Master Has Broken Through

While meditating, Mu Man’er suddenly heard an eerie, ancient voice that seemed to transcend time, resonating like a demon’s whisper.

“The Eternal Palace, R’lyeh, the slumbering ancient ruler summons you into the dream.”

The next moment, Mu Man’er found herself in a grand, resplendent palace. Alarmed and wary, she scanned her surroundings.

Inside the hall, a man in a black and gold robe sat on a dark dragon-carved throne. His face was obscured by a gray mist, making him appear mysterious and unapproachable.

Mu Man’er cautiously cupped her hands in respect, her voice soft but firm. “May I ask the senior’s name? For what purpose have you summoned this junior to such a place?”

“Take a guess,” came the deep, authoritative voice from behind the mist. Qin Gou, concealed within, was seething with frustration, though his voice was altered by the mist to sound majestic and imposing.

A bead of cold sweat slid down Mu Man’er’s forehead. The most terrifying figures in the cultivation world were those who spoke cryptically, treating others like playthings in a cruel game of cat and mouse.

“Please, senior, no jokes. This junior is a disciple of the Master of Arc Moon Mountain. Surely you’ve heard of my master, Qin Gou?” Mu Man’er quickly invoked her most powerful backer, internally crying out for her master to save her.

“You little brat, you still remember you’re my disciple? What was I thinking when I took in such an unruly girl?” Qin Gou snapped, dispersing the gray mist to reveal his original face, untouched by the “Perfect Disguise Talisman.”

Mu Man’er froze, her expression shifting to a bitter smile. “Senior, why pretend to be my master? My master has a temper. If he finds out about this, he won’t let it slide.”

“You little rascal, now you’re insulting me indirectly? What did I tell you in Gu Yue City? Treasure this time and stay out of trouble!” Qin Gou fumed. “And what did you do? You joined a demonic sect! Truly, you are my ‘prized disciple’!”

“Ah? It’s really you, Master? You scared me to death!” Mu Man’er gasped, her mouth slightly open as she dropped to her knees, visibly relieved.

“Don’t change the subject. Answer my question,” Qin Gou demanded, his piercing gaze fixed on her clear, watery eyes. “Why are you in the Seed Demon Holy Sect? And how did you become the Sect Master’s adopted daughter? You’ve disgraced me!”

“Master… Weren’t you back at Arc Moon Mountain? How do you know all this?” Mu Man’er asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Qin Gou smirked mysteriously. “My abilities are beyond your comprehension.”

“Have you been secretly following me?”

A vein throbbed on Qin Gou’s forehead. “My patience has limits.”

“Master, don’t be angry!” Mu Man’er blushed, quickly standing and stepping back, her hands protectively covering her bottom. “I can explain!”

Seeing her flustered and embarrassed demeanor, Qin Gou couldn’t help but chuckle. “Go on.”

Mu Man’er, still shielding her backside, timidly explained, “You told me to behave, but as a cultivator, I can’t just stay home and meditate! Didn’t you say talent and opportunity are both essential? I heard the Seed Demon Holy Sect once had an Avatar Realm founder, so I snuck in to uncover their secrets. Once I achieve my goal, I’ll leave the sect.”

Qin Gou was both amused and exasperated. “You’re bold, seeking opportunities among demonic sects. Aren’t you afraid of being exposed and attacked?”

“Hehe, Master, don’t underestimate me. You already know I’m the Sect Master’s adopted daughter and best friends with Senior Sister Gu Feiyan, his biological daughter! Even if my identity is revealed, they wouldn’t dare harm me. They might even treat me as an honored guest! After all, my master is the third-ranked Demon Master on the Heavenly Demon List!”

Qin Gou’s eyes flickered. “Tell me more about the Sect Master and Gu Feiyan.”

“Master, since when are you interested in small sects?” Mu Man’er asked, puzzled.

“Just tell me!” Qin Gou feigned anger.

Startled, Mu Man’er pouted, “Yes, Master!”

***

After a while, Qin Gou nodded, a playful smile on his lips.

Mu Man’er sensed trouble brewing.

“Good. I’ll remember this. Your future behavior will determine your punishment.”

Mu Man’er sighed in relief, patting her chest. “Don’t worry, Master. I’ll gather more useful information for you. Who knew this little sect had secrets even you find intriguing?”

“Secrets? I’m not interested in secrets. I’m interested in people,” Qin Gou said cryptically.

“People? Who?” Mu Man’er tilted her head, confused.

Qin Gou waved his sleeve. “Enough. I’ll send you back. Remember, even in a demonic sect, keep your heart pure. Don’t let the filth corrupt you. I’ll be watching.”

“Wait, Master, I still have—” Before she could finish, her body shattered like a mirror.

Back in her fragrant bedroom, Mu Man’er jolted awake, her wide eyes scanning the room.

“Was it just a dream? No, it couldn’t be,” she muttered, bewildered. “Master’s power is terrifying. How many unimaginable techniques does he have?”

She noticed her back was drenched in cold sweat, and even the sheets beneath her were damp. “What kind of place did Master summon me to? Could it be… he’s broken through the final barrier of the Avatar Realm and created his own domain? Unbelievable.”

“Hehe, if Master has broken through again, Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister will be terrified! As expected of my beloved, most admired Master!”