Chapter 9: Ye Yu’s Secret 

Author: ccc

Editor: Mymensingh Khan

Read the raw novel at fanmtl.com

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In the bright study of the Mu Family, Mu Zhian leaned back in his chair, engrossed in a thin book. He understood that cultivating immortals required not just practice but also theoretical knowledge. The Mu Family was rich in resources, boasting detailed records on Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and even Nascent Soul stages.

As a third-grade Foundation Establishment cultivator, Mu Zhian knew he had a long journey ahead before reaching Core Formation. However, he believed that reviewing the experiences of predecessors would aid his future practice. Flipping through the pages, he sighed, reflecting, "My brain didn't work very well before, but at least I'm not too foolish. I know I need to reach Core Formation before I can afford to mess around."

The official path of cultivating immortals begins with Foundation Establishment, which is ideally undertaken between the ages of ten and fifteen. During this period, children's fantasies about the opposite sex are less exaggerated, allowing for focused cultivation. A critical requirement during Foundation Establishment is to maintain one's virginity, a rule that applies equally to both men and women. Despite his past indulgences, Mu Zhian had not crossed that line. Losing one's virginity would prevent the soul and qi from condensing properly, making it far more challenging to enter the Foundation Establishment stage.

While perusing the book, Mu Zhian noticed a colorful stream of light passing by the window. Intrigued, he muttered, "Another paper crane?" He extended his fingertips, and the paper crane flew in, landing delicately on his hand. 

"The fairy spirit on this paper crane… it's the same as yesterday's," Mu Zhian observed, surprise flickering in his eyes. "This speed of message delivery… Could it be that the sender is also in Tianxuan City?" 

Paper cranes were commonly used among cultivators for messaging, capable of flying to predetermined locations or drifting aimlessly like bottles in the sea. The quick response suggested the sender was likely nearby, possibly even an immortal master, though Mu Zhian doubted that. After all, why would a powerful woman have concerns akin to those of a spring girl? 

As he opened the paper crane, the familiar handwriting confirmed it was the same person as the previous day. The letter contained emotional inquiries about leaving home for the first time, whether to leave a note, and if one should inform family elders beforehand. 

With a desire to help, Mu Zhian pondered for a moment before picking up a brush and writing his suggestions. Once finished, he folded the letter back into a paper crane and tossed it out the window. The paper crane flapped its wings, gradually disappearing into the sky. 

"I hope I can help that 'bird in a cage' lady," he mused, watching the crane vanish. After spending some time in the study, Mu Zhian left to find a servant. "Send a spy to secretly monitor Ye Yu of the Ye family. Report back to me with any news in the next few days." 

Ye Yu's performance yesterday indicated he was far from the waste he was thought to be. The servant hesitated, puzzled as to why the young master would want to monitor someone deemed useless. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and simply replied, "Yes," before departing. 

Understanding too much could be detrimental, Mu Zhian settled in the hall, pouring himself a cup of tea. After a brief, leisurely rest, he made his way to the training ground for his lesson with the maid. 

Wei Mengrou had been waiting for him, standing poised with a sword on her back, dressed in a dark blue top and patterned skirt. Her figure exuded a commanding beauty, with a proud chest, a slim waist, and long legs. 

Mu Zhian couldn't help but admire her, recalling his previous desire to touch Sister Mengrou. Unfortunately, she was a cultivator at the Core Formation stage, and if she was unwilling, no one could force her. 

Looking at him with surprise, Wei Mengrou remarked, "I didn't expect you to last for two days." In the past, Mu Zhian would have likely given up after one day, succumbing to distractions and seeking the company of courtesans. Yet, here he was, arriving early for training. 

"I'll keep going," Mu Zhian replied with a smile. 

Raising an eyebrow, Wei Mengrou said, "I hope so." She paused, then asked, "Did you send someone to investigate Ye Yu?" 

Mu Zhian nodded. "There's something unusual about him; I'm a bit concerned." 

"How did Ye Yu know that Bai Ruoxi was at Mu's house last night?" he pondered. It seemed someone had leaked that information to Ye Yu, likely to stir up his animosity towards the Mu family and prevent their intervention in Bai family matters. 

The culprits were likely the Gongsun family or the Chenxi Chamber of Commerce, both of whom had motives against the Bai family. 

"The spiritual energy emanating from Ye Yu last night was at least at the seventh level of Qi Condensation," Wei Mengrou noted. 

Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I recall Ye Yu couldn't even absorb spiritual energy into his cauldron before, and he had lost his potential… It seems he has resolved that issue?" 

Wei Mengrou confirmed with a nod. "I saw him on the street two months ago, and he wasn't even at the Qi Condensation Stage then. In less than two months, he has risen from being considered a waste to the seventh level of Refining Essence. The eldest son of the Ye family is indeed a genius." 

Mu Zhian agreed, recognizing that such talent was extraordinary. Typically, it took two to three years to condense the cauldron in the Qi Condensation Stage, yet Ye Yu had achieved this in just two months. However, Mu Zhian suspected that this remarkable progress wasn't solely due to Ye Yu's talent; there must be some hidden secret behind it. 

He shook his head, dismissing the thought of the mysterious man in black robes being interested in Ye Yu for personal reasons. 

"Come on, Sister Mengrou, please teach me!" he urged, raising his sword. 

Wei Mengrou responded with a soft "hmm," her demeanor still cool. However, as she raised her sword to engage with Mu Zhian, her gaze softened slightly. 

Over the next two days, Mu Zhian received the same paper crane reply daily. The "bird in the cage" girl initially hesitated but was encouraged by Mu Zhian's words and began to consider leaving her family for freedom. Today's reply indicated her decision to pursue that freedom, which pleased Mu Zhian. He offered her additional encouragement and reminded her to bring money when she left. 

Mu Zhian recalled that she likely came from a sheltered background, so she might not think to prepare adequately for her journey. After composing the letter, he folded it into a paper crane and sent it off as usual. 

That afternoon, while reading in the study, he heard a gentle knock on the door. 

"Master Mu, I'm back," said the spy he had sent to monitor Ye Yu two days ago. 

"Is there any news?" Mu Zhian asked, his tone serious. 

The spy entered, bowing respectfully. "Master, you were right. Ye Yu is indeed strange." 

The spy explained that during a clan competition that morning, Ye Yu had defeated several clan geniuses, demonstrating strength at the seventh level of Qi Condensation. 

Mu Zhian acknowledged Wei Mengrou's keen judgment; she was indeed a master of Core Formation. "Any other information?" he inquired. 

"Ye Yu seems to have grown close to the third son of the Gongsun family in recent days," the spy reported. 

Mu Zhian frowned, surprised. "How did Ye Yu end up associating with Gongsun Zan?" Gongsun Zan had a notorious reputation in Tianxuan City, known for pursuing any woman he desired, regardless of their marital status. In contrast, Mu Zhian at least respected decent women. 

Though Ye Yu should have been wary of Gongsun Zan's reputation, he appeared to be engaging with him instead. 

Mu Zhian pondered this for a moment before dismissing the spy and leaving the study. As he walked along the corridor toward the courtyard gate, an old man watering flowers noticed him. 

"Master, are you going out?" the old man asked. 

"Yes, I'm going to the Jiaofang," Mu Zhian replied. 

The old man raised an eyebrow, surprised by Mu Zhian's directness. Usually, he would sneak away, but today he was open about his intentions. 

"I'm going to find someone," Mu Zhian added, wanting to test the waters with Gongsun Zan. 

The old man merely nodded, clearly skeptical of Mu Zhian's explanation. 

As Mu Zhian prepared to leave, a servant rushed in, whispering, "Master, Miss Bai is asking to see you in the side hall." 

The servant's expression conveyed both curiosity and envy, wondering why the beautiful Bai Ruoxi had been visiting the Mu family so frequently. 

"Bai Ruoxi is here?" Mu Zhian repeated, contemplating for a moment. "Have her wait for me at the teahouse opposite the Jiaofang." 

The servant hesitated, glancing at Mu Zhian. "Young master, if Miss Bai asks where you're going, what should I say?" 

"Just tell her the truth," Mu Zhian replied with a smile. "Or you can simply say I'm going to the Jiaofang."