LABMY CH114

Jian Yuanbai and Mu Jingzhuo sat facing each other, one with a numb expression and the other with a face full of confusion.

Mu Jingzhuo carefully asked, “Master, did I say something wrong?”

Jian Yuanbai disliked seeing Mu Jingzhuo’s cautious and distant expression. After enduring his carefully prepared room full of beast eggs being compared to a chicken farm, he gritted his teeth and ruffled the boy’s hair. “If these beast eggs knew they were mistaken for chicken eggs, they’d probably be so angry they’d hatch right out of their shells.”

Mu Jingzhuo was first surprised, then shocked. “Master, are you saying… all these are beast eggs?”

Jian Yuanbai nodded. “Mm, high-tier beast eggs.”

“They’re all for you.”

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth forming a small ‘o’ shape. “All of them… for me?”

Seeing his astonishment, Jian Yuanbai reached out, pinched his cheek, and chuckled. “Yes, all for you.”

Mu Jingzhuo glanced at the room full of beast eggs and then at Jian Yuanbai. Hesitantly, he said, “Master, my cultivation is too low. I can’t form contracts with that many beasts.”

“Besides, even high-level cultivators can only form contracts with two beasts at most.”

Jian Yuanbai waved his hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter if you can’t form contracts. Who said beast eggs must be contracted? You can boil them or make egg custard.”

Mu Jingzhuo was confused. “Why is Master suddenly giving me so many beast eggs?”

Jian Yuanbai couldn’t find a good reason. He couldn’t exactly say it was because he felt guilty for accidentally causing Mu Jingzhuo to miss out on a great opportunity.

The wooden house fell into silence. Just as Mu Jingzhuo began to feel uneasy, worried he had said something wrong again, he heard his master’s calm voice:

“You were talking about eggs in your dream earlier.”

“So, I gathered all the beast eggs I could find.”

These words instantly brought Mu Jingzhuo back to that night five days ago when he woke up from a dream and saw his master standing by his bedside.

So… just because of a single sentence he mumbled in his sleep, his master spent five days searching for these beast eggs?

Mu Jingzhuo’s heart softened, warmth flooding through him. He reached out and hugged the man in front of him, burying his face against his master’s chest. “Master treats me so well.”

He looked up with bright eyes and said, “I really like Master.”

Though Jian Yuanbai wore a mask, his eyes revealed warmth. Despite the doubts in his heart, Mu Jingzhuo still deeply respected his master.

Jian Yuanbai gently embraced the young man. “You are my only disciple. Naturally, I should treat you well.”

“Alright, it’s time to cultivate.”

Only by reaching Foundation Establishment could he leave the sect for training.

Mu Jingzhuo nodded with determination. “I will not disappoint Master.”

His talent was exceptional. Though he had to rebuild his cultivation from scratch, with the daily supply of rare spiritual herbs, spirit fruits, and high-grade spirit stones from Jian Yuanbai, along with the Spirit Gathering Array set up for his cultivation, his progress was rapid.

In his spare time, Mu Jingzhuo’s favorite activity was visiting the room full of beast eggs, touching them one by one, hoping one would hatch.

However, even after reaching Foundation Establishment, not a single beast egg had hatched.

Jian Yuanbai had long known of Mu Jingzhuo’s breakthrough and came to check on him. Because of the nature of the technique he had given him, Jian Yuanbai felt guilty, though his expression remained calm. “How do you feel after cultivating this technique?”

Mu Jingzhuo thought for a moment and replied, “Master, this technique truly deserves its Heaven-grade rank. It allows me to progress with half the effort. However…”

“However, while cultivating it…” Mu Jingzhuo hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I feel a strange chill throughout my body, but occasionally, there’s a wave of heat. This constant shift between cold and hot… Does Master know why?”

Jian Yuanbai’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unreadable. “A Heaven-grade technique naturally has its mysteries. I’ve never cultivated this one myself, but this cold and heat fluctuation must be one of its unique traits.”

In truth, this technique was modified from the infamous “Dual Cultivation Art.” The cold sensation stemmed from the original need for intimate dual cultivation, while the occasional heat was the result of Jian Yuanbai’s modifications to suppress that aspect.

The system watching from the sidelines couldn’t help but feel that Jian Yuanbai was dangerously skating on thin ice.

The innocent and inexperienced Mu Jingzhuo was easily fooled. He nodded seriously, “Master is right. It must be the reason this technique is so powerful.”

Jian Yuanbai cleared his throat and brought up the second reason for his visit. “Since you’ve reached Foundation Establishment, it’s time for you to leave the sect and gain experience. Staying in the sect for too long will hinder your progress.”

Finally, he could send this little troublemaker down the mountain.

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I can go out for training now? Thank you, Master!”

Jian Yuanbai handed him a book. “Before you leave, this ‘Snowburst Technique’ is for you. Study it well. Once you master it, you can easily kill an opponent one level above you.”

“The ‘Snowburst Technique’ is a Heaven-grade combat skill. When facing an enemy, you can turn your spiritual energy into endless snowflakes. The moment the snow touches your opponent, it will explode. The mixture of blood and snow is why it’s called the ‘Snowburst Technique.’”

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Master, you’re truly amazing! I’ll definitely practice it well!”

“And this fan, a high-grade magical artifact. Your cultivation is too low, and your spiritual energy is insufficient to melt a large area of snow. You can use this fan to maximize the effect of your battle techniques.”

Mu Jingzhuo carefully took the fan with a black base and gold lacquer, adorned with white specks that resembled a heavy snowfall in the dark night. He was pleasantly surprised and said, “Thank you, Master.”

His master rubbed his head and gently said there was no need to thank him.

Before leaving Wangyun Sect, Mu Jingzhuo also took one more thing—a pure white beast egg he had carefully selected from the wooden house. Everything in the wooden house was a gift from his master, but he couldn’t take them all, so he chose the one that most resembled his master’s pale white robe.

Mu Jingzhuo then descended the mountain with these items and some spirit stones. The first thing he did after leaving the mountain was to head to the Mercenary Guild.

“Hello, I want to become a mercenary,” Mu Jingzhuo said to the receptionist behind the counter.

His thoughts were simple. He didn’t know where to find that man, but since the man was a mercenary, if he became one as well, they would eventually meet again.

Besides, his master had asked him to leave the mountain for training. Mu Jingzhuo didn’t know where to go, so he decided to take on tasks as a mercenary and gain experience while traveling.

However, Mu Jingzhuo didn’t expect that as soon as he finished filling out the form and officially became a mercenary, a familiar voice called out to him.

“Little Spoon?”

Mu Jingzhuo turned around abruptly and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar figure. He froze.

Jian Yuanbai, dressed in a black robe, had a cold and handsome face that seemed to melt like ice and snow. He quickly stepped forward and pulled Mu Jingzhuo into his arms, pretending to be surprised, “It’s really you.”

Mu Jingzhuo didn’t respond, nor did he push him away. Just as Jian Yuanbai was about to ask what was wrong, he felt the body in his arms trembling slightly.

Jian Yuanbai tried to pull him away to check, but Mu Jingzhuo clung to him tightly, as if afraid he would disappear the next moment.

For some reason, Jian Yuanbai’s throat felt dry. “Are… are you crying?”

“I’m not!” A muffled, tearful voice came from his arms, making it hard to hear clearly.

They were still in the hall of the Mercenary Guild at the foot of Wuwang Peak. The two of them hugging tightly had already attracted the attention of many passing mercenaries.

Seeing that he couldn’t pull Mu Jingzhuo off, Jian Yuanbai simply picked him up and walked out of the Mercenary Guild, turning into an empty alley.

“Why are you crying?” Jian Yuanbai lifted the person who buried his face in his shoulder, cupping his face and gently brushing his thumb over his soft cheeks, which turned red from the touch.

Mu Jingzhuo couldn’t explain himself. His eyes were still misty with tears, looking pitifully red. He could only divert attention, “You left so quickly. I didn’t even know where to find you. You said we’d meet again if fate allowed, but I think you never wanted to see me.”

In truth, Mu Jingzhuo and Jian Yuanbai hadn’t spent much time together. Aside from that one day in the Mu family, Jian Yuanbai was always busy on Wuwang Peak. They had only spent about three or four days together in total.

However, during the year Mu Jingzhuo was in Qingyun Paradise and couldn’t see him, Jian Yuanbai realized his feelings. The moments they shared were precious memories that lingered in his heart.

So, seeing Mu Jingzhuo cry, Jian Yuanbai immediately understood the reason. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he pulled him away and asked, “Why would you cry just because you couldn’t see me?”

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyelashes trembled nervously, and his moist eyes darted around, shy and awkward. He stubbornly said, “Because you didn’t take the Infant Fragmentation Pill left at the Mercenary Guild.”

“As your employer, I needed to know where you went so I could give you the pill.”

Jian Yuanbai dragged out his tone and replied, “Oh, that. I don’t need it anymore. I’ve already reached the Nascent Soul stage.”

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyes widened in shock. The tears that hadn’t fallen yet rolled down his cheeks like crystal-clear pearls.

Jian Yuanbai sighed helplessly, “What, are you crying because I advanced to the Nascent Soul stage?”

Mu Jingzhuo was flustered. “No, I’m not!”

Jian Yuanbai teased him, “Since we’ve cleared things up, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Wait!” Mu Jingzhuo panicked and grabbed the corner of his robe. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words.

Jian Yuanbai asked, “What is it?”

Mu Jingzhuo pressed his lips together tightly, his ears turning red. Trying to act calm, he said, “Aren’t you a mercenary? I need to train for a while. I need someone to follow me. Will you take the job?”

Jian Yuanbai’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Sure. But what will the young master offer as payment?”

This question caught Mu Jingzhuo off guard. He was immediately overwhelmed with disappointment.

The person before him was already a Nascent Soul cultivator. What kind of reward could he offer to hire someone of such power?

Mu Jingzhuo let go of his hand and forced a smile. “Sorry, I forgot you’re already at the Nascent Soul stage. I can’t afford your price now.”

Little Spoon smiled, but his eyes were red. The water vapor in his eyes quickly spread, making his beautiful eyes look misty and fragile.

Mu Jingzhuo didn’t understand. He had only spent a few months with this person, so why…

Why did he fall for this man so deeply?

From the moment he first saw him, he felt inexplicably drawn to him. After spending only a few short months together, he couldn’t forget him even after a whole year.

Jian Yuanbai felt a pang in his heart and dared not tease him any longer. “You can afford it.”

“What I want… you can give.”

Mu Jingzhuo looked up in confusion, his delicate face filled with uncertainty and lingering sadness. His misty red eyes made him look heartbreakingly vulnerable.

Jian Yuanbai sighed and gently wiped the tears from Mu Jingzhuo’s face. “Why didn’t I notice before that our Little Spoon is such a crybaby?”

That soft “Little Spoon” felt strangely familiar to Mu Jingzhuo, but before he could grasp the feeling, Jian Yuanbai’s next words shattered his thoughts.

“I came to the Mercenary Guild just to find you.”

“Maybe… I fell for the employer from my last mission. Do you think I can have my wish?”

Mu Jingzhuo buried his head in Jian Yuanbai’s chest and mumbled, “You can’t fall for my father.”

Jian Yuanbai was stunned for a few seconds. Before he could respond, he heard the soft voice in his arms, “But… you can fall for the employer’s son.”

Even though Jian Yuanbai had already guessed Mu Jingzhuo’s feelings, hearing him say it out loud still filled him with joy.

“Really?”

Mu Jingzhuo looked up with his tear-streaked face, blushing shyly yet bravely like a little beast stepping out of its den. “Really.”

Jian Yuanbai gently cupped his chin. As the distance between them closed, Mu Jingzhuo didn’t dodge. Instead, he even leaned in slightly.

In that instant, Jian Yuanbai’s eyes darkened.

When their lips touched, Mu Jingzhuo trembled slightly. But simply kissing wasn’t enough for Jian Yuanbai. He deepened the kiss, licking and sucking, even biting gently.

Mu Jingzhuo’s eyelashes fluttered as he closed his eyes in embarrassment, his ears burning red.

With his vision gone, his hearing became more sensitive. The soft sounds of lips and tongues intertwining echoed in his ears, making him even more flustered.

Jian Yuanbai coaxed him into parting his lips, and his rough tongue invaded, exploring every corner and leaving his taste everywhere.

Mu Jingzhuo’s soft tongue was tangled and sucked, the wet and slippery touch making him blush like a ripe peach.

Until he was let go, he didn’t dare open his eyes right away. It took him a long while before he trembled and slowly opened his eyes, which were watery and glistening. His face was flushed red, like a ripe peach that would burst with juice at a single poke. He didn’t dare to meet Jian Yuanbai’s eyes.

The progress was so fast that Mu Jingzhuo felt a bit flustered and overwhelmed. His heart was in chaos, yet strangely, he didn’t feel much regret.

He had only planned to find him first and talk things out. Who would’ve thought that as soon as he came down the mountain, not only did he run into him, but… they even kissed.

Compared to him, Jian Yuanbai was much more composed. He even reached out with his thumb to gently wipe the glistening moisture from the corner of Mu Jingzhuo’s lips, saying with a soft smile, “Good wife.”

Seeing the suspicious shine on his fingertips, Mu Jingzhuo’s face turned bright red. He stammered, “Y-you… you… you…”

His stuttering words only made Jian Yuanbai chuckle. After calming him down, he took him to the tavern for a meal.

Mu Jingzhuo stared blankly at the table full of dishes, finally feeling a sense of reality.

In the past, when they ate together, Jian Yuanbai would always order a portion of every specialty dish. So… he really did find him, and… they were really together now.

“Can you tell me… what exactly happened between you and my master?”

“All these years… have you…” Mu Jingzhuo hesitated before finally asking, “Have you ever looked for me?”

Jian Yuanbai replied, “I never looked for you.”

Hearing this, Mu Jingzhuo’s face changed slightly. Before his emotions could surge, Jian Yuanbai added, “Because I’ve been here, waiting for you.”

He wasn’t lying. He had indeed been guarding Mu Jingzhuo’s side all this time.

Mu Jingzhuo, nervous, picked up the wine cup and downed it in one go. He stammered, “I… I don’t have anything else to ask.”

Jian Yuanbai looked at Mu Jingzhuo’s burning red face and, with a smile, placed a crystal-clear slice of meat on his plate. “Then let’s eat.”

The pace of everything was so fast that Mu Jingzhuo couldn’t quite process it. After dinner, Jian Yuanbai naturally asked the innkeeper for a room. When they went upstairs, Mu Jingzhuo’s steps felt awkward and stiff.

When the door closed, Mu Jingzhuo could hear his own heartbeat pounding loudly in his chest.

He watched as the man went behind the screen to bathe. Mu Jingzhuo stood up from his chair in a panic, pacing back and forth in the room. Then, in a flustered motion, he grabbed the teacup from the table and gulped down all the tea inside.

He was still nervous.

All he could think was — isn’t this too fast? He wasn’t ready yet. How do things work between two men…?

He plopped back down on the chair, tapping his fingers anxiously on the table.

When Jian Yuanbai came out, he saw Mu Jingzhuo sit up straight with his hands resting on his knees, like an obedient little child.

Jian Yuanbai’s body was still damp, water dripping from his hair. The white inner garment he wore was soaked through, faintly revealing the lean, toned muscles beneath. The faint outline of eight beautiful abs was vaguely visible.

Jian Yuanbai looked at him and asked with confusion, “Why haven’t you bathed yet?”

“There should be hot water behind the other screen.”

“Oh, oh, oh!” Mu Jingzhuo jumped up in a panic, his face steaming red. “I-I’ll go now!”

He soaked himself in the wooden bathtub, slowly sinking into the warm water as steam rose around him. Even the top of his head seemed to be emitting heat.

Recalling the man’s wet, body-hugging white clothes and his broad shoulders and narrow waist, Mu Jingzhuo’s face turned even redder.

Was… was Jian Yuanbai seducing him?

He was already at the Nascent Soul stage. It would be easy for him to use spiritual energy to dry himself off. There was no need for him to come out of the bath dripping wet…

But then he remembered — in the Mu family, men were forbidden from engaging in romantic affairs before the age of eighteen. Losing one’s vital yang energy too early would be detrimental to cultivation. The more talented one was, the more they avoided indulging in such things.

He was only seventeen…

And besides, at least reaching the Golden Core stage was necessary before…

Mu Jingzhuo’s face was flushed, his heart racing wildly. He felt weak all over as he climbed out of the tub, mentally preparing himself to reject Jian Yuanbai. Yet, as he repeated this resolution, he also felt shy and embarrassed.

What should he say? If he said he wanted to focus on cultivation, that might work. But if Jian Yuanbai was also a virgin, that excuse wouldn’t hold…

Given the huge gap in their cultivation levels, Jian Yuanbai’s vital yang would only be a great supplement to him…

Mu Jingzhuo was so embarrassed by his own thoughts that he wanted to faint. Yet, deep down, he never even considered the possibility that Jian Yuanbai wasn’t a virgin.

With his current cultivation level, he couldn’t tell, but Mu Jingzhuo just instinctively believed that Jian Yuanbai had never been with anyone else.

That belief was carved into his heart, as if it had been etched through countless lifetimes.

Mu Jingzhuo rummaged through his bag and found a clean white undergarment. When he saw the pure white beast egg inside, he gently stroked it with affection.

Just then, he heard footsteps behind him.

“You… why did you come in?” Mu Jingzhuo turned around, alarmed, looking at the tall man behind him.

Jian Yuanbai replied, “You’ve been in the tub for almost half an hour without moving. I was worried, so I came to check.”

“Since you’ve finished bathing, come out and sleep. I’ve already made the bed.”

Jian Yuanbai said this with no other intentions. He had never planned to touch Mu Jingzhuo. He remembered clearly that his little spoon was only seventeen.

However, in Mu Jingzhuo’s ears, those words took on an entirely different meaning.

Sleep… together?

Mu Jingzhuo’s face turned crimson. He couldn’t understand how this man could say such things with a straight face. Didn’t he feel embarrassed?

While he internally cried in despair, his mind frantically searched for an excuse.

Suddenly, the round beast egg in his hand gave him inspiration. Mu Jingzhuo blurted out, “I-I can’t sleep in bed. I need to… hatch my egg!”

Jian Yuanbai’s eyes filled with disbelief. “Hatch… an egg?”

Mu Jingzhuo nodded earnestly, his face burning with embarrassment. “My master gave me this beast egg. I need to hatch it properly.”

Jian Yuanbai narrowed his eyes. “So… you’ve been hatching it every night?”

Mu Jingzhuo nodded seriously. “Mm!”

Is this egg that precious?

Jian Yuanbai’s gaze turned dark. “Then… show me how you hatch it.”

There was a hint of jealousy in his tone, but the flustered Mu Jingzhuo didn’t catch it. He froze in confusion, unsure of how to respond.

He didn’t know how to hatch a beast egg.

But… he knew how hens in chicken coops did it…

Yet, with Jian Yuanbai watching him like that, how could he possibly sit on the egg?