Chapter 65: Oh, You Naive Man |
The problem wasn’t the women themselves, but the Luminous Soil that could preserve their snow lotuses.
They weren’t interested in the auction for novelty’s sake. They simply wanted the soil.
Imagine Young Master Mu, going above and beyond for his beloveds, negotiating with the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce to acquire three portions of Luminous Soil… How touching, right?
Wei Mengrou, observing Mu Zhi’an’s confident smile, raised an eyebrow.
After a moment of silence, she seemed to understand his plan. “You’re going to… intercept that batch of Luminous Soil?”
He shook his head. “That would be too obvious. But acquiring three portions beforehand… it’s not a problem.”
She glared at him, her voice laced with disdain. “If they come after you, don’t expect me to save you.”
He chuckled. “Don’t be so cruel, Mengrou. My mother entrusted you with my safety.”
She rolled her eyes. “She asked me to protect you… not to clean up your messes.”
He frowned. “Even with her talent, it will take her months to reach Core Formation?”
She nodded. “The gap between peak Foundation Establishment and Core Formation… it’s a difficult chasm to cross. Some cultivators spend years in seclusion, trying to break through. It’s not just about talent, but also comprehension. A few months is considered fast.”
“How long did it take you to reach Core Formation, Mengrou?” he asked.
“Half a month,” she replied nonchalantly.
She paused, then added, “I was simply lucky. I witnessed a battle between two Core Formation demonic beasts in a forest. It sparked a… realization. Otherwise, it would have taken me months.”
A lucky encounter… leading to a breakthrough… Are you a Chosen One as well?
“That’s a testament to your talent and hard work. Heaven rewards diligence,” he said, casting another bait.
She didn’t take it, her expression unchanging. She glanced at him, then left the courtyard.
He was indeed clever, his plans always meticulous.
However, human emotions… they weren’t so easily controlled.
Especially a woman’s heart.
She understood, but she wouldn’t say anything.
She was secretly hoping he would fail.
As for the reason… she simply found him… annoying.
He was used to her indifference. He smiled, watching her go.
I’ll visit the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce tomorrow… He thought to himself, feeling the cool night breeze on his face. He left the courtyard and quietly entered Bai Ruoxi’s room.
She was sitting on the bed, her eyes closed, her aura serene.
The room was filled with refined spiritual energy.
I hope she doesn’t reach Core Formation before I reach the fourth level of Foundation Establishment… he thought to himself, admiring her beauty.
There was nothing he could do about his cultivation speed. He was a supporting character, after all, destined to be defeated by the protagonist at the beginning of the story.
He had decent talent, but he had wasted too much time in the past. He couldn’t catch up overnight.
He had to be patient.
Unless… he encountered a lucky opportunity, like Ye Yu.
Well… technically, he had encountered such opportunities.
The bronze fragment, the Heavenly Dao Aura… he had fought for them… but he couldn’t use them himself.
But it was alright. Bai Ruoxi was benefiting from them.
She was a kind and obedient girl. If she reached Core Formation, or even Nascent Soul… it wouldn’t be a waste.
Soul Transformation and Dao Integration… those were too far off. As long as she reached Nascent Soul, she could dominate this world.
He closed his eyes, focusing on his own cultivation.
While his progress wasn’t as dramatic as hers, being near her still accelerated his cultivation significantly.
He was content. He was just a supporting character, a minor antagonist. He couldn’t expect to have Ye Yu’s talent.
Ye Yu simply had to cultivate diligently to become stronger. He was the Chosen One.
But Mu Zhi’an had to be more resourceful, more cunning. He had to exploit Ye Yu, the proverbial fat sheep.
The Chosen One… he had so much to offer.
Even if he couldn’t use those treasures himself, he could give them to those around him.
…
The next morning…
Bai Ruoxi stirred, a soft moan escaping her lips.
She opened her eyes, her long lashes fluttering. She had meditated all night, but instead of feeling tired, she was invigorated.
She could sense it… she was on the verge of Core Formation!
She was still at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, but she had a glimmer of understanding, a glimpse into the next realm.
Once she reached the peak, her breakthrough would be swift.
This wasn’t simply the Heavenly Dao Aura’s influence. It was her own talent and comprehension.
She was overjoyed. She stretched, her toes touching the cold floor, then noticed Mu Zhi’an sitting at the foot of the bed, meditating.
Her gaze lingered on his handsome face.
It wasn’t just men who appreciated beauty. Women were also drawn to handsome men. Of course, for men, being clean and well-mannered, with a good personality, was often enough to win a woman’s heart, even if they weren’t conventionally attractive.
But Mu Zhi’an was both handsome and charming. It was no wonder women were drawn to him.
As she stepped out of bed, he opened his eyes, smiling. “Good morning, Ruoxi.”
She blushed, her voice soft. “Good morning, Young Master Mu.”
“You should call me something else now,” he said, taking her hand.
She blushed even deeper, her gaze downcast, her voice barely a whisper. “Good morning… Mu Lang…”
That’s better… He smiled, pleased. “How was your cultivation last night?”
She hesitated. “It was… alright…”
Her eyes sparkled, and she was about to tell him about her progress, about her glimpse into Core Formation, when he interrupted her, his voice soothing.
“Don’t worry. Take your time. Mengrou told me that reaching Core Formation requires time and understanding. You’re still at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. There’s no need to rush.”
He knew she was talented, but he was worried she would become obsessed with a quick breakthrough. Core Formation wasn’t just about talent. It required comprehension.
But I already have a glimmer of understanding… She wanted to tell him, but looking at his handsome face, his concerned expression, she held back.
He was right. She had the Heavenly Dao Aura, yet her progress was still slow. It was nothing to brag about.
She would surprise him once she reached Core Formation.
“Are you going out today?” she asked suddenly.
He nodded, smiling. “I’m going to get you a gift.”
“A gift?” she echoed, tilting her head, her eyes wide with curiosity. “What kind of gift?”
He chuckled, keeping her in suspense. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Tell me now~” she insisted, her usual aloofness replaced by a playful pout.
She wasn’t aware of how alluring she was, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.
He stroked her cheek, his voice soft. “Give me a kiss, and I’ll tell you.”
“What are you saying…?” she whispered, blushing.
She might be as strong as a Core Formation cultivator, but when it came to romance… she was at the Qi Condensation level.
He admired her beauty, her delicate features, her rosy lips.
A woman like her… aloof and delicate, yet inherently alluring… her shyness was captivating.
He leaned in, kissing her cheek, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What if someone saw us? Would they think I’m… forcing myself on you?”
She blushed even deeper, trying to change the subject. “Will you tell me about the gift now?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “That doesn’t count. I said *you* kiss *me*, not the other way around.”
She glared at him, pushing him away playfully. “Fine, keep your secrets. Go away. I need to meditate.”
“You’re so diligent. You deserve a reward.” He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“What kind of reward is this?” she protested weakly, squirming in his embrace, her voice a soft murmur.
They spent a while… enjoying each other’s company, then he reluctantly left the room.
He had to visit the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, to… acquire some Luminous Soil through… unconventional means.
It wouldn’t be a problem. Everyone in Tianxuan City would do him a favor… especially for a price.
…
Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce.
Feiying sat gracefully, her legs crossed, her figure accentuated by her tight-fitting cheongsam, her long legs smooth and flawless.
She sipped her tea leisurely.
A servant entered the room, his voice low. “Miss Feiying, the Mu family’s young master is here to see you.”
“Mu Zhi’an?”
She frowned, then smiled, her charm captivating. “Bring him in.”
She had some free time this morning. It would be a good way to… entertain herself.
Moments later, Mu Zhi’an entered the room, escorted by the servant.
She was wearing a black cheongsam with delicate plum blossom embroidery, the skirt reaching her thighs, the dark fabric contrasting beautifully with her pale skin.
“You’re even more beautiful today, Feiying,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her appreciatively.
She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “You’re quite the charmer.”
He smiled. “I’m simply stating the truth.”
She poured him a cup of tea, then, after he sat down, leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand, her gaze intent. “You never visit me… unless you need something.”
“I wouldn’t want to disturb you. You’re always so busy,” he replied, taking a sip of tea. “If you have some free time, I’d like to treat you to some osmanthus cake from the Tide Sea Inn. It’s quite delicious.”
“Osmanthus cake?”
She smiled, her voice soft and alluring. “I just had some last night.”
“They usually require pre-orders. Do you know the owner?” he asked.
She shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. “Someone gave it to me.”
“A man or a woman?” he asked, curious.
She looked at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “A man.”
“But… you could also say it was a woman.”
“He bought it for a friend, and I happened to be with her, so I had some,” she explained.
Seeing the thoughtful expression on his face, she quickly changed the subject. “So what brings you here? You’re not just here to chat, are you?”
He smiled. “Mainly to chat, but… I also need a favor.”
She chuckled. “What kind of favor?”
“I heard you’re auctioning a batch of Luminous Soil the day after tomorrow,” he said, feigning ignorance.
She raised an eyebrow. “What do you need Luminous Soil for?”
He didn’t answer, simply asking, “Could you… sell me some… privately?”
She studied him, a knowing smile on her lips. “If it’s a small amount, it shouldn’t be a problem. But I’m still curious… why do you need it?”
“I’ll tell you… next time,” he replied evasively.
She scoffed, clearly not believing him.
“How much do you need?” she asked.
He pondered for a moment. “Five portions.”
He only needed three, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some extra… just in case.
She nodded, summoning a servant to arrange the transaction.
Five portions wasn’t much. She could easily make an exception for him.
She had a good idea what he was planning.
But she wouldn’t spoil his fun.
However, five portions was an interesting number.
She narrowed her eyes, lost in thought.
…
That afternoon, Mu Zhi’an returned to the Mu Manor, bathed in the warm sunlight.
He saw Bai Ruoxi admiring the snow lotuses in the pond, her slender figure accentuated by her white dress, her curves alluring.
She turned to face him, a smile gracing her lips.
He smiled back, then approached her, retrieving a delicate box.
“What’s this?” she asked, looking at the box in his hand.
“Open it,” he replied with a smile.
She opened the box, revealing a handful of shimmering sand.
“Luminous Soil?!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in delight.
So he went to the auction house this morning. She looked up at him, her eyes soft and grateful. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Ruoxi,” he murmured, his gaze intense.
He paused, then added, “I discovered a delicious osmanthus cake from the Tide Sea Inn. I pre-ordered two boxes. I’ll pick them up later, and we can enjoy them together.”
She blushed, nodding shyly.
After he left, she stared at the Luminous Soil, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Moments later, Wei Mengrou emerged from the house and approached her, noticing the box in her hand. “He bought you Luminous Soil from the auction house?”
Bai Ruoxi frowned, her voice laced with displeasure. “He’d rather acquire it beforehand than accompany me to the auction. He just wants to make sure I don’t go…”
Wei Mengrou observed her, a flicker of amusement in her eyes, though her expression remained neutral. “What are you going to do?”
“He doesn’t want me to go? I’ll go anyway,” Bai Ruoxi replied coldly.
Huang Manting was nothing to her. She had defeated Gongsun Cheng. She could handle Huang Manting as well.
She was not only blessed with superior assets, but also unrivaled strength. She wasn’t afraid of a mere temptress.
Wei Mengrou smiled inwardly, watching her go.
She had warned him, never underestimate a woman’s heart.
When in love, a woman’s intelligence plummeted.
But when seeking revenge. oh…
He was a naive man indeed.
Mu Lang(1)*: 郎 láng n. (old form of address) my dear husband (of a woman in ancient times)