Ruoxi.”
Besides, he had the Essence Replenishing Pills from the Second Elder of Dao Peak.
He had been captivated by her since she had emerged from her bath, her beauty enhanced by her soft, approachable demeanor.
The thought of seeing her usually aloof facade crumble in his arms… it was exhilarating.
He moved closer, his arm encircling her waist. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers.
“Wait… let’s go to the bedroom…” she murmured, pushing him away halfheartedly.
“It’s fine. We’re alone,” he whispered, his gaze intense.
“But this is the side hall… Mmm…”
She tried to protest, but her words were swallowed by his kiss. Her body melted against his, her resistance fading.
…
The next morning.
Book Pavilion.
Yan Ruyu, her figure voluptuous and alluring, sat in the side hall, reading the reports from her spies.
She exuded an aura of intelligence and maturity, her beauty enhanced by her years of experience.
Her eyes flickered as she read the report, her expression unreadable. After a long silence, she tossed the paper into a nearby brazier, watching as it turned to ash.
“My Senior Sister gave Mu Zhi’an pills…?” she muttered to herself.
Thirty Fifth-Grade pills, no less?
Those were valuable resources. Even the Peak Master of Dao Peak wouldn’t be so generous.
At least not to that extent.
Mu Zhi’an was her disciple. Why would Yu Ziyan help train him?
“There’s something fishy about this…” She tapped her finger on the armrest, lost in thought. After a moment, she looked up at the spy standing beside her.
“Go to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and summon Mu Zhi’an.”
…
Mu Zhi’an, invigorated after a night of cultivation and a dose of Essence Replenishing Pills, was enjoying his morning tea when a yellow-dressed maid appeared.
“Good morning, Mengrou,” he greeted her cheerfully.
“How were the Qi Gathering Pills?”
She shot him a cold look, ignoring his question. “There’s a disciple at the gate. Master Yan requests your presence at the Book Pavilion.”
“She finally made her move,” he chuckled, setting down his teacup and stretching languidly.
He straightened his robes and turned to Wei Mengrou. “Please inform Ruoxi that I’ve been summoned.”
She nodded, watching as he left the hall. Her eyes lingered on his empty seat, her mind replaying certain… compromising scenes she had accidentally witnessed last night. A delicate blush crept up her cheeks.
A quarter of an hour later, Bai Ruoxi emerged from her room, clad in a white dress, her beauty enhanced by her elegant attire.
“Good morning, Mengrou,” she greeted the maid softly.
Noticing her searching gaze, Wei Mengrou explained, “Master Yan summoned him.”
“Oh…” Her eyes flickered with a strange emotion. “That’s convenient.”
She turned to leave.
“Where are you going?” Wei Mengrou called after her.
She paused. “Lingxuan must be lonely all by herself. I thought I’d bring her some of the pills Mu Zhi’an gave me yesterday.”
Wei Mengrou stared at her, stunned.
“Is something the matter, Mengrou?” she asked, her beautiful eyes sparkling innocently.
Wei Mengrou snapped out of her daze, a knowing smile gracing her lips.
“Nothing at all. Go ahead.”
************
