LABMY CH120

They said it was someone from the Asriga Imperial Court who came to pick up Jian Yuanbai, but in reality, it was still Jian Yuanbai who summoned a giant dragon and took that person back to the Asriga Imperial Court.

The Asriga Imperial Court was, after all, a royal palace—resplendent in gold and jade, with grand and majestic architecture. Many sect members had gathered in the vast and magnificent great hall. Although all the sects were present, the actual number of people was not large.

The people here were the strongest in the entire Asriga Empire.

As the host, the Human Emperor of the Asriga Imperial Court sat at the head position. He appeared to be a middle-aged man in his early forties, dignified and steady, but in truth, his age far exceeded forty.

The Human Emperor did not hide anything and directly revealed everything to those present.

Although they had heard the Sect Master of the Wenxian Sect, Shi Yun, mention this before, hearing it again still left them in shock. However, the rapid increase and intense concentration of spiritual energy within the Asriga Empire left no room for doubt about the truth of the matter.

At the end of the day, those who had survived this event were all beneficiaries. Those present were all shrewd individuals, and they unanimously ignored the people who had perished beneath the Spirit-Suppressing Turtle Stone, instead discussing what should be done next.

The Human Emperor stated directly, “The Spirit-Suppressing Turtle Stone has been destroyed. It was an ownerless item placed in the Falling Water Sea Region to suppress the spiritual energy of the Asriga Empire to the greatest extent. Every hundred years, the sect that placed this immortal artifact on the Ninefold Continent, the Immortal Spirit Island, would come to inspect it.”

“There are still a hundred years until the next inspection.”

His expression was solemn as he scanned the people in the hall and said, “When that time comes, if we are discovered, I cannot predict what will happen.”

“It is very likely that a war will break out. At that time, what we in the Asriga Empire must do is hold our ground. As long as we can withstand it, the barrier that has imprisoned us for a thousand years will truly be shattered.”

“The destroyed Spirit-Suppressing Turtle Stone is merely the tip of the iceberg.”

“So, I hope that each faction can make their cultivation techniques and Five Elements combat skills available to rogue cultivators as well. What we need now is not internal strife, but preparation for the possible war ahead.”

“I can state this very clearly: the ascension we pursue is merely the lowest cultivation realm on the other side—Mortal Immortal.”

“Mortal Immortal, Earth Immortal, Profound Immortal, Great Golden Immortal, Immortal Emperor, and Immortal Sovereign—these are their cultivation levels.”

“If war breaks out and our strength is uneven, the Asriga Empire may cease to exist. However, we are not entirely without hope. We do not need to defeat them; we only need to hold our ground. No matter how difficult it may be, as long as we hold, we will prevail.”

The Human Emperor lowered his stance significantly, referring to himself simply as “I.” He understood very well that to the Asriga Imperial Court and the common people living in Asriga, he was the Human Emperor. But to those present, especially after he had dragged the entire Asriga Empire into this situation without consent, he could no longer afford to act superior.

To demonstrate his sincerity, the Human Emperor added, “The Asriga Imperial Court will make all cultivation techniques and Five Elements combat skills below the top grade available. Any cultivator who explicitly agrees to fight in the upcoming war and signs a contract will be allowed to learn them. What do you all think?”

Everyone present hesitated, looking at each other but remaining silent.

Jian Yuanbai, seated at the foremost position below, spoke casually, “Since the Human Emperor is so magnanimous, Wangyun Sect certainly cannot lag behind.”

Shi Yun glanced at Jian Yuanbai before turning to the Human Emperor. “Wenxian Sect as well.”

With the top three sects taking a stand, no one else had any objections. The techniques being offered were below the top grade, which still preserved each sect’s internal interests—sect disciples would not be on the same level as rogue cultivators, but it would significantly enhance the overall strength of cultivators.

The group then discussed various details, with the Human Emperor speaking the most while others supplemented. In the coming years, they would organize cultivators to study formations and construct a massive protective array across the entire Asriga Empire.

In addition, they planned attack formations, illusion formations, rectangular spiritual energy sword crossbow arrays, and various other methods, covering all aspects. At the same time, the Human Emperor shared another piece of news.

“If war does break out, some of the predecessors who ascended and crossed the sea in the past will return to aid us. There is no need to worry too much—one hundred years is enough to create a new world.”

Jian Yuanbai rarely participated in the discussion, listening quietly the entire time. However, after everyone had finished talking, the Human Emperor specifically called him over and emphasized,

“Your cultivation is unmatched in the entire Asriga Empire. In the next hundred years, I hope Sect Master Jian can dedicate himself to cultivation.”

“When the time comes, Sect Master Jian will undoubtedly be the sharpest blade on the battlefield. I cannot predict what kind of power the Ninefold Continent will send when they discover this. An Immortal Sovereign is unlikely, but a Great Golden Immortal or an Immortal Emperor is highly possible.”

The Human Emperor sighed. “I did not tell the sects this, but the Immortal Spirit Island, which oversees the Spirit-Suppressing Turtle Stone, is one of the most powerful forces on the Ninefold Continent. It is led by an Immortal Emperor, the island’s master, who is already half a step into the Immortal Sovereign realm. I know a hundred years sounds long, but in the lifespan of a cultivator, it is merely the blink of an eye.”

“I understand that this request is highly unreasonable, but still—”

Before he could finish, Jian Yuanbai interrupted him. “I understand what you mean. If that island master comes, I will fight him.”

The Human Emperor let out a breath of relief, though his heart tightened further. His expression was grim as he said, “The power of an Immortal Emperor is unfathomable—they can level mountains and seas with a wave of their hand. By then, you will not be the only one facing him. But for the next hundred years, Sect Master Jian, you must go into seclusion and cultivate diligently. The future of the Asriga Empire depends on you.”

With that, he placed a heavy responsibility on Jian Yuanbai’s shoulders. Jian Yuanbai, occupied with his own thoughts, nodded in agreement and then turned to leave the imperial court.

The day after these matters were settled, the entire Asriga Empire learned the full story. However, the message released by the Human Emperor did not mention that the destruction of the Spirit-Suppressing Turtle Stone was achieved through the sacrifice of countless cultivators.

Instead, the narrative was beautified—countless cultivators willingly sacrificed themselves to fight for a new future for the Asriga Empire. The entire event was framed as a shared struggle for the empire’s survival and honor.

From that day on, the Asriga Empire entered a flourishing era of cultivation.

But all of this had little to do with Jian Yuanbai for the time being. The Human Emperor’s instructions to cultivate were not even worth his concern.

He stared bitterly at the tightly shut door and asked, “Little Spoon, how has your cultivation been lately?”

“Have you encountered any bottlenecks?”

A calm voice came from inside the room. “Everything is fine. Master need not worry too much.”

Jian Yuanbai was momentarily speechless. He paced back and forth at the door but ultimately did not dare to enter. He turned and left.

Things people didn’t dare to do during the day, under the cover of night, their courage would often swell.

Before entering the room, Jian Yuanbai first used his divine sense to “see” inside. To his surprise, Mu Jingzhuo was also not sleeping at night, instead sitting cross-legged, fully focused on his cultivation.

And right in front of Mu Jingzhuo was that tattered Body Refining Manual.

His soft and delicate wife was practicing Body Refining with such dedication that he had completely abandoned sleep and rest!!!

Jian Yuanbai wore a bitter expression, looking as if he had suffered great hardship, pacing back and forth outside Mu Jingzhuo’s door like a restless cat. He was completely unaware that the moonlight had already cast his shadow clearly onto the window, fully exposing his presence.

Inside the room, Mu Jingzhuo opened his eyes and looked at the shifting black shadow on the door. He closed his eyes again, unable to bear the sight.

Sometimes, Jian Yuanbai really left people speechless.

For some reason, Mu Jingzhuo suddenly recalled how, after learning that he cultivated Hehuan Technique, but before his identity was exposed, Jian Yuanbai had spoken harshly about his master.

What had Jian Yuanbai said back then?

Something like—his master was a deeply scheming pervert?

Mu Jingzhuo had never seen someone work so tirelessly to smear their own image before.

As he recalled that moment, his silence became all the more deafening.

In the empty room, Mu Jingzhuo stared at the black silhouette on the door. After a while, he suddenly let out a quiet laugh.

Then, his expression turned cold again as he stood up and opened the door.

“Master.”

The sudden voice startled Jian Yuanbai, making him jump. He quickly turned around. “You’re out?”

Mu Jingzhuo asked coldly, “Why is Master pacing outside my door in the middle of the night instead of sleeping? What are you doing?”

Jian Yuanbai opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say. Just as he was struggling to come up with an excuse, Mu Jingzhuo spoke again.

“If not for the fact that others can’t reach Wuwang Peak’s main peak, I might have thought some deeply scheming pervert was plotting something outside my door.”

Jian Yuanbai rarely found himself at a loss for words. But now, hearing Mu Jingzhuo throw his own past words back at him, he truly experienced what it meant to be utterly speechless.

The very words he had spoken had now come back like stones, mercilessly smashing against his own feet.

Under the bright moonlight, Mu Jingzhuo’s delicate and pale face appeared as cold and distant as the crescent moon in the sky—unreachable, untouchable. One could only look at him but never truly grasp him.

Seeing him like this made Jian Yuanbai incredibly anxious. With a pitiful expression, he pleaded, “Wife, I was really wrong.”

Mu Jingzhuo: “Master, please be mindful of your words. I am merely your disciple, Mu Jingzhuo.”

Jian Yuanbai’s throat tightened, his voice dry. “Wife, are you abandoning me?”

For three days, Mu Jingzhuo had shut himself in his room, neither coming out nor allowing Jian Yuanbai to enter. This was the first time he had seen him in days, only to be met with a request to be cautious with his words.

Jian Yuanbai hurriedly explained, “I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I had my reasons. From now on, I won’t hide anything from you anymore. Please, don’t leave me.”

As the leader of a top sect, the most powerful figure in all of Asriga, he now sounded like a pitiful child, begging Mu Jingzhuo not to abandon him.

Mu Jingzhuo was not entirely unmoved, but he kept his face expressionless. “What reasons?”

At that moment, the system spoke up:

“Under no circumstances can you let Mu Jingzhuo know he is the chosen one. Absolutely not.”

“You also can’t tell him you came here on a mission to help him grow.”

These two rules seemed to completely block Jian Yuanbai’s way out, but the system soon added,

“However, if he figures it out himself, that’s fine. As long as you don’t say it directly.”

Jian Yuanbai looked troubled. Seeing his reaction, Mu Jingzhuo suddenly spoke in a quiet voice,

“Are you… not from this world?”

His words made Jian Yuanbai’s eyes widen in shock.

Seeing his reaction, Mu Jingzhuo knew he had guessed correctly. “Will you leave?”

“No,” Jian Yuanbai answered without hesitation. “You are my chosen wife. Wherever you are, I will be there.”

Wherever you are, I will be there.

Under the bright moonlight, Mu Jingzhuo clearly heard his own heartbeat—rapid and intense, like the pounding of a drum.

He pressed his lips together. “But you are still my master. A master and disciple relationship will invite much criticism, don’t you know that?”

His beautiful eyes flickered slightly. “Moreover, you are the leader of the greatest sect, Wangyun Sect.”

“And I… am only at the Foundation Establishment stage.”

Jian Yuanbai said, “They won’t have any objections.”

Suddenly, something came to his mind, and he asked, “Little Spoon, can you give me your Body Refining Manual?”

Mu Jingzhuo had been shut in his room for days, unaware that cultivation techniques were now being shared openly across the sects. He asked, “Why do you need to make copies?”

Jian Yuanbai didn’t explain in detail, only saying it was for strengthening their forces before the coming war.

Mu Jingzhuo eyed him suspiciously but still handed over the manual. Then he turned and stepped back into his room. “It’s late, so I won’t invite Master in for tea.”

He smiled faintly. “Besides, I already have a future Dao companion. Though he is only a mercenary and merely at the Nascent Soul stage—far inferior to Master—he is still someone I hold dear. Inviting Master inside at this hour might be inappropriate.”

Mu Jingzhuo leaned in and pecked Jian Yuanbai lightly on the lips. With a teasing smile, he asked, “Wouldn’t you agree, Master?”

In truth, Mu Jingzhuo was no longer upset. But remembering how Jian Yuanbai had deceived him with two different identities, he thought it was only fair to return the favor.

Mu Jingzhuo might not actually cultivate Body Refining, but there were ways to mimic its effects.

With this little scheme in mind, he shut the door firmly behind him. Tomorrow, when Jian Yuanbai came back, he would simply admit that he wasn’t angry anymore—but that he absolutely must practice Body Refining.

One step forward, one step back—just enough to give his dear master a little scare.

Before Jian Yuanbai could say anything else, the door closed.

The tall man outside touched his lips with the back of his hand and sighed deeply. Like a lovestruck fool, he stared at the door for a while before finally turning away, lost in thought.

His little spoon had said that a master and disciple together would invite criticism?

Then he would make sure that the entire world had no choice but to bless their union.

The news that Jian Yuanbai, leader of Wangyun Sect, had released a heaven-grade cultivation technique for public practice sent shockwaves throughout Asrigaa Empire.

The conditions to obtain it were simple, yet strangely absurd.

There were only two requirements.

One was to sign a contract agreeing to participate in the war.

The second… left the entire empire buzzing with curiosity and intense gossip.

The second condition was that upon receiving the cultivation technique, one had to record a blessing on a Memory Crystal at the scene, saying:
“The Wangyun Sect’s Sect Master, Jian Yuanbai, and his disciple, Mu Jingzhuo, are a perfect match, a union made by heaven.”

Moreover, whenever the two appeared together, people were required to offer their blessings.

For a time, the cultivators of the Asriga Empire were unsure whether to be more shocked that the Wangyun Sect’s Sect Master and his disciple were actually a couple, or that such a bizarre condition had been set. But compared to the allure of a Heaven-tier cultivation technique, these doubts were trivial.

Ever since Jian Yuanbai led Mu Jingzhuo to challenge the Wenxian Sect, the pair had once again become a hot topic in tea houses and taverns.

Though cultivating the Body Refinement Technique would make one particularly muscular and cause muscles to bulge all over, its Heaven-tier ranking far outweighed this drawback. Countless people still chose to practice this supreme technique.

As a result, the foot of the Wuwang Peak became crowded with people lining up to receive the technique.

At the temporary stall set up by the Wangyun Sect, a long queue stretched like a winding dragon, and the phrase “A perfect match, a union made by heaven” echoed continuously. Many cultivators even improvised on the spot, adding extra blessings—phrases like “a match made in heaven,” “a pair of perfect jade,” and “a love predestined by fate.” The elders distributing the technique were hearing more blessings in these few days than they had in their entire lives.

Several days passed before Jian Yuanbai came looking for Mu Jingzhuo again. This time, when he knocked, Mu Jingzhuo immediately walked out.

His beautiful face looked somewhat puffed with anger. He had wanted to question why Jian Yuanbai hadn’t come to see him for so many days, but since he had explicitly stated that he was focusing on cultivation and didn’t want to be disturbed, he felt it was inappropriate to bring it up.

He originally intended to make Jian Yuanbai explain himself, but when Jian Yuanbai claimed he couldn’t, Mu Jingzhuo had already pieced together most of the truth. His first thought was—Would Jian Yuanbai leave?

But Jian Yuanbai had said he wouldn’t. He had said, “Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

That night, Mu Jingzhuo had actually stopped being angry. He only wanted to let Jian Yuanbai reflect on his actions for a couple of days so he wouldn’t hide things from him in the future. But ever since that night, Jian Yuanbai had disappeared.

Now, seeing him again, Mu Jingzhuo was both angry and worried. He was afraid that if he turned and shut the door, Jian Yuanbai might disappear again, so he could only stand there, puffed up like an angry little pufferfish.

Jian Yuanbai tentatively suggested, “You’ve been cooped up in your room for days. Why don’t we go down the mountain for a walk?”

“Cultivation shouldn’t be rushed. A balance between effort and rest is best.”

Mu Jingzhuo had already decided to show that he was no longer angry today, so he nodded. “Let’s go.”

Instead of taking the fastest route, they walked down the mountain on foot.

Recently, everyone in the sect had been rigorously training. The disciples did not resent Jian Yuanbai for distributing a Heaven-tier technique to outsiders because, in the Wangyun Sect, they had always cultivated techniques superior to those of other sects. Before this Heaven-tier technique appeared, they had been practicing top-tier techniques.

Moreover, Jian Yuanbai had claimed he had obtained it by chance in the Sea of Falling Waters, so there was no room for complaints.

Since most were in secluded cultivation, their journey down the mountain was eerily quiet. They didn’t encounter anyone until they reached the mountainside, where a disciple was making his way up.

The disciple wore the sect’s standard white robe. When he spotted Jian Yuanbai and Mu Jingzhuo, he kept sneaking glances at them.

Jian Yuanbai and Mu Jingzhuo were descending, while the disciple was riding a floating platform powered by an array and spirit stones. The platform moved swiftly, passing them in an instant.

Only after the disciple was gone did Mu Jingzhuo voice his doubt, “Why was he staring at us?”

Jian Yuanbai said, “Maybe because he saw me? After all, I am the Sect Master.”

Mu Jingzhuo frowned. “The Wangyun Sect’s rules aren’t that strict. Even if he saw you, he didn’t need to come greet you. But from his expression, he seemed both nervous and hesitant.”

Before Mu Jingzhuo could think further, the disciple unexpectedly flew down on his sword and landed in front of them.

The young disciple looked nervous and stammered, “B-blessings! Blessings! May the Sect Master and Senior Brother Mu remain forever united in heart!”

After blurting this out, he swiftly took off on his sword again, as if he had come down just to say that.

Mu Jingzhuo immediately turned red, standing frozen in place.

Oh no. His kiss with Jian Yuanbai in the Sea of Falling Waters had probably been spread by Elder Yan and Elder Xiong!

Jian Yuanbai couldn’t resist touching Mu Jingzhuo’s flushed cheek. “Why are you blushing so fast?”

Mu Jingzhuo snapped out of his daze, quickly grabbed Jian Yuanbai, and fled.

When they reached the city at the foot of the mountain, they had barely taken a few steps when an unfamiliar cultivator suddenly approached.

“Are you Sect Master Jian and Cultivator Mu?”

He cupped his hands in greeting. “Blessings, blessings! A perfect match, a union made by heaven!”

Mu Jingzhuo blushed even harder. Before he could respond, another person came over.

“The Sect Master and his disciple are truly a match made in heaven!”

Then another.

“A golden couple, a union of jade and gold! You two are a perfect pair of dao companions!”

Wherever they walked, people kept approaching with blessings. Before Mu Jingzhuo could even reach the city center, they were completely surrounded.

Flustered and overwhelmed, Mu Jingzhuo stammered, “W-what are you all talking about?”

One of them laughed. “Your wedding has been spreading throughout the entire Asriga Empire these past few days! Don’t worry, Cultivator Mu, no matter where you go, you’ll always receive such blessings.”

In other words, wherever he went, he would be surrounded like this.

Mu Jingzhuo: …

Struggling to respond, he forced out a weak, “Thank you.”

Amid the noisy chatter and blessings, a clueless onlooker suddenly blurted out—

“Wishing the two of you many children soon!”

“Twins within three years!”

The crowd burst into laughter.

Mu Jingzhuo, caught in the middle, was utterly mortified. Red-faced, he turned to Jian Yuanbai for help.

Jian Yuanbai pulled him into an embrace, his eyes filled with mirth. “See? I told you—even if we are master and disciple, I wouldn’t let anyone speak ill of you.”

“We will become dao companions with the blessings of all. Even the heavens will celebrate our union.”

“So, forgive me, Little Spoon.”

The crowd jeered, some even daring to say that this wasn’t the time for forgiveness—it was the perfect time to declare their marriage contract.

Blushing furiously, Mu Jingzhuo gritted his teeth and muttered, “Fine, I forgive you. Now get me out of here.”

He was touched, yes—but he was also mortified. He had never imagined that his one sentence would lead Jian Yuanbai to create such a grand spectacle.

Now, no matter where he went, all he would hear were blessings of eternal love and heavenly union.

The entire world now knew that he and his master were destined to be dao companions.

This public declaration made Mu Jingzhuo’s heart race—half from embarrassment, half from something deeper.