It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 152: If You Want to Make a Scene, Go All Out

Are they trying to harvest the cabbage already?

Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced as he met their gazes.

But I haven’t even reached the Core Formation Realm yet! What good would harvesting me do now…?

Senior Sister is the best. She’s always so aloof and has no ulterior motives… He bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Peak Masters.”

He nodded to Lan Mulian.

“Senior Sister.”

She simply hummed in acknowledgment, then bowed to the silver-haired beauty behind him. “Senior Ling Long.”

The three Peak Masters also bowed respectfully to Lin Ling.

She simply chirped, “Aaa,” seemingly uninterested in the situation. She glared at the three Peak Masters, recalling Mu Zhi’an’s earlier words.

If he was taken away, who would prepare her meals?

“Master Yan, what brings you all here?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his gaze lingering on Yan Ruyu.

“We sensed a disturbance and came to investigate,” she replied with a smile, her true intentions hidden.

After all, with others present, she couldn’t very well state her purpose outright.

However, it was surprising to see even Yi Hao’s Master here…

“How is your cultivation progressing?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Thanks to your pills and the pills from the other Peak Masters, I’ve reached the Eighth Stage of Foundation Establishment,” he replied with a smile.

Eighth Stage… his progress is quite fast.

She nodded approvingly.

Ying Guhuan narrowed her eyes, a playful smile gracing her lips. “I sensed an unusual spiritual aura emanating from here while I was at the back mountain of Boundless Sea Peak, but it disappeared by the time I arrived.”

“Do you know why that might be, Young Master Mu?”

Their gazes settled on him.

Lan Mulian’s expression remained unchanged, but her eyes flickered towards Mu Zhi’an.

The proud Senior Sister had no interest in his Innate Celestial Vessel, but she cared about his well-being. She didn’t want him to be exploited by these three “Great White Sharks.”

“An unusual spiritual aura?” he asked, feigning confusion.

His bewildered expression might have fooled those who didn’t know him well.

However, these women were cunning foxes. Even if they couldn’t see through his act, they could guess.

“Senior Lin Ling said she had an opportunity for me and brought me to her Dongtian. I’ve been meditating ever since.”

He paused, then continued, “Could the ‘unusual spiritual aura’ you sensed have come from Senior Lin Ling?”

His words dispelled their suspicions.

They had initially suspected that his Innate Celestial Vessel had undergone another transformation, but despite their subtle probing, they couldn’t detect anything unusual.

Therefore, they had no choice but to accept his explanation, however reluctantly.

After all, a unique being like Lin Ling could very well emit an aura similar to that of an Innate Celestial Vessel during cultivation.

Yan Ruyu studied him silently, then reached out to touch him.

Suddenly, Lin Ling grabbed his shoulder and pulled him behind her, protectively shielding him like a mother hen guarding her chicks.

Yan Ruyu stared at her, surprised.

It was the first time she had seen Lin Ling behave this way.

“Senior Lin Ling experienced something unsettling in her Dongtian today. She’s feeling a bit insecure,” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice to Yan Ruyu. “Master Yan, I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Core Formation Realm soon. I’ll bring glory to the Book Pavilion. Please rest assured!”

So his Innate Celestial Vessel hasn’t changed… Yan Ruyu confirmed once again, but she couldn’t detect the alluring aura she had sensed earlier. She was disappointed.

However, she consoled herself with the thought that his Innate Celestial Vessel would still be effective once he reached the Core Formation Realm.

Besides, she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of using him to advance her cultivation.

After all, this innocent young man respected her deeply.

How would he feel if he discovered that the Master he admired and trusted was actually…

Guilt gnawed at her. “I have faith in your talent, Mu Zhi’an. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, come to the Shao Le Residence,” she said with a smile.

She stared at the seemingly fragile young man, her guilt morphing into a strange sense of pleasure.

Yu Ziyan smiled warmly. “As I mentioned before, Mu Zhi’an, my Junior Sister and I share a close bond, so Dao Peak is like another home for you. Don’t hesitate to visit if you need anything.”

She was slightly disappointed that she couldn’t sense the alluring aura from his Innate Celestial Vessel.

However, it didn’t matter. Even without the amplified aura, his constitution was still incredibly valuable.

Yan Ruyu glared at her Senior Sister, who was usually aloof and distant in front of the other disciples, yet acting like a friendly older sister towards Mu Zhi’an. “Don’t be fooled by her sweet words, Mu Zhi’an,” she transmitted her voice. “My Senior Sister is a cunning fox.”

Yes, yes, the Peak Master of Dao Peak is only after my body. Only Master Yan truly cares about me… He nodded subtly. “I understand, Master Yan.”

Satisfied, she turned away.

Ying Guhuan remained silent, her gaze lingering on Mu Zhi’an.

The aura she had sensed was definitely from an Innate Celestial Vessel… But despite her thorough examination, she couldn’t detect anything unusual.

Could Ling Long have done something…?

“Senior Ying, the pills you sent were very effective. I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Core Formation Realm soon. I’ll be at your service,” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice to her.

She narrowed her eyes, a seductive smile gracing her lips as she replied, “My, my, what a sweet talker you are~”

“I’ll send you more pills later. If you need anything, come visit me at the back mountain.”

It didn’t matter if his Innate Celestial Vessel had undergone a transformation or not. She would know for sure once he reached the Core Formation Realm.

For now, his cultivation was her priority!

As a seasoned Peak Master, she recognized his attempt to flatter her, but she didn’t mind.

Powerful figures didn’t necessarily dislike flattery. They simply disliked blatant, insincere flattery.

Mu Zhi’an was handsome and eloquent. His repeated use of the term “Sister” pleased her immensely.

He employed the same tactic with all three Peak Masters: delay, delay, delay.

And it was surprisingly effective.

With Ling Long present, Yan Ruyu and the others didn’t linger. They offered him a few words of encouragement, urging him to focus on his cultivation, then departed.

Lan Mulian, who had remained silent throughout the encounter, glanced at him, her voice reaching his ears through a discreet transmission.

“Were you the one emitting that unusual spiritual energy earlier?”

He hesitated for a moment, then decided to answer truthfully.

“I received a destiny inheritance from Senior Ling Long, which amplified my Innate Celestial Vessel. However, I asked Senior Ling Long to seal it temporarily,” he replied.

Lan Mulian was a sharp and perceptive woman. It was best to be honest with her.

It would earn her trust.

She raised an eyebrow. “A destiny inheritance shouldn’t affect an Innate Celestial Vessel.”

“Did Ling Long give you a Heavenly Dao Aura?”

He was surprised. She knew about Ling Long’s Heavenly Dao Aura, even its effects…

I was right not to hide anything from Senior Sister. She knows too much…

He nodded. “The destiny inheritance included a Heavenly Dao Aura.”

She nodded, unsurprised. She had likely deduced this already.

“The Peak Masters might be kind to you, but they’re not doing it out of pure altruism. They want something from you,” she warned.

“Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister. I’ll be careful,” he said sincerely.

They chatted for a while longer, then he remembered something. “By the way, I haven’t seen Feiying since we arrived at the Two Polarities Sect. Do you know where she is, Senior Sister?”

She smiled faintly. “My younger sister is in seclusion. She should reach the Core Formation Realm in about three months. If you want to see her, you can visit the Peak of Celestial Secrets.”

“However, the Peak Master is quite aloof and rarely grants audiences. Whether you can see Feiying depends on your own abilities.”

He understood.

Boom!

A thunderous roar echoed in the distance, drawing his attention towards the Pilgrimage Palace.

Ruoxi’s tribulation isn’t over yet?

He decided to go and check on her.

He reassured Lin Ling, urging her to return to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

He knew she wasn’t interested in such things.

He made an excuse to leave, bidding farewell to Lan Mulian before flying towards the Pilgrimage Palace.

…

The Pilgrimage Palace.

The plaza was filled with blooming peach blossoms, but the sky was dark and oppressive, shrouded by storm clouds.

Mu Zhi’an arrived to find the Ye sisters standing outside the palace.

Lightning flashed, illuminating Ye Lingxuan’s slender figure.

The flickering light highlighted her delicate features, and her youthful beauty drew the attention of numerous disciples who had gathered to observe the tribulation.

“Sister Ruoxi’s tribulation has been going on for a long time. Will she be alright?” Ye Qian asked, her voice filled with worry. Unlike her elder sister, she possessed a gentle and delicate aura. If not for her personality, most people would assume she was the elder sister.

As for the reason…

Well… it’s a sad story.

Preoccupied with the powerful tribulation, the sisters hadn’t noticed Mu Zhi’an’s approach. Their gazes were fixed on the white-clad figure in the sky.

Suddenly, Ye Qian gasped. Someone had patted her bottom and was now holding her hand.

She was about to cry out when a familiar voice reached her ears. “What are you two doing here? Watching Lady Bai’s tribulation?”

They turned to see Mu Zhi’an, Qian’er’s eyes shining with delight, while Lingxuan’s held a mixture of emotions.

“Brother Mu,” Qian’er said softly, blushing at the memory of his earlier pat.

“Sister Ruoxi’s tribulation seems to be lasting much longer than usual. We thought it was over after six bolts of lightning, but then two more came, and even Peak Master Yi arrived,” she explained.

He looked up at the white-clad figure wielding her Bronze Sword. “Eight bolts of lightning…?” he murmured.

If he recalled correctly, the maximum number of bolts for a Core Formation tribulation was six. Why was Ruoxi facing eight…?

Ye Lingxuan frowned. “There’s a pill called the Tribulation Cloud Pill. It can attract additional bolts of lightning,” she said softly.

Qian’er’s eyes widened. “You mean… someone is sabotaging her? But why? Why would anyone create such a pill?”

Lingxuan stared at the figure in the sky. “The ingredients for the Tribulation Cloud Pill are rare, and the recipe is even rarer. As for its purpose… using tribulation lightning to temper one’s body is a common cultivation technique.”

“So Sister Ruoxi is in danger?” Qian’er looked at Mu Zhi’an, her voice filled with concern.

He smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Ruoxi is strong. She can handle eight bolts of lightning.”

Lingxuan studied him, noting his calm demeanor and the unusual coldness in his eyes.

As he had predicted, when the seventh bolt of lightning, one that shouldn’t have been part of a Core Formation tribulation, descended, Bai Ruoxi raised her Bronze Sword and shattered it.

Lightning crackled across the ground, a mesmerizing yet terrifying display.

Over a hundred disciples had gathered, their eyes filled with awe and admiration as they watched the spectacle. However, they kept their distance.

Approaching the Pilgrimage Palace during a tribulation was a risky move.

The Third Prince watched with wide eyes, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Normally, four bolts of lightning were the limit for a Core Formation cultivator. Beyond that, their spiritual energy reserves would be depleted.

Even with her monstrous talent, Bai Ruoxi should have reached her limit at six bolts…

Yet, she had endured seven!

This was beyond comprehension!

“Junior Sister Bai’s talent is truly astounding,” a disciple murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

“Six bolts should be the limit. Her spiritual energy reserves shouldn’t be able to handle more… She’s a true prodigy.”

“It’s a shame she already has a Dao Companion…”

Sighs of regret rippled through the crowd.

A beauty like her was a rare sight, even within the Two Polarities Sect.

Many of the disciples glanced towards Mu Zhi’an.

Several had tried to woo Bai Ruoxi, but she had politely informed them that she already had a Dao Companion.

And that Dao Companion… was Mu Zhi’an.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator had managed to capture the heart of a Core Formation prodigy… and she was utterly devoted to him. It was a fact that filled them with envy and rage.

“This Mu Zhi’an isn’t just involved with Bai Ruoxi. He seems to be close to the Ye sisters as well…” a disciple whispered.

“He’s insatiable! If I had Junior Sister Bai, I wouldn’t even look at another woman!”

“Indeed. Having Junior Sister Bai would be enough for a lifetime.”

“Hah! As if you would refuse if you had the chance to have all three beauties,” another disciple scoffed.

The first disciple fell silent.

His words earned him the scorn of the female disciples.

The male disciples, however, understood Mu Zhi’an’s predicament.

Who would refuse the opportunity to have three stunning beauties?

Of course, they were unaware that it wasn’t just the three beauties who coveted Mu Zhi’an. Several of their Masters were also eyeing his “walking vessel” with envy.

If they ever discovered the truth, they would be driven mad with jealousy.

After all, even among the disciples, there were those who dreamt of finding a wealthy and powerful partner, but the vast difference in status and power kept them from acting on their desires.

“Here comes the eighth bolt!” a disciple shouted.

“The destructive power of this bolt is almost comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator’s attack.”

The power of tribulation lightning scaled with the cultivator’s strength.

The tribulation Bai Ruoxi was facing was far beyond the scope of the Core Formation Realm.

“Sister Ruoxi…” Ye Qian whispered, her voice filled with worry.

Ye Lingxuan remained silent, but her eyes betrayed her concern.

If Bai Ruoxi perished during this tribulation, she couldn’t imagine how Mu Zhi’an would react.

This tribulation… it felt more like a deliberate act of sabotage than a natural occurrence.

Boom!

A bolt of lightning, shaped like a serpentine dragon, crackled through the dark clouds, drawing gasps from the crowd.

All eyes were fixed on the white-clad figure in the sky.

Bai Ruoxi seemed to be nearing her limit, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

She retrieved a jade bottle and swallowed seven or eight Fifth-Grade Qi Restoration Pills.

Then, she consumed two Essence Replenishing Pills.

Where did she get so many pills…? The disciples were stunned.

These were Fifth-Grade pills, not some worthless beans. Inner disciples did receive Fifth-Grade pills… but they were usually meant for cultivation.

Peak Masters rarely bestowed such a large quantity of pills for rapid spiritual energy recovery.

Where did she get them…?

As the disciples pondered this mystery, the lightning bolt, fully charged, struck!

The sky blazed with blinding light!

Bai Ruoxi gripped her Bronze Sword and retrieved the Heart-Binding Lock from her chest.

Golden chains, like writhing dragons, surged forward, joining forces with the Bronze Sword to defend against the eighth bolt of lightning.

Boom!

The blinding light faded, and Bai Ruoxi descended from the sky.

Her lips were pale, her steps unsteady, but she had endured eight bolts of lightning!

As the tribulation ended, Mu Zhi’an flew towards her on his black sword. He caught her, his arm wrapping around her waist. He looked down at her pale face, then placed two Essence Replenishing Pills in her mouth. “Are you alright?” he asked softly.

She leaned against him, ignoring the stares from the crowd. “I’m fine,” she murmured.

Though the eight bolts of lightning had been unexpected, the Bronze Sword and the Heart-Binding Lock had protected her from the brunt of their destructive power.

And the pills Mu Zhi’an had given her had also helped.

“That’s good.”

He gently stroked her hair, then said softly, “But I might have a bit of a problem.”

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion.

He didn’t explain. He simply held her close, then looked up at Yi Hao and the other Peak Masters who were observing the scene. Using his spiritual energy to amplify his voice, he addressed the crowd.

“Peak Masters, I believe this tribulation was a deliberate act of sabotage. I request that you use your divination techniques to investigate!”

His words echoed throughout the Pilgrimage Palace, stopping the departing disciples in their tracks.

He listened to the whispers around him, his gaze fixed on the Peak Masters, his hand gently stroking Bai Ruoxi’s back as she rested against him.

If you want to make a scene…

Let’s go all out.