Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 296: Master and Disciple Showdown

Within the grand and ancient hall, the alluring Demon Realm Empress leaned back against her throne, her hand pressed against her forehead, her thoughts in disarray.

Her usually seductive eyes were now filled with a sense of loss and uncertainty.

This world wasn’t the first playthrough; it was the second, having already been reset once!

The ‘second playthrough’ meant the game had been cleared and restarted, or perhaps it had gone through a cycle of reincarnation.

In other words, this was the second cycle.

Silence filled the hall as she processed this information. After a long time, the Demon Realm Empress finally looked up, her gaze fixed on a certain direction in the Eastern Realm, as if piercing through the barriers, reaching someone within the Two Polarities Sect.

Who would have thought that a mere Core Formation cultivator had been her Dao Companion in the previous playthrough?

Even now, she found it hard to believe.

However, besides disbelief, a sense of nostalgia filled her heart.

If she hadn’t regained her memories before entering seclusion, she wouldn’t have known, would she?

No wonder Shang Yanfei had so readily given her the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence. On one hand, Shang Yanfei was overconfident, and on the other… she wanted her to focus on refining the essence and enter seclusion.

To give away the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence just to make her enter seclusion… what was Shang Yanfei’s true purpose…?

Before regaining her memories, the Demon Realm Empress wouldn’t have been able to understand.

But now, she had a vague idea.

She pursed her lips, her long legs crossed, her slender fingers tapping the armrest of her throne.

Tap.

Her fingers paused, and her eyes flickered.

Could it be that Shang Yanfei was also a reincarnator?

Shang Yanfei wanted her to spend the next year in seclusion, refining the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence. And the reason… was likely related to Mu Zhi’an.

However, even that woman wouldn’t have expected her to regain her past life’s memories before entering seclusion, right?

The Demon Realm Empress gently placed her hand on her ample bosom, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, as if savoring the feeling of her heart racing, a sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time. A strange emptiness lingered within her.

She opened her alluring eyes, her gaze falling upon the maid who had entered the hall.

“Your Majesty, the medicinal bath is ready.”

The maid, her head lowered respectfully, presented the prepared bath.

“I’ll officially enter seclusion in half a month. I’ll leave everything here to you and the others,” the Demon Realm Empress said.

“I’ll handle everything and won’t disappoint you, Your Majesty,” the maid replied immediately, her head lowered, concealing the excitement bubbling within her.

The Demon Realm Empress’s charm affected everyone, regardless of gender. And with her mind-reading ability, it was incredibly difficult to hide one’s thoughts from her. If one didn’t empty their mind of all desires, their true intentions would be easily exposed.

Although the Demon Realm Empress regaining her memories might have been unexpected for Shang Yanfei, she had already absorbed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence. She had to refine it, or it would become an obstacle on her cultivation path.

Therefore, she had to enter seclusion, no matter what…

With the aid of a medicinal bath, she might be able to fully refine the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence in three or four months, instead of a year or more.

However, before that, there was something she needed to do…

“There’s one more thing I need you to handle,” she said.

The maid looked up at the Demon Realm Empress, who was sitting on her throne, and waited for her instructions. “There’s a young cultivator named Mu Zhi’an in the Two Polarities Sect. Contact the Seventh Seat and have her find a suitable opportunity to bring him to the Demon Realm,” the Empress said.

The maid bowed respectfully and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Then, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Isn’t Mu Zhi’an Your Majesty’s informant in the Two Polarities Sect? Why bring him back now…? Could it be that he possesses some important secret?”

“No secrets.”

The Demon Realm Empress stretched lazily, her gaze fixed on the Two Polarities Sect.

“His existence is far more valuable than any secret.”

…

If she used a medicinal bath, she might be able to fully refine the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence in three or four months.

However, before that, there was something she needed to do…

“There’s one more thing I need you to handle.”

The maid looked up at the Demon Realm Empress. “There’s a young cultivator named Mu Zhi’an in the Two Polarities Sect. Contact the Seventh Seat and have her find a suitable opportunity to bring him to the Demon Realm,” the Empress said.

The maid bowed respectfully and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Then, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Isn’t Mu Zhi’an Your Majesty’s informant in the Two Polarities Sect? Why bring him back now…? Could it be that he possesses some important secret?”

“No secrets.”

The Demon Realm Empress stretched lazily, her gaze fixed on the Two Polarities Sect.

“His existence is far more valuable than any secret.”

…

Dexin Courtyard.

After chatting with her sister in the courtyard, Ye Qian stood up to leave.

“I’m going back to cultivate, Sister. Although Brother Mu is fine now, we should still focus on our cultivation for the upcoming Ascension Ceremony.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at her sister with a smile. “I told you he would be fine in the Martial Realm, but you didn’t believe me and insisted on leaving early. Are you regretting it now?”

Ye Qian blushed and glanced at her sister. “Weren’t you also worried, Sister? You even summoned your ancestral artifact and chased those cultivators all over the Martial Realm.”

“Why do you make it sound like I was herding ducks…?” Ye Lingxuan chuckled. “I believed Brother Mu would be fine, but I still wanted to see him as soon as possible.”

Ye Qian tilted her head slightly. “Isn’t that because you were worried about him?”

Ye Lingxuan was speechless.

“I saw Brother Ye Yu earlier outside the Jade Glass Palace. He seemed much stronger, and he was staring at us,” Ye Qian suddenly said.

Ye Lingxuan simply replied with a noncommittal “mm-hmm”.

To her, Ye Yu was just a member of the Ye family. She called him ‘Brother Ye Yu’ out of courtesy, but she had never had any feelings for him.

Actually, if he had been kinder to Ye Qian when they were younger, perhaps their relationship wouldn’t be so strained now.

Ye Qian nodded slightly, looking at her sister’s beautiful face. “You’re right. Brother Ye Yu can’t give you happiness, but Brother Mu can.”

Ye Lingxuan rolled her eyes. “What are you talking about? You’re the one who likes Brother Mu. You’re the one who will be happy with him.”

Ye Qian looked at her sister intently. “But haven’t you and Brother Mu already…?” she whispered.

Ye Lingxuan froze, her usual calm demeanor gone. “…You know?”

Ye Qian blushed and nodded slightly. “I heard you outside… You sounded very… happy—”

Before she could finish, Ye Lingxuan covered her mouth. Under Ye Qian’s sparkling gaze, she blushed furiously. “Don’t say that… It’s embarrassing,” she whispered.

The Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden might be a polite and elegant young lady in the eyes of others, but when it came to romance, she was completely inexperienced. She had only been intimate with Mu Zhi’an once, and being teased by her sister about it made her want to disappear.

As if to change the subject, Ye Lingxuan suddenly asked, “When are you planning to confess to Brother Mu?”

Ye Qian shook her head and smiled gently. “As long as you’re happy, Sister, I’m happy.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at her sister, who had grown up with her, with a worried expression. Could it be that her sister was lovesick? Would she secretly watch them while they were… intimate?

She couldn’t understand Ye Qian’s peculiar hobby. If possible, she wanted her sister to find happiness… even if it meant sharing Mu Zhi’an with her.

“I’m going back to my room now, Sister. I need to visit the Garden of Heavenly Harmony tomorrow. I have some questions about the Pure World Azure Lotus technique I want to ask Master,” Ye Qian said.

Ye Lingxuan seemed to want to say something.

“What’s wrong?” Ye Qian asked, noticing her sister’s hesitant expression.

“Mu Zhi’an is so fickle… I’m a bit worried about Fairy Yao Meng staying in his body…” Ye Lingxuan trailed off, unable to voice her concerns.

Ye Qian shook her head with a smile. “You’re overthinking it, Sister. She’s a Dao Integration expert. Even Brother Mu can’t force her to do anything against her will. Besides, he’s not that kind of person.”

Ye Lingxuan looked at her sister’s innocent smile, but the image of Yao Meng and Mu Zhi’an by the Rebirth Pool flashed through her mind.

Although Fairy Yao Meng had done it to reconstruct her immortal body, their intimate interaction was still unforgettable.

Now that Yao Meng had returned to the Dao Integration Realm, she no longer needed Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Energy.

Logically, nothing should happen between them anymore…

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes flickered, then she relaxed and smiled. “You’re right.”

…

The next morning.

After cultivating through the night, Ye Qian felt the abundant Spiritual Energy within her body and slowly opened her eyes. She headed towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

She had changed into a beautiful outfit, a layered dress with intricate embroidery, a light blue jacket draped over it. At sixteen or seventeen, she was the picture of youthful innocence, her beautiful clothes and delicate features radiating a carefree charm.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Wei Mengrou, who was cultivating in the garden. Seeing her open her eyes, Ye Qian bowed slightly and smiled. “Sister Mengrou, have you seen Brother Mu?”

“He’s still in his room,” Wei Mengrou replied calmly. Her gaze towards Ye Qian was much gentler than her usual cold demeanor towards her young master.

“Do you need something from him?”

Ye Qian shook her head gently. “I have some questions about my cultivation technique I want to ask Master. She should be with Brother Mu.”

Wei Mengrou nodded in understanding, not asking any further questions.

Although she was Mu Zhi’an’s maid, she didn’t know everything he did, especially after their… intimate encounter… Even now, just thinking about her ‘confession’ made her blush.

She didn’t want to face Mu Zhi’an for the time being.

As Wei Mengrou’s thoughts wandered, Ye Qian walked along the path towards Mu Zhi’an’s room.

…

At that moment, in his room, Mu Zhi’an had just woken up, feeling the invigorating energy of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit flowing through his body, its sweet scent mingling with the lingering fragrance of the fairy’s skin…

He turned to look at Yao Meng. A faint blush still lingered on her beautiful face, her fair shoulders peeking out from beneath the blanket, her green dress clinging to her skin, her beauty a captivating blend of purity and allure.

He gently lifted the blanket, revealing her exquisite figure, her snow-white skin bathed in a faint silver glow, like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens, her beauty sacred and inviolable.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her with reverence, his hand beneath the blanket starting to wander.

Yao Meng slowly opened her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. “You’re becoming bolder, aren’t you?” she said, her voice clear and melodious.

She remembered when they first met; he had only dared to steal glances at her, his desire hidden deep within his heart.

Now, he acted on his desires… and with increasing boldness.

“I’m simply trying to satisfy you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a righteous tone.

Yao Meng glanced at him, her expression calm, but a hint of shyness flickered in her eyes.

Although she wanted to guide him as an ‘older sister’, when it came to experience in bed, Mu Zhi’an was clearly more… knowledgeable… Maintaining her composure was already her limit.

After showering Yao Meng with affection for a while, Mu Zhi’an got out of bed and started to dress.

Yao Meng sat up, the blanket clutched to her chest, and looked at him with a smile. “Are you afraid of being discovered by your Dao Companion? You’ve never been in such a hurry to leave before.”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “It has nothing to do with Ruoxi. I have something to discuss with Qian’er.”

Ye Qian had seen him being intimate with Mengrou yesterday… Although she hadn’t said anything, it was probably because Ye Lingxuan was present.

He needed to talk to her.

It would be troublesome if Qian’er told Lingxuan…

Although he had never experienced the full power of the Desolate Time Lock, Mu Zhi’an was still wary of its ability to capture targets from a distance. He didn’t want to be locked up in the Forbidden Zone by a yandere Ye Lingxuan.

Yao Meng, one hand clutching the blanket to cover her body, tilted her head slightly, a strand of hair falling over her shoulder. “Qian’er…? What about her?”

“It’s nothing, just a minor matter—” Mu Zhi’an said, but before he could finish, the door suddenly opened.

“Brother Mu—”

A sweet voice rang out, and Mu Zhi’an looked up to see Ye Qian standing at the door, staring at the scene before her with wide eyes.

Yao Meng, one hand clutching the blanket, her alluring figure barely concealed, and Mu Zhi’an, who had just finished dressing, his buttons still undone.

Well… this might be a problem now.

Chapter 295: This Is… the Second Playthrough?! 

With the Demon Realm Empress’s departure, the Primordial Demon Emperor’s aura vanished from the Pilgrimage Palace.

Most cultivators didn’t even know what had happened, only that some evil being sealed beneath the Two Polarities Sect had been eliminated.

Mu Zhi’an, watching the scene unfold and feeling the Primordial Demon Emperor’s aura fading, breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, recalling the events that had just transpired, he couldn’t help but sigh. “That temptress is truly dangerous. Although she’s alluring, she’s also ruthless. I’ll have to be careful around her in the future.”

“It seemed like she absorbed something… but I couldn’t see what it was,” Bai Ruoxi suddenly said.

The Demon Realm Empress absorbed something?

Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced.

The Demon Realm Empress wouldn’t help the Eastern Realm or the Two Polarities Sect for no reason. There must have been some kind of deal between her and Shang Yanfei, a deal so beneficial that even the Demon Realm Empress agreed to ‘cooperate’.

And now, it seemed the core of this deal was likely something left behind by the Primordial Demon Emperor.

“I believe… it was his essence,” a familiar voice suddenly said from behind him.

Mu Zhi’an turned around in surprise. “When did you return to the sect, Lingxuan?”

Ye Lingxuan gracefully descended the steps of the main hall, her beautiful face flawless, her long hair cascading down her back, her petite figure clad in a purple dress, her delicate feet adorned with embroidered shoes. She looked pure, innocent, and elegant.

She approached him with a smile. “I just got back. I was worried about you, Brother Mu, but it seems you’re fine.”

“What’s this ‘essence’ you mentioned, Lingxuan? Why didn’t we notice anything?” Mu Zhi’an asked curiously.

“Every cultivator possesses essence, which represents their lifetime of cultivation. The Demon Realm Empress just absorbed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence,” Ye Lingxuan explained softly.

“However, only someone with a special constitution like the Demon Realm Empress can absorb another’s essence. If an ordinary person tried it, they would explode before they could even refine it.”

So the Demon Realm Empress was after the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence. That’s why she personally came to the Two Polarities Sect to eliminate him…? Mu Zhi’an thought, understanding her motives.

Then, a wave of worry washed over him.

The Demon Realm Empress’s strength was already comparable to other Dao Integration experts. If she refined the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, how powerful would she become?

“By the way, did you retrieve Mengrou’s Heavenly Dao Energy?” Ye Lingxuan suddenly asked.

Wei Mengrou’s expression changed slightly, and Bai Ruoxi looked at Mu Zhi’an with a gentle smile.

Ye Lingxuan, sensing something amiss, blinked and looked at him. “What’s wrong? Did you fail?”

“Thanks to Mengrou’s help, it went smoothly,” Mu Zhi’an said, maintaining his usual smile.

Then, he offered to walk Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian back to their residence. He winked at Wei Mengrou and transmitted his voice, “Mengrou, I’ll leave Ruoxi to you.”

Wei Mengrou glared at him disdainfully but didn’t refuse.

After all, she knew his character and his methods well. She wasn’t surprised by his request.

As Mu Zhi’an was about to leave with Ye Lingxuan, the Dao Integration experts in the sky, with the Primordial Demon Emperor gone, withdrew their formations.

The Buddha from the Western Regions clasped his hands together and silently departed.

The Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity’s gaze remained fixed on Mu Zhi’an. He couldn’t understand how this Core Formation cultivator could help Regina evolve her Soul Reading constitution.

“Is there something you need?” Yao Meng suddenly asked coldly, interrupting his thoughts.

Although male cultivators couldn’t sense Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace, she still didn’t want to attract too much attention to him.

The Evil Deity said sarcastically, “I was just curious about what this brat has that could attract Fairy Yao Meng’s attention. It seems he’s quite talented.”

His words were perfunctory. ‘Quite talented’ was a generic compliment, used when one couldn’t think of anything specific to praise.

Since the Southern Wilderness had played a role in obstructing the Jade Empress’s return to Dao Integration, he didn’t want to stay any longer. After a few more meaningless words, he left the Two Polarities Sect.

With two of the troublesome figures gone, Yao Meng’s gaze shifted to the last one.

She looked at the Empress of Yu State and smiled. “What’s wrong, Luo Tan? Is there someone here who has caught your eye?”

Luo Tan observed Ye Lingxuan’s retreating figure with interest. “She possesses the Innate Spiritual Body, doesn’t she? She would be a great seedling for both cultivation and alchemy… I’m almost tempted to take her as my disciple.”

Yu State had always been known as a sacred land for alchemists, partly because its Empress was a Heaven-Grade Alchemist, and partly because many pill formulas originated from there.

“The Forbidden Zone’s Master only has one daughter. She grew up bathing in Rebirth Water, her Innate Spiritual Body already perfected. And her alchemy talent… she might even surpass the geniuses of Yu State,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

“If I remember correctly, you haven’t interacted much with the Forbidden Zone, Fairy Yao Meng. How do you know so much?” Luo Tan asked curiously.

Yao Meng raised an eyebrow. “Her younger sister, Ye Qian, is my disciple. I’ve heard some things from her,” she replied calmly.

Actually, Ye Qian didn’t know that much. Most of what she knew came from Mu Zhi’an, and some she had overheard while within his body.

Of course, she couldn’t tell Luo Tan that, especially since… Luo Tan seemed interested in Mu Zhi’an. If it weren’t for the ‘artifact’ left behind by Ling Long, his Innate Celestial Furnace secret might have already been exposed.

And then… who knew if this Empress would also become interested in it.

Suddenly, Shang Yanfei said, “If you’re interested in Ye Lingxuan, we can hold an alchemy competition after the Ascension Ceremony and assess her talent. If you’re satisfied, you can take her as your disciple.”

Luo Tan narrowed her eyes, observing the alluring Sect Master. “Are you willing to give up such a talented disciple?” she asked with a smile.

Shang Yanfei chuckled. “If she can train in Yu State for a while, it would greatly benefit her. It’s a win-win situation.”

Luo Tan pondered for a moment, then smiled. “Since you’re so generous, Sect Master, I’ll stay in the Two Polarities Sect for a few more days.”

Her gaze shifted towards the direction Mu Zhi’an had gone.

“I also have some… matters I’m interested in.”

…

Dexin Courtyard.

Mu Zhi’an walked Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian back to their residence, then prepared to leave.

Seeing him linger at the door, Ye Qian couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you coming in, Brother Mu?”

Ye Lingxuan also smiled. “Since Qian’er has invited you, why don’t you come in and sit for a while, Brother Mu?”

Ye Lingxuan was a rather reserved girl and wanted to maintain her older sister’s image in front of her younger sister, so she wouldn’t actively invite him to stay.

But since her sister had spoken, she didn’t object.

Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile. “Alright then. It’s been a while since we last chatted.”

…

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou walked along a quiet corridor. The delicate and frail-looking young lady stopped before a door and said softly, “You can stop here, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. As Bai Ruoxi opened the door, she hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked, “You’re not angry with me?”

She was referring to what had happened between her and Mu Zhi’an in her room.

Bai Ruoxi shook her head gently and smiled faintly. “It’s not your fault, Mengrou. Mu Lang asked for it, didn’t he? If anyone’s to blame, it’s him.”

She paused, then continued, “Of course, I won’t do anything too drastic to him. I know his feelings for me haven’t changed.”

He had given her the Heavenly Dao Energy, helped her solve countless problems, and never complained… And even when she ‘punished’ him, his eyes were still filled with love.

Although he was a bit of a flirt, Bai Ruoxi cherished everything he had done for her.

“If you don’t teach him a lesson he’ll remember, he won’t learn,” Wei Mengrou said, ‘selling out’ her master.

Bai Ruoxi tapped her chin thoughtfully.

“A lesson he’ll remember…”

She suddenly chuckled. “I think… there’s no need for me to do anything.”

She looked at Wei Mengrou. “I’m easygoing, but my other self… isn’t.”

Although she occasionally fantasized about locking Mu Zhi’an up, or even keeping him by her side forever, Bai Ruoxi was generally a kind and gentle girl.

But Gong Lianyue was different.

The Sword Palace Master was domineering and possessive, a woman of action.

If she awakened from her slumber after Bai Ruoxi reached the Nascent Soul Realm… Mu Zhi’an would be in trouble.

For now… she would let him enjoy his ‘freedom’.

…

Late at night.

The incident with the evil being breaking free from its seal in the Pilgrimage Palace had left the cultivators within the Two Polarities Sect restless, unable to focus on their cultivation. They were discussing the events excitedly.

Several Dao Integration experts, including the Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity, the Western Regions’ Buddha, and the Empress of Yu State, along with a mysterious expert shrouded in black mist, had joined forces to suppress the evil being. Although they couldn’t see who the figure in the black mist was, witnessing such a powerful battle and experiencing the might of Dao Integration experts was a rare opportunity, something they could boast about in the future.

Besides the terrifying events, the beauty of Luo Tan, Yao Meng, and Shang Yanfei was also unforgettable.

Each of them possessed a unique charm. The Sect Master was a sacred figure in the eyes of the disciples, and the Empress of Yu State was breathtakingly beautiful.

As for Fairy Yao Meng, even without her ‘Innate Dao Body’ constitution, her ethereal beauty and mysterious aura were enough to make her the dream lover of countless cultivators.

Of course, they only dared to admire her from afar, afraid of desecrating her.

While the entire sect was abuzz with excitement, Mu Zhi’an, having just spent some quality time with the Ye sisters, returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

He had been ‘ravaged’ by Bai Ruoxi in various ways, his Spiritual Energy depleted, and he was planning to rest tonight.

However, as soon as he opened the door, he saw Yao Meng sitting on his bed.

She wore a thin green dress with white embroidery, her alluring figure outlined by the fabric. A faint smile graced her breathtakingly beautiful face, and her jade-like legs were faintly visible beneath her skirt, her delicate feet bare.

She held a fiery red fruit in her hand.

“It seems you’re quite busy. I’ve been waiting here for almost an hour,” Yao Meng said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mu Zhi’an reacted quickly and coughed lightly. “Qian’er had some questions about cultivation techniques, so I was a bit delayed.”

He closed the door behind him and smiled. “If I had known you were waiting for me, Empress, I would have come sooner.”

Yao Meng’s beautiful green eyes held a gentle smile. “If you knew I was here, you wouldn’t have been so intimate with Lingxuan and my disciple, would you?”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled helplessly. “You’re misunderstanding, Empress. They’re just my younger sisters.”

Yao Meng didn’t seem to care. She beckoned him over.

As he approached, she handed him the fruit.

“I was planning to give this to you after the Ascension Ceremony, but since you left the Martial Realm early, you can refine it now, while the trial is still ongoing,” Yao Meng said with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the fruit. “A Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?”

Yao Meng nodded slightly. “It will give you a chance to be reborn if you’re ever severely injured. It’s also very beneficial for replenishing your Spiritual Energy.”

Seeing his hesitation, she raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “You’re not going to say it’s too valuable and you can’t accept it, are you?”

A single Heavenly Phoenix Fruit wasn’t enough to repay his kindness.

After all, compared to the price he had paid for her rebirth, a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit was nothing.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts, took the fruit, and smiled. “I was just wondering how to refine it.”

His gaze lingered on Yao Meng.

“Can I just eat it?” he asked.

“You can also extract its energy. You don’t have to consume it directly,” Yao Meng replied with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an nodded, understanding. “Then I’ll refine it later.”

Yao Meng glanced at his hand, which was now resting on her waist, a faint blush appearing on her delicate face. However, she maintained her composure and smiled faintly. “There’s no need to wait. You can refine it now.”

“But I want to refine it with you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an said.

“Together…?” Yao Meng tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

Mu Zhi’an gently pushed her onto the bed.

He squeezed the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, its juice dripping onto her body.

Yao Meng opened her eyes slightly, her usually aloof demeanor gone, replaced by a captivating blend of coldness and allure.

“What a waste,” she said, her voice chiding, but her eyes held a hint of shyness and… anticipation.

“Don’t worry, I won’t waste a single drop,” Mu Zhi’an grinned, savoring the taste of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

After a while, Yao Meng opened her eyes, her arms wrapped around Mu Zhi’an’s neck. “The Empress of Yu State seems interested in you. Be careful not to expose your Innate Celestial Furnace. It might cause trouble,” she said softly.

“I understand…” Mu Zhi’an mumbled in response.

Right now, refining the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit was more important.

And for that, not a single drop of its juice could be wasted.

…

Northern Realm, Demon Realm.

The Demon Realm Empress leaned back lazily on her throne, seemingly taking a nap.

Her loose robes couldn’t conceal her ample bosom, and her long legs were crossed, her beautiful face framed by her long, flowing hair.

She appeared to be simply resting, but her personal maid, who stood nearby, knew that her consciousness wasn’t in the Northern Realm.

I hope everything goes smoothly, Your Majesty… The maid looked at her with adoration, praying silently.

As one of the Thirteen Seats of the Demon Realm, second only to the Empress herself, this maid was responsible for all of the Empress’s activities. She was the only one who knew about her departure from the Northern Realm.

If everything went smoothly, and she absorbed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, it would be the perfect opportunity for the Demon Realm to invade the Eastern Realm.

This was a desperate move by Shang Yanfei, but it was also within the Demon Realm Empress’s expectations.

Besides her, no one could eliminate the Primordial Demon Emperor without suffering heavy losses. The Two Polarities Sect’s Sect Master might be able to defeat him, but a battle between two Dao Integration experts would inevitably result in casualties among the disciples.

Suddenly, the surrounding Spiritual Energy surged uncontrollably, and the Demon Realm Empress slowly opened her eyes, her already alluring aura now even more captivating, her beauty breathtaking. Even those who knew she was a dangerous predator couldn’t help but be drawn to her.

The maid immediately reacted. “Your Majesty, I’ve prepared the medicinal bath,” she said respectfully.

Refining essence, even for the Demon Realm Empress, required time. A medicinal bath could accelerate the process.

The Demon Realm Empress nodded slightly. “You’re dismissed.”

The maid bowed respectfully. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

After the maid left, the Demon Realm Empress tapped her long fingers on the armrest of her throne, recalling the events that had transpired in the Two Polarities Sect.

Shang Yanfei wasn’t a fool, yet she had given her the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence.

It was strange.

However, regardless of Shang Yanfei’s intentions, once she refined the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, even without the Heavenly Dao Energy, Shang Yanfei would be no match for her.

What a foolish move… The Demon Realm Empress chuckled and stood up from her throne.

Suddenly, an image flashed through her mind, and a wave of dizziness washed over her.

A torrent of memories, scenes she had never experienced before, flooded her consciousness.

She gasped slightly, and after the images faded, she looked up towards the Two Polarities Sect, her eyes filled with disbelief and… nostalgia.

She had regained her memories from her past life.

And this… was her second playthrough!

Chapter 294: Winning the Battle, Losing at Life 

“They seem to be looking at you.”

Wei Mengrou, noticing the gazes of the Dao Integration experts, pursed her lips and alerted Mu Zhi’an through voice transmission.

What’s so interesting about me? I don’t have words written on my face… Mu Zhi’an looked up and saw the Dao Integration experts hovering in the sky.

Some of them he had never seen before, like the Evil Deity from the Southern Wilderness, who always concealed himself within a black mist.

And the Buddha from the Western Regions, his expression serene, a golden light emanating from behind him.

Then there was Yao Meng, the fairy he respected and admired, and the Sect Master.

Beside Yao Meng stood a woman in a white dress with gold embroidery. She was beautiful, her eyes smiling, her gaze sweeping over the cultivators below.

Nice figure, not very big breasts, probably a handful… but her aura is elegant, and the white dress, black stockings, and knee-high boots are a plus… Mu Zhi’an thought, assessing her appearance.

Suddenly, he felt a gaze upon him, and he looked up. The woman in the white dress was looking at him with a faint smile.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his head, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

Although he didn’t know her identity, being able to stand alongside the Sect Master and the others meant she was one of the most powerful beings in the Nine Realms.

Luo Tan’s beautiful eyes twinkled with amusement. “This disciple is interesting. He wasn’t intimidated by my gaze,” she said softly.

Countless disciples were present within the Two Polarities Sect!

Yet, none of them had dared to look at her with such… appreciation.

Even the scions of the Primordial Clans would lower their heads respectfully before the Empress of Yu State.

The Buddha from the Western Regions, his gaze serene, looked at the young man on the ground. “His Spiritual Energy is unstable, his aura fluctuating. It seems he failed his tribulation,” he said.

“Failed his tribulation…?”

The Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity’s eyes flickered, and he immediately thought of someone. “Mu Zhi’an…?” he murmured.

Mu Zhi’an had used his tribulation to eliminate seventeen cultivators in the Martial Realm, including several strong contenders in the Ascension Ceremony. Both the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions had suffered losses because of him.

And with Regina’s matter… the Evil Deity was naturally familiar with his name.

Luo Tan raised an eyebrow, a faint smile curving her lips. “He’s Mu Zhi’an?”

“He doesn’t look like someone who would do something so reckless.”

For the sake of his maid, he had even sacrificed his own cultivation level to punish those who had threatened her. Initially, these powerful beings had imagined him to be a reckless brute.

However, this Mu Zhi’an seemed to be a refined and elegant young man, like a well-educated scholar.

And… why did he possess two different types of Spiritual Energy within his body?

Luo Tan’s eyes twinkled with interest. She chuckled. “I heard that a young cultivator named Mu Zhi’an played a role in the Jade Empress’s return. And what the Primordial Demon Emperor said earlier was also intriguing.”

She turned to Yao Meng. “Could it be that his constitution is so special that it can even help a Dao Integration expert reconstruct their Vessel?”

Yao Meng looked at Mu Zhi’an calmly, her voice clear and melodious. “Young friend Mu promised to help the Primordial Demon Emperor reconstruct his Vessel, but for the sake of the Eastern Realm, he chose to help me instead. The medicinal herbs I used to reconstruct my Vessel were all painstakingly gathered by him.”

Yao Meng was giving him face, not revealing that he had chosen her because he was attracted to her, instead presenting him as a righteous hero.

She also subtly avoided Luo Tan’s question, changing the topic.

Luo Tan’s interest grew, and she observed Mu Zhi’an more closely. “I remember the two treasures needed to reconstruct a Vessel are the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit and the Rebirth Water from the Forbidden Zone… The Forbidden Zone’s Master doesn’t give anyone face. How did he obtain the Rebirth Water?”

“The Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden is cultivating in the Two Polarities Sect as an inner disciple. She happens to have a good relationship with young friend Mu.”

Yao Meng’s voice was gentle and ethereal, her flawless skin glowing, her bare feet treading on air as she glanced at Mu Zhi’an.

“In short, I owe young friend Mu a favor. He paid a heavy price for me.”

“To have earned a favor from Fairy Yao Meng… his future cultivation path will be smooth,” Luo Tan said, pausing for a moment. “If you recommend him, Fairy Yao Meng, I can make an exception and accept another exchange student.”

She felt that there was something unusual about Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Energy, but she couldn’t pinpoint the reason. The sect’s grand formation had been activated, concealing the auras of the disciples within, even from Dao Integration experts.

Yao Meng shook her head gently. “There’s no need. I intend to repay his kindness personally. It wouldn’t be convenient if he went to Yu State.”

A gust of wind blew past, ruffling her green dress and her hair, accentuating her ethereal beauty.

Many cultivators were captivated by her, although they could only see a hazy silhouette bathed in a silver glow. This indistinctness only added to her allure.

Yao Meng looked down at the young man, her lips curving into a seductive smile.

“I’ll guide his cultivation myself.”

Even the Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity couldn’t help but glance at Yao Meng, his eyes filled with confusion.

Since when was the Jade Empress so concerned about a young cultivator?

And Regina had said that Mu Zhi’an could help her perfect her Soul Reading constitution, making it the strongest in the Southern Wilderness… And she had confirmed with her Soul Reading ability that he wasn’t lying.

…A mere Core Formation cultivator, how could he possibly help Regina evolve her constitution?

There must be some secret surrounding this Mu Zhi’an… That was why even the Jade Empress was so interested in him.

As the Dao Integration experts observed Mu Zhi’an, a beautiful woman in a white palace dress stepped out of the Jade Glass Palace.

She looked up, her gentle eyes scanning the cultivators outside, then she spotted Mu Zhi’an and called out softly, “Mu Lang.”

Seeing him struggling against the pressure of a Dao Integration expert’s aura, Bai Ruoxi rushed towards him and replaced Wei Mengrou, supporting him. “Are you alright?” she asked with concern.

The cultivators stared at Bai Ruoxi as if she were a monster. The Primordial Demon Emperor’s black phoenix hadn’t dissipated yet, and its Dao Integration aura was suffocating, yet this inner disciple of Boundless Sea Peak seemed completely unaffected?

And this Mu Zhi’an… he’s going too far!

Some of the cultivators who had passed the Martial Realm trial and the sect disciples glared at Mu Zhi’an with envy and resentment.

There were many talented female cultivators in the world of cultivation, but for Mu Zhi’an to monopolize two beauties… Many male cultivators were jealous, wanting to punch him in the face for his blatant display of affection.

…Even though it wasn’t intentional.

Even Ye Yu, who had been proud of his ability to withstand the Dao Integration pressure, couldn’t smile anymore. He stared at Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi, who seemed to have eyes only for him.

Bai Ruoxi had occasionally acknowledged his presence in the past, but now, the beautiful young lady from Tianxuan City seemed completely devoted to Mu Zhi’an, her gaze filled only with him.

He was clearly superior to Mu Zhi’an in every aspect, even their testing stele results were the same, yet why was everyone paying attention to him?!

Ye Yu’s fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms, his eyes filled with uncontainable hatred as he stared at Mu Zhi’an.

But no matter how many tricks Mu Zhi’an used, he had still passed the Martial Realm trial, and his performance during the Primordial Demon Emperor’s attack had been witnessed by the Dao Integration experts.

If there were any ‘exchange student’ programs in Yu State or the Southern Wilderness in the future, his name would be the first to come to mind.

His maid and Bai Ruoxi were indeed talented, but that had nothing to do with Mu Zhi’an himself.

Those Dao Integration experts weren’t blind… As Ye Yu thought this, his anger subsided slightly.

Meanwhile, Luo Tan, the beautiful and elegant Empress of Yu State, looked at the woman in the palace dress who had just emerged from the Jade Glass Palace. Seeing her looking at Mu Zhi’an with concern, her eyes filled with a tenderness that could melt even a woman’s heart, she couldn’t help but ask, “Who is she?”

The Southern Wilderness’s powerful being also spoke up, “This is strange. Logically, only Nascent Soul cultivators can withstand the aura of a Dao Integration expert and move freely. For a Core Formation cultivator, just staying on their feet is already a struggle. But this woman seems completely unaffected… She can even move freely.”

The Buddha from the Western Regions opened his eyes slightly, his gaze fixed on the woman in the white palace dress.

His expression was serene, but those familiar with his techniques knew that he was trying to see through Bai Ruoxi’s true nature.

Neither Yao Meng nor Shang Yanfei stopped him. They remained silent, their actions perfectly synchronized.

Suddenly, a consciousness within Bai Ruoxi’s body seemed to awaken, and the Western Regions’ Buddha shuddered, the golden light behind him almost shattering.

He clasped his hands together and chanted, “Amitabha.”

A golden light, like ripples on water, emanated from his palms, stabilizing his fluctuating Spiritual Energy.

If the Spiritual Energy of this wisp of his will was damaged, it would also affect his true body in the Western Regions.

The other two powerful beings were also shocked as they looked at Bai Ruoxi.

Even a normal Core Formation cultivator couldn’t injure a wisp of the Western Regions’ Buddha’s will. Yet, he had clearly seen something that had damaged his Spiritual Sense.

The Buddha calmed his turbulent energy, opened his eyes, looked at Bai Ruoxi, and said slowly, “…Gong Lianyue.”

The Empress of Yu State’s eyes flickered as she looked at Bai Ruoxi, her ample bosom swaying enticingly.

The reincarnation of the Sword Palace Master…?

The Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She’s still alive…?”

The Buddha remained silent, but his usually calm eyes held a hint of unease.

Including the Two Polarities Sect’s Sect Master and Ling Long, and now, the Jade Empress and the Sword Palace Master… Four Dao Integration experts!

This was an astonishing number. In the Nine Realms, there could only be one Dao Integration expert at a time, unless the previous one sealed themselves within a formation or went into seclusion, allowing another to emerge.

This was the law of heaven and earth. And the world’s Spiritual Energy couldn’t sustain too many Dao Integration cultivators.

The Sword Palace Master had cultivated for much longer than Yao Meng and the other Dao Integration experts from Yu State, the Southern Wilderness, and other regions.

It was because the heavens believed Gong Lianyue to be dead that new Dao Integration cultivators could emerge.

But now, the Sword Palace Master had appeared before them…

Even though she was only at the Core Formation Realm now, once the consciousness within her awakened, Bai Ruoxi, her scabbard, could quickly return to the Dao Integration Realm.

No wonder Shang Yanfei was so confident. Even if the Demon Realm Empress absorbed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, she wouldn’t dare to attack the Eastern Realm.

Four Dao Integration experts… Even the Demon Realm would have to think twice.

And this didn’t even include the Forbidden Zone, which remained neutral.

If they included the Forbidden Zone’s Master… the Eastern Realm’s current strength was unimaginable.

Some realms only had a single Dao Integration expert, some even none.

And the Eastern Realm alone now had four!

And two of these Dao Integration experts were connected to a Core Formation cultivator…

The three powerful beings looked at Mu Zhi’an.

Everything seemed a bit too coincidental. He had saved Yao Meng, become the Sword Palace Master’s Dao Companion, and had an exceptionally talented maid…

Was it because of his luck, or…

As they pondered, a sharp phoenix cry echoed from the depths of the Pilgrimage Palace.

The sky turned a dark crimson as the leaden clouds were set ablaze, trembling violently, the thunderous roars shaking the heavens.

A phoenix, its wings engulfed in black flames, emerged from the Pilgrimage Palace, threatening to incinerate the entire sky.

This sight forced even those who had been struggling to resist the pressure to fall to their knees.

Mu Zhi’an also felt the strain, his arms wrapped around Bai Ruoxi’s waist, his body pressed against hers, her fragrance filling his senses, his desire almost overwhelming him.

Suddenly, a black mist surged skyward, and from within it, a delicate hand reached out, grasping towards the black phoenix, then gently squeezing it.

Boom!

The black phoenix shattered, the impact shaking the entire Two Polarities Sect.

The Demon Realm Empress, shrouded in black mist, looked down at the world below, feeling the power coursing through her veins. Her gaze shifted to Shang Yanfei.

Shang Yanfei, her alluring figure outlined by her black robe, seemed to sense her gaze and turned to look at her.

“A pleasant collaboration, Sect Master Shang,” the Demon Realm Empress said, her voice soft and seductive, sending shivers down their spines.

Even the Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity and the Western Regions’ Buddha were wary of the Demon Realm Empress, whose strength had just increased significantly.

However, Shang Yanfei’s expression remained unchanged. She simply smiled and replied, “Indeed.”

Their voices, audible only to each other, echoed through the air.

The Demon Realm Empress looked up at the spot where the Primordial Demon Emperor had vanished. She extended her hand, watching the snowflakes land on her palm. “To think that eliminating that old man would actually increase my strength… Did you trust that the Demon Realm wouldn’t invade the Eastern Realm, or are you simply that confident in your own abilities?” she asked softly.

She glanced at the beautiful woman in the black robe.

Shang Yanfei smiled. “A bit of both.”

The Demon Realm Empress narrowed her eyes. “To protect your sect, you opened your doors and let your enemy in… If this were a game of chess, you would have already lost,” she said calmly.

“Perhaps,” Shang Yanfei replied indifferently.

The Demon Realm Empress looked at her intently, then waved her hand, the black mist dispersing as she vanished into the night.

Having obtained the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, she needed time to refine it.

And after that, her strength, already at the Dao Integration Realm, would increase even further, perhaps even allowing her to transcend and achieve immortality!

Shang Yanfei calmly watched her depart, then her gaze shifted to Mu Zhi’an, who was standing before the Jade Glass Palace.

Seemingly sensing her gaze, Mu Zhi’an looked up.

The beautiful Sect Master looked down at him from the sky, then suddenly smiled brightly.

“You’ve already lost,” she said softly.

However, it was unclear who she was addressing.

Chapter 293: Friend of the Empresses, Mu Zhi’an 

Mu Zhi’an sat in his study, gazing at the snowy scene outside the window. Wei Mengrou stood silently beside him.

The ground trembled slightly from time to time, and the large study, with only the two of them present, was eerily quiet.

“The Primordial Demon Emperor’s timing is… interesting. Is he unaware that the Ascension Ceremony is taking place, or is he forced to make a move now?” Wei Mengrou asked softly, breaking the silence.

It was the Ascension Ceremony, and various factions had gathered, their powerful members observing the events from the shadows.

For the Primordial Demon Emperor to act now was madness, unless he was confident he could take on at least three Dao Integration experts simultaneously.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “The Demon Emperor who once united the Demon Realm can’t be a fool. Although I don’t know why he chose this time, he must either be confident or desperate… I’m leaning towards the latter.”

“But this means he’s already lost,” Mu Zhi’an continued.

He looked towards Two Polarities Peak, the image of the Sect Master, her alluring figure outlined by her black dress, flashing through his mind.

Shang Yanfei, the mastermind behind the scenes, pulling the strings without ever revealing her hand.

Every time Mu Zhi’an thought he had figured out her plan, he would discover another layer… Even the Primordial Demon Emperor had been caught in her web.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the Sect Master was a deep and unfathomable woman. He had initially thought her agreement to the wagers with the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness was foolish. After all, no one could guarantee victory in the Ascension Ceremony.

But after Lan Mulian’s participation, he knew victory was almost certain.

And now, it seemed…

This wager involved much more than just the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs.

“She’s dragging other Dao Integration experts into this mess…” Mu Zhi’an murmured.

Not only the Dao Integration experts of the Eastern Realm, but most of the prodigies from the Nine Realms were currently within the Two Polarities Sect. If a battle broke out, the power of Dao Integration cultivators would inevitably affect these young geniuses. Whether it was the Western Regions, the Southern Wilderness, or any other faction, they wouldn’t stand by and watch their disciples get hurt.

They didn’t need to defeat the Primordial Demon Emperor themselves, but they had to protect the Two Polarities Sect and their own disciples.

“This woman’s foresight is terrifying. If I end up with her, my life will be completely planned out…” Mu Zhi’an sighed, looking at the falling snow outside the window.

For the sake of the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, each realm had sent their most talented disciples. The Dao Integration experts couldn’t ignore this situation. Firstly, it would demoralize their people. Secondly… the Primordial Demon Emperor was already a flickering flame. Even if he burned his essence, he could only temporarily return to the Dao Integration Realm.

And a single Dao Integration cultivator couldn’t stand against two or more.

Moreover, there were far more than two Dao Integration experts within the Two Polarities Sect.

“But right now, I’m more curious about why the Primordial Demon Emperor chose this specific time to break free from his seal.”

Mu Zhi’an stood up, stretched, and glanced at Wei Mengrou. “Let’s go for a walk. If I’m not mistaken, many disciples are probably evacuating right now.”

…

The Nine-Lived Heavenly Phoenix had once been the ruler of the Demon Realm. Many cultivators might not be familiar with this name, but they all knew the title ‘Primordial Demon Emperor’.

However, no one would have guessed that the former ruler of the Demon Realm had been sealed beneath the Two Polarities Sect’s Pilgrimage Palace for a thousand years by the Jade Empress and was now trying to break free from the Pure World Azure Lotus’s seal.

“Shang Yanfei, I’ll give you half an hour. Release me from this seal, or the entire Two Polarities Sect will be buried with me!” His sinister voice echoed from beneath the Pilgrimage Palace, filled with desperation and madness, sparking discussions among the cultivators, who were speculating about the identity of the sealed being.

And this voice alerted the powerful cultivators throughout the Nine Realms.

Several pairs of eyes, hidden in the darkness of the Southern Wilderness, the Western Regions, and Yu State, were watching the Two Polarities Sect.

Logically, the chaos in the Eastern Realm had nothing to do with them. In fact, if the Eastern Realm weakened itself through internal conflict, it would be beneficial to them.

However, the geniuses participating in the Ascension Ceremony were still within the Two Polarities Sect. If they were harmed, it would be a great loss for the other realms.

After all, for the sake of the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, each realm had sent their most promising disciples, handpicked by their Dao Integration experts.

Countless gazes were fixed on Two Polarities Peak, waiting for the Sect Master’s response.

However, after fifteen minutes, there was still no reaction from the Two Polarities Sect, as if they were indifferent.

Suddenly, a phoenix cry echoed from the Pilgrimage Palace, and a black and red phoenix soared into the sky, dyeing the heavens crimson. The flames raged like the wrath of the heavens, threatening to incinerate the world.

Countless cultivators looked up at this awe-inspiring and terrifying sight.

Some, unable to withstand the pressure, fell to their knees, succumbing to the might of a Dao Integration expert.

Even those considered prodigies trembled, struggling against the pressure, their shoulders heavy as mountains, unable to straighten their backs.

As the black phoenix descended from the sky, some realized that if it landed within the Two Polarities Sect, the entire sect would be destroyed.

Mu Zhi’an, having just stepped out of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, witnessed this terrifying scene. His body trembled, and he almost fell to his knees.

The immense pressure, like a crashing wave, threatened to overwhelm him, his legs weakening instinctively.

But he reacted quickly, grabbing onto Wei Mengrou’s leg, and under her disdainful gaze, he gritted his teeth and stood up, looking up at the sky.

“Mengrou, we can’t kneel! We can’t kneel to the Primordial Demon Emperor!”

He looked at Wei Mengrou, who seemed unaffected, her beautiful eyes filled with disdain. “You’re not affected?” he asked, surprised.

“I don’t feel anything,” Wei Mengrou replied, looking at him strangely. “You’re the one overreacting.”

She had initially thought he was being dramatic, but now, it seemed he was genuinely struggling against the invisible pressure.

“Dao Integration cultivators naturally exert pressure on others. The ones I’ve interacted with before always concealed their aura, but the Primordial Demon Emperor is different. He truly intends to destroy the Two Polarities Sect,” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice strained.

As for why Wei Mengrou wasn’t affected… It must be because of her Primordial Witch bloodline.

Wei Mengrou looked up at the black phoenix in the sky. “The Sect Master still doesn’t seem to be planning to intervene,” she said softly.

“She has her own plans. We just need to watch the show,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

For Core Formation cultivators, battles of this level were rare. Even observing it briefly could provide valuable insights for their future cultivation.

…

As the black phoenix, a symbol of death, descended from the sky, Regina stepped out of her residence in the southern part of the Two Polarities Sect and looked up calmly, her frail appearance seemingly unaffected.

The elder beside her, his body enveloped in Spiritual Energy, struggled to approach her. “Miss, we must leave the Two Polarities Sect immediately. This place will be destroyed soon,” he said with difficulty.

“If I leave, you’re finished,” Regina said, turning to look at him with a seductive smile.

“But if I stay here, they’ll protect us at all costs.”

As she predicted, just as the black phoenix’s flames were about to engulf the Two Polarities Sect, a powerful being in the depths of the Southern Wilderness finally opened his eyes.

A black mist descended from the sky, enveloping the flames.

Then, a sinister voice echoed through the Two Polarities Sect. “Sect Master Shang, this is an internal matter of your sect. Forcing us to intervene… isn’t that a bit too much?”

The powerful being from the Southern Wilderness was clearly enraged. Shang Yanfei was forcing them to act. Regina was still within the Two Polarities Sect, and even a genius like her couldn’t withstand the might of a Dao Integration expert.

Ever since they learned that Regina’s constitution could be further enhanced, her importance had skyrocketed.

Among the Four Pillar Deities of the Southern Wilderness, one had never revealed their true form. This deity was the true ruler of the Southern Wilderness, and Regina’s constitution was very similar to theirs. If she could truly evolve, she might even surpass her ancestors and become the strongest in the Southern Wilderness!

Therefore, nothing could happen to Regina, and Mu Zhi’an, who could help her evolve, also had to survive.

“Amitabha.”

A deep, resonant Buddhist chant echoed through the sky above the Two Polarities Sect, and a golden light shone as a Buddha, his hands clasped together, looked towards Two Polarities Peak with calm eyes.

“Isn’t this a bit excessive, Benefactor Shang?”

Then, a calm voice came from nearby, “The Western Regions, the Southern Wilderness, and even other realms intervened to prevent the Jade Empress from achieving Dao Integration. We were all using each other. Since that’s the case, there’s no point in complaining now.”

The Buddha turned his head and saw a figure appearing behind him.

The woman wore a white dress with gold embroidery, her long legs clad in black stockings, her feet in white boots. Although it was just an illusory figure, it was incredibly alluring.

It was Luo Tan, the Dao Integration expert and ruler of Yu State.

“You’re quite magnanimous, Luo Tan,” the powerful being from the Southern Wilderness said sarcastically.

Many had opposed the Jade Empress’s return to Dao Integration. Several realms had played a role in obstructing her, although they never admitted it openly.

After all, anyone who tried to achieve Dao Integration would be stopped.

Since they had intervened, there was no point in complaining about being used now.

“Sect Master Shang, we can protect the Two Polarities Sect, but you’ll have to deal with the Primordial Demon Emperor yourself,” the powerful being from the Southern Wilderness said, his gaze fixed on Two Polarities Peak.

“Agreed,” Shang Yanfei replied, nodding slightly.

Her words piqued the interest of the Dao Integration experts.

They had never seen Shang Yanfei fight before. If they could witness it today, this trip wouldn’t be a waste.

The powerful beings erected a barrier around the Two Polarities Sect, isolating the black phoenix unleashed by the Primordial Demon Emperor, while they secretly observed the Pilgrimage Palace, waiting for Shang Yanfei to appear.

A beautiful woman in a black dress hovered above the Pilgrimage Palace, her figure shrouded in a mysterious black mist, her true form concealed.

However, the Dao Integration experts present could easily discern her aura, even if it was just a wisp of her will.

One of the Evil Deities from the Southern Wilderness frowned after observing her for a moment. “That’s not Shang Yanfei.”

Their gazes shifted to the woman in the black dress, who was looking towards the depths of the Pilgrimage Palace. Although she was concealing her aura, some of the powerful beings sensed something unusual about her.

The woman in the black dress seemed to sense their gazes and turned to look at them, a seductive smile curving her lips.

The Demon Realm Empress!

This thought crossed their minds simultaneously.

The woman in the black dress wasn’t Shang Yanfei, but the Demon Realm Empress!

The Eastern Realm had made a deal with the Demon Realm Empress, allowing her to enter the Two Polarities Sect!

Shang Yanfei was truly bold. This was like inviting a wolf into your home to deal with a tiger. It could easily backfire.

Similar thoughts ran through the minds of the Dao Integration experts.

The Primordial Demon Emperor had been sealed within the Pilgrimage Palace for so long, and he was now desperately trying to break free, clearly sensing the Demon Realm Empress’s aura… It seemed the current ruler of the Demon Realm possessed abilities that threatened him…

However… the Demon Realm Empress was only a wisp of will. How could she possibly defeat the Primordial Demon Emperor, who had burned his essence?

Boom!

The black phoenix slammed against the barrier surrounding the Two Polarities Sect, and the cultivators below trembled, some even falling to their knees.

They realized that the Primordial Demon Emperor was fighting with his life on the line!

Boom!

Another earth-shattering roar echoed through the sect, filling the cultivators’ hearts with dread.

At that moment, a green light silently shone within the Pilgrimage Palace.

A serene, calming light, and a green and white lotus bloomed silently.

The Pure World Azure Lotus!

The Dao Integration experts’ eyes narrowed as they saw Yao Meng, her bare feet touching the ground, standing within the Pilgrimage Palace.

“The Jade Empress! You’ve recovered! That Core Formation brat was indeed on your side! I should have devoured him alive!” a furious roar came from the depths of the Pilgrimage Palace.

The Dao Integration experts’ gazes simultaneously shifted to Yao Meng, a single thought echoing in their minds.

A Core Formation cultivator…?

The Jade Empress was saved and even had her immortal body reconstructed… by a Core Formation cultivator…?

How is that possible?

If a Core Formation cultivator could reconstruct a Dao Integration expert’s Vessel, wouldn’t that mean their Spiritual Energy could even enhance a Dao Integration cultivator’s power?

As they pondered this, Yao Meng, her jade-like feet treading on air, descended like a celestial maiden, her flawless skin bathed in a faint silver light, her gaze fixed on the ground below.

She raised her hand, and the Pure World Azure Lotus’s light enveloped the Pilgrimage Palace.

“It’s useless! You can only suppress me, not destroy me!” the Primordial Demon Emperor roared.

His confidence stemmed from his true form.

The Nine-Lived Heavenly Phoenix. Each rebirth strengthened him. Although his Vessel had been destroyed by the Pure World Azure Lotus, as long as his consciousness remained, he couldn’t truly die within a thousand years.

If it were that easy to eliminate him, the Jade Empress wouldn’t have almost perished with him in the past.

Yao Meng looked down at the Pilgrimage Palace, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Sealing your Vessel is my task. As for the rest… it’s none of my business.”

For some reason, his words filled the Primordial Demon Emperor with unease.

Then, as if sensing something, he looked up abruptly and saw a woman in a black dress standing in the depths of the Pilgrimage Palace.

His pupils constricted. “It’s you… It’s you! You’ve finally come!”

The Demon Realm Empress smiled sweetly.

“Your era is over, old man.”

She reached out from within the black mist, her hand piercing through the Primordial Demon Emperor’s heart.

A dense demonic aura filled the Pilgrimage Palace as the enraged Primordial Demon Emperor clashed with the Demon Realm Empress.

In the distance, the Empress of Yu State’s eyes narrowed. “The Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence,” she murmured.

Essence represented a cultivator’s lifetime of cultivation. It was said that the Demon Realm Empress could absorb the essence of others, whether they were at the Nascent Soul Realm or the Dao Integration Realm, using it to enhance her own cultivation.

With enough essence, she could even transcend her limits and achieve immortality.

Ordinary cultivators couldn’t absorb the essence of others, but the Demon Realm Empress could.

The Nine-Lived Heavenly Phoenix was difficult to destroy, but the Demon Realm Empress’s ability was its perfect counter.

The Empress of Yu State looked at the scene, then glanced at the woman in the black robe who had appeared behind them at some point. She smiled. “You’re quite bold, Sect Master Shang. The Demon Realm and the Eastern Realm are eternal enemies. Aren’t you worried about the consequences of letting the Demon Realm Empress absorb the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence?”

There were differences even among Dao Integration cultivators. Once the Demon Realm Empress absorbed and refined the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence, her strength would increase dramatically.

And then, if the already powerful Demon Realm set its sights on the Eastern Realm, even the Two Polarities Sect would be in trouble.

Flames raged within the Pilgrimage Palace, and amidst this awe-inspiring and terrifying scene, a faint smile appeared on Shang Yanfei’s beautiful face.

“It’s fine.”

“You’re truly extraordinary, Sect Master Shang. We’ll just have to wait and see,” the Evil Deity from the Southern Wilderness chuckled.

The Demon Realm and the Southern Wilderness were far apart. Even if the Demon Realm Empress’s strength increased, it wouldn’t affect the Southern Wilderness. The Eastern Realm would be the first to suffer.

A green light flashed, and everyone’s gazes shifted as Yao Meng, her feet treading on air, approached them. The Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity fell silent, and so did the Buddha from the Western Regions.

The Empresses of Yu State and Yun State seemed to know Yao Meng and greeted her immediately.

Then, the Empress of Yu State’s gaze fell upon the cultivators on the ground. Although the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence was being refined, the black phoenix in the sky hadn’t disappeared yet.

Under its pressure, most cultivators were still kneeling on the ground, only a few managing to withstand it, struggling against the immense force.

“I heard the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Maiden is the most promising candidate to become the Fourth Pillar Deity. Seeing her now, it seems the rumors are true,” the Empress of Yu State said, her gaze fixed on the Southern Wilderness Holy Maiden, who was struggling to resist the Primordial Demon Emperor’s aura.

“Regina is the most talented individual in our Southern Wilderness. Her talent is naturally extraordinary,” the Southern Wilderness’s Evil Deity said with a smile.

“The Western Regions sent two geniuses this time. One of them seems to have been eliminated in the Martial Realm trial. I thought he was just average, but seeing him now, this monk is quite talented,” someone said, looking at Jingchen, who was bathed in a golden light, resisting the pressure.

The Buddha clasped his hands together and said calmly, “Jingchen was dragged into a tribulation by a fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator and eliminated.”

Hearing ‘fourth-grade Core Formation’, the Dao Integration experts lost interest.

After all, using a tribulation to eliminate others was a tactic they had never seen before in the Nine Realms. Although it was surprising, it wasn’t worth their attention.

Their gazes swept over the cultivators, and someone noticed a female cultivator summoning the Pure World Azure Lotus to resist the pressure. “Is that female cultivator the Jade Empress’s successor? Hmm… Although her Pure World Azure Lotus is far inferior to the Jade Empress’s, it’s still a headache for Core Formation cultivators,” he said.

“The Jade Empress has a successor? That’s surprising,” the Empress of Yu State said, looking at Yao Meng.

Yao Meng smiled sweetly. “Qian’er has helped me a lot in the past. I chose her partly to repay her kindness, and partly… as an apology,” she said, her voice clear and melodious.

“An apology?”

The Dao Integration experts exchanged puzzled glances.

A Dao Integration expert apologizing to a Core Formation cultivator…?

“This Ye Qian is quite talented. If she’s interested, she can come to Yu State for further training,” the Empress of Yu State said with genuine admiration.

Yao Meng smiled. “She would be delighted to hear that.”

Yu State’s unique environment and cultivation methods were different from the Eastern Realm’s. If Ye Qian could train there, her future growth would be even greater.

The Dao Integration experts continued to observe the cultivators below.

Seeing a young man in a black robe struggling to maintain his composure, one of them nodded slightly. “He’s a promising young man.”

Ye Yu, seemingly sensing their gazes, his eyes lit up with excitement, glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who was not far away.

But before these true experts, who was truly talented was clear!

Less than ten cultivators could withstand the Primordial Demon Emperor’s pressure, and he was one of them!

As for Mu Zhi’an, he was only able to stay on his feet because of the maid beside him.

If he could become an exchange student in Yu State, the resources and techniques he would receive would be far greater than what he currently had!

“This Ye Yu is like a cockroach. Even a twenty-person tribulation couldn’t kill him. The heavens are truly biased. Isn’t this blatant favoritism?” Mu Zhi’an muttered, his arms wrapped around Wei Mengrou’s waist to support himself.

He hadn’t expected to see Ye Yu here. And due to the Primordial Demon Emperor’s pressure, they could barely move, relying solely on their Spiritual Energy and willpower to resist.

He hadn’t had time to deal with Ye Yu in the Martial Realm, and now, he had even qualified for the Ascension Ceremony.

“Don’t you think it’s ridiculous, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Wei Mengrou glanced at him disdainfully. “I only know that if you keep groping me, I’ll kick you off this cliff and send you to Ling Long.”

“I’m just trying to resist the Primordial Demon Emperor’s pressure,” Mu Zhi’an explained.

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “Have you ever seen anyone resist pressure by putting their hands on someone else’s waist?”

“Me,” Mu Zhi’an said cheekily.

Then, seeing the murderous glint in her eyes, he quickly withdrew his hand and chuckled. “I was just joking.”

He could actually withstand the pressure with his own Spiritual Energy, but then he wouldn’t be able to get close to Mengrou.

However, since she had spoken, he had no choice but to channel his Spiritual Energy and envelop his body, resisting the pressure.

The Empress of Yu State chuckled softly, glancing at the scene below. “This young man is quite comfortable being a kept man,” she said with amusement.

It was clear that Mu Zhi’an wasn’t truly resisting the Primordial Demon Emperor’s pressure. He was relying on the maid beside him.

This had nothing to do with talent.

As she was about to look away, she suddenly noticed something as Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Energy enveloped his body. She looked at him again, her eyes filled with curiosity.

A fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator, emitting an aura close to the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm…?

No…

This Nascent Soul aura… didn’t seem to be his own…

Yao Meng glanced at the Empress of Yu State, her eyebrows raising slightly, about to interrupt her thoughts.

However, after a moment of observation, the Empress’s eyes lit up with interest. “What’s that young man’s name?” she asked.

As soon as she spoke, the gazes of the other Dao Integration experts shifted towards Mu Zhi’an.

Chapter 292: The Primordial Demon Emperor’s Ultimate Ascension

If this had happened before, Mu Zhi’an would have been terrified. But now, he simply looked at Bai Ruoxi with a calm smile.

His expression was serene, as if nothing could faze him. But beneath this calmness, there was a hint of… helplessness, and a gentle tenderness as he looked at Bai Ruoxi.

He perfectly portrayed the image of a devoted young man.

“Don’t you have anything to say, Mu Lang?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her gaze soft.

She had expected him to be surprised, flustered, or even apologetic upon seeing the stockings, the undeniable evidence of his ‘crime’. But his helpless smile caught her off guard.

“Since you already know, Ruoxi, there’s nothing more to say,” Mu Zhi’an sighed softly.

“What do you mean?” Bai Ruoxi raised an eyebrow.

He was acting as if she was the one being unreasonable… But it was clearly his fault.

“Ruoxi, you know I refined that black Heavenly Dao Energy, right?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking down at the Heart-Binding Lock on his wrist.

Bai Ruoxi remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

“The Heavenly Dao Energy was suppressed within my Innate Celestial Furnace. I needed to release some of its energy before I could guide it out of my body.”

Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly. “Couldn’t you have done it yourself?”

Mu Zhi’an sighed. “If I could, I would have… But it was an emergency. Asking Mengrou for help was faster.”

Be reasonable. Imagine, your aloof maid is right beside you, and she just confessed her feelings for you. In that situation, wouldn’t it be better to ask for her help, perhaps even have her wear those black and white stockings while she’s at it, than to struggle alone?

Mu Zhi’an paused, then shook his head with a wry smile. “But it’s my fault, regardless of how I try to explain it. Do as you please, Ruoxi. But I hope you understand one thing.”

Under her puzzled gaze, he said with a sincere expression, “You’re my Dao Companion, and you’re also the first girl I truly loved. That will never change. Whether you hit me or scold me, as long as it makes you feel better, I’ll accept it.”

Despite her resolve, Bai Ruoxi’s heart softened as she looked into his sincere eyes.

Her beautiful eyes, usually so gentle, welled up with tears. She looked away, her cheeks flushed. “You’re always like this, Mu Lang… How can I punish you when you’re like this?” she murmured.

The Heart-Binding Lock on his wrist didn’t react, which meant he was telling the truth. Knowing his sincerity, Bai Ruoxi couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him.

She looked up at him and asked softly, “Who do you like the most, Mu Lang?”

Mu Zhi’an looked at her, about to answer, when he saw her take out a pair of black stockings. “Mengrou was wearing the gift you gave her when she helped you, wasn’t she…?” she said softly.

Just seeing the stockings made Mu Zhi’an’s heart race, the image of his maid’s alluring figure flashing through his mind.

She’s deliberately trying to trigger the Heart-Binding Lock so she can punish me… He instantly understood her intentions.

Mu Zhi’an lowered his head and buried his face in her bosom.

“M-Mu Lang…?” Bai Ruoxi hadn’t expected him to do this. She froze, her hands hovering awkwardly above his head, unsure whether to hug him back.

Enjoying the warmth of her embrace, Mu Zhi’an said firmly, “Of course, it’s you, Ruoxi.”

Her warmth, her softness, her sweet fragrance… How could he not love her?

Bai Ruoxi glanced at the Heart-Binding Lock. It still hadn’t reacted.

Her heart swelled with happiness, her eyes sparkling.

It seems I’ve succeeded… Mu Zhi’an breathed a sigh of relief.

The Heart-Binding Lock on his wrist rattled slightly, as if protesting its dissatisfaction.

It had been completely outplayed by Mu Zhi’an.

He smiled, relieved that his plan had worked. He pressed his advantage. “Ruoxi, the Martial Realm trial ends in two days, and then the Ascension Ceremony begins. We won’t have much time to spend together like this. We should cherish this moment… Why don’t you remove this Heart-Binding Lock—”

“No.”

Before he could finish speaking, Bai Ruoxi’s gentle voice interrupted him.

She stroked his hair, her gaze soft as she looked down at him, feeling his breath against her ample bosom. “Although you’ve explained everything, Mu Lang, and I understand that it was an emergency, and you needed to guide out the Heavenly Dao Energy quickly,” she said softly.

Her tone changed. “But you still did it. Even if it’s Mengrou, I still feel jealous.”

I understand, but please let go of me… Mu Zhi’an struggled to break free from her grasp, but she held him tightly, his face buried in her bosom.

His breathing quickened, but Bai Ruoxi, as if oblivious to his discomfort, continued, “Since we have this opportunity, Mu Lang, why don’t you tell me everything that happened last night?”

She gently combed his hair, a seductive smile curving her lips. “Perhaps… I can help you too.”

Her white dress seemed to be tinged with black patterns, a strand of hair falling over her alluring shoulder, her beauty breathtaking.

…

Later that night.

Mu Zhi’an sat in his study, staring blankly at his personal interface, lost in thought.

After a while, he instinctively touched his sore back and took out two Essence Replenishing Pills from his storage ring, swallowing them.

It’s a good thing I chose to strengthen my physique in the Core Formation Realm. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to handle this.

He opened his personal interface and glanced at his titles.

Besides the ones he had seen before, there was a new one: ‘System Holder’.

He still didn’t know who had obtained the system. It was definitely one of the girls around him, but he wasn’t sure who.

Above the title, previously concealed by a pink heart, were five dazzling characters: [Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead].

I’d rather be the male lead… Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, a cold chuckle came from behind him, as if someone was enjoying his misfortune.

Mu Zhi’an glanced at his maid. “You told Ruoxi about it, didn’t you?”

Wei Mengrou looked at his personal interface and the ‘Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead’ title, pursed her lips, and said solemnly, “I didn’t tell her. She asked me.”

“She happened to see us in the room.”

“So you sold me out? What happened to your oath to protect me?” Mu Zhi’an said dramatically, his gaze lingering on her alluring figure.

Wei Mengrou glared at him. “What we did was wrong. I couldn’t lie to her.”

Then, seeing his silence, she shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry… But I couldn’t lie to her in that situation.”

Silence fell over the study, broken only by the sound of the wind and snow outside.

After a while, Mu Zhi’an broke the silence, looking at Wei Mengrou. “Mengrou…”

“I just realized you look beautiful even without stockings.”

Wei Mengrou: “…”

After a moment of silence, she looked down at him, her beautiful face as cold and flawless as snow, her long hair cascading down to her slender waist, her yellow dress outlining her alluring figure, her long, smooth legs bare, her feet clad in white boots, her aura aloof and unattainable.

It was hard to imagine that she had used those beautiful legs to help him refine his Spiritual Energy earlier… Mu Zhi’an thought, a sense of wonder filling him.

Sensing his genuine admiration, Wei Mengrou placed a foot on a chair, her beautiful eyes filled with disdain. “What? Do you want to lick them?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “I’ll try next time.”

“If you don’t mind, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou looked away, her voice cold. “Then I’ll despise you for the rest of my life.”

“I don’t mind,” Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

Being despised by his maid was one of his greatest pleasures.

“Do you feel any discomfort after refining the Heavenly Dao Energy?” Mu Zhi’an asked, changing the subject.

Wei Mengrou shook her head gently. “It feels like it’s become a part of me. I don’t feel anything different.”

“And… I can now temporarily stop time.”

Za Warudo?

“For how long?” Mu Zhi’an asked, surprised.

“Three seconds,” Wei Mengrou replied.

“If I reach the Nascent Soul Realm, it should last longer.”

“So it’s a combat-type Heavenly Dao Energy?” Mu Zhi’an thought, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Then, he frowned slightly. “If I remember correctly, the Demon Realm Empress is collecting Heavenly Dao Energy, but she hasn’t attacked either of us. That’s strange.”

Wei Mengrou’s eyes also held a thoughtful glint. She looked at Mu Zhi’an strangely. “Do you know her? She helped you in the Martial Realm because you know each other, right?”

“I don’t have that kind of influence,” Mu Zhi’an chuckled, shaking his head. “Didn’t she say she was there on someone’s behalf?”

Wei Mengrou clearly didn’t believe him. “Who could command the Demon Realm Empress?”

“No one can command her, so there must have been some kind of deal,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Besides him, who could occasionally order Yao Meng and Bai Ruoxi around in bed, no one could command a Dao Integration cultivator. No one.

“For the Demon Realm Empress to come all the way to the Eastern Realm, there must be something here that she’s interested in,” Mu Zhi’an said, closing his personal interface and looking at the falling snow outside the window.

“Based on the stories of the Demon Realm and the events in the Eastern Realm, besides the Heavenly Dao Energy, there’s probably something else she’s after.”

“The last time she came to the Jade Pool Holy Land, it was also for that.”

Wei Mengrou pondered his words, trying to piece together the clues.

Then, as if realizing something, she looked up. “The Primordial Demon Emperor?!”

Boom!

Dust fell from the ceiling as a thunderous roar echoed through the Two Polarities Sect.

The disciples left their residences and flew into the sky on their swords, their eyes filled with panic as they searched for the source of the sound.

“Where did that sound come from?!”

“An enemy attack? But this is the Two Polarities Sect!”

“That aura… It’s at least at the Nascent Soul Realm! Is there a monster sealed within the Two Polarities Sect?!”

The disciples’ voices filled the air. More and more of them gathered outside, their gazes fixed on the Pilgrimage Palace. The disciples of the Jade Glass Palace were still participating in the Martial Realm trial, so only the Garden of Heavenly Harmony was illuminated by candlelight.

Many realized that something within the Pilgrimage Palace was struggling to break free, trying to escape its millennia-old seal!

Then, a sinister voice echoed through the sect.

“Shang Yanfei, I’ll give you half an hour. Either release me from this seal, or these disciples will perish with me!”

An earsplitting screech echoed above the Pilgrimage Palace, and a phoenix, engulfed in black flames, appeared in the sky.

The Primordial Demon Emperor!

Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who seemed unfazed, and said calmly, “It seems the demonic cultivator in the Pilgrimage Palace has finally lost his patience. Aren’t you going to evacuate? Or are you too scared to move?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled calmly. “The Sect Master is here, Lingxuan’s puppet is here, the Demon Realm Empress is here, and Lady Bai’s other consciousness will probably awaken soon… And then there’s Fairy Yao Meng, and the backing of those cultivators participating in the trial.”

Mu Zhi’an paused, then continued, “There’s probably no safer place in the world right now than the Two Polarities Sect.”

“We can just sit here, enjoy the snow, and watch the show.”

Chapter 291: Bai Ruoxi: Yandere Mode Activated

The Primordial Witch had once been to the Southern Wilderness and the World Sea, leaving behind a powerful secret technique in the former and uniting the latter, becoming a revered goddess-like figure.

In both regions, the Primordial Witch’s name was well-known, although many in the Southern Wilderness didn’t realize that their secret technique originated from her.

Regardless, Regina had already planned to invite Mu Zhi’an to the Southern Wilderness for ‘further studies’. Now that she knew the World Sea was also interested in him, she couldn’t back down.

Mu Zhi’an left the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and saw the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Maiden and Tang Sufei waiting for him.

“What a coincidence, all three of you here together. Is there something I can help you with?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his gaze lingering on Regina’s alluring figure for a moment before quickly looking away.

Although she appeared delicate and fragile, her attire was seductive and captivating, a contrast that attracted men’s attention.

However, as an excellent fish pond master, Mu Zhi’an had great self-control. He wouldn’t stare at one beauty for too long in front of another. He turned to the World Sea’s Holy Maiden and smiled. “Thank you for your help in the Martial Realm, Miss Tang.”

“If it weren’t for you, my maid might not have survived until I arrived.”

His tone was filled with sincere gratitude.

So far, he had a good impression of these two geniuses from the World Sea. They were much more refined than those arrogant scions of the Primordial Clans.

Tang Sufei smiled faintly. “I didn’t do much. You were the one who arrived in time, Young Master Mu.”

Regina, seeing them chatting amicably, raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, “It’s a shame I wasn’t in the same zone as you, Young Master Mu. Otherwise, I could have helped too.”

Her tone was sincere, as if she genuinely regretted not being there.

In fact, she had planned to assist Mu Zhi’an in the Martial Realm and help him pass the trial.

After all, he was only at the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, not particularly strong among the geniuses participating in the trial. He would surely encounter trouble.

And if she helped him, she could earn his gratitude and attention.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t seen him at all. She had only learned of his departure from the Martial Realm after she had left herself.

For a genius like her, the top ten spots in the Martial Realm trial weren’t important. It was just a few extra matches, a chance to hone her skills.

Tang Sufei chuckled. “It was quite a coincidence. Although you weren’t there, Miss Regina, the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son did have a… disagreement with Young Master Mu.”

She was subtly warning Mu Zhi’an: The Southern Wilderness isn’t friendly. Don’t trust them too much.

Although they had cooperated before, it was clear that Regina was interested in Mu Zhi’an… They were now competitors.

Regina chuckled. “Although Nigati and I are both from the Southern Wilderness, we’re not close… I’ve made this clear to him before, when he came to the teahouse. You were there too, Young Master Mu.”

She looked at him meaningfully.

Mu Zhi’an understood her intentions and smiled. “There’s no need to stand at the entrance. Please come in and have a seat.”

He invited them into the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and chatted with them for a while, maintaining a friendly atmosphere. However, he pretended not to hear their subtle invitations, skillfully changing the subject.

As their conversation was coming to an end, Tang Sufei repeated her invitation. “Young Master Mu, I’ve discussed this with the elders. If you’re willing to come to the World Sea after the Ascension Ceremony, you’ll receive far more cultivation resources than you do now.”

Gu Hua added playfully, “The World Sea is a land of beautiful women. Perhaps you’ll find your soulmate there, Young Master Mu.”

I’ve heard that coastal regions do have more beautiful women… Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat, but he smiled politely. “I’ll consider it,” he said, his expression troubled.

Tang Sufei glanced at Gu Hua, her eyes as if saying: See? He’s not like you.

Gu Hua was speechless.

He was confused.

What was this Holy Maiden thinking? If Mu Zhi’an was truly a pure and innocent young man, how could he be involved with both Ye Lingxuan and another beauty?

He was clearly a fickle man, just like him.

He’s good at pretending… Gu Hua smiled and transmitted his voice, “That’s not very sincere, Young Master Mu. We’re inviting you to the World Sea with genuine intentions.”

“Are the beautiful women also genuine?” Mu Zhi’an asked through voice transmission, taking a sip of tea.

I knew it! Gu Hua thought, wanting to reveal Mu Zhi’an’s words. He transmitted his voice, “Of course they are… But you’re a good actor, Young Master Mu. You have so many women around you, yet you still pretend to be a pure and innocent young man.”

“Lingxuan is just my younger sister, and Senior Sister is just my senior sister… You’re misunderstanding, Brother Gu,” Mu Zhi’an replied through voice transmission.

“So it’s fine if I pursue Miss Ye?” Gu Hua asked, a hint of provocation in his voice.

“She’s not interested in those at the same level as her, and those stronger than her are too old for her. You have no chance,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly, continuing his conversation with Regina and Tang Sufei.

The World Sea’s Holy Son fell silent.

Although they needed Mu Zhi’an, or rather, they needed his maid to return to the World Sea, his confident tone still annoyed him.

As the Holy Son of the World Sea, he had met countless women, and he had never been rejected…

Well, except for Ye Lingxuan.

After chatting for a while, Regina, Tang Sufei, and Gu Hua stood up to leave. Regina had originally planned to prepare a bride price for Mu Zhi’an, but it wasn’t appropriate to present it in front of people from other factions.

And if the World Sea was also involved, she needed to be more thorough in her preparations.

“Young Master Mu, please reconsider. If you come to the Southern Wilderness, I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of,” Regina said through voice transmission, her voice soft and sincere.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly and replied with a smile, “Don’t worry, Miss Regina. I’ll consider it.”

Meanwhile, Tang Sufei’s gaze fell upon Wei Mengrou, who was sitting silently in the pavilion.

“Miss Wei, the Holy Son and I bear you no ill will. There’s a great inheritance in the World Sea’s Holy Temple, left behind by the Primordial Witch. Perhaps you can find more memories there. We hope you’ll consider it,” she said sincerely through voice transmission.

Wei Mengrou murmured in response, but her expression didn’t change.

As Tang Sufei had guessed, as long as Mu Zhi’an didn’t go to the World Sea, she wouldn’t leave either.

For Wei Mengrou, the inheritance wasn’t as important as protecting her young master.

Gu Hua sighed inwardly, seeing her reaction.

This master-servant pair was truly strange. Although Wei Mengrou seemed to dislike her master, she always prioritized his well-being. Their relationship was confusing.

However, he was relieved that she hadn’t fallen for Mu Zhi’an’s charms.

At least, someone could see through his fickle nature and hadn’t been deceived by him.

As expected of the former master of the World Sea. Even without her memories, she wouldn’t be fooled by Mu Zhi’an.

After all, if the Primordial Witch fell for Mu Zhi’an and decided to stay in the Eastern Realm, the elders of the World Sea would go crazy…

The Eastern Realm was already a land of abundance. If the Primordial Witch decided to stay there for a man… This news would devastate countless cultivators in the World Sea, and they would want to tear Mu Zhi’an apart.

Fortunately, Miss Wei was an intelligent woman. Having been by Mu Zhi’an’s side for so long, she could see through his facade… This was one of Gu Hua’s few comforts.

Meanwhile, as Mu Zhi’an watched them leave, a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

He turned to his maid, who had approached him unnoticed. “What do you think, Mengrou?”

Wei Mengrou was dressed in a yellow dress with beautiful embroidery and a white jacket. Her long skirt fluttered gently, her aura as cold and elegant as the winter scenery.

Her expression was unchanged. “It’s your decision. I’m just a maid. I don’t have the right to choose,” she said calmly.

Mu Zhi’an took her hand, his voice gentle. “But I want to respect your decision, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at his warm hand, surprisingly not pulling away. Her eyes flickered, and she looked away. “I don’t mind,” she said calmly.

It didn’t matter where she was. Her purpose was to protect her young master, and that wouldn’t change.

That was why, when Bai Ruoxi had asked her earlier if she liked Mu Zhi’an, she hadn’t answered with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, but simply stated that she was his maid.

You can fight over him all you want. It has nothing to do with me. I’m his maid, so do as you please… That was her attitude.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her thoughtfully, his fingers playing with her hand, pondering the choices before him: the Southern Wilderness or the World Sea.

Tang Sufei’s mention of the World Sea’s inheritance intrigued him, but the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique for concealing Heavenly Secrets was also related to the Primordial Witch… He would have to visit both places eventually.

Wei Mengrou subtly withdrew her hand from his grasp.

Then, she said calmly, “Ruoxi seems to have something to tell you. She’s waiting for you in her room… You should go see her.”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t think too much about it and nodded slightly. “I’ll go see her then.”

The events in the Martial Realm must have worried Bai Ruoxi. She was a kind and gentle girl, somewhat fragile. He had spent the entire night with Wei Mengrou, guiding out the Heavenly Dao Energy, and hadn’t returned to her. She must be worried.

And it had been a while since he had enjoyed the warmth of Ruoxi’s embrace… Mu Zhi’an’s heart stirred. He bid farewell to Wei Mengrou and walked towards Bai Ruoxi’s room.

Wei Mengrou watched him leave, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions, a rare hint of guilt and reluctance in her gaze.

…

Mu Zhi’an arrived at Bai Ruoxi’s room and knocked gently on the door before entering.

A charcoal fire burned in the fireplace, warming the room.

Bai Ruoxi, dressed in a beautiful white dress, sat on the cushion by the fire, her aura elegant, refined, and delicate.

She looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with a gentle warmth. “Mu Lang, you’re here,” she said softly.

It feels like it’s been a while. Ruoxi seems even more beautiful now, and she’s wearing light makeup… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up. He closed the door behind him. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Bai Ruoxi shook her head gently, her gaze soft and understanding. “Mengrou has known you for much longer than we have, Mu Lang. It’s only natural that you care about her.”

“Even if you were completely captivated by her, I wouldn’t blame you.”

Mu Zhi’an felt a warmth spread through his heart. He sat down beside her on the cushion, wrapped an arm around her waist, inhaled her sweet fragrance, and whispered in her ear, “You’re overthinking it, Ruoxi. If anyone’s captivated, it’s me. I’m already head over heels for you. There’s no room for anyone else.”

“Mu Lang…” Bai Ruoxi murmured, her eyes moist.

Mu Zhi’an couldn’t resist any longer. He lowered his head and kissed her, his hand resting on her shoulder as he gently pushed her back onto the cushion.

As the atmosphere heated up, Bai Ruoxi’s hand suddenly rested on his chest. She opened her eyes, her gaze hazy. “Wait a moment, Mu Lang…” she said softly.

Wait for what…? Mu Zhi’an was about to ‘suppress’ her when she continued, “Let’s try something different. I recently learned a fun new technique.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered with interest.

“What technique?”

Bai Ruoxi gently pushed him away and took out the Heart-Binding Lock. “I’ll need your cooperation, Mu Lang.”

Trusting Bai Ruoxi’s innocent nature, Mu Zhi’an didn’t resist as she bound his wrist with the chain.

Then, he saw her rummaging through her storage ring, his eyes filled with anticipation and curiosity.

She had just returned from the Martial Realm, and the girls around him were all quite pure… Who did Ruoxi learn this ‘new technique’ from?

Under his expectant gaze, Bai Ruoxi took out a pair of white and black stockings from her sleeve.

“…”

Mu Zhi’an’s mind went blank for a moment.

Then, he stared at the stockings in her hand, his eyes widening, his heart pounding.

“I borrowed these from Mengrou,” the seemingly innocent young lady said, her cool fingers gently caressing his face. She tilted her head slightly. “They’re still clean, you know?”

Chapter 290: Preparing the Bride Price to Marry Mu Zhi’an! 

Three figures flew towards the Two Polarities Sect.

Tang Sufei, dressed in a dark blue dress, her beautiful face flushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement, a faint smile playing on her lips, seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits.

Beside her, Gu Hua, the Holy Son of the World Sea, flew on his sword.

His expression was serious, his eyes filled with shock, as if he was still processing what Tang Sufei had just told him.

“The Primordial Witch is Mu Zhi’an’s maid, and she even revealed her true form, scaring away the Great Qian Dynasty’s Imperial Advisor?” Gu Hua frowned, his voice filled with astonishment and… delight.

He was shocked by Wei Mengrou’s identity, but he was also delighted that the former master of the World Sea was still alive.

They had almost given up hope before coming to the Eastern Realm, but this trip had yielded unexpected results.

If the elders of the World Sea learned about this, they would be ecstatic and would personally come to welcome the Primordial Witch back.

“I couldn’t believe it myself at first, but everyone in that zone saw the Primordial Witch’s return, including Sister Lingxuan,” Tang Sufei said, her voice soft and melodious.

Not far behind them, Ye Lingxuan, dressed in a light purple dress, her beautiful face framed by her long hair, her aura pure and elegant, followed on her sword.

Gu Hua’s eyes flickered. “If Miss Wei is truly the Primordial Witch, perhaps we can invite her to return to the World Sea with us after the Ascension Ceremony…” he murmured.

Tang Sufei shook her head gently. “I doubt she’ll agree.”

As a woman, she understood women’s hearts. Based on what she had seen in the Martial Realm, Wei Mengrou likely wouldn’t leave Mu Zhi’an’s side.

“If Young Master Mu doesn’t leave, she won’t either,” Tang Sufei added.

Gu Hua chuckled. “He’s an inner disciple of the Two Polarities Sect, right? The resources inner disciples receive are limited. If we offer him suitable conditions, he might reconsider.”

Tang Sufei nodded slightly.

The Eastern Realm was a land of abundance, rich in natural treasures, but Mu Zhi’an was just an inner disciple. Although he received decent resources and training within the Two Polarities Sect, it was still limited.

If they offered him enough, he might be tempted.

“If resources aren’t enough, most of the female cultivators in the World Sea are exceptionally beautiful. I believe Young Master Mu is quite fond of women. He might be interested,” Gu Hua chuckled.

Then, he turned to the elegant beauty beside him and asked with a smile, “What do you think of Mu Zhi’an, Holy Maiden?”

“He seems to have a good personality and is quite responsible, but I haven’t interacted with him much. It’s hard to say for sure,” Tang Sufei replied.

Then, noticing his teasing gaze, she said coldly, “I don’t mind, but why don’t you tell Lingxuan about your brilliant idea?”

Gu Hua chuckled awkwardly. “I was just joking. Don’t be angry, Holy Maiden.”

Tang Sufei glared at him disdainfully. “Do you really think Young Master Mu is a lecherous man like you?”

He actually wanted her, the World Sea’s Holy Maiden, to use her beauty to seduce Mu Zhi’an and ‘trick’ him into coming to the World Sea? What was this Holy Son thinking?

Young Master Mu had sacrificed his own cultivation to save his maid. How could such a righteous man be seduced by mere beauty?

Besides, she was more interested in cultivation than romance.

Romantic relationships would only hinder her progress.

Thinking of this, she glanced at Ye Lingxuan, who was flying behind them.

She could tell that the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden was also interested in Mu Zhi’an. However, despite her feelings, her cultivation speed hadn’t slowed down… She was truly talented.

Normally, once a cultivator had a Dao Companion or other attachments, it would distract them from their cultivation, slowing down their progress.

However, both Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi’s cultivation speeds were still astonishing.

Did they have some secret method, or were they simply that talented…?

As if sensing her gaze, Ye Lingxuan smiled sweetly. “Is there something you need, Sister Tang?”

Tang Sufei snapped out of her thoughts and chuckled. “I was just wondering, Sister Lingxuan, after we return to the sect, could you arrange another meeting with Young Master Mu for us? We have some matters to discuss with him.”

Gu Hua immediately added, “It’s a matter of great importance. It could be greatly beneficial for his future cultivation.”

Ye Lingxuan asked calmly, “Can you tell me why you want to see Brother Mu?”

“You should already know about Miss Wei’s situation, Sister Lingxuan,” Tang Sufei said gently. “The Holy Son and I would like to invite her to the World Sea with us.”

Ye Lingxuan hesitated. “I doubt Sister Mengrou will agree. She promised to stay by Brother Mu’s side.”

She paused, then suddenly said, “You want to take Brother Mu with you?”

Gu Hua added, “Don’t worry, Miss Ye. If Young Master Mu comes to the World Sea with us, he’ll receive no less resources than he does in the Two Polarities Sect… In fact, he’ll receive far more than what he currently receives as an inner disciple.”

Ye Lingxuan simply replied with a noncommittal “Oh”. “You’ll have to figure it out yourselves. I can’t help you, and Brother Mu won’t listen to me.”

She couldn’t help but scoff inwardly.

If resources were enough to lure Brother Mu away, she would have taken him back to the Forbidden Zone long ago.

In terms of resources, it wouldn’t be difficult for the Forbidden Zone to nurture a Core Formation cultivator.

However, even if she invited Mu Zhi’an to the Forbidden Zone and offered to take care of him… he probably wouldn’t agree… at least, not now.

Therefore, she had never mentioned it. After all, she was happy with their current arrangement in the sect.

And now, they wanted to lure Brother Mu to the World Sea with resources…? It was unrealistic.

Seeing this, the two of them exchanged glances and decided not to ask for her help. They would return to the Two Polarities Sect and discuss the matter with the elders.

They had left the Martial Realm trial early, having only obtained enough points to qualify for the Ascension Ceremony, to inform their elders about this matter as soon as possible.

…

Two Polarities Sect.

After bidding farewell to Ye Lingxuan, Gu Hua and Tang Sufei immediately flew towards the southern bank.

The southern bank was vast, dotted with various ancient-style buildings covered in a thick layer of snow. Occasionally, cultivators would fly past on their swords, their gazes filled with curiosity as they saw Tang Sufei and Gu Hua.

The Holy Maiden and Holy Son from the World Sea had attracted attention from the moment they arrived. Many had considered them strong contenders for the top ten spots in the Martial Realm trial, but they had returned early.

They naturally didn’t know that, compared to the Martial Realm trial and even the Ascension Ceremony, there was a more important matter, one that concerned the future of the World Sea…

Upon entering the courtyard, they walked along a quiet path and saw a beautiful, mature woman sitting in the pavilion, reading a book.

As if sensing their presence, she looked up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “Why are you back so soon? The Martial Realm trial hasn’t ended yet, has it?”

“There’s an important matter we need to report to Elder Wen, Gu Hua and I,” Tang Sufei replied.

Elder Wen, whose full name was Wen Qingyun, was the daughter of the World Sea’s Grand Elder. She had reached the intermediate stage of the Nascent Soul Realm in less than a hundred years, her cultivation level around the fifth-grade. She had accompanied them to the Eastern Realm to ensure their safety.

Wen Qingyun had been confident in their abilities, even believing they would be among the top scorers in the Martial Realm trial. She hadn’t expected them to return so early…

“Don’t worry, Elder. We’ve both obtained enough points to qualify for the Ascension Ceremony,” Gu Hua quickly added, seeing her displeased expression.

Wen Qingyun looked at them and said calmly, “We came to the Eastern Realm for two reasons: the Primordial Witch and the Ascension Ceremony. The top ten scorers in the Martial Realm trial will have an advantage in the Ascension Ceremony. Besides the Primordial Witch, nothing is more important than the Ascension Ceremony. I believe you understand this.”

Tang Sufei nodded slightly. “Of course, Elder Wen.”

Wen Qingyun frowned. “Then why did you return?”

“Could it be… you’ve found news about the Primordial Witch?”

Although she asked, she didn’t believe it. The World Sea had been searching for the Primordial Witch for thousands of years, and the Eastern Realm was no exception.

They hadn’t found any clues for so many years. How could the Holy Maiden and Holy Son suddenly find something?

Although they had come to the Eastern Realm to investigate the Primordial Witch, they hadn’t held much hope.

“We don’t have news about the Primordial Witch,” Tang Sufei said.

Wen Qingyun wasn’t surprised. If it were that easy to find the Primordial Witch, the World Sea wouldn’t have been searching for so long.

But then, Tang Sufei continued, “However, we know where she is now.”

Thud!

The book fell to the ground, but Wen Qingyun seemed oblivious to it, her gaze fixed on Tang Sufei.

Her eyes were filled with shock, then suspicion. Finally, suppressing her emotions, she looked up at Tang Sufei. “You know where the Primordial Witch is?”

“The Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”

Under Wen Qingyun’s gaze, Tang Sufei looked up and continued, “The Primordial Witch is currently in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”

…

Meanwhile.

“You’re saying you were eliminated by Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation and couldn’t even pass the Martial Realm trial?”

Within a courtyard, the Southern Wilderness elder glared at their dishevelled Holy Son, his face dark with anger as he scolded Nigati relentlessly.

Although he was dissatisfied, he had lost. Nigati couldn’t refute it, but he felt incredibly wronged.

Who would have thought Mu Zhi’an would go crazy and trigger a combined tribulation with nearly twenty people?!

He didn’t even care about damaging his own cultivation… What could they do against someone like that?

“No one could withstand a tribulation with over ten people,” Nigati said, forcing himself to sound calm.

Regina, dressed in a seductive red dress, her golden hair cascading down her back, sat in a chair nearby, her legs crossed, playing with a strand of hair as she looked down at Nigati.

“I’m more interested in what you said earlier.”

“You said that during the tribulation, Mu Zhi’an’s maid used a black mist similar to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique to protect him, and even scared away the Great Qian Dynasty’s Imperial Advisor?”

“That’s what the other cultivators in the Martial Realm said. It might not be true,” Nigati replied.

He had been obliterated by the tribulation. If it weren’t for the jade slip, he would be dead. He didn’t know what had happened afterwards.

“A black mist similar to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique…”

Regina murmured, her eyes narrowing as she tapped her fingers on the table, lost in thought.

The Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques were closely guarded secrets. Why would a similar black mist appear on Wei Mengrou?

Although she had made a deal with Mu Zhi’an, he couldn’t teach the secret technique to others. Wei Mengrou’s technique couldn’t have come from him.

“I’ve heard that the Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques originated from the Eastern Realm. Our three deities discovered one of these techniques in a chaotic treasure land and modified it, creating the strange mist we use today,” the Southern Wilderness elder said, frowning slightly.

“Could it be that the maid obtained a different version of the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique?”

At that moment, a servant in black clothes silently appeared at the entrance.

“What is it?” Regina asked.

“The Holy Son and Holy Maiden from the World Sea just left the southern bank and are heading towards the Jade Glass Palace,” the servant replied respectfully.

The Jade Glass Palace?

The Southern Wilderness elder and Nigati exchanged puzzled glances.

They knew that the World Sea’s primary goal in coming to the Eastern Realm was to find the Primordial Witch. The Ascension Ceremony was secondary.

The World Sea had been quite active in their search, so the Southern Wilderness naturally knew about it.

Logically, the World Sea’s Holy Maiden and Holy Son should still be participating in the Martial Realm trial. Why were they rushing to the Jade Glass Palace…?

Who were they looking for?

For some reason, a name popped into Regina’s mind.

“I have another reason to want him now,” Regina suddenly chuckled, standing up as if about to leave.

“Are you going out, Miss?” the elder asked.

Regina nodded slightly. “I need to make some preparations.”

“Preparations for…?” the elder frowned.

Regina turned to look at him, smiling sweetly. “The bride price, of course.”

“After all, I can’t let others get ahead of me.”

…

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

While the outside world was in turmoil, Mu Zhi’an was still reeling from the shock and joy of discovering another ‘great white shark’ in his fish pond.

Then, after the initial excitement, confusion and uncertainty filled his mind.

Anyone who could open the black box must be connected to the Primordial Witch and recognized by her. So far, there were only three known individuals who could open it: Mu Zhi’an, Wei Mengrou, and the Primordial Witch herself.

Who could have secretly placed the paper crane and the peach blossom inside the black box?

And when did they do it?

The Primordial Witch’s eyes were also filled with confusion. “Logically, only I and those I recognize can open this box… Who would put a paper crane and a peach blossom inside?” she murmured.

“Is there anyone else who can open the black box besides you and Mengrou? Perhaps someone used a secret technique to open it,” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The Primordial Witch shook her head slowly. “If someone used a secret technique to forcefully open it, the Celestial Realm within would have been damaged. It wouldn’t be so intact.”

She paused, then continued, “However… both you and your maid are fragments of my will. Perhaps… another fragment placed the paper crane and the peach blossom inside.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened. “There are three fragments of your will?”

If that was true, it would explain why the Primordial Witch before him didn’t know about the paper crane.

Because it was likely placed there by another fragment of her will.

But the Primordial Witch’s abilities were truly extraordinary. She was not only proficient in concealing Heavenly Secrets but could also manipulate time, reset ‘life’, and even split her will into three fragments…

“There’s a strange black mist within Mengrou’s pendant. Do you know what it is?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“That bronze pendant contains a technique for concealing Heavenly Secrets. The Southern Wilderness’s secret technique is one such technique,” the Primordial Witch revealed.

Mu Zhi’an finally understood.

No wonder the two black mists were so similar. They originated from the same technique.

So the Primordial Witch had also been to the Southern Wilderness?

Just who is this Primordial Witch? She knows so many things… Mu Zhi’an looked at the woman in the black hood, her alluring figure barely concealed by the fabric, his heart filled with wonder.

Suddenly, the formation around the courtyard rippled slightly, catching his attention.

He looked up, his eyebrows raising slightly. “They’re here already?” he murmured.

“Are they looking for you?” the Primordial Witch asked.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head gently and chuckled. “I’m just an added bonus.”

“They want to see you.”

The Primordial Witch wrapped an arm around his. “I want to stay here. I don’t want to go anywhere,” she said softly, leaning her head against his shoulder, her demeanor like that of an ordinary girl.

If I say ‘I’ll go if you don’t want to’, will she lock me up…? Mu Zhi’an looked at her beautiful face beneath the hood, complaining inwardly.

However, considering the difference in their strength, he decided against it. He didn’t want to take such a risk.

Although he didn’t remember their past, he couldn’t deny that he was attracted to the Primordial Witch.

Firstly, because her affection for him was genuine. Secondly… she was simply too beautiful.

After all, the Primordial Witch was Wei Mengrou. There was nothing wrong with liking his maid.

Whether it was because of his thoughts or something else, he suddenly noticed that the fragrance around him had changed, and the softness against his arm, where her bosom rested, also felt different.

Mu Zhi’an turned his head slightly and saw that the Primordial Witch had transformed back into Wei Mengrou.

She opened her eyes, noticing his intense gaze, and realizing that her arms were still around him, a faint blush appeared on her face as she quickly let go.

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “Is she gone?”

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. “Her will was already very weak. She couldn’t maintain control of my body for too long. Otherwise, she would risk disappearing completely.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. “What happens when a will disappears?”

“It vanishes completely.”

The shyness in Wei Mengrou’s eyes faded, replaced by a complex mix of emotions as she looked at him. “But even so, she still wanted to see you,” she said softly.

“Is your will different from hers?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked.

If both Wei Mengrou and that will were the Primordial Witch, did that mean Wei Mengrou would also disappear someday?

Wei Mengrou shook her head. “I’m not exactly a will. And I’m the dominant consciousness, so I won’t disappear.”

“But she…”

Although she didn’t finish her sentence, Mu Zhi’an understood.

Even residing within Wei Mengrou’s body, that fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will would eventually vanish.

A will that had loved him deeply for so long would eventually disappear from this world… And despite knowing this, she still wanted to see him one last time. Although Mu Zhi’an couldn’t fully comprehend her feelings, he still felt a pang of sadness.

“Is there any way to help her?” he asked.

Wei Mengrou shook her head gently. “A will is different from a soul. It can’t be nurtured, so…”

Mu Zhi’an was silent for a moment. “Yao Meng was just a wisp of fading consciousness, yet she was saved. I don’t believe it’s impossible for her,” he said.

So far, his Innate Celestial Furnace had never failed. It could even quickly refine Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, and it had tirelessly nurtured Yao Meng’s soul, so much so that even after reconstructing her immortal body, she still missed the energy within his Furnace, often ‘draining’ him dry.

Overall, although his Innate Celestial Furnace often stole his opportunities, it was still a valuable asset.

If it could nurture Yao Meng’s soul, it should also be able to nurture the Primordial Witch’s will. He just hadn’t found the method yet…

“Next time she appears, let’s see if we can get her into my Innate Celestial Furnace,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Wei Mengrou shook her head. “No, if her will leaves my body directly, it will disappear immediately.”

“Unless…”

She trailed off.

“Unless what?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at her.

The maid lowered her head, her gaze fixed on her ample bosom, a blush on her usually cold and aloof face, adding to her allure.

After a long hesitation, she suddenly said, “It’s nothing… Aren’t there guests waiting? Shouldn’t you go and see them?”

Mengrou’s reaction is strange… Mu Zhi’an looked at her flushed face thoughtfully, then he withdrew his gaze and looked towards the entrance of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

“You’re right. Since we have guests, we shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

Chapter 289: Could There Be More Than One Reincarnator? p2

…

Great Qian Dynasty.

Within a bright and spacious Daoist temple.

The Emperor tossed the documents onto the table and said in a deep voice, “Imperial Advisor, I have the results of your investigation.”

“There’s definitely something unusual about that maid beside Mu Zhi’an. According to the spies’ reports, she was born into a poor family, her parents died when she was young, and she displayed extraordinary talent at the age of five. However, everyone around her would suffer misfortune, so she never had any friends.”

Ordinary people would simply consider her unlucky, but cultivators knew about the existence of ‘luck’ and understood that some people’s misfortune could even affect others.

“This must be the Calamity Body.”

“I already know that. I’m more interested in someone else.”

Gu Bo Xing, sitting cross-legged on a cushion, slowly opened his eyes and looked at the aging Emperor. “What about Mu Zhi’an?”

“He seems ordinary,” the Emperor replied, shaking his head.

“Just like those other纨绔 disciples I’ve seen before, he was a spoiled playboy who did all sorts of evil deeds. Although he didn’t exactly force himself on women, he has been involved with many girls, including a few… young widows.”

Playboy disciples were common in the Great Qian Dynasty’s imperial family, using their background to do as they pleased. However, Mu Zhi’an was much better than some of the princes. At least he didn’t force himself on women. Most of them were willing participants.

Of course, this was also because of his handsome face and prominent family background. He was naturally popular with women.

Gu Bo Xing didn’t respond. He looked at the documents for a long time, then suddenly asked, “Why isn’t there any information about Mu Zhi’an’s parents?”

The Emperor froze, his thoughts interrupted.

He hadn’t noticed it before, but the Imperial Advisor’s question made him realize something.

Indeed… why wasn’t there any information about Mu Zhi’an’s parents in the documents?

Experienced spies wouldn’t overlook such an important detail when investigating someone’s background.

“Could it be that his parents are dead…?” the Emperor guessed after a moment of thought.

Gu Bo Xing shook his head slowly, pointing at the documents. “If his parents were dead, it would have been recorded. But there’s no mention of his parents at all in these documents.”

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Summon the spies responsible for this investigation!”

A servant outside the temple shuddered and immediately left to carry out the order.

Gu Bo Xing continued to examine the documents, and the Emperor also continued reading, his expression increasingly perplexed.

From a spoiled playboy to one of Tianxuan City’s geniuses, even winning over Bai Ruoxi, who had initially disliked him, and having a close relationship with the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden… If this was all part of Mu Zhi’an’s plan, it was terrifying.

After all, no one in Tianxuan City had known that Ye Lingxuan was the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone, the future ruler.

And what did the high and mighty Holy Maiden see in Mu Zhi’an?

The Emperor frowned, his fingers tapping the table.

After a while, a spy wearing a black veil entered the temple and bowed respectfully. “Imperial Advisor, Your Majesty!”

The Emperor set down the documents and said in a deep voice, “I asked you to investigate Mu Zhi’an’s background. Why isn’t there any mention of his parents in these documents?”

The spy was stunned. “Your Majesty, I’m sure I included information about his parents in the report…”

“Where is it?” the Emperor asked.

The spy, emboldened, stepped forward, took the documents, and flipped through them. “It’s strange, Your Majesty. I asked the citizens of Tianxuan City, and they all knew the Mu family and their young master, but no one knew the name of the family head.”

The Emperor frowned. “No one knows the names of his parents? Then who manages the Mu family?”

“The family elders, and Mu Zhi’an, who used to live in Tianxuan City,” the spy replied.

“And there’s another strange thing. Not only the citizens of Tianxuan City, but even the Mu family members don’t know the name of their family head.”

The spy flipped through the documents faster and faster, his eyes filled with confusion.

He looked at Gu Bo Xing. “Imperial Advisor, can I see the documents you have?”

Gu Bo Xing handed them to him.

The spy quickly scanned the documents, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. “How is this possible? I clearly recorded the information about his parents… Why can’t I find it now?” he muttered.

The Emperor’s expression darkened.

To overlook such an important detail… This spy’s career was over.

Gu Bo Xing stared at the spy, his Spiritual Sense sweeping over him. Then, a hint of suspicion appeared in his eyes.

This spy wasn’t lying… He truly believed he had recorded the information about Mu Zhi’an’s parents.

But if so, why wasn’t it in the documents?

Gu Bo Xing’s brows furrowed, and after a long silence, he seemed to realize something, a shiver running down his spine.

“You’re dismissed,” he said in a low voice.

The spy instinctively glanced at the Emperor.

Seeing the Emperor wave his hand dismissively, the spy breathed a sigh of relief, bowed respectfully, and left the temple.

If things had gone differently, he might have been beheaded. Gu Bo Xing’s words had saved his life.

“This spy is useless. Have someone deal with him,” the Emperor said calmly.

Gu Bo Xing was silent for a moment, then said, “Perhaps the spy did record it, but the information disappeared afterwards.”

The Emperor looked at him with a puzzled expression. “You mean the contents of the report disappeared on their own, Imperial Advisor?”

“But how is that possible…?”

“A cultivator’s techniques are far more terrifying than you imagine, Your Majesty,” Gu Bo Xing said, smoothing out the creases on the documents.

“If someone concealed Heavenly Secrets and hid the identities of Mu Zhi’an’s parents, then this Calamity Body matter might be much bigger than we thought.”

“Are you confident you can handle this, Imperial Advisor?” the Emperor asked.

“Not now,” Gu Bo Xing replied, pausing for a moment. Then, a confident glint appeared in his eyes. “But if I wait a little longer, until the rules of heaven and earth change again, I can use the power of faith to achieve Dao Integration. Then, the Great Qian Dynasty will be restored to its former glory.”

Even now, if he pushed himself to the limit, he could fight against a Dao Integration cultivator by burning the power of faith.

The Emperor pondered his words, then suddenly said, “By the way, you mentioned the Calamity Body, Imperial Advisor. Have you discovered its identity?”

Gu Bo Xing shook his head helplessly and sighed. “Your Majesty, you’re a cultivator now. Your memory shouldn’t be this bad. Didn’t I tell you already? I found the Calamity Body in the Martial Realm, and that person is—”

He paused.

A confused look appeared in the Imperial Advisor’s eyes.

Who was the Calamity Body again…?

After a moment of confusion, a wave of fear washed over him, as if he were being watched by a higher being. His back broke out in a cold sweat.

He finally realized something.

This wasn’t simply a case of someone erasing information from the documents. Mu Zhi’an’s parents had been ‘concealed’ by some mysterious force.

And now, their memories of the ‘Calamity Body’ were also being erased!

…

“Isn’t this Young Master Mu? What brings you to my humble abode so early in the morning?”

Huang Manting sat with her legs crossed, her delicate feet dangling in their black embroidered shoes, her hand supporting her chin, a touch of red at the corners of her eyes adding to her allure.

She looked up at Mu Zhi’an, her voice soft and seductive.

“Have you returned from the Martial Realm trial, Miss Huang?” Mu Zhi’an asked with a smile.

“I barely managed to obtain ten points and pass the trial,” Huang Manting replied, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. She chuckled. “But I’m still far behind your little girlfriend.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled but didn’t say anything, thinking: You’re a Dao Integration beauty disguised as a Core Formation cultivator, participating in the Martial Realm trial. If you really wanted to, you could have passed it much faster than Ruoxi.

Clearly, the Demon Realm Empress, whose will was currently residing within Huang Manting’s body, was deliberately hiding her true strength, not wanting to attract too much attention.

As for why she was openly appearing within the Two Polarities Sect, he didn’t know and didn’t want to know.

“Your Majesty, there’s something I’m curious about. Could you enlighten me?” Mu Zhi’an asked, cupping his fists respectfully.

“Go ahead,” Huang Manting said softly.

“Who asked you to help me yesterday?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

There was no one in the Nine Realms who could command the Demon Realm Empress… Unless it involved something that even she couldn’t resist.

The Demon Realm Empress looked at him, smiling enigmatically, her allure captivating.

This means she can’t tell me, or she doesn’t want to answer… Mu Zhi’an understood. He continued, “I’m grateful for your help yesterday, Your Majesty, but is the Calamity Body truly incompatible with the Great Qian Dynasty?”

This is a matter of the Eastern Realm, not the Demon Realm. You can tell me this much, right?

“The Calamity Body has indeed brought down several dynasties, but it was mostly as a catalyst. A single person’s luck can’t affect the fate of a dynasty. It’s usually the dynasty’s own problems,” Huang Manting said, her fingers playing with a strand of hair, her seductive eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“You’re worried that if the Great Qian Dynasty sends someone to the Two Polarities Sect, mentioning the Calamity Body, and the sect decides to hand her over for the sake of the Eastern Realm… Is that it?”

Mu Zhi’an remained silent, tacitly confirming her words.

“If the Two Polarities Sect hands her over, you can come to me,” Huang Manting said with a smile, her toes, adorned with black nail polish, wiggling in her embroidered shoes, resembling sweet chocolate.

Mu Zhi’an bowed. “Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.”

Huang Manting glanced at him and smiled seductively. “I can take you and your maid back to the Demon Realm.”

“If they decide to sacrifice the Calamity Body for the sake of the Eastern Realm… I’ll be happy to welcome you.”

She placed a jade slip on the table. “If you change your mind, crush this jade slip, and I’ll take you away from the Eastern Realm.”

The Demon Realm Empress is too kind. I’m just a small fry. What have I done to deserve her attention…? Mu Zhi’an was ‘touched’. He cupped his fists. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but if possible, I would prefer to continue providing you with information from within the sect.”

Huang Manting took a sip of tea, her every move exuding a captivating allure. She looked at Mu Zhi’an sideways.

“Compared to information, you’re much more valuable now.”

She paused, then murmured, “Although I don’t think she’ll let you go.”

…

Back at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Mu Zhi’an went straight to Wei Mengrou’s room.

His Innate Spiritual Body sensed the fluctuations of Spiritual Energy within the room. It seemed she had finished refining the Heavenly Dao Energy.

He opened the door and saw the orb hovering obediently beside Wei Mengrou. Compared to its previous ominous aura, it seemed much gentler now, no longer radiating a sense of misfortune.

“Did you succeed?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at her with a smile.

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly.

Unlike when Mu Zhi’an had tried to refine it, this Heavenly Dao Energy hadn’t resisted her at all. It had obediently followed her guidance, allowing itself to be absorbed into her Vessel.

“It seems you’re the most suitable for it, Mengrou,” Mu Zhi’an said with a sigh.

Wei Mengrou put away the Heavenly Dao Energy, then hesitated for a moment and looked at Mu Zhi’an. “Thank you… for what you did in the Martial Realm,” she said.

Logically, with her peak Core Formation cultivation, she shouldn’t have needed his help, but it was thanks to him that she had been able to overcome her tribulation.

If he hadn’t stopped those cultivators from entering the tribulation area and amplifying its power, even she, with her talent, wouldn’t have been able to withstand a combined tribulation with more than five people.

This was why she felt so conflicted now.

She had been saved by the young master she used to look down on.

“Did you pass your tribulation?” Wei Mengrou suddenly asked.

Although she had concealed both their auras, it also meant Mu Zhi’an hadn’t actually undergone his tribulation… Normally, failing a tribulation would result in a decrease in cultivation level.

If he was considered to have failed, then his cultivation level…

“Being able to pass the Martial Realm trial is already good enough. I can always recover my cultivation level later. It’s not a big deal,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

He had been at the peak of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm before, and after failing the tribulation, although he hadn’t dropped to the third-grade, he was now only at the initial stage of the fourth-grade.

Sensing the slightly awkward atmosphere, Mu Zhi’an walked over to the bed and chuckled. “Cultivation level isn’t that important. There’s not much difference between the peak of the fourth-grade and the initial stage. I just need to cultivate for a while.”

“Besides, even at the fourth-grade, I can still ‘suppress’ you, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou glared at him, understanding the hidden meaning behind his words.

However, his attempt to lighten the mood did make her feel a bit better.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t try to comfort her further. Instead, he placed a hand on her leg, enjoying this brief moment of intimacy under her gaze.

A gentleman wouldn’t take advantage of someone, but Mu Zhi’an wasn’t a gentleman.

Besides, even without this incident, Wei Mengrou probably wouldn’t have stopped him.

“The silk feels amazing, but your skin is even better, Mengrou. Perhaps we can try… without the stockings next time…” Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Suddenly, a soft and melodious voice echoed in Wei Mengrou’s mind, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Mu Zhi’an noticed her change in demeanor. “What’s wrong, Mengrou?” he asked.

“She wants to talk to you,” Wei Mengrou replied.

“She…?” Mu Zhi’an repeated, and seeing her figure blur slightly, he realized who she was referring to.

—The Primordial Witch.

In the next instant, a silver-haired woman in a black robe appeared in the room.

Although her attire was simple, the black robe accentuated her fair skin, and her delicate face, now adorned with a gentle expression, exuded a unique charm.

Seemingly noticing his gaze, the Primordial Witch smiled faintly. “I’ve temporarily switched places with her.”

“Because I think… you have a lot of questions for me.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded silently.

He did have many questions about the Primordial Witch’s identity.

However, before he could ask, she spoke first. “Was it really that pleasurable having your maid wearing stockings and helping you?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, then facepalmed and sighed. “I thought I was the one asking questions.”

The Primordial Witch smiled sweetly. “I apologize, but I was just curious. Why would someone be aroused while being bullied and teased? I can’t understand your way of thinking, Mu Lang.”

She paused and tilted her head slightly. “If you like being bullied like that, I can do it too, you know?”

“It was just a momentary indulgence. It doesn’t mean I always enjoy being bullied…”

Mu Zhi’an quickly changed the subject. “Let’s put that aside for now. More importantly, I want to know the meaning behind the paper crane and the peach blossom in the black box. Was it just a greeting?”

He stared into her moist, gentle eyes.

However, the Primordial Witch simply tilted her head, her eyes filled with confusion.

“The black box is a Celestial Realm I created,” she said.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. He already knew that. A Dao Integration expert could even transform a storage ring into a Celestial Realm. He had already guessed the origin of the black box.

The Primordial Witch paused, then continued, “As for the paper crane and the peach blossom… I’ve never heard of them. Could they have been placed inside by someone else later?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, then froze, staring at her delicate face.

Wait…

Something’s wrong…

“The black box is yours, but you didn’t put the paper crane and the peach blossom inside…?”

He stared at her and took out the paper crane, handing it to her. “You didn’t leave this for me?”

But that didn’t make sense. Only the Primordial Witch and those she recognized could open the black box.

Was there a third person who could open it besides him and Wei Mengrou…?

“I’ve never given you a paper crane or a peach blossom. I only left a fragment of my will within the black box,” the Primordial Witch said, taking the crane and glancing at its contents. She shook her head gently.

“This letter couldn’t have been written ten thousand years ago. After all, no one can predict the future and know what will happen in ten thousand years.”

Her words left Mu Zhi’an speechless.

So the sender of the letter and the Primordial Witch weren’t the same person.

Didn’t that mean… there was more than one reincarnator?

Chapter 289: Could There Be More Than One Reincarnator? p1

A long silence filled the room, broken only by the howling wind and snow.

Bai Ruoxi quietly opened the window, her gentle and melodious voice reaching Wei Mengrou’s ears through a voice transmission. “Did I come at a bad time? Am I interrupting something between you and Mu Lang, Sister Mengrou?”

Her eyes were as gentle as ever, but a cold glint flickered in their depths as she saw the stains on Wei Mengrou’s stockings.

Wei Mengrou didn’t answer, her gaze fixed on Bai Ruoxi, a conflict raging within her.

After a moment, she exhaled softly, as if coming to a decision, and looked at Bai Ruoxi, a faint smile on her face. “No.”

“You came at the perfect time.”

This was the perfect opportunity. Her relationship with Mu Zhi’an had just been confirmed, and she had been agonizing over whether to tell Bai Ruoxi.

Now that she had been caught, she might as well come clean.

If Bai Ruoxi had arrived earlier, witnessing her Dao Companion being ‘bullied’ by his maid, she might have exploded.

If she had arrived later, Wei Mengrou would have already cleaned up the ‘evidence’, and this scene wouldn’t have happened.

Bai Ruoxi’s timing was perfect… It helped Wei Mengrou make up her mind.

Under Bai Ruoxi’s gaze, Wei Mengrou stood up and left the room, glancing at the meditating young man before closing the door behind her.

Snowflakes danced in the wind like butterflies, covering the courtyard in a blanket of white.

Wei Mengrou sat down in the pavilion, brewed a cup of hot tea, and placed it before Bai Ruoxi.

Bai Ruoxi’s hands rested on her lap, her posture elegant and refined, like a sheltered young lady. Her cold and delicate aura was even more captivating in the snowy weather.

“If I remember correctly, you didn’t like Mu Lang before, Sister Mengrou?” Bai Ruoxi asked softly.

“A fickle playboy with nothing but good looks… I couldn’t see any redeeming qualities in him, let alone like him…” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

She paused. “That’s what I wanted to say.”

Wei Mengrou lowered her gaze, watching the steam rising from the teacup. “But somehow… I developed feelings for him,” she murmured.

“Is it because of the Primordial Witch’s influence?” Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked.

Wei Mengrou’s actions in the Martial Realm had hinted at her true identity as the Primordial Witch. Unlike the others, Gong Lianyue possessed some of Bai Ruoxi’s memories, and Bai Ruoxi, as her ‘scabbard’, also had access to some of Gong Lianyue’s memories.

However, these memories surfaced gradually as Bai Ruoxi’s strength increased.

She was no stranger to the name ‘Primordial Witch’.

Wei Mengrou shook her head gently. “It’s not just the Primordial Witch.”

“It’s my own feelings.”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered. “Even if it’s you, Mengrou, I won’t give him up,” she said softly.

“I’m not planning to fight you for him,” Wei Mengrou said, a rare smile appearing on her face.

“I’m his maid, and that will never change.”

Bai Ruoxi blinked, tilting her head slightly. “Is that why you just… helped him…?”

Wei Mengrou: “…”

As if remembering something embarrassing, she covered her face with her hands.

Then, trying to maintain her composure, she said, “He forcefully suppressed my Heavenly Dao Energy within his Furnace. I had to… release some of his Spiritual Energy to guide it out.”

“If I hadn’t done that, it might have triggered a Heavenly Punishment.”

Bai Ruoxi chuckled. “I know. It’s not your fault, Mengrou. Mu Lang is the one who’s greedy for pleasure.”

She reached out her delicate hand, her fingers wiping away a drop of water from the teacup. “It seems… I’ve been too lenient with him,” she said softly, her eyes gentle.

Wei Mengrou looked at her, noticing a dangerous glint hidden beneath her gentle demeanor.

“By the way, can you keep it a secret that I came to his room?” Bai Ruoxi suddenly asked.

“Why?” Wei Mengrou asked.

“I’ve tested him with the Heart-Binding Lock several times before, and his answers were always sincere. Honestly, I find it a bit strange.”

The faint sound of chains rattling came from within her sleeve, and a black chain emerged from her wrist.

She turned to Wei Mengrou, her eyes gentle. “This time, I want to ask him about this matter using the Heart-Binding Lock.”

“Then I’ll know if he’s telling the truth.”

…

Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes, a sudden shiver running down his spine as he stopped circulating his Spiritual Energy.

“Why do I have a bad feeling…?” he muttered inwardly.

He glanced at the ominous black light emanating from his hand.

It was the Heavenly Dao Energy he had suppressed within his Furnace.

He had struggled to refine Wei Mengrou’s Heavenly Dao Energy earlier, but now that it was within his Innate Celestial Furnace, it refused to leave…

No matter how much he tried to ‘expel’ it with his Spiritual Energy, it wouldn’t budge.

“If I keep this up, the heavens will sense this Heavenly Dao Energy’s ‘misfortune’ and punish me,” Mu Zhi’an thought, feeling a surge of pressure.

He couldn’t help but admire Wei Mengrou’s resilience.

She had managed to cultivate to this level despite being the Calamity Body, enduring the heavens’ punishment. She was truly extraordinary.

As expected of the Primordial Witch.

I can’t expel this Heavenly Dao Energy, but since Mengrou is its owner, she should have a way… Mu Zhi’an thought, looking around the room. “Mengrou—”

But the room was empty.

A faint fragrance lingered in the air, a mix of Wei Mengrou’s scent and something else.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Wei Mengrou entered.

“Where did you go, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at her.

Wei Mengrou looked at him and said, “…I went for a walk.”

I’m sorry… but I can’t help you this time.

Betraying Bai Ruoxi had already made her feel guilty. If she exposed her now, she wouldn’t be able to face her.

Therefore, she could only apologize to her young master.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her meaningfully, sensing that she was hiding something.

However, he didn’t have time to think about it. “How do I expel this Heavenly Dao Energy from my Furnace?” he asked.

Wei Mengrou’s gaze fixed on him. After a moment of thought, she said, “It’s naturally drawn to me. If I use my Spiritual Energy to guide it, perhaps…”

This was why she had asked him to release some of his Spiritual Energy earlier. Only when his Furnace wasn’t full could she infuse her own energy into it.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened slightly. “How can your Spiritual Energy enter my Furnace…?”

His gaze shifted to her alluring lips, a flicker of desire appearing in his eyes.

Seeing her silence, he understood.

He boldly took her hand. “It’s for the Heavenly Dao Energy, Mengrou. There’s no other way,” he said.

…

Meanwhile.

Ye Qian, having prepared the medicinal bath, walked towards Wei Mengrou’s room, murmuring, “Brother Mu should be in this room, right…?”

She had gone to his room earlier, but he wasn’t there. He was either with Lin Ling or with Mengrou, guiding out the Heavenly Dao Energy.

She didn’t want to disturb them, so she concealed her aura, tiptoed to the window, and peeked inside.

Mu Zhi’an was holding Wei Mengrou’s waist, their bodies pressed together intimately.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes were closed, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, but she didn’t push him away.

Ye Qian blinked, stunned.

Then, as if in disbelief, she closed her eyes, then opened them again, looking back into the room.

The scene hadn’t changed. However, she could clearly sense their intertwined Spiritual Energy.

Sister Mengrou and Brother Mu… Ye Qian’s worldview seemed to shatter as she stared at them, a strange mix of shock and excitement filling her heart.

Suddenly, she noticed Mu Zhi’an’s eyelids twitching slightly, as if he was about to open his eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly left.

However, the image she had just witnessed was etched into her mind.

Mengrou, who always looked at Mu Zhi’an with disdain… was kissing him… This shocking scene was unforgettable.

As she hurried away, she didn’t notice that Mu Zhi’an had already opened his eyes. He looked at her retreating figure with a helpless expression and sighed inwardly.

It seems I’ll have a lot to explain later.

Fortunately, it was Qian’er. If it were Lingxuan, it would be much more difficult to appease her.

“Let’s start meditating. I’ll guide the Heavenly Dao Energy out of your body,” Wei Mengrou’s voice brought him back to reality.

Mu Zhi’an collected his thoughts, closed his eyes, and began to meditate.

…

The night passed uneventfully.

The next day, at noon, a black light emerged from Mu Zhi’an’s body.

A black, spherical orb, radiating an ominous aura, appeared in the air.

The Black Heavenly Dao Energy!

Mu Zhi’an stared at the orb, its dark glow unlike any other Heavenly Dao Energy he had seen.

This new Heavenly Dao Energy symbolized misfortune.

Refining it would trigger a Heavenly Punishment.

But why? It was also Heavenly Dao Energy. Why would only this one be punished by the heavens?

“Are you going to refine it, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked, turning to look at Wei Mengrou, who was wiping her lips.

Then, noticing her cold glare, he chuckled. “What’s wrong…? You seem unhappy.”

Wei Mengrou said coldly, “I said your Furnace needed my Spiritual Energy to guide out the Heavenly Dao Energy, but I didn’t say you could do whatever you want…”

He should have been focusing on guiding the Heavenly Dao Energy, but he had been ‘teasing’ her since their kiss last night… It had even affected her Dao Heart and the circulation of her Spiritual Energy.

“You didn’t tell me. How was I supposed to know?” Mu Zhi’an said innocently.

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “Do you dare swear you didn’t know?”

She knew her young master’s character well. Who would grope someone while they were trying to guide out Heavenly Dao Energy?

“That’s because you’re too tempting, Mengrou,” Mu Zhi’an said, not denying it.

High EQ: You’re too tempting.

Low EQ: You’re beautiful and delicious. I want your body.

Ignoring her disdainful glare, Mu Zhi’an coughed lightly and changed the subject. “By the way, just in case, it’s best to set up another formation in the courtyard.”

In the Martial Realm, Wei Mengrou had triggered a Heavenly Punishment and exposed her Calamity Body just by refining the Heavenly Dao Energy.

Although he had reset time, her Calamity Body had still been exposed because she was on the verge of a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm.

And that was before she had even refined the Heavenly Dao Energy. Who knew what would happen after she refined it?

“It’s a shame I can’t teach you the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique, Mengrou. Perhaps it could temporarily conceal your aura and prevent the heavens from detecting you,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Wei Mengrou shook his head. “The bronze fragment I’m wearing is similar to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique. Even if I learned it, it wouldn’t be of much use. Besides, I can also conceal Heavenly Secrets with my half-step Nascent Soul cultivation.”

“Are you comforting me?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Wei Mengrou glanced at him. “You’re not someone who’s easily injured. I’m just stating a fact.”

Mu Zhi’an remained silent.

It seemed he needed to contact the Southern Wilderness again and find out the origin of their secret technique.

A bronze fragment from the Eastern Realm, containing a technique identical to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique… It was intriguing.

“You can leave now. I’m going to refine the Heavenly Dao Energy,” Wei Mengrou said.

“Call me if you need anything,” Mu Zhi’an said, nodding.

He stood up and walked towards the door.

Just as he was about to leave, he seemed to remember something and turned around. “By the way, Mengrou, do you still mean what you said last night?”

He was referring to her confession.

Wei Mengrou’s body stiffened slightly. “Didn’t you hear me already?” she asked, her voice slightly strained.

“I want to hear you say it again,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Wei Mengrou ignored him and closed her eyes.

Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly, not wanting to pressure her. He turned around and was about to leave.

Suddenly, a cold voice came from behind him.

“Of course, I meant it.”

He instinctively turned around. Wei Mengrou opened her eyes, a faint smile on her face.

“I told you, even though you’re weak and a two-timing worm, I still like you.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “That’s good to know. If you changed your mind, I wouldn’t be able to get married.”

Wei Mengrou: “…”

Does he really see himself as the ‘female lead’?

Mu Zhi’an quickly regained his composure. “I might have to leave the Garden of Heavenly Harmony for a while, but I’ll be back before you finish refining the Heavenly Dao Energy,” he said.

“Where are you going?” Wei Mengrou asked, her eyes filled with suspicion.

His leaving at this time was concerning.

“To find someone,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile.

“I think she might know something about the Calamity Body.”

“After all, she helped us in the Martial Realm.”

Chapter 288: No Using Public Transportation for Private Purposes! 

Mu Zhi’an had fantasized countless times about his maid, her eyes filled with humiliation, reluctance, and shame as she covered her chest with her hands, glaring at him with disdain while obeying his commands.

However, he knew this fantasy would likely never come true.

Firstly, with Wei Mengrou’s personality, she would never obey his commands. Secondly… even if he wanted to force her, the difference in their cultivation levels was too great. He couldn’t order her around.

After all, her monstrous cultivation speed was something he could only dream of.

However, although he couldn’t command her, he had achieved his goal through ‘requests’… This was unexpected.

At this moment, Mu Zhi’an narrowed his eyes, his back against the door, Wei Mengrou’s soft body pressed against his. Her beautiful face was flushed, as if she were drunk.

Her breath, sweet and warm, tickled his face, intoxicating him, making him forget all his worries.

Even through the thin fabric of her stockings, Mu Zhi’an could feel the smoothness of her thighs. He didn’t move, simply holding her waist, savoring this brief moment of bliss.

Tonight’s events felt surreal, like a dream.

“S-stop staring at me. Close your eyes,” Wei Mengrou said, her voice slightly strained, clearly uncomfortable under his gaze.

Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “Why aren’t you teasing me anymore?”

No matter how dominant she had been earlier, Wei Mengrou was still Wei Mengrou. She was still easily embarrassed.

Especially when her young master was staring at her so intently.

“Close your eyes first,” she said.

Her gaze towards Mu Zhi’an was filled with disapproval, but her flushed cheeks and alluring demeanor softened her coldness, making her appear even more captivating.

“I’ll close them later,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

He wanted to savor this rare sight.

And she had just teased him… He had to get his revenge, even if it was just a little.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, he gasped, feeling a bone-chilling coldness emanating from her legs and her icy glare. He shivered instinctively.

He raised his hands in surrender. “I was wrong…”

His life was more important than his pride… This was no time for jokes.

After all, his future happiness was in her hands now.

…

Outside the Two Polarities Sect.

Bai Ruoxi, her figure a streak of white light, flew towards the sect’s entrance on her sword.

Not far behind her, another young lady followed closely. Her light blue jacket and sky-blue skirt fluttered in the wind, revealing a glimpse of her fair legs, her delicate feet clad in white socks and light-colored boots.

A ribbon cinched around her slender waist, accentuating her curves.

The two of them didn’t speak on their way back. Worried about Mu Zhi’an, they focused on reaching the sect as quickly as possible.

Within the Two Polarities Sect, many disciples were chatting about the Martial Realm trial.

Seeing Bai Ruoxi and Ye Qian approaching, a few disciples noticed them, and one exclaimed in surprise, “Look, someone’s already back!”

Many looked up, and seeing the two figures, they couldn’t help but whisper amongst themselves.

“This Martial Realm trial is brutal. The Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son, the genius from the Western Regions, and even several prodigies from the Eastern Realm were eliminated. I didn’t expect Junior Sister Bai and Junior Sister Qian’er to…”

“Perhaps they passed the trial and returned to the sect,” the Third Senior Sister of Boundless Sea Peak said, looking at the two figures in the distance.

“Didn’t Junior Brother Mu return to the sect in a hurry not long ago? It seemed like something urgent had happened. Could it be that Junior Sister Bai and Junior Sister Qian’er rushed back because of that?”

Her words sparked a lively discussion.

“That Junior Brother Mu is truly ruthless. He sacrificed himself to eliminate twenty prodigies with a single tribulation. But it seems he’s also injured.”

“The Sect Master’s jade slip can protect him from a fatal injury, but failing the tribulation will still have some side effects.”

Many disciples felt a pang of sympathy for Mu Zhi’an.

He had wasted a chance to undergo his Heavenly Tribulation for the sake of the Martial Realm trial and even put himself in danger… It didn’t seem worth it.

Failing a tribulation could result in a decrease in cultivation level, or even death. Although the jade slip could save his life, it couldn’t protect his cultivation.

“He was too impulsive,” someone said.

“I heard he did it because his Dao Companion was attacked. Regardless of the outcome, I think it’s reassuring to have such a devoted Dao Companion,” another disciple retorted, defending Mu Zhi’an.

Among these disciples were several elders from various parts of the Nine Realms. Hearing their conversation, they couldn’t help but frown, worried that their own disciples might have been among those eliminated by Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation.

The Ascension Ceremony was crucial. Even if they didn’t win first place, reaching the top ten would still be a chance to showcase their strength. It would be a disgrace if they couldn’t even pass the Martial Realm trial.

…

While the other disciples were discussing the Martial Realm trial, Mu Zhi’an was still enjoying the company of his beautiful maid, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

I never thought I’d see the day Mengrou would use those smooth, delicate legs that I’ve been longing for to help me manage my Innate Celestial Furnace…

Mu Zhi’an looked up at the ceiling, feeling as if he had reached the peak of his life.

And it wasn’t an exaggeration. He had never imagined that Wei Mengrou would willingly use those legs to help him refine his Spiritual Energy.

The feel of her skin against his, even through the stockings, her sweet fragrance… it was intoxicatingly alluring.

He stared at her beautiful face, flushed with a faint blush, completely captivated.

“Didn’t I tell you to close your eyes?” Wei Mengrou said, glancing at him.

“You’re so beautiful, Mengrou. I think I’m falling for you,” Mu Zhi’an said softly, his hand gently caressing her cheek, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

“I’m sure you’ve said that to many others,” Wei Mengrou retorted, clearly not believing him.

But even her dismissive tone seemed to excite Mu Zhi’an.

Mengrou is the best!

Mu Zhi’an maintained a calm expression and shook his head. “I swear, I’ve only ever said that to you.”

Wei Mengrou’s charm was different from the others. Her usual coldness towards him and her current display of affection… This contrast was intoxicating.

Wei Mengrou scoffed, her gaze filled with disdain.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t try to explain. He placed a hand on her shoulder, leaned in, and kissed her cheek, her neck, then finally, her lips.

Wei Mengrou’s cheeks flushed slightly, her discomfort evident.

After a while, Mu Zhi’an released her lips and gazed at her beautiful face, his hand resting on her soft waist. He was about to say something when his Innate Spiritual Body suddenly sent out a warning, a wave of unease washing over him.

Wei Mengrou also sensed something and turned her head, looking towards the door.

Someone had entered the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Logically, the courtyard was protected by a special formation. Strangers couldn’t enter so easily.

In other words, it had to be someone they knew.

And just as he thought this, Bai Ruoxi’s soft and melodious voice came from outside the door.

“Mu Lang, are you in Mengrou’s room?”

Holy crap?!

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat. Combined with Wei Mengrou’s hand tightly gripping his, he almost lost control of his Spiritual Energy.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes also widened in panic, and she activated her concealment ability.

Hearing no response, Bai Ruoxi tilted her head slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Then, she reached out to open the door.

“R-Ruoxi, why are you back so soon?” Mu Zhi’an asked, trying to maintain his composure.

Wei Mengrou’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

Bai Ruoxi and the others considered Wei Mengrou an ‘older sister’ and treated her with respect, partly because she had always protected Mu Zhi’an, and partly because she never interfered in his relationships.

If they saw her now, especially helping him refine his Spiritual Energy… It would be a social death sentence.

“Qian’er and I obtained ten points, so we passed the Martial Realm trial,” Bai Ruoxi’s gentle voice came from outside.

Then, she said hesitantly, “Are you alright, Mu Lang? Your voice sounds strange…”

Mu Zhi’an glanced at Wei Mengrou. “Yeah, I’m fine… I’m about to meditate and retrieve the Heavenly Dao Energy. I probably used up too much Spiritual Energy, so my voice is a bit weak.”

Wei Mengrou listened to their conversation, her heart pounding. The warmth of his embrace was strangely comforting. She looked up at him.

He was also looking at her, but his gaze was distant, his attention focused on Bai Ruoxi outside.

Wei Mengrou pursed her lips.

Besides nervousness and guilt towards Bai Ruoxi, a strange emotion welled up within her.

It was a feeling of… pleasure.

She pressed her thighs together, and Mu Zhi’an’s body stiffened, almost letting out a gasp.

Wei Mengrou immediately covered his mouth with her hand, her eyes filled with disdain, as if saying: Your Dao Companion is outside wanting to see you, and you’re in here with your maid… You’re truly a fickle man.

You’re trying to kill me, Mengrou… Mu Zhi’an thought, suppressing his excitement. He said as calmly as possible, “By the way, Ruoxi, I might need a medicinal bath later. Can you prepare it for me?”

Bai Ruoxi paused, her gaze fixed on the closed door. “Alright, I’ll go prepare it now.”

As her footsteps faded into the distance, Mu Zhi’an finally relaxed. “That was close.”

Fortunately, it was Wei Mengrou he was with, so Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t think too much about it. If it were Ye Lingxuan, she might have barged in.

He looked at Wei Mengrou. “Aren’t you afraid of being discovered, Mengrou?”

If he hadn’t reacted quickly, Bai Ruoxi would have sensed the decrease in his Spiritual Energy. After all, they had spent countless nights together. She could easily tell which energy belonged to his ordinary Vessel and which belonged to his Innate Celestial Furnace.

“You forced me to do it. It has nothing to do with me,” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

“Can I force a peak Core Formation cultivator…?” Mu Zhi’an retorted.

Although he had indeed asked for it, he hadn’t expected her to agree.

He had already prepared to ‘help himself’, although that would have been a bit… tragic.

“You can even suppress a Dao Integration Empress. What’s a peak Core Formation cultivator to you?” Wei Mengrou said sarcastically.

Suppress… Mu Zhi’an’s gaze lingered on her, a thought crossing his mind.

Perhaps because of their earlier intimacy, her face was flushed, her eyes moist, and her rosy lips still bore traces of lipstick, most of which had been thoroughly savored by a certain someone.

Under his heated gaze, Wei Mengrou lowered her eyes and said softly, “Can you let go now?”

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze and quickly released her waist.

Wei Mengrou wiped her hands with a handkerchief, then, suppressing her shyness, she said, “Focus on guiding out the Heavenly Dao Energy… Or do you want to experience the Calamity Body’s bad luck?”

Although her tone was still cold, her flickering eyes betrayed her nervousness.

Mu Zhi’an grinned. “I understand.”

He was already satisfied.

But it was a shame Bai Ruoxi had returned so early. Otherwise, they could have enjoyed themselves a bit longer.

Logically, he should be the one taking the initiative, but today, it was Wei Mengrou. This was unacceptable.

I’ll find a chance to ‘suppress’ Mengrou next time!

Mu Zhi’an sat down on the bed, looked up at Wei Mengrou, and asked, “Will there be another… opportunity next time, Mengrou?”

“This was just to help you guide out the Heavenly Dao Energy. Don’t misunderstand,” Wei Mengrou replied calmly, her voice softer than usual.

She walked over to a chair and sat down, wiping her fingers with a handkerchief.

Then, seeing his disappointed expression, she smiled faintly.

“However, if it’s Master’s order… I might consider it if I’m in a good mood.”

…

Bai Ruoxi walked along the corridor towards another room.

As she reached a corner, she paused, turning her head slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on the closed door behind her, a hint of suspicion in them.

Why did Mengrou conceal her aura when I approached the room?

Normally, Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t think too much about it, but Wei Mengrou’s behavior in the Martial Realm had been strange…

Why did she hide her aura?

The only possibility was that she was trying to avoid being detected by someone.

And who could that someone be?

It wasn’t Mu Zhi’an, who was already in the room with her. Then, the only person Wei Mengrou could be hiding from was…

A bad feeling crept into Bai Ruoxi’s heart.

“Sister Ruoxi, have you found Brother Mu?”

Ye Qian’s voice came from ahead. She had been flying slower than Bai Ruoxi and had only just caught up.

Bai Ruoxi looked at the young lady and said softly, “Qian’er, can you do me a favor?”

Ye Qian blinked. “Of course, Sister Ruoxi. I’ll do my best.”

“Mu Lang asked me to prepare a medicinal bath for him. Can you go in my place?” Bai Ruoxi asked.

“Sure, but do you have other things to do, Sister Ruoxi?” Ye Qian tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

Bai Ruoxi said gently, “There’s something I need to confirm.”

She handed the jade bottle to Ye Qian and said, “You’ve used this pill before, so I don’t need to explain, right?”

After Ye Qian took the bottle, Bai Ruoxi smiled gently. “Thank you, Sister Qian’er.”

Ye Qian nodded slightly, watching as Bai Ruoxi concealed her aura and walked in the opposite direction, her eyes filled with curiosity.

What is Sister Ruoxi planning to do?

…

Bai Ruoxi walked over to the window, her hand instinctively clutching the hem of her dress, her heart pounding.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, praying that her suspicions were wrong.

Mengrou is a proud and aloof woman. How could she possibly have feelings for Mu Lang…?

She used to mock him all the time…

Bai Ruoxi’s anxiety eased slightly. She carefully opened the window a crack and saw Mu Zhi’an meditating on the bed.

Her unease gradually disappeared.

Where’s Mengrou…?

She scanned the room and quickly spotted Wei Mengrou, who was bending over, removing her white stockings. Even Bai Ruoxi, a beauty herself, couldn’t help but admire her long, fair legs.

Why is Mengrou wearing the stockings Mu Lang gave her…?

As this question crossed her mind, her gaze suddenly fixed on a certain stain on the white stocking.

And then she saw Wei Mengrou’s face, flushed with a captivating blush she had never seen before.

Bai Ruoxi’s mind went blank.

As if sensing her gaze, Wei Mengrou turned her head and looked towards the window.

Their eyes met.