It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 190: Meeting the Father-in-Law!

“So this is the Forbidden Zone…?”

Mu Zhi’an had just entered a verdant forest, guided by Elder Zhou and the others.

It wasn’t what he had expected. He had imagined a barren wasteland, influenced by the tales of the Forbidden Zone’s curse.

However, the environment was surprisingly pleasant.

A massive shadow swept across the sky, its wings creating a gust of wind. He looked up and saw a colossal creature, its wingspan seemingly covering half the sky, its body blotting out the sun.

“Lingxuan, is this a local specialty?” he asked, turning to the girl flying beside him on his black sword.

“That’s Senior Kun Peng. He rarely appears. He usually resides in the sea,” she replied, her voice clear and melodious.

Kun Peng… it’s huge. The meat must be delicious. Sister Lin Ling would love it… The thought popped into his mind unbidden.

He shook his head, banishing the thought.

He didn’t know if it was Lin Ling’s influence, but he wouldn’t have looked at such a majestic creature and immediately thought of food before…

But it was understandable. During his time at the Two Polarities Sect, Lin Ling had frequently captured various exotic beasts, from the sky, the land, and the sea, and he had been the one preparing them.

Thinking of food upon seeing exotic beasts had become almost instinctive.

“What are you thinking about, Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan asked, noticing his thoughtful expression.

“You, of course,” he whispered in her ear, taking her hand in his.

She blushed, glancing at the three people flying ahead. “We’re almost at the inner regions. Don’t… if the others see us, it’ll be troublesome,” she whispered back.

He chuckled. “It’s fine. One of my reasons for coming here was for you. And our relationship… it’s not a secret here, is it?”

She fell silent, nodding slightly.

Even though she rarely returned to the Forbidden Zone, she knew that news of their relationship had spread. Otherwise, Zhou Hao and the others wouldn’t have come to the Two Polarities Sect.

“Since they know, there’s no need to hide, right? There are no outsiders here,” he said, tightening his grip on her hand.

Their conversation reached the ears of the three people ahead.

Liu Honghuai, the woman in red, wasn’t jealous. She simply glanced back at them occasionally, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

Elder Zhou, who had initially been arrogant and dismissive, had become subdued after the incident with the Jade Empress and Lin Ling.

However, Zhou Hao’s anger simmered as he listened to their conversation, his jaw clenching at Mu Zhi’an’s affectionate words and gestures.

He restrained himself, his fists clenched tightly.

They were nearing the inner regions of the Forbidden Zone. Mu Zhi’an might have powerful connections at the Two Polarities Sect, but here… even dragons had to bow their heads!

Killing him was out of the question, but he had surely come prepared for a “lesson,” hadn’t he?

After all, many of the male disciples in the Forbidden Zone resented him.

Zhou Hao was simply one of them.

Once their young mistress began her inheritance… who would protect him then?

Besides, the master of the Forbidden Zone also disliked the man who had stolen his daughter’s heart. He would likely turn a blind eye if the disciples decided to “teach him a lesson.”

Enjoy it while you can… once you enter the inner regions, you’ll experience the true “warmth” of the Forbidden Zone.

He glanced back at them, a cold smile gracing his lips.

The pampered young master was shamelessly embracing the girl in the purple dress, and she, usually elegant and composed, simply blushed and glared at him halfheartedly.

She seemed annoyed by his public display of affection, yet her eyes held a hint of shyness.

Behind them, Wei Mengrou followed silently, her yellow dress clinging to her alluring curves, her face as cold and beautiful as ever.

Though she was stunning, her presence was subtle. If not for her near-Nascent Soul cultivation, they might have forgotten about her.

After their brief separation, she had suffered a series of unfortunate events due to her misfortune.

He had decided that it was safer for her to remain by his side.

Besides, Ye Lingxuan had said that her misfortune was similar to the curse of the Forbidden Zone… perhaps he could learn its origin from the master.

Zhou Hao turned away, his gaze fixed on the Dongtian entrance that was coming into view. “We’re almost there,” he said with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an looked up and saw a vast, blue ocean at the end of the verdant forest.

Massive creatures occasionally leaped from the water, then vanished back into the depths.

It’s a good thing Ling Long isn’t here. She would devour the Forbidden Zone’s food supply… He thought, amused.

Elder Zhou stopped at the edge of the ocean and performed a series of hand seals.

A whirlpool appeared on the calm surface, and a creature with a human upper body and a dragon lower body emerged, its antlers branching towards the sky, its blue scales shimmering in the sunlight.

“Senior, we require your assistance,” Elder Zhou said respectfully, bowing.

Zhou Hao and Liu Honghuai also bowed.

Ye Lingxuan smiled. “Uncle Lei Shen, it’s been a while.”

This was Lei Shen, one of the guardian beasts of the Forbidden Zone.

He was colossal, his tail creating massive waves as it swayed. He looked down at the girl, his voice booming like thunder. “You’ve finally decided to return, little one.”

He’s at least a Nascent Soul expert, perhaps even Sixth Stage or higher… Mu Zhi’an thought, awed.

Creatures like Lei Shen were considered demonic cultivators.

And cultivation was much more difficult for demonic cultivators than for humans.

Their tribulations were far more dangerous, and many perished during their Nascent Soul tribulations.

At the same cultivation level, demonic cultivators were generally stronger than human cultivators, unless the human possessed a special physique.

However, such individuals were rare.

Lei Shen’s gaze softened as he looked at Ye Lingxuan, his usual imposing demeanor replaced by a gentle warmth. He clearly doted on the master’s daughter.

He then turned his attention to the young man beside her. “So you’re Mu Zhi’an,” he said, his voice deep and resonant.

“Greetings, Senior Lei Shen,” Mu Zhi’an said, bowing respectfully.

He simply grunted in response, then waved his hand.

The ocean parted, revealing a path leading into the depths.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened as he recognized the path’s true nature.

It was… a Dongtian.

“Enter,” Lei Shen said.

“The master awaits.”

He nodded and followed them into the depths, stepping onto the path.

Instead of a dark and murky seabed, they found themselves in a magnificent palace, its architecture ancient and ornate.

It was even more luxurious than the imperial palace.

Dozens of young people, around Mu Zhi’an’s age, were gathered at the entrance.

They were disciples of the Forbidden Zone, curious to see the newcomer.

Several elders stood behind them, their gazes also fixed on the entrance.

“Lingxuan, you’re finally back! Have you forgotten about your sister?”

A girl in a light blue dress rushed towards them, embracing Ye Lingxuan’s arm, her voice filled with playful reproach.

She was one of the disciples who had struggled to resist Lin Ling’s aura earlier.

“She hasn’t forgotten us. She’s simply blinded by love. If not for the inheritance, she would have forgotten where the Forbidden Zone even is,” another girl teased.

Ye Lingxuan blushed. “Don’t tease me, Sisters. Of course, I missed you… I just haven’t had the time to return.”

“Sure, sure. It’s all because of this Young Master Mu, isn’t it?” the girl in the blue dress said, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

He’s well-dressed, and handsome, and his talent… Core Formation Realm… not bad.

But that’s not enough to capture our young mistress’s heart…

As she pondered this, the other disciples gathered around Ye Lingxuan, greeting her warmly. Despite her infrequent visits, her talent and her grace had earned their respect.

She couldn’t very well ignore them, so she simply glanced at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes apologetic.

He smiled reassuringly.

He was pleased to see her popularity and her amicable relationship with the others.

“As most of you know, this is Mu Zhi’an, the one my brother, Zhou Cang, mentioned,” Zhou Hao announced.

“He’s also our young mistress’s Dao Companion.”

The word “Dao Companion” silenced the crowd.

They all turned to stare at Mu Zhi’an.

They had heard of him, and now, seeing him in person, they were curious if he possessed any extraordinary qualities.

But he seemed… ordinary, apart from his good looks…

An awkward silence fell upon the plaza. Some glared at him with undisguised hostility, while others nodded politely.

He returned their nods with a smile.

“Prepare a feast to welcome our young mistress home,” an elder said from behind them.

He then turned to Mu Zhi’an, his gaze softening. “Young friend, please follow me. The master awaits.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, his expression calm, though he felt a surge of nervousness.

He had been preparing himself to meet the master of the Forbidden Zone, but he hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

He wasn’t ready to face the final boss yet…