In the morning, preparations were already underway for Bai Zihan’s journey to the Mu Clan.
His extravagant flying ship was ready, adorned with clan insignias and flanked by guards.
“Mu Clan, huh!”
To be honest, he didn’t really like going to his mother’s clan.
It wasn’t that they were crazy in a bad way—but when it came to alchemy, they were downright obsessive.
They could talk for hours about a single herb’s root quality or the exact moment a pill furnace’s flame should flicker.
They barely cared about the outside world, and trying to have a conversation with them about anything other than pills was like pulling teeth.
All in all, they were a bunch of boring weirdos who only knew how to talk about medicine.
But what could he do? He’d already agreed to go.
“But is it really okay for you to come protect me, Grand Elder?”
Bai Zihan asked, raising an eyebrow.
With his rising fame, plenty of people had started seeing him as a threat.
There had already been one assassination attempt—so it wasn’t surprising he’d be assigned guards.
He just hadn’t expected Grand Elder Bai Ren himself to come along.
Still, he was pretty sure it was Bai Ren’s own decision rather than his father’s instruction.
“Haha! Of course! You are our precious heir. We can’t allow you to be in danger,” Bai Ren said with a hearty chuckle.
Bai Zihan sighed.
“If you’re that worried about my safety, couldn’t you have gone and invited my mother instead?”
“No, no,” Bai Ren waved his hand. “We elders don’t meddle in the affairs of the younger generation. It wouldn’t be proper to interfere in their relationship.”
(But you’re perfectly fine meddling in mine?)
Bai Zihan cursed internally.
He was already getting annoyed by the Grand Elder—who used to ignore him completely but now hovered around like a clingy old grandpa who couldn’t give his grandson a moment of peace.
The flying ship soared across the sky, its runes gleaming as spiritual Qi pulsed along its hull.
Clouds parted at its approach, and a long shadow stretched beneath it like a dragon gliding through the heavens.
Inside the ship, Bai Zihan leaned lazily against the railing, arms crossed as he watched the world blur past.
“We should be arriving soon,” Bai Zihan muttered, glancing at the horizon where mist-covered peaks emerged in layers of jade and silver.
The Mu Clan Estate was nestled within a secluded mountain range rich in medicinal herbs and spiritual Qi.
It was a place of serenity and refinement—completely different from the militant aura of the Bai Clan’s territory.
As the ship began its descent, they passed through a protective mist barrier. The ship’s Bai Clan insignia shimmered, signaling who they were.
Almost immediately, a group of guards rose into the air to greet them.
Though the guards wore the robes of the Mu Clan—an elegant green marked with a cauldron emblem—their stance, posture, and the way they gripped their weapons betrayed something different.
Bai Zihan narrowed his eyes slightly.
(These guys… most of them are from the Bai Clan.)
Not surprising. The Mu Clan didn’t raise warriors.
Most of their core guard force was supplied by the Bai Clan—handpicked cultivators who’d sworn loyalty to both sides.
As the flying ship docked at the landing platform, the head of the guard squad stepped forward and bowed deeply.
“Young Master Bai Zihan. It is an honor. Welcome to the Mu Clan!”
His voice was respectful, but there was a clear hint of excitement behind his calm expression.
The other guards followed in bowing—but their eyes kept drifting toward Bai Zihan, unable to hide their awe.
“It’s the Young Master! His reputation has changed from what it used to be.”
“He’s defeated many top geniuses older than him. I heard even Mo Tianji, the Saint of Crimson Demon Sect, was humiliated.”
“His talent is now recognized to be greater than that of Bai Xueqing. After all, despite being younger, his cultivation realm is the same as hers.”
…
Grand Elder Bai Ren stepped off the ship next, nodding approvingly at the security detail.
“You’ve done well,” he said. “Lead us to the main hall. Inform Clan Leader Mu that his nephew has come to visit.”
“Yes, Grand Elder!”
The guards straightened and immediately dispatched one of their own to inform the higher-ups.
Meanwhile, Bai Zihan descended the steps slowly, his eyes darting elsewhere.
He could see many disciples of the Mu Clan glancing at him curiously—from young to old.
Despite being in seclusion, it wouldn’t be strange for them to have heard about his exploits, considering how big the news was.
The guard led Bai Zihan and Grand Elder Bai Ren through a winding path of mist-veiled pavilions and jade-tiled bridges, finally into the Main Hall.
“Zihan’er!”
The man’s booming voice was filled with cheer.
He wore pale green robes embroidered with silver cauldrons, and though his build was slim, there was a vigor in his eyes that made it clear he was no ordinary alchemist.
Mu Qingyuan, current Clan Leader of the Mu Clan and Bai Zihan’s maternal uncle, strode forward with open arms.
“You’ve finally come to visit, brat. You’ve grown taller again! And look at you… tsk tsk… your cultivation’s already at the Soul Formation Realm. What are you eating over there in the Bai Clan? Dragon marrow and phoenix blood?”
Bai Zihan smirked, stepping forward.
“Uncle Qingyuan. I’m honored to be welcomed so warmly.”
“Hah! Of course I’m warm—how could I not be?”
Mu Qingyuan laughed, grabbing Bai Zihan’s shoulders and giving them a shake.
“Every tea house and scroll stand in the Empire is singing tales of the Bai Clan’s Young Master. First, you beat the Li Clan’s top talent—then the Crimson Demon Sect’s Saint! Tell me, how is this brat my nephew? Hahaha!”
Well, he certainly couldn’t believe it at first. He knew his nephew well enough to find it suspicious—even if the whole Empire was singing his praises.
It was only when he saw Bai Zihan in person and sensed his Soul Formation Realm cultivation that he realized those rumors might actually be true.
Though he still doubted his so-called heroic exploits, knowing that he was more devil than hero.
“It’s good to see the Bai Clan’s next generation living up to the name. We’ve already begun brewing a medicinal tea perfect for you. You’ll like it!”
Servants came with tea and served it to the Bai Clan members.
“So, what brings the young hero of the Bai Clan all the way here?”
He asked.
Bai Zihan glanced at Bai Ren, then looked back to his uncle.
“I’ve come to invite my mother,” he said plainly. “For my birthday!”
Mu Qingyuan’s gaze lingered for a moment before nodding slowly.
“I see!”
He chuckled.
“She’ll be pleased. She’s in her personal courtyard now—just finished concocting a batch of Nine Revolution Bone-Nurturing Pills. You know how she gets after brewing—grumpy if anyone disturbs her mid-refining, but calm once she’s done.”
He looked at Bai Zihan more carefully this time, his tone softening.
“She’s missed you, you know. Even if she doesn’t show it.”
Bai Zihan looked down at the teacup in his hands.
“I’ve missed her too.”
“I’ll take you there myself,” Mu Qingyuan said. “Let’s not waste time.”
As they rose, Mu Qingyuan gave a nod to Bai Ren.
“Rest here, Grand Elder. I’ll handle this personally.”
Bai Ren nodded in approval.
“Good. I’ll sample more of your tea. It’s not often I get a peaceful moment.”
And with that, Bai Zihan and Mu Qingyuan stepped out once more, walking the quiet stone path toward the inner garden—where Mu Yuelan awaited.