Chapter 1303: Outbreak

"What sect?" Zu'an was a bit confused. Why the sudden talk of joining a sect?

"Azure Palace," Pei Mianman explained. "It's a reclusive sect, just as famous as White Jade Capital. In recent years, because the imperial court became too powerful, they closed their doors and secluded themselves from the world. Recently, I heard they're reopening their gates to accept a new batch of disciples. The spots are incredibly hard to come by; I only managed to secure one thanks to the Pei family's connections."

"Azure Palace?" Zu'an racked his brain but had no recollection of it. He thought he should check the archives back at the Embroidered Tower when he had a chance. "Why not go to the Imperial Academy? No matter how powerful the people in Azure Palace are, they can't compare to the Grand Libation."

"I'd love to go to the Imperial Academy," Pei Mianman pouted, clearly disappointed. "But the Grand Libation accepted her last disciple many years ago and hasn't taken any more since. It wouldn't be meaningful for me to join as a third-generation disciple."

Zu'an recalled that Qi Yaoguang was the Grand Libation's last disciple. Logically, Pei Mianman's aptitude was no worse than Qi Yaoguang's; he could only lament that she didn't have the same opportunity.

"So, is this recruitment by the Azure Palace not for indirect disciples?"

"This time, the Palace Master of Azure Palace herself is taking on disciples, which is why it's caused such a sensation. Countless people are vying for this opportunity," Pei Mianman said with a hint of pride. Being selected as one of the candidates from so many outstanding applicants indirectly proved her capability.

Zu'an was startled. "Is this Palace Master a man or a woman?"

If it were a man, how could he possibly handle such a beautiful and charming disciple?

"Of course, she's a woman!" Pei Mianman had been with him long enough to know exactly what he was thinking.

Zu'an breathed a sigh of relief. "How old is she? Is she pretty?"

For some reason, the image of Yan Xuehen's shy, enduring expression flashed through his mind.

"You never focus on anything normal," Pei Mianman scoffed, but still answered, "Anyway, she's not young. As for whether she's pretty, from what I know, she's not known for her beauty."

"Oh~" Zu'an let out a wry chuckle, wondering what on earth he had been imagining.

He immediately felt a pang of reluctance. "Can't you just not go to this Azure Palace? I can teach you my cultivation methods; they're definitely not inferior to any of those reclusive sects."

Pei Mianman shook her head. "I know your abilities are formidable, but I don't want to become your subordinate."

"We're already one; there's no 'yours' and 'mine'," Zu'an quickly reassured her.

Pei Mianman smiled, her expression a little helpless. "If it were just the two of us, of course, I wouldn't mind. But... never mind, you don't need to persuade me. My mind is made up."

"But if you go to Azure Palace, we'll be separated. We might not see each other for years!" Zu'an still remembered how he and Chu Chuyan had become like the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl after she was called back to White Jade Capital. How long had it been since he'd seen her!

Pei Mianman looked at him quietly, her peach-blossom eyes filled with deep affection. "Ah Zu, when I first met you, you were still very weak, and I was the one teaching you martial arts. But in such a short time, you've grown to this level. If I don't keep up, I'll fall further and further behind you. Now I can still look up to you, but in the future, I might not even have the right to. Besides you, I'm also a cultivator with my own pride and aspirations, so please don't stop me, okay?"

There was another reason she was too embarrassed to mention: she didn't want to lose to Chu Chuyan.

Even with all her confidence, Chu Chuyan had a world-renowned Grandmaster like Yan Xuehen as her master, and all of White Jade Capital's resources were at her disposal for cultivation. The gap between them would only widen. When they next met, how could she still have the confidence to bring up anything about Zu'an?

Zu'an had wanted to say that she had already broken through to the seventh rank during this time, which was excellent among her peers, but after thinking about it, he ultimately kept quiet.

When he first met her, she was the acknowledged genius of Bright Moon Academy, with countless accolades. Yet now, he had surpassed her so significantly; even though he was her man, she must have felt quite unwilling within herself.

This was the pride of a genius; all cultivators sought to advance further.

"You're right, I really shouldn't stop you," Zu'an said, pulling her into his embrace. "With your talent and aptitude, you will definitely be chosen as the direct disciple of the Azure Palace Master. Your cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds."

Pei Mianman's talent was second to none. Furthermore, with the enhancement from the Heavenly Wisdom Jade she obtained in Yin Ruins, her cultivation speed already had an advantage. Now, with guidance from an enlightened master, her future achievements would be limitless.

"Ah Zu..." Pei Mianman was also very reluctant to part, and they hugged each other tightly.

"Ahem, have you two perhaps forgotten there's someone else here?" a voice, barely suppressing its anger, cut in. Pei Shao's eyebrows twitched uncontrollably.

Rage points from Pei Shao +666 +666 +666...

Pei Mianman jumped, pulling away from Zu'an's embrace as if she'd been burned. She quietly stuck out her tongue. "I'm leaving now. Next time we meet, I won't lose to you."

Zu'an let out a wry laugh. "That might be a bit difficult."

Pei Mianman smiled sweetly, like blooming flowers, waved at him, and then left with firm steps.

Watching her departing figure, Zu'an felt a pang of loss and no longer had the desire to stay in Cloud City.

Not long after, a letter arrived from Zhenyuan Merchant Guild. Zu'an opened it to find elegant handwriting.

It was from Tang Tian'er, informing him that she had commissioned various channels and successfully acquired the Azure Vermilion Flower from the demon tribe, which she had promised to help him find. He should receive it by next spring and was asked to be patient.

She also expressed her concern about the troubles he had been embroiled in recently and was very curious about where he had gone.

Tang Tian'er had searched for him in the nearby prefectures and counties but had found no trace.

She then had important matters requiring her to leave Cloud City and could only write these things in a letter, entrusting her subordinates to deliver it to Zu'an personally upon his return.

...

Zu'an's expression was strange. Why did this feel so much like the batch reserved at the Fox Merchant Guild in Qingqiu Kingdom?

Feeling the concern within the lines, Zu'an's heart warmed. He and Tang Tian'er had become good friends after their initial conflict. He wondered what urgent and seemingly troublesome matter had caused her to leave in such a hurry.

He wrote a reply and gave it to the messenger, who had their own means of transmitting it to Tang Tian'er.

At the same time, he also took out a set of Rougebloom cosmetics he had bought earlier and asked the messenger to deliver it as well. He recalled casually buying ten sets, but so far, he hadn't given a single one away, which was quite embarrassing.

The Zhenyuan Merchant Guild member looked a bit odd, but still packed the items and took them away.

Zu'an knew what the person was thinking. Although Rougebloom cosmetics were expensive, given Tang Tian'er's status, she certainly wouldn't be lacking them.

But is something bought with money the same as something I give?

If a woman likes you, she'll be happy even if you give her something ordinary.

Conversely, if she doesn't, she won't cherish even the most valuable gift.

After seeing off the Zhenyuan Merchant Guild members, Zu'an went to find Sang Hong to discuss various departure arrangements.

Hearing that Zu'an was returning to the demon tribe, Sang Hong frowned. "We've only just managed to settle the troubles here. What if something unexpected happens again if you leave now?"

"I have a reason I must go back. I'll return immediately once I've finished things there," Zu'an said. "As for other matters, after today's imperial assembly and with Master Yan's testimony, no one will be able to cause trouble for a while."

Sang Hong knew his mind was made up and sighed. "Someone is waiting for you in the demon tribe, but don't forget there are also people waiting for you in the capital."

Zu'an knew he was referring to Zheng Dan and Sang Hong, and his old face reddened slightly. "Of course, I won't forget the people in the capital."

Both were intelligent people, so they knew when to drop the subject.

Next, Sang Hong and he discussed various matters concerning his departure. With previous experience, handling the arrangements was much easier.

Just as they finished their discussion, a guard suddenly rushed in to report, "Bad news! Something has happened at the Duke's Mansion!"