Silence filled the air as Ying Guhuan stared at Mu Zhi’an, her usually calm gaze replaced by a burning intensity, as if she were looking at a rare treasure.

Yu Ziyan, clad in her Taoist robes, stood tall and elegant, the wind pressing the fabric against her curves.

The Peak Master of Dao Peak couldn’t hide the anticipation in her eyes.

During her earlier visit to Ling Long’s Dongtian, she had suspected a change in Mu Zhi’an’s vessel.

After all, she was incredibly sensitive to “Qi”, and she had indeed sensed the unique aura of an Innate Celestial Vessel while meditating at Dao Peak.

However, upon arriving at the Dongtian, she hadn’t detected any unusual changes in Mu Zhi’an, so she had reluctantly accepted his explanation that the aura had come from Ling Long.

But his simple statement had revealed a shocking truth.

The Heavenly Dao Aura was with Mu Zhi’an!

And it was within his vessel!

“Is that true, Young Master Mu?” Yu Ziyan asked, her voice gentle, her smile serene. “Is the Heavenly Dao Aura truly within your vessel?”

“Has your vessel undergone any changes?”

Her eyes, however, betrayed her eagerness.

Bai Ruoxi and the Ye sisters frowned, their intuition screaming that this Peak Master’s gaze was far from appropriate.

Even Ye Yu was stunned.

The Peak Masters’ reactions weren’t what he had expected.

Even if they didn’t covet a disciple’s treasure, they should at least inquire about the Heavenly Dao Aura.

Why were they focused on the vessel instead of the aura itself?

“What’s all the commotion about? Has someone offended my inner disciple again?”

A clear, melodious voice echoed from the sky.

They looked up to see a beautiful woman, clad in a black robe, descending gracefully. She exuded an aura of intelligence and charm.

Yan Ruyu’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Mu Zhi’an. She glanced at Ye Yu, then asked, “What are you two arguing about at the Pilgrimage Palace?”

Ying Guhuan frowned, and the smile on Yu Ziyan’s face faded.

This is troublesome…

They hadn’t expected Yan Ruyu to appear.

If the Heavenly Dao Aura was truly within Mu Zhi’an’s vessel, and he reached the Core Formation Realm… as an inner disciple of the Book Pavilion, how could he refuse Yan Ruyu’s requests?

And her beauty, coupled with her intelligence and the air of mystery cultivated through years of reading, was incredibly alluring to young men.

If the Master of the Book Pavilion beckoned, Mu Zhi’an would surely follow, body and soul.

Mu Zhi’an bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Master Yan.”

She nodded, smiling warmly. “There’s no need for formalities between us.”

She glanced at the disciples, then at Ye Yu. “What happened here? This commotion even attracted the Peak Master of Dao Peak and Senior Ying.”

Her gaze shifted to Ying Guhuan.

She rarely leaves the back mountain of Boundless Sea Peak. Why has she been so active lately?

“Young Master Ye suspects me of stealing his Heavenly Dao Aura, Master Yan,” Mu Zhi’an replied respectfully.

Heavenly Dao Aura?

Yan Ruyu raised an eyebrow.

She was well aware of the value of such an ancient treasure.

To think Ye Yu once possessed such a treasure…

She glanced at Ye Yu, then back at Mu Zhi’an, her brow furrowing. “The Heavenly Dao Aura is an ancient treasure. Possessing it doesn’t guarantee ownership. It chooses its master.”

“Are you certain the Heavenly Dao Aura is with Mu Zhi’an?” she asked Ye Yu.

“He just admitted it!” he spat, glaring at Mu Zhi’an.

She was taken aback, glancing at her disciple in surprise.

This wasn’t like him…

Under their scrutiny, Mu Zhi’an replied calmly, “The Heavenly Dao Aura Young Master Ye mentioned is indeed with me.”

Yan Ruyu: “?”

Why did you just blurt that out?! How am I supposed to help you now?

As Yan Ruyu stared at him in disbelief, Mu Zhi’an recounted the events in Tianxuan City:

“I had a spar with Young Master Ye outside Tianxuan City. The Heavenly Dao Aura left him, and shortly after, I sensed it entering my vessel.”

“Master Yan, your suspicions were correct. I was the one emitting that unusual spiritual aura.”

“I received an opportunity within Senior Ling Long’s Dongtian, which caused the Heavenly Dao Aura to merge with my vessel. My spiritual energy underwent a transformation.”

“However, since I haven’t reached the Core Formation Realm yet, I can’t maintain that state constantly.”

“……”

Yan Ruyu’s eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him.

“The Heavenly Dao Aura is within your vessel?”

The disciples might be confused, but the Peak Masters, aware of his Innate Celestial Vessel constitution, understood the implications.

Once he reached the Core Formation Realm, the spiritual energy he transferred to others would be significantly amplified!

Seeing him nod, her eyes gleamed with excitement. “Since the Heavenly Dao Aura has chosen you, make good use of it. Do something meaningful,” she said, her voice filled with approval.

“I will, Master Yan,” he replied sincerely.

“Wait…”

Ye Yu stared at Mu Zhi’an, his voice laced with suspicion. “You’re just covering for Bai Ruoxi!”

“If the Heavenly Dao Aura is within you, how do you explain her monstrous cultivation speed?”

He had almost fallen for Mu Zhi’an’s trick again.

His target was Bai Ruoxi!

Mu Zhi’an had jumped in to protect her, claiming the Heavenly Dao Aura for himself… If the demonic cultivator within the sect examined Mu Zhi’an and couldn’t find the aura, the matter would be dropped.

The more readily Mu Zhi’an admitted to possessing the aura, the more likely it was that Bai Ruoxi actually had it!

Mu Zhi’an sighed. “Young Master Ye, the Heavenly Dao Aura you lost that day is indeed with me.”

“As for Ruoxi’s cultivation speed… that involves some personal secrets I’d rather not share. Please don’t make this difficult for me.”

He glanced at the Peak Masters, noting their subtle frowns.

They didn’t want anyone else to know about his Innate Celestial Vessel.

Ye Yu narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. “Cultivation is a personal journey. Are you claiming you can accelerate Lady Bai’s progress?”

“Don’t you know what your own Heavenly Dao Aura does?” Mu Zhi’an countered.

Bai Ruoxi’s Heavenly Dao Aura accelerated her absorption and refinement of spiritual energy, and its effects extended to those around her.

Ye Yu knew this.

“The Heavenly Dao Aura can indeed boost the cultivation speed of those nearby, but not to this extent,” he insisted, staring at Mu Zhi’an.

Bai Ruoxi had only been at the sect for a short time, yet she had already advanced from the First Stage to the Third Stage of Core Formation. It was impossible without the Heavenly Dao Aura.

Mu Zhi’an’s expression turned troubled.

Ye Yu smirked inwardly, about to press his advantage.

“Enough!”

The Peak Master of Dao Peak’s voice, cold and commanding, silenced them.

Ye Yu looked up at the beautiful Peak Master. “I understand you two have a history, but fighting within the sect is forbidden. If you have a grudge, settle it at the Immortal Ascension Ceremony in six months,” she said, her voice firm.

She paused, then continued, “As for Bai Ruoxi’s cultivation speed… whether she possesses the Heavenly Dao Aura or not is none of your concern.”

Yan Ruyu nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Regardless of whether she has the Heavenly Dao Aura, discussing such matters publicly is inappropriate. Don’t mention it again.”

They couldn’t risk more people discovering the secret of the Innate Celestial Vessel.

Ying Guhuan, though silent, also nodded in agreement.

With the three Peak Masters united, Ye Yu had no choice but to back down, however reluctantly.

He had achieved his objective.

Though he hadn’t been able to prove that Bai Ruoxi possessed the Heavenly Dao Aura, her rapid progress was undeniably suspicious. It couldn’t be explained without the aura.

If this news reached the demonic cultivator within the sect…

Mu Zhi’an would be in deep trouble.

Meanwhile, he would simply focus on his own cultivation and await the “opportunity” Master had mentioned!

He bowed, then left the Pilgrimage Palace.

Mu Zhi’an bid farewell to the Peak Masters and left with Bai Ruoxi and the Ye sisters, the eyes of the disciples following them.

Though most hadn’t heard the conversation, Ye Yu’s accusation had reached their ears.

And that was precisely what he had intended.

Ying Guhuan stood in the air above the Pilgrimage Palace, her loose robe billowing in the wind, revealing her alluring curves.

She watched Mu Zhi’an depart, a seductive smile playing on her lips as she twirled a strand of hair between her fingers.

It seemed Ye Yu’s suspicions were correct.

The demonic cultivator within the Two Polarities Sect wasn’t a fool.

There was no contradiction between Mu Zhi’an possessing the Heavenly Dao Aura and Bai Ruoxi possessing it as well.

After all, her cultivation speed was undeniably suspicious.

It couldn’t be explained solely by Mu Zhi’an’s “Innate Celestial Vessel.”

If Ye Yu’s Heavenly Dao Aura was truly with Bai Ruoxi… what should I do…?

She immediately had her answer: Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhi’an were too close. She couldn’t act rashly.

After all… Mu Zhi’an was far more valuable than the Heavenly Dao Aura within Bai Ruoxi.

Her eyes flickered with a calculating glint.

…

After escorting Bai Ruoxi back to her room, Mu Zhi’an was about to leave when she spoke.

“My dear, have I caused you trouble again?” she asked softly, her voice filled with guilt.

Her usual delicate features were accentuated by her post-tribulation weakness, making her appear even more fragile and pitiful.

He sat down beside her bed. “This was bound to happen eventually. It’s fine,” he said with a smile.

Seeing the worry in her eyes, he continued, “The faster your cultivation progresses, the more people will suspect you of possessing the Heavenly Dao Aura.”

“But this is the Two Polarities Sect. No one would dare harm you here.”

“But there’s a demonic cultivator within the sect… What if they…” She was still worried.

Mu Zhi’an had admitted to possessing the Heavenly Dao Aura. What if the demonic cultivator targeted him…?

She wished she was stronger. If she had reached the Nascent Soul Realm, she could handle most threats with ease.

He gently stroked her hair, his fingers combing through her soft strands.

She wore a white dress embroidered with snow lotuses, her ample bosom straining against the fabric. Her lips were pale, a lingering effect of the tribulation.

She gazed at him, her eyes filled with concern.

He smiled warmly. “Just focus on recovering and cultivating.”

“Leave everything else to me.”

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

Perhaps his “heaven-defying talent” lay in his ability to support others.

His words calmed her anxieties. She blushed, lowering her eyes as she nodded softly.

He was right. She needed to recover and focus on becoming stronger… so that she could protect him from any threats.

Whether it was enemies or seductive temptresses.

Her gaze softened, and she pulled him closer, burying his face in her embrace.

She closed her eyes, savoring his presence, his warmth radiating against her skin.

Doesn’t she know this is suffocating…? He glanced up at her, seeing the blissful expression on her face. He couldn’t bring himself to disturb her.

Though he was struggling to breathe, it was a small price to pay for her happiness.

…

Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan walked hand-in-hand back to their residence within the Jade Glass Palace.

Qian’er, her slender waist and blossoming figure accentuated by her dress and ribbon, frowned. “Sister, why does Brother Ye Yu always target Brother Mu?”

Lingxuan walked beside her, her voice soft. “I’m not sure.”

She didn’t know the reason for their animosity, but when she had investigated Mu Zhi’an, she had learned that their conflict had stemmed from an incident where Ye Yu had caused trouble at the Mu Manor.

And afterwards, Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi had grown closer.

Perhaps that was the root of their feud.

As for now… if Ye Yu’s Heavenly Dao Aura was truly with Mu Zhi’an, it was understandable why he harbored such hatred.

“If Brother Ye Yu and Brother Mu fight, whose side will you take, Sister?” Qian’er asked suddenly.

Lingxuan paused, then looked at her sister, who had stopped walking and was staring at her intently. She smiled after a moment. “I’ll take whoever’s side you choose, Qian’er.”

“Whose side will you choose?” she asked, her eyes twinkling playfully.

Qian’er blushed, lowering her head. “You’re always teasing me, Sister.”

If she hadn’t met Mu Zhi’an, she would have sided with Ye Yu out of loyalty to their family.

But now… the answer was obvious.

Lingxuan smiled at her blushing sister, then sighed inwardly.

What would Qian’er think if she discovered her relationship with Mu Zhi’an?

Perhaps it was time to have a serious conversation with her…

…

Mu Zhi’an, relishing the lingering scent of Bai Ruoxi’s embrace, left her room and stepped out into the courtyard.

“Mengrou, could you give me a ride?”

Wei Mengrou materialized before him, her expression cold and aloof. “Where are you going?”

She hesitated, then continued, “You admitted to possessing the Heavenly Dao Aura. Aren’t you worried about attracting unwanted attention?”

He raised an eyebrow, chuckling. “This is the sect. The disciples wouldn’t dare do anything here.”

“The real threat isn’t the disciples, but the demonic cultivator.”

Her eyes widened. “You mean… the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak?”

The Demon Realm’s objective was the Heavenly Dao Aura.

And both the aura within him and the one within Bai Ruoxi were targets for Ying Guhuan.

Being targeted by such a powerful being would be troublesome, even within the Two Polarities Sect.

He nodded. “That’s why I need you to take me to Boundless Sea Peak, Mengrou.”

“I need to have a talk with Peak Master Ying.”

“A talk…? What are you planning?” she asked, surprised.

He was going to confront the demonic cultivator residing in the back mountain of Boundless Sea Peak?

“I’m going to utilize everything I can,” he said, meeting her gaze, a smile playing on his lips.

“Including myself.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay