Chapter 170: 170 Human Nature! Pi Yalu Caught in the Middle. (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Time slipped away in an instant.

The little fox Su Youyou was completely worn out; as Ning Mu withdrew, she could no longer maintain her human form, curling up on the floor and transforming into a white fox, lying beneath the railing.

Those foxy eyes were filled with a hazy look, and her tongue lolled out of her mouth, panting heavily.

The little fox was completely worn out.

She had become a vessel, molded into Ning Mu's shape.

"You can rest here. Everyone who can come up to this second floor is one of our own, so don't worry."

Stroking the little fox's fur, Ning Mu's expression revealed a hint of peculiarity.

After transforming into human form, she looked so cute and desirable.

Now she had transformed back into a fox.

Although this little white fox was also very cute.

But as soon as he thought about the fact that what he had just done was with a fox, he felt an indescribable, peculiar sensation in his heart.

In his past life, he had indeed seen some bestiality.

But those were the ones doing the attacking, the beasts.

He never expected that in this life, he would experience it personally, and the one being attacked had become the beast.

Tsk.

He really was quite the pervert!

With a smile, Ning Mu walked downstairs, feeling satisfied.

As for Su Youyou, she squinted her eyes, but in the end, she couldn't hold on; her fox head tilted to one side, and she fell fast asleep.

After going downstairs.

Chunzhi brought over the breakfast she had already prepared.

Holding two fried dough sticks, Chunzhi accompanied him while carrying a cup of steaming soy milk.

The master and servant walked out of the main hall.

"Stronghold Master."

"Greetings, Stronghold Master!"

"..."

Seeing Ning Mu, the guard team and the subordinates training on the drill ground all greeted him respectfully.

Ning Mu wandered toward the stronghold gate while eating the fried dough sticks.

He happened to run into the Patrol Team returning from patrolling the mountains outside the gate.

The team leader, Wang Dalong, hurriedly greeted Ning Mu, then stepped forward to report: "Stronghold Master, several hundred disaster victims suddenly swarmed to the foot of the mountain, saying they wanted to seek refuge with us but couldn't find the way. They have been lingering at the foot of the mountain for two days, claiming to have come from over at Yonghang."

Upon hearing this, Ning Mu took a bite of the fried dough stick and said, "Dalong, verify their identities well. If they are truly disaster victims, bring them up. If they are some kind of spies, you know how to handle it."

Ning Mu patted Wang Dalong on the shoulder.

Wang Dalong didn't mind the grease on his hand at all; instead, he nodded with great excitement and said eagerly, "Rest assured, Stronghold Master, your subordinate will go handle it right away!"

As he spoke, Wang Dalong led the Patrol Team back down the mountain.

Currently, the stronghold was indeed short on manpower. Although planting at Leigong Ao was finished, Jigong Ridge was still newly reclaimed land and required a large amount of labor.

Furthermore, it was necessary to draw out a portion of capable men to form a military unit.

At present, the Martial Hall only had fifty or sixty people in total, which was far from enough for a large mountain stronghold with hundreds or thousands of people.

It needed to be expanded to at least two or three hundred people.

The more, the better.

After thinking for a moment, he turned back and said to Chunzhi, "Chunzhi, find a time to tell Ayue to notify Yonghang to send more people over. It would be best to post a notice inviting some martial artists to join the stronghold."

"Very well, Young Master, this servant has noted it."

Chunzhi nodded in agreement, then handed over the freshly ground soy milk from the morning, feeding it to Ning Mu's lips.

There was even a hint of doting in her eyes.

Ning Mu took a sip of the soy milk, glanced at Chunzhi, and then continued his stroll.

Wandering back to the main hall.

He happened to run into Liu Qingmei coming out of the backyard.

And following far behind Liu Qingmei was Zhu Yaluan, her brows tightly locked, looking as if she had something to say but was holding back.

"Where are you going?"

Ning Mu glanced at Zhu Yaluan in the distance, then asked Liu Qingmei.

Liu Qingmei raised an eyebrow, revealing a slight smile, and said, "Husband, I am going to Yunxiao Stronghold to handle some miscellaneous matters; I will be back shortly."

She even deliberately raised her voice a little.

This voice naturally fell into the ears of Zhu Yaluan in the distance.

Her expression changed instantly.

Wasn't it agreed that the deadline was one day!

Why was she going now!

Zhu Yaluan immediately wanted to speak up, but opened her mouth and stopped herself in time.

She was incredibly conflicted in her heart.

After all, what she had to sacrifice was her purity! "Then go do your work, thank you for your hard work." Ning Mu smiled, kissed Liu Qingmei on the forehead, and then let her go.

And just at this moment.

Lin Susu, a member of the Stronghold Guard Team, suddenly ran over.

"Stronghold Master... First Madam."

After the greeting, Lin Susu's face flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but think of what had happened last night inside this great hall, as well as what had occurred simultaneously outside the hall.

Last night, Li Shu'e had given her a passion she had never experienced before.

It had thoroughly opened the door to a new world for her.

No, what am I thinking!

Lin Susu hurriedly stopped her thoughts, looked at Ning Mu and Liu Qingmei, and reported: "Stronghold Master, Madam, there are people outside the stronghold asking to see you, saying they came from Yonghang to look for someone."

"Looking for someone?" Ning Mu was slightly taken aback and asked: "Did you ask clearly who they are looking for, how many people there are, and what they look like?"

"They didn't say who they were looking for, only that they wanted to see the Stronghold Master. There is one man and one woman; the woman claims to be an acquaintance of the Stronghold Master, and they both look quite young."

Lin Susu thought for a moment and reported.

Ning Mu was slightly taken aback.

Aren't all his acquaintances already in the stronghold? He and Liu Qingmei exchanged a glance, then looked at Lin Susu and said: "Lead the way."

Liu Qingmei turned her head to look at Zhu Yaluan, then said to Ning Mu: "Then husband, I will go first."

"Alright."

Ning Mu nodded.

The stronghold is now full of experts, and his own strength is not bad either; even if there were some minor trouble, there is no need for Liu Qingmei to step in and protect him.

Otherwise, being protected by Liu Qingmei like a chick all year round, when would he ever be able to stand on his own? Watching Liu Qingmei leave.

Not far away, Zhu Yaluan's expression was suddenly filled with anxiety.

Ning Mu was following Lin Susu toward the stronghold gate, just reaching the corner of the stairs descending from the high platform.

Zhu Yaluan chased after him.

"Ning Zhaozhu!"

Ning Mu stopped and turned around, looking curiously at Zhu Yaluan, who was hurrying over with small steps, standing still before him, her face slightly flushed and her eyes flickering.

"Stronghold Master Zhu, what is it?"

Zhu Yaluan bit her lip, her expression flickering with embarrassment, and she looked at Ning Mu, wanting to speak but hesitating.

"If Stronghold Master Zhu has nothing else, then I shall take my leave; I still have some matters to attend to." Ning Mu smiled, then cupped his hands, preparing to leave.

Zhu Yaluan hurriedly reached out and grabbed Ning Mu's wrist.

But immediately, she let go with a flushed face, then said in a trembling tone: "To tell you the truth, Ning Zhaozhu, I have a favor to ask!"

Finally, Zhu Yaluan made up her mind to talk to Ning Mu.

The root of the matter lies here.

As long as Ning Zhaozhu is handled, how could Liu Qingmei force her? "What is it?" Ning Mu raised an eyebrow, looking at her.

But in a flash, he suddenly understood Zhu Yaluan's intention, and immediately waved his hand with a smile, saying: "Stronghold Master Zhu, if the matter is not urgent, could we discuss it later?"

"I have other important matters to attend to."

As he spoke, Ning Mu pointed at Lin Susu, who was waiting ahead, and stared at Zhu Yaluan with a smile.

You don't hit a smiling person.

Ning Mu's expression made it difficult for Zhu Yaluan to refuse for a moment, and she nodded subconsciously.

"Fine..." Zhu Yaluan wanted to say more but stopped, her beautiful eyes flickering with a bit of anxiety.

Liu Qingmei has already disappeared; I fear she has gone down the mountain to Yunxiao Stronghold!

Matters have their priorities.

But if she offends Ning Zhaozhu, she fears this matter will be impossible to resolve.

She could only wait.

Ning Mu smiled and signaled for Lin Susu to continue leading the way.

Lin Susu was walking quietly.

Suddenly.

A meaningful voice came from behind.

"Last night, you were the one on duty outside the hall, right?"

Lin Susu's footsteps came to a sudden halt.

She subconsciously turned back and replied: "Reporting to the Stronghold Master, it was this subordinate and Li Shu'e on duty."

But as soon as the words left her lips.

When she noticed Ning Mu's playful and strange gaze, her heart skipped a beat, her expression became sheepish, and a wave of shyness like water quickly climbed into her eyes.

That proud head of hers also lowered, almost burying itself in her chest.

Clearly, she realized that the Stronghold Master might know something.

"I'm sorry, did we disturb the Stronghold Master? In the future, when we are on duty, we will definitely be quieter..." Lin Susu said nervously.

Ning Mu shook his head meaningfully and said: "That's not it, I'm just a bit curious, have you never thought about finding a like-minded husband?"

Eek! Lin Susu's face turned bright red instantly.

The Stronghold Master really did know!

It makes sense.

From inside the hall to the railing outside, how far is that distance? Even if an ant were crawling, with the strength of the Stronghold Master, the First Madam, and the Three Wives, if they wanted to know, they could perceive it clearly.

Not to mention that Li Shu'e was truly excessive last night.

She had actually used only her three-inch tongue and those two fingertips to make her lose control and cry out in self-forgetfulness.

With such a loud commotion, how could it be hidden from the Stronghold Master and the others!

"Strong, Stronghold Master..." Lin Susu was suddenly overwhelmed with shame, looking down at the ground, feeling incredibly embarrassed.

"Hahaha, just saying it off the cuff, don't worry, it won't spread; only I and a few wives know of this matter."

Ning Mu laughed heartily, reached out to pat Lin Susu on the shoulder, then swept a meaningful glance at her before striding forward.

Lin Susu's face was flushed red.

Hearing this, she froze for a moment, then hurriedly chased after Ning Mu's footsteps.

"Stronghold Master, your subordinate will never do it again!"

As if worried that Ning Mu might misunderstand her orientation, despite the shame, Lin Susu still followed Ning Mu and explained anxiously.

"In the future, if that Li Shu'e dares to do so again... your subordinate... your subordinate will definitely refuse firmly!"

Lin Susu's face was bright red, her expression revealing a cute and naive look.

Yet while she appeared resolute on the surface, her eyes flickered with a hint of regret, as if she somewhat missed and was reluctant to let go of the comfort and pleasure Li Shu'e had brought her last night.

Ning Mu couldn't help but look at her with a playful smile, teasing, "That's not necessary; pursuing pleasure is human nature, after all, no one is an exception."

Ning Mu shrugged.

"Stronghold Master!"

"I don't like women!"

Lin Susu hurriedly defended herself loudly.

But after finishing the sentence, she realized something was wrong and quickly added, "No, what I mean is, your subordinate is normal; I prefer the union of yin and yang, not the sound of two yins!"

Ning Mu looked at her strangely.

"I know!"

He nodded, then shrugged, looked around, and said, "They all know now, too."

Lin Susu was startled upon hearing this and followed Ning Mu's gaze to look around.

Instantly.

Her face turned red.

She saw a group of passing Stronghold Guard Team members looking at her curiously.

In particular, Li Shu'e happened to be among them.

The voice had been too loud just now; they had all heard it clearly! "Ugh~ Stronghold Master, people are at the gate!"

Dropping this sentence, Lin Susu finally couldn't bear the shame in her heart and ran away without looking back.

"Uh..."

Ning Mu laughed in spite of himself.

He glanced at Li Shu'e, then shook his head and headed straight for the Mountain Stronghold gate.

Li Shu'e's beautiful eyes were filled with charm as she stared at the Stronghold Master's handsome back, unable to stop her imagination from running wild.

What did Sister Susu say to the Stronghold Master just now? She wouldn't have told him everything about last night, would she? Sigh.

This little sister, although her Cultivation Points are stronger than mine, her ability to handle worldly affairs is still a notch lower!

Li Shu'e couldn't help but sigh in her heart.

But immediately after, she was suddenly startled, her brows knitted slightly, and a look of contemplation appeared in her eyes.

If the Stronghold Master knew, would he despise her for being too wanton?

If that were the case, wouldn't it be even harder for her to catch the Stronghold Master's eye? Thinking of this, Li Shu'e immediately became worried.

Sigh! I really shouldn't have done it last night! Li Shu'e couldn't help but feel deep regret.

"Yo, Miss Pi?"

"And this Young Master is..."

"Shouldn't you have already headed to the Jixia Academy? How do you have the time to visit my little Mountain Stronghold in this remote corner?"

At the Mountain Stronghold gate.

Seeing that the visitor was actually Pi Yalu, Ning Mu was taken aback.

And in front of Pi Yalu stood a handsome, dashing, and imposing young man who looked rather conceited.

In front of this Young Master, Pi Yalu seemed a head shorter, not only lagging half a step behind but also maintaining a respectful and humble demeanor at all times.

Furthermore, this Young Master was sitting on a wooden stool in the guest area below the Mountain Stronghold gate.

While Pi Yalu remained standing the whole time.

The difference in status was clear at a glance.

Seeing Ning Mu come out, Pi Yalu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She secretly glanced at the Young Master sitting in front of her, then replied with a smile, "Brother Ning, this is a senior from the Jixia Academy, Qi Yulou of the Yonghang Qi Family, who is responsible for the position of the Wu-character Hall Record at the Academy."

"So it is Brother Qi, I have long admired your name." Ning Mu immediately smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

As for the so-called long-admired name, it was nothing more than polite social talk.

In such situations, the other party would usually at least show some courtesy and friendliness.

But this Young Master Qi did not; he merely raised his eyelids and gave a huff, which counted as a greeting, without even raising his hand.

His brow was filled with aloof arrogance.

Ning Mu frowned slightly.

Seeing this, Pi Yalu was startled and immediately stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Speaking of which, although Brother Qi and I came here to find Libationer Wei, in the end, it is also for Brother Ning's matter. Brother Ning has received the favor of the Saint and the appreciation of the Master, which has made it hard for us in this batch from Yonghang Prefecture who are to be admitted to the Academy. Brother Qi is the Deacon in charge of our batch's hall records; if you don't set off, none of us can go~"

Pi Yalu looked at Ning Mu half-jokingly, her tone gentle and moving.

At the same time, she was secretly reminding the arrogant Qi Yulou, as well as Ning Mu.

She was telling Qi Yulou that the person before him was someone specifically named by the Master and favored by the Saint's statue; being so arrogant in front of him might lead to losing the big for the sake of the small and inviting trouble upon himself.

At the same time, it was also to tell Ning Mu that Qi Yulou was the Deacon in charge of the Wu-character grade, holding power over them, and someone not to be trifled with.

Sure enough.

After hearing Pi Yalu's words, it wasn't just Ning Mu who smiled.

Qi Yulou, who was still sitting upright in his chair, also realized something; a flash of annoyance crossed his eyes, and he immediately stood up, looking at Ning Mu.

"Ning..."

"Ning Mu!" Pi Yalu hurriedly introduced.

"Junior Brother Ning Mu, right? Please pack your bags early and return to the Academy with us. The Master has already sent word several times; this time, it is to urge us to come and invite Libationer Wei and Junior Brother Ning!"

Qi Yulou looked at Ning Mu, his tone revealing a hint of impatience.

Of course, he knew that Ning Mu was not someone to be trifled with.

After all, this was a person even the Master paid attention to.

Although his strength was currently low, he would surely rise with the wind in the future.

But at the same time, he was also somewhat irritated.

This fellow thought too highly of himself, putting on such airs, making the sacred and inviolable Libationer Wei, in his own mind, come to invite him personally, yet there had been no movement for several days.

Instead, Libationer Wei sent word to them, saying that she wanted to stay at the Mountain Stronghold for a period of time to persuade this Ning Mu, who refused to return to the Academy to cultivate.

Ridiculous!

Under heaven, could there actually be someone whom the Academy begged to join, yet who was unwilling? He concluded that this brat was just relying on having received the favor of the Literary Saint, which was why he was acting so haughty and fearless.

Furthermore, having heard from his cousin Qi Yutong that this brat named Ning Mu opened casinos, built brothels, swindled people, and harmed the local gentry in Yonghang, he was a fellow with completely corrupt morals.

Such a petty person, he liked even less.

With such conduct, how could he truly enter the Master's eyes?

If the Master were to learn of what happened here one day, even if this brat had the favor of the Literary Saint, he would likely be swept out the door.

Naturally, he couldn't be bothered to give him a pleasant look.

And just as Qi Yulou finished speaking, he had expected this Ning Mu to bow down immediately.

Something that made him even more displeased happened.

He saw Ning Mu casually picking his ear with his pinky finger, and while he was speaking, Ning Mu actually turned his head to the side and beckoned to a lackey holding a Wuji.

And while he was still talking.

Ning Mu was already giving instructions to that lackey.

"Go notify Libationer Wei and tell her that someone from the Academy has come to find her. This Stronghold Master has other important matters, so I will not be able to accompany these two distinguished guests for now. After you go in, call two brothers over to properly entertain these two distinguished guests on my behalf."

"Yes, Stronghold Master!"

The lackey replied respectfully, glanced at Qi Yulou and Pi Yalu, and then trotted into the stronghold gate to notify Wei Youqing.

Qi Yulou was instantly so angry his face turned livid, his pair of sinister eyes filled with resentment and fury.

And at this moment.

Ning Mu turned back, cupped his hands toward the two, his gaze falling on the helpless-looking Pi Yalu, and he said with a smile that was neither servile nor overbearing: "Young Lady Pi, why don't you take your Senior Brother for a walk around the stronghold? As for your subsequent itinerary, I won't ask further; see what your Libationer says."

"I still have stronghold affairs to handle; hundreds of disaster victims arrived today to join, I'm busy, I really can't entertain you."

"Then the two of you... please feel free. I shall take my leave now."

Without giving Qi Yulou any chance to speak, Ning Mu nodded at Pi Yalu and then strode away.

Pi Yalu wore a bitter smile.

Although she didn't know Ning Mu deeply, she understood him a little.

This was a person who would not kneel before officials, who would plead for the people, and who would not hesitate to soil his own reputation.

That Ning Mu retaliated on the spot against Qi Yulou's little tricks was already giving him face.

If it were someone like He Daqian, it wouldn't be beyond him to destroy a family or wipe out a clan in a single gust of wind.

But as it was, she couldn't say much.

After all, at the root of it, the responsibility for this matter lay with her; it was she who had secretly taken Ning Mu's poem to the Sacrificial Saint Festival.

Ning Mu had no intention of entering the Academy.

Yet Qi Yulou was so self-important, thinking everyone was as snobbish as he was; wasn't hitting a wall here just asking for humiliation? Pi Yalu shook her head with a bitter smile, and before Ning Mu left, she cupped her hands and said: "Brother Ning, please do as you wish!"

"Presumptuous!"

And after Ning Mu left, the furious Qi Yulou finally reacted.

"This brat is so rude and arrogant; even with the favor of the Literary Saint, I fear he is not qualified to join our Academy. When I return, I will write to the Master and report the wretchedness of this person's character, hmph!"

(End of chapter)