It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 162: A Third Protagonist?!

“I thought the Peak Masters were the Great White Sharks in my pond, but now it seems they consider me the fish…” Mu Zhi’an thought, noticing their intense gazes.

A thunderous roar snapped him out of his musings.

He pushed those thoughts aside.

His priority was to overcome this tribulation.

Besides, even if the Peak Masters wanted to “harvest” him, they would still prefer him to reach a higher cultivation level, preferably the Nascent Soul Realm.

After all, the higher his cultivation, the greater the benefits he could offer.

He focused on the task at hand.

…

Two Polarities Peak.

Lan Mulian gazed towards the Pilgrimage Palace, her beautiful eyes reflecting the image of the vast tribulation clouds.

Her expression was calm, but her gaze was thoughtful.

Though she found her junior brother somewhat frivolous, he clearly hadn’t neglected his cultivation.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have reached the Core Formation Realm so quickly.

However…

He’s facing his tribulation at the Pilgrimage Palace… She turned to her Master, who was playing Go against herself. “Master, what exactly is sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace?”

Shang Yanfei studied the board for a moment, then replied, “It’s nothing good.”

Lan Mulian frowned. “Then is it really alright to let the other disciples enter?”

Shang Yanfei raised her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Are you worried about the disciples in general, or a specific disciple?”

Her gaze seemed to see through Lan Mulian’s facade.

The usually aloof Lan Mulian felt strangely exposed under her Master’s scrutiny. “The disciples in general, of course,” she replied after a moment of hesitation.

She quickly changed the subject. “Did you personally seal that… thing, Master?”

Shang Yanfei shook her head. “No.”

Lan Mulian sighed with relief.

If her Master had personally sealed it, it would be a serious problem.

Others might not know the true extent of her Master’s power, but Lan Mulian did.

If even she could only seal it, not eliminate it…

“However, I did set up the formation there,” Shang Yanfei added.

Lan Mulian’s eyes widened. “You set up the formation at the Pilgrimage Palace?”

Shang Yanfei nodded, placing a white Go stone on the board.

She then picked up a black stone, pondered for a moment, and placed it as well.

“Is it a demonic being that’s sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace?” Lan Mulian asked.

“Yes.”

“But I didn’t create the seal. I simply reinforced it,” Shang Yanfei replied with a smile.

“Will the disciples be safe if they enter the Dongtian beneath the Pilgrimage Palace?”

Shang Yanfei shook her head, her gaze fixed on the Pilgrimage Palace. “She’ll protect them,” she said softly.

She…?

Lan Mulian was about to ask, but seeing her Master’s focus on the Go board, she held back.

She looked towards the tribulation clouds gathering above the Pilgrimage Palace.

After what felt like an eternity, the clouds began to dissipate.

It seems he’s reached the Core Formation Realm.

…

As the tribulation clouds receded, Mu Zhi’an looked up at the clear sky, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

Reaching the Core Formation Realm had significantly boosted his strength and enhanced his Innate Celestial Vessel.

The only problem was… he would now have to deal with the Peak Masters’ “advances.”

Ying Guhuan, the Seventh Seat of the Demon Realm, had been upfront about her intentions, openly stating her desire to use him for her cultivation. However, the other Peak Masters maintained a facade of propriety.

They had been showering him with gifts, expressing their “concern” for his well-being, and even offering guidance and advice.

However, neither Yu Ziyan, Yu Xuanji, nor Master Yan had made any explicit propositions.

But their silence didn’t mean they weren’t interested.

They had simply refrained from making a move because he was only at the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Now that he had reached the Core Formation Realm, their restraint might crumble.

They would be worried that someone else would make the first move, so they would inevitably test the waters, hoping to persuade him to contribute to the sect’s prosperity.

And then, the real battle would begin.

However, those were worries for another time. For now, he had reached the Core Formation Realm and discovered his “Dao.”

And it was all thanks to that voice.

He looked at the ancient bronze gate near the altar.

The voice Ye Qian had heard and the voice he had heard were clearly from two different beings.

So why were there two voices within a single Dongtian?

The secret lay behind that bronze gate.

“Brother Mu, are you alright?”

Ye Qian had approached him, her eyes filled with concern.

He shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. I just used up a lot of spiritual energy. I’m not injured.”

“And thanks to the Spirit Replenishing Pills Lingxuan gave me, I had enough energy to use the Lone Star Sword three times.”

He turned to Lingxuan, his gaze softening.

She blushed at his direct praise, but she maintained her composure in front of her sister. “I merely offered a helping hand, Brother Mu. Your success is due to your own abilities,” she said with a smile.

“Your pills might have been a small contribution, but your concern wasn’t,” he transmitted his voice, his gaze intense.

She met his eyes, trying to maintain her usual calm demeanor.

However, she couldn’t withstand his gaze and looked away.

Seeing a usually aloof and elegant girl blush is truly a sight to behold… He thought, admiring her flushed cheeks.

He suddenly felt several cold gazes on him. He looked up and saw the disciples entering the bronze gate staring at him, their expressions disapproving.

Both male and female.

“Sister is very popular within the sect, Brother Mu. Be careful. The disciples might beat you up for teasing her so openly,” Ye Qian whispered, sensing his confusion.

Back in the Ye Family, Lingxuan had been a recluse, so few knew her.

However, within the Two Polarities Sect, her status as an inner disciple, her blossoming figure, and her breathtaking beauty had attracted countless admirers.

He chuckled, his gaze lingering on Lingxuan. “Lingxuan is quite popular, isn’t she?”

“Of course. She’s my sister,” Qian’er replied, her voice filled with pride.

“Stop teasing me. The Peak Masters are watching,” Lingxuan protested, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

They’re probably watching me, not you… He thought, glancing at the Peak Masters hovering in the sky. Their gazes were indeed fixed on him.

He bowed to them, then transmitted his voice. “Thank you for your assistance, Peak Masters. I’ll visit you to express my gratitude after this trip to the Pilgrimage Palace.”

As he had predicted, with so many disciples present, and with the other Peak Masters observing, neither Ying Guhuan nor Yan Ruyu made a move. They simply smiled and nodded.

Besides, he had subtly hinted that he would visit them later.

And then… they could have a “proper” discussion.

He turned back to Ye Lingxuan. “Lingxuan, wait for us outside. I’m taking Qian’er to explore the Dongtian,” he said softly.

She frowned. “Aren’t you taking me, Brother Mu?”

“Qian’er heard a voice from within the Pilgrimage Palace. The opportunity here is likely meant for her. Wait for us outside. We’ll be back in half an hour,” he reassured her.

He sensed a cold gaze and, with his Innate Spiritual Body, immediately identified the source.

Who’s staring at me so rudely…? He looked up and saw Bai Ruoxi standing near the gate, accompanied by Wei Mengrou.

Oh, it’s just Ruoxi. Never mind…

As the thought crossed his mind, Bai Ruoxi began walking towards them.

Lingxuan felt a surge of pressure.

It wasn’t because of Bai Ruoxi’s strength, but because of her… tea-brewing skills.

Honestly, of all the people Lingxuan knew, Bai Ruoxi was the most formidable.

Qian’er also noticed the approaching beauty in the white dress. “Sister Ruoxi,” she said timidly.

Bai Ruoxi smiled and nodded, then turned to Mu Zhi’an, her voice gentle. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Just a bit drained,” he replied with a smile, shaking his head.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“There was such a commotion. Mengrou sensed it was your tribulation and informed me,” she explained.

She glanced at the two sisters, then turned back to him, her voice soft. “Next time you face a tribulation, let me know, so I don’t worry.”

“Alright, my dear?”

Though her voice was soft, the emphasis on the last two words sent shivers down the spines of the two sisters.

It was louder than the thunder from his tribulation.

They knew about his relationship with Bai Ruoxi, and they had heard her address him this way before, but hearing it now… it still hurt.

Qian’er lowered her head, refusing to speak.

Lingxuan’s smile faltered, her mood darkening.

Why did Mengrou bring the fully grown orca here…? Does she want me dead…?

One day, I’ll make her lift her skirt for me, her face filled with shame and humiliation… He glared at Wei Mengrou, a rare smile gracing his lips.

Sensing his gaze, she transmitted her voice, her tone flat. “I simply informed Bai Ruoxi. I had no idea you were on a date with two girls.”

Her message was clear: You deserve it, scumbag!

To the Ye sisters, the Peak Masters weren’t the real threat.

Bai Ruoxi was the true Great White Shark.

She gazed at him, her eyes filled with affection. “My dear, why are you silent? Are you tired?”

She retrieved a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from his brow.

The murderous glares from the surrounding disciples snapped him out of his daze.

He took her hand in his, forcing a smile. “Ruoxi, Mengrou, could you please look after Lingxuan? Qian’er seems to have sensed something within the Pilgrimage Palace. I want to take her inside to investigate.”

Whether Bai Ruoxi had evolved into a “Great White Shark” or not, it wasn’t the time to worry about that.

His priority was to nurture the “baby orca”!

Bai Ruoxi raised an eyebrow, studying him for a moment before turning to Ye Lingxuan with a smile. “Lingxuan, why don’t we find a place to sit and rest?”

Lingxuan glanced at her, then nodded hesitantly. “Alright,” she said, forcing a smile.

“I’ll wait here with Sister Bai until Brother Mu and Qian’er return.”

I hope Mengrou can handle this… He watched their “harmonious” interaction, then turned to Ye Qian. “Let’s go, Qian’er.”

“But won’t I cause trouble for you, Brother Mu?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Anything for you, Qian’er,” he replied, his voice a sincere whisper.

It wasn’t just for her.

He was also curious about the voice within the Dongtian.

The fact that the Peak Masters hadn’t forbidden the disciples from entering meant they had tacitly approved.

That reassured him somewhat.

Besides, even if there was a risk, it was worth it.