"Impressive! Yu Xiaogang, you're truly impressive!"
"What am I even supposed to say about you? You even snatched something meant for Luo San Pao!"
"Competing with a pig for food—now that's impressive!"
"And wait—Tang San ate it too?!"
"This really is a small investment for an enormous return. A double harvest!"
The corners of Bai Mu's mouth lifted slightly.
Ever since the restriction on the number of Z-cells had been lifted, he left traces of them wherever he went. Among all the monitored areas, Shrek Academy was one of the key zones.
To put it bluntly, even Ning Rongrong playing with the little kitten hadn't escaped his observation—let alone everything that had happened between Yu Xiaogang and Tang San.
He had seen it all, clearly.
"Why is Little Mu smiling?"
Inside the discussion hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi set down his teacup and asked curiously.
"I just thought of something happy."
Bai Mu came back to himself and smiled lightly at Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin.
He really was in a good mood.
The reason he had been so generous this time—giving Liu Erlong two top-grade tonic treasures—was to use her as a bridge to take control of Yu Xiaogang, from his body all the way to his martial spirit.
He truly hadn't expected such an "accident" to occur.
Fortunately, this accident was extremely interesting.
With the Z-cells swallowed along with the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd, it was only a matter of time before Yu Xiaogang's body and consciousness would both fall under control.
As for Tang San, once that strange poison fused deep into his body alongside the medicinal power, he wouldn't be harmed—but control over his body would slowly slip from his grasp.
In the future, even if Tang San's mind remained clear, he would likely only be able to watch helplessly as Xiao Wu was taken away.
As for whether the Asura God stood behind Tang San…
Was there really anything to worry about?
If not, everyone would be happy.
If so—then he would simply avoid the sharp edge.
Bai Mu calculated silently, the smile on his face growing brighter.
"What exactly is it that made you so happy?"
Ning Fengzhi grew even more curious.
"I found a way to evolve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Bai Mu glanced at him, his smile carrying deeper meaning.
"Uncle Ning, would you like to hear about it?"
"What?!"
Ning Fengzhi sprang to his feet.
The teacup in his hand shattered on the ground with a sharp crack, tea splashing everywhere—but he didn't notice at all.
"Little… Little Mu, are you serious?!"
"Is that really possible?!"
Gu Rong and Chen Xin were also shaken, both staring at Bai Mu in disbelief.
If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could truly evolve into the nine treasures, the sect's overall strength might leap forward by another level or two.
"Of course."
Bai Mu calmly picked up another teacup and took a slow sip.
"I recently obtained a special Immortal Herb. It can enhance spirit quality, spirit power, and innate aptitude."
"Where is it?!"
Ning Fengzhi nearly lunged forward, bracing his hands on the table, eyes wide.
"Quick—tell me!"
Aside from the prosperity of the sect, his greatest lifelong wish was to break the limit of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda itself.
"Uncle Ning, don't rush."
Bai Mu put the teacup down and unhurriedly took an Immortal Herb out of his spirit tool.
"This is the Qiluo Tulip. A legendary Immortal-grade herb."
"After consuming it, one can absorb the essence of heaven and earth, as well as the radiance of the sun and moon, allowing the martial spirit to undergo sublimation and evolution."
He continued slowly.
"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda absorbs its medicinal power, evolving into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is not impossible."
"Really… really turning seven into nine?"
Ning Fengzhi's voice trembled uncontrollably.
He extended his hand, then pulled it back at once, afraid of even slightly damaging the Immortal Herb.
"Naturally."
Bai Mu smiled faintly.
"The reason I've reached my current level is because I once consumed a similar herb."
"So that's how it is!"
Gu Rong and Chen Xin suddenly understood.
No wonder Bai Mu's cultivation speed was so terrifying—he had encountered a heaven-defying opportunity.
"Fengzhi, eat it quickly!"
Chen Xin urged anxiously.
"Yes! If it really works, you could directly prepare to obtain your eighth spirit ring!"
Gu Rong was equally excited.
They were eager to see the true might of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Alright…"
Ning Fengzhi reached out—then abruptly stopped.
A look of struggle crossed his face.
Finally, he clenched his teeth.
"No. I can't."
"This Immortal Herb should be left for Rongrong."
"Oh?"
Bai Mu raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Uncle Ning, are you certain?"
"Fengzhi!"
Gu Rong grew anxious.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"That's right," Chen Xin added. "Don't be reckless."
"It's different."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head.
Yes—if he consumed it and evolved his martial spirit, perhaps with enough future descendants, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could eventually be passed down.
But… what about Rongrong?
He looked at the Qiluo Tulip, reluctance filling his eyes, yet his tone remained firm.
"Rongrong is Little Mu's partner and companion. Only if she can keep up with his pace can the two of them walk far together."
He turned his gaze to Bai Mu, his expression deep.
"If Rongrong falls behind, and Little Mu ends up surrounded by more women in the future… wouldn't that affect Rongrong's position?"
Bai Mu was momentarily stunned.
He truly hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to think so far ahead.
To give up such a heaven-sent opportunity for his daughter—and to say it so openly.
So… who exactly is testing whom here?
Interesting.
"This… this…"
Gu Rong opened his mouth but found no words.
"He's right."
Chen Xin sighed and nodded.
"Descendants can always be born again. But there is only one Bai Mu."
"Hahaha… Uncle Ning, you really are admirable."
Bai Mu naturally put the Qiluo Tulip back into his spirit tool.
"In that case, I'll save it for Rongrong."
"…Good."
Ning Fengzhi stared at Bai Mu's bracelet without blinking, his eyes filled with envy and longing.
"Don't worry, Uncle Ning."
Bai Mu paused, then smiled.
"I'm already trying to cultivate the Qiluo Tulip. Perhaps in the future, I can let you become a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda wielder as well."
"That would be wonderful!"
Surprise and delight flashed across Ning Fengzhi's face.
He calmed himself and sat back down, but then suddenly remembered something.
"Now that you've joined my sect, Little Mu, I haven't given you a proper joining gift yet."
He looked at Bai Mu solemnly.
"What do you want? Money? A spirit bone? Or something else? Just say it—I'll satisfy you."
Bai Mu's eyes lit up.
"Really? Anything?"
"Ask!"
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand magnanimously.
"Well…"
Bai Mu scratched his head, smiling shyly.
"Uncle, you know me. I'm not very cultured, but I do have a strong interest in… artistic exploration."
A bad premonition suddenly rose in Ning Fengzhi's heart.
"And?"
Bai Mu spoke carefully.
"I'm quite interested in the Lady of Moon Pavilion—Tang Yuehua."
"...!"
The smile on Ning Fengzhi's face froze instantly.
Gu Rong's teacup nearly slipped from his hand.
Chen Xin pressed a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes, unable to watch any further.
The entire discussion hall fell into deathly silence.