Chapter 212: No. 4 Sub-system: Complete this kind of task? Dream on!

【Notification: Congratulations to the Host, Task One completed, obtained 800 Cultivation Points and 200 Heroic Couple Points!】

*Hoo! * Seeing the system notification finally ring out.

Wei Youqing finally let out a sigh of relief, her small face burning red.

Upon learning that her Master was going to accompany Brother Ning to Yingyue Lake Town, Pi Yalu naturally did not want to go.

Not to mention that her Master had not returned all night; now that she had returned today, one could clearly feel that her demeanor and expressions had changed greatly from before, especially when mentioning Ning Mu, the love hidden in her eyes was no longer concealed in the slightest, almost overflowing from her eye sockets.

She could not help but speculate in her heart that last night, she feared that her Master and Brother Ning had likely already done everything that should and should not have happened.

As a disciple, she naturally offered her blessings.

But as a disciple of the Academy, she knew deeply that given her Master's status in the Academy, this matter would likely be very difficult to resolve.

And yet, her Master had actually invited her to accompany them.

What was this for? The two of them were lovey-dovey, so what was the point of bringing her along on the side?

Therefore, she did not want to go.

More importantly, watching her Master and Brother Ning walk together, she felt a complex mix of emotions in her heart and did not know how to face it.

Back in Yonghang.

She had already secretly given her heart to him, but hindered by reality, she dared not reveal these feelings.

Furthermore, there was a heaven-and-earth difference in their status and standing.

Since that parting, she thought it would be very difficult to meet again in this lifetime.

It was also because she thought that if there were a chance to continue their past connection, she would summon her courage; that was why she had disregarded Ning Mu's opinion and taken his masterpiece to the Sacrificial Saint Festival assembly on her own initiative.

Yet she had not expected that, through a twist of fate, they would meet again.

But, there was now a Wei Youqing in the middle.

And as it happened, she had become her disciple.

With this taboo standing here, she could only hide this affection deep in her heart, unable to speak of it again.

This was also one of the reasons she did not want to go.

But she could not withstand her Master's repeated entreaties, who even used the Academy's performance evaluation as a "threat."

Having no choice, she could only agree to go together.

"Hurry up and pack, he must be getting impatient!"

Wei Youqing beamed with joy, showing not a shred of a Master's dignity, instead acting like a young girl as she pulled on Pi Yalu's hand.

Pi Yalu wore a helpless expression, her thoughts inexplicable, as she followed her into the inner room to pack her luggage.

……

At noon.

Upon learning that a female general from the Chu Kingdom was about to arrive at the stronghold, Liuli did not bring up the matter of leaving immediately to seek revenge.

Instead, she sat in the main hall, quietly waiting with Ning Mu.

And at this moment.

In this main hall, besides Liuli, there were the already-packed Wei Youqing and her disciple, as well as Liu Qingmei, Tong Yuyue, and Zhu Yaluan of Yunxiao Stronghold, among others.

They were all silent, standing by in full battle array.

Ning Mu sat on the tiger-skin chair, appearing to be contemplating a strategy, but in reality, he could not help but feel pleasantly surprised in his heart.

He was currently considering the candidate for the No. 4 Sub-system.

He had been unable to make up his mind between Ye Qingxian, Pi Yalu, Zhu Yaluan, Su Yueqiao, and others.

He had not expected that a female general from the Chu Kingdom would arrive at this time.

And after hearing from Ji Qiaozhi and Zhu Yaluan that this General-in-Chief of the Zhenwu Army named Mi Zhao not only possessed high status and profound cultivation but also a peerlessly beautiful appearance, he had made his decision!

Wasn't this the tailor-made Host for the No. 4 Sub-system!

He was waiting.

Waiting for this female general to come to his door.

Time passed slowly.

Suddenly.

Someone entered the main hall.

"Stronghold Master, someone has arrived outside the stronghold, claiming to be a merchant from the Chu Kingdom, wishing to discuss matters with you," An Xiaoxi reported.

"Invite them in!"

Ning Mu immediately waved his hand to signal.

An Xiaoxi nodded and went to carry out the order, though she couldn't help but mutter to herself, what was going on today, why were all the mistresses here in such a grand formation, could it be that the Stronghold Master and the mistresses knew that this so-called Chu Kingdom merchant was coming and were waiting specifically for her?

Although she was puzzled, she still led Mi Zhao in.

The soldiers of the Zhenwu Army remained at the stronghold gate, and only Mi Zhao and her servant Mi Yue'er entered the main stronghold.

From the moment she entered the gate, Mi Zhao could not help but marvel in her heart.

The soldiers training on the drill ground were uniform and orderly, full of vigor and vitality, with no one slacking off.

On the left, there seemed to be some kind of workshop, with many women, children, and the elderly bustling about, a lively scene.

The patrolling soldiers were each focused and attentive.

Seeing them, their eyes were filled with vigilance.

Was this really a bandit stronghold, and not some military camp? And after arriving at the main hall.

She could not help but have new impressions.

Why, apart from the young man sitting in the seat of honor, were all the people on both sides women?

Moreover, every single one of them was a peerless beauty, full of charm.

Not to mention ugly women.

There wasn't even anyone slightly subpar; every woman was unique, with a stunningly beautiful face.

And while Mi Zhao was sizing up the people in the hall.

The women were also sizing her up.

Especially Ning Mu, who sat high in the seat of honor; he had already opened the System Interface, looked at Mi Zhao's image, and directly initiated the system binding.

【Prompt: Binding target detected, the system has rendered the binding target in 3D. Does the Host confirm!】

As the system prompt sounded.

One could see Mi Zhao's appearance in female attire appearing on the system light screen.

A suit of golden armor covered that graceful, exquisite figure, yet it displayed her beautiful curves to perfection.

Her skin was like congealed fat, her eyes bright, her teeth white, and her long, narrow eyebrows were filled with a heroic spirit.

Beneath the armor, her faintly visible long legs, those full and plump breasts, and that slender, willow-like waist all manifested her graceful posture.

Her figure was alluring and plump, curvaceous and well-proportioned; between her brows, besides a dashing heroic spirit, there was also an air of ripeness.

It was just like mellow, rich fine wine.

It was just like a honey peach hanging high on a branch.

Ning Mu's eyes couldn't help but light up.

Mi Zhao, dressed as a man, was unique and had her own charm.

But in her military attire, without concealing her gender, she possessed even more charm as a woman.

"Confirm!"

【Prompt: Binding in progress, please wait...】

Ning Mu waited patiently.

A moment later.

【Prompt: Xia-Lu D System binding successful. Binding Companion target: Mi Zhao, sister of the Chu Kingdom Emperor, Eldest Princess of Chu Kingdom, Great General of the Zhenwu Army. The Host may issue a task immediately!】

The Emperor's sister!

Tsk.

Ning Mu couldn't help but let out a soft tsk, though his expression couldn't help but become slightly solemn.

This kind of woman in a high position of power is the hardest to handle. Plus, he was extremely unfamiliar with her.

There was almost no way to find a weak point.

Unlike Liu Qingmei, Liuli, and Wei Youqing, who each had things they cared about.

After thinking for a moment, before she could speak, he directly issued the first task he had already thought of.

At the same time.

Looking at Mi Zhao and Mi Yue'er, who were stunned in the hall, with a smile on his face, he said neither humbly nor arrogantly: "The two distinguished guests from the Chu Kingdom have traveled a long way, truly making this small stronghold shine. Please take a seat. I am Ning Mu, master of Ningyang Stronghold. As for the matter you have come to seek, we shall discuss it at length."

Ning Mu went straight to the point, bluntly rejecting the purpose of their visit.

And at the same time.

Mi Zhao's heart was shaken violently, and she immediately looked around, like a startled bird.

She saw before her.

The young man who had been calm and smiling as he looked over.

But suddenly.

A blue light screen appeared, blocking her line of sight. Before she could even greet the young man sitting high on the tiger-skin chair, lines of text skipped across this light screen.

Following that.

A pleasant voice sounded in her mind.

【Congratulations, you have been chosen by the Heavens to become the Host of this system. This system is the Xia-Lu System, which can bind the Host to their destined partner, aiming to promote the affection and strength of both Xia Lu, so that they may soar together and live freely in this world!】

【Selecting Binding Companion target...】

【Selected! Your destined partner is: Ning Mu!】

【Prompt: This person shares an unbreakable fate with you. In your youth, you were supposed to become a sacrifice for a royal marriage, but it was suddenly interrupted; for so many years, as the Eldest Princess of the royal family, you have yet to meet a good match and have remained alone. The reason is that the system detected your true Xia Lu was someone else. Today, as you meet, the system is fully activated. Please, Host, treat this seriously...】

【Prompt: Except for task requirements, you must not cause any threat to your Binding Companion target, Ning Mu, including but not limited to physical harm, internal energy harm, Cultivation Points harm, mental harm, emotional pressure, etc.!】

What the hell!

Witnessing these lines of text appearing before her eyes.

And then what was her own so-called system panel.

Xia-Lu D System Binding Host: Mi Zhao

Age: 35 years old

Cultivation Points: Sitting Reflection Realm (32000/51200) + Martial Arts: Earth-Tier Low-Grade · Yellow Court Dao Scripture (Great Success) +, Earth-Tier Low-Grade · Great Void Sword Intent (Great Success) +, Earth-Tier Movement Technique · Eight Desolations Origin Returning Art (Great Success) +, Earth-Tier · Suppressing Mountains and Rivers (Great Success) + Current Task: Task One 【Please control with your mind, click to view】 Binding Companion: Ning Mu

Strategy Value: 0 Cultivation Points: 0 Heroic Couple Points: 0 Xia Lu Black Market: Opened

Warehouse: No items yet

Mi Zhao was completely stunned! "What kind of monster is playing tricks in my sea of consciousness!"

Almost subconsciously.

She recited the Daoist incantations, wanting to use her mind to expel the evil spirit that had intruded into her mind.

But soon.

She realized something was wrong. This was no evil spirit, nor was it her own delusion, but something that had truly existed and only appeared after seeing this young man named Ning Mu.

【Prompt: System activated, task assigned. Task One has been received, please view and complete it in time!】

【Task One: Upon your first meeting with your Binding Companion target, Ning Mu, do you feel a familiarity as if from a past life? Five hundred glances in a past life were exchanged for one passing by in this life; he used one thousand glances just to earn a pause before you in this life.】

【Task Details: First meeting, express thoughts of a past life, take the initiative to step forward, shake hands with them, and say, "This is not our first meeting; I have already seen you countless times in my dreams."】

【Task Completed: Reward 200 Cultivation Points, 50 Heroic Couple Points.】

【Task Failed: Deduct 80% of current Cultivation Points (approximately 25,600 points), and your cultivation realm will drop.】

Looking at this task, Mi Zhao could not help but blush.

Such cheesy words—how could she, a dignified Great General of the Chu Kingdom's Zhenwu Army, ever bring herself to say them?

Furthermore, in this hall, besides this young Stronghold Master, there were several other women of peerless beauty who were in no way inferior to her.

There was no need to guess; these women were likely all on intimate terms with this young Stronghold Master.

And she, a dignified Eldest Princess of the Chu Kingdom, had to say such things in front of them? Where would her face be, where would the dignity of the Chu Kingdom be! Mi Zhao's face turned cold.

As the Eldest Princess of the Chu Kingdom, possessing remarkable natural talent, she had once cultivated at the Chu Kingdom's Martial Arts Sacred Land, the Dayan Dao Court on Jiangling Hengdai Mountain.

She had also discussed the past and present with the Dao Master of the Dayan Dao Court and traveled beyond the heavens.

Naturally, she knew that the world was vast and that many things existed beyond her own understanding.

This so-called system was clearly one such existence.

But.

To make her complete such a task...

Not a chance!

Mi Zhao tried her best to disguise herself, not revealing the existence of this system, but instead feigning dissatisfaction with what Ning Mu had said. She gave a cold snort and said, "Stronghold Master Ning, you speak too heavily. I am Mi Zhao; I presume you are already aware. The deposed princess of my Chu Kingdom was forcibly abducted to this mountain by you. Mi Zhao has come here to request that the Stronghold Master return her, otherwise... do not say you were not warned!"

Mi Zhao was full of hostility and failed to control her emotions.

Even Mi Yue'er, who was at her side, looked at her with slight surprise.

The Eldest Princess had always been reserved and circumspect, acting with prudence; why was she suddenly so reckless?

She naturally did not know.

The reason Mi Zhao's emotions were so unrestrained at this moment was entirely due to the sudden appearance of this system.

She hated having her life arranged by others.

She hated even more this kind of thought that she did not like but was forcibly imposed upon her.

How could she, a dignified Eldest Princess of the Chu Kingdom, be coerced by this invisible, intangible, tiny little system?

In her anger and shock, she had not even carefully looked at the task rewards and penalties.

Naturally, she did not know what kind of punishment she would receive for this impulsive behavior.

As her voice fell.

Mi Zhao's gaze shifted, finally settling on Zhu Yaluan, who was in the last seat.

Zhu Yaluan was, after all, the Stronghold Master of Yunxiao Stronghold and the Chief Leader of the Three Mountains and Four Ridges; why was her seat so far back?

Harboring doubts, Mi Zhao looked at Zhu Yaluan and said with a threatening tone, "Stronghold Master Zhu, why are you now siding with this person, and have you forgotten the agreement between us?"

Zhu Yaluan frowned and did not respond.

Mi Zhao was thinking to herself that since both Zhu Yaluan and the deposed princess Mi Qiaozhi were in this mountain stronghold.

Then the matter of the Martial Crystal vein at Luofeng Slope had likely already been discovered by this Ning Mu.

It seemed this trip would be quite troublesome.

She could not help but knit her brows.

And at this moment.

Ning Mu did not speak.

Liu Qingmei and Liuli, who were in the first seats on the left and right of the hall, stood up one after another, glaring at the mistress and servant, Mi Zhao and Mi Yue'er, with intense hostility.

"The General has a very sharp tongue!"

Liu Qingmei gave a cold snort, and the aura belonging to the Divine Origin Realm instantly enveloped the pair of mistress and servant; the powerful pressure made both of their faces turn pale.

"Do you think this is your Zhenwu Army camp? Or your Chu Kingdom's Dayan Dao Court?"

Liuli also flicked her sleeves, waving the whisk in her hand, and an even more formidable pressure than Liu Qingmei's surged directly toward the two of them.

In an instant.

Mi Zhao and Mi Yue'er were seen turning deathly pale, their eyes filled with intense horror and shock.

Mi Zhao was better off; under the oppressive weight of these two successive Divine Origin martial artists, she used her cultivation to at least barely manage to stand.

But Mi Yue'er, whose strength was slightly weaker, was in a miserable state.

Pfft! Unable to endure it, the powerful pressure of the aura directly caused her to spit out several mouthfuls of blood on the spot.

"Yue'er!"

Mi Zhao forcibly resisted the pressure while calling out in anxious concern.

(End of this chapter)