It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 213: A Marriage Proposal?

The vast amount of spiritual energy, like a raging tide, converged towards the Jade Empress’s chambers, forming a shimmering rainbow bridge.

Mu Zhi’an felt his Innate Celestial Vessel trembling, as if protesting, or perhaps fearing the woman standing by the window.

Though it was his physique, he felt a sense of satisfaction, watching the Jade Empress’s alluring figure.

His Innate Celestial Vessel always snatched up any good stuff without even asking his permission.

Well, now it had encountered the Jade Empress, and she had completely drained it.

Though he was feeling a bit drained himself…

He looked at her, her curves accentuated by her green dress, the night breeze pressing the thin fabric against her body, revealing her alluring figure.

She was a celestial being, yet her body was so seductive… a captivating combination.

She truly is the Jade Empress. Though I’m devoid of any worldly desires right now, I still feel a strange urge to see her blush again… He thought, then noticed the thoughtful expression on her face.

She had completely drained his Innate Celestial Vessel. No ordinary cultivator could possibly harm her now.

So what was she worried about?

She turned to him, sighing softly. “I’m not worried about myself.”

She was worried about him.

Under his questioning gaze, she raised her hand, gathering the vast amount of spiritual energy that was still swirling around them, then channeled it directly into his Innate Celestial Vessel.

Normally, a cultivator’s vessel couldn’t absorb spiritual energy directly. It had to be refined first.

However, the Innate Celestial Vessel was different. It could purify any spiritual energy without any side effects.

If he could control it, it would be the most powerful physique in the world… but unfortunately, it was just a support physique.

And his vessel filled with all sorts of treasures was truly unique.

And that was the problem…

His Innate Celestial Vessel was working overtime, absorbing spiritual energy from the environment, and its aura was leaking out.

She could protect him, but she couldn’t prevent others from sensing him.

He felt her gaze on him, and a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

Did she regret it? Like a man experiencing post-coital tristesse?

But that didn’t make sense… when he had asked if she was satisfied, she hadn’t answered, but her expression, her voice… they had implied consent.

So why is she looking at me like that?

He then felt a familiar sensation as his Innate Celestial Vessel circulated the spiritual energy.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the aura emanating from his vessel.

It contained the essence of all the treasures his vessel had absorbed, all blended together, a potent and alluring fragrance that was slowly spreading from the Jade Empress’s chambers.

“…!”

He realized what was happening, and he looked at her, his voice barely a whisper. “My Innate Celestial Vessel… it’s exposed?”

That was why she was looking at him like that!

She wasn’t worried about herself. She was worried about him!

“It’s exposed,” she confirmed, nodding, her hand on her forehead, sighing softly.

Normally, even an Innate Celestial Vessel wouldn’t absorb spiritual energy at such a rate, but his vessel defied all logic.

“However, most people won’t know it’s you,” she added, trying to reassure him.

Many knew she had returned to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

But very few knew she had brought a young man with her.

And those who knew about their intimacy had been devoured by her vines, their bodies and souls erased from existence.

“However, even if most people don’t know, some ancient families will likely guess your physique.”

“Will my safety be threatened?” he asked after a moment of silence.

“I’m here. You’ll be safe,” she replied calmly, her voice filled with confidence.

“But I can’t stay at the Jade Pool forever…” he sighed.

He had to return to the Two Polarities Sect once she had restored her vessel.

If his Innate Celestial Vessel’s true nature was exposed… the consequences would be dire.

Though most female cultivators in the Xianxia world could maintain a decent appearance, he wasn’t interested in just anyone. He valued quality over quantity. He wasn’t going to keep just any fish in his pond.

Besides, the Jade Empress alone was already giving him a headache.

He had thought she was one of his fish, but after tonight he realized: in her eyes, he was the fish.

She was an Empress, having lived three lifetimes, her experience and her power far surpassing his.

He might have thought he was the hunter, but in her eyes, he was the prey.

“You don’t have to return to the Two Polarities Sect,” she suddenly said.

“You can stay at the Jade Pool if you want.”

Her voice softened, her melodious voice filled with a captivating charm.

It was the “Dao” of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, or rather, the “Dao” of the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

It minimized hostility towards its user. It was a dangerous ability in battle, as it could lower one’s guard.

Combined with the Pure World Azure Lotus, it was one of the reasons she had been so successful in the past.

“I’ll decide later, Fairy Sister,” he replied, nodding.

He had no intention of staying at the Jade Pool. His answer was just a polite way of saying, “Maybe next time.”

“The choice is yours. I’m just offering you a possibility. You can decide what you want to do in the future,” she said with a smile.

She’s asking if I want to be a kept man. If I agree, I can live at the Jade Pool and worship her feet every day… He understood.

“But you have a Dao Companion and a sister at the Two Polarities Sect… and a senior sister who secretly admires you…” she added.

“It’s understandable that you want to return.”

She really was awake the entire time, spying on me…

He knew it.

He could understand her knowing about the others, but his senior sister… they had barely interacted. She must have been observing him from within his vessel.

But if she knew he was a player… if she knew he couldn’t abandon the girls around him…

Why did she agree to cultivate with him?

Because of the Innate Celestial Vessel…?

Or…

“Don’t overthink it. If I truly disliked you, I wouldn’t have agreed to cultivate with you even if you were an Innate Celestial Vessel,” she said, her voice trailing off, but he understood her meaning.

His heart skipped a beat.

He stood up, walking behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist, savoring the feel of her soft and supple body. “I never doubted you, Fairy Sister,” he whispered.

Spiritual energy continued to flow into his Innate Celestial Vessel, but he ignored it, his focus on her.

Though she maintained her usual calm demeanor, she was clearly uncomfortable with his intimacy.

Or perhaps she was simply unsure how to react when she was the one being pursued.

Her cheeks were flushed, her beauty even more captivating.

He guided her towards the window, her delicate feet, adorned with embroidered shoes, dangling playfully as she sat down, her hips pressed against the table. He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze meeting hers.

A soft, silver light, like moonlight, still emanated from her skin, creating a sense of distance, even though they were so close.

It was a tantalizing combination, her ethereal beauty and her alluring aura.

He traced her soft lips with his thumb, then, under her watchful gaze, he leaned in, kissing her.

“Your Innate Celestial Vessel is depleted. And yet you still have the energy for this?” she asked, her voice echoing in his mind, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

He caressed her cheek, transmitting his voice, “It’s not that I have the energy. It’s just… you’re irresistible.”

Under normal circumstances, he would be exhausted by now, but her usual aloofness, combined with her current vulnerability was a potent combination, a temptation he couldn’t resist.

She closed her eyes, her long eyelashes casting shadows on her delicate cheeks.

He savored the taste of her lips, her natural fragrance intoxicating. He had been hesitant during their first kiss in the Forbidden Zone, but now, in her chambers, he had no such reservations.

Time passed, then they heard footsteps approaching.

A knock on the door.

“Senior Jade Empress, the Empress Mother requests your presence in the side hall.”

It was the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s voice, her melodious voice as clear and soothing as the Jade Empress’s.

It shattered the intimate atmosphere, and the Jade Empress opened her eyes, a flicker of surprise in her gaze.

She had almost forgotten about her promise to meet the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

She gently pushed him away, her hand on his arm, stopping his wandering hand, and turned towards the door.

“I understand. You may leave,” she replied, her voice calm.

However, her cheeks were flushed, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.

“Also, several elders from ancient families are requesting an audience with you, Senior,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden added.

“Very well,” she replied, then, after the footsteps faded, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her movements casual.

She straightened her robe, her green eyes meeting his. “Let’s go.”

Her expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed that this aloof and ethereal fairy could be so… passionate…

He nodded, following her out of the room, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

“What do you think they want?” she asked as they walked along the corridor.

“I’m not sure about the Jade Pool Empress Mother… but the elders from the ancient families… they must have sensed the change in your aura, so they’re here to pay their respects?” he replied after a moment of thought.

He had also sensed her power after she had absorbed his spiritual energy. Though ordinary cultivators might not have noticed, those at the Nascent Soul Realm would have definitely felt it.

“Am I right?”

“Yes, but that’s not all,” she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips, a hint of danger in her eyes.

“They’re not just here to pay their respects.”

She reached out, her cool fingers tracing his cheek, brushing his hair aside.

“They’re probably here to propose marriage.”