It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 182: Lin Ling: “What’s Wrong With You, Kid?”

Mu Zhi’an had easily deduced that someone was trying to frame the Two Polarities Sect and incite his hatred.

And it wasn’t difficult to guess that the culprit was a demonic cultivator from the previous dynasty.

However, the information gap between them was vast.

The enemy couldn’t possibly know about his relationship with Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon, nor his long-standing correspondence with the Sect Master.

Even if he told the demon directly, he would be met with disbelief.

Moreover, he was also interested in Senior Sister Lan, and his relationship with Ying Guhuan was quite close, bordering on… intimacy.

As the Seventh Seat of the Demon Realm, Ying Guhuan held considerable influence. Without her approval, no demonic cultivator within the sect would dare to assist Gongsun Xiong.

The only ones who would help him target Mu Zhi’an were either from the Forbidden Zone or Ye Yu.

The former lacked the courage and the ability, while the latter… though blessed by destiny, he couldn’t offer Gongsun Xiong much assistance at his current level.

If it wasn’t a sect cultivator or a demonic cultivator within the sect, then who was it?

The answer was clear.

Remnants of the previous dynasty’s demonic cultivators.

Of course, it was just a theory for now. He didn’t know the details, nor did he need to.

Whether it was truly the demon’s agents or not was irrelevant. His objective was to lure the Peak Masters down the mountain.

The information gap between them ensured that this conspiracy was nothing more than a clown show.

And he was the audience, watching the clown perform.

“Are we going straight to the Mu Family?” Wei Mengrou asked as they flew away from the Two Polarities Sect on his black sword.

He shook his head. “We’re going to the Bai Family first.”

Two figures followed them at a distance.

Ying Guhuan, the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak, and Yan Ruyu, the Master of the Book Pavilion.

Due to their status, they didn’t travel with him, maintaining a discreet distance.

And above them, hidden within the clouds, Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon, soared gracefully, her demeanor relaxed and carefree.

She also kept her distance.

He didn’t mind. He had achieved his objective.

Now, he needed to confirm his suspicions.

And for that, he needed to consult with his future mother-in-law.

…

Bai Family Residence.

Bai Yuanfeng, the matriarch of the Bai Family, her figure voluptuous and alluring in her loose robe, sat in the side hall, studying the young man who had stolen her daughter’s heart and hadn’t returned in nearly six months.

“Nephew Mu, you’ve returned at such a time. I assume you’re aware of what’s transpired,” she said, her voice gentle and welcoming.

She wanted to ask about Bai Ruoxi, but she knew that Gongsun Xiong’s sudden breakthrough was a more pressing matter.

He nodded. “Gongsun Xiong reaching the Nascent Soul Realm… it’s big news, even within the Two Polarities Sect.”

“That’s why I’m here, Aunt Bai.”

“You’re here to ask if he consumed the Meridian Connecting Pill, aren’t you?” she asked.

Dealing with intelligent people is so much easier… He nodded.

“I saw him consume it with my own eyes,” she said, her voice turning cold.

“And his strength did decline after that.”

He remained silent, studying her, her features so similar to Bai Ruoxi’s. He knew she wasn’t finished.

“To think he would suddenly break through to the Nascent Soul Realm three days ago,” she continued, her voice laced with disbelief.

She was certain Gongsun Xiong hadn’t discovered the taint within the pill, and his strength had indeed weakened after consuming it.

How could he possibly overcome the pill’s debilitating side effects and reach the Nascent Soul Realm?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes narrowed, a thoughtful expression on his face.

If Gongsun Xiong had consumed the tainted pill, then his suspicions were correct.

He hadn’t reached the Nascent Soul Realm naturally. Someone had helped him.

And that someone was likely a demonic cultivator affiliated with the former Demon Emperor.

It all made sense now.

“What are you going to do, Nephew Mu?” she asked, seeing the wheels turning in his mind.

“The Nascent Soul Realm is currently beyond my reach.”

He smiled at her, his expression gentle. “However… there are others who are more skilled at dealing with demons.”

He didn’t elaborate, simply turning to face the woman standing quietly by the entrance.

Bai Yuanfeng followed his gaze.

The woman had silver hair and was dressed in a plain robe, her features delicate and beautiful, her skin as white as snow.

She was holding a steamed bun, her slender legs, clad in embroidered boots, peeking out from beneath her robe.

“Who is this…?” Bai Yuanfeng asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

She was a Core Formation cultivator, yet she couldn’t sense the woman’s cultivation level. She seemed like an ordinary person.

Her attire and her aura suggested she was just a beautiful young woman.

“A friend. I brought her here for some snacks,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile.

Bai Yuanfeng frowned, her voice laced with concern. “You know how dangerous Tianxuan City is right now, don’t you? Bringing a young woman with you… if Gongsun Xiong finds out, it’ll be troublesome.”

As a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect, with his sect token as proof, Gongsun Xiong wouldn’t dare harm him.

But the girl had no such protection. If Gongsun Xiong targeted her…

He glanced at the silver-haired woman, who was happily munching on her bun, and chuckled. “Have you ever heard of entrapment, Aunt Bai?”

He turned to her, his smile widening.

…

Gongsun Family Residence.

Gongsun Xiong was enjoying his tea when a servant entered the hall.

“Master, Elder Ren refused.”

He wasn’t surprised. He set down his teacup, chuckling. “Alchemists have their pride, it seems.”

The servant stood respectfully, studying him. “What should we do now, Master?”

“If he won’t come willingly, then I’ll have to invite him personally,” Gongsun Xiong replied calmly.

Ren Gao held a high status in Tianxuan City, primarily because he was the most skilled alchemist.

The best way to alleviate the effects of the tainted Meridian Connecting Pill was to have him refine another one.

As for the ingredients… he would simply take them from the Mu Family.

They had benefited greatly from his support in the past. Now, it was time for them to pay up!

Another servant rushed into the hall. “Master, Mu Zhi’an has returned! And… he has a beautiful woman with him.”

A smile spread across his face.

So he couldn’t resist the bait after all.

And he brought a woman… another disciple from the Two Polarities Sect?

“What does she look like?”

“She’s beautiful, perhaps even more so than the Bai Family’s young mistress,” the servant replied.

“You fool! I’m asking for her features! And does she have a sect token?” he roared.

The servant hesitated. “I didn’t see a Two Polarities Sect token, but she must be a disciple.”

“Where are they now?”

“Young Master Mu visited the Mu Family, then left shortly after. He bought some pastries at the Tide Sea Inn, then left the city with the woman… it seems they’re returning to the sect,” the servant replied.

He narrowed his eyes, chuckling. “It seems the Mu Family convinced him to leave.”

As a Nascent Soul expert, he was an overwhelming force in Tianxuan City. Even a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect couldn’t influence the situation now.

“Are you leaving, Master?” the servant asked, seeing him stand up.

“I can’t let him leave,” he replied.

Mu Zhi’an was aware of the situation in Tianxuan City. If he sought help from someone powerful, it would be troublesome.

He didn’t want any more complications.

Besides, the middle-aged cultivator who had helped him had instructed him to make Mu Zhi’an resent the Two Polarities Sect… and keeping him here was the best way to achieve that.

He couldn’t harm a sect disciple directly, but he could “invite” him and his companion to the Gongsun Family residence, couldn’t he?

…

“Sister Lin Ling, how’s the food? Tianxuan City has a lot of delicious snacks, right?”

Mu Zhi’an strolled along the riverbank with Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon. They had stopped at a stone bridge just outside the city.

She blinked her crimson eyes, nodding happily, a half-eaten pastry in one hand and a bag of snacks in the other.

She hesitated, then retrieved a pastry from the bag and offered it to him. “Aaa.”

It was as if she was saying: Don’t think I’m neglecting you. Here, have this.

But I bought these… He accepted the pastry with a smile. “Thank you.”

They continued their stroll, leaving the city behind.

A thunderclap suddenly echoed through the air.

A figure, his hands clasped behind his back, descended from the sky.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened in alarm. “Gongsun Xiong?!”

Gongsun Xiong smiled, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an. “Nephew Mu, it’s been a while.”

Mu Zhi’an instinctively took a step back. “How did you know I was in Tianxuan City?”

“I have my sources. Discovering someone’s whereabouts isn’t difficult,” he replied calmly.

Mu Zhi’an stared at him, his voice laced with a hint of fear. “I’m a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. Think carefully before you act, Uncle Gongsun. If I crush this jade slip, the elders will know you attacked me.”

He chuckled. “I have no intention of harming you, Nephew. I simply want to invite you to the Gongsun Family residence for a day or two.”

His tone was casual, but his words carried an undeniable authority.

He wasn’t a fool. He wouldn’t openly attack a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t “invite” him for a visit.

A day or two at the Gongsun Family residence… even the elders wouldn’t make a fuss over such a minor matter.

After all, he was a Nascent Soul expert now. Even the elders would have to tread carefully.

Besides, it would take at least three hours for them to reach Tianxuan City. They were aloof and focused on their cultivation. They wouldn’t bother with such a trivial matter.

And if Mu Zhi’an wasn’t in any real danger, they might not even respond to his distress signal.

“I’m not interested in staying at the Gongsun Family residence,” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice firm.

Gongsun Xiong’s smile widened. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice, Nephew.”

Mu Zhi’an’s expression shifted, and he instinctively stepped in front of Lin Ling, shielding her.

Gongsun Xiong noticed his protective gesture.

“You’re quite popular with the ladies, Nephew. First, it was the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City, and now it’s another stunning beauty,” he remarked, his voice laced with amusement.

He studied the silver-haired woman, then reached out towards her.

“Don’t touch her!” Mu Zhi’an shouted, his voice laced with panic.

“Don’t worry. Come with me to the Gongsun Family residence, and I’ll release her.”

He unleashed his Nascent Soul aura, the air crackling with energy as he forced Mu Zhi’an back.

Lin Ling, having licked the last crumbs from her fingers, noticed the giant figure reaching for her.

She tilted her head, her beautiful crimson eyes filled with confusion.