Chapter Twenty-Four: A Special Treatment

Li Xingyu followed them out of the carriage and took a moment to observe the Mu residence. Now inside, he noticed that although the Mu family estate was grand and opulent, it exuded an ancient atmosphere. Perhaps this was the heritage of an old lineage. After entering, he saw that the place appeared calm on the surface, with only servants and clansmen moving about, but Li Xingyu could sense the strict security measures in place.

Originally, the clan leader had intended to invite Li Xingyu to the main hall for tea and a brief rest, but Li Xingyu indicated that since they had arrived and he had already learned about Miss Mu’s condition during the journey, it would be best to see her right away. Hearing this, Mu Bat gave Li Xingyu a grateful glance, his emotions stirred as he led him toward his beloved daughter’s chamber. The clan leader shook his head and followed.

Upon entering, Li Xingyu found the room warmly decorated, every detail reflecting the soft, feminine style unique to a young woman, with the delicate fragrance peculiar to a maiden’s quarters wafting through the air. For a moment, he felt as though he had entered his girlfriend’s room back on Earth. It was difficult to imagine that the rumored martial prodigy, renowned for her profound internal strength, would have such a room. But he realized, no matter how formidable she was, she was first and foremost a woman. As a woman, she naturally possessed feminine traits. Outside, she might display more masculine qualities, but within the privacy of her chamber, her girlish nature was fully revealed.

He shook off these stray thoughts and saw that Mu Bat had already parted the beaded curtain separating the bedroom from the outer room and entered. Li Xingyu quickened his pace and followed. On a bed adorned in pink, beneath matching covers, lay a delicate and frail figure. Looking up, he saw a face that, though pallid from weakness, could not conceal its beauty. She was awake, her eyes half-open as she glanced at her father, then at the man beside him. She noted the man appeared about twenty-eight, taller even than her father, whose height was considered excellent among men. He looked quite sturdy, his features ordinary, but his bright eyes left a deep impression.

As she wondered who he was, her father spoke, “Xueqing, how are you feeling? This is…” He paused, then continued, “This is Li Xingyu. He’s here to examine your illness.” She was not surprised. Many doctors had visited recently, none able to determine what afflicted her. “Perhaps he, too, will be unable to find out,” she thought. “It seems my fate as a beauty is ill-starred. Still, he is the most handsome among them.” For some reason, such a strange thought suddenly flitted through her mind. If not for her frailty, her face would surely be flushed red. She mused silently.

Mu Bat, seeing his daughter did not greet their guest, quickly explained, “My daughter is too weak to greet you, please forgive her.” Mu Xueqing was surprised; it was rare to see her father so courteous to anyone. Could Li Xingyu truly possess some extraordinary skill, or was his status remarkable?

“It’s nothing. Let me examine Miss Mu first,” Li Xingyu said, then began carefully observing Mu Xueqing’s condition. According to the clan leader and others, she had likely been the victim of a covert attack. He first surveyed the surroundings but found nothing unusual. It seemed her illness was caused by something unseen. Suddenly, Li Xingyu remembered the description of Mu Xueqing’s symptoms, which closely resembled those he had heard of on Earth caused by chronic exposure to radioactive materials. With this in mind, he began inspecting her body.

The covers had been pulled back, revealing her in a white inner garment. Though frail, her chest was still prominent. His gaze swept over her, making her feel uneasy. When his eyes lingered on her chest, she grew irritated, fully aware of the allure her figure held for men.

“How shameless, and how lacking in self-control,” she thought. “He knows my status and dares to act so boldly. Could he truly be so distinguished, unafraid of the Mu family’s reprisal? Even so, he shouldn’t behave like this.” Just as she was about to speak, Li Xingyu suddenly asked, “Young master, is it true that those who care for Miss Mu or spend time close to her begin to feel unwell after a few days?”

Mu Xueqing was startled—how did he know? Her attention shifted, suppressing what she had meant to say.

“Yes, that’s correct. How did you know? Could it be…” Mu Bat, sensing something, asked excitedly. His excitement was justified; Li Xingyu’s observation described a situation that had indeed occurred, yet the family had kept it strictly confidential to avoid rumors. There was no way Li Xingyu could have learned this in just three days.

“Do these people’s symptoms resemble Miss Mu’s, but are much milder? And after leaving her side, do their conditions resolve in a few days?” Li Xingyu pressed on.

“Yes, exactly. That’s what confounds us. Why do non-cultivators suffer less, and after leaving my daughter’s presence, recover on their own? We even tried relocating her, but nothing changed. No matter where she stayed, those nearby developed symptoms, but recovered after leaving.” Seeing Li Xingyu accurately describe these details, Mu Bat’s hope grew stronger. He went on to provide a more thorough account of the experiences of those close to his daughter.

After listening, Li Xingyu said nothing further, instead reaching toward Mu Xueqing’s chest. Mu Xueqing, shocked by his previous questions and weakened, did not react at first, but as she realized his intent, her pale cheeks reddened with anger. Mu Bat, seeing Li Xingyu’s actions, was momentarily stunned, suspecting he meant to take liberties with his daughter. He was about to intervene when his hand was caught by his own father, who shook his head and signaled him not to act rashly. The elder’s experience and composure prevailed; his keen gaze discerned that Li Xingyu, having deduced these facts, must have discovered something important, and his actions were likely related. Besides, with Li Xingyu’s cultivation, no matter how enticing his granddaughter was, he wouldn’t be so impatient.

As expected, Li Xingyu merely picked up the delicate pendant hanging from Mu Xueqing’s chest—a small, intricately crafted protective charm—and removed it from the chain. Though his intentions were pure, he inevitably brushed against her chest, and the sensation, even through her clothing, sent a brief thrill through him. Mu Xueqing, feeling his touch and realizing her earlier misunderstanding, blushed even more deeply.

He glanced at the pendant, suffused with the unique fragrance of a young woman, then took a radiation detector from his pack—a precaution for avoiding exposure on other planets. Upon activating it, he discovered the room’s radiation levels were dangerously high, especially near the pendant. He instructed a servant to carry the pendant a hundred meters away before returning. The servant glanced at the masters for approval, and, seeing no objection, complied. As the servant departed, the radiation levels in the room quickly dropped to normal. When the servant returned, the levels rose again.

By now, the Mu household realized that Miss Mu’s illness was likely connected to the pendant, though its exact role remained unclear.

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