Chapter 508: Mu Yubai, Mu Yurou

Hearing that voice, Yun Xiao turned his body, softly exclaimed, “Mother’s back!” Ignoring his injuries, he immediately rushed out, unable to wait.

Yun Che did not follow them out. His gaze passed through the open door, pushed open by Yun Xiao, and fell upon the two figures who had just entered the courtyard. His vision blurred, and it felt as if something had suddenly lodged in his throat, making him almost forget how to breathe. His whole body began to tremble slightly.

Outside, Yun Xiao’s voice soon rang out.

“Uncle… Ah, Mother! You’re back!” No sooner had Yun Xiao's voice faded than a gentle yet anxious female voice responded: “I heard you were ambushed outside the city and got hurt… Let me see quickly, where are you injured? Is it serious?”

“Uh… Mother, how did you know?”

“Hmph!” A somewhat rugged male voice interjected nonchalantly: “The Old Master was helping your mother recuperate when news suddenly arrived that you and that girl from the Tianxia family were ambushed. It nearly scared your mother half to death, and she rushed back in a panic. Kid, let me see where you’re hurt…”

“Brother, how are Xiao’er’s injuries? Are they serious? I heard the attackers were three Tyrant Emperors; how could Xiao’er withstand their attacks?” The woman’s voice trembled heavily, clearly indicating extreme worry and agitation.

“...His injuries are quite significant, but don’t worry, they’re mostly external and will heal with some recuperation,” the rugged man’s voice replied, tinged with slight doubt. “Kid, who treated your wounds? Such severe external injuries, yet they were suppressed to this extent in such a short time.”

“My injuries aren’t important,” Yun Xiao said excitedly, his heart full of joy, disregarding his own condition. He urgently continued, “Mother! Come quickly! I have incredibly good news—Father’s injuries can be cured! I met a very powerful big brother, and he has a way to heal both Father and Mother… It’s true!”

The three voices grew closer, and as Yun Xiao's words concluded, they entered the room. At that moment, Yun Che's vision finally cleared, and his frantic heartbeat struggled to calm down. He watched the two individuals who followed Yun Xiao into the house… The man appeared to be around thirty, tall, with a full black beard, looking quite unkempt. Yet, his eyes were like those of a fierce tiger, radiating an intimidating aura. As his gaze swept over Yun Che, an indescribable sense of oppression instantly washed over him…

This was the pressure of an Emperor-level expert.

On this day, Yun Che repeatedly encountered supreme experts who previously only existed in legends. This didn't mean that the Illusory Demon Realm had an abundance of Monarch Profound Realm super-experts, but rather that Demon Imperial City itself was the heart of the entire Illusory Demon Realm, the pinnacle of profound energy cultivation. Furthermore, Yun Che, having just arrived, was interacting with top-tier figures from the most influential families in Demon Imperial City. Tianxia Xiongtu was the current patriarch of the Elven race, a figure who held immense power in the Illusory Demon Realm. And this tall man before him… Mu Yubai, the young master of the Mu family, one of the Twelve Guardian Families, was a widely recognized figure and would become the official patriarch of the Mu family—a supreme expert who commanded great respect throughout the Illusory Demon Realm.

All of this clearly signified that within just a few years, under Jasmine’s guidance and his own relentless efforts, Yun Che had quietly approached the very pinnacle of power in both the Azure Cloud Continent and the Illusory Demon Realm.

Mu Yubai scoffed at Yun Xiao’s words: “Heal your parents? What kind of nonsense are you spouting?”

“Uncle, Mother, I’m telling the truth! If you don’t believe me… ask Father!” Yun Xiao urged excitedly. The miracle that had occurred with Yun Qinghong had filled him with such surprise that his blood almost rushed backward. He had never been this excited in his entire life.

“This… is?” The woman Yun Xiao was supporting seemed not to hear his words. After entering, her gaze landed directly on Yun Che and remained fixed there. Yun Che also looked at her, his lips trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Years had not left many traces on her, but they seemed to have left too many scars. Anyone looking at her would not doubt that she was a devastating beauty in her youth. Her demeanor was gentle and elegant, her temperament graceful and noble, yet not overwhelmingly imposing. More than these, what truly defined her was a profound melancholy… a sadness deeply etched into her brow and soul.

This melancholy was so deep, as if it had settled for a thousand years without dissipating. Even an insensitive person would feel a clear sense of sorrow when looking at her.

Her complexion was as pale as Yun Qinghong’s. Although she could walk, every step revealed obvious weakness, and even her eyes had a faint haziness.

Her condition seemed slightly better than Yun Qinghong’s… but not by much.

She… was his… birth mother…

Mother…

“Could it be that you’re the young man who saved this boy and the girl from the Tianxia family?” Mu Yubai asked, sizing up Yun Che. His eyebrow visibly twitched when he sensed Yun Che’s profound energy level.

“Mhm, mhm!” Yun Xiao nodded, excitedly saying, “Let me introduce him to Mother and Uncle. This is Big Brother Yun Che. He’s the one who saved Seventh Sister and me when we were attacked by those black-clothed men… Uh, Mother? Mother, what’s wrong? Why are you staring at Big Brother Yun?”

Yun Xiao waved his hand in front of Mu Yurou’s eyes, bringing her back to reality. She then offered a gentle, faint smile. “It’s nothing, I just find this child very kind and familiar, as if… I’ve seen him a long time ago. Yun Che… so you also have the surname Yun. I am Yun Xiao’s mother, and I thank you for saving my Xiao’er.”

As she finished speaking, Mu Yurou prepared to curtsy slightly. Yun Che quickly stepped forward and said, “Yun… Aunt Yun, please don’t bow. Yun Xiao and I felt like old friends the moment we met, and we share the same surname. Saving him was merely a small effort, and Yun Xiao and I are just about to become sworn brothers. Please, don’t show such deference to a junior like me.”

“This…” Mu Yurou was slightly taken aback.

“Heh heh,” Yun Qinghong chuckled, looking at Yun Che. “Yurou, just like you, I also feel as if I’ve seen him somewhere before. I just commented that he resembles me when I was younger. Perhaps, it truly is a great destiny that connects him to our family… Yubai, how did you know about Xiao’er’s ambush?”

Mu Yubai replied seriously, “The Tianxia family’s precious daughter was almost killed, so of course, Tianxia Xiongtu went mad. The Old Master quickly learned about it, and unfortunately, Yurou overheard it. Hmph…” Mu Yubai’s expression darkened. “It seems someone finds life too comfortable and is eager to jump out and court death! The Old Master is already concerned about this matter, but that old man from the Tianxia family will certainly be even more so. I believe it won’t be long before those restless individuals are dragged out.”

“I’m just afraid this matter is more complex than you imagine,” Yun Qinghong sighed.

Mu Yubai’s eyes flickered. “Brother-in-law, have you sensed something?”

“Let’s not talk about this for now,” Yun Qinghong said, not wanting to continue on this topic. He turned his gaze to Yun Che. “Young brother, would you be able to examine my wife’s condition? If you can cure her, I, Yun Qinghong, will forever…”

“Senior Yun, you overstate it!” Yun Che quickly interrupted Yun Qinghong. “Yun Xiao and I are as close as brothers, so Senior Yun and Aunt Yun are like half my family. I will naturally do my utmost. As for formalities and words of gratitude, they truly aren’t necessary.”

“Yes, yes, yes, yes!” Yun Xiao nodded rapidly. “Mother! Please sit down quickly and let Big Brother Yun examine you. Big Brother Yun’s medical skills are incredible! Father’s dead… Pfft, no, his meridians, which had been dormant for over twenty years, were completely awakened by Big Brother Yun in less than an hour! Now, all parts of Father’s body have basically regained sensation.”

“What?!” Mu Yubai’s eyebrows shot up. He quickly stepped forward, placing a hand on Yun Qinghong’s shoulder. Soon, his expression shifted dramatically.

“Brother, is it true?” Mu Yurou asked, equally agitated.

Mu Yubai removed his hand and slowly nodded. “It’s true… All of his previously dead meridians have completely regained vitality. Although he’s still somewhat weak, with careful recuperation, he could fully recover within a few years, or even sooner… This is simply a miracle!”

“This is… true?” Mu Yurou’s body trembled violently, and she was so overcome with emotion she almost fainted on the spot.

“Heh heh, although this is my own body, even I almost thought I was dreaming,” Yun Qinghong said, slowly raising his hands. Although his expression had long returned to calm after the initial excitement, the faint flush on his cheeks still revealed the turmoil within him. “Now, I can clearly feel the existence of every single meridian throughout my body.”

“This is all Big Brother Yun’s doing!” Yun Xiao said, exhilarated. “Big Brother Yun also said he’s confident that Father’s body and profound energy will fully recover within two months.”

“Fully recover?” Mu Yubai’s gaze turned to Yun Che, scrutinizing him once more. “Did you truly say that?”

“Yes,” Yun Che nodded.

Mu Yubai frowned, his gaze serious. “To restore all the meridians of someone whose body was completely crippled, in just one hour, is indeed miraculous—something I’ve never heard of in my two hundred years of life. However, it’s not that I doubt your medical skills, but his condition isn’t just a simple injury; it’s a complete breakdown after over-exhaustion! Besides his meridians being completely wasted, his profound veins and internal organs are also severely deteriorated. Furthermore, he carries an incredibly terrifying and incurable cold poison. Do you truly have a way to fully cure him… and restore his strength?”

Yun Che looked directly at him, his expression calm. “A doctor does not speak idly. I can bring Senior Yun’s meridians from death to life in one hour, and I am confident I can restore them completely within seven days. As for the cold poison in Senior Yun’s body, I will completely remove it over the next three days, leaving no trace. The deterioration of his profound veins and five vital organs, though troublesome, I am confident I can restore Senior Yun within one month… and in another month, restore all of Senior Yun’s profound energy.”

Mu Yubai: “…”

“No matter how much more I say now, I believe Senior Mu will find it hard to believe. In two months, everyone will naturally see the results,” Yun Che stated firmly.

Mu Yubai’s gaze became increasingly focused on Yun Che, his heart in constant turmoil. The young man before him, possessing only Sky Profound Realm profound energy, showed no ripple of emotion in his eyes and maintained a composed expression under Mu Yubai’s imposing presence and scrutiny. His eyes were as clear as water; Mu Yubai could detect no hint of falseness or reluctance. Every word Yun Che spoke, though sounding incredible to anyone familiar with Yun Qinghong’s condition, carried an undeniable power that made one instinctively want to believe him.

“Good!” Mu Yubai nodded. “If you can truly cure my sister and brother-in-law as you claim, then no matter what request you make, even if you ask me, Mu Yubai, to put my life on the line for you, I will not hesitate even for a moment!”

For the dignified young master of the Mu family to pledge his life for another was unprecedented for Yun Che, and likely would be the only time in his life. This unequivocally demonstrated Mu Yubai’s deep concern for Mu Yurou. Yun Che’s gaze held a newfound respect for him… an instinctive reverence.

“I have a small request,” Yun Che said. “Regarding the treatment of Senior Yun and Aunt Yun, please do not mention it to anyone before I succeed.”

“Ah? Why?” Yun Xiao asked, puzzled. But he immediately noticed that neither Yun Qinghong nor Mu Yubai showed any doubt or surprise at Yun Che’s words; instead, they appeared thoughtful.

Yun Che continued: “Although this junior has just arrived in Demon Imperial City, I have heard Yun Xiao speak about the Yun family and the Twelve Guardian Families. From Yun Xiao and Tianxia Qiyi’s ambush, I’ve vaguely deduced something. Furthermore, in three months, it will be the Little Demon Empress’s centenary enthronement ceremony, and in two months, the Yun family’s clan grand competition. During this period, the Yun family will not be peaceful; some undercurrents are restlessly stirring. If news of this junior’s ability to cure Senior Yun and Aunt Yun were to leak out, forgive my frankness, but it might not bring joy to the Yun family… Moreover, at the clan grand competition in two months, Senior Yun and Aunt Yun, in their current disabled state, might be able to observe more true realities.”

Yun Qinghong and Mu Yubai both fell silent for a moment. Mu Yubai then slowly nodded. “You are right; this matter absolutely cannot be known by anyone! On my end, I will only inform the Old Master, to bring him some joy. Xiao’er, remember, you absolutely must not let anyone know about this, not even a trace of it must be revealed! Not even that girl from the Tianxia family who has you utterly smitten, understand?!”

“Understood, I definitely won’t tell anyone,” Yun Xiao nodded vigorously. Although he didn’t fully grasp Yun Che’s words, he certainly knew what was important and what wasn’t, what should be done and what shouldn’t.

“You kid… is this really your first time in Demon Imperial City?” Mu Yubai asked, staring at Yun Che.

“It’s my first time, and today is my very first day in Demon Imperial City,” Yun Che stated with absolute certainty. Not a single word of his statement was a lie.

“You’re… not simple, kid…” Mu Yubai said solemnly. “I will absolutely keep the promise I made to you earlier! If you can truly cure them completely, it won’t just be their family, but I, Mu Yubai, will owe you half my life!”

Yun Qinghong nodded slightly, well aware of how astonishing it was for the words “not simple” to come from Mu Yubai’s mouth.

Yun Che nodded gently, then looked at Mu Yurou. “Yun Xiao, please help Aunt Yun over here. I’ll begin by awakening her meridians.”

Mu Yubai’s eyes immediately lit up. Yun Qinghong gently said, “You were already covered in sweat and greatly exhausted after awakening my meridians. It would be better to rest for a while.”

“No need,” Yun Che shook his head. “Only by unblocking the meridians can I begin to resolve the cold poison. Every moment the cold poison remains in the body, it causes more damage and danger. Although Senior Yun’s body is more severely damaged than Aunt Yun’s, Aunt Yun’s constitution is slightly weaker than Senior Yun’s. If Senior Yun’s condition is left untreated, he might last around three more years, while Aunt Yun, though able to walk, has cold poison that could fully invade her vital points at any moment… meaning, Aunt Yun is at constant risk of the cold poison completely erupting. Therefore… not a single moment can be wasted.”

He had indeed been utterly exhausted after treating Yun Qinghong, but his description of Mu Yurou’s condition was not exaggerated in the slightest. Therefore, despite his fatigue, he absolutely could not allow even a moment’s delay, because she… was his birth mother!

“Ah!” Yun Che’s words startled Yun Xiao greatly. He hadn't realized his parents’ conditions were so dire. He stammered, almost trembling, “Is… is… is this true?”

One’s own physical condition is best known to oneself. Yun Qinghong’s confidence in Yun Che immediately grew. He said softly, “If that’s the case, then I will trouble you.”

Yun Xiao helped Mu Yurou sit down. Yun Che stood before her and slowly placed his palm over her heart… They were only half a step apart, and Mu Yurou’s gaze was close. Yet, he almost dared not meet her eyes, fearing that the gentleness within them would make him lose control on the spot.

He had once been certain that he had completely disregarded any unexperienced familial bonds, believing that even seeing his birth parents wouldn’t stir any emotion within him… But upon seeing Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou, he realized he was gravely mistaken. Perhaps, the connection of blood is something that cannot be controlled or feared by sheer willpower.

“Child, you’re working hard. Don’t feel any pressure; even if you can’t cure us, we will always be grateful to you,” Mu Yurou said gently. Looking closely at the young man before her, she found it difficult to tear her gaze away from him. A strange feeling caused her heartbeat to become erratic, though she couldn't identify what this peculiar sensation was.

Yun Che nodded softly, then fully activated the Grand Way of the Buddha and controlled his profound energy to its gentlest state, slowly channeling the power of heaven and earth into Mu Yurou’s body with his profound strength.

Mu Yubai watched Yun Che’s expression and movements with wide, unblinking eyes. When Mu Yurou’s meridians began to awaken and she felt pain throughout her body, the young master of the Mu family, who commanded respect across the Illusory Demon Realm, excitedly jumped up like a child. He then frantically circled Mu Yurou and Yun Che, his hands rubbing together so eagerly they almost sparked.

Seeing the result and witnessing the process firsthand were, naturally, two completely different concepts. Mu Yubai’s gaze towards Yun Che was now sometimes fervent, sometimes as if he were looking at a monster. Yun Qinghong remained quiet throughout the entire process, his eyes alternating between surprise, admiration, and silent contemplation as he watched Yun Che.

This time, Yun Che spent over an hour and a half successfully unblocking all of Mu Yurou’s meridians. After completing the task, he took a step back, then swayed and collapsed onto the ground, every inch of his body drenched in sweat.

“Big Brother Yun!” Yun Xiao quickly rushed to help him up.

“Yun Xiao, please arrange a quieter room for me… Senior Yun, Aunt Yun, Senior Mu, I’m slightly over-exhausted. Please excuse me…”

Before he could finish speaking, his vision blurred, and all sounds faded from his ears… Then, he fell completely asleep.

With his mind temporarily relaxed, he only wanted to sleep soundly. If he were anywhere else, even if his surroundings weren’t hostile, he wouldn’t have allowed himself to simply pass out. But here, although the people around him were individuals he had known for less than a day, they were also his true blood relatives… That indescribable connection of blood caused his formidable willpower to lower its guard.