Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 430: Unaware of Heaven in the Water After Drunkenness 

“I didn’t expect Yao Meng to handle this in the end. I thought I would have to investigate the past conflicts between Senior Sister and the Lan family.”

“But I wonder if Yao Meng’s consciousness will remain in my Green Lotus Ring after this…”

Mu Zhian walked out of the hall, murmuring to himself.

He didn’t know much about the conflict between the Lan sisters and the Lan family, only that they had a difficult childhood.

The reason this trip to the Lan family had gone so smoothly was mainly because of Yao Meng’s intervention.

And another reason was the ancient bell.

“My guess was right. The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox was indeed in this area… But I wonder if she placed her consciousness within a nearby sect, or if it’s hidden within the Lan family itself.”

“Feiying, why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

Lost in thought, Mu Zhian suddenly noticed Lan Feiying’s gaze and asked.

“There’s nothing on your face, but I think you have a lot on your mind,” Lan Feiying said with a smile, her alluring eyes fixed on Mu Zhian.

“What exactly did the Jade Empress say to the clan elders? Why did they suddenly agree to place your mother’s memorial tablet in the ancestral hall?”

She knew that Mu Zhian had communicated with the Jade Empress through voice transmission in the hall, but she hadn’t been able to hear the conversation.

Mu Zhian didn’t explain much, simply smiling. “Does it matter what she said? The important thing is that you and Senior Sister have achieved your goal.”

Lan Feiying raised an eyebrow. Although she wanted to ask further, seeing Mu Zhian’s evasive attitude, she could only drop the subject for now.

But she still looked at him with suspicion.

Although they had achieved their goal, it was thanks to the Jade Empress… She felt a strange sense of unease.

The Jade Empress had acted because Mu Zhian was her husband… Although it was just a nominal title.

And she herself had a close relationship with Mu Zhian. Now that the Jade Empress had helped them, what should she do if the Jade Empress asked to be alone with Mu Zhian?

If she refused, how could she repay the Jade Empress’s kindness?

But if she let the Jade Empress take Mu Zhian away, wouldn’t it be like she was giving her ‘lover’ away to achieve her own goals?

Lan Feiying felt conflicted.

She realized that she had been unknowingly outmaneuvered by Yao Meng…

“The Jade Empress has something to discuss with Junior Brother. Let’s go back and meditate,” a clear, melodious voice suddenly came from the front of the hall.

Lan Feiying snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, seeing a beautiful woman in a white dress, her figure tall and graceful, her long legs and slender waist particularly eye-catching.

Beside Lan Mulian, a woman in a green dress hovered in mid-air, her arms crossed, her clear green eyes looking at them with a smile through the surrounding mist.

Lan Feiying looked at Mu Zhian intently.

Why are you staring at me like that? Even if the Jade Empress is here, I wouldn’t do anything with her in front of you, would I?

Mu Zhian complained inwardly, then smiled. “I’ll be back soon.”

…

They walked out of the Lan family’s main hall and strolled along the lakeshore. Perhaps due to the Lan family’s instructions, there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Not even a single boat could be seen on the lake.

“Don’t you have anything to ask me? For example, why I left a wisp of my consciousness in your Green Lotus Ring?”

Yao Meng looked at Mu Zhian with her clear, green eyes. She had thought he would ask why she was able to attend to matters in the Eastern Continent while being in the Southern Wilderness.

They strolled along the grassy lakeshore, the atmosphere growing quieter as they entered the forest.

Mu Zhian looked at Yao Meng. She wore her usual green dress, the hem reaching her thighs, revealing her long, beautiful legs. Her long hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, a strand of black hair falling across her chest, accentuating her slender waist and ample bosom.

Her ethereal beauty, like a celestial maiden, was captivating and mesmerizing.

“You have your own plans. I know you won’t harm me. That’s enough,” Mu Zhian said with a casual smile.

He already knew that Yao Meng cared about him, although he hadn’t expected her to leave a wisp of her consciousness in the Eastern Continent while being in the Southern Wilderness.

But he wasn’t bothered. Yao Meng wouldn’t eat him.

A woman who cared about you all the time, and the only Transcendence Realm cultivator in the Nine Provinces… If you encountered such a celestial maiden, you should just marry her.

Yao Meng’s expression softened. “Why have you been staring at my feet since earlier? Are you still thinking about… inappropriate things?”

Mu Zhian was stunned. If Yao Meng hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have noticed, but now he realized he had indeed glanced at her feet several times.

And he couldn’t help but recall massaging them that night.

“I was just thinking, you never seem to walk on the ground. You would look good in boots or small embroidered shoes,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Yao Meng glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“You were the one who said you liked me barefoot… If you like boots, I’ll try them sometime…”

Her green eyes flickered, and she suddenly looked at Mu Zhian strangely.

“I remember you’ve always been… fond of legs and feet. And now you want me to wear boots. Could it be…”

Recalling some of Mu Zhian’s… special requests during their intimate moments, combined with his current words, Yao Meng’s eyes were filled with a strange mix of emotions, a hint of disdain in her usually gentle gaze.

Mu Zhian’s composure wavered. He explained, “I was just casually mentioning it. Don’t take it to heart, and don’t imagine strange scenarios!”

Yao Meng covered her mouth, giggling, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes sparkled with playful amusement as she looked down at Mu Zhian. “Who knows~”

Mu Zhian embraced her waist. “Since you’re thinking that, let’s try it after you return.”

Her waist was slender, her body soft and warm, and Mu Zhian was quickly lost in her fragrance.

“Is this how you speak to me?” Yao Meng raised her chin slightly, looking down at him with a playful smile.

Seeing Mu Zhian’s stunned expression, she chuckled. “You should be ordering me around.”

Mu Zhian hesitated, then said, “Then… play with me properly after you return.”

Yao Meng’s smile widened, her green eyes filled with a captivating mix of innocence and desire as she whispered in his ear, “Yes, Mas·ter~”

This address, coming from the Jade Empress, the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Holy Land, the only Transcendence Realm Human Emperor in the Nine Provinces…

In this world where even the rules of heaven and earth couldn’t bind her, she was probably the most powerful woman in Mu Zhian’s ‘pond.’

Yet, she was acting so docile and obedient, even playing a master-servant game with him… This sense of satisfaction was beyond words.

“How long until you return from the Southern Wilderness?” Mu Zhian asked after calming himself.

“The Southern Wilderness is the domain of evil gods. If the Ocean God is deliberately concealing his aura, it will be difficult to find him. But his lifespan is nearing its end. He’ll have to come out and search for Emperor-grade herbs to extend his life,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “What about Regina?”

His transaction with Regina wasn’t complete yet, and since she was involved with the Primordial Witch, Mu Zhian was quite concerned about her.

“The Ocean God is concealing his aura. The Southern Wilderness can’t be without a ruler, so there’s internal strife, and Regina is one of the major factions,” Yao Meng said.

“With Regina’s intelligence and the support of her faction, it’s only a matter of time before she controls the Southern Wilderness.”

So, when I go to the Southern Wilderness, Regina might already be its ruler…? Mu Zhian was slightly relieved.

“This wisp of my consciousness isn’t my true body. I can’t stay in the Green Lotus Ring forever. Be careful after I go to the Southern Wilderness,” Yao Meng reminded him gently.

“I know,” Mu Zhian nodded seriously.

But he still didn’t quite believe that Yao Meng’s consciousness would truly leave the Green Lotus Ring. No one knew the true extent of a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor’s power.

After strolling by the lake with Yao Meng for a while, the celestial maiden talked about her time in the Southern Wilderness and casually mentioned the girls around Mu Zhian, but she didn’t seem jealous.

But this only made Mu Zhian more uncertain about her thoughts.

Yao Meng’s consciousness had awakened in his Green Lotus Ring long ago, so she should know about what happened between him and Zixuan… Didn’t she care at all?

And Sect Master Lin’s kiss earlier… Yao Meng should also know about it, but she hadn’t asked anything.

Mu Zhian, the more beautiful a woman is, the more deceptive she can be. The more indifferent Yao Meng’s attitude, the more dangerous she is. I have to be careful, or I might really end up locked up in the little room… Mu Zhian reminded himself inwardly.

Young Master Mu could handle the ‘little fish’ in his pond, but the ‘sharks’ were far more experienced and lived much longer than him. Sometimes, even without mind-reading, Yao Meng could guess his thoughts.

Just like Sect Master Lin, although he knew she couldn’t read minds, he still felt like she could see through him completely.

He had always admired the beautiful Sect Master, but he was also wary of her.

He was even a little afraid that one day he would realize he had unknowingly become a ‘fish’ in her pond, completely under her control.

“The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness is within the Lan family, but it seems to be concealed by some kind of formation. It’s difficult for this wisp of my consciousness to detect it. You should pay attention to the Lan family’s movements,” Yao Meng reminded him again.

“Be careful while I’m not with you.”

There’s also Senior Ye within me… Mu Zhian smiled gently. “I know.”

Ye Qingxin had been suppressed by Yao Meng’s World Cleansing Green Lotus within the Innate Celestial Furnace and could only watch helplessly as he and Yao Meng were intimate.

However, after that, she had found a way to undo the seal.

Although she couldn’t see the outside world while within the Innate Celestial Furnace, she was a Dao Integration expert who had ascended to the Heavenly Court long ago. Who knew what kind of secret techniques she possessed?

Perhaps she was watching the Jade Empress right now.

After Yao Meng’s consciousness dissipated into a wisp of green smoke, Mu Zhian strolled alone along the lakeshore.

Night fell, and a lonely pleasure boat was moored by the lake.

“Yao Meng and I have been away for so long. Senior Sister and Feiying must be jealous, even if they don’t say it… If I don’t handle this well, even if their affection doesn’t decrease, they’ll still feel hurt, especially after being… confronted by Yao Meng today…”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered as he walked towards the spacious pleasure boat.

He took out over a hundred special spirit stones from his storage ring.

Each stone shimmered with a captivating, multicolored light.

These special spirit stones were obtained from the disciples of the ancient clans in the Sword Palace by… having them spend money on him.

Mu Zhian looked at the spirit stones with a pained expression, then tossed them into the lake like handfuls of rice.

Then, he took out a piece of paper, wrote a message on it, folded it into a paper crane, and gently tossed it into the air.

With Lan Mulian reaching the Nascent Soul realm, the paper crane’s ability had also evolved. Now, no matter where Mu Zhian threw it, it would definitely reach Lan Mulian.

Although Lan Mulian believed that Master hadn’t intentionally exchanged letters with Mu Zhian, she was still cautious, just in case.

She hadn’t thought Master would be interested in Mu Zhian before, but now, with the increasing number of… vixens around him, she had to be on guard… even against her own Master.

---

Lan Family.

Lan Mulian sat alone in the side hall of the Four Directions Hall, reading a book.

Her slender fingers tapped the table rhythmically, betraying her distraction.

A paper crane, enveloped in a faint white light, flew into the hall.

Lan Mulian glanced at the crane, her eyes flickering, then returned her attention to her book.

After his rendezvous with the Jade Empress, he’s now trying to curry favor with her… How shameless.

But the paper crane’s presence was distracting. Lan Mulian tried to focus on her book, but her gaze kept drifting towards the crane.

Finally, she couldn’t resist any longer. Rubbing her forehead, she murmured,

“Mu Zhian…”

After the ancestral worship ceremony, I must teach this fickle playboy a lesson he’ll never forget…

Lan Mulian looked at the teleportation talisman in her hand, a rare hint of resentment in her clear eyes.

As Shang Yanfei’s only disciple, the number one genius and beauty of the Nine Provinces, Lan Mulian naturally had countless admirers. Although she was always reserved and aloof, she also had her pride.

Yet, she had repeatedly been… rejected by Mu Zhian.

Or rather, rejected by the women around Mu Zhian.

She was a talented woman, but the women around Mu Zhian were not to be trifled with.

Bai Ruoxi, unskilled in the art of manipulation, was already a formidable opponent, and even Ye Lingxuan, who was younger than her, was difficult to deal with, let alone the Jade Empress.

The Jade Empress’s appearance was like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over her heart.

She couldn’t win in the early game, and by the time she reached the mid-game, the Jade Empress was already fully equipped. Even if they both reached the late game with full builds, the Jade Empress would still be the Jade Empress.

She remembered the look of infatuation in Junior Brother’s eyes when he looked at the Jade Empress at the Lan family’s estate.

That celestial maiden, who appeared so pure and innocent in public, was actually a vixen in private.

This was the most formidable opponent Lan Mulian had ever encountered.

Compared to the Jade Empress, they were like naive little girls… Well, given the Jade Empress’s age, that description wasn’t entirely wrong.

But the Jade Empress’s realm was only part of the reason. More importantly, although that celestial maiden hadn’t had a Dao Companion before, she seemed to understand Mu Zhian’s preferences perfectly.

They had both read the “Art of Managing Your Husband,” but the Jade Empress was the one who had completely grasped Mu Zhian’s psychology.

“What a troublesome woman…”

Lan Mulian unfolded the paper crane.

He’s asking me to meet him at the Primordial Lake…?

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered, then she pouted.

After his rendezvous with the Jade Empress, he’s now thinking of her?

Does he think she’s a child, easily appeased?

I’ll just leave him there to be blown by the wind all night.

Lan Mulian casually tossed the letter into her storage ring and resumed reading the “Art of Managing Your Husband.”

…

Lan Mulian, freshly bathed and dressed in her signature white dress, walked on air through the forest. After crossing a small hill, she saw the Primordial Lake in the distance.

Her white dress, fresh and elegant, accentuated her cold beauty. As usual, she wore a light veil, looking like a celestial maiden from a painting.

A strand of hair fell across her face, adding a touch of languid charm.

The bright stars of early spring twinkled in the dark sky, and the Primordial Lake was incredibly tranquil. Lan Mulian, in her beautiful white dress and knee-high boots, looked around the slightly chilly lake.

Her eyes were clear and calm. “Asking me to come to the Primordial Lake late at night… How long are you planning to hide, Junior Brother?”

Suddenly, a light flickered on the lake’s surface.

More and more lights appeared, twinkling like stars, creating a beautiful, multicolored scene.

Lan Mulian’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the captivating lights on the lake, momentarily mesmerized.

Ripples spread across the lake’s surface.

“Unaware of heaven in the water after drunkenness, a boat full of clear dreams pressing down on the Milky Way.”

A gentle voice echoed from the distance, and a pleasure boat drifted across the Primordial Lake, creating ripples as it moved, finally mooring by the shore.

Mu Zhian looked up, his handsome face adorned with a smile. “Senior Sister, do you like it?”

Lan Mulian didn’t answer, but her heart raced.

She shifted slightly, wanting to maintain her usual aloof demeanor, but she couldn’t help but look at the boy.

“Let’s go to the center of the lake. The view is even more beautiful there.”

Mu Zhian extended his hand towards her.

Lan Mulian’s beautiful face remained expressionless, but her gaze was fixed on his eyes.

“Special spirit stones are rare. Did you really waste nearly a hundred of them?”

“Senior Sister, tonight is our romantic night. Talking about spirit stones will ruin the mood,” Mu Zhian shook his head, smiling.

“Who’s having a romantic night with you?” Lan Mulian glared at him playfully, her voice calm.

Mu Zhian suddenly reached out and removed her veil.

Her beautiful face was flushed, her beauty breathtaking.

“Junior Brother, please behave yourself!”

Lan Mulian glared at Mu Zhian and snatched her veil back.

Mu Zhian took her cool hand gently. “Do you really have to be so distant with me, Senior Sister?”

Lan Mulian opened her mouth, about to retort.

But recalling Yao Meng’s domineering actions, her eyes dimmed slightly, and she lowered her gaze.

A blush colored her cheeks, and she let Mu Zhian lead her onto the pleasure boat, her white boots clicking softly against the wooden deck.

The boat swayed gently, creating ripples and a pleasant sound.

Chapter 429: You Really Have a Good Junior Brother 

Mu Zhian’s heart sank, then his heart began to race!

He had underestimated Yao Meng.

That Green Lotus Ring wasn’t just for protecting him, but also for… protecting his body… in every sense of the word.

So, did Zixuan already know this, which was why she deliberately provoked Yao Meng?

Mu Zhian had been wondering why she would kiss the Green Lotus Ring. He had initially thought the Demon Empress wanted to experience the thrill of… cuckolding someone, but now it seemed that was only part of the reason. More importantly… she was deliberately provoking Yao Meng.

Because the Demon Empress had probably already sensed something about the Green Lotus Ring.

You Dao Integration experts have no other hobbies besides cuckolding each other, do you?! A storm raged within Mu Zhian’s heart.

Silence fell over the hall.

After a while, some of the younger Lan family members dared to look up, their eyes filled with envy as they stared at the scene, their breaths quickening.

The tall, alluring figure of the celestial maiden was faintly visible through the celestial mist, her jade-like feet delicate and white beneath her green dress as she hovered in mid-air, one hand on the boy’s shoulder, her lips close to his ear, her eyes playful.

Why does he look so unhappy? They felt anxious for Mu Zhian.

If it were them, facing the only Transcendence Realm cultivator in the Nine Provinces acting so intimately, they would have embraced her without hesitation, savoring the moment.

Even the elders couldn’t understand Mu Zhian’s despondent expression.

Only three people remained calm.

Besides the Lan sisters, there was the woman in yellow standing quietly beside Mu Zhian.

And the only one who understood Mu Zhian’s current state was his maid.

Mu Zhian’s cultivation had improved significantly during his stay at the Demon Palace… She had a vague idea why.

Yao Meng’s wisp of consciousness had probably awakened the day she left for the Southern Wilderness, which meant she had been watching Young Master’s… activities…

“She treats you very well,” Yao Meng said softly, smiling faintly, her words enigmatic.

She was naturally referring to the Demon Empress.

The Demon Empress was the reason for Mu Zhian’s rapid advancement to the peak of Core Formation.

She glanced at the others. “The Lan family’s matters are indeed your family affairs, and his charm technique isn’t from the Eastern Continent.”

“However, there’s no distinction between demonic techniques and cultivation techniques. It’s the user’s character that truly matters.”

“The Jade Empress is wise. We will keep your words in mind.”

The Lan family elders bowed respectfully.

They sighed inwardly. The Jade Empress truly doted on her Dao Companion, even sending a wisp of her consciousness to protect him while she was away.

In their eyes, although there might be no distinction between demonic techniques and cultivation techniques, Mu Zhian’s charm technique was still a dangerous demonic art that could topple nations.

Many in the Eastern Continent still remembered how a dynasty had been destroyed by a ‘charm technique.’

He could already bewitch cultivators of the same realm at the Core Formation stage. If he reached Nascent Soul, wouldn’t he be able to plunge the entire Eastern Continent into chaos?

If it weren’t for the fact that the Jade Empress was a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor, they would suspect that Mu Zhian had used some charm technique to bewitch her.

Yao Meng suddenly smiled brightly, looking at the Lan sisters. “I gave him the guest elder token. If it weren’t for him, I would have perished during my ascension. I thought this token would at least protect him from being bullied in the Eastern Continent.”

“But even with the status of a Jade Pool guest elder, he’s still being mistreated in the Lan family.”

“If I didn’t know better, I would think the Jade Pool has declined to the point where any ancient clan can trample on it.”

Although her voice was still gentle and melodious, it sounded like a threat to the Lan family elders.

The Second Elder of the Lan family broke out in a cold sweat and bowed. “Jade Empress, you’re joking. We didn’t mistreat him. It was just the younger generation’s impudence. They’ve already apologized…”

They had indeed used the younger generation to suppress Mu Zhian, but that was because he had tried to interfere in their family matters.

And it wasn’t even their idea. Lan Wan’er had started it, and they had simply gone along with it.

But they couldn’t say this now.

Explaining this to the Jade Empress was pointless. Judging from her demeanor, even if they reasoned with her, would she listen?

It was clear whose side she would take.

As for her claim that she ascended because of Mu Zhian… they naturally didn’t believe it, thinking it was just an excuse to protect him.

They might believe that the Jade Empress was initially saved by Mu Zhian.

But the claim that she ascended because of him was unbelievable.

During the battle between Dao Integration experts at the Jade Pool’s ancestral land, what could Mu Zhian, a mere Core Formation cultivator, have done to help her?

Among the Lan family elders, only the two ‘living fossils’ who had recently left seclusion had a knowing look in their cloudy eyes.

While in seclusion, they had sensed a vast spiritual energy that didn’t belong to the Nine Provinces. The two Southern Wilderness evil gods had died because of that spiritual energy.

If, as the Jade Empress claimed, Mu Zhian had helped her ascend, did that mean… those two evil gods were killed by Mu Zhian?

At that moment, a playful voice echoed through the hall.

“Do you really think I can’t tell if someone is lying? I also know a thing or two about the Two Polarities Sect’s Qi Observation Technique.”

“Whether you were lying just now… you know it yourselves.”

Her voice was gentle and casual, like a kind older sister, making people feel at ease.

However, to the elders, her words were like a heavy weight, making their hearts sink.

Mu Zhian looked at Yao Meng, opening his mouth as if wanting to say something.

Yao Meng’s backing was the Jade Pool Holy Land. Now that she had ascended and was worshipped by the people of the Eastern Continent, openly pressuring a powerful family would damage her reputation and make the other families uneasy.

But as he looked up, he saw Yao Meng’s calm expression as she elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know what you want to say.”

“But you underestimate your importance in my heart.”

Yao Meng’s clear eyes, filled with a seemingly gentle compassion, swept across the crowd. “I dislike conflict not for the sake of my reputation, but because it’s the Dao of the Jade Pool. But if I stand idly by while my man is being bullied, what’s the point of this Dao?”

“If you’re unhappy, I’m also unhappy.”

Her casual words carried a dangerous undertone.

The pressure of a Transcendence Realm cultivator silently enveloped the hall.

Mu Zhian also felt this pressure, but a pair of cool hands gently cupped his face.

It was like a soft veil caressing his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

She looked into his eyes, a playful smile in her green eyes. “So don’t feel wronged. This is for you, and for me.”

Thud.

Unable to withstand the immense pressure, a clan member knelt on the ground.

Then, one after another, people knelt, the spiritual energy of a Transcendence Realm cultivator transcending the rules of heaven and earth, its pressure enveloping the entire ancient city, even though it was just a wisp of consciousness.

Above the hall, a faint green lotus bloomed, and the Jade Empress’s aura could be sensed even by the cultivators within the city. They were surprised, then filled with excitement.

The Jade Empress has personally come to the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony?

They had heard of her ascension but had never seen her before. Now, seeing her Dharma Idol above the Lan family’s hall, they finally understood her terrifying power.

The cultivators inside and outside the city stopped and bowed respectfully towards the hall.

The Jade Empress’s ascension would not only elevate the Jade Pool Holy Land but also protect the Eastern Continent. This was a joyous occasion for all.

But the cultivators outside didn’t know the tense atmosphere within the Lan family’s hall.

Lan Pingzhi, being half a step into Soul Transformation, forced himself to look up and bowed. “Jade Empress, your relationship with Young Master Mu is known throughout the Nine Provinces. It’s natural for you to protect him. But we didn’t mistreat him, and the matter of my two daughters is indeed a family affair. We hope you understand.”

The Grand Elder also bowed, his voice deep. “When Young Master Mu arrived, we had already arranged accommodations for him. But he knows my two daughters and, out of concern, mentioned the matter of their mother, which caused a misunderstanding.”

“But he also retaliated with a charm technique… Why don’t we just let this go?”

“Charm technique?”

Yao Meng chuckled softly. “Do you still consider that a charm technique?”

The Grand Elder’s face flushed red, but he lowered his head. “We wouldn’t dare.”

Even a casual word from a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor carried immense weight. He naturally wouldn’t argue with the Jade Empress, but he felt incredibly frustrated.

Mu Zhian had clearly used a charm technique, yet the Jade Empress was twisting the facts, and they couldn’t refute her.

Although there were rumors that the Jade Empress valued Mu Zhian greatly, he hadn’t expected such a trivial matter to incur her wrath.

But the Lan family was still Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying’s family. Even if the Jade Empress didn’t care, Mu Zhian wouldn’t let her go too far…

“Yao Meng, let’s just drop this,” Mu Zhian suddenly said, just as the Grand Elder thought this.

Hearing this, many in the hall breathed a sigh of relief.

This wasn’t a big deal, and hearing the person involved say so, they relaxed.

The Lan family elders were also relieved.

Then, Mu Zhian continued, sighing softly, “I was too impulsive today… Senior Sister Lan has helped me a lot, and Feiying has always been kind to me, even when others looked down on me, helping me with my problems. To me, they’re like my older sisters.”

“I acted without thinking.”

His words sounded sincere, pleasing the Lan family elders.

Then, Mu Zhian continued gently, “It’s only natural for the elders to dislike me… It’s fine if I’m mistreated. Please don’t blame the elders because of me, Jade Empress.”

The Grand Elder’s face twitched, and he quickly bowed. “Jade Empress, we would never mistreat Young Master Mu.”

The other elders also bowed, explaining, “Young Master Mu is a guest elder of the Jade Pool. We wouldn’t mistreat him. The other clan members can attest to this.”

Lan Wu discreetly glanced at the elders, who usually acted so self-important, and bit his lip, suppressing a smile.

He had always resented the elders for constantly reprimanding him, and even his father, the Clan Leader, had to listen to them. But before the Jade Empress, these elders couldn’t act so arrogantly.

After all, the Jade Empress had lived for far longer than they had…

Just as Lan Wu thought this, he noticed the Jade Empress glancing at him and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly cleared his mind.

Terrifying. The Jade Empress shouldn’t have mind-reading, yet she seemed to know what he was thinking… How could Mu Zhian still flirt with other women with such a Dao Companion…?

Lan Wu shuddered, clearing his mind of all thoughts.

Yao Meng looked away, glancing at the elders. “The Lan family’s matters are your family affairs, but I still have something to say. Just placing a memorial tablet in the Lan family’s ancestral hall can not only appease the deceased but also reconcile you with the Lan sisters. Why not?”

The Grand Elder frowned. “Jade Empress, you don’t understand. This concerns the Lan family’s reputation. The Clan Leader’s wife was a lowly woman from the common folk. We’ve already been subjected to much gossip because of this. If we place her memorial tablet in the ancestral hall…”

Lan Feiying scoffed. “How interesting. You call my mother a lowly woman, yet you want Sister and me to return to the family?”

“I’m the one who wants you to return. I even convinced the others and had Lan Wu write a letter inviting you back,” the Grand Elder said slowly.

Listening to their conversation, Mu Zhian finally understood.

No wonder the matter of their mother’s memorial tablet had been delayed for so long. There were internal conflicts within the Lan family. Not all elders wanted the Lan sisters to return. Only the Grand Elder supported it, while the others had different opinions.

A thought suddenly struck Mu Zhian like lightning. He subconsciously touched his storage ring and transmitted his voice to Yao Meng, asking her something.

As she listened to their argument, Yao Meng heard Mu Zhian’s voice in her mind. She glanced at him, and seeing the Soul Locking Bell he took out from his storage ring, her eyes flickered slightly.

Then, she looked at the people in the hall.

“A lowly woman?”

Her voice, gentle and melodious, carried a hint of mockery.

“Are you yourselves so… clean?”

Silence fell over the hall.

Everyone looked at Yao Meng, puzzled.

Yao Meng glanced around, then looked at the Grand Elder.

Then, her voice echoed in the minds of the elders and the Lan Clan Leader.

“What’s hidden within the Lan family’s ancestral grounds… you know better than anyone.”

Boom!

The expressions of the Lan family elders changed drastically, their minds reeling.

Then, an elder quickly reacted and bowed. “Jade Empress, we have no ill intentions towards the Eastern Continent.”

“Just as you said, there’s no distinction between demonic techniques and cultivation techniques, and there’s no such thing as a ‘lowly’ or ‘noble’ identity,” the Grand Elder also said, his words confusing to the others.

The Lan family members were stunned. Lan Mulian frowned slightly, glancing at the calm Yao Meng.

What did she just say to the elders? Why did they suddenly give in?

Yao Meng looked around. “Since there are no other matters, we’ll end here for today.”

…

After the Lan family members left, Lan Mulian immediately followed Yao Meng, who was about to leave the hall.

“Is there something you need?”

Yao Meng asked with a smile.

Lan Mulian hesitated. “Thank you. I’ll find a way to repay this kindness in the future.”

Whatever Yao Meng had said to the elders, it had made these stubborn old fools change their minds and compromise.

Lan Mulian was a proud woman and didn’t like owing favors.

Moreover, this celestial maiden was the one who had been intimate with Junior Brother right in front of her.

Yao Meng looked at Mu Zhian, who was also leaving the hall. Her hair cascaded down her back, her green eyes clear and bright, as if untouched by the passage of time.

But a playful smile played on her lips.

“You don’t have to thank me.”

She looked into Lan Mulian’s cold eyes. “If you want to thank someone, thank your Junior Brother.”

Chapter 428: Jade Empress: I’m on the Fifth Level 

“Damn it, who was that guy? How did he detect my aura so quickly?”

“I deliberately concealed it. A cultivator of the same realm shouldn’t be able to detect it so easily.”

Huang Weifeng, having narrowly escaped, flew on his sword into an ancient city within the Lan family’s territory, gasping for breath, his heart pounding in his chest.

After calming down, he was filled with shock and anger.

Shock that his concealed aura had been detected by the person in the carriage, and anger at his own cowardice for fleeing so readily from the young man in the carriage, losing face.

Having just seen another Chosen One with that unfamiliar young man, Huang Weifeng felt a mix of curiosity and jealousy towards Mu Zhian.

As a transmigrator, his mental fortitude was inherently stronger than that of ordinary people, and he also possessed the immense luck bestowed by the Heavenly Dao, guaranteeing him a bright future. Naturally, he looked down on the ‘natives’ of this world.

“Senior Qilin’s warning was right. That person in the carriage is strange. I clearly concealed my aura, yet he still detected me,” Huang Weifeng sighed.

An irritated voice came from the jade slip. “That’s why I told you before, there’s always someone stronger. Don’t underestimate anyone. You never know if they’re just pretending to be weak.”

“Not just the person in the carriage, but everyone you encounter, even those disabled villagers in your old village, should not be underestimated,” the Holy Light Qilin reminded him pointedly.

Huang Weifeng dismissed his words, shaking his head. “The person in the carriage is indeed powerful, but that doesn’t mean everyone in this world is like him. Besides, I will surely surpass him in the future.”

Although his current realm was lower than the person in the carriage, he was a Chosen One, blessed by a ‘golden finger’ since transmigrating to this world.

With this golden finger, he would eventually achieve great things, even having a harem was a given.

Chosen Ones were drawn to each other. He had sensed the Heavenly Dao’s aura on that young lady from the Lan family today, and she must have sensed his presence as well.

Even if he didn’t seek out Lan Feiying, they would meet eventually.

This was fate.

“No, I can’t leave the Lan family so soon. I can’t miss this opportunity…”

Hearing Huang Weifeng muttering to himself, the Holy Light Qilin said exasperatedly, “The Lan family is a powerful force in the Eastern Continent. That woman isn’t someone you can touch. Go and cultivate. You can have any beauty you want in the future.”

“Senior Qilin is right. That’s why I can’t miss this opportunity during the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony, so I can become stronger,” Huang Weifeng replied.

He ignored the Holy Light Qilin’s irritated scolding, blocked the voice from the jade slip, and walked out of the city gates.

Behind him, ripples appeared in the void, and the Void Nightmare opened one of its strange eyes, watching Huang Weifeng leave.

…

“The Soul Locking Bell is reacting within the Lan family’s territory…?”

“Does this mean the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness is hidden here?”

“If that’s the case, it might be within one of the sects here.”

Meanwhile, Mu Zhian’s carriage was heading towards the Lan family’s main hall.

He toyed with the ancient bell in his hand, his mind filled with questions.

Wei Mengrou’s attention was also drawn to the violently shaking bell. Her eyes flickered, and she glanced at Mu Zhian, her lips parting slightly, about to speak.

But Lan Feiying spoke first. “What’s that bell in your hand? Why is it so noisy?”

Mu Zhian gently suppressed the bell’s ringing. He chuckled. “Just a small trinket I found in the Demon Realm. Don’t mind it, Feiying.”

“More importantly, how are things going with… your purpose for this trip?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lan Feiying’s alluring expression turned cold. “There are three main factions within the Lan family. They appear united outwardly, but there are often internal conflicts. They haven’t reached a decision yet.”

The Lan sisters wanted to place their mother’s memorial tablet in the Lan family’s ancestral hall, but such a simple request had been delayed for so long.

If it weren’t for their mother’s last wish, they wouldn’t even wait for the ancestral worship ceremony. They would have already left.

Mu Zhian pondered, about to ask further, when his consciousness sensed a cold woman standing before a holy land below.

The aura was very familiar.

She stood there in a moon-white dress, swaying gently in the wind, her clear eyes looking up at the sky.

Lan Feiying opened the curtains and glanced outside. “It seems Sister has sensed our arrival.”

“Senior Sister’s spiritual sense is very strong. It’s not surprising that she could detect us so quickly. Her aura is much stronger than before.”

Mu Zhian smiled, diverting the two women’s attention, then discreetly moved to the opposite seat.

Attention to detail was crucial.

Although Senior Sister knew about his… flirtatious nature, this would at least prevent her from seeing him being intimate with another girl and getting jealous. This way, she wouldn’t suddenly use the teleportation talisman and send him to the dungeon on Two Polarities Peak.

Mmm, knowing Sect Master Lin’s scheming nature, if Senior Sister teleported him, he might find the Sect Master waiting for him in the dungeon…

As Mu Zhian thought this, the carriage slowly descended towards the Lan family’s main hall.

For some reason, the Green Lotus Ring on his finger was emitting a faint, clear light.

…

Within the Lan family’s main hall, several powerful auras, almost all at the Nascent Soul realm, were gathered.

After the rules of heaven and earth were rewritten, reaching the Nascent Soul realm wasn’t as difficult as before, and even the Soul Transformation realm was no longer an impossible dream.

Among these powerful auras, only one middle-aged man didn’t emit any spiritual energy fluctuations, but he exuded an imposing aura.

Lan Pingzhi, the current Clan Leader of the Lan family and the father of the Lan sisters, was half a step into the Soul Transformation realm.

Many young people were gathered outside the hall.

Most were members of the main Lan family branch, the talented elites of the Eastern Continent.

They looked towards the hall with curiosity, whispering among themselves.

Earlier, the statue in the Lan family’s ancestral grounds had trembled, even alarming two ‘living fossils’ who had been in seclusion for thousands of years. Shortly after, several elders gathered, seemingly discussing something.

Firstly, it was about the unexplained tremors in the ancestral grounds, and secondly, it was about the upcoming ancestral worship ceremony.

Suddenly, a Lan family member rushed in, his expression excited.

“What’s the commotion? Can’t you see the elders are discussing important matters?” Lan Pingzhi frowned.

The other elders remained silent as the clan member continued, “A guest elder from the Jade Pool Holy Land has come to visit and is currently approaching with the two young ladies.”

The Lan family’s Grand Elder raised a white eyebrow. “A guest elder from the Jade Pool Holy Land?”

The elders exchanged puzzled glances.

The ancestral worship ceremony was still some time away. Why had a guest elder from the Jade Pool arrived so early?

“Since it’s a guest elder from the Jade Pool, invite them in,” Lan Pingzhi said immediately.

The clan member nodded, then hesitated, looking at the elders. “What about the two young ladies…?”

Lan Feiying and Lan Mulian hadn’t been getting along with the Lan family, and the elders were displeased with their attitudes. But now, they had personally gone to receive this mysterious guest elder from the Jade Pool, clearly indicating they knew each other. Refusing them entry would be disrespectful to the guest.

“Invite them in as well,” Lan Pingzhi said.

He was more interested in the identity of this Jade Pool guest elder than in the clan members’ petty thoughts.

Ever since Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying returned to the Lan family, they hadn’t interacted with anyone, not even their own father.

Why would these aloof sisters personally welcome a guest elder from the Jade Pool?

Lan Wu, standing beside his father, his eyes flickering, had a premonition.

…

A quarter of an hour later, the elders of the Lan family finally met the mysterious guest elder from the Jade Pool.

The younger clan members outside the hall looked at the young man with curiosity.

What was the identity of this young man in luxurious black robes?

Not only was he incredibly handsome, but even the maid beside him was breathtakingly beautiful, no less stunning than the Lan sisters.

“Mu Zhian?”

Seeing the young man and the two women in red and white beside him, Lan Wu blurted out almost instinctively.

Mu Zhian smiled gently. “Brother-in-law… cough, Brother Lan Wu, long time no see.”

Lan Wu’s expression turned strange, and he almost couldn’t resist hitting Mu Zhian’s handsome face with a chair.

You’re already married, yet you’re still thinking about my two sisters? And you even dared to come to the Lan family?

But he quickly suppressed his impulse.

After all, Mu Zhian was currently a guest elder of the Jade Pool, a distinguished guest from afar.

Lan Pingzhi glanced at Mu Zhian. He had heard of him, but seeing his two daughters standing so close to him, he couldn’t help but be wary.

The Grand Elder smiled. “So it’s the Jade Empress’s husband. No wonder someone so young could become a guest elder of the Jade Pool. You’re truly remarkable, young friend.”

His words sounded like praise, but there was a hint of sarcasm, as if implying that Mu Zhian was a kept man.

Fortunately, Mu Zhian didn’t mind and chuckled. “You flatter me, Elder. It’s just the Jade Empress’s favor. I know my own limits.”

“If Young Master Mu wasn’t capable, the Jade Empress wouldn’t have chosen you,” another elder chuckled.

An elderly man with white hair said with a reminiscent look in his eyes, “Back when I hadn’t even started cultivating, Fairy Yao Meng was already a powerful Empress. Countless cultivators pursued her, enough to stretch from the Eastern Continent to the border of the Demon Realm. The fact that she chose you is a testament to your abilities.”

“Come in and have a seat.” The elder gestured towards the hall.

The other elders looked at him with surprise. This ‘living fossil’ was one of the first elders, having witnessed the Lan family’s golden age. He usually ignored everyone, yet he was so talkative with Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian entered the hall with the others.

The Grand Elder looked at him, his eyes cloudy. “Do you know these two girls of my Lan family, young friend?”

Mu Zhian smiled and nodded. “Senior Sister Lan has helped me a lot, and Feiying has taken care of me since my days in Tianxuan City, like an older sister.”

Lan Mulian glanced at the boy, a hint of gentleness in her usually cold eyes, despite the veil covering her face.

Although she knew that Mu Zhian couldn’t interfere with their family matters, seeing him stand up for them warmed her heart.

Of course… it would be better if he didn’t have Wei Mengrou’s scent on him.

From the moment he sat beside her, Lan Mulian had smelled a minty fragrance, the same scent emanating from Wei Mengrou.

Clearly, the master and servant had been… intimate during their journey to the Lan family.

The Grand Elder, a knowing look on his face, glanced at Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying and nodded. “No wonder Young Master Mu has come to our Lan family. In that case, we’ll treat you well during your stay.”

He stood up and instructed a servant to take Mu Zhian to a guest room.

“Actually, I have a request,” Mu Zhian suddenly said, looking at the approaching servant.

The Grand Elder looked at Mu Zhian intently.

“It’s about my Senior Sisters.”

The atmosphere in the hall turned slightly quieter.

As expected…

Several elders exchanged knowing glances.

They had guessed Mu Zhian’s intentions when he mentioned his close relationship with Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying.

A melodious voice echoed through the hall. “If Young Master Mu is here for the ‘divine gift’ bestowed by our ancestor after the ancestral worship ceremony, you’re naturally welcome. However, the matter you mentioned is a family affair of our Lan family.”

“It’s not appropriate for an outsider to interfere.”

The speaker was a beautiful woman in a green dress, sitting not far from Lan Wu, her eyebrows raised, her expression casual.

Two elders nodded subtly in agreement.

She was right. Although Mu Zhian was the Jade Empress’s husband and had a high status, this was a Lan family matter. What right did an outsider have to interfere?

“She’s Lan Wan’er, my father’s daughter with another woman,” Lan Feiying whispered to Mu Zhian, her voice low.

Logically and emotionally, it was indeed inappropriate for Mu Zhian to interfere.

The Lan sisters were still members of the Lan family, and this was a family matter. Even the Two Polarities Sect wouldn’t interfere, let alone Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian calmly took a sip of tea as Lan Wan’er continued, “Young Master Mu, you have a high status. The misunderstanding between my two older sisters and the Lan family is a family affair. It’s not appropriate for you to interfere, is it?”

“Even the Jade Empress wouldn’t approve. Don’t you agree, Young Master Mu?”

Lan Wan’er smiled at Mu Zhian, her eyes filled with arrogance.

As a genius of the clan, one of the people Lan Wan’er looked down on the most were kept men.

Lan Mulian frowned slightly. Targeting her and Feiying was one thing, but involving Mu Zhian was different.

But before she could speak, Mu Zhian, who had been sipping his tea, suddenly smiled.

“I’ve heard about the Lan family’s matters from Senior Sister Lan and Feiying. You’re right, Miss Wan’er. As an outsider, it’s indeed not appropriate for me to mention, let alone interfere in, your family affairs.”

Lan Feiying fell silent.

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered, and she glanced at him.

She didn’t think Junior Brother would give in so easily.

Lan Wan’er raised an eyebrow, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Several young ladies sitting beside her also chuckled softly.

What right did an outsider have to interfere in their family affairs? Although this Mu Zhian was handsome, he clearly wasn’t very bright.

The Grand Elder’s eyes were filled with satisfaction, but his voice was stern. “You children are becoming bolder and bolder, even daring to be so disrespectful to Young Master Mu. Go back to your rooms and reflect on your actions for half a month!”

“Yes.”

The young ladies and disciples lowered their heads obediently.

This punishment was meaningless. It was just a pretense, actually protecting them.

“Young Master Mu, I apologize. The younger members of my Lan family rarely venture outside and are not very well-mannered. I’ll discipline them properly. Girls are fickle. Wan’er will change her attitude towards you in the future,” the Grand Elder said gently.

Lan Wu frowned slightly. He could see that the Grand Elder was deliberately trying to suppress Mu Zhian, using the younger clan members to achieve this without directly intervening. If Mu Zhian got angry, it would make him look bad.

But this was still too offensive. Mu Zhian was a guest elder of the Jade Pool and the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion. If he complained to the Jade Empress…

Even the powerful Lan family couldn’t afford to offend her.

The Grand Elder looked at a servant. “Take Young Master Mu to a guest room.”

Do they really think I’m a fool…? Mu Zhian looked at the Lan family members in the hall, most of whom remained silent, some even showing goodwill towards him, although not very openly.

As a servant approached, Mu Zhian said calmly, “What the elders and Miss Wan’er said is correct. I agree. As an outsider, it’s indeed not appropriate for me to discuss your family matters.”

The Grand Elder frowned, sensing the underlying meaning in Mu Zhian’s words.

A bad premonition arose in his heart.

Lan Wu’s eyes also flickered, as if realizing something. He looked at Mu Zhian in disbelief.

Mu Zhian paused, then smiled. “But as their Dao Companion, it would be a family matter, wouldn’t it?”

Dao Companion?

He’s claiming to be Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying’s Dao Companion?

Everyone in the hall stared at Mu Zhian with wide eyes.

The younger clan members gasped, staring at Mu Zhian as if he had gone mad.

Lan Wan’er, after a moment of stunned silence, raised an eyebrow. “That’s interesting, Young Master Mu. Everyone in the Nine Provinces knows your Dao Companion is the Jade Empress. How are you now connected to my two older sisters?”

But seeing that her two sisters remained silent, she felt a sense of unease.

Could he be telling the truth…?

Mu Zhian looked around and smiled. “The elders and even the Clan Leader here probably have more than one Dao Companion, right? It’s not strange for me to have two or three, is it?”

Lan Wan’er frowned. “My two sisters are incredibly talented and have high standards. How could they choose a married man as their Dao Companion?”

“Do you think I’m not good enough, Miss Wan’er?” Mu Zhian asked with a smile.

To be fair, Mu Zhian was both handsome and talented, but Lan Wan’er scoffed, about to retort.

However, as she looked up, she met Mu Zhian’s gaze.

A faint pink light flickered in his dark eyes, accompanied by a seductive, sweet spiritual energy.

Thump! Thump!

Lan Wan’er’s heart suddenly raced, her previously disdainful expression replaced by a dazed fascination.

At the same time, the granddaughters of several elders blushed, their eyes flickering nervously as they fidgeted with their hair, suddenly self-conscious.

Even the female disciples outside the hall stared at Mu Zhian, their eyes sparkling.

“What do you think, Miss Wan’er?” Mu Zhian asked softly.

Under the astonished gazes of the elders, the previously arrogant young lady blushed and stammered, “Y-Young Master Mu is… exceptional, of course he’s worthy of my… my two sisters…”

“Then do you think this is a family matter, Miss Wan’er?”

“O-Of course…”

Lan Wan’er’s voice was barely audible as the charm emanating from Mu Zhian made the young ladies blush.

“It seems the Elder was right. Girls are indeed fickle creatures,” Mu Zhian said, looking at the speechless Grand Elder with a bright smile.

Silence fell over the hall.

Lan Mulian blushed, surprised that Mu Zhian would say such shameless things in front of her father, her eartips burning.

But she was also shocked.

With her Sacred Heavenly Body, she could see through the essence of things and naturally sensed the potency of Mu Zhian’s charm.

Not only Lan Wan’er, who had just started cultivating, but even she, a Nascent Soul cultivator, felt her heart stir, wanting to snuggle in his arms.

Lan Feiying also glanced at Mu Zhian, a hint of shyness in her usually seductive eyes.

Although she had been intimate with Mu Zhian along with her sister before, saying that they were both his Dao Companions in front of their clan was still embarrassing.

Isn’t he embarrassed at all saying this?

Silence hung in the air for a long time.

Lan Pingzhi clenched his fists beneath his sleeves, barely restraining himself from exploding.

Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying were his daughters, yet they had been… claimed without his knowledge, and this man had just married the Jade Empress… If they were truly with Mu Zhian, wouldn’t they be bullied by the Jade Empress every day?

Finally, the Grand Elder’s voice broke the silence. “You’re quite capable, Young Master Mu.”

“Such charm techniques are not from the Eastern Continent, are they?”

The other Lan family elders also stared at Mu Zhian, recognizing his use of demonic techniques.

Using demonic techniques from the Demon Realm to bewitch people within the Lan family… Did he not respect them at all?

“This isn’t a technique from the Eastern Continent, but Yao Meng often told me that there’s no distinction between righteous and demonic techniques. As long as they’re used properly, it’s fine,” Mu Zhian said with a casual smile.

These were all high-ranking members of the Eastern Continent. He didn’t know if they had any connections with demon cultivators, but they must have had some contact.

He wasn’t worried that they would be as foolish as Ye Yu and make a fuss about his use of demonic techniques.

They were all smart enough to know that this wouldn’t harm him.

They had tried to use the ‘juniors’ to suppress him, and he had simply retaliated in kind.

But it seemed resolving the issues between the Lan sisters and the Lan family today wasn’t realistic.

He would have to learn more about what had happened between them and the Lan family before he could find a solution…

And the fact that the Soul Locking Bell was reacting within the Lan family’s territory was also concerning…

Mu Zhian looked around the silent hall, about to break the silence.

Suddenly, a flash of green light appeared before his eyes.

Mu Zhian paused, the smile on his face fading slightly.

Then, he felt a familiar warmth enveloping the hall.

He suddenly realized something and looked down at the Green Lotus Ring on his finger.

The ring was emitting a soft, gentle light.

Almost instantly, the elders in the hall, even the two ‘living fossils’ and the Lan Clan Leader, snapped out of their daze and stared at Mu Zhian’s ring.

The next moment, a vast consciousness, like the ocean, descended from the green light.

The illusory figure of a woman in a green dress appeared in the hall, her body bathed in moonlight, only her breathtaking figure and her calm, green eyes visible.

“Jade Empress!”

The elders immediately reacted, standing up and bowing respectfully.

“Greetings, Celestial Maiden.”

The other clan members also bowed, their heads lowered.

Lan Mulian frowned slightly, but she also bowed respectfully in front of the others.

Although the Jade Empress currently had an ethereal, celestial appearance, she knew how… devious this celestial maiden truly was.

Mu Zhian was clearly still in shock, his usual calm smile gone as he blinked, staring blankly at Yao Meng.

How is this possible?!

Isn’t she in the Southern Wilderness?!

Countless thoughts raced through Mu Zhian’s mind.

The moment he saw Yao Meng, he remembered what had happened between him and Shi Zixuan in the Demon Realm.

Fortunately, he was a seasoned harem protagonist and maintained his composure.

But he couldn’t hide the surprise in his eyes.

As if sensing his gaze, Yao Meng glanced over, a playful glint in her usually calm eyes. “Don’t be so surprised. To ensure your safety, I placed a wisp of my consciousness within the Green Lotus Ring I gave you.”

“If you’re in danger and infuse it with spiritual energy, this consciousness will awaken.”

Mu Zhian hesitated. “But I don’t remember infusing the ring with spiritual energy—”

“Other people’s spiritual energy can also awaken me,” Yao Meng reminded him calmly.

Mu Zhian paused, then seemed to realize something. He gently rubbed the Green Lotus Ring with his fingertip, and a smudge of rouge appeared on his thumb.

Incredibly alluring.

Looking at the people with their heads bowed, Yao Meng’s lips curled into a smile. She floated down and landed before Mu Zhian, leaning close to his ear and whispering,

“How was the Demon Empress?”

Chapter 427: The Jade Empress Asserts Her Dominance 

The nine Flood Dragons pulled the carriage swiftly towards the Lan family. The carriage compartment was spacious, with two rows of seats, six in total.

However, the three people inside were all squeezed into the same row.

Lan Feiying, her legs pressed tightly together, patiently dabbed at the tea stain on her fiery red dress with a handkerchief.

From Mu Zhian’s perspective, if he looked down, he could faintly see the alluring curve of her thighs.

However, Mu Zhian wasn’t in the mood for such appreciation. He could feel the maid’s cold gaze upon him.

The pressure from a Nascent Soul expert, combined with the maid’s inherent coldness, made his scalp tingle.

Mengrou wasn’t skilled in the art of subtle manipulation. Lan Feiying’s simple act had angered her, but as a maid, she couldn’t directly confront Lan Feiying, so she could only sulk in silence.

“Just now, you seemed to be looking at a male cultivator on the ground… Did you find something interesting about him?” a melodious voice suddenly echoed through the carriage.

Lan Feiying looked at him, her eyes filled with charm.

Mu Zhian snapped out of his thoughts and chuckled. “It’s nothing. I just found that young talent’s aptitude similar to yours, Feiying, so I was a bit interested.”

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes. “A talent similar to mine?”

“Then he must not only be talented, but also, like me, a fortunate person favored by the heavens.”

Mu Zhian looked at the alluring woman and smiled. “Indeed, Feiying. You’re born with the favor of the heavens. Anyone with similar talent to you will surely achieve great things.”

Lan Feiying smiled seductively. “That depends on whether he can successfully cultivate. If he perishes along the way, there’s no future to speak of.”

Huang Weifeng could sense Lan Feiying, the Chosen One, and she could naturally sense him as well.

Although she didn’t know how many Chosen Ones the Heavenly Dao had chosen, or how difficult they were to deal with, she was firmly on Mu Zhian’s side.

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Feiying, there’s something I’m not sure if I should ask.”

“Do we need to be so formal? Such politeness will hurt my feelings,” Lan Feiying said, feigning a hurt expression, her voice soft and gentle. “Just say what you want to say.”

Her seductive gaze was filled with tenderness, captivating and alluring.

This vixen… Mu Zhian’s heart stirred, but he suppressed his desire and asked, “The Heavenly Dao chose you as the Chosen One to correct the rules of heaven and earth and eliminate those who violate them, right?”

“I know what you’re thinking. You and Miss Wei are not bound by the rules of heaven and earth. You’re wondering if the Heavenly Dao will punish me for not dealing with you, right?”

Lan Feiying’s voice was seductive as she placed her hand on the back of Mu Zhian’s.

Her long, slender fingers were adorned with alluring red nail polish, except for her middle fingers.

Wei Mengrou glanced at Lan Feiying.

This was a question that not only Mu Zhian, but Wei Mengrou was also concerned about. She had even forgotten about Lan Feiying’s earlier provocation, her gaze fixed on her, waiting for her answer.

“If I were to deal with you, not only would those around you object, but even Sister wouldn’t be willing to,” Lan Feiying chuckled softly, gently caressing Mu Zhian’s face. “You should know better than anyone how Sister feels about you. Back in Tianxuan City, you mistreated so many girls, even your maid kept her distance, and Bai Ruoxi utterly loathed you.”

“Unlike me, I’ve always treated you the same~”

Her touch was gentle, like a soft veil brushing against Mu Zhian’s face, like a lover’s caress, making him want to pull her into his embrace.

Wei Mengrou, who had been innocently implicated, glanced at the alluring vixen and remained silent.

What do you mean even his maid kept her distance? Even when Young Master’s reputation was at its worst, she had always been by his side, just not giving him any chance to get close to her.

Back in Tianxuan City, if Mu Zhian had dared to be so intimate with her, she would have kicked him out of the carriage.

“As for whether the Heavenly Dao can punish me, I told you before, it can’t directly interfere with the Nine Provinces, and it’s currently having some… issues,” Lan Feiying continued.

“The Heavenly Dao can also have issues?” Mu Zhian shifted slightly, avoiding Lan Feiying’s touch.

He could feel the icy coldness emanating from Wei Mengrou.

If Lan Feiying weren’t here, Mu Zhian wouldn’t be surprised if Mengrou transformed into the Primordial Witch and locked him up.

Lan Feiying looked at Mu Zhian playfully and giggled.

The next moment, she pressed closer to Mu Zhian, her body almost touching his arm, the curve of her bosom incredibly alluring.

Wei Mengrou stared at the vixen clinging to Young Master, subconsciously gripping her skirt.

But seeing Mu Zhian’s calm, indifferent expression, she relaxed slightly.

“Among the Heavenly, Earthly, and Humanly Daos, only the Heavenly Dao possesses its own will. The Heavenly Dao’s will is the will of the Nine Provinces. If the will of the living beings wavers, the Heavenly Dao will naturally have problems.”

After explaining, Lan Feiying said with a hint of resentment, “You weren’t so cold when you were intimate with Sister before. Why are you so distant now? Have you grown tired of me and abandoned me… Sister has been thinking about you all this time while you were away…”

Lan Feiying’s sweet, gentle voice, combined with the affection in her eyes, was incredibly seductive, enough to melt even the most stoic man, let alone someone as affectionate as Mu Zhian.

But Mu Zhian suppressed his desire, remaining motionless despite the beauty in his arms, and continued discussing serious matters. “What do you mean by the will of the living beings wavering, Feiying?”

Lan Feiying smiled seductively. “In the past, cultivators in the Nine Provinces believed that obeying the rules set by the Heavenly Dao was natural. However, the Jade Empress’s ascension has shattered their understanding.”

“Now, many people in the Nine Provinces have built statues of the Jade Empress and worship her, praying for peace and prosperity. They treat her as a deity, and the flourishing incense means she’s receiving the power of their faith… What do you think the other Dao Integration experts think about this?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. He whispered, “They also want to break the rules of heaven and earth and ascend to the Transcendence Realm?”

The Heavenly Dao’s power comes from the will of living beings. If their will wavers and they desire to break free from the shackles of heaven and earth, it will harm the Heavenly Dao… Mu Zhian understood.

“Actually, the Heavenly Dao has had problems for a long time,” Lan Feiying revealed a hidden truth, her ample bosom swaying gently with the movement of the carriage.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. “So, the Heavenly Dao isn’t as terrifying as I thought… It’s been damaged for some reason, and after the Jade Empress’s ascension, its already weakened will has been further damaged.”

But what exactly happened to the Heavenly Dao in the past…?

The Heavenly Dao was the collective will of the living beings in the Nine Provinces. How could its will be damaged?

After a long silence, Mu Zhian collected his thoughts and returned to the present. “How have you and Senior Sister been?”

“We were fine at the Two Polarities Sect,” Lan Feiying chuckled softly.

“But since arriving at the Lan family… Although they haven’t made things difficult for us, Sister and I still don’t feel like we belong here.”

Mu Zhian asked tentatively, “What about… what happened to you when you were young…?”

Lan Feiying leaned against Mu Zhian’s arm, her voice seductive. “Sister agreed to return to the Lan family to place Mother’s memorial tablet in the ancestral hall during the ancestral worship ceremony, but it doesn’t seem to be going smoothly.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes were filled with doubt. “They refused?”

This was strange. The Lan sisters’ talents were obvious. One was the number one genius in the Nine Provinces, and the other was a Chosen One favored by the Heavenly Dao, even possessing a system.

If the Lan family agreed to place their mother’s memorial tablet in the ancestral hall as a condition for their return, they might have accepted.

“The Lan family elders are stubborn old fools. They’re still discussing it and haven’t given us an answer yet,” Lan Feiying scoffed. “If it weren’t for Mother’s last wish, Sister and I wouldn’t even step foot in the Lan family.”

Mu Zhian gently patted Lan Feiying’s hand, comforting the alluring beauty, but a doubt arose in his mind.

He felt like there was more to this.

If the Lan family elders were truly stubborn old fools who wouldn’t even allow a deceased person’s memorial tablet into the ancestral hall, why would they invite Feiying and her sister back?

Did they simply think that with the Lan family’s power and influence, Feiying and her sister wouldn’t refuse?

But Senior Sister’s Master was Shang Yanfei, the founder of the Two Polarities Sect.

With the Two Polarities Sect’s protection, even without the Lan family’s resources, Senior Sister was a highly promising cultivator who could potentially reach Dao Integration.

Were the Lan family elders so out of touch that they didn’t know about Senior Sister’s Master, or was there… something else going on?

As Mu Zhian pondered this, Lan Feiying suddenly said, “Sister and I didn’t have much hope initially. But Mother was his wife, and we just wanted to see his attitude, and whether Mother… wasted her life on him.”

Lan Feiying turned to look at Mu Zhian. “Honestly, I was quite surprised when Sister first took a liking to you.”

Mu Zhian paused. “Why? Do you think I’m not good enough, Feiying?”

Lan Feiying glanced at him seductively, tapping his forehead lightly with her finger. “You’re a fickle, bad boy. Sister and I don’t like bad boys.”

She paused, caressing Mu Zhian’s face, her eyes hazy. “But I don’t know when I started liking you.”

She leaned against him, her soft body almost touching his.

“Feiying, be careful… You don’t want to be unable to even see me, do you?!” Mu Zhian, feeling the beauty’s warmth against him, sensed the dangerous aura emanating from Wei Mengrou and transmitted his voice to Lan Feiying, his survival instincts kicking in.

Although Mengrou always claimed to be just his maid, he naturally didn’t believe it.

All women get jealous, and jealousy leads to conflict. If he didn’t handle this carefully, his maid might turn from protector to… attacker. If that happened, he would be in trouble.

Fortunately, although Lan Feiying was seductive, she was also rational. A gentle look flickered in her eyes, but her voice, as she transmitted it, was filled with playful resentment. “You’re so concerned about Miss Wei. Why don’t you care about me?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes softened as he transmitted his voice. “Don’t you know how I feel about you, Feiying?”

His words were sincere. After all, he was sincere with every girl.

Lan Feiying looked into Mu Zhian’s eyes, seeing no hint of jest. He wasn’t just trying to appease her, but genuinely expressing his feelings.

A rare shyness flickered in Lan Feiying’s eyes, and she withdrew her hand, the bell on her wrist tinkling softly, a strange emotion rising within her.

A brief silence fell over the carriage. Wei Mengrou looked at the usually bold woman with surprise, then glanced at her Young Master suspiciously.

“What did you just say to her?” she transmitted her voice.

Mu Zhian discreetly glanced at the silent Lan Feiying, who was now blushing despite her seductive attire, looking like an innocent young lady.

“Nothing. I just told her to be more restrained, so you wouldn’t be unhappy,” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice, secretly taking Wei Mengrou’s hand.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered with panic, and she instinctively wanted to pull her hand away, but remembering Lan Feiying’s blatant flirting with her Young Master, she felt a pang of jealousy and let him hold her hand.

She leaned against Mu Zhian, resting her head on his shoulder.

Hum!

This tender moment didn’t last long. They soon arrived at the core region of the Lan family, and the formations below emitted a humming sound. Then, a powerful voice echoed from a nearby hall:

“This is the Lan family’s restricted area. Please stop.”

The guard’s tone was polite. After all, the luxurious carriage and the nine Flood Dragons pulling it indicated the occupants’ high status.

Although the Lan family was powerful, they wouldn’t casually offend such distinguished guests.

Lan Feiying opened the curtains, glanced at the guard, and smiled. “It’s me.”

“Miss Lan,” the guard immediately bowed, then looked at the carriage with a puzzled expression. “I thought you were in a different carriage, Miss. And it seems there are others inside…”

Lan Feiying glanced at Mu Zhian, thinking about how to explain his identity, but then she saw him take out a token and show it to the guard.

The guard looked at the token, surprised, then immediately recognized it, put away his weapon, and bowed. “So it’s a guest elder of the Jade Pool Holy Land. I apologize for disturbing your journey. Please enter.”

There were only ten guest elders of the Jade Pool Holy Land, each with a high status. And the lotus mark on the token meant that this guest elder was personally invited by the Jade Empress. Naturally, they didn’t dare to be disrespectful.

The carriage slowly entered the Lan family’s territory. Lan Feiying, resting her chin on her hand, looked at Mu Zhian meaningfully and smiled. “The Jade Empress even gave you a Jade Pool guest elder token? I heard she only made less than three after reaching Dao Integration, each containing a wisp of the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s aura. Countless Nascent Soul cultivators desire them, yet can’t obtain them. It seems she truly values you.”

“Young Master is the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion. It’s natural for her to dote on him,” Wei Mengrou added coldly, glancing at Mu Zhian.

Although they had been subtly competing with each other along the way, they were now united against a common enemy, making Mu Zhian feel immense pressure.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly, changing the subject. “By the way, where’s Senior Sister? Only Feiying came out to greet us. Is she busy with something?”

Lan Feiying saw through his attempt to change the subject and scoffed. “Sister is waiting for us in the Imperial Void Pavilion. We can go see her now.”

She knew why the Jade Empress doted on Mu Zhian, but she couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied.

After all, if that ‘shark’ wished, she could take Mu Zhian away at any time, and they would never see him again.

The reason the Jade Empress hadn’t done so wasn’t out of consideration for them, but because she didn’t want to upset Mu Zhian.

I have to discuss this with Sister… Lan Feiying lowered her gaze, playing with a strand of hair, her eyes flickering.

Seeing the slightly calmer atmosphere, Mu Zhian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He hadn’t known that the guest elder token was personally crafted by Yao Meng. He had thought she had simply brought it from the Jade Pool.

That sly vixen must be asserting her dominance…

When Senior Sister finds out about this, it will be troublesome… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly and put the token away, about to close his eyes and relax.

Suddenly, he felt a vibration from his storage ring.

He paused, then took out the ancient bell he had obtained from the Fox Clan’s territory.

The bell shook violently in his hand, emitting a piercing sound.

Chapter 426: What a Wonderful Tea

That afternoon, Mu Zhian walked out of the bedchamber, supporting himself with his hand against his lower back.

Attended by Shi Miaoyan, he sat in the side hall of the main hall, sipping tea and waiting for Wei Mengrou, who had been meditating, to emerge.

He took a sip of tea and opened his personal interface, pondering the information displayed.

[Name: Mu Zhian]

[Role: Chosen Heroine]

[Constitution: Chaos Body (possessing multiple constitutions)]

[Weapon: Heaven-Measuring Ruler]

[Luck Value: 95 (Most dangers can be averted, and exploring ancient ruins will definitely yield rewards)]

His luck value was 95, which was considered immense, but why did he still encounter so many unlucky situations…?

“Mengrou, why does my immense luck feel different from others’?”

Mu Zhian didn’t turn around, but he had already sensed Wei Mengrou’s presence. Although she wore a bright yellow dress, she was almost undetectable after concealing her aura, her figure flickering like a mirage.

Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You can sense my presence?”

After reaching the Nascent Soul realm, Wei Mengrou’s cauldron had formed ten pocket dimensions, which she had merged into a single, large pocket dimension, filled with vast spiritual energy.

Even if she hadn’t deliberately concealed her aura, Young Master shouldn’t have been able to sense her so easily.

“It’s because of the scented balm you’re using,” Mu Zhian leaned closer to Wei Mengrou, sniffing slightly, and looked up, smiling. “Is this Deer Cry Balm?”

Wei Mengrou glanced at him. “Your nose is quite sharp.”

Deer Cry Balm was a relatively uncommon type of scented balm in the Eastern Continent. Its fragrance was cool and refreshing, like mint, and because it was subtle, not many women used it.

“As expected of a playboy who used to date different women every day. You’re quite knowledgeable,” the maid said sarcastically.

Mu Zhian shrugged. “I’ve rarely seen anyone use this balm. You’re the first, Mengrou, so naturally, I paid more attention.”

“…”

After a moment of silence, Wei Mengrou said coldly, “Save those words for the Demon Empress. I’m just your maid. There’s no need to flatter me.”

Although she hadn’t personally seen any intimacy between Mu Zhian and the Demon Empress, she had heard the rumors circulating within the Demon Palace.

Such as ‘Mu Zhian is a fox spirit sent by the Eastern Continent to bewitch Her Majesty,’ or ‘Beware of the Eastern Continent’s honey trap.’

She didn’t know if these rumors were true, but with Young Master’s Innate Celestial Furnace, she wouldn’t be surprised if he attracted vixens.

The maid was almost used to it by now.

Mu Zhian smiled and took Wei Mengrou’s hand. “I still have to find ways to please the maid who’s willing to serve me. Come to think of it, it’s been almost half a month since we’ve… been intimate…”

A charming blush crept onto Wei Mengrou’s face, and sensing his teasing gaze, she glared at him disdainfully. “Who wants to be intimate with a worm like you? Don’t flatter yourself.”

Mu Zhian toyed with his teacup, glancing at her. “Don’t you want to know what my Innate Celestial Furnace has become?”

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “No matter how you package it, the Innate Celestial Furnace is still a vulgar thing. I’m not interested.”

Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow, casting his line. “Haven’t you noticed that my charm has disappeared? It should be passively emitted and uncontrollable…”

Wei Mengrou’s attention was indeed caught, and she looked at the handsome boy with suspicion.

That’s true… Her heart would race uncontrollably whenever she saw Young Master before, and she would even have the urge to be close to him. That was because of the ‘charm’ emitted by his Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body.

But now, she didn’t feel that uncontrollable urge anymore.

“How did you do it?” Wei Mengrou couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Zhian smiled, deliberately keeping her in suspense. “You’ll know after we… cultivate.”

“If you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine. I’m not interested,” Wei Mengrou said indifferently.

“Then forget it,” Mu Zhian nodded, sipping his tea.

A brief silence fell over the hall.

But the maid’s eyes flickered, and she subconsciously craned her neck, wanting to look at Young Master, but she held back, maintaining her aloof demeanor.

“Young Master Mu, the carriage is waiting outside,” a demon servant entered the hall and said respectfully.

Outside the hall, a carriage pulled by nine Flood Dragons stopped before the Demon Palace, its imposing aura attracting the attention of nearby demon cultivators.

Only high-ranking officials in the Demon Realm could use a carriage pulled by nine Flood Dragons, besides the Thirteen Seats and the ancient princes from the forbidden zones.

Could it be that the descendant of some ancient prince has left seclusion?

Many speculated inwardly.

As they wondered, Mu Zhian and Wei Mengrou boarded the carriage, heading towards the Lan family in the Eastern Continent.

…

Several days passed.

One day, at the border of the Abyss in the Eastern Continent, a carriage, radiating a brilliant light like the sun, sped towards the boundary between the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent.

At the border, several demon clan elders sat in a pavilion, sipping tea and discussing the Dao.

Soon, a demon cultivator noticed the carriage, like a golden light, streaking towards the Eastern Continent.

An elder from the Colorful Ape Clan frowned. “Which royal descendant is traveling in such grand style?”

Another bird demon was about to scan the carriage with its consciousness, but a beautiful female demon cultivator stopped it.

“Hongyu, why did you stop me? Do you know who’s in that carriage?” the bird demon asked, frowning.

The demon cultivator called “Hongyu” raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. “A while ago, many members of the Demonic Rhinoceros Clan died, and they fell from the top of the border demon clans to the bottom. If you don’t want to end up like them, you can do as you please.”

“I’m stopping you for your own good.”

Hearing this, the other demon clan elders exchanged surprised glances.

“What do you mean?” another demon cultivator asked.

The bird demon reacted quickly. “If I remember correctly, the Eighth Seat of the Demon Realm investigated the Demonic Rhinoceros Clan and purged many internal threats… Could they have offended the person in that carriage?”

The other demon cultivators suddenly understood.

“If it weren’t for Elder Hongyu, we might have accidentally offended them.”

“We’re all demon clans of the borderlands. We should help each other,” Hongyu said with a smile.

Her clan had just become the leading clan of the borderlands and was still relatively weak. Naturally, she wanted to build connections with other clans.

Her distant relative was the Eighth Seat of the Demon Realm. She had learned about that young master from him a few days ago, and combined with the mysterious demise of the Demonic Rhinoceros Clan, she had guessed the identity of the person in the carriage.

But what a grand display… Just how much does Her Majesty owe Mu Zhian? Why is she treating him so well?

The border demon clans watched as the carriage, like a burning golden light, sped towards the Eastern Continent, lost in thought.

This scene attracted the attention of not only the Demon Realm, but also various powers in the Eastern Continent. Many cultivators from different sects and holy lands were secretly observing the carriage.

Many ancient clans suspected that it might be the descendant of some powerful being from a forbidden zone in the Eastern Continent.

But these speculations were soon overshadowed by the increasingly lively Lan family ancestral worship ceremony.

The Lan family controlled a vast territory in the Eastern Continent, and hundreds of sects and lineages were under their rule. After each ancestral worship ceremony, the statue of the Lan family ancestor would guide the family’s future direction, even helping them find ancient ruins.

Therefore, various sects and lineages would send representatives to congratulate the Lan family.

As the day approached, cultivators from all over the Eastern Continent traveled to the Lan family, either on their swords or on battleships.

After the ancestral worship ceremony, the Lan family ancestor would bestow a divine oracle, which anyone could try to decipher. If they succeeded, they would obtain a great opportunity and rise to prominence.

After all, the Lan family ancestor was once a powerful overlord.

The blessings they bestowed were an irresistible temptation for cultivators.

One afternoon, a luxurious carriage pulled by nine Flood Dragons flew through the sky towards the Lan family, attracting attention along the way.

This luxurious carriage, crafted from special spirit ores, was priceless, and Flood Dragons were incredibly proud creatures. Besides the ruler of the Demon Realm, they only submitted to those they acknowledged.

The person in the carriage must have a powerful background and immense talent to have Flood Dragons as their mounts.

As the carriage passed by a pavilion in the sky, a young man inside also noticed it.

The man wasn’t particularly handsome, but he had a pleasant appearance. A faint golden light emanated from him, and he exuded an extraordinary aura.

“Interesting. Even Nascent Soul experts don’t travel in such grand style,” the young man murmured, toying with an exquisite jade slip in his hand.

A faint light emanated from the jade slip, and a calm voice echoed from within, “There are only a few in the Eastern Continent who can travel in such a carriage. Don’t cause trouble. Focus on your cultivation.”

“I know,” the young man chuckled dismissively. “If I remember correctly, the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony is approaching. Their ancestor will likely bestow a great opportunity.”

“And I heard that one of the Lan family’s goals is to have those two talented sisters return to the family. It’s said that Lan Mulian is the strongest of the younger generation in the Nine Provinces, and her younger sister…”

He paused, then continued, “As a Chosen One, her strength is also quite formidable. They’re truly an exceptional pair of sisters.”

A thoughtful look appeared in the young man’s eyes as he looked towards the Lan family.

If he remembered correctly, that carriage was also heading towards the Lan family.

“Have you forgotten my warning? It’s best not to cause trouble. I feel like the luck bestowed upon you by the Heavenly Dao has decreased recently. There might be something wrong with the Heavenly Dao,” the elder’s voice came from the jade slip.

“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing,” the young man smiled faintly. “I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Nascent Soul realm soon.”

He paused, then continued, “If I don’t reach the Nascent Soul realm soon, I’ll have to return to that damned village.”

Huang Weifeng was a young man from the mountains.

He had been born into poverty, orphaned at a young age, and lived in a village filled with the elderly, the weak, and the disabled. Some were blind, some were deaf, and some had been crippled in their youth while being pursued by enemies.

But fortunately, he was a transmigrator, so he hadn’t experienced much hardship before leaving the village. Those difficult days were lived by the original owner of this body.

The villagers there couldn’t even afford three meals a day. If it weren’t for a man from the village who had become the president of the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, and his daughter’s suggestion to help the villagers, many of the disabled in the village would have starved to death during the winter.

Of course, now that he had the Heavenly Dao’s favor and had obtained a jade slip containing the inheritance of Dao Initial Celestial Venerable from that village, his past was no longer relevant. The consciousness within the jade slip was the spirit beast that had served Dao Initial Celestial Venerable, the Holy Light Qilin.

Since he was an orphan, staying in that village would only lead to a miserable life. Now, with the Heavenly Dao’s favor, he would never have to return to that desolate place.

Huang Weifeng looked towards the Lan family, a faint smile on his face. “To reach the Nascent Soul realm quickly, I’ll have to gather all the resources I can.”

He had heard that the Lan sisters were incredibly beautiful. He could take this opportunity during the ancestral worship ceremony to see them, and also see what kind of woman Lan Feiying, who was also a Chosen One, was like.

The Holy Light Qilin, experienced and wise, saw through Huang Weifeng’s thoughts and quickly advised, “Being a Chosen One doesn’t mean you’re invincible. You’re too arrogant. Although you’ve never been defeated in your current realm, the Lan family is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers reside.”

“If you cause trouble, you won’t just be facing Core Formation cultivators.”

Huang Weifeng chuckled. “Don’t worry, Senior Qilin. I know what I’m doing. I won’t offend anyone easily.”

He ignored the Holy Light Qilin’s warning, summoned an ordinary flying sword from his storage ring, and flew towards the Lan family.

…

“The Soul Locking Bell… It’s reacting in the Eastern Continent.”

Inside the luxurious carriage, Mu Zhian embraced Wei Mengrou’s waist, toying with the seemingly ordinary ancient bell in his other hand.

The Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony was still some time away. Mu Zhian had left the Demon Realm early to fulfill his promise to the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

As soon as they entered the Eastern Continent, he took out the bell and tried to locate her consciousness.

The bell guided them north.

The Eastern Continent was prosperous, each ancient clan controlling a vast territory.

Mu Zhian had now arrived in the Lan family’s territory. Every half hour, he could see various sects and families beneath the Lan family’s rule.

And within this vast area, he also saw an ancient city, filled with giant stone pillars depicting the glorious deeds of the Lan family ancestor and her miracles in suppressing the forbidden zones of the Eastern Continent, accompanied by inscriptions in an ancient language.

“So this is the Lan family ancestor? She must have been an exceptional Empress in the past. It’s a pity she’s now just dust,” Mu Zhian said softly with a sigh.

He held Wei Mengrou’s soft, smooth hand, enjoying its warmth as he closed his eyes and rested.

Wei Mengrou glanced at her Young Master, pursed her lips, and looked out the window, pretending to be indifferent.

Mu Zhian had been… flirting with her along the way. At first, Wei Mengrou had maintained her cold demeanor, but gradually, she gave up and let him hold her hand.

Initially, Mu Zhian had simply expressed his affection and longing for her, and although she appeared disdainful, the fact that she didn’t retort or mock him showed her true feelings.

Then, as the carriage approached the Lan family’s territory, Wei Mengrou felt his warm hand on hers. Although she wanted to refuse and maintain her aloof persona, she couldn’t bring herself to push his hand away and simply let him hold it.

Mu Zhian embraced her waist. “Your face is so hot, Mengrou. Are you feeling unwell?”

A Nascent Soul expert catching a cold? Mu Zhian was clearly teasing her.

Wei Mengrou’s body felt warm, and she felt both annoyed and flustered, but she didn’t dare to look up at him and simply whispered, “I’m fine…”

“H-Has the Soul Locking Bell reacted?”

Mengrou is truly a tsundere. When she’s not being intimate, she’s always so aloof and disdainful, but once they are… she becomes shy… Mu Zhian was amused.

The maid was the cold and aloof type. When she was cold, she could freeze people, but when she was shy, she exuded an incredibly alluring charm.

Mu Zhian looked at the slightly vibrating bell in his hand. “There’s a reaction, but it’s not very strong. I only know it’s somewhere in this area. It seems the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox used some method to conceal her consciousness.”

Wei Mengrou hummed in response, then felt his hand gently kneading her waist beneath her yellow dress, his gentle voice echoing in her ear, “You’re so cold towards me, Mengrou. Are you still angry that I haven’t seen you much lately?”

Wei Mengrou felt a surge of annoyance. She knew he was teasing her, and she was about to swat his hand away.

Suddenly, she seemed to sense something and glanced out the window.

It was Lan Feiying’s aura.

Mu Zhian opened the curtains and followed Wei Mengrou’s gaze, seeing a Dragon Sparrow carriage approaching them in the distance.

Although it wasn’t excessively luxurious, it was still quite rare in the Eastern Continent.

But what was even rarer was the person inside.

As a gust of wind blew, the curtains lifted slightly, revealing a beautiful woman in a fiery red dress.

She had an oval face, and the dress accentuated her slender waist, the red fabric clinging to her ample bosom.

Her breasts seemed to sway gently with the movement of the carriage.

Feiying has… grown, but she’s still not as big as Ruoxi… Mu Zhian quietly released Wei Mengrou’s hand and was about to greet Lan Feiying when he suddenly sensed a strange gaze upon him from below.

He looked down and saw a young man he had never met before. The man, clearly not expecting Mu Zhian’s sharp senses, quickly looked away and flew off on his sword.

“I’ve never seen him before, but he seemed to have murderous intent towards me…”

Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes, looking at the retreating figure, a playful glint in his eyes, and gave some instructions to the Void Nightmare, which was still immersed in the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll, sending it to secretly follow the man.

The carriage in the distance arrived beside them.

The curtains slowly parted, revealing a beautiful, alluring face in the faint light.

Lan Feiying, holding a cup of tea, her eyes sparkling with charm, glanced at Wei Mengrou, who was holding the curtains open for Mu Zhian, and smiled faintly. “So you came to the Lan family after all.”

“Sister has been mentioning you quite often these past few days,” she added in a seductive voice.

Senior Sister is truly cold on the outside, warm on the inside. Just as I expected, she’s completely different in private… Mu Zhian chuckled. “Sorry, I spent quite some time refining the Supreme Clarity Pill.”

“You always mention Sister. Don’t you miss me, Feiying?” Mu Zhian asked.

Lan Feiying studied Mu Zhian’s handsome face and smiled. “There’s no need to ask. I know the answer.”

Seeing their flirtatious exchange, Wei Mengrou tightened her grip on the curtains.

Although she always claimed to be just Young Master’s maid, she couldn’t help but feel jealous. She glanced at Mu Zhian.

“Let’s talk after we return to the Lan family. This isn’t a suitable place for conversation.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “You’re right. Let’s go to the Lan family then.”

Seeing this, Wei Mengrou’s expression softened, and she looked at Lan Feiying, a warm smile appearing on her usually cold face. “Young Master and I will go ahead.”

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes, looking at the maid.

Before Wei Mengrou could close the curtains, Lan Feiying gasped, “Oops,” and ‘accidentally’ spilled the tea in her hand onto the soft cushions.

She looked up with a wronged expression. “I spilled my tea, and the cushions are all wet. Can I go back with you…?”

The faint smile on Wei Mengrou’s face froze.

“Is that not allowed?”

Lan Feiying asked softly, seeing Mu Zhian’s hesitant expression.

Mu Zhian glanced at the maid, whose expression was as cold as ice, and coughed lightly. “Mmm… It’s not crowded with three people. Since Feiying accidentally spilled her tea, she can come with us.”

Mu Zhian took a sip of his tea, savored it, and sighed. “What a wonderful tea.”

The carriage door opened, and a fragrant breeze wafted in. A soft, alluring body pressed against Mu Zhian’s left side, encased in a fiery red dress.

Lan Feiying glanced at the maid beside Mu Zhian and smiled. “Sorry to interrupt~”

Chapter 425: Mu Zhian, the Heaven-Devouring Constitution 

The next morning.

Mu Zhian yawned lazily as he got out of bed and changed his clothes.

Shi Zixuan, dressed in a red dress that accentuated her alluring figure, leaned against the bed, the flickering candlelight making her appear even more seductive. Her long, loose hair framed her face, giving her a languid air, and she looked at the boy with a playful smile. “I have to return to the Demon Realm today and deal with some accumulated political affairs.”

Mu Zhian’s face fell. “Although I’m reluctant to part, it seems we must say goodbye… I’ll contact Your Majesty through the mirror when I’m free and ask for guidance on my cultivation.”

The Demon Empress’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “But your heart is saying: This vixen is amazing, but she’s a Dao Integration expert. One night is fine, but if it’s like this every night, I’ll be completely drained… After I reach Dao Integration, I’ll make her beg for mercy.”

“What’s a ‘fish pond’? And how do you plan to make me beg for mercy?” the Demon Empress asked, yawning languidly and sitting up, blinking at Mu Zhian with feigned confusion.

Mu Zhian: “…”

I’m so embarrassed… This damned mind-reading is my nemesis… Mu Zhian covered his face.

Fortunately, the Demon Empress didn’t dwell on the topic and quickly changed the subject. “I see you’re at Core Formation Rank 7. The First Seat has a cultivation technique for two people. If you come back to the Demon Realm with me, I can ask her for it. You can reach the peak of Core Formation within half a month.”

The Demon Empress sat on the bed, dangling her feet, a seductive smile on her lips.

Reach the peak of Core Formation in half a month…?

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, but he shook his head slowly. “Your Majesty, people say that cultivation requires steady progress and a solid foundation. If I take this shortcut…”

“Cultivation requires steady progress, but dual cultivation doesn’t,” the Demon Empress said calmly.

Mu Zhian said reservedly, “But I’m not that kind of person…”

Before he could finish, the tall beauty walked towards him in her boots and whispered in his ear, “That’s not what you said last night.”

Her seductive fragrance filled his senses, and as he looked into her alluring eyes, he saw a faint pink mist swirling within.

He smoothly embraced her waist.

Just half a month… it’s not a big deal…

…

Half a month passed uneventfully.

Deep within the Demon Realm Palace.

If someone happened to pass by the curtained bed, they would see a young man embracing a woman’s waist, lying in her arms, both seemingly fast asleep in the flickering candlelight.

But no one would ‘happen’ to pass by.

After bringing Mu Zhian back to the Demon Realm half a month ago, the Demon Empress had ordered all the servants to be removed from the palace. No one except the First Seat could enter.

Logically, neither the Demon Empress nor Mu Zhian needed sleep to recover their mental energy.

But Mu Zhian was still at the Core Formation realm and needed to meditate.

He hadn’t been sleeping well lately and was mentally and physically exhausted.

Of course, the exhaustion was worth it.

With the Demon Empress’s help, Mu Zhian had reached the peak of Core Formation.

‘Shang Yanfei,’ dressed in a luxurious black dress, her hair slightly disheveled, held Mu Zhian in her arms, a pleased smile on her lips.

Clearly, she had transformed into Shang Yanfei again last night and been intimate with her… disciple.

“Your Majesty, I really have to leave the Demon Realm today,” Mu Zhian said softly.

The Demon Empress turned to look at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying his face in her bosom. She said seductively, “You can also choose to stay. Perhaps you can reach the Nascent Soul realm in two or three months.”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “I promised the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox that I would help her be reborn. I have to keep my promise.”

“And you have a seat in the Heavenly Court. As long as you resonate with the new Heavenly Dao, you can try to reach the Transcendence Realm. Staying here will only delay your cultivation. You can try to break through during this time,” Mu Zhian continued, trying to persuade her.

Since the ‘sharks’ in his pond were already trying to drag him down and keep him for themselves, he might as well make them even stronger.

And he couldn’t let the Jade Empress become too dominant. Otherwise, if he messed up his multitasking and was locked up, there would be no one to save him…

Although he didn’t think the Jade Empress would go too far, unless she found out about his daily… activities with the Demon Empress… and his occasional visits to Mengrou for comfort, even while wearing the Green Lotus Ring…

If the Demon Empress ascended to the Transcendence Realm, he would at least have some protection and wouldn’t be completely helpless if he was locked up.

“Ascending to the Transcendence Realm is much more difficult than you think.”

The Demon Empress stroked the boy’s hair. “The Jade Empress’s successful ascension was partly due to her strength, but mostly due to her luck. Besides the Spiritual Dragon, who was born with immense luck, no one can guarantee a successful ascension.”

“If the Jade Empress can do it, so can you. The Zixuan I know is the arrogant ruler of the Demon Realm, a rare genius who reached Dao Integration in just a thousand years.”

Mu Zhian looked at Shi Zixuan’s alluring eyes, smiling. “You have the potential to ascend. I believe in you.”

The beautiful woman in the red dress narrowed her eyes, gazing at him seductively.

She suddenly smiled. “Of course.”

“After all, I am the Third Seat.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Indeed.”

A golden light illuminated the Third Seat in the Heavenly Court.

The ‘Fight’ rune flickered, and a demonic red dot appeared on the Demon Empress’s forehead.

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred. The ring connecting him to the Heavenly Court glowed, and in his mind, a magnificent palace materialized, countless celestial structures appearing, majestic and solemn, filled with a rich spiritual energy.

Mu Zhian’s consciousness entered the Heavenly Court. He stood there in white robes, his hands clasped behind his back, like the Lord of the Heavenly Court, ruling over the nine heavens.

Nine runes appeared before him.

Each rune corresponded to a throne, and at the end of the nine thrones was an ancient, majestic bronze throne.

A pink light shone before the Third Seat, engraved with the ‘Fight’ rune, as if seeking confirmation.

“Acknowledge,” Mu Zhian whispered.

A name appeared on the Third Seat: Shi Zixuan.

He looked at the scene and nodded in satisfaction.

“Now, even if the Jade Empress locks me up, I can rely on Zixuan to save me…”

This is what true planning and multitasking looks like!

This is the Lord of the Heavenly Court’s scheme!

Even Sect Master Lin couldn’t compare!

Mu Zhian closed his eyes, his consciousness returning to the Demon Realm, back into the Demon Empress’s embrace, and began to plan his next move.

The Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony was approaching, but before that, after returning to the Eastern Continent, he could use the Soul Locking Bell to find the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness.

After rescuing her consciousness and storing it within his Innate Celestial Furnace, his transaction with the fox-eared girl would be complete.

But this trip to the Lan family would be troublesome.

Mu Zhian didn’t intend to interfere with the Lan sisters’ family matters. He would only ensure their safety.

And for that, he alone wasn’t enough.

He would probably need the Jade Pool guest elder token.

Mu Zhian suddenly felt a strong reaction from his personal interface and opened it.

Below his many titles, a new, crimson title had appeared.

[Heaven-Devouring Constitution (The Worldly Serpent is a demon that devours all things, able to absorb and utilize the essence of anything)]

Heaven-Devouring Constitution? If I remember correctly, this is Zixuan’s constitution…?

Mu Zhian’s interest piqued.

If he remembered correctly, Zixuan could even devour the First Demon Emperor, who was at the same realm as her, and refine his essence.

He wondered how much of the Heaven-Devouring Constitution’s power he could wield.

“Zixuan, what’s the highest realm the Heaven-Devouring Constitution can devour?”

Mu Zhian looked at the title on his personal interface, pondering for a moment, then asked.

“Those of the same realm are no problem. As for Transcendence Realm cultivators… I haven’t tried yet,” the Demon Empress immediately replied.

Then, she asked suspiciously, “Why are you asking this?”

“Nothing. Just curious,” Mu Zhian chuckled casually.

The tall, alluring woman in the red dress seemed to want to ask something else, her lips parting slightly, as if emitting an endless charm.

But Mu Zhian spoke first.

“Since you can devour cultivators of the same realm, those of lower realms are naturally no problem, right?”

“Of course,” the Demon Empress glanced at Mu Zhian, puzzled. “Why are you asking something so obvious?”

“Can you devour me then?” Mu Zhian asked sincerely, a hint of doubt in his voice.

The Demon Empress looked at Mu Zhian seductively, holding him tighter. She said playfully, “Even if I could, I wouldn’t be willing to.”

“The Heaven-Devouring Constitution is truly powerful,” Mu Zhian sighed, finally freeing himself from her embrace and inhaling her fragrance. He gently touched her lips with his finger.

“But I don’t think you can devour me.”

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow. “Are you questioning me?”

“Yes, I don’t think you can do it,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Their gazes met, and the Demon Empress, sensing the playful glint in his eyes, followed his gaze and realized he was staring at her lips.

She blushed and glared at him playfully.

“In your dreams~” she said, then pulled the curtains, which Mu Zhian had opened earlier.

“Why…?” Mu Zhian suddenly realized something.

A silvery laughter echoed through the bedchamber. The Demon Empress ignored the maid outside and caressed Mu Zhian’s face, smiling. “I’ll be in seclusion for a while, trying to reach the Transcendence Realm, so…”

“You’ll have to compensate me for all the… love you owe me.”

…

Outside the bedchamber, the First Seat stood alone, seemingly lost in thought.

As the leader of the Thirteen Seats of the Demon Realm, she had been loyal to and even admired Her Majesty since before she even reached Dao Integration.

In fact, most demon cultivators in the Demon Realm had an almost blind worship for Her Majesty.

However, these past few days, the First Seat felt her worldview crumbling.

If Her Majesty was simply interested in a young cultivator, it would be one thing, but she had even been having Mu Zhian revert to his younger form…

If word of this got out, what would others think of Her Majesty?

The Demon Empress has a… strange hobby!

If such rumors spread, the Demon Realm’s image would be tarnished.

The First Seat took a deep breath and quietly left, not wanting to disturb the Demon Empress, but as soon as she left the bedchamber, several demon cultivators surrounded her.

“Lord Miaoyan, how is Her Majesty’s seclusion going?”

“Has she reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm and is attempting to break through?”

Questions came from all sides. The ministers of the Demon Realm were both worried and hopeful about Her Majesty’s sudden seclusion half a month ago.

They were worried that she might fail her ascension, leaving the Demon Realm without a leader.

Although there was the Dragon Void Ancient Emperor, he was a martial fanatic with no interest in the throne and was rarely seen.

And they were hopeful… If Her Majesty ascended to the Transcendence Realm, the threat posed by the Jade Empress’s ascension would be neutralized.

It was no wonder these ministers were so concerned. Besides the First Seat, Shi Miaoyan, no one knew what the Demon Empress was doing in her bedchamber.

“Her Majesty’s aura is much stronger than before. She’s preparing for her ascension. No one is allowed to disturb her during this time. Violators will be executed without mercy.”

Shi Miaoyan answered calmly.

“Alright, you can all leave now. I’ll take care of things here.”

She waved her hand, dismissing the demon cultivators.

After they left, Shi Miaoyan rubbed her forehead, feeling tired, and a sense of helplessness washed over her as she recalled the… nightly activities of the past few days.

She was starting to suspect that Mu Zhian was a spy sent by the Eastern Continent to bewitch Her Majesty.

In the past, a dynasty in the Eastern Continent had been destroyed by a fox demon from the Demon Realm, weakening the Eastern Continent’s luck for nearly a century.

But she hadn’t expected this to happen to the Demon Realm.

Was the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox truly that terrifying, to the point of even bewitching Her Majesty?

“But if I remember correctly, when Mu Zhian arrived, his aura was only at Core Formation Rank 7. He shouldn’t be able to bewitch Her Majesty to the point of neglecting her duties…”

Shi Miaoyan hadn’t seen Mu Zhian since he returned to the Demon Realm with Shi Zixuan half a month ago.

Although the Demon Empress claimed he was in secluded cultivation, gaining insights… every night, through the curtains of the bedchamber, Shi Miaoyan could vaguely see the… captivating shadows within.

Even she, who had no interest in such matters, couldn’t help but be tempted, even having such rebellious thoughts as ‘I wonder what the Innate Celestial Furnace’s spiritual energy feels like.’

The Heavenly Court spiritual energy, mixed with charm, was simply too alluring.

“Well, Her Majesty isn’t needed for such trivial matters in the Demon Realm anyway…”

Shi Miaoyan shook her head, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.

It should be time for Mu Zhian to leave the Demon Realm. After all, the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony was approaching, and knowing Mu Zhian’s character, he wouldn’t abandon the Lan sisters.

Although Her Majesty favored Mu Zhian, he would still leave today.

It’s better for him to leave soon. Although he’s only at the Core Formation realm, if he truly bewitches Her Majesty, it will be troublesome…

Shi Miaoyan sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, she sensed a terrifying surge of spiritual energy from the bedchamber behind her, vast and boundless, like a giant serpent churning within the clouds.

Shi Miaoyan’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at the dark sky.

“Has Her Majesty… reached the Dao of Transcendence…?” she murmured in disbelief.

Could Her Majesty have truly been cultivating all this time…?

Shi Miaoyan instinctively turned to look at the bedchamber, but seeing the faint shadows behind the curtains, she was even more confused.

It didn’t seem like Her Majesty had been cultivating diligently either.

She had been… intimate with Mu Zhian every day, and somehow, she suddenly touched the threshold of Transcendence?

Shi Miaoyan stared at the two figures behind the curtains, her eyes flickering. Then, as if realizing something, she whispered, “…The Innate Celestial Furnace?”

Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace was completely different from any other…

No wonder Her Majesty was so interested in him. It all made sense now.

She had initially thought Her Majesty was simply obsessed with his beauty and even had some strange… hobbies… But now it seemed Her Majesty had been farsighted.

…

Two Polarities Sect.

A woman in a moon-white dress leaned against the door, holding a sword, her face covered by a veil, exuding a cold, unapproachable aura.

Even with the veil, it was clear that she was a breathtaking beauty, but her aloof demeanor was enough to deter countless admirers.

“Let’s go, Sister,” Lan Feiying said calmly, looking at the letter from the Lan family in her sister’s hand.

Lan Mulian hesitated slightly, then hummed in response.

“Are you waiting for that guy to return?” Lan Feiying suddenly asked.

Seeing Lan Mulian’s silence, she continued, “It might not be a good thing for him to come with us. He has the Jade Empress’s backing, but this is a family matter between us and the Lan family. If he comes, it might cause trouble.”

Lan Mulian remained silent.

Her sister was right.

But although she didn’t want Junior Brother to come, she also wanted to see him again before going to the Lan family.

But after he became a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, she didn’t know where he had gone. There had been no news.

But he could probably change his appearance now, even reverting to that boyish form…

If she still hadn’t seen him after returning from the Lan family, hmph…

Lan Mulian toyed with the summoning talisman in her hand, a playful glint in her eyes as she thought of something interesting, then quickly regained her composure.

“Let’s go to the Lan family.”

It was time to remove the thorn the Lan family had left in their hearts when they were young.

Chapter 424: The Jade Empress in the Southern Wilderness 

What is Mu Zhian thinking right now…?

Even without mind-reading, the Demon Empress could guess.

Even though she was the Eastern Continent’s enemy and considered Shang Yanfei her mortal enemy, she had to admit that the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect possessed an irresistible charm.

Shang Yanfei had already been at the Dao Integration realm before the Demon Empress even reached it. The Demon Empress had heard the First Demon Emperor mention Shang Yanfei many times. When the First Demon Emperor declared war on the Eastern Continent, he had paid close attention to the Two Polarities Sect’s movements, specifically Shang Yanfei’s.

In those years, there were only two Dao Integration experts in the Eastern Continent. The Forbidden Zone was a secluded paradise, uninvolved in worldly affairs, while the Two Polarities Sect was the symbol of the Eastern Continent.

The Sect Master, who single-handedly founded the Two Polarities Sect and even nurtured the Dao Integration expert Lin Ling, was naturally considered the First Demon Emperor’s most formidable opponent.

He couldn’t understand why this exceptional woman remained in the Eastern Continent and didn’t ascend to the Heavenly Court.

The ultimate goal of cultivation was immortality and ascension, but Shang Yanfei didn’t seem interested, even when the Path to Immortality appeared.

She was shrouded in mystery, and even the First Demon Emperor didn’t know when she had achieved Dao Integration.

Such a mysterious woman naturally attracted the attention of countless cultivators… especially younger ones.

To someone of Mu Zhian’s age, Shang Yanfei’s mysterious aura was incredibly alluring, captivating him and making him want to… explore her secrets.

Moreover, Shang Yanfei had just taken the initiative to kiss him.

Even someone as proud as the Demon Empress was wary of Shang Yanfei.

But wary didn’t mean afraid. It wouldn’t make her stand idly by and watch the man she desired being… NTR-ed right in front of her.

“Although I don’t have mind-reading, I think I can guess what he’s thinking.”

Shang Yanfei gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face, looking at the boy and his flustered expression.

She smiled playfully. “Which kiss was better, mine or the Demon Empress’s?”

Before Mu Zhian could answer, she chuckled. “I’m guessing he’s thinking… my kiss was more enjoyable.”

“What do you think?” She glanced at the Demon Empress, whose eyes were filled with coldness.

Boom!

A deafening roar echoed through the hall, and the ground trembled violently.

A giant serpent silently emerged from the void behind the Demon Empress.

No, it wasn’t exactly a serpent, but more like a dragon, its entire body a vibrant purple-pink, its golden eyes majestic and captivating.

The Demon Empress’s expression was indifferent as the spiritual energy in the air ignited, flames erupting.

She didn’t use any forbidden techniques, but simply raised her slender finger and flicked it. An alluring pink light, captivating and mesmerizing, enveloped Shang Yanfei.

This was a technique the Demon Empress had cultivated before reaching Dao Integration, called the Profound Yin Charmfire. The Charmfire wasn’t warm, but icy cold, instantly lowering the temperature in the hall, as if freezing the skin.

Mu Zhian stared at the Charmfire in shock, thinking, If you gods start fighting and accidentally hit me with an AOE, I’m screwed…

The Profound Yin Charmfire descended upon Shang Yanfei!

At the same time, the Worldly Serpent wrapped around Mu Zhian and pulled him towards the Demon Empress.

Boom!

A world-shattering aura filled the hall as the Profound Yin Charmfire enveloped Shang Yanfei, erupting in a blinding light.

Although he had confidence in Sect Master Lin’s strength, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but worry.

“Don’t worry, she won’t die. Besides, this is just a wisp of her consciousness. Her true body can’t leave the Two Polarities Sect,” Shi Zixuan’s arrogant, seductive voice came from beside him, as if reading his thoughts.

The Worldly Serpent gently placed Mu Zhian on the ground, and Shi Zixuan stepped forward, shielding him.

The Demon Empress had never fought Shang Yanfei before, but whenever the First Demon Emperor mentioned the Eastern Continent, he always talked about Shang Yanfei.

Cultivation in the Demon Realm was cruel, and strength reigned supreme. Therefore, since she was young, the Demon Empress had remembered the name Shang Yanfei.

Now that she had evolved into her ultimate form, the first person she wanted to fight was Shang Yanfei.

She believed that even just a wisp of Shang Yanfei’s consciousness wouldn’t be easily defeated.

And she was right.

As the Profound Yin Charmfire dissipated, the temperature remained cold, and a woman stood on the throne, like a celestial being from ancient times, her beauty unparalleled.

She wore a black dress, her face classically beautiful, her ample bosom straining against the fabric, her long legs perfectly proportioned, breathtakingly beautiful, yet not seductive, captivating and mesmerizing.

However, there were tears in her elegant dress, revealing glimpses of her fair skin.

Is she injured…? Mu Zhian’s heart stirred.

Suddenly, the world fell silent!

Everything around them turned gray. Mu Zhian, the hall, even the alluring Demon Empress, all turned gray.

Only Shang Yanfei remained in color.

When Mu Zhian snapped back to reality, the tears in Shang Yanfei’s dress had vanished without a trace.

“Time reversal,” the Demon Empress murmured, her eyes narrowed.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred.

Time reversal… Does that mean the Sect Master is also at the Transcendence Realm?

He knew that time reversal was a hallmark of the Transcendence Realm.

At that realm, one could rewrite the rules of heaven and earth, even reverse time, becoming immortal.

The Demon Empress raised her head proudly, a playful smile on her lips. “No, you’re not at Transcendence. You’ve only comprehended the Dao of Time.”

Shang Yanfei smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying it.

The Demon Empress’s eyes flickered with disdain. “If I remember correctly, you were already at the Dao Integration realm before I even reached it. Now that I’ve achieved Dao Integration, you’re still stuck at the same level. What will you do if I surpass you in the future?”

Shang Yanfei smiled faintly. “If you can ascend, that’s your fate.”

Her nonchalant attitude annoyed the Demon Empress. One of the reasons she disliked this woman was her always calm and collected demeanor, as if she had everything under control.

“This wisp of your consciousness can’t stop me. Leave this pocket dimension while I’m still in a good mood. This is where… he and I are intimate,” the Demon Empress said coldly.

However, Shang Yanfei chuckled softly, as if hearing something amusing. “Where you and he are intimate?”

“Then what about the Jade Empress?”

“You’re keeping him in your pocket dimension and even have… ulterior motives… Aren’t you… stealing him from her?”

A flash of anger appeared in the Demon Empress’s eyes, clearly having struck a nerve.

The proud Demon Empress had always obtained whatever she desired.

However, after less than half a year of seclusion, Mu Zhian was already married, even wearing the engagement ring given to him by the Jade Empress!

It had only been half a year!

If she secluded herself for another year or two, Mu Zhian might even have children!

“He likes me, and I’m also interested in him. As for the Jade Empress…”

The Demon Empress scoffed. “She just took advantage of my seclusion and used some tricks to deceive him.”

Shang Yanfei said calmly, “That wedding was consensual between my disciple and the Jade Empress. Since you can read minds, don’t you know his true feelings?”

“You’re the third wheel here.”

The Demon Empress retorted immediately, “Since you knew he was already married, why did you, the dignified Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect, become intimate with him?”

“Don’t tell me his marriage to the Jade Empress was fake. Even if it were, so what? I can have anyone I want,” the Demon Empress scoffed.

Her words were a clear declaration: Even if he’s married, I still want him.

The ruler of the Demon Realm and the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect faced each other, the former alluring and seductive, the latter calm and mysterious.

Both were incredibly beautiful, and standing beside the Demon Empress, Mu Zhian could smell her sweet fragrance.

However, he wasn’t in the mood to appreciate their beauty.

This is bad. If they continue arguing, the Demon Empress will definitely take her anger out on me…

Calm down. I’m the Lord of the Heavenly Court. Can’t I handle two mere women…?

There must be a way… Mu Zhian’s mind raced.

But then, he noticed the playful smile on the Demon Empress’s face and gave up thinking.

With her mind-reading ability, he had no room to maneuver.

“Well, as long as you’re fine.”

As the atmosphere grew tense, Shang Yanfei chuckled softly and walked down from the throne.

Under Mu Zhian’s hesitant gaze, she said, “The Spiritual Dragon was worried about your safety and asked me to check on you.”

“But since the Demon Empress is protecting you, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Mu Zhian looked at Shang Yanfei, momentarily confused.

What were the Sect Master’s intentions?

If she liked him, it seemed plausible. She had even taken the initiative to kiss him before.

But if she truly liked him, why would she let the Demon Empress protect him?

Regardless, seeing that Shang Yanfei wasn’t arguing with the Demon Empress anymore, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief and bowed. “I’ll see you off, Sect Master.”

As expected of the most unpredictable ‘shark’ in my pond… he thought with a sigh.

“Hmph… She’s quite magnanimous,” the Demon Empress scoffed, watching Shang Yanfei leave.

“The Sect Master is just concerned about her disciple and was worried about me,” Mu Zhian said helplessly, shaking his head.

This was indirectly telling the Demon Empress: You’re overthinking things. I’m just a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. There’s nothing between the Sect Master and me.

“Since when is a Sect Master kissing a disciple considered a normal relationship?” the Demon Empress asked, glancing at Mu Zhian, her voice filled with displeasure.

Mu Zhian shrugged, giving up. “That’s because you provoked her first.”

He didn’t want to lie, and since she could read his mind anyway, it was better to just say it directly.

Surprisingly, the Demon Empress wasn’t angry, but simply looked at him meaningfully.

She had never seen Shang Yanfei truly fight against any Dao Integration expert because no one had ever done anything to anger her.

The last time she had acted was when Mu Zhian had been… fake killed by the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions.

And this time… it was also because of Mu Zhian.

A woman with an unfathomable mind, yet with such an obvious weakness… How interesting.

The Demon Empress looked at Mu Zhian, a playful smile on her face.

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Aren’t you angry?”

“Why would I be angry? If I really angered her, I would be the one benefiting, wouldn’t I?” the Demon Empress chuckled.

“As for the kiss, it was just a peck on the lips. It’s nothing to be angry about.”

The Demon Realm is much more open-minded than I thought… Mu Zhian was shocked.

The Demon Empress’s voice turned seductive as she glanced at Mu Zhian. “Why did you mistake Shang Yanfei for me? You should have known it was her just by looking at her personality.”

Mu Zhian smiled wryly. “Your Majesty, would you have thought that the Sect Master would appear in your pocket dimension like this?”

The Demon Empress was speechless.

“Forget it.”

She casually changed the subject. “I didn’t sense Gong Lianyue’s aura when I entered the pocket dimension. Isn’t she here?”

“Ruoxi left for the Sword Palace to cultivate in seclusion,” Mu Zhian explained.

The Demon Empress hummed softly, a glint of light flickering in her eyes.

The Palace Master isn’t here, the Jade Empress isn’t here, and Shang Yanfei is also gone. Then…

After a brief silence, the Demon Empress bent down slightly, knelt before Mu Zhian, gently stroked his hair, and smiled seductively. “Come to my room.”

…

Mu Zhian followed the Demon Empress out of the hall. Although the hall had been damaged by their earlier confrontation, it had been silently restored.

Behind the hall was a luxurious bedchamber.

The tall, alluring Demon Empress led Mu Zhian to the bedchamber, holding his hand, then glanced at the boy beside her, licking her lips slightly.

Sensing her seductive gaze, Mu Zhian’s heart stirred, but he maintained his composure, about to remove the Green Lotus Ring from his finger.

Being intimate with someone else while wearing the Jade Empress’s ring felt strange.

However, the Demon Empress stopped him, gently holding his hand. She chuckled softly. “Just keep it on. After all, it’s the wedding ring given to you by the Jade Empress.”

The problem is, wearing this while being intimate with you makes me feel guilty… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

More importantly, he didn’t know if the Green Lotus Ring had any strange abilities, and he didn’t want to take the risk.

But the next moment, the Demon Empress’s alluring figure vanished, replaced by a holy, pure celestial maiden.

She stood barefoot, her light green dress clinging to her alluring figure. She untied the ribbon holding her hair, letting it cascade down to her calves, her beauty breathtaking yet not seductive, making it difficult to have any impure thoughts.

‘Yao Meng’ smiled, knelt before Mu Zhian, caressed his face, her demeanor holy and elegant, yet her eyes sparkled with seductive allure.

“This is your Jade Empress’s order.”

Chapter 423: Your Husband is Amazing 

Mu Zhian was an undoubtedly intelligent man.

This intelligence wasn’t limited to scheming; he also excelled at understanding people’s hearts, especially women’s.

He had mastered the hearts of many women, with Ruoxi and Senior Ye being the most prominent… He also understood the personalities of the still-developing ‘little sharks’ in his pond.

Therefore, he could often make the right judgment at the right time, and even if he occasionally messed up, he could smooth things over with his sweet words.

Because sometimes, messing up was part of his plan.

Although with the increasing number of ‘dragons’ and the growing strength of the ‘little sharks,’ the possibility of messing up had also increased, it was still within manageable limits.

Recently, however, the ‘little sharks’ seemed to be developing dangerous thoughts of turning Young Master Mu into a… plaything.

Not just the little sharks, but Mu Zhian also felt that the ‘dragons’ had similar thoughts… He had even been to the Jade Pool Holy Land’s little room with Yao Meng… No, that wasn’t really a little room, but Yao Meng’s cultivation chamber, and she hadn’t actually had any dangerous thoughts.

Even if he angered Yao Meng with a careless word or action, he could always appease or ‘please’ her later with apologies.

But the current situation was different.

The Demon Empress could read minds. No matter what sweet words he used, she would immediately know his true thoughts.

Moreover, he hadn’t anticipated this scene at all.

Seeing the Demon Empress standing at the doorway, his mind went blank.

Shi Zixuan is at the door, then who’s behind me…?

The answer was obvious.

Mu Zhian snapped out of his daze, his pupils constricting as he looked at the woman in the dress kneeling before him in shock.

Shang Yanfei!

She’s the Sect Master herself?!

It was actually quite easy to figure out, even… obvious.

After all, she wasn’t even disguised. She was facing him as the Sect Master.

But who would have thought that the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect would appear in the Demon Empress’s pocket dimension?

This was the Demon Realm, not the Eastern Continent. The symbol of the Eastern Continent was the Two Polarities Sect, and its Sect Master appearing in the Demon Realm without warning could easily provoke a strong reaction.

Mu Zhian stared at Shang Yanfei in disbelief, his throat tightening.

“You’re the Sect Master…?” he finally managed to ask, his voice strained.

Shang Yanfei’s beautiful eyes, filled with a captivating golden light, sparkled with amusement. “I never denied it.”

She paused, then asked casually, “Why did you mistake me for her?”

Mu Zhian was speechless.

How should he answer this?

I was planning to have a role-playing game with the Demon Empress, asking her to cosplay as Sect Master Lin, and then I would… subdue her…?

Who would have thought that the one cosplaying as the Sect Master was the Sect Master herself…

Fortunately, he hadn’t done anything too outrageous to Shang Yanfei. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain.

Having the Demon Empress transform into Shang Yanfei and then being intimate with her… If the sect disciples found out, he would be mortified.

But before Mu Zhian could answer, the Demon Empress intervened, her eyes cold. “Aren’t you always unwilling to leave the Two Polarities Sect? Why are you sneaking around in the Demon Realm, even entering my pocket dimension?”

If she hadn’t used the mark on Mu Zhian to locate him while returning to the Fox Clan’s territory, she wouldn’t have realized that Shang Yanfei had snuck into her pocket dimension.

Several small snakes, formed from pink spiritual energy, appeared behind the Demon Empress. She looked down at the woman before the throne and said slowly, “If word of this reaches the Demon Realm, are you trying to start another war? It will plunge the Eastern Continent into chaos.”

That accusation is a bit much, my dear sister… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

Shang Yanfei’s expression remained calm, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

Then, her elegant, calm voice echoed through the hall. “If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known that the ruler of the Demon Realm had transformed into me and was tempting a disciple of my sect.”

“If the demon cultivators of the Demon Realm knew about this, it would truly cause chaos.”

Shang Yanfei touched her lips with her finger, pondered for a moment, looked at the boy before her, and suddenly smiled faintly. “I’m afraid this disciple of mine would be seen as a calamity, a fox spirit who brings chaos to the Demon Realm.”

“Just like the fox concubine of that Eastern Continent dynasty.”

Did our roles reverse? Shouldn’t you be the calamity…? Mu Zhian complained inwardly, glancing at the words ‘Chosen Heroine’ on his personal interface and falling silent.

Well, the description ‘calamity’ wasn’t entirely wrong.

“Oh?”

The Demon Empress’s lips curled into a playful smile, but her eyes were cold. “He’s a calamity for tempting me and causing chaos in the Demon Realm, but tempting the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect is fine?”

So you really do consider me a ‘calamity’… Mu Zhian wanted to complain, but considering the situation, he decided to remain silent and inconspicuous.

However, the Demon Empress clearly didn’t want him to be inconspicuous, her gaze fixed on him.

She smiled seductively. “Being intimate with the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect in my pocket dimension… You truly enjoy excitement, don’t you, Mu Lang?”

If I had known it was Sect Master Lin, I wouldn’t have been so casual with her, or even had those thoughts… Mu Zhian’s mind raced, but he maintained a helpless smile.

It was impossible for him not to have any thoughts about Shang Yanfei. Ever since his days in Tianxuan City, this woman had been manipulating things behind the scenes. Even after he entered the Two Polarities Sect, it was thanks to Shang Yanfei that he met Yao Meng.

But he still didn’t know her true intentions.

Did she simply like him?

Mu Zhian considered himself a handsome young man. This wasn’t narcissism, but a generally accepted fact. Even when his reputation was bad, people often said: This Mu Zhian has nothing but his looks!

Even without the Mu family, he wouldn’t have any trouble finding a ‘sugar mama,’ especially now with the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm, making him even more attractive to women.

But Shang Yanfei was the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect. What kind of geniuses and handsome young men hadn’t she seen?

And if she truly had feelings for him, why would she secretly help him find so many powerful older sisters to… cling to?

She couldn’t possibly have the same fetish as Qian’er, enjoying being… cheated on?

Qian’er’s preferences were too strange. There probably weren’t many like her, especially not a Sect Master.

The Demon Empress looked at Mu Zhian with surprise, as if having read his thoughts through her mind-reading ability, and then looked at the beautiful Sect Master playfully.

“I thought he was seduced by you, but it turns out he mistook you for me?”

“No wonder he was so… close to you.”

Her voice was seductive, filled with unconcealed provocation.

The underlying meaning of her words was: You think he likes you, but he actually just mistook you for me.

He wasn’t attracted to your body, but mine.

A brief silence fell over the hall.

With the Sect Master’s calm demeanor, she shouldn’t mind this provocation… Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief.

Shang Yanfei had been at Dao Integration for much longer than the Demon Empress. She had already been a powerful figure before the Demon Empress even reached Dao Integration, and the legend of the Two Polarities Sect had been passed down through generations.

The Demon Empress looked at Mu Zhian, smiling faintly. “Sect Master Shang, why don’t you guess what he’s thinking about now, and who he’s thinking about?”

Shang Yanfei met her gaze, a mocking smile flickering in her beautiful golden eyes.

Then, she looked at Mu Zhian.

As their gazes met, a bad premonition arose in Mu Zhian’s heart.

“Close your eyes,” she said softly.

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Why?”

“Just close them. Do you think I would harm you?” Shang Yanfei’s voice was gentle and calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

However, Mu Zhian was a veteran and wouldn’t show weakness in front of the Demon Empress, so he politely refused. “Just say what you want to say, Sect Master. I’m listening—”

Shang Yanfei didn’t waste any more words. She placed her hand on the back of Mu Zhian’s head and, under the Demon Empress’s gaze, leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips.

The moment their lips touched, a familiar feeling washed over Mu Zhian, a feeling he had longed for, and he involuntarily lost himself in the moment, instinctively reaching out to embrace her waist, wanting to feel her warmth.

But the next moment, a chill ran down his spine, and he snapped out of his daze, opening his eyes abruptly.

The atmosphere in the pocket dimension had turned icy.

“Since you can read minds…”

Shang Yanfei looked down at the boy in her arms, then smiled brightly at the Demon Empress. “Why don’t you try reading his mind again and see who he’s thinking about now?”

Chapter 422: The Demon Empress’s Reputation is Ruined 

Why does Her Majesty seem… different tonight…?

Is it because she transformed into Sect Master Lin and is imitating her demeanor?

Mu Zhian entered the hall, looking at the woman in the black dress before the throne, and wondered inwardly.

The doors behind him closed silently, and the lights in the hall lit up.

Mu Zhian asked, “Why did Your Majesty summon me tonight?”

He decided to probe her intentions first.

He only knew that Shi Zixuan was the Third Seat of the Heavenly Court, but he didn’t know her thoughts.

And the Demon Empress could also read minds… He couldn’t understand her, but she could see through him completely. This was a disadvantage.

Mu Zhian didn’t like being at a disadvantage.

Of course, being passive during… intimate moments was a different story.

The Demon Empress didn’t answer his question, but smiled faintly. “What do you think I summoned you for?”

Why are you throwing the question back at me…?

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then said tentatively, “Since you summoned me late at night, it must be something important.”

The Demon Empress smiled brightly. “Be more specific.”

Mu Zhian thought for a moment.

The tall, beautiful woman in the black dress looked down at him from her throne, his reflection shimmering in her light golden eyes.

Sensing her gaze, Mu Zhian snapped back to reality, gave up thinking, and said helplessly, “Your Majesty, since you can read minds, why are you asking me this?”

She could just read his thoughts. Why bother asking?

And he truly didn’t know why she had summoned him… Although he had imagined several… NTR scenarios on his way here…

The Demon Empress smiled gently. “Although I can read minds, what you’re thinking and what you say are two different things.”

“Humans are often duplicitous creatures.”

That’s true. Just like when Mu Zhian was with the other girls, if he always said what he was thinking, he wouldn’t be in the Fox Clan’s territory now, but locked up in some ‘protagonist’s’ dungeon.

Sometimes, when coaxing a girl, it didn’t matter whether you were telling the truth or not. As long as they were happy, even if they knew it was a lie, they would still be pleased.

Young Master Mu understood this principle well.

“Aren’t you going to revert to your original form, Your Majesty?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

The Demon Empress chatting with him in this form felt strange.

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. “Don’t you like my current appearance?”

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but look at her again.

The Demon Empress, transformed into ‘Shang Yanfei,’ wore a black dress, her face alluring and beautiful, her skin as white as snow, adorned with pearl earrings, her demeanor elegant and dignified, exuding a mysterious aura that captivated younger men.

His gaze lingered on her chest, where the embroidered black fabric strained slightly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage.

Although not as ample as Ruoxi or Ye Qingxin, her shape was exquisite, and her bosom was full and perky.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly. “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I respect the Sect Master, but I don’t… desire her.”

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow. “But your heart just told me: The Sect Master has a nice figure, and her lips look soft. I wonder how they taste.”

“No, I didn’t,” Mu Zhian denied.

He hadn’t actually had such thoughts.

“Oh? Then say it while looking into my eyes,” the Demon Empress’s voice came from the throne.

Mu Zhian looked up, his gaze meeting hers. For a moment, his eyes glazed over, and a familiar yet strange feeling washed over him.

It was as if he had had a dream, a dream where he was in a bustling restaurant, surrounded by mist, and his gaze met that of a stranger, a girl whose eyes captivated him, making his heart race, and he wanted to know her name.

But then he woke up, forgetting everything except those gentle eyes.

It’s so familiar, yet so strange.

Is it because I’ve seen her several times but forgotten her, or is it something else? Why do her eyes seem so familiar…?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, an intoxicating fragrance filled his senses, and he snapped back to reality, seeing the Demon Empress standing before him in her delicate embroidered shoes.

Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, alluring, mature, and sensual, as if embodying all the beauty in the world.

Her long, fair legs were revealed beneath her black dress, her right thigh adorned with runes like silken threads, her bright eyes looking at him with a faint smile.

Her legs are so fair… wait, I’ve seen these runes somewhere before… Mu Zhian looked at her smooth, delicate legs, then quickly collected himself.

“What are those words on your leg…?”

“Don’t mind them. They’re just runes.”

Sensing his gaze, she chuckled softly and, with a flick of her finger, the runes gathered and transformed into a black butterfly imprinted on her right thigh.

Then, she cupped Mu Zhian’s face in her hands, smiling. “Are you saying you weren’t thinking about being intimate with your Sect Master just now?”

Her beautiful face, her cherry-red lips, and her playful eyes made Mu Zhian’s heart tremble.

She leaned closer, placing her hand on his chest, standing on tiptoe, and whispering in his ear, “If you weren’t thinking about it just now, are you thinking about it now?”

This woman is truly a vixen. But Sect Master Lin wouldn’t act so seductively… Mu Zhian’s heart stirred, but he remained silent.

“Actually, it’s not just you. I’m also quite… interested in you now,” the Demon Empress suddenly said with a chuckle, breaking the ambiguous silence.

“Are you referring to my Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body also attracting you?” Mu Zhian asked instinctively.

The Demon Empress looked at him and smiled casually. “Something like that.”

Mu Zhian was stunned.

Although he had the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body, he was only at the Core Formation realm. He shouldn’t be able to charm a Dao Integration expert…

The Demon Empress looked at the boy with his natural charm. “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body can’t charm me, or make me submit to you, but it can make even Dao Integration experts feel favorably towards you… similar to the Dao Rhyme of the Jade Pool Holy Land, making people instinctively feel close to you.”

“This charm can be passive or active.”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred. “So, I can actively release my charm, or I can suppress it?”

The Demon Empress hummed in response.

“Can you teach me how?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Let me see the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s demonic techniques first.”

The Demon Empress paused, then continued, “Mmm… Use the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body to make yourself ten years younger.”

Why ten years…?

Mu Zhian looked at the Demon Empress strangely, suspicious of her motives.

He secretly activated his demonic technique, his appearance shifting to that of a handsome young man, his features still beautiful, but with a touch of youthful innocence.

A faint, alluring aura emanated from him. If Bai Ruoxi or Wei Mengrou saw him now, their hearts would race, and they might even forgive him for any past transgressions.

His natural charm was that potent.

“And then?” Mu Zhian asked.

The Demon Empress’s eyes, soft and alluring, sparkled as she stared at him for a long time, then she hummed softly in response and nodded.

She leaned back on her throne, crossing her legs, her feet dangling in her black embroidered shoes, and looked at the boy with a playful smile.

“Then lick me clean.”

“?”

Mu Zhian stared at her in shock, taking a step back.

The Demon Empress looked at him with amusement. “Just kidding~”

But your expression just now didn’t look like you were joking… Mu Zhian was shocked, staring at the beautiful woman in black.

I didn’t expect Shi Zixuan to have this kind of hobby…

Not only does she like cosplaying, but she also… and she seems to have some… sadistic tendencies…

The Demon Empress smiled, unconcerned by his shocked expression. “Both my charm and the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm should be natural and controllable. If you can restrain your charm, the Jade Empress will be pleased.”

“If you can’t control it, it might cause you a lot of trouble after you return to the Eastern Continent.”

“For example, some young lady from a powerful family might take a liking to you and force you to marry her… It’s not impossible,” the Demon Empress said seriously, looking at the boy.

If natural charm were also ranked from nine to one, Mu Zhian’s would be Rank 1.

There had been others with natural charm in the Eastern Continent, but the highest rank had only been Rank 6.

A Rank 1 natural charm constitution, especially on a man, was unprecedented.

Come to think of it, the Demon Empress seemed to be able to control her charm. That’s why I had the urge to submit to her when I first saw her, but not later… because she had suppressed it.

Mu Zhian pondered. “How can I restrain my charm?”

The Demon Empress smiled faintly. “You can’t suppress it because your cauldron is too small to contain it. You just need to create new pocket dimensions within your cauldron.”

“Do you know the biggest difference between Core Formation and Nascent Soul?”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “Of course. Nascent Soul cultivators can create pocket dimensions, even within their cauldrons. The more pocket dimensions, the greater their spiritual energy.”

Although he wasn’t at the Nascent Soul realm yet, the ‘protagonists’ around him were.

Mu Zhian could sense the number of pocket dimensions within their cauldrons during dual cultivation.

“Most cultivators can only create three or four pocket dimensions in their cauldrons. Your Senior Sister has ten. She completely conceals her aura within them,” the Demon Empress said.

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment. “But I’m still at the Core Formation realm. I can’t create pocket dimensions yet…”

“Your own cauldron can’t contain the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm, but who said you have to store it in your own cauldron?” The Demon Empress rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head slightly and looking at him.

This gesture was incredibly seductive, her ample bosom straining against her black dress.

Mu Zhian’s eyes lit up after a moment of thought. “The Innate Celestial Furnace?!”

That’s right. He didn’t have to wait until he reached the Nascent Soul realm to expand his pocket dimensions. He could just store the charm within his Innate Celestial Furnace.

After all, his Innate Celestial Furnace was always a realm higher than his current cultivation.

“But if I do that, when I’m intimate with Ruoxi and the others, the spiritual energy I give them will also contain charm. Wouldn’t that be like… bewitching them…?”

Mu Zhian quickly calmed down, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Then he relaxed.

My harem is already chaotic. A little more chaos doesn’t matter.

At most, they’ll become even more enamored with him after absorbing the charm… It’s not a problem.

Their affection was already maxed out. Could it get any higher?

And if all else fails, I can just abandon my body and retreat to the Heavenly Court with my consciousness…

But if he stored all the charm within his Innate Celestial Furnace, he would have to be more restrained and avoid being intimate with strangers.

The Demon Empress nodded in satisfaction, crossing her long, sensual legs beneath her black dress, her feet dangling in her embroidered shoes.

“You can try it now. I’ll protect you while I’m still here.”

Mu Zhian immediately nodded, found an empty space, sat down cross-legged, and tried to communicate with his Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body, channeling the charm into his Innate Celestial Furnace.

The pink mist intertwined with the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy, and he suddenly heard a soft, seductive moan from within.

“Mmm~”

As the charm and the Heavenly Court spiritual energy flowed into the Innate Celestial Furnace, Ye Qingxin’s body trembled, and she slowly opened her eyes, a hazy look within them.

“Senior Ye, I’m channeling the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm into the Innate Celestial Furnace. Bear with me for a moment…” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice inwardly.

Ye Qingxin’s face burned, and she subconsciously curled her legs, scolding him, “Couldn’t you have warned me beforehand?”

“I’m sorry. Or do you want to leave the Innate Celestial Furnace first…?” Mu Zhian asked tentatively.

“N-No need.”

Ye Qingxin’s breathing quickened, and her blush deepened. She almost couldn’t resist leaving the Innate Celestial Furnace and pouncing on Mu Zhian, but she restrained herself.

She rubbed her legs together, biting her lip to calm herself. “You do your thing. I’m… I’m fine. Don’t mind me.”

She was a Dao Integration expert. It would be too embarrassing if she was forced out of the Innate Celestial Furnace by this.

Besides… although the charm wouldn’t harm her, it was incredibly seductive, making her instinctively crave pleasure.

But enduring it was also a form of mental training.

However, she was someone who always sought revenge. She would remember this… after he finished.

…Hmph.

Ye Qingxin pursed her lips, a strange light flickering in her alluring red eyes.

Seeing this, Mu Zhian didn’t hesitate, channeling the charm from his cauldron into his Innate Celestial Furnace.

After about half an hour, he slowly opened his eyes, breathing a sigh of relief.

The alluring aura had vanished from his eyes.

The Demon Empress looked down at the boy and smiled. “It seems it went smoothly.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, stood up, and straightened his robes. “Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty.”

He had been wondering what to do with the charm. He couldn’t just wander around the Eastern Continent emitting such an alluring aura.

It would definitely cause trouble.

If it weren’t for the Demon Empress, he might not have thought of a solution so quickly.

The Demon Empress smiled faintly. “Aren’t you going to test the effects of your Innate Celestial Furnace now?”

Mu Zhian hesitated. “But the Innate Celestial Furnace is a passive constitution. I can’t actively use its spiritual energy…”

He looked at the woman in the dress before the throne, as if realizing something.

The Demon Empress beckoned him with her finger, and he instinctively walked towards her.

She stood up from the throne, knelt before Mu Zhian, and caressed his face with her hand, his reflection shimmering in her alluring golden eyes.

Then, she pulled his collar.

She knelt beside the boy, her lips about to touch his.

Boom!

A deafening roar, like a clap of thunder, echoed through the pocket dimension, expressing its owner’s fury.

Mu Zhian’s eyes glazed over, and he turned sharply towards the closed doors of the hall.

The ‘Demon Empress’ smiled playfully, her golden eyes darkening, and glanced sideways.

The next moment, the doors burst open.

A seductive woman in a dark green dress looked at the hussy inside and sneered. “Shang Yanfei—”

“You couldn’t hold back, could you?”

…

…

Chapter 421: Shang Yanfei’s Brilliant Plan to Pacify the World 

“What is it?” the Demon Empress asked, glancing sideways, her expression calm, her voice soft and melodious.

The First Seat’s expression was serious as she bowed respectfully and whispered, “Yesterday, the demon clans in the Northern Wastelands revolted. Although we’ve sent people, their leader is a former subordinate of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. He’s requested to meet with you.”

The Demon Empress hummed softly. “The Northern Wastelands were once the territory of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. The recent celestial phenomenon she caused must have stirred some unrest among the demon clans lurking there.”

“But this so-called revolt is just a negotiation tactic. Their true goal isn’t rebellion, but to obtain more cultivation resources.”

The resources allocated to the various demon clans in the Demon Realm were limited, but they were still much more than what the demon clans in the Wastelands received.

After all, those demon cultivators in the Wastelands were descendants of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, and the Demon Empress hadn’t changed the rules set by the First Demon Emperor.

“Do you intend to go, Your Majesty?” the First Seat asked.

The Demon Empress nodded slightly. “I’ll go.”

For ordinary cultivators, the journey to the Wastelands would take one or two days, but for the Demon Empress, it wouldn’t even take a quarter of an hour.

Mu Zhian owed the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox a great favor. Since these were her former subordinates, she would consider this a small repayment.

“That’s good. With Your Majesty’s presence, the unrest should be quickly quelled,” the First Seat said, relieved.

She carefully observed the Demon Empress’s expression. The curve of her cheeks and her delicate chin framed a naturally alluring face.

Her nose was straight, a touch of red at the corners of her eyes, and her alluring red eyes captivated all who looked at her, regardless of gender.

It seems she still doesn’t know… The First Seat breathed a sigh of relief.

The Thirteen Seats of the Demon Realm had been living in unease these past few days.

They hadn’t dared to disturb the Demon Empress while she was in seclusion and inform her of Mu Zhian’s marriage to the Jade Empress.

And after she awakened, they were too afraid to tell her the truth.

Judging from Her Majesty’s current attitude, she was still unaware. Otherwise, she would have already punished them.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

The First Seat bowed slightly and vanished in a flash of light.

The Demon Empress glanced at the rippling void and scoffed.

After she returned, none of them would escape punishment.

But before that, she would go to the Wastelands. She would be back by nightfall.

If nothing unexpected happened, he wouldn’t be able to resist tonight, would he?

The Demon Empress smiled seductively, licking her lips, and tossed the purple sun flower into the air, creating a pocket dimension for Mu Zhian to cultivate within.

She touched the luxurious earring dangling from her ear and turned, vanishing from the deserted village.

…

“I didn’t expect Zixuan to be able to transform into other people… This is… quite exciting.”

Mu Zhian marveled at the Demon Empress’s transformation ability as he returned to the village in the Fox Clan’s territory.

The village was located at the top of a hundred-step staircase, protected by the formations left behind by the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, making it inaccessible to ordinary cultivators. The remaining villagers were all pure-blooded descendants of the Fox Clan, few in number, making the village seem quite deserted.

The Demon Empress could transform into anyone, even imitating their demeanor and voice… If he ended up with her, wouldn’t she be able to provide him with… diverse pleasures?

He wondered if the transformed Demon Empress only looked like the other person or if her… physical structure was also identical…

Just as Mu Zhian thought this, he heard a soft sigh from nearby.

An open space, flanked by ancient trees, appeared before him.

Bai Ruoxi stood there, her expression calm. “Mother told me that she was born here. But not long after, due to internal conflicts within the clan, many moved away, and she left with an elder.”

“I didn’t expect even the house to be gone now.”

“It’s been over ten years since they left the Fox Clan’s territory. It’s not surprising,” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

Bai Ruoxi looked at the empty space, then shook her head, seemingly at peace. “Well, I’ve fulfilled my wish. I won’t think about this anymore.”

“Where’s your hometown, Mengrou?” Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked.

Wei Mengrou looked up at the sky, a distant look in her eyes. “A remote village. I don’t have many memories of it. By the time I understood things, I was already serving Young Master.”

Bai Ruoxi pondered.

She had only learned about Wei Mengrou’s past later.

Back then, she had avoided Mu Zhian as much as possible. After all, the young master of the Mu family in Tianxuan City wasn’t exactly a good person, so she naturally hadn’t interacted with his maid either.

If Mu Zhian set his sights on her, she might be forced into a marriage alliance with the Mu family.

Although he did set his sights on her later…

Thinking this, Bai Ruoxi narrowed her eyes. “If I had interacted with him back then, I would probably have married him in Tianxuan City.”

Wei Mengrou immediately said, “His reputation was terrible back then. You wouldn’t have liked him even if you had approached him.”

This Mengrou is actually badmouthing her Young Master behind his back… Mu Zhian grumbled inwardly, approaching them silently.

“That’s true. If I had approached him back then, people would have thought I had ulterior motives for liking a playboy,” Bai Ruoxi chuckled softly, her eyes gentle and sparkling.

She looked at the ruined house before her, then turned to leave.

Suddenly, she gasped in surprise. “Mu Lang, when did you come back?”

“Did you find the Soul Locking Bell?” she asked.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “I found it in the ancestral grounds. We’ll rest tonight and return to the Eastern Continent tomorrow.”

He took out the bronze bell from his storage ring, and Bai Ruoxi’s eyes lit up. “This bell does indeed contain the aura of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

Although she was a Three-Tailed Fox, any member of the Fox Clan could sense the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s aura within the bell.

She reached out and gently touched the bell’s surface.

A faint golden light emanated from the bell, rippling outwards as Bai Ruoxi touched it, preventing her from making contact.

“Only a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox can use this Soul Locking Bell. You’ll be able to use it in a few days,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Bai Ruoxi also had the effects of the Supreme Clarity Pill within her, but she needed some time to refine it. After she did, the Nine Provinces would have a second Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

However, they shared the same demon seat.

Bai Ruoxi hummed softly, then glanced at Mu Zhian, hesitating slightly. “Mu Lang, I want to return to the Sword Palace and enter seclusion to try and reach the Transcendence Realm.”

Mu Zhian nodded. “That’s a good thing. Don’t worry about me. Mengrou and the others are here. I’ll be fine.”

It’s precisely because they’re here that I’m worried… Bai Ruoxi thought, walking towards Mu Zhian, her white dress adorned with red plum blossoms, making her skin look even more translucent and beautiful.

Wei Mengrou silently vanished into the shadows, giving them some privacy.

Bai Ruoxi stopped before Mu Zhian and gently tapped his chest.

The next moment, nearly half of her white dress turned raven black, and her gentle demeanor was replaced by an ethereal aura, like a plum blossom blooming in the snow.

She stood tall and gracefully tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing a black mole above her right collarbone. This simple gesture captivated Mu Zhian.

“Mu Lang, why don’t you come back to the Sword Palace with me?” she asked softly, her eyes gentle.

“There are many resources I left there, enough for you to cultivate to the Soul Transformation realm.”

Why do I feel like you want to lock me up in the dungeon…? Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. He smiled. “Your seclusion won’t last long. Besides, I have to go to the Lan family afterward. It’s not convenient.”

“The Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony is still over a month away,” Bai Ruoxi said softly.

Then, she sighed. “Mu Lang, are you worried that I’ll lock you up in the dungeon?”

Mu Zhian shook his head gently. “You can’t talk to anyone during your seclusion. I’ll have nothing to do alone in the Sword Palace.”

“Then how about you come to the Sword Palace after I finish cultivating?” Bai Ruoxi revealed her true intentions.

Mu Zhian hesitated.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes welled up with tears, and she bit her lip, her voice filled with sadness. “Ever since we left Tianxuan City, you’ve become colder towards me. Everyone else is interested in your body, but I truly love you, Mu Lang.”

“Can’t you even fulfill this small wish of mine?”

Mu Zhian was speechless.

If Mengrou sees you crying like this, she’ll think I’m bullying you… Mu Zhian looked down at her beautiful face. Perhaps due to the influence of the Fox Clan’s constitution, her teary-eyed appearance was incredibly seductive.

Her moist eyes and slightly parted lips…

Her shy, pitiful demeanor made him want to protect her.

And from this angle, he could see the curve of her ample bosom beneath her dress.

Mu Zhian’s breathing quickened. He gently wiped away her tears. “Alright, alright. I’ll go to the Sword Palace with you after your seclusion.”

“Really?”

Bai Ruoxi clapped her hands gently, smiling. “That’s wonderful! Mu Lang is so kind~”

Mu Zhian embraced Bai Ruoxi’s waist, stroking her soft hair, and thought to himself: A woman’s tears are truly deceptive. She was just crying so pitifully, and now there’s not a single tear left.

“Then I’ll go meditate in the pocket dimension now, Mu Lang. Come find me if you need anything,” Bai Ruoxi said softly, her face flushed, as she slipped out of Mu Zhian’s embrace.

The Demon Empress hadn’t taken the purple sun flower that created the pocket dimension, so they could all enter freely.

Mu Zhian hummed in response, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and leaned down to kiss her.

Bai Ruoxi blushed, her eyes sparkling with joy, then she vanished into the pocket dimension.

“What do you think? You were possessing my body just now. You should have sensed his aura, right?” Bai Ruoxi asked softly as she entered the pocket dimension.

Gong Lianyue scoffed, a faint blush coloring her cold, beautiful face, but her voice remained indifferent. “I’m not interested in romance. Don’t summon me so casually next time.”

Bai Ruoxi smiled faintly, not answering.

The last time she had summoned Gong Lianyue, it was when she and Mu Zhian were being intimate. The Palace Master had seemed quite… pleased.

But with her personality, she would never admit that she had been aroused by a Core Formation cultivator.

But it didn’t matter what Gong Lianyue thought.

After her seclusion in the Sword Palace, when she brought Mu Lang back, the Palace Master would experience the same… pleasure every day.

By then, she would surely submit… Bai Ruoxi smiled charmingly.

…

After watching Bai Ruoxi leave, Mu Zhian stretched and said casually, “Mengrou, you weren’t peeking, were you?”

Wei Mengrou, dressed in a yellow dress and a bright red shawl that fluttered in the wind, revealing her long, shapely legs, leaned against a nearby tree.

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “I’m not interested in peeking at others’ intimacy.”

She paused, then added, “But I could hear your conversation.”

Mu Zhian looked at her, smiling. “I wasn’t intimate with Ruoxi.”

Wei Mengrou smoothed her dress, not looking at him. “Why are you explaining this to me?”

She paused, then continued, “Are you really going to the Sword Palace with her?”

Bai Ruoxi clearly had ulterior motives. Young Master, being so clever, must have noticed.

It would be interesting if she locked him up in the little room… Wei Mengrou thought to herself.

She wanted to protect her Young Master, but she also wanted to see him… fail sometimes.

“I know what you’re thinking, Mengrou,” Mu Zhian said, looking at her, smiling. “I don’t believe anyone can outsmart me. I know Ruoxi’s intentions. Since she insists on taking me to the Sword Palace, I might as well go.”

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “Don’t come crying to me for help when you’re locked up in the little room.”

I’m the Lord of the Heavenly Court, and you think I’ll beg you for help…? How ridiculous.

“Come here, Mengrou,” Mu Zhian beckoned her.

Wei Mengrou hesitated, then walked over, glancing at him. “What is it?”

Mu Zhian embraced her waist and, under her cold gaze, kissed her on the cheek, smiling. “If I’m really locked up… I’ll naturally have to wait for you to save me, Mengrou. Otherwise, even if I’m fine, what if you get lonely?”

A blush crept onto Wei Mengrou’s face, and she glared at the playful young master.

“This is Ruoxi’s hometown. Let’s not… be intimate here… Let’s go back to the pocket dimension,” Wei Mengrou whispered.

Being intimate with Young Master in this place made her feel strangely guilty.

After all, this was Bai Ruoxi’s birthplace.

Mu Zhian hummed in agreement. “Alright.”

Remembering the Demon Empress’s transformation ability, he felt a surge of anticipation.

He wondered if the Demon Empress was planning some kind of cosplay tonight…

Thinking this, Mu Zhian took Wei Mengrou’s hand and entered the purple sun flower’s pocket dimension.

…

After cultivating for about an hour in his room, Mu Zhian slowly opened his eyes.

It was almost time for his meeting with the Demon Empress…

Mu Zhian got out of bed, opened the door, and pretended to stretch, scanning the area with his consciousness.

Mmm, it seems Ruoxi and the others are all meditating…

Mu Zhian left the room on his sword, walking along a quiet path, and soon saw a hall in the distance.

Knock, knock.

“Your Majesty, I’m here as promised,” Mu Zhian knocked on the door.

A brief silence followed.

Then, a woman’s voice hummed softly from inside.

Mu Zhian gently pushed the door open and saw a beautiful woman in a black dress.

A ribbon tied around her waist accentuated her slender waist, and her light golden eyes held an air of authority, the elegant black dress highlighting her beauty.

Her ample bosom strained against the dress, her long, fair legs pressed together beneath her skirt, her delicate feet encased in black embroidered shoes with gold and silver threads.

She held a piece of chicken leg in her hand.

Sect Master Lin?!

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat.

But then he quickly realized.

No, it’s Shi Zixuan… Cosplaying as Sect Master Lin right off the bat? As expected of Your Majesty. You truly understand my preferences.

Mu Zhian suppressed his excitement and looked up, his voice gentle. “May I come in?”

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, her golden eyes sparkling with surprise as she looked at the boy.

Then, a smile appeared on her lips.

“Come in,” she said softly.