The Black Lotus Stole the White Moonlight (GL) - Chapter 20

Mu Tianyin’s gaze was gentle, her light tea-colored eyes like starlight, as if encouraging her to say more.

Bai An’an looked at her cautiously, pursed her lips, and said in a small voice, “Bai means pure and innocent. An means peaceful and obedient.”

Mu Tianyin, hearing this, paused for a moment and chuckled softly.

The laugh was neither loud nor soft, its meaning unclear. However, the entire Qingxiao Hall was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard, and the disciples, who had been looking down, all raised their heads to look.

Zhai Anyi, a small disciple who had long mingled in the crowd to watch the excitement, had chosen a good spot to see his master’s expression clearly.

He scratched the back of his head, somewhat surprised, his round eyes, like a girl’s, suddenly widening.

Was his master in a good mood today? Was it an illusion?

Just now, his master had inexplicably asked him to prepare breakfast, leaving him completely bewildered. Didn’t his master already achieve bigu (cessation of grains)? What breakfast would she eat?

He suddenly recalled the candied haws on the straw frame from a long time ago, and the “junior sister” his master had mentioned, his eyes turning, and he slapped his palm, realizing.

The one in front of him was probably the junior sister he had been longing for, right?

The junior sister was facing away from him, and he didn’t know what she looked like.

Bai An’an, hearing Mu Tianyin’s soft laugh, couldn’t help but look up at her, asking timidly, “City Lord, did An’er say something wrong?”

Mu Tianyin shook her head, slowly raising her hand, subconsciously wanting to pat the girl’s head. But she suddenly realized that An’er didn’t know her true identity. So she coughed, and retracted her arm.

Bai An’an watched her movements without showing any expression, her lips slightly curving, but she quickly hid her smile, pretending to be innocent and looking at Mu Tianyin with wide eyes, “City Lord?”

Mu Tianyin was silent for a moment, then said softly, “Are you willing to take me as your master?”

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like hot oil poured into water, instantly causing an uproar.

Who was Mu Tianyin? The master of the righteous path in the entire cultivation world, hailed as the one with the best chance to cultivate the Great Dao and ascend.

Even someone as talented as Mu Lan might not catch her eye, yet this girl, whose face was barely visible, had won the City Lord’s favor.

Was her talent even better than Mu Lan’s?

Several disciples standing beside Bai An’an couldn’t help but look up at the small words above her head.

When they saw the words “Wood element, medium-grade spiritual root,” they were all surprised and widened their eyes.

They rubbed their eyes repeatedly, but the vertical small words remained unchanged, still reading “medium-grade spiritual root.”

“This…” Several elders present, seeing the City Lord’s hasty acceptance of a disciple, exchanged glances.

However, the City Lord’s decision was unquestionable, and they weren’t as meddlesome as the Disciplinary Hall elders. No one wanted to be the one to advise the City Lord to reconsider, so they all kept their eyes on their noses and their noses on their hearts, standing aside with their hands folded, watching the excitement.

Since the elders had no objections, the disciples dared not express their opinions even more.

So they all craned their necks, waiting to see what would happen.

Being watched by thousands of disciples in the entire hall and several elders on the high platform, Bai An’an wasn’t intimidated at all, but instead began to act coy, “Willing, of course, but City Lord, can An’er ask why you want to take me as your disciple?”

She paused, her expression somewhat dim, and raised her face again, looking at the other person expectantly, “An’er’s talent isn’t high, she has no background or power, and she doesn’t like to endure hardship. Although she passed the trial, there are thousands of disciples here, all more talented than An’er. Why didn’t the City Lord choose them, but chose me instead?”

As soon as these words were spoken, they instantly drew the hatred of thousands of disciples. Even the elders standing on the high platform, who had nothing to do with it, felt an emotion that was hard to tell whether it was envy or jealousy after hearing Bai An’an’s words.

If there was one word to describe this girl, it would be: ungrateful.

Wen Jingxian, standing beside Bai An’an, was extremely anxious. If Mu Tianyin hadn’t been present, she would have immediately pressed Bai An’an’s head and agreed for her. It was good enough that the City Lord was willing to take her as a disciple! Who cared why!

Mu Tianyin stood in front of Bai An’an, tall and upright, looking down at Bai An’an’s face. Hearing this, she wasn’t angry, but just raised an eyebrow and said lightly, “What reason do you want?”

Bai An’an twisted her fingers, quickly glanced at her, and said softly, “No… no reason is needed. An’er is just very apprehensive, afraid of disappointing the City Lord’s expectations.”

Mu Tianyin, hearing this, moved the fingers hidden in her sleeves, her expression softening as she looked at her, saying quietly, “There’s no need to belittle yourself.” She was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “I promised someone that I would take you as a disciple once you passed the trial.”

Bai An’an, hearing this, blinked and stared at her blankly.

Mu Tianyin finished speaking, glanced at her, and turned to walk towards the Qingxiao Hall door.

Bai An’an stood there blankly, watching her back.

Mu Tianyin had a slender figure and was very tall, and every move she made was eye-catching. Leaving aside her halo as the master of the righteous path, she alone was the focus of attention in the crowd.

She walked gracefully to the door, and the white mist outside the hall poured in, making her look as if she was walking in the clouds, faintly ethereal and immortal.

Everyone watched, secretly envying Bai An’an’s luck.

Mu Tianyin walked halfway, noticing that there was no movement behind her, she couldn’t help but turn her head slightly and say, “Aren’t you coming?”

Bai An’an then looked away, said “oh” foolishly, and hurriedly followed.

She ran to Mu Tianyin’s front, her face flushed from the attention of everyone in the hall, her head lowered, and asked cautiously, “City Lord, where are we going now?”

Mu Tianyin was about to answer when a female voice suddenly sounded, attracting everyone’s attention.

Mu Lan, standing tall and straight, carrying a long sword, stepped out of the crowd.

She strode forward, walking straight to a spot not far from Mu Tianyin, and then gradually stopped.

She lowered her eyes, her expression cold, but her cheeks were faintly flushed.

Mu Lan bowed and saluted, then straightened up slightly and said, “City Lord, do… do you still remember me?”

Mu Tianyin’s gaze lightly swept across her face, her expression unchanged.

Mu Lan’s eyes instantly dimmed. She took a deep breath, raised her head, and stared at Mu Tianyin with burning eyes. But after just one glance, she was intimidated by Mu Tianyin’s power and dared not look again, lowering her eyes and explaining, “I… I am Mu Lan. I am the girl you saved a hundred years ago.”

“Mu Lan vowed that day that she would cultivate diligently to repay the City Lord’s life-saving grace.”

After a long time, Mu Tianyin said calmly, “Mm.”

Bai An’an, watching from the side, couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows.

So Mu Tianyin’s fondness for children had a long history. She looked around, and a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. She casually played with the tassel hanging from her waist, gradually refining her plan.

Since Mu Tianyin was her target, she wouldn’t allow anyone else to touch her.

She didn’t want Mu Tianyin to be coveted by others, so she had to nip these obstacles in the bud.

Although it wasn’t a big deal for Mu Tianyin to take another disciple, she wanted to be the only one. Since Mu Tianyin was going to take her as a disciple, she should be the last one.

And Mu Lan seemed to be on the same path as her, so she had to be wary.

Thinking of this, a sweet smile appeared on her lips, and she raised her head slightly to Mu Tianyin, “City Lord, An’er thinks that perhaps Mu Lan is more suitable to be your disciple.”

She pretended to be strong and understanding, “Mu Lan is different from An’er. She has a superior spiritual root, and she’s an ice element. She also has the support of the Mu family sect. And she’s the junior you saved. Compared to An’er, she’s more suitable.”

Mu Lan, hearing this, felt both anger and anticipation.

She was angry that Bai An’an was speaking as if she was giving her something, as if she had the right to decide. But the City Lord’s acceptance of a disciple was not something anyone else could interfere with. Bai An’an had a lot of nerve, even instructing the City Lord. She was also anticipating that the City Lord might actually take her as a disciple because of this…

Her expression was extremely complicated, and although she frowned, her eyes were filled with anticipation as she looked at Mu Tianyin.

Mu Tianyin raised her hand and finally couldn’t help but pat Bai An’an’s lowered head, saying softly, “I said, there’s no need to belittle yourself. Your talent is not bad.”

Bai An’an bit her lip and suddenly raised her face, pursing her lips and saying, “An’er knows that many disciples here are not convinced by An’er. An’er thinks, why not give them a chance? If they can defeat An’er, An’er will step aside.”

Mu Tianyin immediately said, “Nonsense!”

Seeing Bai An’an looking frightened, she softened her tone, “Accepting a disciple is a serious matter, how can it be treated like a game?”

Seeing Bai An’an looking unhappy, she said, “Although the acceptance of a disciple cannot be changed, it won’t hurt if the disciples have a friendly spar.”

When Bai An’an finished speaking, many disciples were eager to try.

But after Mu Tianyin spoke, most of them gave up on challenging her.

A few still had their own plans. Even if they couldn’t become her disciple, winning against Bai An’an and showing their face in front of the City Lord would be a good choice.

However, when they looked at Mu Lan’s cold face, they all retreated.

Bai An’an’s tone was soft, slightly raising her voice, “Is there any senior sister who wants to challenge An’er?”

She called out three times, but no one answered.

So she turned to look at Mu Lan, who was standing aside.

Mu Lan stared at her, her expression cold, and slowly drew her long sword from behind.

Holding her sword, the tip pointed directly at her, the blade emitting an icy aura like snow.

She had reached a certain level in her sword cultivation, and ordinary disciples were no match for her.

Although this might seem like bullying, her pride wouldn’t allow her to bow down to someone like Bai An’an.

She would prove to Mu Tianyin that she was better than Bai An’an! That she was more qualified to be her disciple!

She waited, frowning, and saw Bai An’an tremblingly pull out the short sword tucked behind her.

The short sword was simple, with no patterns on the blade, and the edge seemed to be blunt, looking like a child’s toy.

Mu Lan immediately said, “You can change your weapon.”

Bai An’an gripped the hilt and shook her head firmly, “No need, this is a gift from my senior sister. I must use this sword.”

Mu Tianyin, hearing this, couldn’t help but follow Bai An’an’s gaze.

The sword she gave her was well-preserved, the blade shiny and white, and the hilt had a red tassel. Seeing this sword, she couldn’t help but laugh, and thinking of Bai An’an’s cherished look, she felt a complicated emotion.

Bai An’an looked around the hall, holding her sword, and drew a large circle on the ground.

She turned around and said, “Let’s use this circle as a boundary. In half an hour, whoever steps out first loses.”

Mu Lan nodded.

Bai An’an smiled and said, “After you, please.”

Mu Lan glanced at her, didn’t decline, said “sorry,” and rushed over with her sword.

Bai An’an had already noticed that Mu Lan’s sword was like her, aggressive, only attacking, not defending, all desperate moves.

She barely managed to parry, almost being forced to the edge of the circle. One knee on the ground, bl00d oozing from her lips, she supported herself with her sword, breathing heavily, and wiped her mouth with her other hand.

Mu Lan walked slowly to her, raised her chin, and said condescendingly, “Admit defeat, you can’t win against me.”

Bai An’an suddenly looked up, stubbornly saying, “I won’t admit defeat!”

Mu Lan’s eyes flickered, frowning.

Bai An’an then stood up, her short sword seemingly weightless, lightly thrusting towards her, a flash of sword light dazzling Mu Lan’s eyes. In that instant, an invisible sword aura seemed to stab towards her.

She seemed to be facing not Bai An’an’s clumsy, flawed swordsmanship, but a towering mountain, a surging tide, rushing towards her with overwhelming force.

Mu Lan’s eyes widened, her heart beating rapidly.

She suddenly turned, trying to avoid the invisible sword aura, but found it impossible.

She had to block with her sword, but was still forced back several meters.

Bai An’an lowered her eyes, sheathed her sword, and stood up straight, a faint smile on her lips.

Mu Lan knelt on the ground, looking at her, a hint of disbelief in her eyes. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but coughed up a mouthful of bl00d.

She looked at her, her face pale, her voice unsteady, “Invisible sword aura? You actually comprehended sword intent?!”

She muttered to herself, then looked her up and down.

No matter how she looked, Bai An’an was still that delicate girl, she didn’t suddenly grow three heads and six arms, she couldn’t believe it, “Why?! Why can someone like you comprehend sword intent?!”

Bai An’an glanced at her casually, a hint of pity flashing in her eyes.

Silly child, she didn’t know any sword intent.

What defeated her was naturally the thing Mu Tianyin left on the short sword.

Letting Mu Lan lose to her beloved City Lord, Bai An’an shamelessly thought, was merciful to Mu Lan.

If earlier, everyone’s feelings towards Bai An’an were envy and jealousy, now, seeing her defeat Mu Lan, they couldn’t help but be convinced. Seeing her comprehend sword intent at such a young age, and being calm and composed, they admired her even more.

Bai An’an stood there, enjoying the look of disbelief and admiration, satisfied, she then walked slowly over, holding her short sword, “Miss Mu, get up.” She bent down slightly, reaching out her hand.

Mu Lan glared at her, swatting her hand away, “Stop pretending to be kind! I won’t admit it!”

Bai An’an looked at the red mark on her hand, bit her lip, and said softly, “Although An’er doesn’t understand why she could defeat Miss Mu, Miss Mu, you have great talent, your future is limitless.”

Mu Lan was almost so angry that she vomited bl00d again, “Are you mocking me?!”

At this moment, she was disheveled, her spotless white clothes, like Mu Tianyin’s, had several cuts, revealing gruesome wounds. Her face was pale, and her cheeks were flushed from anger.

Bai An’an saw her miserable state and almost laughed out loud.

A mischievous feeling quickly spread, almost uncontrollable.

She pursed her lips, barely suppressing her smile, and said seriously, “Miss Mu, you misunderstood, every word An’er said was from the heart.” She paused, then hesitated, “Perhaps the City Lord didn’t take you as a disciple because it wasn’t meant to be?”

Bai An’an’s words hit Mu Lan’s sore spot.

She was so angry that she was about to faint, her initial coldness gone.

Seeing Mu Lan about to pass out, Bai An’an softened her expression, cupped her hands and said, “Sorry, Miss Mu, I won.”

Then, she turned and ran towards Mu Tianyin.

“City Lord! An’er won!”

She ran to Mu Tianyin, slowing down as she got closer, stopping a little further away, looking at her cautiously, and repeated, “Did you see? An’er won!”

Mu Tianyin nodded, her eyes calm, but there was a ripple, as if something was stirring. But her eyes were deep, impossible to see all her emotions.

Bai An’an tucked her short sword behind her, following Mu Tianyin out of Qingxiao Hall.

Bai An’an kept an eye on her distance from Mu Tianyin, while paying more attention to the scenery.

Mingxin City was built on a mountaintop, and although it looked a little cold, it was surrounded by clouds and mist, which was quite interesting.

Bai An’an was playing with the tassel, and suddenly bumped into Mu Tianyin’s back.

She quickly took a few steps back and looked up at Mu Tianyin.

Mu Tianyin turned her head and said, “Follow me.”

Bai An’an looked up and saw a hall next to her, with the words “Hall of Ancestors” written on the plaque.

Mu Tianyin paused and entered the Hall of Ancestors.

Mu Tianyin said, “Although there’s no ceremony for me taking a disciple, you still need to be formally recognized by the ancestors.”

Bai An’an secretly pouted and followed Mu Tianyin’s instructions to light incense, kneel, and bow before leaving the Hall of Ancestors with Mu Tianyin.

Mu Tianyin led her to a disciple’s room near her own residence and said, “You will rest here from now on. If you need anything, ask the other disciples.”

Bai An’an put her hands behind her back, looked around, and then turned to Mu Tianyin, “City Lord…”

Mu Tianyin gently reminded, “What should you call me?”

Bai An’an said “ah” and quickly corrected herself, “Master…” She looked at her cautiously, “An’er wants to ask a question.”

Mu Tianyin said, “Go ahead.”

Bai An’an twisted her fingers, hesitated for a moment, and then mustered her courage to ask, “What about senior sister? Will senior sister stay in the same place as An’er?”

As she spoke, she quickly took out the short sword from behind her and held it in front of Mu Tianyin, explaining, “This sword was given to An’er by senior sister!”

Mu Tianyin: “…”

Mu Tianyin’s lips moved, just as she was about to explain, Zhai Anyi’s loud voice suddenly sounded outside the door, “Master, Master! I want to see junior sister!”

Before he finished speaking, a young man in white rushed in.

Bai An’an looked at his youthful, fair face and sized him up thoughtfully.

This must be Mu Tianyin’s original disciple, Zhai Anyi.

He had thick eyebrows and large eyes, round and cute, like an innocent girl.

Mu Tianyin frowned, displeased, “So reckless, what kind of behavior is that?”

Zhai Anyi blinked quickly, adjusted his clothes, and tried to look polite, but his first words ruined it all, “Junior sister, hello, hello! I’m your senior brother Zhai Anyi! You can call me Senior Brother Zhai from now on!”

Bai An’an pretended to be shy and took a step back, glancing at him and nodding gently.

Zhai Anyi looked at the junior sister’s exposed features, and the more he looked, the happier he became.

Why did the junior sister look exactly how he liked? Although Master was also very beautiful, he always felt like a mouse seeing a cat when he looked at her, unable to feel any closeness.

The junior sister was cute and kind, he had to take good care of her and not let anyone bully her!

Zhai Anyi nodded, trying to smile kindly at Bai An’an, “Junior sister, I have a lot of candied haws, I know you like them. Don’t be shy with me!”

Bai An’an: “…”

Bai An’an glanced at Mu Tianyin, not wanting to deal with this talkative senior brother.

Seeing that the junior sister was uninterested, Zhai Anyi thought it was because Master was there, and she was holding back. So he said to Mu Tianyin, “Master, why don’t you go ahead and I’ll take junior sister for a walk?”

He said, assuming Mu Tianyin would agree, and reached for Bai An’an’s hand.

Bai An’an instinctively wanted to dodge, but considering Mu Tianyin was there, she didn’t move.

Mu Tianyin suddenly spoke, her expression calm, “Have you finished your sword practice today?”

Zhai Anyi’s hand froze in midair, and he scratched the back of his head.

Didn’t Master always let him do as he pleased? When did she start caring about his sword practice?

He smiled awkwardly, “Well…”

Mu Tianyin ignored him and walked towards Bai An’an.

She walked to the girl’s side, her long eyelashes casting shadows over her starlight-filled tea-colored eyes, and said softly, “Let’s go, I have time today, I’ll take you around the five peaks.”

Bai An’an raised an eyebrow, her eyes lit up, and she smiled happily, “Thank you, Master!”

As she spoke, she subconsciously raised her hand to take Mu Tianyin’s arm. Realizing Mu Tianyin’s identity, she quickly lowered her hand, not daring to be presumptuous.

Mu Tianyin’s fingers hidden in her sleeves moved slightly, and a faint ripple spread through her heart.

When she was her “senior sister,” An’er wasn’t so restrained.

Mu Tianyin’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t know how to explain to Bai An’an. After a moment of silence, she sighed inwardly.

Watching the two figures walk away, Zhai Anyi, completely ignored, belatedly realized something shocking.

Today, Master was very unusual.

He quickly shook his head, no, no, not just today.

Ever since the day she bought candied haws, Master had been acting strange.

Could it be…

He put his finger to his cheek, blinked, and guessed, “She’s reached that age… maternal love?”

Zhai Anyi opened his mouth, covering it as if he had discovered a shocking secret.

Oh no, when did Master have a child? How did he not notice at all?

T/N: Haha… They indeed look like a mother and daughter.