Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 269: Come On, Let’s Go Inside! 

Compared to the ‘little fish’ in his pond, those who had evolved into ‘sea dragons’ like Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue were much more difficult to handle.

They were experienced and had seen much more of the world. They could easily see through his lies.

And as Dao Integration cultivators, they possessed methods to block voice transmissions and even eavesdrop on them.

Therefore, Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t dare to whisper sweet nothings to them individually while they were both present.

Imagine whispering sweet nothings to one of them, only to realize the other Empress was listening in… The thought alone was terrifying.

If he tried to use voice transmission now, it might turn from a ‘private conversation’ into a group chat.

However, although they were experienced, it didn’t mean they were experienced in matters of the heart. At least, among the beauties he knew, none of them had ever been in a relationship before, which gave him some leeway.

“The Primordial Witch’s will has left the peach blossom. Although we don’t know who she was looking for, she won’t reappear anytime soon,” Gong Lianyue said, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered, and he looked up at the Sword Palace Master, her aura alluring and mysterious in her black dress. “Are you saying the Primordial Witch might still be alive, Master?”

“A Dao Integration cultivator, even after their physical body perishes, won’t completely disappear unless their last trace of consciousness vanishes from the world. If the Primordial Witch is truly searching for someone she loves, she must have left behind a method to be reborn in the future,” Gong Lianyue explained.

So the former master of the World Sea might still be alive…?

And since the Holy Son and the Holy Maiden from the World Sea had come to the Eastern Realm, and according to them… the Primordial Witch was likely here?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.

Gong Lianyue’s tone softened as she looked at him with a hint of tenderness in her eyes. “More importantly, Mu Lang, do you remember what you promised me?”

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat as he was brought back to reality.

“You promised me that after returning to the sect, you would distance yourself from those… troublesome women,” Gong Lianyue said, her gaze shifting to Yao Meng, the tenderness in her eyes replaced by coldness.

“If you’re too kindhearted to hurt their feelings, I can do it for you. I can clean up those unnecessary relationships so you won’t be bothered by them in the future.”

“For example, this Yao Meng, who claims to be your Dao Companion.”

Her words were clearly directed at Yao Meng. However, the Jade Empress, who had lived for countless years, remained unfazed. Her aura was ethereal, a gentle smile curving her lips. “Our relationship is none of your concern.”

“If it were Lady Bai, it would be understandable. After all, she is Mu Lang’s Dao Companion. But you’re just an outsider who recently approached him,” Yao Meng said calmly.

Gong Lianyue narrowed her eyes and chuckled. “So you admit you’ve wronged my scabbard?”

“It’s not unusual for a cultivator to have multiple Dao Companions. Besides, he was the one who pursued me first,” Yao Meng said, glancing at Mu Zhi’an, her gaze lingering on his handsome face for a moment.

“And I’ve already compensated Lady Bai.”

The Heaven-Mending Pill and the Seed of Dao Realization were both Yao Meng’s compensation for Bai Ruoxi.

After all, she had slept with her Dao Companion. Although it was consensual, she still felt a bit guilty towards Bai Ruoxi… Of course, she was mostly excited.

Then, Yao Meng’s tone changed, and she chuckled. “However, Lady Bai is Lady Bai, and you are you. Although you’re the same person, you’re two different consciousnesses.”

“You’re not qualified to make decisions for her.”

Gong Lianyue narrowed her eyes. “Are you saying…?”

“If you don’t understand, I can put it simply.”

Yao Meng smiled. “Simply put…”

“You’re not worthy.”

The atmosphere in the pavilion instantly froze.

The winter wind and snow couldn’t chill Mu Zhi’an, but he felt a bone-chilling coldness emanating from the two women.

Gong Lianyue scoffed. “You think I’m not qualified, Fairy Yao Meng? Fine, let him decide if I’m worthy of making decisions for him.”

Yao Meng smiled confidently, her beautiful green eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

Can’t you just let me be a background character?! Mu Zhi’an’s inner voice screamed, his heart pounding.

He looked ahead and said, “Seniors, I’m a free man, so…”

Yao Meng said softly, “That’s not what you said when you were with me.”

“You said your heart and body belonged to me.”

Her gaze was still gentle, but a hint of danger lurked within.

“Those words sound familiar. How many other women have you said that to?” Gong Lianyue sneered, glaring at Mu Zhi’an.

She wondered if she should take him back to the Sword Palace after the Ascension Ceremony.

The Sword Palace had abundant resources, and with her guidance, his cultivation would progress smoothly. It would also prevent him from having unnecessary contact with other women.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart pounded as he felt their gazes upon him.

No matter how cunning Mu Zhi’an was, he couldn’t use any tricks against the most powerful beings in the world.

As they argued, Wei Mengrou sat silently in a chair nearby, sipping tea as she watched her young master struggle to handle his relationships.

Despite being a low-key maid, Wei Mengrou was undeniably a beauty. Her alluring figure, accentuated by her yellow dress, and her cold and beautiful face exuded an aura of aloofness.

She watched Mu Zhi’an silently, her hands cupping the warm teacup. Seeing his desperate gaze, a playful smile curved her lips.

The maid simply wanted to enjoy the show as a bystander.

However, the memory of their kiss earlier, his face so close to hers, and her own impulsive action, flashed through her mind.

Meeting his gaze again, she quickly looked away, her eyes fixed on the teacup in her hand.

Her beautiful face was reflected in the tea. As a gust of wind blew past, ripples appeared on the surface, and the reflection changed, revealing a stranger.

The woman wore a black robe, her hood concealing most of her face. Her pale and sickly complexion made her appear even more fragile and delicate.

As if sensing her gaze, the woman looked up, her gentle eyes meeting hers from beneath the hood.

Wei Mengrou’s hand trembled, and she instinctively released the teacup.

Crash!

The teacup shattered on the floor, tea splattering everywhere. The shards flew towards a pillar in the pavilion.

Mu Zhi’an instinctively looked at Wei Mengrou and saw the usually proud and elegant maid staring at the spilled tea, her eyes filled with confusion.

“What’s wrong, Mengrou?” he asked with concern.

Wei Mengrou snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head slowly. “It’s nothing… I’m just a little tired. I need to rest.”

She gathered the shards of the teacup, buried them in the ground, and left the pavilion.

Mu Zhi’an looked in the direction she had gone, his eyes thoughtful.

Then, he glanced at the beautiful woman in the black dress beside him. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to gamble!

He took a deep breath and transmitted his voice, “Master, I’ll give you an answer about what you said earlier, but I have other matters to attend to right now, so I need to leave…”

Gong Lianyue looked at him with a smile. “Why whisper it to me? Why not say it out loud?”

If I say it out loud, Yao Meng will eat me alive tonight… Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice, “The fairy has shown me kindness in the past, and you’ve also helped Ruoxi and me greatly, Master. If possible, I hope you two can coexist peacefully.”

“As long as you keep her away from you, there won’t be any problems,” Gong Lianyue replied calmly.

Mu Zhi’an smiled wryly. “You know my relationship with the fairy is complicated, Master. It’s not something I can resolve so easily…”

“I’ll give you another month. If you’re still entangled with her when I wake up next time, I’ll make the decision for you. I’ll sever your ties with her and take you back to the Sword Palace to cultivate with me,” Gong Lianyue said.

Her consciousness couldn’t remain in control of Bai Ruoxi’s body for too long before the scabbard reached the Nascent Soul Realm and comprehended a trace of Dao Rhyme. Otherwise, she would have dealt with this Jade Empress today.

Mu Zhi’an breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to send a voice transmission to Yao Meng, but he saw her looking at him with a playful smile, a cold glint in her eyes, as if saying: You’re quite bold, whispering behind my back?

Then, her cold and melodious voice reached his ears.

“Wait for me in your room tonight.”

Yao Meng glanced at him, her gaze both aloof and alluring.

“I have some things I want to discuss with you.”

…

Wei Mengrou sat on the cushion in her room, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and steady as she prepared to meditate.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, she said coldly, “Why are you here? Aren’t you afraid of being caught and punished?”

She opened her eyes and looked towards the window.

Mu Zhi’an climbed in through the window. Under her cold gaze, he chuckled. “I told Yao Meng and the others that I wanted to check on you.”

Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery curving her lips. “They agreed?”

It was surprising that they hadn’t locked him up…

Mu Zhi’an’s smile faltered.

This maid really knew how to rub salt in his wounds.

“I took a risk and sent them separate voice transmissions, promising to explain everything later,” Mu Zhi’an said, sighing.

The main reason was that Gong Lianyue had been awakened by the Primordial Witch’s aura, but her consciousness couldn’t control Bai Ruoxi’s body for too long yet.

If Bai Ruoxi comprehended a trace of Dao Rhyme and reached the Nascent Soul Realm, Gong Lianyue wouldn’t have this limitation.

If that happened, today’s incident wouldn’t have ended so easily.

Even now, he had to expend a lot of effort to appease them, and he even had to ‘comfort’ the Empress tonight…

“So what do you need?” Wei Mengrou asked, looking at him.

“I felt like you were unwell, so I came to check on you,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile.

Under her gaze, he sat down on the cushion.

“Did you feel anything when you were possessed by the Primordial Witch’s will, Mengrou?” he asked.

Wei Mengrou hesitated for a moment, then shook her head gently. “I don’t remember anything. I just have a vague impression… It felt like a dream.”

She couldn’t help but recall the mysterious figure she had seen in the tea earlier, her hands instinctively clasping together.

She glanced at Mu Zhi’an and, after a moment of hesitation, whispered, “I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble.”

In a way, she was partly responsible for his ‘torture’ by the two Empresses today.

After all, Gong Lianyue had been awakened by the Primordial Witch’s aura, and it was Wei Mengrou who had awakened the Primordial Witch’s will.

“If a kiss counts as trouble, please be sure to do it again, and with more force,” Mu Zhi’an said solemnly.

Wei Mengrou glared at him.

She looked at the young man on the cushion, his eyes filled with concern. After a moment of hesitation, she looked away.

“That’s not like you—”

She paused, her gaze falling upon his hand, which was now holding hers. She looked at him silently.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Just comforting you,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

Wei Mengrou snorted and glanced at the door. “Jade Empress, what are you doing here?” she suddenly asked.

“Mengrou, although we’re master and servant, I’ve always considered you a sister. It’s inappropriate for us to be like this,” Mu Zhi’an said, withdrawing his hand.

He glanced at the doorway.

“…?”

It was empty. There was no one there.

Wei Mengrou glared at him disdainfully. “If you’re just comforting me, why are you worried about being discovered?”

Mu Zhi’an sighed. “Mengrou, we should have more trust between us.”

“I trust you enough. And I’m going to meditate now,” Wei Mengrou said.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “I won’t disturb you, Mengrou.”

She closed her eyes, but after a moment, she felt his gaze upon her. She opened her eyes and pointed at the door.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the open door and realized something. “You want me to close the door, Mengrou?”

“But it’s almost night. It’s inappropriate for us to be alone in a room…”

“Get lost.”

…

That night.

Mu Zhi’an returned to his room with the mysterious black box. After putting it away in his storage ring, he prepared to meditate.

He was currently at the peak of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, only a step away from breaking through to the fifth-grade.

However, he wasn’t planning to break through just yet. After his ‘death’, his body had been strengthened by two eighth-grade pills, and with the Dao he had chosen in the Core Formation Realm, his physique was now far superior to that of his peers.

During the Martial Realm trial, he might encounter those who disliked him or treacherous individuals who might try to ambush him. The Heavenly Tribulation for breaking through from the fourth-grade to the fifth-grade could be a powerful trump card.

After all, no one wanted to risk being severely injured during a tribulation and miss out on the Ascension Ceremony.

But Mu Zhi’an was different. He was full of energy, and his physique was strong. It wasn’t impossible for him to use the Heavenly Tribulation to his advantage in the Martial Realm.

It would be even easier if he encountered Ye Lingxuan and the others.

After taking off his outer robe, Mu Zhi’an was about to meditate on his bed when he suddenly noticed a slender figure behind the curtain. His heart skipped a beat as he walked over and pulled it aside.

Yao Meng was sitting on the bed, her legs tucked beneath her, her alluring figure outlined by her thin green dress. Her delicate feet were covered in soft white socks, and her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, a few strands resting on her fair thighs.

She looked up at him with a faint smile. “You’re back?”

Why do I feel like something’s wrong? This doesn’t seem like she wants to have a ‘chat’ with me… Mu Zhi’an swallowed nervously and nodded. “I’m back.”

Then, his gaze fell upon the green vines emerging from her sleeve.

This isn’t a ‘chat’. This is an interrogation! Mu Zhi’an reacted quickly and turned to leave.

However, a green lotus bloomed before him.

In that instant, his Vessel was completely sealed.

The vines silently wrapped around him, binding his hands and feet, then gently dragged him onto the bed. The curtains fluttered, concealing everything within.

Yao Meng smiled faintly, her slender fingers tracing his neck, her hand cupping his face. Her beautiful green eyes looked down at him.

“I told you, I have some things I want to discuss with you tonight.”

Chapter 268: I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I’ve Always Loved You

Although she was the former master of the World Sea, the Primordial Witch had never actually ruled it. After suppressing the chaos, the various factions within the World Sea had simply acknowledged her as their leader.

The reason was twofold. Firstly, during that time, the Nine Realms were in turmoil. Due to the World Sea’s unique geography, it had been spared from the war, but the threat still lingered.

However, with a Dao Integration expert guarding the World Sea, they wouldn’t have to worry anymore.

The Dao Integration experts in the Nine Realms might not know each other personally, but they had at least heard of each other.

However, even Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue had never seen the Primordial Witch’s face.

Not even those from the World Sea had seen her face.

She had mysteriously disappeared after spending only a few years in the World Sea.

Later generations, based on her attire, sculpted a statue of her, which stood in the central port city of the World Sea.

Although she was called a ‘witch’, people revered her as a deity. Even enemies would behave themselves within that port city.

The city was protected by a special formation that suppressed the cultivation levels of all who entered, whether they were at the Nascent Soul Realm or the peak of the Core Formation Realm, to the first-grade Core Formation Realm.

Many believed this formation was the Primordial Witch’s final gift to the World Sea before her disappearance.

Regardless of whether the Primordial Witch was still alive, the fact that a fragment of her will, preserved in a black box for ten thousand years, simply wished to kiss someone… was absurd.

No one had expected this sudden action. Who would have thought that the Primordial Witch, who had united the World Sea and ended the conflict, would, after possessing Wei Mengrou, kiss Mu Zhi’an in front of two Empresses?

Not only Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue, but even Mu Zhi’an was stunned.

He loved beautiful women, but this unexpected move from the Primordial Witch left him speechless.

Then, a thought crossed his mind: Mengrou’s lips are so soft and fragrant…

The cool, soft touch, the sweet fragrance, the hint of ice, the alluring sweetness… He wanted to savor it again.

Mu Zhi’an reached out, wanting to wrap his arms around Wei Mengrou’s slender waist and enjoy the feel of her body.

Suddenly, he felt a chill run down his spine, a sense of danger.

He didn’t even have to turn around to know what was happening.

Holy crap… Does Mengrou want me dead?! Mu Zhi’an thought, his back breaking out in a cold sweat as he felt the warmth of Wei Mengrou’s body against his.

No, this isn’t Mengrou. It’s the Primordial Witch’s will…

But why was she doing this? He didn’t know.

He had to control the situation… Mu Zhi’an placed his hands on Wei Mengrou’s shoulders and gently pushed her away.

He said solemnly, “Please behave yourself, Senior!”

I’m a married man. It’s inappropriate for us to be so intimate. Why don’t you find a more private time…?

Suddenly, he heard the sound of heavy chains again. He looked towards the source.

The sound was coming from the black mist surrounding Wei Mengrou!

Clank!

A chain shot out from the mist, silently binding Mu Zhi’an’s right wrist. The other end of the chain was tightly wrapped around Wei Mengrou’s left wrist.

The black mist swirled around the chain binding her fair wrist. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of tenderness and darkness, tears welling up.

“I missed you so much.”

A sweet and gentle voice echoed in Mu Zhi’an’s mind.

“I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you… I’ve always loved you…”

The chains within the black mist rattled, as if more were about to emerge.

—To bind you and me together, never to be separated again.

The voice echoed repeatedly in his mind as the black mist churned around Wei Mengrou.

Suddenly, the Pure World Azure Lotus emitted a brilliant green light.

The light enveloped Mu Zhi’an and the Primordial Witch, like sunlight piercing through the darkness, dispelling the black mist and releasing the chain from his wrist.

The Primordial Witch looked down at the chain on her wrist, her expression dazed. She slowly turned her head.

Yao Meng, dressed in a thin green dress that clung to her ethereal form, stood there, her skin as white as jade, her aura as pure as a fairy. A hazy mist swirled around her, and her every inch glowed with a faint silver light, like a celestial maiden descending from the heavens.

Compared to Yao Meng, who seemed unattainable, the Primordial Witch, shrouded in black mist, exuded an aura of mystery.

Yao Meng’s expression was emotionless. “I don’t know what happened in your past, but he’s not the one you’re looking for, Primordial Witch.”

Although this Yao Meng seemed to have a tendency for ‘cuckolding’, it didn’t mean she enjoyed being cheated on… especially after the Primordial Witch had kissed Mu Zhi’an right before her eyes.

More chains emerged from the black mist.

Clang!

A golden sword pierced through the chains, pinning them to the ground.

Gong Lianyue formed a hand seal, and two more glowing blades shot down, further securing the chains.

If it were someone else’s problem, Gong Lianyue would have simply watched from the sidelines, unbothered.

However… The Primordial Witch’s intimate gesture had been directed not only at Yao Meng, but also at her.

To ‘NTR’ Mu Zhi’an in front of two Empresses… Only the Primordial Witch would be so bold.

“Thank you, Seniors,” Mu Zhi’an said immediately, making his stance clear.

Gong Lianyue glanced at him, her lips pursed. “You seemed to enjoy it quite a bit~ Weren’t you planning to hug her and savor the taste of the Primordial Witch?” she said coldly.

“He’s always been like this with others. I’ve seen it a few times when I woke up,” Yao Meng replied, her voice calm and melodious.

“There’s a sacred ground within my Sword Palace. In the past, disciples who committed mistakes would repent there. After six months, they would be reformed, their cultivation progressing rapidly. After the Ascension Ceremony, I’ll take you there to cultivate for six months,” Gong Lianyue said, looking at Mu Zhi’an intently.

The Heart-Binding Lock within her sleeve seemed to be stirring.

Holy crap, is she planning to lock me up…? Mu Zhi’an felt a surge of panic.

Fortunately, as he had expected, Yao Meng, the kind and gentle fairy, came to his rescue. Her melodious voice, like a warm breeze, echoed through the pavilion, “He can’t be separated from me for the next thousand years. You should abandon your unrealistic ideas.”

However, before Mu Zhi’an could relax, Yao Meng glanced at him and continued, “Even if he needs to repent, he should come to the Jade Pool’s ancestral land.”

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

Weren’t you guys just fighting? Why are you ganging up on me now?!

And the Jade Pool’s ancestral land is that sacred? Didn’t we… in the bath there last time…? Mu Zhi’an complained inwardly.

Suddenly, he felt a pair of cold, soft hands on his face. He instinctively looked up.

The Primordial Witch, her slender hands cupping his face, had approached him unnoticed.

Yao Meng frowned but didn’t react. She simply stared at the Primordial Witch.

She didn’t need to intervene anymore. The fragment of will within the peach blossom was about to disappear.

Gong Lianyue’s gaze also fell upon the Primordial Witch, her eyes fixed on her gentle yet dark eyes.

For some reason, she felt a strange sensation.

Why would a fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will, left behind ten thousand years ago, harbor feelings for Mu Zhi’an?

Had she simply mistaken him for someone else?

That was impossible. Even a fragment of will shouldn’t be underestimated. How could she mistake someone?

Mu Zhi’an looked into the Primordial Witch’s beautiful eyes, the black mist swirling around her. “Who are you looking for, Senior? Perhaps I can help you,” he said hesitantly.

The Primordial Witch didn’t answer. She simply looked at him, her gaze filled with longing.

For some reason, looking into her eyes filled Mu Zhi’an with a deep sadness, a feeling he couldn’t explain. He felt as if he were drowning in sorrow.

The Primordial Witch suddenly smiled, her smile alluring and captivating.

“Wait for me.”

As her sweet voice echoed through the pavilion, she wrapped her arms around Mu Zhi’an’s neck and kissed him, her lips cold and soft.

She pushed him against a pillar behind him, her kiss passionate and demanding, her arms tightening around his neck as if afraid he would disappear.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t disappear.

But the Primordial Witch did.

A peach blossom drifted down with the wind. Mu Zhi’an saw it from the corner of his eye and instinctively reached out.

The blossom, swaying like a small boat on water, landed gently in his palm.

Her soft and melodious voice echoed through the pavilion.

“I’ll come back for you.”

Mu Zhi’an suddenly had a feeling.

The Primordial Witch’s will, preserved within the black box, had completely vanished.

He held Wei Mengrou’s head with one hand and looked at the peach blossom in his other, his eyes filled with emotion.

What kind of extraordinary woman was the Primordial Witch? She had reached Dao Integration in less than three years, united the World Sea, then mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind only a black box.

Could it be that… she had foreseen what would happen ten thousand years later and deliberately left this box behind?

“Mm…”

A soft moan suddenly came from the woman in his arms, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked down at the maid in the yellow dress.

Her face was pale, her lips full and rosy, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, as if awakening from a deep slumber.

Mu Zhi’an stared at Wei Mengrou, his mind racing. He realized what was happening and tried to push her away.

However, Wei Mengrou slowly opened her eyes.

Their gazes met. She blinked, and they stared at each other in silence.

His hand was still on the back of her head, and the distance between them… was practically negative.

Their lips were intertwined, their breaths mingling.

Time seemed to stand still.

After a long moment, Wei Mengrou finally reacted, her eyes wide with panic. She instinctively pushed him away and took a step back, wiping her lips with the back of her hand, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

How did this happen… What just happened?

Her mind was in turmoil. She closed her eyes, and the image of Mu Zhi’an’s face, inches from hers, flashed through her mind.

She had seen his face countless times before, but being so close to him filled her with a strange sense of discomfort and panic.

Mengrou is so cute like this… Mu Zhi’an chuckled inwardly, observing her reaction.

A maid who was usually cold and aloof towards him, now flustered after such an intimate encounter… This contrast was incredibly alluring.

But he quickly realized something and coughed lightly, trying to explain. “It’s a long story, but you were possessed by the Primordial Witch’s will, Mengrou, so…”

He briefly explained what had happened. However, Wei Mengrou still looked at him with coldness and disdain.

Even if he was telling the truth, he had not only tried to kiss her, but he had also wanted to savor her lips. That was the real reason for her panic.

But in front of the two Empresses, she couldn’t possibly say that out loud.

Yao Meng observed them silently, then sighed softly. “Most things fade away with time, but a fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will has persisted for ten thousand years. It’s truly admirable.”

“She seems to be waiting for someone. But ten thousand years… Besides Dao Integration cultivators, who can live that long?” Gong Lianyue said calmly.

No two flowers are the same. She must have mistaken Mu Zhi’an for someone she loved.

However, the Primordial Witch’s words, “I’ll come back for you”, still lingered in their minds.

What if Mu Zhi’an truly was the one the Primordial Witch had been waiting for?

With the Primordial Witch’s will gone, silence fell over the pavilion.

Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an, then quickly lowered her gaze, hiding her emotions.

Mu Zhi’an seemed to be lost in thought, contemplating the Primordial Witch’s deep love. He sighed softly, placed the peach blossom back into the black box, and said, “There are still many mysteries surrounding the Primordial Witch. Perhaps there are other secrets within this box. But we can only investigate them slowly.”

Gong Lianyue’s lips pursed slightly, a cold glint flickering in her eyes. “We can investigate the Primordial Witch later,” she said calmly.

Although the Primordial Witch had acted impulsively, it was just a fragment of her will. She wasn’t petty enough to be upset over a kiss.

But Yao Meng was different.

Gong Lianyue’s gaze shifted to Mu Zhi’an. “We have some unfinished business, don’t we?” she said softly.

Yao Meng also looked at him with a gentle gaze.

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

It seemed his attempt to change the subject had failed.

Chapter 267: I’m Really Trying My Best Here! 

Frost clung to the branches in the courtyard. The steam rising from the teacups couldn’t dispel the chill in the air.

Cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and above could easily withstand the winter cold if they wished. Their internal energy would dispel the chill.

However, the moment Yao Meng spoke, Mu Zhi’an felt a cold sweat break out on his back, a chill running down his spine despite the cold weather.

Gong Lianyue narrowed her eyes, observing the fairy from the Jade Pool Holy Land. “If I remember correctly, countless talented individuals pursued you before you achieved Dao Integration, but you rejected them all. And now that you’ve reached Dao Integration, you’ve set your sights on a mere young cultivator?” she said, her voice laced with a hint of mockery.

“Or could it be that the first Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool, revered by all, prefers someone much younger than herself?”

Mu Zhi’an had always thought Yao Meng was a gentle and peaceful fairy who avoided conflict. However, it seemed she had a hidden dark side. She glanced at him, as if saying: You’re quite popular, aren’t you?

Then, she looked away and chuckled. “Love has nothing to do with cultivation level. I’m not like you, choosing him as my Dao Companion just for his Innate Celestial Furnace constitution. We simply share a mutual affection.”

Her simple words subtly mocked Gong Lianyue’s impure motives, implying: You don’t love him. You’re just attracted to his body. You’re pathetic!

Gong Lianyue raised an eyebrow, the golden swords behind her vibrating slightly, causing the frost on the branches outside to shatter and drift into the pavilion like snowflakes.

She glanced at Yao Meng coldly. “If the scabbard’s memories are correct, you were reduced to a mere wisp of consciousness. If he hadn’t saved you, you would have vanished from this world.”

“And you reconstructed your body using his Innate Celestial Furnace.”

She looked into Yao Meng’s eyes.

“Is that what you call ‘mutual affection’?”

The atmosphere in the pavilion turned frigid. Mu Zhi’an froze, his heart pounding.

This is bad. They’re really going to fight. If they do, I’ll be caught in the crossfire… Mu Zhi’an felt a sense of impending doom, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

He suddenly missed the little ‘fish’ in his pond… They might bicker among themselves, but he could always handle them individually afterwards.

But these two were experienced Empresses. They would be difficult to appease, and he might even be locked up in a dark room if he wasn’t careful.

Yao Meng glanced at Mu Zhi’an, her melodious voice echoing softly through the pavilion. “Whether we share a mutual affection or not is none of your business.”

She turned to Mu Zhi’an, her lips parting slightly, her green eyes filled with an indescribable allure, a hint of redness at the corners adding to her charm.

She smiled. “What do you think, Mu Lang?”

Her voice, laced with a special Dao Rhyme, was incredibly captivating, but Mu Zhi’an felt a chill run down his spine.

The pressure was on him now.

A beautiful smile, both pure and seductive, appeared on Gong Lianyue’s face. “The dignified Jade Empress using the Jade Pool’s Dao Rhyme to seduce a young cultivator at the Core Formation Realm… If word gets out, it would be a laughingstock throughout the Nine Realms,” she said calmly.

Yao Meng chuckled. “The Jade Pool’s Dao calms the mind. It’s not meant for seduction. I’m more concerned about whether you used the Nine-Tailed Fox’s charm on Mu Lang.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox’s charm…? Mu Zhi’an instinctively glanced at Gong Lianyue.

Speaking of which, Ruoxi possessed the characteristics of a ‘Three-Tailed Fox’, inherited from Bai Yuanfeng.

However, Gong Lianyue didn’t exhibit any demonic cultivator traits…

After a moment of thought, Mu Zhi’an understood.

Bai Ruoxi was indeed Bai Yuanfeng’s daughter, but she was also a special existence, born as Gong Lianyue’s ‘scabbard’.

If she cultivated to the peak, perhaps she could become the first cultivator in the Nine Realms to possess two souls within one body, both the demonic and human consciousnesses achieving Dao Integration.

As Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced, Gong Lianyue’s gaze fell upon him.

“Mu Lang, do you remember what you promised me?”

Her black dress accentuated her fair and flawless skin, her figure as alluring as Bai Ruoxi’s.

The glowing swords behind her silently unfolded, her eyes filled with tenderness. Mu Zhi’an felt as if he were looking at Bai Ruoxi.

Then, his heart skipped a beat as he realized what she was referring to.

Back in the Sword Palace, under those complicated circumstances, he had promised to break things off with the other women…

He had planned to delay it, waiting for the ‘fish’ in his pond to mature, assuming Gong Lianyue wouldn’t wake up so soon.

But now…

She had been awakened by the black box left behind by the Primordial Witch.

And Yao Meng had also been awakened…

However, as a competent fish pond master, even in the most urgent situations, he had to maintain his composure… Mu Zhi’an knew this well.

He coughed lightly and tried to appease her. “I’ll handle it properly, Master. Don’t worry.”

However, Gong Lianyue wasn’t fooled. She looked at him with a smile. “So you’re saying you’ll sever your ties with the Jade Empress and focus on cultivating with me?”

“If that’s the case, it’s settled,” she said with a gentle smile, glancing at Yao Meng.

A cold glint flashed in Yao Meng’s eyes as she turned to look at Mu Zhi’an with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

Dao Integration cultivators were rare in this world. Moreover, with the changes in the laws of heaven and earth, they rarely fought each other. Therefore, the Nine Realms were dominated by Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, just because Dao Integration cultivators rarely fought didn’t mean they could be ignored.

After all, if they were angered, even with the restrictions imposed by the heavens, they would still take action to suppress their enemies.

Therefore, having a Dao Integration expert meant a faction’s status would rise significantly.

And as Dao Integration cultivators, they often encountered each other. Although Gong Lianyue had never spoken to the Jade Empress before, they were both aware of each other’s existence.

After all, both the Sword Palace and the Jade Pool Holy Land were top factions in the past.

However, they had always maintained a peaceful coexistence.

And now, because of Mu Zhi’an, conflict had arisen between them…

In a sense, Mu Zhi’an, the ‘Chosen Female Lead’, was truly a troublemaker.

Gong Lianyue’s gaze fell upon him, and the golden sword behind her transformed into nine glowing blades, fanning out, radiating a terrifying aura.

Yao Meng smiled faintly, her confidence unwavering.

Behind her, the Pure World Azure Lotus emitted a faint green glow, radiating an aura of peace.

This seemingly peaceful lotus had caused headaches for many Dao Integration cultivators in the past.

It could seal a person’s Spiritual Energy, a truly formidable ability.

However, Gong Lianyue’s sword could transform into 108 glowing blades. If they fought, the outcome was uncertain.

Mu Zhi’an realized that both the Sword Palace Master and the Jade Empress were domineering women. The Jade Empress, like an ethereal fairy, seemed approachable and gentle, but she was actually distant and possessive, seemingly enjoying ‘cuckolding’ others.

And the Sword Palace Master was also incredibly possessive. Combined with Yao Meng’s earlier ‘provocation’, the situation had escalated.

Now, he was caught between them… No matter how he answered, it would be wrong.

If it were just one of them, he could simply sweet-talk his way out… But now, that wasn’t an option.

In fact, he couldn’t even use voice transmission.

After all, who knew if these two powerful beings possessed methods to intercept it?

Feeling their gazes upon him, Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He opened his mouth, about to speak.

Suddenly, Yao Meng, as if sensing something, turned to look at Wei Mengrou, her brows furrowing slightly.

Mu Zhi’an followed her gaze. Wei Mengrou, dressed in a yellow dress, her figure slender and graceful, was holding the peach blossom from the black box, her eyes unfocused, as if she were in a daze.

And the black mist emanating from the peach blossom was silently enveloping her.

Within the mist, he could faintly hear the sound of chains colliding.

“What’s that sound?” Mu Zhi’an asked instinctively.

Gong Lianyue’s gaze also fell upon Wei Mengrou, her eyes flickering.

There was something strange about the peach blossom in her hand.

It contained something… and that something was now attaching itself to Wei Mengrou.

“Mengrou…?” Mu Zhi’an called out tentatively, a strange feeling washing over him.

This woman clearly wasn’t Wei Mengrou, but some entity from the black box!

However, her consciousness seemed very weak.

Yao Meng’s eyes narrowed. “It’s the Primordial Witch… but her consciousness, having been attached to someone else for so long, has been eroded by time. This is just a fragment of her will,” she murmured.

The peach blossom within the black box contained a fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will, and this will was now attaching itself to Wei Mengrou, seemingly wanting to fulfill a wish from her past life.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at his maid.

A fragment of will, eroded by time, reappearing in the world after ten thousand years, simply to convey a message to someone important… And after that, if this will disappeared, perhaps the Primordial Witch would truly cease to exist.

Thinking of this, Mu Zhi’an felt a pang of sadness, his gaze towards Wei Mengrou filled with sympathy.

Although he didn’t know why she was connected to the Primordial Witch, it seemed the Primordial Witch held no malice towards them. Once her will was fulfilled, this remnant soul attached to Wei Mengrou would probably disappear completely.

Yao Meng frowned slightly as she saw the ‘Primordial Witch’ walking towards Mu Zhi’an.

For some reason, this scene felt familiar.

Gong Lianyue narrowed her eyes, staring at Wei Mengrou, the glowing blades behind her vibrating, ready to strike.

She could tell that this fragment of the Primordial Witch’s will was targeting Mu Zhi’an!

But what was she planning…?

The two Empresses watched Wei Mengrou intently, their eyes filled with suspicion.

Under their gazes, Wei Mengrou finally reached Mu Zhi’an.

She looked up at him, her beautiful face filled with a hint of longing.

“I’ve finally found you,” she said softly, her voice filled with nostalgia.

“Do you know me—”

Before Mu Zhi’an could finish speaking, Wei Mengrou placed a hand on the back of his head.

Then, as his eyes widened in shock, she tilted her head and, under Yao Meng and Gong Lianyue’s stunned gazes, pressed her cold, soft lips against his.

Only the sound of the wind and the falling snow filled the pavilion.

Chapter 266: Sword Palace Master: Choose One, Mu Lang

The paper crane, enveloped in a dark mist, slowly flew into the depths of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Mu Zhi’an followed closely on his sword, his heart filled with suspicion, his gaze fixed on the seemingly sentient paper crane.

If his previous guess was correct, the Primordial Witch was a reincarnator!

And now, the paper crane she had left behind ten thousand years ago was flying towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, seemingly seeking someone who resided there.

Could it be that the Primordial Witch was still alive and living in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony?!

Mu Zhi’an’s mind was in turmoil. Upon entering the courtyard, he put away his sword and followed the paper crane.

It was winter in the Nine Realms, and a thin layer of snow covered the ground. Snowflakes danced in the cold wind.

The paper crane bobbed gently, like a small boat on a stormy sea, as if it could be blown away at any moment.

Yet, it remained dry, the black mist protecting it from the snow as it flew along the quiet path.

…

Meanwhile.

A thin layer of ice had formed on the surface of the pond in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Bai Ruoxi, dressed in a pure white palace dress adorned with plum blossoms, a plum-colored jacket draped over it, stood before the pavilion, her aura as cold as snow, yet her eyes held a gentle warmth.

“Mengrou, it’s so cold. Come and have some tea,” she said to Wei Mengrou, who was silently reading a book, her hand propping it open.

She poured a cup of tea for Wei Mengrou and placed it on the table beside her.

Wei Mengrou glanced at Bai Ruoxi and sat down beside her, setting the book aside. She cupped the teacup in her hands and gently blew on the rising steam.

“Any insights?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her gaze casually falling upon the book on the table.

The Art of Managing a Husband.

Bai Ruoxi had lent it to Wei Mengrou a while back. Wei Mengrou had stumbled upon her reading this strange book but hadn’t said anything.

However, Bai Ruoxi had offered to lend it to her.

Although she wasn’t particularly interested in such books, she couldn’t refuse Bai Ruoxi’s enthusiasm and eventually accepted it.

Bai Ruoxi’s question about ‘insights’ naturally referred to the contents of the book.

Wei Mengrou hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly. “Some.”

Although the book contained some… unconventional content, it was essentially about understanding and manipulating people’s minds.

Reading it had opened up a new world for the maid, who had always focused solely on cultivation.

“I’m glad you’ve gained something from it, Mengrou,” Bai Ruoxi said with a smile.

Then, she sighed softly, her voice tinged with worry. “Mu Lang seems to be interested in the Ascension Ceremony. What should I do if I end up facing him?”

The winner of the Ascension Ceremony would also receive an additional ‘prize’ – Mu Zhi’an.

Although this prize was absurd, it was a fair competition for the women involved.

Whoever won would have the upper hand in their relationship with Mu Zhi’an. After all, this was an unspoken agreement between them.

However, Bai Ruoxi hadn’t decided what to do if she ended up facing Mu Zhi’an in the Ascension Ceremony.

“He wouldn’t mind being defeated, especially by someone he loves,” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

She paused, her hand resting on her chin, a playful glint flickering in her eyes. “In fact, if you have any grievances against him, you can take this opportunity to beat him up in the Ascension Ceremony.”

Bai Ruoxi sighed. “Sometimes, I really don’t understand your relationship with Mu Lang, Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou’s attitude towards Mu Zhi’an was always cold and aloof, yet she remained by his side. This complex behavior confused many people.

“Isn’t that how he likes to be treated?” Wei Mengrou said calmly.

After all, Mu Zhi’an had said things like, “Please scold me, Mengrou!” and “Please step on me, Mengrou!”, which baffled her.

She looked at Bai Ruoxi. “He’s always been like that, ever since Tianxuan City.”

He likes being bullied…? Bai Ruoxi tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

Then, as if remembering something, she touched her thigh, her gaze falling upon her embroidered shoes. An image flashed through her mind: Mu Zhi’an, stepped on and ‘bullied’ by her one night, yet seemingly enjoying it.

A faint blush appeared on Bai Ruoxi’s face. She was about to speak when she suddenly sensed a dangerous aura. Her gentle demeanor vanished, and several dazzling golden swords emerged from behind her, like a peacock spreading its feathers.

Bai Ruoxi stared intently at the sky.

A certain consciousness within her body also seemed to sense the danger. The Sword Palace Master, slumbering within Bai Ruoxi’s Vessel, frowned slightly, as if responding to a call, and slowly opened her eyes.

In a distant room, Lin Ling was perched on the windowsill, holding a roasted crane leg in her hand, her beautiful red eyes gazing at the snowy scenery outside.

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

Snow, a warm fire, a cozy room, a pot of hot tea, and a freshly roasted Eight Treasures Crane.

Lin Ling was the only one in the entire Two Polarities Sect who knew how to enjoy life.

Although it was at the expense of the Boundless Sea Peak Master’s heartache…

As if sensing something, Lin Ling took a bite of the crane leg, her beautiful eyes fixed on the distant snowscape.

Through the falling snow, a paper crane enveloped in a black mist flew towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony. It looked ordinary, yet it exuded an aura that instilled awe in any cultivator who saw it.

Boom!

A thunderclap echoed through the sky, and dark, rolling clouds appeared on the horizon.

Lin Ling swallowed the crane meat and muttered something softly.

A formation silently enveloped the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

The tribulation clouds vanished in an instant.

Lin Ling poured herself a cup of tea, looked out the window, and tilted her head slightly, her moist red eyes blinking.

Then, she raised her teacup and, facing the window, made a toasting gesture.

…

Wei Mengrou stared at the approaching paper crane, her eyes filled with unease. A sinister black mist surrounded it. It didn’t radiate much Spiritual Energy, but it evoked a sense of dread.

“A paper crane?”

Bai Ruoxi frowned, her eyes filled with suspicion as she looked at the paper crane hovering in the air.

Then, she noticed that the mysterious crane was flying towards them.

“Mengrou, be careful. There’s something strange about this,” Bai Ruoxi warned, her gaze fixed on the crane.

However, instead of retreating, Wei Mengrou stepped forward, as if drawn to it. She slowly raised her hand, as if to catch the falling snow.

The paper crane, enveloped in black mist, fluttered towards her, finally landing on her fingertip.

Bai Ruoxi stared at Wei Mengrou’s back and the paper crane resting on her finger, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Mengrou, what is that…?” Bai Ruoxi asked hesitantly.

Wei Mengrou shook her head gently. “I don’t know.”

When she saw the paper crane, a strange sense of nostalgia washed over her, a feeling she couldn’t explain.

She slowly unfolded the paper crane.

The message within came into view.

Bai Ruoxi also looked at it, then back at Wei Mengrou. “An acquaintance of yours, Mengrou?” she asked softly.

Wei Mengrou stared at the letter and shook her head slowly. “I don’t remember having any acquaintances in the sect.”

Her eyes were filled with confusion.

“This paper crane didn’t come from the sect,” Bai Ruoxi suddenly said, her voice now alluring and cold.

Her dress had transformed into a dark black, adorned with bright red plum blossoms. Compared to her usual gentle and delicate demeanor, she now exuded a captivating allure.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes narrowed. “The Sword Palace Master?”

“Aren’t you still slumbering?”

“I was, but you two caused such a commotion… It’s hard to sleep peacefully,” Gong Lianyue replied, glancing at the letter in Wei Mengrou’s hand.

Wei Mengrou’s heart skipped a beat. “Do you know the sender of this letter, Senior?”

“We’ve met once. After all, she’s the only one who, after resonating with the Heavenly Dao, dared to try and crush it beneath her feet.”

“However, I don’t know why this paper crane resonated with you.” Gong Lianyue paused, then, as if sensing something, looked up.

Wei Mengrou also looked up.

Through the snow-covered courtyard, a young man in a black and gold robe was walking towards them, a black box in his arms.

As the two women noticed Mu Zhi’an, he also saw them.

He looked up, his eyes widening slightly upon seeing Gong Lianyue. He glanced at her ample bosom, then thought to himself: Smaller than Bai Ruoxi’s. This is the Sword Palace Master.

Normally, he would take this opportunity to admire Gong Lianyue’s figure. Although her breasts weren’t as large as Bai Ruoxi’s, her beauty was equally breathtaking, and her aura was completely different from Bai Ruoxi’s. This contrast was incredibly alluring to men.

But right now, Mu Zhi’an was more concerned about the paper crane.

“If I remember correctly, the paper crane flew into this courtyard… But where is it now?”

As this thought crossed his mind, his gaze suddenly fixed on the letter in Wei Mengrou’s hand.

After staring at it for a moment, he looked up at Wei Mengrou, his voice trembling slightly. “Could it be… you…?”

The reincarnator… was Wei Mengrou?!

Sensing his gaze, Wei Mengrou frowned. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze and walked into the pavilion, carrying the black box.

He looked at the letter in Wei Mengrou’s hand. “The paper crane flew to you?”

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. “Is this your… paper crane?” she asked hesitantly.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and placed the black box on the table. “The paper crane was inside this box.”

“Do you know the origin of this box, Master?” Mu Zhi’an looked up at Gong Lianyue.

The Sword Palace had been established for over ten thousand years. Gong Lianyue and the Primordial Witch should have been from the same era. Perhaps she knew something about her identity.

However, Gong Lianyue’s answer disappointed him.

“I’ve never seen this box before.”

“However, it should belong to the Primordial Witch. It still carries traces of her Spiritual Energy,” she added.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. He looked at the beautiful woman, whose aura was a mix of allure and purity. “Do you know where the Spiritual Energy is stored, Master?”

Gong Lianyue shook her head slowly. “Give up. This box is protected by a special formation. Unless it’s someone recognized by her, no one can unlock it.”

She paused, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly as if realizing something.

This box could only be opened by someone recognized by the Primordial Witch, but the paper crane wasn’t inside earlier.

This meant someone had already opened the box and released the paper crane.

Then the question was, who was that person…?

Gong Lianyue silently stared at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes filled with a deep thought.

Mu Zhi’an was unaware of her thoughts. He looked at Wei Mengrou. “Do you recognize this, Mengrou?” he asked, pointing at the black box on the table.

Wei Mengrou glanced at it and shook her head gently. “I don’t recognize it.”

Mengrou doesn’t seem to be lying… Mu Zhi’an stared at her beautiful face and her calm demeanor, his confusion growing.

The paper crane wouldn’t have flown to Wei Mengrou for no reason, but she didn’t seem to be lying.

And she had been with him for so long. If she was truly a reincarnator, how could he not have noticed?

As he pondered, Wei Mengrou, as if drawn to it, looked at the black box on the table.

Her slender finger gently brushed its surface, then, to Mu Zhi’an’s astonishment, she slowly opened it.

The seemingly ordinary peach blossom within was suddenly enveloped in a mysterious black mist.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fixed on the mist.

He had learned the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique and instantly recognized it. This black mist was identical to the one used to conceal Heavenly Secrets!

Boom!

A thunderclap echoed through the sky, as if the heavens were trembling. Then, a bolt of lightning, as thick as a dragon, struck the Garden of Heavenly Harmony with a speed that no cultivator could react to!

However, the lightning was silently absorbed by the formation as it entered the courtyard. No sound from the outside world could be heard within.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes glazed over for a moment as she picked up the peach blossom.

At the same time, a green light silently emerged from within Mu Zhi’an’s body.

It flew out from his Innate Celestial Vessel and transformed into an ethereal fairy in a green and white dress.

“You’re awake, Empress?” Mu Zhi’an instinctively looked at Yao Meng’s beautiful figure, his suspicion growing. There was definitely a connection between the Primordial Witch and Wei Mengrou.

He could open the black box, but it hadn’t resonated with him. However, Wei Mengrou had easily triggered a reaction from it.

He just didn’t know if this was a good thing…

Suddenly, a calm voice echoed through the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

“The Jade Empress?”

“Why are you within his body?”

Gong Lianyue looked at Yao Meng, her beautiful eyes filled with suspicion and a hint of danger.

This isn’t good… Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat. He instinctively looked at Yao Meng.

As expected, she glanced at Gong Lianyue, noticing the hostility and coldness in her eyes, and a faint smile curved her lips.

Her eyes sparkled, and she said, her voice as beautiful and melodious as a celestial song, “Do I need a reason to be with my Dao Companion?”

Chapter 265: Longing Across Millennia 

Within the black box, left behind by the Primordial Witch ten thousand years ago, lay a single sheet of paper with only four characters written on it.

Besides that, a single, unwilted peach blossom was preserved within the box.

It was clear that this box wasn’t meant for the descendants of the World Sea, but a ‘gift’ for someone specific, a testament to the Primordial Witch’s longing.

The words in the letter were clearly a greeting to someone she missed dearly.

If Mu Zhi’an hadn’t been the one to open the box, he would have simply pondered who the Primordial Witch was addressing.

However…

He had effortlessly opened the box that no one had been able to open before, without even using his Spiritual Energy…

Mu Zhi’an’s mind was in turmoil as he stared at the letter and the four characters written on it.

With a sense of unease, he closed his eyes.

Holding the letter in his hand, he recalled the way he folded paper cranes and refolded the letter into the shape of a crane.

Then, he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the paper crane in his hand, his expression unreadable.

The way this crane was folded was identical to the ones he had folded for the other girls.

A coincidence…?

Mu Zhi’an fell into deep thought.

Ye Lingxuan took the peach blossom from the box and examined it carefully, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. “Could it be that the Primordial Witch also visited the Pilgrimage Palace?” she murmured.

Special peach blossoms bloomed within the Two Polarities Sect’s Pilgrimage Palace. The one from the black box was identical to them in shape, scent, and even Spiritual Energy!

But if that was the case, it didn’t explain why Mu Zhi’an could open the box.

Unless… he was someone the Primordial Witch knew.

Thinking of this, Ye Lingxuan glanced at him, her hand instinctively tightening around the Desolate Time Lock within her sleeve.

Mu Zhi’an, unaware of her thoughts, looked at the letter and flipped it over, but there was nothing written on the back.

“The tone sounds like a greeting to someone familiar. Could she know me…?” Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced as he stared at the four characters.

As he looked at them, they started to blur, and he felt as if he were standing amidst a kaleidoscope of lights, pulled into the river of time, countless images flashing through his mind.

Many of these images were scenes he had never seen before, disappearing before he could even make sense of them.

A mysterious black mist silently filled the courtyard, enveloping Mu Zhi’an, his vision gradually turning into a deep darkness.

Then, a light, like a star piercing through the night sky, suddenly appeared within the black mist. Mu Zhi’an instinctively looked up, and a pair of cold hands emerged from the darkness, gently cupping his face.

It was a woman, but he couldn’t see her face.

I’ve met her before… This thought crossed his mind, even though he couldn’t remember.

“…Who are you?” Mu Zhi’an asked, realizing he could speak.

The woman lowered her head slightly, a faint smile on her lips. Her voice, as enchanting as a siren’s call, whispered in his ear, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

But I’ve never met you before, beautiful… Mu Zhi’an wanted to say, but at that moment, a wave of dizziness washed over him, and the world around him began to rewind rapidly. His mind went blank.

He fought against the dizziness, looking up at the faceless woman, his voice trembling. “Who are you?”

As soon as he spoke, his consciousness faded.

“Brother Mu?”

Ye Lingxuan’s gentle voice reached his ears, and he abruptly opened his eyes.

Ye Lingxuan looked at him with concern, her hands on his shoulders. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Mu Zhi’an looked at the girl in the purple dress beside him, then at his surroundings, his eyes filled with confusion.

Tang Sufei’s lips were pursed tightly as she stared at him, and Gu Hua’s expression was also serious.

“Brother Mu, did you discover something from the paper crane?”

“Did I just faint?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly. “You were unconscious for about fifteen minutes. I just confirmed with her that there’s no danger or lasting effects.”

The ‘her’ she was referring to was naturally the Reincarnated Empress.

“How are you feeling now?” Ye Lingxuan asked, her usually calm eyes filled with concern.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze, looking down at the paper crane in his hand. He shook his head, his expression dazed.

“I’m fine…”

“I’m fine…” he murmured.

While reading the message on the paper crane, he had felt the world around him shift, as if enveloped in a mist.

He had initially thought everyone else was also experiencing it.

But now, it seemed it wasn’t the environment that had changed, but his own consciousness. He had fainted and had a dream.

And there was a woman in his dream… Although he couldn’t remember her appearance, if this letter was truly left behind by the Primordial Witch, then the woman in his dream must have been her.

“Can I see the letter, Young Master Mu?” Tang Sufei suddenly asked.

Mu Zhi’an suppressed his chaotic thoughts, nodded slightly, and handed the letter to the Holy Maiden from the World Sea.

“Brother Gu, do you know the Primordial Witch’s real name?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked.

Gu Hua, who was reading the letter with Tang Sufei, shook his head immediately, a hint of regret in his voice. “I don’t. Actually, the reason the cultivators in the World Sea called her the Primordial Witch was because no one knew her real name. Very few people have ever seen her.”

He picked up the black box and examined it carefully, his frustration growing.

A black box hidden in the depths of the World Sea, containing neither inheritance nor cultivation techniques, only the Primordial Witch’s longing for someone…

Thinking of this, and their long journey to the Two Polarities Sect, made Gu Hua even more depressed.

Suddenly, Ye Lingxuan asked, “When was this black box left in the World Sea?”

“About ten thousand years ago,” Tang Sufei replied.

Then, as if guessing what Ye Lingxuan was thinking, she immediately shook her head. “It’s impossible. Even the Primordial Witch couldn’t have foreseen the future from ten thousand years ago and planned for this box to end up in the hands of someone who could open it.”

She looked at Mu Zhi’an with a strange expression.

There was another matter that was even more puzzling.

No one had been able to open this black box, yet Mu Zhi’an had… And it had clearly resonated with him. Did this mean that Mu Zhi’an was the one recognized by the Primordial Witch, the one this box was meant for?

But a box that had been deliberately preserved for ten thousand years, containing only a single sentence and a peach blossom… It was too strange.

And how could a young cultivator who had only been in the Two Polarities Sect for less than six months be connected to the Primordial Witch, who had disappeared for nearly ten thousand years?

Mu Zhi’an looked at the black box in Gu Hua’s hand, then down at the peach blossom in his own, a shadow of confusion in his eyes.

Tang Sufei was right. Even a Dao Integration expert couldn’t predict the future ten thousand years in advance.

The Jade Empress and the other peak masters had said something similar. Divination could backfire, and the longer the timeframe, the greater the backlash.

No matter how brilliant the Primordial Witch was, she couldn’t have foreseen what would happen ten thousand years later.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the two of them. “Can I borrow this box for a few days?”

“There are still many unanswered questions about this black box. If I discover anything new, I’ll contact you,” he continued.

Gu Hua and Tang Sufei exchanged glances, seemingly communicating through voice transmission. Silence fell over the courtyard.

Mu Zhi’an patiently waited for them to finish their discussion.

Ye Lingxuan lowered her gaze, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

Suddenly, she felt a warm hand enveloping hers.

She instinctively turned her head and saw Mu Zhi’an smiling reassuringly at her. “Don’t worry, I’ll always be by your side,” he transmitted his voice softly.

So please put away your Desolate Time Lock… Mu Zhi’an glanced at the chain in her sleeve, a hint of apprehension in his eyes.

Seeing his smile, Ye Lingxuan’s worries faded, and she smiled back faintly.

It didn’t matter if the Primordial Witch knew Brother Mu or if the message was addressed to him… At least for now, he was by her side.

Even if the Primordial Witch wasn’t dead and truly knew him, she could still keep him by her side.

After all, the Desolate Time Lock had bound itself to him that day.

She could find him no matter where he was.

And in the future, she could even use the Desolate Time Lock to bring him back to her.

Thinking of this, a sweet smile appeared on Ye Lingxuan’s beautiful face, captivating Gu Hua, who was discussing the black box with Tang Sufei.

“Gu Hua, don’t forget what we’re here for,” Tang Sufei reminded him through voice transmission.

Gu Hua snapped out of his daze and couldn’t help but shake his head helplessly.

Even he, the well-educated Holy Son of the World Sea, couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, seeing the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden smile so sweetly at Mu Zhi’an.

He collected his thoughts and transmitted his voice, “What do you think, Holy Maiden?”

“The black box didn’t react to either of us. If we could have unlocked its secrets, we would have done so long ago.”

“It resonated with Mu Zhi’an. This means the Primordial Witch recognizes him. I think it’s worth letting him try,” Tang Sufei replied through voice transmission.

“It won’t hurt us.”

Gu Hua pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

“It seems you’ve made a decision,” Mu Zhi’an said, observing their interaction.

Tang Sufei looked at him. “Young Master Mu, if you can unravel the secrets of this black box, I can guarantee that the World Sea will always be your friend. We’ll assist you in any way we can.”

Who were the peach blossom and the letter meant for? Did they contain any secrets? These were questions that they, and even the entire World Sea, wanted answers to.

Since Mu Zhi’an was connected to the black box, perhaps he could solve this mystery.

Mu Zhi’an nodded seriously. “Don’t worry. I swear, if this box contains the Primordial Witch’s inheritance, I’ll return it untouched.”

With his promise and the Great Dao as his witness, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of goodwill towards his generosity.

After chatting with him for a while, Gu Hua finally couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “Brother Mu, what’s your relationship with Miss Ye? I heard you already have a Dao Companion…” he asked through voice transmission.

“Lingxuan is my beloved younger sister,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

Gu Hua’s eyes flickered. “Then if someone were to pursue her—”

Mu Zhi’an was stunned. “You actually believed my words?”

I just said it casually. You really want to be my brother-in-law?

Gu Hua: “…”

He quickly recovered and chuckled. “See you at the Ascension Ceremony.”

…

After seeing them off, Mu Zhi’an placed the peach blossom and the paper crane back into the black box.

He was no longer in the mood to ‘guide’ Ye Siyu after what had just transpired. After chatting with Ye Lingxuan for a while, he took the black box and prepared to leave.

“Brother Mu, I don’t know if the Desolate Time Lock will be able to track you in the Martial Realm. Be careful,” Ye Lingxuan suddenly said, reminding him.

The Martial Realm was restricted by formations, and the Two Polarities Sect’s elders would be monitoring them secretly. It wouldn’t be convenient for her to intervene.

After all, most people were unaware that she possessed an ancestral artifact. The Desolate Time Lock would be one of her trump cards in the Ascension Ceremony.

Mu Zhi’an paused and turned to look at her, smiling gently. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

“Tell Siyu that I have something to attend to and can’t visit her today,” he added.

Seeing her nod obediently, Mu Zhi’an left Dexin Courtyard.

His smile faded as he took out the paper crane he had received earlier.

He couldn’t identify the Primordial Witch from her handwriting, but assuming the words ‘Long time no see’ were addressed to him, it meant she knew him.

This phrase sounded like a deliberate greeting.

Even a Dao Integration expert couldn’t predict the future ten thousand years in advance and know that this box would end up in his hands.

Then, what if it was a reincarnator?

If it was a reincarnator, everything would make sense.

The ‘Reincarnator’ title hadn’t appeared for no reason. There was indeed a reincarnator near him, and she had finally revealed herself today…

Perhaps the Primordial Witch was still alive!

As Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced, he suddenly felt the paper crane in his hand stir, as if trying to break free.

He instinctively released it and watched as it flew away, heading in a certain direction.

Did this paper crane have its own consciousness, or had it been programmed to seek out its master?

Or… was the Primordial Witch within the Two Polarities Sect?!

Mu Zhi’an’s heart skipped a beat. He immediately summoned his flying sword and followed the paper crane, his heart filled with a mixture of unease and curiosity.

Less than a minute later, he saw the paper crane fly into a Celestial Realm within the Jade Glass Palace.

He looked at the nameplate above the entrance.

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Chapter 264: The Reincarnator Appears! 

The Primordial Witch… could it be a man…?

As soon as the box reacted, this absurd thought crossed the minds of both the Holy Son and the Holy Maiden from the World Sea.

How is that possible?

In the center of the World Sea was a massive island, and within that island stood a statue of the Primordial Witch.

And the statue, without a doubt, depicted a woman.

Yet, the contents of this box were reacting to a man…?

This meant he was either the Primordial Witch… or someone closely connected to her.

But the Primordial Witch’s era was tens of thousands of years ago. How could a newly recruited disciple be related to her?

Gu Hua frowned, looking at the young man in the black and gold robe not far away. “This is strange. Why would the Primordial Witch’s box react to a male cultivator?”

Tang Sufei, her blue dress fluttering gracefully around her elegant figure, also frowned, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an with a mixture of shock and confusion.

After a moment of hesitation, she made up her mind and walked towards Mu Zhi’an, carrying the box.

Meanwhile, Ye Lingxuan was chatting with Mu Zhi’an. Sensing their approach, she looked up and smiled faintly. “Is there something else you need?”

“I’m asking Brother Mu about some cultivation techniques, so…”

She subtly hinted at her intentions.

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the young lady beside him with a smile, seeing through her pretense but not saying anything.

Ye Lingxuan’s cultivation technique was inherited from the Reincarnated Empress. There was no way he could teach her anything.

However, he was still pleased that she was willing to say this. He remembered her cold and aloof demeanor when they first met, her proud and elegant aura like a swan, warning him to stay away from her younger sister.

And now… Although she still maintained her graceful composure, her love for him was evident.

Gu Hua couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment, seeing this scene.

But he quickly collected his thoughts, cupped his fists, and said with a smile, “I apologize for interrupting, but if possible, I would like to ask Young Master Mu to undergo a test.”

Seeing Ye Lingxuan’s confused expression, Tang Sufei immediately explained, “This Black Obsidian Box reacted to Young Master Mu.”

Ye Lingxuan froze, her gaze shifting to the ancient box in Tang Sufei’s hand.

The box, weathered by time, exuded an ancient aura. It hadn’t reacted to either Ye Lingxuan or Ye Siyu when they tested it earlier.

Yet, now, it was vibrating slightly, as if trying to break free from Tang Sufei’s grasp.

Understanding their intentions, Ye Lingxuan looked at them with disbelief. “You suspect he’s the Primordial Witch…?”

Tang Sufei smiled wryly, holding the box before Mu Zhi’an. She looked into his eyes and said, “I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t seen it, but the box only reacted after Young Master Mu entered the courtyard.”

“Would you mind trying it, Young Master Mu?”

Mu Zhi’an listened to their conversation, gradually understanding the situation.

‘Witch’ was actually a positive term in the Nine Realms.

In the past, the World Sea had been in chaos, with various factions fighting amongst themselves and ominous creatures lurking in the depths. It wasn’t until a powerful cultivator achieved Dao Integration that the situation changed.

She suppressed the ominous creatures in the deep sea and united the various factions. The leaders of those ancient factions were all powerful figures who could shake the Eastern Realm with a single stomp, yet they willingly submitted to the Primordial Witch.

People were curious about her origins, identity, and even her appearance, but she always wore a hooded robe, concealing her face.

Even those who had seen her face would quickly forget it.

One day, the Primordial Witch mysteriously disappeared. Later, people learned that the former master of the World Sea had only been an Earthly Immortal at the Nascent Soul Realm a few years prior. Yet, within just three years, she had broken through the shackles of heaven and earth and reached the Dao Integration Realm.

“You suspect I’m the Primordial Witch?” Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but ask.

This was too absurd. The former master of the World Sea was the Primordial Witch, not the Primordial “Warlock”. What was the point of testing a man?

And the World Sea was easy to defend but difficult to attack. Cultivators who passed through it would have their powers suppressed… Why were they out here searching for the Primordial Witch?

Could it be that something had happened within the World Sea…?

Tang Sufei shook her head. “Of course, I don’t believe you’re the Primordial Witch, Young Master Mu. However, since the box reacted to you, it means that even if you’re not her, you must be connected to her in some way.”

“If you don’t want to try it, Brother Mu, I’ll ask them to leave,” Ye Lingxuan said through voice transmission.

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the young lady beside him and replied, “I’m happy that you’re looking out for me, Lingxuan, but I’m also curious why this thing is reacting to me.”

It wouldn’t take much time. It wouldn’t hurt to try.

Mu Zhi’an reached out and gently touched the box in Tang Sufei’s hand.

“Infuse a wisp of Spiritual Energy into it, and it will determine if you’re related to the Primordial Witch,” Gu Hua instructed.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly and channeled a wisp of his Spiritual Energy into the black box.

The box was a deep black, with a faint glow emanating from within. As he infused his energy, it flowed across the surface, forming intricate patterns like a tiny fish swimming in water.

Mu Zhi’an tried to open the lid.

Tang Sufei immediately said, “It can’t be opened with brute force. The elders in our clan have tried various methods, but they couldn’t open it.”

“The Grand Elder said only the Primordial Witch’s approval can unlock it. However, she was always a solitary figure. The only one who could open it is probably her,” Gu Hua said, a hint of regret in his eyes.

There were rumors that the Primordial Witch had left behind her inheritance within the box. Whoever could open it would inherit her will and become the master of the World Sea.

The World Sea had held several gatherings, allowing their most talented individuals to attempt to open it.

But the result was obvious. No one had succeeded.

Mu Zhi’an wasn’t giving up. He infused another wisp of Spiritual Energy into the box, carefully controlling it, trying to pry open the lid.

However, after a few seconds, the energy he had just infused silently vanished, as if it had never existed.

“Others have tried this before. Spiritual Energy can’t open it,” Tang Sufei explained.

“Young Master Mu, if it were that easy to open, we wouldn’t have brought it to the Eastern Realm and searched for someone who could unlock it,” Gu Hua said, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Although Mu Zhi’an was handsome, he seemed a bit… dense. They must have tried every method imaginable to open this box left behind by the Primordial Witch before resorting to leaving the World Sea and coming to the Eastern Realm to search for its true owner.

Based on their current understanding, only someone with a connection to the Primordial Witch could open the box.

Although they didn’t know why it had reacted to Mu Zhi’an earlier, judging from the current situation, he probably wasn’t the one they were looking for.

Seeing Mu Zhi’an trying to open the box with brute force after failing with Spiritual Energy, Gu Hua frowned slightly, about to take it from him.

Click.

As Mu Zhi’an’s hand touched the surface of the box, without exerting any force, an ancient and heavy sound echoed from within.

A wisp of dark mist silently seeped out.

Gu Hua’s pupils constricted as he stared at the box in Mu Zhi’an’s hand, which was now slightly open.

He opened it so easily…?

Their elders had tried hundreds of methods, including brute force, but nothing had worked.

Yet, Mu Zhi’an had managed to pry it open with his bare hands?

Tang Sufei gasped, her eyes wide with shock.

Then, a brilliant light appeared in her beautiful eyes as she looked at Mu Zhi’an, her heart pounding with excitement.

He’s definitely connected to the Primordial Witch!

Her gaze was drawn to the box in his hand.

This box had existed in the World Sea for a very long time, and many were curious about its contents.

And now, they were finally about to see what was inside!

Ye Lingxuan was also surprised. She tilted her head slightly, looking at Mu Zhi’an’s handsome profile, then at the box in his hand. For some reason, she had a bad feeling.

She possessed the Innate Spiritual Body, and as the box opened, she sensed a dangerous aura emanating from within.

Not only Ye Lingxuan, but even Mu Zhi’an felt it.

As soon as he opened a small gap, a chilling coldness spread through his body, as if he were standing in the depths of winter.

This box was like Pandora’s Box, filled with temptation.

Even a glimpse of its contents revealed danger, yet he couldn’t resist the urge to open it and see what was inside.

Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then suppressed his impulse and closed the box.

Gu Hua looked up at him. “What’s wrong, Brother Mu?”

He had almost opened it, but then he closed it at the last moment… Gu Hua was filled with frustration, wanting to control Mu Zhi’an’s hand and force him to open the box.

Although Tang Sufei didn’t speak, she also stared at Mu Zhi’an, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion and urgency.

“Are you sure there’s no danger inside?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at them.

A dangerous aura emanated from the box. Although he didn’t know what was inside, his intuition told him it was best not to open it.

The two exchanged glances. Tang Sufei said urgently, “Young Master Mu, this box was left behind by the Primordial Witch for a destined individual to open. Since you’re connected to her, why not see what she left for future generations?”

Ye Lingxuan stared at the box and suddenly said, “There’s something dangerous inside.”

Tang Sufei hesitated for a moment. “If only the elder were here… With her protection, we wouldn’t have to worry.”

Gu Hua looked at Mu Zhi’an. “Brother Mu, why don’t you come with us to see our elder? She can protect you.”

Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, then looked at Ye Lingxuan.

“Lingxuan…”

Ye Lingxuan, as if understanding his thoughts, nodded slightly and glanced at the woman beside her.

At the same time, a calm and melodious voice echoed softly, responding to Ye Lingxuan’s gaze, “Open it. I’ll protect you.”

Their gazes instinctively shifted towards the mature and beautiful woman standing by the pond.

Her long hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a loose white robe. Her cold and beautiful eyes seemed devoid of emotion.

Gu Hua’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at her with awe.

The aura emanating from this woman was far stronger than that of the elder who had accompanied them.

It was the Reincarnated Empress, or rather, the ‘puppet’ Ye Lingxuan had created.

Since this powerful being had spoken, Mu Zhi’an felt reassured. However, just in case, he still called out mentally, “Yao Meng?”

There was no response. She seemed to be sleeping.

“Empress?” Mu Zhi’an tried again.

Still no response.

It seems she really is sleeping… Mu Zhi’an collected his thoughts, his gaze returning to the box in his hand. He gently pressed his thumb against the lid and slowly opened it.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the sealed box, Gu Hua’s breathing quickening with anticipation.

A whole ten thousand years!

No one had been able to unlock the Primordial Witch’s box for ten thousand years, and now, the mystery was about to be revealed!

Was it the Primordial Witch’s ancestral artifact, her inheritance, or perhaps a cultivation technique?

The box opened, and its contents were revealed.

Even the usually calm and composed Ye Lingxuan couldn’t help but be captivated. Even the most aloof goddess couldn’t resist the allure of gossip.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell upon the object within the box.

Then, he froze.

It wasn’t an ancestral artifact, a cultivation technique, or an inheritance.

It was a peach blossom.

And a paper crane.

“…A paper crane?” Gu Hua murmured, his eyes filled with confusion.

Was this all the Primordial Witch had left for future generations… a single paper crane…?

Mu Zhi’an remained silent, his gaze fixed on the peach blossom in the box, his hand trembling slightly as he picked it up.

Ye Lingxuan narrowed her eyes, a hint of suspicion in them.

Why does this peach blossom look exactly like the one from the Pilgrimage Palace…?

The peach blossoms in the Pilgrimage Palace were a pale pink, and they contained a special Spiritual Energy.

And this peach blossom also possessed a similar energy.

Ye Lingxuan looked up at Mu Zhi’an, wanting to say something. “Brother Mu…”

However, Mu Zhi’an’s gaze was fixed on the paper crane in the box, his eyes filled with a blank stare.

The way this crane was folded was identical to his own.

A coincidence…?

With a sense of unease, he slowly unfolded the paper crane and flipped it over.

There was only one sentence written on it.

“Long time no see.”

Chapter 263: The Primordial Witch

The next day, evening.

Regina was cultivating in her room, waiting for Mu Zhi’an to lose his patience and come to her.

Suddenly, a knock came from the door.

Regina looked up calmly. “Come in.”

The door opened, and seeing the elder standing there, a flicker of confusion appeared in her eyes. “Gulban, what is it?”

“Mu Zhi’an went to see Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden of the World Sea, today,” Gulban said in a deep voice.

Mu Zhi’an went to see the Holy Maiden of the World Sea…?

Regina’s eyes narrowed. “What would he want with someone from the World Sea? They shouldn’t even know each other.”

Gulban pondered for a moment. “I’ve heard that there’s also a secret technique in the World Sea related to concealing Heavenly Secrets. Could it be…”

Regina froze, then, as realization dawned upon her, she bit her lip and exclaimed, “That fickle man!”

Didn’t Mu Zhi’an have a Dao Companion? Why was he seeking another deal with a different woman while already having one with her?!

“What should we do, Miss?” Gulban’s old face creased with worry, his cloudy eyes filled with conflict.

The Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques couldn’t be revealed, but Mu Zhi’an had offered a first-grade cultivation technique, one that could even evolve, in exchange… Not only Regina, but even the deities of the Southern Wilderness would be tempted.

A first-grade cultivation technique was that valuable.

Regina took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“Have someone invite him over.”

She looked at Gulban. “Tell him I’ve agreed to his deal.”

…

Hall of Unity.

Mu Zhi’an arrived at Regina’s residence and, with his eyes closed, sensed the black mist swirling around him.

The Southern Wilderness’s secret technique involved enveloping oneself in this black mist, concealing one’s aura and Heavenly Secrets.

And now, this secret technique was imprinted in his mind.

Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes.

“A pleasant collaboration, Miss Regina,” he said, looking at the beautiful woman with a cold expression, a gentle smile on his face.

He hadn’t actually gone to see anyone from the World Sea. He had simply lingered near the World Sea Holy Maiden’s residence, without even speaking to her.

But that was enough.

“Don’t forget we have another deal, Young Master Mu. I hope you’ll take care of yourself before then,” Regina said coldly, her lips pursed as she stared at him.

She had initially planned to trade the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique for the first-grade cultivation technique and have Mu Zhi’an agree to complete the deal before the Ascension Ceremony.

However, Mu Zhi’an had gone to see someone from the World Sea today… This made her uneasy.

If the World Sea agreed to his deal, his Innate Celestial Furnace secret would be exposed to other female cultivators.

This was a disadvantage for her.

She couldn’t let this drag on any longer.

Mu Zhi’an raised his hand, looking at the black mist swirling around his fingers. “Don’t worry, Miss Regina. I always keep my promises.”

“I’ll come to you after the Ascension Ceremony.”

Regina looked at him as he stood up to leave. “You’re willing to trade a first-grade cultivation technique for a secret technique… just for your maid’s luck?”

Mu Zhi’an waved his hand dismissively and left the hall without looking back, flying towards Two Polarities Peak on his sword.

He wanted to borrow a testing stele from Lan Mulian and see if Wei Mengrou’s bad luck would change after using the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique on her.

…

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Upon returning to the courtyard, Mu Zhi’an went straight to Wei Mengrou’s room.

The maid, who was meditating, immediately sensed his presence. After circulating her Spiritual Energy, she slowly opened her eyes.

“Did I disturb you, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an asked, waving at her.

“Where did you go?” Wei Mengrou asked.

“Miss Regina was being hospitable and invited me over,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile, walking towards her.

Then, he reached out and took the bronze fragment hanging on her chest.

He sat down on the bed, his thumb gently rubbing the surface of the fragment as he closed his eyes, his Spiritual Sense carefully examining it.

After Wei Mengrou had refined this fragment, her bad luck had been partially suppressed. This was likely related to the fragment’s ability to conceal Heavenly Secrets.

If his guess was correct, then as long as Wei Mengrou could completely conceal her existence from the heavens, her bad luck would disappear.

After about fifteen minutes, Mu Zhi’an opened his eyes, a strange expression on his face as he looked at the bronze fragment.

Wei Mengrou stared at him. “Did you discover something?”

“This bronze fragment does indeed possess the ability to conceal Heavenly Secrets. And the technique it uses is identical to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique,” Mu Zhi’an said, raising his hand. A wisp of black mist silently enveloped him.

Almost instantly, Wei Mengrou realized she couldn’t see his face clearly. He was shrouded in a black mist, and even her Spiritual Sense couldn’t identify him.

She frowned slightly. “So this bronze fragment… could be from the Southern Wilderness?”

In ancient times, many powerful cultivators had perished for various reasons, causing chaos in the world. Their weapons and magical treasures shattered into fragments.

And during the tens of thousands of years that followed, as the Nine Realms evolved, it wasn’t impossible for a bronze fragment to end up in the Eastern Realm.

Mu Zhi’an played with the bronze fragment in his hand, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

It seems I need to investigate the Southern Wilderness if I have the chance.

He quickly collected his thoughts and took Wei Mengrou’s cold, soft hand.

Before she could speak, she felt the black mist that had been surrounding Mu Zhi’an slowly enveloping her as well.

“The Southern Wilderness’s secret technique can conceal both the caster and those around them. Within the black mist, no one can use divination to see through the caster,” Mu Zhi’an explained.

In a sense, this secret technique was a perfect match for Wei Mengrou. Combined with her concealment ability, even those stronger than her might not be able to detect her presence.

Unfortunately, according to Regina, this secret technique could only be passed on to a designated individual by the current Holy Maiden. Now that she had given it to Mu Zhi’an, he couldn’t teach it to anyone else.

Otherwise, Wei Mengrou’s strength could have increased significantly.

The black mist enveloped them, plunging the surroundings into darkness.

Mu Zhi’an took out the testing stele he had borrowed from Lan Mulian, enlarged it with a spell, and looked at Wei Mengrou. “Test your luck now, Mengrou.”

If Yu Ziyan’s theory was correct, then concealing Heavenly Secrets should also reduce Wei Mengrou’s bad luck, right?

Wei Mengrou reached out with her delicate hand and touched the stele.

She channeled a wisp of Spiritual Energy into it, and the stele emitted a faint glow.

Then, a black light gradually appeared.

After a few seconds, the stele was enveloped in a deep, ominous black glow.

However, this time, it wasn’t as intense as when she had tested it in Tianxuan City.

Mu Zhi’an and Wei Mengrou exchanged glances. Her gaze returned to the stele, and she murmured, “My bad luck has weakened…”

“This means we’re on the right track. We’re currently concealed by the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique, blocking a portion of Heavenly Secrets. Therefore, the heavens’ ‘restriction’ on you has also weakened,” Mu Zhi’an said.

He looked at the black glow emanating from the stele and suddenly said, “Mengrou, do you feel like that black light looks like a person?”

Wei Mengrou looked up.

As he had said, the light on the testing stele seemed to be forming a vague human figure.

It was a blurry figure, yet it exuded a strange aura, sending shivers down their spines.

Crack.

A sharp cracking sound came from the stele.

Mu Zhi’an looked up and saw a crack appear on its surface. Then, more cracking sounds echoed through the room as a web of cracks spread across the stele.

“Watch out!”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes widened. He lunged forward, shielding Wei Mengrou with his body, his hand pressing against the back of her head.

Her forehead rested against his chest.

Boom!

The testing stele exploded, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.

Mu Zhi’an’s Spiritual Energy surged, blocking the debris.

The room was filled with dust. Mu Zhi’an, his arm still around Wei Mengrou’s head, squinted.

The testing stele was completely shattered.

It hadn’t malfunctioned when Wei Mengrou tested it in Tianxuan City. Why was it breaking now?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes were filled with suspicion.

And who was that figure that had appeared on the stele…?

As he pondered, he suddenly felt a soft breath against his chest. Wei Mengrou’s lips parted slightly, and she said, her voice as calm and clear as ice clinking against glass, “Can you let go now?”

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at the maid in his arms.

Her face was as cold and expressionless as ever, her lips pursed tightly.

He was about to release her when a worried voice came from outside, “Brother Mu, what happened?”

It was Ye Qian.

He could feel Wei Mengrou’s body stiffen as she tried to push him away.

A mischievous thought crossed Mu Zhi’an’s mind. He grabbed her hand, meeting her glare, and chuckled. “We just had a little accident during the experiment. It’s nothing serious. Don’t worry.”

Wei Mengrou’s face was cold as she pulled her hand away and took a step back.

“What’s up, Qian’er?” Mu Zhi’an asked calmly.

“Sister Siyu said she encountered some problems with her cultivation and wanted to ask for your guidance…” Ye Qian’s gentle voice came from outside.

You sure your sister wants to ask me questions and not make things difficult for me…? Mu Zhi’an thought, feeling Wei Mengrou’s cold gaze upon him. He nodded slightly and said with a smile, “I understand. Go back first. I’ll join you later.”

He was planning to improve his relationship with his future aunt anyway. Even if Ye Siyu hadn’t asked for his help, he would have approached her in the next few days.

Ye Qian murmured in agreement, then hesitated for a moment. “By the way, two people from the World Sea came to see Sister today. They wanted to test if she was the Primordial Witch.”

“The Primordial Witch?” Mu Zhi’an repeated, confused. “What does the Primordial Witch have to do with your sister?”

“The Rebirth Pool seems to have been moved from the depths of the World Sea. And since Sister is the one most compatible with the Rebirth Pool in the Forbidden Zone, they suspect she might be the reincarnation of the Primordial Witch,” Ye Qian explained.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.

The Forbidden Zone and the World Sea were connected. After all, the sacred water within the Rebirth Pool had been transferred from a sacred land in the depths of the World Sea.

Almost everyone with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline underwent a test and awakening ceremony in the Rebirth Pool. It wasn’t surprising that Ye Lingxuan, being the most compatible with the pool, would be suspected of being the Primordial Witch’s reincarnation.

“I’ll be going back now, Brother Mu.”

Ye Qian’s voice brought him back to reality.

As her footsteps faded into the distance, Mu Zhi’an sighed with relief. “That was close, Mengrou,” he said.

Wei Mengrou gave him a disdainful look. “If you do that again, I won’t hesitate to make you repent for your sins on the floor,” she said coldly.

A maid, a disdainful look, black and white silk stockings, the master lying on the floor, repenting for his sins… Why does that sound so wrong…? Mu Zhi’an apologized sincerely, “I was just joking. I’m sorry.”

Lying on the floor wouldn’t be fun. However, if it were like that night with Yao Meng, he wouldn’t mind lying on the cold floor in the middle of winter.

Please step on me, Mengrou!

Mu Zhi’an picked up the fragments of the testing stele and stored them in his storage ring. He sighed and said helplessly, “I heard this testing stele is quite expensive. I wonder if I can afford to replace it.”

“I’ll explain the situation to Senior Sister later,” Wei Mengrou said.

She had been in the Two Polarities Sect for a long time and received extra resources and Spirit Stones every month. Replacing a testing stele wouldn’t be a problem for her.

“Save your Spirit Stones. I’ll talk to Senior Sister,” Mu Zhi’an said, shaking his head with a smile.

He had earned quite a lot of Spirit Stones from those ‘whales’ in the Sword Palace. Replacing a testing stele was nothing.

Besides, Lan Mulian might not even accept his compensation.

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly.

However, as she watched him leave, her eyes were filled with curiosity.

Who was that figure that had appeared on the testing stele…?

…

Meanwhile, in Dexin Courtyard, Tang Sufei, the Holy Maiden from the World Sea, held a black box in her hand, disappointment in her eyes.

She had thought the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden, who was perfectly compatible with the Rebirth Pool, might be the one they were looking for, but the box hadn’t reacted to Ye Lingxuan at all.

This meant she wasn’t the one.

The Rebirth Water in the Forbidden Zone had been channeled from the depths of the World Sea. Their trip to the Eastern Realm was partly for the Ascension Ceremony, but more importantly, to search for clues about the Primordial Witch.

Anyone who could resonate with the Rebirth Water might be the one they were looking for.

But they had tested both Ye Siyu and Ye Lingxuan, and the box, a relic from the Primordial Witch, hadn’t reacted to either of them.

Despite her disappointment, Tang Sufei smiled gently, looking at the young lady in the purple dress. “I apologize for taking up your time, Sister Lingxuan,” she said softly.

Ye Lingxuan smiled faintly. “I understand your desire to find the former master of the World Sea, Sister Tang. I wish you luck in your search.”

Gu Hua, the young man in luxurious robes beside Tang Sufei, chuckled. “You’re quite talented, Miss Ye. If we meet in the Martial Realm, I hope you’ll go easy on me.”

Ye Lingxuan nodded curtly, her attitude towards him much colder than towards Tang Sufei.

Gu Hua could only shake his head helplessly, but he maintained his gentlemanly smile.

Even in the World Sea, he had never seen such a beautiful young lady. Her talent and beauty were both exceptional, and her pride was incredibly alluring.

However, she was clearly cold towards him, so he didn’t press further. After Tang Sufei bid farewell, they turned to leave.

As they were about to depart, Ye Lingxuan’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Brother… Young Master Mu!” she called out softly.

Realizing there were outsiders present, she quickly corrected herself, maintaining her ‘dignity’ as the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden.

Gu Hua froze and instinctively looked up, his gaze landing on a young man in a black robe with gold trim entering the courtyard. His features were sharp, his nose high, his appearance handsome.

Mu Zhi’an…? Tang Sufei thought, her eyes filled with curiosity. Meeting his gaze, she nodded with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an smiled back, then walked straight towards Ye Lingxuan.

Gu Hua raised an eyebrow and turned to look.

The previously aloof young lady was now smiling brightly. Although she maintained her usual composure, her eyes held genuine happiness.

“It seems your plan has failed,” Tang Sufei chuckled, enjoying his misfortune.

She knew that the Holy Son, upon seeing Ye Lingxuan, had, for the first time, developed feelings for a woman. Yet, he had been rejected in less than fifteen minutes. It was amusing.

Gu Hua quickly recovered and scoffed. “They just seem close. After the Martial Realm trial, Miss Ye will realize who’s more suitable for her.”

“Do you think you can defeat this Young Master Mu?” Tang Sufei asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

Gu Hua chuckled. “Of course.”

Mu Zhi’an was at the peak of the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, while he was at the seventh-grade. Three grades couldn’t be bridged with mere resources or background.

“Then do you think you can defeat Lingxuan?” Tang Sufei asked again.

This time, Gu Hua remained silent for a long time.

“…It would be difficult,” he finally admitted.

They were both talented disciples from Primordial Clans. He had sparred with many prodigies in the past, but only Ye Lingxuan had ever made him feel such inexplicable pressure.

This young lady was likely the strongest contender in the Ascension Ceremony.

It was his intuition.

And his intuition had never been wrong.

“Young Master Mu can’t defeat Lingxuan, and you can’t defeat her either. What’s the point of defeating Young Master Mu then?” Tang Sufei asked, her words hitting him where it hurt.

Gu Hua scoffed and glanced at them. “At least, it would prove that I’m better than him.”

“You’re so amazing, yet you can’t even make Lingxuan submit to you,” Tang Sufei said, her gaze shifting towards the garden behind them.

Gu Hua instinctively followed her gaze. Ye Lingxuan, who had been cold and aloof just moments ago, was now holding Mu Zhi’an’s hand. He seemed to be whispering something in her ear, causing her to blush, her beauty even more captivating.

Even someone as magnanimous as Gu Hua couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, his expression contorting slightly.

Seemingly sensing their gazes, Ye Lingxuan snapped out of her daze and looked up, her beautiful eyes cold.

She clearly wasn’t accustomed to displaying affection in public.

Tang Sufei smiled faintly at her. “Let’s go back. We need to discuss this with the elders.”

There were many talented individuals in the Two Polarities Sect. If the Grand Elder’s divination was correct, and the former master of the World Sea was still alive and in the Eastern Realm, with the Primordial Witch’s talent, she should have already made a name for herself within the Two Polarities Sect.

Since neither Ye Lingxuan nor Ye Siyu was the Primordial Witch, they had to re-evaluate their options.

As Tang Sufei was about to leave, she suddenly felt the box in her hand vibrate slightly, as if something was trying to break free!

She froze.

…The box is reacting?!

But she had just tested it, and the two young ladies from the Forbidden Zone clearly had no connection to the Primordial Witch—

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Tang Sufei turned to look at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes wide with shock.

Gu Hua, noticing her unusual behavior, raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Could it be that you’ve fallen for this Young Master Mu?”

Tang Sufei wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “The box is reacting to Mu Zhi’an,” she said hesitantly.

Gu Hua’s eyes widened as an absurd thought crossed his mind.

Could he be… the Primordial Witch?

Chapter 262: If the Genders Were Reversed, the Comments Would Explode

The Innate Dao Body was traditionally possessed by the Jade Pool Holy Maidens. Cultivating with them allowed one to comprehend a first-grade cultivation technique.

And most importantly, this first-grade technique could evolve.

However, its evolution was incredibly difficult, like an endless abyss.

Even without evolution, the value of a first-grade technique was enough to tempt 99% of cultivators in the Nine Realms, including the most talented women.

Even if dual cultivation was required, it would still attract countless female cultivators.

If Mu Zhi’an was telling the truth, it would be worth trading even a Southern Wilderness secret technique and an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb for it.

However, the question was, was he telling the truth?

Regina stared at him, her beautiful, multifaceted eyes filled with doubt and disbelief. “If I remember correctly, the Innate Dao Body is a constitution exclusive to the Jade Pool Holy Maidens. You must be joking, Young Master Mu.”

She subtly withdrew her hand from his.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t mind and smiled brightly. “Do you really think I would come here to make a deal and then joke around, Miss Regina?”

Regina bit her lip, her eyes moist and vulnerable as she looked at him. “I want to believe you, Young Master Mu, and I’m willing to share the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique with you. However, you don’t seem very sincere.”

“The Innate Dao Body is a constitution possessed by the Jade Pool Holy Maidens. Almost every cultivator in the Nine Realms knows that.”

She paused. “Are you saying you’re also a Jade Pool Holy Maiden?”

Her playful tone eased the tension slightly.

This was one of Regina’s tactics. Her beautiful face, melodious voice, and delicate demeanor made men subconsciously lower their guard.

And once their guard was down, they would be trapped in her web of charm.

“Miss Regina, since you’ve heard of the Jade Pool Holy Maidens’ Innate Dao Body constitution, have you ever wondered why the Jade Pool Holy Land doesn’t have a Holy Son?” Mu Zhi’an asked calmly.

Regina looked at him, her beautiful eyes clear. “Are you saying you’re the Jade Pool Holy Son, Young Master Mu?”

“I’m not the Holy Son, but you must have heard about the Jade Empress’s return a while back,” Mu Zhi’an said calmly.

Regina’s eyes flickered as she looked at him, remaining silent.

The Jade Empress’s return and the reconstruction of her immortal body had been a major event in the Nine Realms.

And after that, some cultivators from the Southern Wilderness had tried to hinder her return. The three powerful deities of the Southern Wilderness knew about this but chose to turn a blind eye, using it as a test.

When the Jade Empress returned to the Jade Pool, she hadn’t yet reconstructed her Vessel. Yet, that night, she suppressed several powerful cultivators who had attacked the Jade Pool. This news had shocked the Eastern Realm.

No one had been able to explain it, attributing it to the Jade Empress’s unparalleled power and her ability to unleash her potential in times of crisis.

However, after learning about Mu Zhi’an’s constitution, Regina had a suspicion. That night, the seemingly invincible fairy might have… with Mu Zhi’an…

“I obtained a portion of the Innate Dao Body’s Spiritual Energy. It’s currently within my Innate Celestial Furnace,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Regina gasped and looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with hope.

“Are you serious, Young Master Mu?!”

If that was true, it would explain why he had offered to trade the Innate Dao Body.

Even if he didn’t possess the Innate Dao Body constitution himself, he might have absorbed its power into his Innate Celestial Furnace…

Although she wasn’t sure if the Innate Celestial Furnace had such an ability, as Mu Zhi’an had said, he wouldn’t joke about something like this.

If he truly possessed the Innate Dao Body…

Regina crossed her long, fair legs, her fingers playing with a strand of hair as she silently weighed the pros and cons.

The Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques were incredibly valuable. They involved their cultivation system, and only a few people knew about them. Sharing this secret with Mu Zhi’an…

Suddenly, she felt a cold hand grasp hers. She snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, meeting the young man’s gentle gaze.

“You possess the Soul Reading constitution, Miss Regina. You can see for yourself if I’m telling the truth.”

Mu Zhi’an released the aura he had been concealing within his Innate Celestial Furnace. The Spiritual Energy within it was different from before, emanating a captivating medicinal fragrance that intoxicated the senses.

Why does the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace’s Celestial Vessel seem so much stronger than mine? It’s at least at the Nascent Soul level… ?

Regina looked at him strangely.

At this moment, Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace constitution was completely exposed to her Soul Reading ability. Although she couldn’t see its form, she could clearly see the flow of Spiritual Energy within and the treasures it contained.

Her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an, and she remained silent for a long time.

Meanwhile, the woman in the blue dress, who had previously negotiated with Regina, paused, her gaze shifting towards the building where Regina resided, a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” the Holy Son from the World Sea asked.

The woman in the blue dress looked at Gu Hua, surprised. “Don’t you sense a peculiar Spiritual Energy emanating from Regina’s residence?”

He hadn’t noticed such a potent aura?

Logically, their sensitivity to Spiritual Energy should be similar…

“I don’t sense anything unusual. Could it be caused by Regina’s cultivation?” Gu Hua asked, confused.

The woman in the blue dress looked at the building for a moment, then shook her head. “No, it’s nothing.”

“Let’s go.”

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an concealed his Innate Celestial Furnace’s aura again and looked at the Southern Wilderness beauty. “Have you made a decision, Miss Regina?” he asked with a smile.

Regina continued to stare at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. After a long time, she finally snapped out of her daze.

“It seems you were telling the truth, Young Master Mu… You truly possess the Innate Dao Body,” she said slowly, her beautiful face now radiating the authority of a Holy Maiden.

“However, the Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques are very complex. Please allow me some time to consider. I’ll give you an answer before the Ascension Ceremony begins,” she added.

She glanced at him subtly.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t seem disappointed or frustrated. He simply smiled. “Alright, Miss Regina. Take your time.”

“However, I hope you can give me an answer soon. Otherwise, I’ll have to ask someone else.”

It seems he really needs the secret technique to conceal Heavenly Secrets… Regina smiled. “I understand. I’ll give you an answer as soon as possible.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled faintly, then casually changed the subject. “Those two people earlier, judging from their attire, they’re from the World Sea, right?”

Regina nodded slightly. “They want to form an alliance with me. If we encounter each other in the Martial Realm during the Ascension Ceremony, we can help each other.”

“If fate brings us together, Young Master Mu, I hope you won’t mind my company,” she said, her voice soft and melodious.

“You’re incredibly powerful, Miss Regina. I wouldn’t dare to mind your company. You’re the one who shouldn’t mind my meager strength,” Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

“We should help each other if we meet.”

Regina narrowed her eyes and smiled sweetly. “Of course.”

She was used to flattery, but hearing it from Mu Zhi’an made her feel a sense of warmth.

After chatting with Regina in the hall for a while, Mu Zhi’an excused himself and left.

Shortly after his departure, an elder silently entered the hall and saw the young lady sitting alone in a chair.

Her legs were crossed, her red dress revealing glimpses of her fair thighs. Her delicate feet were adorned with embroidered shoes, and she held a teacup in her hand, her eyes downcast, seemingly lost in thought.

“Miss, he came to see you before the Ascension Ceremony. Is he planning to fulfill the agreement early?” Gulban couldn’t help but ask.

Regina snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head gently. “Mu Zhi’an is an intelligent man. He wouldn’t hand over the Rebirth Spiritual Energy before the Ascension Ceremony ends.”

“Then what did he come for?”

Regina looked at him and said, “He wants the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique.”

Gulban frowned and immediately said, “Absolutely not! If a Southern Wilderness secret technique falls into the hands of an outsider, who knows what he’ll do with it?”

“What is that Mu Zhi’an thinking, wanting our secret technique?” the elder continued.

Secret techniques were called ‘secret’ for a reason. They were confidential and important. Moreover, the Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques were related to their cultivation system. Only a handful of people in the entire Southern Wilderness knew about them.

“Is he trying to raise the price, using the Rebirth Spiritual Energy as leverage?” the elder guessed.

Regina shook her head and chuckled. “I told you, Mu Zhi’an is a smart man.”

“A smart man wouldn’t do something stupid or ask a stupid question. He knows I wouldn’t agree, even if he raised the price.”

Gulban shook his head. “Regardless, we can’t hand over the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique—”

“He offered to trade a first-grade cultivation technique for it.”

Regina looked at Gulban, her eyes as bright and beautiful as stars. “A first-grade cultivation technique that can evolve,” she said calmly.

Gulban froze, his breath catching in his throat.

His first thought was: Absurd!

There were only a handful of first-grade cultivation techniques in the entire Nine Realms. Even within the Two Polarities Sect, there might only be one or two in the Book Pavilion. And Mu Zhi’an was offering one, a first-grade cultivation technique that could evolve…

It was preposterous.

“You don’t actually believe him, do you, Miss?”

Gulban’s old face creased with worry. “How could a fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator possess a first-grade cultivation technique? Even if he did, he would have already used it himself. Why would he keep it until now?”

“And it can evolve? Does he even believe his own words?”

Regina glanced at Nigati, who was hiding by the doorway, and said calmly, “I just confirmed it. Mu Zhi’an wasn’t lying.”

Her words made the elder’s heart skip a beat. Nigati’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Then, a surge of jealousy filled his heart.

A first-grade cultivation technique… If he could obtain it, wouldn’t he be able to crush all other cultivators at the same level in the Ascension Ceremony? And it could even evolve!

What a generous offer… If it were him, he would have already cultivated the technique himself. Why would he trade it away?

“What are you planning to do, Miss…?” Gulban asked after a long silence, finally calming down.

Such a high-grade cultivation technique… Not only Regina, but even the deities of the Southern Wilderness would be tempted.

The stronger the cultivator, the more they could unleash the power of a first-grade technique. And this one could even evolve… What would it become? The thought alone was exciting.

“He has many secrets. I’ve told him I’ll give him an answer before the Ascension Ceremony.”

Regina smiled sweetly, her slender fingers tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“The fact that he came to see me today means he needs the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique to conceal something from the heavens.”

“So let’s wait and see.”

She chuckled seductively. “Perhaps he’ll come back to me tomorrow, desperate for an answer.”

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an and Wei Mengrou had just left the building and were walking across the plaza in front of the Hall of Unity.

Along the way, Wei Mengrou couldn’t help but glance at Mu Zhi’an, seemingly preoccupied with something.

“Why are you staring at me, Mengrou?” Mu Zhi’an finally asked.

Wei Mengrou stopped and turned to face him. “The Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques are closely guarded secrets, but she agreed to consider your offer… How did you convince her?”

Logically, Regina should have refused outright, especially when it involved a secret of the Southern Wilderness. Yet, she had agreed to consider it… Mu Zhi’an must have offered her something tempting, something she couldn’t refuse.

But what had he offered…? The maid couldn’t figure it out.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t do anything immoral. I just gave her an offer she couldn’t refuse,” Mu Zhi’an said with a reassuring smile.

If the genders were reversed, this scene would have exploded with comments.

The ‘female lead’ Mu Zhi’an, for the sake of the ‘protagonist’, reluctantly makes a ‘deal’ with the blonde, well-endowed Holy Maiden from the Southern Wilderness. When the ‘protagonist’ expresses concern, he smiles weakly and says it’s nothing…

The only difference was that this was all part of Mu Zhi’an’s plan. Regina hadn’t coerced him into anything.

“However, Regina probably won’t accept my offer so quickly,” Mu Zhi’an continued.

“How do you know?” Wei Mengrou asked, her eyes filled with doubt.

“We sought her out, which means we need something from her.” Mu Zhi’an looked up at the cultivators flying in the sky above the Hall of Unity, his gaze lingering on the alluring figure of the woman in the blue dress who had left earlier.

“In a negotiation, appearing to make concessions first can lead to concessions from the other party.”

“The more convincing the act, the greater the concessions you can obtain.”

“If I were Regina, I would use this opportunity to gain more benefits, whether it’s my affection or…”

Regina wanted to perfect her Soul Reading constitution before the Ascension Ceremony, but she knew Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t agree.

However, this deal was an opportunity for her.

For example, she could request that, in addition to the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique, he also help her perfect her constitution before the Ascension Ceremony began.

“You already have a plan, don’t you?” Wei Mengrou said, glancing at him. Seeing the smile on his face, she knew what he was thinking.

“The Southern Wilderness isn’t the only place with techniques that can conceal Heavenly Secrets. They don’t know that we’re actually interested in the black mist. They just think we want a technique to conceal ourselves,” Mu Zhi’an said.

“So, all we have to do is let Regina know that the Southern Wilderness’s secret technique isn’t a necessity, but a substitute.”

“Then, the deal will be sealed.”

Chapter 261: Mu Zhi’an, the Innate Dao Body!

Several Celestial Realms were located within the Two Polarities Sect’s northern bank, all situated within the Hall of Unity.

The Southern Wilderness delegation was currently residing in this hall.

Mu Zhi’an arrived at the Hall of Unity and found the building where Regina was staying. As he was about to enter, an elder in a gray robe silently blocked his path.

It was Gulban, one of the elders of the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Temple and the one responsible for protecting the Holy Maiden and the Holy Son.

In terms of status, Nigati, the Holy Son, was equal to Regina. However, her constitution and background were far superior, hence their hierarchical relationship.

“Young friend Mu, what brings you here?” the elder asked with a smile, his tone seemingly friendly.

Although he doubted Regina’s claim that Mu Zhi’an could help her perfect her Soul Reading constitution, even the slightest possibility made him cautious.

“I have some matters to discuss with Miss Regina. Could you please inform her?” Mu Zhi’an said, cupping his fists respectfully.

“Miss Regina has a guest today. Please wait in the side hall for a moment, young friend,” Gulban said, subtly glancing at the maid in a yellow dress beside Mu Zhi’an.

Although she was concealing her aura, he was a Nascent Soul cultivator and could easily discern her cultivation level.

Rumors had spread about the extraordinary talent of Mu Zhi’an’s maid. Seeing her today, he realized the rumors were true… She would be a formidable obstacle in the Ascension Ceremony.

Mu Zhi’an followed Gulban into the quiet building and sat down in the side hall, waiting for Regina.

“I’ll leave you to rest, Young Master Mu. I’ll inform Miss Regina shortly,” Gulban said, then left the side hall.

Mu Zhi’an made himself comfortable, his gaze casually sweeping across the room, his thoughts wandering.

Wei Mengrou stood silently beside him, dressed in a beautiful yellow dress with light purple embroidery.

Despite her stunning beauty, her presence was always faint. Mu Zhi’an had once wondered if her ‘concealment’ ability also weakened her presence, making people subconsciously forget about her.

“Do you really think she’ll tell you about the Southern Wilderness’s secret techniques?” Wei Mengrou asked softly.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “I’m confident, but that doesn’t mean I’ll succeed. But it’s better than doing nothing.”

“Let’s sit down and rest while we wait for her.”

However, Wei Mengrou simply shook her head. “I’ll stand.”

“Are you too shy to sit with me, Mengrou…?” Mu Zhi’an asked, observing her with a thoughtful expression.

Wei Mengrou glared at him disdainfully. “You were busy all night. You should rest and save your energy.”

Such a disdainful look wouldn’t be appropriate coming from other beauties, but on Wei Mengrou, it was incredibly alluring.

Mu Zhi’an withdrew his gaze, deciding not to tease her further. He took out a delicate light blue necklace from his pocket.

It was the Aurora Necklace Lin Keyu had given him. It could conceal his aura and Heavenly Secrets to a certain extent and also had a ‘calming’ effect.

However, it might not be as effective against those with powerful charm.

Like that seductive and alluring Demon Realm Empress…

“Mengrou, come here for a moment,” Mu Zhi’an said, looking at the necklace in his hand.

Wei Mengrou hesitated, looking at him curiously. “What is it?”

“Just come here. I won’t eat you,” Mu Zhi’an said.

After a moment of hesitation, she walked over to him.

Mu Zhi’an stood up, took off the necklace, and placed it around her neck.

“This is…?” She looked up at him.

As he put the necklace on her, their faces were inches apart.

However, Wei Mengrou’s eyes remained clear and cold, devoid of any shyness.

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “It looks good on you.”

“Isn’t this a gift from someone else?” Wei Mengrou asked, frowning slightly.

Then, looking at the smile on Mu Zhi’an’s face, she seemed to understand something. “Concealing Heavenly Secrets…?” she murmured.

Based on Yu Ziyan’s theory from last night, Wei Mengrou’s bad luck was likely because the rules of heaven and earth didn’t allow for her ‘anomalous’ existence, resulting in a punishment from the heavens.

And concealing Heavenly Secrets was the most direct and effective way to counter this misfortune.

Both the bronze fragment on her chest and the Aurora Necklace Mu Zhi’an had just given her possessed this ability.

Wei Mengrou closed her eyes, scanning her body with her Spiritual Sense. Then, she shook her head. “The second necklace doesn’t have any effect.”

“It seems we’ll have to find another method,” Mu Zhi’an murmured.

Wei Mengrou took off the Aurora Necklace, about to return it to him.

Suddenly, she heard a voice coming from the necklace.

It was a clear and melodious female voice.

—Lin Keyu’s voice, embedded within the Aurora Necklace.

Seeing her frozen, holding the necklace in her hand, her gaze filled with a strange expression, Mu Zhi’an asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Wei Mengrou quickly recovered and looked at him meaningfully, shaking her head gently. “It’s nothing~”

She handed the necklace back to him.

It seems my young master is still unaware…

It was a gift from a girl. Perhaps Lin Keyu wanted him to discover the message himself.

She wouldn’t spoil the surprise… She would remain a bystander.

Since the second necklace had no effect on Wei Mengrou, Mu Zhi’an put the Aurora Necklace back on, feeling the active energy within it. He couldn’t help but admire Lin Keyu’s generosity.

Then, he felt a call from the Artifact Spirit within the Purple Lightning Ring on his finger. He gently touched the ring. “You’re amazing, both of you. But if Lingxuan ever tries to bind me with the Desolate Time Lock again, remember who your master is. Don’t betray me at a crucial moment…”

The Purple Lightning Ring could block a fatal attack, as long as the difference in cultivation levels wasn’t too great. It would be a valuable asset in the upcoming Ascension Ceremony.

Mu Zhi’an leaned back in his chair and opened his personal interface, wanting to see if any new titles had been added after his relationship with Ye Lingxuan deepened.

After scanning the list and confirming that there were no new titles, his gaze fell upon the ‘Innate Dao Body’ title, a thoughtful look appearing in his eyes.

He had already experienced this constitution several times with Yao Meng.

Last night, he had enjoyed the pleasures of her body, but not before indulging in some… roleplaying.

Although her figure was alluring, what truly captivated him were her beautiful jade-like feet.

Even now, the memory still made his heart race.

It’s not that I have a strange fetish. It’s just that the Empress is too tempting, and her Innate Dao Body can also provide Spiritual Energy for my Eight Chaos Dream Scroll…

Everyone has their preferences, but those preferences are based on the foundation of beauty.

As Mu Zhi’an justified his actions to himself, he looked at the description behind the title: An incredibly rare Dao Body. Dual cultivating with the possessor grants the partner a first-grade cultivation technique that can evolve.

He had been too busy with other matters to pay attention to this constitution before, but even now, seeing this title filled him with mixed emotions.

This constitution should belong to the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, yet I, a man, possess it. What kind of absurdity is this?

But then again, he was the ‘Chosen Female Lead’. It wasn’t surprising that he possessed the Innate Dao Body.

As he pondered, a maid in a long dress entered the side hall. Seeing the two of them, she bowed slightly and said, “Young Master Mu, Miss Wei, the Holy Maiden requests your presence.”

It seems Regina’s meeting is over… Mu Zhi’an stood up, stretched lazily, and followed the maid out of the side hall.

…

“Miss Regina, I hope you’ll consider my proposal. If we join forces, we can at least guarantee our spots in the final round of the Ascension Ceremony, even if we don’t win first place.”

Within the hall, a young man in Confucian robes spoke with a gentle smile, repeating his suggestion. “There are at least a thousand participants in the Ascension Ceremony this time, but less than a hundred will make it to the final round held within the Two Polarities Sect. We’re both outsiders and might face discrimination.”

Regina, dressed in a luxurious and alluring red dress, sat opposite him, seemingly pondering his proposal.

The World Sea separated the Eastern Realm from the Demon Realm. Countless islands dotted its vast expanse, some inhabited by cultivators descended from ancient lineages.

In the past, there had been countless wars between cultivators and demonic cultivators. The World Sea, caught in the middle, had always remained peaceful. This was partly due to the mysterious nature of the sea, which suppressed cultivators’ powers.

And partly because of the formidable forces residing within the World Sea.

The people who had come to speak with the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Maiden were the Holy Maiden and Holy Son of a top faction from the World Sea.

“I’ll consider your proposal and give you an answer in the next two days,” Regina said.

The initial stage of the Ascension Ceremony would be held in the Eastern Realm’s Martial Realm. There would be a challenging trial, and out of a thousand cultivators, typically only a hundred would qualify for the main event.

Of course, having more people didn’t necessarily increase the chances of success. Sometimes, lone cultivators could pass the Martial Realm’s trial faster and qualify for the Ascension Ceremony.

However, these two were geniuses from the World Sea. Cooperating with them would certainly be beneficial.

But if possible, she preferred to cooperate with Mu Zhi’an…

His cultivation level wasn’t particularly high, but he possessed many secrets and trump cards. Moreover, experiencing danger together could accelerate the development of their relationship.

It would be ideal if she could save him when he was in danger…

A mischievous smile curved Regina’s lips as she imagined the scene.

This Ascension Ceremony was becoming quite exciting…

However, she needed to encounter Mu Zhi’an in the Martial Realm first.

The Martial Realm was vast. Upon entering, participants would be randomly transported to different areas by formations. The formations would protect them from a single fatal injury.

But after that, they would be disqualified from the Ascension Ceremony and expelled from the Martial Realm.

After seeing the two visitors off, Regina rested her chin on her hand, her fingers playing with her hair, her toes fiddling with her embroidered shoes, as she waited for Mu Zhi’an’s arrival.

…

Meanwhile, after leaving the hall, the two visitors from the World Sea noticed two unfamiliar figures not far ahead.

The young man had a handsome, jade-like face and wore a black and gold robe, exuding the aura of a noble young master. The maid beside him, despite concealing her aura, possessed breathtaking beauty.

Mu Zhi’an nodded at them with a smile and, with Wei Mengrou, entered the hall.

The Holy Maiden from the World Sea, dressed in a light blue dress, her aura pure and untainted, glanced at them, curiosity in her eyes.

“It seems they’re master and servant? But it’s rare for a master’s cultivation level to be so much lower than his maid’s,” the Holy Son from the World Sea said, looking at Wei Mengrou’s retreating figure, a hint of unease in his eyes.

Even he, with his pride, couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension towards the maid in the yellow dress. He sensed that she was incredibly powerful and wasn’t confident he could defeat her.

“The man beside her is strange,” the woman in the blue dress said, her voice calm and melodious.

“If I’m not mistaken, I saw him a few days ago in the Qingyang Hall. His name seems to be Mu Zhi’an,” the young man said thoughtfully. “Should we investigate him?”

The woman in the blue dress shook her head. “Don’t forget why we’re here in the Eastern Realm. Finding the Primordial Witch is our priority. Don’t create unnecessary trouble over a woman.”

The young man chuckled. “I was just curious. A mere fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator… If we really want to deal with him, we can do it after the Ascension Ceremony begins.”

“However, we should be wary of the maid beside him,” he added.

The Primordial Witch was the true master of the World Sea. Their clan’s Grand Elder’s divination had revealed that she might still be alive, simply experiencing some problems, and that she was currently in the Eastern Realm.

The three Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs offered in the Ascension Ceremony were tempting, but their true goal was to find the Primordial Witch, who might be slumbering somewhere in the Eastern Realm.

If they could awaken her, even if they lost the Ascension Ceremony, this trip would be worthwhile.

Besides, they didn’t believe they would lose.

…

Inside the hall.

Mu Zhi’an entered and saw the Southern Wilderness’s Holy Maiden, her attire alluring, yet her aura pure and innocent. She wore a stunning red dress adorned with white patterns, a captivating blend of purity and seduction.

After instructing a maid to serve tea, Regina glanced at the maid in a yellow dress standing by the door and smiled. “Have you come to fulfill our agreement early, Young Master Mu?”

Despite her words, Regina knew the truth.

Mu Zhi’an must have another reason for coming.

After all, if he truly intended to fulfill their agreement now, he wouldn’t have brought his maid.

It seems she’s eager to perfect her Soul Reading constitution… Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “It’s related to that.”

Regina crossed her legs, her dangling foot pausing as she looked at him, a playful smile on her lips. Her voice was soft and melodious. “Then why bring your maid?”

“Could it be…”

She glanced at the maid standing by the door.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and chuckled. “I came to see you today because I have something to ask, Miss Regina.”

Regina’s hopeful expression faded, and she looked at him calmly. “Please speak freely, Young Master Mu.”

Her voice was suddenly much colder.

I knew it wasn’t that simple. There’s no way he would initiate the agreement before the Ascension Ceremony.

“Last night’s celestial phenomenon revealed the luck of all cultivators within the sect. I’ve heard that there’s a secret technique in the Southern Wilderness that can conceal Heavenly Secrets and one’s aura. I was hoping to learn more about it from you, Miss Regina.”

As Mu Zhi’an spoke, a look of surprise appeared on Regina’s beautiful face. “You seem to know a lot, Young Master Mu.”

“Someone from your Southern Wilderness tried to harm me before. How could I not know?” Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

“He acted on his own. I was unaware of his actions,” Regina said softly. “If you’re upset, Young Master Mu, I can compensate you with Spirit Stones.”

She lowered her gaze, the thin fabric of her dress revealing glimpses of her fair thighs. She sighed softly. “However, the technique you mentioned is a closely guarded secret in the Southern Wilderness. I don’t have any information about it.”

“But there are always exceptions.”

Before Mu Zhi’an could speak, Regina looked up, a charming smile on her beautiful face. “If you’re willing to come to the Southern Wilderness with me, Young Master Mu, I can, on behalf of the Southern Wilderness’s Divine Temple, share the secret technique with you.”

“And I can also provide you with any cultivation resources you need in the future.”

Mu Zhi’an raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “It seems you hold a high position in the Southern Wilderness, Miss Regina.”

“But I’m afraid I can’t go with you.”

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss. Please don’t make things difficult for me, Young Master Mu,” Regina said coldly.

“Don’t be so quick to judge, Miss Regina.”

Mu Zhi’an reached out and placed his hand on her leg, his hand covering hers.

“I can’t go to the Southern Wilderness with you, but I do have something that might interest you.”

Regina’s eyes flickered as she looked at him. “Go on, Young Master Mu.”

“The Innate Dao Body.”

Chapter 260: Wei Mengrou’s Secret p2

After preparing some meat buns for a late-night snack, Mu Zhi’an went to see Lin Ling, who was completely oblivious to the drama unfolding around her.

He opened the door and saw the silver-haired beauty curled up on a small couch, her rounded buttocks prominent.

Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her bright, jewel-like eyes peeked at him through the strands, filled with anticipation.

“What’s wrong, Sister Lin Ling?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

It was the first time he had seen her with such an expression. Normally, she would rush towards him excitedly whenever he brought her food.

“Aaaa…” Lin Ling said softly.

“Sorry, I didn’t understand…” Mu Zhi’an sat down on the couch beside her, placing the plate of meat buns on the table. He looked at her.

“What did you say, Sister Lin Ling?”

Lin Ling held up a wooden board with a message written on it: I will give you the second trace of Heavenly Dao Energy after the Ascension Ceremony.

Mu Zhi’an was stunned. “Didn’t you say a person can only possess one trace of Heavenly Dao Energy?”

The message on the board changed: Your body can accommodate multiple traces, but there needs to be a time interval between each absorption.

“What’s the effect of the second trace?” Mu Zhi’an asked curiously.

His first trace of Heavenly Dao Energy accelerated the cultivation speed of others. It was a god-tier support ability.

The second trace couldn’t possibly be another support ability, right?

Lin Ling took a bite of a meat bun and wrote on the board: It enhances strength.

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I’ll come see you after the Ascension Ceremony?”

Lin Ling glanced at him and nodded slightly.

…

After successfully feeding Lin Ling, Mu Zhi’an returned to his room and lay down on the bed. He felt a green light appear in the room.

A slender figure in a green and white dress materialized, her alluring curves accentuated by the fabric.

Her green silhouette and her bare feet that weren’t touching the ground revealed her identity: Yao Meng, awakened by the celestial phenomenon caused by Ye Lingxuan.

She looked at him with a faint smile. “You’ve caused quite a stir today.”

From different angles, a mountain presents different views… Mu Zhi’an looked at Yao Meng, this poem suddenly popping into his head. He sat up and chuckled. “Were you awakened by that thing in the sky, Empress?”

Yao Meng’s green eyes flickered, and she smiled. “Celestial phenomena are rare, especially one caused by the Reincarnated Empress. It naturally caught my attention.”

Her skin was bathed in a silver glow, even her feet.

Although he had seen her many times before, he felt a different sensation each time. The Dao she cultivated exuded a dreamlike aura, a distance that was both alluring and frustrating, tempting him with bold thoughts.

“Do you know what that white light in the sky is, Empress?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Yao Meng shook her head. “Within the Two Polarities Sect, we’re within Shang Yanfei’s formation. She’s using the sect’s grand formation to conceal Heavenly Secrets and block our perception of the outside world.”

It seems that white light is something even the Sect Master is wary of, even going so far as to activate the grand formation…

But what is it…? Mu Zhi’an frowned, lost in thought.

Yao Meng observed him silently, her clear eyes as calm as a deep autumn pool.

“You’ve been too restless lately. This isn’t good for your cultivation,” she said, her voice calm and gentle, yet carrying a strange power that soothed the heart.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts and chuckled. “I know what I’m doing. Thank you for your concern, Empress.”

Yao Meng glanced at him, and a guqin materialized before them.

Mu Zhi’an instantly recognized it. “Is this the guqin from the Pilgrimage Palace?”

He remembered the sense of peace and tranquility he had felt when he heard its melody in the Pilgrimage Palace’s Celestial Realm.

She gracefully sat down before the guqin, her slender fingers gently touching the strings.

Then, the melody began, calm and melodious, like a warm summer breeze, soothing the soul, calming even the most troubled heart.

No, it wasn’t just calming. There was a magical, or rather, spiritual quality to it.

This must be the Jade Pool Holy Land’s ‘Dao’, the power to calm the mind… Mu Zhi’an looked at the ethereal beauty, her beautiful face faintly visible through the hazy mist, and felt his heart gradually calming down.

He closed his eyes and listened to the melody.

After an unknown amount of time, the music ended, but Mu Zhi’an still seemed lost in its beauty, his eyes closed.

“Are you calm now?” a gentle voice, laced with a hint of immortal aura, brought him back to reality. He opened his eyes and saw the beautiful woman before him, her gaze warm and her eyes as clear as jewels.

Mu Zhi’an nodded thoughtfully and, without a word, got out of bed and walked towards her.

“Thank you. I feel much calmer now,” he said sincerely.

The melody clearly contained a special Dao Rhyme that soothed the soul.

For cultivators, enduring long periods of monotonous cultivation could often lead to mental instability. This guqin music could help alleviate those anxieties.

Looking at Yao Meng’s breathtaking profile, Mu Zhi’an sat down beside her and took her hand.

“The Ascension Ceremony is approaching, and I’m afraid I won’t have much time to spend with you, Empress, so tonight…” He subtly expressed his intentions.

“And it will also help the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll accumulate Spiritual Energy and evolve sooner.”

Yao Meng’s Innate Dao Body had granted him the first-grade cultivation technique, the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll. It was an incredibly powerful technique that could even evolve.

It was no wonder the Jade Pool Holy Maidens were so sought after.

Seeing that she didn’t answer, Mu Zhi’an grew bolder, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.

A faint blush appeared on Yao Meng’s beautiful face as she looked at him tenderly.

This usually unattainable fairy was even more alluring when she was aroused.

Mu Zhi’an lifted her up in his arms. As her delicate feet dangled in the air, he was about to carry her to bed.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he paused, his gaze fixed on her feet.

Under Yao Meng’s curious gaze, he leaned in and whispered, “Empress, how about we do something… more romantic before that?”

Yao Meng curled her legs, a hint of shyness flickering in her usually calm eyes as she felt his gaze upon her. “What do you mean?”

“I read about it in a book in Mengrou’s room. It wasn’t my idea…” Mu Zhi’an explained, then whispered something in her ear.

Yao Meng was stunned. She hadn’t expected anyone to find such a thing pleasurable.

However… it didn’t seem impossible.

Sensing his anticipation, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. Her melodious voice echoed softly through the room.

“Lie down on the floor.”

…

Late at night.

Bai Ruoxi slowly opened her eyes, emerging from her meditative state.

It wasn’t that she had finished cultivating. She had simply been distracted by the sound of the guqin coming from Mu Zhi’an’s room.

And he should be back by now…

Bai Ruoxi got out of bed and walked towards his room, stopping before the door.

Seeing the faint candlelight within, she hesitated for a moment, then reached out to open the door.

“Is there something you need, Lady Bai?” Yao Meng’s voice suddenly came from inside the room.

Bai Ruoxi paused. “I heard the sound of the guqin and came to see… Is that you, Senior Jade Empress?”

“He asked me some questions about his Eight Chaos Dream Scroll cultivation technique. It might take some time.”

Yao Meng tapped her lips, looking down at the young man on the floor, a mischievous smile curving her lips. “You should come back tomorrow~” she said softly.

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhi’an slowly opened his eyes, yawning listlessly.

He turned his head, but the beauty who had been in his arms last night was gone.

He scanned his Innate Celestial Furnace’s celestial vessel with his Spiritual Sense and sensed her presence within.

The Empress is truly heartless. Leaving without even saying goodbye after being satisfied… Mu Zhi’an complained inwardly. He got out of bed, stretched lazily, got dressed, and left the room.

The white light from last night had completely vanished, as if it had never existed.

A thick layer of snow covered the ground, and snowflakes continued to fall from the sky.

“Are you going to see her today?” a cold and melodious voice suddenly asked beside him. Even without turning around, Mu Zhi’an knew it was his arrogant maid.

“I’ll go today. I don’t like delaying things. It’s better to deal with it sooner rather than later,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile.

“Aren’t you worried she’ll refuse to see you?” Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow.

“Why would she refuse?” Mu Zhi’an turned to look at her. “Regina wants to use me to achieve her goals, and I want to use her to achieve mine… Our interests align.”

He paused, then continued, “But before that, I need to borrow something from you.”

“What is it?” Wei Mengrou asked.

Mu Zhi’an pointed at her ample bosom.

Sensing her increasingly disdainful gaze, he stopped beating around the bush. “I need the bronze fragment.”

“The bronze fragment hanging on your chest might be the cause of the black mist. And the black mist is a Southern Wilderness secret technique that can conceal one’s aura and Heavenly Secrets.”

“Perhaps I can find the answer from Regina today.”