After Mu Zhi’an left, Master Huang returned to the main hall.

He pondered for a moment, then turned to a servant. “Summon my daughter.”

The servant bowed and left.

Moments later, Huang Manting entered, her black embroidered shoes clicking against the floor, her eyes, sharp and alluring, sweeping over her father. “Father, you summoned me?”

He smiled, tapping the table. “Sit down.”

After she sat down, he took a sip of tea, then said, “The Mu family’s young master visited the Chamber of Commerce earlier.”

She raised an eyebrow, surprised. “That Mu Zhi’an might look like a harmless scholar, but he’s full of tricks. Don’t underestimate him because of his age, Father.”

He chuckled, nodding. “That’s precisely why I summoned you.”

“Mu Zhi’an and I have an agreement. Once you both join the Two Polarities Sect, you’ll look after each other. If you encounter any trouble, you can seek his assistance.”

Actually, she did need a servant to entertain her.

Mu Zhi’an would be perfect.

He shook his head, smiling. “His cultivation might be low, but he’s clever. We can’t predict the future.”

“Remember how he outsmarted you a few days ago?”

He had wanted to avoid getting involved in the conflict between the Bai, Gongsun, and Mu families, but Mu Zhi’an had approached his daughter and forced his hand, making the Gongsun family relinquish three market districts.

Her expression darkened. “I thought he was just a foolish wastrel, obsessed with women. Who knew…”

She remembered how he had taken advantage of her, how she had thought she was in control. Her smile vanished.

“What did he want today?” she asked suddenly.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about. The Chamber of Commerce won’t suffer any losses. It’s simply a matter of convenience. I summoned you to warn you, don’t antagonize him,” he replied, his voice calm and reassuring.

She lowered her eyes, her feet swinging gently. “Didn’t you favor Ye Yu before, Father?”

“I favored him because he managed to recover from his decline and reach Foundation Establishment in just a few months.”

He paused, then chuckled, shaking his head. “But he’s too impatient. He won’t go far.”

“As for Mu Zhi’an’s purpose today…” He paused, keeping her in suspense.

“You’ll find out in a few days.”

Even if Bai Ruoxi was a half-demon, or even a full-fledged demonic cultivator, it didn’t matter.

As long as everyone believed she was innocent, she was innocent.

…

At the Gongsun Manor, a spy stood in the shadows, observing Gongsun Xiong, who was enjoying his afternoon tea.

“Master, how should we handle this?”

He knew Gongsun Xiong was furious about the Mu family’s recent actions. This could be an opportunity for revenge.

“Bai Ruoxi isn’t a demonic cultivator. The Gongsun family hasn’t detected any demonic aura. We believe in Miss Bai’s integrity,” Gongsun Xiong replied calmly. “If anyone mentions this, that’s our response.”

It would be beneficial if the Bai family was exposed for harboring a demonic cultivator, but his injuries hadn’t healed yet. If they couldn’t find any evidence, the Gongsun family, having made the accusation, would become the target.

As Mu Zhi’an had predicted, he was a cautious man. He wouldn’t risk any major actions until he recovered.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com