…


    Upon returning to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Mu Zhi’an didn’t go back to his room. Instead, he went straight to Bai Ruoxi’s.


    He quietly opened the door and saw the beautiful woman in a palace dress, her eyes closed as if she was still meditating. He breathed a sigh of relief.


    He closed the door and walked over to the bed, sitting down beside Bai Ruoxi, preparing to meditate.


    Suddenly, a gentle and melodious voice came from beside him, “Were you trapped in the Sword Palace today, Mu Lang? Why are you back so late?”


    Bai Ruoxi had opened her eyes at some point, her gaze soft and tender.


    However, for some reason, her gentle gaze made Mu Zhi’an feel a sense of danger.


    After a brief hesitation, Mu Zhi’an decided to confess. “I went to see Lingxuan and discussed the matter of Rebirth Spiritual Energy with her.”


    “Rebirth Spiritual Energy?” Bai Ruoxi, who had been planning to watch him ‘perform’, was now confused.


    He actually confessed…?


    She had already prepared to use the Heart-Binding Lock…


    “Yes, I went to see Lingxuan because of the Rebirth Spiritual Energy.”


    Mu Zhi’an subtly glanced at the Heart-Binding Lock peeking out from Bai Ruoxi’s sleeve, then looked at her tenderly. “Lingxuan received an inheritance in the Forbidden Zone, and she needs my help to complete it… That’s why I went to see her tonight.”


    Normally, Bai Ruoxi would be meditating at this time. The fact that she wasn’t meant that Wei Mengrou must have told her about his whereabouts.


    Since he couldn’t hide it, he had to explain.


    That maid really wants me to get into trouble… She should have kept this a secret.


    I was too lenient with Mengrou last time. After she lost the bet, I should have punished her more… Mu Zhi’an thought with a hint of regret.


    But it seemed Ruoxi wasn’t planning to let him off the hook so easily… He noticed the cold chain silently emerging from her sleeve, as if trying to bind him.


    “Ruoxi, look! What’s that behind you?!” Mu Zhi’an exclaimed, pointing behind her.


    If it were anyone else, this beautiful woman wouldn’t fall for such a childish trick. But because it was Mu Zhi’an, it actually worked.


    Bai Ruoxi instinctively turned her head. Seizing the opportunity, Mu Zhi’an grabbed the Heart-Binding Lock and reached for her wrist.


    “Is there something behind me?” Bai Ruoxi turned back, but Mu Zhi’an was too quick. He used the Heart-Binding Lock to bind her wrists together.


    Bai Ruoxi: “…” sea??h thё Novёl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She finally realized what had happened and glared at him, her face flushed. “Let go of me!”


    “You secretly took out the Heart-Binding Lock. Weren’t you planning to play a game with me? Did I misunderstand?” Mu Zhi’an wrapped an arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear.


    “It came out on its own. It has nothing to do with me…” Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered with a hint of panic.


    The Heart-Binding Lock was hers, and with her strength, it would be easy for her to overpower Mu Zhi’an. However, being held in his embrace made her heart race, and she didn’t know what to do.


    Mu Zhi’an pressed his advantage, pushing her shoulders gently.


    Bai Ruoxi fell back onto the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling beams and Mu Zhi’an’s handsome face, illuminated by the warm candlelight.


    He pulled the blanket over them and slipped under the covers.


    Bai Ruoxi was about to speak when she suddenly froze, her gaze falling upon the young man in her arms, her eyes filled with shyness. She reached out to push him away, but the Heart-Binding Lock made it difficult.


    She bit her lip, seemingly trying to suppress a sound.


    After a moment, Mu Zhi’an emerged from under the covers. He looked at her flushed face, gently caressed her cheek, and whispered, “Do you like it?”


    Bai Ruoxi turned her head away, murmuring, “I hate it…”


    However, the Heart-Binding Lock contradicted her words, indicating that she was lying.


    Her face flushed even deeper. She hadn’t expected her chosen ‘Dao’ to betray her and side with Mu Zhi’an.


    “What if she wakes up…?” Bai Ruoxi asked, resorting to ‘threats’.


    Mu Zhi’an knew she was referring to the other consciousness within her body, the Sword Palace Master.


    But he wasn’t afraid. He smiled and said, “Even if she comes, I’ll suppress her!”


    They were both Bai Ruoxi anyway. And the Sword Palace Master wasn’t even as… well-endowed as her.


    After all, a scabbard had to be bigger than the blade, right? Otherwise, how could it contain the sword?


    Without another word, Mu Zhi’an pulled the blanket over them, burying his face in her bosom, contributing his part to the upcoming Ascension Ceremony.


    In this cold winter, only Ruoxi’s warmth could comfort him.


    …


    The next morning.


    A layer of snow covered the ground outside. The air was cold.


    Mu Zhi’an woke up feeling refreshed. He got dressed and, after glancing at the seemingly tired Bai Ruoxi, left the room with a satisfied smile.


    Although they hadn’t meditated last night, the effects were far greater than any cultivation session for Bai Ruoxi.


    Mu Zhi’an sat in the courtyard, sipping tea as he gently clenched his fist. Then, he sighed softly.


    Conquering a mountain with his bare hands was still too difficult.


    As expected of Ruoxi.


    He sat there for a while, lost in thought, then took out the two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, trying to unravel their secrets.


    Cultivators from all over the Nine Realms had flocked to the Two Polarities Sect for the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs offered as rewards in the Ascension Ceremony. Yet, Mu Zhi’an already possessed two of them.


    He had examined these herbs carefully. Extending lifespan was a common characteristic of all Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs. However, the one with purple petals seemed to have other effects.


    He wasn’t sure about the specifics, but he felt it was somewhat similar to his cultivation technique, the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll. Perhaps refining it would enhance techniques related to dreams.


    The other herb was a golden flower with a five-clawed golden dragon swirling within, occasionally roaring and moving about, its aura majestic.


    “If I can unravel the secrets of these two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, perhaps I can further improve my strength,” Mu Zhi’an murmured.


    Unfortunately, he couldn’t comprehend their secrets. He could only look but not use, which was frustrating.


    Suddenly, a bold idea struck him.


    Why not just refine them…?


    Directly refining an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb could extend one’s lifespan by an unimaginable amount.


    However, the refining process would take nearly a hundred years.


    So far, most of the cheats he had obtained had been absorbed by his Innate Celestial Furnace, enhanced, and then passed on to the girls around him.


    This was the case with the Heavenly Dao’s energy from Ling Long, the Seed of Dao Realization from the Jade Empress, and the Rebirth Spiritual Energy from the Rebirth Pool.


    If the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs could also be enhanced within his Innate Celestial Furnace, or even directly refined…


    Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then set down his teacup.


    “Let’s gamble!”


    He had two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs. Refining one would be enough to determine if his Innate Celestial Furnace could quickly absorb and refine them.


    He walked towards his room and called out, “Mengrou, I’m going into seclusion for a while.”


    Wei Mengrou silently appeared. Although she didn’t know what he was planning, she nodded slightly. “I’ll make sure no one disturbs you.”


    Mu Zhi’an smiled at her. “If I succeed, it will also benefit you.”


    Wei Mengrou’s eyes held a hint of curiosity.


    Mu Zhi’an didn’t explain and entered his room. He sat down on the cushion and took out the golden flower.


    The Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb radiated a powerful aura, like an ancient golden dragon. A rich medicinal fragrance filled the air, refreshing the mind.


    If anyone saw this, they would surely call him a prodigal. One should comprehend the secrets of an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb before refining it to maximize its effects. Yet, Mu Zhi’an was planning to refine it directly without any comprehension.


    Mu Zhi’an hesitated slightly and tried to communicate with Yao Meng. “Empress, do you think it’s a waste to directly refine this Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb?”


    However, there was no response.


    Is she really sleeping, or is she pretending…? Mu Zhi’an wondered.


    If Yao Meng didn’t respond, he could only rely on his own judgment…


    He looked at the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb, hesitated for a long time, then gritted his teeth and made up his mind.


    Refine!


    Even if it was a waste, he had to try and see how ‘greedy’ his Innate Celestial Furnace was…


    Mu Zhi’an closed his eyes and absorbed the golden Spiritual Energy into his body.


    An Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb, having matured for ten thousand years, couldn’t be refined easily.


    Using conventional methods, it would take at least a hundred years.


    But Mu Zhi’an chose to guide the first wisp of golden energy into his Innate Celestial Furnace, hoping to awaken it and let it handle the refining process.


    As the golden energy flowed into his body, Mu Zhi’an felt an unprecedented sense of exhilaration. The rich medicinal fragrance and Spiritual Energy seemed to want to enter his own Vessel.


    As expected, just as the golden energy was about to enter his Vessel, the Innate Celestial Furnace reacted. A mysterious force drew the golden energy inside.


    Then, the golden flower, which had shown no signs of withering, suddenly began to wilt rapidly. A golden, dragon-like energy was swiftly absorbed by the rapidly rotating Innate Celestial Furnace.


    It worked!


    Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up with excitement. He closed his eyes and focused on guiding the process.


    “Ah… mm~”


    After about half an hour, as the golden energy continued to flow into his Innate Celestial Furnace, a soft and seductive moan echoed from within his body.


    Then, Yao Meng slowly opened her beautiful green eyes.


    “Empress, you’re finally awake,” Mu Zhi’an greeted her.


    Yao Meng was confused at first, then, sensing the rich medicinal fragrance within the Innate Celestial Furnace, her eyes flickered. “Did you refine an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb?” she asked.


    Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly and explained his thoughts.


    “It seems the refinement was successful,” he said.


    “Indeed… The Spiritual Energy within your Innate Celestial Furnace is even more delicious now,” Yao Meng’s melodious voice echoed in his mind.


    Then, she continued, “But you should have waited for me to wake up before doing this.”


    “Is there a problem…?” Mu Zhi’an asked instinctively.


    “No problem. In fact, it’s perfect. Even a Dao Integration cultivator might not be able to refine an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb so perfectly.”


    Yao Meng paused, then said, “However… it might cause quite a commotion.”


    If Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs weren’t so useless to her now, she might even be tempted.


    Normally, refining an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb would take at least a hundred years, and during this process, the herb’s Spiritual Energy would gradually dissipate, a significant waste.


    Under normal circumstances, a cultivator could only refine about 50% of an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb’s potency. The rest would be wasted.


    However, Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace had absorbed and refined over 90% of the herb’s Spiritual Energy…


    And now, he could directly share this refined golden energy with the women around him.


    His Innate Celestial Furnace was already a great temptation for other female cultivators, and now, with the addition of an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb… If word got out, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Faint golden Spiritual Energy, carrying a rich medicinal fragrance, seeped out of the room, forming a golden dragon that swirled above the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.


    Outside the room, Wei Mengrou instinctively turned towards the closed door, her eyes filled with surprise.


    “Such a strong medicinal fragrance…”


    …


    Two Polarities Peak.


    Lin Ling, the adorable silver-haired, red-eyed older sister, was munching on a large chicken leg, enjoying the delicacies prepared by Sect Master Shang Yanfei.


    Beside her, Shang Yanfei, dressed in a black dress that accentuated her curves, a white jacket draped over it, exuded an air of classic elegance. She was playing with a teacup in her hand.


    “Aren’t you participating in the Ascension Ceremony?” she asked casually.


    Lan Mulian, dressed in a moon-white dress, her aura cold and noble, shook her head gently. “I have no interest in fighting. Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to the others if a Nascent Soul cultivator participated.”


    Most of the participants in the Ascension Ceremony were at the Core Formation Realm. Although Lan Mulian was around the same age as them, with her current cultivation level, there would be little suspense if she participated.


    “That’s true. And you joined the sect a few years earlier than the others. It wouldn’t be appropriate…” Shang Yanfei said thoughtfully, not pressing further.


    “Aaa?”


    Lin Ling, who was munching on a chicken leg, suddenly looked up, as if she had smelled something even more delicious. Even the chicken leg in her hand lost its appeal.


    She instinctively turned her head towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, sniffing the air, then licking her lips.


    Did the chef secretly make something delicious…?


    Lan Mulian also sensed something. She looked towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, her eyes sparkling. “What is he doing…?” she murmured.


    The medicinal fragrance was incredibly potent…


    “He refined an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb,” Shang Yanfei said.


    Lan Mulian was stunned, then looked at her incredulously. “It takes at least a hundred years to refine an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb… How could he possibly…”


    Suddenly, as if realizing something, she murmured, “The Innate Celestial Furnace…”


    If it was the Innate Celestial Furnace, it wasn’t impossible.


    After all, Mu Zhi’an had already caused quite a stir with his Innate Celestial Furnace.


    However…


    “He’s caused quite a commotion this time,” Lan Mulian said softly.


    Shang Yanfei pondered for a moment, then smiled brightly. “Since he’s already caused such a commotion, some female cultivators might already suspect something.”


    “Should we add another reward for the winner of the Ascension Ceremony?”


    Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered as she looked at the tall and beautiful woman with long, flowing hair.


    Shang Yanfei smiled mischievously.


    “For example… the winner can take your junior brother. How about that?”