Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 279: Your Husband is Amazing, But He’ll Be Mine Soon

A single Core Formation cultivator holding back nearly twenty cultivators at the same level… If this were to spread to the outside world, no one would believe it.

Those who could participate in the Martial Realm trial were all geniuses from their respective factions, some even chosen prodigies representing their realms.

Yet, now, they were being intimidated by Mu Zhi’an… No, they were even trying to flee!

Mu Zhi’an had summoned the Pure World Azure Lotus, his Heavenly Tribulation radiating a destructive aura. Snowflakes danced in the fierce wind, and the dark sky seemed to be collapsing, the lightning illuminating the faces of the cultivators present.

“Are you insane, Mu Zhi’an?! A combined tribulation with over twenty people, even you can’t withstand that! You’re not even planning to participate in the Ascension Ceremony anymore?!” Nigati exclaimed in shock and anger.

No one would have imagined that someone would use a Heavenly Tribulation as a trump card, dragging them all into this mess…

If he was eliminated in the Martial Realm, he would be mocked relentlessly back in the Southern Wilderness, and his position as the Holy Son would be overshadowed by Regina.

People wouldn’t care about the process; they only cared about the results.

And the result would be: Nigati couldn’t even pass the Martial Realm trial.

Another cultivator from the Eastern Realm said urgently, “Brother Mu, we’re all from the Eastern Realm. We should be united in the Ascension Ceremony!”

“That’s right! Let us go now, and I promise to repay your kindness in the future!”

The cultivators trapped within the tribulation area pleaded with him, even Ye Yu remaining silent.

Even he knew that their fate was now in Mu Zhi’an’s hands.

If they tried to escape, that mysterious lotus would stop them, and if Mu Zhi’an unleashed the full power of his tribulation, they wouldn’t be able to escape the falling lightning.

Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

Now you realize we’re all from the Eastern Realm and should be united?

Where was your sense of unity when you ignored the one undergoing the tribulation and increased the difficulty for my maid to obtain the Heavenly Dao Energy?

They weren’t regretting their actions; they were regretting Mu Zhi’an’s appearance and their own hesitation in seizing the treasure.

Meanwhile, the sect disciples who had backed down earlier and given Mu Zhi’an face were now secretly rejoicing.

If they had been greedy and joined the fight for the Heavenly Dao Energy, they would be trapped in this tribulation too.

They would have lost both the treasure and their chance to participate in the Ascension Ceremony… It would have been a complete disaster.

Some of the onlookers, observing the situation with indifference, began to whisper amongst themselves.

“Is this Mu Zhi’an crazy, or does he have another trick up his sleeve? Even he can’t withstand a combined tribulation with over a dozen people, right?”

“But he’s truly devoted to his Dao Companion. He’s willing to offend so many people for her sake. Isn’t he afraid of retaliation from other factions in the Eastern Realm?”

This statement sparked a heated discussion.

“Mu Zhi’an is suppressing the tribulation. He’s probably trying to negotiate with them, perhaps asking them to hand over some of their points so they can all pass the trial.”

“That’s the most logical course of action. If he truly undergoes this combined tribulation, he won’t survive either. Any rational person would negotiate.”

“But what if those being threatened by Mu Zhi’an see through his plan and refuse to compromise…? If he’s pushed too far, and the arrow is already on the string, what will he do?”

Meanwhile, Wang Teng and Tang Sufei exchanged a blow. He stumbled back, looked up at the sky, and said coldly, “Young Master Mu, I am Wang Teng of the Wang family. Can you please give me some face and release my incompetent younger brother?”

His voice, amplified by his Spiritual Energy, reached Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an seemed to have heard him. He turned his head, his face illuminated by the lightning.

His voice, laced with mockery, echoed through the air, “Who the hell are you?”

He had clearly seen Wang Teng trying to enter the tribulation area and seize the Heavenly Dao Energy before being intercepted by Tang Sufei.

And now he wanted him to release his brother?

Wang Teng’s expression darkened, and some of the onlookers looked at him with amusement.

This genius from the Wang family had been incredibly arrogant before entering the Martial Realm, his words and demeanor annoying many.

But because he was from the Wang family, they had to endure it and avoid direct conflict with him.

Those who weren’t from the Eastern Realm didn’t care, but the Eastern Realm cultivators naturally didn’t want to offend a powerful clan like the Wang family.

Wang Teng glared at Mu Zhi’an, then sneered. “Even if he survives this tribulation, he won’t pass the Martial Realm trial.”

His words made many feel a pang of sympathy for Mu Zhi’an.

Wang Teng was at the sixth-grade Core Formation Realm, and with the Wang family’s special techniques, he was invincible at his level. Even if Mu Zhi’an had a way to survive the tribulation, he would still have to face Wang Teng’s wrath.

They had heard about Mu Zhi’an’s past actions within the Two Polarities Sect, but his strength was likely no match for Wang Teng’s. Moreover, many cultivators in the Martial Realm were on good terms with Wang Teng. Even those who owed Mu Zhi’an favors wouldn’t dare to offend him.

Besides, the most likely candidates to inherit the Wang family’s leadership were Wang Ying and Wang Teng. If Wang Teng became the head of the family, with the Wang family’s influence in the Eastern Realm, it would be easy for him to make things difficult for Mu Zhi’an.

Unless Mu Zhi’an stayed within the Two Polarities Sect for the rest of his life.

Suddenly, a melodious voice came from the back of the crowd, “The Wang family is truly domineering. However, it’s not up to you to decide who passes the Martial Realm trial.”

The calm and authoritative voice drew everyone’s attention to the speaker.

Then, someone recognized her and exclaimed, “Ye Lingxuan?!”

Many cultivators in the Eastern Realm had heard of Ye Lingxuan. Most didn’t know she was from the Forbidden Zone, but there were only a few truly talented disciples in the Two Polarities Sect, and she was one of them.

Wang Teng turned to look at her, his expression darkening. “This has nothing to do with you, Miss Ye.”

The other cultivators might not know her identity, but as a direct descendant of the Wang family, Wang Teng knew that this elegant and beautiful young lady was the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden.

Ye Lingxuan didn’t give him any face. “If you can use your influence to pressure others, then you should be prepared for the consequences,” she said coldly.

Some cultivators who were acquainted with Wang Teng stirred, about to intervene.

At that moment, a cold voice came from the crowd behind them, “Think carefully before you act. Our sect disciples won’t interfere with each other in the Martial Realm, but we won’t stand by and watch if one of them is attacked by a group.”

Everyone looked up and saw a woman in a moon-white dress standing among them.

“Lan Mulian!”

A commotion erupted among the crowd as they looked at her with apprehension.

The strongest contender in this Ascension Ceremony was this direct disciple of the Two Polarities Sect’s Sect Master. Although her strength would also be suppressed in the Martial Realm, she could still use some of her Nascent Soul techniques.

No one wanted to offend her.

Wang Teng felt a surge of frustration, but he said calmly, “Since you insist on siding with Mu Zhi’an, there’s nothing I can say. However, even if he defeats my brother, Wang Shuo, with this tribulation, it’s a dishonorable victory. I believe everyone here knows that.”

Heavenly Tribulations only occurred when Core Formation cultivators advanced in their cultivation. They weren’t a reflection of one’s true strength. Mu Zhi’an was simply exploiting a loophole.

“With my brother’s talent, he wouldn’t have been eliminated if he had fought him fairly! In fact… none of those trapped within the tribulation are weaker than him!”

Bai Ruoxi suddenly said, “Is that your talented younger brother?”

She looked up at the sky.

Wang Teng followed her gaze, his eyes widening in shock.

Wang Shuo was trying to escape the tribulation area, but he was intercepted by Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an had summoned the Pure World Azure Lotus, and as he activated the formation behind him, he punched Wang Shuo repeatedly, his black and gold robe glowing with a faint golden light, his eyes shining like the sun.

Lan Mulian’s eyes flickered with surprise.

A constitution similar to the Sacred Heavenly Body…?

Wang Teng stared at Mu Zhi’an in disbelief.

The tribulation hadn’t descended yet, which meant Mu Zhi’an was suppressing it… But logically, he shouldn’t be able to fight while suppressing his breakthrough.

He must possess a constitution similar to the ‘Innate Spiritual Body’…

But if that was the case, what was with the golden glow around him…?

It was clearly another constitution…

Does he have a dual constitution…?

However, even a dual constitution was less effective than focusing on a single path if not properly utilized.

As this thought crossed his mind, he saw Mu Zhi’an draw a black sword from the void, a graceful female figure appearing behind him.

The woman wore a dark dress, her back turned towards them. As Mu Zhi’an raised his sword, the woman behind him did the same.

The Lone Star Sword!

Boom!

A dazzling golden light engulfed Wang Shuo as Mu Zhi’an unleashed a powerful sword strike, causing Wang Teng’s pupils to constrict.

A third constitution?!

How is that possible? A cultivator should only have two constitutions at most!

Some of the onlookers also noticed this, their gazes fixed on Mu Zhi’an with a mixture of shock and confusion.

None of them had considered Mu Zhi’an a serious contender for the Ascension Ceremony.

But the strength he was displaying now far exceeded their expectations.

Although he rarely fought, his battle experience and his strange constitution were impressive.

Wang Teng stared at them, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an, wondering how he could possess more than two constitutions.

After a while, an absurd thought crossed his mind.

…The Chaos Body?

Not only Wang Teng, but even Bai Ruoxi looked at Mu Zhi’an with surprise. She knew he possessed the Chaos Body, but she didn’t know that he also had a constitution similar to hers.

The figure behind him… was Gong Lianyue, who was currently slumbering within her body!

Seeing Wang Shuo being overwhelmed so quickly, Nigati and the others seized the opportunity and fled from the tribulation area!

Mu Zhi’an didn’t move. He summoned the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll, blocking their path.

Feeling the scroll’s powerful suction force, they paused. Nigati turned around, his eyes filled with shock and anger. “Mu Zhi’an, you wouldn’t dare—”

“Guess what? I dare,” Mu Zhi’an said with a carefree smile, kicking Wang Shuo back into the tribulation area. Then, he released his suppression on his Vessel.

Boom!

His Spiritual Energy surged, and the Heavenly Tribulation in the sky sensed the presence of over a dozen cultivators. Thunder roared.

The cultivators trapped within the tribulation were filled with shock and anger.

Mu Zhi’an closed his eyes.

A combined tribulation with over twenty people… Even a Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn’t be able to withstand it. This was a desperate move, a double-edged sword.

Boom!

Dozens of Thunder Dragons circled in the sky, their terrifying aura making the cultivators tremble as they stared at the awe-inspiring sight.

Nigati and the others cursed inwardly, but they had no time to worry about Mu Zhi’an. They channeled their Spiritual Energy, preparing to fight for their lives against this terrifying tribulation.

“This Mu Zhi’an is truly ruthless. He’s willing to sacrifice himself to take down his enemies,” a cultivator in the distance said, awestruck.

“What a shame. With the strength he displayed earlier, he would have definitely been a contender in the Ascension Ceremony.”

“But his character is admirable. He risked everything for his Dao Companion. It seems their relationship is truly deep.”

“Miss Wei’s talent and beauty are both exceptional. I would also be enraged if I saw someone bullying my Dao Companion.”

These cultivators didn’t notice the chilling atmosphere behind them.

Mu Zhi’an, naturally, was unaware of their conversation. He didn’t have the energy to care either.

The Thunder Dragons circled in the sky, sparks of lightning crackling around them, radiating an aura of death. Their movements were slow and graceful, as if they were preparing for a ritual of destruction.

Boom!

Finally, a Thunder Dragon descended, its black aura surging towards Mu Zhi’an.

So this is a combined tribulation with nearly twenty people? This power… It’s far beyond the Core Formation Realm… Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath, drew his sword, channeled his Spiritual Energy into it, and attacked the Thunder Dragon!

His sword strike, infused with the power of stars, was calm yet contained an explosive force. It clashed with the Thunder Dragon.

The Lone Star Sword did weaken the Thunder Dragon’s power, but it was still far beyond the level of a Core Formation cultivator. And as it approached, Mu Zhi’an realized his Spiritual Energy was becoming sluggish.

No wonder so many cultivators perished during Heavenly Tribulations… If they could also suppress a cultivator’s Spiritual Energy, how could anyone survive?

The Lone Star Sword’s light was completely swallowed by the Thunder Dragon. Screams echoed from the cultivators around him. Mu Zhi’an turned to see Nigati and the others being consumed by the lightning, unable to resist.

Ye Yu seemed to have let the old man within him take control of his body at the last moment, barely managing to withstand the Thunder Dragon’s attack.

However, it was futile.

The second Thunder Dragon in the sky was already stirring.

No one could escape this tribulation.

It seems I’ll really have to get married… Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

But sacrificing himself for a dozen people… It was worth it.

He released his sword and spread his arms, falling from the sky!

The entire sky filled his vision: the snowflakes, the tribulation clouds, the wind, and the terrifying Thunder Dragon descending upon him.

He glanced sideways and saw Ye Lingxuan and the others in the distance. Although he couldn’t see them clearly, he could feel their gazes fixed on him.

“Is this considered losing the battle but winning at life…?” Mu Zhi’an thought, his usual humor surfacing even in this situation.

He slowly closed his eyes.

Not far away, Lan Feiying, who had just arrived, watched silently.

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes held a hint of worry, but she quickly concealed it.

The jade slip drawn by the Sect Master would protect him from a fatal blow and transport him out of the Martial Realm.

Although it was a shame he wouldn’t be able to participate in the Ascension Ceremony, she would comfort him later.

And… deal with that troublesome Wang Teng.

Each girl reacted differently, but their eyes were fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

Huang Manting’s eyes flickered with a seductive glint as she observed the scene silently.

Mu Zhi’an faintly smelled a familiar fragrance and slowly opened his eyes.

It was Wei Mengrou, who had already overcome her tribulation. She was enveloped in a thick black mist, flying towards him at an incredible speed.

Her yellow dress clung to her body, and her usually cold eyes were filled with urgency.

…This should earn me some brownie points with Mengrou, right? Mu Zhi’an thought.

This doesn’t seem so bad after all.

He was about to close his eyes again when the maid suddenly appeared before him.

Mu Zhi’an was stunned, surprised by her speed.

Then, under his stunned gaze, and the astonished gazes of the other cultivators, Wei Mengrou wrapped an arm around the back of his head, her clear eyes looking into his, a hint of moisture glimmering within.

She leaned down and kissed him.

Boom!

It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck the girls’ minds. Even the usually domineering Ye Lingxuan froze, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at the scene before her.

The world seemed to fall silent, and the Heavenly Tribulation seemed to ignore Mu Zhi’an and Wei Mengrou. The Thunder Dragon lashed its tail, turning towards the other cultivators undergoing their tribulations.

A protective barrier seemed to form around Wei Mengrou, shielding them from the falling lightning!

Mu Zhi’an stared at the maid’s face, inches from his. Her cheeks were flushed from the kiss, her beauty a mix of coldness and allure.

An absurd thought crossed his mind.

Did she just… block the Heavenly Tribulation…?

Chapter 278: The Chaos Body, So Terrifying No One Dares to Compete!

Dark clouds churned in the sky above the Martial Realm, accompanied by deafening thunderclaps that seemed to shake the heavens. The world was shrouded in a gray haze.

Most Core Formation cultivators had experienced Heavenly Tribulations before. The more talented the cultivator, the more terrifying the tribulation.

It was said that even the most gifted individuals could perish under the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation.

From the first to the ninth tribulation, each stage added a ‘Thunder Dragon’, its destructive power increasing exponentially.

If a cultivator at the peak of the Core Formation Realm faced the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation, the ninth tribulation would be equivalent to a full-powered attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator or even stronger.

However, Wei Mengrou’s tribulation clearly wasn’t the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation.

This was a punishment from the heavens, triggered by her existence.

She was the Calamity Body, a being outside the rules of heaven and earth!

This punishment, although a Heavenly Tribulation, only targeted her. If other cultivators entered the area, it wouldn’t trigger additional tribulations for them.

And the heavens’ intervention often brought ‘treasures’, which was why so many cultivators had gathered here.

By the time Ye Yu arrived, dozens of cultivators had already gathered a hundred meters away from Wei Mengrou. Tang Sufei, afraid of affecting her tribulation, hadn’t approached and was also among the crowd.

Ye Yu stared at the maid in the yellow dress hovering in the sky, his eyes filled with disbelief.

I should be the protagonist! Why is this maid of Mu Zhi’an’s already approaching the Nascent Soul Realm?!

One of the signs of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm was the ability to fly without a sword, and although Wei Mengrou hadn’t reached that level yet, she was clearly on the verge of a breakthrough.

Even he was only at the sixth-grade Core Formation Realm, and he had only reached that level through relentless cultivation, absorbing even impure Spiritual Energy…

Compared to her, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of imbalance.

If Wei Mengrou failed her tribulation, it would be fine. But if she succeeded, she would become the strongest cultivator below Lan Mulian…

Ye Yu’s fists clenched tightly, his desire for power intensifying.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Master, where’s the treasure you mentioned?”

“Don’t worry. Just watch,” the old man inside him replied, suppressing his excitement. “It will likely appear when that little girl starts her tribulation. That will be the best time for you to seize this heavenly opportunity.”

“But remember, others will also notice the treasure, so choose your moment carefully.”

Ye Yu nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, “But if other cultivators enter someone else’s tribulation, won’t they also be forced to undergo it? And the tribulation will be even more terrifying?”

Although he considered himself a genius, he didn’t dare to test whether he could withstand a combined tribulation with more than two people.

“Her tribulation won’t affect others. Don’t worry,” the old man’s voice echoed in his mind.

“I was wondering why her cultivation speed was so much faster than those other geniuses. It seems the answer has been revealed.”

“What do you mean, Master…?”

“Those who exist outside the rules of heaven and earth are not acknowledged by the heavens. Therefore, her tribulation isn’t a normal Heavenly Tribulation… Or rather, she’s deceiving the heavens, so the difficulty of her tribulation will be far greater than that of others.”

“In short, even if you enter her tribulation, you won’t be affected.”

“However, that little girl… might not be so lucky…”

Ye Yu’s eyes flickered, and he looked up. “What do you mean, Master…?”

“The tribulation won’t resonate with you, but it will resonate with everyone who enters it, amplifying its power for the one undergoing the tribulation,” the old man said, his voice filled with a deep meaning.

“This is the punishment for defying the rules of heaven and earth.”

Ye Yu hesitated for a moment, then looked at Wei Mengrou in the sky. “If that’s the case, if others notice the treasure within the tribulation and rush in, won’t she…?”

Be obliterated by the amplified tribulation?

“Perhaps.”

“But that’s not what we should be focusing on. What’s important is…”

“I know, the treasure born from the tribulation!” Ye Yu replied, his eyes filled with excitement as he listened to the murmurs of the surrounding cultivators.

Boom!

A deafening roar shook the heavens, and everyone instinctively looked up.

Wei Mengrou stood with her sword, her yellow dress fluttering in the wind. Faint sparks of lightning crackled around her.

This was a sign that the Heavenly Tribulation was brewing.

“This tribulation seems different from the ones I’ve experienced… It seems to be targeting only this female cultivator,” a cultivator said after observing it for a moment.

“Indeed. If it were a normal tribulation, other cultivators who approach would also trigger their own tribulations… But we’re so close, and it’s not resonating with us. This is strange.”

The cultivators whispered amongst themselves.

Boom!

Another deafening roar echoed through the sky, drawing everyone’s attention to Wei Mengrou.

They realized… the Heavenly Tribulation was brewing, and it was terrifying!

The dark clouds in the sky swirled like a vast galaxy, and within them, a roaring Thunder Dragon circled.

Its form was fearsome, its tail lashing out, sending sparks of lightning flying. It held a pale white orb in its mouth.

“Heavenly Dao Energy!” someone in the crowd exclaimed.

Their eyes lit up with desire and excitement.

It was incredibly rare for a Heavenly Tribulation to produce a treasure, but for a Core Formation cultivator’s tribulation to produce Heavenly Dao Energy… the probability was less than one in a billion.

This was the mark of a protagonist.

Although her bad luck was astonishing… a Heavenly Dao Energy had indeed appeared within her tribulation.

Suddenly, the Thunder Dragon opened its mouth, and the Heavenly Dao Energy fell from its grasp, swirling amidst the sparks of lightning, radiating a deep, mysterious black glow that captivated all who saw it.

Huang Manting, who had arrived at some point, looked up at the Heavenly Dao Energy, a knowing glint in her eyes.

The other cultivators were restless, their gazes fixed on the treasure, wanting to snatch it.

But they knew that although Wei Mengrou’s tribulation wouldn’t affect them, the first person to make a move would be attacked by the others.

Finally, a cultivator in a green robe, unable to resist the temptation, transformed into a streak of light and shot towards the Heavenly Dao Energy.

Suddenly, Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea, formed a hand seal, and a dazzling light, carrying a terrifying aura, surged towards the cultivator.

He was forced to stop and, looking up, saw Tang Sufei standing before him, a faint smile on her face. “Someone is undergoing a tribulation. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to barge in like this?”

The cultivator frowned, glaring at Tang Sufei, then at the Heavenly Dao Energy. He suddenly chuckled. “If I remember correctly, the one undergoing the tribulation is a cultivator from the Eastern Realm, right? Why are you, a Holy Maiden from the World Sea, siding with them?”

Tang Sufei’s expression remained unchanged. She chuckled. “I simply disapprove of your actions. Don’t you know what will happen if you enter the tribulation area now?”

Wei Mengrou’s tribulation was unique. If this cultivator entered, he wouldn’t be affected by it, but the difficulty of her tribulation would increase exponentially.

Wei Mengrou was likely connected to the Primordial Witch. Even if it meant offending everyone present, Tang Sufei couldn’t allow them to interfere with her tribulation.

However, the cultivator laughed as if he had heard a joke. “You’re quite righteous, Miss Tang. But aren’t you standing here because you want the Heavenly Dao Energy within the tribulation area?”

His eyes turned cold. “We don’t need outsiders meddling in the Eastern Realm’s affairs!”

“I believe I’m not the only one who feels this way, right?” He turned to the crowd behind him.

Although they didn’t respond, some nodded silently.

“If you insist on blocking our path, Miss Tang, then we’ll have to deal with you first before deciding who gets the Heavenly Dao Energy,” the cultivator said with a sneer.

No one responded.

Although they knew he was using them, they were also using him.

If they could force the World Sea’s Holy Maiden to retreat, they would have a chance to seize the Heavenly Dao Energy…

Seeing their silence, the cultivator sneered inwardly, then cupped his fists. “Since you refuse to move, Miss Tang, then forgive my rudeness!”

“The World Sea wants to meddle in the Eastern Realm’s affairs? You’re overstepping your bounds,” another voice said, fueling the tension.

The relationship between the realms had been strained after the incident with the Jade Empress, and now, the atmosphere was becoming increasingly hostile.

Suddenly, a calm voice rang out, “The World Sea can’t interfere, but can the Forbidden Zone?”

Everyone instinctively turned to look and saw Ye Cian, a prodigy from the Forbidden Zone, standing among them!

A behemoth from the Eastern Realm siding with Wei Mengrou… Regardless of their motives, it calmed down some of the restless cultivators.

The cultivator in the green robe frowned. “Ye Cian, I heard you have a grudge against Mu Zhi’an. This matter has nothing to do with you, does it?”

Ye Cian shook his head and chuckled. “I’m not helping him, but he’s connected to the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden. If we stand by and do nothing, people might think we’re heartless.”

Although he disliked Mu Zhi’an, he was very close to Ye Lingxuan, who was destined to inherit the Forbidden Zone. Ye Cian knew what he had to do.

However, although Ye Cian’s words deterred some cultivators, they still coveted the Heavenly Dao Energy within the tribulation area.

This was the Martial Realm. No matter what happened between them, their elders would smooth things over later.

Besides, Mu Zhi’an’s connection to the Forbidden Zone was indirect. They wouldn’t intervene for a mere maid…

Thinking of this, some of the cultivators who had been deterred by the ‘Forbidden Zone’ started to get restless again.

After all, some of them weren’t from the Eastern Realm and would leave after the Ascension Ceremony… If they missed this opportunity, they might never obtain another Heavenly Dao Energy.

“Amitabha.”

A golden light shone as a monk from the Western Regions, dressed in saffron robes, raised his vajra, a dazzling golden pattern appearing behind him.

“Since none of you are interested in the Heavenly Dao Energy, I’ll gladly take it.”

The monk transformed into a golden streak of light and shot towards the treasure!

“Get lost, baldy!” Tang Sufei’s eyes turned cold, and she immediately attacked, blocking the monk’s path.

However, with the first person making a move, other cultivators also seized the opportunity and rushed towards Wei Mengrou.

The cultivator in the green robe’s eyes flickered, and he also charged towards the Heavenly Dao Energy.

“Wang Teng, do you truly intend to antagonize the Forbidden Zone?” Ye Cian asked, his voice cold, as he stepped forward, blocking his path.

Wang Teng narrowed his eyes and chuckled. “You’re joking, Brother Ye. Who in the Eastern Realm would dare to antagonize the Forbidden Zone? But look, many of these people aren’t from the Eastern Realm. Wouldn’t it be better if we took the Heavenly Dao Energy instead of letting them have it?”

He glanced at a young cultivator in the crowd and seemed to say something through voice transmission.

The cultivator nodded discreetly and transformed into a streak of light, taking advantage of the chaos to approach the Heavenly Dao Energy!

Ye Cian’s expression darkened as he looked up.

It was another cultivator from the Wang family!

These two would stop at nothing to obtain the Heavenly Dao Energy…

Boom!

As the first cultivator entered the tribulation area, the Heavenly Tribulation roared, its aura intensifying.

Tang Sufei’s expression changed slightly, and she glanced at Wei Mengrou, her heart filled with anxiety.

She didn’t know what the Primordial Witch had left for Wei Mengrou, but if she failed this tribulation, it would be difficult to find another such opportunity.

“Amitabha, Benefactor, you’re clinging to worldly desires.”

A Buddhist chant echoed through the air, tempting Tang Sufei to lay down her arms. She snapped out of her daze, her eyes clearing, and snorted coldly, breaking the monk’s spell.

However, she now had to focus on dealing with him.

The World Sea’s Holy Maiden was indeed a formidable opponent, but this monk, representing the Western Regions in the Ascension Ceremony, was also incredibly powerful. They were evenly matched.

While fighting Ye Cian, Wang Teng glanced at his younger brother, Wang Shuo, who was approaching the Heavenly Dao Energy. A faint smile appeared on his face.

It’s time… Ye Yu’s eyes gleamed, and he transformed into a streak of light, charging towards the treasure.

A black mist surged as the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son also couldn’t wait any longer.

“Nigati, you’re from the Southern Wilderness! Don’t interfere in the Eastern Realm’s affairs!” Ye Cian shouted angrily, looking up.

The Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son, shrouded in black mist, ignored him and sneered. “The Heavenly Dao Energy should belong to the strongest, regardless of their origin.”

He accelerated, reaching out to grab the treasure.

Boom!

As Nigati entered the tribulation area, Wei Mengrou’s tribulation, which was already at the difficulty level of two people, became even more terrifying. A deep black pattern appeared on the surface of the roaring Thunder Dragon.

“This tribulation only targets her… Other cultivators aren’t affected, but its difficulty increases with each person who enters…” a cultivator sighed sympathetically.

“It seems so. And if I remember correctly, she’s been alone since entering the Martial Realm. I wonder why she seems to be acquainted with the World Sea’s Holy Maiden…”

“No matter how talented she is, she can’t stand against so many cultivators… It’s a case of ‘possessing a treasure invites disaster’.”

Nigati looked at Wei Mengrou, who had closed her eyes, seemingly ready to face the tribulation, then up at the increasingly terrifying tribulation. He sneered.

“How pitiful. If I were you, I would crush the jade slip and leave, instead of becoming everyone’s target.”

The black mist around him surged, enveloping the Heavenly Dao Energy and concealing it from the others.

Seizing the opportunity, he reached out to grab the treasure.

The black mist seemed to be absorbing their Spiritual Energy, forcing them to retreat, including Ye Yu.

He had suffered from this ability before and was now wary.

As he retreated from the black mist, he saw Nigati reaching for the Heavenly Dao Energy.

At the same time, the destructive aura emanating from the Thunder Dragon intensified. Wei Mengrou opened her eyes and unleashed a sword strike towards Nigati.

However, the black mist around him swallowed her attack. He glanced at her and sneered. “You might be a threat to me if it weren’t for this tribulation, but now… You should worry about yourself instead of the Heavenly Dao Energy.”

“You’re all alone now!”

Wei Mengrou’s eyes turned cold. She wanted to attack again, but sensing the terrifying power of the Thunder Dragon, she could only watch helplessly as Nigati reached for the Heavenly Dao Energy that should have been hers.

“You won’t leave the Martial Realm unscathed,” she said, her voice cold as ice, staring at Nigati.

“Let’s see if you can even survive this tribulation,” Nigati chuckled, his hand closing around the Heavenly Dao Energy!

Boom!

A whistling sound suddenly came from the distance, and just as Nigati grabbed the treasure, a pure, cleansing light enveloped the entire tribulation area.

Under countless shocked gazes, the Pure World Azure Lotus descended from the sky, crashing down on Nigati!

Mu Zhi’an, dressed in a black and gold robe, stood outside the tribulation area, a hundred birds circling behind him, their cries echoing through the air. A golden light shone behind him.

“Stealing someone’s fortune while they’re defenseless, and even justifying your actions… You’ll be punished by the heavens.”

The green light forced the cultivators within the tribulation area to retreat, their eyes filled with apprehension as they looked at the Pure World Azure Lotus.

Nigati looked up abruptly, his eyes narrowing. “Mu Zhi’an!”

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the surrounding cultivators and said with a smile, cupping his fists, “Everyone, please give me some face. This Heavenly Dao Energy belongs to my maid. It’s not right to steal it from her.”

“Are you willing to offend so many people for a mere maid, Young Master Mu?” a cultivator frowned, speaking up from the crowd.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “To be honest, she’s not just my maid. She’s also my Dao Companion.”

“Isn’t it natural to help one’s Dao Companion?”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it reached everyone’s ears. Wei Mengrou glanced at him, as if wanting to say something, but she held back.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze swept over the other cultivators.

Some of them were disciples of the Two Polarities Sect. He had interacted with them in the past, and some even owed him favors.

They exchanged glances, their expressions conflicted.

After a moment of hesitation, over a dozen of them cupped their fists and retreated.

“Thank you.”

Mu Zhi’an also cupped his fists, then his gaze shifted to the remaining cultivators, including Ye Yu, who hadn’t moved.

“I really don’t want to fight. Are you sure you won’t back down?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his tone conciliatory.

“Don’t bluff, Mu Zhi’an. So what if you have that strange lotus? Do you think you can force us all out of the Martial Realm?” Nigati sneered.

“Amitabha, Benefactor Mu, your attachment is too strong. You should lay down your arms and focus on your cultivation,” Jingchen said, his hands clasped together, a gentle golden glow emanating from behind him.

Although Mu Zhi’an’s lotus was strange, they knew he couldn’t maintain it for long if they all attacked him together.

They had no intention of retreating.

“Do you think you can handle us all by yourself?” Ye Yu also sneered, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

However, Mu Zhi’an maintained his gentle smile.

“I can handle it alone.”

At least, he could hold them off until Wei Mengrou finished her tribulation.

The tribulation clouds churned in the distance, the deep, crackling lightning causing a stir among the crowd.

“Why is she triggering another tribulation?” someone muttered.

Nigati’s eyes were also filled with confusion.

Then, as if realizing something, his expression changed, and he exclaimed, “No, this is Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation!”

He finally understood why Mu Zhi’an was so confident… His trump card wasn’t the Pure World Azure Lotus, but this Heavenly Tribulation!

Mu Zhi’an’s fourth-grade Core Formation tribulation!

“Are you insane, Mu Zhi’an?! Even if we’re eliminated, you won’t escape unscathed!”

The tribulation enveloped dozens of cultivators, and many of the usually composed geniuses couldn’t help but curse as they retreated hastily, distancing themselves from Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an ignored them, stretching lazily, a gentle smile on his face.

It had been a while since he had played the villain. Some people seemed to have forgotten that he was a true villain.

Even though the ‘Villainous Supporting Character’ title on his personal interface had disappeared, and he had ‘retired’ from villainy… it didn’t mean his ruthlessness was completely gone.

Boom!

He broke through the bottleneck of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, and the tribulation clouds completely enveloped Nigati and the others.

At this moment, a wave of regret washed over the talented disciples, including Nigati.

The Heavenly Dao Energy was valuable, but there was only one. If they were eliminated in the Martial Realm, they would miss out on the Ascension Ceremony.

They were all geniuses from prominent factions. Being eliminated in the Martial Realm… would be a humiliating joke.

Imagine, walking outside and hearing people whisper, “Look, that’s so-and-so, one of the greatest geniuses of our time, but he couldn’t even pass the Martial Realm trial.”

…They would be branded with shame for the rest of their lives.

However, Mu Zhi’an’s tribulation had already enveloped them. There was no escape.

With so many people undergoing the tribulation together… no one could survive until the end.

“Mu Zhi’an—!”

Nigati and the others glared at him, their eyes filled with anger and hatred.

But Mu Zhi’an simply smiled calmly, welcoming the terrifying combined tribulation.

The Two Polarities Sect’s jade slip would ensure his survival, but if he was severely injured, it would transport him out of the Martial Realm.

And he would be disqualified from the Ascension Ceremony.

Nigati and the others assumed Mu Zhi’an didn’t care about the Ascension Ceremony, but in reality, he wanted to participate more than anyone else.

After all, if one of the girls around him won, he would have to ‘marry’ them…

Well… perfect timing. His potential ‘spouses’ were arriving.

Mu Zhi’an saw the purple figure and the woman in the white dress with her ample bosom approaching in the distance.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Then, under their hateful gazes, he smiled gently.

“I told you, you’ll be punished by the heavens.”

Chapter 277: The Primordial Witch Also Wants to Use Public Transportation for Private Purposes?!

The Primordial Witch… was Wei Mengrou?

Hearing her words, Mu Zhi’an’s mind went blank.

He stared at the woman in the black robe, a sense of absurdity washing over him.

If you’re Wei Mengrou, then what is my maid…?

“You’re Wei Mengrou…?”

Mu Zhi’an stared at the Primordial Witch, her figure gradually fading, as if about to disappear. “If what you’re saying is true, and Wei Mengrou is the Primordial Witch, then you’re just a fragment of her will?!”

But if that was the case, why didn’t Mengrou have any memories of her past life?

Could it be that… like Lingxuan, the Primordial Witch was a ‘puppet’ created by Wei Mengrou?

However, the Primordial Witch didn’t answer. Or rather, her figure was becoming too faint for her words to be heard clearly.

Mu Zhi’an instinctively reached out to grab her shoulder, but his hand passed through her.

The woman in the black robe, her alluring figure outlined by the fabric as it fluttered in the wind, slowly rose into the air.

She turned to look at him, a beautiful smile curving her lips. Her lips moved, as if she were saying something.

Although he couldn’t hear her voice, Mu Zhi’an could read her lips.

—I’ve always loved you.

The Primordial Witch’s will transformed into a wisp of dark Spiritual Energy, drifting away with the wind.

However, even Mu Zhi’an didn’t notice that this dark energy didn’t dissipate. It flew towards a certain direction in another zone…

…

Mu Zhi’an looked at the spot where the Primordial Witch had disappeared, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

If what she said was true, then his maid was also one of the ‘protagonists’, and she had been connected to him from the very beginning.

Wei Mengrou had been by his side because of a promise she made to his parents. If so, did his parents know something?

This was a disturbing thought.

“Although I like Mengrou, her face, her personality, and her long legs… I feel like the Primordial Witch is playing a long game here…”

And it might even involve his parents.

As Mu Zhi’an sat by the sea, watching the sunset, lost in thought, two figures were chasing him and the Primordial Witch, but they had lost their trail.

Wei Mengrou looked up at the sky, the black mist that had filled the air now gone, the two figures nowhere to be seen. She fell into a deep silence.

“It seems the senior noticed us and deliberately shook us off,” Tang Sufei said, breaking the silence, a hint of frustration in her voice.

“Was that woman the Primordial Witch?” Wei Mengrou asked softly, her brows furrowing slightly. “But why would the Primordial Witch seek him out?”

“Didn’t you hear, Miss Wei?” Tang Sufei looked at her with a knowing smile.

“And Young Master Mu even said something like a confession to that senior…”

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of amusement.

For some reason, she had been able to hear the conversation between Mu Zhi’an and the Primordial Witch. Naturally, Wei Mengrou must have heard it too.

Wei Mengrou scoffed. “He probably used some trick to deceive the Primordial Witch.”

Tang Sufei shook her head, disagreeing. “If it was that senior’s decision, then Young Master Mu must have something that attracted her.”

“That guy has nothing but good looks,” the maid said coldly.

No matter how cunning the Primordial Witch was, when it came to matters of the heart, she was probably just a naive girl. And for someone inexperienced in love, it wouldn’t be difficult for Mu Zhi’an to win her over.

However, a Dao Integration expert should be able to use ‘mind-reading’ techniques… Could it be that… the Primordial Witch hadn’t used it on Mu Zhi’an?

Otherwise, how could she still be interested in him after seeing through his thoughts?

Was it simply because of his good looks?

Tang Sufei could only smile wryly.

She couldn’t understand the relationship between these two.

They were master and servant, yet the maid showed no respect for her master, often speaking to him sarcastically.

Tang Sufei sighed softly.

It seemed the Primordial Witch had no intention of reclaiming the World Sea.

She had clearly noticed them earlier, and as the World Sea’s Holy Maiden, Tang Sufei was someone she wouldn’t miss.

But she hadn’t bothered to greet them and had simply left with Mu Zhi’an… This spoke volumes.

As she thought about this, Tang Sufei suddenly sensed something and instinctively looked up at the sky.

A faint, almost imperceptible wisp of dark Spiritual Energy was flying towards them. It seemed deep and mysterious, containing a special energy.

Tang Sufei froze, then realization dawned upon her.

This energy… It’s identical to the Primordial Witch’s!

But where was it going?

Wei Mengrou also noticed it. She looked up, her eyes filled with curiosity as she saw the dark Spiritual Energy.

“It seems to be flying towards us,” Tang Sufei said, her gaze fixed on the sky.

Her eyes held a hint of anticipation.

This dark energy carried the Primordial Witch’s aura. Perhaps it was some kind of inheritance she had left behind?

If so, it was likely searching for a suitable successor…

Wei Mengrou’s eyes narrowed. She saw the dark energy streaking across the sky, heading towards them.

For some reason, she felt a sense of familiarity towards it and instinctively reached out her hand.

Then, to Tang Sufei’s astonishment, the dark energy descended from the sky and silently entered Wei Mengrou’s body.

Tang Sufei froze, staring at her in disbelief.

Someone who wasn’t from the World Sea… had received the Primordial Witch’s Spiritual Energy…?

Not only the World Sea’s Holy Maiden, but even Wei Mengrou was confused. She looked down at her hand, feeling a strange sensation within her body.

She closed her eyes and focused.

She had been stuck at the bottleneck of the eighth-grade Core Formation Realm, but with the influx of this seemingly witch-like energy, she felt the bottleneck loosening.

Boom!

As they were still in shock, a deafening roar echoed through the sky.

Dark, leaden clouds gathered above them, their movements slow and heavy.

Even the cultivators in other zones couldn’t help but be drawn to this terrifying Heavenly Tribulation.

Many were filled with fear and uncertainty.

They were all scions of the Primordial Clans and had witnessed their elders undergoing the tribulation for the Nascent Soul Realm.

But even those tribulations hadn’t been this intense!

Boom!

Another deafening roar. A terrifying black mist erupted from Wei Mengrou’s body, and the tribulation clouds in the sky trembled violently. A white lightning bolt flashed within, as if something was brewing.

After a moment of hesitation, some cultivators flew towards Wei Mengrou on their swords.

Such a commotion naturally aroused their curiosity.

Mu Zhi’an also looked up, his heart sinking as he saw the gathering tribulation clouds.

If the Primordial Witch had been telling the truth, then Wei Mengrou was indeed the Primordial Witch.

The Primordial Witch’s will had just disappeared, and now this… It must be related to Wei Mengrou.

“I need to go and see…” Mu Zhi’an thought, his mind made up. He summoned his flying sword and flew towards the tribulation clouds.

The other participants in the Martial Realm trial also headed towards Wei Mengrou’s location.

With everyone gathered in one place, perhaps they could take advantage of the chaos to steal points and pass the trial…

Meanwhile, powerful cultivators throughout the Nine Realms sensed something and opened their eyes, their gazes fixed on the Eastern Realm’s Martial Realm with a mixture of shock and uncertainty.

To those young cultivators, it might seem like an ordinary Heavenly Tribulation.

But only these experts knew that this wasn’t a normal tribulation for advancing in cultivation.

A mere Core Formation cultivator couldn’t trigger a reaction from the Great Dao.

And now, the Heavenly Dao had been stirred.

Because the first person to break the shackles of heaven and earth, a being outside the rules, had appeared.

…

Within a certain zone, the old man inside Ye Yu suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

“Hmm?”

“What’s wrong, Master?” Ye Yu asked mentally.

However, the old man didn’t answer, seemingly focused on something.

Then, he abruptly opened his cloudy eyes, his voice filled with an unprecedented excitement. “Go to the tribulation… We must obtain that thing!”

His tone was urgent, as if he wanted to take over Ye Yu’s body and seize this heavenly opportunity.

Although Ye Yu was confused, he didn’t hesitate. He immediately flew towards the maid’s location.

The attention of all the talented disciples participating in the trial was now focused on the gathering tribulation clouds.

And at the center of it all were Wei Mengrou and Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea.

Chapter 276: The Primordial Witch Also Wants to Use Public Transportation for Private Purposes?!

“The Jade Empress?”

The Primordial Witch narrowed her eyes, observing the green figure emerging from the black mist.

She wore a light green dress with white embroidery, the cold wind revealing a glimpse of her slender waist.

Her figure was graceful and alluring, and her feet, as white as jade, were faintly visible beneath her skirt.

The Primordial Witch raised an eyebrow, her beautiful eyes staring at Yao Meng from beneath her black hood. “If I’m not mistaken, the Martial Realm trial is still ongoing. It’s not appropriate for a Dao Integration expert to interfere, is it?”

Yao Meng chuckled, her gaze fixed on the woman in the black robe. Then, she looked at the Primordial Witch’s hand, which was holding Mu Zhi’an’s, and said, “If there can be one Dao Integration expert in the Martial Realm, why not two?”

“Besides…”

She paused, then continued, “This is just a fragment of my will.”

It wasn’t difficult for a Dao Integration expert to instantly travel from the Jade Pool Holy Land to the Martial Realm. However, if Yao Meng’s true body appeared, it would disrupt the ongoing trial. That was why she had only sent a fragment of her will.

The Primordial Witch looked up, her gentle gaze fixed on the beautiful woman in the green dress. “Do you think you can take him away with just a fragment of your will?”

“I came here to observe and intervene if anyone tried to keep him here.”

Yao Meng glanced at the Primordial Witch and said softly, “But it seems there’s no need for me to do anything.”

The Primordial Witch before her was just a fragment of will, a remnant of a wish from ten thousand years ago.

And that wish was to be with Mu Zhi’an.

This wish had already been fulfilled.

…Even without Yao Meng’s intervention, this fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will would eventually disappear.

“Take good care of him in the Martial Realm,” Yao Meng said, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

Why does this feel like a passing of the torch…? Mu Zhi’an thought, speechless. Suddenly, he felt a gaze upon him and looked up. The fairy from the Jade Pool Holy Land was looking at him with a faint smile.

To an outsider, her smile seemed ethereal and mysterious, but Mu Zhi’an, knowing her well, understood the danger behind it.

But since Yao Meng had spoken, he could only remain silent.

He had to endure this meeting with the Primordial Witch.

As for what would happen afterwards… he would worry about it later.

He could always resort to ‘suppressing’ Yao Meng…

Of course, that was the best-case scenario. As for the worst-case scenario… This Jade Empress had lived for tens of thousands of years. Who knew what kind of terrifying punishments she had up her sleeve?

Vines, restraints, a dark room…

As Mu Zhi’an worried about his future, Yao Meng’s will silently dissipated.

He calmed himself down and turned to the Primordial Witch. “Let’s go,” he said.

“Is there anywhere you want to go?” he asked.

The Primordial Witch shook her head gently, smiling at him. “As long as I’m with you, anywhere is fine.”

“This will will only last for a while, so I want to spend as much time with you as possible,” she added.

Mu Zhi’an remained silent.

He couldn’t understand her feelings. He had no memories of being with her in the past.

But her affection for him was deep, so deep that it was touching.

He removed her hood, looking into her beautiful eyes, which reflected the falling snowflakes.

The sounds of cultivators clashing echoed in the distance, but Mu Zhi’an’s attention remained fixed on the Primordial Witch.

A will represented a strong desire from a past life, a desire that had persisted for ten thousand years, weathering the passage of time.

The Primordial Witch’s will within the Martial Realm was like a long-forgotten treasure chest, hidden from the world, waiting for the one she loved.

And now, he had finally appeared, opening the chest. He discovered that, despite the passage of time, her love for him remained unchanged, even though she had forgotten everything.

—I’ve always loved him.

Mu Zhi’an couldn’t deny that he was touched. After all, he had a weakness for beautiful women.

Although this Primordial Witch seemed to have a bit of a yandere side, she was still alluring.

However, he felt more pity than desire towards her.

“Why don’t you take me for a walk? You’re more familiar with the Martial Realm,” Mu Zhi’an said, extending his hand towards her.

Before her will disappeared, they could still visit many places, creating beautiful memories for her.

The Primordial Witch smiled and gently removed her hood. “Alright.”

Boom!

The black mist dispersed as she spoke, and the black box silently closed, returning to Mu Zhi’an’s storage ring.

Many cultivators in this zone were searching for suitable bases. As the mist dissipated, Mu Zhi’an and the Primordial Witch became visible.

“Look over there!”

“That cultivator seems to be a disciple of our sect, but who’s that silver-haired beauty beside him…?”

“I don’t think I’ve seen her before…”

“Of course you haven’t. There are so many participants. How could you possibly know everyone?” a cultivator chuckled.

“That’s different. If such a beautiful woman was in this zone, I would have noticed her.”

His words were met with laughter, and their gazes shifted to the silver-haired beauty in the sky.

Although he had been joking, he was right.

How could they not have noticed such a stunning woman if she was truly in their zone?

Wei Mengrou stared at the woman in the black robe, her brows furrowing slightly. “There’s something strange about that woman’s aura.”

If it were before, Tang Sufei might have teased her about being ‘jealous’, but she wasn’t in the mood now.

Her eyes were filled with a strange longing. Seeing the two about to leave, she quickly transmitted her voice, “Senior, are you the Primordial Witch?!”

The Primordial Witch, as if she hadn’t heard, smiled faintly, glancing at Mu Zhi’an from time to time.

While everyone else was focused on the Martial Realm trial, these two seemed to be on a leisurely stroll, their relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the others.

Mu Zhi’an summoned his flying sword, and after the Primordial Witch stepped onto it, wrapping her arms around his waist, they flew away, under the gazes of the other cultivators.

He didn’t realize that among the cultivators below, a certain maid, her aura concealed, and a certain senior sister in a moon-white dress, were silently observing them.

Whether it was due to the Primordial Witch’s abilities or something else, the first zone they passed through was still experiencing heavy snowfall, but in the second zone, sunlight streamed through the trees, illuminating the snow-covered ground.

By evening, they were about to leave Zone Two, but Mu Zhi’an spotted a secluded spot by the sea. He took the Primordial Witch there on his sword.

The area was deserted, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed through the air.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the sunset over the sea and suddenly remembered something. “My personal interface requires me to interact with others to obtain titles. How did you use it in the past?” he asked.

“Did you also interact with ‘protagonists’…?”

The Primordial Witch shook her head gently. “I had all the titles from the beginning.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered, realizing something. “So after transferring the personal interface, all the titles reset?”

The Primordial Witch nodded silently.

It’s a shame this fragment of her will doesn’t know why she transferred the personal interface to me… Mu Zhi’an felt a pang of regret.

“Why is your will in the Martial Realm?” he asked.

The Primordial Witch replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “I created the Martial Realm to conceal Heavenly Secrets. Isn’t it normal for me to be here?”

“The Martial Realm is used to conceal Heavenly Secrets…?” Mu Zhi’an looked at her, his eyes widening slightly.

She had a breathtakingly beautiful face, her lips slightly pale, her sickly complexion making her appear even more fragile and delicate.

Judging from her appearance alone, no one would have guessed that she was the Primordial Witch.

After all, in the minds of most cultivators, the Primordial Witch should be a domineering and confident figure, like an Empress.

But the Primordial Witch before him seemed so vulnerable.

And her black robe accentuated her fair and flawless skin.

“If I didn’t conceal Heavenly Secrets, I would have been struck down by a Heavenly Tribulation long ago,” the Primordial Witch said calmly.

The tribulation she was referring to wasn’t an ordinary one… Mu Zhi’an instantly understood the hidden meaning behind her words and fell into deep thought.

Then, he froze, staring at her. “…The Heavenly Dao?”

One of her wills had remained in the Martial Realm to avoid a Heavenly Tribulation… And this tribulation clearly wasn’t the kind cultivators faced when advancing in their cultivation.

The only possibility was the Heavenly Dao.

But why?

Why would the Primordial Witch’s will be punished by the Heavenly Dao?

Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced, and after a moment of hesitation, he seemed to realize something. He stared at her.

“Are you… the Calamity Body?”

The Primordial Witch smiled faintly.

“Any constitution that exists outside the rules of heaven and earth is considered a Calamity Body. But it’s not truly a calamity. It’s just a punishment from the Heavenly Dao’s will.”

“Why would the Heavenly Dao punish cultivators who exist outside its rules?” Mu Zhi’an asked, puzzled.

The Primordial Witch looked at him with a gentle gaze, her hand caressing his handsome face. “There was a time when the laws of heaven and earth didn’t allow the Soul Transformation Realm to exist. I was the one who broke those shackles and reached the Dao Integration Realm,” she said softly.

So one had to conform to the rules of heaven and earth to avoid being punished by the Heavenly Dao’s will… Mu Zhi’an understood.

As if not wanting to dwell on this topic, the Primordial Witch suddenly wrapped an arm around his, her shoulder pressing against his. “Come on, we finally met again. Don’t talk about such depressing things,” she said softly.

“I’m more curious about who you like more, me or the others around you.”

Here it comes, the classic ‘who do you like more’ question…

Mu Zhi’an knew how to answer this kind of question. He put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer.

Then, he tilted his head slightly and, under the setting sun, gazed at her pale, alluring lips.

“Of course, it’s you.”

The Primordial Witch smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“So you like the Primordial Witch the most, not the Jade Empress, Shang Yanfei, or Bai Ruoxi?”

Looking at her sweet smile, Mu Zhi’an felt a sense of unease.

But this fragment of her will would disappear soon. He wanted her to have a happy memory, so he nodded slightly.

“Of course, you’re the one I like the most.”

He looked at her, but she suddenly fell silent. As he was about to speak, she said casually, “By the way, did you know that the nine zones in the Martial Realm are actually interconnected?”

Her eyes held a mischievous glint.

Mu Zhi’an had a bad feeling. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m going to let everyone hear those words. I’ll let them all know that you like me the most,” the Primordial Witch said calmly.

Mu Zhi’an: “?”

“Everyone who entered the Martial Realm will hear what you just said,” she added, dropping a bombshell.

Mu Zhi’an was confused at first.

Then, his eyes widened, and his heart pounded uncontrollably.

What the hell?!

Is this love?

You’re trying to get me killed!

“Mu Lang, why aren’t you saying anything?” the Primordial Witch asked, her eyes filled with confusion.

“Or were you lying to me?” she asked, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He didn’t know if she was tricking him or if she had truly let everyone else hear his words, but now that he had said them, he had to see this through.

At least, he could make her happy before her will disappeared.

This sickly beauty might seem gentle, but she’s surprisingly manipulative…

Mu Zhi’an looked at her mischievous smile and her gradually fading figure, speechless.

“Are you leaving?” he asked.

The Primordial Witch raised her hand, looking at her translucent fingers, her eyes filled with reluctance. “We’ll meet again someday,” she said softly.

“What’s your name?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked.

“I didn’t have a name in the past.”

“You mean… you do now?” Mu Zhi’an caught the implication in her words.

“I do,” the Primordial Witch replied, nodding slightly.

She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“Now, my name is Wei Mengrou.”

Chapter 275: I Was Here First

A personal interface that could be transferred to others?

When he heard the Primordial Witch’s words, Mu Zhi’an’s first thought was: Absurd!

But she even knew about his ‘personal interface’. Perhaps it was truly something she had bestowed upon him…

However, even if what she said was true… why would she give him a personal interface?

Mu Zhi’an looked at the woman in the black robe before him. “Since you’ve told me this, you must have guessed what I’m about to ask, right?”

“Of course.” The Primordial Witch tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on him with a smile. “I would be surprised if you didn’t ask.”

Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment. “Why did you give me the personal interface?”

“Because I’ve always loved you. No matter how much time passes or what happens, I’ll always love you,” the Primordial Witch replied calmly, her voice gentle, as if she were stating a simple fact.

“Have we met before?” Mu Zhi’an asked instinctively.

If a beautiful woman like her had feelings for him, he would definitely remember.

Or maybe… she had mistaken him for someone else?

“I haven’t mistaken you for anyone. You’re the one I’m looking for,” the Primordial Witch replied immediately, as if reading his thoughts.

Her voice was suddenly much lower, making Mu Zhi’an feel as if he had done something wrong, a pang of guilt washing over him.

He was silent for a moment, then asked, “How did you transfer the personal interface to me?”

“It can be transferred to others. It just depends on whether the owner is willing,” the Primordial Witch explained.

Under his stunned gaze, she gently removed her hood, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful face. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, but what was most captivating were her eyes, filled with a vulnerability that made her seem fragile and delicate.

She said calmly, “I am both a reincarnator and a transmigrator. Your personal interface was originally my cheat. Naturally, I know how to transfer it to others.”

A transmigrator…?

And a reincarnator…?

Just what is this Primordial Witch’s background… Mu Zhi’an suppressed his shock. “Since you’re a transmigrator, you’re not originally from the Nine Realms?”

“The Nine Realms are vast, but they’re just a small part of this star field,” the Primordial Witch said, a beautiful smile curving her lips.

She raised her finger, and in the next instant, Mu Zhi’an found himself beside her.

The Primordial Witch raised her hand, gently caressing Mu Zhi’an’s face, her eyes filled with a hint of longing.

Then, she reached out with both hands and, as if embracing a newborn, pulled him into her arms, holding him close.

A unique, refreshing fragrance filled his nose, and the warmth of her embrace, even through the layers of clothing, made his heart skip a beat.

Normally, Mu Zhi’an would have enjoyed this embrace, but as he smelled her scent, he instinctively closed his eyes.

A wave of nostalgia washed over him.

I’ve smelled this fragrance somewhere before… and recently. This thought crossed his mind.

The Primordial Witch looked down at him tenderly, her fingers gently combing through his hair. She looked up at the distance and said softly, “Within the star field I mentioned, there’s a blue planet you’re familiar with.”

“Actually, there are two or three Primordial Clan ancestors in the Nine Realms who were likely transmigrators. Their original worlds entered a period of spiritual decline, so they brought their clans to the Nine Realms.”

“And that’s why I came here too.”

So transmigrators aren’t that uncommon in the Nine Realms. At least, I’m not the first… Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then looked up at her. “If the personal interface was your cheat, why did you give it to me?”

“It was useless to me, but it’s very useful to you. You’ve gained quite a lot from it, haven’t you?” the Primordial Witch said with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an remained silent.

He had obtained over ten titles from the personal interface, each providing a significant boost to his abilities. It had also allowed him to become the first Chaos Body, an incredibly rare constitution.

But if the personal interface was truly given to him by the Primordial Witch, what was her purpose?

“Why are you helping me so much?” Mu Zhi’an asked, although he already had a guess.

“I’ve always loved you,” the Primordial Witch replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Although I know I’m handsome, it couldn’t possibly be love at first sight… Mu Zhi’an looked up at her. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

This time, her answer surprised Mu Zhi’an.

“I’m not even a complete soul now. I don’t remember why I love you,” the Primordial Witch said softly.

The current Primordial Witch was devoid of emotions. She loved Mu Zhi’an because the fragment of her will that had persisted to this day loved him… But why she loved him, she couldn’t say.

Sensing her sadness, Mu Zhi’an remained silent.

In the silence, the Primordial Witch continued, her voice calm and steady. “But there’s a voice in my heart that keeps telling me that I love you.”

“So… I’ll keep loving you, and when I’m truly reborn, we can be together forever.”

She held him close, a sweet smile on her face, as if imagining their future together.

“Can my Innate Celestial Furnace constitution help you?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked.

“The Innate Celestial Furnace is only effective for souls. What remains in the Martial Realm is just a fragment of my will. Even if it enters your Celestial Vessel, it will still disappear,” the Primordial Witch replied, shaking her head slowly.

Mu Zhi’an felt a pang of regret.

Yao Meng had been able to stay within his Innate Celestial Furnace because she still possessed a soul. However, the Primordial Witch before him was just a fragment of will.

And the reason this will had persisted for ten thousand years was because of him.

If what she said was true, didn’t it mean he had known her a long time ago?

Besides the absurd realization that he had a wife from ten thousand years ago?!, Mu Zhi’an felt a surge of pity for this woman with such deep affection.

Although he didn’t know how she had met him ten thousand years ago, or why she had such strong feelings for him, her love was still touching.

He looked up at her. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

The Primordial Witch smiled at him. “Can you stay here with me?”

“Is that also a request from your will?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The Primordial Witch shook her head slowly.

“I just feel a sense of familiarity with you, a sense of peace when I’m around you. That’s why I want you to stay with me,” she replied.

Mu Zhi’an looked into her eyes, their gentle depths filled with a hint of sadness, her gaze reflecting his image.

She’s truly remarkable… To have everything erased by time, only fragments of will remaining, not even remembering what happened, yet still clinging to the thought: I will always love him.

“You’re amazing,” Mu Zhi’an said with genuine admiration.

The Primordial Witch tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

“However, I can’t stay here with you,” Mu Zhi’an continued.

He stared at her, expecting to see anger or disappointment in her eyes, but she simply smiled, a hint of sadness in her gaze.

“Is it because you need to find the other girls?” the Primordial Witch asked, her voice gentle.

“What if I said yes… what would you do?” Mu Zhi’an asked, testing the boundaries of his ‘imprisonment’.

The Primordial Witch smiled. “If you don’t want to stay here with me, I can send you back.”

“But I still hope you’ll stay and chat with me… After all, this fragment of my will will disappear soon, and I don’t know when we’ll meet again.”

As she spoke, the black mist behind her churned, and the sound of chains rattling could be faintly heard, as if something was stirring within.

However, due to a special technique, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t hear the chains or see the black mist surrounding her.

He thought she was a gentle and obedient girl, unaware that he had just narrowly escaped being ‘locked up’.

“Let’s go for a walk,” Mu Zhi’an said, looking at the woman in the black robe.

Although her attire was simple, her silver hair was incredibly striking. It was no wonder she always wore a hood, likely to conceal it.

“A walk…?” The chains that had been about to emerge from behind her retreated slightly. She looked up at him.

“You mean you want me to leave this place with you?” the Primordial Witch asked.

“We can just leave the black box. A walk outside would be more enjoyable than sitting here,” Mu Zhi’an said.

The Primordial Witch tilted her head slightly. “Is that alright? If I remember correctly, you’re here for the Ascension Ceremony. If you don’t obtain enough points, you might be disqualified.”

“The Martial Realm trial is important, but if we run out of time, I’ll forfeit,” Mu Zhi’an said with a carefree smile, under her gaze.

“Sometimes, we have to sacrifice something. And I believe this sacrifice is worth it.”

…

Outside the black box, the black mist had almost covered half the zone.

Wei Mengrou and Tang Sufei were walking towards the depths of the mist.

However, it seemed no one could open the black box except Mu Zhi’an, not even Wei Mengrou. They could only watch from outside as the mist, concealing Heavenly Secrets, emanated from it, unable to approach.

“Why is the black box that was with Young Master Mu here…?” Tang Sufei frowned, staring at the mysterious box.

Wei Mengrou also frowned, her eyes filled with confusion.

Boom!

At that moment, the black mist emanating from the black box surged skyward, catching the attention of the two women.

“Look! There seems to be someone inside the black box…?” Tang Sufei whispered, her gaze fixed on the rising mist and the faint silhouette within.

The thick, billowing mist was visible even from other zones, causing the cultivators there to turn and look in its direction.

Wei Mengrou’s gaze followed the mist, then her eyes widened as she saw two figures within.

One of them was Mu Zhi’an.

Why is he here…?

And who’s that person beside him?

Her gaze fell upon the woman in the black robe standing next to Mu Zhi’an.

She frowned slightly, a sense of familiarity washing over her.

Tang Sufei was also staring at the woman in the black robe.

As if sensing their gazes, the woman turned her head slightly.

It was just a brief glance, but after a moment of hesitation, Tang Sufei’s heart pounded with excitement. “The Primordial Witch?!” she exclaimed, her voice barely a whisper.

Wei Mengrou’s gaze also locked onto the figure in the sky, meeting the Primordial Witch’s eyes.

The Primordial Witch stared at Wei Mengrou silently, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions as if she saw something in them.

“It’s you…” she murmured.

She quickly collected her thoughts, turned her head slightly, and smiled charmingly. “Let’s go.”

“I’m quite familiar with the Martial Realm. I’ll guide you.”

The black mist enveloped them, concealing them from Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Sense.

He nodded slightly, about to say something.

However, before he could speak, a soft and melodious voice rang out beside him.

“I’m also quite familiar with the Martial Realm. If you just want to take a walk, I can guide you too. But what about your Martial Realm trial?”

Holy crap… Yao Meng?!

As soon as he heard the voice, Mu Zhi’an instinctively looked up and saw a green light appear, swallowing the black mist.

A woman in a green dress, her delicate feet hovering in the air, stood there, smiling at the Primordial Witch.

“I didn’t expect the Primordial Witch to still be alive.”

The Primordial Witch narrowed her eyes.

“The Jade Empress?”

Chapter 274: “They’re Participating in the Competition”

To be whisked away to such a strange place right after entering the Martial Realm was something Mu Zhi’an had never imagined.

Even if someone had told him that the Primordial Witch was still alive and waiting for him in the Martial Realm, he wouldn’t have believed it.

After all, it was too absurd. Countless Ascension Ceremonies had been held throughout history, but no one had ever encountered the Primordial Witch in the Martial Realm.

Yet, he had just entered, and there she was.

And she even claimed to be a reincarnator… and knew about his personal interface.

Mu Zhi’an stared at the woman, his eyes filled with suspicion.

She smiled sweetly from beneath her black hood, her finger resting on her pale, rosy lips. She tilted her head slightly. “Are you surprised?”

Mu Zhi’an stared at her, remaining silent.

The Primordial Witch removed her finger from her lips and touched Mu Zhi’an’s, smiling. “Because you thought your personal interface was something only you could see?”

“Or do you think you obtained the Chaos Body from someone else… and that it’s a secret?”

Mu Zhi’an froze, then his eyes widened in disbelief.

Goosebumps erupted across his skin.

This was a reaction that even the most skilled actor couldn’t fake. Even if he saw it himself later, he would be amazed by his own response.

The information contained within the Primordial Witch’s words was too overwhelming.

His personal interface had always been a secret. Even when he opened it in front of others, they couldn’t see it.

And now, someone knew about it.

She even knew he possessed the Chaos Body!

…The Primordial Witch was the true reincarnator!

But if she was the reincarnator, why did the ‘Reincarnator’ title appear on his personal interface when Mengrou refined the bronze fragment?

There had to be a connection… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered, his mind in turmoil.

After a moment of shock, he suppressed his surprise and tried to maintain his composure, smiling faintly. “What are you talking about? I don’t understand…”

But his gaze remained fixed on her, hoping to uncover the truth.

However, the Primordial Witch seemed to be a master of leaving things unsaid. She raised her head slightly, a playful smile on her lips.

“This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go somewhere else and chat.”

Her voice, as enchanting as a siren’s song, whispered in his ear, tempting him to follow her.

For the ‘protagonists’, the true prize of this Ascension Ceremony wasn’t the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs, but Mu Zhi’an, the hidden reward.

But no one expected that the prize would be snatched away before the ceremony even officially began…

If a painter were to depict a scene of ‘the protagonist participating in the Martial Realm trial’, it would be a simple task.

He would just have to paint these two.

The Primordial Witch, her beautiful eyes gazing at Mu Zhi’an with love and tenderness, and Mu Zhi’an, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.

As for the other protagonists…

They’re participating in the Martial Realm trial.

The Primordial Witch looked up, her gentle gaze fixed on him from beneath her hood. Mu Zhi’an felt his eyes drawn to hers, unable to look away.

His vision blurred, and he stared at her.

I’ve seen her somewhere before…

A sense of familiarity washed over him.

He had met the Primordial Witch before!

But where…?

As he looked into her eyes, the world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only her in focus.

Suddenly, he felt a slight electric shock on his finger, snapping him out of his daze.

The Artifact Spirit within the Purple Lightning Ring was trying to awaken its master!

Mu Zhi’an realized what was happening and bit his tongue, forcing himself to calm down.

This Primordial Witch was strange. Like the Demon Realm Empress, she could manipulate hearts…

I need to stay calm. Think about Yao Meng’s beautiful feet, Mengrou’s long legs, Ruoxi’s ample bosom, Lingxuan and Qian’er’s soft skin, and the alluring Lan sisters…

Sister Lin Ling and the Sect Master are also a good match…

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes cleared, and a hint of wariness appeared in his gaze as he looked at the mysterious woman.

“Alright,” he agreed readily.

If she was truly the Primordial Witch, he wouldn’t be able to escape anyway.

If she had any malicious intentions, she would have already acted. There was no reason for her to wait until now.

Of course, if he refused, she might change her mind.

The Primordial Witch looked at him, her gaze lingering on his handsome face for a moment, then she smiled sweetly.

“You were thinking about other girls just now, weren’t you?”

She can read minds?! Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat.

The Primordial Witch chuckled. “But it’s okay. I’ll forgive you, no matter what you do.”

“After all, even the love of all those girls combined can’t compare to mine.”

She raised her finger, and the black box hovering in the air silently opened.

“A Celestial Realm?” Mu Zhi’an said instinctively.

The black box contained a Celestial Realm, and it was now pulling both him and the Primordial Witch inside.

He had always wondered why the Primordial Witch had left behind a black box. Was it simply to express her ‘love’ and greet someone?

The answer was no.

Just like his Eight Chaos Dream Scroll, the black box was a Celestial Realm!

…

Boom!

Wei Mengrou unleashed a powerful sword strike, a terrifying golden light engulfing a large area, forcing the surrounding cultivators to retreat.

The young man who had been standing before her wasn’t so lucky. The force of her attack sent him stumbling back, blood spraying from his mouth as he clutched his chest, his eyes filled with fear as he looked at Wei Mengrou.

The other cultivators were stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief.

The Third Young Master of the Hong family… defeated by this female cultivator with a single sword strike?

It had only been half an hour since they entered the Martial Realm. The smarter cultivators had chosen to observe the situation first. However, some, who were considered ‘geniuses’ within their families, confident in their abilities, wanted to obtain points and pass the trial as quickly as possible, becoming the first to qualify for the Ascension Ceremony.

The Third Young Master of the Hong family hadn’t actually targeted Wei Mengrou for her points. He had simply never seen such a beautiful woman before and had proposed a ‘collaboration’.

It was a ‘collaboration’ in name only. He just wanted an excuse to approach her.

His proposal had naturally been rejected, and when he tried to force her to stay, the situation had escalated.

However, no one expected this alluring woman to be so powerful and decisive. She had defeated the Third Young Master of the Hong family with a single sword strike, forcefully taking one of his points.

Wei Mengrou scanned the surrounding cultivators. Seeing that they had no intention of attacking, she flew away on her sword.

Compared to obtaining points and passing the trial, her priority was her young master.

She had always been the one protecting him. Now that they were in different zones, although she believed in his strength, she couldn’t help but worry.

Thinking of this, she formed a hand seal and flew into the sky, searching for the exit of this zone.

The nine zones in the Martial Realm were interconnected, but each exit led to a random zone. And with the vastness of the Martial Realm, finding Mu Zhi’an depended largely on luck.

And the maid was confident in her luck.

Cultivators flew past her on their swords as she braved the wind and snow, heading towards the edge of the zone.

Several cultivators noticed her presence, but after witnessing her earlier display of power, most didn’t dare to approach her or try to steal her points.

“Miss Wei?”

A surprised voice came from behind her. Wei Mengrou instinctively turned her head and saw a beautiful woman in a blue dress, her figure graceful as she stood amidst the falling snow, her feet resting on a flying sword.

It was Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea, whom they had met earlier.

“What a coincidence. I didn’t expect us to be in the same zone,” Tang Sufei said with a smile, flying towards her.

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. “Indeed.”

Tang Sufei seemed accustomed to her coldness. She chuckled and said, “Are you looking for Young Master Mu?”

“If you don’t mind, let’s travel together. As you can see, some cultivators have already formed alliances. It’s dangerous to be alone, as we might be attacked by a group,” Tang Sufei said, offering an invitation.

“I also want to ask Young Master Mu about the black box,” she added.

The black box… Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered, as if remembering something.

Then, she nodded slightly, accepting Tang Sufei’s invitation.

Although she was cold and aloof, she knew it was best to cooperate with others in this situation to avoid unnecessary trouble.

They stood side by side on their flying swords, braving the wind and snow as they searched for the exit to another zone.

Tang Sufei glanced at Wei Mengrou and suddenly said, “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask… I’ve been curious…”

Wei Mengrou looked ahead. “Go ahead.”

“Why are you willing to be Young Master Mu’s maid, Miss Wei? I don’t mean to imply that he’s incompetent, but I’m just curious. With your strength, even the Two Polarities Sect would value you. Why would you be someone else’s maid?”

Tang Sufei slowed down her flying sword, her gaze fixed on Wei Mengrou.

Wei Mengrou also slowed down, looking at the falling snow. “He’s more capable than you think,” she said calmly.

“And,” she paused, then continued, “although I’m his maid, he’s never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do.”

Tang Sufei looked at her meaningfully, then suddenly smiled. “Do you like Young Master Mu, Miss Wei?”

Wei Mengrou glanced at the smiling Holy Maiden from the World Sea. “Is the World Sea’s Holy Maiden interested in romance?”

She paused, then said casually, “I’m not interested in someone who’s two-timing.”

Tang Sufei knew she didn’t want to discuss this topic. She glanced at Wei Mengrou’s furrowed brows and chuckled. “If you win the Ascension Ceremony, Miss Wei, what will you do with the three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs?”

Wei Mengrou’s lips curved into a slight smile as if thinking of something. “We’ll talk about it after I win.”

“I have a lot of things I want him to do.”

Mu Zhi’an thought asking Wei Mengrou for help was the safest option. She had indeed helped him countless times in the past.

But even he wouldn’t have guessed that his maid also wanted to become the master.

Him…?

Tang Sufei tilted her head slightly, countless question marks appearing above her head.

But Wei Mengrou didn’t explain, and Tang Sufei didn’t press further. They continued flying towards the edge of the zone. Suddenly, Wei Mengrou’s gaze fell upon a patch of black mist not far ahead.

“That black mist looks like the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique… It seems to be concealing Heavenly Secrets,” Tang Sufei said, frowning slightly.

But why would the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique appear in the Martial Realm?

Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered as she stared at the black mist.

It felt… familiar…

After a moment of hesitation, she instinctively touched the bronze fragment on her chest and flew towards the mist.

Tang Sufei hesitated for a moment, then followed her.

As they entered the black mist, they saw its source.

It was a black object hovering in the air, enveloped in mist, concealing Heavenly Secrets, its true form hidden.

However, after a moment of observation, the same thought crossed their minds:

—The black box!

…

Mu Zhi’an looked at the massive palace and the woman in the black robe walking towards the throne, her feet clad in black boots.

“I didn’t expect the black box to contain such a vast Celestial Realm… The abilities of Dao Integration experts are truly unimaginable,” Mu Zhi’an thought, awestruck.

Although he had met several Dao Integration cultivators, some were just cute foodies, others were mysterious and had never revealed their true strength.

And then there was the one whose daughter he had ‘stolen’… It was best to pray that she wouldn’t attack him.

The only Dao Integration expert he had seen in action was Yao Meng, and she had only been a wisp of consciousness at the time, her Spiritual Energy borrowed from him.

And now that Yao Meng had recovered, there was no opportunity for her to fight.

After all, who would dare to provoke a Dao Integration cultivator?

Therefore, this method of compressing a Celestial Realm within a small black box was something he had never seen before.

His attention shifted to the Primordial Witch.

Although he couldn’t see her face, her alluring figure revealed her beauty.

However, the tight black robe that concealed her body also added to her mysterious aura.

Normally, he would be intrigued by this mystery and even pursue her, but now… in this situation, he was more wary than anything else.

The Primordial Witch sat on the throne, her gaze fixed on him, a sweet smile on her lips. “We can finally talk peacefully here.”

“You mean someone could be eavesdropping on us in the Martial Realm?” Mu Zhi’an asked casually, trying to gather information.

“Of course.”

Her answer surprised him.

“Only within this black mist that conceals Heavenly Secrets can we be sure no one is listening.”

She looked at him with a gentle gaze. “Come and sit. I won’t harm you.”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “We’ve never met before. Those words would only work on naive young boys.”

The Primordial Witch tilted her head slightly. “You don’t trust me?”

Mu Zhi’an also tilted his head, staring at her. “You know about my personal interface and even about the Chaos Body?”

His meaning was clear: Explain yourself first, and then I’ll consider trusting you.

The Primordial Witch smiled.

“Of course I know.”

“Because I’m the one who gave you your personal interface.”

Chapter 273: The Reincarnator, The Primordial Witch!

Jade Pool Holy Land.

A hazy mist filled the air as Yao Meng, dressed in a long green dress with white embroidery, surveyed the surroundings.

“Empress, will you leave the Jade Pool again after this?” A young lady with a pure and innocent appearance looked up at her with undisguised admiration.

It was Yao Xin. She had always been at odds with the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, mainly because the Jade Pool Holy Land was divided into two factions. Having grown up in this environment, Yao Xin naturally held no fondness for Holy Maiden Yao Yue.

However, with the Jade Empress’s return, the two factions were no longer relevant. After all, if the Jade Empress returned to take charge, both factions would naturally support her, including Yao Xin.

“Yao Xin, mind your manners,” an elder chided gently, then turned to the Jade Empress and bowed. “I apologize, Your Majesty. Yao Xin has been spoiled and lacks proper etiquette, but she doesn’t mean any disrespect.”

Yao Meng glanced at Yao Xin and chuckled. “You can call me whatever you like. There’s no need to be so formal.”

Actually, she preferred ‘Empress’ to ‘Senior Jade Empress’.

It reminded her of Mu Zhi’an… He called her that too.

The Jade Empress, one of the few female rulers in the Eastern Realm, collected her thoughts and continued, “I’m here to handle some internal affairs. I’ll return to the Two Polarities Sect in a few days to watch the Ascension Ceremony.”

The accompanying elders exchanged glances, then one of them mustered his courage and said, bowing respectfully, “Your Majesty, if you need resources to replenish your Spiritual Energy, we can make preparations in advance. We might not be able to fully restore your Vessel, but we can at least restore most of it. There’s no need for you to go to the Two Polarities Sect…”

The Jade Pool Holy Land was one of the top factions in the Eastern Realm. Although they didn’t know the current state of her Vessel, they could still provide plenty of treasures to replenish her depleted Spiritual Energy.

Yao Meng shook her head gently, her gaze sweeping over them meaningfully. “Absorbing Spiritual Energy is just one aspect. There are other, more important matters I need to attend to.”

Her Vessel had been reconstructed, and her physical body was also complete. However, as a Dao Integration expert, her Vessel was naturally vast.

If she wished, she could absorb most of the impure Spiritual Energy in the Eastern Realm, refine it, and store it within her Vessel. However, this would cause the Eastern Realm’s Spiritual Energy to become thin for a very long time, hindering the cultivation of most cultivators.

Yao Meng wasn’t particularly concerned about her own strength right now.

Besides, replenishing her Vessel too quickly would leave her with fewer excuses.

She couldn’t possibly tell him: My condition has fully recovered, but I still want to stay within your Celestial Vessel…

That would definitely lead to misunderstandings.

He might even think she was insatiable.

Thinking of this, Yao Meng chuckled and asked casually, “How’s the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?”

“The Heavenly Phoenix Tree has borne three more fruits. I was planning to reward two of them to our two most talented disciples and keep the third one in reserve,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother replied respectfully.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit could save a person’s life in a critical moment, even bringing the dead back to life. It was also incredibly beneficial for cultivation, making it ideal for talented disciples venturing out into the world.

Yao Meng pondered for a moment. “I need one Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. It will be useful later.”

Yao Xin’s eyes twinkled. “Is it for Mu Zhi’an?” she asked, looking at Yao Meng.

Yao Meng nodded with a smile.

The bottleneck between the Core Formation Realm and the Nascent Soul Realm was a major obstacle for countless cultivators. Although the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit couldn’t guarantee Mu Zhi’an’s breakthrough, it could increase his chances by 20-30%.

And most importantly, it could also save his life if he was severely injured.

“Young friend Mu has done a great service to our Jade Pool Holy Land. It’s only right that we repay his kindness,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said, readily agreeing.

“Speaking of which, Yao Yue and Mu Zhi’an should have entered the Martial Realm by now, right? I wonder how they’re doing,” Yao Xin suddenly said.

She was still young and would participate in the next Ascension Ceremony. She couldn’t participate in this one.

“Yao Yue is incredibly talented. The Martial Realm trial won’t be a problem for her,” Yao Meng said, glancing towards the Martial Realm.

“As for him… he’ll be fine.”

Setting aside his own strength, Mu Zhi’an knew many people within the sect. As long as his luck wasn’t too bad and he wasn’t placed with those who hated him, passing the Martial Realm trial and qualifying for the Ascension Ceremony wouldn’t be difficult.

…That was how it should be.

Yao Meng’s gaze hardened as she sensed something, her green eyes seemingly penetrating through the Jade Pool, reaching the Martial Realm.

Within that land of perpetual winter, she could faintly see a thick black mist… a mist similar to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique, capable of concealing Heavenly Secrets.

“Your Majesty, what’s wrong?” an elder asked cautiously.

Yao Meng didn’t answer. After a moment of silence, her usually gentle and calm eyes turned cold, and a terrifying aura emanated from her body.

“His aura has vanished.”

…

The Martial Realm was divided into nine zones, numbered from One to Nine.

After drawing lots to determine their designated zones, the cultivators entered the Martial Realm.

Some cultivators had previous grudges and immediately engaged in battles upon entering. Others were more rational. They avoided fighting and instead chose to retreat, searching for a suitable opportunity to steal points.

After all, each zone in the Martial Realm was vast. Finding a hiding place wasn’t difficult.

Boom!

In Zone Four, Nigati, enveloped in a strange black mist, punched a cultivator in the chest, sending him flying backwards, blood spraying from his mouth.

Before the cultivator could get up, Nigati stepped on his chest and grinned. “Hand over your points.”

…

Looking at the extra point on his token, Nigati couldn’t help but sneer.

The Eastern Realm’s cultivators… It seemed they weren’t much different from those in the Southern Wilderness. What a waste of such a fertile land.

He should meet up with Miss Regina soon.

And see where that Mu Zhi’an was hiding.

Thinking of the humiliation he had suffered at Mu Zhi’an’s hands, a surge of anger filled the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Son, his fists clenching tightly.

“I hope you don’t run into me too soon. Otherwise, this trial will be too boring.”

Instead of encountering Mu Zhi’an now, Nigati wanted to wait until he had almost collected all the points and was about to pass the trial. Then, he would crush his hopes.

Only the despair of losing everything could avenge his humiliation!

…

Zone One.

A golden glowing blade appeared behind Bai Ruoxi. She formed a hand seal, and the blade split into three.

A terrifying aura emanated from the blades, causing the surrounding cultivators to retreat.

They could tell that this beautiful woman was a formidable opponent. No one wanted to fight her so early in the trial.

Their priority was to obtain enough points, pass the trial, and qualify for the Ascension Ceremony.

As for Bai Ruoxi… they could challenge her after they qualified.

Bai Ruoxi scanned her surroundings. Seeing that no one was hostile towards her, she was about to leave on her sword to find a suitable base.

“Sister Ruoxi…?”

A soft and melodious voice suddenly came from behind her. Bai Ruoxi instinctively turned around.

A young lady in a purple dress, her figure slender and her aura pure and elegant, stood not far away, her beautiful eyes fixed on her.

“Sister Lingxuan?” Bai Ruoxi said in surprise.

It was Ye Lingxuan, who had been assigned to the same zone as her.

“What a coincidence. We’re in the same zone,” Bai Ruoxi said gently, smiling at her.

Ye Lingxuan looked around, then said, “It seems Brother Mu isn’t in our zone.”

“It’s random, but I’m sure he can handle himself. With his strength, he can defeat anyone in the same realm, except for a few individuals,” Bai Ruoxi replied.

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly. “But we should still find Brother Mu and Qian’er and meet up with them as soon as possible.”

“It would be bad if Brother Mu encounters trouble in the Martial Realm.”

Bai Ruoxi looked at her with a gentle gaze. “You really like Mu Lang, Sister Lingxuan. You seemed quite wary of him in the past.”

Ye Lingxuan looked up at the countless cultivators flying in the sky. “When Qian’er and I were still at the Foundation Establishment Realm, Brother Mu went through a lot of trouble to help us,” she said softly.

“So now it’s my turn.”

She turned to Bai Ruoxi and extended her hand.

“Let’s cooperate in the Martial Realm, Sister Ruoxi.”

“Of course, I won’t hold back during the Ascension Ceremony.”

She looked at Bai Ruoxi, her eyes filled with confidence.

Bai Ruoxi, her ample bosom proudly on display, smiled and shook Ye Lingxuan’s hand, her gaze condescending, like an empress looking down at a concubine. “You seem much more confident after returning from the Forbidden Zone, Sister Lingxuan.”

“But don’t cry if you lose.”

The ‘protagonists’ had all tacitly acknowledged the Sect Master’s hidden reward. Whoever won would secure their future position.

If she won and acted intimately with Mu Lang in front of them, how would the proud Ye Lingxuan react…? Bai Ruoxi wondered.

Meanwhile, similar scenes were unfolding in other zones. Some cultivators had old grudges and wanted to settle them in the Ascension Ceremony, while others were simply fighting for the ‘Holy Grail’.

And the ‘Holy Grail’ was naturally Mu Zhi’an, the possessor of the Innate Celestial Furnace constitution.

While most zones in the Martial Realm were bustling with activity, one zone was eerily silent.

Mu Zhi’an couldn’t hear a single sound… The only thing he could hear was the voice of the woman who was likely the ‘Primordial Witch’.

Peach blossom trees swayed gently in the wind, their pink petals fluttering.

At the end of the path, a woman in a black robe stood there, her gaze fixed on him from beneath her hood.

“Are you the Primordial Witch?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

The Primordial Witch, the former master of the World Sea. No one had ever seen her true face because she always wore a black hood. And with her Dao Integration cultivation level, she possessed the ability to make people forget her appearance after seeing her. Therefore, later generations only remembered her characteristics but couldn’t recall her face.

And now, such a being was standing before him in the Martial Realm?!

She raised her head, a beautiful smile curving her lips. “This isn’t the place to talk. Come with me.”

“Let’s talk somewhere else.”

Based on his years of experience with women, Mu Zhi’an sensed a hint of danger emanating from the mysterious woman. He hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Why don’t we talk here? There’s no one around.”

The woman in the black robe shook her head gently. “We’ll be discovered here soon. I’ve only used a simple technique to isolate this space.”

Before he could speak, she appeared behind him, her delicate hand resting on his shoulder. “Besides, it’s been a long time since we’ve been alone. I want to talk to you,” she said softly.

“Or are you not interested?” She tilted her head slightly, and Mu Zhi’an saw a mysterious depth in her beautiful eyes.

This woman is definitely hiding something… Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat, but he smiled. “Of course I’m interested.”

“But why do you sound like you’ve been waiting for me… We’ve never met before, have we?” Mu Zhi’an asked curiously, his tone sincere.

“Why?”

The Primordial Witch tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion. “Didn’t I tell you before? I’m the one you’re looking for.”

Mu Zhi’an frowned, not understanding.

As he was about to ask, she raised her finger, and the black box from his storage ring materialized, hovering in the air before slowly opening.

Under his puzzled gaze, the woman in the black robe said softly, “I am the reincarnator.”

Mu Zhi’an froze.

She touched her pale lips with her finger, her eyes moist as she looked at him.

“Well… to be precise, I’m the ‘Reincarnator’ displayed on your personal interface.”

Chapter 272: The ‘Holy Grail’ War Begins! 

The Martial Realm was located in the northern part of the Eastern Realm. It was a land of perpetual winter, and its harsh environment and special restrictions made it sparsely populated.

Upon entering the Martial Realm, cultivators’ powers would be suppressed by a mysterious force. Whether they were at the peak of the Core Formation Realm or the Nascent Soul Realm, their cultivation levels would be reduced to below the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm.

Some speculated that the Primordial Witch might have visited the Martial Realm in the past, leaving behind a formation similar to the one in the World Sea’s port city, suppressing the cultivation levels of those who entered.

However, the truth remained unknown.

“Even Senior Sister is participating. This Ascension Ceremony is going to be much more difficult than I imagined…”

Mu Zhi’an stood on his flying sword, following the group of cultivators, his gaze fixed on the elders leading the way. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

The Sect Master’s letter and the ‘protagonists’’ eagerness to compete were already giving him a headache, and now, with the addition of Lan Mulian, whose cultivation level surpassed all her peers…

Just thinking about it made him despair.

However, it wasn’t entirely hopeless. He had Ye Qian, who cared deeply for him, and Wei Mengrou, his cold yet caring maid, on his side.

Of course, he couldn’t rely solely on others. He had to take this seriously and pass the Martial Realm’s trial to qualify for the Ascension Ceremony.

It would be a disaster if he was eliminated here…

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the dozens of cultivators around him.

Most of them were unfamiliar faces, some from other parts of the Nine Realms, others disciples of the Two Polarities Sect.

The Martial Realm was vast, and the participants’ starting locations were randomly assigned through a lottery. Mu Zhi’an’s luck seemed to be terrible, as he wasn’t placed with Ye Lingxuan or any of his other allies.

Actually, it wasn’t just bad luck. It was atrocious.

Several hostile gazes were fixed upon him…

Among them were Ye Yu, whom he had ‘scammed’ several times, and a monk from the Western Regions, Jingchen, whom he didn’t even know.

I’m a helpful person. I understand Ye Yu’s hostility, but why is this little monk staring at me…? Mu Zhi’an complained inwardly, then sighed helplessly.

“Could it be that Mengrou’s bad luck is affecting me? Why am I surrounded by troublesome people?”

Fortunately, he had the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique. Once he entered the Martial Realm, he could use it to conceal his aura and Heavenly Secrets, preventing others from recognizing him.

As long as he quickly left this area and met up with his allies, passing the trial and qualifying for the Ascension Ceremony wouldn’t be a problem.

Suddenly, the chatter among the cultivators died down. They sensed something and turned to look.

Mu Zhi’an also turned and saw a beautiful woman in a red dress, her figure alluring, flying towards them on her sword. Although her attire wasn’t revealing, her ample bosom, straining against the fabric, made his heart race.

Whispers erupted among the crowd.

“Feiying? She’s in this area too…”

“Heavenly Secrets Peak sent two inner disciples and over ten ordinary disciples to participate. Feiying is one of them… She hasn’t lost a single spar against her fellow disciples. She’s definitely one of the strongest contenders in this Ascension Ceremony,” a disciple from Heavenly Secrets Peak whispered.

The main peaks were far apart, and since they spent most of their time cultivating, they weren’t very well-informed. Hearing this disciple’s words, many cultivators looked at the alluring woman in the red dress with admiration, envy, and a hint of resignation.

Talented disciples like Lan Feiying were well-known within the sect. They would greet each other when they met, but although she appeared friendly and approachable, getting closer to her was incredibly difficult.

Sensing their gazes, Lan Feiying smiled at them. Before looking away, she paused, her eyes lingering on a certain young man in the crowd.

She gave Mu Zhi’an a meaningful look, then finally withdrew her gaze.

“We should look out for each other in the Martial Realm, Feiying. This is my first time participating in the Ascension Ceremony. I’m a bit nervous,” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice immediately.

Lan Feiying gave him a seductive look that could melt bones. Her gentle and melodious voice reached his ears, “Sister said I should be careful of you if we end up in the same area, Mu Zhi’an.”

“Why?” Mu Zhi’an asked, puzzled.

Lan Feiying smiled mischievously, glancing at the group ahead. She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Because you’re a little pervert.”

Then, before he could react, she flew away on her sword, preventing others from noticing their interaction.

Mu Zhi’an chuckled and transmitted his voice, “You’re misunderstanding me, Feiying…”

Lan Feiying glanced at him sideways, her eyes seductive. “Oh?”

“I am a pervert, but not a little pervert,” Mu Zhi’an explained seriously.

Lan Feiying’s lips curved into an alluring smile. Her voice, teasing and captivating, whispered in his ear, “We’ll see about that~”

Even a seasoned veteran like Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but feel his heart skip a beat, cursing her inwardly.

I’ll teach you a lesson sooner or later!

Suddenly, the elder leading the group looked up at the sky. Seeing the cultivators heading towards the Martial Realm, he turned to the group and said, “Is Huang Manting not here yet?”

“She seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough and needs some more time. She said we should proceed without her if she’s not here by the time we depart,” a female cultivator replied.

So Huang Manting is also in this area… Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. Then, he felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively turned around.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope I didn’t delay your departure,” a melodious voice said.

A beautiful woman in a black dress, someone Mu Zhi’an knew well, appeared before them.

It was Huang Manting.

Her aura was much stronger than before. Could it be that she had another encounter…? Mu Zhi’an observed her carefully.

Back in Tianxuan City, Bai Ruoxi had been known as the most beautiful woman, and Huang Manting, the young lady from the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, had been the second most beautiful. Their beauty was comparable, but Bai Ruoxi’s aura was slightly more captivating, and she possessed a figure that surpassed all her peers. Therefore, Huang Manting could only be second best.

But now, her aura had changed drastically.

The black dress accentuated her fair skin, and her long, white legs were clad in black boots. She was alluringly beautiful.

Even the female cultivators couldn’t help but look at her with admiration.

Even Mu Zhi’an was momentarily captivated, a strange urge to submit to her washing over him.

Suddenly, the Aurora Necklace on his chest emitted a faint glow, a wave of coldness snapping him out of his daze.

Did this temptress encounter some opportunity…? Why has she become so alluring?

Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath, a hint of apprehension in his eyes as he looked at Huang Manting.

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Huang Manting turned to look at him. Their eyes met, and she smiled at him, her charm overwhelming.

“Young Master Mu, we should look out for each other in the Martial Realm,” she said, her voice soft and seductive.

Mu Zhi’an suppressed his desire and replied through voice transmission, “Your aura is much stronger than before, Miss Huang. It seems I’m the one who needs your protection.”

Huang Manting smiled but didn’t answer.

Mu Zhi’an quickly looked away.

He felt that her aura was different from before, but he couldn’t pinpoint the reason.

It was best to avoid her in the Martial Realm.

As he thought about this, the elder from the sect spoke up, “During the Martial Realm trial, each of you will receive a jade slip. If you suffer a fatal injury, the jade slip will protect you and send you out of the Martial Realm. However, this also means you’ll be disqualified from the Ascension Ceremony. If you wish to forfeit, you can also crush the jade slip, and you’ll be safely transported out.”

“Besides that, each of you will receive a token with three points. The first to obtain ten points will pass the Martial Realm trial.”

Mu Zhi’an already knew the rules, so he wasn’t surprised.

This trial was essentially a screening process for the Ascension Ceremony. Participants had to steal points from other cultivators and, upon reaching ten points, crush their jade slip to pass.

After all, with so many participants, it was impossible for everyone to compete on stage. The simplest and most effective method was the Martial Realm trial.

And this trial had always been popular among cultivators. The reason was that it contained treasures left behind by powerful cultivators from ancient times.

“Since everyone is here, let’s depart,” the elder said, glancing at the group.

…

After half a day of flying, Mu Zhi’an finally arrived at their destination: the Eastern Realm’s Martial Realm.

As far as the eye could see, snowflakes danced in the sky, covering the world in a blanket of white.

“The climate in the Martial Realm is different from the outside world. Even cultivators will feel the cold. Therefore, remember not to underestimate the environment,” the elder warned them.

Then, he formed a hand seal and pointed towards the Martial Realm.

A bone-chilling wind carrying snowflakes swept towards them, causing many cultivators to shiver.

The weather in the Martial Realm clearly wasn’t natural.

Without using their Spiritual Energy to protect themselves, they would be affected by the cold.

“Calm your minds and close your eyes,” the elder’s voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone closed their eyes.

Before closing his, Ye Yu glanced at Mu Zhi’an and sneered inwardly.

Someone might have protected you within the sect, but in the Martial Realm, everyone will be randomly placed in different areas. Let’s see who can protect you now!

As everyone closed their eyes, a massive formation appeared on the ground, emitting a faint white glow. In an instant, it transported them into the Martial Realm.

Whoosh!

Mu Zhi’an opened his eyes and was greeted by a wave of intense cold.

The rumors were true. The perpetual winter in the Martial Realm wasn’t natural, which was why cultivators could feel the chill… Mu Zhi’an channeled his Spiritual Energy, enveloping his body as he looked around at the snow-covered world.

He could faintly see flashes of white light as other cultivators entered the Martial Realm through the formations.

I need to conceal my aura before anyone recognizes me… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, clapping his hands together.

Southern Wilderness Secret Technique!

Black mist silently enveloped him, concealing his figure.

However, he didn’t notice that the mist was much thicker than usual… deep and mysterious.

As the mist enveloped him, he suddenly heard a mournful and alluring voice, like a ghostly whisper.

It was as enchanting as a siren’s call.

Mu Zhi’an paused, his heart filled with a strange unease as he looked around.

He could hear a soft, melodious female voice amidst the sound of the wind and snow.

But his Innate Spiritual Body couldn’t pinpoint its source.

It seemed to be coming from all directions, impossible to locate!

Is the Martial Realm haunted…? Mu Zhi’an shivered, his heart pounding as he scanned his surroundings.

Everything was white, and snowflakes danced in the air like delicate butterflies.

Suddenly, a warm breeze blew past, and Mu Zhi’an’s vision blurred, the falling snowflakes transforming into pink petals.

No… It wasn’t an illusion. It was real!

The area around him had transformed from winter to spring in the blink of an eye!

“What’s going on…?”

He cautiously observed his surroundings.

Then, he heard the rustling of branches behind him and turned abruptly.

A narrow path appeared at the edge of his vision.

Peach blossom trees, in full bloom, lined the path.

And at the end of the path…

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes narrowed as he saw a woman in a black robe.

The robe hugged her figure, highlighting her alluring curves.

He couldn’t see her face because of the hood, but he could faintly see a strand of silver hair.

“Who are you…?” Mu Zhi’an asked instinctively.

He was completely captivated by the woman’s sudden appearance, not even noticing the eerie silence around him.

It was strange.

This was the peak time for cultivators to enter the Martial Realm. It was impossible for such a large area to be devoid of any other participants.

Yet, there was no one in sight, not even a single sound.

The woman in the black robe slowly raised her head, her pale lips curving into a gentle and sweet smile.

“I told you, I would come back for you.”

Chapter 271: The Grand Opening of the Ascension Ceremony

Mu Zhi’an naturally had no idea what the two sisters had discussed on Two Polarities Peak.

After returning to the Jade Glass Palace on his sword, he didn’t immediately go back to his residence. Instead, he went to Dexin Courtyard to spend some time with Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan.

A competent fish pond master would never neglect any of the fish in his pond. This was Mu Zhi’an’s philosophy on time management.

With the Ascension Ceremony approaching, everyone wanted to improve their strength as much as possible before heading to the Martial Realm. Therefore, after chatting with Mu Zhi’an for a while, Ye Lingxuan entered her room to cultivate, accompanied by him.

“Brother Mu, can you walk Qian’er back? She seems to have something to tell you,” Ye Lingxuan said as she stood at her door.

Ye Qian, dressed in a green dress, her ample bosom proudly on display, her jade-like legs clad in green boots, a sliver of fair skin visible between her skirt and her boots, stood behind them. Hearing her sister’s words, she looked up in panic.

Ye Lingxuan smiled at her sister, then at Mu Zhi’an. “Is that alright, Brother Mu?” she asked, winking playfully.

Lingxuan is so generous. Isn’t she jealous…? Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile.

…

“By the way, Brother Mu, have you figured out the meaning of the message on the paper crane from yesterday?” Ye Lingxuan suddenly asked, turning to look at him.

“Not yet… I can only investigate it slowly,” Mu Zhi’an replied, shaking his head.

Although he said that, he had no idea where to start investigating the Primordial Witch.

He was also curious about who the message was addressed to. Was it for someone specific, or for him…?

If the ‘Long time no see’ was truly meant for me, then that’s a bit scary… Mu Zhi’an pushed those thoughts aside and turned to Ye Qian, smiling gently. “Let’s go, Qian’er. I’ll walk you back.”

…

They walked along a corridor towards Ye Qian’s room. Mu Zhi’an followed behind her, glancing around to make sure Ye Lingxuan was meditating, then boldly took her hand.

Ye Qian’s body trembled slightly. She peeked at him, then quickly lowered her head, letting him hold her hand.

“What grade are you at now, Qian’er?” Mu Zhi’an asked casually, his gaze wandering over the snowy scenery outside the courtyard.

“Fourth-grade Core Formation,” Ye Qian replied softly.

I remember Qian’er’s cultivation level used to be lower than mine… Although spending nights with beautiful women has taken up some of my cultivation time, her progress is still too fast…

Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, glancing at Ye Qian a few more times.

He had to admit, the young lady’s figure was developing quite nicely. Although she still had a youthful air, her body was gradually maturing, bordering on the realm of ‘loli-baba’.

“Brother Mu, w-what’s wrong?” Ye Qian asked, feeling uneasy under his gaze. She instinctively looked away.

Mu Zhi’an stared at Ye Qian’s pure and beautiful face. A few strands of hair framed her delicate features, her rosy lips slightly pursed. She exuded a captivating blend of innocence and allure, a charm unique to her youthful age.

“There seems to be something on your face, Qian’er…” Mu Zhi’an said after observing her for a moment, his hand resting on his chin.

At the same time, he discreetly took out a green Spirit Stone from his storage ring.

“Huh?”

Ye Qian instinctively reached out to wipe away the ‘thing’ on her face, but Mu Zhi’an grabbed her wrist, pulled her into a nearby room, and closed the door.

Feeling his intense gaze upon her, Ye Qian asked shyly, “Brother Mu…?”

Her moist eyes peeked at him shyly, but beneath the shyness, there seemed to be a hint of anticipation.

Mu Zhi’an gently caressed her delicate face, then picked up a strand of her hair and said softly, “Did you drop this?”

He pulled out a green special Spirit Stone from her hair.

Ye Qian was stunned. She looked at him with surprise and delight. “When did you put it in my hair, Brother Mu…?”

“Do you like it?” Mu Zhi’an asked with a smile.

The Ye sisters were only sixteen or seventeen years old. A gift from their beloved naturally filled them with joy.

Ye Qian, her face flushed, murmured a soft “Mm”, her hands clasped together before her chest as she held the green Spirit Stone.

“Thank you…”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “Qian’er, expressing gratitude shouldn’t just be with words.”

Ye Qian instinctively looked up. “What do you mean, Brother Mu…?”

Mu Zhi’an looked into her eyes, not answering, but instead pinned her wrists against the door. Then, under her shy gaze, he leaned in, kissing her cheek, her neck, and finally, claiming her soft lips.

“Mm…”

Ye Qian wanted to pull away, but as she met Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, her body relaxed, and she closed her eyes instinctively, responding to his passion.

After a while, Mu Zhi’an released her. He looked at her, her breath slightly ragged, her lips parted, and chuckled. “You’re so cute, Qian’er.”

This girl was much more innocent than Ye Lingxuan. No wonder Ye Lingxuan had been so wary when she learned that Mu Zhi’an had ‘tricked’ Ye Qian, even going so far as to visit the Mu family.

Mu Zhi’an put his arm around Ye Qian’s waist, led her to the bed, and sat down beside her. “By the way, Qian’er, did you receive a letter from the Sect Master a while back?” he asked softly.

Ye Qian was still in a daze. Hearing his question, she snapped out of her thoughts, looked at his handsome face for a moment, and nodded slightly.

As I thought, Qian’er also received it. Is the Sect Master trying to pit them against each other and reap the benefits…? Mu Zhi’an sighed softly. “Actually, I’m quite troubled by this matter.”

“Is your trouble related to this, Brother Mu?” Ye Qian asked, blinking her beautiful eyes.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “I’m a free spirit. Being offered as a prize in a competition… isn’t quite appropriate.”

He placed a hand on her leg, holding her soft, cool hand. “Can you help me, Qian’er?” he asked softly.

“How can I help you, Brother Mu?” Ye Qian tilted her head slightly, confused.

“Just try your best to win the Ascension Ceremony, or at least reach the final round,” Mu Zhi’an said gently.

He squeezed her hand lightly. “And I’ll do my best to help you during the Ascension Ceremony.”

This was part of his plan. Ye Qian was a well-behaved and obedient girl. He needed to expand his ‘Team Protect Mu Zhi’an’. As long as they reached the final round, the additional reward would become irrelevant.

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Ye Qian asked softly, “So if I win the Ascension Ceremony and refuse the hidden reward, you’ll be able to relax, Brother Mu?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile. “You’re a smart girl, Qian’er.”

Ye Qian’s eyes flickered, as if pondering his words.

After a while, she smiled gently. “I understand.”

“I’ll help you, Brother Mu.”

“Thank you. With your help, things will be much easier for me,” Mu Zhi’an said, relieved.

Ye Qian smiled faintly, a strange glint in her eyes.

After spending some quality time with Ye Qian, Mu Zhi’an left the room, satisfied.

Ye Qian sat on the bed, her fingers twirling a strand of hair as she gazed at his retreating figure. After a long time, she finally looked away.

“I’m sorry, Brother Mu,” she murmured.

“I won’t listen to you this time.”

It was for her own sake, and for her sister’s happiness.

…

After returning to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony on his sword, Mu Zhi’an went to see his maid.

Wei Mengrou was cultivating. It seemed the effects of the Primordial Witch’s possession had completely disappeared. Her eyes were closed, her beautiful face cold and expressionless.

As if sensing his presence, she slowly opened her eyes.

Their gazes met for a moment, and noticing his appreciative look, Wei Mengrou calmly looked away. “What is it?” she asked coldly.

Her expression seemed unchanged, but the flicker in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

Seeing Mu Zhi’an now reminded her of what had happened in the pavilion last night. Although it was the Primordial Witch’s will that had forced her to act so intimately with him, it was still her body.

And she had woken up during the kiss…

Just thinking about it made her feel a strange sense of shame.

Mu Zhi’an, oblivious to her inner turmoil, entered the room and chuckled. “Can’t I come and see you if there’s nothing wrong?”

He sat down on the bed beside her. “Do you have any thoughts about the Ascension Ceremony, Mengrou?”

He’s here for that… Wei Mengrou didn’t look up. “Not really. I’ll do my best,” she replied indifferently.

She paused, glancing at him subtly, maintaining her usual aloof demeanor. A cold smile curved her lips. “What about you? Have you decided who you’re going to marry after the Ascension Ceremony?”

“What do you mean by ‘marry’…?” Mu Zhi’an’s lips twitched slightly, noticing her teasing tone. He suddenly said, “If I get married, wouldn’t you become a dowry maid?”

“Is that how you ask for help?” Wei Mengrou glared at him.

She knew why he had come to see her. The ones targeting him were all girls who were close to him. She was the only exception.

Their relationship was close, but not in a romantic way.

If Mu Zhi’an wanted to find a way out of this predicament, he would definitely come to her.

As long as she won the Ascension Ceremony, the Sect Master’s ‘hidden reward’ would become irrelevant.

Of course, this required her cooperation and her victory in the Ascension Ceremony.

Ye Qian was his insurance, and so was Wei Mengrou.

“I can help you, but I have a condition,” Wei Mengrou suddenly said.

A sudden NTR vibe filled the air.

Mu Zhi’an asked calmly, “What is it, Mengrou?”

Wei Mengrou stared at him. “Let me see the black box after the Ascension Ceremony.”

Mu Zhi’an was stunned. “What do you need it for?”

He pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. “I can lend it to you, but you have to promise that I’ll be with you when you use it.”

“And it seems only I can open it,” he added.

Based on the current situation, there seemed to be a connection between the Primordial Witch and Wei Mengrou. He wasn’t comfortable letting her handle the box alone.

Wei Mengrou nodded silently.

“So… it’s a deal?” Mu Zhi’an asked tentatively.

Wei Mengrou nodded, then, seeing his relieved expression, she said coldly, “Isn’t it too early to relax?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “I have faith in your strength, Mengrou.”

“Besides,” he paused, raising his hand, a green lotus blooming on his fingertip.

“I have the Pure World Azure Lotus. The participants are all at the Core Formation Realm, similar to my level. Its sealing ability will be very effective against them,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

He wasn’t relying solely on Ye Qian and Wei Mengrou. He had his own strengths.

He might not be guaranteed victory, but he could at least put up a fight, even against Ye Lingxuan.

However, Wei Mengrou remained silent, looking at him with a strange expression.

“Don’t you know yet?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled and turned to look at her. “Know what?”

“Senior Sister Lan is also participating. She’ll be going to the Martial Realm with us.”

“…”

Mu Zhi’an’s smile froze.

What the hell?!

What is Senior Sister thinking? This is bullying!

Everyone else was at the Core Formation Realm, competing based on their experience and resources, and now a Nascent Soul Earthly Immortal was joining… It was like bringing a gun to a knife fight.

“This doesn’t make sense… Senior Sister isn’t the competitive type. Could it be that she’s also interested in me…?” Mu Zhi’an murmured in disbelief.

His senior sister’s cultivation level was undeniable. If he was unlucky enough to encounter her early in the Ascension Ceremony, he might as well surrender.

The Pure World Azure Lotus was only effective against cultivators at the same level. Against a Nascent Soul cultivator, its effect would be negligible. He couldn’t rely on it as his trump card.

“I don’t know. The news just came out today,” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

Seeing his troubled expression, she couldn’t help but smile, enjoying his predicament.

Seeing Mu Zhi’an struggling with his relationships always amused her.

After all, she was just a bystander.

“…”

Or so she thought…

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She instinctively clutched her chest, her eyes losing focus.

A voice whispered in her mind.

It said: He can only be mine.

Wei Mengrou looked down at the bronze mirror on the table, a woman’s face reflected in it.

A beautiful face, pale and sickly, yet breathtakingly beautiful.

…

Despite Mu Zhi’an’s headache regarding Lan Mulian’s participation, the day of the Ascension Ceremony was fast approaching.

Two days later, the grand event that had shaken the Nine Realms, with three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs as rewards, finally began.

However, most people didn’t realize that Bai Ruoxi, the Lan sisters, and the others were actually aiming for the hidden reward…

Chapter 270: The Protagonist with a System!

The next morning.

Mu Zhi’an woke up slowly, his hand supporting his sore back. He stared blankly at the ceiling beams, lost in thought.

Then, he glanced at the green vines wrapped around his wrist and turned to look at Yao Meng, who was curled up beside him.

Her fair shoulder peeked out from beneath the soft blanket. Her eyes were closed, her posture alluring, her lips a tempting red, a faint blush on her flawless face. Beneath her delicate neck, her collarbone was faintly visible.

Even after last night’s ‘torment’, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but admire the sleeping beauty.

Despite being bound and interrogated by Yao Meng’s vines last night, he still felt a fondness for the true master of the Jade Pool Holy Land.

After all, this was a world where looks mattered.

Mu Zhi’an touched his sore back, feeling the emptiness within his Vessel, and sighed.

As expected of the Jade Empress, she was not only experienced but also skilled in interrogation techniques. He had even wondered if she had also read The Art of Managing a Husband.

He glanced at the sleeping Yao Meng and discreetly channeled his Spiritual Energy, trying to break free from the vines. However, the Pure World Azure Lotus was still rotating slowly in the room, suppressing his Spiritual Energy.

“Give up. Unless I willingly withdraw the Pure World Azure Lotus, you can’t break the seal,” Yao Meng’s voice suddenly rang out.

She had opened her beautiful green eyes at some point, her gaze fixed on him with a smile.

Under his gaze, she sat up, one hand clutching the blanket, her ample bosom pressing against it. Although she was a fairy, her eyes were alluring and captivating.

Her usual ethereal aura was now tinged with a seductive charm, the contrast making his heart race.

Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but stare at her, almost succumbing to her allure. He shook his head, suppressing his desire. “I never intended to break free from the vines. I was just curious about the seal.”

“You don’t resent me for forcing myself on you last night?” Yao Meng asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

“It was my fault. Regardless of what happened, my heart still belongs to you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an said, placing a hand on her smooth back, his gaze filled with affection.

Yao Meng scoffed and chuckled. “I’m sure you said the same thing to Gong Lianyue.”

She’s not upset about me being intimate with other women. She just can’t stand Gong Lianyue’s arrogance… Mu Zhi’an realized. “I’ve only ever said those words to you, Empress. I swear!” he said sincerely.

Yao Meng observed him with a smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You don’t blame me for what I did to you last night?” she asked again.

“It was my honor to contribute to the Eastern Realm’s prosperity.”

Mu Zhi’an paused, looking into her beautiful eyes. “Besides, it was consensual.”

He was telling the truth.

Although he had been treated like a ketchup bottle last night, squeezed and pressed until the last drop was extracted… his feelings for Yao Meng hadn’t diminished.

Firstly, because this fairy’s beauty was addictive. Secondly, although she had interrogated him, she had been quite restrained… At least, it wasn’t too much for him.

He just needed to replenish the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace. It wasn’t a big deal for him, as his strong physique and vitality allowed him to recover quickly.

Yao Meng’s eyes softened as she pulled him into her embrace.

She smells so good… and so soft…

Mu Zhi’an closed his eyes, savoring her warmth.

This is the peak of life!

Then, Yao Meng suddenly said, “The Ascension Ceremony officially begins the day after tomorrow. The formations in the Martial Realm are unique. It might cause unnecessary trouble if I accompany you. But you have the jade slip to protect you, so you’ll be safe.”

“If it’s too dangerous, you can always forfeit the Ascension Ceremony.”

“I know what I’m doing. I’ll do my best and won’t disappoint you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

“There’s no need to push yourself too hard. If it doesn’t work out, you can always come back to the Jade Pool with me. I’ll guide your cultivation and help you reach the Nascent Soul Realm,” Yao Meng said with a gentle smile, her words revealing her true intentions.

This is the kind of ‘being kept’ I’m looking for… I’m forever loyal to the Empress! Mu Zhi’an said sincerely, “Thank you, Empress. I’ll consider it carefully.”

After enjoying her embrace for a while, Mu Zhi’an said, “I accidentally broke Senior Sister’s testing stele. I need to go to Two Polarities Peak.”

Yao Meng nodded with a smile.

While he participated in the Ascension Ceremony, she would focus on refining the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace and handling the Jade Pool Holy Land’s internal affairs.

…

Two Polarities Peak.

Mu Zhi’an sent a paper crane towards Two Polarities Peak. After a while, a familiar figure appeared.

She was dressed in a seductive red cheongsam that accentuated her alluring curves, her long, fair legs revealed by the slit in her skirt, her feet adorned with delicate red embroidered shoes.

“Feiying, why is it you?” Mu Zhi’an asked, surprised to see Lan Feiying.

Lan Feiying smiled seductively. “I came to ask Sister about some cultivation techniques and saw your paper crane, so I came to greet you.”

“Where’s Senior Sister?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his gaze lingering on her voluptuous figure.

“She’s reading. I came in her place,” Lan Feiying replied, observing him with a smile. “What’s wrong? Are you disappointed that you can’t see my sister?”

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Of course not. I’m happy to see you too, Feiying.”

He boldly wrapped an arm around her slender waist.

“Behave yourself, or I’ll tell Sister,” Lan Feiying said, swatting his hand away playfully. However, even her annoyed expression was alluring.

If she looked at him like that in bed… The thought alone was exciting.

“You’ve changed, Feiying. You weren’t like this before,” Mu Zhi’an said, feigning sadness.

“You wouldn’t reject my hugs before.”

“We’re on Two Polarities Peak. Do you want to be caught by my sister?” Lan Feiying rolled her eyes and summoned her flying sword, heading towards a pavilion in the depths of Two Polarities Peak.

Mu Zhi’an immediately followed on his sword, looking at her beautiful figure. “So it’s fine if we’re outside the sect?”

“Sure, you can do whatever you want outside.”

Lan Feiying’s words stunned Mu Zhi’an. He had just been joking. When did Feiying become so… open…?

He had been attracted to her alluring figure for a long time, but she had been in seclusion on Heavenly Secrets Peak, so he hadn’t had the chance to approach her.

And now, she had agreed so easily…?

Lan Feiying glanced at him and chuckled. “Defeat me in the Ascension Ceremony first.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled gently. “That’s not fair to you, Feiying.”

In his mind, he had ranked the geniuses of the Nine Realms into three tiers: T0, T1, and T2. Ye Lingxuan, Bai Ruoxi, and other protagonists were in the T0 tier, while the talented disciples from the Primordial Clans were in the T1 tier.

With his current strength, he was at the top of the T1 tier. Even against protagonists like Bai Ruoxi and Ye Lingxuan, he could easily suppress them and make them beg for mercy.

Last night, even against Yao Meng, a Dao Integration Empress, he had initially held the upper hand… although he was the one begging for mercy later.

His chances of defeating Lan Feiying were quite high.

She was clearly provoked by his words. She scoffed and said, “If you can defeat me in the Ascension Ceremony, you can do whatever you want with me afterwards.”

Mu Zhi’an immediately shook his head. “No, I don’t like taking advantage of others.”

“You’re quite the gentleman,” Lan Feiying chuckled. “Then how about this? If you lose, I can do whatever I want with you. That’s fair, right?”

Mu Zhi’an hesitated. “Are you serious, Feiying?”

“Of course.” She slowed down her flying sword and looked at him with a seductive smile.

“What do you say?”

“Since you’re so confident, Feiying, I’ll play along.”

Mu Zhi’an readily agreed, not noticing the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Boom!

A thunderclap echoed through the sky, signifying that their agreement had been acknowledged by the Great Dao.

Mu Zhi’an wasn’t particularly bothered by this.

Although he was a gentleman and wouldn’t do anything too outrageous even if he won, he couldn’t back down from a challenge, could he?

His goal was to win the Ascension Ceremony. He had to defeat everyone, no matter who they were.

For the sake of his future happiness!

As they chatted, they arrived at the pavilion. Mu Zhi’an saw Lan Mulian, dressed in a moon-white dress, reading a book.

She sat elegantly, her skirt reaching her knees, her legs clad in white boots, their translucent, ice-like texture alluring.

Compared to her seductive younger sister, Lan Mulian’s aura was completely different, like ice and fire.

Lan Feiying didn’t enter the pavilion, giving them space to talk.

Lan Mulian looked up from her book, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

“Senior Sister,” Mu Zhi’an greeted her immediately.

“Have you finished your trysts with Lady Bai and Junior Sister Lingxuan, Young Master Mu? You’ve finally found some free time?” Lan Mulian asked coldly.

Her reaction is colder than I expected… Mu Zhi’an smiled awkwardly. “You’re joking, Senior Sister. The Ascension Ceremony is approaching. I’ve been focusing on my cultivation.”

Lan Mulian, clearly remembering her encounter with Lin Keyu earlier, said sarcastically, “You actually cultivate? I thought you were busy pleasing women all day.”

Mu Zhi’an said helplessly, “You’re misunderstanding me, Senior Sister. I’ve been worried about the Ascension Ceremony and want to achieve a good ranking.”

“If that’s the case, you should reduce your interactions with others and focus on your cultivation,” Lan Mulian advised.

“You’re right, Senior Sister. I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Nascent Soul Realm soon,” Mu Zhi’an said, nodding obediently.

Lan Mulian nodded with satisfaction. “Then don’t go to Lady Bai’s room or Dexin Courtyard anymore. I’ll ask Senior Sister Yan to arrange a new residence for you. You can stay there from now on.”

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

“Senior Sister…” Mu Zhi’an stammered.

Lan Mulian set down her book and explained seriously, “Romantic entanglements are detrimental to cultivation. Constantly interacting with women will only hinder your progress.”

Mu Zhi’an could only remain silent.

“You’re right, Senior Sister. I’ll focus on my cultivation,” he said, trying to appease her.

Fortunately, Lan Mulian didn’t dwell on the topic. She asked, “What brings you here?”

She glanced at her tall and alluring sister standing outside the pavilion.

Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then took out a delicate jade box from his storage ring.

“There’s a million Spirit Stones inside,” he said.

Lan Mulian glanced at him. “What’s this for?”

“I accidentally broke your testing stele, so this is compensation,” Mu Zhi’an said helplessly.

Even he hadn’t expected Wei Mengrou to break the stele while testing her luck.

“Testing steles don’t break for no reason. There must be more to this story,” Lan Mulian said, looking at him meaningfully.

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when we have time,” Mu Zhi’an said, setting the stage for their next meeting.

Then, he took out another jade box and placed it on the table.

Lan Mulian glanced at him, then opened the box.

Inside was a sea-blue Spirit Stone with intricate patterns, resembling swirling waves.

“I obtained this special Spirit Stone in the Sword Palace. It’s suitable for crafting accessories,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Lan Mulian gently caressed the smooth stone, her eyes downcast. “Is this also compensation?” she asked calmly.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head.

“It’s a gift for you, Senior Sister.”

Lan Mulian scoffed. “I’m sure you’ve given similar gifts to others.”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t deny it. He looked at her beautiful profile and said softly, “But this Sea Blue Stone is the only one. At least, I only have one.”

Lan Mulian stared at the stone, her eyes downcast. After a long silence, she tossed the jade box containing the million Spirit Stones back to Mu Zhi’an.

“Testing steles are meant to be used. It’s not a big deal that it broke. There’s no need for compensation. Take your Spirit Stones and focus on your cultivation.”

She accepted the gift… Mu Zhi’an was overjoyed but didn’t show it. “Then I’ll be going?”

Seeing her nod slightly, he put away the jade box containing the Spirit Stones and left the pavilion.

Lan Feiying looked at the young man, noticing his relieved expression. She smiled seductively and transmitted her voice, “It seems you’ve achieved your goal today.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Feiying,” Mu Zhi’an replied through voice transmission.

Lan Feiying scoffed. “What’s the use of just saying thank you?”

Do you want me to offer my body or something… Mu Zhi’an thought, then glanced at Lan Mulian, who was drinking tea in the pavilion. Seizing the opportunity, he took out a special Spirit Stone with red patterns from his storage ring and handed it to Lan Feiying.

Lan Feiying’s eyes flickered as she looked at him. “What’s this…?”

“A Phoenix Cry Stone, a type of special Spirit Stone. I’ve been wanting to give it to you, Feiying, but I haven’t found the right opportunity…” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice.

“There’s no need to refuse, Feiying. You took care of me in Tianxuan City, and I’ve been wanting to repay your kindness,” he added sincerely.

Back in Tianxuan City, he had had a good relationship with Lan Feiying. He had initially thought she was only being nice to him because he was the Mu family’s young master.

But after learning that she was from the Lan family, he realized she was genuinely fond of him, her actions not driven by any ulterior motives.

Lan Feiying glanced at him, her hand gently caressing his handsome face. She smiled. “In that case, I’ll accept it.”

“I’m glad you like it, Feiying,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

He wasn’t worried that the sisters would discover each other’s Spirit Stones. As he had said before, these special Spirit Stones were just tokens of gratitude. Even if they saw them, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Since Lan Mulian was still in the pavilion, Mu Zhi’an didn’t dare to flirt with her sister in front of her, so he quickly excused himself.

After he left, Lan Feiying put away the red Spirit Stone and, after watching him depart, she turned to look at her cold and elegant sister in the pavilion.

Then, she walked towards her.

“You didn’t come here just to chat with me, did you, Sister?” Lan Mulian asked, gracefully pouring tea for her sister.

“The Ascension Ceremony begins the day after tomorrow. Are you really not planning to participate?” Lan Feiying asked, her alluring eyes fixed on her sister.

Lan Mulian shook her head gently. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to participate.”

“But you’re only two or three years older than us, Sister. No one would say anything if you participated,” Lan Feiying said, her hand resting on her chin as she tilted her head playfully. “Or are you… afraid of losing?”

Lan Mulian glanced at her coldly. “Don’t waste your time with such childish provocations.”

“You know the difference between the Nascent Soul Realm and the Core Formation Realm.”

“The gap between the two realms is indeed insurmountable. However, didn’t a newly recruited disciple from the Jade Glass Palace comprehend a trace of Dao Rhyme? In terms of strength, she should be on par with you, Sister,” Lan Feiying said with a smile.

“You haven’t refined the Seed of Dao Realization Mu Zhi’an gave you, have you, Sister?” she continued.

Lan Mulian remained silent.

Ever since Mu Zhi’an had given her the Seed of Dao Realization, sect disciples had been lingering around Two Polarities Peak, hoping to witness her refining it and becoming the strongest among the younger generation.

However, to this day, she hadn’t refined it.

“You’re capable of refining it, Sister. Why haven’t you done it yet?” Lan Feiying asked, her voice filled with confusion.

Lan Mulian paused for a moment, then set down her book. “I’m waiting for the right opportunity.”

“Because you’re not ready to accept his gift?” Lan Feiying asked.

The Seed of Dao Realization was a ‘gift’ from the Great Dao, a rare treasure that only appeared during Heavenly Tribulations of those at the Soul Transformation Realm or higher. With it, one could comprehend a trace of Dao Rhyme.

And the power gained from this Dao Rhyme was unimaginable.

Two cultivators at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, one with Dao Rhyme and one without, the difference in strength would be significant.

If the disciple who comprehended Dao Rhyme in the Jade Glass Palace was at the eighth-grade Core Formation Realm, she could even fight against a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Seeing that Lan Mulian didn’t answer, Lan Feiying said softly, “Do you like that little guy, Sister?”

“He’s just my junior brother,” Lan Mulian replied calmly.

She paused, then added, “I just… pay more attention to him than to others.”

However, Lan Feiying scoffed and chuckled. “Let’s not talk about your feelings for now, Sister. But it seems he’s quite smitten with you. Why else would he give you the Seed of Dao Realization?”

“But you haven’t refined it yet. Are you not ready to accept his love?”

Lan Mulian looked at her alluring sister. “What are you trying to say?”

“Returning the Seed of Dao Realization to him now would probably hurt his feelings. And knowing you, Sister, you wouldn’t do that. After all, you also have feelings for him. So since you’re not planning to return it, why not refine it? It will greatly benefit your cultivation.”

“You wouldn’t want to be defeated by someone else, would you, Sister?” Lan Feiying continued.

Lan Mulian’s eyes hardened. “I won’t lose, even without the Seed of Dao Realization,” she said calmly.

There were very few cultivators who had reached the Nascent Soul Realm before the age of twenty-six in the entire Nine Realms. Even Wei Mengrou hadn’t reached that level yet. Among their peers, Lan Mulian’s talent was unmatched. This was a fact acknowledged by everyone in the sect.

Lan Feiying pondered for a moment, her fingers playing with a strand of her curly hair. “Have you ever lost in a cultivation competition, Sister?” she asked softly.

“No,” Lan Mulian replied calmly.

Lan Feiying looked at her with a gentle smile, her gaze lingering on the mission displayed on her system interface.

[Mission: Defeat your sister, Lan Mulian, and make her realize her true feelings. (Reward: One first-grade cultivation technique)]

“Then your perfect record will likely end with this Ascension Ceremony.”

“And I’ll be the one to end it,” Lan Feiying said softly.

Surprise flickered in Lan Mulian’s eyes for the first time. She looked at her sister. “Are you serious?”

“Of course,” Lan Feiying replied with a smile.

“And maybe I’ll even take that little guy, Mu Zhi’an, with me after I win.”

She placed a paper crane on the table. The message within was the one Sect Master Shang Yanfei had sent.

Lan Mulian looked at her sister’s beautiful eyes and her serious expression.

After a long silence, she smiled, her smile as beautiful as melting ice.

“Alright.”

“Then let’s see how much you’ve grown in the past few years at this Ascension Ceremony.”