Chapter 15: The Stage Is Set

As Mu Zhian and Bai Ruoxi walked down the quiet street, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, prompting Mu Zhian to sigh with a mix of emotion and reflection. In just a few days, significant changes had occurred around him, particularly concerning Bai Ruoxi. He realized that if his memory had awakened even slightly later, he would have found himself at the mercy of Ye Yu, facing humiliation.

In his past life, Mu Zhian would have readily submitted to Bai Ruoxi's requests, effectively becoming a pawn. However, he had learned that such submission often led to a grim fate. His refusal to comply with Ye Yu in the carriage days earlier had altered the course of events, leading to the current situation where Bai Ruoxi held resentment toward Ye Yu.

"Master Mu, are you going to see Gongsun Xiong next?" Bai Ruoxi inquired softly. Gongsun Xiong was the patriarch of the Gongsun family, one of the two major families that had besieged the Bai family. Unlike the external force of the Dawn Chamber of Commerce, both the Gongsun and Mu families were long-established in Tianxuan City, boasting deep roots and significant power. Rumors suggested that the Gongsun family had multiple cultivators in the Core Formation Realm.

Mu Zhian snapped back to reality as he met Bai Ruoxi's gaze. He smiled and shook his head, "Don't worry; let the rumors brew for a while." Bai Ruoxi tilted her head, a hint of confusion flickering in her beautiful eyes. She struggled to understand Mu Zhian's rationale. Logically, he should be eager to spread the news of the black-robed man's killing of Gongsun Zan, yet he seemed disinclined to do so. 

Rather than elaborate, Mu Zhian shifted the conversation. "Thank you for your handkerchief. I'll have the servants wash it and return it to you soon." He paused, adding, "I might visit the Bai family again. However, your mother may not welcome me." 

Mu Zhian chuckled to himself, imagining how Bai Ruoxi's mother would react if she knew her daughter had been visiting him. Bai Ruoxi walked quietly beside him, her eyes cast down. While her mother disapproved of Ye Yu, she had always admired Mu Zhian, the affluent suitor.

"Master Mu is joking. The Bai family welcomes you anytime," Bai Ruoxi replied softly. "My mother also wants to see you." 

Mu Zhian was momentarily taken aback. Then, as understanding dawned, he smiled knowingly. "It seems you have your own challenges." From her tone and demeanor, it was evident that Bai Ruoxi had approached him multiple times for assistance, likely due to pressure from her mother. For someone used to being cherished, asking a notorious playboy for help must have been daunting. However, this was not something Mu Zhian needed to dwell on; his focus was on reshaping Bai Ruoxi's perception and addressing the issue of the black-robed man.

Gently, he took her cold, delicate hand and retrieved his umbrella from her grasp. "I'll find time to visit the Bai family soon to return your handkerchief. And I trust Miss Bai won't find these days dull." Bai Ruoxi tilted her head, a stray strand of hair slipping from her forehead. She gazed at Mu Zhian's gentle smile, feeling an inexplicable sense of sincerity in his words. 

These days, Tianxuan City was bound to be anything but boring.

---

As expected, news of Mu Zhian killing Gongsun Zan spread rapidly throughout Tianxuan City that evening, causing an uproar among the populace. This revelation was akin to a bombshell. Gongsun Zan, known for his reckless behavior, had met his end at the hands of another notorious figure, Mu Zhian. 

Conversations erupted in nearly every household. "Though Master Mu has his vices, he typically frequents the Jiaofang and pursues those without partners—unlike Gongsun Zan," one faction argued. "It's understandable he couldn't stand by while Gongsun Zan oppressed women. I would have done the same."

Yet, skepticism lingered. "I don't believe it. Perhaps Mu Zhian saw Gongsun Zan bullying a woman he fancied, and a dispute ensued, resulting in Gongsun Zan's accidental death." Critics pointed out the ease with which the Mu family could manipulate information in Tianxuan City.

Amidst the divided opinions, some dismissed both Mu Zhian and Gongsun Zan as unsavory characters, simply a case of "dog biting dog." A minority remained rational, refraining from speculation until the truth emerged.

While the city buzzed with gossip, Mu Zhian lounged comfortably in the Mu Mansion, sipping hot tea. 

"Master, it's time to make our move," a maid suggested respectfully, her curious eyes glancing at him. The servants, aware of the unfolding news, were eager to discern its authenticity.

After a moment of contemplation, Mu Zhian set down his teacup. It was time to pay a visit to the head of the Gongsun clan.