HPMC Chapter 14

　　What if he suddenly seems to have a different opinion of his peak master…? This thought suddenly popped into Mu Zirun’s head, then he shook his head and chuckled. He was overthinking it. Although Ming Yuan clearly harbored feelings for Chen Yiheng, and Chen Yiheng was also pursuing Yu Tianze, Yu Tianze didn’t seem to have any good feelings towards either of them.

　　And Chen Yiheng seemed to want to get rid of Ming Yuan. Could it be that because those two were entangled, Yu Tianze was avoiding them like the plague? No, no, no, just that wouldn’t be enough for Yu Tianze to harbor hatred.

　　Mu Zirun continued his analysis—commonly known as “imagining”—and had already come up with countless melodramatic scenarios. Meanwhile, Chen Yiheng had no choice but to deal with Ming Yuan. So he quickly resumed his polite demeanor and smiled at Ming Yuan, “Ming Yuan, are you here to see Tianze off?”

　　He had to distance himself. Seeing that Yu Tianze’s strength had improved again, reaching the late Nascent Soul stage, he had to speed up his pursuit. Such a powerful person, once he wins Yu Tianze’s heart, will ensure that for the next few hundred years, as long as Yu Tianze doesn’t perish, he won’t have to worry about vying for the sect leader’s position.

　　Chen Yiheng now deeply regrets provoking Ming Yuan. He knows Ming Yuan is infatuated with him, and Tianze respects Ming Yuan; if this isn’t handled well, Tianze might refuse to accept him, which would be disastrous for him.

　　Although he enjoys Ming Yuan’s admiration, there are many who admire him in this way, and Ming Yuan’s aptitude and strength are too poor; he absolutely cannot be his cultivation partner. Hearing Chen Yiheng’s question and seeing his attention focused on Yu Tianze, Ming Yuan’s gaze dimmed slightly.

 But he quickly smiled faintly, “Indeed, Tianze is traveling far, and as his master, I am naturally worried.” 

He then nodded slightly to Yu Tianze, “Tianze, be careful on your journey, and don’t cause trouble.”

　　Mu Zirun, …Here we go again, just how much does this guy enjoy disparaging his peak master?

　　Yu Tianze nodded in agreement, just like before, replied, “I understand.” He then glanced at Chen Yiheng, “You two catch up.”

　　With that, he patted his Thunder Eagle King, and together with Mu Zirun, flew off to the other side. Chen Yiheng and Ming Yuan were left behind; one was filled with regret, trying to clear his name, while the other was overjoyed, hoping to spend more time with his beloved.

　　Once the Thunder Eagle King landed safely again, Yu Tianze breathed a sigh of relief.

　　Meeting Ming Yuan or Chen Yiheng alone was already unpleasant enough, but now, with both of them together, it was constantly stirring up his most bitter memories from his past life. He had expended a great deal of effort to suppress his hatred, managing not to kill them both with a single lightning ball. Otherwise, he would have had to flee with Mu Zirun

　　 Before gaining sufficient self-defense capabilities and a sufficiently clean reputation, he couldn’t abandon his sect. Having made up his mind, Yu Tianze sensed someone watching him. Looking down, he saw, sure enough, it was Mu Zirun. The little brat’s concerned gaze warmed his heart. At least he wouldn’t be alone in this life. Feeling a bit better, Yu Tianze simply placed his hand on Mu Zirun’s head and ruffled it, “From now on, take whatever these two give you, but don’t rush to investigate. Let me check it first.”

　　Mu Zirun displayed a little cleverness, “Does Peak Master mean they’re going to harm us?”

　　Yu Tianze felt even more comfortable because of the word “us,” and frankly said, “That’s right. Neither of them are good people. My master almost killed me; I no longer acknowledge him. Hmm, I’ll give you something later.” “Wearing the pendant will prevent others from searching your soul.”

　　Mu Zirun nodded hurriedly, “Yes, thank you, Peak Master! I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

　　Yu Tianze finally let go of his last bit of resentment, “I believe you.” After a pause, he added, “Don’t go astray in the future.”

　　Mu Zirun understood the Peak Master’s “straightforwardness” once again, and after a slight twitch of his lips, he replied earnestly, “I definitely won’t go astray, and I will never forget the Peak Master’s teachings.”

　　Yu Tianze’s teachings were simple and direct—he had already explained them to Mu Zirun before he began to cultivate his Qi. “

　　I won’t offend others unless they offend me; if they offend me, I’ll kill them.”

　　Mu Zirun said it was easy to understand, and he would definitely do it.

　　Meanwhile…

　　Chen Yiheng looked at Ming Yuan, a fleeting hint of impatience flashing in his eyes, but his tone remained gentle, “Ming Yuan, we’re leaving soon. You should go back first. Thank you for the information you gave me earlier. Tianze has softened his attitude towards me quite a bit now, all thanks to you.”

　　Ming Yuan’s smile faded, and he sighed softly, “Senior Brother Yiheng, do you like Tianze that much…?”

　　Chen Yiheng nodded solemnly, “My love for Tianze is unwavering!”

　　Ming Yuan opened her mouth, “But…”

　　Chen Yiheng interrupted her, “Don’t say it!” He paused, his voice even lower, “You are very good, but my affection has already been invested in Tianze. No matter what, I can’t love anyone else. Tianze doesn’t tolerate infidelity. If I want to win his heart…I can never accept anyone else. Mingyuan, you understand me, right?”

　　A tear rolled down Mingyuan’s face, “I understand. If I said I don’t seek the title of Daoist partner, and wait many years, until Senior Brother Yiheng and Tianze are together, then Tianze… he will accept me…”

　　Chen Yiheng was also slightly moved, “If that’s the case, I… I will also pity you.”

　　Mingyuan showed a faint smile, his eyes filled with obvious joy, “I will definitely do my best to help Senior Brother Yiheng!” After saying that, he seemed a little sad, “Senior Brother Yiheng, don’t forget me.”

　　Chen Yiheng reached out, as if to embrace him, but then withdrew his hand, “I’m leaving.”

　　Mingyuan stared at Chen Yiheng’s back, his gaze lingering. Chen Yiheng felt that he should have stabilized Mingyuan now. Mingyuan was still very important to Tianze, and he couldn’t afford to break off relations and let him sabotage his plans. However, if Mingyuan could really help him get Tianze, what would be so difficult about taking him as a concubine then? Just as Ming Yuan said, even if Tianez wouldn’t accept others, he certainly wouldn’t mind Ming Yuan. With Ming Yuan mediating, his relationship with Tianze would definitely be harmonious.

　　Thinking of Ming Yuan’s gentle and moving nature, and then of Yu Tianze’s sharp and stunning demeanor, he felt a surge of heat in his heart. Yu Tianze was the one worthy of his Daoist partner, and Ming Yuan was also understanding. To have them would truly be one of the greatest joys in life!

　　After Chen Yiheng returned, all the members of the Nine Yang Sect who were going to the assembly were also present. After the leading elder gave the order, the enormous guardian spirit beast took flight and quickly circled in the air. Yu Tianze, protecting Mu Zirun, naturally patted the Thunder Eagle King’s head, “Rise!”

　　The Thunder Eagle King, its body crackling with lightning, spread its wings and appeared to the left of the guardian spirit beast. The group, in a grand and imposing manner, traveled day and night with a powerful aura. High in the sky, the wind was blowing, and the weather was very cold. The longer you flew, the colder it became. Yu Tianze pinched Mu Zirun’s slender arm, pulling him closer to his chest. Then, with a spell, he created three layers of protective shields, keeping the fierce wind at bay. “Little brat, are you cold?”

　　Mu Zirun shrank back. “Cold.”

　　Well, actually, he wasn’t that cold, but it felt good to be protected like this, and he quite liked being close to Yu Tianze. This Nascent Soul cultivator, who had a bad temper but never took it out on others, had a warm body, and his body temperature made him feel a little attached.

　　Although it wasn’t appropriate for an adult to do this, wasn’t he a “little brat” now? Let him enjoy it a bit more.

　　Yu Tianze simply took a cloak from his storage ring, wrapped it around Mu Zirun, and hugged him tightly. “Are you still cold now?”

　　Mu Zirun honestly replied, “I’m not cold now.”

　　This time, he really wasn’t cold, and he didn’t mind being even closer to Yu Tianze like this. Being surrounded by another person’s warm aura actually felt quite comfortable.

　　Yu Tianze was quite satisfied and then pinched Mu Zirun’s thin waist again, “Too thin, eat more meat in the future.”

　　Mu Zirun was both amused and exasperated, “Yes, Peak Master.”

　　Sure enough, he couldn’t lie; this was his way of getting back at him. To say Yu Tianze wasn’t discreet was an understatement. He was so young, yet he was being pinched like this. Even though it was out of concern, being teased like a child was just too embarrassing. A grown man in his forties couldn’t take this. Fortunately, Yu Tianze’s comment was just a sudden thought, a way of checking his feeding results. Finding it unsatisfactory, he offered some advice and then let it go. Afterwards, he began to give Mu Zirun some instructions.

　　Mu Zirun noticed that  Yu Tianze’s hand was still on his waist. It was slightly itchy, so he simply grabbed his hand and held it in front of him. Yu Tianze didn’t mind and continued to give him pointers. The two of them stayed like this, close together, on the back of the Thunder Eagle King for a day and a night. At this time, they arrived at Huanyang City, where the Xinyi Sect was located.

　　Huanyang City is vast, and the Xinyi Sect is considered a mid-level sect. However, this mid-level sect doesn’t align itself with any high-level sect—the current Nine Immortal Sects—but exists independently. Because it maintains absolute neutrality and because its resources are insufficient to affect the distribution of benefits among the high-level sects, the Xinyi Sect has become a buffer, surviving in the cracks, a mid-level sect approaching the status of a high-level sect.

　　Essentially, when the Nine Immortal Sects can’t clearly define their own relationships, they simply use this sect as a buffer. Of course, Xinyi Sect also possesses its own unique skill—they are the only sect capable of crafting semi-immortal artifacts; even the Nine Immortal Sects lack such master craftsmen.

　　Therefore, every ranking competition is held in Huanyang City.

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