Chapter 36: Mu Xue

As Mu Bai walked through the main gate, Ye Xiao and his two companions followed closely behind.

Once inside, Zhuge Lingyun remained composed, his expression unchanged. Ye Xiao and Du Mao, however, were a different story; they looked like country folk stepping into a metropolis for the first time. Their eyes darted everywhere, scanning the rockeries, waterfalls, gardens, and the maids as fresh as morning dew. Everything served as a testament to the Mu family’s staggering, unbridled wealth.

"Brother! You're back?"

A girl of seventeen or eighteen ran over from the distance, throwing her arms around Mu Bai’s arm in a display of deep affection. A rare, doting smile appeared on Mu Bai’s face. He patted her head and turned to the three men. "This is my sister, Mu Xue."

The three exchanged polite greetings. Watching the intimate bond between Mu Bai and his sister, Ye Xiao’s eyes dimmed. There was a time when he and his own sister, Ye Yanran, shared that same closeness. But now...

"Don't worry. I believe you will be able to save your sister!" Sensing the profound sorrow hidden deep within Ye Xiao’s gaze, Du Mao stepped forward to offer comfort. Ye Xiao gave him a faint smile. "Yes, I believe so, too!"

Once they reached the parlor and were seated, Mu Bai asked, "Sir, the Spirit Path trial is still some time away. Do you have any plans for the interim?"

Zhuge Lingyun looked at Ye Xiao. "No special plans. I am simply here to guide his cultivation."

Mu Bai and Du Mao looked at Ye Xiao and nodded in agreement. Having heard the story of the Ye family—and especially the tragedy of Ye Xiao’s sister—they both harbored a growing hostility toward Xu Beichen.

"Ye Xiao, my family has a private training ground. I’ll take you there shortly," Mu Bai said, his teeth gritted. "When the time comes, you must utterly destroy that Xu Beichen!" Because he also had a sister, Mu Bai’s emotions were particularly volatile. He couldn't imagine how he would react if his own sister suffered such harm; he wasn't sure he could remain as rational as Ye Xiao.

"Xu Beichen?"

At this, Mu Xue spoke up. She looked curiously at her brother and asked, "Are you at odds with Senior Brother Xu?"

At these words, the others froze. Mu Bai slapped his forehead. "Damn it, I forgot to tell you—Mu Xue is also a disciple of the Xuanhuang Sect! An inner disciple, at that."

The others realized the situation. "Mu Xue, tell us what you know about Xu Beichen's current status." Although he had sent people to gather intelligence, the Xuanhuang Sect was no minor organization; getting information on them was no simple task.

Mu Xue pondered for a moment before saying, "Senior Brother Xu is no longer a mere inner disciple. Ever since he awakened his Immortal Bone, he has been appointed as the Young Sect Master of the Xuanhuang Sect!"

"What?" Ye Xiao was stunned. If Xu Beichen had become the Young Sect Master, wouldn't the chances of seeking revenge become even slimmer? If they happened to meet during the Spirit Path trial, it would be one thing, but if he didn't participate, how was Ye Xiao supposed to strike back? Storming the Xuanhuang Sect directly? That seemed unrealistic.

"What... what feud do you have with Senior Brother Xu? He seems like a decent person," Mu Xue asked, her large eyes blinking in naive curiosity.

Mu Bai looked at Ye Xiao, and after receiving a slight nod from him, he gave a brief account of the events. As she listened, Mu Xue’s expression shifted.

"Brother, are you saying that the Immortal Bone… it wasn't Senior Brother Xu’s, but rather..." She turned her gaze to the brooding Ye Xiao. "It belonged to his sister?"

Mu Bai nodded, his expression grave.

"That’s despicable! I’m going to tell my master and have him kicked out of the Xuanhuang Sect!" Mu Xue declared, her face filled with indignation.

Mu Bai paused, then asked with some hesitation, "Uh, Mu Xue... if I recall correctly, your master is just an inner sect elder, right? Does he have the authority to decide the fate of the Young Sect Master?"

Mu Xue froze, and the others looked at her with similar expressions of realization.

"Oh... I forgot that guy is the Young Sect Master now!"

Ye Xiao and the others were left speechless. Mu Bai’s sister seemed a bit... dim-witted. Ye Xiao managed a forced smile and said, "It’s fine. I believe I will be able to take Xu Beichen's life with my own hands!"

Seeing the unparalleled confidence radiating from Ye Xiao’s eyes, Mu Xue’s own eyes lit up. Mu Bai felt a jolt in his heart. He began to look at Ye Xiao with visible hostility. *Don't tell me this girl has taken a liking to this kid!*

Mu Xue, completely oblivious to her brother's glare, looked at Ye Xiao with admiration. "Brother Ye Xiao, I believe in you too!"

Hearing this, Mu Bai’s face darkened further. Even Du Mao seemed to grasp the nuance of the situation, casting a glance at Mu Bai that was filled with schadenfreude. Mu Bai glared at him before turning to Ye Xiao. "Uh, Ye Xiao, why don't I have you all head off to rest first?"

Ye Xiao was taken aback and was about to respond, but Du Mao interjected immediately. "Ah, yes, yes! We should rest! If we don't recharge our energy, how can we train?"

Ye Xiao turned to look at Du Mao in confusion. *Wasn't the conversation going well? Why the sudden rush to rest?* Zhuge Lingyun merely watched the three youngsters, a look of amusement on his face.

In the end, unable to withstand the insistence of Mu Bai and Du Mao, Ye Xiao retired to the guest room prepared for him. As he lay on the bed, he began to contemplate his next move.

Xu Beichen was now at the fifth level of the Spirit Realm. If he wanted to kill him and reclaim the Immortal Bone, there were only two ways.

The first was to forcibly unseal his broken sword and use it to trigger his bloodline power. Given his current cultivation at the first level of the Foundation Opening Realm, if he triggered his bloodline and combined it with the power of the sword, killing Xu Beichen wouldn't take much effort. However, if he did that, he would likely have no way to bring the Immortal Bone back to his sister. With his remaining lifespan, he would likely only be able to sustain that state for a fleeting moment.

The second method was to increase his own cultivation. If he could reach the seventh level of the Foundation Opening Realm, then with the power of the Blood Scripture and the Nine Dragons Sword Art, he should have a chance to take Xu Beichen down.

"Now it just depends on when Mu Bai can get me that beast essence blood." Mu Bai had promised him ten drops of essence blood from a Foundation Opening Realm demonic beast, which should allow him to successfully forge his first blood-qi meridian, and his cultivation would likely see a boost as well.

As he was thinking, a soft knock came at his door.

"Who is it?" Ye Xiao asked.

"Brother Ye Xiao, are you asleep?"

Ye Xiao was stunned. Was that... Mu Xue’s voice? After a moment of thought, he got up, walked to the door, and opened it.

Mu Xue stood there, dressed in a pale blue gown, looking as graceful as a painting.

"Um... is there something you need?"