Standing among the crowd, the Third Prince watched Bai Ruoxi’s pale face and Mu Zhi’an’s solicitous gestures with a smirk.

Though his plan had failed, it had confirmed one thing: the Tribulation Cloud Pill could indeed be used to manipulate tribulations.

Unfortunately, the pill’s recipe was incredibly rare, and he only had one.

He wondered where that disciple had obtained it.

A pang of regret stabbed at his heart.

Even though his plan had failed, and Mu Zhi’an remained unharmed… what about Bai Ruoxi?

A proud man like Mu Zhi’an, witnessing his beloved woman suffering while he remained powerless… it would be a fate worse than death.

As for the so-called divination technique… he wasn’t concerned.

He wouldn’t have dared to appear here without taking precautions.

He had been carrying a talisman that shielded him from divination techniques from the start.

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an’s words caused a stir among the disciples.

“Junior Brother Mu, what do you mean? Could you elaborate?”

“Yes, you claim that someone sabotaged Lady Bai’s tribulation. Do you have any evidence?”

Most wouldn’t connect Bai Ruoxi’s tribulation to a pill.

After all, the Tribulation Cloud Pill was incredibly rare. If not for Ye Lingxuan’s earlier words, Mu Zhi’an, even suspecting foul play, wouldn’t have considered such an obscure possibility.

Three Peak Masters gracefully descended from the sky: Yi Hao, Ren Kaitai, the Peak Master of Metamorphic Jewel Peak, and Ning Shuwen, the Vice Peak Master of Metamorphic Jewel Peak.

Yi Hao addressed Mu Zhi’an. “Explain yourself.”

Mu Zhi’an, his arm still around Bai Ruoxi, bowed respectfully. “Peak Masters, I believe someone deliberately sabotaged Lady Bai’s tribulation, intending to harm her.”

“As for the reason…”

He paused, then continued, “A Core Formation tribulation consists of only six bolts of lightning. However, Ruoxi faced eight… Has such a thing ever happened before?”

“Never,” Yi Hao replied.

He frowned, then nodded slowly, seemingly agreeing with Mu Zhi’an’s assessment.

Ren Kaitai raised an eyebrow, studying Mu Zhi’an silently.

He wasn’t eager to get involved in this mess…

However, the talented disciple he had recently accepted was Mu Zhi’an’s maid…

Ren Kaitai cherished Wei Mengrou, who possessed extraordinary talent despite her misfortune. He had gifted her numerous pills in addition to her monthly allowance as an inner disciple.

It was all because of her talent.

“If this tribulation was indeed a deliberate act of sabotage, I will personally see that justice is served!” Ren Kaitai said, his voice gentle yet firm.

“Thank you, Peak Masters,” Mu Zhi’an replied gratefully.

“What do you propose we do?” Yi Hao asked.

“I request that you use your divination techniques to question each disciple individually. Ask them if they had anything to do with Lady Bai’s tribulation,” he replied.

It would be a tedious and time-consuming process, but if this matter wasn’t handled properly, it might happen again.

Considering Mu Zhi’an’s value and his connections to their disciples, the three Peak Masters agreed.

As the Peak Masters began questioning the disciples one by one, Mu Zhi’an led Bai Ruoxi to a nearby stone bench.

“My dear, what’s going on…?” she asked softly, leaning against him.

“Didn’t you realize something was wrong with your tribulation?” he asked, his gaze fixed on the Peak Masters.

She frowned, then nodded slowly. “I did.”

“But can they really find the culprit this way?”

As they spoke, Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian approached, their hands intertwined.

Witnessing Bai Ruoxi’s weakened state and her intimate gesture with Mu Zhi’an, they refrained from commenting.

However, their expressions were complex.

Ye Lingxuan retrieved an exquisite wooden box, opened it, and offered Bai Ruoxi a pill. “Sister Bai, this is an Essence Restoration Pill. It will help you recover your spiritual energy faster,” she said softly.

Bai Ruoxi looked up at the kind and gentle girl, her heart warming at the genuine concern in her eyes. “Thank you, Lingxuan,” she said, accepting the pill.

Lingxuan smiled faintly.

It’s nice that they’re getting along… Mu Zhi’an thought, his heart filled with contentment.

“Brother Mu, can divination techniques really identify the person who harmed Sister Bai?” Ye Qian asked softly.

He glanced at the disciples being questioned, then said, “It’s unlikely.”

“Anyone with half a brain would have anticipated this.”

Bai Ruoxi looked at him. “Then why…”

He seemed to know what she wanted to ask. He stared at the crowd, his gaze settling on a specific figure.

“Divination techniques might not reveal the culprit, but if we already know who it is, there are plenty of ways to expose them.”

…

“Next.”

Yi Hao watched as the disciples approached one by one, his brow furrowed with frustration.

Even he had realized the problem.

The culprit might not be among these disciples!

Or perhaps the person responsible was present, but had taken measures to counter divination techniques.

If they let the culprit escape… it might happen again.

Ren Kaitai also realized the issue, his expression growing serious.

Suddenly, a voice reached Yi Hao’s ears through a discreet transmission.

He froze, glancing at Mu Zhi’an, who had sent the message.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded subtly, averting his gaze.

“Next.”

Another disciple stepped forward.

Ye Yu.

“Did you have anything to do with Junior Sister Bai’s tribulation today?” Yi Hao asked, his eyes glowing gold as he activated the divination technique.

Ye Yu’s aura came into focus.

If he lied, his aura would darken.

However, this technique was useless against Ye Yu, who was innocent.

He had nothing to do with this matter.

“I—”

“Wait!”

Mu Zhi’an’s voice rang out, drawing everyone’s attention.

Ye Yu frowned. “Young Master Mu, the Peak Masters are currently investigating the sabotage of Lady Bai’s tribulation. Why are you interrupting?”

“Lady Bai is a dear friend. Someone deliberately caused her to face eight bolts of lightning.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “And whoever did this likely anticipated the use of divination techniques.”

Ren Kaitai and Ning Shuwen nodded in agreement.

“Are you suggesting you have a way to find the culprit, Young Master Mu?” Ye Yu asked, his voice laced with mockery.

What could a newly accepted disciple do that the Peak Masters couldn’t?

“Indeed, I do,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

His words caused a stir.

Ye Yu frowned, unsure of what Mu Zhi’an was up to.

Mu Zhi’an approached the Peak Masters and offered them a pill.

“Peak Masters, this is a Restoration Pill. Anyone who consumes it will temporarily lose the effects of all talismans and secret techniques for a period of time.”

He turned to Ye Yu, a smile playing on his lips. “Young Master Ye, would you be willing to consume this pill and answer our questions again?”

Ye Yu frowned. “I’ve never heard of a Restoration Pill. What is it?”

“There are thousands of pills in this world. Are you claiming to be an alchemy master who knows them all, Young Master Ye?” Mu Zhi’an countered with a smile.

Ye Yu was speechless.

Countless pill recipes remained unknown to even the most experienced alchemists. How could he, a novice alchemist, claim to know them all?

However, he couldn’t lose face in front of his sisters. “Now that you mention it, I believe I’ve heard of this pill before,” he said coldly.

“After all, you are an alchemist, Young Master Ye,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Ye Yu was surprised by the unexpected compliment.

He glanced at Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian, who were sitting with Bai Ruoxi. However, their gazes remained fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

His brief moment of satisfaction vanished. He turned back to Mu Zhi’an, his voice cold. “I know what the Restoration Pill does, but how can I be sure you haven’t tampered with it?”

“I wouldn’t dare do such a thing in front of the Peak Masters. If you’re unsure, they can examine it first,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

Yi Hao summoned the pill with a wave of his hand and examined it. He glanced at Mu Zhi’an, his eyes flickering with surprise.

The two Peak Masters from Metamorphic Jewel Peak also studied the pill, then exchanged glances before looking away.

“There’s nothing wrong with this pill. It won’t harm you,” Yi Hao said.

Reluctantly, Ye Yu accepted the pill and swallowed it.

After a brief pause, Yi Hao ignited a talisman, enhancing his divination technique. He stared into Ye Yu’s eyes. “Did you have anything to do with Bai Ruoxi’s tribulation today?”

“No,” Ye Yu replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

The divination technique revealed nothing.

“Are you satisfied now?” he asked Mu Zhi’an, his voice laced with irritation.

“Indeed.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled, then turned his gaze towards the handsome young man in the four-clawed python robe.

“Your Highness, it’s your turn.”

He produced another Restoration Pill.

Panic flashed in the Third Prince’s eyes, his hand clenching into a fist within his sleeve.

He was caught.

The foolish prince had believed his preparations were flawless, even taking measures to shield himself from divination techniques. However, he hadn’t anticipated a pill that could counter his methods!

Seeing his hesitation, Yi Hao frowned. “Ning Long, what are you waiting for?”

Whispers rippled through the crowd, the Third Prince’s reluctance fueling their suspicions.

The whispers snapped him out of his daze. He glared at Mu Zhi’an.

Him again… it’s always Mu Zhi’an!

If not for Mu Zhi’an, even the Peak Masters wouldn’t have been able to identify the culprit. After all, there were so many people present at the Pilgrimage Palace. It would have been impossible to investigate.

But now…

A single pill had turned the tables!

Ning Shuwen frowned, his gaze fixed on the ashen-faced prince. “Ning Long, what’s wrong with you?”

Seeing his continued hesitation and his hateful glare at Mu Zhi’an, the three Peak Masters had their answer.

“Mu Zhi’an!” the Third Prince roared, his eyes blazing with fury.

Yi Hao’s expression turned icy. “This is a serious offense. I will personally escort you to the Enforcement Hall!”

Sending a disciple to the Enforcement Hall was essentially a death sentence for their sect career. They would face severe punishment and interrogation.

With a wave of his hand, Yi Hao whisked the Third Prince away.

Mu Zhi’an watched them leave, his expression unreadable.

He hadn’t said a word throughout the ordeal. There was no need.

Yi Hao would handle it.

After all, the Immortal Ascension Ceremony was only a few months away.

And Bai Ruoxi was crucial to Boundless Sea Peak’s chances of finally breaking free from their last-place ranking.

Knowing how furious Yi Hao was about this sabotage…

Mu Zhi’an turned to the crowd and bowed. “My apologies for the disturbance, Senior Brothers and Sisters. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to help.”

Though they knew it was just a polite gesture, his humble and courteous demeanor earned him their favor. They returned the bow.

As the disciples dispersed, Mu Zhi’an returned to the stone bench and looked at Bai Ruoxi. “Can you walk?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Her color had returned slightly, a faint blush replacing her earlier pallor. “I’m fine… but it will take a day or two for my spiritual energy to fully recover,” she replied, nodding weakly.

It won’t take that long… He glanced at her, then quickly averted his gaze, remembering the presence of the Ye sisters.

He had to maintain a certain level of decorum.

“You’re always helping me, my dear. I’m so sorry to burden you again…” she said, her voice filled with guilt.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t say that. We’re in this together.”

“Just focus on your cultivation. Leave everything else to me.”

He turned to the Ye sisters, his voice softening. “The same goes for you two. If you encounter any trouble, Brother Mu will help you.”

Whether it was the Ye sisters or Bai Ruoxi, they were all incredibly talented. The stronger they became, the more beneficial it would be for him.

Once he had nurtured these “baby orcas” in his pond, his life would be much easier.

His own cultivation progress might be slow, but he could accelerate theirs.

What’s wrong with being a kept man?

“Those pills you gave them… weren’t those just ordinary beans you feed Senior Lin Ling?” Bai Ruoxi asked softly. “What would you have done if the Third Prince had actually consumed one?”

The Restoration Pill… it had been a bluff.

He had given them ordinary beans, one of Ling Long’s favorite snacks.

The three Peak Masters had known, but they had chosen not to expose him.

He shook his head. “If you know who the culprit is, there are plenty of ways to expose their crimes.”

He looked up and saw two figures approaching.

The Peak Master of Dao Peak and the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak.

They had likely heard about the incident and had come to investigate.

He bowed to them, then prepared to leave with Bai Ruoxi and the Ye sisters.

Ye Yu, watching their harmonious interactions, finally snapped. “Lady Bai’s cultivation progress since arriving at the sect has been astounding. I’m quite envious. Do you have any special techniques?” he asked, his voice laced with a subtle challenge.

That idiot, the Third Prince, had used such a risky method to sabotage Bai Ruoxi. If he had been caught, his reputation would have been ruined.

His approach was much simpler and far more effective!

His words drew the attention of the departing disciples. Mu Zhi’an turned towards the black-robed figure, his gaze steady.

Ye Lingxuan frowned, her hand tightening around Ye Qian’s.

She had once held some familial affection for Ye Yu, but his repeated attempts to sabotage Mu Zhi’an had turned that affection into disgust.

Yu Ziyan and Ying Guhuan landed gracefully, their gazes settling on Ye Yu.

They had investigated Mu Zhi’an’s past and were aware of the deep animosity between him and Ye Yu.

Mu Zhi’an’s expression remained calm. “What do you mean by that, Young Master Ye?” he asked.

“Are you suggesting there’s a shortcut to cultivation?”

Ye Yu chuckled. “There are no shortcuts in cultivation.”

His tone shifted. “However, I once possessed a Heavenly Dao Aura. It mysteriously vanished in the Dragon Head Forest after my encounter with Young Master Mu.”

“I initially suspected that Young Master Mu had obtained it.”

“But now, I’m considering another possibility.”

He stared at Mu Zhi’an, hoping to see a flicker of panic.

If the matter of the Heavenly Dao Aura was exposed, people would view Mu Zhi’an differently. Even if no one within the sect dared to harm him, there was no telling what might happen during missions outside the sect.

Ying Guhuan narrowed her eyes, her gaze lingering on the pale and weakened Bai Ruoxi.

“Lady Bai has only been at the sect for a short time, yet she’s already reached the Third Stage of Core Formation… I can’t help but wonder if the Heavenly Dao Aura I lost that day is now within you,” Ye Yu said, his voice laced with a subtle accusation.

Bai Ruoxi remained silent, biting her lip as her grip on Mu Zhi’an’s hand tightened.

However, her weakened state rendered her gesture feeble.

Realization dawned on Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian.

So that’s why Brother Ye Yu’s cultivation had accelerated so rapidly… The Heavenly Dao Aura had been with him.

And after he had lost it, Bai Ruoxi had somehow obtained it.

That explained her monstrous cultivation speed.

Ye Yu smirked inwardly, observing Bai Ruoxi’s silence and her weakened state.

Even if he couldn’t reclaim the Heavenly Dao Aura, he wouldn’t let Mu Zhi’an benefit from it.

“I’m not demanding that Lady Bai surrender the Heavenly Dao Aura. I’m simply curious. Please don’t misunderstand,” he said with a smile.

However, once the demonic cultivator within the sect learned of the Heavenly Dao Aura’s presence within Bai Ruoxi, they would stop at nothing to obtain it.

And that would create a huge problem for Mu Zhi’an.

After a long silence, Mu Zhi’an sighed.

“You’re right, Young Master Ye. The Heavenly Dao Aura is with us,” he said, meeting the gazes of the two Peak Masters.

Ye Yu was stunned by his honesty.

Even Ying Guhuan narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

“However, it’s not with Ruoxi.”

Ye Yu frowned, confused by Mu Zhi’an’s words.

Ying Guhuan watched him silently, awaiting his explanation.

Under their intense scrutiny, Mu Zhi’an sighed again.

“The Heavenly Dao Aura… is within my vessel.”

He looked at Ying Guhuan and Yu Ziyan, bowing respectfully. “Peak Masters, your suspicions were correct.”

“……”

Silence descended upon the plaza.

Then, the two Peak Masters, accustomed to handling major events, felt their hearts race, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay