NOVPUBMu Zhi’an waited patiently for the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, sipping his tea leisurely as he studied Wei Mengrou, his gaze lingering on her beautiful, aloof face.
Many men claimed to be obsessed with appearances, feet, or older women, but it all boiled down to one thing: they were simply lecherous.
He couldn’t say definitively whether Wei Mengrou or Bai Ruoxi was more beautiful. They each possessed unique charms.
His maid was cold and distant, and she knew him inside and out, even his darkest secrets. Conquering her would be a challenge, and her constant glares of disdain and disapproval only fueled his desire.
He knew she was aloof and elegant, yet he couldn’t resist the urge to possess her, to control her, to witness her humiliation and her shy surrender.
Bai Ruoxi had also been an unapproachable goddess, initially disgusted by him, which made him wonder how she would react once she fell for him.
As it turned out, a woman becoming gentle and devoted in love was truly a wonderful sight.
He continued to study Wei Mengrou, and she, sensing his gaze, glared at him. “What are you looking at?”
“You,” he replied simply.
“Why?”
“Your aura has grown stronger. Are you about to reach the Eighth Stage of Core Formation?”
She nodded curtly, and he sighed, impressed. “Your talent is truly remarkable. How do you do it?”
Even Bai Ruoxi could barely keep up with her, and that was with the boost from the Heavenly Dao Aura… Her cultivation speed was astounding.
“If you focused on your cultivation instead of chasing women, you could achieve the same,” she replied calmly, her long, fair legs, clad in delicate embroidered shoes, peeking out from beneath her skirt.
“I could never achieve your level, even if I dedicated myself fully to cultivation,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
He was aware of his limitations. Talent was innate, and even with external assistance, he could only surpass ordinary disciples. He couldn’t compare to prodigies like Wei Mengrou.
“By the way, I recently discovered a fascinating garment. Would you be interested in trying it on sometime, Mengrou?” he asked, baiting her.
“No,” she replied coldly, not taking the bait.
“It’s for your own good. You should try it sometime,” he insisted.
She ignored him, knowing he had ulterior motives.
She glanced at the woman approaching gracefully along the garden path, then turned back to him. “The Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool wouldn’t visit you without reason. Don’t let your lust cloud your judgment.”
She then turned and left, her figure shimmering like a heat haze before vanishing.
He stared at her retreating figure, his expression turning serious.
It seems convincing Mengrou to wear black and white silk stockings will be quite a challenge…
A long and arduous journey awaits… He pushed those thoughts aside and turned to face the approaching Holy Maiden.
She also noticed him, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Apologies for the intrusion, Young Master Mu,” she said, her voice soft and melodious.
Her hair was styled simply, adorned with a golden hairpin with delicate pearl tassels that swayed gently as she walked.
However, what truly captivated his attention was her sheer dress.
It shimmered with a faint silver light, hinting at the milky white skin beneath.
Unfortunately, whether due to her physique or the dress itself, he couldn’t clearly discern her figure.
However, her aura alone suggested she was a breathtaking beauty.
He smiled shyly. “You’re too kind, Fairy. Please, have a seat.”
He gestured for her to sit, then prepared some tea.
“Your gift to Senior Sister Lan today was quite surprising. Even as I was leaving, the disciples were still discussing it. Your sincerity must have touched her deeply,” she remarked, her smile gentle.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Senior Sister has been kind to me, so I simply wanted to do something nice for her.”
“It wasn’t just the Seed of Dao Realization. Even those seemingly simple Osmanthus Cakes conveyed your sincerity. I’m impressed,” she said, her gaze lingering on him.
She couldn’t understand his appeal.
He was undeniably handsome, but Senior Sister Lan, with her pride and aloofness, wouldn’t be swayed by mere looks.
As for talent… he was considered a prodigy, having reached the Core Formation Realm at his age.
However, Lan Mulian was the Sect Master’s personal disciple, and the Holy Maiden knew her well.
She wouldn’t be attracted to mere talent or looks.
She had been puzzled by his charm until today, witnessing his generosity and his sincere gesture of traveling a great distance for pastries.
“Senior Sister was once an examiner and resided in Tianxuan City for a while. I promised to treat her to the best Osmanthus Cakes in the city, but I never had the opportunity,” he explained.
“So I took this chance to fulfill my promise.”
She smiled. “You’ve piqued my curiosity, Young Master Mu.”
He smiled, but offered no further explanation.
Though her aura was captivating, tempting him to… explore further…
He refrained from offering to buy her pastries.
She clearly considered herself superior, looking down on him.
It wasn’t that she was arrogant. Having grown up in the Jade Pool Sacred Land, surrounded by admiration, her speech and demeanor naturally carried a hint of pride.
Offering to buy her pastries would only solidify their unequal status, painting him as a “simp.”
He changed the subject. “You must have an important reason for seeking me out, Fairy.”
She nodded. “You’re perceptive, Young Master Mu. I do have a question for you.”
“Ask away,” he replied.
She took a sip of her tea, her lips glistening. “Seeds of Dao Realization are treasures that only Dao Integration or Soul Transformation cultivators can obtain. It seems you’ve encountered a great opportunity within the sect,” she said, her smile laced with anticipation.
He pondered her words for a moment. “I did encounter an opportunity within the sect. It’s a long story.”
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity, and she almost leaned forward, but she caught herself.
She maintained her composure, waiting for him to elaborate.
However, he fell silent.
She opened her mouth to ask, then stopped, feeling a surge of frustration, like a reader interrupted at a crucial moment in a story.
She suppressed her urge to question him as he retrieved a brown paper bag from his storage ring and placed it on the table.
“What’s this…?” she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“I bought some extra snacks while I was in Tianxuan City. Feel free to try them, Fairy,” he replied.
She was surprised. He had brought back more pastries?
Core Formation cultivators didn’t need to eat. Consuming snacks was purely for enjoyment.
He certainly knows how to indulge himself.
She was about to speak when a beautiful melody filled the air, echoing from within the residence.
“Aaaaaa~”
The song was mournful and captivating, its melody stirring the heart.
It seems Sister Lin Ling smelled the food… He chuckled, turning to the Holy Maiden. “Apologies, Fairy. I need to excuse myself for a moment.”
“Don’t worry,” she replied with a smile.
He fed Ling Long, then returned to the courtyard. “There are others cultivating within the residence. It’s not a good place for a conversation. Why don’t we take a walk and chat?” he suggested, smiling at the Holy Maiden.
Bai Ruoxi was meditating, and Ling Long’s singing would likely wake her up. It would be awkward if she saw them together. Though he had no romantic interest in the Holy Maiden, it was better to avoid misunderstandings.
“Alright,” she replied, her smile bright and cheerful.
Outside, a serene lake shimmered under the sunlight, its shores adorned with lush green vines, stone benches scattered along the path.
They strolled along the lakeshore, discussing cultivation matters. The Holy Maiden was particularly interested in Lan Mulian and asked about her time in Tianxuan City.
“By the way, Fairy, is the Nirvana Silk you gifted to Senior Sister the same material as your dress?” he asked casually.
She nodded. “Nirvana Silk is a product of the Jade Pool Sacred Land. It offers protection against mental attacks. This dress is made of Nirvana Silk.”
“Do you have any more…? I’m interested in acquiring some,” he asked.
She chuckled. “Nirvana Silk is quite rare, even within the Jade Pool. We don’t usually sell it.”
With the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s wealth and power, they had no need to sell such a precious material.
“However, since you’re a friend of Senior Sister Lan, I can offer you some scraps.”
I’ll be able to make the stockings… He smiled. “Thank you, Fairy—”
“Fairy Yao Yue, I’m also interested in Nirvana Silk. Would you be willing to sell me some?”
A voice interrupted him, and he turned to see a young man in luxurious attire approaching.
“Brother Zhou Hao, you don’t reside in the Jade Glass Palace, do you? What brings you here?” he asked, his voice as warm and friendly as if they were old friends.
Zhou Hao scoffed, ignoring him, his gaze fixed on the Holy Maiden. “Fairy Yao Yue, I’m quite interested in Nirvana Silk. Would you be willing to part with some?”
She smiled, her gaze lingering on the talented young man from the Forbidden Zone. Her mind raced.
From a purely practical standpoint, gifting the Nirvana Silk to a member of the Forbidden Zone would be the most beneficial course of action.
After all, befriending a prodigy from the Forbidden Zone was always a good investment.
However, she was also reluctant to refuse Mu Zhi’an, considering his polite demeanor and his connection to Lan Mulian.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhou Hao retrieved a shimmering gem from his storage ring.
“An Aurora Crystal?” she asked, her eyes widening slightly.
Aurora Crystals were unique to the Forbidden Zone. They held a similar value to gold in the mortal world, but they could be embedded in clothing to enhance the flow of spiritual energy.
The effect was minimal, but their beauty was undeniable. Even the Holy Maiden was captivated.
Exchanging an Aurora Crystal for Nirvana Silk… that was acceptable… She pondered his offer.
Zhou Hao glanced at Mu Zhi’an, a smug smile gracing his lips.
This was the difference between the Forbidden Zone and ordinary families. His starting point was a destination Mu Zhi’an could never reach, even in a lifetime.
He had been born and raised in the Forbidden Zone, the beloved grandson of the Fourth Elder. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Most other members of his clan couldn’t even produce such a gem.
“Young Master Mu, if you’re smart, you’ll stay away from Lingxuan. Consider this Nirvana Silk a parting gift,” he transmitted his voice.
“This Aurora Crystal might be a rare treasure to you, but I can produce ten more. I’ve even consumed Rebirth Water before,” he added coldly.
His words were meant to instill a sense of inferiority, to make Mu Zhi’an back down.
Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then replied, “But I can’t bear to.”
Zhou Hao frowned, confused.
“Your young mistress’s lips are incredibly soft. I can’t bring myself to leave her.”
Zhou Hao’s eyes narrowed, his aura flaring as his cultivation vessel wavered, his spiritual energy surging uncontrollably. He recalled his younger brother’s expulsion from the sect, the humiliation Mu Zhi’an had inflicted upon him, and he forced himself to calm down.
Mu Zhi’an gave him a thumbs-up, his smile warm and friendly.
He then turned to the Holy Maiden, transmitting his voice. “Your suspicion is correct, Fairy.”
“I obtained the Seed of Dao Realization from the Pilgrimage Palace.”
She raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden confession.
Then, his voice echoed in her mind once more.
“I know about the Jade Empress.”
A leaf drifted onto the lake, creating ripples.
Silence fell upon them.
The Holy Maiden stared at him, her voice trembling slightly.
“Is that true, Young Master Mu?”
