It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 156: The Great White Sharks Are Circling!

Jade Glass Palace.

Back in his residence, Ye Yu sat in meditation on his bed. “Master,” he asked mentally, “now that the matter of the Heavenly Dao Aura has been exposed, how long until the demonic cultivator targets Mu Zhi’an?”

He might not be able to reclaim the Heavenly Dao Aura, but neither would Bai Ruoxi!

News of the aura had spread throughout the sect.

Even though Mu Zhi’an had claimed it for himself, the demonic cultivator wouldn’t rule out Bai Ruoxi as a suspect.

And then… with their influence within the Two Polarities Sect, dealing with a mere disciple would be child’s play.

According to Master, the demonic cultivator was likely a Peak Master or an elder from one of the three minor peaks.

Regardless of their position, they held significant power within the sect.

If they wanted to act, they could simply exploit the demonic energy within Bai Ruoxi.

While the sect might overlook this minor “flaw” considering her talent, it would be a different story if she possessed the Heavenly Dao Aura.

The allure of the Heavenly Dao Aura far outweighed her value as a disciple!

The old man’s voice echoed in his mind. “If I’m not mistaken, they should make a move within the next few days.”

“After all, to obtain the Heavenly Dao Aura, they need to confirm whether Mu Zhi’an or Bai Ruoxi possesses it. But sending disciples to investigate won’t be enough.”

Ye Yu’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “So the Peak Master who interacts with Mu Zhi’an most frequently in the next few days is likely the demonic cultivator?!”

It made perfect sense!

Sending disciples to secretly examine Mu Zhi’an or Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t be enough to confirm the presence of the Heavenly Dao Aura.

The demonic cultivator would have to act personally.

And that was their chance to identify them!

He frowned suddenly. “But Ling Long resides in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony. Even without the Heavenly Dao Aura, the Peak Masters would still visit Mu Zhi’an…”

“No, they wouldn’t,” the old man’s voice said. “Ling Long values her peace and quiet. The Peak Masters have been at the sect for years. They wouldn’t dare disturb her.”

“Even if they wanted to curry favor with her, they wouldn’t visit her personally.”

Ye Yu nodded thoughtfully.

He clenched his fist, suppressing his excitement.

So they didn’t have to do anything! They could simply sit back and watch as Mu Zhi’an dealt with this mess!

He closed his eyes, imagining the inevitable conflict between Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi.

With his hypocritical nature, Mu Zhi’an would surely blame Ruoxi for this predicament.

And then… perhaps he could even reclaim the Heavenly Dao Aura.

Mu Zhi’an had used this tactic to drive a wedge between him and Bai Ruoxi… and now, he could use the same tactic against them!

He calmed himself and focused on his cultivation.

But he couldn’t wait to see what would unfold in the coming days.

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an was at the Shao Le Residence, chatting with the Master of the Book Pavilion.

“Don’t worry about Ye Yu. Even if you possess the Heavenly Dao Aura, I’ll protect you,” Yan Ruyu said, her voice gentle as she poured him a cup of tea. “Just focus on your cultivation.”

“Thank you, Master Yan. I’ll cultivate diligently and live up to your expectations,” he replied gratefully.

She nodded, pleased, imagining the delicious “cabbage” he would become once he matured.

“By the way, Master Yan, I saw Princess Yongning visiting you a while back. Where is she now?” he asked.

“Yongning? She returned to the palace a few days ago,” she replied with a smile.

She paused, then asked, “Are you looking for her?”

He nodded. “I have something I’d like to discuss with her…”

She pondered for a moment. “The Immortal Ascension Ceremony is in six months. Representatives from various powers across the Eastern Realm will attend, including Princess Yongning.”

“Of course, if it’s urgent, I can send a letter to the palace and ask her to visit.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not urgent. I’ve completely offended the Third Prince. I’m worried he might seek revenge once he returns to the palace. I wanted to discuss this matter with Princess Yongning…”

Her eyes turned cold. “The Third Prince? He’ll be confined to his quarters for three years. Even after he returns home, he’ll have no power.”

The Two Polarities Sect had that much influence in the Eastern Realm.

The Third Prince had attempted to harm a sect disciple, an inner disciple of Boundless Sea Peak, no less. With Mu Zhi’an’s connections, a few letters from the Peak Masters would be enough to ensure the emperor took appropriate action.

Mu Zhi’an’s value to the Peak Masters far outweighed that of a mere prince.

He sighed with relief. “Thank you, Master Yan. I’ll discuss this matter with Princess Yongning during the Immortal Ascension Ceremony.”

He wasn’t in a hurry to meet with the Princess. After all, the “fish” in his pond were still unsettled, and there were “Great White Sharks” circling him. He needed to be cautious.

Steady and slow wins the race!

His parents had named him Zhi’an, hoping he would lead a content and peaceful life.

“It’s getting late, Master Yan. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave and return to my cultivation,” he said, testing the waters.

She nodded, offering him a few words of encouragement and promising additional resources if he needed them.

These resources weren’t part of his official allowance as an inner disciple. She would personally provide him with extra pills.

It wasn’t solely because of his Innate Celestial Vessel. His personality and his respectful demeanor were also factors.

He bid farewell to Yan Ruyu and returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony with Wei Mengrou.

News of his confession regarding the Heavenly Dao Aura spread throughout the sect.

Cultivation was a monotonous and tedious affair, so even the smallest bit of gossip provided a welcome distraction.

And the Heavenly Dao Aura was far from a trivial matter.

Some believed his claim, while others remained skeptical.

After all, why would he so readily admit to possessing such a treasure when questioned by Ye Yu?

However, this was the Two Polarities Sect. No one dared to harass him at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, regardless of whether he truly possessed the aura.

Even if some harbored ill intentions, they kept them hidden.

That night, Lan Mulian, at Two Polarities Peak, also learned of the news.

She frowned, pondering for a moment before heading to her desk to write a letter.

“Young Master Mu, it’s been a while. Has your cultivation progressed, or are you still indulging in your usual frivolous pursuits?”

She paused, staring at the words, her brow furrowing.

It sounded… jealous.

She shook her head, crumbling the letter into dust.

She retrieved a fresh sheet of paper.

“Junior Brother Mu, your public confession regarding the Heavenly Dao Aura was rather reckless. Are you free tomorrow? I would like to invite you to Two Polarities Peak.”

Reckless… that might sound offensive…

And it sounds a bit desperate… She crumpled the letter again.

She gazed at the night sky, sighing softly.

Forget it…

I’ll just visit the Garden of Heavenly Harmony myself tomorrow.

…

The next morning.

As Mu Zhi’an diligently tended to Bai Ruoxi’s needs, an unexpected guest arrived at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Yu Xuanji.

He was in bed with Bai Ruoxi when he received the news. Reluctantly, he got up and changed his clothes.

After all, she was a high-ranking member of the sect. He couldn’t be rude.

It seems the allure of my Innate Celestial Vessel is truly irresistible… He thought, combing his hair in front of the bronze mirror.

He would inevitably be seen by other disciples as he crossed the plaza, so news of her visit spread quickly.

It also reached Ye Yu’s ears.

“Young Master Ye, have you heard? The Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets went to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony early this morning…” a female disciple said, her voice laced with admiration.

For outer disciples like them, getting an audience with a Peak Master was a rare opportunity.

Even inner disciples rarely saw their Peak Masters.

Only a select few, like Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhi’an, enjoyed frequent interactions with the Peak Masters.

Bai Ruoxi’s talent was the reason for her special treatment, while Mu Zhi’an’s situation was… more complicated.

He didn’t seek out these “Great White Sharks.” They were the ones who wanted to devour him, the “fish farmer” tending to his pond.

Ye Yu smiled, maintaining his “gentle and refined” persona in front of the female disciple. “I know.”

“It’s so nice that Lady Bai and Young Master Mu reside in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony. That’s why the Peak Masters visit them so often,” she said, her voice filled with envy.

“Perhaps. But it might not be a good thing,” he replied, forcing a smile, his heart burning with jealousy.

“Perhaps the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets has another motive.”

Could she be the demonic cultivator Master mentioned…?

“It seems Young Master Ye knows something we don’t,” the female disciple said with a smile.

He simply smiled, offering no explanation.

Silence is golden.

“Look, Young Master Ye! Someone else is arriving at the Jade Glass Palace!” she exclaimed, pointing towards the sky.

He looked up and saw a woman in a loose Taoist robe descending gracefully.

She was elegant and alluring, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

The Peak Master of Dao Peak.

Why are there so many Peak Masters here…?

Are there two demonic cultivators…?

As the thought crossed his mind, another figure descended from the sky, clad in a moon-white dress, a golden crescent moon pendant swaying gently against her chest. Her beauty was breathtaking.

“Senior Sister Lan!”

“Senior Sister Lan is here!”

Excited cries erupted from the disciples.

Lan Mulian rarely left Two Polarities Peak, but her popularity within the sect remained unwavering. It was partly due to her status as the Sect Master’s only disciple, and partly due to her beauty and her kind treatment of others.

She smiled at the disciples, then flew towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Ye Yu was stunned.

If Master was right about Ling Long’s preference for solitude, there shouldn’t be so many Peak Masters visiting the Garden of Heavenly Harmony… Even Senior Sister Lan was here.

But if they weren’t visiting Ling Long, what were they doing here…?

As he pondered this question, Lan Mulian arrived at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

She frowned, seeing the two alluring women in the courtyard.

What are the Peak Masters of Dao Peak and the Peak of Celestial Secrets doing here…?

And are those pills on the table for Mu Zhi’an?

He wasn’t their disciple, as far as she knew…

Is it because of Ling Long?

But why would they give him pills meant for accelerating progress at the Foundation Establishment Realm instead of something Ling Long would appreciate?

As she pondered this mystery, Mu Zhi’an stretched languidly and stepped out into the courtyard, ready to greet the two Peak Masters.

He sensed a cold gaze and assumed it was Wei Mengrou. He was about to tease her when he saw the moon-white figure standing by the pond.

His heart skipped a beat.

Holy crap… Senior Sister is here too?!