LABMY CH108.1

“I’ve advanced to the high stage of Qi Refinement!” Mu Jingzhuo said excitedly to Jian Yuanbai.

At this moment, they had already left the territory of Guyue City. Since Mu Jingzhuo had not yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage, even with the Cloud-Stepping Foal, they still had to land and rest from time to time.

However, right now, they were soaring at an altitude of ten thousand meters. For countless cultivators, the environment during cultivation, even if not deliberately pursued for perfection, must meet two basic conditions: tranquility and stability.

Yet, Mu Jingzhuo was able to enter a meditative state steadily on the back of a flying horse. If word of this spread, it would surely shock everyone. With such exceptional talent, he was undoubtedly an outstanding cultivation prodigy.

Jian Yuanbai praised with a smile, “Impressive. You’ve reached the high stage of Qi Refinement in such a short time. Truly remarkable.”

After the battle with Gu Changyi last time, Mu Jingzhuo gained some insights. Over the past two days, he attempted to break through and unexpectedly succeeded in advancing to the high stage of Qi Refinement. He was thrilled. After three years, he had finally returned to this realm, and the complexity of emotions within him was indescribable.

Even Jian Yuanbai’s tone, as if coaxing a child, did not provoke him. He simply reveled in his joy.

Mu Jingzhuo pondered and said, “I wonder if I can reach Foundation Establishment before arriving at Wuwang Peak. If my master saw it, he would surely be pleased.”

Jian Yuanbai had no intention of dampening his spirits, but he still voiced his thoughts: “You’ve advanced to the high stage of Qi Refinement so quickly because you were once at this stage and have spent the past three years relentlessly cultivating. However, reaching Foundation Establishment before Wuwang Peak… that might be a bit difficult.”

Mu Jingzhuo didn’t mind being discouraged and responded with a grin, “Success lies in human effort. There’s no harm in trying.”

“So cheerful?” Jian Yuanbai reached out and pinched Mu Jingzhuo’s soft, fair cheek.

“Stop treating me like a child!” Mu Jingzhuo pouted, swatting away his hand and glaring at him.

Who pinches someone’s cheeks all the time? After all, he was a man.

Mu Jingzhuo thought this to himself but forgot that he was only sixteen, with delicate facial features and a bit of baby fat. While not exactly a child, he still retained a hint of youthful innocence.

Before Jian Yuanbai could respond, Mu Jingzhuo quickly added, “Of course, I’m happy. But it would be even better if Master were here.”

By now, Mu Jingzhuo had grown accustomed to Jian Yuanbai’s occasional teasing. After a brief complaint, he quickly let it go.

Huh?

Mu Jingzhuo’s sudden remark left Jian Yuanbai feeling a bit sour. Here he was, accompanying Mu Jingzhuo the entire time, yet Mu Jingzhuo’s heart was still thinking of his master?

Mu Jingzhuo wouldn’t let him call him “Little Spoon,” nor would he allow him to pinch his face. But if it were his master, all of that would be fine?

This inexplicable jealousy was absurd, especially since Jian Yuanbai himself was the master. Right now, he was merely disguising himself as Mu Jingzhuo’s “mercenary cousin.”

Clearly the same person, yet he couldn’t help feeling annoyed. “You’re always talking about your master. But did your master come to take you to Wuwang Peak?”

“What are you doing?” The system suddenly spoke up in a lazy tone. “You’re discrediting yourself here.”

It couldn’t comprehend what was going on in Jian Yuanbai’s mind.

Jian Yuanbai, momentarily stunned, replied confidently, “I’m just stating the facts.”

The system fell silent. Facts, indeed. After a long pause, it said with a complicated tone, “Sometimes, I really wonder how you managed to get a wife.”

“I don’t have a wife,” Jian Yuanbai said in confusion. “I’m still staying pure for my future wife. Don’t talk nonsense.”

The system chose to mute itself. It felt like talking to Jian Yuanbai for too long would lower its IQ.

Meanwhile, Mu Jingzhuo said, “My master is simply testing me.

“Besides, it was my master who resolved the conflict with my father and gave me a second chance to cultivate. How could I not respect him?

“He’s my master. Naturally, I hope he could witness my progress.”

With a darkened expression, Jian Yuanbai let out a cold laugh and, out of sheer pettiness, urged the Cloud-Stepping Foal to speed up in the sky.

The powerful wind brushed past their ears as they soared through the soft, white clouds. A sense of weightlessness surged through Mu Jingzhuo, making his heart race.

As a cultivator in the Qi Refinement stage, he couldn’t yet fly through the skies. Falling from such a height would mean certain death. Yet, in the face of this intense speed, he felt no fear. Instead, he laughed joyfully.

His eyes sparkled, and his smile was filled with the unrestrained freedom of youth.

Closing his eyes, he wholeheartedly embraced the sensation of soaring through the sky, trusting Jian Yuanbai completely.

Although they’d only known each other for a short time, and their relationship was technically that of an employer and a hired bodyguard, Mu Jingzhuo believed that the person behind him would never let him fall.

Seeing Mu Jingzhuo’s genuine happiness, Jian Yuanbai’s sour mood faded. With a smile, he sped up once more.

Jian Yuanbai glanced downward and said, “We’re about to enter the Yunding Mountain Range. We need to descend.”

The Yunding Mountain Range stretched for thousands of miles, its towering trees blocking out the sky. Within it lurked countless demonic beasts, and rumors even spoke of creatures equivalent to a human cultivator in the Grand Ascension stage.

Most importantly, flying above the Yunding Mountain Range was impossible. Anyone or any beast that attempted to fly over would lose their spiritual energy and plummet to the ground.

However, low-altitude flight within the mountain range was possible. Despite extensive research, no one had figured out the reason for this phenomenon.

Thus, the only way to cross the Yunding Mountain Range was to traverse it on foot.

Everyone who entered the Yunding Mountain Range was well aware of its dangers. A single misstep could cost them their life. However, this mountain range was a critical route within the Asliga Empire. If one chose to go around it, it would take at least an additional month.

In this world where mortals and cultivators coexisted, most mortals would choose to take the longer route. Yet, cultivators would often venture into the mountain range.

Despite the dangers, countless cultivators and mercenary groups entered the Yunding Mountain Range every year.

In the cultivation world, danger often meant opportunity. The bodies and demon cores of the beasts within were worth a fortune. If one were lucky enough to obtain a high-tier demon core, it would be enough for a rogue cultivator to live comfortably for the rest of their life.

Moreover, the mountain range was home to numerous rare spiritual herbs.

Every year, countless alchemists would hire mercenary groups to escort them into the Yunding Mountain Range in search of these precious plants.

Therefore, although the Yunding Mountain Range was filled with peril, the small town at its entrance was bustling with cultivators coming and going.

As Jian Yuanbai and Mu Jingzhuo stepped into the town, they immediately attracted countless gazes.

The reason was simple — the Cloud-Stepping Foal they were leading. The Foal was pure white, with soft white fur on its head. Though it had no wings on its back, there were delicate, palm-sized wings on each of its hooves.

While the Cloud-Stepping Foal possessed no combat strength, it was one of the most aesthetically pleasing flying beasts. Moreover, it was extremely difficult to capture, making it highly sought after by cultivators.

However, those who obsessed over Cloud-Stepping Foals were mostly female cultivators. The snow-white horse, treading on clouds, perfectly matched their romantic fantasies. Yet now, this rare creature was being led by two men, which naturally drew even more attention.

Jian Yuanbai and Mu Jingzhuo were both indifferent to others’ gazes, maintaining their composure even as countless eyes followed them. Mu Jingzhuo, however, curiously glanced around.

The town was filled with mercenaries, each bearing the emblem of the Mercenary Guild on their chests. Mu Jingzhuo observed for a moment and asked Jian Yuanbai with curiosity, “Why aren’t you wearing your mercenary badge?”

Jian Yuanbai thought for a moment and replied, “I think… they never issued me one?”

He had taken a mission as soon as he became a mercenary, and perhaps the receptionist had forgotten to give him the badge. In any case, he never received one.

Mu Jingzhuo gave him a skeptical glance but said nothing, merely noting this in his mind.

“Hey, hey, little brother!” A mercenary suddenly chased after them and blocked their path. “Is that… a Cloud-Stepping Foal you’re leading?”

Neither Jian Yuanbai nor Mu Jingzhuo responded. The mercenary quickly realized he had asked a foolish question and scratched his head awkwardly. “I just want to ask… would you be willing to sell it to me?”

“You know, in the Yunding Mountain Range, flying is impossible. This Cloud-Stepping Foal is gentle and timid. It’ll only slow you down inside. Why not sell it to me? I guarantee I’ll offer you a fair price.”

Jian Yuanbai responded coldly, “Not for sale.”

Mu Jingzhuo added with a more polite tone, “We’ll need the Cloud-Stepping Foal once we leave the Yunding Mountain Range. Besides, even if it can’t fly in the range, it can still serve as an ordinary mount.”

His more approachable attitude gave the mercenary hope. “Our Young Leader is willing to pay five thousand mid-grade spirit stones. We’re in urgent need right now. On an ordinary day, this price could buy two Cloud-Stepping Foals. You might want to reconsider.”

“If you sell it to us, the One-Eyed Mercenary Group would be more than happy to befriend you.”

The mercenary stood in front of them, blocking their path and showing no intention of letting them pass. Jian Yuanbai, growing impatient, shot him a cold glare. “Theoretically, you could buy two… if you could find two. I said we’re not selling. Don’t you understand?”

With that, Jian Yuanbai pulled Mu Jingzhuo forward. The mercenary attempted to follow but suddenly found himself unable to move forward, as if an invisible barrier blocked his way.

His expression changed. Realizing that one of the two possessed strength far superior to his own, he gave up and turned back.

“Young Leader, they refused to sell.” The mercenary returned to a tavern where a young man was leisurely sipping wine.

The young man took a sip, set down his cup, and said indifferently, “Let it be. While having a Cloud-Stepping Foal would be better, it’s not essential.”

The mercenary nodded respectfully and stepped aside.

Meanwhile, as Mu Jingzhuo and Jian Yuanbai passed by a clothing store, Mu Jingzhuo tugged on Jian Yuanbai’s sleeve. “Senior, I want to buy some clothes.”

They had left Guyue City in a hurry without bringing any luggage. Jian Yuanbai was fine, as he had a storage ring, but Mu Jingzhuo’s belongings had all been left at the inn.

Though Jian Yuanbai could clean his clothes with a spell, Mu Jingzhuo’s robe had been torn during his fight with Gu Changyi. Now that there was a chance to change clothes, he naturally wouldn’t miss it.

Jian Yuanbai responded, “Alright.”

Upon entering the clothing store, Mu Jingzhuo focused on picking out his clothes. Meanwhile, Jian Yuanbai’s attention was drawn to a nearby section displaying an array of female cultivators’ dresses.

The dresses came in various styles and colors, even forming a rainbow-like display. Some dresses shimmered with a faint, dazzling glow under the sunlight.

As Jian Yuanbai browsed, his expression subtly changed.

He couldn’t help but remember that his “Little Spoon” would one day become a cold and ruthless powerhouse, like an “Iron Ladle.” Right now, Mu Jingzhuo was still soft and cute, and he felt the urge to “capture the moment,” just like how parents want to dress their children in cute clothes before they grow up.

After only a brief hesitation, Jian Yuanbai walked over to the rack and picked out a pale blue dress with lace trim and a flowing hem.

Mu Jingzhuo, seeing this, looked bewildered. “You’re… buying that?”

“You plan to wear it?”

Jian Yuanbai replied, “What are you thinking? Of course not.”

Mu Jingzhuo was even more confused. “Then why are you buying it?”

“You’ll see. It’ll come in handy sooner or later.” Jian Yuanbai glanced at Mu Jingzhuo from head to toe and nodded with certainty. “Definitely useful.”

That look sent alarm bells ringing in Mu Jingzhuo’s head. Feeling an inexplicable chill, he hesitated and asked suspiciously, “You’re not… thinking of making me wear it, are you?”

Jian Yuanbai answered with a straight face, “I didn’t say anything.”

Mu Jingzhuo’s expression darkened. “No, you’re thinking about it.”

Jian Yuanbai raised his eyebrows. “Then tell me, what exactly am I thinking?”

Mu Jingzhuo glared at the dress, his cheeks puffed up in frustration. He couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud. Wouldn’t that make him look self-conscious and overly sensitive?

The shopkeeper behind the counter, utterly confused by their cryptic conversation, cautiously asked, “Gentlemen, would you like to purchase the dress?”

“I’ll go change my clothes.” Mu Jingzhuo turned to the shopkeeper and nodded. “We’ll take it.”

After changing into a white robe, Mu Jingzhuo looked like a noble young master straight out of a storybook — elegant, proud, and naturally captivating.

With his chin slightly raised, Mu Jingzhuo stretched out his hand toward Jian Yuanbai. “Spirit stones. Pay the bill.”

This display of arrogance made him look even more like a pampered young master. Jian Yuanbai chuckled good-naturedly and teased, “Yes, Young Master.”

When Jian Yuanbai also paid for the pale blue dress, Mu Jingzhuo felt increasingly uneasy. After a moment of internal struggle, his gaze turned resolute — No matter what, he would never wear that dress.

However, he completely overlooked one thing: when Jian Yuanbai glanced at him earlier, his mind had immediately jumped to the conclusion that the dress was for him.

Leaving the clothing store, they stepped onto the bustling street. The most common items sold were healing pills and medicinal herbs, followed by demonic beast corpses and spirit plants.

Inside the tavern, unlike other cities that focused on ordinary food, this place mainly served various types of demonic beast meat.

Cultivators could absorb spiritual energy from the meat. The higher the beast’s rank, the richer the energy — and the higher the price.

With the trauma from their previous encounter still fresh, Mu Jingzhuo instinctively scanned the tavern for storytellers the moment he stepped inside. Not seeing any, he visibly relaxed and said to Jian Yuanbai, “There are so many alchemists here.”

Jian Yuanbai, while ordering dishes, replied casually, “The Yunding Mountain Range is rich in spirit plants. It’s natural for alchemists to gather here.”

Mu Jingzhuo sighed, “What a pity I lack the talent for alchemy.”

In the Ninefold Continent, only those with a wood-type spiritual root could become alchemists. Mu Jingzhuo, possessing a water-type Heavenly Spiritual Root, had no such fate.

Jian Yuanbai glanced at him. “You can’t become an alchemist, but you can become something even closer to one.”

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”