Chapter 96: Ling Long’s (Spirit Dragon) Appearance p1 |
Mu Zhi’an left the elegant courtyard, following Wei Mengrou’s directions.
He saw other candidates entering the palace, some of them from Boundless Sea Peak, and they greeted him with smiles and nods.
He returned their greetings, but he didn’t stop, his steps quick and determined. He finally saw Ye Lingxuan standing outside her courtyard, her purple dress a splash of color against the muted tones of the palace.
She noticed him, but after a brief glance, she turned away, heading towards her room.
“Lingxuan, wait!”
He hurried after her, but she ignored him, her pace quickening.
A figure suddenly appeared before her, blocking her path.
She looked up to see Ye Yu, his black robes a stark contrast to her vibrant attire, a gentle smile on his lips. “What’s wrong, Lingxuan? You seem upset.”
She frowned slightly, then nodded politely. “I’m just tired. I want to rest. Could you please excuse me, Brother Ye Yu?”
Pressing her further would only annoy her.
He stepped aside.
As she walked past him, he turned to Mu Zhi’an, who was approaching, and released a surge of spiritual energy, blocking his path. “Didn’t you hear her, Mu Zhi’an? She’s tired and wants to rest. Leave her alone.”
Mu Zhi’an, unfazed by the sudden burst of energy, smiled. “Is this your house?”
“I’m just taking a walk. I don’t need your permission.”
He ignored Ye Yu and followed Ye Lingxuan.
“She won’t talk to you, even if you go after her,” Ye Yu chuckled inwardly, but a flicker of unease crossed his mind as he watched Mu Zhi’an pursue his cousin.
He hesitated, then followed them.
Mu Zhi’an followed Ye Lingxuan to a secluded courtyard.
He was amazed by the palace’s architecture. Each path seemed to lead to a hidden world…
The courtyard was filled with blooming peach blossoms, their fragrance sweet and intoxicating. “Lingxuan, wait!” he called out.
He hurried after her, blocking her path again.
“I’m tired, Young Master Mu. I want to rest. Please leave,” she said, her voice cold and distant.
She entered her room, closing the door, ignoring him completely.
Ye Yu, watching from behind, sighed in relief.
He deserves it, trying to have both… He watched as Mu Zhi’an knocked on the door repeatedly, but there was no response.
Staying here would only annoy her further. It seemed Mu Zhi’an was truly panicked. He didn’t even understand this simple logic.
He turned and left quietly.
Mu Zhi’an knocked again, then sighed. “Lingxuan, are you avoiding me? Do you hate me?”
“I don’t hate you, Young Master Mu. I’m simply tired and want to rest,” she replied, her voice cold and distant.
“Elder Wei, please escort him out.”
An elderly man in black robes appeared before Mu Zhi’an, smiling. “Please leave, Young Master Mu. My mistress is tired and doesn’t wish to see anyone.”
Mu Zhi’an was escorted out of the courtyard. He turned to the old man. “You’re Lingxuan’s attendant, aren’t you? But aren’t non-sect members forbidden from entering the sect?”
“I was worried about my mistress, so I followed her. I’ll be leaving in a few days,” Elder Wei replied calmly.
His presence in the sect was tolerated by the peak lords and elders.
But even he couldn’t stay for long.
They had shown him courtesy, and he had to reciprocate.
“Please… take care of my mistress, Young Master Mu.”
Mu Zhi’an smiled sadly. “After what happened, I doubt she’ll even talk to me”
Elder Wei narrowed his eyes, his voice sharp. “I’ve traveled this world for decades, Young Master Mu. I’ve seen more than you can imagine. Do you truly believe I’m a naive girl, easily swayed by sweet words?”
Are you calling your mistress naive? Mu Zhi’an bowed. “I’ll take care of her, Elder. But please… allow me to stay here for a while.”
Elder Wei waved his hand dismissively.
Mu Zhi’an hurried back into the courtyard and knocked on Ye Lingxuan’s door. “Lingxuan, can I come in?”
“Why are you back? I told you I’m tired and want to rest,” she replied, her voice cold.
He sighed. “Lingxuan, I know you’re upset, but please… hear me out.”
Silence.