For Mu Zhi’an, neither Ye Yu, Gongsun Cheng, nor anyone else he had encountered could be considered true enemies.

Despite being the Child of Destiny, possessing the ability to fight those at higher levels, Ye Yu was just a… leek.

A tall, plump leek, ripe for harvesting.

Killing Ye Yu today would offend Ye Qingxin, make things difficult for the elders who supported him, and trigger a backlash from the Heavenly Dao.

Keeping him alive, on the other hand, improved his relationship with Ye Qingxin, provided opportunities for future interactions, and allowed him to further weaken Ye Yu’s luck, maximizing his value.

The Heavenly Dao of the Nine Realms couldn’t directly interfere in worldly matters. After this defeat, it would either choose a new Child of Destiny or guide Ye Yu towards ancient ruins and opportunities for recovery.

Judging from his current luck, the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t abandon him yet.

With such a convenient treasure-hunting rat, he wouldn’t have to worry about resources.

As Yao Meng’s Spiritual Energy flowed through him like a warm current, Mu Zhi’an began to formulate his next plan.

Whispers and murmurs echoed through the hall.

Many cultivators discreetly observed him. If they had initially been resentful of this young man who was clearly a kept man, then this battle had changed their perception.

Although his cultivation was lower than the Jade Empress’s, his performance today was undeniable. None of his peers could confidently claim victory against him.

Moreover, this probably wasn’t even his full strength.

And the peak masters who knew him were even more shocked.

Princess Yongning, dressed in a luxurious gold dress, stared at him in amazement, her lips slightly parted.

She was about the same age as him, yet his performance today placed him among the top geniuses in the Nine Realms.

“Pavilion Master Yan’s judgment is truly impeccable. A fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator unleashing an attack comparable to a Nascent Soul expert… His future is limitless…” Ying Guhuan said with genuine admiration, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

She glanced at the astonished elders around her.

Then, she lowered her gaze, a hint of shock in her eyes.

The Heavenly Phoenix Manual… The Demon Realm Empress is indeed protecting him.

What was that fool Yi Hao thinking? Mu Zhi’an had taken the entrance examination on Boundless Sea Peak, yet he didn’t even try to recruit him.

The Boundless Sea Peak Master was now filled with regret.

If Mu Zhi’an were his disciple… it would be the perfect situation.

He possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace, and with his strength, he would achieve a high ranking in the Ascension Ceremony.

Unfortunately, it was too late now.

Mu Zhi’an, unaware of their thoughts, felt the warm current of Yao Meng’s Spiritual Energy flowing through him.

“Thank you. That’s enough,” he said, stopping her.

Although her Vessel had been reconstructed, it wasn’t full yet.

A Dao Integration expert’s Spiritual Energy consumption was immense. If she forcefully absorbed the surrounding energy, it would prevent other cultivators from reaching Dao Integration.

However, even without their usual intimate ‘energy exchange’, Mu Zhi’an felt much better.

The benefits of being the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion… were truly remarkable.

As Mu Zhi’an thought this, a melodious voice suddenly came from nearby.

“Young friend Mu, please take this pill. It will protect your Vessel and accelerate your Spiritual Energy recovery.”

Mu Zhi’an sensed the speaker’s presence and looked up.

Luo Tan, the Empress of Yu State, had approached them, her white boots clicking against the ground.

Her snow-white dress, embroidered with gold thread, gave her an elegant and noble aura, her long legs, clad in black stockings, visible between the hem of her dress and her boots. Her face, adorned with light makeup, was breathtakingly beautiful.

She held a jade bottle in her hand, a faint medicinal fragrance emanating from it.

“A Heart Protecting Pill?”

Ye Qingxin’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

The Pill Emperor of Yu State shouldn’t have any connection with Mu Zhi’an… Was she doing this for the Jade Empress’s sake?

However, their relationship wasn’t that close. She wouldn’t give away a pill she had personally refined.

Luo Tan smiled gracefully. “I witnessed a very interesting match. Consider this a reward for the victor. You won’t refuse, will you, young friend Mu?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mu Zhi’an accepted the pill and swallowed it, then cupped his fists respectfully, despite his weakened state. “Thank you, Senior. I’m eternally grateful for your kindness.”

Although he didn’t know her intentions, he needed the pill.

He was truly weak.

If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be able to fool these Dao Integration experts.

Of course, his exhaustion had also earned him Ye Qingxin’s sympathy and goodwill.

Suddenly, Yao Meng’s gentle voice rang out, “I’ll leave him in your care. I’ll visit him on the southern bank tomorrow.”

She looked at Ye Qingxin.

If it were Bai Ruoxi or Ye Lingxuan offering to help Mu Zhi’an refine the pill and recover, she would be suspicious.

But she trusted Ye Qingxin.

After all, she had just witnessed Mu Zhi’an’s… thoughts about her. She wouldn’t have any designs on him.

Ye Qingxin nodded slightly, her expression much softer than before.

She glanced at Ye Yu, who was still unconscious, his face pale.

She sighed inwardly.

I should have intervened earlier…

Now that she owed Mu Zhi’an a favor, she had to heal his injuries.

Unconsciously, she had lowered her guard around him.

She formed a hand seal, her black and red dress billowing in the wind.

A mysterious red light enveloped Mu Zhi’an and Ye Yu.

When Mu Zhi’an regained his senses, he was no longer on the Ascension Stage, but in a quiet room, filled with the calming scent of sandalwood incense.

Ye Qingxin stood with her hands clasped behind her back, her long hair cascading down, her black and red dress accentuating her alluring figure, her ample bosom straining against the fabric, her aura both seductive and holy.

This woman is truly breathtaking… and those… are definitely comparable to Ruoxi’s… Mu Zhi’an thought, admiring her figure.

“Young friend Mu, please refine that pill first. I’ll help you with the Primordial Creation Pill later,” Ye Qingxin said, turning to him, her captivating red eyes filled with concern.

Mu Zhi’an nodded politely. “Thank you, Senior…”

Then, seeing that she was about to leave, he hesitated. “Are you still angry about me injuring Ye Yu, Senior?”

Ye Qingxin paused at the door, her hand on the frame. “Injuries are inevitable in battles between cultivators. You showed mercy, considering our connection. I’m not angry,” she said.

If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t held back, Ye Yu would have been severely injured, his future cultivation compromised.

“That’s good. I wouldn’t want to be on bad terms with you, Senior,” Mu Zhi’an said, relieved.

Then, as if remembering something, he took out a pill from his storage ring.

“I have an Essence Replenishing Pill here. If you don’t mind, please give it to Brother Ye Yu when he wakes up. Consider it a token of apology.”

He looked at her, his gaze sincere as he offered her the pill.

Despite her earlier wariness towards Mu Zhi’an, seeing his kindness, her impression of him improved.

However, she still refused. “That’s thoughtful of you, young friend Mu, but if it weren’t for your mercy, Ye Yu wouldn’t have survived. I can’t accept your pill. Keep it for yourself.”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head gently, his face still pale, but he smiled warmly. “You’ve given me the Heaven-Asking Lock, Senior. A single pill is nothing.”

The Heaven-Asking Lock’s value wasn’t simply because it was a first-grade Artifact Spirit.

There were many ways he could have defeated Ye Yu, but he had chosen the most aggressive method, using the unrefined Heaven-Asking Lock.

Partly because he didn’t want to waste time, and partly… because it was a gift from her.

Seeing that she finally accepted the pill, a bright smile appeared on Mu Zhi’an’s face.

Time passed silently, and night fell.

As Mu Zhi’an was refining the pill Luo Tan had given him, in another courtyard, Ye Yu was just waking up.

He slowly opened his eyes, the familiar surroundings reminding him of what had happened.

He had lost…

He had been utterly defeated by Mu Zhi’an, who had even shown mercy in the end.

It wasn’t kindness, but indifference. Mu Zhi’an hadn’t even considered him a true opponent.

Remembering the humiliation, Ye Yu’s face darkened, his body trembling slightly.

“Master, you said I was the Child of Destiny! Why couldn’t I even defeat him?!” he roared inwardly, his eyes burning with rage.

He couldn’t accept his defeat.

He had been confident he could crush Mu Zhi’an when they fought in Tianxuan City.

But now… Mu Zhi’an had become an insurmountable obstacle.

Remembering Mu Zhi’an’s condescending demeanor, he felt a surge of anger and frustration.

“You are indeed blessed with great luck, but don’t forget, Mu Zhi’an has the backing of a Dao Integration expert, and he also received a blessing from Ling Long,” the old man’s voice echoed in his mind.

“And the difference in your cultivation levels isn’t that great. If it were a fair fight, you might not have lost.”

“A fair fight…”

Ye Yu’s eyes widened slightly as he repeated the words.

Indeed… It hadn’t been a fair fight. Mu Zhi’an had used a first-grade Artifact Spirit.

And that Artifact Spirit… was a gift from his ancestor!

“If it weren’t for that Heaven-Asking Lock, I wouldn’t have lost!”

Remembering Mu Zhi’an’s arrogant demeanor as he wielded the sword, Ye Yu’s anger exploded. He clutched his chest, coughing up blood, his weakened body trembling with rage.

Although he had been suspicious of his ancestor’s true intentions, he had still believed she would side with him. She was a member of the Ye family, after all.

But remembering Mu Zhi’an holding her hand last night, his condescending gaze today, and the Heaven-Asking Lock in his hand…

He had looked down on him like an ant.

Although logic told him otherwise, his defeat today, combined with his ancestor’s interactions with Mu Zhi’an, fueled his jealousy and rage.

A knock came from the door.

“Who is it?” Ye Yu asked coldly.

The door opened, and Ye Qingxin, her beauty breathtaking, stood there.

“Ancestor, is there something you need?”

He hadn’t calmed down yet, his voice cold and filled with resentment.

Ye Qingxin looked at him calmly. “You lost today, but there’s no need to be discouraged. With your talent, you’ll have another chance to defeat him.”

“Thank you for your concern, Ancestor, but although I lost to Mu Zhi’an, I actually lost to… your Heaven-Asking Lock,” Ye Yu said, his voice filled with suppressed rage.

He didn’t notice that his words had stunned Ye Qingxin.

What did he mean?

He wasn’t even acknowledging his defeat, but blaming her instead?

She had tried to help him, and after Mu Zhi’an passed the trial, she couldn’t just go back on her word and refuse to give him the Artifact Spirit, could she?

Besides, Mu Zhi’an clearly had other hidden trump cards. Even without the Heaven-Asking Lock, with Ye Yu’s current mentality, he couldn’t have won.

Hmph.

Although her emotions rarely fluctuated, Ye Qingxin couldn’t help but feel a pang of anger towards her descendant.

No, it wasn’t just anger, but disappointment.

She walked into the room, her red and black dress accentuating her beauty, her figure alluring and seductive.

Her eyes, like rubies, were cold and filled with disappointment.

However, she still took out a small jade bottle from her sleeve and placed it on the table. “This is a Qi Nurturing Pill. You’ll recover within a week.”

“From now on, take care of yourself.”

Her voice was devoid of emotion as she looked at Ye Yu.

Then, she turned and left, her fiery red figure disappearing.

She didn’t give him the pill Mu Zhi’an had given her.

With his current attitude, he didn’t deserve it.

Ye Qingxin felt a deep sense of disappointment, even questioning why she had descended to the Nine Realms in the first place.

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an awoke from his pill refinement and saw a fiery red figure in his room.

Ye Qingxin’s usual calm demeanor was gone, her face cold and frosty. It was clear she was in a foul mood.

It must be because of something Ye Yu said.

Having just been defeated, and blaming his loss on the Heaven-Asking Lock, it was only natural for him to direct his anger at his ancestor.

Ye Yu’s jealousy was predictable.

Since he’s not going to enjoy this beauty’s thighs, I’ll do it for him…

“You’re back, Senior? You seem upset,” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice filled with concern.

Ye Qingxin collected her thoughts. “Have you finished refining the pill?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly and smiled. “Thanks to you, Senior, I’ve finished refining the pill Empress Luo Tan gave me.”

He paused, then asked, “Are you alright, Senior? Did you… have a conflict with Ye Yu?”

Ye Qingxin shook her head. “Let’s not talk about him. Your injuries are more important.”

Mu Zhi’an frowned. “You risked offending another Dao Integration expert for your descendant, Senior. If I had such a caring and beautiful ancestor, I would cherish her.”

“Yet he doesn’t appreciate it and even hurt your feelings?”

“Let’s not talk about him, young friend Mu. Let him cultivate on his own,” Ye Qingxin said, her voice filled with sadness.

However, her earlier disappointment towards Ye Yu faded, replaced by a warmth in her heart.

Someone appreciated her efforts. Not everyone was like Ye Yu…

If only he were a descendant of the Ye family…

After all, Mu Zhi’an understood her.

And he also possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace, a constitution with unlimited potential.

“You’ve done so much for him, Senior. He’s truly ungrateful,” Mu Zhi’an sighed softly.

Then, as if remembering something, he continued, “By the way, Lingxuan and Qian’er have been having some trouble with their cultivation recently. If you have time, Senior, you could visit Dexin Courtyard. Sister Siyu is also there.”

Ye Qingxin didn’t refuse, her eyes downcast, as if in thought.

Mu Zhi’an waited patiently for her response, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face.

Finally, after a long silence, she said softly, “Alright.”

A bright smile appeared on Mu Zhi’an’s face.

“I’m practically a member of the Ye family now. Can I also ask for your guidance in the future, Senior?”

He knew she wouldn’t refuse him now.

However, Ye Qingxin looked up at him, her eyes meeting his.

Then, she leaned closer, her hands on the bed, her soft voice whispering in his ear, a hint of seduction in her tone.

“I’m afraid you want to ask me about more than just cultivation, don’t you?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay