Chapter 130

The Melon Mover had disappeared without a trace for many years.

They hadn’t been around for long, but during their brief appearance, they had thrown the entire Flower Pavilion into chaos before vanishing flawlessly.

Although another “Melon Eater” had emerged later, in the hearts of many cultivators, the Melon Mover’s status was irreplaceable.

The Melon Mover was the true ancestor of the melon community!

Many had assumed they wouldn’t see another post from the Melon Mover for a long time. Unexpectedly, after several years of silence, they suddenly returned—with an explosive revelation about the current head of the Xu family, who also happened to be the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Pavilion.

Quite a few cultivators felt that the Melon Mover was just as bold as ever. They wanted to warn them to be careful, but upon clicking into the post and seeing the Melon Mover’s current cultivation level, they fell silent.

【Turns out, the clown was me all along…】

【How did you go from Qi Refining to Nascent Soul in just four years?】

【I thought the previous genius who soared to the top was one in a million, but now Melon Mover too…】

【Melon Mover, how did you suddenly reach the Nascent Soul stage? How could you just leave us all behind like this?!】

【No wonder the Melon Mover dared to challenge the entire Flower Pavilion and go up against so many high-level cultivators—turns out, they were a genius among geniuses!】

【With such a terrifying growth speed, given time, the Melon Mover will become a great power themselves. What do they have to fear from anyone else?】

【Melon Mover, the true protagonist of a power fantasy novel! The one who holds all cultivators in the palm of their hand!】

That being said…

These Melon Mover fans were really good at hyping things up—to the point where even the Melon-Eating System was left in awe.

They were almost catching up to it.

The changes in Ning Xu’s cultivation had instantly overshadowed the gossip itself.

To be honest, they weren’t particularly interested in Xu Hua. They were far more curious about how the Melon Mover had managed to reach the Nascent Soul stage in such a short time.

The Melon-Eating System chuckled. 【Host, no one is paying attention to Xu Hua’s gossip anymore. They’re all focused on you now.】

Ning Xu hadn’t expected this outcome either.

Who could have predicted that she herself would be the biggest melon of all?

Since cultivators weren’t particularly keen on eating the “Xu Hua sacrifices a genius” melon, Ning Xu didn’t push it.

She had only exposed this melon as a setup—to attract the attention of Xu Hua and the others. After all, she absolutely would not allow this sacrifice to succeed.

A good exposé had to be revealed little by little to make things interesting.

After laying the groundwork, she would drop the biggest revelation at the end, creating that moment of shocked realization—”So that’s how it is!”

That was how to successfully expose a melon.

But now, with even a Tribulation Stage cultivator being overshadowed by her, she had no choice but to adjust her strategy.

Originally, she had planned to expose even more about Xu Hua, but clearly, “a cultivator’s meteoric rise” was the kind of melon they were most interested in.

Since that was the case, she would give them what they wanted! She was just that dedicated to her fans.

Ning Xu replied in the post: 【A little teaser—next melon will be about ‘Sword Bone.’ Everything you want to know will be included.】

The moment cultivators saw the keyword “Sword Bone,” they became ecstatic.

【Sword Bone? Some fellow daoists previously speculated that the newcomer skyrocketed thanks to the Sword Bone—could it be that the Melon Mover is exposing this?】

【As expected of the Melon Mover! Always dropping the biggest melons!】

【So did the newcomer really find the Sword Bone? I’m dying to know! When will the melon drop? I can’t wait any longer!】

【Melon Mover, you might as well have said nothing at all. Now I know there’s a revelation coming, but I have no idea when—I can’t even focus on cultivation anymore.】

【I just want to know if there are any unclaimed Sword Bones left in the cultivation world. I want to go find one too!】

【Yeah, same here…】

For a time, cultivators across every corner of the cultivation world were discussing the Melon Mover and the Sword Bone.

Only a handful of people noticed the “sacrificing a genius” melon.

Some sharp cultivators quickly realized that this wasn’t a simple matter.

Xu Hua was already a Mahayana cultivator, so why would she need to sacrifice a genius? What was the purpose? Was the sacrifice for herself, or was it for someone else?

On the other side, Gou Chen had also noticed this melon.

Cultivation level…

Nascent Soul?

The first time he had encountered Ning Xu, she had only been at the Golden Core stage. But not long after, the mountain where Si Zang resided had been struck by a Nascent Soul tribulation.

So, it all lined up. Everything lined up perfectly.

Although he didn’t know how exactly she had done it, in Gou Chen’s eyes, the Melon Mover was highly likely to be Ning Xu.

At such a crucial moment, she had suddenly made this post…

There was no way Gou Chen wouldn’t overthink it.

Without hesitation, he rushed toward the Heavenly Pavilion.

Although he hadn’t contacted Xu Hua in many years, the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Pavilion all recognized him. Xu Hua had even left instructions—if Gou Chen or Lie Quan came looking for her, they were to be brought to her directly.

This time, the one leading Gou Chen was a junior member of Xu Hua’s lineage.

She spoke, “The Grand Ancestor has been in seclusion for over a hundred years. What do you need from her? If it’s not urgent, you’d best go back.”

Gou Chen’s expression darkened. “What about Zhi Qing?”

“The patriarch is also in seclusion.”

Gou Chen closed his eyes tightly.

Back then, a direct descendant of the Jin family married into the Xu family for Xu Hua. After leaving several heirs, he disappeared during a training expedition.

A few hundred years later, Xu Hua and Zhi Qing held another dual cultivation ceremony.

Since then, Xu Hua and Zhi Qing had been inseparable, moving together at all times—even going into seclusion together.

Though seclusion was a common practice for high-level cultivators, Gou Chen still found the situation troublesome.

He said coldly, “I have something very important to discuss with them.”

The younger generation of the Xu family looked troubled.

“When the patriarch and the grand patriarch are in seclusion, they do not allow any interruptions.”

Her attitude was firm. “In any case, I don’t dare to disturb the two elders.”

After speaking, she looked at Gou Chen and said, “If you insist on meeting them, you’ll have to figure out a way yourself.”

After bringing him to the location, the younger member of the Xu family left.

Gou Chen had no choice but to wait outside the secluded stone chamber for the time being.
—

After teasing the upcoming gossip, Ning Xu finally contacted Elder Wu.

Elder Wu had spent the past three years diligently guiding the younger generation in the sect after avenging his great grievance. When he received Ning Xu’s message, he asked with concern, “You and Si Yan entered the Endless Sea and disappeared for three years. How have you been?”

Ning Xu replied, “We’re both fine. We’ve already left the Endless Sea, so you don’t need to worry.”

Hearing that they were safe, Elder Wu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though he knew Ning Xu had bonded with a divine being and was quite capable, the Endless Sea was simply too dangerous. Only they would dare to venture in with their current level of cultivation.

He then gave Ning Xu a summary of the past three years: “Wu Lüchen, like you, hasn’t returned to the sect during these years. He has been receiving guidance from the Wu family head. Your auction house is thriving, and your tribulation-crossing artifact is in such high demand that supply can’t keep up. Some forces have their eyes on this lucrative spiritual tool and want to take it for themselves. Fortunately, the sect and the Goddess are protecting it, so there haven’t been any major incidents.”

Speaking of the sect, Elder Wu’s tone carried a hint of excitement. “Thanks to the cultivation techniques you’ve provided, the disciples’ cultivation levels have been rising rapidly.”

“If not for the ten-year ranking cycle, Wenxin Sect’s ranking should have moved up several places from tenth.”

Hearing this, Ning Xu couldn’t help but smile.

After all, since she had joined Wenxin Sect, she had become a part of it. A stronger sect was also beneficial to her.

After discussing these matters, Elder Wu asked, “What about you? Why did you contact me this time?”

Ning Xu coughed lightly. “I do have a favor to ask, actually.”

Elder Wu responded readily, “What is it? Just tell me. If I can help, I will.”

Ning Xu then said, “It’s like this—Moon Laurel Tower is my business. Its current revenue isn’t as good as before, and it needs—”

Before she could finish, Elder Wu interrupted her. “What did you say? Moon Laurel Tower?”

Ning Xu confirmed, “Yes.”

Elder Wu was in disbelief. “You mean that Moon Laurel Tower? The one with over a hundred branches across the cultivation world, whose main building is in the prosperous Heavenly City, under the protection of the City Lord’s estate, and makes a fortune every single day?”

Ning Xu affirmed, “Yes, the very same Moon Laurel Tower!”

“You mean to say Moon Laurel Tower belongs to you?”

“That’s right.”

“…”

Elder Wu fell silent, and Ning Xu didn’t rush him.

He was probably still processing the information.

Seeing that Elder Wu had remained silent for a long time, Ning Xu continued, “I currently have six pureblood male foxes. Although they are from the demon race, they are different from ordinary demons. They are my contracted sub-tier spirit beasts and pose no threat to human cultivators. I plan to have them work temporarily at Moon Laurel Tower’s main building as a selling point. However, I don’t have time to arrange it myself, so I’d like to ask for your help in setting it up.”

Elder Wu: “…”

Six? Pureblood male fox demons? She contracted that many sub-tier spirit beasts in one go?

So what kind of miraculous encounters had she had during her three years of disappearance?

After all, throughout the entire demon race, it was nearly impossible to find a single pureblood male fox demon. In fact, there were none at all. The current fox race was entirely mixed-blood. Because there were no pureblood male fox demons, the fox race’s strength had greatly diminished over the past millennium, to the point where they were barely even ranked among the demon clans.

And yet, she had six? If the demon race found out, wouldn’t they go crazy?

The peace treaty between humans and demons had less than a year left before it expired. If six pureblood male fox demons suddenly appeared at this time, it could easily stir up trouble.

Ning Xu had already considered this.

She said, “These fox demons hold significant seniority in the fox race.” Or rather, their seniority was extraordinarily high. She continued, “Who knows? They might even be able to convince the current fox race to abandon their old ways and side with us.”

Elder Wu: “…”

Only you would dare to think this far—talking about making the fox race ‘abandon their old ways.’

That said, Elder Wu had an inexplicable trust in Ning Xu. If she said it was possible, then it probably was.

Ning Xu thought for a moment before continuing, “Additionally, Moon Laurel Tower has an outdated layout. It’s been the same for many years, and customers are getting bored of it. It no longer offers a fresh experience, so it needs a major renovation.

Do you know of any experts in this field? As long as they can redesign Moon Laurel Tower to better suit the aesthetics of cultivators and attract more customers, spirit stones are not an issue.”

Hearing such a bold statement, Elder Wu gained a better understanding of Ning Xu’s financial power. He said, “Many disciples in the sect come from the mortal world, and those from prominent families should have a decent sense of aesthetics. Even if they don’t, I have many connections in the cultivation world.

Leave this to me.”

Ning Xu responded, “Alright.”

After settling that matter, she continued, “There’s one more thing.”

Elder Wu was already numb. “Go ahead.”

“Actually, I only recently found out that Moon Laurel Tower has been under my name for many years. It was passed down to me by my ancestors.” To prevent Elder Wu from asking a million questions, Ning Xu simply made up an excuse, claiming that Moon Laurel Tower was an inheritance.

Otherwise, how could she explain why she was entitled to three thousand years’ worth of profits?

Elder Wu remained silent for a moment before asking, “And then?”

“Well, since I only just found out about Moon Laurel Tower, I haven’t had time to review its records. I have no idea how much revenue it has generated over the years, so I’d like you to go over the accounts for me so I have a clear picture.”

Elder Wu murmured, “I appreciate your trust.” She trusted him enough to tell him such an enormous secret.

A sense of responsibility welled up in Elder Wu’s heart.

Since the younger generation had placed such faith in him, he absolutely could not betray that trust.

Ning Xu smiled and said, “If I can’t trust Elder Wu, then who can I trust?”

【Elder Wu is indeed a trustworthy person, and leaving this matter to him is a solid choice. However…】 The Melon-Eating System suddenly made a sharp turn. 【It’s just a shame that he can’t latch onto a rich woman’s thigh! Useless old man!】

Ning Xu: “…”

Though Elder Wu was an upright man, he still felt flattered by the compliment.

Taking a deep breath, he asked, “How many years’ worth of records do you want checked?”

This time, Ning Xu hesitated.

After a moment of silence, she decided to tell the truth. “Three thousand years.”

Elder Wu: “???”

“What? How many years did you say?”

Ning Xu repeated, “Three thousand years.”

From the other side of the transmission talisman, a disciple’s shocked voice rang out, “Elder Wu? Elder Wu, are you okay?”

For the first time in his long life, Elder Wu truly grasped the wealth-gathering abilities of a heaven-blessed child.

Three thousand years of revenue?!

This wasn’t just about becoming the richest person in the cultivation world—she was about to ascend to the heavens!