Night had fallen. Mu Zhi’an sat in his study, the warm glow of candlelight illuminating the room. Outside, the courtyard was shrouded in a peaceful darkness, the rustling of leaves the only sound in the night air.

Dressed in a pale yellow gown, Wei Mengrou stood at the courtyard entrance. After instructing a servant to prepare the carriage, she turned to Bai Ruoxi and spoke softly.

Moments later, Bai Ruoxi departed from the Mu Manor, escorted by Wei Mengrou, heading towards the secluded cottage where her father was recuperating.

Mu Zhi’an twirled his brush between his fingers, his knuckles rapping lightly against the table. He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips.

“It’s still not enough.”

He had sent a letter to Lan Mulian at the Two Polarities Sect, seeking her assistance, but that had been in the morning. Now, night had fallen.

Even if she intended to refuse, he should have received a reply by now.

Was she still considering his request? Or was she simply ignoring him?

Or perhaps… she had tacitly agreed and was already on her way to Tianxuan City?

If Lan Mulian didn’t come, he would have to break protocol and seek help from the reclusive elders.

However, Mu Zhi’an was reluctant to involve them unless absolutely necessary.

Firstly, this entire situation could be viewed as a test from the elders. And secondly, even his father struggled to persuade those old monsters; what hope did he, a mere junior, have?

After pondering for a while, Mu Zhi’an retrieved another paper crane from his drawer.

As far as he knew, this crane was also one of Lan Mulian’s treasures. Unlike ordinary paper cranes, this one possessed exceptional speed and range.

Most importantly, it could bypass the Two Polarities Sect’s defenses.

Lan Mulian had used this crane to send him a letter previously, but he’d forgotten to reply. He could use the back of the paper to write his message.

Ideally, he’d convince Lan Mulian to descend the mountain. But if his senior sister refused, he’d have to find another solution.

He dipped his brush in ink and began writing another persuasive letter, adding a few teasing remarks for good measure.

Teasing wasn’t strictly necessary, but a little flirtation could go a long way in strengthening their bond.

Lan Mulian was clearly the aloof and reserved type. If he didn’t make an effort, their relationship would never progress.

A well-timed tease could also ease the tension between them.

Of course, this tactic only worked if you knew what you were doing. Clumsy flirting would only make things awkward.

After finishing the letter, Mu Zhi’an folded the paper into a crane and tossed it out the window.

He watched as the crane soared into the night sky, a sigh escaping his lips.

He’d done everything he could. Now, all he could do was wait.

…

Two Polarities Sect.

Dressed in a flowing white robe, Lan Mulian sat gracefully in a pavilion nestled amidst the towering peaks of Two Polarities Peak. Clouds wreathed the mountaintops, and the air hummed with spiritual energy.

A thin veil concealed her face, but it did little to hide her ample bosom, the outline of her curves a tantalizing suggestion beneath her robes. She held a letter in her hand, her eyes scanning the contents. A ripple of emotion disturbed her usually placid expression.

This was the letter Mu Zhi’an had sent earlier, delivered by the paper crane. He’d described his recent troubles, casually mentioning the black-robed man and the threat he posed. He’d also written about Tianxuan City, its unique characteristics and delectable cuisine.

Ultimately, the letter was an elaborate invitation for her to visit the Mu Manor and receive the Revitalizing Pills he’d prepared for her.

His sincerity was evident in every word.

However, despite his sweet words, Lan Mulian saw through his intentions.

“He wants me to help him deal with this black-robed man. Why beat around the bush?” she murmured.

She folded the letter and stored it in her storage ring, then rose to her feet.

It was strange, she thought, how even when you knew someone was being manipulative, their words could still bring a flutter of warmth to your heart.

She knew Mu Zhi’an was trying to curry favor with her, yet she couldn’t help but feel a fondness for the mischievous young man.

As she passed by a group of disciples, they looked at her with a mixture of awe and admiration.

It wasn’t just the male disciples; even the female disciples held her in high regard.

She was the Sect Master’s closed-door disciple, blessed with extraordinary talent. But more importantly, despite her cold demeanor, she was known for her kindness.

She often helped disciples who were struggling, though few had ever seen her true face.

“Senior Sister, are you going down the mountain?” one of the disciples asked.

Lan Mulian paused, nodding slightly. “There’s a demonic disturbance at the foot of the mountain. I must investigate.”

In his letter, Mu Zhi’an had mentioned the black-robed man and his unique characteristics… While she couldn’t be certain, based on his description, the black-robed man was most likely a rogue cultivator.

“A demonic disturbance?”

The disciple echoed her words, stealing another glance at the beautiful woman in white.

Everyone in the sect knew that Senior Sister Lan rarely descended the mountain. And even if there was a demonic disturbance, other disciples were more than capable of handling it… This was highly unusual.

Lan Mulian shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Perhaps… ‘leaving home’ would be a more accurate description.”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t know this, but even without his invitation, she would have found a reason to visit Tianxuan City soon.

It wasn’t about “leaving home.” She simply wanted to see her younger sister, to spend time with her and catch up.

She had planned to descend the mountain in two months, but since Mu Zhi’an had extended an invitation, she might as well seize this opportunity.

She made a gesture with her hand, summoning a cloud to carry her away.

As Lan Mulian departed from the Two Polarities Sect, she was unaware that another paper crane soared through the night sky, heading towards the secluded courtyard where she resided.

The crane landed gently on a black and white Go board.

A woman of unparalleled beauty, dressed in a black robe, paused mid-move, her gaze falling upon the crane.

She picked it up, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Then, a slow smile spread across her lips.

She carefully unfolded the letter.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay