Chapter 74: Chosen, and the Only One

Mu Zhi'an watched the sparring match unfolding on the platform, his expression calm.

…Well, only seemingly calm. Inwardly, a storm was brewing.

Holy shit. Feiying and Senior Sister are sisters?!

No wonder he had encountered Feiying at the Rising Phoenix Inn. It wasn't a coincidence. She had been visiting Lan Mulian… She had even arranged the room for her.

One sister, alluring and seductive; the other, cold and aloof. Normally, he would be overjoyed by this discovery.

But now, while he was surprised and intrigued…

He also felt a surge of anxiety.

It meant that Lan Mulian might know about his actions in Tianxuan City, including his… behavior towards Feiying.

He noticed a coldness in Lan Mulian's eyes that hadn't been there before. Her gaze, as sharp and clear as ice, was fixed on him, waiting for his answer.

If I mess this up, Senior Sister's route is over… he thought to himself.

"Luminous Soil can preserve medicinal herbs. I kept one portion for myself, gave one to Senior Sister, and planned to bring the rest to the Two Polarities Sect."

He sighed, his expression turning thoughtful. "After all, the sect is beyond the reach of the Mu family's influence. If I need medicinal herbs in the future, I can use the Luminous Soil to trade, or to preserve any herbs I acquire."

He retrieved a box from his storage ring and opened it, revealing three portions of shimmering Luminous Soil.

While the unexpected intelligence had almost led to disaster, he wasn't panicking. He was telling the truth.

He had received five portions from Feiying, but he had only given one to Bai Ruoxi and one to Lan Mulian. He had kept the rest.

"Why do you ask, Senior Sister?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

She narrowed her eyes, staring at him intently. "Just curious."

Her gaze softened slightly.

She quickly changed the subject, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Once you join the Two Polarities Sect, you'll be a disciple. If you encounter any difficulties, I'll assist you."

She smiled… Her mood has improved. That's good.

He felt a wave of relief.

Their relationship was unique. They were practically "online friends," having met only a few times in person. He had never been certain of her feelings towards him.

But her question about the Luminous Soil, her suspicion confirmed that she cared.

"You're so kind, Senior Sister. Do you help all the disciples?" he asked playfully.

"It depends," she replied calmly.

"If I helped everyone who needed it, I would never have any free time."

So I'm special… He smiled inwardly, his anxiety fading.

She wasn't naive. She was intelligent and observant.

That was good. However, once he joined the sect, if he was seen with other women, it could lead to trouble, just like at the auction house.

"Did you go to the auction yesterday to see Feiying?" he asked suddenly.

He had been wondering why she had attended. She disliked crowds and had no reason to be there.

But she had a reason to visit her sister.

She nodded, then glanced at him, a playful smile on her lips. "If I hadn't gone, I would have missed that interesting scene."

He coughed. "Miss Huang invited me, so I went."

"Oh, and…" He retrieved a small box from his storage ring and offered it to her. "These are the pills I refined from the Beast King Vine."

She nodded, accepting the pills, then looked up at the two men on the platform.

"Who do you think will win?" she asked.

He looked up as well.

Ye Yu stood tall and proud, his sword at his side.

Across from him, Gongsun Cheng, dressed in luxurious robes, his features actually quite handsome if not for his cold, reptilian eyes, glared at him with venomous intensity.

Mu Zhi'an pondered for a moment. "Gongsun Cheng's injuries haven't fully healed, but… he's still at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment."

The gap between the eighth and first levels was vast. Even with his protagonist's luck, Ye Yu couldn't possibly defeat him.

She nodded silently.

"The spiritual energy within him is unusual. It's not entirely his own. He's talented, but too impatient."

Probably because I keep messing with him… Mu Zhi'an thought to himself.

Then, his eyes widened, his gaze fixed on Ye Yu, a realization dawning on him.

Senior Sister said he has spiritual energy that's not his own. Could it be from the old man in his body?

He caught a whiff of a familiar, intoxicating fragrance and turned to see Feiying sitting beside him, her legs crossed, her figure alluring, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Well, well, well… if it isn't the charming Young Master Mu~ Finished chatting with the Ye sisters, and now you're flirting with another woman?"

He sighed dramatically. "You've deceived me, Sister Lan."

She looked at him, surprised, then glanced at Lan Mulian.

"You told him?"

"He figured it out himself," Lan Mulian replied calmly.

Feiying narrowed her eyes, studying him, then chuckled. "I gave you hints, and I never tried to hide it."

She had never denied their relationship, but she hadn't explicitly confirmed it either.

He looked at Lan Mulian, her face hidden behind the veil, a hint of wonder in his voice. "I never realized you two were sisters."

Their personalities were so different, and the veil obscured Lan Mulian's features. He had never made the connection.

If not for his recent misfortune, his repeated encounters with Lan Mulian, he wouldn't have suspected a thing.

"My sister joined the Two Polarities Sect long ago. She visits me often. Why do you think Master Huang treats me with such respect?"

She crossed her legs, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder, her voice playful. "Not everyone can get away with your antics, Young Master Mu."

Lan Mulian glanced at him. "Antics?"

He felt a cold dread wash over him, remembering his flirtatious behavior towards Feiying, his wandering hand.

But she didn't elaborate, instead changing the subject, offering him some advice. "The entrance exams are in a few days. Even though you're exempt, your low cultivation level might attract some unwanted attention. You should focus on your cultivation."

He nodded.

Then, he asked, "Why aren't you participating in the exams, Feiying? Are you not interested in cultivating?"

"You're at Foundation Establishment, right?"

She smiled, nodding. "Eighth level."

"How old are you?" he asked, a slightly sensitive question.

She chuckled. "Guess."

He pondered for a moment. "Thirty?"

"Get out!" she scolded playfully, slapping his shoulder. "My sister isn't even thirty, let alone me…"

She noticed Lan Mulian's gaze and coughed. "I'm two or three years older than you."

So around twenty. Eighth level of Foundation Establishment at that age… not bad. And she's a successful businesswoman. He nodded. "If you miss these exams, you'll have to wait a few years. You're not going to participate?"

She shook her head. "I'm not."

Seeing his disappointment, she smiled. "You don't think you're the only one who can bend the rules, do you?"

He looked up at her. "You're also exempt?"

Considering the examiner was her sister, it wouldn't be difficult to arrange, but Senior Sister didn't seem like the type to favor anyone. He glanced at Lan Mulian.

"What are you thinking? My sister wouldn't do such a thing," Feiying said, reading his mind. She nudged him playfully. "She's met quite a few elders and peak masters since reaching Core Formation. They all fought over her, hoping to take her as their disciple."

"What happened?" he asked, curious.

"The sect master naturally refused, so the matter was dropped," she replied with a chuckle.

"Then they somehow discovered she had a younger sister" she trailed off, but he understood.

As Lan Mulian's sister, Feiying's talent wouldn't be overlooked. These entrance exams were the perfect opportunity to recruit her.

And her talent was indeed exceptional. Eighth level of Foundation Establishment at twenty, she was among the best of her generation.

"I see" he murmured. "So you'll reach Core Formation soon."

"It will take at least six months," she replied, shaking her head.

"I heard that the breakthrough from peak Foundation Establishment to Core Formation is difficult. It requires… comprehension. What does that mean?"

"Reaching Core Formation is connected to your past experiences. Everyone's understanding is different. Even elders can't offer much guidance," Lan Mulian explained calmly. "Many cultivators remain stuck at Foundation Establishment for their entire lives because they fail to find their own path. They never reach Core Formation."

He nodded thoughtfully.

Wei Mengrou's Core Formation ability allowed her to conceal her aura and the auras of others. Old Ren's ability allowed him to capture primordial spirits.

Based on my past experiences… what kind of ability will I gain when I reach Core Formation? He watched the sparring match, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.

*Bang!*

A clear voice echoed from the platform. "Gongsun Cheng wins!"

Mu Zhi'an looked up to see Gongsun Cheng, his face pale, standing over Ye Yu, his voice laced with mockery. "Your talent is undeniable, Ye Yu, but trying to defeat an eighth level cultivator at the first level, how naive."

Ye Yu, however, wasn't bothered. He chuckled.

"Congratulations, Young Master Gongsun."

He brushed the dust from his clothes, seemingly unconcerned about his injuries, and turned to leave.

Gongsun Cheng, sensing something, his eyes narrowing, stared at him. "Second level… You used our spar to temper your body?!"

Ye Yu smiled, glancing at him. "Thank you for your assistance, Young Master Gongsun."

He descended the platform, basking in the awestruck gazes of the other cultivators.

He felt a sudden urge to look in a certain direction, and his gaze landed on Mu Zhi'an.

On Mu Zhi'an's left sat Lan Mulian, her beauty as captivating as ever, her figure alluring.

And on his right sat Feiying, her dress revealing her long legs, her eyes sparkling with charm.

Gongsun Cheng also noticed them, his expression darkening.

How is Mu Zhi'an connected to the examiner?

Mu Zhi'an ignored their stares and turned to Lan Mulian, smiling. "Senior Sister, shall we go have some tea?"

"You just had tea with the Ye sisters, Young Master Mu. Aren't you full?" she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. She glanced at him. "Feiying and I have some private matters to discuss. The entrance exams are approaching. You should focus on your cultivation."

She left with Feiying, ignoring him.

Gongsun Cheng, unable to hear their conversation, but seeing Lan Mulian's dismissive attitude, smirked.

What good is your family's influence, Mu Zhi'an?

Someone like Lan Mulian wouldn't care about the Mu family. To her, he was just a good-for-nothing wastrel.

Mu Zhi'an, noticing his gaze, simply smiled.

He wasn't going to bother explaining.

The more amused Gongsun Cheng was now, the more devastated he would be later.

But it seemed there wouldn't be an opportunity today. He would have to try again another time.

And Senior Sister was right. He should focus on his cultivation.

He stood up, about to leave, when Ye Yu walked past him, a smirk on his lips. "It seems not everyone bows to the Mu family, Young Master Mu."

Mu Zhi'an mimicked his tone, smiling. "You're right, Young Master Ye. I should go back and spend time with Ruoxi. She's a clingy girl."

"Oh, and thank you for rejecting Qian'er so coldly at the arena. If not for that, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to sample her lipstick today."

Ye Yu's smile vanished.

Mu Zhi'an stepped into the carriage.

…

He returned to the Mu Manor and entered Bai Ruoxi's room, finding her just finishing her meditation. She wore a white dress with delicate plum blossom embroidery, her skin as pale as snow, even in the dim light.

While the dress concealed most of her skin, her ample bosom was still prominent. That was the advantage of a good figure.

He stared at her, his heart pounding.

She noticed his gaze and blushed, lowering her head, her voice soft. "What is it?"

He closed the door and windows, then approached her, his voice filled with concern. "How was your cultivation?"

"Ninth level of Foundation Establishment. I'm about to break through," she replied with a shy smile.

He looked at her, his voice soft. "Let me help you."

He's just trying to… She glanced at him, declining politely. "No need. The Heavenly Dao Aura is enough—"

He gently clasped her hand, his gaze meeting hers. "The entrance exams are approaching, Ruoxi. I'm worried you won't pass. Let me help you."

This time, she didn't protest, simply looking up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

He gazed at her beautiful face, her lips a delicate red, then leaned in, kissing her softly.

Actions spoke louder than words.

…

Two days later.

Bai Ruoxi opened her eyes, her usual aloofness replaced by a hint of alluring charm.

She seemed more mature, more… desirable. While her outward appearance remained cold and delicate, there was a hidden fire within her, a smoldering sensuality.

And only Mu Zhi'an could truly appreciate it.

"Peak of Foundation Establishment."

She murmured, her eyes calm and serene.

She could sense it. She had reached the bottleneck.

Core Formation was within reach!

But so many cultivators were stuck at this stage. Mu Lang had told her last night, as he held her close, that even with exceptional talent, it would take at least two or three months to break through.

Reaching Core Formation wasn't about talent. It was about comprehension.

But she could sense it. She was on the verge of a breakthrough. One more step…

Core Formation…

Miss Wei's Core Formation ability concealed auras. My father's ability was brute force. My mother's was charm. She looked at Mu Zhi'an, who was meditating beside her, her eyes narrowing slightly.

He wasn't faithful. There were too many temptations out there, and once they joined the Two Polarities Sect, those temptations would only increase. And as an Inborn Celestial Vessel, he would attract all sorts of fox spirits.

My Core Formation ability… it will bind their hearts and minds.

She closed her eyes, the spiritual energy within her churning, refining at an accelerated rate, fueled by the Heavenly Dao Aura.

If it took geniuses two or three months to reach Core Formation, she would be the exception.

Today, she would break through!

…

Time passed, another day fading into night.

Mu Zhi'an finished his meditation, feeling the surge of spiritual energy within him, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

"Fourth level of Foundation Establishment. Almost at the fifth." He looked at his hands, nodding. "Not bad."

He had always had exceptional talent. His title, "Heaven's Envy," spoke for itself.

And with Bai Ruoxi's Heavenly Dao Aura assisting him, his cultivation speed was far beyond his peers.

"At this rate, I might even catch up to Ruoxi," he thought, glancing at her.

She was wearing a loose white robe, her focus solely on her cultivation for the past two days. He had occasionally ventured out, spending time with Senior Sister, or with the Ye sisters, but she had remained in deep meditation.

He had been worried about her, but he had checked her pulse, her breathing. Everything seemed normal.

"She'll be surprised when she wakes up and senses my progress." He smiled, looking at her beautiful face.

He stood up, intending to fetch some refreshments for them to enjoy after she finished meditating.

As he stepped out of bed, he felt a surge of spiritual energy emanating from her, a powerful pressure that made him freeze. He turned to see her, her eyes now open, a strange intensity within them.

Her aura had shifted, a subtle but undeniable change.

Core Formation!

She smiled, her beauty breathtaking, her eyes meeting his. "How is your cultivation progressing, Mu Lang?"

He smiled. "Fourth level of Foundation Establishment. Almost at the fifth."

Without any cheat codes, relying solely on his talent… such rapid progress was astonishing.

He waited for her surprised reaction, but she simply smiled, saying nothing.

He frowned. "What's wrong, Ruoxi?"

"I've reached Core Formation," she replied softly.

Mu Zhi'an stared at her, speechless.