“Master, where is this other opportunity you mentioned?” Ye Yu asked as he walked through the dark cave, a wave of coldness washing over him. The oppressive darkness made him want to turn back.

“Be patient. You’ll find it at the end of this path,” the old man’s voice replied, sighing inwardly.

He had warned Ye Yu about the dangers and opportunities within the ninth cave, but his disciple had chosen to trust his intuition.

Ye Yu had indeed found a decent opportunity within the cave he had chosen.

If not for the Jade Empress, it would have been a significant gain.

He had found a recipe for a Sixth-Grade pill, a valuable asset for an alchemist like him.

However, compared to the Jade Empress… it paled in comparison.

“If you had come to the ninth cave earlier, you might have beaten Mu Zhi’an to the opportunity of hosting the Jade Empress within your vessel. Or at least, you could have received her inheritance,” the old man said, his voice filled with regret.

Ye Yu felt a pang of regret as well, but he defended his decision. “Didn’t you say she’s the founding Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land? Would her inheritance be of any use to me?”

“Though she was the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, most of her later techniques were self-created, especially her Azure Lotus. It can suppress countless demons. Even a Dao Integration demon was sealed by her,” the old man explained.

Ye Yu frowned, realizing the folly of his overconfidence in his great destiny. “But didn’t you also say that it wasn’t Mu Zhi’an who received the inheritance, but my sister, Ye Qian?”

“That’s correct.”

Ye Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

“As long as it wasn’t Mu Zhi’an, it doesn’t matter… After all, Ye Qian is my sister.”

“Though Mu Zhi’an didn’t receive the inheritance, the Jade Empress seems to have taken an interest in him… If he truly obtains the Rebirth Water and the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, she might regain her former glory,” the old man said, his voice laced with regret.

With the Rebirth Water and the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, she could solidify her physical form for half a month.

And within that time… if one could cultivate with her… they could provide her with the necessary spiritual energy…

The value of an Innate Dao Body was comparable to the Jade Empress’s inheritance… And the opportunity to be intimate with the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, a Dao Integration Empress… it was the ultimate dream for many male cultivators.

If Mu Zhi’an earned the Jade Empress’s favor… a Dao Integration expert as a backer… he could dominate the Nine Realms.

Ye Yu frowned. “Only if he can actually obtain those two treasures.”

“And even if he does, an ordinary cultivator’s vessel wouldn’t be able to provide her with enough spiritual energy.”

Besides, what if the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land wasn’t even beautiful?

After all, beauty wasn’t a prerequisite for becoming a Holy Maiden. Talent was.

Though the Jade Empress’s ethereal beauty had been captivating when she had possessed Ye Qian’s body, it didn’t guarantee her true appearance was equally stunning.

Even if she recovered, it was uncertain whether Mu Zhi’an could win her favor. And even if he did, he would still need to find a way to provide her with the necessary spiritual energy.

And that was something he, with his ordinary spiritual energy, couldn’t do.

The thought comforted Ye Yu somewhat.

Perhaps the Jade Empress would even seek them out.

After all, he could use the recipe Master had given him to refine a pill that produced a special type of spiritual energy.

It was something the Jade Empress needed, something Mu Zhi’an couldn’t offer.

He was an alchemist, while Mu Zhi’an was just an ordinary cultivator!

He pushed those thoughts aside and entered the pavilion.

…

Outside, in the plaza, Song Ziyang, the Boundless Sea Peak disciple, stared at his cousin, the delicate girl in the black dress.

“Ziyi, are you sure about what you said?”

She nodded, transmitting her voice. “There’s no mistake. Ye Qian was possessed, but I don’t know who it was.”

She looked at him, puzzled. “Why do you ask, Cousin?”

So there was something strange about Ye Qian… He pondered her words for a moment, then forced a smile. “Nothing. I just sensed something off about her, like she was possessed by a demon. I wanted to confirm my suspicions.”

There were about thirty disciples gathered in the plaza, some resting after their exploration, others basking in the glow of the opportunities they had found.

He noticed An Lingyue emerging from the ninth cave, a faint gleam in her usually calm eyes.

“Senior Sister An, where did you go? We couldn’t find you,” he asked, feigning concern.

She chuckled, shaking her head. “I wasn’t satisfied with my findings, so I explored some of the other caves. Unfortunately, I found nothing.”

“Be careful, Senior Sister. There seems to be a demon lurking within this Dongtian,” he warned.

She nodded. “Thank you for the warning, Junior Brother. I’ll be careful.”

She frowned, her curiosity piqued. “How do you know about the demon…?”

He smiled mysteriously. “I asked Ziyi to perform a divination…”

Her brow furrowed as she studied him. “I advise you to refrain from causing trouble, Junior Brother.”

Seeing his frown, she added, “Mu Zhi’an is close to the Peak Masters. If you could sense that Ye Qian was possessed, do you think they couldn’t?”

“They haven’t said anything. What good would it do to expose it?”

He was stunned, then realization dawned.

She was right. If he could sense it, the Peak Masters definitely could.

And she was also right about Mu Zhi’an’s connection to the Peak Masters. Antagonizing him because of Junior Sister Bai wouldn’t be wise…

“Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister!” he said, gratitude filling his eyes.

She smiled, dismissing his thanks.

She hadn’t spoken up for his sake, but for Mu Zhi’an’s. She wanted to spare him unnecessary trouble.

His simple tip might have been a trivial act for him, but it had granted her a valuable opportunity.

And it would also strengthen Bai Ruoxi’s position within Boundless Sea Peak.

After all, she held considerable influence within the peak.

…

Pilgrimage Palace.

Seeing the Peak Masters approaching, Mu Zhi’an straightened his posture and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Peak Masters.”

I already told them I’d visit them later. Why are they in such a hurry? I’m not going anywhere… He thought.

Yan Ruyu smiled and nodded. “It seems you’ve gained quite a bit from your trip to the Pilgrimage Palace, young friend,” she remarked, her gaze lingering on him.

“Thanks to your guidance, Master Yan. Without your teachings, I wouldn’t have reached the Core Formation Realm so quickly,” he replied politely.

She narrowed her eyes, pleased by his sincerity.

Ying Guhuan, the alluring woman in the red dress, also narrowed her eyes, her voice soft and melodic. “I recently acquired some Dao Comprehension Tea Leaves. They’re not particularly rare, but they offer some benefits for Core Formation cultivators. If you’re interested, you can visit the back mountain in the next few days for a chat and some tea.”

Dao Comprehension Tea…?

The other Peak Masters’ eyes widened in surprise.

Ying Guhuan made it sound casual, but Dao Comprehension Tea was beneficial even for Nascent Soul cultivators.

To think the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak possessed such a treasure… and was willing to use it as bait.

Yu Xuanji chuckled. “I recently divined your fate, young Mu. It seems you’ll be facing some trouble in the future. If you have time, visit the Peak of Celestial Secrets in the next few days. I’ll explain everything.”

Yu Ziyan, clad in black robes, a red dot adorning her brow, smiled gently. “I’ve found some clues regarding your maid. Let’s discuss it sometime in the next few days.”

She’s taking this matter seriously…? He was surprised.

He had mentioned Wei Mengrou’s destiny to her before, but he hadn’t expected her to care, considering Wei Mengrou had no connection to her.

But she had actually been investigating…

Ning Yuan, observing their eagerness, narrowed his eyes.

Something felt… off.

They were a bit too enthusiastic.

Was it because of Ling Long?

Or… did they have another motive?

Apart from Ling Long, what else about Mu Zhi’an could warrant such attention?

“I have some matters to discuss with my disciple in the next few days,” Yan Ruyu said, her voice calm but firm. “If it’s not urgent, you can postpone your requests.”

The other Peak Masters raised their eyebrows.

Here it comes… she’s finally making her move.

This was what they had been dreading.

As a disciple of the Book Pavilion, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t refuse her.

Summoning him to the Shao Le Residence was perfectly within her rights.

After all, she was his Master…

And as for what she would do once he was there… the three female Peak Masters knew exactly what she had in mind.

However, they couldn’t stop her.

They all knew about his Innate Celestial Vessel, but openly acknowledging it would change everything.

Yan Ruyu smiled inwardly, enjoying the sudden silence.

She had anticipated this scenario when she had chosen Mu Zhi’an… Though she had been reluctant to make the first move, now that someone else had broken the ice, there was no need for her to hold back.

The “cabbage” she had nurtured for so long was finally ready to be harvested.

“What do you plan to discuss with young Mu, Master Yan?” Ying Guhuan asked, her eyes narrowed.

Yan Ruyu’s smile widened. “Anything and everything. His Core Formation Dao, his formations, his cultivation bottlenecks… and perhaps even the matter of the Jade Empress.”

The other Peak Masters’ eyes flickered with interest at her last words.

They had witnessed Mu Zhi’an strolling through the peach blossom forest with the Jade Empress, but she had vanished shortly after.

Had she returned to her Dongtian, or was she residing within Ye Qian’s body? The whereabouts of a Dao Integration Empress were naturally a matter of concern.

And more importantly, the Jade Empress had clearly been in a weakened state. If she was within Ye Qian’s body and discovered Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel…

If she decided to use him to replenish her spiritual energy, could they stop her?

It was unlikely.

Mu Zhi’an pondered their invitations, then made a decision: he would accept Yan Ruyu’s invitation.

He had nothing planned for tomorrow, and he could certainly benefit from her guidance.

He had been meaning to ask the Peak Masters for advice regarding his formations and techniques.

He was about to speak when a clear, melodic voice interrupted him.

“If you wish to inquire about me, you may do so now.”

The ethereal voice, appearing out of nowhere, silenced him and plunged the Pilgrimage Palace into an eerie quiet.

Ning Yuan, who had been about to leave, froze, turning back slowly.

His eyes widened as he saw the green-clad fairy standing beside Mu Zhi’an.

Yan Ruyu and the other Peak Masters’ hearts sank.

It seems our worst fears have come true…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay