Chapter 271: The Grand Opening of the Ascension Ceremony |
Mu Zhi’an naturally had no idea what the two sisters had discussed on Two Polarities Peak.
After returning to the Jade Glass Palace on his sword, he didn’t immediately go back to his residence. Instead, he went to Dexin Courtyard to spend some time with Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan.
A competent fish pond master would never neglect any of the fish in his pond. This was Mu Zhi’an’s philosophy on time management.
With the Ascension Ceremony approaching, everyone wanted to improve their strength as much as possible before heading to the Martial Realm. Therefore, after chatting with Mu Zhi’an for a while, Ye Lingxuan entered her room to cultivate, accompanied by him.
“Brother Mu, can you walk Qian’er back? She seems to have something to tell you,” Ye Lingxuan said as she stood at her door.
Ye Qian, dressed in a green dress, her ample bosom proudly on display, her jade-like legs clad in green boots, a sliver of fair skin visible between her skirt and her boots, stood behind them. Hearing her sister’s words, she looked up in panic.
Ye Lingxuan smiled at her sister, then at Mu Zhi’an. “Is that alright, Brother Mu?” she asked, winking playfully.
Lingxuan is so generous. Isn’t she jealous…? Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile.
…
“Not yet… I can only investigate it slowly,” Mu Zhi’an replied, shaking his head.
Although he said that, he had no idea where to start investigating the Primordial Witch.
He was also curious about who the message was addressed to. Was it for someone specific, or for him…?
If the ‘Long time no see’ was truly meant for me, then that’s a bit scary… Mu Zhi’an pushed those thoughts aside and turned to Ye Qian, smiling gently. “Let’s go, Qian’er. I’ll walk you back.”
…
They walked along a corridor towards Ye Qian’s room. Mu Zhi’an followed behind her, glancing around to make sure Ye Lingxuan was meditating, then boldly took her hand.
Ye Qian’s body trembled slightly. She peeked at him, then quickly lowered her head, letting him hold her hand.
“What grade are you at now, Qian’er?” Mu Zhi’an asked casually, his gaze wandering over the snowy scenery outside the courtyard.
“Fourth-grade Core Formation,” Ye Qian replied softly.
I remember Qian’er’s cultivation level used to be lower than mine… Although spending nights with beautiful women has taken up some of my cultivation time, her progress is still too fast…
Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, glancing at Ye Qian a few more times.
He had to admit, the young lady’s figure was developing quite nicely. Although she still had a youthful air, her body was gradually maturing, bordering on the realm of ‘loli-baba’.
“Brother Mu, w-what’s wrong?” Ye Qian asked, feeling uneasy under his gaze. She instinctively looked away.
Mu Zhi’an stared at Ye Qian’s pure and beautiful face. A few strands of hair framed her delicate features, her rosy lips slightly pursed. She exuded a captivating blend of innocence and allure, a charm unique to her youthful age.
“There seems to be something on your face, Qian’er…” Mu Zhi’an said after observing her for a moment, his hand resting on his chin.
At the same time, he discreetly took out a green Spirit Stone from his storage ring.
“Huh?”
Ye Qian instinctively reached out to wipe away the ‘thing’ on her face, but Mu Zhi’an grabbed her wrist, pulled her into a nearby room, and closed the door.
Feeling his intense gaze upon her, Ye Qian asked shyly, “Brother Mu…?”
Her moist eyes peeked at him shyly, but beneath the shyness, there seemed to be a hint of anticipation.
Mu Zhi’an gently caressed her delicate face, then picked up a strand of her hair and said softly, “Did you drop this?”
He pulled out a green special Spirit Stone from her hair.
Ye Qian was stunned. She looked at him with surprise and delight. “When did you put it in my hair, Brother Mu…?”
“Do you like it?” Mu Zhi’an asked with a smile.
The Ye sisters were only sixteen or seventeen years old. A gift from their beloved naturally filled them with joy.
Ye Qian, her face flushed, murmured a soft “Mm”, her hands clasped together before her chest as she held the green Spirit Stone.
“Thank you…”
Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “Qian’er, expressing gratitude shouldn’t just be with words.”
Ye Qian instinctively looked up. “What do you mean, Brother Mu…?”
Mu Zhi’an looked into her eyes, not answering, but instead pinned her wrists against the door. Then, under her shy gaze, he leaned in, kissing her cheek, her neck, and finally, claiming her soft lips.
“Mm…”
Ye Qian wanted to pull away, but as she met Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, her body relaxed, and she closed her eyes instinctively, responding to his passion.
After a while, Mu Zhi’an released her. He looked at her, her breath slightly ragged, her lips parted, and chuckled. “You’re so cute, Qian’er.”
This girl was much more innocent than Ye Lingxuan. No wonder Ye Lingxuan had been so wary when she learned that Mu Zhi’an had ‘tricked’ Ye Qian, even going so far as to visit the Mu family.
Mu Zhi’an put his arm around Ye Qian’s waist, led her to the bed, and sat down beside her. “By the way, Qian’er, did you receive a letter from the Sect Master a while back?” he asked softly.
Ye Qian was still in a daze. Hearing his question, she snapped out of her thoughts, looked at his handsome face for a moment, and nodded slightly.
As I thought, Qian’er also received it. Is the Sect Master trying to pit them against each other and reap the benefits…? Mu Zhi’an sighed softly. “Actually, I’m quite troubled by this matter.”
“Is your trouble related to this, Brother Mu?” Ye Qian asked, blinking her beautiful eyes.
Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “I’m a free spirit. Being offered as a prize in a competition… isn’t quite appropriate.”
He placed a hand on her leg, holding her soft, cool hand. “Can you help me, Qian’er?” he asked softly.
“How can I help you, Brother Mu?” Ye Qian tilted her head slightly, confused.
“Just try your best to win the Ascension Ceremony, or at least reach the final round,” Mu Zhi’an said gently.
He squeezed her hand lightly. “And I’ll do my best to help you during the Ascension Ceremony.”
This was part of his plan. Ye Qian was a well-behaved and obedient girl. He needed to expand his ‘Team Protect Mu Zhi’an’. As long as they reached the final round, the additional reward would become irrelevant.
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Ye Qian asked softly, “So if I win the Ascension Ceremony and refuse the hidden reward, you’ll be able to relax, Brother Mu?”
Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile. “You’re a smart girl, Qian’er.”
Ye Qian’s eyes flickered, as if pondering his words.
After a while, she smiled gently. “I understand.”
“I’ll help you, Brother Mu.”
“Thank you. With your help, things will be much easier for me,” Mu Zhi’an said, relieved.
Ye Qian smiled faintly, a strange glint in her eyes.
After spending some quality time with Ye Qian, Mu Zhi’an left the room, satisfied.
Ye Qian sat on the bed, her fingers twirling a strand of hair as she gazed at his retreating figure. After a long time, she finally looked away.
“I’m sorry, Brother Mu,” she murmured.
“I won’t listen to you this time.”
It was for her own sake, and for her sister’s happiness.
…
After returning to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony on his sword, Mu Zhi’an went to see his maid.
Wei Mengrou was cultivating. It seemed the effects of the Primordial Witch’s possession had completely disappeared. Her eyes were closed, her beautiful face cold and expressionless.
As if sensing his presence, she slowly opened her eyes.
Their gazes met for a moment, and noticing his appreciative look, Wei Mengrou calmly looked away. “What is it?” she asked coldly.
Her expression seemed unchanged, but the flicker in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Seeing Mu Zhi’an now reminded her of what had happened in the pavilion last night. Although it was the Primordial Witch’s will that had forced her to act so intimately with him, it was still her body.
And she had woken up during the kiss…
Just thinking about it made her feel a strange sense of shame.
Mu Zhi’an, oblivious to her inner turmoil, entered the room and chuckled. “Can’t I come and see you if there’s nothing wrong?”
He sat down on the bed beside her. “Do you have any thoughts about the Ascension Ceremony, Mengrou?”
He’s here for that… Wei Mengrou didn’t look up. “Not really. I’ll do my best,” she replied indifferently.
She paused, glancing at him subtly, maintaining her usual aloof demeanor. A cold smile curved her lips. “What about you? Have you decided who you’re going to marry after the Ascension Ceremony?”
“What do you mean by ‘marry’…?” Mu Zhi’an’s lips twitched slightly, noticing her teasing tone. He suddenly said, “If I get married, wouldn’t you become a dowry maid?”
“Is that how you ask for help?” Wei Mengrou glared at him.
She knew why he had come to see her. The ones targeting him were all girls who were close to him. She was the only exception.
Their relationship was close, but not in a romantic way.
If Mu Zhi’an wanted to find a way out of this predicament, he would definitely come to her.
As long as she won the Ascension Ceremony, the Sect Master’s ‘hidden reward’ would become irrelevant.
Of course, this required her cooperation and her victory in the Ascension Ceremony.
Ye Qian was his insurance, and so was Wei Mengrou.
“I can help you, but I have a condition,” Wei Mengrou suddenly said.
A sudden NTR vibe filled the air.
Mu Zhi’an asked calmly, “What is it, Mengrou?”
Wei Mengrou stared at him. “Let me see the black box after the Ascension Ceremony.”
Mu Zhi’an was stunned. “What do you need it for?”
He pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. “I can lend it to you, but you have to promise that I’ll be with you when you use it.”
“And it seems only I can open it,” he added.
Based on the current situation, there seemed to be a connection between the Primordial Witch and Wei Mengrou. He wasn’t comfortable letting her handle the box alone.
Wei Mengrou nodded silently.
“So… it’s a deal?” Mu Zhi’an asked tentatively.
Wei Mengrou nodded, then, seeing his relieved expression, she said coldly, “Isn’t it too early to relax?”
Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “I have faith in your strength, Mengrou.”
“Besides,” he paused, raising his hand, a green lotus blooming on his fingertip.
“I have the Pure World Azure Lotus. The participants are all at the Core Formation Realm, similar to my level. Its sealing ability will be very effective against them,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.
He wasn’t relying solely on Ye Qian and Wei Mengrou. He had his own strengths.
He might not be guaranteed victory, but he could at least put up a fight, even against Ye Lingxuan.
However, Wei Mengrou remained silent, looking at him with a strange expression.
“Don’t you know yet?”
Mu Zhi’an smiled and turned to look at her. “Know what?”
“Senior Sister Lan is also participating. She’ll be going to the Martial Realm with us.”
“…”
Mu Zhi’an’s smile froze.
What the hell?!
What is Senior Sister thinking? This is bullying!
Everyone else was at the Core Formation Realm, competing based on their experience and resources, and now a Nascent Soul Earthly Immortal was joining… It was like bringing a gun to a knife fight.
“This doesn’t make sense… Senior Sister isn’t the competitive type. Could it be that she’s also interested in me…?” Mu Zhi’an murmured in disbelief.
His senior sister’s cultivation level was undeniable. If he was unlucky enough to encounter her early in the Ascension Ceremony, he might as well surrender.
The Pure World Azure Lotus was only effective against cultivators at the same level. Against a Nascent Soul cultivator, its effect would be negligible. He couldn’t rely on it as his trump card.
“I don’t know. The news just came out today,” Wei Mengrou said calmly.
Seeing his troubled expression, she couldn’t help but smile, enjoying his predicament.
Seeing Mu Zhi’an struggling with his relationships always amused her.
After all, she was just a bystander.
“…”
Or so she thought…
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She instinctively clutched her chest, her eyes losing focus.
A voice whispered in her mind.
It said: He can only be mine.
Wei Mengrou looked down at the bronze mirror on the table, a woman’s face reflected in it.
A beautiful face, pale and sickly, yet breathtakingly beautiful.
…
Despite Mu Zhi’an’s headache regarding Lan Mulian’s participation, the day of the Ascension Ceremony was fast approaching.
Two days later, the grand event that had shaken the Nine Realms, with three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs as rewards, finally began.
However, most people didn’t realize that Bai Ruoxi, the Lan sisters, and the others were actually aiming for the hidden reward…