Lan Mulian came to a halt, turning her head slightly to glance at the young man behind her. Her beautiful, ice-cold eyes reflected surprise, and despite the gauze covering her face, her refined features shone through. She pursed her lips and asked softly, "Is it you?"
The exchange between them was brief and cryptic, likely incomprehensible to an outsider. However, Mu Zhian understood perfectly. The moment Lan Mulian reacted to the phrase "running away from home," it confirmed everything. He was surprised, though; he had never imagined that the owner of the paper crane was a disciple of the Liang Yi Sect, and judging by her demeanor, she seemed to hold a respectable position.
Lan Mulian continued, "You two must be from a prominent family in a nearby city. What brings you here?" The Liang Yi Sect was situated near the vast Sea of World, an expanse so immense that ordinary monks couldn't see its end even after flying for days. It was unlikely they sought to venture into such depths.
After a brief pause, Mu Zhian decided to be honest. "Actually, we came to the Liang Yi Sect in search of some medicinal materials. I heard that the Beast King Vine can only be found near here."
"You're looking for the Beast King Vine?" Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow. "What do you need it for? It's primarily used to refine elixirs for seriously injured patients. Is someone in your family gravely ill?"
With a soft sigh, Mu Zhian replied, "It's a long story, but the Beast King Vine holds great significance for me." He then looked at her earnestly, asking, "Senior sister, do you know where I might find the Beast King Vine nearby?"
"I'm not your senior sister," Lan Mulian said coolly, her voice clear and distant, her white dress giving her an ethereal quality. "And I don't know where to find the Beast King Vine."
Wei Mengrou, who had been listening quietly, suggested, "Let's head back first."
"Wait a moment," Mu Zhian whispered to the maid beside him before turning back to Lan Mulian with a smile. "I know someone—a friend—who has been struggling with her family for nearly a week. She keeps writing about wanting to leave, but she never takes action. I wonder if you might know her?"
Lan Mulian toyed with a strand of hair, her gaze dropping slightly. "I don't know her." After a brief silence, she glanced at Mu Zhian and sighed, "What do you call this young master?"
"Mu Zhian," he replied.
Lan Mulian nodded, her expression still reserved. "Mr. Mu, I can give you the Beast King Vine, but may I ask if you have other matters to attend to?"
Mu Zhian understood her concern. "Actually, one of my close uncles has been seriously ill these past few days. I've been trying to find ways to help him. I finally returned home tonight and went straight to the study to reply to the owner of the paper crane, hoping to ease her worries."
Wei Mengrou observed Mu Zhian thoughtfully. Despite being busy, he hadn't forgotten to respond to Zhihe's letters. It made sense now why there had been no replies in the past two days.
Lan Mulian's beautiful eyes flickered with interest. She closed her eyes momentarily, her consciousness scanning the ring on her right hand. She retrieved a small, exquisitely crafted box.
Mu Zhian noted her careful selection; this storage ring was likely filled with treasures. He pondered the significance of her actions. Lan Mulian gently tossed the box into Mu Zhian's hands. As he opened it, a powerful medicinal fragrance wafted out. Inside lay a root as thick as a teacup, marked with mottled patterns that vaguely formed the character for "king." It was the Beast King Vine.
Looking up, Mu Zhian found Lan Mulian's expression still cold. "There's no need for thanks. Just give me one of the refined pills next time," she stated matter-of-factly. The large root could yield enough elixirs with similar curative effects, making it feel almost like a generous gift. Mu Zhian couldn't help but think that she must be quite affluent.
"Thank you, senior sister," Mu Zhian replied, nodding appreciatively.
Lan Mulian asked, "Which city are you from?"
"Tianxuan City," he answered.
"If nothing comes up, you should return. Staying out too long may lead to misunderstandings," she advised softly.
Mu Zhian smiled. "We'll head back right away. Senior sister, would you like to join us back to Tianxuan City?"
After a moment's hesitation, she shook her head. "Let's wait a few days."
Curious, Mu Zhian asked, "By the way, what's your name, senior sister?"
Lan Mulian shot him a sidelong glance, a faint smile gracing her lips for the first time. "You'll know next time we meet." Her voice rang clear like breaking ice, and beneath the gauze, her beautiful eyes sparkled with intrigue.
As she gracefully adjusted her moon-white skirt, her short boots embroidered with clouds, she stepped lightly, her tall and well-proportioned figure evoking endless admiration. Anyone witnessing a high-ranking disciple of the Liang Yi Sect descending to Tianxuan City would surely cause a stir.
Watching Lan Mulian's figure fade from view, Mu Zhian felt a mix of emotions. He turned back, sitting on his flying sword, and smiled at Wei Mengrou. "Let's go back, Sister Mengrou."
Wei Mengrou nodded, her fingers deftly controlling the flying sword as they soared toward Tianxuan City. The night wind tousled her hair, and the fabric of her dress hugged her form, accentuating her curves.
"What are your plans now?" Wei Mengrou asked suddenly.
Mu Zhian glanced at her, stroking the small box in his hand. "With the Beast King Vine, I can easily gather the remaining materials by sending someone to the auction house. In other words, we now have all the essential components for our endeavor."
"Now, all we need to do is let the actors take the stage and guide them to perform their best, right?" he concluded, with a sense of anticipation in his voice.