HPMC Chapter 23

Mu Zirun smiled even more confidently under Yu Tianze’s admiring gaze. He naturally called out, “Peak Master,” showing no fear whatsoever.

As the leader of the sect, Sect Master Chen raised many spiritual beasts. His mountain residence was a hub of activity, frequently visited by guests and home to many personal and nominal disciples. It was easily one of the largest factions within the Jiuyang Sect.

Yet, no one in this faction dared to underestimate Yu Tianze, especially after he had taken the top spot among the hundred; they were now even more wary of him. Moreover, word had spread that Yu Tianze was going to the main sect to cultivate in seclusion, where he would access superior resources and interact with even more outstanding talents. How could they not be jealous? Although they dared not show any displeasure to Yu Tianze, they certainly had no kind words for Mu Zirun, who was subordinate to him.

However, seeing Mu Zirun and Yu Tianze so harmonious, the petty thoughts brewing within the crowd were quickly suppressed. Yu Tianze’s sharp gaze swept across the surroundings; only after seeing everyone lower their heads did he withdraw his gaze with satisfaction. The joke was on them—he wouldn’t even dream of bullying the little brat himself, so how could he let others do it? The brat’s good temper was a virtue, but it didn’t mean he should be oppressed.

After warning those who were tempted to make a move, Yu Tianze picked up Mu Zirun as usual and returned to his own mountain peak. The Thunderfire Hall had been put away. Yu Tianze had met everyone he needed to meet and had no desire to stay any longer. He was also worried that Chen Yiheng would return to cause more trouble, so he prepared to leave the Jiuyang Sect early. Just as he was about to speak, Mu Zirun suddenly grabbed his sleeve.

Yu Tianze’s brow twitched. “What?”

Mu Zirun sighed. “Peak Master, there are still three demon spirits here. Would you like to take them with you?”

Although only one person could be brought to the Zhenggang Sect, there were no restrictions on servants like demon spirits. Yu Tianze had long forgotten them, but Mu Zirun remained wary. These three spirits were often commanded by him but were clearly disliked by the Peak Master—he worried they might cause trouble in the Jiuyang Sect after their departure.

Humans and spirits were different, after all. Mu Zirun was good at understanding human hearts, but he couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t misinterpret the thoughts of demon spirits. Upon hearing this, Yu Tianze’s expression turned grim. Those three traitors…

After calming himself, he said, “Summon them first.”

Mu Zirun immediately cast a spell. Not long after, the three demon spirits arrived at the summit. They hadn’t seen Yu Tianze for some time and had been driven around by a lowly servant. They were already uneasy, and this sudden summons only heightened their anxiety. Would they be taken to the main sect? Or…?

Upon seeing the three spirits, Yu Tianze paid them little attention. He simply raised two fingers, and a ball of lightning at his fingertips split into three streams, piercing directly into their brains. The lightning circled within their minds before being withdrawn. When the three spirits opened their eyes, their gazes were filled with fear and unfamiliarity.

Yu Tianze snorted coldly. “From now on, you will stay with Ming Yuan and never come back.”

The demons quickly bowed their heads and hurried away. Mu Zirun raised an eyebrow, puzzled. What happened? He looked toward his Peak Master for an answer.

Yu Tianze, now used to explaining himself, said, “I erased their memories and removed their restrictions. I don’t want those things anymore.”

Mu Zirun understood immediately. These demon spirits now belonged to Master Mingyuan, but all memories of the Peak Master and himself were gone. No matter who tried, they would be unable to extract any information from their minds. It was a good move. Although the Peak Master’s methods were simple and crude, they were undeniably effective.

Having settled the last of his affairs, Yu Tianze and Mu Zirun bid farewell to the Jiuyang Sect for good. Just as he had expected, Chen Yiheng later tried to visit under the guise of helping Yu Tianze pack, only to find the residence empty. Outside the sect, Yu Tianze stood high in the void, looking down at a patch of flashing lightning in the forest beyond the gate.

His expression remained cold. “Thunder Eagle King, do you wish to come with me?”

The Thunder Eagle King, who had always been beaten before being taken anywhere, tilted its head. After hesitating for a long time, it finally rose and circled Yu Tianze, emitting “ai ai” sounds.

Mu Zirun couldn’t help but chuckle. “Peak Master, what is this…?”

Yu Tianze said impatiently to the bird, “If you behave in the future, I will not beat you. Do you really think I’m a violent person?”

Upon hearing this, the Thunder Eagle King raised its head and let out a long cry before lowering its head and stopping in front of Yu Tianze. The two sat on its back once again. The thunder eagles below stirred, and the Thunder Eagle King spat out lightning, descending upon another eagle nearly as tall as itself. In an instant, the second eagle’s feathers underwent a dramatic change until they were identical to the King’s.

This marked the Thunder Eagle King handing over its throne. From then on, it would wholeheartedly follow Yu Tianze, and the flock was no longer its responsibility.

Yu Tianze patted the bird’s head lightly. “Following me will not let you down. From now on, you shall be called ‘Lei Huang’.”

Lei Huang boldly revealed his figure in mid-air before transforming into a lightning shadow, flying toward the horizon.

Qinghe City

The Zhenggang Immortal Sect was tens of thousands of miles away from the Jiuyang Sect. Although a Nascent Soul cultivator traveled quickly and the Thunder Eagle King was fast, the nine major sects were still engaged in internal disputes and would not return to their headquarters immediately. To avoid arriving before the main party, Yu Tianze did not hurry.

They decided to settle down in Qinghe City, which was only a thousand miles from the Zhenggang Immortal Sect. It was a massive city with a constant flow of people. After the Thunder Eagle King landed, Yu Tianze led Mu Zirun to the gate, paid the entrance fee, and walked safely into the city.

Since his rebirth, Yu Tianze had not given Ming Yuan anything. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, he had received numerous benefits during his previous training, along with rewards from the ranking tournament and his own accumulated wealth. He was quite powerful and rich. While he didn’t obsess over luxury, he didn’t skimp on material comforts either. Since he had the little one with him, he chose the best inn in the city.

Mu Zirun, acting as a professional attendant, led the way. Holding a storage bag, he spoke to the waiter. “My Peak Master is a Nascent Soul cultivator; do you have any private rooms here?”

The waiter was also a cultivator at the third level of Qi Refining—a rogue cultivator who hadn’t been accepted by a sect due to poor aptitude. Such people often worked in inns catering to other cultivators to make ends meet. Having developed a thick skin through years of hardship, the waiter did not act dismissively, even though he could tell Mu Zirun was only a novice. 

He bowed courteously. “So it is a Venerable One who has arrived! It is an honor! However…” He hesitated. “Our humble shop does not have private rooms available, but we have elegant seating on the second floor, separated by an array. It is very quiet, and you can see the happenings downstairs. What do you think, Venerable One?”

Mu Zirun turned to Yu Tianze, who nodded. He was only bringing the brat for a meal and didn’t mind the seating. Mu Zirun was also actually quite satisfied. He had asked for a private room out of respect for the Peak Master’s status, but he personally preferred an open area where he could overhear news and rumors. It was common knowledge that restaurants were the best places for information.

“Please lead the way,” Mu Zirun told the waiter. The waiter breathed a sigh of relief and led them upstairs. This is a Nascent Soul cultivator, he thought, and he doesn’t seem to have a good temper. Luckily, I didn’t offend him.

The upstairs seating was pleasant. Yu Tianze didn’t complain, and Mu Zirun noted the arrangement for future reference. Once seated, the waiter read out the menu. Mu Zirun, knowing Yu Tianze’s tastes, picked several of the best dishes without hesitation.

Mu Zirun understood that money was earned, not just saved. With Yu Tianze’s backing and his own system, he knew he could always acquire more resources. He generously gave the waiter a low-grade spirit stone as a tip, which made the man incredibly happy.

The service became even more attentive, and the food arrived quickly. While serving Yu Tianze, Mu Zirun kept an ear out for the “loud-sounding discussions” on the first floor. Just as he was beginning to focus on a conversation, a group of people suddenly burst into the inn with a loud “whoosh.”

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