Chapter 372 - Origins

Gu Zuo slightly furrowed his brows.

If it was like this, then Mu Baizhi really had gone too far. But at that time, Mu Baizhi had been no more than a month old. It would be an exaggeration to say that it was done intentionally. It was more appropriate to say that it was the instincts of the Cuckoo Body.

The cuckoo was the turtledove occupying the magpies nest. Mu Baizhi robbed everything from her fellow nest-mate Mu Baiyue. This appeared to be normal.

But if it was only this, then Hua Lanruos hatred of Mu Baizhi was somewhat excessive.

Back then, it was true that the one who rescued her was Mu Baiyue, but when all was said and done, Mu Baizhi had agreed with Mu Baiyues course of action. Moreover, the two siblings hadnt treated Hua Lanruo poorly over the years. Judging from Hua Lanruos initial description, as these siblings grew up, the relations.h.i.+p between them hadnt reached the degree of incompatibility of fire and water At the very least, Hua Lanruo wouldnt have noticed anything if it hadnt been for the fact that she found out by accident.

As such, instinctively stealing her twin brothers innate talent after being born probably wasnt the only reason why Hua Lanruo despised Mu Baizhi from the bottom of her heart.

Some other matter shouldve occurred Perhaps, it had something to do with that young lady in the dungeon who looked exactly like Mu Baizhi?

Hua Lanruo caught her breath, and restrained the agitated mood in her heart. Then, she continued to talk: After Mu Baizhi stole Senior Sect Brother Mus innate talent, although the people of the valley were initially furious, Mu Baiyue hadnt been completely crippled. Mu Baizhi had also become rather strong. It couldnt be said that she wouldnt have prodigy-level potential once she grew up. Thus, this matter was kept secret. From that moment on, Mu Baizhi became the valleys most meticulously nurtured person. Meanwhile, due to this unexpected disaster, Senior Sect Brother Mus recognition was designated as a mistake. The real person who showed promising potential would be Mu Baizhi.

Gu Zuo thought about something.

If his life-saving benefactor had their innate talent stolen by someone else, and was suppressed into obscurity, then he certainly wouldnt have had the slightest favorable impression of that thief.

The fury of this Sister Hua wasnt entirely incomprehensible.

Hua Lanruo proceeded to say: At that time, I was young and didnt think much about it. My eyes were blind to the truth up until the point that I found out this secret. Looking back, I realized that Mu Baizhi had long been un.o.btrusively suppressing Senior Sect Brother Mu. From when he was originally a favored prodigy of heaven, she pushed him farther out of the limelight with each pa.s.sing year. However, although Senior Sect Brother Mus innate talent had been stolen, his intelligence was extraordinary. There were also many times that he gave advice to Mu Baizhi. It was a pity that whenever someone mentioned Senior Sect Brother Mu, they would only treat him as Mu Baizhis subordinate. Oftentimes, it was obvious that Mu Baizhi needed Senior Sect Brother Mus advice. Unfortunately, people treated this as Mu Baizhi giving Senior Sect Brother Mu opportunities, and they would privately ridicule him. They would say that Senior Sect Brother Mu could only hold such a position in Jade Flame Valley because of his younger sister

If it wasnt for their precious Ice Phoenix G.o.ddess, how could they have known what kind of an incredibly talented personage Senior Sect Brother Mu was? It was clear that he couldve blossomed with a lofty radiance that wouldve put the sun, moon, and stars to shame!

As she finished speaking, Hua Lanruo tightly clenched her fingers.

Gu Zuo mentally reconstructed the intact version of Mu Baiyue according to her words. It seemed that he indeed had the apt.i.tude of a prodigy. To be honest, his impression of Mu Baiyue wasnt bad. Hadnt Lan Wenxi looked past the outward appearance and seen Mu Baiyues inner self? Therefore, should Mu Baiyue be treated as a friend?

In addition

He felt that there wouldnt be any way to control ones instincts when one was a child, but after growing up, the thief used various methods to bully the victim. Not only did the thief trample on the victims seat of honor without saying anything, she also constantly displayed her benevolence to her victim. Indeed, this seemed rather shameless.

Hua Lanruo still hadnt completely calmed down, and said: Senior Sect Brother Mu shouldve clearly understood these matters in his heart, but he was willing to let it go. Although I was of little value to him, I knew that Senior Sect Brother Mu and Mu Baizhi were biological siblings in the end. Since senior sect brother was willing, I also didnt say anything to the others. But afterwards, I came to know many things

The following matters refreshed Gu Zuos three worldviews.

When Hua Lanruo was a little more than three years old, a white-clothed young lady was brought back to the valley. That young ladys looks were exceptional, her temperament was clear and cold, and the qi she emitted had a wintry chill. There was a dab of cinnabar between her eyebrows, and the contrast made her seem like a fairy. It was just that her face was covered with a light, muslin veil. Other people could see indistinct facial features, but they couldnt make out her true appearance.

This white-clothed woman had an indifferent nature, but she was rather caring towards young children.

Thus, the gaze the white-clothed young lady used when looking at Mu Baizhi was always different from how she looked at others. This gaze carried a feeling of gentleness. She followed Mu Baizhi, and came to Jade Flame Valley as a visitor. Later, she became this places distinguished guest, and made many contributions for Jade Flame Valley.

She herself was someone who had ventured out from seclusion. However, when asked for more details, she only said that the travelled path was extremely long and going back to that place wasnt easy. If this trips venture was a failure, then it would be difficult to return.

Although the white-clothed young lady didnt accept Mu Baizhi as an apprentice, she taught and guided her wholeheartedly.

However, one day, Mu Baizhi suddenly took advantage of the womans lack of vigilance, and pulled her into a trap. When the woman didnt have any strength to resist, Mu Baizhi bit off her finger, and sucked away her innate talent!

Afterwards, people from Jade Flame Valley rushed over to suppress this matter. Someone was sent to disguise themself as the white-clothed young lady and leave Jade Flame Valley. As for the real white-clothed young lady, from that moment on, she was shut away inside the dungeon.

These kinds of things were all done by Mu Baizhi herself. She had only been five years old, but she was able to devise a way to use the great formations within Jade Flame Valley to control the white-clothed young lady, who closely cherished her. Then, she seized the other partys innate talent!

It was also from that point onward that Mu Baizhis appearances gradually changed. Two or three years pa.s.sed, and she was blessed with the makings of a stunning belle which were no different from the white-clothed young lady.

Although Mu Baizhis original looks werent bad, she couldnt compare to the white-clothed womans matchless beauty. After seizing the white-clothed young ladys innate talent, she likewise stole her appearance.

Ever since Hua Lanruo was rescued by Mu Baiyue, Mu Baizhi was already approaching this complexion. As Mu Baizhi grew older, no one doubted this change in appearance anymore.

How cruel, how despicable!

At once, Gu Zuo felt loathing for that Ice Phoenix G.o.ddess.

If it was said that she had been dictated by instinct when she was one month old, then those deeds at five years of age were clearly premeditated. Could it possible that it was also considered instinctual? No. Perhaps, it really was an instinct. The nature of the Cuckoo Body was that it wanted to do these things in order to obtain everything for itself.

Soon after, he became somewhat puzzled: In that case, why does Brother Mu Baiyues features resemble Mu Baizhis?

Hua Lanruo sneered: Naturally, its because Jade Flame Valley wanted to safeguard Mu Baizhi, and made Senior Sect Brother Mu change his appearance to look this way. If senior sect brother hadnt learned a secret technique to alter his features, they mightve forced him to swallow some secret medicines to accomplish this goal!

Gu Zuo flinched slightly.

This way of doing things was really

Even he listened to this, and he felt very uncomfortable. Not to mention Hua Lanruo, who had been in contact with Mu Baizhi the entire time. For someone who used to be so revered to suddenly reveal their true face, it was indeed difficult to accept.

These were the facts that Hua Lanruo put together after accidentally learning some things, speculating on others, and making discreet inquiries with extreme caution.

However, Hua Lanruo wasnt done speaking yet.

After Mu Baizhi stole Senior Sect Brother Mus innate talent, her potential rose to the level of an exceptional genius. After she stole that white-clothed womans innate talent, the two types of talents were added together, which caused her to form a physique called the Ice Phoenix Body. It was precisely due to this physique that her strength advanced by leaps and bounds. The improvements couldve been rated as a thousand miles in a single day.

What was even more despicable of her was that she had been cultivating with the ultimate knowledge she robbed from that white-clothed young lady. Its the present-day Ice Phoenix Heavenly Dance

Once she advanced to the Immortal Realm, Mu Baizhi no longer made any more breakthroughs. According to her remarks, she was in the middle of continuously acc.u.mulating. After her acc.u.mulations were perfected, she would achieve skyrocketing results as she broke through to the Atomic Realm. Many prodigies would do this, so naturally it didnt arouse anyones suspicions.

However, after going through many matters, Hua Lanruo learned about another secret of the Cuckoo Body.

Currently, Mu Baizhis Ice Phoenix Body was actually a modification of the Cuckoo Body. Compared to a real Ice Phoenix Body, it was incomplete. While she could make a breakthrough just like this, her potential would fall below the standard of a genuine prodigy afterwards. Mu Baizhi gained her present reputation with great difficulty, so how was it possible for her to give it up?

Thus, she needed other methods and a satisfactory physique to conduct further breakthroughs It was just that, due to the two shares of innate talent she previously absorbed, only the apt.i.tudes of prodigies could elevate her to the next realm.

At this moment, Hua Lanruos face revealed a trace of revulsion: She had probably long known about this matter. Therefore, after reaching the Immortal Realm, she started roaming the continent. She met many prodigies, and mingled with a cold and indifferent att.i.tude. She acted covertly, and because her appearance and temperament were

Hua Lanruo swallowed down some harsh words: extremely outstanding, she fooled quite a few people. Adoration is a hallmark of the springtime of youth. Prodigies would inevitably admire a beautiful girl, not to mention that this girl was a prodigy, too. If they were connected by marriage, not only would they be able to gain a beautiful woman for a cultivation partner, they would receive a large rise in face. Naturally, there were several prodigies who held a favorable impression of Mu Baizhi.

Gu Zuo nodded his head. He knew about this matter.

Back then, wasnt Fan Meng one of those people who admired Mu Baizhi? Moreover, he heard there was a possibility that their forces would be connected by marriage. That Fan Meng practically regarded Mu Baizhi as his future wife.

Hua Lanruo couldnt help saying: Mu Baizhi has been using that white-clothed womans stolen face, temperament, and innate talent to seduce prodigies. If that white-clothed woman knew about this, could you imagine just how, how

She sighed: It was only later that I learned that, when Mu Baizhi found a target and got together with a prodigy, the Cuckoo Body Speaking up to here, she resisted the feeling of shame, would plunder that prodigys innate talent during the coupling without leaving any traces.

Truly, her disgust had reached its peak.

When Gu Zuo heard this, he suddenly remembered the Ice Phoenix G.o.ddess friendliness to his familys big brother. At once, his scalp tingled and his hairs stood on end.

So to say, his big brother was also prey?

Furthermore, this hunter was harboring evil intentions!

Gu Zuo had a hard time speaking: Before, you warned us to be careful of her

Hua Lanruo spoke so much, and it appeared that she had finally calmed down somewhat. At this time, she helplessly nodded: Thats right. Although I saw that Prodigy Gongyi didnt seem interested in Mu Baizhi, one moment doesnt equal a lifetime. Mu Baizhi has understood how to disguise herself like the cuckoo since childhood. This is her temperament, but it can also be said to be her natural instincts.

Back then, the white-clothed young lady had been so graceful and elegant. After many years, Mu Baizhi is able to imitate about ninety percent of it. Shes rather capable at attracting men. However, every single prodigy has always been a person of strong willpower. Theres nothing to be done if one didnt guard against her in the beginning, but once that guard is raised, one could naturally see many flaws. At that point, their true feelings wont be moved by her, and they wont climb into her boiling pot.

Gu Zuo rubbed the gooseb.u.mps on his body.

What Hua Lanruo said made a lot of sense. Once a persons guard was raised, no matter how outstanding the beauty, it would be hard to sway a prodigys determination. At that time, the prodigy would see Mu Baizhi as an enemy rather than a woman. And since the other party was an enemy, their heart naturally wouldnt be moved easily.

Hua Lanruos momentary kindness saved her. At the same time, it also allowed Gu Zuo and Tianheng to know about the truth.

Really This truth was unimaginable.

At this point in time, Gongyi Tianheng, who hadnt asked anything the entire time and had merely been quietly listening, suddenly opened his mouth: The core of this secret isnt something that you alone couldve investigated. Someone else must have gotten involved Is that person Mu Baiyue?

Gu Zuos heart tensed. He promptly looked over.

Ah, right! With Hua Lanruos ident.i.ty, no matter how much she investigated, it wouldve been impossible for her to find out about extremely secretive things like Mu Baizhi and the Cuckoo Body. There was a chance if she had been born inside Jade Flame Valley. The clans influence inside the valley was tremendous. However, it was clear that this wasnt the case! She was an orphan brought in from outside the valley. It was impossible for her to have such a large information network in the valley By herself, a single wooden beam couldnt support a house. Even if she was able to converse with the white-clothed woman in the dungeon, she wouldnt have necessarily known this much.

But Mu Baiyue was different.

Speaking of which, he truly was the most-likely candidate

Hua Lanruos complexion changed slightly.

Tianhengs question was too sudden, and she didnt have enough time to hide it.

Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

Suppose that Mu Baiyue had his innate talent stolen by his younger sister in the beginning. If he really could put forward plans and ideas to Mu Baizhi, would this kind of intelligence be unable to see any problems after so many years? And once he saw a problem, he would naturally go to investigate it. After he found out, could there really be no anger or resentment?

In this world, it could be said that innate talent was one of the most important factors that determined a martial artists worth. Originally, Mu Baiyue ought to have been a prodigy. Naturally, like other prodigies, he possessed his own air of arrogance. If his most important aspect was s.n.a.t.c.hed by someone else, even if that person was his twin sister, he probably wouldnt have truly been willing. Besides, if the two siblings had a close relations.h.i.+p and their familial bond was strong, then that would be one thing. Unfortunately, Mu Baizhi had been suppressing him over the years. How could he not find out?

Mu Baiyue was born and raised in Jade Flame Valley. The Mu Clan was also rather influential in the valley. Whats more, because the Ice Phoenix G.o.ddess was his younger sister, he wouldve been able to grasp some things.

If he wanted to investigate these matters, so long as he facilitated Hua Lanruo, he wouldve been able to slowly make discreet inquiries in secret. Both of their information were combined, and they wouldve finally been able to obtain the results.

Perhaps That white-clothed young lady in the dungeon had even more exchanges with Mu Baiyue.

The enemy of an enemy was a comrade-in-arms!

Thinking about this, Gu Zuo was puzzled once more: Then, why has Mu Baizhi kept that white-clothed woman alive this whole time?

Under normal circ.u.mstances, with Mu Baizhis ruthless heart and vicious hands, shouldnt she have cut the weeds and eliminated the roots? Wasnt keeping the woman alive too risky?

Hua Lanruos expression turned unsightly. It was like she was somewhat nauseated: In order to maintain her appearance, Mu Baizhi needs to take that young ladys blood every year

After all, stolen goods couldnt compare to the genuine article. Even with internal qi to protect the body, ones complexion was still rather hard to preserve. But if Mu Baizhi swallowed that young ladys blood, she could maintain the same youthful and otherworldly beauty.

Gu Zuo:

The more he heard, the more he felt that Mu Baizhihad the heart of a scorpion and the guts of a snake.

He wasnt sure of which adjectives to describe her.

It was just thatGu Zuo had further doubts.

He couldnt help asking a question in his subconscious.

[System, why isnt the Cuckoo Body recorded in the Encyclopedia of Heaven and Earth Physiques?]

Indeed. He didnt think about it while listening to this tale, but he reacted after he finished hearing it. He was someone who had an item book that gave a detailed recording of numerous physiques. In that item book, there were obviously many unorthodox physiques, but as it happened, the Cuckoo Body was nowhere to be found!

What was the reason for this?

The systems reply was fast. It didnt keep him in suspense, but it also didnt toss him another item book.

[Heaven and Earth Physiques are said to be natural reflections of heaven and earth on the physiques of martial artists. They have nothing to do with bloodline inheritances. Therefore, they are completely arbitrary. It is possible to awaken a Heaven and Earth Physique among anyone, regardless of organization or individual.]

Gu Zuo seemed to understand a little.

[Then, could it be that the Cuckoo Body isnt cla.s.sified as a Heaven and Earth Physique?]

The system was as thorough as always.

[The Cuckoo Body is a bloodline physique. Although it is called a physique, it is actually a product of ones lineage. These kinds of physiques are commonly due to a bloodline inheritance. If it is within the same family, the bloodline physique may possibly awaken among the descendants.]

Gu Zuo realized things clearly.

Simply put, one was randomized. Whoever had good luck would get it. The other was cla.s.sified as an inheritance. Whoever was born with good genes would get it. However, if the Cuckoo Body was inherited through ones bloodline, then didnt this mean that the ancestors of Mu Baizhis clan likewise possessed this bloodline inheritance?

Gu Zuos expression was stiff.

Just one Mu Baizhi could stir up this much trouble. If there were more who had this physique in the clan Who knew how many evil deeds that clan had committed?

From what Hua Lanruo said just now, one would understand that the Cuckoo Body relied entirely on stealing! Those who didnt rob from others would only be slightly stronger than ordinary martial artists.

Who would be able to resist walking down this shortcut In addition, the Cuckoo Bodys instincts would also be driving these people to rob and steal.

Back to the matters at hand.

Now that she finished telling her story, it seemed like Hua Lanruos whole body had become much more relaxed.

She had been carrying such a secret. Although she despised Mu Baizhi, who appeared pure and holy, but didnt care at all about the methods to raise her innate talent, Hua Lanruo also felt heavy and mired down In those years, her impressions of Mu Baizhi changed in a split second like the sky and the earth had turned upside-down. No matter how she denied the truth, she gradually calmed down as she learned more and more. It was just that, whenever she thought about it, a complicated mood would billow and churn. There was loathing. There was hatred. And there was also scorn directed at her past self.

Hua Lanruo sighed: Mu Baizhi attacked me probably because she was aware that I knew her secret. I had gradually drifted apart from her, and occasionally, it was difficult to hide my expressions. She naturally suspected me. However, despite her suspicions, for the sake of keeping her disguise, she had no choice but to put up with me. However, this time, she gave one slot to enter this leyline to Senior Sect Brother Mu, and the best candidate Senior Sect Brother Mu could bring along was me. It may be a.s.sumed that she had long made plans. After we came inside, the lava surged up during the earthquake, and almost everyone was separated. Naturally, she didnt need to go make any opportunities. Instead, she only needed to find my tracks and take action

Speaking up to here, her facial expression flattened: And since she could find me, Im afraid that she has already used certain means against me at some point.

Gu Zuo composed himself: In that case, what does Young Lady Hua intend to do now?

Hua Lanruo said: Ill still go back to Jade Flame Valley.

Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: It wont be safe.

Hua Lanruo smiled freely: I owe senior sect brother for saving my life. I must go and help him.

While speaking, although she didnt formally admit anything, she already verified Tianhengs guess: Mu Baizhi came to attack me with her face covered, and disguised herself down to the deepest levels. Even when she felt certain that I was going to die, she didnt expose herself. However, this deed of hers has helped me instead. Now, even though I was attacked, it isnt known who attacked me. At any rate, she has been planning to kill me for a long time. In the future, I just have to take greater precautions.

Actually, Hua Lanruo felt that she had already been exposed, but her exposure could obscure Mu Baizhis line of sight, allowing Mu Baiyue a little more time to

Gu Zuo and Tianheng understood what she meant. They also didnt try to stop her. One couldnt help but sigh at the situation.

Hua Lanruo had been telling this story while lying down. Under the formidable medicinal power, her body had recovered by eighty to ninety percent. At this moment, she had a clear understanding of herself, and slowly stood up. Then, she bade farewell to these two people: Opportunities to hunt for treasure are hard to come by. This Lanruo still needs to find Senior Sect Brother Mu and join up with him. This Lanruo shall never forget these two sirs for saving this ones life. Ill definitely repay this favor in the future.

Gu Zuo and Tianheng didnt keep her here. They only gave a slight wave, and allowed her to leave.

It was because they really werent familiar with her. While they did rescue her and listen to her story, if they brought her along and journeyed together That would still be inconvenient during this treasure hunt.

Once she left, Gu Zuo sighed. Then, he explained the matter of the Cuckoo Body being a bloodline physique to Tianheng. After that, he spoke with a bit of worry: Big brother, do you think we need to investigate this Jade Flame Valley? For the time being, lets not talk about Mu Baizhi. What Im concerned about is whether this bloodline inheritance also appeared among the Mu Clans ancestors.

Tianheng faintly nodded his head: It should be investigated. Then, he said, Perhaps, its traced through Mu Baizhis mother. And supposing that it really is due to her mother, then we need to understand her mothers origins.

T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

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