It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 304: The Demon Realm Empress: I Want to Him

Great Qian Dynasty.

The Emperor awoke from his meditation, the vast hall silent except for the presence of his Grand Eunuch, who stood guard beside him.

The spacious bedchamber was empty. His consorts, the Empress, and even the palace maids had been banished long ago.

The Emperor had practiced abstinence for over a decade. Now in his sixties, he had appointed Gu Bo Xing as the Imperial Advisor and followed the path of cultivation, seeking immortality, aiming to become the first emperor in history to achieve enlightenment through cultivation.

While other emperors in the Nine Realms enjoyed harems of three thousand, the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty had devoted himself to cultivation, seeking longevity to maintain his grip on power.

Naturally, this caused widespread discontent, but he was the Emperor. No matter how dissatisfied they were, they could only suppress their resentment.

As for the ministers’ remonstrations?

There were some, but very few. The current political strife within the court was orchestrated by the Emperor himself. Only with conflict among his officials could he maintain his authority.

“Has Your Majesty finished your meditation?” the Grand Eunuch asked, hurrying to his side.

However, the Emperor, his face flushed with excitement, stood up and strode out of the bedchamber. He looked up at the sky, his gaze fixed on something invisible to ordinary people.

Spiritual Energy!

A dense wave of Spiritual Energy was washing over the dynasty!

The Emperor calmed himself down, took a deep breath, and said, “Summon the Imperial Advisor. I have something to discuss with him.”

…

A moment later, a man with a resolute face, dressed in Daoist robes, strode into the hall.

The Emperor rose to greet him, dismissing the Grand Eunuch with a wave of his hand. “Imperial Advisor—”

Gu Bo Xing nodded slightly, interrupting him. “I already know what Your Majesty wants to say.”

“The Primordial Demon Emperor’s death has ushered in the era of immortals. The rules of heaven and earth are changing. The Spiritual Energy in this world will soon be sufficient for me to comprehend Dao Rhyme and reach the Soul Transformation Realm.”

The Emperor’s eyes gleamed. “If you reach the Soul Transformation Realm, Imperial Advisor…”

Gu Bo Xing, seemingly knowing what he wanted to say, smiled. “Once I reach the Soul Transformation Realm, Your Majesty will also be able to achieve longevity using the dynasty’s power of faith. Although you might not live forever, you’ll be able to rule this dynasty for at least a thousand years.”

The Emperor’s face lit up with joy. “Excellent!”

However, Gu Bo Xing paused, then said softly, “But before that, Your Majesty’s dynasty might fall.”

The Emperor froze.

After a moment, he frowned. “What do you mean, Imperial Advisor?”

Gu Bo Xing looked at him intently. “It seems Your Majesty hasn’t remembered yet… the matter of the Calamity Body…”

The Emperor stared at him, his brow furrowed, remaining silent.

“It is said that the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect is proficient in the secrets of all nine peaks and can perceive Heavenly Secrets. If it weren’t for the changes in the rules of heaven and earth, even I might have forgotten about the Calamity Body…” Gu Bo Xing said in a low voice, his tone filled with awe.

“Are you saying… we’ve already identified the Calamity Body, but our memories were erased…?” the Emperor asked, finally understanding.

Gu Bo Xing nodded slightly. “Your Majesty should remember Mu Zhi’an, the Mu family’s young master who injured the Third Prince. His maid is the Calamity Body.”

He had only remembered these concealed memories after the rules of heaven and earth changed. Wei Mengrou was the Calamity Body, and he had tried to take her away, but he had been stopped by the Demon Realm Empress…

And she had intervened for a mere young cultivator?

Even a fool wouldn’t believe that.

The most likely reason for the Demon Realm Empress protecting Wei Mengrou was to let the Calamity Body weaken the Great Qian Dynasty.

And after that, the Demon Realm could invade the Eastern Realm.

The Emperor’s brow furrowed deeply. “If the Two Polarities Sect’s Sect Master truly erased our memories of the Calamity Body, it means she wants to protect that maid. If that’s the case…”

“We’ll have to cooperate with others,” Gu Bo Xing said softly.

“It’s difficult for the Great Qian Dynasty alone to challenge the Two Polarities Sect. But what we can’t do, others might be able to.”

The Emperor frowned, lost in thought.

Then, Gu Bo Xing continued, “However, before that, I need to make one last attempt. If it works, we won’t need to rely on others.”

“What do you mean, Imperial Advisor…?”

“I have a secret technique that allows me to silently enter another’s dream and extract their consciousness,” Gu Bo Xing said with a faint smile.

“If I enter the sect in person, I’ll be discovered immediately… But if it’s just a wisp of my will, it won’t be so easily detected.”

“So you were stopped by the Demon Realm Empress in the Martial Realm?” the Emperor asked, his voice filled with concern.

Gu Bo Xing nodded slightly. “From her perspective, it’s not in the Demon Realm’s interest for Wei Mengrou to be taken away. The Calamity Body can affect a dynasty’s fate. If we use Wei Mengrou to solve the dynasty’s problems, it would be a disadvantage for the Demon Realm.”

“After all, the Great Qian Dynasty’s fate also indirectly affects the cultivators of the Eastern Realm.”

Simply put, cultivators with Eastern Realm bloodlines received a bonus to their luck, including Dao Integration experts.

If the Demon Realm Empress wanted to conquer the Eastern Realm, she would have to deal with the Great Qian Dynasty’s fate first.

“However, this is still the Eastern Realm, and Wei Mengrou is within the Two Polarities Sect.”

A confident smile appeared on Gu Bo Xing’s face. “Does Your Majesty think the Demon Realm Empress will stay in the Two Polarities Sect to protect Mu Zhi’an?”

After all, that arrogant being rarely cared about the mortal world. No matter how much she valued Wei Mengrou, she wouldn’t personally guard her.

Besides, this was the Two Polarities Sect. Shang Yanfei wouldn’t allow the Demon Realm Empress to stay.

This plan had a 90% chance of success.

…

Mu Zhi’an had met the Demon Realm Empress a few times, but every encounter filled him with apprehension.

She possessed mind-reading abilities, a cheat skill for catching two-timers. She knew exactly what he was thinking.

He might even end up with his head used as a footstool if he had any inappropriate thoughts about this alluring woman.

Therefore, even with his arms wrapped around the Demon Realm Empress’s slender waist, Mu Zhi’an maintained his composure, his mind empty.

Even so, her unique fragrance, mixed with a seductive aura, was intoxicating.

Meanwhile, the Demon Realm Empress closed her eyes, seemingly recalling the warmth of Mu Zhi’an’s embrace from their previous encounter, comparing it to his current embrace.

After a moment, she opened her eyes and, seeing his seemingly unfazed demeanor, a faint smile curved her lips. She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Relax. Am I that scary?”

She couldn’t read any useful thoughts from his mind… In a way, his ability to empty his mind was quite remarkable.

Even the Western Regions’ Buddha probably couldn’t achieve such a level of composure in this situation.

Mu Zhi’an turned his head slightly. “Your Majesty possesses mind-reading abilities. I’m just trying to avoid having any disrespectful thoughts about you…”

The Demon Realm Empress stared at him intently and chuckled. “I don’t read minds all the time. Besides… your disrespect would also be an acknowledgment of my charm.”

Hearing her words, Mu Zhi’an’s drowsiness vanished. He turned his head slightly, meeting her seductive gaze.

“Are you serious, Your Majesty?”

His hand was still on her waist, and he was struggling to resist the urge to move it lower.

The Demon Realm Empress smiled charmingly. “I’m not that petty.”

“Besides, I haven’t read your mind since you entered this hall.”

“Oh?” Mu Zhi’an said, feigning a thoughtful expression, but he remained cautious.

He was still suspicious, afraid that she might turn on him if he had any inappropriate thoughts.

Although this was a dream, a Dao Integration expert’s abilities were unimaginable.

“How long will it take to transfer the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked.

The Demon Realm Empress narrowed her eyes and chuckled. “Why would you think that? Even I can’t directly extract something refined within your Innate Celestial Furnace.”

Mu Zhi’an was stunned. “Then why did you ask me to hug you…?”

“Our contact allows me to confirm the current state of your Innate Celestial Furnace,” she replied, a beautiful purple flower appearing in her hand.

“This is the Purple Sun Flower, a refined concealment treasure. Wearing it will prevent anyone from detecting your demonic aura.”

She handed the flower to Mu Zhi’an and continued, “As for the Nine-Tailed Fox’s evolution method, you’ll need a pill.”

Mu Zhi’an released his hold on her waist, put away the Purple Sun Flower, and asked humbly, “What kind of pill?”

“A ninth-grade pill, the Supreme Void Pill,” the Demon Realm Empress replied.

“You can find the required ingredients in any alchemy manual, but very few people in this world can refine it.”

“And if they knew you wanted to refine the Supreme Void Pill, they would definitely refuse.”

The Supreme Void Pill was a unique pill. Its only function was to allow demons to evolve.

No one would willingly help create a potentially invincible being, especially since Bai Ruoxi was a former Dao Integration expert and possessed the Nine-Tailed Fox bloodline. The combination would be terrifying.

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment. “Do you know who can refine the Supreme Void Pill, Your Majesty?”

“Luo Tan,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly.

Luo Tan… Mu Zhi’an recalled the elegant woman in the white dress and black stockings, then he suddenly froze.

I remember she sent me an invitation to the southern bank, and then I was kidnapped…

Holy crap, I stood her up?!

“What’s wrong?” the Demon Realm Empress asked, noticing his sudden silence.

Mu Zhi’an composed himself, glanced at her, and said, “It’s nothing… Just remembered something.”

Judging by her reaction, it seemed she really hadn’t been reading his mind.

“With the changes in the rules of heaven and earth, previously concealed Heavenly Secrets will also be revealed,” the Demon Realm Empress suddenly said.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. “What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

Instead of answering directly, she asked, “The Calamity Body is a serious matter for the Great Qian Dynasty. Why do you think Gu Bo Xing hasn’t caused you any trouble after returning to the capital?”

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a long time, then a thought struck him like lightning. He looked up. “Are you saying the Calamity Body matter was concealed by Heavenly Secrets, so they forgot that Mengrou was the Calamity Body?”

“But now that the rules have changed, and the Heavenly Secrets have been revealed, the ‘Calamity Body’ will resurface in their memories?”

He had initially thought Gu Bo Xing was simply wary of the Two Polarities Sect’s power. However, the Two Polarities Sect was the most sacred and neutral faction in the Eastern Realm. They wouldn’t provoke other factions without reason.

The other factions respected the Two Polarities Sect precisely because of their neutrality.

Unless their disciples were attacked.

But Wei Mengrou’s identity was unique. What if Gu Bo Xing went to the sect, explained the situation, and promised not to harm her?

Would the Two Polarities Sect still protect Wei Mengrou then?

“Who is this Gu Bo Xing, Your Majesty?” Mu Zhi’an asked humbly.

“An insignificant nobody in the past. He was lucky enough to obtain some opportunities in the World Sea, then he was invited by the Great Qian Dynasty’s Emperor to become the Imperial Advisor, cultivating with the resources of an entire dynasty,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly. “He’s skilled in divination and dream manipulation. He dared to attack you in the Martial Realm probably because of the power of faith he wields from the dynasty’s populace.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.

The Demon Realm Empress continued, “The Great Qian Dynasty won’t give up on the Calamity Body matter. And the Two Polarities Sect isn’t entirely under Shang Yanfei’s control. Of course, if she’s willing to protect your maid with all her might, it might work, but she’s not related to her. She won’t go that far.”

“And knowing you, you won’t abandon your maid either,” she said, looking at him intently.

Mu Zhi’an remained silent.

“However, there’s a simple solution,” the Demon Realm Empress suddenly said.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her. “Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.”

The Demon Realm Empress’s lips curved into a seductive smile, revealing her true intentions. “Come to the Northern Realm with me.”

Mu Zhi’an’s expression remained unchanged. “Aren’t you worried that the Calamity Body will affect the Demon Realm’s fate, Your Majesty?”

“Only the weak make excuses and blame everything on a single person,” she said indifferently.

“The old Emperor is obsessed with cultivation. The dynasty’s decline is inevitable. But the Demon Realm can easily accommodate both you and your maid.”

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then said sincerely, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I’ll consider it carefully.”

The reason the Demon Realm Empress valued him so much was likely because of his Innate Celestial Furnace and Wei Mengrou’s potential. However, if possible, he didn’t want to leave the Eastern Realm.

After all, his ‘wives’ were all here.

“By the way, that Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb is still within my body,” Mu Zhi’an said tentatively. “Don’t you need it, Your Majesty?”

“There’s no rush. Keep it for now.”

The Demon Realm Empress smiled seductively, looking at him intently. “I’ll take it later. Consider it safekeeping.”

After all, she wanted more than just the medicinal herb.

…

Demon Realm.

The Demon Realm Empress, dressed in a luxurious light purple dress, leaned back lazily on her throne and slowly opened her eyes.

The Second Seat stood respectfully below. “Your Majesty, you’re awake,” she said.

The Demon Realm Empress murmured in acknowledgement.

“You rarely enter the dream realm. Was it because of that Mu Zhi’an…?” the Second Seat asked tentatively.

“I made a deal with him. In exchange, he’ll give me the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb within his Innate Celestial Furnace,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly.

The Second Seat frowned slightly. “He’s quite audacious.”

The contents of the Innate Celestial Furnace couldn’t be directly transferred. Dual cultivation was required, even for the Demon Realm Empress.

Mu Zhi’an’s offer was essentially implying that he wanted to… with her.

“You’re too lenient with him, Your Majesty,” the Second Seat said in a low voice.

“If anyone else dared to be so disrespectful, they would have already been—”

The Demon Realm Empress glanced at her. “I was the one who proposed the deal.”

Silence.

The Second Seat stared at the Empress, stunned.

After a moment, she finally reacted. “With Your Majesty’s Vessel, and the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence that you haven’t refined yet, you shouldn’t need an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb. Why…?”

“It’s useful, but not essential,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly.

“Then why…?” the Second Seat wanted to ask but held back.

The Demon Realm Empress pondered for a moment, then looked at her. “Simply put… I want to f*ck him.”

The Second Seat: “?”

“I want to f*ck him,” the Demon Realm Empress repeated, just in case she hadn’t heard clearly.

The maid stood there, frozen like a statue.

After a long moment of silence, she finally recovered, calming herself down and suppressing her shock. “A-although I don’t understand what Your Majesty sees in him… If you’re interested in him, why not just bring him to the Demon Realm?”

“I don’t just want his body.”

The Demon Realm Empress chuckled softly. “I want… everything.”

“His body, and his heart.”

She wanted to mold Mu Zhi’an into her ideal… plaything.

And for that, she needed an opportunity.

“Do you need me to take any action after you enter seclusion, Your Majesty?” the Second Seat asked.

The Demon Realm Empress shook her head. “Do nothing.”

“If possible, I hope the Eastern Realm will also do nothing.”

They could obtain Mu Zhi’an without any effort, even earning his gratitude, but only if… the Two Polarities Sect didn’t interfere.

…

Mu Zhi’an put away the bronze mirror and looked at the alluring Purple Sun Flower in his hand. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he turned to the shadows nearby. “Mengrou, aren’t you supposed to be at the Ascension Ceremony?”

Although it was winter, Wei Mengrou wasn’t wearing many layers. Her beautiful yellow dress clung to her alluring figure, a white jacket draped over it, her ample bosom proudly on display.

Although not as large as Bai Ruoxi’s, they were still a perfect handful.

“It was just a match. It didn’t take long,” Wei Mengrou replied calmly.

Then, her gaze fell upon the Purple Sun Flower in his hand, her eyes filled with suspicion. “Where did you get that?”

He hadn’t been holding anything when he was sleeping on the table earlier…

“I got it from the Demon Realm Empress,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Wei Mengrou scoffed, clearly not believing him.

Mengrou is so cute, whether she’s being cold and aloof or seductive… Mu Zhi’an coughed lightly and changed the subject. “Are Ruoxi and the others back yet?”

Wei Mengrou shook her head. “They’re still at the southern bank. They won’t be back so soon.”

She glanced at him subtly.

Ever since confessing her feelings, she hadn’t been able to find a comfortable way to interact with him. Although they had been together for so long, she still felt awkward.

Their relationship was now… ambiguous.

But just because she was shy and uncomfortable, it didn’t mean Mu Zhi’an felt the same way. He boldly took her hand and pulled her into his embrace.

As her soft body pressed against his, he wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his head in her hair, inhaling her sweet fragrance.

A faint blush appeared on Wei Mengrou’s cold and beautiful face. She gently pushed his wandering hand away and glanced at him. “Are you a pervert? Who sniffs other people like that?”

Mu Zhi’an gazed at her, admiring her beautiful face, adorned with light makeup.

Even without makeup, she was breathtakingly beautiful. The light makeup added a touch of warmth and a subtle fragrance, making her even more alluring.

His gaze fell upon her rosy lips. “New lipstick?” he asked.

“Do you have a dog’s nose? How can you even tell…?” Wei Mengrou squirmed in his embrace, but her movements only made him hold her tighter.

He glanced down at her long, shapely legs, which were slightly exposed due to her struggles. As expected of Mengrou, even her smallest movements are so captivating.

Although her legs had looked amazing in black and white stockings, they were just as beautiful without them.

After admiring her for a while, he couldn’t resist any longer. He leaned down and gently bit her lip, then looked at her with a tender gaze. “Let’s sleep together tonight, Mengrou,” he said softly.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes widened slightly as she snapped out of her daze. Meeting his intense gaze, her heart skipped a beat.

She instinctively lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering.

She didn’t agree, but she didn’t refuse either.

And for Mu Zhi’an, that was enough!

…