Yes, yes, the young man in green, Gu Feiyu, repeatedly agreed, then took another careful look at Jun Moxie: "This Mo Junye, his Xuan Qi cultivation seems to be nothing more than a minor, flowing level, without any striking features at all: with such cultivation, it’s quite a waste of the legendary Ethereal Body's reputation. Furthermore, this person must not have seen much of the wider world; it’s highly likely he was raised by wild beasts in the deep mountains, possessing a completely rustic air… His appearance is also incredibly greasy and vulgar; overall, I dislike this person immensely. Putting on the white robes of the Illusionary Mansion on him is truly a desecration..."

The young lady in yellow frowned, saying: "Gu Feiyu, you haven't had any dealings with him before, have you? Why are you denigrating him so severely? You must know that a person's worth is never to be judged by their appearance. Take you, Gu Feiyu, for instance—on the surface, you put on the air of a refined young gentleman, but who could have guessed that behind the scenes you are utterly devoid of morals, steeped only in villainy and depravity? What exactly is your hidden motive in disparaging him so much in front of me?"

Gu Feiyu displayed an expression caught between laughter and tears, saying: "Little Sister Miao, is Brother truly as unbearable as you claim?"

The young lady in yellow nodded firmly and slowly continued: 'Perhaps my choice of words was imprecise, because... you might even be more unbearable than I just described.”

Gu Feiyu was completely speechless, utterly unsure how to respond.

Just at that moment, footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Jun Moxie and Little Sprouts ascended one after the other.

As soon as Jun Moxie arrived, he understood why he was recognized at a glance: on the table before the young lady in yellow lay a portrait of a person, half the size of a man, showing only the upper body, but with proportions consistent with a normal human.

What was depicted, naturally, was his current appearance. The painting was remarkably lifelike; it truly seemed as if a genuine Mo Junye had been added to the canvas, even his expression, demeanor, and gaze were rendered with such exquisite detail that there was not the slightest difference from the real person!

And beneath the scroll, there was another line of small characters as a note: Mo Junye, currently eighteen years old, native of the Profound Profound Continent; place of birth unknown, parents unknown, origins unknown, original lineage unknown, possessing the legendary Ethereal Body, the greatest genius for cultivating strength! Introduced to the Illusionary Mansion by the hand of Cao Guofeng.

This person appears loyal and honest, but subtly harbors deep cunning; outwardly clumsy, yet inwardly sharp and resourceful. If his intentions are pure, he can be properly nurtured and may become the future hope and reliance of the Illusionary Mansion. However, if he harbors ulterior motives, his aims will surely be...

Just as Mo Junye finished reading this, the painting abruptly rolled up, fully retracting into its case. Then, a pleasant and crisp voice spoke: "Mo Junye, Young Master Mo! The peerless genius with the Ethereal Body... This humble girl offers her respects."

Jun Moxie looked up and immediately confirmed that the woman speaking must be the most beloved granddaughter of the Lord of the Illusionary Mansion, also ranked third within the Mansion, and practically the untouchable First Ancestress: Miao Xiaomiao!

The beauty before him was dressed in elegant, pale yellow robes, exuding a cool aloofness, surpassing worldly beauty while simultaneously carrying an air of unattainable purity. Behind a thin, veiled mask, a pair of clear, bright eyes quietly observed him. Her gaze held neither curiosity nor contempt, much less familiarity; it was as if she were looking at a complete stranger, as if the life or death of the person before her held no place in her heart.

She was here simply to take one look, and only one look, for some reason, and that was all.

As for the young man in green standing beside her, Jun Moxie recognized him instantly: this must be the second of the three untouchables within the Illusionary Mansion whom Elder Cao Guofeng had repeatedly warned him about. Beneath a handsome exterior lurked an unusually strong aura of sinister malevolence, and his eyes were filled with poison. For such a person to be qualified to remain by Miao Xiaomiao’s side, aside from... well, it seemed there was no other possibility!

"I am indeed Mo Junye. May I ask which lady you are? And what business you have with me? I have arrived at this esteemed place through the favor of a senior. As a newcomer, I am unfamiliar with both the place and the people. Though I possess the will to contribute, I may lack the ability to be effective!"

Jun Moxie’s expression carried a trace of nervousness and restraint, yet he also seemed to be forcing an air of casual ease—an utterly incongruous combination. That last sentence clearly revealed an ambition exceeding his talent and a lack of true responsibility.

"My name is Miao Xiaomiao, and he is Gu Feiyu."

Miao Xiaomiao’s clear eyes showed a flicker of disappointment. She thought this person had merely been fortunate enough to possess a wondrous physique, but was fundamentally lacking in substance. Perhaps he possessed a degree of simple honesty, but he would never truly amount to anything significant.

Indeed, Miao Xiaomiao politely introduced herself and then added lightly: "I previously heard the elders of my family speak of Young Master Mo’s innate talents, which piqued my curiosity, so I came specifically to pay my respects. Coincidentally, I saw Brother Mo admiring the scenery not far away just now. I wonder if the scenery of our Mansion is worthy of Young Master Mo's attention?"

The Mo Junye before her might be unremarkable in himself, but he possessed the wondrous Ethereal Body. If properly guided, his future achievements would be limitless. Therefore, Miao Xiaomiao made an exception and used the humble self-address of 'little sister' (xiaomei). For her, his potential was so great that she felt treating him with courtesy was entirely appropriate. Unexpectedly, the moment Gu Feiyu beside her heard this, jealousy flashed in his eyes!

Given Miao Xiaomiao’s proud nature and powerful background, when had she ever referred to anyone as 'little sister'? What right did this country bumpkin have to deserve such a condescending term from Little Sister Xiaomiao?

"I dare not presume," Jun Moxie replied, exhibiting the flustered demeanor of a rustic encountering a mayor. He first scratched his scalp, then chuckled foolishly: "The Illusionary Mansion grounds are vast and beautiful, um... the people are beautiful too... Miss Xiaomiao, you... are even more beautiful..."

Having said that, he actually blushed slightly, appearing quite awkward and at a loss.

"The Illusionary Mansion... is quite large, isn't it?"

A voice dripping with sarcasm came from beside him—it was Gu Feiyu, his tone laced with thick jealousy and ill intent.

"Yes, it truly is large."

"And very beautiful?"

"Mm, certainly very beautiful."

"You haven't been here before, have you?"

"Yes, I really haven't been inside before."

"Haha, never seen it, have you?"

"Mm, I truly haven't seen it."

"Then you should certainly take a good look, a good... learn! Go and scrub off that entire coat of earthy stench, understand?"

Gu Feiyu snorted, regarding Mo Junye with an expression of utter disdain, openly mocking him, his jealousy oozing out.

"Yes, yes, once I wash off this earthy stench, perhaps I will become just like you," Jun Moxie said, looking at Gu Feiyu with envy. "Look at your bearing—how unique it is. Once I get rid of this dirtiness, when I see other people, I too will have an acidic scent, sourer than the vinegar used for dumplings. So sour..."

"You!"

Gu Feiyu slammed the table and said menacingly: "Mo Junye, don't think that just because you were lucky enough to possess some damned Ethereal Body, and the entire Illusionary Mansion treats you like a treasure, you can act without restraint or fear of consequences! You should know that within the Illusionary Mansion, there are plenty of people whom even your master cannot afford to provoke!"

"Oh? I wonder if those people whom Elder Cao cannot provoke include yourself?"

Jun Moxie asked with an appearance of sincerity.

Gu Feiyu was instantly silenced.

Although Gu Feiyu had a notorious reputation, being listed as the second of the three untouchables among the younger generation of the Illusionary Mansion, he was still young, and his strength was limited. If his background were stripped away, his influence would be nothing special. How could he dare claim that a Third Level Saint Emperor like Cao Guofeng could not afford to offend him?

Saint Emperor experts were extraordinary beings. If Cao Guofeng genuinely chose to clash with Gu Feiyu's family, the outcome of the struggle would be hard to predict. Moreover, Emperor Cao was not isolated; he had six sworn brothers who were also Saint Emperor experts. If they truly set out to deal with Gu Feiyu's family, regardless of their influence, they would suffer greatly!

Elder Cao's repeated admonitions to Jun Moxie not to cause trouble lightly were not born from fear of the so-called "three untouchables" of the younger generation, but rather because Emperor Cao was a benevolent man unwilling to needlessly incite internal strife within the Illusionary Mansion and diminish the strength of their own people!

Now that Mo Junye had directly questioned him, Gu Feiyu immediately wilted.

"Why aren't you speaking? Could it be that you aren't included in that list?"

Jun Moxie smiled innocently: "I thought you were quite formidable just now, believing you truly didn't care about anyone—I even suspected you were the boss of this Illusionary Mansion... So many Saint Emperors cannot be provoked... But for you not to be included... that truly surprises me. Since you are not included... then, may I ask... what are you formidable for? Or rather, what is it about you that is truly awesome?"

Gu Feiyu was furious but dared not speak lightly again; this rustic fellow looked unremarkable, and his words seemed plain, yet every sentence he uttered subtly concealed traps and snares. Once Gu Feiyu stepped into one, he was certain that by the next day, he would become the target of the entire younger generation of the Illusionary Mansion, a laughingstock among the older generation, and would even bring shame upon his family.

Such brazen boasting was not something they, the scions of noble families, would ever do.

Miao Xiaomiao was clearly entertained watching the two bicker. However, she hadn't expected that the one to fall into disadvantage would be Gu Feiyu, famous for his sharp tongue among the younger set. Her beautiful eyes flickered as she glanced at Jun Moxie, thinking that this Mo Junye with the Ethereal Body wasn't as simple-minded as he appeared on the surface...

This young man had played along with Gu Feiyu, but just as Gu Feiyu seemed to gain the upper hand, at the most crucial moment, he launched a sudden, unexpected strike that completely silenced Gu Feiyu. Moreover, the deeper meaning behind every subsequent statement was subtle, venomous, and fraught with traps, demonstrating supreme skill in sowing discord. Even with Gu Feiyu's eloquence, he could only swallow his anger, completely unable to offer a rebuttal, and worse, he no longer dared to try!

In her moment of surprise, Miao Xiaomiao formed a new opinion of this genius with the Ethereal Body: this person might possess a degree of simple honesty, but he was by no means straightforward, and perhaps, extremely difficult to cross!

(To be continued. For future developments, please support the author and legitimate reading!)