Chapter 202: Uncommon Romantic Fortune

The square had just finished the first round of preliminary matches.

"Brother Chen!"

Huang Yuanhe trudged over to Chen Mu, his heavy, exhausted frame dragging, his face twisted in despair. "Brother Chen, this preliminary round is torture! First sleep-inducing spells, then pushing boulders, then fighting iron monsters—it's like they don't even consider us human!"

Not far away, Su Yuanhua remained silent as ever, but his gaze toward Chen Mu now held a solemnity and admiration absent before.

"Not bad."

Chen Mu's expression was calm as he said coolly, "This preliminary round was designed to favor commoner geniuses with solid foundations and unyielding willpower, to filter out those who rely on pills and resources to force their advancement—outwardly strong, inwardly hollow."

His eyes swept over the dejected figures eliminated after the third trial. "Look—nine more were weeded out just after the third stage."

Huang Yuanhe followed his gaze and sighed. "You're right. It seems just having cultivation won't be enough to stand out in this 'Dragon-Tiger Gathering.'"

As they spoke, a lively figure skipped over—Xue Xue Ranran of the Yaoyuewu Sect.

"Senior Brother Chen Mu!"

Xue Xue Ranran's voice was crisp and full of youthful energy as she studied Chen Mu curiously. "I just saw you pass the Wooden Man Alley~ So amazing! Senior Brother Shen Ge mentioned you in his letter—he said you're incredible! Indeed, Senior Brother Chen Mu, you're even stronger than Senior Brother Shen Ge!"

"Senior Sister Xue flatters me."

A faint smile touched Chen Mu's face; toward Shen Ge's old friend and brother's younger sister, his tone softened slightly. "Senior Brother Shen Ge overpraises me. Your own performance was outstanding."

"Ah~"

Xue Xue Ranran sighed. "I'm nowhere near that—I barely made it through the Wooden Man Alley on time. I hope the next round of elimination trials isn't this brutal."

"By the way, Senior Brother Chen Mu, Senior Brother Shen Ge's letter asked you to visit our sect when you have time."

"Why not, after the Gathering ends, come back with me?" Xue Xue Ranran's lovely face beamed with smiles.

"That… depends on circumstances," Chen Mu mused.

"So that means it's settled~"

Xue Xue Ranran clapped her hands. "Senior Brother Chen Mu, let me tell you, our sect's scenery is gorgeous!"

"…" Chen Mu fell silent.

Xue Xue Ranran chattered cheerfully about sect anecdotes and Shen Ge's recent life—the atmosphere grew warm and easy.

After Xue Xue Ranran fluttered away like a happy little butterfly, Huang Yuanhe immediately elbowed Chen Mu, winking and grinning lowly. "Brother Chen, you've got it going on! A little fairy from Yaoyuewu Sect, a genius beauty on the Dragon Pool List. Seize the chance—build deep ties! Beauties with status and power like this are rare!"

Chen Mu ignored his teasing entirely and turned toward the inn.

Huang Yuanhe hurried after him, trotting eagerly.

Back at the inn, as they entered the first-floor lobby, a purple figure came into view.

Lu Ziyi sat quietly by the window, her face veiled by a light gauze that could not hide her clear, autumn-water eyes or her unique aura of cold elegance tinged with mystery.

She had clearly been waiting; seeing Chen Mu return, she rose and called softly.

"Senior Brother Chen, you're back."

Though masked, her slender figure and distinctive aura instantly drew many glances from the lobby.

Behind Chen Mu, Huang Yuanhe's eyes widened in shock—he looked from Lu Ziyi to Chen Mu's expressionless face, his mouth opened, then closed into a whisper of profound envy only he could hear.

"My god, Brother Chen's romantic luck is unmatched…"

"No wonder he's indifferent to Xue Xue Ranran—he's got someone better!"

"…" Chen Mu heard his muttering and chose to ignore it.

He gestured to Lu Ziyi. "Miss Lu, let's go to my room."

"Alright," Lu Ziyi replied.

Under the knowing, suggestive glances of Huang Yuanhe and the others in the lobby, they ascended the stairs.

…

Inside the room, door closed, Chen Mu poured Lu Ziyi a cup of water, and they sat at the table.

"Miss Lu waited for me here specifically—what's the matter?" Chen Mu asked directly.

He noticed a faint solemnity hidden in her brows, unlike her usual demeanor.

Lu Ziyi held the teacup, her fingers pressing slightly, silent for a moment as if weighing something.

Finally, she lifted her head, meeting Chen Mu's gaze with frankness. "Senior Brother Chen, to be honest—I encountered some trouble upon entering the city."

She paused, then continued. "It's complicated. I need to resolve it cleanly, but… life is unpredictable. I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"Speak." Chen Mu's expression didn't change.

Lu Ziyi withdrew a sealed letter from her sleeve—the paper was ordinary, but the seal bore a faint flame imprint made by a special technique.

She gently pushed the letter toward Chen Mu, her tone pleading. "If I don't return within half a month, and no word reaches you… could you please send someone—or go yourself—to Lao Niu Village under Lingcang Prefecture, find a mute boy named 'A Zhuo,' and deliver this letter to him?"

Chen Mu's gaze fixed on the letter. He didn't reach for it immediately, but looked at Lu Ziyi. "Just deliver the letter?"

"Just deliver the letter," Lu Ziyi nodded, her expression unchanged.

"…"

Chen Mu studied her for a moment, then reached out and took the letter.

"Alright. I agree."

Chen Mu tucked the letter away, his voice calm but heavy with promise. "If I hear nothing from you in half a month, I will go to Lao Niu Village myself, find A Zhuo, and hand him this letter."

Lu Ziyi visibly relaxed, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude. "Thank you!"

Chen Mu looked at her and spoke again, his voice low. "Miss Lu, though we've known each other briefly, we've shared some trials. If your trouble requires help—"

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

Lu Ziyi's heart warmed, yet she firmly shook her head, offering a bitter smile. "Senior Brother Chen, I appreciate your kindness, truly. But this matter… runs too deep. I don't want to burden you. Your future is limitless—you shouldn't be dragged down by my affairs."

She rose, bowed deeply to Chen Mu. "Farewell. May your martial fortune flourish, and may you achieve great results in the Gathering."

Without further delay, she turned and hurried from the room, her purple figure vanishing swiftly at the corridor's end.

Chen Mu stood in the room, his fingers idly tapping the tabletop.

Lu Ziyi's concealment and resolve only made him more certain that what she had run into was no small matter.

"Half a month…" Chen Mu murmured to himself.

If, half a month from now, Lu Ziyi truly had no news at all, he might not only have to send a letter, but also find out exactly what she had encountered!