Chapter 93: You’ve Given This Snow Lotus to Quite a Few People, Haven’t You? |
Chapter 93: You’ve Given This Snow Lotus to Quite a Few People, Haven’t You?
How did he manage to win over so many people in just one night?!
The Third Prince glared at Mu Zhi’an, who was sitting beneath the tree, his expression darkening.
“Your Highness, should we retreat?” one of the attendants whispered, his voice a mental message.
They were all elite cultivators, carefully selected, but if all thirty of these candidates were truly on Mu Zhi’an’s side, even they wouldn’t be able to withstand such a unified assault.
Gongsun Cheng also realized the situation was dire, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an, his mind reeling.
How did he do it?!
He had assumed they were simply spectators. Who would have thought that Mu Zhi’an could sway so many people in just one night?
Most of the candidates came from wealthy and influential backgrounds. Only a few were from humble origins.
That was why they had clashed upon entering the forest.
And yet, in just one night, they had become Mu Zhi’an’s allies.
He looked around, seeing candidates in the trees, in the clearing, surrounding them from all sides.
At least two-thirds of the candidates were here!
The Third Prince, suppressing his anger, forced a smile, bowing to the crowd. “Greetings, everyone. I’m the Third Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty.”
He revealed his identity, hoping to intimidate them.
“There was a misunderstanding between me and this Mu family young master yesterday. I’m here to resolve it. If you all withdraw, I’ll reward you handsomely after you join the sect.”
His words were polite, offering them a way out.
Normally, the title “Third Prince” might have swayed them.
But they simply stared at him, their silence unnerving.
The title, the promised rewards, they paled in comparison to the allure of joining the sect.
Even if it was the Crown Prince himself standing before them… it wouldn’t matter!
The Third Prince frowned, then smiled again, his voice strained. “Since you’re all unwilling to withdraw. I’ll… let this go for now. This matter between me and Young Master Mu, we’ll settle it after joining the sect.”
Mu Zhi’an sighed dramatically. “His Highness is still threatening me. It’s making me nervous. It might affect my preparations.”
A wave of killing intent swept through the clearing, the air growing heavy, the birds and animals fleeing in terror.
“Young Master Mu is helping us pass the exams. If anyone interferes and ruins our chances… even if it’s the Third Prince”
“Don’t worry, Young Master Mu. We’ll protect you. No one will disturb you.”
They glared at the prince and his attendants, their hostility evident.
The prince’s expression shifted, and he instinctively took a step back.
He could sense it, the killing intent, it was directed at him!
One of the candidates finally lost his patience, charging towards the prince.
His action was like a spark, igniting the powder keg. More candidates joined the fray, attacking the prince and Gongsun Cheng.
“Stop them!”
The prince’s scalp tingled, and he turned to flee.
But two sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivators blocked his path.
They were driven by mob mentality. He might be the Third Prince, but this was the Two Polarities Sect. Status and influence meant nothing here. And with so many attackers, it would be impossible to identify them all.
And besides, joining the sect was worth any price.
As chaos erupted, Ye Lingxuan stood up, ready to fight, but Mu Zhi’an grabbed her shoulder, stopping her.
“Stay here. They’re enough,” he said.
She frowned, her voice soft but firm. “I’m not as weak as you think.”
“I know, but there are too many people. It’s not safe,” he replied, smiling. “I’d be worried about you.”
Sunlight glinted in her eyes, her gaze meeting his. She didn’t speak.
I’m definitely into older women, but younger girls… they’re not bad either. He looked at her, admiring her beauty.
He wanted to test the waters, to see if she would allow him to hold her hand, but he held back.
They were in the Trial Forest, in broad daylight. He couldn’t be too forward.
The elders and peak lords were surely watching. Perhaps even Senior Sister.
“Are you sure you can take them out of the forest?” she asked, her voice a mental whisper.
“Of course. I always keep my promises,” he replied with a smile.
She still seemed worried. “But this might… anger the examiners.”
Taking so many candidates to the summit… it was understandable that she was concerned.
He chuckled. “I doubt it.”
“If the trial has always been this difficult, I doubt anyone would have passed in previous years. I’m simply helping them lower their standards, recruit more disciples.”
He smiled at the Third Prince and his companions, who were being overwhelmed “And besides, everything I’m doing is within the rules.”
…
Yi Hao, the peak lord of Boundless Sea Peak, watched the scene unfolding in the bronze mirror.
The Third Prince and his companions were retreating, their attempts to escape thwarted, their situation dire.
Yi Huayun, the master of the Medicinal Cuisine Pavilion, chuckled. “That Mu family young master is quite clever, using others to fight his battles. But I’m curious to see how he’ll handle the aftermath.”
Mu Zhi’an was smart, recruiting these candidates as free labor to deal with his enemies, but if he couldn’t deliver what he had promised, he would be the next target.
Lan Mulian, standing nearby, her figure concealed by a white veil, her eyes shining, watched the scene unfold in the mirror.
“He’s not reckless. He always has a plan,” she said calmly.
“Oh?”
Yi Hao looked at her, his interest piqued. “It seems you know this Mu family young master quite well, Junior Sister.”
For their aloof and reserved junior sister to offer such praise… it was unusual.
“I can’t imagine how he’ll resolve this,” Yi Huayun said, his voice laced with doubt.
They couldn’t hear the conversations taking place in the forest, but the images were clear enough.
Most of these candidates came from powerful backgrounds. They wouldn’t be swayed by mere pills or treasures. Mu Zhi’an must have offered them something irresistible.
The Third Prince’s situation was resolved, but now it was time for Mu Zhi’an to fulfill his promise.
“Wait…”
As the prince and his companions fled, Yi Hao’s gaze focused on Mu Zhi’an, a realization dawning on him.
He stared at the mirror, his eyes widening. “Is he controlling the Trial Forest’s formation?”
Lan Mulian looked at the mirror, seeing Mu Zhi’an sitting beneath the tree, the thirty candidates surrounding him, their hands forming seals, channeling their spiritual energy.
Yan Ruyu, the master of the Two Polarities Sect’s library, narrowed her eyes, her arms crossed, her ample bosom accentuated by her loose robes. She stared at Mu Zhi’an, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “Is he trying to send all the candidates to the summit?”
The Trial Forest’s formation did indeed possess such a teleportation ability, but only those who understood its structure could activate it.
Could this Mu Zhi’an be a formation prodigy?
Yi Huayun frowned. “That wouldn’t be fair.”
Yi Hao stared at Mu Zhi’an, then chuckled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter.”
“The trial on Boundless Sea Peak has always been unfair. If he can comprehend a part of the formation and use it to take others to the summit… it’s within the rules.”
“It’s a shame he’s only at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment,” Yan Ruyu said, her voice laced with regret.
If he were at the ninth level, he would be the most promising candidate.
It had been a long time since the Two Polarities Sect had seen a true formation prodigy.
To comprehend the Trial Forest’s formation in just one day was rare, even among their disciples.
There were many alchemists in the sect, but those skilled in formations… they were few and far between.
Lan Mulian glanced at the three peak lords, then looked away.
She knew Mu Zhi’an’s true secret, but she wouldn’t reveal it.
His true value wasn’t his strength, nor his talent for formations, but…
The other vessel within him.
For male cultivators, an Inborn Celestial Vessel was useless…
But for female cultivators…
She glanced at Yan Ruyu, her mature beauty captivating, a knowing smile on her lips. “You’re at the third level of Nascent Soul now, Senior Sister Yan?”
The Nascent Soul realm was different from the others. After the third level, there was a bottleneck. Each advancement became increasingly difficult. Some spent decades, even centuries, trying to break through.
Yan Ruyu nodded, smiling. “My talent pales in comparison to yours, Junior Sister. I’ve been stuck at the third level for six years.”
“Why do you ask?” she added, her gaze curious.
Lan Mulian stared at Mu Zhi’an, her lips curving into a subtle smile beneath her veil. “Just curious~”
She changed the subject. “Master Yi, the formation should be activated in about two hours. I’ll take them to the Pilgrimage Palace afterwards. You can leave if you have other matters to attend to.”
Yi Hao looked at her, surprised by her offer of assistance.
He nodded. “Very well, Junior Sister. I’ll leave them in your capable hands. I need to meditate and prepare for my tribulation”
“Have you decided on the inner disciple spots, Brother?” Yan Ruyu asked, her voice laced with amusement.
During the entrance exams, the nine peak lords would each select one inner disciple.
The other candidates would start as outer disciples, and after three years, the top three performers in the sect’s grand competition would be promoted to inner disciples.
Yi Hao chuckled. “There’s no rush. The inner disciple spots will be announced at the Pilgrimage Palace in a week.”
After the exams, the sect would arrange accommodations for the successful candidates.
And a week later, the nine peak lords would gather at the Pilgrimage Palace and select the nine inner disciples.
Becoming an inner disciple, it was a significant advantage.
Of course, there were exceptions. If two candidates were equally talented, a peak lord might break the rules and accept both.
The three peak lords departed, and Lan Mulian looked towards the summit of Boundless Sea Peak, where over thirty candidates had already gathered, her gaze landing on Mu Zhi’an, who stood at the front. She flew towards them.
The candidates were overjoyed, their excitement evident, even those who were usually calm and composed. They surrounded Mu Zhi’an, thanking him profusely.
He smiled, chatting with them, until they suddenly fell silent, their gazes shifting to something behind him.
He turned to see Lan Mulian approaching, her figure graceful and ethereal as she rode upon a cloud.
“Senior Sister,” he said, bowing respectfully.
She glanced at the candidates, nodding politely, then smiled. “Follow me. I’ll take you to the Pilgrimage Palace.”
“And then someone will show you to your accommodations.”
They all sighed in relief.
Her words confirmed that the unconventional method of passing the exams was acceptable.
She summoned several clouds, and they soared through the air, past the towering peaks, the mist swirling around them, heading towards their destination.
The Pilgrimage Palace.
Peach blossoms bloomed on either side of the path leading to a grand, ancient palace, its aura imposing.
Many other successful candidates had already gathered in the square, their excitement palpable as they were led by senior disciples to their new homes.
It was like a university orientation… bustling with activity.
As Lan Mulian arrived, the other disciples looked at her, their gazes drawn to her beauty and aloofness, some also studying the female candidates who had passed Boundless Sea Peak’s trial, comparing their assets…
Bai Ruoxi also looked towards the newcomers, and her brow furrowed as she saw the two sisters beside Mu Zhi’an.
She walked towards him, her embroidered shoes clicking against the stone, a smile on her lips. “You passed so quickly?”
Lan Mulian glanced at her, her expression indifferent, then turned to the candidates, her voice clear and cold. “Follow me. I’ll show you to your accommodations.”
After arranging their housing, she turned to Mu Zhi’an and the others. “Come with me.”
“Thank you, Senior Sister,” Mu Zhi’an said politely.
She grunted in acknowledgment.
As Bai Ruoxi stepped onto the cloud, she looked at the surrounding scenery, the mist-wreathed peaks, the blooming peach blossoms, and sighed. “This sect is truly blessed. Such abundant spiritual energy.”
“Your cultivation will progress much faster here,” Lan Mulian replied with a smile.
But Bai Ruoxi had other concerns. “I wonder if flowers would wither easily here, even without Luminous Soil.”
The mention of “Luminous Soil” shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat.