It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 184: Gongsun Xiong: “How Did I Do It?”

Most disciples of the Two Polarities Sect were familiar with the term “Ling Long(Spirit Dragon).”

However, few had actually seen her.

And even those who had seen her found it difficult to remember her appearance.

It was similar to Mu Zhi’an’s encounter with Shang Yanfei, the Sect Master. His initial reaction had been, “Wow, she’s beautiful! And those… assets… we’re destined to be together!” But the moment he left the back mountain, her appearance had faded from his memory.

That was the power of a Dao Integration expert.

Ling Long possessed a similar ability. One might remember her appearance for a fleeting moment, but if she willed it, the memory would vanish.

Mu Zhi’an could remember her because he had received her blessing.

Others weren’t so fortunate.

The middle-aged cultivator stood frozen at the courtyard entrance, staring at Lin Ling. He wondered if he had imagined it, so he looked again.

She was happily accepting Mu Zhi’an’s offerings, her crimson eyes scanning her surroundings, her demeanor relaxed and carefree, as if she were simply enjoying a leisurely outing.

He was certain of his assessment.

This woman… was Ling Long!

But that shouldn’t be possible… Setting aside her presence with Mu Zhi’an, the bigger question was…

How did Gongsun Xiong do it?

How could a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, whose breakthrough had been rather… forced… capture Ling Long within his Dongtian?

Would a proud being like her allow herself to be confined?

Especially by a mere Nascent Soul cultivator…?

“Do you know that woman, friend?”

Gongsun Xiong’s voice transmission snapped him out of his daze.

He turned to Gongsun Xiong, then replied after a moment of hesitation, “Let’s leave this place.”

He turned and left the courtyard.

Gongsun Xiong frowned, glancing at the couple before following him.

…

Lin Ling had turned away, her gaze now fixed on Mu Zhi’an, who was meticulously peeling the last lobster. “Two people were spying on us just now. There’s still one watching us,” she wrote on the table.

He chuckled, glancing at her. “Don’t worry. They’re just checking if we’re enjoying our meal.”

She made a sound of understanding.

She accepted the lobster, seemingly unconcerned about the situation.

As long as there was food, she was content!

He discreetly glanced at a shadowy corner of the courtyard. Though he couldn’t see anyone, he could sense a presence there.

He shook his head inwardly.

Uncle Gongsun was underestimating him.

Sending a peak Foundation Establishment spy to watch them… an ordinary Core Formation cultivator might not notice, but he possessed an Innate Spiritual Body. He was well aware of the spy’s presence.

He didn’t expose him, simply enjoying his meal with Lin Ling. He then returned to his room and began sketching designs for stockings.

“Aaa.”

Late that night, he felt a tug on his sleeve, followed by Lin Ling’s soft, melodious voice.

He turned to see her crouching beside him, her crimson eyes sparkling.

“What are you doing here so late, Sister Lin Ling?” he asked, puzzled.

She made another sound, then, realizing he didn’t understand, she retrieved a piece of paper and wrote: “I’m hungry again.”

She wasn’t this gluttonous at the Two Polarities Sect…

“Uncle Gongsun is very hospitable. Just help yourself to whatever you want,” he said with a smile.

Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded, then spoke.

She vanished.

He walked over to the window, stretching languidly as he gazed at the moonlit sky.

She was a special being. He couldn’t, and wouldn’t, order her around.

Besides, she didn’t need to do anything. Her presence at the Gongsun Family residence was enough. Their enemies would fill in the blanks themselves.

…

The next morning.

Gongsun Family Residence, Main Hall.

Gongsun Xiong sat at his desk, his expression grim, watching as a servant rushed into the hall.

“Are you certain that nearly thirty percent of the pills we were supposed to send to the auction house are missing?” he asked, his voice sharp.

“Yes, Master. I’ve had them counted several times. Thirty percent are gone,” the servant replied, his voice trembling.

“The night patrol said he saw a large creature inside the storage room. When he entered, it was gone. He said… it looked like a dragon.”

Crash!

He slammed his teacup on the table, the tea splattering on his face. His face was ashen.

The servant hesitated. “Master, should we still visit the Mu Family today?”

He had originally planned to “invite” Ren Gao, the Mu Family’s guest elder, to the Gongsun Family residence, but Mu Zhi’an’s arrival had disrupted his plans.

“Do nothing for now,” he said slowly.

“And recall the spy watching Mu Zhi’an.”

“Yes, Master!” The servant, though puzzled, obeyed immediately, seeing his master’s displeasure.

That night, another thirty percent of the pills vanished. Gongsun Xiong personally inspected the storage room, his heart sinking as he saw the empty bottles scattered across the floor.

The middle-aged cultivator, observing from the shadows, shook his head inwardly.

It seems this plan has failed.

It’s best to leave before Ling Long discovers us…

…

The next morning, Gongsun Xiong personally visited Mu Zhi’an.

“Uncle, what brings you here?” Mu Zhi’an asked, surprised, then gestured for him to sit and enjoy some tea.

“Please, have a seat, Uncle. You should have informed me beforehand. I would have prepared for your visit.”

This is my house, not yours… Gongsun Xiong fumed inwardly, watching Mu Zhi’an act so casually.

He forced a smile. “I assume you know why I’m here, Nephew.”

“I’m not sure, Uncle. Please enlighten me,” Mu Zhi’an replied, sipping his tea, his expression carefully neutral.

“I was wrong before. As an apology, I’ll give you five hundred thousand Spirit Stones. Take your friend and leave the Gongsun Family residence,” he said, his voice firm.

Mu Zhi’an frowned. “That’s the problem, Uncle.”

He took a sip of his tea, sighing dramatically. “You were the one who insisted we stay. I even tried to refuse.”

“And now you’re asking us to leave… I don’t mind, but if my friend gets angry…” He stared at him, his expression sincere.

“What do you want?” Gongsun Xiong asked, his patience wearing thin.

The Gongsun Family’s income had plummeted by at least seventy percent in the past two days. Their pills, food, and herbs had been devoured, most of them valuable pills that had been intended for the Morning Glory Auction House.

The once proud patriarch, who had just reached the Nascent Soul Realm, now looked haggard and defeated.

But he couldn’t afford to lash out.

“I appreciate your sincerity, Uncle, but… convincing her… it’ll take considerable effort…” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice filled with mock distress.

“How about this, Uncle? Five hundred thousand Spirit Stones, plus two marketplaces.”

Gongsun Xiong glared at him, his hand twitching as he fought the urge to strike him.

He suddenly noticed a silver-haired girl peeking out from behind a stone pillar, her crimson eyes sparkling in the shadows.

Observing discreetly.jpg.

A wave of cold dread washed over him, extinguishing his anger.

“Fine… agreed. Five hundred thousand Spirit Stones and two marketplaces. I’ll have them delivered by tonight!”

“You’re truly generous, Uncle!” Mu Zhi’an said, giving him a thumbs-up, his words dripping with sarcasm.

He then added casually, “Where’s the one behind you?”

Gongsun Xiong’s eyes widened. “You know?”

“Your sudden breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm… I had my suspicions,” he replied with a smile. “Do you know where he is?”

“He left recently,” Gongsun Xiong replied through a voice transmission.

“Left?” He pondered this information for a moment, then stood up to leave.

“Have the Spirit Stones delivered to the Mu Family residence. I won’t disturb you any longer, Uncle.”

The mastermind wouldn’t escape.

Once he left Tianxuan City, Yan Ruyu and Ying Guhuan would be waiting.

Everything was in place.

He only had one task left.

The Forbidden Zone, in a month!

But first… there was something else he needed to do.

He left the Gongsun Family residence with Lin Ling, who seemed reluctant to depart, under Gongsun Xiong’s relieved gaze, and headed towards the Mu Family residence.

“Make these according to my designs. They’re important,” he said, handing the Nirvana Silk to the Mu Family’s seamstress.

“What are these, Young Master?” the seamstress asked, examining the material.

“Stockings,” he replied.

Seeing her confusion, he waved his hand dismissively. “Just follow the designs.”

“They’re… very important!”