It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 216: The Heavenly Phoenix Tree Bears Fruit

What was the Demon Realm Empress doing in the Eastern Realm?

Mu Zhi’an stared at her, his mind filled with questions.

She was the Demon Empress, ruler of the Northern Realm. And yet, she had chosen this sensitive time to come to the Eastern Realm, even possessing a young girl. He couldn’t ignore it.

That was why he had “reminded” the Jade Empress, prompting her to appear and observe the Demon Realm Empress’s actions.

Wang Ying, or rather, the Demon Realm Empress possessing her, looked up at the Jade Empress, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

“Your aura is so weak, and yet you still sensed my presence.”

Her voice was filled with genuine admiration. She had concealed her destiny to avoid detection, and she had only sent a wisp of her consciousness, possessing a mere Core Formation cultivator.

And yet, the Jade Empress had sensed her presence immediately.

“I would recognize your aura even if you concealed your destiny,” the Jade Empress replied, her gaze fixed on Wang Ying. “The Demon Realm Empress, sneaking into my chambers… what brings you here?”

“I was simply catching up with my subordinate. It has nothing to do with you,” Wang Ying replied with a smile, her voice soft.

“Subordinate?” The Jade Empress glanced at Mu Zhi’an. “He’s not a demon cultivator. How can he be your subordinate?”

Wang Ying licked her lips, her gaze meeting the Jade Empress’s, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I met this young cultivator a while ago and left a mark of the Demon Realm on him. He’s been working for me ever since.”

“But don’t worry, I have no interest in his relationships or his personal life. I marked him on a whim.”

She paused, then added, “However, to see the Jade Empress cultivating with an Innate Celestial Vessel… it’s quite surprising.”

The Jade Empress, her usually cold and aloof expression softening slightly, smiled faintly. “It wasn’t just for the spiritual energy.”

She continued, “It seems your current vessel is quite limited. You only know he’s an Innate Celestial Vessel. You’re unaware of the treasures his vessel contains, aren’t you?”

The Demon Realm Empress wasn’t in her true body. She had only sent a wisp of her consciousness, temporarily possessing Wang Ying.

A Core Formation cultivator without intimate contact with Mu Zhi’an, she wouldn’t be able to sense the true nature of his Innate Celestial Vessel.

“Oh?”

Wang Ying narrowed her eyes, studying Mu Zhi’an, a flicker of interest in her gaze.

He was indeed handsome, his features pleasing to the eye. Even she, having seen countless men, was impressed by his appearance.

But that was all… at least on the surface.

He was only at the First Stage of Core Formation. His talent was decent, but it wasn’t enough to impress her.

However, the Jade Empress’s words piqued her curiosity.

It was strange.

The Innate Celestial Vessel’s nature was fixed. It couldn’t evolve. And yet why would the Jade Empress cultivate with a mere Core Formation cultivator?

If his cultivation was at the Core Formation Realm, his vessel would be at the Nascent Soul level.

But even with a single session of dual cultivation, the amount of spiritual energy an Innate Celestial Vessel could provide was limited, even if they cultivated for an entire day, it wouldn’t be enough to completely deplete his vessel.

And yet, the Jade Empress’s current spiritual energy reserves were far greater than those of an ordinary Nascent Soul expert.

Even if they had cultivated non-stop, she shouldn’t have this much spiritual energy.

There was only one explanation: his Innate Celestial Vessel had been enhanced multiple times.

He shifted uncomfortably under her intense gaze, clearing his throat. “You came all the way to the Eastern Realm, Your Majesty, and even sought me out. There must be something important you need,” he said, hoping to steer the conversation away from his assets.

She was the most dangerous woman he had ever met, at least on the surface.

Among the Dao Integration experts he knew, Sect Master Shang Yanfei was a mystery, the Spirit Dragon was simple-minded, easily placated with food, and the Jade Empress… she was aloof and elegant, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, her presence calming.

Though she appeared kind and approachable, she was difficult to handle.

Last night, he might have taken the initiative at first, but once those vines had wrapped around him… she had taken control.

And the Demon Realm Empress… her allure was so potent that he couldn’t even meet her gaze without feeling his heart race.

He was a seasoned playboy, with exceptional self-control. He could easily avoid looking at a woman if he wanted to.

But the Demon Realm Empress made his heart pound with a single glance.

It was her “charm” ability.

Even a wisp of her consciousness, possessing a young girl, was this alluring… if she were to appear in her true body, he might be forced to kneel before her.

He watched her, waiting for her to speak.

“I’m here because I need your help,” she finally said.

“It concerns the former Demon Emperor.”

He had already guessed it, but he waited for her to elaborate.

“After the former Demon Emperor was sealed, I purged the Northern Realm, eliminating the remnants of the previous regime. Though there are still a few remnants left, they’re insignificant,” she explained.

She looked at him, her voice softening. “I’ve cleansed the Northern Realm, but there are still many remnants in the Eastern Realm.”

His eyes widened, and he said, “Did the Seventh Seat tell you?”

He had used the Spirit Dragon’s power to scare away a remnant of the previous regime in Tianxuan City, and that remnant had been captured by Ying Guhuan and Yan Ruyu, taken to the Two Polarities Sect’s Enforcement Hall.

It seemed they had extracted some valuable information from that demon cultivator.

She nodded silently.

“After a thousand years, there are still remnants of the previous regime lurking in the shadows, and they’ve even infiltrated the Eastern Realm. This isn’t like you,” the Jade Empress said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

“Most of the remnants in the Northern Realm have been eliminated… as for the Eastern Realm, it’s not my concern,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly.

She could easily eliminate any remnants in the Northern Realm.

But even she couldn’t extend her reach to the Eastern Realm.

So she’s here to permanently eliminate the former Demon Emperor… He thought, listening to their conversation.

“You must guard the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit carefully. Once it ripens, it’ll be the perfect opportunity for those remnants to strike,” she continued.

“Can the former Demon Emperor rebuild his body without the Rebirth Water? Just with the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?” he asked.

“His true body is unique. He can maintain his form for a short time even without the Rebirth Water,” the Jade Empress replied.

Sensing his confusion, she added, “His true form is the Nine-Life Heavenly Phoenix. If cultivated to its peak, it can achieve immortality. With the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, he can temporarily form a vessel and regain his power.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

“With Your Majesty and the Jade Empress guarding the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, shouldn’t it be safe?” he asked.

She tapped the table lightly with her finger, her voice calm. “The wisp of my consciousness residing within this girl will soon fade. I won’t be able to help you.”

“As for her…”

She glanced at the Jade Empress, sensing her current state. “If I recall correctly, the Heavenly Phoenix Tree doesn’t bear all its fruits at once. It ripens one fruit every few days. And once she obtains the first fruit, she’ll need to refine it and rebuild her vessel.”

Is she that weak?

He glanced at the Jade Empress, surprised. Her green dress accentuated her curves, her face, flushed from their earlier activities, was as beautiful as a painting.

She didn’t look weak at all.

But the Demon Realm Empress wouldn’t lie about something like this.

She must be in a critical condition.

If that was the case, they would have to find a way to protect the remaining fruits while she was refining the first one…

If the former Demon Emperor obtained the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, the Eastern Realm would be plunged into chaos.

Even a weakened Dao Integration expert’s final struggle would be devastating.

The Demon Realm Empress continued talking about the remnants of the previous regime, and he listened carefully.

They were likely hiding among the ancient families, perhaps even as elders, lurking within Sacred King City.

And their goal was the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

If the Jade Empress was truly weakened, they would have to strengthen the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s defenses.

…

As they chatted, he noticed a faint purple mist rising from Wang Ying’s body. Then, the beautiful woman in the red dress collapsed onto the table, unconscious.

The Demon Realm Empress’s wisp of consciousness had faded.

Silence fell upon the room.

Wei Mengrou stepped forward, helping Wang Ying up. “I’ll take her back,” she said.

She always knew when to leave, silently watching over her young master.

He watched them leave, then his gaze shifted to the Jade Empress. His eyes widened as he noticed her hand, her skin smooth and fair, was slightly translucent, as if she was fading away.

He took her hand, his fingers closing around hers. It was cold, as if it could vanish at any moment.

If not for the Demon Realm Empress’s words, he wouldn’t have noticed, after all, she had been so powerful earlier, effortlessly suppressing those three Nascent Soul elders. It was difficult to imagine such a being fading away.

But it seemed… she was truly in a critical condition.

His spiritual energy was only sustaining her body. Without a vessel, she would eventually vanish.

She looked at him, a faint smile on her lips. “Don’t worry about me. I told you, the Rebirth Water can sustain my body for at least a month. I just need to consume the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit before then.”

She paused, then added, “Besides, I’ve lived for a long time. Even if I fade away, it’s just the natural order of things. There’s no need to be sad.”

He frowned, tightening his grip on her hand, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face. “No one truly accepts death. If we could live forever, who wouldn’t want to?”

She chuckled. “Eternal life sounds appealing, but when you watch your friends succumb to time, one by one, leaving you alone…”

She looked at him, her voice soft. “You might change your mind.”

“Let’s just focus on the present. At least you still have me, right?” He wrapped his arm around her waist, savoring the feel of her soft skin, even through the thin fabric of her dress.

He didn’t know what she was thinking. Perhaps she truly had seen too much death, too much loss, and had grown weary of the world.

His goal was simple: to make her feel loved.

Their relationship might not be that deep yet.

But feelings could develop over time.

Her melancholy vanished as he held her close, his hand moving from her waist to her hip, his lips seeking hers.

She glanced at the door, then turned to him. “Wait… close the door—”

Before she could finish her sentence, he captured her lips with his, his voice echoing in her mind, “It’s fine. This is your chamber. No one will come in…”

His hand moved to the silk ribbon at her waist, and he looked at her, his gaze lingering on her.

She met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement, her cheeks flushed, her beauty even more alluring.

“Close your eyes. Leave the rest to me,” he whispered.

…

Ten days passed.

He had visited Sacred King City to see if the Demon Realm Empress’s consciousness was still within Wang Ying and to see if he could sense any remnants of the previous regime.

Several elders from ancient families had taken the opportunity to invite him to their homes, promising to introduce him to their daughters.

He hadn’t refused their invitations, but he hadn’t accepted them either.

He had simply said, “Maybe next time.”

…

Two days later, a tremor shook the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

A phoenix’s cry echoed from the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

The tree was bearing fruit, its fiery glow illuminating the sky, the phoenix’s cry reverberating through the heavens.

Cultivators gathered outside the Jade Pool Sacred Land, watching the spectacle unfold.

The Heavenly Phoenix Tree was renowned throughout the Eastern Realm, and its fruiting was a rare sight.

And this time was even more special.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit would help the Jade Empress rebuild her vessel and regain her full power.

They stared at the sky, painted red by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s fiery glow.

“Look! The Jade Empress is coming out!” a cultivator exclaimed.

They all turned to see her, her green dress billowing in the wind, her figure bathed in a soft, silver light, as ethereal and beautiful as a celestial being.

She walked towards the fiery phoenix in the sky, her movements graceful, her delicate feet, untouched by the flames, as white as jade.

“She truly is an extraordinary woman,” a rogue cultivator murmured, his eyes filled with admiration.

“Even weakened, a Dao Integration Empress is beyond our reach. This trip to Sacred King City was worth it,” another cultivator said, his admiration tinged with a hint of love.

“If she truly recovers with the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, we’ll have witnessed history.”

“But she needs spiritual energy to rebuild her vessel… I wonder how she’ll obtain it,” a more skeptical cultivator remarked.

“She’s the Jade Empress. She must have a secret technique to temporarily obtain spiritual energy. She used it to suppress those three Nascent Soul experts when she returned to the Jade Pool, didn’t she?” another cultivator speculated.

They all believed that the Jade Empress, a being of unparalleled beauty and power, could achieve anything, even without a vessel.

She did have a secret technique to temporarily obtain spiritual energy from the environment.

However, that spiritual energy could only be used for attacks, not for personal cultivation.

“Why is there a young man with her?” a cultivator suddenly asked, pointing at the figure beside the Jade Empress.

A young man, handsome and well-dressed, his black and gold robe drawing the attention of the female cultivators, was walking beside her.

But she was one of the few Empresses in the world!

Good looks alone weren’t enough to earn a place by her side…

Whispers spread through the crowd.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s Mu Zhi’an,” a cultivator said.

His name had been mentioned frequently in Sacred King City these past few days.

The ancient families, wanting to avoid competition for the Innate Celestial Vessel and to stay in the Jade Empress’s good graces, hadn’t revealed his true nature.

However, some perceptive individuals had noticed something amiss.

Why would the Jade Pool Sacred Land allow an outsider to enter at such a critical time?

Some speculated that he had saved the Jade Empress.

Their treatment of him in Sacred King City seemed to support this theory.

But why was he accompanying her now?

“This is strange. Shouldn’t she be focusing on refining the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit and rebuilding her vessel? Why is she with him?”

“Rebuilding a vessel is a lengthy process. It can’t be interrupted… it doesn’t make sense for her to be with someone else.”

As they discussed this, a voice cut through the chatter. “The Jade Empress needs spiritual energy to rebuild her vessel, and she can only obtain it from external sources.”

“She might have a secret technique to temporarily extract spiritual energy from the environment, but without a vessel, she can’t store it, let alone use it to rebuild her vessel.”

“What are you suggesting…?” a cultivator asked.

“Ambient spiritual energy won’t be enough for her.”

“But if it’s spiritual energy obtained through dual cultivation…”

The chatter ceased as the implication sunk in. They all stared at the young man, their eyes wide with shock.