After inquiring about Bai Yuanfeng’s location, Mu Zhi’an returned to the Mu Manor and sought out Elder Ren, who was enjoying a cup of tea in the main hall.

Upon hearing of Mu Zhi’an’s predicament, the elder agreed to accompany him without hesitation.

To Mu Zhi’an’s surprise, Bai Ruoxi revealed that her father wasn’t recuperating at the Bai Manor, but at a secluded residence several miles west of the city gates.

As they traveled towards their destination, Mu Zhi’an sat in the carriage, his brow furrowed in thought.

Something had been bothering him since they’d set out. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed.

Bai Ruoxi, sensing his unease, asked softly, “What’s on your mind, Young Master Mu?”

“Miss Bai, when was the last time you saw your father?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“I visited him yesterday. He seemed to be recovering well. He should be back to full strength in a month or two,” she replied.

Her expression was somber, her usually bright eyes clouded with sadness. She was still reeling from the revelation of her mother’s betrayal.

“That’s what I find strange” Mu Zhi’an murmured.

He met Bai Ruoxi’s confused gaze and continued, “If your mother betrayed the Bai family, why didn’t she eliminate your father as well? Why allow him to recover peacefully?”

“Even injured, my father is still a Core Formation expert. A Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn’t stand a chance against him,” Bai Ruoxi replied.

“What about with the Gongsun family’s help?” Mu Zhi’an countered.

“If they knew your father’s return route and ambushed him, why not finish the job?”

Bai Ruoxi froze.

He was right… If they knew her father’s location, why hadn’t they eliminated him?

Because of lingering affection?

Or was there another motive?

As Bai Ruoxi pondered this, Mu Zhi’an shook his head.

“It’s pointless to speculate. We’ll ask your father for details when we see him.”

They arrived at a secluded cabin.

Bai Ruoxi stepped out of the carriage and turned to the others. “Please wait here for a moment. There’s a barrier around the cabin. I need to inform the guards of your arrival.”

She walked up the steps and entered the cabin.

Moments later, she emerged and beckoned them inside.

They entered the cabin and saw a pale-faced man lying in bed. The man was rugged, with a messy beard. If anyone knew he was Bai Ruoxi’s father, they would wonder how he could possibly have fathered such a beautiful daughter.

“Greetings, Uncle,” Mu Zhi’an said respectfully.

Bai Ruoxi’s father sat up, supported by a guard.

“Make yourselves comfortable,” he said, his voice surprisingly strong despite his weakened state.

Mu Zhi’an nodded and took a seat, deciding to get straight to the point.

“Uncle, Ruoxi and I came here to tell you something”

Bai Ruoxi’s hand instinctively tightened around her skirt, her expression conflicted.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the two guards.

“Leave us,” Bai Ruoxi’s father said, understanding Mu Zhi’an’s unspoken request. He gestured for the guards to leave.

To prevent the family scandal from spreading, Mu Zhi’an also asked Elder Ren and Wei Mengrou to step outside.

Once they were alone, Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “This concerns Madam Bai”

Bai Ruoxi’s father’s eyes widened in surprise. “My wife?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, then recounted what he’d witnessed at the Bai Manor.

Bai Ruoxi, her expression a mixture of sadness and anger, confirmed his story.

Her father remained silent for a long moment. He ripped off the bandages covering his chest, revealing his muscular physique. Despite his pale complexion, he exuded an aura of strength, more like a warrior than a Core Formation cultivator.

He looked at Mu Zhi’an, a knowing smile on his face. “To be honest, my wife doesn’t love me. But she would never betray the Bai family.”

“She’s always been the one managing the family. She has power, wealth… what would she gain by betraying us?”

A glimmer of hope flickered in Bai Ruoxi’s eyes. She looked at her father. “Then why… why was she with Gongsun Xiong?”

Her father sighed. “She doesn’t love me, and she doesn’t love Gongsun Xiong.”

“She never wanted to marry into the Bai family. I thought after all these years, our bond as husband and wife would mean something to her. But…” He trailed off, another sigh escaping his lips.

“Then who… who does she love?” Bai Ruoxi couldn’t help but ask.

Her father didn’t answer. He looked up at the ceiling, his eyes filled with a distant longing.

It’s a shame he doesn’t smoke. I’d offer him a cigarette and let him reminisce… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

“From the moment I married her, I knew she wouldn’t be content as the mistress of the Bai family,” her father said finally.

“What does she want?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Bai Ruoxi’s father looked at him, his gaze meaningful. “Power. And wealth.”

Mu Zhi’an frowned, confused. Then, as he pieced together the events of the past few days, realization dawned. His expression stiffened.

“She wants to control all three families?” he asked softly.

Her father had said that Bai Yuanfeng had never wanted to marry into the Bai family. That explained her attempts to eliminate him.

And then she’d tried to marry her daughter into the Mu family… The Mu family was heavily guarded, making it difficult for her to infiltrate. But marrying Bai Ruoxi into the family would give her an inside man.

All she had to do was pit the two families against each other.

No, wait… Given the Mu family’s power, it would be more like pitting a tiger against a wolf!

If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t awakened his memories, he would have readily agreed to help Bai Ruoxi. After their marriage, the Mu family would naturally intervene to protect the Bai family.

And as Bai Yuanfeng’s son-in-law, Mu Zhi’an would surely trust her, allowing her to slowly gain control over the Mu family as well.

Her father knew everything.

He was playing on a whole other level… “So… your injuries were also part of her plan?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Bai Ruoxi’s father grinned. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have taken that route back to the city. Who knew she’d target me first instead of Gongsun Xiong?”

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

So, the Bai family’s downfall wasn’t solely due to being targeted by the Gongsun and the Chamber of Commerce. It was because, without Bai Yuanfeng managing things, this brute of a man was clueless when it came to scheming… Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but feel a sense of disbelief.

“Uncle, I brought Elder Ren with me. If you’re willing, he can examine your injuries,” Mu Zhi’an said, quickly changing the subject.

He was afraid his brain would melt if he continued this conversation.

Bai Ruoxi’s father studied the handsome young man before him. “Why are you helping me?”

Mu Zhi’an considered this for a moment. “For love,” he replied.

Bai Ruoxi blushed, stealing a glance at him.

Her father, however, understood. He frowned. “Years ago, I made a promise to that brute from the Ye family. If we had sons, they would be sworn brothers. If we had daughters, they would be betrothed. Are you asking me to break my word?”

“That promise, that forced marriage, is the reason for Madam Bai’s betrayal, isn’t it?” Mu Zhi’an said, his words hitting a nerve.

It was clear that Bai Yuanfeng, forced into a loveless marriage, was now seeking revenge.

It was ironic that someone who had been forced into a marriage was now forcing her own daughter into one… Mu Zhi’an shook his head inwardly.

“Father, I’ve already broken off the engagement,” Bai Ruoxi said suddenly.

Her father’s eyes widened, and for a moment, a surge of powerful energy erupted from him. He glared at his daughter. “You—!”

Bai Ruoxi met his gaze, her own unwavering. “I don’t love Ye Yu.”

Her father’s anger subsided, and he sighed. “That Ye boy might be a cripple now, but I see potential in him. He’ll achieve great things one day.”

He looked at his daughter, his gaze filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern.

She might regret this decision one day.

“Whether he achieves greatness or not is irrelevant, Father. I simply don’t love him,” Bai Ruoxi replied softly.

Some people are just unlikeable. No matter what they do, no matter how hard they try, they will always be met with disgust and rejection.

The more Ye Yu simped, the more Bai Ruoxi despised him.

Most women didn’t appreciate desperate suitors.

Seeing her resolute expression, her father sighed. “I won’t interfere. Arranging that engagement without your consent was a mistake.”

He turned to Mu Zhi’an. “Thank you, Nephew Mu. If my injuries can be healed quickly, I’ll be in your debt.”

He knew Elder Ren was a renowned physician. Perhaps he could accelerate his recovery.

Moments later, the white-haired elder entered the cabin.

“Elder Ren, it’s been a while,” Bai Ruoxi’s father greeted him with a nod.

The elder simply hummed in response and reached out to check his pulse.

Mu Zhi’an waited patiently.

After a while, Elder Ren opened his eyes.

He shook his head slowly.

“I can concoct a pill that will heal your injuries within a month.”

“But a faster recovery… is unlikely.”

Mu Zhi’an’s heart sank.

A month…

By then, the Bai family would be finished.

And his duel with Ye Yu was in two days. The Gongsun family was wavering, and the black-robed man was lurking in the shadows.

He had hoped to have Bai Ruoxi’s father and the two Core Formation experts from the Mu family present as a precaution.

It seemed he would have to find another solution.

Elder Ren sighed. “Actually, there is a rare herb that could heal you within a day… If we could obtain it.”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes lit up. She looked at the elder. “What herb is it, Elder Ren? I’ll have someone search for it.”

The elder shook his head. “It’s called the Beast King Vine. It only grows in places rich in spiritual energy. The only place you’ll find it is… within the Two Polarities Sect.”

The Two Polarities Sect… Their hopes, which had soared momentarily, were dashed.

That’s not helpful at all… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, sighing inwardly.

Tianxuan City was hundreds of miles from the Two Polarities Sect. And the sect didn’t allow outsiders to enter, let alone harvest their herbs.

They bid farewell to Bai Ruoxi’s father and returned to the Mu Manor. Mu Zhi’an instructed a servant to escort Bai Ruoxi to a guest room.

She’d been through a lot today. She needed rest.

Mu Zhi’an was also exhausted. He was about to head to his room when he passed his study and paused, noticing a faint white glow emanating from within.

He pushed open the door. Three paper cranes, emitting a soft, white light, rested on the windowsill, their forms imbued with spiritual energy.

I was so busy these past two days, I almost forgot to reply… He’d completely forgotten about the cranes. He entered the study, lit the candles, and unfolded the first two cranes.

The first contained the usual complaints, anxieties about whether to run away from home, and requests for advice.

The second was a concerned inquiry about his well-being, asking why he hadn’t replied to her previous message.

Clearly, she was worried…

To be so invested in an “online relationship,” to eagerly await his replies… It was a testament to how boring her life must be.

He unfolded the third crane. Unlike the previous messages, which had been one-sided outpourings of anxieties and complaints, this one was filled with warmth and concern…

Mu Zhi’an smiled, his heart warming.

He sat down, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and penned a heartfelt reply, expressing his longing for her.

Of course, he didn’t get too cheesy.

He folded the paper into a crane and tossed it out the window.

Now that they were closer, it was time to turn up the charm.

Otherwise, she might end up seeing him as just a “friend.”

“Speaking of which. Where does this crane fly to?”

He watched as the crane soared into the night sky, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

He jumped out the window and followed it.

The crane’s speed increased. At first, he managed to keep up, but his stamina dwindled, and he could only watch as it flew out of Tianxuan City, disappearing into the distance.

Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn’t fly on swords. He could only watch helplessly.

Suddenly, a hand tapped his shoulder.

He turned to see Wei Mengrou standing on a flying sword. “Get on,” she said softly.

The aloof beauty wore a goose-yellow dress, a silk sash cinched around her slender waist, accentuating her alluring curves. Even in boots, she was almost as tall as him.

She had been following him discreetly since he’d left the manor.

As expected, Mengrou is the most reliable… Mu Zhi’an didn’t hesitate. He stepped onto the sword and wrapped his arms around her waist, feeling the softness of her body against his.

Soft, fragrant…

Even if they didn’t catch the crane, this was a win. Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, enjoying the moment.

Wei Mengrou stiffened, glaring at him.

“I’m just afraid of falling,” Mu Zhi’an explained.

“If you move again, I’ll throw you off,” Wei Mengrou replied coldly.

She guided the sword upwards, and they shot off into the night sky, pursuing the distant crane.

Time passed, the only sound the rush of wind in their ears.

After nearly two hours, Mu Zhi’an’s focus finally shifted from “Mengrou is so soft and fragrant, and she’s really big” to the paper crane fluttering ahead like a butterfly.

Something felt wrong.

He’d assumed the crane belonged to some young lady from Tianxuan City or a neighboring city… But now, it seemed the owner was from somewhere else entirely?

As he pondered this, a white mist enveloped them, the air thick with spiritual energy. A single breath was invigorating.

Before he could fully appreciate the sensation, he saw several mountain peaks looming in the distance.

The crane was heading towards one of the peaks, its paper wings flapping gracefully.

Mu Zhi’an stared at it, his voice barely a whisper.

“This crane… it’s from the Two Polarities Sect?”

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Two Polarities Sect(1)*: Earth and Sky or Yin and Yang

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay