Chapter 4: Who Are You?

It rained heavily outside, unnoticed by anyone inside. Raindrops cascaded down the eaves like a pearl curtain, splashing onto the ground and creating a foggy mist. Mu Zhian sat at a table, tilting his head as he gazed out the window, tapping his fingers rhythmically.

He took a moment to respond, lost in thought as he considered the identity of the man in the black robe. If he agreed to collaborate, they could potentially eliminate Ye Yu, the so-called "chosen son of heaven." This would free Bai Ruoxi from her engagement, making it easier for him to claim her as his own. Yet, he wondered if things would truly go as planned. Ye Yu, being the "protagonist," was known for his extraordinary luck, and getting rid of him would likely prove challenging.

Moreover, Mu Zhian realized that the black-robed man had likely done his homework. He was aware that Mu Zhian, the eldest son of the Mu family, had a reputation as a notorious LSP, and used Bai Ruoxi as bait to ensnare him. Refusing the invitation could lead to complications; the mysterious man might remember him and seek alliances with other forces in Tianxuan City.

After weighing the pros and cons, Mu Zhian finally asked, "Who are you?"

The black-robed man replied in a hoarse, deliberate tone, "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that without Ye Yu, your future looks bright."

He continued to entice Mu Zhian, saying, "Miss Bai is an exceptional woman; she deserves better than a loser. She is unhappy in her current engagement. Only by getting rid of Ye Yu can you have her, Master Mu. Partnering with me will be beneficial for you."

Wiping sweat from his forehead, Mu Zhian pondered for a moment before looking up with a smile. "Alright, once this is settled, Bai Ruoxi will be mine. As for Ye Yu, he holds no value for me; take him if you wish."

The black-robed man grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and extended his hand. "Master Mu is a wise man; I look forward to our cooperation."

As they shook hands, the man discreetly tucked away a poison needle from his other sleeve. Had Mu Zhian refused, he would have faced a deadly threat. "Happy cooperation," Mu Zhian said, feeling a sense of relief.

"I will bring you news in the next two days, and I will rely on you then," the black-robed man stated, his cold gaze fixed on Mu Zhian, a sinister smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "It's a win-win arrangement."

After the man in black departed, Mu Zhian's expression grew serious. He recognized the man as a cultivator in the Core Formation Realm, likely a force infiltrating from outside Tianxuan City. Although the man's intentions regarding Ye Yu were unclear, caution was warranted. Agreeing to cooperate seemed beneficial for the Mu family, but he needed to remain vigilant against potential dangers.

Hesitating briefly, Mu Zhian turned his gaze towards a cabinet on his left. "Sister Mengrou, you can come out."

At his call, a graceful figure emerged from behind the cabinet. Wei Mengrou, dressed in a plain long skirt, her hair framing a delicate and composed face, looked at Mu Zhian with calm eyes. 

"I'm sorry to have interrupted you, Sister Mengrou," Mu Zhian said, smiling at her. The black-robed man had underestimated the Mu family, failing to recognize that even an inconspicuous maid like Mengrou was a master of the Core Formation Realm. Had the black-robed man attempted an attack, he would have faced a deadly counter from her.

"That man was powerful," Wei Mengrou remarked, glancing in the direction the black-robed man had gone. 

Mu Zhian assessed her, noting her confidence. "If you had engaged him, do you think you could have stopped him?"

"Thirty percent," she replied, meeting his gaze. Seeing his surprise, she added, "If you were serious, sixty percent."

"Even if he escapes, he won't leave the Mu family. Elder Ren is waiting at the entrance," she continued. Mu Zhian nodded in agreement.

He recalled the six realms of cultivation: Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, and Dao Integration. The old man was at the seventh level of Core Formation, meaning the black-robed man would not be able to escape if he wanted to.

However, for now, it was best not to provoke any unnecessary conflict. "What do you plan to do? Help him eliminate Ye Yu?" Wei Mengrou inquired.

Mu Zhian shook his head. "I need to investigate that man's identity and understand why he is interested in someone like Ye Yu. There must be secrets surrounding him; otherwise, a Core Formation master wouldn't go to such lengths."

"I will arrange for someone to look into this matter," Wei Mengrou responded. "What about Bai Ruoxi? She must have asked for your help."

Mu Zhian smiled gently. "Yes, she did plead with me, but we must consider what benefits the Bai family can offer."

"For instance, offering you Bai Ruoxi as a concubine?" Wei Mengrou suggested, raising an eyebrow.

Mu Zhian shook his head. "I have no interest in Bai Ruoxi. Women only hinder my progress."

Wei Mengrou's laughter was light but tinged with disbelief. "I'll be waiting for you in the practice field." Her tone reflected her skepticism about his priorities.

Mu Zhian simply smiled, knowing that in time, Wei Mengrou would understand he wasn't lying. His focus remained steadfast; he had no desire for the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City.

Editor's Note: LSP stands for "lechery, sleazy person," a term often used informally to describe characters with a notorious reputation for flirtation or inappropriate behavior. Join my Patreon page for more chapters.