It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 215: The Demon Realm Empress Arrives

Ancient families held a prominent position in the Eastern Realm, often ranking among the most powerful forces.

And those with ancestral artifacts, excluding the Forbidden Zone and the Two Polarities Sect, stood at the very top.

Eight ancient families had come to visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land, and two of them possessed ancestral artifacts.

The other families hadn’t arrived yet, either because of the distance or because they were unaware of Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel and its implications.

They were still in the dark, unaware of his true nature and therefore unable to connect it to the Jade Empress’s partial recovery.

After all, no one would believe that the Jade Empress would cultivate with a young man, even now, knowing about his Innate Celestial Vessel, few dared to entertain such a thought.

They simply assumed she had used some secret technique to absorb spiritual energy from the environment.

After all, she was an Empress. Such a feat wasn’t impossible for her.

…

As Mu Zhi’an entered the Jade Pool’s main hall with the Jade Empress and the others, he heard a boisterous laugh.

“Wang Meng, I didn’t expect to see you here. It seems even the most arrogant of men bow before the Jade Empress.” The voice was old, laced with a hint of mockery.

The target of the taunt was Wang Meng, a retainer of the Wang Family, who had recently arrived in Sacred King City.

Beside him stood Wang Ying, a beautiful woman clad in a red dress, her every movement captivating, her gaze drawing the attention of the young male cultivators.

Rumors of her bewitching charm had circulated for years, but many had doubted their validity.

However, seeing her in person, they were convinced.

She truly was alluring, her figure graceful, her long, slender legs exposed beneath her red dress.

“The Jade Empress’s return is a momentous occasion. It’s only natural for us to pay our respects. Are you suggesting she’s not worthy of our respect, Elder Shi?” Wang Meng replied with a smile.

“Who else should we be paying our respects to? You?”

He had cleverly shifted the blame onto Elder Shi, a member of the Profound Yin Palace, and the other ancient families turned to look at him, their gazes curious.

Elder Shi scoffed. “If you’re here to pay your respects, why did you bring the Wang Family’s daughter with you?”

“My young mistress has always admired the Jade Empress. She wanted to pay her respects upon hearing of her recovery. Is there something wrong with that?” Wang Meng replied calmly.

“Heh, you say that, but you’re actually here for the Innate Celestial Vessel, aren’t you?” a blunt voice interjected.

The ancient families had come to the Jade Pool Sacred Land not only to pay their respects to the Jade Empress, but also to confirm the rumors of an Innate Celestial Vessel residing within.

Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, yawned, seemingly bored.

She then seemed to sense something, her eyes widening as she glanced towards the entrance, her gaze fixed on the Jade Empress, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

The elders also noticed her and turned to face her, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Jade Empress!”

They then glanced at Mu Zhi’an, their curiosity evident.

They knew he was close to the Jade Empress, but to accompany her to such an occasion… it was intriguing.

He shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, nodding politely, then found a seat.

He was just a guest. He shouldn’t be involved in these discussions.

Fortunately, there were a few young cultivators present, so he didn’t stand out too much.

He had barely sat down when he felt a gaze on him.

He looked up and saw a beautiful woman, her attire alluring, her eyes filled with a seductive invitation.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, sensing his thoughts, transmitted her voice, “That’s Wang Ying, the eldest daughter of the Wang Family. She’s at the Sixth Stage of Core Formation and is considered one of the most talented cultivators in the Eastern Realm.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

He had heard of the Wang Family. They were a powerful force in the Eastern Realm, and their cherished daughter was said to be a prodigy, pampered by the elders.

He didn’t know how strong she was, but her figure was certainly prodigious…

Of course, compared to the Jade Empress’s assets, even a temptress like her paled in comparison.

Her abundance was unmatched, that was why he preferred older women.

Especially those like the Jade Empress, who had already achieved success and had no further ambitions, they were the perfect targets for gold-digging.

But her aura felt familiar. He stared at her long, slender legs, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over him.

It wasn’t because he was attracted to her, it was a genuine feeling of familiarity.

Is it my womanizing instincts acting up, or have I really met her before…? He frowned, his gaze lingering on her, his mind racing.

He then noticed the elder who had been arguing with Wang Meng. His aura was also quite powerful, likely similar to Wang Meng’s cultivation level.

“Who’s that arguing with Wang Meng?”

“That’s Elder Shi, the Third Elder of the Profound Yin Palace. He’s also here for you,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden transmitted her voice.

“The Palace Master of the Profound Yin Palace has a young daughter who’s been plagued by illness since childhood. Elder Shi likely sensed your Innate Celestial Vessel and came to see you.”

“What good is an Innate Celestial Vessel against illness?” he asked, his expression puzzled.

He was an Innate Celestial Vessel, not a doctor. Why would they come to him instead of seeking medical help?

Could the Innate Celestial Vessel cure illnesses?

“The Profound Yin Palace cultivates a unique physique, the Profound Yin Body, which can only be inherited by a select few. Those with this physique are weak and sickly until they reach Core Formation. Even after reaching Core Formation, they’re still plagued by weakness,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden explained, her gaze fixed on the elders as they took their seats.

“Only after reaching Nascent Soul does the Profound Yin Body reach its full potential, free from those limitations.”

“They’ve never lost a single spar against those of the same cultivation level.”

That physique has a lot of drawbacks, but it seems quite powerful… He thought.

“The Lu Family, the Lan Family, the two palaces, and the three pavilions have also sent representatives. They’re here to pay their respects to the Jade Empress. And they’re also here for…” She paused, glancing at him.

And that was without knowing that his Innate Celestial Vessel wasn’t just an ordinary one. If they knew about the spiritual energy and the Heavenly Dao Aura within, they would likely start fighting over him.

“What do you think, Young Master Mu?” she asked.

She knew he was close to Lan Mulian, and he also had another exceptional woman living in his residence.

She didn’t have a strong impression of Bai Ruoxi, only a vague memory of her ample bosom…

With two such beautiful women as his companions, his opinion on these “marriage proposals” was intriguing.

And if she wasn’t mistaken, the Jade Empress was also involved with him.

“Let the Jade Empress decide. I’m not interested in marriage,” he replied, shaking his head.

“Besides, I already have someone I like.”

She studied him, then, after a moment of hesitation, she transmitted her voice, “May I ask you a rather personal question, Young Master Mu…?”

Her gaze was fixed on him, her expression serious.

“Ask away, Fairy Yao Yue.”

“Are you involved with the Jade Empress?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes searching his.

Even she, despite her aloof nature, was curious. She wasn’t usually interested in gossip, but the Jade Empress… it was difficult to ignore such a juicy tidbit.

“It’s complicated. I can’t explain it in a few words,” he replied with a gentle smile. “If you’re interested, Fairy Yao Yue, we can discuss it over tea sometime.”

“Alright,” she said with a smile, dropping the subject.

She was an intelligent woman. She could tell he didn’t want to talk about it now.

However, his words confirmed her suspicions: he and the Jade Empress were definitely involved.

…

As they chatted, the ancient families presented their gifts.

Elder Shi of the Profound Yin Palace then bowed respectfully. “Senior Jade Empress, I’m here not only to offer my congratulations, but also to ask for a favor.”

The other elders and retainers turned to look at him, surprised by his boldness.

“Speak freely,” the Jade Empress replied, a faint smile on her lips, her fair skin glowing against her green dress.

She looked like an ordinary woman, her appearance betraying no hint of her long life.

Based on the Nine Realms’ timeline, with each life spanning five thousand years, she had lived for over ten thousand years.

“My young mistress is seventeen years old and has been plagued by the Profound Yin Body since childhood. Before reaching Core Formation, she was often weak and sickly, just like an ordinary mortal,” Elder Shi explained.

He paused, then continued, “Tonight, a celestial phenomenon occurred, a vast amount of spiritual energy converging upon the Jade Pool. And the one who attracted this energy… it’s Young Master Mu, isn’t it?”

He smiled at Mu Zhi’an, his gaze friendly.

Though he was only at the First Stage of Core Formation, he was an Innate Celestial Vessel. And his relationship with the Jade Empress seemed quite close. If they were to marry, he could assist his young mistress, helping her reach Core Formation, even Nascent Soul.

“Is he an Innate Celestial Vessel?” he asked again.

The “guests” turned to look at the Jade Empress, their gazes expectant.

“He is,” she confirmed.

Their gazes shifted to Mu Zhi’an.

Even those who had suspected it, who had been almost certain of it, were still surprised to hear it confirmed by the Jade Empress herself.

The Innate Celestial Vessel truly existed, and he was already at the Core Formation Realm?!

Very few cultivators reached Core Formation at his age, especially those with the Innate Celestial Vessel.

Not only the elders from the ancient families, but even those from the Jade Pool Sacred Land stared at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and awe.

“To be honest, I’m also here to ask Young Master Mu for his opinion of my young mistress,” Elder Shi said.

I don’t even know what your daughter looks like. What kind of opinion can I have? Mu Zhi’an smiled, but didn’t answer.

“The Profound Yin Body’s weakness fades after reaching Core Formation. Though they’re still frail, they’re no longer as vulnerable to illness. Relying on an Innate Celestial Vessel for shortcuts… it’s not a good idea,” Wang Meng interjected, his tone mocking.

“How noble of you, Elder Wang. But you brought your daughter here as well. Are you saying you’re not here for the Innate Celestial Vessel?” another elder retorted, his words sharp.

“It’s different. Marriage should be based on love, not just benefits,” Wang Meng replied calmly.

“Love?” Elder Shi scoffed. “Have your daughter and Young Master Mu even met?”

“If they haven’t, how can you talk about love?”

“Feelings can develop over time. We’re not just here for benefits.” Wang Meng paused, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

“Besides, you can ask him how he feels about my daughter.”

The attention shifted to Mu Zhi’an.

Can’t you guys argue without dragging me into it…? He looked at the woman in the red dress, her figure alluring, her revealing dress showing off her ample cleavage, her posture relaxed as she sipped her tea, as if unconcerned by the unfolding drama.

However, when Elder Shi had mentioned her, she had glanced at him.

He met her gaze, and his heart skipped a beat.

I’ve definitely met her before! He thought.

He had never heard of “Wang Ying,” but her seductive gaze felt familiar.

But who is she…? He frowned, his gaze lingering on her, his mind racing.

“You brought your daughter to the Jade Pool Sacred Land, Elder Wang. Are you suggesting Young Master Mu can simply say he doesn’t like her?” Elder Shi demanded, his voice laced with anger.

“Why didn’t you bring your daughter?” Wang Meng retorted calmly.

Elder Shi’s face flushed with anger, his spiritual energy threatening to erupt.

The Holy Maiden of the Profound Yin Palace had been weak and sickly since childhood due to her unique physique. She rarely left her home, let alone traveled far.

Wang Meng’s words had struck a nerve. If the Jade Empress wasn’t present, he might have already attacked.

The atmosphere grew tense, and Mu Zhi’an was about to intervene when he felt a burning sensation within his body.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the change.

He then opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.

The mark the Demon Realm Empress had left on him was reacting.

There’s a demon cultivator among them…? He thought.

As the thought crossed his mind, the Jade Empress spoke, silencing the arguing elders.

“Mu Zhi’an saved my life,” she said, her voice clear and melodious.

“How could a mere Core Formation cultivator save you, Senior?!” a young man exclaimed, unable to contain his disbelief. He stared at Mu Zhi’an, his eyes wide with shock.

The Jade Empress glanced at him, but didn’t answer.

The elder behind the young man pulled him back, bowing apologetically. “My apologies, Senior Jade Empress. My son is still young and foolish.”

Though he didn’t know how a Core Formation cultivator could possibly save the Jade Empress, questioning her now was akin to accusing her of lying.

Many young cultivators from ancient families were arrogant. They believed that even a Nascent Soul expert wouldn’t be able to help the Jade Empress, let alone a Core Formation cultivator.

However, the Jade Empress wouldn’t lie, at least not about something like this.

Which meant Mu Zhi’an had truly saved her life.

It was a great debt, and once she recovered and restored her vessel, no one in the Eastern Realm would dare harm him.

He was now bound to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The elders looked at him, their eyes filled with a newfound respect.

The Jade Empress spoke again. “Mu Zhi’an has told me that he’s not interested in marriage at this time. Let’s not discuss this matter further.”

I never said that… He thought, but he maintained his composure, his gaze sweeping over the elders and the young cultivators accompanying them.

The Demon Realm’s mark hadn’t reacted when he had first arrived at the Jade Pool, but now it was reacting.

Which meant there was a demon cultivator among them.

But who…?

And did the Jade Empress know?

He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t read her expression.

She might appear kind and approachable, her skin shimmering with a faint, silver light, but she was a mysterious and complex woman.

And surprisingly possessive…

She was fine with being the one to cuckold others, but she wouldn’t tolerate being cuckolded herself.

He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. If she was his only Dao Companion, it wouldn’t be a problem, but he had other companions.

Well, he only had one Dao Companion, but he also had two close “sisters,” a close “elder sister,” and a close “senior sister”.

And his younger “sister” seemed to be developing some dark tendencies…

As he pondered his complicated relationships, the Jade Empress smiled faintly. “Of course, if he finds someone he likes, I won’t stop him.”

The elders couldn’t argue with that. They simply nodded in agreement.

However, their gazes lingered on Mu Zhi’an.

The Jade Empress hadn’t rejected their proposals, which meant she wasn’t planning to keep him at the Jade Pool Sacred Land. It was a relief.

If she wanted to keep him, she could have simply offered him one of the Jade Pool’s fairies as a wife.

But she hadn’t. She was giving him a choice.

She truly was the Jade Empress. Though the Innate Celestial Vessel was a rare and valuable physique, she wasn’t going to pressure him or exploit him.

As for his claim that he wasn’t interested in marriage… they didn’t believe him. He was simply young and inexperienced. He hadn’t met enough exceptional women.

Once he left the Jade Pool Sacred Land, they would invite him to their families as guests.

And once he met their daughters, he would be smitten.

They were confident they could “win” him over.

They presented their gifts, then took their leave. He watched them go, his eyes narrowed, his mind racing.

He knew there was a demon cultivator among them, but who was it?

A demon cultivator, brazenly entering the Jade Empress’s domain, weren’t they afraid of being discovered and killed?

Or did they have a way to escape her detection?

It seemed unlikely, unless they were as powerful as her.

But in the Demon Realm, there was only one being who possessed such power—

His thoughts were interrupted as he stared at Wang Ying’s retreating figure.

Could it be her…?

…

“After tonight, those ancient families, regardless of their previous intentions, won’t make any rash moves,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden said, watching the elders and young cultivators depart.

They had come to propose marriage and to assess the Jade Empress’s condition.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land had initially activated their formations and deployed their forces, prepared to defend the Heavenly Phoenix Tree with their lives.

But the Jade Empress’s intervention had solved all their problems.

Now, even without the formations, no one would dare attack the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, looked at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes twinkling. “Your Innate Celestial Vessel is quite popular. Are you sure you don’t want to accept any of those proposals?”

“You saw the Wang Family’s daughter, right? She’s alluring, and she has a great figure. The other girls are also beautiful. I’ve met a few of them before,” she added.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m not interested in finding a Dao Companion.”

“Besides, shouldn’t a Dao Companion be found through fate, not through introductions?” he said, smiling at her.

She was around Ye Lingxuan’s age, and she, like most girls her age, loved romantic fantasies. His words resonated with her, and she nodded in agreement.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother instructed the elders to remain vigilant, to guard the Heavenly Phoenix Tree with their lives.

He listened to their conversation, then, as the Jade Empress prepared to leave, he followed her.

“Fairy Sister, if I refuse those families’ invitations, will I offend them?” he asked, his voice filled with mock concern.

“It’s your decision. If you don’t want to accept their offers, then refuse. I’ll protect you,” she replied with a smile.

“You’re so kind to me, Fairy Sister,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

She glanced at him, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s all karma. You helped me, and now I’m helping you.”

If he hadn’t gone to the Pilgrimage Palace and brought her out of that celestial realm, if he hadn’t traveled to the Forbidden Zone to obtain the Rebirth Water for her, she wouldn’t be here now.

“It’s my honor to serve you, Fairy Sister.”

He looked at her, his gaze filled with admiration and a hint of something else…

They chatted for a while longer, then, as they approached her chambers, he was about to follow her inside.

However, she stopped at the doorway, chuckling softly, her demeanor returning to its usual aloofness. “Go back and meditate. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

His Innate Celestial Vessel was completely depleted. If he went inside with her, he would only try to be intimate with her, and it would take even longer for his vessel to recover. It was better for him to be alone.

She gently pushed him out of the room with a wave of her hand.

He stood there, watching her, her back to him, the night breeze lifting her skirt slightly, revealing her alluring curves.

Then, the door closed.

“She’s cold-hearted once she’s satisfied,” he murmured, shaking his head, a wry smile on his lips.

Well, he would just have to discipline her once his Innate Celestial Vessel recovered.

He would show her what it felt like to be teased. He transmitted his voice, “By the way, there’s a demon cultivator among those who came to the Jade Pool today.”

“Do you know who it is?” she replied, her voice filled with curiosity.

He thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, but I’ve only ever sensed that kind of allure from one person…”

He transmitted a name.

Silence.

“Go and meditate,” she said softly. “If I’m not mistaken, she’ll come to see you soon.”

He nodded, leaving her chambers and finding a nearby guest room, where he began meditating.

That night, a rainbow bridge of spiritual energy, flowing from the environment towards the Jade Empress’s chambers, illuminated the sky.

…

He woke up the next morning, feeling the spiritual energy within his Innate Celestial Vessel, sighing softly.

It would take at least two more days for it to fully recover.

She might appear delicate and ethereal, but she had completely drained his Innate Celestial Vessel in less than a night.

Her ability was even more terrifying than her vines…

He closed his eyes, resuming his meditation.

He had to replenish his spiritual energy so he could serve her again.

And his “Eight Desolate Dream Diagram” could also be enhanced by her physique.

He had just closed his eyes when he sensed someone outside his door. “Mengrou, is that you?”

The door opened, and Wei Mengrou entered the room.

“What brings you here? Did you miss me?” he asked with a smile.

She glanced at him, her voice flat. “Someone asked me to deliver a message. They said it was important.”

Only the Jade Empress, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, and Wei Mengrou could enter his chambers.

Who would ask Mengrou to deliver a message? “Is it someone I know?”

He didn’t know anyone at the Jade Pool… so it must be someone he didn’t know, but who knew him?

“Wang Ying, the daughter of the Wang Family,” Wei Mengrou replied.

Her… He thought for a moment, then said, “Bring her here.”

It seemed his guess was correct.

…

He waited for a while, then Wang Ying entered the room.

She licked her lips, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s not easy to see you, Young Master Mu.”

She walked towards him, her movements graceful, her long, slender legs crossed elegantly as she sat down, her gaze fixed on him, her allure undeniable.

“What brings you here, Miss Wang?” he asked, getting straight to the point, his gaze lingering on her.

“Why are you in such a hurry, Young Master Mu? Where’s the romance?” she purred, her eyes filled with a seductive invitation.

“Miss Wang… you know me, don’t you?” he asked, pouring her a cup of tea, his gaze fixed on her.

Her eyes, so alluring, so captivating, he felt his soul being drawn towards her.

“No…” He shook his head, staring at her beautiful face. “I should address you as… Your Majesty, shouldn’t I?”

Her smile faded slightly, and she traced her long, slender leg with her delicate finger, her gaze meeting his, her voice soft. “Being too clever isn’t always a good thing, Young Master Mu.”

“If I were your enemy, even the Jade Empress’s chambers wouldn’t protect you.”

He chuckled. “I wasn’t sure of your identity, Your Majesty, so I took some precautions. Apologies.”

She narrowed her eyes, studying him, her lips parted slightly, a flicker of confusion in her gaze.

Then, a clear and melodious voice echoed through the room.

“Why all the secrecy? Why not join us?”

Wang Ying glanced to the side.

The Jade Empress, her beauty as captivating as ever, had materialized in the room.