Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 526: The Heavenly Dao Personified? p2

Within the pink demonic mist, Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy seemed to be intertwined, making one’s mind momentarily dazed at first glance.

Just then, Mu Zhian turned his head slightly, looking in the direction of the Reincarnated Empress.

Although they were separated by a great distance, for some reason, the Reincarnated Empress felt like he saw her.

In fact, it wasn’t an illusion. Mu Zhian had indeed sensed the Reincarnated Empress’s gaze.

To avoid unnecessary commotion, Mu Zhian had been deliberately restraining his Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox body before, but now, with the tribulation imminent, he had no intention of holding back.

“Demonic Qi?”

Just then, a clan member sensed the abnormality and subconsciously looked up towards Mu Zhian.

“He’s a demonic cultivator?!”

“The young lady is actually with a demonic cultivator…?”

“If this news spreads, it will greatly damage the young lady’s reputation…”

As the discussions grew louder, a clan elder softly rebuked, “Cultivators outside don’t know the situation in the Demon Realm, hence their hostility, but don’t you know either?”

This elder clearly held a high position in the Forbidden Zone. The moment he spoke, the whispers instantly quieted down.

“Whether he’s a demonic cultivator or not isn’t important, what matters is what he does and what he says. The actions of many cultivators in the Eastern Continent behind the scenes are far more despicable than the demonic cultivators of the Demon Realm,” the Grand Elder also spoke slowly.

Ye Lingxuan, having finally calmed her mind, looked at the Grand Elder with gratitude.

The old man in cloth robes chuckled and said, “There’s no need to say anything, Miss. Judging by the Demon Realm’s current actions, establishing relations with the Eastern Continent is only a matter of time. Consider this a heads-up for the clan members…”

Ye Lingxuan politely hummed in agreement, then hesitated, “Elder, you might have to have the female cultivators here leave first…”

The Grand Elder was stunned. Before he could react to Ye Lingxuan’s words, he saw a beautiful, voluptuous female elder beside him blushing, a sweet fragrance escaping her lips, her watery eyes fixed on Mu Zhian.

At the same time, among the clan members, many female disciples couldn’t help but rub their legs together, their eyes sparkling with desire.

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox’s charm, combined with the unrestrained Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace, was enough to captivate all the female cultivators present.

From the moment the Nine Tails unfurled, several female cultivators who already had Dao Companions were completely captivated by Mu Zhian, desperately clamping their thighs together.

And their eyes were hazy, their gazes fixed on Mu Zhian.

This fox spirit… The Grand Elder glanced around, seemed to understand something, his eyelids twitching, his forehead creased with worry, and immediately raised his hand, summoning a clear light to protect everyone, “Everyone, leave this place!”

Even the female elders in the clan weren’t immune, let alone the Qi Condensation and Core Formation Realm female clan members.

If they stayed here any longer, if Mu Zhian successfully passed the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, there would probably be a wild celebration on the spot… in every sense of the word.

After everyone retreated, the Grand Elder looked at the young woman in the purple dress with a strange expression.

If he didn’t know that the young lady had a strong will, and was protected by the Reincarnated Empress, he would have thought she was also bewitched by Mu Zhian’s demonic body, completely infatuated.

Thinking of this, the old man couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: Not only is his cultivation talent monstrous, but this Innate Celestial Furnace constitution is simply a natural soft rice king… No wonder the Jade Empress favors him so much.

This Grand Elder, who appeared mysterious and unfathomable in the eyes of the Forbidden Zone clan members, secretly clicked his tongue in admiration, even feeling a bit envious.

If he had Mu Zhian’s constitution back then, there would be no need for fighting and killing. Perhaps he could have clung to the thigh of some female great power at Qi Condensation Realm…

But of course, perhaps it was precisely because of this monstrous constitution that Mu Zhian was facing such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation now.

It even alarmed the Heavenly Dao.

“Young Friend, no matter what the Forbidden Zone clan members thought before, if you can pass this tribulation, no one will question your relationship with the young lady anymore,” the Grand Elder suddenly transmitted his voice to Mu Zhian, hoping to give him more will to survive.

Mu Zhian immediately transmitted his voice back, “Your word is your bond, Senior. Although I don’t know who you are, we’re both experts when it comes to tribulations. Don’t try anything funny, I’ll sense it.”

What the hell, trying anything funny, who would dare do that during someone’s tribulation?! The Grand Elder retorted via voice transmission, annoyed, “This old man isn’t that shameless. In fact, I don’t even object to your relationship with the young lady!”

But that was on the premise that Mu Zhian could survive the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation.

However, judging by the power of this tribulation, it probably wouldn’t be that easy—

Just as the Grand Elder thought of this, about to look over, his train of thought was interrupted.

The tribulation clouds in the distance had unknowingly reduced to only two layers, and although Mu Zhian looked battered, he clearly still had strength left.

He even took out a jade bottle from his storage ring and swallowed all the pills inside like they were candy.

The jade bottle had a bronze cauldron pattern; it came from the Pill Emperor.

This kid is really smooth… He’s somehow gotten close to the Pill Emperor.

The Grand Elder was momentarily speechless. He didn’t expect Mu Zhian to be involved with the Pill Emperor, besides the Jade Empress and Ye Lingxuan.

And why hadn’t the thunder stopped yet?! It had already sounded more than forty times!

Even the usually calm and collected Grand Elder couldn’t help but feel speechless.

Normally, after nine thunderclaps, the nine levels of the Heavenly Tribulation would officially descend.

However, while Mu Zhian was undergoing his tribulation, the thunderclaps continued endlessly…

Could it be that even the rules of heaven and earth couldn’t determine what level of tribulation Mu Zhian should face?

“The Soul Transformation Tribulation seems to be almost over,” the Reincarnated Empress suddenly said softly.

Only the last two layers of tribulation clouds remained in the distance. As long as he successfully passed through them, the tribulation would be over.

But even so, the thunderclaps still hadn’t stopped…

Mu Zhian clearly also knew that this nine-level Heavenly Tribulation was nearing its end, but he didn’t dare relax.

After all, the later stages of the tribulation were even more terrifying.

If it came to it, he could only rely on the power of the Heavenly Court…

However, unless absolutely necessary, Mu Zhian didn’t want to do that.

It might attract the Heavenly Dao’s attention.

But unexpectedly, the soft white light representing the Heavenly Dao’s will, which had been quietly floating in mid-air, suddenly emitted a gentle radiance, then its light pierced through the two tribulation clouds.

Like sunlight breaking through dark clouds, the two tribulation clouds silently dissipated. Then, in the night sky, a ray of sunlight, like breaking through the fog, quietly shone upon the Forbidden Zone.

The last two tribulation clouds vanished for no reason!

This scene stunned everyone, including Mu Zhian himself.

He looked at the dissipating tribulation clouds in the sky, a lingering unease in his heart.

My Soul Transformation Tribulation isn’t even over yet, why did the tribulation clouds disappear on their own…?

This Soul Transformation Tribulation had been strange from the very beginning, the thunderclaps continuing endlessly.

Just then, the soft white light representing the Heavenly Dao’s will quietly descended from the night sky.

The white light slowly drifted towards Mu Zhian.

Within the soft white light, the faint figure of a woman could be vaguely seen.

Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes, staring at the slender figure within the white light.

It was a black-haired woman with an expressionless face, her cold demeanor instantly emanating an overwhelming pressure.

Her figure was tall and perfectly proportioned.

Mu Zhian had never seen such a woman before. Although her figure was blurry, he was certain he had never seen such a flawlessly perfect woman, as if every inch of her skin, every blood vessel, was a work of art, refined to the utmost detail.

This wasn’t a ‘work of art’ meticulously sculpted by human hands; this was a true creation of heaven.

Or rather… a creation of the Heavenly Dao.

Her long dress emitted a sacred aura within the soft white light, and behind her was a crescent moon formed by the Heavenly Dao’s will.

The woman slowly opened her eyes within the soft white light, her eyes seemingly containing a myriad of stars, vast and boundless.

Mu Zhian’s Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation had completely defied the ‘rules of heaven and earth’. And when someone repeatedly broke these rules, the Heavenly Dao would activate its purification system, correcting the rules of heaven and earth back to their original track.

And this woman’s identity was a part of the Heavenly Dao’s will.

At this moment, Mu Zhian finally understood why the Heavenly Dao’s will had descended earlier.

It seemed it came to see who exactly was causing the ‘bug’ in the rules of heaven and earth.

Chapter 526: The Heavenly Dao Personified? p1

Based on the elders’ past experiences, a nine-level tribulation was the ultimate test. In this world, many things revolved around the number ‘nine’.

Because in the cultivation world, there was the saying ‘Nine returns to one’. This wasn’t mysticism, but one of the rules of heaven and earth set by the Heavenly Dao.

For cultivators undergoing tribulations, the maximum difficulty was nine levels, and the pill grades were also from one to nine.

But now… probably no one would have imagined that someone would encounter an ‘anomaly’ during their tribulation.

Up to this point, a total of sixteen thunderclaps had already sounded!

“What’s going on? Why is Brother Mu’s Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation completely different from other cultivators’ tribulations…?”

At this moment, Ye Lingxuan had arrived on the mountain peak. Looking up at a certain spot in the distance, she couldn’t help but frown slightly.

The Innate Spiritual Body was the constitution closest to Spiritual Energy in this world. The moment Ye Lingxuan looked up, she sensed the destructive aura emanating from the nine-level Heavenly Tribulation.

Even a nine-level tribulation shouldn’t have such an exaggerated destructive aura.

She subconsciously looked at the Reincarnated Empress.

The woman gently shook her head and said softly, “I’ve never seen such a Heavenly Tribulation before.”

Judging from the brewing tribulation clouds, this was clearly a nine-level tribulation, but the destructive aura it emitted was clearly different from usual.

Ye Lingxuan looked up at the young man standing in the void, a hint of worry in her eyes.

It would have been better if he had waited a bit longer to attempt Soul Transformation…

At least after she inherited the Reincarnated Empress’s memories, she might be able to help him.

“It’s fine, he has the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill refined by the Pill Emperor herself, there’s no need to worry so much,” the lively and cheerful Ye Siyu gently patted Ye Lingxuan’s shoulder and comforted her softly.

“Yeah, Sister, Master should have anticipated that Brother Mu’s Soul Transformation Tribulation would be much more difficult than any other cultivator’s, which is why she went to the Nine Provinces to search for various medicinal herbs and prepared the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill. This pill will definitely help Brother Mu overcome this difficulty,” Ye Qian also said softly.

Comforted by everyone, Ye Lingxuan seemed to calm down slightly and nodded silently.

They were right. Even if this Soul Transformation Tribulation was clearly different from past tribulations, it was still just a Soul Transformation Tribulation. Although the Heavenly Dao was strict, it couldn’t manipulate the tribulation.

Brother Mu possessed the Chaos Body, so the difficulty of his Heavenly Tribulation would naturally be higher…

Thinking of this, the young woman’s worries eased slightly.

If Mu Zhian knew her thoughts at this moment, he would probably be quite touched.

Although Sister Lingxuan usually appeared elegant and calm, she still cared about him.

However, Mu Zhian currently wasn’t in the mood to care about the outside discussions.

Just how difficult was the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation?

Mu Zhian had read some examples of Soul Transformation cultivators undergoing tribulations in ancient texts, and among the dozens of ancient texts he read, only two successfully passed.

And the Heavenly Tribulation Mu Zhian was currently experiencing seemed far more difficult than a nine-level tribulation.

Mu Zhian looked up at the swirling tribulation clouds in the sky. He really wanted to turn to the fish in his pond and quip: Look, wives, the Heavenly Dao is cheating!

However, he didn’t have any wives, only his good little sister and a maid present.

And he wasn’t in the mood for jokes now. The heavy pressure emanating from the nine-level Heavenly Tribulation made Mu Zhian’s heart heavy, he felt incredibly depressed, even instinctively wanting to submit to the tribulation.

“Damn it, it was supposed to be a nine-level tribulation, why hasn’t the thunder stopped since it started?”

Even Mu Zhian couldn’t help but curse inwardly.

Although he had been mentally prepared after Luo Tan told him about the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation in Yu State,

he was, after all, a Chaos Body. It was normal for the tribulation’s difficulty to be higher than other cultivators’.

But this wasn’t just slightly higher, the thunder hadn’t stopped since it started!

Mu Zhian now only prayed for this tribulation to start quickly… Every thunderclap he heard now was torture.

Nine thick tribulation clouds swirled in the night sky like a vortex, lightning flashing within the lead-colored clouds. As another thunderclap sounded, some clan members started leaving the mountain peak on their swords, afraid of being affected by the tribulation.

At this moment, above the Heavenly Immortal Hall, a woman in a black and red dress stood quietly. Her attire was both celestial and seductive, like a witch in flames, her alluring eyes gazing in a certain direction, and she said faintly, “Is Ye Ning still in seclusion? Mu Zhian is practically a member of the Forbidden Zone, doesn’t he care about Lingxuan’s future husband at all?”

Although sparks flickered around her, obscuring her beautiful face, judging from her ample bosom straining against her dress, it wasn’t hard to discern her identity.

The ancestor of the Ye Clan, Ye Qingxin.

And the beautiful woman beside Ye Qingxin was the future Forbidden Zone Lord.

The two didn’t go to the mountain peak where Mu Zhian was undergoing his tribulation. For them, they could already sense the pressure from the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation from here.

The future Forbidden Zone Lord said with a hint of helplessness, “He’s truly still in seclusion. And he probably didn’t expect Young Friend Mu to reach Soul Transformation so soon… How did he do it?”

The beautiful woman finally couldn’t help but ask the question in her heart.

Logically, Mu Zhian had just recently reached Nascent Soul Realm. How could he have jumped to the peak so quickly?

Even eating pills every day wouldn’t have such an effect.

“Perhaps he had some opportunity,” Ye Qingxin said calmly.

“That’s unlikely. The Immortal Medicine from the various Forbidden Lands might be able to achieve this, but a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator can’t refine Immortal Medicine,” the future Forbidden Zone Lord slowly shook her head.

She had considered several possibilities for Mu Zhian’s rapid cultivation progress, but all were dismissed.

She really couldn’t understand how his cultivation speed could be so monstrous.

Ye Qingxin looked up at the direction where the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was gathering and said softly, “Just cultivating quickly isn’t enough, he still needs to successfully pass this tribulation.”

Seemingly noticing the worry in Ye Qingxin’s eyes, the future Forbidden Zone Lord hesitated, then suddenly asked, “It’s understandable for Lingxuan to be worried about him, but I remember Mu Zhian has always been at odds with that Ye Yu boy from your Ye Clan. Why do you also care so much about Mu Zhian?”

Ye Qingxin’s eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of silence, she said calmly, “His talent is good, and his personality is quite endearing, so I have a good impression of him.”

“Besides, Lingxuan likes Mu Zhian so much, I naturally hope he’ll be fine,” Ye Qingxin added.

Hearing this, the future Forbidden Zone Lord sighed softly, “Indeed… I used to think there wouldn’t be a man she would take a liking to. I didn’t expect that after going to the Ye Clan for a few years, she would already have someone she likes when she returned.”

The couple knew Ye Lingxuan’s personality very well. They knew that although she appeared humble and elegant on the surface, she was actually quite proud.

It was difficult for such a girl to like any of her peers in the Ye Clan, which was why they were so at ease when she went there.

However, who would have thought that Ye Lingxuan indeed didn’t fall for anyone in the Ye Clan, but was taken by the young master of the Mu family instead.

“With Mu Zhian’s talent, he’s actually worthy of Lingxuan,” Ye Qingxin suddenly said.

“Indeed,” the future Forbidden Zone Lord nodded slowly, then said helplessly, “But he has the Jade Empress as his Dao Companion, and the Sword Palace Master isn’t someone to be trifled with either. I’m worried that if Lingxuan really gets together with him in the future, she’ll suffer a lot.”

“It’s fine, I’ll look after her in the future,” Ye Qingxin said.

“She’ll eventually get married one day, I can’t always look after her,” the future Forbidden Zone Lord shook her head and sighed.

That’s not necessarily true… Ye Qingxin thought silently.

Just then, Ye Qingxin suddenly saw a dazzling white light flash past her eyes.

The white light descended slowly from the night sky, sacred and captivating.

Then, for a moment, the sky seemed to be ignited by it, the entire night sky as bright as day!

A milky white sphere, accompanied by thunder, floated in mid-air. The soft light made countless cultivators unable to resist, some even involuntarily kneeling on the ground.

After an unknown amount of time in a daze, the future Forbidden Zone Lord murmured in a stunned voice, “The Heavenly Dao!”

…

The Heavenly Dao, even mortals in the Nine Provinces knew what it represented.

From the past until now, the Nine Provinces had undergone countless changes, but only the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human remained constant.

And the current Heavenly Dao was even stronger than the Earth Dao and the Human Dao. Even the rules for Heavenly Tribulations were mostly set by the Heavenly Dao.

No one expected that a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation would actually cause the Heavenly Dao to resonate.

The milky white sphere hung high in the night sky, emitting a sacred light.

As it descended, the rules of the entire Forbidden Zone seemed to tremble.

“If I remember correctly, there were a total of twenty-three thunderclaps just now…”

After a long silence, Ye Qian finally spoke with difficulty, breaking the eerie silence.

She stared intently at the small figure of the young man under the dark and oppressive Heavenly Tribulation and said softly, “Could it be that even the rules of heaven and earth don’t know what level of difficulty Brother Mu’s tribulation should be?”

Ye Lingxuan, unusually, didn’t say anything. She suddenly recalled that back at the Reincarnation Pool, Mu Zhian had once rendered the Reincarnation Pool speechless.

And the reason the Reincarnation Pool malfunctioned that time was because Mu Zhian had too many constitutions, making it unable to determine his talent.

The Reincarnated Empress, always by Ye Lingxuan’s side, also remained silent.

Even the Reincarnated Empress had never seen anyone attract the Heavenly Dao’s attention during Soul Transformation, let alone having the Heavenly Dao send down a portion of its will to ‘observe’ the tribulation.

What would happen next, she didn’t know either.

The most terrifying thing was that twenty-three thunderclaps weren’t the limit.

Since just now, a thunderclap would sound every so often.

“Even under special circumstances, the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation has a maximum of nine levels. Each level is far more powerful than the last. And some special tribulations even include the Heart Demon Tribulation and the Body Tribulation… The former can only be overcome with one’s will, and the latter requires one to withstand the tribulation with their physical body, without using Spiritual Energy,” Ye Qian murmured softly, “But what is the Heavenly Dao’s will doing here?”

No one could answer this question, even the elders who were discussing earlier fell silent, each standing with their hands behind their backs, looking up at the sky, appearing profound and knowledgeable, but their eyes were actually filled with confusion.

“The Grand Elder is here!”

Just then, a surprised voice came from the crowd. They didn’t expect the Forbidden Zone’s Grand Elder, who had always been in seclusion, to be alarmed.

The Forbidden Zone clan members on the mountain peak turned and saw the old man in simple cloth robes.

This was the Grand Elder of the Forbidden Zone, second only to the Forbidden Zone Lord in status.

“I didn’t expect to see the Heavenly Dao descend in my lifetime, personally testing a cultivator’s Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation.”

One moment the old man in cloth robes was still in the distance, the next, he had already appeared on the mountain peak. Although he deliberately restrained his aura, those near him still felt an inexplicable pressure.

It was no exaggeration to say that while the Forbidden Zone Lord was in seclusion, this Grand Elder was the second most powerful figure in the Forbidden Zone, his status unmatched.

Just then, a disciple asked curiously, “Grand Elder, do you know what’s going on with the Heavenly Dao?”

The old man was stunned, then noticing the curious gazes of the countless disciples, a mysterious smile appeared on his aged face, “Just keep watching and you’ll find out.”

At this moment, a soft halo emanated from the sphere hanging in mid-air, flowing into the nine layers of tribulation clouds. Instantly, the light-colored clouds seemed to be infused with soft light, emitting a captivating glow.

Boom!

Without warning, the first lightning bolt struck!

“Brother Mu!”

Ye Qian cried out almost subconsciously, her worried gaze fixed on the young man’s slender figure in the distance.

The Soul Transformation Tribulation was a life-or-death situation. With the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill, the difficulty of passing through the tribulation would be greatly reduced.

But no one expected this tribulation to awaken the Heavenly Dao…

Even from such a great distance, the clan disciples on the mountain peak could feel the terrifying power, no less than a full-powered attack from a great power.

The lightning bolt descended from mid-air, dazzlingly bright, casting a shadow over everyone’s hearts.

Not to mention Mu Zhian’s relationship with their young lady, more importantly, if the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was this difficult, and even Mu Zhian couldn’t pass it, then how could any of them hope to pass it even if they reached the peak of Nascent Soul Realm?

Ye Lingxuan was also worried, but as the older sister, she naturally hid her concern, her gaze fixed on the young man amidst the lightning.

Brother Mu’s aura is still stable, it seems he’s fine… the young girl thought inwardly.

Then, she tried to approach Mu Zhian with her vast spiritual sense from her Innate Spiritual Body.

Almost at that instant, as if sensing something, the young girl’s heart pounded, her cheeks flushed, and she subconsciously pressed her skirt, rubbing her legs together.

Ye Qian asked subconsciously, “Sister, what’s wrong?”

The Reincarnated Empress looked questioningly at her master’s flushed cheeks, then looked up.

Her beautiful eyes instantly caught sight of the young man amidst the lightning.

Behind Mu Zhian, several large, illusory fox tails appeared, spreading like a peacock’s tail, seductive and terrifying.

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox!

 

Chapter 525: Mu Zhian, the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation! p2

Cloud Province.

A crescent moon hung high in the night sky. A cold pool at the foot of the mountain reflected the starlight, the occasional chirping of cicadas adding to the tranquility.

A beautiful woman with a light veil covering her face sat by the cold pool, her eyes closed, seemingly dozing. Just then, a young girl’s crisp and pleasant voice came from behind her, “Your Highness, His Majesty the Great Peng Emperor requests your presence in the main hall, it seems he has something to discuss.”

The speaker was a young girl, looking no older than thirteen or fourteen, her face pretty, her bright and beautiful eyes curiously staring at the beauty by the cold pool.

The young girl was a child the Princess found in Cloud Province by chance and had been cultivating and studying in a Cloud Province academy.

With the recent changes in the Forbidden Land’s rules, those in charge of the academy were extremely busy, researching the cause of the changes, worried that Cloud Province would be completely covered by the Forbidden Land of Life’s rules.

Because of this, the academy students could only cultivate on their own.

Therefore, the young girl took this opportunity to return to the imperial palace.

“Ignore the Great Peng Emperor’s matters for now. He’s looking for me probably because he’s unhappy about me competing with him for power these past few days and wants to test my intentions,” the Princess chuckled sarcastically, stood up, casually removed the jacket from her shoulders, and gracefully stepped into the pool.

The cool water relaxed her body and mind. The beautiful married woman casually removed her veil and tied her long hair up in a bun, the loose strands framing her face, adding to her charm.

Seeing the young girl’s silence, the Princess couldn’t help but chuckle softly and said gently, “The Great Peng Emperor will probably be wondering when Luo Tan will refine the Immortal Medicine for him in a few days. The power in Cloud Province isn’t that important to him, you don’t need to worry about a conflict between us.”

The young girl looked at the Princess’s graceful back and murmured enviously, “I feel like Your Highness is even more charming than before.”

This charm wasn’t about becoming more beautiful, but a change in temperament.

If the Princess in the past seemed somewhat ‘naive’, then the current her exuded a mature charm, enough to captivate any young man’s gaze.

The Princess looked at the crescent moon hanging high in the sky, cupping the cool water in her hands, the water flowing down her smooth skin.

She glanced seductively at the young girl standing not far away, about to speak.

Rumble…

Just then, she faintly heard a thunderclap.

The Princess seemed to sense something and subconsciously turned her head towards a certain direction in the Eastern Continent.

The young girl also looked over, but seeing nothing, she couldn’t help but ask, “What is Your Highness looking at?”

“The Soul Transformation Tribulation has begun…” the Princess murmured softly.

“Soul Transformation Tribulation? Someone is attempting Soul Transformation?”

The young girl walked to the edge of the pool, squatted down, hugging her knees, and said doubtfully, “But that has nothing to do with Your Highness, right? A Soul Transformation Realm cultivator, it’s not like we haven’t had those in Cloud Province before.”

The Princess hummed softly in agreement, “You’re right, it’s indeed nothing to be concerned about.”

But as she retracted her gaze, a hint of anticipation appeared in her heart.

Earlier, when Mu Zhian was at Nascent Soul Realm, the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace was already incredibly alluring.

It was hard to imagine… what changes would occur after he reached Soul Transformation.

Perhaps by then, just the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace alone could make her a mess…?

The woman recalled the events of that night in Luo Tan’s bedchamber, a seductive smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. She murmured inwardly, “I can’t wait to have a taste~”

The Princess lightly licked her moist, full lips.

That day, people throughout the Nine Provinces were secretly watching the Forbidden Zone. Bai Ruoxi, far away in the Sword Palace, also stared at the Forbidden Zone, subconsciously gripping her skirt.

She hadn’t been this nervous even during her own Transcendence Tribulation. It felt like a straight-A student watching her child take the college entrance exam.

There was quite a commotion in the outside world, and the Forbidden Zone was naturally even more lively.

Even in the Forbidden Zone, it had been a long time since a Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation occurred, let alone the person undergoing the tribulation being the young lady’s man!

Countless Forbidden Zone clan members gathered on a mountain peak, pointing in a certain direction and whispering amongst themselves.

Although they hadn’t reached Soul Transformation yet, they knew that the difficulty of the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was determined by the cultivator’s talent and race.

Usually, the human tribulation would be relatively easier, while the Southern Wilderness Heretic Gods and the Northern Continent demon cultivators’ tribulations were terrifyingly difficult, which was one of the reasons why there were so few Soul Transformation cultivators in the Southern Wilderness and the Demon Realm.

Of course, there were exceptions. For example, it was rumored that the current Forbidden Zone Lord experienced nine levels of the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, including the Heart Demon Tribulation, causing a sensation throughout the Nine Provinces.

Besides that, it was also rumored that the Jade Empress also experienced nine levels of tribulation when she reached Soul Transformation. If it weren’t for the World-Purifying Green Lotus protecting her, she would probably have been annihilated.

In short, the tribulations those great powers experienced were almost always nine levels.

And the weakest Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation had six levels, each lightning strike equivalent to an attack from a Dao Integration Realm expert without using any techniques.

To cultivators who hadn’t reached Soul Transformation yet, such a tribulation was truly despair-inducing.

At this moment, even the future Forbidden Zone Lord walked out of her bedchamber, looking up at a certain direction within the Forbidden Zone.

Even she was somewhat anticipating how many levels of tribulation Mu Zhian would face.

Not just them, even Mu Zhian himself was somewhat expectant.

No, rather than expectant, it was more like a sense of fatalistic resignation.

Luo Tan had said before that every powerful constitution would double the difficulty of the Heavenly Tribulation, and logically, the maximum difficulty was nine levels.

However, Mu Zhian currently had more than nine constitutions.

He didn’t know how the difficulty of this Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation would be judged.

Feeling the effects of the Nascent Soul Pill flowing through his body, Mu Zhian floated in mid-air, his eyes closed, waiting for the tribulation to descend.

Rumble!

Finally, the first thunderclap sounded!

This meant the first level of the tribulation had arrived.

On a distant mountain peak, the clan members were excitedly discussing the young lady’s Dao Companion.

“How many levels of tribulation do you think Young Master Mu will face?”

“He can reach Soul Transformation at such a young age, his talent must be extraordinary. Perhaps, like the Clan Lord, it will be a nine-level tribulation,” someone guessed.

“A nine-level tribulation? Wouldn’t that mean he also has the potential for Dao Integration?” The clan member beside him refuted this guess, “There have been countless geniuses throughout history, but those who can reach Dao Integration are the most brilliant of their generation. I think a seven-level tribulation would be good enough for him.”

“A nine-level tribulation doesn’t necessarily mean he has the potential for Dao Integration. There have been chosen ones in the past who experienced nine levels of tribulation, but never reached Dao Integration in their lifetime.”

A clan elder spoke, his tone relatively mild.

But he was practically saying that no matter how talented Mu Zhian was, he couldn’t compare to a Dao Integration Realm expert.

Within the Forbidden Zone, some elders didn’t approve of the relationship between Ye Lingxuan and Mu Zhian, and this elder was one of them.

Other elders also spoke, “Indeed, Mu Zhian’s talent is astonishing, but even a nine-level tribulation doesn’t prove anything. It only means the young lady has good judgment, but that’s all.”

“Love can blind a girl. Let’s not say too much, lest the young lady overhears and becomes unhappy,” another elder shook his head and sighed.

These elders were all high-ranking members of the Forbidden Zone and knew some secrets unknown to the other clan members.

Ye Lingxuan was the only one in the Forbidden Zone with a chance of Transcendence. Therefore, these elders naturally had higher standards, worried that Mu Zhian might affect the young lady’s future.

Rumble…

As another thunderclap sounded, a clan elder nodded slightly, “It seems the Heavenly Dao has judged Mu Zhian’s talent to be astonishing. He will probably face a nine-level tribulation.”

“Old Seven, you lost. Remember to send me that jade bracelet later,” an elder with a celestial air said with a smile.

“I also bet on Mu Zhian facing a nine-level tribulation, but you chose it first.”

The elder called ‘Old Seven’ glared angrily, clearly dissatisfied.

“Why are you two betting again? If the Grand Elder sees this, you’ll probably be scolded again,” the Third Elder reminded.

“So what? I’m getting that jade bracelet from Old Seven no matter what. My precious granddaughter has been craving it for a long time,” the elder with a celestial air stroked his beard, his face filled with delight.

“Quiet down, everyone. The young lady is coming… We still don’t know if Mu Zhian can successfully pass the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation,” another elder reminded softly.

“Indeed, a nine-level tribulation, even I’ve only seen it four times in my life, and only one person successfully passed,” the Third Elder’s tone lowered slightly, recalling the past.

“If he can truly pass the nine-level tribulation, Mu Zhian might be worthy of becoming the young lady’s Dao Companion.”

Hearing this, many elders nodded slightly.

A nine-level tribulation, even they weren’t completely confident in passing it, let alone Mu Zhian, who had only cultivated for how long? Perhaps his realm was high, but his experience was lacking.

“Speaking of which, do you feel like the Heavenly Tribulation hasn’t finished brewing yet?” someone suddenly asked doubtfully.

Hearing this, someone shook their head, “How is that possible? The Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation has a maximum of nine levels. This is common knowledge, a rule of heaven and earth set by the Heavenly Dao. No one can change it—”

Rumble…

As soon as his voice fell, another thunderclap sounded, and the discussion on the mountain peak instantly fell silent.

Even the expressions of the many clan elders present froze.

A tenth thunderclap?

…Where did that come from?

According to past precedent, each thunderclap signified one level of the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, and nine thunderclaps had already sounded.

Where did this tenth one come from?

However, before the elders could react, another rumbling boom echoed.

An eleventh thunderclap!

“Something’s not right… Is there something wrong with this Heavenly Tribulation?” Someone finally realized the gravity of the situation, their expression turning serious.

The Heavenly Tribulation had a maximum of nine levels, why were there two extra thunderclaps?

Rumble…

At this moment, the night sky was as bright as day, and the tribulation clouds were filled with a destructive aura, despair-inducing at first glance.

And even more despairing was that the thunderclaps didn’t stop after the eleventh, but a twelfth thunderclap followed…

The mountain peak was crowded with people, yet it was completely silent, countless gazes staring in astonishment at the dark and oppressive tribulation clouds, swirling like a vortex in the sea.

At this moment, the same thought arose in everyone’s minds.

After the nine levels of the Heavenly Tribulation, could there be an even more terrifying tribulation?

Chapter 525: Mu Zhian, the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation! p1

Mu Zhian gently rubbed his lower back, glancing at the fairy resting with her eyes closed beside him, then at the pure and charming young girl on his other side.

He had anticipated this scene, but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

She really gets me… Mu Zhian couldn’t help but admire Yao Meng inwardly again, gazing at her flawless beauty, and gently squeezing her soft, small hand.

Yao Meng slowly opened her eyes, a strand of hair clinging to her forehead, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. “I’ll go to Tianxuan City later and see if there are any clues left by your parents. You’ll be undergoing your tribulation in the Forbidden Zone, with two Dao Integration Realm experts present, and the rules to assist you. No one should interfere.”

“But still, be careful.”

Mu Zhian nodded, “I know, the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation is much more difficult than I imagined.”

“Besides that, there’s one more thing you should be aware of.”

A faint smile appeared in Yao Meng’s beautiful eyes, and she said softly, “The Forbidden Zone Lord has the authority to modify the rules within the Forbidden Zone. The current Forbidden Zone Lord is Ye Ning, but if Ye Lingxuan takes over… you have to be careful.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, then nodded slightly, “Mmm, I understand.”

Although he said that, he still couldn’t understand why Yao Meng specifically reminded him to be careful of Ye Lingxuan.

What was there to worry about with Sister Lingxuan? She was a sweet little sister who cared about him.

In Mu Zhian’s fishpond, there were only two sweet little sisters who cared about him: Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan.

He was quite at ease with both of them.

Yao Meng clearly saw that Mu Zhian didn’t take her words seriously, but she didn’t remind him again, just casually glancing in a certain direction within the room.

The Desolate Time Lock. This ancestral artifact, tempered through nine lifetimes, possessed power far surpassing ordinary ancestral artifacts. Even Soul Transformation Realm cultivators couldn’t detect it when being observed.

But Yao Meng could naturally sense that someone had been spying on them earlier.

However, she had already given her reminder. Whether Mu Zhian heeded it or not was beyond her concern.

That night, Mu Zhian and Ye Qian went to the main hall where Ye Lingxuan resided.

The young girl kept her head lowered along the way, seemingly shy.

This made sense. Although she had been intimate with Brother Mu together with her sister before, that was her sister. They had grown up together and even slept in the same bed often.

But Master was different.

She was one of the people Ye Qian respected the most, and also the dream lover of many cultivators in the Eastern Continent.

If anyone heard those sweet and seductive moans that didn’t match the fairy’s usual image, countless hearts would be broken.

After all, such a contrast was too stark, like the seductive Demon Empress actually being a pure little girl, or the Two Polarities Sect Master, the mastermind behind destiny calculations, turning into a dazed and adorable Spirit Dragon obsessed with food.

“Brother Mu, why do you keep staring at me?”

Sensing a burning gaze on her, the young girl’s face flushed crimson. She shyly lowered her eyelids and asked softly.

Mu Zhian shamelessly wrapped his arm around the young girl’s slender waist and said with a smile, “I didn’t expect my Qian’er to develop so quickly. If you walked out with Lingxuan, everyone would probably think you’re the older sister.”

The young girl’s physical development was indeed rapid, not only in height, but also in her bust.

Ye Qian shot Brother Mu a playful glare, “Sister is also developing very quickly. Besides, whether someone is the older sister isn’t determined by physical development. Sister is much more mature than me, even the Forbidden Zone elders like her very much.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, “By the way, you’ve been with Lingxuan for so long, do you know if she has any special… preferences?”

“Like… getting excited seeing her lover being intimate with other women?”

Ye Qian was stunned, then looked at the young man strangely, not saying a word.

Mu Zhian had the right formula, but the wrong answer.

“P-probably not, why would Brother Mu ask such a thing?” Ye Qian asked, puzzled.

“Nothing, just suddenly thought of something,” Mu Zhian smiled casually.

The Reincarnated Empress coming to find him, even acting intimately with him, seemed to be orchestrated by Ye Lingxuan, which was why Mu Zhian was suspicious.

The two unknowingly arrived at a simply decorated, classic-style bedchamber. Most of the attendants outside had been dismissed, leaving only a few maids.

Mu Zhian walked through the main hall, glancing around, but didn’t see anyone. He didn’t know whether Ye Lingxuan was cultivating or busy with matters at the Elders’ Council.

The bedchamber was brightly lit, the candlelight making the hall feel warm.

“Don’t move.”

Just then, a young girl’s crisp and pleasant voice came from behind. She bound one end of the Desolate Time Lock to the young man’s right wrist and said calmly, “Hands behind your back.”

Hearing the familiar voice and feeling the cold chain on his wrist, Mu Zhian obediently put his hands behind his back and closed his eyes.

Seeing this, a satisfied look appeared in the young girl’s eyes, “Now turn around, don’t open your eyes.”

Ye Qian, seeing this, opened her mouth slightly, about to say something, but her sister stopped her with a look.

After Mu Zhian turned around, the young girl withdrew the Desolate Time Lock.

Mu Zhian smelled a lavender-like fragrance as the young girl approached, sniffing him like a cat.

Mu Zhian finally couldn’t help but open his eyes: “What are you doing?”

The noble Forbidden Zone imperial daughter raised her beautiful, light purple eyes, looking at the young man with a smile, “I want to see if Brother Mu has been having any secret rendezvous tonight.”

Mu Zhian’s heart tightened, but he maintained a calm expression, “And what were the results…?”

“Didn’t Brother Mu just return from a rendezvous with Qian’er?” Ye Lingxuan asked with a smile.

“Huh, why does Brother Mu look so relieved?”

The young girl asked doubtfully, “Could it be that it wasn’t just with Qian’er?”

I feel like she’s being sarcastic… For some reason, Mu Zhian felt Ye Lingxuan already knew something.

This young girl usually looked pure and innocent, but he knew some of Ye Lingxuan’s methods.

“I went out alone tonight, I hope I didn’t cause you any trouble,” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

“Besides Sister Siyu and Ancestor, no other clan members usually approach my bedchamber, so there’s no need to worry,” Ye Lingxuan said with a faint smile, “Brother Mu is planning to undergo your tribulation, right?”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly: “I’ll take the Nascent Soul Pill tonight.”

Yao Meng had already helped him consolidate his chaotic Spiritual Energy today, and Mu Zhian was mentally prepared for the tribulation.

“Then Qian’er and I won’t disturb Brother Mu any longer. You can go back and rest. I’ve already had someone prepare your room,” Ye Lingxuan said.

I feel like Sister Lingxuan is acting strange tonight… Mu Zhian muttered silently, but still nodded gently and left the hall.

After Mu Zhian left, the young girl turned to look at her younger sister.

“S-Sister… What’s wrong?”

Ye Qian looked like a child who had done something wrong, taking half a step back hesitantly.

“The Desolate Time Lock showed me everything that happened tonight,” Ye Lingxuan said faintly, “You actually submitted to that woman.”

Ye Qian was stunned, “But she’s my Master, there’s no such thing as submitting or not submitting.”

Ye Lingxuan: “…”

She originally wanted to complain about Ye Qian betraying her, but thinking carefully, Qian’er was indeed different from her.

After all, Qian’er had always had a good relationship with the Jade Empress.

The two of them being together tonight… didn’t seem that strange.

“But I’m still on Sister’s side. If Sister needs Qian’er’s help in the future, I’ll definitely help you,” Ye Qian immediately said softly.

Ye Lingxuan turned her head and shot her sister an annoyed glare, silently accusing her of secretly having fun with the Jade Empress tonight.

“Actually, there’s no need for your help. As long as I inherit the position of Forbidden Zone Empress, everything will be fine,” Ye Lingxuan said.

“Why didn’t Sister expose Brother Mu tonight?” Ye Qian suddenly asked.

“He’s about to undergo his tribulation, I can’t disturb him at this time.”

The young girl snorted softly, “But after the tribulation, hmph…”

The Forbidden Zone’s rules were controlled by the Forbidden Zone Lord. Once Ye Lingxuan became the true Forbidden Zone Empress, she would have complete control over the rules of this vast Forbidden Zone.

If she wanted to, she could even establish some outrageous rules.

For example, one of the Forbidden Zone rules: Anyone who enters the Forbidden Zone must acknowledge that Mu Zhian is Ye Lingxuan’s man.

Or, Mu Zhian can only leave the Forbidden Zone after getting married here. Such rules weren’t impossible to set.

In short, once she inherited the position of Forbidden Zone Empress, all the rules of the Forbidden Zone would be under Ye Lingxuan’s control.

Of course, there was no rush for these things.

Everything could wait until after Brother Mu successfully passed his tribulation.

…

The Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was a realm most cultivators in the Nine Provinces dreamed of reaching.

In the past, before the rules of heaven and earth changed, there wasn’t a single Soul Transformation Realm cultivator in the Nine Provinces.

Even now, after the rules of heaven and earth were rewritten, Soul Transformation Realm cultivators were still extremely rare.

Because the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation was simply too difficult.

Many cultivators didn’t even dare attempt it.

No matter how talented or brilliant one was, before the Heavenly Dao, everyone was equal.

The slightest carelessness could result in being annihilated by the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation.

Because of this, even someone as experienced as Yao Meng, just in case, prepared medicinal ingredients for a long time, finally obtaining the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill from the Pill Emperor.

But even with the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill, there was still some risk.

The candlelight flickered in the room. Mu Zhian sat cross-legged on the bed, and at a certain moment, the candle’s shadow suddenly distorted.

“Sister Mengrou, do you think the Heavenly Dao will try anything funny during my tribulation?”

Mu Zhian suddenly asked casually.

He hadn’t even opened his eyes, yet he had already sensed Wei Mengrou’s presence.

“The Heavenly Dao is also bound by the rules, it can’t interfere directly. Besides, it’s not in its best condition, it seems to have suffered some damage,” a cold voice echoed through the room as the beauty in the yellow dress said faintly, “How did you sense my presence?”

Now, with two Primordial Witch spiritual senses, Wei Mengrou’s strength was unfathomable, yet Mu Zhian could sense her aura immediately… This was quite strange.

“Could I not recognize your scent?” Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile and opened his eyes.

Wei Mengrou stood with her long, fair legs crossed, her arms crossed as she leaned against the table. Hearing this, a faint blush appeared on her cold face, and she glared at the young man, saying softly, “Pervert, do you have a scent fetish?”

Then, her gaze was quickly drawn to the pill Mu Zhian took out, and she murmured softly, “Is this the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill?”

“Are you planning to take it now?” she asked again.

Seeing the worry in the maid’s eyes, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile, “If you’re worried, why don’t you give me a kiss for encouragement?”

Wei Mengrou said calmly, “I was just asking.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then smiled, “Actually, if you added, ‘I-It’s not like I’m worried about you or anything’ afterward, it would have been even better.”

Wei Mengrou gave her young master a disdainful look.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment, then said seriously, “I really want a kiss from Sister Mengrou before the tribulation. If I successfully comprehend the Dao, I’ll definitely repay you generously in the future.”

“You wish,” Wei Mengrou snorted coldly.

Seeing this, Mu Zhian just smiled, took the pill, and left the room.

Just then, he suddenly smelled a rose-like fragrance, followed by the soft press of a body against his. A pair of slender, fair hands gently cupped his face, and he could feel the maid’s warm breath close at hand. He looked up and saw her cold face.

A gentle look seemed to be flowing in her usually cold eyes.

“I knew Sister Mengrou still loves me,” Mu Zhian sighed, but didn’t look down at her, feeling that doing so might make Wei Mengrou so shy that she would flee the room.

In Mu Zhian’s fishpond, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Wei Mengrou was the one who understood him best, having been by his side since he was young.

But in the past, Mu Zhian could only look but not touch, and now… he could both look and touch.

Wei Mengrou stood slightly on tiptoes, pressing her soft red lips against the young man’s.

The cool and soft touch, even though he was mentally prepared, still made Mu Zhian slightly dazed. He subconsciously bit her lower lip.

After a while, he heard Wei Mengrou’s faint voice transmission: “Come back alive.”

“Then… you can serve me however you like.”

The candlelight flickered in the room. The beauty in his arms had already left, her beautiful side profile faintly visible, her crystal-clear earlobes slightly flushed.

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile.

He swallowed the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill and left the bedchamber.

Soon, a violent wind howled outside, and terrifying thunder rumbled through the sky above the Forbidden Zone, as bright as day.

 

Chapter 524: A Reserved Seat in the Little Black Room!

“She wants to marry you, using this to gradually reconcile the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm.” As if Mu Zhian hadn’t heard clearly, Yao Meng repeated herself.

Mu Zhian raised a hand to stop her, saying, “Hold on, I know what you mean… but I’m already married, aren’t I? There’s no law in the Eastern Continent against second marriages, is there?”

He paused, then continued, “And… you don’t mind?” He discreetly observed her expression as he spoke.

The fairy in the green dress smiled at him warmly. “Whether I mind or not isn’t important. What matters is what you think.”

Mu Zhian gazed at her silently, then sighed helplessly, “Naturally, I don’t want to get married.”

The reason his previous marriage was fine was because everyone knew he made a ‘sacrifice’ for Yao Meng’s Transcendence, but this time was different.

Could he really ‘marry’ into the Demon Realm for the sake of peace between the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm?

Ultimately, this wasn’t about harmony at all, it was just something the Demon Empress cooked up.

Yao Meng smiled, leaning closer, and whispered, “Actually, the Demon Empress only has this idea, she might not actually propose it to the Demon Realm. She’s probably just testing the waters.”

“At the very least, she’ll wait until you reach Soul Transformation before considering this.”

Many were waiting for Mu Zhian to reach Soul Transformation, including Yao Meng.

However, she was more curious about whether Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace had any limits.

If it truly didn’t, its potential would be terrifying.

A Soul Transformation cultivator with a Transcendence Realm cauldron, then when he reached Dao Integration, wouldn’t his Innate Celestial Furnace be close to Immortal Ascension?

And what if… he reached Immortal Ascension?

Would the Innate Celestial Furnace continue to evolve?

Hearing this, Mu Zhian was slightly relieved.

“You dislike the idea of marrying the Demon Empress that much? She’s quite a beauty, you know,” Yao Meng teased, seeing his reaction.

Mu Zhian shrugged, “To the people of the Nine Provinces, I’m already married. Getting married again wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?”

Of course, that wasn’t the main point. The main point was, if the other fish in his pond found out about this, Mu Zhian felt his life might be over.

“You seem more mature than before, and you’ve grown taller? I can’t seem to reach your height even on tiptoes now.”

Yao Meng took Mu Zhian’s hand, stood up, and compared their heights. She could barely reach his forehead.

Mu Zhian gazed at her silently. Her beautiful and refined face, her picturesque features, her playful green eyes, and her lips, painted with alluring rouge, were incredibly captivating.

Clearly, this fairy was just teasing him.

“But if I wore shoes, I might be able to reach your height?”

Yao Meng looked at the young man with a smile in her eyes, “Judging by your past preferences, you seem to have a thing for boots. Want to try it sometime? When we get back to the Jade Pool, mmm—”

Mu Zhian suddenly lowered his head and captured Yao Meng’s lips, his arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer through her dress.

Ever since their first intimacy, Yao Meng seemed to have gradually awakened, becoming even more alluring… It wasn’t just superficial; she always managed to arouse Mu Zhian’s desires unintentionally.

Yao Meng glanced at the young man lazily and transmitted her voice, “Qian’er is coming to ask me about cultivation later, don’t rip my dress.”

However, the more she said that, the more aroused Mu Zhian became, deepening the kiss.

Finally, Yao Meng’s voice gradually faded, her body melting in his arms.

She gently placed a hand on Mu Zhian’s shoulder, a playful glint in her eyes.

This feeling was truly wonderful. The Yao Meng in the eyes of the world was a holy and flawless fairy, but in Mu Zhian’s eyes, she was simply a woman… Or rather, to the lecherous Mu Zhian, there was no such thing as respect for the Human Emperor.

And this was the attitude Yao Meng wanted from him.

As the warm candlelight flickered, Mu Zhian suddenly noticed that the chaotic Spiritual Energy within him, still unstable from his recent breakthrough to the peak of Nascent Soul Realm, was gradually stabilizing. He looked at the woman before him in surprise, and saw her looking back with a slight smile, her red lips parting slightly:

“Did you really think the Innate Dao Body could only nurture your cultivation technique and nothing else?”

Mu Zhian sighed softly, “I feel like I owe you so much.”

Through Luo Tan’s Innate Celestial Furnace, Mu Zhian had directly skipped a realm, smoothly reaching the peak of Nascent Soul.

But this wasn’t without drawbacks. Due to the lack of consolidation, his Spiritual Energy was somewhat unstable, which could be stabilized through future cultivation, but it would still take some time.

And Yao Meng was currently using this opportunity of dual cultivation to help Mu Zhian stabilize his chaotic Spiritual Energy.

No wonder so many cultivators in the Nine Provinces pursued the Jade Pool Holy Maidens. Becoming their Dao Companion meant gaining a first-grade cultivation technique, and she could even help stabilize their Spiritual Energy during cultivation.

Most importantly, the Jade Pool Holy Maidens were all incredibly beautiful.

Although Mu Zhian had always wanted to live a leisurely and comfortable life, eating soft rice… he still felt a bit embarrassed at this moment.

“There’s no need for you to feel guilty. Compared to this small favor I did for you, you’ve given me much more.”

Yao Meng gazed into the young man’s eyes with a smile, then wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, gently pulling him down so that his face was buried in her bosom.

Then, she whispered in his ear, her warm breath brushing against his skin:

“If you really feel guilty, then compensate me now, without reservation~”

“I’ve also prepared a surprise for you tonight,” she whispered again.

“What surprise?” Mu Zhian asked subconsciously, having a bad feeling about this.

Yao Meng didn’t answer, just smiled mysteriously, gazing at him silently.

…

Ye Qian slowly opened her eyes, returning to reality from her meditative state.

The young girl wore a loose white inner garment, her messy hair framing her pure, melon-seed-shaped face, her nose high and straight. At first glance, she seemed to possess a charm beyond her years.

She seemed naturally suited to the Jade Pool Holy Land’s Dao of Tranquility, adding a touch of holiness to her already pure appearance.

Ye Qian gently lifted the blanket and got out of bed. Her well-developed figure was hidden beneath the loose white inner garment, but her alluring curves were still noticeable.

Seemingly not noticing, she changed into a light blue dress and left the room.

Master had asked her to come see her tonight, seemingly having something important to discuss.

If Master hadn’t asked, she would have asked her sister to sneak her into Mu Zhian’s room for a visit.

After all, according to her sister, Brother Mu was currently confined to her room because of the false accusation and imprisonment, lest he be seen and gossiped about.

But now… since she was going to see Master, she could only visit Brother Mu tomorrow.

The young girl walked along the path with light steps, heading towards the familiar destination.

Just as she entered the courtyard, she sensed something was off.

The fallen leaves in the courtyard were frozen in mid-air, the wind stilled, time seemingly paused, the surroundings completely silent.

The young girl murmured softly, “The Principles of Time?”

She knew Master had completely mastered the Principles of Time and could freeze time at any moment.

As for why she wasn’t affected, Master must have known she was coming tonight and made a special exception for her.

Thinking of this, her gaze quickly fell on the brightly lit room not far away.

She was about to approach when she suddenly heard a sweet moan coming from inside.

Ye Qian abruptly stopped, looking at the closed door hesitantly.

That voice just now… sounded like Master?

What is Master doing…?

Thoughts raced through Ye Qian’s mind. Hearing the soft moans faintly drifting from the room, for some reason, as if realizing something, her heart pounded, and an inexplicable excitement surged within her.

The young girl held her breath and gracefully walked to the door in her deerskin boots. The sounds from inside became clearer.

As expected, it was Brother Mu!

A hint of joy flickered in the young girl’s eyes. She didn’t expect Brother Mu to be here.

He must have come looking for Master…

Then perhaps she shouldn’t disturb Master now…

Ye Qian hesitated at the door for a moment, then suddenly said softly, “Master, if you’re still busy, I’ll come back later.”

“Is that you, Qian’er?”

A lazy and sweet voice came from inside, followed by the woman’s leisurely words, “Come in, it’s fine.”

Ye Qian’s heart stirred, and she hesitated at the doorway.

After a while, as if making up her mind, she gently pushed open the door.

Time here was completely frozen, so no one would notice.

But there were always exceptions.

For example, a Dao Integration Realm expert could sense the abnormality here.

At this moment, a woman stood in mid-air above the bedchamber, watching everything unfold.

The Reincarnated Empress.

She silently watched the Jade Empress’s bedchamber, then after a while, quietly turned and left.

A spatial rift tore open before her. She stepped inside and instantly reappeared beside her Master.

The young woman in the purple dress sat before a bronze mirror, combing her hair, her back straight, her demeanor elegant, her eyebrows like distant mountains, a classical beauty.

Ye Lingxuan rarely bothered with makeup. With her natural beauty, even without it, she was already stunning.

However, Mu Zhian was in the Forbidden Zone recently… Before her beloved Brother Mu, she had to at least make an effort, right?

“I rarely see you leave your room alone. Is there something you need tonight?”

Ye Lingxuan sat before her dressing table, looking at the tall and alluring woman in the mirror, and asked.

The Reincarnated Empress said calmly, “I was a bit worried seeing Young Master Mu leave tonight, so I followed him.”

“The Forbidden Zone has its rules. Unless Brother Mu accidentally triggers them, he’ll be safe. It’s good for him to get some fresh air. He’s been cooped up in my room these past two days, he must be bored.”

Ye Lingxuan paused, then asked calmly, “Any news from the Jade Empress?”

The Reincarnated Empress hesitated, looking at her Master’s graceful back, and said, “The Jade Empress is… doing well. She might be teaching your younger sister something…”

“Why ‘might’? Didn’t you see it with your own eyes?”

Ye Lingxuan raised a delicate eyebrow, looking at the Reincarnated Empress with surprise, “You rarely say such uncertain things, are you just guessing?”

The Reincarnated Empress nodded slightly, “I am indeed just guessing, however… I think I’m right. The Jade Empress should be teaching your younger sister something.”

Ye Lingxuan thought for a moment, then took out the Desolate Time Lock, “Forget it, I’ll personally check on Qian’er. She said she wanted to see Brother Mu two days ago. I’ll use this opportunity to arrange for them to meet.”

Ye Lingxuan always felt a bit guilty towards Ye Qian.

After all, her younger sister, Ye Qian, was the first to be with Mu Zhian, and she only became close to him later.

Back then, they even secretly did intimate things behind Qian’er’s back…

Although she later learned about Qian’er’s peculiar hobby, Ye Lingxuan still felt guilty.

However, just as Ye Lingxuan was about to cast the technique, the Reincarnated Empress hesitated and advised in a low voice, “Miss, how about later? It might not be a good time right now…”

She was afraid of upsetting her Master.

“What’s wrong with now? I’m not trying to pry into Qian’er’s private life, I just want to see how her cultivation is progressing. Although she seems obedient and well-behaved, she’s actually quite competitive and has been secretly cultivating diligently all this time.”

Ye Lingxuan pursed her lips and said calmly, “But you’re right, spying on other people’s private lives isn’t very good.”

The Reincarnated Empress breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, Ye Lingxuan murmured thoughtfully, “Speaking of which, do you think Brother Mu would dislike girls who pry into his private life?”

The Reincarnated Empress pondered for a moment and said, “I think he wouldn’t mind, the Jade Empress seems to have spied on him several times.”

Ye Lingxuan snorted softly, “That woman only pretends to be an otherworldly fairy in public, but if the cultivators of the Nine Provinces knew her true nature, they would be greatly disappointed.”

“Actually, many men like this type of seemingly pure fairy with a seductive nature. It gives them a sense of conquest, even capturing their hearts completely,” the Reincarnated Empress said.

Ye Lingxuan glanced at the woman, “Something you read in a book again?”

“Although it’s knowledge from books, it’s mostly correct theory,” the Reincarnated Empress explained.

Seemingly noticing Ye Lingxuan’s disbelief, the Reincarnated Empress frowned slightly and said, “Do you think I’m just all talk, no action, Miss?”

Ye Lingxuan was stunned and asked doubtfully, “Don’t tell me you’ve had a Dao Companion or been in love before?”

The Reincarnated Empress opened her mouth slightly, but couldn’t say anything.

Then, she said faintly, with a hint of emotion, “You also thought I was all talk before, Miss, and what happened? I won over Mu Zhian in less than a night.”

Ye Lingxuan was silent for a moment, then said calmly, “M-maybe Brother Mu needed something from you and submitted to you at the time? After all, he came to the Forbidden Zone for the Flower of the Great Dao. You should know its whereabouts, right?”

The Reincarnated Empress fell silent.

Her Master’s intelligence exceeded her expectations. She didn’t expect Ye Lingxuan to figure out what happened last night so quickly.

Seeing the Reincarnated Empress’s silence, a slight smile appeared at the corner of Ye Lingxuan’s lips.

As expected.

She knew Brother Mu wouldn’t just let the Reincarnated Empress be intimate with him.

“And you probably didn’t really kiss Brother Mu, right? You can sense when I use the Desolate Time Lock, so you just needed to put on a show for me at that time.”

Ye Lingxuan toyed with the Desolate Time Lock in her hand and continued confidently, “After all, you’re someone who even gets shy talking about kissing.”

As she spoke, she stared intently at the cool beauty before her. Seeing the woman’s continued silence, Ye Lingxuan knew her guess was correct, and her mood brightened considerably.

Looking at the silent Reincarnated Empress, she suddenly murmured to herself, “Speaking of which, Brother Mu said he wanted to go for a walk tonight, where did he go?”

The Reincarnated Empress looked at her Master and said, “Aren’t you worried he might be having a secret rendezvous with some woman? Are you that confident in yourself, Miss?”

Because of the position of Forbidden Zone Lord, there had been open and covert struggles between the various factions within the Forbidden Zone these past few days. However, Ye Lingxuan ultimately won over two of the three major factions, which was enough to prove her abilities.

The young girl did indeed have reason to be confident.

However… although the young lady might be a genius in ‘business’, it might not be the case when it came to relationships…

Genius girls always had a kind of blind confidence.

Ye Lingxuan said calmly, “This is the Forbidden Zone. Brother Mu wouldn’t do anything here, would he? The rules of the Forbidden Zone are set by the Forbidden Zone Lord. If I want to, I can even keep Brother Mu here forever, captivated by me. If he really does anything with someone else…”

“Hmph…”

The young girl snorted softly, seemingly noticing the Reincarnated Empress’s doubtful gaze, and continued, “If you don’t believe me, just look at what Brother Mu is doing now.”

As she spoke, Ye Lingxuan gently raised her fingertip, and the Desolate Time Lock quietly condensed into a bronze mirror.

“Wait—”

The Reincarnated Empress finally reacted, about to stop her.

However, just then, a sweet and seductive voice, which could make a man’s bones melt, echoed from the bronze mirror.

The sound seemed to freeze the atmosphere in the room.

The Reincarnated Empress seemed to have realized something, silently covering her beautiful and alluring face.

However, she couldn’t help but peek at the scene in the bronze mirror through her fingers.

And Ye Lingxuan subconsciously looked at the image in the bronze mirror, murmuring doubtfully, “Qian’er…”

And the Jade Empress?

But wasn’t she spying on Brother Mu? Why were the Jade Empress and Qian’er the ones appearing? And why were they embracing each other…?

Could there be something wrong with the Desolate Time Lock—

Just then, as if sensing Ye Lingxuan’s doubt, the image in the bronze mirror slowly moved downwards…

Ye Lingxuan’s train of thought abruptly stopped. She saw the young man caught between Yao Meng and Ye Qian.

The young woman’s calm and confident smile faltered. She tilted her head slightly and let out a confused sound.

“Eh?”

Chapter 523: She Wants to Marry You! p2

In a certain bedchamber, a fairy in a green dress leaned against the soft couch, covered by a soft blanket, seemingly taking a nap.

The candlelight flickered softly, casting a warm glow on the woman’s beautiful face.

Just then, a shadow quietly slipped in through the window. Mu Zhian emerged from the shadows and quietly approached.

“Yao Meng?”

Mu Zhian deliberately lowered his voice, as if afraid of disturbing others.

There was no helping it. Mu Zhian was supposed to be in the Forbidden Zone prison, but Ye Lingxuan fished him out that day… She even specifically told him not to leave her room.

Of course, whether this suggestion was for his own good or for her to enjoy him alone was unknown.

“Do you still need to rest after reaching Transcendence Realm?”

Mu Zhian muttered, walked to Yao Meng’s side, half-squatted, and gently touched her face. There was no reaction.

Clearly, she wasn’t truly resting, but her spiritual sense wasn’t in this body.

Mu Zhian didn’t know where Yao Meng’s spiritual sense had gone. At this moment, he was admiring the fairy’s beauty, his eyes filled with wonder.

Although he had shared a bed with her countless times, this was the first time he carefully observed her like this.

It had to be said, Yao Meng’s beauty was truly stunning. Her small, full lips, her delicate nose, her long eyelashes, a touch of crimson at the corners of her eyes, all combined to form a pure yet alluring face.

Among the fish in Mu Zhian’s pond, she definitely ranked first in terms of looks alone.

“A fairy is truly a fairy, never gets old no matter how much you look,” Mu Zhian sighed inwardly, his gaze moving down from her delicate and flawless face. Her thin, green gauze dress glowed warmly in the candlelight, her snow-white jade feet bare, even the faint blue veins on her feet possessing a unique beauty.

Mu Zhian silently looked at the fairy, whose spiritual sense had gone somewhere unknown, and a bold thought suddenly arose in his mind.

However, just as he reached out and held Yao Meng’s fair foot, he suddenly saw her eyelashes flutter slightly, then she opened her eyes.

A hint of surprise appeared in her eyes, then quickly replaced by a playful smile, “What are you planning to do while Sister is away?”

“I just thought you were too tired recently, so I wanted to give you a foot massage,” Mu Zhian said calmly.

Yao Meng rolled her eyes at Mu Zhian. Sensing his burning gaze, a faint blush quickly appeared on her face. She tucked her feet under her dress, covering her alluring figure.

Yao Meng is truly high attack, low defense… Mu Zhian muttered inwardly, then spoke to ease the awkward atmosphere, “Where did you go just now?”

Yao Meng’s shyness gradually subsided, and she said calmly, “I went to the Heavenly Court to see the Demon Empress.”

“You and the Demon Empress both went to the Heavenly Court?” Mu Zhian was startled.

“Don’t worry, I just asked her some questions. However, she seems quite hostile towards me.”

Yao Meng seemed to see through Mu Zhian’s thoughts, her green eyes filled with a playful smile, “You’re truly popular. There were stories of the Three-Tailed Fox causing chaos in the Eastern Continent dynasties in the past. You’re a Nine-Tailed Fox, perhaps you really can dismantle the Demon Realm.”

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “The Demon Empress has her own plans, it’s not something a little cultivator like me can influence.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

Yao Meng hummed softly, caressed the young man’s face, and said faintly, “But judging from the current situation, she seems to take your words seriously.”

“Aren’t you curious why I went to see her, and what she told me?” Yao Meng suddenly asked.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, “Did you go see her because of the Demon Empress’s Transcendence?”

“It has nothing to do with that,” Yao Meng gently shook her head, “I want to find out who your parents are and where they are now.”

She gazed into Mu Zhian’s eyes and said softly, “Do you remember your parents’ names?”

Mu Zhian fell silent.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about who his parents were, but he had ‘subconsciously’ ignored this matter.

Or rather, someone had shielded destiny, making him subconsciously ignore such an important thing.

“Perhaps they’re still alive somewhere, living a new life,” Mu Zhian quickly shrugged and smiled casually.

He had no memories of his childhood, only vaguely remembering two blurry faces.

And most of the information about his parents came from the guest elder in his family.

But now it seemed that whether the stories Old Ren told about his parents were true remained to be seen.

“If you can’t remember, then don’t think about it. I’ll help you find out their identities.”

Yao Meng suddenly said softly, “If you’re sad, you can lean on Sister’s shoulder.”

Mu Zhian was stunned: “Are our roles reversed?”

Logically, shouldn’t it be the girl feeling sad because of something, then the boy offering his shoulder for her to lean on, and comforting her softly?

Why was it different with him?

However, Yao Meng had already gently pulled the young man into her embrace. His face touched her soft bosom, and he inhaled her faint fragrance, an inexplicably comforting scent.

The Jade Pool Holy Land’s Dao of Tranquility could influence others in various ways, even a simple embrace like this had such an effect.

“Actually, whether your parents exist in this world, or whether they care about you… you don’t need to worry too much about it.”

She lowered her head slightly, her red lips close to the young man’s ear, and whispered, “As long as I care about you, that’s enough.”

Her sweet breath, her slightly parted lips, the intimacy of their breathing, and her gentle words.

All of this brought an inexplicable sense of security, making Mu Zhian involuntarily close his eyes, savoring the fragrance emanating from her green dress, lingering around his nose.

After a while, Mu Zhian whispered, “Thank you.”

“Just words aren’t enough to express gratitude,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Mu Zhian was stunned. Weren’t those Luo Tan’s words?

“You… were you eavesdropping earlier?” he asked subconsciously.

“I was just worried about your safety, so I happened to hear that sentence through the Green Lotus Ring,” Yao Meng gently stroked the young man’s hair and said seriously, “I don’t like prying into other people’s private lives.”

I don’t believe you! Mu Zhian complained wildly inwardly. He recalled that when Yao Meng was in his body, she also said she needed to slumber for a while.

And what happened?

She slumbered… alone.

Yao Meng casually changed the subject, “Aren’t you curious what the Demon Empress asked me after her Transcendence today?”

Mu Zhian stared at her, waiting for her answer.

“She plans to gradually reconcile the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent, then form an alliance,” Yao Meng said.

Mu Zhian said, “Isn’t that a good thing? Cooperation between the two sides is mutually beneficial, just like Yu State and Cloud Province.”

“Yes, it is indeed mutually beneficial.”

A playful glint appeared in Yao Meng’s eyes. She tilted her head slightly and whispered, “But she said the hatred between the two sides can’t be resolved in a short time, so we need to do something to gradually ease the relationship.”

“She proposed a condition for this.”

“As long as the Demon Empress is sincere about forming an alliance, the condition she proposes shouldn’t be too outrageous,” Mu Zhian said.

“The condition isn’t too outrageous, at least not for most of the Ancient Families in the Eastern Continent,” Yao Meng said faintly.

Mu Zhian’s curiosity was piqued, “What does she want?”

Yao Meng silently gazed at the young man and said faintly, “She wants to marry you.”

Mu Zhian: “?”

Chapter 523: She Wants to Marry You! p1

A dense demonic mist shrouded half of the Demon Realm. Celebrations and cheers echoed throughout the land.

Meanwhile, deep within the celestial palace suspended in mid-air, Yao Meng arrived through a spatial rift.

Bai Ruoxi, in a white palace dress, sat upon the throne in the main hall, her gentle eyes gazing softly at Yao Meng.

Both appeared calm, seemingly unsurprised by the Demon Empress’s Transcendence.

“Palace Master summoned me to the Sword Palace late at night, it shouldn’t be just to see me, right?” Yao Meng asked with a smile.

She had been guiding Ye Qian’s cultivation in the Forbidden Zone, but then she heard Bai Ruoxi’s call and came to the Sword Palace.

Bai Ruoxi nodded slightly, her voice soft and melodious, “The elder in charge of interrogation at the Sword Palace just sent a message. Gu Buxing doesn’t know who gave him the idea of devouring the national fortune, but he has a suspect.”

“Who?” Yao Meng asked.

“He couldn’t say,” Bai Ruoxi stood up and walked down the steps gracefully, “Gu Buxing was bound by some forbidden rule. The moment he spoke, he was erased by the rule.”

“The Forbidden Land?”

Yao Meng frowned slightly. This matter involving the Forbidden Land was quite unexpected.

The Forbidden Land was a mysterious place, even the Jade Empress of the Jade Pool Holy Land didn’t know much about it.

But Gu Buxing’s scheme actually involving a Forbidden Land in the Nine Provinces was truly surprising.

Bai Ruoxi took out a letter from her sleeve and continued, “Besides that, Gu Buxing also mentioned something else. I’ve had someone compile the information into a document and put it in this letter.”

Yao Meng stepped out of the hazy immortal mist, her beautiful and cool face revealed, took the letter from a nearby maid, and scanned it, her eyes narrowing.

“Mu Lang’s parents?”

She suddenly realized she had overlooked something.

Something very important, yet subconsciously ignored.

The Mu family in Tianxuan City was established by Mu Zhian’s father, but from the day Mu Zhian was born, no one in Tianxuan City seemed to have seen his parents, yet everyone firmly believed in the existence of the Mu family head and his wife.

The Jade Pool Holy Land, the Great Qian Dynasty, and even some factions in the Eastern Continent had gone to Tianxuan City to investigate the origins of the Mu family and Mu Zhian’s parents, but all returned empty-handed.

When they came back, it was as if they had forgotten why they went to Tianxuan City in the first place.

For some reason, Yao Meng suddenly had a premonition.

She felt that if she could find Mu Zhian’s parents, perhaps she would know the secrets he hid.

To investigate this matter, she had to start with those who knew Mu Zhian well.

Shang Yanfei could be ignored. Part of that woman’s spiritual sense was missing, her consciousness intermittent, and even if she asked her, she probably wouldn’t tell.

She had to start with others.

For example, those who knew Mu Zhian in his past life.

…

A deathly silence fell upon the hall, only wide eyes staring in astonishment at their Empress… and at Shi Miaoyan, who stood respectfully below.

The demons of the Demon Realm couldn’t understand what these two were doing.

Mu Zhian?

Normally, who would consider Mu Zhian for a marriage alliance?

Everyone in the Nine Provinces knew Mu Zhian was married. Besides their Demon Realm, all the other major powers were secretly watching that grand wedding.

And the person Mu Zhian married was the Jade Empress. Didn’t Her Majesty the Demon Empress already know this?

At this moment, most of the demonic cultivators were complaining wildly inwardly. They had been surprised that this usually proud Demon Empress had a change of heart, intending to make peace with the Eastern Continent, even asking them for suggestions.

After beating around the bush for so long, this was her plan?!

You call this not wanting to provoke the Eastern Continent?

The Eastern Continent might not mind who the marriage partner was, but how could the Jade Empress possibly agree to this?

Sending her own Dao Companion to the Demon Realm… If the Jade Empress didn’t have any feelings for Mu Zhian, it would be fine, but even the slightest affection would make it impossible for her to agree to this request.

Just then, the Ancient Dragon Emperor, who had been silent, suddenly asked, “The First Seat thinks Mu Zhian from the Eastern Continent is a suitable candidate, then for the Demon Realm, does anyone have a suitable candidate for this marriage alliance?”

The Demon Empress pondered for a moment and said indifferently, “Mu Zhian’s status in the Eastern Continent is noble. He saved the Jade Empress’s life in the past, and later, for her Transcendence plan, even sacrificed his innocence, earning her deep favor.”

“Since he’s the candidate, then the Demon Realm should naturally also choose a demonic cultivator of prominent status…”

She paused slightly, about to speak.

However, just then, a young girl’s crisp voice suddenly came from within the hall: “Your Majesty, I have a suitable candidate.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to the speaker, a young girl in a refreshing outfit, with complex cloud patterns on her goose-yellow shawl. She looked no older than sixteen, her bright red eyes filled with youthful innocence.

This girl’s name was Shi Yan, Shi Miaoyan’s niece. Some in the imperial palace used to say that this young girl’s talent was even higher than Shi Miaoyan’s in the past, and she had always been doted on by the First Seat.

Unexpectedly, the young girl came out to ‘help’ at this crucial moment. As expected of Shi Miaoyan’s niece.

Shi Miaoyan also looked at the innocent young girl with a smile, “Yan’er, who is this suitable candidate you mentioned?”

Hearing this, all the demonic cultivators in the Demon Realm looked at the girl.

Shi Yan hesitated, glancing at the Demon Empress. A kind and gentle smile graced the woman’s face, her alluring beauty captivating. Even the young girl felt her heart race looking at that seductive face, her cheeks burning.

The Demon Empress smiled charmingly, “You can speak freely. Just consider it a suggestion. No one will blame you even if the candidate isn’t suitable.”

The young girl hesitated, glanced at the Demon Empress, then at her aunt, and said crisply, “Since that Mu Zhian has a prominent status in the Eastern Continent, then the Demon Realm’s candidate should naturally also be someone of high standing.”

The Demon Empress nodded silently and said with a smile, “Then who do you think is suitable?”

“I think Aunt is quite suitable,” the young girl said shyly.

Demon Empress: “?”

Shi Miaoyan was also stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted and hurriedly said, “Yan’er, the matter of a marriage alliance is crucial, what does a child like you know? Go back.”

“But didn’t Aunt also mention that person called Mu Zhian before? You even said you rarely saw such a handsome young man in the Demon Realm. I thought you were interested in him, was I mistaken?” the young girl tilted her head and asked doubtfully.

Silence fell upon the court, countless gazes silently turning to the Demon Empress’s favored attendant.

Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere, the Demon Empress narrowed her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, as if sensing something, she raised a delicate eyebrow slightly and said faintly, “Let’s discuss the marriage alliance later. You can all go back and think about suitable candidates. This Seat has some matters to attend to.”

Shi Miaoyan inwardly sighed with relief, glaring at the mischievous girl beside her, but a kind and gentle smile remained on her face, “Yan’er, come back with Aunt first, so you don’t disturb Her Majesty.”

She naturally saw through the girl’s intentions. As the Demon Empress’s favored attendant, the First Seat knew many secrets unknown to outsiders.

And this girl Shi Yan, whose parents died when she was young, had been following her since childhood, naturally influenced by the Demon Empress and even worshipping her.

And through a chance encounter earlier, Shi Yan learned about the Demon Empress’s thoughts on Mu Zhian.

This young girl probably didn’t want the Demon Empress to marry a little cultivator from the Eastern Continent, so she spoke up to disrupt things.

But she probably didn’t know that Her Majesty had probably made up her mind this time.

…

After Transcendence, two abilities were particularly special: one was controlling time, and the other was perception.

The vast perception of a Transcendence Realm expert was unimaginable to ordinary people. There were rumors in the Nine Provinces that even speaking ill of a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor would be noticed by them, even causing them to descend with a clone.

Therefore, in most cases, cultivators didn’t dare directly address a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor by name, let alone speak ill of them, afraid of attracting their attention.

And just now, this recently transcended Demon Empress sensed someone calling her true name.

So, after the demons of the Demon Realm withdrew, the Demon Empress closed her eyes slightly. Almost instantly, her spiritual sense left her body and entered the Heavenly Court.

The Nine Seats of the Heavenly Court had certain privileges, at least entering the Heavenly Court with their spiritual sense wasn’t a problem.

Within the Heavenly Court under the night sky, countless crimson runes flickered within the enchanting pink mist. The woman opened her beautiful, crimson eyes, her gaze cold.

“I thought it was some monster from the Forbidden Lands, or her, restless after learning about my Transcendence. Unexpectedly, it’s you,” the Demon Empress said faintly.

Not far from the Demon Empress, a faint mist lingered. The person gracefully walked out from the hazy mist, her tall and slender figure captivating.

Yao Meng.

“How long has it been since the monsters of the Forbidden Lands last appeared? Ten thousand years? Or several hundred thousand years? Unless the rules of heaven and earth are rewritten again, and even the Dao Integration Realm ceases to exist, they probably won’t try to cover the entire Nine Provinces with their rule power again.”

Yao Meng chuckled softly, her voice like heavenly music, like ice cubes dropping into a glass of water, “As for the ‘her’ you mentioned… are you referring to Shang Yanfei? She’s just at Dao Integration Realm, yet you seem to value her quite a bit.”

The Demon Empress sneered, “That incomplete body, not even her own, can maintain the Two Polarities Sect’s position in the Eastern Continent. I don’t think the Jade Empress is foolish enough to believe she’s truly just at Dao Integration Realm, right?”

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered slightly, and she said softly, “You do know some secrets.”

She also became suspicious of the Demon Empress after her attitude towards Mu Zhian suddenly changed.

At first, Yao Meng thought the Demon Empress only paid attention to Mu Zhian after learning the secret of his Innate Celestial Furnace.

But after going to the Forbidden Zone and interacting with the Reincarnated Empress, she thought of another possibility.

Could the Demon Empress, like the Reincarnated Empress, have reincarnated more than once?

If so, it would explain why this Demon Empress suddenly became so close to Mu Zhian.

“You called my true name just to investigate Shang Yanfei’s origins?”

The Demon Empress waved her hand, dispelling the demonic mist surrounding them, revealing her alluring and sexy face. She narrowed her beautiful eyes and said, “If it’s for her, then you’ll be disappointed. I don’t know much about her. The past me did meet her once, but that’s all.”

“I didn’t come looking for you for Shang Yanfei, I just want to know what happened between you and my husband in your past lives that made you care so much about him,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

“Are you suspecting this Seat of lying?”

A captivating smile appeared on the Demon Empress’s lips, and she said softly, “The past me was just a little demonic cultivator, and he was just a little cultivator in the Eastern Continent. We met on a rainy night—”

“Did he have a good family background in his past life? Or perhaps… loving parents?” Yao Meng interrupted.

The Demon Empress was stunned, hesitating for a moment. She lowered her eyes slightly and said, “I… I’m not sure either. I hadn’t been to his home at the time, and I hadn’t met his parents…”

Although a seductive beauty, the Demon Empress actually showed a hint of shyness at this moment.

Yao Meng was silent for a moment, then couldn’t help but say, “You’re truly a fool.”

Not even winning over Mu Zhian after an entire lifetime… No wonder even Yao Meng couldn’t help but comment.

The Demon Empress’s shyness vanished instantly, and she narrowed her eyes, staring at Yao Meng, “You’ve met his parents and been to his home?”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Yao Meng’s mouth, “I haven’t met his parents, but at least I’ve spent more time with him than your two lifetimes combined, and shortly after that, he was completely captivated by me.”

If outsiders saw this scene, their jaws would probably drop.

These two in the Heavenly Court, one an otherworldly fairy, the other a seductive Demon Empress, their words completely at odds with their identities.

The Demon Empress was silent for a moment, then, as if recalling something, she suddenly chuckled softly, “The past me was indeed too shy, to the point that I didn’t even hold his hand until the very end.”

“So, in this life, I plan to make up for all my past regrets, without reservation.”

The Demon Empress raised her bright and beautiful red eyes. Her jade-like face looked no older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Although she lacked some innocence, she possessed a mature charm that young girls didn’t have, a perfect blend of mysterious seductiveness and nobility, forming an incredibly captivating aura.

Yao Meng raised a delicate eyebrow: “What do you mean?”

For some reason, she had a premonition.

Sure enough, the next moment, the Demon Empress’s seductive voice echoed through the Heavenly Court: “Jade Empress, you also want the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent to be on good terms in the future, right?”

…

 

Chapter 522: Marrying Mu Zhian? A Marriage Alliance Between Mu Zhian and the Demon Realm? 

At this moment, Ye Lingxuan was on her way back to her bedchamber.

She had even thought about how to stop the conflict between the Reincarnated Empress and Luo Tan, fully displaying the composure and calm of a future leader.

However, just then, she suddenly felt a figure gracefully appear beside her.

The Reincarnated Empress.

Ye Lingxuan turned her head and asked in astonishment, “You… why are you here?”

Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she said, “Oh… I see, have you given up on the idea of winning over Brother Mu?”

“I told you before, Brother Mu isn’t so easily swayed—”

However, before she could finish, the Reincarnated Empress looked at her master with a puzzled expression, “Mu Zhian has already agreed to the condition, so there’s no need for me to stay there any longer.”

Ye Lingxuan was stunned: “You mean…”

The Reincarnated Empress continued, “He has already agreed to stay by your side and assist you until you successfully become the Forbidden Zone Empress, so I left.”

“Brother Mu agreed to stay?” Ye Lingxuan’s voice held a mix of surprise and delight.

But then, she quickly realized something was wrong, “Wait a minute… When you left, didn’t you see the Pill Emperor?”

The Reincarnated Empress asked doubtfully, “The Pill Emperor? She came looking for Mu Zhian too?”

As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed Ye Lingxuan’s expression change.

Then, without another word, Ye Lingxuan rushed towards her bedchamber.

According to her original plan, the Pill Emperor was supposed to interrupt the Reincarnated Empress’s “activities,” thus winning their bet.

However… the Reincarnated Empress didn’t see the Pill Emperor when she left!

Her plan was completely ruined.

The young woman returned to her bedchamber, just in time to see Mu Zhian escorting Lin Keyu out. He noticed her gaze, looked up, and said with a smile, “Sister Lingxuan, are you done with your business?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Ye Lingxuan nodded with a complicated expression, then asked tentatively, “Is Brother Mu alright? The Pill Emperor said she had something important to discuss with you, so I had someone bring her here.”

“I’m fine… She just brought me the Nascent Soul Pill,” Mu Zhian shook his head and smiled, his heart filled with complex emotions.

I didn’t expect Sister Lingxuan to have that kind of hobby… He thought to himself, glancing at the elegant young woman in the purple dress with a strange look.

At this moment, Mu Zhian still thought this pure young girl enjoyed being cuckolded…

“Did she leave?” Ye Lingxuan asked, oblivious.

“She said she’s going to the Heavenly Immortal Hall to greet your mother before returning. After all, she has other matters to attend to in Yu State tomorrow,” Mu Zhian said.

“The Pill Emperor is so busy,” Ye Lingxuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

Since she was so busy, she probably wouldn’t have the time or energy to do anything with Brother Mu, right?

And this was her bedchamber, after all.

Relaxed, Ye Lingxuan’s attention quickly shifted to the pill in Mu Zhian’s hand, and she asked, “When does Brother Mu plan to attempt Soul Transformation?”

“If you do it in the Forbidden Zone, it can save you a lot of trouble.”

After all, within the Forbidden Zone, there were rules and restrictions. Even if the secret of the Innate Celestial Furnace was exposed, the great powers of the Nine Provinces would only act after Mu Zhian left the Forbidden Zone.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment, “The Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill only lasts for seven days. After that, its effects will quickly dissipate. I can’t wait for Senior Spirit Dragon to transcend. I’ll make some preparations tomorrow and start then.”

Ye Lingxuan hummed softly in agreement, about to speak again.

Just then, she suddenly sensed a pink mist drifting from afar.

The mist was ethereal like clouds and smoke, but it carried an incredibly powerful and violent aura.

“Huh? She actually did it?”

A woman’s lazy and seductive voice suddenly echoed in Mu Zhian’s mind, tinged with an unusual envy.

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox.

“Your Ladyship, do you know what caused that commotion just now?” Mu Zhian asked inwardly.

“Are you a fool? Such dense Demonic Qi, who else in this world could it be besides her?” the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox scoffed lazily.

Mu Zhian was already used to her way of speaking and hesitated, “You mean… the Demon Empress? Has she come out of seclusion?”

“If it were just coming out of seclusion, there wouldn’t be such a commotion,” the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox said faintly.

Mu Zhian murmured to himself, “So, she transcended?”

In the Nine Provinces, the more talented a cultivator, the more difficult it was to cultivate. And in the Demon Realm, almost every demonic cultivator’s physical body was stronger than a human cultivator’s.

However, this wasn’t without a price.

For example, the difficulty of a demonic cultivator’s lightning tribulation was several times greater than a human cultivator’s.

Because of this, the Demon Realm’s population had always been low.

Mu Zhian naturally believed that the Demon Empress’s strength was enough for Transcendence, it was only a matter of time, but he still didn’t expect her to have successfully passed the tribulation so quickly.

And Ye Lingxuan also seemed to realize something, her gaze looking towards a certain direction in the Demon Realm through the Forbidden Zone, lost in thought.

After a long while, she softly uttered two words: “…Transcendence Realm.”

It seemed the Demon Empress had truly emerged from seclusion.

…

That day, even in the Eastern Continent, separated by a vast ocean, the cheers of the demons in the Northern Continent’s Demon Realm could be heard, like a demonic revelry.

The Jade Empress’s Transcendence was undoubtedly a huge blow to the Demon Realm, which had always seen the Eastern Continent as its mortal enemy.

Although they believed in their Empress’s strength, a shadow still lingered in their hearts.

But now, their Empress had also transcended, and she had even devoured the First Demon Emperor’s power, her strength unfathomable!

These cheers filled every corner of the Demon Realm, even the imperial palace overflowing with joy.

At this moment, the Demon Empress leaned against her throne, forged from Amethyst Immortal Iron, dressed in loose robes, her narrow, phoenix-like eyes looking down at the crowd below.

The Thirteen Seats of the Demon Realm stood respectfully below, and not far from them stood an elderly man with a hunched back, his appearance ordinary.

The second most powerful figure in the Demon Realm, the Ancient Dragon Emperor.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your successful Transcendence. Now, our Demon Realm also has a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor, and we no longer need to fear the Eastern Continent’s power. Perhaps after this, we can settle old and new scores with them,” a demonic cultivator below cupped his hands and said respectfully.

The Demon Empress’s beautiful eyes glanced over indifferently, and she said calmly, “The hatred between the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent was caused by the First Demon Emperor. In the Nine Provinces, Yu State and Cloud Province are allied, benefiting each other. The Southern Wilderness has always been on good terms with the Western Regions, and only the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent have been constantly fighting, suffering countless losses.”

“Do you really think this Seat alone is enough to overthrow the entire Eastern Continent?”

“Not to mention that woman Shang Yanfei, just the Jade Empress and the Sword Emperor are already troublesome enough. Do you want the entire Demon Realm to be buried with you because of your foolish opinion?”

The woman’s appearance was seductive, her voice casual, but every word she spoke instilled more fear in the demonic cultivator’s heart, until finally, he dropped to his knees, “Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me!”

The Demon Empress said faintly, “This Seat doesn’t want to hear such talk again.”

The demonic cultivator’s back was drenched in cold sweat. He quickly lowered his head: “Yes.”

“However, you’re right about one thing. The hatred of the past has already planted seeds of resentment in the hearts of the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm. Time alone isn’t enough to resolve it.”

The Demon Empress looked around at everyone, “Do you have any ideas on how to achieve mutual understanding with the Eastern Continent?”

Hearing this, the demonic cultivators knew this was a chance to prove themselves before the Demon Empress, and they voiced their opinions one after another.

“This subordinate believes we can let nature take its course. Time heals all wounds.”

“Can that even be considered an opinion?” The Fourth Seat shook his head, “Some wounds can indeed be healed by time, but the Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm are mortal enemies, this isn’t something that can be easily resolved.”

The higher-ups of the Demon Realm and the Eastern Continent had a tacit understanding now, rarely engaging in major conflicts, but the cultivators below still held animosity towards each other. This wasn’t a wound that could be healed by time.

Just like the demonic cultivator in the main hall just now, who still harbored ambitions towards the Eastern Continent.

However, the Demon Empress wasn’t truly asking for opinions. The Eastern Continent and the Demon Realm were indeed mortal enemies, but after official trade began and the two sides interacted, they could naturally gradually reconcile.

The Demon Realm ruler casually glanced at the First Seat, Shi Miaoyan, who had been silent.

Shi Miaoyan understood and cupped her hands respectfully, “Your Majesty, before the Eastern Continent dynasties were unified, there were often marriage alliances between nations, either marrying a princess to another country, or a foreign princess marrying a prince, creating many beautiful stories. Perhaps we can consider this…”

As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of several demonic cultivators lit up, “A marriage alliance is indeed a good method, but should we marry someone from the Demon Realm to the Eastern Continent, or should a cultivator from the Eastern Continent marry into the Demon Realm?”

“Besides that, we also need to consider the candidate for the marriage alliance.”

Listening to the discussion, the Demon Empress looked thoughtful, then casually asked, “Miaoyan, who in the Eastern Continent do you think is most suitable for this marriage alliance?”

Shi Miaoyan said respectfully, “Mu Zhian.”

Silence instantly fell upon the court.

Chapter 522: Marry Me, Mu Zhian? Mu Zhian and the Demon Realm, A Marriage Alliance? 

That night, Luo Tan leaned against the soft bed, gently combing the young man’s hair.

“After reaching the peak of Nascent Soul, both your cauldron and your vitality are much stronger than before.” Luo Tan’s voice was laced with laziness, her eyes studying him playfully. “By the way, the first time you perform the Spiritual Energy exchange ritual with an Innate Celestial Furnace, you’ll receive a large amount of Spiritual Energy. It will still be effective afterward, just not as dramatic.”

“In other words, we can continue to complement each other.”

Mu Zhian came back to his senses and said with a smile, “It feels too unreal. How could the Heavenly Dao allow two Innate Celestial Furnaces to exploit such a bug?”

Luo Tan smiled, “No one in the Nine Provinces ever thought I would dual cultivate with anyone. Even the Heavenly Dao couldn’t predict the future, let alone guess who I would choose, right?”

Mu Zhian fell silent.

She was right. Not even the Heavenly Dao, even he hadn’t expected Luo Tan to take the initiative and propose this.

It wasn’t that Mu Zhian hadn’t considered this ‘mutual Spiritual Energy boost’ before, but even if there were other Innate Celestial Furnaces in the Nine Provinces, none could compare to Luo Tan.

After all, she was the only Dao Integration Realm Innate Celestial Furnace. A lower-level Innate Celestial Furnace wouldn’t have such a potent effect.

And someone like Luo Tan, if she wasn’t willing, no one could force her to do anything.

“Huh? Do you have another little lover in the Forbidden Zone?”

Just then, Luo Tan seemed to sense something and turned her head, looking towards the hall entrance with a puzzled expression.

Mu Zhian was also stunned.

I have so many lovers, which one are you talking about…?

“Young Master Mu, are you alright?”

A voice came from outside the bedchamber, and Mu Zhian realized the newcomer’s identity.

“Lin Keyu. She’s the daughter of Xuanyin Temple’s Lord and came to the Forbidden Zone alone to complete a mission for Xuanyin Temple,” Mu Zhian explained via voice transmission.

Then, he looked up and said, “Miss Lin, why are you here so late?”

Luo Tan looked at the young man with amusement, noticing he seemed to be about to get out of bed, but she casually placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.

Do all you Dao Integration Realm experts have such strange XP…? Might as well call it the Dao of Kinks instead.

Mu Zhian naturally knew what Luo Tan was thinking, nothing more than the thrill of the forbidden.

He was speechless and lightly pinched Luo Tan’s soft waist.

“Mmm~”

The Empress of Yu State subconsciously covered her mouth, almost letting out a sound, and glared at the young man.

She wanted to tease him, but ended up being teased instead.

Even she didn’t want too many people to find out about her relationship with Mu Zhian so soon.

Firstly, it would ruin the thrill of a secret affair. Secondly… she was the Empress of Yu State after all. If word got out that she was secretly involved with the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion, it wouldn’t look good.

“The Forbidden Zone Holy Maiden sent someone to inform you that you’re fine, but I was still worried, so I came to check. But it seems Young Master Mu is indeed alright now,” Lin Keyu’s voice was soft and slightly frail.

“Thank you for your concern, Miss Lin. I’m indeed fine now. The Forbidden Army didn’t give you a hard time, did they?”

“They know my identity, so they settled me in a guest room… I was thinking of finding a way to rescue Young Master Mu, but it seems that Holy Maiden has a good relationship with you,” Lin Keyu said.

Her tone held a hint of disappointment, making one’s heart ache for her.

Mu Zhian’s heart also softened upon hearing this, and he was about to speak.

Just then, Luo Tan suddenly let out a surprised “Eh” and said softly, “The Xuanyin Body?”

“Your Majesty has also heard of the Xuanyin Body?” Mu Zhian asked via voice transmission.

Luo Tan hummed softly in agreement, “Alchemy emphasizes yin and yang and the five elements. Fire represents yang, and usually, high-level heavenly materials and earthly treasures are difficult to refine, requiring spiritual fire… But this also poses a problem, which is that the temperature of spiritual fire is difficult to control. Sometimes, the ingredients are completely incinerated during the refining process.”

“So usually, one needs to manually control the temperature of the spiritual fire. A good cauldron is crucial for alchemy, but controlling the heat is also of utmost importance… The Xuanyin Body is innately the most yin constitution in this world. Someone with this constitution can naturally control the temperature of spiritual fire.”

“She’s a very suitable seedling for alchemy,” Luo Tan’s tone held a hint of admiration.

Mu Zhian understood the implication in Luo Tan’s words, pondered for a moment, and said, “Then how about considering taking her as your disciple?”

The Pill Emperor rolled her eyes at the young man, her charm overflowing, “Do you think my Yu State is some kind of shelter? You want to shove everyone here, first your clan elder, and now your little lover.”

She paused, then continued, “But if she’s willing, I’m willing to make an exception and take her as my disciple, letting her stay in the Yu State imperial palace for a while.”

“So Your Majesty’s heart is also moved by talent?” Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile.

Luo Tan’s fingertip lazily caressed the young man’s face, her eyes filled with affection, “I do appreciate talent, but more importantly, it’s because you’re the one asking.”

She lifted the blanket, a white light enveloping her delicate body. The next moment, the magnificent and elegant white dress covered her sexy figure, her long hair cascading down, slightly messy in a lazy way.

As expected of a rich milf, even her dress is made of some special, high-grade silk, no wonder she always has a faint fragrance… Perhaps it’s also because of this dress.

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly: Sister, I don’t want to work hard anymore.

“Young Master Mu, since you’re fine, I’ll be going back now.”

Just then, the young girl’s slightly disappointed voice came from outside the door, followed by the sound of retreating footsteps.

Mu Zhian glanced at Luo Tan, and seeing her playful eyes, he called out towards the door, “Wait a moment, I have something to discuss with you.”

…

After a while, Mu Zhian left the bedchamber and soon caught up with the frail young girl who was about to leave.

“Is there anything else, Young Master Mu?”

The young girl turned around, her voice soft and fragile, without a hint of the arrogance of a young lady from a noble family.

Her smooth hair cascaded down naturally, her clear eyes, like the sky, gazing at him.

The young girl’s appearance brought to mind a delicately crafted doll, small and fragile.

If it were in modern times, she would be a high school student, but her petite figure gave off the impression of a frail middle schooler.

This was the inconvenience brought by the Xuanyin Body to the young girl named Lin Keyu. Although she possessed one of the strongest constitutions in the world, even after embarking on the path of cultivation, she was still prone to fevers and colds like an ordinary person, and this frailty always accompanied her.

Mu Zhian smiled gently, “Let me escort you back. You’re not well, it’s not convenient for you to go back alone.”

The moonlight shone on the young girl’s slightly pale and beautiful face, the silver glow adding to her fragility.

Lin Keyu looked at Mu Zhian in surprise, then lowered her head slightly and hummed softly in agreement.

The two strolled beneath the peach blossom trees, the moonlight hazy. They unknowingly arrived near the guest quarters.

Just then, Mu Zhian suddenly said, “Miss Lin, your constitution has always been like this since childhood, has your father ever mentioned any way to improve it?”

Lin Keyu gently shook her head, “Father once said that Reincarnation Water can help one’s constitution evolve, perhaps even the Xuanyin Body… But there are also some risks.”

“Because whether the evolved Xuanyin Body will evolve in a good direction or become worse… is uncertain.”

After all, the Xuanyin Body was different from other constitutions. Its negative effects were too obvious. If it evolved again… would it become even weaker, or would it evolve in a good direction?

No one knew for sure.

“Yao Meng and the Empress of Yu State are old acquaintances. Miss Lin, are you interested in visiting Yu State? With the Pill Emperor’s vast knowledge, perhaps she can help you resolve the troubles of the Xuanyin Body,” Mu Zhian suddenly said.

Lin Keyu silently glanced at him and gently shook her head, “I’ll pass… Asking the Jade Empress for help because of my problems feels a bit embarrassing.”

Mu Zhian smiled, “It’s not really a big deal, just a word to Yao Meng.”

Hearing this, Lin Keyu couldn’t help but chuckle softly, “Young Master Mu, how long are you going to keep this up?”

“I know that your wedding with the Jade Empress in the Holy King City was just a ruse,” she continued.

“The Jade Empress’s Transcendence was bound to attract attention. Only by using that wedding to divert attention could she have a chance to successfully transcend.”

“So Young Master Mu only sacrificed your innocence for the Jade Empress’s Heavenly Tribulation, right? My father also guessed as much.”

She seems to have guessed correctly, but not completely… Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then said, “The Pill Emperor is familiar with countless pills. Perhaps she can refine a pill to suppress your Xuanyin Body’s energy, and she also admires you, believing you’re a rare talent.”

“If I go to Yu State, can I still see Young Master Mu?” Lin Keyu asked.

Being able to learn alchemy from the Pill Emperor was tempting, but whether she could still see Mu Zhian in Yu State was her main concern.

Mu Zhian nodded, “Actually, I’ve also been learning alchemy from the Pill Emperor recently, so I’ll naturally be going to Yu State.”

A faint smile appeared on the young girl’s face, and she said softly, “Alright, then I’ll go.”

“But will the Pill Emperor really agree? Will she be very strict?” she asked with a hint of worry in her voice, lowering her head slightly.

“Young Master Mu, I’m scared.”

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but reach out and gently stroke the young girl’s head, saying softly, “The Pill Emperor cherishes talent, so she won’t mistreat you.”

Lin Keyu couldn’t help but close her eyes slightly. Just as she imagined, the young man’s hand was warm, carrying an inexplicably reassuring magic.

She looked up, peeking at Mu Zhian’s expression, then took a small step closer and gently leaned her forehead against his chest.

Mu Zhian was stunned for a moment, then naturally embraced the girl, looking down at her frail, pale face.

Her slightly pale lips, her soft and delicate body, and her small, cool hands, among the girls Mu Zhian knew, Lin Keyu was probably the most frail and petite.

Mu Zhian wrapped his arm around the frail beauty’s slender waist, and the young girl let him hold her, pressing her forehead against his chest.

As if comforted by his embrace, the unease in the young girl’s heart gradually subsided.

But as she casually looked up at the young man’s handsome face, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

 

Chapter 521: Sister Lingxuan Is Losing It

The Desolate Time Lock condensed into a bronze mirror in Ye Lingxuan’s hand, the final image frozen on Mu Zhian tilting his head back with closed eyes.

It gave the impression of a wife forced to submit to a young punk for her husband’s promotion…

Crack.

Looking at the scene, Ye Lingxuan tightened her grip on the mirror, a crack appearing on its surface, followed by a web of fissures spreading across the mirror, the sound echoing through the silent Elders’ Council hall.

The elders were still reeling from the shock, none of them expecting the Pill Emperor of Yu State to visit the Forbidden Zone just to see Mu Zhian.

“What was that sound?”

One of the elders, hearing the subtle noise, looked around the hall with a puzzled expression.

“It sounded like it came from the young lady…” someone said.

The elders looked at the young woman questioningly, but Ye Lingxuan maintained her elegant smile. “You must have misheard.”

Seeing the lingering doubt on their faces, Ye Lingxuan continued, “If there’s nothing else, let’s adjourn the meeting for today… I have some matters to attend to.”

If she went back any later, Brother Mu might really become the Reincarnated Empress’s shape…

What was this? Her past life cuckolding her present self?!

The thought made Ye Lingxuan feel sick.

Just as she stood up to leave, she faintly sensed an aura outside the hall.

Ye Lingxuan’s spiritual sense instantly swept over the person outside, and she understood.

Normally, cultivators couldn’t casually scan a Dao Integration Realm expert with their spiritual sense, as it would usually result in a backlash, or even death.

But Ye Lingxuan was an exception. Both her body and spirit had been tempered through nine lifetimes, far surpassing ordinary people.

She left the hall and saw the woman approaching, led by an attendant.

The woman wore a magnificent white dress that accentuated her sexy and toned figure. Her hair was tied up with a luxurious jade hairpin, a fiery red spirit stone pendant nestled between her ample bosom. Her elegant features and captivating curves were highlighted as she looked at Ye Lingxuan with a warm smile.

The Pill Emperor!

The elders reacted almost instantly, cupping their hands in unison, “Greetings, Senior Pill Emperor.”

Luo Tan was used to such scenes. Her gaze swept over the elders, then landed on Ye Lingxuan, and she said with a smile, “Young Lady Ye, you remember me, right? I once offered to take you as my disciple and bring you to Yu State to learn alchemy.”

The elders were slightly moved. They didn’t expect the Pill Emperor to have considered taking their young lady as a disciple. After all, this Empress of Yu State was very particular about talent.

This was enough to prove they hadn’t bet on the wrong horse; supporting the young lady was the right choice.

Ye Lingxuan maintained a polite smile, “How could Lingxuan forget Senior Luo’s name? It’s just a pity I’ve been busy with matters in the Forbidden Zone and haven’t had the time. Otherwise, I would have loved to learn alchemy from you.”

And also ask if there are any pills that can capture a man’s heart…

“I apologize for Senior Luo’s visit to the Forbidden Zone today. Allow me to escort you to the guest quarters for some rest,” Ye Lingxuan continued.

Luo Tan shook her head gently, “There are still matters to attend to in Yu State tomorrow. I’m just here to handle something and have to leave afterward.”

She paused, then continued, “Due to the Forbidden Zone’s rules, it’s inconvenient for me to use my spiritual sense to search here, so I can only trouble you to tell me where Young Friend Mu is now.”

“You don’t mind, do you, Young Lady Ye?” A smile played on her lips as she finished speaking.

Clearly, Luo Tan only knew that the Jade Empress, wanting Mu Zhian to reach Soul Transformation quickly, sent him to Yu State and practically pushed him into her arms.

But Luo Tan didn’t know that Ye Lingxuan also knew about this.

At this moment, the Pill Emperor was still reveling in the pleasure and excitement of ‘NTR’.

But even this Empress of Yu State didn’t expect that not only the Jade Empress, but also Ye Lingxuan, knew exactly what Mu Zhian had been doing in Yu State.

Looking at the breathtakingly beautiful Empress before her, after a brief moment of thought, a sweet and innocent smile appeared on Ye Lingxuan’s face, “Naturally, I’ll have someone take you to Brother Mu right away.”

She had been worried about what to do if her past life really won over Brother Mu.

But seeing Luo Tan now, a perfect plan had quietly formed in the young girl’s mind…

…

Elsewhere.

“It seems the young lady has stopped watching through the Desolate Time Lock.”

Noticing that Ye Lingxuan had withdrawn the Desolate Time Lock, the Reincarnated Empress took half a step back, turned gracefully, and sat down at the table nearby.

Mu Zhian looked at her slender figure and asked doubtfully, “Speaking of which, why did you make that bet with her? Winning or losing doesn’t make any difference to you, does it?”

The Reincarnated Empress nodded slightly, “She is my Master. Logically and emotionally, there’s no benefit to winning against her.”

“Then why do you still want to win?”

The Reincarnated Empress shook her head, “I’m not sure either… Perhaps it’s because I want to see what kind of expression the proud Master would make after losing a bet to me.”

Mu Zhian remained silent.

I didn’t expect you, with your innocent-looking face, to have such mischievous thoughts hidden inside…

The woman glanced at Mu Zhian, as if knowing what he was thinking, a faint smile playing on her lips, “Since you have other matters to attend to, I won’t disturb you any longer. And I hope you won’t reveal tonight’s events.”

Mu Zhian thought for a moment and said, “I don’t have anything else to do. I don’t mind if you want to stay and chat for a while.”

He also wanted to learn more about Sister Lingxuan’s past life.

However, the Reincarnated Empress ignored him and stood up, intending to leave.

“I feel like I’ve been used…,” Mu Zhian muttered silently. He had been teased so many times by this woman tonight, leaving him on edge, and she was just leaving like that?

Just then, the Reincarnated Empress paused, hesitated, and asked, “What does kissing feel like, exactly?”

Mu Zhian was stunned, then couldn’t help but smile, “Haven’t you read many books? Isn’t it written in them?”

“That’s different. Theory is just theory, after all. What someone who has actually experienced kissing says is more accurate,” the woman said.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment and said with a smile, “Kissing doesn’t feel like anything special, but if it’s with someone you like, even the slightest intimate contact can bring immense joy.”

“A lover?” The Reincarnated Empress looked thoughtful.

If she also had someone she liked, would she feel immense joy from the slightest intimate contact with them, like Mu Zhian said?

“Generally, the level of intimacy depends on the closeness of the relationship. The closer the relationship, the more intimate the actions,” Mu Zhian explained.

The Reincarnated Empress nodded slightly, “I understand. At first, you and the Master only kissed, but later, your… activities became more and more varied… However, I still don’t understand why you like the Master’s feet, and even asked her not to take off her stockings before…”

Although The Art of Managing Your Husband mentioned countless male XP (fetishes), she still couldn’t understand why Mu Zhian had a foot fetish.

Mu Zhian almost choked, coughed twice, and said, “This matter involves some unknown secrets. I’ll tell you more when I have time.”

He quickly changed the subject, “Compared to that, if you want to know what kissing feels like, why not experience it yourself?”

The Reincarnated Empress was stunned for a moment, then seemed to understand, glanced at him, and quickly left the room.

Although she usually appeared cold and aloof, she unexpectedly had a bit of a girlish side… Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile, watching her leave.

He took out the translucent Dao Comprehension Flower from his storage ring.

A dense rosy light emanated from the flower’s core, Spiritual Energy filling the entire room.

Having entered the Great Dao earlier, Mu Zhian could clearly sense that this aura belonged to the Great Dao.

Using this, perhaps he could really help Lin Ling connect with the Great Dao and transcend.

Just as he thought of this, Mu Zhian faintly sensed a familiar aura outside the room.

He left the room and followed the aura, walking out of the bedchamber.

Luo Tan sat on the high wall outside the bedchamber. Even in the night, her magnificent white dress was dazzling. Mu Zhian looked up and saw the woman’s half-smiling, pale golden eyes:

“Coming to see you so late at night, I hope I didn’t interrupt anything good?”

Mu Zhian asked in surprise, “Your Majesty, why are you in the Forbidden Zone?”

Although this was only Luo Tan’s clone, it still possessed one-third of her strength. If she was injured in the Forbidden Zone due to triggering some rule, Luo Tan’s main body would also be injured.

Luo Tan swung her beautiful legs beneath her white dress, her tall figure with its captivating curves. She rolled her eyes at Mu Zhian and said, “Who do you think I came to the Forbidden Zone for?”

“For you.”

She took out an exquisitely crafted jade box from her bosom and tossed it down.

Mu Zhian reached out and caught it. Even without opening it, he already knew what was inside.

“The Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill, you refined it?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Open it and see if you’re satisfied,” Luo Tan said with a smile.

The moment Mu Zhian opened the jade box, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the entire courtyard. A faint rosy light seemed to illuminate the night, and ethereal clouds and smoke overflowed from the pill, dense and fragrant.

The Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill!

He didn’t expect her to refine it so quickly. According to Mu Zhian’s initial estimation, it should have taken at least three days.

It seemed she hadn’t done anything else these past two days, focusing on refining this pill.

Thinking of this, sincere gratitude filled Mu Zhian’s eyes, and he said, “Thank you.”

“I painstakingly traveled all the way from Yu State to the Forbidden Zone, even setting aside the memorials for tomorrow’s morning court session, just to hear you say thank you?” Luo Tan rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed.

She gracefully jumped down from the high wall, her hands behind her back, her white boots carrying her step by step towards the young man, her eyes playful, “I always tell my ministers, gratitude isn’t expressed with words, but with actions.”

Mu Zhian shrugged, “Your Majesty already has everything I have. Pills, spirit stones, you don’t lack anything. What else can I do besides thank you?”

“I don’t have everything. There’s at least one precious thing that only you possess,” Luo Tan said with a faint smile.

“What is it?” Mu Zhian hesitated.

“You.”

Luo Tan chuckled softly, gently tugged on Mu Zhian’s collar, took half a step forward, her sweet breath brushing against his face as she parted her red lips, her captivating voice echoing, “I have everything, but I don’t have you.”

“…”

Mu Zhian fell silent.

He never imagined there would be a day he would be flirted with like this.

Luo Tan gazed into the young man’s eyes, her beautiful face inching closer to his, her alluring red lips almost touching his.

Mu Zhian immediately reacted, gently placing his hands on Luo Tan’s shoulders, and whispered, “This is Lingxuan’s bedchamber, let’s wait until we return to Yu State—”

Before he could finish speaking, Luo Tan gently kissed him on the lips, slowly opening her moist, beautiful eyes, and whispered via voice transmission, “She’s the one who sent someone to bring me here tonight.”

Ye Lingxuan’s original intention was to use her as a pawn, while she was the one pulling the strings from behind, enjoying the final outcome.

However, even Ye Lingxuan probably didn’t expect that the Reincarnated Empress was simply putting on an act tonight, and left after her performance.

The conflict between the Pill Emperor and the Reincarnated Empress she had anticipated didn’t happen.

And now, only Mu Zhian remained in the bedchamber…

“Lingxuan brought you here…?”

Even Mu Zhian was stunned.

He knew Luo Tan wouldn’t lie about this.

In other words, it was truly Ye Lingxuan who brought Luo Tan to see him…

Could Sister Lingxuan have some strange hobby? Why would she send someone to bring Luo Tan to her bedchamber late at night…?

Luo Tan gently released Mu Zhian’s hand and said with a smile, “Perhaps the Forbidden Zone imperial daughter knew I had the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill and wanted you to reach Soul Transformation quickly, so she sent someone to bring me here.”

As she spoke, seemingly guessing what Mu Zhian was about to say, she raised a finger to her lips and shushed him, “Shh, if your Sister Lingxuan finds out we’re being intimate here, you know what will happen, right?”

Mu Zhian fell silent.

This line sounds so NTR…

“Your Majesty, what exactly are you planning?” Mu Zhian asked.

Luo Tan smiled faintly, leaning her voluptuous and graceful body against him, her breath like orchids as she whispered in his ear, “I just missed you, is that not allowed?”

Her moist eyes, her beautiful face so close at hand, and the alluring fragrance from her slightly parted lips.

Mu Zhian gazed at the woman’s stunning face, feeling the warmth of her body and her unique fragrance. His hand hovered in mid-air for a moment, then finally landed on her soft, slender waist, pulling her closer.

“Mmm~”

The Empress of Yu State narrowed her eyes, a pleased smile appearing on her face.

She gently caressed the young man’s face, then her clear and sweet voice echoed through the courtyard outside the bedchamber:

“Here is fine too, you know?”