Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 322: Test

A heavy silence filled the hall. Countless gazes were fixed on Mu Zhi’an, their minds reeling from the Jade Empress’s words.

The wind rustled through the trees, snowflakes drifting down from the branches.

After a long moment, whispers erupted among the crowd.

These weren’t ordinary cultivators, but members of the Eastern Realm’s Primordial Clans, many of whom had been present at the Jade Pool when she reconstructed her immortal body. They had all heard about how Mu Zhi’an had saved her life.

Many had envied his luck.

To have earned the gratitude of a Dao Integration expert… How lucky was he?

It would be worth it even if he used up all his luck for this lifetime.

After all, she was an Empress, a powerful being. With her protection, there would be nowhere in the world he couldn’t go.

Even if she didn’t actively protect him, as long as she lived, no one would dare to offend Mu Zhi’an, no matter how powerful they were. They would have to think twice before antagonizing a Dao Integration Empress for a mere Core Formation cultivator.

However, now…

They had thought the Jade Empress was simply grateful to Mu Zhi’an… They hadn’t expected him to win her heart.

Not only was she protecting him, but she had openly declared him to be her Dao Companion.

The sound of countless hearts breaking echoed through the Ascension Stage as the cultivators looked at Mu Zhi’an, their eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

Mostly envy and jealousy.

Even Mu Zhi’an’s popularity within the sect couldn’t save him now.

After all, even disregarding her strength, the title ‘Jade Empress of the Jade Pool Holy Land’ alone was enough to make her the object of countless cultivators’ admiration.

She was the Innate Dao Body, possessed unparalleled strength, and had an ethereal beauty and untainted aura… She was the perfect woman.

Imagine, having such a fairy-like Dao Companion by your side, seeing her blush like a young girl when you’re intimate, or hearing her soft moans in bed…

Her only flaw was her… peculiar hobby of cuckolding others…

Before awakening this hobby, she had been the perfect dream lover for countless cultivators.

Of course, even this ‘flaw’ wasn’t really a flaw to some…

Her simple declaration had ignited a firestorm of jealousy within the Ascension Stage.

If it weren’t for the occasion, and the Jade Empress’s presence, many would have already challenged Mu Zhi’an to a duel.

Even his popularity within the sect couldn’t withstand the impact of her words.

They were all still cultivating, striving to reach Dao Integration, yet Mu Zhi’an had secretly won over the Jade Empress.

He was probably already ‘ascending’ to the Dao Integration Realm every night…

The thought alone was unbearable.

Meanwhile, Ye Qingxin finally snapped out of her daze.

Her black and red dress accentuated her alluring curves, her long hair cascading down her back, her red eyes burning like embers as she looked at Yao Meng.

“There’s only been one recorded instance of a Jade Pool Holy Maiden taking a Dao Companion. I didn’t expect… you would be the second, Fairy Yao Meng,” Ye Qingxin said slowly.

Even she found it hard to believe, even absurd.

The Jade Empress had countless admirers, her beauty and unique constitution attracting many.

And someone like her naturally had high standards. She had seen countless geniuses.

Yet, she had chosen a young man, barely twenty years old, as her Dao Companion…?

If this news spread, Mu Zhi’an’s name would be known throughout the Nine Realms within a week.

Ye Qingxin looked at Yao Meng’s calm smile and fell silent.

With the Jade Empress’s intervention, she couldn’t force Mu Zhi’an to do anything… Although she hadn’t intended to make things difficult for him, she had wanted to fulfill her descendant’s wish and have a fair competition with Mu Zhi’an.

“You had countless admirers, yet you never chose any of them… And now you’ve chosen this young friend Mu. What do you see in him?” Ye Qingxin finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

At the same time, some of the cultivators below looked up, a flicker of hope in their eyes.

Perhaps the Jade Empress wasn’t truly Mu Zhi’an’s Dao Companion. Maybe she was just using it as an excuse to protect him…?

However, the fairy simply smiled and said calmly, “Matters of the heart aren’t always a choice. Sometimes, you just… realize you’ve fallen in love.”

Her voice, like a celestial melody, seemed to possess a magical power, capable of swaying hearts.

“If I have to say something specific… I love everything about him.”

Her gaze softened as she looked at Mu Zhi’an.

The cultivators’ gazes also shifted to him, their eyes filled with envy, wanting to take his place.

Ye Yu’s fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an, his jealousy uncontainable.

They were both at the Core Formation Realm, and his luck was even greater than Mu Zhi’an’s. Why was the Jade Empress favoring him?! She had even openly declared him to be her Dao Companion…

Not only Ye Yu, but many other young cultivators were also devastated.

Even Mu Zhi’an was heartbroken.

However, his heartbreak was of a different kind. He was on the verge of tears.

Clearly, Ye Lingxuan’s earlier provocation hadn’t gone unnoticed by Yao Meng. And although this fairy seemed kind and gentle, she was actually quite vindictive. By openly acknowledging their relationship, she was retaliating against Ye Lingxuan.

Now the entire Nine Realms would know that she and Mu Zhi’an were Dao Companions… He didn’t even know how to deal with the aftermath of this, let alone the mountain of challenge letters he would receive…

It was a tradition within the Two Polarities Sect for disciples to challenge each other. He could refuse, but if he kept refusing, they would keep challenging him… It would be a never-ending cycle.

After all, if they saw him as an easy target, they would all want a piece of him.

Suddenly, feeling a burning gaze upon him, Mu Zhi’an turned his head slightly.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes were filled with sadness, but her gaze was also gentle and loving.

Lan Mulian’s expression didn’t change much, but the goodwill he had earned with the fragrant balm had probably vanished.

Wei Mengrou was the calmest. She observed the scene with indifference, then, noticing his gaze, she glared at him coldly and looked away.

She had known about his relationship with Yao Meng for a long time. She had even heard the fairy’s seductive moans coming from his room more than once.

She hadn’t cared before, but now that their own relationship was… ambiguous, only she knew her true feelings.

Ye Qian lowered her head, her cheeks flushed, remembering what her master had told her earlier.

Ye Qingxin, after a moment of silence, finally spoke, breaking the awkward silence. “Since you and young friend Mu are Dao Companions, Fairy Yao Meng, you must also be aware of the… conflict between him and my descendant, right?”

“I’ve already said, it’s his decision,” Yao Meng replied calmly, smiling faintly.

“It’s best if neither of us interferes in their matters.”

Ye Qingxin raised an eyebrow. Yao Meng’s stance was clear.

She was on Mu Zhi’an’s side, no matter what.

This is troublesome…

Suddenly, Ye Yu cupped his fists respectfully. “Senior Jade Empress, I’ve had a grudge against Mu Zhi’an since we were in Tianxuan City. I’m not asking my ancestor to use her influence, but I want a fair duel with him.”

“He manipulated my fiancée into breaking off our engagement and even sowed discord between me and my two younger sisters… Such actions are unforgivable.”

He looked at Mu Zhi’an, his voice cold. “Mu Zhi’an, if you’re a man, step out from behind the Jade Empress and face me!”

Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but chuckle. “You were the one who started the conflict. Why are you acting like I’m the villain?”

Ye Yu retorted angrily, “How dare you say that?! Bai Ruoxi’s matter could be considered her pursuing her own happiness, but Lingxuan and Qian’er… You manipulated them—”

However, before he could finish speaking, Ye Lingxuan interrupted him calmly. “You’re misunderstanding, Brother Ye Yu. Neither Qian’er nor I were manipulated by Brother Mu. Our relationship with you isn’t that deep.”

Although she was displeased with Yao Meng’s earlier declaration, she still sided with Mu Zhi’an.

Ye Qingxin looked at Ye Lingxuan, her eyes filled with surprise. “You’re Ye Ning’s daughter?”

Ye Lingxuan nodded politely. “Although I don’t know what Brother Ye Yu told you, my relationship with Brother Mu wasn’t based on manipulation… Qian’er and I made our own decisions.”

Her words were a clear declaration of her stance.

Even Ye Qingxin was speechless.

Regardless of Mu Zhi’an’s past actions, it seemed both Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan genuinely cared for him… It was her own descendant who was now the unreasonable one.

And with the Jade Empress’s support…

It seemed Mu Zhi’an wasn’t the useless playboy Ye Yu had made him out to be.

After all, the Jade Empress wouldn’t choose just anyone.

She couldn’t possibly have chosen Mu Zhi’an just because she liked younger men, right?

Even if that was part of the reason, it must also be because she recognized his talent and abilities.

After a moment of silence, Ye Qingxin raised her hand, and a sword with dark gold engravings appeared in her palm.

An elder in the crowd instantly recognized it and exclaimed, “A first-grade Artifact Spirit?!”

Ye Qingxin looked at the crowd, her voice calm and melodious. “I obtained this in the Heavenly Court. It’s a first-grade sword, imbued with the soul of a Sword Emperor. Refining it will make you invincible among your peers.”

“I’ll place it within the Celestial Realm. If anyone can pass its trial, they can have this sword.”

The cultivators gasped, their eyes lighting up with desire.

A first-grade Artifact Spirit was comparable to a Primordial Clan’s ancestral artifact. And Ye Qingxin’s words meant that everyone had a chance to obtain it. They just had to pass the trial…

The young cultivators were filled with excitement.

Ye Qingxin’s gaze shifted to Yao Meng. “Do you think this is enough to show my sincerity, Fairy Yao Meng?” she asked with a smile.

However, Yao Meng’s expression remained calm. “It’s his decision. I won’t interfere,” she said with a smile.

However, she looked at Ye Qingxin intently.

Ye Qingxin had presented a first-grade Artifact Spirit as a reward in front of everyone. If Mu Zhi’an refused, she wouldn’t say anything, but others would surely gossip about it.

After all, he was the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion. He could refuse Ye Yu’s challenge because he wasn’t interested.

But a first-grade Artifact Spirit… even a Dao Integration expert wouldn’t refuse such a treasure.

After all, it was incredibly difficult to refine, and the required materials were rare, even for Dao Integration experts.

Besides, knowing Mu Zhi’an, he wouldn’t refuse this invitation…

Countless gazes fell upon Mu Zhi’an.

Ye Yu also stared at him intently.

For some reason, he suddenly regretted pushing Mu Zhi’an so hard.

Even though he was confident in his abilities, he didn’t want to gamble with a first-grade Artifact Spirit… If Mu Zhi’an passed the trial, wouldn’t it be a waste?

Yao Meng truly understood Mu Zhi’an. Although he was usually tactful, he also had his pride. And he wouldn’t give up a first-grade Artifact Spirit.

Under their gazes, Mu Zhi’an cupped his fists respectfully and smiled. “Since you’re so generous, Senior, I’ll accept your offer.”

A first-grade Artifact Spirit… This Ye family ancestor probably only had this one, yet she was offering it as a reward… He had to try.

Besides, this was also a chance to weaken Ye Yu’s luck.

He might be the Child of Destiny, but he was also her chosen one.

And most importantly… ever since Yao Meng’s declaration and ‘proclamation of ownership’, he had been feeling incredibly uncomfortable under the gazes of Lan Mulian and the others.

Ye Qingxin smiled faintly and raised her finger, and the small box containing the Celestial Realm emitted a faint glow.

“Then please, young friend Mu.”

Offering a first-grade Artifact Spirit as a reward might seem unbelievable to these cultivators, but Ye Qingxin was absolutely confident.

She was confident that no one could pass the final trial.

This Celestial Realm was simply a venue for the duel between Mu Zhi’an and Ye Yu.

As for the trial within… no one could pass it.

Not even her.

The Heavenly Court within this Celestial Realm was just an imitation, but the gate within it… led to the true Heavenly Court!

Chapter 321: He’s My Dao Companion p2

The night passed uneventfully.

Today was a crucial day in the Ascension Ceremony. There would be three matches that would determine the top sixteen.

Besides the Northern Realm and the Demon Realm, prodigies from five other realms had come to participate. Reaching the top sixteen in such a competitive environment was incredibly difficult.

Mu Zhi’an woke up early, excused himself from Dexin Courtyard under the pretense of changing clothes, and flew towards the Ascension Stage on the southern bank.

Over a dozen elders and peak masters were gathered at the center of the stage.

And below, the stands were packed with cultivators.

Most were there to watch the spectacle, or to protect their disciples.

Mu Zhi’an saw many familiar faces among the crowd, including Ye Yu.

And besides him, Bai Ruoxi, Lan Mulian, and the others also stood out, their beauty attracting many admirers.

Bai Ruoxi seemed to notice him first, her gaze meeting his across the crowd.

Then, she whispered something to the cultivator beside her, a smile of apology on her face, and walked towards him.

Her white dress fluttered gently, her aura cold and aloof, her eyes filled with a gentle warmth. She possessed both the youthful beauty of a young lady and the alluring curves of a mature woman.

As she approached, they became the center of attention.

“How was your cultivation last night, Mu Lang?” Bai Ruoxi asked, looking up at him with a sweet smile, her voice soft and melodious.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’ve made some progress. I should be able to figure it out after the Ascension Ceremony.”

“It seems Senior Sister is truly amazing, even able to guide you in such a complex technique… I wish I could reach the Nascent Soul Realm sooner so I could also help you,” Bai Ruoxi said softly.

“You’ve already helped me a lot, Ruoxi. There’s no need to worry about that,” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Bai Ruoxi nodded slightly, her demeanor obedient and demure.

Then, she glanced at him subtly. “Although you went to Two Polarities Peak last night, Mu Lang, it seems you didn’t spend the entire night cultivating there.”

“I was chatting with Senior Sister earlier, and she said you left quite early last night,” she added with a gentle smile.

When did you become so close to Senior Sister? Aren’t you supposed to be rivals…? Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at her gentle smile, sensing a hidden meaning behind her words.

“Brother Mu, you’re here so early?”

A clear and melodious voice suddenly came from behind him. Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian had arrived on their swords.

Lan Mulian, hearing Ye Lingxuan’s voice, also looked over.

Noticing her gaze, Ye Lingxuan glanced at the aloof senior sister, surrounded by admirers, and smiled faintly.

Hmph, no matter how strong or beautiful Senior Sister is, she’s still a loser.

Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow, sensing a hidden meaning behind Ye Lingxuan’s seemingly innocent smile…

Mu Zhi’an, sensing trouble, was about to change the subject when—

A clear voice rang out from the Ascension Stage. “Today’s matches will be determined by drawing lots. Since you’re all here, please come up and draw your lots in order.”

This announcement drew everyone’s attention.

Mu Zhi’an breathed a sigh of relief.

If the conversation had continued, he would have a bigger headache than the Ascension Ceremony itself.

However, even if he had another chance, he would still make the same choice.

After all… Qian’er and Lingxuan were truly irresistible.

As he was about to join the others and draw his lot, a melodious voice suddenly rang out, interrupting them.

“Drawing lots will take a long time, won’t it?”

The elder on the Ascension Stage frowned, about to rebuke the speaker.

But seeing the woman who had spoken, he fell silent.

A powerful being had descended from the Heavenly Court through the immortal path last night. This couldn’t be hidden from the Two Polarities Sect’s formations, and the elders were aware of it.

It was Ye Qingxin!

The Ye family ancestor, someone even the Forbidden Zone’s Master treated with respect. Even as a wisp of consciousness, she wasn’t someone they could offend.

“Do you have a suggestion, Senior?” an elder asked respectfully, cupping his fists.

The cultivators below also looked at the beautiful woman, their eyes filled with awe.

Mu Zhi’an also observed her discreetly, his eyes thoughtful.

So this is the Ye family ancestor Siyu mentioned… I can’t sense any Spiritual Energy fluctuations from her, and this aura of authority… I’ve only felt it from Yao Meng before.

As if sensing his gaze, Ye Qingxin glanced at him, her beautiful eyes meeting his.

Then, she looked away, a seductive smile curving her lips. “It’s not exactly a suggestion, but since I’m here in the Nine Realms, and it’s such a grand event, I thought I would offer a small… bonus, a bit of good fortune for the participants.”

“What kind of good fortune are you referring to, Senior Ye?” a cultivator asked.

Even Ye Yu was curious. He didn’t know what she was planning.

He only knew she would help him, but he didn’t know how.

“This good fortune… is related to the Heavenly Court.”

As soon as she spoke, the elders from the Primordial Clans gasped, their gazes fixed on Ye Qingxin.

She raised her hand, and a small, exquisite box appeared.

“A Celestial Realm technique?!” someone exclaimed, recognizing the box’s unique properties.

“Indeed.”

Ye Qingxin looked at the crowd. “This Celestial Realm contains the insights I gained after entering the Heavenly Court. Stepping inside is like entering the Heavenly Court itself, and its Spiritual Energy also originates from there.”

Her words made many cultivators’ eyes light up with excitement as they stared at the box in her hand.

Even the elders were envious.

Cultivating with the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy would greatly enhance their cultivation levels. It was a rare opportunity.

Ye Qingxin tossed the box into the air, and a golden light enveloped the cultivators.

“If you wish to enter, simply infuse a wisp of your Spiritual Energy into it. But whether you can obtain any good fortune depends on yourselves,” she said with a smile.

The cultivators cupped their fists respectfully, and Mu Zhi’an was also about to infuse his Spiritual Energy into the box when Ye Qingxin’s gaze fell upon him. “Young friend Mu, I know there have been some… disagreements between you and my descendants. If you can defeat Ye Yu within this Celestial Realm, I’ll give you a portion of the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy. What do you think?” she asked with a smile.

Many of the cultivators below looked at Mu Zhi’an meaningfully.

Many disciples within the sect knew about the conflict between him and Ye Yu, but they hadn’t expected Ye Yu to have the backing of a Ye family ancestor.

Ye Qingxin’s words weren’t simply a challenge for Mu Zhi’an. She was also announcing to everyone that Ye Yu was under her protection.

Regardless of the outcome, with her support, Ye Yu’s future would be much smoother.

Many cultivators looked at Ye Yu with envy.

Noticing their gazes, Ye Yu couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. He glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who remained silent.

You might be cunning and resourceful, but what can you do before a Dao Integration expert?

Although Ye Qingxin wasn’t truly on his side, this was enough.

After all, he was a descendant of the Ye family, and as their ancestor, she would naturally protect him.

Mu Zhi’an had always avoided direct confrontation with him, resorting to tricks and schemes, but with his ancestor present, those tactics wouldn’t work.

Under their gazes, Mu Zhi’an cupped his fists respectfully. “I’m not interested in the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, Senior. I’ll have to decline your offer.”

Ye Qingxin raised an eyebrow, her eyes smiling. “I’m aware of the… disagreements between you and Ye Yu. This is a chance to settle your grudge, Young Master Mu. Why refuse?”

Ye Yu sneered inwardly. “Are you afraid, Mu Zhi’an?”

“I’m a whole grade lower than you.”

Mu Zhi’an glanced at him and chuckled. “You’re too weak. It wouldn’t be a challenge.”

If I spar with him just because you told me to, wouldn’t I lose face?

As for the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy… it might be a rare opportunity for most cultivators.

However, he wasn’t interested.

“You—”

Ye Yu’s eyes flashed with anger, but he couldn’t lash out in this situation.

Seeing Mu Zhi’an chatting with Ye Lingxuan and the others, his jealousy intensified, his fists clenching tightly. He wanted to fight Mu Zhi’an right here, right now.

Ye Qingxin frowned slightly, seeing Mu Zhi’an’s refusal. She was about to speak when—

A gentle, melodious voice echoed through the air.

“Whether he wants to spar or not is his decision.”

“And there’s no need for others to worry about his opportunities. I’ll provide him with what he needs.”

Ye Qingxin turned towards the voice and saw a fairy in a green dress, her body radiating a faint glow, descending from the sky. Her eyes narrowed. “The Jade Empress?”

Yao Meng landed gracefully, her wide sleeves fluttering, her every movement ethereal, her skin bathed in a captivating silver light, her beauty otherworldly.

She didn’t look at Ye Qingxin immediately. Her gaze was fixed on Mu Zhi’an, then it swept over the girls beside him.

Ye Lingxuan, noticing Yao Meng’s gaze, seemed to remember the scene by the Rebirth Pool. She pursed her lips and discreetly took Mu Zhi’an’s hand.

Mu Zhi’an, with his top-tier anti-gank awareness, immediately reacted and transmitted his voice, “Lingxuan…”

“I know. I won’t cause any trouble, Brother Mu,” Ye Lingxuan replied with a smile, glancing at Yao Meng.

Although her gaze was calm, Yao Meng sensed a hint of defiance in her eyes.

However, Yao Meng didn’t react. She looked away, then up at Ye Qingxin, and smiled.

“I didn’t expect you to descend from the Heavenly Court. This is a surprise.”

Ye Qingxin smiled brightly. “It’s just a wisp of my consciousness. I came down to see how the Ye family is doing.”

She paused, then continued, “I’ve never seen you so concerned about a cultivator, even intervening personally… Could it be that he’s a descendant of your Jade Pool Holy Land?”

“He’s not,” Yao Meng replied, shaking her head.

“The Jade Pool’s Holy Maidens are said to be detached from worldly matters. If he’s not your descendant, there’s no reason for you to help him, considering your personality,” Ye Qingxin said softly.

She was telling Yao Meng to mind her own business.

Yao Meng glanced at Mu Zhi’an, her lips curving into a slight smile.

Then, her soft and melodious voice echoed through the Ascension Stage. “Since everyone’s here, let’s make things clear.”

She wasn’t addressing the cultivators present, but… the ‘protagonists’.

“Many have speculated that Mu Zhi’an saved my life. It’s true…”

A commotion arose among the crowd below as they whispered amongst themselves.

Some had already guessed this, but hearing it from Yao Meng herself was still surprising.

Then, she continued, “However, he’s more than just my savior.”

Her gaze was fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

For some reason, he had a bad feeling.

“He’s also my Dao Companion.”

As her words echoed through the air, the cultivators, who had been watching the spectacle, gasped. Even the elders on the Ascension Stage were stunned.

Silence descended upon them, as if the world had frozen.

Bai Ruoxi and the others slowly looked up, staring at the distant fairy in disbelief.

Yao Meng’s gaze shifted to Ye Qingxin, and she said with a smile,

“Is that reason enough?”

Chapter 321: He’s My Dao Companion p1

Night fell. The Ye sisters were asleep in their beds, nestled together, while Mu Zhi’an quietly slipped out of the room.

The cold night wind howled as he stood in the corridor, channeling his Spiritual Energy to envelop his body.

He closed his eyes, his Spiritual Sense expanding outwards.

In the next instant, the entire layout of the courtyard appeared in his mind.

Normally, a Core Formation cultivator’s Spiritual Sense couldn’t cover such a large area, but his pseudo-Innate Spiritual Body enhanced his perception.

He quickly sensed a woman hiding behind the third pillar.

So it’s Auntie… Sneaking around here so late at night. Is she planning a rendezvous with me? Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Although he couldn’t see her clearly, he recognized her aura and figure.

He glanced in her direction, pretending not to notice, and slowly approached.

Ye Siyu, hidden in the shadows, covered her mouth with her hand, giggling softly as she anticipated his arrival.

Suddenly, his footsteps stopped, and his aura vanished.

Ye Siyu froze, peering out from the shadows.

“Where did he go…?”

Mu Zhi’an, who had been within range of her Spiritual Sense just moments ago, was now gone.

It seems he’s quite clever. He sensed my presence and concealed himself…

However, it was easy for her to find him.

She closed her eyes, and her surroundings appeared in her mind.

Not far behind her, a figure, its aura concealed, was approaching.

“Behind you!”

Ye Siyu’s eyes snapped open, and she turned around abruptly, but Mu Zhi’an was already there, his hand on her shoulder. “Your reflexes are impressive, Siyu,” he said with a smile.

Ye Siyu narrowed her eyes, her gaze seductive. “You’re quite perceptive. I even concealed my aura, yet you still noticed me.”

“The Chaos Body encompasses all things, including enhanced senses,” Mu Zhi’an replied modestly.

However, Ye Siyu chuckled and glanced at him. “Or is it because you were secretly intimate with Lingxuan tonight and were afraid of being discovered by Ruoxi, so you were extra cautious?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and smiled. “I’m not worried about being discovered with Lingxuan.”

He was telling the truth. He wasn’t worried about that.

He was worried about being discovered with both Lingxuan and Qian’er.

Fortunately, Siyu came back late. If she had seen them together… it would have been a social death sentence… Mu Zhi’an thought, relieved.

Afraid of arousing her suspicion, he quickly changed the subject. “You’re not cultivating tonight, Siyu. Did you come to see me because of something important?”

Ye Siyu rested her chin on her hand, her head tilted slightly as she observed him. “You might be in trouble tomorrow,” she said softly.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her beautiful eyes, adorned with a faint plum blossom pattern, and her playful smile. “What do you mean?” he asked humbly.

Instead of answering directly, Ye Siyu said, “In the past, the Ye family and the Forbidden Zone were one and the same. But later, the Ye family declined and faded into obscurity.”

“And the reason for their decline was the death of two powerful cultivators… At least, that’s what the legends say.”

Mu Zhi’an was silent for a moment, then he seemed to realize something and looked up at her. “Are you saying… a powerful cultivator from the Ye family is still alive, and she has appeared today?”

“Not exactly ‘appeared’. She returned through the immortal path,” Ye Siyu replied.

Then, she recounted what she had witnessed earlier.

“I saw the Ye family ancestor with Ye Yu on the southern bank tonight… Although you have no direct conflict with her, she’s still a Ye family ancestor. Naturally, she’ll side with her descendants,” Ye Siyu continued.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slowly, understanding.

Then, he suddenly asked, “You’ve always disapproved of my relationship with Lingxuan, haven’t you, Siyu? Why are you helping me…?”

Ye Siyu rolled her eyes. “I disapproved because you’re so fickle. I was worried Lingxuan would be hurt by you.”

“However, your matters are the Forbidden Zone’s internal affairs. They have nothing to do with outsiders.”

Her stance was clear. Mu Zhi’an was now the Forbidden Zone’s son-in-law. Although the Forbidden Zone and the Ye family shared the same ancestry, after so many years, they were practically unrelated.

And she was on Mu Zhi’an’s side.

“And compared to Ye Yu, you’re… better,” Ye Siyu said with a smile.

Ye Yu was talented and had incredible luck, but he was too selfish.

She could see all the flaws of those arrogant young masters from the Primordial Clans in him.

“…I didn’t know I had such a good impression in your eyes, Siyu,” Mu Zhi’an said, surprised.

Ye Siyu chuckled. “There’s one major difference between you and Ye Yu.”

“What is it?” Mu Zhi’an asked, intrigued.

“Ye Yu never actively pursues the women he likes, but he secretly considers them his possessions. And you…”

Ye Siyu’s lips curved into a playful smile as she took a couple of steps closer, her shoulder brushing against his. She stood on her tiptoes, her alluring lips parting slightly. “You’re an unashamed pervert.”

Compared to the possessive and secretive Ye Yu, who never acted on his desires, she found Mu Zhi’an much more agreeable.

At least, he had genuinely helped Ye Lingxuan in the past.

Ye Siyu took a couple of steps back, her hands behind her back, and glanced at him. “Anyway, although Sister Qingxin seems to have a grudge against you, she won’t directly attack you. So don’t worry too much. I’m just warning you, just in case.”

Mu Zhi’an pondered her words for a moment, then nodded and cupped his fists respectfully. “Thank you for the information, Siyu. I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

I didn’t expect this seemingly arrogant aunt to be so kind…

Mu Zhi’an thanked her again and watched as she left, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

If she knew there was more than just Lingxuan in the room tonight, she would probably change her mind, bringing that Ye family ancestor here to teach him a lesson…

However, Ye Yu, as the one blessed by the Heavenly Dao, was truly tenacious. He had even managed to find such a powerful backer in this situation.

A protector from the Heavenly Court… Such an opportunity was incredibly rare.

But there was no need to worry too much.

As long as that Ye family ancestor didn’t directly attack him… he still had a chance.

A cold breeze blew through the courtyard, snapping Mu Zhi’an out of his thoughts.

He scanned the courtyard with his Spiritual Sense, confirming that Ye Siyu had returned to her room, then he returned to his own room and locked the door.

The two sisters were nestled together on the bed, their hands clasped, their figures intertwined harmoniously.

“Brother Mu, what did Sister Siyu tell you?”

Ye Lingxuan’s voice echoed in his mind.

Mu Zhi’an looked over and saw that she had opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on him.

“It’s nothing, just some minor matters,” he replied with a smile, shaking his head.

He tossed his robe onto a nearby chair and slipped back into the warm embrace of the two sisters.

Seeing the worry in Ye Lingxuan’s eyes, he gently patted her thigh, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. If there’s any trouble, I’ll rely on you.”

In this cold winter night, only their warmth could comfort him.

Ye Lingxuan looked up at him seriously. “If you have any worries, Brother Mu, you must tell me.”

Mu Zhi’an gazed at her beautiful face, her slightly disheveled hair adding to her allure, a few strands framing her delicate features, her aura languid and seductive.

He nodded, then looked at her intently. “Actually, I do have a worry right now,” he said softly.

Ye Lingxuan blushed and lowered her eyes shyly.

“W-what is it?”

Mu Zhi’an pulled her closer, her face nestled against his chest. “What do you think?” he whispered in her ear.

Ye Lingxuan’s cheeks flushed even deeper, but she said, “Don’t do that. Qian’er is asleep, and we already… Mm…”

Mu Zhi’an’s lips captured hers, silencing her protests.

…

Half an hour later, Ye Lingxuan’s arms were wrapped around Mu Zhi’an, her head resting on his chest, her eyes filled with love.

Even she wouldn’t have imagined that she would end up with the man she once disliked, and even… with Qian’er…

Mu Zhi’an held her waist, his heart filled with a similar sentiment.

Lingxuan was already perfect, but with Qian’er… their combined allure was beyond words.

What was Ye Yu thinking, neglecting these two beautiful sisters and focusing solely on his cultivation…?

Mu Zhi’an, enjoying their warmth and softness, closed his eyes contentedly.

…

Chapter 320: The Ye Family Ancestor 

The name Ye Qingxin was unfamiliar to most cultivators in the Nine Realms, but within the Forbidden Zone and the Ye family, it held great significance.

She was the only member of the Ye family to have ascended to the Heavenly Court.

Ascending to the Heavenly Court wasn’t simply a matter of reaching the Dao Integration Realm. It required a perfect convergence of timing, location, and fate, a rare occurrence.

For example, although the immortal path had descended upon the Nine Realms, the time wasn’t right. Even if one ascended the path, they wouldn’t be able to enter the Heavenly Court.

This Ye family ancestor had been a powerful cultivator even before the Forbidden Zone became independent. Her luck was extraordinary, and shortly after achieving Dao Integration, the immortal path appeared, and she successfully ascended.

However, her departure had been hasty. There were still matters in the Nine Realms she hadn’t resolved.

One of these matters was the Ye family.

At that time, the Ye family was already in decline.

But the immortal path was a rare opportunity, one that might not appear again for several lifetimes. Ultimately, Ye Qingxin chose to ascend.

After two lifetimes, the immortal path reappeared, and she seized this opportunity, sending a wisp of her consciousness down to the Nine Realms, only to find that the Ye family had declined even further.

A member of the Ye family was being bullied by a mere playboy, and the Forbidden Zone hadn’t intervened.

After all, the Ye family and the Forbidden Zone shared the same ancestry.

Ye Qingxin walked through the plaza on the southern bank, looking at the Ascension Stage in the distance, where disciples were sparring and competing.

However, no one noticed her presence. Her figure was ethereal, her beautiful face filled with a hint of nostalgia. Even as a wisp of consciousness, her extraordinary beauty was still evident.

“The world has changed in ten thousand years, dynasties have risen and fallen, but the Two Polarities Sect still stands, watching over the mortal realm,” Ye Qingxin murmured, her voice filled with longing. “Is the Sect Master still the same?”

Ye Yu, who was following respectfully behind her, replied, “Yes, Ancestor. The Sect Master hasn’t changed.”

He looked at the beautiful woman, his eyes filled with respect, but a closer look revealed a hint of admiration.

Although she was a Ye family ancestor, cultivators didn’t care about age. After all, Ye Qingxin had ascended to the Heavenly Court and achieved immortality. As long as the Heavenly Court existed, she would live on.

And her beauty, although not fully visible, was even more alluring because of its ethereal quality.

Even Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t have guessed that the Ye family ancestor was still alive and had returned to the Nine Realms!

Ye Yu wouldn’t let go of such a powerful backer. “Do you know the Sect Master, Ancestor?” he asked.

Ye Qingxin chuckled softly. “Of course.”

“Before I even achieved Dao Integration, Shang Yanfei was already a renowned Empress. And Ling Long, whom you all know, was raised by her. When I ascended to the Heavenly Court, she could have ascended too, but she chose not to.”

Ye Yu was shocked. The Sect Master had achieved Dao Integration even earlier than his ancestor?

“Could it be that she didn’t want to abandon the Two Polarities Sect?” Ye Yu guessed.

Ye Qingxin shook her head and chuckled. “If we could understand her thoughts, she wouldn’t be Shang Yanfei.”

She paused, then continued, “You said Mu Zhi’an is a wicked person. Why didn’t Ye Ning stop him, knowing his character?”

Ye Ning was the current Master of the Forbidden Zone, one of the few Dao Integration experts in the Nine Realms, and Ye Lingxuan’s father.

“The Forbidden Zone initially opposed Lingxuan’s relationship with Mu Zhi’an, but he had Ling Long’s backing. It caused quite a commotion in the sect,” Ye Yu said, his voice filled with resentment.

At that time, many disciples had speculated about why Ling Long had intervened, but no one had guessed the true reason.

However, Ye Yu knew that she had likely spoken up on Mu Zhi’an’s behalf, asking for the Forbidden Zone’s approval of their relationship.

After all, Ling Long, for some unknown reason, had been swayed by Mu Zhi’an and was now residing in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony. Many had suffered because of this.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Lin Ling was naive and innocent. If Mu Zhi’an had somehow won her favor… and she had spoken up on his behalf, Ye Ning might have given her face.

However, there was still something that didn’t make sense.

Even with Ling Long’s support, if Mu Zhi’an was truly a greedy and lecherous man, as this Ye family descendant claimed, Ye Ning wouldn’t have allowed his daughter to be with him.

It seemed Ye Yu had exaggerated things. Mu Zhi’an wasn’t as incompetent as he made him out to be.

However, even so, he had still caused discord, stolen another man’s fiancée, and deceived two young ladies from the Ye family.

“What about your fiancée?” Ye Qingxin asked, glancing at Ye Yu.

Her figure was tall and alluring, her long legs shapely and smooth. Although she was concealing her aura, she exuded an air of arrogance and authority.

Ye Yu, captivated by her beauty, seemed to be in a daze.

He snapped out of it when she spoke, noticing her calm gaze, and his face flushed as he quickly looked away.

Then, his expression hardened, and he recounted how Bai Ruoxi had broken off their engagement.

However, Ye Qingxin’s expression remained unchanged. “Marriage shouldn’t be decided by parents. If Bai Ruoxi didn’t love you, it’s normal for her to break off the engagement and pursue her own happiness,” she said calmly.

“She was just deceived by Mu Zhi’an! If she truly wanted to break off the engagement, why didn’t she do it earlier? Why did she wait until after meeting him?” Ye Yu retorted, his voice filled with indignation.

However, Ye Qingxin clearly sided with Bai Ruoxi. “It’s in the past. Focus on improving yourself, and you’ll find a better Dao Companion in the future,” she said, her tone like an elder lecturing a younger generation.

She paused, then continued, “As for whether that beauty from Tianxuan City was truly deceived by Mu Zhi’an… I’ll observe them tomorrow and decide.”

“If Mu Zhi’an truly manipulated your fiancée and stole her from you… I’ll seek justice for you.”

Ye Yu’s eyes lit up with excitement, and he bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Ancestor!”

As he lowered his head, his gaze lingered on Ye Qingxin’s red and white robes, which accentuated her alluring figure.

To be intimate with such a woman, even if it meant dying immediately afterwards, would be worth it.

Unfortunately, she was a Ye family ancestor. Despite his desire, he didn’t dare to have any disrespectful thoughts. He bit his tongue, suppressing his emotions.

“Those two girls from the Ye family are currently in the Jade Glass Palace, right? If you want, I can take you to see them,” Ye Qingxin said.

Ye Yu’s heart stirred, but after a moment of thought, he replied calmly, “It’s the Ascension Ceremony. Lingxuan must be cultivating. We can visit them tomorrow.”

Although he was tempted, it was late at night, and most cultivators were meditating. Disturbing Qian’er and Lingxuan now would only annoy them.

After all, they had an important match tomorrow.

Ye Qingxin pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. “Alright. Then I’ll observe this Mu Zhi’an tomorrow and see what he’s truly like.”

Suddenly, as if sensing something, she looked up towards a distant bridge.

A beautiful woman with brown hair was standing there, looking in their direction.

It was Ye Siyu, also a descendant of the Forbidden Zone.

Noticing their gaze, Ye Siyu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, then she smiled sweetly.

Ye Qingxin also looked at her, a faint smile appearing on her face. “I have some matters to attend to. You should head back,” she said.

…

After Ye Yu left, Ye Qingxin took a step forward and, in the next instant, appeared on the bridge.

She looked at Ye Siyu’s beautiful face, her amber eyes filled with a hint of nostalgia. “Siyu, I didn’t expect you to break free from your seal in this lifetime.”

Ye Siyu smiled faintly. “My brother-in-law performed a divination. This is a golden age, an era of great opportunities. If we want to achieve Dao Integration, this is the best time.”

“Honestly, I was a bit skeptical.”

She paused, looking at the woman who had descended from the Heavenly Court. “But seeing you now, I know he was right. You’re even more beautiful than before, Sister Qingxin.”

Ye Qingxin looked at her with affection in her eyes. “You’re still as sweet-talking as ever.”

Ye Siyu had been sealed within a formation and had only recently broken free. She had known Ye Qingxin in the past, although their relationship had been more like that of younger and older sisters.

They weren’t blood-related, but the Forbidden Zone’s Master had become sworn sisters with Ye Qingxin, so she naturally cared for his younger sister.

“I thought you had ascended to the Heavenly Court, Sister Qingxin. Why are you here?” Ye Siyu asked curiously, her eyes, adorned with a faint plum blossom pattern, sparkling.

Ye Qingxin chuckled. “The immortal path rarely appears. My true body is still in the Heavenly Court, but I sent a wisp of my consciousness down to see how the Ye family is doing.”

Her eyes turned cold. “It’s a good thing I came down. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known that someone dares to bully the Ye family now. And your brother-in-law is just watching, ignoring our past connection… Hmph. I’ll have words with him when I see him.”

Ye Siyu’s eyes widened slightly. “Who are you referring to, Sister? Who’s bullying the Ye family?”

Ye Qingxin shook her head. “It’s nothing, just a junior. I’ll observe him during the Ascension Ceremony tomorrow and see what gives him the audacity to bully my descendants.”

“How’s your sister?” she quickly changed the subject.

Is she talking about… him…? Ye Siyu smiled faintly. “She’s fine. Her complexion has improved since achieving Soul Transformation.”

However, her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

After chatting with Ye Qingxin for a while, Ye Siyu excused herself. As she watched Ye Qingxin leave, her eyes flickered, and she immediately flew towards the Jade Glass Palace on her sword.

This isn’t good… This Ye family ancestor was a ruthless woman, even her brother-in-law feared her, and she was clearly on the Ye family’s side.

He was Lingxuan’s sweetheart. I have to warn him…

…

Meanwhile.

Ye Yu walked back to his residence, his mood exceptionally good, his steps light.

He was overjoyed, thinking: Ancestor’s arrival is truly timely…

If he could use this opportunity to expose Mu Zhi’an’s true nature to Lingxuan, he could repair their relationship.

He had been foolish in the past, neglecting his two beautiful younger sisters and focusing solely on his cultivation, only to regret it after Mu Zhi’an ‘stole’ them from him.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too late. With this Ye family ancestor’s help, he could still salvage the situation…

Even Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t have guessed that the appearance of the immortal path would be his downfall, would he?

This wasn’t a coincidence, but fate.

His great luck had brought his ancestor down from the Heavenly Court, and this had sealed Mu Zhi’an’s fate!

And then, Lingxuan and Qian’er would return to the Ye family, calling him ‘Brother Ye Yu’ once more…

Ye Yu’s fists clenched tightly, a cold smile curving his lips.

…

Dexin Courtyard.

Bright red lanterns illuminated the path, adding warmth to the cold winter night.

“Brother Mu…”

A soft, seductive voice came from within the room. Ye Lingxuan’s arms were wrapped around Mu Zhi’an’s neck, a sweet smile on her face.

She had abandoned her usual elegance and composure, her eyes filled with warmth and affection as she snuggled against him.

Ye Qian’s hands gently embraced his waist as she leaned against him, her eyes filled with love.

Although she had been content with just watching her sister and Brother Mu being intimate… this wasn’t bad either.

After all, she could now see up close how her sister was being… ‘bullied’ by Brother Mu.

“Don’t call me Brother Mu. You should be saying: Mu Lang, you were so amazing earlier~” Mu Zhi’an said, yawning lazily.

“I could never say that…” Ye Lingxuan nuzzled his arm like a kitten. “And if I call you Mu Lang, Sister Ruoxi will be angry.”

Lingxuan will probably die of embarrassment when she remembers this later… Mu Zhi’an thought, amused.

Clearly, she had abandoned her usual reserved demeanor, but once she calmed down, she would be mortified by her own behavior.

Mu Zhi’an turned to look at the beautiful young lady, her face flushed with a mature allure, and said gently, “Qian’er, if you’re tired, you should take some Essence Replenishing Pills.”

Ye Qian shook her head gently, her beautiful eyes fixed on him. “I’m fine. I’ll recover before the matches begin tomorrow,” she whispered.

She pressed her soft body against his, her face buried in his back, and murmured, “And… I want to enjoy this feeling a little longer.”

Ye Lingxuan sat up, looking at her sister with a playful smile. “So you’re not satisfied yet, Qian’er? You want more…?”

Ye Qian blushed and glared at her sister. “What are you talking about, Sister?!”

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes twinkled mischievously, and she was about to tease her further when—

A green lotus suddenly bloomed behind Ye Qian, and she lunged forward, tackling Ye Lingxuan onto the bed.

Mu Zhi’an watched them playfully, a smile on his face, when Ye Qian suddenly turned to him. “Brother Mu, I’ll hold her down for you—”

“Qian’er, whose side are you on?!” Ye Lingxuan exclaimed, the Desolate Time Lock swirling around her as she tried to bind Ye Qian’s wrists.

“Eek! Stop it, Sister! Help me, Brother Mu—!”

The sisters’ playful banter filled the room.

…

After about half an hour, Mu Zhi’an lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

The two beauties beside him seemed to have fallen asleep, their bodies nestled against his.

However, even so, Mu Zhi’an remained unmoved, his mind focused as he opened his personal interface.

He had sensed a reaction from his interface while he was… cultivating with the Ye sisters earlier, but he had been too preoccupied to check it.

He saw a faint golden glow emanating from the ‘Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead’ box.

And at the bottom of the ‘Character Role’ section, a new ‘Luck’ stat had appeared.

It was currently at 85.

This must be the same as the luck measured by the testing stele, but more detailed… Mu Zhi’an thought, understanding.

But what was the golden glow on the ‘Character Role’ box?

It hadn’t been there before…

My interface didn’t react when I returned with Lingxuan. It only changed after we… cultivated… Perhaps this is what Yuanluo meant. By being intimate with Lingxuan and Qian’er, I indirectly weakened Ye Yu’s luck, which then transferred to me?

Yuanluo had said she was the new Heavenly Dao, on his side.

And the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Realms had chosen Ye Yu.

By suppressing Ye Yu, he was indirectly weakening the current Heavenly Dao.

And once Ye Yu’s luck was completely gone, the current Heavenly Dao would be at its weakest.

Then, Yuanluo would be able to replace it and become the new Heavenly Dao.

“This is too easy. Both Lingxuan and Qian’er are devoted to me, and Ruoxi is also on my side… As long as I defeat Ye Yu in the Ascension Ceremony and weaken his luck…”

Mu Zhi’an, enjoying the warmth of the sisters’ embrace, looked at his personal interface, his mind racing.

After about fifteen minutes, he suddenly sensed a figure moving outside the room.

He turned his head slightly, his eyes filled with suspicion.

Dexin Courtyard was protected by a formation. No one could enter without permission.

It must be someone they knew…?

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then quietly got out of bed.

Two beautiful dresses, one purple and one light blue, hung on the clothes rack, and his black robe was casually tossed aside.

He picked up his robe, got dressed, carefully covered the sisters with the blanket, and silently left the room.

Chapter 319: Good Sisters Should Be Together Forever 

Knock, knock.

Ye Qian, who was meditating, slowly opened her eyes at the sound of knocking.

“Sister, why are you here so late? Is something wrong?”

She got out of bed and opened the door, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she saw the beautiful young lady standing there.

Ye Lingxuan’s gaze swept over her sister. Ye Qian was dressed in a simple white robe, her face delicate, her eyes sparkling beneath her long, thick eyelashes, her lips rosy and full. Although she had the innocent appearance of a young girl, a subtle allure radiated from her.

Ye Lingxuan looked at her sister with a gentle smile. “Almost at the sixth-grade Core Formation Realm… You’ve been working hard on your cultivation,” she said.

“But you haven’t spent much time with Brother Mu recently… Are you trying to win the Ascension Ceremony and… obtain him?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Under her sister’s gentle gaze, Ye Qian blushed and looked away, murmuring, “I just want to… help you, Sister. I-I wasn’t thinking about that…”

Ye Lingxuan raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on her sister meaningfully.

She gently caressed Ye Qian’s smooth cheek, her eyes filled with warmth, but she didn’t speak.

“Sister, did something happen?” Ye Qian asked, looking up at her, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, her blush deepening.

Although she couldn’t explain it, she felt that her sister was acting strangely tonight…

“Brother Mu went to Two Polarities Peak to see Senior Sister Lan. And the immortal path… it seems to have appeared because of him,” Ye Lingxuan said.

Ye Qian froze, then her eyes widened slightly. “So the person I saw at the end of the immortal path… was Brother Mu?”

Although she hadn’t left the courtyard, she had also seen the figure at the end of the immortal path. She had felt a sense of familiarity, even thinking it resembled Mu Zhi’an.

But… she hadn’t expected it to actually be him?!

“So Brother Mu is in the Heavenly Court now?!” Ye Qian gasped, her hand covering her mouth, staring at Ye Lingxuan in disbelief.

Ye Lingxuan shook her head gently. “He’s already back. I saw him with Senior Sister Lan when I went to see him. It seems she also has… special feelings for him…”

She paused, then continued, “She even did some… inappropriate things to him.”

“Senior Sister Lan wouldn’t do that to Brother Mu…” Ye Qian murmured, her voice filled with disbelief.

She knew that what Ye Lingxuan meant by ‘inappropriate things’ wasn’t anything truly harmful, but…

Ye Lingxuan looked at her intently. “When I inherited the Reincarnated Empress’s Spiritual Energy, one of the traces came from Brother Mu,” she said.

Ye Qian’s eyes flickered with a deer-in-the-headlights look as she glanced at her sister’s beautiful face and her gentle gaze. After a moment of silence, she murmured a soft “mm-hmm”.

Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, her legs pressed together. “I know what you’re talking about, Sister…” she whispered, her voice filled with embarrassment.

Then, as if trying to change the subject, she asked softly, “Is there anything else, Sister? The Ascension Ceremony is important. We should focus on our cultivation.”

Ye Lingxuan smiled. “You’re right. We should both focus on our cultivation.”

“That’s why I came to see you tonight.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Ye Qian, surprised by her words, looked up at her sister, who had grown up with her, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

Ye Lingxuan didn’t explain immediately. She recounted what she had learned on Two Polarities Peak.

“Senior Sister Lan and Brother Mu both visited the Heavenly Court today. My Innate Spiritual Body sensed that he absorbed the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy. If he refines it, his cultivation speed will increase four or five times.”

“So Brother Mu might catch up to us soon?” Ye Qian asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

However, Ye Lingxuan shook her head gently. “I’m referring to the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace.”

Ye Qian froze, then, as if realizing something, she looked at her sister.

“You mean…”

Ye Lingxuan, too embarrassed to say it out loud, looked at her sister’s surprised expression, her eyes shimmering. She was silent for a moment.

Then, she took a deep breath, calming herself down.

A faint blush still lingered on her cheeks as she looked at Ye Qian’s beautiful face, stepped closer, and whispered in her ear,

“I don’t want to be alone… And I want you to be happy too.”

She gently took Ye Qian’s hand, her grip firm and warm.

…

Candlelight flickered, and the wind howled outside.

Mu Zhi’an lay on the bed, lost in thought.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to do anything else, but he was currently bound by the Desolate Time Lock.

Although it might have only been fifteen minutes for him, less than half an hour had passed in the outside world.

And Ye Lingxuan had blindfolded him before leaving…

He was completely in the dark, both literally and figuratively. Even if someone attacked him now, he wouldn’t be able to see them.

Suddenly, he heard the door creak open.

Then, Ye Lingxuan’s soft and gentle voice echoed in the room. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Brother Mu.”

She glanced at Ye Qian, who was standing beside her, and transmitted her voice, “Remember to conceal your aura. Don’t let him notice you.”

Ye Qian, her hands nervously clutching her skirt, nodded slightly.

A cold breeze blew into the room, extinguishing the candle, but it couldn’t hide her long, shapely legs. Ye Qian closed the door behind her and turned to look at the young man on the bed.

The Desolate Time Lock, like a spiderweb, hovered in the air, and a thin golden rope, seemingly extending from it, bound Mu Zhi’an’s wrists.

This was the Desolate Time Domain. As long as Ye Lingxuan continued to channel her Spiritual Energy into it, the domain would persist.

And within this domain, the flow of time was controlled by her.

The higher her cultivation, the longer the domain could be maintained.

“You’re back so soon…? Did you finish your bath already?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Even the most intelligent person wouldn’t imagine that one of the girls around him had such a… peculiar hobby…

Therefore, even if he racked his brains, he wouldn’t be able to guess that there was another person in the room…

The sisters exchanged a glance and smiled secretly.

Then, Ye Lingxuan’s lips curved into a charming smile.

“Yes, I didn’t want to keep you waiting, Brother Mu.”

She winked at her sister, and Ye Qian blushed, glancing at her.

Her eyes twinkled with a playful light, a mixture of shyness and a strange excitement. Her lips moved silently, forming words.

Ye Qian understood and turned to look at the young man on the bed.

His black robe was slightly disheveled, his soft black hair framing his handsome face. He was blindfolded, so he could only sense their presence, unaware that there were two people beside him.

This was thanks to the Desolate Time Domain. Within this domain, Ye Lingxuan controlled everything.

Ye Qian, her heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, walked over to the bed and sat down, gazing at Mu Zhi’an, who had always been kind and gentle towards her.

Although she had enjoyed secretly watching her sister and Brother Mu being intimate… this was also something she had longed for.

However, she didn’t know how he felt about her…

Mu Zhi’an sniffed the air and turned his head towards her, his brow furrowing slightly. “Did you change your fragrant balm?”

Ye Lingxuan, who had also approached him silently, asked in surprise, “Why do you say that, Brother Mu?”

“Your scent… it’s different,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Ye Lingxuan’s usual fragrance was light and refreshing, but now, it was completely different.

She smiled faintly. “Perhaps it’s because I added some special herbs to my bath, changing the scent~”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t think too much about it. “It’s getting late. Shouldn’t we be going to bed?”

Her change in scent wasn’t important to him.

What was important was that Ye Lingxuan’s teasing had aroused him.

If it weren’t for the Desolate Time Lock, he would have already ‘suppressed’ this usually polite and elegant young lady.

Suddenly, he felt a warm breath against his face, and a strand of hair brushed against his cheek.

Ye Qian, her face flushed, mustered her courage and leaned down, gently kissing his lips.

Mu Zhi’an savored the sweetness of her lips, then he froze, feeling a soft weight pressing against his chest.

Something’s wrong…

Although Lingxuan had developed quite a bit in the past six months, she wasn’t this… big…

Although it had been a while since they were last intimate, he was still familiar with her figure.

After a while, they parted. Ye Qian’s eyes were moist, and noticing her sister’s playful gaze, she blushed and turned to look at her.

Ye Lingxuan smiled and said softly, “Brother Mu… I ran into Qian’er earlier. She said she missed you.”

Ye Qian’s eyes widened, and she stared at her sister, who continued, “What do you think of Qian’er, Brother Mu?”

Silence filled the room. The blush on Ye Qian’s face faded, and she looked at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes sparkling.

She wanted to know what he truly felt about her.

“Qian’er… I’ve always seen her as my younger sister. I don’t have any romantic feelings for her,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Ye Qian froze, her eyes widening in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to say that.

Ye Lingxuan was also stunned. She looked at her sister, who was sitting on the bed, her legs curled beneath her, biting her lip, her eyes welling up with tears.

An awkward silence filled the room.

Suddenly, Mu Zhi’an sighed softly. “Although that’s what I wanted to say… I don’t want to lie to either of you.”

“I care about both of you… I can’t choose.”

“Initially, I saw Qian’er as a younger sister… But I don’t know when it started… I realized my feelings for her are… more than just familial,” he said softly.

“You can hit me or scold me, Lingxuan, but I don’t want to lie to you.”

Silence fell over the room again.

If someone scanned Mu Zhi’an with their Spiritual Sense, they would notice his racing heart. He had just made a gamble.

He was betting that the person who had just kissed him was Ye Qian, not Ye Lingxuan… And Ye Lingxuan’s question was a test.

Her sudden question, and the subsequent silence, indicated that something was amiss.

And… although Ye Lingxuan’s lips were soft, they felt different from Ye Qian’s.

And most importantly… Lingxuan wasn’t this… well-endowed!

Ye Lingxuan lit the candle on the table.

She turned to Mu Zhi’an, a sweet smile on her face. “I don’t blame you, Brother Mu.”

“After all, I was the one who ‘stole’ Qian’er from you first… I’m glad you feel that way.”

Mu Zhi’an was about to ask why she had suddenly asked such a strange question, but his lips were captured by a soft, warm kiss.

At the same time, he felt another pair of cool, soft lips against his cheek.

Then, Ye Lingxuan removed the blindfold and the Desolate Time Lock.

He saw Ye Qian, dressed in a thin light blue dress, her eyes moist and sparkling, looking at him shyly.

Ye Lingxuan, her face flushed, was kneeling beside the bed, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’re not angry, are you, Brother Mu?” she whispered.

Although he had suspected something, seeing this scene still surprised Mu Zhi’an.

Ye Qian’s eyes held a hint of guilt as she pulled away from the kiss. “I’m sorry, Brother Mu…” she murmured.

“Why are you apologizing, Qian’er?” Mu Zhi’an asked, puzzled.

“But I… I did something bad to you without your permission…” Ye Qian’s cheeks burned as she lowered her head.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “It’s not your fault. Lingxuan must have put you up to this, right?”

He turned to Ye Lingxuan.

Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly. “I just don’t want to leave Qian’er alone… And I know you’re a fickle man, Brother Mu.”

Mu Zhi’an lifted the blanket and, ignoring Ye Lingxuan’s surprised yelp, lifted her into his arms and placed her on the bed.

“Brother Mu, w-what are you doing?!” Ye Lingxuan glared at him playfully, but her eyes were filled with affection.

“You two played a trick on me. Don’t you know what I’m going to do now?” he chuckled darkly.

He extinguished the candle with a flick of his finger, pulled the blanket over them, wrapped an arm around each of their waists, kissed their flushed cheeks, and said sincerely,

“I hope you two can be together forever.”

…

Chapter 318: Priceless Footage of a Young Cultivator Taming a Wild Harem Protagonist p2

Seeing that she had stopped, Mu Zhi’an’s spirits lifted. He knew she was just being tsundere and still cared about him. He said earnestly, “The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy is unique. You’re the only one who can truly benefit from it, Lingxuan. Everything I did tonight… was for you.”

“What about the fragrant balm?” Ye Lingxuan asked, glancing at him coldly.

Mu Zhi’an paused, then chuckled and shook his head. “Senior Sister has taken care of me in the past, so…”

“So you gave her fragrant balm?” Her tone was still cold.

Mu Zhi’an was silent for a moment, then sighed. “I wasn’t planning to tell you so soon.”

He looked down at her and said softly, “I was planning to give you a unique fragrant balm… It was supposed to be a surprise.”

Ye Lingxuan clearly didn’t believe him. “You’re good at lying, Brother Mu,” she said, pouting slightly.

“I’m sure you’ve said that to many others, Brother Mu,” she said, her eyes filled with a mixture of resentment and playfulness.

However, her pouting only made her more adorable.

“You’ve probably said that to more than one person, haven’t you?”

This Mu Zhi’an was truly infuriating, so fickle… yet, she couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him.

Ye Lingxuan’s feelings for him were a mix of love and hate. She gritted her teeth, the Desolate Time Lock within her sleeve stirring restlessly, as if ready to drag him back to the Forbidden Zone.

Mu Zhi’an raised his hand and swore, “I can swear to the heavens that I’ve only promised a surprise to you, Lingxuan.”

The Great Dao resonated, his oath acknowledged!

Ye Lingxuan quickly covered his mouth, looking up at him. “Don’t do that, Brother Mu! What if you’re struck by lightning…?”

Mu Zhi’an gently took her hand, his gaze tender as he looked down at her. “As long as it makes you happy, it’s worth it,” he said softly.

Under his intense gaze, Ye Lingxuan pursed her lips, her voice softening. “I… believe you…” she murmured.

As he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist, Ye Lingxuan’s heart pounded with a mix of shyness and anticipation. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “Are you going back tonight, Brother Mu?”

Mu Zhi’an understood her intentions and kissed her cheek. “I’ll go back with you tonight.”

Ye Lingxuan gently pushed him away. “Don’t do that. We’re outside… What if someone sees us…?”

“So it’s okay if we’re back in your room?” Mu Zhi’an teased.

He looked at her, her beautiful face flushed with a faint blush, and gently lifted her chin, wanting to savor her lips before they returned.

Suddenly, Ye Lingxuan turned her head, as if sensing something, her gaze fixed on the immortal path.

Within the fading light of the path, a graceful figure seemed to be descending.

The figure vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed.

However, Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered with suspicion.

She felt that she had seen this woman somewhere before…

At the same time, Mu Zhi’an also sensed something amiss and looked up.

Like Ye Lingxuan, his eyes were filled with curiosity.

Although he knew there were ascended beings in the Heavenly Court, it was strange for someone to descend just as the immortal path was disappearing…

…

Night fell, and winter’s chill deepened.

Deep within the Jade Glass Palace, on the northern bank, a young man in a black robe slowly opened his eyes, awakening from his meditation.

The room was silent.

This wasn’t surprising. With the appearance of the immortal path, the cultivators in the Jade Glass Palace had all gone to see it.

In the past, Ye Yu would have rushed over to seek this opportunity.

However, he was unusually calm tonight, not even leaving his room.

It wasn’t that he had given up on immortality, but he knew this wasn’t the right path for him.

His chance hadn’t arrived yet.

“You’re much calmer and more composed than before. Good,” the old man within him said, his voice filled with approval.

“You said it yourself, Master. This isn’t the right time to ascend the immortal path. Therefore, there’s no need for me to get involved. Focusing on my cultivation is more important,” Ye Yu replied calmly.

The old man chuckled. “You’re right. With your dedication to cultivation, your future is limitless. As for that Mu Zhi’an… you can ignore him for now. After all, you’ll inevitably encounter him in the Ascension Ceremony, unless he’s defeated or forfeits.”

“However, knowing him, although he’s cunning and resourceful, he’s also proud. He’s representing the Book Pavilion. He won’t forfeit.”

“And that’s your opportunity.”

Mu Zhi’an… Ye Yu clenched his fists, his eyes filled with excitement.

His master was right. Mu Zhi’an was representing the Book Pavilion. He wouldn’t forfeit. As long as he kept winning, he would eventually face Mu Zhi’an.

And then…

‘Accidents’ happened in every Ascension Ceremony. As long as he encountered Mu Zhi’an, he could crush him utterly before Bai Ruoxi and the others, proving how wrong they were about him!

Thinking of this, Ye Yu couldn’t contain his excitement.

But he had to remain calm and not let his emotions cloud his judgment… He was about to close his eyes when the old man within him suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

Before Ye Yu could ask what was wrong, he noticed a woman standing in his room.

She was shrouded in a faint light, her features and even her face indistinct, yet she exuded an aura of flawless perfection.

Ye Yu immediately stood up, his eyes wide with alarm.

The woman observed him for a moment, then chuckled. “I see… so you’re a descendant of the Ye family.”

His talent seemed quite good. He was already at the third-grade Core Formation Realm at such a young age, and he even possessed Heavenly Dao Energy…

“Who are you?!” Ye Yu demanded.

The woman glanced at him and chuckled softly. “The old man inside you should know who I am.”

Ye Yu’s eyes widened in shock.

She knew about the soul fragment within his body?!

At that moment, a shadowy figure materialized in the room. He looked at the woman with cloudy eyes and said, “Ye Qingxin, I thought you had ascended to the Immortal Realm. Why are you here?”

Ye Qingxin…?

Ye Yu was stunned for a moment, then, as if realizing something, he looked up abruptly. “Ye Qingxin… you’re one of the Ye family’s ancestors, the one who ascended to the Immortal Realm?!”

“I didn’t expect anyone to remember me after all this time,” Ye Qingxin chuckled softly, observing Ye Yu. “Your talent is quite good, and your luck isn’t bad either. You even have Heavenly Dao Energy.”

“If it weren’t for Mu Zhi’an, I would have two,” Ye Yu said, his voice filled with resentment.

“Mu Zhi’an…?” A curious glint appeared in Ye Qingxin’s eyes.

The immortal path rarely appeared. She had seized this opportunity to send a wisp of her consciousness down from the Heavenly Court, wanting to see how her descendants were doing and visit some old acquaintances.

However, it seemed the Ye family wasn’t doing very well…

“Who is Mu Zhi’an?” Ye Qingxin asked.

Upon hearing Mu Zhi’an’s name, Ye Yu’s eyes filled with resentment as he recounted Mu Zhi’an’s past deeds, adding his own embellishments and exaggerations.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes narrowed as she listened. “You’re saying he also deceived your two younger sisters and even stole your Heavenly Dao Energy?”

Ye Yu nodded, his voice filled with hatred. “He’s cunning and deceitful, and now he even has the protection of Ling Long and the Jade Empress, so…”

“Mu Zhi’an has a match tomorrow, doesn’t he? Since you’re a descendant of the Ye family, I can’t just stand by and do nothing,” Ye Qingxin said softly.

“I’ll personally go to the Ascension Stage tomorrow and see what this Mu Zhi’an has that allows him to steal my descendants’ opportunities.”

Ye Yu’s eyes lit up, and he bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Ancestor!”

With this powerful being’s help, he had a much better chance of crushing Mu Zhi’an!

After all, among the Ye family’s ancestors, the only one who had ascended to the Heavenly Court was this Dao Integration expert, Ye Qingxin.

He hadn’t expected her to find him so quickly… Ye Yu’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Ye Qingxin turned her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Two Polarities Peak.

She had seen two young cultivators there earlier. The girl in the purple dress possessed an aura similar to the Forbidden Zone’s Rebirth Pool.

Could it be… that girl was his daughter?

And the young man beside her… was Mu Zhi’an…?

Ye Qingxin’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.

…

Jade Glass Palace, Dexin Courtyard.

Warm candlelight illuminated the room as Ye Lingxuan walked in, her head lowered shyly, not saying a word.

After she closed the door, Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell upon her.

Her figure was slender and graceful, her fair shoulders peeking out from beneath her clothes, a faint blush coloring her delicate face, giving her an innocent and charming aura. Her long, fair legs were visible beneath her light purple skirt, their smooth skin glowing in the candlelight.

Mu Zhi’an walked towards her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, his chest pressing against her back.

“Wait a moment, Brother Mu…” Ye Lingxuan suddenly said softly, stopping him.

Then, the Desolate Time Lock silently emerged from her sleeve. She glanced at him and said, “Can you help me with a test, Brother Mu? I want to try out the Desolate Time Lock’s current abilities…”

Mu Zhi’an was stunned. He looked at the golden chain, hesitation in his eyes.

He had unpleasant memories of chains… He had been bound by Yao Meng’s vines in the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.

Although the experience had been… pleasurable, the feeling of being restrained wasn’t very comfortable.

However, seeing Ye Lingxuan’s delicate and vulnerable appearance, he couldn’t refuse.

“Alright… as you wish.”

A mischievous glint flickered in Ye Lingxuan’s eyes. “You’re so kind, Brother Mu~” she said sweetly.

This girl must have been learning from Bai Ruoxi. She never used to act so coy, but now she knew how to ‘manage her husband’.

The Desolate Time Lock bound Mu Zhi’an, and Ye Lingxuan led him to the bed, gently pushing him down.

Just as he was anticipating her next move, she took out a handkerchief and blindfolded him.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat. “Lingxuan… isn’t this a bit… much?” he asked nervously.

He finally realized something was wrong.

Ye Lingxuan looked down at him, her hands behind her back, and smiled sweetly. “Didn’t you promise to do whatever I wanted tonight, Brother Mu?”

I didn’t know you would tie me up with the Desolate Time Lock… Mu Zhi’an said weakly, “At least, don’t blindfold me…”

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly. “I know. I’ll remove it later. Don’t worry,” she said softly, her eyes flickering.

“Wait here for a moment, Brother Mu. I’m going to take a bath…”

Then, before he could respond, she turned and left the room.

She hesitated for a moment outside, then walked towards another room and knocked gently on the door.

“Qian’er, are you there…?”

Chapter 318: Priceless Footage of a Young Cultivator Taming a Wild Harem Protagonist p1

As Ye Lingxuan’s calm voice echoed through the hall, Lan Mulian snapped out of her reverie.

She looked up and saw the slender figure standing at the entrance, dressed in elegant purple robes embroidered with beautiful patterns. Her refined appearance and graceful demeanor gave her a regal aura, like a princess.

Although she was still a budding beauty, in a year or two, she would be as stunning as Lan Mulian. Even now, she possessed a youthful innocence that Lan Mulian lacked.

If Mu Zhi’an were awake, he would surely admire Ye Lingxuan’s beauty.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t see anything…

Although he was in the same room, he didn’t dare to open his eyes.

Damn it, why is Lingxuan at Two Polarities Peak? Shouldn’t she be cultivating?!

Mu Zhi’an’s soul screamed in frustration, regretting his earlier actions.

If he hadn’t tried to flirt with Senior Sister, he wouldn’t be in this awkward situation…

Her hand was still on his.

Ye Lingxuan glanced at their hands, then looked up and smiled sweetly. “Senior Sister, you have a match tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be cultivating instead of spending time with Brother Mu at night?”

“If word gets out, it might damage your reputation… After all, many disciples admire you, Senior Sister.”

Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing on her usually cold face, melting the ice. “Junior Brother Mu had some questions about his cultivation technique, so he asked me for guidance,” she said, her voice clear.

“It’s normal for fellow disciples to help each other. If you have any questions, Junior Sister Lingxuan, you can also come to me.”

“You’re holding Brother Mu’s hand like this, Senior Sister… Is this also part of your guidance?” Ye Lingxuan asked, glancing at their hands, her tone meaningful.

However, Lan Mulian simply smiled and replied calmly, “I’m checking his pulse, confirming the flow of his Spiritual Energy.”

Do you need to hold his hand for that? And weren’t you touching his face earlier?

Ye Lingxuan wanted to confront Lan Mulian about what she had seen through the Desolate Time Lock: You, a senior sister, are taking advantage of a sleeping junior brother. How shameless!

But if she did, Lan Mulian would ask how she knew… Imagining that scenario, Ye Lingxuan held back.

The Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone, a goddess in the eyes of her fellow disciples… a peeping Tom… Although she knew Lan Mulian wouldn’t reveal her secret, Ye Lingxuan was too embarrassed to confront her.

“Why is Brother Mu unconscious?” Ye Lingxuan asked, composing herself.

“It’s related to the immortal path,” Lan Mulian replied curtly.

“The immortal path…” Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered as she recalled the figure in black robes she had seen at its end.

Could it be… him…?

A strange light flickered in her eyes.

Lan Mulian continued, “I’ve heard that someone from the Forbidden Zone once ascended to the Immortal Realm. You should know quite a bit about it.”

“You even know about that, Senior Sister Lan?” Ye Lingxuan asked, surprised.

She didn’t know much about ancient secrets, but she had heard from the elders in the Forbidden Zone that a powerful being from their lineage had indeed ascended to the Immortal Realm.

To be precise, it wasn’t from the Forbidden Zone, but from the Ye family.

In ancient times, the Forbidden Zone and the Ye family were one and the same. Later, they split, the Forbidden Zone growing stronger while the Ye family declined. If it weren’t for the Ye family’s Heavenly Dao Energy, she wouldn’t have any contact with them now.

However, it was just a legend. Only those who lived in that era would know if that Ye family ancestor had truly ascended.

“Did you and Brother Mu visit the Heavenly Court tonight?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

Lan Mulian nodded slightly. “But for some reason, my junior brother is still unconscious.”

She glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who was still asleep.

Logically, even if he had obtained some kind of opportunity in the Heavenly Court, his consciousness should have returned by now.

Unless… he was trapped there.

Thinking of this, Lan Mulian’s clear, cold eyes scanned Mu Zhi’an’s body.

With her Sacred Heavenly Body, she could see the structure of his Vessel.

And the consciousness that had returned to his body was also visible to her.

She froze, her gaze fixed on him, then she scanned his body again with her Spiritual Sense, as if in disbelief.

“…”

A wave of emotions washed over her.

He’s… already awake?!

Remembering her earlier actions, a rare flicker of panic appeared in Lan Mulian’s cold eyes.

When did he wake up? Did he see what I did…?

Her mind raced, her flustered demeanor so obvious that even Ye Lingxuan noticed it.

Ye Lingxuan also scanned Mu Zhi’an with her Spiritual Sense, then, understanding what was happening, she looked at him meaningfully.

An awkward silence filled the hall.

The two women stared at him silently, waiting for his performance.

This was the most dangerous aspect of raising ‘baby sharks’ in your fish pond. As they grew into ‘great white sharks’, their strength and perception increased. One possessed the Innate Spiritual Body, naturally attuned to Spiritual Energy, the other the Sacred Heavenly Body, able to perceive the essence of all things.

When their Spiritual Senses scanned Mu Zhi’an’s body, they both detected his awakened consciousness.

Mu Zhi’an, forcing himself to appear dazed and confused, slowly opened his eyes and turned to Lan Mulian. “Senior Sister, how long have I been unconscious?”

“You should know that better than I do,” Lan Mulian replied coldly.

Her eyes held a hint of annoyance. She knew he had been pretending, trying to trick her.

And she had fallen for it.

Remembering her actions while he was ‘asleep’, Lan Mulian’s hand instinctively clutched her skirt, her eyes cold, a hint of shame hidden within.

Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly, then turned his head slightly and, seeing the elegant young lady in the purple dress, feigned surprise. “Lingxuan, what are you doing here? Do you also have questions about your cultivation technique?”

He was implying that he had come to see Senior Sister Lan for guidance, not for a late-night rendezvous.

Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly. “The immortal path, which appears only once in tens of thousands of years, has manifested on Two Polarities Peak. I came to see it and chat with Senior Sister. I didn’t expect you to be here, Brother Mu.”

“…Am I interrupting something between you and Senior Sister Lan? If so, I can leave,” she added, her smile still sweet and innocent.

But Mu Zhi’an sensed the danger lurking beneath her smile.

Ye Lingxuan tilted her head slightly. “What’s wrong?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, Lingxuan.”

“So you’ve received the answers you were looking for from Senior Sister Lan, Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan asked, her gaze fixed on him.

Mu Zhi’an nodded.

Then, before she could speak, he circulated his Spiritual Energy, a faint aura emanating from his body.

Ye Lingxuan, with her Innate Spiritual Body, instantly sensed it and looked at him, her eyes widening slightly. “Your Spiritual Energy… It feels different, Brother Mu,” she said.

Lan Mulian’s eyes also flickered, her earlier embarrassment forgotten as her attention was drawn to his aura.

His Spiritual Energy was completely different from before.

It was now several times denser!

“Do you remember the Heavenly Court we visited tonight, Senior Sister?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Lan Mulian, intelligent as always, instantly understood. “You absorbed the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy?” she asked.

She quickly shook her head. “The Heavenly Court has its own rules. Logically, it shouldn’t be possible to absorb its Spiritual Energy.”

Mu Zhi’an immediately said, “I saw the rules and passed the Heavenly Court’s test.”

Lan Mulian, her composure returning, straightened her posture and asked, “What are the rules?”

Mu Zhi’an thought for a moment. “The rules I saw… weren’t very strict for male cultivators. As for female cultivators… they weren’t very strict either.”

Lan Mulian raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Seeing that both she and Ye Lingxuan were intrigued, Mu Zhi’an continued, “Women need to wear skirts and stockings to enter… That’s what I saw.”

“Preferably stockings made of Nirvana Silk,” he added.

Lan Mulian frowned slightly. “The Master of the Heavenly Court has… peculiar tastes.”

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment. “Perhaps there’s a reason for it.”

Lan Mulian thought about it, unable to understand the Heavenly Court Master’s intentions, then she shook her head, her usual coldness returning.

She looked up at Mu Zhi’an. “So the Spiritual Energy in your Vessel is now entirely from the Heavenly Court?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “If I can cultivate in the Heavenly Court for another month, I should be able to reach the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm.”

One grade per month. This was an astonishing speed. And with the pills and herbs from the peak masters, he might even reach the sixth-grade within one or two months.

Ye Lingxuan looked at him meaningfully. “Since you’ve received your answers from Senior Sister Lan, Brother Mu, are you going back to cultivate, or are you planning to stay here tonight?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled calmly. “It’s the Ascension Ceremony. Staying here would disturb your cultivation, Senior Sister. Besides, I also need to process the information I’ve received today.”

He looked at Lan Mulian. “Thank you for your time, Senior Sister.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at Mu Zhi’an, who was standing up, then at Lan Mulian, her chin raised slightly. “We’ll be going now, Senior Sister,” she said with a smile.

Lan Mulian glanced at Ye Lingxuan, a faint smile curving her lips.

She took out a box of fragrant balm and placed it on the table. “You’re welcome, Junior Brother Mu. You gave me a gift, so it’s only natural for me to help you,” she said casually.

Ye Lingxuan’s gaze fixed on the box of fragrant balm, and Mu Zhi’an, sensing trouble, coughed lightly. “…Let’s go,” he said.

He suddenly regretted giving her the balm.

Although giving her the fragrant balm had been a necessary evil, if Lan Mulian brought it up later…

If Mengrou finds out, she’ll use my head as a footstool…

I’ll have to go to Tianxuan City and buy some more fragrant balm… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

As he left the courtyard, he saw Ye Lingxuan’s retreating figure. She had left without a word.

He didn’t follow her immediately, deliberately keeping his distance.

Only after they left Two Polarities Peak did he speed up, chasing after her. “Lingxuan, why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!”

Ye Lingxuan ignored him, increasing her speed.

The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. He had said she was the one he liked the most, yet he had given Senior Sister Lan fragrant balm… What did that mean?

Mu Zhi’an caught up to her, grabbed her wrist, and looked at her. “Lingxuan, wait!”

“I came here tonight because of my cultivation technique. You saw it yourself. I absorbed the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, which will also benefit you, won’t it?” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice filled with helplessness.

However, Ye Lingxuan turned her head away. “You have so many women around you, Brother Mu. Who knows who you absorbed that Spiritual Energy for,” she said coldly.

“And you even gave Senior Sister fragrant balm…”

Chapter 317: 

The Forbidden Zone’s Master stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the figure at the end of the immortal path.

A hazy white mist swirled around the man, and faint runes flickered behind him, his aura imposing.

An ordinary person would be filled with awe.

However, the Forbidden Zone’s Master was knowledgeable about the Heavenly Court, and the more he looked at the figure, the more he felt something was amiss.

Others couldn’t see through the mist, but he could.

And now, the figure at the end of the immortal path, his back turned towards the world, slowly overlapped with a certain young man whose consciousness wasn’t in his body.

“Father, what are you looking at?” Ye Lingxuan asked.

She also looked up at the immortal path, shrouded in white mist.

And at the young man standing at its end.

Unlike most female cultivators, who were filled with awe and reverence, Ye Lingxuan’s expression was calm and indifferent.

For her, whether she entered the Heavenly Court or not didn’t matter. Once she reached the Dao Integration Realm, she would achieve immortality, even without ascending.

However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something familiar about the man in black.

“Do you know him, Father?” she asked, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master finally snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his daughter with a complex expression.

Dao Integration experts could forcefully absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy if they wished, but it wouldn’t be beneficial. Even if he ascended the immortal path now, it would be meaningless.

But it was different for his daughter.

Others might not be able to see through the mist and discern the true identity of the young man, but he could.

“How is your Dragon Tendon Grass cultivation progressing?” he asked.

Ye Lingxuan was stunned for a moment. “About 50%,” she replied.

The Dragon Tendon Grass was a gift from Mu Zhi’an. It originated from the primordial chaos, and refining it would grant a cultivator a trace of chaotic energy.

However, this ancient herb had already withered. If it weren’t for Ye Lingxuan’s unique constitution, which was similar to Rebirth Water, the Dragon Tendon Grass would have completely decayed.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master waved his hand, and the image displayed by the Desolate Time Lock disappeared.

Then, he said, “Rebirth Water can nurture the withered Dragon Tendon Grass. The longer you use it to nurture the herb, the more chaotic energy you’ll obtain, which will greatly benefit your future cultivation.”

“If you can find even denser Spiritual Energy to nurture it, you might even obtain a complete strand of chaotic energy.”

During the primordial chaos, a flame had been born in the Nine Realms. It didn’t burn the world but nurtured it with chaotic energy. Plants and animals evolved because of it, but most eventually perished.

And the Dragon Tendon Grass was one of the few herbs that survived.

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly. “I know what I’m doing, Father. Don’t worry.”

“Even if I can’t obtain a complete strand of chaotic energy, a partial one is enough.”

“The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy is unique. If you can use it to nurture the Dragon Tendon Grass, it might bloom perfectly,” the Forbidden Zone’s Master said with a sigh.

Ye Lingxuan wasn’t concerned. “I know, Father. Is there anything else?” she asked with a smile.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master raised an eyebrow. “Can’t I just chat with you?”

Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly. “I also want to win the Ascension Ceremony, Father. If there’s nothing else, I want to go back and cultivate…”

Brother Mu is with Senior Sister Lan now, and she was even touching him…

I’m a bit worried…

The Forbidden Zone’s Master could see through his daughter’s thoughts, but he simply waved his hand and sighed. “Alright, you can go.”

Although he didn’t like the ‘pig’ who had ‘stolen’ his ‘cabbage’, setting aside Mu Zhi’an’s fickle nature, he was… perfect in other aspects…

At least, based on his expectations, even a genius like Ye Lingxuan shouldn’t have been able to comprehend Dao Rhyme so early.

And that was thanks to Mu Zhi’an’s support.

Besides… his true abilities were far more than just his Innate Celestial Furnace.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master watched his daughter leave, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

If this Mu Zhi’an was more devoted, he would be the perfect Dao Companion… Unfortunately, just like him in his youth, he was too much of a womanizer.

He shook his head inwardly and sighed.

He hadn’t considered that even now, he also had more than one Dao Companion…

…

Mu Zhi’an, naturally, was unaware of the events unfolding in the outside world. He was immersed in his cultivation, absorbing the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy.

After almost two hours, he opened his eyes.

He opened his personal interface and saw a new box at the end of his title list.

The characters within were slightly blurry, but he could still recognize them.

“Master of the Heavenly Court…”

Mu Zhi’an stared at the title, lost in thought.

It wasn’t fully activated yet. The characters were still blurry.

“I seem to understand the structure of the Heavenly Court. It must be because I absorbed its Spiritual Energy…” he murmured, then turned to the silver-haired loli beside him.

“Yuanluo, have you been secretly watching over me, even protecting me?”

“The Heavenly Dao doesn’t specifically observe any individual, but I have been protecting you,” Yuanluo replied.

She paused, then continued, “But with my current strength, I can’t observe you from the outside world. The Heavenly Dao of the Nine Realms would sense my presence.”

“There are two Heavenly Daos…?” Mu Zhi’an seemed to realize something. “You’re the new Heavenly Dao, and the one in the Nine Realms is the old Heavenly Dao?”

Yuanluo nodded, then walked over to him, a sweet smile on her face.

“You’re very knowledgeable, big brother.”

“But you’re not entirely correct.” She narrowed her eyes and chuckled. “Have you ever wondered why I’m protecting you, big brother?”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the Heavenly Dao loli.

“I need you to merge with me when you reach the Dao Integration Realm,” Yuanluo revealed.

Mu Zhi’an was stunned.

He knew that upon reaching the Dao Integration Realm, a cultivator had three choices: the Heavenly Dao, the Earthly Dao, and the Human Dao. They would merge with one of these Dao, becoming an unparalleled expert.

“Why?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“After you merge with me, I can replace the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Realms and become the new Heavenly Dao,” Yuanluo explained, smiling sweetly.

“It’s not a bad deal, is it? Merging with a beautiful girl… isn’t that what you like the most?”

Mu Zhi’an wanted to retort that she was a loli, not a beautiful girl, but remembering her other, more mature form, he remained silent.

“What about that Ye Yu?” he suddenly asked.

“He’s the Child of Destiny chosen by the old Heavenly Dao, the… protagonist,” Yuanluo replied.

“What if I kill him?”

Yuanluo shook her head. “You can’t kill him. As long as the old Heavenly Dao lives, Ye Yu won’t die, no matter what happens.”

“Unless you continuously weaken his luck, your so-called protagonist won’t perish. The old Heavenly Dao can’t directly interfere in worldly matters. It can only subtly influence others.”

So Ye Yu really is the protagonist… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.

No wonder he was still alive and kicking after being suppressed so many times, even seemingly obtaining Heavenly Dao Energy. It was all thanks to the old Heavenly Dao’s guidance.

Unfortunately, the old Heavenly Dao chose a loser.

“So the old Heavenly Dao chose Ye Yu, and I’m your choice?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking up at her.

Yuanluo tilted her head slightly, a sweet smile on her face.

A strand of silver hair fell over her shoulder, adding to her allure.

“I’m not the one who chose you,” she said softly.

…

Outside Two Polarities Peak, silence reigned.

Yao Meng looked up at the young man at the end of the immortal path, lost in thought.

“Senior Jade Empress, I’ve heard that after achieving Dao Integration, one can ascend to the Immortal Realm. With your current cultivation, reaching the Heavenly Court shouldn’t be difficult. But why…?”

An elder from a Primordial Clan bowed respectfully and asked.

Yao Meng shook her head gently. “The time isn’t right for ascending the immortal path. We can’t force it.”

She stood there, her green and white dress fluttering in the wind, her figure ethereal and beautiful, like a celestial maiden.

Even faced with the opportunity to achieve immortality, her expression remained calm.

The cultivators on the ground stared at the immortal path with fervent gazes. If it were an elder, not the Jade Empress, who had said those words, some of the younger cultivators might have already rushed towards the immortal path.

But even the Jade Empress hadn’t ascended… This spoke volumes.

“The Jade Empress is truly extraordinary. Since even she has said so, this immortal path isn’t something we can ascend now,” an elder sighed, his voice filled with regret.

“Perhaps there will be another opportunity in the future. We’re only at the Core Formation Realm now, but once we reach the Nascent Soul Realm, we’ll have a chance to ascend to the Heavenly Court!”

“Indeed! Right now, the Ascension Ceremony is more important. With the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm won’t be difficult!”

The younger generation’s fighting spirit was ignited. Unlike the elders, whose lifespans were nearing their end, they still had plenty of time. They could wait for the next appearance of the immortal path!

“Junior Sister Bai, with your current cultivation speed, you’ll definitely have a place in the next immortal ascension. Don’t be discouraged,” An Lingyue said gently, noticing Bai Ruoxi’s dazed expression.

Bai Ruoxi snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. “Thank you, Senior Sister. I’ll cultivate diligently and live up to your and Master’s expectations.”

The eldest disciple of Boundless Sea Peak seemed to think she was disappointed, but in reality, Bai Ruoxi simply felt a strange sense of familiarity towards the blurry figure at the end of the immortal path…

An Lingyue’s gaze shifted to the ethereal figure in the green dress and sighed. “The Jade Empress is truly a role model. I hope I can follow in her footsteps someday.”

Bai Ruoxi murmured in agreement.

Yao Meng was a Dao Integration Empress and possessed the Innate Dao Body. She was the ideal Dao Companion in the eyes of many cultivators.

However… few knew the true Yao Meng.

As Bai Ruoxi’s cultivation level increased, the memories of the conflict between Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony gradually surfaced.

She now had an answer regarding the relationship between the Jade Empress and Mu Lang.

But even if it was the Jade Empress… she wouldn’t let her take Mu Lang away.

…

Two Polarities Peak.

Ye Lingxuan arrived at the peak, the Desolate Time Lock trembling slightly behind her, its lock guiding her towards a certain courtyard.

Meanwhile, as Mu Zhi’an continued his cultivation in the Heavenly Court, Lan Mulian, who was waiting in the courtyard, started to feel uneasy.

Logically, he shouldn’t be able to stay in the Heavenly Court for so long, but it had been almost two hours.

And his consciousness wasn’t damaged, which meant he must have obtained some kind of opportunity…

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered as she looked at Mu Zhi’an’s peaceful face, his eyes closed in meditation.

After a moment of silence, she raised her hand, her cool fingers gently tracing his cheek.

Then, she sighed softly and withdrew her hand.

As she lowered her gaze, she didn’t notice that Mu Zhi’an had already awakened from his meditation.

He opened his eyes slightly and glanced at the beautiful woman in the white dress, her ample bosom resting on the table.

A beauty whose feet cannot be seen is a true beauty… That might not always be true, but Lan Mulian’s figure and appearance were undeniably stunning, her aura pure and untainted.

He had just woken up and felt her cool fingers brush against his cheek. He had resisted the urge to open his eyes.

He was both surprised and pleased.

Surprised that Senior Sister had actually touched him… and pleased that Senior Sister had actually touched him.

Although he knew she was secretly a bit of a flirt, he hadn’t expected her to make a move while he was asleep…

If the other disciples saw this, he would probably receive countless challenges the next day.

Lan Mulian’s popularity within the sect was unimaginable. Even though there were other beauties like Bai Ruoxi, she was still the object of admiration for many disciples.

And Mu Zhi’an was one of them.

However, unlike the others, who only admired her from afar, he had acted on his feelings long ago.

He didn’t open his eyes immediately. He wanted to see if she would do anything else while he ‘slept’.

Although Lan Mulian was powerful, she couldn’t use her Sacred Heavenly Body all the time. As long as she didn’t scan him with her Spiritual Sense, she wouldn’t realize he was awake.

Suddenly, he heard her sigh softly.

Lan Mulian looked at his sleeping face, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

Her feelings for him were complicated. She had initially treated him as a stranger she could confide in, but then, he became her junior brother.

And he had even confessed his feelings for her…

Honestly, she had experienced countless confessions and wasn’t easily moved.

Even when she learned that he had given Snow Lotuses to several other girls, she hadn’t been truly angry, just slightly displeased.

It wasn’t until that day, when he had traveled all the way to Tianxuan City to buy her Sweet Osmanthus Cakes, even giving her the Seed of Dao Realization he hadn’t refined himself… that she began to examine her own heart.

And when Master had mentioned the additional reward for the winner of the Ascension Ceremony, she realized her true feelings for Mu Zhi’an.

However, it was difficult for her to express her emotions.

After all, in the eyes of the other disciples, she was the cold and aloof Snow Lotus Fairy, a genius, even the strongest among the younger generation in the Nine Realms.

She was the only one in her generation to have reached the Nascent Soul Realm at such a young age.

And she had always maintained this image.

Maintaining her aloof demeanor while watching him being intimate with other women… It was agonizing.

But she had pretended for so long that she didn’t know how to express her true feelings.

Only at times like this, when he was asleep, could she reveal her true thoughts.

Including… looking at him like this…

“If only time could stop here…”

She gently placed her hand on his, and as her soft, melodious voice echoed through the hall, Mu Zhi’an’s heart stirred. He knew this was his chance.

Senior Sister does have feelings for me. My efforts weren’t in vain… He was overjoyed and was about to open his eyes when—

A cold, clear voice suddenly rang out.

“Senior Sister, isn’t it inappropriate to be touching a meditating disciple like this? What if someone sees you?”

Lan Mulian slowly looked up and saw Ye Lingxuan standing at the entrance, her purple dress fluttering in the wind, her expression emotionless.

Chapter 316: At the End of the Immortal Path… Is Mu Zhi’an! 

The Heavenly Court, a place spoken of in legends since ancient times. Most only knew it as the Immortal Realm, unaware that they were one and the same.

Most cultivators spent their entire lives pursuing enlightenment and ascension, hoping to reach the Immortal Realm.

The reason was simple: while only one Dao Integration expert could exist in each era in the Nine Realms, the Heavenly Court could accommodate multiple Dao Integration cultivators simultaneously.

And even after two or more experts achieved Dao Integration, the rules of heaven and earth wouldn’t change, allowing other cultivators to reach Soul Transformation.

Moreover, the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy was incredibly dense. Ordinary mortals couldn’t survive there, unable to absorb the potent energy or even breathe the air.

It was a paradise for cultivators, a place mortals couldn’t even dream of setting foot in.

The Primordial Demon Emperor had spent his entire life trying to reach the Heavenly Court, but it hadn’t appeared until after his death.

Or rather, if he hadn’t died, the Heavenly Court wouldn’t have appeared, even if Mu Zhi’an possessed the ring.

The Primordial Demon Emperor’s death had ushered in the era of immortals, and only then could the path to immortality appear.

A shimmering staircase, reaching towards the heavens, appeared within the Two Polarities Sect.

Cultivators rushed to see it, their eyes filled with excitement.

The path to immortality, the ultimate goal of countless cultivators… was right before them!

If it weren’t for a shred of rationality, some would have already ascended the staircase.

“Is there… someone at the end of the immortal path?”

A surprised voice, filled with awe and reverence, came from the crowd.

It was Lin Yuan, the Holy Son of the Eastern Realm’s Xuanyin Temple, his body enveloped in a faint black mist.

This talented seventh-grade Core Formation cultivator, whose matches in the Ascension Ceremony had never lasted more than fifteen minutes, one of the strongest contenders, couldn’t hide his astonishment.

For Lin Yuan, the appearance of the immortal path was perfect timing.

Honestly, he hadn’t been confident in winning the Ascension Ceremony, but if he could obtain some opportunity from the immortal path, even if he couldn’t reach the Heavenly Court, he would be able to win.

After all, it was said that ascending to the Immortal Realm granted enlightenment. Even if he couldn’t achieve Soul Transformation, comprehending a trace of Dao Rhyme would be greatly beneficial.

And then, he could show Keyu that the Xuanyin Temple’s Holy Son was far superior to that outsider, Mu Zhi’an… even capable of crushing him.

As Lin Yuan spoke, others also noticed the figure at the end of the immortal path. They looked up and saw a tall, imposing figure in a black robe.

The cultivators were stunned.

“There’s someone at the end of the immortal path?!”

An elder from a Primordial Clan in the Eastern Realm looked up, his brow furrowed. “I’ve heard that the Heavenly Court has a master, whose strength is comparable to a Dao Integration cultivator. Could it be… that person is the Master of the Heavenly Court?”

“Indeed! At the end of the immortal path… is the Master of the Heavenly Court!”

Another cultivator exclaimed excitedly. If it weren’t for their elders stopping them, they would have already rushed towards the immortal path, hoping to ascend.

But even so, none of the cultivators dared to move.

The dozen or so Earthly Immortals present were perceptive. They sensed something unusual about this immortal path. Although it seemed sacred and holy, radiating a dense Spiritual Energy unlike anything in the Nine Realms, it also seemed… ominous.

The immortal path had appeared a few times in history, each time attracting countless cultivators, many of whom were Nascent Soul experts, who vanished after stepping onto it, never to be seen again.

The path to immortality is paved with bones. This wasn’t just a saying.

But this immortal path… it didn’t radiate any danger… This anomaly was unsettling.

Regina, the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Maiden, looked up at the immortal path calmly.

For a Core Formation cultivator, entering this path would be suicide. She was rational and knew this wasn’t the right time.

Lan Feiying narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on the immortal path, or rather, on the young man in black at its end.

Her seductive eyes flickered, as if she had sensed something.

“Since you’re all so hesitant, allow me to investigate,” an elder from a Primordial Clan finally said, unable to contain his curiosity.

He laughed heartily and transformed into a streak of light, rushing towards the immortal path.

It was a spiral staircase, shrouded in white mist, radiating a holy aura.

Boom!

As soon as the elder stepped onto it, a deafening roar came from the end of the path, followed by a terrified scream.

“No, why are there so many skeletons?! This dense Spiritual Energy is rejecting my Vessel!”

The cultivators looked up and saw the elder, a Nascent Soul expert, his body seemingly devoid of Spiritual Energy, like an ordinary mortal.

Then, his body began to decay, until it completely vanished.

A deathly silence fell over the cultivators.

The arrogant young geniuses, witnessing this scene, felt a cold sweat break out on their backs, grateful that their elders had stopped them.

This immortal path wasn’t necessarily a path to immortality. It could also be a path to oblivion!

Or perhaps… the man at the end of the path was rejecting them?

With the death of the first elder, many gazes shifted towards the young man at the end of the immortal path, his back turned towards them.

They wondered what he was planning and why he had made the immortal path appear.

They wouldn’t have guessed that the reason he had his back turned towards them was simply because he was contemplating whether he should change the rules of the Heavenly Court… perhaps replacing the ‘stockings made of Nirvana Silk’ requirement with ordinary stockings…

After all, the requirements shouldn’t be too high…

Mu Zhi’an observed his surroundings.

His black robe was solemn and dignified, the gold embroidery adding a touch of elegance.

His handsome features were partially hidden by a faint mist, his dark eyes calm and serene.

If someone were to see him now, they would notice the thoughtful expression on his face.

He stood there, his back to the world, like a celestial king looking down upon the mortal realm.

The setting truly enhanced his image.

If the cultivators below knew that the Master of the Heavenly Court at the end of the immortal path was only at the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, and he was thinking not about immortality but about how to change the rules to see beautiful women, they would be speechless.

Of course, Mu Zhi’an didn’t care what they thought. He didn’t have the time or energy to worry about such things.

He was currently pondering why he was the one who set the rules.

Was it because of the little Heavenly Dao loli’s protection?

He glanced at the silver-haired loli beside him. She was smiling sweetly, her appearance innocent and adorable, yet her smile also held a hint of mature seduction.

Logically, cuteness couldn’t compete with sexiness, but Yuanluo seemed to possess both qualities.

However, she hadn’t answered any of his questions since arriving.

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then asked, “You said I’m the one who sets the rules of the Heavenly Court. Does that mean… everything here is decided by me?”

“You can change the rules, but at the Core Formation Realm, you can’t fully control the Heavenly Court,” Yuanluo replied, nodding slightly.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the open bronze gate, lost in thought. After a long silence, he asked, “What’s the difference between the Heavenly Court and the Nine Realms?”

The little loli tilted her head slightly, as if pondering his question.

After a moment, she replied in her sweet, childish voice, “The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy is several times denser than the Nine Realms’, and there are also many unique cultivation techniques and medicinal herbs here that don’t exist in the outside world.”

“If I absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy into my Innate Celestial Furnace, can I share it with others?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“Yes,” Yuanluo replied without hesitation.

Mu Zhi’an fell into deep thought.

Although he had suspected this was possible, hearing her confirmation still surprised him.

He could absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy and share it with others, and he could even cultivate here himself…

“The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy is incredibly dense, but you can’t cultivate here indefinitely. With your current constitution, two hours a day is your limit,” Yuanluo suddenly said, as if reading his thoughts.

“However, you’re the one who sets the rules. After you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, you can stay here longer.”

Listening to her explanation, Mu Zhi’an gradually understood the structure of the Heavenly Court.

This Heavenly Court… was the Immortal Realm, the ultimate goal of all cultivators, a place where one could achieve immortality.

And he was the one who set its rules.

As for the reason… she hadn’t explained, but he suspected it was related to the ‘Heavenly Dao’s Blessing’ title on his personal interface.

The Heavenly Court was closely connected to this new Heavenly Dao, and she had been waiting here for the rule-maker, or rather, the Master of the Heavenly Court, to appear.

However, based on his experience, he had to keep the Heavenly Court’s existence a secret. Revealing it to the outside world wouldn’t benefit him.

After all, this Heavenly Dao loli wouldn’t help him unconditionally. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have died in the Jade Pool Holy Land.

He was satisfied with this outcome.

Even just two hours of cultivation in the Heavenly Court each day would greatly benefit his future progress.

And the Spiritual Energy here wasn’t restricted by realms. He could even have his Innate Celestial Furnace absorb it.

This Spiritual Energy could even benefit Dao Integration experts.

Mu Zhi’an sat down before the bronze gate, his hair billowing around him, and began to absorb the Heavenly Court’s energy.

His time here was limited. Since Yuanluo had said he could only stay for two hours, it was best to use this time for cultivation.

Meanwhile, the cultivators outside didn’t realize that the young man at the end of the immortal path, his back turned towards them, was a participant in the Ascension Ceremony.

And now, after witnessing the death of the Primordial Clan’s elder, they had abandoned the idea of ascending the immortal path.

However, they didn’t leave. They knew the true experts hadn’t arrived yet.

Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators couldn’t enter, but what about Dao Integration experts?

There were currently four Dao Integration experts within the Two Polarities Sect!

“The Jade Empress is coming!”

A voice, filled with awe and admiration, suddenly cried out.

The first Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Holy Land, her aura as pure and ethereal as a fairy, her jade-like feet treading on air, walked towards the immortal path.

Her figure was shrouded in a hazy mist, her silk dress, made of Nirvana Silk, shimmering faintly, drawing everyone’s attention.

Silence fell over the crowd, and they watched as another elegant figure in a white dress approached.

It was Luo Tan, the Empress of Yu State, a Heaven-Grade Alchemist!

Luo Tan stopped before the immortal path, looking up at Yao Meng. “The path to immortality has only appeared less than four times in history. I didn’t expect it to appear so suddenly this time,” she said.

She glanced at Yao Meng, a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

Unlike Nascent Soul cultivators, she could sense the danger emanating from this immortal path. It was rejecting other cultivators, which was why the elder who had tried to ascend it earlier had perished.

And now, Luo Tan could feel that this immortal path was also rejecting her.

Even if she forcefully ascended and reached the Heavenly Court, she wouldn’t gain anything.

However… Yao Meng was standing on the immortal path without even using her Spiritual Energy.

Logically, there shouldn’t be any difference between them.

Why could Yao Meng enter, but she couldn’t?

“This immortal path has only appeared a few times throughout history. And now it has appeared because of the Primordial Demon Emperor’s death? How interesting.”

A deep male voice came from behind them. A tall, imposing figure in a black robe looked up at the immortal path, his eyes filled with a deep wisdom.

Then, he shook his head. “Unfortunately, the time isn’t right. This immortal path is an illusion. No one can ascend it.”

“The Forbidden Zone’s Master!”

Someone in the crowd recognized the man in the black robe, their eyes filled with reverence.

Luo Tan nodded silently, her white and gold dress billowing in the wind. She looked up at the fairy in the green dress standing on the immortal path, then withdrew her gaze.

Although she didn’t understand why the immortal path hadn’t rejected Yao Meng, it wasn’t the right time to ascend, and even if Yao Meng could reach the Heavenly Court, she wouldn’t be able to absorb any Spiritual Energy.

Otherwise, she might be the first to achieve true immortality.

As Luo Tan was about to leave, her gaze fell upon the figure in black robes at the end of the immortal path. A hint of confusion appeared in her eyes.

Although his figure was shrouded in mist, his back radiated an aura of power and authority, like a celestial emperor…

And for some reason, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.

As if… she had seen him somewhere before.

…

Meanwhile, shortly after the Forbidden Zone’s Master left Two Polarities Peak, he encountered Ye Lingxuan, who called out to him, “Father!”

The Master’s stern face softened as he looked at his daughter. “Is everything alright with your cultivation here?”

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly and smiled. “This immortal path is quite the attraction. It even drew you out, Father.”

The Forbidden Zone’s Master shook his head and chuckled. “I’m not interested in the Heavenly Court. Your mother was worried about you, so I came to check on you.”

He observed Ye Lingxuan carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Where’s that Mu brat?”

He could sense the changes in her body, her Spiritual Energy mixed with Mu Zhi’an’s.

This meant… they had been intimate after he returned to the sect.

Ye Lingxuan blushed slightly at the mention of Mu Zhi’an. She lowered her head, her fingers playing with a strand of hair. “It’s the Ascension Ceremony, Father. Brother Mu is busy preparing for his matches,” she murmured.

She paused, then continued, “If he doesn’t achieve a good ranking, you’ll just criticize him again, won’t you?” She looked at her father, her tone filled with displeasure.

She didn’t understand why her father disliked Mu Zhi’an so much. He was kind, gentle, and always thoughtful, even surprising her with small gifts occasionally. His only flaw was his weak will, his susceptibility to those seductive women.

But that didn’t matter. She would take him back to the Forbidden Zone.

His weak will could be… trained.

She could help him train it… with Qian’er.

However, the Forbidden Zone’s Master simply scoffed. “Are you sure your ‘Brother Mu’ is diligently cultivating?”

“Knowing him, he’s probably busy with some woman.”

“How can you say that about Brother Mu, Father?” Ye Lingxuan retorted.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master snorted. “Am I wrong? I see myself in him… I was even more of a womanizer than him in my youth. I know what he’s thinking.”

Ye Lingxuan: “…”

“Where’s your Desolate Time Lock? If you don’t believe me, use it and see where he is,” he said, seeing her disbelief.

Ye Lingxuan, unwilling to back down, summoned the Desolate Time Lock, a golden chain emerging from her sleeve.

The Forbidden Zone’s Master raised his hand, and the chain stopped in his palm.

With a flick of his wrist, the lock at the end of the chain shot towards Two Polarities Peak, disappearing into the void before reappearing in a certain courtyard.

The other end of the chain transformed into a rectangular frame.

This was another ability of the Desolate Time Lock. It could show the location and actions of its target, as long as they weren’t too far away.

And its target was Mu Zhi’an.

However, Ye Lingxuan was only at the Core Formation Realm. This ability could only be fully utilized in the Nascent Soul Realm.

Once she reached that level, she would be able to see everything Mu Zhi’an did.

The image within the Desolate Time Lock appeared.

It was a courtyard, and Lan Mulian, who had just returned to her physical body, was looking at Mu Zhi’an, her aura cold and elegant, her figure alluring in her white dress with gold embroidery.

After observing him for a moment, she reached out and gently brushed his hair away from his forehead.

Mu Zhi’an remained motionless.

Ye Lingxuan bit her lip, her eyes darkening as she looked at him.

Brother Mu wasn’t cultivating. He was with Senior Sister Lan. He had said he was too busy with the Ascension Ceremony…

Suddenly, the Forbidden Zone’s Master’s eyes flickered with surprise. “Wait… His consciousness isn’t in his body,” he murmured.

Ye Lingxuan froze, a flicker of hope in her eyes as she looked at her father. “What do you mean, Father?”

However, the Forbidden Zone’s Master didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the young man in the image.

As if realizing something, he slowly looked up, his gaze fixed on the figure at the end of the immortal path.

The young man in the black robe… His figure slowly overlapped with Mu Zhi’an’s.

After a long silence, the Forbidden Zone’s Master finally snapped out of his daze. Under Ye Lingxuan’s gaze, he murmured in disbelief, “The Master of the Heavenly Court… could it be him?”

…

Chapter 315: Master of the Heavenly Court, Mu Zhi’an 

“Y-You’re… the Heavenly Dao?”

Mu Zhi’an stared at the small loli before him, her beautiful red eyes sparkling, his own eyes wide with disbelief.

The Heavenly Dao… was a loli?

When I leave, I can brag to Ruoxi and the others that I once held the Heavenly Dao in my arms… That would be fun.

Even in this situation, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but feel amused. He discreetly observed the silver-haired loli.

Actually, she wasn’t quite a loli. She seemed to be between a young girl and a loli, her figure small and slender. As Mu Zhi’an observed her, she also looked at him curiously with her bright red eyes.

Then, she smiled sweetly. “That’s right. I’m the Heavenly Dao.”

“To be precise, I’m the new Heavenly Dao. You can call me Yuanluo.”

The new Heavenly Dao… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered as he remembered something. He opened his personal interface.

Among his titles, a new one had appeared.

—Heavenly Dao’s Blessing!

And in the ‘Character Role’ section, he saw a familiar phrase: Chosen by the new Heavenly Dao.

After the ‘Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead’ title appeared, the description below had mentioned the new Heavenly Dao.

The Heavenly Dao’s Blessing referred to the new Heavenly Dao’s protection… In other words, she had been secretly protecting him all along?

But why is the new Heavenly Dao a loli…? Countless questions and complaints filled Mu Zhi’an’s mind, but he asked the most pressing question first.

“Why are you in the Heavenly Court? And why do you look like this?”

“The Heavenly Dao doesn’t have a fixed form. This form allows me to suppress my power. It’s more convenient,” the silver-haired loli in his arms explained with a smile.

The Heavenly Dao was said to be emotionless, a common belief among cultivators. However, this silver-haired loli seemed cheerful and lively. She placed her hands on Mu Zhi’an’s shoulders and wriggled out of his embrace.

Then, under his incredulous gaze, a faint white light enveloped her, and her body began to change, transforming from a small loli into a tall, slender woman.

As the light faded, a woman in a simple white dress stood before him.

Her hands were clasped behind her back, her figure graceful, her long hair flowing down her back over her dress, her aura pure and elegant.

Although she appeared youthful, her figure was curvaceous and mature.

Whoa, she’s both a loli and a mature woman… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up.

He calmed himself down, his heart still racing slightly.

He looked up at her and asked, “You appeared before I left the Heavenly Court… Did you have something to say?”

Yuanluo nodded matter-of-factly. “I thought you would enter the Heavenly Court. I was prepared to… persuade you to stay, but you’re already leaving without even seeing me.”

Her voice, previously childish and sweet, was now mature and seductive.

“I would have entered if I could, but there are rules, right?” Mu Zhi’an said helplessly.

Although he still couldn’t quite believe that this woman, who could switch between a loli and a mature woman at will, was the new Heavenly Dao, at least she was a resident of the Heavenly Court. That much was certain.

“If you didn’t come to see me, then what are you doing in the Heavenly Court?” Yuanluo asked, her large, curious red eyes fixed on him. She had shrunk back to her loli form.

As she had said, only in this form could she suppress her power.

The more Mu Zhi’an looked at her, the more apprehensive he felt, but he was also amazed.

His Innate Spiritual Body could sense a person’s cultivation level and Spiritual Energy, unless their cultivation was far higher than his.

He had interacted with several Dao Integration experts, and only they could completely conceal their aura, making their Spiritual Energy undetectable.

In other words, even if this loli wasn’t the Heavenly Dao, she was at least at the Dao Integration Realm.

Mu Zhi’an opened his hand, revealing a ring.

“I arrived in this world of nothingness through this ring. I was hoping to find the key to cultivating the Heavenly Phoenix Manual…” He paused, glancing at the silver-haired loli.

“It seems the Heavenly Phoenix Manual originated from the Heavenly Court.”

Yuanluo nodded slightly, smiling. “Indeed. And this ring is also a product of the Heavenly Court, one of the mediums to enter it.”

So I was right. The Primordial Demon Emperor kept this ring because it was connected to the Heavenly Court… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered as he looked at her. “You sound like you know me,” he said.

Yuanluo didn’t answer. She tugged at his sleeve, her big red eyes looking up at him expectantly as she spread her arms. “Hug me, big brother.”

Mu Zhi’an was speechless. She didn’t seem like the Heavenly Dao at all. She acted like a child…

He sighed inwardly and picked her up.

Yuanluo snuggled comfortably in his arms, seemingly enjoying his embrace.

“Do you know me?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at the loli in his arms.

Yuanluo nodded, her red eyes眯ing slightly as she smiled at him. “Of course. Someone told me I could find you here, so I’ve been waiting in the Heavenly Court.”

Mu Zhi’an was stunned.

“You mean… you stayed here because of a promise you made with someone?”

For some reason, he thought of a certain someone.

“Shang Yanfei…?”

However, he received an unexpected answer. “Nope.”

“Then who?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Yuanluo smiled at him, but she didn’t answer.

Only at times like this did she seem like the new Heavenly Dao, her gaze calm and serene, as if she could see through everything.

Or perhaps, her earlier cheerfulness was just a facade, an imitation of human emotions.

It seemed she wasn’t planning to tell him… Seeing her silence, Mu Zhi’an didn’t press further.

“Did you have something to tell me?” he asked.

The silver-haired loli smiled. “Not really. I just wanted to see you, big brother.”

She leaned closer and sniffed him, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly. “You smell like… a lot of different Spiritual Energies…”

“My constitution is unique, so the Spiritual Energy within my Furnace is also… complex,” Mu Zhi’an explained.

However, Yuanluo pointed at his chest and giggled. “There are over four different types of Spiritual Energy within your Innate Celestial Furnace, each belonging to a Dao Integration expert. This only happens when you’re… intimate with them.”

Although Mu Zhi’an was a lecher, being called out by a little girl was still embarrassing. He coughed lightly and changed the subject. “Can I return to the Heavenly Court after leaving?”

“Of course,” Yuanluo replied.

“As long as you have that ring, you can enter the Heavenly Court anytime.”

“Actually, as long as they can find the coordinates, even without the ring, any Dao Integration expert can enter this place.”

“But whether they can enter the Heavenly Court itself… is another matter,” Yuanluo said, glancing at the ancient bronze gate behind him.

“So I can stay here and cultivate?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his tone playful.

The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy was far denser than the outside world’s. If he could cultivate here, with the pills and herbs the peak masters had given him, he might even reach the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm before the Ascension Ceremony ended.

However, he wasn’t very optimistic.

After all, this would be like cheating. The Heavenly Dao was supposed to be fair and impartial. It wouldn’t help a cultivator like him.

If he could cultivate here, he could even have his Innate Celestial Furnace absorb the Spiritual Energy and then transfer it to Bai Ruoxi and the others…

“Sure.”

Yuanluo’s answer surprised him.

He looked at the silver-haired loli, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“You can do whatever you want in the Heavenly Court. The rules allow your existence,” she continued.

She agreed…?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered with suspicion. After a moment, he asked, “What are the Heavenly Court’s rules?”

He remembered Lan Mulian saying something similar. To absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, one had to be recognized by its rules.

He had initially thought he could absorb it because of his Innate Celestial Furnace, but now it seemed… it had nothing to do with it?

“Actually, the Heavenly Court doesn’t have any rules,” Yuanluo said.

Mu Zhi’an frowned. “Then why couldn’t the other female cultivator who came with me absorb the Spiritual Energy here?”

Yuanluo looked at him and chuckled. “Because the Heavenly Court didn’t recognize her.”

“How can one be recognized by the Heavenly Court…?” Mu Zhi’an wondered. When did the Heavenly Court recognize me? I came here with Senior Sister. Why was I recognized, but she wasn’t?

“It’s very simple. If you want to absorb the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, or stay here permanently…” Yuanluo pointed behind him, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Just open that door.”

Mu Zhi’an instinctively turned around and saw a massive bronze gate, its aura ancient and majestic, seemingly connecting heaven and earth.

Although he hadn’t entered, he had a feeling…

Beyond this gate lay the ‘Immortal Realm’, the Heavenly Court.

But Yuanluo’s words were intriguing.

He had to open this door to be recognized by the Heavenly Court… But he hadn’t even touched it.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered with suspicion. He set down the loli and slowly walked towards the gate.

Two stone tablets stood on either side of the gate.

He looked at the tablet on the left and read the inscription: “To enter this gate, one must be female and wear a short skirt…”

Then, he looked at the tablet on the right: “…and stockings made of Nirvana Silk from the Jade Pool Holy Land…”

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a long time, thinking: The master of the Heavenly Court has the same fetishes as me…?

He had a vague idea of what was going on.

There couldn’t be so many coincidences.

Mu Zhi’an’s smile faded as he reached out and placed his hand on the gate.

It didn’t move.

He closed his eyes and infused a wisp of Spiritual Energy into it.

Still no reaction.

Is this new Heavenly Dao playing with me?

He opened his eyes and was about to turn around when—

Boom!

The ancient gate behind him creaked open…

Then, Yuanluo’s calm and clear voice came from behind him, “Actually, even if you didn’t open the gate, you would still be recognized by the Heavenly Court.”

“As for the reason…”

She looked up at him and said softly, “Because you’re the one who sets the rules of the Heavenly Court.”

…

Southern Wilderness.

Within a massive cathedral, a crack appeared on the giant goddess statue, and a faint light emerged from it, flying out of the cathedral.

The priestesses, who were kneeling before the statue and praying, looked up, their eyes filled with fear.

This statue represented the Primordial Goddess of the Southern Wilderness. Legend had it that she had ascended to the Immortal Realm after achieving Dao Integration, transcending the mortal world.

Throughout history, priestesses had prayed before her.

However, such a strong reaction from the statue was unprecedented.

Deep within the cathedral, an Evil Deity opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on a certain direction.

After a moment, he took a deep breath and murmured, “The coordinates to the path of immortality… are in the Two Polarities Sect.”

…

Two Polarities Sect, Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Yao Meng, who was meditating, suddenly opened her eyes, her green gaze fixed on Two Polarities Peak, a hint of suspicion in them.

The path to immortality has appeared…?

And…

Yao Meng narrowed her eyes slightly.

For some reason, she felt a familiar aura within that path…