Chapter 121: The Veterans Are Still the Best p1
Demonic cultivators, in the current climate of the Eastern Realm, a land dominated by human cultivators, harboring a demonic cultivator was a grave offense, akin to treason.
If Bai Ruoxi’s Vessel truly contained demonic aura, it meant her family was tainted.
And Mu Zhi’an, having been so close to her, would also be considered impure.
After all, their relationship was no secret. If Bai Ruoxi was exposed as a demonic cultivator, he wouldn’t be able to escape the repercussions.
The Third Prince walked towards Metamorphic Jewel Peak, sighing inwardly.
It was a shame to see a beauty like Bai Ruoxi destroyed, but she wasn’t his woman. He didn’t need to care.
She might be beautiful, but she was too cold and distant.
He preferred women like Huang Manting, strong and dominant.
And with Mu Zhi’an gone, his life in the sect would be much smoother.
He had been observing Mu Zhi’an since joining the sect, gathering information about him, and he was almost certain that his personality, his way of handling things, was remarkably similar to the current crown prince, his brother.
The only difference was that the crown prince didn’t understand politics.
If their father abdicated and his brother ascended the throne, he might not be able to hold onto his power.
And then it would be his chance.
But those were thoughts for the future. His current priority was eliminating this obstacle.
If he couldn’t even handle a spoiled young master from a minor family, how could he possibly challenge his brother?
He arrived at Metamorphic Jewel Peak and addressed a disciple standing guard. “I need to see the vice peak lord.”
The disciple glanced at him, recognizing him, knowing his close relationship with the vice peak lord. “Please wait a moment. I’ll inform him.”
Moments later, the disciple returned and led him into the palace.
The nine peaks of the Two Polarities Sect cultivated different paths. Metamorphic Jewel Peak specialized in the art of imbueing.
Imbueing weapons, pills, various objects, it was their specialty.
Magical artifacts possessed spirits, but most weapons, before being imbued, were simply ordinary. Even with the finest materials, they were just tools.
But after being imbued, they could gain spirits, becoming lifelong companions.
The disciples of Metamorphic Jewel Peak, if they mastered their craft, were as sought after as alchemists.
Ning Shuwen, the vice peak lord, sat on his throne, dismissing his attendants, his gaze fixed on the young man entering the hall.
“The inner disciple selections are in two days. Why aren’t you cultivating? What brings you to Metamorphic Jewel Peak?”
He was the current Emperor’s uncle, and he naturally favored his nephew.
“Uncle, I’ve been investigating Mu Zhi’an, and I’ve discovered something. I came to inform you,” the Third Prince said, bowing.
“Mu Zhi’an…?”
Ning Shuwen frowned, his expression puzzled.
“Who’s that?”
“He’s the despicable person who supposedly used a formation to cheat during Boundless Sea Peak’s trial,” the Third Prince replied. He looked at his uncle. “You might not know him, Uncle, but his partner is Bai Ruoxi, the most talented candidate this year.”
“Bai Ruoxi…” Ning Shuwen’s interest piqued. “What does this have to do with her?”
The peak lord had instructed them to offer Bai Ruoxi a spirit imbued weapon if she agreed to become an inner disciple of Metamorphic Jewel Peak.
She could choose any type of weapon.
With her talent, she was worthy of such a gift.
She was exceptionally talented, and her beauty was unparalleled. Her presence would attract many disciples to the peak.
But he hadn’t expected her to have a partner. And a disciple he had never heard of?
“According to my investigation, she’s a demonic cultivator,” the Third Prince said, bowing.
Ning Shuwen narrowed his eyes, studying his nephew, his expression filled with surprise.
“What are you planning to do?” he asked.
“Eliminating demons is a cultivator’s duty! I have to expose her!” the Third Prince declared, his voice filled with a righteous indignation.
Ning Shuwen nodded. “Do as you see fit. But remember, don’t cause a commotion. This isn’t the imperial court. Don’t resort to violence within the sect.”
If she was a demonic cultivator, she would be exposed eventually, even if she joined Metamorphic Jewel Peak. It would be a waste of an inner disciple spot.
But if the Third Prince’s accusations were false, the peak lord could intervene and defend her. Earning her gratitude and ensuring she chose their peak.
As for giving the Demon Measuring Ruler to the Third Prince, letting him cause trouble for her, then having the peak lord play the hero, it was a sound strategy.
As long as the outcome was favorable, the methods were irrelevant.
He tossed a small ruler towards his nephew.
“This is the Demon Measuring Ruler. If there’s a demonic cultivator at the Jade Glass Palace, it will reveal their location. If not, it means your information is false. In that case, abandon your revenge and focus on your cultivation,” he said.
The Third Prince’s eyes lit up with excitement as he caught the ruler, bowing respectfully. “I understand, Uncle.”
He looked at his uncle, his gaze filled with anticipation.
He might not be able to find anything incriminating on Mu Zhi’an, but what about those around him…?
…
At the Jade Glass Palace, Mu Zhi’an and Ye Lingxuan strolled through a garden, her voice soft as she described her experiences during her seclusion.
“Lingxuan, the peak lord said you have a Natural Spirit Body, right?” He held her hand, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face, a smile playing on his lips. “Did it awaken in the Celestial Realm?”
She nodded, her voice clear and melodious. “I don’t know where Senior Ling Long found that pool, but when we approached it, the Dragon Soaring Tendon, it came alive…”
“And then I felt like I was about to break through, so I meditated nearby…”
She hesitated, stopping, her gaze meeting his, her voice laced with a hint of guilt. “I’m sorry. You only entrusted the Dragon Soaring Tendon to me, but it merged with my body while I was meditating…”
His eyes flickered. “So you’ve completely absorbed it…?”
She nodded, her voice filled with apology. “I’m sorry. I’ll compensate you.”
This time, she would give him something of equal value to the Dragon Soaring Tendon.
As she thought this, he was looking at her, his gaze appreciative.
She stood by the pool, bathed in sunlight, her waist slender, her neck graceful, her figure elegant and alluring.
What compensation could possibly compare to this…? He smiled, his heart filled with contentment.
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion. “Brother Mu…?”
He gazed at her, her fragrance delicate and sweet, and he chuckled.
“There’s no need for compensation, Lingxuan. I never intended to take back the Dragon Soaring Tendon. It’s perfect that you were able to absorb it.”
She frowned, shaking her head. “No, I have to compensate you.”
If she didn’t, it would be as if she had only been using him for the Dragon Soaring Tendon…
“You’ve already compensated me,” he said, his gaze lingering on her delicate features.
