NOVPUBThere were many types of constitutions in the cultivation world, and the Innate Celestial Vessel was one of the rarest.
In fact, Mu Zhi’an might be the only one in the entire Nine Realms.
It was no wonder the Peak Masters were so interested in him once they discovered his secret.
The Peak Master of Dao Peak, usually aloof and distant, rarely granted audiences even to her inner disciples. Yet, recently, she had been interacting with Mu Zhi’an frequently.
She justified her actions as a Peak Master’s concern for a disciple’s well-being, hoping to nurture the “little cabbage” and help him reach the Core Formation Realm… At least, that’s what she told herself.
Yu Ziyan sat at the pavilion, her voluptuous figure concealed by her loose black robe, sipping tea as she watched the scene unfold by the pond.
Mu Zhi’an was chatting with Lan Mulian, who had just arrived.
Yu Xuanji, the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets, sat across from her, her long, slender legs crossed elegantly. She twirled her teacup between her fingers, a playful smile gracing her lips. “This young master from the Mu Family is quite charming. I’ve never seen anyone so close to Junior Sister Lan,” she remarked.
“Though he’s only at the Foundation Establishment Realm, his manners and social skills are far superior to most disciples. It’s no wonder he’s caught Junior Sister Lan’s attention,” Yu Ziyan replied with a smile.
Most of the newly accepted disciples, apart from a few rogue cultivators, came from wealthy and influential families. They were accustomed to being pampered and having their every whim catered to.
However, within the Two Polarities Sect, everyone was equal. There were no servants to cater to their every need, so many struggled to adapt.
Mu Zhi’an, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. He had likely honed his social skills through frequent interactions with others back in Tianxuan City. It was no wonder he had caught Lan Mulian’s eye.
“Perhaps she’s also aware of the secret within his vessel,” Yu Xuanji said, her gaze lingering on Mu Zhi’an.
She glanced at her Senior Sister, who usually maintained an unapproachable “goddess” persona in front of her disciples. “You two are quite cunning. You’ve known about his secret all along, haven’t you? You’re simply keeping it to yourselves so you can enjoy his Innate Celestial Vessel all to yourselves.”
Yu Ziyan shook her head. “I only learned of it recently. Initially, I simply wanted to help him progress faster, considering he’s my Junior Sister’s disciple.”
“With his talent, he shouldn’t be stuck at the Eighth Stage of Foundation Establishment.”
Yu Xuanji chuckled, her gaze fixed on her serious-faced Senior Sister.
Sure, sure… you just want him to reach the Core Formation Realm so you can use him for your own cultivation…
Of course, she wouldn’t voice her thoughts.
It would only invite a retort.
Yu Ziyan had come to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony to deliver pills, hoping to encourage Mu Zhi’an to focus on his cultivation and reach the Core Formation Realm quickly.
And she wasn’t the only one.
Yu Xuanji turned her attention to Lan Mulian, who was chatting with Mu Zhi’an by the pond. “Junior Sister Lan could also take on a disciple once she reaches the Nascent Soul Realm,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief.
“Considering their close relationship, perhaps she’ll take Mu Zhi’an as her disciple.”
“Junior Sister Lan only cares about cultivation. She wouldn’t bother taking on a disciple,” Yu Ziyan replied, shaking her head.
“Besides, my Junior Sister wouldn’t let Mu Zhi’an leave the Book Pavilion… He doesn’t seem like the type to betray his Master.”
A pang of regret stabbed at her heart.
During the inner disciple selection, they had all focused on recruiting the most talented prodigies. However, Yan Ruyu had gone against the grain, choosing Mu Zhi’an without hesitation.
She had been puzzled by her Junior Sister’s decision, even wondering if she had lost her mind.
Now, it seemed she had been too slow to react.
If Mu Zhi’an was a disciple of Dao Peak, she could at least… experiment a little…
“We should have fought harder for him that day,” Yu Xuanji sighed, echoing Yu Ziyan’s thoughts.
Yan Ruyu had never taken on a personal disciple before, yet she had been the first among the Peak Masters to do so that day. It had been strange.
They had assumed she was simply interested in his connection to Ling Long, so they hadn’t questioned her decision.
Now, it seemed they had missed a golden opportunity…
No matter how much “kindness” they showered upon him now, it wouldn’t compare to the favor Yan Ruyu had earned by choosing him without hesitation.
Her actions that day must have left a deep impression on him.
Both Yu Xuanji and Yu Ziyan sighed inwardly.
If Mu Zhi’an reached the Core Formation Realm, Yan Ruyu would be his mentor and his benefactor.
Judging by the admiration in his eyes when he had mentioned her earlier, he clearly adored her.
Once the “cabbage” ripened, Yan Ruyu could simply summon him to her residence, sit back, cross her legs, and beckon him with her finger. He would be putty in her hands.
And as a disciple of the Book Pavilion, the other Peak Masters couldn’t easily summon him to their Dongtians.
They would have to wait until Yan Ruyu was finished with him before they could have a taste.
As they pondered this frustrating situation, Mu Zhi’an and Lan Mulian approached the pavilion.
“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Peak Masters,” Mu Zhi’an said, bowing respectfully.
“There’s no need for formalities. Please, sit,” Yu Ziyan said, her smile warm and welcoming.
She poured them each a cup of tea, then glanced at Lan Mulian.
“It’s rare to see you leave Two Polarities Peak, Junior Sister Lan. What brings you here today?” she asked with a smile.
Though Lan Mulian was only at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, as the Sect Master’s disciple, her status was comparable to that of a Peak Master.
All the disciples, regardless of their peak or affiliation, knew of her status and her reclusive nature.
As Mu Zhi’an had accurately assessed, she was a homebody.
So her presence at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony was… intriguing.
Was it because of Ling Long?
Or… because of Mu Zhi’an?
Lan Mulian removed her veil, revealing her breathtaking beauty. “I’ve reached the peak of the Core Formation Realm. Further cultivation won’t yield any results. I thought I’d take a break from my secluded training and perhaps gain some new insights,” she explained with a smile.
The Nascent Soul Realm was known as the “realm of earthly immortals” because cultivators at that level were incredibly rare.
While the Two Polarities Sect had numerous Nascent Soul cultivators, it didn’t mean they were common throughout the Nine Realms.
A Nascent Soul cultivator could dominate any region in the Nine Realms, their power unmatched.
They were treated as honored guests by powerful families, showered with gifts and favors.
Some families even offered pills and beautiful women to entice wandering Nascent Soul cultivators to stay within their territory, even for a short period.
A Nascent Soul cultivator’s presence brought immense benefits.
“You’re right. A change of scenery might spark new insights. Perhaps you’ll even reach the Nascent Soul Realm soon,” Yu Ziyan said, nodding in agreement.
Lan Mulian took a sip of her tea and looked at the two Peak Masters. “What brings you two here?” she asked with a smile.
Yu Ziyan’s two disciples were the Ye sisters, while Yu Xuanji had accepted Lan Feiying and Luo Yuan as her inner disciples.
They had no reason to visit the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Yet, here they were, bearing gifts of pills meant for Foundation Establishment cultivators.
It was obvious the pills were intended for Mu Zhi’an.
“Ye Lingxuan chose Dao Peak thanks to Young Master Mu’s influence. This is a small token of our appreciation,” Yu Ziyan explained, offering a plausible excuse.
“My disciple, Luo Yuan, had a minor conflict with Young Master Mu recently. I came to see what transpired and to pay my respects to Senior Ling Long,” Yu Xuanji added, offering her own excuse.
They didn’t want anyone else to know about his Innate Celestial Vessel. They already had their hands full. Adding two or three more competitors would only complicate matters.
Of course, they were unaware that Lan Mulian had known about his constitution since their time in Tianxuan City.
She studied them, her eyes flickering with suspicion.
She didn’t believe their excuses.
However, she didn’t press the issue. She simply took another sip of her tea.
If they didn’t want to tell her, there was no point in asking.
The two Peak Masters hadn’t intended to stay long, and with Lan Mulian’s arrival, they chatted with Mu Zhi’an for a while longer before departing.
Lan Mulian watched them leave, her gaze thoughtful.
Their excuses were too flimsy.
Two high-ranking Peak Masters wouldn’t lower themselves to visit a disciple’s residence simply to deliver pills.
She turned her attention to Mu Zhi’an, her usually cold demeanor softening slightly. “Did you consume the Stage Advancement Pill?” she asked.
“Thanks to you, Senior Sister, I advanced a stage immediately. I’m one step closer to the Core Formation Realm,” he replied sincerely.
She nodded. “You should start thinking about your Core Formation Dao now, so you don’t get stuck at the peak of Foundation Establishment for too long.”
He nodded, taking her advice to heart.
“You’ve been at the peak of the Core Formation Realm for a while now, Senior Sister. Are you facing any difficulties?” he asked.
She had already been at the peak of the Core Formation Realm when they had met in Tianxuan City.
“Not really. I’m simply strengthening my foundation,” she replied.
“I should reach the Nascent Soul Realm within six months.”
“Then you’ll be able to take on a disciple, right?” he asked tentatively.
She glanced at him, her voice flat. “I could, but I wouldn’t take on a philandering disciple.”
I wasn’t planning on becoming your disciple… He stared at her, her cold gaze making him feel strangely guilty. “You misunderstand me, Senior Sister. I’m a very devoted person, and I always keep my promises.”
She raised an eyebrow, a faint smile gracing her lips. “If I recall correctly, you promised to bring me different flavors of Osmanthus Cake. What happened to that promise?”
Did I…? I don’t remember… “If you’d like some, Senior Sister, I can buy them for you tomorrow.”
It would take three to four hours to fly from the Two Polarities Sect to Tianxuan City. He could even shorten the journey if he pushed himself.
It would be tiring, but it was a small price to pay to pursue a goddess like her.
“No need. Focus on your cultivation,” she said.
“Once you reach the Core Formation Realm, traveling to Tianxuan City will be much easier.”
She stood up. “The matter of the Heavenly Dao Aura is out in the open now. No one within the sect will harm you. However, be careful when you leave the sect. Such a treasure will undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.”
“Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister,” he said, bowing respectfully.
He glanced at her beautiful face, then added, “I’ll walk you out, Senior Sister.”
They left the Garden of Heavenly Harmony together.
…
A commotion had erupted in the plaza, the cause being the arrival of two Peak Masters, followed by the elegant and aloof Lan Mulian.
The Peak Masters had already departed, but Lan Mulian remained within the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
The disciples, especially the male disciples, harbored secret admiration for her. However, her unattainable status and her cold demeanor kept them from acting on their desires.
They were content with simply admiring her from afar.
However, her visit to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony shattered their hopes.
The only male resident was Mu Zhi’an. If she was visiting a female disciple, it would be one thing. But if she was visiting him… it was infuriating.
He already had the beautiful Bai Ruoxi, a seductive maid, and two adorable sisters… and he still wasn’t satisfied? He was even targeting their Senior Sister!
Even his friendly demeanor couldn’t mask their envy.
“They’re coming out!”
The disciples, who had been lingering by the lakeshore, waiting for Lan Mulian to leave, perked up.
They pretended to be chatting idly, but they were all curious about what had transpired within the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Their eyes widened as they saw Mu Zhi’an walking side-by-side with the beautiful woman in the white dress, their hearts burning with jealousy.
Ye Yu stared at them, his disbelief turning to anger.
He had suspected a connection between Mu Zhi’an and Lan Mulian, but seeing them together confirmed his suspicions.
He had assumed that a woman as intelligent as Lan Mulian would distance herself from Mu Zhi’an once she learned of his philandering ways.
And she had… at least, he hadn’t seen them interact since arriving at the sect.
But today, they were walking together!
And…
Three Peak Masters had visited, two of them personally…
He had initially believed that the Peak Master who visited Mu Zhi’an today was the demonic cultivator.
But now… who was it?
He still couldn’t figure it out.
He glared at Lan Mulian’s retreating figure, his jealousy intensifying as he saw Mu Zhi’an’s hand “accidentally” brush against hers. He didn’t even notice the female disciple beside him glaring at him.
She might not be as beautiful as Senior Sister Lan, but Ye Yu hadn’t even looked at her since Lan Mulian had appeared. It was a major turn-off.
…
As they left the Jade Glass Palace, Mu Zhi’an turned to Lan Mulian. “Remember to write back, Senior Sister,” he said.
She nodded curtly, her expression unchanged.
She summoned a cloud beneath her feet and soared away.
He watched her disappear into the distance, then turned and re-entered the Jade Glass Palace. He ignored the curious gazes of the disciples, bowing politely before returning to his residence.
Back in Tianxuan City, he had realized that Ye Yu was nothing more than a lucky “nouveau riche” with the blessings of destiny. He wasn’t a true protagonist.
Therefore, he no longer bothered with him, focusing instead on nurturing the “fish” in his pond.
After all, they were the true protagonists!
He wondered why the pink heart-shaped frame on his interface still hadn’t displayed any text.
But he assumed it would appear once the “fish” had matured.
There was no rush.
He returned to his room, retrieved his Second-Rank formation book, and immersed himself in its complexities.
Though it was a tedious task, neglecting such a valuable formation would be a waste.
Time passed uneventfully.
Four months flew by.
Mu Zhi’an had meticulously planned his schedule.
His nights were dedicated to the “arduous” task of dual cultivation with Bai Ruoxi.
He spent his afternoons cultivating his relationships with Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian.
And his evenings were filled with exchanging letters with the Sect Master and Lan Mulian.
His time management was impeccable. He wouldn’t neglect a single “fish.”
After four months, he had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm!
He was only a step away from the Core Formation Realm.
One afternoon, as he was teasing Ye Lingxuan, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, he felt a faint tremor beneath his feet.
She looked up at him, her eyes hazy with desire. “What was that…?”
Another tremor shook the ground.
“Let’s go see,” he said.
He left the room and was greeted by the sight of a slender figure hurrying away, her skirt billowing in the wind, revealing a glimpse of her delicate white legs.
Why was Qian’er at Lingxuan’s door…? Wasn’t she meditating just now?
He frowned, then his gaze shifted towards the Pilgrimage Palace.
A feeling of unease washed over him as he opened his personal interface. He glanced at his various titles.
The words “Friend of the Antagonists” glowed with an ominous black light.
The title’s effect had activated.
