LABMY CH105

Before descending the mountain, Mu Jingzhu took one last look at the surging sea of clouds before turning away. Among the entire Mu family estate, his favorite place was the cliff at the back of the mountain, where the sea of clouds churned endlessly, with no end in sight.

His master had left, and now he too would leave this place to follow in his master’s footsteps. Who knew when he would see this sea of clouds again?

As Mu Jingzhu descended from the back of the mountain, he saw his father waiting for him at the foot of the mountain.

“Father.”

Mu Chuan did not see the figure of Jian Yuanbai and asked, “Has the Sect Master already left?”

Mu Jingzhu nodded. “Master has already departed ahead of me.”

Mu Chuan became somewhat anxious, “Why didn’t he take you to Wangyun Sect with him?”

Mu Jingzhu seriously repeated Jian Yuanbai’s words and added, “I will set off tomorrow as well. The journey is long, and I can’t afford to waste any more time.”

Mu Chuan breathed a sigh of relief but remained worried. “But you are only at the early stage of Qi Refinement, this…”

He suddenly froze, his expression turning to surprise and joy. “You’ve broken through to the middle stage of Qi Refinement?!”

Normally composed and stern, Mu Chuan’s face was now filled with unrestrained joy. “Good, good, good! As expected of my son! I knew you wouldn’t remain stuck in the early stage of Qi Refinement forever.”

“Was it the Sect Master who helped you? He came suddenly and left quickly. We didn’t even get the chance to properly thank him.”

Mu Jingzhu replied, “Don’t worry, Father. My master wouldn’t care about such things.”

Mu Chuan was overjoyed and couldn’t stop smiling. After a while, he finally remembered, “But even at the middle stage of Qi Refinement, traveling to Wangyun Sect is still too dangerous.”

“You know that our Taishi Mountain City is located in the central-western region of the Asriga Empire, while Wangyun Sect is at Wuwang Peak in the north. To reach it, you must pass through the perilous Yunding Mountain Range.”

“Ah, forget it,” Mu Chuan sighed. “I suppose this is the Sect Master’s test for you. Rest well today. I’ll prepare everything for your journey.”

Mu Jingzhu felt a warmth in his heart and said, “Thank you, Father.”

“As your father, there’s no need for thanks,” Mu Chuan looked at Mu Jingzhu with eyes filled with love, pride, and a hint of helpless guilt. “Three years ago, when your cultivation regressed and you were stuck at the early stage of Qi Refinement for three years, it was my failure as a father that I couldn’t help you.”

Seeing that Mu Jingzhu was about to speak, Mu Chuan waved his hand, “No need to say anything. Take this day to rest properly.”

The father and son then parted ways.

Mu Jingzhu thought for a moment and left the house to wander the streets.

As he walked, he felt like he had forgotten something. When he saw a street vendor selling candied hawthorn, he suddenly slapped his forehead.

Oh no, his egg!

Mu Jingzhu rushed to the deep mountains in the east of the city. Following his memory, he found the spot where the giant bird had died. But not only was the egg gone, even the scattered bear corpses that once littered the ground had disappeared.

For some reason, Mu Jingzhu felt a sense of loss. He hadn’t even figured out what that egg was. Yet, with everything that had happened over the past two days, he had completely forgotten about it.

As Mu Jingzhu stood in a daze on the empty ground, Mu Chuan was busy making preparations. News of Mu Jingzhu’s upcoming departure quickly spread among the elders of the family.

Mu Chuan, who was selecting people to handle affairs, was pulled into the council hall by several elders.

“Patriarch, it is naturally a great honor for the Mu family that Jingzhu has been accepted as the personal disciple of the Wangyun Sect Master,” the Grand Elder stroked his beard and said, “However, the Sect Master has instructed Jingzhu to travel to Wuwang Peak on his own. About that…”

He paused, not daring to speak as boldly as before. “Do you think we could have some talented young members of the family accompany him? Firstly, they could support each other along the way. Secondly, if they manage to enter Wangyun Sect as well, it would be a great advantage for the Mu family.”

“After all, Jingzhu is blessed with good fortune. With him as the Sect Master’s disciple, the other Mu family disciples would surely have better prospects.”

“Besides, you are the Patriarch, and the future of the Mu family will eventually rest on Jingzhu’s shoulders. If the Mu family thrives, it will only benefit him.”

The other elders quickly echoed in agreement, hinting that Mu Jingzhu should take a few talented juniors with him to Wangyun Sect.

After all, with the Sect Master having just accepted a new disciple, it would be unlikely for him to turn away a few of the disciple’s kin.

Mu Chuan’s expression darkened as he listened to their words, which were all cloaked in the guise of “for the good of the family.”

“If it were your sons who had been accepted as the Sect Master’s disciple, would you be saying this?” Mu Chuan sneered.

The Grand Elder chuckled awkwardly, “Of course we would. We are all part of the Mu family. Everything we do is for the family’s prosperity.”

The Second, Third, and Fourth Elders echoed, “For the prosperity of the Mu family, if it were our sons, we would make the same choice.”

“No, you wouldn’t.”

Mu Chuan let out a cold laugh. “This is a critical test for my son. Yet, you want to burden him with a group of so-called ‘talented juniors’?”

“What do you think this is?”

“A bunch of poor relatives from the countryside coming to freeload? How do you expect Wangyun Sect to view my son, Mu Jingzhu?”

“Those so-called talented juniors? They may seem gifted in a small place like Taishi Mountain City, but in terms of spiritual roots and comprehension, they are far from meeting the entry requirements of Wangyun Sect.”

Mu Chuan glanced coldly at the four elders and dropped all pretense of politeness, saying, “Forget about it. According to your logic, since Jingzhu is the beloved disciple of the Sect Master, and the Sect Master was even willing to personally go to the Wenxian Sect for him, he surely wouldn’t reject a few of his fellow clan members from entering Wangyun Sect.”

“But have you ever considered what would happen if Jingzhu told the Sect Master about the pressure you’ve put on him today?”

The elders were stunned. They couldn’t believe that Mu Chuan, as the patriarch, would say something so blunt. They had assumed that even if Mu Chuan was reluctant, he would endure it for the sake of the family’s future. However, his words completely shattered their expectations.

Realizing that Mu Chuan was no longer someone they could manipulate, the elders awkwardly chuckled. The Grand Elder quickly said, “How could this be considered forcing him? We’re simply discussing it with the patriarch. After all, we’re all doing this for the future of the Mu family.”

“We can talk things through, can’t we?”

Mu Chuan directly replied, “There’s nothing to discuss. This matter is non-negotiable.”

“I won’t allow anyone from the Mu family to escort Jingzhu either.”

With that, Mu Chuan flicked his sleeve and left.

He wasn’t worried that the elders would cause trouble for Mu Jingzhu after his departure. With the protection of the Wangyun Sect Master, they wouldn’t dare. Moreover, Mu Jingzhu becoming the Sect Master’s personal disciple was already a tremendous blessing for the Mu family.

Left behind in the council hall, the faces of the four elders darkened. The Grand Elder looked at the wide-open door and realized that things had changed.

The days when they could use Mu Jingzhu’s status to push their own favored juniors into Wangyun Sect were over.

Mu Chuan had truly solidified his position as patriarch.

In the shadows, Jian Yuanbai, who had been silently observing the entire scene, rubbed his chin and chuckled, “Tell me, since Mu Chuan won’t choose escorts from the Mu family, where will he find people instead?”

Jian Yuanbai hadn’t followed Mu Jingzhu out the door because he wanted to see if Mu Chuan would select any useful candidates from those he had prepared. With his cultivation, no one in the Mu family could detect that he was eavesdropping.

The system hesitated, “Hire mercenaries?”

“Are there mercenary groups in this world?”

Jian Yuanbai raised an eyebrow in surprise, “You’re the system, and you’re asking me?”

System: “Am I not allowed to ask?”

“Fine,” Jian Yuanbai sighed, “You can ask.”

Leaving the Mu family unnoticed, Jian Yuanbai removed the mask from his face and took off the black spatial ring from his hand. Then, he headed to a tailor’s shop and bought a black robe. While paying, he casually asked the shopkeeper, “I want to cross the Yunding Mountain Range. Do you know where I can hire some people for protection?”

The shopkeeper grinned and replied, “You should go to the Mercenary Association. It’s the safest and most reliable place to hire mercenaries.”

“However, crossing the Yunding Mountain Range is extremely dangerous. Regular mercenary groups wouldn’t dare take on such a mission. I’m not sure if you’ll find anyone willing.”

A faint smile flashed in Jian Yuanbai’s eyes as he tossed an extra low-grade spirit stone to the shopkeeper. “Thanks. Could you tell me how to get to the Mercenary Association?”

Leaving the shop, Jian Yuanbai turned to the system and said, “This world does have mercenary groups.”

System: “I heard that.”

Jian Yuanbai smirked, “You asked me earlier, so of course, I had to answer. How could I let you waste your question?”

“Remember this: there are mercenary groups in this world. Next time you’re assigned to a different host, don’t act clueless and ask the host again.”

The system gritted its teeth in frustration and ignored him.

In high spirits, Jian Yuanbai made his way to the Mercenary Association. The entrance was uniquely designed—a massive axe embedded in a shield. Passing beneath the gate gave one the illusion that the sharp blade of the axe was about to fall and sever their head.

Inside the Mercenary Association, the hall was bustling with brawny men. Several counters were set up for consultations and other services.

Jian Yuanbai approached one of the windows and said to the receptionist with a professional smile, “I’d like to join a mercenary group.”

Upon seeing him, the receptionist’s smile became even more genuine, and she asked warmly, “Are you already a mercenary? If not, you’ll need to register first.”

After all, anyone would be in a good mood when faced with such a handsome man during work.

Jian Yuanbai replied, “I’m not a mercenary yet. Please help me with the registration.”

The receptionist handed him a form. “Please fill in your information.”

Jian Yuanbai glanced at the form. It was simple and didn’t require absolute honesty. He quickly filled it out and handed it back.

When the receptionist saw “Nascent Soul Stage” written clearly on the form, her eyes widened in astonishment. She looked up at Jian Yuanbai more carefully. The man before her had sharp features, deep eyes, and a chiseled face, exuding both elegance and an intimidating aura.

What shocked her even more was that such a young-looking man had actually reached the Nascent Soul Stage.

“Senior, please follow me.” The receptionist stood up, her attitude becoming extremely respectful. She didn’t even dare to admire his appearance anymore and instead treated him with the utmost reverence. “Every mercenary registered with the association must undergo a strength assessment. Please follow me to the testing area.”

Though Jian Yuanbai appeared youthful, strength spoke louder than age in the Ninefold Continent. Therefore, the receptionist addressed him as “Senior” out of respect.

To avoid offending Jian Yuanbai by making him feel that his strength was being questioned, the receptionist specifically explained that this was a standard procedure for all mercenaries.

She led Jian Yuanbai to a room where another person was present. She whispered something to the man, but with Jian Yuanbai’s strength, he heard everything clearly.

The man before him was none other than the Vice President of the Taishi Mountain City branch of the Mercenary Association.

The Vice President looked at Jian Yuanbai in surprise and took out a round crystal ball, saying, “This testing orb will only emit light when touched by someone at the Nascent Soul stage or above.”

“Please.”

Jian Yuanbai placed his hand on the crystal ball and controlled his spiritual energy slightly. The crystal ball instantly lit up.

The Vice President’s expression brightened with joy. “There just so happens to be a mission right now. The reward is a Fragmented Nascent Pill, which is only suitable for Nascent Soul cultivators. Would Senior be interested?”

Although the Vice President held a high position, he was only at the Golden Core stage. Naturally, he addressed Jian Yuanbai as “Senior.”

Jian Yuanbai asked, “What mission?”

The Vice President explained, “The patriarch of the Mu family seeks to escort his second son to Wuwang Peak. Apart from needing a Nascent Soul cultivator to protect him, another mercenary group will also accompany him.”

Jian Yuanbai was surprised by how quickly Mu Chuan had made arrangements. But on second thought, the Mu family was a prominent clan in Taishi Mountain City. A simple message would suffice; there was no need for the patriarch to personally handle it.

Seeing Jian Yuanbai’s silence, the Vice President added, “The Fragmented Nascent Pill can increase the chance of advancing to the Soul Formation stage by ten percent. Such a reward is extremely generous. The Mu family patriarch is truly willing to go to great lengths.”

“If he weren’t unable to accompany his son himself, he would never have offered such a precious pill.”

Jian Yuanbai was stunned by Mu Chuan’s generosity. Although he could freely control his spiritual power as if breathing, he knew little about the Ninefold Continent. Only now did he understand the true value of the Fragmented Nascent Pill.

A mere ten percent increase in breakthrough success might seem small, but for a Nascent Soul cultivator striving for the Soul Formation stage, it was a heaven-defying opportunity.

Such a pill was priceless, further proving how much Mu Chuan valued Mu Jingzhu.

Since this was precisely why Jian Yuanbai had come, he naturally wouldn’t refuse. As for the pill, he could find an opportunity to secretly return it to Mu Chuan later.

“I’ll accept the mission. However, I have one condition — no additional mercenary group. I alone am sufficient.”

Originally, Jian Yuanbai had planned to join a mercenary group, assuming that was the only way to accept missions. But now he realized that the two were handled separately, so there was no need for unnecessary people to slow him down.

“This…” The Vice President hesitated. “I need to confirm this with Patriarch Mu.”

As he spoke, he swiftly wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, folded it into a paper crane, and sent it flying.

In less than the time it took to burn a single incense stick, a reply from Mu Chuan arrived.

Upon reading it, the Vice President smiled in surprise. “Patriarch Mu has agreed. However, he requests that Senior visit the Mu family first so he can meet you in person for peace of mind.”

Jian Yuanbai nodded, “Of course.”

He had just left the Mu family not long ago, and now he had to change his identity and return.

Before entering the Mu family estate, Jian Yuanbai repeatedly confirmed with the system, “Tell me, in the eyes of others, is this face of mine that of Shen Zhilan’s cousin or the Wangyun Sect Master?”

System: “I don’t know.”

Jian Yuanbai pressed on, “Has Mu Chuan ever seen Shen Zhilan’s cousin before?”

System: “Not sure.”

Jian Yuanbai’s tone turned cold, “Should I drag you out and beat you, or will you come out and take the beating yourself?”

The system, terrified, whimpered, “I really don’t know…”

“Besides, your identity as Shen Zhilan’s cousin will be exposed sooner or later. Even if you’re recognized, it doesn’t matter, right? As long as no one realizes that Shen Zhilan’s cousin is actually the Wangyun Sect Master.”

If the two identities were revealed to be the same person, things would get truly ridiculous.

Jian Yuanbai gritted his teeth, “My cousin broke off the engagement with Mu Jingzhu, and the two families practically tore each other apart. Now, just three days later, I show up at the Mu family’s door as a mercenary. Does that sound appropriate to you?”

He suddenly remembered something and asked, “Before joining the Wenxian Sect, where was Shen Zhilan from? How did the engagement with Mu Jingzhu happen? What was her relationship with her cousin?”

The system’s voice grew weaker, “Not clear…”

Due to sheer nervousness, the system’s voice became cautious and pitiful.

“I don’t know,” “Not sure,” “No idea.”

This useless system left Jian Yuanbai speechless.

He clenched his teeth and resigned himself to fate. He pulled up the hood of his black robe and walked to the Mu family’s gate.

The guards stopped him. “Who are you?”

Jian Yuanbai deliberately altered his voice and said, “A mercenary from the Mercenary Association, here at the request of Patriarch Mu.”

Clearly, Mu Chuan had already informed them. The guards not only let him in but also personally led him to the council hall.

The moment Jian Yuanbai stepped in, a fierce punch came flying toward him.

Jian Yuanbai controlled his strength and blocked the attack with the demeanor of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Then he deliberately scolded, “Patriarch Mu, is this how you treat your guests?”

Mu Chuan burst into hearty laughter. “I apologize, Senior. My son is about to embark on a thousand-mile journey. Since you requested no other mercenaries to accompany you, I couldn’t help but test your strength to put my mind at ease.”

“I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Given the dangers of this journey, aside from the promised Fragmented Nascent Pill, I’ll also offer an additional 3,000 mid-grade spirit stones as a token of gratitude.”

As he spoke, Mu Chuan presented three high-grade spirit stones, each equivalent to a thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

Jian Yuanbai didn’t refuse and accepted the payment. “Patriarch Mu is too kind. With such generous compensation, I will naturally do my utmost to escort your son safely to Wuwang Peak.”

Mu Chuan solemnly cupped his hands. “In that case, I am truly grateful. Once you arrive at Wuwang Peak, you may collect the Fragmented Nascent Pill from the Mercenary Association at the foot of the mountain.”

Mu Chuan wasn’t worried that the mercenary would harm Mu Jingzhu along the way. First, all noble families would leave a Soul Tablet for their heirs. If the tablet shattered, it would automatically reveal the aura of the killer. Second, the mercenary hadn’t received the full payment yet; the Fragmented Nascent Pill could only be collected from the Mercenary Association at the foot of Wuwang Peak after safely delivering Mu Jingzhu. Third, with the Mercenary Association’s vast influence across the Ninefold Continent, any mercenary who committed murder or robbery would be hunted down by the association.

On the Ninefold Continent, the Mercenary Association spanned every corner of the land and held immense power.

“Please rest at the estate for the night, and set off with my son tomorrow,” Mu Chuan said politely.

Jian Yuanbai nodded, feeling a wave of relief in his heart.

Mu Chuan didn’t recognize Shen Zhilan’s cousin!

As Jian Yuanbai turned and walked out the door, he rubbed the tip of his nose and mentally added “Investigate Shen Zhilan’s cousin’s background” to his to-do list.

With Jian Yuanbai’s cultivation, he naturally didn’t need to eat. However, Mu Chuan still had wine and dishes delivered to his temporary residence.

Little did Mu Chuan know that the Wangyun Sect Master, whom even the Mu family elders couldn’t persuade to stay for a single night, was now enjoying a quiet dinner in the Mu family estate.

After finishing the meal, Jian Yuanbai strolled around the Mu family grounds out of boredom. He eventually wandered to a pond. As expected of the most prestigious family in Taishi Mountain City, even a pond was vast, resembling a small lake. Under the night sky, countless lotus flowers bloomed beautifully.

Jian Yuanbai spotted a bamboo raft by the shore. With a light tap of his toes, he leapt onto the raft.

Though no one was steering, the bamboo raft drifted slowly across the water. Jian Yuanbai took out a book titled “Records of the Ninefold Continent”, leaned back on the recliner on the raft, and began reading at lightning speed.

Before long, the raft reached the center of the pond and gently rocked with the ripples, no longer moving forward.

With his profound cultivation and sharp spiritual awareness, Jian Yuanbai quickly skimmed through half of the book.

The moonlight spilled down like a silver waterfall, and the world was silent, with only the sound of the wind, the chirping of cicadas, and the occasional call of birds.

Suddenly, the tranquility was broken by a soft voice.

“Brother Jingzhu…”

Intrigued, Jian Yuanbai glanced up from the middle of the pond. With his heightened senses, he could clearly see and hear everything happening on the shore without being noticed.

A delicate young girl stood by the shore, her cheeks flushed with shyness, yet her expression carried a trace of sorrow. She called out the name of the boy beside her — Mu Jingzhu.

Mu Jingzhu had originally come to admire the scenery of the Mu family estate one last time before his departure. He hadn’t expected to encounter her here. Compared to the girl’s nervous expression, his reaction was calm and indifferent.

“Do you need something, Mu Xin’er?”

Mu Jingzhu’s distant attitude made Mu Xin’er’s body stiffen. Tears welled up in her eyes, hanging at the corners but refusing to fall.

“Brother Jingzhu, are you… blaming me?”

“Blaming me for avoiding you these past three years, which is why you treat me so coldly now?”

In the middle of the pond, Jian Yuanbai sat up straight in confusion.

He turned to the only being he could discuss this with — the system.

“Isn’t this… nonsense?”

The system ignored him.

Mu Jingzhu replied flatly, “I have no reason to blame you. For the past three years, you and I have lived in different worlds. It’s only natural that you kept your distance.”

“Brother Jingzhu…” Mu Xin’er suddenly lunged forward and hugged Mu Jingzhu tightly. “I never wanted to distance myself from you. It was my father who forbade me from approaching you.”

“Please… don’t hate me, okay?”

Mu Jingzhu frowned and coldly pushed her away.

“I already said, I have nothing to blame you for.”

Tears instantly streamed down Mu Xin’er’s face.

“Brother Jingzhu… I like you.”

In the middle of the pond, Jian Yuanbai let out a long sigh.

“Oh my god… Aren’t they from the same family? Isn’t this incest?”

On the shore, Mu Jingzhu’s youthful face remained cold and indifferent.

“Even without these three years of separation, the relationship between you and me was never more than ordinary kinship. There’s no need for this.”

Mu Xin’er, as a girl with decent talent and charming looks, had been admired by her peers after turning fifteen. However, three years ago, Mu Jingzhu had been a prodigy. At that time, Mu Xin’er was even younger and had never truly interacted with him.

Now that Mu Jingzhu had been accepted as the Wangyun Sect Master’s first disciple, it was obvious to him that Mu Xin’er’s sudden affection was driven more by his status than genuine feelings.

If it were the naive Mu Jingzhu from three years ago, he might have been deceived.

But after enduring three years of humiliation and ridicule, Mu Jingzhu had long outgrown such foolishness.

Meanwhile, the system, seizing the rare opportunity to mock Jian Yuanbai, said:

“First, being from the same family doesn’t necessarily mean they’re blood-related. In large clans with long lineages, distant relatives can be considered unrelated.”

“Second…” The system paused for dramatic effect, then sarcastically added, “When it comes to forbidden love and scandal, who can outdo you?”

Jian Yuanbai was stunned.

“Ha?”

“I’m the one involved in forbidden love??”

“Even though I’ve lost my memories, I’m confident in my moral conduct. I’ve been saving myself for my future wife. What nonsense are you talking about?”

The system let out a sinister chuckle and didn’t argue further.

Silently, it recorded Jian Yuanbai’s words.

In the future, when this so-called righteous and pure Wangyun Sect Master fell head over heels for his own disciple, Mu Jingzhu, and embarked on a forbidden master-disciple romance, the system would play this very recording in his ear.

On repeat.

For three days and three nights.

Let this man, who plays with fire in every world, finally understand…

What it truly means to slap himself in the face.

The system was absolutely certain—

That day would come.

Absolutely!