Chapter 26 Plea "Once the heart of the stone grows a fleshy heart, the consequences will be dire..."

The coming-of-age ceremonies of the Celestial Clan are mostly elaborate rituals, involving setting up an altar to worship ancestors and lighting lamps in the Milky Way, praying for a peaceful and prosperous life.

Lighting the lamp requires going to the Milky Way alone at night to light it by hand, signifying the successful completion of an adult's day.

After a noisy day, the night finally brought some peace. Mu Meng watched as the Milky Way lanterns slowly rose, and the scattered stars reflected in the Milky Way, creating a beautiful, shimmering effect.

After her coming-of-age ceremony in her previous life, Mu Qingheng would soon take her to Yunze Realm.

She couldn't directly tell Yun Zejing how vicious and cruel Mu Qingheng was—if she hadn't experienced it herself, she would never have believed that Mu Qingheng would beat her so badly and use that as an excuse to slaughter the entire Yun Zejing clan.

If she said something so absurd and terrifying, everyone would just think she was crazy.

Bright, shimmering light reflected in Mu Meng's large, clear eyes, and her stubborn expression gradually transformed into unwavering resolve.

She will protect Yunzejing, but she needs some time.

—

The day after his coming-of-age ceremony, Mu Meng developed a high fever that lasted all night.

"Your Highness, the young prince's constitution is somewhat weak, so the medicine cannot be too strong; it must be administered gradually."

“Your Highness, these spiritual medicines are not very effective. The young prince has the Crimson Heart Pill in his body, so any more spiritual medicines he uses will be absorbed by it.”

“Your Highness, you haven’t slept a wink all night. Why don’t you go and rest? Your Highness, I will take care of you.”

...

Mu Meng huddled under the brocade quilt, her black hair disheveled, her once rosy lips pale and cracked, her whole body feverish and delirious, looking extremely pitiful.

She had her back to the crowd outside, her eyes closed as if she were fast asleep.

The bedside twitched slightly, and the person guarding her stood up and spoke softly to the healers. Mu Meng gently opened her eyes.

Her eyes were bright and clear, and she looked more energetic than her complexion.

"What happened? Did Mengmeng catch a cold last night? How did she suddenly get such a high fever?" Mu Meng heard Mu Qingheng scolding Lingwei in a low voice, but Lingwei couldn't explain why either.

Lingwei, of course, didn't know that she could no longer tell her everything. She wasn't sick at all; she was just activating the Crimson Heart Pill to generate heat within her body, creating the illusion of a high fever.

Being sick can buy her more time. She can't hide away from Yunze Realm forever, but these two days should be enough for her to make some preparations.

She hadn't expected Mu Qingheng to be so patient, staying by her bedside all night.

If he continued to "sleep" and got so engrossed in the act that he wouldn't leave, she wouldn't be able to get anything done. Thinking this, Mu Meng stretched out a slender arm and pushed the blanket away.

"Mengmeng? Mengmeng, you're awake?" Mu Qingheng noticed quickly; almost as soon as she moved, he immediately sat back on the edge of the bed, looking at her with delight.

Feeling uneasy under his intense gaze, Mu Meng softly replied, "Mmm..."

She silently considered what to say to subtly send Mu Qingheng away.

"Tell your brother if you feel unwell anywhere. Do you want some water?" Mu Qingheng asked with concern as he reached out to take Mu Meng's hand, which was sticking out of the blanket, and tried to put it back under the covers.

But as soon as he grasped her hand, Mu Meng suddenly pulled it back and sat up like a startled rabbit.

She let out a soft gasp, her clear eyes widening in surprise.

"What's wrong?" Mu Qingheng didn't expect Mu Meng to react so strongly. Seeing her flustered and helpless appearance, his heart felt like it was being clenched. "What's wrong, Mengmeng? It's your brother."

"It's nothing, I..." Mu Meng lowered her head, trying to find an excuse, "I just woke up, I had a nightmare..."

She knew that her reaction was too strong and might arouse Mu Qingheng's suspicion, but she did not expect Mu Qingheng to touch her suddenly. At that moment, she really couldn't control herself - when Mu Qingheng's skin touched her, she couldn't help but tremble with fear.

Countless times in the darkness, he held her in his arms, held her hand, stroked her face, and kissed her endlessly.

The feeling was like a cold, slippery snake.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, Mengmeng, it's just a dream..." Mu Qingheng whispered to comfort her, reaching out his arms to hold her in his embrace.

Mu Meng shrank back: "I..." She wrapped the quilt around herself, making sure she was completely covered, and looked at Mu Qingheng with some trepidation in her big eyes.

She knew that she should pretend nothing was wrong and throw herself into his arms; that was the kind of silly thing she would do.

But she really, really couldn't do it.

Fortunately, Mu Qingheng didn't suspect anything. Seeing that Mengmeng was unwilling, he didn't force her. He just patted his heart and said, "It's okay, Mengmeng. I know you're scared. It's all a dream and shouldn't be taken seriously. I'll stay here with you."

He closed his eyes briefly, then frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed them, giving Mu Meng a reassuring smile.

His complexion wasn't good. Mu Meng's mind raced, and she came up with a good idea. She pursed her lips and feigned concern: "I've been unconscious the whole time. Did you keep watch over me all night? You look a little tired. Go back and rest. I'll feel better after taking my medicine."

Mu Qingheng paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

His smile wasn't his usual warm and composed one; instead, it was almost childlike joy, and even his eyes lit up.

“I’m not tired,” he said.

Mu Meng was surprised that Mu Qingheng would refuse. He had only been putting on an act with her, and all his pampering was just to make her have him in her heart so that she could better control the Red Heart Pill in the future. But he didn't take the opportunity to back down.

Mu Qingheng turned around and picked up the elixir he had just brewed. Mu Meng saw his movements and knew that he was going to feed her. She quickly took the bowl from his hand and said, "I can drink it myself."

She tilted her head back and drank the entire bowl of medicine in one gulp.

A pungent, intense bitterness spreads in the mouth.

It's alright, no matter how bitter it is, it's better than Mu Qingheng feeding her spoonful by spoonful.

"I'm really fine. Why don't you go back and rest for a bit, and come see me later?" After taking the medicine, Mu Meng calmly tried to persuade him again.

Mu Qingheng handed her a piece of candy. His expression remained unchanged, and a gentle smile played on his lips as he spoke—even before he spoke, Mu Meng knew that he still didn't intend to leave.

“Your Highness, why don’t you go back and rest?” Lingwei, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up before Mu Qingheng could speak. “The young prince will need to rest after taking his medicine, and it will be inconvenient for you to be here. You might as well go back first and come to see the young prince later.”

Her sudden voice surprised Mu Meng. He turned to look at Ling Wei, glanced at her briefly, and then couldn't help but look at her more closely. He felt that Ling Wei's expression was unusually solemn today.

She helped persuade Mu Qingheng to leave, but it's unclear what her true intentions were.

Before Mu Meng could think it over, Mu Qingheng relented: "Alright, I'm really keeping you from resting. I'll come over later."

After he finished speaking, he suddenly leaned a little closer and said, "Mengmeng, since I came back from the battlefield, I haven't heard you call me brother much."

Mu Meng's heart tightened. Her first thought was that Mu Qingheng had become suspicious, but looking at his expression, she felt that it didn't seem so—he didn't seem to suspect anything, and his eyes weren't cold. On the contrary, he seemed to be expecting something, as if he just wanted to hear her call him brother.

elder brother?

Since he loathed her so much and had been waiting to kill her since she was born, why would he care whether she called him brother or not?

Ever since he treated her that way, she no longer regarded him as her brother. But it was just a form of address, and there was no need to alert him or arouse his suspicion. Mu Meng paused for a moment and called out, "...Brother."

Mu Qingheng's lips immediately curved into a charming smile, a gentle and tender smile like a spring breeze and a gentle rain.

He said in a low voice, "Honey, get well soon and don't get sick again."

...

After Mu Qingheng left, Mu Meng pretended to be asleep for half an hour. When the noise outside gradually subsided, she secretly slipped out from behind the bedroom and concealed her tracks all the way to Sangling Pavilion.

Sangling Pavilion is where the Celestial Clan stores all kinds of precious spiritual herbs, and it has always been heavily guarded. Mu Meng looked around and felt that the possibility of sneaking in was too small.

What should we do? If we go in openly, Mu Qingheng will know we've been here before nightfall.

When he asks what I'm doing here, even if I don't tell the truth, a simple check will tell me.

what to do……

Who is it?

Mu Meng squatted behind the pavilion, one hand supporting his forehead as he pondered deeply. Suddenly, a flash of sword light streaked past his eyes, and a cold voice rang out above him.

Mu Meng's expression hardened, and he slowly raised his head.

Sheng Yuanting was stunned for a moment, then put down his sword: "So it is Your Highness. Please forgive my rudeness."

Sheng Yuanting...

Mu Meng's eyes widened, gradually turning red. The image of Sheng Yuanting dying with his eyes wide open seemed to still be in her mind—she had mistakenly trusted him, thinking he had hurt Mu Qingheng, and had secretly resented him for a long time.

In this lifetime, she will absolutely not let him die in vain.

Seeing that Mu Meng's eyes were gradually reddening, Sheng Yuanting opened his mouth and said somewhat stiffly and apologetically, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. Today, when I was on duty at Sangling Pavilion, I noticed a spiritual force using a concealment technique, actually sneaking around the pavilion to observe. I thought it was an assassin, so I..."

Mu Meng knew he had misunderstood. She held back her tears of emotion and quickly waved her hand to explain, "Brother Sheng, you don't need to apologize. This is your duty, and you haven't done anything wrong."

Sheng Yuanting paused: "What did you call me?"

Well… Brother Sheng used to guide her cultivation, almost like a half-master, so they were quite familiar with each other. But they weren't familiar with each other now, and she shouldn't be addressing him so intimately. Mu Meng pursed her lips: “I was being presumptuous.”

Sheng Yuanting didn't speak, but his cold and hard eyebrows softened slightly.

"General Xuantian, I...I want to ask you for a favor," Mu Meng pleaded, forcing herself to speak. Mu Qingheng had said he would come to see her again that night, and she didn't know how long he would stay. She didn't have many chances to sneak out, so she couldn't waste the opportunity since she was already there. "I want to enter Sangling Pavilion. Could you secretly take me in...without making a record?"

Sheng Yuanting sized up Mu Meng.

Her slender body was completely shrouded in her own shadow, and her clear black and white eyes looked at her earnestly, innocent and lovely, making one's heart soften.

However, no matter how soft-hearted he was, he couldn't break the rules. Sheng Yuanting said gently, "Your Highness, could you please explain your reason?"

Mu Meng nodded, his gaze honest: "I want to go in and get something."

"If you want to retrieve your items, that's fine, but recording them is also reasonable. Why...?"

“I came here because I was preparing a birthday gift for His Highness the Crown Prince, but I wanted to surprise him, so I didn’t want anyone to know I was here,” Mu Meng suddenly had a flash of inspiration and thought of a flawless reason. “Although I don’t keep records of my comings and goings, I keep a record of what I take in the pavilion. And… and I will come back to make up for it after the gift is given out.”

Mu Meng knew this reason was impeccable, because in her previous life, when she prepared the Soul Flower for Mu Qingheng and wanted to give him a surprise, she said the same thing.

As expected, Sheng Yuanting pondered for a moment and nodded: "Your Highness and His Highness the Crown Prince have a very deep relationship, and I will grant your wish."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "Go this way, no one will see us."

With Sheng Yuanting's help, Mu Meng successfully entered Sangling Pavilion, where thousands of rare and exotic herbs were displayed. She had no time to look at them closely and went straight for what she needed.

Mu Meng stopped in front of a slightly worn display stand. On it sat a brocade box, without a lid, inside which lay a jet-black bead.

She took it off and examined it in her palm for a moment. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed, and she raised her hand to pour the bead into her mouth and swallowed it.

True to his word, Mu Meng wrote its name in the records within the pavilion.

Nine Poison Pearls.

People coming and going at the entrance are easy to notice, but no one would bother to look through the records inside the pavilion. Mu Qingheng never cares about these things and hopes that he will have successfully eliminated him before he discovers the records.

When Mu Meng returned to her bedchamber, it was still dark. She paused for a moment and then called out for someone, but it was not Ling Wei who came in.

"Where is Lingwei?"

The maidservant curtsied and said, "Your Highness, Sister Lingwei must have gone to check on your medicine herself. She's been gone for quite a while, so she should be back soon."

Mu Meng smiled and nodded: "I understand."

After everyone left, Mu Meng lowered her eyes and fell into deep thought. Ling Wei was acting strangely today; she never easily interrupted her conversation with Mu Qingheng. Moreover, Mu Qingheng was her master, and from the last time she overheard their conversation, it wasn't hard to tell that she seemed quite afraid of Mu Qingheng.

But today, how dare you suddenly interrupt Mu Qingheng?

Would she go to get medicine herself, such a small thing?

If she is not in her palace at this moment, where would she be?

Mu Meng slowly formed a hand seal with his right hand, pondered for a long time, and then slowly curled his fingers up.

She placed a very subtle spiritual energy on Lingwei, which could detect and listen at any time. She could know clearly who Lingwei met and what she said as long as she activated the spell.

However, this method may be somewhat dangerous. When she activates the incantation, a very faint trace of her aura will appear on Lingwei's body.

The reason it is described as potentially dangerous rather than absolutely dangerous is that it is quite common for Lingwei to have absorbed her aura and some spiritual power after serving her for so long.

That depends on how perceptive her opponent is.

Mu Meng repeatedly made a fist and then opened his hand twice.

Should they risk investigating, or wait for the next opportunity?

...

In the evening, Lingwei found an opportunity to sneak out and, concealing herself, arrived at Mu Qingheng's Changjin Palace. She first sent a telepathic message to Yu Da and was soon brought before Mu Qingheng.

When Mu Qingheng saw that it was her, his brows furrowed slightly, and he stood up and walked over to her: "What exactly do you want to say to me? Is there something wrong with Mengmeng?" Before she could answer, worry had already appeared in his eyes.

Seeing his expression, Lingwei's heart sank. She took a deep breath and whispered, "Reporting to Master, His Highness is well. I... have other important matters to report."

Mu Qingheng paused, his thin lips pursed, and his expression gradually turned cold: "You are Mengmeng's person. No matter what the big deal is, you should follow the rules. How can you come here without permission?"

Lingwei knew that her behavior was inappropriate. She was the little princess's personal maid, yet she came to see the Crown Prince alone, which was indeed suspicious. If not handled properly, it could even ruin the results of their hard work infiltrating the area.

But she had no choice; she had to come.

Lingwei knelt down and kowtowed deeply, without getting up: "Master, the matter I need to report is extremely urgent. I have no choice but to break the rules. Please dismiss your attendants and allow me to report."

A murderous glint gradually appeared in Mu Qingheng's cold eyes. He remained silent, staring at Lingwei without saying a word.

His gaze was like a sharp blade. Although Lingwei didn't look up to see it, the pressure felt real, and a thin layer of sweat gradually appeared on her forehead.

She was indeed nervous, but she was also somewhat confident—if she wasn't mistaken, her master wouldn't kill her so easily. For no other reason than that her role was Mu Meng's personal maid; killing her rashly would be difficult to explain, and her master wouldn't act rashly based on that alone.

Sure enough, after a suffocating silence, Mu Qingheng waved his hand, and Yu Da and the demon servants in the shadows all withdrew.

"Speak up. If what you report is trivial, even if I don't kill you, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead."

Lingwei gritted her teeth, then suddenly took out a dagger from her bosom and offered it with both hands: "Master, I implore you to part with it as soon as possible!"

Mu Qingheng glanced at it: "What do you mean?"

Lingwei's hands trembled slightly. She didn't believe he really didn't understand. Didn't he know his own physical condition better than she did?

Not wanting to see him run away, Lingwei looked earnestly and raised the dagger higher: "Master, you are from the Fei Shixin branch. Fei Shixin has always been the most difficult to move with emotions, but once a flesh heart is born, the consequences are unimaginable!"

"Your subordinate begs you, please do not be soft-hearted. While there is still room for redemption, cut away the stubble in Fei Shi's heart as soon as possible to avoid the excruciating pain later!"

Her voice was fierce, echoing through the hall, but Mu Qingheng did not react, and the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Mu Qingheng remained silent, and Lingwei grew increasingly anxious: "Master, please consider the fate of Lord Feng Xixue!"

Mu Qingheng finally scoffed: "He is him, and I am me. He fell in love with that heartless human. How can that woman be compared to my Mengmeng?"

Lingwei shook her head and sighed: "The young princess is indeed a kind, lovely, and compassionate girl. She has seen how sincerely and gently she treats her master's subordinates. However... Master, you must be clear-headed. That is the affection between brother and sister! She only sees you as a brother and has never harbored any romantic feelings for you. Master, she will never reciprocate your affections. How is that any different from the love of Lord Feng Xixue?"

Unsure which of Lingwei's words pleased Mu Qingheng, a faint smile appeared on his lips as he slowly said, "So what? She has me in her heart. We're not blood siblings."

“But Master, what about your plan?” Lingwei shook her head with a firm expression and offered the dagger again. “Once the arrow is released, there’s no turning back. It’s too late for anything now. Right now, it’s just brotherly and sisterly affection, but in the future… even that will be gone.”

"Very well, you can now make decisions for me." Mu Qingheng's voice was indifferent, but his expression was far from gentle; it was icy cold, and his killing intent was growing stronger.

Lingwei's heart sank, and she hurriedly bowed her head to deny it: "Your subordinate dares not, your subordinate is only advising you... You are burdened with things that have begun but not yet been completed. Rather than being torn apart and suffering unbearable pain in the future, it is better to make a decision sooner rather than later."

Mu Qingheng chuckled softly, completely unconcerned: "No need to say anything more. It's too late, my heart is already bound to you."

Upon hearing this, Lingwei's face turned completely ashen. Her lips trembled for a long time, and she couldn't utter a single word.

"Knotted Remembrance" is a state that demons experience when they love. When a demon gives birth to a perfect flesh and blood heart for the one they love, and there is no turning back, it is called "Knotted Remembrance".

Driven by the instinct of love, they would never part with this fleshly heart, because if they were to regain their stone heart and become heartless again, they might end up hurting their loved ones.

Moreover, the joys and sorrows of demons bound by love are determined by the feelings of their lovers. If they do not receive a response from their lovers, they will experience heart-wrenching pain, ranging from severe heartbreak to a fate worse than death.

Lingwei's body slumped down, she shook her head, and murmured, "It's too late...it's too late..."

The hall was filled with an empty, deathly silence until it was broken by Yu Da's voice requesting an audience.

When Yu Da entered, Mu Qingheng intended to ask Ling Wei to leave. Just as he raised his hand, his long eyelashes trembled slightly, and he looked at Ling Wei with a surprised expression.

He involuntarily took a few steps forward.

Lingwei was utterly despondent, staring at Mu Qingheng in bewilderment.

Mu Qingheng gently touched the tip of his nose with his slender index finger, his brows furrowed with tenderness, and the corners of his lips curved slightly upward.

He said softly, "Get up."

Lingwei was puzzled by his sudden amiable demeanor and slowly stood up.

Yu Da glanced coldly at Ling Wei, then focused on reporting her own affairs: "Reporting to Master, the matter you instructed us to handle in the East Sea has been completed."

"The exorcising thought in the East Sea King's mind has been removed. Rest assured, it was done very cleverly; no one will notice. He should regain consciousness soon. However..."

Yu Da was somewhat puzzled: "Does Master have any other instructions? If the King of the East Sea regains his consciousness and recalls what he did to Mu Luo, he will surely be in great pain. Given his feelings for Mu Luo, he will definitely return the spiritual power to her. This woman's spiritual power is terrifyingly high; we barely managed to eliminate this powerful enemy without anyone noticing. Forgive my ignorance, but I truly do not understand Master's move..."

Lingwei, standing to the side, gave a bitter smile. Chess? Utterly defeated.

Yu Da continued, "Does Master have any orders? Your subordinate will make arrangements immediately... Master?!"

She gasped in surprise, watching as Mu Qingheng suddenly clutched his heart and bent over, gasping for breath as if suffocating.

Lingwei was also taken aback by this sudden situation, and like Yuda, she wanted to reach out to help: "Master..."

"All of you, step back."

Mu Qingheng forced a calm tone, trying to smooth out the slight tremor in his voice: "Step back, immediately."

Although he looked extremely uncomfortable, his words still carried an air of authority that made people afraid to offend him. Lingwei and Yuda dared not persist and immediately withdrew.

Mu Qingheng gritted his teeth, his hand pressed against his heart in a fist, almost pressing it against it, enduring the excruciating pain.

"misty……"

"Don't cry..."

Mengmeng, what's wrong with you...?

Why am I suddenly so sad?