The night deepened, the tide rose and fell, and everything gradually settled into calm.
"The method you mentioned… is it really feasible?"
"I've entrusted everything to you. Don't lie to me."
Qian Renxue rested quietly against Bai Mu, her voice low but serious.
"Of course," Bai Mu replied with certainty.
"The Yearning sticky cake influences the body, Spirit Bones affect the spirit, and Dugu Bo is already on our side."
He spoke steadily, laying out the plan step by step.
"When the court gala begins, nobles below Rank 40 won't be able to resist the effects. Their stance will naturally shift in our favor. I'll guide things from behind the scenes, and your ascension will only be a matter of time."
Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"…Good. I'll wait for your results."
The tension in her heart finally eased. She pushed herself up and said calmly, "It's late. I should return before anything seems out of place."
Golden light flickered faintly as her Seraph Spirit emerged. With a soft activation of Angelic Blessing, the weariness in her body faded, and she prepared to leave.
Before she could stand, Bai Mu gently caught her hand and drew her back.
"Don't rush, Angel," he said lightly. "There are still a few details worth clarifying."
Qian Renxue hesitated, then sighed inwardly.
…All for the grand plan.
Xiao Yue padded closer as well, rubbing against Bai Mu's side with a soft sound, as if urging the conversation to continue.
The rest of the night passed in quiet discussion. No raised voices, no interruptions—only strategy, refinement, and careful planning. By the time dawn approached, the outline of the great plan was clearer than ever.
---
Early the next morning.
Qian Renxue steadied herself, using Angelic Blessing once more to restore her strength. She glanced sideways at Bai Mu, who was already awake, and snorted softly.
"Pervert."
Bai Mu looked utterly innocent. "Did I misunderstand something?"
She didn't dignify that with a response. After dressing, she turned sharply toward the door.
"If you linger any longer," she said coolly, "you'll delay your own plans."
With that, she left without looking back.
Bai Mu sighed theatrically. "How cold-hearted. The Angel of Justice truly shows no mercy."
A small figure shifted beside him.
"Meow~"
Xiao Yue had awakened and looked up at him, eyes bright and trusting.
Bai Mu chuckled, rubbing her cat ears. "Come on. I'll take you somewhere special."
---
Several days later.
After helping Xiao Yue recover fully, Bai Mu brought her to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Mist swirled through the area, Immortal Herbs growing in abundance as the black and white serpents coiled silently, radiating powerful life force.
Xiao Wu was sitting among the herbs, idly tending the Blue Silver Emperor.
"Xiao Wu, did you miss me?" Bai Mu called.
She stiffened briefly, then turned with a bright smile. "Little Mu! You're here!"
Bai Mu gestured gently. "This is Xiao Yue. From now on, you'll stay here together."
He handed Xiao Yue an Immortal Herb. "Take this and cultivate properly. Help Xiao Wu look after this place."
Xiao Yue nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master!"
Xiao Wu smiled as well, taking Xiao Yue's hand. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
Satisfied, Bai Mu said his goodbyes and departed, heading straight for the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
---
The academy gates stood tall as ever.
"This is the Heaven Dou Royal Academy—unauthorized—Ah! Lord Bai Mu!"
The guard immediately stepped aside.
Bai Mu entered without pause, drawing respectful gazes from students along the way.
Soon, he reached the training grounds of the Heaven Dou Royal Team. Dugu Yan noticed him first and rushed over happily.
"Bai Mu!"
Qin Ming turned, frowning slightly. "Dean Bai Mu, is there something important?"
"There is," Bai Mu said calmly, placing a hand on Dugu Yan's shoulder.
"I'm here to take Yanzi home. From now on, she'll continue her cultivation at my Order Academy."
Qin Ming's expression changed instantly.
"What!? Absolutely not! She's a core member of the team—without a control-type Spirit Master, how can the team function!?"