Mu Yuanhang looked at Mu Hong with a cold face, "Mu Chen has given the map we hid in his books to Mu Yuanfeng. Now Mu Yuanfeng is on guard against us."

Mu Hong's eyes widened in disbelief, "How could this happen?"

Mu Yuanhang took a deep breath, "With Mu Yuanfeng being cautious, it will be difficult to act against him regarding the Spirit-breaking Pill."

Mu Hong clenched his teeth, "This can't be." Mu Chen had always been simple-minded; how had he suddenly become so astute?

"Mu Chen has advanced to a nine-star martial apprentice," Mu Yuanhang revealed.

Mu Hong's complexion changed drastically, "How is that possible?" Mu Chen had just advanced to an eight-star martial apprentice, and now he's a nine-star in just a few days?

Mu Yuanhang massaged his forehead, "Ever since being rejected by Zhuang Yu, Mu Chen has changed drastically. We can't underestimate him now."

Mu Hong bit his lip, "Was the rejection by Zhuang Yu that big of a shock to him?"

Mu Yuanhang shrugged, "Who knows? But Zhuang Yu is indeed talented, captivating many admirers."

...

"Shi, there are some special guests in the front hall. Do you want to see?" Amu, a kitchen hand, came in and said.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Ye Shi frowned, asking, "Who has come?"

"Zhuang Yu brought some people over. They're all well-known young talents of our city. Zhuang Yu sure knows how to pick them, always bringing someone different, but all of them are top-notch," Amu said with a hint of envy.

Ye Shi's expression changed, "Is Zhuang Yu good-looking?"

Amu nodded, somewhat enviously, "Naturally. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so many people around him changing all the time."

Chen Da's expression changed, "Is Mu Chen around?"

Amu shook his head, "He's not. It's strange, Mu Chen used to be the most outgoing. Recently, he's been very quiet, not like himself at all."

Chen Da pressed further, "What's he been up to lately?"

Amu shook his head again, "Who knows?"

Chen Da glanced at Ye Shi, asking, "Shi, will you go?"

Ye Shi resolutely shook his head, "No." Sneaking around to see Mu Chen's beloved was not something he was interested in.

Chen Da sighed, shaking his head helplessly.

...

Zhuang Yu sat at a table surrounded by a group of young men.

"Chen, we haven't seen Mu recently. What's he been up to?" Sun Yu asked curiously.

Chen Moran laughed coldly, "That guy's been hiding at home like a maiden lately. Maybe he's hiding because he's pregnant."

Sun Yu chuckled, "Chen, you're always joking."

"The auction is soon. Mu Chen will probably show up," Sun Yu mentioned.

Chen Moran nodded, "Probably."

"I wonder how many yuan stones Mu Chen has. If we pool our resources, maybe we could buy the Ice Lotus Water," Sun Yu speculated.

The Ice Lotus Water Zhuang Yu wanted was too expensive for them to afford on their own.

Zhuang Yu smiled awkwardly, "Thank you all for considering me, but the Ice Lotus Water is too expensive. Let's not bother."

Sun Yu insisted, "Ah Yu, don't be like that. If there's a chance, we should try."

Zhuang Yu smiled shyly, head bowed.

"Actually, since Mu Yuanfeng is an alchemist, Mu Chen could just sell a couple of his father's pills to gather enough yuan stones. But lately, he's been stingy," Chen Moran commented irritably.