It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 224: Seeds of Hatred

The seemingly ordinary slap on the Go board reverberated throughout the Western Regions, culminating in a deafening roar.

The ground trembled violently!

“Amitabha.”

A Buddhist chant resonated throughout the Western Regions, as if thousands of voices were chanting in unison, the sound echoing across the Nine Realms.

A golden light pierced the night sky. In a region shrouded by dark clouds, a colossal Buddha statue materialized.

A tidal wave of golden light followed, and the trembling earth gradually calmed.

Countless Buddhist disciples in the Western Regions looked up, their expressions tense. Although they didn’t know what was happening, they could sense that a powerful being from the Western Regions was clashing with the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect in the Eastern Realm.

The reason for this conflict remained unknown.

“Shang Yanfei, the Two Polarities Sect has never interfered in external affairs. Your actions will lead the sect to ruin,” a sinister voice from the depths of the Southern Wilderness boomed.

“The Ling Long’s words might hold power, but that doesn’t mean she won’t suffer backlash. Are you truly willing to pit the Two Polarities Sect against both the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions?” another cold voice echoed. Although the tone was strong, it was actually offering Shang Yanfei a way out, hoping to avoid a full-blown conflict.

The Ling Long’s power was terrifying. Although a certain ‘restriction’ prevented her from speaking frequently, every word she uttered resonated with the Great Dao. If she truly unleashed her power, the Southern Wilderness would suffer immense losses.

In that case, other forces lurking in the shadows might seize the opportunity to benefit.

“Amitabha, Benefactor Shang, it’s best to reconsider your actions.”

“Pitting the Two Polarities Sect against the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions is unwise,” a Buddha said slowly.

“One Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus,” Shang Yanfei declared.

“You know better than I do why I need this Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus from the Western Regions.”

Why would the Western Regions intervene on behalf of the Southern Wilderness and even side with them when the Eastern Realm and the Southern Wilderness were at odds?

Logically, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for the Western Regions to watch from the sidelines as the two sides fought each other?

Just like the other forces that were currently silent.

Yet, the Western Regions had chosen to speak up.

The only explanation was that they were also involved in hindering the Jade Empress’s rebirth and had even reached an agreement with the Southern Wilderness, forcing them to intervene.

After all, the forces that wished to prevent the Jade Empress’s return were far more than just the evil deities of the Southern Wilderness.

The Jade Empress had visited the Western Regions in the past, and it seemed something unpleasant had happened. Now that they knew she was reconstructing her Vessel, the powerful beings in the Western Regions naturally didn’t want her to regain her Dao Integration Realm cultivation.

“In addition, I also want an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb from the Southern Wilderness,” Shang Yanfei said calmly.

“Demanding medicinal herbs from both the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness? The Two Polarities Sect alone isn’t enough for that.” Finally, an evil deity in the Southern Wilderness couldn’t hold back any longer. It extended a giant hand from the depths of the Southern Wilderness, covering the sky as it reached towards the Eastern Realm.

Countless cultivators in the Eastern Realm trembled, realizing that an evil deity from the Southern Wilderness was about to attack!

However, before the giant hand could reach its target, thunder roared, and a voice echoed, “The Two Polarities Sect might not be enough, but what about with the Forbidden Zone?”

Amidst the rolling thunder, a majestic voice resonated throughout the Nine Realms. Before the evil deity’s hand could touch the edge of the Eastern Realm, pitch-black flames erupted along the border.

Boom!

A deafening explosion shook the border of the Eastern Realm. The evil deity silently retracted its hand, seemingly enraged. “Master of the Forbidden Zone, what business does the Forbidden Zone have in this?!”

In a sense, the Forbidden Zone was a special ‘Celestial Realm’. Even if the Eastern Realm disappeared, the Forbidden Zone would still exist. This was one of the reasons why it had never interfered in the Eastern Realm’s affairs in the past.

Yet, the Master of the Forbidden Zone had intervened this time. It didn’t make sense.

“That cultivator is my daughter’s Dao Companion,” the Master of the Forbidden Zone said calmly.

That cultivator…?

The Jade Empress’s Dao Companion and the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ son-in-law…?

Even the old monsters were stunned by this revelation, finding it utterly absurd.

With the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ personality, how could he allow his son-in-law to have more than one Dao Companion?

But the Master of the Forbidden Zone wouldn’t lie about this.

This meant… that the deceased young man was likely backed by the Forbidden Zone!

As the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ voice faded, the tense atmosphere seemed to ease slightly.

If it were just the Two Polarities Sect, the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness might have been able to persuade Shang Yanfei to back down. But with the addition of the Forbidden Zone, and even the Jade Empress…

An evil deity in the Southern Wilderness slowly spoke, “I can decide to give an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb from the Southern Wilderness to the Two Polarities Sect.”

The deity paused, then continued, “The Two Polarities Sect’s Ascension Ceremony is renowned throughout the Nine Realms, attracting countless cultivators every year. How about we settle this with a wager?”

“If the Eastern Realm wins the Ascension Ceremony, the medicinal herb will be our congratulatory gift, and I will offer an eighth-grade pill as a reward for the ceremony. If our disciples from the Southern Wilderness win, you only need to return an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb to us. How does that sound?”

“If this wager is acceptable, the Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus can be handed over to the sect today. What do you think, Benefactor Shang?” a powerful being from the Western Regions also spoke.

“The winner of the Ascension Ceremony will receive an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb and two eighth-grade pills, one from each of us.”

If beings at the Dao Integration Realm fought, the entire Nine Realms would descend into chaos.

Two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs were incredibly valuable even to such powerful beings, but the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were in the wrong. With the Forbidden Zone’s involvement and the presence of the Reincarnated Empress… they needed to proceed cautiously.

Powerful beings from all realms had sensed the Reincarnated Empress’s aura. The puppet by her side was also a ‘Reincarnated Empress’ and at the Dao Integration Realm, a force to be reckoned with.

The Jade Empress’s rebirth was a certainty. Coupled with the Two Polarities Sect, the Forbidden Zone, and other factors, neither side wanted to continue this conflict.

Moreover, both the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness had great confidence in their disciples.

Shang Yanfei tapped her fingers on the table and said calmly, “One thing at a time. The wager is acceptable, but it’s separate from this matter.”

Many were stunned by the Sect Master’s assertiveness. She was willing to accept the wager at the Ascension Ceremony, but this incident needed to be addressed separately.

“I want an apology, not for the two matters to be entangled.”

As her voice echoed, the evil deities in the Southern Wilderness fell silent, and the Buddha from the Western Regions didn’t speak.

“A natural disaster will befall the Southern Wilderness,” Lin Ling said softly.

As soon as she finished speaking, torrential rain began to pour down upon the Southern Wilderness.

At the same time, deep within the Southern Wilderness, a deity spoke slowly, “This was indeed caused by some newcomers to the Southern Wilderness who didn’t know better. An Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb will serve as an apology. In addition, we will personally send someone to the Jade Pool Sacred Land to apologize.”

If Mu Zhi’an were present, he would probably be rolling his eyes, thinking: Here it comes, the classic excuse of blaming everything on temporary employees.

“Amitabha, I will hand over the Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus to Benefactor Shang today,” the powerful being from the Western Regions also spoke.

In reality, the true mastermind behind this incident was the Primordial Demon Emperor. Both the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were merely following his lead.

But they still chose to apologize because they were indeed in the wrong.

However, the real reason was the Ling Long’s presence. If she truly unleashed her power, it would result in massive casualties. Neither the Western Regions nor the Southern Wilderness wanted to risk a full-blown conflict, as it would destabilize the Nine Realms and affect their future cultivation.

Normally, the Ling Long wouldn’t interfere in external affairs. No one knew why she was helping a mere young cultivator and had even used her power several times.

No one dared to continue gambling.

Shang Yanfei silently withdrew her gaze and said calmly, “Since you’re all interested in the Ascension Ceremony, let’s have a wager.”

As her voice faded, thunder rumbled in the sky, the Heavenly Dao acknowledging the three-way wager.

A wager between the Two Polarities Sect, the Western Regions, and the Southern Wilderness!

This news caused a stir among the younger generation of cultivators in the Eastern Realm.

Talented individuals from all over the Nine Realms would gather at the Two Polarities Sect, competing in the Ascension Ceremony to determine the strongest among them!

This was an era filled with prodigies, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.

Everyone was eager to see which talent would ultimately prevail in the Ascension Ceremony.

Even after the three parties withdrew their divine powers, the topic continued to be hotly debated throughout the Nine Realms.

The Two Polarities Sect was livelier than ever before.

Amidst this excitement, Mu Zhi’an’s ‘body’ was returned to the Two Polarities Sect that night.

Rain fell over the Two Polarities Sect, the raindrops pattering against the ground like countless blooming lotuses.

News of Mu Zhi’an’s death spread throughout the sect almost instantly.

The Jade Empress slowly pushed open the doors of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and entered the courtyard.

Beside her, Ye Lingxuan and Wei Mengrou’s faces were expressionless.

Although the medicinal herb from the Southern Wilderness might be able to gather his scattered consciousness and bring him back, no one knew for sure if he could truly be saved.

Even though they held onto hope, seeing Mu Zhi’an’s pale face as he lay encased in ice still caused them immense pain.

“I’ll go find Qian’er first,” Ye Lingxuan said softly.

Ye Qian was still unaware of what had happened. In fact, most people probably wouldn’t have guessed that this huge commotion, which almost led to a full-blown war between three major forces, was all because of the death of a Core Formation cultivator.

…

Ye Lingxuan entered the courtyard where she had been staying for the past six months and soon saw her younger sister, Ye Qian, by the garden.

The pure and innocent-looking girl sat alone under the eaves, watching the falling rain, swinging her feet idly, her back radiating a sense of loneliness.

This sight also pained Ye Lingxuan. Facing her younger sister, the usually composed and seemingly perfect Holy Maiden felt a surge of guilt and unease.

Ye Qian was no longer the Foundation Establishment cultivator she once was. The more of the Jade Empress’s inheritance she received, the stronger she became. She was already at the second-grade Core Formation Realm.

As if sensing something, Ye Qian turned her head.

Her bright eyes sparkled with joy. “Sister, you’re back?!”

Ignoring the light rain, she ran towards Ye Lingxuan and threw herself into her arms.

Ye Lingxuan smiled, trying to maintain her usual composure. However, seeing the bright smile on her younger sister’s face, the smile on the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden slowly faded.

She lowered her gaze, her usually bright eyes now filled with a shadow of sadness.

“What’s wrong, Sister? Did something go wrong with the inheritance?” Ye Qian also sensed something was amiss and looked at Ye Lingxuan, then at the ‘puppet’ standing silently beside her.

Ye Lingxuan opened her mouth slightly, but no words came out for a long time. Finally, she whispered, “The inheritance went smoothly.”

Ye Qian tilted her head in confusion, looking at the girl in the purple dress. “Then why do you look so downcast, Sister? Even cultivators need to maintain a good mood. Too much stress can affect your cultivation, you know?”

“That’s what Master said.” Ye Qian pulled Ye Lingxuan down to sit in the garden and said, “By the way, Sister, did you hear about what happened between the Sect Master and the other two forces today?”

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly.

“I wonder how Senior Jade Empress is doing… It seems like this whole incident was caused by those forces trying to stop her, right?” Ye Qian said.

“The true culprits are the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates. The Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were just adding fuel to the fire.”

Ye Lingxuan paused, then continued, “The Jade Empress has returned to the sect.”

Ye Qian’s eyes lit up with joy. “Senior Jade Empress is back?”

“Then… Brother Mu should be back too, right?”

Ye Lingxuan froze, unable to speak for a long time.

Raindrops fell on the stone path outside the courtyard, the pitter-patter echoing in the ears of the two sisters.

“…Sister?” Ye Qian called out softly, cautiously observing Ye Lingxuan’s gloomy expression.

“Did you and Brother Mu have a fight?”

Under Ye Qian’s bright gaze, Ye Lingxuan bit her lip and unconsciously tightened her grip on her sister’s hand. “Brother Mu is dead.”

Ye Qian had been about to advise them to reconcile, even thinking about the best way to phrase it. But hearing Ye Lingxuan’s answer, she was stunned.

After a long silence, she stammered, “S-Sister… What did you just say?”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Ye Lingxuan bit her lower lip and whispered, “Brother Mu was attacked and killed when he returned to the Jade Pool. When I found him, his consciousness was already gone.”

Ye Qian’s cheerful smile slowly faded, her eyes widening as she unconsciously clutched her dress.

“I don’t believe it.”

Her voice cracked with tears, her eyes shimmering. She stood up, her body swaying slightly. “You must be lying, Sister. I-I’m going to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony to find him!”

She stumbled towards the courtyard gate, but her steps gradually slowed. The journey from here to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, which usually took less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, now seemed impossibly far.

Ye Qian slowly sank to the ground, her forehead resting on her knees. Her beautiful dress was quickly soaked by the rain, water droplets tracing paths down her cheeks, tears glimmering in the dim light.

Ye Lingxuan opened an oil-paper umbrella and silently crouched beside her sister, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, resting her head against Ye Qian’s. She seemed to be comforting her sister, but it was as if she also needed someone to lean on.

“Master seems very sad. Do you need me to do anything?” the puppet asked.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful woman, indistinguishable from a normal human. Although she concealed her aura, she was one of the reasons why the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness had agreed to Shang Yanfei’s terms.

“Not now,” Ye Lingxuan whispered.

“Does that mean you will need me later?” the puppet asked.

Ye Lingxuan looked up at the rain falling in the night, feeling Ye Qian’s trembling body. She gently stroked her sister’s wet hair.

“If Brother Mu’s consciousness can’t be recovered…” she turned to the puppet, her voice cold.

“The stability of the Nine Realms won’t matter to me anymore.”