Little Cloud Heaven
Mu Family
After returning to the Mu Family, Mu Yunyao was immediately confined by her father, Mu Tianye.
"Have you had enough of this reckless behavior?"
"Do you even realize the consequences your actions have brought upon the Mu Family?"
Faced with Mu Tianye's fury, Mu Yunyao showed no trace of anger. Instead, she smiled faintly.
"Here we go again!"
"Do you know how far you’ve gone this time?" Mu Tianye asked coldly.
"Father, there’s no one else here. Isn’t it exhausting to keep up the act?"
"You locked me up just to shield me from the elders’ punishment, didn’t you?"
"I know you’re doing this for my sake," Mu Yunyao replied with a grin.
"You little brat!"
Mu Tianye’s expression shifted, and he quickly cast a silencing barrier to prevent their conversation from being overheard.
"Watch your words."
"Have you spent too much time in the lower realm? Have you forgotten basic caution?"
"Do you really think those old foxes can’t eavesdrop on us?" Mu Tianye sighed helplessly.
"Let them listen if they want."
"If they’re so eager to marry into the Wang Family, they can go ahead and do it themselves."
"Sure, they’re a bit old, but who knows? Maybe the Wangs have peculiar tastes," Mu Yunyao said dismissively.
"You—"
"What kind of nonsense have you been learning all these years away from home?"
"Was it that disciple of yours who corrupted you?" Mu Tianye demanded angrily.
Disciple?
At the mention of her disciple, Mu Yunyao immediately grew defensive. Her disciple was obedient, sensible, and…
No, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
"My disciple isn’t as bad as you think."
"He’s actually quite remarkable," Mu Yunyao said with a smile.
"Remarkable?"
"Do you think I don’t know what he did in the Tai Xuan Realm?"
"The Zhou Family reported everything to me."
"That boy… I’ve never seen anyone so… disgraceful."
Mu Tianye searched for a stronger word but settled on "disgraceful"—anything harsher felt too vulgar to voice.
Years ago, when the marriage between Mu Yunyao and the Wang Family was arranged, Mu Tianye hadn’t fully supported it. He knew Mu Yunyao opposed it even more.
Though he was the family head, the Mu Family’s elders, with their seniority and power, held significant influence.
Mu Yunyao’s successful escape to the Tai Xuan Realm—a minor world under the Zhou Family’s control—had only been possible because of Mu Tianye’s covert assistance.
Moreover, during the search for Mu Yunyao, Mu Tianye had deliberately sabotaged efforts, delaying her discovery for as long as possible.
"Still, your disciple isn’t entirely without merit."
"The fact that he managed to kill Wang Zhiwei’s avatar in the Tai Xuan Realm is nothing short of monstrous."
"His circumstances are… baffling, to say the least."
"Honestly, he doesn’t seem like someone who should exist in the Tai Xuan Realm."
"No—he shouldn’t even be there in the first place."
"How could an ordinary Chen Family produce such a freak?"
"An innate indestructible body, ageless and deathless—these are things countless cultivators spend their lives chasing."
"And this boy was born with them?"
Mu Tianye couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Chen Chang’an’s gifts weren’t something just anyone could possess.
Even at the Immortal Emperor level, while lifespans were long, death was inevitable.
"Father, do you know anything about Chen Chang’an’s origins?"
"Or the secrets he might be hiding?" Mu Yunyao asked curiously.
"After the Zhou Family reported his unusual nature, I had them investigate thoroughly."
"I also conducted my own inquiries within the Ancient Immortal Domain."
"To be honest, I found nothing. No one has ever encountered a being like your disciple."
"Even an Immortal Emperor’s reincarnation wouldn’t possess an indestructible, deathless physique from birth."
Mu Yunyao was stunned. Not even an Immortal Emperor’s reincarnation could achieve this?
Did that mean her disciple’s origins were even more terrifying?
But if so, why would he appear in a place like the Tai Xuan Realm?
Not that the Tai Xuan Realm was bad, but for true powerhouses, it was far too low-tier. Even the Ancient Immortal Domain was barely passable.
"Father, are you sure an Immortal Emperor’s reincarnation couldn’t accomplish this?"
"Of course not! Once reincarnated, how could they retain such abilities?"
"An Immortal Emperor’s reincarnation possesses a formidable soul, unparalleled comprehension, and mastery of powerful techniques."
"They cultivate without missteps, breaking through bottlenecks effortlessly."
"But to be born with Chen Chang’an’s indestructible physique?"
"In all my years, I’ve never heard of such a thing."
"Your disciple… is quite the enigma."
Mu Tianye held Chen Chang’an in high regard, believing his potential far surpassed even the so-called prodigies of the Ancient Immortal Domain.
"After all this time, you still refuse to marry?" Mu Tianye asked.
"No."
"I’ll choose my own husband," Mu Yunyao stated firmly.
"You’ve chosen your disciple?"
"Father!"
"What are you saying? He’s my disciple!"
Mu Yunyao hadn’t expected Mu Tianye to suggest such a thing. For some reason, her heart raced, and her cheeks warmed.
"He’s not your blood brother. Just a disciple. Such relationships aren’t unheard of in the Ancient Immortal Domain."
"Enough. We’ve talked too long—those old men will start gossiping again."
"I’ll buy you as much time as I can, but I don’t know how long I can hold them off."
"Remember, only by growing stronger can you control your own fate."
"You’ve wasted too many years in the Tai Xuan Realm. Focus on your cultivation now."
Mu Yunyao nodded. Though she had never stopped cultivating, the Tai Xuan Realm’s environment paled in comparison to the Ancient Immortal Domain.
"Father, don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you."
"Good. I’ve always believed my daughter is second to none."
"Oh, one more thing—Chen Chang’an has arrived in the Ancient Immortal Domain."
He’s here?
After a brief moment of surprise, Mu Yunyao regained her composure. She had expected Chen Chang’an to come—just not this soon.
"I wonder where the Zhou Family sent him," she mused lightly.
"That depends on his luck."
"Maybe they dropped him right at the Wang Family’s doorstep," Mu Tianye teased.
"Father!"
"Alright, alright. I know Chen Chang’an is your precious disciple. I’ll stop."
"That boy flees danger faster than anyone. Worry about yourself instead."