Seeing that Zhang Jingmo's expression was still hesitant and even had a hint of disgust, Tianwan thought for a bit and said to Zhang Jingmo, "Jingmo, do you know that my brother has a magic tool?"

Zhang Jingmo said, "What magic tool?"

Tianwan said, "That magic tool has only one function, which is to find people in the world."

Hearing this, Zhang Jingmo had already guessed what Tianwan was going to say next.

Tianwan said, "It was with this mirror that he captured you... If you really don't comply, I'm afraid he will target your disciple."

Zhang Jingmo said angrily, "He dares!"

Tianwan smiled bitterly, "What does he not dare... He has already captured you, so why would he be afraid to capture a little disciple in the Qi Refining stage?"

Zhang Jingmo showed an anxious expression because of Tianwan's words. He said, "How can he do this... Your brother is simply, simply..." He seemed to think for a long time before coming up with a curse word, "Simply a scoundrel!"

Tianwan sighed again.

Tianwan said, "Go back and think about it carefully. Don't act on impulse."

Zhang Jingmo was so angry that his whole body was shaking. He no longer paid attention to Tianwan and turned to leave. Seeing that Zhang Jingmo was gone, Tianwan dropped her pitiful appearance and went to find Tianlu, who was in a great mood.

Seeing Tianlu, Tianwan's first words were, "If I hadn't come in time, you couldn't have resisted, right?"

Tianlu was looking down, who knew what he was thinking. Hearing Tianwan's words, he looked up helplessly and said, "You don't know how cute he looked like that."

Tianwan sneered, "I don't know? I was the first one to take a fancy to him!"

Tianlu laughed, "I just like this kind of righteous and handsome Daoist. Every time I see him, I wonder what he would look like if his tough bones were smashed one by one..."

Tianwan said angrily, "Haven't you smashed enough? If he wasn't a key figure, I wouldn't bother to manage you. Brother, when you're being willful, think about Tianfeng who hasn't come back to life yet!"

Seeing that Tianwan was angry, Tianlu laughed, "Tianwan, don't be anxious. I was just having a momentary interest. It will be fine in a couple of days."

Tianwan obviously didn't quite believe Tianlu, but she had no way to deal with him. If Tianlu really wanted to make a move on Zhang Jingmo, her persuasion would be useless.

And once Tianlu really made a move on Zhang Jingmo, she might have to look for another alchemist.

Seeing Tianwan frowning tightly, Tianlu said lightly, "If he refuses to comply, we'll target his disciple. Tianwan, don't tell me you're too immersed in your role and can't bear it either?"

Tianwan sneered, "I can't bear it? I can bear it, but I'm afraid someone else can't."

She seemed to be angry with Tianlu too. After saying this, she turned and left. Tianlu looked at Tianwan's back and slightly narrowed his eyes, who knew what he was thinking.

Zhang Jingmo returned to his residence to rest for the night. When he saw the Yin Pearl, a flash of anger did arise in his heart, but it was not enough to make him directly confront Tianlu.

The reason Zhang Jingmo acted in such a manner was simply to fully present the image of a stubborn, righteous, and somewhat rigid alchemist in front of Tianlu and Tianwan.

He had already taken advantage of the year-long wait to piece together most of the situation, but there were still some hidden threads that Zhang Jingmo needed to uncover himself.

Early the next morning, Tianlu came knocking again. This time, he had resumed his gentle and refined demeanor, calling out "Qingyuan" to Zhang Jingmo a few times.

Zhang Jingmo pretended not to hear and kept his eyes closed.

Tianlu said, "Qingyuan, why are you ignoring me? Could it be that you're angry with me?" As he spoke, he sat down beside Zhang Jingmo and said, "Qingyuan, why don't you speak?"

As soon as Zhang Jingmo opened his eyes, he saw Tianlu's large face up close, startling him and causing him to reflexively fall backward. However, Tianlu caught him by the waist.

Zhang Jingmo angrily said, "Let go." He truly disliked physical contact with others.

Upon hearing this, Tianlu instead drew even closer and said, "I won't let go."

Zhang Jingmo: "..." He really wanted to curse.

Seeing Zhang Jingmo so angry that his face turned red and his lips trembled for a long time, only managing to squeeze out a word, "Scoundrel," Tianlu's smile grew even more intense, almost to the point of laughter.

Tianlu said, "Qingyuan, if someone in your sect scolds you, wouldn't you be unable to retort?" If he were to see Zhang Jingmo cursing Daoist Cen until his face turned green, his jaw would probably drop in shock.

Zhang Jingmo didn't say a word, not because he didn't want to, but because he found it unnecessary. He had already successfully portrayed himself as a fool in Tianlu's eyes. Regardless of whether he spoke or not, Tianlu would have an explanation.

Tianlu held Zhang Jingmo's waist for a long time, unwilling to let go until Zhang Jingmo was truly about to get angry. Only then did he reluctantly release him.

Tianlu said, "Qingyuan, have you made up your mind? Will you refine that Heavenly Core Yellow Spring Pill for me or not?"

Zhang Jingmo coldly said, "I have made up my mind."

Tianlu had already gotten the answer from Zhang Jingmo's expression, but he still pretended not to know and asked again.

Zhang Jingmo said, "The Yin Pearls are too damaging to the heavens and the earth. I'm afraid I am unable to help."

Tianlu stroked Zhang Jingmo's hair again and gently said, "Qingyuan, are you certain this is your final answer?"

Zhang Jingmo nodded expressionlessly.

Tianlu no longer tried to persuade him. "Just follow me." With that, he got up and walked out, seeming certain that Zhang Jingmo would follow.

Indeed, Zhang Jingmo followed because he had a bad feeling.

After following Tianlu for a long time, they arrived at his and Tianwan's residence. Tianlu opened the door and walked in, with Zhang Jingmo following behind.

The room was quite simple, with only a bed and a chair. Next to the chair was a mirror almost as tall as a person. Tianlu stopped in front of the mirror and said to Zhang Jingmo without turning his head, "Qingyuan, it has been a year since you left Lingxu Sect. Do you miss your disciple?"

Upon hearing this and connecting it with what Tianwan had said before, Zhang Jingmo had already guessed what method Tianlu would use.

Sure enough, Tianlu slightly raised his hand and injected a stream of spiritual power into the mirror. The surface of the mirror began to distort, turning into water ripples.

The water ripples continued to distort, gradually forming a picture on the mirror's surface. Zhang Jingmo looked closely and found that Lu Guijiu had appeared in the mirror.

Lu Guijiu was obviously no longer in Lingxu Sect because he was walking in a bustling street with a beautiful woman beside him. Zhang Jingmo's brows furrowed tightly upon seeing that woman. The reason was simple - that woman was none other than Su Yu...

Seeing Zhang Jingmo's tense expression, Tianlu thought he was worried about Lu Guijiu and laughed, "Qingyuan, have you relieved your longing?"

Only then did Zhang Jingmo come back to his senses and said, "What do you want?"

Tianlu calmly said, "I only ask Qingyuan to refine a pill for me."

Zhang Jingmo fiercely said, "Aren't you afraid I'll tamper with the medicine?"

Tianlu laughed, "Of course not. After all, the first one to take the medicine will be your own disciple..."

Zhang Jingmo's face turned pale. He said, "You... You actually want to harm Guijiu."

Tianlu said, "If Qingyuan can successfully refine the medicine, what is there to fear? Moreover, I'm helping you reunite with your disciple. Isn't that a joyous occasion?"

Zhang Jingmo's face was ashen, but he couldn't say a word, seemingly infuriated by Tianlu's shameless behavior.

Seeing this, Tianlu consoled, "After Qingyuan refines the medicine, I will personally send your disciple back to Lingxu Sect. How about that?"

Zhang Jingmo angrily said, "You'd better keep your word."