Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 392: Mu Zhian, Lord of the Heavenly Court, Descends Upon the Nine Provinces! 

The sky grew darker, and the formation seals around the Jade Pool’s ancestral land shattered layer by layer as the Heavenly Dao’s trial intensified.

Whispers spread through the Holy King City.

Most cultivators didn’t know what was happening, but among them were several Nascent Soul experts from various factions who could clearly sense the fluctuations from the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

An elder from an ancient clan looked towards the ancestral land, a look of realization dawning on his face. He sighed. “The Jade Empress has truly played a masterful game… If she succeeds in ascending today, the future of the Nine Provinces will be rewritten.”

“This wedding is a ruse. Her true goal from the beginning was to ascend to the Transcendence Realm. The wedding was a diversion, or perhaps, a way to delay the other Dao Integration experts from noticing.”

“The Jade Empress’s talent is unparalleled. If she truly ascends, she will undoubtedly leave a significant mark on the history of the Nine Provinces. But it won’t be easy…”

The whispers in the Holy King City grew louder, and the twenty or so Nascent Soul cultivators present knew that the Jade Empress’s tribulation had only just begun.

The tribulation she faced wasn’t just the pressure from the Heavenly Dao, but also the various factions lurking in the shadows.

Rumble…

Suddenly, a giant hand, seemingly covering the sky, descended from the distance, reaching towards the Jade Pool’s ancestral land, carrying a terrifying killing intent!

“Jade Empress, it’s not too late to stop now.”

A gentle, calming voice accompanied the attack, yet filled with murderous intent.

As the voice echoed above the Holy King City, the hearts of many cultivators in the Eastern Continent sank.

Someone from the Southern Wilderness had finally made their move.

Boom!

The formations outside the ancestral land were struck, and the ground trembled violently.

Even from a distance, many cultivators felt their consciousnesses shaking.

“This is a true Dao Integration expert. The evil gods of the Southern Wilderness have special constitutions. Although they are few in number, each is far stronger than ordinary cultivators, especially the Sky God…”

Many cultivators in the Holy King City were shocked by the Sky God’s attack, their bodies trembling.

However, this attack from a Dao Integration expert still couldn’t break through the formations around the ancestral land.

“The Jade Empress is truly cunning, deceiving the world and confronting the heavens alone. But how many more attacks can your formations withstand?”

Another evil god spoke, its body ocean blue, seemingly made of steel, with four pairs of pillar-like wings on its back. Its crimson eyes stared at the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

“Fellow Cultivator Yao, ascending to the Transcendence Realm will bring calamity to the Nine Provinces. Turn back now, while you still can.”

A Buddhist chant echoed through the sky above the Jade Pool, and a peaceful golden light silently enveloped the ancestral land, bathing many cultivators in its warmth.

Someone in the Holy King City shouted, “Buddha’s light… There’s Buddha’s light in the west… A Buddha from the Western Regions has acted!”

Like the rising morning sun, the Buddha’s light made many cultivators subconsciously lower their guard, looking towards the west with pious, calm expressions, as if their hearts had been cleansed, filled with thoughts of repentance and converting to Buddhism.

“Be careful! The Western Regions’ techniques are strange. Don’t bow to that Buddha even if you’re injured!”

An elder from the Jade Pool reacted immediately, shouting loudly. He bit his tongue, the blood startlingly vivid, allowing him to resist the holy Buddhist chant.

“Fellow Cultivator Yao, turn back now.”

The gentle voice, accompanied by the Buddhist chant, echoed throughout the Eastern Continent, casting a shadow over the hearts of countless cultivators.

Many knew that this was just the beginning. If the Jade Empress truly intended to ascend, it would attract the attention and attacks of even more powerful beings.

Two Polarities Sect.

Behind Two Polarities Peak, smoke curled upwards, accompanied by the sweet aroma of roasted meat.

Lin Ling, dressed in a silver dress, her silver hair cascading down, knelt before a roasted crane, her face hidden as she stared at it with bright red eyes.

From the corner of her eye, she could see a pair of jade-like feet encased in black embroidered shoes, swinging leisurely.

Shang Yanfei tore a piece of meat from the golden-brown roasted crane on the table and took a bite.

“It seems my cooking skills have improved,” she said with a smile.

“Aaaa~” Lin Ling shook her head in disagreement.

Although her face wasn’t visible, her voice sounded like that of a woman between twenty and twenty-eight, both youthful and seductive.

“If you really like him cooking for you, why don’t you go find him now?” Shang Yanfei rolled her eyes at Lin Ling.

Lin Ling shook her head and whispered, “Aaa (He’s busy).”

Then, she wrote on the table: He’s getting married. Aren’t you sad?

Shang Yanfei’s eyes flickered. Before she could speak, a golden light, like the sun, descended upon Two Polarities Peak, and a Buddhist chant echoed through the mountains, reaching the back peak.

Just by looking up, one could vaguely see a golden Dharma Idol radiating a heavy pressure. Many cultivators felt an instinctive urge to kneel before it.

“Fellow Cultivator Yao, you pose a great threat to the Nine Provinces. Turn back now, for your own good and for the good of your Dao Companion.”

The Buddhist chant echoed throughout the Eastern Continent. Within the Two Polarities Sect, even some elders felt their minds wavering. On Dao Peak, an elder bit his tongue, resisting the urge to convert to Buddhism, and flew towards the main peak.

He struck the ancient bell with his palm.

Dong…

Dong…

Dong…

The ancient bell’s sound resonated through the Two Polarities Sect, each strike echoing in the hearts of every disciple. Even Tianxuan City, far from the sect, seemed to hear the ancient bell.

The bell dispelled the Buddha’s pressure, but it cast a shadow over the hearts of many.

The Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness were serious. They would do everything in their power to prevent the Jade Empress from ascending.

Shang Yanfei tore another piece of crane meat and licked the grease from her fingers.

The golden Buddha’s light enveloped the Eastern Continent, and the ancient bell’s toll resonated deep within her soul.

Shang Yanfei glanced over, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Heh.”

…

“Miss Regina, what are your plans now?”

Mu Zhian had the Jade Pool disciples who had arrived later clean up the nearby enemies. He looked down at the pale woman sitting on the ground.

“Young Master Mu was right. I was someone else’s vessel from the very beginning.”

Regina supported herself with her hands, slowly getting up, and brushed the dust from her skirt. “I’ll return to the Southern Wilderness. As long as they haven’t found Xueyi, I’ll be safe.”

“I will become the Fourth Pillar God and replace Xueyi.”

“It’s good that you’ve figured it out.”

Mu Zhian replied gently.

If he had to choose between Xueyi and Regina, he would undoubtedly support Regina.

Of course, only if she had the will to fight… It seemed she still did.

“I’ll give you the Reincarnation spiritual energy you need after Yao Meng’s tribulation,” Mu Zhian continued.

Regina’s expression was complex. “The Transcendence Tribulation… It won’t end so easily.”

The world was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the Buddha’s light from the Western Regions. Its golden Dharma Idol, immense and awe-inspiring, seemed to occupy half the sky, hidden beneath the dark clouds.

Beside the Buddha stood a strange creature with hundreds of eyes, and another similar creature stood beside it, outside the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

Other creatures from the forbidden zones were also lurking in the shadows, watching.

Just as Yao Meng had predicted, no one wanted a Human Emperor to surpass them. These forbidden creatures hadn’t acted yet, simply observing the situation.

But if they had the chance to strike, they wouldn’t hesitate.

Mu Zhian also looked up, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. “Although we’ve dealt with the internal threats, there are still external enemies.”

“The Reincarnated Empress is already in the ancestral land, reinforcing the formations. Gong Lianyue’s consciousness was awakened earlier and is also there,” Wei Mengrou said softly.

However, this wasn’t enough.

The Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions had obstructed the Jade Empress’s Dao Integration before. They wouldn’t just watch her ascend to the Transcendence Realm.

Even those who didn’t have any grudges against her wouldn’t want to see her ascend.

Even if they didn’t interfere, the Jade Empress’s chances of successfully ascending wouldn’t exceed seventy percent… No one wanted to gamble.

Mu Zhian communicated with the Primordial Witch in his mind. “If you possess my body, how long can you maintain it?”

The Primordial Witch’s pleasant voice echoed in his mind. “At most two hours, at least half an hour.”

Ever since he learned that Yao Meng was using the wedding as a cover for her tribulation, Mu Zhian had been communicating with the Primordial Witch. He knew that even if Yao Meng had set up formations in advance, it was only a matter of time before the other experts noticed.

Seemingly guessing his thoughts, the Primordial Witch reminded him, “A battle between Dao Integration experts might last for days. Even if I possess your body temporarily, it won’t be enough time.”

“But Yao Meng’s tribulation will end within half a day, right?” Mu Zhian asked.

“If nothing unexpected happens, half a day is enough. But it’s not just the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions who don’t want her to ascend. Even if your letters reach the Demon Realm and Yu State, they might not be effective. And there are other regions like Yun State that are also watching.”

“At least five Dao Integration experts will try to stop her. Even with my help, it will be difficult for her to ascend… The best outcome is for her to give up,” the Primordial Witch said.

“Besides, the rules set by the Heavenly Dao don’t include transcending the shackles of heaven and earth. Even if she stops the other experts, she still has to face the Heavenly Dao’s punishment.”

The Primordial Witch paused, then said softly, “No, to be precise… the fact that the Jade Empress is being prevented from ascending by these experts is already part of the Heavenly Dao’s punishment.”

Unlike a cultivator’s lightning tribulation, which was a test from the Heavenly Dao, the tribulation the Jade Empress faced was a punishment.

Siding with Yao Meng meant going against the Heavenly Dao.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then sighed. “So many Dao Integration experts… Even if Ruoxi awakens her other consciousness, it won’t be enough.”

“Unless there’s a power that can deter everyone in a short time.”

“Even with Gong Lianyue and you, it’s still not enough.”

Mu Zhian paused, then said softly, “Unless… there’s a power that surpasses Dao Integration, an absolute crushing force.”

“Above Dao Integration is Transcendence, and above that is Immortal Ascension. But an Immortal Ascension cultivator… is probably long gone. How could—”

The Primordial Witch’s voice trailed off, as if realizing something. She whispered, “Are you going to use that blood essence?”

Mu Zhian opened his personal interface, found the Primordial Witch’s ability, and selected the save button.

“Even if I don’t look for them, they’ll come looking for me.”

“Because once those Dao Integration experts realize they can’t break through the Jade Pool’s ancestral land, they’ll target those close to Yao Meng.”

“As for the reason…” Mu Zhian chuckled softly. “I’m the one getting married to Yao Meng today. Who in the Nine Provinces doesn’t know me? Since they can’t break through Yao Meng’s formations and want to stop her tribulation, disrupting her Dao Heart is the best method.”

“So they will definitely come looking for me.”

“Instead of waiting for them, we’ll take the initiative.”

“I’m the one who wrote the rules of the Heavenly Court. All cultivators in the Nine Provinces must abide by the rules set by the Heavenly Dao. Defying the rules of heaven and earth is defying the Heavenly Dao, and those who defy the Heavenly Dao will be punished…”

“But I’m the one who wrote the rules of the Heavenly Court.”

Mu Zhian shook his head softly. “No, I am the Lord of the Heavenly Court, so I only abide by the rules I set.”

“This wasn’t part of the original plan,” the Primordial Witch said softly.

She had initially intended for him to be able to protect himself by awakening her in critical moments, but now, things had escalated.

“Plans never survive contact with the enemy,” Mu Zhian said softly.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered as she stared at Mu Zhian.

The spiritual energy within him was becoming incredibly turbulent, and the blood essence was transforming his cauldron.

“Since it’s your decision, I’ll help,” the Primordial Witch said with a gentle smile.

Her consciousness left Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace, and the moment it met Wei Mengrou’s, the two merged within the same body.

Regina stared at Mu Zhian in surprise. The Immortal Ascension blood essence had completely fused with his body, becoming his.

Then, a beam of light pierced through the dark sky, and a staircase, emitting a captivating glow, slowly materialized.

Mu Zhian walked up the staircase, the bloodstains on his body fading, replaced by a holy golden light.

The black in his eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by dark golden patterns.

…

At that moment, outside the Jade Pool’s ancestral land, the turbulent aura caused the spiritual energy of the entire world to become chaotic.

The Ocean God had returned to the Dao Integration realm in a short time. He punched out, his fist striking the formations around the ancestral land.

However, four Emperor-grade herbs served as the formation’s core, and although they were withered, they steadfastly protected the ancestral land.

Within the ancestral land, the Reincarnated Empress and Bai Ruoxi, who had just arrived, also guarded two locations, blocking the attacks of the Dao Integration experts.

The aftershocks of these attacks alone were enough to obliterate any cultivator who approached. If they weren’t Dao Integration experts themselves, those within the ancestral land would have already perished.

“Four Emperor-grade herbs, plus two Dao Integration experts helping her… The Jade Empress has used all her resources. Do you have any solutions?” the Sky God asked, his expression unchanged.

He glanced at the ocean-blue evil god beside him, then at the golden Dharma Idol in the sky and the two Bodhisattvas sitting on lotuses beside it.

There were two Buddhas in the Western Regions, one from the Great Thunderclap Temple and the other from the Small Thunderclap Temple. The golden Dharma Idol was a technique of the Buddha from the Small Thunderclap Temple.

Besides the Buddhas, there were also many Bodhisattvas in the Western Regions. The two who had accompanied the Buddha were the Bodhisattvas of Pure Giving and Pure Affinity.

“As long as the Emperor-grade herbs remain, the formations cannot be broken. I heard that the Southern Wilderness has secret techniques that can destroy anything, yet you can’t even break a few formations?”

Not far from the powerful beings, a figure in black robes stood in mid-air, its voice indifferent.

It had used some method to conceal its identity, making it impossible to determine its gender.

“We don’t necessarily have to break the formations. Our goal is to prevent the Jade Empress from ascending, and there are other ways to achieve that besides breaking the ancestral land’s formations,” the Ocean God suddenly said with a sinister tone.

“The Jade Empress is in the ancestral land, trying to safely undergo her tribulation. What about her Dao Companion?”

“Amitabha, if we attack a disciple of the Two Polarities Sect, I’m afraid they won’t stand idly by.”

“No one is allowed to reach the Transcendence Realm. This is the rule of heaven and earth. If the Two Polarities Sect interferes, they will be defying the Heavenly Dao. That Shang Yanfei is cunning and has calculated everything,” the Sky God scoffed.

“In that case, we should follow the Earth God’s suggestion and find Mu Zhian,” the figure in black robes said.

“The Eastern Continent is vast. Finding a specific person will take a lot of effort,” the Bodhisattva of Pure Affinity sighed, clasping its hands together.

“Then we’ll have to ask the Sky God for help,” the Earth God said slowly.

The Sky God closed his eyes and chuckled coldly. “I’ll help you locate him, but capturing him is your responsibility.”

“Let’s capture him first. If the Jade Empress and those two women in the ancestral land have any feelings for Mu Zhian, they’ll be anxious…” the figure in black robes said coldly.

Within the ancestral land, Gong Lianyue’s eyes were filled with coldness as she heard their conversation, but she couldn’t leave.

After being awakened by the aura of Dao Integration, she had agreed to Bai Ruoxi’s request to protect the Jade Empress. But she hadn’t expected these old monsters, who had lived for tens of thousands of years, to target even Mu Zhian to prevent the Jade Empress from ascending.

The Sky God slowly opened his eyes.

At that moment, it was as if hundreds of eyes opened simultaneously on his body. He whispered, “He’s nearby.”

The Earth God’s eyes lit up. “Where is he? I’ll bring him to the ancestral land—”

“Are you looking for me?”

Who’s there…?

The sudden voice made the heavy atmosphere outside the ancestral land freeze.

No one expected the prey to walk towards the hunters, not even the powerful beings present.

They all looked towards the source of the voice and saw a young man in luxurious white robes walking leisurely towards the ancestral land.

“Leave Mu Zhian to the Southern Wilderness. He’s of great use to us,” the Earth God said slowly.

He knew this young man had many secrets. If they brought him back to the Southern Wilderness, he might be very useful in the future.

The Buddha said slowly, “Please, fellow cultivators, but leave him alive. Otherwise, we won’t be able to threaten the Jade Empress.”

The figure in black robes looked at Mu Zhian with great interest. “I heard that he used some special method to refine a unique pill during the alchemy competition. I want him.”

The powerful beings stared at Mu Zhian like predators eyeing their prey.

“Wait. He dared to come alone. He might be setting a trap,” the Sky God said slowly.

“It’s not too late to act after I see through his true nature.”

The Earth God chuckled. “You’ve always been cautious, but there’s no need to be so wary of a mere Core Formation cultivator.”

A Core Formation cultivator, no matter how cunning, couldn’t threaten a Dao Integration expert.

To them, Mu Zhian was like an ant, easily crushed.

But the Sky God had already activated a secret technique, his body enveloped in black mist, his countless eyes fixated on Mu Zhian.

Within the ancestral land, Gong Lianyue transmitted her voice angrily, “You can’t help here! Why did you come back to die?!”

Before she could finish, a scream echoed through the air.

The Sky God clutched his forehead, blood oozing from one of his eyes and splattering on the ground.

Gong Lianyue was stunned, and the Reincarnated Empress within the ancestral land also looked up abruptly, shock flickering in her usually emotionless eyes.

“Run… Run! Get… Get me out of here!” the Sky God stammered through gritted teeth, clutching his forehead, his voice filled with terror.

Thump! Thump!

Everyone’s hearts raced uncontrollably. The two evil gods of the Southern Wilderness paled, and the Buddha and the figure in black robes also stared at Mu Zhian in disbelief.

Chapter 391: The Transcendence Tribulation Descends 

Deep within the Southern Wilderness.

“Have you asked Regina?”

Within the Sky Palace, the hundred-eyed Sky God looked at the elder below, his voice calm.

The Grand Elder knelt respectfully. “The Holy Maiden said she doesn’t want to return for now and plans to train in the Eastern Continent for two years.”

The Sky God’s gaze was cold and merciless. “Although we haven’t found Xueyi yet, we can’t allow such an important vessel to remain in the Eastern Continent. Bring her back to the Southern Wilderness.”

The Grand Elder bowed. “I’ve already made preparations. We’ll take advantage of the chaos during the Jade Empress’s wedding and have the Southern Wilderness cultivators in the Eastern Continent bring Regina back.”

“Wedding… What a foolish woman.”

The Sky God scoffed. “She’s been at the Dao Integration realm for at least ten thousand years, yet she’s been completely captivated by a young cultivator and is even marrying him. Did her mind rot after spending a thousand years in the Pilgrimage Palace?”

“Once we find the weak point in the Jade Pool’s formations, even if the Jade Empress has reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm, we can strike during her tribulation, and then…” A meaningful look appeared on the Grand Elder’s face.

The Sky God chuckled softly, closing his eyes, and the shadow beneath his feet twisted silently.

…

Jade Pool Holy Land.

“The matters here should be resolved soon. I wonder how Brother Mu is doing…”

Ye Lingxuan looked at the commotion within the Jade Pool, sighing softly with worry.

She wasn’t worried about the internal conflict, as it was part of the plan, but if the Jade Empress’s wedding actually happened…

Imagining her beloved Brother Mu becoming a married man, Ye Lingxuan shook her head gently, dismissing the thought.

It shouldn’t happen… This is all a plan. The Jade Empress’s goal is to ascend and eliminate internal threats. The wedding is just a pretense…

“It seems I’m not needed here anymore.”

A familiar, cold voice came from behind her.

A beautiful woman in a moon-white dress stood behind Ye Lingxuan, her demeanor as cold and aloof as ever.

“How is Senior Sister doing?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

Lan Mulian smiled brightly. “First Elder Yi has already had the sect disciples clean up.”

This woman always seemed so calm and composed, her ample bosom accentuating her elegance as she stood beside Ye Lingxuan.

The Two Polarities Sect shouldn’t have interfered, but if external forces infiltrated the Eastern Continent, it was a different story.

One of the reasons the Two Polarities Sect attended this wedding was to confirm certain things.

It seemed the Eastern Continent still harbored internal threats that the Forbidden Zone hadn’t eradicated. After those people discovered that the Jade Empress had reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm, the forces behind them panicked and resorted to this desperate measure, hoping to quickly find the weak point in the Jade Pool’s formations and disable them.

Ye Lingxuan’s elegant expression turned worried. “I wonder how Brother Mu is doing…”

Lan Mulian said softly, “With the Jade Empress there, he’ll be fine.”

Ye Lingxuan glanced at her Senior Sister. “It’s precisely because the Jade Empress is there that I’m worried.”

Lan Mulian paused, pursed her lips, and fell silent.

She was right. It was precisely because the Jade Empress was there that they couldn’t be at ease…

Perhaps the Jade Empress had a good image in the eyes of the world, but those who knew her well knew that she was… scheming.

“Don’t worry. The Jade Empress isn’t with him.”

The Reincarnated Empress suddenly spoke.

Both Ye Lingxuan and Lan Mulian were stunned.

Ye Lingxuan frowned. “What do you mean? Isn’t she getting married to Brother Mu right now?”

“The one getting married to Mu Zhian is a wisp of the Jade Empress’s consciousness. Her true body isn’t in the Holy King City,” the Reincarnated Empress said.

“And Mu Zhian’s true body… isn’t at the wedding either.”

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered, as if realizing something. “Where is the Jade Empress now?”

The Reincarnated Empress didn’t answer, but looked towards the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

At that moment, both Ye Lingxuan and Lan Mulian had the same answer in their minds.

She’s undergoing her tribulation, attempting to break through to the Transcendence Realm!

“What about Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan suddenly asked.

The Reincarnated Empress hesitated, then shook her head. “I don’t know. I can’t sense his aura. He might have left the city.”

“Leave this to me. You go find him.”

A deafening voice, like a clap of thunder, echoed through the Jade Pool Holy Land, each word resonating with the power of lightning.

Ye Lingxuan bowed to the two women and, guided by the Desolate Time Lock, immediately left the Jade Pool Holy Land, followed closely by Lan Mulian.

…

In the Holy King City, the crowd watched the two figures on the high platform, the bride in her fiery red wedding dress.

Countless gazes were fixed on the wedding ceremony, oblivious to the fact that the Mu Zhian on stage was just a mindless puppet.

After obtaining the power of the ‘Imminent’ rune, Yao Meng’s World Cleansing Green Lotus had produced seeds, each capable of transforming into a human form. Moreover, for a Dao Integration expert, creating a temporary, mindless puppet was a simple task.

“Although the one getting married on stage is just a puppet, if the wedding is completed, everyone will still consider Yao Meng and me husband and wife. Either way, I’m screwed…”

Mu Zhian flew on his sword, searching the mountains near the Jade Pool Holy Land, sighing inwardly.

For the sake of a Transcendence Realm expert, Young Master Mu had paid a heavy price… After all, the entire Nine Provinces was watching this wedding. No matter what, he would probably be locked up afterward.

But he had done everything he could. The rest was up to Yao Meng…

Mu Zhian’s gaze fell on a distant mountain range.

He could sense Regina’s faint spiritual energy there. She was fighting someone.

“It seems my guess was right. The Southern Wilderness has always treated Regina as a pawn…”

Once they discovered that Regina was out of their control, they would try to bring her back to the Southern Wilderness to regain control.

“I can sense Ruoxi and the others are coming.”

Mu Zhian murmured, then turned to the shadows behind him. “Mengrou, let’s hurry. It won’t be good if things go wrong.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Regina was the perfect ally right now.

Wei Mengrou, her expression calm, emerged from the shadows and hummed softly, following Mu Zhian towards the distant mountain range.

…

Boom!

A deafening roar echoed through the gloomy sky. A vast tribulation silently enveloped the ancestral land of the Jade Pool.

A faint white light flickered in the sky.

The will of the Heavenly Dao!

Yao Meng stood barefoot in mid-air, her hair fluttering in the wind. She looked down at the world below with cold, green eyes, then glanced towards the Holy King City, a faint smile playing on her lips.

The wedding ceremony should be starting now.

Witnessed by countless people.

However, whether the wedding was completed or not didn’t matter. After all, even if they were married, he still had several other women he loved.

…In fact, it was precisely because he had several Dao Companions that things became more interesting.

Gong Lianyue, Ye Lingxuan, and the Primordial Witch… No matter who it was, after ascending to the Transcendence Realm today, wouldn’t it be easy to bring him back to the Jade Pool?

Yao Meng drew in the terrifying spiritual energy between heaven and earth, subtly influencing even the rules of the world. The spiritual energy around the Jade Pool’s ancestral land became incredibly turbulent.

If any cultivator approached the ancestral land now, they would be reduced to ashes before even setting foot inside.

However, from the outside, there were no signs of any changes within the ancestral land.

This was the formation she had prepared half a month ago. Although it wouldn’t last until the end, it could at least conceal her Transcendence Tribulation for a short time.

“Wait for me… My little room is also waiting for you.”

Yao Meng took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

The World Cleansing Green Lotus behind her bloomed like a peacock’s tail, and a golden light enveloped her, illuminating her beautiful face. Her hair, bathed in golden light, fluttered in the wind, the tips reaching her hips.

Boom!

The white light in the sky descended upon the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze throughout the Nine Provinces. The two figures getting married on stage, the countless cultivators below, and even the cultivators all over the Nine Provinces turned gray in an instant.

The rules of heaven and earth crumbled, and the Heavenly Dao’s attack descended!

Almost instantly, deep within the Southern Wilderness, a strange creature with hundreds of eyes abruptly opened its eyes.

“The will of the Heavenly Dao?!”

“No… How is this possible?”

“Isn’t she getting married in the Holy King City? Why is the will of the Heavenly Dao descending now?”

The Sky God’s mind raced, and he realized something. He said coldly, “She deceived everyone. The one in the Holy King City isn’t her true body… The Jade Empress’s true body is undergoing her tribulation in the Jade Pool’s ancestral land! She wants to ascend to the Transcendence Realm!”

Several Southern Wilderness elders below immediately stood up and bowed. The Grand Elder said respectfully, “My lord, what should we do…?”

The Sky God’s face darkened, enveloped in a thick black mist. He said coldly, “Have someone bring Regina back immediately.”

“As for the Jade Empress…”

The Sky God looked towards the Jade Pool’s ancestral land, a cold glint in his eyes.

“We’re not the only ones who don’t want her to ascend.”

…

Regina fled through the mountains.

She was nearing the Nascent Soul realm and was considered the strongest among the younger generation in the Southern Wilderness.

But being the strongest of the younger generation meant nothing to the old monsters.

She had been the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness, second only to the Sky God, but now, after politely expressing her desire to cultivate in the Eastern Continent for two years, she was being hunted by two Southern Wilderness evil gods.

Boom!

Before Regina, a seemingly young cultivator extended a withered hand, and a dark, gloomy light materialized, forming a massive Dharma Idol that blocked her path.

The Dharma Idol was immense, radiating a terrifying aura, as if containing the Dao Rhyme of heaven and earth.

Nearly a hundred cultivators surrounded Regina, a formation enveloping the space.

“Holy Maiden, take another step forward, and don’t blame me for being merciless.”

“This Dharma Idol… Are you Herbert?”

Regina turned around, her usually pale face even whiter now, as she gasped for breath, staring at the young cultivator approaching from behind.

Herbert, one of the thirteen divisions under the Sky God of the Southern Wilderness, the leader of the Clear Heart Division.

Beside Herbert stood another female evil god, also from one of the thirteen divisions, Bahar.

“Holy Maiden, if you come back with us, you’ll still be the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness,” Bahar said with a seductive smile, her arms crossed.

Regina’s lips were pale, her eyes filled with coldness. “Return with you and wait to become Xueyi’s vessel?”

“So you know,” Bahar giggled. “It’s our honor to merge with Lady Xueyi. Perhaps she’ll even spare your life and let your consciousness coexist with hers.”

“I’ve never heard of two consciousnesses coexisting after a possession,” Regina scoffed, despair rising in her heart.

She hadn’t believed that the Southern Wilderness would treat her as a vessel, even after Mu Zhian had mentioned it. She had remained skeptical.

Until she rejected their letter, and these two evil gods took advantage of the Jade Empress’s wedding to try and forcibly bring her back.

Mu Zhian was right. He hadn’t lied to her… From the moment she was born, everything she had done was for someone else.

Herbert looked into her eyes, sighing regretfully. “Since you refuse to cooperate, Holy Maiden, we have no choice but to use force.”

“Hey, remember not to damage the Holy Maiden’s body. Her Soul Reading Constitution is very valuable. Just break her limbs and bring her back,” Bahar chuckled.

A cold glint flashed in Regina’s eyes as she tried to circulate her spiritual energy, but found it completely sealed by the mysterious domain created by Herbert’s Dharma Idol.

She bit her lip, watching helplessly as Bahar reached out towards her.

Suddenly, a scream echoed from beyond the mountains.

“Who’s there?!”

Herbert’s expression changed, and he looked around sharply.

The next moment, a Southern Wilderness cultivator was thrown from the distance, crashing into the formation, lifeless.

“Miss Regina, do you believe me now?”

Herbert followed the voice and saw a figure in white robes in the distance. Bahar also narrowed her eyes, looking at the figure.

“…Mu Zhian?”

Mu Zhian walked out from the depths of the mountains, standing in the cold wind, looking at the Southern Wilderness cultivators and some from the Eastern Continent, and chuckled softly.

“What are you laughing at?” one of the Eastern Continent cultivators, who recognized Mu Zhian, asked with a frown.

“Betraying your own people for profit, even helping the Southern Wilderness… Isn’t that funny?” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Herbert’s frown gradually relaxed. “Core Formation Rank 6?”

A playful look appeared on his face. “A Core Formation Rank 6 cultivator and a half-step Nascent Soul maid, coming to play the hero?”

Bahar raised an eyebrow, giggling. “Young Master Mu, today is your wedding day. You’re not attending your wedding with the Jade Empress, but coming here to play the hero? How heartbroken she must be.”

“Oh… wait.”

A mocking smile appeared in her eyes. “The Jade Empress is currently undergoing her tribulation, trying to break free from the shackles of heaven and earth. She probably doesn’t have time for your wedding.”

Wei Mengrou frowned slightly. She said coldly, “Besides those high and mighty gods of the Southern Wilderness, who would begrudge others’ happiness?”

Herbert chuckled. “Although the Jade Empress hasn’t made many enemies in the past, no one wants to see her ascend to the Transcendence Realm, not just the Southern Wilderness, but other regions as well.”

“She suppressed the First Demon Emperor and made an enemy of the Demon Realm. Do you think they’ll miss this opportunity? What about the Western Regions? Will they let go of this chance to suppress her?”

“Her beauty is just a facade. Do you really think the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool is some celestial maiden descended from the heavens to save the world? The dirty deeds she’s done in secret might be far beyond your imagination.”

“You’re not wrong. She’s not a celestial maiden.”

Mu Zhian smiled.

The Heaven-Measuring Ruler, emitting a brilliant light, silently appeared behind him.

The mountains trembled, and the spiritual energy surged!

“Ancestral artifact?!” Bahar’s face paled as she sensed a power that didn’t belong to Mu Zhian clinging to him.

Mu Zhian raised the Heaven-Measuring Ruler and swung it gently.

Boom!

A tsunami of spiritual energy erupted, shaking the mountains. Almost all the cultivators present trembled, their souls shaking.

As the light faded, the Heaven-Measuring Ruler’s attack landed, and Herbert’s Dharma Idol crumbled like shattered stone. He coughed up blood, and Bahar also spat out a mouthful of blood, her body beginning to disintegrate.

The Heaven-Measuring Ruler’s attack, infused with countless runes and connected to the Heavenly Court, descended like divine punishment!

Pfft!

Both Herbert and Bahar spat out blood, their Dharma Idols collapsing simultaneously.

Herbert’s face was filled with shock. He was at Nascent Soul Rank 4, far stronger than Mu Zhian, and he had even used his strongest Dharma Idol, yet it was shattered by a single attack from the ancestral artifact.

“So, what does Yao Meng have to do with you?”

Mu Zhian withdrew the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, and the figure of a woman in black robes faintly appeared behind him.

“Who do you think you are?”

His expression was indifferent as he stepped on Herbert’s face, his luxurious white robes stained with blood.

“The only one who can suppress them is me.”

“Who do you think you are?”

He repeated softly.

Chapter 390: Undercurrents Surge, The Grand Wedding Begins! 

“The Primordial Witch is the Immortal Ascension cultivator?”

“But if she’s truly an Immortal Ascension cultivator, how could Yao Meng not have noticed?”

Mu Zhian murmured in disbelief, the events he had just witnessed replaying in his mind.

Suddenly, Wei Mengrou seemed to sense someone approaching outside and looked up.

“What’s wrong?”

Mu Zhian followed her gaze and saw Yao Meng standing at the doorway.

“Am I interrupting something?” Yao Meng asked, a faint smile in her green eyes as she glanced at the two of them.

Mu Zhian remained calm, shaking his head and smiling. “Mengrou has a special constitution. If we don’t see each other for too long, I’m worried her Calamity Body might act up. I’m much more relieved now that I’ve seen her.”

Yao Meng glared at him playfully. “I haven’t even said anything, and you’re already defending your maid?”

Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow, glancing at Yao Meng with a cold look in her eyes.

This is bad… Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, and he was about to speak.

However, Wei Mengrou’s calm, cold voice echoed through the room.

“Jade Empress, you’re joking. I’ve been serving Young Master since I was young, always protecting him in secret. Why do your words make it sound like I’m the one being protected?”

I’m just having a chat with Young Master. What’s the big deal?

Yao Meng raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. “I was just joking. Don’t misunderstand, Miss Wei.”

Wei Mengrou didn’t dwell on the topic and asked, “After the wedding, can you guarantee his safety? Once you start breaking through the shackles of heaven and earth, all factions in the Nine Provinces will likely make their move.”

None of the major factions in the Nine Provinces, not even the old monsters in the forbidden zones, wanted to see a Transcendence Realm cultivator emerge.

Once Yao Meng started her tribulation, she would become the focal point, regardless of her location.

And this would be the signal for those lurking in the shadows to act.

Yao Meng looked at Wei Mengrou curiously, as if seeing her for the first time. A playful smile appeared on her lips.

“You’re right. I’ll leave my husband in your care then, Miss Wei.”

She emphasized the word ‘husband,’ her green eyes gazing at Wei Mengrou with amusement.

However, Wei Mengrou remained calm, bowing slightly. “You’re joking, Jade Empress. I’m his maid. I will naturally fulfill my duties.”

She glanced at Mu Zhian coldly. “It seems you have something to discuss with Young Master. I won’t disturb you any longer.”

I didn’t expect Mengrou, who’s usually so unassuming and less skilled in… tea-making than Ruoxi, to be able to hold her own against the Jade Empress… Even Mu Zhian, despite his apprehension, couldn’t help but admire Wei Mengrou’s strength.

“You’re not even letting his maid go. As expected of you,” Yao Meng’s melodious voice came from beside him as Wei Mengrou left the pavilion.

Mu Zhian sighed helplessly.

He was actually quite surprised by how smoothly his relationship with Wei Mengrou had progressed.

After all, she used to despise him.

He opened his mouth, wanting to explain, but Yao Meng’s voice interrupted him.

“I’m not blaming you for being fickle.”

She sat beside him, smiling. “If my man wasn’t liked by any women, wouldn’t that mean he has no charm at all?”

“I’m happy that you’re so popular.”

You’re happy that I’m popular, but would you be happy if I’m intimate with other girls…? Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

“The wedding ceremony will begin in three days. I have something to discuss with you…”

Yao Meng leaned close to Mu Zhian’s ear, her fragrance filling his senses, her soft, sweet voice echoing beside him.

Mu Zhian paused, looking into her beautiful green eyes. “You mean, you’re planning to… during the wedding…?”

He hesitated, then continued, “It’s fine even if you don’t break through. A Dao Integration expert is already invincible in the Nine Provinces.”

“Mu Zhian, I told you before, you’re my man.”

Yao Meng’s beautiful face was adorned with light makeup, and her green eyes sparkled with amusement. “My man cannot be threatened by anyone.”

“Shang Yanfei didn’t act before, perhaps because she was concerned about the peace of the Nine Provinces. A battle between Dao Integration experts could destroy everything. But if I ascend to the Transcendence Realm, I won’t have such concerns.”

“Besides, Dao Integration experts are still bound by the Heavenly Dao. In the next ten thousand years, if the rules of heaven and earth change again, the Day of Rest might arrive, and there will be no more Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces.”

The Day of Rest, as recorded in ancient texts, was a great cleansing that occurred once every few hundred thousand years, a consequence of the evolution of the rules of heaven and earth. When the Day of Rest arrived, there would be no more Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces.

Mu Zhian was silent for a long time, then said, “I’ll help you.”

Yao Meng smiled brightly. “I believe in your abilities.”

Her words sounded strange. One was a Dao Integration expert about to ascend to the Transcendence Realm, and the other was a mere Core Formation cultivator. Yet Yao Meng seemed to genuinely believe in Mu Zhian, without a hint of mockery.

A celestial mist suddenly enveloped Yao Meng.

“Yao Meng, your attire…”

Mu Zhian was stunned, staring at her with a mixture of surprise and fascination.

Yao Meng’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Do I look good?”

She was now dressed in a fiery red wedding dress, her hair cascading down to her calves. The red attire accentuated her figure, and her lips were adorned with alluring rouge. Her delicate, jade-like feet were encased in red embroidered shoes.

A red veil covered her head, and her fair skin was dazzling, like a jade carving, both ethereal and sensual.

She traced the outline of her dress with her red-tipped finger, her lips curling into a playful smile as she reached the hem and gently lifted it…

A glimpse of her fair leg was revealed, incredibly alluring.

“Do I look good?” Yao Meng asked with a smile.

“It suits you very well. You’re beautiful,” Mu Zhian said sincerely.

“If you like it, I can wear it for you again after the wedding.”

She saw the desire in his eyes, her cold voice carrying a hint of seduction, a joyful smile playing on her lips.

She gently took Mu Zhian’s hand and placed it on her slender waist, leaning closer and whispering in his ear in a voice that made his bones tingle,

“Don’t be so reserved. Do as you please~”

A brief silence fell over the pavilion, followed by the soft rustling of the red wedding dress against skin…

…

Half an hour later, Mu Zhian, refreshed, got dressed. Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly said, “Will ascending to the Transcendence Realm really make you an enemy of the world?”

Yao Meng, clutching the blanket, her hair scattered messily across her shoulders, said softly, “Most people… even if they’re not enemies, wouldn’t want someone to surpass them.”

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t need to resort to such… special methods to ascend,” Yao Meng said.

“How confident are you about ascending this time?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Forty percent.”

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Even with the seat in the Heavenly Court, you only have forty percent confidence?”

Yao Meng elegantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “If it were a normal tribulation, I would have seventy percent confidence, but I have to consider external interference.”

Mu Zhian understood. Dao Integration was different from the Transcendence Realm. Last time, when she reconstructed her body, even if she achieved Dao Integration, others were also at the Dao Integration realm, so it didn’t matter.

But if she found a way to break through and ascend… even those who didn’t have any deep grudges against her might interfere.

“What if the Demon Realm and Yu State don’t interfere?” Mu Zhian asked.

Yao Meng frowned slightly. “Then it would be sixty percent… But the Demon Realm has become increasingly aggressive these past few years. The Demon Empress has a subordinate who’s just a step away from Dao Integration. He probably won’t just stand by and watch—”

“As for Yu State, I haven’t met Luo Tan many times, so I don’t know her well, but she probably wouldn’t want me to ascend either…”

Mu Zhian said softly, “I understand.”

After chatting with Yao Meng for a while, Mu Zhian excused himself and prepared two letters in the hall.

“Senior Ye, I need your help again. With your methods, you should be able to quickly deliver these two letters to the Demon Realm and Yu State, right?”

Mu Zhian summoned the wisp of consciousness within him.

Ye Qingxin, hovering in mid-air, barefoot, looked at Mu Zhian with a hint of resentment. “You’re so kind to her… But are you sure these letters will make the Demon Realm and Yu State stand by and watch the Jade Empress ascend?”

“I’m not sure, but I have to try.”

Mu Zhian paused, looking into Ye Qingxin’s alluring red eyes, and smiled brightly. “If you were the one ascending today, I would do everything in my power to help you.”

“…”

Ye Qingxin was stunned by his sudden straightforwardness, then her brows relaxed as she took the two letters.

“Be careful while I’m gone,” she reminded him.

Mu Zhian smiled. “Don’t worry. I have ways to protect myself if necessary.”

As he spoke, the Immortal Ascension blood essence within him seemed to stir, as if boiling.

This blood essence could only be used once. After that, it would disappear.

Although it was a pity, if it could help create his first Transcendence Realm Dao Companion, it would be worth it.

…

After making all the arrangements, Mu Zhian strolled leisurely through the spacious plaza of the Jade Pool, his gaze falling on the exotic blonde beauty not far away.

Regina turned her head slightly, surprise in her eyes. “What a coincidence, running into you here.”

She looked him up and down, noticing the depletion of his Innate Celestial Furnace’s spiritual energy, and smiled faintly, teasing him. “Young Master Mu, you’re living quite comfortably here.”

“Cough.”

Mu Zhian coughed. “What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you cultivating lately.”

The smile on Regina’s face faded as she took out a letter from her bosom.

“The Southern Wilderness has sent someone to pick me up.”

Mu Zhian wasn’t surprised. He took the letter and scanned it, then said casually, “It seems the Southern Wilderness values you quite a bit.”

“You don’t seem surprised, Young Master Mu,” Regina couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Zhian shrugged. “Even the high-ranking officials within the Southern Wilderness might not know your secret, but the elder protecting you must know. So he probably informed the three Pillar Gods as soon as you left the Two Polarities Sect.”

A cold glint flickered in Regina’s eyes. “If it weren’t for this letter, I might not have completely believed what you said before.”

“They’re not comfortable with me staying in the Jade Pool alone, because they’re worried I’ll discover that I’m Xueyi’s vessel.”

Mu Zhian savored her words, then suddenly smiled. “Miss Regina, what do you think the Southern Wilderness’s reaction would be if you said in this letter that you’re not planning to return for now?”

Regina’s eyes flickered, and she remained silent.

Mu Zhian decided to add fuel to the fire. “How about we make a bet?”

“If you win, you can ask me for anything.”

“What do you want to bet on?” Regina asked.

“I know you’ve been suspecting that this is all a scheme of mine to sow discord between you and the Southern Wilderness.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Let’s bet on whether the Southern Wilderness’s past attitude towards you was because of you, or because of Xueyi.”

“By the way, if you agree, I might have to ask you to do something… unpleasant…” Mu Zhian whispered in her ear.

Regina’s eyes flickered, and she subconsciously clutched her skirt, her usual frail demeanor appearing even more pitiful.

Mu Zhian looked into her eyes, giving her time to think.

“Alright,” Regina said softly after a long silence, releasing her grip on her skirt.

“I also want to see how the three Pillar Gods will react if I refuse to return to the Southern Wilderness.”

…

In a private room on the eighth floor of a certain hall.

After meditating, Ye Lingxuan stood up and walked to the window, stretching languidly in her elaborate purple dress.

The Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone was always impeccably dressed. This dress was made from Nirvana Silk, obtained through trade with the Jade Pool, and the gems embedded in it were crafted from special spirit stones, making it luxurious and elegant.

With the arrival of winter, everyone had added a layer or two of clothing, and Ye Lingxuan was no exception.

By wearing more, she wouldn’t be… overshadowed when standing next to Sister Ruoxi.

As she stretched, her slender waist was revealed, fair and smooth.

Ye Qian sat nearby, hugging her knees, blushing as she read the “Art of Managing Your Husband,” her ample bosom pressed against her knees, feeling both shy and eager to continue reading.

“Qian’er, the ‘Art of Managing Your Husband’ often says that high-status and beautiful girls are more attractive to men, but after attracting them, you need to know when to be gentle and when to be firm. When should you be gentle, and when should you be firm?”

“And do boys really like girls just because of their background?”

Ye Lingxuan, resting her chin on her hand as she looked out the window at the passing Jade Pool disciples, suddenly asked.

Ye Qian snapped out of her reading and thought for a moment. “Sister, you’re overthinking it. Brother Mu isn’t that kind of person. He’s given you many gifts before, hasn’t he? And he’s never asked you for any heavenly treasures.”

Ye Lingxuan glanced at her sister. “I wasn’t talking about Brother Mu.”

Ye Qian simply hummed in response, her expression dismissive.

Ye Lingxuan frowned, feeling anxious.

She stood up, about to reprimand her sister, when a knock came from the door.

Then, a familiar male voice came from outside. “Lingxuan, can I come in?”

Ye Lingxuan paused, exchanged glances with her sister, sat back down, and straightened her posture. “Yes, come in.”

The door opened, and Mu Zhian, dressed in luxurious white robes, entered the room.

“Is there something you need, Brother Mu? Don’t you need to accompany your Jade Empress?” Ye Lingxuan asked indifferently.

For a moment, Mu Zhian saw the Ye Lingxuan from their days in Tianxuan City, the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone who was polite to everyone and always maintained a certain distance.

She was always low-key, but her pride was evident.

Only after she started calling him “Brother Mu” did she gradually shed her reserved demeanor and reveal her girlish affections.

Ye Qian glanced at Mu Zhian and gave him a meaningful look.

I understand. Lingxuan is sulking… Mu Zhian walked into the room, smiling. “What’s wrong? Who upset you?”

Ye Lingxuan glared at him, crossing her long legs elegantly beneath her purple dress. “Are you asking knowingly, Brother Mu? We’ve barely seen each other since the alchemy competition.”

Mu Zhian smiled helplessly. “I’ve been in secluded cultivation since the alchemy competition. Haven’t you noticed the change in my spiritual energy?”

Ye Lingxuan, being an Innate Spiritual Body, had already sensed his Core Formation Rank 6 aura with a single scan of her consciousness, so she remained silent.

Mu Zhian took her hand gently. “I’m sorry. After the wedding, I’ll visit you and Qian’er every day.”

When comforting a girl, don’t try to reason with her. It’s better to just coax her.

Ye Lingxuan’s long eyelashes fluttered, and she bit her lip, suppressing a smile as she sensed her sister’s amused gaze. She hummed softly, feigning indifference.

“Mmm… It’s up to you, Brother Mu. After all, cultivation is very important. Don’t let trivial matters distract you.”

That’s what you say, but if I really focus on cultivation every day, you’ll probably tie me up with the Desolate Time Lock and drag me to the Forbidden Zone… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

Suddenly, Ye Lingxuan said, “I know you want to help the Jade Empress, Brother Mu. I’ll help too.”

Mu Zhian paused, as if wanting to say something.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not helping her…”

She looked into Mu Zhian’s eyes, her purple eyes flickering before she shyly lowered her gaze. “I-I just want Brother Mu to be happy.”

Seemingly embarrassed, Ye Lingxuan quickly changed the subject. “So if you need anything from me, just tell Qian’er and me.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a long time, then said softly, “Thank you.”

“You’re so kind, Lingxuan. Let me hug you…”

Mu Zhian gently squeezed Ye Lingxuan’s hand, pulled her into his embrace, and then pulled Ye Qian into his arms as well.

With both sisters in his embrace, sitting on his lap, their warmth and fragrance filled his senses, making him close his eyes slightly.

These sisters, one elegant and the other charming, were both in the prime of their youth, incredibly alluring.

He looked at Ye Lingxuan’s shyly averted face, her fair neck, and her delicate features framed by her hair. He then glanced at Ye Qian, who had grown into a beautiful young woman, her bosom seemingly even larger than before.

Young Master Mu naturally deserved some credit for this.

“Let’s talk business now. Is there anything you need me to do, Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan asked softly, embarrassed by their intimacy in broad daylight.

“The wedding day is also when the Jade Pool’s defenses are weakest.”

Mu Zhian gently stroked Ye Lingxuan’s hair. “What do you think will happen then, Lingxuan?”

Although she couldn’t think clearly in his embrace, Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered with thought. “Is it time for the rats in the shadows to act?”

If that’s the case, I should ask my two uncles to clean up what wasn’t cleaned up last time.

Ye Lingxuan’s shy eyes turned cold.

…

Three more days passed uneventfully.

The wedding day finally arrived.

The Jade Pool Holy Land had become the focal point of countless cultivators in the Nine Provinces, and the Jade Empress’s grand wedding officially began!

On this day, countless cultivators went wild, regardless of whether they had harbored feelings for the Jade Empress in the past.

The main topic of conversation was the Jade Empress’s wedding.

One of the few Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces was marrying a young man, and this young man was a Core Formation disciple of the Two Polarities Sect… This news alone was enough to inspire envy.

Their age difference was vast, and many were jealous, as it seemed like an incredibly fortunate opportunity!

The Jade Pool Holy Land was quiet, as most of the disciples had gone to the Holy King City on Dragon Sparrows to witness the grand wedding.

Jade Pool elders guarded the perimeter of the Holy King City, and although some old monsters from the forbidden zones didn’t attend, they were secretly observing the event.

Several royal cities of the Jade Pool had been sealed off by the elders, and no one except invited guests was allowed to enter the Holy King City.

“Although I know this isn’t a real wedding, it still feels strange,” Bai Ruoxi said, looking at the vast, empty plaza, her voice filled with complex emotions.

Beside her stood a beautiful woman in a red cheongsam, her demeanor alluring and seductive.

Lan Feiying looked up, her charming eyes calm. She smiled faintly. “If the Jade Empress truly ascends to the Transcendence Realm, the future of the Nine Provinces will be rewritten.”

“I don’t know about the Nine Provinces, but if she ascends and takes Mu Lang away, we might not be able to do anything,” Bai Ruoxi said worriedly.

Lan Feiying frowned slightly, her smile fading, and remained silent.

Outsiders thought the Jade Empress wanted to get married, but the girls around Mu Zhian knew that she not only wanted to get married, but also to ascend to the Transcendence Realm.

She wanted both.

At that moment, Yu Ziyuan, the Peak Master of Dao Peak, who had come with them, suddenly asked, “Where’s Lingxuan?”

“Someone from the Forbidden Zone came today, and Sister went to deal with some matters,” Ye Qian whispered.

“But Wei Mengrou isn’t here either, and neither is Junior Sister Lan…”

Yu Ziyuan narrowed her eyes, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. She had a guess.

It seems this wedding, despite its peaceful facade, is filled with hidden undercurrents…

On the high platform, the elegant and dignified Jade Pool Matriarch walked to the front, her gentle, calm voice echoing through the Holy King City.

“Please welcome the bride and groom!”

With these words, the atmosphere reached a new climax.

Under the gazes of countless people, a woman in a red veil and embroidered shoes walked gracefully towards the high platform, along with Mu Zhian.

Within the bustling crowd, someone subtly gestured towards an ordinary-looking person in the corner.

Then, several cultivators vanished from the Holy King City in an instant.

Bai Ruoxi glanced at the two figures on stage, then turned and left the Holy King City.

The noisy chatter of the crowd gradually faded from her ears.

…

Jade Pool Holy Land.

Due to the wedding ceremony, the Jade Pool Holy Land seemed rather deserted, with only a few disciples and elders responsible for its security.

A cold wind blew, rippling the surface of the Jade Pool.

A man in black robes emerged from the shadows, his vertical pupils cold and merciless, staring at a Jade Pool disciple not far away.

Then, another cultivator silently appeared behind the man in black robes. It had the head of a beast and the body of a human, with eight pairs of spider-like wings on its back. Its wings stirred a gust of wind as it looked around with sinister eyes.

The man in black robes was about to approach the disciple when a clear, pleasant voice came from behind him.

“Brother Mu was right. Put some cheese in a trap, and the mice will come running.”

As the voice faded, the creatures in the shadows stirred. A figure emerged, its eyes filled with killing intent, and lunged towards the young woman in the purple dress.

Boom!

A sharp claw, like a blade, shot out from behind Ye Lingxuan, grabbing the creature and crushing it into dust.

“Someone from the Forbidden Zone?!”

The man in black robes’ heart pounded, sensing danger, and he turned to flee.

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re from the Wang family of the Eastern Continent, right?”

“Wang Teng, the eldest son of the Wang family?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

Another creature from the Forbidden Zone behind her looked down at the creature on the ground indifferently, lightning flickering around its body.

Seeing the ancient creature about to attack, Wang Teng’s eyes widened in fear. He quickly said, “Wait, Miss Ye! I was only following the orders of the family elders, protecting the Jade Pool Holy Land—”

Before he could finish, his consciousness was crushed by the Kunpeng.

Ye Lingxuan tilted her head slightly, looking at the Southern Wilderness evil god beside Wang Teng, who was now showing signs of retreat. She smiled faintly. “You don’t need to explain. And there’s no need to mention the Wang family or any other ancient clan to try and intimidate me.”

She turned and bowed elegantly to the two creatures from the Forbidden Zone behind her.

Screams and the splattering of blood echoed through the shadows of the Jade Pool.

“From the moment you became his enemy, your identities no longer matter.”

Chapter 389: The First Cultivator, Immortal Ascension Realm! 

“This blood essence… it really is from the Immortal Ascension realm…”

After nearly half an hour, Mu Zhian slowly opened his eyes, sensing the blood essence flowing through his body, his voice trembling slightly.

Ye Qingxin and Yao Meng’s judgment hadn’t been wrong. This blood essence definitely belonged to the first cultivator of the Nine Provinces.

The power contained within this single drop was unfathomable.

Could the person in the ancient coffin be the first immortal of the Nine Provinces…?

As Mu Zhian pondered this, he faintly heard a clear, melodious voice from outside. “May I come in?”

Mengrou?

Hearing the familiar voice, Mu Zhian immediately got up and opened the door, seeing the maid standing at the entrance.

“Mengrou, how did you know I was here?” Mu Zhian asked in surprise.

Wei Mengrou raised her chin slightly. “Who in the Jade Pool doesn’t know that Young Master Mu is favored by the Jade Empress and spends every day cultivating with her in the Returning Unity Pavilion?”

Her words sounded a bit sarcastic… Mu Zhian maintained a smile and stepped aside. “Come in.”

Inside the pavilion, the faint sound of the Divine Spring could be heard. Mu Zhian prepared a cup of tea made from Enlightenment Leaves and handed it to Wei Mengrou. “This Enlightenment Tea only works the first time you drink it. Try it, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou looked at the smiling Mu Zhian, took the tea, and sipped it silently. “You’re living quite comfortably here, with miraculous pills and beautiful women to accompany you.”

Mu Zhian gazed at her delicate profile and said softly, “Yes, I have miraculous pills and beautiful women as companions. It’s wonderful to have you here, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou: “→-→”

A shy glint flickered in her eyes as she gave him a disdainful look.

She had intended to mock him, but it felt like punching cotton.

“This tea is quite good. It seems to contain the spiritual energy equivalent to two months of cultivation,” Wei Mengrou said softly, changing the subject to hide her shyness.

Mu Zhian looked at her cold, indifferent expression and sighed. “Yes, this Enlightenment Tea is good. It’s made from the leaves of the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree. But unfortunately, it only works once. Yao Meng has been using it for foot baths lately.”

Wei Mengrou, who had just taken a sip of tea, coughed, and Mu Zhian quickly patted her back. “Are you alright, Mengrou?”

Wei Mengrou took out a handkerchief and wiped her mouth, glaring at him. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Mu Zhian smiled without answering.

She knew how mischievous he could be, but she couldn’t do anything about it.

“I was just joking. Enlightenment Leaves are rare. Yao Meng wouldn’t be so extravagant. She’s only used them twice,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

“Still for foot baths, though.”

Wei Mengrou rolled her eyes at him, the gesture adding to her icy beauty.

“By the way, why did you come alone, Mengrou? Didn’t Ruoxi and the others come to the Jade Pool?” Mu Zhian asked casually.

Wei Mengrou’s face remained cold. “I don’t know.”

Seeing her aloof demeanor, Mu Zhian poked her waist gently.

Wei Mengrou swatted his hand away. “Please behave yourself, Young Master.”

Mu Zhian poked her waist again.

As she was about to swat his hand away, he quickly grabbed it.

He smoothly pulled her closer, embracing her waist. He whispered, “It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me. It’s just the two of us now.”

Wei Mengrou pretended to struggle, trying to pull her hand away, but Mu Zhian held on tighter.

Looking at the silent beauty, Mu Zhian suddenly said, “By the way, why did you suddenly come looking for me, Mengrou? Did you just miss me?”

Wei Mengrou snapped out of her daze and gave him a cold, disdainful look. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes narrowed, a look of excitement on his face.

“What… what’s wrong?” Wei Mengrou hesitated, wondering why he was suddenly acting strangely.

“That look just now. Can you give me that disdainful look again, Mengrou?” Mu Zhian asked expectantly.

“By the way, this room has all sorts of dresses and stockings, even high heels! Can you put them on, lift your skirt, look at me with a shy expression, and say ‘Please watch me, Master’ or something—”

Wei Mengrou’s face burned, her eyes filled with shyness. She glared at him and whispered, “Scram!”

Mmm… As expected of Mengrou, even her scolding is charming.

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly, but seeing the blush on her usually cold face, he decided to stop teasing her and changed the subject. “What are you here for, Mengrou?”

Wei Mengrou gradually recovered from her embarrassment. “The Immortal-Devouring Chains guided me here.”

Mu Zhian looked at her right thigh. A black butterfly was imprinted on her fair skin, adding to her allure.

No matter how many times he saw it, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but admire it inwardly.

It’s just a pattern, but why is it so alluring…? He reached out and touched her leg, as if unintentionally.

Her skin was warm and soft to the touch, sending a shiver down his spine. Wei Mengrou’s body trembled slightly.

“And then? What did the Immortal-Devouring Chains tell you?” Mu Zhian asked, gently stroking the butterfly.

Could it be that the Immortal-Devouring Chains also miss the feeling of binding me…?

Wei Mengrou bit her lip and glared at him, whispering with a mixture of shyness and annoyance, “Let go of my hand first.”

Her eyes seemed to be welling up, her heart pounding in her chest. Although she was displeased with his boldness, she couldn’t bring herself to push his hand away.

Otherwise, with her strength nearing the Nascent Soul realm, coupled with the Immortal-Devouring Chains, it would be easy for her to subdue him.

Mu Zhian savored the soft sensation in his palm, then smiled. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard you call me ‘Master’ formally. Why don’t you try it now?”

“After all, you are my maid.”

Wei Mengrou scoffed, giving him a disdainful look. “Whether you want to hear it or not is your business. It doesn’t affect me—”

“Mmm…”

Mu Zhian smoothly embraced her waist and kissed her on the lips.

A soft moan escaped Wei Mengrou’s lips, her usually cold voice turning seductive, her body tingling.

“Don’t… What if Ruoxi and Senior Sister see us?” she mumbled, finally finding a chance to speak.

However, Mu Zhian ignored her, deepening the kiss.

Seeing that her threats were ineffective, Wei Mengrou endured the tingling sensation, placed her hands on his shoulders, and gently pushed him away.

Sensing his burning gaze, she turned her head away, only showing him her cold profile.

Then, after a long silence, she buried her face in his chest and stammered, “M-Master…”

The word felt incredibly embarrassing, and she knew her face must be flushed red.

However, despite her embarrassment, she felt an urge to snuggle closer and let him caress her.

This tingling sensation made her grip the bedsheets tightly. She peeked at him through her bangs and whispered, “Is this enough?”

“…Master.”

She repeated the word softly, her voice barely audible, but it struck Mu Zhian like a bolt of lightning.

He embraced the mature, sensual maid, pulling her closer and gently stroking her hair.

She was usually cold and distant, but now she was as docile as a kitten. This contrast was almost too much for Mu Zhian to handle.

“Did you miss me?” Mu Zhian whispered, looking down at the beauty in his arms.

Wei Mengrou buried her face deeper in his chest, a charming blush coloring her beautiful face. After a long silence, she whispered almost inaudibly,

“Mmm… I missed you.”

This is bad. I really want to be intimate with Mengrou right now… Mu Zhian’s heart pounded in his chest.

He calmed himself, suppressing his urge, and asked, “You said the Immortal-Devouring Chains led you here. Did they sense something?”

“The Immortal-Devouring Chains sensed a third wisp of the Primordial Witch’s consciousness in this pavilion,” Wei Mengrou whispered.

Mu Zhian froze, his hand stopping its caress. “So you came looking for me because you sensed the Primordial Witch’s aura?”

“But the Primordial Witch was still sleeping. She couldn’t have emitted any aura. And I’ve been refining the blood essence I obtained from the Abyss—”

Mu Zhian’s voice trailed off, and his expression slowly faded.

Wait…

That blood essence was from an Immortal Ascension cultivator, and Mengrou sensed the Primordial Witch’s aura through the Immortal-Devouring Chains while I was refining it…

The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place in Mu Zhian’s mind.

Boom!

It was as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind. His pupils constricted as he stared at the maid’s beautiful face in disbelief.

The Primordial Witch… was the Immortal Ascension cultivator?!

No, that’s impossible… Isn’t the Primordial Witch only at the Dao Integration realm? Why is she suddenly an Immortal Ascension cultivator?

A cultivator’s limit was the Dao Integration realm. Going further required breaking through the shackles of heaven and earth and ascending to the Transcendence Realm.

There was no way to reach the Immortal Ascension realm.

There had only ever been one Immortal Ascension cultivator, the first cultivator who coined the term ‘cultivation.’

She was the creator god, the only immortal.

The Primordial Witch… is an Immortal Ascension cultivator?

Chapter 388: The Primordial Witch’s Third Wisp of Consciousness 

A few days before the Jade Empress’s wedding, envoys from all over the Nine Provinces had arrived to witness the grand event.

On the roof of the Profound Moon Hall, Mu Zhian stood with his hands clasped behind his back, overlooking the ancient Jade Pool Holy Land.

A cold wind blew, his white robes fluttering in the wind. He could faintly hear the conversations of the Jade Pool disciples below.

“What’s wrong? Why are you so down?”

A seductive, melodious voice suddenly echoed in his mind, pulling him back to reality.

“Is it because you’re about to get married? But if nothing unexpected happens, this wedding might not go through.”

The biggest difference between the Dao Integration realm and the Transcendence Realm was that the former was within the rules of heaven and earth, while the latter was not, and therefore, their cultivation wasn’t restricted.

If the Jade Empress ascended to the Transcendence Realm and became the Human Emperor, the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions, who had grudges against her, would be the first to suffer.

To prevent this, their first step would be to disable the Jade Pool Holy Land’s formations, and this wedding was their best opportunity.

“Or are you worried that the Jade Empress will be too… enthusiastic on your wedding night? Judging from her attitude towards you these past few days, she shouldn’t go too far,” Ye Qingxin said teasingly.

The Jade Empress didn’t know that the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s seal had been undone. Except for that one night when Mu Zhian’s spiritual energy consumption was unusually high, the spiritual energy in his Innate Celestial Furnace had been steadily depleting.

Mu Zhian wasn’t in the mood for jokes. The cold wind blew his hair back, revealing his handsome face. He sighed softly. “Ruoxi and the others are arriving today.”

Ye Qingxin hummed in response. “Didn’t you tell them that this wedding has another purpose? They should understand, right?”

“If it were me, I would certainly understand,” she added.

I understand, I understand. Senior Ye is broad-minded, just like your… heart. The other girls around me are a bit narrow-minded… Mu Zhian understood that Ye Qingxin was praising him.

“I told them about the wedding, and they didn’t say much,” Mu Zhian said.

However, although he had told them, and they had tacitly agreed, if those hiding in the shadows were deterred by Yao Meng’s remaining power and continued to watch them get married…

Wouldn’t he be screwed?

For Yao Meng’s plan, Young Master Mu had made a great sacrifice.

“Senior Ye, do you think the Heaven-Measuring Ruler’s power is comparable to an ancestral artifact?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

“Of course. The Heaven-Asking Lock was likely a weapon of the Lord of the Heavenly Court. It can transform into the most suitable weapon based on its owner’s personality. Even without its divinity, its power is no less than an ancestral artifact.”

Ye Qingxin’s eyes were filled with doubt. “Why are you asking this?”

Mu Zhian said sadly, “I’m just wondering if the Heaven-Measuring Ruler can undo the bindings of three or more ancestral artifacts.”

Ye Qingxin: “?”

“Forget it. I’m fine.”

Mu Zhian shook off his gloomy thoughts and was about to jump down from the roof to meditate when he suddenly sensed a fragrant breeze beside him.

Although the other party was trying to conceal their aura, Mu Zhian immediately sensed the woman behind him.

He pretended not to notice, faintly hearing the soft footsteps approaching.

“Young Master Mu, are you waiting for me to ambush you? You’ve already noticed me, haven’t you?”

A soft, slightly frail voice came from behind him. Mu Zhian turned his head, but Regina had already vanished, reappearing before him in a flash.

A rose-like fragrance filled the air, and her beautiful, exotic face appeared before him, their faces so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

“Regina, when did you come up here?” Mu Zhian feigned surprise.

The beautiful woman with light golden hair smiled at him. “You’re quite the actor, Young Master Mu. You have the Chaos Body, which includes the Innate Spiritual Body. How could you not know that I came up here?”

Mu Zhian shrugged. “Since you know I have the Chaos Body, why did you bother concealing your aura?”

Regina smiled sweetly. “I just wanted to see how your Innate Spiritual Body compares to Miss Ye’s.”

Mu Zhian looked at her. Today, the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness wore a dark patterned dress, her features delicate, her eyes slightly moist, her fair skin pale, like a sheltered young lady.

The black dress accentuated her translucent skin.

“What’s wrong? Young Master Mu, you’re about to be a married man. We should maintain some distance,” Regina giggled.

Mu Zhian looked away. “Seeing that you’re doing well, I’m relieved.”

Regina was stunned, then chuckled softly. “What do you mean, Young Master Mu?”

“If Xueyi finds you, only one of your consciousnesses will survive, right?” Mu Zhian said.

“You must have been worried about this for a long time.”

Regina was silent.

Mu Zhian was right. She had been thinking about this for the past few days.

She was a ‘doll’ prepared by Xueyi. Once the three Pillar Gods found Xueyi, they would let her consciousness devour her own, and Regina would cease to exist.

“If my consciousness disappears, our agreement will be void.”

Regina chuckled softly. “You can then trade the Innate Dao Body and the Reincarnation spiritual energy with someone else.”

“Are you afraid of death?” Mu Zhian asked calmly, his expression unchanged.

She nodded slightly, then shook her head.

“Don’t worry. There are four complete Dao Integration experts in the Eastern Continent now. If you stay here, the three Pillar Gods wouldn’t dare to act openly against you. Besides, they don’t even know where Xueyi is. Even if they did, they wouldn’t dare to act rashly before Yao Meng ascends to the Transcendence Realm.”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “I didn’t expect the invincible Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness to have a cowardly side.”

“I just feel unwilling to give away the fruits of my cultivation for so many years,” Regina said softly.

“Then stay in the Jade Pool and cultivate in peace.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “I’ll ensure you’re alive until our agreement is fulfilled.”

Regina smiled silently. She wanted to say, what can you, a mere Core Formation Rank 6 cultivator, do? But then she realized that Mu Zhian was the only one in the Nine Provinces who would say such a thing to her, so she remained silent.

“I’ll be going back now.”

She turned and disappeared from the roof, walking among the Jade Pool disciples, yet appearing out of place and lonely.

…

Back in his pavilion, Mu Zhian sat cross-legged on the soft mat and opened his palm.

A drop of blood essence, emitting a soft glow, appeared.

This blood essence seemed to be from an Immortal Ascension cultivator. Besides the Demon Empress, probably no one in this world could refine it.

But Mu Zhian was an exception.

“If I refine it, I wonder if there will be any side effects…” Mu Zhian sighed worriedly.

A few days ago, just scanning the blood essence with his consciousness had made him lose consciousness and experience a ‘dream.’

If he refined it, who knew what would happen.

This was why he hadn’t refined it yet.

I wonder if this Immortal Ascension blood essence is from the same person as the one in the ancient coffin…

Mu Zhian clenched his fist, storing the blood essence back into his Innate Celestial Furnace, then looked at Ye Qingxin, who was sitting languidly on the soft mat beside him.

“Senior Ye, you don’t need to stay in my Innate Celestial Furnace to nourish your consciousness anymore? You seem to be coming out quite frequently lately.”

Ye Qingxin knew he was hinting at something. A seductive glint flashed in her eyes as she dangled her jade-like feet beneath her black and red dress, glancing at him with a faint smile.

“Don’t worry about the Jade Empress noticing my presence. She’s currently in the Profound Moon Hall, discussing her plans with the other Jade Pool elders.”

She crossed her arms, her legs crossed, and smiled. “And… you seem excited, don’t you?”

When did she develop this… NTR hobby…? Mu Zhian complained inwardly, then looked at the beauty sitting on the soft mat, his gaze lingering on her ample bosom.

He had to admit, they were truly… impressive.

Ye Qingxin followed his gaze and seemed to understand.

However, instead of avoiding his gaze, she deliberately pushed out her chest.

If you have the guts, you can try touching them. But only if you’re not afraid of the Jade Empress suddenly returning and seeing this.

Mu Zhian calmly looked away, closing his eyes and maintaining his composure.

Heh, do you really think I’ll be blinded by beauty?

…I really want to subdue her right now!

This woman had been teasing him several times while Yao Meng was away, but this place wasn’t safe, and he didn’t dare to gamble.

If this scene were to be described, it would be: Right before the wedding, the ‘bride,’ Mu Zhian, is secretly meeting and even being intimate with another person behind the ‘groom’s’ back…

Although Yao Meng had been frequently visiting the Profound Moon Hall to make plans, there was no guarantee that she wouldn’t suddenly return.

And Ye Qingxin was the type who only allowed looking, not touching, which was incredibly frustrating.

If it weren’t for the fact that even this wisp of her consciousness was at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm, he would have subdued her and spanked her…

“Forget it. I won’t tease you today.”

A playful smile flashed in Ye Qingxin’s eyes, and her brows relaxed. “The wedding is approaching, and things might get a bit chaotic these next few days. I’ll ensure your safety in secret, but you should also be careful.”

“As for whether to refine that blood essence or not, it’s up to you.”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly, remaining silent.

If he refined the blood essence, his strength would likely reach a terrifying level in a short time, but just scanning it with his consciousness had caused such severe side effects. Refining it would be even more dangerous.

“Actually, you can just keep the blood essence within your Innate Celestial Furnace.”

Ye Qingxin’s cold voice softened slightly, and she gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face. “Whether it’s for Qian’er’s sake or because our transaction isn’t complete yet, I’ll ensure your safety until you reach the Soul Transformation realm.”

“No other reason?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Ye Qingxin was stunned. As their gazes met, Mu Zhian could vaguely see golden flames dancing around her ethereal figure, making her appear holy and divine.

The red cinnabar between her brows and her alluring eyes added a touch of charm.

Ye Qingxin didn’t answer, but placed her hands on either side of Mu Zhian’s face, leaned forward, and gently kissed him on the lips.

Looking into his eyes, she smiled faintly. “As for other reasons, what do you think?”

Just as Mu Zhian was about to embrace her waist, Ye Qingxin slipped away with a playful smile.

She transformed into a streak of red light and returned to his Innate Celestial Furnace.

Winter sunlight streamed into the pavilion, and the lingering melody of the guqin created a peaceful atmosphere.

This woman really likes to play games…

Mu Zhian touched his lips, took a deep breath, and calmed himself.

Looking at the blood essence in his hand, his gaze turned cold.

He had to try, no matter what.

Perhaps by refining it, he could learn its origins.

And he needed strength to… teach Senior Ye a lesson and let her know the consequences of teasing him!

…

Outside the gates of the Jade Pool Holy Land.

“Please follow me. The Jade Empress has prepared rooms for you in the palace.”

A Jade Pool disciple in a white dress looked at the disciples and Peak Masters from the Two Polarities Sect with a respectful smile.

Ye Lingxuan smiled and asked, “Sister, do you know where Mu Zhian is now?”

Bai Ruoxi, standing beside her, also looked up, her gentle eyes so captivating that the disciple was momentarily stunned. “Young Master Mu is cultivating in the Returning Unity Pavilion where the Jade Empress is in seclusion.”

The Returning Unity Pavilion where the Jade Empress is in seclusion… Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered, then she smiled gently. “Thank you, Sister.”

The disciple suddenly snapped out of her daze, looking at Bai Ruoxi with apprehension.

She hadn’t noticed before, but this seemingly delicate woman seemed to possess a natural charm. Just a few words had almost mesmerized her.

These people are not to be trifled with… The disciple collected her thoughts, wanting to complete her task quickly.

They passed through several halls and followed a wooden staircase, led by the disciple, finally stopping at a private room on the eighth floor.

“If you need anything, just tell the disciples here,” the disciple said with a smile before turning to leave.

“Should we go see him now?”

Wei Mengrou asked softly, her usual cold demeanor unchanged.

Bai Ruoxi shook her head gently. “He should already know we’re here. Since he hasn’t come, he must be busy with something. Let’s wait a little longer.”

If Mu Zhian were present, he would probably sigh inwardly: Ruoxi is truly a good girl, so considerate and understanding.

Lan Mulian scoffed. “I’m afraid after staying here for a few days, he’s already forgotten that he has Dao Companions.”

The Jade Empress was incredibly beautiful, with an Innate Dao Body. Her every word and action carried a unique celestial charm, making her irresistible. If she used that captivating voice on Junior Brother, it would be strange if he could refuse.

She was friends with the Jade Pool Holy Maiden and knew about this special constitution.

Lan Feiying looked at her sister meaningfully, a faint smile on her beautiful face.

She transmitted her voice, “Sister, are you defending Junior Sister Bai, or are you upset that he’s neglecting you?”

Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow, her usual noble and aloof demeanor unchanged, but a coldness entered her eyes as she glanced at her sister.

Suddenly, Ye Qian seemed to sense something and turned her head, whispering, “Master is here.”

The atmosphere immediately froze, and Senior Sister Lan’s gaze turned cold as she looked behind her.

A streak of green light silently landed at the bottom of the stairs, transforming into an ethereal figure.

Bai Ruoxi looked at her with gentle eyes. “Has the Jade Empress’s plan been finalized? Why are you free to visit us?”

Yao Meng smiled. “I was just worried that you wouldn’t be comfortable here. But it seems you’re satisfied.”

Her gaze fell on the mature woman in the loose white robe behind Ye Lingxuan.

“With you here, I can rest assured.”

The Reincarnated Empress looked at Yao Meng with doubt. “Strange, your aura—”

Before she could finish, Yao Meng placed her finger on her lips, a gentle, sisterly smile on her face.

The Reincarnated Empress remained silent.

Yao Meng looked at the beauties present and smiled. “Thank you all for attending the wedding.”

“And when I undergo my tribulation, I’ll leave him in your care.”

…

Watching Yao Meng leave, Ye Lingxuan turned to the Reincarnated Empress behind her.

This woman was a ‘doll’ she had created, possessing her own consciousness. In a sense, Regina and the Reincarnated Empress were similar.

Although she was called a doll, she was no different from a human.

“What were you about to say?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

“The Jade Empress’s aura is… strange,” the Reincarnated Empress whispered.

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes were filled with doubt. “What do you mean?”

“The Jade Empress’s aura is very weak, as if she’s only at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm…” the Reincarnated Empress said.

A being like the Jade Empress, if she deliberately concealed her aura, even those of the same realm would have difficulty sensing it.

But the Reincarnated Empress was an exception.

She shared Ye Lingxuan’s constitution, the Innate Spiritual Body, which was incredibly powerful at the Dao Integration realm.

“How is that possible?” Bai Ruoxi said almost instinctively.

The Jade Empress had reconstructed her celestial body and even possessed Dao Rhyme, merging with the Dao. She couldn’t possibly be at the Nascent Soul realm.

“She wouldn’t lie to me.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at the mature, expressionless woman, her gaze lingering on her ample bosom, which was accentuated by her white robe. She murmured, “What is the Jade Empress planning?”

The girls present were secretly speculating about the reason for Yao Meng’s weak aura. Only Wei Mengrou, who had been silent in the corner, suddenly looked up towards the Returning Unity Pavilion.

Her expression was slightly dazed, and she closed her eyes briefly, as if sensing something.

“Sister Mengrou, are you alright?”

Ye Qian immediately noticed the anomaly and took Wei Mengrou’s cool, soft hand.

Wei Mengrou slowly opened her eyes and whispered, “…My third wisp of consciousness is also with him.”

Chapter 387: The Scent of the Witch 

“These… dimensions seem familiar…”

“I’m certain I’ve seen her before… but why is she appearing in my memories now?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes were hazy as he stared at the faintly visible figure before him.

He was almost certain he had met this woman before because he had a strong sense of déjà vu, as if he had seen her somewhere.

This wasn’t the usual “Have we met before?” pick-up line. He genuinely had a memory of her.

The woman’s already illusory figure began to crumble. Mu Zhian reached out to grab her wrist, but the figure shattered like glass, dissolving into bubbles and disappearing.

It’s so dark here. Who am I? Where am I…?

Mu Zhian’s mind was hazy, like a muddled mess. He suddenly forgot his identity and his whereabouts.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, he heard the sound of war drums, followed by the resounding blare of horns, and various shouts and roars.

He could also sense the vast spiritual energy of demon cultivators and human cultivators clashing.

A light seemed to pierce through Mu Zhian’s dark vision, and he abruptly opened his eyes.

The entire world was pitch black, without even a single cloud, as if the sky itself had been erased, replaced by a black vortex. Within the powerful suction force, a familiar figure was faintly visible.

“What is this place? This is too outrageous. Even a full-scale war in the Nine Provinces wouldn’t be this exaggerated…”

Mu Zhian’s gaze swept across the battlefield, littered with corpses. A glint of light caught his eye, and he looked up, seeing black chains descending from the sky, enveloping the entire battlefield.

A woman in black robes stood in mid-air, looking down at the battlefield indifferently.

“It’s her…”

Mu Zhian’s heart trembled as he stared at the woman, her name escaping his lips with difficulty.

“Mengrou…”

This must be a memory from the Immortal Ascension blood essence, an event from the past…

Was the person sleeping within that mysterious ancient coffin the Primordial Witch?

Mu Zhian’s mind was filled with questions, but as he looked up, things gradually became clearer.

“That’s right, my name is Mu Zhian… This is all a dream.”

He suddenly remembered his identity. At that moment, an unprecedented white light erupted from the black vortex in the sky.

In an instant, it was as bright as day!

An arrow slowly emerged from the white light.

The arrow was rusty, cast from bronze, and its terrifying aura silenced the entire battlefield.

Whoosh!

The arrow descended from the sky, hurtling towards Mu Zhian!

At the same time, the Primordial Witch seemed to sense something and glanced over.

The moment their eyes met, a deafening roar echoed in Mu Zhian’s mind.

Boom!

Everything before him shattered like a broken mirror.

Mu Zhian clutched his chest, gasping for breath, his heart pounding.

What was that place? Just standing there, he had felt an intense killing intent, let alone the cultivators fighting within.

His mind was in chaos. Then, he faintly heard the sound of a guqin.

The gentle melody, like a celestial tune, calmed his agitated mind.

It’s Yao Meng. She’s protecting me… Mu Zhian’s mind stabilized, and he slowly opened his eyes.

He was in a pitch-black room.

“What the hell? A dungeon?”

“…Am I dreaming again?”

He could only hear the guqin music, but couldn’t see the player. Mu Zhian shook his head violently and slapped himself twice, snapping back to reality.

He looked around, then sighed in relief. Fortunately, this wasn’t a dungeon. This was Yao Meng’s little room…

The blood essence floating in mid-air lost its glow and silently returned to his body.

Sensing something, Mu Zhian scanned the blood essence with his consciousness and was surprised to find that he could now refine it.

But wait, am I still dreaming? Why can’t I see Yao Meng?

After confirming the blood essence’s condition, Mu Zhian looked around, but couldn’t find Yao Meng anywhere.

“It seems I’m still dreaming…?” he murmured.

“Even Dao Integration experts of the same realm might not be able to hear the Jade Empress play the guqin herself. She’s truly kind to you.”

A gentle, melodious voice suddenly came from beside him.

Mu Zhian snapped out of his daze and turned towards the voice.

The Primordial Witch.

“She sat at the square table nearby, dressed in her usual black robes that concealed most of her face. However, the tight-fitting fabric accentuated her figure, giving her a somewhat austere and restrained air.”

Her fair feet were bare, and a pair of small embroidered shoes lay scattered beneath the table. Her silver eyes gazed at him calmly.

“You’re awake?” Mu Zhian asked.

The Primordial Witch pouted. “I was awakened by the blood essence you refined. I was sleeping comfortably in your Innate Celestial Furnace.”

“But every now and then, I can feel the spiritual energy in your Innate Celestial Furnace depleting significantly. You’re quite the busybody.”

She smiled at Mu Zhian, and black chains flickered within the black mist behind her.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly to hide his embarrassment and changed the subject. “Where is this…?”

He could sense that although this place looked identical to Yao Meng’s pavilion, they were clearly two different locations.

“Is this a dream?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Your way of changing the subject is too obvious.”

The Primordial Witch narrowed her eyes, but didn’t press him, simply smiling. “You can think of this as a dream.”

“Did you see something in your dream just now?” she asked.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “I did see quite a few things in another dream.”

The Primordial Witch sat up straight, gazing into his eyes.

Mu Zhian continued, “I saw you on an ancient battlefield. There were many people there, monks chanting scriptures, demon cultivators devouring living beings, and many human cultivators… Do you have any memory of this?”

The Primordial Witch shook her head gently. “I don’t have any related memories.”

It seems this wisp of consciousness doesn’t have many memories of the Primordial Witch… Mu Zhian suddenly asked, “Since you don’t have any memories, why did you choose me?”

This was a question that had been bothering him for a long time. The Primordial Witch had been waiting for him for a very long time, but she clearly had no memories of him.

The Primordial Witch didn’t answer, but gently straightened his collar.

Then, she took his right hand and, under his gaze, placed it on her chest. “Do you know how obsession is formed?”

“Obsession is born from an unwavering attachment to someone or something in one’s previous life, a desire to remember even after death. Therefore, a voice in the depths of my memory keeps reminding me.”

She smiled brightly. “It keeps reminding me that even if I forget everything, I must not forget you.”

“By the way, the Innate Celestial Furnace has been enhanced by that blood essence. I’ll be sleeping for a while. You can awaken me if you encounter any trouble,” the Primordial Witch said cheerfully.

What can you do if I awaken you? Can you lend me your power like Ye Yu’s old man…? Mu Zhian wondered inwardly.

She seemed to read his thoughts and smiled. “I can temporarily lend you my power.”

It’s really possible… Mu Zhian was surprised. “Will awakening you have any negative effects?”

“Nourishing my consciousness within your Innate Celestial Furnace is much faster than in the outside world. Even if I awaken for a short time, there won’t be any negative effects.”

“However,”

She paused, stepped closer, and placed her finger on Mu Zhian’s lips, looking up at him with a beautiful face and an elegant smile.

“This is our little secret. Don’t tell anyone else.”

Black light particles emanated from the Primordial Witch, and her figure gradually faded, as if dissolving into nothingness. Then, Mu Zhian heard the sound of shattering glass.

He abruptly opened his eyes, finding himself lying in the ancient coffin, the events he had just experienced replaying in his mind.

The ancient battlefield in his vision didn’t seem to be in the Eastern Continent, and the Demon Realm was filled with blooming Purple Sun Flowers, so it wasn’t the Demon Realm either…

He had seen people in various strange attires on the battlefield, clearly from all over the Nine Provinces. Most were at the Qi Condensation and Core Formation realms, led by Nascent Soul cultivators.

He had also seen Dao Integration experts above them… Such a large-scale battle, yet there were no records of it in any ancient texts.

Was it just a dream?

No, if it were just a dream, it was too real, and the Primordial Witch’s lingering fragrance still clung to him.

Mu Zhian took a deep breath and sat up, hearing a gentle voice beside him. “Finally awake?”

He turned and saw Yao Meng, dressed in a green dress, sitting beside the guqin, her fingers plucking the strings, a melodious tune filling the room.

Mu Zhian rubbed his forehead. “How long was I unconscious?”

“About half a day.”

Yao Meng stood up and walked over, her voice gentle and calming, like a celestial melody or a summer breeze.

“You were unconscious after being affected by the blood essence, but I saw that you weren’t in any danger, so I played a calming tune for you.”

“Thank you,” Mu Zhian said sincerely.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He had known Yao Meng for so long, but he had subconsciously overlooked the fact that she was the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool. Not only did her guqin music have a calming effect, but even her words contained a celestial charm, like ripples spreading across a lake.

Sensing his gaze, Yao Meng tilted her head slightly. “What’s wrong?”

Mu Zhian shook his head. “Nothing. I’m just so used to being with you that I rarely see you use your Dao Rhyme.”

Every generation of Holy Maidens from the Jade Pool Holy Land had a natural charm, partly due to their Dao Rhyme.

Their words inspired goodwill, and their celestial music could even make people submit.

Yao Meng glanced at him, smiling. “My own charm is enough. Why would I need Dao Rhyme?”

Then, as if remembering something, a playful smile appeared on her face. She leaned closer to his ear, her voice, infused with Dao Rhyme, echoing softly through the room.

“Or do you like this kind of… tune?”

Mu Zhian’s heart raced, but he shook his head reservedly. “I’m not that kind of person.”

“Heh.”

Yao Meng’s lips curled into a playful smile. “Are you saying you weren’t even slightly moved?”

Mu Zhian nodded seriously. “Of course.”

Despite his words, a clean, beautiful woman standing before him, breathtakingly beautiful from every angle, it was impossible not to be moved.

Moreover, he had been teased by Yao Meng yesterday, and today, when he went to the depths of the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree with Regina, he had seen Lina bound by the World Cleansing Vines…

Sensing his heated gaze, a blush crept onto Yao Meng’s face, but she feigned indifference. “Did that woman tell you everything?”

“The Southern Wilderness wants to resurrect the Fourth Pillar God, and Regina is the vessel prepared by the Goddess of Space,” Mu Zhian said.

Yao Meng frowned slightly. “How could they be so united? If Xueyi is reborn, the Southern Wilderness will indeed become unprecedentedly powerful, but the status of the three Pillar Gods will also decline significantly.”

Mu Zhian asked, “Is the Fourth Pillar God really that strong?”

“It is said that Xueyi is the only god who has seen the founder of the Southern Wilderness. Perhaps she left Regina’s body behind because she found a way to increase her power…” Yao Meng said softly.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. “She also wants to ascend to the Transcendence Realm?”

Yao Meng nodded slightly. “Perhaps.”

“But the Southern Wilderness doesn’t know where the Fourth Pillar God is, so there shouldn’t be any major problems in the short term.”

Mu Zhian hummed in response and took Yao Meng’s cool, soft hand. “We should be more concerned about you now.”

He stood up, gently pressing on her shoulders, and guided her to sit on the soft mat behind her.

A smokeless charcoal fire burned brightly in the spacious room.

Yao Meng sat with her legs curled beneath her, her thin, green dress hinting at the fair skin beneath. The candlelight illuminated the curve of her bosom.

Seeing Mu Zhian approach, his desire unconcealed, a shy glint appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes. But as he leaned down to kiss her, she paused, a puzzled look on her face. “Where’s that fragrance coming from?”

The atmosphere in the room froze.

Yao Meng looked up and sniffed Mu Zhian, detecting a faint fragrance that didn’t belong to him.

Mu Zhian was also puzzled. “You’ve been with me all day. If there was a fragrance, wouldn’t we both know?”

That’s true. She had been with him all day. No one should have been able to approach him without her noticing.

Is it an illusion…? Yao Meng wondered inwardly.

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred as he remembered something.

Speaking of which, I talked to the Primordial Witch in my dream, and she was close to me. Could it be from then…?

If that’s the case, I wasn’t dreaming before. I really did talk to the Primordial Witch…

Seeing Yao Meng’s thoughtful expression, Mu Zhian had a bad feeling. He leaned down and buried his face in her embrace.

Yao Meng seemed to have realized something. “Could it be that the seal on one of the consciousnesses in the Innate Celestial Furnace has been undone… Mmm~”

She suddenly covered her lips, looking down at the young man in her arms with loving eyes. “I haven’t finished talking to you about important matters.”

Her gentle voice, seemingly complaining, sounded like a girlfriend’s coquettish whine.

Mu Zhian placed his hands on her shoulders, and with a gentle push, Yao Meng fell back onto the bed, her eyes moist as she looked at the ceiling beams, her delicate feet tensing beneath her dress.

“There’s nothing more important than this right now. My Eight Chaos Dream Scroll is about to advance to the next level. Then, I’ll be able to fight even Nascent Soul cultivators,” Mu Zhian said softly, looking down at the beauty in his arms.

Yao Meng bit her lip, trying to maintain her composure. “Listen to me first. After the wedding, I’ll clear everyone out of the Holy King City and attempt to break through to the Transcendence Realm. The people of the Jade Pool will take you to the ancestral land.”

“So the ancestral land is your backup plan?” Mu Zhian murmured.

Yao Meng hummed in response.

Mu Zhian looked at Yao Meng’s beautiful face and suddenly smiled. “I want to use the backup plan now. Will you take me to the ancestral land later?”

Yao Meng was stunned, not understanding.

Then she saw the burning desire in his eyes.

She glared at him playfully and turned her head away shyly, a charming blush coloring her cheeks.

Under the dim candlelight, the Jade Empress of the Jade Pool Holy Land appeared shy and inviting, no longer the teasing older sister. She pursed her lips, a playful pout on her face, her long eyelashes fluttering.

There was probably no more captivating sight in the world. Mu Zhian gently turned her face towards him, gazed at her breathtaking beauty, lifted her chin, and kissed her soft lips.

Yao Meng’s eyelashes fluttered, her fingers twitching slightly before she wrapped her arms around his waist, the blush on her face deepening.

…

Time passed quickly, and several days went by.

As the wedding day approached, the Holy King City became even more lively, filled with people in various attire.

Only the demon cultivators of the Demon Realm were absent.

They were probably still debating whether to awaken the Demon Empress.

On this day, the Peak Masters and elders of the Two Polarities Sect, along with several disciples, arrived at the Jade Pool Holy Land…

Chapter 386: Mu Zhian, Memories Awakened 

The next morning.

In a small pavilion, Mu Zhian awoke from an exhausting sleep and tested his arms, finding no restraints.

He glanced around the room. The ancient coffin he had obtained from the Abyss was still there, and the World Cleansing Vines from last night had vanished without a trace.

Various strange items hung on the walls.

“It seems I wasn’t locked up. Thank goodness…” Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Yao Meng had seemed displeased yesterday, she had been rational… At least she hadn’t used the unspeakable ball on him, but had simply chatted with him for a while.

“Finally awake? I thought I went too far last night.”

A gentle voice, like a celestial melody, came from nearby.

Yao Meng.

Mu Zhian turned his head slightly and saw her sitting at the square table beside the bed. Candlelight illuminated the room, casting a warm glow on her fair skin.

Mu Zhian’s gaze lingered on her, and the perfect curve of her hips as she sat on the table.

“You’re not angry anymore?” Mu Zhian asked.

He sighed inwardly with a hint of regret.

He had expected Yao Meng to do something after restraining him with the World Cleansing Vines last night, but instead, the vines had absorbed his spiritual energy while she sat beside the bed, chatting with him and watching the show.

Is she playing some kind of edging game with me…?

“If I were truly angry, I wouldn’t be sitting here chatting with you.”

Yao Meng glanced at him. “I know about the Innate Celestial Furnace. If you had really dual cultivated with Luo Tan, you wouldn’t be at Core Formation Rank 6, but at the Nascent Soul realm.”

Mu Zhian was shocked. He sat up, supporting himself with his hand. “Is the Innate Celestial Furnace really that powerful? The spiritual energy I gave others, cough… the spiritual energy I gave you from my Innate Celestial Furnace didn’t seem that exaggerated.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace constitution itself isn’t that strong, and the enhancement it provides to others isn’t much.”

Yao Meng dangled her jade-like feet beneath her green dress. “Normally, a cultivator can’t help another cultivator’s cultivation. Even with secret techniques that transfer spiritual energy, the amount is limited.”

“But the Innate Celestial Furnace is an exception… especially a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace.”

“If you dual cultivate with a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace for the first time and receive their spiritual energy and a drop of their blood essence, the amount of spiritual energy you gain will be incredibly vast.”

It seems Luo Tan wasn’t lying. If I dual cultivated with her, I could really reach the Nascent Soul realm directly… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

Assuming I reach the Nascent Soul realm earlier and then dual cultivate with her, I could probably advance by two or three ranks, because she’s a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace…

Yao Meng raised her chin slightly. “However, in this world, the only Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace is Luo Tan.”

“Although you’re also an Innate Celestial Furnace, she wouldn’t normally notice you.”

But she not only noticed me, but she’s also attracted to me… Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “After all, I’m only at the Core Formation realm. The enhancement from my Innate Celestial Furnace isn’t very significant.”

Currently, his Innate Celestial Furnace wouldn’t provide much benefit to Luo Tan, but Yao Meng clearly hadn’t expected the Pill Emperor to choose him while he was still at the Core Formation realm.

“Wait… If it wasn’t because of Luo Tan, why did you tie me up last night?” Mu Zhian suddenly realized something.

Yao Meng twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “You left me alone in the Jade Pool and went to the Two Polarities Sect with your little girlfriend, riding a Dragon Sparrow. Can’t I even get a little angry?”

She had been immersed in the joy of potentially breaking through to the Dao Integration realm, wanting to share her happiness with Mu Zhian, but when she opened her eyes… he was gone.

Mu Zhian said sincerely, “You were in secluded cultivation, Ruoxi came all the way to see me, and I had to participate in the alchemy competition. I had no choice but to leave.”

“I know. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be sitting here talking to me now.”

Yao Meng’s green eyes gazed at Mu Zhian, filled with alluring charm. “Bai Ruoxi is your Dao Companion. Since she wanted to see you, I couldn’t say anything.”

Mu Zhian remained silent, thinking that if he said he wanted to bring Ruoxi to the Jade Pool to accompany him, the World Cleansing Vines would probably reappear.

“You don’t want to get married?” Yao Meng suddenly asked.

Mu Zhian: “…”

He was actually quite conflicted about this. He wasn’t against the wedding. After all, imagine Yao Meng in a red wedding dress, with her beautiful skin…

Yao Meng suddenly smiled. “Actually, this wedding might not happen.”

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Didn’t you say yesterday…?”

Yao Meng stood up, hovering in mid-air, her tall, graceful figure faintly visible through the mist, her eyes playful. “I was just joking. I’m not Shang Yanfei. How could I predict what will happen in the future?”

“But whether the wedding happens or not, at least I can get rid of those pesky rats.”

She continued, “I don’t really care about ascending to the Transcendence Realm, but if I can use this opportunity to catch the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions red-handed, I can deal with those involved after my ascension.”

“Those involved?”

Mu Zhian seemed to have realized something. “You mean those who obstructed your Dao Integration?”

Yao Meng shook her head. “Not just those who obstructed me, but also those who almost caused your death in the Jade Pool.”

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred. No wonder Yao Meng was holding this wedding to eliminate internal threats.

Ascending to the Transcendence Realm was just an excuse. The more important reason was to have justification for her actions afterward.

If anyone interfered with her ascension, she could settle old and new scores with them.

“If there’s a conflict between Dao Integration experts, the Eastern Continent might descend into chaos,” Mu Zhian said softly.

Yao Meng said calmly, “After ascending to the Transcendence Realm, my strength won’t increase much, but I’ll be free from the rules of heaven and earth and can unleash my true power.”

“If I ascend, I’m confident I can suppress them.”

She chuckled softly. “And if the Eastern Continent truly descends into chaos, she will take care of it.”

“As for me…”

Yao Meng paused, looking into his eyes. “I only need to remove the obstacles in your path.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a long time, then said, “Thank you.”

“You’re that confident in Sect Master Lin?” he asked.

He didn’t know who Yao Meng was referring to as ‘she,’ but his first thought was Sect Master Lin.

“Why do you think the Spiritual Dragon was able to defy the rules of heaven and earth and affect the entire Southern Wilderness with her word spirit ability that day?”

Mu Zhian hesitated. “You mean, Sect Master Lin protected Sister Lin Ling and shielded her from the rules of heaven and earth?”

Yao Meng caressed Mu Zhian’s face, her eyes a mixture of innocence and allure. “Shang Yanfei might not have ascended to the Transcendence Realm, but she’s definitely beyond the rules of heaven and earth.”

Mu Zhian murmured, “So the biggest difference between the Transcendence Realm and Dao Integration is that Transcendence Realm cultivators are beyond the rules of heaven and earth and can use their power without limitations.”

“If that’s the case, if Mengrou reaches the Dao Integration realm, wouldn’t she have the strength of a Transcendence Realm cultivator…?”

Yao Meng said softly, “Perhaps.”

“My loved ones have all perished throughout the ages. Whether it’s the Southern Wilderness or the Western Regions, I don’t want to see anyone I care about get hurt again.”

She paused, then said seriously, “Especially my man.”

Mu Zhian looked into her green eyes, then looked away, remaining silent.

“So you can also be shy?”

Yao Meng looked at his profile, a playful smile on her lips. “There’s still half a month until the wedding. Stay here and cultivate in peace. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“I can’t cultivate right now.”

Mu Zhian sighed. “I have to take Regina to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree first.”

Yao Meng frowned. “I’ll handle that. You can stay here and cultivate.”

Mu Zhian shook his head. “You’ve done so much for me. I can’t just stand by and watch.”

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered, her expression softening, then a playful smile appeared. “You’re just worried that I’ll tie you up with the World Cleansing Vines before I leave, aren’t you?”

As expected of Yao Meng. She really understands me… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

“Don’t worry. I’m not unreasonable. I won’t be like your little girlfriends, wanting you to stay by my side all the time.”

Yao Meng glanced at him. “I’ll go to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree with you and protect you.”

Mu Zhian looked at her tall, alluring figure, hesitation in his eyes. “Are you going dressed like that?”

Her dress was too thin. It was fine to wear it inside, but it would be inappropriate to go out like this.

“I’ll change, of course—”

Before Yao Meng could finish, Mu Zhian said sincerely, “I actually prepared a dress for you. You can try it on and see if it fits.”

He rummaged through his storage ring and took out a black dress that reached her thighs, a pair of black stockings with a beautiful pattern, and a pair of high-heeled ankle boots.

Yao Meng glared at him. “Why do you carry these things with you?”

Mu Zhian coughed lightly. “Besides cultivating, I also had someone make a dress a while ago. I didn’t expect it to fit you so well.”

“Heh, are you saying you didn’t make it specifically for me?”

Even the usually elegant and gentle Yao Meng couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him.

What do you mean ‘a while ago’? This dress and stockings were clearly tailored to her figure. He had clearly planned this from the beginning.

Yao Meng gently stroked Mu Zhian’s hair, her eyes downcast. “Do you really like me dressed like this?”

Mu Zhian shrugged. “I like you no matter what you wear. You look great now, but I just want to change things up occasionally.”

“You’re quite honest~”

A beautiful smile appeared on her face, her green eyes playful. “We’ll talk about it after we get back.”

…

After leaving the pavilion, Mu Zhian found Regina and took her to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree.

Yao Meng was already waiting for them outside. “I won’t enter the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree with you, but I’ll send a wisp of consciousness to follow you. I’ll send you out of this pocket dimension in half an hour.”

Regina raised an eyebrow. “Young Master Mu, you’ve been refusing to tell me why you brought me to the Jade Pool. Can you tell me now?”

Mu Zhian smiled, deliberately keeping her in suspense. “Come inside with me, and you’ll find out soon.”

Intrigued, Regina followed him into the pocket dimension.

Soon, they reached the depths of the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree. When Mu Zhian pushed open the heavy door, they saw a woman in a black dress, bound by green vines.

The sudden influx of light made the woman squint slightly, then she slowly looked up.

“Mu Zhian…”

Lina whispered, then her gaze fell on the blonde beauty beside him.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Lady Regina!”

When Mu Zhian had said he knew Regina, Lina had been skeptical.

After all, how could a cultivator from the Eastern Continent be connected to the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness?

But now, Regina was standing right before her eyes…

“Miss Lina, can you confirm my relationship with Regina now?” Mu Zhian smiled, looking at the woman in the black dress.

Mmm… She looks so alluring bound by the World Cleansing Vines.

I should have Yao Meng try this…

Lina quickly calmed herself and nodded slightly. “Although I don’t understand how a cultivator from the Eastern Continent is connected to Lady Regina, you weren’t lying before.”

“The Southern Wilderness colluded with the First Demon Emperor and attacked the Jade Pool Holy Land, not only to prevent Yao Meng from achieving Dao Integration, but also for another purpose, right?” Mu Zhian asked, staring into Lina’s eyes.

However, Lina remained silent, glancing at Regina.

Regina glanced at Mu Zhian. “It’s fine. You can tell her.”

If it were before, Regina might have hesitated, concerned about the secrets of the Southern Wilderness. But now, knowing that she was born as a vessel for someone else, and all her cultivation efforts were for naught, a subtle change occurred within her.

“The Sky God is searching for Lady Xueyi, hoping for her rebirth,” Lina revealed the truth.

Mu Zhian didn’t lie to me… Regina’s eyes flickered. “The relationship between the Four Pillar Gods isn’t as harmonious as it appears. Why would they go through so much trouble?”

Just to strengthen the Southern Wilderness…?

It was impossible. Those gods weren’t united against a common enemy.

There must be something I don’t know… Regina collected her thoughts and looked at Mu Zhian. “Young Master Mu, what will happen to Xueyi?”

“Yao Meng said that the seal she placed on the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree won’t last long. It will undo itself eventually.”

Mu Zhian looked at the woman bound by the green vines. “Until then, let her stay here.”

Regina looked at Lina and nodded silently.

Regardless, Lina had come to the Eastern Continent under the influence of the Southern Wilderness. Being able to survive was already a good outcome.

After all, the other Southern Wilderness cultivators who had come to the Eastern Continent had their consciousnesses erased by the Jade Empress.

…

Mu Zhian closed the heavy door and looked at the woman in the light golden dress beside him.

“What are your plans now? Are you going back to the Southern Wilderness?”

Regina said softly, “If I return to the Southern Wilderness now, I might cease to be myself after Xueyi returns.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a long time, then comforted her, “Or you can stay in the Eastern Continent. If you reach the Dao Integration realm, you won’t have to worry about this anymore.”

Regina chuckled softly. “The cultivation system of the Southern Wilderness is very complex. Even if the rules of heaven and earth change and allow Dao Integration experts to appear, it’s impossible for another one to emerge in the Southern Wilderness.”

“Unless one of the Four Pillar Gods dies.”

Mu Zhian paused, then realized something. “I heard that the Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system is different from anywhere else in the Nine Provinces, and their cultivators cultivate much faster… Is this the price?”

Without the death of a Pillar God, no new Dao Integration expert could emerge.

The Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system is similar to the ‘seats’ of the Heavenly Court…

“Did the Four Pillar Gods deliberately impose this restriction to control the Southern Wilderness?” Mu Zhian wondered.

He mounted the Dragon Sparrow and extended his hand to Regina.

Regina took his hand and jumped onto the Dragon Sparrow’s back, a rose-like fragrance emanating from her.

She shook her head. “The Four Pillar Gods didn’t impose this restriction. The Southern Wilderness wasn’t created by them. Its cultivation system was passed down by a mysterious woman long ago.”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred. “Could the black mist secret technique also be left behind by that woman?”

One of the secret techniques of the Southern Wilderness was the black mist, which could conceal one’s aura and even shield them from heavenly secrets for a short time.

“I don’t know. Even the ancient texts of the Southern Wilderness don’t record the events of that time,” Regina shook her head.

She seemed distracted, still thinking about what Lina had said.

Mu Zhian didn’t disturb her. She was intelligent. She would soon decide whether to become a vessel for Xueyi or to resist.

After sending Regina away from the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree, Mu Zhian flew straight back to his pavilion.

He entered the room, pondering the events of the day.

The Southern Wilderness wasn’t created by the Four Pillar Gods, but by a mysterious woman… If the black mist was also left behind by her, then the Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system might have been created by the Primordial Witch.

“Although I like being a kept man, the mysteries surrounding Mengrou are a bit too much.”

Mu Zhian sighed and sat on the soft mat, opening his palm. A drop of blood essence, emitting a terrifying aura, appeared.

It was the Immortal Ascension blood essence he had obtained from the Abyss.

He had thought he could give it to one of the girls around him, but in the past half month, he had tried with everyone, including Wei Mengrou, but no one could refine it.

“Is there something wrong with my method, or is this blood essence simply impossible to absorb?”

Mu Zhian looked at the blood essence in his hand. “I’ve tried every method, but none of them can absorb it…”

“Immortal Ascension blood essence… If it could be refined, it could probably boost one’s strength to a terrifying level.”

Mu Zhian sighed.

Unfortunately, he still had no idea how to use it.

“What’s wrong? Why are you sighing alone in your room?”

A bright, charming figure silently appeared in the room, accompanied by a gentle voice.

Mu Zhian opened his palm, revealing the drop of blood essence.

He sighed. “I thought the Innate Celestial Furnace could refine anything and transfer it to others, but I’ve tried several times, and it can’t refine this blood essence. Similarly, no one else can refine it either.”

Yao Meng walked over and sat beside the bed, looking at the blood essence in his hand with curiosity. “You’ve tried with everyone around you?”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly.

Then, realizing something, he explained, “I just wanted to test whether this blood essence could be absorbed by others—”

Before he could finish, Yao Meng interrupted, “Have you tried it yourself?”

Mu Zhian was stunned, looking up at her.

Then, he shook his head helplessly. “I can’t actively use anything within my Innate Celestial Furnace.”

He reached into her dress, embracing her slender waist and gently kneading it, gazing at her. “Speaking of which, you haven’t tried it yet…”

Yao Meng rolled her eyes at him.

Just say you want to dual cultivate. Why beat around the bush…?

“If it can’t be refined by the Innate Celestial Furnace, it means you can actively use it, right? You can try it first. If it doesn’t work, I can try later,” Yao Meng said.

That’s true. I’ll try it first. If it doesn’t work, I’ll have Yao Meng try it when we dual cultivate later…

As Mu Zhian thought this, he continued to knead Yao Meng’s waist, his consciousness casually scanning the Immortal Ascension blood essence.

As expected of an ‘immortal’ beyond this world, when his consciousness scanned the blood essence, he couldn’t sense any spiritual energy within it.

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “I told you, it definitely won’t work—”

His voice suddenly trailed off.

A torrent of memories flooded his mind, almost overwhelming his consciousness. His vision went black, and a wave of dizziness almost made him fall to the ground.

Then, within the endless darkness, a figure faintly appeared.

Mu Zhian fought against the dizziness, clutching his forehead and slowly looking up.

…It was a woman.

A woman who looked familiar, yet strangely unfamiliar.

Chapter 385: Was I Too Gentle Before, Or Are You Just in Your Rebellious Phase?

Within the main hall.

A Jade Pool disciple left to receive Mu Zhian. Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, suddenly asked, “There’s still half a month until the Jade Empress’s wedding. Will she be in secluded cultivation during this time?”

Yao Meng’s lips parted slightly, her cold voice carrying a hint of gentleness. “The formations in the Jade Pool are now complete. I don’t need to do anything else for now.”

She looked at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden. “Yao Yue, come with me.”

Before anyone could react, Yao Meng stood up and vanished in a flash of green light.

Yao Yue was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on her beautiful face. She bowed slightly. “Yes.”

Yao Xin frowned, displeased.

As a devoted admirer of the Jade Empress, she had always been very attentive to her matters, even collecting various “memorabilia” left behind by Yao Meng in the Jade Pool Holy Land.

She wasn’t particularly interested in the position of Holy Maiden, but she couldn’t ignore the opportunity to interact with Yao Meng privately.

“Why her…” Yao Xin muttered.

Yao Yue heard her clearly and glanced at the young girl, smiling faintly. “Yao Xin, do you know the difference between us?”

It’s one thing for you to receive the Jade Empress’s invitation, but now you’re even trying to show off?

Yao Xin’s brows furrowed in anger. “Yao Yue, the Jade Empress only summoned you to ask you something. Don’t think she actually needs you for anything.”

Yao Yue chuckled coldly and transmitted her voice, “You don’t understand feelings.”

She glanced at Yao Xin, smiling. “And I do. That’s the difference.”

The biggest difference between her and Yao Xin wasn’t whether they understood feelings, but whether they understood the Jade Empress’s feelings.

She knew that the Jade Empress was attracted to Young Master Mu, so she hadn’t left the Two Polarities Sect after the Ascension Ceremony, but continued to cultivate there for a few days, observing Mu Zhian’s situation.

Since the Jade Empress valued Mu Zhian so much and was busy with matters in the Jade Pool, she would naturally be interested in what he was doing at the Two Polarities Sect.

If her guess was correct, the Jade Empress had summoned her for this reason.

…

Deep within the Jade Pool Holy Land, a pavilion stood near a clear spring.

“Yao Yue, you’ve been at the Two Polarities Sect all this time, only returning a few days ago. Have you heard of anything interesting happening there recently?”

Yao Meng’s voice was gentle and melodious, like the clinking of jade, her green eyes gazing at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

She really asked… Yao Yue smiled charmingly, unsurprised. “If you’re asking about interesting things that happened recently at the Two Polarities Sect, it would be the alchemy competition after the Ascension Ceremony. Young Master Mu was quite the highlight.”

The Jade Empress claimed she wanted to know what was happening at the Two Polarities Sect, but she actually wanted to know what Mu Zhian was doing there.

And as the Jade Pool Holy Maiden who had been staying at the Two Polarities Sect, Yao Yue knew a thing or two.

Yao Meng crossed her arms, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Tell me about it.”

…

At dusk, Mu Zhian and Regina entered the Jade Pool Holy Land, following a disciple.

“It seems the Jade Pool isn’t very welcoming. Are you sure I won’t be trapped here after entering?”

A soft, pleasant voice came from beside him.

Regina casually glanced around, her light golden dress fluttering as she followed the Jade Pool disciple on her sword.

She knew she wouldn’t be welcome here. In the Southern Wilderness, she was the Holy Maiden, second only to the Sky God. But in the Jade Pool Holy Land… her identity would only be a burden.

After all, when the Jade Empress returned to the Dao Integration realm, she had been obstructed in every possible way. Although the mastermind, the First Demon Emperor, was dead, the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were behind the plot.

Mu Zhian waved his hand, smiling. “It won’t come to that. Not only are you not involved in the Southern Wilderness’s affairs, but even if you were, with the wedding approaching, they wouldn’t make things difficult for you.”

Regina’s eyes flickered, a pitiful fragility in her gaze. She looked up at him and said softly, “If I really encounter danger in the Jade Pool, will you protect me, Young Master Mu?”

Her tea-making skills aren’t as refined as Ruoxi’s… Mu Zhian complained inwardly. “You’re almost at the Nascent Soul realm, aren’t you? If we encounter danger, it’s not certain who will be protecting whom.”

He paused, then continued, “Besides, you’re my guest. No matter what, I’ll ensure your safe departure from the Jade Pool Holy Land.”

“What if the Jade Empress disagrees?” Regina asked with a smile, glancing at him.

“She won’t,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

The Southern Wilderness wasn’t united. The three Pillar Gods alone had formed three separate factions. Moreover, he had brought Regina to the Jade Pool with Yao Meng’s tacit approval. Yao Meng wouldn’t be so petty.

“Even if she doesn’t want you to leave, I’m confident I can persuade her,” Mu Zhian added.

Persuading a Dao Integration expert… Regina rolled her eyes at him, covering her mouth with a chuckle. “Although the Jade Empress appears gentle and approachable, she’s stubborn when she sets her mind on something. You’re quite confident in yourself, Young Master Mu.”

“Speaking of which, since you and the Jade Empress are Dao Companions, and you’re about to get married… why does she allow you to be intimate with other girls?”

Regina suddenly remembered Mu Zhian’s actions at the Two Polarities Sect and couldn’t help but ask, “And I heard that you left the Jade Pool Holy Land for the Two Polarities Sect half a month ago. During your stay, you visited the Pilgrimage Palace with the Ye sisters, went to Boundless Sea Peak with Miss Bai…”

“A few days ago, you even went to Tianxuan City with your maid. Doesn’t the Jade Empress care about these things…?”

The Jade Empress took me from Ruoxi in the first place. Why would she care…? Mu Zhian said, “A younger sister is different from a Dao Companion, Miss Regina. You misunderstand me.”

Lingxuan and Qian’er are my younger sisters, Ruoxi is my Dao Companion, and the Jade Empress is my… wife.

As for Senior Sister Lan, she’s my Senior Sister, and Feiying… she’s the older sister next door who didn’t despise him even when he was a spoiled rich kid.

“In any case, I only have one Dao Companion,” Mu Zhian said.

Regina scoffed, a faint smile playing on her lips. “You should tell that to the Jade Empress.”

Mu Zhian also scoffed.

Explain my ass… Should I tell Yao Meng that I’ve been spending my days with other girls, having the time of my life?

Wouldn’t that be handing her a weapon against me?

As long as he didn’t say anything, and Regina didn’t mention it, Yao Meng wouldn’t ask.

After all, she had been busy preparing for the wedding and her hidden plans, and wouldn’t have time to pay attention to what was happening at the Two Polarities Sect.

Although the Jade Empress was clever, as long as he kept his mouth shut, she wouldn’t be able to catch him. She underestimated his skills.

“Young Master Mu, the Jade Empress requests your presence at the pavilion where she’s in seclusion.”

As they chatted, a respectful voice came from ahead. A female disciple looked at Mu Zhian with a smile.

“As for Miss Regina, the Jade Pool has prepared a courtyard for you. Someone will guide you there shortly.”

Why am I being summoned to her pavilion instead of the main hall…? Mu Zhian asked tentatively, “Does this sister know why the Jade Empress has summoned me?”

“I’m not sure. You’ll know when you get there,” the disciple replied.

Mu Zhian didn’t ask further and nodded slightly. “I understand.”

After bidding farewell to Regina, Mu Zhian flew towards the depths of the Jade Pool on his sword, wondering what Yao Meng was planning.

Perhaps due to the wedding preparations, the Jade Pool Holy Land was much more lively than usual.

Mu Zhian entered the depths of the Jade Pool unhindered and arrived at Yao Meng’s pavilion.

A Divine Pool was located nearby, its surface emitting a rich spiritual energy, surrounded by mist. He had seen many disciples and elders outside, but now, there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Mu Zhian walked up the stairs and was about to push open the door when he heard a clear, gentle voice from inside.

“I thought you were so enamored with Miss Bai at the Two Polarities Sect, lost in her embrace, or perhaps captivated by the Reincarnated Empress.”

Yao Meng is quite sharp, almost hitting the mark… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

Being lost in Ruoxi’s embrace was true, and being captivated by Lingxuan wasn’t entirely false…

“May I come in?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Wait a moment. I’m tidying up.”

“Just tell me what you want to say from outside.”

Although Yao Meng’s voice was normal, Mu Zhian felt a sense of danger.

If I don’t handle this well, my head might become the Jade Empress’s footstool tonight…

“Jade Empress, you misunderstand me… I’ve been in secluded cultivation all this time, hoping to improve my strength so I can be of some help to you,” Mu Zhian said, his survival instincts kicking in.

A silence hung in the air before a faint “Mmm” came from inside. “Half a month, and you’ve advanced to Core Formation Rank 6. It seems you’ve been diligently cultivating.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace is truly helpful to you,” Yao Meng said meaningfully.

“I haven’t been meditating much lately, so I thought I’d try to push my limits,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

He hadn’t actually spent much time cultivating. Normally, it would take him six months to a year to advance a single rank.

His rapid advancement to Core Formation Rank 6 was solely due to the ‘gift’ Luo Tan had given him before leaving the Two Polarities Sect.

But one had to choose their words carefully. If he answered truthfully, he would probably be spending the next half month reflecting on his life in a small, dark room.

Yao Meng said meaningfully, “You’re quite talented. If you focus on cultivation, your strength will improve rapidly.”

“But advancing a rank in half a month isn’t just from secluded cultivation. You must have encountered some kind of opportunity, right?”

“You’re not wrong,” Mu Zhian hummed vaguely.

The spiritual energy from Luo Tan’s Innate Celestial Furnace could be considered an opportunity.

“I’ve tidied up the room. You can come in now.”

Hearing Yao Meng’s gentle voice, Mu Zhian reached for the door.

Then, her next words made him pause.

“No one will disturb us here. You can enjoy the company of the World Cleansing Vines. We’ll leave together on the wedding day. If all goes well, perhaps we can even get married—”

Creak.

As she spoke, Mu Zhian pushed open the door. Inside the clean, bright room, Yao Meng sat on a wooden chair, dressed in a thin, gauze-like green dress that hinted at the fair skin beneath. However, she was enveloped in a celestial mist, making it difficult to see her clearly.

Her long, shapely legs were pressed together beneath her dress, her jade-like feet delicate and translucent. Her hair cascaded down, tied simply with a ribbon, adding to her ethereal beauty.

Beside her, two green vines twisted and writhed, like they were performing a seaweed dance, creating a rather comical scene.

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Why did you use the World Cleansing Seeds now?”

Yao Meng smiled serenely. “Just for fun.”

Is the fun for me or for you…?

Taking the initiative and being passive are two very different things.

Yao Meng looked at Mu Zhian with a playful smile. “You look much better. It seems you’ve encountered quite a few opportunities after the alchemy competition.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace is truly an excellent constitution for dual cultivation.”

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly changed the subject. “What did you mean by ‘if all goes well, we can get married’? Does that mean no one will cause trouble at the wedding?”

“Someone will definitely try something,” Yao Meng said confidently.

Just as Shang Yanfei was invincible within the Two Polarities Sect, Yao Meng, with the protection of the formations in the Jade Pool Holy Land, was unmatched among her peers.

Therefore, if anyone wanted to stop her ascension, the first step would be to find a way to disable the Jade Pool’s formations.

A charming smile appeared on Yao Meng’s face, but her voice turned cold. “But I’m confident I can catch them all before they make a move.”

Mu Zhian nodded slowly, as if in sudden understanding.

Mmm… So Yao Meng can eliminate these people before they act, without disrupting the wedding, removing the internal threats within the Eastern Continent.

In other words, on the wedding day, it was highly likely that no one would cause trouble, because those internal ‘threats’ would be eliminated beforehand.

So I might actually end up marrying Yao Meng…

And there’s another problem: Yao Meng knows that Luo Tan is an Innate Celestial Furnace, and she seems to have guessed that we met privately…

But she might not know that I advanced to Core Formation Rank 6 because of Luo Tan’s Innate Celestial Furnace. Otherwise, she would have already locked me up—

Mu Zhian’s thoughts suddenly short-circuited.

After a moment of calm analysis, he looked up at the World Cleansing Vines in the room.

Oh my god, I’m screwed.

Chapter 384: The Wedding Begins 

Half a month later.

Mu Zhian, his face buried in Ruoxi’s bosom, opened his eyes in the slightly suffocating morning light and saw the sleeping Bai Ruoxi.

Her hair was scattered messily across her shoulders, her beautiful brows relaxed, her hands tightly wrapped around his head beneath the covers. Her usually pale skin now had a healthy, rosy glow.

Last night, Bai Ruoxi had been like a flower, delicate and fragile, battered by a storm. Now, she looked even more pitiful.

But a scan with his consciousness revealed that the spiritual energy within her cauldron was much richer than half a month ago, like a sapling nourished by rain.

Besides her usual delicate and pitiful aura, she now exuded a mature sensuality.

Beneath the bed, her small, exquisite embroidered shoes lay scattered on the floor, along with a pair of white socks and a white palace dress.

Mu Zhian quietly slipped out of Bai Ruoxi’s embrace, got dressed, and covered her with the blanket, concealing the beautiful scenery beneath.

“It seems she’s also about to reach the Nascent Soul realm. Gong Lianyue’s consciousness showed signs of awakening last night, but she seemed to sense your intimacy with Bai Ruoxi and was too embarrassed to appear.”

Ye Qingxin’s gentle voice echoed in his mind.

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred. He closed the door behind him. “So she can sense when Ruoxi and I are intimate?”

Ye Qingxin dangled her jade-like feet beneath her black and red dress, her eyes downcast, and smiled faintly. “Of course. Gong Lianyue’s consciousness resides within Bai Ruoxi’s cauldron. Even while sleeping, how could she not sense the sudden surge of Heavenly Court spiritual energy?”

“So, when Ruoxi and I dual cultivate, Gong Lianyue also indirectly experiences it…?”

Mu Zhian rested his chin on his hand, pondering. “But she’s never mentioned it. She must be embarrassed.”

Gong Lianyue had founded the Sword Palace and swept away all enemies. Her experiences were far greater than his.

In terms of lifespan alone, Gong Lianyue had lived thousands of times longer than him. He was like a child compared to her.

But in the past, Gong Lianyue’s Dao was the sword. She was a true sword fanatic. No matter how much she had experienced, she was still naive when it came to relationships.

If Gong Lianyue could sense my intimacy with Ruoxi and was embarrassed by it, then even after Ruoxi reaches the Nascent Soul realm and awakens Gong Lianyue’s consciousness, I’m confident I can… handle both of them…

Mu Zhian stared at the frozen pond in the courtyard, thinking to himself.

Ye Qingxin emerged from the Innate Celestial Furnace, sparks scattering around her, illuminating her flawless skin, making her appear holy and pure.

“The wedding is less than half a month away. Are you nervous?” Ye Qingxin suddenly asked.

Mu Zhian shrugged. “Why would I be nervous? It’s not a real marriage.”

Ye Qingxin said meaningfully, “I’m afraid someone might take this opportunity to make it a real marriage.”

“And if the Jade Empress truly breaks through the shackles of heaven and earth and ascends to the Transcendence Realm, who knows what she might do.”

Mu Zhian chuckled. “She shouldn’t be interested in ruling the Nine Provinces.”

Ye Qingxin scoffed. “She might not be interested in the Nine Provinces, but that doesn’t mean she’s not interested in anything.”

If she had known so much would happen after descending to the lower realm, she wouldn’t have been so cautious and would have descended with her true body.

She had initially thought that a wisp of consciousness was enough. After all, in the Nine Provinces, where Dao Integration experts were rare, it was sufficient for her to investigate the Lord of the Heavenly Court.

It turned out that while it was enough for the investigation, it wasn’t enough to… compete for certain things.

But no one could have predicted that Mu Zhian would be surrounded by four or five Dao Integration level experts. Even though most of them hadn’t reached that realm yet, as reincarnations of powerful beings, it was only a matter of time.

Mu Zhian looked at the beautiful woman before him. “Senior Ye, you don’t want Yao Meng to break through the shackles of heaven and earth and ascend to the Transcendence Realm either, do you?”

“Of course not.”

Ye Qingxin glanced at him. “Do you think anyone would want a Human Emperor who surpasses the Dao Integration realm to appear in the Nine Provinces?”

“If the Jade Empress breaks through to the Transcendence Realm one day, the current balance of power will be disrupted. Neither I nor anyone you know would want her to ascend.”

“Even if the Jade Empress uses this wedding to eliminate internal threats, she will still be obstructed by many when she attempts to ascend.”

“You’re the future son-in-law of the Forbidden Zone, but even the Forbidden Zone Master wouldn’t help the Jade Empress. The same goes for the Two Polarities Sect. You should know this.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment.

He wasn’t a fool. He understood Ye Qingxin’s meaning.

Most people didn’t want the current situation in the Nine Provinces to be disrupted by the Jade Empress, even if she claimed to have no intention of ruling.

Even an oath wouldn’t be enough.

A Transcendence Realm cultivator was the Human Emperor. At that realm, their very existence transcended oaths, and even the Heavenly Dao would be wary of them.

“What about you?” Mu Zhian asked.

“You don’t want her to ascend either?”

Ye Qingxin glanced at him. “Of course not. Who would want their ‘enemy’ to ascend to the Transcendence Realm?”

She paused, raised her chin slightly, and looked at Mu Zhian’s silent expression, a seductive smile playing on her lips. “But if she truly intends to ascend and become the Human Emperor, I would still help her.”

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Why?”

“I dislike the Jade Empress because, in a sense, she’s my ‘enemy.’”

Ye Qingxin cupped Mu Zhian’s face in her hands, her red eyes gazing into his, her warm breath on his face.

She smiled brightly. “But if it’s your wish for the Jade Empress to ascend, I’m willing to secretly protect her.”

Mu Zhian stared into her seductive eyes, a long silence hanging in the air before he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her close.

“Sister, you’re so tempting, but you don’t… give anything. It’s so frustrating,” Mu Zhian sighed.

Ye Qingxin looked at him with a playful smile, gently pushing him away and crossing her arms, deliberately pushing out her ample bosom. “If you’re strong enough, you can force me onto the bed.”

“You’ve already suppressed more than one Dao Integration expert. If you can do it, I wouldn’t mind.”

Mu Zhian looked at her ample bosom, wanting to take her into the room and… teach her a lesson.

However, seeing the sparks around her transform into countless fiery butterflies, each containing terrifying spiritual energy, he quickly dismissed the thought.

“Thank you,” he said sincerely.

Ye Qingxin looked at him playfully, waved her hand to dispel the fiery butterflies, and walked closer, leaning against his shoulder and looking at his profile.

She smiled charmingly. “If you want to thank me, then compensate me well in the Jade Empress’s place.”

Mu Zhian glared at her. “Then let me compensate you.”

I’ll give you as much spiritual energy as you want…

Ye Qingxin gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face with her long, fair fingers.

Like an older sister teasing a naive child, she said with a playful smile, “Don’t worry. I’ll let you compensate me plenty later.”

“At the Jade Empress’s wedding.”

…

Do all these women like the NTR trope…?

Mu Zhian summoned his flying sword and headed towards the south bank, Ye Qingxin’s seductive voice still echoing in his mind, making his mouth dry.

Although he knew that this beautiful ancestor of the Ye family wasn’t as ethereal as she appeared and often liked to play with people’s hearts, he hadn’t expected that even he, a veteran in the garden of love, would fall prey to her charms.

Don’t let me get my hands on you in the future, or I’ll use the Heaven-Asking Lock to give you a special treatment…

The items in Yao Meng’s little room would be very useful…

After all, she had left three World Cleansing Vine seeds in the room. Although they were just for… fun and weren’t as effective as the real World Cleansing Vines, they were still quite potent.

First, a three-point bikini, then fishnet stockings, and finally, the World Cleansing Seeds, transforming into vines that would fill the entire room…

“Young Master Mu, if you don’t come, I’ll think you’ve forgotten about your upcoming wedding.”

Mu Zhian landed before a hall on the south bank and heard a gentle voice.

He looked down and saw the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness waiting for him.

She wore a light golden dress, different from her usual attire, her golden hair cascading down her back, revealing her alluring shoulders. A light-colored ribbon tied around her waist accentuated her shapely bosom.

The cold wind blew, lifting the hem of her dress, revealing a glimpse of her long, shapely legs encased in high boots.

“Regina, have you spoken to the elders and the Holy Son of the Southern Wilderness?” Mu Zhian jumped off his flying sword, smiling.

“I told the elders that I would be away for a while. As for the Holy Son…”

Regina looked at him, smiling. “He has nothing to do with me. Why would I tell him anything?”

“Nigati likes you,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Regina crossed her arms, frowning slightly. “Many people like me. He’s nothing special.”

Although he was the Holy Son of the Southern Wilderness, Regina’s status was much higher than his. After all, she was second only to the Sky God in the Southern Wilderness.

Even the Earth and Ocean Gods were inferior to her.

Mu Zhian looked at the seemingly frail beauty, a faint smile in his eyes. “Then let’s prepare. We’ll go to the Jade Pool Holy Land today.”

Regina glanced at him with a complex expression, a beautiful smile on her face. “I have a feeling you’re tricking me.”

“Your wedding with the Jade Empress is at the Jade Pool Holy Land, and we’re going to the Jade Pool Holy Land… Are we going to complete our transaction right under her nose?”

It’s not impossible… Mu Zhian shrugged. “I understand your concerns, but I’m not inviting you to the Jade Pool just for the transaction.”

As expected… Regina didn’t seem surprised. She narrowed her eyes. “If I’m not mistaken, we’ve only had two transactions. Why are you trying to use me again?”

Mu Zhian shook his head and smiled. “It’s not about using you, but mutual benefit.”

“To be precise, this matter concerns you and the entire Southern Wilderness.”

Regina walked towards him, her arms crossed, her high boots clicking against the ground. She looked at him with a smile. “Why don’t you tell me first, Young Master Mu? Based on your answer, I’ll decide whether to go with you.”

“Do you know the name of the Fourth Pillar God?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Of course.”

Regina’s eyes were filled with doubt. “Why are you suddenly mentioning the Goddess of Space?”

“It seems you really don’t know.”

Mu Zhian said meaningfully, “Before Xueyi, the Goddess of Space, left the Southern Wilderness to seek a method for ascending to the Transcendence Realm, she created a body. She made a pact with the three Pillar Gods that she would be reborn through this body at a suitable time in the future.”

“I swear by the Great Dao. If I’m lying, may I be struck by lightning.”

Regina was stunned, then her eyes narrowed, her mind racing.

When the Goddess of Space disappeared, only the Sky God remained among the Dao Integration experts of the Southern Wilderness. The Earth and Ocean Gods, nearing the end of their lifespans, had been forced to sever their Daos, their realms falling to Soul Transformation. They were now in seclusion, cultivating Emperor-grade herbs to extend their lives.

Many in the Southern Wilderness knew that Xueyi had left to seek a method for ascension.

However, she didn’t know that Xueyi had left a body behind.

Thinking about how the three Pillar Gods treated her, and the respect she received from the elders of the Southern Wilderness, Regina’s eyes flickered. She seemed to have realized something.

“How do you know this?” She stared into Mu Zhian’s eyes.

“Xueyi was trapped in the depths of the Abyss. I met her once. She asked me to help her find the body she left behind, hoping to possess it and be reborn,” Mu Zhian emphasized the word ‘possess.’

“And that body holds a very high position in the Southern Wilderness.”

He paused, giving Regina time to process the information.

He believed that anyone with a bit of intelligence would understand his meaning.

“Why are you choosing to help me instead of Xueyi?”

After a long silence, Regina looked at Mu Zhian with her golden eyes. “If you tell her that the person she’s looking for is currently in the Two Polarities Sect, she’ll owe you a favor.”

She’s a truly wicked woman. If I help her, I’ll only end up getting myself into trouble… Mu Zhian looked at the frail beauty and smiled. “What do you think?”

Regina was stunned, her eyes flickering as she pondered for a long time.

Then, a charming smile appeared on her face.

“I’ll go to the Jade Pool with you.”

…

Two Polarities Peak.

Lan Feiying, dressed in a red cheongsam that accentuated her figure, sat with her legs crossed, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at the Go board on the table, contemplating her next move.

“Sister, Mu Zhian will be a married man in half a month. Are you really not going to do anything, or stop him?” Lan Feiying asked.

Across from her sat a beautiful woman in a moon-white dress and a fluffy white coat, her demeanor elegant and ethereal, like the cold, bright moonlight.

Lan Mulian’s expression was calm as she picked up a Go stone. “If he really gets married, Junior Sister Bai will be the one to worry. There’s something more to this. The Jade Empress has set many traps. Outsiders can’t see it, but since you’re close to him, you should know.”

A charming smile appeared on Lan Feiying’s face. “I know, but I want to know what Sister thinks of him.”

“You’ve known him since Tianxuan City. You’ve never shown any feelings for him. Could it be that Sister is truly like the rumors say, a celestial maiden who can’t feel emotions?”

Lan Mulian glared at her sister. “He’s my Junior Brother, a very close Junior Brother at most. Why do your words make it sound like something else?”

Even her glance was filled with charm, adding a touch of allure to her cold demeanor.

“You came to see me today. Playing Go is just an excuse. You actually wanted to ask me this?” Lan Mulian asked.

A meaningful smile appeared on Lan Feiying’s alluring face. “According to what Sister just said, you don’t have any feelings for Mu Zhian?”

A brief silence fell over the hall.

“What if I said I hope Sister will give him to me in the future?” Lan Feiying suddenly said.

She stared at her elegant, aloof sister. Seeing that Lan Mulian remained silent, she stood up and stretched languidly. “I lost this game. Since Sister has tacitly agreed, I’ll be going back now.”

Lan Feiying turned to leave with sensual steps.

Just then, a cold, melodious voice came from behind her. “…No.”

Lan Feiying paused, a seductive smile appearing on her lips, and continued walking.

“That Innate Celestial Furnace is about to get married… You’re not going to stop him?”

“If you become his Dao Companion, your cultivation speed will increase by at least thirty percent.”

As she flew away from Two Polarities Peak on her sword, a gentle voice echoed in Lan Feiying’s mind.

It was Xueyi’s voice.

Lan Feiying chuckled softly. “He already has enough girls around him. If I become his Dao Companion now, I’ll only be dragged into the center of the vortex.”

“When he gets tired of the constant bickering between the girls around him, he’ll naturally remember me, his good older sister.”

“Sometimes, men like this kind of ambiguous distance.”

Lan Feiying paused, then continued, “As for your damaged consciousness, don’t worry. I’ll find a way to nourish it and find the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness.”

Xueyi fell silent.

A cold smile appeared on Lan Feiying’s face.

She could see through Xueyi’s intentions. On the surface, she was being kind, but in reality, she was attracted to Mu Zhian and wanted to use him to nourish her consciousness.

There are already enough little vixens around him. I can’t let there be more…

…

In the 473rd year of the Great Qian Dynasty, Yao Meng, the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Holy Land, would hold a grand wedding in the Holy King City.

This news caused a sensation throughout the Nine Provinces.

A while ago, a celestial phenomenon had occurred at the Jade Pool Holy Land, with the shackles of heaven and earth descending upon it. It was suspected that the Jade Empress had reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm.

But after that, there were no more anomalies. The next day, the Jade Empress sent out wedding invitations, inviting the major ancient clans to attend.

Whether it was to confirm the rumors about the Jade Empress or to take this opportunity to build connections with the Jade Pool Holy Land, this was an excellent opportunity. Therefore, starting half a month ago, ancient clans from all over the Eastern Continent began arriving at the Holy King City.

The city was now bustling with activity.

Deep within the Jade Pool Holy Land, a woman in a green dress sat on her throne, her body radiating a soft, moonlight-like glow, like a celestial maiden from the Lunar Palace, holy and alluring.

Within the Jade Pool, she was the embodiment of rules, and even the Heavenly Dao couldn’t intrude.

The world was speculating whether the Jade Empress had truly ascended to the Transcendence Realm. In reality, she hadn’t, but through the power of the ‘Imminent’ rune, she had grasped the essence of the Transcendence Realm.

Ascending to the Transcendence Realm wasn’t about fate, talent, or brute force.

The number of Transcendence Realm cultivators was limited by the universal Dao, and with the restrictions of this world’s rules, even with immense power, ascension was impossible without the First Seat bestowed upon her by Mu Zhian.

She had initially planned to protect him for life after achieving Dao Integration, but unexpectedly, she had reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm thanks to him.

Just how many secrets does he have…? Yao Meng opened her green eyes, looked at the people below her throne, and said softly, “Has he departed?”

Her voice was like a celestial melody, containing a unique Dao Rhyme, captivating the Jade Pool elders.

The Jade Empress’s realm has indeed increased… The same thought crossed everyone’s minds.

The Grand Elder of the Jade Pool bowed, his face filled with respect despite his white hair. “Young Master Mu departed two days ago. If nothing unexpected happens, he should arrive at the Jade Pool today.”

Yao Meng looked around, nodding with a smile. “You’ve all worked hard preparing for this wedding.”

An elder chuckled. “Jade Empress, you’re too kind. You’re the First Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, and this wedding is a joyous occasion. It’s our pleasure.”

Yao Meng looked at the elder with a playful smile. “You’re quite the smooth talker.”

“Speaking of which, a few days ago, there was a green light flickering in the Jade Empress’s pavilion. Was that because your cultivation has improved?” Yao Xin suddenly asked curiously.

“Yao Xin, don’t be disrespectful to the Jade Empress!” the elder beside her immediately reprimanded, but her ears perked up, curious.

That was the little room I prepared for him… Yao Meng nodded with a smile. “It’s fine. Yao Xin is right. My cultivation has indeed improved slightly.”

To put it another way: I’ve added more… tools to the little room, and I’m eagerly waiting for Mu Zhian’s arrival.

“There’s still half a month until the wedding. I’ll be in seclusion in that pavilion for this half a month. Without my orders, no one is allowed to enter,” Yao Meng said.

Before the wedding, she had to… release all her pent-up frustration on him.

At that moment, a Jade Pool disciple hurried into the hall and bowed. “Jade Empress, Mu Zhian is waiting outside the Jade Pool!”

The Jade Pool Matriarch raised an eyebrow. “Then why haven’t you invited him in?”

However, the disciple hesitated, glancing at Yao Meng.

“Speak your mind,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

The disciple hesitated. “He has someone with him… It seems to be the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness.”

A brief silence fell over the hall.

The enmity between the Southern Wilderness and the Jade Pool Holy Land was irreconcilable. And now, Mu Zhian had brought the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness to the Jade Pool for the wedding…

It was simply unbelievable.

If the Jade Empress weren’t present, some of the elders would have erupted in anger.

You’re getting married to the Jade Empress, and you invite the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness to the Jade Pool…?

Everyone looked at the woman in the green dress on the throne.

Yao Meng crossed her arms, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Treat the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness with respect. Do not cause any trouble. She will be of great use to me later.”

She paused, then continued, “Invite Mu Zhian to my pavilion. I have something to discuss with him.”

Chapter 383: Mu Zhian: Not Panicking At All, Everything’s Going According to Plan 

“Those words sound like congratulations, but why do I feel a hint of sarcasm…?”

Mu Zhian stared at Sect Master Lin’s flawless face, complaining inwardly.

He suspected she was being sarcastic, but lacking evidence, he simply excused himself and left the courtyard.

It wasn’t wise to linger at Two Polarities Peak. If other disciples saw him, it might cause gossip.

After all, a late-night meeting between a disciple with Dao Companions and the Sect Master… If seen by someone with ulterior motives, it could easily turn into rumors like ‘the Sect Master favors a certain disciple.’

Fortunately, Senior Sister Lan was also at Two Polarities Peak, so even if there were rumors, he could claim he was visiting her.

Under the hazy moonlight, Mu Zhian flew on his sword, passing several halls. After some thought, he turned back towards an elegant courtyard and quickly located Lan Mulian in a small room.

“Why is our busy little brother visiting Two Polarities Peak tonight? I think I saw you visiting Master earlier.”

Just as Mu Zhian was about to knock, a cold, haughty voice came from inside.

“Two Polarities Peak is always enveloped by formations, making it difficult to enter. I wanted to take this opportunity to catch up with Senior Sister,” Mu Zhian said.

This indirectly admitted that he had indeed sought out Shang Yanfei, but it didn’t sound so blunt.

I visited Sect Master Lin, but I haven’t forgotten about you, Senior Sister… Why else would I come looking for you?

This was the underlying meaning of his words.

After all, Lan Mulian lived at Two Polarities Peak and often played Go with the fair and impartial Sect Master Lin. The two beauties must have occasionally talked about him.

It was better to visit Senior Sister Lan proactively than to wait for Shang Yanfei to mention it during their Go games.

“May I come in?” Mu Zhian asked again, seeing that there was no response, and reached for the door.

“Wait!”

Her voice suddenly rose, a hint of panic in her cold tone.

She’s flustered. But why? Is she doing something she shouldn’t…? Just as Mu Zhian was about to push the door open, he heard rustling sounds from inside.

Mu Zhian hesitated, then his eyes widened as a thought struck him.

He calmly walked to the window, held his breath, and stood on tiptoe to peek inside.

Thwack!

A shoe flew out of the window, hitting him squarely on the forehead.

However, before Mu Zhian could register the pain, his gaze was captivated by the scene inside.

The tall, cold beauty had just put on a loose white inner robe, revealing her fair shoulders and neck. She stood with her back to him, her hair cascading down.

The thin white fabric clung to her figure, and from Mu Zhian’s angle, he could vaguely see the curve of her hips.

Perhaps because she felt his gaze, she subconsciously pressed her long, fair legs together, her expression feigning indifference. “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Beautiful. A perfect ten,” Mu Zhian commented.

If it were […], it would be a hundred…

Lan Mulian glared at him. “Junior Brother, you’re a married man. Please behave yourself.”

“So the invitation has reached Two Polarities Peak as well…?”

Mu Zhian smiled wryly. “Actually, there’s a hidden reason behind this…”

Lan Mulian simply hummed. “Wait for me in the hall. I’ll be there after I change.”

Senior Sister’s composure is truly impressive. If it were Lingxuan or Qian’er, they would be mortified and want to disappear. But Senior Sister is still so calm… Mu Zhian nodded slightly and left the room.

Lan Mulian, covering her chest with one hand, walked to the window and closed it. She sat down at the table, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

Her heart raced uncontrollably.

She glanced at the bronze mirror on her dressing table. Her beautiful face was still flushed, incredibly alluring.

…

After waiting in the hall for about a quarter of an hour, Mu Zhian saw the tall, cold beauty enter.

Her long, dark hair cascaded down, slightly disheveled, and her moon-white dress accentuated her figure.

Lan Mulian looked at Mu Zhian, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. She scoffed. “Master is quite lenient towards you, letting you in.”

Normally, disciples wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet with Shang Yanfei directly. It was only because she had mistakenly received a paper crane from Mu Zhian that their subsequent interactions occurred.

“Senior Sister seems to be very fond of your Master,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Lan Mulian said calmly, “Who wouldn’t respect Master? Only Junior Brother would continue to send her paper cranes after learning her identity.”

Mu Zhian shook his head and chuckled. “I initially thought the person exchanging paper cranes with me was Senior Sister. Who knew that one day, she would become the Sect Master…”

“Speaking of the Sect Master, I remember Lingxuan mentioning her several times,” Mu Zhian continued.

When Ye Lingxuan was still a little girl, she had accompanied the Forbidden Zone Master to visit Shang Yanfei and had admired her ever since.

Much of Ye Lingxuan’s current elegance and composure was influenced by Sect Master Lin.

Lan Mulian smiled brightly. “I don’t think anyone in the world wouldn’t like her.”

In this world, only Shang Yanfei could rival the Jade Empress in beauty.

But she quickly suppressed her smile and glanced at him. “However, I must warn you, don’t even think about hitting on Master… If you try to scheme against her, you’ll find that even your schemes were orchestrated by her.”

Senior Sister is telling me this because she considers me one of her own. My efforts have paid off… Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “On Two Polarities Peak, the only person I like is Senior Sister.”

“It’s not about liking or disliking.”

Lan Mulian glared at Mu Zhian, tapping the table lightly. “Just remember my warning.”

Seeing Mu Zhian nod sincerely, a faint smile appeared on Lan Mulian’s face.

She actually had a question she had been pondering for a long time, one she hadn’t mentioned to anyone.

Two Polarities Peak was filled with formations, most of which were set up by Shang Yanfei in her spare time. The paper crane he had sent had been able to leave Two Polarities Peak and even reach Tianxuan City, which meant it had Shang Yanfei’s tacit approval.

The schemes he had set up were always guided by Shang Yanfei. Someone who could peer into heavenly secrets without suffering backlash, would they really mistakenly receive a paper crane from Junior Brother and even exchange letters with him for so long without knowing his identity?

Lan Mulian’s smile faded as she remembered something important. A coldness entered her clear eyes. “Speaking of which, Junior Brother, you’re about to get married. Shouldn’t I prepare a congratulatory gift?”

Here it comes, Senior Sister can’t hold back anymore… Mu Zhian had already prepared his excuse. “I told Senior Sister before, although it appears to be a marriage, in reality—”

Before he could finish, Lan Mulian interrupted, “In reality, it’s to achieve a certain goal, such as… fishing?”

Senior Sister is indeed intelligent. She’s guessed everything… Mu Zhian asked, “When did you find out?”

“Knowing your personality, how could you get married so peacefully?”

Lan Mulian chuckled softly. “If it were a real marriage, Junior Sister Bai would be the first to object.”

“Of course, if the fish don’t take the bait, there’s no guarantee that the Jade Empress won’t just go through with the marriage.”

“With the cultivators of the Nine Provinces as witnesses,” she added.

Mu Zhian immediately said, “Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I know what I’m doing.”

“Cough… By the way, congratulations on winning the Ascension Ceremony matches.”

He’s clearly changing the subject. How awkward… Lan Mulian pouted. “I was the only Nascent Soul cultivator participating. It’s nothing to brag about.”

“As for you, do you remember our agreement?”

Lan Mulian glanced at him, a beautiful smile appearing on her lips. “The three Emperor-grade herbs are the official rewards for the Ascension Ceremony matches, but there’s another reward, isn’t there?”

“If I remember correctly, you also agreed to that condition.”

She took out a talisman from her sleeve.

Mu Zhian looked at it hesitantly. “What’s this…?”

Lan Mulian smiled brightly. “No matter where you are, as long as you burn this talisman, you will be teleported back here.”

Mu Zhian’s heart skipped a beat. “Such a talisman exists? Did Sect Master Lin make this?”

“In this world, only Master is proficient in the Daos of all nine peaks and can compress a formation into a talisman.”

Lan Mulian tucked her hair behind her ear, looking at him with a playful smile. “There’s a rather secluded little room in my courtyard. Master said she used it to research formations and invent all sorts of strange items, but it’s abandoned now.”

She looked at him, smiling sweetly. “It’s quite suitable for you.”

Don’t say such cold words with such a charming smile, Senior Sister. You look cold and aloof, but your heart is dark… Mu Zhian coughed to hide his embarrassment and unease. “Senior Sister, you’re joking. With our relationship, if you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll come. There’s no need for such a talisman.”

Lan Mulian gave him a meaningful look. “I hope so.”

…

Being locked up is impossible, absolutely impossible…

Near dawn, Mu Zhian returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, exhausted.

Fortunately, he was now at the Core Formation realm. With a bit of meditation, his fatigue would quickly disappear.

And he hadn’t… paid his dues these past few days, so the spiritual energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace was gradually recovering.

Mu Zhian sat cross-legged on a soft mat and meditated. After half an hour, he opened his eyes and summoned the Heaven-Asking Lock.

This Rank 1 Artifact Spirit, which he had been unable to refine before, now seemed to be responding to him, likely due to the spiritual energy he had received from the new Heavenly Dao. He could now sense the Artifact Spirit within the Heaven-Asking Lock.

“It’s a pity that the Heaven-Asking Lock is still missing something. If I could completely control it, I could escape if Senior Sister really locks me up…”

Mu Zhian sighed softly.

Suddenly, a seductive, melodious voice echoed in his mind. “When I found this Heaven-Asking Lock in the Heavenly Court, it was already missing some of its divinity. Although the Primordial Ancient Mine repaired its exterior, its Artifact Spirit was still damaged.”

“If my guess is correct, it was likely a treasure of the Lord of the Heavenly Court.”

Mu Zhian was both surprised and delighted. “Senior Ye?!”

“How did you awaken? Was the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s seal undone?”

Ye Qingxin sat in the void within the Innate Celestial Furnace, barefoot, wisps of flame dancing around her.

Her black and red dress accentuated her delicate feet. She scoffed. “Although the World Cleansing Green Lotus is powerful, the Jade Empress wouldn’t completely seal your Innate Celestial Furnace, as she needs it for dual cultivation. It was only a matter of time before I undid the remaining seal.”

“However, as long as the Jade Empress is alive, the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s seal will automatically absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth to reinforce itself when it weakens.”

Mu Zhian hesitated. “Then how did you undo the seal?”

Within the Innate Celestial Furnace, a figure resembling a fairy amidst flames silently appeared in the room. Her dress accentuated her tall, curvaceous figure, and her beauty was breathtaking.

Ye Qingxin smiled faintly. “The formations on Two Polarities Peak isolate everything from the outside world. Besides, within your Innate Celestial Furnace, my consciousness can be continuously nourished, so I was able to undo the World Cleansing Green Lotus’s seal.”

Sect Master Lin likes to tinker with formations, and Two Polarities Peak is filled with them. No wonder even the World Cleansing Green Lotus within my Innate Celestial Furnace couldn’t absorb spiritual energy once I entered Two Polarities Peak… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

But come to think of it, if Senior Sister Lan used that talisman to teleport me to Two Polarities Peak without anyone knowing, wouldn’t I be impossible to find?

Senior Sister is a Nascent Soul cultivator, her strength proportional to her… bosom, unfathomable. If she really locks me up…

Mu Zhian shuddered.

Seeing his troubled expression, Ye Qingxin asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”

Mu Zhian waved his hand weakly. “Nothing. Just thinking about my future…”

“What did you mean by ‘divinity’ earlier, Senior Ye?” he asked.

Ye Qingxin knew he was changing the subject, but she didn’t press him. Although she hadn’t been back to the Heavenly Court for a while, staying within the Innate Celestial Furnace was no different, and the spiritual energy here was even richer…

This ancestor of the Ye family was reluctant to leave.

She finally understood the Jade Empress’s joy.

Go ahead and get married. On your wedding night, while you’re outside entertaining guests, this child will be mine…

Ye Qingxin’s alluring red eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at Mu Zhian. “If my guess is correct, the Heaven-Asking Lock once possessed divinity, but it was damaged for some reason. Although its Artifact Spirit remains, it lacks divinity.”

“If you nurture it well, it might regain its divinity.”

“The Heaven-Asking Lock’s divinity…”

Mu Zhian repeated, then mused, “The Heaven-Asking Lock might have been a treasure of the Lord of the Heavenly Court. Since I’m the one who modifies the rules of the Heavenly Court, its reaction to me, its lack of resistance, might be instinctive?”

“If I can restore its divinity, the Heaven-Asking Lock might become a true ancestral artifact…”

Mu Zhian looked at the Heaven-Asking Lock, which had transformed into a long sword, his eyes flickering. He circulated his cauldron.

A wisp of spiritual energy, emitting a faint, multicolored glow, silently emerged from his cauldron.

A wisp of the new Heavenly Dao’s spiritual energy!

He had obtained this incredibly rich spiritual energy after Yao Meng achieved Dao Integration with the new Heavenly Dao.

If he used this spiritual energy to nurture the Heaven-Asking Lock… it might work.

The spiritual energy enveloped the Heaven-Asking Lock, and a miraculous scene unfolded.

The rusty surface of the Heaven-Asking Lock seemed to be rejuvenated, emitting a faint glow.

Then, it seemed to come alive, its shape shifting.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes widened in surprise. “The spiritual energy you infused is working. It’s being nourished.”

“It seems treasures from the Heavenly Court require the new Heavenly Dao’s spiritual energy to be nurtured.”

Mu Zhian murmured, “But why did it turn into a ruler…?”

Ye Qingxin frowned slightly. “It’s based on your personality. The Heaven-Asking Lock can transform into any weapon. My personality is most compatible with a sword, so it took the form of a sword.”

“If I use it in its sword form, I can unleash its full power.”

“It seems your personality is related to a ruler.”

Even Ye Qingxin’s eyes were filled with doubt as she looked at Mu Zhian strangely.

A ruler, in a sense, represented fairness and justice.

The fact that it took this form meant that Mu Zhian was righteous and impartial.

Mmm… Although he’s a good boy, I don’t think he has anything to do with fairness and justice.

Under Ye Qingxin’s subtle gaze, Mu Zhian stared at the Heaven-Asking Lock in his hand and murmured, “A ruler is the standard for measuring all things in the world. It is said that one end represents heaven, and the other represents earth.”

“In that case, I’ll call it the Heaven-Measuring Ruler.”

The Heaven-Measuring Ruler emitted a faint, multicolored glow, seemingly satisfied with the name.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes flickered, and she chuckled softly. “If you really go through with the marriage, your Dao Companions might get angry. If they lock you up, you can use this to escape.”

Mu Zhian paused, then smiled and waved his hand. “It won’t come to that. Ruoxi and the others wouldn’t go that far. No one understands them better than I do.”

Besides, I’m the one who wrote the rules of the Heavenly Court. With the help of Ye Qingxin and the Primordial Witch’s consciousness within me, I can easily suppress Ruoxi and Lingxuan.

…If all else fails, I can just hide in the Heavenly Court. They can’t chase me there and… do unspeakable things to me, can they?

Mu Zhian smirked and put away the Heaven-Measuring Ruler.

Ye Qingxin looked at him. “When are you planning to go to the Jade Pool Holy Land?”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment. “Half a month later. I’ll use this time to try and break through to Core Formation Rank 7.”

Even with the enhancement from the Heavenly Dao Energy, it would be impossible to advance so quickly through normal cultivation.

But the pills in his storage ring were enough for him to advance another rank in a short time.

This is the benefit of being a kept man… no, this is the benefit of… pleasing Sister Jade Empress.

These pills were gifts from the Peak Masters and even some ancient clans, countless in number.

Just consuming these pills was enough for him to advance.

Ye Qingxin nodded slightly. “In that case, I’ll return to the Innate Celestial Furnace to rest.”

Mu Zhian hesitated, looking at her beautiful figure. “I’m quite mentally exhausted from cultivating today. I might need to rest for a night. Can you stay with me, Senior Ye?”

A faint smile appeared in Ye Qingxin’s eyes. “Just stay with you?”

Mu Zhian nodded immediately. “I swear by the Heavenly Dao, just stay with me. I’m so lonely…”

A stick of incense later.

Mu Zhian embraced Ye Qingxin’s slender waist, burying his face in her hair, inhaling her fragrance and the scent of the golden flames dancing around her.

Just like Sister Jade Empress, a beautiful ancestor… Yao Meng is an ethereal celestial maiden, while Ye Qingxin is a charming fire sprite, flawless… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

“This is what you meant by ‘just stay with me’?” Ye Qingxin asked, her back to Mu Zhian, her black and red dress slightly disheveled, revealing her delicate collarbone.

“I thought about it, and meditation is quite tiring. Lying down and resting is also good for mental recovery.”

“Don’t worry, Senior Ye. I’ll just hug you. I won’t do anything,” Mu Zhian chuckled.

Ye Qingxin turned slightly, giving him a playful glare. “Although I know your feelings, before our relationship is confirmed, don’t even think about doing anything more.”

Mmm… In other words, being ambiguous is fine, but nothing more.

Mu Zhian wasn’t bothered, content to hold Ye Qingxin in his arms.

After all, this beautiful ancestor had been quite hostile towards him before, and now she was in his bed… Women just needed to be coaxed. With a bit more… effort, he could soften her heart.

Besides, she was within his Innate Celestial Furnace. Where could she run?

While Mu Zhian was enjoying the embrace of the beautiful ancestor of the Ye family, the Holy King City near the Jade Pool Holy Land was being decorated under the Jade Empress’s orders.

Cultivators from the Eastern Continent came to investigate, seemingly unable to believe the news.

But regardless of their doubts, a grand wedding was being prepared…

Countless eyes throughout the Nine Provinces were watching.

The news that the Jade Empress had reached the threshold of the Transcendence Realm had caught the attention of all Dao Integration experts… If a Dao Integration expert from the Eastern Continent truly reached the Transcendence Realm, no one knew how the current balance of power in the Nine Provinces would change.

Regardless of the Jade Empress’s intentions, no one wanted a Transcendence Realm expert to surpass them.

Although they didn’t know that even if the Jade Empress reached the Transcendence Realm, she had no interest in ruling the Nine Provinces… Dual cultivating with Mu Zhian was much more interesting.

But regardless, the news of the Jade Empress’s wedding caused a sensation throughout the Nine Provinces.

Many factions sent their representatives to the Eastern Continent.

Whether the news of the Jade Empress reaching the Transcendence Realm was true or not was unknown.

After all, when she had glimpsed the Transcendence Realm, the shackles of heaven and earth had bound her, and the aura had vanished instantly, making it difficult even for Dao Integration experts to determine the truth.

Therefore, this grand wedding was the best opportunity to approach the Jade Empress.