Chapter 172: 172 Tokens, Debauchery, A Disciple's Jealousy, An Uncle's Springtime Longing, Great Houses Built on Bones

Ning Mu shook his head and sighed.

The ultimate realm of cultivation is the Free Realm.

But can it truly allow this world to attain great freedom? If it is only the freedom of one person, how can it be presumptuously called freedom!

"That is because those local gentry are wicked and commit all kinds of evil, seizing things by force and trickery!"

Wei Youqing realized.

"As long as those wicked gentry are executed, wouldn't this matter be easily resolved?"

Wei Youqing stared at Ning Mu and said righteously.

Ning Mu couldn't help but smile mysteriously; he did not respond, but instead walked forward with his hands behind his back, following the group.

"Why, am I not right?"

Wei Youqing hurriedly chased after him, as if getting to the bottom of the matter.

Ning Mu stopped, turned his head to look at the unconvinced Wei Youqing, sighed, and said, "Do you really want to know?"

Wei Youqing was startled, a flash of doubt crossing her eyes, but she still nodded firmly.

"I do! Please instruct me, Stronghold Master Ning!"

Ning Mu raised an eyebrow and said solemnly, "Libationer Wei, think carefully: besides supporting the imperial family, who else must the common people of this world support?"

"Besides the imperial family... as far as I know, the three kingdoms of Qi, Zhou, and Chu only have their respective Sacred Lands!"

Wei Youqing blinked in confusion, pondered for a moment, and stood on the spot, murmuring to herself.

Suddenly.

Wei Youqing raised her head, stared at Ning Mu, her eyes filled with disbelief, and said in shock, "Does Stronghold Master Ning mean that it is the three Sacred Lands that have caused the common people of this world to be plunged into this deep water and scorching fire?"

Ning Mu did not answer directly.

He just smiled and said, "The disciples of the three Sacred Lands are all the cream of the crop. Ordinary folk, even if they have sufficient talent, will suffer from having no door or path to join a Sacred Land and bring glory to their family name."

"The path of cultivation in the Academy will thus gradually evolve into a network of relationships for the powerful and noble classes."

"The powerful and noble classes mentioned here do not refer solely to officials and nobles. Like you, like Pi Yalu, like that young master of the Qi Family today—you may not hold official positions, but once you join a Sacred Land, look back and think: have your family's wealth, status, prestige, and everything else not become much more formidable than before, even exceeding it by several times?"

"Beneath the three Sacred Lands are great houses built upon piles of bones!"

Ning Mu shook his head and sighed.

Hearing these words, Wei Youqing revealed a thoughtful expression.

These words were not false.

The Wei family she belonged to was previously just an unknown, small family in Langya Prefecture.

But ever since she entered the Sacred Land, the development of the Wei family had advanced by leaps and bounds.

Although she had been warning her father not to be too high-profile, sometimes, certain people and certain things simply could not be refused.

Naturally, it became like a fire being stoked, rising ever higher.

The current Wei family has already ranked among the first-class aristocratic families of Langya Prefecture.

Her father had even taken in several concubines to carry on the family line, and her mother not only had no jealousy toward this but was actually extremely encouraging.

But because of her, her mother's position as the principal wife remained unshakable.

This is the power of a Sacred Land student.

And this was only her, someone who had never actively sought any benefits for her family.

What about those heaven-gifted talents in the Academy, those obsessed with climbing the social ladder, or those who held important positions in the Academy like academic administrators and Libationers—what of the family forces behind them?

In other words.

No matter how poor a family is, as long as they can join the Academy.

That basically announces that a new great house will rise rapidly.

Resources are limited.

With more and more great houses, where should they go to seize nourishment to strengthen themselves?

Nothing else.

Only the common people! After all, they are a group that is silent, weak, and has no ability to resist.

Yet it is precisely they who are able to support the great houses.

Wei Youqing had a sudden realization.

But after understanding all this, she could only respond with a bitter smile.

She could do nothing.

After all, she herself was a member of a great house that stood above the world. Although she had never actively preyed upon any commoners, her status and position were set there, and there were always people who, directly or indirectly, let her enjoy all these privileges.

No need to farm, no need to labor, no need to worry about wind and sun, no need to worry about going hungry.

The grain in the Wei family's granaries was likely piled up to the point of overflowing.

Under the great trend, she and the Wei family were both helpless.

"They are numb and unfeeling, standing above the world, yet they still talk eloquently, teaching the common people, not knowing that the root cause is that their enjoyment and games exhaust the lifeblood of countless people!"

"The common people of this world have suffered under the great houses for too long!"

Ning Mu sighed, his brow filled with anger.

Living in this world, one always needs to do something meaningful.

It cannot be denied that he is lecherous by nature and dreams of keeping all beautiful women in his own palace.

But at the same time, after obtaining sufficient satisfaction, he also hopes that this world can be a bit clearer, hopes that those disaster victims will not be starved to death, and hopes that people struggling at the very bottom do not have to exhaust their entire lives for a single bite of food, only to fail to obtain it.

He is no Saint.

It is just that the influence of modern thinking makes him unable to stand this unfair world.

Although there is no way to subvert or even change anything.

But within the scope of one's ability, to help as many people as possible, and even influence some, that is enough!

Boom! The common people of this world have suffered under the great houses for too long! These words were like a thunderclap, exploding inside Wei Youqing's skull, making her face turn pale and a look of panic appear in her eyes.

The world has actually become this murky.

The Master, who resides high upon Houji Mountain, does he know of all this?

Wei Youqing could not help but think of her own Master.

But immediately after, she shook her head and gave a bitter smile.

With her Master's ability, he must certainly know.

But if even her Master does not change it, that means the difficulty of changing this matter is quite great—so great that even he, the Master, the head of the Sacred Land, is helpless.

"Many thanks to Young Master Ning for clearing up my confusion; Wei has been taught!"

Wei Youqing cupped her hands and bowed bitterly.

Such are the affairs of the world; she alone cannot change anything, and furthermore, she herself is among the ranks of these great houses.

Should she be expected to shout, calling for her own downfall?

To harbor sympathy and do what one can for the disaster victims is already a kindness! Ning Mu shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's not really clearing up confusion, just chatting idly out of boredom. Libationer Wei, don't take it to heart. I don't want to go to the Academy not just because of this; more importantly, I prefer freedom, and I prefer women, so, you understand."

Ning Mu chuckled and winked at Wei Youqing.

Wei Youqing was stunned, then her face turned hot, and her eyes began to flicker.

This person was just serious for a moment, and suddenly he is this dissolute again.

It really leaves one unable to react in time.

However, she could not help but think of the important matter of this trip.

Tightening her grip on the 'token' wrapped in cloth inside her sleeve pocket, Wei Youqing's heartbeat accelerated slightly, and she looked around uneasily, having the feeling of a thief with a guilty conscience.

And at the same time.

Qi Yulou and Pi Yalu under the large tree in the distance had different expressions.

'How dare he!'

Seeing Ning Mu actually brazenly putting his arm around the shoulders of Wei Youqing—the fairy in the hearts of countless male disciples of the Academy, a Disciple of the Master, and the youngest female Libationer of Jixia Academy—he was instantly furious.

Ever since he entered the Academy, he had been attracted by the talent and beauty displayed by Wei Youqing.

For so many years, he had been silently guarding her side.

Excluding the relationship of master and apprentice, the two of them could almost be called a perfect match in terms of both family background and status.

Even the Great Sacrifice of Jixia Academy, one of the Disciples of the Master, his own Master, and Wei Youqing's Senior Brother, Li Xiuyuan, had many times openly and secretly tried to bring the two together.

But to him, Wei Youqing was like the bright moon, only to be viewed from afar, and he dared not have the slightest profanity toward her.

Therefore, this love had always been deeply hidden in the bottom of his heart.

Yet, having accompanied her for several years, he had always maintained the etiquette of a gentleman; let alone such intimate shoulder-hugging, he had not even touched the hem of her clothes! Now, this is fine.

It has all gone to waste on this dog-day bastard Ning Mu!

He actually dares to profane the fairy of the Confucian Sect? A mere leader of a mountain stronghold, is he even worthy?

Qi Yulou was so angry that smoke was coming out of his seven orifices, and he was about to fly down to give Ning Mu a sound beating.

But.

Pi Yalu's seemingly self-muttered words on the side helped him regain a bit of reason in time.

"Brother Ning, oh Brother Ning, I didn't expect you to be so familiar with Junior Uncle?"

These words of Pi Yalu, which seemed like talking to herself, fell into Qi Yulou's ears and could not help but make a flash of doubt appear in his eyes.

They were already familiar with each other?

Recalling the attitude of Junior Uncle toward Ning Mu at the stronghold gate earlier, and then looking at the two of them with their arms around each other's shoulders down the mountain, and then the scene of Junior Uncle chasing after that fellow Ning Mu, not knowing what they were discussing, Qi Yulou's brows furrowed tightly, and his clenched fist loosened slightly.

Let's watch some more! Perhaps they really have known each other for a long time, and there is some relationship he doesn't know about, it's not impossible.

But no matter what, this fellow Ning Mu has committed the crime of profaning the fairy in his heart, and he must not be lightly forgiven!

But the scene that followed made him unable to stand still any longer.

He saw Wei Youqing say something to Ning Mu, and then, with a flushed face and looking incomparably charming, she took something out of her sleeve pocket and handed it to Ning Mu.

And then.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone.

The Academy Libationer, Disciple of the Master, Wei Youqing, actually took the initiative to stand on tiptoe and kiss Ning Mu lightly on the cheek, then ran away shyly.

That appearance.

It was exactly like a young girl in love, no different at all!

Libationer Wei, she actually took a fancy to Ning Mu?

The shock in Qi Yulou's heart far exceeded his anger! What is so good about him? Isn't he just the master of a small mountain stronghold with a few hundred disaster victims under his banner? Such a small character, even if you can't find a million in the vast Great Qi, there are probably tens of thousands.

He is just an ordinary member of the common masses.

And Wei Youqing is noble as a Libationer, with an incomparably high status; how could she take a fancy to him?

Pi Yalu was also stunned.

The Academy Libationer, Disciple of the Master, Junior Uncle Wei Youqing, would actually take the initiative to kiss Brother Ning.

This was something completely beyond her expectations.

Seeing Qi Yulou first stunned, then red-faced and furious, she looked helpless, unable to help but complain in her heart: Brother Ning, oh Brother Ning, it's not that your little sister doesn't want to cover for you, it's really that I don't know how to cover for you anymore. Sigh, you'll have to pray for your own good fortune!

A strange look drifted in Pi Yalu's eyes, and there was even a trace of bitterness in her heart.

Whether it is a blessing or a curse, it is really hard to say.

Although he has been targeted by Qi Yulou.

But at least, he has gained the favor of Wei Youqing, this Disciple of the Master!

Although the Qi Family is strong, they dare not openly challenge the Jixia Academy.

However, whether the Academy would go to great lengths to protect Ning Mu after the Qi Family makes their move, all because of Wei Youqing, remains a matter of debate.

……

"Young Master Ning, this, for you!"

Once the disaster victims arrived one after another under the protection of Wang Dalong and the other patrol members, and with no one else around, Wei Youqing nervously took the 'token' from her sleeve pocket and handed it to Ning Mu with both hands, her face instantly turning incomparably crimson.

"This is?" Ning Mu feigned ignorance, took it with a curious look, and was about to open the cloth wrap.

"Wait!"

Wei Youqing's heart tightened, and she hurriedly stopped Ning Mu's movement.

Ning Mu looked at her with a suspicious expression.

A look of sheepishness appeared on Wei Youqing's face, and before she could speak, Ning Mu opened his mouth.

"Is it the same as the love poem last time, to be opened when no one is around?" Ning Mu teased.

Wei Youqing was startled; she had not expected Ning Mu to bring that up.

But it suited her wishes perfectly, saving her much embarrassment, so she immediately nodded with a flushed face, her eyes filled with shyness.

Seeing Wei Youqing's appearance, Ning Mu could not help but smile slightly, then continued to tease: "Does Imperial Academy Libationer Wei truly like me, or is there some unavoidable hidden reason? You wouldn't be trying to make me sink into your gentle embrace, and then ask me to follow you into the Academy, would you?"

"How could my husband think such a thing?"

Wei Youqing's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately became nervous, thinking Ning Mu knew of the system's existence.

But upon hearing the latter part, she breathed a sigh of relief and immediately raised her eyebrows slightly.

Then, after a moment of hesitation, not knowing where the courage came from, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, closed her shy eyes, and left a lip print directly on Ning Mu's face.

"Husband, do not doubt my sincerity. My husband's heart is as vast as the sea and sky, loving and great. Although I am untalented and merely a Libationer, I cannot give promises to the masses. I admire my husband's courage and determination. As for entering the Academy, let everything follow fate. I will wait for the day my husband changes his mind, or..."

Wei Youqing's face was red, her eyes shimmering and peerless, flickering uncertainly.

Having said this, she lowered her gaze, bowed her head in shyness, and did not continue.

Instead, she snuck a glance at Ning Mu, then, unable to contain her shyness, ran away quickly.

As for what the unspoken words were, I fear only she herself knows.

Watching the exquisite back of this Academy Libationer, Ning Mu could not help but smile; there was still warmth on his face, but the embroidered cloth wrap in his hand attracted his attention even more.

He looked at Wei Youqing, who had already run far away but was still looking back with lingering attachment.

Ning Mu gave a faint smile, then lowered his head and unfolded the cloth wrap layer by layer.

Before long.

The true face was revealed.

It was a palm-sized, light and thin, emerald-green bodice embroidered with two small fish.

Tsk! Ning Mu could not help but click his tongue, his eyes filled with a smile, feeling very satisfied.

And Wei Youqing, who was silently watching him from afar, saw Ning Mu's expression, her eyes flashed, and she ran away with a burning face.

Just like a young girl in love, shy and sentimental.

This troublesome task is finally completed!

【Notification: Congratulations to the Host for completing Task One, Option One. Reward: 700 Cultivation Points, 70 Heroic Couple Points, and an additional 'Silk Lace Patterned Bodice'!】

【Notification: Congratulations to the Host. Sub-system No. 3 owner Wei Youqing has completed Task One. Feedback to the Host's task reward: 100 Cultivation Points and a 5% increase in Wei Youqing's Loyalty Value!】

【Notification: Sub-system No. 3 Wei Youqing's current Loyalty Value is 27%!】

Looking at the notifications flashing across the System Interface, Wei Youqing walked away, feeling content.

Overwhelmed by joy and a touch of tenderness, she even forgot about Qi Yulou and Pi Yalu, who had come with her.

She did not notice that as she left, Qi Yulou, who was on the boulder under the tree earlier, was already so angry that he had lost his reason!

Ning Mu!

Give me your life! Qi Yulou clenched his fists, ready to jump down and fight Ning Mu to the death.

But at this moment.

Pi Yalu, who was behind him, suddenly called out to him.

"Senior Brother Qi, be cautious!"

"Since Imperial Academy Libationer Wei has done this, she must have already given her heart to someone. If Senior Brother acts rashly, I fear it will only make Junior Uncle Libationer dislike you even more!"

Pi Yalu frowned and said quickly, hoping to soothe the anger in Qi Yulou's heart.

Little did she know.

Those words, "given her heart to someone," were like oil, instantly causing the fire in Qi Yulou's heart to burn completely.

(End of this chapter)