Mu Li very much wanted to refuse. She didn’t want to get entangled with the male and female leads or the supporting male character.
Besides, this man had clearly just stirred up trouble. What if his enemies caught up? She was only a fledgling at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
The driver, seeing that they knew each other and recognizing Fu Qingzhou as a late-stage Foundation Establishment expert, assumed Mu Li wouldn’t refuse. He naturally made room for him.
Mu Li looked at Fu Qingzhou. Though he appeared courteous, his warm smile carried a threatening edge, as if the moment she refused, she would be cut down.
This was a world where strength alone spoke. Mu Li reminded herself of that, then silently retreated into the carriage and said softly, “Come up.”
Fu Qingzhou immediately leapt aboard without ceremony, sitting opposite her. He pulled out a pill of unknown type and swallowed it in one gulp.
Mu Li shrank into the corner, pretending to be a mushroom, praying the carriage would hurry to Cliff-Sea City so she could part ways with him.
The pill Fu Qingzhou had taken was clearly of high grade. Duoduo, catching its scent, grew restless, wriggling to escape her pocket. Mu Li had to hold him down firmly.
After a round of meditation, Fu Qingzhou felt much better, his taut nerves easing. In truth, he had been wary of Mu Li since boarding. They were strangers, and he was gravely injured. If she harbored ill intent, even as an early-stage cultivator, he would be helpless.
Why had he boarded? Simply because he sensed another Foundation Establishment cultivator inside. Borrowing her presence might deter his pursuer and buy him time to heal. He hadn’t expected the passenger to be someone he knew. He had heard gossip in Ling City about Xuanyuan Yunfei’s broken engagement and recognized this beautiful female cultivator as his former fiancée.
The beauty clearly didn’t want to engage with him, her attention absorbed by the little pet in her pocket, ignoring him completely.
Fu Qingzhou found it amusing and spoke: “Thank you, Fellow Daoist Mu, for carrying me this way. I’ve only known your surname—may I ask your full name?”
Mu Li, reluctant, answered quietly: “Mu Li.”
Fu Qingzhou nodded. “A fine name.”
Mu Li didn’t want to talk further. After all, this supporting male character would later meet a tragic end.
At first, he had been close to the heroine, almost like confidants. His talent and background were no less than the male lead’s, perhaps even superior, naturally provoking the male lead’s jealousy. But later, with the male and female leads blessed by fate, opportunities came one after another, their cultivation soaring, leaving him far behind.
Fu Qingzhou, having lived a too-easy life since childhood, had never faced setbacks. Seeing those once beneath him surpass him by leaps and bounds, he couldn’t accept it. His mind twisted, he fell into demonic ways, and was ultimately slain by the male lead in the name of justice.
Mu Li stole a glance at him, her eyes unconsciously tinged with sympathy.
They were both tragic supporting characters—kindred spirits in misfortune.
Her expression shifted, leaving Fu Qingzhou unsure what she was thinking. He tried to make conversation: “Last time I saw you, you were still at Qi Refining. In just two months, you’ve reached Foundation Establishment. Impressive.”
Mu Li chuckled awkwardly. “Just luck, nothing more.”
Compared to the male and female leads, who advanced like rockets, her progress was nothing.
“You’ve just advanced, and already plan to enter the secret realm?”
Mu Li nodded. “Yes. I’m curious to see it, since it’s so close to Ling City.”
“It’s very dangerous inside. How can your family allow you to go alone?”
Of course, she couldn’t admit she had simply left a letter and run off. Embarrassed, she said, “Uh, I’ll just stay at the outskirts to experience the atmosphere. I won’t go into dangerous places.”
Nor would she compete with late-stage experts for treasures. So really, no need to worry about her.
Fu Qingzhou smiled. “There are so many good things in the secret realm. Once inside, it’s hard not to be tempted.”
Before she could reply, he continued, “Why don’t we go together? I’m alone as well. Two people can look out for each other.”
How could a late-stage cultivator and an early-stage one possibly “look out for each other”? Mu Li couldn’t fathom his logic. She quickly refused: “No need. I’ve only just advanced. I’m just curious to look around. I’d only drag you down.”
Fu Qingzhou chuckled. “No need to belittle yourself… Ah, is that little creature your pet?” As he spoke, he pulled a gray bundle from his clothes.
Mu Li’s face changed—he had picked up Duoduo, who had slipped out of her pocket without her noticing while she was distracted. She hurriedly took Duoduo back, smiling awkwardly. “Yes, it’s a bit mischievous.”
“Your pet is very cute, very unusual.”
Few female cultivators kept mice as pets, even if this one was cuter than most.
Duoduo, hearing the praise, grew excited, scampering onto Mu Li’s shoulder and squeaking.
Afraid Fu Qingzhou might notice something, Mu Li quickly grabbed him and stuffed him back into her pocket, resolving to buy a spirit beast pouch in Cliff-Sea City to keep him contained.
“Just an ordinary little spirit mouse. I happened upon it and kept it for company.”
“Indeed lively and interesting. I’ve wanted a spirit beast myself, but never found one to my liking…” Fu Qingzhou, born into a great clan, was well-mannered. Even when speaking to someone far weaker, he showed no arrogance. He was measured in speech, never prying into matters she didn’t wish to discuss, and patiently answered even her clumsiest questions about cultivation.
Mu Li hadn’t intended to converse much, planning to part ways at their destination. Yet somehow, she found herself chatting with him all the way.
When the driver finally stopped and announced they had reached Cliff-Sea City, she even felt a trace of reluctance.
Ah, no wonder he could become the heroine’s confidant and stir the male lead’s jealousy, Mu Li thought.
“Fellow Daoist Mu, let’s first find an inn to lodge at.”
“Ah?” Mu Li was momentarily caught off guard.