Chapter 2890: Originally, It Was Just For Show

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qiao Mu was taken aback, her response cloaked in silence. She simply nodded lightly, a subtle expression of agreement.

As for the reasons behind Mu Rouxuan’s unauthorized return to the capital and her activities there, Qiao Mu held no interest in delving into the matter.

Noticing the icy tone in Qiao Mu’s voice when discussing Mu Rouxuan, Mu Xingchen wisely chose to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Just as Qiao Mu was exiting the room, she spotted Lu Zheng and Chen Qi approaching her in haste. “Second Headmaster, are we headed to Red Clouds Peak today?”

The corners of Qiao Mu’s lips twitched slightly. “I intend to request leave from my mentor today and embark on our journey tomorrow.”

“Very well, in that case, we will return and make the necessary preparations.” Chen Qi paused for a moment, then retrieved something from his inner world and presented it to Qiao Mu with a somewhat pained expression. “Second Headmaster, I don’t have much to offer, but please accept this as a birthday gift.”

Qiao Mu gazed at the grimy feather in the elderly man’s hand, momentarily at a loss for words.

Everyone regarded him with an expression that said, “You’re being too miserly.” Chen Qi’s face turned crimson. “This is the best I could find.”

“Second Headmaster, you don’t find this inadequate, do you?” he asked anxiously.

Qiao Mu remained expressionless. “No.”

“Second Headmaster, I too lack any significant gifts. Allow me to present you with a painting.” Lu Zheng took it a step further, extracting a tattered, discolored painting, marred by greasy stains, from a heap of decrepit items. He offered it to her with a cheerful smile.

“In all honesty, such formality is unnecessary,” Qiao Mu forced out between gritted teeth. “You both have only recently returned to Xuanji School. It would be more appropriate to exchange gifts once the school’s situation has improved.”

“But how could we possibly postpone a gift for the Second Headmaster?” They both waved their hands in determination, resolute in offering the feather and the shabby painting to Qiao Mu.

Qiao Mu was thoroughly exasperated. Just as she contemplated how to decline their offerings gracefully, she lifted her head to find Mo Lian and Duan Yue winking at her.

Qiao Mu possessed a keen understanding of just how crafty these two individuals could be.

Her familiarity with their cunning ways prompted Qiao Mu to swiftly retrieve the items from Lu Zheng and Chen Qi’s hands, wordlessly stowing them back into her inner world.

The two elderly men exchanged perplexed glances.

Could it be that the Second Headmaster was genuinely this discerning?

Why would she accept such dilapidated offerings?

“Thank you kindly, Seniors,” Duan Yue expressed with a smile. “This map contains 18 distinct array formations. Once Master integrates them into his consciousness pool, he can deploy these formations at will wherever he goes.”

“Indeed, as expected of the esteemed Grandmaster of array formations, Senior Lu. This schematic is truly exceptional.”

“Senior Chen, you’ve done admirably as well. To part with a flying divine artifact of this caliber—light as a feather and remarkably resilient with unparalleled convenience in portability—it’s an exceedingly rare treasure.” What in the world…

Chen Qi and Lu Zheng stared at each other in silence, their empty hands a stark reminder of their predicament.

By the heavens! They had initially planned an elaborate charade, deliberately presenting the two treasures in shabby condition as they handed them over to the stoic Second Headmaster. They had anticipated that her impassive demeanor would translate into disdain for their gifts, but this…

Just because she lacked enthusiasm didn’t mean the two mischievous characters by her side had questionable taste.

Chen Qi felt an overwhelming pang of regret, almost driving him to tears.

The flying divine artifact he had crafted was the finest creation of his last century!

Lu Zheng, similarly regretful, was left dumbfounded. He had intended to playfully tease the Second Headmaster, but it appeared that he had inadvertently teased himself.

Qiao Mu continued to move about them with her usual indifference..