NOVPUBGarden of Heavenly Harmony.
Bai Ruoxi sat gracefully at the pavilion, her aura gentle and delicate, waiting for the guest with Mu Zhi’an.
“If they’re from the Jade Pool Sacred Land, perhaps it’s another fairy,” Ye Lingxuan remarked, her gaze lingering on Bai Ruoxi’s ample bosom before she quickly looked away, feigning indifference.
“Another fairy?” Mu Zhi’an asked, intrigued. “There’s more than one?”
“Most ancient families have multiple inheritors. The Holy Maiden is simply the one who stands out, but it doesn’t mean she has no rivals,” Lingxuan explained.
“So you also have rivals, Lingxuan?”
She shook her head. “It was like that in the Forbidden Zone before, but this time is different.”
Ever since she was born, it had been decided that she would be the Holy Maiden.
After all, she was the only one with a physique that could withstand prolonged exposure to Rebirth Water. While other talented individuals in the Forbidden Zone had consumed it, none had reached her level.
While others could only handle a single sip, she had bathed in it…
“You’re truly amazing, Lingxuan,” he praised her without hesitation.
She smiled faintly, pleased, but quickly schooled her expression, maintaining her composure.
“By the way, I saw you giving Mengrou a gift earlier, Brother Mu,” she said, changing the subject.
Bai Ruoxi’s gaze shifted to him, her eyes filled with a mixture of warmth and possessiveness.
He smiled calmly. “Just a pair of stockings.”
“Made of Nirvana Silk,” he added.
“Nirvana Silk…” Their eyes widened.
They had both heard of the legendary material. To think he had gifted it away…
Wei Mengrou also looked at him, her expression unreadable.
Though she suspected he had ulterior motives, it was still a precious gift crafted from Nirvana Silk. Bai Ruoxi and Ye Lingxuan would be jealous if they knew… and yet he had told them so casually.
“Aren’t you worried about Sister Ruoxi’s jealousy?” Lingxuan asked, raising her chin proudly, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly, her voice soft. “You jest, Lingxuan. I’m not so easily jealous.”
He sighed dramatically. “I wanted to make more stockings, but I realized I didn’t have enough Nirvana Silk.”
“But that problem might be solved soon,” he added.
“You have another way to obtain Nirvana Silk?” Wei Mengrou asked, sensing his meaning. She noticed his gaze fixed on the entrance, a smile gracing his lips.
“It seems the Nirvana Silk has come to us.”
…
“So this is the Garden of Heavenly Harmony…”
Yao Xin strolled through the garden, casually assessing the layout.
Each disciple of the Two Polarities Sect had their own Dongtian residence, each uniquely designed.
Judging by the Garden of Heavenly Harmony’s layout, its owner had good taste.
However, to Yao Xin, who had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, it was merely “decent.”
She entered the residence and saw Mu Zhi’an sitting alone at a pavilion, enjoying his tea. Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi had excused themselves.
He looked up, noticing her, and smiled politely.
“I’ve heard about you from Fairy Yao Yue. You’re as handsome as she described,” she said, approaching him with a smile. Her figure was graceful, her white dress sheer and ethereal, her exact figure concealed from view.
“Please, have a seat, Fairy,” he said sincerely.
She sat down, her gaze sweeping over the garden before settling on a small, secluded room. “A peak Fourth Stage Core Formation cultivator… is that Bai Ruoxi?” she asked, surprised.
She’s special. She can sense Ruoxi’s cultivation level and location… He took a sip of his tea, nodding calmly. “Ruoxi does reside here.”
“And there’s another cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm… the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone, perhaps?” she asked.
He stared at her, his surprise growing. “You can sense the people within my residence, Fairy Yao Xin?”
She raised her chin proudly, unable to hide her smugness. “It’s my unique ability.”
“You’re truly impressive, Fairy… but what brings you to the Two Polarities Sect?” he asked.
She composed herself, her expression turning serious. “I’m here to invite you to the Jade Pool Sacred Land for a month or two. Of course, we’ll treat you well. Pills, herbs… anything you desire, we’ll provide.”
It was a generous offer that would tempt most disciples, and he was no exception.
Seeing the flicker of interest in his eyes, her smile widened. “As for the Rebirth Water, our elders will negotiate with the Forbidden Zone, so you needn’t worry.”
“I see… you’re concerned about Senior Jade Empress’s safety within my body, worried that someone might target her,” he said, his voice filled with understanding.
He sighed dramatically. “You’re very thoughtful, Fairy, but I have my own… difficulties…”
“Then we can bring Senior Jade Empress back to the Jade Pool,” she offered.
He shook his head, his voice filled with mock distress. “That depends on whether she’s willing to leave.”
“She’s currently resting. I wouldn’t dare disturb her.”
She frowned. “Then what do you suggest?”
He pondered for a moment. “I’ll visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land after obtaining the Rebirth Water from the Forbidden Zone.”
“That’s no different from the original plan,” she said, her voice laced with frustration.
“Young Master Mu, the Forbidden Zone is not what you imagine. Setting aside the curse, even if you overcome it, obtaining the Rebirth Water will be a challenge.”
“Do you truly believe you can obtain it from the master of the Forbidden Zone?”
“I won’t know unless I try,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
He noticed her displeased expression and asked, “Do you disagree with the Holy Maiden’s approach, Fairy Yao Xin?”
Unlike Yao Xin, the Holy Maiden hadn’t insisted on bringing him to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.
She wanted to bring him there for his protection, while Yao Xin wanted to keep him there.
He saw her frown at his question.
It seems the two fairies from the Jade Pool Sacred Land don’t get along… He understood.
It was understandable. Yao Xin had been pampered her entire life. She lacked maturity, her demeanor arrogant and impulsive.
“If the master of the Forbidden Zone learns why you need the Rebirth Water, he won’t help you,” she said, her brow furrowed.
“You might not even be able to leave.”
It wasn’t an empty threat. Few who entered the Forbidden Zone ever returned.
However, he wasn’t worried about the master of the Forbidden Zone. He was worried about Ye Lingxuan keeping him there after she received her inheritance…
He had sensed a strange possessiveness in her eyes, a hint of… darkness.
He shook his head. “I’ll be accompanying Lingxuan to the Forbidden Zone.”
“I want to meet the master, not just for Senior Jade Empress’s sake.”
“You’re going to the Forbidden Zone… for Lingxuan?” she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
He remained silent.
After a long moment, he glanced at the purple-clad figure hidden behind a bush, then looked up at the sky, sighing dramatically. “For Lingxuan, I would even face the master of the Forbidden Zone alone.”
His words and his demeanor were a perfect portrayal of a devoted lover.
He turned to her. “I have to go to the Forbidden Zone. I’ll visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land after that. How does that sound?”
She pondered his offer, her eyes narrowed, studying him. “What if you don’t return?”
He was about to ask for the Nirvana Silk when the Jade Empress’s voice, clear and melodious, echoed in his mind.
“Your worries are unfounded. The master of the Forbidden Zone is not unreasonable. Even setting aside Ye Lingxuan, he wouldn’t stop me if I wanted to leave.”
“Senior Jade Empress?!” Yao Xin exclaimed.
He was also surprised. “When did you wake up, Fairy Sister?”
She materialized beside him, her ethereal beauty captivating.
“Five days ago. I was concerned for your safety, so I woke up,” she explained, her voice gentle.
She was concerned for my safety… He was touched, then a sudden realization struck him.
Five days ago?
He had gone to Tianxuan City four days ago, and the night before that, he had been with Bai Ruoxi…
He stared at her, his gaze lingering on her delicate neck and her alluring figure, concealed by her thin dress.
She wasn’t… watching, was she…? He thought, a shiver running down his spine.
“The Rebirth Water is difficult to obtain, but I trust this young friend. You may return,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of Dao that compelled obedience.
Yao Xin nodded obediently, unable to resist.
He watched her leave, his jaw dropping.
I didn’t even get the Nirvana Silk…
He couldn’t very well ask for it in front of the Jade Empress, so he could only watch as the “walking Nirvana Silk” departed.
He composed himself, turning to the “Great White Shark” in his “pond.” “How’s your recovery, Senior?” he asked, feigning concern.
“It’s going well,” she replied with a smile, nodding slightly.
It was a simple statement, but it carried a hint of genuine surprise.
His Innate Celestial Vessel, combined with the Heavenly Dao Aura, was even capable of nourishing her fragmented consciousness.
“I’ll return to my slumber after today. You needn’t concern yourself with me. Live your life as you please,” she said, her eyes filled with meaning.
She was clearly referring to his… activities… with Bai Ruoxi a few nights ago.
He couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed.
However, as a competent “fish farmer,” he maintained his composure and nodded.
Once she returned to his vessel, he sat at the pavilion, lost in thought.
A mocking chuckle snapped him out of his musings, and he turned to see Wei Mengrou standing behind him, a smug smile on her face.
Always so eager to mock me. One day, I’ll make you lift your skirt for me… “I’m going out. Please inform the others,” he said.
“Where are you going?” she asked, her voice hesitant.
Though she had just mocked him mercilessly, his sudden departure made her uneasy.
After all, she had experienced a series of unfortunate events yesterday due to her misfortune.
“The Enforcement Hall,” he replied.
He needed to inform them of his return, and he also needed to collect the contribution points for capturing the demonic cultivator.
He sensed her unease, despite her attempts to hide it. He boldly took her hand in his, enjoying the coolness of her skin. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”
She quickly pulled her hand away, her voice flat. “Just go.”
He stared at her, noticing a flicker of… something else… in her eyes, and he smiled, satisfied, before leaving the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Even though they know he’s a scumbag, they still can’t help but feel touched… Most women are like that.
He was truly a master at seizing opportunities.
“Aaa~!”
As he was leaving, a beautiful melody echoed behind him, and he turned to see Lin Ling rushing towards him, holding a piece of cardboard: “I’m coming with you.”
Having tasted the delights of Tianxuan City, she seemed to have developed a fondness for him, believing that following him meant endless snacks.
He wondered where she had been getting her food before he met her.
He smiled and nodded. “Alright.”
…
Azure Yang Hall.
He entered the hall with Lin Ling and heard a commotion.
One of the voices sounded familiar.
Curious, he walked towards the source of the noise and saw two disciples sparring.
A clear voice announced, “Ye Yu wins!”
The disciples watching erupted in cheers and applause.
“He’s at the peak of Foundation Establishment, yet he can fight a Core Formation cultivator. Junior Brother Ye is truly impressive.”
“He just earned a hundred contribution points from a single spar. Contribution points are so easy to earn!”
“You have to win first,” another disciple chuckled.
Minor conflicts between disciples were common, and the best way to resolve them was through sparring.
They usually wagered contribution points.
A typical sect mission earned fifty to a hundred points and took two to three days to complete. Ye Yu had just earned a hundred points from a single spar, no wonder the other disciples were envious.
Mu Zhi’an wasn’t interested in such matters and continued walking.
He reached a room, instructed Lin Ling to wait outside, then knocked on the door. He entered to find a man sitting at a desk.
He was dressed in a dark blue robe, his beard white, his aura imposing.
It was Zheng Yuan, the Vice Hall Master of the Enforcement Hall.
And beside him sat Yan Ruyu, the Master of the Book Pavilion.
“Master,” he greeted Yan Ruyu, bowing respectfully.
It was more appropriate to address her as “Master” in public.
Zheng Yuan’s gaze, sharp despite his age, settled on him. “So you’re Mu Zhi’an,” he said, his voice deep and gravelly.
“Disciple Mu Zhi’an greets Hall Master Zheng,” he said, bowing again.
Seeing Zheng Yuan’s silence, he continued, “I’m here regarding the… contribution points.”
Zheng Yuan’s expression remained unchanged as he tossed him a sect token.
“There are ten thousand contribution points on this token. You can exchange them for pills and herbs on the third floor. There are also some ancient treasures available through random draws. Feel free to browse.”
“Thank you, Hall Master,” he said, bowing gratefully.
This was the benefit of having connections. If he didn’t know Ying Guhuan and Yan Ruyu, he wouldn’t have received so many contribution points.
“Don’t thank me. Thank your Master and Peak Master Ying. They attributed the success of the mission to you,” Zheng Yuan said calmly.
He studied Mu Zhi’an, then added, “This time, it’s fine. However, in the future, remember to be more cautious. Take things one step at a time.”
“A Core Formation cultivator driving a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator out of Tianxuan City, then capturing him with the help of two Peak Masters… do you believe that?” he scoffed, shaking his head.
The official report credited Mu Zhi’an with the capture, with the two Peak Masters merely assisting.
But a Core Formation cultivator scaring a Nascent Soul expert out of the city… it was absurd.
“I did participate in the capture, Hall Master, but I wasn’t the one who made the greatest contribution,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.
“Good. You admit it,” Zheng Yuan said, nodding, then his eyes twinkled with amusement. “What if I deducted some of your contribution points?”
Yan Ruyu frowned. “Zheng Yuan, I already told you, Mu Zhi’an played a crucial role in the capture. Why don’t you believe me?”
He chuckled. “Master Yan, a Core Formation cultivator scaring a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator out of Tianxuan City… do you believe that?”
“If we’re distributing contribution points based on merit, then you should also offer some to the other participant,” she countered.
“There was another participant besides you and Peak Master Ying?” he asked, intrigued. “Who?”
“She was the one who actually drove the demon out of Tianxuan City. However, she was accompanying my disciple,” Yan Ruyu explained.
“We wouldn’t have captured him without Mu Zhi’an.”
“Scaring a Nascent Soul expert… within the Two Polarities Sect, only the Sect Master or Ling Long could achieve such a feat,” he said with a chuckle. “Are you saying your disciple convinced the Sect Master or Ling Long to descend the mountain, Master Yan?”
“Ling Long did accompany him,” she replied with a smile.
He laughed out loud.
Even a child wouldn’t believe that.
Seeing his disbelief, she frowned, about to speak again when a piece of paper landed on the desk.
Someone’s watching us… and I didn’t even sense their aura? He frowned, his gaze shifting to the paper.
He stared at the messy handwriting, then looked towards the door.
The door was slightly ajar, so he couldn’t see the person’s face, only a pair of shimmering crimson eyes peeking through the gap.
“…?”
He froze, his mind momentarily blank.
He stood up abruptly, staring at the eyes.
Senior Ling Long?!
What is she doing here?
He recalled Yan Ruyu’s words, his gaze shifting to Mu Zhi’an.
Realization dawned, and he breathed a sigh of relief, his voice softening.
“It seems I misjudged you, young friend.”
“These contribution points… they’re well-deserved.”
Yan Ruyu also noticed Ling Long, and she raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smile. “You’re no longer skeptical, Hall Master Zheng?”
He was speechless, sighing inwardly.
He couldn’t be blamed for his skepticism. Ling Long accompanying a disciple down the mountain… it was absurd.
Who would have thought it was true?
He studied Mu Zhi’an, his impression of him improving significantly.
Why didn’t I notice before? He’s clearly a remarkable young man. It’s a shame he’s stuck at the Book Pavilion…
“Hall Master, Master, I’d like to see what I can exchange for these contribution points on the third floor. If there’s nothing else…” Mu Zhi’an said, bowing politely.
“Go ahead. I’m heading back. If you need anything, come see me at the Shao Le Residence,” Yan Ruyu replied with a smile.
He thanked her again, then headed towards the third floor with Lin Ling.
He could see countless golden talismans shimmering between the buildings, each containing pills and herbs.
As he entered, a wave of information flooded his mind, allowing him to instantly identify the contents of each talisman.
In addition to familiar pills like Qi Gathering Pills and Jade Beauty Pills, he also saw rare herbs and several broken pieces of metal.
Lin Ling’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the talismans, her eagerness evident.
“Sister Lin Ling, I’ll get you some snacks later. Please, stay calm,” he whispered, warning her. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝒐𝒎
She was a special being. No one would object if she devoured half the pills here, but he, the one who had brought her, would suffer the consequences.
“Aaa.” She nodded, understanding, though her gaze remained fixed on the pills, her desire evident.
He focused his attention on the broken pieces of metal.
His gaze settled on a bronze fragment with intricate carvings. It was priced at ten thousand contribution points.
“This… it looks like the bronze fragment from the Morning Glory Auction House,” he murmured, staring at the talisman.
The talisman contained a plain-looking bronze fragment.
If he bought it, he wouldn’t be able to afford anything else… but if it was truly part of the same set as the one Bai Ruoxi wore, it would be worth it.
He decided to buy it.
After all, in his experience, broken things were often valuable.
He deducted ten thousand contribution points from his token, and the golden talisman floated towards him.
The golden light faded, revealing the bronze fragment.
He studied it, confirming it was identical to the one Bai Ruoxi wore.
He had seen it often, especially during their… vigorous activities.
This trip wasn’t a waste… He smiled, turning the fragment over in his hand.
With this, Bai Ruoxi’s strength would increase even further.
Once they all reached the Nascent Soul Realm, he could finally relax and enjoy his life as a kept man.
After all, in this era, without any Dao Integration experts, Nascent Soul cultivators could handle most problems.
He imagined his future life of leisure and indulgence, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.
“Aaa?” Lin Ling tugged at his sleeve, her crimson eyes filled with curiosity as she noticed his smile.
He shook his head. “It’s nothing. Just thinking about something. Don’t worry, Sister Lin Ling.”
He suddenly remembered something. “By the way, do you recognize this?” he asked, showing her the bronze fragment.
As an ancient being, she might know something about it.
She tilted her head, studying it, then wrote on a piece of paper: “I feel like I’ve seen it before, but I don’t know what it is.”
She said something, but it wasn’t very helpful… He stared at her, amused by her cluelessness, then put the fragment away. “Hmm… let’s go back.”
Regardless, obtaining the second fragment was a good thing. It would enhance Bai Ruoxi’s strength.
He smiled, watching as she kept glancing back at the pills longingly, then turned to follow her.
He suddenly felt a change in his personal interface and opened it.
A new title had appeared.
He stared at the three characters, his smile fading.
“…Reincarnator?”
There’s a reincarnator among the “protagonists” I know…?
