Chapter 5: Bai Ruoxi’s Choice

In the side hall of the Bai family, Bai Yuanfeng, the mother of Bai Ruoxi, sat in a chair, staring blankly outside. Dressed in a pink and white double-breasted top paired with a light-colored silk skirt, her appearance was above average, yet it was hard to reconcile her ordinary looks with the beauty of her daughter, Bai Ruoxi. Two cups sat on the table, the tea long gone cold. Bai Yuanfeng had been waiting for news of her daughter for nearly an hour, anxiety gnawing at her as the Bai family faced dire circumstances.

Once a proud family, the Bai family had fallen under the shadow of the Gongsun Family and the Dawn Chamber of Commerce. Recently, Bai Yuanfeng had received distressing news: her husband had been attacked by three mysterious monks while returning from a neighboring city and was now seriously injured, with his fate uncertain. The only hope left was the Mu family, and success depended on Bai Ruoxi's negotiations.

As she waited, a figure appeared in her line of sight. Bai Yuanfeng's heart lifted with a flicker of hope as she stood to greet her daughter. 

"Ruoxi, what did the Mu family say?" she asked eagerly.

Bai Ruoxi, already burdened by pressure, struggled to meet her mother's gaze. After a long pause, she whispered, "He didn't agree."

Bai Yuanfeng's expression faltered, and she slumped back into her chair, disappointment washing over her. Bai Ruoxi, sensing her mother's distress, turned her face away slightly. 

"What did Master Mu say?" Bai Yuanfeng prompted, her tone growing anxious.

Bai Ruoxi hesitated, biting her lip. "He wants Tongmai Pills."

"No!" Bai Yuanfeng's eyes sharpened, her voice rising. "Tongmai Pills are crucial for our family's ascension. Giving them to the Mu family would be like cutting off our own arms!"

After a moment of silence, Bai Yuanfeng's suspicions grew. "If I remember correctly, the eldest master of the Mu family has been pursuing you. How could he reject your request so outright?"

Bai Ruoxi lowered her eyes, her long lashes casting shadows over her fair face. "He said that if he wants to help, he needs corresponding benefits—either Tongmai Pills or... me."

At this admission, she glanced at her mother, a hint of expectation in her eyes. Bai Ruoxi had always been cherished by the Bai family, particularly by her father, but she was uncertain what decision they would make in such a precarious situation.

Bai Yuanfeng murmured to herself, "Right, this makes sense... I know Master Mu won't give up on you." Bai Ruoxi's heart sank at her mother's words, while Bai Yuanfeng seemed to find some relief. 

"How did you respond?" Bai Yuanfeng continued, her voice softening.

"Not yet... What do you think we should do, Mother?" Bai Ruoxi asked, her clear eyes searching her mother's face.

Bai Yuanfeng smiled gently. "Master Mu is young and handsome, and his family background is strong. Marrying into the Mu family would benefit both you and our Bai family."

Bai Ruoxi fell silent, then looked back at her mother with cold determination. "Everyone in Tianxuan City knows the young master of the Mu family is trouble. I refuse to marry someone like him!"

"Parents' orders and matchmakers' words—this isn't just your decision!" Bai Yuanfeng's tone grew stern. Bai Ruoxi opened her mouth to protest but ultimately held back her words. 

Seeing the change in her daughter's expression, Bai Yuanfeng softened her tone and gently took Bai Ruoxi's hand. "Ruoxi, you are our last hope. Who else can save our family if not the Mu family? Do you expect us to rely on your childhood sweetheart?"

"Years ago, he might have been an option, but now... hum." Bai Yuanfeng displayed her disdain. "I've disliked Ye Yu for a long time. The Bai family's downfall is likely due to him—he's brought us nothing but misfortune!"

"Yes, he's definitely the cause of our troubles! His cultivation was taken away by fate, and now he's brought disaster upon us! He's a jinx!" Bai Yuanfeng's voice rose with conviction.

"Mom, please!" Bai Ruoxi interjected softly, though she did not outright refute her mother. 

After a moment, she added, "I'll go and gauge Master Mu's thoughts later." Her delicate hands clenched in her sleeves, revealing her inner turmoil. 

As she considered her meeting with Mu Zhian, she felt an unsettling shift in his demeanor. He seemed less overtly interested than before, and his temperament had changed significantly. If someone unfamiliar with him were to meet him today, they might even find him charming.

Bai Ruoxi glanced around the now-empty hall, which should have been bustling with activity. Instead, it felt desolate, with maids having retreated and guests avoiding the Bai family to steer clear of suspicion. The emptiness of the Bai family weighed heavily on her. 

After a long moment, her clenched fists relaxed, and she gently stroked her chest, as if to steady herself and solidify her resolve.

---

Meanwhile, at the Mu family's training ground, Mu Zhian practiced diligently, swinging a long sword at Wei Mengrou, who stood opposite him, sword at the ready. Despite his efforts, Wei Mengrou remained calm, effortlessly evading his attacks. As fatigue began to set in, Mu Zhian panted, while Wei Mengrou showed no signs of exhaustion.

"Take a break," she said lightly. "You did well today."

Typically, Mu Zhian would complain after a short while, but today he had persevered for a full hour, surprising even the maid observing them. 

Noticing Mu Zhian's unusual determination, Wei Mengrou asked, "Did something happen?"

Though she often disapproved of his antics, he was still family. If he faced trouble outside, she would step in to help.

Mu Zhian shook his head, a smile creeping onto his face. "I just see it as a rare opportunity to train under such a master. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it."

Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Oh?" 

She thought back to his previous lack of commitment. Something must have happened to spark this newfound dedication, or perhaps he was trying to catch her attention. 

Mu Zhian, aware of her perception, simply smiled and continued training. He recognized that Wei Mengrou, being a cultivator in the Core Formation Realm, could offer invaluable advice. He had previously taken her support for granted, but now he was determined to change that perception, even if it took time.

As evening approached, the maid watched as Mu Zhian, panting from exertion, sat on the ground. She sighed, wishing he could maintain this level of dedication daily. If he did, his future would be bright.

After nearly two hours of training, Mu Zhian left the training ground, had dinner, and returned to his room, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him.

Instead of sleeping, he sat cross-legged on his bed, breathing deeply and drawing in spiritual energy from the surroundings. His sparring session with Wei Mengrou had given him insights, and he felt energized, ready to practice.

That night, as rain poured outside, Mu Zhian remained seated, lost in concentration. 

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. 

"What's the matter?" he called out.

"Master, Miss Bai Ruoxi is in the hall asking to see you," the guard replied respectfully.

Bai Ruoxi? She came to see him so late—had she made a decision?

Mu Zhian contemplated for a moment before instructing, "Let her wait in the hall; I'll join her after I change my clothes."