It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 173: Mu Zhi’an: “I Want My Maid in Black and White Silk!”

The Seed of Dao Realization was a divine treasure that only Dao Integration experts, or those who had experienced a Dao Integration tribulation and comprehended the laws of the Great Dao, had a minuscule chance of obtaining.

Not even the ancient families, let alone these disciples, could easily produce one.

After all, it had been centuries since a Dao Integration cultivator had emerged.

It wasn’t due to a lack of talent, but because the laws of heaven and earth currently forbade the emergence of such powerful beings.

The Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect, the Jade Empress, the Demon Realm Empress, the divine beings of the Southern Wilderness, and the Buddhas of the Western Regions… these Dao Integration experts had all achieved their breakthroughs long ago, when the laws of heaven and earth were more permissive.

In this current era, the Nascent Soul Realm was the pinnacle of power.

The Dao Integration Realm had been lost for centuries.

As a result, Seeds of Dao Realization were practically nonexistent.

Even Zhou Hao, who harbored disdain for Mu Zhi’an, was stunned.

The Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool’s eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting slightly.

To these young cultivators, the value of a Seed of Dao Realization was immeasurable.

After all, refining one would ensure a smoother cultivation journey and even offer a chance of reaching the Dao Integration Realm from the peak of Nascent Soul.

The possibility of defying the current laws of heaven and earth and reaching the Dao Integration Realm… it was a tantalizing prospect.

This unknown disciple… he was offering a Seed of Dao Realization… just to woo a woman?

The disciples’ eyes burned with a mixture of envy and desire, but they remained composed.

This was the Two Polarities Sect, and they were at Two Polarities Peak… no one would dare cause trouble here.

That was why Mu Zhi’an had chosen this course of action.

A Seed of Dao Realization could be refined within a day, and no one would dare steal it within the confines of Two Polarities Peak.

Besides, the secret would be revealed eventually, when Lan Mulian’s cultivation progressed and the energy from the seed manifested during her tribulations.

Since it was inevitable, it was better to be bold.

Whispers and murmurs filled the air.

“If I had a Seed of Dao Realization, I’d consider gifting it too… but I’d still hesitate… He’s truly generous.”

“Yeah, right. You wouldn’t give it away. You’d refine it yourself.”

“There are so few people as devoted as Mu Zhi’an. I would have refined it immediately. I wouldn’t save it to give to someone else.”

It wasn’t that gifting a Seed of Dao Realization to their Senior Sister was unworthy. It was simply human nature to prioritize oneself.

After refining it, one’s strength would increase, making it easier to woo women.

Perhaps not someone as aloof as Lan Mulian, but there were plenty of other beautiful, less demanding women.

Unlike the male disciples, the female disciples’ eyes gleamed with admiration.

What woman didn’t appreciate romance? He had flown to Tianxuan City day and night, spending three Fifth-Grade pills, just to buy pastries for his beloved Senior Sister. While the men might see it as a waste of resources, the women found it touching.

They wished they had a Dao Companion who would do the same for them.

The talented young cultivators from other powers observed the scene in silence.

They could afford to gift pills and treasures, but a Seed of Dao Realization… that was unrealistic.

At the back of the crowd, a monk, his body radiating a golden light, pressed his palms together and chanted softly, “Amitabha.”

Golden light emanated from him, calming his mind.

The allure of the Seed of Dao Realization had shaken his Buddhist heart.

The disciples turned to look at him, their eyes filled with surprise.

The Thunder Sound Temple of the Western Regions had sent a representative?

The Western Regions were incredibly far from the Eastern Realm. It would take years for an ordinary person to travel between them.

And his single chant had calmed the hearts of those who had been tempted… it was a testament to his cultivation level.

The Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool stared at the seed in Lan Mulian’s hand, then spoke after a long silence. “It seems this Mu Zhi’an is more than just a reformed scoundrel.”

He wasn’t as despicable as Zhou Hao had claimed.

Even a Holy Maiden would be touched by someone who traveled a great distance, spending precious resources, just to buy her pastries.

Surely, Senior Sister Lan felt the same.

However, for her, it was merely a fleeting emotion.

Her Dao Heart wouldn’t be swayed so easily.

Her true purpose for coming to the Two Polarities Sect was to find the Jade Empress. As for other matters… they were of little importance.

“He was pursuing another woman before. Now he’s targeting Lan Mulian. He’s a fickle playboy,” Zhou Hao scoffed.

“Hmph, fickle? You wouldn’t accept two or three beautiful Dao Companions?” a mocking voice retorted, making him turn around.

“Who said that?!”

The speaker was dressed plainly, a few copper coins hanging from his waist, his demeanor carefree and casual. He was scanning the crowd, his eyes lingering on the female disciples, as if searching for something.

“Divine Calculator, this is none of your business,” Zhou Hao said coldly, his gaze fixed on the man.

“Heh, I despise you ancient families. You’re all scheming hypocrites,” the Divine Calculator chuckled.

“If you were offered three beautiful women, would you accept? Or would you choose to spend your life with your true love?”

Zhou Hao scoffed. “The latter, of course—”

“Do you dare swear to heaven?”

He hesitated. “Why should I swear to heaven because of your words?”

“See? You don’t dare. Stop pretending to be a saint.”

“If it was truly their beloved, I believe most disciples would choose to spend their lives with them,” Ye Yu interjected.

The Divine Calculator narrowed his eyes, his fingers twitching as he performed a quick calculation. “Hmm… if I’m not mistaken, you’ve been involved with three female disciples since arriving at the sect. That makes you a hypocrite too, doesn’t it?”

“And some of the other male disciples here seem to be quite close to several female disciples. Some even have multiple Dao Companions…”

His words struck a nerve, making many uncomfortable.

He was right, though. For cultivators, accusations of infidelity and fickleness were often just excuses to criticize others.

As long as it was consensual, no one cared.

After all, how many male cultivators would refuse the opportunity to be intimate with multiple beautiful women?

They were simply jealous of Mu Zhi’an’s success.

The Divine Calculator had exposed their hypocrisy.

Mu Zhi’an also noticed their conversation, his gaze settling on the scruffy young man who was effortlessly holding his own against the crowd.

“The Senior Brother of the Peak of Celestial Secrets?” Lan Mulian asked, her voice cool and clear.

The disciples turned to look at him, trying to recall his identity.

“The Senior Brother of the Peak of Celestial Secrets? I’ve never heard of him…”

“I’ve never heard of this ‘Divine Calculator’… is he even a member of our sect?”

“I remember now! I heard from my Senior Sister that the Senior Brother of the Peak of Celestial Secrets used to pry into everyone’s destiny, causing chaos and offending many. He was eventually chased out of the sect by a group of disciples and hasn’t been seen since.”

“To think so many still remember my past exploits. I’m honored,” the Divine Calculator chuckled.

He studied Mu Zhi’an, his eyes narrowed. “Junior Brother, I sense a dark cloud hanging over your head. Something bad is about to happen… For fifty thousand Spirit Stones, I can help you avert this disaster.”

He’s trying to scam me…? Mu Zhi’an smiled faintly. “Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother, but if I’m destined to face this tribulation, then so be it.”

The Divine Calculator was about to speak again when his expression changed, and he muttered, “This is bad… someone’s coming. Farewell, everyone!”

He then fled like a startled rabbit, as if running from something.

The farce ended abruptly, and Lan Mulian turned back to Mu Zhi’an, her gaze intense. “Where did you obtain this Seed of Dao Realization?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper.

“The waiter at the Tide Sea Inn threw it in for free when I bought the Osmanthus Cakes,” he replied with a grin.

She rolled her eyes, not believing him. “This seed will be beneficial for your future cultivation. Take it back and refine it.”

“It’s useless to me. It’ll just end up in my other vessel,” he replied with a sigh.

“…?”

After a moment of silence, she chuckled. “Your Innate Celestial Vessel is just like you, Junior Brother.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, confused.

“It wants everything,” she said, her voice flat.

…

Senior Sister is getting better at insulting people. She wasn’t like this before… He sighed inwardly, then, seeing the amusement in her eyes, he relaxed, knowing she wasn’t truly angry. He turned to leave.

“You’re so generous, Brother Mu, gifting away a Seed of Dao Realization,” Ye Lingxuan said, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

He had expected this and sighed dramatically. “It’s useless to me, Lingxuan. And Senior Sister has been kind to me. If she reaches the Dao Integration Realm, she can protect me.”

“You know, I offended quite a few people in Tianxuan City. What if they come looking for trouble once they get stronger…?” he said, his voice filled with mock despair.

She frowned, her voice sharp. “I can protect you too.”

He smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “I believe in your talent, Lingxuan. I’ll be counting on you.”

She beamed, pleased by his praise.

“Once I’ve mastered my inheritance, I’ll take you to the Forbidden Zone. Then you won’t have to worry about your enemies,” she said.

If she became the next master of the Forbidden Zone, spending a few days there wouldn’t be so bad… He nodded, agreeing.

Several other powers presented their gifts, and Lan Mulian thanked them politely, her demeanor unchanged.

The Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool offered an exquisite wooden box with a smile. “Congratulations on reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, Senior Sister Lan. It’s nothing special. I hope you don’t mind.”

Lan Mulian’s smile outshone even the brightest stars.

“If Nirvana Silk isn’t considered special, then I don’t know what is.”

Nirvana Silk was a unique product of the Jade Pool Sacred Land. Clothing crafted from it was not only beautiful, but also offered exceptional protection.

If not for Mu Zhi’an’s Seed of Dao Realization, this gift would have been the highlight of the event.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze lingered on the wooden box, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint.

While the other disciples were thinking about clothes, he was thinking about… stockings.

If he could dye Nirvana Silk black and white… he could create incredibly smooth and silky black and white stockings… and then have Ruoxi and Mengrou wear them…

The thought sent a thrill through him.

Once the gifts had been presented, Lan Mulian thanked everyone, then transmitted her voice to the Holy Maiden.

“It’s been a while, Fairy Yao Yue. Would you care to join me at my residence for a chat?”

“I’d love to,” the Holy Maiden replied with a smile.

She had some questions about the Jade Empress.

And it had indeed been a while since she had last seen Senior Sister Lan.

…

The crowd dispersed, and the once bustling Two Polarities Peak fell silent. However, tales of Mu Zhi’an’s extravagant gesture, his journey to Tianxuan City for his Senior Sister’s sake, spread throughout the sect.

Some disciples scoffed at his wasteful spending, but most expressed understanding and even admiration.

…

In a tranquil and elegant residence on Two Polarities Peak, Lan Mulian poured a cup of tea for the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, then they chatted about recent events in the Eastern Realm.

“By the way, I heard there was a disturbance at the Pilgrimage Palace a few days ago. Do you know what happened, Senior Sister?” the Holy Maiden asked casually, her gaze lingering on Lan Mulian.

Both women possessed ethereal beauty, each unique and captivating.

Lan Mulian shook her head. “I haven’t been to the Pilgrimage Palace. However, many disciples went there. If you’re interested, Fairy Yao Yue, you can ask them.”

The Holy Maiden was disappointed, but she didn’t press the issue.

“You’re quite popular within the sect, Senior Sister. A disciple even offered you a Seed of Dao Realization,” she remarked.

Lan Mulian took a sip of her tea, her expression unchanged. “That junior brother is… special. He’s not like the others.”

“Are you saying you have feelings for him?” the Holy Maiden asked with a smile.

It made sense. With Lan Mulian’s personality, she wouldn’t have accepted such a valuable gift if she wasn’t interested in him. And it was obvious he was smitten with her.

Traveling to Tianxuan City for pastries… they were clearly more than just friends.

And he had even concealed a Seed of Dao Realization within the pastries.

He probably only had one, and he had given it to her.

As the thought crossed her mind, a realization struck her.

How could a Core Formation cultivator possess a Seed of Dao Realization?

It must have been a gift from an ancient expert.

And within the Two Polarities Sect, there were only two beings who qualified as ancient experts.

The Sect Master and Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon.

The Sect Master was out of the question. As for Ling Long… she represented destiny itself. Even those with great destiny couldn’t easily attract her attention.

So where did he get it?

Apart from those two Dao Integration experts, there was one other: the founding Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, the Jade Empress!

The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, and her usually calm heart skipped a beat.

She looked at Lan Mulian, her voice soft.

“Where does Mu Zhi’an reside, Senior Sister?”