"Truly a peerless cat,"
Bai Mu steadied his breathing, his expression returning to calm.
"Shameless troublemaker!"
Xiao Wu bit her lip, forcing down her agitation. She kept reminding herself that the person she loved was Tang San. No matter how capable Bai Mu was, she would not waver in her resolve.
"Bai Mu, you'll never win my heart!"
She said it firmly, as if saying it aloud would strengthen her determination.
"Hm? That's quite a declaration,"
Bai Mu replied lightly, motioning for her to come closer.
Despite herself, Xiao Wu stepped forward. She stopped a short distance away, clearly conflicted, frustration written all over her face.
"Little Mu, you're really infuriating," she said through gritted teeth.
Bai Mu shook his head, looking genuinely puzzled.
"I've treated you well, haven't I? Immortal Herbs, resources, guidance—how is that infuriating?"
"That's not the point!"
Xiao Wu felt flustered, unable to properly put her feelings into words.
Seeing her reaction, Bai Mu chuckled.
"You're expressive, I'll give you that."
Nearby, Ye Lingling watched quietly. Xiao Wu, realizing she had lost her composure, took a deep breath and suddenly activated her Martial Soul.
Her first spirit ring lit up.
"First Spirit Ability—Waist Bow!"
She lunged forward, her movements sharp and explosive. Bai Mu raised an arm to block, but even he was caught slightly off guard by the sudden burst of power.
"Interesting,"
he said, eyes narrowing. "That explosive strength…"
Xiao Wu landed lightly and looked back at him, pride flashing across her face.
"My Waist Bow amplifies my power instantly. This is my real fighting style!"
Bai Mu didn't rush to counterattack. Instead, he observed carefully, his expression growing thoughtful.
After several exchanges, he finally raised a hand, signaling a stop.
"Enough," he said seriously.
"I admit it—my earlier judgment was wrong."
Xiao Wu froze. "Wrong?"
"Yes," Bai Mu nodded.
"I shouldn't have thought about changing your path. Your Soft Bones Rabbit Martial Soul is meant for offense. Waist Bow, Instant Kill techniques—this is a fighting style others couldn't replicate even if they tried."
He looked genuinely impressed.
"The attack-type Soft Bones Rabbit is the correct direction."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu snorted lightly and turned away.
"Took you long enough to realize."
Exhaustion quickly caught up to her, and before long she lay down to rest.
In her dreams, she stood proudly at the peak of cultivation, overwhelming every opponent in her path. No one could restrain her anymore.
---
Several days later.
Bai Mu sat with Ye Lingling near the cultivation area.
"So," he asked calmly, "what did your mother say?"
Ye Lingling replied obediently,
"She said that if you can help her resolve the Nine-Heart Begonia's limitations, she's willing to assist you and help maintain the Immortal Herbs."
Bai Mu nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Time is precious—tell her to come as soon as she's ready."
Not long after, Ye Lingling returned with her mother.
"Bai Mu, this is my mother, Ye Tianxin."
The woman wore elegant robes with begonia patterns, her demeanor gentle and refined.
"Greetings," Ye Tianxin said politely.
"Please, no need for formality," Bai Mu replied with a courteous smile.
"I've heard a lot about you."
After a brief explanation, Bai Mu handed her an Immortal Herb and guided her to begin cultivation. Ye Tianxin followed the instructions carefully and soon entered a focused state.
Watching quietly from the side, Ye Lingling glanced at Bai Mu and said flatly,
"Don't stare."
Bai Mu raised an eyebrow.
"I'm simply observing the effects. That's all."
"Hmph," Ye Lingling turned away, unconvinced.
The valley soon returned to silence, spiritual energy flowing steadily as cultivation continued.
With new allies, improved techniques, and carefully laid plans, Bai Mu's path forward grew ever clearer—
and the strength of those around him continued to rise.
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