Bo City, Mu Family Manor.
"Nephew, this is my adopted son, Yu Ang. Tomorrow is his coming-of-age ceremony. You two are about the same age—you should have plenty to talk about."
Mu Zhuoyun introduced the well-dressed young man beside him. The youth was handsome, but there was a hint of sinister sharpness between his brows.
"Yu Ang, this is Young Master Zhou Haoyu from the Zhou Family in the capital. He's engaged to Ningxue. You'll be family in the future."
"Oh right, he's already a Mid-Tier Mage. If there's anything you don't understand about cultivation, you can ask Young Master Zhou."
Mu Zhuoyun seemed quite satisfied with this adopted son. Though his talent didn't compare to Zhou Haoyu or Mu Ningxue, in a small city like Bo City, he was still considered a rare genius.
Zhou Haoyu glanced deeply at Yu Ang. He had to admit—Yu Ang hid himself very well. At least on the surface, there was nothing visibly wrong.
This was exactly what made the Black Vatican so terrifying. Enemies in the open were never the scariest the real danger lay in the assassins lurking in the shadows.
[Unlock Condition: Kill!]
The word "Kill" appeared in sharp, blood-red strokes. This was Zhou Haoyu's first time seeing such a requirement.
Zhou Haoyu then looked at the middle-aged man standing beside Mu Zhuoyun. The treasure chest floating beside him also bore the word "Kill."
That middle-aged man was clearly Mu Zhuoyun's younger brother Mu He.
Strictly speaking, Yu Ang had been purposefully placed into the Mu Family by Mu He. Without him, Mu Zhuoyun would never have had the chance to adopt Yu Ang.
Mu Zhuoyun truly had rotten luck, saddled with such a younger brother who had been completely misled by Salan.
"Mid-Tier Mage…"
Yu Ang froze for a second. The young man before him, seemingly the same age, was already a Mid-Tier Mage?
Immediately, a trace of jealousy flashed in Yu Ang's eyes, even causing his cheek to twitch slightly.
Jealousy truly disfigures a man Yu Ang was a prime example.
Mu He noticed Yu Ang's micro-expression and frowned slightly. He took two steps forward to stand in front of Yu Ang and said, "Young Master Zhou truly lives up to the reputation of a noble family. To reach such a level at your age is remarkable."
Zhou Haoyu responded flatly to the compliment, "You flatter me. I've only progressed a bit faster than the average person."
Mu He's cover had been quick, but Zhou Haoyu had already caught Yu Ang's expression and gaze.
Still, Zhou Haoyu didn't intend to expose them. Even if he did, it wouldn't help Mu Zhuoyun likely wouldn't believe him.
But if a suitable opportunity arose later, Zhou Haoyu wouldn't mind taking care of Yu Ang.
After all, he was merely a Basic Tier Mage. Killing him would be effortless.
"Young Master Zhou, I was briefly startled just now. I hope I haven't offended you," Yu Ang said with a feigned look of fear after regaining his composure.
Zhou Haoyu silently watched his poor acting.
"After the coming-of-age ceremony, I have some questions I'd like to ask Young Master Zhou. I hope you'll be willing to enlighten me," Yu Ang continued.
"Sorry, I'm usually busy with my own cultivation and don't have time to guide others except Ningxue, of course."
Zhou Haoyu didn't even look at Yu Ang as he directed his words to Mu Zhuoyun.
Mu Zhuoyun's face showed a flicker of awkwardness, but after thinking it through, it made sense. Zhou Haoyu was already kind enough to help Ningxue; how could he possibly help someone unrelated?
Seeing that Zhou Haoyu had directly ignored him, Yu Ang's expression darkened menacingly, his gaze growing even colder.
Mu He, who had been closely monitoring Yu Ang's reactions, quickly spoke up, "Since Young Master Zhou has important cultivation tasks, let's all head inside first."
Yu Ang had nearly slipped up twice in a row. Mu He was deeply displeased. Once their plan was fully in place, he'd have to harshly punish him.
As for Zhou Haoyu dual-element talent, already a Mid-Tier Mage at such a young age, truly an exceptional prospect.
If they had the chance to draw him into the Black Vatican, it would be a huge contribution.
But for now, they had to proceed carefully. They couldn't disrupt Lord Salan's plan.
Yu Ang's coming-of-age ceremony was the next day. Although Zhou Haoyu wouldn't be deeply involved in the ritual, he had to be there for the sake of the treasure chests.
Besides Mo Fan, people like Zhang Xiaohou and Mu Bai would also attend. It was a great opportunity.
After the dinner, Zhou Haoyu took Mu Ningxue's delicate hand and whispered in her ear, "Ningxue, I will sleep in the same room with you."
Mu Ningxue hesitated for a while, and finally nodded slightly.
Mu Zhuoyun wanted to arrange another room for Zhou Haoyu, but when he thought that the two of them were about to come of age, living together was not a big deal.
And they had lived together before.
Yu Ang looked at the close two people, his eyes gradually became cold. Since Zhou Haoyu appeared, he was like an outsider.
"Hmm?"
Mu Zhuoyun seemed to notice Yu Ang's abnormality and said, "Yu'ang, if you are not feeling well, go to bed early and conserve your energy. Tomorrow, teach that ignorant guy a lesson."
Yu Ang's face changed slightly, and he quickly said respectfully, "Don't worry, father, I will definitely help you get rid of your hatred."
"Well, don't let me down." Mu Zhuoyun patted Yu Ang's shoulder gently, and didn't dwell on his abnormality just now.
********
As soon as he entered Mu Ningxue's boudoir, Zhou Haoyu couldn't wait to hug Mu Ningxue in his arms.
Mu Ningxue closed her eyes and quietly waited for his next move.
After a long time without getting a response, Mu Ningxue could only open her eyes and look at Zhou Haoyu in confusion.
Didn't they get close to each other in a hurry before?
Zhou Haoyu didn't explain anything, but directly grabbed her little hand and slid down a distance
Soon, Mu Ningxue seemed to touch something, and her snow-white cheeks were stained with a faint pink.
"Ningxue, you don't want your fiancé to be so uncomfortable, do you?"
Zhou Haoyu didn't know why. After arriving at the Mu Family Manor, he always felt that Mu Ningxue was more and more attractive. He wanted to put her on the bed and ravage her.
Seeing Zhou Haoyu's fiery eyes, Mu Ningxue was a little scared, but she had more complicated emotions.
After a year of getting along, Mu Ningxue had already determined Zhou Haoyu.
Although Zhou Haoyu was always handsy, he always stopped abruptly, which made her doubt her charm.
Or maybe Zhou Haoyu liked other types.
But Zhou Haoyu's reaction now completely dispelled her doubts.
"What should I do?" Mu Ningxue bit her lower lip lightly, her beautiful eyes showed a little fear, but more determination.
"Like this, you pull this open first, then gently. Use a little force. Yes, up and down like this."
"Hiss~" Zhou Haoyu's breathing suddenly became rapid, with a hint of coldness in the soft and comfortable feeling.
Mu Ningxue was still very stiff at first, but soon learned this step. After all, it was not difficult.