Chapter 263: The Primordial Witch |
The next day, evening.
Regina was cultivating in her room, waiting for Mu Zhi’an to lose his patience and come to her.
Suddenly, a knock came from the door.
Regina looked up calmly. “Come in.”
The door opened, and seeing the elder standing there, a flicker of confusion appeared in her eyes. “Gulban, what is it?”
“Mu Zhi’an went to see Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden of the World Sea, today,” Gulban said in a deep voice.
Mu Zhi’an went to see the Holy Maiden of the World Sea…?
Regina’s eyes narrowed. “What would he want with someone from the World Sea? They shouldn’t even know each other.”
Gulban pondered for a moment. “I’ve heard that there’s also a secret technique in the World Sea related to concealing Heavenly Secrets. Could it be…”
Didn’t Mu Zhi’an have a Dao Companion? Why was he seeking another deal with a different woman while already having one with her?!
“What should we do, Miss?” Gulban’s old face creased with worry, his cloudy eyes filled with conflict.
The Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques couldn’t be revealed, but Mu Zhi’an had offered a first-grade cultivation technique, one that could even evolve, in exchange… Not only Regina, but even the deities of the Southern Wilderness would be tempted.
A first-grade cultivation technique was that valuable.
Regina took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“Have someone invite him over.”
She looked at Gulban. “Tell him I’ve agreed to his deal.”
…
Hall of Unity.
Mu Zhi’an arrived at Regina’s residence and, with his eyes closed, sensed the black mist swirling around him.
The Southern Wilderness’s secret technique involved enveloping oneself in this black mist, concealing one’s aura and Heavenly Secrets.
And now, this secret technique was imprinted in his mind.
Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes.
“A pleasant collaboration, Miss Regina,” he said, looking at the beautiful woman with a cold expression, a gentle smile on his face.
He hadn’t actually gone to see anyone from the World Sea. He had simply lingered near the World Sea Holy Maiden’s residence, without even speaking to her.
But that was enough.
“Don’t forget we have another deal, Young Master Mu. I hope you’ll take care of yourself before then,” Regina said coldly, her lips pursed as she stared at him.
She had initially planned to trade the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique for the first-grade cultivation technique and have Mu Zhi’an agree to complete the deal before the Ascension Ceremony.
However, Mu Zhi’an had gone to see someone from the World Sea today… This made her uneasy.
If the World Sea agreed to his deal, his Innate Celestial Furnace secret would be exposed to other female cultivators.
This was a disadvantage for her.
She couldn’t let this drag on any longer.
Mu Zhi’an raised his hand, looking at the black mist swirling around his fingers. “Don’t worry, Miss Regina. I always keep my promises.”
“I’ll come to you after the Ascension Ceremony.”
Regina looked at him as he stood up to leave. “You’re willing to trade a first-grade cultivation technique for a secret technique… just for your maid’s luck?”
Mu Zhi’an waved his hand dismissively and left the hall without looking back, flying towards Two Polarities Peak on his sword.
He wanted to borrow a testing stele from Lan Mulian and see if Wei Mengrou’s bad luck would change after using the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique on her.
…
Garden of Heavenly Harmony.
Upon returning to the courtyard, Mu Zhi’an went straight to Wei Mengrou’s room.
The maid, who was meditating, immediately sensed his presence. After circulating her Spiritual Energy, she slowly opened her eyes.
“Did I disturb you, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked, waving at her.
“Where did you go?” Wei Mengrou asked.
“Miss Regina was being hospitable and invited me over,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile, walking towards her.
Then, he reached out and took the bronze fragment hanging on her chest.
He sat down on the bed, his thumb gently rubbing the surface of the fragment as he closed his eyes, his Spiritual Sense carefully examining it.
After Wei Mengrou had refined this fragment, her bad luck had been partially suppressed. This was likely related to the fragment’s ability to conceal Heavenly Secrets.
If his guess was correct, then as long as Wei Mengrou could completely conceal her existence from the heavens, her bad luck would disappear.
After about fifteen minutes, Mu Zhi’an opened his eyes, a strange expression on his face as he looked at the bronze fragment.
Wei Mengrou stared at him. “Did you discover something?”
“This bronze fragment does indeed possess the ability to conceal Heavenly Secrets. And the technique it uses is identical to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique,” Mu Zhi’an said, raising his hand. A wisp of black mist silently enveloped him.
Almost instantly, Wei Mengrou realized she couldn’t see his face clearly. He was shrouded in a black mist, and even her Spiritual Sense couldn’t identify him.
She frowned slightly. “So this bronze fragment… could be from the Southern Wilderness?”
In ancient times, many powerful cultivators had perished for various reasons, causing chaos in the world. Their weapons and magical treasures shattered into fragments.
And during the tens of thousands of years that followed, as the Nine Realms evolved, it wasn’t impossible for a bronze fragment to end up in the Eastern Realm.
Mu Zhi’an played with the bronze fragment in his hand, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
It seems I need to investigate the Southern Wilderness if I have the chance.
He quickly collected his thoughts and took Wei Mengrou’s cold, soft hand.
Before she could speak, she felt the black mist that had been surrounding Mu Zhi’an slowly enveloping her as well.
“The Southern Wilderness’s secret technique can conceal both the caster and those around them. Within the black mist, no one can use divination to see through the caster,” Mu Zhi’an explained.
In a sense, this secret technique was a perfect match for Wei Mengrou. Combined with her concealment ability, even those stronger than her might not be able to detect her presence.
Unfortunately, according to Regina, this secret technique could only be passed on to a designated individual by the current Holy Maiden. Now that she had given it to Mu Zhi’an, he couldn’t teach it to anyone else.
Otherwise, Wei Mengrou’s strength could have increased significantly.
The black mist enveloped them, plunging the surroundings into darkness.
Mu Zhi’an took out the testing stele he had borrowed from Lan Mulian, enlarged it with a spell, and looked at Wei Mengrou. “Test your luck now, Mengrou.”
If Yu Ziyan’s theory was correct, then concealing Heavenly Secrets should also reduce Wei Mengrou’s bad luck, right?
Wei Mengrou reached out with her delicate hand and touched the stele.
She channeled a wisp of Spiritual Energy into it, and the stele emitted a faint glow.
Then, a black light gradually appeared.
After a few seconds, the stele was enveloped in a deep, ominous black glow.
However, this time, it wasn’t as intense as when she had tested it in Tianxuan City.
Mu Zhi’an and Wei Mengrou exchanged glances. Her gaze returned to the stele, and she murmured, “My bad luck has weakened…”
“This means we’re on the right track. We’re currently concealed by the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique, blocking a portion of Heavenly Secrets. Therefore, the heavens’ ‘restriction’ on you has also weakened,” Mu Zhi’an said.
He looked at the black glow emanating from the stele and suddenly said, “Mengrou, do you feel like that black light looks like a person?”
Wei Mengrou looked up.
As he had said, the light on the testing stele seemed to be forming a vague human figure.
It was a blurry figure, yet it exuded a strange aura, sending shivers down their spines.
Crack.
A sharp cracking sound came from the stele.
Mu Zhi’an looked up and saw a crack appear on its surface. Then, more cracking sounds echoed through the room as a web of cracks spread across the stele.
“Watch out!”
Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened. He lunged forward, shielding Wei Mengrou with his body, his hand pressing against the back of her head.
Her forehead rested against his chest.
Boom!
The testing stele exploded, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.
Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Energy surged, blocking the debris.
The room was filled with dust. Mu Zhi’an, his arm still around Wei Mengrou’s head, squinted.
The testing stele was completely shattered.
It hadn’t malfunctioned when Wei Mengrou tested it in Tianxuan City. Why was it breaking now?
Mu Zhi’an’s eyes were filled with suspicion.
And who was that figure that had appeared on the stele…?
As he pondered, he suddenly felt a soft breath against his chest. Wei Mengrou’s lips parted slightly, and she said, her voice as calm and clear as ice clinking against glass, “Can you let go now?”
Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at the maid in his arms.
Her face was as cold and expressionless as ever, her lips pursed tightly.
He was about to release her when a worried voice came from outside, “Brother Mu, what happened?”
It was Ye Qian.
He could feel Wei Mengrou’s body stiffen as she tried to push him away.
A mischievous thought crossed Mu Zhi’an’s mind. He grabbed her hand, meeting her glare, and chuckled. “We just had a little accident during the experiment. It’s nothing serious. Don’t worry.”
Wei Mengrou’s face was cold as she pulled her hand away and took a step back.
“What’s up, Qian’er?” Mu Zhi’an asked calmly.
“Sister Siyu said she encountered some problems with her cultivation and wanted to ask for your guidance…” Ye Qian’s gentle voice came from outside.
You sure your sister wants to ask me questions and not make things difficult for me…? Mu Zhi’an thought, feeling Wei Mengrou’s cold gaze upon him. He nodded slightly and said with a smile, “I understand. Go back first. I’ll join you later.”
He was planning to improve his relationship with his future aunt anyway. Even if Ye Siyu hadn’t asked for his help, he would have approached her in the next few days.
Ye Qian murmured in agreement, then hesitated for a moment. “By the way, two people from the World Sea came to see Sister today. They wanted to test if she was the Primordial Witch.”
“The Primordial Witch?” Mu Zhi’an repeated, confused. “What does the Primordial Witch have to do with your sister?”
“The Rebirth Pool seems to have been moved from the depths of the World Sea. And since Sister is the one most compatible with the Rebirth Pool in the Forbidden Zone, they suspect she might be the reincarnation of the Primordial Witch,” Ye Qian explained.
Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.
The Forbidden Zone and the World Sea were connected. After all, the sacred water within the Rebirth Pool had been transferred from a sacred land in the depths of the World Sea.
Almost everyone with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline underwent a test and awakening ceremony in the Rebirth Pool. It wasn’t surprising that Ye Lingxuan, being the most compatible with the pool, would be suspected of being the Primordial Witch’s reincarnation.
“I’ll be going back now, Brother Mu.”
Ye Qian’s voice brought him back to reality.
As her footsteps faded into the distance, Mu Zhi’an sighed with relief. “That was close, Mengrou,” he said.
Wei Mengrou gave him a disdainful look. “If you do that again, I won’t hesitate to make you repent for your sins on the floor,” she said coldly.
A maid, a disdainful look, black and white silk stockings, the master lying on the floor, repenting for his sins… Why does that sound so wrong…? Mu Zhi’an apologized sincerely, “I was just joking. I’m sorry.”
Lying on the floor wouldn’t be fun. However, if it were like that night with Yao Meng, he wouldn’t mind lying on the cold floor in the middle of winter.
Please step on me, Mengrou!
Mu Zhi’an picked up the fragments of the testing stele and stored them in his storage ring. He sighed and said helplessly, “I heard this testing stele is quite expensive. I wonder if I can afford to replace it.”
“I’ll explain the situation to Senior Sister later,” Wei Mengrou said.
She had been in the Two Polarities Sect for a long time and received extra resources and Spirit Stones every month. Replacing a testing stele wouldn’t be a problem for her.
“Save your Spirit Stones. I’ll talk to Senior Sister,” Mu Zhi’an said, shaking his head with a smile.
He had earned quite a lot of Spirit Stones from those ‘whales’ in the Sword Palace. Replacing a testing stele was nothing.
Besides, Lan Mulian might not even accept his compensation.
Wei Mengrou nodded slightly.
However, as she watched him leave, her eyes were filled with curiosity.
Who was that figure that had appeared on the testing stele…?
…
Meanwhile, in Dexin Courtyard, Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea, held a black box in her hand, disappointment in her eyes.
She had thought the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden, who was perfectly compatible with the Rebirth Pool, might be the one they were looking for, but the box hadn’t reacted to Ye Lingxuan at all.
This meant she wasn’t the one.
The Rebirth Water in the Forbidden Zone had been channeled from the depths of the World Sea. Their trip to the Eastern Realm was partly for the Ascension Ceremony, but more importantly, to search for clues about the Primordial Witch.
Anyone who could resonate with the Rebirth Water might be the one they were looking for.
But they had tested both Ye Siyu and Ye Lingxuan, and the box, a relic from the Primordial Witch, hadn’t reacted to either of them.
Despite her disappointment, Tang Sufei smiled gently, looking at the young lady in the purple dress. “I apologize for taking up your time, Sister Lingxuan,” she said softly.
Ye Lingxuan smiled faintly. “I understand your desire to find the former master of the World Sea, Sister Tang. I wish you luck in your search.”
Gu Hua, the young man in luxurious robes beside Tang Sufei, chuckled. “You’re quite talented, Miss Ye. If we meet in the Martial Realm, I hope you’ll go easy on me.”
Ye Lingxuan nodded curtly, her attitude towards him much colder than towards Tang Sufei.
Gu Hua could only shake his head helplessly, but he maintained his gentlemanly smile.
Even in the World Sea, he had never seen such a beautiful young lady. Her talent and beauty were both exceptional, and her pride was incredibly alluring.
However, she was clearly cold towards him, so he didn’t press further. After Tang Sufei bid farewell, they turned to leave.
As they were about to depart, Ye Lingxuan’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Brother… Young Master Mu!” she called out softly.
Realizing there were outsiders present, she quickly corrected herself, maintaining her ‘dignity’ as the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden.
Gu Hua froze and instinctively looked up, his gaze landing on a young man in a black robe with gold trim entering the courtyard. His features were sharp, his nose high, his appearance handsome.
Mu Zhi’an…? Tang Sufei thought, her eyes filled with curiosity. Meeting his gaze, she nodded with a smile.
Mu Zhi’an smiled back, then walked straight towards Ye Lingxuan.
Gu Hua raised an eyebrow and turned to look.
The previously aloof young lady was now smiling brightly. Although she maintained her usual composure, her eyes held genuine happiness.
“It seems your plan has failed,” Tang Sufei chuckled, enjoying his misfortune.
She knew that the Holy Son, upon seeing Ye Lingxuan, had, for the first time, developed feelings for a woman. Yet, he had been rejected in less than fifteen minutes. It was amusing.
Gu Hua quickly recovered and scoffed. “They just seem close. After the Martial Realm trial, Miss Ye will realize who’s more suitable for her.”
“Do you think you can defeat this Young Master Mu?” Tang Sufei asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
Gu Hua chuckled. “Of course.”
Mu Zhi’an was at the peak of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, while he was at the seventh-grade. Three grades couldn’t be bridged with mere resources or background.
“Then do you think you can defeat Lingxuan?” Tang Sufei asked again.
This time, Gu Hua remained silent for a long time.
“…It would be difficult,” he finally admitted.
They were both talented disciples from Primordial Clans. He had sparred with many prodigies in the past, but only Ye Lingxuan had ever made him feel such inexplicable pressure.
This young lady was likely the strongest contender in the Ascension Ceremony.
It was his intuition.
And his intuition had never been wrong.
“Young Master Mu can’t defeat Lingxuan, and you can’t defeat her either. What’s the point of defeating Young Master Mu then?” Tang Sufei asked, her words hitting him where it hurt.
Gu Hua scoffed and glanced at them. “At least, it would prove that I’m better than him.”
“You’re so amazing, yet you can’t even make Lingxuan submit to you,” Tang Sufei said, her gaze shifting towards the garden behind them.
Gu Hua instinctively followed her gaze. Ye Lingxuan, who had been cold and aloof just moments ago, was now holding Mu Zhi’an’s hand. He seemed to be whispering something in her ear, causing her to blush, her beauty even more captivating.
Even someone as magnanimous as Gu Hua couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, his expression contorting slightly.
Seemingly sensing their gazes, Ye Lingxuan snapped out of her daze and looked up, her beautiful eyes cold.
She clearly wasn’t accustomed to displaying affection in public.
Tang Sufei smiled faintly at her. “Let’s go back. We need to discuss this with the elders.”
There were many talented individuals in the Two Polarities Sect. If the Grand Elder’s divination was correct, and the former master of the World Sea was still alive and in the Eastern Realm, with the Primordial Witch’s talent, she should have already made a name for herself within the Two Polarities Sect.
Since neither Ye Lingxuan nor Ye Siyu was the Primordial Witch, they had to re-evaluate their options.
As Tang Sufei was about to leave, she suddenly felt the box in her hand vibrate slightly, as if something was trying to break free!
She froze.
…The box is reacting?!
But she had just tested it, and the two young ladies from the Forbidden Zone clearly had no connection to the Primordial Witch—
Suddenly, as if realizing something, Tang Sufei turned to look at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes wide with shock.
Gu Hua, noticing her unusual behavior, raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Could it be that you’ve fallen for this Young Master Mu?”
Tang Sufei wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “The box is reacting to Mu Zhi’an,” she said hesitantly.
Gu Hua’s eyes widened as an absurd thought crossed his mind.
Could he be… the Primordial Witch?