It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 170: Come Inside With Me

When gifting a girl, it wasn’t about the price tag, but the sincerity and effort behind it.

In the world of Xianxia, especially within the Two Polarities Sect, many disciples had their own “stash” of rare pills and precious treasures. As a member of the sect, Mu Zhi’an was no exception.

His greatest advantage wasn’t his collection of pills, as other disciples possessed similar items, albeit in smaller quantities.

His advantage lay in his relationship with Lan Mulian.

She was like an unattainable snow lotus atop a treacherous peak, admired by many, but only he had truly captured her heart.

Gifting her pills would be appreciated, but not memorable. After all, most disciples close to her would choose such gifts.

He needed to utilize his unique advantage.

As expected of a maid who had served him for years, Wei Mengrou quickly understood his intentions.

“You’re planning to return to Tianxuan City?” she asked, her voice flat as she stared at him.

She stood tall and proud, her yellow dress billowing in the morning breeze, accentuating her curves.

She glanced at him, her voice laced with disapproval. “If you were as dedicated to your cultivation as you are to pursuing women, you wouldn’t be stuck at the Core Formation Realm.”

“Cultivation is important, but so is pursuing Senior Sister,” he replied with a smile.

He had accepted his fate.

His “Heaven-Defying Talent” wasn’t about his own cultivation, but his ability to “support” others.

Of course, acceptance didn’t mean giving up.

His own progress might be slow, but he had to ensure that Bai Ruoxi and the others advanced quickly.

Once they reached the Nascent Soul Realm, his life would become much easier.

Of course, that required maintaining a good relationship with the “protagonists”… at least to the extent of holding hands and kissing.

And if he could get even closer… even better.

Their strength would benefit him, like the Stage Advancement Pill from Lan Mulian and the cultivation boost and enhanced physique from Bai Ruoxi’s Heavenly Dao Aura.

“I’ll get you a gift too when I return, Mengrou,” he said with a smile.

“Hmph, I’m not interested in your gifts,” she replied coldly.

He was used to her indifference. “You don’t have to be interested. I just want to give you something. Is that a problem?”

“Do as you please.”

She knew his generosity always came with strings attached.

But he’s so naive…

Lady Bai might appear gentle and harmless, but she was far more cunning than she appeared.

Would she truly hand him over to others once she reached the Nascent Soul Realm?

Did he even know who the Heart-Binding Lock was meant to bind?

Ye Lingxuan was the daughter of the Forbidden Zone’s master, destined to inherit his throne. Even if she reached the Nascent Soul Realm, would she be content sharing him with other women?

As for Ye Qian… she didn’t know her well enough to judge.

And Senior Sister Lan… it was clearly unrealistic.

Once they reached the Nascent Soul Realm, he might not have to worry about external enemies, but what about internal “enemies”?

She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, a faint smile playing on her lips.

But it wasn’t her concern.

She was simply a maid tasked with protecting his safety.

Yes, just his safety.

His chastity… that wasn’t part of her job description.

…

Dao Peak.

“You’ve both progressed well in your cultivation. I’m impressed.”

Yu Ziyan, clad in a deep purple robe that accentuated her curves, a red dot adorning her brow, sat on a soft couch, her gaze sweeping over the two sisters. Her eyes held genuine approval and satisfaction.

Compared to their mature and alluring Master, the two girls seemed youthful and innocent.

Ye Lingxuan, in her purple dress, possessed a slender figure and graceful curves. Her hair was pinned up with a hairpin, highlighting her delicate features. She lacked her Master’s seductive aura, but her youthful beauty was captivating.

“It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master. We wouldn’t have progressed so quickly if we had simply cultivated on our own,” Lingxuan said with a smile.

She held her Master in high regard.

On most peaks, disciples rarely saw their Peak Masters. They were usually instructed by the three elders and senior disciples. Only matters of great importance warranted an audience with the elusive Peak Masters.

However, Yu Ziyan was attentive and caring towards the Ye sisters, readily offering assistance and fulfilling her promises. She had helped Qian’er obtain an inheritance and had provided her with the same resources as an inner disciple.

Last night, while struggling with the Jade Empress’s inheritance, Qian’er had sought her Master’s guidance.

And Yu Ziyan had welcomed them both, offering instruction and support.

Even the usually aloof and distant Daoist couldn’t help but smile at Lingxuan’s sweet praise.

“To think Qian’er has become so strong…” she murmured, her beautiful eyes lingering on the younger sister.

A few months ago, Qian’er’s talent had been only slightly above average. However, after receiving a minor inheritance at Dao Peak, and then seemingly another opportunity at the Pilgrimage Palace yesterday, her aura was now comparable to her sister’s.

Qian’er lowered her head, her voice soft. “It’s all thanks to Brother Mu. I wouldn’t have this talent without him.”

“Cultivation is a personal journey, child. What does it have to do with your Brother Mu?” Yu Ziyan chuckled, shaking her head.

“It has everything to do with him!” Qian’er insisted, looking up at her Master. “I wouldn’t have this talent without him.”

The beautiful Daoist was stunned.

She recalled the technique Qian’er had used while seeking her guidance earlier.

It had been a miniature azure lotus, barely the size of her palm.

And it had emitted a powerful sealing force.

She hadn’t paid much attention to it at the time, but now… the only person she knew who used an azure lotus as the basis for their techniques was…

Her eyes gleamed with realization as she took Qian’er’s hand in hers, closing her eyes.

She channeled her spiritual energy into Qian’er, carefully sensing the changes within her vessel.

Dao Peak’s “Dao” was “nature,” so she immediately detected the anomaly.

This spiritual energy… it wasn’t just Qian’er’s. It was… the Jade Empress’s!

“Did you receive the Jade Empress’s inheritance at the Pilgrimage Palace yesterday?” she asked, opening her eyes and staring at her disciple.

Qian’er nodded, her eyes wide with surprise.

So it was the Jade Empress’s inheritance… It made sense.

Mu Zhi’an had clearly earned the Jade Empress’s favor… or perhaps “desire” was a more accurate term.

And as Qian’er’s “brother,” he would naturally try to secure benefits for her.

But to think the Jade Empress had bestowed her entire inheritance upon Qian’er…

Yu Ziyan’s gaze lingered on Qian’er, her eyes gleaming with a newfound intensity.

She had initially chosen Qian’er because of her sister’s talent… but now, Qian’er also possessed extraordinary talent.

“Master, is something the matter…?” Qian’er asked, averting her gaze under her Master’s intense scrutiny.

Yu Ziyan snapped out of her thoughts, her expression regaining its usual composure. “The Immortal Ascension Ceremony is in two months. I have faith in both of your talents. Participate and see what opportunities you can find.”

“Yes, Master,” they replied respectfully.

“If there’s nothing else, go to the peak and spar with the other disciples. Gain some experience. You’ll need it for the Immortal Ascension Ceremony.”

They nodded and left the hall.

A disciple entered, bowing respectfully. “Master, Mu Zhi’an, an inner disciple of the Book Pavilion, requests an audience.”

Mu Zhi’an?

Why is he here so early?

Shouldn’t he be visiting my Junior Sister first…?

She paused, then said, “Invite him in.”

She thought for a moment, then added, “Have him wait in the side hall. Offer him some tea.”

She needed to bathe and change before meeting him.

…

Mu Zhi’an waited in the side hall for nearly half an hour before he saw the Peak Master of Dao Peak emerge from a room, clad in a black robe.

Though the robe concealed her figure, her long, slender legs and her alluring beauty captivated his attention.

As expected of the Peak Master of Dao Peak. Even in such conservative attire, she exuded an air of forbidden allure that made him want to explore further.

He allowed his gaze to linger on her for a moment, then bowed respectfully. “Disciple Mu Zhi’an greets Senior Yu.”

She smiled. “Did you rest well last night?”

“Thank you for your concern, Senior. I’m fully recovered,” he replied.

She nodded, gesturing for him to take a seat and enjoy some tea.

“You promised my Junior Sister you would visit her today. Why are you here so early?” she asked casually, sipping her tea.

“I was concerned about the matter you mentioned yesterday, Senior, so I came early… Do you have something to attend to?” he asked tentatively.

“Not particularly. I was simply curious,” she replied, her voice melodic and alluring.

Despite her aloof and unapproachable demeanor, her every gesture seemed to exude a subtle charm that captivated his attention. He couldn’t help but steal glances at her figure.

“You’re here to ask about your maid, aren’t you?” she asked, already knowing his purpose.

He nodded. “As expected of you, Senior. You see right through me.”

“I don’t know why your maid’s misfortune is so potent,” she began, stating her conclusion.

Before he could express his disappointment, she continued, “However, I’ve discovered something interesting during my investigation.”

She noticed his rapt attention and smiled faintly. “The Great Qian Dynasty was preceded by another dynasty a thousand years ago. There are records of that dynasty in ancient texts.”

“According to those records, a cultivator with extraordinary misfortune appeared during that era. His misfortune was one of the factors that led to the dynasty’s downfall.”

Misfortune that affected an entire dynasty… Is Mengrou really that unlucky? I haven’t noticed… He pondered her words for a moment. “Do you know what happened to him, Senior Yu?”

Perhaps learning about his fate could help alleviate Wei Mengrou’s misfortune.

She shook her head. “I’ve instructed my disciples to investigate. I’ll inform you if we find anything.”

She paused, then added, “Your maid’s situation is strange. Her misfortune should be affecting those around her… but it seems to be suppressed by something.”

Suppressed…? He frowned, considering her words.

After a long silence, he looked up, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Senior.”

His visit hadn’t been in vain. At least he knew that Wei Mengrou’s misfortune wasn’t unique. Someone else had suffered a similar fate.

“It was nothing,” she replied with a smile, shaking her head.

They chatted for a while longer, and she finished her tea.

She watched him, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. She hesitated, then spoke, her voice cool and clear.

“Actually, I’ve been facing some… cultivation difficulties lately. I might need your assistance.”