It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 163: The Mysterious Fairy

Not far from the Pilgrimage Palace stood an elegant pavilion suspended in the air.

Yan Ruyu sat within, observing the disciples who had been swiftly “escorted” out of the Dongtian.

They stood in the plaza, their faces etched with bewilderment, clearly not expecting to be eliminated so quickly.

Beside her sat Ying Guhuan, the rarely seen Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak.

Yu Ziyan, the Peak Master of Dao Peak, and Yu Xuanji, the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets, were also present.

Outsiders might assume they had gathered due to the tremors at the Pilgrimage Palace, but they were actually here to observe Mu Zhi’an’s Core Formation tribulation.

As for the Dongtian that had appeared… the Enforcement Hall had informed them that the matter was under control and that the Sect Master had a plan.

Since the Sect Master had spoken, they saw no need to prevent the disciples from entering the mysterious Dongtian.

“Mu Zhi’an is quite strange. The other disciples have all been expelled, but he and Ye Qian have been inside for a while now. Why haven’t they come out?” Yu Xuanji mused, sipping her tea as she watched the Pilgrimage Palace.

“According to Junior Sister Lan, Mu Zhi’an might not possess great destiny, but his destiny is… unique,” Yu Ziyan said with a smile. “His destiny is pink.”

“I’ve heard about it. It’s quite fascinating… pink destiny. I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Ying Guhuan remarked, her gaze fixed on the bronze gate. “Is that what attracted Senior Ling Long to him?”

Yan Ruyu remained silent, her gaze fixed on the Dongtian, her expression as aloof and composed as ever.

“You’re awfully quiet, Junior Sister. Are you already preparing to cast your net and reel in your fish?” Yu Ziyan asked, her voice laced with amusement.

Her meaning was clear.

Yan Ruyu frowned slightly. “You jest, Senior Sister. I took him on as an inner disciple because I admired his character and talent. I have no ulterior motives.”

Liar!

Though no one spoke, the other three Peak Masters shared the same thought as they glanced at Yan Ruyu, her voluptuous figure accentuated by her loose black robe.

“If you’re not interested in him, Junior Sister, why don’t you let me have him? I’ll provide him with the same resources as an inner disciple of Dao Peak,” Yu Ziyan offered, her smile captivating.

Yan Ruyu shook her head. “He wouldn’t be granted the status of an inner disciple at Dao Peak. It’s best for him to remain at the Book Pavilion.”

“After all, he’s a valuable disciple.”

“Since you’re so fond of him, Junior Sister Yan, I won’t try to steal him,” Ying Guhuan said, sipping her tea as she studied Yan Ruyu’s beautiful profile. “However, I would like to speak with him later. Would you please refrain from interfering?”

“You jest, Peak Master Ying. Mu Zhi’an is free to make his own choices. I won’t interfere,” Yan Ruyu replied calmly.

She paused, then added, “However, I also have some matters to discuss with him. Now that he’s reached the Core Formation Realm, there are certain things he needs to know.”

Yu Ziyan chuckled. “You wouldn’t badmouth me to him just because of our past disagreements, would you, Junior Sister?”

“Unlike you, Senior Sister, I’m not that petty,” Yan Ruyu replied coldly.

“Then let’s allow young Mu to decide which peak he’d like to visit first,” Yu Xuanji suggested, her beautiful face a blend of elegance and alluring charm.

Yan Ruyu glanced at the bronze gate.

“Alright.”

“Let him decide.”

…

Mu Zhi’an, unaware that he, the “fish farmer,” was now the target of the “Great White Sharks,” walked through the eerie Dongtian with Ye Qian.

“This place feels… creepy,” he muttered.

They had received a teleportation jade slip from An Lingyue, the eldest Senior Sister of Boundless Sea Peak, and had entered the ancient Dongtian with the other disciples.

Unlike Ling Long’s Dongtian, this one was filled with a chilling aura that sent shivers down his spine.

He glanced at the disciples ahead, who had formed into small groups, venturing deeper into the Dongtian.

He spotted several familiar figures, the most prominent being An Lingyue.

She was dressed elegantly, her graceful demeanor drawing attention as she chatted with the other disciples.

Those curves… she’s quite… generous.

Ye Yu, clad in black robes, was walking nearby with another female disciple.

However, Mu Zhi’an wasn’t particularly interested in women at the moment, so he simply gave An Lingyue a quick once-over, his gaze lingering on her swaying hips before moving on.

He felt a cold glare from beside him, but he ignored it, transmitting his voice to Ye Qian. “Can you hear the voice now, Qian’er?”

“You’re such a flirt, Brother Mu,” she grumbled.

Seeing him with Ye Lingxuan was one thing, but seeing him ogling other women wasn’t exactly thrilling.

She quickly pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on trying to pinpoint the source of the female voice that had called to her.

He didn’t disturb her, simply holding her hand as they followed the other disciples.

Soon, they reached nine bottomless caves, each entrance carved with an ancient dragon, each unique and realistic.

An Lingyue turned to the disciples, her smile warm and reassuring. “Remember what I said. If you encounter any danger, simply crush the jade slip in your hand, and you’ll be transported out of here.”

He glanced at the jade slip, sensing a complex formation within. It was likely the work of a Peak Master.

If he recalled correctly, Yu Xuanji, the Peak Master of the Peak of Celestial Secrets, was the most skilled in formations.

My Hundred Birds Chain Formation has hit a bottleneck. Perhaps I should ask her for guidance… He thought, his gaze lingering on the elegant Senior Sister.

The disciples discussed amongst themselves, then chose their respective caves.

Mu Zhi’an wasn’t in a hurry. He waited for Ye Qian’s guidance.

The woman within the Dongtian had summoned Qian’er. Surely, she wouldn’t remain silent now that they were here.

As the disciples entered the caves, the once bustling Dongtian fell silent.

An Lingyue approached them, her eyes sparkling. “If you’re unsure which cave to choose, you’re welcome to join me,” she offered with a smile.

He was surprised, studying her for a moment before bowing respectfully. “Thank you for the offer, Senior Sister, but I’d like to consider my options carefully.”

Ye Yu had entered the sixth cave. If Qian’er didn’t hear the voice, they could follow him… After all, he had the blessings of destiny. His luck wouldn’t be too bad.

“How ungrateful,” a cold voice sneered from behind An Lingyue.

Mu Zhi’an turned to see a young man he had met once before during his visit to Boundless Sea Peak.

It was Song Ziyang, a disciple who had joined Boundless Sea Peak during the previous sect examination. He had pursued Bai Ruoxi for a while, but she had ignored him.

So he’s a sore loser… Mu Zhi’an ignored him, turning back to An Lingyue with a troubled expression. “It seems not everyone in your group welcomes us, Senior Sister. Perhaps Qian’er and I should wait a while longer.”

An Lingyue frowned, then nodded. “If you encounter any danger, remember to crush the jade slip.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister,” he replied sincerely.

She smiled faintly, then led the other disciples towards a cave.

She was slightly disappointed. She was fond of Bai Ruoxi, and she naturally wanted to extend her goodwill to her friend’s Dao Companion.

Besides, Mu Zhi’an’s sincerity and pleasant demeanor made him likeable.

However, there was nothing she could do if he didn’t want to join them.

“Ziyi, can you divine which cave is the most auspicious?” she asked, turning to the girl beside her.

Song Ziyi, a disciple of the Peak of Celestial Secrets, closed her eyes, her expression focused.

After a moment, she opened her eyes, her brow furrowed. She stared at the ninth cave, her voice filled with apprehension. “The ninth cave signifies great misfortune. The others seem… relatively safe.”

The Peak of Celestial Secrets’ “Dao” is quite interesting. They can predict danger and avoid it… He thought, impressed.

Once the disciples had all entered the caves, he turned to Ye Qian, who was listening intently with her eyes closed.

After a while, she opened her eyes. “Did you hear it, Qian’er?” he asked.

She nodded slowly. “Yes.”

She pointed at the ninth cave. “The voice is coming from there.”

“From the cave that signifies great misfortune?” he asked, surprised.

Was Song Ziyi’s divination inaccurate, or was there something wrong with the voice Qian’er was hearing…?

He decided to trust Qian’er.

“Let’s go then. If we encounter any danger, we can use the jade slips to escape.”

Each group seemed to have a disciple from the Peak of Celestial Secrets, and they had all sensed the danger emanating from the ninth cave. As a result, it was practically deserted.

He entered the cave with Ye Qian, following a narrow path. They emerged into a tranquil courtyard.

Exotic trees and herbs, their names unknown to him, grew in an intricate pattern. A gentle stream flowed nearby, its soothing sound filling the air.

“This doesn’t look like a place of great misfortune…” he muttered, his guard still up.

“She’s here! I can hear her voice!” Qian’er exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she stared towards the inner courtyard.

Why can’t I hear anything…? He glanced at her, puzzled, then nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

They ventured deeper into the courtyard, the atmosphere growing even more serene. A pavilion stood by a lake, shrouded in mist.

He suddenly heard the sound of a guqin, its melody ethereal and captivating.

The music was coming from the pavilion!

He peered through the mist and saw a figure in a green dress playing the guqin. Her figure was graceful and ethereal, her beauty enhanced by the veil of mist.

He walked towards the pavilion, holding Qian’er’s hand tightly.

Getting separated in this misty environment would be troublesome.

The music grew louder as they approached. He spotted a few disciples scattered around the pavilion.

They had clearly chosen to venture alone, stumbling upon this place by chance.

The pavilion, a vision of jade and gold, shimmered through the mist, the green-clad figure becoming clearer.

Her fingers danced across the strings, and he felt a jolt, his gaze fixed on her. The music seemed to seep into his mind, conjuring images of a vast battlefield, his thoughts drifting away.

Something’s not right… He bit his tongue, the sharp pain snapping him out of his trance.

Her music was enchanting, capable of manipulating emotions!

He tore his gaze away from her alluring figure, finally breaking free of the music’s spell.

“It’s her, Brother Mu!” Qian’er exclaimed.

He looked up.

The music stopped abruptly, leaving him wanting more.

The woman in the green dress raised her eyes, her gaze meeting his. She was like a celestial being from the Moon Palace, beautiful and distant, ethereal and untouchable.

She stared at them silently.