Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 227: The Coffin’s Right Here, Want to Lie Back Down? p2

…

After everyone left, the Jade Empress took Mu Zhi’an to his room.

He hadn’t been faking his collapse earlier. He was truly weak.

After all, relying on a single wisp of consciousness to support his body and maintain his Vessel’s operation was incredibly difficult.

Before his consciousness fully recovered, it wouldn’t be easy for him to move freely.

Ye Lingxuan had misunderstood the Empress. She wasn’t planning to do anything malicious to Mu Zhi’an. In his current state, he couldn’t do anything anyway.

The Jade Empress simply wanted to nourish his consciousness.

In the past, she had resided within his body, slowly recovering her own consciousness with the help of his Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy. She had even absorbed a large amount of his energy later on.

Since she could receive Spiritual Energy from him, she could naturally give it back to him now, nourishing his consciousness.

As for the method…

Although it was somewhat shameful, no one was watching… so it didn’t matter.

The Jade Empress’s eyes softened with affection as she walked towards the bed.

Suddenly, she sensed a paper crane landing outside the window. She turned her head slightly.

A medicinal pill, emitting a faint glow, was attached to the crane.

“The Nirvana Pill?” the Jade Empress murmured, her eyes flickering.

The Nirvana Pill had strict usage requirements. It could only be used by the ‘deceased’.

By ‘deceased’, it didn’t mean truly dead, but rather, a state where the consciousness remained while the body had perished.

Its effect was simple: to completely transform the body.

Mu Zhi’an’s current state was essentially the same as being dead. He was only able to move because of that single wisp of consciousness.

Shang Yanfei had even prepared this…

The Nirvana Pill was an eighth-grade pill, requiring at least one Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb to refine.

It wasn’t like that woman to go to such lengths for a mere disciple.

“This is not the time to think about this…”

The Jade Empress murmured to herself, walking towards the window. She retrieved the fiery red pill, with its red veins resembling a reborn phoenix.

Then, she turned to look at the unconscious young man on the bed.

She sat down beside him, her skin fair and flawless, her shoulder bare.

She picked up the pill with her slender fingers and placed it in her mouth. Gazing at Mu Zhi’an’s handsome face, she slowly leaned down.

…

“Sister, what’s bothering you?”

After returning to the courtyard with Ye Lingxuan, Ye Qian noticed her sister’s worried expression and couldn’t help but ask.

Ye Lingxuan snapped out of her thoughts and smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. Just some trivial matters.”

Ye Qian simply replied, “Oh.”

Knowing that Mu Zhi’an was alive had significantly improved her mood.

“By the way, Sister, when are you planning to start your inheritance?” Ye Qian suddenly asked.

Due to Mu Zhi’an’s ‘death’, Ye Lingxuan had left the ancestral land before completing her inheritance. However, unlike others, her inheritance was conducted through the puppet. As long as the puppet was with her, she could start at any time.

Ye Lingxuan pondered for a moment. “After the Soul Returning Pill is refined.”

She wouldn’t be able to focus on her cultivation until she saw Brother Mu recover.

“Are you planning to participate in the Ascension Ceremony, Sister?” Ye Qian asked.

The upcoming Ascension Ceremony would gather talented individuals from all over the Nine Realms, and the final victor would receive three rewards, including an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb.

Such rewards were tempting not only to talented disciples but even to Earthly Immortals at the Nascent Soul Realm.

In fact, some disciples participated in the Ascension Ceremony for the sake of the old monsters in their clans.

These old monsters in seclusion might be nearing the end of their lifespans, and an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb could extend their lives by another five thousand years.

Five thousand years was enough to live another lifetime, even if they couldn’t reach the Dao Integration Realm.

Perhaps in their next life, the laws of heaven and earth would change, allowing Nascent Soul cultivators to comprehend the Dao and ascend to the Dao Integration Realm.

“I will participate in the Ascension Ceremony. Consider it a trial,” Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly.

The Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions had played a role in this incident, even if they weren’t the main culprits.

They were partly responsible for Mu Zhi’an’s ‘death’. Even though they had each offered an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb as compensation, it wasn’t enough to satisfy Ye Lingxuan’s sense of justice.

“The Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions will definitely send their most talented disciples to compete for the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb. This Ascension Ceremony will be difficult,” Ye Qian said worriedly.

Ye Lingxuan held her umbrella, her embroidered shoes stepping on the rain-soaked stone path. “Let them come.”

“We’ll deal with them all.”

Ye Qian looked at her sister with admiration.

Ye Lingxuan noticed her sister’s gaze and pursed her lips, maintaining her composure as the older sister.

Ye Qian stared at her for a moment, then suddenly said, “I wish you could be this cool when you’re with Brother Mu.”

Ye Lingxuan: “…”

“What nonsense are you talking about?!” She glared at her sister.

“But it’s true. I’ve seen you being bullied by Brother Mu several times…” Ye Qian’s eyes sparkled.

“That’s just because—”

“Because you’re shy around Brother Mu?” Ye Qian asked.

Ye Lingxuan blushed and lightly slapped her sister’s shoulder, pretending to pinch her cheek.

“Ah… Stop it!”

Ye Qian giggled and ran out from under the umbrella, dodging her sister’s playful attack.

The two sisters chased each other around the courtyard, not using their Spiritual Energy, until they were exhausted and out of breath.

Meanwhile, someone else was also panting slightly…

Mu Zhi’an felt like he was in a dream. He was falling into an abyss, endlessly plummeting without seeing the bottom.

He could faintly hear a sweet voice and feel soft strands of hair brushing against his cheek, tickling him with their delicate fragrance.

He opened his eyes, vaguely seeing the Jade Empress’s figure, her body covered in sweat, her hair disheveled.

“A dream…?”

Mu Zhi’an drifted back into unconsciousness.

Two days later, a thunderous tribulation shook the Two Polarities Peak, attracting the attention of cultivators from all over the Eastern Realm.

Powerful beings throughout the Nine Realms awakened, their gazes fixed on the Two Polarities Peak with a hint of apprehension.

The Soul Returning Pill had been refined.

Chapter 227: The Coffin’s Right Here, Want to Lie Back Down? p1

Ye Qian’s innocent question threw a wrench into the gears. The girls’ gazes instinctively shifted towards the snow lotuses and peach blossoms beside the ice coffin.

Bai Ruoxi frowned, her eyes darkening.

Lan Mulian maintained a calm facade, but beneath her veil, her usually cold face turned frosty.

Lan Feiying, with a playful smile, stood beside Wei Mengrou, the maid in the yellow dress, ready to enjoy the show.

Lin Ling, her mind on the meat buns, blinked her bright red eyes, looked at the group, and grabbed a bun from the table, taking a large bite.

Knowing Mu Zhi’an was alive and well had put her at ease, making her appetite even better.

The peak masters exchanged glances, a hint of amusement in their eyes.

They knew this disciple, who had only joined the sect less than six months ago, was popular with the ladies, but to juggle multiple relationships and shower them all with gifts… Even these experienced peak masters had never seen such a feat.

The initial sorrow over Mu Zhi’an’s ‘death’ had vanished, replaced by a palpable tension. All eyes were fixed on the snow lotuses and peach blossoms by the ice coffin.

Ye Lingxuan silently stepped forward, picked up her withered snow lotus, and looked at Mu Zhi’an with a hint of sadness.

“Brother Mu is so good to Qian’er. He not only gave her a snow lotus but also a peach blossom.”

Ye Lingxuan had always felt guilty towards her younger sister.

After all, she had tried to persuade Ye Qian to stay away from Mu Zhi’an, but her efforts had backfired. Not only did her sister not distance herself, but she had also fallen deeper for him.

And she had even been intimate with her sister’s beloved behind her back…

Ye Lingxuan had always wanted to secretly foster a relationship between Ye Qian and Mu Zhi’an.

However, seeing Ye Qian receive a peach blossom from Mu Zhi’an filled her with complicated emotions.

Even she hadn’t received a peach blossom from Brother Mu, but Qian’er had… Just thinking about it made Ye Lingxuan’s heart ache.

Girls were naturally possessive, especially at Ye Lingxuan’s age. On one hand, she cared for her sister and wanted her to be happy. On the other hand, she also yearned for the affection and gifts of the one she loved.

Even a simple peach blossom from the Pilgrimage Palace would bring immense joy.

“My dear told me that he had specially picked this peach blossom from the Pilgrimage Palace for me when we were dual cultivating…” Bai Ruoxi gazed at Mu Zhi’an’s profile, her eyes filled with love and tenderness. “Was he just trying to make me happy?”

An ordinary person would have panicked in this situation.

But as a skilled fish pond master… Mu Zhi’an could at least maintain a facade of composure.

He hadn’t anticipated this situation.

Or rather, he had imagined it, but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

According to his plan, he should have waited until the girls’ feelings for him deepened before testing the waters… However, his accidental death and subsequent revival, combined with everyone gathering to mourn him, had accelerated the process.

But Mu Zhi’an wasn’t panicking.

After all, the ice coffin was right beside him. He could just lie back down…

Besides, knowing these girls, they wouldn’t do anything too drastic to him.

Well… At most, they would just use the Heart-Binding Lock, the Desolate Time Lock, and the Jade Empress’s vines on him.

Bai Ruoxi’s simple question plunged the room into a heavy silence, like the calm before a storm.

Let’s see if Sister Mengrou will help me out… Mu Zhi’an thought, glancing towards his maid.

Wei Mengrou and Lan Feiying were enjoying the show, while Lin Ling was sitting on a chair, munching on meat buns, her bright red eyes watching the scene unfold with an air of detachment.

Great, just as I thought, Sister Mengrou isn’t planning to save me this time… Seeing the amusement in Wei Mengrou’s eyes, Mu Zhi’an knew he was on his own.

Then, I’ll have to deal with them one by one… Mu Zhi’an thought, opening his mouth to speak.

“Ruoxi—”

However, as soon as he spoke, his mind went blank, his thoughts scattering. He felt dizzy, his body weakening. He stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.

Lan Mulian reacted quickly, catching him before he could fall.

“Dear?!”

“Brother Mu?!”

Wei Mengrou also stepped forward. Although she had been enjoying the drama, a hint of concern appeared in her usually cold eyes.

Lan Feiying looked at the pale young man and said, “His consciousness seems to be unstable.”

“It’s not unstable, but he only has a wisp of consciousness left, making it difficult for him to heal his injuries,” Lan Mulian explained, sensing the problem.

“Don’t overstimulate him. Let him rest and recover,” the Jade Empress finally spoke, breaking her silence.

Dressed in a thin green dress that hugged her curves, she exuded an ethereal beauty. Her clear green eyes were calm as she said, “Leave him to me. I’ll nourish his consciousness for the next two days until the Soul Returning Pill is refined.”

If all went well, powerful beings from the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions would deliver the Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs by morning. Then, the sect’s alchemy masters would refine the pill. If Mu Zhi’an took the Soul Returning Pill along with the Soul Nourishing Pill the Primordial Demon Emperor had given him, his consciousness would quickly recover.

During this period, she would also use her own Spiritual Energy to nourish his consciousness.

Worried about Mu Zhi’an, the girls didn’t think too much about it and nodded in agreement.

Lin Ling’s bright red eyes reflected Mu Zhi’an’s image, her concern making her lose her appetite for meat buns.

She had a good impression of Mu Zhi’an. He was a kind person who always cooked for her without asking for anything in return.

The Jade Empress saw the peak masters off. Before leaving, Ye Qian turned back and said, “Master, please take good care of Brother Mu.”

The Jade Empress nodded slightly, giving a beautiful smile. “Don’t worry.”

“I’ll take good care of him.”

Ye Lingxuan frowned slightly, looking at the Empress with a strange feeling in her heart.

Out of everyone present, only she knew what had transpired between the Jade Empress and Mu Zhi’an.

Leaving Brother Mu in her care… It made her uneasy.

However, she had no choice but to trust the Jade Empress.

At least… considering her relationship with Brother Mu, she should try her best to nourish his consciousness.

…

Chapter 226: Some People Are Alive, But Already Dead Inside

It was the dead of night. Mu Zhi’an lay in the ice coffin, surrounded by several snow lotuses and three peach blossoms.

The snow lotuses were gifts he had given to the girls around him in Tianxuan City, tokens of his affection.

The peach blossoms were for Bai Ruoxi, Ye Qian, and Lan Mulian.

An eerie silence hung in the air.

“Brother Mu… You’re really alive!” Ye Qian cried tears of joy, finally snapping out of her shock. She rushed forward and hugged him tightly, her eyes sparkling.

Lan Mulian’s cold demeanor softened, the heavy weight that had settled upon her since entering the Garden of Heavenly Harmony lifting from her shoulders. Although her face was veiled, the joy in her eyes was evident.

Lan Feiying gripped her sister’s arm, both anxious and excited, unsure if this was a case of reanimation or true resurrection.

Ye Lingxuan was also overjoyed. Seeing Mu Zhi’an open his eyes after witnessing his ‘death’ was a stark contrast that brought tears to her eyes, but she bit her lip, holding back her tears.

Yan Ruyu looked at Mu Zhi’an with relief, saying softly, “It’s good that you’re alive.”

Bai Ruoxi sobbed uncontrollably, her eyes never leaving Mu Zhi’an, fearing that this was just an illusion.

She had never felt a sense of belonging in her family, always lacking security. Mu Zhi’an had filled a void in her heart, and his ‘death’ had left her feeling empty and lost.

Seeing him alive again filled her with immense joy, and she couldn’t hold back her emotions.

Wei Mengrou’s gaze remained fixed on her young master.

Compared to the others, her reaction was the calmest. She watched as Lin Ling, kneeling beside Mu Zhi’an, poked his face curiously, a faint smile playing on her lips.

As the initial wave of joy subsided, the Jade Empress looked at Mu Zhi’an with a gentle gaze. “Your consciousness hasn’t fully recovered yet. You’ll need to recuperate for a while.”

The former Jade Empress had experienced something similar to Mu Zhi’an, but her situation had been far more dire. Her consciousness had nearly been extinguished.

In the end, she had managed to recover thanks to Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace. Later, with the help of Rebirth Water and the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, she successfully reconstructed her Vessel.

The powerful beings who had intervened probably never imagined that the magnificent Empress’s rebirth was made possible by the Vessel of a Core Formation cultivator.

“Brother Mu, are your injuries not fully healed yet?” Ye Qian asked, gradually regaining her composure. Her watery peach blossom eyes stared at Mu Zhi’an.

She could sense that his Vessel was somewhat weak, and his body seemed frail.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and smiled. “It’s fine. Once my consciousness recovers, I can slowly heal my physical injuries.”

Hearing this, Ye Qian felt relieved.

However, a hint of confusion appeared in the Jade Empress’s eyes. “Did you take the Turtle Breath Pill before, which allowed you to preserve a wisp of consciousness?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. “Lingxuan’s Turtle Breath Pill saved my life.”

Normally, Core Formation cultivators possessed their own consciousness. As long as their consciousness remained, even if their bodies were destroyed, they could slowly heal and regenerate.

However, when enemies attacked, they would usually try to destroy both the body and the consciousness.

Mu Zhi’an suspected that his consciousness had remained undetected for two reasons: first, because of the Turtle Breath Pill, and second, because of the last title on his status screen.

Heaven’s Protection… He didn’t know which ‘protagonist’ had given him this title or when it had appeared on his status screen.

Mu Zhi’an embraced Ye Qian, stroking her hair, and looked at everyone present, a sense of gratitude washing over him.

He had truly been lucky to survive this time, all thanks to being a kept man.

Otherwise, he would be dead.

The Turtle Breath Pill Ye Lingxuan had given him wasn’t high-grade, but it required an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb to refine. It was no wonder the Forbidden Zone only had one or two.

Apart from Ye Lingxuan, no one else would have casually carried a life-saving Turtle Breath Pill with them.

Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs were heavenly treasures that only grew once every ten thousand years. Even the Forbidden Zone, with its vast resources, probably only had two or three.

For the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness to each contribute an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb to heal Mu Zhi’an’s injuries was like cutting off a piece of their own flesh.

Unlike the Eastern Realm, the conditions for growing medicinal herbs in the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were much harsher. Even after searching the entire Southern Wilderness, they might only find four or five Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs. Moreover, Shang Yanfei had specifically requested a certain type of herb.

The Soul Returning Pill refined from these two herbs might even allow him to comprehend a trace of Dao and gain enlightenment ahead of time.

The wager the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions had proposed was actually separate from the apology. It was just a way for them to save face.

They apologized, but out of unwillingness to accept defeat, they proposed a wager. After all, producing an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb took a very long time.

It could take ten thousand years for a single herb to grow, and even Dao Integration cultivators might perish during that time if they weren’t careful.

But they were in the wrong. Even though they had only added fuel to the fire after discovering the Primordial Demon Emperor’s actions, they were still involved. Now, they could only swallow their pride and accept the consequences.

Cultivating new Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs would be a long and arduous process…

The Soul Returning Pill refined from two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs… If I truly comprehend the Dao after taking it, my strength should increase by at least half… Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but feel excited.

However, he suspected that even if he comprehended the Dao, the benefits would likely be absorbed by his Innate Celestial Furnace.

As Mu Zhi’an was lost in thought, he felt the girl in his arms squirm slightly. Her pretty face flushed as she shyly slipped out of his embrace.

After the initial joy subsided, she suddenly realized that everyone was staring at her, and a wave of embarrassment washed over her, causing her to avert her gaze.

Qian’er is still as shy as ever, not good at hiding her emotions… Mu Zhi’an smiled knowingly. He sat up and stepped out of the ice coffin.

Looking at everyone present, he saw the relief and joy in their eyes. The peak masters looked at him with the care and sincerity of elders.

Admittedly, although Mu Zhi’an looked somewhat frail after his ‘rebirth’, his weakness, coupled with his handsome features and noble aura, evoked a protective instinct in the older women.

Mu Zhi’an noticed Lan Mulian’s gaze and looked at her. The usually cold and aloof senior sister quickly averted her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

Even Senior Sister has a soft spot… This near-death experience wasn’t in vain… Mu Zhi’an grinned and turned to look at Lan Mulian’s younger sister, Lan Feiying, who stood beside her, her curvaceous figure accentuated by a red cheongsam.

Compared to the reserved Lan Mulian, Lan Feiying was much more open and direct. Her seductive eyes gazed at him intently.

The atmosphere in the hall was warm and comforting, the previous sorrow replaced by a sense of relief.

Mu Zhi’an had truly turned misfortune into fortune.

Even the most talented individuals in the Primordial Clans wouldn’t have access to Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs. After all, even Dao Integration cultivators wouldn’t use them lightly.

Because Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs couldn’t be cultivated solely through effort; luck also played a significant role.

Normally, it was already difficult for a medicinal herb to survive for two thousand years, even with meticulous care. The next three thousand years, or even ten thousand years, was a gamble.

A gamble that the herb would survive long enough to become an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb.

However, the odds were incredibly low. Most herbs were harvested and refined before they reached ten thousand years old.

“My dear… Are you really alright?” A gentle and soft voice came from beside him. Bai Ruoxi, dressed in a white palace dress embroidered with beautiful plum blossoms, gazed at Mu Zhi’an with concern and affection.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her, his gaze lingering on her worried eyes, feeling the love in them. His heart warmed.

He smiled gently. “I just need to recuperate. It’s nothing serious.”

It was a shame he still needed to wait for the Soul Nourishing Pill to be refined. Otherwise, he could enjoy Bai Ruoxi’s warmth tonight.

But it didn’t matter. There was plenty of time in the future.

Once he refined the Soul Returning Pill and healed his body, he could start cultivating the baby orca in his pond again…

Lingxuan’s inheritance wasn’t complete yet, but she could continue receiving it in the Two Polarities Sect, which would make things easier for him in the future…

And Senior Sister seemed to be interested in him. If he strengthened his bond with Feiying, perhaps he could unlock new… possibilities…

Also, Yao Meng’s Vessel had been condensed, but she still needed time to absorb Spiritual Energy. During this period, she might need his help…

As Mu Zhi’an thought about this, he looked at Yao Meng, who stood before him, her body enveloped in moonlight.

Suddenly, Ye Qian’s soft voice came from behind him, “By the way, do you still want your flowers?”

Her seemingly innocent question brought Mu Zhi’an’s thoughts to a screeching halt, pulling him back to reality.

The previously harmonious atmosphere instantly shifted.

Everyone’s gaze subtly fell upon the snow lotuses and peach blossoms in the ice coffin.

Previously, they had been too worried about Mu Zhi’an to think about the flowers.

But Ye Qian’s words had awakened a sense of unease within them.

Wei Mengrou, standing amidst the crowd, observed her young master, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

She had once advised him against his philandering ways, and he had confidently assured her that his actions wouldn’t cause any problems.

…And now?

Chapter 225: Mu Zhi’an’s Rebirth  p2

…

Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Mu Zhi’an felt the coldness seeping into his body, wanting to shout, “Can you guys hurry up and melt this ice? I’m freezing to death!”

His consciousness was currently awake. When the Jade Empress brought him back, she had frozen his entire body, including his consciousness, believing he was truly dead.

Thus, Mu Zhi’an could only feel the piercing cold, shivering uncontrollably.

Despite the discomfort, he was actually quite touched.

This incident had shown him how much the girls around him cared for him. Bai Ruoxi was sobbing softly, while Ye Lingxuan had brought Ye Qian to the courtyard. Unlike her sister, Ye Qian couldn’t hide her grief, her eyes red and swollen as she wiped away her tears.

Even Ling Long’s mournful singing, which sounded more like a ballad, struck Mu Zhi’an as odd… It was ruining the atmosphere.

Everyone was crying, and she was singing.

The Jade Empress raised her hand and tossed the bound evil deity in front of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

The creature, with its grotesque appearance, looked more like a patchwork of different beings than a human. It shrieked in fear and anger, “Jade Empress, release me! It wasn’t me who attacked your little boyfriend, it was the Primordial Demon Emperor! I was just following orders!”

“Release me, and I promise the Southern Wilderness will give you another eighth-grade pill.”

Its voice was filled with desperation and fear, its desire to survive overflowing.

It had finally comprehended a trace of Dao韵 at the Nascent Soul Realm. In the future, it might become the first Earthly Immortal in the Southern Wilderness, no… perhaps even the entire Nine Realms, to reach the Dao Integration Realm.

Yet, its fate now rested in the hands of others, which naturally filled it with resentment.

The fact that the evil deity in the depths of the Southern Wilderness hadn’t spoken up to plead for its release meant it had been abandoned.

The Jade Empress glanced at the creature coldly but didn’t speak.

Bai Ruoxi asked softly, “Is this one of the masterminds?”

The Jade Empress nodded silently.

This evil deity was indeed one of the masterminds, but the true puppet master was the Primordial Demon Emperor.

The seal in the Pilgrimage Palace was slowly being eroded. Even though the Primordial Demon Emperor couldn’t escape, it wasn’t surprising that he could use the weakened seal to cause trouble in the outside world.

Ye Lingxuan looked at the creature calmly.

Its appearance was terrifying. Just one glance was enough to evoke the deepest fears within one’s heart, sending chills down their spine.

However, Ye Lingxuan’s gaze remained unchanged. Her peach blossom eyes were filled with tears, but deep within them lay a chilling coldness.

A golden chain silently emerged from her sleeve.

“The Desolate Time Lock?!”

The evil deity looked up in fear at the girl who seemed to tower over it. “You’re the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden?!”

Ye Lingxuan didn’t answer. The Desolate Time Lock in her sleeve transformed into sharp blades, wrapping around the creature.

“Is the Forbidden Zone planning to become an enemy of the Southern Wilderness?!” the creature shrieked.

It sensed danger. Its current state was dire. The Jade Empress’s vines were continuously draining its Spiritual Energy, and if it were bound by the Desolate Time Lock… the consequences would be unimaginable.

The Desolate Time Lock silently tightened its grip. The creature’s body rapidly aged. For Ye Lingxuan and the others, only a short amount of time had passed, but for the creature, it felt like eons.

Ye Lingxuan paid no attention to its pleas. The Desolate Time Lock tightened further, and finally, the creature’s body, its Vessel sealed by the Jade Empress, crumbled into dust, scattering across the hall. Only Ye Lingxuan’s cold voice remained.

“Let them come.”

The Desolate Time Lock silently retreated into her sleeve.

“Lingxuan is so cool. I never saw that side of her before…” Mu Zhi’an thought to himself within the ice coffin.

Although it was a shame he couldn’t see her expression, just hearing her voice was enough for him to imagine her demeanor.

Then, as the continuous sobs gradually turned into sniffles, Mu Zhi’an felt even more touched, realizing that the Jade Empress and Lin Ling should soon notice that his consciousness was still present.

After all, three days had passed. The Turtle Breath Pill had been protecting his consciousness, but now, cracks had appeared on the pill. With their level of cultivation, the Jade Empress and Lin Ling would surely notice soon.

Half an hour later, the peak masters of Dao Peak, Boundless Sea Peak, and even Mu Zhi’an’s master arrived at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony to mourn the deceased disciple.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy with sorrow.

Those who didn’t know the truth naturally believed the situation was dire. Even if they obtained a Soul Returning Pill, it might not be enough to bring Mu Zhi’an back unless his consciousness could be pieced back together.

But the peak masters knew how difficult that would be.

More and more people gathered in the hall. Disciples who had received Mu Zhi’an’s help in the past, Huang Manting, and others arrived at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony to pay their respects.

“Senior Sister.”

Suddenly, Mu Zhi’an heard someone call out.

Then, more voices echoed in the hall as Lan Mulian and her younger sister, Lan Feiying, arrived.

Neither sister looked well. Lan Mulian gazed at the frozen young man, his face pale and lifeless. It seemed she was remembering the lively and mischievous Mu Zhi’an she once knew, her eyes downcast.

It seemed almost everyone he knew was here. The only one missing was the Sect Master…?

But that was understandable. If she came, it would cause a commotion. Besides, that woman was too mysterious; she might already know I’m not dead… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Out of everyone he knew, the Sect Master was the one he couldn’t figure out.

Firstly, because they rarely interacted. Secondly, she seemed to possess the ability to divine the future and might already know he was alive. Otherwise, why would she demand Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs from the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness to reconstruct his body?

I never realized my fish pond had expanded to this extent… Mu Zhi’an listened to the voices outside, feeling both touched and amused.

Soon after, the disciples departed, leaving only the peak masters and a few talented young women.

Suddenly, Mu Zhi’an heard footsteps approaching him. Then, Ye Lingxuan’s voice rang out, “Qian’er, what are you doing?”

Ye Qian slowly crouched down and took out a peach blossom and a snow lotus from her storage ring, carefully placing them beside the ice sculpture.

“Brother Mu gave me these peach blossom and snow lotus. He said they resembled me. I knew he was just trying to make me happy, but I was still delighted.”

“He promised to take me to the Pilgrimage Palace to see the peach blossoms, but…”

Ye Qian’s voice choked with sobs, tears welling up in her eyes.

Lan Mulian watched silently, then stepped forward and placed a peach blossom and a snow lotus beside Mu Zhi’an’s ice coffin.

“I remember he once told me that he said Bai Ruoxi resembled a snow lotus the most because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings,” Lan Mulian sighed softly.

“Junior Brother Mu was truly a thoughtful person.”

Bai Ruoxi was stunned.

After a long silence, she chuckled softly.

“So Mu Lang was just trying to make me happy?”

She had always known, but she hadn’t thought much of it.

Bai Ruoxi silently stepped forward and placed a snow lotus beside Mu Zhi’an’s ice coffin.

Wei Mengrou remained silent, also placing a snow lotus beside him.

In an instant, Mu Zhi’an’s surroundings were filled with snow lotuses and peach blossoms.

Although he didn’t know what they were doing, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

“Did he give you all snow lotuses?” the Jade Empress couldn’t help but ask softly.

Ye Qian rubbed her red eyes and wiped away her tears. “Everyone received one back in Tianxuan City.”

“He also told me about seeing the peach blossoms at the Pilgrimage Palace,” Lan Mulian said softly.

“Brother Mu took me there,” Ye Lingxuan added.

“Mu Lang took me there too.”

Silence fell over the room.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart pounded uncontrollably, as if it might leap out of his chest. His previous sense of comfort vanished.

“Aaa?”

Amidst the sorrowful atmosphere, a slightly out-of-place song suddenly rang out.

Lin Ling had been so sad that she couldn’t even eat her meat buns, but now her eyes seemed to brighten as she walked towards Mu Zhi’an’s ice coffin.

“Senior Ling Long…?” Ye Lingxuan and the others were confused by her sudden change in behavior.

“The ice will melt now.”

Lin Ling’s melodious voice echoed through the hall. While everyone was still puzzled, the Jade Empress also sensed something strange. Her previously dim eyes lit up slightly.

“He’s still alive!”

The atmosphere in the hall shifted. All eyes turned towards the melting ice sculpture.

“He’s indeed alive. I can sense his consciousness!” Yan Ruyu exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

The peak masters of Dao Peak, Boundless Sea Peak, and even Ying Guhuan, Yu Xuanji, and the others also stared at the melting ice with bright eyes.

Hiss!

As the ice melted, mist rose into the air.

Crack.

Cracking sounds came from the Turtle Breath Pill within Mu Zhi’an’s body. The Jade Empress, as if realizing something, stared at him intently. “The Turtle Breath Pill?!”

Ye Lingxuan was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up.

No wonder Brother Mu was still alive! He must have taken the Turtle Breath Pill before he ‘died’, protecting his consciousness!

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes also sparkled with hope as she gazed at Mu Zhi’an expectantly.

The peak masters remained silent, their eyes fixed on the young man beneath the melting ice.

Lan Feiying clutched her sister’s wrist, nervously watching the scene unfold.

The cracking sounds continued until finally, the Turtle Breath Pill shattered completely.

Under the expectant gazes of everyone present, Mu Zhi’an suddenly opened his eyes.

A collective sigh of relief filled the hall, followed by a wave of joyous surprise.

He was alive!

Chapter 225: Mu Zhi’an’s Rebirth  p1

Late at night. Two Polarities Peak.

The day’s events involving the three major powers had sent shockwaves throughout the Nine Realms. Both within the sect and outside, everyone was discussing the shocking turn of events.

Shang Yanfei sat alone in the pavilion, sipping her tea.

Ling Long had left not long ago. It seemed she had sensed the Jade Empress returning to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony with Mu Zhi’an and rushed to check on her beloved chef.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, Shang Yanfei looked up.

A woman in a moon-white dress had silently appeared before her.

Lan Mulian, as always, exuded an air of coldness and nobility. If one ignored her ample bosom and slender waist, she resembled a pristine lotus, pure and untainted.

“Finished with your cultivation?” Shang Yanfei asked.

Lan Mulian nodded slightly, then hesitated for a moment, looking at her master with a questioning gaze.

“You want to ask about what happened tonight?” Shang Yanfei inquired.

Lan Mulian nodded.

Both the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness had offered generous apologies, but the true reason behind the incident remained a mystery, leaving many to speculate.

“Was the attack on the Jade Empress related to the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness?” Lan Mulian asked.

“They probably sensed the Primordial Demon Emperor’s actions and decided to add fuel to the fire. The true mastermind is still trapped in the Pilgrimage Palace,” Shang Yanfei said, pouring a cup of tea and placing it on the table.

It wasn’t surprising. No one wanted another Dao Integration Realm Empress. If someone from another realm had attempted to undergo the tribulation today, they would have faced similar obstacles.

It wasn’t that the Jade Empress was special; it was the same for every Dao Integration cultivator.

“Isn’t the Primordial Demon Emperor sealed by the Jade Empress?” Lan Mulian asked, her gaze fixed on her voluptuous master.

“The seal the Jade Empress left behind has lasted for over a thousand years. With some rats secretly weakening it, it’s not surprising that it’s deteriorating,” Shang Yanfei replied.

Lan Mulian fell silent.

Dao Integration cultivators were the most exceptional geniuses of their time. They couldn’t possibly be completely powerless.

The Primordial Demon Emperor’s strength was undoubtedly beyond the imagination of most cultivators. He was simply unlucky to have encountered the Jade Empress.

Against the Pure World Azure Lotus, even the most powerful Dao Integration cultivators were helpless. They would be suppressed without exception.

However, the Jade Empress had nearly perished alongside the Primordial Demon Emperor in that battle, her consciousness almost extinguished.

“Master, are you confident about the wager?” Lan Mulian suddenly asked.

The wager had excited and worried many cultivators in the Eastern Realm. While the apologies from the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness were certainly morale-boosting, if they lost the Ascension Ceremony…

Technically, it wouldn’t be a big deal. For those powerful beings, it was just a competition between the younger generation. Ascension Ceremonies were held every few years, and it was impossible for the Two Polarities Sect to win every time.

Moreover, with so many talented individuals in the Nine Realms, the final victor might not even be from the Southern Wilderness or the Western Regions. It could be a prodigy from another realm.

“We won’t lose,” Shang Yanfei replied calmly.

As long as Mu Zhi’an was around, they couldn’t lose.

Even if he didn’t participate, the top few places in the Ascension Ceremony were already decided.

Lan Mulian glanced at Shang Yanfei but didn’t press further, silently taking a sip of tea.

Each peak master of the Two Polarities Sect’s nine peaks followed a different ‘Dao’, and Shang Yanfei had mastered them all.

Divination, formations, and other esoteric arts – she was proficient in everything. It was likely that she already knew what would happen in the future.

“Did Senior Ling Long speak up because of the Jade Empress?” Lan Mulian asked.

In her impression, Ling Long was indifferent to most things in the outside world. It didn’t seem like she would intervene for the Jade Empress’s sake.

“The Jade Empress is one reason, but Mu Zhi’an is the main reason,” Shang Yanfei revealed.

Hearing news about her junior brother, who had been away from the sect for some time, Lan Mulian couldn’t help but ask, “What does this have to do with Junior Brother Mu?”

“He was attacked and killed in the Jade Pool. The medicinal herbs we demanded were for him.”

Lan Mulian froze, her expression hardening as she stared at her master, unable to process the rest of Shang Yanfei’s words.

Raindrops fell on the ground, splashing water droplets onto the pavement outside the pavilion.

“His body has been brought back to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.”

Shang Yanfei’s subtle reminder seemed to snap Lan Mulian out of her daze. She turned and left without a word. Shang Yanfei watched her depart, then chuckled softly.

“He’s quite popular, isn’t he?”

She raised her finger and blew out a wisp of Spiritual Energy.

The energy transformed into a paper crane, flapping its wings as it flew towards the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

The medicinal pill within the crane glimmered faintly in the darkness.

Chapter 224: Seeds of Hatred 

The seemingly ordinary slap on the Go board reverberated throughout the Western Regions, culminating in a deafening roar.

The ground trembled violently!

“Amitabha.”

A Buddhist chant resonated throughout the Western Regions, as if thousands of voices were chanting in unison, the sound echoing across the Nine Realms.

A golden light pierced the night sky. In a region shrouded by dark clouds, a colossal Buddha statue materialized.

A tidal wave of golden light followed, and the trembling earth gradually calmed.

Countless Buddhist disciples in the Western Regions looked up, their expressions tense. Although they didn’t know what was happening, they could sense that a powerful being from the Western Regions was clashing with the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect in the Eastern Realm.

The reason for this conflict remained unknown.

“Shang Yanfei, the Two Polarities Sect has never interfered in external affairs. Your actions will lead the sect to ruin,” a sinister voice from the depths of the Southern Wilderness boomed.

“The Ling Long’s words might hold power, but that doesn’t mean she won’t suffer backlash. Are you truly willing to pit the Two Polarities Sect against both the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions?” another cold voice echoed. Although the tone was strong, it was actually offering Shang Yanfei a way out, hoping to avoid a full-blown conflict.

The Ling Long’s power was terrifying. Although a certain ‘restriction’ prevented her from speaking frequently, every word she uttered resonated with the Great Dao. If she truly unleashed her power, the Southern Wilderness would suffer immense losses.

In that case, other forces lurking in the shadows might seize the opportunity to benefit.

“Amitabha, Benefactor Shang, it’s best to reconsider your actions.”

“Pitting the Two Polarities Sect against the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions is unwise,” a Buddha said slowly.

“One Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus,” Shang Yanfei declared.

“You know better than I do why I need this Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus from the Western Regions.”

Why would the Western Regions intervene on behalf of the Southern Wilderness and even side with them when the Eastern Realm and the Southern Wilderness were at odds?

Logically, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for the Western Regions to watch from the sidelines as the two sides fought each other?

Just like the other forces that were currently silent.

Yet, the Western Regions had chosen to speak up.

The only explanation was that they were also involved in hindering the Jade Empress’s rebirth and had even reached an agreement with the Southern Wilderness, forcing them to intervene.

After all, the forces that wished to prevent the Jade Empress’s return were far more than just the evil deities of the Southern Wilderness.

The Jade Empress had visited the Western Regions in the past, and it seemed something unpleasant had happened. Now that they knew she was reconstructing her Vessel, the powerful beings in the Western Regions naturally didn’t want her to regain her Dao Integration Realm cultivation.

“In addition, I also want an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb from the Southern Wilderness,” Shang Yanfei said calmly.

“Demanding medicinal herbs from both the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness? The Two Polarities Sect alone isn’t enough for that.” Finally, an evil deity in the Southern Wilderness couldn’t hold back any longer. It extended a giant hand from the depths of the Southern Wilderness, covering the sky as it reached towards the Eastern Realm.

Countless cultivators in the Eastern Realm trembled, realizing that an evil deity from the Southern Wilderness was about to attack!

However, before the giant hand could reach its target, thunder roared, and a voice echoed, “The Two Polarities Sect might not be enough, but what about with the Forbidden Zone?”

Amidst the rolling thunder, a majestic voice resonated throughout the Nine Realms. Before the evil deity’s hand could touch the edge of the Eastern Realm, pitch-black flames erupted along the border.

Boom!

A deafening explosion shook the border of the Eastern Realm. The evil deity silently retracted its hand, seemingly enraged. “Master of the Forbidden Zone, what business does the Forbidden Zone have in this?!”

In a sense, the Forbidden Zone was a special ‘Celestial Realm’. Even if the Eastern Realm disappeared, the Forbidden Zone would still exist. This was one of the reasons why it had never interfered in the Eastern Realm’s affairs in the past.

Yet, the Master of the Forbidden Zone had intervened this time. It didn’t make sense.

“That cultivator is my daughter’s Dao Companion,” the Master of the Forbidden Zone said calmly.

That cultivator…?

The Jade Empress’s Dao Companion and the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ son-in-law…?

Even the old monsters were stunned by this revelation, finding it utterly absurd.

With the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ personality, how could he allow his son-in-law to have more than one Dao Companion?

But the Master of the Forbidden Zone wouldn’t lie about this.

This meant… that the deceased young man was likely backed by the Forbidden Zone!

As the Master of the Forbidden Zone’ voice faded, the tense atmosphere seemed to ease slightly.

If it were just the Two Polarities Sect, the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness might have been able to persuade Shang Yanfei to back down. But with the addition of the Forbidden Zone, and even the Jade Empress…

An evil deity in the Southern Wilderness slowly spoke, “I can decide to give an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb from the Southern Wilderness to the Two Polarities Sect.”

The deity paused, then continued, “The Two Polarities Sect’s Ascension Ceremony is renowned throughout the Nine Realms, attracting countless cultivators every year. How about we settle this with a wager?”

“If the Eastern Realm wins the Ascension Ceremony, the medicinal herb will be our congratulatory gift, and I will offer an eighth-grade pill as a reward for the ceremony. If our disciples from the Southern Wilderness win, you only need to return an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb to us. How does that sound?”

“If this wager is acceptable, the Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus can be handed over to the sect today. What do you think, Benefactor Shang?” a powerful being from the Western Regions also spoke.

“The winner of the Ascension Ceremony will receive an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb and two eighth-grade pills, one from each of us.”

If beings at the Dao Integration Realm fought, the entire Nine Realms would descend into chaos.

Two Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs were incredibly valuable even to such powerful beings, but the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were in the wrong. With the Forbidden Zone’s involvement and the presence of the Reincarnated Empress… they needed to proceed cautiously.

Powerful beings from all realms had sensed the Reincarnated Empress’s aura. The puppet by her side was also a ‘Reincarnated Empress’ and at the Dao Integration Realm, a force to be reckoned with.

The Jade Empress’s rebirth was a certainty. Coupled with the Two Polarities Sect, the Forbidden Zone, and other factors, neither side wanted to continue this conflict.

Moreover, both the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness had great confidence in their disciples.

Shang Yanfei tapped her fingers on the table and said calmly, “One thing at a time. The wager is acceptable, but it’s separate from this matter.”

Many were stunned by the Sect Master’s assertiveness. She was willing to accept the wager at the Ascension Ceremony, but this incident needed to be addressed separately.

“I want an apology, not for the two matters to be entangled.”

As her voice echoed, the evil deities in the Southern Wilderness fell silent, and the Buddha from the Western Regions didn’t speak.

“A natural disaster will befall the Southern Wilderness,” Lin Ling said softly.

As soon as she finished speaking, torrential rain began to pour down upon the Southern Wilderness.

At the same time, deep within the Southern Wilderness, a deity spoke slowly, “This was indeed caused by some newcomers to the Southern Wilderness who didn’t know better. An Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb will serve as an apology. In addition, we will personally send someone to the Jade Pool Sacred Land to apologize.”

If Mu Zhi’an were present, he would probably be rolling his eyes, thinking: Here it comes, the classic excuse of blaming everything on temporary employees.

“Amitabha, I will hand over the Purple Phoenix Buddha Lotus to Benefactor Shang today,” the powerful being from the Western Regions also spoke.

In reality, the true mastermind behind this incident was the Primordial Demon Emperor. Both the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were merely following his lead.

But they still chose to apologize because they were indeed in the wrong.

However, the real reason was the Ling Long’s presence. If she truly unleashed her power, it would result in massive casualties. Neither the Western Regions nor the Southern Wilderness wanted to risk a full-blown conflict, as it would destabilize the Nine Realms and affect their future cultivation.

Normally, the Ling Long wouldn’t interfere in external affairs. No one knew why she was helping a mere young cultivator and had even used her power several times.

No one dared to continue gambling.

Shang Yanfei silently withdrew her gaze and said calmly, “Since you’re all interested in the Ascension Ceremony, let’s have a wager.”

As her voice faded, thunder rumbled in the sky, the Heavenly Dao acknowledging the three-way wager.

A wager between the Two Polarities Sect, the Western Regions, and the Southern Wilderness!

This news caused a stir among the younger generation of cultivators in the Eastern Realm.

Talented individuals from all over the Nine Realms would gather at the Two Polarities Sect, competing in the Ascension Ceremony to determine the strongest among them!

This was an era filled with prodigies, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.

Everyone was eager to see which talent would ultimately prevail in the Ascension Ceremony.

Even after the three parties withdrew their divine powers, the topic continued to be hotly debated throughout the Nine Realms.

The Two Polarities Sect was livelier than ever before.

Amidst this excitement, Mu Zhi’an’s ‘body’ was returned to the Two Polarities Sect that night.

Rain fell over the Two Polarities Sect, the raindrops pattering against the ground like countless blooming lotuses.

News of Mu Zhi’an’s death spread throughout the sect almost instantly.

The Jade Empress slowly pushed open the doors of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and entered the courtyard.

Beside her, Ye Lingxuan and Wei Mengrou’s faces were expressionless.

Although the medicinal herb from the Southern Wilderness might be able to gather his scattered consciousness and bring him back, no one knew for sure if he could truly be saved.

Even though they held onto hope, seeing Mu Zhi’an’s pale face as he lay encased in ice still caused them immense pain.

“I’ll go find Qian’er first,” Ye Lingxuan said softly.

Ye Qian was still unaware of what had happened. In fact, most people probably wouldn’t have guessed that this huge commotion, which almost led to a full-blown war between three major forces, was all because of the death of a Core Formation cultivator.

…

Ye Lingxuan entered the courtyard where she had been staying for the past six months and soon saw her younger sister, Ye Qian, by the garden.

The pure and innocent-looking girl sat alone under the eaves, watching the falling rain, swinging her feet idly, her back radiating a sense of loneliness.

This sight also pained Ye Lingxuan. Facing her younger sister, the usually composed and seemingly perfect Holy Maiden felt a surge of guilt and unease.

Ye Qian was no longer the Foundation Establishment cultivator she once was. The more of the Jade Empress’s inheritance she received, the stronger she became. She was already at the second-grade Core Formation Realm.

As if sensing something, Ye Qian turned her head.

Her bright eyes sparkled with joy. “Sister, you’re back?!”

Ignoring the light rain, she ran towards Ye Lingxuan and threw herself into her arms.

Ye Lingxuan smiled, trying to maintain her usual composure. However, seeing the bright smile on her younger sister’s face, the smile on the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden slowly faded.

She lowered her gaze, her usually bright eyes now filled with a shadow of sadness.

“What’s wrong, Sister? Did something go wrong with the inheritance?” Ye Qian also sensed something was amiss and looked at Ye Lingxuan, then at the ‘puppet’ standing silently beside her.

Ye Lingxuan opened her mouth slightly, but no words came out for a long time. Finally, she whispered, “The inheritance went smoothly.”

Ye Qian tilted her head in confusion, looking at the girl in the purple dress. “Then why do you look so downcast, Sister? Even cultivators need to maintain a good mood. Too much stress can affect your cultivation, you know?”

“That’s what Master said.” Ye Qian pulled Ye Lingxuan down to sit in the garden and said, “By the way, Sister, did you hear about what happened between the Sect Master and the other two forces today?”

Ye Lingxuan nodded slightly.

“I wonder how Senior Jade Empress is doing… It seems like this whole incident was caused by those forces trying to stop her, right?” Ye Qian said.

“The true culprits are the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates. The Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions were just adding fuel to the fire.”

Ye Lingxuan paused, then continued, “The Jade Empress has returned to the sect.”

Ye Qian’s eyes lit up with joy. “Senior Jade Empress is back?”

“Then… Brother Mu should be back too, right?”

Ye Lingxuan froze, unable to speak for a long time.

Raindrops fell on the stone path outside the courtyard, the pitter-patter echoing in the ears of the two sisters.

“…Sister?” Ye Qian called out softly, cautiously observing Ye Lingxuan’s gloomy expression.

“Did you and Brother Mu have a fight?”

Under Ye Qian’s bright gaze, Ye Lingxuan bit her lip and unconsciously tightened her grip on her sister’s hand. “Brother Mu is dead.”

Ye Qian had been about to advise them to reconcile, even thinking about the best way to phrase it. But hearing Ye Lingxuan’s answer, she was stunned.

After a long silence, she stammered, “S-Sister… What did you just say?”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Ye Lingxuan bit her lower lip and whispered, “Brother Mu was attacked and killed when he returned to the Jade Pool. When I found him, his consciousness was already gone.”

Ye Qian’s cheerful smile slowly faded, her eyes widening as she unconsciously clutched her dress.

“I don’t believe it.”

Her voice cracked with tears, her eyes shimmering. She stood up, her body swaying slightly. “You must be lying, Sister. I-I’m going to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony to find him!”

She stumbled towards the courtyard gate, but her steps gradually slowed. The journey from here to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, which usually took less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, now seemed impossibly far.

Ye Qian slowly sank to the ground, her forehead resting on her knees. Her beautiful dress was quickly soaked by the rain, water droplets tracing paths down her cheeks, tears glimmering in the dim light.

Ye Lingxuan opened an oil-paper umbrella and silently crouched beside her sister, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, resting her head against Ye Qian’s. She seemed to be comforting her sister, but it was as if she also needed someone to lean on.

“Master seems very sad. Do you need me to do anything?” the puppet asked.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful woman, indistinguishable from a normal human. Although she concealed her aura, she was one of the reasons why the Western Regions and the Southern Wilderness had agreed to Shang Yanfei’s terms.

“Not now,” Ye Lingxuan whispered.

“Does that mean you will need me later?” the puppet asked.

Ye Lingxuan looked up at the rain falling in the night, feeling Ye Qian’s trembling body. She gently stroked her sister’s wet hair.

“If Brother Mu’s consciousness can’t be recovered…” she turned to the puppet, her voice cold.

“The stability of the Nine Realms won’t matter to me anymore.”

Chapter 223: Are You Kidding Me? 

The emergence of the Forbidden Zone’s powerful beings and the suppression of the two Primordial Clans sent shockwaves throughout the Eastern Realm. Soon after, the Two Polarities Sect also joined the fray.

It was clear that a major reckoning was about to take place, purging the Eastern Realm of its ‘parasites’. The entire region was in turmoil. Primordial Clans sought out talismans imbued with the Qi Observation Technique to examine their own members for any signs of collusion with Demonic Cultivators. Fierce battles erupted within these clans over the next two days.

However, even amidst this chaos, the old monsters in seclusion remained hidden.

They knew this was just the beginning.

The deity from the Southern Wilderness and the Primordial Demon Emperor, the true masterminds behind the incident, were still lurking in the shadows.

It was even possible that more creatures from the Southern Wilderness were still hiding within the Eastern Realm!

The offspring of the Southern Wilderness deity were infamous throughout the Nine Realms.

They were known as the ‘Unseeable,’ creatures that could not be looked upon directly.

Because anyone who saw them would be confronted with their deepest fears.

Over the past two days, people in Sacred King City had witnessed the Jade Empress carrying a young man as she traveled throughout the Jade Pool, even visiting the ancestral land.

This news shocked many cultivators in the city.

Mu Zhi’an had visited Sacred King City several times, so many people recognized him.

However, the fact that the Jade Empress personally carried him back to the Jade Pool was truly astonishing.

Contrary to expectations, Ye Lingxuan, who should have been grieving, was unusually calm. She hadn’t left the Jade Pool for two days, and the ‘puppet,’ or rather the Reincarnated Empress, had disappeared.

Ye Lingxuan sat alone in the courtyard, her back radiating a sense of loneliness.

Now at the Core Formation Realm, she could stay awake for days without any problems, but sitting alone in the courtyard for two days straight still worried those around her.

Early one morning, Wei Mengrou, whose injuries had somewhat healed, visited the Jade Pool courtyard. Seeing Ye Lingxuan sitting on a chair, seemingly lost in thought, her heart ached.

“Even at the Core Formation Realm, you should still take care of yourself.”

Ye Lingxuan didn’t look up. She shook her head and smiled faintly. “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“Is there something you need, Sister Mengrou?” she asked.

“The Jade Empress said she’s going to temporarily freeze his body today. Maybe there’s a way to revive him later,” Wei Mengrou said.

Ye Lingxuan was stunned, her eyes shimmering with tears.

She lowered her gaze and murmured, “Mm.”

Wei Mengrou looked at the girl in the purple dress, wanting to say something more.

But Ye Lingxuan lifted her head and said, “Sister Mengrou, don’t worry too much about me. I’m fine, as I said.”

“The Violet Rainbow Sect and the Profound Sky Sect were just pawns. I know what the best course of action is until we catch the true culprits.”

Wei Mengrou remained silent for a moment, then sat down beside Ye Lingxuan.

“Is your inheritance complete?” she asked.

She knew Ye Lingxuan didn’t want to talk about Mu Zhi’an anymore, so she decided to change the subject.

Ye Lingxuan shook her head gently. “Not yet, but I can continue receiving it after we return to the sect.”

The Forbidden Zone’s inheritance resided within the ‘puppet’ Ye Lingxuan had created. As long as the puppet was with her, she could resume the inheritance at any time.

Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. “You’re already at the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm. Once the inheritance is complete, you should be at least at the sixth-grade, or even higher?”

“Mm.” Ye Lingxuan nodded gently, her expression calm.

From a Foundation Establishment cultivator to the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm in less than half a month – such a cultivation speed was beyond the reach of even the most talented individuals.

Ye Lingxuan was beginning to show her true potential, and in the future, she would leave her peers far behind.

Mu Zhi’an’s previous guess was right. If he hadn’t captured Ye Lingxuan’s heart while she was young, it would be almost impossible to do so in the future.

Because Ye Lingxuan’s character and talent were far superior to those of her generation.

After chatting for a while, Wei Mengrou’s gaze fell upon the snow lotus in Ye Lingxuan’s hand.

She recognized it.

Because she also had the same snow lotus.

However, the one in Ye Lingxuan’s hand had withered.

“Brother Mu gave this to me before. It’s a shame I accidentally let it wither while I was receiving the inheritance,” Ye Lingxuan explained, noticing Wei Mengrou’s gaze.

Wei Mengrou hesitated for a moment, then took out a flowerpot from her storage ring.

The pot contained Luminous Soil, and within it bloomed a vibrant snow lotus.

She handed the snow lotus to Ye Lingxuan.

Ye Lingxuan immediately shook her head and smiled. “No need. Although it’s a bit of a pity, if I really want a snow lotus, I can just pick another one from the Mu family. Brother Mu wouldn’t mind—”

Her voice suddenly choked, and her heart ached as if pierced by a needle, a wave of sorrow overwhelming her.

She took a shallow breath and exhaled slowly.

Just as she was about to force a smile, Wei Mengrou gently pulled her head into her embrace, stroking her smooth hair.

“There’s no one else here, so it’s okay,” she whispered in Ye Lingxuan’s ear.

“I told you I’m fine…” Ye Lingxuan whispered again.

However, for some reason, under Wei Mengrou’s comfort, the composure the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden had always maintained seemed to crumble. Wei Mengrou soon felt her clothes becoming damp with tears.

After a long time, Ye Lingxuan wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, her eyes red-rimmed. “Sister Mengrou, aren’t you sad?”

Wei Mengrou smiled gently. “Of course I am.”

“But I don’t know why; I just can’t cry.”

She pointed to her chest and whispered, “It feels empty here.”

…

Evening. The sun began to set.

The Jade Empress opened her eyes on the throne, a hint of fatigue in them.

“Senior Jade Empress, are you alright…?” an elder below couldn’t help but ask with concern.

“I’m fine,” the Jade Empress shook her head slowly.

She felt weak, partly because she hadn’t absorbed any Spiritual Energy for the past two days, and partly because she had been suppressing the arrival of her Primordial Spirit Tribulation.

Some people in the Jade Pool speculated that she had pushed herself too hard to accelerate her Vessel condensation process, causing backlash.

But in reality, it had nothing to do with backlash…

The Jade Empress leaned back on the throne, quietly waiting for nightfall.

She was a patient person. Until the big fish took the bait, she could wait motionlessly.

…

Night fell, but Sacred King City remained bustling. The recent events at the Jade Pool Sacred Land were the hottest topic among cultivators.

The Forbidden Zone’s investigation of Sacred King City had ended, and the Thunder God and the Kun Peng seemed to have departed, but most people hadn’t left the city.

The outside world was in chaos. Primordial Clans were investigating their own members, and those who had just undergone scrutiny didn’t want to return to their families and add to the turmoil.

Moreover, many had a feeling that this incident wasn’t over yet…

The Jade Pool had been attacked by two Primordial Clans wielding ancestral artifacts.

The question was, why did these two clans attack the Jade Pool Sacred Land?

Naturally, they were seeking some benefit… And this benefit was likely connected to a more powerful force.

This matter wouldn’t just disappear.

Of course, some people were afraid of being implicated and chose to leave Sacred King City under the cover of night.

At midnight, a shadowy figure blended into the crowd, silently following them out of the city, a sneer in its heart.

To be safe, it hadn’t escaped on the night the Jade Empress left the Jade Pool. Instead, it had waited until everyone let their guard down before making its move.

Although it was a shame that the Jade Empress had successfully condensed her Vessel, escaping from a Dao Integration Realm Empress was already fortunate enough. It couldn’t ask for more.

Moreover, that young cultivator was close to the Empress and seemed to be an enhanced version of an Innate Celestial Furnace. If he were allowed to grow, he might help create more Empresses in the future.

Getting rid of him was also eliminating a potential threat.

At this moment, a flash of emerald green light caught the creature’s eye. It froze and looked up instinctively.

A green lotus bloomed silently in the sky, illuminating the entire night with its emerald glow!

Then, a giant hand descended from the sky, pinning the creature to the ground. Vines surged forth, binding it tightly.

The creature looked up in terror and shrieked, “Jade Empress?! Didn’t you leave? Why are you still here?!”

The Jade Empress’s figure silently appeared before everyone.

She was like a celestial maiden, unattainable, her beautiful face calm and serene.

“I won’t go anywhere until the true culprit is caught.”

The Jade Empress had announced her departure and even deliberately created the illusion of leaving with Mu Zhi’an.

But no one had expected that she would conceal her aura and return to the Jade Pool with him.

She had been suppressing her tribulation and waiting for this moment!

This creature was the offspring of the evil deity from the Southern Wilderness, hiding within Sacred King City. It was an Earthly Immortal who had comprehended a trace of Dao and one of the true culprits behind the attack on the Jade Pool!

The vines tightened, and the creature felt its Spiritual Energy rapidly draining. It panicked and whispered something.

Boom… Boom… Boom…

Thunder roared in the sky.

It was said that the deity of the Southern Wilderness was quite peculiar. As long as its true followers called upon its name, it would descend.

Deep within the Southern Wilderness, a mysterious creature with eight eyes slowly opened its eyes.

Its projection appeared in the sky above Sacred King City in an instant. It looked down at the earth and spoke slowly, “Jade Empress, release it.”

“You should know that every cultivator who seeks to reach the Dao Integration Realm will face obstacles. This is the Heavenly Dao’s test. As for the death of your Dao Companion, it wasn’t my intention.”

Its voice boomed like thunder, echoing throughout the Eastern Realm, causing many strange creatures in the Southern Wilderness to cheer the deity’s name.

“Save him, or I will personally visit the Southern Wilderness in a few days,” the Jade Empress said calmly.

Legend had it that deep within the Southern Wilderness, there existed a special Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb that could even capture fragments of a deceased person’s soul and guide them back to their body.

Combined with Rebirth Water, the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, and other ingredients, a Soul Returning Pill could be refined, giving Mu Zhi’an a chance to recover.

The creature looked at the ice-encased young man within the Jade Pool Sacred Land and said slowly, “Your Dao Companion’s consciousness has vanished. He cannot be saved. Give up.”

At the same time, deep within the Southern Wilderness, another Unseeable silently opened its eyes.

“Are you planning to declare war on the Southern Wilderness for a mere young cultivator, Shang Yanfei?”

It wanted Shang Yanfei to intervene and persuade the Jade Empress to back down.

At that very moment, a golden light illuminated the night, accompanied by a voice that could calm even the most restless heart.

“Amitabha.”

Golden Buddha light instantly bathed the earth.

The Buddha from the Western Regions!

Old monsters in the Eastern Realm recognized the origin of this divine statue, their hearts pounding.

The power of faith in the Western Regions was quite mysterious. In the past, cultivators who ventured there were inexplicably enlightened and never left, making many wary of the region.

“Benefactor Shang, it’s best to persuade the Jade Empress to release the creature,” the Buddha said slowly, choosing to side with the Southern Wilderness. Its benevolent gaze fell upon the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect in the distance.

This was a form of pressure. Logically, the Two Polarities Sect wouldn’t intervene for a mere young cultivator.

***

Two Polarities Peak.

In an elegant pavilion, Shang Yanfei sipped her tea and looked at the silver-haired beauty before her, smiling. “It’s up to you to decide how to play this.”

Lin Ling looked at the Go board and said calmly, “The Go board is the Southern Wilderness.”

Thunder rumbled in the sky, the Great Dao stirred by Lin Ling’s words.

Shang Yanfei cooperated and raised her hand, gently tapping the Go board.

The board vibrated slightly.

Almost instantly, the entire Southern Wilderness trembled violently!

Several powerful beings in the Southern Wilderness awakened, startled by the terrifying aura.

“The Go board is also the Western Regions,” Lin Ling continued.

“Shang Yanfei, how dare you—!”

Powerful beings in the Western Regions were alerted, filled with shock and anger. They were sensitive to danger, and even though Shang Yanfei hadn’t made a move yet, they could already sense something was amiss.

Shang Yanfei smiled brightly. “Guess whether I dare or not.”

She slammed her hand down on the Go board.

Chapter 222: Eastern Realm in Turmoil p2

…

Great Qian Dynasty.

The Emperor of the mortal realm stood in front of the palace, his hands clasped behind his back, his dragon robe billowing in the wind. He looked up at the distant sky and suddenly spoke, “Imperial Advisor, do you know why those dark clouds have gathered?”

Not far behind him, a man in a Daoist robe stood on the observation tower, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

His eyes were deep, as if piercing through the palace and reaching the Jade Pool.

“The Forbidden Zone has emerged.”

“The Forbidden Zone?” The Emperor’s heart skipped a beat. “The Forbidden Zone hasn’t emerged for a thousand years. Why would it…”

The Forbidden Zone was a source of fear not only for cultivators in the Eastern Realm but also for the Emperor, who controlled the fate of the entire dynasty. Its emergence naturally raised concerns.

The Imperial Advisor in the Daoist robe looked up at the rolling dark clouds but didn’t answer. He only said softly, “Your Majesty, a storm is coming. You should return to rest and avoid catching a cold.”

…

As the towering trident materialized outside the Jade Pool, the two Sect Masters’ escape route was cut off.

They looked up in fear, seeing only the terrifying creature covered in lightning under the sky.

Another giant shadow swept across the sky, creating a gust of wind.

Fu Yuan looked up. The creature resembled a sea dragon, blotting out the sun. It swam through the dark clouds, then in the next instant, transformed into a dazzling golden roc.

The Kun Peng!

This was also one of the most powerful beings in the Forbidden Zone, renowned throughout the Nine Realms for its speed. Some had claimed to have seen it in the World Sea in the past. It had emerged from the sea near the Northern Demon Realm, transformed from a Kun into a Peng*, then passed through the Forbidden Zone and never left.

Why were the Kun Peng and the Thunder God here?!

The Sect Master of the Violet Rainbow Sect’s eyes were filled with fear as he looked up at the sky. He saw the Kun Peng approaching them.

The Jade Empress also looked up at the colossal Kun Peng. Her green dress danced in the wind, but her expression remained calm.

Fu Yuan felt a chill down his spine and turned around. When he saw the Jade Empress walking towards them, carrying Mu Zhi’an’s body, his heart pounded uncontrollably, and his fear intensified.

Her green dress was stained with blood, yet her skin remained spotless, breathtakingly beautiful.

But seeing her filled the man in the green robe with terror.

The Jade Empress’s Vessel had been condensed. Even though it wasn’t fully replenished with Spiritual Energy, it wasn’t something an Earthly Immortal could touch.

Why was the Jade Empress, who should have been attacked, here? What were the remnants of the Primordial Demon Emperor and that deity from the Southern Wilderness doing?!

They had dared to gamble this time because a deity from the Southern Wilderness was involved.

Normally, it would take the Jade Empress more than half a month to condense her Vessel. That was why they had acted so decisively, wanting to seize the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

But they never expected that the Jade Empress would condense her Vessel ahead of schedule and resonate with the Great Dao.

And until now, the evil deity from the Southern Wilderness hadn’t appeared.

At this moment, a wisp of black mist silently spread outside the Jade Pool.

Yao Meng also sensed the mist. She calmly looked at the black mist before her, her entire body emitting a faint silver glow, but bloodstains still marred her green dress.

The black mist gradually expanded, eventually covering most of the area outside the Jade Pool.

Within the mist, a creature seemed to be observing the Jade Empress, hesitating whether to attack.

The man in the green robe immediately understood. He grasped at this last straw of hope and shouted urgently, “Lord Evil God, the Jade Empress’s Vessel has been condensed, but she hasn’t undergone the Primordial Spirit Tribulation yet! This is a rare opportunity!”

Hearing this, the creature within the black mist seemed to stir.

Then, a grating voice, like nails scraping against glass, slowly echoed through the area. “Hand over Lina to me, and we will leave.”

Within the Jade Pool Sacred Land, a green lotus that enveloped the entire Jade Pool silently bloomed, immobilizing everyone, including the grotesque creature from the Southern Wilderness.

It had backed down, unwilling to protect them, only wanting to take the genius from the Southern Wilderness!

Realizing this, the man in the green robe’s heart pounded uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he turned and transformed into a streak of light, attempting to escape.

However, in the sky, the colossal Kun Peng collided with him head-on. The overwhelming pressure was suffocating.

At this moment, the Sect Master of the Violet Rainbow Sect was filled with boundless regret, anger, and a strong desire to survive.

He didn’t regret attacking the Jade Pool, but he regretted not acting faster and more ruthlessly, seizing the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, completing the deal, and escaping from the Eastern Realm with the eighth-grade pill.

His anger stemmed from the fact that even the Forbidden Zone, which had never interfered in the Eastern Realm’s affairs, had sent out its powerful beings, and it seemed they were targeting him.

Knowing that he couldn’t escape, a ruthless glint appeared in the man’s eyes. Emerald green flames danced in his hands, and his aura surged.

He was burning his essence, willing to pay any price to break through the encirclement.

The emerald green flames blasted towards the Kun Peng in the sky. At the same time, the man summoned his ancestral artifact, attempting to suppress the powerful being from the Forbidden Zone.

The Kun Peng let out a piercing cry, the sound waves deafening. The man’s soul almost separated from his body. While he was still disoriented, the Kun Peng raised its giant claw and slammed it down towards him.

Boom!

The attack sent the man crashing to the ground, creating a huge human-shaped crater.

This was why many cultivators feared Demonic Cultivators.

Some Demonic Cultivators had enormous bodies. Even if a Demonic Cultivator and a human cultivator were both at the Nascent Soul Realm and at the same grade, the Demonic Cultivator’s Nascent Soul Realm was simply superior.

Because the bodies and Vessels of these divine beasts were far stronger than those of ordinary cultivators.

Human cultivators of the same level could threaten the Kun Peng, but only to a certain extent.

To put it simply, it was like an enemy AD(Attack Damage) seizing an opportunity and skillfully attacking the Kun Peng, dealing 30 damage with each auto-attack. After ten auto-attacks, the Kun Peng lost a third of its health. Then, the AD made a mistake and was instantly crushed with a single punch.

There was no fairness in this world. The physiques of ancient divine beasts were simply far superior to those of ordinary cultivators. There was nothing they could do about it.

The man in the green robe coughed up blood, but his anger intensified. He looked up abruptly and roared, “Kun Peng, stop this! If I self-destruct, you won’t escape unscathed! Think carefully—”

Slap!

Before he could finish speaking, a giant hand slapped him from the sky, sending him flying. His pupils constricted, his eyes filled with shock and anger. He summoned his ancestral artifact again.

However, at this moment, a heavy rattling sound came from the distance. Several golden chains descended from the sky, binding the man’s wrists.

He looked up abruptly, wanting to speak, but realized he couldn’t even utter a word!

The Forbidden Zone’s ancestral artifact, the Desolate Time Lock!

Under the dark sky, the colossal creature slowly descended. Its body seemed to cover half the sky. It extended a giant hand, its back touching the ground.

The ground shook violently.

From within the Thunder God’s palm, a young woman in a purple dress walked out.

Beside her, a seemingly emotionless woman followed silently. Although she restrained her aura, the terrifying power within her was still palpable.

Many people in Sacred King City were secretly watching this scene. Although they were far away, some Nascent Soul cultivators could still make out what was happening.

They speculated about the girl’s identity, their eyes filled with awe.

Although they didn’t know who she was, the fact that the two divine beasts from the Forbidden Zone treated her with such respect suggested that her status was far beyond their imagination.

The Forbidden Zone’s emergence this time was likely related to this girl!

After descending from the Thunder God’s giant hand, Ye Lingxuan didn’t even glance at the man in the green robe. Her gaze was fixed on the Jade Empress not far away.

Then, she looked at the young man in the Jade Empress’s arms, his body covered in blood, and murmured, “Brother Mu…”

…

Silence fell over the area outside the Jade Pool. Ye Lingxuan stared at the blood-soaked young man, her mind in a daze.

Fu Yuan looked at the scene with a mixture of shock and uncertainty. At this moment, even a fool could guess that the Forbidden Zone’s emergence wasn’t because of the Jade Empress, but because of this young cultivator whom they had disregarded just moments ago.

Thinking of this, Fu Yuan looked at the severely injured man in the green robe, his eyes filled with anger and frustration.

“You idiot!”

If it weren’t for him, the Forbidden Zone wouldn’t have emerged. The Jade Empress had just condensed her Vessel and hadn’t undergone the Primordial Spirit Tribulation yet. Soon, the tribulation lightning would descend, and she would have to face it. They might have had a chance then.

But now…

Fu Yuan’s eyes flickered. He looked at the young woman slowly approaching Mu Zhi’an and quietly backed away.

“Young lady, how should we deal with these people?” The Thunder God’s booming voice echoed through the air, reaching far and wide.

Ye Lingxuan gently caressed Mu Zhi’an’s face, her fingertips seeming to feel the warmth of his blood.

After an unknown amount of time, she finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly, “Kill them all.”

“Hand over Lina to me, and let us leave. I will give the Forbidden Zone and the Jade Empress an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb in the future!” The creature within the black mist said urgently.

The Jade Empress’s Vessel had been condensed. Even though it wasn’t fully replenished with Spiritual Energy, it wasn’t something it could handle.

And with the Forbidden Zone involved…

The deity from the Southern Wilderness and the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates hadn’t factored in the Forbidden Zone’s involvement when they planned to disrupt the Jade Empress’s Vessel condensation process. They knew the Forbidden Zone wouldn’t intervene for her sake.

Everyone in the Nine Realms knew about the Forbidden Zone and its policy of non-interference. The Jade Empress’s fate had nothing to do with them.

Yet, this time, powerful beings from the Forbidden Zone had emerged…

This was an extremely dangerous sign. Even when the Eastern Realm wasn’t united in the past, it already possessed enough power to make certain forces in the Nine Realms wary. If the factions within the Eastern Realm became closely connected… It was a chilling thought.

Yao Meng lowered her eyes and turned to look in the direction of the Two Polarities Sect.

“Let’s take him back to the Two Polarities Sect first.”

As she turned, a seed silently sprouted behind her. Countless vines erupted like mad, reaching towards the black mist.

Screams came from the mist. At the same time, within the Jade Pool, the elders from the two Sects didn’t even have time to cry out before they were completely entangled by the green vines.

On this day, two major Primordial Clans in the Eastern Realm were eradicated, and the news spread throughout the land.

Sacred King City welcomed several powerful beings from the Forbidden Zone.

They had only one purpose for coming to Sacred King City – to investigate the traitors.

Within half a day, several Earthly Immortals in Sacred King City were killed. They were either remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators or cultivators who had colluded with them for personal gain.

Many cursed the Profound Sky Sect and the Violet Rainbow Sect. If it weren’t for these two Primordial Clans, they wouldn’t have been implicated.

The next day, the Two Polarities Sect also sent out several elders and peak masters, using their Qi Observation Technique to investigate the traitors who had colluded with the Demonic Cultivators.

This news was met with cheers from many cultivators in Sacred King City. However, those who had colluded with the Demonic Cultivators for personal gain were filled with anxiety, living in fear every day.

Some old monsters in seclusion understood that the impact of this incident would extend far beyond Sacred King City.

From now on, all major Primordial Clans in the Eastern Realm would likely conduct internal investigations, purging any unclean elements to avoid being implicated later.

The Eastern Realm was about to face a major upheaval.

T/N:

From now on, I’ll use ‘Innate Celestial Furnace’ instead of ‘Innate Celestial Vessel’.

So, His constitution is the Innate Celestial Furnace, which has 2 vessels (1 being the normal cultivator vessel and the other being the celestial vessel)

Chapter 222: Eastern Realm in Turmoil p1

“Holy crap, I’m actually gone?!”

“I haven’t even touched Lingxuan’s legs, haven’t seen Mengrou in black silk or white silk… Damn you, Violet Rainbow Sect! Give me back my life!”

Mu Zhi’an was truly furious. Although he couldn’t do anything to a Nascent Soul cultivator with his Core Formation strength, he was still an Innate Celestial Furnace! Didn’t they consider their own daughter, if not themselves…?

What kind of villain wouldn’t even bother with a monologue before suddenly stabbing you in the heart from behind?

Mu Zhi’an felt his current state was quite peculiar. His entire being felt light and airy, as if floating in mid-air.

He tried to look at the outside world, but something blocked his vision, leaving him in darkness. He could only faintly hear the sounds from outside.

Gradually, Mu Zhi’an calmed down.

“I’m not dead, but I’m not alive either… This state is quite strange,” he thought to himself. Then, recalling the Jade Empress’s words outside, he couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.

Yao Meng… So that was her name.

He never thought he would see the Empress grieve, especially over his death.

No, he wasn’t dead. At least, his consciousness was still present.

As for why others couldn’t sense that he was still alive, it was probably related to the Turtle Breath Pill he had taken before.

Thinking of this, Mu Zhi’an tried to open his personal interface, and a screen appeared before his eyes.

[Name: Mu Zhi’an]
[Achievements: Innate Celestial Furnace, Friend of the Antagonists, Heaven’s Envy, Innate Spiritual Body (Pseudo), Sword Immortal Protection (Pseudo), Jade Empress Inheritance (Pseudo), Sacred Heavenly Body (Pseudo), Reincarnator, Innate Dao Body (Pseudo), Heaven’s Protection.]
[Status: A Wisp of Consciousness]

Mu Zhi’an wasn’t surprised by the Innate Dao Body title. He had dual cultivated with the Jade Empress a few days ago, so it was understandable that he obtained this achievement.

However, the last title was a bit strange.

Mu Zhi’an tried to check the description of Heaven’s Protection: Every rebirth is for a more beautiful reunion after a long separation.

Heaven’s Protection…?

Looking at this achievement, Mu Zhi’an’s eyes were filled with doubt.

From what he could tell, apart from the initial three titles, all other titles were obtained because of the ‘protagonists’ around him.

So, Heaven’s Protection must have also been given by a girl?

But why didn’t it have the word ‘Pseudo’ like the others?

He was still alive, probably thanks to the Turtle Breath Pill. But looking at the description of Heaven’s Protection, it seemed like this achievement also played a role in his survival.

As Mu Zhi’an thought about this, his gaze fell on the description of his status.

A Wisp of Consciousness: Only a wisp of consciousness remains within the body. Only an eighth-grade Soul Returning Pill can restore the physical body.

An eighth-grade pill? Isn’t that a bit…

Mu Zhi’an fell into deep thought.

Eighth-grade pills were extremely rare in the Nine Realms. The two Sect Masters’ betrayal was likely due to an eighth-grade pill.

Because the ingredients for eighth-grade pills always included at least one Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator obtained such a herb, they might be able to comprehend a trace of Dao from it and take a step closer to the Dao Integration Realm.

Every Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb contained one of the three Dao: Heaven, Earth, or Human.

It didn’t matter which Dao it was; for cultivators seeking immortality, as long as they could comprehend the ‘Dao,’ it was enough.

It seemed the Jade Empress hadn’t noticed my current state. The Turtle Breath Pill probably contained an Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herb, and my consciousness was protected by it before I ‘died’…

However, he wasn’t in a hurry.

Judging from the state of his consciousness, if he wanted to, his consciousness could gradually become active within his body in a few days.

By then, the Jade Empress would naturally realize that her husband was still alive.

Boom!

Just as Mu Zhi’an thought this, he heard a deafening sound.

“What’s going on?”

He tried to peer at the outside world from within his body, but his vision was still blocked. He could only faintly hear a thunderous voice:

“Traitors of the Eastern Realm, it’s time for a reckoning.”

The voice echoed like thunder, shaking the hearts of many cultivators, instilling a sense of fear and unease.

The Forbidden Zone hadn’t emerged for over a thousand years, but now it had suddenly descended upon Sacred King City?

At this moment, even the cultivators from the Primordial Clans in Sacred King City, known for their composure, and even the old monsters in seclusion within their secret chambers, couldn’t maintain their calm.

Everyone was on high alert, feeling either fear, anger, or despair.

Ordinary cultivators might not have a clear understanding of the Forbidden Zone’s strength, but some Primordial Clans had witnessed a glimpse of it in the past.

The monstrous creature with a human head and a beast’s body in the sky was the Thunder God, the guardian deity of the Forbidden Zone. Every word it uttered was accompanied by sparks of lightning, its voice booming like thunder, shaking the hearts of all who heard it. Its body alone almost covered half of Sacred King City.

This was the Thunder God’s Dharma Form, a warning to everyone present not to leave Sacred King City.

As for the reason… no one in Sacred King City knew.

But indeed, no one dared to leave.

No one knew why the Forbidden Zone had emerged this time, but at least no one dared to provoke it at this moment.

As long as they had a clear conscience, the Forbidden Zone wouldn’t act unreasonably… At least, it wouldn’t target them for no reason.

On this day, many secluded Primordial Clans and old monsters in the Eastern Realm turned their attention towards the Jade Pool Sacred Land, speculating about the reason for the Forbidden Zone’s emergence.

Chapter 221: The Forbidden Zone Emerges!

The Forbidden Zone.

It was one of the only two supreme powers in the Eastern Realm, and most cultivators felt a chill down their spines just hearing its name.

The reason for this was its curse and the beings that resided within.

In the past, some reckless cultivators, driven by the desire for treasures like Rebirth Water, had dared to venture into the Forbidden Zone. Before their mysterious deaths, they had described some of the things they had seen:

Divine beasts of the sea, the colossal Kun Peng that could blot out the sky, and even rumors of the Forbidden Zone’s master.

In short, both the Forbidden Zone’s curse and its master were beings that instilled fear in cultivators.

Fortunately, of the two supreme powers in the Eastern Realm, the Two Polarities Sect remained neutral, never interfering in external conflicts. As long as the Demonic Cultivators stayed hidden, the Two Polarities Sect wouldn’t emerge.

The Two Polarities Sect had always been the most sacred place in the hearts of cultivators.

And the Forbidden Zone, secluded in its corner, also didn’t interfere in external conflicts.

However, the Forbidden Zone wasn’t neutral; it simply disdained getting involved in the petty squabbles of the outside world.

In fact, during the Jade Empress’s reign, the Jade Pool Sacred Land had reached a level of power comparable to the Forbidden Zone, but it had gradually declined after her departure.

However, even though it wasn’t as formidable as giants like the Forbidden Zone or the Two Polarities Sect, the Jade Pool Sacred Land was still a top-tier force in the Eastern Realm.

However, this time, the attackers weren’t just two factions on par with the Jade Pool; they also possessed ancestral artifacts, and even the Southern Wilderness was involved, catching everyone off guard.

In short, in an era when the Forbidden Zone remained hidden, the Jade Pool Sacred Land, the Profound Sky Sect, and other Primordial Clans were the top forces in the Eastern Realm.

At this very moment, deep within the Forbidden Zone, a man in a black robe leaned against his throne and slowly opened his eyes.

He heard singing.

The singing of the Ling Long.

The melody was full of sorrow and tenderness, like the siren’s song, captivating the heart.

Many disciples within the Forbidden Zone trembled uncontrollably under the influence of the singing. They didn’t even know why Ling Long had suddenly started singing at this time.

“What’s wrong with Senior Ling Long? Why did she suddenly…” A Forbidden Zone disciple looked up towards the distance, trying to understand the reason.

A closer look would reveal that they were all disciples who had received the Forbidden Zone’s inheritance half a month ago. After receiving the inheritance, they had left the Forbidden Zone’s ancestral land.

They never expected to hear Ling Long’s singing again just a few days later.

The Master of the Forbidden Zone slowly raised his head, his deep eyes seemingly penetrating through the hall and reaching a certain direction.

Then, as if realizing something, a hint of hesitation appeared in his eyes.

How could that kid…

Although life and death were natural in the world of cultivation, and encountering unexpected events on the path of cultivation wasn’t unusual, if that kid died… The Master of the Forbidden Zone silently glanced towards the ancestral land.

Ye Lingxuan was still receiving her inheritance in the ancestral land. However, Ling Long’s singing would likely disturb her. If she woke up from the inheritance and asked about this… how should he explain it?

“Master, did you discover something?” Below the throne, the Grand Elder of the Forbidden Zone looked at the Master of the Forbidden Zone and asked slowly.

Besides the Grand Elder, several other elders stood in a row in front of the hall.

Although they restrained their auras, the terrifying power hidden within them was still palpable.

These elders were also at the Nascent Soul Realm. Combined with the weapons they had acquired in the past by seeking out beings like the ‘Thunder God’ within the Forbidden Zone, each elder was a force to be reckoned with in the Nine Realms, capable of shaking the world with a single stomp of their feet.

The Third Elder also spoke up. “Senior Ling Long rarely emerges, but she has caused quite a stir twice recently. It’s rather strange.”

The last time Ling Long had caused a commotion was to propose marriage to the Forbidden Zone on behalf of Mu Zhi’an, indicating her support for him.

But this time… what was the reason?

The Master of the Forbidden Zone remained silent for a while before saying, “Something might have happened to Mu Zhi’an.”

The atmosphere in the hall instantly froze.

The elders exchanged glances.

If it were just an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, no matter how talented or powerful, it wouldn’t matter to them if he died. After all, he had nothing to do with them.

But he was still their young lady’s Dao Companion.

If the young lady found out…

Some of the higher-ups in the Forbidden Zone knew that Ye Lingxuan was receiving the Reincarnated Empress’s inheritance. If she found out about this after emerging… with her personality, who knew what kind of chaos she would unleash?

Although she was usually polite and well-behaved, those who knew Ye Lingxuan well understood how much she valued relationships.

“Master… are you sure?” The Grand Elder slowly broke the eerie silence.

The Master of the Forbidden Zone nodded silently.

“His life force is gone.”

“If the young lady finds out…” The Third Elder frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes.

“The young lady’s inheritance shouldn’t be over yet, but Ling Long’s singing might awaken her. Moreover, the puppet by her side is unfathomably powerful. It might already know about Mu Zhi’an’s death,” a female elder said.

The elders began to discuss amongst themselves.

The Master of the Forbidden Zone sat on his throne, a deep glint in his eyes.

Although he didn’t particularly like Mu Zhi’an, he was still his future son-in-law. If Lingxuan found out about this… The usually aloof Master of the Forbidden Zone couldn’t help but frown.

However, it seemed like his fears were about to come true. Just as he thought this, he heard a crisp voice from outside. “Father!”

The discussions in the hall instantly ceased, and all eyes turned towards the source of the voice.

A young woman in a purple dress stood at the entrance of the hall. Her figure was slender and graceful, her smooth hair tied up with a jade hairpin. A sweet smile adorned her face. Perhaps due to receiving the inheritance, she seemed to have matured significantly.

A beauty mark beneath her right eye added to her charm.

“Why are you out so early? The inheritance shouldn’t be over yet,” the Master of the Forbidden Zone said with a gentle smile, watching his daughter approach.

The elders’ gazes remained fixed on Ye Lingxuan, but their eyes were filled with strange expressions.

“I heard Ling Long’s singing and thought Senior Ling Long might be here to see you again because of Brother Mu. I was worried, so I came to check,” Ye Lingxuan said with a smile.

The Master of the Forbidden Zone remained silent for a moment before saying, “Ling Long isn’t here for me.”

Then, he asked, “Is the inheritance complete?”

Ye Lingxuan shook her head slightly. “The puppet said it will take about two more months, but I don’t have to stay in the ancestral land the entire time. She can follow me, and I can continue receiving the inheritance after returning to the Two Polarities Sect.”

“So I was wondering if I should return to the sect soon. Brother Mu should be waiting for me there,” Ye Lingxuan said, stretching lazily. Her aura had already reached the Core Formation Realm.

And not just the first-grade; she was at the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm.

Such a terrifying cultivation speed was beyond even the reach of ‘protagonists.’

This was the enhancement from the Reincarnated Empress’s inheritance. It wasn’t just about cultivation.

However, an eerie silence fell upon the hall as Ye Lingxuan finished speaking.

“What’s wrong with you all?” Ye Lingxuan blinked her bright eyes, looking at them in confusion.

The elders exchanged glances and then looked at the Master of the Forbidden Zone.

Seeing the man nod subtly, an elder finally spoke up. “Young lady…”

Ye Lingxuan frowned slightly. For some reason, seeing their expressions, she had a bad feeling.

Under her gaze, the elder continued, “We just received news that Mu Zhi’an might have been attacked and killed in the Jade Pool.”

Ye Lingxuan froze, standing motionless.

…

Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The Jade Empress silently gazed at Mu Zhi’an. After a long silence, she finally spoke softly, “Yao Meng.”

This was her name. She hadn’t answered when Mu Zhi’an asked her before, intending to tease him, but she never had the chance to tell him in the end.

With his consciousness completely extinguished, even the Jade Empress couldn’t bring him back.

Core Formation cultivators already possessed consciousness, and at the Nascent Soul Realm, as long as their consciousness remained, they could reconstruct their bodies.

But Mu Zhi’an didn’t even have his consciousness anymore, so naturally, he couldn’t be reborn.

Although the Jade Pool was filled with cultivators, there wasn’t a single sound.

The two Sect Masters didn’t even dare to breathe. They exchanged a glance, seeing disbelief and fear in each other’s eyes.

Logically, the Jade Empress shouldn’t have been able to condense her Vessel yet. This was information they had confirmed beforehand.

But now… she was standing right before them!

At this moment, the ground began to tremble faintly.

The grotesque creature from the Southern Wilderness instinctively took a step back, staring at the Jade Empress in fear.

The two Sect Masters didn’t hesitate and immediately flew towards the sky above the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

Facing the Jade Empress, they had no chance of fighting back!

They didn’t even consider their clansmen still within the Jade Pool. They only had one thought in mind: to escape!

However, as they soared into the sky, they noticed that a corner of the cloud layer seemed to have collapsed.

Then, from within the clouds, a creature with a human head and a beast’s body slowly raised its trident and hurled it towards them!

Boom!

The clouds in the sky completely collapsed, and the ground shook violently.

In the distance, cultivators in Sacred King City looked up in fear. Dark clouds covered the sky, and a colossal creature reached out its massive hand, pressing down on the clouds as if to tear them open.

Its terrifying face occupied almost half the sky, casting a shadow over the entire Sacred King City.

The Thunder God of the Forbidden Zone!

Many cultivators’ hearts pounded, their scalps tingling. Only one thought flashed through their minds:

“A monster from the Forbidden Zone has emerged!”