Chapter 50

Candlelight flickered, casting a dim yellow glow.

Yu Youhan crawled in through the window, her hair dripping wet, her thin silk dress clinging to her body, revealing fleeting glimpses of her figure.

She was about to pout and cuddle, but sensed something was off—she silently crouched in the corner, not daring to make a sound.

Gu Manzhi stared at Chen Mo, her dark eyebrows slightly furrowed.

The Azure Void Seal was the founding sacred treasure of the Huang Sect, capable of deducing all arts; the Lu Qingyu True Scripture evolved from it, forming the foundation upon which the Huang Sect maintained its status among the Eight Great Sects.

That day, the sect was destroyed, its gates collapsed, and the Azure Void Seal vanished without a trace—

Yu Youhan, as the mastermind behind it all, almost certainly has it in her possession!

"You can retrieve the Azure Void Seal? That's an invaluable treasure—Yu Imperial Consort would never show it to just anyone," said Gu Manzhi.

Chen Mo replied coolly, "To you, it's a treasure—but in Her Highness's eyes, it's worthless. The Dao she cultivates is far beyond what any mere artifact can deduce."

Hearing this, Gu Manzhi was displeased, yet had to admit the truth.

Yu Youhan's realm has reached another level entirely; otherwise, her master would not have "turned pale at the mention of Yu" and has never set foot in Ducheng since.

"Even if she doesn't use it herself, she could use it to expand her influence—why would she give it to you?"

Clang—

Chen Mo pulled a purple token from his robe and tossed it onto the table.

Seeing the soaring purple phoenix, Gu Manzhi's pupils contracted slightly.

She recognized this emblem all too well!

"You have no idea how much I mean to Her Highness—the Purple Phoenix Token, the Essence of Vitality, the Soul-Seizing Technique… all were bestowed upon me by Her Highness."

"If you're willing to cooperate, retrieving the Azure Void Seal won't be difficult."

Chen Mo began painting a grand picture.

Gu Manzhi fell silent for a moment, biting her lip, "You're not… her concubine, are you?"

He's so strikingly handsome—it's only natural that the enchantress would take notice. No wonder he's so favored…

?

Chen Mo shook his head, "Concubine? Not quite. I'd say I'm more of a… technician."

Her Highness's personal foot therapy technician!

Come to think of it, given Her Highness's cultivation realm, her physical condition is absurdly extreme—even blades and swords can't scratch her—wonder if she's turned into some kind of hardened film…

Chen Mo's thoughts drifted.

Gu Manzhi eyed him suspiciously but didn't press further.

If she could recover the Azure Void Seal, it would be a Great Achievement—she might even rebuild the sect!

Even a sliver of opportunity must not be wasted!

"This is the perfect chance to draw closer to Chen Mo, laying groundwork for future defection…"

"Sorry, Yu Imperial Consort—I want both the Azure Void Seal and Chen Mo!"

…

An incense stick later.

Yu Er lay on the floor, watching the little paper figures scurry about, her dark eyes brimming with curiosity.

Gu Manzhi, her face slightly pale, said, "These ten paper figures share sensory input. Keep one on your person, scatter the rest around your target—any movement within ten li will be instantly sensed."

"Don't resist."

Chen Mo flicked his finger; a streak of emerald light sank into Gu Manzhi's third eye.

Her fatigue vanished instantly; her spirit and qi surged back to fullness, and all lingering internal injuries healed completely.

"This is the first installment of interest. I'll find a way to get the Azure Void Seal," Chen Mo said.

Gu Manzhi nodded, "I hope you keep your word."

"I want one too~"

Yu Er crawled to Chen Mo's front, extending her tongue like a puppy.

Chen Mo squeezed out a single drop of essence, letting it fall into her mouth; she savored it carefully, as if it were the supreme delicacy, her eyes rolling back in bliss.

"…"

Chen Mo frowned, "How did you end up like this?"

Gu Manzhi snapped, "She taught herself—what's it got to do with me?"

It was past the third watch; outside, the night was thick as ink.

Tired from a long day, Master Chen had no desire to return home—he rose and headed toward the bathing chamber.

Gu Manzhi asked, "Where are you going?"

"Bathing. Sleeping… hmm, perfect—the water's still warm."

"Wait—that's my used water!"

…

The next morning.

The sun rose in the east; emerald-feathered birds sang; sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting interwoven patterns of light and shadow.

Chen Mo awoke slowly, feeling a warm, snowy softness in his palm—he opened his eyes to see Yu Er curled peacefully in his arms, clad only in a sheer silk undergarment, her dazzling white skin gleaming.

Gu Manzhi sat upright, now dressed as a maid.

"Why is she sleeping next to me?"

"How should I know…"

Gu Manzhi felt guilty.

Last night, she'd slept on the other side—she'd only crept away quietly at dawn.

Strange as it was, lying beside Chen Mo gave her an inexplicable sense of peace; she slept soundly through the night without a single dream.

Chen Mo pulled his hand out from the bellyband.

Yu'er woke up along with him, rubbed her eyes, her snow-white little face flushed pink.

"Master, you're awake? This servant will help you change~"

After helping Chen Mo change, she brought hot water to attend him in washing up...

Watching Yu'er's eager attentiveness, Gu Manzhi gave a sour snort:

"Bootlicker!"

"I'm master's bootlicker, no matter how much I lick I never get tired of it~" Yu'er's voice was soft and melting, gazing at Chen Mo adoringly.

?

Gu Manzhi clenched her silver teeth, "Xu Yuqiong, I really must rein you in!"

After the two left, she took a deep breath, steadied her emotions, sat cross-legged, and an ancient jade tome surfaced between her brows.

Chen Mo's strength was rising far too quickly; if she wanted to prove her own worth, she had to break through to fifth rank as soon as possible...

Hoo—

Just then, a breeze swept past, and the shadows in the corner twisted.

Gu Manzhi's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you here for now?"

"Of course to visit my dear senior sister... Chen Mo came by last night?"

The grey-robed man walked over and sat on the bed, reached out and felt the bedding — this time it was dry.

"Elder Yu sent word, asking about the mission's progress. What exactly is your plan?" the grey-robed man inquired.

Gu Manzhi opened her eyes, a flash of brilliance passing through her pupils. "The plan has changed. Prepare to revive the sect!"

Grey-robed man: "?"

At the Elegant Refinement Studio, the guests staying overnight filed out of the courtyard one after another.

"Brother Li, how was that dancing girl last night?"

"One word — moist!"

"The Elegant Refinement Studio truly lives up to its name. Though there's no top courtesan, the quality of the dancing girls and musicians is first-rate."

"Too bad Miss Yu'er only plays the qin now and no longer keeps company over drinks."

"Be content — being able to hear her play a single piece is already a blessing."

The crowd chatted in twos and threes.

Even a chaste entertainer, once deflowered, would take guests — but Yu'er was the exception; even when someone threw down a fortune in gold, she remained unmoved.

At first some cursed her for feigning purity and holding out for a higher price, but the moment they heard her play a single piece, all doubts vanished like smoke.

Such transcendent, otherworldly qin skill indeed gave her the capital to be aloof.

Just then, the main door pushed open and a tall, upright man strode out.

His black robe was embroidered with subtle gold patterns, he wore black boots on his feet, a jade pendant hung at his waist, and his handsome features radiated an air of noble bearing.

Yu'er followed behind barefoot, wrapped in a cloak, rose on her tiptoes and pecked the man's cheek.

"Master, remember to come see me often~"

The man said with an impatient look: "Enough, cut that out. I really don't know what goes on in that head of yours..."

"What fills this servant's head is all master~"

"Shut up."

?

The crowd stared dumbly at the scene.

The atmosphere was deathly still, not a single sound.