"Hmm, it should be possible," Mu Ruiāan said vaguely, holding the Spirit Talisman. "Have you noticed that the power of Heaven and Earth within one foot of the Auspicious Beast Egg is significantly denser and purer?"
Mu Hanyan was too excited to notice the ambiguity in her fatherās words. When she took the Exotic Beast Egg, she could tell that the Heaven and Earth power was indeed much denser and purer within a one-foot radius centered on the egg.
No wonder, Mu Hanyan had noticed that her Qi was increasing faster than before during her journey. At first, she thought it was because of her advancement in realm, combined with absorbing the Nine Heavens Star Power from Yan Yuchu. Only now did she realize that it was the Spirit Talisman that was making a difference.
If she could benefit from it, the benefits to the Auspicious Beast Egg would undoubtedly be even more significant; most likely, it could hatch on its own. Finally, Mu Hanyanās mood began to lighten.
"By the way, you havenāt told me where exactly you got this talisman from?" Mu Ruiāan changed the subject.
"Werenāt you even listening to what I just said?" Mu Hanyan pouted, then recounted the events that had taken place in Little Pond City in detail. Afterward, she handed over the deed to the city and said, "The Yuan Family has lost a fine Meteorite Gold Mine, which they will find hard to swallow. The news will spread soon, and I donāt have the time to guard it every day. The family can manage the mine, but Iām not giving it away for nothing. I want half of the profits from the mine."
"You little money-grubber, youāve already made tens of millions and still arenāt satisfied. Youāre richer than I am," Mu Ruiāan laughed and scolded her, tapping her forehead to remind her, "Based on what you said about Ling Baobao, heās skilled in alchemy and knows the Divine Scam Method, a sort of trickery. If Iām not mistaken, he may well be a descendant of those ancient strong ones who studied Spirit Talismans. You should know that a large part of our Holy Court Continentās current Alchemy Technique, Star Divination Technique, and Alchemy Technique for Elixirs all stem from Spirit Talismans. He isnāt entirely about deception; itās possible he just hasnāt found the right method. Donāt underestimate him."
"Got it," Mu Hanyan agreed seriously, realizing the marvel of that piece of beautiful jade and vowing not to underestimate Ling Baobao.
"Also, donāt go spreading information about his identity everywhere. It might bring him trouble," Mu Ruiāan added.
"Donāt worry, Dad, Iāll be careful." Mu Hanyan would be cautious without his reminder. After all, Ling Baobao was like a free worker for five years; if something went wrong, where would she find a suitable alchemist? Of course, this was said in jest; in truth, Mu Hanyan really quite liked Ling Baobao and wouldnāt want him to come to any harm.
"Alright then, Iāll call for the Third Elder now so he can send someone to manage Little Pond City." Mu Ruiāan decided it was time to bring the conversation to a close.
"Okay, good." Mu Hanyan placed the Auspicious Beast Egg back against her chest. Thinking of how the egg was no longer in danger of running out of Life Essence and would eventually hatch into the legendary auspicious beast, a look of happiness spread across Mu Hanyanās face.
"I said Iām going to ask the Third Elder to come here," Mu Ruiāan repeated.
"Oh, then Iāll take my leave," Mu Hanyan thought her father preferred not to have her present, so she started to head out.
"I didnāt tell you to leave; Iām saying, arenāt you a little too happy?" Mu Ruiāan said.
Only then did Mu Hanyan realize what he meant. Father and "son" had been like strangers for more than a decade, and her sudden joy and happiness could understandably arouse suspicion.
If it caught the eye of someone with intentions, wouldnāt all previous efforts be wasted?
Okay, Iāll keep up the act, at least until Iām promoted to Sword Master. Thankfully, Iāve already reached the peak of Great Swordsman, so I believe it wonāt be long before I reach the Sword Master Realm. By then, I shouldnāt need to keep up such a strenuous facade, right?
Mu Hanyan rubbed her face forcefully, then put on a bitter expression before heading outside.
"Call the Third Elder here." As soon as the door opened, Mu Ruiāan commanded with an authoritative face, without giving Mu Hanyan another glance.
"Yes, Lord City Master." The guard bowed and responded. However, he couldnāt help but sneak a sympathetic glance at Mu Hanyan, thinking to himself, āAh, the poor Young Master, I wonder what blunder heās committed this time to be disciplined like this.ā
"Sigh." After the guard turned to leave, Mu Ruiāan looked at his daughterās retreating figure and let out a soft sigh.
In fact, he hadnāt finished speaking earlier. Even with a Spirit Talisman capable of gathering the Heaven and Earth Power, it would only ensure that the Auspicious Beast Egg wouldnāt die from draining its vitality. To hatch it, other conditions would still need to be met. Moreover, the effects of the Spirit Talisman were limited in duration; if they couldnāt hatch it in time, it would eventually lose its power, and the Auspicious Beast Egg would eventually run out of vitality.
However, seeing Mu Hanyanās joy, he just couldnāt bring himself to say those words.
Others raised their daughters surrounded by luxury and pets like flowers, kittens, and puppies; he raised his own daughter as if she were a boy, letting her tussle and cause mischief with other boys. If he remembered correctly, this Auspicious Beast Egg should be her first pet. Mu Ruiāan really didnāt want to see her upset.
Mu Ruiāan could sense that the vitality of the Exotic Beast Egg was quite strong, and it wouldnāt deplete for at least a few hundred years; supported by that Spirit Talisman, perhaps it could survive even longer. Maybe one day when Hanyan became an ultimate warrior with a longer lifespan, she would be able to come to terms with it.
...
Mu Hanyan was blissfully unaware of her fatherās concerns and his well-intentioned lies, and contently returned to her courtyard.
Upon returning, she saw Han Jinglun standing under a plum tree with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance with a calm and peaceful demeanor, as if reminiscing something, his gaze distant and profound.
Mu Hanyan had thought he might feel uneasy in the City Lordās Mansion, but seeing his serene behavior, she was somewhat surprised. It appeared that before heading to Cangshan City, Manager Hanās situation at home must have been quite good too; an ordinary commoner would never have been so at ease in the City Lordās Mansion.
As the host, Mu Hanyan first took Han Jinglun on a tour around the Mu Residence and then led him to the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce.
Although Han Jinglunās composure was unexpected to Mu Hanyan, offering a sense of nobility, the Mu Residence was still bustling with too many people and activities to conveniently keep him there.
Just as she stepped out of her courtyard, Mu Hanyan spotted Mu Hanfengās Personal Maid. The young girl sat by the pond with a worried face, resting her chin in her hands and staring blankly at the water lilies. This Maid, who had been promoted to her position more recently, was well-behaved and invested in Mu Hanfengās affairs, keeping his quarters in meticulous order.