It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 176: Mu Zhi’an Has a Bold Idea

“Do you truly know about the Jade Empress?” the Holy Maiden pressed, her gaze locked on Mu Zhi’an, a spark of hope igniting in her usually calm eyes.

Zhou Hao noticed her reaction, his brow furrowing slightly. Though he couldn’t hear their conversation, it was clear that Mu Zhi’an had offered something tempting.

It seems this Mu Zhi’an isn’t as useless as my brother claimed… He studied Mu Zhi’an, his mind racing.

If Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon, choosing Mu Zhi’an was a mere coincidence, then his schemes to drive away his brother and their servant, and now this tempting offer to the Holy Maiden… it was beyond the capabilities of a mere playboy.

Under the Holy Maiden’s expectant gaze, Mu Zhi’an replied, “I was actually planning to visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land.”

She frowned, puzzled.

Could there be something he needed from the Jade Pool?

She had already made up her mind. She turned to Zhou Hao, her voice apologetic. “Brother Zhou, I apologize, but I’ve already promised this Nirvana Silk to Young Master Mu.”

Despite her refusal, her melodic voice held a strange charm that made it impossible to resent her.

It was one of the inherent abilities of an Innate Dao Body. Every Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool possessed a natural charisma that drew people to them.

Zhou Hao stared at Mu Zhi’an. “You must have some tricks up your sleeve, Young Master Mu, to sway Fairy Yao Yue so easily. However, it’s not enough to win over our young mistress.”

Mu Zhi’an was taken aback. “Are you enough?” he retorted.

“Our young mistress is destined to inherit the throne of the Forbidden Zone. No one is worthy of her,” Zhou Hao replied coldly.

“So you’re saying… you won’t allow her to fall in love?” Mu Zhi’an asked, incredulous.

“If someone truly worthy appears, we won’t interfere,” Zhou Hao scoffed.

“Does that include you?”

“If I’m worthy, then naturally,” he replied calmly.

I see. He wants her all to himself… Mu Zhi’an understood his mentality.

It was like a man harboring a secret crush on a goddess, too insecure to confess, claiming he would pursue her once he became worthy.

But by then, she would likely be taken.

As for whether he was worthy of Ye Lingxuan… Mu Zhi’an wasn’t one to feel inferior because of someone’s background or talent.

On the contrary, he would be delighted.

The stronger she was, the easier his life would be.

If he didn’t pursue the woman he loved now, he would regret it later.

And with her kind and gentle nature, if he didn’t pursue her now, when she was still young, would he wait until she became a powerful “shark”?

By then, it would likely be too late.

She already possessed an aloof demeanor that kept most people at bay. In a year or two, it would be even more difficult to reach her heart.

“I admire your dedication, Brother Zhou. Keep polishing yourself. Fairy Yao Yue and I have matters to discuss. Farewell,” Mu Zhi’an said, bowing politely, his voice filled with mock sincerity.

Zhou Hao glared at him, but remained silent.

He knew that further arguments would be futile.

However, if Mu Zhi’an dared to follow his young mistress to the Forbidden Zone… he would learn the true extent of the gap between them.

Once she inherited her clan’s legacy, her talent and strength would skyrocket, her brilliance eclipsing all those around her.

Ignorance is bliss. This pampered young master from the Mu Family simply didn’t understand her true potential… Once he witnessed her power in the Forbidden Zone, he would realize their incompatibility.

…

As they strolled along the lakeshore, the Holy Maiden asked, “Are you close to Lingxuan, Young Master Mu?”

He nodded. “She’s one of my dearest sisters. I’ve always treated her as such.”

“The Forbidden Zone’s power is far greater than you imagine. Be careful,” she warned.

He nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Fairy.”

She changed the subject. “Regarding the information about the Jade Empress…”

“I do know about her. I also know where she is,” he replied, transmitting his voice.

She stopped, turning to face him.

Before she could speak, he continued, “However, I can’t take you to her right now.”

“Why not?” she asked, confused.

“She’s… indisposed. It’s not a good time for visitors,” he explained.

She was currently sleeping within his body. He wouldn’t wake her unless absolutely necessary.

She frowned slightly.

He seemed close to Lan Mulian, but she couldn’t simply believe his words.

“Though I can’t take you to her, I can allow you to sense her presence,” he added.

Sense her presence, but not meet her…?

She was even more confused.

He smiled. “Just come with me. You’ll understand.”

…

He led her to a tranquil and elegant residence.

The owner seemed to be expecting them, as the formations deactivated, and a beautiful face, both youthful and alluring, appeared at the entrance.

“Brother Mu, what brings you here?” Ye Qian asked, her voice soft and surprised.

She then turned to the aloof fairy beside him, offering a polite smile when she received one in return.

Her emerald eyes lingered on the Holy Maiden for a moment, then she said with a smile, “Come in.”

She led them into the courtyard.

Lingxuan isn’t here…? He glanced around, but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Sister is taking a medicinal bath,” Qian’er explained, sensing his gaze.

As an inner disciple of Dao Peak, Ye Lingxuan had an endless supply of Qi Gathering Pills, and with the additional pills Mu Zhi’an had given her, she practically bathed in them daily to accelerate her cultivation.

“Are you looking for Sister, Brother Mu?” she asked.

“No, I’m looking for you,” he replied.

He turned to the Holy Maiden. “This is Fairy Yao Yue, the Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land.”

“The Jade Pool Sacred Land…” Qian’er repeated, the name sounding familiar.

Then, realization dawned. “If I’m not mistaken, Senior Jade Empress was also a Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land…?”

He nodded, then turned to the Holy Maiden. “Qian’er is the successor chosen by the Jade Empress.”

The Holy Maiden studied Ye Qian, her gaze calm and assessing. “I sense her aura,” she said, nodding slightly.

“But where is Senior Jade Empress?”

“She’s… within my vessel,” he revealed.

She shook her head immediately. “Impossible. If she was within you, I would have sensed her aura earlier.”

She had been using a special jade slip ever since she had arrived at the Two Polarities Sect. If the Jade Empress was truly within him, she would have detected her presence.

“Can you sense my other vessel, Fairy?” he asked.

She frowned. “Your other vessel…?”

How could a cultivator have two vessels?

She was about to ask, then a realization struck her. “You’re an Innate Celestial Vessel?!”

She hesitated. “Apologies, but may I examine you with my spiritual sense?”

She didn’t doubt him, but she had only heard of the Innate Celestial Vessel constitution. She had never encountered it, and even ancient texts rarely mentioned it.

He nodded, and she reached out, her slender hand taking his.

Ye Qian frowned, watching them, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.

However, she remained silent.

The Holy Maiden’s spiritual sense swept over him, and her eyes widened as she sensed his two vessels. She retrieved her jade slip.

It glowed faintly.

Her eyes lit up with joy.

Senior Jade Empress was truly within him!

She suppressed her excitement, but she couldn’t hide the tremor in her voice.

To think Senior Jade Empress would appear before her in this way…

She was about to withdraw her hand when she sensed something strange. As her spiritual sense brushed against his other vessel, she saw a wisp of purple energy, transforming the usually invisible spiritual energy into a deep, vibrant shade.

Why is the spiritual energy within his other vessel different?

Normally, the spiritual energy within a cultivator’s vessel was colorless. But the energy within Mu Zhi’an’s other vessel was clearly different.

Even the spiritual energy within an Innate Celestial Vessel should be colorless, not purple—

As the thought crossed her mind, she felt a wave of intoxicating energy wash over her consciousness.

Her vision blurred, and she felt an overwhelming urge to absorb the purple energy.

She could sense its potent benefits for her cultivation.

“Fairy Yao Yue?”

Mu Zhi’an’s voice snapped her out of her daze, and she withdrew her hand as if she had been burned.

He studied her, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you alright, Fairy?”

She composed herself, forcing a smile. “I’m fine… I was just lost in thought.”

She couldn’t help but stare at him.

His Innate Celestial Vessel… it was strange.

“To think you’re an Innate Celestial Vessel, Young Master Mu. How surprising.”

She smiled, her eyes filled with genuine admiration. “No wonder Senior Jade Empress chose to reside within you.”

She had sensed the potent allure of his spiritual energy. Even she had almost lost herself in it.

Senior Jade Empress was clearly severely injured. His Innate Celestial Vessel was the perfect place for her to recuperate.

“It’s not a permanent solution,” he sighed. “Her injuries are severe. I’ve been trying to find a way to rebuild her body, but I’m missing some crucial ingredients.”

“Senior Jade Empress is a Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land. If there’s anything we can do, we won’t hesitate,” she declared.

He nodded. “There is something you can help with.”

“The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit from the Jade Pool Sacred Land is crucial for rebuilding her body.”

“I’ll inform the elders when I return and have them prepare it,” she replied immediately.

“What else do you need?”

“Rebirth Water,” he said.

She hesitated.

If not for the Jade Empress, they might be able to obtain the Rebirth Water from the Forbidden Zone.

However, if it was for rebuilding her body… the Forbidden Zone would likely reconsider.

After all, a Dao Integration Empress appearing in the Eastern Realm… it would completely alter the balance of power.

“I’ll find a way to obtain the Rebirth Water,” he said with a smile. “Just prepare the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. I’ll visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land after my trip to the Forbidden Zone.”

Normally, such a declaration from an ordinary cultivator would be met with skepticism.

However, his connection to Ye Lingxuan and his… unique Innate Celestial Vessel… they lent credence to his words.

She smiled genuinely. “Regardless of the outcome, we’re grateful for your assistance, Young Master Mu.”

“You’re too kind, Fairy. Senior Jade Empress has helped me greatly, and you’re a friend of Senior Sister Lan, which makes you practically my Senior Sister as well. It’s the least I can do,” he replied humbly.

She smiled, then retrieved an exquisite wooden box. “I didn’t bring much Nirvana Silk with me, but if this isn’t enough, you can visit me at the Jade Pool Sacred Land.”

Seeing him reach for his Spirit Stones, she stopped him. “There’s no need for payment. Since you call me Senior Sister, consider this a gift.”

“Thank you, Sister,” he said sincerely.

She didn’t notice the change in his address. After chatting with him for a while, she spoke with Ye Qian, offering advice regarding the Jade Empress’s inheritance, then took her leave.

She wanted to return to the Jade Pool Sacred Land and inform the elders about the Jade Empress.

He watched her depart, then sat in the courtyard with Ye Qian for a while. Soon, Ye Lingxuan appeared, her cheeks flushed from her bath, making her even more adorable.

“Sister,” Qian’er greeted her.

Lingxuan smiled faintly.

She then turned to Mu Zhi’an, her smile widening. “Brother Mu, why are you still here so late?”

“I thought you’d be lost in Sister Ruoxi’s embrace.”

He chuckled, choosing not to respond.

Her teasing skills were getting better.

I need to teach her a lesson… “You seem to have the wrong idea about me, Lingxuan,” he said with a sigh.

“Oh? Is it a misconception?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement as she sat down.

Her posture was elegant, her loose white nightgown accentuating her youthful beauty.

“Are you finished with your medicinal bath, Sister?” Qian’er asked.

“You can go now if you want, Qian’er,” Lingxuan replied with a smile.

Qian’er nodded, then glanced at Mu Zhi’an, murmuring, “I’ll leave you two alone,” before leaving the courtyard.

He immediately took Lingxuan’s hand in his.

“Qian’er just left. Aren’t you worried about being discovered?” she asked, trying to pull away.

“It’s late. No one will see,” he reassured her, his grip tightening.

She rolled her eyes, her resistance weakening as she blushed, lowering her head shyly.

They sat in comfortable silence, the air charged with a subtle tension.

He glanced at her, admiring her flushed cheeks and shy demeanor.

She was beautiful in her white nightgown, the fabric clinging to her fair skin. Her hair was slightly damp, droplets of water trickling down her neck. Even without makeup, she was captivating, her usual elegance replaced by a languid charm.

If I’m going to teach her a lesson…

Tonight seems like the perfect opportunity…