It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 198: Mu Zhi’an’s True Value

Could it be that the Jade Empress was in a physical form now?

Mu Zhi’an studied her, her thin green dress clinging to her curves, her movements as she held her teacup, and a bold theory formed in his mind.

Before, she had been intangible, but now she could interact with physical objects… did it mean she had manifested a body?

“Why are you staring at me?” she asked, raising her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Have you manifested a physical body, Fairy Sister?”

“Only temporarily. It’ll fade soon,” she replied, shaking her head.

“If not for the seven auras you received from the Rebirth Pool, I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”

“So you’re in a physical form now?” he asked, his gaze lingering on her.

A faint, silver light still emanated from her fair skin, and though her dress hinted at her alluring figure, a thin mist obscured her true appearance.

But it also fueled his desire to… conquer her…

However, she didn’t answer his question, simply smiling at him. “What do you think?”

“You seem to be in a physical form, but I can’t be sure without… confirmation…” he said, then he noticed the teacup in her hand.

It was the one he had just used.

Hmm… I don’t mind indirect kisses, but she, with her noble and aloof demeanor, shouldn’t be so casual… He had noticed a subtle detail.

She set down the teacup and walked towards him, her movements graceful.

A delicate fragrance clung to her, calming and alluring, her smile gentle, her eyes sparkling.

She tapped his forehead lightly, her voice clear and melodious. “Do you think I’m real now?”

“I’m a bit… slow. Did you do something just now, Fairy Sister?” he asked, hoping for a more… convincing… confirmation.

Holding hands, perhaps… that would be more conclusive.

She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I can maintain this form for half an hour each day. After that, I’ll revert to a spiritual form.”

“Your Innate Celestial Vessel also contains the Rebirth Pool’s energy. By nourishing my spirit within your vessel and supplementing it with the Rebirth Water, I’ll be able to fully rebuild my body in ten days.”

“And then you’ll need the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to restore your vessel?” he asked, his expression thoughtful.

She nodded. “The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit can restore my vessel, but it can’t directly absorb spiritual energy from the environment, so…”

“You’ll need the Innate Celestial Vessel…?” he asked tentatively.

Silence fell upon the room, and she blushed, glancing at him shyly.

Compared to her usual aloofness, she seemed more approachable now.

That’s better. Being an aloof empress all the time isn’t cute. It’s better to be more like a normal girl… “If there’s anything I can do, Fairy Sister, I’ll do my best, even if it means becoming your servant!” he declared, bowing deeply, his expression sincere.

She quickly composed herself, her demeanor returning to its usual calmness. “Very well,” she murmured.

“Focus on your cultivation. I’ll return to your vessel soon.”

“There’s no rush,” he said, shaking his head. “I can cultivate later.”

Before she could speak, he continued, “You can only maintain this form for half an hour each day, Fairy Sister. I want to spend more time with you.”

She sat gracefully on a sandalwood chair, her green dress elegant and refined, her beauty both majestic and approachable.

He stared at her, his gaze unwavering, his demeanor surprisingly casual for someone in the presence of an empress.

Her eyes softened, a hint of warmth flickering within their depths. She stared at him, her lips parted slightly.

“Alright,” she finally said, agreeing.

Though she knew he was trying to curry favor, she couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through her heart.

Sometimes, intentions were irrelevant. What mattered was sincerity and knowing how to express oneself.

People, especially women, could sense sincerity.

And he was always sincere, regardless of who he was with.

…

After chatting with her for a while, he watched as her body gradually faded, her physical form dissolving until only her spirit remained.

He sat down on the bed and began meditating.

It was inconvenient without Bai Ruoxi. With her Heavenly Dao Aura, he could cultivate at an accelerated rate, one day equivalent to five or six for others.

But now, his cultivation speed had slowed significantly.

However, he had nothing better to do.

He missed the Two Polarities Sect. Not only could he cultivate efficiently there, but he could also contribute to Bai Ruoxi’s cultivation, helping her reach greater heights.

He calmed his mind, closing his eyes, focusing on his meditation.

…

That night.

Vermilion Phoenix Palace.

Ye Lingxuan sat across from her mother, the Mistress of the Forbidden Zone, enjoying a long-overdue conversation.

The mistress, clad in a luxurious robe, listened to her daughter’s tales of the Two Polarities Sect, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

She possessed a mature beauty that surpassed youthful charms, her figure full and alluring.

“You’ve talked about everything except your… Mu Zhi’an,” she remarked, her smile widening.

“You’ve even brought him to the Forbidden Zone. Don’t tell me you’re trying to hide him from me.”

Lingxuan nudged her playfully. “Mother, what are you talking about? I’m not hiding him. There’s just… nothing interesting to say about him…”

“I heard he has a bad reputation in Tianxuan City. Is it true?”

Lingxuan hesitated, then nodded.

“Well… he did have a bit of a… colorful past… but he’s a good person.”

“You’re blinded by love, dear. You only see his good qualities,” she chuckled, her gaze knowing. As someone who had experienced love, she could see through her daughter’s facade.

“Your father hasn’t objected to your relationship, and neither will I. I won’t force you apart.”

“However, your aunt seems to have some… reservations… she might test him. But don’t worry. She knows her limits. She won’t be too harsh.”

“I heard she injured her spiritual sense yesterday. Bring her some nourishing pills tomorrow,” she added.

“Aunt Siyu is injured…?” Lingxuan repeated, then, after a moment of thought, she said, “I haven’t seen her in a while. I’ll visit her tomorrow.”

She respected her aunt.

She had always been kind to her, showering her with gifts and affection whenever she returned to the Forbidden Zone.

However, if she objected to her relationship with Mu Zhi’an… even her aunt wouldn’t sway her decision.

She stared at her reflection in her teacup, her eyes filled with a quiet determination.

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhi’an woke up from his meditation, exhaling softly.

It was the first time he had meditated so diligently since awakening his memories.

He had been too busy scheming against his enemies, planning his next move, or… enjoying Bai Ruoxi’s company…

A full night of meditation was a rare occurrence.

He opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated, and stretched languidly.

He left his room.

Wei Mengrou was still meditating, so he didn’t disturb her and left the residence.

He had to visit Ye Siyu. He had injured her spiritual sense, after all.

…

He arrived at her courtyard as the sun rose, and a maid greeted him, instructing him to wait while she informed her mistress.

She returned shortly after. “You may enter, Young Master Mu,” she said politely, bowing.

She led him to the side hall, where Ye Siyu was waiting.

Her brown hair cascaded down her back, her skin as white as snow, her lips slightly pale, perhaps due to her injured spiritual sense.

She sat languidly in a chair, her legs crossed, her dark dress accentuating her curves, her figure youthful and alluring.

“Have a seat,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of fatigue.

She was too tired to maintain her usual facade today.

Once he was seated, she dismissed the maids and spoke. “What brings you here today, Young Master Mu?” she asked, her brown eyes studying him.

“I felt bad about injuring you yesterday, Sister Siyu, so I came to check on you,” he replied sincerely.

“That sounds more like a taunt,” she said, turning away with a pout.

However, she recalled him carrying her back to her room, and she hesitated. “Thank you for escorting me back,” she added.

He hadn’t made any… advances… despite her vulnerable state. Even in her dazed state, she had been aware of his actions, and she would have sensed any impropriety.

However, her niece’s Dao Companion had been a perfect gentleman.

She felt both annoyed and relieved.

Annoyed that her beauty and her attire hadn’t tempted him, and relieved that Lingxuan had chosen a reliable man.

He shook his head, his smile gentle. “You’re Lingxuan’s aunt, Sister Siyu. We’re practically family. I couldn’t simply ignore you.”

“I brought some pills. They’ll help you recover faster,” he said, retrieving a jade bottle from his storage ring.

It contained spirit-nourishing pills.

Pills he had “painstakingly” acquired from the Peak Masters and elders.

“Thank you for your kindness, but I have plenty of pills,” she replied, shaking her head.

At her current level, Third or Fourth-Grade pills were useless.

Besides, spirit-nourishing pills were rare. He likely didn’t have many.

She wouldn’t take advantage of him, even if she was testing him.

“You’re more valuable than any pill,” she said, her gaze lingering on him, a strange glint in her eyes.

The Innate Celestial Vessel… if her assessment was correct, only one of the seven auras from the Rebirth Pool had enhanced his vessel. The other six could be bestowed upon others.

If word of this spread, he would become even more popular than Ye Lingxuan, at least among female cultivators.

“Please keep this a secret, Sister Siyu,” he said after a moment of hesitation.

She narrowed her eyes, studying him. “What will you do if I reveal it?”

“I trust you, Sister Siyu,” he replied with a smile.

He wasn’t particularly worried about being discovered.

It would be annoying, yes, but he would be leaving for the Jade Pool Sacred Land soon anyway.

She glanced at him, his calmness annoying her. She felt like she was being… manipulated… “Fine. Just leave. I don’t need your pills. I wouldn’t have been injured if I hadn’t scanned you with my spiritual sense.”

“Keep those pills for yourself.”

She pushed the jade bottle back into his hands.

She’s a bit tsundere… He nodded. “Alright. I’ll take my leave then.”

He stood up and left the hall.

She watched him leave, then a maid entered the room.

“What is it?” she asked.

The maid placed a jade bottle on the table and bowed respectfully. “Young Master Mu asked me to give you these pills, Miss.”

She stared at the bottle, sighing softly.

She had told him she didn’t need them. Why was he trying so hard to please her? And what good were pills from a mere family from Tianxuan City?

Spirit-nourishing pills were at least Fourth-Grade, and even if he had any, he wouldn’t have many.

Wouldn’t it be more meaningful to keep them for himself or exchange them for something he needed?

Despite her thoughts, her gaze softened as she looked at the bottle, a warmth spreading through her heart.

She had been sealed within a formation for a thousand years, waiting for an era of abundant spiritual energy. Most of her peers had long since turned to dust.

Though she had her sister, family couldn’t replace friends.

She had only met Mu Zhi’an a few times, but his concern… it was touching.

Even if it was because of his relationship with Ye Lingxuan, it still warmed her heart.

She didn’t return the pills. She simply placed the bottle on the table, then took a sip of her tea, lost in thought.

“Sister Siyu, I heard you were injured,” a sweet voice called out.

She turned to see Ye Lingxuan, clad in a light purple dress, entering the hall, her youthful beauty radiant, her elegance surpassing that of her peers.

“Who told you that? Was it my sister?” she asked with a smile, her gaze lingering on Lingxuan’s delicate features.

She hadn’t revealed her true identity to Lingxuan in the past, so she had always addressed her as “Sister.” Over time, it had become a habit.

“Your maids. But only a few know,” Lingxuan replied with a smile, her gaze shifting to the jade bottle on the table.

“Brother Mu was here?”

The design on the bottle was clearly from the Two Polarities Sect.

“He came to visit and left some pills,” she replied, nodding.

“I see…” Lingxuan’s expression turned thoughtful.

“You’re worried I said something bad about him, aren’t you?” she asked, her smile widening. She could see through her niece’s intentions.

“You’re so smart, Sister Siyu… so what did you tell him?” she asked, her gaze fixed on her, waiting for an answer.

“Don’t worry. We just chatted. I didn’t say anything bad about him, and I’m not trying to separate you,” she replied calmly.

She wasn’t that bored. She had simply been concerned for Lingxuan and wanted to vet him.

And it seemed he was… acceptable, at least on the surface.

Lingxuan sighed with relief, about to speak again when a clear, gentle voice interrupted them.

“What a coincidence. You’re both here.”

They turned to see a young man, perhaps in his early twenties, his eyes warm, his smile bright.

“Ye Cian, what brings you here?” Ye Siyu asked with a smile.

“I heard you were injured, Sister Siyu, so I came to visit. I didn’t expect to see Lingxuan here as well,” he replied, his gaze lingering on Ye Lingxuan.

She simply nodded politely, maintaining a distance.

He didn’t seem to mind. He retrieved a jade bottle from his sleeve. “I almost forgot. I brought you some spirit-nourishing pills, Sister Siyu. I hope you recover soon.”

He placed the bottle on the table.

He glanced at Ye Lingxuan. “Are you also here to visit Sister Siyu?”

She nodded curtly.

Her coldness made it difficult for him to maintain his cheerful facade.

He composed himself, then noticed the other jade bottle on the table.

“Is that… a pill from the Two Polarities Sect? Was Mu Zhi’an here?”

He studied the bottle, chuckling. “How thoughtful of Young Master Mu. I wonder what kind of pills he gifted you.”

“I haven’t opened it yet,” Ye Siyu replied, shaking her head.

“Why don’t you take a look, Sister Siyu? I’m curious,” he asked with a smile.

What kind of decent pills could a mere family from Tianxuan City offer?

Probably just some Third or Fourth-Grade Qi Gathering Pills.

But spirit-nourishing pills were at least Fourth-Grade, and they fetched high prices at auction houses.

What could Mu Zhi’an possibly offer?

Lingxuan glanced at them, then placed a jade bottle on the table. “I’ll be going now, Sister Siyu. Let’s chat again sometime,” she said with a smile.

Ye Siyu nodded, and she stood up to leave.

“Aren’t you curious about the pills Young Master Mu gifted her, Lingxuan?” Ye Cian asked, his smile widening.

“It’s the thought that counts, Ye Cian. Regardless of what he gave her, his sincerity has reached her. I’m not interested in the details,” she replied calmly.

His smile remained, but his eyes turned cold.

“May I open it, Sister Siyu? I’m quite curious,” he asked.

She nodded.

He smirked, picking up the bottle and opening it.

A rich, medicinal fragrance filled the air, and he stared at the pills, his jaw dropping, his body stiffening.

Ye Siyu also stared at the pills, her eyes flickering with surprise.

Fifth-Grade pills… and even a few Sixth-Grade pills?

“Brother Mu is well-loved by the Peak Masters. He has plenty of Fifth-Grade pills,” Lingxuan remarked, glancing at Ye Cian’s stunned expression.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” she said politely.

She turned and left the courtyard, heading towards Mu Zhi’an’s residence.

…

Silence fell upon the hall.

Ye Siyu traced the surface of the jade bottle with her delicate fingers, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Give up,” she finally said, breaking the silence.

Ye Cian turned to her, meeting her calm gaze, then looked away. “Lingxuan is the only one with the purest bloodline in the Forbidden Zone. If she’s with an outsider, their children won’t inherit it.”

“And you can?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not yet… but after the inheritance ceremony in half a month, my bloodline will be purified!” he declared, his eyes shining with determination. “And then—”

“And then, Lingxuan will still choose whoever she wants,” she interrupted, her voice flat.

“My sister hasn’t stopped them, and neither has the master. Your objections are pointless. Besides… his value far exceeds that of a pure bloodline.”

If not for his existing Dao Companions, even she might have been tempted.

Even if Ye Cian was a Fifth Stage Core Formation prodigy, even if he was a Nascent Soul expert, female cultivators would still choose Mu Zhi’an.

“As for the reason…”

She licked her lips, a knowing glint in her eyes.

The Forbidden Zone’s inheritance required the bloodline, but Mu Zhi’an had received the Rebirth Pool’s approval… would the inheritance also acknowledge him?

She smiled at the young man. “You’ll understand in a few days.”