It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 185: Wei Mengrou’s Secret

Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, her delicate embroidered shoes sinking into the soft carpet, walked towards the main palace.

Eternal spring reigned within the Jade Pool, a warm and gentle breeze caressing the palace grounds. The Jade Pool Empress Mother, her hair adorned with a phoenix hairpin, sat at a table, a feast laid out before her, her gaze fixed on the approaching Holy Maiden.

No one knew her age, but she clearly possessed a mature beauty that surpassed youthful charms.

“Yao Yue, you’ve rendered a great service to the Jade Pool Sacred Land. When the Heavenly Phoenix Tree bears fruit in two months, you may choose one for yourself,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said, her voice gentle and warm.

The Holy Maiden, her body radiating a faint, ethereal light, smiled politely. “Thank you, Empress Mother.”

“Why didn’t you invite Senior Jade Empress back to the Jade Pool, Holy Maiden? If others learn she’s alive and residing within a mere cultivator’s body, they might try to harm her,” a young girl remarked, her voice laced with concern.

Most members of the Jade Pool Sacred Land were women, and each Holy Maiden was destined to inherit the Empress Mother’s position.

In an ancient and powerful family like the Jade Pool(Yao Chi)*, with its abundance of talented disciples, Yao Yue’s rise to the position of Holy Maiden had been a challenging journey.

But even now, there were those who coveted her position, those who resented her.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land was divided into two factions: one supporting Yao Yue, the other led by this young girl, Yao Xin.

Her words were a subtle accusation, suggesting that Yao Yue’s actions were reckless and that she would be held responsible if anything happened to the Jade Empress.

“Senior Jade Empress has made her own decision. Do you think it’s appropriate for us, her juniors, to try and persuade her to return?” the Holy Maiden countered calmly.

She paused, then added, “Besides, she made a promise to this… Mu Zhi’an. She won’t leave him.”

“She only chose him because she had no other options. But now…” Yao Xin twirled a strand of hair around her finger, glancing at her with a smirk. “We’re her descendants. Would she refuse our request to return to the Jade Pool?”

“Or we could simply invite Mu Zhi’an here.”

The Holy Maiden raised an eyebrow. “As I said, he needs to obtain the Rebirth Water from the Forbidden Zone first. There’s no point in bringing him here now.”

“The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit hasn’t ripened yet.”

“There’s no point now, but we can protect him,” Yao Xin insisted. “And the Rebirth Water… do you really believe he can obtain it from the Forbidden Zone?”

A mere Core Formation cultivator… the master of the Forbidden Zone might not even grant him an audience, let alone the Rebirth Water.

“I believe it’s better to exchange the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit for the Rebirth Water than to place our hopes on a Core Formation cultivator,” she continued.

“As for Mu Zhi’an… bring him to the Jade Pool Sacred Land. Once we’ve rebuilt Senior Jade Empress’s body, we can send him back.”

The two beauties, their charms distinct despite their shared ethereal aura, glared at each other, the air thick with tension.

“Mu Zhi’an is an inner disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. I considered inviting him, but he wouldn’t agree to stay at the Jade Pool for an extended period,” the Holy Maiden said, her voice flat.

“There’s always a way. You’re simply not trying hard enough, Sister Yao Yue,” Yao Xin chuckled.

“Then you go,” the Holy Maiden retorted.

Her meaning was clear: put your money where your mouth is.

“That’s what I’ve been waiting for. I’ll go!”

Yao Xin jumped to her feet, then paused, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. “If I bring Senior Jade Empress back, will you relinquish your position as Holy Maiden?”

“Yao Xin, show some respect!” an elder scolded.

However, another elder, standing beside Yao Xin, chuckled. “I agree with Yao Xin. This matter concerning Senior Jade Empress is of utmost importance. Leaving her in the care of a mere cultivator is unwise.”

“If she can bring her back to the Jade Pool, a little incentive is acceptable.”

The two factions began arguing about the position of Holy Maiden.

Yao Xin’s supporters naturally wanted her to replace Yao Yue. After all, it meant they wouldn’t have to live under Yao Yue’s rule.

The Holy Maiden’s voice, clear and melodious, cut through the commotion. “Alright.”

All eyes turned to her.

“Don’t be impulsive, Yao Yue!” an elder pleaded through a voice transmission.

She simply offered them a reassuring look, then turned to Yao Xin, her smile unwavering. “If you can convince Mu Zhi’an, or Senior Jade Empress, to return to the Jade Pool, I’ll relinquish my position as Holy Maiden.”

…

Outside Tianxuan City, Ying Guhuan looked down at the middle-aged cultivator and the defeated Gongsun Xiong, her voice laced with amusement. “He might not be a big fish, but we can still extract information about the former Demon Emperor from them.”

The middle-aged cultivator was at the Third Stage of Nascent Soul, while Gongsun Xiong had just reached the Nascent Soul Realm.

Every stage beyond Core Formation represented a significant power increase, especially within the Nascent Soul Realm.

With her Seventh Stage Nascent Soul cultivation, subduing the middle-aged cultivator was child’s play, especially with Yan Ruyu’s assistance.

“Your disciple is quite clever. He even anticipated their actions,” she remarked, glancing at Yan Ruyu, who was clad in a loose black robe.

Yan Ruyu smiled calmly. “Mu Zhi’an is indeed intelligent. That’s why I accepted him as my disciple. I saw his potential.”

Ying Guhuan chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes.

They both knew her true motives. There was no need for pretense.

“We don’t need the contribution points for this capture. Why don’t we give them to him?” Yan Ruyu suggested.

Capturing a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator was a major achievement, and the Enforcement Hall would reward them handsomely with contribution points.

The Peak Masters had little need for contribution points, but Mu Zhi’an, as an ordinary disciple, could certainly benefit from them.

Ying Guhuan narrowed her eyes, her smile widening. “Contribution points are indeed of little value to me, but he’s your disciple, Master Yan. What does it have to do with me?”

Her meaning was clear: you want my help? Offer me something in return.

“What do you want, Peak Master Ying…?”

“The disciples will be representing their respective peaks at the Immortal Ascension Ceremony. I have a promising disciple at Boundless Sea Peak, but I’d like to ensure our victory. I want to take Mu Zhi’an as my disciple and have him represent Boundless Sea Peak,” she said with a smile.

Yan Ruyu immediately refused. “No.”

“Choose something else, Peak Master Ying.”

“How about you give me your First-Rank technique?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement.

The First-Rank technique was the most powerful technique within the Book Pavilion, and there was only one copy.

Many disciples had tried to obtain it, but none had succeeded.

The chances were incredibly slim. Each disciple had only one opportunity to randomly select a technique, and choosing the First-Rank technique was practically impossible.

Seeing Yan Ruyu shake her head again, she chuckled. “No technique, no disciple… then what’s left to negotiate?”

“How about this? Once the Jade Empress has rebuilt her body, I’d like to invite Mu Zhi’an to the back mountain for a week or two to discuss cultivation matters. Please refrain from interfering. How does that sound?” she asked, finally revealing her true objective.

If Mu Zhi’an were present, he would have applauded her negotiation skills. She had presented two unreasonable requests, then offered a slightly more reasonable, but still somewhat outrageous, compromise. Forced to choose, the third option was naturally the most appealing.

“You’ve been planning this all along, haven’t you?” Yan Ruyu said, her gaze fixed on her.

She pondered the offer, then nodded. “Agreed. I won’t interfere. However, whether he accepts your invitation is up to him.”

Ying Guhuan smiled. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t have approached you if I wasn’t confident.”

Now, she just had to wait for Mu Zhi’an to rebuild the Jade Empress’s body.

And then… she could finally focus on her cultivation!

…

Mu Family Residence.

Mu Zhi’an sat in the side hall, enjoying tea with Ren Gao, the guest elder, his gaze lingering on the courtyard outside.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon, as she chased butterflies, her silver hair flowing behind her. She caught a butterfly, then popped it into her mouth.

She’s not picky… He chuckled inwardly.

“You’ve been away from the Two Polarities Sect for four days. Is everything alright?” Ren Gao asked, his voice filled with concern.

“I requested permission to leave the mountain. There’s no problem,” he replied with a smile.

It had been four days since he had descended the mountain. The demonic cultivator from the previous dynasty had been captured by the two Peak Masters and sent to the Enforcement Hall.

And the Gongsun Family, after learning about Ling Long’s true identity, had retreated, abandoning their plans to target the Mu Family.

“Young Master, the stockings you requested are ready.”

The seamstress he had commissioned entered the hall, presenting the stockings.

As he had instructed, they were black and white, semi-transparent, and incredibly smooth and silky.

He nodded, pleased, then tossed her a silver ingot, dismissing her.

Ren Gao’s eyes widened. “Young Master, women are fine, but don’t neglect your cultivation,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of disapproval.

Mu Zhi’an respected the old man, who had watched him grow up. “I understand. I’ll be moderate,” he replied, nodding.

He chatted with Ren Gao for a while longer, leaving behind a jade bottle filled with pills before returning to the Two Polarities Sect.

…

He arrived at the sect with Lin Ling, escorting her back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony before preparing to leave.

“My dear,” a soft, melodious voice called out.

Bai Ruoxi, clad in a white dress adorned with snow lotuses, emerged from the courtyard, her beauty captivating.

“Have you been cultivating diligently?” he asked, smiling at her.

She nodded, then hesitated, her eyes filled with concern. “Are you leaving again?”

“I’m going to the Enforcement Hall… is something the matter?” he asked, sensing her worry.

She gazed at him, her voice soft. “Come with me.”

What is she being so secretive about?

He followed her, his curiosity piqued, Lin Ling trailing behind them.

They arrived at a small, secluded room.

“Isn’t this Mengrou’s room? Why are we here?”

Before he could finish his question, Bai Ruoxi opened the door, revealing the maid lying in bed, clad in her yellow dress.

“It’s rare to see Mengrou resting alone in her room,” he murmured.

She rarely rested, except during her nightly meditation sessions. And now she was sleeping… alone in her room…?

In the middle of the day?

“She’s not resting,” Bai Ruoxi said, glancing at Wei Mengrou, then transmitting her voice. “She tripped over the doorstep this morning.”

He stared at her, dumbfounded.

A Core Formation cultivator, on the verge of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, tripping over a doorstep?

“After that, she went out, and the shockwave from two disciples sparring hit her. Then, while crossing the bridge with the talisman formations, one of the talismans spontaneously combusted, and she almost fell off the cliff,” she continued.

“According to the elders, the formations on that bridge haven’t malfunctioned in a century.”

His eyes narrowed, a thoughtful expression on his face.

It must be her misfortune…

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Lin Ling holding a piece of paper with messy handwriting: “Her misfortune is potent. I didn’t notice it before.”

After a moment of silence, he said, “Leave us alone. I need to talk to Mengrou.”

They left the room, and he turned to Wei Mengrou, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “You’re not asleep, are you, Mengrou?”

He saw her shoulder twitch, then, after a long silence, she spoke, her voice cold and distant. “I always thought you were the burden, but it seems I’m the true burden.”

She sat up, her eyes meeting his, her expression unreadable.

She hadn’t expected her misfortune to worsen so drastically in just four days.

It hadn’t been this bad when she was a child.

She lowered her head, removing the jade pendant from her chest.

It was a spirit tool gifted by the Peak Master of Metamorphic Jewel Peak, designed to suppress misfortune.

However, he noticed a crack on its surface.

“Even a spirit tool can’t suppress your misfortune?” he asked, surprised.

“When did it start?”

“Yesterday,” she replied hesitantly.

Three days… He frowned, lost in thought.

“My misfortune disappears when I’m near you. That’s why Madam insisted I stay by your side,” she revealed.

She hesitated, then continued, “If I wasn’t with you, your destiny might even surpass those with great destiny—”

He placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. “You don’t need to explain, Mengrou. As long as I’m with you, you’ll be safe, right?”

“And I prefer you to any great destiny.”

She stared at him, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions, then fell silent.

Though she didn’t say it, she couldn’t deny the sense of security she felt when he was near.

It wasn’t just because he suppressed her misfortune.

“By the way, I found something interesting in Tianxuan City. It’s perfect for you, Mengrou. Want to try it?” he asked suddenly.

“What is it?” she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“They’re very warm socks,” he replied.

She frowned, then her eyes widened as he retrieved a pair of black silk stockings and a pair of white silk stockings from his storage ring.

“These are your ‘warm socks’?”

How could such thin stockings possibly be warm?

Besides, Core Formation cultivators weren’t affected by the cold.

“You misunderstand me, Mengrou,” he sighed.

“This isn’t one of your kinks, is it?” she asked coldly, seemingly forgetting her misfortune.

“No, it’s not. Here, touch them,” he said, encouraging her.

She glanced at him skeptically, then hesitantly reached out, her fingers brushing against the smooth silk.

Her eyes widened. “Nirvana Silk?” she murmured.

“But why are they different colors?”

“The seamstress made a mistake. I scolded her already,” he replied smoothly.

He handed her the stockings. “Want to try them on, Mengrou?”

“Or I can help you…”

She quickly pulled the blanket over her legs, her cheeks flushing as she sensed his gaze lingering on them. “No, thank you. I’ll try them on later.”

“Alright,” he said with a smile, his expression innocent.

He wasn’t surprised by her reaction.

As long as she accepted his “gift,” he was satisfied.

Unfortunately, he had only been able to make one pair with the limited amount of Nirvana Silk he had.

He had given them to Wei Mengrou, so Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t have any… otherwise, he could have unlocked a new “gameplay” tonight.

He couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

He chatted with her for a while longer, then a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Brother Mu, may I come in?” a sweet voice called out.

It was Ye Lingxuan.

Lingxuan even knows when I’m back? Does she have spies within the sect…? “Come in,” he said.

She entered the room, clad in her purple dress, and smiled politely at Wei Mengrou.

She then turned to him, her smile widening. “You just returned, Brother Mu? Am I disturbing you?”

He shook his head, his smile warm and gentle. “I’m always available for you, Lingxuan.”

Wei Mengrou, knowing him well, rolled her eyes. “I’ll go for a walk,” she said, her voice flat.

However, as she stood up to leave, Lingxuan gasped.

“Hmm…? Mengrou’s misfortune…”

“What is it?” he asked, turning to her.

“I feel like I’ve seen her misfortune somewhere before…”

She stared at Wei Mengrou’s retreating figure, her brow furrowed in thought.

Under their watchful gazes, she continued, “Her misfortune… it’s similar to the curse of the Forbidden Zone.”

“Similar to the curse of the Forbidden Zone…?” he repeated, surprised.

It seemed his trip to the Forbidden Zone might not only help the Jade Empress, but also uncover the reason for Wei Mengrou’s extraordinary misfortune.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“My dear, there’s someone from the Jade Pool Sacred Land here to see you,” Bai Ruoxi’s voice called out from outside.

I just met with the Holy Maiden. Why would someone else come looking for me…?

He decided to be polite. “Invite them in.”

****

Yaochi (??) : Jade Pool

1. ? (yáo) – This character can mean “beautiful,” “precious,” or “jade-like.”
2. ? (chí) – This character means “pond,” “pool,” or “lake.”

Yao Yue and Yao Xin share the same character ? (yáo)