A Prior Agreement

"Nephew Jiu'an, you are indeed a handsome and talented man. Uncle Lu has heard of you for a long time."

Lan Chang'an smiled as he sized up the handsome man in the feathered robe.

Mu Jiuan has an outstanding appearance and temperament, and his eyebrows and eyes are somewhat similar to those of his birth mother Mu Caiwei.

It is said that Mu Jiuan was handsome from a young age, unlike Li Erqing, which made him unpopular with his father.

It wasn't until a promising Spirit Root talent was discovered that it caught Li Erqing's attention.

Li Erqing's favorite son has always been Mu Ershun, who is almost a carbon copy of him when he was young.

In the Cultivation World, it's rare for someone to be cuckolded.

Even low-level cultivators can vaguely sense whether someone is their own bloodline or offspring.

Certain bloodline secret techniques allow one to sense their own bloodline offspring within a certain range.

One of the reasons Lan Chang'an doesn't consider marrying and having children is that bloodline offspring can sometimes become a weakness.

"I heard that Uncle Lu is Second-Order Talisman Master. This bottle of late-stage second-tier Yellow Ox Essence Blood can be used as raw material for talisman ink. It's a small token of my appreciation."

Mu Jiuan smiled calmly and handed over a vial of blood.

"My dear nephew Jiu'an, you are very kind."

Lan Chang'an took the blood vial, his tone kind.

Mu Jiuan, as expected of an elder disciple of Nascent Soul level sect, was very generous.

Unfortunately, it wasn't under the control of the Liang Kingdom.

Otherwise, Lan Chang'an could have benefited from these connections.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two took their seats, Guan Qiaozhi poured them tea.

Lan Chang'an chatted with Mu Jiuan Jiu'an and his wife, taking the opportunity to learn about the Cultivation World in the Feng Kingdom.

Most of the time, Lan Chang'an asked the questions, Mu Jiuan answered, and his dao companion Yu Yufu occasionally added a word or two.

Mu Jiuan remained neither humble nor arrogant, behaving with great courtesy.

Lan Chang'an, however, noticed that Mu Jiuan's respect and politeness were superficial, and had a sense of perfunctory formality.

Mu Jiuan had no interest in this Uncle Lu and did not want to deepen their relationship.

Lan Chang'an could easily understand this.

Putting aside the issue of seniority.

Mu Jiuan was also Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator and a disciple of Nascent Soul stage Golden Core Realm elder who had reached the Core Formation stage.

Not only that, Mu Jiuan also won over the Golden Core Realm Elder, strengthening their family ties through marriage.

Mu Jiuan's status and position are far higher than Lan Chang'an's, a Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator.

The two had no uncle-aunt relationship, so Mu Jiuan naturally lacked respect for him and felt a sense of estrangement.

"Jiu'an, what brings you to the Liang Kingdom this time?"

Lan Chang'an asked a question.

Crossing the borders of the cultivation kingdom is a long and arduous journey, and there is a possibility of encountering the threat of being ambushed by cultivators.

This is the main reason why Mu Jiuan hasn't returned for so many years.

"My master went to the ' Moon-Gazing Immortal City ' on the border of the Liang Kingdom this time, and I came along to broaden my horizons and also to take a look back."

Mu Jiuan replied.

Lan Chang'an had heard of Moon-Gazing Immortal City, which was located on a fourth-order Spirit Vein.

Although it is located on the border of the Liang Kingdom, it is not under the jurisdiction of any of the surrounding countries.

It is a neutral, large Immortal City, radiating influence over several surrounding immortal cultivation kingdoms, with a very mysterious background.

"Uncle Lu, my nephew's time outside is limited, and I cannot stay long."

Less than half an hour later, Mu Jiuan took his leave.

Lan Chang'an did not try to stop them, and escorted them to the outside of the cave.

He guessed that Mu Jiuan was not only distant from him, but probably didn't feel much belonging to this homeland either.

Mu Jiuan was over forty years old and had stayed in the Feng Kingdom for even longer, where he became dao companion and settled down in peace and contentment.

Mu Jiuan and Yu Yufu left Small Turtle Peak and flew towards the outside of Wuqi Mountain.

"Jiu'an, this Uncle Lu is quite interesting, why don't you chat with him more?"

Yu Yufu seemed to want more.

She sensed that Lan Chang'an was no ordinary cultivator, but unfortunately, time was limited, and she couldn't get to know him better.

"If my father hadn't urged me repeatedly, I wouldn't have planned to come."

Mu Jiuan spoke calmly.

"In the Liang Kingdom, apart from the Jade Moon Lake Mu Family and those few relatives, there's nothing I cherish about them."

"This is your homeland. You've come all this way, so cherish this opportunity."

Yu Yufu took his arm.

"Cherish? My father's favorite son will always be Er Shun, even though I got him the Foundation Establishment back then."

A look of loneliness appeared on Mu Jiuan's handsome face.

"Er Shun's aptitude is so poor, yet Father still wants to help him Foundation Establishment, asking me, his younger brother, to lend a hand. This time, at least half of the resources I'm offering will go to Er Shun at a discounted price."

Yu Yufu blinked her pretty eyes. "Your father is indeed biased, it's because you don't look like him."

"I do think you and Uncle Lu look somewhat alike?"

Mu Jiuan's expression froze.

"Sigh, you already repaid your debt of gratitude by helping me get that Foundation Establishment back then, so there's no need to dwell on it anymore."

Seeing her husband's displeasure, Yu Yufu changed the subject.

The two flew out of Wuqi Mountain.

A haggard-looking middle-aged Foundation Establishment flew towards them, passing by the two of them.

The middle-aged Foundation Establishment cultivator was none other than Chen Sheng, Shi Manrong's ex-husband.

Chen Sheng flew straight towards Xiaogui Small Turtle Peak, one of the three main peaks.

The housekeeper Lan Lin, recognized him but ignored him.

"Daoist Lu, I have something to discuss with you."

Chen Sheng shouted loudly in front of Small Turtle Peak.

"Senior Chen, my master is currently in seclusion and will not be receiving guests in the near future."

Guan Qiaozhi gave a polite smile.

"Mr. Chen doesn't believe it! Go and inform him immediately; this is the last time he'll contact him."

Chen Sheng frowned and said unhappily.

Guan Qiaozhi did not agree.

An unnamed rage surged within him, and he unleashed the pressure of the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, wanting to break in.

Guan Qiaozhi was terrified. She gripped the Formation Token and activated the Mountain Protection Array, keeping Chen Sheng outside.

"Chen Sheng!"

From the direction of Small Plate Peak came Shi Manrong's cold rebuke.

"Manrong, it was my fault. I acted impulsively just now. It was all for you."

Chen Sheng immediately put on a warm smile.

"Aren't you going to get lost?"

"Yes, yes! I'll leave right away."

Chen Sheng was reluctant to leave, gazing at that beautiful figure that haunted his dreams.

After Chen Sheng flew out of Wuqi Mountain.

Shi Manrong, dressed in a simple white dress, flew to the front of Small Turtle Peak.

He spoke softly, "Daoist Lu, I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you earlier."

"It's alright, he can only scare little girls, he won't dare to barge in."

Lan Chang'an walked out of the cave.

Chen Sheng was a scoundrel when it came to Wuqi Mountain, relentlessly pursuing his ex-wife in an attempt to win her back.

This man is almost neurotic; he's always worried that his ex-wife will get together with someone else.

Seven years ago, Chen Sheng first approached Lan Chang'an, asking him to keep an eye on his ex-wife and watch out for any bad actors.

Lan Chang'an brushed it off.

In the following years, Chen Sheng visited many times.

He asked Lan Chang'an to help him act as a go-between and create an opportunity to win his ex-wife back.

She even begged Lan Chang'an to persuade his ex-wife.

Lan Chang'an was so annoyed by this person that in recent years he simply stopped paying attention to him, just like the other two Peak Master.

Lan Chang'an had learned about the feud between Shi Manrong and Chen Sheng over the years.

When Shi Manrong was young, her Lineage was destroyed, and she was betrothed to Chen Sheng, the young master of the Chen Family.

The old master of the Chen Family was a man of his word; he adopted Shi Manrong and planned to marry her in the future.

Back then, Chen Sheng didn't even consider her.

Firstly, Chen Sheng already has a female cultivator he likes.

Secondly, Shi Manrong was not particularly attractive in her youth.

Fortunately, Shi Manrong displayed remarkable talent in formations from a young age, which allowed her to play a role in the Lineage and prevent her from being bullied.

Later, under coercion from the Chen Family patriarch.

Chen Sheng reluctantly married her, but treated her with utter indifference.

A few years later, the old man of the Chen Family passed away.

Chen Sheng demoted Shi Manrong to the status of a concubine and married the female cultivator he liked.

Shi Manrong could no longer tolerate it.

He left the Chen Family in a fit of anger, and with his talent for array formations, he also obtained fortuitous opportunity, thus advancing to the Foundation Establishment Realm ahead of others.

As her cultivation level greatly improved, Shi Manrong's features matured, and her temperament became exceptionally outstanding, making her a well-known genius array master in the surrounding area— the Fairy Shi.

The Chen Family declined steadily in the decades following Shi Manrong's departure.

In order to Foundation Establishment, Chen Sheng mortgaged and sold his Lineage's Second-Order Spiritual Vein.

In recent years, the only remaining lineage of cultivators in the Chen Family has resided in a first-grade high-level Spirit Vein.

Chen Sheng did not cultivate Second-Order Spiritual Vein.

Later, upon seeing the transformed Shi Manrong, he was Celestial Person and wanted to reconcile with her, so he moved to Wuqi Mountain to cultivate.

"Daoist Lu, to express my apologies, Manrong has prepared a banquet at my residence to comfort the frightened Qiaozhi."

Shi Manrong's hair was styled in a high bun, her demeanor was dignified, and her clear eyes held a smile.

She specifically mentioned Guan Qiaozhi.

We've known each other for seven or eight years.

Shi Manrong occasionally visited Small Turtle Peak, initially to observe the mysterious formations there.

Over time, Lan Chang'an and this elegant Fairy Shi interacted quite a bit and became somewhat familiar with each other.

The two share similar ideas.

They all value spiritual practice and learn skills to protect themselves and their path. They take a detached view of romantic relationships and have no desire to form dao companion or get married.

Every conversation is pleasant.

Lan Chang'an also admired this woman.

Especially the noble and pure character forged through hardship, like the fragrance of plum blossoms.

A few years ago, Shi Manrong invited Lan Chang'an to visit her home.

To avoid suspicion and not wanting to incur Chen Sheng's wrath, and also to avoid getting involved further, Lan Chang'an did not agree.

Even so, Chen Sheng still pestered him, probably thinking he was a nice guy.

"Brother Lu?"

Guan Qiaozhi's pretty eyes flickered slightly, indicating that she was somewhat tempted.

"All right."

Lan Chang'an nodded. Bringing Guan Qiaozhi along this time would help avoid suspicion.

Shi Manrong is a genius in formations and has the potential to become a third-tier formation master in the future.

Lan Chang'an was happy to befriend him.

Small Plate Peak.

Shi Manrong's cave dwelling is elegant and refined, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers.

Maids served up one delicious Spirit Cuisine after another.

"This is my treasured 200-year-old ' Green Plum Spirit Wine,' which is beneficial to both men and women."

Shi Manrong gracefully and calmly poured the cups for the two of them.

"Green Plum Spirit Wine?"

Guan Qiaozhi's eyes lit up with joy, for she had heard that this wine had beautifying and nourishing effects, and was helpful for fertility.

She drank a few too many cups.

As a result, he underestimated the potency of the second-tier spirit wine, and unknowingly became drunk and fell asleep.

Two maids stepped forward and helped Guan Qiaozhi to a side room to rest.

"Fairy Shi, your Green Plum Spirit Wine is a little different from the normal one."

Lan Chang'an took another sip.

There was no poison, but the effects of the medicine were slightly abnormal.

He met Shi Manrong's clear, calm eyes, and they understood each other without saying a word.

What's different?

The woman's voice was melodious and gentle, like a clear spring caressing the ears.

Lan Chang'an suddenly felt that the Fairy Shi in front of him was exceptionally beautiful, dignified and holy, gentle and charming, and he couldn't help but want to get closer to her.

This is not an aphrodisiac.

Rather, it's a natural aphrodisiac effect contained within the spirit wine.

"Daoist Lu, am I beautiful?"

Shi Manrong wore a moon-colored dress, her figure was elegant, and her curves were full and voluptuous.

She sat down in front of Lan Chang'an, leaning gently against him, a faint blush appearing on her silvery face.

Lan Chang'an had already scanned the cave with his Divine Sense, but found nothing unusual.

The two had known each other for seven or eight years, shared similar views, and admired each other.

If it's just a fleeting affair for entertainment, then it's fine.

"Has the Fairy Shi made up her mind?"

Lan Chang'an put his arm around her waist.

The Fairy Shi lifted her skirt, turned her delicate body slightly, and sat on his lap with her round and plump buttocks.

"What are you considering? Are you worried that I'll become attached to you, Daoist Lu?"

Shi Manrong chuckled, her chest heaving.

Lan Chang'an lowered his voice, "Let's make this clear beforehand, I will not have any children."

Shi Manrong silent, her smile fading.

Suddenly, she lifted her long, slender legs in a graceful arc and landed on Lan Chang'an.

She smoothed out her skirt, restoring her elegant and dignified demeanor.

Lan Chang'an blinked slightly, wondering if he had been too honest.

(End of this chapter)