Chapter 661: 661, you little money-grubber
"Hmm, it should be possible," Mu Rui’an said vaguely, holding the Spirit Talisman. "Have you noticed that the power of Heaven and Earth within one foot of the Auspicious Beast Egg is significantly denser and purer?"
Mu Hanyan was too excited to notice the ambiguity in her father’s words. When she took the Exotic Beast Egg, she could tell that the Heaven and Earth power was indeed much denser and purer within a one-foot radius centered on the egg.
No wonder, Mu Hanyan had noticed that her Qi was increasing faster than before during her journey. At first, she thought it was because of her advancement in realm, combined with absorbing the Nine Heavens Star Power from Yan Yuchu. Only now did she realize that it was the Spirit Talisman that was making a difference.
If she could benefit from it, the benefits to the Auspicious Beast Egg would undoubtedly be even more significant; most likely, it could hatch on its own. Finally, Mu Hanyan’s mood began to lighten.
"By the way, you haven’t told me where exactly you got this talisman from?" Mu Rui’an changed the subject.
"Weren’t you even listening to what I just said?" Mu Hanyan pouted, then recounted the events that had taken place in Little Pond City in detail. Afterward, she handed over the deed to the city and said, "The Yuan Family has lost a fine Meteorite Gold Mine, which they will find hard to swallow. The news will spread soon, and I don’t have the time to guard it every day. The family can manage the mine, but I’m not giving it away for nothing. I want half of the profits from the mine."
"You little money-grubber, you’ve already made tens of millions and still aren’t satisfied. You’re richer than I am," Mu Rui’an laughed and scolded her, tapping her forehead to remind her, "Based on what you said about Ling Baobao, he’s skilled in alchemy and knows the Divine Scam Method, a sort of trickery. If I’m not mistaken, he may well be a descendant of those ancient strong ones who studied Spirit Talismans. You should know that a large part of our Holy Court Continent’s current Alchemy Technique, Star Divination Technique, and Alchemy Technique for Elixirs all stem from Spirit Talismans. He isn’t entirely about deception; it’s possible he just hasn’t found the right method. Don’t underestimate him."
"Got it," Mu Hanyan agreed seriously, realizing the marvel of that piece of beautiful jade and vowing not to underestimate Ling Baobao.
"Also, don’t go spreading information about his identity everywhere. It might bring him trouble," Mu Rui’an added.
"Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll be careful." Mu Hanyan would be cautious without his reminder. After all, Ling Baobao was like a free worker for five years; if something went wrong, where would she find a suitable alchemist? Of course, this was said in jest; in truth, Mu Hanyan really quite liked Ling Baobao and wouldn’t want him to come to any harm.
"Alright then, I’ll call for the Third Elder now so he can send someone to manage Little Pond City." Mu Rui’an decided it was time to bring the conversation to a close.
"Okay, good." Mu Hanyan placed the Auspicious Beast Egg back against her chest. Thinking of how the egg was no longer in danger of running out of Life Essence and would eventually hatch into the legendary auspicious beast, a look of happiness spread across Mu Hanyan’s face.
"I said I’m going to ask the Third Elder to come here," Mu Rui’an repeated.
"Oh, then I’ll take my leave," Mu Hanyan thought her father preferred not to have her present, so she started to head out.
"I didn’t tell you to leave; I’m saying, aren’t you a little too happy?" Mu Rui’an said.
Only then did Mu Hanyan realize what he meant. Father and "son" had been like strangers for more than a decade, and her sudden joy and happiness could understandably arouse suspicion.
If it caught the eye of someone with intentions, wouldn’t all previous efforts be wasted?
Okay, I’ll keep up the act, at least until I’m promoted to Sword Master. Thankfully, I’ve already reached the peak of Great Swordsman, so I believe it won’t be long before I reach the Sword Master Realm. By then, I shouldn’t need to keep up such a strenuous facade, right?
Mu Hanyan rubbed her face forcefully, then put on a bitter expression before heading outside.
"Call the Third Elder here." As soon as the door opened, Mu Rui’an commanded with an authoritative face, without giving Mu Hanyan another glance.
"Yes, Lord City Master." The guard bowed and responded. However, he couldn’t help but sneak a sympathetic glance at Mu Hanyan, thinking to himself, ’Ah, the poor Young Master, I wonder what blunder he’s committed this time to be disciplined like this.’
"Sigh." After the guard turned to leave, Mu Rui’an looked at his daughter’s retreating figure and let out a soft sigh.
In fact, he hadn’t finished speaking earlier. Even with a Spirit Talisman capable of gathering the Heaven and Earth Power, it would only ensure that the Auspicious Beast Egg wouldn’t die from draining its vitality. To hatch it, other conditions would still need to be met. Moreover, the effects of the Spirit Talisman were limited in duration; if they couldn’t hatch it in time, it would eventually lose its power, and the Auspicious Beast Egg would eventually run out of vitality.
However, seeing Mu Hanyan’s joy, he just couldn’t bring himself to say those words.
Others raised their daughters surrounded by luxury and pets like flowers, kittens, and puppies; he raised his own daughter as if she were a boy, letting her tussle and cause mischief with other boys. If he remembered correctly, this Auspicious Beast Egg should be her first pet. Mu Rui’an really didn’t want to see her upset.
Mu Rui’an could sense that the vitality of the Exotic Beast Egg was quite strong, and it wouldn’t deplete for at least a few hundred years; supported by that Spirit Talisman, perhaps it could survive even longer. Maybe one day when Hanyan became an ultimate warrior with a longer lifespan, she would be able to come to terms with it.
...
Mu Hanyan was blissfully unaware of her father’s concerns and his well-intentioned lies, and contently returned to her courtyard.
Upon returning, she saw Han Jinglun standing under a plum tree with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance with a calm and peaceful demeanor, as if reminiscing something, his gaze distant and profound.
Mu Hanyan had thought he might feel uneasy in the City Lord’s Mansion, but seeing his serene behavior, she was somewhat surprised. It appeared that before heading to Cangshan City, Manager Han’s situation at home must have been quite good too; an ordinary commoner would never have been so at ease in the City Lord’s Mansion.
As the host, Mu Hanyan first took Han Jinglun on a tour around the Mu Residence and then led him to the Nanyan Chamber of Commerce.
Although Han Jinglun’s composure was unexpected to Mu Hanyan, offering a sense of nobility, the Mu Residence was still bustling with too many people and activities to conveniently keep him there.
Just as she stepped out of her courtyard, Mu Hanyan spotted Mu Hanfeng’s Personal Maid. The young girl sat by the pond with a worried face, resting her chin in her hands and staring blankly at the water lilies. This Maid, who had been promoted to her position more recently, was well-behaved and invested in Mu Hanfeng’s affairs, keeping his quarters in meticulous order.