Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 535: Your Husband, He’s Quite Useful, Isn’t He? 

Early that morning, Ye Lingxuan walked gracefully towards Mu Zhian’s bedchamber.

“No one disturbed Brother Mu these past two days, right?” Ye Lingxuan asked with a smile.

“Besides Princess Yongning, no one else approached him,” the Reincarnated Empress replied calmly.

“Good, that’s good.”

The young woman slightly raised her snow-white chin, maintaining her usual calm and elegant demeanor.

But a hint of anticipation flickered in her eyes.

She could finally see Brother Mu.

A Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace, she wondered what it felt like?

The young woman had been thinking about Mu Zhian almost every day these past two days, but since the Jade Empress and Gong Lianyue hadn’t disturbed him, she naturally had to keep her promise and patiently wait for Mu Zhian to finish meditating.

However, a delicious treat, savored after two days of anticipation… had a unique flavor.

“Wait here for a bit. I’ll go in and see how Brother Mu is doing,” Ye Lingxuan said.

The Reincarnated Empress hesitated, “Shouldn’t we prepare for the hunting event?”

Ye Lingxuan wasn’t the only candidate for Forbidden Zone Lord. Was this young lady so confident that she didn’t even prepare the hunting grounds?

The Reincarnated Empress reminded her, “The Innate Spiritual Body’s perception is astonishing, but the Forbidden Zone is vast, and the other candidates have made preparations in advance. Their speed at finding magical beasts won’t be much slower than yours…”

Ye Lingxuan said matter-of-factly, “That’s why I’m going to ask Brother Mu for help.”

But you could have had the factions supporting you prepare the map in advance… The Reincarnated Empress opened her mouth slightly, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

It could only be said that her ‘present life’ seemed completely lovestruck, her mind filled with thoughts of her Brother Mu.

She was even resorting to schemes now!

While the Reincarnated Empress was still speechless, Ye Lingxuan had already walked into the depths of the bedchamber with light steps.

She was about to knock, but as if remembering something, she stopped and scanned the room with her spiritual sense.

There wasn’t a second person inside…

“Who’s there?” Mu Zhian’s gentle voice came from inside the room.

“Brother Mu, may I come in?” Ye Lingxuan’s clear voice echoed from outside.

“So the Forbidden Zone hunting event starts today?”

The young man’s voice murmured from inside. He looked at Wei Mengrou, who was silently changing her clothes with a blush on her face, and said, “Wait a moment, let me change.”

As if noticing Mu Zhian’s teasing gaze, Wei Mengrou rolled her eyes at her young master disdainfully.

She wasn’t emitting the slightest aura fluctuation. Even the Heavenly Dao’s will couldn’t sense her presence, let alone Ye Lingxuan now… Therefore, she naturally had no idea what kind of battle had just taken place in the room.

Mu Zhian walked behind Wei Mengrou and whispered in the cool beauty’s ear, “Sister Mengrou, I’ll be back.”

Wei Mengrou hummed softly in agreement. Then, her figure flickered strangely, like a shadow, silently melting into the darkness.

At the same time, Mu Zhian finished tidying his robes, then opened the door and saw the young woman standing there.

“Why did it take Brother Mu so long to change? You weren’t doing anything bad, were you?”

Ye Lingxuan stood with her hands behind her back, peeking into the room suspiciously, but didn’t notice anything unusual.

Mu Zhian placed a hand on the young girl’s hair and said with a smile, “It’s been rare peace these past two days, I’ve been meditating and cultivating, so tidying myself up took a little time.”

Ye Lingxuan’s attention was quickly captured by Mu Zhian, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment. Although his appearance hadn’t changed, after reaching Soul Transformation, his aura was clearly more refined and perfect.

Her gaze lingered for a few seconds, then she quickly turned her head away, a blush creeping up her pretty face.

Seeing this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but wrap his arm around the young woman’s soft and delicate body and said with a smile, “Sister Lingxuan, we’re so close, why are you still so shy?”

Ye Lingxuan looked up at the young man reproachfully, her rosy lips parting slightly, and whispered, “I am close to Brother Mu, but we rarely have intimate moments. After all, Brother Mu always has other people around.”

As she spoke, seemingly thinking about finally getting to taste the cream cake, her heart fluttered, and she hugged the young man’s waist tightly, whispering, “The hunting event starts in an hour, why don’t we…”

Mu Zhian looked down at the young woman and slowly shook his head, “I’ll be with you after we return. It’s not very convenient now, an hour is too short.”

Although Ye Lingxuan hadn’t sensed the depleted state of his Innate Celestial Furnace, she would immediately discover the problem if she tried to… sample the cake.

Seeing Ye Lingxuan about to speak again, Mu Zhian quickly said, “Right, can you take me for a walk in the Forbidden Zone? I don’t think I’ve ever properly explored it before.”

Ye Lingxuan thought for a moment, then reluctantly nodded.

Compared to a walk, she wanted to taste the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace… However, as a young woman of her age, she was still too reserved and shy to express herself so directly.

The two left the bedchamber, Ye Lingxuan holding Mu Zhian’s hand as they walked through the Forbidden Zone.

Although the outer area of the Forbidden Zone was desolate, its depths were like a paradise, the scenery breathtaking.

“That Black Tortoise statue is one of the Forbidden Zone’s guardian beasts. Although it looks like a stone, if an enemy enters, it will awaken immediately.”

Ye Lingxuan pointed at a Black Tortoise statue not far ahead, then at the various strangely shaped rocks on the towering immortal mountain in the distance, “Some of these spirit mines were brought from the outside world. Some contain rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Brother Mu, you’ve heard of stone gambling, right?”

Mu Zhian’s gaze lingered on the spirit mines on the immortal mountain, and he nodded slightly, “I’ve heard of it, I even tried it once.”

“What’s that over there?”

After crossing the immortal mountain, Mu Zhian’s attention was quickly drawn to a field of pink flowers in full bloom.

This sea of flowers contained incredibly dense Spiritual Energy. Clearly, they were all heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

Ye Lingxuan glanced over, her delicate brows furrowing slightly in disgust, “Those are Charm Immortal Flowers, unclean things in the Forbidden Zone. They grow and spread very quickly, so they need to be cleared out every few years.”

Mu Zhian asked curiously, “What are Charm Immortal Flowers used for?”

It seemed this heavenly material and earthly treasure wasn’t very valuable in the Forbidden Zone… even considered a nuisance?

But he could clearly sense the dense Spiritual Energy within these Charm Immortal Flowers, and a… charming aura.

“There’s a type of pill in the mortal world that can rapidly improve the relationship between men and women. The Charm Immortal Flower has a similar effect.”

Ye Lingxuan paused, then continued, “However, consuming this Charm Immortal Flower won’t make someone truly fall in love. At most, it just creates a flirtatious atmosphere.”

Mu Zhian plucked a Charm Immortal Flower, examined it for a few moments, handed it to the young woman, and said with a smile, “It’s quite pretty, actually.”

Ye Lingxuan’s heart fluttered, then she put on a stern face, “Is Brother Mu saying I’m as promiscuous as this Charm Immortal Flower?”

Mu Zhian toyed with the flower in his hand and said with a smile, “Doesn’t Sister Lingxuan think this flower is beautiful?”

The petals were pink, while the pistil was a seductive purple, making it look exceptionally alluring.

A glint of joy flashed through Ye Lingxuan’s eyes, and she nodded politely, “Mmm… But Brother Mu, be careful. Although this Charm Immortal Flower smells harmless, if its juice touches your skin, it will arouse you.”

“Just one flower won’t arouse me, at most, it will just create a flirtatious mood.”

As Mu Zhian spoke, he looked at the young woman again, “Speaking of which, Sister Lingxuan, do you want to…”

Ye Lingxuan seemed to understand what Mu Zhian was thinking, her face flushing red as she shot him a look, “I’m participating in the hunting event later, I can’t mess around with this kind of thing.”

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile and casually tossed the Charm Immortal Flower aside.

He was just joking. After all, the hunting event was about to start, and even the future Forbidden Zone Lord might be present. If she saw her daughter being taken advantage of like this, who knew what would happen.

“Let’s go, it’s about time to head back.”

Just as Mu Zhian finished speaking, he saw Ye Lingxuan bend down, pick up the Charm Immortal Flower he had just tossed aside, and hand it back to him.

The young woman’s magnificent purple dress fluttered in the gentle breeze, her hair swaying, exuding an innocent and naive charm.

She guided Mu Zhian’s hand to her face, then slightly raised her head, pressing her rosy lips gently against his.

A fleeting touch.

Her eyes, moist and hazy, gazed into Mu Zhian’s, and she said obediently, “Although the hunting event is about to start, if Brother Mu likes it… Lingxuan can play with you for a bit.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, “I was just joking, we should focus on the important matters…”

He was just teasing Ye Lingxuan, he didn’t expect her to take it seriously.

If his future mother-in-law or father-in-law found out, Mu Zhian might not be able to leave the Forbidden Zone even with nine lives.

“It’s fine, Lingxuan will fulfill any of Brother Mu’s requests.”

“However, I also have a request.”

Ye Lingxuan’s beautiful eyes, filled with shyness and anticipation, looked at him as she stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear:

“Brother Mu has to help Lingxuan personally~”

…

The hunt in the Forbidden Zone wasn’t like an ordinary hunt in the mortal dynasties. It involved hunting incredibly powerful demonic creatures enhanced by the Forbidden Zone’s rules.

And this hunting event was usually a crucial part of the competition for the position of Forbidden Zone Lord.

The Grand Elder would use the results of this hunt to decide which candidate to support.

At this moment, a large group of people had gathered in an open area near the outer edge of the Forbidden Zone. Looking closely, one could see they were divided into six factions, and Ye Lingxuan led one of them.

Several of these people were strong contenders for the position of Forbidden Zone Lord. However, when Ye Lingxuan appeared, almost everyone turned their gazes towards her, whispering amongst themselves.

“As expected of the young lady, even though the other candidates look so serious, she still seems relaxed.”

“After all, she’s the one with the highest chance of inheriting the position of Forbidden Zone Lord in our history.”

Since its establishment, the Forbidden Zone had held countless selection rituals for the Forbidden Zone Lord, but without exception, no one had ever successfully claimed the position.

There were various reasons for their failures, but the most common one was that almost every candidate perished during the hunting event.

“Is that man beside the young lady Young Master Mu?” A young woman asked softly, her bright eyes curiously observing the young man.

Although the Forbidden Zone kept the matter of Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace a closely guarded secret, it had spread among the clan members. Almost everyone knew about it now, so his appearance immediately attracted the attention of many young women present.

“He’s very handsome, a perfect match for the young lady,” someone commented softly.

“Indeed… but why does the young lady’s expression seem a bit off? Could it be that something went wrong during her cultivation last night?”

A young woman suddenly hesitated, looking at Ye Lingxuan with a puzzled expression. She noticed a faint blush on the Forbidden Zone imperial daughter’s face, strands of hair clinging to her delicate, fair skin, exuding an inexplicable charm.

Ye Qian also noticed this and walked to Ye Lingxuan’s side, asking with concern, “Sister, are you alright?”

Could she be too nervous?

But with Sister’s personality, she shouldn’t be nervous…

Just then, Mu Zhian placed a hand on Ye Lingxuan’s shoulder and said with a smile, “She probably had some issues with her cultivation just now. I’ll take care of your sister during the hunt, don’t worry.”

Ye Qian looked at them with a confused expression.

Ye Lingxuan smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m… I’m fine.”

While Ye Qian wasn’t looking, Ye Lingxuan discreetly rubbed her slender legs together beneath her purple dress, a faint blush on her face, and shot the young man a resentful look.

Just then, Ye Qian noticed Yao Meng smiling and beckoning to her from a pavilion in the distance, so she said to the two, “Master seems to need me, I’ll leave Sister in your care, Brother Mu.”

Mu Zhian smiled and nodded, “I’ll take care of your sister.”

After Ye Qian turned and walked towards the pavilion, Mu Zhian leaned close to the young woman’s ear and whispered, “Just hold on a little longer, we’re about to leave. It’ll be fine once we’re in the carriage.”

Ye Lingxuan rolled her eyes at the young man, lowered her head, and pinched him secretly on the waist, silently venting her frustration and shyness.

Fortunately, at this moment, an elderly man with a celestial air gracefully descended before the crowd. He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over everyone, then lingering on Mu Zhian for a moment before saying slowly:

“It seems everyone is here. Just like previous successor selection rituals, whoever hunts the most powerful forbidden creature can exchange it with this old man for any heavenly material or earthly treasure, pill, or even artifact spirit you desire.”

“And I will unconditionally support the winning team’s candidate for the position of Forbidden Zone Lord. Do you have any objections?”

The Grand Elder glanced around at everyone. Seeing no one speaking, he nodded slightly, “Then let’s depart.”

Almost as soon as his voice fell, Ye Lingxuan immediately pulled Mu Zhian into the palanquin.

Only then did the tension in her body finally ease.

“Need a handkerchief?” Mu Zhian asked tentatively.

She first smoothed the wrinkles on her skirt with her slender hand.

Then, she glanced at the young man seductively and hummed softly in agreement, her beautiful eyes moist and passionate.

She had almost… lost control just now.

…

High above the Forbidden Zone, a luxuriously decorated, ancient-style celestial palace floated quietly.

Inside, it was completely silent.

Because at this moment, Gong Lianyue, Yao Meng, and the Primordial Witch were in the same space.

Yao Meng watched as the palanquin carrying Mu Zhian headed towards the outer edge of the Forbidden Zone and couldn’t help but chuckle softly, “How rare. Since being suppressed by this Seat that day, you rarely dare to appear before me.”

“And now you dare show yourself so openly, is it because you’ve gained some confidence from merging with the second spiritual sense?”

As she spoke, she casually glanced at the Primordial Witch behind her.

Or rather, Wei Mengrou.

With two Primordial Witch spiritual senses, her strength was infinitely close to Transcendence. At least, according to Yao Meng’s perception, the current Wei Mengrou did indeed possess the strength to fight against a Transcendence Realm expert.

But so what?

The gap between pre-Transcendence and Transcendence wasn’t so easily bridged.

Gong Lianyue sat calmly at the side, watching the tense atmosphere.

She almost wished the two would start fighting.

It would be even better if they both exhausted their Spiritual Energy, then she could tie them up and throw them into the Sword Palace basement, leaving Mu Zhian all to herself.

The Primordial Witch glanced at the otherworldly fairy. Behind the Jade Empress, illusory realms seemed to appear, shrouded in mist, seemingly close at hand, yet also distant and ethereal, her beauty breathtaking.

However, everyone present knew just how black-bellied this holy fairy truly was.

“If I wanted to attack you, I wouldn’t have waited until now.”

The Primordial Witch’s voice held an inexplicable charm, “Besides, if we fight, someone else might benefit.”

These words were clearly directed at Gong Lianyue.

“Then why have you been staring at this Seat since earlier?” Yao Meng’s voice was soft and melodious, like heavenly music.

Not far from the celestial palace was a fishpond. At this moment, the fish gathered near the pavilion in mid-air, as if drawn by Yao Meng’s voice, their tails swishing.

The Primordial Witch said with a smile, “I just think you’ve changed quite a bit. If it were before, you would have gone looking for him after he reached Soul Transformation.”

“But this time, you actually endured for two days.”

“He only just reached Soul Transformation two days ago, and he regressed three times during his tribulation, his mental energy severely depleted. I still have some restraint,” Yao Meng said calmly.

“You’re truly considerate,” the Primordial Witch’s tone was laced with sarcasm.

“Naturally, after all, this Seat is his wife,” Yao Meng tilted her head slightly and smiled.

These words made the Primordial Witch’s smile falter.

Even in the past, the relationship between the Primordial Witch and Mu Zhian was only that of Dao Companions, not ‘husband and wife’.

Therefore, the more the Jade Empress mentioned this, the more irritated she became.

Although she knew there was another reason behind Mu Zhian and the Jade Empress’s marriage… the Jade Empress definitely had other ways to transcend.

She just chose to kill two birds with one stone.

Getting married and successfully transcending.

Yao Meng slightly raised her snow-white chin and said with a smile, “If there’s nothing else, then this Seat will go check on my husband~”

She emphasized the word ‘husband’.

A faint smile flickered in her green eyes.

She didn’t care what kind of entanglement the Primordial Witch and Mu Zhian had in their past lives. The current Mu Zhian was hers… knowing this was enough.

After glancing at the Primordial Witch as if looking at a loser, Yao Meng was about to leave.

Just then, the Primordial Witch’s amused voice echoed through the celestial palace, “You’re truly confident, thinking everything is under your control?”

A playful glint, rarely seen, appeared in Yao Meng’s gentle green eyes as she turned her head, “And if it isn’t?”

A beautiful smile played on the Primordial Witch’s lips.

She took out a projection stone from her storage ring and gently tossed it out.

Then, as Yao Meng’s smile gradually faded, the projection stone transformed into a picture scroll, silently displaying an image.

Within the enchanting scene displayed on the scroll, a smile appeared in the Primordial Witch’s silver eyes:

“Is this also under your control?”

Chapter 534: Even Maids Are Competitive? 

In Mu Zhian’s understanding, the Heavenly Dao was like a ‘terminal computer,’ and all living beings in the Nine Provinces were part of its system.

Therefore, the Heavenly Dao could access their identities, backgrounds, and even the techniques they used, at any time.

After all, every cultivator had to undergo tribulations, and every tribulation left a trace within the Heavenly Dao.

…Except for the Primordial Witch.

It wasn’t that Mu Zhian was particularly interested in the beings of the Forbidden Lands, but he was curious about the surname of the Forbidden Land of Life’s master.

“I can’t use my authority to give you a backdoor, so I’ll investigate her identity and background on your behalf. You don’t mind, do you, Master?” the Heavenly Dao’s will suddenly asked.

“Go ahead, do as you please,” Mu Zhian said, then closed his eyes and feigned sleep, recovering his mental energy.

The Heavenly Dao’s will stood silently beside him, her eyes closed.

After a while, she extended her right hand.

Under a soft, white light, a scroll materialized in her palm.

Manifestation of thought, a technique that could create almost anything in this world, even living beings.

“Truly worthy of the Heavenly Dao…” Mu Zhian marveled inwardly.

Manifestation of thought… This wasn’t so much a cultivator’s technique, but the Heavenly Dao’s authority. Probably only the Heavenly Dao could achieve this.

He took the scroll and scanned it.

“Mu Zhi, master of the Forbidden Land of Life, time of birth unknown, Dao Integration Realm. Due to the influence of the forbidden object, her appearance is no different from a little girl…”

Mu Zhian paused upon reading this, a strange look appearing in his eyes: No wonder the tone of Mu Zhi’s letter was so playful… Could she really be a little girl?

However, this information was within his expectations. Wasn’t there anything more interesting?

“Once occupied Cloud Province’s territory with the power of rules, later suppressed within the Forbidden Land of Life by someone, ultimately choosing to lie dormant.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered slightly, as if realizing something, and he suddenly asked, “Can you find out who suppressed the Forbidden Land of Life in the past?”

However, this time, the Heavenly Dao’s will gently shook her head, “That person is beyond the scope of the rules of heaven and earth, unaffected by them.”

A hint of regret appeared in Mu Zhian’s eyes. He could only continue reading the contents of the scroll.

Most of it described Mu Zhi’s past actions in Cloud Province. She was born at Soul Transformation Realm, reached Dao Integration at seventeen, and shortly after, the rules of heaven and earth in Cloud Province changed, making her the master of the Forbidden Land of Life…

“Born at Soul Transformation Realm… What kind of monster is that?” Mu Zhian couldn’t help but complain inwardly.

If this scroll wasn’t written by the Heavenly Dao, he wouldn’t believe such absurd information, not even if he were beaten to death.

Just then, Mu Zhian’s gaze froze on the last two notes on the document.

There were two names written there.

“Mother: 【】, Father: 【】.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will hesitated and asked, “Master, what’s wrong?”

She noticed Mu Zhian’s unusual expression, his gaze fixed on the notes at the end of the scroll.

“Can you access my information?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

The Heavenly Dao’s will handed Mu Zhian a new scroll.

Mu Zhian took the scroll and scanned it.

The content mostly described Mu Zhian’s past actions as a spoiled rich kid in Tianxuan City. Such records were countless in the Nine Provinces. Even the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t pay attention to such insignificant little figures.

However, when Mu Zhian saw the notes at the end of the scroll, he couldn’t help but be stunned.

“Mother: 【】, Father: 【】”

He looked up and asked incredulously, “Are there things even the Heavenly Dao can’t find out?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will gently shook her head, “As long as someone has undergone a tribulation, they will leave a trace. If I can’t find it, it must be because part of the information is hidden with other Heavenly Dao wills.”

“In other words, if all the other Heavenly Dao wills in the Nine Provinces are devoured by you, perhaps you can find out the identities of Mu Zhi’s parents?”

A hint of regret appeared in Mu Zhian’s eyes, but he quickly smiled nonchalantly, “Forget it, there’s no rush for this matter. Even if I don’t approach her, she will definitely find a way to approach me, right?”

As he expected, Mu Zhi’s surname was indeed somewhat intriguing.

Mu Zhian’s parents mysteriously disappeared when he was born. The past Mu Zhian didn’t have the strength to seek the truth, but now, he had glimpsed a corner of it.

His harvest tonight was already plentiful enough, although he had consumed a large amount of Spiritual Energy to satisfy the greedy Heavenly Dao’s will.

But clearly, it was all worth it.

“You’re calmer than I imagined,” the Heavenly Dao’s will looked at him indifferently. “I thought you would be eager to leave the Forbidden Zone and find my other embodiments, then find out your parents’ identities.”

Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes. He was indeed eager to find out whether he had parents, and if so, what they had been doing all these years, and why they left him alone in Tianxuan City.

But he couldn’t be hasty, at least not now.

He had already touched upon a corner of the truth, and now he also had the strength to uncover it… After Ye Lingxuan inherited the position of Forbidden Zone Empress, they would have a place among the Nine Forbidden Lands.

“I am indeed eager to uncover the identities of my parents, and even Mu Zhi, but I have to take it one step at a time.”

After calming down, Mu Zhian relaxed and said with a smile, “Besides, with you by my side, are you afraid we can’t find out their identities in the future?”

He looked at the Heavenly Dao’s will meaningfully and said, “But I know you’re staying by my side for the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy. How much do you need to be satisfied?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will took a liking to him because of that kiss during the Heavenly Tribulation.

She sensed a Spiritual Energy different from the Nine Provinces, a Spiritual Energy that could even make her ‘evolve’.

More importantly… the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy was too wonderful.

So wonderful that it made one willingly and wholeheartedly savor it.

The Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly, “If we continue at this pace, perhaps two lifetimes.”

“But you’re wrong about one thing.”

Under Mu Zhian’s puzzled gaze, the woman suddenly stood up, her immortal gold armor silently covering her body, her long hair cascading down her back, her dress, inlaid with countless special spirit stones, shimmering brilliantly, luxurious and glamorous.

At this moment, she transformed back into that cold and emotionless god, looking down upon the beings below.

“I approached you not just for the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy.”

Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, “I know, you’re here to maintain the order of the rules of heaven and earth. After all, to the Heavenly Dao, the rules are more important than anything.”

However, the Heavenly Dao’s will gently shook her head, “It’s not just because of that.”

Mu Zhian looked at her doubtfully, unable to guess her purpose.

The crescent moon behind the Heavenly Dao’s will silently rose, making her flawless figure even more holy and alluring. She gazed at Mu Zhian and said, “I can sense you have no reverence for me, only desire.”

“The easiest way to understand the emotions of living beings is to experience them personally.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, “So your third purpose in approaching me is to understand what love is?”

He didn’t expect the Heavenly Dao’s will to be so straightforward, even conducting field research and personally participating.

Sacrificing herself just to understand the emotions of the Nine Provinces’ beings.

She really… I’m going to cry…

“Then what are your current findings?” Mu Zhian asked curiously.

The woman glanced at him and said calmly, “It’s very comfortable, but it seems we skipped many things Dao Companions usually do, which is somewhat regrettable.”

Mu Zhian stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and said, “Are you referring to dating? After Sister Lingxuan successfully becomes the Forbidden Zone Empress, we can go out for a stroll.”

Mu Zhian paused and said with concern, “But if the cultivators of the Nine Provinces see you, will it…”

The Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly, “No one will connect me to my true identity. After all, only a few great powers have seen me.”

Why do I feel like she’s even more excited than I am…? Mu Zhian nodded, “Then it’s settled.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will hummed in agreement and added, “Tonight’s matter between us needs to be kept a secret, you understand, right?”

Mu Zhian looked at her silently and smiled, “I prefer it when you call me Master.”

“If you like it, I will address you as such, Master.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will reverted to her previous address. She looked at Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace and nodded with satisfaction, “With this, no one will bother Master anytime soon.”

After all, the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace had been completely drained…

Mu Zhian glanced at the woman, “This is an exception, but you can’t completely purify my Spiritual Energy next time, otherwise, others will be suspicious.”

The fish in his pond were too smart. They might not guess it was the Heavenly Dao’s will, but if they discovered the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace was almost depleted, they would definitely guess that Mu Zhian had been intimate with another woman.

Just as the Heavenly Dao’s will turned to leave, she paused slightly, “Are you worried they’ll be jealous, Master?”

Mu Zhian gently shook his head, “I’m also worried about you.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will’s eyes flickered slightly, her face still cold and frosty, but a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, “Although I know it’s just sweet talk, it still makes me happy.”

Mu Zhian watched as the Heavenly Dao’s will transformed into a soft white light and silently vanished from sight, then retracted his gaze.

Time to meditate!

For Mu Zhian, there was nothing else he needed to do now, just rest for two days.

But for the hidden factions in the Nine Provinces, tonight was filled with commotion.

The Forbidden Zone completely blocked the news, so no one knew the true identity of the Innate Celestial Furnace’s owner.

But there were no secrets that could be kept forever.

When Mu Zhian’s identity was exposed, it would undoubtedly cause quite a stir.

If Mu Zhian was compared to a delicious cream cake, then Yao Meng and the others were those fighting over it.

And the Heavenly Dao was the referee.

…Although the referee herself was secretly licking the cream off the cake.

Of course, Mu Zhian wasn’t concerned about this now.

Compared to that, what was more important was Ye Lingxuan’s position as Forbidden Zone Lord.

Just as he entered a meditative state, after less than half an hour, a cold wind suddenly blew through the room.

The candlelight flickered, then instantly extinguished.

Mu Zhian reacted quickly, abruptly opening his eyes, a golden light flowing within his dark pupils. A terrifying monster with a ferocious appearance appeared beside him.

The monster opened its single, bizarre eye, and a crack silently tore open in the void.

A deep purple letter silently appeared before Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian frowned.

The forbidden object of the Forbidden Land of Life.

He opened the letter and glanced inside.

“Big brother, you actually dared to secretly investigate me. If you like me that much, you can come find me in the Forbidden Land of Life. I can play many fun games with you~”

“I’m very lonely here alone in the Forbidden Land, come play with me, big brother.”

“If you’re willing, big brother, you can write your name on this letter.”

If I write my name, won’t I instantly die…?

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then simply replied: “Hee hee hee.”

He threw the letter into the void, ignoring it, and re-entered his meditative state.

…

Deep within a quiet and secluded hall, the young girl took the letter from the void, glanced at it, then angrily crumpled it up and threw it away.

A mere Soul Transformation cultivator, not only repeatedly rejecting her, but even daring to tease her in return.

The name “Forbidden Land of Life”, which cultivator wouldn’t tremble upon hearing it?

Yet this person repeatedly disrespected her.

She didn’t even want to add “hee hee” to her letters anymore.

Mu Zhi’s eyes gradually calmed down.

She couldn’t be hasty now. After all, that person was still hiding in the Eastern Continent’s Forbidden Zone, and the other Forbidden Lands were also watching from the shadows… Only after he left would it be the right time to strike!

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhian stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.

Just as he got out of bed and opened the door, he saw a maid in a yellow dress standing quietly by the door. Mu Zhian couldn’t help but be stunned, “Sister Mengrou, when did you arrive?”

“Last night,” Wei Mengrou said faintly.

Last night? Then wasn’t that… Mu Zhian’s expression changed.

“I’m not within the scope of the rules of heaven and earth, so the Heavenly Dao’s will couldn’t sense my presence,” Wei Mengrou said calmly, as if guessing Mu Zhian’s thoughts.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then hesitated, “No one noticed you were here last night…?”

The enhancement the Primordial Witch brought to Wei Mengrou was too outrageous. Not only Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue, but even the Heavenly Dao’s representative in the Nine Provinces hadn’t sensed her presence.

“If I weren’t worried about you being alone, who would want to stay here all night?”

As Wei Mengrou spoke, a faint blush appeared on her cold face.

Hearing this, even Mu Zhian wanted to cover his face.

He thought no one was around last night, so he was a bit unrestrained.

But unexpectedly… Wei Mengrou had been waiting at the door the entire time.

“Speaking of which, Sister Mengrou, could it be that you were… lonely?” Mu Zhian suddenly thought of this possibility and asked doubtfully.

This was the Forbidden Zone, after all, and there were two Human Emperors present. Who would dare harm Mu Zhian at this juncture?

Compared to protecting him, Mu Zhian felt that the maid had other intentions…

After all, a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace, such delicious Spiritual Energy… who wouldn’t want a taste?

The maid’s face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, her voice still cold, “W-who would be lonely… As your maid, I naturally have to ensure your safety.”

“…Although you don’t need to now.”

Seemingly recalling the Heavenly Dao’s will addressing Mu Zhian as “Master” last night, Wei Mengrou’s cold eyes dimmed slightly, and she said softly, “Since you’ve finished meditating, my task is complete.”

Just then, Mu Zhian grabbed her soft, small hand and said, “As a maid, aren’t there more duties than just protecting your master?”

If Mu Zhian had been more observant, he might have noticed something was off about Wei Mengrou’s state this morning.

Normally, Wei Mengrou would have given him a disdainful look and left with sexy strides.

Even if she wanted to secretly lick the cream cake, she wouldn’t show such a vulnerable and helpless demeanor.

Wei Mengrou seemed to understand the implication in Mu Zhian’s words and couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the young master, snorting softly, “You wish.”

As expected…

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile.

He wasn’t surprised by the maid’s answer… Or rather, he had experienced a great battle last night, suppressing the Heavenly Dao’s will with a mortal body. It had taken a toll on him.

He needed to recover…

However, just as Mu Zhian was about to speak again to ease the atmosphere, Wei Mengrou took half a step closer, raised her chin slightly, wrapped her arms around the young man’s neck, leaned against his shoulder, and whispered, “You wish… Did you think I would answer like that?”

Her slender fingers naturally curled around the young man’s neck.

A silver light flowed through her usually cold eyes.

At the same time, Wei Mengrou flicked her fingertip, and a perfectly round projection stone quietly appeared in the room.

Mu Zhian looked at the breathtakingly beautiful woman so close at hand, surprise and uncertainty in his eyes.

Has Sister Mengrou been possessed?

Then, Wei Mengrou pressed her red lips against the young man’s ear and whispered in a soft, sweet voice, “You’ll only have me as your maid, right?”

Clearly, the Heavenly Dao’s will addressing Mu Zhian as “Master” last night had sparked a sense of crisis in the maid.

The young master should only have her as his maid. Other women… could be his Dao Companions, but definitely not his maid.

A maid should be unique.

It seems she’s become much more passionate after merging with the Primordial Witch’s two spiritual senses… Mu Zhian swallowed inwardly.

But it had to be said, this kind of maid, cold and aloof on the surface, but willing to play master-servant games with you in private, was truly… irresistible.

Before Mu Zhian could speak, the maid raised her moist and alluring silver eyes.

She leaned close to the young man’s ear and whispered, “Between me and the Heavenly Dao’s will, who is better, Master? Please give me your answer later~”

Chapter 533: She’s Just Too Good

“That’s strange, no one has approached this bedchamber tonight?”

Ye Qingxin’s spiritual sense silently enveloped the quiet courtyard, instantly detecting Mu Zhian’s aura.

However, for some reason, she didn’t see anyone in the bedchamber… This was quite odd.

Despite her doubts, the Ye Clan ancestor didn’t pause. She gracefully walked towards the courtyard in her exquisite embroidered shoes, intending to pass through the front hall and go deeper inside.

Just then, a woman silently appeared from the shadows ahead, blocking Ye Qingxin’s path.

The woman’s expression was indifferent, her clear and bright eyes exceptionally serene in the darkness, staring quietly at Ye Qingxin.

“The young lady has given orders that no one is to approach him tonight.”

Ye Qingxin stopped, the firelight around her dazzling and alluring in the darkness. The vermilion dot on her forehead accentuated her bewitching, almost demonic beauty.

After sizing up the woman before her, a playful smile appeared on Ye Qingxin’s lips, “Reincarnated Empress? Did Lingxuan ask you to stay here and protect him? But even I can’t enter, isn’t that a bit much?”

The Reincarnated Empress said faintly, “Neither the Jade Empress nor the Sword Palace Master disturbed him tonight. It wouldn’t be appropriate for Fellow Daoist Ye to enter, especially since his mental energy is greatly depleted and he needs to rest.”

Even someone with the Jade Empress’s personality could leave Mu Zhian alone to rest…

Even Ye Qingxin was somewhat surprised. She pondered for a moment, “Then why don’t you come in with me? I just want to check if he’s resting peacefully.”

After the Soul Transformation Tribulation, Mu Zhian’s mental and spiritual energies would indeed be greatly depleted. Thinking about it calmly now, it was better for him to rest… However, seeing him in person would be more reassuring.

The Reincarnated Empress gently shook her head, “The young lady asked me to guard outside, so it’s not appropriate for me to enter.”

Even Ye Qingxin was somewhat speechless upon hearing this.

No wonder that girl was so at ease leaving the Reincarnated Empress to guard the bedchamber. Among the women around Mu Zhian, the Reincarnated Empress was probably the only one who had no intention of stealing a bite of the ‘cake’.

After all, this woman prioritized her Master’s orders above all else.

The Reincarnated Empress would meticulously carry out any task Ye Lingxuan assigned.

“As expected of the Forbidden Zone’s forbidden object, truly reliable,” Ye Qingxin sighed softly.

The Eastern Continent’s ‘Number Two’ forbidden object, the Nirvana Heart, was currently within the Reincarnated Empress.

Or rather, within her body.

No one in this world could kill her. Even after death, the Reincarnated Empress could be reborn from the ashes in a short time, and each death would make the owner of this forbidden object stronger, up to nine times.

However, this forbidden object had one requirement: the holder mustn’t intentionally seek death.

By now, the Nirvana Heart wasn’t of much use to the Reincarnated Empress, as it was very difficult for a Dao Integration Realm expert like her to die.

In a sense, the Reincarnated Empress herself was both the former master of the Forbidden Zone and its forbidden object.

The Reincarnated Empress pondered for a moment, then continued, “Actually, it’s also not appropriate for you to see him tonight. It would cause gossip, even make people think there’s something between you and Mu Zhian.”

Ye Qingxin looked at the woman in surprise, then chuckled softly, “It seems you’re not so inflexible after all, quite thoughtful.”

News of Mu Zhian’s Soul Transformation tonight had spread throughout the Forbidden Zone. Although he was currently in the bedchamber, countless eyes were watching.

Ye Qingxin represented the Ye Clan, after all. Although she also wanted to… partake tonight… if she did, Qian’er and Lingxuan would probably find out immediately.

She would have no face to see them then.

The Reincarnated Empress said calmly, “It’s not that I don’t understand human relationships, I just don’t want to think about them too much.”

She indeed had the right to say this. After all, with the Reincarnated Empress’s strength, there was no need for her to consider human relationships.

Ye Qingxin smiled, “Since you’ve said so, I’ll visit Young Friend Mu another day.”

The Reincarnated Empress nodded slightly, watched as Ye Qingxin turned into a streak of fire and quietly vanished from sight, then prepared to return to the shadows.

However, just then, she saw a woman walking towards her along the small, moonlit lake.

Evergreen pine and cypress trees lined both sides of the lake, and colorful flowers bloomed in the flowerbeds.

Princess Yongning, dressed in a magnificent gown, walked through the front hall. Her hair, seemingly styled with care, was adorned with a valuable golden hair ornament. Under the night sky, the golden tassels swayed gently, making even the flowers in the flowerbeds pale in comparison.

She was truly an extraordinary woman. Normally, ordinary cultivators would feel some pressure before a Dao Integration Realm expert, but this eldest princess didn’t show the slightest bit of nervousness. She simply bowed slightly and said respectfully, “Greetings, Senior.”

The Reincarnated Empress glanced at her, “You are Princess Yongning of the Great Qian Dynasty, right? What brings you here?”

The eldest princess replied politely, “Thanks to Young Master Mu’s assistance these past few days, I’ve been hoping to thank him in person. However, it wasn’t convenient to disturb him while he was undergoing his tribulation… This junior will be returning to the palace tomorrow, so I wanted to bid Young Master Mu farewell.”

The Reincarnated Empress pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly, “You can go in, but don’t disturb him for too long. He’s mentally exhausted from his tribulation today and is probably meditating.”

“If Young Master Mu is meditating, this junior won’t disturb him. Please rest assured, Senior.”

Princess Yongning bowed slightly, lifting her skirt, then gracefully walked towards the rear hall.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, she arrived at a small courtyard in the rear hall.

A small house stood not far ahead, candlelight flickering through the paper windows, faintly revealing the figure of a young man sitting by the window.

Didn’t they say he was meditating and resting…?

A strange glint flickered in the eldest princess’s eyes as she approached gracefully.

Just then, the young man’s gentle and calm voice came from inside, “Princess Yongning, why are you here?”

Princess Yongning’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She didn’t expect to be noticed from such a distance.

Princess Yongning collected her thoughts and said, “I’m returning to the palace tomorrow, so I came to bid Young Master Mu farewell, even though it’s late.”

Come to think of it, it was almost time for Princess Yongning to return.

Mu Zhian casually glanced at the woman hiding under the table, then said, “Let me know before you depart tomorrow, Princess. I’ll have someone escort you.”

Princess Yongning gently shook her head and said softly, “Young Master Mu just finished your tribulation and must be mentally exhausted. I wouldn’t want to trouble you further.”

“So, Your Highness plans to return to the capital just like that? Have you forgotten the purpose of your trip?” Mu Zhian asked with a smile, gently caressing the Heavenly Dao’s will’s flawless, jade-like face.

The woman raised her cold, emotionless eyes and stared intently at Mu Zhian. Although her expression remained indifferent, a faint blush colored her flawless face, a stark contrast.

Probably no one would have imagined that the will of the Nine Provinces’ Heavenly Dao would be under a table, pleasing a certain cultivator.

Oh, no, not pleasing, just maintaining the order of the Nine Provinces’ rules…

Then, Mu Zhian continued, “The old emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty cherishes his life above all else. After Gu Buxing’s death, he’s been depressed, I even heard he’s grown a lot of white hair overnight?”

Princess Yongning was somewhat surprised, “Even Young Master Mu knows about this?”

Mu Zhian smiled, took out a brightly colored flower from his storage ring, opened the window, and saw the eldest princess outside.

Her elegant, oval face, carefully applied makeup, and pale golden eyes, elegant yet calm, a touch of crimson at the corners, were captivating.

Her lips were rosy and full.

“Consider this a farewell gift. I hope Your Highness likes it,” Mu Zhian handed her the flower through the window.

“The Everlasting Flower?” Princess Yongning asked in surprise, her gaze fixed on the brightly colored flower.

The Everlasting Flower was a sixth-grade heavenly material and earthly treasure, but its growing conditions were very specific. It only grew in the Forbidden Zone, and even the Forbidden Zone clan members might not have one.

With it, this mission could be considered a success, if not a complete one, then at least a satisfactory one.

After all, no one actually expected Princess Yongning to find the ‘elixir of immortality’ in the Forbidden Zone. Whether she could even return safely was a question.

However, not only did Princess Yongning return to the Great Qian Dynasty, but she was even treated as a guest by the Forbidden Zone and left with an ‘elixir of immortality’… If this series of events were to spread, this eldest princess could gain considerable support within the court.

“Young Master Mu, I can’t accept this.”

Princess Yongning quickly reacted and handed the flower back to Mu Zhian, “I already owe you a favor. If it weren’t for you, it’s uncertain whether we could even leave the Forbidden Zone.”

“So, this…”

Before she could finish, Mu Zhian smiled and said, “Your Highness, have you forgotten that you took me in that day in the Forbidden Zone, when I had nowhere to camp? This is just to repay Your Highness’s kindness, there’s no need to refuse.”

Yongning silently gazed at the young man. She and Mu Zhian had only met a few times. At most, she tried to recruit him back in the Two Polarities Sect, but that was all.

As for taking him in at their campsite that day… with Mu Zhian’s strength, he could have easily found another place to camp, he didn’t need their help at all.

Such a small act of kindness, yet she received a much greater reward in return.

After a moment of silence, Princess Yongning smiled and said, “Then thank you, Young Master Mu~”

She truly needed this Everlasting Flower.

“Young Master Mu, you just finished your tribulation, aren’t you planning to rest so late at night?” The eldest princess suddenly asked, looking at the young man with hidden curiosity.

For some reason, she felt that Mu Zhian seemed different tonight… He looked somewhat distracted, his spirit noticeably weaker than usual.

“I was about to meditate, but I sensed your aura, so I decided to wait for you,” Mu Zhian said with a warm smile.

“I apologize. I only planned to check on Young Master Mu and leave immediately if I saw you meditating,” Yongning said apologetically.

She was genuinely apologetic, thinking her arrival had disturbed Mu Zhian’s meditation, her eyes filled with remorse.

Mu Zhian naturally noticed this.

He maintained a calm expression, but inwardly found it quite amusing.

In his impression, this eldest princess was the epitome of dignified elegance, mature and composed, yet she could also feel guilty.

“It’s just meditating a bit later, it’s no big deal.”

Mu Zhian changed the subject and said with a smile, “Besides, chatting with Your Highness tonight makes me very happy. See? My spirits are much better now.”

Princess Yongning was stunned. Sensing the young man’s gentle gaze, and the subtle charm emanating from him, the eldest princess felt her heart race and her face flush.

She secretly observed this young man, finding him like a refined and elegant noble, an inexplicable charm drawing her in.

Suddenly, she noticed the young man’s body tense slightly, his expression somewhat off, his gaze drifting strangely towards the table beneath them.

This made Princess Yongning pause slightly, then her beautiful eyes flickered with a sharp intelligence.

This Heavenly Dao’s will is a bit clueless…

Mu Zhian also realized his ‘lapse’ and said with a smile, maintaining his composure, “Your Highness, I just finished my tribulation and am preparing to meditate, so…”

His implication was clear.

However, Princess Yongning didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she took half a step closer, approaching the window, then lifted her skirt and her head, her red lips almost touching Mu Zhian’s, her soft and sweet breath close at hand.

“I won’t tell anyone, Young Master Mu,” Princess Yongning whispered, bringing her rosy lips closer, a smile playing on her lips, “Let’s just keep this our little secret~”

…

Princess Yongning left, but her parting words clearly indicated that she had discovered something.

“It seems that Princess Yongning isn’t as ‘reserved’ as she appears… At least, her actions tonight are quite intriguing,” Mu Zhian murmured, still savoring the Princess’s words. The usually dignified and elegant Princess Yongning, her actions earlier… even someone clueless about romance could sense the intimacy.

“Forget it, I’ll ask her in person after I go to the Great Qian Dynasty,” Mu Zhian quickly shook his head, dismissing his thoughts.

Compared to Princess Yongning, there were more important matters to attend to.

“Were you doing that on purpose just now?” Mu Zhian looked at the goddess crawling out from under the table.

“Not exactly on purpose, I just sensed Master’s excitement, so I tried my best to please you,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly, gazing at Mu Zhian, “I could sense that your mental state was indeed quite excited.”

Mu Zhian corrected her, “That’s because I was worried about being discovered.”

“But the thought of being discovered made you excited, right?”

Hearing the Heavenly Dao’s will’s words, Mu Zhian was about to deny it, but he noticed her staring at him, her gaze traveling from his face down his chest, then lower…

“It seems my analysis was correct. Although Master has undergone four Heavenly Tribulations, you’re still full of energy,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly and changed the subject, “By the way, I heard from Sister Lingxuan that although I’ve reached Soul Transformation, I haven’t comprehended the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human, nor the Great Dao… Do you know of any way for me to officially enter Soul Transformation Realm?”

Mu Zhian’s current state was strange. He was between Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation. Although he had reached the Soul Transformation Realm, he hadn’t comprehended any Dao Rhyme.

The Heavenly Dao’s will, as the Nine Provinces’ ‘encyclopedia’, might have the answer.

“Master has no reverence for the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human, nor the Great Dao, so it’s difficult for you to comprehend their Dao Rhyme,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly. “When Master develops reverence for them and comprehends them wholeheartedly, you will naturally reach Soul Transformation.”

“Is there no other way?” Mu Zhian frowned and asked.

“There is,” the Heavenly Dao’s will nodded slightly, “For example, you can also establish yourself as a Dao, creating your own Dao Rhyme.”

“Create a Dao Rhyme? Wouldn’t that violate the rules of heaven and earth?” Mu Zhian was stunned.

“The rules of heaven and earth don’t forbid creating your own Dao Rhyme, at least not the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human,” the Heavenly Dao’s will replied.

“Master, you are a complete scumbag, juggling multiple women, constantly on the edge of being locked up in the little black room, so you can consider creating the Scumbag Dao related to this (laughs).”

A mocking smile appeared on the woman’s face.

Mu Zhian looked thoughtful, then, sensing something was off, he stared at the Heavenly Dao’s will suspiciously, “Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve seen you so emotional… Could it be that you’re jealous seeing me talking to Princess Yongning earlier?”

“If I were to analyze it from a woman’s perspective, I was indeed jealous just now,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said faintly.

“Although I’m not your Dao Companion, I don’t want you to flirt with other women. It makes me feel unbalanced, even questioning my own charm.”

“So your actions just now, while I was chatting with Princess Yongning, were to get back at me…?”

“Yes,” the Heavenly Dao’s will nodded.

Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow, “Have you considered the consequences if Yongning discovers you were the one in the room and spreads the word?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will knelt beside Mu Zhian, lowered her head, and said, “I’m sorry, please punish me, Master.”

She’s just too good…

Mu Zhian took her hand, helped her up, then wrapped his arm around her slender waist, led her to the soft couch, sat down, and looked at her, “I can’t let you off so easily next time.”

“Yes, Master.”

The emotionless Heavenly Dao’s will leaned her head against the young man’s thigh like a docile kitten, a faint, human-like smile appearing on her cold face.

She naturally knew there was a risk of being discovered by Princess Yongning earlier, but so what?

It was a necessary sacrifice to maintain the order of the rules of heaven and earth.

After all, Master’s Innate Celestial Furnace Spiritual Energy would continuously recover, so she needed to keep purifying it.

Of course, perhaps the Jade Empress, the Sword Palace Master, and even the Forbidden Zone imperial daughter would also have designs on Master afterward… But it didn’t matter.

No one knew that the Heavenly Dao’s will hadn’t left after descending during the Heavenly Tribulation, but had stayed by Mu Zhian’s side.

She could follow Master anytime, anywhere, and then… purify his Spiritual Energy.

Just like tonight.

Mu Zhian suddenly recalled something and said, “Before you purify my Spiritual Energy, can you do me a favor?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will looked up at Mu Zhian reluctantly, “As long as it doesn’t violate the rules of heaven and earth, I will fulfill any of your wishes.”

Mu Zhian said gently, “I want you to retrieve some information for me.”

Heavenly Dao’s will: “That’s no problem, what information does Master want?”

Mu Zhian caressed the Heavenly Dao’s will’s delicate face, casually wiping the corner of her mouth, and said with a smile:

“The master of the Forbidden Land of Life, Mu Zhi.”

Chapter 532: Suppressing the Heavenly Dao with a Mortal Body!

Deep within a silent Forbidden Land, a letter emanating an ominous aura drifted out of the void, landing in the hands of the Forbidden Land of Life’s master.

The young girl swung her feet, casually opened the letter, and scanned its contents.

Then, her calm eyes narrowed slightly.

For some reason, seeing the reply in this letter, she felt an inexplicable anger burning within her.

Mu Zhi had never imagined the words “hee hee hee” could be so disgusting.

A mere Soul Transformation cultivator, so disrespectful…

Mu Zhi’s eyes flashed with coldness, but it quickly vanished.

She crossed her legs on the throne and said faintly, “Have you determined the identity and background of the Innate Celestial Furnace?”

The ancient forbidden being stood respectfully below and said in a low voice, “In reply to Master, we haven’t determined their identity yet, but this subordinate has confirmed they’re a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect in the Eastern Continent. We should be able to find out their background soon.”

Hearing the words ‘Two Polarities Sect’, the little girl’s eyes changed slightly, and she said softly, “A disciple of the Two Polarities Sect? Then she should also be paying attention to the Innate Celestial Furnace, right?”

“Master, should we use the forbidden object to guide him to the Forbidden Land?” the attendant below asked respectfully.

Its face was ferocious, its skin pale and withered. It looked less like a ‘human’ and more like a ‘Heretic God’ from the Southern Wilderness.

Mu Zhi thought for a moment, then suddenly let out a crisp and clear laugh, “Forget it, there’s no need to rush. Before we figure out his name, identity, and background, the other Forbidden Lands won’t be able to act against him in a short time.”

“After all, she’s still alive.”

The attendant hesitated slightly, “You’re referring to…”

The girl’s tone suddenly turned cold, “Don’t ask what you shouldn’t. Have someone keep a close eye on the other Forbidden Lands.”

“As for that big brother…”

The young girl licked her moist lips, a seductive tone suddenly appearing in her voice, “I hope he’ll still be so cocky before me in the future~”

The rules within the Forbidden Lands were rewritten by their masters. In other words, once Mu Zhian entered the Forbidden Land of Life, his life or death would be entirely in her hands.

By then, hmph…

…

Eastern Continent, Forbidden Zone.

The Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation that shook the entire Forbidden Zone had ended, but for the clan members, tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.

Many of the girls in the clan excitedly discussed the young lady’s Dao Companion. Except for a few, most of the girls tonight were quite interested in this “Brother Mu” whom Ye Lingxuan always talked about.

The Forbidden Zone clan members, possessing the Forbidden Zone bloodline, naturally had extraordinary talent. And because of their powerful background, most of them were incredibly proud.

Within the Forbidden Zone, many female cultivators never had a Dao Companion, because the talent of most cultivators of the same generation was far inferior to theirs, and they couldn’t be suppressed.

Because of this, the imperial daughter, with the most exceptional bloodline and talent in the Forbidden Zone, choosing a cultivator from the outside world as her Dao Companion was something many of the girls who once blindly worshipped Ye Lingxuan as their idol found hard to accept. Some even questioned her judgment, thinking she was blinded by love.

Even if the young lady’s chosen Dao Companion had the Jade Empress’s backing, it ultimately wasn’t Mu Zhian’s own ability.

However, after tonight, more than ninety-nine percent of the girls in the Forbidden Zone dismissed their previous doubts.

Although the elders repeatedly warned them not to have any designs on Mu Zhian, and not to leak this matter, the young men and women of this age group couldn’t help themselves and still discussed tonight’s events.

Mu Zhian was only a year or two older than their young lady, at most nineteen, yet he was already at Soul Transformation Realm.

And… he possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace!

What the Innate Celestial Furnace meant, any cultivator understood.

Moreover, a male Innate Celestial Furnace was even rarer… At least, from the past until now, they had only seen Mu Zhian.

Dual cultivating with an Innate Celestial Furnace might only provide limited benefits.

But being intimate with a high-realm Innate Celestial Furnace… was a completely different story.

Moreover, judging by the Spiritual Energy emanating from Mu Zhian tonight, it was clearly different from past Innate Celestial Furnaces.

If it weren’t for the clan elders’ warning against having designs on Mu Zhian, the bedchamber where Mu Zhian was staying tonight would probably be overflowing with people.

Although the girls were reserved, they also knew how to take the initiative.

For example, “accidentally” dropping something and then using that as an excuse to strike up a conversation.

“Should we say that Lingxuan has a sharp eye for men, or poor judgment?”

At this moment, the future Forbidden Zone Lord, noble and elegant, sat on a chair in the hall, faintly hearing the commotion outside, and couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Logically, having a Dao Companion with such high talent, whose appearance and family background were also worthy of her daughter, should be something to be happy about.

For the Ancient Families in the outside world, a worthy family background naturally meant another Ancient Family of the same level.

But for the Forbidden Zone, the less background Mu Zhian had, the better. After all, a behemoth like the Forbidden Zone didn’t need marriage alliances with the outside world. And the ideal Dao Companion for the Forbidden Zone Lord’s daughter would naturally be someone with high talent but an ordinary family background, or even better, an orphan.

And Mu Zhian happened to fit these requirements. Both his talent and appearance were worthy of Ye Lingxuan.

However…

The future Forbidden Zone Lord had long heard that Mu Zhian had a close relationship with Gong Lianyue’s reincarnation, and after that, he even married the Jade Empress.

Although he ‘sacrificed himself’ for the Jade Empress’s plan at the time, judging from her attitude towards him, it didn’t seem like a simple relationship between senior and junior.

“Sister, do you think the Jade Empress and Mu Zhian are truly Dao Companions?” the future Forbidden Zone Lord suddenly asked.

This was also the question she had been pondering recently.

The Jade Empress reached Dao Integration earlier than her, her beauty bright and captivating. Logically, she shouldn’t be interested in a young man who wasn’t even twenty years old yet.

Ye Qingxin smiled, “I’m not sure either…”

As she answered, the Ye Clan ancestor’s feelings were somewhat complex.

Whether the Jade Empress and Mu Zhian were truly Dao Companions, she wasn’t sure, but she knew that they had basically done everything they should and shouldn’t have done.

She had personally witnessed it several times in the Innate Celestial Furnace.

If people knew that the Jade Empress, one of the only two Transcendence Realm Human Emperors in the Nine Provinces, would occasionally kneel obediently beside the young man at night, pleasing him, she didn’t know what they would think…

That Fairy Yao Meng had probably completely grasped Mu Zhian’s XP.

Thinking of this, Ye Qingxin seemed to recall the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy she sensed today, a passionate glint appearing in her alluring eyes.

I really want to enjoy it tonight…

“Ye Ning is still in seclusion. After Young Friend Mu’s Soul Transformation today, he’s probably attracted the attention of several Forbidden Lands in the Nine Provinces. We’ll have to trouble you to look after him,” the future Forbidden Zone Lord suddenly said.

Ye Qingxin nodded with a smile, “I know.”

She paused, then continued, “It’s probably not just the Forbidden Lands, some great powers in the Nine Provinces must be restless as well.”

The future Forbidden Zone Lord seemed to recall something, “I once heard that a Forbidden Land in the Nine Provinces seems to be connected to the Ye Clan. Do you know about this, Sister?”

After she finished speaking, she noticed Ye Qingxin’s silence, as if realizing something, and quickly added, “It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me, I was just curious. If it’s inconvenient, forget it.”

Ye Qingxin snapped out of her thoughts, shook her head, and said with a smile, “It’s not really a secret, but with such a commotion tonight, you’ll probably be busy later. Let’s talk about it another time.”

Almost as soon as Ye Qingxin finished speaking, the future Forbidden Zone Lord saw a figure faintly appearing outside the hall.

She exchanged a glance with Ye Qingxin, then asked gently, “Just speak frankly if you have something to say.”

An attendant’s respectful voice came from outside the hall: “The Fifth Elder requests an audience.”

“Old Five? If I remember correctly, he rarely interferes with matters within the Forbidden Zone, why is he here tonight?”

The Fifth Elder belonged to the future Forbidden Zone Lord’s faction. He was one of her descendants and also a major force supporting Ye Lingxuan’s succession.

However, he had rarely interfered in clan matters in recent years. She didn’t expect him to come so late at night.

The future Forbidden Zone Lord narrowed her eyes and casually asked, “Did he say why he’s here?”

“This…” The attendant hesitated.

“Speak frankly,” the future Forbidden Zone Lord said faintly.

“The Fifth Elder said he hasn’t seen what Mu Zhian looks like after being in seclusion for so long, so he wants to know if he can visit him sometime…”

The future Forbidden Zone Lord said faintly, “If I remember correctly, Old Five has a precious granddaughter, who just turned fifteen this year, right?”

The attendant remained silent.

This madam had already figured things out.

The Fifth Elder’s purpose in coming today was for his precious granddaughter.

After a moment of silence, the future Forbidden Zone Lord said faintly, “Have him return first. Tell him this Seat has important guests tonight and will personally visit him tomorrow.”

“And also, decline all requests for an audience tonight, no matter who it is. Keep an eye on Mu Zhian’s bedchamber. During this time, without his consent, no one is allowed to approach.”

After giving these instructions, the Forbidden Zone Lord’s wife gently rubbed her brows, a hint of helplessness on her beautiful face.

She turned to look at Ye Qingxin beside her. The beautiful ancestor of the Ye Clan wore a dark red dress, both glamorous and imposing, her face delicate, her watery eyes holding a playful glint, looking at her with a smile.

“It seems I was right, you’ll be busy for a while.”

Hearing this, the future Forbidden Zone Lord couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Just a few days ago, her daughter was still discussing with her how to make the Forbidden Zone clan members accept her ‘Brother Mu’.

Now, there was no need for discussion.

After all, at least half of the Forbidden Zone clan members approved of Mu Zhian now.

…However, most of those who approved were female cultivators.

She heard that even some girls who already had partners were interested in that young man tonight. If it weren’t for Ye Lingxuan, they would probably have already made their moves.

“Are you leaving, Sister?”

Seeing Ye Qingxin gracefully stand up, intending to leave, the future Forbidden Zone Lord also stood up and asked.

“Yes, I have some matters to attend to.”

Ye Qingxin turned her back to the beautiful woman, her seductive, glass-like red eyes already holding a moist, alluring glint.

“You can rest assured about Mu Zhian. I’ll take good care of him, both body and soul.”

…

How difficult was it to suppress the Heavenly Dao with a mortal body?

If this question were posed, anyone would give the same answer—impossible.

After all, the Heavenly Dao was the aggregate consciousness of all living beings!

Suppressing the Heavenly Dao was equivalent to suppressing all living beings in the Nine Provinces. Not to mention Dao Integration Realm experts, even Transcendence Realm Human Emperors wouldn’t dare claim they could suppress the Heavenly Dao.

Even if a Human Emperor was beyond the rules of heaven and earth, as long as they were in the Nine Provinces, they would still be somewhat restricted.

Mu Zhian’s current strength indeed surpassed more than ninety percent of cultivators in the Nine Provinces, but suppressing the Heavenly Dao with a mortal body… he still couldn’t do it.

At least, not with his strength alone.

However, for Mu Zhian, suppressing the Heavenly Dao’s will didn’t require using his strength at all.

Not a sound could be heard in the Forbidden Zone late at night. The bedchamber was brightly lit, but no one approached.

After all, Yao Meng and the others had agreed not to disturb Mu Zhian’s rest tonight, letting him recover his energy.

Anyone entering the bedchamber now would be noticed by Yao Meng and the others.

But there were always exceptions…

For example… if it wasn’t a ‘human’, it wouldn’t be noticed.

To maintain the order of the rules of heaven and earth, after rounds of eliminating anomalies, or rather, purifying Spiritual Energy, the rules of heaven and earth seemed to have stabilized.

At the same time, the Heavenly Dao’s will also underwent a high-intensity test for the first time, making the Spiritual Energy in the entire bedchamber incredibly chaotic.

“You are the Heavenly Dao’s executor in the Nine Provinces, can the Heavenly Dao see what you’re doing here?” Mu Zhian suddenly thought of something and asked curiously.

If the Heavenly Dao discovered that its embodied will was actually… he didn’t know how it would react.

“In… In reply to Master, the Heavenly Dao itself can’t observe the Nine Provinces. It gathers information through its embodied will, so—”

She paused slightly, “So, if I’m willing… it won’t discover anything.”

Mu Zhian looked thoughtful: “So your existence is essentially the Heavenly Dao’s eyes in the Nine Provinces?”

“Mmm~ That’s right… However, there’s more than one embodied will in the Nine Provinces, so if Master wants to use me to deceive the Heavenly Dao, it won’t work.” The Heavenly Dao’s will’s breathing was slightly ragged as she tried to maintain her composure.

“More than one of you…?” Mu Zhian was stunned. “Then if you eliminate an anomaly to maintain order, will the other Heavenly Dao wills in the Nine Provinces notice?”

“Yes… they will… but they can’t stop me.”

“They won’t report your actions to the Heavenly Dao’s ‘terminal’?” Mu Zhian hesitated.

“They will,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said softly.

Before Mu Zhian could speak, the Heavenly Dao’s will continued in a calm and indifferent tone, “But my actions comply with the rules of heaven and earth, so it doesn’t matter even if they report it. Besides, I truly did this to maintain the order of heaven and earth.”

“To me, this is the optimal solution.”

Although she said that, the Heavenly Dao’s will clearly seemed to be enjoying herself just now… This was perhaps the perfect example of work and pleasure combined.

“If you don’t want to be discovered by the Heavenly Dao, I can also keep this secret. However… there’s a prerequisite,” the Heavenly Dao’s will suddenly said.

A moist glint appeared in her cold, beautiful eyes as she gazed at Mu Zhian, “The prerequisite is to let the other Heavenly Dao wills in the Nine Provinces also experience your love.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, “Can you share your senses with each other…?”

“Mmm~ So as long as the other embodied wills also have the desire to ‘purify’ the Innate Celestial Furnace, our ‘terminal’ will naturally won’t notice.”

This meant having the other Heavenly Dao wills also share a ‘common secret’.

I didn’t expect the Heavenly Dao’s will to be so human, even knowing how to drag others down with her… Mu Zhian was momentarily speechless.

Just then, a captivating smile, rarely seen, appeared on the Heavenly Dao’s will’s icy, beautiful face.

She raised her fingertip, and in an instant, the rules within the entire bedchamber seemed to be rewritten.

“New rules have been established in this bedchamber. No living being can sense what you’re doing, nor hear any sound from here.”

A faint smile played on her lips, “So, Master, you know what to do next, right~?”

Chapter 531: Master, Please Punish Me

“Where did this letter come from? Can you trace its origin?” Mu Zhian asked, looking at the deep purple letter in Bai Ruoxi’s hand.

A letter that could traverse the void and appear before him in such a bizarre way… it was concerning.

Logically, with the Forbidden Zone’s rules, outside cultivators shouldn’t be able to easily pinpoint his location.

Bai Ruoxi handed the letter to Mu Zhian, “It’s a forbidden object from the Forbidden Land of Life. It looks like a black notebook. Currently, it has two known functions. First, by writing someone’s name, you can send them a message.”

“Second, if you write down an event after writing the name, that person will subconsciously follow your instructions… Even if you tell them to die, they will obey.”

Mu Zhian was surprised, “Such a powerful forbidden object? Is it also an ancestral artifact?”

“It does fall under the category of ancestral artifacts, and it only works on those whose realm is at least two levels lower. That’s probably why she wrote this invitation instead of directly writing your name and having you unconsciously go to Cloud Province to see her,” Bai Ruoxi said.

Mu Zhian opened the letter. Inside was a passage written in an ancient script, completely different from the current writing system.

But for some reason, Mu Zhian felt he could understand it at first glance: ‘Big brother, let’s play a game.’

‘If you find me, I can be your slave.’

‘But if you lose, you’ll become my cauldron forever and provide me with Spiritual Energy, hee hee.’

For a moment, Mu Zhian had a vision of a small, pale girl sitting on a throne, swinging her feet as she wrote this letter.

Then, he blinked, snapping back to reality.

“It seems you saw something in that letter,” Yao Meng suddenly reached out, took the letter from Mu Zhian, scanned it, and chuckled softly. “She really likes playing these little games.”

Mu Zhian collected his thoughts and asked after a moment of consideration, “Can I reply?”

Yao Meng smiled, “You don’t have to respond. She can’t leave the Forbidden Land of Life anyway.”

“What do you plan to tell her?” she asked again.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment and said, “An old monster who’s lived for tens of thousands of years still pretending to be a pure little girl, how amusing, hee hee hee.”

These words might not affect the other party’s Dao Heart, but they could at least disgust her.

Yao Meng closed her eyes slightly, and a moment later, words appeared on the back of the letter.

She extended her hand, holding the letter, and reached into the void. In an instant, the letter flew towards the depths of the Forbidden Land of Life.

Just then, Bai Ruoxi suddenly said softly, “In Mu Lang’s eyes, anyone who’s lived for tens of thousands of years is an old monster?”

Miss Bai gazed at him tenderly, seemingly genuinely asking for clarification.

However, the moment her words fell, everyone present seemed to react, their gazes turning to Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian’s AOE attack just now didn’t just hit the ancient being in the Forbidden Land of Life… but also everyone present.

Is Nai Xi (Bai Ruoxi’s nickname) getting back at me for not contacting her recently…? Sensing Miss Bai’s gentle gaze on him, Mu Zhian felt a surge of pressure. He coughed lightly, “That was just to taunt her. Besides, for cultivators, lifespan isn’t important, is it?”

“By the way, do you know the name of that being in the Forbidden Land of Life?” he quickly changed the subject, asking curiously.

Fortunately, for Yao Meng and the others, they didn’t care about such trivial matters as age. Hearing this, the Reincarnated Empress said, “Mu Zhi. She’s the master of the Forbidden Land of Life.”

“At least three Forbidden Lands sensed your Soul Transformation Tribulation tonight, so if possible, it’s best for you to stay in the Forbidden Zone these next few days.”

Strictly speaking, the Reincarnated Empress’s lifespan was longer than anyone present, having lived for nine lifetimes, and also having connections to the Forbidden Zone. It wasn’t surprising that she knew some things about the other Forbidden Lands.

Mu Zhian looked thoughtful, “What kind of person is Mu Zhi?”

The Reincarnated Empress shook her head slightly, “No one has seen her true face. However, she’s the most active Forbidden Land master. Because she possesses that forbidden object that controls cultivators, even within the Forbidden Land, Mu Zhi can do many things. She has intelligence networks in many places throughout the Nine Provinces.”

“Every Forbidden Land has a so-called forbidden object?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked curiously.

“The forbidden objects are weapons created within the rules of the Forbidden Lands, unaffected by the rules of heaven and earth. Each forbidden object has bizarre abilities,” the Reincarnated Empress explained.

“Does the Forbidden Zone also have a forbidden object?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Yes,” the Reincarnated Empress replied calmly.

Before Mu Zhian could ask further, the Reincarnated Empress continued, “But that’s a secret.”

You and I, your current life and my past lives, know each other inside and out, what could I possibly not know… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

Just then, Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked doubtfully, “Has Mu Lang already reached Soul Transformation?”

She could sense that Mu Zhian’s aura was completely different from before. For some reason, Bai Ruoxi felt that he seemed to have reached Soul Transformation, but not completely.

Mu Zhian hesitated, then said, “I suppose you could say I have.”

He wasn’t entirely sure himself. Logically, his Heavenly Tribulation ended prematurely midway, and the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace was indeed much stronger than before.

But he didn’t feel like he had comprehended the Great Dao or the Heavenly Dao or anything.

“Brother Mu has indeed reached Soul Transformation, but for some reason, he hasn’t comprehended any Dao Rhyme,” Ye Lingxuan suddenly said.

The Innate Spiritual Body could sense auras others couldn’t, and with just a glance, she could tell that Mu Zhian’s cauldron had indeed reached Soul Transformation.

But for some reason, she couldn’t sense any ‘Dao Rhyme’ from him.

“You can sense his Dao Rhyme?” Yao Meng asked, somewhat surprised.

Ye Lingxuan raised her snow-white chin proudly and said calmly, “You underestimate the Innate Spiritual Body. I can see the flow of Brother Mu’s Spiritual Energy, even the Dao Rhyme and techniques he comprehends, with just a glance.”

“Is Mu Lang’s Heavenly Tribulation truly over?” Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked.

Hearing this, a playful glint appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes, and she suddenly said, “Speaking of which, why did the Heavenly Dao’s will actively kiss you tonight? And even withdrew the nine-lifetime tribulation… Could it be that she’s also interested in the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace?”

Hearing this, Ye Lingxuan seemed to realize something, her gaze also falling on Mu Zhian, “Speaking of which… why did Brother Mu actively get close to the Heavenly Dao’s will tonight?”

“Although Brother Mu is indeed a womanizer… he wouldn’t have those kinds of thoughts about the Heavenly Dao’s will during his tribulation, right?”

“Get close?”

A thoughtful look appeared in Yao Meng’s green eyes, and she said softly, “Why would you be intimate with her for no reason during the Heavenly Tribulation? The Heavenly Dao’s will descending itself is already quite strange.”

“Before I came to the Forbidden Zone, I vaguely sensed a change in the Heavenly Tribulation… Could it be that Mu Lang was trying to stop her, so he got close to the Heavenly Dao’s will?”

Bai Ruoxi murmured to herself, “Could the Heavenly Dao’s will also be affected by the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy?”

Why are all the fish in my pond so smart? If I have a secret affair with another girl in the future, I’ll probably be caught immediately… Hearing their words, Mu Zhian felt both gratified and worried.

Gratified because there were no airheads in his fishpond, everyone was intelligent.

Worried because… they were too intelligent.

Women’s intelligence was already maxed out when it came to catching someone cheating, especially since they were already incredibly smart.

And also very experienced.

Before them, Mu Zhian’s only advantage was probably his ability to suppress them.

“The Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace did slightly affect the Heavenly Dao’s will, which is why she withdrew the nine-lifetime tribulation tonight,” Mu Zhian said.

A thoughtful look appeared on Bai Ruoxi’s face, “No wonder she actively got close to Mu Lang tonight… It seems she wanted to figure out the origin of the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy.”

Mu Zhian said, “In any case, you can rest assured now. I’ve successfully reached Soul Transformation, and I won’t be leaving the Forbidden Zone anytime soon.”

Yao Meng chuckled softly, “You staying in the Forbidden Zone now is indeed the best choice. With the Forbidden Zone’s rules, even if someone from the Forbidden Lands wants you, they can only wait outside.”

The commotion caused by Mu Zhian’s Soul Transformation tonight wasn’t small, even alarming several Forbidden Lands, some of which had already started taking action.

But as long as Mu Zhian remained within the Forbidden Zone, he was absolutely safe.

Mu Zhian suddenly swayed, as if about to fall.

Ye Lingxuan immediately stepped forward to support the young man, her voice filled with concern, “Brother Mu regressed three times tonight, consuming a lot of mental energy. He needs to rest for a while, let him go back to my room to rest.”

“It’s fine for him to go back and rest, but let him stay in the guest quarters. I’m worried he won’t be used to sleeping in your room,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Ye Lingxuan’s worried expression faded slightly, and she casually glanced at this troublesome woman.

This woman is so annoying, one day, I’ll tie her to the bedpost with the Desolate Time Lock and devour the ‘cake’ right in front of her.

The young girl thought darkly.

But she also knew Mu Zhian was exhausted tonight and it wasn’t the time to argue with the Jade Empress. She reluctantly nodded.

…

For Mu Zhian, his Soul Transformation Tribulation was over.

But for several of the ancient beings within the Nine Forbidden Lands, and the Dao Integration Realm experts who sensed tonight’s commotion, they were destined to be busy until they figured out the background of the ‘Innate Celestial Furnace’s’ owner.

And the Forbidden Zone clan members were also excitedly discussing the matter of the Heavenly Dao’s will.

If it were just the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, they would at most be envious of Mu Zhian reaching Soul Transformation so quickly, but that was all.

But Mu Zhian’s tribulation tonight even alarmed the Heavenly Dao’s will, causing it to descend with an embodiment.

Moreover, this Heavenly Dao’s will actually took the initiative to be intimate with a cultivator from the Nine Provinces, even kissing him… This was concerning.

Under Ye Lingxuan’s arrangements, Mu Zhian was settled in a spacious bedchamber, and they all agreed not to disturb his rest tonight.

Finally back in his room, Mu Zhian had some time to himself.

He let out a long sigh of relief, sat alone on the soft couch, and closed his eyes slightly.

The Primordial Witch’s Time Regression, this technique wasn’t without side effects.

At least, after regressing several times, his mental power would be continuously depleted. Plus, being tormented by the ‘Dao Traces’ left behind in the Heavenly Tribulation by Yao Meng and the others, Mu Zhian’s spirit was exhausted.

If not, he would have already taken Yao Meng and Bai Ruoxi back to his room for a party.

He had considered bringing more along, but…

Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian were still like pure, innocent flowers, and probably wouldn’t accept such a thing in a short time, so Mu Zhian wasn’t considering them for now.

As for Wei Mengrou… he could test the waters later.

Although Sister Mengrou appeared cold and aloof on the surface, she was actually quite proactive when she got into it~

That contrast between her coldness and passion even made Mu Zhian’s blood boil.

Just as Mu Zhian was about to enter a meditative state, a soft white light suddenly appeared in the quiet room.

He abruptly opened his eyes and saw the goddess, clad in immortal gold armor, her body flawlessly mechanical, appearing in the room.

“Heavenly Dao’s will? Why are you here so soon?” Mu Zhian asked in surprise.

“Your Spiritual Energy will disrupt the order of the rules of heaven and earth, so it must be completely purged tonight,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said indifferently, her immortal gold armor seeming to emit a sacred aura under the candlelight.

Mu Zhian frowned slightly, “My spirit is already exhausted from the nine-lifetime tribulation, I’m afraid I can’t accompany you—”

Before he could finish speaking, the Heavenly Dao’s will walked towards him with graceful steps, then obediently knelt beside the bed.

The immortal gold armor on her body emitted a soft white light. Then, the sacred armor silently disintegrated.

The lofty goddess placed the armor aside.

“It was my fault tonight, putting Master in danger several times.”

Under Mu Zhian’s gaze, the woman gently pressed her forehead against the young man’s knee, as docile as a kitten, and said softly, “If you wish, Master, you can punish me however you like~”

Chapter 530: Mu Zhian, Your Title Shall Be ‘Hao’ 

The Nine Forbidden Lands. To the cultivators of the Nine Provinces, these words were taboo, many hesitant even to speak their names, lest they bring misfortune upon themselves.

After all, the power of the rules within the Forbidden Lands was too bizarre. No one knew if mentioning them would bring some unknown consequence.

Like with Transcendence Realm experts, anyone who disrespected them, cursed them inwardly, or even spoke their names, would be noticed.

No one knew if the ancient beings in the Forbidden Lands possessed such heaven-defying abilities.

In short, the ancient beings within the Forbidden Lands possessed terrifying power and were a constant source of fear for cultivators.

However, they rarely appeared in the world and had remained reclusive for tens of thousands of years, maintaining a fragile peace.

Yet tonight, considerable commotion came from at least three Forbidden Lands.

At this moment, deep within the Forbidden Land of Life in Cloud Province, a petite girl leaned against her throne, her skin pale and sickly. Her long hair cascaded down her ice crystal-like skin. One hand gently tapped the armrest, the other petting the small cat nestled in her lap.

The little girl, her eyes as clear as glass, gazed at the forbidden being kneeling before her.

“Have you determined the origin of the Innate Celestial Furnace?” she asked, her voice as crisp as a silver bell, carrying an innocent, childlike air.

“Yes, it was easy to find out. A cultivator possessing the Innate Celestial Furnace constitution reached Soul Transformation tonight, which is what awakened you from your slumber,” the forbidden being replied respectfully, its head lowered.

The little girl on the throne swung her feet casually and said faintly, “Bring the forbidden object.”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, “We need to invite that big brother over before the other Forbidden Lands act.”

Among the Forbidden Lands, an invisible battle had already begun.

…

Eastern Continent, Forbidden Zone.

As it turned out, Mu Zhian’s initial guess was correct.

He succeeded.

He successfully corrupted the Heavenly Dao’s will, making even this woman interested in the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace.

This was Mu Zhian’s goal from the very beginning.

If the nine-lifetime tribulation descended, it meant Mu Zhian would have to defeat several great powers simultaneously to successfully reach Soul Transformation.

But this was impossible. Neither Mu Zhian, nor any chosen one throughout history, at the peak of Nascent Soul Realm, could overcome a nine-lifetime tribulation.

Nine Dao Integration Realm experts’ ‘Dao Traces’, manifesting as phantoms, attacking together, even using their techniques, who could withstand that?

Since he couldn’t solve the problem, he could only go upstream and deal with the one who created the problem.

This was the optimal solution Mu Zhian came up with after the third Time Regression.

He wasn’t sure if the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy could ‘intoxicate’ the Heavenly Dao’s will, but the Heavenly Dao’s will was embodied as a woman, so Mu Zhian decided to try.

And now… he had indeed succeeded.

However, Mu Zhian wasn’t happy at all.

“You’re excited, but also worried. Is it because of those women outside who are close to you?”

Just then, Mu Zhian heard a cold, emotionless voice in his mind, pulling him back to reality.

The embodiment of the Heavenly Dao’s will gazed at Mu Zhian with cold, beautiful eyes, devoid of any emotion. If it weren’t for this ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’ forcefully kissing him, and the soft touch of her lips, Mu Zhian would have thought it was all an illusion.

With such an existence, if one day Mu Zhian cultivated with her in a room, and someone outside heard strange sounds, they would probably just think the Heavenly Dao’s will was cultivating, not anything else.

As the Spiritual Energy from the Innate Celestial Furnace continuously flowed into the Heavenly Dao’s will, Mu Zhian looked up at the goddess before him.

She could truly be called a ‘god’. At least in the cultivation world, her status was indeed no different from a god.

Her alluring and sexy figure was clad in armor forged from immortal gold, a long skirt concealing her long legs, countless special spirit stones seemingly inlaid on the skirt, shimmering brilliantly.

Even though this woman was currently holding the back of Mu Zhian’s head and kissing him, he still couldn’t feel the warmth of her body.

Just like her personality, cold as ice, difficult to approach.

However, he imagined that beneath that immortal gold armor, she also had the warmth of a normal woman.

After all, he could clearly feel the warmth of her lips.

Besides that, there was also an incredibly sacred Spiritual Energy.

Its density was no less than the Spiritual Energy in the Heavenly Court.

This was the Heavenly Dao, the aggregate consciousness of all living beings in this world!

And at this moment, Mu Zhian was actually holding this embodied will in his arms… No, rather than him holding her, it was more like she was clinging tightly to him, not letting go.

“You’re not planning to punish me with the nine-lifetime tribulation anymore?” Mu Zhian tried to calm himself and communicate with the Heavenly Dao’s will.

The Heavenly Dao’s will’s beautiful eyes were incredibly calm, her voice as cold and mechanical as a machine echoing in Mu Zhian’s mind, “The Spiritual Energy within your body is different from the Nine Provinces. If you die in the Heavenly Tribulation, your Spiritual Energy will affect the order and laws of the Nine Provinces.”

There’s such a thing?

Mu Zhian was stunned.

He had possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace for so long, yet this was the first time he heard that if he died, the Spiritual Energy within it would automatically dissipate into the Nine Provinces, even affecting its rules.

“According to the Heavenly Dao’s arrangements, maintaining the order of heaven and earth is the top priority,” the Heavenly Dao’s will continued explaining calmly.

So that was why she said ‘eliminate the anomaly’?

Mu Zhian understood. The anomaly the Heavenly Dao’s will referred to wasn’t him, but the Innate Celestial Furnace.

If Mu Zhian died in the Heavenly Tribulation, the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace would naturally dissipate, even causing turmoil in the Nine Provinces’ rules.

And the Heavenly Dao’s will itself could be considered the ‘executor’ of the Heavenly Dao in the mortal world.

The executor had only one task: to eliminate anything that disrupted the order of heaven and earth.

And Mu Zhian, or rather, the Innate Celestial Furnace, was that disruption.

So the way to eliminate the anomaly is to completely ‘clean up’ the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace?

What the hell… Mu Zhian couldn’t help but complain inwardly.

Although the Heavenly Dao’s logic and thinking weren’t wrong, even if Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy was completely drained now, it would still recover in two or three days.

Of course, Mu Zhian couldn’t possibly say this now, it would only cause him more trouble.

After all, even now… he already had enough trouble.

Bai Ruoxi, watching from afar, finally couldn’t stand it anymore and was about to intervene.

Rumble…

Just then, a lightning bolt suddenly struck from the heavy clouds.

Yao Meng narrowed her eyes, staring at the mechanical and indifferent woman within the sea of lightning, “The Heavenly Dao doesn’t want anyone else to approach.”

If anyone approached Mu Zhian now, the Heavenly Tribulation, sensing a second person, would increase in difficulty again.

This would cause Mu Zhian a lot of trouble.

“Then what should we do? Just stand here and watch Brother Mu and her…?” Although Ye Lingxuan’s expression remained calm, her hand subconsciously gripping her skirt revealed her anxiety.

“…Let’s wait and see. It seems the Heavenly Dao’s will doesn’t intend to harm him,” Yao Meng said faintly.

Transcendence Realm Human Emperors might not care about the Heavenly Tribulation, but… Mu Zhian did.

If they approached Mu Zhian, and the lightning strikes all targeted him… he would probably be crying.

However, what exactly did the Heavenly Dao’s will intend to do…?

Yao Meng gazed at the young man in the center of the sea of lightning, her usually calm green eyes now holding a deepness.

Or could it be… that even the Heavenly Dao’s will couldn’t resist the allure of a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace?

“Look, Brother Mu seems to have pushed her away,” Ye Lingxuan suddenly said, the light returning to her previously dim eyes.

“Mu Lang actually rejected her… But is that really okay?” After her initial surprise, Bai Ruoxi’s eyes quickly filled with worry.

Mu Zhian was still in the midst of his Heavenly Tribulation. Rejecting the Heavenly Dao’s will like this… if she was angered, it would be troublesome.

Yao Meng remained silent, a strange feeling in her heart.

He shouldn’t be that irrational, there’s no need to offend the Heavenly Dao at this time…

Just as Yao Meng suspected, after being pushed away by Mu Zhian, the Heavenly Dao’s will seemed to hesitate, then said, “If I don’t eliminate the anomaly, your very existence will disrupt the order of the rules of heaven and earth.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, “You might be right… But even if there’s a problem with the order of heaven and earth, what does it have to do with me?”

“Correcting the order of the rules of heaven and earth, isn’t that something you, as the will of the Heavenly Dao, should do?”

Heavenly Dao’s will: “I’m doing it right now.”

She looked up, gazing into Mu Zhian’s eyes, and said, “You’re attracted to this body, aren’t you? Then why reject me?”

“Have you forgotten how you used the Heavenly Tribulation to strike me earlier?” Mu Zhian said, speechless.

“That was to maintain the order of heaven and earth,” the woman said calmly, as if stating a fact.

However, her beautiful eyes remained fixed on Mu Zhian, and a lovely blush now colored her previously cold and flawless face.

To the Heavenly Dao’s will, there was nothing in this world she couldn’t analyze.

However, she couldn’t analyze Mu Zhian’s Spiritual Energy.

But she could continuously absorb it into her body.

And after doing so, she could clearly feel that the energy within her body seemed more abundant than ever before.

And after absorbing Mu Zhian’s Spiritual Energy, for some reason, she felt that this young man seemed special. Sometimes, just a simple conversation with him made her involuntarily feel drawn to him.

There was nothing in this world that she found difficult to do…

Except resisting the temptation of the Innate Celestial Furnace… it was incredibly difficult.

This feeling, for a god who didn’t understand emotions, was something she had never experienced before.

Mu Zhian gazed at the lofty deity and suddenly smiled, “Heavenly Dao, let’s make a deal.”

The woman looked up at Mu Zhian.

“I’ll help you maintain the order of the rules of heaven and earth, whatever it takes. But in return, if I ask you for a favor in the future, you can’t refuse.”

Mu Zhian gazed into the woman’s eyes and smiled brightly, “Of course, I won’t force you to do anything that disrupts the order of heaven and earth.”

The woman’s cold eyes flickered slightly, and she asked, “So after accepting this condition, I can (censored – likely have sex with) you?”

She had already realized that just kissing wasn’t enough to completely absorb the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace; she had to go further.

However, the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human had established a rule together: not to forcibly interfere with the living beings of the Nine Provinces, unless they violated the rules of heaven and earth.

But if it was consensual… then there was no problem.

Mu Zhian’s eyelids twitched, the smile on his face almost faltering.

Although he knew this goddess was asking sincerely, it still sounded jarring to his ears.

Although his role was indeed the ‘female protagonist’, being asked this so directly by a woman still made Mu Zhian feel a bit strange.

“Yes,” Mu Zhian finally said.

However, after he spoke, he noticed a look of disdain in the icy woman’s eyes, “Making secret agreements with other women behind your Dao Companion’s back, the beings of the Nine Provinces usually call such people scumbags, right?”

Mu Zhian wasn’t angry at all, but instead stared at the Heavenly Dao’s will suspiciously, “Do you know my XP (fetishes)?”

“I can read the personality and experiences of any being in the Nine Provinces at any time, if I wish,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly. “If you like, when it’s just the two of us, I don’t mind being your maid, I can even address you as Master.”

Mu Zhian fell silent.

“Whether you like being insulted by me, having me submit at your feet, or me having you submit at my feet, it’s all fine. I know you still resent me for sending down the nine-lifetime tribulation earlier.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will paused slightly, her slender finger gently touching her chest. Even in the night, her armor, forged from immortal gold, shimmered with a captivating light.

Her rosy lips pursed slightly, and a faint smile suddenly appeared, “Without the beings of the Nine Provinces knowing, I can accept any punishment from you… You can vent all your dissatisfaction and resentment on me.”

Mu Zhian: “…”

If it weren’t for being outside right now, with countless eyes watching, Mu Zhian would probably have already become a ‘Hao’ warrior (internet slang referring to someone who enjoys being dominated, especially by women).

“Alright… deal,” Mu Zhian finally accepted this generous offer.

The Heavenly Dao’s will gazed at him calmly and said, “Your current mental state isn’t strong enough for us to fulfill this agreement. I’ll find a suitable time to come find you in the next two days.”

After saying that, she raised her fingertip slightly, and the vast sea of lightning silently vanished.

Night returned.

Watching the goddess quietly disappear from sight, Mu Zhian finally sighed with relief.

Even he hadn’t expected that his Spiritual Energy could actually corrupt even the Heavenly Dao’s will…

“Brother Mu, how are you feeling?”

The moment the Heavenly Tribulation vanished, several figures approached Mu Zhian. Ye Lingxuan immediately rushed forward, supporting the seemingly exhausted young man, and asked with concern.

Mu Zhian gently shook his head, “I’m fine… The Heavenly Dao’s will ultimately judged that I didn’t disrupt the order of the rules of heaven and earth, so the Heavenly Tribulation has ended.”

Hearing this, everyone finally relaxed.

Just then, Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked, “Why did she suddenly become intimate with you at the end?”

Everyone’s gaze immediately turned to Mu Zhian.

Just as Mu Zhian was thinking about how to answer, Yao Meng, as if sensing something, suddenly raised her hand and reached into the void.

The void rippled, as if shrouded in a mysterious black mist.

Ye Lingxuan’s beautiful purple eyes narrowed slightly, “A forbidden object.”

She was from the Forbidden Zone and naturally recognized this technique as belonging to the Forbidden Zone.

Yao Meng pulled out a letter from the void.

The letter had a pink heart pattern on it, a deep purple color.

“What’s this…?” Mu Zhian asked subconsciously.

“An invitation from the Forbidden Land,” Ye Lingxuan replied.

She took the strange letter from Yao Meng and said softly, “This invitation is probably for you.”

Chapter 529: A Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace, Even the Heavenly Dao is Attracted? p2

Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue naturally weren’t worried about Ye Lingxuan finding out about their intimate activities. After all, they could leave the Forbidden Zone at any time, but Mu Zhian had already sworn to the Great Dao to stay with Ye Lingxuan until she inherited the position of Forbidden Zone Lord.

If this pure and elegant young girl, who always maintained her composure, knew what Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue did together at the Two Polarities Sect that day, even if the Heavenly Tribulation didn’t kill him, Ye Lingxuan would probably lock him up in the Forbidden Zone’s basement.

Gong Lianyue clearly also knew that now wasn’t the time for bickering. She glanced at the slender and holy figure not far behind them, frowned slightly, and said, “The Heavenly Dao’s embodiment? What’s wrong with her?”

Yao Meng didn’t answer.

She had just arrived and didn’t know what happened here.

Ye Lingxuan glanced at the young man strangely.

“Right, Palace Master also knows about my tribulation?” Seeing this, Mu Zhian immediately changed the subject.

“It’s not just me and Gong Lianyue who know about your Heavenly Tribulation,” Yao Meng said, a playful glint in her eyes. “If I guessed correctly, Ye Qingxin, and even others throughout the Nine Provinces, are watching the Forbidden Zone right now… even the Forbidden Lands.”

When Mu Zhian was at Nascent Soul Realm, the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace was already enough to tempt Dao Integration Realm experts.

Once he reached Soul Transformation…

Probably no one would be able to resist a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace.

Everyone wanted to be the first to taste that delicious Spiritual Energy.

Boom…

Just then, a deafening rumble echoed through the silent night sky.

A heart-palpitating Spiritual Energy emanated from the ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’s’ flawless body. The crescent moon behind her rose, holy and captivating, yet carrying an incredibly dangerous aura.

And the woman’s previously unfocused eyes were gradually regaining their light.

“Brother Mu, be careful!” Ye Lingxuan hurriedly said.

Yao Meng, Gong Lianyue, and the others moved away from Mu Zhian, lest the Heavenly Tribulation sensed their presence and became even more dangerous.

At this moment, everyone, including Mu Zhian, subconsciously held their breath, staring intently at this woman who embodied the Heavenly Dao’s will.

They all wanted to know what the Heavenly Dao’s will would do now, and whether Mu Zhian’s Heavenly Tribulation was truly over.

“Strange, I feel like his Spiritual Energy has changed…”

Just then, Yao Meng narrowed her eyes, staring intently at the young man’s figure in the distance.

She vaguely sensed that the aura emanating from Mu Zhian was clearly different from before.

Not only that, but his temperament was also more restrained, yet exuding an invisible charm, a calm and collected air like that of a transcendent being.

Ye Lingxuan hesitated, then her eyes suddenly lit up, “Brother Mu has reached Soul Transformation!”

After the young girl spoke, a huge question mark appeared in her mind.

The Heavenly Tribulation is over just like that…?

Her Innate Spiritual Body wouldn’t deceive her, the aura on Mu Zhian was clearly different from before.

… But he only just passed the seventh level of the tribulation, right?

Could it be that the Heavenly Dao gave up on testing him?

Crack…

At this moment, a faint sound of shattering shackles seemed to come from Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace.

The talisman given by the Spirit Dragon quietly burned, until finally, it turned to ashes and scattered with the wind.

Then, almost all the female cultivators present felt a surge of incredibly powerful Spiritual Energy quietly spreading.

Gong Lianyue’s gaze fixed on the young man, and she subconsciously said, “As expected of a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace…”

And, with the Spirit Dragon’s shielding technique gone, the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy from the Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace was emanating outwards!

That formless and intangible Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy drifted from the Innate Celestial Furnace. Even from such a great distance, it made many female disciples in the Forbidden Zone blush, their eyes moist with desire as they stared intently at the young man.

Boom…

That day, tremors faintly echoed from the depths of many Forbidden Lands in the Nine Provinces, all alarmed by the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace.

Those beings all possessed extraordinary appearances, some incredibly beautiful, some looking like pure young girls, and some like pale, petite lolis. Almost instantly, these ancient beings reacted, using the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy as a medium, trying to find its source.

Yao Meng’s beautiful eyes also sparkled. Although she had already transcended, she still wanted to experience the deliciousness of Mu Zhian’s current Spiritual Energy.

Gong Lianyue beside her also stared at the young man. Although she didn’t speak, she had already silently awakened Bai Ruoxi in her heart.

Although the Sword Palace Master was rather reserved and too embarrassed to be directly intimate with the young man,

Bai Ruoxi wasn’t.

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered with an unusual light, and she was about to approach.

Rumble…

Just then, a vast sea of lightning suddenly enveloped Mu Zhian.

The Heavenly Tribulation!

Ye Lingxuan abruptly stopped, staring at this scene with surprise and uncertainty.

Hadn’t Brother Mu already reached Soul Transformation? Why was there another Heavenly Tribulation… ?

Not only Ye Lingxuan, but even Yao Meng, Gong Lianyue, and Wei Mengrou hesitated, staring at the sea of lightning.

And just then, the previously silent Heavenly Dao’s will, her beautiful eyes had completely regained their light.

The woman took a step forward within the sea of lightning, staring into Mu Zhian’s eyes.

“You truly are an anomaly,” she said.

Mu Zhian’s wariness increased. He didn’t know what the Heavenly Dao’s will was planning to do now, after breaking free from the Spiritual Energy he infused.

He had infused his Spiritual Energy into the Heavenly Dao’s will earlier, causing this lofty god to malfunction.

And now… what would she do after recovering?

Knowing he was an anomaly, would she eliminate him?

But the Heavenly Dao shouldn’t be able to directly attack Nine Provinces cultivators, right?

“What are you planning to do?” Mu Zhian asked subconsciously.

In the distance, the two Human Emperors, Ye Lingxuan, and the others were all staring intently. If the Heavenly Dao showed any signs of attacking, they would protect Mu Zhian, no matter the cost.

“Eliminating the anomaly,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly.

Mu Zhian quietly took half a step back.

However, almost without giving anyone time to react, the woman suddenly reached out, placed a hand on the back of Mu Zhian’s head, and, without giving him any chance to resist, under everyone’s widening gazes, kissed the young man forcefully on the lips, greedily absorbing the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace.

A pin drop could be heard, countless gazes staring blankly at this scene, the atmosphere in the entire Forbidden Zone turning incredibly strange.

Chapter 529: A Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace, Even the Heavenly Dao is Attracted? p1

At this moment, silence fell upon the Forbidden Zone, countless gazes fixed on Mu Zhian in astonishment, a huge question mark appearing in everyone’s minds.

That was the Heavenly Dao, not a human, but a ‘god’ who could rewrite the rules of heaven and earth. No cultivator in the Nine Provinces would ever think of defying the Heavenly Dao.

Yet now, someone dared to assault her, even desecrate this god-like existence?

Mu Zhian didn’t know what everyone was thinking. He was simply pouring the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace into the Heavenly Dao’s will, trying to break down her unyielding resolve.

The woman instinctively wanted to push Mu Zhian away, but feeling the warm Spiritual Energy pouring in, a flicker of something appeared in her emotionless eyes.

This Spiritual Energy… was completely different from the Spiritual Energy of the Nine Provinces, even different from the Spiritual Energy of the ‘Firmament’.

For the Heavenly Dao’s will, there were no such commands as ’emotions’ or ‘shyness’. She didn’t immediately kill Mu Zhian, who had desecrated her, because she wanted to confirm what this Spiritual Energy was and where it came from.

The Heavenly Dao wouldn’t allow any variables in this world, so she needed to understand the origin of this Spiritual Energy.

“Analyzing Spiritual Energy…”

This command seemed to echo in the woman’s mind, her eyes gradually losing focus, her gaze blank.

“Analyzing…”

“Analyzing…”

Having received this command, the Heavenly Dao’s will began to analyze the composition of the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy.

She let Mu Zhian embrace her, a sacred aura emanating from her, making even Mu Zhian almost want to submit.

But he gazed at the woman’s flawless face and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, beneath her armor.

No matter how sacred she was, it meant nothing to a lecher.

At the same time, Mu Zhian didn’t dare relax, continuously pouring the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace into the Heavenly Dao’s will.

He didn’t know if his Innate Celestial Furnace could affect the Heavenly Dao’s will, but this was the best solution he could think of.

Not defeating several Dao Integration Realm experts simultaneously during the tribulation, but preventing this Heavenly Tribulation from happening in the first place.

The only way to achieve this was to corrupt the Heavenly Dao’s will.

Not him submitting to the Heavenly Dao, but having the Heavenly Dao’s will become addicted to him.

As the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace surged into the Heavenly Dao’s will, Mu Zhian realized for the first time just how terrifying the ‘Heavenly Dao’ was.

No one had ever been able to drain nearly one-third of his Spiritual Energy in such a short time.

I wanted to corrupt her, but I didn’t plan to throw myself in entirely… Mu Zhian’s eyelids twitched. Although the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy was useless to him, being completely drained in one go, he was worried it might cause some unforeseen changes in the Heavenly Dao.

He restrained his Spiritual Energy, took half a step back, and carefully observed the woman’s changes.

Just a moment ago, this embodiment of the Heavenly Dao’s will was like a lofty goddess standing above the tribulation clouds, looking down at the beings below.

Yet now, the Heavenly Dao’s will stood motionless, ripples appearing in her unfocused eyes, like a complex machine suddenly malfunctioning.

The tribulation clouds in the night sky were gradually dissipating, not descending into a nine-lifetime tribulation like before.

Ye Lingxuan, seeing this, wanted to approach, but the Reincarnated Empress stopped her.

“Let’s wait a bit longer. Rashly entering the Heavenly Tribulation now might endanger both you and Mu Zhian.”

No one knew if the Heavenly Tribulation was truly over. Although the tribulation clouds were dissipating, it seemed Mu Zhian hadn’t reached Soul Transformation yet.

If they approached now, and the Heavenly Tribulation wasn’t over, the difficulty might double.

“Analyzing…”

Complex characters seemed to flash through the woman’s unfocused eyes every second, clearly searching for the origin of Mu Zhian’s Spiritual Energy.

“Brother Mu, are you alright?”

After nearly half an hour, Ye Lingxuan finally couldn’t help but approach Mu Zhian and ask hurriedly with concern.

“I’m fine,” Mu Zhian shook his head slightly, but his eyes remained wary of the woman before him, “However, this Heavenly Dao seems a bit unusual, don’t get too close.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at Mu Zhian suspiciously, “Don’t tell me Brother Mu has fallen for her?”

“Just so you know, she’s the will of the Heavenly Dao given form. She doesn’t have human emotions, so she can’t be deceived by your sweet talk, Brother Mu, don’t waste your time.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, looking at the young girl’s knowing eyes, and couldn’t help but flick her forehead lightly, “Do I look like I’m in the mood for women right now? I’m just thinking of a way to get revenge.”

He had been struck by Heavenly Tribulation four times just now, and counting the initial nine levels, a total of five times… If it weren’t for the Primordial Witch’s Protection, Mu Zhian would probably have been annihilated by the Heavenly Tribulation.

Having suffered so much, how could Mu Zhian let her off easily?

Hearing this, Ye Lingxuan covered her forehead and hummed softly.

“That’s true, although Brother Mu is a womanizer, you still have your limits…”

She glanced at the woman who stood motionless, “She looks a lot like the Jade Empress.”

Although she didn’t want to admit it, among the people Ye Lingxuan knew, the Jade Empress was the closest to being flawlessly beautiful.

Mu Zhian was stunned: “What does this have to do with Yao Meng?”

However, Ye Lingxuan quickly shook her head and said with a smile, “Nothing, just be careful, Brother Mu—”

Just as the young girl was about to leave,

“I thought you wouldn’t acknowledge my beauty, Little Sister Lingxuan,” a crisp, immortal voice suddenly echoed through the open space.

Mu Zhian reacted almost instantly, turning his head towards the voice and seeing the fairy standing in mid-air at some unknown time.

Ye Lingxuan frowned slightly, “Jade Empress, didn’t you leave?”

Yao Meng glanced at her and said faintly, “I was already in Tianxuan City, but I sensed the commotion here and came to check, somewhat worried.”

“I didn’t expect it to be such a big fuss.”

Yao Meng gracefully walked towards them, stepping on the void, ripples spreading with each step. Her tall figure was faintly visible in the hazy immortal mist, her gentle gaze fixed on the ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’.

“Nearly one-fifth of the Heavenly Dao’s will, just to stop you from reaching Soul Transformation, the Heavenly Dao is truly going to great lengths.”

Her soft and melodious voice carried a hint of amusement, “If I didn’t know the Heavenly Dao didn’t have human emotions, I would have thought you wronged her in your past life or something, for her to try so hard to stop your Soul Transformation in this life.”

This was truly absurd. Normally, whose tribulation would alarm the Heavenly Dao, even making it descend with a part of its will to personally oversee the trial?

Even the breathtakingly beautiful Jade Empress didn’t expect Mu Zhian’s Soul Transformation to attract the Heavenly Dao itself.

Mu Zhian fell silent.

Not just Yao Meng, even he hadn’t expected this.

Yao Meng’s gaze quickly fell on Mu Zhian, a hint of apology in her eyes, “Sorry, I thought your Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was a sure thing, but it seems I underestimated your importance in the Heavenly Dao’s eyes.”

Her gaze then shifted to the ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’ for the first time.

“What’s wrong with her…?”

A puzzled look appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes.

She had just arrived and didn’t know what had happened here earlier.

Ye Lingxuan glanced at the young man, recalling Mu Zhian’s bold actions earlier, her heart filled with complex emotions, and remained silent.

Although she knew Mu Zhian’s intimacy with the Heavenly Dao was out of necessity, it still made her feel uneasy.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly and changed the subject, “Anyway, you should all stay away from me, just in case she wakes up. It would be troublesome if the Heavenly Tribulation involves you all.”

Yao Meng narrowed her eyes, looking at the young man suspiciously, then at the motionless ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’, a strange feeling in her heart.

She had sensed the commotion here in the Forbidden Zone from Tianxuan City earlier and came here intending to stop the Heavenly Dao from cheating or something.

However, after arriving, she only saw the Heavenly Dao’s embodiment standing there motionless… and it seemed that Mu Zhian hadn’t even reached Soul Transformation yet, and the Heavenly Tribulation had mysteriously vanished.

“Something I don’t know must have happened…”

Thinking of this, Yao Meng discreetly glanced at Mu Zhian again and nodded silently.

“It’s quite lively here. I figured you wouldn’t be at ease leaving him alone in the Forbidden Zone for his tribulation.”

Just then, a cool voice with a hint of charm echoed through the Forbidden Zone.

High in the sky, a spatial rift had been torn open at some point.

A woman in a white palace dress with bright plum blossoms embroidered on it stepped out from the rift. Her ample bosom strained the fabric, and a silver, bronze sword pattern was faintly visible in the depths of her cleavage.

“Palace Master,” Mu Zhian almost blurted out.

“I thought you would patiently wait in the Sword Palace for him to come find you,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Gong Lianyue sneered, “I just wanted to give him some freedom, unlike someone who’s constantly trying to seduce him. With so many people watching, if they knew the Jade Pool Holy Land fairy was secretly a vixen who pleasures men under tables, I wonder what they would think.”

Palace Master’s become so aggressive after just half a month… Mu Zhian was shocked.

Yao Meng raised a delicate eyebrow, “Pleasuring men under tables? Has Palace Master forgotten what you did at the Two Polarities Sect that time?”

At the Two Polarities Sect, Bai Ruoxi was the dominant one, even serving together with the Jade Empress…

And Bai Ruoxi was kneeling at the side… Gong Lianyue had clearly seen everything in the World of the Heart. Hearing this, a blush quickly spread across her usually cold face, her imposing aura seemingly diminishing.

Then, she snorted coldly, “That was another me, it has nothing to do with me.”

Indeed, it wasn’t her who wanted Mu Zhian’s Spiritual Energy, it was all Bai Ruoxi…

Ye Lingxuan, listening to their conversation, was momentarily confused. She subconsciously looked at Yao Meng, then at Gong Lianyue, and hesitated, “What are you talking about?”

This isn’t good… Mu Zhian’s eyelids twitched, “You should all stay away from me, in case you’re affected by the Heavenly Tribulation.”

 

Chapter 528: A Double Reversal!

The Primordial Witch’s Protection, this was one of the titles in Mu Zhian’s personal interface.

It was unlike any other title he possessed. Its sole ability was to rewind time.

However, for some reason, in the past, Time Regression only triggered after Mu Zhian’s death, but this time, it was displayed as a countdown timer.

When Mu Zhian opened his eyes, he saw a vast sea of lightning surrounding him. Under the sky, two tribulation clouds were silently dissipating, and a woman with an indifferent expression had descended, enveloped in a milky white halo.

The embodiment of the Heavenly Dao’s will.

Time hadn’t rewound to before Mu Zhian’s tribulation, but restarted after the seventh level!

“Can you rewind time?”

Just then, the woman who descended from the tribulation clouds spoke coldly.

Her voice was as cold as ice, crisp and pleasant.

The silver moon behind her faintly emitted a holy and gentle light, her gaze calm.

She knows I can rewind time!

Mu Zhian was inwardly surprised, but his expression remained calm.

Thinking about it, it made sense. After all, this was a part of the Heavenly Dao’s will, her methods heaven-defying. It wasn’t strange that she knew he could rewind time.

However, this lofty goddess clearly wasn’t interested in Mu Zhian’s ability. She simply spoke again in a flat tone, “Disrupting the order of heaven and earth shall be punished with a nine-lifetime tribulation.”

As soon as her voice fell, Mu Zhian suddenly asked, “Which of my actions disrupted the order of heaven and earth?”

The woman’s expression was indifferent: “You are an anomaly.”

Mu Zhian understood. His very existence defied the rules of heaven and earth, and he had just caused an anomaly in the Heavenly Tribulation, therefore, he was an ‘anomaly’.

Mu Zhian knew it was impossible to persuade the Heavenly Dao to give up. He just wanted to use this time to think of a countermeasure.

The Primordial Witch’s Time Regression ability allowed him to return to the past after a thirty-minute countdown. This ability also triggered after his death.

Until he successfully passed this Heavenly Tribulation.

The reason for the thirty-minute countdown was probably because the Primordial Witch was worried he would be forcibly restrained.

If Time Regression only triggered upon death, then once the Heavenly Dao’s will discovered this secret, it might find a way to trap Mu Zhian, preventing him from killing himself.

Wei Mengrou was watching from a nearby mountain peak. This was likely the Primordial Witch’s doing.

Rumble…

Just as Mu Zhian was thinking of a countermeasure, a green light flashed before his eyes.

The phantom of the World-Purifying Green Lotus descended once again.

“Damn it, it’s starting again?!”

Mu Zhian cursed inwardly. This time, he expertly opened his personal interface. Before he could even manually save, the Primordial Witch had already started the thirty-minute countdown again.

…

In the Nine Provinces, very few people knew that the Heavenly Dao possessed self-awareness.

And only after the goddess-like figure descended with the soft white light did they finally realize the gravity of the situation.

Even the elders hadn’t expected someone’s Heavenly Tribulation to attract the Heavenly Dao itself.

Ye Lingxuan stood in mid-air, her gaze fixed on the young man within the vast sea of lightning, and said softly, “Do you have any solutions?”

“None. Every time a cultivator enters the Heavenly Tribulation, the difficulty increases… You can only hope that Mu Zhian can successfully pass through it,” the Reincarnated Empress said in a low voice.

“But Brother Mu has already regressed once. If it were you at the peak of Nascent Soul Realm, would you be confident in facing nine great powers simultaneously?” Ye Lingxuan abruptly turned to the Reincarnated Empress and asked.

The woman fell silent.

Among those present, only Ye Lingxuan and the Reincarnated Empress knew about Mu Zhian’s Time Regression, because both their Daos were related to time.

They had witnessed the disastrous scene of Mu Zhian’s first encounter with this Heavenly Tribulation.

That wasn’t a tribulation meant for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. At least, from the past until now, no one had ever heard of someone’s tribulation involving fighting against the phantoms of nine great powers simultaneously.

“I also don’t know how he can pass this Heavenly Tribulation,” the Reincarnated Empress said softly after a long silence.

Ye Lingxuan didn’t say anything more, just subconsciously tightened her grip on the Desolate Time Lock in her sleeve, her gaze fixed on the young man within the sea of lightning.

After the previous regression, Mu Zhian was clearly more experienced in battle. When the two great powers attacked together, shattering the Measuring Ruler, Mu Zhian immediately summoned the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll, instantly absorbing Gong Lianyue’s Bronze Sword.

Then, he turned and blocked Luo Tan’s Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron with his elbow.

Weng!

This Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron seemed to have a wisp of Immortal-grade Artifact Spirit will, instantly severely injuring Mu Zhian with a single blow, his spiritual sense almost shattering.

And at this moment, time regressed for the third time.

It was like playing a video game, Mu Zhian repeatedly doing the same thing.

But to the lofty will of the Heavenly Dao, this was just a futile struggle.

The woman’s long dress fluttered, her upper body clad in armor forged from several types of immortal gold. The material of her dress was also incredibly tough, clearly made from some kind of heavenly material and earthly treasure silk.

She looked down at the struggling young man below without any emotion, just silently watching.

And it was true. Within the Heavenly Tribulation were phantoms of nine Dao Integration Realm experts, each with combat power no less than a Soul Transformation cultivator.

Unless Mu Zhian used the power of the Heavenly Court Lord, this was a dead end.

But every time he descended as the Heavenly Court Lord, that drop of Immortal Ascension Realm Essence Blood would be consumed, and the Heavenly Tribulation was a trial set by the Heavenly Dao. If the Heavenly Court Lord descended, wouldn’t that be violating the rules of heaven and earth again?

After the Heavenly Court Lord’s time ran out, could the Heavenly Dao still send down another Heavenly Tribulation?

Mu Zhian wasn’t sure, and he didn’t want to gamble yet.

If he lost the gamble, the difficulty of the Heavenly Tribulation might double again. By then, it would truly become a ‘dead end’, even the Primordial Witch’s Time Regression wouldn’t be able to help.

Boom…

Yao Meng summoned the World-Purifying Green Lotus, attacking Mu Zhian again.

Mu Zhian quickly dodged, the nine fox tail phantoms behind him unfurling. He abruptly turned his head, looking at Gong Lianyue attacking from behind.

His enchanting pink eyes seemed to flow with a myriad of charms.

Almost at that instant, Gong Lianyue’s movements faltered.

And Luo Tan’s attack also slowed down slightly.

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox’s charm can actually affect them, making them instinctively feel ‘pity’ for me?

Mu Zhian was surprised, discovering this fact.

But then, he felt a surge of regret.

He suddenly thought of something.

The Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace was currently actively emanating through the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox body, thus affecting all the female cultivators in the Heavenly Tribulation.

But this influence was ultimately limited.

If he could get close and directly infuse the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy into their bodies… what would happen?

Unfortunately, although this method might work, he couldn’t get close to these phantoms at all.

Boom!

With the Underworld Lord’s technique, Mu Zhian’s feet were tightly bound by withered bones.

He gasped for breath, his gaze calmly fixed on the countdown timer in his personal interface.

Only ten seconds left.

“How many times do you plan to regress?” the woman’s cold and emotionless voice, from above the tribulation clouds, echoed in Mu Zhian’s ears.

She quietly gazed at Mu Zhian, her expression calm. She wasn’t mocking him, but genuinely asking.

“No more,” Mu Zhian said decisively, unexpectedly choosing to give up this time.

Before the Heavenly Dao’s will could speak, Mu Zhian continued, “I plan to submit to you.”

The Heavenly Dao’s will was stunned, seemingly not expecting him to give up on the third regression.

Mu Zhian glanced at the countdown timer.

Three seconds left.

He looked up at the woman, whose face was as emotionless as a machine, and said with a smile, “After the next regression, I will submit to you.”

“Please look forward to it.”

…

The fourth regression.

For Mu Zhian, he had already experienced the Heavenly Tribulation four times, but to the Forbidden Zone clan members in the distance, it had only just begun.

Seeing the woman, the embodiment of the Heavenly Dao’s will, descend, their expressions changed.

After all, that was the Heavenly Dao!

In the Nine Provinces, which cultivator didn’t hold both reverence and yearning for the Heavenly Dao?

Whether a cultivator could reach Soul Transformation or Dao Integration was almost entirely determined by the rules of heaven and earth set by the Heavenly Dao.

Yet now, the Heavenly Dao had sent down a part of its will, even manifesting it in human form to descend upon the Forbidden Zone.

And it did so just to eliminate Mu Zhian, this unstable factor.

Just thinking about it was despair-inducing.

“Look, what is Mu Zhian doing?!”

Just then, someone cried out in surprise, looking at the young man within the vast sea of lightning from a distance.

Above the tribulation clouds, the goddess formed from the Heavenly Dao’s will was walking towards Mu Zhian step by step, stepping on the void.

And Mu Zhian was actually slowly kneeling before her, even holding the goddess’s jade-white foot.

He looked like a guard pledging allegiance to a princess.

“How could this be, how could Brother Mu…?”

Ye Lingxuan stared at this scene, subconsciously gripping her skirt, a sense of helplessness washing over her.

This was indeed the best solution for Mu Zhian to deal with this impossible situation.

—Submitting to the Heavenly Dao’s will.

But she still found it hard to accept.

A flicker of emotion finally appeared in the Reincarnated Empress’s usually cold and indifferent eyes. She lowered her eyelids slightly.

“This is a necessary choice…” she murmured softly.

“I know, but I believe Brother Mu isn’t someone who would easily submit, he must be planning something…” Ye Lingxuan whispered.

The Reincarnated Empress was silent for a moment, but clearly didn’t believe it, “Perhaps.”

Just then, as if noticing something, Ye Lingxuan suddenly grabbed the Reincarnated Empress’s sleeve, her gaze fixed on the young man’s figure, “No… Brother Mu is planning something…”

The Reincarnated Empress was stunned. She subconsciously looked up at the young man holding the goddess’s foot, seemingly about to pledge allegiance.

At this moment, a deathly silence fell upon the entire Forbidden Zone, countless gazes fixed on this scene.

If it were them, they would probably also choose to ‘submit’.

Although failing the tribulation, pledging allegiance to the Heavenly Dao wasn’t anything shameful.

After all, for such a lofty existence to manifest in human form and personally test a cultivator, it was already giving him enough face.

Submitting to her, perhaps there might still be a chance to reach Soul Transformation in the future—

Just as this thought flashed through their minds, they saw Mu Zhian suddenly step forward and embrace the expressionless woman.

Then, under the astonished gazes of the Forbidden Zone disciples, Ye Lingxuan, Wei Mengrou, and the others, he lowered his head and kissed the woman’s cold, soft lips.

For a moment, the entire world seemed to fall completely silent.

“Is he crazy?!” This thought flashed through almost everyone’s minds.

And at this moment, the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace surged into the goddess’s body.

The Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace was completely different from the Spiritual Energy of the world, also beyond the Heavenly Dao’s comprehension.

If the Heavenly Dao’s will was the strongest shield in this world, its will unshakeable, then the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace was the most invincible spear.

It was enough to captivate any woman.

Then, using a spear against a shield…

What would happen?

Chapter 527: Kneel, and Submit to Me

Mu Zhian had always considered the Heavenly Dao a potential ‘enemy’.

At least, judging by its past actions, the lofty Heavenly Dao wouldn’t tolerate an ‘anomaly’ like him.

However, even so, Mu Zhian didn’t expect that after the rules of heaven and earth malfunctioned, the Heavenly Dao would send down a wisp of its will to correct them.

And it was this will of the Heavenly Dao that just dispelled the last two tribulation clouds.

Mu Zhian quietly opened his personal interface and pressed the ‘save’ option.

Although he seemed to be in good condition, after withstanding seven lightning strikes, the Spiritual Energy in his cauldron was almost depleted.

If the Heavenly Dao’s will interfered now, or even attacked him… the consequences would be dire.

However, unexpectedly, the woman didn’t say a word to Mu Zhian, not even after landing before him.

And at this moment, Mu Zhian suddenly saw his personal interface appear, a countdown timer of 【00:30:00】displayed on it.

The countdown box was a deep black, a strange black mist faintly emanating from it, incredibly eerie.

If he remembered correctly, the previous save function only triggered upon death, but this time, the 【Primordial Witch】’s ability was directly displayed as a countdown timer.

What would happen after the countdown ended?

At this moment, Mu Zhian’s mind raced. Then, the emotionless woman finally spoke.

“Disrupting the order of heaven and earth shall be punished with a nine-lifetime tribulation.”

For a moment, the crescent moon formed by the Heavenly Dao’s will behind the woman emitted a bone-chilling light, like cold flames burning.

The heavy tribulation clouds in the sky condensed, the destructive aura within far surpassing any he had seen before.

The woman’s figure vanished like an illusion. Then, before Mu Zhian could understand what was happening, he saw countless tribulation clouds gathering in the sky.

Instantly, Mu Zhian was surrounded by a boundless sea of lightning.

Just as Mu Zhian had guessed before, the Heavenly Dao couldn’t violate the rules of heaven and earth itself, but Mu Zhian had violated them first. Now, the Heavenly Dao could use the power of the rules to kill him with a Heavenly Tribulation.

And this seemingly endless sea of lightning was the Heavenly Dao’s doing.

Mu Zhian could sense that any one of these tribulation lightning strikes was far more terrifying than the previous nine levels, enough to kill other Soul Transformation cultivators of the same realm.

Just then, a green light flashed past his eyes.

In mid-air, a green lotus bloomed silently. Mu Zhian instantly recognized it.

The World-Purifying Green Lotus!

Was it Yao Meng? But how could she be in the Heavenly Tribulation?

Boom!

Just as this thought flashed through Mu Zhian’s mind, the World-Purifying Green Lotus attacked him, emitting a soft halo. But almost at that instant, Mu Zhian found that his cauldron was completely disabled.

Within the distant Heavenly Tribulation, a faint, green, and slender figure seemed to appear. She was like a goddess, ethereal and immortal, the World-Purifying Green Lotus blooming behind her, her long dress fluttering.

“There’s no mistaking it, it’s definitely the World-Purifying Green Lotus!”

Mu Zhian was shocked. He didn’t expect Yao Meng’s phantom to appear in the Heavenly Tribulation.

Or rather, this was Yao Meng’s ‘Dao’, copied by the Heavenly Tribulation when she was transcending. A trace of Yao Meng’s Dao Rhyme, transformed into a phantom by the Heavenly Tribulation, had descended as part of Mu Zhian’s trial.

“I didn’t expect there would be a day I would actually fight against Yao Meng…”

Mu Zhian’s heart was filled with a strange feeling and inexplicable pressure. Although he had ‘dueled’ with Yao Meng countless times in the past, those duels weren’t exactly serious.

But this duel… was completely different.

Fortunately, this was just a trace copied by the Heavenly Tribulation, not the real her. Otherwise, there would be no point in even trying, he could just surrender directly.

Although his cauldron was sealed, the technique left by the First Demon Emperor reactivated it, and the depleted Spiritual Energy within his body instantly surged.

Mu Zhian gritted his teeth, summoned the Measuring Ruler, and clashed against the World-Purifying Green Lotus, a powerful aura echoing through the Forbidden Zone.

This was the first time Mu Zhian truly fought against Yao Meng. Although he had seen her suppress enemies before, he had never truly experienced her strength.

And this time, just a trace left behind from her tribulation was enough to make Mu Zhian realize the huge gap between Transcendence Realm and Nascent Soul Realm.

Weng!

Just then, a brilliant golden sword light descended from the sky, the golden light burning like a raging fire. A Bronze Sword fell from mid-air. Although its figure was incredibly illusory, the elegant aura of the woman wielding it was undeniable.

A breathtakingly beautiful woman floated above the Bronze Sword, countless halos appearing behind her, illusory sword shadows flickering within.

“The Bronze Sword… Gong Lianyue is here too!”

Mu Zhian was shocked. He knew this Heavenly Tribulation of his was destined to be extraordinary, but he didn’t expect it to involve suppressing these great powers who had once transcended, instead of just withstanding lightning strikes.

Even if they were just traces left behind from their tribulations, recreated by the Heavenly Tribulation, they couldn’t be underestimated.

Gong Lianyue raised her fingertip slightly, and almost at that instant, all the swords in the Forbidden Zone hummed in unison. Then, a magnificent scene unfolded.

Those swords flew towards Mu Zhian from all directions, their tips pointed at him, each coated in a golden light.

Mu Zhian barely avoided being suppressed by the World-Purifying Green Lotus, but countless sword blades pierced through his body at that moment. If it weren’t for the Heavenly Phoenix technique rapidly healing his wounds, this attack would have been enough to cripple him.

At this moment, he finally understood the consequences of violating the rules of heaven and earth, even causing a ‘bug’ within them.

The Heavenly Dao would correct the rules and eliminate any unstable factors.

And Mu Zhian was that unstable factor!

The Heavenly Dao’s will dispelling the last two tribulation clouds earlier wasn’t to help Mu Zhian, but to prevent him from easily passing the nine-level tribulation and reaching Soul Transformation!

A battle erupted. Although Mu Zhian rarely fought against others, he knew Bai Ruoxi and the others too well, even their techniques.

However, even so, the techniques unleashed by the two Human Emperors were devastatingly powerful, terrifyingly despair-inducing, almost shattering Mu Zhian’s body.

Only the Heavenly Phoenix technique kept healing him.

Just then, the sound of chains colliding in the void echoed. The Desolate Time Lock instantly bound Mu Zhian.

Time froze. A tall woman in an elegant purple dress walked out.

She was the true Reincarnated Empress, also Ye Lingxuan’s future self. A trace of her, imprinted by the Heavenly Tribulation during her past tribulation, had now become an obstacle in Mu Zhian’s path to Soul Transformation.

The Desolate Time Lock loosened, and time resumed its flow.

A giant cauldron smashed into Mu Zhian, sending him flying. Countless bones in his body broke, even the Heavenly Phoenix technique couldn’t heal his wounds fast enough.

A woman in a magnificent white dress gracefully walked out; it was the Pill Emperor of Yu State.

“How the f*ck am I supposed to play this?!”

Even the usually calm and collected Mu Zhian couldn’t help but curse inwardly, his expression grim as he looked at the four women appearing before him.

He was starting to lose it.

Normally, if only one great power appeared in the Heavenly Tribulation, Mu Zhian was confident in suppressing that ‘trace’.

But now, four great powers had appeared!

And they were all his wives!

Mu Zhian never dreamed there would be a day he would be beaten up by his wives.

This Heavenly Tribulation was a dead end, perhaps doomed to fail from the moment the endless thunderclaps began.

The Heavenly Dao didn’t want Mu Zhian to reach Soul Transformation from the very beginning.

He was too much of a threat. Although a Soul Transformation Mu Zhian posed no direct threat to the Heavenly Dao, the potential of the Innate Celestial Furnace was too terrifying. Once Mu Zhian reached Soul Transformation, the Innate Celestial Furnace would evolve to the Transcendence Realm.

Who knew if he could then help a third, or even a fourth, great power transcend the rules of heaven and earth?

The existence of Transcendence Realm experts was an unstable factor in the Nine Provinces, but the most unstable factor was Mu Zhian, who could create these unstable factors.

Boom!

A deafening rumble echoed through the sky. For a moment, the entire world seemed to be lit up by a brilliant, sun-like golden light.

Within that grand light, three more great powers appeared.

They were the Ancient Dragon Emperor of the Demon Realm, the Underworld Lord of the Underworld, and Xue Yi, the Space God of the Southern Wilderness.

Even the Heavenly Dao couldn’t directly erase someone, as it would incur the backlash of the Earth Dao and the Human Dao. All its actions had to follow the logic of the rules of heaven and earth.

Correcting the rules and eliminating unstable factors through the Heavenly Tribulation, this was a logical action.

However, this was a dead end, without a glimmer of hope.

Bang!

As another great power summoned their ancestral artifact, the Measuring Ruler could no longer protect its master. The faint protective barrier around Mu Zhian shattered bit by bit. The Spiritual Energy in his cauldron was already depleted, and even the Heavenly Phoenix technique had stopped functioning.

A sense of helplessness washed over him. Even during dual cultivation, he wasn’t confident in suppressing so many wives at the same time, let alone in battle.

These great powers appearing in the Heavenly Tribulation, each the most brilliant existence of their era, now joined forces to suppress him. This was a dead end.

Other cultivators’ Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulations were just lightning strikes, while he had to fight against several great powers simultaneously, not just defend, but kill them to pass this trial.

“If you want to cheat, then cheat openly, why be so roundabout?!”

Mu Zhian was furious. His body had shattered and reformed several times, his spiritual sense incredibly weak.

Although he had just used six of the Heavenly Court’s character runes, it was still difficult to withstand the combined attack of these great powers.

As he fell from the sky, Mu Zhian seemed to sense something and abruptly looked up. He saw a woman in a white dress, her expression indifferent, like a deity, looking down at the beings below from high above the dark and oppressive tribulation clouds.

Her long hair cascaded down, her dress shimmering with the captivating light of special spirit stones, her jade-white feet bare, her face devoid of emotion.

“What do you want?” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice.

The ‘Heavenly Dao’s will’ didn’t speak, her cold face expressionless, gazing silently. She was like a goddess from the ancient times, not emitting the slightest aura, but from the moment she descended, the rules of the entire world revolved around her, as if a myriad of stars were behind her.

Like a true Immortal Ascension Realm immortal, otherworldly and aloof.

Just then, Mu Zhian suddenly heard a mechanical, emotionless voice: “Kneel.”

“Then, submit to me.”

Mu Zhian was stunned for a moment, staring at the tribulation clouds above. He wasn’t sure if the voice came from this woman, because her expression remained lifeless, like a lofty god looking down upon all beings, not caring about any life in this world.

“Was that you speaking just now?” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice again tentatively, because he noticed that the phantoms of the great powers in the distance hadn’t attacked, something seemed off.

The woman looked at Mu Zhian coldly, her beauty peerless. This time, Mu Zhian clearly saw her red lips part slightly, and she said, “Submit to me.”

“Do you have self-awareness?” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice again.

But she didn’t respond, just repeated mechanically after a while, “Sub—”

“Can you shut the f*ck up?!” Before she could finish, Mu Zhian’s voice rang out.

This Heavenly Dao’s will seemed to have some screws loose, like a broken record, repeating the same sentence over and over.

Mu Zhian’s outburst stunned the Heavenly Dao’s will manifested in the Nine Provinces.

All beings in this world, more or less, held reverence for the Heavenly Dao.

But Mu Zhian didn’t.

He didn’t believe in gods and wouldn’t respect such a Heavenly Dao.

Boom…

This time, the Heavenly Dao’s will didn’t speak again. The phantoms of the great powers in the Heavenly Tribulation suddenly moved, pressing towards Mu Zhian together, their ancestral artifacts intertwining in mid-air, creating an overwhelming pressure.

But Mu Zhian didn’t react, just staring at the countdown timer appearing before his eyes.

He didn’t know why this countdown appeared after he ‘saved’, but judging from the black mist surrounding it, this ability definitely belonged to the Primordial Witch.

This was something she left for him.

Countdown: 00:00:15

In the last fifteen seconds, Mu Zhian put away the Measuring Ruler. He used his remaining energy to look at the Heavenly Dao’s will in the tribulation clouds, that lofty, goddess-like figure.

Then, he looked at the great powers not far ahead, those who had left their ‘traces’ in past Heavenly Tribulations.

Thanks to the Heavenly Dao, he finally realized how troublesome his wives would be if they became his enemies.

Like the calm before a storm, at this moment, the entire world seemed to fall silent.

Mu Zhian stood in a world of intertwined light and shadow, fleeting images flashing through his mind.

Then, a faint voice seemed to echo through the world:

【World rebooting…】

Followed by the countdown:

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

【World reboot successful.】

For a moment, Mu Zhian felt his consciousness fade, his entire being plunged into darkness.

In the darkness, the world shattered like glass, then quickly reformed, piecing together a brand new world.

Mu Zhian slowly opened his eyes.

What appeared in his vision was the woman who had just descended from the soft white light… the will of the Heavenly Dao.