2840 You Just Hate Her to Death

With a smile, Shi Yongqian spoke, "I've heard news of an incident at the young crown prince consort's Butterfly Pavilion last night."

"She left in quite a hurry, likely returning to handle the situation."

Mu Rouxuan felt lost, her heart skipping a beat upon hearing Shi Yongqian's words.

/She returned to the capital?/

/Yes, that's it! She should also visit the capital./

Her emotions were in turmoil, and she yearned to confide in her mother. Her mind was in chaos, and she couldn't even focus on channeling spiritual energy for cultivation since last night.

/Continuing like this might cripple her!/

/No, she couldn't allow that to happen./

Her mother was exceptionally wise and far-sighted. She would surely find a solution to her predicament.

Mu Rouxuan turned to leave in haste.

"You despise her, don't you?" Shi Yongqian suddenly chuckled from behind.

It felt like a bolt of lightning striking on a clear day. Mu Rouxuan's heart was thrown into turmoil. She turned around, exasperated, and shouted, "No! I don't despise her. How could I despise her?"

Qiao Mu had grown up without parents in the harsh Lower Star Domain, and even after reaching her current level of cultivation, she was still only a level-three minor spiritual cultivator.

/She merely had a stroke of luck that was noticed by a master and received recognition. That's why she achieved her current status in talisman craft./

/It's just dumb luck, that's all!/

/Yes, it was just sheer luck./

All in all, Qiao Mu's life had been exceptionally tragic. She had no father, no mother, no family to look after her. She must have endured immense hardships while growing up.

/How could she be mentioned in the same breath as the domineering young lady from a prestigious family like herself?/

/How could she feel envious of a wild servant girl without parents?/

/Ha, it was utterly ridiculous!/

Venomous anger gleamed in Mu Rouxuan's eyes. "Don't speak nonsense, Shi Yongqian. We aren't close friends, so there's no need for us to be so familiar. You don't have to pry information from me here."

"I won't tell you anything, absolutely not!"

Shi Yongqian maintained an indifferent smile. "Elder Miss Mu, you don't need to pretend in front of me. You do harbor ill feelings toward her. You loathe her deeply!"

Mu Rouxuan stumbled backward and leaned against the wall, shaking her head vigorously. "No, that's not true! She's my younger sister. Why would I hate her? I just… I'm upset about what she did…"

"You do hate her!" Shi Yongqian retorted forcefully. "You resent that she has taken all your glory since her return! You resent how she has relentlessly pushed you and your mother to the brink! You resent that her mastery of talisman manipulation has surpassed yours, the Eldest Miss. You resent that her presence has stolen all of your brother's attention! Isn't that the truth?"

Shi Yongqian had observed Elder Miss Mu's behavior on more than one occasion. She understood Mu Rouxuan's thoughts better than anyone else.

This kind of jealousy was quite easy to comprehend.

Elder Miss Mu had lived her entire life in the shadow of the prodigious, domineering young lady.

Now, Qiao Mu's arrival had repeatedly pushed her out of the spotlight and pitted her against her. Whether it was in terms of looks, status, or talent in crafting talismans, this prodigious, domineering young lady had been surpassed by Qiao Mu!

It would be odd if she didn't feel envious.

Mu Rouxuan almost stumbled and lost her balance.

"With your social standing, it's simple to approach her, isn't it? I have a substance here that can make her vanish from the world, leaving no trace behind."

Shi Yongqian produced a small white porcelain bottle and grinned, her teeth gleaming pearly white.