It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 146

Silence met Mu Zhi’an’s words. Luo Yuan stared at the pills in Mu Zhi’an’s hand, his expression grave.

Such a vast quantity of Fifth-Grade pills… It was beyond the means of an ordinary disciple… no, even an inner disciple shouldn’t possess such wealth!

It seemed the Peak Masters’ suspicions were correct… Mu Zhi’an had indeed received favors from the elders.

“If there’s nothing else, Brother Luo, we’ll be on our way,” Mu Zhi’an said, bowing slightly.

He led the two girls away, leaving Luo Yuan speechless.

The Peak Master’s guess was right… Mu Zhi’an had definitely benefited from his visit to Dao Peak.

He had even gone to the Book Pavilion and received even more pills…

As for the elders’ motives, he didn’t know.

He would simply report his findings.

Hidden among the crowd, Ye Yu watched the scene unfold, his plan to intervene thwarted.

He stared at Mu Zhi’an’s retreating figure, his gaze lingering on Ye Lingxuan’s graceful silhouette.

“Master, did you sense anything from Bai Ruoxi?” he asked mentally.

The old man’s voice echoed in his mind. “Nothing so far.”

“Even you can’t detect the Heavenly Dao Aura… Could there have been someone else in the Dragon Head Forest that day? Did they steal it?” Ye Yu frowned, his mind racing.

Ever since Mu Zhi’an had tricked him in the Dragon Head Forest, causing him to lose the Heavenly Dao Aura, he had been suspicious. He had initially believed Mu Zhi’an possessed it.

However, a thorough examination had revealed nothing, and the matter had been dropped.

But recent events had rekindled his suspicions.

Bai Ruoxi had only been at the Two Polarities Sect for a short time, yet she had already advanced from the First Stage to the Second Stage of Core Formation… Her cultivation speed was monstrous.

It was almost as if…

What if Mu Zhi’an had transferred the Heavenly Dao Aura to Bai Ruoxi?

That would explain why he hadn’t possessed it, and it would also explain her rapid progress.

Mu Zhi’an had stolen the Heavenly Dao Aura and given it to Bai Ruoxi to win her favor!

“There were only a few people in the Dragon Head Forest that day. After the Heavenly Dao Aura left your body, Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhi’an disappeared for a while. Mu Zhi’an is the most likely culprit,” the old man’s voice said.

“If he doesn’t have it, then he must have given it to someone…”

“But the Heavenly Dao Aura… it’s such a precious treasure. How could he entrust it to Bai Ruoxi?” Ye Yu wondered aloud. “Isn’t he worried she’ll leave him once she becomes powerful?”

This was the reason he hadn’t considered this possibility before, and it was also why the other families hadn’t suspected it.

The Heavenly Dao Aura represented immense destiny. Whoever possessed it was destined for greatness.

Why would Mu Zhi’an risk giving it to Bai Ruoxi, only to have her abandon him later?

Wouldn’t he regret it immensely?

“That young master from the Mu Family is a cunning fox. Did you not see how those two girls looked at him?” the old man’s voice said.

“He’s simply using sweet words to deceive them. Once they realize his true nature, he’s finished. I might not even have to lift a finger!” Ye Yu thought, his voice laced with venom.

The old man fell silent.

It had been a while since they had left Tianxuan City. Bai Ruoxi was likely completely smitten with Mu Zhi’an. Judging by their affectionate gazes, separating them would be difficult.

“Regardless, we’ll know for sure if the Heavenly Dao Aura is with her once she advances again,” Ye Yu said.

If she advanced within a short period, only the Heavenly Dao Aura could explain such rapid progress.

Talent alone couldn’t account for such speed.

“But even if they have the Heavenly Dao Aura, so what?”

My cultivation speed is just as fast!

Sensing Ye Yu’s thoughts, the old man cautioned, “Don’t underestimate Mu Zhi’an. His cultivation speed is comparable to yours. Judging by his aura, he’s already reached the Seventh Stage of Foundation Establishment.”

Ye Yu was stunned. “How is that possible…?”

It had only been a short time! How could he have progressed so quickly?

Even he was only at the Fifth Stage…

However, this made things more interesting… Crushing Mu Zhi’an at the Immortal Ascension Ceremony wouldn’t be as satisfying if there wasn’t a challenge.

A fire rekindled within Ye Yu.

For now, I need to visit the Pilgrimage Palace.

If Master is right about the great opportunity there… I need to act quickly!

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an led the two girls back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, releasing their hands only after entering the residence.

He turned to Bai Ruoxi, a smile playing on his lips. “Ruoxi, next time someone like that bothers you, just draw your sword.”

She shook her head gently. “Fighting within the Jade Glass Palace would only cause trouble for you.”

“Besides, I’m just a weak girl. I couldn’t possibly defeat him.” She gazed at him with adoration.

Ye Lingxuan rolled her eyes, shooting Bai Ruoxi a sideways glance.

A Second Stage Core Formation cultivator calling herself a weak girl in front of a Seventh Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator… Did she even believe her own words?

Mu Zhi’an smiled warmly, oblivious to their silent exchange.

“What did Luo Yuan say to you, Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan asked softly.

“He offered me a million Spirit Stones and two pills to introduce him to you,” he replied.

She frowned. “How disgusting.”

He chuckled, seeing her displeasure. “However, Luo Yuan might not have been targeting you specifically.”

“Or rather, he was targeting you, but you weren’t his primary objective.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, confused.

Bai Ruoxi also looked at him, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity.

“The Peak Masters likely have their own spies and information networks throughout the sect. I made a big show of visiting Dao Peak yesterday and was escorted back to the Jade Glass Palace by the Second Elder of Middle Peak… The other Peak Masters are probably aware of this,” he explained.

“What does that have to do with Luo Yuan?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

“Which peak is he from?”

“The Peak of Celestial Secrets… But what is he trying to do?”

“It’s not what he’s trying to do, but what the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets is trying to do.”

He smiled enigmatically, seeing their puzzled expressions. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

He couldn’t very well tell them that the Peak Masters were likely coveting his body, hoping to nurture him to the Core Formation Realm before making their move…

Yu Xuanji had clearly been interested in him as well, though she had been more subtle about it.

The Peak of Celestial Secrets had likely received intel about his visit to Dao Peak and had sent Luo Yuan to probe him.

As for Luo Yuan’s attempts to woo Bai Ruoxi and Ye Lingxuan… that was probably his own initiative.

Yu Xuanji wouldn’t resort to such methods.

Regardless, Mu Zhi’an had taken the opportunity to “leak” information to the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets.

The Fifth-Grade pills spoke for themselves.

An ordinary disciple couldn’t possibly possess such wealth.

By displaying the pills, he was sending a clear message: the other Peak Masters were making their moves.

Whether it was because of Ling Long or his Innate Celestial Vessel, he was a valuable asset.

Upon returning to his peak, Luo Yuan’s report would be obvious.

And afterwards, perhaps he would receive a gift from the Peak of Celestial Secrets.

After escorting Bai Ruoxi back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Mu Zhi’an made an excuse to walk Ye Lingxuan back to her residence.

His decision wasn’t a reflection of his feelings. He had considered their personalities before choosing this course of action.

Bai Ruoxi was aloof and distant at first, but once she warmed up to someone, she revealed a gentle and affectionate side. As long as he reassured her of his feelings, she wouldn’t be overly jealous.

After all, she possessed a forgiving heart.

Ye Lingxuan, on the other hand, might seem mature and composed, but she still possessed the typical pride and petulance of a girl her age. She required more attention and reassurance.

Of course, girls her age were also more innocent. Even if she got upset, a few sweet words would be enough to appease her.

As for Bai Ruoxi, he could simply shower her with affection later that night.

The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Mu Zhi’an walked Ye Lingxuan back to her residence. He was about to leave when she spoke.

“Won’t you stay for a cup of tea, Brother Mu?” she asked, her voice sweet and inviting.

He hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Alright.”

He wanted to return to his cultivation, but he couldn’t refuse her request.

They sat down in the pavilion, and she poured him a cup of tea. “Thank you for your help today, Brother Mu. If it weren’t for you, Sister Bai and I would still be dealing with that annoying Luo Yuan,” she said.

He chuckled, taking a sip of his tea. “He wouldn’t have bothered you for long, even without my intervention.”

“After all, I was his target.”

She frowned. “That sounds like you’re saying you’re more charming than Sister Bai and I.”

“You’re both very charming. However, Luo Yuan had a mission, so his attention shifted to me once I arrived,” he explained.

“Speaking of which, where did you get all those pills, Brother Mu?” she asked, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Even she couldn’t produce so many Fifth-Grade pills at once.

He had only been gone for a few hours, yet he had returned with a small fortune in pills.

“Master Yan was generous. She gifted most of them to me today.”

He retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring and placed a portion of the pills on the table before her.

“These are Qi Gathering Pills. Dissolve one in your bathwater each time you cultivate. You used them last night, so you know how to use them, right?”

“If you need help, I can…”

She shot him a knowing look.

That sly fox… He’s just trying to find an excuse to…

He grabbed her hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I haven’t even said anything yet. Don’t accuse me falsely.”

She gently pulled her hand away, her gaze meeting his for a brief moment before she looked away. “Are you going to give some of these pills to Sister Bai as well, Brother Mu?” she asked softly.

She had expected him to panic, but he simply sighed, his expression turning serious. “Lingxuan, you know about Ruoxi and me, don’t you?”

As he had anticipated, they were all aware of his “scumbag” tendencies, even if they didn’t acknowledge it openly. She simply hummed in response.

He squeezed her hand gently. “No matter what, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart, Lingxuan.”

She was touched by his sincerity.

Her annoyance with his philandering ways faded.

However, remembering how he had given the same pills to Bai Ruoxi, she pouted. “You’re such a two-timer, Brother Mu.”

He didn’t mind. In fact, he was relieved.

As he had predicted, despite her aloof and unapproachable demeanor, Ye Lingxuan was easily swayed by a few sweet words and gestures of affection.

Girls like her craved sweet nothings.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pavilion.

Sensing her softened gaze, he asked tentatively, “Lingxuan, should I head back now?”

“What’s the rush? Let’s chat a little longer… I have some questions about cultivation,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of petulance.

He had only just arrived! They hadn’t even had a proper conversation yet.

He wanted to return to his cultivation, but he couldn’t refuse.

They chatted for a while longer, her laughter filling the air as he teased her playfully.

He took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her slender waist, his gaze meeting hers.

Their eyes locked, each reflecting the other’s image.

He leaned in, his lips approaching hers.

Her eyelashes fluttered, but she didn’t resist. A wave of shyness washed over her as she closed her eyes, surrendering to his kiss.

Time seemed to stand still.

After a while, a sweet voice called out from outside the residence.

“Sister, I’m back!”

Qian’er is back…

Ye Lingxuan’s body stiffened, and she pulled away from his embrace, her face burning with shame. She frantically smoothed her hair and straightened her dress.

As she turned towards the entrance, a wave of nervousness washed over her.

…She wasn’t ready to face Qian’er.