Chapter 107: Adding Embroidery to Brocade—How Can It Compare to Lending Aid in Times of Need?

Gu Mingyan’s poised and unconstrained demeanor earned her a measure of genuine admiration from Mu Yiren. As a CEO herself, Mu Yiren was not one to be petty; while she felt a twinge of jealousy because of Ling Xiao, she was careful not to cause him any embarrassment. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out her right hand and shook Gu Mingyan’s hand lightly.

The moment their hands touched, Mu Yiren shuddered involuntarily. Gu Mingyan’s hand was chillingly cold, as if she were a corpse. Even from that brief contact, Mu Yiren felt as though the blood in her veins were about to freeze.

Seemingly accustomed to such reactions, Gu Mingyan did not take offense. She merely smiled faintly and said, "I suffer from a cold toxicity, and over the years, Ling Xiao has been the one to help me suppress it. That is why we are so close."

"I see," Mu Yiren replied, nodding, though her eyes lingered on Gu Mingyan with curiosity. Was the relationship between this woman and Ling Xiao truly as innocent as she claimed?

Gu Mingyan’s eyes crinkled into beautiful crescent moons. "Don't worry, there is nothing improper between Ling Xiao and me. This man only has eyes for you; it isn’t easy for others to get into his bed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have returned to find you after three years!"

Standing nearby, Ling Xiao frowned slightly. "Enough chatter. Why have you come to Jianglin?"

Only when Ling Xiao spoke did Gu Mingyan put away her smile, turning more serious. "A crystal mine was recently discovered in Jianglin, containing a vast amount of ore rich in spiritual energy."

"Spirit crystals?"

"Exactly! Spirit crystals are exceptionally rare. They can instantly replenish one’s depleted spiritual energy and serve as the foundation for arrays. They have a long shelf life and are an invaluable resource. As you know, such things are usually only found in the Higher Realms; the thin spiritual energy of Earth rarely forms them. The Valley Master attaches great importance to this."

"How much is there?"

"Preliminary estimates suggest about ten tons."

"Ten tons of spirit crystals—that’s interesting. It’s worth at least ten thousand tons of gold!"

"Indeed. That is why I came to find you, so we can go together and see how to secure the greatest benefit."

Ling Xiao frowned slightly. "Are there others vying for these crystals?"

Gu Mingyan gave a wry smile. "With such a large haul, many are bound to covet them. According to intelligence from the Shadow Hall, at least seven sects have already dispatched disciples to seize them."

"Jianglin is now the territory of my Ghost Valley. They have quite the nerve!"

"People die for wealth just as birds die for food. Besides, this is ten tons of spirit crystals; those in the martial arts world simply cannot resist. The Valley Master said that we should try not to make too many enemies this time. You are already in a blood feud with the Kongtong Sect; if you make more enemies, I fear Jiangzhou will not hold its ground when the Tournament of the Hundred Sects arrives."

"It doesn't matter. I have my own plans."

"I'd be a fool to believe you," Gu Mingyan said, rolling her eyes. She pulled an emerald thumb ring from her bosom and handed it to Ling Xiao. "This is your spatial ring. I brought eighty thousand of the God of War Hall’s ninety thousand disciples; the remaining ten thousand are guarding the Ghost Valley."

She paused, glanced at Mu Yiren, and added, "Also... the Valley Master has reached a cooperation agreement with the Divine Water Palace. The day of the Tournament of the Hundred Sects will be the day you become engaged to the Young Palace Mistress of the Divine Water Palace! You should prepare yourself."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yiren’s delicate body trembled. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Ling Xiao’s eyes narrowed, and the temperature around them plummeted.

"When did I ever say I would get engaged to the Young Palace Mistress of the Divine Water Palace?"

"The Divine Water Palace is one of the nine great martial arts sects, and they have always performed well in the Tournament of the Hundred Sects. Forming an alliance with them will help bolster the prestige of our Ghost Valley."

"Allies are what the weak need. I, Ling Xiao, have no need for them!"

Gu Mingyan shook her head in resignation. "Suit yourself. I can't persuade you anyway; I was just delivering the message. Let’s go. The other sects have likely already reached the site of the crystals, and we shouldn't waste time. If we’re late, we won't even get a drop to drink."

With that, Gu Mingyan turned and got into a nearby Cullinan. Ling Xiao looked at Mu Yiren in his arms, feeling her dejection, and squeezed her hand.

"Silly, stop overthinking. I have never even met this so-called Young Palace Mistress, and I will never agree to an engagement with her."

Mu Yiren’s eyes were slightly red, but she gave a calm smile. "It’s alright. I know you are no longer the Ling Xiao you were three years ago."

"You have grand ambitions and a world to conquer! I am just a small woman, and I cannot help you. If... if that Young Palace Mistress can truly help you, I would rather you marry her so that you may be one step closer to your dreams. I don’t need much; as long as I have a place in your heart, I am satisfied!"

Ling Xiao raised his hand and gave her a firm swat on her backside.

"Smack!"

The force was not light, drawing a soft whimper from Mu Yiren.

"What nonsense are you spouting? I am conquering the world only to lay it at your feet. If I had to marry someone else to get it, what would be the point of the world? Don't ever say such things again!"

"Ling Xiao!"

Mu Yiren’s eyes stung with tears. She threw herself into Ling Xiao’s arms and held him tight. In truth, she was not stupid; she knew better than anyone that Ling Xiao was no longer the man he once was, and she truly felt unworthy of him. Never mind the Young Palace Mistress—even Gu Mingyan made her feel inferior. She could easily imagine that the women Ling Xiao would encounter in the future would only be better and stronger than the last.

She knew she couldn't compete, so she settled for second best, hoping only to keep that tiny corner of his heart. Because Ling Xiao was her life; if she couldn't even keep that last sliver of a place, then she felt her life would have no meaning.

Inside the car, Gu Mingyan watched Mu Yiren with a gaze filled with melancholy. She felt envy, but not jealousy. Some people, some fates, and some fortunes are seeds sown long ago. From the moment Mu Yiren set out alone into the mountains to find Ling Xiao, it was destined that she would hold the most important place in his heart for the rest of his life. Not to mention the hardship she endured after losing her parents and shouldering the burden of the Mu family alone.

Whether it was love or gratitude, Mu Yiren had already filled Ling Xiao’s heart. When Ling Xiao finally soared to the heavens, no matter how good any other woman might be to him, none could compare to Mu Yiren’s sacrifices. After all, how could a gift added to luxury ever compare to help offered in the midst of a snowstorm?