NOVPUBSeven physique-enhancing auras, all absorbed by his Innate Celestial Vessel.
One would have been fine, but seven…!
Even Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions.
The enhancement effect diminished with each subsequent aura. While it seemed like he had received a sevenfold boost, the actual effect wasn’t a simple multiplication.
However, it was still a significant enhancement… at least for others.
For example, he could bestow one of those auras upon a cultivator who hadn’t undergone the Rebirth Pool’s trial, enhancing their physique.
Of course, it was useless to him.
He sighed inwardly, suppressing his frustration. He couldn’t dwell on it now, with so many people watching. He gathered his emotions and flew back down gracefully.
Ye Lingxuan rushed towards him, about to offer her congratulations, but she noticed his dejected expression and frowned slightly. “What’s wrong, Brother Mu?” she transmitted her voice, her eyes filled with concern.
He should be happy. He had just received seven physique-enhancing auras from the Rebirth Pool. Why did he look so disappointed?
He sighed. “All seven auras entered my Innate Celestial Vessel,” he replied, transmitting his voice.
“If you want one, I can give you one later.”
She stared at him, her expression a mixture of shock and amusement.
Seven physique-enhancing auras… all absorbed by his Innate Celestial Vessel…?
If word of this spread, it would cause quite a stir…
After all, he could transfer the benefits of his Innate Celestial Vessel to others… if people knew he possessed seven auras, he would be inundated with suitors.
His own strength might not be exceptional, but his ability to enhance others… it was an irresistible temptation.
…
The Rebirth Pool was surrounded by a tranquil forest, its water crystal clear, its banks lush and green.
The disciples stared at him, their silence heavy.
They had forgotten their initial intention of testing him, their minds consumed by a single question: does he truly possess seven physiques?
“Your performance today was quite impressive, Young Master Mu,” Ye Qing, the girl in the blue dress, said with a smile. “However, I’m curious… can one person truly possess seven physiques?”
Her gaze lingered on his handsome features, his sharp jawline, and his elegant attire.
She hadn’t paid much attention to him before, but now, studying him closely, she realized he was quite handsome, in a scholarly sort of way.
He must come from a wealthy family… Her cousin, Zhou Cang, had painted him as a despicable villain, but it seemed he had simply been biased.
Several other disciples also stared at him, some with a challenging glint in their eyes, others simply curious.
A few teenage girls gazed at him with undisguised admiration, his gentle smile, his high nose bridge, and his handsome profile captivating their youthful hearts.
Of course, their attraction wasn’t solely based on his looks.
He was handsome, yes, but he was also… the young mistress’s Dao Companion.
That added a certain… allure…
“I’ve heard that one person can possess at most two physiques, with the second one weaker than the first. However, seven physiques… that’s unprecedented,” a disciple remarked, staring at him. “Do you truly possess seven physiques, Young Master Mu?”
He pondered for a moment. “I have a little bit of every physique, but I’m not proficient in any of them.”
There was no point in hiding it. They had all witnessed the trial.
Besides, they were Ye Lingxuan’s family. He would be spending over a month here. He might not be able to befriend everyone, but having a good relationship with some of them would make his stay more pleasant.
An elder, who had been silent until now, spoke, his voice low. “The Chaos Body?”
His words, though quiet, reached everyone’s ears.
“The Chaos Body…?”
Realization dawned on the disciples.
They had heard of the Chaos Body from the elders. Unlike ordinary cultivators, those with the Chaos Body possessed three or more physiques, some even exceeding five!
However, they had never encountered anyone with seven physiques, like Mu Zhi’an.
They stared at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and envy, whispering amongst themselves.
“No wonder the Rebirth Pool rewarded him so generously… he’s a Chaos Body.”
“Seven physiques, seven rewards… I’m so jealous.”
If they had simply learned he was a Chaos Body, they would have been surprised, but that was all.
The Chaos Body wasn’t invincible. It granted its possessor a wider range of abilities, but it didn’t necessarily make them stronger than those who specialized in a single physique.
After all, the Chaos Body was still a single physique. It was impossible to master every aspect of it.
“The Chaos Body isn’t the problem. It’s the seven rewards that are truly enviable…” a disciple sighed.
They all nodded in agreement.
If not for the Rebirth Pool’s trial, learning about his Chaos Body would have been merely a surprise.
After all, according to ancient texts, while the Chaos Body granted its possessor multiple physiques, only one was truly strong. The others were weaker.
In other words, though he possessed seven physiques, only the first one was truly useful. The others were progressively weaker.
Ye Ying, sensing their thoughts, glanced at them. “Have you forgotten the color of the auras he received?”
Ye Qing’s eyes widened. “If I’m not mistaken, all seven auras were golden… except for the first one, which was gray…?” she murmured.
It meant… all seven of his physiques were top-tier…?
“That’s impossible! The Chaos Body focuses on a single physique. The others should be weaker…” a disciple protested, then he recalled the scene he had witnessed.
The auras surrounding Mu Zhi’an had indeed been golden…
Silence fell upon them once more.
“There are always those stronger than you. You’ve been sheltered in the Forbidden Zone for too long. You haven’t seen the world. How can you be so certain that only one physique of the Chaos Body is strong?” Ye Ying scoffed.
“Mu Zhi’an is at the First Stage of Core Formation, but how many of you have reached that level at his age?”
She stared at them, their silence a testament to her words, and she nodded inwardly, satisfied.
Mu Zhi’an’s arrival had humbled these proud disciples, perhaps even motivating them to cultivate more diligently.
Though it had cost them a significant amount of resources…
The physique-enhancing auras within the Rebirth Pool were rare. It took years for them to generate, and he had just devoured most of them… even the elders felt a pang of regret.
However, as hosts, and considering his relationship with their young mistress, they couldn’t very well demand he return them.
She smiled, watching the disciples, their eyes filled with a newfound determination.
A voice transmission suddenly reached her ears.
She instantly pinpointed its source and looked up.
It was one of the master’s trusted aides.
Why is he here…?
She was surprised, then listened to his message, nodding slightly.
She turned to the disciples. “The trial is over. You may disperse.”
“And no one is to enter this area for the next month.”
The aide hadn’t elaborated, simply relaying the master’s orders: apart from Mu Zhi’an, no one was allowed near the Rebirth Pool for the next month.
She then turned to Mu Zhi’an, transmitting her voice. “Young friend, please stay.”
She didn’t understand the master’s motive, but she would obey his orders without question.
“Is there something else, Elder?” he asked.
“You may enter and leave this area as you please for the next month. Those are the master’s orders,” she replied through a voice transmission.
Hmm… it seems he’s allowing the Jade Empress to use the Rebirth Pool for her recovery.
He understood. “Thank you, Senior!” he said, bowing gratefully.
She waved her hand dismissively, then led the disciples away with the other elder.
Ye Lingxuan, clearly aware of the situation, smiled at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and anticipation.
He chuckled, amused.
She always tried to act mature and composed, but she was still a child at heart.
And that was part of her charm.
He pulled her closer, one arm around her waist, the other gently stroking her hair. “Thank you, Lingxuan. You helped a lot,” he said softly.
In a way, she was the reason the master had been so accommodating.
She shook her head, trying to maintain her composure. “It’s nothing,” she murmured.
She’s still trying to act cool… He poked her playfully, and she squealed.
Their laughter, though quiet, reached the ears of the departing disciples, and they turned to look.
They saw him embracing her, his fingers teasing her, and her, usually elegant and reserved, giggling softly.
Their anger flared.
“This Mu Zhi’an is despicable! He’s flirting with our young mistress right in front of us?!”
“He knows we won’t do anything to him with her present.”
“And he just revealed his Chaos Body…” another disciple said, believing that the Rebirth Pool’s trial had inflated his ego.
“Hmph, the Chaos Body means nothing. Specializing in a single physique can be just as powerful,” Zhou Hao scoffed, his voice laced with disdain.
“Indeed. The Chaos Body isn’t invincible. Focusing on a single physique can lead to greater strength!” another disciple agreed.
Ye Qing glanced at them, her lips curving into a smile. “But even without the Chaos Body, he’s still the young mistress’s Dao Companion.”
“…!”
Her words silenced those who harbored feelings for Ye Lingxuan.
Zhou Hao glared at Mu Zhi’an. “Young Master Mu, dare you spar with me?”
He couldn’t harm him within the Forbidden Zone… but a spar was within the rules.
His challenge shattered the intimate atmosphere.
Mu Zhi’an released her, turning to face him.
It was the prodigy who had been hostile towards him.
Zhou Hao smiled, his eyes challenging. “Or are you afraid, Young Master Mu?”
Refusing his challenge in front of so many people would be humiliating.
After all, the most direct way to earn their respect was through strength.
“Brother Mu just arrived and has depleted his spiritual energy. He’s not in a condition to spar,” Ye Lingxuan said, her brow furrowed.
Zhou Hao was at the Second Stage of Core Formation. Though they were only one stage apart, the gap between stages in the Core Formation Realm was significant.
“It’s just a friendly spar to test his strength. We’re all curious about the Chaos Body’s capabilities. Besides, we both traveled from the Two Polarities Sect. We’ve both depleted our spiritual energy,” he chuckled, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.
“What do you say, Young Master Mu?”
The disciples, who had been about to leave, stopped, their attention drawn to the challenge.
The two elders also watched with interest, curious about the Chaos Body’s strength.
…
All eyes were on Mu Zhi’an.
“You don’t have to accept his challenge, Brother Mu,” Ye Lingxuan transmitted her voice, her eyes filled with concern.
Normally, he would have refused.
He had no interest in fighting.
He simply wanted to enjoy a peaceful life with his beloveds.
However, refusing this challenge would only lead to more trouble…
He had come to the Forbidden Zone for three reasons: the Jade Empress, his future father-in-law, and Ye Lingxuan.
With her status and popularity, refusing Zhou Hao would only result in more challengers.
And it was an opportunity to test the effectiveness of his physiques in combat…
He smiled, his expression gentle. “Since you’re so eager, Brother Zhou Hao, I’ll accept your challenge.”
Wei Mengrou stared at him, surprised. He had actually accepted a challenge?
Ye Lingxuan also looked at him, but he simply offered her a reassuring glance.
He turned to Zhou Hao, his smile widening. “I’ll only need one move.”
His words shocked the crowd.
Zhou Hao was one of the most talented disciples of the Forbidden Zone. Even the top disciples wouldn’t claim to defeat him with a single move. What made Mu Zhi’an think he could?
Zhou Hao was enraged, but he maintained his composure, forcing a smile.
“I’d like to see you try, Young Master Mu!”
He instructed Wei Mengrou to take Ye Lingxuan a safe distance away, then turned to face Zhou Hao.
All eyes were on him, even the elders’ gazes filled with skepticism.
A First Stage Core Formation cultivator claiming to defeat a Second Stage cultivator with a single move… it was hard to believe.
Zhou Hao took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with a cold light as he charged towards Mu Zhi’an.
“Tai Qing Sacred Seal!”
Spiritual energy surged from his palm, forming a blazing inferno as he struck towards Mu Zhi’an’s head.
However, Mu Zhi’an didn’t dodge or defend. He simply watched as he raised his hand, summoning a faint, shimmering azure lotus.
The Pure World Azure Lotus!
Ye Lingxuan’s eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him.
She could sense that nearly seventy percent of the spiritual energy within his vessel had been consumed in an instant!
The two elders also noticed, their eyes fixed on the lotus in his hand.
They could sense that his sudden depletion of spiritual energy was connected to the lotus.
What kind of technique was that? They had never seen it before…
Zhou Hao’s attack was about to connect when it suddenly vanished, as if it had never existed.
Mu Zhi’an swung the lotus, and a green light enveloped Zhou Hao.
What is this?!
He frowned, staring at the seemingly harmless lotus, a strange sense of unease washing over him.
“Tricks!” he scoffed, attempting to circulate his spiritual energy.
However, as he activated his vessel, his spiritual energy refused to obey, retreating back into his vessel.
“My vessel is sealed?!”
He stared at Mu Zhi’an, his heart pounding.
“What did you do?!”
That lotus… it was strange!
What kind of technique could seal a cultivator’s vessel?!
Before he could react, Mu Zhi’an was upon him. 𝚗ovp𝚞b.𝚌om
He saw the coldness in Mu Zhi’an’s eyes, and before he could raise his hand, a powerful kick slammed into his chest, sending him flying backwards.
He stumbled, glaring at Mu Zhi’an, about to charge again when the female elder stepped in front of him, her hand on his shoulder. “You lost,” she said calmly.
“Elder—” he protested, turning to her.
She raised an eyebrow, her voice cold. “If he hadn’t held back, you would be bedridden for a month.”
“Accept defeat gracefully. Otherwise, you’ll perish before reaching your full potential.”
He glared at her, then, seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he lowered his head.
“I concede,” he said, his voice filled with bitterness.
Silence fell upon the crowd.
They stared at Mu Zhi’an, their eyes filled with a newfound respect.
Learning about his Chaos Body had surprised them, but his swift and decisive victory had awed them.
Few of them could confidently defeat Zhou Hao, let alone with a single move.
Even if Zhou Hao had been careless, a one-move victory was still impressive.
I can actually fight above my level now. Progress! He thought, enjoying their admiration.
He gathered his emotions, bowing to the crowd.
“Lingxuan, go back with Mengrou. I’ll join you later,” he said, turning to her.
News of his victory would spread quickly.
His ultimate goal was to be a kept man, but until the “baby orcas” matured, he had to offer them support and alleviate their burdens.
After this, there would be fewer challengers, and those who doubted Ye Lingxuan’s judgment would be silenced.
The man she had chosen wasn’t useless. He wasn’t simply relying on Ling Long’s protection… that was the impression he wanted to create.
“Brother Mu, that azure lotus… was it part of the Jade Empress’s inheritance that she passed on to Qian’er? The one that can seal a cultivator’s vessel?” Ye Lingxuan transmitted her voice, her eyes filled with curiosity.
She had instantly recognized the technique’s unique effect.
He chuckled. “Go back now. We’ll talk later.”
He was also surprised.
He knew the Pure World Azure Lotus was powerful, but completely sealing Zhou Hao’s vessel… that was unexpected.
He had intended to partially seal his spiritual energy, then finish him off with the Lone Star Sword.
But a single lotus had been enough to subdue him completely.
Well, the Jade Empress had used it to seal the former Demon Emperor, so sealing a Second Stage Core Formation cultivator wasn’t surprising.
…
He watched them leave, then turned his attention to the Rebirth Pool.
The Jade Empress had said she needed Rebirth Water to rebuild her body, and he was now standing before the pool.
But how could he help her?
She didn’t even have a physical body. She couldn’t consume the water…
“It seems everyone has left.”
A clear, melodic voice echoed through the forest, and he turned to see the Jade Empress standing beside him.
Her thin green dress clung to her alluring curves, her bare feet, delicate and white, peeking out from beneath her skirt.
He glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her feet for a moment before he suppressed his… impure thoughts… and spoke. “You’re awake again, Fairy Sister?”
He couldn’t help but use the word “again.” She had been waking up frequently lately.
He even suspected she hadn’t been sleeping at all.
But that didn’t make sense. She should have been disgusted by his… playboy antics… but she had always been kind and understanding.
“I didn’t sleep during our journey here. I was worried something might happen,” she explained, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
So she heard everything I whispered to Lingxuan… and saw everything I did… He grumbled inwardly, forcing a smile. “Thank you for your protection, Fairy Sister.”
“You came to the Forbidden Zone for me. I should be thanking you,” she replied, shaking her head.
“How do I use the Rebirth Water?”
“I’ll bathe in the pool for half an hour every day for half a month. It will allow me to temporarily manifest a physical body,” she explained with a smile.
He glanced at her ethereal form, her true appearance concealed by a faint mist.
“Don’t worry, Fairy Sister. I’ll guard this place and prevent anyone from approaching or spying on you,” he said, his voice firm and resolute.
Except for me… he added silently.
