"Did you discuss the matter of the Spirit-breaking Pill with Mu Chen?" Mu Yuanhang asked Mu Hong with a stern face.

"Father, you know? Father, Uncle Mu is now a nine-star martial master. If he advances to a martial spirit, it would be disadvantageous for us. If you could obtain that pill, the situation would be different," Mu Hong said, his eyes shifting cunningly.

Mu Yuanhang sighed, his expression darkening, "This matter should have been brought up, but not by you. Acting rashly like this, you've startled Mu Chen and aroused his suspicions, which is not good."

Mu Hong replied dismissively, "Father, you're overestimating Mu Chen. He's always been simple-minded; how could he possibly become suspicious?"

Mu Yuanhang glared at Mu Hong, "It's always wise to be cautious. Never underestimate your opponent. Even if Mu Chen might not suspect anything, wouldn't Mu Yuanfeng?"

Mu Hong pursed his lips, still somewhat unconvinced, but eventually bowed his head and accepted the criticism, "I understand my mistake, Father."

"This time, let it pass. Anyway, with Mu Chen's personality, he probably won't suspect you," Mu Yuanhang concluded.

Mu Hong nodded, "I'll be more careful next time."

"It would have been best to have Qi Si bring this up, but unfortunately, Mu Chen has dismissed him," Mu Yuanhang lamented with regret.

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"Father, why exactly was Qi Si dismissed by Mu Chen?" Mu Hong asked, puzzled.

Qi Si was Mu Yuanhang's most useful pawn placed close to Mu Chen. Without him, their control over Mu Chen would significantly decrease.

"It's said that because Zhuang Yu returned Mu Chen's sword, Mu Chen took his anger out on Qi Si," Mu Yuanhang explained.

Mu Hong expressed confusion, "That doesn't sound like him!" Mu Chen had always been indecisive. His decisive action to expel his close aide was somewhat mysterious.

"Recently, that boy seems to be a bit different," Mu Yuanhang remarked somberly.

Mu Chen emerged from the room, and Ren San's face lit up with joy upon seeing him, "Young Master, congratulations on advancing to an eight-star martial apprentice."

Mu Chen inwardly rolled his eyes; at his age, many were already martial warriors, making his current level somewhat embarrassing.

"Anything happen recently?" Mu Chen inquired.

"Young Master Mu Hong sent over a list. There's a big auction coming up with many valuable items listed," Ren San said.

Mu Chen narrowed his eyes, a chill passing through them, "Where's the list? Let me see."

Ren San nodded and handed over the list to Mu Chen.

After opening it, Mu Chen noticed that Mu Hong had specially marked the Ice Lotus Water.

Mu Chen sighed. The original story mentioned Mu Chen spending a fortune for a beauty, but it didn't mention all the pushing and prodding behind the scenes.

The sight of a pill furnace on the list caught Mu Chen's interest.

Mu Yuanfeng was an alchemist who had once wanted to train Mu Chen in the same craft, but the original owner wasn't interested. Unlike the original owner, Mu Chen was keen on learning.

"Did you bring the alchemy books I asked for?" Mu Chen asked.

Ren San nodded, "They're all here."

"You can leave now," Mu Chen said.

After Ren San left, Mu Chen opened a book, and a map fell out. It was a detailed layout of a secret chamber in Mu Yuanfeng's bedroom, including how to access it.