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 magpie’s 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 Lanruo’s 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 Baiyue’s course of action. Moreover, the two siblings hadn’t treated Hua Lanruo poorly over the years. Judging from Hua Lanruo’s initial description, as these siblings grew up, the relationship between them hadn’t reached the degree of incompatibility of fire and water — At the very least, Hua Lanruo wouldn’t have noticed anything if it hadn’t been for the fact that she found out by accident.

As such, instinctively stealing her twin brother’s innate talent after being born probably wasn’t the only reason why Hua Lanruo despised Mu Baizhi from the bottom of her heart.

Some other matter should’ve 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 Mu’s innate talent, although the people of the valley were initially furious, Mu Baiyue hadn’t been completely crippled. Mu Baizhi had also become rather strong. It couldn’t be said that she wouldn’t have prodigy-level potential once she grew up. Thus, this matter was kept secret. From that moment on, Mu Baizhi became the valley’s most meticulously nurtured person. Meanwhile, due to this unexpected disaster, Senior Sect Brother Mu’s 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 wouldn’t have had the slightest favorable impression of that thief.

The fury of this Sister Hua wasn’t entirely incomprehensible.

Hua Lanruo proceeded to say: “At that time, I was young and didn’t 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 unobtrusively 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 passing year. However, although Senior Sect Brother Mu’s 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 Baizhi’s subordinate. Oftentimes, it was obvious that Mu Baizhi needed Senior Sect Brother Mu’s 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 wasn’t for their precious Ice Phoenix Goddess, how could they have known what kind of an incredibly talented personage Senior Sect Brother Mu was? It was clear that he could’ve blossomed with a lofty radiance that would’ve 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 aptitude of a prodigy. To be honest, his impression of Mu Baiyue wasn’t bad. Hadn’t Lan Wenxi looked past the “outward appearance” and seen Mu Baiyue’s inner self? Therefore, should Mu Baiyue be treated as a friend?

In addition…

He felt that there wouldn’t be any way to control one’s 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 victim’s seat of honor without saying anything, she also constantly displayed her “benevolence” to her victim. Indeed, this seemed rather shameless.

Hua Lanruo still hadn’t completely calmed down, and said: “Senior Sect Brother Mu should’ve 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 didn’t say anything to the others. But afterwards, I came to know many things…”

The following matters refreshed Gu Zuo’s 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 lady’s 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 couldn’t 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 place’s 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 wasn’t easy. If this trip’s venture was a failure, then it would be difficult to return.

Although the white-clothed young lady didn’t accept Mu Baizhi as an apprentice, she taught and guided her wholeheartedly.

However, one day, Mu Baizhi suddenly took advantage of the woman’s lack of vigilance, and pulled her into a trap. When the woman didn’t 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 party’s innate talent!

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

Although Mu Baizhi’s original looks weren’t bad, she couldn’t compare to the white-clothed woman’s matchless beauty. After seizing the white-clothed young lady’s 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 Goddess.

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 Baiyue’s features resemble Mu Baizhi’s?”

Hua Lanruo sneered: “Naturally, it’s 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 hadn’t learned a secret technique to alter his features, they might’ve 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 wasn’t done speaking yet.

“After Mu Baizhi stole Senior Sect Brother Mu’s innate talent, her potential rose to the level of an exceptional genius. After she stole that white-clothed woman’s 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 could’ve 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. It’s 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 accumulating. After her accumulations were perfected, she would achieve skyrocketing results as she broke through to the Atomic Realm. Many prodigies would do this, so naturally it didn’t arouse anyone’s suspicions.

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

Currently, Mu Baizhi’s 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 aptitudes of prodigies could elevate her to the next realm.

At this moment, Hua Lanruo’s 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 attitude. 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, wasn’t 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 couldn’t help saying: “Mu Baizhi has been using that white-clothed woman’s 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 prodigy’s 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 Goddess’ friendliness to his family’s 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: “That’s right. Although I saw that Prodigy Gongyi didn’t seem interested in Mu Baizhi, one moment doesn’t 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. She’s rather capable at attracting men. However, every single prodigy has always been a person of strong willpower. There’s nothing to be done if one didn’t guard against her in the beginning, but once that guard is raised, one could naturally see many flaws. At that point, their true feelings won’t be moved by her, and they won’t climb into her boiling pot.”

Gu Zuo rubbed the goosebumps on his body.

What Hua Lanruo said made a lot of sense. Once a person’s guard was raised, no matter how outstanding the beauty, it would be hard to sway a prodigy’s 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 wouldn’t be moved easily.

Hua Lanruo’s 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 hadn’t asked anything the entire time and had merely been quietly listening, suddenly opened his mouth: “The core of this secret isn’t something that you alone could’ve investigated. Someone else must have gotten involved… Is that person Mu Baiyue?”

Gu Zuo’s heart tensed. He promptly looked over.

Ah, right! With Hua Lanruo’s identity, no matter how much she investigated, it would’ve 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 clan’s influence inside the valley was tremendous. However, it was clear that this wasn’t 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 couldn’t support a house. Even if she was able to converse with the white-clothed woman in the dungeon, she wouldn’t have necessarily known this much.

But Mu Baiyue was different.

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

Hua Lanruo’s complexion changed slightly.

Tianheng’s question was too sudden, and she didn’t 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 artist’s 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 snatched by someone else, even if that person was his twin sister, he probably wouldn’t have truly been willing. Besides, if the two siblings had a close relationship 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. What’s more, because “the Ice Phoenix Goddess was his younger sister”, he would’ve been able to grasp some things.

If he wanted to investigate these matters, so long as he facilitated Hua Lanruo, he would’ve been able to slowly make discreet inquiries in secret. Both of their information were combined, and they would’ve 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 circumstances, with Mu Baizhi’s ruthless heart and vicious hands, shouldn’t she have cut the weeds and eliminated the roots? Wasn’t keeping the woman alive too risky?

Hua Lanruo’s expression turned unsightly. It was like she was somewhat nauseated: “In order to maintain her appearance, Mu Baizhi needs to take that young lady’s blood every year…”

After all, stolen goods couldn’t compare to the genuine article. Even with internal qi to protect the body, one’s complexion was still rather hard to preserve. But if Mu Baizhi swallowed that young lady’s blood, she could maintain the same youthful and otherworldly beauty.

Gu Zuo: “…”

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

He wasn’t sure of which adjectives to describe her.

It was just that…Gu Zuo had further doubts.

He couldn’t help asking a question in his subconscious.

[System, why isn’t the Cuckoo Body recorded in the Encyclopedia of Heaven and Earth Physiques?]

Indeed. He didn’t 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 system’s reply was fast. It didn’t keep him in suspense, but it also didn’t 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 isn’t classified 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 one’s 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 classified as an inheritance. Whoever was born with good genes would get it. However, if the Cuckoo Body was inherited through one’s bloodline, then didn’t this mean that the ancestors of Mu Baizhi’s clan likewise possessed this bloodline inheritance?

Gu Zuo’s 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 didn’t 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 Body’s 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 Lanruo’s 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 didn’t 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 assumed that she had long made plans. After we came inside, the lava surged up during the earthquake, and almost everyone was separated. Naturally, she didn’t 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, I’m 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: “I’ll still go back to Jade Flame Valley.”

Gu Zuo furrowed his brows: “It won’t 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 didn’t formally admit anything, she already verified Tianheng’s 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 didn’t expose herself. However, this deed of hers has helped me instead. Now, even though I was attacked, it isn’t 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 Baizhi’s line of sight, allowing Mu Baiyue a little more time to…

Gu Zuo and Tianheng understood what she meant. They also didn’t try to stop her. One couldn’t 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 one’s life. I’ll definitely repay this favor in the future.”

Gu Zuo and Tianheng didn’t keep her here. They only gave a slight wave, and allowed her to leave.

It was because they really weren’t 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, let’s not talk about Mu Baizhi. What I’m concerned about is whether this bloodline inheritance also appeared among the Mu Clan’s ancestors.”

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

T/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

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