Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 420: Sect Master Lin Behind the Scenes 

Two Polarities Sect.

Shang Yanfei sat in the back mountain of Two Polarities Peak, her hair slightly damp as if she had just bathed. She wore a black dress and a loose black robe, faintly revealing her long, shapely legs.

Although the loose robe concealed her figure, it exuded a mysterious, intellectual aura.

Her black embroidered shoes accentuated her jade-like feet, and a faint fragrance emanated from her long, wavy hair.

“Aaa~”

Lin Ling, her silver hair cascading down, shook her head worriedly.

“Are you worried that he’ll encounter danger in the Demon Realm?” Shang Yanfei glanced at the gluttonous Lin Ling. “If you’re worried, you can go find him.”

Lin Ling slowly shook her head and took out her wooden board: Didn’t you say that if I go looking for him, it might provoke a strong reaction from the Demon Realm?

A Dao Integration expert entering the Demon Realm would be noticed by other Dao Integration experts, especially since she was a naturally born spirit beast, blessed by the heavens, possessing immense luck. Wherever she went, she would cause a commotion.

Unless the other party’s realm was too low to sense her luck.

But the Demon Realm had many powerful beings. It was impossible for them not to notice.

“Don’t worry. There are others with him. He won’t be in danger,” Shang Yanfei said calmly.

Lin Ling shook her head gently and held up her board: But he died once in the Jade Pool Holy Land, and he also encountered great danger during the Jade Empress’s ascension.

Shang Yanfei leaned back in her chair, crossing her long legs. “Even so, he won’t die.”

“No one in this world can kill him.”

Her beauty was breathtaking, her aura mysterious yet alluring, her appearance pure and holy, enough to captivate and even drive one to madness.

Even the most skilled painter couldn’t capture her beauty.

Lin Ling shook her head and held up her board: But he’ll still be hurt and sad.

Her eyes were still filled with worry, and she couldn’t even finish the roasted goose rice in her hands.

The Demon Realm was different from other places. Shang Yanfei’s influence couldn’t reach there.

The Demon Empress hadn’t been at Dao Integration for long, but her talent and bloodline were terrifying. No one knew her true intentions.

Even Dao Integration experts couldn’t resist the Innate Celestial Furnace. Who knew if the Demon Empress would be an exception?

“When did you become so concerned about a man?”

Shang Yanfei looked at the innocent Lin Ling with a smile, picking up a piece of roasted goose and savoring it.

“Aaa?” Lin Ling tilted her head, looking at her.

“Consider it… payment,” Shang Yanfei smiled brightly. A cold wind blew, rippling the surface of the lake, and as her black dress swayed, her fair legs were revealed, one adorned with mysterious black runes.

“Since you’re so worried, I’ll go check on him,” she said calmly.

As she stood up, a black mist enveloped her, and the sound of clashing chains echoed faintly, the Great Dao rumbling.

…

You Dao Integration experts have no other hobbies besides… cuckolding others, do you…?

Hearing the soft, seductive voice behind him, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but complain inwardly.

He was about to turn around when the woman behind him spoke again.

“Don’t turn around.”

Before Mu Zhian could react, the Demon Empress said casually, “I have something to ask you.”

“What happened while I was in seclusion? Why did you marry the Jade Empress?”

She should have been the first.

As the most likely candidate to awaken her past life memories, the Demon Empress should have had a significant advantage over all the other women around Mu Zhian, except for the Jade Empress.

After all, the ‘fish’ in Young Master Mu’s pond were still developing, while the Demon Empress was already a shark.

During Mu Zhian’s trip to the Abyss, if she had wished, she could have taken him back to the Demon Realm.

If she had done that, the Jade Empress wouldn’t have had the chance to marry him…

Mu Zhian explained, “The marriage is just a pretense. Yao Meng’s true goal is to ascend to the Transcendence Realm.”

“Heh.”

A cold, seductive chuckle came from behind him.

“I’m afraid ascending is the pretense, and marriage is her true goal. After marriage, she can lord it over the others.”

The problem is, the ones who got married in the Holy King City were just our projections. We didn’t actually get married… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

The Demon Empress said calmly, “The Jade Empress achieved Dao Integration almost a lifetime earlier than me. With your current age and experience, how much can you truly understand her thoughts?”

“She knew you would be unhappy if she forced you to marry her. But if she proposed marriage, and after you refused, she took a step back and said it was just a pretense for her ascension… you would be grateful.”

The Demon Empress twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Ascending to the Transcendence Realm and gaining the title of ‘husband’… Why not?”

Mu Zhian was stunned, suddenly realizing something.

Damn, isn’t this the ‘window’ theory he had used so many times? He hadn’t expected to be caught in it himself…

Yao Meng had indeed won in the Holy King City, but the Demon Empress’s ‘window theory’ was something he hadn’t anticipated.

But this isn’t really a ‘flaw.’ Yao Meng was still thinking of me… Mu Zhian thought. “Thank you for reminding me, Your Majesty. I’ll think about this after returning to the Eastern Continent.”

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he heard a soft sigh behind him. “That’s what you say, but you’re actually thinking: The Jade Empress is very kind to me. This isn’t a big deal.”

Mind-reading!

Mu Zhian immediately reacted.

This is truly the most troublesome ability in the world! He complained inwardly, then said helplessly, “Yao Meng is indeed very kind to me and always considers my well-being.”

The Demon Empress’s voice turned cold as she glanced at him. “She’s kind to you. What about me?”

Mu Zhian immediately said, “I will definitely repay your kindness in the future, Your Majesty.”

The Demon Empress scoffed. “That’s what you say, but you’ve probably even forgotten my name.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then a thought crossed his mind. He said softly, “Shi Zixuan… right?”

The Demon Empress was stunned. She touched her red-tipped finger to her lips, looking at Mu Zhian, her eyes flickering. “You still remember my name…?”

Mu Zhian shouldn’t have awakened his past life memories yet. Why did he remember things related to her…?

Seeing the woman behind him fall silent, Mu Zhian turned to look at the ruler of the Demon Realm.

The desolate Fox Clan territory was deserted, and the ancestral grounds were even more so.

A cold wind blew, and the Demon Empress’s plain clothes clung to her alluring figure, her skirt swaying gently in the wind, revealing a glimpse of her skin between her deerskin boots and the hem of her dress.

“Although I don’t remember what happened between us, I won’t forget your name,” Mu Zhian said gently, gazing at Shi Zixuan’s simple attire.

He mentally reminded himself not to think about anything else, just look at her, and clear his mind!

Mu Zhian didn’t actually know Shi Zixuan’s name.

But he could communicate with the Heavenly Court and naturally knew the names of those who held the nine seats.

The First Seat was Yao Meng, the Second Seat was Bai Ruoxi, and the Third Seat’s name was unfamiliar to him.

He had taken a gamble that Shi Zixuan was the Demon Empress.

And he was right.

But now he had to resist Shi Zixuan’s mind-reading ability…

Look into her eyes. Don’t think about anything else… Mu Zhian stared at the alluring woman, repeating this to himself.

And as he stared, his attention was indeed captivated, all distracting thoughts gone.

Because his gaze was involuntarily drawn to her alluring figure.

Shi Zixuan seemed to have read his thoughts. She glanced at him seductively. “Besides that kind of thing, don’t you have anything else you want to do?”

Even her scolding sounded like a coquettish whine. This was the power of natural charm.

But despite her words, her initial displeasure with Mu Zhian had lessened considerably after he called her name.

Seeing this, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief, but he became even more wary of her mind-reading ability.

Young Master Mu considered himself skilled at pleasing women, but there was one major prerequisite: they couldn’t read his mind.

The feeling of being seen through was incredibly uncomfortable.

“We should go back now. We’ve been here for a long time. They must be worried about us,” Mu Zhian said.

“Oh?”

Shi Zixuan stared at him, her red eyes alluring, and tapped his chest lightly with her finger, giggling. “But your heart is clearly saying: Her Majesty’s body is so soft and fragrant. I want to hold her and savor this feeling.”

Don’t say it, don’t say it, I’m dying of embarrassment… Even with his thick skin, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but blush and cover his face.

Shi Zixuan smiled faintly. “And now you’re thinking: If Ruoxi finds out about this, she’ll probably take me to the Sword Palace’s dungeon.”

“But don’t worry,” Shi Zixuan’s red eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’ll protect you.”

If anyone else had said this, Mu Zhian might have been skeptical, but coming from the Demon Empress, it was quite convincing.

But her current attire and condescending demeanor didn’t match her words. She was more suited to sitting on her throne and commanding others.

Mmm, to put it bluntly, the Empress’s attire suited her better…

Just as Mu Zhian was about to speak, a pink demonic mist enveloped them, making him freeze.

Shi Zixuan’s clothes silently transformed into another outfit.

Within the demonic mist, her long, wavy hair cascaded down to her hips, her black and green dress accentuating her ample bosom and slender waist, her black stockings highlighting her fair skin.

She wore dark green embroidered shoes and a luxurious cloak, like a queen looking down upon her subjects.

“Why are you so dazed? Didn’t you say you prefer my… dominant appearance?”

The alluring Demon Empress touched the shimmering earring dangling from her ear and glanced at the boy, her voice changing from a youthful, clear tone to a seductive, mature one.

She was even more alluring and captivating.

This is a true natural charm constitution. I’m not even close to her level… Mu Zhian marveled inwardly.

“You’re planning to go to the Lan family in the Eastern Continent, right?” Shi Zixuan asked casually.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “Senior Sister has shown me kindness. I can’t abandon her.”

Shi Zixuan hummed in response, teasing him, “But your heart is telling me: Senior Sister is an important ‘fish’ in my pond. I can’t give up on her and Feiying.”

Mu Zhian: “…”

Your Majesty, can we still have a pleasant conversation?

Shi Zixuan ignored his speechless look and smiled. “Just kidding. I know you’re affectionate and won’t abandon the Lan sisters.”

“As for your thoughts… I can only say that most people would have the same thoughts if they saw those two sisters. It’s just that you’re willing to act on them.”

“Alright, since you’ve found the Soul Locking Bell, you can go back now.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, glancing at the captivating Demon Empress.

He hadn’t expected her to drop the subject so easily. He had thought she would ask him about the Lan sisters.

Shi Zixuan placed her slender finger on her lips, tilting her head as if puzzled. “What’s wrong? Are you dissatisfied because I didn’t… have my way with you here?”

She licked her finger and smiled seductively. “So you also like being intimate with others behind your Dao Companion’s back?”

This woman always liked to tease him. Although she was a Dao Integration expert, she hadn’t actually been in a relationship.

And now she was acting like an experienced older sister… Mu Zhian scoffed inwardly. “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I also want to leave early.”

Shi Zixuan narrowed her eyes, glancing at Mu Zhian.

Then, under his heated gaze, she gently lifted the hem of her dress with her finger.

However, the next moment, a demonic mist enveloped her, and before Mu Zhian could see anything, her figure was completely obscured.

A captivating laughter echoed from within the mist.

Shi Zixuan smoothed her dress and pouted. “Did you forget that I can read minds? I know what you were thinking just now.”

Her attempt to tease him had failed… Mu Zhian was defeated, so he said, “Your Majesty, if you continue reading my mind, you’ll lose a respectful little cultivator…”

“Respectful?”

Shi Zixuan lifted Mu Zhian’s chin with her finger, smiling playfully. “Is this ‘respect’ referring to your desire to… subdue me?”

No, I just want you to help me cultivate and strengthen my willpower… Mu Zhian swatted her hand away. “Since you can read minds, Your Majesty, you should know why I have these thoughts about you.”

The ruler of the Demon Realm, speaking to you in a seductive voice, in a secluded environment, even cosplaying… who wouldn’t be tempted?

Shi Zixuan licked her lips and suddenly chuckled. “You only dare to act like this with me. If that woman were standing before you, would you dare to have such thoughts about her?”

That woman? Who…? Mu Zhian was puzzled.

Then, Shi Zixuan’s figure shimmered like ripples, and the next moment, she transformed into a woman in a loose black robe.

Although the robe concealed her figure, its wide sleeves accentuated her elegant demeanor. Just standing there, she looked like a celestial being, holy and graceful, exuding a mysterious aura.

Shang Yanfei!

Although he couldn’t remember Shang Yanfei’s face, Mu Zhian felt a sense of familiarity and immediately recognized her.

Sensing the boy’s gaze, Shi Zixuan’s voice was calm, a faint smile in her eyes. “Even daring to have such thoughts about this Sect Master?”

She was clearly imitating Sect Master Lin’s voice and demeanor, making Mu Zhian momentarily stunned.

She’s… She’s too much like Sect Master Lin!

Mu Zhian was shocked.

Shi Zixuan smiled brightly. “Why are you so surprised? I can read minds and have a natural charm constitution. Changing my appearance is a simple matter.”

Mu Zhian recovered. “I never knew you could transform into other people…”

Even with Shi Zixuan disguised as Shang Yanfei, after looking at her face, Mu Zhian still couldn’t remember her features.

Shi Zixuan chuckled softly. “There are many things you don’t know.”

She paused, then continued, “But to even have thoughts about your own sect’s Sect Master… I wonder how that woman would react if she knew.”

Mu Zhian recovered. “Anyone who’s seen the Sect Master would probably have similar thoughts.”

Shi Zixuan, unusually, didn’t retort, but nodded slightly in agreement.

Yao Meng, the Jade Empress, was the dream lover of countless cultivators in the Nine Provinces. Anyone who had seen her was captivated by her ethereal beauty, like a celestial maiden who didn’t belong to the mortal world.

Among the women Shi Zixuan had met, only Shang Yanfei possessed a similar beauty and aura.

However, those who had seen Shang Yanfei would quickly forget her features. She was so low-key that people often subconsciously overlooked her presence.

Mu Zhian looked at ‘Shang Yanfei.’ “Actually, the reason I had those thoughts is partly because you deliberately tempted me, Your Majesty…”

If Shi Zixuan hadn’t provoked him first, he wouldn’t have had such bold thoughts upon seeing Sect Master Lin.

…Probably.

He wasn’t entirely sure.

Shi Zixuan giggled, giving the boy a seductive look. “Are you blaming me?”

“If you come back to the Demon Palace with me, I can… satisfy you right now.”

This was a tempting offer… Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, and he was about to speak.

Sensing his heated gaze, Shi Zixuan rolled her eyes at him and chuckled softly. “In your dreams… Even if you agree to come back to the Demon Palace with me, I’ll only let you kiss me here.”

“But,”

She cupped the boy’s face in her hands, her warm breath on his face, and smiled. “I said ‘here,’ but if you agree to return to the Demon Palace with me, perhaps we can… go further.”

“Let’s rest in this village tonight. Think about it~”

Suddenly, Mu Zhian felt her presence disappear. He looked up and saw Shi Zixuan walking towards the village.

Her dress swayed gently with her steps, her high-heeled boots faintly visible. She wore a beautiful phoenix hairpin, its golden tassels swaying slightly, accentuating her noble and elegant demeanor.

Her every move was captivating and alluring.

“Tsk, after all that, just a kiss?”

Mu Zhian scoffed disdainfully.

Looking at the tall, sexy Demon Empress in her high-heeled boots, he suddenly stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and under her playful gaze, embraced her waist and kissed her on the lips.

Heavenly Court spiritual energy flowed from his Innate Celestial Furnace into Shi Zixuan’s body.

A Dao Integration expert’s cauldron also had only one, but it contained ten pocket dimensions, representing ‘perfection’ and ‘the ultimate.’

Heavenly Court spiritual energy surged into each of the ten pocket dimensions.

Then, in the Heavenly Court, the previously dim Third Seat lit up silently.

…

After a stick of incense’s time, Shi Zixuan gently pushed Mu Zhian away, smiling seductively, her alluring eyes gazing at him as she cupped his face in her hands. “Did you enjoy it?”

Mu Zhian remained silent.

Perhaps due to her natural charm, or perhaps because of the rouge, her lips seemed to carry a faint fragrance.

As if sharing a secret, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Come to my room tonight.”

“Remember to keep it a secret from your Dao Companion~”

Heh, you want me to take such a big risk? If Ruoxi and Mengrou find out, I’ll be locked up in the dungeon… Mu Zhian chuckled inwardly.

A knowing smile appeared on Shi Zixuan’s lips.

Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking?

After returning to the village, Shi Zixuan opened her pocket dimension, about to enter, when she sensed the space beside her distort slightly, and a woman emerged.

It was the First Seat of the Demon Realm.

Shi Zixuan raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Chapter 419: Mrs. Mu, You Wouldn’t Want the Jade Empress to Find Out, Would You? 

The next morning.

After a night of… exertion, Mu Zhian woke up refreshed and stretched languidly.

The bed had creaked until late into the night, but fortunately, the soundproofing was good, and Bai Ruoxi had also deliberately suppressed her moans. Otherwise, it might have caused trouble.

“Even though we’re practically an old married couple, Ruoxi is still so easily embarrassed.”

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly, picked up the map Bai Ruoxi had drawn last night, and left the room.

Wei Mengrou was already waiting outside the pocket dimension, along with the alluring Demon Empress in her plain clothes.

Bai Ruoxi had also left the pocket dimension earlier and was waiting outside.

A healthy blush colored the usually pale face of the beauty in the palace dress, and her black and white dress accentuated her delicate figure.

Wei Mengrou looked at Bai Ruoxi with suspicion, her gaze lingering on her neck.

“What’s wrong, Mengrou?” Bai Ruoxi asked, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, and glanced at Wei Mengrou.

Although everyone knew about her relationship with Mu Zhian, being intimate with him during a trip to her “maternal home”… If Wei Mengrou found out, she might think Bai Ruoxi was… insatiable.

But she hadn’t been thinking about those things last night. It was all Mu Lang’s fault…

“There’s a strange red mark on the right side of your neck…” Wei Mengrou stared at Bai Ruoxi’s swan-like neck, noticing a red mark near her collarbone.

The Demon Empress narrowed her eyes and gently touched the mark with her slender finger. “Indeed. I don’t remember seeing this mark before. Did it appear yesterday?”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered with panic, and she covered the mark, saying softly, “Perhaps I was bitten by some insect in the forest yesterday. There were so many mosquitoes.”

Seeing their suspicion, Bai Ruoxi quickly said, “Mu Lang is coming.”

“He’s a Core Formation cultivator. He shouldn’t have slept for so long…” Wei Mengrou suddenly murmured.

The Demon Empress nodded silently, a suspicious glint in her alluring eyes as she looked at Mu Zhian, who was riding towards them on a Dragon Sparrow. She glanced at Bai Ruoxi, a playful smile appearing on her face.

Mu Zhian arrived before them on the Dragon Sparrow and chuckled. “Sorry, I had some insights during my cultivation last night, so I woke up late.”

He discreetly glanced at Bai Ruoxi.

Mmm, Ruoxi looks good, and the spiritual energy in her cauldron is more stable… My hard work last night wasn’t in vain.

He sensed a strange gaze and turned to see the Demon Empress smiling at him. “You seem to have recovered well.”

“Thanks to a good night’s rest, I’ve completely recovered,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

“That’s good.”

The Demon Empress nodded slightly, then continued, “But why does your spiritual energy seem weaker than yesterday?”

This woman is too sharp… Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat.

The Demon Empress looked at him with interest, her lips parting slightly as she transmitted her voice, “Your heart just told me: This woman is too sharp.”

“Did I discover one of your secrets?”

Damn it, I almost forgot she can read minds…

Form is emptiness, emptiness is form… Mu Zhian chanted silently, suppressing his thoughts, then took out a map.

“We should reach the Fox Clan’s territory today. We’ll use this map to find the Soul Locking Bell.”

Their attention was successfully diverted. Wei Mengrou looked at Mu Zhian. “What’s that?”

“A map of the Fox Clan’s territory. Ruoxi drew it last night,” Mu Zhian explained.

The Demon Empress glanced at Bai Ruoxi, her voice soft and seductive, carrying a hint of amusement. “You’ve never been to the Demon Realm. How do you know the location of the Fox Clan’s territory?”

Bai Ruoxi said calmly, “My mother went to Tianxuan City under the orders of the Seventh Seat, so I naturally know the location of the Fox Clan’s territory.”

“The Seventh Seat’s subordinate… If I remember correctly, they caused you quite a bit of trouble,” the Demon Empress said with a seductive smile.

She looked at the map in Mu Zhian’s hand. “It seems the Palace Master isn’t very good at drawing.”

Although the map was detailed, the drawing itself was worse than that of a seven or eight-year-old child, especially the lines, which were weak and messy.

Bai Ruoxi didn’t argue, but glanced at Mu Zhian, her face flushed, and remained silent.

Wei Mengrou looked at the blushing Bai Ruoxi with suspicion.

The Bai family of Tianxuan City was also a powerful force, although not large, but still much wealthier than most cultivators. And Bai Ruoxi was skilled in all arts, including painting. She shouldn’t have drawn such a poor map…

Sensing Ruoxi’s resentful gaze, Mu Zhian coughed. “Cough… As long as the map is usable, it’s fine. Let’s follow the markings and set off.”

Although his relationship with Bai Ruoxi was practically public knowledge, he had still been intimate with her while she was drawing the map last night. If Mengrou found out, she might feel jealous.

But as he spoke, he noticed the Demon Empress looking at him with a playful smile.

Mind-reading is truly the most troublesome technique in the world… Mu Zhian pretended not to notice and patted the Dragon Sparrow’s head. “Let’s go.”

The Demon Empress was similar to the Jade Empress, her thoughts hidden beneath a calm facade. Mu Zhian didn’t know what she was thinking, but with Mengrou present, he couldn’t ask.

He would just pretend he didn’t notice.

…

That afternoon, as they flew through the air, they saw a barren plain in the distance.

Mu Zhian checked the map and confirmed that this was the former territory of the Fox Clan. He landed the Dragon Sparrow on the plain.

A seemingly endless staircase appeared before them.

Moss covered the steps, bushes grew on both sides, and tall, slender trees surrounded them.

“The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox set up formations here. Without someone from the Fox Clan leading the way, you can’t enter,” the Demon Empress said.

Whoosh!

A sword qi suddenly shot out from the top of the stairs, aimed at Mu Zhian.

The Demon Empress raised her alluring eyes. “Insolent.”

The sword qi was split in two before reaching Mu Zhian, crashing into the ground on either side, causing a tremor.

Several women with fox ears stood at the top of the stairs, each a beauty.

Two elders stood beside them, their cloudy eyes filled with vigilance. “Who are you, and why have you trespassed on the Fox Clan’s territory?”

“They are fox demons who chose to stay here after the Fox Clan’s decline. Don’t worry. I’ll explain,” the Demon Empress said softly to Mu Zhian, then looked at the wary young demon cultivators and Fox Clan elders.

The Grand Elder of the Fox Clan, dressed in simple robes, looked at them vigilantly. “Who are you? My Fox Clan has lived in peace for centuries. If you don’t explain yourselves, I’ll have to force you to leave.”

The Demon Empress was stunned.

Mu Zhian was also stunned, glancing at the Demon Empress in her plain yet alluring attire.

Huh?

This isn’t what we agreed on. They don’t seem to recognize you…

They should have recognized the Demon Empress immediately.

But clearly, these fox demons didn’t know her.

“You don’t even recognize me?” the Demon Empress asked calmly, looking at them.

“Who are you?” a fox demon asked warily.

More fox demons gathered, less than a hundred in total.

It seems these people haven’t been online. They’re not very well-informed… Mu Zhian suppressed a laugh, afraid of incurring the Demon Empress’s wrath.

The Fox Clan elders frowned at the uninvited guests.

The younger fox demons also looked at the four of them, their expressions ranging from curiosity and friendliness to hostility.

The Grand Elder frowned, looking at the Demon Empress. “You have the aura of a demon cultivator, but that girl in the yellow dress and the young man beside her are human cultivators from the Eastern Continent, right? Why have you disturbed our cultivation?”

It seems they really haven’t left the Fox Clan’s territory for a long time. They don’t even recognize the Demon Empress… Mu Zhian bowed. “I am Mu Zhian, a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. Greetings, Elders.”

Mu Zhian’s name was now well-known throughout the Nine Provinces. After all, he was acknowledged by the Jade Empress, and she had even held a grand wedding for him in the Holy King City, inviting guests from all over.

However, the Grand Elder of the Fox Clan shook his head. “I don’t know you.”

The other elders also showed no interest in Mu Zhian, only watching them warily.

But the female fox cultivators’ eyes lit up when they saw Mu Zhian.

He exuded a captivating aura, an irresistible temptation to them.

The Grand Elder looked at the Demon Empress. “May I ask which clan you belong to?”

“She’s the current ruler of the Demon Realm,” Mu Zhian explained.

A fox demon scoffed. “Impossible! The Demon Emperor’s Heavenly Phoenix Cultivation Technique is renowned throughout the Nine Provinces. Are you saying someone has replaced him and become the new ruler of the Demon Realm?”

The other fox demons stared at Mu Zhian with increased vigilance.

The Demon Empress replaced the First Demon Emperor thousands of years ago. Don’t you have any news…? There were too many things wrong with this. Mu Zhian didn’t know where to begin.

The Grand Elder looked at the four of them. “The Fox Clan’s territory has declined. There are no treasures here. Please leave. I’m in a good mood today and don’t want to kill.”

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes.

No one in the Northern Continent hadn’t heard of her name, yet these descendants of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox didn’t recognize her?

“Why waste your breath on them, Elder? Since they refuse to leave, let’s just force them out,” Bai Zhan, a young fox demon, said impatiently, clearly disliking the human cultivators from the Eastern Continent.

In the past, only one or two cultivators would occasionally pass through the Fox Clan’s plains every few years, and some were curious about this place, but they were all driven away by the elders.

They should do the same to these people.

However, just as he spoke, Bai Zhan noticed that the elders hadn’t moved, staring at the young cultivator from the Eastern Continent with serious expressions, as if facing a powerful enemy of the same realm.

This shouldn’t be happening. The young man’s aura was at most at the Core Formation realm. The three female cultivators beside him were harder to discern, probably because they were using treasures to conceal their realms.

But why weren’t the elders attacking?

Just as Bai Zhan was about to speak, a vast demonic qi, terrifying and oppressive, enveloped the entire Fox Clan’s territory, weighing down on the hearts of every fox demon.

This demonic qi was emanating from a human cultivator from the Eastern Continent!

Nine fox tails unfurled silently behind Mu Zhian, and a pink demonic mist enveloped him, exuding an irresistible charm that captivated the female fox cultivators.

Mu Zhian suppressed the pink light flickering on his fingertip and looked up, smiling. “You don’t recognize the Demon Empress…”

“But you should recognize the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, right?”

…

A Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox… a human cultivator from the Eastern Continent, was a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox?!

Seeing the nine fox tails behind Mu Zhian, the Fox Clan members fell silent. Then, the elders on the platform gasped, almost losing their minds as they rushed down the stairs.

“You’re a human cultivator from the Eastern Continent. Why do you have our clan’s most powerful constitution?”

“Where did you find the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body?”

The excited elders surrounded Mu Zhian, their eyes filled with shock.

“I made a pact with the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox to resurrect her. I came here for this reason,” Mu Zhian explained.

If he had said this initially, no one would have believed him. He would have been treated as an enemy.

But now, with the nine fox tails behind him, they couldn’t deny the truth.

Seeing the doubt in the elders’ eyes, Mu Zhian explained what had happened.

After a stick of incense’s time, the initially wary fox demons became incredibly enthusiastic, inviting them to their village.

“I’ll go to the ancestral grounds where the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox is enshrined. You can wait for me,” Mu Zhian said to the three women behind him.

“I’ll go with you,” the Demon Empress said indifferently.

She wasn’t comfortable with Mu Zhian going alone.

Mu Zhian glanced at the Grand Elder, and seeing that he didn’t object, he nodded.

Bai Ruoxi glanced at the alluring Demon Empress, frowning slightly.

The Demon Empress had been staring at Mu Lang along the way, her gaze like a predator eyeing its prey…

Letting the Demon Empress protect Mu Zhian made her feel uneasy.

…

Mu Zhian had expected this trip to the Fox Clan’s territory to be smooth.

His only surprise was that these people didn’t even know that the Demon Realm had a new ruler and didn’t recognize the Demon Empress.

It’s a good thing Her Majesty isn’t holding it against them… Mu Zhian thought to himself as he followed the Grand Elder to an ancient shrine.

“Young Master Mu, if you can truly resurrect our ancestor, you’ll be our greatest benefactor. In the future, if you need anything, just say the word, and we’ll do everything in our power to repay your kindness,” the Grand Elder said sincerely.

Mu Zhian shook his head. “I’m just fulfilling my promise. I’m not your benefactor.”

“A promise is one thing, but to us, as long as our ancestor can be reborn, our Fox Clan can regain its former glory. That is the greatest kindness,” the Grand Elder said, his face flushed with excitement.

The Fox Clan had declined to the point where even the younger generation lacked resources. In the past thousand years, the Fox Clan had split into several branches, each seeking refuge with other demon clans.

Only the most pure-blooded branch had remained here.

If Mu Zhian hadn’t come today, they might have continued living their mundane lives.

He wondered if they would regret staying in this barren land when they looked back on their lives in the future.

“You’re a Nascent Soul expert. If you wish, it shouldn’t be difficult to obtain resources in the Demon Realm. Why do you insist on staying here?” Mu Zhian finally asked.

The Grand Elder sighed. “Young Master, you don’t understand. The Demon Emperor declared war on the Eastern Continent. With the Eastern Continent’s strength, this war might last for a thousand years. If we leave the Fox Clan’s territory, we’ll be forced to fight against the Eastern Continent cultivators on the Abyss battlefield.”

“That war never happened, because the Jade Empress suppressed the First Demon Emperor before that. He’s already dead,” the Demon Empress finally said.

“Who are you?” the Grand Elder asked suspiciously.

“She’s the current ruler of the Demon Realm,” Mu Zhian explained. “I told you earlier.”

The Grand Elder was stunned. He wanted to scan this plainly dressed yet alluring demon cultivator with his consciousness, but the moment he looked at her, his heart tightened, and he quickly bowed respectfully. “I apologize for my disrespect.”

Centuries of cultivation experience told him that this woman’s strength and bloodline far surpassed his own.

It seems Mu Zhian wasn’t lying. The Demon Realm had a new ruler… The Grand Elder, finally connected to the 2G network, sighed inwardly.

The Demon Empress waved her hand dismissively, not bothering with this matter.

She had something more important on her mind…

—What exactly were Mu Zhian and Gong Lianyue doing last night?

As if remembering what she had heard through her mind-reading ability, the Demon Empress looked at the boy, licking her lips slightly.

…He’s quite… playful.

…

After about half an hour, Mu Zhian found a bronze bell in the shrine within the abandoned ancestral grounds.

“Is this the Soul Locking Bell?”

Mu Zhian toyed with the bell, gently shaking it, and a captivating, melodious sound echoed through the air.

With this, he could find the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness hidden in the Eastern Continent.

“This Soul Locking Bell seems to be locked onto something. Try infusing it with your spiritual energy,” the Demon Empress suddenly said.

Mu Zhian infused the bell with his spiritual energy.

A thread of light, seemingly unbreakable and tangled, appeared within the bell.

The thread flickered in mid-air, then pointed towards the Eastern Continent.

“The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s consciousness is indeed in the Eastern Continent…”

“But which ancient clan’s ancestor was a demon cultivator…?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered as he pondered.

“More than one ancient clan in the Eastern Continent has connections to demon cultivators. Similarly, there are also factions from the Eastern Continent infiltrating the Demon Realm. It’s not surprising.”

A soft, seductive voice came from behind him.

At the Demon Empress’s gesture, the Grand Elder quietly left the shrine.

“It seems the Nine Provinces are much more complicated than I imagined…” Mu Zhian murmured, looking at the Soul Locking Bell in his hand.

Over the years, the Demon Realm had infiltrated every corner of the Nine Provinces. The Demon Empress had planted many spies in the Eastern Continent, and even Mu Zhian was one of them.

Although the current Demon Empress seemed to want to… reclaim him for her own use…

Regardless, the goal of this trip had been achieved. Mu Zhian collected his thoughts, put the Soul Locking Bell away, and said sincerely, “Thank you for accompanying me, Your Majesty. If it weren’t for you, it wouldn’t have been so smooth.”

Although there had been a few minor hiccups, they had reached the Fox Clan’s territory so quickly thanks to the Demon Empress.

“It was just a small matter,” the Demon Empress replied casually, playing with a strand of hair.

Her simple, elegant attire couldn’t conceal her alluring figure, her ample bosom straining against the fabric, making her even more seductive.

This woman is a vixen no matter what she wears… Mu Zhian couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times. “Let’s go back. Ruoxi and Mengrou must be waiting for us.”

He turned to leave, but a pair of hands suddenly landed on his shoulders.

The Demon Empress’s hands rested on his shoulders, and her soft body pressed against his back.

Mu Zhian was stunned. He turned around and saw her crimson eyes filled with captivating allure. “If you’re not busy, come back to the Demon Palace with me. I have something to discuss with you.”

She paused, her seductive voice echoing in his ear. “You were intimate with Bai Ruoxi in my pocket dimension last night, even having her draw that map while you were… busy…”

“You wouldn’t want the Jade Empress to find out, would you?”

Chapter 418: The Fox Clan’s Territory, Ruoxi’s Maternal Home 

“The Demon Empress…?”

Seeing the woman on the valley, Bai Ruoxi’s usually gentle eyes turned cold.

But she quickly regained her composure, turning to Mu Zhian and whispering, “Mu Lang, why would she take us to the Fox Clan’s territory? Did you promise her something?”

Nothing much, just that somehow she became my wife. If you’re talking about promises, I might have to offer myself later… Mu Zhian shook his head and chuckled. “It’s nothing. I provided the Demon Realm with some information when I was at the Two Polarities Sect. That’s probably why she agreed to take us to the Fox Clan’s territory.”

“With her leading the way, we won’t have any problems along the way,” Bai Ruoxi murmured, the hostility in her eyes undiminished.

Wei Mengrou suddenly said, “The Demon Realm values bloodline above all else. Sometimes, bloodline is even more important than realm.”

In the dog-eat-dog world of the Demon Realm, bloodline signified a powerful background and promising talent.

Even bloodline alone could deter demon cultivators of the same realm.

The Demon Empress had risen from an unknown cultivator, even killing her adoptive father, the First Demon Emperor, and devouring his essence. Now, she possessed one of the most noble bloodlines in the Demon Realm.

“You arrived earlier than I expected. I thought you would stay at the Two Polarities Sect for a few days,” the Demon Empress said, looking at Mu Zhian with a charming smile, her eyes sparkling.

“Your Majesty, why are you dressed so… plainly today?” Mu Zhian asked in surprise.

The Demon Empress wore a simple strapless dress and a light shawl, her feet encased in deerskin boots.

This attire was meant to be elegant and refined. If the girls around Mu Zhian wore it, they would look fresh and graceful.

But on this voluptuous woman, it exuded an indescribable allure.

“Does it suit me?” The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, twirling before Mu Zhian, her dress swirling around her.

It suits you very well. This is truly… captivating… Mu Zhian nodded with a smile. “It suits you perfectly, Your Majesty.”

His compliment was sincere.

As expected of the alluring ruler of the Demon Realm. Her true body was so captivating that even in simple clothes, she looked incredibly seductive.

Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly, glaring at the Demon Empress.

Wei Mengrou, although expressionless, also pursed her lips, hostility in her eyes.

The Demon Empress was usually flamboyant and seductive, but now, upon meeting Mu Zhian, she had changed into a much simpler outfit, which made them suspicious of her motives.

The Demon Empress glanced at the two women on the Dragon Sparrow and chuckled softly. “It seems my efforts to have the First Seat make this plain and simple outfit weren’t in vain.”

Didn’t the First Seat tell you that you’re alluring no matter what you wear, Your Majesty…? Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

The Demon Empress’s very being was seductive. Whether intentional or not, her every move captivated and mesmerized.

Therefore, no matter how simply she dressed, it only enhanced her allure.

Among the women Mu Zhian knew, none were as seductive as the Demon Empress.

The only one similar to her was Lan Feiying.

However, Lan Feiying’s charm was more subtle and internal, while the Demon Empress’s was overt and captivating, like a true vixen.

Although they seemed similar, their auras were completely different.

“I noticed that the Demon Realm seems to have abundant resources. Why did the First Demon Emperor want to conquer the Eastern Continent?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

The Demon Realm had vast timber resources, while the Eastern Continent had more heavenly treasures and other resources. If they could complement each other, it would be beneficial for both sides.

The Demon Empress smiled playfully. “That old man somehow obtained a Heavenly Phoenix Cultivation Technique. Even among Dao Integration experts, few could rival him, except for the Jade Empress.”

“And at that time, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, the Emperor-Devouring Ants, and the First Demon Emperor divided the Demon Realm. There was constant internal strife. The most direct way to unite the Demon Realm was to create an external enemy.”

With these few words, Mu Zhian understood the situation in the Demon Realm back then.

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox and the Emperor-Devouring Ants had both produced Dao Integration experts. Naturally, they wouldn’t submit to each other.

But if they continued fighting amongst themselves, the Demon Realm would be the one to suffer.

So the First Demon Emperor chose the simplest and most brutal solution: an external enemy.

No wonder the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm were mortal enemies. Sometimes, a simple action from a powerful figure could affect the entire Nine Provinces… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

He invited the Demon Empress to join them on the Dragon Sparrow’s back.

With another pair of… ample assets on his back, the weight increased, and the Dragon Sparrow looked at Mu Zhian with innocent eyes, tilting its head.

“Be good. Just endure it,” Mu Zhian patted the Dragon Sparrow’s head sympathetically. Seeing that it refused to take off, he slapped it lightly.

The Dragon Sparrow let out an angry cry, turning its head to protest, but then it saw the Demon Empress’s alluring eyes staring at it, as if saying: The other two women didn’t complain. Are you complaining that I’m heavy?

Glancing at the two women in yellow and white on its back, the Dragon Sparrow lowered its head, feeling aggrieved.

Then, it smelled a faint medicinal fragrance and opened its mouth. Mu Zhian tossed two Rank 5 pills into its beak.

The listless Dragon Sparrow’s eyes lit up, and it raised its head proudly, flapping its wings and soaring into the sky with a loud cry.

In this world, both demons and beasts could cultivate. Two Rank 5 pills were enough for a month of cultivation under normal circumstances.

For the Dragon Sparrow, such a great supplement was enough to compensate for its hard work.

During their journey, Mu Zhian found some spirit chickens, spirit deer, and wild fruits unique to the Demon Realm in the ancient forest. He cooked them on the spot, and after they were full, they continued their journey north, led by the Demon Empress, gradually approaching the abandoned territory of the Fox Clan.

…

Southern Wilderness.

Regina, who had returned to the Southern Wilderness with Yao Meng, stood in the holy land’s temple, pointing at three ruins marked on the parchment map.

“The Ocean God has probably guessed that you won’t let him go. The Southern Wilderness is vast, but he can only be hiding in one of these three ruins.”

She moved her finger along the three circled ruins, stopping at a city. “Besides these, this city was also once controlled by the Ocean God. It has formations he set up, so he might be hiding there.”

“The Ocean God’s lifespan is nearing its end, so he severed his connection to the Dao. He’s currently only at the Soul Transformation realm, but if he fights desperately, he can temporarily reach Dao Integration. With the Southern Wilderness’s power, he’ll be difficult to deal with,” Regina reminded her.

Yao Meng said calmly, “You’re the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness, yet you’re helping me. Aren’t you worried that the Southern Wilderness won’t have a Dao Integration expert to protect it?”

Regina shook her head. “The Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system is unique. The three Pillar Gods represent the three divinities of the Southern Wilderness. As long as they live, no new Dao Integration expert can emerge, and they control all the resources.”

“The Ocean God’s death will mark the end of an era in the Southern Wilderness. After that, new powers will rise.”

She was confident that if the three Pillar Gods could reach Dao Integration, so could she.

“But if that happens, new powers will quickly rise within the Southern Wilderness, and you might no longer be the Holy Maiden. Aren’t you worried?” Yao Meng asked with interest.

Regina chuckled. “Anyone who wants the position of Holy Maiden can have it. I’m not interested in it anymore.”

Compared to the position of Holy Maiden, her transaction with a certain someone was more important.

“And,”

Regina looked at Yao Meng and smiled. “I’ve already contacted several elders who support me. I’m confident I can control the resources of the Southern Wilderness.”

In the past, the Southern Wilderness was divided among the three Pillar Gods. Now, with the Sky God and the Earth God dead, once the Ocean God also perished, the resources of the Southern Wilderness would become the target of the newly emerging powers.

And Regina had already made her plans.

No one who could become the Holy Maiden was a fool, unprepared for the future.

Besides, if she wanted to invite Mu Zhian to the Southern Wilderness in the future, she would need to prepare a ‘gift,’ wouldn’t she?

…

Two days later, they flew over a lush forest on the Dragon Sparrow.

Pink demonic qi, emitting an ominous aura, enveloped the forest.

This demonic qi was terrifying, indicating that at least a Nascent Soul Rank 6 or higher expert was in secluded cultivation within. If Mu Zhian were alone, he would be apprehensive.

But with the Demon Empress by his side, occasionally brushing against her fair skin, and her reassuring voice transmissions, he felt no fear.

It’s so nice having Your Majesty here… Mu Zhian looked at the ominous forest below and sighed inwardly with genuine gratitude.

Many ancient forests in the Demon Realm were home to long-lived old monsters. In this dog-eat-dog world, a young demon cultivator’s survival depended heavily on their bloodline.

A good bloodline meant a powerful background, and unless they were mortal enemies, these old monsters rarely killed demon cultivators with noble bloodlines.

If their bloodline wasn’t good, it depended on their luck.

If they were unlucky and encountered an awakened old monster while passing through a forest, they could be captured and refined into blood essence, and they could only blame their bad luck.

In short, many deep mountains in the Demon Realm were home to old monsters in secluded cultivation. Weaker demon cultivators usually concealed their auras and didn’t dare to fly on their swords when passing through these areas, afraid of provoking them.

If Mu Zhian were traveling alone and openly flying on a Dragon Sparrow, even with Ye Qingxin’s help, he would inevitably encounter trouble.

But with the Demon Empress present, although their flight disturbed many old monsters, and a few even emerged from their seclusion, they all retreated after seeing the figures on the Dragon Sparrow’s back.

“Most demon cultivators in the Demon Realm probably don’t know Your Majesty, do they? Why haven’t we encountered any demon cultivators along the way?”

Mu Zhian, riding the Dragon Sparrow with Bai Ruoxi on his left, Wei Mengrou on his right, and the Demon Empress beside him, suddenly asked.

“Bloodline is everything in the Demon Realm. Most demon cultivators haven’t seen me, but that doesn’t mean they can’t sense my aura,” the Demon Empress explained.

She leaned against Mu Zhian languidly, her voice soft and seductive.

Mu Zhian understood.

Even without her status as the ruler of the Demon Realm, the Demon Empress’s bloodline was incredibly noble.

No wonder their journey had been so smooth.

“Alright, let’s hurry. We’re almost there,” Mu Zhian patted the Dragon Sparrow’s head and fed it two more Rank 5 pills.

The Dragon Sparrow’s back was crowded. Normally, it could only carry two people, but there were already three on their way to the Demon Realm, and now there were four.

This mount from the Jade Pool Holy Land was carrying a weight it shouldn’t have to bear, but it didn’t dare to complain.

Well, not exactly. With the Rank 5 pills as food, it seemed quite happy.

The Demon Empress, Bai Ruoxi, and Wei Mengrou could all fly, and they would be much faster than the Dragon Sparrow carrying four people. Mu Zhian could also use the Heaven-Measuring Ruler and follow them.

But with the beauties’ soft bodies pressed against him, their… ample assets practically on his lap, Mu Zhian couldn’t resist.

Being crowded with beauties wasn’t crowded at all. It was… enjoyable.

And the Demon Empress and the others also didn’t mention leaving the Dragon Sparrow.

Even Bai Ruoxi, who disliked the Demon Empress, tolerated her being close to Mu Lang.

After all, complaining would only lead to conflict, and if they fought, Mu Zhian might be the one to leave the Dragon Sparrow and fly on his sword.

The Demon Empress also understood this, so she didn’t mention the crowded situation.

They all tacitly avoided the topic.

The journey from the Demon Realm to the Fox Clan’s territory took about three days on a Dragon Sparrow. After traveling for two days, the lush forests gradually gave way to a barren plateau, its high altitude bringing cold weather and thin air.

The Dragon Sparrow whined, tears welling up in its eyes as it looked at Mu Zhian.

Although Mu Zhian had been feeding it pills along the way, enhancing its realm, its stamina was still limited.

“Since the Dragon Sparrow is tired, let’s rest in my pocket dimension for tonight. We should arrive at the Fox Clan’s territory tomorrow afternoon,” the Demon Empress suggested, taking out a blooming purple sun flower.

Bai Ruoxi glanced at the flower, a strange look in her eyes as she subconsciously clutched the purple sun flower ornament on her chest.

Seeing the flower reminded her of many unpleasant things.

For example, how Mu Zhian had pleaded with the Demon Empress for a treasure to conceal her demonic qi.

And she didn’t know what kind of sacrifices Mu Lang had made during that… plea.

The Demon Empress tossed the purple sun flower into the air, and a demonic purple light flickered as her pocket dimension opened, drawing them all in.

Inside was a magnificent valley, with a large hall at its bottom.

The Demon Empress looked at the three of them and smiled. “After traveling for two days, even with the Dragon Sparrow carrying us, your mental energy must be depleted. Rest well tonight.”

Mu Zhian hummed in response, and they followed the Demon Empress into the hall.

After finding a place to stay, Mu Zhian was about to meditate when Bai Ruoxi called out softly, “Mu Lang, wait. I have something to discuss with you.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, glanced around, made sure no one was nearby, and nodded slightly. “In that case, let’s talk in our room.”

He took her hand and led her to a room within the hall.

Unlike the cold yet alluring Demon Empress in Mu Zhian’s memory, the room was decorated in a girlish style, with light pink colors and strawberry patterns on the table.

Two candles burned by the bed, and another candle flickered on the table.

I didn’t expect the Demon Empress to be so girlish at heart. It’s hard to believe she’s the ruler of the Demon Realm who even devoured the essence of a former overlord… Mu Zhian turned to Bai Ruoxi. “What did you want to talk about, Ruoxi?”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions. “I know Mu Lang came here for the Soul Locking Bell, but after we reach the Fox Clan’s territory, I want to visit the place where my mother used to live. We might need some extra time…”

She was worried about delaying Mu Zhian’s plans, but this was probably her only chance to visit the Demon Realm.

The Fox Clan’s territory had declined. With the passage of time, things would change even more.

By then, even the house Bai Yuanfeng had described to her daughter might be gone, erased by time.

“I brought you here to fulfill your wish. You don’t have to worry about that,” Mu Zhian said with a gentle smile.

He closed the door behind him and turned to see Bai Ruoxi sitting at the table by the window, taking out paper and a brush from her storage ring.

“I remember Mother telling me about the Fox Clan’s territory and showing me a map. Since we’re resting here tonight, I’ll draw a map of the area. It might save Mu Lang some trouble tomorrow—”

Before Bai Ruoxi could finish, Mu Zhian walked behind her, embraced her waist, and gently pushed her onto the table.

“Mu… Lang…?” Bai Ruoxi murmured, confused.

“This is more… convenient,” Mu Zhian explained, looking at the beauty’s curvaceous figure before him.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered with confusion. “But it’s not convenient for me to draw…”

“But it’s convenient for multitasking. It’s fine. You draw your map, and I’ll do my thing. We won’t interfere with each other.”

Mu Zhian took Bai Ruoxi’s hand, urging her to continue drawing, then lifted her white dress.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened, as if realizing something, and she glared at him, blushing.

She quickly looked away, her face flushed, and continued drawing the map.

Chapter 417: The Correct Way to Use Ruoxi’s Dual Consciousness 

Two Polarities Sect.

Two Polarities Peak, located deep within the sect, wasn’t particularly tall, but it was grand and imposing, like a reclining giant, stretching for dozens of miles, its end beyond sight.

And this was just the main peak, not including the two smaller peaks.

Within Two Polarities Peak, a charcoal fire burned brightly in a courtyard.

Bai Ruoxi, Lan Mulian, Lan Feiying, Ye Qian, and Ye Lingxuan were enjoying afternoon tea after their cultivation session.

They had initially been at odds with each other, but now, with the Jade Empress as their common enemy, their relationship had improved.

In the corner, Lin Ling, the glutton, gnawed on a roasted chicken leg, oblivious to the world.

If Mu Zhian saw this scene, he would probably sigh with satisfaction.

This was the peaceful, harmonious life he yearned for.

“A few days ago, demonic qi covered half the sky above Yu State. Brother Mu must have successfully refined the Supreme Clarity Pill. I wonder if he’s become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

Ye Lingxuan suddenly spoke.

She glanced at the cold beauty kneeling by the charcoal fire. “Sister Ruoxi, since you have the Three-Tailed Fox constitution, did you sense how many tails Brother Mu had?”

Although she could sense Mu Zhian’s aura with the Desolate Time Lock, she didn’t know anything about the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox and couldn’t tell how many tails he had.

But Bai Ruoxi, with her Three-Tailed Fox constitution, might be able to.

The women looked at Bai Ruoxi.

Bai Ruoxi blew on her tea, then shook her head gently. “I don’t know. But according to the Demon Realm, the stronger the demonic qi, the more dramatic the transformation.”

Ye Qian’s eyes lit up. “If that’s the case, with the demonic qi covering half the sky, perhaps Brother Mu really has become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox!”

She was initially surprised, then, thinking that Mu Zhian could return to his original form, she felt a surge of joy.

Compared to the younger Mu Zhian, she preferred the older, more mature Brother Mu.

Unlike the Dao Integration ‘sharks,’ Ye Qian preferred to be the one being pampered.

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered. She suddenly asked, “If he becomes a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, can you still evolve into one?”

“I’m not sure,” Bai Ruoxi said softly, her expression unchanged. “But if Mu Lang truly becomes a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, I’ll be happy for him.”

Whether she could achieve a dual constitution and reach Dao Integration wasn’t important to her.

“As long as Mu Lang is well, it’s enough for me,” Bai Ruoxi said gently.

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes were filled with doubt. “But it’s been five days since Brother Mu refined the Supreme Clarity Pill. Could he be delayed by something in Yu State?”

It had been at least five days. They had traveled on a phoenix carriage pulled by Dragon Sparrows, and the Jade Empress’s Dragon Sparrows could travel three thousand miles with a single flap of their wings.

They should have returned in three or four days.

Lan Feiying listened to their speculations, then chuckled softly. “Perhaps the Jade Empress has taken him somewhere.”

The harmonious atmosphere instantly turned cold.

A powerful consciousness awakened within Bai Ruoxi, and black plum blossoms appeared on her white dress.

“She wouldn’t dare,” a cold, aloof voice, unlike Bai Ruoxi’s usual gentle tone, echoed through the room.

The Jade Empress wasn’t the only one who could inherit a seat in the Heavenly Court.

Now that she had reached the Nascent Soul realm, Gong Lianyue was no longer in a daze. Her consciousness had fully awakened. Although she hadn’t ascended yet, as long as she resonated with the new Heavenly Dao, she could transcend the rules of heaven and earth. Ascension was only a matter of time.

…

That night.

Bai Ruoxi meditated in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, bathed in a soft, white light.

Normally, cultivators circulated their newly absorbed spiritual energy for five cycles before fully integrating it.

Bai Ruoxi was no exception.

But with the Heavenly Dao Energy’s enhancement, she only needed one-third of the usual time.

Bai Ruoxi slowly opened her eyes, a cold glint in her right eye, while her left eye remained gentle.

Her white dress was now adorned with black patterns, and pink plum blossoms dotted the fabric, creating a captivating mix.

“Why are you so distracted today? Still thinking about Mu Lang?”

A cold, seductive voice came from Bai Ruoxi’s lips. “With the Jade Empress there, you don’t have to worry about his safety.”

It was Gong Lianyue’s voice.

Bai Ruoxi said softly, “The Jade Empress is the only Transcendence Realm cultivator. I’m not worried about his safety, but I’m worried she’ll have… inappropriate thoughts about him.”

“Like taking him to the Jade Pool’s dungeon…”

Gong Lianyue chuckled softly. “The Jade Empress wouldn’t do that. Although she seems domineering, she’s not that kind of person. It would hurt Mu Lang.”

“Why do you think she would do that?”

Bai Ruoxi put away the Heart-Binding Lock. “…I just thought…”

Gong Lianyue: “…”

Bai Ruoxi paused, then suddenly asked, “What do you like about Mu Lang?”

She had been worried that Gong Lianyue was just humoring her and didn’t actually like Mu Zhian.

“I like what you like about him,” Gong Lianyue chuckled. “I know what you’re thinking. I have most of your memories. We’re essentially the same person. What you like, I naturally like as well.”

“After all, you’re the main body, and the dominant consciousness.”

Bai Ruoxi pondered, then asked, “When I was dual cultivating with Mu Lang before, could you feel it?”

“I was sleeping. How could I feel it?”

Gong Lianyue pursed her lips. “The biggest difference between us is that I have no interest in dual cultivation. So, if he’s intimate with you in the future, you should be the dominant consciousness.”

She was the Sword Palace Master. If she moaned while being… with a Core Formation cultivator, it would be incredibly embarrassing.

Bai Ruoxi hummed in response, then suddenly had a thought. “But your heart just told me: I wonder what dual cultivation feels like. I’ll secretly possess the body and try it next time…”

Gong Lianyue raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when a figure stealthily entered through the window.

They both fell silent, and Bai Ruoxi looked over, a surprised look on her face.

“Mu Lang, when did you come back?”

At the same time, Gong Lianyue withdrew her consciousness, returning to Bai Ruoxi’s heart to observe their conversation.

Mu Zhian entered the room through the window and smoothly embraced Bai Ruoxi’s waist.

“Why were you talking to yourself just now? Did you miss me?” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes sparkled. “Of course I missed you, Mu Lang. Did you miss me?”

Mu Zhian stopped her from taking out the Heart-Binding Lock from her sleeve and said softly, “I came here for you.”

Bai Ruoxi looked at him, puzzled. “Is there something you need?”

“I’m planning to visit your… mother’s home, so I came to see if you’re interested in coming along.”

The Fox Clan’s territory…? Bai Ruoxi immediately understood and smiled. “If Mu Lang is going to the Demon Realm, I’ll naturally go with you. I’ve never been to the Fox Clan’s territory.”

She was curious about her mother’s homeland.

“But why do you suddenly want to go there, Mu Lang?” Bai Ruoxi asked.

Mu Zhian explained, “I was able to become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox because the first expert of the Fox Clan gave me her demon seat. In return, I need to find her consciousness and help her be reborn.”

“Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox… Mu Lang really has become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…” Bai Ruoxi murmured, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Mu Zhian.

No wonder she felt her heart racing and her gaze drawn to him when she saw him earlier.

Missing Mu Zhian was one thing, but his ‘natural charm’ was also a major factor.

“Although I’ve obtained the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s demon seat, I can share it with you,” Mu Zhian added.

His Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body wasn’t a true constitution, but a ‘pseudo’ constitution, so he didn’t need the complete Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox demon seat.

After all, his true constitution was the Chaos Body.

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body was also part of his Chaos Body.

Bai Ruoxi’s face was filled with confusion. “Share the demon seat with me…?”

“I have the Supreme Clarity Pill’s effects within me, enhanced by the Innate Celestial Furnace. The potency might be even stronger than before. If you refine the Supreme Clarity Pill, Ruoxi, and I share the demon seat with you, you can also inherit the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox position.”

Bai Ruoxi’s confusion turned to understanding, and a blush crept onto her face under Mu Zhian’s gaze.

At that moment, Gong Lianyue’s voice echoed playfully in her mind. “Isn’t this great? You’ve been wanting Mu Lang to… comfort you, haven’t you? Now, your… emptiness can be filled…”

“Palace Master!” Bai Ruoxi’s face burned, and she scolded inwardly.

Suddenly, she felt a pair of arms around her waist, his hands gently caressing her through her dress.

“…Mu Lang, wait…”

Bai Ruoxi’s body tensed, her beautiful face contorting slightly as she covered her lips, trying to suppress a moan.

Gong Lianyue had been sleeping before, but now, she was watching everything clearly from within Bai Ruoxi’s body…

She might even tease her later.

“A moment of spring night is worth a thousand gold. For you, any hardship is worth it,” Mu Zhian whispered in her ear, determined to contribute to the prosperity of the Eastern Continent.

He gently pushed Bai Ruoxi against the table by the window, his body pressing against hers, her bottom slightly raised.

“It’s been a while, Ruoxi. You seem to have… matured. And the color of your dress… Has the Palace Master awakened?” Mu Zhian asked, admiring the beauty’s shy expression.

Bai Ruoxi rolled her eyes at him playfully. “You’re always teasing me, Mu Lang.”

“The Palace Master has indeed awakened. She’s watching us from inside my body… I don’t know how she’ll tease me later.”

“It’s all your fault, Mu Lang.”

Her eyes, filled with playful resentment, were incredibly seductive.

Bai Ruoxi’s guess was correct. Within her ample bosom, a cold, aloof woman in a black dress sat in the void.

This was a world made of swords, littered with broken blades, and at its peak stood an ancient bronze sword.

Gong Lianyue played with a strand of hair, watching the outside world with a playful smile.

An image appeared in the void before her.

She saw Mu Zhian behind Bai Ruoxi, teasing the beauty.

Having been sleeping before, it was quite interesting to watch their intimacy from within Bai Ruoxi’s heart.

Suddenly, she heard Mu Zhian’s laughter. “Can Ruoxi and the Palace Master switch consciousnesses freely now?”

Seeing Bai Ruoxi nod slightly, Mu Zhian blinked, embraced her waist, and seeing the shy expression on the beauty’s face, he said calmly, “Ruoxi, do you know the easiest way to avoid being teased?”

Bai Ruoxi turned her head slightly, her eyes hazy as she looked at him, her heart filled with confusion.

“Empathy,” Mu Zhian said, placing his hand on hers.

Bai Ruoxi was puzzled, about to ask, when her body trembled, her toes curling.

She glanced at him resentfully, about to speak, but seeing his expression, a smile appeared on her lips as she seemed to realize something.

Boom!

A crack appeared in her heart’s world, and Gong Lianyue, who had been watching, suddenly looked up, finding herself outside Bai Ruoxi’s heart, looking at the courtyard outside the window.

Gong Lianyue’s eyes widened, and she gritted her teeth inwardly. “How dare you trick me?!”

Bai Ruoxi whispered, her voice slightly aggrieved, “I-I just wanted Palace Master to ascend to the Transcendence Realm quickly with the help of spiritual energy. How could I trick you? We’re the same person.”

Unlike Gong Lianyue, who had been observing coldly from within Bai Ruoxi’s heart, Bai Ruoxi had chosen to share her body with Gong Lianyue, hence her dress now displayed a mix of black and white patterns.

“That’s still tricking me—”

Before Gong Lianyue could finish, she seemed to sense something, her body trembling slightly. She wanted to glare at the boy who dared to disrespect her, but when she turned around, she saw a handsome, cute boy, and she was momentarily speechless.

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s charm, combined with his younger appearance, was enough to silence even the most aloof woman.

“Palace Master, you’re finally awake,” Mu Zhian said softly, his eyes filled with longing.

Gong Lianyue glanced at Mu Zhian, feigning indifference. “What do you mean, Mu Lang?”

But her heart raced uncontrollably as she looked at the boyish figure.

“Nothing,” Mu Zhian shook his head gently, looking up at the cold beauty. “You’ve been sleeping for so long. I… missed you.”

Gong Lianyue’s eyes were cold, and she was about to speak when Mu Zhian smiled. “But it’s fine now. I can see you and hear your voice again.”

A long silence fell over the room. Gong Lianyue opened her mouth several times, wanting to say something, but remained silent.

Mu Zhian took her cool, delicate hand and looked up at her, his eyes filled with affection. “Is that okay?”

Gong Lianyue bit her lip, looking at him, and instinctively wanted to retreat into Bai Ruoxi’s heart, but Bai Ruoxi stopped her.

After a long time, she lowered her gaze, her cold voice carrying a hint of seduction. “As… As you wish… It’s not my body anyway. It has nothing to do with me.”

Despite her words, her consciousness was still present, and they shared the same body. What Bai Ruoxi felt, she also felt.

Mu Zhian, his eyes gentle, guided her to bend over the table.

Gong Lianyue’s face flushed crimson, and she turned her head away, burying her face, her bottom slightly raised, refusing to look up.

Since it’s already come to this, I’ll let him do as he pleases… After all, they would be going to the Fox Clan’s territory soon, and there wouldn’t be another opportunity.

…

The Fox Clan’s territory was once a dominant power in the Demon Realm, even rivaling the First Demon Emperor at his peak. However, after the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s death, they had gradually declined.

By now, most of the demon cultivators who had lived there had moved away.

The next morning, after informing the others, Mu Zhian mounted a Dragon Sparrow and set off for the Demon Realm with Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou.

“It’s a pity that Sister Lin Ling is the sect’s guardian beast and has a high status. And we’re going to the Demon Realm. Otherwise, riding her would be quite impressive.”

Mu Zhian flew through the towering valleys, admiring the scenery and sighing inwardly.

The Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent were mortal enemies. If he brought Lin Ling along, they would definitely fight.

For the demon cultivators of the Demon Realm, a guardian beast from the Eastern Continent appearing in their territory was no different from a declaration of war.

Although they didn’t know that Mu Zhian, a cultivator from the Eastern Continent, had a close relationship with the Demon Empress…

After nearly a week, the Eastern Continent gradually disappeared from sight, replaced by a landscape resembling a primeval forest.

Mountains stretched endlessly below, ancient trees like giants reaching for the sky, their dense foliage blocking out the sun.

Rivers and streams, like veins, crisscrossed the land, and purple sun flowers bloomed everywhere, alluring and captivating.

“The Demon Realm is full of mountains. Their… landscaping is quite impressive,” Mu Zhian murmured in surprise.

The Eastern Continent was divided among the various ancient clans, and the remaining areas were either barren or lacked resources.

Due to their nature, demon cultivators were few in number, and they hadn’t developed the land, preserving its pristine state.

“If it weren’t for the Abyss separating the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent, many cultivators, and even mortals, would want to live here,” Bai Ruoxi suddenly said softly.

Mu Zhian sighed. “I always thought the Demon Realm’s environment was harsh. It seems I was wrong.”

The Eastern Continent was said to have the most abundant resources, which was true, but in terms of timber and other resources, the Demon Realm was probably much richer.

“Mu Lang, I’m cold,” Bai Ruoxi suddenly whispered, leaning against Mu Zhian, her voice slightly frail.

“Just a little longer. We’re almost there,” Mu Zhian embraced her waist, pulling her closer.

Nestled against his warm chest, Bai Ruoxi no longer felt cold. She closed her eyes, her soft body pressed against his.

After a moment, she whispered with a hint of worry, “Mu Lang, are we sure it’s okay to just enter the Demon Realm like this?”

Mu Zhian shook his head and chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ve made arrangements. She’ll take us to the Fox Clan’s territory. We won’t have any problems along the way.”

Bai Ruoxi’s gentle expression disappeared, replaced by a cold glint in her eyes as she seemed to realize something.

Her previous frail demeanor vanished instantly.

But she quickly regained her composure, whispering softly, “You know someone in the Demon Realm, Mu Lang?”

“But the Demon Realm values status and bloodline above all else. Just being a demon cultivator might not be enough to avoid trouble…”

“She’s not a problem… You should know her, Ruoxi. We’ve met her before,” Mu Zhian said.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes were filled with confusion. Before she could ask, Mu Zhian looked ahead. “It seems she’s arrived and is waiting for us.”

Bai Ruoxi followed his gaze and saw a valley in the distance.

Her eyes narrowed as she saw an alluring woman standing there.

“The Demon Empress…”

Chapter 416: Mrs. Mu Even Has a Wedding Ring Now 

“My husband and I have something to discuss. Could you two please excuse us?”

Yao Meng smiled gently, indicating that she wanted some private time with Mu Zhian.

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, initially unwilling to comply with Yao Meng’s request, but considering that the Jade Empress would be going to the Southern Wilderness soon, she eventually left the palace with Wei Mengrou.

Yao Meng took out a green ring engraved with a lotus pattern and handed it to Mu Zhian.

“What’s this…?”

Mu Zhian hesitated, sensing the unique Dao Rhyme within the green lotus ring.

“It’s an artifact spirit I crafted from a seed of the World Cleansing Green Lotus. Infusing it with spiritual energy can deflect attacks, even from cultivators a realm higher than you,” Yao Meng explained.

Mu Zhian took the Green Lotus Ring, noticing the faint glow on its surface and Yao Meng’s spiritual energy within.

“Wear it on your left middle finger and see if it fits,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Left middle finger… It feels like an engagement ring… Mu Zhian hesitated, glancing at Yao Meng.

The Jade Empress tilted her head slightly and blinked playfully, feigning ignorance. “What’s wrong? Do you want me to put it on for you?”

So you really do consider it an engagement ring… Mu Zhian complained inwardly, but under Yao Meng’s gaze, he put the ring on his left middle finger.

“It’s beautiful, and it’s the same as the one on my hand,” Yao Meng said, holding up another Green Lotus Ring, her voice holy and seductive, a satisfied look in her eyes.

Mu Zhian whispered, “Although you’ve ascended, you still need to be careful. If I remember correctly, the Southern Wilderness is at the edge of the World Sea, another power’s territory. Even if there’s only one Pillar God left, they have the Southern Wilderness formations. Be wary of their counterattack.”

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Yao Meng paused, then asked, “I’m going to the Southern Wilderness. Don’t you have anything else to say?”

Remember to get a COVID test… Mu Zhian continued, “Be careful. I’ll wait for your return.”

“Since you don’t have anything else to say, I’ll add something.”

Yao Meng floated behind Mu Zhian, gently placing her hands on his shoulders and leaning closer.

Her seductive voice echoed softly in his ear. “I’ve been teasing you with the World Cleansing Vines, which makes me feel a bit guilty.”

“So—”

“Next time, I’ll give you a chance to tease me with the World Cleansing Vines~”

Hearing the celestial maiden’s seductive words, Mu Zhian’s heart raced.

“Since you’re giving me this opportunity next time, I’ll collect some interest now.”

As if suddenly realizing something, Mu Zhian sensed the playful smile behind him, his heart stirring. He swiftly embraced her waist and spanked her lightly on her bottom.

“Mmm~”

Yao Meng almost couldn’t suppress a moan, then glared at him playfully. “You’re quite bold. Aren’t you afraid of your… past life lover seeing this and getting angry, locking you up in the little room?”

Mu Zhian gently kneaded Yao Meng’s waist. “I’m not afraid of anything for your sake.”

If the Demon Empress saw this, she would have already appeared and even mocked them. Since she didn’t appear, it meant they weren’t being observed.

Besides, he was the Lord of the Heavenly Court. Even if they saw, so what? He could suppress them all!

Yao Meng leaned against Mu Zhian, her soft, fragrant body almost melting into his embrace. She suddenly said anxiously, “I called you ‘husband’ in front of other women before. You’re not angry, are you?”

“I’m sorry. I was just… impulsive and provoked…”

Yes, yes, it was all the Demon Empress’s fault. We don’t like conflict. How could a pure and holy celestial maiden like me initiate a fight and even suppress the other women around Mu Lang…? Mu Zhian said softly, “It’s fine.”

Although the Jade Empress’s tea-making skills were average, Mu Zhian enjoyed it very much.

It couldn’t be helped. The only Transcendence Realm celestial maiden in this world was leaning against him, acting so docile and gentle, her sweet fragrance filling the air, her skin smooth and delicate…

Whether her tea-making skills were good or not didn’t matter anymore.

Beauty and breasts were king.

And Yao Meng had both, in abundance.

“Husband is so kind~”

Yao Meng held Mu Zhian’s hand, its cool softness making him want to caress it more.

“Then can I continue calling you ‘husband’ from now on?” she asked after a moment, revealing her true intentions.

Mu Zhian was momentarily speechless.

Uh, is this a bit… much?

The Demon Empress almost exploded when she heard the word ‘husband.’ And with Gong Lianyue’s personality, she might even draw her sword.

“If possible, it’s best to use that endearment in private,” Mu Zhian said softly.

Yao Meng looked up at him, her voice seductive. “But I want to call you that anytime, anywhere… Don’t you like it, husband?”

Her holy, elegant voice, filled with a gentle, feminine charm, echoed in Mu Zhian’s ears, and for a moment, he almost agreed to anything she said.

He was about to nod when a flash of lightning from the purple ring on his finger cleared his mind.

Mu Zhian, snapping back to reality, saw the playful smile in Yao Meng’s eyes. He pinched her waist lightly, but not hard enough to hurt her, which only made her moan softly.

“What are you doing, husband?” she asked playfully.

“The Dao Rhyme of the Jade Pool Holy Land isn’t for bewitching men,” Mu Zhian complained.

The Dao of the Jade Pool Holy Land was, in a sense, similar to ‘charm.’ Yao Meng had just used a bit of her Dao Rhyme, almost mesmerizing him.

Yao Meng covered her mouth, giggling. “I just wanted to call you ‘husband.’ But it seems you don’t like it.”

“Or…”

She chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around Mu Zhian and tracing his chest with her finger, her warm breath on his ear. “Do you prefer the term ‘Master’?”

Thump! Thump!

Hearing the word ‘Master,’ Mu Zhian’s heart raced.

Having someone like Yao Meng call him ‘Master’… it was impossible not to be moved.

I should have played a master-servant game with her last night, even ordering her around… Mu Zhian felt a twinge of regret. “I don’t have those kinds of… hobbies,” he said reservedly.

A blush crept onto Yao Meng’s face, and a playful glint flickered in her green eyes.

“You were excited just now, weren’t you?”

“If you weren’t interested, why would you get excited when I called you that?”

“Mas·ter~”

She whispered in his ear, emphasizing each syllable.

Mu Zhian looked at the woman in the green dress. She was bathed in a silvery moonlight, appearing holy and inviolable, yet a seductive smile played on her lips, her eyes filled with playful intent.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” Mu Zhian said helplessly.

Yao Meng traced circles on his chest with her finger, the slight scratching sensation even through his clothes.

She leaned against him, looking up at him with seductive eyes, and smiled. “Guess—”

Before she could finish, Mu Zhian couldn’t resist any longer. He leaned down and kissed her soft lips, embracing her warm, fragrant body.

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered, her long eyelashes fluttering before a hazy mist clouded them. She closed her eyes slowly, letting the Core Formation cultivator have his way.

After a long time, Mu Zhian released her.

Yao Meng exhaled softly, smiling. “You’re not worried about being discovered now?”

“That’s because you’re too tempting,” Mu Zhian spanked her lightly on her thigh, and the celestial maiden giggled.

Then, her figure dissolved into a wisp of green smoke, leaving only a gentle, elegant voice echoing through the air.

“Little man, if you don’t reach the Nascent Soul realm soon, you’ll find it difficult to…”

“…have your way with Sister in the future.”

…

“Is she a celestial maiden or a vixen?”

Mu Zhian looked at where Yao Meng had vanished, sighing inwardly.

The pure and holy celestial maiden from before was gone…

But then again, there were no truly pure and holy celestial maidens in this world. No one who reached the Dao Integration realm was a naive little white rabbit… except for Sister Lin Ling.

A seductive, languid voice echoed through the palace.

“The Jade Pool Holy Land has a very good reputation in the Nine Provinces, considered a righteous sect that doesn’t interfere with worldly affairs. But that’s because their Dao naturally makes people feel close to them, making it difficult to feel hostility.”

The Demon Empress, her arms crossed, leaned against a nearby pillar, her voice lazy. “But that doesn’t mean the Jade Pool Holy Land is truly righteous. Their Dao is similar to mine, so you wouldn’t be wrong to call her a vixen.”

So you’re admitting that you’re also a vixen…? Mu Zhian was surprised by the Demon Empress’s appearance, but he still bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty.”

He glanced at the woman.

The Demon Empress’s arms were crossed, her long eyelashes framing her eyes, a touch of red at the corners adding to her allure, her fragrance intoxicating.

Then, Mu Zhian noticed Wei Mengrou, who had entered the palace, and his heart skipped a beat. “Mengrou, you’re here too…”

When did Mengrou come in? I, with my Innate Spiritual Body, didn’t even notice?

Mmm… Well, she is a Nascent Soul cultivator. The difference between Core Formation and Nascent Soul wasn’t something that could be bridged by constitution alone. It was normal for Wei Mengrou to be undetectable after concealing her aura.

But why didn’t Yao Meng warn me? She even let me… If I had known, I would have been more reserved and waited for her to return from the Southern Wilderness before playing games with her using the World Cleansing Vines…

But I can play with Mengrou after returning to the Two Polarities Sect. A cold maid’s shy expression in bed is a sight even the most skilled painter couldn’t capture…

Mu Zhian quickly said, “Your Majesty, when did you two come in? You didn’t even tell me.”

Before he could change the subject, the Demon Empress’s seductive voice echoed through the hall.

“Young Master Mu’s heart just told me: If I knew the Primordial Witch and I were here, I wouldn’t be so openly intimate with Yao Meng. I’ll wait for her to return and play games with her using the World Cleansing Vines… But after returning to the Two Polarities Sect today, I’ll play with the Primordial Witch first.”

“What kind of ‘games’ require the World Cleansing Vines?” the Demon Empress asked curiously, looking at Mu Zhian, wanting to read his mind.

Some people appeared holy, yet could play… interesting games with Young Master Mu.

Some appeared seductive, yet their hearts were as pure as a naive little white rabbit…

Wei Mengrou glanced at her Young Master suspiciously.

The Demon Empress’s words had piqued her interest.

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, and he said loudly, “Your Majesty, I have to return to the Two Polarities Sect today and take Ruoxi to the Demon Realm. I came to bid you farewell.”

Your Majesty, I know you can read minds, but Mengrou is here. Could you please respect my privacy? If Mengrou knows about my… thoughts about her, she’ll be on guard… Mu Zhian murmured silently.

“My mind-reading ability activates unintentionally most of the time. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your thoughts,” the Demon Empress said with a smile, her alluring eyes gazing at him.

Although she didn’t know what Mu Zhian meant by ‘games,’ judging from his expression, it wasn’t anything good.

Wei Mengrou’s attention was drawn to the Green Lotus Ring on Mu Zhian’s finger. “I don’t remember you wearing this ring before… Did the Jade Empress give it to you?”

The Demon Empress also narrowed her eyes, looking at the ring. “This ring seems to contain the power of the Jade Empress’s World Cleansing Green Lotus. It’s quite a treasure.”

The Jade Empress truly dotes on him. The World Cleansing Green Lotus only produces a few seeds, and each is used to repair her consciousness every thousand years.

She probably doesn’t have many left.

Each seed can be crafted into a Heaven-grade artifact spirit. She’s quite generous.

But this ring… looks like an engagement ring… And he’s wearing it on his middle finger.

The Demon Empress’s seductive eyes lingered on the ring. “Infuse your spiritual energy into the Mortal World Mirror I gave you when you leave the Two Polarities Sect. I’ll use the mirror to take you to the Demon Realm.”

Mu Zhian immediately bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The Demon Empress, her long, shapely legs accentuated by her high-heeled boots, walked towards him, her height slightly surpassing his.

She held Mu Zhian’s hand, her fingers gently caressing the Green Lotus Ring, and smiled. “Do we need to be so formal?”

“This ring… is quite beautiful,” she suddenly said.

Seeing this ring and remembering the Jade Empress’s potential actions, the Demon Empress should be furious.

But for some reason, seeing Mu Zhian wearing a ‘wedding ring’ didn’t anger her. On the contrary… it excited her.

She doesn’t seem angry at all… Even Mu Zhian was surprised.

He looked at the tall, alluring figure, her red lips and full bosom incredibly seductive, making him want to… taste the rouge on her lips.

The Demon Empress and Yao Meng were completely different types of women.

The Demon Empress placed her hands on her knees, bent down slightly, and looked up at Mu Zhian, a seductive smile appearing on her face.

Then, she leaned down and kissed the Green Lotus Ring on Mu Zhian’s left hand.

“Have a safe journey.”

Chapter 415: Childhood Friend vs. Fated Encounter?

“Married?”

He’s married?

The Demon Empress’s first reaction to Yao Meng’s words was disbelief. She thought Yao Meng was lying.

But seeing that Mu Zhian didn’t deny it, and recalling how her subordinates had stammered and hesitated when she asked them about recent events in the Nine Provinces after awakening…

If they didn’t dare to mention the Jade Empress’s marriage, it would all make sense…

The Demon Empress’s expression darkened, her face like frost.

Yao Meng, however, remained calm, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Most people in the Nine Provinces know about this. If you don’t believe me, you can ask anyone after you return.”

The eternally youthful celestial maiden of the Jade Pool held Mu Zhian’s arm affectionately and looked at the Demon Empress, smiling faintly. “Ask them if there’s a… conjugal relationship between my husband and me.”

So what if you were a reincarnator in your past life and even had a close relationship with him?

Even though she was the latecomer, she was now married to Mu Zhian.

Although it wasn’t a real marriage, it was enough to suppress the Demon Empress for now.

As for the truth behind the wedding in the Holy King City… How many people actually knew?

This scene was a perfect example of ‘childhood friends losing to fated encounters.’

Despite having a beauty in his arms, Mu Zhian felt immense pressure under the Demon Empress’s cold, crimson gaze.

Mengrou, Mengrou, save your Young Master…

Mu Zhian placed his hopes on Wei Mengrou, but when he glanced at her, he saw her sitting on a stone chair, her arms crossed, her long, fair legs dangling, completely ignoring him.

So Mengrou is unreliable…

Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere, Mu Zhian changed the subject. “Yao Meng, aren’t you planning to go to the Southern Wilderness today? When are you leaving?”

Yao Meng glanced at the boy, her lips parting slightly. “Are you worried about your past life lover now?”

She emphasized the words ‘past life,’ her voice calm, yet tinged with jealousy.

Her displeased tone snapped the Demon Empress out of her shock.

She looked at the two of them, a meaningful smile appearing on her face.

Although she didn’t know the truth about the Jade Empress’s marriage to Mu Zhian, judging from their current behavior, it didn’t seem like they were truly husband and wife.

After all, if they were truly married, wouldn’t Gong Lianyue have intervened?

Would the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone have stood idly by?

Even that woman, Shang Yanfei, wouldn’t have let Mu Zhian marry someone else.

Although she wasn’t sure if Shang Yanfei was also a reincarnator, based on the information she had, Shang Yanfei valued Mu Zhian.

That woman was incredibly mysterious, only ever showing the world her elegant back. No one knew her true intentions.

But regardless, she wouldn’t have let Mu Zhian marry the Jade Empress.

“How interesting. The Jade Empress is newly married? Then I should congratulate you and offer a gift.”

The alluring woman walked towards Mu Zhian with seductive steps, her melodious voice echoing through the air. She looked into his eyes and gently caressed his face.

“I didn’t expect you to actually evolve into a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox… I thought Gong Lianyue would be the most likely candidate.”

Her voice softened slightly, her gaze avoiding Yao Meng.

“I didn’t have much hope initially. I just happened to summon the consciousness of the deceased Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox after consuming the Supreme Clarity Pill, and she gave me her demon seat,” Mu Zhian shook his head.

The Demon Empress’s eyes flickered with allure. “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox is the most powerful constitution in the Demon Realm. In the past, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox charmed countless cultivators with her natural charm, mainly because she could see through their weaknesses.”

“And coincidentally, I also have a natural charm constitution.”

“After I take you to the Fox Clan’s territory, I’ll teach you how to use it properly.”

She glanced at Yao Meng.

Although she was seemingly talking to Mu Zhian, she was also telling the Jade Empress that she would be the one taking him to the Demon Realm, and she could even be intimate with him during that time.

However, the Jade Empress remained calm, looking at Mu Zhian with a playful smile.

Then, a gentle, elegant voice echoed through the courtyard. “Sister, after being in seclusion for nearly half a year, you seem unaware that even without natural charm, he’s already attracted the attention of many girls.”

“But even so, the one he’s with is still me.”

The underlying meaning of her words was: You, the Demon Empress, might want to do certain things, but I’ve already done them, and more than once.

Whether you were with him in your past life or not, it’s me he’s with and even married to in this life.

Even if you find a chance to be intimate with him, he’s already been… molded by me.

The Demon Empress’s face turned cold and frosty.

For a moment, the palace seemed to be filled with an endless demonic mist, a terrifying demonic qi almost enveloping the entire palace.

Then, she looked at the maid who was quietly watching them from the corner. “You’re his maid. Your master already has a Dao Companion, yet you didn’t stop the Jade Empress’s actions and let her have her way?” she said coldly.

“I’m just his maid. I have no right to interfere with what Young Master does,” Wei Mengrou replied calmly.

Yao Meng added fuel to the fire, smiling faintly. “My husband and I are in love. Miss Wei, as his maid, naturally has no reason to object, does she?”

Boom!

The pink demonic mist in the palace erupted, almost covering the sky.

Then, the slowed-down time in the palace began to flow again.

The Dao of Time… She’s also nearing ascension… Yao Meng narrowed her eyes, glancing at the Demon Empress.

This Demon Empress is truly talented. Even without the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy, just by absorbing the First Demon Emperor’s essence, she’s already reached this level.

In time, the Demon Realm might reach unprecedented heights.

But so what?

A loser is still a loser.

Even if she ascended to the Transcendence Realm, Mu Zhian would already be… hers.

This is bad. They’re really going to fight…

Mu Zhian’s heart raced as he watched the scene unfold.

He thought he might have to use the Heaven-Measuring Ruler to stop them, and he was even prepared to awaken Ye Qingxin.

But the next moment, the terrifying demonic qi dissipated.

The Demon Empress’s cold expression also calmed down.

Yao Meng glanced at her and smiled faintly. “I thought you couldn’t hold back.”

The Demon Empress scoffed. “You’re planning to go to the Southern Wilderness to settle scores. If I fight you now, wouldn’t I be helping them?”

The Southern Wilderness had repeatedly schemed against the Jade Empress. During her Dao Integration, they had sent their subordinates to interfere, and now, during her ascension, they had even collaborated with the Buddha from the Western Regions.

Whether it was for Mu Zhian’s sake or not, fighting the Jade Empress now wasn’t wise.

Unlike the small fish in the pond, the dragons were indeed more rational and had better self-control… Mu Zhian, who had been worried, breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, he felt a playful gaze upon him and turned his head.

Yao Meng glanced at him and transmitted her voice, “You were intimate with the Demon Empress before, weren’t you?”

“I didn’t know I knew the Demon Empress in my past life, so how could I have been intimate with her?” Mu Zhian transmitted his voice helplessly.

If he had actually done something with that vixen, it would be one thing, but he hadn’t. He wouldn’t take the blame for something he didn’t do.

Yao Meng raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Of course. You know the Qi Observation Technique, don’t you? Can’t you tell if I’m lying?” Mu Zhian replied.

Yao Meng nodded silently.

That’s true. It seemed the Demon Empress had only revealed her reincarnation to Mu Zhian today.

Before this, there shouldn’t have been anything between them.

But…

She had to go to the Southern Wilderness, and during that time, the Demon Empress would have plenty of opportunities…

Although she was confident in her own charm, the Demon Empress also possessed a ‘natural charm’ constitution on par with the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

If Mu Zhian fell for the Demon Empress while she was away…

But if she delayed dealing with the Southern Wilderness evil gods, it might lead to future trouble.

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered as she looked at Mu Zhian, her gaze filled with affection. “Why don’t you go to the Fox Clan’s territory with Bai Ruoxi? After all, that’s where her Three-Tailed Fox constitution originated. Perhaps she’ll gain new insights there.”

Mu Zhian nodded thoughtfully. “I understand.”

That’s true. Ruoxi’s constitution did originate from the Fox Clan. This trip would be like visiting her hometown. Perhaps she could gain some insights.

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, glancing at the Jade Empress.

Yao Meng met her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Then, Sister, I’ll leave my husband in your care.”

Bai Ruoxi’s personality was gentle, but she was actually quite… dark inside. And Gong Lianyue was inherently domineering and assertive. With Gong Lianyue’s personality, she wouldn’t let the Demon Empress have her way with Mu Zhian.

This was like… setting a tiger to catch a wolf.

The Demon Empress seemed to understand and scoffed inwardly. “There’s no need for you to say it, Jade Empress. I know what to do.”

Do you think having the Sword Palace Master by his side will stop me?

Every Dao Integration expert, within their own territory, with the support of formations, could temporarily transcend the restrictions of the rules of heaven and earth.

In the Demon Realm, if she wished, she could… have her way with him even in front of the Sword Palace Master.

Yao Meng, her tall, alluring figure faintly visible beneath her green dress, hovered in mid-air, her voice gentle and playful. “Sister wouldn’t take advantage of someone and be intimate with a married man, would you?”

“Or perhaps… have him use his Nine-Tailed Fox body to revert to his younger form, and then…”

The Demon Empress was stunned.

If the Jade Empress hadn’t mentioned it, she would have almost forgotten that the Nine-Tailed Fox could change forms…

A strange light flickered in the Demon Empress’s usually cold, red eyes as she glanced at Mu Zhian.

Then, a seductive smile appeared on her lips. “Do you think everyone has the same… unique hobbies and interests as the Jade Empress? If the cultivators of the Nine Provinces knew, their image of their dream lover would be shattered.”

“Even having other girls follow him… Jade Empress, are you that insecure about your own charm, worried that he’ll fall for me when you return?” the Demon Empress said leisurely.

Yao Meng smiled faintly. “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body is indeed very attractive to men, especially at the Dao Integration realm.”

“But I believe in his… willpower.”

She paused, then continued, “As for Sister’s earlier comment about my preference for my husband’s younger form, it was just to test whether his spiritual energy and vitality would be affected when he changed forms.”

“But judging from last night… it seems they weren’t.”

Yao Meng added, as if to herself, “Even in his younger form, he was quite… energetic last night.”

Her words were practically saying, ‘My husband is very virile.’

A cold glint flickered in the Demon Empress’s eyes, and a terrifying aura seemed about to erupt.

For a moment, Yao Meng thought the Demon Empress was about to attack.

But after a second, the ruler of the Demon Realm calmed down.

She was enveloped in an alluring pink demonic mist, only a captivating figure visible.

The Demon Empress, in her sexy high-heeled boots, walked towards Yao Meng, her ample bosom almost pressing against hers.

This was one of the scenes Mu Zhian had fantasized about.

However, he had imagined it happening in a bedroom, with him lying between the two women, like a sandwich… not like this.

Under Yao Meng’s gaze, the Demon Empress smiled. “You can go to the Southern Wilderness without worry, Jade Empress. As for your husband—”

She leaned closer, her alluring lips close to Yao Meng’s ear, and whispered,

“I’ll take good care of him for you. I won’t disappoint.”

Chapter 414: Yao Meng: Husband, Who is This Woman? 

Mu Zhian felt a sense of dread.

He had a lingering worry ever since Yao Meng ascended to the Transcendence Realm.

Although the ‘dragons’ in his pond seemed harmonious on the surface, they could clash at any moment over… food.

When they were all at the Dao Integration realm, such conflicts weren’t very apparent. After all, a fight between them would cause chaos in the Nine Provinces, and with their similar strengths, it would be difficult to determine a victor.

But now, Yao Meng had ascended to the Transcendence Realm and mastered the Dao of Time. Even those of the same realm would have difficulty dealing with her, let alone Dao Integration experts who were still bound by the rules of heaven and earth.

If the Demon Empress suffered a loss now, she would naturally be displeased.

And then, it would be Mu Zhian who had to deal with the aftermath.

Moreover, he still needed the Demon Empress’s help to go to the Fox Clan’s territory.

But the Demon Empress and Yao Meng had never met. Why would the ruler of the Demon Realm seek out Yao Meng as soon as she arrived in Yu State?

Mu Zhian’s mind was in chaos.

“Why is the Demon Empress looking for me?”

Yao Meng descended from the sky, landing gracefully beside Mu Zhian, a gentle smile on her face, her voice like a celestial melody.

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re just a wisp of consciousness, using the mirror in my husband’s possession as a medium. Coming to see me right after leaving seclusion, you must have something important to discuss.”

The Demon Empress scoffed. “If I remember correctly, Mu Zhian’s Dao Companion is Gong Lianyue. How can the dignified Jade Empress steal someone else’s Dao Companion and even call him ‘husband’ in public?”

Her words were practically accusing Yao Meng of shamelessness.

She had summoned Mu Zhian last night, but not only had she not heard his voice, but her message had been intercepted by the Jade Empress.

The mirror she had given Mu Zhian had been secretly sealed by the Jade Empress.

If it weren’t for this, she wouldn’t have forcibly broken through the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s seal and descended using the mirror as a medium right after leaving seclusion.

This is bad. They’re really going to fight… Mu Zhian sensed the dangerous atmosphere and bowed, about to speak.

But he underestimated Yao Meng’s dominance. Although she usually disliked conflict, she wouldn’t tolerate being insulted.

Yao Meng looked at the Demon Empress with a faint smile. “Fellow Daoist, after being in seclusion for months, you seem unaware of what’s been happening in the outside world.”

“Didn’t your subordinates tell you what happened at the Jade Pool Holy Land a while ago?”

The Demon Empress’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. “It’s just ascending to the Transcendence Realm and breaking free from the shackles of heaven and earth. You’re not the only one capable of that.”

This wasn’t arrogance, but the truth.

The Jade Empress wasn’t the only one who could ascend.

To break through the limits of cultivation and ascend to the Transcendence Realm, one condition had to be met.

—A seat in the Heavenly Court.

“But for the Jade Empress to steal someone else’s husband after ascending… That’s truly shameful,” the Demon Empress continued, smiling faintly.

Yao Meng chuckled softly. “If I remember correctly, you were also intimate with him before, weren’t you? Does the dignified Demon Empress also consider her own actions as ‘stealing someone’s husband’?”

The Demon Empress raised an eyebrow, a cold glint in her eyes. “I’ve known him for a long time, and I haven’t done anything too… excessive. How can that be considered stealing?”

“I didn’t steal anyone’s husband either. It was all consensual.”

Yao Meng casually looked away, her gaze falling on Mu Zhian. She said softly, “And if anyone should be accusing me, it should be Bai Ruoxi, not you. After all, I knew him before you did.”

The Demon Empress’s gaze sharpened as she stared at Yao Meng, who was openly flirting with Mu Zhian right in front of her. “You were able to ascend because he gave you a seat in the Heavenly Court, weren’t you?”

The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly froze, and Mu Zhian’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the Demon Empress.

How is that possible? How did she know?!

Yao Meng was also surprised, her eyes flickering as she subconsciously glanced at Mu Zhian.

Why are you looking at me? I didn’t tell the Demon Empress anything… Mu Zhian was still in shock, staring at the dignified, alluring ruler of the Demon Realm.

The matter of the Heavenly Court seats should be a secret. Why did the Demon Empress know about it?

Did someone tell her?

But the Heavenly Court had no connection to the Nine Provinces. Even Dao Integration experts couldn’t enter it. In the past hundreds of thousands of years, many Dao Integration experts, nearing the end of their lifespans, had tried to force their way into the Path to Immortality, but all had failed.

Even the Demon Empress, with her powerful demon cultivator body, shouldn’t know about the secrets of the Heavenly Court.

Although Mu Zhian wasn’t very knowledgeable about matters of the heart, he could tell that the Demon Empress had special feelings for him after their encounter in the Abyss.

But he couldn’t understand where these feelings came from, so he was always wary of her.

After all, he still vividly remembered their first encounter, the Demon Empress’s condescending gaze, and the feeling of narrowly escaping death.

If his Innate Celestial Furnace constitution hadn’t been exposed, he might not have even survived to reach the Two Polarities Sect.

Oh, wait… Given the Demon Empress’s status, she wouldn’t bother with a junior like him.

In any case, the matters of the Heavenly Court should be a secret, especially the secret of ascending to the Transcendence Realm. No one in this world should know about it, except for the Lord of the Heavenly Court.

But now, he had heard the secret of ascension from the Demon Empress… Not only Mu Zhian, but Yao Meng was also concerned.

“How did you know?”

Yao Meng stared at the Demon Empress, the wind around them slowing down, the ripples in the pond seemingly frozen in time.

Time in this space had slowed down, but the few within weren’t affected.

“Do you really think you’re the only one who knows about this?” The Demon Empress raised her chin slightly, a condescending look in her eyes, and smiled faintly.

You might have ascended before me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ascend.

It seems she didn’t learn about this from Mu Zhian… Then how did she know?

Seeing Mu Zhian’s confused expression, Yao Meng glanced at the Demon Empress’s haughty demeanor. “The matters of the Heavenly Court shouldn’t be known even to Dao Integration experts of the Nine Provinces. How did you learn about this?”

A silvery laughter echoed through the space, making Mu Zhian’s heart race just by hearing it.

This was the charm of a Dao Integration expert, their every action captivating.

If Mu Zhian reached the Nascent Soul realm, his charm would be even more potent, able to attract female cultivators with a single gesture.

“Do you really think you can do as you please after ascending, even intercepting the message I sent him last night?”

The Demon Empress spoke slowly.

Hearing this, Mu Zhian stared at her in shock, then glanced at the bronze mirror in his hand.

The last remaining green petal on the mirror was dissipating.

No wonder the Demon Empress was angry. No wonder she had come looking for him immediately after leaving seclusion.

He had initially wondered why the Demon Empress hadn’t used the mirror to contact him, but now he understood. Yao Meng had intercepted her message last night and even sealed the mirror!

He wondered if the Demon Empress had heard anything last night…

Mu Zhian’s expression turned complex as he realized something.

No wonder Yao Meng’s expression had been strange for a moment last night. She had been secretly disabling the Demon Empress’s message.

But the Jade Empress’s willpower was truly impressive. Even while being… dominated by him and providing him with spiritual energy, she still had the focus to do other things…

“You asked me how I knew about the secrets of the Heavenly Court, right?”

The Demon Empress’s lips curled into a smile as she walked towards Mu Zhian with sensual steps, stopping before him and looking at him at eye level.

“He gave you a seat in the Heavenly Court in this life, but in my past life, I was already the Third Seat.”

“…”

Before Mu Zhian could recover from his shock, he heard her words.

His mind short-circuited for a moment.

Yao Meng also narrowed her eyes, staring at the Demon Empress. “Past life?”

“Do you think I would believe such nonsense?”

“Whether past lives exist, whether Dao Integration experts can be reborn, you should know better than I do,” the Demon Empress said calmly.

Cultivation was defying the heavens, and Dao Integration experts were constantly struggling against the heavens. Although Dao Integration experts had lifespan limits, they could cultivate Emperor-grade herbs, each extending their lifespan by five thousand years.

In her past life, she hadn’t been a Dao Integration expert, but a mere cultivator in the Demon Realm. With Mu Zhian’s help, her demon cultivator body had gradually evolved, allowing her to reach her current state.

The Demon Empress hadn’t intended to reveal this so early, but the Jade Empress’s provocation was unbearable.

She looked at Mu Zhian. “You’ve always been wary of me, suspecting my motives, haven’t you?”

“After all, we haven’t interacted much. It’s normal for you to be suspicious.”

“But my interest in you isn’t because of any ulterior motives. It’s because I’ve awakened my past life memories.”

No wonder… No wonder the Demon Empress had been so kind to him.

At that moment, Mu Zhian finally understood.

Although he considered himself quite handsome, he wasn’t so conceited as to think he could attract the attention of someone like the Demon Empress.

It wasn’t simply because of his looks, but because, like the Primordial Witch, she was also a reincarnator!

That’s why she knew about the secrets of the Heavenly Court. No one else in this world should know about it unless he told them personally.

Since there was one reincarnator, the Primordial Witch, it wasn’t strange for there to be a second.

Even if someone told him now that the beautiful Sect Master Lin was also a reincarnator, Mu Zhian wouldn’t be surprised.

The calm smile on Yao Meng’s face finally faded.

She had thought she was the second woman to be intimate with Mu Zhian… The first being Bai Ruoxi.

But now it seemed she was the latecomer…

“All your explanations are just your side of the story,” Yao Meng said coldly.

Now holding the upper hand, the Demon Empress smiled faintly, looking at Yao Meng. “Whether you believe it or not is up to him, not you.”

“The nine runes of the Heavenly Court represent the nine seats. Resonating with the new Heavenly Dao allows one to transcend the rules of heaven and earth and reach the Transcendence Realm.”

“The Third Seat is already occupied. If you don’t believe me, you can have him confirm it after returning to the Heavenly Court.”

Now in control, the Demon Empress regained her usual haughty demeanor, her frustration from last night gone.

A long silence fell over the courtyard.

Mu Zhian looked at the silent Yao Meng, a strange feeling in his heart.

Although this celestial maiden usually disliked conflict, she had never yielded to anyone before.

But now she was silent… Could it be that she didn’t want to clash with the Demon Empress because she knew he still needed her help to go to the Fox Clan’s territory?

The Demon Empress’s gaze fell on Mu Zhian, a hint of gentleness in her alluring eyes. “I’m sorry for keeping this from you. I just didn’t know how to explain it.”

She had initially wanted to win Mu Zhian over with her charm in this life, so she hadn’t revealed the truth.

But now, she couldn’t hold back anymore.

You think I’m the latecomer?

I’m not the latecomer. I knew him in my past life.

What’s so great about ascending to the Transcendence Realm? You’re still a loser.

Why is Yao Meng being so gentle today? If it were before, she would have already summoned the World Cleansing Green Lotus… Sensing the strange silence, Mu Zhian realized something was amiss and looked up at the woman in green, enveloped in a celestial mist.

As if sensing his gaze, Yao Meng glanced over, her green eyes meeting his. A playful smile suddenly appeared on her lips.

Something’s not right… Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, a strange feeling in his heart, as if alarm bells were ringing in his mind.

He had a bad premonition.

And his premonitions were always accurate—

“Sister is right. If you’re a reincarnator, you did know my husband earlier than I did.”

Yao Meng’s lips parted slightly, a strand of hair falling across her forehead, her gentle voice like a celestial melody echoing through the quiet palace.

“But did Sister marry him in your past life?”

“…”

The Demon Empress’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Yao Meng.

“What do you mean?”

“Have you ever wondered why I call him ‘husband’?” Yao Meng continued.

She casually took Mu Zhian’s hand, her eyes downcast, playing with a strand of hair.

Then, she looked up.

A condescending look flickered in her beautiful eyes.

Her gentle, elegant voice was like a thunderclap, exploding in the Demon Empress’s mind.

“I married him half a month ago at the Jade Pool Holy Land, witnessed by the entire Nine Provinces. We even sent an invitation to the Demon Realm.”

“So,”

Yao Meng’s eyes sparkled with amusement, her voice soft and seductive.

“Didn’t your subordinates tell you, Sister, that I’m already married to him?”

Chapter 413: Your Majesty, Mu Zhian He… He’s Married!

Demon Realm.

Deep within the Demon Realm Palace, a dignified and elegant woman sat upon her throne, lost in thought as she gazed at the bronze mirror in her hand.

“If I summon him now, will he think I’m eager to see him the moment I awaken?”

Her seductive voice echoed through the palace as the First Seat stood respectfully nearby.

Hearing this, a strange look flickered in the First Seat’s eyes.

If Her Majesty hadn’t mentioned it, it wouldn’t have been a problem. But now, it sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

Despite her thoughts, the First Seat still replied respectfully, “The appearance of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox is related to Mu Zhian. Your Majesty only wants to summon him to inquire about this matter. It’s not a matter of eagerness, but official business.”

The Demon Empress nodded in satisfaction, glancing at the maid who had chosen her words carefully.

“You’re right. Since I was awakened by the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s commotion, it’s only natural for me to be concerned and summon him for questioning.”

“Your Majesty is wise,” the First Seat bowed slightly.

But she sighed inwardly.

Currently, no one in the Demon Realm dared to tell Her Majesty that Mu Zhian was already married… But secrets couldn’t be kept forever. If Her Majesty met Mu Zhian and learned of this…

The First Seat gathered her courage and looked up, stealing a glance at the Demon Empress’s alluring beauty, a complex look in her eyes.

What would happen if she revealed the truth now…?

The Demon Empress naturally sensed the First Seat’s gaze, but she didn’t care what the First Seat was thinking. Her mind was preoccupied with Mu Zhian.

“Since it’s about the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, I’ll summon him tomorrow… no, I’ll summon him now.”

“After all, this is a serious matter. I must understand the details. This is for the sake of the Demon Realm.”

The Demon Empress tapped the bronze mirror lightly with her slender finger.

A wisp of alluring pink spiritual energy entered the mirror.

The First Seat bowed slightly. “Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave then.”

She quietly left the Demon Palace, then rubbed her forehead.

She had to think of a way to explain this to Her Majesty…

…

Yu State, within the Dao Initial Palace.

In the warm, intimate atmosphere of the bedroom, Mu Zhian lay behind Yao Meng, his arms wrapped around her slender waist, his chest pressed against her back, savoring her alluring figure as he sighed helplessly. “Jade Empress, can I return to my original form now?”

He had finally used the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body to regain his original appearance, but earlier, the Jade Empress, under the pretext of testing the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s demonic techniques, had reverted him back to his younger form.

Although his physical abilities hadn’t decreased, he wasn’t used to it.

Yao Meng turned around, gently caressing the boy’s face with her hand, and smiled. “Don’t worry. It’s not too late to revert after tonight, is it?”

“Do you really like my current form that much?” Mu Zhian asked, a pained expression on his face.

Could it be that handsomeness is no match for cuteness?

Yao Meng pressed Mu Zhian’s face against her bosom, her legs together, and was about to speak.

Suddenly, she sensed a surge of powerful demonic qi emanating from Mu Zhian’s storage ring.

Yao Meng’s eyes narrowed, and she tapped the storage ring with her finger, a wisp of green light silently flowing into it.

The demonic qi quickly dissipated.

Mu Zhian, who had just gotten up and was about to embrace Yao Meng’s waist, saw the faint green light on her fingertip and hesitated. “What’s wrong?”

A playful smile appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes, and her lips curled upwards.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it. Just focus on the… matter at hand~”

As she spoke, the green light, following the demonic mirror within Mu Zhian’s ring, completely erased the Demon Empress’s summons.

Thump! Thump!

Almost instantly, the Demon Empress’s crimson eyes snapped open.

She took out the bronze mirror, looked at the green lotus blooming within it, and a cold glint flickered in her eyes.

“Jade Empress…”

She tightened her grip on the mirror, and a crack appeared on its surface.

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhian woke up refreshed, got out of bed, and yawned lazily.

The charcoal fire from last night had been extinguished, and a warm fragrance filled the room.

Feeling the abundant spiritual energy and vitality within him, Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief.

“This feels great… I’ve never had such a wonderful… start.”

If he had to describe his experience last night, only one word would suffice: comfortable!

After consuming the Supreme Clarity Pill, his stamina and vitality had increased significantly. In the past, even meditating would consume a lot of his energy, let alone cultivating while also researching the applications of Heavenly Court spiritual energy.

The biggest difference between him and Dao Integration experts now was undoubtedly his ‘endurance.’ Dao Integration experts not only possessed a high realm, but their bodies were also immortal.

Besides Ruoxi, who was still delicate even after reaching Dao Integration, none of the other girls Mu Zhian knew were so frail at that realm.

In short, unlike the ‘protagonists’ around him, his body was still at the Core Formation realm, but after being tempered by the Supreme Clarity Pill, his physical body alone was now comparable to a Nascent Soul expert.

Thanks to the pill, even after last night’s… activities, Mu Zhian wasn’t tired at all. He was still full of energy, and his spiritual energy had increased significantly.

No wonder they said a demon cultivator could fight two cultivators of the same realm simultaneously. Demon cultivator bodies were truly monstrous. Although the difference in strength between realms decreased at higher levels, the experience brought about by the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body was truly wonderful… Mu Zhian marveled inwardly.

“It seems the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body is quite beneficial to you. In the past, you would probably still be meditating and absorbing spiritual energy now,” Yao Meng’s voice came from behind him.

She sat on the bed, dressed in a white inner robe that accentuated her alluring figure, unlike her usual attire.

The tall, cold celestial maiden played with a strand of the World Cleansing Vine, her hair cascading down her back, slightly disheveled.

The close-fitting white robe clung to her sensual figure. Although she had suppressed her aura, appearing like an ordinary woman, any cultivator would sense her unique nature.

After all, her beauty alone set her apart from mortals.

“A demon cultivator’s constitution is indeed much stronger than I imagined, but if it weren’t for the Supreme Clarity Pill ingredients you gathered, I wouldn’t have become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox,” Mu Zhian turned around and said with a gentle smile.

As expected of the only Transcendence Realm cultivator in the Nine Provinces. Even after a night of… cultivation, she didn’t look tired at all, but even more radiant.

Yao Meng smiled. “That’s good.”

They exchanged glances, as if remembering the events of last night, and a charming blush crept onto Yao Meng’s face under Mu Zhian’s gaze.

She looked up and said softly, “Consuming the Supreme Clarity Pill doesn’t guarantee becoming a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. I only helped you reach the threshold. Whether you could succeed depended on yourself.”

“Fortunately, you did.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, then teased her, seeing her shy demeanor. “Yes, fortunately, the Supreme Clarity Pill tempered my body. Otherwise, after last night’s… cultivation, I would probably need to rest for the entire day.”

Yao Meng looked at the boy with a smile. “Are you blaming me for being too… enthusiastic last night?”

Besides summoning the World Cleansing Vines, she hadn’t done anything too excessive… At most, she had teased Mu Zhian a little with her Dao of Time, but that wasn’t too much, was it? She had just asked him to practice the Dao of Time with her.

“No… I just didn’t expect you to be so… skilled.”

Mu Zhian complained.

When he first met her in the Pilgrimage Palace, he had treated her with respect and admiration. Who would have thought that this celestial maiden would awaken as a sly vixen, even enjoying teasing others?

“If the people of the Jade Pool Holy Land knew about this, their image of the Jade Empress would probably crumble,” Mu Zhian sighed.

“The image in the eyes of the world isn’t important.”

She looked at the boy with a playful smile. “As long as you’re happy.”

That’s why an older sister who knows how to please a man is irresistible…

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and a pink light flickered in his dark eyes.

Yao Meng’s figure was reflected in his eyes, and her ‘weakness’ was also revealed to him.

“What’s wrong?”

Yao Meng, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, looked up at him. A clear green lotus mark was imprinted on her delicate, jade-like right foot, adding to its beauty.

“So your weakness is here… No wonder I couldn’t find it before.”

Mu Zhian, a look of realization dawning on his face, walked over to the bed, sat down, and gently took Yao Meng’s foot.

Her toenails were painted a light pink, her skin as fair and translucent as ice and snow, her toes slender and slightly curled.

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered with shyness, and she instinctively tried to pull her foot away, but Mu Zhian held on tighter.

Her eyes welled up slightly, and she lowered her gaze, maintaining a calm voice, though tinged with shyness. “I told you before, a Dao Integration body doesn’t have any weaknesses.”

Mu Zhian hummed in response, already knowing the answer.

He had been intimate with Yao Meng many times, but despite his efforts to please her, he hadn’t been able to find her weakness.

According to Yao Meng, Dao Integration experts didn’t have weaknesses.

But Mu Zhian clearly remembered that Ruoxi and Lingxuan had weaknesses. How could Yao Meng be an exception?

Now, with the enhancement of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body, he had finally discovered that the Jade Empress’s ‘weakness’ was the sole of her foot.

He wasn’t a foot fetishist or anything, but Yao Meng’s delicate feet were incredibly beautiful, so he couldn’t help but admire them.

“Have you seen enough? It’s daytime now. Are you planning to go to the Demon Realm? It will be dark soon.”

She casually crossed her legs, resting them on Mu Zhian’s lap, their translucent beauty highlighted by the faint sunlight.

“I’m not in a hurry. We still have half an hour.”

“Jade Empress, you work so hard every day. I want to… serve you for once.”

Mu Zhian gently massaged her feet, smiling.

Seeing that he had no intention of letting go, Yao Meng glanced at him and said playfully, “Do you like it that much?”

“Of course not. My preferences are normal.”

Mu Zhian immediately denied it, then chuckled. “It’s just that the Jade Empress is so pure and flawless, every inch of your skin so fair and translucent… An ordinary woman wouldn’t be so attractive to me.”

This wasn’t flattery. As the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, Yao Meng’s skin radiated a soft, moonlight-like glow. It was her divine purity that attracted him.

It wasn’t because he had a foot fetish or anything.

Yao Meng glanced at Mu Zhian. “If you like it so much, do you want to… lick it?”

“Not today. It’s daytime,” Mu Zhian finally released her foot, looking at the blushing, shy celestial maiden. “Maybe next time.”

Yao Meng said playfully, “Pervert.”

Mu Zhian paused. “Can you say that again?”

Yao Meng pointed at the door, then at Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian suddenly understood. “You mean I should open the door and let some fresh air in?”

“Scram!”

…

This is the first time I’ve made the usually gentle Jade Empress curse. Shouldn’t my personal interface give me an ‘achievement’ for this…?

Mu Zhian stretched, put on a white robe, and left the room.

The palace arranged by Luo Tan was quiet and secluded, but after searching around, Mu Zhian couldn’t find Wei Mengrou. He used his Innate Spiritual Body and sensed her presence near the Medicine Heart Hall.

Servants bustled around the Medicine Heart Hall.

Among them, Mu Zhian saw a beautiful maid.

Her beauty was on par with Bai Ruoxi and the others, and her long, fair legs were accentuated by her dress.

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Wei Mengrou glanced over.

Seeing his face, her anger from last night dissipated.

“Did you sleep well last night, Mengrou?” Mu Zhian asked with a smile.

His handsome face and cheerful tone caught the attention of many noble ladies passing by, their eyes sparkling with interest.

The Immortal Dynasty of Yu State was different from other dynasties. Most officials were also cultivators, and some brought their children to the palace, hoping they could learn alchemy.

Coming from prominent families, they had seen countless noble young masters, but they had never seen a boy like Mu Zhian.

He was the epitome of handsome and elegant.

Wei Mengrou, clearly uncomfortable with the attention, walked closer to Mu Zhian and whispered, “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t find you anywhere, so I came here to look,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

“Shouldn’t you be with the Jade Empress? She’s your Dao Companion.”

Wei Mengrou’s voice was cold and displeased.

However, despite her aloof demeanor, her heart raced uncontrollably as she approached Mu Zhian.

Even she couldn’t resist the charm of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

“Yao Meng needs company, but I’ve also been thinking about you, Mengrou,” Mu Zhian said, taking her hand gently. “Are you still angry with me?”

This young master is getting more and more detestable… Wei Mengrou lowered her gaze. She had heard the sounds coming from the next room last night and had been quite upset, but now, holding Mu Zhian’s hand, a warmth spread through her heart, softening her anger.

He had always been able to get away with anything with his looks and sweet words. Now, with the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body, it was even more difficult to be angry with him.

Sensing the gazes of the surrounding women, Wei Mengrou whispered, “You came looking for me. Didn’t the Jade Empress say anything?”

Mu Zhian looked at the maid’s shy, beautiful face and smiled. “Yao Meng is going to the Southern Wilderness, so it’s fine—”

He paused, then continued, “Even if she were here, I would still come looking for you, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at him, a disdainful smile on her lips.

“Heh.”

Still daring to mock your master… Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow, wanting to spank her, but restrained himself, considering they were in public.

He was used to her attitude, so he didn’t mind and took her back to the palace.

But along the way, the maid was clearly still sulking about last night.

Back in the palace, Mu Zhian said casually, “I might have to go to the Demon Realm. Are you coming with me, Mengrou?”

“Why are you going to the Demon Realm?”

Wei Mengrou’s attention was successfully diverted.

“A demon clan’s demon seat can only be inherited if the ancestor relinquishes it. After I consumed the Supreme Clarity Pill, I met the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

Mu Zhian briefly explained what had happened, and a thoughtful look appeared in Wei Mengrou’s eyes.

“The Soul Locking Bell left by the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox is in the Fox Clan’s territory, so you want to go to the Demon Realm… Although the relationship between the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm has improved, if your identity as an Eastern Continent cultivator is exposed, it might still cause trouble.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Have you forgotten my other identity, Mengrou?”

In the Eastern Continent, the mark left by the Demon Empress couldn’t be exposed.

But in the Demon Realm, it would be very useful.

Wei Mengrou nodded silently. “I can conceal my aura, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“But we still have to be careful. The Demon Realm isn’t like the Eastern Continent. It’s a dog-eat-dog world.”

Most demon cultivators had probably never even seen the Demon Empress, let alone the mark she left on Mu Zhian.

“Don’t worry. Even if I’m not enough, there’s still Senior Ye,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Ye Qingxin’s consciousness was still within him. He could awaken her at any time.

“But you’re right, Mengrou. We should be discreet to avoid unnecessary trouble…”

As Mu Zhian spoke, he suddenly sensed a surge of powerful spiritual energy from his storage ring.

Then, a seductive voice echoed in their ears.

“If you want to go to the Fox Clan’s territory, I can take you there now.”

The Demon Empress?!

She’s awake?

Mu Zhian immediately reacted, taking out the bronze mirror given to him by the Demon Empress.

Alluring demonic energy emanated from the mirror, enveloping them.

Crack.

A green lotus bloomed on the surface of the mirror, then a faint cracking sound could be heard.

More cracking sounds followed.

Finally, the lotus shattered, and a captivating woman emerged from the demonic mist, walking towards them with sensual steps.

Mu Zhian looked up and saw the alluring Demon Empress.

She wore a dark red dress, her hair styled in a fashionable bun, adorned with beautiful jewelry, accentuating her captivating features.

“Your Majesty, you’re awake?” Mu Zhian asked in surprise.

The Demon Empress’s seclusion was supposed to last for six months, but it had only been four… She had awakened early?

Mu Zhian continued, “You’re willing to take me to the Fox Clan’s territory?”

“With me there, you can avoid unnecessary trouble, can’t you?” the Demon Empress said with a smile.

That’s true. If the ruler of the Demon Realm accompanied him, he could obtain the Soul Locking Bell quickly…

Mu Zhian nodded inwardly, about to agree.

Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in the Demon Empress’s eyes. “But before that, I have something to ask the Jade Empress.”

She glanced at the celestial maiden in the green dress who was now hovering in mid-air.

“Jade Empress, are you free to chat with me?”

Mu Zhian looked up sharply. He hadn’t noticed Yao Meng’s arrival. She wore a green dress that accentuated her beautiful figure, a gentle smile on her face.

When did she get behind me…? Did she hear everything I said to Mengrou?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he realized something more important.

Why is the Demon Empress looking for Yao Meng right after leaving seclusion?

A bad feeling crept into Mu Zhian’s heart.

Before he could figure out what was happening, a melodious voice came from mid-air.

“Alright.”

Chapter 412: You’re on the First Level, I’m on the Fifth

Eastern Continent, Lan Family.

Lan Pingzhi, dressed in a green robe, stood on the observation deck of a Lan family pavilion, gazing into the distance at a faint wisp of smoke.

Within the smoke, nine fox tails slowly unfurled, each shimmering with a captivating, demonic light.

“Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…”

He stood tall and straight, his green robe fluttering in the wind, his gaze fixed on the illusory, dreamlike figure.

Two elders stood beside him, their hands clasped behind their backs, also looking into the distance.

In the corner, Lan Wu, the young master of the Lan family, stood respectfully beside the Clan Leader and the two powerful elders.

Although he was just a follower among the elders, he was the heir to the position of Lan Clan Leader.

“The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox has long since perished. I didn’t expect a new one to appear. It’s truly surprising,” the Lan family’s Grand Elder said with a sigh.

“The inheritance of demon clans is very strict. Unless the previous ancestor dies and relinquishes their throne, it’s impossible for a descendant to reach their full potential… How did they achieve this?” another elder questioned.

Lan Pingzhi shook his head gently. “Perhaps the will of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox has decided to pass on her position.”

The Grand Elder scoffed, interrupting him. “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox has nothing to do with us. More importantly… Lan Wu, have you received a reply to the letter you sent to the Two Polarities Sect?”

Lan Wu nodded slightly. “My sisters replied a few days ago. They’ll return on the day of the ancestral worship ceremony.”

The Third Elder scoffed. “We had to invite them back several times, even encountering some… resistance. If I didn’t know better, I would think they’ve already reached the Dao Integration realm.”

Lan Wu defended his sisters. “There were some misunderstandings between our family and them. It can’t be helped.”

“They’ll understand the elders’ good intentions when they return.”

“I hope so.”

The two elders, clearly displeased, scoffed and left.

Lan Pingzhi looked up at the faint pink glow in the night sky, shook his head helplessly, and left the observation deck.

Although he was the Lan Clan Leader, he hadn’t held the position for long and still had to be respectful towards the elders. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been forced to send his pregnant Dao Companion away under pressure.

Seeing this, Lan Wu also sighed helplessly.

Ancient clans had their advantages, but also their disadvantages.

These powerful elders lived for a very long time and held considerable authority. Even if he became the Clan Leader, he would still be under their control.

And many of these elders were stubborn and unwilling to change their minds.

If his two sisters returned to the Lan family, it would likely cause a great commotion…

And because it was a family matter, the Two Polarities Sect wouldn’t interfere unless the Lan family went too far.

He didn’t really want them to return.

It would be better if someone protected them in secret…

Thinking this, Lan Wu couldn’t help but think of the young man he had met a while ago.

Although Mu Zhian seemed to have close relationships with many girls, the Jade Empress had ascended to the Transcendence Realm, and he was her Dao Companion. If he accompanied them…

Lan Wu quickly shook his head, dismissing these thoughts.

Mu Zhian and Lan Mulian did have a close relationship, but Mu Zhian might not be willing to get involved in this mess. And the Jade Empress wouldn’t want her beloved to get involved either.

He collected his thoughts, sighing softly, and glanced at the faint image of the nine tails and the pink glow that almost painted the night sky red, then left the observation deck.

…

“She really understands my preferences…”

Mu Zhian, naturally unaware that his future brother-in-law in the Eastern Continent was thinking about him, leaned against the side of the bath, looking at the beautiful woman before him, speechless.

The bath was filled with mist, and the elegantly dressed Pill Emperor leaned against him casually, her luxurious dress, embroidered with gold and silver thread, soaked in the medicinal water, her hair, tied in two braids, also slightly damp.

Water droplets dripped from the ends of her hair onto the surface of the bath, creating ripples that also stirred within Mu Zhian’s usually calm heart.

Mu Zhian considered himself a seasoned veteran, but he had still overlooked this… scenario. It was truly irresistible.

However… this place was too risky.

If Yao Meng realized he hadn’t come out for too long, she would come and check on him, even if it was just to confirm his safety.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Luo Tan suddenly spoke, her jade-like feet stepping through the water as she walked towards Mu Zhian.

She lifted her hand from the water, caressed Mu Zhian’s face, and smiled. “Our… agreement, in this place, lacks a certain… ambiance… Besides, if you reach the Nascent Soul realm before we… cultivate, the effects will be much better.”

Then why are you tempting me like this? Just because you’re a Dao Integration expert, you can tease me as you please…? Mu Zhian looked at the beautiful woman before him. “Didn’t you say I could reach the Nascent Soul realm quickly if I cultivated with you?”

Luo Tan said softly, “The first intimate encounter between two Innate Celestial Furnaces produces the most abundant spiritual energy. If we cultivate now, you can instantly reach the peak of Core Formation, but the excess spiritual energy will dissipate into heaven and earth.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her wet dress clinging to her skin, and looked at him with a smile.

“But if you’re at the Nascent Soul realm, you can create a pocket dimension within your cauldron, and its size will be a hundred times larger than it is now. What do you think will happen if we cultivate then?”

Mu Zhian suddenly understood.

The first dual cultivation between two Innate Celestial Furnaces would result in a massive influx of spiritual energy, enough to push him to the peak of Core Formation.

In the short term, it was indeed tempting.

But if he waited until he reached the Nascent Soul realm… all the spiritual energy Luo Tan gave him would be absorbed by his cauldron without any waste.

“The Innate Celestial Furnace constitution is truly outrageous. As long as you find a female cultivator with the same constitution and dual cultivate, both of you will receive a huge boost in spiritual energy the first time, and the effect will continue afterward,” Mu Zhian couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

But then he shook his head, dismissing the thought.

No, it’s not just any Innate Celestial Furnace, but a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace.

And the only known Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace in the Nine Provinces was Luo Tan.

But who could force her to do anything against her will?

She, on the other hand, could force others… just like now.

Yao Meng and Wei Mengrou were drinking tea in the hall, while the Empress of the Immortal Dynasty had secretly entered the bath and appeared before him in this… suggestive manner.

But if now wasn’t the right time to be intimate with her, why was she dressed so seductively? Is she deliberately teasing me?

Mu Zhian’s disappointment was evident. “If that’s the case, why did you come looking for me today, Your Majesty?”

Seeing his disappointment, Luo Tan rolled her eyes at him playfully. “Don’t be so disheartened. Just because we can’t dual cultivate now doesn’t mean we can’t do other things.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace can absorb some of the Supreme Clarity Pill’s effects. Your Innate Celestial Furnace has probably been influenced by the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, hence the alluring aura you’re emitting.”

“I’m emitting an alluring aura…?”

Mu Zhian was stunned. He hadn’t noticed any changes in his Innate Celestial Furnace.

He only knew that he had become more handsome.

Then he quickly realized something. “So, Your Majesty, you’re here to—”

Luo Tan wouldn’t gain any benefits from being intimate with Mu Zhian now.

She was simply acting on impulse due to his Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox body.

Before Mu Zhian could finish, Luo Tan stepped out of the bath, her white dress clinging to her figure, water droplets dripping down her skirt and along her fair skin.

Her long, shapely legs were revealed beneath her dress, and she glanced at him, her beautiful face adorned with light makeup, a playful smile on her lips as she knelt beside the bath.

“Guess.”

Her seductive voice, coming from the usually noble and elegant Empress, combined with her current posture, created a powerful visual impact.

It wasn’t just Mu Zhian who was captivated by Luo Tan. As he had guessed, the Pill Emperor was also quite interested in him.

Her gaze had lingered on him several times.

Although Mu Zhian’s appearance hadn’t changed much after his transformation, his features were more refined, and his aura had changed significantly, making him even more handsome.

And although he had suppressed the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox aura, it still emanated from him, irresistibly alluring.

She could naturally resist this charm, but she was still captivated by Mu Zhian’s current form.

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then asked with a knowing smile, “Are you worried about my recovery and came to confirm it personally?”

Luo Tan scoffed, grabbed Mu Zhian’s wrist, and pulled him out of the bath.

Before he could speak, she placed her hand on his chest and kissed him on the lips.

Mu Zhian’s heart tightened as he instinctively glanced around the bath.

It was empty.

Then, her warm breath on his face brought him back to reality, and he boldly embraced the Empress of Yu State’s waist.

But before Mu Zhian could savor the moment, Luo Tan gently pushed him away.

“Let’s go back to my bedchamber?”

Luo Tan wrapped her arms around Mu Zhian’s neck, a seductive smile on her face. “Although it’s not the right time for dual cultivation, there are other ways to… experience each other’s Innate Celestial Furnaces.”

She tapped Mu Zhian’s chest lightly. “The medicinal bath lasts for half an hour. If you return within that time, no one will notice.”

…

Half an hour later.

A sweet fragrance filled the bedchamber, and a smokeless charcoal fire burned by the bed, warming the room and adding to the ambiguous atmosphere.

On the luxurious bed, Luo Tan casually draped a white robe over herself, looked at the boy, and chuckled softly. “I didn’t know you liked this kind of… play.”

Mu Zhian shook his head reservedly. “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. It just depends on my mood. It’s not that I have a preference for this.”

“Oh?”

Luo Tan raised an eyebrow, her eyes downcast as she dangled her feet, a playful smile on her face. “If I remember correctly, you’ve always liked staring at my legs, haven’t you? Although it’s not obvious, I’m quite sensitive to other people’s gazes.”

“It’s not a bad thing. I don’t mind.”

She paused, then continued, “The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox constitution has indeed merged with the Innate Celestial Furnace. If you wish, you can even create a second Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

Mu Zhian nodded silently.

After the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox passed on her position to him, he had inherited the unique demon seat.

However, his Innate Celestial Furnace had absorbed some of the Supreme Clarity Pill’s effects and could even share them with other demon cultivators.

If he wished, he could now share the demon seat with someone else.

“You’ll reach the Nascent Soul realm soon.”

Luo Tan licked her lips, walked over to the boy in her white boots, stood on tiptoe, and whispered in his ear, “Come find Sister after you reach the Nascent Soul realm.”

“This time, Sister is helping you, but next time, it’s your turn to repay Sister.”

Mu Zhian bowed. “It’s my honor to be chosen by Your Majesty. There’s no need to talk about repayment. I’m willing to serve you in any way.”

Luo Tan looked at him, then chuckled softly. “Then next time, please Sister well.”

She leaned down and kissed Mu Zhian gently on the lips.

“Use every method to please me.”

Her fragrance lingered on his lips, but Luo Tan had already put on her luxurious dress and left for the Medicine Heart Hall to review memorials and deal with the matter of her maid, Gan Sui.

…

Sister Luo’s… flavor is quite nice…

Late at night, Mu Zhian, refreshed, left the bedchamber and headed towards the hall where he had been cultivating.

As expected of a Dao Integration expert. And Yu State was clearly much more… open-minded than the Eastern Continent. Although the Empress appeared noble and elegant, she knew quite a few ‘interesting’ things.

Mmm, next time, I’ll have her try it in black silk and boots…

Mu Zhian pondered these thoughts as he returned to the hall and meditated for a while. He lay down on the bed and heard the door creak open.

It was Yao Meng, who had also just bathed.

“You’ve worked hard. If it weren’t for you, it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly,” Mu Zhian said.

“I only did what I could. Whether you could become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox depends on your own talent.”

Yao Meng walked to the bedside, looking at the boy with a meaningful smile.

“What’s wrong?” Mu Zhian asked, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, and sat up.

Yao Meng played with a strand of hair. “Nothing. It’s just that you now emit a charming aura. Be careful. Even if you don’t reveal your Innate Celestial Furnace constitution, many will be attracted to you.”

Mu Zhian pondered her words, sighing worriedly.

So, being too charming can also be a problem…

He was now a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, and his alluring aura could even captivate Dao Integration experts, let alone ordinary female cultivators.

If he accidentally revealed his Innate Celestial Furnace aura… it would definitely cause a commotion.

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

Mu Zhian noticed Yao Meng’s meaningful gaze and hesitated. “Do you… know everything?”

Yao Meng was puzzled. “Know what?”

Just as Mu Zhian was about to speak, Yao Meng’s gentle voice echoed through the room.

“If you’re talking about Luo Tan being interested in your Innate Celestial Furnace, I have a vague idea,” she said, a faint smile playing on her lips as she looked at Mu Zhian.

As expected… Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat.

Yao Meng stroked Mu Zhian’s hair. “I didn’t think the dignified Pill Emperor of Yu State would be interested in you. With her status, there’s no need for her to… pursue a junior like you, especially since I’m your Dao Companion.”

“However, after you became a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, and after the Pill Emperor made excuses to leave… I had a premonition.”

I always thought I was vigilant, but it seems Yao Meng is equally vigilant against being… cheated on… Mu Zhian hesitated. “Aren’t you angry?”

Yao Meng looked at him with a playful smile, her green eyes as clear as a deep autumn pool. “If I were angry, you wouldn’t be sitting here talking to me.”

Behind her, a vine, like a living creature, slithered around her fair leg.

Yao Meng looked at him calmly. “The Pill Emperor is an Innate Celestial Furnace. If she’s willing to dual cultivate with you, it will be very beneficial for you. I don’t mind.”

The Pill Emperor thought she didn’t know, so she secretly enjoyed being intimate with Mu Zhian.

She knew the Pill Emperor thought she didn’t know, and she could also be intimate with Mu Zhian, and he would even feel guilty towards her.

Who was truly benefiting from this?

Heh.

Young Master Mu hadn’t expected the power struggles between the ‘dragons’ in his pond to gradually escape his control.

“You don’t have to feel guilty. As long as it’s for your own good, anything is worth it,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Your words only make me feel more guilty… Mu Zhian took her hand gently. “I’m sorry. I’ll compensate you.”

Yao Meng hummed in response, nodding with a smile. “I have to go to the Southern Wilderness. Take care of yourself.”

“The matter with the three Pillar Gods?” Mu Zhian understood.

“It’s time to settle things with them,” Yao Meng smiled brightly, her beauty breathtaking, but a coldness flickered in her eyes.

The three Pillar Gods of the Southern Wilderness had schemed against her more than once. Two of them had perished last time, and she hadn’t had time to deal with the remaining one while helping Mu Zhian recover. But now, it was time to settle the score.

After chatting for a while, Mu Zhian suddenly sighed.

“Although you told me to take care of myself, the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony is approaching. I might have to go.”

Yao Meng glanced at him. “Lan Mulian is protected by the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect. Why are you getting involved in this mess?”

Having been at the Two Polarities Sect for so long, she naturally knew about the Lan family’s secrets.

This ancestral worship ceremony was also the best opportunity for the Lan sisters to return to the family.

But knowing their personalities, unless their mother’s memorial tablet was placed in the Lan family’s ancestral hall, and those responsible apologized, they wouldn’t give in.

“I don’t want to go either.”

Mu Zhian embraced Yao Meng’s waist, his voice filled with worry. “The Lan family is very powerful in the Eastern Continent. If I go with Senior Sister and Feiying, I might also be bullied.”

Yao Meng said indifferently, “Although the Lan family is powerful, they wouldn’t dare to offend the Jade Pool.”

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “That’s true, but I’m only half a member of the Jade Pool. If there’s a conflict, they probably won’t care about my identity.”

“I heard from Senior Sister that the Lan family elders are very domineering and scary.”

This wasn’t a lie. The Lan family was powerful in the Eastern Continent, so it was natural for them to be domineering.

“The Lan family is indeed powerful, and they have the right to be. If you really want to go, take this Jade Pool Holy Land guest elder token.”

Yao Meng took out a black token and handed it to Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Can I really accept something so valuable?”

Yao Meng glared at him playfully. “You just want me to say it. There’s no need to beat around the bush.”

She looked at the boy and said softly, “Everything I have is because of you, so…”

“I’ll give you anything you want.”

Before Mu Zhian could speak, Yao Meng placed her finger on his chest, gently pushing him onto the bed.

A seductive voice echoed through the room.

“Including myself. I’m yours~”

Chapter 411: Mu Zhian, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox! 

That night, pink demonic qi almost covered half the night sky above the Dao Initial Palace. Even some of the holy lands beneath the dynasty could see the captivating pink mist.

The pink mist was filled with an alluring aura, mixed with the unique spiritual energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace, enough to attract countless female cultivators.

The demonic qi alone possessed such captivating charm, making one wonder about the true extent of its owner’s power…

At that moment, in a closed room, Gan Sui, the maid, stood in the confinement room, staring at the night sky, subconsciously clutching her skirt.

“Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox… He actually became a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…” she muttered in disbelief, her voice filled with resentment and jealousy.

“That’s why I warned you before. Mu Zhian isn’t someone to be trifled with. Since Her Majesty is interested in him, no amount of persuasion will change her mind. You’ve served Her Majesty for years. Don’t you understand this?”

Jingxi, another maid, spoke from outside the confinement room.

She was the first maid to serve Luo Tan and practically managed all the servants in the Immortal Dynasty.

She had accompanied Luo Tan to the Two Polarities Sect and met Mu Zhian a few months ago.

Jingxi considered herself a good judge of character. Although that young cultivator, Mu Zhian, hadn’t been cultivating for long, he was quite capable.

Xiao Hua’s death was because he had exposed his identity, but Her Majesty valued relationships. If he had spent more time with her, even if his identity were exposed, she might not have killed him.

But he was led step by step by Mu Zhian, ultimately dying at the Two Polarities Sect.

She had sensed Gan Sui’s dislike for Mu Zhian and warned her beforehand, but she still acted recklessly…

It was a pity that the power behind Gan Sui had spent so many years cultivating her…

The maids serving the Pill Emperor were all talented individuals from the major holy lands of Yu State.

But talent didn’t equal intelligence…

Mu Zhian was currently Her Majesty’s favorite. A maid making things difficult for him was asking for trouble.

“I wasn’t wrong. The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox can charm all beings. Her Majesty has never shown interest in any man before, yet she’s taken a liking to him. Isn’t it because of his Three-Tailed Fox body?”

Gan Sui scoffed. “He could already bewitch Her Majesty when he was just a Three-Tailed Fox. Now that he’s a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, who knows what he’ll do to her?”

Jingxi’s expression changed slightly, and she transmitted her voice, “Be careful what you say. If Her Majesty hears this, you won’t just be confined.”

Serving the Pill Emperor had many benefits. In Yu State, even being a maid beside her was a coveted position. After all, serving a Heaven-grade alchemist guaranteed a bright future.

The holy land behind Gan Sui had spent a considerable amount of effort to secure this position for her.

Gan Sui remained silent, but her eyes were filled with resentment and dissatisfaction.

Even if she was wrong, wasn’t Mu Zhian also partly responsible?

She didn’t know what Mu Zhian had whispered to Her Majesty a few days ago, but she had been summoned to the hall, and the other servants had listed a series of her offenses. Although they weren’t serious, Luo Tan had removed her from her position and confined her to reflect on her actions.

A good-for-nothing who only has his looks and relies on Her Majesty’s favor… Once Her Majesty grows tired of you…

Heh.

…

“Although I was mentally prepared, it still feels strange to actually become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox…”

Mu Zhian sat cross-legged on the soft mat, breathing a sigh of relief, looking at his restored hands, and murmuring to himself.

The Supreme Clarity Pill was a method for connecting with the deceased ancestors of a demon clan and obtaining their ‘demon seat.’ If the clan hadn’t produced a Dao Integration expert, the consumer had the chance to claim the seat and reach their full potential.

But if the clan had produced a Dao Integration expert, whether the consumer could reach their full potential depended on whether the ancestor had perished.

If the ancestor was still alive, no other member of the clan could reach Dao Integration.

“This is practically forcing demon cultivators to betray their ancestors…”

Mu Zhian complained inwardly after sorting out his thoughts.

“Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox… I wonder where that woman’s consciousness is. It seems I’ll have to go to the Demon Realm.”

“But there are more important matters to attend to…”

Mu Zhian looked up towards the exit of the secret chamber.

Even inside, he could faintly hear the commotion outside.

With such a big commotion, he wondered what was happening…

Just as he was about to leave the secret chamber, nine illusory fox tails appeared behind him, swaying gently in the candlelight.

He released a wisp of his will, and the nine fox tails silently retreated into his body like shadows.

Outside the hall, a cacophony of voices rose and fell. Many cultivators in the Dao Initial Palace instinctively wanted to use their consciousness to investigate, but they were told that Her Majesty was in secluded cultivation and couldn’t be disturbed, so they restrained themselves.

But even so, they were still incredibly curious.

After all, the demonic qi had almost covered half the night sky, and many were apprehensive and confused, not knowing what had happened.

Inside the hall, Luo Tan, Yao Meng, and Wei Mengrou sat on chairs nearby.

Sensing that Young Master had left the secret chamber, Wei Mengrou looked up. “It seems you’ve successfully become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

Mu Zhian nodded with a smile. “Thanks to your protection.”

He looked at the elegant Empress in the luxurious white dress. She sat with her legs crossed, her black silk-clad legs dangling, her clear eyes studying the boy.

“And thank you, Pill Emperor, for refining the Supreme Clarity Pill for me,” Mu Zhian said with a gentle smile.

“I only refined the pill. Whether you could become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox depends on your own talent.”

Luo Tan’s eyes sparkled with interest as she looked at the boy in white.

Then, she hesitated, glancing at his face a few more times. “What’s with the pink glow around you? Can’t you suppress it?”

Mu Zhian was stunned and looked down at his body.

He realized that he was enveloped in a faint pink glow.

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Mengrou, can you give me a mirror?”

Wei Mengrou hummed in response, stood up, took a mirror from her storage ring, and handed it to him.

Mu Zhian looked at his reflection, but his features were blurry, similar to the faint glow around Yao Meng, creating a hazy, ambiguous aura.

“Is this also an ability of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox? Is this… playing mysterious…?”

Mu Zhian murmured, then suppressed the pink glow.

It worked. It seems this demonic technique is quite convenient. Now, besides the ‘black mist,’ I have another way to conceal my aura…

Just as Mu Zhian thought this, he noticed Wei Mengrou staring at him intently.

“What’s wrong? Did my face turn into a fox head?”

Mu Zhian’s heart sank, and he quickly touched his face.

There was no furry sensation, but a blush crept onto Wei Mengrou’s usually cold face, and she shyly lowered her gaze.

Yao Meng and Luo Tan exchanged puzzled glances, then stood up and walked closer to the boy.

And what they saw stunned them.

Mu Zhian stood tall and straight, his features incredibly handsome, his nose straight, his eyes clear and bright, his lips perfectly shaped.

Although there weren’t any major changes, he exuded an aura of flawless perfection and an inexplicable charm that drew their gazes.

Is… Is this the effect of the Supreme Clarity Pill? Yao Meng’s mouth parted slightly, her eyes wide with surprise as she stared at the beautiful boy, momentarily lost in thought.

She would believe it even if he said he had consumed a beauty-enhancing pill…

Luo Tan was also surprised, her gaze lingering on his face.

Even after seeing countless geniuses in the Immortal Dynasty, she had never seen such a handsome face.

And more importantly, his aura possessed an inexplicable charm.

But to avoid arousing the Jade Empress’s suspicion, Luo Tan quickly looked away.

There’s no rush. I have plenty of time to admire him later…

Have I changed that much? My face is just a bit more refined. There are no other changes… Mu Zhian complained inwardly, but seeing the three beauties captivated by his appearance, he couldn’t help but feel smug.

“What’s wrong, Mengrou?” Mu Zhian asked deliberately.

Wei Mengrou snapped out of her daze, glancing at the boy, a faint blush still lingering on her face. “N-Nothing. You should take a bath. You’re covered in sweat.”

Perhaps because of consuming the Supreme Clarity Pill and reaching the peak of the Three-Tailed Fox level, Mu Zhian had undergone a complete transformation. Even without using spiritual energy, his physical body alone could rival cultivators of the same realm.

Although he had many questions for Luo Tan and Yao Meng, such as the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox’s past, his current state wasn’t suitable for a casual chat.

So, at Luo Tan’s gesture, Mu Zhian followed a servant to a bath for a medicinal soak.

…

Within the misty bath, Mu Zhian leaned against the wall, stretched languidly, then took out a bronze mirror from his storage ring and looked at his reflection.

His features were refined and handsome, his hair soft, his skin fair, and his dark eyes held an indescribable charm.

“Handsome. Too handsome from every angle.”

Mu Zhian put the mirror aside, sighing in admiration.

It wasn’t narcissism. After consuming the Supreme Clarity Pill, his appearance had indeed improved significantly, and more importantly, his aura now involuntarily attracted the attention of the opposite sex.

Too perfect. This is even more immersive than before…

Mu Zhian leaned against the edge of the bath, stretching and enjoying the warm water.

After about a quarter of an hour, he faintly heard footsteps approaching.

He turned his head and saw a woman in a white dress and white boots entering the bath with elegant steps, her figure faintly visible through the mist.

“The Supreme Clarity Pill can transform a demon cultivator. Although I knew this, it’s still surprising that it even works on a human cultivator from the Eastern Continent.”

Is it really okay for you to just barge into someone’s bath like this, Sister Luo…? Mu Zhian said reservedly, “It’s all thanks to Your Majesty. If it weren’t for the Supreme Clarity Pill, I would still be in that boyish form, let alone evolving into a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.”

He couldn’t help but look at the woman standing by the bath.

Perhaps because she was about to enter the bath, she wasn’t wearing her usual black silk stockings. Her long, white dress concealed her legs, and she bent down slightly, removing one of her white boots.

Sensing Mu Zhian’s gaze, Luo Tan smiled faintly.

She leaned closer, teasing him playfully. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Your Majesty, the Jade Empress and the others are still outside… Perhaps it’s best not to do this…” Mu Zhian said reservedly.

Although he was tempted, he was a responsible harem protagonist and wouldn’t make such a low-level mistake.

It wouldn’t be good if Yao Meng saw them.

Should I tell her that Sister Luo came to the bath to heal my injuries? She has the Innate Celestial Furnace constitution, and her body itself is a unique ‘pill.’ If she joins me in the bath, it’s like a medicinal soak…

Luo Tan removed her other boot, looking at the boy with a smile. “I’ve already told the Jade Empress and the Primordial Witch that you need to consume another ‘pill’ after refining the Supreme Clarity Pill to complete the process.”

“So, I’ll take you to my bedchamber later.”

Mu Zhian was stunned. “I’ve already refined the Supreme Clarity Pill and even become a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. Why do I need another pill—”

He paused, looking at the beautiful woman dangling her jade-like feet in the bath, and seemed to understand.

The Innate Celestial Furnace itself was the best pill.

“Speaking of which, I can now see through a person’s weaknesses. Does that include Dao Integration experts…?”

A thought crossed Mu Zhian’s mind, and he secretly activated his demonic technique, a pink light flickering in his dark eyes.

He stared at the woman, who was now tying her hair into two braids, playing with the water with her toes.

Luo Tan glanced at him and smiled brightly. “What’s wrong?”

Her tone was playful, like an older sister teasing a younger brother.

Mu Zhian placed his hand on her leg, stood up, leaned close to her ear, and gently blew on it.

“Is this Your Majesty’s weakness?”

The dignified Pill Emperor’s body trembled slightly, and she quickly moved away, staring at Mu Zhian in surprise. “How did you know?”

What the… Her weakness really is her ears?

Mu Zhian was shocked.

The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox can even see through the weaknesses of a Dao Integration expert…?

Although he knew that Luo Tan was probably unguarded around him, which was why it worked so easily, this demonic technique, if used properly, could be incredibly useful in combat.

I wonder what Yao Meng and Mengrou’s weaknesses are…

Mmm, I’ll try it later.

Mu Zhian quickly collected his thoughts.

He glanced at the maid standing outside the bath. “By the way, where’s Gan Sui?”

A blush still lingered on Luo Tan’s face from Mu Zhian’s teasing. She collected herself and frowned. “You still remember that maid? You’ve only met her once.”

Mu Zhian shook his head. “I don’t know. I just thought she was quite beautiful, only slightly less so than Your Majesty. That’s why I remember her… Where is she now?”

Luo Tan said indifferently, “Gan Sui’s performance was satisfactory, so I let her rest for a few days.”

Mu Zhian made an “Oh” sound and nodded slightly. “No wonder I haven’t seen her lately.”

“Why did you suddenly ask about her?” Luo Tan asked.

“Gan Sui chatted with me and was quite kind to me, so I thought I could see her again before leaving Yu State…”

Luo Tan raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. “Thinking about other women in front of me? Are you that fickle, or is that maid truly that charming?”

Mu Zhian was stunned, then quickly recovered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. With Your Majesty by my side, I’m completely satisfied.”

He hesitated, then whispered, “Please don’t blame Gan Sui because of this, Your Majesty. I would feel guilty.”

Luo Tan nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

“I understand.”

“Can I still see Gan Sui before I leave?” Mu Zhian hesitated.

“She’s quite busy. She probably doesn’t have time to see you,” Luo Tan said softly.

“I see… That’s a pity,” Mu Zhian said with a hint of regret.

The Pill Emperor observed his every move. She looked at Mu Zhian, sensing his inexplicable charm, and raised an eyebrow.

“Now that you’ve refined the Supreme Clarity Pill, there’s still one last step for it to be truly complete.”

Luo Tan licked her lips and stepped into the bath, the medicinal water soaking her luxurious white dress.

Mu Zhian had a premonition and looked up at the woman in the bath.

“We don’t have to go back to the bedchamber.”

She placed her hand on the back of Mu Zhian’s hand, her alluring lips close to his ear.

“This place is fine, isn’t it?”