It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 298: Treasure of the Nine Realms, Mu Zhi’an

After waiting in the courtyard for about half an hour, Mu Zhi’an sensed Ye Qian’s aura approaching.

He reluctantly removed his head from Wei Mengrou’s lap and turned to look at the young lady.

Noticing his gaze, Ye Qian peeked at him, then, remembering what Yao Meng had said, she blushed, lowered her head, and quickly walked away.

“Qian’er…” Mu Zhi’an tried to stop her with a voice transmission.

Ye Qian paused, glanced at him, and said softly, “I’m sorry, I have something to do, Brother Mu. We can talk later.”

Then, before he could respond, she hurried away.

What did Yao Meng tell her? Qian’er doesn’t seem angry, but her reaction is strange… Mu Zhi’an was worried, so he excused himself from Wei Mengrou. “Mengrou, I’m going to see Yao Meng. There’s something I need to confirm.”

Yao Meng wouldn’t force her disciple to leave him, but he was still concerned about what she had said to Qian’er…

He left the courtyard and walked along a quiet path, finally finding the fairy in a secluded garden.

Yao Meng looked at him with a smile. “You’re quite concerned about Qian’er, aren’t you?”

She paused, then continued, “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t force her to leave you… She’s my disciple, after all.”

“Of course, I trust you, Empress… But what did you tell her? Qian’er’s reaction was strange when she left,” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Yao Meng looked at him meaningfully. “You’ll find out eventually.”

She casually changed the subject. “The Northern Realm is different from the Eastern Realm. The entire Northern Realm is under the Demon Realm Empress’s control. Now that she has absorbed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, once she refines it, the Northern Realm’s strength will increase dramatically.”

“You should also focus on improving your strength. Once you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, you’ll be able to protect yourself.”

“You’re right, Empress. I’ll cultivate diligently… But you’re always inside my body, and even if the Demon Realm Empress refines the essence, she won’t immediately come after me, right?” Mu Zhi’an asked, puzzled.

This wasn’t like Yao Meng. Firstly, she would remain within his Innate Celestial Furnace until it was full. Secondly, no matter how strong the Demon Realm Empress was, if the Northern Realm made a move, even if the Eastern Realm was divided, they would still unite against a common enemy.

Besides, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t reach the Nascent Soul Realm within a year.

“The Demon Realm Empress is one reason. There’s another,” Yao Meng said, pausing for a moment. She looked at him, her lips curving into a seductive smile.

“I also want to see if your Innate Celestial Furnace can evolve again after you reach the Nascent Soul Realm.”

Just say you’re attracted to my body. Why make it sound so scientific…? Mu Zhi’an nodded obediently. “I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Nascent Soul Realm as soon as possible to provide you with more Spiritual Energy, Empress…”

Yao Meng chuckled. “You’re usually so polite, yet you become so… unrestrained in bed.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “That’s because you’re too alluring, Empress. Sometimes, I can’t control myself…”

He paused, then asked, “Did the Primordial Demon Emperor choose to burn his essence and fight because of the Demon Realm Empress’s arrival?”

He decided to trust Yao Meng. Since she said she hadn’t said anything strange to Qian’er, he would believe her.

Yao Meng nodded slightly. “You’re right. I think Shang Yanfei was worried about further delays… However, I’m surprised she would cooperate with the Demon Realm Empress.”

“Demons and cultivators are sworn enemies…” Mu Zhi’an was well aware of this.

In the Eastern Realm, demonic cultivators were hunted down. Similarly, in the Demon Realm, cultivators would also face great danger.

And in this environment, the Two Polarities Sect, the most sacred sect in the Eastern Realm, whose Sect Master was a mysterious figure, was secretly cooperating with the Demon Realm Empress… If this news spread, it would cause an uproar.

“Sect Master…” Mu Zhi’an was about to say something.

Yao Meng glanced at him.

A single look, and Mu Zhi’an understood. “The Sect Master must have cooperated with the Demon Realm Empress to avoid sacrificing her disciples, right?” he corrected himself.

Yao Meng nodded with satisfaction.

He only needed to call her ‘Empress’. She was the Sect Master, not his ‘sister’.

Then, she shook her head. “Shang Yanfei is a completely rational person. She should know the consequences of giving the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence to the Demon Realm Empress.”

“Even so, it’s still strange that she chose to cooperate with her,” Mu Zhi’an said.

He thought of the Sect Master, the alluring woman in the black robe. She was a mysterious figure, someone he couldn’t understand… He knew he was an important pawn in her game, but her actions this time were truly baffling.

Letting the Demon Realm Empress become stronger wouldn’t benefit the Eastern Realm.

What was she planning…?

Was it simply to eliminate the already weakened Primordial Demon Emperor?

Or was it to protect her disciples?

Only two people could defeat the Primordial Demon Emperor: Yao Meng, the Jade Empress who had sealed him away in the past, and the Demon Realm Empress.

Although the Primordial Demon Emperor had been sealed for a thousand years, he had once been a terrifying figure in the Nine Realms. The Demon Realm Empress could only defeat him because her abilities countered his.

“The Primordial Demon Emperor wasn’t wearing a storage ring when he died. If I’m not mistaken, it should still be in the Pilgrimage Palace. You can go take a look if you have the chance,” Yao Meng suddenly said.

“There should be quite a few treasures inside.”

The Primordial Demon Emperor’s storage ring…?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up with excitement.

He was the former leader of the Demon Realm. How many treasures must be inside his storage ring?

If he could refine some of those treasures with his Innate Celestial Furnace, he could help Ruoxi and the others reach the Nascent Soul Realm faster…

Mu Zhi’an’s mind wandered. After exchanging a few more words with Yao Meng, he excused himself and headed towards Ling Long’s residence.

The Primordial Demon Emperor’s storage ring was definitely a valuable treasure, but trying to enter the Pilgrimage Palace now would be impossible.

After what had just transpired, the Enforcement Hall would surely seal it off, preventing any disciples from entering.

Normally, only elders and peak masters could enter.

But there was another way…

…

“Aaaa~”

Lin Ling was perched on a table, holding a white Go stone, yawning lazily, her ample bosom pressing against the tabletop.

Her figure, personality, and strength were all exceptional, but she was a glutton, and her mind was a bit too simple. Even after spending so much time with her, Mu Zhi’an hadn’t been able to… make a move.

Most importantly, her Dao was unique. She could sense ‘malice’.

He had no malicious intentions towards Lin Ling, but if he revealed his desire for her body, she would immediately sense it and be disgusted.

Therefore, he hadn’t found a suitable opportunity to get closer to her.

As she played Go by herself, bored, Lin Ling suddenly sniffed the air.

Roasted goose!

Her eyes lit up as she looked towards the door.

As expected, Mu Zhi’an entered, carrying a plate of food. The silver-haired beauty, her hands resting on her lap, looked at the Go board, her gaze filled with anticipation, yet she maintained her composure.

Mu Zhi’an apologized sincerely. “Sorry, I was delayed by some matters in the Martial Realm.”

Lin Ling ignored him.

He placed the plate before her and smiled. “So I put in extra effort tonight.”

Lin Ling glanced at him, seeing his sincerity, her expression softening. She nodded, seemingly satisfied.

As she started eating, Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then asked, “Do you know about the Primordial Demon Emperor, Sister Lin Ling?”

Lin Ling tapped her fingers on the table, and words appeared: I know.

“The Primordial Demon Emperor perished today. Yao Meng said his storage ring might still be in the Pilgrimage Palace. Do you think it’s safe for me to go there now?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Lin Ling tapped the table again: The Primordial Demon Emperor is dead, so it’s safe.

“But the Enforcement Hall has sealed off the Pilgrimage Palace. It might be difficult for me to enter…” Mu Zhi’an hinted subtly, watching as the silver-haired beauty took small bites of her roasted goose.

She picked up a piece of meat and placed it in his mouth.

“Thank you, but I’m not hungry. You can have it, Sister Lin Ling,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Lin Ling nodded and continued eating.

“Sister Lin Ling, about what you said earlier…”

She wiped her hands with a handkerchief, glanced at him, and tapped the table: You’ve been busy with the Ascension Ceremony. I’m bored.

“I’m sorry. I’ll have time after the Ascension Ceremony,” Mu Zhi’an said helplessly.

If it weren’t for the Sect Master, he wouldn’t even be participating. He might have forfeited already.

Lin Ling pondered for a moment, then nodded and pointed at the table: You have to keep me company every day from now on.

Mu Zhi’an nodded. “Definitely.”

Lin Ling nodded with satisfaction, then rummaged through her ample bosom and took out a white-gold token.

Within the sect, everyone, from disciples to elders and peak masters, had a token. Ling Long was no exception.

With her token, he could go anywhere within the Two Polarities Sect without being stopped.

Mu Zhi’an took the token and looked at Lin Ling, who was staring at the Go board. “Are you playing Go by yourself, Sister Lin Ling?” he asked curiously.

Lin Ling nodded slightly and pointed at the seat opposite her.

She wants me to play with her…? Mu Zhi’an understood. He sat down, picked up a black stone, and began the game.

Whether it was because he was too strong or she was too weak, by the middle of the game, Lin Ling’s white stones were completely surrounded.

“Aaaa…”

Looking at the disastrous situation on the board, Lin Ling lost her appetite and fell into deep thought.

Then, she pointed behind Mu Zhi’an.

As he turned around, she quickly flicked two of his stones off the board.

Mu Zhi’an turned back, looking at her curiously. “Did you say something was behind me?”

Lin Ling shook her head and made a sound, indicating there was nothing there.

Mu Zhi’an was confused by the adorable Ling Long. He picked up a black stone, about to place it on the board, then he paused, as if realizing something.

He glanced at Lin Ling, then continued the game.

In the end, Mu Zhi’an lost. He sighed dramatically. “You’re so good, Sister Lin Ling.”

“Aaa~!” Lin Ling nodded proudly, her ample bosom jiggling slightly.

“Who taught you how to play Go so well?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Lin Ling pointed towards Two Polarities Peak.

The Sect Master…?

But she wouldn’t cheat, would she? Lin Ling must be a natural… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

He waited patiently for her to finish her meal, chatted with her for a while, then excused himself.

Lin Ling nodded, seemingly wanting him to stay longer.

…

While Mu Zhi’an was seeking help from Lin Ling, the Two Polarities Sect was buzzing with excitement.

Three Dao Integration experts had come from other realms, and along with the Sect Master and the Jade Empress, they had suppressed the evil being in the Pilgrimage Palace. Moreover, the Empress of Yu State, at the Sect Master’s invitation, had decided to stay and watch the Ascension Ceremony. There would even be an alchemy competition afterwards.

The Empress’s maid had even revealed that the prize for the alchemy competition was an eighth-grade pill, the Soul Condensing Pill!

Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm was the ultimate goal for countless cultivators, but the Nascent Soul tribulation was incredibly difficult. Not to mention the tribulation, even reaching the peak of the Core Formation Realm and preparing for the breakthrough was a challenge for most.

And the Soul Condensing Pill could assist cultivators in this process, with a success rate of over 90%!

In other words, as long as their luck wasn’t atrocious, this pill could create a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Not only alchemists, but even cultivators who had never studied alchemy were envious.

This news had spread throughout the sect like wildfire, catching everyone’s attention.

They didn’t doubt its authenticity. After all, the maid had likely revealed it with the Empress’s permission.

The Ascension Ceremony, with three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs as prizes, and the subsequent alchemy competition… These events had brought unprecedented attention to the Two Polarities Sect. Countless eyes were now upon them.

Luo Tan, the beautiful and elegant Empress of Yu State, stood in a pavilion above the Pilgrimage Palace, her long legs clad in black stockings and white boots, her gaze sweeping over the scene below.

“Shang Yanfei is truly extraordinary. Is she too confident in herself, or does she simply believe the Demon Realm Empress isn’t interested in the Eastern Realm?”

“To give away the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence so readily… she’s truly bold.”

Her maid looked down at the Pilgrimage Palace, which was now completely sealed off by the Enforcement Hall. “The Two Polarities Sect’s Sect Master seems to be able to predict the future. Perhaps she has foreseen something…?”

“Perhaps.”

Luo Tan smiled faintly, her gaze falling upon a young man in a black robe who was trying to enter the Pilgrimage Palace but was being blocked by the Enforcement Hall. She chuckled. “It seems there are still quite a few clever people.”

Although the Primordial Demon Emperor was dead, there might still be treasures within the Pilgrimage Palace. Those who knew his identity would naturally want to explore it.

However, the Enforcement Hall wouldn’t allow anyone to enter.

The maid glanced at the young man. “That seems to be Ye Yu, an inner disciple of Drunken Dream Peak. He’s quite talented and an alchemist.”

Luo Tan simply replied with a noncommittal “mm-hmm”, seemingly uninterested.

Alchemists were naturally sensitive to Spiritual Energy, and their own energy would carry traces of medicinal herbs. She could tell at a glance that Ye Yu was an alchemist, and a talented one at that.

“But he doesn’t seem very bright,” the Empress murmured.

At that moment, Ye Yu was arguing with the Enforcement Hall disciples before the Pilgrimage Palace, his face filled with frustration. “Senior Sister, I accidentally left my storage ring in the Pilgrimage Palace. Please let me in,” he said to the female cultivator guarding the entrance.

It was An Lingyue, the eldest disciple of Boundless Sea Peak, whom Mu Zhi’an had met once before.

She was the granddaughter of the Enforcement Hall’s Master and one of the disciples responsible for sealing off the Pilgrimage Palace. Naturally, she refused his request.

“I’m sorry, Junior Brother Ye, but for your safety, I can’t let you in,” An Lingyue said with a smile.

Ye Yu seemed to want to argue further. “But Senior Sister—”

“The sect has forbidden anyone from entering the Pilgrimage Palace during this period. There will be severe consequences if you disobey, Junior Brother Ye. Please return,” An Lingyue said gently.

Knowing there were treasures within, yet being denied entry… Ye Yu glared at An Lingyue and the other Enforcement Hall disciples, his expression darkening. Despite his reluctance, he could only turn and leave.

Since the Enforcement Hall wouldn’t budge, he would have to find another way.

He didn’t realize that his every move had been observed by the Empress of Yu State, who was watching from a pavilion above.

Her maid said, “This Ye Yu is quite talented, but he doesn’t seem very tactful. He even glared at them when he left.”

Luo Tan chuckled, unbothered, her mind still on Shang Yanfei’s motives.

A few more cultivators tried to enter the Pilgrimage Palace, but they were all turned away by the Enforcement Hall. After a while, Luo Tan, seemingly bored, was about to leave.

Suddenly, her gaze fell upon a young cultivator who had just arrived at the Pilgrimage Palace.

It was the young man with the unusual Spiritual Energy from that night.

He seemed to know An Lingyue and was chatting with her amicably, a warm smile on his face.

The maid glanced at him. “He seems quite tactful and has a good relationship with that senior sister… But even so, she won’t let him in.”

She couldn’t help but look at Mu Zhi’an again.

He dressed well and was incredibly handsome. She had never seen such a beautiful man, even in Yu State… If he were a woman, he would be considered a beauty that could topple nations.

As if Mu Zhi’an had mentioned wanting to enter the Pilgrimage Palace, An Lingyue’s smile faded, and she shook her head, refusing his request.

Luo Tan chuckled softly. “Let’s go.”

This Mu Zhi’an was more tactful than the other cultivators, but that was all.

The Jade Empress’s earlier performance wasn’t an act.

She had assumed Yao Meng was pretending to be uninterested in Mu Zhi’an, but now it seemed she truly wasn’t, simply repaying his kindness by guiding his cultivation.

As for how he obtained the Rebirth Water, it was probably because he had a close relationship with the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden and had won her favor.

After all, no matter how talented the Holy Maiden was, she was still just a seventeen-year-old girl.

Thinking of this, Luo Tan turned to leave, her maid following closely behind.

Suddenly, as if noticing something, she glanced back and saw Mu Zhi’an taking out a sect token from his pocket.

The white-gold token was engraved with a silver dragon, its image lifelike.

Luo Tan wasn’t familiar with the Two Polarities Sect’s customs, but she knew their tokens were generally divided into four categories: disciple tokens, Enforcement Hall tokens, elder tokens, and peak master tokens.

And there was a fifth type, the most unique one.

There was only one such token, and only one person in the entire sect possessed it. Seeing this token was like seeing the Sect Master herself. Even elders had to bow before it.

“Why does he have Ling Long’s token…?”

Luo Tan’s eyes flickered as she looked at the token in Mu Zhi’an’s hand.

“Master…?”

The maid paused and looked up at the Empress, who was staring down at Mu Zhi’an from the pavilion.

After a moment, a faint smile curved Luo Tan’s lips.

“Let’s wait and see.”

The Jade Empress… was definitely hiding something.