Apologies, Imperial Concubine Yu, I want them all! (Seeking readership)

The candlelight flickered, casting a dim, yellowish glow.

Yu'er climbed in through the window, her hair dripping wet, her thin gauze dress clinging to her body, leaving little to the imagination.

She had intended to act spoiled, but sensing the atmosphere was off, she silently crouched in the corner, not daring to make a sound.

Gu Manzhi stared at Chen Mo, her dark brows knitting together slightly.

The Azure Underworld Seal was the founding treasure of the Moon Radiance Sect, possessing the ability to deduce all manner of laws; the Green Jade True Scripture was derived from it, serving as the foundation for the Moon Radiance Sect to remain firmly among the Eight Great Sects.

That day, the sect was annihilated, the mountain gates collapsed, and the Azure Underworld Seal vanished without a trace—

With Yu Youhan as the mastermind behind the scenes, it was ten to one that it was in her hands!

"You can retrieve the Azure Underworld Seal? That is a priceless treasure; Imperial Concubine Yu would never show it to others easily," Gu Manzhi said.

Chen Mo replied indifferently, "That thing may be a supreme treasure to you, but in the eyes of the Highness, it is worthless. The path the Highness cultivates—how could a mere magical artifact deduce it?"

Hearing this, Gu Manzhi felt a flicker of dissatisfaction, yet she had to admit it was the truth.

Yu Youhan's cultivation realm had already reached another level; otherwise, her master would not "turn pale at the mention of Yu" and would not have avoided stepping even half a step into Heaven Capital City to this day.

"Even if she has no use for it herself, she could use it to expand her influence. Why would she give it to you?"

Clang—

Chen Mo pulled a purple token from his robes and tossed it onto the table.

Seeing the purple Luan phoenix spreading its wings, Gu Manzhi's pupils constricted slightly.

She was all too familiar with this emblem!

"You don't know the weight I carry in the Highness's eyes. The Purple Luan Token, vital essence, the Soul Absorption divine ability... all of these were bestowed upon me by the Highness."

"As long as you are willing to cooperate, getting the Azure Underworld Seal is no difficult task."

Chen Mo began to paint a grand picture.

Gu Manzhi was silent for a moment, biting her lip. "You wouldn't happen to be a boy toy for Imperial Concubine Yu, would you?"

This man was so handsome; it would be normal for that enchantress to take a fancy to him. No wonder he was so favored...

?

Chen Mo shook his head. "A boy toy wouldn't be quite right. I suppose I belong to the category of... a technician."

The Highness's exclusive foot massage technician!

Come to think of it, given the Highness's cultivation realm, her physical constitution was incredibly exaggerated; even blades and swords could hardly leave a mark. I wonder if she's turned into tempered steel...

Chen Mo's thoughts began to wander.

Gu Manzhi looked suspicious, but she did not press the matter further.

If she could retrieve the Azure Underworld Seal, it would be a monumental achievement, perhaps even offering a chance to rebuild the sect!

Even if there was only a sliver of hope, she could not let it slip away!

I might as well use this to get closer to Chen Mo and lay the groundwork for turning him later...

Sorry, Imperial Concubine Yu, but I want both the Azure Underworld Seal and Chen Mo!

An incense stick of time later.

Yu'er lay on the floor, watching the little paper dolls scurrying about, her dark, round eyes filled with curiosity.

Gu Manzhi's face was slightly pale as she said, "These ten paper dolls share their senses. Keep one on your person and deploy the others around the target. You will be able to perceive any movement within a ten-mile radius instantly."

"Do not resist."

Chen Mo flicked his finger, and a wisp of emerald light sank into the center of Gu Manzhi's brow.

She felt her exhaustion vanish in an instant, her spirit and energy fully restored, and the hidden injuries within her body were completely healed.

"Consider this an advance payment of interest. I will find a way regarding the Azure Underworld Seal," Chen Mo said.

Gu Manzhi nodded. "I hope you keep your word."

"I want some too~"

Yu'er crawled to Chen Mo, sticking out her fragrant tongue like a puppy.

Chen Mo squeezed out a drop of vital essence and dripped it into her mouth. She savored it carefully, as if it were some supreme delicacy, rolling her eyes in pleasure.

"..."

Chen Mo frowned. "How did you train her to be like this?"

Gu Manzhi retorted, "She is self-taught. What does that have to do with me?"

By now, the third watch had passed, and the night outside was as thick as ink.

Master Chen, having been busy all day, was too lazy to go home. He stood up and walked toward the bathhouse.

Gu Manzhi asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"Bathing, sleeping... hmm, perfect, the water is still hot."

"...Wait, that's the one I used!"

The next morning.

The sun rose in the east, emerald birds chirped, and sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, casting a tapestry of light and shadow.

Chen Mo woke slowly, feeling a warm, snowy softness in his palm. Opening his eyes, he saw Yu'er curled up obediently in his arms, wearing only a thin, light bodice, her fair skin dazzling to the sight.

Gu Manzhi sat upright, already transformed back into the appearance of a little maidservant.

"How did she end up sleeping next to me?"

"How would I know..."

Gu Manzhi felt a bit guilty.

She had been sleeping on the other side last night and only snuck up after dawn...

It was strange to say, but lying beside Chen Mo brought an inexplicable sense of peace; she had slept soundly all night without a single dream.

Chen Mo pulled his hand out from the bodice.

Yu'er woke up in response, rubbing her eyes, her delicate, snowy face flushed red.

"Master, you're awake? Let this slave serve you as you dress~"

After helping Chen Mo change his clothes, she brought warm water to help him wash...

Watching Yu'er's eager demeanor, Gu Manzhi snorted sourly:

"Sycophant!"

"I am just Master's sycophant, and I'll never tire of fawning over him~" Yu'er's voice was soft and sweet, gazing at Chen Mo with infatuation.

?

Gu Manzhi gritted her teeth, "Xu Yuqiong, I really must take control of you!"

After the two left, she took a deep breath to calm her mood, sat cross-legged, and a cyan jade ancient book appeared between her brows.

Chen Mo's strength was increasing too quickly; if she wanted to prove her worth, she had to break through to the Fifth Grade as soon as possible...

Whoosh—

At this moment, a breeze brushed past, and the shadows in the corner twisted.

Gu Manzhi's eyes narrowed slightly, "Why have you come again?"

"Naturally, to visit my dear Senior Sister... Did Chen Mo come by last night?"

The gray-robed figure walked to the bed and sat down, reaching out to touch the bedding—this time, it was dry.

"Elder Yu has sent word, asking about the progress of the mission. What exactly are your plans?" the gray-robed figure inquired.

Gu Manzhi opened her eyes, a brilliant light flashing within them, "The plan has changed. I intend to revive the sect!"

Gray-robed figure: "?"

At Qingya Pavilion, the overnight guests walked out of the courtyard one after another.

"Brother Li, how was the dancer last night?"

"One word: succulent!"

"Qingya Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation. Even without a top courtesan, the quality of the dancers and musicians is first-class."

"It's a pity that Miss Yu'er only plays the zither now and no longer accompanies guests for drinks."

"Be content; being able to hear her play a single tune is already a blessing."

The crowd chatted in twos and threes.

Even for chaste courtesans, they usually receive guests after their debut, but Yu'er was an exception. Even if someone threw thousands of gold pieces at her, she remained unmoved.

At first, some cursed her for feigning nobility to drive up her price, but as soon as they heard her play, all doubts vanished into thin air.

With such transcendent zither skills, she indeed had the capital to be aloof.

Just then, the main door pushed open, and a man with a tall, upright figure walked out.

He wore a black robe embroidered with golden patterns, black boots, and a jade pendant at his waist; his handsome features were full of nobility.

Yu'er followed barefoot behind him, wrapped in a cloak, and stood on her tiptoes to peck the man on the cheek.

"Master, remember to come see this slave often~"

The man said with an impatient expression, "Enough, spare me that act. I really don't know what you have in that head of yours..."

"My head is filled entirely with Master~"

"Shut up."

?

The crowd stared blankly at the scene.

The atmosphere was deathly silent, not a sound to be heard.