It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 329: Things Are Getting Spicy, Why is Ruoxi Going Dark?

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Bai Ruoxi sat with her eyes closed, using her Heavenly Dao Energy to refine and absorb Spiritual Energy.

She had almost reached the threshold of the Nascent Soul Realm. Although she wasn’t quite there yet, she could attempt a breakthrough.

In the past, although she cultivated diligently, it wasn’t with this level of intensity.

She had believed that as long as her cultivation level increased, she could help Mu Lang.

However, now… although she could help him, she was facing a much bigger problem.

The Jade Empress’s decisive actions today had made even a genius like Bai Ruoxi feel threatened. Against a Dao Integration expert, a Core Formation cultivator was insignificant… And that woman’s aggressive moves… If this continued, she might end up witnessing a… ahem… live NTR scenario.

However, the Jade Empress’s actions had also spurred Bai Ruoxi’s own growth.

She was now attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm. Even if she failed, she would still gain valuable insights.

Her Spiritual Energy surged within her, the Heavenly Dao Energy radiating a milky white light, making her skin glow, accentuating her ample bosom.

Even the slightest breeze seemed to cause ripples across her fair skin…

“Almost there…”

Bai Ruoxi gritted her teeth, her consciousness pushing against the barrier to the Nascent Soul Realm. She was so close.

However, this seemingly small step was proving to be an insurmountable obstacle.

It was as if a thin membrane was blocking her progress…

Should I give up for now…? She felt her consciousness weakening and sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, the image of a fairy in a green dress flashed through her mind.

The Jade Empress, her smile seductive, a captivating blend of innocence and allure.

Then, right before everyone’s eyes, she leaned down and kissed Mu Zhi’an.

Boom!

The seemingly insurmountable barrier shattered, a black and red light erupting as her consciousness broke through, half a step into the Nascent Soul Realm!

Bai Ruoxi slowly opened her eyes.

Her white dress was now partially stained black, and three fox tails faintly flickered behind her.

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an, oblivious to the brewing storm in his ‘fish pond’, was still enjoying Ye Yu’s misfortune.

The so-called Child of Destiny, blessed by the Heavenly Dao, being treated like this… Even when his cultivation had been crippled and he was mocked by others, Ye Yu hadn’t felt so humiliated.

His heart burned with resentment and shame as he glared at Mu Zhi’an.

However… this was the Two Polarities Sect. Fighting was forbidden, and if the Enforcement Hall found out, the punishment would be severe.

And even if he challenged Mu Zhi’an, he could still refuse… just like before.

But if he did nothing, and his ancestor was truly deceived by Mu Zhi’an…

Remembering Mu Zhi’an’s words and actions towards Ye Qingxin, and the fact that she hadn’t resisted at all, Ye Yu’s heart twisted with rage.

“You’re incredibly talented and blessed with great luck. If you can refine your character, you’ll have a place among the greats,” Ye Qingxin said, her voice gentle as she lectured Ye Yu.

Judging from his behavior today, she didn’t see what heinous crimes Mu Zhi’an had committed.

In fact, Mu Zhi’an’s maturity and composure far surpassed her own descendant’s. And Bai Ruoxi, Ye Lingxuan, and the others were completely devoted to him… This showed that Mu Zhi’an was far superior to Ye Yu.

And Ye Yu’s jealousy stemmed from this.

He wanted everything without putting in any effort. His immaturity was the reason for his resentment towards Mu Zhi’an.

“Indeed, Brother Ye Yu is incredibly lucky and talented. As long as he refines his character, he’ll surely achieve great things,” Mu Zhi’an said, taking over the conversation.

His tone was sincere, as if he was genuinely praising Ye Yu, but he glanced at the tall and alluring Ye Qingxin.

Then, he sighed softly and continued, “If possible, I don’t want to be enemies with Brother Ye Yu. Most of the conflict between us is just a misunderstanding. Ruoxi and I truly love each other… As for Lingxuan and Qian’er, I’ve always seen them as younger sisters.”

“But they also have feelings for me. There’s no real hatred between us,” Mu Zhi’an said gently.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes flickered as she glanced at Ye Yu.

Judging from their behavior today, the conflict between Mu Zhi’an and Ye Yu wasn’t that serious. If they could reconcile, it would make things easier for her.

She had to investigate the Heavenly Court’s secrets, which meant interacting with Mu Zhi’an was inevitable.

However, Ye Yu was a descendant of the Ye family. All her peers were gone. As the only surviving ancestor, she had to look after him.

However, as soon as Mu Zhi’an mentioned Bai Ruoxi, Ye Yu’s eyes burned with rage. “Stop pretending, Mu Zhi’an! We’ll settle this in the Ascension Ceremony!” he shouted.

“Ancestor, the grudge between us can never be resolved! If you’re so fond of him, you can go with him! I don’t need your help!”

Ye Yu turned and stormed out of the pavilion, his resentment boiling over.

Not only were his two younger sisters on Mu Zhi’an’s side, but even his ancestor was treating him like this! How could he endure this humiliation?

He gritted his teeth, his heart filled with rage.

Everyone was against him, siding with Mu Zhi’an, even his own ancestor!

If he hadn’t already experienced rock bottom, he would have attacked Mu Zhi’an on the spot.

Ye Qingxin watched him leave, her dress clinging to her alluring figure. “This deal must proceed,” she said calmly. “It concerns the entire Ye family, not just you, but also your sister, Ye Qian, and all your clansmen.”

Her gaze turned cold, her tone distant, no longer the gentle elder.

Finding a way to open the Heavenly Court’s gate would allow the entire Ye family to ascend. This was a matter of great importance.

The Master of the Heavenly Court, although its ruler, wouldn’t refuse anyone who ascended, especially those brought by Dao Integration experts.

After all, a Dao Integration expert joining the Heavenly Court would strengthen its forces.

“It concerns me and the Ye family…?” Ye Yu paused, his anger momentarily forgotten.

So Ancestor is making a deal with Mu Zhi’an for my sake and the Ye family’s…? But why would a Dao Integration expert need something from a Core Formation cultivator?

He wanted to ask Ye Qingxin, but having just stormed off, he couldn’t bring himself to turn back.

He stiffened his resolve and flew away.

Tonight’s events, especially Mu Zhi’an’s actions, had left him frustrated and confused. He needed to calm down.

And he couldn’t bring himself to ask now, after his outburst.

However, as he left, he didn’t realize that he was losing something precious.

…

Mu Zhi’an watched him leave, a faint smile curving his lips. He almost laughed out loud.

However, as a qualified actor, he couldn’t let his amusement show.

Ye Yu had been blessed by the Heavenly Dao since birth. It wasn’t as if everyone was against him.

To gain something, one had to give something in return. In the past, Mu Zhi’an had put in the effort to pursue the women he liked, and he had been rewarded handsomely, enjoying a life of luxury, cultivating with Yao Meng, and obtaining a first-grade cultivation technique…

He was living the good life as a kept man.

And Ye Yu, to improve his cultivation, had abandoned all relationships. Now, he was reaping what he had sown.

Mu Zhi’an felt no sympathy for him.

After all, since Ye Yu had been chosen by the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Realms, there was no room for compromise between them.

If he didn’t suppress Ye Yu’s luck now, once his cultivation level increased, he would become a threat.

However, although Ye Yu’s EQ was lacking, his luck with women was truly remarkable. First, a beautiful fiancée, then two lovely younger sisters, and now, even his ancestor was breathtakingly beautiful…

Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

And he also had Heavenly Dao Energy… If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t awakened his past life’s memories, and his actions hadn’t driven the once arrogant Ye Yu to the brink of madness, he would truly be a winner in life.

But now…

Your ancestor is beautiful, but she’ll be mine soon…

Mu Zhi’an watched Ye Yu leave and sighed softly. “Brother Ye Yu is a good person. He’s just too impulsive.”

“Most of the conflict between us is just a misunderstanding.”

“I apologize, Senior Ye. You must be in a difficult position. I didn’t expect him to follow you here. I thought the Heavenly Court matter was a secret between us…”

Ye Qingxin didn’t answer, her hands clasped behind her back, her eyes filled with disappointment.

Then, she shook her head gently. “It’s fine. You’re right, young friend Mu. The Heavenly Court matter is sensitive. It’s best if fewer people know about it.”

Ye Yu’s behavior tonight had disappointed her greatly. She had initially thought he was talented and blessed with great luck, although he lacked composure.

However, his actions had been childish and impulsive.

Talent was meaningless without a strong character. She had seen countless talented and lucky cultivators fail because they lacked the necessary mental fortitude.

On the other hand, this playboy Mu Zhi’an, despite his seemingly frivolous nature, was surprisingly calm and composed, his demeanor pleasant and agreeable.

Didn’t Ye Yu realize that if she was truly on Mu Zhi’an’s side, she wouldn’t have intervened on his behalf in the first place?

“Your Innate Celestial Furnace is different from any I’ve seen before. It seems to have… evolved?” Ye Qingxin suddenly asked, changing the subject.

She had sensed something unusual about his Innate Celestial Furnace.

Although this constitution was rare, she had seen countless unique constitutions in the Nine Realms.

She had even seen a special Innate Celestial Furnace on the Empress of Yu State.

Luo Tan, the Empress of Yu State, possessed both the Innate Celestial Furnace and the Medicine Immortal Body.

However… Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace was even more unique.

Logically, it shouldn’t be able to absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, not even Luo Tan’s could, but Mu Zhi’an had done it.

This proved his connection to the Heavenly Court.

“I encountered some… opportunities in the past, Senior, and my Innate Celestial Furnace underwent some… mutations,” Mu Zhi’an replied respectfully.

An evolved Innate Celestial Furnace… Ye Qingxin’s lips pursed slightly, her red eyes filled with surprise.

She had never heard of such a thing. No wonder he could absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy.

“You’ve been to the Heavenly Court, haven’t you?” she asked again.

The Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace clearly didn’t come from her palm-sized Heavenly Court. He must have obtained it elsewhere.

She had been observing him during the trial and knew he hadn’t absorbed any energy from her Celestial Realm.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “You can see through everything, Senior. I have been to the Heavenly Court.”

“During the appearance of the immortal path?” Ye Qingxin asked.

“As you suspected, Senior.”

Hearing his confirmation, Ye Qingxin finally understood.

She wasn’t surprised. His answer was within her expectations.

After all, based on her divination, the next appearance of the immortal path should have been three thousand years later, in the Southern Wilderness. It had appeared three thousand years earlier than predicted.

And the reason… was likely because of Mu Zhi’an.

He was definitely connected to the Heavenly Court’s Master, perhaps even…

“You’ve already ascended to the Heavenly Court, Senior. Why are you so concerned about it?” Mu Zhi’an asked humbly.

Ye Qingxin sighed softly. “I was the only one who ascended. After living for so long, one inevitably develops new goals… For example, opening the Heavenly Court’s gate and allowing my descendants to benefit from it.”

“Even ordinary cultivators who ascend to the Heavenly Court can extend their lifespan by at least a thousand years, let alone those with greater potential. However, there are only two ways to open the Heavenly Court’s gate.”

“One is to meet its requirements. The other…”

She looked at Mu Zhi’an. “…is to obtain the Heavenly Court’s Master’s approval.”

This Ye Qingxin is truly devoted to her descendants. She doesn’t just want to ascend herself, but wants to bring the entire Ye family to the Heavenly Court… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

“I understand, Senior, but although I can change the Heavenly Court’s rules, opening its gate is still beyond my abilities,” he said calmly.

He wasn’t lying. Although he could open the gate with the Primordial Demon Emperor’s ring, only his consciousness could enter.

Ye Qingxin didn’t seem surprised. “It’s indeed difficult with your current cultivation,” she said.

However, he couldn’t do it now, but what about after he reached the Nascent Soul Realm, or even Soul Transformation?

As if reading her thoughts, Mu Zhi’an cupped his fists respectfully. “If I can help you, Senior, I’ll do my best.”

Ye Qingxin was stunned. He had agreed without even asking for anything in return.

Despite what she had seen in his fantasies earlier, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of goodwill towards him.

She observed him for a moment, then took out a small, exquisite jade bottle from her sleeve.

“Since you’ve agreed, young friend Mu, I can’t let you leave empty-handed.”

“This is a ninth-grade pill, the Ascension Pill.”

“After refining it, it will protect your consciousness from mental attacks. And for the first month after consuming it, it will allow you to comprehend the secrets of any cultivation technique.”

A ninth-grade pill?!

As expected of someone from the Heavenly Court… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up, but he maintained his composure and asked, feigning surprise, “You trust me this much, Senior? Aren’t you afraid I’ll deceive you?”

Even he hadn’t expected her to give him the pill so readily.

Ye Qingxin smiled. “You might deceive me, but your Innate Celestial Furnace won’t.”

“Thank you, Senior,” Mu Zhi’an said, accepting the jade bottle respectfully.

“I swear, once I reach Soul Transformation, I’ll help you fulfill your wish and bring your entire clan to the Heavenly Court,” he added sincerely.

Ye Qingxin smiled gently. “It’s getting late. You should head back. Does the Jade Empress know you’re here?”

Mu Zhi’an, knowing when to retreat, bowed respectfully. “Then I’ll take my leave, Senior.”

He turned and left the pavilion on his sword.

Ye Qingxin watched him leave and sighed inwardly, a hint of regret in her eyes.

If only he were a descendant of the Ye family…

…

After returning to the Jade Glass Palace, Mu Zhi’an thought for a moment, then decided to visit Bai Ruoxi instead of returning to Dexin Courtyard to see Lingxuan.

Ye Qingxin’s alluring appearance had… aroused him, and he needed Ruoxi’s comfort.

He flew back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and headed towards Bai Ruoxi’s room.

“Ruoxi, I’m coming in.”

He knocked gently, then opened the door.

The sight that greeted him made him freeze.

Bai Ruoxi had finished her cultivation. Her eyes were slightly red, and her white dress was now partially stained black. Her usual gentle aura was now replaced by a captivating allure.

As if sensing his presence, she turned her head slightly and smiled sweetly. “Mu Lang, you’re back?”

Her attire, her demeanor… something’s wrong…

Mu Zhi’an felt a sense of unease.

Bai Ruoxi walked towards him, leaning into his embrace, her eyes moist and sparkling as she looked up at him. “Mu Lang~” she murmured seductively.

Before he could even react to her soft body pressed against his, her voice became even softer, almost dripping with sweetness.

“Is this how you and the Jade Empress bullied me today?”

Mu Zhi’an’s hand, which was about to embrace her, froze in mid-air. He looked down at the woman in his arms, his heart pounding.

Gong Lianyue?!