"Mu Cheng, have you reached the Ninth Rank Swordsman level in your cultivation? Iâll teach you a set of mental methods that are extremely beneficial for concentrating and calming your mind. It can also help you to advance to the Sword Master Realm sooner," Ye Lanfeng said, growing weary of Mu Chengâs antics, as he took out a book of cultivation techniques.
"Thank you, Master! I will definitely practice diligently and not let down your high expectations," Mu Cheng said, his eyes lighting up with joy.
"I donât have high expectations for you. Just bother me less, thatâs all," Ye Lanfeng replied grumpily, tossing the technique book to him.
"Master, if you had given me the cultivation technique earlier, there wouldâve been no issue. I didnât mean to bother you," Mu Cheng said with a cheeky grin as he took the book and returned to his room.
His stern demeanor seemed to ward off strangers. Let alone pestering Ye Lanfeng further, it would be difficult even if Ye Lanfeng wanted to talk to him.
"..." Ye Lanfeng was momentarily speechless, watching Mu Cheng hurry away.
"Burning bridges after crossing the river, shameless. How did he turn out like this?" said Huayue, looking dumbfounded.
"Now I finally understand what they mean by being influenced by those around you," Ye Lanfeng said thoughtfully, glancing at Zirong and Jiang Yuzhe, then at Mu Hanyan.
"Yes, after being with the young master for a long time, becoming a bit shameless is inevitable," Zirong and Jiang Yuzhe agreed completely as they looked at Mu Hanyan.
"Shameless! Itâs like the pot calling the kettle black," Han Yunyun said disdainfully.
"Yunyun, are you speaking up for me? Why does it feel so strange?" Mu Hanyan said, rubbing her temples with an amused, yet helpless expression.
"Ah! I accidentally scolded Brother Han Yan. Iâm so sorry, it wasnât intentional," Han Yunyun said, sticking out her tongue and scratching the back of her head, embarrassed.
Seeing the little girlâs mischievous look, everyone couldnât help but burst into laughter.
Even though Mu Cheng has changed a lot compared to before, Mu Hanyan and the others didnât mind; instead, they felt happy for him.
Mu Cheng used to be very stubborn. Once he set his mind on something, it was hard to change, whether it was regarding his cultivation or his feelings for Fourth Miss Zhao. Now, his strength hasnât reached the Sword Master Realm, so it doesnât matter much. Being so stubborn may even be more beneficial than it is harmful.
But when he eventually reaches the Sword Master Realm, and further improvement becomes increasingly difficult and slow, this stubbornness could become his inner demon, risking losing control.
Whether influenced by those around him or not, learning to be flexible is a great benefit for him. Thus, Lady Mu didnât bother debating whether the pig or the crow was blacker.
Mu Cheng acquired the mental method and was elated, so Mu Hanyan didnât worry about disturbing his peace. She and Huayue started a fire and began forging her Heavenly Flying Immortal.
Compared to last time, Mu Hanyan not only advanced two levels in strength, but her divine sense also became stronger. With experience, the work became easier. By evening, she had forged three Heavenly Flying Immortals, just in time for Huayue, Zirong, and Jiang Yuzhe to each have one.
Though the swords still appeared unattractive, their power increased significantly. Knowing the hidden power in the swords, Huayue and Jiang Yuzhe managed to conceal their disdainful looks and carried one on their backs.
As for Zirong, who always acted without shame, naturally, had nothing to be disdainful about. He happily accepted the longsword and exuded confidence and pride.
That evening, Mu Beichen arrived with a smile and shared good news with everyone. Uncle Yun had sent word that Mu Nan and Zirongâs fiancĂ©e were safe and on their way back, but due to Mu Nanâs injuries, their journey was slow and they should not worry.
Upon hearing this, a genuine smile appeared on Zirongâs face for the first time in a long while. He realized that if not for the Mu Familyâs efforts, he might never have been able to see his fiancĂ©e again. The thought terrified him, and a profound gratitude towards Mu Hanyan and the Mu Family filled his heart.
"Now thereâs no need to worry! In a few days, youâll have your beloved in your arms," Jiang Yuzhe said, throwing an arm around Zirongâs shoulder with a laugh.
"Thank you, Mr. Xie, thank you," Zirong was too excited to express himself adequately.
"No need for polite words. Now you can finally rest easy," Mu Beichen smiled. "You can head out safely tomorrow, right?"
"Yes," Mu Hanyan also felt relieved. Initially, she wanted to wait for Mu Nanâs return, but the message from her grandfather was uncertain, so they could come back in five or six days, or maybe be delayed for seven or eight days. Since they were confirmed safe and Han Yan was eager to visit the ruins, she decided to set out the next day.
That night passed uneventfully until early in the morning when Zhang Chihua arrived at the Mu Family. At that time, Mu Hanyan and the others were ready to set out.
"Zirong, why donât you stay and wait for Miss Yu to return so you can see her immediately?" Mu Hanyan looked at Zirong, who was wearing a sword outfit and carrying two longswords, appearing full of vigor, and said.
"No problem, since Wanqing is confirmed to be safe, Iâm not worried. Iâll follow the young master; it is my duty as a personal guard," Zirong replied resolutely, adding, "I can see her after our tasks are completed."
"Alright then," Mu Hanyan didnât insist further upon seeing Zirongâs determination.
Before setting off, Mu Hanyan recalled the Purple Heart Ganlu Grass matter and called up Mu Zexian and others.
Yesterdayâs drink, Immortal Spirit Drunk, was not consumed in vain. In just one night, the strength of a group of young playboys noticeably improved. Although the increase wasnât substantial, the medicinal effect hadnât been fully absorbed but accumulated in their bodies. It was believed that in the days to come, their power would improve rapidly, much faster than normal cultivation.
Especially the brothers Mu Zexian and Mu Zeran, one reached the peak of the Great Swordsman, while the other reached the Eighth Rank Swordsman peak. They only needed a trigger to break through and advance. Bringing them along was both for collecting Purple Heart Ganlu Grass and for gaining experience.
Mu Zexian and others felt the changes in their strength and were thrilled. Upon hearing about the training, they had no hesitation and packed their gear, setting out in three carriages led by Zhang Chihua beyond the city limits.
Since Zhang Chihua was leading the way, Mu Hanyan didnât worry about direction. However, gradually the carriages left the main road and entered an old, long-abandoned path, surprising Mu Hanyan.
Wasnât this road the ancient trade route between Anyun Country and Shangyue Country, long abandoned?