NOVPUBWei Mengrou held a special place in Mu Zhi’an’s heart.
She had been protecting him secretly ever since they were in Tianxuan City, although back then, her disdain and contempt for him were evident.
The reason was simple: he had been a spoiled playboy, obsessed with women and breasts.
Even though her opinion of him had changed later, one impression remained: he was a lecher.
Even though he had changed, his true nature remained the same.
In the past, even Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t have imagined being together with Wei Mengrou.
Her current response, although ambiguous, meant the same as acceptance to him. She hadn’t refused, nor had she left the room.
This was a tacit agreement.
Mu Zhi’an gazed at Wei Mengrou’s profile, her aloof beauty even more captivating in the dim light. She seemed uncomfortable with the intimate atmosphere, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her skirt.
He reached out and gently took her hand.
Her hand was cool and soft to the touch, reminding him of the time she had helped him refine his Spiritual Energy. His desire to push her onto the bed and ravage her intensified.
Suppressing his urge, Mu Zhi’an said softly, “Let’s go to bed early, Mengrou.”
Despite trying to hide it, Wei Mengrou sensed the burning desire in his eyes. She glanced at him and warned him, “Just to be clear, the Ascension Ceremony is still ongoing, and I have a match tomorrow. Even if I stay in your room, we’ll only meditate… No funny business.”
She lowered her head slightly as she spoke.
Mu Zhi’an glanced at her long, fair legs, their beauty accentuated by her yellow dress.
He discreetly withdrew his gaze and nodded seriously. “Don’t worry, Mengrou. I know what I’m doing. No funny business.”
However, his eyes held a mischievous glint.
And once they were in bed, he might not be the one taking the initiative.
As for the Ascension Ceremony… with Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace, even if they stayed up all night, Wei Mengrou’s Spiritual Energy wouldn’t be affected.
After all, the boost from his Innate Celestial Furnace was far greater than ordinary cultivation.
Seeing her distrust, Mu Zhi’an stepped forward, and under her wary gaze, he gently lifted her into his arms, one hand supporting her legs, the other behind her neck.
Wei Mengrou’s eyes turned cold as she lightly punched his shoulder. “Put me down. I can walk myself.”
Normally, she could easily break free from such a hold, but for some reason, her struggles were weak, and she couldn’t escape his embrace.
Her squirming only made her seem more like she was… acting coy.
The usually aloof and cold maid acting so shy and helpless… This stark contrast made even a seasoned veteran like Mu Zhi’an’s heart race.
Sensing his heated gaze, Wei Mengrou’s cheeks flushed, but she maintained her cold demeanor, trying to preserve her dignity.
“Are you going back on your word?” she asked coldly, avoiding his gaze.
Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “Of course not. We’re just sleeping together tonight… I won’t do anything.”
Although he didn’t believe his own words, he truly wouldn’t do anything too outrageous these next few days.
After all, during the Ascension Ceremony, cultivators from all over the Nine Realms had gathered, making the sect a mix of fish and dragons.
Although he didn’t think anyone would dare to cause trouble within the Two Polarities Sect… some people would stop at nothing to obtain the Calamity Body.
“Are you embarrassed, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked. 𝔫𝔬𝖛𝖕𝔲𝖇.𝖈𝖔𝖒
Wei Mengrou glared at him disdainfully, as if saying: Because of you?
Mu Zhi’an chuckled, holding her tightly, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face.
As if to prove she wasn’t embarrassed, Wei Mengrou met his gaze, her bright eyes reflecting his handsome features.
A faint light flickered in her eyes in the candlelight.
After a while, her grip on his arm tightened, her nails digging into his skin.
A blush crept up her cheeks, her usual coldness replaced by a captivating allure.
Then, she buried her face in his chest.
“Y-you win,” she murmured.
Her voice was barely a whisper, yet Mu Zhi’an heard it clearly.
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
He looked down at the beauty in his arms, her delicate feet dangling in the air, and asked softly, “Are you embarrassed?”
Wei Mengrou, her head still lowered, murmured a soft “Mm.”
This is too much… Mu Zhi’an’s heart pounded. Unable to contain himself any longer, he carried her to the bed and gently laid her down.
Wei Mengrou tried to sit up, but Mu Zhi’an gently held her wrists, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face and her rosy lips.
He drew the curtains, and in the dim light, he leaned down, kissing her cheek, then her lips, his kisses trailing down to her delicate neck.
Wei Mengrou’s eyes softened, her gaze hazy with desire, her hands weakly pushing against his chest, as if trying to resist, but her movements lacked strength.
Despite being a peak Core Formation cultivator, she felt powerless.
She opened her eyes slightly, looking at Mu Zhi’an, who was now showering her with affection, her vision blurring.
Mu Zhi’an wrapped his arms around her slender waist and whispered in her ear, “Is this alright, Mengrou?”
She didn’t answer.
His hands moved upwards, exploring her body.
Wei Mengrou’s heart trembled. She opened her eyes, meeting Mu Zhi’an’s tender gaze. She instinctively turned her head away, hiding her face against his chest, avoiding his intense stare, revealing only the elegant curve of her neck.
“We agreed to just meditate tonight… Mm…”
Her words were cut short as his lips captured hers. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but for some reason, she wasn’t truly shocked.
After all, this man was a skilled liar. He had tricked Bai Ruoxi before… Wei Mengrou stared at him, her hands slowly moving to his waist.
Just as Mu Zhi’an thought she was becoming aroused, her fingers dug into his sides.
The sudden pain almost made him cry out, but seeing her disdainful, “serves you right” expression, he quickly regained his composure, his gaze still tender and loving, as if saying: As long as it’s you, Mengrou, I don’t mind even if you step on me.
Wei Mengrou was silent for a long time, her heart softening as her gaze, initially filled with disdain, gradually softened.
She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.
After a while, they parted. “D-don’t… touch my dress… What if you tear it?” Wei Mengrou stammered.
“I’m just curious about where the buttons are… Nothing else…” Mu Zhi’an said, his fingers exploring her dress with a scholarly curiosity.
Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered. “There are no buttons. It’s tied with a ribbon… I’m just telling you, not giving you permission to untie it,” she whispered.
“Don’t… blame me if you keep touching me…”
“…”
After about half an hour, Wei Mengrou sat up, smoothing her dress and her hair. She turned to look at the young man behind her.
“And you said you wouldn’t do anything tonight…?”
Mu Zhi’an coughed lightly. “You might not believe this, but it’s because you’re too alluring.”
“My fault?”
Wei Mengrou glared at him, but seeing his sincere gaze, she couldn’t help but purse her lips, suppressing a smile.
Being praised felt… surprisingly good… She had found Mu Zhi’an’s sweet nothings to Bai Ruoxi disgusting and insincere.
But hearing those words from him now made her heart flutter.
It turned out that being a spectator and being a participant were two completely different experiences.
Just as Wei Mengrou thought he would continue, Mu Zhi’an took out a bronze mirror from his storage ring.
Wei Mengrou composed herself and asked, her brow furrowed slightly, “What’s that?”
“A bronze mirror the Demon Realm Empress gave me. I can use it to contact her directly, even converse with her,” Mu Zhi’an explained.
“During the Ascension Ceremony, some factions might try to take advantage of the chaos.”
He placed the mirror in her hand, straightened her collar, and chuckled. “I’m the ‘fish’ they’re after, but now, so are you.”
“You possess the Innate Celestial Furnace, so many are interested in you. But I’m different…” Wei Mengrou said softly.
Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “Not just others… There’s one right here, isn’t there?”
Wei Mengrou glanced at him, about to retort, but remembering what had just happened, she fell silent.
“What does this mirror have to do with taking advantage of the chaos?”
“Have you heard of Dream Manipulation, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked.
Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered. “The secret technique that allows one to enter another’s dreams…?”
Mu Zhi’an played with her hair, which cascaded down her back. “The former tutor probably told the Great Qian Dynasty about Lin Ling’s presence in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony. Even a fool wouldn’t dare to enter now.”
Although Lin Ling was adorable and somewhat naive, it didn’t mean she would stand by and watch if Mu Zhi’an and Wei Mengrou were taken away. Any outside force that dared to enter the Garden of Heavenly Harmony would be obliterated.
“Are you planning to use this mirror to counter Gu Bo Xing?” Wei Mengrou murmured.
“But if the Demon Realm Empress finds out…”
“She’ll help us,” Mu Zhi’an said confidently.
Even the Demon Realm Empress wouldn’t want the Calamity Body to fall into the Great Qian Dynasty’s hands, especially now that she was also interested in him.
She had already invited him and Wei Mengrou to the Demon Realm. This was the perfect opportunity to curry favor with her.
“Let’s meditate and cultivate for now. If nothing happens, that’s for the best. But if he comes… he’ll have to pay the price.”
…
Night fell.
Gu Bo Xing, his figure like a phantom, walked through the Two Polarities Sect, arriving at a large hall.
Despite the late hour, the sect was still bustling with activity due to the Ascension Ceremony. The ancient bronze hall stood majestically amidst the falling snow, its aura elegant and timeless. Disciples occasionally passed through its doors, but none noticed Gu Bo Xing’s presence.
This was to be expected.
At the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, half a step into Soul Transformation, his physical body was almost irrelevant. Even if it were destroyed, as long as a sliver of his consciousness remained, he could be reborn.
It was this confidence that allowed him to enter the Two Polarities Sect so boldly.
As soon as he stepped into the Jade Glass Palace, he sensed a powerful aura approaching.
Although it was being concealed, Gu Bo Xing still recognized the terrifying pressure.
Ling Long!
The rumors were true. She was indeed residing in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony!
And if the Jade Empress was also there, it meant that two Dao Integration experts were living in that small courtyard.
If this news spread, no one would believe it.
Even with the power of the dynasty’s fate and the faith of its people, he wouldn’t dare to offend two Dao Integration experts simultaneously.
Fortunately, he wasn’t after Mu Zhi’an, but… Wei Mengrou.
As long as he could extract her consciousness, his mission would be complete.
If he entered the Garden of Heavenly Harmony directly, his plan would surely fail. Although Wei Mengrou wasn’t related to the Jade Empress or Ling Long, they would likely protect her for Mu Zhi’an’s sake.
From the very beginning, Gu Bo Xing hadn’t planned to enter the courtyard.
As long as he could bring Wei Mengrou into the dream realm, he would win.
Dream Manipulation. This technique allowed him to silently kill his targets within their dreams. With a slight modification, he could also extract their consciousness.
Even a Dao Integration expert wouldn’t be able to detect this secret technique, as long as he was careful, unless they were constantly protecting their target.
However… even if Ling Long was secretly protecting Mu Zhi’an, she couldn’t possibly be guarding Wei Mengrou as well, could she?
Gu Bo Xing clasped his hands together and activated the secret technique. A wisp of green smoke silently drifted towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
…
Deep within the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, in a certain room.
A cool breeze blew, and a wisp of green smoke silently drifted into the room.
Almost instantly, the two meditating figures felt a wave of dizziness.
Mu Zhi’an opened his eyes and turned to Wei Mengrou, who had also awakened. “Mengrou,” he said softly.
Wei Mengrou nodded slightly and took out the bronze mirror.
As they infused their Spiritual Energy into it, deep within the Demon Realm, the Demon Realm Empress, who was meditating on her throne, slowly opened her alluring eyes.
…
Wei Mengrou’s vision blurred, turning white. When it cleared, she was no longer in Mu Zhi’an’s room, but in a grand and ancient hall.
Two captivating statues of giant pythons stood on either side of the entrance, their presence imposing.
“Is this where you spoke with her?” Wei Mengrou asked softly.
Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly, about to speak.
Suddenly, a cold voice came from behind them. “Young friend Mu, you and your maid are truly inseparable.”
They turned around simultaneously and saw a man in Daoist robes standing at the end of the hall.
He was smiling, his demeanor calm and friendly, yet he exuded an aura of authority and mystery, like a master strategist.
Wei Mengrou instantly recognized him. Her eyes turned cold. “Gu Bo Xing.”
Mu Zhi’an also stared at him, his eyes filled with suspicion, as he instinctively took a step back.
“How are you here…? This is a dream realm within my magical treasure. How did you enter?!” Mu Zhi’an asked, his voice filled with alarm.
Gu Bo Xing chuckled. “My Dream Manipulation technique can enter any dream realm. No matter where you and your maid flee, I can still find you.”
He glanced around the hall, his gaze lingering on the two alluring python statues for a moment before shifting back to Mu Zhi’an. “So you’re a spy from the Demon Realm,” he said coldly.
He had been suspicious of the Demon Realm Empress’s actions that day, and seeing this hall now confirmed his suspicions.
The reason the Demon Realm Empress had saved Mu Zhi’an in the Martial Realm was not only to prevent the Calamity Body from being taken by the Great Qian Dynasty, but also to protect her subordinate.
This hall clearly belonged to the Demon Realm. It was evident that Mu Zhi’an was using this magical treasure to cooperate with the Demon Realm, providing them with information.
As for the reason… the Demon Realm must have offered him some kind of reward.
Mu Zhi’an’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”
Gu Bo Xing’s eyes gleamed. “I just want your maid. Hand her over, and I’ll keep your secret,” he said with a smile.
“If the Two Polarities Sect finds out you’re collaborating with demonic cultivators, you know the consequences. Even the Jade Empress wouldn’t protect you.”
Mu Zhi’an frowned. “There are good people even among demonic cultivators. You shouldn’t generalize,” he retorted, turning the tables on Gu Bo Xing.
“Tell that to the Two Polarities Sect. Do you think they’ll believe you?” Gu Bo Xing sneered, his gaze shifting to Wei Mengrou.
Then, he said gently, “Young friend Mu, you know how important the Calamity Body is to the Great Qian Dynasty. This is for the sake of the dynasty’s fate, and for the Eastern Realm.”
Mu Zhi’an looked up at him. “How do you explain your trespassing into the Two Polarities Sect, Imperial Advisor?”
“It’s all for the Great Qian Dynasty. I’m sure even the Sect Master will understand,” Gu Bo Xing said in a low voice.
He was planning to act first and deal with the consequences later, just like in the Martial Realm.
“Are you truly determined to eliminate us, Imperial Advisor?” Mu Zhi’an asked, shielding Wei Mengrou with his body, his gaze fixed on the man in Daoist robes.
“I bear you no ill will, young friend Mu, but…”
Gu Bo Xing paused. “You’re providing information to the Demon Realm. That’s treason. I can pretend I didn’t see anything if you leave now. But if you insist on defying me…”
Although he didn’t finish his sentence, his threat was clear.
Mu Zhi’an sighed.
“I believe human cultivators and demonic cultivators can coexist peacefully. Your prejudice against the Demon Realm is too strong, Imperial Advisor.”
“What do you think, Your Majesty?”
As soon as he spoke, Gu Bo Xing froze.
He had considered Ling Long and the Jade Empress, calculating that they wouldn’t constantly protect Wei Mengrou, but he had overlooked the Demon Realm Empress!
No… it wasn’t an oversight. He simply hadn’t believed she would intervene for a mere Core Formation cultivator.
But now…
Gu Bo Xing looked around cautiously, his eyes filled with suspicion.
After a moment, seeing that nothing happened, he glared at Mu Zhi’an coldly.
This bluffing little brat!
“Since you refuse to cooperate, young friend Mu, I’ll have to force your hand.”
Gu Bo Xing raised his hand, and a giant palm slowly reached towards Wei Mengrou.
The pressure also targeted Mu Zhi’an, as if trying to crush him beneath its weight.
Like a mountain pressing down on him, Mu Zhi’an’s legs almost buckled, but he struggled to resist the immense force.
Gu Bo Xing looked at him coldly, wanting to see fear and despair in his eyes, to avenge his humiliation in the Martial Realm.
But Mu Zhi’an’s expression remained calm, his gaze fixed on Gu Bo Xing, as if mocking him: Is this all a Soul Transformation cultivator can do?
This only fueled Gu Bo Xing’s anger. He clenched his fist, and the pressure intensified, like a crashing wave.
Then, the pressure suddenly vanished.
The seductive sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed through the hall, and a powerful aura descended from above!
A soft, alluring voice rang out.
“It seems you have some objections to our demonic cultivators, Imperial Advisor.”
As the voice echoed through the hall, Gu Bo Xing’s aura dissipated, and he froze, his body stiffening. He looked up and saw a tall, alluring woman walking towards them, her every step seductive.
“The Demon Realm Empress?!”
Gu Bo Xing stared at her, his eyes filled with disbelief. “I wasn’t planning to harm your subordinate. The Great Qian Dynasty’s matters and the Calamity Body have nothing to do with you!” he said in a low voice.
The Demon Realm Empress turned her head slightly, her captivating eyes fixed on him, a charming smile curving her lips.
“He’s not my subordinate. He’s…”
She glanced at Wei Mengrou and mouthed a few words silently.
