Master Mu also fell silent. Now, Master Mu only accompanied his wife to enjoy flowers and wine, while the disputes of the martial world and the affairs of the Mu Family were all managed by Hibiscus. Hibiscus had grown too quickly; it was uncertain whether this was a good or bad thing, but his heart felt empty. He was no longer gentle; apart from in front of those close to him, that spring-like smile was hardly seen anymore. Recently, he had been practicing the Xuanbing Divine Art, and his temperament had completely changed. The Hibiscus of yesteryear, the charming young man, was no more.
"Young Master, the Scarwind Sect is in disarray; they have corrupted their teachings and are even raising young boys, which has already incited outrage among various sects in the martial world."
"Destroy them," Hibiscus said indifferently as he continued on his way.
"Recently, remnants of the demonic sect have been appearing everywhere. Most have been captured, but a few have escaped."
"Interrogate them." Hibiscus's eyes were filled with coldness as he casually glanced at the remnants of the demonic sect kneeling not far away.
"Forget it, just execute them all," he said softly as he stopped.
"Young Master Mu, I have something to confess," someone in the crowd shouted. Perhaps someone took the lead, as others who had been cowering also raised their heads.
Hibiscus smiled mockingly. "Interrogate them separately; if their stories don't match, kill them."
He lifted his foot and walked toward another courtyard. "Lin Ke, if you’re going to be a father, then go manage the household."
"I want to follow Young Master forever."
"No need to mention it again; go tomorrow."
Lin Ke watched Hibiscus walking ahead. Was this still his young master? Lin Ke knew he had been cowardly; he couldn't bear to see such bloody scenes. Being a steward wasn't so bad either. He bitterly comforted himself that at least Qiao'er wouldn't have to worry about him anymore.
"Father, Mother."
"Jin'er, come eat."
Ji Yuyan secretly shed tears. How could her once lively son now be in such a state? Who could she blame for this? Mu Yu vaguely saw a reflection of his former self; after all, the men of the Mu Family were all alike. They could be tender-hearted yet hard-hearted. He used to think Hibiscus was too kind-hearted; now he didn't know whether to feel satisfied or sorrowful. He finally understood his father's thoughts from back then.
If there were more men like the Mu Family, where would there be a home?
"Jin'er, I want to talk to you," said Ji Yuyan.
Hibiscus nodded, picking at the vegetables without speaking.
"I want to discuss your marriage."
"Mother, you know there is no such thing as true feelings in this world." A shadow crossed Hibiscus's eyes as he interrupted Ji Yuyan.
"Nonsense! What do you think your father and I are?" Ji Yuyan's expression darkened. "If you still like that Goddess from Misty Mountain, we can level Misty Mountain and bring her out."
Hibiscus remained silent.
"Madam, you are quite imposing," Mu Yu remarked.
"What do you suggest we do? He won't even look at anyone else. Does the Mu Family not want descendants?" Ji Yuyan had spent years worrying about her son's marriage.
"Madam, please calm down. The Wind Whispering Girl surely has feelings for our son; otherwise, why haven't there been any rumors over the years? Perhaps something on the mountain has delayed her." Mu Yu tried to reassure Ji Yuyan. He glanced at Hibiscus, who appeared indifferent, unsure if he was listening or what he was thinking, so he decided to drop the subject.
"I have no feelings for her; I just don't want to engage in false pretenses," Hibiscus said nonchalantly.
"Do you still want to become a monk?" Ji Yuyan exclaimed in frustration, wondering why her son seemed to cause her more worry as he grew older.
Hibiscus set down his chopsticks and said, "I'm full. The steward has matters to discuss with me. I take my leave."
Mu Yu chuckled silently.
"It's all learned from you," Ji Yuyan said. "I will personally go to Misty Mountain."
"Don't go," Mu Yu hurried to comfort her, "that's a dangerous place. Don't you remember how badly our son was hurt last time? It's not safe." He had risked his life to bring their son back.
"Take me there; I know you can get up there," Ji Yuyan said.
"I don't have that ability."
"You've never been there, how do you know what the situation on the mountain is like? After all these years, don't you know me?"
"Shh, don't let our son know."
"Take me with you."
"Good things take time. It's a matter for the young; why are you getting involved? You should just make a wish with your Mother Stone."
Her words awakened Ji Yuyan from her thoughts, and she nodded.
"The young man from the Mu Family is playing music again; let the old man listen too," Old Zhang said as he set out the incense burner and other items, looking at Hibiscus sitting on the grass with a kind expression.
"Grandpa," Hibiscus replied.
"You stubborn young man, aren't you going to ask the old man about some things?"
Hibiscus put down his flute and remained silent.
"Mute Mother, I'm here to see you again."
Old Zhang lit the incense and burned paper money, murmuring softly, "Burning more for you; you've had a hard life. I’ve kept your daughter living well. The old man thanks you; it wasn't in vain to bury you back then."
Hibiscus had sharp hearing and could clearly understand what was being said in such a low voice. Over the years, Old Zhang had encountered him several times, always exchanging a few words before leaving after burning paper money at the grave. This was the first time he had heard such words spoken by the grave.
Is this her mother? This small patch of earth.
“Fengyin has an unknown background and unclear family origins. Her master and grandfather are old and have no one to care for them, so Fengyin cannot marry.”
“Little one, grandfather is leaving. Is there really nothing you want to ask?” Old Zhang said as he picked up his basket and stood up, “The old man is going now.”
“Grandfather, is she doing well?” She was still concerned.
“Longing for home, longing for a lover, longing with a broken heart,” Old Zhang said before leaving, his hunched back visible in the gentle breeze.
A lover? Why must he torment her like this when there is clearly love? What kind of love is this? Hibiscus scoffed.
Misty Mountain, Misty Abode.
At this moment, Seven Nights was lying on the couch, revealing a strong back and muscular upper body. Due to years of illness, his skin had taken on a sickly pale hue, and the numerous silver needles on his back looked quite unsettling. Fengyin delicately picked up a long silver needle, her expression serious.
After a long while, she withdrew the needle and covered Seven Nights’ bare upper body with a blanket. After each acupuncture session, Seven Nights would feel numb all over and be unable to move for the time it took to drink half a cup of tea.
“I am already searching for Xuanbing. Once I find it, your affliction can be controlled.” After saying this, Fengyin turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Misty Mountain sent out notices to various sects in the martial world, stating that they would provide free medical consultations. Additionally, it was mentioned that anyone who could bring forth Xuanbing would receive a promise from the divine healer. The martial world was shaken; the mist of Misty Mountain had actually dispersed. The unparalleled beauty finally revealed herself? The martial world stirred with excitement as people rushed to Misty Mountain. Those who were ill sought treatment, while those who were well pretended to be sick just to witness the first beauty of the martial world.
Xuanbing, which never melts for thousands of years, is said to be the essence of heaven and earth. Does this legendary divine object truly exist? Xuanbing is no longer ice; it is impervious to blades and fire. If forged into a weapon, it would become an unparalleled divine armament.
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