The room was clean and elegant, illuminated by the warm glow of candles.

Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes, an unfamiliar ceiling greeting him.

This isn’t my room, and it’s not Ruoxi’s either… Where did they take me?

He sat up abruptly, his mind still hazy.

However, as he tried to get out of bed, he realized his wrists were bound by glowing golden chains. If only his ankles were also bound, it would be the perfect ‘Dark Magician’ scene.

“The Desolate Time Lock?!” he exclaimed.

The lock on his left wriggled slightly, its shape shifting into a question mark, as if saying: You called?

Mu Zhi’an stared at the chains, his heart pounding with unease.

There were so many people present. Even if Lingxuan had gone ‘yandere’, they wouldn’t have let her tie him up with the Desolate Time Lock.

Yet, here he was… bound by Ye Lingxuan’s ancestral artifact.

Suddenly, Wei Mengrou’s cold voice came from beside the bed. “The Desolate Time Lock can manipulate time. Combined with medicinal pills, it can accelerate your recovery.”

Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then looked up and saw his maid, her alluring figure leaning against the bed, her arms crossed, accentuating her ample bosom, her gaze cold and disdainful.

She looked at him as if he were a bug, her beautiful eyes filled with disgust.

Although she considered herself his maid, always protecting him from the shadows, seeing the Jade Empress openly declare their relationship and even kiss him in public had displeased her.

Although she knew he hadn’t been entirely at fault, she couldn’t control her feelings.

“Are you angry, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked tentatively.

Wei Mengrou ignored him. “The others didn’t want to disturb your rest, so they asked me to stay and look after you,” she said calmly.

“As for being angry…” she paused, then continued coldly, “I’m just your maid. I’m only responsible for your safety. The rest has nothing to do with me.”

So she is angry. No, she’s jealous… Mu Zhi’an felt a mix of worry and relief.

He was worried about what the other girls might be doing, but he was also relieved that his aloof maid was actually jealous because of him.

“My Spiritual Energy is recovering quickly… Did Yao Meng give me more?” he asked.

“Even Fairy Yao Meng can’t continuously transfer her Spiritual Energy to you. Your Vessel wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at him. “Lingxuan gave you two pills, and the Desolate Time Lock is accelerating their absorption.”

The Desolate Time Lock can do that too?

It can both slow down and speed up time…?

As expected of an ancestral artifact, its abilities are truly extraordinary…

Mu Zhi’an admired her beautiful profile, marveling at the Desolate Time Lock’s power.

Although Wei Mengrou had always been by his side, he never seemed to tire of looking at her… And now, with just the two of them in the room, his hands bound by the chains, the atmosphere was undeniably intimate.

A maid looking at her master with disdain, the master bound by chains, the flickering candlelight…

This scene, combined with Wei Mengrou’s attire… was incredibly arousing!

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Wei Mengrou walked over to the bed and looked down at him.

Her bright yellow dress accentuated her fair skin, the thin fabric clinging to her alluring curves, her long, smooth legs ending in delicate boots.

Her disdainful gaze seemed to mask the concern and affection hidden within her eyes. She pursed her lips and asked casually, “You lost control of the Heaven-Asking Lock on the stage?”

Beautiful face, alluring figure, and most importantly, those perfect thighs, a black ribbon tied around her right leg, accentuating her smooth, fair skin… A perfect 10/10, or at least a 9.5.

If she wore black or white stockings, she would be a perfect 10, even without the… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, assessing her appearance.

Wei Mengrou quickly noticed his wandering gaze, her heart skipping a beat, but she glared at him disdainfully. “You’re in this state, yet you still have the energy to think about such things? When will you ever grow up?”

“Setting aside my nature, even if I’m 90% at fault, aren’t you 10% responsible?” Mu Zhi’an retorted.

Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow, her eyes questioning.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her and continued, “You’re just too alluring, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou was stunned for a moment.

Then, she looked away. “I’ve heard you say that to countless girls. You should try something new,” she said calmly.

Her tone was indifferent, but her lips curved into a slight smile despite her efforts to suppress it.

It turned out that women didn’t mind hearing cheesy pick-up lines, as long as they were said at the right time and place.

Of course, there was one important prerequisite… There had to be genuine feelings between them.

“Can you remove the Desolate Time Lock? I’ve almost recovered,” Mu Zhi’an suddenly said.

Wei Mengrou glanced at the chains and shook her head. “I can’t control it. But Lingxuan said it would return to her after an hour.”

“An hour… Why don’t you sit down and chat with me, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an said cheekily.

Wei Mengrou hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed. Noticing his gaze, she blushed slightly, but she remained silent.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her and continued, “The pillow isn’t very comfortable. Can you help me?”

“Pillow…?”

Wei Mengrou looked at him curiously, and before she could speak, he continued, “Your lap would be perfect.”

He had finally revealed his true intentions. The pillow was just an excuse. He wanted to enjoy her lap pillow.

Wei Mengrou glared at him coldly, about to refuse.

But then, Mu Zhi’an coughed weakly, his lips slightly pale.

She hesitated for a moment, then took off her boots, sat down beside him, and let him rest his head on her lap.

As his cheek touched her soft thigh, Mu Zhi’an closed his eyes contentedly, his body relaxing completely.

Wei Mengrou silently looked down at the young man resting on her lap. His complexion had improved, his eyes closed, his head nestled against her, his nose twitching slightly as if savoring her scent.

As expected of Mengrou, always reliable… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Time passed silently.

After about an hour, the Desolate Time Lock binding his wrists released him.

Mu Zhi’an stretched his arms, enjoying his newfound freedom as the golden chains retreated.

Wei Mengrou gently pushed him away and sat up.

The warmth of her lap pillow was gone, and Mu Zhi’an felt a pang of regret, but he didn’t ask for more.

Her lap pillow was truly comfortable.

But this wasn’t the right time or place. If someone walked in… it would be troublesome. I’ll have Mengrou wear black stockings and give me a lap pillow next time…

There would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Thinking of this, Mu Zhi’an wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace before she could react.

He had been wanting to do this, but the Desolate Time Lock had prevented him.

Wei Mengrou’s body stiffened slightly, then relaxed as she leaned against him, her forehead resting on his chest.

Mu Zhi’an looked down at her beautiful face, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Seeing that she wasn’t resisting, he leaned down and kissed her.

“Is Yao Meng still with Lingxuan and the others?” he suddenly asked softly.

“She went to the southern bank to see Luo Tan,” Wei Mengrou replied in a low voice.

She lowered her gaze, like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

If I don’t look up, I won’t know I’m being embraced by Master…

Mu Zhi’an gently stroked her hair, inhaling her sweet fragrance, his mind racing.

Yao Meng went to see Luo Tan… She must be planning to make a deal with her.

The Empress of Yu State was a master alchemist, capable of refining pills that even other Dao Integration experts couldn’t.

It’s a shame my consciousness was kidnapped by the Demon Realm Empress that day. Otherwise, I could have gotten closer to her… Mu Zhi’an thought with a hint of regret.

“How did Ye Yu do in his match this afternoon?” he asked.

It was already dark outside, which meant the Ascension Ceremony matches were over.

“He won,” Wei Mengrou replied, looking up at him. “I didn’t watch his match, but according to the other disciples, it was a landslide victory.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded thoughtfully, not surprised.

After all, he was the Child of Destiny, chosen by the Heavenly Dao. His talent and luck were undeniable.

Ye Yu’s success was partly due to the old man’s guidance and partly due to the Heavenly Dao’s subtle influence.

Although Mu Zhi’an had considered eliminating Ye Yu directly, according to Yuanluo, doing so would trigger a backlash from the Heavenly Dao, a price he couldn’t afford.

And even if he could, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Besides, although Ye Qingxin’s impression of him had improved today, she was still on Ye Yu’s side. After all, he was a member of the Ye family, her descendant.

Attacking Ye Yu now would likely trigger a war between Dao Integration experts.

And that was something Mu Zhi’an wanted to avoid.

Everyone should get along peacefully.

Instead of a Dao Integration war, he would rather see Yao Meng and Ye Qingxin fighting in bed, and then he would ‘suppress’ them both…

“Instead of eliminating Ye Yu directly, it’s safer to continuously weaken his luck…”

“I need to sow discord… And for that, I need to prepare for tonight’s rendezvous.”

As Mu Zhi’an thought about this, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.

Wei Mengrou reacted quickly, gently pushing him away and getting out of his embrace, her cheeks flushed as she smoothed her dress, then she glared at him.

If it weren’t for his wandering hands, she wouldn’t be so flustered.

Mu Zhi’an smiled helplessly.

It’s not my fault… Who could resist such temptation?

Creak.

The door opened, and Mu Zhi’an immediately feigned weakness, his face pale as he lay on the bed.

“Lingxuan…? And Ruoxi, what are you doing here?”

Seeing them at the door, he struggled to sit up, but Ye Lingxuan rushed over and pressed him back down. “Just lie down and rest, Brother Mu. Don’t push yourself,” she said, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at him.

Logically, the two Replenishing Essence Pills should have restored most of his Spiritual Energy. Why was he still so weak?

Then, she noticed something and observed him more closely.

His Vessel is almost full…

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered, the worry in them fading, replaced by a cold glint.

Bai Ruoxi glanced at Wei Mengrou, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks, then she looked away and said softly, “Are you feeling better now, Mu Lang?”

“M-much better,” Mu Zhi’an replied weakly, coughing slightly.

He glanced at the door. “Where are Qian’er and Senior Sister?”

“Qian’er went to Dao Peak to ask Master for some pills.”

“And Senior Sister Lan seems to be refining pills… probably for you, Brother Mu,” Ye Lingxuan replied.

“I’m sorry for making you worry,” Mu Zhi’an sighed softly, his pale face and weakened state evoking a protective instinct in the girls.

“As long as you’re alright, Brother Mu.”

Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly, then looked at Wei Mengrou. “Sister Mengrou, since Brother Mu is awake, let’s leave him to rest. We shouldn’t disturb him.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an, then nodded slightly.

Bai Ruoxi paused at the door, glancing back at him. “Rest well, Mu Lang,” she said softly.

Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile, but as they left, a sense of unease crept into his heart.

Their reaction is strange. They should be questioning me about Yao Meng, but they haven’t mentioned her at all… Are they worried about me?

That doesn’t seem right. They’re all smart. They should know I’m pretending…

What are they planning? Did Yao Meng’s actions… break them? Have they submitted to her?

That’s impossible… ‘Protagonists’ don’t submit to ‘villains’ so easily, let alone accept being cuckolded…

Mu Zhi’an’s heart pounded with unease.

Their unexpected reaction made him wary.

Mengrou was right. Women’s hearts were the most difficult to understand…

But there was nothing he could do now. He would have to deal with whatever came his way… At least he knew they wouldn’t harm him.

Mu Zhi’an calmed himself down, sat down on the bed, and began to meditate, regulating his Spiritual Energy.

Time passed silently, and as he cultivated, night deepened.

Suddenly, a clear and melodious voice echoed in his ears, “I’m waiting for you in the pavilion above the Pilgrimage Palace.”

Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes.

It was… Ye Qingxin’s voice transmission!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay