Chapter 735: It Isn’t

“Huh?” Mu Xiaoyun’s eyes widened, and she stood abruptly.

Ji Yilan quickly steadied her. “Don’t worry, Martial Sister Xiaoyun. Let Sister Ziyi finish.”

Yun Ziyi, whose initial friendship with Mu Xiaoyun stemmed from a desire to learn more about Ye Mo, continued, “Xiaoyun, stay calm. I’m not sure if that person was your husband. I only saw someone who looked like him—a ‘Martial Brother Mo’—at the door. I didn’t see him clearly, but—”

Mu Xiaoyun, seizing Yun Ziyi’s hand, gasped, “Sister Ziyi, but what?”

Yun Ziyi composed herself. “But his face didn’t seem scarred. I’m not certain it was him.”

Yun Ziyi mentioned it because Ye Mo possessed the ability to reach Wu Wen Mountain. Perhaps he’d found the Jia Lan Flower and recovered his appearance. However, the Taiyi Sect massacre occurred on the day Ye Mo left Ice Lake. Even if he could fly, reaching Wu Wen Mountain so quickly seemed impossible. Yet, eyewitness accounts from Wu Wen City describing the masked man strongly resembled Mo Ying.

Mu Xiaoyun trembled with excitement. “My husband can recover his looks! I must see for myself.”

“What?” Yun Ziyi and Ji Yilan exclaimed in unison, disbelief etched on their faces.

Mu Xiaoyun, aware of her outburst, didn’t mind. Seeing her husband overshadowed all else.

Ji Yilan, grasping Mu Xiaoyun’s hand, whispered, “Martial Sister Xiaoyun, can Brother Mo really recover his face?” She harbored no doubt.

Yun Ziyi, equally unconvinced, shared the same sentiment. If Ye Mo found the Jia Lan Flower, such power was within reach. She’d given him a Wu Wen Mountain map and learned that eighty percent of the mountain's high-level herbs were recently harvested—possibly by Ye Mo, who might have had early access. The more she considered it, the more convinced she became. Regrettably, she’d missed an opportunity to approach Mo Ying on the boat. Ye Mo's actions were inconsequential; his abilities were all that mattered.

Mu Xiaoyun, eager to search for Ye Mo at the hidden sects tournament, was momentarily detained by Ji Yilan’s questions.

“Yes, Martial Sister Yilan, my husband could,” Mu Xiaoyun affirmed.

“Right! Your husband is a high-level herbal doctor! I should have realized!” Ji Yilan blurted out, equally enthralled.

“What? Xiaoyun’s husband is a high-level herbal doctor?” Yun Ziyi was astonished. High-level herbal doctors were invaluable to hidden sects. A connection to one—Yun Ziyi dared not contemplate the possibilities.

No wonder Mo Ying enjoyed gathering herbs! His return and even minimal assistance to the association…

Overwhelmed by excitement, the three women lost control.

“Xiaoyun, Yilan, let’s go!” Yun Ziyi yearned to see Ye Mo immediately.

…

“Goddess Ziyi!” “Goddess Yun!”

The hidden sects tournament overflowed with greetings. Mu Xiaoyun and Ji Yilan remained unknown, but Yun Ziyi’s fame preceded her. The vast tournament grounds boasted various facilities.

Early in the tournament, few practiced in the rings; most conversed on balconies, eager to learn from experienced seniors. Every tournament attracted high-level masters to expound on martial dao.

Yun Ziyi commanded attention, attracting many seeking to elevate their status. However, her demeanor was unusual. With her maid, she trailed behind a veiled woman and another strikingly beautiful woman.

The latter’s ethereal beauty captivated all present, surpassing even Goddess Zi Hua. But this beauty anxiously scanned her surroundings.

Mu Xiaoyun began her search for Ye Mo. Her face froze, paling momentarily before returning to normal, as if remembering something.

“Xiaoyun, what are you doing here?” a young man approached, surprised.

Mu Xiaoyun replied calmly, “Mo Youshen.”

Despite their resemblance, Mu Xiaoyun instantly recognized him as not her husband.

Mo Youshen, incredulous, frowned. “Xiaoyun, why are you here? And where is my mother?”

Mu Xiaoyun’s expression hardened. Mo Youshen’s presence stirred a disquieting coldness within her, unlike the comfort she felt with Ye Mo. A wave of gratitude washed over her; had Mo Youshen not left, she wouldn’t have met Ye Mo.

Yun Ziyi approached, whispering, “He’s the one I saw, but is he your husband? He looks similar, yet different.”

Mu Xiaoyun responded simply, “He isn’t. My husband isn’t here. Sister Ziyi, Yilan, I’m leaving.”